bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping the zebrafish myotome by differential friction and active stress
Authors: Tlili S. , Yin J. , Rupprecht J.-F. , Weissbart G. , Prost J. , Saunders T. E.
Published: December 2018

Organ formation is an inherently biophysical process, requiring large-scale tissue deformations. Yet, understanding how complex organ shape emerges during development remains a major challenge. During fish embryogenesis, large muscle segments, called myotomes, acquire a characteristic chevron morphology, which is believed to play a role in swimming. The final myotome shape can be altered by perturbing muscle cell differentiation or by altering the interaction between myotomes and surrounding tissues during morphogenesis. To disentangle the mechanisms contributing to shape formation of the myotome, we combine single-cell resolution live imaging with quantitative image analysis and theoretical modeling. We find that, soon after its segmentation from the presomitic mesoderm, the future myotome spreads across the underlying tissues. The mechanical coupling between the myotome and the surrounding tissues is spatially varying, resulting in spatially heterogeneous friction. Using a vertex model, we show that the interplay of differential spreading and friction is sufficient to drive the initial phase of myotome shape formation. However, we find that active stresses, generated during muscle cell differentiation, are necessary to reach the acute angle of the myotome observed in wildtype embryos. A final ingredient for formation and maintenance of the chevron shape is tissue plasticity, which is mediated by orientated cellular rearrangements. Our work sheds a new light on how a spatio-temporal sequence of local cellular events can have a non-local and irreversible mechanical impact at the tissue scale, leading to robust organ shaping.
Experimental colitis drives enteric alpha-synuclein accumulation and Parkinson-like brain pathology
Authors: Grathwohl Stefan , Quansah Emmanuel , Maroof Nazia , Steiner Jennifer A. , Spycher Liz , Benmansour Fethallah , Duran-Pacheco Gonzalo , Siebourg-Polster Juliane , Oroszlan-Szovik Krisztina , Remy Helga , Haenggi Markus , Stawiski Marc , Sehlhausen Matthias , Maliver Pierre , Wolfert Andreas , Emrich Thomas , Madaj Zachary , Galvis Martha L. Escobar , Mueller Christoph , Herrmann Annika , Brundin Patrik , Britschgi Markus
Published: December 2018

Intraneuronal accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) is key in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Published studies suggest that this process begins in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and propagates into the brain decades before clinical diagnosis of PD. The triggers and mechanisms underlying the accumulation of αSyn remain unknown but evidence is growing, that immune pathways and in particular colitis may play a critical role. Here we demonstrate that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit αSyn accumulation in their colon. We then confirmed in an experimental model of IBD that intestinal inflammation can trigger αSyn accumulation in the ENS of wildtype and αSyn transgenic mice. We discovered that the type and degree of inflammation modulates the extent of αSyn accumulation in the colon and that macrophage-related signaling limits this process. Remarkably, experimental colitis at three months of age exacerbated the accumulation of aggregated phospho-Serine 129 αSyn in the midbrain, including the substantia nigra, in 21-month but not 9-month-old αSyn transgenic mice. This was accompanied by loss of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons, another neuropathological hallmark of PD. Together, our data suggest a critical role for intestinal inflammation in the initiation and progression of PD.
Motor skill learning decreases motor variability and increases planning horizon
Authors: Bashford Luke , Kobak Dmitry , Diedrichsen Jörn , Mehring Carsten
Published: December 2018

We investigated motor skill learning using a path tracking task, where human subjects had to track various curved paths at a constant speed while maintaining the cursor within the path width. Subjects’ accuracy increased with practice, even when tracking novel untrained paths. Using a “searchlight” paradigm, where only a short segment of the path ahead of the cursor was shown, we found that subjects with a higher tracking skill differed from the novice subjects in two respects. First, they had lower motor variability, in agreement with previous findings. Second, they took a longer section of the future path into account when performing the task, i.e. had a longer planning horizon. We estimate that between one third and one half of the performance increase was due to the increase in planning horizon. An optimal control model with a fixed horizon (receding horizon control) that increases with tracking skill quantitatively captured the subjects’ movement behaviour. These findings demonstrate that human subjects not only increase their motor acuity but also their planning horizon when acquiring a motor skill.

New and Noteworthy

We show that when learning a motor skill humans are using information about the environment from an increasingly longer amount of the movement path ahead to improve performance. Crucial features of the behavioural performance can be captured by modelling the behavioural data with a receding horizon optimal control model.
Stimulus Salience Determines the Defensive Behaviors Elicited by Aversively Conditioned Compound Auditory Stimuli
Authors: Hersman Sarah , Anthony Todd E.
Published: December 2018

Animals exhibit distinct patterns of defensive behavior according to their perceived imminence of potential threats. Ethoexperimental [1, 2] and aversive conditioning [3-5] studies indicate that as the probability of directly encountering a threat increases, animals shift from behaviors aimed at avoiding detection (e.g. freezing) to escape (e.g. undirected flight). What are the neural mechanisms responsible for assessing threat imminence and controlling appropriate behavioral responses? Fundamental to addressing these questions has been the development of behavioral paradigms in mice in which well-defined threat-associated sensory stimuli reliably and robustly elicit passive or active defensive responses [6, 7]. In serial compound stimulus (SCS) fear conditioning, repeated pairing of sequentially presented tone (CS1) and white noise (CS2) auditory stimuli with footshock (US) yields learned freezing and flight responses to CS1 and CS2, respectively [6]. Although this white noise-induced transition from freezing to flight would appear to reflect increased perceived imminence due to the US being more temporally proximal to CS2 than CS1, this model has not been directly tested. Surprisingly, we find that audio frequency properties and sound pressure levels, not temporal relationship to the US, determine the defensive behaviors elicited by SCS conditioned auditory stimuli. Notably, auditory threat stimuli that most potently elicit high imminence behaviors include frequencies to which mouse hearing is most sensitive. These results argue that, as with visual threats [8], perceived imminence and resulting intensity of defensive responses scale with the salience of auditory threat stimuli.
Digital imaging to evaluate root system architectural changes associated with soil biotic factors
Authors: Mattupalli Chakradhar , Seethepalli Anand , York Larry M , Young Carolyn A
Published: December 2018

Root system architecture (RSA) is critical for plant growth, which is influenced by several edaphic, environmental, genetic and biotic factors including beneficial and pathogenic microbes. Studying root architecture and the dynamic changes that occur during a plant's lifespan, especially for perennial crops growing over multiple growing seasons, is still a challenge because of the nature of their growing environment in soil. We describe the utility of an imaging platform called RhizoVision Crown to study RSA of alfalfa, a perennial forage crop affected by Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot (PRR) disease. Phymatotrichopsis omnivora is the causal agent of PRR disease that reduces alfalfa stand longevity. During the lifetime of the stand, PRR disease rings enlarge and the field can be categorized into three zones based upon plant status: asymptomatic, disease front and survivor. To study root architectural changes associated with PRR, a four-year old 25.6-hectare alfalfa stand infested with PRR was selected at the Red River Farm, Burneyville, OK during October 2017. Line transect sampling was conducted from four actively growing PRR disease rings. At each disease ring, six line transects were positioned spanning 15 m on either side of the disease front with one alfalfa root sampled at every 3 m interval. Each alfalfa root was imaged with the RhizoVision Crown platform using a backlight and a high-resolution monochrome CMOS camera enabling preservation of the natural root architectural integrity. The platform's image analysis software, RhizoVision Analyzer, automatically segmented images, skeletonized, and extracted a suite of features. Data indicated that the survivor plants compensated for damage or loss to the taproot through the development of more lateral and crown roots, and that a suite of multivariate features could be used to automatically classify roots as from survivor or asymptomatic zones. Root growth is a dynamic process adapting to ever changing interactions among various phytobiome components, by utilizing a low-cost, efficient and high-throughput Rhizo-Vision Crown platform we showed quantification of these changes occurring in a mature perennial forage crop.
The impact of natural selection on the evolution and function of placentally expressed galectins
Authors: Ely Zackery A. , Moon Jiyun M. , Sliwoski Gregory R. , Sangha Amandeep K. , Shen Xing-Xing , Labella Abigail L. , Meiler Jens , Capra John A. , Rokas Antonis
Published: December 2018

Immunity genes have repeatedly experienced natural selection during mammalian evolution. Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that regulate diverse immune responses, including maternal-fetal immune tolerance in placental pregnancy. Seven human galectins, four conserved across vertebrates and three specific to primates, are involved in placental development. To comprehensively study the molecular evolution of these galectins both across mammals and within humans, we conducted a series of between-and within-species evolutionary analyses. By examining patterns of sequence evolution between species, we found that primate-specific galectins showed uniformly high substitution rates, whereas two of the four other galectins experienced accelerated evolution in primates. By examining human population genomic variation, we found that galectin genes and variants, including variants previously linked to immune diseases, showed signatures of recent positive selection in specific human populations. By examining one nonsynonymous variant in Galectin-8 previously associated with autoimmune diseases, we further discovered that it is tightly linked to three other nonsynonymous variants; surprisingly, the global frequency of this four-variant haplotype is ∼50%. To begin understanding the impact of this major haplotype on Galectin-8 protein structure, we modeled its 3D protein structure and found that it differed substantially from the reference protein structure. These results suggest that placentally expressed galectins experienced both ancient and more recent selection in a lineage-and population-specific manner. Furthermore, our discovery that the major Galectin-8 haplotype is structurally distinct from and more commonly found than the reference haplotype illustrates the significance of understanding the evolutionary processes that sculpted variants associated with human genetic disease.
Structures of the PKA RIα holoenzyme with the FLHCC driver J-PKAcα or wild type PKAcα
Authors: Cao Baohua , Lu Tsan-Wen , Martinez Fiesco Juliana , Tomasini Michael , Fan Lixin , Simon Sanford , Taylor Susan , Zhang Ping
Published: December 2018

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is driven by J-PKAcα, a kinase fusion chimera of the J-domain of DnaJB1 with PKAcα, the catalytic subunit of Protein Kinase A (PKA). Here we report the crystal structures of the chimeric fusion RIα2:J-PKAcα2 holoenzyme formed by J-PKAcα and the PKA regulatory (R) subunit RIα, and the wild type (wt) RIα2:PKAcα2 holoenzyme. The chimeric and wt RIα holoenzymes have quaternary structures different from the previously solved wt RIβ and RIIβ holoenzymes. The chimeric holoenzyme shows an isoform-specific interface dominated by antiparallel interactions between the N3A-N3A motifs of RIα that serves as an anchor for RIα structural rearrangements during cAMP activation. The wt RIα holoenzyme showed the same configuration as well as a distinct second conformation. In the structure of the chimeric fusion RIα2:J-PKAcα2 holoenzyme, the presence of the J-domain does not prevent formation of the holoenzymes, and is positioned away from the symmetrical interface between the two RIα:J-PKAcα heterodimers in the holoenzyme. The J-domains have significantly higher temperature factors than the rest of the holoenzyme, implying a large degree of conformational flexibility. Furthermore molecular dynamics simulations were applied to analyze the conformational states of chimeric fusion and wt RIα holoenzymes, and showed an ensemble of conformations in the majority of which the J-domain was dynamic and rotated away from the R:J-PKAcα interface. Thus, rather than affecting the interactions with the regulatory subunits, the fusion of the J-domain to the PKAcα alters the conformational landscape of the chimeric fusion holoenzymes and potentially, as result, the interactions with other molecules. The structural and dynamic features of these holoenzymes enhance our understanding of the fusion chimera protein J-PKAcα that drives FLHCC as well as the isoform specificity of PKA.
Faster is better: Visual responses to motion are stronger for higher refresh rates
Authors: A.Khoei Mina , Galluppi Francesco , Sabatier Quentin , Pouget Pierre , R Cottereau Benoit , Benosman Ryad
Published: December 2018

Although neural responses with a millisecond precision were reported in the retina, lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex of multiple species, the presence and role of such a fine temporal structure is still debated at the cortical level and the general belief remains that early visual system encodes information at slower timescales. In this study, we used a new stimulation platform to generate visual stimuli that were very precisely encoded in time and we characterized in human subjects the EEG responses to moving patterns that shared the same global motion but differed in their fine scale spatio-temporal properties. In two experiments, we manipulated the information within temporal windows that corresponded to the frame duration in conventional (1/60 = 16.7ms, experience 1) and more recent (1/120 = 8.3ms, experience 2) visual displays. Our results demonstrate that EEG responses to temporally dense and coherent trajectories are significantly stronger than those to control conditions without these properties. They extend previous results from our group that showed that accurate temporal information (<10ms) significantly improve perceptual judgments on spatial discrimination, digit recognition and sensitivity for speed [Kime et al., 2016]. Altogether, our results suggest that instead of low-pass filtering the temporal information it receives from its thalamic afferents, the visual cortex may actually exploit its richness to improve visual perception.
HSF2 protects against proteotoxicity by maintaining cell-cell adhesion
Authors: Joutsen Jenny , Da Silva Alejandro J. , Budzynski Marek A. , Luoto Jens C. , de Thonel Aurelie , Concordet Jean-Paul , Mezger Valérie , Sabéran-Djoneidi Délara , Henriksson Eva , Sistonen Lea
Published: December 2018

Cellular ability to maintain proper protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is essential for survival upon protein-damaging conditions. Heat shock transcription factor 2 (HSF2) is one of the human HSFs activated in response to proteotoxic stress. HSF2 is dispensable for cell survival during acute heat stress, but its amount and DNA-binding activity increase under prolonged proteotoxic stress conditions, such as proteasome inhibition. Nevertheless, the specific role(s) of HSF2 and the global HSF2-dependent gene expression profile during sustained stress have remained elusive. We found that HSF2 is required for cell survival during prolonged proteotoxicity, as shown by treating wild-type and HSF2-deficient human osteosarcoma U2OS cells with the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib. Strikingly, our RNA-seq analyses revealed that HSF2 disruption leads to marked downregulation of cadherin superfamily genes and subsequent functional impairment of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. We propose HSF2 as a key regulator of genes belonging to the cadherin superfamily. We also demonstrate that HSF2-dependent downregulation of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion predisposes U2OS cells to Bortezomib-induced proteotoxic stress. In conclusion, we show that by maintaining cell-cell adhesion HSF2 is essential for cell survival and thereby we describe a novel regime in the HSF-mediated protection against stress-induced protein damage.
Inception in visual cortex: in vivo-silico loops reveal most exciting images
Authors: Walker Edgar Y. , Sinz Fabian H. , Froudarakis Emmanouil , Fahey Paul G. , Muhammad Taliah , Ecker Alexander S. , Cobos Erick , Reimer Jacob , Pitkow Xaq , Tolias Andreas S.
Published: December 2018

Much of our knowledge about sensory processing in the brain is based on quasi-linear models and the stimuli that optimally drive them. However, sensory information processing is nonlinear, even in primary sensory areas, and optimizing sensory input is difficult due to the high-dimensional input space. We developed inception loops, a closed-loop experimental paradigm that combines in vivo recordings with in silico nonlinear response modeling to identify the Most Exciting Images (MEIs) for neurons in mouse V1. When presented back to the brain, MEIs indeed drove their target cells significantly better than the best stimuli identified by linear models. The MEIs exhibited complex spatial features that deviated from the textbook ideal of V1 as a bank of Gabor filters. Inception loops represent a widely applicable new approach to dissect the neural mechanisms of sensation.
Nongenic cancer-risk SNPs affect oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and immune function
Authors: Fagny M. , Platig J. , Kuijjer M.L. , Lin X. , Quackenbush J.
Published: December 2018

Genome-wide associations studies (GWASes) have identified many germline genetic variants that are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. However, how these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) alter biological function in a way that increases cancer risk is still largely unknown. We used a systems biology approach to analyze the regulatory role and functional associations of cancer-risk SNPs in thirteen distinct tissues. Using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, we performed an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis, keeping both cis- and trans-eQTLs, and representing those significant associations as edges in tissue-specific eQTL bipartite networks. We find that each network is organized into highly modular communities that group sets of SNPs together with functionally-related collections of genes. We mapped cancer-risk SNPs to each tissue-specific eQTL network. Although we find in each tissue that cancer-risk SNPs are distributed across the network, they are not uniformly distributed. Rather they are significantly over-represented in a small number of communities. This includes communities enriched for immune response processes as well as communities representing tissue-specific functions. Moreover, cancer-risk SNPs are over-represented in the central “cores” of communities, meaning they are more likely to influence the expression of many genes within the same community, thus affecting biological processes. And finally, we find that cancer-risk SNPs preferentially target oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, suggesting non-genic mutations may still alter the effects of these key cancer-associated genes. This bipartite eQTL network approach provides a new way of understanding genetic effects on cancer risk and provides a biological context for interpreting the results of GWAS cancer studies.
miRsponge: an R/Bioconductor package for the identification and analysis of miRNA sponge interaction networks and modules
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Liu Lin , Xu Taosheng , Xie Yong , Zhao Chunwen , Li Jiuyong , Le Thuc Duy
Published: December 2018

Background

A microRNA (miRNA) sponge is an RNA molecule with multiple tandem miRNA response elements that can sequester miRNAs from their target mRNAs. Despite growing appreciation of the importance of miRNA sponges, our knowledge of their complex functions remains limited. Moreover, there is still a lack of miRNA sponge research tools that help researchers to quickly compare their proposed methods with other methods, apply existing methods to new datasets, or select appropriate methods for assisting in subsequent experimental design.

Results

To fill the gap, we present an R/Bioconductor package, miRsponge, for simplifying the procedure of identifying and analyzing miRNA sponge interaction networks and modules. It provides seven popular methods and an integrative method to identify miRNA sponge interactions. Moreover, it supports the validation of miRNA sponge interactions and the identification of miRNA sponge modules, as well as functional enrichment and survival analysis of miRNA sponge modules.

Conclusions

This package enables researchers to quickly evaluate their new methods, apply existing methods to new datasets, and consequently speed up miRNA sponge research.
Inductance analytical calculations of brushless surface-mounted permanent-magnet machines based on energy method
Authors: Ebadi Fatemeh , Mardaneh Mohammad , Rahideh Akbar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to show the proposed energy method for inductance calculation is valid for any number of poles, phases and any winding layout.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional (2-D) analytical energy-based approach is presented to calculate self-inductances and mutual inductances of brushless surface-mounted permanent-magnet machines.

Findings

The proposed calculation procedure is valid for brushless permanent-magnet machines with slotted or slotless stator structure. Comparisons between energy method and flux linkage method are presented based on simulation and experimental results. It shows that the energy method has an excellent agreement with the result obtained from finite element method (FEM) and experimental study.

Originality/value

This paper compares energy-based method with flux linkage method and FEM for inductance calculations in slotless and slotted permanent-magnet motors. The relations for inductance calculation are presented which are obtained based on 2-D analytical representation of magnetic field.
Modern lessons’ construction based on the taxonomy of pedagogical objectives and the multiple intelligences theory
Authors: Sedov Sergey Alekseevich
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Currently, teachers meet difficulties when design the modern classes so that they respond to the requirements of new educational standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to justify the algorithm for applying the “foundations” for designing modern classes of different types and varied subject areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The author coordinates the “foundations” of constructing modern occupations in various subject areas on the example of lessons for children mastering the basic level of preparation and higher one. As the basis for building classes in modern conditions, the author considers the taxonomy of the pedagogical goals of B. Bloom and G. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI).

Findings

The taxonomy of pedagogical goals can be one of the key foundations in the design of modern occupations of various types; the theory of MI – in the construction of classes of different subject areas. As examples for the argumentation, the author used the educational technologies of “problem education” and “project education.”

Practical implications

This study is a modest contribution to didactics (the science of theories and learning technologies). The results of the research actualize the work of B. Bloom and G. Gardner in the context of modern requirements for the results and content of education in general and vocational schools. The main provisions of the paper should supplement a number of such works where the solution of modern problems in education is built on the traditions and innovations balance.

Originality/value

The algorithm of applying the “foundations” in the modern studies’ planning can be used for lessons of various types and different subject areas. Further, research can be built in the context of interpreting the algorithm and testing its effectiveness using examples of other educational technologies.
Elderly suicide in India
Authors: Patel Avanish Bhai
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The elderly are facing many problems in the phase of life in the contemporary times. The problem of suicide among the elderly is one of them. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the cause of death due to suicide among the elderly in later life. There are two objectives of the present study. The first objective examines the nature and problem of elderly suicide in Indian society. The second objective explores the factors affecting suicidal tendency among the elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

The data have been collected through two newspapers from January 2013 to April 2013. The content of news items has been analysed through content analysis.

Findings

The study finds out that the factors such as family problems, chronic diseases, poverty, lack of social status and bankruptcy give rise to feeling of committing suicide among the elderly.

Originality/value

This is an original paper.
The use of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage or cervical pessary in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with a short cervix at midgestation
Authors: Fichera Anna , Prefumo Federico , Mazzoni Giorgia , Molinaris Valentina , Zanardini Cristina , Fratelli Nicola , Frusca Tiziana , Sartori Enrico
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Spontaneous preterm birth in women with a twin pregnancy is one of the main causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to review the perinatal outcome of asymptomatic twin pregnancies with a sonographic short cervical length during the second trimester treated with an ultrasound‐indicated cerclage or cervical pessary.

Material and methods

Retrospective study on asymptomatic twin pregnancies with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm) at transvaginal ultrasound examination during the second trimester treated with a cervical cerclage or pessary (2001‐2017). The rate of preterm birth < 28, 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity and composite adverse neonatal outcome were compared in the groups of women treated with cerclage or pessary.

Results

Seventy‐four twin pregnancies underwent a cerclage while a cervical pessary was inserted in 34 women with twins at our Department: 36 women with an ultrasound‐indicated cerclage and 20 with a pessary were included in the analysis. Median gestational age at delivery was higher in women treated with cerclage compared with those with pessary placement (P = .02) and the rate of preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation was lower in the cerclage group (P = .03). Admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were more frequent in pregnancies with pessary (P = .01), the length of admission was longer (P = .005) and composite adverse neonatal outcome occurred more often (P = .03) compared with the cerclage group.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐indicated cerclage appears to reduce the rate of preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation in asymptomatic twin pregnancies with a short cervix during the second trimester, and also the composite adverse neonatal outcome compared with pessary.
The joint role of thyroid function and iodine concentration on gestational diabetes risk in a population‐based study
Authors: Bell Griffith A. , Männistö Tuija , Liu Aiyi , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Yeung Edwina H. , Kim Un‐Jung , Suvanto Eila , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Gissler Mika , Mills James L.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Iodine is essential for thyroid function, and iodine deficiency during pregnancy is common in Europe and the USA. However, no published studies have examined the role of iodine deficiency in the relation between thyroid function and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Material and methods

We conducted a population‐based, nested case‐control study within the Finnish Maternity Cohort using pregnancy and perinatal outcome data from the Finnish Maternal Birth Register. We randomly selected 224 GDM cases with singleton pregnancies and 224 controls without GDM from all singleton births occurring in Finland during 2012‐2013. Blood was drawn at 10‐14 weeks’ gestation and analyzed for serum iodide, thyroglobulin, and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of GDM.

Results

Very high thyroglobulin concentration (>95% percentile; >83 μg/L) was not associated with significantly altered odds of GDM compared to those with normal levels (OR 0.41; 95% CI: 0.12, 1.38). High concentrations of TSH were also not associated with increased odds of GDM compared to normal levels of TSH (OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.06, 3.18). Women in the lowest 5th percentile (<1.58 ng/mL) of iodine did not have increased odds of GDM compared to those with iodide in the highest quartile (OR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.35).

Conclusions

Low levels of iodide and thyroid function in early pregnancy are not associated with increased risk of GDM in this mildly iodine‐deficient population.
The effects of acupuncture on the secondary outcomes of anxiety and quality of life for women undergoing IVF: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Smith Caroline A. , de Lacey Sheryl , Chapman Michael , Ratcliffe Julie , Norman Robert J. , Johnson Neil P. , Fahey Paul
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Studies have shown in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to have a significant impact on women's quality of life. In addition, anxiety is experienced during IVF treatment and prior to knowing the outcome from a treatment cycle. Although support services are available at many IVF clinics, the uptake of these opportunities may not be high. Acupuncture is used by women undertaking IVF treatment in the belief that it improves their reproductive outcomes, and some studies suggest that it may reduce anxiety. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture on quality of life and anxiety for women undergoing an IVF cycle.

Material and methods

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in Australia and New Zealand. Women were eligible if they were aged 18‐42 years, undergoing a fresh IVF cycle and not using acupuncture. Recruitment occurred between June 2011 and October 2015. Women were randomized to acupuncture or a sham acupuncture control group and three treatments were administered, the first treatment between day 6 and 8 of ovarian stimulation, and two treatments were given on the day of embryo transfer. The primary outcome was livebirth. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and anxiety, and were assessed at baseline, on the day of embryo transfer and 14 weeks from trial entry.

Results

In all, 848 women were randomized to the trial, 608 women underwent an embryo transfer, of which 526 (86%) received all three treatments. Adjusted analysis found that women receiving acupuncture reported reduced anxiety following embryo transfer (mean difference [MD] −1.1, 95% CI −2.2 to −0.1, P = 0.03). Unadjusted analysis of quality of life did not differ between groups following embryo transfer. Adjusted analyses by per protocol found a significant positive change for the acupuncture group for the general health MOS Short Form 36 (SF36) domain (MD 2.6, 95% CI 0.5‐4.7, P = 0.01) following embryo transfer. The benefit was not sustained at 14 weeks (MD 0.1, 95% CI −2.7 to 2.9).

Conclusions

Acupuncture may reduce anxiety at embryo transfer. Quality of life did not differ between the groups. Women experience reduced emotional well‐being 3 months following the IVF cycle, highlighting ongoing unmet psycho‐social needs.
Review shows paediatric protracted bacterial bronchitis needs an accurate diagnosis and strictly targeted extended antibiotics
Authors: Korppi Matti
Published: December 2018

Aim

In 2017, the European Respiratory Society task force stated that protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) was a distinct clinical entity and outlined the diagnostic criteria and principles for treatment. However, this guidance was based on data from Australia and the USA. This mini review evaluated the data and addressed the lack of research‐based data from Europe.

Methods

We supplemented the 2017 report by conducting a nonsystematic review of the literature on prolonged wet or productive cough and on PBB in children up to September 2018.

Results

Our review confirmed the lack of European data on PBB. Based on the available literature, and the 2017 European guidance, PBB is a wet or productive cough that lasts for four or more weeks, with no signs or symptoms, known as specific cough pointers, which suggest an underlying illness. PBB usually recovers with appropriate antibiotics for two weeks. Failing that radiological investigations or lung function measurements are needed. If PBB occurs three times over 12 months, then computerised tomography can diagnose bronchiectasis and determine other permanent changes.

Conclusion

More data are needed on PBB, especially in Europe. The implementation of PBB may help clinicians to prescribe antibiotics more effectively and reduce their inappropriate use.
The peer relations of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream primary schools: The importance of meaningful contact and interaction with peers
Authors: Pinto Cynthia , Baines Ed , Bakopoulou Ioanna
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

Children with special educational needs (SEN) are generally less accepted by peers in school and have fewer friendships than those without SEN. However, little research has examined peer relations across multiple dimensions, relative to severity of need and in relation to classroom experiences and individual behavioural characteristics. This unique study aimed to extend understanding of the peer relations of pupils with differing levels of SEN support relative to children of differing attainment levels without a formally recognized SEN and in relation to levels of social contact in class and teacher ratings of behaviour.

Sample

Three hundred and seventy‐five 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children recruited from 13 classes in four mainstream primary schools in the south of England. Fifty‐nine pupils had been identified as having a SEN, of which 17 had a statement of SEN.

Method

Pupil sociometric questionnaires provided a range of peer relations measures and the extent of meaningful contact with peers. Pupil behaviour was rated by teachers using the Pupil Behaviour Rating scales. Analyses examined differences in peer relations measures, pupil behaviour, and meaningful contact across different levels of educational need.

Results

Compared to pupils without SEN, pupils with a statement of SEN had lower levels of peer acceptance, fewer reciprocated friendships, and were less integrated into peer groups. While internalizing behaviours, such as social anxiousness and anxiety, and externalizing behaviours, such as aggression and hyperactivity, were related to peer relations measures, frequency of meaningful contact with peers was more predictive of peer relations measures than either SEN status or behaviour.

Conclusion

Findings point to the crucial role of meaningful social contact in the classroom for children's relationships with peers. The study advances understanding by highlighting that greater opportunity for meaningful social contact may improve social involvement of, as well as enhance academic outcomes for, pupils with SEN educated in mainstream schools.
Mid Campanian‐Lower Maastrichtian magnetostratigraphy of the James Ross Basin, Antarctica: Chronostratigraphical implications
Authors: Milanese Florencia N. , Olivero Eduardo B. , Raffi María E. , Franceschinis Pablo R. , Gallo Leandro C. , Skinner Steven M. , Mitchell Ross N. , Kirschvink Joseph L. , Rapalini Augusto E.
Published: December 2018

The James Ross Basin, in the northern Antarctic Peninsula, exposes which is probably the world thickest and most complete Late Cretaceous sedimentary succession of southern high latitudes. Despite its very good exposures and varied and abundant fossil fauna, precise chronological determination of its infill is still lacking. We report results from a magnetostratigraphic study on shelfal sedimentary rocks of the Marambio Group, southeastern James Ross Basin, Antarctica. The succession studied covers a ~1,200 m‐thick stratigraphic interval within the Hamilton Point, Sanctuary Cliffs and Karlsen Cliffs Members of the Snow Hill Island Formation, the Haslum Crag Formation, and the lower López de Bertodano Formation. The basic chronological reference framework is given by ammonite assemblages, which indicate a Late Campanian – Early Maastrichtian age for the studied units. Magnetostratigraphic samples were obtained from five partial sections located on James Ross and Snow Hill islands, the results from which agree partially with this previous biostratigraphical framework. Seven geomagnetic polarity reversals are identified in this work, allowing to identify the Chron C32/C33 boundary in Ammonite Assemblage 8‐1, confirming the Late Campanian age of the Hamilton Point Member. However, the identification of the Chron C32/C31 boundary in Ammonite Assemblage 8‐2 assigns the base of the Sanctuary Cliffs Member to the early Maastrichtian, which differs from the Late Campanian age previously assigned by ammonite biostratigraphy. This magnetostratigraphy spans ~14 Ma of sedimentary succession and together with previous partial magnetostratigraphies on Early‐Mid Campanian and Middle Maastrichtian to Danian columns permits a complete and continuous record of the Late Cretaceous distal deposits of the James Ross Basin. This provides the required chronological resolution to solve the intra‐basin and global correlation problems of the Late Cretaceous in the Southern Hemisphere in general and in the Weddellian province in particular, given by endemism and diachronic extinctions on invertebrate fossils, including ammonites. The new chronostratigraphic scheme allowed us to calculate sediment accumulation rates for almost the entire Late Cretaceous infill of the distal James Ross Basin (the Marambio Group), showing a monotonous accumulation for more than 8 Myr during the upper Campanian and a dramatic increase during the early Maastrichtian, controlled by tectonic and/or eustatic causes.
Discrete element modelling of extensional, growth, fault‐propagation folds
Authors: Hardy Stuart
Published: December 2018

Extensional fault‐propagation folds are now recognised as being an important part of basin structure and development. They have a very distinctive expression, often presenting an upward‐widening monocline, which is subsequently breached by an underlying, propagating fault. Growth strata, if present, are thought to provide a crucial insight into the manner in which such structures grow in space and time. However, interpreting their stratigraphic signal is neither straightforward nor unique. Both analogue and numerical models can provide some insight into fold growth. In particular, the trishear kinematic model has been widely adopted to explain many aspects of the evolution and geometry of such fault‐propagation folds. However, in some cases the materials/rheologies used to represent the cover do not reproduce the key geometric/stratigraphic features of such folds seen in nature. This appears to arise from such studies not addressing adequately the very heterogenous mechanical stratigraphy seen in many sedimentary covers. In particular, flexural slip between beds/layers is often not explicitly modelled but, paradoxically, it appears to be an important deformation mechanism operative in such settings. Here, I present a 2D discrete element model of extensional fault‐propagation folding which explicitly includes flexural slip between predefined sedimentary units or layers in the cover. The model also includes growth strata and shows how they may reflect the various evolutionary stages of fold and fault growth. When flexural slip is included in the modelling scheme, the resultant breached monoclines and their growth strata are strikingly similar to some of those seen in nature. Results are also compared with those obtained using simple, homogeneous, frictional‐cohesive and elastic cover materials. Both un‐lithified and lithified growth strata are considered and clearly show that, rather than just being passive recorders of structural evolution, growth strata can themselves have an important effect on fault‐related fold growth. Implications for the evolution of and strain within, the resultant growth structures are discussed. A final focus of this study is the relationship that trishear might have with the upward‐widening zone of flexural slip activation away from a fault tip singularity.
Analysis of antibody responses to selected Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface antigens in mild and cerebral malaria and associations with clinical outcomes
Authors: Mbengue B , Fall M M , Varela M -L , Loucoubar C , Joos C , Fall B , Niang M S , Niang B , Mbow M , Dieye A , Perraut R
Published: December 2018

Merozoite surface proteins (MSPs) are critical for parasite invasion; they represent attractive targets for antibody-based protection against clinical malaria. To identify protection-associated target MSPs, the present study analysed antibody responses to whole merozoite extract (ME) and to defined MSP recombinant antigens in hospitalized patients from a low endemic urban area as a function of disease severity (mild versus cerebral malaria). Sera from 110 patients with confirmed severe cerebral malaria (CM) and 91 patients with mild malaria (MM) were analysed (mean age = 29 years) for total and subclass immunoglobulin (Ig)G to ME and total IgG to MSP1p19, MSP2, MSP3, MSP4 and MSP5 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional antibody responses were evaluated using the antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB) assay in a subset of sera. There was a trend towards higher IgG1 and IgG4 levels to ME in CM compared to MM; only ME IgM responses differed significantly between fatal and surviving CM patients. Increased prevalence of IgG to individual MSPs was found in the CM compared to the MM group, including significantly higher levels of IgG to MSP4 and MSP5 in the former. Sera from fatal (24·5%) versus surviving cases showed significantly lower IgG to MSP1p19 and MSP3 (P < 0·05). ADRB assay readouts correlated with high levels of anti-MSP IgG, and trended higher in sera from patients with surviving compared to fatal CM outcome (P = 0·07). These results document strong differential antibody responses to MSP antigens as targets of protective immunity against CM and in particular MSP1p19 and MSP3 as prognostic indicators.
Effect of activated carbon nanoparticles on lymph node harvest in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang L. , Sun L. , Zhao P. , Kong D.
Published: December 2018

Aim

The aim was to examine the effect of activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNs) on lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

This prospective randomized study of 80 subjects was performed between March 2016 and December 2016. Eighty patients with CRC were randomly divided into two groups, the ACN group and a control group. The patients in the ACN group were subjected to 1 ml of ACN injection in the subserosa around the tumour before colectomy and D3 lymphadenectomy. The patients in the control group received the same procedure without the injection of ACNs. After surgery, lymph nodes were isolated, and the greatest dimensions were measured by the same pathologist.

Results

The average number of lymph nodes harvested from each patient was markedly more in the ACN group (31.3 ± 8.1) than in the control group (21.9 ± 5.3; P < 0.001), and the average number of lymph nodes less than 5 mm in greatest dimension was significantly more in the ACN group (11.9 ± 4.9) than in the control group (4.1 ± 2.4; P < 0.001). The ACN group (15/40) had a higher rate of Stage III patients compared to the control group (6/39; P = 0.026). Besides, the greatest dimension of 32.8% metastatic lymph nodes was less than 5 mm.

Conclusion

There is significant upstaging following the use of ACNs, which could find more involved nodes. Therefore, ACNs can be used as a tracer to harvest more lymph nodes in CRC patients, with improvement in the accuracy of pathological staging.
Subglottic perioperative airway—tube inflation via randomized evaluation with variable syringe size (Spair‐Tire) study
Authors: Williams George W. , Artime Carlos A. , Mancillas Omar L. , Syed Tariq A. , Burnett Tyrone , Graham Russell , Tam Jason , Hagberg Carin A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Risks of endotracheal tube cuff (ETTC) over inflation must be balanced with the need to achieve a minimum pressure of 20 cm H2O. Methods have been developed to estimate adequate ETTC pressurization but do not provide accurate endotracheal tube cuff pressure (ETCP) measurements. Hence, different sized syringes may play a role in determining ETCP.

Objectives

Determine optimal syringe size for recommended ETCP.

Methods

Two hundred patients were randomized to use of either a 10‐mL syringe (standard syringe) or a 5‐mL syringe (study group) for ETTC inflation. Following the insertion of the endotracheal tube, the ETTC was inflated per the attending anesthesiologist. Within 10 minutes of intubation, ETCP was measured with a hospital‐provided manometer.

Results

The percentage of in range cuff pressures for the 5‐mL group was 10.53% and 6.78% for the 10‐mL group. 84.21% (n = 64) of the study group and 91.53% (n = 54) of the control group had cuff pressures exceeding 30 cmH2O. Although our study did not demonstrate that syringe size was predictive of ideal cuff pressure ranges, the average cuff pressure for the 5‐mL group was 55.8 cm H2O versus 68.8 cm H2O in the 10‐mL group.

Conclusion

Although both 5‐ and 10‐mL syringes resulted in elevated cuff pressures after intubation, 5‐mL syringes resulted in a lower degree of elevation. Use of a 5‐mL syringe should be considered when inflating the endotracheal cuff to possibly reduce patient harm secondary to elevated cuff pressures. Further studies assessing smaller syringe sizes to reduce cuff pressures are warranted.