微量元素含量与小儿脑瘫生长发育的关系

目的探讨微量元素含量与小儿脑瘫生长发育的关系。方法比较217例脑瘫患儿、210例非脑瘫患儿以及219例正常体检儿童的临床资料,分析脑瘫患儿微量元素铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)、钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、铁(Fe)、铅(Pb)、镉(Cd)7项指标的变化情况及与其生长发育的关系。结果病例组与非脑瘫病例组比较,Cu、Ca、Fe含量明显降低(P0.05),Zn、Mg、Pb、Cd含量无明显变化;病例组与正常体检组比较,Cu、Zn、Ca、Fe含量明显降低(P0.05),Mg、Pb、Cd含量无明显变化。结论微量元素Cu、Zn、Ca、Mg、Fe在脑瘫患儿生长发育中起重要作用,其缺乏可能影响脑瘫患儿的正常生长,临床上要注意摄取含铜、锌、钙、镁、铁丰富的食物。     

精神分裂症患者血清微量元素含量变化与疾病的关系

目的研究精神分裂症人群中血清铜(Cu)、铁(Fe)、锌(Zn)、铬(Cr)和硒(Se)等微量元素水平变化,探讨上述微量元素与精神分裂症患者体重及病程的相关性。方法选择2017年2月～2018年2月我院收治的90例精神分裂症患者为病例组,另选择同期来我院体检的90例正常健康人员为对照组。采用火焰原子吸收法检测及比较两组受试对象血清Cu、Fe及Zn含量;运用石墨炉原子吸收分光光度法检测及比较两组受试对象血清Cr、Se含量。采用Pearson相关分析精神分裂症患者体重、病程和Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr等水平的相关性。结果病例组血清Cu、Fe水平均明显高于对照组(P0.01);病例组血清Zn、Cr、Se水平均明显低于对照组(P0.01)。不同年龄阶段的病例组患者血清中Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Se含量基本保持一致,无明显差异(P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析,病例组患者血清Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Se等微量元素水平与患者体重、病程均无相关性。结论血清Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr、Se等微量元素在精神分裂症人群中均发生异常变化,但与患者年龄及体重、病程无关联。     

精神分裂症患者头发铜,锌,钙,镁,铁含量的测定

采用原子吸收光谱法测定精神分裂患者头发Cu、Zn、Ca、Mg、Fe的含量,并与正常人做对照。结果精神分裂症组女性发Cu显著高于男性(P<0.05),而发Ca显著低于男性(P<0.05)。精神分裂症患者发 Cu、Zn、Ca、Mg、Fe五种微量元素的含量均显著低于正常人。提示精神分裂症患者存在体内微量元素含量的改变。     

颅内肿瘤病人脑脊液微量元素的测定

本文测定了43例颅内肿瘤与30例对照病人脑脊液Zn、Fe、Cu、Mn、Sr、Mg、Ca含量。肿瘤组测得值与对照组相比,发现恶性脑瘤脑脊液Zn水平明显高于良性,良、恶性瘤脑脊液Mn值均显著降低。良性瘤脑脊液Ca水平升高,恶性瘤脑脊液Cu显著高于良性,转移癌脑脊液Fe水平比胶质瘤明显升高。     

血及脑脊液β-淀粉样蛋白对老年期痴呆鉴别诊断的意义

目的:探讨血及脑脊液中β-淀粉样蛋白(β-AP)对老年期痴呆主要包括老年性痴呆(AD)、血管性痴呆(VD)及其他原因所致的痴呆(OD)的鉴别诊断意义。方法:采用平衡饱和竞争放射免疫分析法对55例不同类型的痴呆患者及30例正常对照者血清及脑脊液(CSF)中β-AP进行测定。结果:在正常对照组,随着观察者年龄的增长,血清β-AP含量缓慢增高,CSF中β-AP含量缓慢下降(r分别为0.56,0.52,均P<0.01)。不同病因痴呆患者血清β-AP含量均高于对照组,其中AD组最明显;CSF中β-AP含量在AD组最低,明显低于对照组(P<0.01),在VD组最高,接近对照组(P>0.05)。AD组中的重度痴呆患者,其β-AP含量在血清中升高最明显,同时在CSF中降低也最显著。结论:血清及CSF中β-AP含量变化的测定,可能有助于各型痴呆的鉴别诊断及AD患者病情轻重的判断,但这种变化具重叠性。     

高原地区MS血清某些微量元素的含量变化及其意义探讨

目的　探讨高原环境下多发性硬化 (MS)血清某些微量元素含量的变化与发病的相关性。方法　以电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定 19例 MS患者血清 Zn、Cu、Fe、Mn、Al等 5种微量元素水平。结果　 MS患者血清 Mn、Al水平显著高于正常对照组 ,而 Cu含量则较低。 Zn和 Fe无明显变化。结论　微量元素的改变可能与 MS的发病机制有一定联系。     

精神分裂症患者头发铜,铁,锰,锌,镁元素的含量

采用原子吸收光谱法测定了84例精神分裂症病人及其健康配对者头发 Cu、Fe、Mn、Zn、Mg 元素的含量,发现女性患者头发 Mn 和 Mg 含量以及 Cu/Zn 比值明显升高,而男性患者头发五种元素和女性患者头发 Cu、Fe、Zn 含量与健康人比较却无明显改变。     

红细胞变形性降低的机理研究

本实验测定了正常人70例,急性脑梗塞患者30例的红细胞变形指数(DI),发现在50、100、200dyn/cm~2切变力下,老年前期组的DI值均较中年组明显降低,DI值与年龄呈明显负相关。急性脑梗塞组DI值明显低于同年龄对照组。急性脑梗塞患者血浆及RBC内MDA明显高于对照组,RBC内SOD显著低于对照组。本实验测定了正常人及急性脑梗塞患者血浆及RBC内Ca、Mg、Cu、Zn、Mn、Se含量,结果老年前期组Ca明显超负荷。急性脑梗塞组和对照组相比,血浆、RBC内Cu、Zn含量均明显降低,Se也降低。     

中枢神经系统白血病患者脑脊液S-100b蛋白含量的测定

目的测定中枢神经系统白血病(CNSL)患者脑脊液(CSF)S-100b蛋白含量,并探讨其对CNSL患者脑损伤的评估价值.方法CNSL有神经系统损害症状患者(有症状组)14例,无神经系统损害症状患者(无症状组)22例和20例无神经系统疾病的外科腰麻患者(对照组),采用酶联免疫吸附试验双抗体夹心法检测CSFS-100b蛋白含量,同时进行CSF细胞学检查,并对36例CNSL患者CSF进行动态观察.结果有症状组CSFS-100b含量明显高于无症状组和对照组(均为P＜0.01),无症状组与对照组无显著性差异(P＞0.05);两组CNSL患者CSF小淋巴细胞比例均低于对照组(均为P＜001),有症状组与无症状组患者之间也有差异(P＜005);单核细胞比例有症状组患者最低,并与对照组有显著性差异(P＜0.05);动态检测发现,CSFS-100b蛋白含量随神经系统损害临床表现的加重或减轻而发生相应的变化.结论CNSL患者CSFS-100b蛋白含量与脑组织损伤的严重程度有关.     

血管性帕金森综合征和帕金森病患者血中微量元素的变化

目的研究血管性帕金森综合征(vascular parkinsonism,VP)和帕金森病(Parkinson’s disease,PD)患者血中微量元素铜(Cu)、硒(Se)、锌(Zn)和铅(Pb)水平的变化。方法选择20例VP、17例PD患者和10例对照者,采用石墨炉原子吸收分光光度法检测血清Zn、Cu和全血Pb水平,采用荧光分光光度法检测血清Se水平,并进行分析。结果 (1)VP和PD组血清总体Cu和Se水平均明显高于对照组(P0.05),VP和PD组间无统计学差别(P0.05)。(2)VP、PD组总体血清zn和全血Pb水平较对照组无统计学差别(P0.05)。(3)VP组病程5年的患者血清Cu、Se和Zn水平明显高于对照组(P0.05),全血Pb水平与对照组无统计学差别(P0.05);病程5年的患者血清cu和zn水平明显低于对照组(P0.05),血清Se和全血Pb水平与对照组无统计学差别(P0.05)。(4)PD组Ⅰ—Ⅱ期患者血清Cu、Se和Zn水平明显高于对照组(P0.05),全血Pb水平与对照组无统计学差别(P0.05);Ⅲ—Ⅴ期患者血清Cu和全血Pb水平均明显高于对照组(P0.05),血清Se和Zn水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论 VP和PD组血清总体Cu和Se水平明显升高;VP组病程5年的患者血清Cu、Se和Zn水平明显升高,病程5年的患者血清Cu和Zn水平明显降低;PD组Ⅰ—Ⅱ期患者血清Cu、Se和zn水平明显升高,Ⅲ—Ⅴ期患者血清Cu和全血Pb水平明显升高,血清Se和Zn水平明显降低。微量元素可能在VP和PD的发生、发展和转归中起重要作用。     

Self-esteem and behavioural adjustment in children with epilepsy and children with diabetes

This paper describes a study to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and behavioural adjustment in two groups of children with chronic illness, one with epilepsy and the other diabetes. A total of 62 children with epilepsy and 91 children with diabetes were recruited from the total population of children aged 8–15 attending the epilepsy and diabetic clinics at a children's hospital over a 12 month period. Self-esteem and behavioural adjustment were assessed with the Harter and Achenbach Questionnaires respectively. The results showed the children with epilepsy were consistently more behaviourally disturbed and had lower self-esteem than children with diabetes. The independent completion of the questionnaires, (the Harter by the child and the Achenbach by the parents) increases the validity of the findings. Long duration of illness was the most consistent illness variable associated with poor behavioural adjustment in the two groups. The cross-sectional design of the study did not make it possible to draw any definite conclusions about the causal or temporal relationship between low self-esteem and behavioural disturbance. Once again, the potential value of prospective studies into the psychosocial adjustment of children with chronic illness is highlighted.     

Extrapyramidal symptoms in substance abusers with and without schizophrenia and in nonabusing patients with schizophrenia

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, and akathisia are conditions of impaired motor function, which are associated with chronic antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia. In addition, EPS is often exacerbated by psychoactive substance (PAS) abuse, which is frequently observed in this population. Few studies, however, have investigated the contribution of PAS abuse on EPS in PAS‐abusers without comorbid psychosis. This study compared the occurrence of EPS in outpatient schizophrenia patients with (DD group; n= 36) and without PAS abuse (SCZ group; n = 41) as well as in nonschizophrenia PAS abusers undergoing detoxification [substance use disorder (SUD) group; n = 38]. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Calgary Depression Scale for schizophrenia. Extrapyramidal symptoms were evaluated with the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale and the Barnes Akathisia Scale. SUD diagnoses were complemented with urine drug screenings. We found that DD patients exhibited significantly more parkinsonism than SCZ patients. Our subanalyses revealed that cocaine and alcohol abuse/dependence was responsible for the increase in parkinsonism in DD patients. Additionally, we found that SUD individuals exhibited significantly more akathisia than SCZ patients. In these latter individuals, subanalyses revealed that alcohol and cannabis abuse/dependence was responsible for the increase in akathisia. Our results suggest that PAS abuse is a contributor to EPS in individuals with and without schizophrenia. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.     

Toxoplasma gondii in individuals with schizophrenia: association with clinical and demographic factors and with mortality

BACKGROUND: Increased rates of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii have been found in individuals with schizophrenia as compared with control groups, but the correlates of Toxoplasma exposure in schizophrenia have not been defined. METHODS: We measured IgG class antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 358 individuals with schizophrenia. We correlated Toxoplasma antibody status with clinical and demographic variables and examined the effect of Toxoplasma seropositivity on mortality in a follow-up period of up to 5 years. RESULTS: Individuals with schizophrenia who had serological evidence of Toxoplasma infection were more likely to be female but did not differ in age, race, total symptom score, or other demographic or clinical characteristics. However, we found that serological evidence of Toxoplasma was associated with a significantly increased risk of dying of natural causes during the follow-up period (Cox proportional hazard ratio of 4.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-17.31, P = .020) adjusted for age, gender, and other clinical and demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma infection may confer an increased risk for mortality from natural causes in schizophrenia. An understanding of the pathogenesis of Toxoplasma infections in individuals with schizophrenia might lead to new approaches to the management of this disorder.     

Behaviour in children with cerebral palsy with and without epilepsy

The aim of the study was to describe behavioural problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with and without epilepsy. The children were sampled from the Western Sweden CP register and were part of a European Union project. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and questions on epilepsy were answered by one parent of each child. Medical records were reviewed. Parents of 83 children (44 males, 39 females) age range participated: 30 at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I and II, and 53 at levels III to V; 60 had spastic age range 8 to 12 years (bilateral 42, unilateral 18) and 23 dyskinetic CP; 34 children had active epilepsy. The proportion of children with normal behaviour on the total difficulties score (TDS) of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was significantly lower than normative data (57% vs 80%, p<0.001). Parents of 21 children (25%) considered their child's behaviour to be abnormal. Children with CP and epilepsy had a significantly higher median TDS (p=0.03) than seizure-free children. In children with aided or no walking ability, the TDS was significantly higher in those with epilepsy (p=0.04). Parents of 32 children (39%) considered their children's behaviour to have an impact on themselves and others. We conclude that behavioural problems are common in children with CP, and even more when epilepsy is present. Parents identify these problems, and professionals need to address them.     

Mortality in individuals with autism, with and without epilepsy

Previous studies show higher mortality rates among individuals with autism than the general population. Comorbidity with epilepsy is an assumed, often ill-defined factor in the increased mortality rates of individuals with autism. Data from the Autism Tissue Program, a tissue donation program established to support biomedical research on autism, show that approximately one-third of its brain donors with autism also had epilepsy. Analysis of new data from the California State Department of Developmental Services is consistent with past reports showing that there is a higher than expected rate of mortality in individuals with autism and epilepsy than autism alone. Accurate, complete and accessible records on cause of death are necessary not just for brain research, but also for understanding risk factors that contribute to early death in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Various national health care and state developmental disability agency initiatives to reduce risk of mortality are described.     

Factors associated with knowledge and attitudes in persons with epilepsy

Treating persons with epilepsy (PWE) in developing countries may be different from elsewhere. Knowledge and attitudes of PWE are known to be associated with seizure control. This study aims to evaluate factors related with the knowledge and attitudes of PWE in northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional survey using questionnaires and interviews was undertaken at the Khon Kaen University epilepsy clinic. The questionnaire comprised 22 questions (14 knowledge questions and 8 attitude questions). Two hundred three PWE participated in the study with a mean age of 36.5 years. Four factors were significantly associated with the knowledge about epilepsy, which included education level, age, epilepsy duration, and a history of experiencing antiepileptic medication side effects. In addition, there were four factors significantly associated with the attitudes about epilepsy, which included seizure control, education level, epilepsy duration, and marital status. There is a need to provide more education, preferably community based, to help PWE obtain more accurate information.     

Plasma Oxytocin in Children with Autism and Its Correlations with Behavioral Parameters in Children and Parents

Objective

Oxytocin (OT) has been implicated to play an important role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. We aimed to find out the differences in plasma OT levels between children with autism and healthy children, the associations of OT levels with particular autism symptoms and the associations of particular parental autistic traits with their ASD children OT levels.

Methods

We included 19 boys with autism and 44 healthy age-matched boys. OT levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Children with autism were scored by Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), adjusted research version. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Systemizing Quotient (SQ) and Empathizing Quotient were completed by parents of children with autism.

Results

Children with autism had significantly lower plasma OT levels than controls. OT levels positively correlated with ADI Reciprocal Interaction and Communication scores. AQ and SQ of fathers positively correlated with children plasma OT level.

Conclusion

Our results support the hypothesis of OT deficiency in autism. The "paradoxical" associations of OT levels and social skills in children with autism indicate disturbances at various levels of OT system. We first reported associations of OT levels in children with autism and behavioral measures in fathers indicating that OT abnormalities stay between parental autistic traits and autism symptoms in their children.     

Weight loss in adults with Down syndrome and with dementia in Alzheimer's disease

An association between weight loss and Alzheimer's disease has been established in the general population but little information is available regarding this association in people with intellectual disabilities. A 4-year longitudinal study of adults with Down syndrome with and without Alzheimer's disease was undertaken. Age-associated weight loss was seen in virtually all older adults with Down syndrome. A significant association between weight loss and Alzheimer's disease was found for older adults with Down syndrome. This study highlights important research and clinical issues regarding weight loss and nutrition in Down syndrome adults with dementia.     

Differences in motor and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease with and without orthostatic hypotension

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often present with orthostatic hypotension (OH) as a result of the dysautonomia associated with the disease or as a side effect of the dopaminergic medications used to treat the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in motor and cognitive function in patients with PD with and without OH. Forty-four patients with a diagnosis of PD were evaluated and stratified by the presence of OH based on orthostatic blood pressure recordings. Both groups underwent assessments of motor and cognitive function. OH was present in 17 of 44 patients (39%) with PD. These patients with OH had significantly lower scores in gross motor, balance, and cognitive function (p < .05). No significant difference between groups was found in the finger tapping scores. These results suggest that patients with PD should be routinely screened for OH as it commonly occurs and may negatively impact gross motor, balance, and cognitive function.     

Catatonia and mania in patient with AIDS: treatment with lorazepam and risperidone

A 30-year-old woman presented with psychiatric symptoms and was found to be HIV positive prior to admission to the hospital. We present the first case report of catatonia and mania in an HIV-positive subject unrelated to infectious processes. The catatonic symptoms were alleviated by intravenous lorazepam, and manic symptoms were adequately treated with risperidone. Clinicians need to be aware that HIV infection should be considered in all patients with new-onset mania alternating with catatonia or in those with HIV risk factors.