bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gestational diabetes and the risk of late stillbirth: a case–control study from England, UK
Authors: Stacey T , Tennant PWG , McCowan LME , Mitchell EA , Budd J , Li M , Thompson JMD , Martin B , Roberts D , Heazell AEP 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo explore the separate effects of being ‘at risk’ of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and screening for GDM, and of raised fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and clinical diagnosis of GDM, on the risk of late stillbirth.DesignProspective case–control study.SettingForty‐one maternity units in the UK.PopulationWomen who had a stillbirth ≥28 weeks of gestation (n = 291) and women with an ongoing pregnancy at the time of interview (n = 733).MethodsCausal mediation analysis explored the joint effects of (i) ‘at risk’ of GDM and screening for GDM and (ii) raised FPG (≥5.6 mmol/l) and clinical diagnosis of GDM on the risks of late stillbirth. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated by logistic regression adjusted for confounders identified by directed acyclic graphs.Main outcome measuresScreening for GDM and FPG levelsResultsWomen ‘at risk’ of GDM, but not screened, experienced 44% greater risk of late stillbirth than those not ‘at risk’ (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.06). Women ‘at risk’ of GDM who were screened experienced no such increase (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70–1.36). Women with raised FPG not diagnosed with GDM experienced four‐fold greater risk of late stillbirth than women with normal FPG (aOR 4.22, 95% CI 1.04–17.02). Women with raised FPG who were diagnosed with GDM experienced no such increase (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 0.31–3.91).ConclusionsOptimal screening and diagnosis of GDM mitigate the higher risks of late stillbirth in women ‘at risk’ of GDM and/or with raised FPG. Failure to diagnose GDM leaves women with raised FPG exposed to avoidable risk of late stillbirth.Tweetable abstractRisk of #stillbirth in gestational diabetes is mitigated by effective screening and diagnosis.
Combined DNA Typing and Protein Identification from Unfired Brass Cartridges,,,
Authors: Sterling Stacey‐Ann , Mason Katelyn E. , Anex Deon S. , Parker Glendon J. , Hart Bradley , Prinz Mechthild 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBiological evidence analysis from contact traces is adversely affected by low quantity and quality of DNA. Proteins in these samples contain potentially individualizing information and may be particularly important for difficult surfaces such as brass, where DNA may yield incomplete profiles. In this study, touched unfired brass cartridges were sampled using dry tape or wet swabs and analyzed by separating DNA and protein from the same collected material, thus producing both genomic and proteomic information. DNA recovery was similar for both collection methods, with tape yielding an average of 1.36 ± 1.87 ng and swabs, 1.34 ± 3.04 ng. Analysis by mass spectrometry identified 95 proteins, with the two collection methods showing no significant difference (p = 0.76) in the average number of collected proteins: 44.5 ± 10.9, (tape) versus 47.9 ± 20.4 (swabs). Proteins can be collected from fingerprints at levels necessary to provide identifying information, thus expanding information obtained from challenging evidence.
Prevalence of Prototheca spp. on dairy farms in Poland – a cross‐country study
Authors: Jagielski Tomasz , Krukowski Henryk , Bochniarz Mariola , Piech Tomasz , Roeske Katarzyna , Bakuła Zofia , Wlazło Łukasz , Woch Piotr 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe Prototheca algae have recently emerged as an important cause of bovine mastitis globally. Here, we present results of a first large‐scale, cross‐country survey on the prevalence of Prototheca spp. in dairy cows, and their environment in Poland. A total of 1211 samples were collected and microbiologically analysed. Included within this number were milk (n = 638), body swabs (n = 374) and environmental samples (n = 199), originating from 400 dairy cows and their surroundings, on 16 dairy farms, based in all major provinces of the country. Prototheca spp. were the third, after Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp., most common mastitis pathogens. The overall prevalence of protothecal mastitis was 8.3% (33/400), with the majority (75.8%) of cases having a subclinical course, and all but one attributable to P. zopfii genotype 2. Prototheca spp. were cultured from body swabs of both healthy and mastitic cows, yet the isolation rate among the latter was conspicuously lower (12.3% vs. 17.8%). Forty‐two (21.2%) environmental samples yielded growth of Prototheca spp. However, no clear association between Prototheca mastitis in dairy cows and the algal isolation from the herd environment was found. Nor was there any association between the environmental recovery of the algae and farm management practices.
Laboratory contamination over time during low‐biomass sample analysis
Authors: Weyrich Laura S. , Farrer Andrew G. , Eisenhofer Raphael , Arriola Luis A. , Young Jennifer , Selway Caitlin A. , Handsley‐Davis Matilda , Adler Christina J. , Breen James , Cooper Alan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBacteria are not only ubiquitous on earth but can also be incredibly diverse within clean laboratories and reagents. The presence of both living and dead bacteria in laboratory environments and reagents is especially problematic when examining samples with low endogenous content (e.g., skin swabs, tissue biopsies, ice, water, degraded forensic samples or ancient material), where contaminants can outnumber endogenous microorganisms within samples. The contribution of contaminants within high‐throughput studies remains poorly understood because of the relatively low number of contaminant surveys. Here, we examined 144 negative control samples (extraction blank and no‐template amplification controls) collected in both typical molecular laboratories and an ultraclean ancient DNA laboratory over 5 years to characterize long‐term contaminant diversity. We additionally compared the contaminant content within a home‐made silica‐based extraction method, commonly used to analyse low endogenous content samples, with a widely used commercial DNA extraction kit. The contaminant taxonomic profile of the ultraclean ancient DNA laboratory was unique compared to modern molecular biology laboratories, and changed over time according to researcher, month and season. The commercial kit also contained higher microbial diversity and several human‐associated taxa in comparison to the home‐made silica extraction protocol. We recommend a minimum of two strategies to reduce the impacts of laboratory contaminants within low‐biomass metagenomic studies: (a) extraction blank controls should be included and sequenced with every batch of extractions and (b) the contributions of laboratory contamination should be assessed and reported in each high‐throughput metagenomic study.
The Wood–Ljungdahl pathway as a key component of metabolic versatility in candidate phylum Bipolaricaulota (Acetothermia, OP1)
Authors: Youssef Noha H. , Farag Ibrahim F. , Rudy Sydney , Mulliner Ace , Walker Kara , Caldwell Ford , Miller Malik , Hoff Wouter , Elshahed Mostafa 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway is an important component of the metabolic machinery in multiple anaerobic prokaryotes, including numerous yet‐uncultured bacterial phyla. The pathway can operate in the reductive and oxidative directions, enabling a wide range of metabolic processes. Here, we present a detailed analysis of 14 newly acquired, previously analysed, and publicly available genomic assemblies belonging to the candidate phylum Bipolaricaulota (candidate division OP1, and candidatus Acetothermia), where the occurrence of WL pathway appears to be universal. In silico analysis of predicted metabolic capabilities indicates that the pathway enables homoacetogenic fermentation of sugars and amino acids in all three Bipolaricaulota orders (RBG‐16‐55‐9, UBA7950 and Bipolaricaulales). In addition, members of RBG‐16‐55‐9 appear to possess the additional capacity for syntrophic acetate oxidation using the WL pathway; as well as for respiratory growth using oxygen or nitrate. Anabolically, all UBA7950, and the majority of the Bipolaricaulales genomes possess the capacity for autotrophic growth using the WL pathway. Our results highlight the WL‐enabled metabolic versatility in the Bipolaricaulota, emphasize the need for examining the WL pathway in context of the overall metabolic circuitry in uncultured taxa, and demonstrate the value of comparative genomic analysis for providing a detailed overview of metabolic potential in a target microbial lineage and its potential functional niche in an ecosystem.
Myelin Water Fraction Imaging of the Brain in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: McLachlan Kaitlyn , Vavasour Irene , MacKay Alex , Brain Ursula , Oberlander Tim , Loock Christine , Reynolds James N. , Beaulieu Christian 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is linked to alterations of cerebral white matter, including volume and nonspecific diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices of microstructure in humans. Some animal models of PAE have demonstrated myelination deficiencies, but myelin levels have not yet been evaluated in individuals with PAE. Multiecho T2 MRI offers a quantitative method to estimate myelin water fraction (MWF; related to myelin content) noninvasively, which was used here to evaluate brain myelination in children with PAE.MethodsParticipants with PAE (n = 10, 6 females, mean age 13.9 years, range 7 to 18 years) and controls (n = 14, 11 females, mean age 13.2 years, range 9 to 16 years) underwent 3T MRI of the brain. T2 images (15 minutes acquisition for 32 echoes) were used to create MWF maps from which mean MWF was measured in 12 regions of interest (ROIs) including 8 in white matter and 4 in deep gray matter.ResultsAs expected, across the combined sample, MWF was highest for major white matter tracts such as the internal capsule and genu/splenium of the corpus callosum (10 to 18%) while the caudate and putamen had MWF less than 5%. Mean MWF was similar across 11/12 brain white and gray matter regions for the PAE and control groups (L/R internal capsule, major forceps, putamen, caudate nucleus, L minor forceps, genu and splenium of corpus callosum). In the PAE group, MWF was positively correlated with age in the genu of corpus callosum and right minor forceps, notably 2 frontal tracts.ConclusionsGiven comparable MRI‐derived myelination fraction measures in PAE relative to controls, white matter alterations shown in other imaging studies, such as diffusion tensor imaging, may reflect microstructural anomalies related to axon caliber and density.
A Prospective Study of Alcohol Use Patterns and Short‐Term Weight Change in College Freshmen
Authors: Fazzino Tera L. , Forbush Kelsie , Sullivan Debra , Befort Christie A. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe transition to college is a developmentally sensitive time in which freshmen are at high risk for engaging in heavy drinking and experiencing changes in weight and body composition. The study tested prospective associations among drinking patterns (weekly drinks, heavy drinking occasions/month) and alcohol calorie intake on weight and waist circumference change over the first year of college.MethodsCollege freshmen (N = 103) were randomly selected from a pool of eligible students to participate at the beginning of the academic year. The sample was comprised of 52% males, 46% of individuals identifying as racial or ethnic minority, and 45% students with at‐risk drinking as defined by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption questions. Students engaging in daily risky drinking (n = 2) were excluded. Participants attended 3 visits during the academic year during which they provided weight and waist circumference measurements and completed assessments about drinking, dietary intake, and physical activity.ResultsWeight gain (>2.3 kg) occurred in 28% of participants. In linear mixed models, drinking patterns and alcohol calorie intake were not associated with weight or waist circumference changes within individuals, when controlling for demographic and energy balance variables. Drinking patterns and alcohol calorie intake did not account for differences in anthropometric measurements between participants, when controlling for covariates.ConclusionsAlcohol use did not explain the anthropometric changes observed in a sample well represented by freshmen engaging in risky drinking (and excluding those with daily risky drinking) during the academic year. Drinking may not contribute to short‐term weight gain among freshmen.
Lateral septum inhibition reduces motivation for cocaine: Reversal by diazepam
Authors: Pantazis Caroline B. , Aston‐Jones Gary 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe lateral septum (LS) is a brain region implicated in motivation, addiction, anxiety, and affect. We recently found that LS is necessary for cocaine‐seeking behaviors including conditioned place preference and reinstatement of extinguished drug seeking, which involve LS input to limbic regions including ventral tegmental area (VTA) and orexin neurons in hypothalamus. Here, we microinjected baclofen‐muscimol (B‐M) in LS prior to testing in a behavioral economics (BE) paradigm. We found that intra‐LS B‐M decreased motivation (increased demand elasticity; α) for cocaine, but did not change consumption at low effort (Q0). We also compared the effects of LS inhibition with the effects of treatment with the benzodiazepine diazepam, which has been shown to facilitate reward pathways and disinhibit VTA dopamine neurons. Pretreatment with diazepam blocked the effects of LS inhibition and restored cocaine demand to that following vehicle treatment. These changes in cocaine demand after LS inhibition or diazepam were not due to effects on anxiety, as both manipulations produced similar effects on anxiety measures but opposing effects on drug taking. Collectively, these studies point to LS as a critical region driving motivation for cocaine, likely through its interactions with the mesolimbic dopamine system.
Life history and mortality factors ofAgrilus maliMatsumura (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in wild apples in Northwestern China
Authors: Cui Zhi‐Jun , Zhang Yan‐Long , Zhang Xin , Luo Zhao‐Hui , Zhang Ping , Golec Julian , Poland Therese M. , Zalucki Myron P. , Han Peng , Lu Zhao‐Zhi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWild appleMalus sieversii(Ledeb.) M. Roem. (Rosales: Rosaceae), the ancestor of cultivated apples, is widely distributed in Central Asia and is recognized as an important germplasm bank. Recently, the invasive pestAgrilus maliMatsumura (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), originally distributed in eastern Asia, has damaged endemic apple forests in the Yili River valley, Xinjiang, China, and has spread rapidly, infesting more than 80% of wild apple trees in this region.We investigated the life‐history traits and native natural enemies in the recently invaded range during 2016 and 2017.Agrilus malihas a univoltine life cycle and overwinters as young larvae in galleries in the cambium. Adults emerged from early June to mid‐August and their density peaked in mid‐July.Several native natural enemies were identified fromAgrilus malilarvae, includingAtanycolus denigrator(L.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), the mitePyemotes moseriYu et Liang (Acari: Pyemotidae) and fungal entomopathogens.Combined, these natural enemies were responsible for mortality rates ranging from 20% to 80% during the summer and autumn. The most abundant and important natural enemy wasA. denigrator, which was responsible for up to 15% mortality ofA. mali.The results of the present study suggest that augmentation and conservation ofA. denigratorandP. moserishould be considered with respect to biological control against this devastating pest.
Population genetics of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Han population of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐liang , Xia Lu , Zhao Cong , Ameen Fuad , Alyahya Sami , Yao Jun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeChina harbors 56 ethnic groups and Han accounts for >92% of the total Chinese population. We investigated the frequencies of 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci in the Han population of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture with the aim of expanding the available population information in human genetics databases and for forensic DNA analysis.Subjects and MethodsWe explored the genetic characteristics of 15 autosomal STR loci in 552 unrelated Chinese Han individuals from Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China using the AmpFISTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis was performed between the Han population and other relevant populations based on the autosomal STR genotyping. The neighbor‐joining tree and principle component analysis were generated based on the Nei's standard genetic distance and allelic frequencies, respectively.ResultsA total of 171 alleles were observed among 552 unrelated individuals and allelic frequencies ranged from 0.5145 to 0.0009. The combined power of discrimination and combined power of exclusion of the 15 autosomal STR loci were 0.9999999999999999964 and 0.999998243616671, respectively.ConclusionsPopulation comparison revealed that the Ili Han population were lining up together with other Han populations in China while showing significant differences from other Chinese and worldwide populations.
Vagus nerve stimulation dampens intestinal inflammation in a murine model of experimental food allergy
Authors: Bosmans Goele , Appeltans Iris , Stakenborg Nathalie , Gomez‐Pinilla Pedro J. , Florens Morgane V. , Aguilera‐Lizarraga Javier , Matteoli Gianluca , Boeckxstaens Guy E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe vagus nerve has emerged as an important modulator of the intestinal immune system. Its anti‐inflammatory properties have been previously shown in innate and Th1/Th17 predominant inflammatory models. To what extent the vagus nerve is of importance in Th2 inflammatory responses like food allergy is still unclear. In this study, we therefore aimed to investigate the effect of vagotomy (VGX) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), on the development and severity of experimental food allergy.MethodsBalb/C mice were first sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) in the presence of alum. Prior to oral challenges with OVA, mice were subjected to VGX or VNS. Disease severity was determined by assessing severity and onset of diarrhoea, OVA‐specific antibody production, mast cell number and activity, inflammatory gene expression in duodenal tissue and lamina propria immune cells by flow cytometry analysis.ResultsWhen compared to control mice, VGX did not significantly affect the development and severity of the disease in our model of food allergy. VNS, on the other hand, resulted in a significant amelioration of the different inflammatory parameters assessed. This effect was independent of α7nAChR and is possibly mediated through the dampening of mast cells and increased phagocytosis of OVA by CX3CR1hi macrophages.ConclusionsThese results underscore the anti‐inflammatory properties of the vagus nerve and the potential of neuro‐immune interactions in the intestine. Further insight into the underlying mechanisms could ultimately lead to novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of not only food allergy but also other immune‐mediated diseases.
Role of spatial dispersion of repolarization in reentry around a functional core versus reentry around a fixed anatomical core
Authors: Himel Herman D. , Cupelli Michael , Gantt Martin , Boutjdir Mohamed , El‐Sherif Nabil 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionSuccessful initiation of spiral wave reentry in the neonatal rat ventricular myocyte (NRVM) monolayer implicitly assumes the presence of spatial dispersion of repolarization (DR), which is difficult to quantify. We recently introduced a NRVM monolayer that utilizes anthopleurin‐A to impart a prolonged plateau to the NRVM action potential. This was associated with a significant degree of spatial DR that lends itself to accurate quantification.Methods and resultsWe utilized the monolayer and fluorescence optical mapping of intracellular calcium transients (FCai) to systematically study and compare the contribution of spatial dispersion of the duration of FCai (as a surrogate of DR) to induction of spiral wave reentry around a functional core versus reentry around a fixed anatomical obstacle. We show that functional reentry could be initiated by a premature stimulus acting on a substrate of spatial DR resulting in a functional line of propagation block. Subsequent wave fronts circulated around a central core of functional obstacle created by sustained depolarization from the circulating wave front. Both initiation and termination of spiral wave reentry around an anatomical obstacle consistently required participation of a region of functional propagation block. This region was similarly based on spatial DR. Spontaneous termination of spiral wave reentry also resulted from block in the functional component of the circuit obstacle, usually preceded by beat‐to‐beat slowing of propagation.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates the critical contribution of DR to spiral wave reentry around a purely functional core as well as reentry around a fixed anatomical core.
Treatment of colonoscopic perforation: outcomes from a major single tertiary institution
Authors: Chew Carolyn R. , Yeung Justin M. C. , Faragher Ian G. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe use of colonoscopy has been increasing in Australia. This case series describes management and outcomes of colonoscopic perforation managed by a single tertiary referral unit.MethodsAn analysis of 13 years (2003–2015) of prospectively collected data on patients who had a colonoscopic perforation and were managed by the colorectal unit at a single tertiary referral centre was performed. Main outcomes were time of diagnosis, modality of management, time to theatre, length of stay, cost of admission and complications.ResultsSixty‐two patients had perforations (median age of 69 years). Thirty‐eight (61.2%) patients had their colonoscopy performed in another institution. The incidence rate decreased to 0.37 perforations per 1000 colonoscopies within Western Health. Overall, diagnostic colonoscopies accounted for 56% of perforations and perforations were likely to occur in the left colon (P = 0.006). Fifty‐one (82%) patients underwent surgery during their admission, with 24% of these being laparoscopic procedures. An earlier diagnosis was associated with significantly less intra‐abdominal contamination. Gross peritoneal contamination was more likely to be associated with the decision to form a stoma (37%, n = 19, P = 0.04). Thirty‐day mortality was 1.6% (n = 1).ConclusionsColonoscopic perforations occur in experienced hands and may have serious implications. We demonstrated a difference in patterns of injury between therapeutic and diagnostic colonoscopies. Those who have an earlier diagnosis are less likely to have severe intra‐abdominal contamination requiring a stoma formation.