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Matched Healthy Controls (matched + healthy_control)
Selected AbstractsObjective measurement of motor activity during cognitive performance in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010S. Lis Lis S, Baer N, Stein-en-Nosse C, Gallhofer B, Sammer G, Kirsch P. Objective measurement of motor activity during cognitive performance in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Objective:, This study investigates whether hyperactivity, i.e. an increased level of motor activity, can be observed in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method:, An infrared motion-tracking system was used to measure motor activity in 20 unmedicated adults with ADHD and 20 matched healthy controls (HC) during a 1-back working memory task. Results:, Motor activity was higher in ADHD. It increased with the duration of testing and co-varied with cognitive performance in ADHD only. Subjective and objective measurements of motor activity were related in HC, but not in ADHD. Conclusion:, Higher levels of motor activity in ADHD are objectively measurable not only in children, but in adults as well. It is linked to cognitive performance arguing against distinguishable diagnostic subtypes. The objective measurement of motor activity seems to extend the description of ADHD symptoms derived from rating scales and might thus help to bridge the gap between psychopathological symptom description and neurobiological alterations. [source] Potential role of soluble angiopoietin-2 and Tie-2 in patients with inflammatory bowel diseaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2 2006I. E. Koutroubakis Abstract Background, Angiogenesis has been suggested to play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum markers of angiogenesis angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and soluble angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Materials and methods, Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 serum levels were measured in 160 IBD patients (79 UC and 81 CD) and in 80 matched healthy controls using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels were correlated with the disease activity, as well as the type, localization and treatment of the disease. Results, Median serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels were significantly higher in both the UC patients and the CD patients compared with the healthy controls (P < 0·05 and P < 0·001, respectively). The IBD patients with early disease (diagnosis < 2 years) had significantly higher (P = 0·04) median serum Ang-2 levels but significantly lower (P = 0·02) median serum Tie-2 levels as compared with IBD patients with late disease (diagnosis > 2 years). The CD patients with active disease had significantly higher levels of Ang-2 compared with non-active disease (P = 0·02). Serum levels of both Ang-2 and Tie-2 were not correlated with laboratory markers such as ESR, CRP, white blood cell count, platelet count and albumin. Conclusions, Serum Ang-2 and Tie-2 levels are elevated in patients with IBD. These markers may mediate angiogenesis and vascular permeability in the mucosa of patients with IBD. [source] Elevated exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in patients with systemic sclerosisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 3 2003uczyñska Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis is accompanied by an influx of activated phagocytes into distal airways. These cells release H2O2, which may evaporate from the airways surface and be detected in expired breath condensate. We tested whether patients with systemic sclerosis exhale more H2O2 than healthy subjects and whether breath condensate H2O2 levels correlate with some clinical parameters. Material and methods H2O2 was measured fluorimetrically in the expired breath condensate of 27 patients (22 women, five men, mean age 49 ± 13·1 years) with systemic sclerosis and 27 age- and sex- matched healthy controls. Results Exhaled H2O2 levels were 3·5-fold higher (0·88 ± 0·62 µM vs. 0·25 ± 0·17 µM, P < 0·001) in the patients with systemic sclerosis than in the controls. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and/or prednisone (29 ± 50 months, range 3,168 months) did not significantly decrease H2O2 exhalation (0·78 ± 0·50 µM, n= 10 vs. 0·94 ± 0·67 µM, n= 17, P > 0·05). No significant difference was found between patients with limited and diffuse scleroderma (1·03 ± 0·69 µM, n= 17 vs. 0·63 ± 0·41 µM, n= 10, P > 0·05). H2O2 levels correlated with disease duration (r = 0·38, P < 0·05) and time from the first Raynaud's episode (r = 0·44, P < 0·05). Conclusions Patients with systemic sclerosis exhale more H2O2 than healthy controls, suggesting involvement of reactive oxygen species in disease processes. Lack of significant intergroups differences in H2O2 levels may have resulted from the small number of patients analyzed. [source] Psychological assessment of malingering in psychogenic neurological disorders and non-psychogenic neurological disorders: relationship to psychopathology levelsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 10 2009M. Van Beilen Background and purpose:, It remains unknown whether psychological distress causes malingering in patients with psychogenic symptoms. Methods:, We studied 26 patients with psychogenic neurological disorders on psychopathology and malingering in comparison with 26 patients with various neurological conditions and 18 matched healthy controls (HC). Results:, Psychogenic patients showed the highest levels of psychological complaints and malingering, but non-psychogenic neurological patients also showed significantly more psychological distress and malingering compared with HC. Psychological distress was related to the degree of malingering, in both patient groups. Conclusion:, This data does not formally support a causal relationship between psychological distress and psychogenic neurological disorders, but suggests that a part of the psychological complaints is a general result of having an illness. The clinical implication of this study is that psychological distress is not sufficient for diagnosing functional complaints. Also, if a patient scores normal on a test for malingering, this does not mean that he or she is not suffering from psychogenic symptoms. [source] Dietary zinc, copper and selenium, and risk of lung cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2007Somdat Mahabir Abstract Zinc, copper and selenium are important cofactors for several enzymes that play a role in maintaining DNA integrity. However, limited epidemiologic research on these dietary trace metals and lung cancer risk is available. In an ongoing study of 1,676 incident lung cancer cases and 1,676 matched healthy controls, we studied the associations between dietary zinc, copper and selenium and lung cancer risk. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of lung cancer for all subjects by increasing quartiles of dietary zinc intake were 1.0, 0.80 (0.65,0.99), 0.64 (0.51,0.81), 0.57 (0.42,0.75), respectively (p trend = 0.0004); similar results were found for men. For dietary copper, the ORs and 95% CI for all subjects were 1.0, 0.59 (0.49,0.73), 0.51 (0.41,0.64), 0.34 (0.26,0.45), respectively (p trend < 0.0001); similar reductions in risk and trend were observed by gender. Dietary selenium intake was not associated with risk, except for a significant inverse trend (p = 0.04) in men. Protective trends (p < 0.05) against lung cancer with increased dietary zinc intake were also found for all ages, BMI > 25, current smokers, pack-years ,30, light drinkers and participants without emphysema. Increased dietary copper intake was associated with protective trends (p < 0.05) across all ages, BMI, smoking and vitamin/mineral supplement categories, pack-years ,30 and 30.1,51.75 and participants without emphysema. Our results suggest that dietary zinc and copper intakes are associated with reduced risk of lung cancer. Given the known limitations of case,control studies, these findings must be interpreted with caution and warrant further investigation. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-4 and IL-13 promoter region in aggressive periodontitisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2007J. R. Gonzales Abstract Introduction: IL-4 and IL-13 polymorphisms have been shown to influence the susceptibility to systemic diseases. In this study, possible associations between the IL-4 ,590 C,T, IL-4 ,34 C,T, IL-13 ,1112 C,T and IL-13 ,1512 A,C promoter polymorphisms were investigated in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP) compared with healthy individuals. Material and Methods: Fifty-eight patients with diagnosis of generalized AgP and 51 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Blood samples were collected and DNA isolated. Molecular analyses were performed by PCR-RFLP in a blind fashion. Genotype and allele frequencies among study groups were compared using Fisher's exact test (, value: 0.05). Pearson's ,2 test was used for analysis of Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium. Results: The frequency of the IL-4 ,590 T/T and IL-4 ,34 T/T genotypes differed significantly between groups (p=0.05, 0.02, respectively), although the allele frequencies were similar. There was a higher frequency of the IL-4 ,590 T/T and IL-4 ,34 T/T genotypes in patients with AgP compared with controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-13 polymorphisms did not differ between groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated an association between the IL-4 ,590 T/T and IL-4 ,34 T/T genotypes and AgP. Further research is necessary to prove if there is an association of these polymorphisms with AgP, and if the polymorphisms have a functional effect. [source] A polymorphism within IL21R confers risk for systemic lupus erythematosusARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2009Ryan Webb Objective Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a member of the type I cytokine superfamily that has a variety of effects on the immune system, including B cell activation, plasma cell differentiation, and immunoglobulin production. The expression of IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is reduced in the B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while serum IL-21 levels are increased both in lupus patients and in some murine lupus models. We recently reported that polymorphisms within the IL21 gene are associated with increased susceptibility to SLE. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within IL21R and SLE. Methods We genotyped 17 SNPs in the IL21R gene in 2 large cohorts of lupus patients (a European-derived cohort and a Hispanic cohort) and in ethnically matched healthy controls. Results We identified and confirmed the association between rs3093301 within the IL21R gene and SLE in the 2 cohorts (meta-analysis odds ratio 1.16 [95% confidence interval 1.08,1.25], P = 1.0 × 10,4). Conclusion Our findings indicate that IL21R is a novel susceptibility gene for SLE. [source] Association of RANTES promoter polymorphism with juvenile rheumatoid arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2009Tsung-Chieh Yao Objective We recently reported that RANTES was a key molecule in the pathogenesis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in a longitudinal cohort. This study was undertaken to investigate genetic associations between the RANTES ,28 C/G and ,403 G/A polymorphisms and JRA in a well-documented cohort of patients who were followed up prospectively. Methods Patients with JRA (n = 107) and healthy children (n = 139) were genotyped through use of a polymerase chain reaction,based assay. Association of the RANTES promoter polymorphisms with results of laboratory tests, clinical variables, outcome after clinical remission, and response to intraarticular triamcinolone injection was evaluated in patients who were followed up for >1 year. Results JRA patients had a significantly higher frequency of the RANTES ,28 G/G genotype, as compared with ethnically matched healthy controls. The RANTES ,28 C/G polymorphism was associated with the duration of clinical remission, with patients carrying the RANTES ,28G allele experiencing only 49% of the duration of remission experienced by patients who were RANTES ,28 C/C homozygous. The RANTES ,28 C/G polymorphism was associated with the duration of clinical response to intraarticular triamcinolone injection, with patients carrying the RANTES ,28G allele showing shorter duration of clinical response. No significant association between the RANTES ,403 G/A polymorphism and JRA was found in this Chinese population. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the RANTES ,28 C/G polymorphism represents a genetic risk factor for JRA. It is noteworthy that this RANTES promoter polymorphism was also associated with an early relapse of disease after clinical remission and a shorter duration of clinical response to intraarticular administration of corticosteroids. [source] Genetic, immunologic, and immunohistochemical analysis of the programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 pathway in human systemic lupus erythematosusARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2009George K. Bertsias Objective A putative regulatory intronic polymorphism (PD1.3) in the programmed death 1 (PD-1) gene, a negative regulator of T cells involved in peripheral tolerance, is associated with increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We undertook this study to determine the expression and function of PD-1 in SLE patients. Methods We genotyped 289 SLE patients and 256 matched healthy controls for PD1.3 by polymerase chain reaction,restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Expression of PD-1 and its ligand, PDL-1, was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes and in renal biopsy samples by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. A crosslinker of PD-1 was used to assess its effects on anti-CD3/anti-CD28,induced T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Results SLE patients had an increased frequency of the PD1.3 polymorphism (30.1%, versus 18.4% in controls; P = 0.006), with the risk A allele conferring decreased transcriptional activity in transfected Jurkat cells. Patients homozygous for PD1.3,but not patients heterozygous for PD1.3,had reduced basal and induced PD-1 expression on activated CD4+ T cells. In autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions (AMLRs), SLE patients had defective PD-1 induction on activated CD4+ cells; abnormalities were more pronounced among homozygotes. PD-1 was detected within the glomeruli and renal tubules of lupus nephritis patients, while PDL-1 was expressed by the renal tubules of both patients and controls. PD-1 crosslinking suppressed proliferation and cytokine production in both normal and lupus T cells; addition of serum from patients with active SLE significantly ameliorated this effect on proliferation. Conclusion SLE patients display aberrant expression and function of PD-1 attributed to both direct and indirect effects. The expression of PD-1/PDL-1 in renal tissue and during AMLRs suggests an important role in regulating peripheral T cell tolerance. [source] Altered coronary vasomotor function in young patients with systemic lupus erythematosusARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2007Kumiko Hirata Objective Accelerated atherosclerosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Altered coronary microvascular function may act as a marker of changes that predispose to the development of significant coronary vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to compare coronary flow reserve (CFR) in a group of premenopausal women with SLE and a group of age-, sex-, and race-matched healthy control subjects. Methods Coronary flow velocity in 18 premenopausal women with SLE (mean ± SD age 29.4 ± 5.9 years) and 19 matched healthy controls (mean ± SD age 28.2 ± 4.3 years) was assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography after an overnight fast. The CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline coronary blood flow velocity in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Hyperemia was induced by intravenous administration of adenosine triphosphate. Results The mean ± SD duration of SLE was 8.2 ± 7.2 years (range 0.25,25 years), and the mean ± SD score on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index was 11.0 ± 5.3 (range 4.0,21.0). Adequate recordings of flow velocity in the left anterior descending artery under both conditions were obtained using an ultrasound procedure in all study subjects. CFR was significantly lower in SLE patients as compared with control subjects (mean ± SD 3.4 ± 0.8 versus 4.5 ± 0.5; P < 0.0001). Conclusion These findings provide evidence that coronary vasomotor function is impaired in patients with SLE and support the notion that many of these young patients have subclinical coronary artery disease. [source] Screening for atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison of two in vivo tests of vascular functionARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 1 2003S. Van Doornum Objective Inflammation appears to play a central role in atherosclerosis, and endothelial damage mediated by systemic inflammation may contribute to the increased cardiovascular mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and pulse wave analysis (PWA) are measures of vascular function. The aim of this study was to determine if FMD and PWA are abnormal in patients with RA. Methods Twenty-five RA patients and 25 matched healthy controls were studied. All were free of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. FMD was measured in all subjects. PWA was performed in 18 RA patients and 18 controls, with results expressed as large and small artery compliance (C1 and C2). Modified Sharp scores were calculated in 13 RA patients. Results Results (mean ± SD) in RA patients and controls, respectively, were as follows: FMD 107.6 ± 4.6% versus 108.5 ± 4.1% (P = 0.49), C1 14.8 ± 2.8 ml/mm Hg × 10 versus 17.9 ± 3.1 ml/mm Hg × 10 (P = 0.0033), C2 4.5 ± 2.3 ml/mm Hg × 100 versus 7.7 ± 3.7 ml/mm Hg × 100 (P = 0.0039). There was an inverse correlation between C2 and modified Sharp scores in the RA patients (Spearman's rho ,0.69, P = 0.0085). Conclusion FMD was normal in these RA patients, whereas arterial compliance was markedly reduced. PWA appears to be a more sensitive measure of vascular dysfunction than FMD in RA and may be the preferred surrogate marker of vascular dysfunction in longitudinal studies of RA patients. The inverse correlation between C2 and the modified Sharp score, a measure that reflects disease activity over time, supports the notion that chronic inflammation plays a role in RA-associated atherosclerosis. [source] Association Among Serum Fetuin-A Level, Coronary Artery Calcification, and Bone Mineral Densitometry in Maintenance Hemodialysis PatientsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 10 2009Alper Kirkpantur Abstract Patients with end-stage renal disease have a very high prevalance and extent of arterial calcification. A number of studies suggest that similar pathophysiologic mechanisms are responsible for development and progression of calcification of atherosclerotic plaque and bone formation. Fetuin-A is a potent calcification inhibitor and is expressed in bone, with not-yet well-defined functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between bone mineral densitometry parameters, coronary artery calcification, and serum fetuin-A levels. In a cross-sectional design, we included 72 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and 30 age- and gender- matched healthy controls. Serum fetuin-A levels were studied both in maintenance HD patients and healthy controls. Maintenance HD patients had radius, hip, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) measured by electron-beam computed tomography. The associations between site-specific BMD parameters, CACS, and serum fetuin-A levels were studied in maintenance HD patients. CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries were significantly higher in patients with a T-score below ,2.5 than above in the proximal region of the radius, neck and trochanter of the femur, and the lumbar spine. Mean serum fetuin-A concentration was 0.636 ± 0.118 g/L in maintenance HD patients and it was less than healthy controls (0.829 ± 0.100 g/L, P < 0.0001). CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries correlated significantly with the serum fetuin-A levels. Moreover, significant positive correlations were shown between the serum fetuin-A levels, BMD values, and T-scores of proximal radius, neck, and trochanter of the femur, but not with the lumbar spine. The present study demonstrates an association between serum fetuin-A levels, coronary artery calcification, and bone mineral densities,except for the lumbar spine, in maintenance HD patients. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the cross-sectional design of the study. [source] A magnetic resonance imaging study of mood stabilizer- and neuroleptic-naïve first-episode maniaBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 7 2007Lakshmi N Yatham Objectives:, Patients with bipolar disorder have changes in brain structures but it is unclear if these are present at disease onset and thus predispose subjects to develop the disorder, or whether they develop during the course of the disorder, either due to the effects of multiple episodes or as a consequence of treatment with psychotropic agents. Studies in first-episode (FE) manic patients have the potential to provide answers to these questions. Methods:, Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to assess magnetic resonance imaging scans of 15 FE manic patients and 15 matched healthy controls. Results:, Using a priori defined statistical criteria, no significant differences in brain structures were noted between the two groups. However, there was approximately a 6% reduction in left anterior cingulate, left precuneus and right posterior cingulate volume in FE patients and these reductions were significant (p , 0.002) at uncorrected levels. Conclusions:, First-episode manic patients have reductions in left anterior, right posterior cingulate as well as left precuneus volumes, but these reductions are smaller and likely worsen with further mood episodes in bipolar patients. [source] Relationship of carotenoid and vitamins A and E with the acute inflammatory response in acute pancreatitisBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 3 2000F. J. M. Curran Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress are believed to be important in the development of the systemic complications of acute pancreatitis. The fat-soluble vitamins A and E, and the carotenoids have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute pancreatitis on serum concentrations of vitamin antioxidants and to relate such changes to the degree of the inflammatory response. Methods: Thirteen consecutive patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis were compared with 26 matched healthy controls. Five patients developed severe acute pancreatitis and three of these died. Vitamin antioxidant and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured daily for up to 7 days. Results: Patients had significantly lower levels of antioxidants throughout the course of the study (P < 0·017). In patients there was a significant correlation between peak CRP and trough antioxidant levels (P < 0·01). In patients with mild acute pancreatitis, the concentrations of retinol and ,-carotene at final review were significantly higher than those in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (P < 0·05). This coincided with a reduction in CRP level. Conclusion: In acute pancreatitis, circulating concentrations of vitamin antioxidants are reduced and are inversely related to the rise in CRP level. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Circulating leptin levels and bone mineral density in children with biliary atresiaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2008Sittisak Honsawek Abstract Aim: To investigate circulating leptin levels in biliary atresia (BA) patients and the association of leptin with bone mineral density (BMD) and the severity of BA. Methods: We have examined 50 patients with BA and 15 matched healthy controls. Serum leptin, osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BMD of the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Serum leptin levels of BA patients were lower than those of healthy controls (2.7 ± 0.3 vs. 7.1 ± 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0001). Among the BA patients, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with jaundice than patients without jaundice (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 3.4 ± 0.4 ng/mL, p = 0.001). BMD of BA patients was correlated (p < 0.001) with leptin levels, age and BMI (r = 0.55, r = 0.75 and r = 0.58, respectively). The serum CTX levels were significantly higher in jaundice patients compared with jaundice-free patients and the healthy controls (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 ng/mL, p = 0.01), whereas the serum osteocalcin levels in BA patients were not different from those in the controls. Conclusion: Circulating leptin levels are correlated with BMD and the presence of jaundice in BA, suggesting that the leptin may play a physiological role in maintaining bone mass of BA patients with jaundice. [source] | ||||||||||