Adherence to clozapine vs. other antipsychotics in schizophrenia.

Background: To date, there have been no studies evaluating adherence to clozapine with electronic adherence monitoring (EAM) such as the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS ).

Methods: In outpatients with schizophrenia, we conducted a 3-month prospective study investigating antipsychotic adherence with EAM (eCAP ). Participants were treated with different oral antipsychotics, including clozapine, and blind to EAM monitoring; all were on antipsychotic monotherapy administered once daily.

Meta-Analysis of Neuropsychological Studies in Panic Disorder Patients: Evidence of Impaired Performance during the Emotional Stroop Task.

Background: Recent investigations have highlighted significant differences in verbal recall between patients with panic disorder (PD) and controls. These studies have highlighted that verbal memory and working memory could be impaired in PD.

Objectives: The objective of the present meta-analysis is to confirm this hypothesis, reviewing the studies that have investigated neurocognitive testing in PD.

Molecular defects of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria.

The molecular defect of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) was examined in a patient with mild hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. To elucidate the UROD defect, we cloned UROD cDNAs from EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells of the proband using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned UROD cDNAs revealed two separate missense mutations, each occurring in a separate allele.

Erythrocyte uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity in porphyria cutanea tarda: a study of 40 consecutive patients.

We measured uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) activity in erythrocyte lysates obtained from 40 consecutive patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) without selection for family history. Enzyme determinations indicated that 28% of the patients had abnormally decreased UROD activity in erythrocytes; this finding did not always correlate with family history. Two siblings with PCT and normal erythrocytic, but abnormally decreased hepatic UROD activities, were encountered.

Photoallergy to benzophenone.

Incorrect diagnosis of photoallergy to sunscreen products represents a unique clinical dilemma. Increasing sunscreen usage for suspected idiopathic photosensitivity or a change to a sunscreen containing the same photoallergen only worsens the problem. While photoallergy to p-aminobenzoic acid and its esters is well known by dermatologists and the lay public, benzophenone photoallergy is not well appreciated.

An animal model for evaluation of topical photoprotection against ultraviolet A (320-380 nm) radiation.

Recent studies reporting UVA (ultraviolet A radiation 320-380 nm) as an integral part of the cumulative sun-induced damage in human skin have prompted an interest in developing effective UVA photoprotective agents. The development of such compounds has been impeded by the absence of a clinically relevant animal model for evaluating their efficacy. This report describes the development and use of such a laboratory animal system.

Surfactant-induced alteration of arachidonic acid metabolism of mammalian cells in culture.

Primary irritancy in human and animal skin is characterized by an inflammatory reaction mediated, in part, by membrane-derived arachidonate metabolites. One of the mechanisms of this reaction was investigated in cultured mammalian cells using three surfactants: linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), alkyl ethoxylate sulfate (AEOS), and TWEEN 20. These compounds listed in order in vivo irritancy are LAS greater than AEOS greater than TWEEN 20.

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria: clinical, biochemical, and enzymatic studies in a three-generation family lineage.

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria is caused by a marked deficiency in the activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, an enzyme that is essential for heme biosynthesis. It has been hypothesized that uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase deficiency is inherited as a homozygous defect in the disease. This suggestion has been supported by reports of a deficiency of the enzyme in parents of patients with the disorder.

Effect of continued ultraviolet B phototherapy on the duration of remission of psoriasis: a randomized study.

Phototherapy using sunburn spectrum ultraviolet radiation (UVB) is now a frequently utilized treatment for psoriasis that is extensive or has not responded to topical preparations. Four university centers performed a prospective randomized clinical trial to compare remission times of patients with psoriasis who continued UVB phototherapy after initial clearing with this therapy and patients whose UVB phototherapy was discontinued within 3 weeks of clearing. As assessed by life table methods, the time to flare after initial clearing for patients on UVB maintenance therapy was significantly longer than for patients who discontinued UVB within 3 weeks after initial clearing.

The effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on phospholipid metabolism of human epidermal keratinocytes in culture.

The tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulated the release of [3H]choline from prelabelled membrane phospholipids of cultured keratinocytes obtained from normal human skin. In contrast, TPA in the concentration range of 10(-12) to 10(-6) g/ml failed to induce deacylation of [3H]arachidonic acid or stimulate [3H]prostaglandin production in prelabelled keratinocytes. In addition, TPA did not induce [3H]choline incorporation into the membrane phospholipids of these cells.

Photosensitivity. Classification.

Light is a heterogeneous moiety that is vital for the perception and maintenance of all life on earth. Specific advantages as well as adverse effects are associated with particular wavelengths of light. An etiologic classification of the adverse responses or "photosensitivity disease" is presented as an introduction to this issue.

Quinidine photosensitivity.

A 55-year-old woman developed a dermatitis confined to light-exposed areas while taking quinidine gluconate, warfarin sodium, furosemide, spironolactone, and digoxin after cardiac surgery. Phototesting indicated a normal erythematous response to 290- to 320-nm ultraviolet radiation, but she developed erythema from 6 joules/sq cm of 320- to 400-nm radiation (ultraviolet A [UV-A]), a much lower dose than needed to produce a reaction in normal individuals. Two days after she discontinued quinidine and warfarin, phototesting showed no reaction to as much as 20 joules/sq cm of UV-A.

Photosensitivity diseases related to interior lighting.

The most frequently used source of indoor lighting is the fluorescent tube. Although there are major variations in phosphors, the majority of these lamps are safe, efficient, and economical illuminators. These fluorescent light sources are currently our primary source of visible light; however, they emit small amounts of ultraviolet A light (UVA) as well as a somewhat larger percentage of infrared radiation.

Expected skin complaints of the geriatric patient.

Increased exposure to systemic medications in older patients makes drug reactions a likely cause of skin eruptions. Efforts to increase return of venous blood to the heart is the primary therapeutic and preventive measure in stasis dermatitis. If there is a suggestion of infection, antibiotics are indicated.

Ultraviolet radiation induces changes in membrane metabolism of human keratinocytes in culture.

Human keratinocytes in culture were prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) and then exposed to ultraviolet B radiation. Irradiated cells released labeled AA metabolites into media in a dose-dependent manner when compared to sham-irradiated cells. The response began immediately and continued for 24 h.

Modified Goeckerman therapy for psoriasis. A two-year follow-up of a combined hospital-ambulatory care program.

Two groups totaling 162 patients hospitalized for modified Goeckerman treatment of severe psoriasis were matched for sex, age, and season of admission and followed up for two years after discharge. One group remained hospitalized throughout their average 20.8-day course; the other half was hospitalized 14 days, then transferred to an ambulatory center for the remainder of a course averaging 20.