Anticardiolipin antibodies in the sera of patients with diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome.

Examination of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) in the sera of patients clinically diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using an enzyme-linked immunoassay procedure demonstrated the presence of immunoglobulin M isotypes in 95% of CFS serum samples tested. The presence of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A isotypes were also detected in a subset of the samples. Future studies will focus on elucidating whether alterations to mitochondrial inner membranes and/or metabolic functions play a possible role in the expression of ACAs.

Acute phase phospholipids related to the cardiolipin of mitochondria in the sera of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic Ciguatera fish poisoning (CCFP), and other diseases attributed to chemicals, Gulf War, and marine toxins.

This study examined 328 CFS sera in a study with 17 CCFP, 8 Gulf War Veterans (GWV), 24 Prostate Cancer (PC), and 52 normal sera in the modified Membrane Immunobead Assay (MIA) procedure for CTX. Three hundred and twenty-eight CFS patients' sera were examined by the modified MIA with purified MAb-CTX and 91.2% gave a titre > or =1:40. 76% of the 17 CCFP sera samples and 100% of the 8 GWV sera samples also had a titre > or =1:40. 92.3% of 52 normal sera showed titres of 1:20 or less, while 4 gave titres of > or =1:40. In addition, 41 sera were examined for Anti-Cardiolipin (aCL) by a commercial ELISA procedure with 87.8% demonstrating IgM, IgM+IgA, or IgM+IgG aCL antibodies. These results showed mostly the IgM aCL antibody alone in the sera samples. In addition, 41 serum samples were examined for aCL, with 37 showing positive for aCL, representing 90.2% positive for the three disease categories examined: CFS, CCFP and GWV. Examination for antiMitochondrial-M2 autoantibody (aM-M2) in 28 patients (CFS (18), CCFP (5), and GWV (5)) was negative for aM-M2. Inhibition analysis with antigens, CTX, CFS "Acute Phase Lipids", commercial Cardiolipin (CL) and 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-Glycero-3-[Phospho-L-Serine] (PS) and antibodies, MAb-CTX and aCL from patients' serum show that the phospholipids in CL and CTX are antigenically indistinguishable with antibodies MAb-CTX and CFS-aCL. Preliminary chemical analyses have shown the lipids to be phospholipids associated with CL of the mitochondria. We designate this "Acute Phase Lipid" comparable to "Acute Phase Proteins" (C-reactive protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA)) in inflammatory conditions.

Reasons for homelessness among Micronesians at a transitional shelter in Hawai'i.

BACKGROUND: Over 6,000 people are homeless in the State of Hawai'i and a growing number are of Micronesian descent. This study looks at reasons for homelessness in the Micronesian population. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 145 patients who were seen in a free student-run medical clinic at a transitional shelter in Hawai'i. Demographics and reasons for homelessness were compiled for the patients of Micronesian ancestry. RESULTS: Of the 56% of patients that were found to be of Micronesian ancestry, overcrowded housing was the most common reason leading to homelessness. CONCLUSION: Overcrowded housing, probably caused by poverty, along with social and cultural differences, likely play a significant role in the reasons for homelessness in Micronesian migrants. More research needs to be done to discern the reasons for, attitudes towards, and solutions for homelessness in this population.

Health problems of Micronesian patients at a student-run free homeless clinic.

BACKGROUND: As of November 2006, 41.3% of the residents at a newly established transitional homeless shelter in Hawai'i were of Micronesian descent. A student-run medical clinic operates at this shelter every week. This study examines the medical problems found in the Micronesian patients at this clinic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 213 patients was conducted. Data was compiled from registration forms, intake forms, and progress notes. RESULTS: The most common medical conditions that patients reported having were musculoskeletal problems, hypertension, and diabetes. For actual patient encounters, health maintenance visits and acute conditions, such as upper respiratory infections, were the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Homeless Micronesian patients seen at this shelter presented with problems more similar to the general homeless population than for chronic conditions commonly cared for by providers of care to Micronesians in the community. More information about the health and other needs of homeless Micronesians in Hawai'i is warranted.