bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetry of Radial Forearm Flap Reconstructions After Craniomaxillofacial Tumor Resection
Authors: Thoenissen Philipp , Heselich Anja , Sader Robert , Vogl Thomas Joseph , Ghanaati Shahram , Bucher Andreas Michael
Published: April 2020

Background:

Oral cancer is a common and life threatening disease that requires interdisciplinary treatment and often necessitates complex facial reconstruction. Standard care includes tumor resection, while reconstruction is routinely performed with free radial forearm flaps. As esthetic results are crucial for quality of life, flap size, flap volume, and flap composition have to be considered. To date no standardized measurement of flap volume and shrinkage has been established for routine use. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the transplant volume of radial forearm flaps in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry.

Material and Methods:

Ten postoperative MR sequences of 5 patients were included. All patients had received transplantation of radial forearm flaps after tumor resection and radiation therapy. Evaluated parameters were: sex, age, type of flap, flap volume. Two different observers (1 surgeon and 1 radiologist) segmented transplant volume at three different time points in a postoperative MRI independently and in consensus, using both axial and coronal slices. A nonfat saturated T1 spin echo sequence was used. Mean transplant volume was calculated.

Results:

A total of 90 volumetric measurements were included. Overall Tvolm was 24.83 cm3 from axial sections and 27.25 cm3 from coronal sections. Measurements for axial and coronal orientations differed significantly. Results showed excellent intra- and inter-rater correlation, coefficient for rater A and rater B were 0.91 (axial) and 0.96 (coronal).

Conclusion:

MRI volumetry is a noninvasive reproducible method to quantify volume of free radial forearm flaps in situ but should follow specific considerations for best results.
Management of Parapharyngeal Space Tumor Using Transoral Robotic Surgery: The Tonsillar Fossa Battlefield
Authors: Moffa Antonio , Fiore Valeria , Rinaldi Vittorio , Moffa Angelo Pio , Magaldi Luciano Enrico , Casale Manuele , Cassano Michele
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

The management of parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is surgical, but the approach remains a challenge. Attention should be paid to avoid intra-operative bleeding, cranial nerves damage, and external scars.

Presentation of Case:

The authors report a case of a 23-year-old female, with complaint of progressive, painless swelling just below the right angle of the mandible of 6-month's duration. Magnetic resonance imaging images reported the presence of an oval-shaped expansive lesion (maximum diameter 3 cm), from the lower polar region of the parotid gland while fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was not diagnostic. We performed a Trans Oral Robotic surgical excision of the tumors with Da Vinci Robot.

Discussion:

Thanks to a detailed magnification, the authors were able to reach the PPS region through the tonsillar fossa saving the palatine tonsil without any significant bleeding or nerve lesions. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland. The decision on which surgical approach to be used is determined by site, size vascularity, histology of the tumor, and knowledge of radiological images.

Conclusion:

There is not only 1 surgical approach for PPS tumors but the surgeon must know all the different options and possible outcomes. Transoral Robotic Surgery approach with Da Vinci could represent a valid option with a good knowledge of Robot surgical instruments and a detailed preoperative plan.
Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Impact and Nasopharngoscopy Discomfort and Cooperation: Patient, Parent, and Provider Perspectives
Authors: Johns Alexis , Tanner Aaron , Gingrich Melanie , Urata Mark
Published: April 2020

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) impacts resonance and articulation and contributes to social difficulties. Nasopharngoscopies (NPs) often inform VPI treatment planning. Using a mixed-model prospective design, this study describes the impact of VPI, NP perceptions, and ratings of pain, discomfort, and cooperation during NP from multiple perspectives. Participants (N = 33) were 7 to 16 years old (mean 8.8 years) with diagnoses primarily of cleft lip and palate (52%) or cleft palate (42%). Mostly mothers (82%) completed measures in English (58%). Patients (52%) reported some teasing related to VPI, with higher parent report of their child being teased (70%). Themes of not being understood, teasing, and negative emotions were described. Coping themes included social support, distraction, and speech therapy. Patients’ Beck Youth Inventories-Second Edition scores were in the average range. Over half of patients and parents reported anxiety about NPs and about a third reported understanding NPs. The Faces Pain Scale-Revised mean of 2.5 ± 3.2 and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale mean of 2.5 ± 2.2 were low. Discomfort was most often rated as “a little” by patients (55%), parents (42%), speech-language pathologists (49%), and plastic surgeons (39%). There was concordance across pain and discomfort ratings. High cooperation (61%–72%) was seen across reporters, which was negatively correlated with pain measures. Patient anxiety was related to NP pain and discomfort, suggesting integrating coping for procedural anxiety into the NP preparation might benefit patients. Additionally, negative VPI social experiences should be screened for as part of VPI management.
Evaluation of Divine Proportions in Face and Smile of Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Omidkhoda Maryam , Jahanbin Arezoo , Kazemi Hanieh , Mahdipour Maryam , Sharifi Farid
Published: April 2020

Introduction and aim:

The facial view of patients with cleft lip and palate greatly affects their psychological well-being and usually leads to introspection. The aim of this study was to compare the face and smile of cleft lip and palate patients and normal population with divine proportion.

Method:

In this retrospective study, 20 female patients (14–25 years) with unilateral cleft lip and palate, who referred to Orthodontic Department of Mashhad School of Dentistry, were selected. The control group consisted of 10 normal female persons with ideal face and normal occlusion. After scanning photographs of full face, profile, and smile views of them, the divine proportions were measured by Photoshop software. Then the data were entered into SPSS software version 22 and analyzed using 2 sample independent t test. P value less than 0.05 were considered as significant.

Results:

In the study group all proportions were significantly less than the golden proportion. Ls-Rcus/Rch-Rcus and Ls-Lcus/Lch-Lcus had the least difference and Sn-Sm/N-Sn and Sn-Sm/Sm-Me had the most. In the control group, all proportions except Ls-Lcus/Lch-Lcus and Ls-Rcus/Rch-Rcus, were less than the golden proportion. Sn-Sm/N-Sn had the most difference and N-Sn/Sm-Me had the least.

Approximately all proportions in cleft patients were significantly different from normal population. Ls-Lcus/Lch-Lcus had the highest difference between study and control group; however, Tr-Sn/Tr-Me in both groups were equal.

Conclusions:

The differences between facial indices in cleft lip and palate patients, normal people and golden proportion were significant. As facial proportions of normal people in the authors’ study were also different from divine proportions, the authors can conclude that to reach acceptable esthetic results, the authors can approximate patients to normal populations. Unfortunately, the patients with large bone defects, cannot reach to the “esthetic” divine proportion even after reconstructive surgery.
Elevation of Costal Cartilage Ear Construct for Microtia Using a V-Y Scalp Flap
Authors: Greene Arin K. , Sudduth Christopher L.
Published: April 2020

Autologous ear construction for microtia creates an auricle using a costal cartilage framework. To separate the construct from the mastoid, the most common methods incorporate the use of fascial flaps or skin grafting. The authors describe a V-Y skin and subcutaneous scalp advancement flap for ear elevation as part of autologous ear construction for microtia. The method is simple and reliable and offers advantages compared to other techniques.
Olfaction scaffolds the developing human from neonate to adolescent and beyond
Authors: Schaal Benoist , Saxton Tamsin K. , Loos Hélène , Soussignan Robert , Durand Karine
Published: April 2020

The impact of the olfactory sense is regularly apparent across development. The fetus is bathed in amniotic fluid (AF) that conveys the mother's chemical ecology. Transnatal olfactory continuity between the odours of AF and milk assists in the transition to nursing. At the same time, odours emanating from the mammary areas provoke appetitive responses in newborns. Odours experienced from the mother's diet during breastfeeding, and from practices such as pre-mastication, may assist in the dietary transition at weaning. In parallel, infants are attracted to and recognize their mother's odours; later, children are able to recognize other kin and peers based on their odours. Familiar odours, such as those of the mother, regulate the child's emotions, and scaffold perception and learning through non-olfactory senses. During juvenility and adolescence, individuals become more sensitive to some bodily odours, while the timing of adolescence itself has been speculated to draw from the chemical ecology of the family unit. Odours learnt early in life and within the family niche continue to influence preferences as mate choice becomes relevant. Olfaction thus appears significant in turning on, sustaining and, in cases when mother odour is altered, disturbing adaptive reciprocity between offspring and carer during the multiple transitions of development between birth and adolescence.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Olfactory communication in humans’.
Reproducible research into human chemical communication by cues and pheromones: learning from psychology's renaissance
Authors: Wyatt Tristram D.
Published: April 2020

Despite the lack of evidence that the ‘putative human pheromones' androstadienone and estratetraenol ever were pheromones, almost 60 studies have claimed ‘significant' results. These are quite possibly false positives and can be best seen as potential examples of the ‘reproducibility crisis', sadly common in the rest of the life and biomedical sciences, which has many instances of whole fields based on false positives. Experiments on the effects of olfactory cues on human behaviour are also at risk of false positives because they look for subtle effects but use small sample sizes. Research on human chemical communication, much of it falling within psychology, would benefit from vigorously adopting the proposals made by psychologists to enable better, more reliable science, with an emphasis on enhancing reproducibility. A key change is the adoption of study pre-registration and/or Registered Reports which will also reduce publication bias. As we are mammals, and chemical communication is important to other mammals, it is likely that chemical cues are important in our behaviour and that humans may have pheromones, but new approaches will be needed to reliably demonstrate them.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Olfactory communication in humans’.
Design, delivery and perception of condition-dependent chemical signals in strepsirrhine primates: implications for human olfactory communication
Authors: Drea Christine M.
Published: April 2020

The study of human chemical communication benefits from comparative perspectives that relate humans, conceptually and empirically, to other primates. All major primate groups rely on intraspecific chemosignals, but strepsirrhines present the greatest diversity and specialization, providing a rich framework for examining design, delivery and perception. Strepsirrhines actively scent mark, possess a functional vomeronasal organ, investigate scents via olfactory and gustatory means, and are exquisitely sensitive to chemically encoded messages. Variation in delivery, scent mixing and multimodality alters signal detection, longevity and intended audience. Based on an integrative, 19-species review, the main scent source used (excretory versus glandular) differentiates nocturnal from diurnal or cathemeral species, reflecting differing socioecological demands and evolutionary trajectories. Condition-dependent signals reflect immutable (species, sex, identity, genetic diversity, immunity and kinship) and transient (health, social status, reproductive state and breeding history) traits, consistent with socio-reproductive functions. Sex reversals in glandular elaboration, marking rates or chemical richness in female-dominant species implicate sexual selection of olfactory ornaments in both sexes. Whereas some compounds may be endogenously produced and modified (e.g. via hormones), microbial analyses of different odorants support the fermentation hypothesis of bacterial contribution. The intimate contexts of information transfer and varied functions provide important parallels applicable to olfactory communication in humans.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Olfactory communication in humans’.
Losing stinks! The effect of competition outcome on body odour quality
Authors: Fialová Jitka , Třebický Vít , Kuba Radim , Stella David , Binter Jakub , Havlíček Jan
Published: April 2020

Dominance hierarchy is often established via repeated agonistic encounters where consistent winners are considered dominant. Human body odour contains cues to psychological dominance and competition, but it is not known whether competition outcome (a marker of a change in dominance hierarchy) affects the hedonic quality of human axillary odour. Therefore, we investigated the effect of winning and losing on odour quality. We collected odour samples from Mixed Martial Arts fighters approximately 1 h before and immediately after a match. Raters then assessed samples for pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity and intensity. We also obtained data on donors' affective state and cortisol and testosterone levels, since these are known to be associated with competition and body odour quality. Perceived body odour pleasantness, attractiveness and intensity significantly decreased while masculinity increased after a match irrespective of the outcome. Nonetheless, losing a match affected the pleasantness of body odour more profoundly, though bordering formal level of significance. Moreover, a path analysis revealed that match loss led to a decrease in odour attractiveness, which was mediated by participants’ negative affective states. Our study suggests that physical competition and to some extent also its outcome affect the perceived quality of human body odour in specific real-life settings, thus providing cues to dominance-related characteristics.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Olfactory communication in humans’.
Encoding fear intensity in human sweat
Authors: de Groot Jasper H. B. , Kirk Peter A. , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: April 2020

Humans, like other animals, have an excellent sense of smell that can serve social communication. Although ample research has shown that body odours can convey transient emotions like fear, these studies have exclusively treated emotions ascategorical, neglecting the question whether emotionquantitycan be expressed chemically. Using a unique combination of methods and techniques, we explored a dose–response function: Canexperiencedfear intensity beencodedin fear sweat? Specifically, fear experience was quantified using multivariate pattern classification (combining physiological data and subjective feelings with partial least-squares-discriminant analysis), whereas a photo-ionization detector quantified volatile molecules in sweat. Thirty-six male participants donated sweat while watching scary film clips and control (calming) film clips. Both traditional univariate and novel multivariate analysis (100% classification accuracy;Q2: 0.76;R2: 0.79) underlined effective fear induction. Using their regression-weighted scores, participants were assigned significantly above chance (83% > 33%) to fear intensity categories (low–medium–high). Notably, the high fear group (n= 12) produced higher doses of armpit sweat, and greater doses of fear sweat emitted more volatile molecules (n= 3). This study brings new evidence to show that fear intensity is encoded in sweat (dose–response function), opening a field that examines intensity coding and decoding of other chemically communicable states/traits.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Olfactory communication in humans’.
Patient-derived mutations impact pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yao Hangping , Lu Xiangyun , Chen Qiong , Xu Kaijin , Chen Yu , Cheng Linfang , Liu Fumin , Wu Zhigang , Wu Haibo , Jin Changzhong , Zheng Min , Wu Nanping , Jiang Chao , Li Lanjuan
Published: April 2020

The sudden outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally with more than 1,300,000 patients diagnosed and a death toll of 70,000. Current genomic survey data suggest that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are abundant. However, no mutation has been directly linked with functional changes in viral pathogenicity. We report functional characterizations of 11 patient-derived viral isolates. We observed diverse mutations in these viral isolates, including 6 different mutations in the spike glycoprotein (S protein), and 2 of which are different SNVs that led to the same missense mutation. Importantly, these viral isolates show significant variation in cytopathic effects and viral load, up to 270-fold differences, when infecting Vero-E6 cells. Therefore, we provide direct evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 has acquired mutations capable of substantially changing its pathogenicity.
SARS-Cov-2 RNA Found on Particulate Matter of Bergamo in Northern Italy: First Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Setti Leonardo , Passarini Fabrizio , De Gennaro Gianluigi , Barbieri Pierluigi , Perrone Maria Grazia , Borelli Massimo , Palmisani Jolanda , Gilio Alessia Di , Torboli Valentina , Pallavicini Alberto , Ruscio Maurizio , Piscitelli Prisco , Miani Alessandro
Published: April 2020

In previous communications, we have hypothesized the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 virus could be present on particulate matter (PM) during the spreading of the infection, consistently with evidence already available for other viruses. Here, we present the first results of the analyses that we have performed on 34 PM10 samples of outdoor/airborne PM10 from an industrial site of Bergamo Province, collected with two different air samplers over a continuous 3-weeks period, from February 21st to March 13th. We can confirm to have reasonably demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA by detecting highly specific RtDR gene on 8 filters in two parallel PCR analyses. This is the first preliminary evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be present on outdoor particulate matter, thus suggesting that, in conditions of atmospheric stability and high concentrations of PM, SARS-CoV-2 could create clusters with outdoor PM and, by reducing their diffusion coefficient, enhance the persistence of the virus in the atmosphere. Further confirmations of this preliminary evidence are ongoing, and should include real-time assessment about the vitality of the SARS-CoV-2 as well as its virulence when adsorbed on particulate matter. At the present, no assumptions can be made concerning the correlation between the presence of the virus on PM and COVID-19 outbreak progression. Other issues to be specifically addressed are the average concentrations of PM eventually required for a potential boost effect of the contagion (in case it is confirmed that PM might act as a carrier for the viral droplet nuclei), or even the theoretic possibility of immunization consequent to minimal dose exposures at lower thresholds of PM.
Swarming bacterial fronts: Dynamics and morphology of active swarm interfaces propagating through passive frictional domains
Authors: Tamayo Joshua , Zhang Yuchen , Asp Merrill E , Patteson Alison E , Ardekani Arezoo M , Gopinath Arvind
Published: April 2020

Swarming, a multicellular mode of flagella-based motility observed in many bacteria species, enables coordinated and rapid surface translocation, expansion and colonization. In the swarming state, bacterial films display several characteristics of active matter including intense and persistent long-ranged flocks and strong fluctuating velocity fields with significant vorticity. Swarm fronts are typically dynamically evolving interfaces. Many of these fronts separate motile active domains from passive frictional regions comprised of dead or non-motile bacteria. Here, we study the dynamics and structural features of a model active-passive interface in swarmingSerratia marcescens. We expose localized regions of the swarm to high intensity wide-spectrum light thereby creating large domains of tightly packed immotile bacteria. When the light source is turned off, swarming bacteria outside this passivated region advance into this highly frictional domain and continuously reshape the interphase boundary. Combining results from Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and intensity based image analysis, we find that the evolving interface has quantifiable and defined roughness. Correlations between spatially separated surface fluctuations and damping of the same are influenced by the interaction of the interphase region with adjacently located and emergent collective flows. Dynamical growth exponents characterizing the spatiotemporal features of the surface are extracted and are found to differ from classically expected values for passive growth or erosion. To isolate the effects of hydrodynamic interactions generated by collective flows and that arising from steric interactions, we propose and analyze agent-based simulations with full hydrodynamics of rod-shaped, self-propelled particles. Our computations capture qualitative features of the swarm and predict correlation lengths consistent with experiments. We conclude that hydrodynamic and steric interactions enable different modes of surface dynamics, morphology and thus front invasion.
Insect group II chitinase OfChtII promotes chitin degradation during larva–pupa molting
Authors: Qu Ming‐Bo , Sun Shao‐Peng , Liu Yuan‐Sheng , Deng Xiao‐Rui , Yang Jun , Yang Qing
Published: April 2020

The insect group II chitinase (ChtII, also known as Cht10) is a unique chitinase with multiple catalytic and chitin‐binding domains. It has been proven genetically to be an essential chitinase for molting. However, ChtII's role in chitin degradation during insect development remains poorly understood. Obtaining this knowledge is the key to fully understanding the chitin degradation system in insects. Here, we investigated the role of OfChtII during the molting of Ostrinia furnacalis, a model lepidopteran pest insect. OfChtII was expressed earlier than OfChtI (OfCht5) and OfChi‐h, at both the gene and protein levels during larva–pupa molting as evidenced by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. A truncated OfChtII, OfChtII‐B4C1, was recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant OfChtII‐B4C1 loosened compacted chitin particles and produced holes in the cuticle surface as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. It synergized with OfChtI and OfChi‐h when hydrolyzing insoluble α‐chitin. These findings suggested an important role for ChtII during insect molting and also provided a strategy for the coordinated degradation of cuticular chitin during insect molting by ChtII, ChtI and Chi‐h.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of an important pine defoliator, Dendrolimus punctatus (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae)
Authors: Zhang Sufang , Shen Sifan , Peng Jiong , Zhou Xin , Kong Xiangbo , Ren Pingping , Liu Fu , Han Lingling , Zhan Shuai , Huang Yongping , Zhang Aibing , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2020

Dendrolimus spp. are important destructive pests of conifer forests, and Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae) is the most widely distributed Dendrolimus species. During periodic outbreaks, this species is said to make “fire without smoke” because large areas of pine forest can be quickly and heavily damaged. Yet, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie the unique ecological characteristics of this forest insect. Here, we combined Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII single‐molecule long reads and high‐throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi‐C) genomics‐linked reads to produce a high‐quality, chromosome‐level reference genome for D. punctatus. The final assembly was 614 Mb with contig and scaffold N50 values of 1.39 and 22.15 Mb, respectively, and 96.96% of the contigs anchored onto 30 chromosomes. Based on the prediction, this genome contained 17,593 protein‐coding genes and 56.16% repetitive sequences. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that D. punctatus diverged from the common ancestor of Hyphantria cunea, Spodoptera litura and Thaumetopoea pityocampa ~ 108.91 million years ago. Many gene families that were expanded in the D. punctatus genome were significantly enriched for the xenobiotic biodegradation system, especially the cytochrome P450 gene family. This high‐quality, chromosome‐level reference genome will be a valuable resource for understanding mechanisms of D. punctatus outbreak and host resistance adaption. Because this is the first Lasiocampidae insect genome to be sequenced, it also will serve as a reference for further comparative genomics.
Reporting trigger factors for (hypo)manic episodes in bipolar disorder: association with personality and prognosis
Authors: Smedler E. , Sparding T. , Hattab A. , Sellgren C. M. , Landén M.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate external factors that trigger manic and hypomanic relapses and how this is associated with personality and clinical outcome measured as number of affective episodes over a 7‐year period.

Method

This is a prospective cohort study of 204 meticulously characterized Swedish bipolar disorder patients. Personality was evaluated at baseline using the Swedish universities Scales of Personality in 170 patients, and 90 patients were followed up after approximately 7 years in order to evaluate clinical outcomes.

Results

We found that 44% of the patients reported trigger factors, including sleep disturbance, work‐ or family‐related issues, medication, and illicit drug use. There were no significant differences in any of the personality traits when comparing the 74 patients that reported triggers with the 90 patients that did not. At 7‐year follow‐up, there was no difference between the groups in number of affective episodes (depressive, hypomanic, manic, or mixed), involuntary commitments, suicide attempts, or self‐harm incidents since baseline.

Conclusions

Around 40% of the patients reported external triggers for manic and hypomanic episodes. However, this was neither associated with personality traits nor number of affective episodes at 7‐year follow‐up.
Intrapartum non‐invasive electrophysiological monitoring: A prospective observational study
Authors: Lempersz Carlijn , Noben Lore , van Osta Gonnie , Wassen Martine L. H. , Meershoek Bert P. J. , Bakker Petra , Jacquemyn Yves , Cuerva Marcos Javier , Vullings Rik , Westerhuis Michelle E. M. H. , Oei Guid S.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Doppler ultrasound cardiotocography is a non‐invasive alternative that, despite its poor specificity, is often first choice for intrapartum monitoring. Doppler ultrasound suffers from signal loss due to fetal movements and is negatively correlated with maternal body mass index (BMI). Reported accuracy of fetal heart rate monitoring by Doppler ultrasound varies between 10.6 and 14.3 bpm and reliability between 62.4% and 73%. The fetal scalp electrode (FSE) is considered the reference standard for fetal monitoring but can only be applied after membranes have ruptured with sufficient cervical dilatation and is sometimes contra‐indicated. A non‐invasive alternative that overcomes the shortcomings of Doppler ultrasound, providing reliable information on fetal heart rate, could be the answer. Non‐invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI‐fECG) uses a wireless electrode patch on the maternal abdomen to obtain both fetal and maternal heart rate signals as well as an electrohysterogram. We aimed to validate a wireless NI‐fECG device for intrapartum monitoring in term singleton pregnancies, by comparison with the FSE.

Material and methods

We performed a multicenter cross‐sectional observational study at labor wards of 6 hospitals located in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. Laboring women with a healthy singleton fetus in cephalic presentation and gestational age between 36 and 42 weeks were included. Participants received an abdominal electrode patch and FSE after written informed consent. Accuracy, reliability, and success rate of fetal heart rate readings were determined, using FSE as reference standard. Analysis was performed for the total population and measurement period as well as separated by labor stage and BMI class (≤30 and >30 kg/m2).

Results

We included a total of 125 women. Simultaneous registrations with NI‐fECG and FSE were available in 103 women. Overall accuracy is −1.46 bpm and overall reliability 86.84%. Overall success rate of the NI‐fECG is around 90% for the total population as well as for both BMI subgroups. Success rate dropped to 63% during second stage of labor, similar results are found when looking at the separate BMI groups.

Conclusions

Performance measures of the NI‐fECG device are good in the overall group and the separate BMI groups. Compared with Doppler ultrasound performance measures from the literature, NI‐fECG is a more accurate alternative. Especially, when women have a higher BMI, NI‐fECG performs well, resembling FSE performance measures.
Nuchal translucency of 3.0‐3.4 mm an indication for NIPT or microarray? Cohort analysis and literature review
Authors: Petersen Olav B. , Smith Eric , Van Opstal Diane , Polak Marike , Knapen Maarten F. C. M. , Diderich Karin E. M. , Bilardo Caterina M. , Arends Lidia R. , Vogel Ida , Srebniak Malgorzata I.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Currently fetal nuchal translucency (NT) ≥3.5 mm is an indication for invasive testing often followed by chromosomal microarray. The aim of this study was to assess the risks for chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with an NT 3.0‐3.4 mm, to determine whether invasive prenatal testing would be relevant in these cases and to assess the residual risks in fetuses with normal non‐invasive prenatal test (NIPT) results.

Material and methods

A retrospective study and meta‐analysis of literature cases with NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm and 2 cohorts of pregnant women referred for invasive testing and chromosomal microarray was performed: Rotterdam region (with a risk >1:200 and NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm) tested in the period July 2012 to June 2019 and Central Denmark region (with a risk >1:300 and NT between 3.0 and 3.4 mm) tested between September 2015 and December 2018.

Results

A total of 522 fetuses were referred for invasive testing and chromosomal microarray. Meta‐analysis indicated that in 1:7.4 (13.5% [95% CI 8.2%‐21.5%]) fetuses a chromosomal aberration was diagnosed. Of these aberrant cases, 47/68 (69%) involved trisomy 21, 18, and 13 and would potentially be detected by all NIPT approaches. The residual risk for missing a (sub)microscopic chromosome aberration depends on the NIPT approach and is highest if NIPT was performed only for common trisomies–1:21 (4.8% [95% CI 3.2%‐7.3%]). However, it may be substantially lowered if a genome‐wide 10‐Mb resolution NIPT test was offered (~1:464).

Conclusions

Based on these data, we suggest that the NT cut‐off for invasive testing could be 3.0 mm (instead of 3.5 mm) because of the high risk of 1:7.4 for a chromosomal aberration. If women were offered NIPT first, there would be a significant diagnostic delay because all abnormal NIPT results need to be confirmed by diagnostic testing. If the woman had already received a normal NIPT result, the residual risk of 1:21 to 1:464 for chromosome aberrations other than common trisomies, dependent on the NIPT approach, should be raised. If a pregnant woman declines invasive testing, but still wants a test with a broader coverage of clinically significant conditions then the genome‐wide >10‐Mb resolution NIPT test, which detects most aberrations, could be proposed.
Umbilical artery carbon dioxide decreases the risk for hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Daboval Thierry , Ouellet Paul , Racinet Claude
Published: April 2020

Aim

An accurate biomarker for metabolic acidosis at birth is needed. Our aims were to investigate the link between umbilical artery pCO2 and the risk for hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to compare false‐negative screen results in newborn infants with HIE using three umbilical artery blood gas biomarkers.

Methods

From a cohort of newborn infants ≥35 weeks born in Ottawa, Canada, between January 2007 and December 2016, we highlighted those with HIE or who died. We compared the umbilical artery pCO2 for matched pH >mean versus matched pH ≤mean. We compared false‐negative rates for three umbilical artery biomarkers—pH <7.0, base deficit ≥16 mmol/L and neonatal eucapnic pH ≤7.14.

Results

This study included 51 286 newborn infants, 51% male and a mean gestational age of 38.9 ± 1.5 weeks. The rate for HIE or death with umbilical artery pCO2 for matched pH >mean was 22%, compared to 78% for matched pH ≤mean. In 60 HIE or deaths, the false‐negative rate for umbilical artery neonatal eucapnic pH ≤7.14 was 8%; compared to 31% for pH <7.00 and 36% for base deficit ≥16 mmol/L.

Conclusion

The rate of HIE or death is lower in newborn infants with higher pCO2. Using neonatal eucapnic pH decreases the risk of missing newborn infants with HIE.
Prompting Metacognition During a Job Search: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial with University Job Seekers
Authors: Kanar Adam M. , Bouckenooghe Dave
Published: April 2020

Searching for a job is a self‐directed activity that requires self‐regulation over significant periods of time; yet, in the scientific community, we know little about proximal support interventions that shape the self‐regulation processes during a job search. Using an experimental design, we tested a proximal support intervention in the form of metacognitive prompts and how this shaped metacognition and effort in 123 university job seekers over a period of 9 weeks. Job seekers who were exposed to the intervention reported higher levels of metacognition, effort, and a greater number of job interviews compared to job seekers in a control condition. Additionally, the present study revealed that the prompting intervention, compared to the active control condition, resulted in higher levels of metacognition for job seekers who were less committed to finding a job than for job seekers who were more committed to finding a job. In summary, the current study makes important contributions to the job search literature and practice by fine‐tuning our understanding of the interventions that may support metacognition during the job search process and the individuals for whom these interventions may be most effective.
Parameter estimation for discretely observed linear birth‐and‐death processes
Authors: Davison A. C. , Hautphenne S. , Kraus A.
Published: April 2020

Birth‐and‐death processes are widely used to model the development of biological populations. Although they are relatively simple models, their parameters can be challenging to estimate, as the likelihood can become numerically unstable when data arise from the most common sampling schemes, such as annual population censuses. A further difficulty arises when the discrete observations are not equi‐spaced, for example, when census data are unavailable for some years. We present two approaches to estimating the birth, death, and growth rates of a discretely observed linear birth‐and‐death process: via an embedded Galton‐Watson process and by maximizing a saddlepoint approximation to the likelihood. We study asymptotic properties of the estimators, compare them on numerical examples, and apply the methodology to data on monitored populations.
A practical algorithm to predict postsurgical recurrence and progression of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET)s
Authors: Guaraldi Federica , Zoli Matteo , Righi Alberto , Gibertoni Dino , Marino Picciola Valentino , Faustini‐Fustini Marco , Morandi Luca , Bacci Antonella , Pasquini Ernesto , Mazzatenta Diego , Asioli Sofia
Published: April 2020

Objective

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNET)s can be aggressive, thus presenting local invasion, postsurgical recurrence and/or resistance to treatment, responsible for significant morbidity. The study aimed at identifying prognostic factors of postsurgical outcome using data‐driven classification of patients.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Clinicopathological and radiological data of patients with PitNET treated via endoscopic endonasal surgery were collected. Tumour recurrence/progression and progression‐free survival were assessed by classification tree analysis (CTA) and Kaplan‐Meier curves, respectively. Histological subtype, cavernous/sphenoid sinus invasion, mitosis, Ki‐67, p53, Trouillas’ grading, degree of tumour exeresis and postsurgery disease activity were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 1066 (466 gonadotroph, 287 somatotroph, 148 lactotroph, 157 corticotroph and 8 thyrotroph) tumours were included; 21.7% invaded the cavernous/sphenoid sinus. Based on Trouillas’ classification, 64.3% were grade 1a, 14.2% 1b, 16.1% 2a, and 5.4% 2b; 18.3% had >2/10 HPF mitoses, 24.9% had Ki‐67 ≥3%; 15.8% were positive for p53. Exeresis was radical in 81.2% of the cases. Median follow‐up was 59.2 months. At last evaluation, 79.4% of the patients were cured; 20.6% had disease persistence, controlled by medical treatment in 18.3% of them. Disease recurrence/progression was recorded in 10.9% of the cases. CTA identified 5 distinct patient subgroups with different risk of disease recurrence/progression. Grade 2 of the Trouillas’ grading, >2/10 HPF mitoses, Ki‐67 ≥3%, p53 protein expression (P < .001), tumour invasion (P = .002) and ACTH‐subtype (P = .003) were identified as risk factors of disease recurrence/progression.

Conclusions

The combined evaluation of Trouillas’ grading, proliferation indexes and immunohistochemistry appears promising in the prediction of surgical outcome in PitNET.
Age‐ and sex‐specific reference ranges are needed for the aldosterone/renin ratio
Authors: Solanki Pravik , Gwini Stella May , Doery James C. G. , Choy Kay Weng , Shen Jimmy , Young Morag J. , Fuller Peter J. , Yang Jun
Published: April 2020

Objective

Current Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines use a specific aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) threshold to screen for primary aldosteronism (a treatable disease causing up to 15% of hypertension in primary care) in all patients. We sought to characterize demographic variations in the ARR, hypothesizing a need for age‐ and sex‐specific reference ranges to improve the accuracy of the test.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of ARR measurements at a single tertiary hospital from December 2016 to June 2018.

Patients

A total of 442 patients with clinically indicated ARR were included, after excluding those who were on spironolactone or the oral contraceptive pill, were pregnant or had an existing adrenal condition.

Measurements

Aldosterone, renin and the ARR.

Results

Among those aged 20‐39 years (n = 74), females had significantly higher median aldosterone (369 vs 244 pmol/L, P = .028), lower median renin (17.0 vs 27.6 mIU/L, P = .034) and higher median ARR (20.7 vs 10.3 (pmol/L)/(mIU/L), P = .001) than males, despite having lower systolic (135 vs 145 mmHg, P = .021) and diastolic (89 vs 96.5 mmHg, P = .007) blood pressure. The ≥ 60‐year age group (n = 157) also had significant sex differences in the ARR. With increasing age (20‐39 vs ≥ 60 years), there was a significant fall in plasma aldosterone in females (369 pmol/L vs 264 pmol/L, P = .005), with no change observed in males.

Conclusions

For those 20‐39 years old, aldosterone and the ARR are significantly higher in females despite a lower systolic and diastolic BP, highlighting the potential for false‐positive results. Our findings indicate the need for prospective studies with a control population to define age‐ and sex‐specific ARR reference ranges.
The Role of Multidimensional Intellectual Capital and Organizational Learning Practices in Innovation Performance
Authors: Cabrilo Slaðana , Dahms Sven
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper is to explore how managers transform human, renewal, and entrepreneurial capital through specific organizational learning practices into superior innovation performance. We draw implications for managing organizational learning and guiding companies on how to create innovation‐based competitive advantages grounded in the human aspects of intellectual capital. The study is based on a survey of companies located in the transitional economy of Serbia. We found that human, renewal, and entrepreneurial capital all positively affect organizational learning practices. Furthermore, organizational learning practices contribute to innovation performance on their own and in combination with the tested human‐based intellectual capital dimensions. The integration of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) confirms a pattern of equifinality, as there are multiple combinations of static and dynamic conditions leading to superior innovation performance. This paper is among the first attempts to merge the disciplines of intellectual capital (IC) and knowledge management (KM) and combine symmetrical and asymmetrical techniques to determine which configurations may yield organizational benefits in terms of innovation performance outcomes.
Maternal care of heterozygous dopamine receptor D4 knockout mice: Differential susceptibility to early‐life rearing conditions
Authors: Knop Jelle , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Joëls Marian , van der Veen Rixt
Published: April 2020

The differential susceptibility hypothesis proposes that individuals who are more susceptible to the negative effects of adverse rearing conditions may also benefit more from enriched environments. Evidence derived from human experiments suggests the lower efficacy dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 7‐repeat as a main factor in exhibiting these for better and for worse characteristics. However, human studies lack the genetic and environmental control offered by animal experiments, complicating assessment of causal relations. To study differential susceptibility in an animal model, we exposed Drd4+/− mice and control litter mates to a limited nesting/bedding (LN), standard nesting (SN) or communal nesting (CN) rearing environment from postnatal day (P) 2‐14. Puberty onset was examined from P24 to P36 and adult females were assessed on maternal care towards their own offspring. In both males and females, LN reared mice showed a delay in puberty onset that was partly mediated by a reduction in body weight at weaning, irrespective of Drd4 genotype. During adulthood, LN reared females exhibited characteristics of poor maternal care, whereas dams reared in CN environments showed lower rates of unpredictability towards their own offspring. Differential susceptibility was observed only for licking/grooming levels of female offspring towards their litter; LN reared Drd4+/− mice exhibited the lowest and CN reared Drd4+/− mice the highest levels of licking/grooming. These results indicate that both genetic and early‐environmental factors play an important role in shaping maternal care of the offspring for better and for worse.
Commercial experience with miscanthus crops: Establishment, yields and environmental observations
Authors: Shepherd Anita , Clifton‐Brown John , Kam Jason , Buckby Sam , Hastings Astley
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the condition of commercial miscanthus fields, growers’ concerns and reasons for growing the crop and also the modelling of a realistic commercial yield. Juvenile and mature Miscanthus × giganteus crops of varying age are surveyed in growers’ fields across mid‐England. We record in‐field plant density counts and the morphology of crops of different ages. Mature crops thrive on both clay and sandy soils. Plants surveyed appear robust to drought, weeds and disease, the only vulnerability is rhizome condition when planting. Mature miscanthus planted pre‐2014 continues to develop, spreading into planting gaps and growing more tillers. In stands planted post‐2014, improved planting techniques reduce planting gaps and create a reasonably consistent planting density of 12,500 plants/ha. The main reason for growers' investment in miscanthus is not financial return, but relates to its low requirement for field operations, low maintenance cost and regeneration. This offers practical solutions for difficult field access and social acceptability near public places (related to spray operations and crop vandalism). Wildlife is abundant in these fields, largely undisturbed except for harvest. This contributes to the greening of agriculture; fields are also used for gamebird cover and educational tours. This crop is solving practical problems for growers while improving the environment. Observed yield data indicate gradual yield increase with crop age, a yield plateau but no yield decrease since 2006. In stands with low planting densities, yields plateau after 9 years. Surveyed yield data are used to parameterize the MiscanFor bioenergy model. This produces options to simulate either juvenile yields or a yield for a landscape containing different aged crops. For mature English crop yields of 12 t ha−1 year−1, second‐ and third‐year juvenile harvests average 7 t ha−1 year−1 and a surrounding 10 km by 10 km area of distributed crop age would average 9 t ha−1 year−1.
Interleukin‐33 alleviates psoriatic inflammation by suppressing the T helper type 17 immune response
Authors: Chen Zeyu , Hu Yifan , Gong Yu , Zhang Xilin , Cui Lian , Chen Rongfen , Yu Yingyuan , Yu Qian , Chen Youdong , Diao Hongyue , Chen Jia , Wang Yuanyuan , Shi Yuling
Published: April 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with unclear pathogenesis. Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is highly expressed in patients with psoriasis, but its role in psoriasis is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of IL‐33 in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. IL‐33 expression was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. CD4+ T cells were sorted using magnetic beads and treated with or without IL‐33. Imiquimod (IMQ) was used to induce psoriatic inflammation in mice. The frequency of immune cells was determined using flow cytometry. The cytokine level in mouse skin was measured using cytometric bead array. Our results showed that IL‐33 was highly expressed in the lesional skin and serum of patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. IL‐33 inhibited the expression of IL‐17 in CD4+ T cells of psoriasis patients. Subcutaneous injection of IL‐33 alleviated the IMQ‐induced psoriatic inflammation in mice, reduced tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐23 expression, and decreased the proportion of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells in the skin‐draining lymph nodes in the mice. Our results suggest that IL‐33 plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by suppressing Th17 cell differentiation and function. The potential therapeutic effect of IL‐33 in treating psoriasis warrants further investigation.