Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of normal appearing white matter in asymptomatic relatives of multiple sclerosis patients

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of normal appearing white matter (NAWM) was performed in 25 first-degree relatives of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In relatives of MS patients, insignificant trends in the NAA/Cho ratio (to be lower) and in the Cho/Cr ratio (to be higher) were found when compared with healthy controls. These results demonstrated that there are only minimal, insignificant changes in commonly identified metabolite concentrations in NAWM of relatives of MS patients when compared with healthy subjects.     

Revisiting the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders: a familial risk analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study tested competing hypotheses about patterns of familial association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders using familial risk analysis methodology. METHODS: The risk for ADHD and anxiety disorders in first-degree relatives was examined after stratifying ADHD probands by the presence or absence of comorbid anxiety disorders. The presence of anxiety disorders in probands and relatives was defined as meeting DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for > or = 2 anxiety syndromes in the same subject. RESULTS: Familial risk analyses revealed that 1) the risk for anxiety disorders was significantly higher in ADHD probands and their relatives than in control probands and their relatives; 2) the risk for anxiety disorders among the relatives of ADHD probands was limited to those families in which the proband had a diagnosis of ADHD; 3) the risk for anxiety disorders was significantly higher among the relatives of ADHD probands with anxiety disorders than in relatives of ADHD probands without anxiety disorders, but these two groups did not differ in the familial risk for ADHD; and 4) ADHD and anxiety disorders did not cosegregate within families, and there was no evidence for nonrandom (assortative) mating. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are most consistent with the hypothesis that ADHD and anxiety disorders segregate independently in families.     

Jejunal release of prostaglandin E2 in Crohn's disease: Relation to disease activity and first-degree relatives

Patients with Crohn's disease of the distal ileum show increased permeability to hyaluronan and increased release of histamine and complement components in uninvolved parts of the proximal jejunum. These abnormalities are related to disease activity, and are not found in first-degree relatives. Increased synthesis of prostaglandins has been observed in inflamed areas of the intestine in active Crohn's disease. Our purpose was to measure luminal prostaglandin release in patients with active and inactive Crohn's disease and their first-degree relatives. Twenty-four patients with Crohn's disease of the distal ileum (10 in remission and 12 with inflammatory activity) and 17 of their first-degree relatives were included and compared with healthy control subjects (n= 39). Ten centimetres of the proximal jejunum was isolated between balloons as described previously and perfused with a balanced electrolyte glucose-containing solution. Luminal concentrations of PGE₂ and albumin were measured and their luminal release was calculated. Luminal release of PGE₂ was significantly higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in control subjects [69.7 ± 11.5 and 34.0±4.7 pg/cm per h (3.7±0.6 and 1.8±0.3 ng/L), respectively, P <0.01]. The PGE₂ levels, however, were not positively correlated to disease activity. Furthermore, there was a modest, but significant increase in luminal PGE₂ in first-degree relatives [53.6±7.0 pg/cm per h (2.9±0.4 ng/L), P <0.05]. These changes were not accompanied by significant changes in luminal permeation of albumin. The stimulated jejunal synthesis of prostaglandins observed in patients with Crohn's disease and to some extent in their relatives may constitute a response to altered genetic mucosal characteristics.     

Staff perceptions of residents across the long-term care landscape

AIMS: This paper reports a study to determine how facility-, resident-, family- and staff-level indicators are empirically associated with staff members' perceptions of residents in nursing homes (NHs), assisted living facilities (ASLs) and family care homes (FCHs). BACKGROUND: While various efforts have described the ramifications of staff-resident interactions in nursing homes (NHs), few studies identify the factors that potentially influence staff members' perceptions of residents in multiple long-term care settings. METHODS: The participants were 41 care staff located in five NHs, five ASLs, and 16 FCHs randomly selected in Kentucky, United States of America. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with care staff, residents in their care, family members of residents, and administrators of participating facilities. Telephone interviews measured staff perceptions of residents on two domains: cohesion (perceived feelings of closeness between staff and residents) and knowledge of residents' personal lives and care needs. RESULTS: Regression models found that staff who were married, reported more positive attitudes towards family members, and worked in smaller facilities reported greater staff-resident cohesion. In addition, staff who cared for a higher percentage of residents with learning difficulties indicated greater knowledge of residents. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the need to consider elements of staff-family relationships when considering staff perceptions of residents. They also imply that clinical interventions designed to enhance social relationships in NHs can be extended across the long-term care landscape to influence the staff-resident-family triad positively.     

2型糖尿病患者正常糖耐量一级亲属炎症因子与胰岛素抵抗的相关性

检测40名2型糖尿病患者正常糖耐量一级亲属和正常对照组（40名）的白介素-6、瘦素、C反应蛋白水平。结果显示2型糖尿病患者正常糖耐量一级亲属白介素-6、C反应蛋白升高，并且白介素-6与胰岛素抵抗密切相关。     

2型糖尿病患者的NGT一级亲属代谢综合征组分与HbA1c有关

268例2型糖尿病(DM)患者糖耐量正常(NGT)的一级亲属,根据HbA1C水平分成3组,发现HbA1C较高水平(5.4%~5.8%)的2型DM患者NGT的一级亲属中,代谢综合征(MS)的组成成分有升高现象,提示该组人群可能易患MS。     

2型糖尿病家系一级亲属脂肪细胞因子变化特点及影响因素的研究进展

脂肪细胞因子是脂肪组织产生的一系列具有生物活性的细胞因子,参与体内能量代谢、免疫、内分泌等生理活动,在代谢平衡的调控过程中起到重要作用。2型糖尿病家系一级亲属作为糖尿病的高危人群,常伴有脂肪细胞因子分泌异常,本文就其体内脂肪细胞因子变化特点及影响因素的研究进展作一综述。