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Br J Ophthalmol: first published as 10.1136/bjo.86.2.252 on 1 February 2002. Downloaded from “It was mama also, a year later, who suggest that the wine consumption itself is hustled him off to Kansas City for expen- not the reason for this apparent improved Substances that block glutamate receptors sive eyeglasses. Though he had been badly health but rather that wine drinking is have neuroprotective properties in animal handicapped by poor eyesight a long associated with higher IQ, higher parental stroke models. This appears to be because time—“blind as a mole,” in his words—no education levels, and higher socioeconomic ischaemia promotes release of excitatory one seems to have noticed until the night of status—factors that are all known to be neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, July 4th fireworks when Matt saw him associated with better health in many which in turn precipitate the influx of responding more to the sound of the populations. Undoubtedly, we have not sodium and calcium into neurons that pro- skyrockets than to the spectacle overhead. heard the last about the purported health mote secondary damage in addition to the The Kansas City optometrist diagnosed a benefits of wine. (Archives of Internal Medi- initial ischaemic damage. Nevertheless, to rare malformation called “flat eyeballs” cine 2001;161:1844–8) date, none of the putative neuroprotective (hypermetropia, which means the boy was agents has proved efficacious in humans. farsighted) and Matt agreed to a pair of Now a randomised controlled study in the double strength wire rimmed spectacles. Hypertension is a major human health United States, Canada, South Africa, and (David McCullough. Truman. New York: problem. Its cause is largely unknown. In a Scotland has been suspended by the spon- Simon and Schuster, 1992:41) study of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, sor and the Independent Safety and Moni- a Mendelian trait featuring hypertension, toring Board because of the lack of efficacy abnormalities in the genes that encode and potential imbalance in mortality asso- Malignant hyperthermia is a disorder of members of the WNK family of kinases ciated with the use of aptiganel hydrochlo- skeletal muscle that may present as a life have been identified. These kinases are ride. Aptiganel hydrochloride is a selective threatening hypermetabolic process in sus- localised to the distal portion of the ligand for the ion channel site of the ceptible patients exposed to inhalation nephron, a segment of the kidney involving N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of gluta- anaesthetics and depolarising muscle re- salt, potassium, and pH homeostasis. The mate receptor. In rat models of ischaemic laxants. Mutations in the gene that involve stroke it reduced the amount of brain dam- WNK kinases and their associated signal- skeletal muscle rayanobine receptor age between 40% and 70%. The failure of ling pathways may offer new targets for the (RYR1) are considered a common cause of neuroprotective agents in the treatment of development of antihypertensive drugs. this disorder. A recent report from the Uni- acute ischaemic stroke is disappointing for (Science 2001;293:1107–12) versity of Health Sciences in Washington those interested in their potential use in DC demonstrates that the frequency and ischaemic disorders of the optic nerve and distribution of RYR1 mutations in the neural retina. (JAMA 2001;286:2673–82) Although Botox (injectable botulinum North American population were markedly toxin) was developed for the treatment of different from those previously identified certain forms of strabismus it is now prima- in Europe. Although more than 20 RYR1 Elevated amounts of α adrenoreceptors rily being used for non-strabismic disorders 2 mutations have been identified further and tyrosine hydroxylase have been ob- http://bjo.bmj.com/ including the treatment of facial wrinkles. studies are necessary to clarify the type and served post mortem in the locus coeruleus In a randomised prospective trial in New frequency of mutations associated with in the brains of subjects with major York botulinum toxin pretreatment of facial malignant hyperthermia in different popu- depression or those who committed sui- lations. (Anesthesiology 2001;95:594–9) lines and wrinkles was associated with bet- cide. Moreover, in experimental animals ter outcomes following laser resurfacing long term administration of antidepressant than laser resurfacing alone. These results drugs downregulates these same proteins Candida albicans is a yeast that often harm- were most significant in the crow’s feet in the locus coeruleus. Now a postmortem lessly colonises patients. However, it is also region. (Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery study from the University of Mississippi on September 28, 2021 by guest. Protected copyright. the leading cause of invasive fungal disease 2001;3:165–9) demonstrates that tyrosine hydroxylase in premature infants and others with immunoreactivity and radioligand binding α weakened immune systems. It has been to 2 adrenoceptors were significantly known for some time that the leading risk Age related macular degeneration (AMD) lower in the locus coeruleus of long term factor for candidaemia is a central venous remains a leading cause of visual impair- smokers compared with non-smokers. This catheter in place for infusions of antibiot- ment of blindness in developed countries. suggests that cigarette smoking may have ics, blood products, and other drugs. Effective treatment of AMD for most an antidepressant effect and may be one of Researchers at Yale University have now patients is not yet available. Now a study the factors in its addictiveness. (Archives of suggested that it is the routine use of coordinated by the Age Related Eye Disease General Psychiatry 2001;58:821–7) heparin in these catheters that turns C albi- Study (an 11 centre double masked clinical cans deadly. They have suggested that trial) suggests that high doses of vitamin C, heparin facilitates the cleavage of an amino E, β carotene, and zinc supplements reduce Until very recently smallpox was thought acid peptide INT1P,a protein found on the the odds of developing advanced AMD in a to be all but eradicated. As a result, World surface of C albicans, which may be impor- high risk population. This study was not Health Organization guidelines recom- tant in introducing the toxic reactions of constructed in such a way as to be certain mended that only individuals who are at candidal sepsis. (JAMA 2002;286:2531–2) whether antioxidants and zinc supple- risk of exposure, such as laboratory work- ments are any benefit for those with early ers in smallpox research, should be vacci- AMD or with no signs of AMD. This same nated. Now the WHO director general, Gro Many studies of the health benefits of wine study demonstrated that there was no Harlem Brundtland, has asked the agency’s have suggested that moderate wine drink- effect on the risk of progressing lens opac- smallpox advisory group to review guide- ers are healthier than those who drink ity when supplements of antioxidants were lines on vaccinations to take into account other alcoholic beverages or those who given. (Archives of Ophthalmology 2001; the potential malicious use of smallpox abstain. Now a study from Denmark 119:1417–36) virus. (JAMA 2001;286:18) www.bjophthalmol.com.