Association between the SUMO4 M55V (A163G) polymorphism and susceptibility to type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the SUMO4 M55V (A163G) polymorphism confers susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted on the association between the SUMO4 M55V polymorphism and T1D using; (1) allelic contrast (G vs. A), and the (2) recessive (GG vs. GA+AA), (3) dominant (GG+GA vs. AA), and (4) additive models (GG vs. AA).

Results

Thirteen separate studies were considered in the meta-analysis, which in total included 5915 patients and 6660 controls, and five European and eight Asian sample populations. Europeans had a higher prevalence of the G allele than Asians (50.4% vs. 30.2%). Meta-analysis of the SUMO4 M55V polymorphism showed an association between T1D and the SUMO4 G allele in all study subjects (OR = 1.236, 95% CI = 1.112–1.373, p = 7.9 × 10⁻⁶), and stratification by ethnicity indicated a highly significant association between the SUMO4 G allele and T1D in Asians (OR = 1.303, 95% CI = 1.169–1.452, p = 1.78 × 10⁻⁷) and a marginal association with T1D in Europeans (OR = 1.177, 95% CI = 1.000–1.386, p = 0.050). Furthermore, significant associations were found between the SUMO4 M55V polymorphism and T1D and all study subjects, Europeans, and Asians using the dominant model (OR = 1.239, 95% CI = 1.144–1.342, p = 1.4 × 10⁻⁸; OR = 1.156, 95% CI = 1.051–1.271, p = 0.003; OR = 1.461, 95% CI = 1.262–1.691, p = 3.8 × 10⁻⁸, respectively).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that the SUMO4 M55V polymorphism confers susceptibility to T1D in Asians and Europeans.     

Polymorphism of the N-acetyltransferase 2 gene as a susceptibility risk factor for antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity in Tunisian patients with tuberculosis

Setting

Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatitis attributed to isoniazide (INH) is one of the most prevalent drug-induced liver injuries. INH is metabolized by hepatic N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) to form hepatotoxins.

Aim

To evaluate whether polymorphism of the NAT2 gene was associated with antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity in Tunisian patients.

Methods

A total of 66 patients with tuberculosis (TB) who received anti-TB treatment were followed prospectively. Their NAT2 genotype was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). We identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); 481C to T (NAT2*5B), 590G to A (NAT2*6A) and 857G to A (NAT2*7B). Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the risk factors of isoniazid-induced hepatitis.

Results

Fourteen patients (21.2%) were diagnosed with anti-TB drug-induced hepatitis. None of the rapid acetylators-type patients have expressed serum aminotransferase elevation. Among patients with hepatotoxicity, slow acetylators-type patients had a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than intermediate acetylators (21.4% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.01). Statistical analysis revealed that the frequency of a variant diplotypes, NAT2*5B/5B and NAT2*6A/6A, were significantly increased in TB patients with hepatotoxicity, compared with those without hepatotoxicity (P = 0.01, odds ratio [OR] = 7.6 and P = 0.029, OR = 15, respectively). By contrast, the frequency of the rapid acetylation NAT2*4 allele was significantly lower in TB patients with hepatotoxicity than those without hepatotoxicity (P = 0.02, OR = 0.18). Moreover, 590G/G genotype was associated with decreased hepatotoxicity (P = 0.01); by contrast, homozygous point mutation at position 481 and 590 were associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the slow-acetylator status of NAT2 is risk factor for INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, diplotypes, NAT2*5B/5B, NAT2*6A/6A, 481T/T and 590A/A, are useful new biomarkers for predicting anti-TB drug-induced hepatotoxicity.     

TNF-alpha polymorphisms are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Introduction: Several lines of evidence support an immunologic involvement in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): the increased prevalence of OCD in patients with rheumatic fever (RF), and the aggregation of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders among relatives of RF probands. Tumor necrosis factor alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in RF and other autoimmune diseases. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TNFA gene have been associated with RF. Given the association between OCD and RF, the goal of the present study was to investigate a possible association between polymorphisms within the promoter region of TNFA and OCD. Materials and methods: Two polymorphisms were investigated: −308 G/A and −238 G/A. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of these polymorphisms were examined in 111 patients who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for OCD and compared with the frequencies in 250 controls. Results: Significant associations were observed between both polymorphisms and OCD. For −238 G/A, an association between the A allele and OCD was observed (χ² = 12.05, p = 0.0005). A significant association was also observed between the A allele of the −308 G/A polymorphism and OCD (χ² = 7.09, p = 0.007). Finally, a haplotype consisting of genotypes of these two markers was also examined. Significant association was observed for the A–A haplotype (p = 0.0099 after correcting for multiple testing). Discussion: There is association between the −308 G/A and −238 G/A TNFA polymorphisms and OCD in our Brazilian sample. However, these results need to be replicated in larger samples collected from different populations.     

Association between major depressive disorder and the norepinephrine transporter polymorphisms T-182C and G1287A: A meta-analysis

Background

Previous studies have implicated norepinephrine transporter (NET) gene polymorphisms in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Recently, two single nucleotide NET polymorphisms, T-182C (rs2242446) in the promoter region and G1287A (rs5569) in exon 9, were found to be associated with MDD in different populations. However, inconsistent and inconclusive results have also been obtained.

Methods

In this study, we examined whether rs2242446 and rs5569 genetic variants are related to the etiology of MDD using a meta-analysis. Relevant case-control studies were retrieved by database searching and selected according to established inclusion criteria.

Results

Eight articles were identified that tested the relationship between the NET T-182C and/or G1287A polymorphism and MDD. Statistical analyses revealed no significant association between these polymorphisms and MDD (OR=1.23, 95% CI=0.77−1.97, P=0.38 for T-182C; OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.78−1.29, P=0.99 for G1287A).

Limitations

The results must be treated with caution because of the small sample sizes of several included studies.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the NET T-182C and G1287A polymorphisms are not susceptibility factors for MDD.     

DISC1 is associated with prefrontal cortical gray matter and positive symptoms in schizophrenia

Background

DISC1 is considered a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, but little is known regarding the potential mechanisms through which it may confer increased risk. Given that DISC1 plays a role in cerebral cortex development, polymorphisms in this gene may have relevance for neurobiological models of schizophrenia that have implicated cortical deficits in its pathophysiology.

Methods

We investigated whether the DISC1 leu607phe polymorphism was associated with prefrontal gray matter volumes using magnetic resonance imaging in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia (N = 19) and healthy volunteers (N = 25) and positive and negative symptoms in 200 patients with schizophrenia.

Results

Among patients and healthy volunteers, phe carriers (N = 11) had significantly less gray matter in the superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate gyrus compared to leu/leu homozygotes (N = 33). Further, among patients left superior frontal gyrus gray matter volume was significantly negatively correlated with severity of hallucinations. In addition, patients who were phe carriers (N = 144) had significantly greater severity of positive symptoms (hallucinations) compared to patients who were leu/leu homozygotes (N = 56).

Discussion

These findings implicate DISC1 in variation of prefrontal cortical volume and positive symptoms, thus providing a potential mechanism through which DISC1 may confer increased risk for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.     

Emotional management and 5-HT2A receptor gene variance in patients with schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia exhibit impaired social cognitive functions, particularly emotion management. Emotion management may be partially regulated by the serotoninergic system; the −1438 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of the 5-HT2A gene can modulate 5-HT2A activity and is linked to certain emotional traits and anger- and aggression-related behaviors. The current study aimed to investigate whether this 5-HT2A genetic variance is associated with social cognitive function, particularly the management of emotions. One hundred and fifteen patients with chronic schizophrenia were stabilized with an optimal-dose of antipsychotic treatment. All were genotyped for the −1438 A/G polymorphism and assessed with symptom rating scales, neurocognitive instruments, and the “Managing Emotions” section of Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Multiple regression showed that patients with the A/G genotype performed better than those with G/G in managing emotion (p = 0.018) but did not differ from those with the A/A genotype. Regarding the two subtasks of the Managing Emotions section, the A/G heterozygotes also performed better than the G/G homozygotes in the emotion management (p = 0.026) and emotional relations (p = 0.027) subtasks. The results suggest that variability in the 5-HT2A gene may influence emotion management in patients with schizophrenia.     

The polymorphism of Knops blood group system in Korean population and their relationship with HLA system

The main purpose of this report is to provide baseline gene frequencies of Knops blood group in the complement receptor 1 gene (CR1) in Korean population. In addition, possible relationship between the CR1 polymorphism and HLA specificities were studied, because the two systems had principal importance in immunity. CR1, which contains Knops antigens, was investigated by PCR-direct sequencing from 238 cord blood from Koreans. HLA data was archived from the enrolled cord blood units. Among the 7 SNPs, only 4843 (for KCAM antigen) and 4223 (for Yk^a) nucleotide positions showed polymorphism. The genotype frequencies of KCAM were A/A (62.2%), A/G (33.2%), and G/G (4.6%); Yk^a were C/C (29.4%), C/T (50%), and T/T (20.6%). KCAM (A/A) associated with HLA-DRB1^∗13 (p = 0.003, P_c = 0.0513); KCAM (G/G) with HLA-A^∗30 (p < 0.001, P_c = 0.0012). The Knops blood group system in Korean population has no diversity, except SNPs for KCAM and Yk^a, and the genotype of KCAM related with specific HLA alleles.     

Methylphenidate increased regional cerebral blood flow in subjects with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) responses to methylphenidate (MPH) treatment were examined in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty-two male children, diagnosed with ADHD by the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, other behavioral assessment scales and neuropsychological battery, were studied using 99mTc-HMPAO-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Subjects were studied before and after MPH treatment. First, using an image subtraction method, we obtained a NDR parametric image of each patient and found increased cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobes, caudate nuclei and thalamic areas after treatment. When the changes in SPECT and clinical response were compared, the matching rate, sensitivity and specificity between them were found to be 77.1, 80.0 and 79.2%, respectively. Second, three transaxial brain slices delineating anatomically defined regions of interest (ROI) at 20, 40, and 60mm above the orbitomeatal line (OML) were used, with the average number of counts for each region of interest normalized to the area of the cerebellar maximal uptake. The left and right prefrontal areas, and caudate and thalamic areas showed significant increases in rCBF after MPH treatment. These findings suggested MPH could affect the function of the fronto-striato-thalamic circuit, which is known as the pathophysiologic site of ADHD and could be used to correct the underlying brain dysfunction of ADHD.     

The HLA-G low expressor genotype is associated with protection against bipolar disorder

Implication of immune processes in bipolar disorder (BD) has recently gained increasing attention. Tolerogenic molecules, among which HLA-G plays a prominent role, mediate the modulation of such processes. The HLA-G locus is characterized by a high number of polymorphisms including a functionally relevant 14 base pair (bp) insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) allele affecting the HLA-G expression. Here, we analyzed the distribution of this polymorphism in 561 BD patients and 161 healthy and found that the HLA-G 14bp Ins/Ins genotype was significantly more prevalent in healthy controls than in patients (corrected p; pc = 0.032) and that the prevalence of such protective genotype is lower among patients born during the winter season as compared to those born in other periods (pc = 0.006). Possible mechanisms between low HLA G expression and resistance to infections as well as potential relationships between infections in early life and susceptibility to BD are discussed.     

In utero arsenic exposure and fetal immune repertoire in a US pregnancy cohort

Arsenic has wide-ranging effects on human health and there is evidence that it alters the immune response by influencing CD4 +/CD8 + T cell ratios, IL-2 cytokine levels, and the expression of immune-response genes. We investigated the impact of in utero environmental arsenic exposure on immune development and function in newborns participating in a pregnancy cohort in New Hampshire, U.S., where arsenic levels have exceeded the current EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L. Our results showed that maternal urinary arsenic concentrations were inversely related to absolute total CD45RA + CD4 + cord blood CD69 + T cell counts (N = 116, p = 0.04) and positively associated with CD45RA + CD69 − CD294 + cell counts (p = 0.01). In placental samples (N = 70), higher in utero urinary arsenic concentrations were positively associated with the expression of IL1β (p = 0.03). These data provide evidence that relatively low-level arsenic exposure in utero may alter the fetal immune system and lead to immune dysregulation.     

A genetic polymorphism in the CYP19A1 gene and the risk of hypertension among midlife women

Objective

To test whether a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (A → G; rs700518) in the CYP19A1 gene, which encodes the enzyme aromatase, is associated with an increased risk for hypertension of midlife women.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 639 midlife women were recruited. Eligible women had their blood pressure, weight and height measured, and donated a blood sample for hormone and genetic analyses. The participants also completed a detailed study survey. Women were grouped according to their genotype, blood pressure measurements, and medical history. The data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression models. The study had 80% power to detect small differences in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP; 4.5 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; 3 mmHg).

Results

The selected polymorphism was significantly associated with hypertension and SBP in unadjusted analyses. Interestingly, women with hypertension were more likely to be homozygous for the A allele (AA) compared to women who were not categorized as having hypertension. Further, the mean SBP was significantly higher for women who were homozygous for the A allele when compared to women carrying the other genotypes (AG or GG). The unadjusted association between DBP values and genotype was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.07). However, after adjustment for potential confounders (age, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking and physical activity), the associations between genotype and hypertension/blood pressure were attenuated and not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The rs700518 polymorphism in the CYP19A1 is not associated with hypertension in our sample of midlife women. Other factors, including race and BMI, appear to play a greater role.     

利他林对注意缺陷多动障碍患儿注意能力影响的ERP研究

目的:探讨注意缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)患儿的视觉空间注意刺激诱发的事件相关电位(ERP)特征,并研究利他林(MPH)对其影响。方法:采用有效提示、无效提示刺激模块对22名ADHD患儿和22名年龄匹配的正常儿童进行ERP检测和记录其行为学表现。ADHD患儿在服MPH前和服MPH后2 h分别接受两次ERP检测。结果:与正常对照组相比,ADHD组在服MPH前,额部N2波潜伏期显著延长(P<0．05),各导联P2、N2波波幅显著降低(P<0．05);服MPH后2 h额部N2波潜伏期显著缩短(P<0．05),各导联波幅显著增高(P<0．05);服MPH后2 h各导联P2、N2波的潜伏期及波幅与正常对照组比较差异无显著意义(P>0．05)。结论:视觉空间注意ERP可以客观检测ADHD患儿注意缺陷的存在及程度,为临床诊断和评价MPH疗效提供了客观依据。     

Association of GPR50, an X-linked orphan G protein-coupled receptor,and affective disorder in an independent sample of the Scottish population

A recent report detected association between GPR50, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, and bipolar disorder (BD) in the Scottish population [29]. We sought to replicate this study in a second sample from the same population, consisting of 338 patients with BD, 359 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 913 control individuals. In addition, the effect of GPR50 genotype on clinical phenotype and treatment response was assessed in a subset of 56 patients with early onset MDD (eoMDD). We identified an association with BD in women with an intronic SNP, rs1202874, that withstood correction for multiple testing (p = 0.0035, permuted p = 0.037, OR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.2–3.0). However, we failed to find an association with the previously associated Δ502-505 polymorphism (p = 0.2). Combined analysis of this and the original samples did detect association between the deletion and susceptibility to BD in females, but with a reduced effect size (p = 0.0006, permuted p = 0.0024, OR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.16–1.71). In the highly phenotyped eoMDD subgroup, we found an association between the Δ502-505 deletion polymorphism and age of onset (p = 0.049), number of episodes (p = 0.044), hypomanic symptoms (p = 0.019), and initial thinking time (p = 0.027), in women; and in family history of depression in men (p = 0.038), uncorrected for multiple testing. No association was seen between Δ502-505 genotype and treatment response at 3 months. To our knowledge this is the first association of rs1202874 with BD and is the second positive association at the GPR50 locus.     

Variability of Response Time as a Predictor of Methylphenidate Treatment Response in Korean Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Purpose

Methylphenidate (MPH) is an effective medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, about 30% of patients do not respond to or are unable to tolerate MPH. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that great variability in response time (RT) among Korean children with ADHD on a computerized continuous performance attention test would be related to poor MPH treatment response.

Materials and Methods

Children (ages 6-18 years) with ADHD were recruited for a prospective 12-week, open-labeled, multicenter study to examine optimal dosage of OROS methylphenidate. Of the 144 subjects selected, 28 dropped out due to adverse events, medication noncompliance, or follow-up loss, and an additional 26 subjects with comorbid disorders were excluded from statistical analyses. We defined ''responders'' as subjects who received a score of less than 18 on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale (ARS; Korean version, K-ARS) and a score of 1 or 2 on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I). RT variability was assessed with the ADHD diagnostic system (ADS).

Results

Fifty-nine (67%) subjects responded to MPH treatment. The non-responders showed greater RT variability at baseline (Mann Whitney U = 577.0, p < 0.01). Baseline RT variability was a significant predictor of MPH response (Nagelkerke R² = 0.136, p < 0.01). It predicted 94.9% of responder, 17.2% of non-responder and 69.3% of overall group.

Conclusion

High RT variability may predict poor response to MPH treatment in children with ADHD.     

When the safety net of treatment has been removed: Patients’ unmet needs at the completion of treatment for haematological malignancies

Objective

To determine patients’ information, emotional and support needs at the completion of treatment for a haematological malignancy.

Methods

A self-report questionnaire was mailed to 113 adult patients.

Results

Sixty-six questionnaires were returned. The most frequently endorsed patient needs related to care co-ordination and help to manage the fear of recurrence. The most frequently endorsed unmet needs included managing the fear of recurrence, the need for a case-manager and the need for communication between treating doctors. Predictors of unmet needs included younger patients (p = 0.01), marital status (p = 0.03) and employment (p = 0.03). Almost two-thirds of patients (59%) reported they would have found it helpful to talk with a health care professional about their experience of diagnosis and treatment at the completion of treatment and endorsed significantly more need in the arenas of Quality of Life (p = 0.03) and Emotional and Relationships (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable data on haematological cancer patients’ needs in the first 12 months of finishing treatment. It appears that many needs emerge or remain unresolved at this time.

Practice implications

An opportunity for patients to talk with a health professional about making the transition from active treatment to extended survivorship may be helpful.     

Should risk of bone fragility restrict weight control for other health reasons in postmenopausal women? – A ten year prospective study

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the health risks of excess body weight in the light of its protective effects on bone fragility.

Methods

Femoral neck and lumbar spine dual X-ray absorptiometry was performed for 1970 Finnish women with a mean baseline age of 58.8 years (range 53.1–65.7 years) in 1994 and 2004. Women were categorized according to baseline BMI into normal <25 kg/m2, overweight 25–29.9 kg/m² and obese ≥30 kg/m². Weight change (kg) was categorized into tertiles. Co-morbidities, not allowed to be present at baseline, was based on self-reports. Osteoporosis was defined as femoral neck or spinal (L2–L4) T-score <−2.5 SD at 10-year follow-up or <−2.0 SD + low trauma energy follow-up fracture. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the 10-year risk of incident health disorders. Adjustment for age, number of diseases, alcohol intake and smoking was used in the multivariate models.

Results

Obesity (Ob) and overweight (Ow) were related with higher 10-year risk of hypertension (OR = 2.6 (Ob)/OR = 1.7 (Ow), p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.6, p < 0.05/OR = 1.2, p = NS), diabetes (OR = 11.7/OR = 5.3, p < 0.001), osteoarthritis (OR = 1.4, p < 0.05/OR = 1.1, p = NS), chronic back pain (OR = 1.6, p = 0.007/OR = 1.2, p = NS) and poor self-rated health (OR = 2.4, p < 0.05/OR = 1.5, p = NS) and lower risk of osteoporosis (OR = 0.13/OR = 0.28, p < 0.001). Weight change of less than +1 kg was associated 1.8 and 2.6 times lower 10-year risk of having hypertension and breast cancer than weight change over 6.2 kg. Among obese women the absolute risk increase of hypertension was 17%, of diabetes 12%, and absolute risk reduction of osteoporosis 14% in comparison to BMI <25 kg/m².

Conclusions

Health related risks of high BMI outweigh its protective effects on bone. Weight gain increases the risk hypertension and breast cancer.     

Evaluation of a psychoeducation program for Chinese clients with schizophrenia and their family caregivers

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation program for Chinese clients with schizophrenia and their family caregivers.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-three clients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and their caregivers (n = 73) were recruited and randomized into a study (n = 36) and control group (n = 37). Ten psychoeducation sessions were provided to the study group. The outcomes were measured at the baseline, immediately after (post-1), six months (post-2), and 12 months after the intervention (post-3).

Results

There were significant treatment effects across time for all client outcomes: adherence to medication (p < 0.01), mental status (p < 0.01), and insight into illness (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found between groups at the post-3 measures for all client outcomes. For the caregivers, significant group differences were only detected in self-efficacy at the post-1 (p = 0.007) and post-2 (p < 0.001) measures, the level of satisfaction at the post-1 (p = 0.033) and post-2 (p < 0.021) measures, and the perception of family burden at the post-2 measures (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

A psychoeducation intervention had positive effects on Chinese clients and their caregivers. However, these effects might not be sustained 12 months after the intervention.

Practice implications

To substantiate its effects, psychoeducation should be an ongoing intervention, with its outcomes constantly evaluated.     

Early changes of microRNAs expression in the dorsal root ganglia following rat sciatic nerve transection

Abnormal baseline brain functional connectivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been revealed in a number of studies by using resting-state functional MRI (rfMRI). The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous frontal activities in medication-naïve ADHD boys using the rfMRI derived index, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). In total 17 ADHD boys and 17 matched controls were recruited to undergo rfMRI scan on a 3.0 T MRI system. For each subject, six oblique slices covering the frontal areas were acquired with a rapid sampling rate (TR = 400 ms). Functional images were processed in AFNI for calculation of ALFF and then group comparison was performed using voxel-based t-test. With a corrected threshold of p < 0.05 determined by AlphaSim, we found that in comparison with controls, ADHD patients demonstrated higher ALFF values in the left superior frontal gyrus and sensorimotor cortex (SMC), and lower ALFF values in the bilateral anterior, middle cingulate and the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Significant correlations were found between patients’ WSCT measures and the peak ALFF located in the right MFG (r = 0.69, p = 0.02), and the left SMC (r = 0.65, p = 0.03). Our results revealed abnormal frontal activities at resting state associated with underlying physiopathology of ADHD, and suggested the ALFF analysis to be a potential approach in further exploration of this disorder.     

Correlates of low dietary energy reporting in free-living elderly: the MEDIS study

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of low energy reporting (LER) and associations between LER and lifestyle, psychological and clinical parameters, in elderly people living in eastern Mediterranean islands.

Methods

1190 men and women, aged 65–100 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics were recorded for the study participants. Among others, the ratio of energy intake to estimated basal metabolic rate (EI/BMR) was calculated and was used for the assessment of LER.

Results

Prevalence of LER was 47.7%. Lower EI/BMR (i.e., higher risk for LER) was associated with older age (p = 0.001), male sex (p < 0.001), higher body mass index (BMI; p = 0.04), lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001) and non-current smoking (p = 0.007). The sex-specific analysis revealed that, lower EI/BMR values were associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and being non-current smoker in both men and women (p ≤ 0.05), as well as with older age (p = 0.01), higher BMI (p = 0.02) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.02), only in women.

Conclusion

In elderly, several clinical and lifestyle factors seem to be related to LER, and they should be taken into account in their nutritional assessment.     

Menopausal symptoms: Do life events predict severity of symptoms in peri- and post-menopause?

Objective

Hormonal changes during menopausal transition are linked to physical and psychological symptoms’ emergence. This study aims to explore if life events predict menopausal symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional research encompasses a community sample of 992 women who answered to socio-demographic, health, menopause-related and lifestyle questionnaires; menopausal symptoms and life events were assessed with validated instruments. Structural equation modeling was used to build a causal model.

Results

Menopausal status predicted only three symptoms: skin/facial hair changes (β = .136; p = .020), sexual (β = .157; p = .004) and, marginally, vasomotor symptoms (β = .094; p = .054). Life events predicted depressive mood (β = −.391; p = .002), anxiety (β = −.271; p = .003), perceived cognitive impairment (β = −.295; p = .003), body shape changes (β = −.136; p = .031), aches/pain (β = −.212; p = .007), skin/facial hair changes (β = −.171; p = .021), numbness (β = −.169; p = .015), perceived loss of control (β = −.234; p = .008), mouth, nails and hair changes (β = −.290; p = .004), vasomotor (β = −.113; p = .044) and sexual symptoms (β = −.208; p = .009).

Conclusions

Although women in peri- and post-menopausal manifested higher symptoms’ severity than their pre-menopausal counterparts, only three of the menopausal symptoms assessed were predicted by menopausal status. Since the vast majority of menopausal symptoms’ severity was significantly influenced by the way women perceived their recent life events, it is concluded that the symptomatology exacerbation, in peri- and post-menopausal women, might be due to life conditions and events, rather than hormonal changes (nonetheless, the inverse influence should be investigated in future studies). Therefore, these should be accounted for in menopause-related clinical and research settings.