Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphism (rs2234693 and rs2046210) with breast cancer risk in pashtun population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer susceptibility is greatly influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) both in penetrance and non-penetrance genes. The Estrogen Receptor Alfa (ESR1- rs2234693 and rs2046210) have been reported as risk factor of breast cancer in different ethnic groups with inconsistent results. In this study the association of ESR1 (rs2234693 and rs2046210) with breast cancer risk was investigated in patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. METHODS: A total of 312 females including 162 breast cancer patients and 150 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The polymorphism was confirmed using T-ARMS-PCR. RESULTS: Our results revealed that ESR1-rs2234693 risk allele (C) (P = 0.21, OR = 1.27, CI = 0.87 to 1.87) and containing genotypes CC (P = 0.68, OR = 1.24, CI = 0.42 to 3.68) and TC (P = 0.23, OR = 1.32, CI = 0.83 to 2.13) were not associated with the risk of breast cancer. In case of rs2046210, the risk allele A (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.42, CI = 1.74 to 3.38) and corresponding genotypes GA (P = 0.0001, OR = 2.55, CI = 1.62 to 4.03) and AA (P = 0.02, OR = 2.20, CI = 1.12 to 4.34) were significantly associated with higher risk of breast cancer. Moreover, ESR1-rs2234693 was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with family history, stages, PR status, ER status and luminal B. The ESR1-rs2046210 showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) association with menstrual status, tumor grade and TNBC. Both the SNPs showed non-significant (P > 0.05) association with nulliparity, nodal status, HER2 status, metastasis, HER2 enriched subtype and luminal A. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that ESR1-rs2234693 is not associated with breast cancer, while rs2046210 is significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa population. Further, to confirm the exact situation of ESR1 polymorphism, ESR1 existing and other SNPs need to be investigated in diverse data sets.

Genetics and mechanism of resistance to chlorantraniliprole in Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica L. is an important mechanical vector of different pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. It is an organism well-known for its ability to develop insecticide resistance. In the current study, we investigated the genetic basis and mechanism of chlorantraniliprole resistance in a field strain of house fly by selecting it artificially in the laboratory with a commercial formulation of chlorantraniliprole (CTPR-SEL). After seven generations of consecutive selection with chlorantraniliprole, CTPR-SEL strain developed a 644-fold resistance compared with the Susceptible strain and a 3-fold resistance compared with the field strain. Reciprocal crossing between the CTPR-SEL and Susceptible homozygous strains revealed an autosomal and incomplete dominant mode of resistance to chlorantraniliprole. A direct test using a monogenic inheritance model based on chi-square analysis revealed that the resistance was governed by more than one gene. Bioassays with synergists indicated that esterases might be involved in the resistance of house fly to chlorantraniliprole. These findings may be helpful to the development of an improved strategy for chlorantraniliprole resistance management in house fly.

Fitness cost, realized heritability and stability of resistance to spiromesifen in house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is an insect pest of public health and veterinary importance. Spiromesifen is a new chemistry insecticide widely used for the management of sucking insect pests of vegetables and crops. In the present study, assessment of resistance risk and fitness costs associated with spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica was studied. Moreover, stability of resistance to spiromesifen and other tested insecticides (fipronil, spinosad, and bifenthrin) was evaluated in the spiromesifen-selected-strain (SPIRO-SEL-POP). After 7-generations of selection with spiromesifen, SPIRO-SEL-POP developed 108.76-fold resistance compared with the unselected strain (UNSEL-POP). The estimated value of realized heritability was 0.59 for spiromesifen resistance. Due to withdrawal of spiromesifen selection for five generations (F6-F10) on SPIRO-SEL-POP, a decline in LC50 values against spiromesifen, spinosad and bifenthrin was 0.16, 0.14 and 0.13-folds, respectively. In biological trait experiments, larval weight of Cross1 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♀ × UNSEL-POP♂) and SPIRO-SEL-POP was significantly lower than that of Cross2 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♂ × UNSEL-POP♀) and UNSEL-POP. Pupal weight of SPIRO-SEL-POP was higher when compared with Cross1 while it was similar to that of Cross2 and UNSEL-POP. Adult emergence rate of UNSEL-POP was higher than Cross1, but similar to the Cross2 and SPIRO-SEL-POP. The SPIRO-SEL-POP and Cross1 showed the lowest relative fitness when compared with USEL-POP and Cross2. Intrinsic rate of natural increase of SPIRO-SEL-POP was much lower than that of UNSEL-POP and Cross2 followed by Cross1. The SPIRO-SEL-POP exhibited lower biotic potential when compared with UNSEL-POP and Cross2 but similar to Cross1. Fecundity and hatching rates were lower in SPIRO-SEL-POP compared to UNSEL-POP. It could be concluded that spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica comes with a cost and is instable. Therefore, spiromesifen rotation with other insecticides and withdraw of its usage for some period could help to sustain its efficacy by delaying the development of resistance.

Biological trait analysis and stability of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

House flies, Musca domestica L., (Diptera: Muscidae), are pests of poultry and have the ability to develop resistance to insecticides. To design a strategy for resistance management, life history traits based on laboratory observations were established for lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant, susceptible and reciprocal crosses of M. domestica strains. Bioassay results showed that the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain developed a resistance ratio of 98.34 compared to its susceptible strain. The lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain had a relative fitness of 0.26 and lower fecundity, hatchability, lower number of next generation larvae, and net reproductive rate compared with its susceptible strain. Mean population growth rates, such as intrinsic rate of population increase, and biotic potential were lower for the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain compared to its susceptible strain. Resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin, indoxacarb, and abamectin was unstable while resistance to bifenthrin and methomyl was stable in the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain of M. domestica. Development of resistance can cost considerable fitness for the lambda-cyhalothrin-selected strain. The present study provided useful information for making potential management strategies to delay resistance development in M. domestica.

Effects of different animal manures on attraction and reproductive behaviors of common house fly, Musca domestica L.

Insects rely mainly on their well-developed and highly sophisticated olfactory system to discriminate volatile cues released from host and nonhost substances, mates, oviposition substrates, and food sources. Onset of first mating, mating duration, and onset of first oviposition, oviposition period, fecundity (number of eggs laid by a female), and longevity of freshly emerged Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) adults were observed in the presence of different animal manures: cow, horse, donkey, poultry, and an artificial diet. The M. domestica adults exposed to horse manure showed a delay in onset of first mating and first oviposition, prolonged mating duration, and reduced fecundity compared to the artificial diet (control). Likewise, the fecundity was reduced in the presence of donkey manure as compared to artificial diet. The onset of first mating was delayed and duration of first mating was shortened in the presence of cow manure as compared to artificial diet and no oviposition was observed throughout the duration of the experiment. However, the reproductive behaviors and all fitness measures in adults exposed to poultry manure were similar or even better, compared to the artificial diet. Surprisingly, in a free-choice attraction assay, the highest numbers of adult flies were attracted toward the cow manure as compared to all other manures as well as the artificial diet. However, the numbers of flies captured in all other types of manures were not different than the artificial diet (control). Furthermore, chemical analysis of headspace samples of manures revealed qualitative differences in odor (volatile) profiles of all manures and artificial diet, indicating that behavioral differences could be due to the differences in the volatile chemistry of the adult ovipositional substrates and larval growth mediums. This study may contribute toward both understanding the linkage between ecological adaptations and host selection mechanisms and the development of pest management strategies against this serious pest of medical and veterinary importance.

Toxicity of 25 synthetic insecticides to the field population of Culex quinquefasciatus Say.

The Culex quinquefaciatus Say, commonly known as the southern house mosquito, is well known for biting nuisance and vectoring of some fatal diseases. Synthetic chemicals have been relied upon as the major control measure to control mosquitoes. Therefore, we have evaluated 21 insecticides belonging to different chemical classes for their toxicity to C. quinquefaciatus females. Chlorfenapyr was the most toxic adulticide among all the tested insecticides. Among pyrethroids, deltamethrin was the least toxic adulticide, and all other have same toxicity. In case of organophosphates, the chlorpyrifos was the most toxic insecticide. Neonicotinoids such as acetamiprid, nitenpyram, and clothianidin have similar toxicity based on overlapping of 95 % confidence intervals (CI) and were more toxic when compared with the imidacloprid. The spinetoram was more toxic as compared with the spinosad (based on non-overlapping 95 % Cl). In case of ketoenoles, spirotetrament was more toxic as compared with the spiromesifen. Emamectin benzoate was the most toxic insecticide when compared with fipronil and indoxacarb. We also have tested four insect growth regulators (IGRS) including lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, pyriproxyfen, and cyromazine as larvicides. The lufenuron and pyriproxyfen have similar toxicity based upon their overlapping 95 % CI and were more toxic as compared with the methoxyfenozide and cyromazine. The methoxyfenozide was the moderately toxic among all the tested IGRS, and cyromazine was the least toxic among all the tested IGRS. These results will prove helpful in effectuating an effective integrated vector management program for C. quinquefaciatus.

Genetics, realized heritability and possible mechanism of chlorfenapyr resistance in Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Lygaeidae: Hemiptera).

Dusky cotton bug (DCB), Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Lygaeidae: Hemiptera) is a serious pest of cotton and other malvaceous plants. Chlorfenapyr, a broad spectrum, N-substituted, halogenated pyrrole insecticide is used extensively to control many insect pests in cotton, including DCB. In this study, we investigated a field strain of DCB to assess its potential to develop resistance to chlorfenapyr. After six generations of continuous selection pressure with chlorfenapyr, DCB had a 7.24-fold and 149.06-fold resistance ratio (RR) at G1 and G6, respectively. The genetic basis of inheritance of chlorfenapyr resistance was also studied by crossing the chlorfenapyr selected (Chlorfenapyr-SEL) and laboratory population (Lab-PK). Results revealed an autosomal and incompletely dominant mode of inheritance for chlorfenapyr resistance in the Chlorfenapyr-SEL population of DCB. The results of the monogenic model test showed chlorfenapyr resistance was controlled by multiple genes. Estimated realized heritability for chlorfenapyr resistance in the tested DCB strain was 0.123. Synergism bioassays with piperonyl butoxide and S, S, S-butyl phosphorotrithioate revealed chlorfenapyr resistance might be due to esterase activity. These results would be useful for devising an effective resistance management strategy against DCB.

Selection, resistance risk assessment, and reversion toward susceptibility of pyriproxyfen in Musca domestica L.

Pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, is an effective larvicide against many pests of veterinary and public health importance. Pyriproxyfen is a biorational insecticide having many environmentally friendly attributes that make it compatible with integrated pest management programs. This experiment was performed for the assessment of resistance evolution and reversion toward susceptibility of Musca domestica to pyriproxyfen. Repeated selection at successive generations resulted in 5.09- and 130-fold increase in lethal concentration 50 (LC50) compared to field and susceptible strain, respectively. A significant decline after 22 generations without selection suggesting resistance to pyriproxyfen was unstable in M. domestica. Realized heritability (h (2)) of resistance to pyriproxyfen was 0.035 in pyriproxyfen-selected strain of M. domestica. The projected rate of resistance development indicated that, if slope = 1.28 and h (2) = 0.035, then 46-21 generations are required for 10-fold increase in LC50 at 50-90 % selection intensity. These findings suggest that a risk for resistance development to pyriproxyfen occurred in M. domestica under continuous selection pressure. Pyriproxyfen susceptibility reversed when its application is ceased for a specified duration.

Mechanism, stability and fitness cost of resistance to pyriproxyfen in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

Pyriproxyfen, a bio-rational insecticide, used worldwide for the management of many insect pests including the house fly, Musca domestica. To devise a retrospective resistance management strategy, biological parameters of pyriproxyfen resistant (Pyri-SEL), unselected (UNSEL), Cross1 and Cross2M. domestica strains were studied in the laboratory. Additionally, the stability and mechanism of resistance was also investigated. After 30 generations of pyriproxyfen selection, a field-collected strain developed 206-fold resistance compared with susceptible strain. Synergists such as piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioate did not alter the LC50 values, suggesting another cause of target site resistance to pyriproxyfen in the Pyri-SEL strain. The resistance to all tested insecticides was unstable in Pyri-SEL strain. The relative fitness of 0.51 with lower fecundity, hatchability, lower number of next generation larvae, reduced mean population growth rate and net reproductive rate were observed in the Pyri-SEL strain compared with the UNSEL strain. The cost of fitness associated with pyriproxyfen resistance was evident in Pyri-SEL strain. The present study provides useful information for making pro-active resistance management strategies to delay resistance development.

Effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on behavioral and cognitive findings at 7.5 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To examine child behavioral and cognitive outcomes after prenatal exposure to methamphetamine. STUDY DESIGN: We enrolled 412 mother-infant pairs (204 methamphetamine-exposed and 208 unexposed matched comparisons) in the Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle study. The 151 children exposed to methamphetamine and 147 comparisons who attended the 7.5-year visit were included. Exposure was determined by maternal self-report and/or positive meconium toxicology. Maternal interviews assessed behavioral and cognitive outcomes using the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates, children exposed to methamphetamine had significantly higher cognitive problems subscale scores than comparisons and were 2.8 times more likely to have cognitive problems scores that were above average on the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form. No association between prenatal methamphetamine exposure and behavioral problems, measured by the oppositional, hyperactivity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder index subscales, were found. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal methamphetamine exposure was associated with increased cognitive problems, which may affect academic achievement and lead to increased negative behavioral outcomes.

Cross-national comparison of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on infant and early child physical growth: a natural experiment.

The current study seeks to compare the effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure (PME) on infant and child physical growth between the USA and New Zealand (NZ). This cross-national comparison provides a unique opportunity to examine the potential impact of services provided to drug using mothers on child health. The longitudinal Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle study of PME from birth to 36 months was conducted in the USA and NZ. The US cohort included 204 children with PME and 212 non-PME matched comparisons (NPME); the NZ cohort included 108 children with PME and 115 NPME matched comparisons. Latent growth curve models were used to examine effects of PME, country of origin, and the country × PME interaction on growth in length/height and weight. In regard to length/height, PME and country of origin were associated with initial length and growth over time. There was also a significant interaction effect, such that children with PME in the USA were shorter at birth than children with PME in NZ after controlling for other prenatal exposures, infant set, socioeconomic status, and maternal height. In regard to weight, there was only an effect of country of origin. Effects of PME on infant and child growth were shown to differ across countries, with exposed children in NZ faring better than exposed children in the USA. Implications for prevention programs and public policy are discussed.

Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and neonatal and infant neurobehavioral outcome: results from the IDEAL study.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (MA) use among pregnant women is an increasing problem in the United States. How MA use during pregnancy affects neonatal and infant neurobehavior is unknown. METHODS: The Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) study screened 34,833 subjects at 4 clinical centers. Of the subjects, 17,961 were eligible and 3705 were consented, among which 412 were enrolled for longitudinal follow-up. Exposed subjects were identified by self-report and/or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) confirmation of amphetamine and metabolites in meconium. Comparison subjects were matched (race, birth weight, maternal education, insurance), denied amphetamine use, and had a negative meconium screen. Both groups included prenatal alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use, but excluded use of opiates, lysergic acid diethylamide, or phencyclidine. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) was administered within the first 5 days of life and again at 1 month to 380 enrollees (185 exposed, 195 comparison). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested exposure effects on NNNS summary scores at birth and 1 month. General linear model (GLM) repeated-measures analysis assessed the effect of MA exposure over time on the NNNS scores with and without covariates. RESULTS: By 1 month of age, both groups demonstrated higher quality of movement (P = .029), less lethargy (P = .001), and fewer asymmetric reflexes (P = .012), with no significant differences in NNNS scores between the exposed and comparison groups. Over the first month of life, arousal increased in exposed infants but decreased in comparison infants (P = .031) and total stress was decreased in exposed infants, with no change in comparison infants (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in total stress and arousal were observed in MA-exposed newborns by 1 month of age relative to the newborn period.

Predictors of inadequate prenatal care in methamphetamine-using mothers in New Zealand and the United States.

This study compared patterns of prenatal care among mothers who used methamphetamine (MA) during pregnancy and non-using mothers in the US and New Zealand (NZ), and evaluated associations among maternal drug use, child protective services (CPS) referral, and inadequate prenatal care in both countries. The sample consisted of 182 mothers in the MA-Exposed and 196 in the Comparison groups in the US, and 107 mothers in the MA-Exposed and 112 in the Comparison groups in NZ. Positive toxicology results and/or maternal report of MA use during pregnancy were used to identify MA use. Information about sociodemographics, prenatal care and prenatal substance use was collected by maternal interview. MA-use during pregnancy is associated with lower socioeconomic status, single marital status, and CPS referral in both NZ and the US. Compared to their non-using counterparts, MA-using mothers in the US had significantly higher rates of inadequate prenatal care. No association was found between inadequate care and MA-use in NZ. In the US, inadequate prenatal care was associated with CPS referral, but not in NZ. Referral to CPS for drug use only composed 40 % of all referrals in the US, but only 15 % of referrals in NZ. In our study population, prenatal MA-use and CPS referral eclipse maternal sociodemographics in explanatory power for inadequate prenatal care. The predominant effect of CPS referral in the US is especially interesting, and should encourage further research on whether the US policy of mandatory reporting discourages drug-using mothers from seeking antenatal care.

Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and inhibitory control among young school-age children.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between prenatal methamphetamine exposure and inhibitory control in 66-month-old children followed since birth in the multicenter, longitudinal Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle study. STUDY DESIGN: The sample included 137 children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure and 130 comparison children matched for race, birth weight, maternal education, and type of insurance. Inhibitory control, an executive function related to emotional and cognitive control, was assessed using a computerized Stroop-like task developed for young children. Hierarchical linear modeling tested the relationship between the extent of prenatal methamphetamine exposure (heavy, some, or none) and accuracy and reaction time outcomes, adjusting for prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana; age; sex; socioeconomic status; caregiver IQ and psychological symptoms; Child Protective Services report of physical or sexual abuse; and site. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, heavy prenatal methamphetamine exposure was related to reduced accuracy in both the incongruent and mixed conditions on the Stroop-like task. Caregiver psychological symptoms and Child Protective Services report of physical or sexual abuse were associated with reduced accuracy in the incongruent and mixed consitions and in the incongruent conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Heavy prenatal methamphetamine exposure, along with caregiver psychological distress and child maltreatment, are related to subtle deficits in inhibitory control during the early school-age years.

Maternal depression and prenatal exposure to methamphetamine: neurodevelopmental findings from the infant development, environment, and lifestyle (ideal) study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal depression is associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems in infants, but the effects of maternal depression as early as 1 month are not well characterized. The objective of this study is to determine the neurobehavioral effects of maternal depression on infants exposed and not exposed to methamphetamine (MA) using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). METHODS: Four hundred twelve mother-infant pairs were enrolled (MA = 204) and only biological mothers with custody of their child were included in the current analysis. At the 1-month visit (n = 126 MA-exposed; n = 193 MA-unexposed), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was administered, and the NNNS was administered to the infant. Exposure was identified by self-report and/or gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy confirmation of amphetamine and metabolites in newborn meconium. Unexposed subjects were matched, denied amphetamine use, and had negative meconium screens. General Linear Models tested the effects of maternal depression and prenatal MA exposure on NNNS, with significance accepted at P < .05. RESULTS: The MA group had an increased incidence of depression-positive diagnosis and increased depression scores on the BDI-II. After adjusting for covariates, MA exposure was associated with increased arousal and handling scores, and a decreased ability to self-regulate. Maternal depression was associated with higher autonomic stress and poorer quality of movement. No additional differences were observed in infants whose mothers were both depressed and used MA during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal depression is associated with neurodevelopmental patterns of increased stress and decreased quality of movement, suggesting maternal depression influences neurodevelopment in infants as young as 1 month.

The effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on childhood growth patterns from birth to 3 years of age.

We examined the effects of prenatal methamphetamine (MA) exposure on growth parameters from birth to age 3 years. The 412 subjects included (n = 204 exposed) were enrolled at birth in the Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle study, a longitudinal study assessing the effects of prenatal MA exposure on childhood outcomes. Individual models were used to examine the effects of prenatal MA exposure on weight, head circumference, height, and weight-for-length growth trajectories. After adjusting for covariates, height trajectory was lower in the exposed versus the comparison children (p = 0.021) over the first 3 years of life. Both groups increased height on average by 2.27 cm per month by age 3 years. In term subjects, MA exposure was also associated with a lower height trajectory (p = 0.034), with both the exposed and comparison groups gaining 2.25 cm per month by age 3 years. There was no difference in weight, head circumference, or weight-for-length growth trajectories between the comparison and the exposed groups. Children exposed prenatally to MA have a modest decrease in height growth trajectory during the first 3 years of life with no observed difference in weight, head circumference, or weight-for-length trajectories.

Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and short-term maternal and infant medical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Examine maternal and infant medical outcomes of prenatal exposure to methamphetamine (MA). STUDY DESIGN: Four hundred and twelve mother-infant pairs (204 MA-exposed and 208 unexposed matched comparisons) were enrolled in the Infant Development, Environment and Lifestyle (IDEAL) study. Exposure was determined by maternal self-report during this pregnancy and/or positive meconium toxicology. Maternal interviews assessed prenatal drug use, pregnancy course, and sociodemographic information. Medical chart reviews provided medical history, obstetric complications, infant outcomes, and discharge placement. RESULTS: MA-using mothers were more likely to be poor, to have a psychiatric disorder/emotional illness and less prenatal care, and to be less likely to breast-feed their infant than comparison mothers. After adjusting for covariates, MA-exposed infants were more likely to exhibit poor suck, to have smaller head circumferences and length, to require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and to be referred to child protective services (CPS). Several outcomes previously reported from studies that lacked adequate control groups or adjustment for covariates were not significantly different in this study. CONCLUSION: Prenatal MA exposure is associated with maternal psychiatric disorder/emotional illness, poor suck, NICU admission, and CPS involvement, and MA-exposed infants were less likely to be breast-fed; however, the absence of many serious complications, such as fetal distress, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, and cardiac defects, suggests confounding variables influenced prior studies.

Perceived child behavior problems, parenting stress, and maternal depressive symptoms among prenatal methamphetamine users.

The present study was designed to examine parenting stress, maternal depressive symptoms, and perceived child behavior problems among mothers who used methamphetamine (MA) during pregnancy. Participants were a subsample (n = 212; 75 exposed, 137 comparison) of biological mothers who had continuous custody of their child from birth to 36 months. The subsample was drawn from a larger, ongoing longitudinal study on the effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure (n = 412; 204 exposed, 208 comparison) (Arria et al in Matern Child Health J 10:293-302 2006). Mothers who used MA during pregnancy reported more parenting stress and more depressive symptoms than a matched comparison group. There were no differences between groups on perceived child behavior problems. In a hierarchical linear model, depressive symptoms, and perceived child behavior problems, but not MA exposure, were statistically significant predictors of parenting stress. Screening for potential parenting problems among mothers with a history of substance abuse is warranted. Parenting interventions targeting depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and child behavior problems are needed for this population.

Toxicities and Cross-Resistance of Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Emamectin Benzoate, Spirotetramat, and Indoxacarb in Field Populations of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of several pathogens and is capable of breeding in various aquatic habitats. The extensive and injudicious use of synthetic chemicals against the mosquito species has led to the problem of insecticide resistance. To explore this resistance in detail, toxicity bioassays of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate, spirotetramat, and indoxacarb were performed on five Cx. quinquefasciatus field populations from Pakistan in addition to a laboratory susceptible strain. Compared with the susceptible strain, results for the five Cx. quinquefasciatus field populations were as follows: susceptibility to high resistance against imidacloprid (resistance ratio (RR): 0.09-11.18), susceptibility to moderate resistance against acetamiprid (RR: 0.39-8.00), susceptibility to emamectin benzoate (RR: 0.002-0.020), susceptibility to spirotetramat (RR: 0.01-0.07), and low to high resistance against indoxacarb (RR: 3.00-118.00). Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and spirotetramat median lethal concentration (LC50) values, indicating the possibility of cross-resistance. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the LC50 values of other tested insecticides, indicating the possible absence of cross-resistance. These results can assist public health authorities, medical entomologists, and pest managers to manage the insecticide resistance of Cx. quinquefasciatus as well as the associated pollution and human health issues.

Transnasal endosocpic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can arise as a complication of trauma, hydrocephalus, endoscopic sinus surgery or it may occur spontaneously without any identifiable cause. Surgical repair is recommended in patients who do not respond to the conservative management. In recent years transnasal endoscopic approach has become the preferred method for repairing the CSF leaks and better outcomes have been reported as compared to the intracranial approaches that were previously used. Objective of this study was to analyse the outcome of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, from March 2007 to March 2010. Twenty-one patients with CSF rhinorrhoea were included in study that were diagnosed on the basis of clinical evaluation, glucose concentration of nasal discharge, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These patients did not respond to conservative management and were operated transnasally using rigid endoscope. Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 9 months and the outcome was analysed. RESULTS: The patients included in the study ranged in the age group of 12-55 years. Among the patients 13 (57%) were female and 8 (38%) were males. The cause of CSF rhinorrhoea was traumatic in 16 (76.19%), Idiopathic or spontaneous in 4 (19.04%) and 1 (4.7%) case was related to endoscopic surgery for pituitary macroedenoma. In 10 (47.6.8%) patients the site of leak was cribriform plate, 5 (23.8%) had from sphenoid, 4 (19.04%) from frontal sinus and in 2 (9.5%) Ethmoid was affected. Primary surgery was successful in 17 (80.95%) of cases. In 2 (9.5%) cases re-exploration had to be performed. In 1 patient re-exploration had to be done for the third time. Overall success rate was 95%. One patient presented with CSF leak and meningitis 1 month after surgery and unfortunately died. CONCLUSION: Transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is highly successful, safe and less traumatic.