Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Intervention for Parents of Children with Disabilities (Navigator ACT): An Open Feasibility Trial.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities report high levels of distress, but systematically evaluated interventions are few. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel, manualized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention (Navigator ACT) in a sample of 94 parents of children with disabilities. Feasibility was measured by treatment completion, credibility, and satisfaction, and preliminary outcomes by using self-rating scales administered at the baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The results imply the intervention is feasible in the context of Swedish outpatient habilitation services. A preliminary analysis of the outcome measures suggests that parents experienced significant improvements in well-being. The results indicate that the treatment is feasible and should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Determination of thallium in urine, blood, and hair in illicit opioid users in Iran.

CONTEXT: Heavy metals, including thallium and lead, are introduced to illicit drug users' body as a result of using drugs such as cocaine and heroin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine urine, blood, and hair thallium (Tl) concentrations in illicit opioid users along with the relevant clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis and to compare them with the corresponding variables in the control non-opioid user group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 50 illicit opioid users who had abused opioids continuously for more than a year, referred to Amirie Drug Abuse Treatment Clinic in Kashan, Iran. The control group included 50 non-opioid users. Thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair were assessed in both groups (n = 100) using electrothermal (graphite furnace) atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS, GF AAS). RESULTS: In the studied group, the median (interquartile range) concentrations of thallium in urine, blood, and hair were 54.8 ± 79.9 µg/L, 14.5 ± 11.1 µg/L, and 5.4 ± 3.7 µg/g, respectively; these values were 4.8 ± 5.2 µg/L, 2.5 ± 2.4 µg/L, and 1.4 ± 1.1 µg/g, respectively, in the control group. There were significant differences in urine, blood, and hair thallium concentrations between the study group and the control group (p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between duration of illicit opioid use and urine thallium concentrations (r = 0.394, p = 0.005) and hair thallium concentrations (r = 0.293, p = 0.039), but not with blood thallium concentrations (r = 0.246, p = 0.085). Urine and blood thallium concentrations of illicit opioid users with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis of weakness (p = 0.01), depression (p = 0.03), and headache (p = 0.03) were higher than users without these problems. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair in illicit opioid users were significantly higher than the comparable concentrations in the control group. This can be due to the use of illicit opioids adulterated with thallium. Also, this study showed long-term illicit opioid use may lead to thallium exposure. In addition, cigarette smoking was associated with increased thallium exposure.

MicroRNAs and exosomes: key players in HIV pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: HIV infection is well known to cause impairment of the human immune system, and until recently was a leading cause of death. It has been shown that T lymphocytes are the main targets of HIV. The virus inactivates T lymphocytes by interfering with a wide range of cellular and molecular targets, leading to suppression of the immune system. The objective of this review is to investigate to what extent microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in HIV pathogenesis. METHODS: The scientific literature (Pubmed and Google scholar) for the period 1988-2019 was searched. RESULTS: Mounting evidence has revealed that miRNAs are involved in viral replication and immune response, whether by direct targeting of viral transcripts or through indirect modulation of virus-related host pathways. In addition, exosomes have been found to act as nanoscale carriers involved in HIV pathogenesis. These nanovehicles target their cargos (i.e. DNA, RNA, viral proteins and miRNAs) leading to alteration of the behaviour of recipient cells. CONCLUSIONS: miRNAs and exosomes are important players in HIV pathogenesis. Additionally, there are potential diagnostic applications of miRNAs as biomarkers in HIV infection.

Oral health and oral health risk behaviour in children with and without externalising behaviour problems.

AIM: This was to study children with early detected externalising behaviour problems compared to matched controls regarding oral health, oral health risk behaviour and the parental evaluation of the child's oral health and dental care. METHODS: Children aged 10-13 years and with externalising behaviour problems, were compared to matched controls. Behavioural characteristics were based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The children and their parents completed questionnaires regarding dental fear, tooth brushing, dietary habits and evaluation of oral health and dental care. Data on dental caries risk assessments, caries, behaviour management problems and dental trauma were obtained from dental files. RESULTS: There were no differences in caries prevalence in children with early detected externalising behaviour problems, compared to controls. However, the former group consumed more sweet drinks when thirsty and brushed their teeth fewer than twice daily; they also had more dental trauma in both dentitions and a higher risk range for dental fear, compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study points out potential oral health risk factors in children with early-detected externalising behaviour problems. Although no difference in caries prevalence was observed, externalising behaviour may affect oral health. Therefore, dental professionals should support the families and the children to preserve dental health by offering increased prophylactic measures. There were no differences between children with externalising behaviour problems, compared with controls, regarding the parent evaluation of their child's dental health. However, more parents in the study group evaluated the dental care as poor or not functioning.

Association of PDCD1 gene markers with susceptibility to thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: PD-1 receptor is a co-signaling molecule with an important role in regulation of T-lymphocyte activity. Correlation between PD-1 gene (PDCD1) polymorphisms and some immune-related diseases has been reported before. In current study, we aimed to investigate the association of PD-1 polymorphisms at positions +7146 G/A (PD-1.3) and +7785 C/T (PD-1.5), as well as the emerged haplotypes with susceptibility to thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred five patients with confirmed thyroid cancer and 160 healthy individuals as control group were enrolled. Genotypes were identified using PCR-RFLP and nested PCR-RFLP methods. Results were analyzed by Arlequin and SPSS software packages. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a significant increase in the frequency of PD-1.5 mutant T allele and heterozygous CT genotype in patients with thyroid cancer in comparison with controls [79 (37.7%) vs. 71 (22.2%), and 51 (48.6%) vs. 51 (31.9%), p = 0.0001 and p = 0.009, receptively]. CC genotype at this position observed to be significantly higher among controls than the patients [99 (61.9%) vs. 40 (38.1%), p = 0.0002]. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles at locus PD-1.3 between patients and control group. Despite this, GT haplotype emerged from both positions (PD-1.3 G and PD-1.5 T) has also been observed with significant increased frequency between patients and controls [70 (36.8%) vs. 71 (22.2%), p = 0.0005]. CONCLUSION: As the first study to investigate two mentioned polymorphisms in thyroid cancer, current study confirmed the association of PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism and a haplotype resulted from both loci, PD-1.3 and PD-1.5, with susceptibility of Iranians to thyroid cancer.

Behavioural characteristics in externalising children with low and elevated risk for dental caries.

AIM: To compare two groups of children with externalising behaviour problems, having low and elevated caries risk, respectively. Those parameters were assessed in relation to behavioural characteristics and family structure, and to compare the caries risk assessment and gender differences in relation to children in general in the Region of Västra Götaland, Sweden. METHODS: Families (228) with children, aged 10-13 years, participating in parent training programmes, were recruited. Parents provided information through questionnaires regarding parental knowledge and monitoring, family warmth and conflict and family structure. Children's behavioural characteristics, based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder rating scale, were used as outcome. Data about caries risk assessment were obtained from dental records. RESULTS: Children in the elevated caries risk group showed higher mean values for conduct problems as well as impulsivity. Parents of the children in the elevated caries risk group reported more parental solicitation and less family conflicts. Children with an elevated caries risk lived more often in households with more than two children and had more often a father from a non-Nordic country. CONCLUSION: There were statistically significant more children with an elevated caries risk in the study group compared to children in general in the Region of Västra Götaland, both totally and within gender. Differences were observed with regard to behavioural characteristics in externalising children with an elevated risk for caries. Increased knowledge regarding behavioural characteristics in externalising children is an important parameter to be considered in caries risk assessment.

HLA class I variation in Iranian Lur and Kurd populations: high haplotype and allotype diversity with an abundance of KIR ligands.

HLA-A, -B and -C alleles of 285 individuals, representing three Iranian Lur populations and one Iranian Kurd population were sequenced completely, yielding human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genotypes at high resolution and filling four fields of the official HLA nomenclature. Each population has 87-99 alleles, evenly distributed between the three HLA class I genes, 145 alleles being identified in total. These alleles were already known, named and deposited in the HLA database. The alleles form 316 different HLA A-B-C haplotypes, with each population having between 80 and 112 haplotypes. The four Iranian populations form a related group that is distinguished from other populations, including other Iranians. All four KIR ligands - the A3/11, Bw4, C1 and C2 epitopes - are well represented, particularly Bw4, which is carried by three high-frequency allotypes: HLA-A*24:02, HLA-A*32:01 and HLA-B*51:01. In the Lur and Kurd populations, between 82% and 94% of individuals have the Bw4 epitope, the ligand for KIR3DL1. HLA-B*51:01 is likely of Neandertal origin and associated with Behcet's disease, also known as the Silk Road disease. The Lordegan Lur have the highest frequency of HLA-B*51:01 in the world. This allele is present on 46 Lur and Kurd haplotypes. Present at lower frequency is HLA-B*51:08, which is also associated with Behcet's disease. In the four Iranian populations, 31 haplotypes encode both Bw4(+) HLA-A and Bw4(+) HLA-B, a dual combination of Bw4 epitopes that is relatively rare in other populations, worldwide. This study both demonstrates and emphasizes the value of studying HLA class I polymorphism at highest resolution in anthropologically well-defined populations.

Fractal features and surface micromorphology of diamond nanocrystals.

This paper analyses the three-dimensional (3-D) surface texture of growing diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p-type Si substrate using hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were applied also to characterize the 3-D surface texture data in connection with the statistical, and fractal analyses. This type of 3-D morphology allows a deeper understanding of structure/property relationships and surface defects in prepared samples. Our results indicate a promising way for preparing high-quality diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p-type Si substrate via HFCVD method.

Helper and cytotoxic T-cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Tc1, and Tc2) in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of T helper type 1 (Th1; CD4(+) IFN-γ (+) ) and Th2 (CD4(+) IL-4(+) ) cells, as well as cytotoxic T cell type 1 (Tc1; CD8(+) IFN-γ(+) ) and Tc2 cells (CD8(+) IL-4(+) ) in peripheral blood of the patients with salivary gland tumors (SGTs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty new patients with SGTs and 15 healthy controls were recruited. After intracellular cytokine staining, data acquisition and analysis were performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mean percentages of Th1 and Tc1 cells, as well as the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, were observed to be significantly lower in patients with malignant SGTs in comparison with controls. Furthermore, the geometric mean fluorescent intensity (geometric MFI, representing the cytokine expression intensity) for IL-4 production by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors than controls. Positive correlations were observed between the mean percentage of Tc2 cells with Th2 cells, and with the tumor size in patients with benign and malignant tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios, as well as the increase in the expression of IL-4 by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes, may contribute to the pathogenesis of SGTs, especially in malignant cases.

Higher circulating levels of chemokine CXCL10 in patients with breast cancer: Evaluation of the influences of tumor stage and chemokine gene polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: The CXCL10 receptor, CXCR3, is preferentially expressed on Th1 and NK cells. Therefore, CXCL10 acts as a chemoattractant for these cells. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the CXCL10 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs4508917, in chemokine gene, in patients with breast cancer (BC). METHODS: A total of 200 subjects including 100 women with BC and 100 healthy women were enrolled into study. The serum CXCL10 levels were measured by ELISA and the SNP rs4508917 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The CXCL10 levels were significantly higher in patients than control group (P< 0.0001). There was also significant difference between tumor stages regarding the CXCL10 levels (P< 0.0001). The frequencies of GG genotype and G allele at rs4508917 were significantly higher in patients than controls (P< 0.0001). The CXCL10 levels were higher in patients with GG genotype whereas they were lower in healthy subjects having GG genotype as compared with those having AA genotype at rs4508917 (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher CXCL10 levels in patients with BC represent that the chemokine may contributes in tumor development. The rs4508917 may play a role in the susceptibility to BC. Different association was also observed between rs4508917 and CXCL10 levels in patients with BC and healthy subjects.

Changes in eating behaviour and food choices in families where the mother undergoes gastric bypass surgery for obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of research exploring the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on the patient's family's eating behaviour and food choices. The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in partners' and children's eating behaviour and food choices following maternal RYGB. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Sixty-nine women and their families were recruited from RYGB waiting lists at five Swedish surgical clinics. Data were collected during home visits 3 months before and 9 months after RYGB. Anthropometrical measures were taken, the adults completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the children completed the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT). All participants also completed a short food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Changes in scores were analysed using paired t-tests for unadjusted estimates or linear regression models with robust variance (General Estimating Equations) in order to enable age- and sex-adjusted estimates for the children. There were no meaningful differences in the partners' eating behaviour or food choices. The boys, but not the girls, improved their ChEAT scores, as did the overweight/obese children in comparison with the normal-weight children. The boys, unlike the girls, also decreased their intake of soft drinks, as did the normal-weight children when compared with the overweight/obese children. CONCLUSIONS: No clear-cut changes were found in partners' eating behaviour and food choices. Eating attitudes and soft drinks intake were improved among boys but not among girls. Differing modelling behaviour may partially explain these findings, but available data did not allow us to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Increased B Regulatory Phenotype in Non-Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients.

Tumour-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are centre in orchestrating the immune responses against cancer. The cellularity and lymphocyte subpopulations change in the process of cancer progression and lymph node involvement. B lymphocyte subsets and their function in breast cancer-draining lymph nodes have not been well elucidated. Here, we studied the influence of tumour metastasis on the frequencies of different B cell subsets including naïve and memory B cells as well as those which are known to be enriched in the regulatory pool in TDLNs of 30 patients with breast cancer. Lymphocytes were obtained from a fresh piece of each lymph node and stained for CD19 and other B cell-associated markers and subjected to flow cytometry. Our investigation revealed that metastatic TDLN showed a significant decrease in active, memory and class-switched B cells while the frequencies of B cells with regulatory phenotypes were not changed. However, CD27(hi) CD25(+) and CD1d(hi) CD5(+) B regulatory subsets significantly increased in non-metastatic lymph nodes (nMLNs) of node-positive patients compared with node-negative patients. Our data provided evidence that in breast cancer, metastasis of tumour to axillary lymph nodes altered B cell populations in favour of resting, inactive and unswitched phenotypes. We assume that the lymphatic involvement may cause an increase in a subset of regulatory B cells in non-metastatic lymph nodes.

Higher circulating levels of chemokine CCL22 in patients with breast cancer: evaluation of the influences of tumor stage and chemokine gene polymorphism.

The receptor for CCL22 is named CCR4 that preferentially is expressed on the regulatory T cells (Treg), and accordingly, CCL22 acts as a chemoattractant for the intratumoral Treg migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum CCL22 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in chemokine gene, [2030 G/C (rs223818)], in patients with breast cancer. Blood samples were collected from 100 women with breast cancer before receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy and 100 age-matched healthy women as a control group. The serum CCL22 levels were measured by ELISA. The DNA extracted and the SNP rs223818 determined by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The mean serum CCL22 levels in patients with breast cancer (2398.5 ± 123 Pg/mL) was significantly higher in comparison to healthy control group (974.2 ± 39.9 Pg/mL; P < 0.001). According to the tumor stages, the mean serum levels of CCL22 were 999.8 ± 85.0 Pg/mL in stage I, 1718.8 ± 82.3 Pg/mL in stage II, 2846.8 ± 118.0 Pg/mL in stage III, and 3954.5 ± 245.2 Pg/mL in stage IV. There was significant difference between tumor stages regarding the serum CCL22 levels (P < 0.001). In patients with breast cancer, the frequencies of CC genotype (63%) and C allele (79%) at rs223818 were significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (31 and 52%, respectively; P < 0.001). In both patients and control groups, the mean serum levels of CCL22 in subjects with CC genotype or C allele at rs223818 were also significantly higher as compared to subjects with GG genotype or G allele (P < 0.001). Higher serum CCL22 levels were observed in patients with breast cancer that is increased with advanced stages. These findings represent that the CCL22 may contribute in tumor development. The CC genotype and C allele at rs223818 were more frequent in breast cancer patients. The serum CCL22 levels were affected by genetic variations at SNP rs223818. Accordingly, SNP rs223818 may play a role in the susceptibility to breast cancer.

Serum levels of interleukin-7 and interleukin-8 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with serum levels of interleukin-7 (IL-7) and IL-8, the two cytokines whose associations with HNSCC need more clarifications. Materials and Methods: Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used for the quantification of the cytokines. Sera were collected from 48 untreated patients (36 men and 12 women; mean age: 52.7 ± 9.8 years) and 34 healthy donors (26 men and 8 women; mean age: 53.1 ± 9.0 years). Results: Serum IL-8 level was neither significantly different between HNSCC patients and control individuals nor associated with smoking status, gender, age, tumor location, tumor grade, and stage of the patients (P > 0.05). Regarding IL-7, all control individuals had serum levels below the sensitivity of the kit (3 pg/ml), but nine patients had detectable levels, and that the mean serum IL-7 was significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Serum IL-8 level is not significantly associated with HNSCC. With the sensitivity of the kit we employed, it seems that serum IL-7 levels are specifically elevated in HNSCC patients compared to healthy individuals. Data from other independent studies are required to clarify the possible employment of IL-7 as an HNSCC biomarker.

Infrequent attention to dietary and physical activity behaviours in conversations in Swedish child health services.

AIM: To investigate conversations between nurses and parents in Swedish child health services and to assess to what extent attention is directed towards dietary and physical activity behaviours in children. METHODS: Twenty-three nurses audio-recorded one session each. Recordings were assessed and topics were classified according to predetermined categories. RESULTS: The three most frequent topics of conversation concerned physical examinations of the child (30% of session time), talking to the child to establish or maintain contact and interest (15%), and development of language skills (12%). Dietary habits came on fourth place (10%), and physical activity ranked 14 (4%). CONCLUSION: Attention to dietary and physical activity behaviours in children is infrequent in Swedish child health services. Concern is raised about the efficacy of prevention efforts against childhood obesity.

Self-reported symptoms of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among obese patients seeking bariatric surgery and its relation to alcohol consumption, disordered eating and gender.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: Symptoms of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common among people with obesity. Symptoms of ADHD are associated with other impulsive behaviours. Impulsivity can manifest differently in women and men. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: The prevalence of ADHD symptoms was equal in both sexes in this patient group. ADHD symptoms were associated with hazardous alcohol consumption in men but not in women. It may be important to investigate several comorbid conditions simultaneously instead of a single diagnosis. Eating disorders and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both characterized by deficits in impulse control, are common among bariatric surgery patients. Previous studies in other groups have found gender differences in how symptoms of ADHD and eating disorders manifest as women show more disordered eating and men show more risk consumption of alcohol. In the present study, the association between symptoms of adult ADHD, eating disorders and hazardous alcohol consumption was investigated, while considering gender differences. Self-report questionnaires were obtained from 276 bariatric surgery patients 3-6 months before surgery. The prevalence rates of adult ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED) were 8.6% and 6.3%, respectively, with no evidence of gender difference in the prevalence rates. Hazardous alcohol consumption was reported by a significantly larger portion of men (16.9%) than women (8.6%). There was an association between adult ADHD and both BED and hazardous alcohol consumption. However, symptoms of adult ADHD were associated with hazardous alcohol consumption in men but not in women. Our results suggest gender differences in hazardous alcohol consumption and self-reported symptoms of disordered eating despite similar prevalence rate of BED, but no gender difference in symptoms of adult ADHD. Finally, as the associations between these variables seem to be different in women and men, future studies need to investigate potential gender-specific functional and temporal relations between these variables.

Differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into ear auricle cartilage in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stem cells have been reported as a novel candidate for the repair of cartilage injuries in vivo. METHODS: In order to assess their differentiation ability, adipose-derived stem cells isolated from rabbit fat tissue were injected into the midportion of a surgically created rabbit ear auricle cartilage defect. After several months, the auricles were resected, histopathologically assessed and compared with a control group. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of auricles removed three, four and five months after injection showed islands of new cartilage formation at the site of the surgically induced defect. Six months after injection, we observed well-formed, mature cartilaginous plates that completely filled the defect in the native cartilage. In the control group, there was no significant growth of new cartilage. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the great potential of adipose-derived stem cells to repair damaged cartilage tissue in vivo.

Development and validation of a new questionnaire measuring eating disordered behaviours post bariatric surgery.

Contextualization of post-surgery circumstances in terms of key behaviours and emotions related to eating is crucial for reliable screening. Disordered eating post surgery is characterized by frequent snacking and a sense of loss of control over food intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short self-report questionnaire entitled Disordered Eating after Bariatric Surgery (DEBS). Results indicate that the DEBS possesses satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of reliability, validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The DEBS may facilitate both systematic clinical evaluation and future research within the area of bariatric surgery.

Serum levels of interleukins 4 and 10 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: There is currently controversy over the association between serum interleukin-4 and -10 levels and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in patients of different ethnicity. This study aimed to investigate serum levels of these cytokines in Iranian patients with this pathology, and to analyse correlations with tumour location and tumour stage at diagnosis. DESIGN: Serum cytokines levels were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. SUBJECTS: Study groups comprised 93 untreated patients and 53 healthy donors. RESULTS: Serum interleukin-4 levels were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (p < 0.000), but were not significantly associated with tumour stage. Serum interleukin-10 levels were not raised in patients, nor associated with tumour stage. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of interleukin-4, but not -10, were increased in Iranian head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. These data do not support an association of these cytokines with tumour progression; this is consistent with previous findings.