Impact of maternal diet on neonatal anthropometry: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Large for gestational age infants are at increased risk of childhood obesity and maternal nutrition impacts birthweight. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a maternal low glycaemic index (GI) diet on neonatal anthropometry. METHODS: The ROLO (Randomised Control Trial of Low Glycaemic Index Diet in Pregnancy) study was a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of a low GI diet versus usual diet on birthweight. It took place in a tertiary maternity hospital in Ireland and women were randomized to receive either a low GI diet or no dietary intervention from early pregnancy to term. Two hundred sixty-five neonates had anthropometric measurements on day 1-2 of life, 126 in the intervention group and 139 in the control group. Measurements included birthweight, length and circumferences of the head, chest, abdominal, thigh and mid-upper arm. A subgroup of 219 (82%) neonates also had skin-fold measurements. RESULTS: Neonates whose mothers had a low GI diet in pregnancy had lower thigh circumference (15.9 ± 1.7 cm vs. 16.6 ± 1.5 cm, P = 0.04). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups in head, chest abdominal or mid-upper arm circumferences. No difference was noted between the two groups for any skin-fold measurements (subscapular, thigh, biceps and triceps). CONCLUSION: Neonatal thigh circumference was altered by maternal low GI diet in pregnancy. These findings suggest that maternal low GI diet is safe in pregnancy and may positively impact infant adiposity.

Increased amygdala response to masked emotional faces in depressed subjects resolves with antidepressant treatment: an fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: The amygdala has a central role in processing emotions, particularly fear. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) amygdala activation has been demonstrated outside of conscious awareness using masked emotional faces. METHODS: We applied the masked faces paradigm to patients with major depression (n = 11) and matched control subjects (n = 11) during fMRI to compare amygdala activation in response to masked emotional faces before and after antidepressant treatment. Data were analyzed using left and right amygdala a priori regions of interest, in an analysis of variance block analysis and random effects model. RESULTS: Depressed patients had exaggerated left amygdala activation to all faces, greater for fearful faces. Right amygdala did not differ from control subjects. Following treatment, patients had bilateral reduced amygdala activation to masked fearful faces and bilateral reduced amygdala activation to all faces. Control subjects had no differences between the two scanning sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Depressed patients have left amygdala hyperarousal, even when processing stimuli outside conscious awareness. Increased amygdala activation normalizes with antidepressant treatment.

A pilot study of interpersonal psychotherapy by telephone with cancer patients and their partners.

A single-arm pilot study explored the feasibility of adapting in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) by telephone to reduce psychological distress and to enhance coping during cancer treatment. Therapy focuses on role transitions, interpersonal conflicts, and grief precipitated by cancer. Breast cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy received weekly sessions with a psychologist throughout chemotherapy and for 1 month afterwards. Patients could invite one 'partner' to receive individual telephone IPT. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using standardized measures at study entry, after chemotherapy, and following telephone IPT. Accrual and participation supplied evidence of feasibility: 14 patients and 10 partners were recruited, 82.5% of those eligible. Patients had a mean of 16 sessions; partners had a mean of 11. Participants rated their satisfaction with the program between 'good' and 'excellent'. A test of the efficacy of telephone IPT requires a larger, randomized trial. In order to standardize the intervention, a treatment manual was developed. This study indicated the importance of outreach to family members as well as to cancer patients, intensive patient education about oncology treatment and the medical care setting, and psychosocial services that continue after cancer treatment has been completed.

PCR primers and amplification methods for 12S ribosomal DNA, the control region, cytochrome oxidase I, and cytochrome b in bufonids and other frogs, and an overview of PCR primers which have amplified DNA in amphibians successfully.

New primers (N = 24) for the amplification and sequencing of the complete or near complete 12S ribosomal DNA, about 1000 bp of the control region, 390 bp of cytochrome oxidase I, and the near complete cytochrome b are described. The 12S ribosomal DNA primers successfully amplify DNA in tetrapods; other primers successfully amplify DNA in bufonoids and other anurans. An overview of published literature and sequence data banks identified 170 mitochondrial and 96 nuclear DNA primers that have been used or are highly likely to be useful in amphibians. Primer sequences, their locations within genes, and sequence location and identity in Xenopus and human and/or mouse are presented for each primer. The utility of each primer was estimated by identifying the smallest, yet most inclusive, taxonomic category within which each primer has been successful. Primers from all published sources are mapped together. We hope that these new primers, as well as the list of primers that have been useful in amphibians, will encourage further systematic and population genetic studies of amphibians.

Development and validation of body rating scales for adolescent females.

OBJECTIVE: This present study was designed to develop and validate rating scales for body image assessment in adolescents. METHOD: The figures of the Figure Rating Scale (FRS; Stunkard, Sorenson, & Schlusinger, The genetics of neurological and psychiatric disorders, 1983, pp. 115-129) used in previous research seem more appropriate for research with adults. Accordingly, we developed two forms of a body rating scale (BRS) depicting adolescent females and administered these scales and the FRS to 315 female subjects. The subjects comprise three age groups, 11-year-olds, 17-year-olds, and their mothers, all participants in the epidemiologically based Minnesota Twin Family Study. Two independent observers also rated each subject. RESULTS: Intercorrelations among raters and scales and with body mass index were generally high and indicate comparability between the BRS measures and the FRS. DISCUSSION: The generally excellent psychometric properties of the new scales coupled with their face validity may make them a useful tool for body image research in children and adolescents.

Automated percutaneous discectomy: the role of the physical therapist.

A number of surgical techniques are used in the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs. The purpose of this report was to introduce the technique of automated percutaneous discectomy and suggest a postoperative physical therapy program. Automated percutaneous discectomy (APD) is a new innovative surgical technique used for the treatment of herniated lumbar discs. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis and takes approximately one hour. The success of this procedure depends upon proper patient selection based on physical examination and differential diagnosis. The role of the physical therapist in postoperative care for the APD patient is discussed. The rationale for the suggested protocol is based on the McKenzie approach to the treatment of mechanical low back pain, emphasizing patient education and prophylaxis. The concept of spinal stabilization training is also introduced to facilitate return to daily activities. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1992;15(1):2-9.