Trans-ancestral genome-wide association study of longitudinal pubertal height growth and shared heritability with adult health outcomes

BACKGROUND

Pubertal growth patterns correlate with future health outcomes. However, the genetic mechanisms mediating growth trajectories remain largely unknown. Here, we modeled longitudinal height growth with Super-Imposition by Translation And Rotation (SITAR) growth curve analysis on ~ 56,000 trans-ancestry samples with repeated height measurements from age 5 years to adulthood. We performed genetic analysis on six phenotypes representing the magnitude, timing, and intensity of the pubertal growth spurt. To investigate the lifelong impact of genetic variants associated with pubertal growth trajectories, we performed genetic correlation analyses and phenome-wide association studies in the Penn Medicine BioBank and the UK Biobank.

RESULTS

Large-scale growth modeling enables an unprecedented view of adolescent growth across contemporary and 20th-century pediatric cohorts. We identify 26 genome-wide significant loci and leverage trans-ancestry data to perform fine-mapping. Our data reveals genetic relationships between pediatric height growth and health across the life course, with different growth trajectories correlated with different outcomes. For instance, a faster tempo of pubertal growth correlates with higher bone mineral density, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer, whereas being taller at early puberty, taller across puberty, and having quicker pubertal growth were associated with higher risk for atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION

We report novel genetic associations with the tempo of pubertal growth and find that genetic determinants of growth are correlated with reproductive, glycemic, respiratory, and cardiac traits in adulthood. These results aid in identifying specific growth trajectories impacting lifelong health and show that there may not be a single "optimal" pubertal growth pattern.

Using collective intelligence methods to improve government data infrastructures and promote the use of complex data: The example of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

This paper discusses how collective intelligence (CI) methods can be implemented to improve government data infrastructures, not only to support understanding and primary use of complex national data but also to increase the dissemination and secondary impact of research based on these data. The case study uses the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS), a member of the UK family of census/administrative data longitudinal studies (UKLS).

METHODS

A stakeholder-engaged CI approach was applied to inform the transformation of the NILS Research Support Unit (RSU) infrastructure to support researchers in their use of government data, including collaborative decision-making and better dissemination of research outputs.

RESULTS

We provide an overview of NILS RSU infrastructure design changes that have been implemented to date, focusing on a website redesign to meet user information requirements and the formation of better working partnerships between data users and providers within the Northern Ireland data landscape. We also discuss the key challenges faced by the design team during this project of transformation.

CONCLUSION

Our primary objective to improve government data infrastructure and to increase dissemination and the impact of research based on data was a complex and multifaceted challenge due to the number of stakeholders involved and their often conflicting perspectives. Results from this CI approach have been pivotal in highlighting how NILS RSU can work collaboratively with users to maximize the potential of this data, in terms of forming multidisciplinary networks to ensure the research is utilized in policy and in the literature and providing academic support and resources to attract new researchers.

Neonatal mortality risk of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic live births in 15 countries, including 115.6 million nationwide linked records, 2000-2020

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the prevalence and neonatal mortality associated with large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia among 115.6 million live births in 15 countries, between 2000 and 2020.

DESIGN

Population-based, multi-country study.

SETTING

National healthcare systems.

POPULATION

Liveborn infants.

METHODS

We used individual-level data identified for the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We calculated the prevalence and relative risk (RR) of neonatal mortality among live births born at term + LGA (>90th centile, and also >95th and >97th centiles when the data were available) versus term + appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th-90th centiles) and macrosomic (≥4000, ≥4500 and ≥5000 g, regardless of gestational age) versus 2500-3999 g. INTERGROWTH 21st served as the reference population.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and neonatal mortality risks.

RESULTS

Large for gestational age was common (median prevalence 18.2%; interquartile range, IQR, 13.5%-22.0%), and overall was associated with a lower neonatal mortality risk compared with AGA (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.89). Around one in ten babies were ≥4000 g (median prevalence 9.6% (IQR 6.4%-13.3%), with 1.2% (IQR 0.7%-2.0%) ≥4500 g and with 0.2% (IQR 0.1%-0.2%) ≥5000 g). Overall, macrosomia of ≥4000 g was not associated with increased neonatal mortality risk (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.94); however, a higher risk was observed for birthweights of ≥4500 g (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.11) and ≥5000 g (RR 4.54, 95% CI 2.58-7.99), compared with birthweights of 2500-3999 g, with the highest risk observed in the first 7 days of life.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, birthweight of ≥4500 g was the most useful marker for early mortality risk in big babies and could be used to guide clinical management decisions.

Neonatal mortality risk for vulnerable newborn types in 15 countries using 125.5 million nationwide birth outcome records, 2000-2020

OBJECTIVE

To compare neonatal mortality associated with six novel vulnerable newborn types in 125.5 million live births across 15 countries, 2000-2020.

DESIGN

Population-based, multi-country study.

SETTING

National data systems in 15 middle- and high-income countries.

METHODS

We used individual-level data sets identified for the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We examined the contribution to neonatal mortality of six newborn types combining gestational age (preterm [PT] versus term [T]) and size-for-gestational age (small [SGA], <10th centile, appropriate [AGA], 10th-90th centile or large [LGA], >90th centile) according to INTERGROWTH-21st newborn standards. Newborn babies with PT or SGA were defined as small and T + LGA was considered as large. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and population attributable risks (PAR%) for the six newborn types.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mortality of six newborn types.

RESULTS

Of 125.5 million live births analysed, risk ratios were highest among PT + SGA (median 67.2, interquartile range [IQR] 45.6-73.9), PT + AGA (median 34.3, IQR 23.9-37.5) and PT + LGA (median 28.3, IQR 18.4-32.3). At the population level, PT + AGA was the greatest contributor to newborn mortality (median PAR% 53.7, IQR 44.5-54.9). Mortality risk was highest among newborns born before 28 weeks (median RR 279.5, IQR 234.2-388.5) compared with babies born between 37 and 42 completed weeks or with a birthweight less than 1000 g (median RR 282.8, IQR 194.7-342.8) compared with those between 2500 g and 4000 g as a reference group.

CONCLUSION

Preterm newborn types were the most vulnerable, and associated with the highest mortality, particularly with co-existence of preterm and SGA. As PT + AGA is more prevalent, it is responsible for the greatest burden of neonatal deaths at population level.

Vulnerable newborn types: Analysis of population-based registries for 165 million births in 23 countries, 2000-2021

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of novel newborn types among 165 million live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021.

DESIGN

Population-based, multi-country analysis.

SETTING

National data systems in 23 middle- and high-income countries.

POPULATION

Liveborn infants.

METHODS

Country teams with high-quality data were invited to be part of the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We classified live births by six newborn types based on gestational age information (preterm <37 weeks versus term ≥37 weeks) and size for gestational age defined as small (SGA, <10th centile), appropriate (10th-90th centiles), or large (LGA, >90th centile) for gestational age, according to INTERGROWTH-21st standards. We considered small newborn types of any combination of preterm or SGA, and term + LGA was considered large. Time trends were analysed using 3-year moving averages for small and large types.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of six newborn types.

RESULTS

We analysed 165 017 419 live births and the median prevalence of small types was 11.7% - highest in Malaysia (26%) and Qatar (15.7%). Overall, 18.1% of newborns were large (term + LGA) and was highest in Estonia 28.8% and Denmark 25.9%. Time trends of small and large infants were relatively stable in most countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of newborn types varies across the 23 middle- and high-income countries. Small newborn types were highest in west Asian countries and large types were highest in Europe. To better understand the global patterns of these novel newborn types, more information is needed, especially from low- and middle-income countries.

An analysis of Covid-19 deaths and equality in Northern Ireland

ObjectivesThe overarching aim is to extend understanding of Covid-19 and non Covid-19 mortality during the pandemic. For the first two waves of the pandemic in Northern Ireland, the study addressed evidence gaps for both Covid-19 and non Covid-19 deaths in relation to equality group, health and socio-demographic characteristics. ApproachPrior to this research, mortality analyses in Northern Ireland during the pandemic had been largely based on information recorded on death certificates and information gaps remained. This research linked death records to extensive socio-demographic, health and equality group information, retrieved from the 2011 Census, providing a more comprehensive assessment of mortality. The research approach demonstrated innovative use of linked datasets in support of public policy. Findings also complement similar analysis published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Research questions were shaped and informed by information queries from a range of stakeholders including the Department of Health and elected officials. ResultsResults published to date are based on Covid-19 and non Covid-19 deaths occurring in the 7-month period between 1st March 2020 and 30th September 2020. We found that there was a 48% and 40% higher risk for persons self-reporting having a disability at the time of the 2011 Census (compared to ‘non-disabled’ people) for Covid-19 and non Covid-19 mortality respectively.  After accounting for differences in age, sex and area of residence, there was no significant difference in risk of Covid-19 death, for the time period March to September 2020, for those who identified as Catholic at the time of the 2011 Census, compared to Protestants and other Christians. ConclusionThe research addresses priority evidence gaps identified by government officials and third sector policy leads. The depth of commentary provided within the report is enabling researchers and policy makers to gain greater familiarity with a key research resource. This will be instrumental in shaping future research through ADR Northern Ireland.

The relationship of life-course patterns of adiposity with type 2 diabetes, depression, and their comorbidity in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

OBJECTIVES

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and comorbid depression challenges clinical management particularly in individuals with overweight. We aim to explore the shared etiology, via lifecourse adiposity, between T2D and depression.

METHODS

We used data from birth until 46years from Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 6,372; 53.8% females). We conducted multivariate analyses on three outcomes: T2D (4.2%), depression (19.2%) and as comorbidity (1.8%). We conducted (i) Path analysis to clarify time-dependent body mass index (BMI) related pathways, including BMI polygenic risk scores (PRS); and (ii) Cox regression models to assess whether reduction of overweight between 7years and 31years influence T2D, depression and/or comorbidity. The models were tested for covariation with sex, education, smoking, physical activity, and diet score.

RESULTS

The odd ratios (OR) of T2D in individuals with depression was 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-2.11], and no change in estimate was observed when adjusted for covariates. T2D and comorbidity showed similar patterns of relationships in the path analyses (P < 0.001). The genetic risk for obesity (PRS BMI) did not show direct effect on T2D or comorbidity in adulthood but indirectly through measures of adiposity in early childhood and mid-adulthood in the path analysis (P < 0.001). Having early-onset of overweight at 7years and 31years showed highest risk of T2D (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.4-6.1) and comorbidity (OR 5.0, 95%CI 2.7-9.5), with mild-to-moderate attenuation with adjustments. Depression showed no significant associations.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence for overweight since childhood as a risk factor for T2D and co-morbidity between T2D and depression, influenced moderately by lifestyle factors in later life. However, no shared early life adiposity related risk factors were observed between T2D and depression when assessed independently in this Finnish setting.

An investigation of depression and inflammation as potential mediators linking adverse childhood experiences with cognitive decline in adulthood: results from a prospective cohort study

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with numerous health consequences in adulthood including cognitive decline. However, the underlying mechanisms implicated remain unclear.

Objectives

In this study, depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation were investigated as potential independent mediators of the association between ACEs and cognitive decline.

Methods

Participants were adults aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N = 3,029; 54.8% female). Measures included self-reported ACEs at wave 3 (2006-2007), C-reactive protein (CRP) and depressive symptoms at wave 4 (2008-2009), and cognitive function at waves 3 and 7 (2014-2015). Mediation analyses examined the direct associations between ACEs and cognitive function at wave 7 and the indirect associations via depressive symptoms and CRP at wave 4 and were conducted using ordinary least squares regression models with the SPSS PROCESS macro. In Step 1, models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and baseline cognitive function. Models in Step 2 were additionally adjusted for obesity and health behaviours (n = 1,874).

Results

Cumulative ACEs exposure was shown to positively predict later-life depressive symptoms, which in turn predicted cognitive decline. ACEs were also shown to positively predict systemic inflammation as measured by CRP. However, CRP did not mediate the association between ACEs and cognitive decline.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ACEs are related to cognitive decline partly via depressive symptoms and corroborate prior research linking ACEs with adult systemic inflammation. Efforts towards screening for, preventing, and mitigating the effects of ACEs may therefore represent an important avenue for improving health outcomes in later life.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Maternal haemoglobin levels in pregnancy and child DNA methylation: a study in the pregnancy and childhood epigenetics consortium

Altered maternal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy are associated with pre-clinical and clinical conditions affecting the fetus. Evidence from animal models suggests that these associations may be partially explained by differential DNA methylation in the newborn with possible long-term consequences. To test this in humans, we meta-analyzed the epigenome-wide associations of maternal haemoglobin levels during pregnancy with offspring DNA methylation in 3,967 newborn cord blood and 1,534 children and 1,962 adolescent whole-blood samples derived from 10 cohorts. DNA methylation was measured using Illumina Infinium Methylation 450K or MethylationEPIC arrays covering 450,000 and 850,000 methylation sites, respectively. There was no statistical support for the association of maternal haemoglobin levels with offspring DNA methylation either at individual methylation sites or clustered in regions. For most participants, maternal haemoglobin levels were within the normal range in the current study, whereas adverse perinatal outcomes often arise at the extremes. Thus, this study does not rule out the possibility that associations with offspring DNA methylation might be seen in studies with more extreme maternal haemoglobin levels.

DNA methylation signatures of aggression and closely related constructs: A meta-analysis of epigenome-wide studies across the lifespan

DNA methylation profiles of aggressive behavior may capture lifetime cumulative effects of genetic, stochastic, and environmental influences associated with aggression. Here, we report the first large meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of aggressive behavior (N = 15,324 participants). In peripheral blood samples of 14,434 participants from 18 cohorts with mean ages ranging from 7 to 68 years, 13 methylation sites were significantly associated with aggression (alpha = 1.2 × 10-7; Bonferroni correction). In cord blood samples of 2425 children from five cohorts with aggression assessed at mean ages ranging from 4 to 7 years, 83% of these sites showed the same direction of association with childhood aggression (r = 0.74, p = 0.006) but no epigenome-wide significant sites were found. Top-sites (48 at a false discovery rate of 5% in the peripheral blood meta-analysis or in a combined meta-analysis of peripheral blood and cord blood) have been associated with chemical exposures, smoking, cognition, metabolic traits, and genetic variation (mQTLs). Three genes whose expression levels were associated with top-sites were previously linked to schizophrenia and general risk tolerance. At six CpGs, DNA methylation variation in blood mirrors variation in the brain. On average 44% (range = 3-82%) of the aggression-methylation association was explained by current and former smoking and BMI. These findings point at loci that are sensitive to chemical exposures with potential implications for neuronal functions. We hope these results to be a starting point for studies leading to applications as peripheral biomarkers and to reveal causal relationships with aggression and related traits.

Novel loci for childhood body mass index and shared heritability with adult cardiometabolic traits

The genetic background of childhood body mass index (BMI), and the extent to which the well-known associations of childhood BMI with adult diseases are explained by shared genetic factors, are largely unknown. We performed a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of BMI in 61,111 children aged between 2 and 10 years. Twenty-five independent loci reached genome-wide significance in the combined discovery and replication analyses. Two of these, located near NEDD4L and SLC45A3, have not previously been reported in relation to either childhood or adult BMI. Positive genetic correlations of childhood BMI with birth weight and adult BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure and type 2 diabetes were detected (Rg ranging from 0.11 to 0.76, P-values <0.002). A negative genetic correlation of childhood BMI with age at menarche was observed. Our results suggest that the biological processes underlying childhood BMI largely, but not completely, overlap with those underlying adult BMI. The well-known observational associations of BMI in childhood with cardio-metabolic diseases in adulthood may reflect partial genetic overlap, but in light of previous evidence, it is also likely that they are explained through phenotypic continuity of BMI from childhood into adulthood.

Understanding the cumulative risk of maternal prenatal biopsychosocial factors on birth weight: a DynaHEALTH study on two birth cohorts

Background

There are various maternal prenatal biopsychosocial (BPS) predictors of birth weight, making it difficult to quantify their cumulative relationship.

Methods

We studied two birth cohorts: Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986) born in 1985–1986 and the Generation R Study (from the Netherlands) born in 2002–2006. In NFBC1986, we selected variables depicting BPS exposure in association with birth weight and performed factor analysis to derive latent constructs representing the relationship between these variables. In Generation R, the same factors were generated weighted by loadings of NFBC1986. Factor scores from each factor were then allocated into tertiles and added together to calculate a cumulative BPS score. In all cases, we used regression analyses to explore the relationship with birth weight corrected for sex and gestational age and additionally adjusted for other factors.

Results

Factor analysis supported a four-factor structure, labelled closely to represent their characteristics as ‘Factor1-BMI’ (body mass index), ‘Factor2-DBP’ (diastolic blood pressure), ‘Factor3-Socioeconomic-Obstetric-Profile’ and ‘Factor4-Parental-Lifestyle’. In both cohorts, ‘Factor1-BMI’ was positively associated with birth weight, whereas other factors showed negative association. ‘Factor3-Socioeconomic-Obstetric-Profile’ and ‘Factor4-Parental-Lifestyle’ had the greatest effect size, explaining 30% of the variation in birth weight. Associations of the factors with birth weight were largely driven by ‘Factor1-BMI’. Graded decrease in birth weight was observed with increasing cumulative BPS score, jointly evaluating four factors in both cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study is a proof of concept for maternal prenatal BPS hypothesis, highlighting the components snowball effect on birth weight in two different European birth cohorts.

Early exposure to social disadvantages and later life body mass index beyond genetic predisposition in three generations of Finnish birth cohorts

Background

The study aimed to explore the association between early life and life-course exposure to social disadvantage and later life body mass index (BMI) accounting for genetic predisposition and maternal BMI.

Methods

We studied participants of Helsinki Birth Cohort Study born in 1934–1944 (HBCS1934–1944, n = 1277) and Northern Finland Birth Cohorts born in 1966 and 1986 (NFBC1966, n = 5807, NFBC1986, n = 6717). Factor analysis produced scores of social disadvantage based on social and economic elements in early life and adulthood/over the life course, and was categorized as high, intermediate and low. BMI was measured at 62 years in HBCS1934–1944, at 46 years in NFBC1966 and at 16 years in NFBC1986. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to explore associations between social disadvantages and BMI after adjustments for polygenic risk score for BMI (PRS BMI), maternal BMI and sex.

Results

The association between exposure to high early social disadvantage and increased later life BMI persisted after adjustments (β = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.33, 1.25, p < 0.001) in NFBC1966. In NFBC1986 this association was attenuated by PRS BMI (p = 0.181), and in HBCS1934–1944 there was no association between high early social disadvantage and increased later life BMI (β 0.22, 95% CI –0.91,1.35, p = 0.700). In HBCS1934–1944 and NFBC1966, participants who had reduced their exposure to social disadvantage during the life-course had lower later life BMI than those who had increased their exposure (β − 1.34, [− 2.37,-0.31], p = 0.011; β − 0.46, [− 0.89,-0.03], p = 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions

High social disadvantage in early life appears to be associated with higher BMI in later life. Reducing exposure to social disadvantage during the life-course may be a potential pathway for obesity reduction.

Could vitamin D reduce obesity-associated inflammation? Observational and Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with inflammation but the role of vitamin D in this process is not clear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], BMI, and 16 inflammatory biomarkers, and to assess the role of vitamin D as a potential mediator in the association between higher BMI and inflammation.

METHODS

Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) 31-y data on 3586 individuals were analyzed to examine the observational associations between BMI, 25(OH)D, and 16 inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariable regression analyses and 2-sample regression-based Mendelian randomization (MR) mediation analysis were performed to assess any role of vitamin D in mediating a causal effect of BMI on inflammatory biomarkers [soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)] for which observational associations were detected. For MR, genome-wide association study summary results ranging from 5163 to 806,834 individuals were used for biomarkers, 25(OH)D, and BMI. Findings were triangulated with a literature review of vitamin D supplementation trials.

RESULTS

In NFBC1966, mean BMI (kg/m2) was 24.8 (95% CI: 24.7, 25.0) and mean 25(OH)D was 50.3 nmol/L (95% CI: 49.8, 50.7 nmol/L). Inflammatory biomarkers correlated as 4 independent clusters: interleukins, adhesion molecules, acute-phase proteins, and chemokines. BMI was positively associated with 9 inflammatory biomarkers and inversely with 25(OH)D (false discovery rate < 0.05). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with sICAM-1, hs-CRP, and AGP, which were positively associated with BMI. The MR analyses showed causal association of BMI on these 3 inflammatory biomarkers. There was no observational or MR evidence that circulating 25(OH)D concentrations mediated the association between BMI and these 3 inflammatory markers. Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supported our findings showing no impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from our observational study and causal MR analyses, together with data from RCTs, do not support a beneficial role of vitamin D supplementation on obesity-related inflammation.

A trans-ancestral meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies reveals loci associated with childhood obesity

Although hundreds of genome-wide association studies-implicated loci have been reported for adult obesity-related traits, less is known about the genetics specific for early-onset obesity and with only a few studies conducted in non-European populations to date. Searching for additional genetic variants associated with childhood obesity, we performed a trans-ancestral meta-analysis of 30 studies consisting of up to 13 005 cases (≥95th percentile of body mass index (BMI) achieved 2-18 years old) and 15 599 controls (consistently <50th percentile of BMI) of European, African, North/South American and East Asian ancestry. Suggestive loci were taken forward for replication in a sample of 1888 cases and 4689 controls from seven cohorts of European and North/South American ancestry. In addition to observing 18 previously implicated BMI or obesity loci, for both early and late onset, we uncovered one completely novel locus in this trans-ancestral analysis (nearest gene, METTL15). The variant was nominally associated with only the European subgroup analysis but had a consistent direction of effect in other ethnicities. We then utilized trans-ancestral Bayesian analysis to narrow down the location of the probable causal variant at each genome-wide significant signal. Of all the fine-mapped loci, we were able to narrow down the causative variant at four known loci to fewer than 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (FAIM2, GNPDA2, MC4R and SEC16B loci). In conclusion, an ethnically diverse setting has enabled us to both identify an additional pediatric obesity locus and further fine-map existing loci.

GWAS on longitudinal growth traits reveals different genetic factors influencing infant, child, and adult BMI

Early childhood growth patterns are associated with adult health, yet the genetic factors and the developmental stages involved are not fully understood. Here, we combine genome-wide association studies with modeling of longitudinal growth traits to study the genetics of infant and child growth, followed by functional, pathway, genetic correlation, risk score, and colocalization analyses to determine how developmental timings, molecular pathways, and genetic determinants of these traits overlap with those of adult health. We found a robust overlap between the genetics of child and adult body mass index (BMI), with variants associated with adult BMI acting as early as 4 to 6 years old. However, we demonstrated a completely distinct genetic makeup for peak BMI during infancy, influenced by variation at the LEPR/LEPROT locus. These findings suggest that different genetic factors control infant and child BMI. In light of the obesity epidemic, these findings are important to inform the timing and targets of prevention strategies.

Maternal hemoglobin associates with preterm delivery and small for gestational age in two Finnish birth cohorts

OBJECTIVE

To test whether maternal hemoglobin during pregnancy associates with offspring perinatal outcomes in a developed country. Changes in maternal hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy are partly physiological phenomena reflecting alterations of maternal blood volume. Especially hemoglobin measures outside the physiological range may influence maternal health and fetal growth with long-lasting consequences.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied an unselected sample drawn from two regional birth cohorts born 20 years apart: The Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986. These are two mother-and-child population-based birth cohorts together comprising 21,710 mothers and their children. After exclusions, the sample size of the current study was 20,554. Concentrations of maternal hemoglobin at first and last antenatal visits were categorized as low (lowest 10%), medium (reference) or high (highest 10%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses for categories of maternal hemoglobin and perinatal outcomes such as preterm delivery and full-term small and large for gestational age were conducted with adjustments for maternal cofactors.

RESULTS

Low maternal hemoglobin at early pregnancy associated with decreased risk of full-term small for gestational age (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.58, 0.93], p = 0.010). At late pregnancy, low maternal hemoglobin associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR 1.60, 95% CI [1.26, 2.02], p < 0.0005) whereas high maternal hemoglobin associated with increased risk of full-term small for gestational age (adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI [1.07, 1.56], p = 0.009). Maternal hemoglobin did not show constant association with risk of large for gestational age.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study support evidence that both low and high maternal hemoglobin associate with adverse perinatal outcomes. Low maternal hemoglobin associated with preterm delivery and high with full-term small for gestational age. Association was mainly present when maternal hemoglobin was measured during the third trimester. These results indicate that it is important to monitor both extremes of maternal hemoglobin throughout the pregnancy.

Association of maternal prenatal smoking GFI1-locus and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 18,212 adults

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus has been repeatedly associated with exposure to smoking from the foetal period onwards. We explored whether DNA methylation may be a mechanism that links exposure to maternal prenatal smoking with offspring's adult cardio-metabolic health.

METHODS

We meta-analysed the association between DNA methylation at GFI1-locus with maternal prenatal smoking, adult own smoking, and cardio-metabolic phenotypes in 22 population-based studies from Europe, Australia, and USA (n = 18,212). DNA methylation at the GFI1-locus was measured in whole-blood. Multivariable regression models were fitted to examine its association with exposure to prenatal and own adult smoking. DNA methylation levels were analysed in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), diastolic, and systolic blood pressure (BP).

FINDINGS

Lower DNA methylation at three out of eight GFI1-CpGs was associated with exposure to maternal prenatal smoking, whereas, all eight CpGs were associated with adult own smoking. Lower DNA methylation at cg14179389, the strongest maternal prenatal smoking locus, was associated with increased WC and BP when adjusted for sex, age, and adult smoking with Bonferroni-corrected P < 0·012. In contrast, lower DNA methylation at cg09935388, the strongest adult own smoking locus, was associated with decreased BMI, WC, and BP (adjusted 1 × 10-7 < P < 0.01). Similarly, lower DNA methylation at cg12876356, cg18316974, cg09662411, and cg18146737 was associated with decreased BMI and WC (5 × 10-8 < P < 0.001). Lower DNA methylation at all the CpGs was consistently associated with higher TG levels.

INTERPRETATION

Epigenetic changes at the GFI1 were linked to smoking exposure in-utero/in-adulthood and robustly associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors. FUND: European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 633595 DynaHEALTH.

Early Motor Developmental Milestones and Schizotypy in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Study 1966

Delayed motor developmental milestones have been reported to be associated with schizophrenia in previous studies, but no study has examined the relationship between early motor developmental milestones and schizotypy. We have examined this relationship in a prospective birth cohort.In the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, data on 9 early motor developmental milestones were collected prospectively from visits to child welfare centers, and data on adult schizotypy were collected through a questionnaire (N = 4557-4674). Positive schizotypy was measured by the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS), negative schizotypy was measured by Physical Anhedonia Scale (PhAS) and Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS). Three related scales were included: Schizoidia Scale (SCHD), Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS), and Bipolar II Scale (BIP2). We examined the milestone-schizotypy associations before and after excluding cases of schizophrenia from this population-based sample. Hierarchical regression analyses adjusted for covariates and separately for both genders were performed. In men, each extra month of delay in achievement of touching thumb with index finger, sitting unsupported, standing up, walking with support, or walking unsupported was associated with an increase in PAS, PhAS, or SCHD scores, or decrease in BIP2 score (P < .05). In women, each extra month of delay in achievement of turning from back to tummy was associated with an increase in PhAS and SAS scores (P < .05). Schizotypy is associated with delayed motor developmental milestones in early-life, but there is some heterogeneity with regards to types of milestones and gender. These findings suggest delayed motor development confers risk across the continuum of schizophrenia syndrome.

Potential determinants of vitamin D in Finnish adults: a cross-sectional study from the Northern Finland birth cohort 1966

OBJECTIVE

Evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests that vitamin D may reduce multimorbidity, but very few studies have investigated specific determinants of vitamin D2 and D3 (two isoforms of 25-hydroxyvitamin D). The aim of the study was to investigate the determinants of vitamin D2 and D3 and to identify the risk factors associated with hypovitaminosis D.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

PARTICIPANTS

2374 male and 2384 female participants with data on serum 25(OH)D₂ and 25(OH)D₃ concentrations measured at 31 years of age (1997), together with comprehensive measures of daylight, anthropometric, social, lifestyle and contraceptive cofactors.

METHODS

We assessed a wide range of potential determinants prior to a nationwide fortification programme introduced in Finland. The determinants of 25(OH)D₂, 25(OH)D₃ and 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed by linear regression and risk factors for being in lower tertile of 25(OH)D concentration by ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

At the time of sampling, 72% of the participants were vitamin D sufficient (≥50 nmol/L). Low sunlight exposure period (vs high) was associated positively with 25(OH)D₂ and negatively with 25(OH)D₃ concentrations. Use of oral contraceptives (vs non-users) was associated with an increase of 0.17 nmol/L (95% CI 0.08 to 0.27) and 0.48 nmol/L (95% CI 0.41 to 0.56) in 25(OH)D₂ and 25(OH)D₃ concentrations. Sex, season, latitude, alcohol consumption and physical activity were the factors most strongly associated with 25(OH)D concentration. Risk factors for low vitamin D status were low sunlight exposure defined by time of sampling, residing in northern latitudes, obesity, higher waist circumference, low physical activity and unhealthy diet.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate some differential associations of environmental and lifestyle factors with 25(OH)D₂ and 25(OH)D₃ raising important questions related to personalised healthcare. Future strategies could implement lifestyle modification and supplementation to improve vitamin D2 and D3 status, accounting for seasonal, lifestyle, metabolic and endocrine status.

Clinical and demographic factors associated with antimuscarinic medication use in older hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND

Antimuscarinic drug prescribing scoring systems might better identify patients at risk of adverse drug reactions. The recently developed Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) score is significantly associated with the number of antimuscarinic side effects in older outpatients. We sought to identify the clinical and demographic patient-level correlates of the ARS, including a modified version adjusted for daily dose, in elderly hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic patient characteristics known to be associated with antimuscarinic prescribing, ARS and dose-adjusted ARS scores, and full medication exposure on admission were recorded in 362 consecutive patients (aged 83.6 ± 6.6 years) admitted to 2 geriatric units (NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK) between February 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010.

RESULTS

Each year of increasing age was associated with reduced number of antimuscarinic drugs (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.963; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.948-0.980; P < 0.001), non-antimuscarinic drugs (IRR, 0.991; 95% CI, 0.985-0.997; P = 0.006), and total number of drugs (IRR, 0.988; 95% CI, 0.983-0.994; P < 0.001). Multivariate Poisson regression showed that increasing age and history of dementia were negatively associated with the ARS score (IRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; P = 0.001 and IRR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.92; P = 0.019, respectively). By contrast, institutionalization (IRR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.00-1.74; P = 0.050), Charlson comorbidity index (IRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; P = 0.015), and total number of non-antimuscarinic drugs (IRR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18; P < 0.001) were all positively associated with the ARS score. Similar results were observed for the dose-adjusted ARS score.

CONCLUSION

Institutionalization, comorbidities, and non-antimuscarinic polypharmacy show independent positive associations with the ARS and dose-adjusted ARS scores in older hospitalized patients. Increasing age and dementia are negatively associated with the ARS score.

A randomized phase III trial of active symptom control (ASC) with or without chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: First results of the Medical Research Council (MRC) / British Thoracic Society (BTS) MS01 trial

LBA7525

Background: Although chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment of mesothelioma it has never been compared in a randomized trial with ASC alone. Two chemotherapy regimens that had shown good symptom palliation in phase II studies were chosen for investigation. Methods: Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were randomized to ASC alone (regular follow-up in a specialist clinic, and treatment could include steroids, analgesics, bronchodilators, palliative radiotherapy, etc), ASC+MVP (4 × 3-weekly cycles of mitomycin 6g/m2, vinblastine 6mg/m2, and cisplatin 50mg/m2), or ASC+N (12 weekly injections of vinorelbine 30mg/m2). 420 patients were required to detect a 3-month improvement in median survival with ASC+CT (both chemotherapy arms combined). Quality of Life (QL) was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: 409 patients were accrued (136 ASC, 137 ASC+MVP, 136 ASC+N). Median age: 65 years, male: 91%, Performance status 0: 23%, Epithelial histology: 73%, Stage III: 33%, Stage IV: 48%. In the ASC+MVP group 61% received all 4 cycles, and in the ASC+N group 49% received at least 10 weekly cycles. Good symptom palliation (defined as prevention, control or improvement) was achieved in all 3 groups, and no between-group differences were observed in 4 pre-defined QL subscales (physical functioning, dyspnoea, pain and global QL). A small (not conventionally significant) survival benefit was seen for ASC+CT (349 deaths, HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.72, 1.12, p=0.32). Median survival: ASC: 7.6 months, ASC+CT: 8.5 months. Exploratory analyses suggested a survival advantage for vinorelbine compared to ASC alone (HR 0.81, 95%CI 0.63, 1.05, p=0.11), with a median survival of 9.4 months, but no evidence of a benefit with MVP (HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.76, 1.28), p=0.91). Conclusions: This is the 2nd largest ever randomized trial in mesothelioma and the first to compare ASC with or without chemotherapy. Although the addition of chemotherapy to ASC did not result in a conventionally significant survival benefit, there was an indication that vinorelbine should be investigated further, and that MVP probably has no role in this disease.

[Table: see text]

Cardiac exposure history as a determinant of symptoms and emergency department utilization in noncardiac chest pain patients

Although comparative studies differentiate noncardiac chest pain (NCCP), panic disorder, and coronary artery disease (CAD), little research has examined the defining features of NCCP, such as cardiac complaints, medical utilization, and learning history. We administered self-report measures to 80 Emergency Department (ED) patients with a primary complaint of chest pain who were subsequently found to not have CAD. Forty-eight percent of the ED utilization variance was accounted for by NCCP duration, age, cardiac distress symptoms, and prior exposure to both siblings' and friends' cardiac distress symptoms. In turn, 67% of the variance in cardiac distress symptoms was explained by education, age, NCCP duration, number of illnesses, noncardiac panic symptoms, prior exposure (friends), and prior observation of others' cardiac distress. No effects emerged for gender, ethnicity, avoidance, or depression. Results suggest that beyond the effects of age and distress intensity, prior exposure to other people's cardiac distress may influence NCCP.

Improving surgical resection rate in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the recognised treatment of choice for patients with stage I or II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the UK surgical resection rates have remained far lower (< 10%) than those achieved in Europe and the USA (> 20%), despite the recent introduction of fast access investigation units. It remains unclear therefore why UK surgical resection rates lag so far behind those of other countries.

METHODS

A new quick access two stop investigation service was established at Papworth in November 1995 to investigate all patients presenting to any of three surrounding health districts with suspected lung cancer. Once staging was complete, all patients with confirmed lung cancer were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team which included an oncologist and a thoracic surgeon. Time from presentation to definitive treatment and surgical resection rates were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nine (76%) of a total of 275 consecutive patients investigated had confirmed lung cancer (28 small cell, 181 non-small cell). Of the remainder, eight patients (2%) had metastatic disease, four (1%) had other thoracic malignancy (thymoma, mesothelioma), four patients (1%) had benign thoracic tumours, and 50 (18%) had other non-malignant diseases. Of the 181 patients with non-small cell primary lung cancer, 47 (25%) underwent successful surgical resection, of whom 59% had stage I and 21% stage II disease. The failed thoracotomy rate was 11%. Median time from presentation at the peripheral clinic to surgical resection was 5 weeks (range 1-13).

CONCLUSION

Quick access investigation, high histological confirmation rates, routine CT scanning, and review of every patient with confirmed lung cancer by a thoracic surgeon led to a substantial increase in the successful surgical resection rate. These results support the growing concern that many patients with operable tumours are being denied the chance of curative surgery in our present system.

Transcranial Doppler blood flow velocity versus 133Xe clearance cerebral blood flow during mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

Transcranial doppler (TCD) is used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to assess cerebral emboli and to estimate cerebral perfusion. We sought to compare TCD middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) to 133Xe clearance cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements during mild hypothermic CPB thus determining its utility in cerebral perfusion assessment.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients undergoing mild hypothermic CPB (35 degrees C) were studied and had comparisons of Vmca and 133Xe CBF at three time intervals, 10, 30 and 60 min after the institution of CPB. Linear regression analysis was performed on data from each of the 3 intervals as well as for pooled data from all 3 periods.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficients for the 3 time periods were, r = 0.32 (p = 0.12), r = 0.32 (p = 0.11), r = 0.48 (p = (0.02), respectively. The pooled data correlation had a coefficient of 0.34 (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TCD Vmca is a relatively poor correlate of CBF during mild hypothermic CPB.

Continuous jugular venous versus nasopharyngeal temperature monitoring during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare jugular venous to nasopharyngeal temperature during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

5 ASA physical status IV patients (40 to 65 years of age) having cardiac surgery with hypothermic CPB. INTERVENTIONS, MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Jugular venous and nasopharyngeal temperatures were recorded throughout the procedure with comparisons made during four time periods: pre-CPB, during CPB, during rewarming, and post-CPB. The patients underwent 85.8 +/- 45.8 minutes (mean +/- SD) of hypothermic CPB, cooling to 26.3 +/- 7.6 degrees C (nasopharyngeal) followed by rewarming at 0.35 +/- 0.1 degree C (nasopharyngeal)/min. There was a high degree of precision between the two temperature sites, but marked differences in bias. In particular, temperature bias was more pronounced during rewarming from CPB compared with other time periods (p < 0.05) where jugular venous temperature was greater than nasopharyngeal temperature by 3.4 degrees C.

CONCLUSION

Nasopharyngeal temperature underestimates jugular venous temperature during rewarming from hypothermic CPB. As a result, the brain may be exposed to periods of hyperthermia, possibly increasing the risk of neurologic injury associated with CPB.

Effect of temperature during cardiopulmonary bypass on gastric mucosal perfusion

The purpose of our study was to prospectively study the splanchnic response to hypothermic and tepid cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using alphastat management of arterial blood-gas tensions. Twenty-four patients for elective CABG surgery were allocated randomly to tepid (35-36 degrees C) or hypothermic (30 degrees C) bypass groups. Measurements were made at four times: (1) baseline, (2) stable during CPB (inflow temperature = nasopharyngeal temperature) 30 degrees C for hypothermic patients, bypass +20 min for tepid patients, (3) 10 min before the end of bypass, (4) after bypass, skin closure. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in gastric intramucosal pH (pHim) from time 1 to time 4 and there was no difference in the incidence of a low pHim between the tepid and cold groups (4/12 vs 3/12; ns) at time 4. pHim was significantly lower in the tepid groups at time 3 (P = 0.03) but this discrepancy may have been because of an artefactually high pHim in the cold group. There was a significantly higher incidence of postoperative non-cardiac complications in patients who had a low pHim at time 4 (P = 0.0008). Therefore, we conclude that although the temperature during CPB had a transient effect on pHim it is unlikely to be a major determinant in the pathogenesis of gut mucosal hypoperfusion after bypass.

Effect of perfusion pressure on cerebral blood flow during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

We have recently shown that during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cerebral autoregulation has a positive slope such that for every 10 mm Hg change in pressure, a 0.86 mL.100 g-1.min-1 change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) is predicted. The purpose of this study was to define the influence of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) on CBF during normothermic CPB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CBF was measured by use of 133Xe washout and alpha-stat blood gas management during nonpulsatile CPB. CBF measurements were made at a pump flow of 2.4 L.min-1.m-2 at stable normothermia and approximately 15 minutes later after the MAP was increased or decreased > or = 20%. A third data set was recorded after the pressure was returned to the initial value. Forty-five patients were entered into the study. Temperature was held constant. We found a significant effect (P = .016) of change in MAP on change in CBF during normothermic CPB. For a 10 mm Hg increase in MAP, an increase in CBF of 1.78 mL.100 g-1.min-1 is predicted. Along with change in CBF, significant increases in both cerebral metabolic rate and cerebral oxygen delivery were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This information, along with our previous data shows that autoregulation during CPB has a positive slope that is greater with normothermia than hypothermia. Although it is unlikely that these small changes in flow are an important primary effect in the development of hypoperfusion, increased metabolic rate with increased CBF may indicate pressure-dependent collateral flow potentially in regions embolized during CPB.

Predictors of cognitive decline after cardiac operation

Despite major advances in cardiopulmonary bypass technology, surgical techniques, and anesthesia management, central nervous system complications remain a common problem after cardiopulmonary bypass. The etiology of neuropsychologic dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass remains unresolved and is probably multifactorial. Demographic predictors of cognitive decline include age and years of education; perioperative factors including number of cerebral emboli, temperature, mean arterial pressure, and jugular bulb oxygen saturation have varying predictive power. Recent data suggest a genetic predisposition for cognitive decline after cardiac surgery in patients possessing the apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 allele, known to be associated with late-onset and sporadic forms of Alzheimer's disease. Predicting patients at risk for cognitive decline allows the possibility of many important interventions. Predictive power and weapons to reduce cellular injury associated with neurologic insults lend hope of a future ability to markedly decrease the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass on short-term and long-term neurologic, cognitive, and quality-of-life outcomes.

Occurrence and frequency of subgroup I-6 spiroplasma in arthropods associated with old fields in Maryland and Virginia

The Subgroup I-6 spiroplasma, "Maryland Flower Spiroplasma," originally discovered on fall flowers and subsequently recovered from a syrphid fly and a beetle triungulin, was isolated from two new fall flower hosts and from the guts of nine nectar-imbibing insect species. These data, together with lack of recovery of I-6 spiroplasma from foliage-feeding, plant-sucking, or flightless flower-associated insects, suggest that I-6 spiroplasma may infect and be disseminated by nectar- or pollen-foraging insects, and that the dynamics of maintenance will prove to be complex.