Search

Recent advances in the development of high-throughput genotyping platforms allow for the unbiased identification of genes and genomic sequences related to heritable traits. In this study, we analyzed human short-term memory, which refers to the ability to remember information over a brief period of time and which has been found disturbed in many neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and depression. We performed a genome-wide survey at 909 622 polymorphic loci and report six genetic variations significantly associated with human short-term memory performance after genome-wide correction for multiple comparisons. A polymorphism within SCN1A (encoding the α subunit of the type I voltage-gated sodium channel) was replicated in three independent populations of 1699 individuals. Functional magnetic resonance imaging during an n-back working memory task detected SCN1A allele-dependent activation differences in brain regions typically involved in working memory processes. These results suggest an important role for SCN1A in human short-term memory.

Background: Thirty years after its introduction in Germany, the benefits of the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) compared to ground ambulances (GA) still remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of helicopter transport on rescue time and mortality based on the data of the German Trauma Registry., Methods: Data from patients with multiple injuries were documented prospectively between 1993 and 2003 in different trauma centers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and The Netherlands. From these data, patients with an injury severity score (ISS)<16 were excluded. Patients who were transported to the hospital without a physician were also excluded. The data from included patients were evaluated for time to hospital and influence of transportation service on mortality., Results: A total of 7,534 patients with multiple injuries were included. Of these, 3,870 patients were transported by HEMS and 3,664 reached the hospital by GA. There were 74.9% male patients in the HEMS group, and 71.3% male patients in the GA group. The mean ISS was higher in the HEMS group (31.4 vs 30.7; P<0.01); patients transported by GA were older (HEMS: 39.2; NEF:41.3; P<0.01). The GA arrived on the scene after 14.33 min, the HEMS after 18.18 min (P<0.01). Time at the scene was longer in the HEMS group (HEMS: 26:26 min; NEF: 22:29 min; P<0.01). Intubation rate in the HEMS group was about 80%, while patients transported by GA were intubated in 60% of cases. The overall mortality was 30.9%. Evaluation of the TRISS prediction of survival showed a benefit for patients transported with HEMS. In a multivariate analysis, intubated patients with ISS