Nutrition Effects of a Family-Centered Health Promotion Program for Mexican-Heritage Children in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Systemic and social factors, like poverty and food insecurity, negatively influence fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and body mass index (BMI) among Latino/a children. Behavioral programs are needed to support children's nutrition. This study examined program effects on FV intake and BMI outcomes for Mexican-heritage children (9-11 years). The program used a modified stepped-wedge design in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas (2019 and 2020). Promotoras led experiential nutrition education sessions and collected height, weight, and instant skin carotenoid scores (biomarker for FV intake) at pre-test (baseline), post-test (6 weeks), and maintenance (3-4 months after post-test). Mean changes and group differences in skin carotenoid scores, BMI z-scores and percentiles were obtained from analyses of variance. Linear mixed-effects models were used to determine overall program effects. Mexican-heritage children were enrolled (n = 57 and 52.6% female). An overall decrease in skin carotenoid scores was observed at post-test (-15.1; 95% CI: -24.95, -5.33). While scores varied widely (range: 17-498), an increase of 14.8 ± 23.8 points occurred in one intervention group. Compared to the control period, greater reductions in BMI outcomes occurred during the program. These findings provide evidence for the use of strengths-based approaches in behavioral nutrition programs.

Larval Distribution and Behavior of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Relative to Other Species on Florida Black Bear (Carnivora: Ursidae) Decomposing Carcasses.

Larval interactions of dipteran species, blow flies in particular, were observed and documented daily over time and location on five black bear carcasses in Gainesville, FL, USA, from June 2002 - September 2004. Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) or Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) larvae were collected first, after which Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) oviposited on the carcasses in multiple locations (i.e., neck, anus, and exposed flesh) not inhabited already by the other blow fly larvae. Within the first week of decomposition, C. rufifacies larvae grew to ≥12 mm, filling the carcasses with thousands of larvae and replacing the other calliphorid larvae either through successful food source competition or by predation. As a result, C. macellaria and C. megacephala were not collected past their third instar feeding stage. The blow fly species, C. megacephala, C. macellaria, Lucilia caeruleiviridis (Macquart), Phormia regina (Meigen), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), and C. rufifacies, completed two developmental cycles in the 88.5-kg carcass. This phenomenon might serve to complicate or prevent the calculation of an accurate postmortem interval.

Association of common DNA sequence variants at 33 genetic loci with blood lipids in individuals of African ancestry from Jamaica.

The relevance of loci associated with blood lipids recently identified in European populations in individuals of African ancestry is unknown. We tested association between lipid traits and 36 previously described single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1,466 individuals of African ancestry from Spanish Town, Jamaica. For the same allele and effect direction as observed in individuals of European ancestry, SNPs at three loci (1p13, 2p21, and 19p13) showed statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with LDL, two loci (11q12 and 20q13) showed association with HDL cholesterol, and two loci (11q12 and 2p24) showed association with triglycerides. The most significant association was between a SNP at 1p13 and LDL cholesterol (p = 4.6 × 10(-8)). This SNP is in a linkage disequilibrium region containing four genes (CELSR2, PSRC1, MYBPHL, and SORT1) and was recently shown to relate to risk for myocardial infarction. Overall, the results of this study suggest that much of the genetic variation which influences blood lipids is shared across ethnic groups.

A missense mutation, p.V132G, in the X-linked spermine synthase gene (SMS) causes Snyder-Robinson syndrome.

Snyder-Robinson syndrome (SRS, OMIM 309583) is a rare X-linked syndrome characterized by mental retardation, marfanoid habitus, skeletal defects, osteoporosis, and facial asymmetry. Linkage analysis localized the related gene to Xp21.3-p22.12, and a G-to-A transition at point +5 of intron 4 of the spermine synthase gene, which caused truncation of the SMS protein and loss of enzyme activity, was identified in the original family. Here we describe another family with Snyder-Robinson syndrome in two Mexican brothers and a novel mutation (c.496T>G) in the exon 5 of the SMS gene confirming its involvement in this rare X-linked mental retardation syndrome.

Ratio of jet cross sections at square root of s = 630 GeV and 1800 GeV.

The D0 Collaboration has measured the inclusive jet cross section in barpp collisions at square root of s = 630 GeV. The results for pseudorapidities (eta)<0.5 are combined with our previous results at square root of s = 1800 GeV to form a ratio of cross sections with smaller uncertainties than either individual measurement. Next-to-leading-order QCD predictions show excellent agreement with the measurement at 630 GeV; agreement is also satisfactory for the ratio. Specifically, despite a 10% to 15% difference in the absolute magnitude, the dependence of the ratio on jet transverse momentum is very similar for data and theory.

Search for large extra dimensions in dielectron and diphoton production.

We report a search for effects of large extra spatial dimensions in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.8 TeV with the D0 detector, using events containing a pair of electrons or photons. The data are in good agreement with the expected background and do not exhibit evidence for large extra dimensions. We set the most restrictive lower limits to date, at the 95% C.L. on the effective Planck scale between 1.0 and 1.4 TeV for several formalisms and numbers of extra dimensions.

Experience with the prevention of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease by vaccination in Alaska: the impact of persistent oropharyngeal carriage.

OBJECTIVES: To report the epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in high-risk Alaska Native infants before and after universal infant Hib vaccination and evaluate an increase in invasive Hib disease in 1996 after changing Hib vaccine type. STUDY DESIGN: Statewide laboratory surveillance for invasive Hib disease has been conducted since 1980. Three cross-sectional Hib carriage studies were conducted in 1997 and 1998. RESULTS: The invasive Hib disease rate in Alaska Natives decreased from 332 cases per 100,000 children <5 years old in 1980-1991 to 17:100,000 in 1992-1995 but increased primarily in rural areas to 57.9:100,000 after a switch in Hib vaccine types. Carriage studies in 5 rural Alaska Native villages showed oropharyngeal Hib carriage as high as 9.3% in children aged 1 to 5 years; in contrast, carriage in urban Alaska Native children was <1%. CONCLUSIONS: Although Hib disease has decreased in Alaska, the rate of Hib disease and carriage in rural Alaska Natives did not decrease to the same extent as in non-Natives and urban Alaska Natives. Use of polyribosylribitol phosphate-outer-membrane protein conjugate vaccine for the first vaccine dose is critical to disease control in this population with continued transmission in infants <6 months of age. The ability to eliminate Hib carriage and disease may be affected by population characteristics, vaccination coverage, and Hib vaccine type used. This may pose a challenge to global elimination of Hib.

Nitric oxide reaction with lipid peroxyl radicals spares alpha-tocopherol during lipid peroxidation. Greater oxidant protection from the pair nitric oxide/alpha-tocopherol than alpha-tocopherol/ascorbate.

The reactions of nitric oxide ((.)NO) and alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TH) during membrane lipid oxidation were examined and compared with the pair alpha-TH/ascorbate. Nitric oxide serves as a more potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation propagation reactions than alpha-TH and protects alpha-TH from oxidation. Mass spectrometry, oxygen and (.)NO consumption, conjugated diene analyses, and alpha-TH fluorescence determinations all demonstrated that (.)NO preferentially reacts with lipid radical species, with alpha-TH consumption not occurring until (.)NO concentrations fell below a critical level. In addition, alpha-TH and (.)NO cooperatively inhibit lipid peroxidation, exhibiting greater antioxidant capacity than the pair alpha-TH/ascorbate. Pulse radiolysis analysis showed no direct reaction between (.)NO and alpha-tocopheroxyl radical (alpha-T(.)), inferring that peroxyl radical termination reactions are the principal lipid-protective mechanism mediated by (.)NO. These observations support the concept that (.)NO is a potent chain breaking antioxidant toward peroxidizing lipids, due to facile radical-radical termination reactions with lipid radical species, thus preventing alpha-TH loss. The reduction of alpha-T(.) by ascorbate was a comparatively less efficient mechanism for preserving alpha-TH than (.)NO-mediated termination of peroxyl radicals, due to slower reaction kinetics and limited transfer of reducing equivalents from the aqueous phase. Thus, the high lipid/water partition coefficient of (.)NO, its capacity to diffuse and concentrate in lipophilic milieu, and a potent reactivity toward lipid radical species reveal how (.)NO can play a critical role in regulating membrane and lipoprotein lipid oxidation reactions.

Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in healthy very low birth weight infants.

We studied the immunogenic response to hepatitis B vaccine of infants weighing < or = 1500 gm at birth. Infants were divided into two groups: those weighing < or = 1000 gm (n = 22) and those weighing 1001 to 1501 gm (n = 28). When immunized early (3 days of age, n = 25), these infants had a response rate (defined as antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen titer > 10 mIU/ml) of 68%, whereas when the first vaccine was given at 1 month of age (n = 25), a 96% response rate was noted, irrespective of birth weight and weight at the time of immunization (p < 0.02).

Artificial feeding of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari:Ixodidae) through silicone membrane.

An artificial feeding system was used where citrated bovine blood was offered to male and female Amblyomma cajennense. Vestiges of blood, sweat, hair and exfoliated skin were used as phago-stimulants placed on the surface of the silicone membrane. The ticks were collected, as engorged nymphs, from naturally infested equines, with the ecdysis occurring in the laboratory. Four hundred ticks were used, 50% being female, at three to four weeks post-ecdysis. Vestiges of blood on the silicone membrane were the most efficient phago-stimulant and the association of vestiges of blood and sweat residue smears yielded better results compared to the other phago-stimulants used.

Peripheral leukocyte count and leukocyte indexes in healthy newborn term infants.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine normal values for the peripheral leukocyte count and leukocyte indexes in healthy term neonates at a specific time after birth. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 193 healthy term-gestation neonates with no identifiable perinatal risk factors for sepsis. At 4 hours of age a blood sample was collected by warmed heel stick. An automated Coulter complete blood cell count and a 100-cell manual differential leukocyte count were performed on each sample. The differential count was performed by a single hematopathologist unaware of the clinical status of each infant. Perinatal factors were identified by review of the mothers' and infants' hospital records. RESULTS: The mean ratio of immature to total neutrophils was 0.16 (SD 0.10), and the 10% to 90% range was 0.05 to 0.27. The mean leukocyte count was 24.06 x 10(9)/L (24,060/mm3), and the 10% to 90% range was 16.2 to 31.5 x 10(9)/L (16,200 to 31,500/mm3). Neutropenia, < 1.5 x 10(9)/L (1500/mm3) segmented plus band form neutrophils, was not observed. Of all the perinatal factors studied, only the duration of stage 1 labor was found to be associated with significant elevations in the leukocyte and absolute neutrophil counts. CONCLUSIONS: Previously published normal ranges for leukocyte indexes in healthy newborn infants during the early neonatal period are too restrictive; reference standards should be broadened.

Possible determination of the vector and reservoir of leishmaniasis in the Dominican Republic.

Two species of sand flies were collected by various methods from sites in the Dominican Republic. Lutzomyia cayennensis hispaniolae was the more common of the two. It was found in wooded habitats from sea level to an elevation of 442 m. This species was observed feeding on lizards (Anolis sp.) in the wild. In the laboratory, it fed only on lizards and only under lighted conditions. The other species, Lu. christophei was only found in the vicinity of seven leishmaniasis case sites. It readily fed on or probed rodents and humans. Although no naturally infected sand flies were collected, in the laboratory Lu. christophei was readily capable of transmitting the Dominican Leishmania parasite to uninfected BALB/c mice. We collected 167 specimens of three species of rodents and three Herpestes auropunctatus (mongoose) from the vicinity of two case sites. All four species are non-endemics introduced in post-Columbian times. Although we were unable to isolate parasites from any of these specimens, four of 44 Rattus rattus from one case site were seropositive for antibodies against Leishmania by indirect fluorescent antibody testing. This represents the first report of transmission of the Dominican Leishmania parasite by a sympatric species of sand fly and suggests that commensal rodents may play a role in the epidemiologic cycle.

Early identification of children's special needs: a study in five metropolitan communities.

In a study of special education programs in five urban school systems, parent interview data for 1726 children revealed how early the children's problems were identified and how the medical system was involved in the diagnosis. Problems included speech impairment, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, sensory disorders, and physical and health disabilities. Overall, 4.5% of the children's problems were identified at birth, and only 28.7% before the age of 5 years. Variation in age at identification depended on the condition: 1 year for Down syndrome and cerebral palsy versus a 6-year range for mental retardation. Although physicians were most likely to identify the less common, more severe handicaps, they also identified from 15% to 25% of learning disabilities, speech impairments, emotional disorders, hyperactivity, and "other" development problems. The type, severity, and complexity of the condition were significant predictors of physician identification. No racial, socioeconomic, or site biases were associated with whether a physician was first to identify. Age at identification was predicted by the complexity of the problem, the association with other health and developmental concerns, socioeconomic indicators, and whether a physician was involved in the diagnosis. In the absence of clear assumption of responsibility for early identification, much terrain remains uncharted by medical practitioners and the schools. A better systematic sharing of responsibility for the early identification of developmentally disabling conditions is needed.

Incidence of lymphoma in the US classified by the working formulation.

The incidence of lymphoma in the US and Puerto Rico among 13,600 patients is reported by histologic subtypes according to the Working Formulation. The most frequent histologic types were intermediate grades (five per 100,000 among whites, three per 100,000 among blacks, and two per 100,000 among Puerto Rican Hispanics). Low-grade types were next in frequency (2.7 per 100,000 in whites, 1.5 per 100,000 in blacks, and one per 100,000 in Puerto Rican Hispanics). More than 95% of patients had low-or intermediate-grade lymphomas, and of these, intermediate-grade lymphomas occurred in 65% of patients. High-grade types were infrequent in all ethnic groups. The incidence among men was significantly greater than among women in all ethnic groups. There was a distinct peak for small noncleaved cell type among white boys but not girls. For all other histologic types, there was a conspicuous absence of a young adult component, with incidence increasing steadily with age. No evidence for seasonal fluctuation in month of diagnosis was found. This delineation of incidence by histologic groupings, sex, and ethnic group will facilitate future studies using the Working Formulation.

Syndrome of periodic fever, pharyngitis, and aphthous stomatitis.

A syndrome of periodic fever that resembles human cyclic neutropenia in its clinical presentation has been identified in 12 children observed at two major referral centers. Attacks characterized by abrupt onset of fever, malaise, chills, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, headache, and tender cervical adenopathy occur at 4- to 6-week intervals over periods of years. These episodes of illness resolve spontaneously in 4 to 5 days. Mild leukocytosis and elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate during attacks are the only laboratory abnormalities. Affected children grow normally, are not unusually susceptible to infection, and exhibit no long-term sequelae. Attacks may be aborted by short courses of prednisone but do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. This syndrome is sporadic and appears to be much more common than cyclic neutropenia.

Survey for potential soft tick (Acari: Argasidae) vectors of African swine fever on the island of Hispaniola.

A survey of the occurrence of Ornithodoros ticks in animal burrows was conducted in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Vacuum sampling techniques were used. Four of 8 sample sites in Haiti and 10 of 70 sample sites in the Dominican Republic were positive for O. puertoricensis Fox. Positive sample sites in Haiti were usually near swine. Sites in the Dominican Republic were in drier regions of the country and were not directly associated with previous swine locations. The determination that O. puertoricensis, a potential vector and reservoir of African swine fever (ASF), is present in this region may pose a serious problem for eradication of ASF from the island of Hispaniola.

Effects of preventive cognitive self-instruction training on adolescent attitudes, experiences, and state anxiety.

The effects of teacher-directed cognitive self-instruction (TI) were compared with an instructions-only component control condition (IO) in order to examine the former's efficacy as a primary prevention strategy. In a quasi-experimental design. two intact high school psychology classes were randomly assigned to either TI or IO. Each condition lasted for eight 45-minute class periods, and each group was given an in vivo homework assignment. Pretreatment equivalence and demand analyses yielded no evidence of differences. Results of a posttreatment measure of attitude toward treatments and a pre- and posttreatment measure of state anxiety suggested that trainerdirected cognitive self-instruction may be a promising primary prevention strategy.