女性生殖系统微生物群落及其与早产相关性研究进展

女性生殖系统微生物群落与女性生殖健康密切相关.阴道微生物的菌群变化伴随着多种阴道疾病的发生并可能通过宫颈感染子宫,孕期子宫内的炎症反应会导致胎儿早产(Preterm Birth,PTB),PTB被定义为妊娠满28周但不足37周所发生的分娩现象,PTB婴儿死亡率很高并面临着多种健康疾病,除了明确病原微生物的感染,PTB还...     

Two in a bed: The influence of couple sleeping and chronotypes on relationship and sleep. An overview

Objective: To summarize research on couple sleeping with respect to gender-specific differences and chronotype. Methods: Systematic review of the literature. Results: Millions of adults around the world share their beds with a partner. This may be an expression of intimacy and attachment and tends to intensify romantic relationships. Yet, couple sleeping still has underestimated implications for the quality of the relationship, quality of sleep and for physical and psychological health which are not consistently positive. Implications for research and therapy are discussed. Conclusions: Despite the people involved perhaps not even being aware of their nocturnal interactions, it is important that sleeping together becomes a subject of discussion.

Abbreviations: REM: rapid eye movement; QOL: quality of life; OSA: obstructive sleep apnea; CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure     

Risk, medicine and women: a case study on prenatal genetic counselling in Brazil

Genetic counselling is an important aspect of prenatal care in many developed countries. This tendency has also begun to emerge in Brazil, although few medical centres offer this service. Genetic counselling provides prenatal risk control through a process of individual decision-making based on medical information, in a context where diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities overlap. Detection of severe foetal anomalies can lead to a decision involving possible termination of pregnancy. This paper focuses on medical and legal consequences of the detection of severe foetal anomalies, mainly anencephaly and Down syndrome, and in light of the fact that abortion is illegal in Brazil. The discussion is based on the literature and empirical research at a high-complexity public hospital in Rio de Janeiro.     

The Microbiome in Early Life: Self‐Completion and Microbiota Protection as Health Priorities

This minireview considers the benefits of refocusing attention away from treating the patient as a mammalian human to managing the complete patient: a majority microbial superorganism. Under the “completed self” model for formation of the human‐microbial superorganism, the single, most pivotal sign in distinguishing a life course of health versus that filled with disease is self‐completion (i.e., seeding of the minority mammalian human by the majority microbial portion of the symbiont). From a disease prevention perspective, microbial seeding at birth and subsequent nurturing of the microbiota are significant steps to reduce the risk of both noncommunicable diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes) and certain infectious diseases. Management of the microbiome during pregnancy, birth, and shortly thereafter appears to be the most significant critical window for healthy superorganism formation. However, the bolus for microbiota seeding at birth and the nurturing process are subject to environmental influences and disruption, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and drugs, infections, and other physical and psychological stressors. Additionally, childhood and adult corrective measures, such as fecal transplantation and administration of prebiotics and probiotics, while potentially useful, may have limitations that are yet to be fully defined. This minireview considers (1) basic features of management of the microbiome to facilitate self‐completion, (2) protection of the microbiota from environmental hazards, and (3) the benefits of using a superorganism focus for health management beginning with pregnancy and extending throughout childhood and adult life     

Disordered Eating: Can Women Accurately Recall Their Ringing and Purging Behaviors 10 Years Later?

Objective: To test women's ability to recall their past binging and purging behaviors. Design: Ten-year follow-up study of women who had participated in a cross-sectional survey during college. Subjects: In 1982, a sample of freshman and senior women at a large university in the Boston area were questioned about their weight, dieting history, bulimic symptoms, and eating patterns, attitudes, and concerns. In 1992, all subjects who responded to the 1982 survey were followed up to assess changes in bulimic symptoms and ability to recall past behaviors. Results: Among the 476 women who responded to both surveys, the percentage in 1992 who reported having ever binged and/or purged was less than the percentage in 1982, indicating that the recall of past behaviors was less than perfect. Denial in 1992 of ever having engaged in the behaviors ranged from 22% among the women who were self-inducing vomiting in 1982 to 64% among the women who had reported current fasting or strict dieting in 1982. Recall of past behaviors in 1992 was better among the women who had been current bingers or purgers in 1982. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ability to recall past binging and purging is only modest. Therefore to better understand the mental and physical health consequences of these behaviors this information should be collected prospectively.     

The Relationship between Body Weight and Health Care among German Women

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body weight and the use of health care services among women from southern Germany. Research Methods and Procedures: Data were drawn from the 1994 to 1995 Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease Augsburg survey, covering a population‐representative sample of women 25 to 74 years old (n = 2301). Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the use of medical services by women with overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m²) or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) in comparison with normal‐weight women (BMI < 25.0 kg/m²). Results: In multivariable analysis, obese women 50 to 74 years old were more likely than normal‐weight women to delay cancer screening procedures, such as manual breast examination and Papanicolaou smear (OR 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.37 to 0.74) in the previous 12 months. However, the relationship between obesity and cancer screening was not found to be significant in 25‐ to 49‐year‐old women (OR 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.36). Neither in the 25‐ to 49‐year‐old age group nor in the 50‐ to 74‐year‐old age group were independent relationships between higher body weight and total physician visits, hospitalizations, or medication use observed. Discussion: Obese women tended to use medical services with greater frequency due to obesity‐related diseases. However, postmenopausal women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² were more likely to delay routine cancer screening, putting them at a greater risk for death from breast, cervical, and endometrial cancer. Thus, obese postmenopausal women should be targeted for increased screening.     

根际微生物组组装与植物健康

土壤微生物拥有高度多样化的群落结构,其通过与植物发生复杂的相互作用影响植物健康,也被称为植物的第二基因组。最近研究表明植物能通过改变根际分泌物的组成影响根际微生物群落的组装,反之,根际微生物群落组成的改变能够通过影响植物营养吸收和抵御生物及非生物胁迫的能力影响植物健康。除此之外,农艺管理也是影响土壤微生物群落组装方式的重要因素。但到目前为止,根际微生物与宿主植物及土壤微生物之间互作机制的研究尚不清楚。本文将从农艺管理和宿主植物对微生物群落组装的影响及根际微生物组对植物健康的影响进行总结,为增加作物产量提供机会。     

Focus: Microbiome: The Hoops,Hopes, and Hypes of Human Microbiome Research

Recent developments in sequencing methods and bioinformatics analysis tools have greatly enabled the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities associated with environmental samples, plants, and animals. This has led to a spectacular increase in the number of studies on both membership and functionalities of these hitherto invisible worlds, in particular those of the human microbiome. The wide variety in available microbiome tools and platforms can be overwhelming, and making sound conclusions from scientific research can be challenging. Here, I will review 1) the methodological and analytic hoops a good microbiome study has to jump through, including DNA extraction and choice of bioinformatics tools, 2) the hopes this field has generated for diseases such as autism and inflammatory bowel diseases, and 3) some of the hypes that it has created, e.g., by confusing correlation and causation, and the recent pseudoscientific commercialization of microbiome research.     

The intersection of social determinants of health,the microbiome,and health outcomes in immigrants: A scoping review

In the present scoping review, we explore whether existing evidence supports the premise that social determinants of health (SDoH) affect immigrant health outcomes through their effects on the microbiome. We adapt the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities' research framework to propose a conceptual model that considers the intersection of SDoH, the microbiome, and health outcomes in immigrants. We use this conceptual model as a lens through which to explore recent research about SDoH, biological factors associated with changes to immigrants' microbiomes, and long-term health outcomes. In the 17 articles reviewed, dietary acculturation, physical activity, ethnicity, birthplace, age at migration and length of time in the host country, socioeconomic status, and social/linguistic acculturation were important determinants of postmigration microbiome-related transformations. These factors are associated with progressive shifts in microbiome profile with time in host country, increasing the risks for cardiometabolic, mental, immune, and inflammatory disorders and antibiotic resistance. The evidence thus supports the premise that SDoH influence immigrants' health postmigration, at least in part, through their effects on the microbiome. Omission of important postmigration social-ecological variables (e.g., stress, racism, social/family relationships, and environment), limited research among minoritized subgroups of immigrants, complexity and inter- and intra-individual differences in the microbiome, and limited interdisciplinary and biosocial collaboration restrict our understanding of this area of study. To identify potential microbiome-based interventions and promote immigrants' well-being, more research is necessary to understand the intersections of immigrant health with factors from the biological, behavioral/psychosocial, physical/built environment, and sociocultural environment domains at all social-ecological levels.     

Body Dissatisfaction and Binge Eating in Obese Women: The Role of Restraint and Depression

Objective: This study examined the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating, and the mediating role of restraint and depression among obese women. Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were obese women taking part in a cognitive-behavioral treatment program who completed self-report measures at baseline (n = 89) and post-treatment follow-up (n = 69). Results: At baseline, body dissatisfaction was strongly correlated with binge eating score. This was partly a direct effect and partly mediated by depression. No mediating effect of restraint was observed. Over the treatment period, a reduction in body dissatisfaction was associated with a reduction in binge-eating score. As in the cross-sectional data, there was evidence for mediation by change in depression with the greatest improvement in binge eating among those who became more restrained and less depressed. Discussion: These results suggest that it would be valuable to address psychological well-being, and especially body image, as part of the management of binge-eating behavior in obesity.     

The interface between medically assisted reproduction and genetics: technical, social, ethical and legal issues*

¹⁹ To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Medical Genetics, University of Turku, Kiinamyllykatu 10, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland. E-mail: hkaaria{at}utu.fi^* Reprinted from European Journal of Human Genetics (2006) 1–58 with permission. The views expressed in this study do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission (EC). The interface between assisted reproductive technologies (ART)and genetics comprises several sensitive and important issuesthat affect infertile couples, families with severe geneticdiseases, potential children, professionals in ART and genetics,health care, researchers and the society in general. Geneticcauses have a considerable involvement in infertility. Geneticconditions may also be transmitted to the offspring and hencecreate transgenerational infertility or other serious healthproblems. Several studies also suggest a slightly elevated riskof birth defects in children born following ART. PGD has becomewidely practiced throughout the world for various medical indications,but its limits are being debated. The attitudes towards ARTand PGD vary substantially within Europe. The purpose of thisarticle was to outline a framework for development of guidelinesto be issued jointly by European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG)and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)for the interface between genetics and ART. Technical, social,ethical and legal issues of ART and genetics will be reviewed.     

Comparison of Regional Fat Distribution and Health Risk Factors in Middle‐Aged White and African American Women: The Healthy Transitions Study

Objective: Both ethnicity and menopause appear to influence intra‐abdominal fat distribution. This study evaluated intra‐abdominal fat distribution and obesity‐related health risks in perimenopausal white and African American women. Research Methods and Procedures: Baseline data from a longitudinal study of changes in body composition and energy balance during menopause are reported. Healthy women (55 African Americans and 103 whites) who were on no medication and had at least five menstrual cycles in the previous 6 months were recruited. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were assessed by computed tomography scan. SAT was divided into deep and superficial layers demarcated by the fascia superficialis. Results: African American women were slightly younger (46.7 ± 0.2 vs. 47.7 ± 0.2 years, p = 0.002) and fatter (42.4% ± 1.0% vs. 39.4% ± 0.8% body fat, p = 0.02) than white women. In unadjusted data, African Americans had significantly more total abdominal fat and total, deep, and superficial SAT than whites. After adjustment for percent body fat and age, only total and superficial SAT remained significantly higher in African Americans. VAT although slightly less in African American women, did not differ significantly by race. In multiple regression analysis, VAT was the strongest predictor of serum lipids, glucose, and insulin in women of both races, although superficial SAT was significantly associated with fasting glucose in whites. Conclusions: Middle‐aged African American women have larger SAT depots, adjusted for total body fatness, but do not differ from white women with regard to VAT. The complexity of the relationship between abdominal fat and metabolic risk is increased by ethnic differences in such associations.     

The Relation of Body Mass Index,Cardiorespiratory Fitness,and All‐Cause Mortality in Women

Objective: To examine the relation of body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and all‐cause mortality in women. Research Methods and Procedures: A cohort of women (42.9 ± 10.4 years) was assessed for CRF, height, and weight. Participants were divided into three BMI categories (normal, overweight, and obese) and three CRF categories (low, moderate, and high). After adjustment for age, smoking, and baseline health status, the relative risk (RR) of all‐cause mortality was determined for each group. Further multivariate analyses were performed to examine the contribution of each predictor (e.g., age, BMI, CRF, smoking status, and baseline health status) on all‐cause mortality while controlling for all other predictors. Results: During follow‐up (113,145 woman‐years), 195 deaths from all causes occurred. Compared with normal weight (RR = 1.0), overweight (RR = 0.92) and obesity (RR = 1.58) did not significantly increase all‐cause mortality risk. Compared with low CRF (RR = 1.0), moderate (RR = 0.48) and high (RR = 0.57) CRF were associated significantly with lower mortality risk (p = 0.002). In multivariate analyses, moderate (RR = 0.49) and high (RR = 0.57) CRF were strongly associated with decreased mortality relative to low CRF (p = 0.003). Compared with normal weight (RR = 1.0), overweight (RR = 0.84) and obesity (RR = 1.21) were not significantly associated with all‐cause mortality. Discussion: Low CRF in women was an important predictor of all‐cause mortality. BMI, as a predictor of all‐cause mortality risk in women, may be misleading unless CRF is also considered.     

Associations of Body Mass and Body Fat Distribution with Parity Among African-American and Caucasian Women: The CARDIA Study

Associations of parity with body fat and its distribution are poorly understood; therefore, we examined the relationships between parity and obesity in young adult women. Body mass index (BMI), skin folds, and waist-hip ratio were compared in 1452 African-American and 1268 Caucasian nonpregnant women aged 18 to 30, adjusting for age (where no age-parity interactions were present), education, physical activity (assessed by questionnaire) and fitness (assessed by graded exercise test), dietary fat intake, alcohol and smoking. Adjusted mean BMI was significantly higher in African-American women aged 25–30 years with three or more children (28.5 kg/m²) than in those with two (27.0 kg/m²), one (26.2 kg/m²), or no children (26.3 kg/m²). Similar trends were found in Caucasians (BMI = 23.3, 23.4, 23.7, 25.0 kg/m² for parity = 0,1, 2, ≥ 3, respectively), but the mean BMI was significantly higher in African Americans in each parity group. The association between BMI and parity was not present among women 18–24 years of age. Skinfolds were directly associated with parity in African Americans only. Waist-hip ratios were generally lower among nulliparous than parous women in both ethnic groups; race differences were present only among nulliparas. In conclusion, parity was associated with BMI in women aged 25 to 30 years but did not explain ethnicity-related differences in body mass.     

Dream work with children: Perceptions and practices of school mental health professionals.

In this study, 49 public school mental health practitioners (school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers) completed a survey about working with students’ dreams. The majority of these practitioners reported having at least one student bring up dreams during counseling, more frequently with troubling dreams and nightmares or when coping with grief. Results showed that practitioners were less likely to talk about dreams with students who had been identified with an adjustment disorder, psychosis, or eating disorder; those who were oppositional or ill; and those who struggled with substance abuse problems. Although most practitioners did not feel competent working with children’s dreams and reported minimal training in dream work, they were interested in learning more about children’s dreams and potential uses of dream work in supportive counseling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The beauty and the beast: Endemic mutualistic interactions promote community-based conservation on Socotra Island (Yemen)

The understanding that biodiversity is supported by an entangled network of interactions is fundamental if we are to guarantee the persistence of endemic and restricted-range taxa. When it comes to remote, isolated and rural areas, local human communities play a pivotal role in preserving their native flora and fauna. Locals typically show contrasting aesthetic appreciation for different species, unaware that the fate of highly valued species might be closely linked to the activity of non-charismatic and disregarded species. Therefore, conveying the importance of biotic interactions in sustaining biodiversity is important to incentivise environmental awareness in those areas. The remote Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), a Natural World Heritage, hosts one of the oldest forest ecosystems on Earth and 31 endemic reptile species. The relic dragon’s blood tree Dracaena cinnabari is classified as Vulnerable and it is highly valued among locals. On the contrary, reptiles are typically persecuted and feared by them, in spite of the fact that they might provide services to D. cinnabari. In order to document the role of nocturnal lizards as pollinators of D. cinnabari, we conducted a trip to Socotra Island and we examined 11 tree populations at night for the presence of reptiles and whether they carry pollen in their snouts. Our results confirmed that three species of geckos carried pollen grains of D. cinnabari and at least seven other unidentified species. This result indicates that these geckos visit D. cinnabari flowers, likely to feed upon pollen or nectar, suggesting that they may pollinate this relic tree. We point out that by focusing on the need of preserving mutualistic biotic interactions, instead of individual species, environmental awareness would increase and Socotri people would steadily shift their attitude towards an holistic preservation of D. cinnabari.     

Threshold Concepts and Their Use in Rangeland Management and Restoration: The Good, the Bad, and the Insidious

Ecological thresholds describe abrupt changes in ecological properties in time or space. In rangeland management, thresholds reflect changes in vegetation and soils that are expensive or impossible to reverse. The threshold concept has catalyzed important advances in rangeland management thinking, but it has also introduced two classes of drawbacks. First, the ambiguity of the term "threshold" and the desire for simplicity in its application has led to an overemphasis on classification thresholds, such as vegetation cover values. Uncritical use of classification thresholds may lead to the abandonment of management efforts in land areas that would otherwise benefit from intervention. Second, it is possible that the invocation of thresholds and irreversible degradation may eventually result in the wholesale conversion of land areas that would have been recoverable or served important societal functions, such as biodiversity maintenance, that are not reflected in threshold definitions. I conclude with a recommendation to clarify the nature of thresholds by defining the relationships among pattern, process, and degradation and distinguishing preventive thresholds from restoration thresholds. We must also broaden the attributes used to define states and thresholds.