Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms predict infant NR3C1 1F and BDNF IV DNA methylation

Prenatal maternal psychological distress increases risk for adverse infant outcomes. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Prenatal stress can impact fetal epigenetic regulation that could underlie changes in infant stress responses. It has been suggested that maternal glucocorticoids may mediate this epigenetic effect. We examined this hypothesis by determining the impact of maternal cortisol and depressive symptoms during pregnancy on infant NR3C1 and BDNF DNA methylation. Fifty-seven pregnant women were recruited during the second or third trimester. Participants self-reported depressive symptoms and salivary cortisol samples were collected diurnally and in response to a stressor. Buccal swabs for DNA extraction and DNA methylation analysis were collected from each infant at 2 months of age, and mothers were assessed for postnatal depressive symptoms. Prenatal depressive symptoms significantly predicted increased NR3C1 1F DNA methylation in male infants (β = 2.147, P = 0.044). Prenatal depressive symptoms also significantly predicted decreased BDNF IV DNA methylation in both male and female infants (β = −3.244, P = 0.013). No measure of maternal cortisol during pregnancy predicted infant NR3C1 1F or BDNF promoter IV DNA methylation. Our findings highlight the susceptibility of males to changes in NR3C1 DNA methylation and present novel evidence for altered BDNF IV DNA methylation in response to maternal depression during pregnancy. The lack of association between maternal cortisol and infant DNA methylation suggests that effects of maternal depression may not be mediated directly by glucocorticoids. Future studies should consider other potential mediating mechanisms in the link between maternal mood and infant outcomes.     

Rapid Graphical Method for Estimating the Precision of Direct Microscopic Counting Data: I. Preliminary Evaluation of Technique

A graphical method of estimating the 90, 95, or 99% confidence intervals of direct microscopic counting data is presented. Construction of the graphs is based on the assumption that the normal distribution approximates the Poisson distribution. The method, useful on data obtained from dried films or counting chambers, eliminates time-consuming computation of precision. The minimal number of fields which must be counted to maintain a certain level of precision can be readily determined.     

Spawning population dynamics of smelt, Osmerus mordax

A total of 1618 Osmerus mordax were collected between 27 April and 5 May 1977 from five spawning sites along Lake Superior. The fish were measured, sexed, and aged to determine spawning population dynamics. Length/weight ratios of males vs. females varied with males' growth initially concentrated towards length, while females' growth was concentrated toward weight. These growth curves reverse after the third-year class. Male O. mordax exhibit a higher coefficient of condition.     

Oestrus synchronization in sheep with progesterone-impregnated (MAP) intravaginal sponges and a prostagland in analogue

A double injection of PGF2α at two different dosage levels, 5 mg and 10 mg, eleven days apart, were compared with a combination of MAP-sponges and 5 mg or 10 mg PGF2α.The combination of MAP-sponges plus 10 mg PGF2α gave the best syn=chronization results (93,4%), as well as the best conception rate (84,9%) when ewes were inseminated on a fixed time basis 68 and 80 hours after treatment.     

The Woman in the Surgeon's Body: Understanding Difference

Praxis is not simply about learning cultural rules by rote, it is about coming to an understanding of social distinctions through your body.
Much of clinical and practical knowledge [in medicine] is embodied knowledge-knowledge sensed through and with the body. This includes senses of sight, sound, touch, smell.