bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextual factors that affect adolescents' detection of and memory for conflicts across multiple texts
Authors: Braasch Jason L. G. , Killion Samantha C. , Bråten Ivar
Published: January 2021

Background

School‐aged children are increasingly engaging with multiple conflicting texts to understand complex societal issues; however, empirical research has not yet examined in what ways contextual factors affect detection of and memory for conflicts.

Methods

The current experiment manipulated contextual factors that included the vocabulary terms that authors of different texts used when describing the same concepts and the order with which students accessed contradictory information.

Results

After controlling for general science knowledge, adolescent students displayed longer reading times when contradictory stances were presented in an alternating fashion than they did when texts were blocked by stance. When text presentation was alternating, students also remembered more conflicts when the texts used the same vocabulary terms than they did when the texts used different vocabulary terms (non‐obvious synonyms). However, when adolescents read texts blocked by stance, they remembered a similar number of intertextual conflicts regardless of whether texts used the same or different vocabulary.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that different contextual factors can facilitate (but also undermine) propensities to notice and remember conflicts across texts. As such, the findings have important implications for theories of text comprehension and applications for adolescents' everyday reading experiences.
How farmers develop local ecological knowledge for on‐farm tree management: The perspectives of some farming communities of Ghana
Authors: Awuah Raheal , Kyereh Boateng
Published: January 2021

Scientific insights into what it means to manage on‐farm trees by local farmers, is an essential step towards documenting local ecological knowledge for sustainable landscape management. A study was therefore conducted in the Kumawu Forest District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana to assess how farmers conceptualise on‐farm tree management and develop local knowledge for it. Using a case study approach, data were collected through informal interviews and focus group discussions with 120 farmers drawn from 15 communities who were involved in the management of three cropping systems; cocoa, maize and cassava‐cocoyam‐plantain mix. It was observed that the farmers regard on‐farm tree management as a continuous process which occurs in three phases of the farming cycle; land preparation, crop cultivation and fallow management. For each of the three phases, farmers are guided by specific principles that ensure enough light penetration in‐between tree crowns in the land preparation phase, suitable spacing between trees and crops in the crop cultivation phase and adequate tree regeneration in the fallow phase. The decisions made during the selection of tree species, spacing of trees adjudged suitable for any particular cropping system and recruitment of saplings prior to the fallow phase of farming constitute tree management. Farmers develop tree management knowledge by studying the physical characteristics of species, matching them to ecological functions they could perform and how they are likely to respond to treatments meant to control or enhance their development. Species are then subjected to trial and recommended or otherwise.
Emerging forward osmosis and membrane distillation for liquid food concentration: A review
Authors: Pei Jianfei , Gao Shanshan , Sarp Sarper , Wang Haihua , Chen Xiaonan , Yu Jin , Yue Tianli , Youravong Wirote , Li Zhenyu
Published: January 2021

As emerging membrane technologies, forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD), which work with novel driving forces, show great potential for liquid food concentration, owing to their low fouling propensity and great driving force. In the last decades, they have attracted the attention of food industry scientists in global scope. However, discussions of the FO and MD in liquid food concentration advancement, membrane fouling, and economic assessment have been scant. This review aims to provide an up‐to‐date knowledge about liquid food concentration by FO and MD. First, we introduce the principle and applications of FO and MD in liquid food concentration, and highlight the effect of process on liquid food composition, membrane fouling mechanism, and strategies for fouling mitigation. Besides, economic assessment of FO and MD processes is reviewed. Moreover, the challenges as well as future prospects of FO and MD applied in liquid food concentration are proposed and discussed. Comparing with conventional membrane‐based or thermal‐based technologies, FO and MD show outstanding advantages in high concentration rate, good concentrate quality, low fouling propensity, and low cost. Future efforts for liquid food concentration by FO and MD include (1) development of novel FO draw solution (DS); (2) understanding the effects of liquid food complex compositions on membrane fouling in FO and MD concentration process; and (3) fabrication of novel membranes and innovation of membrane module and process configuration for liquid food processing.
Compositional and functional characteristics of goat milk and relevance as a base for infant formula
Authors: Prosser Colin G
Published: January 2021

Goat milk has a long history of use for human nutrition. There are a number of studies investigating the technofunctional properties and nutritional value of goat milk for production of consumer products such as cheese, yoghurts, and Ultra‐high temperature (UHT) milks. Although fresh goat milk was traditionally used for feeding young children, use of goat milk for commercial production of formula for infants or young children has only been considered in the scientific literature since 2000s. In this review, the nutritional science relating to goat milk is discussed from the perspective of infant nutrition. A critical analysis of the scientific data concerning the composition and functional characteristics of goat milk that pertain to infant nutrition is included. From this overview, three key conclusions are possible: (1) there is a range of compositional data to support the application of goat milk for infants, provided it is fortified; (2) goat milk has the potential to influence the gastrointestinal environment differently to cow milk; and (3) the nutritional adequacy of fortified goat milk formula for newborn infants has been confirmed in clinical trials.
Estimation of water intake from food moisture in the Japanese diet using a cooking‐based conversion factor for water content
Authors: Murakami Megumi , Mizuma Keiko , Nakamura Yumi , Watanabe Reiji
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to estimate the water intake of Japanese people from food moisture. For this purpose, we described a water conversion factor for cooking (WCFC) that focuses on how cooking changes the water content of complete dishes and not food ingredients, and investigated methods for calculating the water content of cooked dishes. In this study, we utilized 129 dishes commonly consumed by Japanese people. We measured the water content of the dishes before and after cooking and calculated the percentage of residual water after cooking. The dishes were divided into staple foods or side dishes, and categorized based on residual percentage in water content and cooking method. The percentage of residual water after cooking change in water content in each category was expressed in terms of the WCFC, which is the water content of the cooked dish relative to the uncooked dish. In total, there were 43 categories with a WCFC range of 0.40 to 1.33. Our results revealed that the water content of food is not simply changed by heating‐based cooking methods, but by a complex combination of cooking operations. Furthermore, by fitting WCFC to a culinary structuralism theory, it can potentially be utilized for all cuisines and not just dishes in Japan. Additionally, we found that the water content of a day's worth of food calculated using WCFC and actual measurements barely differed, indicating that WCFC could potentially be used to estimate water intake from food moisture.

Practical Application

This research can be used in nutrition surveys to estimate water intake from food moisture.
Yarrowia lipolyticachassis strains engineered to produce aromatic amino acids via the shikimate pathway
Authors: Larroude Macarena , Nicaud Jean‐Marc , Rossignol Tristan
Published: January 2021

Yarrowia lipolyticais widely used as a microbial producer of lipids and lipid derivatives. Here, we exploited this yeast’s potential to generate aromatic amino acids by developing chassis strains optimized for the production of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. We engineered the shikimate pathway to overexpress a combination ofY. lipolyticaand heterologous feedback‐insensitive enzyme variants. Our best chassis strain displayed high levels ofde novoEhrlich metabolite production (up to 0.14 g l−1in minimal growth medium), which represented a 93‐fold increase compared to the wild‐type strain (0.0015 g l−1). Production was further boosted to 0.48 g l−1when glycerol, a low‐cost carbon source, was used, concomitantly to high secretion of phenylalanine precursor (1 g l−1). Among these metabolites, 2‐phenylethanol is of particular interest due to its rose‐like flavour. We also established a production pathway for generating protodeoxyviolaceinic acid, a dye derived from tryptophan, in a chassis strain optimized for chorismate, the precursor of tryptophan.

We have thus demonstrated thatY. lipolyticacan serve as a platform for the sustainablede novobio‐production of high‐value aromatic compounds, and we have greatly improved our understanding of the potential feedback‐based regulation of the shikimate pathway in this yeast.
Long read sequencing of Toona sinensis (A. Juss) Roem: A chromosome‐level reference genome for the family Meliaceae
Authors: Ji Yun‐Tao , Xiu Zhihui , Chen Chun‐Hai , Wang Youru , Yang Jing‐Xia , Sui Juan‐Juan , Jiang San‐Jie , Wang Ping , Yue Shao‐Yun , Zhang Qian‐Qian , Jin Ji‐liang , Wang Guo‐Shu , Wei Qian‐Qian , Wei Bing , Wang Juan , Zhang Hai‐Lin , Zhang Qiu‐Yan , Liu Jun , Liu Chang‐Jin , Jian Jian‐Bo , Qu Chang‐Qing
Published: January 2021

Chinese mahogany (Toona sinensis) is a woody plant that is widely cultivated in China and Malaysia. Toona sinensis is important economically, including as a nutritious food source, as material for traditional Chinese medicine and as a high‐quality hardwood. However, the absence of a reference genome has hindered in‐depth molecular and evolutionary studies of this plant. In this study, we report a high‐quality T. sinensis genome assembly, with scaffolds anchored to 28 chromosomes and a total assembled length of 596 Mb (contig N50 = 1.5 Mb and scaffold N50 = 21.5 Mb). A total of 34,345 genes were predicted in the genome after homology‐based and de novo annotation analyses. Evolutionary analysis showed that the genomes of T. sinensis and Populus trichocarpa diverged ~99.1–103.1 million years ago, and the T. sinensis genome underwent a recent genome‐wide duplication event at ~7.8 million years and one more ancient whole genome duplication event at ~71.5 million years. These results provide a high‐quality chromosome‐level reference genome for T. sinensis and confirm its evolutionary position at the genomic level. Such information will offer genomic resources to study the molecular mechanism of terpenoid biosynthesis and the formation of flavour compounds, which will further facilitate its molecular breeding. As the first chromosome‐level genome assembled in the family Meliaceae, it will provide unique insights into the evolution of members of the Meliaceae.
HLA‐B*27:04 associated with enthesitis and younger age of onset, and HLA‐B allele profile in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Thailand: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena , Pithukpakorn Manop , Luangtrakool Komon , Permpikul Parichart
Published: January 2021

Aim

The aims of this study were to estimate human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B allele frequency, to identify alleles associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to explore manifestations in various HLA‐B*27 in Thai AS patients.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. Thai patients older than 18 years with diagnosed AS according to modified New York criteria who visited Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) were consecutively enrolled. HLA‐B alleles were determined by reverse sequence‐specific oligonucleotide assays, and were assigned at a 4‐digit resolution. HLA‐B alleles of 334 unrelated healthy Thai donors who participated in a previous phase 2b dengue vaccine clinical trial were included as controls. Odds ratio (OR) and Fisher's exact test were used to estimate association between allele and AS. The P value significance threshold was calculated according to Bonferroni.

Results

Among the 88 patients who were recruited, 34 HLA‐B alleles were identified, and all patients were heterozygous. The prevalence of HLA‐B*27 was 89.8%, and 4 alleles of HLA‐B*27 were identified. HLA‐B*27:04 (OR: 39.4, P < .0001) and HLA‐B*27:05 (OR: 13.8, P = .0011) were associated with AS. In contrast, HLA‐B*27:06 was not found to be associated with AS (OR: 0.4, P = .241). AS patients carrying HLA‐B*27:04 were more likely to have enthesitis and younger age at onset than those carrying HLA‐B*27:05.

Conclusions

HLA‐B*27:04 and HLA‐B*27:05 were both found to be strongly associated with Thai AS. HLA‐B*27:06 showed a neutral allele for Thai AS. AS patients with HLA‐B*27:04 had more enthesitis and younger age at onset than those with HLA‐B*27:05.
Elucidating the interaction of carbon, nitrogen, and temperature on the biosynthesis of Aureobasidium pullulans antifungal volatiles
Authors: Yalage Don Sashika M. , Gambetta Joanna M. , Steel Christopher C. , Schmidtke Leigh M.
Published: January 2021

The combined biochemical impact of carbon, nitrogen and temperature on the biosynthesis of the antifungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs): ethanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 2‐phenylethanol produced by Aureobasidium pullulans A1 and A3 was investigated using a Box–Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM). Normalized peak areas derived from solid phase micro extraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC–MS) analysis, indicated that initial carbon content had a significant influence on the biosynthesis of ethanol and alcohols with greater than three carbon atoms. This result suggests a dominant activity of the A. pullulans anabolic pathway to biosynthesize three higher alcohols via de novo biosynthesis of amino acids from sugar metabolism. Low concentrations of carbon (3–13 g l−1) with nitrogen as both ammonium and amino acids in the growth medium resulted in a higher number of significant linear and quadratic relationships. Nitrogen availability and growth temperature had significant negative linear and quadratic correlations with VOCs biosynthesis in most instances. Isolate‐dependant metabolic response was evident for all abiotic parameters tested on alcohol production. The findings of this study offer new perspectives to improve the production of key antifungal compounds by antagonists in biological control systems.
Novel prospective umbrella‐type lung cancer registry study for clarifying clinical practice patterns: CS‐Lung‐003 study protocol
Authors: Nishii Kazuya , Inoue Masaaki , Obata Hideto , Ueda Yutaka , Kozuki Toshiyuki , Yamasaki Masahiro , Moritaka Tomonori , Awaya Yoshikazu , Sugimoto Keisuke , Gemba Kenichi , Kuyama Shoichi , Ichikawa Hirohisa , Shibayama Takuo , Kubota Tetsuya , Kodani Masahiro , Kishino Daizo , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Tsubata Yukari , Ishii Tomoya , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hotta Katsuyuki , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Conventional cancer registries are suitable for simple surveillance of cancer patients, including disease frequency and distribution, demographics, and prognosis; however, the collected data are inadequate to clarify comprehensively diverse clinical questions in daily practice.

Methods

We constructed an umbrella‐type lung cancer patient registry (CS‐Lung‐003) integrating multiple related prospective observational studies (linked studies) that reflect clinical questions about lung cancer treatment. The primary endpoint of this registry is to clarify daily clinical practice patterns in lung cancer treatment; a key inclusion criterion is pathologically diagnosed lung cancer. Under this registry, indispensable clinical items are detected in advance across all active linked studies and gathered prospectively and systematically to avoid excessive or insufficient data collection. Researchers are to input information mutually, irrespective of the relevance to each researcher's own study. Linked studies under the umbrella of the CS‐Lung‐003 registry will be updated annually with newly raised clinical questions; some linked studies will be newly created, while others will be deleted after the completion of the analysis. Enrollment began in July 2017.

Discussion

We successfully launched the umbrella‐type CS‐Lung‐003 registry. Under this single registry, researchers collaborate on patient registration and data provision for their own and other studies. Thus, the registry will produce results for multiple domains of study, providing answers to questions about lung cancer treatment raised by other researchers. Through such analysis of each linked study, this registry will contribute to the comprehensive elucidation of actual daily practice patterns in lung cancer treatment.

Key points

CS‐Lung‐003 registry directly integrates multiple linked studies created under the umbrella of this cancer registry to solve various clinical questions regarding daily practice patterns of lung cancer treatment.
Coexistence of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and invasive adenocarcinoma: Gene mutation analysis
Authors: Song Junya , Xu Yinghui , Yang Zhiguang , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Peng , Wang Xu , Sun Chao , Guo Ye , Qiu Shi , Shao Guoguang , Ma Kewei
Published: January 2021

Multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) refers to the simultaneous occurrence of two or more lung primary malignant tumors in one individual. The detection rate of MPLC has increased significantly in recent years, and the distinction between MPLC and lung metastasis has strong clinical significance. Whole exome sequencing (WES) can clearly identify the heterogeneity between MPLC nodules. Here, we report a case of a 50‐year‐old Asian female without a history of smoking. She underwent a lung computed tomography (CT) scan and three ground‐glass nodules (GGNs) were found which were pathologically confirmed as atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IA), respectively. We performed WES on the three pulmonary nodules and analyzed the sequencing results. We believe that this is the first published report of a case of “three phases” of lung adenocarcinoma analyzed by WES. Under the same genetic background and internal environment, these three nodules showed significant genetic differences and developed into “three phases” of lung adenocarcinoma. Analysis of the WES results supported the lung adenocarcinoma model from AAH to MIA and IA, and explored possible potential driver genes and therapeutic targets.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

We used WES to analyze the gene mutation status of three tumors in one individual. We found that even if under the same genetic background, AAH, MIA and IA showed significant genetic differences and developed into “three phases” of lung adenocarcinoma.

What this study adds

Analysis of the WES results supported the lung adenocarcinoma model from AAH to MIA and IA, and explored possible potential driver genes and therapeutic targets.
Fear of discovery as a deterrent to undocumented Latinx immigrants’ reporting of crimes and the effects of political rhetoric
Authors: Rodriguez Robert M. , Torres Jesus R. , Sun Jennifer , Anderson Erik
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Comparing undocumented Latinx immigrants (UDLI), Latinx citizens/residents (LCR), and non‐Latinx citizens/residents (NLCR), we sought to assess rates of crime victimization, fear of reporting crimes, causes of this fear, and whether political rhetoric from the U.S. President had changed the reporting of crimes.

Methods

From October 2018 to February 2020, we conducted this in‐person survey study, enrolling similar numbers of UDLI, LCR, and NLCR patients at two urban county hospital emergency departments (EDs) in San Francisco and Oakland, California. Our primary outcomes were responses to key survey questions regarding crime victimization, fear of reporting crimes and the effects of anti‐immigrant rhetoric on reporting crimes.

Results

Of 667 patients approached, 531 (80%) participated and six participants were excluded: 165 (31.3%) were UDLI, 183 (34.7%) were LCR, and 177 (33.6%) were NLCR. Similar percentages of UDLI (34%), LCR (32%), and NLCR (39%) knew of someone (themselves, friends, or family) who was a victim of a crime. Similar percentages of UDLI (41%), LCR (46%), and NLCR (41%) stated that these victims were afraid to report this crime to the police. The primary reason for this fear in UDLI was fear of discovery and deportation (30%). Similar percentages of UDLI (63%), LCR (58%), and NLCR (46%) ultimately reported the crime to the police. Most (85%) respondents had heard the U.S. President's statements about measures against immigrants; 54% reported that they believe that because of these statements, people are more afraid to report a crime to the police.

Conclusions

Fear of reporting crimes is common in ED patients. The most common fear in UDLI is fear of discovery and deportation. Political rhetoric against immigrants contributes to this fear.
Buprenorphine physician–pharmacist collaboration in the management of patients with opioid use disorder: results from a multisite study of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network
Authors: Wu Li‐Tzy , John William S. , Ghitza Udi E. , Wahle Aimee , Matthews Abigail G. , Lewis Mitra , Hart Brett , Hubbard Zach , Bowlby Lynn A. , Greenblatt Lawrence H. , Mannelli Paolo ,   Pharm‐OUD‐Care Collaborative Investigators
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

Physician and pharmacist collaboration may help address the shortage of buprenorphine‐waivered physicians and improve care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a new collaborative care model involving buprenorphine‐waivered physicians and community pharmacists.

Design

Nonrandomized, single‐arm, open‐label feasibility trial.

Setting

Three office‐based buprenorphine treatment (OBBT) clinics and three community pharmacies in the United States.

Participants

Six physicians, six pharmacists, and 71 patients aged ≥18 years with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) OUD on buprenorphine maintenance.

Intervention

After screening, eligible patients’ buprenorphine care was transferred from their OBBT physician to a community pharmacist for 6 months.

Measurements

Primary outcomes included recruitment, treatment retention and adherence, and opioid use. Secondary outcomes were intervention fidelity, pharmacists' use of prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), participant safety, and satisfaction with treatment delivery.

Findings

A high proportion (93.4%, 71/76) of eligible participants enrolled into the study. There were high rates of treatment retention (88.7%) and adherence (95.3%) at the end of the study. The proportion of opioid‐positive urine drug screens (UDSs) among complete cases (i.e. those with all six UDSs collected during 6 months) at month 6 was (4.9%, 3/61). Intervention fidelity was excellent. Pharmacists used PDMP at 96.8% of visits. There were no opioid‐related safety events. Over 90% of patients endorsed that they were “very satisfied with their experience and the quality of treatment offered,” that “treatment transfer from physician's office to the pharmacy was not difficult at all,” and that “holding buprenorphine visits at the same place the medication is dispensed was very or extremely useful/convenient.” Similarly, positive ratings of satisfaction were found among physicians/pharmacists.

Conclusions

A collaborative care model for people with opioid use disorder that involves buprenorphine‐waivered physicians and community pharmacists appears to be feasible to operate in the United States and have high acceptability to patients.
A functional trait‐based approach to assess the impact of an alien palm invasion on plant and soil communities on a South Pacific island
Authors: Forey Estelle , Lodhar Sherri , Gopaul Sunil , Boehmer Hans Juergen , Chauvat Matthieu
Published: January 2021

In island ecosystems, biological invasions are one of the major threats to native biodiversity and to ecosystem functioning. Invasive ornamental plants such as the alien palm treePinanga coronatain the Fiji islands can form mono‐dominant stands in rainforests and displace native species. Using a functional trait‐based approach, we investigated the impact ofP. coronataon both above and belowground communities (i.e. plants and Collembola). Within a rainforest reserve on Fiji´s principal island, we sampled a total of 10 invaded and non‐invaded plots and recorded five functional traits for plants and six for Collembola. We found that invasion byP. coronataled to a strong and significant decrease of native plants and Collembola taxonomic diversity. Ingress ofP. coronataalso induced a decrease in the functional diversity of plant communities and to a lesser extent of Collembola communities.P. coronatainvasion led to a decrease of leaf carbon–nitrogen ratio (LCN), Leaf nitrogen content (LN), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) of plant communities, suggesting a change in litter properties compared to non‐invaded communities. Plots withP. coronatawere associated with large Collembola living at the soil surface with more trichobothria and pseudocelli, which are used as defence mechanisms. Using trait‐matching, we also found that the strength of plant‐soil relationships was higher (i.e. more stable) in non‐invaded plots than inP. coronata‐invaded plots. Lastly this study suggests that the main mechanism through whichP. coronataalters soil communities is a change in plant properties rather than a change in the abiotic environment. Our trait‐based approach underlines the negative impact of this alien palm invasion on native rainforest plant and soil fauna in Fiji, and the urgent need for on‐the‐ground action to conserve terrestrial island biodiversity in Fiji´s rainforests.
The impact of index‐insured loans on credit market participation and risk‐taking
Authors: Gallenstein Richard A. , Flatnes Jon Einar , Dougherty John P. , Sam Abdoul G. , Mishra Khushbu
Published: January 2021

Index‐insured loans offer considerable advantages over standalone insurance policies for improving farmers’ access to agricultural credit. However, research on demand for such products and their impact on profitable investment decisions has been limited and conflicting. In this article, we investigate the impact of index insurance on demand for credit and investment decisions using a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment conducted in rural Tanzania. We find that index insurance increases demand for credit and high‐risk high‐return investments.
Breastfeeding promotes early neonatal regulatory T‐cell expansion and immune tolerance of non‐inherited maternal antigens
Authors: Wood Hannah , Acharjee Animesh , Pearce Hayden , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Powell Richard , Rossiter Amanda , Beggs Andrew , Ewer Andrew , Moss Paul , Toldi Gergely
Published: January 2021

Background

Breastfeeding is associated with long‐term health benefits, such as a lower incidence of childhood infections, asthma, obesity and autoimmune disorders. However, little is known regarding how the maternal and neonatal immune systems interact after parturition when the neonate receives nutrition from maternal breast milk.

Methods

We undertook a comparative analysis of immune repertoire and function at birth and 3 weeks of age in a cohort of 38 term neonates born by caesarean section grouped according to feeding method (breast milk versus formula). We used flow cytometry to study the immune phenotype in neonatal and maternal blood samples and mixed lymphocyte reactions to establish the proliferation response of neonatal versus maternal lymphocytes and vice versa. The microbiome of neonatal stool samples was also investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

We show that the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) increases in this period and is nearly twofold higher in exclusively breastfed neonates compared with those who received formula milk only. Moreover, breastfed neonates show a specific and Treg‐dependent reduction in proliferative T‐cell responses to non‐inherited maternal antigens (NIMA), associated with a reduction in inflammatory cytokine production. We also observed the enrichment of short chain fatty acid producing taxa (Veillonella and Gemella) in stool samples of exclusively breastfed neonates.

Conclusions

These data indicate that exposure of the neonate to maternal cells through breastfeeding acts to drive the maturation of Tregs and ‘tolerizes’ the neonate towards NIMA.
Regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes
Authors: Levy N. , Lirk P.
Published: January 2021

Diabetes is the most common metabolic condition worldwide and about 20% of surgical patients will have this condition. It is a major risk‐factor for worse outcomes after surgery including mortality; infective and non‐infective complications; and increased length of stay. However, diabetes is a modifiable risk‐factor, and programs to improve medical management have the potential to reduce peri‐operative complications and the risk of harm. Regional anaesthesia has well‐documented benefits in promoting the restoration of function but there are legitimate concerns that the incidence of complications of regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes is higher. The aim of this review is to explore in detail the various potential advantages and disadvantages of regional anaesthesia in patients with diabetes. This, in turn, will allow practitioners to undertake more informed shared decision‐making and potentially modify their anaesthetic technique for patients with diabetes.
Ultrasound‐guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall: a state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Chin K. J. , Versyck B. , Pawa A.
Published: January 2021

Ultrasound‐guided fascial plane blocks of the chest wall are increasingly popular alternatives to established techniques such as thoracic epidural or paravertebral blockade, as they are simple to perform and have an appealing safety profile. Many different techniques have been described, which can be broadly categorised into anteromedial, anterolateral and posterior chest wall blocks. Understanding the relevant clinical anatomy is critical not only for block performance, but also to match block techniques appropriately with surgical procedures. The sensory innervation of tissues deep to the skin (e.g. muscles, ligaments and bone) can be overlooked, but is often a significant source of pain. The primary mechanism of action for these blocks is a conduction blockade of sensory afferents travelling in the targeted fascial planes, as well as of peripheral nociceptors in the surrounding tissues. A systemic action of absorbed local anaesthetic is plausible but unlikely to be a major contributor. The current evidence for their clinical applications indicates that certain chest wall techniques provide significant benefit in breast and thoracic surgery, similar to that provided by thoracic paravertebral blockade. Their role in trauma and cardiac surgery is evolving and holds great potential. Further avenues of research into these versatile techniques include: optimal local anaesthetic dosing strategies; high‐quality randomised controlled trials focusing on patient‐centred outcomes beyond acute pain; and comparative studies to determine which of the myriad blocks currently on offer should be core competencies in anaesthetic practice.
Association between latent toxoplasmosis and fertility parameters of men
Authors: Hlaváčová Jana , Flegr Jaroslav , Řežábek Karel , Calda Pavel , Kaňková Šárka
Published: January 2021

Background

About a third of people in the world are infected with Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite has been found in the reproductive organs and semen of males of many animal species as well as humans. The effects of toxoplasmosis on sperm count, motility and morphology were confirmed in rats. A higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been observed in infertile men. On the other hand, no significant effect of infection on semen parameters in men was found in one already published study.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in men with and without semen pathology and to examine in detail the possible impact of infection on semen volume, sperm count, motility and morphology.

Materials and methods

The pre‐registered cross‐sectional study included 669 men who visited the Centre for Assisted Reproduction in Prague from June 2016 until June 2018.

Results

The incidence of fertility problems was significantly higher in the 163 Toxoplasma‐infected men (48.47%) than in the 506 Toxoplasma‐free men (42.29%), τ = 0.049, P = 0.029. After correction for multiple tests, we found significantly lower sperm concentration, concentration of progressively motile sperm, and concentration of non‐progressively motile sperm in Toxoplasma‐positive men than in Toxoplasma‐negative men using partial Kendall correlation with age controlled. In addition, toxoplasmosis correlated with sperm quality in smokers but not in non‐smokers.

Discussion and conclusion

Our results suggest that latent toxoplasmosis affects certain semen parameters (sperm count and motility), but does not seem to affect sperm morphology and semen volume. Impairment of semen parameters may be either a side effect of the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in male reproductive organs or a product of manipulation activity of the parasite aimed to increase the efficiency of the sexual route of its transmission. Tobacco smoking also appears to exacerbate the negative impact of toxoplasmosis on semen parameters.
Combination of fetuin and trehalose in presence of low glycerol has beneficial effects on freeze‐thawed ram spermatozoa
Authors: Bucak Mustafa Numan , Akalın Pınar Peker , Keskin Nazan , Bodu Mustafa , Öztürk Ali Erdem , İli Pinar , Özkan Hüseyin , Topraggaleh Tohid Rezaei , Arslan Halil Ozancan , Başpınar Nuri , Dursun Şükrü
Published: January 2021

Background

Freeze‐thawing process negatively affects ram spermatozoa in terms of sperm quality, DNA integrity and antioxidant defence system. Thus, antioxidant supplementation of spermatozoa during freeze‐thawing is suggested to improve sperm parameters.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fetuin and trehalose added into ram semen extender on sperm parameters, antioxidant parameters, antioxidant‐related gene expressions and DNA integrity during the freeze‐thawing process, in low glycerol concentration.

Methods

Semen samples collected from six mature rams were pooled and splitted into equal aliquots and diluted with a tris‐based extender containing different concentrations of glycerol (G5; %5 and G3; %3), fetuin (F; 2.5, 5 and 15 mg/mL) and trehalose (60 mm) as eight groups (G5F0, G5F2.5, G5F5, G5F15, G3F0, G3F2.5, G3F5 and G3F15).

Results

G3F5 group resulted in the highest motility, mitochondrial activity and viability and the lowest DNA fragmentation and DNA damage (p < 0.05). Also, G3F0 displayed considerably more cryoprotective effect compared with G5F0 group (p < 0.05) in terms of motility, mitochondrial activity and viability rates. Lipid peroxidation levels decreased in G5F5 group compared with G5F0 group (p < 0.05). The levels of total glutathione increased in G3F2.5 group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the G5F0 group. NQO1 gene levels were upregulated approximately twofold in G5F5, G5F15, G3F2.5, G3F5 and G3F15 groups compared with G5F0 group (p < 0.05). The levels of GCLC gene were approximately twofold higher in G3F0, G3F2.5, G3F5 and G3F15 groups compared with G5F0 group (p < 0.05). GSTP1 gene levels were significantly higher with different levels in all treatment groups except for G5F2.5 and G3F0 groups in comparison with G5F0 group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Co‐supplementation of tris‐based extender having low glycerol (3%) with trehalose and fetuin to enhance the quality of ram spermatozoa after freeze‐thawing process is recommended.
Causes of corneal transplant failure: a multicentric study
Authors: Gómez‐Benlloch Alba , Montesel Andrea , Pareja‐Aricò Luis , Mingo‐Botín David , Michael Ralph , Barraquer Rafael I. , Alió Jorge
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To identify the causes of failure of the different surgical corneal graft techniques: penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

This multicentric retrospective study enrolled a consecutive cohort of patients who had undergone any type of keratoplasty between 2001 and 2016. The clinical data were obtained from the patient's medical records, following ethical guidelines, permissions and data protection. The main outcome measured in the study was the cause of graft failure, defined as any irreversible loss of graft transparency capable of compromising vision. The main causes of graft failure were classified as follows: (A) primary graft failure (PGF), (B) immunological rejection, (C) non‐rejection (which includes endothelial decompensation without rejection, IOP elevation/glaucoma, diseases of the ocular surface, recurrence of the primary disease, wound dehiscence/hypotonia and trauma, among others) and (D) specific causes of lamellar keratoplasty failure. A descriptive study of the obtained data was carried out. The distribution of the causes of failure was evaluated according to the type of corneal transplant.

Results

Our research included a cohort of 571 keratoplasty failures, of which 509 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the causes of the PK failure showed that immunological allograft rejection represented the main cause, with 28.2% of the failures, followed by surface diseases (17.8%) and endothelial decompensation without rejection (17.3%). For the PK re‐grafts group, the main cause of failure was immunological allograft rejection (34.0%), followed by diseases of the ocular surface (18.5%). For the DALK group, the failures mainly occurred due to surface diseases such as limbal stem cell insufficiency, infectious keratitis, keratolysis or persistent epithelial defect (37.8%). However, the main reason for failure in the DSAEK group was endothelial decompensation without rejection (31.9%) while primary graft failure was the main cause of failure in the DMEK group (64.1%).

Conclusion

The main reason for failure in PK was immunological allograft rejection, both in primary and secondary transplants. The leading causes for failure were diseases of the ocular surface in the DALK population, endothelial decompensation without rejection in DSAEK and primary graft failure in DMEK.
The characteristics of optic disc pit maculopathy and the efficacy of vitrectomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Meng Lihui , Zhao Xinyu , Zhang Wenfei , Wang Dongyue , Chen Youxin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the basic characteristics of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) and the efficacies of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) treatment with different adjunctive strategies.

Methods

The databases PubMed, EMBASE and Ovid up to April 2020 were searched to identify relevant studies. Statistical analyses were conducted with R software version 3.6.3.

Results

Fifty‐nine studies were eventually included for different aspects of statistical analyses. The pooling results suggest the general incidence of maculopathy in optic disc pit (ODP) is 51%, and the rate of serous macular detachment and retinoschisis is 49% and 58%, respectively. The incidence of sub‐retinal fluid (SRF) only is 10%, intra‐retinal retinal (IRF) fluid only is 14%, and SRF plus IRF is 69%. A lamellar macular hole (LMH) is present in 53% of cases, and 58% have communication between the macula with the pit. The incidence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), vitreo‐papillary traction and vitreomacular traction (VMT) is 7%, 28% and 13%, respectively. Besides, the rate of complete anatomic success and visual improvement after PPV are both around 85%. Subgroup analysis reveals the anatomic, and visual success rates of PPV alone are 89% and 100%, respectively. Gas tamponade, laser or internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) during vitrectomy are less promising, while PPV with ILM flap stuffing could achieve better outcomes than cases without it.

Conclusion

Optic disc pit‐associated maculopathy has different fundus characteristics. Based on the current evidence, PPV is effective for ODPM, and the combined application of gas tamponade, laser and ILMP should be used with caution.
Prevalence of MYOC risk variants for glaucoma in different populations
Authors: Liuska Perttu J. , Harju Mika , Kivelä Tero T. , Turunen Joni A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To assess the clinical relevance of myocilin (MYOC) gene variants as risk factors for glaucoma in literature and to estimate their prevalence in different populations.

Methods

We reviewed the literature for published MYOC variants in glaucoma patients and estimated their prevalence in general population using gnomAD and BRAVO databases. We used several bioinformatics tools and the criteria of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) to assess the pathogenicity of the variants. We evaluated the carrier frequency of the variants in gnomAD, including its subpopulations.

Results

We found 13 missense and 5 loss‐of‐function (LOF) reported variants in MYOC that were both probable pathogenic or risk variants and listed in gnomAD. Six likely pathogenic missense variants were p.(Cys25Arg), p.(Gln48His), p.(Gly326Ser), p.(Thr353Ile), p.(Thr377Met) and p.(Gly399Val). They were most prevalent in East and South Asia (frequency, 0.92% and 0.81%, respectively). The most common missense variants were p.(Thr353Ile) (0.91% in East Asia) and p.(Gln48His) (0.79% in South Asia). Five LOF variants were p.(Arg46Ter), p.(Arg91Ter), p.(Arg272Ter), p.(Gln368Ter) and p.(Tyr453MetfsTer11). We considered these glaucoma risk variants. They were most prevalent in the East Asian and the Finnish population (0.93% and 0.33%, respectively).

Conclusion

Pathogenic MYOC variants appear to be population‐associated. Our results highlight allelic heterogeneity of MYOC variants in open‐angle glaucoma. Many of the probable pathogenic variants are over‐represented in some of the populations causing doubt of their status as monogenic disease‐causing variants.
Recommendations for ophthalmologic practice during the easing of COVID‐19 control measures
Authors: Gegúndez‐Fernández José A. , Llovet‐Osuna Fernando , Fernández‐Vigo José I. , Mendicute del Barrio Javier , Pablo‐Júlvez Luis , Muñoz‐Negrete Francisco J. , Zarranz‐Ventura Javier , Durán de la Colina Juan , de Rojas Silva Victoria , Jiménez‐Alfaro Iñigo , Calonge‐Cano Margarita , Galindo‐Ferreiro Alicia , Castillo‐Gómez Alfredo , Mantolán‐Sarmiento Cristina , Duch‐Samper Antonio , Álvarez de Toledo‐Elizalde Juan , Duch‐Mestres Francesc , Elies‐Amat Daniel , Ortega‐Usobiaga Julio , Saornil‐Alvarez María Antonia , Villarrubia Cuadrado Alberto , Garay Aramburu Gonzaga , Fonollosa Carduch Alejandro , Cordero Coma José Miguel , García Delpech Salvador , Cárceles Cárceles Juan Antonio , Benítez del Castillo Sánchez José Manuel , Gómez de Liaño Sánchez Pilar , Harto Castaño Miguel , Arias Puente Alfonso , García‐Layana Alfredo ,   Spanish Ophthalmology Societies
Published: January 2021

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper provides recommendations for medical eye care during the easing of control measures after lockdown. The guidelines presented are based on a literature review and consensus among all Spanish Ophthalmology Societies regarding protection measures recommended for the ophthalmologic care of patients with or without confirmed COVID‐19 in outpatient, inpatient, emergency and surgery settings. We recommend that all measures be adapted to the circumstances and availability of personal protective equipment at each centre and also highlight the need to periodically update recommendations as we may need to readopt more restrictive measures depending on the local epidemiology of the virus. These guidelines are designed to avoid the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 among both patients and healthcare staff as we gradually return to normal medical practice, to prevent postoperative complications and try to reduce possible deficiencies in the diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of the ophthalmic diseases. With this update (5th) the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology is placed as one of the major ophthalmology societies providing periodic and systematized recommendations for ophthalmic care during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Assessment of macular microvasculature features before and after vitrectomy in the idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane using a grading system: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Mao Jianbo , Xu Zhaokai , Lao Jimeng , Chen Yiqi , Xu Xiaoqiong , Wu Sulan , Zheng Zicheng , Liu Bowen , Shen Lijun
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate pre‐ and postoperative microvasculature features in eyes with different idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) classifications using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 100 eyes with iERM were enrolled; 62 eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). All iERM eyes were evaluated and graded using optical coherence tomography (OCT). According to the thickness of the fovea relative to the surrounding macula from OCT radial line scans, we classified iERM into three grades. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure the foveal avascular zone (FAZ)‐related parameters and the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers using 3 × 3 mm scans. Measurements were taken at baseline and 3 months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vessel density (VD), FAZ area, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), acircularity index (AI), and foveal vessel density (FD) were evaluated.

Results

Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) eyes with a higher grade had a lower FAZ area and perimeter (p < 0.0001), higher foveal vessel density (FVD) both in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) (p < 0.0001) and in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) (p < 0.05), and a lower parafoveal vessel density (PRVD) in the DCP (p < 0.0001). The macular vessel density ratio (MVR = FVD/PRVD) increased with an increase in grade both in the SCP and in the DCP (p < 0.0001). For grade 1 iERM eyes, only PRVD in the DCP significantly changed before versus after the operation (p < 0.05). For grade 2 iERM eyes, the FAZ area and perimeter became larger after the operation (p < 0.05). The MVR of grade 2 iERM eyes decreased postoperatively both in the SCP (p < 0.05) and in the DCP (p < 0.001). For grade 1 and grade 2 iERM eyes, preoperative LogMAR BCVA was negatively correlated with the FAZ area (p < 0.01) and perimeter (p < 0.01), and was positively correlated with the MVR in the SCP (p < 0.05). Postoperative LogMAR BCVA was positively correlated with the FVD in the DCP (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) eyes of different grades have significant differences in microvasculature features. According to OCTA, eyes with higher grades have more serious microvascular changes. Grading plays a part in predicting postoperative microvascular characteristics, and grade 1 iERM eyes have a better visual outcome compared with grade 2 iERM eyes.