Co-occurring conditions associated with FMR1 gene variations: findings from a national parent survey

Parents enrolling in a national survey of families of children with fragile X (FX) reported whether each of their children had been diagnosed or treated for developmental delay or eight conditions frequently associated with FX: attention problems, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-injury, autism, seizures, anxiety, or depression. This article reports results for 976 full mutation males, 259 full mutation females, 57 premutation males, and 199 premutation females. Co-occurring conditions were frequently reported for all FMR1 gene variations. The number of co-occurring conditions experienced was strongly associated with parent reports of their child's ability to learn, adaptability, and quality of life. Most individuals with the full mutation experienced multiple co-occurring conditions, with a modal number of 4 for males and 2 for females. Most (>80%) full mutation males and females had been diagnosed or treated for attention problems. Premutation males, when compared with a matched group of non-FX males, were more likely to have been diagnosed or treated for developmental delay, attention problems, aggression, seizures, autism, and anxiety. Premutation females were more likely to have been diagnosed or treated for attention problems, anxiety, depression, and developmental delay. Clusters of conditions were identified, seeming to occur in an additive fashion. Self-injury, autism, and seizures rarely occurred in isolation, but were more likely in individuals who also had problems with attention, anxiety, and hyperactivity. The findings provide a reference point for future studies on the prevalence and nature of co-occurring conditions in FX; suggest the possibility that certain conditions cluster together; provide evidence that male and female carriers experience elevated rates of co-occurring conditions compared with matched groups of non-carrier children; and emphasize the importance of including an assessment of co-occurring conditions in any clinical evaluation of individuals with abnormal variation in the FMR1 gene.     

Seizures in fragile X syndrome: characteristics and comorbid diagnoses

A national survey of caregivers of individuals with fragile X syndrome addressed characteristics of epilepsy and co-occurring conditions. Of the 1,394 individuals (1,090 males and 304 females) with the full mutation, 14% of males and 6% of females reported seizures. Seizures were more often partial, began between ages 4 and 10 years, and were infrequent and easily treated. Similar characteristics and patterns were seen in medical chart review data from a large clinic cohort of patients with fragile X syndrome. National survey data showed that autism was significantly associated with seizures as a co-occurring condition. Although seizures in fragile X syndrome are typically not severe and easily treated with medications, they appear to be associated with developmental–behavioral comorbidity that impacts function.     

Factors Associated with Intention to Initiate Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Cisgender Women at High Behavioral Risk for HIV in Washington,D.C.

Archives of Sexual Behavior - Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is underutilized by cisgender women at risk for HIV in the USA. Published research on PrEP initiation among...     

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection among Workers at Live Bird Markets,Bangladesh, 2009–2010

The risk for influenza A(H5N1) virus infection is unclear among poultry workers in countries where the virus is endemic. To assess H5N1 seroprevalence and seroconversion among workers at live bird markets (LBMs) in Bangladesh, we followed a cohort of workers from 12 LBMs with existing avian influenza surveillance. Serum samples from workers were tested for H5N1 antibodies at the end of the study or when LBM samples first had H5N1 virus–positive test results. Of 404 workers, 9 (2%) were seropositive at baseline. Of 284 workers who completed the study and were seronegative at baseline, 6 (2%) seroconverted (7 cases/100 poultry worker–years). Workers who frequently fed poultry, cleaned feces from pens, cleaned food/water containers, and did not wash hands after touching sick poultry had a 7.6 times higher risk for infection compared with workers who infrequently performed these behaviors. Despite frequent exposure to H5N1 virus, LBM workers showed evidence of only sporadic infection.     

Obesity, food selectivity, and physical activity in individuals with fragile X syndrome

National survey data from 884 families were used to examine the overall health of children and adults with fragile X syndrome. Results indicate the rate of obesity in adults with fragile X syndrome is similar to the general population (～30%). Male children with fragile X syndrome, however, had higher rates of obesity (31%) when compared with typically developing same-aged peers (18%). Both males and females displayed food selectivity, especially with regard to texture. Physical activity levels for children were higher than for adults, but neither group met recommended levels. Several cognitive and behavioral characteristics, food selectivity, and physical activity were related to overall health and body mass index. Continued monitoring of the health status of individuals with fragile X syndrome is recommended.     

Navigating the Current Job Market—Grab Hold of Your Future Now!

Although the U.S. federal government, the National Science Foundation, and other influential groups have called for American universities to educate and train more scientists, a recent article in the Washington Post and broadcasting on National Public Radio affirmed a harsh reality: there are too few jobs for today’s young scientists. Essentially, landing a job in science doesn’t just happen, you must prepare! The intent of this education track session, targeted to students, postdoctorates, junior faculty, and other early- to midcareer professionals was to provide insights on trends in the current job market and offer strategies and resources to be competitive. The session featured speakers representing different work environments, such as academia, industry, health care institutions, public relations, and entrepreneurial positions.     

Sarcoidosis emerging after adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is characterised by circulating steroid excess; the mainstay of treatment of systemic sarcoidosis is steroid therapy. We describe a case of sarcoidosis emerging after treatment for Cushing's syndrome.     

Asbestos in extrapulmonary sites: omentum and mesentery

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Asbestos fibers have not been reported in tissues from the peritoneal cavity. Therefore, omentum, mesentery, and lung tissues from 20 individuals in whom mesothelioma was diagnosed were analyzed for asbestos bodies and asbestos fibers. DESIGN: Tissue was digested and prepared filters were analyzed by light microscopy and analytical transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Asbestos bodies were found in the lungs of 18 individuals, mesentery samples from 5, and omentum samples from 2. Uncoated asbestos fibers were found in lungs of 19 patients, 17 of whom had fibers in at least one extrapulmonary site. The most common asbestos in the omentum and mesentery was amosite. Several features of asbestos found in lung influenced the likelihood of amphibole fibers being found in the omentum or mesentery. Lung features included total amphibole fiber burden, length, aspect ratio, and ferruginous body burden. An increased total ferruginous body burden was strongly associated with increased likelihood of detecting amphiboles in the omentum (p < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Asbestos fibers reach areas in the peritoneal cavity where some mesotheliomas develop. This study suggests their presence can be predicted based on concentrations and characteristics of fiber burdens in lung tissue.