bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interoception and alcohol addiction: Vagotomy induces long‐lasting suppression of relapse‐type behavior
Authors: Ibañez Carlos , Vicencio Sergio , Quintanilla María Elena , Maldonado Pedro
Published: December 2019

Drug addictions are chronic mental disorders characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug use, despite their negative consequences. It is a priority to find therapeutic alternatives to prevent relapse, as there are still no treatments that can ensure abstinence. One of the neural systems implicated in the appearance of the states of discomfort that motivate relapse is the interoceptive system, which oversees our internal body states. However, less attention has been given to the peripheral components of the interoceptive system and their role in addictions. Within these pathways, the vagus nerve represents one of the main visceral afferents of the interoceptive system. We hypothesized that the interruption of visceral afferent pathways would decrease the motivational effects of the drug, thereby either decreasing or preventing drug cravings. To test this idea, we used rats of a high‐alcohol‐drinking line and measured the effect that vagus nerve resection had on the relapse‐like alcohol drinking, expressed as the alcohol deprivation effect, a phenomenon that has been linked to addiction‐related events such as alcohol cravings. We found that even though vagotomy completely eliminates the effect of alcohol deprivation, it has no impact on water consumption or animal weight. These results give us valuable information about the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and alcohol use disorders and allow us to propose new clinical research that might have translational options.
Prevalence, damage, management and insecticide resistance of stink bug populations (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in commodity crops
Authors: Sosa‐Gómez Daniel R. , Corrêa‐Ferreira Beatriz S. , Kraemer Beatriz , Pasini Amarildo , Husch Patrícia E. , Delfino Vieira Carlos E. , Reis Martinez Cláudia B. , Negrão Lopes Ivani O.
Published: December 2019

Pest management of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn (Zea mays L.) and cotton (Gossypium spp.) agroecosystems has become a major concern in several countries of the Americas.

In this review, we report an overview on geographical distribution, injury, damage and methods used to control (plant resistance mechanisms, biological control) the most important stink bugs in the Americas, with an emphasis on Brazil, the implications of the trend towards decreased susceptibility of stink bug populations to insecticides and the current difficulties of the management of these insect pests.

Currently, the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros (Fabricius) is less susceptible to organophosphate insecticides than in the past. A slight reduction in E. heros susceptibility to pyrethroids and, to a lesser extent, to neonicotinoids has also been observed. In addition, the green‐belly stink bug [Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas)] is more tolerant to the three classes of insecticides (neonicotinoids, organophosphates and pyrethroids) than E. heros.

Metabolic detoxification is involved in organophosphate, neonicotinoid and pyrethroid differences in susceptibility. Restricted availability of insecticides with different modes of action could favour the selection of resistant phenotypes in stink bug populations.
Sequence data reflect the introduction pathways of the Sirex woodwasp parasitoid, Ibalia leucospoides (Ibaliidae, Hymenoptera)
Authors: Hurley Brett P. , Fitza Katrin N.E. , Wingfield Michael J. , Slippers Bernard
Published: December 2019

The parasitoid wasp Ibalia leucospoides is native to the northern hemisphere and has been introduced to the southern hemisphere as a biological control agent for the invasive woodwasp Sirex noctilio. Two subspecies of the parasitoid, Ibalia leucospoides leucospoides (Palearctic distribution) and Ibalia leucospoides ensiger (Nearctic distribution), were introduced and are reported to have hybridized.

Despite extensive records of the numbers and origins of the wasps imported into the southern hemisphere, nothing is known regarding their current population diversity. We investigated the genetic variation of I. leucospoides in its native and introduced ranges using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS) markers.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in the introduced range was limited, with only five haplotypes, although sequence divergence between these haplotypes was high. Similarly, the ITS rDNA sequences revealed multiple clades present in the introduced range.

These results reflect introductions from a wide geographical range but where genetic bottlenecks have possibly reduced the genetic diversity. The data further reflect the origin of the I. leucospoides populations in South America and South Africa from New Zealand or Australia. We found no evidence of hybridization between the two subspecies of the parasitoid in its introduced range, and no evidence that I. leucospoides ensiger has established outside its native range.
Eclampsia in Australia and New Zealand: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Pollock Wendy , Peek Michael J. , Wang Alex , Li Zhuoyang , Ellwood David , Homer Caroline S.E. , Jackson Pulver Lisa , McLintock Claire , Vaughan Geraldine , Knight Marian , Sullivan Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Eclampsia is a serious consequence of pre‐eclampsia. There are limited data from Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) on eclampsia.

Aim

To determine the incidence, management and perinatal outcomes of women with eclampsia in ANZ.

Materials and Methods

A two‐year population‐based descriptive study, using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS), carried out in 263 sites in Australia, and all 24 New Zealand maternity units, during a staggered implementation over 2010–2011. Eclampsia was defined as one or more seizures during pregnancy or postpartum (up to 14 days) in any woman with clinical evidence of pre‐eclampsia.

Results

Of 136 women with eclampsia, 111 (83%) were in Australia and 25 (17%) in New Zealand. The estimated incidence of eclampsia was 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–2.7) per 10 000 women giving birth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were over‐represented in Australia (n = 9; 8.1%). Women with antepartum eclampsia (n = 58, 42.6%) were more likely to have a preterm birth (P = 0.04). Sixty‐three (47.4%) women had pre‐eclampsia diagnosed prior to their first eclamptic seizure of whom 19 (30.2%) received magnesium sulphate prior to the first seizure. Nearly all women (n = 128; 95.5%) received magnesium sulphate post‐seizure. No woman received prophylactic aspirin during pregnancy. Five women had a cerebrovascular haemorrhage, and there were five known perinatal deaths.

Conclusions

Eclampsia is an uncommon consequence of pre‐eclampsia in ANZ. There is scope to reduce the incidence of this condition, associated with often catastrophic morbidity, through the use of low‐dose aspirin and magnesium sulphate in women at higher risk.
Success rates and outcomes of laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy
Authors: Daniels Samuel , Robson Danielle , Palacz Magdalena , Howell Stuart , Nguyen Tran , Behnia‐Willison Fariba
Published: December 2019

Background

Uterovaginal prolapse is a prevalent gynaecological issue, which can have a negative impact on the quality of life of women. Hysterectomy and vaginal repair are conventional treatments to address apical prolapse; however, women are increasingly requesting uterine‐preserving alternatives.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy on symptomatic prolapse from an Australian experience.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study presents outcomes of 157 patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy at a private practice in South Australia during 2007–2017. Primary outcome is the success rate according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) system. Secondary measures included complication rates and patients identified as having Stages III‐IV prolapse and their outcomes.

Results

The median age was 58 years (27–86 years), median parity was 2 (0–6), and median body mass index was 26.8 (23–29.9). One hundred and thirty‐four women had a laparoscopic hysteropexy and concurrent vaginal prolapse repair and four women had an isolated laparoscopic hysteropexy. The mean pre‐operative point C was 0.60. The mean change from pre‐operative point C to post‐operative point C was 7.6 cm (P < 0.01). Of the 136 patients (98.6%) seen at post‐operative 4–6 weeks, all had Stage 0 POP‐Q scores. Prolapse recurrence was observed in 22 patients, while 116 patients remained cured at their last follow‐up. Prolapse recurrence was associated with anterior vaginal mesh, previous prolapse surgery, pre‐operative Stage III‐IV disease and number of vaginal deliveries.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy is an effective and safe procedure with a high success rate comparable to available international data.
Clinical utility of the Quantra® point‐of‐care haemostasis analyser during urgent cardiac surgery
Authors: Zghaibe W. , Scheuermann S. , Munting K. , Blaudszun G. , Besser M. , Ortmann E. , Klein A. A.
Published: December 2019

Coagulopathic bleeding during and after cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Viscoelastic testing is increasingly used instead of laboratory testing. Our aim was to compare a new viscoelastic point‐of‐care device, the Quantra® System, with thromboelastography and standard laboratory testing. After ethical approval and with written informed consent, we prospectively recruited adult patients undergoing urgent cardiac surgery at increased risk of bleeding. Clot time and clot stiffness values were compared before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. We prospectively recruited 52 patients, of whom 34 (65%) were transfused with red blood cells. Our usual transfusion thresholds for fibrinogen (1.5 g.l−1), platelets (100,000.μl−1), prothrombin time (20 s), activated partial thromboplastin time (48 s) and maximum amplitude on thromboelastography (50 mm) corresponded to Quantra values of fibrinogen clot stiffness 2.0 hPa, platelet clot stiffness 13.5 hPa, clot time 159 s, clot time 183 s and clot stiffness 17.0 hPa, respectively. These Quantra thresholds showed high negative predictive value for low platelets (platelet clot stiffness, 97.4%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (clot time, 92.6%) and reduced maximum amplitude on thromboelastography (clot stiffness, 93.6%). The Quantra predicted clinical need for transfusion of platelets (area under the curve 0.71, p = 0.001) but all tests performed poorly at predicting the need for fresh frozen plasma transfusion. We have shown that point‐of‐care testing using the novel Quantra system provides useful data for guiding transfusion management.
Novel ADGRG2 truncating variants in patients with X‐linked congenital absence of vas deferens
Authors: Pagin Adrien , Bergougnoux Anne , Girodon Emmanuelle , Reboul Marie‐Pierre , Willoquaux Christelle , Kesteloot Maryse , Raynal Caroline , Bienvenu Thierry , Humbert Mathilde , Lalau Guy , Bieth Eric
Published: December 2019

Background

Congenital absence of vas deferens (CAVD) represents a major cause of obstructive azoospermia and is mainly related to biallelic alteration of the CFTR gene, also involved in cystic fibrosis. Using whole exome sequencing, we recently identified hemizygous loss‐of‐function mutations in the Adhesion G Protein‐coupled Receptor G2 gene (ADGRG2) as responsible of isolated CAVD in the absence of associated unilateral renal agenesis.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to retrospectively perform ADGRG2 sequencing on a large cohort of patients with CAVD, and 0 or only 1 CFTR defective allele identified after comprehensive testing in order to (a) define more precisely the spectrum and the frequency of ADGRG2 mutations within Caucasian population (b) explore the possibility of co‐occurrence of CFTR and ADGRG2 mutations.

Materials and methods

We collected 53 DNA samples from CAVD patients with 0 (n = 23) or 1 (n = 30) alteration identified after comprehensive CFTR testing in order to perform ADGRG2 sequencing. Twenty patients had normal ultrasonographic renal examination, and renal status was not documented for 33 patients.

Results

We identified six new truncating ADGRG2 mutations in 8 patients including two twin brothers: c.251C > G (p.Ser84*), c.1013delC (p.Pro338Hisfs*4), c.1460delG (p.Gly487Alafs*9), c.2096dupT (p.Phe700Ilefs*29), c.2473C > T (p.Arg825*), and c.1731_1839 + 373del (p.Asn578Thrfs*12), which is a 596 base pair deletion affecting the last five bases of exon 21 and the whole exon 22. Five of the eight patients also harbored an heterozygous CFTR mutation which we consider as incidental regarding the high penetrance expected for ADGRG2 truncating variants. The frequency of ADGRG2 truncating mutation was 26% (5/19 unrelated patients) when presence of both kidneys was attested by ultrasonography and 6.1% (2/33) among patients with unknown renal status.

Discussion & Conclusion

Our results confirm the interest of ADGRG2 sequencing in patients with CAVD not formerly related to CFTR dysfunction, especially in the absence of associated unilateral renal agenesis.
Survival outcomes of hepatic resections in Bismuth‐Corlette type IV cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ku Dominic , Tang Reuben , Pang Tony , Pleass Henry , Richardson Arthur , Yuen Lawrence , Lam Vincent
Published: December 2019

Background

Surgical resection for Bismuth‐Corlette type IV (BC‐IV) hilar cholangiocarcinomas, also termed Klatskin tumours are technically challenging and were once considered unresectable tumours. Following advances in hepatobiliary imaging and surgical techniques, emerging evidence suggests that surgical resection is a viable avenue for long‐term survival. We aimed to identify factors affecting survival outcomes of hepatic resections for BC‐IV cholangiocarcinomas.

Method

A systematic review was performed across multiple databases and several clinical trial registries. Two reviewers independently screened and selected papers that contained survival data on BC‐IV cholangiocarcinoma after hepatic resections.

Results

Of 13 499 papers from our search result, 21 papers satisfied the inclusion criteria. The median post‐operative survival was 30.8 months. The average 1‐ and 5‐year post‐operative survivals were 61.6 and 33.3%, respectively. Predictors of long‐term survival included achievement of R0 margins, minimisation of operative time and reduction intra‐operative blood loss.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates improving post‐operative outcomes and survival in surgical resection of BC‐IV cholangiocarcinoma and suggests that radical surgical resection is a valid treatment option for the disease.
Statin therapy does not influence the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Karavias Dimitrios , Thomas Paul , Koh Amanda , Irving Glen , Navarro Alex P. , Cameron Iain C. , Gomez Dhanny ,   the Nottingham HPB Surgery Group
Published: December 2019

Background

Recently, statins have been associated with improved survival in certain cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of statins on the outcome of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. In addition, the effect of statins on the histopathological characteristics of the disease was assessed.

Methods

A retrospective review of the prospectively maintained hepato‐pancreatico‐biliary database was performed and patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the impact of statins on histopathological characteristics and survival outcome.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included, of whom 71 underwent pancreatic resections and 80 underwent trial dissection and bypass procedures. In the operated group, 20 patients were on statin therapy preoperatively. With respect to disease‐free survival, tumour size (P = 0.023) and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.015) were significant variables on univariate analysis. Gender (P = 0.022), adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001), lymphatic invasion (P = 0.021) and tumour size (P = 0.041) were significant variables on univariate analysis with respect to overall survival. Multivariate analysis identified adjuvant chemotherapy as the only independent predictor of overall survival (P < 0.001). No correlations between the use of statins and the histopathological characteristics were identified.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy is an independent predictor of overall survival in patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. Statin therapy does not influence survival outcomes and histopathological characteristics following surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Acute cholecystitis or simple biliary colic after an emergency presentation: why it matters
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , van Dijk Aafke , Smith Garett , Leibman Steven , Mittal Anubhav , Albania Maria , de Reuver Philip , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is often performed during the index admission after emergency presentation for acute biliary pain. Many patients have acute cholecystitis (AC) that may increase operative difficulty and complications. Our primary aim was to assess the validity of Tokyo Guidelines (TG18) for diagnosing AC by comparison with the admitting team diagnosis, operative findings and histopathology. The secondary aim was to assess outcomes after same‐admission or delayed LC.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LC after presenting to a tertiary hospital emergency department over a 12‐month period was conducted.

Results

A total of 139 patients underwent LC with no mortality or bile duct injury. A diagnosis of AC made by the admitting surgical team had sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 57%. The TG18 diagnosis had sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 53%. A diagnosis of AC by the admitting surgical team correlated well with TG18 criteria diagnosis. There was poor correlation between clinical and histopathological diagnoses. Nine percent of patients had complications and 4% required conversion to open procedure. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of AC had longer post‐operative length of stay and more complications compared with those who had non‐AC diagnosis. There was no difference in outcomes between same‐admission LC or delayed LC.

Conclusion

TG18 diagnosis of AC does not improve accuracy of diagnosis or predictability of a poor outcome over the admitting surgical team diagnosis. Same‐admission LC for patients with AC is associated with similar outcomes compared to those who undergo delayed LC.
Tissue‐dependent differences in Bardet–Biedl syndrome gene expression
Authors: Patnaik Sarita Rani , Farag Aalaa , Brücker Lena , Volz Ann‐Kathrin , Schneider Sandra , Kretschmer Viola , May‐Simera Helen Louise
Published: December 2019

Background Information

Primary cilia are highly conserved multifunctional cell organelles that extend from the cell membrane. A range of genetic disorders, collectively termed ciliopathies, is attributed to primary cilia dysfunction. The archetypical ciliopathy is the Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), patients of which display virtually all symptoms associated with dysfunctional cilia. The primary cilium acts as a sensory organelle transmitting intra‐ and extracellular signals thereby transducing various signalling pathways facilitated by the BBS proteins. Growing evidence suggests that cilia proteins also have alternative functions in ciliary independent mechanisms, which might be contributing to disease etiology.

Results

In an attempt to gain more insight into possible differences in organ specific roles, we examined whether relative gene expression for individual Bbs genes was constant across different tissues in mouse, in order to distinguish possible differences in organ specific roles. All tested tissues show differentially expressed Bbs transcripts with some tissues showing a more similar stoichiometric composition of transcripts than others do.  However, loss of Bbs6 or Bbs8 affects expression of other Bbs transcripts in a tissue‐dependent way.

Conclusions and Significance

Our data support the hypothesis that in some organs, BBS proteins not only function in a complex but might also have alternative functions in a ciliary independent context. This significantly alters our understanding of disease pathogenesis and development of possible treatment strategies.
Loneliness and friendlessness among adolescents in 25 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Sauter Sydney R. , Kim Loan P. , Jacobsen Kathryn H.
Published: December 2019

Background

Loneliness is a common health problem among the elderly but is not well understood in the adolescent population, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Adolescent loneliness can have adverse impacts on short‐ and long‐term health status.

Methods

This study examined rates of self‐reported loneliness and friendlessness among 76,982 secondary school students in 25 LMICs in Latin America and the Caribbean who participated in the Global School‐based Student Health Survey (GSHS). After calculating the rates of reported loneliness and lack of close friends separately for nationally representative samples of boys and girls from each country, we used meta‐analysis to pool results for prevalence rates and associations across all 25 countries and territories.

Results

About 1 in 6 students (18.1% [95% CI: 16.4%, 20.0%]) reported being lonely most or all of the time and/or having no close friends, including 19.9% of girls and 16.2% of boys. Girls were more likely than boys to report being lonely most or all of the time (14.6% vs. 9.2%, p < .05), but boys were more likely than girls to report that they had zero close friends (8.7% vs. 7.2%, p < .05). However, the majority of students who reported being lonely did not report having no close friends, and the majority of students who reported having no close friends did not report being lonely most or all of the time.

Conclusions

Asking adolescents about both loneliness and friendships may capture the burden of social isolation among males and females better than a single question about loneliness. Successful interventions for reducing social isolation must be rooted in communities and integrated into comprehensive school and community health plans.
Spatial and temporal expansion of intrahepatic metastasis by molecularly‐defined clonality in multiple liver cancers
Authors: Yamamoto Shogo , Midorikawa Yutaka , Nagae Genta , Tatsuno Kenji , Ueda Hiroki , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Takayama Tadatoshi , Aburatani Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

Multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is divided into two categories: intrahepatic metastasis (IM), which is a true relapse of HCC, and multicentric origin (MO), which is a second primary tumor. Clinical diagnosis of multiple HCC is usually made based on tumor location and/or time to recurrence; however, it is often difficult to distinguish the two types of multiple HCC. Using 41 matched pairs of multiple HCC specimens, we confirmed the accuracy of clinical diagnoses using exome sequence data and investigated the importance of discriminating the type of multiple HCC. Genomic analysis revealed that 18 (43.9%) patients diagnosed as having genomic IM had common mutations in a pair of HCC tumors with the main tumor of these patients being more progressive compared to those with genomic MO. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis based on lobe (Definition 1) and segment (Definition 2) were 68.3% and 78.0%, respectively. Intriguingly, recurrence ≥2 years after initial surgery for 3 patients was IM. The survival of patients with clinical IM was significantly shorter than for those with clinical MO based on both Definition 1 (P = 0.045) and Definition 2 (P = 0.043). However, mean survival was not different between the patients with genomic IM and those with MO (P = 0.364). Taken together, genomic analysis elucidated that liver cancer may spread more extensively and more slowly than previously thought. In addition, distinguishing multiple HCC as IM or MC may have provided biological information but was not of clinical importance with respect to patient prognosis.
Executive function in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: A comparative study
Authors: Sartori Rodrigo Flores , Valentini Nadia Cristina , Fonseca Rochele Paz
Published: December 2019

Background

Children with motor impairments also show poor performance in some executive functions' components. However, there is no consensus on which specific executive subdomain is more impacted.

Aim

The objective of this study was to compare executive functions in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), at risk for DCD (r‐DCD), and in typically developing (TD) children.

Methods and Procedures

A sample of 397 children was assessed using the MABC‐2. Two groups of children were identified; DCD (n = 63) and at r‐DCD (n = 31). A third matched group of children with TD (n = 63) was formed. The MABC‐2 checklist and the WASI tests were used as screening tools. Measures of executive function including verbal and nonverbal tasks for working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility were tested. Multivariate analysis of variance followed by analyses of variance and Bonferroni tests were used to verify group effects on executive functions.

Results

A significant group effects were found for Working Memory, Λ = .78, F(4, 360) = 10.12, p ≤ .001, ηp2 = .12; Inhibitory Control, Λ = .59, F(16, 294) = 5.48, p ≤ .001, ηp2 = .23; and Cognitive Flexibility and Inhibitory Control, Λ = .60, F(22, 288) = 3.74, p ≤ .001, ηp2 = .22, with moderate effect sizes. The DCD group showed lower scores compared with the TD group on the visuospatial and verbal working memory; inhibitory control and in tasks of cognitive flexibility; the r‐DCD group showed lower scores compared with the TD group for visuospatial working memory and for cognitive flexibility.

Conclusions and Implications

Poor performance in several measures of executive functions in children with DCD emphasized the need of motor/executive task‐specific interventions. Furthermore, children at r‐DCD showed low scores in several executive functions; therefore, preventive services should also be provided for this subclinical group.
Maternal psychological distress before birth influences gut immunity in mid‐infancy
Authors: Kang Liane J. , Vu Khanh N. , Koleva Petya T. , Field Catherine J. , Chow Angela , Azad Meghan B. , Becker Allan B. , Mandhane Piushkumar J. , Moraes Theo J. , Sears Malcolm R. , Lefebvre Diana L. , Turvey Stuart E. , Subbarao Padmaja , Lou Wendy Y. W. , Scott James A. , Kozyrskyj Anita L.
Published: December 2019

Background

Maternal pre‐postnatal psychosocial distress increases the risk for childhood allergic disease. This may occur through a host immunity pathway that involves intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Experimental animal models show changes in the gut microbiome and immunity of offspring when exposed to direct or prenatal maternal stress, but little is known in humans.

Objective

We determined the association between maternal depression and stress symptom trajectories and infant fecal sIgA concentrations.

Methods

1043 term infants from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort were studied. Trajectories of maternal perceived stress and depression were based on scored scales administered in pregnancy and postpartum. sIgA was quantified in infant stool (mean age 3.7 months) with Immundiagnostik ELISA. Linear regression and logistic regression were employed to test associations.

Results

Very low fecal sIgA concentrations were more common in infants of mothers in the antepartum and persistent depression trajectories (6% and 2% of women, respectively). Independent of breastfeeding status at fecal sampling, infant antibiotic exposure or other covariates, the antepartum depressive symptom trajectory was associated with reduced mean infant sIgA concentrations (β=−0.07, P < .01) and a two fold risk for lowest quartile concentrations (OR, 1.86; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.40). This lowering of sIgA yielded a large effect size in older infants (4‐8 months)—breastfed and not. No associations were seen with postpartum depressive symptoms (7% of women) or with any of the perceived stress trajectories.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Despite improved mood postpartum and independent of breastfeeding status, mothers experiencing antepartum depressive symptoms delivered offspring who exhibited lower fecal sIgA concentrations especially in later infancy. The implications of lowered sIgA concentrations in infant stool are altered microbe‐sIgA interactions, greater risk for C difficile colonization and atopic disease in later years.
Balloon dilatation for paediatric airway stenosis: Evidence from the UK Airway Intervention Registry
Authors: Powell Steven , Keltie Kim , Burn Julie , Cole Helen , Donne Adam , Morrison Gavin , Stephenson Kate , Daniel Mat , Gupta Sanjeev , Wyatt Michelle , Patrick Hannah , Sims Andrew
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To assess the safety and efficacy in routine clinical practice of balloon dilatation procedures in the treatment of paediatric airway stenosis.

Design

Observational data collection in prospective online research database.

Setting

Acute NHS Trusts with ENT department undertaking complex paediatric airway work.

Participants

Children (<18) undergoing balloon dilatation treatment for airway stenosis.

Main outcome measures

Airway diameter, complications, hospital resource usage.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients had 133 balloon procedures during 128 visits to 10 hospitals. Sixty‐nine (52%) of balloon procedures were conducted with a tracheostomy. Intra‐operative Cotton‐Myer grade decreased in 43 (57%). The mean pre‐balloon subglottic diameter was 4.2 [95% CI: 3.8 to 4.5] mm, and its rate of increase was 0.8 [0.5 to 1.2] mm per year modelled on 30 patients' long‐term data. As the primary treatment of stenosis, the procedural success rate of balloon dilatation (n = 52) was 65% (22% with tracheostomy, 88% without tracheostomy), and 71% as an adjunct to open reconstructive surgery (n = 7). In the 64 hospital visits where a balloon procedure was conducted with a tracheostomy in place, only one in‐hospital complication (lower respiratory tract infection) occurred. For those without a tracheostomy in place, in‐hospital complications occurred in seven of 64 balloon hospital visits, all related to ongoing or worsening stenosis. Six out‐of‐hospital complications were deemed related to ongoing or worsening stenosis following the procedure, and two complications were a combination of lower respiratory infection and ongoing or worsening stenosis.

Conclusions

Balloon dilation increases the size of the airway intraoperatively and is associated with long‐term increase in airway diameter. Safety outcomes mostly relate to ongoing or worsening stenosis and are more common in patients without a tracheostomy.
Incorporating connectivity into conservation planning for the optimal representation of multiple species and ecosystem services
Authors: Williams Sara H. , Scriven Sarah A. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Hill Jane K. , Reynolds Glen , Agama Agnes L. , Kugan Frederick , Maycock Colin R. , Khoo Eyen , Hastie Alexander Y. L. , Sugau John B. , Nilus Reuben , Pereira Joan T. , Tsen Sandy L. T. , Lee Leung Y. , Juiling Suzika , Hodgson Jenny A. , Cole Lydia E. S. , Asner Gregory P. , Evans Luke J. , Brodie Jedediah F.
Published: December 2019

Conservation planning tends to focus on protecting species’ ranges or landscape connectivity but seldom both—particularly in the case of diverse taxonomic assemblages and multiple planning goals. Therefore, information on potential trade‐offs between maintaining landscape connectivity and achieving other conservation objectives is lacking. We developed an optimization approach to prioritize the maximal protection of species’ ranges, ecosystem types, and forest carbon stocks, while also including habitat connectivity for range‐shifting species and dispersal corridors to link protected area. We applied our approach to Sabah, Malaysia, where the state government mandated an increase in protected‐area coverage of approximately 305,000 ha but did not specify where new protected areas should be. Compared with a conservation planning approach that did not incorporate the 2 connectivity features, our approach increased the protection of dispersal corridors and elevational connectivity by 13% and 21%, respectively. Coverage of vertebrate and plant species’ ranges and forest types were the same whether connectivity was included or excluded. Our approach protected 2% less forest carbon and 3% less butterfly range than when connectivity features were not included. Hence, the inclusion of connectivity into conservation planning can generate large increases in the protection of landscape connectivity with minimal loss of representation of other conservation targets.
Growth‐inducing infrastructure represents transformative yet ignored keystone environmental decisions
Authors: Johnson Chris J. , Venter Oscar , Ray Justina C. , Watson James E. M.
Published: December 2019

As the defining force of the Anthropocene, human enterprise is reshaping Earth's surface and climate. As part of that process, growth‐inducing infrastructure, such as electrical transmission lines, export facilities, and roads, presents nonincremental changes in where and how natural resources are exploited. These projects open intact areas, induce or intensify industrial development, and accelerate carbon emissions. The direct impacts of large‐scale infrastructure are widely acknowledged and policy and legislation exists to account for them in environmental decisions. Yet, decision makers often ignore the secondary, growth‐induced effects, even though they can outweigh the impacts of the initial development. Given the extensive area and magnitude of such impacts, we argue that regulatory or funding approvals for growth‐inducing infrastructure represent keystone decisions. Credible approval processes require the consideration of the full range of impacts resulting from the ensuing growth. This will necessitate a shift in assessment thinking, from the traditional focus on the immediate project footprint to one that recognizes the sustainability implications of approving infrastructure that will transform the trajectory of development at regional and national scales. We identify the characteristics of growth‐inducing infrastructure and provide an overview of methods and policy that can facilitate a deliberate assessment of these keystone decisions.
MLL1 promotes myogenesis by epigenetically regulating Myf5
Authors: Cai Shufang , Zhu Qi , Guo Cilin , Yuan Renqiang , Zhang Xumeng , Nie Yaping , Chen Luxi , Fang Ying , Chen Keren , Zhang Junyan , Mo Delin , Chen Yaosheng
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Mixed lineage leukaemia protein‐1 (MLL1) mediates histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) trimethylation (me3) and plays vital roles during early embryonic development and hematopoiesis. In our previous study, we found its expression was positively correlated with embryonic myogenic ability in pigs, indicating its potential roles in mammalian muscle development. The present work aimed to explore the roles and regulation mechanisms of MLL1 in myogenesis.

Materials and methods

The expression of MLL1 in C2C12 cells was experimentally manipulated using small interfering RNAs (siRNA). 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, cell cycle assay, immunofluorescence, qRT‐PCR and Western blot were performed to assess myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was conducted to detect H3K4me3 enrichment on myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) promoter. A cardiotoxin (CTX)‐mediated muscle regeneration model was used to investigate the effects of MLL1 on myogenesis in vivo.

Results

MLL1 was highly expressed in proliferating C2C12 cells, and expression decreased after differentiation. Knocking down MLL1 suppressed myoblast proliferation and impaired myoblast differentiation. Furthermore, knockdown of MLL1 resulted in the arrest of cell cycle in G1 phase, with decreased expressions of Myf5 and Cyclin D1. Mechanically, MLL1 transcriptionally regulated Myf5 by mediating H3K4me3 on its promoter. In vivo data implied that MLL1 was required for Pax7‐positive satellite cell proliferation and muscle repair.

Conclusion

MLL1 facilitates proliferation of myoblasts and Pax7‐positive satellite cells by epigenetically regulating Myf5 via mediating H3K4me3 on its promoter.
Skeleton Preparation Best Practices in the Modern Museum: The Dermestid Approach
Authors: Pahl Aaron
Published: December 2019

Dermestid beetles are a museums secret powerhouse of skeletal cleaning that have been employed by museums for over 100 years. They are cost‐effective, efficient, and an environmentally friendly method that can double as a fascinating exhibit for the general public. This article serves as an update on the best practices of caring for a dermestid beetle colony and dispels some common misconceptions regarding the limitations to beetle usage. One of the most common arguments is that dermestid beetles should not be fed fresh meat, instead, the meat should be dried before being given to the beetles. However, this is an unnecessary step that increases time and has the potential to introduce other insects or contaminants into the colony.
Tatton‐Brown‐Rahman syndrome: cognitive and behavioural phenotypes
Authors: Lane Chloe , Tatton‐Brown Katrina , Freeth Megan
Published: December 2019

The aim of this case series was to assess and characterize cognitive abilities, autistic traits, and adaptive behaviour in Tatton‐Brown‐Rahman syndrome (TBRS). The sample included 18 individuals with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of TBRS (11 males, seven females; mean age 17y 7mo, SD 9y 5mo, range 7y 2mo–33y 10mo). The British Ability Scales, Third Edition and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS‐2) were administered to all participants. The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition were completed by a parent/caregiver. The majority of participants (n=15) had intellectual disability and General Conceptual Ability scores ranged from 39 to 76 (mean 53.17, SD 12.13). Participants displayed a profile of better verbal ability compared with non‐verbal reasoning ability and spatial ability. Autistic traits were prevalent and eight participants scored above the cut‐off on the ADOS‐2, although symptoms were less pronounced in older individuals. Adaptive functioning was impaired but commensurate with intellectual ability. Overall, TBRS is associated with an uneven cognitive profile and a high prevalence of autistic traits. This has implications for identifying appropriate services and support that may be beneficial for individuals with TBRS.

What this paper adds

Tatton‐Brown‐Rahman syndrome is associated with intellectual disability and impaired adaptive functioning.

Autistic traits were prevalent within the sample.

Lower intellectual ability and adaptive behaviour were associated with greater severity of autistic traits.
The three faces of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a single patient
Authors: Janus Scott E. , Hoit Brian D.
Published: December 2019

While the classical apical ballooning takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) was first reported in the 1990s, the rarer mid‐ventricular and basal variants were not formally recognized until recently and they remain poorly understood. In this case report, we describe a 67‐year‐old woman who, during her hospitalization for a subarachnoid hemorrhage and subsequent readmission, experienced multiple complications, each of which resulted in a different variant of TC. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a single patient developing all three variants of TC.
Use of eltrombopag for patients 65 years old or older with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: González‐López Tomás José , Sánchez‐González Blanca , Jarque Isidro , Bernat Silvia , Fernández‐Fuertes Fernando , Caparrós Isabel , Soto Inmaculada , Fernández‐Rodríguez Angeles , Bolaños Estefanía , Pérez‐Rus Gloria , Pascual Cristina , Hernández‐Rivas José Angel , López‐Ansoar Elsa , Gómez‐Nuñez Marta , Martínez‐Robles Violeta , Olivera Pavel , Yera Cobo Maria , Peñarrubia María Jesús , Fernández‐Miñano Carmen , de Cabo Erik , Martínez Badas María Paz , Perdomo Germán , García‐Frade Luis Javier
Published: December 2019

Background

Eltrombopag is useful for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, results of clinical trials may not accurately mirror clinical practice reality. Here we evaluated eltrombopag for primary and secondary ITP in our ≥65‐year‐old population.

Methods

A total of 106 primary ITP patients (16 with newly diagnosed ITP, 16 with persistent ITP, and 74 with chronic ITP) and 39 secondary ITP patients (20 with ITP secondary to immune disorders, 7 with ITP secondary to infectious diseases, and 12 with ITP secondary to lymphoproliferative disorders [LPD]) were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Median age of our cohort was 76 (interquartile range, IQR, 70‐81) years. 75.9% of patients yielded a platelet response including 66.2% complete responders. Median time to platelet response was 14 (IQR, 8‐21) days. Median time on response was 320 (IQR, 147‐526) days. Sixty‐three adverse events (AEs), mainly grade 1‐2, occurred. The most common were hepatobiliary laboratory abnormalities (HBLAs) and headaches. One transient ischemic attack in a newly diagnosed ITP and two self‐limited pulmonary embolisms in secondary ITP were the only thrombotic events observed.

Conclusion

Eltrombopag showed efficacy and safety in ITP patients aged ≥65 years with primary and secondary ITP. However, efficacy results in LPD‐ITP were poor. A relatively high number of deaths were observed.
Permafrost soil complexity evaluated by laboratory imaging Vis‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Mueller Carsten W. , Steffens Markus , Buddenbaum Henning
Published: December 2019

The biogeochemical functioning of soils (e.g., soil carbon stabilization and nutrient cycling) is determined at the interfaces of specific soil structures (e.g., aggregates, particulate organic matter (POM) and organo‐mineral associations). With the growing accessibility of spectromicroscopic techniques, there is an increase in nano‐ to microscale analyses of biogeochemical interfaces at the process scale, reaching from the distribution of elements and isotopes to the localization of microorganisms. A widely used approach to study intact soil structures is the fixation and embedding of intact soil samples in resin and the subsequent analyses of soil cross‐sections using spectromicroscopic techniques. However, it is still challenging to link such microscale approaches to larger scales at which normally bulk soil analyses are conducted. Here we report on the use of laboratory imaging Vis–NIR spectroscopy on resin embedded soil sections and a procedure for supervised image classification to determine the microscale soil structure arrangement, including the quantification of soil organic matter fractions. This approach will help to upscale from microscale spectromicroscopic techniques to the centimetre and possibly pedon scale. Thus, we demonstrate a new approach to integrate microscale soil analyses into pedon‐scale conceptual and experimental approaches.

Highlights

Quantification of soil constituents using Vis‐NIR spectroscopy.

New approach to use resin embedded soil core sections with intact structure.

Reproducible quantification of soil constituents important for soil carbon storage.

Vis‐NIR as promising tool for upscaling from microscale to pdeon scale.
Studying the spatial and temporal changes in aeolian sand transport in a wind tunnel using 3D terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Zhang Chunlai , Cen Songbo , Dai Yujie , Zou Xueyong
Published: December 2019

The spatial and temporal changes in aeolian sand transport are important in modelling wind erosion and parameterizing sand dunes and ripples. In this study, we explored the wind erosion processes that occur in sand beds using a Trimble 3D laser scanner. We found that the erosion intensity varied with distance along the sand bed and that the sand bed surface could be divided into three zones. In the pre‐bowl zone, the sand bed surface showed small and uniform variation, indicating weak erosion intensity in this zone. Downwind of the pre‐bowl zone, the bowl zone developed where the sand surface was eroded seriously and a kind of morphology analogous to blowouts occurred. The post‐bowl zone, which followed the bowl zone, was characterized by alternating accumulation and erosion. Wind velocity affected the spatial development of this bed morphology, whereas the erosion duration only affected the erosion depth. We developed an equation of the form QL = Qsat/(1 + e(−10(L‐s)/k)) to describe the relationship between sediment flux (QL) and bed length (L) in the pre‐bowl and bowl zones and found the fitting coefficients R2 were very high (1.0, 0.98, 0.97 at wind velocities 10.0, 11.0 and 12.0 m s−1, respectively). Using a fine spatial resolution for the measurements revealed features of the sand flux profile that were missed at coarser resolution. However, it will be necessary to use a longer sand bed to study the full length of the post‐bowl zone.

Highlights

The erosion intensity at different sites of the sand bed was studied.

The roughness of the bed surface increased with increasing erosion duration.

A sigmoid curve could describe the changes of erosion along the fetch length.
Dialogue as Debate: Interfaith Conversations Based on the Concept of Vāda
Authors: Baindur Meera
Published: December 2019

Philosophical and religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent had a special form of dialogue (formal debate) called vāda that sought to fulfil the function of reflective and critical thinking when in dialogue within themselves and with each other. These were used as literary tropes in textual commentaries as well as in oral contexts of teaching and debate. In this essay, I discuss the philosophical background of vāda and its description and nuances. I firmly believe that this philosophical tradition of dialogue in Indian traditions of thought, among the various sects within the Hindu fold as well as with Buddhist and Jaina faiths, could inform interfaith dialogue. A variant of this form of debate or dialogue between different and often varying faiths can be a cause for a deeper and radical engagement, not only with other faiths but also as an exercise in self‐reflectivity of religious traditions.