Hypomelanosis of Ito (HI) is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome with characteristic whirled hypopigmented skin lesions and neurological manifestations. Less consistently, there may be non-neurological manifestations that include ophthalmic, musculoskeletal, craniofacial, cardiac, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal involvements. We report a case of HI, with typical skin lesions in association with hemimegalencephaly, seizures and mental retardation along with the hitherto unreported repetitive hand movements such as seen in Rett syndrome.
Hemimegalencephaly ; Ito syndrome ; Pigmentation disorders

Gut microbes dictate critical features of host immunometabolism. Certain bacterial components and metabolites (termed postbiotics) mitigate cardiometabolic diseases whereas others potentiate pathological processes. In this review, we discuss key aspects related to the usefulness of bacterial-related molecules strategically positioned as promising treatment strategies for cardiometabolic diseases.

Gut microbes dictate critical features of host immunometabolism. Certain bacterial components and metabolites (termed postbiotics) mitigate cardiometabolic diseases whereas others potentiate pathological processes. In this review, we discuss key aspects related to the usefulness of bacterial-related molecules strategically positioned as promising treatment strategies for cardiometabolic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored personal protective equipment (PPE) availability and PPE utilization among interventionalists in the catheterization laboratory, which is a highly contextualized workplace. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using mixed methods. Participants (108) completed a survey. A hyperlink was sent to the participants, or they were asked to complete a paper-based survey. Purposively selected participants (54) were selected for individual (30) or group (six) interviews. The interviews were conducted at conferences, or appointments were made to see the participants. Logistic regression analysis was performed. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Lead glasses were consistently used 10.2% and never used 61.1% of the time. All forms of PPE were inconsistently used by 92.6% of participants. Women were 4.3 times more likely to report that PPE was not available. PPE compliance was related to fit and availability. CONCLUSIONS: PPE use was inconsistent and not always available. Improving the culture of radiation protection in catheterization laboratories is essential to improve PPE compliance with the aim of protecting patients and operators. This culture of radiation protection must include all those involved including the users of PPE and the administrators and managers who are responsible for supplying sufficient, appropriate, fitting PPE for all workers requiring such protection.
Administrative Personnel ; Appointments and Schedules ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Compliance ; Congresses as Topic ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Eyeglasses ; Female ; Glass ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Personal Protective Equipment ; Radiation Protection

Local anesthetic (LA) injection outside the sheath in epineural or paraneural connective tissue is considered safe practice among regional anesthesiologists. There is limited evidence as to whether neurological complications occur if LA is injected inside the sheath (subepineural - intraneural). We performed ultrasound guided injections at the level of undivided sciatic nerve in four amputated lower limbs. In two specimens, LA was injected in epineural connective tissue (paraneural tissue) and in another two specimens by penetrating the outer nerve sheath (hyperechoic epineurium). Ultrasonography demonstrated an increase in the size of nerve and macroscopic findings revealed fascicular tracings with sub-epineural injections. Limbs were sent for histological analysis in formalin containers. Pathologist performed the analysis which demonstrated an intact perineurium and a breach in the epineurium. We conclude that sub-epineural injections are unsafe and injection should be done in paraneural tissue to ensure safety and avoid unwanted neurological sequelae after the block.

Local anesthetic (LA) injection outside the sheath in epineural or paraneural connective tissue is considered safe practice among regional anesthesiologists. There is limited evidence as to whether neurological complications occur if LA is injected inside the sheath (subepineural - intraneural). We performed ultrasound guided injections at the level of undivided sciatic nerve in four amputated lower limbs. In two specimens, LA was injected in epineural connective tissue (paraneural tissue) and in another two specimens by penetrating the outer nerve sheath (hyperechoic epineurium). Ultrasonography demonstrated an increase in the size of nerve and macroscopic findings revealed fascicular tracings with sub-epineural injections. Limbs were sent for histological analysis in formalin containers. Pathologist performed the analysis which demonstrated an intact perineurium and a breach in the epineurium. We conclude that sub-epineural injections are unsafe and injection should be done in paraneural tissue to ensure safety and avoid unwanted neurological sequelae after the block.

Objectives　To investigate the nature of the common epitopes of Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) circulating anodic (CAA) and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) and to try to obtain sufficient purified material to set up a standard series for quantitative determinations. Methods　Isolation of the two worm fractions from a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble preparation of S. japonicum adult worm antigen (AWAj-TCA) via Mono-Q anion exchange chromatography was performed and analysis of specific reactivity of the eluted fractions was done by antigen-capture Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) specific for CAA or CCA with reference to affinity purified preparations of S. mansoni CAA and CCA. Results　When an ionic strength gradient was used, CCA was eluted in two major peaks, an unbound fraction CCA-1, and a major bound fraction, CCA-2. Two additional minor peaks, CCA-3 and CCA-4, were eluted at higher ionic strengths. CAA was only detected in the bound fraction, partly overlapping with CCA-3. In the CCA-1 and CCA-2 fractions, reactivity was only found in the antigen-capture ELISA using anti-CCA McAbs both for capture and detection. The CAA fraction was predominantly found to be positive in the antigen-capture ELISA using anti-CAA McAbs both for capture and detection. However, in ELISA using combined anti-CCA and anti-CAA McAbs for capture and detection, this fraction showed some reactivity. Conclusion　The two CCA fractions contain molecules which bear at least two CCA-epitopes; the CAA fraction contains molecules which contain at least two CAA-epitopes, and one CCA-epitope.

Clozapine has a unique efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Its use is, however, associated with potential adverse events. Among those, clozapine induced rhabdomyolysis can compromise clozapine treatment. Recommendations surrounding the management of this rare adverse event are limited. We present a case of clozapine-induced rhabdomyolysis. A 20-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with resistant schizophrenia developed, after a 5-month total exposition and a significant response to treatment, a marked creatine kinase (CK) elevation and important myalgia in the weeks following an increment from 175 to 200 mg of the daily dose of clozapine. This event also coincided with weight training as reported by the patient. The patient was hospitalized, and the clozapine was stopped following the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis (CK 45,564 U/L). The cause of rhabdomyolysis was thoroughly investigated, and clozapine was held accountable for most. Clozapine cessation led to a severe psychotic relapse. Clozapine rechallenge while strictly monitoring CK was then performed allowing a significant clinical response. Clozapine was pursued despite two other episodes of mild CK elevations observed following weight training. Rhabdomyolysis comes as a rare adverse event of clozapine and its mechanism is poorly understood. Evidence on clozapine rechallenge following this adverse event is lacking and the innocuity of such practice is unknown. The unique aspect of our case report is that a shared decision with the medical team, patient and family led to a proactive clozapine rechallenge. More research is needed to provide robust guidelines and evidenced based approaches for clinicians in such a clinical dilemma.

The aim of this study was to examine whether CAG/GGN repeats are significant modulators of serum concentrations of total and free testosterone (T) as well as of luteinizing hormone (LH) in elderly men. Sixty-nine 60- to 80-year-old men with subnormal T levels (< or = 11.0 nmol L(-1)) and 104 men with normal T levels taking part in a nested case-control study were used for these analyses. Sex hormones were measured and free T was calculated. The CAG and GGN polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent direct sequencing. There were no differences in the CAG and GGN repeat lengths between the groups. In cross-sectional analyses of the whole cohort, total and free T were positively associated with CAG length (all P < 0.05) before, but not after, waist circumference or body mass index was added to the model. CAG repeat lengths were weakly, but not independently, associated with total and free T. These findings indicate that when clinically evaluating T and LH levels in elderly men, the CAG and GGN repeat lengths do not need to be taken into consideration.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Genotype ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Androgen ; genetics ; Testosterone ; blood ; Trinucleotide Repeats

The use of ultrasonography and especially of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of vascular pathologies before and after interventions has significantly increased over the past years due to the broader availability of modern ultrasound systems with CEUS capabilities and more trained user experience in this imaging modality. For the preinterventional and postinterventional work-up of carotid diseases, duplex ultrasound as well as CEUS have been established as the standard-of-care examination procedures for diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up. In addition to its use for carotid arterial diseases, ultrasonography has also become the primary modality for the screening of vascular pathologies. This review describes the most common pathologies found in ultrasonography of the carotid arteries, the abdominal aorta, and the femoral arteries.
Aorta, Abdominal ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; Carotid Stenosis ; Contrast Media ; Diagnosis ; Femoral Artery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Mass Screening ; Pathology ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Ultrasonography*