Imprinting of maternal thyroid hormones in the offspring

Thyroid hormones (THs) during pregnancy contribute significantly to cellular differentiation and development in several tissues of the offspring, principally the central nervous system (CNS). TH deficiencies, such as hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia, are highly frequent during pregnancy worldwide and known to be detrimental for the development of the fetus. The function of CNS in the offspring gestated under TH deficiency will be irreversible impaired, causing low intellectual quotient, attention deficit, and mental retardation. On the other hand, little is known about the effects of TH deficiency in the offspring immune system, being the prevalent notion that the effects are reversible and only for a while will affect the number of B and T cells. Recent studies have shown that maternal hypothyroidism can altered the function of immune system in the offspring, rendering the female offspring more susceptible to suffer autoimmune-inflammatory diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to be more resistant to a bacterial infection. In this article we discuss these recent findings, as well as the possible mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential implications for human health.     

Relationship of health locus of control with specific health behaviours and global health appraisal: a meta-analysis and effects of moderators

Health locus of control (HLOC) refers to beliefs regarding how one’s health is influenced by oneself, others, or fate. This meta-analysis investigated whether three HLOC dimensions (internality/I-HLOC, powerful others/P-HLOC, chance/C-HLOC) were related to both specific health behaviours and global health appraisal, and whether these relationships were moderated by gender and age compositions, individualism, and power distance. Three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis was performed on studies examining the associations of HLOC with specific health behaviour (k?=?76, N?=?76,580, 57% women, M_age?=?43.75) and global health appraisal (k?=?95, N?=?12,068, 57% women, M_age?=?45.44), respectively. For specific health behaviour, the averaged correlations with the HLOC dimensions were generally weak (r’s?=??.07 to .10). However, the links between P-HLOC and exercise were moderated by all four demographic moderators, and gender composition and individualism moderated the association between the HLOC dimensions and diet. For global health appraisal, all of the averaged correlations were statistically significant (r’s?=??.16 to .21), except that between P-HLOC and mental quality of life. The results further showed individualism and power distance to moderate the links between the HLOC dimensions and both mental and physical quality of life, and gender composition to moderate those between these dimensions and two indicators of emotional problems (depression and anxiety).     

Characterization and Management of Arrhythmic Events in Young Patients With Brugada Syndrome

Background

Information on young patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and arrhythmic events (AEs) is limited.

Pulmonary,renal and neurological comorbidities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis; implications for clinical practice

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with several comorbidities which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality and add to the complexity of management. In addition to the well known extra-articular manifestations and increased cardiovascular risk, several pulmonary, renal, and neurological complications which have been associated with AS deserve equal attention. Whereas a clear link has been established for some manifestations, the evidence for other associations is less clear. Interstitial lung disease, apical fibrosis, secondary infection, and ventilatory restriction from reduced chest wall movement are well known pulmonary complications; more recently an association with sleep apnoea has been suggested. Renal amyloidosis and IgA nephropathy remain a treatment challenge which may respond to anti-TNF therapy. Atlanto axial subluxation and vertebral fractures can result in serious neurological complications and are notoriously difficult to diagnose unless a high level of suspicion is maintained. Despite several reports linking AS with demyelination a true link remains to be proved. This review discusses the prevalence, pathophysiology, and management of pulmonary, renal, and neurological complications, and implications for clinical practice.     

Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy in group (MIT-G) for young adults with personality disorders: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Young adults with personality disorders (PD) other than borderline are in urgent need of validated treatments to help them in managing important life transitions. Therapeutic interventions focused upon social and interpersonal difficulties may facilitate these individuals in maximizing opportunities for employment, forming stable romantic relationships, and belong to social groups. It is also important that they are offered evidence-based, first-line time-limited treatments in order to maximize effectiveness and reduce costs. We developed a 16-session programme of group-based Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT-G) including psychoeducation on the main interpersonal motives, an experiential component enabling practice of awareness of mental states; and use of mentalistic knowledge for purposeful problem-solving. We report a feasibility, acceptability, and clinical significance randomized clinical trial. Participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomized to receive MIT-G (n = 10) or waiting list+TAU (n = 10). Dropout rate was low and session attendance high (92.19%). Participants in the MIT-G arm had symptomatic and functional improvements consistent with large effect sizes. In the MIT-G arm similarly large effects were noted for increased capacity to understand mental states and regulate social interactions using mentalistic knowledge. Results were sustained at follow-up. Our findings suggest potential for applying MIT-G in larger samples to further test its effectiveness in reducing PD-related symptoms and problematic social functioning.