The interleukin 1beta gene promoter polymorphism (-511) acts as a risk factor for psychosis in Alzheimer's dementia

The explanation for why some patients develop psychotic change in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear. "Psychosis-modifier genes" may act in the setting of neurodegeneration to produce AD plus psychosis in a similar way to how genetic modulation during neurodevelopment leads to schizophrenia. Because there is increasing interest in the common disruption of cytokine pathways seen in both AD and schizophrenia, we tested the association between the functional interleukin-1beta -511 promoter polymorphism with delusions and hallucinations in AD. Significant associations between psychotic symptoms and the CC genotype (p = 0.001 - p = 0.043) and C allele (p = 0.014 vs p = 0.048) were found, thus confirming the previously noted increased risk in schizophrenia.

Association between breastfeeding and anthropometry and cardiovascular disease risk factor status in adolescence and young adulthood: the Young Hearts Project, Northern Ireland.

Objective: To examine the association between breastfeeding and blood pressure, anthropometry, and plasma lipid profile in both adolescence and young adulthood. Design: Longitudinal study of biological and behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Setting: The Young Hearts Project, Northern Ireland Subjects: School children aged 12 years and 15 years who participated in a cross-sectional study of lifestyle and health, and who were followed up as young adults aged 20 – 25 years. Results: There was no significant difference in height, weight, BMI, skin-fold thickness measurements, blood pressure or plasma lipid profile in adolescents who had been breastfed when compared to those who had not been breastfed. However, by the time these adolescents had reached adulthood, those who had been breastfed were significantly taller when compared to those who had not been breastfed (standing height, P=0.013; leg length (P=0.035)). Specifically, the breastfed group were on average taller by 1.7cm (95% CI 0.4, 3.0) and had longer legs by 1cm (95% CI 0.1, 1.9). There was no significant difference in other anthropometric measures, blood pressure or plasma lipid profile in adults who had been breastfed when compared to those who had not been breastfed. Conclusions: Compared with those who had not been breastfed, individuals who had been breastfed were taller in adulthood. Given the known association of increased adult height with improved life expectancy the results from this study support a beneficial effect of breastfeeding.

Trauma typology as a risk factor for aggression and self-harm in a complex PTSD population: The mediating role of alterations in self-perception

This study examined the role of prolonged, repeated traumatic experiences such as childhood and sectarian trauma in the development of posttraumatic aggression and self-harm. Forty-four adult participants attending therapy for complex trauma in Northern Ireland were obtained via convenience sampling. When social desirability was controlled, childhood emotional and physical neglect were significant correlates of posttraumatic hostility and history of self-harm. These relationships were mediated by alterations in self-perception (e.g., shame, guilt). Severity of sectarian-related experiences was not related to self-destructive behaviors. Moreover, none of the trauma factors were related to overt aggressive behavior. The findings have implications for understanding risk factors for posttraumatic aggression and self-harm, as well as their treatment. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.