Characterization of METTL16 as a cytoplasmic RNA binding protein.

mRNA modification by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in many post-transcriptional regulation processes including mRNA stability, splicing and promotion of translation. Accordingly, the recently identified mRNA methylation complex containing METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP has been the subject of intense study. However, METTL16 (METT10D) has also been identified as an RNA m6A methyltransferase that can methylate both coding and noncoding RNAs, but its biological role remains unclear.

African American and Latino patient versus provider perceptions of determinants of prenatal care initiation.

Few studies have compared provider and patient perceptions of barriers, motivators and facilitators of prenatal care (PNC) initiation. The current study compared these perceptions in providers and patients in Washington, DC, a city characterized by infant mortality and low birth weight rates that are among the highest in the nation, and poor utilization of PNC, particularly among minority groups. The results reported here were part of a larger study of barriers, motivators and facilitators influencing PNC utilization in Washington, DC.

Relationships of Pubertal Development Among Early Adolescents to Sexual and Nonsexual Risk Behaviors and Caregivers' Parenting Behaviors.

Using a school-based sample of Washington, DC, fifth graders (mean age 10.38, SD = 0.66) and their parents (N = 408), we examined associations of pubertal development with early adolescents' sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors and their caregivers' parenting behaviors; and of these risk behaviors with parenting behaviors.

Patterns of alcohol consumption among pregnant African-American women in Washington, DC, USA.

The objective of this paper is to describe the patterns and associated behaviours related to alcohol consumption among a selected sample of pregnant women seeking prenatal care in inner city Washington DC. Women receiving prenatal care at one of nine sites completed an anonymous alcohol-screening questionnaire. Questions concerned the amount, type and pattern of alcohol consumption.

Clinical data predict neurodevelopmental outcome better than head ultrasound in extremely low birth weight infants.

Objective: To determine the relative contribution of clinical data versus head ultrasound scanning (HUS) in predicting neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in extremely low birth weight infants.

Study Design: A total of 2103 extremely low birth weight infants (<1000 g) admitted to a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network center who underwent HUS within the first 28 days, a repeat one around 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, and neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 22 months corrected age were selected. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed with clinical or HUS variables.

Determinants of inadequate prenatal care utilization by African American women.

A convenience sample of city-dwelling African American women (n=246) was interviewed during each woman's postpartum stay at one of five hospitals in Washington, D.C. to determine their perceptions of factors influencing their prenatal care utilization.

Admission temperature of low birth weight infants: predictors and associated morbidities.

Background: There is a paucity of information on the maintenance of body temperature at birth for low birth weight infants.

Objectives: We examined the distribution of temperatures in low birth weight infants on admission to the NICUs in the Neonatal Research Network centers and determined whether admission temperature was associated with antepartum and birth variables and selected morbidities and mortality.

Methods: Infants without major congenital anomalies born during 2002 and 2003 with birth weights of 401 to 1499 g who were admitted directly from the delivery room to the NICU were included.

The influence of primary caregivers on the sexual behavior of early adolescents.

Purpose: To describe rates of sexual intercourse initiation, anticipated level of sexual activity in the next 12 months, and other risk behaviors among fifth graders and to examine parental factors associated with such behaviors.

Methods: This study is based on a cross-sectional, self-administered survey conducted with a nonrandom sample of 408 fifth graders and their caregivers. Children answered questions regarding sexual intercourse initiation, anticipated sexual activity in the next 12 months, and involvement in other risk behaviors.

Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes among extremely low birth weight infants with a normal head ultrasound: prevalence and antecedents.

Objective: Severe abnormalities of the head ultrasound (HUS) are important predictors of cerebral palsy (CP) and mental retardation, and a normal HUS usually ensures the absence of major impairments. With the increasing survival of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (birth weight <1000 g), the prognostic significance of a normal HUS may differ. This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for CP and impaired mental development among ELBW infants with a normal HUS.

Breastfeeding practices in a cohort of inner-city women: the role of contraindications.

Background: Little is known about the role of breastfeeding contraindications in breastfeeding practices. Our objectives were to 1) identify predictors of breastfeeding initiation and duration among a cohort of predominantly low-income, inner-city women, and 2) evaluate the contribution of breastfeeding contraindications to breastfeeding practices.

Methods: Mother-infant dyads were systematically selected from 3 District of Columbia hospitals between 1995 and 1996.

Infant-parent bed sharing in an inner-city population.

Background: In the United States, infant-parent bed sharing is a controversial and poorly understood practice. Proponents site potential advantages such as increases in bonding and facilitation of breastfeeding, whereas opponents site potential increases in risks of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome, particularly among mothers who smoke. Few studies have examined normative practices in low-income populations.

Audio computerized self-report interview use in prenatal clinics: audio computer-assisted self interview with touch screen to detect alcohol consumption in pregnant women: application of a new technology to an old problem.

Computer interviewing to obtain sensitive information is not a new concept. However, concerns about the acceptance of computers in disadvantaged populations with potentially low literacy led us to combine audio- and touch-screen technologies with an audio computerized self-report interview to obtain information about alcohol use. This study evaluated acceptance and ease of use by a disadvantaged population of pregnant women in the District of Columbia.