Genetic association study of QT interval highlights role for calcium signaling pathways in myocardial repolarization

The QT interval, an electrocardiographic measure reflecting myocardial repolarization, is a heritable trait. QT prolongation is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and could indicate the presence of the potentially lethal mendelian long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Using a genome-wide association and replication study in up to 100,000 individuals, we identified 35 common variant loci associated with QT interval that collectively explain ∼8-10% of QT-interval variation and highlight the importance of calcium regulation in myocardial repolarization. Rare variant analysis of 6 new QT interval-associated loci in 298 unrelated probands with LQTS identified coding variants not found in controls but of uncertain causality and therefore requiring validation. Several newly identified loci encode proteins that physically interact with other recognized repolarization proteins. Our integration of common variant association, expression and orthogonal protein-protein interaction screens provides new insights into cardiac electrophysiology and identifies new candidate genes for ventricular arrhythmias, LQTS and SCD.

Incidence of Gallstone Formation and Cholecystectomy 10 Years After Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE Rapid weight loss is a risk factor for gallstone formation, and postoperative treatment options for gallstone formation are still part of scientific discussion. No prospective studies monitored the incidence for gallstone formation and subsequent cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery longer than 5 years. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of gallstone formation and cholecystectomy in bariatric patients over 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred nine patients were observed over 10 years after laparoscopic gastric banding or gastric bypass/gastric sleeve. The incidence of gallstone formation and cholecystectomy was correlated to longitudinal changes in anthropometric parameters. RESULTS In total, 91 female and 18 male patients were examined. Nineteen patients had postoperative gallstone formation, and 12 female patients required cholecystectomy. The number needed to harm for gallstone formation was 7.1 and 2.3 cases in the banding group and gastric bypass/gastric sleeve group, respectively. The number needed to harm for cholecystectomy was 11.6 and 2.5 cases in the banding group and the gastric bypass/gastric sleeve group, respectively. Weight loss was higher in patients requiring subsequent cholecystectomy. Mean follow-up to cholecystectomy was 21.5 months with the latest operation after 51 months. CONCLUSION Female gender and rapid weight loss were major risk factors for postoperative cholelithiasis. Ultrasound examinations within 2 to 5 years are recommended in every patient, independent of bariatric procedure. Pharmacologic treatment should be considered in high risk patients within 2 to 5 years to prevent postoperative cholelithiasis. This helps to optimize patient care and lowers postoperative morbidity.

Johann Jakob Bachofen. Mutterrecht und Urreligion. Eine Sammlung der einflussreichsten Schriften

Bachofens Mutterrecht – längst ein Klassiker. Mit seiner These vom Matriarchat als ursprünglicher Gesellschaftsform war Bachofen der Erste, der es wagte, über eine geschichtliche Bedingtheit der Geschlechterrollen zu spekulieren und darüber, dass das Patriarchat eine vorübergehende Erscheinung sein könnte. Er half damit, die Krise der Männlichkeit zu bearbeiten, die sich nach dem verlorenen Krieg in den 20er Jahren besonders zuspitzte. Generationen von Autoren wurden von ihm beeinflusst; gelesen haben sie den Text – in der Kröner-Ausgabe. Zum 200. Geburtstag des Basler Altertumsforschers und Juristen erscheint die Auswahl seiner wirkungsmächtigsten Texte, die ab 1925 in mehreren kommentierten Auflagen im Kröner-Verlag erschien, erneut. Neben dem Mutterrecht (1861) enthält sie den Versuch über die Gräbersymbolik der Alten (1859) und Die Sage von Tanaquil (1870), neu und ausführlich eingeleitet von Yahya Elsaghe.