Impact of stroke unit in a public hospital on length of hospitalization and rate of early mortality of ischemic stroke patients.

Unlabelled: We ascertained whether a public health stroke unit reduces the length of hospitalization, the rate of inpatient fatality, and the mortality rate 30 days after the stroke.

Methods: We compared a cohort of stroke patients managed on a general neurology/medical ward with a similar cohort of stroke patients managed in a stroke unit. The in-patient fatality rates and 30-day mortality rates were analyzed.

The nuclear hormone receptor Coup-TFII is required for the initiation and early maintenance of Prox1 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells.

The homeobox gene Prox1 is crucial for mammalian lymphatic vascular development. In the absence of Prox1, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are not specified. The maintenance of LEC identity also requires the constant expression of Prox1.

Novel mutations in the TBX5 gene in patients with Holt-Oram Syndrome.

The Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by upper limb and cardiac malformations. Mutations in the TBX5 gene cause HOS and have also been associated with isolated heart and arm defects. Interactions between the TBX5, GATA4 and NKX2.

Molecular analysis of homocystinuria in Brazilian patients.

Background: Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency is the most common cause of homocystinuria. However, no data are available concerning the molecular basis of this disease in Brazilian populations.

Methods: We studied 14 Brazilian patients from 11 unrelated families using a combined screening approach, involving restriction analysis, single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) scanning, and sequencing.