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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 201-206 PubMed PMID: 22592202 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity:diagnosis, Case-Control Studies, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Parents:psychology, Prospective Studies, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales:statistics & numerical data,.   

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health disorders in childhood; symptoms persist into adulthood in a majority of patients. It is among the most heritable of psychiatric disorders with a high risk for familial aggregation and has been linked in adulthood with impairment across a variety of domains, including parenting. Parental gender, ADHD status and symptom expression could be related to the severity of ADHD symptoms in the child.r />r /> METHODS: We used prospective, observational study of clinical group of 30 children with diagnosed ADHD and control group of 37 healthy subjects. Only children with both biological parents available were included. Data on ADHD symptomatology for all subjects was gathered by a set of clinical tools (CBCL1991, TRF1991, WURS, self-report scale modified from DSM IV). Under the assumption that ADHD is a dimensional disorder, raw scores from questionnaires were used as they display the complete range of values.r />r /> RESULTS: Clinical group showed higher values in all areas of children symptomatology, the same was observed for parental ADHD symptomatology. Significant correlation was found between children and paternal current ADHD symptomatology in the clinical group. This was not confirmed for mothers.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Our study stresses an importance of screening for ADHD symptoms in parents of clinically referred children with ADHD as the correlation between severity of paternal and child's ADHD symptoms was confirmed. Our results stress the importance of including the father into the clinical assessment....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 196-200 PubMed PMID: 22592201 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Anorexia Nervosa:physiopathology, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory:methods, Case-Control Studies, Female, Heart Rate:physiology, Humans, Posture:physiology, Sleep:physiology, Supine Position:physiology, Wakefulness:physiology,.   

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of heart rate variability (HRV) examined in supine and standing position with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).r />r /> METHODS: HRV in supine and standing position and ABPM were examined in 30 AN patients and 30 control subjects. The correlations between HRV and ABPM were evaluated.r />r /> RESULTS: The average age was 25±5 in AN patients and 25±4 years in controls (NS). LF (low frequency) power in AN patients and controls was comparable in supine position. LF power significantly increased during standing in controls, but no increment was detected in AN patients. The HF (high frequency) power was significantly increased in AN patients in supine position, but after standing was comparable with controls. The ratio LF/HF was lower both in supine and standing position in AN patients but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Blood pressure values in AN patients were comparable with controls in supine position but were significantly lower in standing position. Ambulatory blood pressure values were significantly lower in AN patients during active but not sleeping period. In standing position HF and LF powers positively and LF/HF negatively correlated with ABPM blood pressure values during active period in controls while in AN patients only LF power correlated with diastolic and mean blood pressures.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The lower ABPM values in AN patients during active period in comparison with control subjects may be explained by HRV changes, mainly by its impaired relations with blood pressure in standing position....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 191-195 PubMed PMID: 22592200 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Ghrelin:administration & dosage, Half-Life, Injections, Intravenous, Iodine Radioisotopes, Male, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Tissue Distribution,.   

OBJECTIVES: Ghrelin presents a multiplicity of biological functions, what is consistent with widespread expression of this peptide and its receptors. Ghrelin may act locally, but it may also influence distant cells. The aim of the study was to assess plasma activity of exogenous ghrelin and its distribution in rats.r />r /> DESIGN: Plasma radioactivity of (125)I-ghrelin (cpm) was analyzed in blood specimens collected after (125)I-ghrelin administration. Tissue uptake of (125)I-ghrelin (cpm/mg) was evaluated in 27 tissues obtained during an autopsy performed 1, 2 and four hours after (125)I-ghrelin administration. The radioactivity of the tissue specimen (cpm) was divided by the weight of the specimen (mg).r />r /> RESULTS: Plasma (125)I-ghrelin radioactivity decreased rapidly after peptide administration. The half-life time of (125)I-ghrelin was 15-18 minutes. The analysis of (125)I-ghrelin distribution revealed three profiles of its tissue uptake. The first profile was characterized by decreasing radioactivity (e.g. brain, kidney, liver). Increasing tissue radioactivity followed by a gradual decrease (second profile) was observed for example in stomach, intestine and thyroid. The third profile was described as a relatively stable radioactivity (e.g. lung, myocardium). Despite of Lugol's solution administration, thyroid uptake of (125)I-ghrelin was notably higher than in other tissues (second and third profile).r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous ghrelin uptake in tissues that produce this peptide suggests, that ghrelin influences the biology and function of these cells also in endocrine way. Similarly, the accumulation of peptide observed in the third profile (e.g. thyroid) may reflect a potential role of ghrelin in these organs....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 183-190 PubMed PMID: 22592199 Citation  Keywords:  DNA Copy Number Variations:genetics, Genetic Predisposition to Disease:genetics, Genome, Human:genetics, Genome-Wide Association Study:statistics & numerical data, Humans, Schizophrenia:genetics,.   

OBJECTIVES: The term "copy number variation/variant" (CNV) denotes a DNA sequence with a magnitude of 1 kb at least which is differently represented among individuals based on its deletion or duplication. Since 2008, multiple studies have reported copy number variations in schizophrenia, and they seem to fill in a gap in our knowledge on the genetic background of schizophrenia. The aim of this review is to sum up the current findings related to CNVs in schizophrenia in order to facilitate further research.r />r /> METHODS: We searched the PubMed computer database using the key words "schizophrenia AND CNVs" on 26th October 2011. Out of 91 obtained results, we selected the references based on their relevance.r />r /> RESULTS: The CNVs at genome loci 1q21.1, 2p16.3, 3q29, 15q11.2, 15q13.3, 16p13.1 and 22q11.2 were associated with schizophrenia most frequently. The data provide evidence for low prevalent, but highly penetrant CNVs associated with schizophrenia. CNV deletions show higher penetrance than duplications. Larger CNVs often have higher penetrance than smaller CNVs. Although the vast majority of CNVs are inherited, CNVs that have newly occurred as de novo mutations have more readily been implicated in schizophrenia. De novo CNVs may be responsible for the presence of schizophrenia in only one of the two monozygotic twins, who otherwise have identical genomes.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Identifying CNVs in schizophrenia can lead to changes in the treatment and genetic counselling. Our knowledge on the genetic background of neurodevelopmental disorders may also reduce stigma in schizophrenia....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 177-182 PubMed PMID: 22592198 Citation  Keywords:  Action Potentials:drug effects, Animals, Bone Marrow Cells:drug effects, Cell Differentiation:drug effects, Cells, Cultured, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Nerve Growth Factor:pharmacology, Neurofilament Proteins:metabolism, Neurons:metabolism, Stromal C.   

OBJECTIVE: Nerve growth factor (NGF) triggers long-term neuronal excitability. We examined its effect on murine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)-derived neurons.r />r /> METHODS: With an optimal differentiation protocol, BMSCs were differentiated into neurons in culture. To confirm the probability of differentiation of BMSC into neuron, the expression of neuronal marker protein, neurofilament, was examined by immunocytochemistry. To examine the electrophysiological properties of BMSC-derived neurons, the field potentials were recorded either from nontreated (control) BMSC-derived neurons or from BMSC-derived neurons after the treatment with NGF by using extracellular recording techniques.r />r /> RESULTS: Most BMSC-derived neurons showed spontaneous discharges whose amplitudes were up to 2 mV. When NGF at a concentration of 100 ng/ml was applied to BMSC-derived neurons, the amplitudes of discrete field potentials were gradually enlarged within 1 min after NGF application and peaked 3 min later (20-fold the size of control). However, the enlargement of the amplitudes of field potentials almost disappeared 5 min after NGF application.r />r /> CONCLUSION: This finding indicates that neuronal cells derived from murine BMSCs generate discrete field potential activities spontaneously and that NGF has the effect of enlarging transient, but not sustained, electrical activity of BMSC-derived neurons....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 167-176 PubMed PMID: 22592197 Citation  Keywords:  Brain Injuries:complications, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation:statistics & numerical data, Consciousness Disorders:complications, Critical Care:statistics & numerical data, Delirium:complications, Female, Glasgow Coma Scale:statistics & numerical data, Huma.   

OBJECTIVES: To understand consciousness we have to understand the mechanism of its function, which is to effectively organize sensory inputs from our environment. Consciousness is the basic, essential outcome of the process of organizing these sensory inputs, resulting in cognitive, mental, emotional, executive, instinctual or other marginally aware states. This reciprocal process of the CNS implies that organization is an act, which precedes consciousness, i.e. preconscious function. Most scientific explanations portray consciousness as an "emergent property" of classical computer-like activities in the brains neural networks. Doctors at ICU work daily with patients with altered human consciousness. Therefore, they must recognize and manage it skilfully and use adequate approaches for definite solutions.r />r /> MATERIAL AND METHODS: We observed a series of patients with traumatic and non traumatic brain injuries admitted to the ICU. The quality of life of these patients during the course of intensive care was very elementary and the final outcome GCS (oGCS) for future life was defined as a comatose state or apallic state, very rarely was it restored to premorbid condition as far as lucidity, attention, cognition, and executive functions.r />r /> RESULTS: We found that a significant oGCS increase in relation to condition at admission or intake GCS (iGCS) in the group with 184 patients total (p<0.00001), in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), traumatic brain injury (TBI) subgroups (p<0.00001) and in spontaneous haemorrhage (SH) (p<0.05) represents the only basic prerequisite for further improvement. It is not easy to find good therapeutic approaches after traumatic and non traumatic brain injury. A statistically significant oGCS increase in relation to iGCS due to quite intense medical care and keeping disclosed the state of unconsciousness with further probable evolution through the following possible ways: death in fluent comatose state, delirium and awakening, delirium ending in death, direct awakening from comatose state. Therefore significantly increased oGCS is the only basic prerequisite for pragmatically optimal "quality of life" in the course of later life.r />r /> CONCLUSION: We raise general questions for both scientists and clinicians that will assist in their efforts to understand the basic endogenous conscious biological processes, their pathological changes and the links between them....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 156-166 PubMed PMID: 22592196 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Age Factors, Antidepressive Agents:pharmacology, Autonomic Nervous System:physiopathology, Case-Control Studies, Dissociative Disorders:physiopathology, Electrocardiography:drug effects, Female, Heart Rate:drug effects, Humans, Male, Panic Disorder.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to measure very low frequency band (VLF), low frequency band (LF) and high frequency band (HF) components of R-R interval during orthostatic test in patients with panic disorder and a comparison with healthy controls.r />r /> METHODS: We measured HRV in 31 patients with panic disorder and 20 healthy controls. Diagnosis was done according to the ICD-10 research diagnostic criteria confirmed with MINI (MINI international neuropsychiatric interview). Autonomic nervous system (ANS) has been evaluated during orthostatic change in three positions. Intensity of symptoms was assessed using psychiatric scales.r />r /> RESULTS: There were highly statistically significant differences between panic patients and control group in all components of power spectral analysis in 2nd and 3rd VLF components and in HF components of 2nd. We have found highly statistically significant negative correlations between level of dissociation measured by DES and some parameters of ANS. We found negative correlations between the age of the patient and activity of ANS, and negative correlations between activity of ANS and duration and onset of disorder and dosage of antidepressants.r />r /> CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a lower parasympathetic activity and higher sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio in panic disorder patients measured during the changes of postural position in comparison with healthy controls. Autonomic dysregulation is associated with panic disorder and has the relation with the level of dissociation, the age of patiens and age of onset of disorder....

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Journal Article 2012; 33(2): 149-155 PubMed PMID: 22592195 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Birth Weight, Cesarean Section:statistics & numerical data, Female, Fetal Macrosomia:epidemiology, Humans, Incidence, Infant, Newborn, Male, Poland:epidemiology, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications:epidemiology, Retrospective Studies, Ri.   

OBJECTIVES: Fetal macrosomia is defined as a fetus that is of large size for gestational age, i.e. equal to or greater than the 90th percentile of weight. There is some evidence of increased perinatal mortality and morbidity rates in cases of macrosomia.r />r /> DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of patients with term pregnancy. We analyzed the deliveries of 508 infants born with birth weight ≥ 4 200 grams and considered them as a study group. The deliveries of newborns with birth weight less than 4 000 g constituted the control group (330 cases). Maternal and neonatal medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical data.r />r /> SETTING: The study was conducted in Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Warsaw Medical University from January 2004 to December 2007.r />r /> RESULTS: Maternal age, parity, BMI and pregnancy weight gain were positively related to fetal macrosomia. Prolonged first stage of labor, cesarean section rate and increased blood loss were observed more frequent in macrososmia. There were no differences between both groups according to Apgar score and neonatal birth trauma. Macrosomia was observed more frequent in male fetuses. Our data showed that careful qualification to way of delivery let us achieve the same good outcome in macrosomia.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: Older obese multiparas are at increased risk of having macrosomic baby. The increased incidence of cesarean section in these women is due to cephalo-pelvic disproportion or obstructed labor. Macrosomia is more often in male fetuses....

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