Molecular cloning of sheep and cashmere goat Pdia3 and localization in sheep testis.

Protein disulphide isomerase family A3 (PDIA3) is a member of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) family and is multifunctional in many processes. Recently, it has been confirmed as a sperm membrane component and is implicated in sperm-egg fusion under which the molecular mechanism is still obscure. Protein disulphide isomerase family A3 cDNA has been cloned in several mammals; however, goat and sheep counterparts have not been identified. To facilitate the studies on the potential function of PDIA3 protein in sperm-egg fusion in sheep and goat, we cloned the cDNA encoding for Pdia3 of sheep (Ovis aries) and cashmere goat (Capra hircus) and studied its transcript and protein localization in sheep testis. The cloned sheep and cashmere goat Pdia3 cDNA are 1660 bp and 1591 bp, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that sheep and goat Pdia3 cDNA both have a coding region of 1518 bp with the same nucleotides encoding the same 505 amino acids. The predicted peptide, with two typical motifs of Trp-Cys-Gly-His-Cys-Lys (WCGHCK) which is a hallmark of the PDI family, has high homology to that of bovine (99.21%), human (95.05%), rat (89.50%) and mouse (90.89%). Protein disulphide isomerase family A3 protein was observed in cells of various stages of spermatogenesis, from the primary spermatocyte to spermatozoa phases, as well as in the Leydig cells. It was observed in the entire sheep spermatozoa and mostly at the equatorial segment and the forepart of the flagellum. The Pdia3 mRNA was detected over the seminiferous epithelium in all stages of spermatogenesis.

Parental knowledge of prematurity and related issues.

INTRODUCTION: Current medical advances have increased the survival rate of the premature infant with its complications. Risk factors for prematurity include maternal diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking and alcohol intake. METHODS: A true/false questionnaire survey focusing on risk factors, outcomes/follow-up and costs was administered to adults attending a parenting-related public forum. One point was awarded per correct answer. Entire prematurity knowledge and section T-scores were calculated, (a pass mark was defined as at least 50 percent for each T-score). Missing answers and affected T-scores were considered invalid. RESULTS: There were 81 respondents: predominantly within 21-40 years of age, Chinese, female, public-housing dwellers, first-time parents-to-be and with graduate or higher-level qualifications. A pass in entire and prematurity knowledge T-scores was achieved in 69 percent (median 13 [range 3-21]) and 62 percent (median 12 [range 0-19]) respectively. A pass in section T-scores on risk factors, outcomes and costs was achieved in 62, 53 and 75 percent, respectively. Awareness of risks and outcomes did not correlate with awareness of costs. Logistic regression did not reveal any factors contributing to a pass or higher T-scores. CONCLUSION: Although the majority achieved a pass in all T-scores, general knowledge among this childbearing group was deemed inadequate by the median scores. As survival improves, awareness of prematurity and its risks has to be improved, with a target to reduce the incidence of prematurity and to support those infants who require resource-intensive follow-up.

General practitioners' knowledge on childhood developmental and behavioural disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood developmental and behavioural disorders are increasingly being recognised, with high demands for earlier diagnosis and intervention. In Singapore, referrals to the Child Development Unit, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, originate mainly from primary health care practitioners, who therefore should have adequate baseline knowledge of normal development as well as common developmental and behavioural disorders. METHODOLOGY: A pilot study, using a questionnaire survey, was conducted, with the aim of assessing existing knowledge in childhood developmental and behavioural paediatrics amongst a cohort of general practitioners (GPs) in Singapore. True/False questions on normal development as well as developmental disorders such as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability, were structured. These disorders were selected because of their relatively higher prevalence. RESULTS: A total of 48 GPs were surveyed, representing 2% of non-specialists practising in the private sector. The median total score (T-score) was 9 (range 6 to 13) of a possible 14. Only just over a-third of the group achieved the pass rate (defined arbitrarily as 75%) for T-score, with two-thirds replying correctly to all questions on normal development. Scores for factual ASD/ADHD questions were also not ideal, with some myths being believed as truths. CONCLUSION: The scores reflect knowledge and educational deficits in developmental paediatric medicine amongst the study cohort. Expected to provide holistic care and counselling, these GPs are currently insufficiently equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to support families of special-needs children. Education and training programmes in this aspect of paediatric medicine are clearly needed, through the organisation of CME lectures and incorporation of various developmental topics into the training curriculum. This will enable early identification and diagnosis of childhood developmental and behavioural disorders, which will in turn allow greater optimisation of potential and functionality in these special-needs children.

Two-year outcome of normal-birth-weight infants admitted to a Singapore neonatal intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the characteristics, the immediate and short-term outcome and predictors of mortality in normal-birth-weight (NBW) infants admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Singapore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 137 consecutive NBW infants admitted to the NICU of the Singapore General Hospital from January 1991 to December 1992. Data on the diagnoses, clinical presentation of illness, intervention received, complications and outcome as well as follow-up patterns for the first 2 years of life, were collected and analysed. RESULTS: NBW NICU infants comprised 1.8% of births in our hospital and 40.8% of all NICU admissions. The main reasons for NICU admissions were respiratory disorders (61.3%), congenital anomalies (15.3%) and asphyxia neonatorum (11.7%). Respiratory support was necessary in 81.8%. Among those ventilated, the only predictive factor contributing to mortality was the mean inspired oxygen concentration. The mortality rate was 11.7%. Causes of death included congenital anomalies (43.75%), asphyxia neonatorum (31.25%) and pulmonary failure secondary to meconium aspiration syndrome (12.5%). The median hospital stay among survivors (88.3%) was 11.0 (range, 4 to 70) days. Of 42 patients (out of 117 survivors) who received follow-up for at least 6 months, 39 infants did not have evidence of any major neurodevelopmental abnormalities at their last follow-up visit, prior to or at 2 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their short hospital stay (compared to very-low-birth-weight infants), the high volume of NBW admissions make the care of this population an important area for review to enhance advances in and hence, reduce the cost of NICU care. With improved antenatal diagnostic techniques (allowing earlier and more accurate diagnosis of congenital malformations) and better antenatal and perinatal care (allowing better management of at-risk pregnancies), it is anticipated that there should be a reduction in such admissions with better outcomes. Close follow-up of this high-risk group of infants is also important in order to offer early intervention to those who may possibly have perinatally-related developmental difficulties.

Penile length of newborns in Singapore.

Micropenis is an important sign in congenital hypopituitarism and various disorders. Documented norms for penile length exist only for babies of Caucasian and Middle-Eastern origin. This study was carried out to establish such norms for Asian newborns. We studied 228 male live births within their first three days of life. Stretched penile lengths were marked off on unmarked wooden spatulas, which were placed vertically along the dorsal aspect of the penis, with one rounded end on the pubic bone. The mean penile length +/- S.D. for the full-term Asian baby was 3.6 +/- 0.4 cm. Race had a significant effect: Chinese 3.5 cm, Malay 3.6 cm and Indian 3.8 cm. Penile length correlated with birth weight and gestational age. Asian babies thus have similar norms to Caucasian babies. An Asian newborn whose penis measures less than 2.6 cm has micropenis and may need prompt investigation for underlying endocrine disorders.