Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 May 2009-31 July 2009

This article documents the addition of 512 microsatellite marker loci and nine pairs of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Alcippe morrisonia morrisonia, Bashania fangiana, Bashania fargesii, Chaetodon vagabundus, Colletes floralis, Coluber constrictor flaviventris, Coptotermes gestroi, Crotophaga major, Cyprinella lutrensis, Danaus plexippus, Fagus grandifolia, Falco tinnunculus, Fletcherimyia fletcheri, Hydrilla verticillata, Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus, Leavenworthia alabamica, Marmosops incanus, Miichthys miiuy, Nasua nasua, Noturus exilis, Odontesthes bonariensis, Quadrula fragosa, Pinctada maxima, Pseudaletia separata, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, Podocarpus elatus, Portunus trituberculatus, Rhagoletis cerasi, Rhinella schneideri, Sarracenia alata, Skeletonema marinoi, Sminthurus viridis, Syngnathus abaster, Uroteuthis (Photololigo) chinensis, Verticillium dahliae, Wasmannia auropunctata, and Zygochlamys patagonica. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Chaetodon baronessa, Falco columbarius, Falco eleonorae, Falco naumanni, Falco peregrinus, Falco subbuteo, Didelphis aurita, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosops paulensis, Monodelphis Americana, Odontesthes hatcheri, Podocarpus grayi, Podocarpus lawrencei, Podocarpus smithii, Portunus pelagicus, Syngnathus acus, Syngnathus typhle,Uroteuthis (Photololigo) edulis, Uroteuthis (Photololigo) duvauceli and Verticillium albo-atrum. This article also documents the addition of nine sequencing primer pairs and sixteen allele specific primers or probes for Oncorhynchus mykiss and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; these primers and assays were cross-tested in both species.

Associations between the physical and social environment and depressive symptomology among Australian adolescents

Depression is a significant public health issue among Australian adolescents. A number of family, school and community level factors have been identified as important determinants of adolescent's health and well-being, including depression. This study examines associations between measures of the social and physical environment and adolescent mental health, specifically depressive symptomotology using data from the Healthy Neighbourhoods study, a large observational study carried out in 231 Australian schools stratified by socioeconomic quartiles and urban/non-urban geography, which focuses on adolescent health and well-being. Participants were 8256 year 6 and 8
students (48% male), aged 11-16 years (M = 11.6, SD = 0.8 years) from schools across Victoria,Queensland and Western Australia who completed a comprehensive on-line survey. Data collected included the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (SMFQL a tool for assessing depressive symptomotology in adolescents. Results showed that the mean total depression score (possible range 0-26 with total scores;:: 8 used as the cutoff for depression symptomotology) was 6.4 (SD = 5.9), with scores for females (M = 6.8, SD = 6.3) higher than those for males (M = 5.9, SD = 5.5), and scores for year 8 students (M = 6.7,SD = 6.1) higher than those for year 6 students (M = 6.2, SD = 5.8) (p < .001). Greater access to sporting and play equipment, local parks, and more functional neighbourhoods for walking and jogging reduced the odds for depressive symptomotology (p < .05L while increased levels of abandoned homes, and higher levels of fighting within the neighbourhood, and fewer scout/guide clubs, local teams to play sport, and adults in the neighbourhood to talk with, as well as reduced neighbourhood safety increased the odds for depressive symptomotology (p < .05). These findings support the important role of physical and social environments in influencing adolescent health and well-being. Modifications to particular aspects of these environments at the community level may assist in providing adolescents some protection from depression.

Prevalence of kidney damage in Australian adults - the AusDiab Kidney Study

The incidence of ESRD is increasing dramatically. Progression to end-stage may be halted or slowed when kidney damage is detected at an early stage. Kidney damage is frequently asymptomatic but is indicated by the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, or reduced GFR. Population-based studies relating to the prevalence of kidney damage in the community are limited, particularly outside of the United States. Therefore, the prevalence of proteinuria, hematuria, and reduced GFR in the Australian adult population was determined using a cross-sectional study of 11,247 noninstitutionalized Australians aged 25 yr or over, randomly selected using a stratified, cluster method. Subjects were interviewed and tested for proteinuria—spot urine protein to creatinine ratio (abnormal: >=0.20 mg/mg); hematuria—spot urine dipstick (abnormal: 1+ or greater) confirmed by urine microscopy (abnormal: >10,000 red blood cells per milliliter) or dipstick (abnormal: 1+ or greater) on midstream urine sample; and reduced GFR—Cockcroft-Gault estimated GFR (abnormal: <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). The associations between age, gender, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and indicators of kidney damage were examined. Proteinuria was detected in 2.4% of cases (95% CI: 1.6%, 3.1%), hematuria in 4.6% (95% CI: 3.8%, 5.4%), and reduced GFR in 11.2% (95% CI: 8.6%, 13.8%). Approximately 16% had at least one indicator of kidney damage. Age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were independently associated with proteinuria; age, gender, and hypertension with hematuria; and age, gender, and hypertension with reduced GFR. Approximately 16% of the Australian adult population has either proteinuria, hematuria, and/or reduced GFR, indicating the presence of kidney damage. Identifying and targeting this section of the population may provide a means to reduce the burden of ESRD.

Genome - wide association study identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci

Breast cancer exhibits familial aggregation, consistent with variation in genetic susceptibility to the disease. Known susceptibility genes account for less than 25% of the familial risk of breast cancer, and the residual genetic variance is likely to be due to variants conferring more moderate risks. To identify further susceptibility alleles, we conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study in 4,398 breast cancer cases and 4,316 controls, followed by a third stage in which 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for confirmation in 21,860 cases and 22,578 controls from 22 studies. We used 227,876 SNPs that were estimated to correlate with 77% of known common SNPs in Europeans at r² > 0.5. SNPs in five novel independent loci exhibited strong and consistent evidence of association with breast cancer (P < 10^-7). Four of these contain plausible causative genes (FGFR2, TNRC9, MAP3K1 and LSP1). At the second stage, 1,792 SNPs were significant at the P < 0.05 level compared with an estimated 1,343 that would be expected by chance, indicating that many additional common susceptibility alleles may be identifiable by this approach.

The ideal Ileal-Pouch design : a long-term randomized control trial of J- vs W-pouch construction

BACKGROUND: The IPAA has become established as the preferred technique for restoring intestinal continuity postproctocolectomy. The ideal pouch design has not been established. W-pouches may give better functional results owing to increased volume, whereas the J-pouch’s advantage is its straightforward construction. We report short- and long-term results of an randomized control trial designed to establish the ideal pouch.

DESIGN: Ninety-four patients were randomly assigned to J- and W-pouches (49:45) and assessed at 1 and 8.7 years postoperatively. Assessment was questionnaire based and designed to assess pouch function and patient quality of life.

RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of patients were followed up at 1 year, and 68% were followed up at 8.7 years. At 1 year, there was a significant difference in 24-hour bowel movement frequency J- vs W-pouches 7 vs 5(p < 0.001) and in daytime frequency J- vs W-pouches 6 vs 4 (p < 0.001), with no difference in nocturnal function. At 9-year follow-up, function had equilibrated between the 2 groups: 24-hour bowel movement frequency J- vs W-pouches 6.5 vs 6 (p = 0.36), daytime frequency 5.5 vs 5 (p = 0.233), and nocturnal function 1 vs 1 (p = 0.987). Mean operating time of J- and W-pouches was 195 and 215 minutes (p < 0.05). All other parameters, pad usage, urgency, incontinence, and quality of life, did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that the theoretical functional advantage conferred on the W-pouch by its greater volume exists only in the short term and is of little consequence to patients’ long-term quality of life. This advantage is attenuated as the pouches mature, resulting in no disparity in pouch function. This, combined with the more consistent, efficient, and easily taught construction of the J-pouch, should conclusively establish it as the optimum ileal-pouch design.

Prevalence and community variation in harmful levels of family conflict witnessed by children: implications for prevention

 Abstract
Children’s reports of high family conflict consistently predict poor outcomes. The study identified criteria for high family conflict based on prospective prediction of increased risk for childhood depression. These criteria were subsequently used to establish the prevalence of high family conflict in Australian communities and to identify community correlates suitable for targeting prevention programs. Study 1 utilised a longitudinal design. Grade 6 and 8 students completed a family conflict scale (from the widely used Communities That Care survey) in 2003 and depression symptomotology were evaluated at a 1-year follow-up (International Youth Development Study, N = 1,798). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis yielded a cut-off point on a family conflict score with depression symptomatology as a criterion variable. A cut-off score of 2.5 or more (on a scale of 1 to 4) correctly identified 69 % with depression symptomology, with a specificity of 77.2 % and sensitivity at 44.3 %. Study 2 used data from an Australian national survey of Grade 6 and 8 children (Healthy Neighbourhoods Study, N = 8,256). Prevalence estimates were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression with multi-level modelling was used to establish factors associated with community variation in family conflict levels. Thirty-three percent of Australian children in 2006 were exposed to levels of family conflict that are likely to increase their future risk for depression. Significant community correlates for elevated family conflict included Indigenous Australian identification, socioeconomic disadvantage, urban and state location, maternal absence and paternal unemployment. The analysis provides indicators for targeting family-level mental health promotion programs.

Physical activity, leisure-time screen use and depression among children and young adolescents

Objectives:
Adolescent mental disorders remain a relatively neglected area of research, despite evidence that these conditions affect youth disproportionately. We examined associations between physical activity, leisure-time screen use and depressive symptoms among Australian children and adolescents.

Design:
Large cross-sectional observational study.

Methods:
Self-reported physical activity and leisure-time screen behaviours, and depressive symptoms using the Short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire were assessed in 8256 students aged 10–16 years (mean age = 11.5 years, SD = 0.8).

Results:
Thirty three percent of the sample reported moderate to high depressive symptoms, with rates higher among females (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.36; p = 0.001). Increased opportunities to be active at school outside class (OR = 0.70; 0.58, 0.85; p < 0.001), being active in physical education classes (OR = 0.77; 0.69, 0.86; p < 0.001), greater involvement in sports teams at school (OR = 0.77; 0.67, 0.88; p < 0.001) and outside of school (OR = 0.84; 0.73, 0.96; p = 0.01) were all independently associated with lower odds for depressive symptoms. Meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity (OR = 0.62; 0.44, 0.88; p = 0.007) and, for 12–14 year olds, leisure-time screen use (OR = 0.77; 0.59, 0.99; p = 0.04) were also independently associated with lower odds for depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:
Higher levels of physical activity among children and young adolescents, and lower levels of leisure-time screen use among young adolescents, are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the causal relationships between these variables.

Gender differences in adolescent depression: Differential female susceptibility to stressors affecting family functioning

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations between family-based stressors and depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Method: Participants were 10-14 year olds who participated in a large Australian population study (n=6,552). Depressive symptoms and pubertal development were assessed using the self-report Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and the Pubertal Development Scale. Three indicators of stress exposure were examined-low emotional closeness to parents, residential and school transitions, and family conflict. The effect of gender, stress exposure and the interaction of gender and stress exposure on depressive symptoms was tested using multivariate logistic regression.

Results: High family conflict, residential instability and low emotional closeness with parents were independently associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. There was a significant gender by emotional closeness interaction; females reporting low emotional closeness to their parents were 2.3 times more likely to report high depressive symptoms than females reporting high emotional connections with parents.

Conclusions: Female adolescents may be more susceptible to particular types of stresses and particularly the quality of the parent-child relationship.

Systematic approach to the quantitative voltammetric analysis of the Fe III /Fe II component of the [α 2 -Fe(OH 2 )P 2 W 17 O 61 ] 7-/8- reduction process in buffered and unbuffered aqueous media

The one-electron reduction of [α2-FeIII(OH2)P2W17O61]7- at a glassy carbon electrode was investigated using cyclic and rotating-disk-electrode voltammetry in buffered and unbuffered aqueous solutions over the pH range 3.45−7.50 with an ionic strength of approximately 0.6 M maintained. The behavior is well-described by a square-scheme mechanism P + e- ↔ Q (E10/ = −0.275 V, k10/ = 0.008 cm s-1, and α1 = 1/2), PH+ + e- ↔ QH+ (E20/ = −0.036 V, k20/ = 0.014 cm s-1, and α2 = 1/2), PH+ ↔ P + H+ (KP = 3.02 × 10-6 M), and QH+ ↔ Q + H+ (KQ = 2.35 × 10-10 M), where P, Q, PH+, and QH+ correspond to [α2-FeIII(OH)P2W17O61]8-, [α2-FeII(OH)P2W17O61]9-, [α2-FeIII(OH2)P2W17O61]7-, and [α2-FeII(OH2)P2W17O61]8-, respectively; E10‘ and E20‘ are the formal potentials, k10‘ and k20‘ are the formal (standard) rate constants, and KP and KQ are the acid dissociation constants for the relevant reactions. The analysis for the buffered media is based on the approach of Laviron who demonstrated that a square scheme with fully reversible protonations, reversible or quasi reversible electron transfers with the assumption that α1 = α2, can be well-described by the behavior of a simple redox couple, ox + e- ↔ red, whose formal potential, Eapp0‘, and standard rate constant, kapp0‘, are straightforwardly derived functions of pH, as are the values of E10‘, k10‘, E20‘, k20‘, and KP (only three of the four thermodynamic parameters in a square scheme can be specified). It was assumed that αapp = 1/2, and the simulation program DigiSim was used to determine the values of Eapp0‘ and kapp0‘, which are required to describe the cyclic voltammograms obtained in buffered media in the pH range from 3.45 to 7.52 (buffer-related reactions which effect general acid−base catalysis are included in the simulations). DigiSim simulations of cyclic voltammograms obtained in unbuffered media yielded the values of E10‘ and k10‘; KQ was then directly computed from thermodynamic constraints. These simulations included additional reactions between the redox species and H2O. The value of the diffusion coefficient of the [α2-FeIII(OH2)P2W17O61]7-, 2.92 × 10-6 cm2 s-1, was determined using DigiSim simulations of voltammograms at a rotating disk electrode in buffered and unbuffered media at pH 3.45. The diffusion coefficients of all redox species were assumed to be identical. When the pH is greater than 6, instability of P (i.e., [α2-FeIII(OH)P2W17O61]8-) led to the loss of the reactant and precluded lengthy experimentation.