Background-Do genetic or epigenetic factors play a role in making some individuals more vulnerable than others to loss of attachment figures or other traumatic experiences?Methods-DNA was obtained from growth phase entrained EBV transformed lymphoblast cell lines from 143 adopted participants. Genotype of the 5HTTLPR locus was determined, and methylation ratios for each of the CpG residues were assessed using quantitative mass spectroscopy. Unresolved loss or trauma was established using the Berkeley Adult Attachment Interview.Results-Higher levels of methylation of the 5HTT promoter associated CpG island was associated with increased risk of unresolved responses to loss or other trauma in carriers of the usually protective 5HTTLPR ll variant. The ss variant of 5HTTLPR predicted more unresolved loss or trauma, but only in case of lower levels of methylation. Higher levels of methylation of the ss variant were associated with less unresolved loss or other trauma.Conclusions-Associations between 5HTTLPR polymorphisms and psychological problems are significantly altered by environmentally induced methylation patterns. Methylation may serve as the interface between adverse environment and the developing organism.

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Congenital idiopathic talipes equinovarus (ITEV), also known as clubfoot, is a well-recognized foot deformity. To date, prevalence estimates and descriptive data reported for ITEV have varied due to differences in study methodology. Using population-based surveillance data collected by the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders, we examined isolated ITEV births delivered from 1997 through 2005 and compared to live births in Iowa during the same time period. An overall prevalence was calculated for live, singleton full-term births only. Prevalence odds ratios (POR)s and 95% confidence intervals (CI)s were examined for selected infant and parental characteristics. The prevalence of isolated ITEV was 11.4 per 10,000 live, singleton full-term births (95% CI = 10.3, 12.6), with no significant variation in prevalence during the study period. Increased PORs were found for males (POR 1.8; 95% CI = 1.5, 2.3) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (POR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.9); low birth weight (<2,500 g) showed an increase among females (POR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.5, 6.9) but not males (POR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.3, 2.8). Elevated, but non-significant, PORs were found for season of birth, maternal education, and trimester prenatal care was initiated; decreased PORs were found for fetal presentation, maternal race/ethnicity, parity, area of residence, and parental age at delivery. Our study of a well-defined, homogenous sample suggested that prevalence of isolated ITEV in Iowa was similar to that reported in other population-based studies and provided support for some, but not all, previously reported associations with infant and parental characteristics. More detailed, longitudinal studies of isolated ITEV are recommended.

Background: Attachment theory allows specific predictions about the role of attachment representations in organizing behavior. Insecure attachment is hypothesized to predict maladaptive emotional regulation whereas secure attachment is hypothesized to predict adaptive emotional regulation. In this paper, we test specific hypotheses about the role of attachment representations in substance abuse/ dependence and treatment participation. Based on theory, we expect divergence between levels of maladaptive functioning and adaptive methods of regulating negative emotions.

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