bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital extension, price risk, and farm performance: experimental evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Oyinbo Oyakhilomen , Chamberlin Jordan , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Maertens Miet
Published: June 2021

Despite decades of investment in agricultural extension, technology adoption among farmers and agricultural productivity growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa remain slow. Among other shortcomings, extension systems often make recommendations that do not account for price risk or spatial heterogeneity in farmers' growing conditions. However, little is known about the effectiveness of extension approaches for nutrient management that consider these issues. We analyze the impact of farmers' access to site‐specific nutrient management recommendations and to information on expected returns, provided through a digital decision support tool, for maize production. We implement a randomized controlled trial among smallholders in the maize belt of northern Nigeria. We use three waves of annual panel data to estimate immediate and longer term effects of two different extension treatments: site‐specific recommendations with and without complementary information about variability in output prices and expected returns. We find that site‐specific nutrient management recommendations improve fertilizer management practices and maize yields but do not necessarily increase fertilizer use. In addition, we find that recommendations that are accompanied by additional information about variability in expected returns induce larger fertilizer investments that persist beyond the first year. However, the magnitudes of these effects are small: we find only incremental increases in investments and net revenues over two treatment years.
Probiotic mixture reduces gut inflammation and microbial dysbiosis in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yoon Wonsuck , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Jue Seong , Byeon Jung Hye , Kim Seung Hyun , Lim Jaehoon , Yoo Young
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent data suggested that dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is associated with childhood allergic diseases. Oral administration of probiotic formulations may improve the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) by restoring imbalanced gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation in children.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a probiotic mixture on the clinical severity of AD, gut inflammatory markers and alterations in microbiome dysbiosis in children with AD.

Methods

A total of 25 subjects were enrolled in this study and administered with a mixture of probiotic strains consisting of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy of the probiotic mixture was assessed using SCORAD index and TEWL. Faecal calprotectin levels were measured as a marker for intestinal inflammation. The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome were analysed using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing.

Results

The SCORAD (38.9 ± 17.2 vs 29.0 ± 15.4, P < 0.001) and TEWL (58.3 ± 12.5 vs 27.3 ± 8.7 g/m2/h, P = 0.028) were significantly decreased after 4 weeks administration of the probiotic mixture. The faecal calprotectin level (121.5 [27.7–292.9] vs 37.0 μg/g [12.6–108.9 μg/g], P = 0.038) was significantly decreased. The α‐diversity and composition of the gut microbiome were not significantly changed, but β‐diversity was increased after 4 weeks.

Conclusions

The oral administration of the probiotic mixture was effective in reducing clinical severity and intestinal inflammation in children with AD. Gut microbial diversity was slightly increased after administration of the probiotic mixture. The results of this study suggest that a probiotic mixture can alleviate AD by decreasing inflammation and modulating the gut microbiota in children with AD.
Editorial: tobacco use in functional dyspepsia—another smoking gun? Authors' reply
Authors: Talley Nicholas J. , Walker Marjorie M. , Agreus Lars , Andreasson Anna
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Talley et al and Woo & Andrews papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16372 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16394
Owners, external managers and industrial relations in German establishments
Authors: Kölling Arnd , Schnabel Claus
Published: June 2021

Using data from the representative IAB Establishment Panel in Germany and estimating a heteroskedastic probit model with fixed effects, this paper finds a negative relationship between the existence of owner‐management in an establishment and the probabilities of having a works council or a collective bargaining agreement. We show that family firms which are solely managed by the owners or by external executives significantly differ in the presence of these kinds of worker representation. The probabilities of having works councils and (company‐level) collective agreements increase substantially if just some of the managers do not belong to the owner family. We argue that these differences cannot simply be attributed to an aversion of the owners against co‐determination and unions but suggest taking account of the notion of socio‐emotional wealth prevalent in family firms. In addition, our results support the idea that external managers mainly act as agents rather than stewards in family firms.
Heat shock protein 47 confers chemoresistance on pancreatic cancer cells by interacting with calreticulin and IRE1α
Authors: Yoneda Akihiro , Minomi Kenjiro , Tamura Yasuaki
Published: June 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most chemoresistant cancers. An understanding of the molecular mechanism by which PDAC cells have a high chemoresistant potential is important for improvement of the poor prognosis of patients with PDAC. Here we show for the first time that disruption of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) enhances the efficacy of the therapeutic agent gemcitabine for PDAC cells and that the efficacy is suppressed by reconstituting HSP47 expression. HSP47 interacts with calreticulin (CALR) and the unfolded protein response transducer IRE1α in PDAC cells. Ablation of HSP47 promotes both the interaction of CALR with sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 2 and interaction of IRE1α with inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor, which generates a condition in which an increase in intracellular Ca2+ level is prone to be induced by oxidative stimuli. Disruption of HSP47 enhances NADPH oxidase‐induced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent increase in intracellular Ca2+ level in PDAC cells after treatment with gemcitabine, resulting in the death of PDAC cells by activation of the Ca2+/caspases axis. Ablation of HSP47 promotes gemcitabine‐induced suppression of tumor growth in PDAC cell‐bearing mice. Overall, these results indicated that HSP47 confers chemoresistance on PDAC cells and suggested that disruption of HSP47 may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with PDAC.
Early concerns in parents of infants at risk for autism
Authors: Tran Amanda T , del Rosario Mithi , Nosco Erin , Li Yihao , Senturk Damla , Mcdonald Nicole M , Wilson Rujuta B , Dapretto Mirella , Jeste Shafali S
Published: June 2021

Aim

To examine parental concerns about children at increased familial risk (i.e. high risk) of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early infancy.

Method

ASD‐related and general parental concerns were prospectively collected for 76 infants at ages 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months. Outcome classification was determined at 36 months. Analyses included generalized linear mixed models and qualitative evaluation of parental concerns in relation to risk status (high vs low risk) and outcome classification within the high‐risk group (atypically developing vs typically developing) over time.

Results

Most parents had no concerns at 1.5 (high risk 71%, low risk 87%) and 3 months (high risk 77%, low risk 86%). Beginning at 6 months, parents of high‐risk infants reported more ASD‐related (p<0.001) and general concerns (p=0.003) than parents of low‐risk infants. Beginning at 12 months, parents of high‐risk atypically developing infants reported more ASD‐related concerns than parents of high‐risk typically developing infants (p=0.013).

Interpretation

Clinicians should elicit parental concerns and provide support, as parents are worried about their high‐risk infants by age 6 months. Additionally, parents’ abilities to identify concerns that are suggestive of ASD by age 12 months may aid in earlier screening and intervention.

What this paper adds

Most parents did not report concerns during early infancy.

By 6 months, parents of high‐risk infants reported autism spectrum disorder (ASD)‐related and general concerns.

By 12 months, parents of high‐risk atypically developing infants identified ASD‐related concerns.
Severe speech impairment is a distinguishing feature of FOXP1‐related disorder
Authors: Braden Ruth O , Amor David J , Fisher Simon E , Mei Cristina , Myers Candace T , Mefford Heather , Gill Deepak , Srivastava Siddharth , Swanson Lindsay C , Goel Himanshu , Scheffer Ingrid E , Morgan Angela T
Published: June 2021

Aim

To delineate the speech and language phenotype of a cohort of individuals with FOXP1‐related disorder.

Method

We administered a standardized test battery to examine speech and oral motor function, receptive and expressive language, non‐verbal cognition, and adaptive behaviour. Clinical history and cognitive assessments were analysed together with speech and language findings.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (17 females, 12 males; mean age 9y 6mo; median age 8y [range 2y 7mo–33y]; SD 6y 5mo) with pathogenic FOXP1 variants (14 truncating, three missense, three splice site, one in‐frame deletion, eight cytogenic deletions; 28 out of 29 were de novo variants) were studied. All had atypical speech, with 21 being verbal and eight minimally verbal. All verbal patients had dysarthric and apraxic features, with phonological deficits in most (14 out of 16). Language scores were low overall. In the 21 individuals who carried truncating or splice site variants and small deletions, expressive abilities were relatively preserved compared with comprehension.

Interpretation

FOXP1‐related disorder is characterized by a complex speech and language phenotype with prominent dysarthria, broader motor planning and programming deficits, and linguistic‐based phonological errors. Diagnosis of the speech phenotype associated with FOXP1‐related dysfunction will inform early targeted therapy.

What this paper adds

Individuals with FOXP1‐related disorder have a complex speech and language phenotype.

Dysarthria, which impairs intelligibility, is the dominant feature of the speech profile.

No participants were receiving speech therapy for dysarthria, but were good candidates for therapy

Features of speech apraxia occur alongside persistent phonological errors.

Language abilities are low overall; however, expressive language is a relative strength.
Familial clustering of primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Supplementary evidence for a continuum
Authors: Corcia Philippe , Lunetta Christian , Couratier Philippe , Vourc'h Patrick , Gromicho Marta , Desnuelle Claude , Soriani Marie‐Hélène , Pinto Susana , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disorder characterized by a pure upper motor neuron degeneration in the bulbar and spinal regions. The key difference with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the lower motor neuron system integrity. Despite important literature on this disease, the pathophysiology of PLS remains unknown, and the link with ALS still balances between a continuum and a separate entity from ALS.

Methods

We report nine families in which both PLS and ALS cases occurred, in general among first‐degree relatives.

Results

The patients with PLS and ALS had a typical disease presentation. Genetic studies revealed mutations in SQSMT1, TBK1, and TREM2 genes in two PLS patients and one ALS patient.

Conclusions

These results strongly support a phenotypic continuum between PLS and ALS.
Removal of equine cryptorchid testes through an enlarged umbilical portal in dorsally recumbent horses after intra‐abdominal laparoscopic castration
Authors: Finley Connie J. , Fischer Andrew T.
Published: June 2021

Background

Laparoscopic removal of cryptorchid testes has been routinely reported through enlarged parainguinal incisions in dorsally recumbent horses. Outcomes following removal through an extended umbilical incision have not been previously reported.

Objective

To describe the surgical technique of removing cryptorchid testes in dorsally recumbent horses through an enlarged umbilical portal after laparoscopic intra‐abdominal castration.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for horses that underwent laparoscopic removal of unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid testes from January 2006 to December 2016. Horses were placed under general anaesthesia, positioned in dorsal recumbency and then tilted into Trendelenburg position. Cryptorchid testes were castrated by ligating loop application and/or electrosurgery. The umbilical portal incision was extended along the linea alba for testes removal. All descended testes were removed by routine closed castration with the scrotal incision left to heal by second intention. Perianaesthetic laboratory values, surgical procedure descriptions, surgery and anaesthesia times, and in‐hospital perioperative complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 79 horses, aged 1‐14 years, with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism were included: 90 cryptorchid testes were successfully removed through an enlarged umbilical portal incision. Sixty‐eight horses were unilaterally cryptorchid and 11 were bilaterally cryptorchid. Two horses had minor post‐operative complications related to the extended umbilical portal incision.

Main limitations

Retrospective nature of the study, no control population for comparison and no follow‐up after hospital discharge.

Conclusion

An extended umbilical portal incision is a successful alternative to extending a parainguinal incision for testis removal after laparoscopic castration.
Collagen VI as a driver and disease biomarker in human fibrosis
Authors: Williams Lynn , Layton Thomas , Yang Nan , Feldmann Marc , Nanchahal Jagdeep
Published: June 2021

Fibrosis of visceral organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is also associated with many other disorders, including cancer and metabolic disease. In this review, we focus upon the microfibrillar collagen VI, which is present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of most tissues. However, expression is elevated in numerous fibrotic conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF), and chronic liver and kidney diseases. Collagen VI is composed of three subunits α1, α2 and α3, which can be replaced with alternate chains of α4, α5 or α6. The C‐terminal globular domain (C5) of collagen VI α3 can be proteolytically cleaved to form a biologically active fragment termed endotrophin, which has been shown to actively drive fibrosis, inflammation and insulin resistance. Tissue biopsies have long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring of progression of fibrotic disease. The identification of neoantigens from enzymatically processed collagen chains have revolutionised the biomarker field, allowing rapid diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis of numerous fibrotic conditions, as well as providing valuable clinical trial endpoint determinants. Collagen VI chain fragments such as endotrophin (PRO‐C6), C6M and C6Mα3 are emerging as important biomarkers for fibrotic conditions.
Long‐term plasticity in the hippocampus: maintaining within and ‘tagging’ between synapses
Authors: Bin Ibrahim Mohammad Zaki , Benoy Amrita , Sajikumar Sreedharan
Published: June 2021

Synapses between neurons are malleable biochemical structures, strengthening and diminishing over time dependent on the type of information they receive. This phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity underlies learning and memory, and its different forms, long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD), perform varied cognitive roles in reinforcement, relearning and associating memories. Moreover, both LTP and LTD can exist in an early transient form (early‐LTP/LTD) or a late persistent form (late‐LTP/LTD), which are triggered by different induction protocols, and also differ in their dependence on protein synthesis and the involvement of key molecular players. Beyond homosynaptic modifications, synapses can also interact with one another. This is encapsulated in the synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis (STC), where synapses expressing early‐LTP/LTD present a ‘tag’ that can capture the protein synthesis products generated during a temporally proximal late‐LTP/LTD induction. This ‘tagging’ phenomenon forms the framework of synaptic interactions in various conditions and accounts for the cellular basis of the time‐dependent associativity of short‐lasting and long‐lasting memories. All these synaptic modifications take place under controlled neuronal conditions, regulated by subcellular elements such as epigenetic regulation, proteasomal degradation and neuromodulatory signals. Here, we review current understanding of the different forms of synaptic plasticity and its regulatory mechanisms in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory formation. We also discuss expression of plasticity in hippocampal CA2 area, a long‐overlooked narrow hippocampal subfield and the behavioural correlate of STC. Lastly, we put forth perspectives for an integrated view of memory representation in synapses.
Re‐ensiling effects on sorghum silage quality, methane emission and sheep efficiency in tropical climate
Authors: Santos Fabiana P. C. , de Oliveira Alan F. , de Souza Fernando A. , Rodrigues José A. S. , Gonçalves Lúcio C. , Silva Ricardo Reis e , Lana Ângela Maria Q. , Jayme Diogo G.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether sorghum silage exposure to air for 8, 16 or 24 hr before re‐ensiling reduces silage quality and animal feed efficiency. Sorghum was ensiled in 52 metal drums (13 for each exposure time) with 200‐L capacity, and after 112 days, 39 drums were opened and silage was exposed to air for 8, 16 or 24 hr. Thirteen silos were not opened and considered control treatment. Subsequently, silage was re‐ensiled, and after 56 days, all silos were opened to determine silage quality variables. In addition, the silage was offered to sheep to determine animal feed efficiency. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications per treatment, and orthogonal polynomials were used to determine linear or quadratic effects of the exposure time. The non‐fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) (minimum of 278 g/kg), in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) (minimum of 570 g/kg) and lactic acid (1.51 g/kg for each hour) decreased with longer exposure. The pH (0.011 for each hour), ammonia nitrogen (0.057 g/kg for each hour), acetic acid (maximum of 17.9 g/kg) and aerobic stability (maximum of 62.4 hr) increased with longer exposure. Although silage exposure reduced NFC and IVDMD and increased pH and ammonia nitrogen, animal feed efficiency was not compromised. These results indicate that sorghum silage exposure for up to 24 hr does not compromise its use.
Recent advances on akermanite calcium‐silicate ceramic for biomedical applications
Authors: Zadehnajar Parisa , Mirmusavi Mohammad Hussein , Soleymani Eil Bakhtiari Sanaz , Bakhsheshi‐Rad Hamid Reza , Karbasi Saeed , RamaKrishna Seeram , Berto Filippo
Published: June 2021

Owing to great biocompatibility and high capacity of apatite formation, bioceramics, especially calcium silicate‐based compounds, were extensively employed in orthopedic and dental uses concerning biomedical applications. Lately, akermanite (AK; Ca2MgSi2O7), as a bioceramic containing Ca‐, Mg‐ and Si, has gained an increased level of attention because of its more tunable mechanical characteristics and degradation rate. All studies indicate that this magnesium incorporating Ca‐silicate ceramic has a great capacity to use as a bone graft material to fulfill the necessity of bone reconstruction. Despite the rising interest in using these materials in biomedical fields, there has not yet been an extensive overview of this bioceramic property and its potential benefits. Thus, it has been speculated that this concept and the emergence of akermanite bioactive ceramics might lead to significant upcoming advancements in the field of bone tissue engineering (BTE). Definitely, the approach still requires additional advances to considerably better respond to the vital concerns regarding the clinical application. The review tackles the present research trends on akermanite ceramics for biomedical purposes such as bone scaffold, coating materials, bone cement, and treatment of osteoporotic bone defects, commencing with recent status and shifting to upcoming developments.
Influences of electrolytes on tribocorrosion performance of MAO coating on AZ31B magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid
Authors: Xu Luyao , Liu Naiyu , Cao Lei , Wan Yong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the effects of electrolytes on the corrosion resistance and tribocorrosion performance of micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloys in simulated body fluid (SBF) were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to explore the microstructure, surface morphology, and phase components of the MAO coatings. Corrosion and tribocorrosion performance of MAO coated Mg alloys were evaluated by using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and a ball‐on‐disk tribotester. It was found that MAO coating produced in electrolyte containing both Na2SiO3 and Na2B4O7 exhibited superior corrosion resistance and tribocorrosion performance in the SBF.
The role of feedback on interview self‐efficacy and outcome expectations
Authors: Petruzziello Gerardo , Chiesa Rita , Guglielmi Dina , Mariani Marco Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Applicants’ self‐cognitions toward selection procedures are decisive to produce favorable outcomes. Drawing upon the career self‐management model, this study explored the impact of performance feedback after a simulated employment interview on interview self‐efficacy (ISE) and outcome expectations. Participants (a sample of recent graduates; N = 240) were given timely feedback after the simulated interview with suggestions to improve their performance. The interviewer’s feedback was positively related to participants’ ISE measured after the feedback. A significant relationship between participants’ ISE and outcome expectations emerged. Feedback was related to outcome expectations only indirectly, via ISE. This study contributes to existing knowledge about ISE and provides practitioners with hints to help job seekers to master job search in troubled times.

Practitioner notes

Interview self‐efficacy is a major predictor of performance in the employment interview.

We show that performance feedback enhances interview self‐efficacy and outcome expectations.

Job seekers in training should be given meaningful feedback to raise their interview self‐efficacy.
The gene regulatory network controlling plasma cell function
Authors: Trezise Stephanie , Nutt Stephen L
Published: June 2021

Antibodies are an essential element of the immune response to infection, and in long‐term protection upon re‐exposure to the same micro‐organism. Antibodies are produced by plasmablasts and plasma cells, the terminally differentiated cells of the B lymphocyte lineage. These relatively rare populations, collectively termed antibody secreting cells (ASCs), have developed highly specialized transcriptional and metabolic pathways to facilitate their extraordinarily high rates of antibody synthesis and secretion. In this review, we discuss the gene regulatory network that controls ASC identity and function, with a particular focus on the processes that influence the transcription, translation, folding, modification and secretion of antibodies. We will address how ASCs have adapted their transcriptional, metabolic and protein homeostasis pathways to sustain such high rates of antibody production, and the roles that the major ASC regulators, the transcription factors, Irf4, Blimp‐1 and Xbp1, play in co‐ordinating these processes.
Efficacy of RyR2 inhibitor EL20 in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes from a patient with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Word Tarah A. , Quick Ann P. , Miyake Christina Y. , Shak Mayra K. , Pan Xiaolu , Kim Jean J. , Allen Hugh D. , Sibrian‐Vazquez Martha , Strongin Robert M. , Landstrom Andrew P. , Wehrens Xander H. T.
Published: June 2021

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome that often leads to sudden cardiac death. The most common form of CPVT is caused by autosomal‐dominant variants in the cardiac ryanodine receptor type‐2 (RYR2) gene. Mutations in RYR2 promote calcium (Ca2+) leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), triggering lethal arrhythmias. Recently, it was demonstrated that tetracaine derivative EL20 specifically inhibits mutant RyR2, normalizes Ca2+ handling and suppresses arrhythmias in a CPVT mouse model. The objective of this study was to determine whether EL20 normalizes SR Ca2+ handling and arrhythmic events in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC‐CMs) from a CPVT patient. Blood samples from a child carrying RyR2 variant RyR2 variant Arg‐176‐Glu (R176Q) and a mutation‐negative relative were reprogrammed into iPSCs using a Sendai virus system. iPSC‐CMs were derived using the StemdiffTM kit. Confocal Ca2+ imaging was used to quantify RyR2 activity in the absence and presence of EL20. iPSC‐CMs harbouring the R176Q variant demonstrated spontaneous SR Ca2+ release events, whereas administration of EL20 diminished these abnormal events at low nanomolar concentrations (IC50 = 82 nM). Importantly, treatment with EL20 did not have any adverse effects on systolic Ca2+ handling in control iPSC‐CMs. Our results show for the first time that tetracaine derivative EL20 normalized SR Ca2+ handling and suppresses arrhythmogenic activity in iPSC‐CMs derived from a CPVT patient. Hence, this study confirms that this RyR2‐inhibitor represents a promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of CPVT.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Safety of vedolizumab during pregnancy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bell Conor , Tandon Parul , Lentz Eric , Marshall John K , Narula Neeraj
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Vedolizumab is a novel monoclonal antibody used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, often affecting women of child‐bearing age. We aimed to compare maternal and fetal adverse outcomes in pregnancies of women with inflammatory bowel disease exposed to vedolizumab versus those on other treatment.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search through December 2020 looking for studies including outcomes from pregnancies of female inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with vedolizumab. Our primary outcome was a composite of adverse pregnancy‐related events in pregnancies of female patients on vedolizumab compared with those of disease‐matched controls on other medication regimens. Events of interest included preterm births, early loss of pregnancy, late fetal death, elective termination of pregnancy, and congenital anomalies.

Results

Four studies were included in our review meeting criteria for our primary analysis. Compared with those with no vedolizumab exposure, pregnancies with vedolizumab exposure had an increase in overall adverse pregnancy‐related outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52–3.13). The vedolizumab group also had increased preterm births (OR 2.16, 95% CI, 1.28–3.66), and early loss of pregnancies (OR 1.79, 95% CI, 1.06–3.01) but no difference in number of live births (OR 0.60, 95%CI, 0.36–1.00), or congenital malformations (OR 1.56, 95% CI, 0.56–4.37).

Conclusions

Our systematic review highlights possible concern with the general safety of vedolizumab in pregnancy, as an increase in overall total unfavorable outcomes was observed. Premature births and early loss of pregnancy were also more prevalent in pregnant female patients on vedolizumab. It is possible these findings are confounded by disease activity, and further prospective cohort studies of vedolizumab and pregnancy outcomes are warranted.
Comparison of the maternal serum endocan levels in preterm premature rupture of membrane and normal pregnancy
Authors: İflazoğlu Nuray , Eroğlu Hasan , Tolunay Harun Egemen , Yücel Aykan
Published: June 2021

Objective

Endocan is a novel marker of endothelial inflammation. In this study, we aimed to show whether there was a significant difference between the endocan levels of pregnant women with and without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM and non‐PPROM). Also, we aimed to find a relation between endocan levels and the latent period.

Material and Methods

Pregnant women with PPROM between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation and those without PPROM with similar gestational weeks were included in the study. A total of 88 pregnant women, 44 with PROM and 44 healthy pregnancies, were evaluated. Demographic and obstetric features, leukocyte, and endocan levels of the study and control groups were compared.

Results

The demographic features and obstetric history of both groups were similar. The mean leukocyte and endocan levels of the study group were higher than in the control group (p < 0.001 and 0.029, respectively). The leukocyte level was the only independent factor predicting PPROM after multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Although the endocan levels were higher in patients with PPROM, multivariate analysis showed that the only independent predictive factor was the leukocyte level.
The difficulty to diagnose cervical cancer developing in the perinatal period with the first‐trimester cytology: A retrospective study
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Mitamura Takashi , Ihira Kei , Endo Daisuke , Sakurai Manami , Konno Yosuke , Watari Hidemichi
Published: June 2021

Aim

Cytological cervical cancer screening for pregnant women is routinely performed and still plays an essential role in Japan because of the considerably low rate of human pappillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Though almost all pregnant women undergo cytological screening at their first trimester, we experienced invasive cervical cancers (ICC) diagnosed during pregnancy or postpartum period. We investigated the characteristics of perinatally diagnosed ICCs to clarify the difficulty in diagnosis during the pregnancy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data on ICC diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year after delivery from 2010 to 2018 at Hokkaido University Hospital.

Results

We identified 18 ICC patients, and the median follow‐up period was 46.5 months. Among eight patients with negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), the mean duration to reach ICC diagnosis was 10.7 months, seven had stage IB1 or worse, and one was dead. On the other hand, among 10 women with abnormal cytology, the mean duration for diagnosis was 1.4 months, and 6 had stage IB1 or worse, and 1was dead. In terms of the timing of the final diagnosis, 8 were during pregnancy and 10 in the postpartum periods. Among eight pregnant patients, three resulted in a preterm delivery (33, 34, and 35 gestational weeks), and four terminated their pregnancies. One decided to continue the pregnancy until the term period. We performed conization in one patient and hysterectomy in seven.

Conclusion

A part of cytological examinations of pregnant women may result in presumed false‐negative or underestimation, which keeps them away from the additional examination to find ICC.
Talaromyces marneffei infection in non–HIV‐infected patients in mainland China
Authors: He Liya , Mei Xin , Lu Sha , Ma Jianchi , Hu Yongxuan , Mo Dongdong , Chen Xinsheng , Fan Ruiqiang , Xi Liyan , Xie Ting
Published: June 2021

Background

Talaromyces marneffei, formerly known as Penicillium marneffei, is a significant emerging pathogenic fungus in Southeast Asia which can generate life‐threatening systemic infections. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered as the most underlying disease among systemic infections. However, infections due to T. marneffei without HIV are increasing in recent years.

Objectives

Research the characteristics of T. marneffei infection in non‐HIV individuals in mainland China.

Methods

In this study, we searched Pubmed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang from inception to 31 December 2019 for studies reporting T. marneffei infection. Our research concentrates on non–HIV‐infected cases and their epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment methods and prognosis.

Results

T. marneffei infections in non‐HIV individuals are increasing. Due to frequent present with atypical symptoms, these non–HIV‐infected cases were usually misdiagnosed as other diseases, containing tuberculosis (80.7%), bacterial pneumonia (20.5%), lung cancer (5.1%) or other diseases (5.1%).

Conclusions

T. marneffei infection in non‐HIV individuals should be taken seriously. Their symptoms and signs are not typical. Accurate diagnosis and timely antifungal agent treatment is the key to the treatment for the disease.
The paradox of colour constancy: Plotting the lower borders of perception
Authors: Davies Will
Published: June 2021

This paper resolves a paradox concerning colour constancy. On the one hand, our intuitive, pre‐theoretical concept holds that colour constancy involves invariance in the perceived colours of surfaces under changes in illumination. On the other, there is a robust scientific consensus that colour constancy can persist in cerebral achromatopsia, a profound impairment in the ability to perceive colours. The first stage of the solution advocates pluralism about our colour constancy capacities. The second details the close relationship between colour constancy and contrast. The third argues that achromatopsics retain a basic type of colour constancy associated with invariants in contrast processing. The fourth suggests that one person‐level, conscious upshot of such processing is the visual awareness of chromatic contrasts ‘at’ the edges of surfaces, implicating the ‘colour for form’ perceptual function. This primitive type of constancy sheds new light on our most basic perceptual capacities, which mark the lower borders of representational mind.
Comparison of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy and Microscope‐Assisted Tubular Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Liu Lantao , Xue Hui , Jiang Lianghai , Chen Hao , Chen Longwei , Xie Siyu , Wang Dechun , Zhao Mingwei
Published: June 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes and quality of life following percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and microscope‐assisted tubular discectomy (MTD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

This study had a retrospective design. From June 2017 to June 2018, the clinical data of 120 patients with LDH treated with PTED (60 cases, PTED group) and MTD (60 cases, MTD group) were analyzed and followed up for at least 20 months. There were 59 men and 61 women. Patients were aged between 22 and 80 years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, cost, hospital stay, types of herniated discs, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the modified Macnab criteria. Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) and the EQ‐5D‐5L were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. The data between the two groups were compared by independent sample t‐tests. Multiple comparisons between samples were analyzed by analysis of variance.

Results

Compared with the MTD group, the PTED group had shorter incision length (9.20 ± 1.19 mm vs 26.38 ± 1.82 mm), less intraoperative blood loss (18.00 ± 4.97 mL vs 39.83 ± 6.51 mL), and shorter hospital stay (5.42 ± 5.08 days vs 10.58 ± 3.69 days) (P = 0.00). PTED was much more appropriate for foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniation. The incidence of paresthesia was lower in the PTED group (6.67% vs 16.67%). At each follow up, the VAS and ODI scores of all patients were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P = 0.00). At 3 days postoperatively, the lumbar VAS score of the PTED group was significantly lower (1.58 ± 1.00 vs 2.37 ± 1.10, P = 0.00). The excellent rate of the PTED group reached 91.67%, and that of the MTD group reached 93.33%. Compared with the preoperative SF‐36 scores for physiological function, mental health, and social function, the postoperative scores were significantly improved in both groups (P = 0.00). The EQ‐5D‐5L in the PTED group increased from 0.30 ± 0.17 before the operation to 0.69 ± 0.13 after 6 months of follow up (P = 0.00) and 0.73 ± 0.14 after 20 months of follow up. The EQ‐5D‐5L in the MTD group increased from 0.28 ± 0.17 before the operation to 0.68 ± 0.13 after a 6‐month follow up (P = 0.00), and 0.73 ± 0.12 after a 20‐month follow up.

Conclusion

Although both PTED and MTD are effective for LDH, PTED is much more appropriate for various types of LDH and has the advantages of the low incidence of low back pain, fewer complications, and early recovery.
“You Have a Lot to Answer For”: Human Rights, Matriliny, and the Mediation of Family Conflicts at the Department of Social Welfare in Ghana
Authors: Salifu Jovia
Published: June 2021

Scholars have argued that the implementation of legal reforms in African settings has largely failed because of the persistence of norms and values that privilege collective interests over individual rights. With a focus on the work of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in a matrilineal Asante town in Ghana, this article reflects on the potential for state institutions to implement a human rights perspective through family dispute resolution processes. In this context, the key factors that influence the work of institutions such as the DSW, which has a human rights mandate, include the long history of family legal contests outside the lineage and the principle of economic separateness in the context of marriage. The effect of these developments is that the opportunity continues to exist for individuals, in this case women, to advocate for their rights as mothers even in a supposedly collective social setting. The evidence supports the position that “culture” is not always the impediment to human rights that it is often made out to be. [legal pluralism, human rights, matriliny, Ghana, marriage]
Differential protein abundance of vetiver grass in response to acid mine drainage
Authors: Kiiskila Jeffrey D. , Sarkar Dibyendu , Datta Rupali
Published: June 2021

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an acidic and metalliferous discharge that imposes oxidative stress on living things through bioaccumulation and physical exposure. The abandoned Tab‐Simco mining site of Southern Illinois generates highly acidic AMD with elevated sulfate (SO42−) and various metals. Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is effective for the remediation of Tab‐Simco AMD at both mesocosm and microcosm levels over extended periods. In this study, we conducted a proteomic investigation of vetiver shoots under short and long‐term exposure to AMD. Our objective was to decipher the physiological responses of vetiver to the combined abiotic stresses of AMD (metal and low pH). Differential regulation was observed for longer‐term (56 days) exposure to AMD, which resulted in 17 upregulated and nine downregulated proteins, whereas shorter‐term (7 days) exposure led to 14 upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins. There were significant changes to photosynthesis, including upregulation of electron transport chain proteins for light‐dependent reactions after 56 days, whereas differential regulation of enzymes relating to C4 carbon fixation was observed after 7 days. Significant changes in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, including upregulation of ethylene and flavonoid biosynthesis, along with plant response to nitrogen starvation, were observed. Short‐term changes also included upregulation of glutathione reductase and methionine sulfoxide reductase, whereas longer‐term changes included changes in protein misfolding and ER‐associated protein degradation for stress management and acclimation.
Immunomodulation by dietary supplements: A preventive health strategy for sustainable aquaculture of tropical freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Gupta Akruti , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Priyam Manisha , Siddik Muhammad A.B. , Kumar Neeraj , Mishra Prashant Kumar , Gupta Kishore Kumar , Sarkar Biplab , Sharma Tilak Raj , Pattanayak Arunava
Published: June 2021

Dietary supplementation is an effective strategy for boosting the innate immune response in fishes. It involves the use of functional ingredients that bear the potential for mitigating the deleterious effects of chemotherapeutics (bioaccumulation and development of drug‐resistant pathogens), as a more ecologically responsible approach to fish farming. With the emergence of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and herbal immunostimulants; dietary supplementation has become an integral aspect of immuno‐nutrition. In this review, we have compiled a list of dietary immunostimulants in rohu, based on the research carried over the last ten years. It should be noted that nearly 25% of the studies on dietary supplementation in Labeo rohita investigated probiotics species (either singly or as mixtures), followed by the use of herbal supplements or phytobiotics. In relation to stress, about 30% of the studies dealt with the supplementation of tryptophan, followed by the incorporation of lipotropes. Moreover, approximately 55–60% of the studies reviewed, were restricted to nutrition‐based disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Commercially available probiotics and herbal feed additives have been helpful in the health management of L. rohita to some extent. Ongoing research is consistently exploring novel ingredients inducing favourable immunomodulation to survive stress and widespread A. hydrophila infection in L. rohita. However, further investigations aiming at broad‐spectrum disease resistance and multiple stress resilience are recommended. Efforts must also be directed towards the elucidation of specifically targeted response in vivo. Overall, greater insights into the molecular mechanisms of dietary supplementation of immunostimulants warrants the use of downstream analytical techniques and high‐throughput screening tools.
The Hera orebody: A complex distal (Au–Zn–Pb–Ag–Cu) skarn in the Cobar Basin of central New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Fitzherbert Joel A. , McKinnon Adam R. , Blevin Phillip L. , Waltenberg Kathryn , Downes Peter M. , Wall Corey , Matchan Erin , Huang Huiqing
Published: June 2021

The Hera Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in the southeastern Cobar Basin of central New South Wales preserves calc‐silicate veins and remnant sandstone/carbonate‐hosted skarn within a reduced anchizonal Siluro‐Devonian turbidite sequence. The skarn orebody distribution is controlled by a long‐lived, basin margin fault system, that has intersected a sedimentary horizon dominated by siliciclastic turbidite, with lesser gritstone and thick sandstone intervals, and rare carbonate‐bearing stratigraphy. Foliation (S1) envelopes the orebody and is crosscut by a series of late‐stage east–west and north–south trending faults. Skarn at Hera displays mineralogical zonation along strike, from southern spessartine–grossular–biotite–actinolite‐rich associations, to central diopside‐rich–zoisite–actinolite/tremolite–grossular‐bearing associations, through to the northern most tremolite–anorthite‐rich (garnet‐absent) association in remnant carbonate‐bearing lithologies and sandstone horizons; the northern lodes also display zonation down dip to garnet present associations. High‐T, prograde skarn assemblages rich in pyroxene and garnet are pervasively replaced by actinolite/tremolite–biotite‐rich retrograde skarn which coincides with the main pulse of sulfide mineralization. The dominant sulfides are high‐Fe–Mn sphalerite–galena–non‐magnetic high‐Fe pyrrhotite–chalcopyrite; pyrite, arsenopyrite; scheelite (low Mo) is locally abundant. The distribution of metals in part mimics the changing gangue mineralogy, with Au concentrated in the southern and lower northern lode systems and broadly inverse concentrations for Ag–Pb–Zn. Stable isotope data (O–H–S) from skarn amphiboles and associated sulfides are consistent with magmatic (or metamorphic) water and sulfur input during the retrograde skarn phase, while hydrosilicates and sulfides from the wall rocks display comparatively elevated δD and mixed δ34S consistent with progressive mixing or dilution of original magmatic (or metamorphic) waters within the Hera deposit by unexchanged waters typical of low latitude (tropical) meteoritic waters. High precision titanite (U–Pb) and biotite (Ar–Ar) geochronology reveals a manifold orebody commencing with high‐T skarn and retrograde Pb–Zn‐rich skarn formation at ≥403 Ma, Au–low‐Fe sphalerite mineralization at 403.4 ± 1.1 Ma, foliation development remobilization or new mineralization at 390 ± 0.2 Ma followed by thrusting, orebody dismemberment at 384.8 ± 1.1 Ma and remobilization or new mineralization at 381.0 ± 2.2 Ma. The polymetallic nature of the Hera orebody is a result of multiple mineralization events during extension and compression and involving both magmatic and likely formational metal sources.
Dynamics of Emergency Contraceptive Use in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Henry Elizabeth G. , Agula Caesar , Agyei‐Asabere Charles , Asuming Patrick O. , Bawah Ayaga A. , Canning David , Shah Iqbal
Published: June 2021

Recent data suggest increasing rates of emergency contraception (EC) use in Ghana, particularly in urban areas. In 2018, we collected survey data from 3,703 sexually experienced women aged 16–44 years living in low‐income settlements of Accra. We estimated the prevalence of lifetime and current EC use. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with current use of EC. Retrospective monthly calendar data on contraceptive use were analyzed to identify patterns of EC use, including repeat and continuous use, and uptake of other contraceptive methods in the months following EC use. Nearly 15 percent of women had ever used EC. About half of recent EC users (52 percent) used EC for at least four months cumulatively within a 12‐month window. There was no evidence of adoption of other modern methods in the months after using EC. Our results suggest that EC is a common method for pregnancy prevention in Accra, particularly among young, unmarried, highly educated women. Counseling on effective EC use and strategies that promote equitable access should be prioritized.
Premarital Fertility and Marital Timing in Malawi
Authors: Poulin Michelle , Beegle Kathleen , Xu Hongwei
Published: June 2021

In Malawi, Africa, the median age at first marriage is among the lowest on the continent and adolescent fertility rates are among the highest. Using high‐frequency panel data from the country designed to follow single women and men into marriage, we examine the extent to which premarital fertility is associated with the timing of marriage. Two notable findings emerge. First, premarital fertility typically leads to a more rapid transition into marriage, compared to not having had a premarital conception or birth, and this effect is as strong for men as it is for women. Second, among women with premarital fertility, those who are wealthier, and those who have two parents alive, have lower odds ofnotmarrying. Among men with premarital fertility, however, no patterns predict their subsequent marital outcomes. This study contributes to the literature on fertility and marriage in sub‐Saharan Africa by including men in the analysis.