Co-aggregation of major psychiatric disorders in individuals with first-degree relatives with schizophrenia: a nationwide population-based study.

A previous genetic study has suggested that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share common disease-associated genes. However, whether individuals with first-degree relatives (FDRs) with schizophrenia have a higher risk of these major psychiatric disorders requires further investigation. This study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and identified 151 650 patients with schizophrenia and 227 967 individuals with FDRs with schizophrenia. The relative risks (RRs) of schizophrenia and other major psychiatric disorders were assessed in individuals with FDRs with schizophrenia. The individuals with FDRs with schizophrenia exhibited higher RRs (95% confidence interval) of major psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia (4.76, 4.65-4.88), bipolar disorder (3.23, 3.12-3.35), major depressive disorder (2.05, 2.00-2.10), ASD (2.55, 2.35-2.77) and ADHD (1.31, 1.25-1.37) than were found in the total population. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm these results. A dose-dependent relationship was observed between the risks of major psychiatric disorders and the numbers of FDRs with schizophrenia. The increased risks of major psychiatric disorders were consistent in different family relationships, namely among parents, offspring, siblings and twins. Our study supports the familial dose-dependent co-aggregation of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, ASD and ADHD, and our results may prompt governmental public health departments and psychiatrists to focus on the mental health of individuals with FDRs with schizophrenia.

Risk of developing Parkinson's disease among patients with asthma: a nationwide longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: A cross-sectional retrospective study suggested a link between allergic diseases and Parkinson's disease. However, the temporal association between asthma and Parkinson's disease remains unknown. METHODS: From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 10 455 patients who were diagnosed with asthma between 1998 and 2008 and aged ≥45 years and 41 820 age- and sex-matched controls were selected for our study and observed until the end of 2011. Those who developed Parkinson's disease during the follow-up period were identified. We also examined the asthma severity, as indicated by the frequency of admission (times per year) for asthma exacerbation, and the risk of subsequent Parkinson's disease. RESULTS: Patients with asthma had an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.20-4.36) after we adjusted for demographic data, health system use, medical comorbidities, and medication use. Sensitivity tests yielded consistent findings after we excluded observations on the first year (HR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.04-4.13) and first 3 years (HR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.64-3.69). Patients with asthma who had more frequent admissions (times per year) during the follow-up period exhibited a greater risk of subsequent Parkinson's disease (>2: HR: 16.42, 95% CI: 5.88-45.91; 1-2: 12.69, 95% CI: 5.03-31.71; 0-1: HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.91-4.49). CONCLUSION: Patients with asthma had an elevated risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, and we observed a dose-dependent relationship between greater asthma severity and a higher risk of subsequent Parkinson's disease.

Human fucosyltransferase 6 enables prostate cancer metastasis to bone.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and bone marrow (BM) endothelium follows a rolling-and-adhesion cascade mediated by E-selectin ligand (ESL): E-selectin. This adhesion is enabled by elevated expression of α-1,3-fucosyltransferases (FTs), enzymes responsible for ESL-mediated bone metastasis in humans. In contrast, the incidence of bone metastasis in mice is rare. METHODS: FT 3, 6 and 7 were overexpressed in mouse PCa cells. The rolling cell number, cell-rolling velocity and transendothelial migration were characterised in vitro. Fucosyltransferases-transduced mouse PCa cells expressing luciferase were inoculated into mice via left ventricle to compare the capability of bone metastasis. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation were utilised for identification of ESLs. RESULTS: Overexpression of FT3, FT6 or FT7 restored ESLs and enabled mouse PCa cells to roll and adhere in E-selectin-functionalised microtubes, similar to trafficking of circulating PCa cells in BM vessels. Following intracardiac inoculation, FT6-transduced cells induced robust bone metastasis in mice. Inhibition of FT6 by a fucose mimetic significantly reduced bone metastasis. Importantly, comparison of FT3, FT6 and FT7 gene expression in existing clinical samples showed significant upregulation of FT6 in PCa-distant metastases. CONCLUSION: FT6 is a key mediator of PCa cells trafficking to the BM. It may serve as a viable drug target in preclinical tests of therapeutics for reduction of PCa bone metastasis.

Single-Crystal Epitaxial Thin Films of the Isotropic Metallic Oxides Sr1-xCaxRuO3 (0 le x le 1).

Single-crystal epitaxial thin films of the isotropic metallic oxides Sr1-xCaxRuO(3) (0

Allergic contact dermatitis in children: a review of international studies.

In the recent past in the United States, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was thought to be a disorder affecting mainly adults. It was rarely diagnosed in the pediatric population, partly due to beliefs that children had immature immune systems and were less frequently exposed to chemical allergens when compared to adults. Also, patch testing for affected children was not as widely utilized in the pediatric population as it is today. While patch testing in children may require some modifications to the technique, the international (non-US) data from the last decade in addition to the US data reported this past year indicate that ACD in children is an increasingly common condition, equally prevalent and relevant to adults. According to our review of the international data available on pediatric patch testing, the top five global allergens were found to be nickel, cobalt, antibiotics, fragrances, and rubber chemicals. Although these allergens display a relatively consistent prevalence rate across the world, disparities can be attributed to regional variations in local trends, customs, and fashions. In this review pediatric patch test results from countries throughout the globe have been compared while focusing on geographic differences on some of the most common contact allergens that affect children worldwide.

Sociodemographic associations of 4-year overweight and obese incidence among a racially diverse cohort of healthy weight 18-year-olds.

BACKGROUND: Emerging adulthood is a critical time for excess weight gain. Risk can be masked if recommended overweight and obesity cut-points for Asians are not employed. OBJECTIVES: To determine the associations among sociodemographic factors and occurrence of overweight and obesity among normal weight 18-year olds. METHODS: Normal weight (body mass index < 25 kg m-2 ; <23 kg m-2 for Asians) 18-year-old (9037 boys, 13 786 girls, 36% Hispanic, 34% non-Hispanic Whites, 10% Black, 5% Asian) members of a healthcare organization in 2008 were followed through 2012 to identify incidence of overweight and obesity. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, neighbourhood education, neighbourhood income and smoking status. RESULTS: After 3 years of follow-up, the HR for overweight was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.45) in the lowest quartile of neighbourhood education compared with the highest. Asians and Pacific Islanders had greater risk of overweight (HR 2.89, 95% CI: 2.55, 3.28; HR 3.13, 95% CI 2.23, 4.38) than non-Hispanic Whites. Girls and Blacks were more likely to become obese than boys and non-Hispanic Whites, as were those living in the lowest neighbourhood education quartile and lower neighbourhood income quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: Girls, Asians, Blacks and those living in low education and income neighbourhoods during adolescence are at risk for excessive weight gain trajectories.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease following hematopoietic cell transplantation: screening and preventive practice recommendations from CIBMTR and EBMT.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and all cause mortality. Long-term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a substantial risk of developing MetS and cardiovascular disease, with the estimated prevalence of MetS being 31-49% among HCT recipients. Although MetS has not yet been proven to impact cardiovascular risk after HCT, an understanding of the incidence and risk factors for MetS in HCT recipients can provide the foundation to evaluate screening guidelines and develop interventions that may mitigate cardiovascular-related mortality. A working group was established through the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation with the goal of reviewing literature and recommend practices appropriate to HCT recipients. Here we deliver consensus recommendations to help clinicians provide screening and preventive care for MetS and cardiovascular disease among HCT recipients. All HCT survivors should be advised of the risks of MetS and encouraged to undergo recommended screening based on their predisposition and ongoing risk factors.

Alternative donors extend transplantation for patients with lymphoma who lack an HLA matched donor.

Alternative donor transplantation is increasingly used for high-risk lymphoma patients. We analyzed 1593 transplant recipients (2000-2010) and compared transplant outcomes in recipients of 8/8 allele HLA-A, -B, -C and DRB1 matched unrelated donors (MUDs; n=1176), 7/8 allele HLA mismatched unrelated donors (MMUDs; n=275) and umbilical cord blood donors (1 or 2 units UCB; n=142). Adjusted 3-year non-relapse mortality of MMUD (44%) was higher as compared with MUD (35%; P=0.004), but similar to UCB recipients (37%; P=0.19), although UCB had lower rates of neutrophil and platelet recovery compared with unrelated donor groups. With a median follow-up of 55 months, 3-year adjusted cumulative incidence of relapse was lower after MMUD compared with MUD (25% vs 33%, P=0.003) but similar between UCB and MUD (30% vs 33%; P=0.48). In multivariate analysis, UCB recipients had lower risks of acute and chronic GVHD compared with adult donor groups (UCB vs MUD: hazard ratio (HR)=0.68, P=0.05; HR=0.35; P<0.001). Adjusted 3-year OS was comparable (43% MUD, 37% MMUD and 41% UCB). These data highlight the observation that patients with lymphoma have acceptable survival after alternative donor transplantation. MMUD and UCB can extend the curative potential of allotransplant to patients who lack suitable HLA matched sibling or MUD.

Bone marrow transplantation in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, metaphyseal dysostosis and bone marrow dysfunction with a predilection towards severe hematologic complications. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation has been used as a therapeutic approach for SDS patients with serious hematologic abnormalities with mixed results. There is some concern that these patients may be more susceptible to early (<100 days) transplant-related complications than other transplant groups. We report a patient who received a matched allogeneic transplant without developing serious early transplant-related complications, but eventually died from relapse of his disease. Although experience is limited, a review of the reported cases suggests patients with SDS may be transplanted without significant short-term morbidity and mortality.

The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on ovulation: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of ibuprofen, a nonspecific inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on ovulation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. SETTING: University Medical Center. PATIENT(S): Twelve normally cycling women between ages 20 and 40. INTERVENTION(S): Subjects were randomized to either oral ibuprofen (800 mg) or placebo three times per day, beginning when the maximum diameter of the leading follicle reached 16 mm by ultrasound, and continuing for 10 days total. The second cycle was a washout period, and in the third cycle, the subjects were crossed over to the alternate regimen from the first cycle. The probability of delayed follicular collapse was determined using the binomial distribution, and changes in P levels were compared using the paired t test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Urinary LH surge, follicular collapse by serial transvaginal ultrasonography, and serum midluteal P levels. RESULT(S): Eleven of 12 subjects detected an LH surge with both ibuprofen and placebo. Five of 11 women demonstrated a >or=2-day increase in time interval from detection of the LH surge to follicular collapse, and 3 of those 5 had been randomized to ibuprofen. This represents a 27% (3 of 11; 95% confidence limits: 1%, 53%) rate of delay for follicular collapse for ibuprofen. There was no difference in average midluteal P levels for ibuprofen or placebo. CONCLUSION(S): If ibuprofen inhibits follicular collapse, this effect is seen in a small group of study subjects, and this information should be clinically reassuring to patients who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Serum midluteal P levels were unaffected by administration of ibuprofen.

Modeling of orthokinetic flocculation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This study examined the flocculation behavior of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing either Flo1 (LCC1209) genotype or NewFlo (LCC125) phenotype in a laminar flow field by measurement of the fundamental flocculation parameter, the orthokinetic capture coefficient. This orthokinetic capture coefficient was measured as a function of shear rate (5.95-223 s(-1)) and temperature (5-45 degrees C). The capture coefficients of these suspensions were directly proportional to the inverse of shear rate, and exhibited an increase as the temperature was increased to 45 degrees C. The capture coefficient of pronase-treated cells was also measured over similar shear rate and temperature range. A theory, which predicts capture coefficient values due to zymolectin interactions, was simplified from that developed by Long et al. [Biophys. J. 76: (1999) 1112]. This new modified theory uses estimates of: (1) cell wall densities of zymolectins and carbohydrate ligands; (2) cell wall collision contact area; and (3) the forward rate coefficient of binding to predict theoretical capture coefficients. A second model that involves both zymolectin interactions and DLVO forces was used to describe the phenomenon of yeast flocculation at intermediate shear ranges, to explain yeast flocculation in laminar flow.

Increased NM23: MTS1 ratio inversely correlated with metastasis behaviour in human lung squamous cell carcinoma.

The nm23 and mts1 genes have been the focus of attention as regards the association of their expression with metastatic behaviour. The level of nm23 and mts1 gene products has been demonstrated to correlate with metastatic potential in some tumors, but not in all. Here we show that these two genes might be coregulated and the ratio of their expression correlated with metastatic behaviour. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of both NM23 and MTS1 proteins was reduced in human lung cancer CH27 cells by retinoic acid treatment, but the ratio of NM23: MTS1 increased in a dose-dependent manner. Results also exhibited that retinoic acid altered the microtubule assembly of CH27 cells and reduced the metastatic ability of the cells in vitro. These data suggest that the metastatic potential of CH27 cells may be related to the relative expression of these two genes, and that their pathway in regulating metastatsis might be linked.

Preliminary result of phase II study of paclitaxel and cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Chinese patients.

This phase II study was designed to assess the response rate and toxicity of paclitaxel and cisplatin chemotherapy in Chinese patients with untreated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eligibility requirements included histologically confirmed stage IIIb-IV NSCLC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status less than 2, no previous chemotherapy, and adequate bone marrow, renal, and hepatic function. From April 1996 through March 1997, 32 patients were treated. The dose of paclitaxel was 135 mg/m2 as a 3-hour infusion on day 1 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 2. The regimen was repeated every 3 to 4 weeks for up to 6 to 8 cycles unless there was evidence of tumor progression. The median age was 57 years (range, 31-77 years). Sixty-five percent were men. Sixty-nine percent had adenocarcinoma, and 75% had stage IV disease. One hundred seventy-two cycles were administrated; 18 patients (56%) completed all six cycles. Peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression were the principle toxicities. Neurotoxicity appeared to be dose limiting and manifested primarily as paresthesia. Grade 2 neurotoxicity was observed in 5% of courses, which was slowly reversible. However, the severity of myelosuppression was generally mild to moderate. No episode of neutropenic fever was noted. Thrombocytopenia remained infrequent throughout the study. Other nonhematologic toxicities were also generally mild. The objective response rate was 50%. In conclusion, this combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin is active in Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC. It merits further investigation in phase III trials.

Influence of referral source on return compliance of adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of the source of referral on appointment compliance of adolescents to referring doctors or to consultants at tertiary medical centers. METHODS: This analysis included 421 adolescent patients aged 10-18 years who were referred to the tertiary teaching hospital in Taiwan by 75 primary care doctors, including 56 pediatricians and 19 general practitioners in 1987-1996. Medical records were abstracted to determine clinical severity and demography. Data of compliance with return appointments were collected by an independently trained interviewer. RESULTS: A total of 18.07% of referrals were initiated by patients or families and 81.93% were initiated by primary care doctors. More severe illness was found in patient-initiated referrals than in doctor-initiated referrals. After controlling for demographic, family features, medical payment, and doctor specialty, this study showed that if the referral were initiated by patients or families, adolescent patients were less likely to return to either the primary care doctors or tertiary teaching hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Although in a competitive environment, follow-up care is more likely to occur for both primary care doctors and consultants at tertiary teaching hospitals when the referral was initiated by primary care doctors.

Logistic analysis of shovel and Carabelli's tooth traits in a Caucasoid population.

Caucasoid populations differ from Mongoloids by having a high prevalence of Carabelli's trait and a low prevalence of shovel trait. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the shovel and the Carabelli's traits in a Caucasoid population. The research design sought a Caucasoid population at Milwaukee of Wisconsin in United States. The Caucasoid group selected for study was the European descendant. The effects of sex and age on Carabelli's trait were controlled in this investigation, as was the association between tooth size and Carabelli's trait. Results show that males were more likely to have Carabelli's trait expressed on teeth than females. The buccolingual diameter of Carabelli's trait teeth was larger than that of teeth without the trait. After adjusting for sex, age, and tooth size, the existence of the shovel trait decreased the likelihood of having Carabelli's trait which shows an significant effect.

An analysis of the effect of referral initiative on patients' return.

Maintaining follow-ups on referral patients is of vital concern to general practitioners. Little work has been done on the effect of referral initiative on patients' return tendencies. A study of 532 referral patients, referred by 83 general practitioners to a department of internal medicine, was conducted. Patients or families initiated 18.4% of the referrals; 81.6% were initiated by physicians. No clinical severity difference was found between patient- or physician-initiated referrals. Controlling for demographic, family, and medical payment characteristics, it was found that when the referral was initiated by the physician, patients were likely to return to both the general practitioner and the medical center. The advocacy role for referring physicians was elucidated in this study.

The effect of shovel trait on Carabelli's trait in Taiwan Chinese and Aboriginal populations.

Chinese and other Mongoloid populations differ from Caucasoids by having a high prevalence of shovel trait and a low prevalence of Carabelli's trait. This study was conducted to compare the association between the shovel and the Carabelli's traits between Chinese and aboriginal Mongoloid populations. The research is designed to sample randomly a Chinese population and an aboriginal population having low admixture with neighboring populations. The Mongoloid aboriginal group was from the Bunun tribe who resides in an isolated alpine area in Taiwan. The effects of sex and age on Carabelli's trait were controlled in this study, as was the association between tooth size and Carabelli's trait. Our results show that males had more Carabelli's trait expressed on teeth than females in both of these two Mongoloid populations. The buccolingual diameter of Carabelli's trait teeth was larger than that of teeth without the trait. After controlling for sex, age, and tooth size, the existence of the shovel trait significantly increased the likelihood of having Carabelli's trait, especially in Chinese, which implies another significant ethnic feature for Mongoloid identification.

Ethnic dental analysis of shovel and Carabelli's traits in a Chinese population.

Chinese populations differ from Caucasoids by having a high prevalence of shovel trait and a low prevalence of Carabelli's trait. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the shovel and the Carabelli's traits in a Chinese population. The research design investigated a Chinese population that resides in southern Taiwan. The ancestors of this Chinese population migrated to Taiwan from mainland China, mainly from Fukien and Kwangtung. The effects of sex and age on Carabelli's trait were controlled in this investigation, as was the association between tooth size and Carabelli's trait. Results show that males were more likely to have Carabelli's trait expressed on teeth than females. The buccolingual diameter of Carabelli's trait teeth was larger than that of teeth without the trait. After controlling for sex, age, and tooth size, the existence of the shovel trait increased the likelihood of having Carabelli's trait by a factor of five and a half, which is a significant effect.

A case report of novel roentgenographic finding in pulmonary zygomycosis: thickening of the posterior tracheal band.

Zygomycosis (Mucormycosis) has been reported to involve most of the organ systems in man, although pulmonary zygomycosis with mediastinum invasion in rare and only few cases were reported in the literature previously. The roentgenographic findings of pulmonary zygomycosis have been well-discussed. However, the lateral view of chest radiograph has never been described. We report a patient with diabetes mellitus who had pulmonary zygomycosis with mediastinal involvement, presenting as thickening of posterior tracheal band (PTB, 6mm in width). Amphotericin B therapy effectively reduced it to return to normal width.