COMT and MTHFR polymorphisms interaction on cognition in schizophrenia: an exploratory study.

The investigation of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT-[rs4680]) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR-[rs1801133]) polymorphisms' interaction might shed light into the pathogenetic mechanisms of the cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. In an exploratory study, we hypothesized that the MTHFR 677T allele which has been related to a hypoactive MTHFR enzyme would augment the unfavorable effects of COMT Val158 homozygosity which has been associated with COMT enzyme hyperfunction. 90 schizophrenia patients and 55 healthy volunteers were assessed on psychomotor speed, pattern and spatial recognition memory (SRM), spatial working memory (SWM), attentional flexibility and planning (Stockings of Cambridge-SOC).

Acute septic arthritis due to Streptococcus sanguis.

Objective: To present a case of acute septic arthritis due to Streptococcussanguis, a member of the viridans group streptococci.

Clinical Presentation And Intervention: A 73-year-old woman presented with fever and increasing swelling and pain of the right knee several weeks after she had been treated for severe periodontal disease. Arthrocentesis yielded purulent synovial fluid.

A case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis.

The authors report a case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in a non-drug-addicted young patient who, 6 months before the manifestation of endocarditis, was submitted to cardiac surgery. This is the first report from Greece and the second found in the accessible literature.