Genetics

Oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor genes influence prosocial behavior in the laboratory and in the context of close relationships. These peptides may also promote social engagement following threat. However, the scope of their prosocial effects is unknown. We examined oxytocin receptor (OXTR) polymorphism rs53576, as well as vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) polymorphisms rs1 and rs3 in a national sample of U.S. residents (n = 348). These polymorphisms interacted with perceived threat to predict engagement in volunteer work or charitable activities and commitment to civic duty.

Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are associated with acute and posttraumatic stress responses, yet biological processes underlying this association are poorly understood. This study examined whether renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity, as indicated by a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, is associated with both CVD and acute stress related to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks.

PURPOSE: To examine racial-ethnic differences in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels among U.S. children and adolescents. Elevated titers among seropositive youth can indicate viral reactivation-an indirect measure of impaired cell-mediated immunity.

This article presents an overview of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the associated clinical fi ndings, treatment, and management for nurse practitioners. Topics include an overview of the condition, major and minor criteria for diagnosis, clinical course and pathophysiology, genetic inheritance and testing, and dysrhythmias associated with HCM.

Successful outcomes for studies on health disparities depend on recruitment of research participants. Obtaining willing participants, protecting their rights, and acknowledging their contribution to research is as important as seeking answers to the study phenomena. Recruiting research participants can be an arduous process for investigators. Although literature has published participant recruitment methods, investigators sometimes underestimate the time and intensity required to attract eligible participants into research studies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of thrombophilic genetic variants in an American Indian population and determine if they are associated with preeclampsia. METHODS: A total of 87 cases, 165 controls and an additional 75 population-based controls were genotyped for two thrombophilic polymorphisms. RESULTS: The allelic prevalence of the factor V Leiden and 20210 G/A prothrombin variants in this population was 2.1% and 0.5% respectively. No statistically significant associations between these genetic variants and preeclampsia were found.