CYP3A genes and the association between prenatal methylmercury exposure and neurodevelopment.

Background: Results on the association between prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and child neuropsychological development are heterogeneous. Underlying genetic differences across study populations could contribute to this varied response to MeHg. Studies in Drosophila have identified the cytochrome p450 3A (CYP3A) family as candidate MeHg susceptibility genes.

Neurodevelopmental effects of low-level prenatal mercury exposure from maternal fish consumption in a Mediterranean cohort: study rationale and design.

Background: Mercury is a neurotoxic environmental pollutant. However, the literature on the neurodevelopmental effect of low-level prenatal mercury exposure from maternal fish intake is inconsistent. We assessed the association between prenatal mercury exposure and infant neurodevelopment in coastal areas of 4 Mediterranean countries.

Assessing Peanut Consumption in a Population of Mothers and Their Children in the UK.

Background: Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are essential tools to investigate the relationship between peanut consumption and the development of peanut allergy. The aim was to validate a 50-item FFQ for use in peanut protein sensitization studies.

Methods: There were 38 mother-child pairs visiting a pediatric clinic of a London hospital included.

Clinical features and natural history of physical urticaria in children.

Physical triggers are the most common precipitating factors for chronic urticaria in childhood. We investigate the natural history of physical urticaria (PU) and attempt to identify prognostic features. A retrospective study covering a 3 yr period (1999-2002) identified 82 children with PU seen in a tertiary referral centre.

Reduction in bioavailability of 6-mercaptopurine on simultaneous administration with cow's milk.

The authors present a case where the simultaneous administration of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and cow's milk during maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia led to elevated full blood counts resistant to increasing doses of chemotherapy. The blood counts returned to the expected range after milk intake with chemotherapy was discontinued.