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PubMed2000

Reidentification of facultatively alkaliphilic Bacillus firmus OF4 as Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4.

With a view toward verifying the original classification of alkaliphilic Bacillus firmus OF4, physiological and biochemical characteristics were more extensively catalogued than in original studies, and this catalog was supplemented with 16S rDNA sequence homology and more extensive DNA-DNA hybridization analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of this alkaliphile based on the comparison of multiple 16S rDNA sequences from Bacillus species indicated that this strain is most closely related to Bacillus pseudofirmus. Consistently, in the DNA-DNA hybridization analysis of the alkaliphile and Bacillus reference strains, the highest level of DNA-DNA relatedness (96%) was found between the alkaliphile and the B. pseudofirmus type strain (DSM 8715(T)). The findings support the conclusion that this alkaliphile strain is more closely related to B. pseudofirmus than to B. firmus, and we propose the future use of the designation B. pseudofirmus OF4.

Bacillus↗

PubMed2003

Molecular plasticity of human melanoma cells.

The molecular analysis of tumors, such as melanoma, has benefited significantly from microarray technology that can facilitate the classification of tumors based on the differential expression of genes. The data summarized in this review describe the molecular profile of aggressive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells as that of multiple phenotypes similar to a pluripotent, embryonic-like stem cell. A noteworthy example of the plasticity of the aggressive melanoma cell phenotype is demonstrated by the ability of these tumor cells to engage in vasculogenic mimicry and neovascularization. A review of the current evidence demonstrating important cellular and molecular determinants of melanoma vasculogenic mimicry is presented. In addition, novel signaling pathways are discussed, involving VE-cadherin, EphA2, FAK, and PI 3-kinase, which promote cell migration, invasion, and matrix remodeling. The observations summarized in this review describe some of the key molecular events that regulate the process of melanoma vasculogenic mimicry and identify new signal transduction pathways that can serve as putative targets for therapeutic intervention.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed1990

DSM-IV: work in progress.

The authors present an overview of the work in progress on DSM-IV. After a brief historical review, they discuss the principles and multiple purposes of the DSM-IV effort and outline the three stages of its empirical documentation: systematic literature reviews, analysis of unpublished data, and field trials. Next, they discuss several of the basic conceptual issues that are implicit in revising a nomenclature. These include the definition of mental disorder, the balance between multiple diagnosis and differential diagnosis, the use of categorical and dimensional models of classification, and issues involved in the construction of criteria. Finally, they summarize the most important specific questions being reviewed by each of the DSM-IV work groups.

Humans↗

PubMed2001

Fifteen year follow-up study of VC and FEV1 in dust-exposed workers.

A baseline survey of 3457 male workers exposed to various forms of dust from 11 medical facilities throughout Japan was carried out in 1978 or 1979. We completed the present follow-up study 15 years later on 693 of the men. Vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were analyzed as indices of lung function. We examined factors that affected both baseline and interval changes in VC and FEV1 by stepwise multiple regression analysis. In the cross-sectional data analysis of baseline, height, profusion rate (PR) and age were selected as predictor variables for VC and FEV1, additionally duration of working for FEV1. It indicated that baseline VC decreased by 84.0 ml with each increase in PR classification. Similarly, baseline FEV1 decreased by 146.6 ml with increasing PR. Baseline VC and FEV1 were both positively influenced by subject height. In the longitudinal analysis, baseline PR, age and smoking habits were selected for predictor variables for decline of VC and FEV1. It indicated a negative influence of baseline PR classification on VC and FEV1 changes (-5.0 and -7.5 ml/y, respectively). Smoking decreased VC and FEV1 by 6.1 and 5.8 ml/y, respectively.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

[Different modalities of classification and prognostic significance of ventricular arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarct. Prospective study].

In our study we compared the prognostic significance of clinical variables, laboratory results and different classification models of ventricular ectopic beats recorded by means of a pre-discharge 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, in 210 survivors of acute myocardial infarction. In addition a full multivariate analysis of the factors affecting survival time was carried out using Cox's proportional hazards (multiple) regression model. Multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis identified hypertension, congestive heart failure assessed by Killip class, and the grading system for ventricular arrhythmias as the most important prognostic variables. When Moss grading system for ventricular arrhythmias was used, the relative risk was a superior as heavy Moss grading system (Moss 2 vs Moss 1 and Moss 3-4 vs Moss 1, relative risk = 1.2 and 3.6 total death, respectively). Furthermore, the hazard ratio of Moss grading system was higher utilizing as comparison patients without ventricular ectopic beats (relative risk = 1.7 for Moss 2 and 5.3 for Moss 3-4) than patients with ventricular ectopic beats less than one/hour (relative risk = 1.2 for Moss 2 and 3.7 for Moss 3-4). Thus, in survivors of acute myocardial infarction, a rational and useful ventricular ectopic beats categorization includes both frequency and the presence or absence of malignant characteristics.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Sequence analysis of the non-recurring C-terminal domains shows that insect lipoprotein receptors constitute a distinct group of LDL receptor family members.

Lipoprotein-mediated delivery of lipids in mammals involves endocytic receptors of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) family. In contrast, in insects, the lipoprotein, lipophorin (Lp), functions as a reusable lipid shuttle in lipid delivery, and these animals, therefore, were not supposed to use endocytic receptors. However, recent data indicate additional endocytic uptake of Lp, mediated by a Lp receptor (LpR) of the LDLR family. The two N-terminal domains of LDLR family members are involved in ligand binding and dissociation, respectively, and are composed of a mosaic of multiple repeats. The three C-terminal domains, viz., the optional O-linked glycosylation domain, the transmembrane domain, and the intracellular domain, are of a non-repetitive sequence. The present classification of newly discovered LDLR family members, including the LpRs, bears no relevance to physiological function. Therefore, as a novel approach, the C-terminal domains of LDLR family members across the entire animal kingdom were used to perform a sequence comparison analysis in combination with a phylogenetic tree analysis. The LpRs appeared to segregate into a specific group distinct from the groups encompassing the other family members, and each of the three C-terminal domains of the insect receptors is composed of unique set of sequence motifs. Based on conservation of sequence motifs and organization of these motifs in the domains, LpR resembles most the groups of the LDLRs, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptors, and vitellogenin receptors. However, in sequence aspects in which LpR deviates from these three receptor groups, it most notably resembles LDLR-related protein-2, or megalin. These features might explain the functional differences disclosed between insect and mammalian lipoprotein receptors.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2006

Microarray-based identification of antigenic variants of foot-and-mouth disease virus: a bioinformatics quality assessment.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of viral quasispecies can influence viral pathogenesis and the response to antiviral treatments. Mutant clouds in infected organisms represent the first stage in the genetic and antigenic diversification of RNA viruses, such as foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), an important animal pathogen. Antigenic variants of FMDV have been classically diagnosed by immunological or RT-PCR-based methods. DNA microarrays are becoming increasingly useful for the analysis of gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Recently, a FMDV microarray was described to detect simultaneously the seven FMDV serotypes. These results encourage the development of new oligonucleotide microarrays to probe the fine genetic and antigenic composition of FMDV for diagnosis, vaccine design, and to gain insight into the molecular epidemiology of this pathogen. RESULTS: A FMDV microarray was designed and optimized to detect SNPs at a major antigenic site of the virus. A screening of point mutants of the genomic region encoding antigenic site A of FMDV C-S8c1 was achieved. The hybridization pattern of a mutant includes specific positive and negative signals as well as crosshybridization signals, which are of different intensity depending on the thermodynamic stability of each probe-target pair. Moreover, an array bioinformatic classification method was developed to evaluate the hybridization signals. This statistical analysis shows that the procedure allows a very accurate classification per variant genome. CONCLUSION: A specific approach based on a microarray platform aimed at distinguishing point mutants within an important determinant of antigenicity and host cell tropism, namely the G-H loop of capsid protein VP1, was developed. The procedure is of general applicability as a test for specificity and discriminatory power of microarray-based diagnostic procedures using multiple oligonucleotide probes.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Structure of the O-polysaccharide and classification of Proteus mirabilis strain G1 in Proteus serogroup O3.

The O-chain polysaccharide of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of a previously nonclassified strain of Proteus mirabilis termed G1 was studied by sugar analysis and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including 2D COSY, TOCSY, rotating-frame NOE (ROESY), H-detected 1H,13C HMQC, and heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC) experiments. The following structure of the polysaccharide was established: [carbohydrate structure: see text] where D-GalA6(L-Lys) stands for N(alpha)-(D-galacturonoyl)-L-lysine. The structure of the O-polysaccharide of P. mirabilis G1 is similar, but not identical, to that of P. mirabilis S1959 and OXK belonging to serogroup O3. Immunochemical studies with P. mirabilis G1 and S1959 anti-(O-polysaccharide) sera revealed close LPS-based serological relatedness of P. mirabilis G1 and S1959, and therefore it was suggested to classify P. mirabilis G1 in serogroup O3 as a subgroup. P. mirabilis G1 and S1959 anti-(O-polysaccharide) sera also cross-reacted with LPS of P. mirabilis strains from two other serogroups containing D-GalA6(L-Lys) in the O-polysaccharide or in the core region.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Classification of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women is dependent on site-specific analysis.

Despite the availability of guidelines from the World Health Organization study group for the classification of osteoporosis in postmenopausal Caucasian women, confusion still exists about the number of sites used for diagnosis and the clinical utility of peripheral bone mass assessments. To examine the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia based on bone density measurements at single or multiple sites using central and peripheral measurements, we studied 115 ambulatory, community-dwelling, Caucasian postmenopausal women. Bone mineral density of the hip, PA spine, forearm, and finger were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Bone mass of the calcaneus was obtained using ultrasound. The diagnosis of osteoporosis based on a single measurement varied from 4% using the trochanteric region to 34% using Ward's triangle, 17% using the calcaneus, and 13% using the finger. Twenty-eight percent of the women had osteoporosis if the diagnosis was based on at least one osteoporotic value at three standard central sites (PA spine, total hip, femoral neck). Among these women, using T-scores provided by the manufacturers, 16% of osteoporotic patients would be misclassified as normal using the Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer (Hologic, Waltham, MA) (heel) and 34% misclassified using the accuDEXA (Schick, New York, NY) (finger). We conclude that there is significant variability in the classification of osteoporosis based on site selection, with significant potential for misdiagnosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Multiple gastric carcinoids and endocrine cell micronests in type A gastritis: Nuclear morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis.

While the hyperplasia-neoplasia sequence of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells has been proposed in the pathogenesis of type I gastric carcinoids, the criteria for distinction between hyperplastic endocrine cell micronest (ECM) and neoplastic ECM have not been established. The aims of this study were to clarify differences between the hyperplasia and neoplasia of ECL cells and determine the optimal classification system for gastric ECL cell proliferations in type A gastritis. Endocrine cell lesions (n=531) from 8 surgically-resected stomachs with type A gastritis were reclassified as either atrophic ECM (n=333), hyperplastic ECM (n=168), neoplastic ECM (all ECM > or =0.1 mm in size, n=15), or typical carcinoid (n=15). Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were semiautomatically analyzed by nuclear morphometry. Immunohistochemical expression of bcl-2, p53 and Ki-67 was also investigated. As the histologic grade of histology advanced, the morphometric values of area, circumference and largest diameter of the nuclei significantly increased (p<0.0005), while the frequency of diffuse expression of bcl-2 significantly decreased (p<0.0001). Significant differences were also observed in all morphometric parameters and in bcl-2 positivity between the hyperplastic ECM and neoplastic ECM group. There was no expression of p53 in any of the lesions. The Ki-67 index did not differ between the neoplastic ECM and typical carcinoid groups. These results suggest that our system of classification for gastric endocrine cell proliferations in type A gastritis is appropriate. Nuclear morphometry and bcl-2 immunoexpression are useful parameters for the distinction of neoplastic ECMs from hyperplastic ECMs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Analysis of correlation between HPV DNA lymph node presence and pathologic parameters of primary tumour in cervical carcinoma patients treated surgically].

Young-age sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, number of pregnancies, smoking and human papilliomavirus (HPV) infections are factors commonly considered as promoters of cervical tumorogenesis. Cervical carcinoma patients' prognosis correlates significantly with staging (according to FIGO classification). In early stages lymph-node involvement is considered as the most important prognostic factor. Other factors are: initial volume of the lesion, lymphatic and blood vessels involvement, depth of cervical invasion. Also parametrium involvement seems to decrease the rate of 5-year survival. The aim of the research was to estimate correlation between HPV DNA lymph node presence and pathologic parameters of primary tumour in surgically treated cervical carcinoma patients. We analysed DNA isolated from lymph nodes sampled intra-operatively from 134 patients, surgically treated for cervical cancer with PCR. We confirmed the presence of HPV DNA sequences in lymph nodes in 81 (60.5%) cases. Lymph node presence of HPV DNA rate was significantly higher in: advanced tumours, cases with initial lesion volume exceeding 10 cm3, cases with uterus and vaginal involvement and with initial tumour invasion deeper than 10 mm.

DNA Probes, HPV↗

PubMed1986

[Unruptured cerebral aneurysms: clinical analysis of 80 cases and its new classification].

We experienced 94 unruptured cerebral aneurysms in 80 patients in our clinic between April 1979 and March 1985, and analyzed them in the light of the symptomatological factor, diagnostical factor, significance of aneurysm itself and its treatment. Based on these clinical analysis, unruptured cerebral aneurysms were classified into the following 4 groups; Group 1: intact aneurysm in multiple aneurysms in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, Group 2: asymptomatic aneurysm discovered incidentally during the investigation of various diseases other than cerebral aneurysm, Group 3: symptomatic aneurysm with compression or ischemic clinical signs, or subjective symptoms due to aneurysm, Group 4: asymptomatic aneurysm screened by a noninvasive method in healthy humans, or in patients with a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, with diseases predisposed to aneurysm, and with minor subjective symptoms unrelated to aneurysm. Group 1 included 36 aneurysms in 31 patients, with internal carotid aneurysms being predominant; the size of 3 mm was most frequently found and those smaller than 10 mm formed in 92%. An operation for aneurysm was performed in 17 patients without operative morbidity and mortality. Among 14 unoperated patients one died of hemorrhage from an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. Indication for operation in Group 1 is determined depending on the patient's severity due to initial SAH. Group 2 was composed of 13 aneurysms in 12 patients; internal carotid aneurysm and anterior cerebral aneurysm, 5 each, being dominant. The size of 3 mm was most frequently seen and all were smaller than 7 mm. An operation was performed in 5 patients all showing a favorable course.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The female sexual function index (FSFI): cross-validation and development of clinical cutoff scores.

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a brief multidimensional scale for assessing sexual function in women. The scale has received initial psychometric evaluation, including studies of reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity (Meston, 2003; Rosen et al., 2000). The present study was designed to crossvalidate the FSFI in several samples of women with mixed sexual dysfunctions (N = 568) and to develop diagnostic cut-off scores for potential classification of women's sexual dysfunction. Some of these samples were drawn from our previous validation studies (N = 414), and some were added for purposes of the present study (N = 154). The combined data set consisted of multiple samples of women with sexual dysfunction diagnoses (N = 307), including female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female sexual orgasm disorder (FSOD), dyspareunia/vaginismus (pain), and multiple sexual dysfunctions, in addition to a large sample of nondysfunctional controls (n = 261). We conducted analyses on the individual and combined samples, including replicating the original factor structure using principal components analysis with varimax rotation. We assessed Cronbach's alpha (internal reliability) and interdomain correlations and tested discriminant validity by means of a MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance; dysfunction diagnosis x FSFI domain), with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons. We developed diagnostic cut off scores by means of standard receiver operating characteristics-curves and the CART (Classification and Regression Trees) procedure. Principal components analysis replicated the original five-factor structure, including desire/arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction. We found the internal reliability for the total FSFI and six domain scores to be good to excellent, with Cronbach alpha's >0.9 for the combined sample and above 0.8 for the sexually dysfunctional and nondysfunctional samples, independently. Discriminant validity testing confirmed the ability of both total and domain scores to differentiate between functional and nondysfunctional women. On the basis of sensitivity and specificity analyses and the CART procedure, we found an FSFI total score of 26.55 to be the optimal cut score for differentiating women with and without sexual dysfunction. On the basis of this cut-off we found 70.7% of women with sexual dysfunction and 88.1% of the sexually functional women in the cross-validation sample to be correctly classified. Addition of the lubrication score in the model resulted in slightly improved specificity (from .707 to .772) at a slight cost of sensitivity (from .881 to .854) for identifying women without sexual dysfunction. We discuss the results in terms of potential strengths and weaknesses of the FSFI, as well in terms of further clinical and research implications.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

A statistical method for the determination of absorption rate constant estimated using the rat single pass intestinal perfusion model and multiple linear regression.

The guide "Waiver of In Vivo Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Studies for Immediate Release Solid Dosage Forms Containing Certain Active Moieties/Active Ingredients Based on a Biopharmaceutical Classification System" (Rockville, MD: CDER, 2000) outlined non-in vivo tests of permeability that may satisfy the classification of a compound in the biopharmaceutical classification system. However, absent from that document were specific statistical methods to legitimatize the non-in vivo tests. This report describes the appropriate statistical treatment of absorption data, and recommends its adoption in the estimation of absorption and/or permeability measurements. The calculation of the absorption rate constants (k(a)) of ten compounds by a new multiple linear regression (MLR) method was completed after the separate perfusion of each compound through the rat single pass intestinal perfusion model (n = 3 rats per compound). Studentized residuals were evaluated to determine whether any statistically significant outliers were present in the data. The standard error of k(a) was estimated using variance components from the random effects model. The results were compared with the "traditional method" for k(a) calculations. Although both methods produced similar values of k(a), the MLR method's error estimate included multiple components of variability, which was largely ignored by the traditional method. The MLR method provided objective tests for outliers and achievement of steady-state. A preferred method for the statistical analysis of absorption data was demonstrated. These methods should be applied to all forms of permeability measurements, especially the non-in vivo measurements that classify a compound in the biopharmaceutical classification system.

Absorption↗

PubMed2005

Locomotor ecology of wild orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii) in the Gunung Leuser Ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia: a multivariate analysis using log-linear modelling.

The large body mass and exclusively arboreal lifestyle of Sumatran orangutans identify them as a key species in understanding the dynamic between primates and their environment. Increased knowledge of primate locomotor ecology, coupled with recent developments in the standardization of positional mode classifications (Hunt et al. [1996] Primates 37:363-387), opened the way for sophisticated multivariate statistical approaches, clarifying complex associations between multiple influences on locomotion. In this study we present a log-linear modelling approach used to identify key associations between orangutan locomotion, canopy level, support use, and contextual behavior. Log-linear modelling is particularly appropriate because it is designed for categorical data, provides a systematic method for testing alternative hypotheses regarding interactions between variables, and allows interactions to be ranked numerically in terms of relative importance. Support diameter and type were found to have the strongest associations with locomotor repertoire, suggesting that orangutans have evolved distinct locomotor modes to solve a variety of complex habitat problems. However, height in the canopy and contextual behavior do not directly influence locomotion: instead, their effect is modified by support type and support diameter, respectively. Contrary to classic predictions, age-sex category has only limited influence on orangutan support use and locomotion, perhaps reflecting the presence of arboreal pathways which individuals of all age-sex categories follow. Effects are primarily related to a tendency for adult, parous females to adopt a more cautious approach to locomotion than adult males and immature subjects.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

[Survival prediction for terminal gynecologic cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a scoring system of predicting the survival time of terminal gynecologic cancer patients. METHODS: The clinical data of 91 patients with terminal gynecologic cancers, aged 56 (13-83), who were not suitable to specific anti-cancer therapy and died in the hospital with a mean survival time of 27 days (1-240 days) were analyzed retrospectively. Initially univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between 19 clinico-biochemical indices and survival time. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze 9 out of the 19 clinico-biochemical indices which had significant effects on the survival time, and a regression model with 5 indices was constructed by backward selection procedure. The regression coefficient of any category was divided by the maximum regression coefficient so as to get the score of this category. The cores were added together so as to get the overall score of an individual patient. RESULTS: Univariate analysis identified 9 factors independently and significantly influencing the survival time: short breath, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), age, high fever, speed of tumor growth, presence or absence of treatment-related complication, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and platelet. A regression equation was composed of 5 factors: short breath, KPS, age, higher fever, and BUN by multiple logistic regression with a correct classification ability of 83.5%. The 91 patients were then divided into 2 groups based on this prognostic score system: Group A (n = 37) with a score < or = 9.5 and the mean survival time of (65 +/- 7) days, and Group B (n = 54) with a score > or = 10 and the mean survival time of (19 +/- 2) days. 31 of the 37 patients in Group A survived > or = 30 days, and 46 of the 54 patients in Group B died within 29 days. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of these 2 group were significantly different (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A simple, valid, and useful prognostic score system has been established.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Poor prognosis associated with elevated serum CA 19-9 level in advanced colorectal carcinoma, independent of DNA ploidy or SPF.

DNA ploidy, S-phase fraction (SPF) for the tumours, serum tumour markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and serum CA 19-9 and major clinical parameters were analysed as prognostic factors in 105 patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. All 105 were treated with a three-drug schedule including low dose epirubicin and sequential methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, followed by leucovorin rescue. In univariate analysis, gender, Karnofsky index, extent of metastases, presence of abdominal metastases, CEA and CA 19-9 correlated with survival. Age, presence of liver or of lung metastases, DNA ploidy or SPF were not significantly associated with survival. In stepwise multivariate analysis an elevated serum CA 19-9 level, a poor Karnofsky index and multiple sites of metastases were independent adverse prognostic factors. Based on the multivariate analysis, patients were grouped in three categories. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients with Karnofsky > or = 80, with a normal serum CA 19-9 level and a single site of metastases. Group 2 consisted of 48 patients with Karnofsky > or = 80 and with an elevated serum CA 19-9 level or multiple sites of metastases. Group 3 consisted of 14 patients with Karnofsky < or = 70. This classification gave a highly significant correlation with survival (chi 2 = 45.52, P < 0.001, log rank test). The median survival in group 1, group 2 and group 3 was 30.1 months, 13.5 months and 3.9 months, respectively. Based on these results we suggest that trials involving advanced colorectal cancer should include the measurement of serum CA 19-9 levels as one of the most important prognostic factors, but also include documentation of other independent prognostic factors.

Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate↗

PubMed1985

Tritiated imipramine binding distinguishes among subtypes of depression.

We studied 45 depressed patients and 20 healthy controls in order to determine if tritiated imipramine binding distinguished among subtypes of primary major depressive disorder. Mean (+/- standard deviation) values for maximal concentration of tritiated imipramine binding sites on platelet membranes were significantly lower in patients with bipolar and familial pure depressive disease (754 +/- 149 and 870 +/- 241 femtomoles [fmole]/mg of protein, respectively) than in patients with depressive spectrum and sporadic depressive disease (1,236 +/- 241 and 1,188 +/- 325 fmole/mg of protein, respectively), neither of which differed from healthy controls (1,238 +/- 201 fmole/mg of protein). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that these differences could not be attributed to differences in age, sex, Hamilton Rating Scale score, presence of psychotic features, hospitalization status, or medication history. This association of a biological finding with distinct clinically defined subtypes of depression may lead to a classification of affective disorders useful in further research.

Adult↗