Spiritual needs among hospitalized patients at a public hospital in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The relationship between spirituality and health has been the object of growing discussion. There is a lack of data on spiritual needs assessments in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the spiritual needs of patients admitted to a public tertiary hospital and perform a comparative analysis between patients with and without indications for palliative care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational study included patients hospitalized between August and December 2020 in Hospital do Servidor Publico Municipal, Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The included patients answered a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data, the Duke religiosity scale, and the Spiritual Needs Assessment for Patients (SNAP) tool for a spiritual needs assessment. The World Health Organization Palliative Needs tool (NECPAL) was used to evaluate the indications for palliative care. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were included in this study. Most participants (97%) declared themselves as belonging to a religion. The group without indication for palliative care by the NECPAL showed greater spiritual (P = 0.043) and psychosocial needs (P = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was observed in the religious needs domain (P = 0.176). There were no statistically significant differences in the Duke scale scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Spiritual, psychosocial, and religious needs are prevalent among hospitalized patients, and multidisciplinary teams must consider these needs in their management approach. In addition, this study suggests that psychosocial and spiritual needs can be even higher in patients who do not receive palliative care.

Basic requirements to establish a neuromuscular laboratory

Histopathological analysis of muscle biopsy is a prerequisite in the evaluation of neuromuscular disorders, particularly inflammatory myopathies, metabolic myopathies, congenital myopathies, muscular dystrophies and differentiating myopathies and neurogenic disorders with overlapping clinically features. It not only provides useful information that helps in the diagnosis but also treatment and management. Fundamental skills and basic knowledge regarding handling, processing and analyzing a muscle biopsy are required in any specialized or a general pathology lab supporting neuromuscular clinical services. Care during transport of the muscle biopsy, sample receipt in the laboratory and grossing is very important. Standard operating procedure should be followed for the preanalytical steps (freezing and cryomicrotomy), routine and special staining (enzyme and non enzymatic) and immunohistochemistry. A well organized neuromuscular laboratory with good quality management system is necessary for the practice of myopathology. This article gives an overview of establishing such a laboratory.

Analysis of clinical phenotype and genotype of cerebral dysgenesis, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome caused by a novel variant of SNAP29 gene / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinial phenotype and genetic characteristics of a child with cerebral dysgenesis, neuropathy, ichthyosis, and palmoplantar keratoderma (CEDNIK) syndrome and to improve the clinicians′ understanding of this disease.Methods:Clinical data of the child with CEDNIK syndrome diagnosed in Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Xi′an Children′s Hospital in June 2020 were collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out to identify the potential variants of SNAP29 gene. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of family numbers. The literature about the cases of CEDNIK syndrome were reviewed.Results:The proband is a boy, who was aged 1 year and 4 months, had the manifestations of psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, feeding difficulties, severe malnutrition, recurrent respiratory tract infection, binocular esotropia, sensorineural deafness, cutaneous ichthyosis and keratosis, left cryptorchidism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging indicated congenital dysplasia. Whole exome sequencing identified a homozygous variant of c.383dupT (p.E129Rfs *5) in the SNAP29 gene of the proband, and the heterozygous variation was observed at the same locus in his parents, which conformed to the autosomal recessive inheritance. This mutataion was determined as a pathogenic mutation according to the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Literature retrieval showed currently a total of 29 cases of CEDNIK syndrome were reported, containing 8 types of SNAP29 gene mutation. However, there was no Chinese case reported. And the c.383dupT (p.E129Rfs *5) mutation found in this study was a novel one which had not been reported yet. Conclusion:The phenotype of the proband is generally consistent with the CEDNIK syndrome and the novel c.383dupT (p.E129Rfs *5) mutation of SNAP29 gene is the genetic cause.

Identification of the glycosylation sites of Opsin3 and its glycosylation modification function / 生物工程学报

Opsin3 (OPN3) is a photoreceptor membrane protein with a typical seven-alpha helical transmembrane structure that belongs to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and is widely expressed in brain. In recent years, it has been reported that OPN3 is also highly expressed in adipose tissue, and the protein is associated with the production of skin melanin. We found that the N82 site is the glycosylation site of OPN3. SNAP-tagTM has diverse functions and can be applied to a variety of different studies. By constructing a SNAP-tagged OPN3 recombinant protein, the distribution position of SNAP-OPN3 in cells can be clearly observed by fluorescence confocal microscopy using SNAP-Surface® 549 and SNAP-Cell® OregonGreen®, which provides a new method for studying the function of OPN3. It also shows that SNAP-tag does not affect the function of OPN3. Using the SNAP tag we found that OPN3 cannot be taken up to the cell membrane after glycosylation site mutation.

Artroscopia de la cadera: indicaciones y contraindicaciones / Hip Arthroscopy: Indications and Contraindications

Introducción: Las enfermedades que afectan la articulación de la cadera son numerosas, y dentro de las variantes de tratamiento quirúrgico se encuentra la artroscopia, la que ha ganado gran popularidad en la actualidad por sus ventajas. Objetivo: Actualizar la información sobre la artroscopia de cadera como modalidad de tratamiento quirúrgica mínimo-invasiva en relación con sus indicaciones y contraindicaciones. Métodos: Se realiza una búsqueda y análisis de la información sobre el tema en el período comprendido entre el primero de septiembre y el 31 de octubre de 2020. Se emplearon las siguientes palabras para la búsqueda: hip arthroscopy, snapping hip syndrome, impingement hip síndrome, y a partir de la información obtenida se revisaron 307 artículos publicados en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline, mediante el gestor de búsqueda y administrador de referencias EndNote. De ellos se seleccionaron 47 citas de los últimos cinco años para la revisión. Análisis y síntesis de la información: Se hace referencia a los trabajos publicados que abordan información sobre la artroscopia de cadera. Se analizan las indicaciones tanto en entidades intrarticulares como periarticulares, con especial énfasis en las primeras y el choque femoroacetabular. Con relación a las contraindicaciones se dividen en absolutas y relativas para su mejor comprensión. Conclusiones: La artroscopia de la cadera es un método quirúrgico útil en una gran variedad de afecciones de la articulación y sus ventajas son numerosas. Esta modalidad quirúrgica permite el diagnóstico de entidades difíciles de detectar por los métodos imagenológicos disponibles en la actualidad y por ende el tratamiento efectivo desde etapas tempranas con el propósito de conservar la articulación(AU)

Introduction: The diseases that affect the hip joint are numerous, and among the variants of surgical treatment is arthroscopy, which has gained great popularity today due to its advantages. Objective: To bring up to date the information on hip arthroscopy as a minimally invasive surgical treatment modality in relation to its indications and contraindications. Methods: A search and analysis of information on the subject was carried out from September 1 to October 31, 2020. The following search words were used: hip arthroscopy, snapping hip syndrome, impingement hip syndrome. Founded on the information obtained, 307 articles published in PubMed, Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases were reviewed, using the EndNote search manager and reference manager. Forty-seven citations of the total were selected for this review. They were published in the last five years. Analysis and synthesis of the information: Reference is made to published papers that address information on hip arthroscopy. Indications for both intra-articular and peri-articular entities are analyzed, with special emphasis on the former and femoroacetabular impingement. In relation to the contraindications, they are divided into absolute and relative for their better understanding. Conclusions: Arthroscopy of the hip is a useful surgical method in wide variety of joint conditions and its advantages are numerous. This surgical modality allows the diagnosis of entities that are difficult to detect by currently available imaging methods and therefore effective treatment from early stages in order to preserve the joint(AU)

Gene variants and serum levels of synaptic vesicle and presynaptic plasma membrane proteins in alcohol dependence and their relationship with impulsivity and temperament

ABSTRACT Background: Exocytosis-related gene variants have been suggested to be associated with externalizing behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to examine VAMP2 26 bp Ins/Del, synaptotagmin XI (Syt11) rs3820594 and 33-bp promoter, Syntaxin 1A (Syn-1A) rs1569061 and SNAP-25 rs1051312 and rs3746544 polymorphisms, their serum levels and their relationship with impulsivity, temperament in individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: The study included 107 individuals with AD and 104 HCs. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and serum levels with ELISA. Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) were applied. Results: Syn-1A rs1569061 C allele polymorphism was significantly higher in AD group. Syn-1A rs1569061 C allele was associated with 1.5 times increased risk of AD. All serum levels were significantly higher in the HC group. There was a relationship between Syn-1A rs1569061 polymorphism and BIS-11 motor impulsiveness in the AD group; Syt11 rs3820594 polymorphism and BIS-11 total, TEMPS-A depressive, hyperthymia in the HC group. Discussion: In our study, gene variants and serum levels of synaptic vesicle and presynaptic plasma membrane proteins were related to AD, impulsivity and temperament.

Comparison of Radiography, Ultrasonography and SNAP cPL in the Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

The study was aimed to compare various diagnostic modalities in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Forty dogs with history of acute onset of vomiting, abdominal pain and anorexia were screened for acute pancreatitis by radiography, abdominal ultrasound and confirmed by SNAP cPL (Canine pancreatic lipase) kit test. Fourteen (0.375 per cent of gastrointestinal cases) dogs found to be positive for acute pancreatitis by abdominal ultrasound were selected and further subjected to radiography to rule out the underlying causes of acute pancreatitis and confirmed by SNAP cPL test. Out of fourteen dogs, four dogs (29 per cent) having specific radiographic changes gas filled intestinal loops with loss of serosal details, SNAP cPL was positive in nine dogs (64 per cent). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic pancreas, hyperechoic surrounding fat saponification, enlarged or irregular pancreas and dilatation of biliary or pancreatic duct as the major changes in acute pancreatitis dogs. Ultrasound was found to be superior to radiography in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and SNAP cPL was found to be effective in confirming only in acute stages of pancreatitis

Survival prognosis of newborns from an intensive care unit through the SNAP-PE II risk score

OBJECTIVES: Although child mortality has declined significantly in recent decades, the reduction of neonatal mortality remains a major challenge as neonatal mortality represents 2/3 of the mortality rate in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension II (SNAP-PE II) score for evaluating the survival prognosis of newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: The study design involved an observational cross-sectional retrospective collection, as well as a prospective component. The sample included all newborns admitted to the NICU validated by the SNAP-PE II tool from January 1 to December 31, 2014. RESULTS: A predominance of young mothers (25.4 years), underwent prenatal care (86.2%), however a considerable percentage (49.4%) of mothers received insufficient medical consultation (less than six consults during their pregnancy). A prevalence of male admissions (62.4%) were noted in the NICU. Premature (61.7%) and underweight (weight <2,500 grams) newborns were also prevalent. The SNAP-PE II score showed an association between the infants who were discharged from the neonatal unit and the non-survivors. An increased prevalence of low birth weight and hypothermia was noted in the group of non-survivors. The mean arterial pressure appears to be a significant risk factor in the newborn group that progressed to death. Hypothermia, mean arterial pressure, and birth weight were the most significant variables associated with death. CONCLUSION: The SNAP-PE II was a beneficial indicator of neonatal mortality. The prevention of prematurity and hypothermia by improving maternity care and newborn care can decisively influence neonatal mortality.

SNAPPE II score: predictor of mortality in NICU

Background: Advances in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) have significantly decreased mortality and morbidity and increased survival rate in neonates. SNAPPE II (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Perinatal Extension II) score, which is a modified version of the SNAP score (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology) helps in predicting the neonatal mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of mortality using SNAPPE II score in neonates admitted to NICU.Methods: It was a prospective validation study done in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected from 116 new borns admitted to NICU within 48 hours of birth who required respiratory support between December 2017 to June 2018.Results: A total of 116 newborns admitted to the NICU was included in present study. Out of 116 babies, 56 (48%) had mild SNAPPE-II score, 44 (38%) had moderate score and 16 (14%) had severe score. Among the 44 babies with moderate score, 12 (27%) died, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). Among 16 babies with severe score, 13 (81%) babies died, which was highly statistically significant (P<0.0001). Urine output, seizures, serum pH in the first 24 hours of life are independent predictors of mortality with significant p value (0.001).Conclusions: The SNAPPE-II score recorded in the first 48 hours of life could be a good predictor of mortality in babies admitted to NICU.

Effect of IL-1β on expression of SNAP-25 in the hippocampus in septic neonatal rats / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the expression of synaptic protein SNAP-25 in the hippocampus in septic neonatal rat induced by systemic lipopolysaceharide (LPS) injection.Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group and sepsis group.The rat model of sepsis was produced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg LPS,and rats in the control group were injected with an equal volume of 0.01 mol/L phosphate buffered saline (PBS).The expression levels of IL-1β and IL-1R1 in the hippocampus at 1,2 and 3 d,and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) at 7,14 and 24 d after LPS intraperitoneal injection were detected by Western blot.After cultured for 24 h,primary hippocampal neurons were divided into four groups including the control group,IL-1β (40 ng/mL) treatment group,IL-1β (40 ng/mL) + IL-1Ra (40 ng/mL) treatment group,and IL-1Ra (40 ng/mL) treatment group.The effect of IL-1β on SNAP-25 expression in primary hippocampal neuron was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR.The purity of hippocampal neurons were identified by NeuN immunofluorescence staining and the activity of neurons were detected by CCK-8 assay.All data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0.The data were analyzed by student-t test and Dunnett-t test.The interaction effects were analyzed by factorial ANOVA.Differences were considered to be statistically significant if P＜ 0.05.Results Compared with the control group,the expressions of IL-1β and IL-1R1 were significantly increased in the hippocampus at 1,2 and 3 d after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (P＜0.05).The expression of SNAP-25 protein was decreased at 7,14,and 28 d after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (P＜0.05).The purity of primary neurons was about up to 92％.The activity of primary neurons was not relatively changed after treated with IL-1β at a dose less than 40 ng/mL.The level of SNAP-25 protein was obviously decreased in primary neurons at 24 h after IL-1β treatment (P＜0.05).IL-1Ra treatment might reverse the effect of IL-1β on primary neurons (P＜0.05).While,the expression of SNAP-25 mRNA was not statistically different in each group (P＞0.05).Conclusions IL-1β may possibly inhibit the expression level of SNAP-25 protein in the hippocampus in the septic rats through its receptor IL-1R1,which would contribute to cognitive dysfunction of septic neonatal rats in later life.

Association study of SNAP25 gene polymorphisms with schizophrenia in Chinese Han population / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To investigate the relationship between synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 000 (SNAP25) gene and schizophrenia (SZ) in Chinese Han population. Methods: TaqMan probe genotyping technique was used to detect 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SNAP25 gene in 434 SZ patients (case group) and 432 healthy controls (control group). Rs3746544, rs8636, rs362998, rs6039769 and rs6077690 were genotyped to compare the alleles, genotypes, genotypes under different genetic models and haplotype frequency distributions between the case group and the control group. Results: The difference of frequency distribution of rs362998 and rs6039769 alleles was statistically significant between the case group and the control group (P=0.029, P=0.033, respectively). After Bonferroni correction, the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of rs362998 and rs3746544 genotypes between the case group and the control group (P=0.005, P=0.043, respectively). There was still a statistically significant difference in rs362998 after correction (P=0.025), but there was no statistical difference in rs3746544 (P>0.05). The rs362998 locus was statistically significant between the co-dominant and dominant-genetic models (P=0.003), and the difference was still statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (P=0.015). Under the codominant and recessive inheritance patterns, the difference of rs3746544 genotype distribution was statistically significant between the groups (P=0.042, P=0.012, respectively), and the difference was not statistically significant after correction (P>0.05). The differences of frequency distribution of all haplotypes consisting of rs3746544-rs8636 between the case group and the control group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: In Chinese Han population, SNAP25 may be a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, and rs362998 may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Comparación de escalas de predicción mortalidad neonatal (crib, crib ii, snap ii, snappe ii) entre recién nacidos prematuros y a término / Comparison of neonatal mortality prediction scales (crib, crib ii, snap ii, snappe ii) between preterm and full term infants

Objetivo: Este artículo compara 4 escalas de predicción de mortalidad y gravedad de la enfermedad (CRIB, CRIB II, SNAPPE, SNAPPE II) en recién nacidos prematuros y a términos, ingresados a las unidades de cuidaos intensivos neonatales (UCIN) para determinar cuál de ellas, tiene mayor discriminación pronostica. Métodos: es un estudio transversal, observacional, multicéntrico para comparar varias escalas de predicción de mortalidad y de la enfermedad. Se recolectaron datos de 227 recién nacidos ingresados a las UCIN de 4 hospitales desde julio a diciembre del 2018. Evaluamos las escalas CRIB, CRIB II, SNAPII y SNAP-PE score en recién nacidos prematuros y a término. El área bajo la curva (ROC) fue usada para evaluar y comparar los resultados de predicción de mortalidad y morbilidad. Resultados: Un total of 227 recién nacidos fueron evaluados (media CRIB: 7,81±3,52 media CRIB-II: 11,96±3,91; media SNAP-II: 34,99±16,83, SNAPPE II: 14,61±13,30). Se evidenció una mayor discriminación para las escalas CRIB II y CRIB en relación con SNAP-II y SNAPP II (AUC 0.94 y 0.93 vs 0.86 y 0,77). Además de cada puntuación, varias variables influyeron significativamente en la supervivencia en los modelos de regresión logística. Conclusiones: Todas las escalas de predicción de mortalidad y de gravedad de la enfermedad sirven para utilizarse en las UCIN estudiadas, siendo la escala CRIB II la de mejor rendimiento para aplicarse en nuestro medio.

Objective: This article compares 4 scales of prediction of mortality and disease severity (CRIB, CRIB II, SNAPPE, SNAPPE II) in preterm and term new borns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) to determine which of them has greater forecast discrimination. Methods: it is a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study that compares several mortality and disease prediction scales. Data were collected from 227 newborns admitted to the NICU of 4 hospitals from July to December 2018. We evaluated the CRIB, CRIB II, SNAPII and SNAP-PE score scales in preterm and full term infants. The area under the curve (ROC) was used to evaluate and compare the prediction results of mortality and morbidity. Results: A total of 227 newborns were evaluated (mean CRIB: 7.81 ± 3.52 mean CRIB-II: 11.96 ± 3.91, average SNAP-II: 34.99 ± 16.83, SNAPPE II: 14.61 ± 13.30). There was evidence of greater discrimination for the CRIB II and CRIB scales in relation to SNAP-II and SNAPP II (AUC 0.94 and 0.93 vs 0.86 and 0.77). In addition to each score, several variables significantly influenced survival in the logistic regression models. Conclusions: All the prediction scales of mortality and severity of the disease serve to be used in the studied NICUs, being the CRIB II scale the best performance to apply in our environment.

Association of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) gene polymorphism with temperament and character traits in women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract Background: Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) may be contribute to the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) by affecting the release of neurotransmitters. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the SNAP-25 gen (DdeI = rs1051312 and MnlI = rs3746544) polymorphism and the temperament and character traits. Methods: A total of 85 female patients diagnosed with FMS and 70 age-matched healthy female subjects were enrolled into the study. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were performed on all the patients. SNAP-25 gene polymorphism was determined in the patients group and controls group. Results: No significant difference between groups was found regarding the distribution of SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism (p > 0.05), but it was seen that the frequency of TC genotype for DdeI gene was higher in the patients group (p < 0.05). Increased hazard avoidance was found in the patients group (p < 0.05). When TCI scores were assessed in terms of SNAP-25 gene polymorphism, no statistically significant relationship was detected between the TT, TG, GG genotypes for MnlI gen and TCI scores (p > 0.05). However, increased hazard avoidance was detected in patients with TC genotype for DdeI gene compared to patients without such genotype. Discussion: SNAP-25 might be an etiological factor in FMS pathogenesis and might affect personality traits of FMS patients by mediating neurotransmitter release.

The Relationship between the SNAP-25 Polymorphism and Omission Errors in Korean Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between the synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP-25) genotype and performance on the continuous performance test (CPT) in Korean children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Eighty-seven children with ADHD (mean age, 9.23±1.99 years) participated in this study. Omission errors, commission errors, reaction time, and reaction time variability on the CPT were analyzed. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3746544 (1065 T>G) of SNAP-25 was genotyped to examine the association with CPT performance. RESULTS: We found significantly more omission errors on the CPT among children with the TT genotype of SNAP-25 (t=2.56, p=0.012) after correcting for multiple testing. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the possible involvement of the SNAP-25 1065 T>G polymorphism in the inattention phenotype in children with ADHD. Further studies with more refined neuropsychological measures and much larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.

Observations on the Efficacy of Mind-regulating and Kidney-reinforcing Acupuncture in Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of mind-regulating and kidney-reinforcing acupuncture in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods Fifty-six patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, 28 cases each. The treatment group received mind-regulating and kidney-reinforcing acupuncture and the control group, conventional acupuncture, for a total of 28 days. The American Connell children’s ADHD behavior diagnostic scale and the Chinese version of ADHD SNAP-IV scale-parent form were used as evaluating indicators. The total efficacy rates were compared between the two groups of patients.Results The total efficacy rate was 96.4% in the treatment group and 71.4% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the American Connell children’s ADHD behavior diagnostic scale score and the Chinese version of ADHD SNAP-IV scale-parent form score in the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the American Connell children’s ADHD behavior diagnostic scale score and the Chinese version of ADHD SNAP-IV scale-parent form score between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Mind-regulating and kidney-reinforcing acupuncture is an effective way to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Curative Effect of Experienced Recipe Prescribed by Professor LIU Zhen-Huanfor Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children Analyzed by SNAP-Ⅳ Rating Scale / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical curative effect of applying the modified Xiaojing Decoction, an experienced recipe prescribed by Professor LIU Zhen-Huan, for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)children with liver-kidney yin deficiency by using the Swanson,Nolan,and Pelham,VersionⅣ(SNAP-Ⅳ) rating scale. Methods By the methods of randomized controlled trial, 60 cases of ADHD children were randomly divided into Chinese medicine group and control group,30 cases in each group. Chinese medicine group was treated with Xiaojing Decoction orally, and the control group was given Methylphenidate Tablets orally. After treatment for 4 weeks, the scores of subscales of SNAP-Ⅳ rating scale and clinical remission rate of the two groups were compared. Results(1)After treatment for 4 weeks,the scores of attention-deficit subscale and hyperactivity-impulsivity subscale of the two groups were much improved (P<0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the improvement in Chinese medicine group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(2)Clinical remission rate of Chinese medicine group arrived to 60.0%,and that of the control group was 33.3%,the difference being significant(P < 0.05). Conclusion The modified Xiaojing Decoction,an experienced recipe prescribed by Professor LIU Zhen-Huan,exerts certain therapeutic effect for the treatment of ADHD children with liver-kidney yin deficiency.

Association of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with Food Security and Nutrition Status among Persons Living with HIV.

Aims: Nutritional status can be compromised by food insecurity which is common among HIV infected persons. Providing food assistance is expected to improve food insecurity and nutritional status among persons infected with HIV. This study aimed at examining the relationship of participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest food assistance program in the United States, with food security and nutritional status among HIV infected adults. Study Design: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Miami, FL, USA, between April 2011 and August 2012. Methodology: We included 159 HIV infected individuals in this study, 113 participants were SNAP recipients while 46 were not. All study participants were, however, eligible to participate in SNAP. Each participant completed demographic and food security surveys as well as dietary and nutrition status assessment. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: More than half (56%) of the sample experienced food insecurity and had inadequate intakes of several nutrients. There were no significant differences in food security level and nutritional status between SNAP participants and eligible non-participants, even after controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Individuals with very low food security had 4.7 times increased odds (95% CI: 1.29-17.38) of illicit drugs use, which was prevalent (38%) among HIV+ SNAP participants in Miami. Drug users were more than twice likely to have inadequate intakes of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and zinc, compared to non-drug users.  Conclusion: Our results do not support an association between SNAP participation and food security or nutritional status in this cohort of HIV infected individuals with prevalent substance abuse. However, it demonstrates that food insecurity and inadequate nutrient intake continues to be prevalent among HIV infected adults and it is related to drug abuse. Resources need to be identified and targeted at addressing both food insecurity and poor nutritional outcomes among populations of HIV infected adults.

Expression of synaptosomal-associated protein in non-small cell lung cancer / 医学研究生学报

[Abstract ] Objective Numerous studies had shown that synaptic-associated proteins (SNAPs) were closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors .The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of synaptosomal-associated protein 47 (SNAP47) and its correlation with the clinicopathological features in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods The expres-sions of SNAP family (SNAP23, SNAP25, SNAP29 and SNAP47) were extracted and analyzed through the gene expression microarray and the cancer genome atlas ( TCGA) data-base.SNAP47 mRNA expression in 52 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and their correspond-ing normal tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR ( qRT-PCR) . Results Among 52 cases of lung adenocarcinoma , SNAP47 mRNA expression levels of 41 cases(78.9%) were significantly higher than the adjacent lung tissue (P<0.05).The mRNA level of SNAP47 was associated with lymph node invasion and advanced clinical patho-logical stage .The mRNA levels of SNAP47 of patients in II/III stage were significantly higher than those of I stage patients ( 6.558 ± 4.730 vs 2.718 ±2.370, P<0.05).The mRNA levels of N1+N2 were higher than those of N0 (6.609 ±4.942 vs 3.360 ±2.987,P<0.05). Conclusion The high specificity of SNAP47 expression in lung cancer tissues might be associated with the invasion and lymph node metastasis of NSCLC , which is the potential therapeutic target of lung cancer .

CoagVDb: a comprehensive database for coagulation factors and their associated SAPs

The current state of the art in medical genetics is to identify and classify the functional (deleterious) or non-functional (neutral) single amino acid substitutions (SAPs), also known as non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs). The primary goal is to elucidate the mechanisms through which functional SAPs exert their effects, and ultimately interrogating this information for association with complex phenotypes. This work focuses on coagulation factors involved in the coagulation cascade pathway which plays a vital role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the human system. We developed an integrated coagulation variation database, CoagVDb, which makes use of the biological information from various public databases such as NCBI, OMIM, UniProt, PDB and SAPs (rsIDs/variant). CoagVDb enriched with computational prediction scores classify SAPs as either deleterious or tolerated. Also, various other properties are incorporated such as amino acid composition, secondary structure elements, solvent accessibility, ordered/disordered regions, conservation, and the presence of disulfide bonds. This specialized database provides integration of various prediction scores from different computational methods along with gene, protein, and disease information. We hope our database will act as a useful reference resource for hematologists to reveal protein structure-function relationship and disease genotype-phenotype correlation.

Association of SNAP-25 Gene Ddel and Mnll Polymorphisms with Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: The synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) gene is a presynaptic plasma membrane protein and an integral component of the vesicle docking and fusion machinery mediating secretion of neurotransmitters. Previously, several studies reported association between SNAP-25 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated whether these SNAP-25 polymorphisms (MnlI T/G and DdelI T/C) were also associated with ADHD in the Turkish population. METHODS: Our study comprised unrelated 139 subjects who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD and 73 controls and all were of Turkish origin. Genetic analyses were performed and patients were evaluated with Wender-Utah Rating Scale and Adult ADD/ADHD DSM IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale. RESULTS: SNAP-25 DdelI polymorphism was not associated with ADHD but there was a statistically significant difference between ADHD patients and controls for SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism. For SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism patients with G/G genotype of the SNAP-25 gene MnlI polymorphism had higher Wender-Utah scores and higher scores in the 1st and 3rd parts of adult ADD/ADHD Scale. CONCLUSION: We detected a significant association of the MnlI polymorphism in our ADHD sample which was similar to previous findings. Our study also revealed that SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism was also associated with symptom severity of ADHD. This study is also, the first report on the association of SNAP-25 with ADHD in the Turkish population.