bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonin modulates optimized coding of natural stimuli through increased neural and behavioural responses via enhanced burst firing
Authors: Marquez Mariana M. , Chacron Maurice J.
Published: February 2020

Key points

The function of serotonergic fibres onto sensory areas remains poorly understood

We show that serotonin application enhances sensory neural and behavioural responses to second order stimuli

Enhanced neural responses most likely occurred because of increased burst firing

Changes in neural sensitivity due to burst firing were the best predictor of changes in behavioural sensitivity

Our results suggest that serotonin optimizes coding of stimuli encountered during aggression.

Understanding how the processing of sensory information leads to behavioural responses remains a central problem in systems neuroscience. Here, we investigated how the neuromodulator serotonin affects neural and behavioural responses to second‐order envelope stimuli within the electrosensory system of the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. We found that serotonin application increased neuronal excitability through greater tendency for burst firing. We found that increased excitability led to overall higher neural sensitivities to higher envelope frequencies. Separating the spike train into bursts and isolated spike train components revealed that this was due to significant increases in neural sensitivity for the former but not the latter. We next investigated the consequences of such changes in sensitivity towards optimized coding of stimuli with specific statistics. Our results show that serotonin application compromised optimal coding of stimuli with statistics seen under naturalistic conditions due to changes in burst, but not isolated spike firing. Finally, we found that serotonin application increased behavioural sensitivity to envelope stimuli. Interestingly, changes in neural sensitivity due to bursts were a far better predictor of changes in behavioural sensitivity, suggesting that burst firing is decoded by downstream brain areas. Overall, our results suggest that serotonin modulates neural responses to optimize coding and perception of stimuli during behavioural contexts associated with encountering dominant conspecifics.
Evaluación de factores de riesgo asociados con malformaciones congénitas en el programa de vigilancia epidemiológica de malformaciones congénitas (ECLAMC) en Bogotá entre 2001 y 2010
Authors: Zarate Ana María , García Gloria , Zarante Ignacio
Published: February 2020

Introducción. Las anomalías congénitas son una causa de morbi-mortalidad en nuestro país, razón por la cual el Instituto de Genética Humana y la Secretaría Distrital de Salud de Bogotá desarrollaron un programa de vigilancia epidemiológica, basado en la metodología del Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congénitas (ECLAMC).Métodos. Se recolectaron los datos de los nacimientos vigilados, en las modalidades de casos - controles y monitor. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo maternos y del recién nacido.Resultados. Se vigilaron 121.674 nacimientos, de los cuales, 1,81% presentó malformaciones congénitas, con mayor frecuencia en el sexoasculino. Se estimó una prevalencia de 18 niños y niñas con malformación congénita por cada mil nacimientos. Las malformaciones más frecuentes fueron en orejas y extremidades. Los principales factores de riesgo evidenciados fueron: edad materna avanzada, bajo peso y talla para la edad de gestación. El 47,2% de casos y controles y el 52,3% de monitor, respectivamente, se beneficiarían de una intervención oportuna.Conclusiones. Los pacientes con malformaciones congénitas presentan mayor riesgo de prematuridad y bajo peso al nacer. Se debe mejorar la vigilancia y el entrenamiento del personal de salud vinculado al programa, para aumentar la sensibilidad de detección en nuestro programa.
Mordedura canina
Authors: Muñoz Leyva Felipe
Published: February 2020

Introducción. La mordedura canina no es una consulta infrecuente al servicio de urgencias y es muy probable que el médico colombiano en su práctica clínica se vea enfrentado a ella. Es imperativo que conozca los protocolos y las guías nacionales para la atención de la víctima de mordedura de perro, pues debe actuar de manera pertinente, según los recursos con los que cuente.Métodos. Se hizo una revisión académica de las guías para la atención de mordedura humana y por animales publicadas en las “Guías para manejo de urgencias” del Ministerio de la Protección Social de Colombia, 2009. Dicha información se complementó con la obtenida de la “Guía práctica para la atención de personas agredidas por un animal potencialmente transmisor de rabia” del Grupo de Zoonosis del Instituto Nacional de Salud de 2009 y de otros artículos indizados en Pubmed.Resultados. Se hizo una revisión práctica dirigida al médico de urgencias, abordando aspectos como la epidemiología, el enfoque del paciente, el examen físico, el manejo inicial, los cuidados de la herida, el uso o no uso de antibiótico profiláctico, la vacunacióninmunización para rabia y tétanos, y la prevención.Conclusiones. Las mordeduras caninas representan un problema de salud pública en el mundo. Por lo general, las víctimas más comunes son los niños. Toda mordedura de perro supone un riesgo de infección, supeditado a las características de la lesión y a su manejo inicial. Debe instaurarse tratamiento antibiótico e inmunización para rabia y tétanos, siguiendo las recomendaciones individualizadas para cada paciente. El médico tratante debe brindar la atención oportunamente, según se lo permitan sus recursos, y remitir al paciente a niveles superiores de complejidad en caso de requerirlo. Es fundamental implementar medidas de prevención para evitar las mordeduras de perro, teniendo en cuenta sus serias implicaciones.
El arte de la medicina: entre lo místico y la ciencia
Authors: Ortega López María Claudia
Published: February 2020

La medicina como ciencia y arte se complementan en la práctica cotidiana. Cuando se entienda la propiedad “plástica” de sistemas como el inmunológico, se estará en capacidad de inclinarnos respetuosos y reverentes ante el concepto de la creación.
Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura. Manejo endoscópico de fístula traqueoesofágica recurrente con electrocauterio y pegante tisular
Authors: Ospina Juan Camilo , Wuesthoff Carolina
Published: February 2020

Las fístulas traqueoesofágicas recurrentes (FTER) continúan siendo un reto terapéutico debido a las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas con su manejo quirúrgico abierto y su recurrencia frecuente. Las técnicas endoscópicas aportan un abordaje alternativo con el potencial de mejorar los resultados y desenlaces quirúrgicos. Se presenta un caso de cierre o reparo endoscópico de FTER mediante el uso de broncoscopia y esofagoscopia, así como una combinación entre técnica con electrocauterio y pegante tisular. Se considera que esta técnica puede representar una alternativa válida para el manejo de esta patología. Igualmente, se señala la importancia de considerar la fístula traqueoesofágica un diagnóstico diferencial en pacientes pediátricos con infecciones respiratorias recurrentes.
Providencia stuartii asociada a ventriculostomía. Reporte de un caso
Authors: Feo Lee Óscar Hernando , Rueda Forero Diego Fernando
Published: February 2020

La ventriculitis es una complicación neuroquirúrgica con una incidencia mundial de entre el 6 y el 15 %, y del 18 % en América Latina. Los factores de riesgo asociados a este tipo de infección se relacionan con el catéter per se, el proceso de preparación prequirúrgico, la colocación y la manipulación del sistema de ventriculostomía en el postoperatorio. Se ha encontrado que los microorganismos involucrados en este tipo de infección son grampositivos y gramnegativos de la familia Enterobacteriaceae. Dentro de los géneros más comunes se encuentra Providencia stuartii; sin embargo, es un microorganismo atípico en infecciones intrahospitalarias relacionadas con el sistema nervioso central (SNC). No obstante, se encontró en tres casos reportados, en los cuales hay infección del SNC: dos de estos se transformaron en meningitis, y el tercero, en un absceso. En este reporte se describe y se analiza un caso de ventriculitis por Providencia stuartii.
Low temperature oxidation behavior of Mo2BC coatings
Authors: Achenbach Jan-Ole , Karimi Aghda Soheil , Hans Marcus , Primetzhofer Daniel , Holzapfel Damian M. , Miljanovic Danilo J. , Schneider Jochen M.
Published: February 2020

Mo2BC exhibits a unique combination of high stiffness and moderate ductility, enabling the application as a protective and wear resistant coating. As the low temperature oxidation behavior of Mo2BC coatings is unexplored, direct current magnetron sputtered Mo2BC coatings were oxidized at temperatures ranging from 500 to 100 °C for up to 28 days. Time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis reveals that the onset of oxidation takes place at approximately 300 °C as a significant increase in the O content was observed. Crystalline oxide scales containing orthorhombic MoO3 were identified after oxidation for 15 min at 500 °C and 10 days at 200 °C. Isothermal oxidation at 200 and 100 °C exhibits oxide scale thicknesses of 401 ± 33 and 22 ± 10 nm after 14 days. Oxidation for 28 days at 100 °C exhibits an oxide scale thickness of 13 ± 3 nm, which is comparable to the aforementioned oxide scale thickness after oxidation for 14 days at 100 °C. Based on the combination of mechanical properties and the here reported low temperature oxidation behavior, Mo2BC coatings qualify for applications in solid wood machining and low temperature forming processes at temperatures close to 100 °C or below.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website, and also using Google Patents.
Sport Analytics: Science or Alchemy?
Authors: Szymanski Stefan
Published: February 2020

Sport analytics promises to use Big Data and sophisticated statistical methods to identify effective strategies in sports—“the Moneyball moment.” However, much like alchemy, sport analytics is characterized by opacity and secrecy, and outside of baseball, evidence of success that would meet the usual scientific criteria is limited. An example is used to demonstrate that quite simple models can match more complex ones in terms of prediction. Like alchemy, sport analytics can deliver important advances in our understanding, but some problems need to be addressed. These include the need to incorporate theory, reconciling the pursuit of profit with scientific principles, and focusing on prediction as a measure of progress.
Runners-up
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth , Culotta Elizabeth , Kupferschmidt Kai , Cho Adrian , Voosen Paul , Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Science
has named nine scientific advances as runners-up for the 2019 Breakthrough of the Year.
A class of γδ T cell receptors recognize the underside of the antigen-presenting molecule MR1
Authors: Le Nours Jérôme , Gherardin Nicholas A. , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Awad Wael , Wiede Florian , Gully Benjamin S. , Khandokar Yogesh , Praveena T. , Wubben Jacinta M. , Sandow Jarrod J. , Webb Andrew I. , von Borstel Anouk , Rice Michael T. , Redmond Samuel J. , Seneviratna Rebecca , Sandoval-Romero Maria L. , Li Shihan , Souter Michael N. T. , Eckle Sidonia B. G. , Corbett Alexandra J. , Reid Hugh H. , Liu Ligong , Fairlie David P. , Giles Edward M. , Westall Glen P. , Tothill Richard W. , Davey Martin S. , Berry Richard , Tiganis Tony , McCluskey James , Pellicci Daniel G. , Purcell Anthony W. , Uldrich Adam P. , Godfrey Dale I. , Rossjohn Jamie
Published: February 2020

A different way for γδ T cells to bind

The ligands bound by γδ T cell receptors (TCRs) are less well characterized than those of their αβ TCR cousins, which are antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and related proteins. Le Nours
et al.
identified a phenotypically diverse γδ T cell subset in human tissues that reacts to MHC-related protein 1 (MR1), which presents vitamin B derivatives. A crystal structure of a γδ TCR–MR1–antigen complex revealed that some of these TCRs can bind underneath the MR1 antigen-binding cleft instead of recognizing the presented antigen. This work thus uncovers an additional ligand for γδ T cells and reconceptualizes the nature of T cell antigen recognition.

Science
, this issue p.
1522
Foldamer-templated catalysis of macrocycle formation
Authors: Girvin Zebediah C. , Andrews Mary Katherine , Liu Xinyu , Gellman Samuel H.
Published: February 2020

Macrocycles made easy

Macrocycles, which are molecules with large rings of 12 or more atoms, are challenging to produce by intramolecular cyclization because floppy ends tend to join up with another molecule rather than fold back on themselves. Girvin
et al.
identified a foldamer—a short, structured peptide—that can cyclize floppy, dialdehyde substrates through a templated aldol condensation (see the Perspective by Gutiérrez Collar and Gulder). Variation of the residues within the foldamer suggests that its helical structure helps position amine functional groups crucial for catalysis. The authors prepared molecules with a wide range of ring sizes and developed a synthesis for robustol, a macrocycle natural product with a 22-member ring.

Science
, this issue p.
1528
; see also p.
1454
A genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of protein-coding genes in human blood cells
Authors: Uhlen Mathias , Karlsson Max J. , Zhong Wen , Tebani Abdellah , Pou Christian , Mikes Jaromir , Lakshmikanth Tadepally , Forsström Björn , Edfors Fredrik , Odeberg Jacob , Mardinoglu Adil , Zhang Cheng , von Feilitzen Kalle , Mulder Jan , Sjöstedt Evelina , Hober Andreas , Oksvold Per , Zwahlen Martin , Ponten Fredrik , Lindskog Cecilia , Sivertsson Åsa , Fagerberg Linn , Brodin Petter
Published: February 2020

A blood cell protein-expression atlas

Genome-wide analyses are increasingly providing resources for advances in basic and applied biomedical science. Uhlen
et al.
performed a global expression analysis of human blood cell types and integrated this data with data across all major human tissues and organs in the human protein atlas. This comprehensive compendium allows for classification of all human protein-coding genes with regard to their tissue- and cell-type distribution.

Science
, this issue p.
eaax9198
Redox reactions of small organic molecules using ball milling and piezoelectric materials
Authors: Kubota Koji , Pang Yadong , Miura Akira , Ito Hajime
Published: February 2020

Redox catalysis in a ball mill

Mixing solid reactants in a ball mill is a promising means of avoiding the copious solvent waste associated with most chemical syntheses. Kubota
et al.
now report that adding a piezoelectric catalyst to the mix can promote bond formation through apparent electron transfer cycles (see the Perspective by Xia and Wang). Specifically, barium titanate activates aryl diazonium salts toward borylation and coupling with heterocycles in a manner reminiscent of solutionphase photoredox catalysis. The reactions are insensitive to air and were demonstrated up to gram scale.

Science
, this issue p.
1500
; see also p.
1451
Direct synthesis of adipic acid esters via palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of 1,3-dienes
Authors: Yang Ji , Liu Jiawang , Neumann Helfried , Franke Robert , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2020

A carbonylation path to a nylon precursor

Adipic acid and its esters are manufactured on a massive scale, primarily to produce nylon. However, the standard route requires large quantities of corrosive nitric acid. J. Yang
et al.
present an efficient alternative route whereby a palladium catalyst adds carbon monoxide to each end of butadiene (see the Perspective by Schaub). Both reactants are available at commodity scale, and the reaction produces no by-products. An optimized bidentate phosphine ligand bearing a pyridine substituent for proton shuttling proved key to attaining the necessary selectivity.

Science
, this issue p.
1514
; see also p.
1447
Producing adipic acid without the nitrous oxide
Authors: Schaub Thomas
Published: February 2020

Synthesis of nylon monomer from butadiene avoids emission of a potent greenhouse gas
Seeing is believing
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: February 2020

Scientists can often make indirect measurements that tell us about things we can't actually see. For scientists who work on molecules, such as myself, this is especially true: Many of the small and large molecules that dance in my head are objects that I've never actually looked at. But for many outside of science, seeing is believing.
Lysis of a Lactococcus lactis Dipeptidase Mutant and Rescue by Mutation in the Pleiotropic Regulator CodY
Authors: Huang Chenxi , Hernandez-Valdes Jhonatan A. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kok Jan
Published: February 2020

Precise control of peptidoglycan synthesis is essential in Gram-positive bacteria for maintaining cell shape and integrity as well as resisting stresses. Although neither the dipeptidase PepV nor alanine is essential for
L. lactis
MG1363, adequate availability of either ensures proper cell wall synthesis. We broaden the knowledge about the dipeptidase PepV, which acts as a linker between nitrogen metabolism and cell wall synthesis in
L. lactis
.
Basal-Level Effects of (p)ppGpp in the Absence of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Li Gang , Zhao Qian , Luan Tian , Hu Yangbo , Zhang Yueling , Li Ting , Wang Chunlai , Xie Fang , Zhang Wanjiang , Langford Paul R. , Liu Siguo
Published: February 2020

(p)ppGpp is a key player in reprogramming transcriptomes to respond to nutritional challenges. Here, we present transcriptional and phenotypic differences of
A. pleuropneumoniae
grown in different chemically defined media in the absence of (p)ppGpp. We show that the deprivation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) does not elicit a change in the basal-level (p)ppGpp, but this level is sufficient to regulate the expression of BCAA biosynthesis. The mechanism found in
A. pleuropneumoniae
is different from that of the model organism
Escherichia coli
but similar to that found in some Gram-positive bacteria. This study not only broadens the research scope of (p)ppGpp but also further validates the complexity and multiplicity of (p)ppGpp regulation in microorganisms that occupy different biological niches.
Diagnostic Testing for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Raabe Vanessa N.
Published: February 2020

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is the most geographically widespread tick-borne virus, with infection resulting in mortality in up to 30% of cases. Clinical diagnosis alone is difficult due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms; therefore, laboratory diagnostics should be utilized for patients with residence in or travel to regions of endemicity in whom the disease is suspected. This minireview provides an overview of laboratory tests available for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and their utility in diagnosis with a focus on diagnosing CCHF in humans.
Monasone Naphthoquinone Biosynthesis and Resistance in
Monascus
Fungi
Authors: Li Mu , Kang Lijing , Ding Xiaoli , Liu Jiao , Liu Qingpei , Shao Yanchun , Molnár István , Chen Fusheng
Published: February 2020

The genes for
Monascus
naphthoquinone (monasone) biosynthesis are embedded in and form a composite supercluster with the
Monascus
azaphilone pigment biosynthetic gene cluster. Early biosynthetic intermediates are shared by the two pathways. Some enzymes encoded by the supercluster play double duty in contributing to both pathways, while others are specific for one or the other pathway. The monasone subcluster is independently regulated and inducible by elicitation with competing microorganisms. This study illustrates genomic and biosynthetic parsimony in fungi and proposes a potential path for the evolution of the mosaic-like azaphilone-naphthoquinone supercluster. The monasone subcluster also encodes a two-tiered self-resistance mechanism that models resistance determinants that may transfer to target microorganisms or emerge in cancer cells in case of naphthoquinone-type cytotoxic agents.
Syntrophy via Interspecies H
2
Transfer between
Christensenella
and
Methanobrevibacter
Underlies Their Global Cooccurrence in the Human Gut
Authors: Ruaud Albane , Esquivel-Elizondo Sofia , de la Cuesta-Zuluaga Jacobo , Waters Jillian L. , Angenent Largus T. , Youngblut Nicholas D. , Ley Ruth E.
Published: February 2020

The human gut microbiome is made of trillions of microbial cells, most of which are
Bacteria
, with a subset of
Archaea
. The bacterial family
Christensenellaceae
and the archaeal family
Methanobacteriaceae
are widespread in human guts. They correlate with each other and with a lean body type. Whether species of these two families interact and how they affect the body type are unanswered questions. Here, we show that species within these families correlate with each other across people. We also demonstrate that particular species of these two families grow together in dense flocs, wherein the bacteria provide hydrogen gas to the archaea, which then make methane. When the archaea are present, the ratio of bacterial products (which are nutrients for humans) is changed. These observations indicate that when these species grow together, their products have the potential to affect the physiology of their human host.
Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Anaerobic Respiration in Bacteroides fragilis and Its Importance
In Vivo
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Gallegos Rene , Matano Leigh M. , Butler Nicole L. , Hantman Noam , Kaili Matthew , Coyne Michael J. , Comstock Laurie E. , Malamy Michael H. , Barquera Blanca
Published: February 2020

Bacteroides
species are abundant in the human intestine and provide numerous beneficial properties to their hosts. The ability of
Bacteroides
species to convert host and dietary glycans and polysaccharides to energy is paramount to their success in the human gut. We know a great deal about the molecules that these bacteria extract from the human gut but much less about how they convert those molecules into energy. Here, we show that
B. fragilis
has a complex respiratory pathway with two different enzymes that transfer electrons from NADH to quinone and a third enzyme complex that may use an electron donor other than NADH. Although fermentation has generally been believed to be the main mechanism of energy generation in
Bacteroides
, we found that a mutant lacking one of the NADH:quinone oxidoreductases was unable to compete with the wild type in the mammalian gut, revealing the importance of respiration to these abundant gut symbionts.
Endotoxin Producers Overgrowing in Human Gut Microbiota as the Causative Agents for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Fei Na , Bruneau Aurélia , Zhang Xiaojun , Wang Ruirui , Wang Jinxing , Rabot Sylvie , Gérard Philippe , Zhao Liping
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have reported a link between gut microbiota and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), showing that germfree (GF) mice do not develop metabolic syndromes, including NAFLD. However, the specific bacterial species causing NAFLD, as well as their molecular cross talk with the host for driving liver disease, remain elusive. Here, we found that nonvirulent endotoxin-producing strains of pathogenic species overgrowing in obese human gut can act as causative agents for induction of NAFLD and related metabolic disorders. The cross talk between endotoxin from these specific producers and the host’s TLR4 receptor is the most upstream and essential molecular event for inducing all phenotypes in NAFLD and related metabolic disorders. These nonvirulent endotoxin-producing strains of gut pathogenic species overgrowing in human gut may collectively become a predictive biomarker or serve as a novel therapeutic target for NAFLD and related metabolic disorders.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Cryptosporidiosis in Infants Implicates
PRKCA
Authors: Wojcik Genevieve L. , Korpe Poonum , Marie Chelsea , Mentzer Alexander J. , Carstensen Tommy , Mychaleckyj Josyf , Kirkpatrick Beth D. , Rich Stephen S. , Concannon Patrick , Faruque A. S. G. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. , Duggal Priya
Published: February 2020

Globally, diarrhea remains one of the major causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The initial symptoms of diarrhea can often lead to long-term consequences for the health of young children, such as malnutrition and neurocognitive developmental deficits. Despite many children having similar exposures to infectious causes of diarrhea, not all develop symptomatic disease, indicating a possible role for human genetic variation. Here, we conducted a genetic study of susceptibility to symptomatic disease associated with
Cryptosporidium
infection (a leading cause of diarrhea) in three independent cohorts of infants from Dhaka, Bangladesh. We identified a genetic variant within protein kinase C alpha (
PRKCA
) associated with higher risk of cryptosporidiosis in the first year of life. These results indicate a role for human genetics in susceptibility to cryptosporidiosis and warrant further research to elucidate the mechanism.
Rifampicin induced shock during re-exposure for treatment of latent tuberculosis
Authors: Harlow Christopher Francis , Meghji Jamilah , Martin Laura , Harris Timothy , Kon Onn Min
Published: February 2020

We present a case of a young Asian female with rheumatoid arthritis who received latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment prior to treatment with a biologic agent, and developed shock with resistant hypotension on re-exposure to rifampicin. We discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of rifampicin induced shock, concluding that clinicians should be aware of this rare, but potential adverse effect, and be aware that adverse reactions to rifampicin are more frequent during re-exposure or longer dosing interval regimes. The evidence for desensitisation following such a reaction is lacking and this approach is not currently recommended. We would suggest close collaboration between specialties prescribing immunosuppression and the tuberculosis team when LTBI treatment is required after a reaction, with patient involvement to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment options.
Impact of severe polyhandicap cared for at home on French informal caregivers’ burden: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rousseau Marie-Christine , Baumstarck Karine , Valkov Maria , Felce Agnés , Brisse Catherine , Khaldi-Cherif Sherezad , Loundou Anderson , Auquier Pascal , Billette de Villemeur Thierry
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Polyhandicap (PLH), defined by a combination of profound intellectual impairment and serious motor deficits, is a severe condition with complex disabilities. In France, care of the large majority of PLH individuals is managed in specialised rehabilitation centres or residential facilities, but some of PLH individuals are cared for at home. The aims of this study were to assess the self-perceived burden among informal caregivers of PLH individuals and to identify potential determinants of this burden.

Design

Cross-sectional study (Neuropaediatric Department, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France).

Settings

PLH children were recruited from a specialised paediatric/neurological department.

Participants

The selection criteria of caregivers were age above 18 years and being the PLH individual’s next of kin.

Outcomes measures

From March 2015 to December 2016, data were collected from the caregivers, including sociodemographical data, health status, psycho-behavioural data (quality of life, mood disorders and coping) and self-perceived burden. In addition, the health status of the PLH individual was collected. Relationships between the burden scores and potential determinants were tested (correlations coefficients, Mann-Whitney tests, generalised estimating equations models).

Results

Eighty-four children were eligible; 77 families returned their questionnaire. The informal caregivers of PLH children experienced a high level of perceived burden (scores ranged from 55±20 to 81±12). Eighty per cent of them had more than 5 hours of daily caregiving and 51% of them had to get up more than twice during the night. The main factors associated with caregiver burden were age, financial issues, health status, daily care and coping strategies. The patients’ health status was not associated with caregiver burden.

Conclusions

Some of the caregiver burden determinants might be modifiable. These findings should help healthcare workers and health-decision makers implement specific and appropriate interventions.

Trial registration number

NCT02400528.
Socioeconomic gradients of adverse birth outcomes and related maternal factors in rural and urban Alberta, Canada: a concentration index approach
Authors: Ospina Maria , Osornio-Vargas Álvaro Román , Nielsen Charlene C , Crawford Susan , Kumar Manoj , Aziz Khalid , Serrano-Lomelin Jesus
Published: February 2020

Objective

Using a summary measure of health inequalities, this study evaluated the distribution of adverse birth outcomes (ABO) and related maternal risk factors across area-level socioeconomic status (SES) gradients in urban and rural Alberta, Canada.

Design

Cross-sectional study using a validated perinatal clinical registry and an area-level SES.

Setting

The study was conducted in Alberta, Canada. Data about ABO and related maternal risk factors were obtained from the Alberta Perinatal Health Program between 2006 and 2012. An area-level SES index derived from census data (2006) was linked to the postal code at delivery.

Participants

Women (n=3 30 957) having singleton live births with gestational age ≥22 weeks.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We estimated concentration indexes to assess inequalities across SES gradients in both rural and urban areas (CIdxRand CIdxU, respectively) for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA), gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, smoking and substance use during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy weight >91 kg.

Results

The highest health inequalities disfavouring low SES groups were identified for substance abuse and smoking in rural areas (CIdxR−0.38 and −0.23, respectively). Medium inequalities were identified for LGA (CIdxR−0.08), pre-pregnancy weight >91 kg (CIdxR−0.07), substance use (CIdxU−0.15), smoking (CIdxU−0.14), gestational diabetes (CIdxU−0.10) and SGA (CIdxU−0.07). Low inequalities were identified for PTB (CIdxR−0.05; CIdxU−0.05) and gestational diabetes (CIdxR−0.04). Inequalities disfavouring high SES groups were identified for gestational hypertension (CIdxR+0.04), SGA (CIdxR+0.03) and LGA (CIdxU+0.03).

Conclusions

ABO and related maternal risk factors were unequally distributed across the socioeconomic gradient in urban–rural settings, with the greatest concentrations in lower SES groups of rural areas. Future research is needed on underlying mechanisms driving SES gradients in perinatal health across the rural–urban spectrum.
Dissemination of trial results to participants in phase III pragmatic clinical trials: an audit of trial investigators intentions
Authors: Raza M Zulfiqar , Bruhn Hanne , Gillies Katie
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine the proportion of Phase III clinical trials given a favourable opinion by a research ethics committee in the UK that provided trial results to those who participated.

Design

Audit of records.

Setting

Phase III clinical trials registered on the UK’s research permissions system (Integrated Research Application System) between the 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of trial investigators that intended to provide results to trial participants compared against what trials reported to ethics committees at the end of study.

Results

Out of 1404 Phase III trials, 87.7% (n=1231) trials stated they intended to disseminate results to participants while 12.3% (n=173) trials stated they would not. Out of these 1231 trials, 18.8% (n=231) trials intended to actively communicate trial results or a means of accessing results to their participants, a further 80.5% (n=991) reported passive intention to disseminate and for the remainder (n=9) the process was unclear. Of the 370 End of Study reports (30% of all included studies) that could be accessed 10 (2.7%) explicitly mentioned activities related to dissemination of findings to participants with the majority (74.9%) having no mention and a further 22.4% of reports not being accessible. Of the 10 which did report dissemination of results to participants the majority (n=6) were through a lay summary or letter.

Conclusions

Reported intention to disseminate results to trial participants among trial investigators is high, however, reporting of feedback methods is lacking. In addition, mechanisms to ensure intentions to disseminate trial results are translated into actual behaviour need to be put in place to ensure those who participate in trials have the opportunity to find out about the results.
CDK5RAP2primary microcephaly is associated with hypothalamic, retinal and cochlear developmental defects
Authors: Nasser Hala , Vera Liza , Elmaleh-Bergès Monique , Steindl Katharina , Letard Pascaline , Teissier Natacha , Ernault Anais , Guimiot Fabien , Afenjar Alexandra , Moutard Marie Laure , Héron Delphine , Alembik Yves , Momtchilova Martha , Milani Paolo , Kubis Nathalie , Pouvreau Nathalie , Zollino Marcella , Guilmin Crepon Sophie , Kaguelidou Florentia , Gressens Pierre , Verloes Alain , Rauch Anita , El Ghouzzi Vincent , Drunat Severine , Passemard Sandrine
Published: February 2020

Background

Primary hereditary microcephaly (MCPH) comprises a large group of autosomal recessive disorders mainly affecting cortical development and resulting in a congenital impairment of brain growth. Despite the identification of >25 causal genes so far, it remains a challenge to distinguish between different MCPH forms at the clinical level.

Methods

7 patients with newly identified mutations inCDK5RAP2(MCPH3) were investigated by performing prospective, extensive and systematic clinical, MRI, psychomotor, neurosensory and cognitive examinations under similar conditions.

Results

All patients displayed neurosensory defects in addition to microcephaly. Small cochlea with incomplete partition type II was found in all cases and was associated with progressive deafness in 4 of them. Furthermore, the CDK5RAP2 protein was specifically identified in the developing cochlea from human fetal tissues. Microphthalmia was also present in all patients along with retinal pigmentation changes and lipofuscin deposits. Finally, hypothalamic anomalies consisting of interhypothalamic adhesions, a congenital midline defect usually associated with holoprosencephaly, was detected in 5 cases.

Conclusion

This is the first report indicating thatCDK5RAP2not only governs brain size but also plays a role in ocular and cochlear development and is necessary for hypothalamic nuclear separation at the midline. Our data indicate that CDK5RAP2 should be considered as a potential gene associated with deafness and forme fruste of holoprosencephaly. These children should be given neurosensory follow-up to prevent additional comorbidities and allow them reaching their full educational potential.

Trial registration number

NCT01565005.
Ischaemic stroke in young adults: a global perspective
Authors: Boot Esther , Ekker Merel Sanne , Putaala Jukka , Kittner Steven , De Leeuw Frank-Erik , Tuladhar Anil M
Published: February 2020

Ischaemic stroke at young age is an increasing problem in both developing and developed countries due to rising incidence, high morbidity and mortality and long-term psychological, physical and social consequences. Compared with stroke in older adults, stroke in young adults is more heterogeneous due to the wide variety of possible underlying risk factors and aetiologies. In this review, we will provide an overview of the global variation in the epidemiology of stroke in young adults, with special attention to differences in geography, ethnicity/race and sex, as well as traditional and novel risk factors for early-onset ischaemic stroke, such as air pollution. Understanding global differences is an important prerequisite for better region-specific prevention and treatment of this devastating condition.
Evaluation of a fellowship abroad as part of the initial training of the French military surgeon
Authors: Choufani Camille , Barbier O , Demoures T , Mathieu L , Rigal S
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Military surgery requires skills that in general cannot be easily learnt in civilian training. Participation in a fellowship abroad adapted to the particular operating conditions of the foreign deployment is one route that might secure the necessary supplementary training. We therefore assessed the relevance of such a fellowship in the preparedness of young military surgeons in their first deployment.

Methods

This study included all active military surgeons who had completed a fellowship abroad during their initial training from 2004 to 2017 in Tchad or Senegal or Djibouti. The collection of data was performed using a questionnaire. The main judgement criterion was the rate of positive answers awarded to the relevance of this fellowship in the preparedness of respondents’ first foreign deployment.

Results

Sixty-nine of 73 surgeons answered. Sixty-one estimated the fellowship had allowed them to feel more operational during their first mission, with 83.61% rating this feeling as important. Also, 61 recommended the use of a fellowship for war surgery training. The grade assigned to the surgical benefit was 8.48/10.

Conclusion

A fellowship abroad permits one to become familiar with surgical practice under austere circumstances and the particularities of the surgical structures at the front. Current trainees’ feedback confirms its relevance.
Finding lupus in the ANA haystack
Authors: Olsen Nancy J , Karp David R
Published: February 2020

Diagnosis of SLE in early stages is challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of presenting symptoms and the poor performance metrics of the screening ANA test. Even the more specific double-stranded DNA autoantibody has relatively low predictive value in early disease. A consequence is delayed referral, with the likelihood that some patients have progression of disease prior to specialist evaluation. Tests that might fill this diagnostic gap are therefore needed. The AVISE Connective Tissue Disease Test that uses a multiplex approach to detect autoantibodies and cell-bound complement products has shown utility in distinguishing SLE from other rheumatological conditions. Whether it might be useful in early disease stages to predict progression is addressed in a recent study by Liang and colleagues, who tested clinic patients who had non-specific findings with the objective of determining whether AVISE could predict onset of SLE. While this test provided more useful prognostic information than other available diagnostics, it had relatively low sensitivity, suggesting that significant numbers of patients with preclinical SLE would be missed by this screening. The need remains for development of diagnostics with robust sensitivity and specificity in early disease that would also deliver prognostic information about risk for SLE. Such tests would have great value as a tool for primary providers to more efficiently triage ANA-positive patients for appropriate specialty evaluation.
Confidence of veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom in treating and diagnosing exotic pet species
Authors: Wills Alison , Holt Susan
Published: February 2020

Background

With exotic pet species commonplace in the UK, owners are increasingly seeking veterinary advice regarding the health and welfare of their small mammals and reptiles. This study aimed to assess the confidence of veterinarians in the UK in treating and diagnosing rabbits, guinea pigs, small mammals and reptiles.

Methods

A 41‐question survey was promoted via social media, including on interest groups focused specifically at veterinary professionals. A total of 131 practising veterinarians in the UK completed the questionnaire.

Results

Frequency of presentation of exotic pets to a practice had a significant effect (P<0.01) on the confidence of veterinarians in treating them. Veterinarians who were presented with exotics more frequently had increased self‐reported knowledge of their health and disease and were more confident in treating, diagnosing and anaesthetising them. Knowledge of and confidence in diagnosing and treating exotic pets were significantly less than for dogs and cats (P<0.001). There was a significant effect of length of time qualified on confidence in treating exotic pet species (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Increased provision and engagement with continuing professional development may increase veterinary confidence in diagnosing, treating and anaesthetising exotic pet species that are less commonly encountered in practice.
A multistate mark–recapture approach to characterize stream fish movement at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Yui Naoki , Mamiya Wataru , Sakai Rei , Yabuhara Yuri , Miyazaki Tohru , Utsumi Shunsuke , Kishida Osamu , Uno Hiromi
Published: February 2020

We studied movement of a native salmonid, white-spotted char (Salvelinus leucomaenis), in a 1-km tributary in northern Hokkaido, Japan, in May–July 2018. Based on physical mark–recapture of 501 unique individuals and detection by mobile PIT antenna over monthly intervals, a majority of fish (70%–80%) stayed within 60 m of previously released locations, demonstrating what appeared to be restricted movement patterns. However, fixed PIT antenna data showed that as much as 17% of marked individuals emigrated from the study area during the 2-month study period. Probability of emigration did not depend on where in the 1-km segment individuals had been released, indicating that emigration likely represented long-distance movement. Once emigrants made a decision to emigrate, they left the tributary within 1–3 median days by moving downstream in a unidirectional manner, based on detections at a total of three antenna arrays deployed throughout the tributary. Our multiscale analysis provided strong support for co-existence of short- and long-distance movement patterns, and we conclude that movement data at multiple spatial scales complement each other to characterize population-scale movement.
Paenibacillus polymyxa biofertilizer application in a tea plantation reduces soil N2O by changing denitrifier communities
Authors: Zhou Sining , Zeng Xiangui , Xu Zhe , Bai Zhihui , Xu Shengming , Jiang Cancan , Zhuang Guoqiang , Xu Shengjun
Published: February 2020

Increasing the use of nitrogen fertilizers in tea orchards has led to intense nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Foliar application of Paenibacillus polymyxa biofertilizer has been proven to be beneficial for organic tea production. In this study, tea yield and quality were significantly improved after application of P. polymyxa biofertilizer compared with the control but were not significantly different from chemical fertilizer treatments. However, the average N2O fluxes in tea fields treated with chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers (225 kg N·ha−1·year−1 for both) were 50.6–973.7 and 0.6–29.1 times higher than those in the control treatment, respectively. Pot experiments conducted to explore the mechanism of N2O reduction induced by P. polymyxa biofertilizer showed that applying P. polymyxa in addition to urea could reduce N2O fluxes by 36.5%–73.1%. Quantitative PCR analysis suggested that a significant increase in the quantity of nirK and nosZ genes was linked to the reduction of N2O, and high-throughput sequencing of nosZ revealed active and potentially efficient denitrifiers in different treatments. Our findings suggest that P. polymyxa biofertilizer is in line with the requirements of modern agriculture, which aims to increase product yield and quality while reducing negative environmental impacts.
Universal enveloping Poisson conformal algebras
Authors: Kolesnikov P. S.
Published: February 2020

Lie conformal algebras are useful tools for studying vertex operator algebras and their representations. In this paper, we establish close relations between Poisson conformal algebras and representations of Lie conformal algebras. We also calculate explicitly Poisson conformal brackets on the associated graded conformal algebras of universal associative conformal envelopes of the Virasoro conformal algebra and the Neveu–Schwartz conformal superalgebra.
Fabrication of Infrared Opacifiers Loaded Al2O3 Aerogel-SiO2 Fiber Mat Composites with High Thermal Resistance
Authors: Wen Shangyan , Zhu Jiayi , Yin Qiang , Bi Yutie , Ren Hongbo , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2020

The infrared opacifiers loaded Al2O3 aerogel-SiO2 fiber mat composites were fabricated by the sol–gel process. The effects of the content of the TiO2 and SiC particles on thermal insulation performance of the Al2O3 aerogel-SiO2 fiber mat composites were studied. The results showed that the optimum doping content of TiO2 and SiC for Al2O3 aerogel-SiO2 fiber mat composites were 10[Formula: see text]mol.% and 0.5[Formula: see text]mol.%, respectively. The optimum TiO2-Al2O3 aerogel-SiO2 fiber mat composite had the low thermal conductivity of 0.021[Formula: see text]W/(m[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K) at 35∘C and 0.031[Formula: see text]W/(m[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K) at 600∘C. Meanwhile, the SiC-Al2O3 aerogel-SiO2 fiber mat composite also had the low thermal conductivity of 0.022[Formula: see text]W/(m[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K) at 35∘C and 0.025[Formula: see text]W/(m[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K) at 600∘C.
Mechanics of salt systems: state of the field in numerical methods, Part II
Authors: Goteti Rajesh , Nikolinakou Maria A. , Heidari Mahdi
Published: February 2020

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Mechanics of salt systems: state of the field in numerical methods collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/mechanics-of-salt-systems