Vitamin C Supplementation Among Pregnant Smokers and Airway Function Trajectory in Offspring: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial analyzes the association of vitamin C supplementation in women who smoked during pregnancy with airway function trajectory in their offspring at 4 to 6 years of age.

Improvements in lung function following vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers are associated with buccal DNA methylation at 5 years of age

BACKGROUND

We previously reported in the "Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function" randomized clinical trial (RCT) that vitamin C (500 mg/day) supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with improved respiratory outcomes that persist through 5 years of age. The objective of this study was to assess whether buccal cell DNA methylation (DNAm), as a surrogate for airway epithelium, is associated with vitamin C supplementation, improved lung function, and decreased occurrence of wheeze.

METHODS

We conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) using Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays and buccal DNAm from 158 subjects (80 placebo; 78 vitamin C) with pulmonary function testing (PFT) performed at the 5-year visit. EWAS were performed on (1) vitamin C treatment, (2) forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of expired volume (FEF25-75), and (3) offspring wheeze. Models were adjusted for sex, race, study site, gestational age at randomization (≤ OR > 18 weeks), proportion of epithelial cells, and latent covariates in addition to child length at PFT in EWAS for FEF25-75. We considered FDR p < 0.05 as genome-wide significant and nominal p < 0.001 as candidates for downstream analyses. Buccal DNAm measured in a subset of subjects at birth and near 1 year of age was used to determine whether DNAm signatures originated in utero, or emerged with age.

RESULTS

Vitamin C treatment was associated with 457 FDR significant (q < 0.05) differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs; 236 hypermethylated; 221 hypomethylated) and 53 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; 26 hyper; 27 hypo) at 5 years of age. FEF25-75 was associated with one FDR significant DMC (cg05814800), 1,468 candidate DMCs (p < 0.001), and 44 DMRs. Current wheeze was associated with 0 FDR-DMCs, 782 candidate DMCs, and 19 DMRs (p < 0.001). In 365/457 vitamin C FDR significant DMCs at 5 years of age, there was no significant interaction between time and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with buccal DNA methylation in offspring at 5 years of age, and most methylation signatures appear to be persistent from the prenatal period. Buccal methylation at 5 years was also associated with current lung function and occurrence of wheeze, and these functionally associated loci are enriched for vitamin C associated loci. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01723696 and NCT03203603.

Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation for Pregnant Smokers on Offspring Airway Function and Wheeze at Age 5 Years: Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Vitamin C supplementation (500 mg/d) for pregnant smokers has been reported to increase offspring airway function as measured by forced expiratory flow (FEF) through age 12 months; however, its effects on airway function at age 5 years remain to be assessed.

Objective

To assess whether vitamin C supplementation in pregnant smokers is associated with increased and/or improved airway function in their offspring at age 5 years and whether vitamin C decreases the occurrence of wheeze.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study followed up the Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function (VCSIP) double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial conducted at 3 centers in the US (in Oregon, Washington, and Indiana) between 2012 and 2016. Investigators and participants remain unaware of the treatment assignments. Forced expiratory flow measurements at age 5 years were completed from 2018 to 2021.

Interventions

Pregnant smokers were randomized to vitamin C (500 mg/d) or placebo treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the prespecified measurement of FEF between 25% and 75% expired volume (FEF25-75) by spirometry at age 5 years. Secondary outcomes included FEF measurements at 50% and 75% of expiration (FEF50 and FEF75), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and occurrence of wheeze.

Results

Of the 251 pregnant smokers included in this study, 125 (49.8%) were randomized to vitamin C and 126 (50.2%) were randomized to placebo. Of 213 children from the VCSIP trial who were reconsented into this follow-up study, 192 (90.1%) had successful FEF measurements at age 5 years; 212 (99.5%) were included in the analysis of wheeze. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that offspring of pregnant smokers allocated to vitamin C compared with placebo had 17.2% significantly higher mean (SE) measurements of FEF25-75 at age 5 years (1.45 [0.04] vs 1.24 [0.04] L/s; adjusted mean difference, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.13-0.30]; P < .001). Mean (SE) measurements were also significantly increased by 14.1% for FEF50 (1.59 [0.04] vs 1.39 [0.04] L/s; adjusted mean difference, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.11-0.30]; P < .001), 25.9% for FEF75 (0.79 [0.02] vs 0.63 [0.02] L/s; 0.16 [95% CI, 0.11-0.22]; P < .001), and 4.4% for FEV1 (1.13 [0.02] vs 1.09 [0.02] L; 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P = .02). In addition, offspring of pregnant smokers randomized to vitamin C had significantly decreased wheeze (28.3% vs 47.2%; estimated odds ratio, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.23-0.74]; P = .003).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this follow-up study of offspring of pregnant smokers randomized to vitamin C vs placebo, vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy resulted in significantly increased airway function of offspring at age 5 years and significantly decreased the occurrence of wheeze. These findings suggest that vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers may decrease the effects of smoking in pregnancy on childhood airway function and respiratory health.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03203603.

Outcomes of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute K12 program in emergency care research: 7-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Long-term follow-up for clinician-scientist training programs is sparse. We describe the outcomes of clinician-scientist scholars in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) K12 program in emergency care research up to 8.7 years after matriculation in the program.

METHODS

This was a cohort study of faculty clinician-scientist scholars enrolled in a NHLBI K12 research training program at 6 sites across the US, with median follow-up 7.7 years (range 5.7-8.7 years) from the date of matriculation. Scholars completed electronic surveys in 2017 and 2019, with the 2019 survey collecting information for their current work setting, percent time for research, and grant funding from all sources. We used NIH RePorter and online resources to verify federal grants through March 2021. The primary outcome was a funded career development award (CDA) or research project grant (RPG) where the scholar was principal investigator. We included funding from all federal sources and national foundations.

RESULTS

There were 43 scholars, including 16 (37%) women. Over the follow-up period, 32 (74%) received an individual CDA or RPG, with a median of 36 months (range 9-83 months) after entering the program. Of the 43 scholars, 23 (54%) received a CDA and 22 (51%) received an RPG, 7 (16%) of which were R01s. Of the 23 scholars who received a CDA, 13 (56%) subsequently had an RPG funded. Time to CDA or RPG did not differ by sex (women vs. men log-rank test p = 0.27) or specialty training (emergency medicine versus other specialties, p = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

After 7 years of follow-up for this NHLBI K12 emergency care research training program, three quarters of clinician-scientist scholars had obtained CDA or RPG funding, with no notable differences by sex or clinical training.

Simulating the impact of Addiction Consult Services in the context of drug supply contamination, hospitalizations, and drug-related mortality

BACKGROUND

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is increasing in international drug supply chains, and IMF-related opioid overdose deaths are rising in North America. Hospitalizations among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are also rising; and, hospitalized patients are at increased risk of overdose and death following hospital discharge. Hospitalization is a key opportunity to engage patients with OUD. Addiction consult services (ACS) can provide effective treatment for patients hospitalized with OUD. This study aims to estimate the effect of increasing IMF contamination on drug-related death among patients hospitalized with OUD, and simulate the role of ACS expansion to mitigate these effects.

METHODS

We used a Markov model to mirror care systems for adult patients hospitalized with OUD in Oregon, from the time of hospital admission through 12-months post-discharge, and simulated patients through modeled care systems to evaluate the expansion of Addiction Consult Services in the context of increasing IMF in the drug supply.

RESULTS

In a simulated cohort of 10,000 patients, we estimate that 537 patients would die from drug-related causes within 12-months of hospital discharge. In the context of increased IMF in the drug supply, this estimate increased to 913. ACS referral at baseline was 4%; increasing ACS referral to accommodate 10%, 50%, or 100% of hospitalized OUD patients in the state reduces drug-related deaths to 904, 849, and 780, respectively. The number needed to treat for ACS to avoid one drug-related death in the context of increased IMF was 73.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals should expand interventions to help reduce IMF-related opioid overdoses, including through implementation of ACS. In the context of rising IMF-related deaths, ACS expansion could help connect patients to treatment, offer harm reduction interventions, or both, which can help reduce the risk of opioid-related death.

Lipoic acid supplementation associated with neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1)-associated membranous nephropathy

Lipoic acid (alpha lipoic acid, thioctic acid) is a popular over-the-counter antioxidant and insulin-mimetic supplement under investigation in a variety of conditions including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, high-grade proteinuria was an unexpected adverse event specific to the treatment arm of our clinical trial investigating lipoic acid supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis. This observation led to detection of similar patients in our nephrology practice. Here, we describe four biopsy-proven cases of neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1)-associated membranous nephropathy following lipoic acid supplementation and a fifth suspected case. Discontinuation of lipoic acid and supportive therapy resulted in remission.

Impact of vitamin C supplementation on placental DNA methylation changes related to maternal smoking: association with gene expression and respiratory outcomes

BACKGROUND

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) affects development of multiple organ systems including the placenta, lung, brain, and vasculature. In particular, children exposed to MSDP show lifelong deficits in pulmonary function and increased risk of asthma and wheeze. Our laboratory has previously shown that vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy prevents some of the adverse effects of MSDP on offspring respiratory outcomes. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation (DNAm), are a likely link between in utero exposures and adverse health outcomes, and MSDP has previously been associated with DNAm changes in blood, placenta, and buccal epithelium. Analysis of placental DNAm may reveal critical targets of MSDP and vitamin C relevant to respiratory health outcomes.

RESULTS

DNAm was measured in placentas obtained from 72 smokers enrolled in the VCSIP RCT: NCT03203603 (37 supplemented with vitamin C, 35 with placebo) and 24 never-smokers for reference. Methylation at one CpG, cg20790161, reached Bonferroni significance and was hypomethylated in vitamin C supplemented smokers versus placebo. Analysis of spatially related CpGs identified 93 candidate differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between treatment groups, including loci known to be associated with lung function, oxidative stress, fetal development and growth, and angiogenesis. Overlap of nominally significant differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) in never-smokers versus placebo with nominally significant DMCs in vitamin C versus placebo identified 9059 candidate "restored CpGs" for association with placental transcript expression and respiratory outcomes. Methylation at 274 restored candidate CpG sites was associated with expression of 259 genes (FDR < 0.05). We further identified candidate CpGs associated with infant lung function (34 CpGs) and composite wheeze (1 CpG) at 12 months of age (FDR < 0.05). Increased methylation in the DIP2C, APOH/PRKCA, and additional candidate gene regions was associated with improved lung function and decreased wheeze in offspring of vitamin C-treated smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers ameliorates changes associated with maternal smoking in placental DNA methylation and gene expression in pathways potentially linked to improved placental function and offspring respiratory health. Further work is necessary to validate candidate loci and elucidate the causal pathway between placental methylation changes and outcomes of offspring exposed to MSDP. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01723696. Registered November 6, 2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01723696 .

Designing and validating a Markov model for hospital-based addiction consult service impact on 12-month drug and non-drug related mortality

INTRODUCTION

Addiction consult services (ACS) engage hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in care and help meet their goals for substance use treatment. Little is known about how ACS affect mortality for patients with OUD. The objective of this study was to design and validate a model that estimates the impact of ACS care on 12-month mortality among hospitalized patients with OUD.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model of referral to an ACS, post-discharge engagement in SUD care, and 12-month drug-related and non-drug related mortality among hospitalized patients with OUD. We populated our model using Oregon Medicaid data and validated it using international modeling standards.

RESULTS

There were 6,654 patients with OUD hospitalized from April 2015 through December 2017. There were 114 (1.7%) drug-related deaths and 408 (6.1%) non-drug related deaths at 12 months. Bayesian logistic regression models estimated four percent (4%, 95% CI = 2%, 6%) of patients were referred to an ACS. Of those, 47% (95% CI = 37%, 57%) engaged in post-discharge OUD care, versus 20% not referred to an ACS (95% CI = 16%, 24%). The risk of drug-related death at 12 months among patients in post-discharge OUD care was 3% (95% CI = 0%, 7%) versus 6% not in care (95% CI = 2%, 10%). The risk of non-drug related death was 7% (95% CI = 1%, 13%) among patients in post-discharge OUD treatment, versus 9% not in care (95% CI = 5%, 13%). We validated our model by evaluating its predictive, external, internal, face and cross validity.

DISCUSSION

Our novel Markov model reflects trajectories of care and survival for patients hospitalized with OUD. This model can be used to evaluate the impact of other clinical and policy changes to improve patient survival.

Vitamin C to Pregnant Smokers Persistently Improves Infant Airway Function to 12 Months of Age: A Randomised Trial

BACKGROUND

Vitamin C (500 mg·day-1) supplementation for pregnant smokers has been reported to increase newborn pulmonary function and infant forced expiratory flows (FEFs) at 3 months of age. Its effect on airway function through 12 months of age has not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with a sustained increased airway function in their infants through 12 months of age.

METHODS

This is a prespecified secondary outcome of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomised 251 pregnant smokers between 13 and 23 weeks of gestation: 125 to 500 mg·day-1 vitamin C and 126 to placebo. Smoking cessation counselling was provided. FEFs performed at 3 and 12 months of age were analysed by repeated measures analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

FEFs were performed in 222 infants at 3 months and 202 infants at 12 months of age. The infants allocated to vitamin C had significantly increased FEFs over the first year of life compared to those allocated to placebo. The overall increased flows were: 40.2 mL·sec-1 for FEF75 (adjusted 95% CI for difference 6.6 to 73.8; p=0.025); 58.3 mL·sec-1 for FEF50 (95% CI 10.9 to 105.8; p=0.0081); and 55.1 mL·sec-1 for FEF25-75 (95% CI, 9.7 to 100.5; p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

In offspring of pregnant smokers randomised to vitamin C versus placebo, vitamin C during pregnancy was associated with a small but significantly increased airway function at 3 and 12 months of age, suggesting a potential shift to a higher airway function trajectory curve. Continued follow-up is underway.

Immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CTSA TL1 and KL2 training and career development

Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) TL1 trainees and KL2 scholars were surveyed to determine the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and career development. The most negative impact was lack of access to research facilities, clinics, and human subjects, plus for KL2 scholars lack of access to team members and need for homeschooling. TL1 trainees reported having more time to think and write. Common strategies to maintain research productivity involved time management, virtual connections with colleagues, and shifting to research activities not requiring laboratory/clinic settings. Strategies for mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and career development are described.

A Community-based Assessment of Skin Care, Allergies, and Eczema (CASCADE): an atopic dermatitis primary prevention study using emollients-protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic skin disorder often beginning in infancy. Skin barrier dysfunction early in life serves as a central event in the pathogenesis of AD. In infants at high risk of developing AD, preventative application of lipid-rich emollients may reduce the risk of developing AD. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of this intervention in a population not selected for risk via a pragmatic, randomized, physician-blinded trial in the primary care setting.

METHODS

Infant-parent dyads are recruited from a primary care practice participating through one of four practice-based research networks in Oregon, Colorado, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. Eligible dyads are randomized to the intervention (daily use of lipid-rich emollient) or the control (no emollient) group (n = 625 infants in each) and are followed for 24 months. The primary outcome is the cumulative incidence of physician-diagnosed AD and secondary outcomes include caregiver-reported measures of AD and development of other atopic diseases. Data collection occurs via chart review and surveys, with no study visits required. Data will be analyzed utilizing intention-to-treat principles.

DISCUSSION

AD is a common skin condition in infants that affects quality of life and is associated with the development of other atopic diseases. If a safe intervention, such as application of lipid-rich emollients, in the general population effectively decreases AD prevalence, this could alter the guidance given by providers regarding routine skin care of infants. Because of the pragmatic design, we anticipate that this trial will yield generalizable results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03409367. Registered on 11 February 2018.

Oral Vitamin C (500 mg/d) to Pregnant Smokers Improves Infant Airway Function at 3 Months (VCSIP). A Randomized Trial

Rationale: We reported a randomized trial demonstrating daily supplemental vitamin C to pregnant smokers significantly improved newborn pulmonary function tests. The current study tests these results in a new cohort using infant pulmonary function tests. Objectives: To determine if infants of pregnant smokers randomized to daily supplemental vitamin C would have improved forced expiratory flows (FEFs) at 3 months of age compared with those randomized to placebo, and to investigate the association of the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at three centers. Two hundred fifty-one pregnant smokers were randomized at 13-23 weeks of gestation: 125 randomized to vitamin C (500 mg/d) and 126 to placebo. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was FEF75 at 3 months of age performed with the raised volume rapid thoracic compression technique (Jaeger/Viasys). FEF50 and FEF25-75 obtained from the same expiratory curves were prespecified secondary outcomes. The infants of pregnant smokers randomized to vitamin C (n = 113) had the following FEFs at 3 months of age compared with those randomized to placebo (n =  109) as measured by FEF75 (200.7 vs. 188.7 ml/s; adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -3.33 to 35.64; P = 0.10), FEF50 (436.7 vs. 408.5 ml/s; adjusted 95% CI for difference, 6.10-61.30; P = 0.02), and FEF25-75 (387.4 vs. 365.8 ml/s; adjusted 95% CI for difference, 0.92-55.34; P = 0.04). Infant FEFs seemed to be negatively associated with the maternal risk alleles for the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (rs16969968). Conclusions: Although the primary outcome of FEF75 was not improved after vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers, the predetermined secondary outcomes FEF50 and FEF25-75 were significantly improved. These results extend our previous findings and demonstrate improved airway function (FEF50 and FEF25-75) at 3 months of age in infants after vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01723696).

Abstract P1-20-06: Association of circulating tumor DNA with clinical outcomes in metastatic breast cancer patients

Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used as a non-invasive method to detect and quantify genomic alterations (GA) in blood. We evaluated the relationship between ctDNA features, radiographic disease progression (RDP) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 32 female MBC pts with plasma ctDNA tested prior to a radiology scan was performed. Plasma ctDNA tests were run by Inivata using a 36-gene panel for detecting point mutations, short insertions/deletions, and copy number variations. ctDNA features were tabulated for each pt and included number of genomic alterations (numGA), maximum mutant allele frequency (maxMAF), and sum of mutant allele frequency (sumMAF). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression (LR) models were used to explore ctDNA features associated with RDP. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify ctDNA features that were associated with PFS. All models included ctDNA features as continuous variables.

Results: Frequency of subtypes were 38% HR+HER2-, 28% HR+HER2+, 28% triple-negative, and 6% HR-HER2+. 97% had prior chemotherapy; 92% of HR+HER2-negative pts had prior endocrine therapy. 20 of 32 samples (69%) had GAs. The most common GAs were TP53 (50%), ESR1 (25%), PIK3CA (19%), and GATA3 (9.4%). Median numGA was 1 (0-12); median maxMAF was 1.9 (0-65.5); median sumMAF was 2.2 (0-157.2). Univariate LR analysis identified numGA (p=0.025), maxMAF (p=0.034), and sumMAF (p=0.049) to be significantly associated with RDP; numGA (p=0.056) and maxMAF (p=0.109) were retained in the final multivariable LR model. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that numGA (HR=1.32, p&lt;0.001), maxMAF (HR=1.03, p=0.011), and sumMAF (HR=1.02, p=0.002) were significantly associated with PFS; numGA (HR= 1.30, p=0.001) and maxMAF (HR= 1.02, p=0.045) were retained in the final multivariable Cox model.

Conclusions: Blood ctDNA profiling contributes to the prediction of RDP and PFS in MBC pts. High number of alterations and high allele fraction of these alterations were associated with worse clinical outcomes. These data provide an overview of the ctDNA dynamics in treated MBC pts.

Citation Format: Tan AR, Symanowski J, Kim EN, Hosking M, Morris CD, Plagnol V, Farhangfar CJ, Ersek JL. Association of circulating tumor DNA with clinical outcomes in metastatic breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-20-06.

The First National Institutes of Health Institutional Training Program in Emergency Care Research: Productivity and Outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We assess the productivity, outcomes, and experiences of participants in the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded K12 institutional research training programs in emergency care research.

METHODS

We used a mixed-methods study design to evaluate the 6 K12 programs, including 2 surveys, participant interviews, scholar publications, grant submissions, and funded grants. The training program lasted from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2017. We tracked scholars for a minimum of 3 years and up to 5 years, beginning with date of entry into the program. We interviewed program participants by telephone using open-ended prompts.

RESULTS

There were 94 participants, including 43 faculty scholars, 13 principal investigators, 30 non-principal investigator primary mentors, and 8 program administrators. The survey had a 74% overall response rate, including 95% of scholars. On entry to the program, scholars were aged a median of 37 years (interquartile range [IQR] 34 to 40 years), with 16 women (37%), and represented 11 disciplines. Of the 43 scholars, 40 (93%) submitted a career development award or research project grant during or after the program; 26 (60%) have secured independent funding as of August 1, 2017. Starting with date of entry into the program, the median time to grant submission was 19 months (IQR 11 to 27 months) and time to funding was 33 months (IQR 27 to 39 months). Cumulative median publications per scholar increased from 7 (IQR 4 to 15.5) at program entry to 21 (IQR 11 to 33.5) in the first post-K12 year. We conducted 57 semistructured interviews and identified 7 primary themes.

CONCLUSION

This training program produced 43 interdisciplinary investigators in emergency care research, with demonstrated productivity in grant funding and publications.

Vitamin C Prevents Offspring DNA Methylation Changes Associated with Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy

RATIONALE

Infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy demonstrate lifelong decreases in pulmonary function. DNA methylation changes associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy have been described in placenta and cord blood at delivery, in fetal lung, and in buccal epithelium and blood during childhood. We demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT00632476) that vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers can lessen the impact of maternal smoking on offspring pulmonary function and decrease the incidence of wheeze at 1 year of age.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether vitamin C supplementation reduces changes in offspring methylation in response to maternal smoking and whether methylation at specific CpGs is also associated with respiratory outcomes.

METHODS

Targeted bisulfite sequencing was performed with a subset of placentas, cord blood samples, and buccal samples collected during the NCT00632476 trial followed by independent validation of selected cord blood differentially methylated regions, using bisulfite amplicon sequencing.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The majority (69.03%) of CpGs with at least 10% methylation difference between placebo and nonsmoker groups were restored (by at least 50%) toward nonsmoker levels with vitamin C treatment. A significant proportion of restored CpGs were associated with phenotypic outcome with greater enrichment among hypomethylated CpGs.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a pattern of normalization in DNA methylation by vitamin C supplementation across multiple loci. The consistency of this pattern across tissues and time suggests a systemic and persistent effect on offspring DNA methylation. Further work is necessary to determine how genome-wide changes in DNA methylation may mediate or reflect persistent effects of maternal smoking on lung function.

Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function (VCSIP): Rationale, design, and methods of a randomized, controlled trial of vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy for the primary prevention of effects of in utero tobacco smoke exposure on infant lung function and respiratory health

Despite strong anti-smoking efforts, at least 12% of American women cannot quit smoking when pregnant resulting in >450,000 smoke-exposed infants born yearly. Smoking during pregnancy is the largest preventable cause of childhood respiratory illness including wheezing and asthma. Recent studies have shown a protective effect of vitamin C supplementation on the lung function of offspring exposed to in utero smoke in a non-human primate model and an initial human trial. Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function (VCSIP) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate pulmonary function at 3months of age in infants delivered to pregnant smokers randomized to 500mg/day of vitamin C versus placebo during pregnancy. Secondary aims evaluate the incidence of wheezing through 12months and pulmonary function testing at 12months of age. Women are randomized between 13 and 23weeks gestation from clinical sites in Portland, Oregon at Oregon Health & Science University and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and in Indianapolis, Indiana at Indiana University and Wishard Hospital. Vitamin C supplementation occurs from randomization to delivery. Monthly contact with participants and monitoring of medical records is performed to document medication adherence, changes in smoking and medical history, and adverse events. Pulmonary function testing of offspring occurs at 3 and 12months of age and incidence of wheezing and respiratory illness through 12months is captured via at least quarterly questionnaires. Ancillary studies are investigating the impact of vitamin C on placental blood flow and DNA methylation.

MRI characteristics associated with high-grade myxoid liposarcoma

AIM

To identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features differentiating high-grade (>5% round-cell component) from low-grade myxoid liposarcomas (LPS) (≤5% round-cell component).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Informed consent was waived. Patients with myxoid LPS and MRI before biopsy, neoadjuvant therapy, and surgery were included retrospectively. High-grade components were recorded from histological specimens by a pathologist (24 years of experience). Images were evaluated by a senior radiologist (>12 years of experience) for tumour size, location, tissue layer, and MRI features (signal intensity, heterogeneity, margin, and perilesional characteristics). Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test to identify associations with a round-cell component, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of high-grade tumours were used.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (16 women [mean 51.1 years; range 19-79 years] and 15 men [mean 45.5 years; range 18-95 years]) with myxoid LPS (23 low-grade, eight high-grade) were included. All high-grade lesions had lipid signal, a peritumoural capsule and peritumoural contrast enhancement, and more commonly exhibited heterogeneous signal; however, the average size of ≥10 cm was the strongest independent indicator of high-grade status (odds ratio [OR], 14.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 131).

CONCLUSION

Size ≥10 cm is most strongly associated with high-grade myxoid LPS (round-cell component >5%). Other features possibly differentiating high-grade from low-grade status include lesion margin, lipid signal, and perilesional characteristics.

A procedure to evaluate the efficiency of surface sterilization methods in culture-independent fungal endophyte studies

Extraneous DNA interferes with PCR studies of endophytic fungi. A procedure was developed with which to evaluate the removal of extraneous DNA. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) leaves were sprayed with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then subjected to physical and chemical surface treatments. The fungal ITS1 products were amplified from whole tissue DNA extractions. ANOVA was performed on the DNA bands representing S. cerevisiae on the agarose gel. Band profile comparisons using permutational multivariate ANOVA (PERMANOVA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were performed on DGGE gel data, and band numbers were compared between treatments. Leaf surfaces were viewed under variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM). Yeast band analysis of the agarose gel showed that there was no significant difference in the mean band DNA quantity after physical and chemical treatments, but they both differed significantly (p < 0.05) from the untreated control. PERMANOVA revealed a significant difference between all treatments (p < 0.05). The mean similarity matrix showed that the physical treatment results were more reproducible than those from the chemical treatment results. The NMDS showed that the physical treatment was the most consistent. VPSEM indicated that the physical treatment was the most effective treatment to remove surface microbes and debris. The use of molecular and microscopy methods for the post-treatment detection of yeast inoculated onto wheat leaf surfaces demonstrated the effectiveness of the surface treatment employed, and this can assist researchers in optimizing their surface sterilization techniques in DNA-based fungal endophyte studies.

The association of type and number of chronic diseases with breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between the number and types of patients' chronic diseases and being up to date for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening.

METHODS

Data were abstracted from medical charts at 4 primary care clinics located in 2 rural Oregon communities. Eligibility criteria included being at least 55 years old and having at least 1 clinic visit in the past 2 years.

RESULTS

Of 3433 patients included, 503 (15%) had no chronic illness, 646 (19%) had 1, 786 (23%) had 2, and 1498 (44%) had ≥3 chronic conditions. Women with asthma/chronic lung disease and with cardiovascular disease were less likely to be up o date for mammography screening (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.80), and those with chronic digestive disorders were more likely to be up to date for mammography (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.03-1.66) compared with those without chronic conditions. Women with arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were less likely to be up to date for cervical cancer screening (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21-0.68) compared with those without chronic conditions. Men with cardiovascular disease were less likely to be up to date for colorectal cancer screening (adjusted OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.80), and women with depression were less likely to be up to date (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.91) compared with men and women without chronic conditions.

CONCLUSION

Specific chronic conditions were found to be associated with up-to-date status for cancer screening. This finding may help practices to identify patients who need to receive cancer screening.

Low rate of large polyps (>9 mm) within 10 years after an adequate baseline colonoscopy with no polyps

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Guidelines recommend a 10-year interval between screening colonoscopies with negative results for average-risk individuals. However, many patients are examined at shorter intervals. We investigated outcomes of individuals with no polyps who had repeat colonoscopy in <10 years.

METHODS

Data were collected using the National Endoscopic Database, from 69 gastroenterology centers, on 264,184 asymptomatic subjects who underwent screening colonoscopies from 2000 through 2006, were found to have no polyps, and received another colonoscopy examination within <10 years.

RESULTS

No polyps were found in 147,375 patients during a baseline colonoscopy; 17,525 patients (11.9%) had a follow-up colonoscopy within <10 years, including 1806 (10.3%) who received the follow-up colonoscopy within <1 year. The most common reason for repeating the examination within 1 year was that the first was compromised by inadequate bowel preparation or incomplete examination. Of these patients, 6.5% (95% confidence interval: 5.3-7.6) had large polyp(s) >9 mm-a proportion similar to the prevalence in the average-risk screening population. Reasons that examinations were repeated within 1-5 years included average-risk screening (15.7%), family history of colon polyps or cancer (30.1%), bleeding (31.2%), gastrointestinal symptoms (11.8%), or a positive result from a fecal blood test (5.5%). If the baseline examination was adequate, the incidence of large polyps within 1-5 years after baseline colonoscopy was 3.1% (95% confidence interval: 2.7-3.5) and within years 5-10 years was 3.7% (95% confidence interval: 3.3-4.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat colonoscopies within 10 years are of little benefit to patients who had adequate examinations and were found to have no polyps. Repeat colonoscopies are beneficial to patients when the baseline examination was compromised.

Race, ethnicity, and sex affect risk for polyps >9 mm in average-risk individuals

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colorectal cancer risk differs based on patient demographics. We aimed to measure the prevalence of significant colorectal polyps in average-risk individuals and to determine differences based on age, sex, race, or ethnicity.

METHODS

In a prospective study, colonoscopy data were collected, using an endoscopic report generator, from 327,785 average-risk adults who underwent colorectal cancer screening at 84 gastrointestinal practice sites from 2000 to 2011. Demographic characteristics included age, sex, race, and ethnicity. The primary outcome was the presence of suspected malignancy or large polyp(s) >9 mm. The benchmark risk for age to initiate screening was based on white men, 50-54 years old.

RESULTS

Risk of large polyps and tumors increased progressively in men and women with age. Women had lower risks than men in every age group, regardless of race. Blacks had higher risk than whites from ages 50 through 65 years and Hispanics had lower risk than whites from ages 50 through 80 years. The prevalence of large polyps was 6.2% in white men 50-54 years old. The risk was similar among the groups of white women 65-69 years old, black women 55-59 years old, black men 50-54 years old, Hispanic women 70-74 years old, and Hispanic men 55-59 years old. The risk of proximal large polyps increased with age, female sex, and black race.

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences in the prevalence and location of large polyps and tumors in average-risk individuals based on age, sex, race, and ethnicity. These findings could be used to select ages at which specific groups should begin colorectal cancer screening.

Vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smoking women and pulmonary function in their newborn infants: a randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

Maternal smoking during pregnancy adversely affects offspring lung development, with lifelong decreases in pulmonary function and increased asthma risk. In a primate model, vitamin C blocked some of the in-utero effects of nicotine on lung development and offspring pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if newborns of pregnant smokers randomized to receive daily vitamin C would have improved results of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and decreased wheezing compared with those randomized to placebo.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized, double-blind trial conducted in 3 sites in the Pacific Northwest between March 2007 and January 2011. One hundred fifty-nine newborns of randomized pregnant smokers (76 vitamin C treated and 83 placebo treated) and 76 newborns of pregnant nonsmokers were studied with newborn PFTs. Follow-up assessment including wheezing was assessed through age 1 year, and PFTs were performed at age 1 year.

INTERVENTIONS

Pregnant women were randomized to receive vitamin C (500 mg/d) (n = 89) or placebo (n = 90).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was measurement of newborn pulmonary function (ratio of the time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time [TPTEF:TE] and passive respiratory compliance per kilogram [Crs/kg]) within 72 hours of age. Secondary outcomes included incidence of wheezing through age 1 year and PFT results at age 1 year. A subgroup of pregnant smokers and nonsmokers had genotyping performed.

RESULTS

Newborns of women randomized to vitamin C (n = 76), compared with those randomized to placebo (n = 83), had improved pulmonary function as measured by TPTEF:TE (0.383 vs 0.345 [adjusted 95% CI for difference, 0.011-0.062]; P = .006) and Crs/kg (1.32 vs 1.20 mL/cm H2O/kg [95% CI, 0.02-0.20]; P = .01). Offspring of women randomized to vitamin C had significantly decreased wheezing through age 1 year (15/70 [21%] vs 31/77 [40%]; relative risk, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.33-0.95]; P = .03). There were no significant differences in the 1-year PFT results between the vitamin C and placebo groups. The effect of maternal smoking on newborn lung function was associated with maternal genotype for the α5 nicotinic receptor (rs16969968) (P < .001 for interaction).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Supplemental vitamin C taken by pregnant smokers improved newborn PFT results and decreased wheezing through 1 year in the offspring. Vitamin C in pregnant smokers may be an inexpensive and simple approach to decrease the effects of smoking in pregnancy on newborn pulmonary function and respiratory morbidities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00632476.

Creating an institutional resource for research education and career development: a novel model from Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute

We have created an education and career development program within the CTSA structure at OHSU that serves the entire institution. We believe that this is unusual in scope among CTSA programs and has contributed to an increase in career development funding and research skills among fellows and faculty. While the key element is the institutional scope, important elements include: Tailoring programs of emphasis to points of inflection on the career pathway. Minimizing barriers to education by creating a flexible, tuition-free program. An integrated one-stop education and career development approach. An institutional program for career development award applicants as well as recipients. This career development program was developed within the context of a midsize health science university but the overall strategy may be applied to other CTSAs to simplify and reduce costs of education program development.

K4GeP4Se12: a case for phase-change nonlinear optical chalcogenide

We report on broadband nonlinear optical (NLO) responses from a phase-change chalcogenide compound K(4)GeP(4)Se(12). Its glassy phase exhibits unusual second-harmonic generation (SHG) due to the preservation of local crystallographic order. The SHG efficiency of the glassy form can be boosted by more than 2 orders of magnitude by simple heat treatment. Strong SHG and third-harmonic generation from both glassy and crystalline compounds were characterized over a wide wavelength range of 1.2-4.0 μm. Our results imply that K(4)GeP(4)Se(12) can be utilized for various NLO applications in the mid-infrared spectrum.

Documentation and management of CKD in rural primary care

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recognition of CKD by primary care practitioners is essential in rural communities where nephrology access is limited. This study determined the prevalence of undocumented CKD in patients cared for in rural primary care practices and evaluated characteristics associated with undocumented CKD as well as CKD management.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

A retrospective cohort study, conducted within the Oregon Rural Practice Based Research Network, consisted of 865 CKD patients with serum creatinine≥1.5 mg/dl in males and ≥1.3 mg/dl in females and an estimated GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Documentation of a CKD diagnosis and laboratory values were abstracted by chart review.

RESULTS

Of CKD patients, 51.9% had no documentation of CKD. Undocumented CKD occurred more frequently in female patients (adjusted odds ratio=2.93, 95% confidence interval=2.04, 4.21). The association of serum creatinine reporting versus automating reporting of estimated GFR on CKD documentation was dependent on patient sex, years of practitioner experience, and practitioner clinical training. Hypertensive patients with documented CKD were more likely to have a BP medication change than patients with undocumented CKD (odds ratio=2.07, 95% confidence interval=1.15, 3.73). Only 2 of 449 patients with undocumented CKD were comanaged with a nephrologist compared with 20% of patients with documented CKD (odds ratio=53.20, 95% confidence interval=14.90, 189.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Undocumented CKD in a rural primary care setting is frequent, particularly in female patients. Depending on practitioner characteristics, automatic reporting of estimated GFR might improve documentation of CKD in this population.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom severity, proton pump inhibitor use, and esophageal carcinogenesis

HYPOTHESIS

Screening for esophageal adenocarcinoma has focused on identifying Barrett esophagus (BE) in patients with severe, long-standing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unfortunately, 95% of patients who develop esophageal adenocarcinoma are unaware of the presence of BE before their cancer diagnosis, which means they never had been selected for screening. One possible explanation is that no correlation exists between the severity of GERD symptoms and cancer risk. We hypothesize that severe GERD symptoms are not associated with an increase in the prevalence of BE, dysplasia, or cancer in patients undergoing primary endoscopic screening.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 769 patients with GERD.

INTERVENTIONS

Primary screening endoscopy performed from November 1, 2004, through June 7, 2007.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Symptom severity, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and esophageal adenocarcinogenesis (ie, BE, dysplasia, or cancer).

RESULTS

Endoscopy revealed adenocarcinogenesis in 122 patients. An increasing number of severe GERD symptoms correlated positively with endoscopic findings of esophagitis (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.09). Conversely, an increasing number of severe GERD symptoms were associated with decreased odds of adenocarcinogenesis (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.98). Patients taking proton pump inhibitors were 61.3% and 81.5% more likely to have adenocarcinogenesis if they reported no severe typical or atypical GERD symptoms, respectively, compared with patients taking proton pump inhibitors, who reported that all symptoms were severe.

CONCLUSIONS

Medically treated patients with mild or absent GERD symptoms have significantly higher odds of adenocarcinogenesis compared with medically treated patients with severe GERD symptoms. This finding may explain the failure of the current screening paradigm in which the threshold for primary endoscopic examination is based on symptom severity.

A train the trainer model for integrating evidence-based medicine into a complementary and alternative medicine training program

BACKGROUND

Public interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown over the past decade, accompanied by increased demand for evidence-based approaches to CAM practice. In order to define the role evidence-based decision making has in CAM practice, CAM professionals must have a full understanding of evidence-based medicine (EBM) concepts.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a week-long intensive EBM short course for CAM faculty at a naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine institution.

INTERVENTION

This 20-hour course, entitled Principles of EBM for CAM Professionals, teaches participants how to access and appraise biomedical literature, apply it to their work, and teach these concepts to their students.

RESULTS

Results from precourse and postcourse evaluations suggest that, in a small group of participants, there were significant changes in EBM practice attitudes, self-appraised skills, and objectively assessed skills as a result of this course. Participants indicated they were committed to increasing their use of EBM in practice, enhancing EBM skills, using EBM in teaching, and working to change the culture at their institution to support use of EBM. At six months, 80% of participants had fully or partially followed through on their commitment to change plans.

The Vanguard Faculty program: research training for complementary and alternative medicine faculty

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment is paralleled by a growing demand for an evidence-based approach to CAM practice. In 2007, the Helfgott Research Institute at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), both in Portland, OR, began a National Institutes of Health-funded initiative to increase the quality and quantity of evidence-based medicine (EBM) content in the curricula at NCNM.

DESIGN

One key strategy of the Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program (R-CAMP) initiative was to create a faculty development program that included four components: intensive training in EBM; professional skills enhancement; peer and mentored support; and, ultimately, utilization of these skills to incorporate EBM into the curricula. This initiative is centered on a core group of faculty at NCNM, called the Vanguard Faculty, who receives early, intensive training in EBM and works to incorporate this training into classes. Training consists of an intensive, week-long course, monthly group meetings, and periodic individualized meetings. Vanguard Faculty members also receive mentorship and access to resources to pursue individualized faculty development, research or scholarly activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Early evaluations indicate that this effort has been successful in increasing EBM content in the curricula at NCNM. This article describes the Vanguard Faculty program in an effort to share the successes and challenges of implementing a wide-ranging faculty development and curricular initiative at a complementary and alternative medicine institution.

Chronic opioid therapy and preventive services in rural primary care: an Oregon rural practice-based research network study

PURPOSE

For clinicians, using opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) often gives rise to a conflict between treating their patients' pain and fears of addiction, diversion of medication, or legal action. Consequent stresses on clinical encounters might adversely affect some elements of clinical care. We evaluated a possible association between chronic opioid therapy (COT) for CNCP and receipt of various preventive services.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 7 primary care clinics within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN). Using medical records of 704 patients, aged 35 to 85 years, seen during a 3-year period, we compared the receipt of 4 preventive services between patients on COT for CNCP and patients not on chronic opioid therapy (non-COT). We used multivariate log-binomial regression analyses to estimate the relative risk of receipt of each preventive service.

RESULTS

After adjustment for plausible confounders, we found that patients using COT had a statistically significantly lower relative risk (RR) of receipt of cervical cancer screening (RR = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.76) and colorectal cancer screening (RR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80) when compared with non-COT patients. The RR was reduced, without statistical significance, for lipid screening (RR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.54-1.10), and not notably reduced for smoking cessation counseling (RR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78-1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients using COT for CNCP were less likely to receive some preventive services. Research is needed to better understand barriers to and improved methods for providing preventive services for these patients.

The integrity of esophagogastric junction anatomy in patients with isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms

BACKGROUND

Distortion of esophagogastric junction anatomy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease produces permanent dilation of the gastric cardia proportional to disease severity, but it remains unclear whether this mechanism underlies reflux in patients with isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.

METHOD

In a prospective study, 113 patients were stratified into three populations based on symptom complex: laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms, typical reflux symptoms, and both laryngopharyngeal and typical symptoms. Subjects underwent small-caliber upper endoscopy in the upright position. Outcome measures included gastric cardia circumference, presence and size of hiatal hernia, and prevalence of esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus within each group.

RESULTS

There were no differences in gastric cardia circumference between patient groups. The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus was 20.4% overall and 15.6% in pure laryngopharyngeal reflux patients. Barrett's esophagus patients had a greater cardia circumference compared to those without it. In the upright position, patients with isolated laryngopharyngeal reflux display the same degree of esophagogastric junction distortion as those with typical reflux symptoms, suggesting a similar pathophysiology.

CONCLUSION

This indicates that, although these patients may sense reflux differently, they have similar risks as patients with typical symptoms. Further, the identification of Barrett's esophagus in the absence of typical reflux symptoms suggests the potential for occult disease progression and late discovery of cancer.

Prevalence of colon polyps detected by colonoscopy screening in asymptomatic black and white patients

CONTEXT

Compared with white individuals, black men and women have a higher incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer and may develop cancer at a younger age. Colorectal cancer screening might be less effective in black individuals, if there are racial differences in the age-adjusted prevalence and location of cancer precursor lesions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine and compare the prevalence rates and location of polyps sized more than 9 mm in diameter in asymptomatic black and white individuals who received colonoscopy screening.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Colonoscopy data were prospectively collected from 67 adult gastrointestinal practice sites in the United States using a computerized endoscopic report generator between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2005. Data were transmitted to a central data repository, where all asymptomatic white (n = 80 061) and black (n = 5464) patients who had received screening colonoscopy were identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and location of polyps sized more than 9 mm, adjusted for age, sex, and family history of colorectal cancer in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Both black men and women had a higher prevalence of polyps sized more than 9 mm in diameter compared with white men and women (422 [7.7%] vs 4964 [6.2%]; P < .001). Compared with white patients, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for black men was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.34) and the adjusted OR for black women was 1.62 (95% CI, 1.39-1.89). Black and white patients had a similar risk of proximal polyps sized more than 9 mm (OR, 1.13;95% CI, 0.93-1.38). However, in a subanalysis of patients older than 60 years, proximal polyps sized more than 9 mm were more likely prevalent in black men (P = .03) and women (P < .001) compared with white men and women.

CONCLUSION

Compared with white individuals, black men and women undergoing screening colonoscopy have a higher risk of polyps sized more than 9 mm, and black individuals older than 60 years are more likely to have proximal polyps sized more than 9 mm.

GATA4 sequence variants in patients with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have identified mutations in the transcription factor GATA4 in familial cases of cardiac septal defects. The prevalence of GATA4 mutations in the population of patients with septal defects is unknown. Given that patients with septal and conotruncal defect can share a common genetic basis, it is unclear whether patients with additional types of CHD might also have GATA4 mutations.

AIMS

To explore these questions by investigating a large population of 628 patients with either septal or conotruncal defects for GATA4 sequence variants.

METHODS

The GATA4 coding region and exon-intron boundaries were investigated for sequence variants using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography or conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis. Samples showing peak or band shifts were reamplified from genomic DNA and sequenced.

RESULTS

Four missense sequence variants (Gly93Ala, Gln316Glu, Ala411Val, Asp425Asn) were identified in five patients (two with atrial septal defect, two with ventricular septal defect and one with tetralogy of Fallot), which were not seen in a control population. All four affected amino acid residues are conserved across species, and two of the sequence variants lead to changes in polarity. Ten synonymous sequence variants were also identified in 18 patients, which were not seen in the control population.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that non-synonymous GATA4 sequence variants are found in a small percentage of patients with septal defects and are very uncommonly found in patients with conotruncal defects.

Population-Based Perspective of Long-Term Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect

BACKGROUND

This investigation was designed to determine long-term survival, reoperation rates, and functional status after surgical repair of partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD).

METHODS

This population-based cohort study with cumulative, prospective follow-up by questionnaire and medical record review included all patients aged younger than 19 years old in the state of Oregon who underwent surgical repair of a PAVSD from 1958 to 2000. The incidence of early death, late death, and reoperation for left atrioventricular valve pathology were determined. Patient-reported health status as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12) was obtained for patients without Down syndrome when they were aged older than 15 years.

RESULTS

Repair of PAVSD was done in 133 patients. Median follow-up was 8.7 years for a total of 1541 person-years. Mean age at the initial operation was 5.2 +/- 5.1 years (median, 3.4 years). Mean weight was 19.2 +/- 16.0 kg (median, 13.2 kg). Survival was 95% at 30 days, 87% at 10 years, and 78% at 30 years. Reoperation for left atrioventricular valve pathology was done 15 patients (11.3%). Lower weight, absence of Down syndrome, and lack of mitral valve cleft repair were significantly associated with undergoing reoperation. Patient-reported health status was obtained in 35 patients. For this group, the mean SF-12 summary scores for the physical component (52.8 +/- 9.0) and the mean mental component (50.3 +/- 11.0) were not significantly different from age-adjusted norms.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival rate for this simple cardiac defect is lower than the general population. In addition, the reoperation rate is significant. Despite this, in general, patients without Down syndrome can expect normal functional health status.

The effect of antireflux surgery on esophageal carcinogenesis in patients with barrett esophagus: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether patients with Barrett esophagus who undergo antireflux surgery differ from medically treated patients in incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma and probability of disease regression/progression.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Barrett esophagus is a risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. A question exists as to whether antireflux surgery reduces this risk.

METHODS

Query of PubMed (1966 through October 2005) using predetermined search terms revealed 2011 abstracts, of which 100 full-text articles were reviewed. Twenty-five articles met selection criteria. A review of article references and consultation with experts revealed additional articles for inclusion. Studies that enrolled adults with biopsy-proven Barrett esophagus, specified treatment-type rendered, followed up patients with endoscopic biopsies no less than12 months of instituting therapy, and provided adequate extractable data. The incidence of adenocarcinoma and the proportion of patients developing progression or regression of Barrett esophagus and/or dysplasia were extracted.

RESULTS

In surgical and medical groups, 700 and 996 patients were followed for a total of 2939 and 3711 patient-years, respectively. The incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma was 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.3) per 1000 patient-years among surgically treated patients and 6.3 (3.6-10.1) among medically treated patients (P = 0.034). Heterogeneity in incidence rates in surgically treated patients was observed between controlled studies and case series (P = 0.014). Among controlled studies, incidence rates were 4.8 (1.7-11.1) and 6.5 (2.6-13.8) per 1000 patient-years in surgical and medical patients, respectively (P = 0.320). Probability of progression was 2.9% (1.2-5.5) in surgical patients and 6.8% (2.6-12.1) in medical patients (P = 0.054). Probability of regression was 15.4% (6.1-31.4) in surgical patients and 1.9% (0.4-7.3) in medical patients (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery is associated with regression of Barrett esophagus and/or dysplasia. However, evidence suggesting that surgery reduces the incidence of adenocarcinoma is largely driven by uncontrolled studies.

Detection of ureaplasma DNA in endotracheal samples is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after adjustment for multiple risk factors

Microorganisms are hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This hypothesis remains controversial. We sought to determine whether endotracheal colonization with Ureaplasma sp., adenovirus, or Chlamydia sp. increases the risk of BPD. Intubated VLBW infants were included. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect Ureaplasma sp., adenovirus, and Chlamydia sp. The outcome measure was BPD or death due to lung disease. Detection of microorganisms was compared between subjects with and without BPD. Logistic regression was used to control for covariates. Of 139 subjects, 33 (25%) screened positive for Ureaplasma sp., 22 of 136 (16%) were positive for adenovirus; eight of 133 (6%) were positive for Chlamydia sp. At 36 wk postmenstrual age, 14 patients had died, 68 (57%) had BPD. Detection of Ureaplasma sp. was associated with BPD or death (p < 0.001); adenovirus (p = 0.52) and Chlamydia sp. (p = 0.33) were not. Controlling confounding factors, the odds ratio for Ureaplasma sp. and BPD or death was 4.2 (95% CI 1.03, 17). In our population, detection of Ureaplasma sp., but not adenovirus or Chlamydia sp. was associated with BPD or death due to lung disease.

The disposal of a lime water treatment residue on soil and spoil material from a coalmine: a glasshouse investigation

Eragrostis tef (Zucc.), Cenchrus ciliaris L., and Digitaria eriantha Steud. were grown in a soil (Psammentic Haplustalf) and spoil material from a coalmine both treated with a lime water treatment residue (WTR) at rates of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g kg(-1). The yield of the grasses, from the sum of the three harvests, and concentrations of B, Ca, Cu, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, and Zn in foliage from the second harvest were determined. The yield of grasses grown in the soil decreased exponentially as WTR application increased. The yields of C. ciliaris, D. eriantha, and E. tef (in the 400 g kg(-1) WTR treated soil) decreased by 74.4, 78.7, and 59.8%, respectively, when compared with the control treatments. In the spoil, the yield of E. tef and D. eriantha decreased by 13.6% and and D. eriantha by 23.9%, while an increase was observed for C. ciliaris (45.4%), at the highest WTR application rate. No relationship existed between yield of E. tef and WTR application rate when grown in the spoil, while a weak negative linear relationship (p < 0.05) was found for D. eriantha and a positive linear relationship existed for C. ciliaris. Magnesium concentrations of the grasses were positively correlated to WTR application rate. Grasses grown in the soil had higher Na concentrations, while those grown in the spoil typically had higher B, N, and Zn concentrations. The decreases in yield were attributed to nutrient deficiencies (notably Zn), induced by high WTR application rates that led to high substrate pH. Disposal of high rates of WTR on the mine materials was not recommended.

Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis

Objectives To determine if Ginkgo biloba (GB) improves the cognitive performance of subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of GB, 120 mg twice a day or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were: the long delay free recall from the California Verbal Learning Test-II; the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test; the Controlled Oral Word Association Test; the Symbol Digit Modalities Test; Useful Field of View Test; and the color-word interference condition from the Stroop Color and Word Test.

Results On completion, the GB group (n=20) was 4.5 seconds (95% confidence interval (CI) (7.6, 0.9), P=0.015) faster than the placebo group (n=18) on the color-word interference condition of the Stroop test. Subjects who were more impaired at baseline experienced more improvement with GB (treatment*baseline interaction, F=8.10, P=0.008). We found no differences on the other neuropsychological tests. Subjects on GB reported fewer cognitive difficulties in the Retrospective Memory Scale of the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire than subjects on placebo (1.5 points, 95% CI (2.6, 0.3), P=0.016). No serious drug related side-effects occurred and GB did not alter platelet function assays.

Conclusion Overall, GB did not show a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function. A treatment effect trend, limited to the Stroop test, suggests that GB may have an effect on cognitive domains assessed by this test, such as susceptibility to interference and mental flexibility. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 376-385. http://msj.sagepub.com

Office-based unsedated small-caliber endoscopy is equivalent to conventional sedated endoscopy in screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus: a randomized and blinded comparison

OBJECTIVES

A major limitation to screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus is the complexity, expense, and risk associated with sedation for upper endoscopy. This study examines the feasibility, accuracy, and patient acceptability of office-based unsedated endoscopy as an alternative.

METHODS

Of 274 eligible adults scheduled for endoscopic screening for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms or surveillance of Barrett's esophagus at a tertiary care center, 121 underwent unsedated small-caliber endoscopy and conventional endoscopy in a randomized crossover study. The two procedures were compared with regard to histological detection of Barrett's esophagus and dysplasia and biopsy size. Patients answered questionnaires assessing the tolerability of the procedures.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus was 26% using conventional endoscopy and 30% using unsedated endoscopy (P= 0.503). The level of agreement between the two approaches was "moderate" (kappa= 0.591). Each modality detected four cases of low-grade dysplasia with concordance on one case. The tissue samples collected with unsedated endoscopy were smaller than with conventional endoscopy (P < 0.001). The majority of subjects rated their experience with both procedures as being well tolerated with minimal or no difficulty. When asked which procedure they would prefer in the future, 71% (81/114) chose unsedated small-caliber endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Office-based unsedated small-caliber endoscopy is technically feasible, well tolerated, and accurate in screening for Barrett's esophagus, despite yielding a smaller biopsy specimen. This approach bears the potential to eliminate the infrastructure and cost required for intravenous sedation in this application.

Pregnancy outcomes after atrial repair for transposition of the great arteries

Increasingly, women born with complete transposition of the great arteries who have undergone atrial repair by either the Senning or the Mustard procedure are reaching childbearing age. This study reports on pregnancy outcomes after the atrial repair of transposition of the great arteries. Record review and standardized questionnaires were used to ascertain the outcomes of 70 pregnancies reported in 40 women (36 Mustard procedures, 4 Senning procedures). Of the 70 pregnancies, 54 resulted in 56 live births, 10 in miscarriages, and 6 in therapeutic abortions. At pregnancy, 31 women were in New York Heart Association class I, 8 were in class II, and 1 was in class III. Thirty-nine percent of the infants were delivered prematurely and weighed 2,714 +/- 709 g; 28% were delivered by cesarean section, 8 for cardiac indications. Maternal complications included arrhythmias in 5 women and hemoptysis in 2 women. Heart failure occurred in 6 women, developing during the second and third trimesters. Postpartum cardiac events developed 2 to 9 days postpartum: heart failure in 5 women, atrial fibrillation in 1 woman, and decreased oxygen saturation due to a new atrial baffle leak in 1 woman. Severe right ventricular (RV) failure led to cardiac transplantation after delivery in 1 woman; another developed heart failure and then died suddenly 1 month after delivery. There was 1 late death, 4 years after the patient's last pregnancy. In conclusion, pregnancy after atrial repair carries a moderate degree of risk and should be undertaken with caution.

Utilization of colonoscopy in the United States: results from a national consortium

BACKGROUND

To assess capacity for colonoscopy, we need to understand current utilization of colonoscopy in diverse clinical practice settings. The objective of this study was to determine the utilization of colonoscopy in diverse clinical practice settings.

METHODS

The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) data repository, which receives endoscopy reports from 73 diverse adult practice sites in the United States was used. Colonoscopy reports from January 2000 to August 2002 were analyzed to determine the demographic characteristics of adult patients who received a colonoscopy and the procedure indication. The relationship of age, race, gender, and procedure indication was analyzed.

RESULTS

Results of colonoscopies in 146,457 unique patients were analyzed. Of the reports, 68% came from nonacademic settings. Patients less than 50 years of age accounted for 20% of colonoscopies. The most common indications were rectal bleeding (33.6%), irritable bowel symptoms (23.8%), or screening because of a positive family history of colorectal cancer (22.4%) and screening with a primary colonoscopy or a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (12.8%). In patients 50 years and older, asymptomatic screening (average-risk screening colonoscopy, positive family history, or FOBT positivity) accounted for 38.1% of all colonoscopies. Surveillance colonoscopy in patients with previous cancer or polyps accounted for 21.9% of colonoscopies performed in this age group. Differences in utilization were noted, based on gender and race.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonoscopy utilization varies based on age, gender, and race. Colonoscopy often is performed in patients less than 50 years old for irritable bowel symptoms; rectal bleeding; or average-risk screening, for which benefits are uncertain. In patients older than 50 years, surveillance after polyp removal is a common indication and may be overused. Understanding utilization can lead to further study to determine outcomes, to optimize utilization, and to provide a basis for shifting limited resources.

Acetabular development after bipolar hemiarthroplasty for osteosarcoma in children

A retrospective analysis was performed of eight patients with an open triradiate cartilage, who underwent resection for osteosarcoma and reconstruction of the proximal femur with a hemiarthroplasty, in order to identify changes of acetabular development. An analysis of the centre-edge angle, teardrop-to-medial prosthesis distance, superior joint space, teardrop-to-superior prosthesis distance, degree of lateral translation, and arthritic changes, was performed on serial radiographs. The median age at the time of the initial surgery was 11 years (5 to 14).

All patients developed progressive superior and lateral migration of the prosthetic femoral head. Following hemiarthroplasty in the immature acetabulum, the normal deepening and enlargement of the acetabulum is arrested. The degree of superior and lateral migration of the prosthetic head depends on the age at diagnosis and the length of follow-up.

Review of case-control studies related to breastfeeding and reduced risk of childhood leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the evidence for the effect of breastfeeding on the risk of developing childhood leukemia.

REVIEW METHODS

We sought studies providing data regarding the association of breastfeeding and occurrence of childhood leukemia. Studies were identified by using Medline, HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding, US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, National Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, reference lists, and national experts. Methodologic quality was evaluated for each study by using criteria from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.

RESULTS

We reviewed 111 citations to identify 32 potentially eligible full-text articles. Of the 10 studies reviewed, only 4 were sufficient to provide at least fair-quality evidence regarding the association between maternal breastfeeding and childhood leukemia. Studies conflicted regarding the protective effect of breastfeeding on childhood leukemia. In the 2 largest and highest quality studies, breastfeeding was associated with a significant risk reduction in one study with longer breastfeeding duration, reflecting greater protection, and a nonsignificant but suggestive difference in the other. Taken together, half of the studies associated breastfeeding with a lower risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

CONCLUSIONS

There are few high-quality studies that examine the potential for a protective effect of breastfeeding for childhood leukemia. Furthermore, the few studies that exist disagree regarding the association. It is estimated that the United States spends 1.4 billion dollars annually on the treatment of childhood leukemia. Patients, clinicians, and policy makers do not have the data that they need to make decisions regarding this important potential preventive measure.

PTPN11 mutations play a minor role in isolated congenital heart disease

PTPN11 missense mutations cause approximately 50% of Noonan syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder presenting with various congenital heart defects, most commonly valvar pulmonary stenosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Atrioventricular septal defects and coarctation of the aorta occur in 15% and 9%, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine if PTPN11 mutations exist in non-syndromic patients with these two relevant forms of congenital heart disease. The 15 coding PTPN11 exons and their intron boundaries from subjects with atrioventricular septal defects (n = 24) and coarctation of the aorta (n = 157) were analyzed using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and sequenced if abnormal. One subject with an atrioventricular septal defect but no other known medical problems had a c.127C > T transition in exon 2, predicting a p.L43F substitution. This mutation affected the phosphotyrosine-binding region in the N-terminal src homology 2 domain and was close to a Noonan syndrome mutation (p.T42A). An otherwise healthy patient with aortic coarctation had a silent c.540C > T change in exon 5 corresponding to p.D180D. Our study showed that PTPN11 mutations are rarely found in two isolated forms of congenital heart disease that commonly occur in Noonan syndrome. The p.L43F mutation belongs to a rare class of PTPN11 mutations altering the phosphotyrosine-binding region. These mutations are not predicted to alter the autoinhibition of the PTPN11 protein product, SHP-2, which is the mechanism for the vast majority of mutations causing Noonan syndrome. Future studies will be directed towards understanding these rare phosphotyrosine binding region mutants.

Specific inhibition of the endothelin A receptor with ZD4054: clinical and pre-clinical evidence

Activation of the endothelin A receptor (ET(A)) by endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediates events that regulate mitogenesis, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis in tumours. Specific blockade of ET(A) may have anticancer effects, while retaining beneficial endothelin B receptor (ET(B))-mediated effects such as apoptosis and clearance of ET-1. ZD4054 is an orally active, specific ET(A) antagonist in clinical development. In receptor-binding studies, ZD4054 specifically bound to ET(A) with high affinity; no binding was detected at ET(B). In a randomised placebo-controlled trial in eight healthy volunteers, a single oral dose of ZD4054 reduced forearm vasoconstriction in response to brachial artery infusion of ET-1, thus providing clinical evidence of ET(A) blockade. ET(B) blockade was assessed in an ascending, single-dose, placebo-controlled trial in 28 volunteers. For all doses of ZD4054, mean plasma ET-1 concentrations measured at 4 and 24 h were within the placebo reference range (a rise in ET-1 would indicate ET(B) blockade) and there was no evidence of dose-related changes. These data confirm the specificity of ZD4054 for ET(A), with no activity at ET(B) in a clinical or preclinical setting. As a result of this specificity, ZD4054 has the potential to block multiple ET(A)-induced pathological processes, while allowing beneficial ET(B)-mediated processes to continue, which may, in turn, lead to an effective cancer therapy.