bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender‐specific differences in birthweight and the odds of puberty: NHANES III, 1988–94
Authors: Olivo‐Marston Susan , Graubard Barry I. , Visvanathan Kala , Forman Michele R.
Published: April 2010

Olivo‐Marston S, Graubard BI, Visvanathan K, Forman MR. Gender‐specific differences in birthweight and the odds of puberty: NHANES III, 1988–94. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 222–231.

The association between birthweight and the odds ratio (OR) of pubertal status in girls aged between 8 and 11 and in boys aged between 8 and 12 was examined using the 1988–94 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Girls (n = 956), and boys (n = 1199), who had data on birthweight and Tanner staging were included. Maternal‐reported birthweight, smoking in pregnancy and other information were provided in a home interview, while Tanner staging to assess pubertal status was part of a medical examination. Multiple logistic regression models were computed for the endpoints of the OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] of being Tanner Stage 2+ vs. 1 or being 2+ vs. 1 in an asynchronous pubertal pathway after adjustment for the complex sampling design of NHANES, age, race, height and body mass index (BMI).

Birthweight was not associated with the OR of Tanner stage 2+ among girls; however, boys who were low birthweight (<2500 g) and boys born higher than average birthweight (3500–3999 g) were more likely to be Tanner stage 2+ than 1. Childhood BMI was associated with the OR of having entered puberty among girls, but not boys. In an analysis of asynchronous maturation, girls born at high birthweight (>4000 g) were more likely to have breast development 3+ than girls of normal birthweight, OR = 3.18 [95% CI 1.39, 8.25]. Thus, the birthweight–puberty association varies by gender and by pubertal pathway. Our findings need replication in prospective longitudinal studies, and research to understand the mechanisms underlying the relation of early life exposures to cancer risk.
The utility of neonatal dried blood spots for the assessment of neonatal vitamin D status
Authors: Eyles Darryl W. , Morley Ruth , Anderson Cameron , Ko Pauline , Burne Thomas , Permezel Michael , Mortensen Preben B. , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent , Hougaard David M. , McGrath John J.
Published: April 2010

Eyles DW, Morley R, Anderson C, Ko P, Burne T, Permezel M, Mortensen PB, Nørgaard‐Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, McGrath JJ. The utility of neonatal dried blood spots for the assessment of neonatal vitamin D status. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 303–308.

Evidence suggests that low concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) during gestation may be associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in later life. Retrospective estimation of perinatal vitamin D status using questionnaires is extremely unreliable and stored serum samples are rarely available. We aimed to validate the use of dried blood spots (DBS) to estimate perinatal vitamin D status and to determine whether inter‐group differences in cord serum 25OHD3 are reflected in DBS. We examined 25OHD3 in 4‐year‐old frozen cord sera and matched DBS from neonates born at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia (n = 100). We examined the correlation between these values and also investigated whether the expected seasonal (winter/spring vs. summer/autumn) difference in serum 25OHD3 was reflected in DBS values. 25OHD3 was assayed in triplicate using tandem mass spectroscopy in both a 3 µL sample of cord serum and in matched 3 mm punches from archived DBS.

25OHD3 concentrations in neonatal cord serum and DBS were highly correlated (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001). As expected, serum 25OHD3 concentrations were higher in neonates born in summer/autumn (December to March) vs. winter/spring (April to November) (median 46.6 vs. 23.7 nmol/L, P < 0.0001). A comparable difference was seen in DBS values (17.8 vs. 10.5 nmol/L, P = 0.0001). Archived DBS samples provided a valid measure of perinatal vitamin D status and identified inter‐seasonal differences in perinatal 25OHD3 concentrations. They could be used for case–control studies investigating the association between perinatal vitamin D status and later health outcomes.
Neighbourhood food environment and gestational diabetes in New York City
Authors: Janevic Teresa , Borrell Luisa N. , Savitz David A. , Herring Amy H. , Rundle Andrew
Published: April 2010

Janevic T, Borrell LN, Savitz DA, Herring AH, Rundle A. Neighbourhood food environment and gestational diabetes in New York City. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 249–254.

The association between neighbourhood characteristics and gestational diabetes has not been examined previously. We investigated the relationship between the number of healthy food outlets (supermarkets; fruit/vegetable and natural food stores), and unhealthy food outlets (fast food; pizza; bodegas; bakeries; convenience, candy/nut and meat stores) in census tract of residence, and gestational diabetes in New York City. Gestational diabetes, census tract and individual‐level covariates were ascertained from linked birth‐hospital data for 210 926 singleton births from 2001 to 2002 and linked to commercial data on retail food outlets. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using a multilevel logistic model.

No association between food environment measures and gestational diabetes was found, with aORs ranging from 0.95 to 1.04. However, an increased odds of pre‐pregnancy weight >200 lbs for women living in a given neighbourhood with no healthy food outlets [aOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.07, 1.21] or only one healthy food place [aOR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18] relative to two or more healthy food outlets was found. Due to probable misclassification of neighbourhood food environment and pre‐pregnancy obesity results are likely to be biased towards the null. Future research, including validity studies, on the neighbourhood food environment, obesity during pregnancy and gestational diabetes is warranted.
Breast milk sodium content in rural Gambian women: between‐ and within‐women variation in the first 6 months after delivery
Authors: Richards Anna A. , Darboe Momodou K. , Tilling Kate , Smith George Davey , Prentice Andrew M. , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: April 2010

Richards AA, Darboe MK, Tilling K, Smith GD, Prentice AM, Lawlor DA. Breast milk sodium content in rural Gambian women: between‐ and within‐women variation in the first 6 months after delivery. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 255–261.

It has been suggested that infancy is a particularly sensitive period with respect to the effect of dietary sodium on future risk of hypertension. One difficulty of researching the effects of early sodium intake on later health is accurately measuring sodium intake from breast milk. In observational studies, sodium content has been calculated by estimating breast milk volume consumed and assuming a fixed sodium concentration for all women at all times (a standardised measure). The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation in breast milk sodium concentration in the first 6 months postpartum within women and test whether the pattern of change in sodium concentration differs between women. The study population was 197 rural Gambian women. Multilevel models were used to investigate whether the sodium content of breast milk changed over time within and between women. Fractional polynomials were used to identify the best‐fitting functions of age to be included in the within and between variance functions.

Sodium levels decreased with time; the reduction was initially rapid (levels decreasing by 17.7% between 30 and 60 days after delivery). Immediately after birth, there was substantial variation in breast milk sodium content between women but this reduced with time. Our results suggest that it is not appropriate to use a standardised measure of breast milk sodium content when direct measurement is possible – particularly when there is a research interest in measuring sodium intake in very early infancy.
Season of birth and diagnosis for childhood cancer in Northern England, 1968–2005
Authors: Basta Nermine O. , James Peter W. , Craft Alan W. , McNally Richard J. Q.
Published: April 2010

Basta NO, James PW, Craft AW, McNally RJQ. Season of birth and diagnosis for childhood cancer in Northern England, 1968–2005. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 309–318.

The aim of this study was to investigate seasonal variation in the incidence of cancer in children aged 0–14 years. Details of 2959 primary malignant cases (1659 males, 1300 females), diagnosed during the period 1968–2005, were extracted from a specialist registry (the Northern Region Young Persons' Malignant Disease Registry). Seasonal variation was analysed with respect to month of birth and diagnosis. The chi‐squared heterogeneity test was used to test for non‐uniform variation. Poisson regression analysis was used to fit sinusoidal (harmonic) models to the data, using month of birth and month of diagnosis, respectively, as covariates in separate models.

There was significant sinusoidal variation based on month of birth for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) aged 1–6 years (P = 0.04; peak in March). For 0‐ to 14‐year‐old boys, there was statistically significant sinusoidal variation in month of birth for acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemia (P = 0.04; peak in September) and astrocytoma (P = 0.03; peak in October). Based on month of diagnosis, there was statistically significant sinusoidal variation in girls for all lymphomas (P = 0.048; peak in March) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (P = 0.005; peak in January), and in boys for osteosarcoma (P = 0.049; peak in October). This study confirms previous findings of seasonal variation around the month of birth for childhood ALL (at the peak ages) and provides further evidence of seasonal variation around month of birth for astrocytoma and around month of diagnosis for HL. The results are consistent with a role for environmental factors in the aetiology of these diagnostic groups. Further studies are needed to examine putative candidate agents.
Lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant growth: an analysis of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Babies Study
Authors: Pan I‐Jen , Daniels Julie L. , Herring Amy H. , Rogan Walter J. , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Goldman Barbara D. , Sjödin Andreas
Published: April 2010

Pan IJ, Daniels JL, Herring AH, Rogan WJ, Siega‐Riz AM, Goldman BD, Sjödin A. Lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant growth: an analysis of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Babies Study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 262–271.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), 2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl)‐1,1,1‐trichloroethane (p,p’‐DDT) and 2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dichloroethylene (p,p’‐DDE), the most stable metabolite of p,p’‐DDT, are persistent organic pollutants and environmental endocrine disruptors. Infant exposure to these chemicals through breast feeding may influence children's growth, but this potential adverse effect could be complicated by the coexisting benefits of breast feeding. This study examined the associations between lactational exposure to these chemicals and infant growth in the first 12 months by using data from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition Babies Study in central North Carolina, United States, 2004–06. The study population was restricted to the infants who were breast fed for 6 months or longer. PCBs, p,p’‐DDT and p,p’‐DDE were measured in breast milk at 3 months postpartum. Lactational exposure up to 12 months of age was estimated as the product of chemical concentrations and the duration of breast feeding. The infant's weight and length were recorded from the medical record for each routine paediatric well‐child visit in the first 12 months. Women–child pairs who breast fed for 6 months or longer and returned the growth card (n = 210) were included in the study. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the associations between chemical concentrations in breast milk and longitudinal infant weight and length measurements in the first 6 months. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between lactational exposure to chemicals until 12 months of age and the z‐scores of infant weight, length and weight‐for‐length at 12 months.

Overall, no association was observed. Breast feeding for 6 months or longer, with lactational exposure to PCBs, p,p’‐DDT and p,p’‐DDE at the low background level concentrations studied here, resulted in no measurable influence on infant growth in the first 12 months.
The constitutional t(11;22): implications for a novel mechanism responsible for gross chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Kurahashi H , Inagaki H , Ohye T , Kogo H , Tsutsumi M , Kato T , Tong M , Emanuel BS
Published: April 2010

Kurahashi H, Inagaki H, Ohye T, Kogo H, Tsutsumi M, Kato T, Tong M, Emanuel BS. The constitutional t(11;22): implications for a novel mechanism responsible for gross chromosomal rearrangements.

The constitutional t(11;22)(q23;q11) is the most common recurrent non‐Robertsonian translocation in humans. The breakpoint sequences of both chromosomes are characterized by several hundred base pairs of palindromic AT‐rich repeats (PATRRs). Similar PATRRs have also been identified at the breakpoints of other nonrecurrent translocations, suggesting that PATRR‐mediated chromosomal translocation represents one of the universal pathways for gross chromosomal rearrangement in the human genome. We propose that PATRRs have the potential to form cruciform structures through intrastrand‐base pairing in single‐stranded DNA, creating a source of genomic instability and leading to translocations. Indeed, de novo examples of the t(11;22) are detected at a high frequency in sperm from normal healthy males. This review synthesizes recent data illustrating a novel paradigm for an apparent spermatogenesis‐specific translocation mechanism. This observation has important implications pertaining to the predominantly paternal origin of de novo gross chromosomal rearrangements in humans.
Experimental evolution of local parasite maladaptation
Authors: ADIBA S. , HUET M. , KALTZ O.
Published: April 2010

Sign and magnitude of local adaptation in host–parasite systems may vary with ecological, epidemiological or genetic parameters. To investigate the role of host genetic background, we established long‐term experimental populations of different genotypes of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum, infected with the bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. We observed the evolution of an overall pattern of parasite local maladaptation for infectivity, indicating a general coevolutionary disadvantage of this parasite. Maladaptation extended to host populations with the same genetic background, similar to extending from the local to a higher regional level in natural populations. Patterns for virulence were qualitatively similar, but with less statistical support. A nonsignificant correlation with levels of (mal)adaptation for infectivity suggests independent evolution of these traits. Our results indicate similar (co)evolutionary trajectories in populations with different genetic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the correlated clines of genetic distance and parasite performance illustrate how genetic background can shape spatial gradients of local adaptation.
Mutual Mate Choice for Colorful Traits in King Penguins
Authors: Nolan Paul M. , Stephen Dobson F. , Nicolaus Marion , Karels Tim J. , McGraw Kevin J. , Jouventin Pierre
Published: April 2010

While studies of mate choice based on male color pattern are ubiquitous, studies of mate choice based on ornamental color traits in sexually monomorphic species are less common. We conducted manipulative field experiments on two color ornaments of king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), the size of auricular patches of orange feathers and degree of UV reflectance from beak spots, to determine how the degree of ornamentation influenced pairing rate. In a reduction of auricular patch size, females paired significantly more quickly than males in both control and experimental samples. When this bias was taken into account statistically, pairing of individuals with reduced auricular patches was significantly delayed. We also reduced, but did not eliminate, UV reflectance from beak spots by applying a UV filter; no sex difference in pairing rate was evident in this experiment. Treated birds paired significantly more slowly than untreated control individuals, taking more than a week longer to pair on average than their unmanipulated counterparts, a result that was significant for males and approached significance for females. Our results may indicate mutual mate choice via UV reflectance of the beak spot. Given that this is a species where breeding is extremely slow and considerable investment by both males and females is required for successful reproduction, our results support the hypothesis that in such species, sexual selection might act on the same ornament in both sexes.
Analyses of the cis‐Regulatory Regions Responsible for the Transcriptional Activation of the N Resistance Gene by Tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Kobayashi Michie , Ishihama Nobuaki , Yoshioka Hirofumi , Takabatake Reona , Tsuda Shinya , Seo Shigemi , Ohashi Yuko , Mitsuhara Ichiro
Published: April 2010

Although the tobacco N gene, which confers resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), is transcriptionally induced by infection with TMV, the regulatory mechanism has not previously been elucidated. We found that a 5′‐flanking region of the N gene exhibits TMV‐inducible promoter activity and that the region from −290 to −271 includes a cis‐acting element in response to infection. The activity required N protein and signal components of N‐mediated resistance. These results suggest that transcription of the N gene is positively regulated by N‐mediated resistance signalling.
Objective Sperm Motion Analysis to Assess Dairy Bull Fertility Using Computer‐Aided System – A Review
Authors: Kathiravan P , Kalatharan J , Karthikeya G , Rengarajan K , Kadirvel G
Published: April 2010

Contents

Motility is one of the most important characteristics associated with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa and is an expression of their viability and structural integrity. Computer‐assisted semen analyser (CASA) provides precise and accurate information on different sperm motion characteristics. This article reviews various aspects of computer‐aided motility analysis of bull sperm like sample preparation, standardization of instrument settings, importance of various motility parameters evaluated by the system and its impact on basic functional studies of spermatozoa. It gives special emphasis to various aspects of bull sperm motion analysis especially sub‐populations of spermatozoa, hyper‐activation, motion characteristic in different genetic and age groups, etc. and their utility in predicting the fertility of dairy bulls. The need to fill the gap in research and the necessity of universal standardization of the equipment has been discussed.
Neuronal Responses in the Brainstem and Hypothalamic Nuclei Following Insulin Treatment During the Late Follicular Phase in the Ewe
Authors: Ghuman SPS , Morris R , Scherzer J , Routly JE , Mobasheri A , Smith RF , Dobson H
Published: April 2010

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine the neuronal responses following insulin administration during the late follicular phase. Intact ewes were given either saline or insulin (5 IU/kg, i.v.) at 35 h after progesterone withdrawal and killed 3 h later. There was a marked increase in the number of Fos‐positive noradrenergic neurones in the caudal brainstem of insulin‐treated ewes. In the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, insulin treatment increased the presence of Fos‐positive corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurones (from 2% to 98%) and Fos‐positive arginine vasopressin parvocellular neurones (from 2% to 46%). Interestingly, after insulin treatment, despite a general increase in Fos‐positive neurones in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), there was a marked reduction (from 47% to 1%) in Fos‐positive β‐endorphin neurones. Similarly, colocalized Fos and oestradiol receptor (ER) α‐positive neurones decreased in the ARC after insulin (from 7% to 3%). Conversely, in the ventromedial nucleus, ERα‐positive neurones with Fos increased (from 7% to 22%) alongside a general increase in Fos‐positive neurones. Overall, a complex system of neurones in brainstem and hypothalamus is activated following insulin administration during the late follicular phase.
Use of Laparoscopy for the Evaluation of the Reproductive Status of Tench (Tinca tinca)
Authors: Macrì F , Rapisarda G , Marino G , De Majo M , Aiudi G
Published: April 2010

Contents

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of laparoscopy for the assessment of the reproductive tract and stage of gonadal development of the tench (Tinca tinca). Laparoscopy was carried out from February to March 2009, on 30 anesthetized tenchs, 15 males and 15 females, of approximately 250 g bodyweight and 30 cm length, using a 1.9‐mm rigid cystoscope. Male and female gonads, attached to the swim bladder, were visualized. Testes were orange with a striped appearance. Mature ovaries were cluster‐shaped and whitish. Histological samples were collected, from the reproductive organs of both the sexes, with a forceps and showed the presence of gametes at different stages of maturity. The application of this minimally invasive diagnostic imaging technique could clinically be used as a powerful tool to evaluate the gender and to establish the reproductive status of tench and other fish.
Effect of the Medium Replacement Interval on the Viability, Growth and In Vitro Maturation of Isolated Caprine and Ovine Pre‐Antral Follicles
Authors: Magalhães DM , Fernandes DD , Mororó MBS , Silva CMG , Rodrigues GQ , Bruno JB , Matos MHT , Campello CC , Figueiredo JR
Published: April 2010

Contents

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different medium replacement intervals on the viability, antral cavity formation, growth and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. Pre‐antral ovarian follicles (≥150 μm) were isolated from the ovarian cortex of goats and sheep and were individually cultured for 24 days using two different medium replacement intervals [2 days (T1) or 6 days (T2)]. Follicle development was evaluated on the basis of antral cavity formation, increases in follicular diameter and the presence of healthy cumulus oocyte complexes and fully grown oocytes. For caprine species, results showed a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of viable follicles in T1 than T2 from day 6 until the end of the culture. In addition, when comparing both treatments after the same culture duration, the rate of antrum formation was significantly higher in T1 than in T2 from day 12 onwards. Yet, in ovines, when both treatments were compared on day 24 of the culture, there were more viable follicles in T2 than in T1 (p < 0.05). In the caprine species, percentages of fully grown oocytes (≥110 μm) acceptable for IVM after 24 days of culture were significantly higher in normal follicles cultured in T1 (30.0%) than in T2 (6.7%; p < 0.05). On the other hand, in ovines, at the end of the culture, the percentage of oocytes destined for IVM was higher in T2 than in T1 (23.5% vs 2.9%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the same conditions, the frequency of medium replacement significantly affected the in vitro development of caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. To improve the efficiency of the culture system, the medium must be replaced every 2 and 6 days for goat and sheep pre‐antral follicles, respectively.
Plasma Cortisol Concentrations after CIDR Insertion in Beef Cows
Authors: Long ST , Thinh NC , Yusuf M , Nakao T
Published: April 2010

Contents

The objective of this study was to show plasma cortisol concentration after treatment with controlled internal drug release (CIDR) in non‐suckling beef cows. On day 9 after oestrus, two cows were inserted with CIDR into the vagina for 24 h and the other two cows were treated as a control group. Four days later, the two control cows were treated with CIDR and the other two CIDR‐treated cows were used as controls. Cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA in plasma samples collected before, during and after insertion of CIDR. There was a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations (p < 0.01) after insertion of CIDR. Mean (±SEM) plasma cortisol concentrations increased from 1.3 ± 0.4 to a peak of 8.8 ± 1.1 ng/ml at 5 h and then decreased to basal concentrations at 7 h after insertion of the device. In conclusion, the insertion of intra‐vaginal device causes an increase in plasma cortisol concentrations in beef cows, although the pathophysiological significance of the elevation of cortisol is not known.
Quantification, Morphology and Ultrastructure of Preantral Follicles of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Foetuses
Authors: Santos SSD , Ferreira MAP , Lima MYS , Sampaio RV , Cordeiro MS , Silva TVG , Costa NN , Miranda MS , Ohashi OM
Published: April 2010

Contents

The objective of this study was to determine the number, morphology and ultrastructure of preantral ovarian follicles of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) foetuses at different ages. Quantification revealed number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles of 48 857 ± 17 506, 26 000 ± 20 452, 18 428 ± 10 875 and 18 375 ± 19 690, 225 ± 349, 326 ± 288 at 12–34 cm and 35–60 cm crown rump length (CRL), respectively. Follicular diameter values were 28.9 (±3.4), 34.7 (±5.9) and 59.4 (±12.6) μm; oocyte diameters were 21.7 (±2.8), 24.3 (±3.4) and 33.0 (±7.7) μm, and the numbers of follicular cells in the follicle equatorial section were 7.1 (±1.4), 12.0 (±2.4) and 13.8 (±2.4) for primordial, primary and secondary follicles, respectively. The primordial follicle consisted of an oocyte surrounded by a layer of flattened follicular cells with a normally eccentric oocyte nucleus. Dispersed Golgi complex, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rounded mitochondria and several lipid vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm and cell junctions between the follicle cell membranes and the oocyte. This work describes the number, morphometry and ultrastructure of preantral follicles of buffalo foetuses, concluding that folliculogenesis is established between 8 and 34 cm CRL and that follicle number varies individually and according to age and that further studies are needed in this species.
Corticosteroid phobia and other confounders in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis explored using parent focus groups
Authors: Smith Saxon D , Hong Esther , Fearns Samantha , Blaszczynski Alex , Fischer Gayle
Published: April 2010

Background/Objectives:  Anxieties associated with corticosteroid treatment and preference for ‘safer natural therapy’ are common in parents of children with atopic dermatitis. We used focus groups to explore the source of these attitudes.

Methods:  The study involved 16 parents. Parents expressed difficulties with living with and treating atopic dermatitis which were categorized into themes using qualitative data analysis software.

Results:  Themes identified include: emotional impact of atopic dermatitis; difficulty in accepting ‘control’ verses ‘cure’; topical corticosteroid negative perceptions; anxiety and confusion with treatment; preference for ‘natural’ therapy; and attitude‐changing positive experiences.

Conclusions:  Our findings illustrate the emotional impact of atopic dermatitis and the frustration with the lack of potential cure. ‘Corticosteroid phobia’ was universal among parents in our cohort and is a fear generated by doctors, pharmacists, close acquaintances and information from the internet. Participants expressed high levels of parental guilt linked to a desire for an eradicable ‘cause’ for atopic dermatitis, despite intellectually understanding this is a genetically determined condition. Parents were willing to change attitudes with accurate information from perceived reliable sources, positive hospitalization experiences and a relationship with a trusted dermatologist. Parents' suggestions to improve confidence included the provision of readily available information and better access to doctor‐ and nurse‐led paediatric dermatology services.
Administration of zonisamide in three cases of dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Odawara Toshinari , Shiozaki Kazumasa , Togo Takashi , Hirayasu Yoshio
Published: April 2010

Zonisamide (ZNS) add‐on administration was used to treat parkinsonian symptoms in three cases of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). ZNS was added after doses of the anti‐Parkinson's disease drugs were fixed for at least 4 weeks. A total of 25 mg of ZNS produced mild–moderate improvement of parkinsonian symptoms in two cases, but it did not affect the cognitive functions and behavioral or psychological symptoms. Caregiver burdens were decreased in two cases. Although dizziness and drowsiness were detected, these were improved by decreasing the dose. ZNS may be useful for the treatment of motor symptoms in DLB patients.
Factors influencing the processing of visual information from non‐verbal communications
Authors: Matsumoto Kenya , Shibata Sanae , Seiji Shimosato , Mori Chizuru , Shioe Kunihiko
Published: April 2010

Aims:  This paper examines the relationship between observational behavior and the observers' result assumptions, using a contained diagram that includes significant non‐verbal information, such as gestures. The ability of care workers to assess a patient's mental status on the basis of non‐verbal information would be considered an important skill necessary to understanding patient condition.

Methods:  One hundred and eleven subjects were asked to take a test exploring two types of psychological status, and their eye movements were monitored during testing. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships among eye movements, individual personalities, and test results.

Results:  In stimulus 1, the neuroticism of the personality was determined. In stimulus 2, openness was determined in the range of eye movement. There is a relationship between the total length of eye fixation time and the answer time at the eye fixation point. Although there was no significant influence found in stimulus 1, the openness still tended to influence the eye fixation point.

Conclusions:  The eye fixation point increased among those people with high openness scores. It was theorized that they attempted to obtain information from the stimulus being provided.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for auditory hallucination in severe schizophrenia: Partial efficacy and acute elevation of sympathetic modulation
Authors: Lai I‐Ching , Yang Cheryl C. H. , Kuo Terry B. J. , Shieh Kun‐Ruey
Published: April 2010

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been reported to be an effective treatment for auditory hallucination (AH) in schizophrenia patients. The efficacy of rTMS and immediate changes in cardiac autonomic function (CAF) after rTMS in severe schizophrenia patients with AH (n = 8) were investigated. Three patients reported a ≥50% reduction of AH after rTMS. The ratio of low‐frequency power to high‐frequency power, an index of sympathetic modulation, increased significantly after rTMS. Further replication studies with larger sample sizes are indicated.
The Tennessee Children's Respiratory Initiative: Objectives, design and recruitment results of a prospective cohort study investigating infant viral respiratory illness and the development of asthma and allergic diseases
Authors: HARTERT Tina V. , CARROLL Kecia , GEBRETSADIK Tebeb , WOODWARD Kimberly , MINTON Patricia ,   the Vanderbilt Center for Asthma and Environmental Health Research Investigators and Collaborators
Published: April 2010

Background and objective:  The ‘attack rate’ of asthma following viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is about 3–4 fold higher than that of the general population; however, the majority of children who develop viral LRTI during infancy do not develop asthma, and asthma incidence has been observed to continuously decrease with age. Thus, we do not understand how viral LRTI either predispose or serve as a marker of children to develop asthma. The Tennessee Children's Respiratory Initiative has been established as a longitudinal prospective investigation of infants and their biological mothers. The primary goals are to investigate both the acute and the long‐term health consequences of varying severity and aetiology of clinically significant viral respiratory tract infections on early childhood outcomes.

Methods:  Over four respiratory viral seasons, 2004–2008, term, non‐low birth weight previously healthy infants and their biological mothers were enrolled during an infant's acute viral respiratory illness. Longitudinal follow up to age 6 years is ongoing.

Results:  This report describes the study objectives, design and recruitment results of the over 650 families enrolled in this longitudinal investigation. The Tennessee Children's Respiratory Initiative is additionally unique because it is designed in parallel with a large retrospective birth cohort of over 95 000 mother–infant dyads with similar objectives to investigate the role of respiratory viral infection severity and aetiology in the development of asthma.

Conclusions:  Future reports from this cohort will help to clarify the complex relationship between infant respiratory viral infection severity, aetiology, atopic predisposition and the subsequent development of early childhood asthma and atopic diseases.
Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor‐β1 gene and the risk of asthma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: ZHANG Yonggang , ZHANG Jie , HUANG Jin , LI Xiaobo , HE Chao , TIAN Can , PENG Chunhong , GUO Liang , XIAO Yuling , FAN Hong
Published: April 2010

Background and objective:  Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) gene have been implicated in susceptibility to asthma, but a large number of studies have reported inconclusive results. A meta‐analysis was performed to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the TGF‐β1 gene and asthma susceptibility.

Methods:  Searches were performed of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBM), the Chinese Journals Full‐text Database (CNKI), the Cochrane Library Database and the Web of Science, covering all papers published up to 30 April 2009. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman4.2.8 and STATA10.0 software.

Results:  Two polymorphisms (−509C/T and 915G/C(G25C)) were investigated in 14 studies, involving 2979 asthma patients and 4941 control subjects. The results showed that individuals carrying the −509T allele (TT+TC) had a 36% increased risk of asthma, when compared with homozygotes (−509CC) (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.65). However, there was no significant association with risk of asthma in carriers of the 915C allele (GC+CC) compared with 915GG homozygotes (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.65–1.70). In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the risk of asthma associated with the −509T allele was significantly elevated among Asians (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.04–2.17) but not Caucasians (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00–1.36). In a subgroup analysis by age, the −509T allele was associated with a significantly elevated risk of asthma among adults (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.09–1.92) but not children (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.96–1.46).

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis suggested that the −509C/T polymorphism in the TGF‐β1 gene may be a risk factor for asthma. To further evaluate gene–gene and gene–environment interactions between polymorphisms in the TGF‐β1 gene and asthma susceptibility, more studies involving thousands of patients are required.
Extracerebellar progenitors grafted to the neurogenic milieu of the postnatal rat cerebellum adapt to the host environment but fail to acquire cerebellar identities
Authors: Rolando Chiara , Gribaudo Simona , Yoshikawa Kazuaki , Leto Ketty , De Marchis Silvia , Rossi Ferdinando
Published: April 2010

Stem or progenitor cells acquire specific regional identities during early ontogenesis. Nonetheless, there is evidence that cells heterotopically transplanted to neurogenic regions of the developing or mature central nervous system may switch their fate to adopt host‐specific phenotypes. Here, we isolated progenitor cells from different germinative sites along the neuraxis where GABAergic interneurons are produced (telencephalic subventricular zone, medial ganglionic eminence, ventral mesencephalon and dorsal spinal cord), and grafted them to the prospective white matter of the postnatal rat cerebellum, at the time when local interneurons are generated. The phenotype acquired by transplanted cells was assessed by different criteria, including expression of region‐specific transcription factors, acquisition of morphological and neurochemical traits, and integration in the cerebellar cytoarchitecture. Regardless of their origin, all the different types of donor cells engrafted in the cerebellar parenchyma and developed mature neurons that shared some morphological and neurochemical features with local inhibitory interneurons, particularly in the deep nuclei. Nevertheless, transplanted cells failed to activate cerebellar‐specific regulatory genes. In addition, their major structural features, the expression profiles of type‐specific markers and the laminar placement in the recipient cortex did not match those of endogenous interneurons generated during the same developmental period. Therefore, although exogenous cells are influenced by the cerebellar milieu and show remarkable capabilities for adapting to the foreign environment, they essentially fail to switch their fate, integrate in the host neurogenic mechanisms and adopt clear‐cut cerebellar identities.
Hydrostatic pressure affects membrane and storage lipid compositions of the piezotolerant hydrocarbon‐degrading Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus strain #5
Authors: Grossi Vincent , Yakimov Michail M. , Al Ali Badr , Tapilatu Yosmina , Cuny Philippe , Goutx Madeleine , La Cono Violetta , Giuliano Laura , Tamburini Christian
Published: April 2010

A new piezotolerant alkane‐degrading bacterium (Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus strain #5) was isolated from deep (3475 m) Mediterranean seawater and grown at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and at 35 MPa with hexadecane as sole source of carbon and energy. Modification of the hydrostatic pressure influenced neither the growth rate nor the amount of degraded hexadecane (≈ 90%) during 13 days of incubation. However, the lipid composition of the cells sharply differed under both pressure conditions. At 0.1 MPa, M. hydrocarbonoclasticus #5 biosynthesized large amounts (≈ 62% of the total cellular lipids) of hexadecane‐derived wax esters (WEs), which accumulated in the cells under the form of individual lipid bodies. Intracellular WEs were also synthesized at 35 MPa, but their proportion was half that at 0.1 MPa. This lower WE content at high pressure was balanced by an increase in the total cellular phospholipid content. The chemical composition of WEs formed under both pressure conditions also strongly differed. Saturated WEs were preferentially formed at 0.1 MPa whereas diunsaturated WEs dominated at 35 MPa. This increase of the unsaturation ratio of WEs resembled the one classically observed for bacterial membrane lipid homeostasis. Remarkably, the unsaturation ratio of membrane fatty acids of M. hydrocarbonoclasticus grown at 35 MPa was only slightly higher than at 0.1 MPa. Overall, the results suggest that intracellular WEs and phospholipids play complementary roles in the physiological adaptation of strain #5 to different hydrostatic pressures.
Novel α‐ketoglutarate dioxygenase tfdA‐related genes are found in soil DNA after exposure to phenoxyalkanoic herbicides
Authors: Gazitúa M. C. , Slater A. W. , Melo F. , González B.
Published: April 2010

Phenoxyalkanoic herbicides such as 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4‐D), 2,4‐dichlorophenoxybutyrate (2,4‐DB) or mecoprop are widely used to control broad‐leaf weeds. Several bacteria have been reported to degrade these herbicides using the α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate dioxygenase encoded by the tfdA gene, as the enzyme catalysing the first step in the catabolic pathway. The effects of exposure to different phenoxyalkanoic herbicides in the soil bacterial community and in the tfdA genes diversity were assessed using an agricultural soil exposed to these anthropogenic compounds. Total community bacterial DNA was analysed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism of the 16S rRNA and the tfdA gene markers, and detection and cloning of tfdA gene related sequences, using PCR primer pairs. After up to 4 months of herbicide exposure, significant changes in the bacterial community structure were detected in soil microcosms treated with mecoprop, 2,4‐DB and a mixture of both plus 2,4‐D. An impressive variety of novel tfdA gene related sequences were found in these soil microcosms, which cluster in new tfdA gene related sequence groups, unequally abundant depending on the specific herbicide used in soil treatment. Structural analysis of the putative protein products showed small but significant amino acid differences. These tfdA gene sequence variants are, probably, required for degradation of natural substrate(s) structurally related to these herbicides and their presence explains self‐remediation of soils exposed to phenoxyalkanoic herbicides.
Microaerobic conditions enhance type III secretion and adherence of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli to polarized human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Schüller Stephanie , Phillips Alan D
Published: April 2010

Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) have greatly benefited from the use of human epithelial cell lines under aerobic conditions. However, in the target site of EHEC infection, the human intestine, conditions are microaerobic. In our study we used polarized human colon carcinoma cells in a vertical diffusion chamber system to investigate the influence of reduced apical oxygen levels on EHEC colonization. While apical microaerobiosis did not affect cell integrity and barrier function, numbers of adherent bacteria were significantly increased under low compared with high apical oxygen concentrations. In addition, expression and translocation of EHEC type III secreted (T3S) effector proteins was considerably enhanced under microaerobic conditions and dependent on the presence of host cells. Increased colonization was mainly mediated via EspA as adherence levels of an isogenic deletion mutant were not influenced by low oxygen levels. Other potential adherence factors (E. coli common pilus and flagella) were only minimally expressed under high and low oxygen levels. Addition of nitrate and trimethylamine N‐oxide as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration failed to further increase bacterial colonization or T3S under microaerobiosis. This study indicates that EHEC T3S and colonization are enhanced by the microaerobic environment in the gut and therefore might be underestimated in conventional aerobic cell culture systems.
Sulphonylurea–metformin combination therapy, cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Sillars B. , Davis W. A. , Hirsch I. B. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: April 2010

Aim: To determine whether combination of metformin–sulphonylurea is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in an urban community‐based cohort of type 2 patients.

Methods: We studied 1271 (98.2%) of 1294 type 2 participants in the observational Fremantle Diabetes Study (mean age 64.2 years, 48.8% males) who had detailed diabetes‐specific therapy recorded at baseline and complete follow‐up data. Mortality and hospital discharge data were collected over 13 174 patient‐years (mean ± SD: 10.4 ± 3.9 years). Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine whether baseline diabetes treatments were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for/death from CVD or all‐cause mortality after adjustment for other explanatory variables.

Results: During follow‐up, 523 deaths occurred (41.1%) of which 269 (51.4%) were attributed to CVD. Hospitalization for CVD as principal diagnosis occurred at least once for 481 (37.8%) participants. In Kaplan–Meier analyses, there were significant differences in cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for/death from CVD and all‐cause mortality between diabetes therapy groups (p < 0.001). Compared with diet and metformin monotherapy, those treated with metformin–sulphonylurea had higher cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality (p ≤ 0.024). Insulin users had significantly higher cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for/death from CVD and all‐cause mortality than those on combination therapy (p ≤ 0.016). After adjustment for significant variables in the most parsimonious models, diabetes treatment was not independently associated with any of the three study endpoints (p ≥ 0.49).

Conclusions: Combination metformin–sulphonylurea appears as safe as other blood glucose‐lowering therapies used for type 2 diabetes.
Semiparametric Approach to Point Source Modelling in Epidemiology and Criminology
Authors: Rodrigues Alexandre , Diggle Peter , Assuncao Renato
Published: April 2010

By treating the conditional approach that was suggested by Diggle and Rowlingson as a generalized additive model, we provide a semiparametric method for point process modelling with point source interventions. We illustrate the flexibility of this approach with two applications. The first is a reanalysis of an epidemiological case–control data set in which we compare the semiparametric fit with a previously reported parametric model. The second is an application to a complex intervention in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, in which we show how the installation of 60 closed-circuit television cameras has changed the spatial distribution of crimes within an area of high criminal activity.
Estimating Causal Effects in Trials Involving Multitreatment Arms Subject to Non-Compliance: A Bayesian Framework
Authors: Long Qi , Little Roderick J. A. , Lin Xihong
Published: April 2010

Data analysis for randomized trials including multitreatment arms is often complicated by subjects who do not comply with their treatment assignment. We discuss here methods of estimating treatment efficacy for randomized trials involving multitreatment arms subject to non-compliance. One treatment effect of interest in the presence of non-compliance is the complier average causal effect, which is defined as the treatment effect for subjects who would comply regardless of the treatment assigned. Following the idea of principal stratification, we define principal compliance in trials with three treatment arms, extend the complier average causal effect and define causal estimands of interest in this setting. In addition, we discuss structural assumptions that are needed for estimation of causal effects and the identifiability problem that is inherent in this setting from both a Bayesian and a classical statistical perspective. We propose a likelihood-based framework that models potential outcomes in this setting and a Bayes procedure for statistical inference. We compare our method with a method-of-moments approach that was proposed by Cheng and Small in 2006 by using a hypothetical data set, and we further illustrate our approach with an application to a behavioural intervention study.