A variant of the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is associated with early-onset antisocial behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a meta-analysis published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Reuters Health Information
Sons born to women who drank the equivalent of three cups of coffee a day during pregnancy were more likely to have persistent cryptorchidism, according to a study in the February 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Reuters Health Information
While patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially those whose activities are more restricted due to their RA, may have depressive symptoms, few depressed patients discuss their condition with their rheumatologists, according to a report in the February issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, there is an inverse relationship between osteoarthritis of the spine, defined as either the presence of disc space narrowing or osteophytes, and vertebral fractures, study findings suggest. Reuters Health Information
A review of studies looking at the use of gene expression profiling tests for early-stage breast cancer indicates that these tests may improve the accuracy of prognosis and aid in the best selection of treatment of the malignancy. Reuters Health Information
A new study shows frequent use of antimicrobials in patients with advanced dementia, particularly in the last 2 weeks of life. These findings, the authors say, raise questions about the use of antibiotics in elderly patients with end-stage dementia. Medscape Medical News
Unintentional regular daytime dozing can more than quadruple stroke risk in elderly patients and significantly increase their risk for other vascular events. Medscape Medical News
The cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil, used to treat cognitive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), also reduces the manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea common in AD, according to a trial conducted in Brazil. Reuters Health Information
