Four immunological assays detected essentially no FXIII protein, FXIII-A antigen, and A2B2 antigen, but normal FXIII-B antigen. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as a ‘severe’ FXIII-A deficiency case. He had no anti-FXIII antibodies, because a 1:1 cross-mixing test (ammonia release assay) and a five-step mixing test (amine incorporation assay) between his plasma and normal plasma demonstrated deficiency patterns. Furthermore, a dosing test using plasma-derived FXIII concentrates
revealed its normal recovery. DNA sequencing analysis identified two novel mutations, W187X & G273V, in the F13A gene. Genetic analyses confirmed that he was a compound heterozygote and his mother and sister were heterozygotes of either one of these mutations, indicating the hereditary nature of this selleck disorder. Molecular modelling predicted that the G273V mutation XL765 would cause clashes with the surrounding residues in the core domain of FXIII-A, and ultimately would result in the instability of the mutant molecule. Detailed characterization of ‘indefinite’ FXIII deficiency made it possible to make its definite diagnosis and best management plan. “
“Few studies have assessed the changes produced by multiple joint impairments (MJI) of the lower limbs on gait in patients with haemophilia (PWH). In patients with MJI, quantifiable outcome measures are necessary if treatment benefits are to
be compared. This study was aimed at observing the metabolic cost, mechanical work and efficiency of walking among PWH with MJI and to investigate the relationship between joint damage and any changes in mechanical and energetic variables. This study used three-dimensional gait analysis to investigate the kinematics, cost, mechanical work and efficiency of walking in 31 PWH with MJI, with the results being compared with speed-matched values from a database of healthy subjects. Regarding energetics, the mass-specific net cost of transport (Cnet) was
significantly higher for PWH with MJI compared with control and directly related to a loss in dynamic joint range of motion. Surprisingly, however, there was no substantial increase selleckchem in mechanical work, with PWH being able to adopt a walking strategy to improve energy recovery via the pendulum mechanism. This probable compensatory mechanism to economize energy likely counterbalances the supplementary work associated with an increased vertical excursion of centre of mass (CoM) and lower muscle efficiency of locomotion. Metabolic variables were probably the most representative variables of gait disability for these subjects with complex orthopaedic degenerative disorders. “
“The coagulation system of the foetus is markedly different from that of adults. To assess the influence of maternal age, mode of delivery and intrapartum events, and foetal gender and weight on the foetal coagulation system. Cord blood was collected from 154 healthy pregnant women, with gestational age 37 – 42 weeks at birth.