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Background: Gait impairments following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may contribute to reinjury or future osteoarthritis development. Recently, plantar cutaneous sensation deficits have been reported post-ACLR. These sensory deficits may influence gait and represent a mechanism through which to improve gait.Research Question: Can established sensory interventions change sensation and gait in patients after ACLR and compared to healthy adults?Methods: Twenty-two adults (n = 11 post-ACLR, age:20.5 ± 1.9years, body mass index[BMI]:24.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2; n = 11 healthy, age:20.7 ± 1.4years, BMI:23.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2) completed two sessions separated by 48 h. Gait and plantar cutaneous sensation were assessed pre- and post-intervention (massage or textured insoles). Gait analysis was completed using 3D motion capture at 1.4 m/s ± 5% and standard inverse dynamics analysis. Plantar cutaneous sensation was assessed using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments with a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm at the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, base of the fifth metatarsal, and lateral and medial malleoli. Plantar massage was a 5-minute massage to both feet. Textured insoles (coarse grit sandpaper) were worn while walking. Biomechanical data were assessed via mixed-models, repeated measures ANOVAs and 90 % confidence intervals. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated plantar cutaneous sensation within and between groups, respectively.Results: Knee adduction moment was lower in the ACLR versus the contralateral limb pre-massage. The vGRF was lower during the first half of stance but greater during the second half of stance in the ACLR versus the control group post-massage. Massage improved ACLR limb sensation over the first metatarsal head (P = 0.042) and medial malleolus (P = 0.027). Textured insole application improved ACLR limb sensation over the first (P = 0.043) and fifth (P = 0.027) metatarsals and medial malleolus (P = 0.028).Significance: Plantar massage and textured insoles improved plantar cutaneous sensation in the ACLR limb. Neither intervention influenced gait. Improving plantar sensation may be beneficial for patients after ACLR; however, sensory interventions to improve gait are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal nutrition may influence intrauterine fetal development. To date, the relationship between contemporary European dietary guidelines and fetal growth has not been examined.Aims: To develop a novel Periconceptual Nutrition Score (PENS) to assess maternal dietary quality in early pregnancy and examine its relationship with fetal growth.Study Design: Women were recruited conveniently at their first clinic visit and completed a supervised four day retrospective diet history. The PENS was developed using European Food Safety Authority recommended dietary intakes for pregnancy. The relationship between PENS and fetal growth was examined.Subjects: Women with a singleton pregnancy.Outcome Measures: Birthweight, small for gestational age (SGA), neonatal head circumference.Results and Conclusions: Of the 202 women, the mean age was 32.2 ± 5.0 years and 44.6% were nulliparas. The mean PENS was 9.4 ± 3.1. On multivariable regression, there was a positive relationship between the PENS and birthweight (beta = 45.3, 95%CI 14.8-75.9, P = 0.002) and neonatal head circumference (beta = 0.12, 95%CI 0.01-0.23, P = 0.03). Compared with the lowest PENS quartile, the mean birthweight was increased in the highest quartile (Mean difference 328 g, P = 0.02). The incidence of SGA was 16.4% (n = 10/61) in the lowest PENS quartile compared to 6.5% (n = 9/139) in the top three quartiles (P = 0.03). Thus, higher maternal dietary quality was associated with increased intrauterine fetal growth. The PENS is potentially useful in identifying those women before or during pregnancy who may benefit from dietary interventions that may optimise fetal growth. It may also be useful in tracking maternal dietary quality during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to tackle the challenge of generating unstructured high-order meshes of complex three-dimensional bodies, which remains a significant bottleneck in the wider adoption of high-order methods. In particular we show that by adopting a variational approach to the generation process, many of the current popular high-order generation methods can be encompassed under a single unifying framework. This allows us to compare the effectiveness of these methods and to assess the quality of the meshes they produce in a systematic fashion. We present a detailed overview of the theory and formulation of the variational framework, and we highlight how such formulation can be effectively exploited to yield a highly-efficient parallel implementation. The effectiveness of this approach is examined by considering a number of two- and three-dimensional examples, where we show how the proposed approach can be used for both mesh quality optimisation and untangling of invalid high-order meshes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotherapeutics is a rapidly growing drug class, and over 200 biotherapeutics have already obtained approval, with about 50 of these being approved in 2015 and 2016 alone. Several hundred protein therapeutic products are still in the pipeline, including interesting new approaches to treatment. Owing to patients' convenience of at home administration and reduced number of hospital visits as well as the reduction in treatment costs, subcutaneous (SC) administration of biologics is of increasing interest. Although several avenues for treatment using biotherapeutics are being explored, there is still a sufficient gap in knowledge regarding the interplay of formulation conditions, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of the absorption of these compounds when they are given SC. This review seeks to highlight the major concerns and important factors governing this route of administration and suggest a holistic approach for effective SC delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade there has been renewed interest in determining the water contents of basaltic magmas. A commonly applied method is analysis of H 2 O from melt inclusions in olivine. However, it is also well known that these can rapidly lose (or gain) H 2 O by diffusion. An alternative is to measure the H 2 O contents of clinopyroxene phenocrysts and use a partition coefficient (D) to estimate the original H 2 O content of the host magma. This approach is not without complications and several recent studies have attempted to assess the effects of diffusive loss of H 2 O from magmatic clinopyroxenes. In the ideal case, these crystals should be taken from rapidly cooled tephra or lapilli but such materials are not always available. In order to further assess the potential of using 5–10 mm clinopyroxenes from lavas we undertook a detailed, multi-analytical investigation of clinopyroxenes from an ankaramite flow on Pico Island in the Azores. We conclude that these can be trusted to preserve (probably minimum) magmatic H 2 O contents if the H 2 O concentrations of multiple clinopyroxenes from a single sample form a linear correlation with the Al IV content that demonstrates a coupled substitution with little or no H 2 O loss. Conversely, if H 2 O contents decrease from core to rim whereas Al IV contents remain relatively constant then it is likely that those clinopyroxenes lost H 2 O during differentiation and/or cooling. We suspect that the olivine melt inclusions we analysed from Pico and São Miguel Islands also underwent diffusive loss of H 2 O. Using these criteria, we present clinopyroxene-derived magmatic H 2 O estimates for Corvo, Flores Faial, Pico and São Miguel Islands that range from 0.28 to 2.2 wt%. When combined with published data these show that H 2 O contents often extend to higher values on the islands than along the adjacent mid-Atlantic ridge. These localised, elevated H 2 O contents can explain why the islands are emergent despite being situated away from the ridge and perhaps also the asymmetric nature of the bathymetry of the archipelago. It is possible that this H 2 O was recycled from material subducted very early on in Earth's history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the educational value to medical students of a labour ward rotation.Design: Qualitative research study was performed in two tertiary level obstetric hospitals attached to a large medical school in Dublin. Medical students attending a six-week rotation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in University College Dublin were invited to participate. As part of this rotation, students spend one week as part of the clinical team working on the labour ward. Focus groups were held in order to identify common themes and experiences of medical students during this labour ward week. Grounded theory with thematic analysis was used. The main outcome measures were the educational experience and value of a labour ward rotation to medical students.Results: Five distinct themes developed from the focus groups of 19 students. A high value was placed on patient centred bedside teaching. Midwives were identified as excellent teachers and facilitators of learning. There was a clear sense of teamwork and belonging by the students. However, students reported frustration with unclear learning objectives. Students identified extra pre-learning with pre-specified learning aims before the labour ward week as being important.Conclusion: Bedside teaching was highly valued as it advanced student's knowledge of obstetrics theory and improved communication skills. In general, medical students reported a positive experience from working in the labour word but there is scope for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the findings of a national inquiry into cases of misdiagnosis of miscarriage in the Republic of Ireland and to report the results of implementation of the findings of the inquiry, including investment in new equipment and training, new national guidelines, and rigorous annual audit of early pregnancy units.Design: Narrative description of the inquiry and its findings and results of a subsequent audit.Setting: Not applicable.Patient(s): Women with problems of bleeding and/or pain in early pregnancy who were erroneously diagnosed as having a nonviable intrauterine pregnancy.Intervention(s): After two cases of misdiagnosis of miscarriage that were widely reported in the Republic of Ireland in June 2010, a Miscarriage Misdiagnosis Review Team was commissioned by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) to undertake a national review of other possible cases of misdiagnosis of miscarriage. The Review Team made a series of recommendations that were subsequently implemented in full. The results of the implementation of the findings of the Review Team have been the subject of three annual audits across the country.Main Outcome Measure(s): The main outcome measure was the occurrence of misdiagnosis of miscarriage in the Republic of Ireland before and after implementation of the findings of the Review Team.Result(s): Twenty-four confirmed cases of misdiagnosis of miscarriage were identified, mostly occurring between 2005 and 2010. Analysis led to a series of recommendations by the Review Team, which were implemented in full by the HSE. Over € 3 million was provided to fund implementation; 26 high-quality gynecological ultrasound machines were purchased to reequip 19 units involved in provision of care to women with suspected miscarriage. There was further allocation of resources for new equipment and improvement in the management and staffing of early pregnancy units across Ireland, with each center now having a dedicated and properly staffed Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit. A national training program in the management of early pregnancy problems has been implemented, along with regular national meetings to discuss early pregnancy problems. National clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of miscarriage for implementation have been distributed to all hospitals.Conclusion(s): No cases of miscarriage misdiagnosis were identified in any of the three annual audits, suggesting that implementation of the findings of the review has been successful. We believe that this is the first report of national change in practice leading to improvement in clinical outcomes in the management of suspected miscarriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial baroreceptors can be divided into two categories dependent on whether their axons are myelinated (A-fiber) or unmyelinated (C-fiber). We investigated the effect of periaxonal resiniferatoxin (RTX), a blocker of C-fiber baroreceptor activity, on the open-loop static characteristics of the arterial baroreflex. The baroreceptor region of the right aortic depressor nerve was isolated, and intra-baroreceptor region pressure (BRP) was changed from 60 to 180 mm Hg in 10 anesthetized Sprague–Dawley rats. Open-loop static characteristics of the neural arc from BRP to efferent sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), peripheral arc from SNA to arterial pressure (AP), and total reflex arc from BRP to AP were estimated. Although blocking C-fiber activity with RTX resulted in a lower response range (33.7 ± 4.6% and 49.4 ± 4.8%, P < 0.01) and higher minimum SNA (78.0 ± 4.7% and 53.6 ± 5.0%, P < 0.001) of the steady-state neural arc, the peak SNA response to BRP was greater at a BRP of 160 mm Hg (− 37.87 ± 5.83% and − 26.28 ± 4.90%, P = 0.01). RTX also resulted in a lower response range (27.8 ± 5.0 mm Hg and 40.9 ± 5.2 mm Hg, P < 0.01) and higher minimum AP (92.4 ± 4.7 mm Hg and 79.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg, P < 0.001) of the total reflex arc. Despite these changes, the maximum slope of the neural arc and the maximum gain of the total reflex arc did not differ significantly after RTX. These data suggest that A-fiber baroreceptors can regulate AP and maintain the maximum gain when systemic AP is around the normal operating range. In contrast, C-fiber baroreceptors are critically important for reductions in SNA and AP when systemic AP is raised above the normal operating range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against human CD52, is used in the treatment of MS. To characterize the impact of anti-CD52 administration, a monoclonal antibody to mouse CD52 (anti-muCD52) was generated and evaluated in EAE mouse models of MS. A single course of anti-muCD52 provided a therapeutic benefit accompanied by a reduction in the frequency of autoreactive T lymphocytes and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Examination of the CNS revealed a decrease in infiltrating lymphocytes, demyelination and axonal loss. Electrophysiological assessment showed preservation of axonal conductance in the spinal cord. These findings suggest that anti-CD52 therapy may help preserve CNS integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Whereas past research has examined the effect of individual-level and neighborhood-level predictors of bullying victimization separately, the current study examines their effects collectively. Methods: Middle and high school students (n=1972) in randomly selected classes within a Southeastern school district completed a battery of self-report measures. Levels of self-control (an individual-level factor) and neighborhood disorganization (a neighborhood-level factor) were regressed onto measures of the six-week prevalence of verbal, physical, and cyber bullying victimization. Results: Low self-control and neighborhood disorder were found to be associated with each type of bullying victimization, though the impact of self-control was partially mediated by neighborhood disorder when included in the same model. The effect of self-control was mediated when subsequently controlling for poly-victimization experiences. Net of these controls, neighborhood disorder continued to be associated with a statistically significant increase in the odds of bullying victimization. Conclusions: Economic and social decay within neighborhoods increased the likelihood of bullying victimizations. These effects hold true across verbal, physical and cyber victimizations, suggesting a need to consider both community characteristics when staging bullying intervention campaigns. Additionally, the findings suggest a need for further research considering the relationship between self-control and neighborhood conditions on the risk of victimization generally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: This study aims to identify the contribution of myelinated (A-fiber) and unmyelinated (C-fiber) baroreceptor central pathways to the baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure. Main methods: Two binary white noise stimulation protocols were used to electrically stimulate the aortic depressor nerve and activate reflex responses from either A-fiber (3V, 20–100Hz) or C-fiber (20V, 0–10Hz) baroreceptor in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats (n =10). Transfer function analysis was performed between stimulation and sympathetic nerve activity (central arc), sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure (peripheral arc), and stimulation and arterial pressure (Stim-AP arc). Key findings: The central arc transfer function from nerve stimulation to splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity displayed derivative characteristics for both stimulation protocols. However, the modeled steady-state gain (0.28±0.04 vs. 4.01±0.2%·Hz−1, P <0.001) and coherence at 0.01Hz (0.44±0.05 vs. 0.81±0.03, P <0.05) were significantly lower for A-fiber stimulation compared with C-fiber stimulation. The slope of the dynamic gain was higher for A-fiber stimulation (14.82±1.02 vs. 7.21±0.79dB·decade−1, P <0.001). The steady-state gain of the Stim-AP arc was also significantly lower for A-fiber stimulation compared with C-fiber stimulation (0.23±0.05 vs. 3.05±0.31mmHg·Hz−1, P <0.001). Significance: These data indicate that the A-fiber central pathway contributes to high frequency arterial pressure regulation and the C-fiber central pathway provides more sustained changes in sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure. A sustained reduction in arterial pressure from electrical stimulation of arterial baroreceptor afferents is likely mediated through the C-fiber central pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against the CD52 antigen present at high levels on the surface of lymphocytes. While treatment of multiple sclerosis patients with alemtuzumab results in marked depletion of lymphocytes from the circulation, it has not been associated with a high incidence of serious infections. In a human CD52 transgenic mouse, alemtuzumab treatment showed minimal impact on the number and function of innate immune cells. A transient decrease in primary adaptive immune responses was observed post-alemtuzumab but there was little effect on memory responses. These results potentially help explain the level of immunocompetence observed in alemtuzumab-treated MS patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Light/medium truck drivers involved had higher FROI rates than heavy truck drivers involved in crashes. • Younger light/medium truck drivers were represented at a higher proportion in crash FROIs compared to younger heavy truck drivers. • The retail trade industry made up the largest percentage of light/medium truck local crash FROIs (47%); the transportation and warehousing industry was most frequently cited in heavy truck FROIs. • Light/medium truck crashes most frequently involved being rear-ended, running red lights, and turning in front of other vehicles. Objective: Multiple heavy truck driver injury studies exist, but there is a paucity of research on light and medium truck driver injuries. The objective of this study was to use first report of injury (FROI) data to: (a) compare demographic and injury characteristics; (b) assess workers' compensation (WC) claim disposition and lost work time status; and (c) describe injury scenarios by vehicle type for heavy truck and light/medium truck driver local crashes. Method: Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims FROI quantitative and free text data were analyzed for years 2010–2019. Of 800 total FROIs, 451 involved heavy trucks and 349 involved light or medium trucks. Results: There was a higher light/medium truck driver crash FROI rate compared to the heavy truck driver crash FROI rate. There was a higher proportion of younger light/medium truck driver crash FROIs compared to younger heavy truck driver crash FROIs. The retail trade industry made up the largest percentage of light/medium truck local crash FROIs (47%); the transportation and warehousing industry was most frequently cited in heavy truck FROIs (46%). The heavy truck types most frequently identified in FROIs were semi-trucks (13%) and dump trucks (11%). The most common light/medium truck type identified was delivery trucks (30%). Most commonly, heavy truck crash FROIs involved rollovers, driving off/overcorrecting on narrow roadways, and driving downhill/unable to downshift. Light/medium truck crash FROIs most frequently involved being rear-ended, running red lights, and turning in front of other vehicles. Conclusions: The utilization of WC FROI data highlighted top injury scenarios and specific vehicle types for targeting driver safety training among truck drivers, particularly light/medium truck drivers. Road safety policies regarding driver training, crash reviews, and in-vehicle monitoring systems are needed for truck drivers with previous crash injuries, especially for light and medium truck drivers. Practical applications: Enhanced safety training on speeding on narrow roadways, on nearing intersections, and on downshifting on hills is needed for semi-truck, dump truck, and coal truck drivers with previous crash injuries. Rear-end crash prevention training (e.g., gradual stopping and checking mirrors) is needed for drivers of furniture, automotive parts and accessories, and groceries and soft drink delivery trucks with previous crash injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Atomoxetine (ATX) is a commonly used non-stimulant treatment for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It primarily acts to increase noradrenalin levels; however, at higher doses it can increase dopamine levels. To date there has been no investigations into the effects of orally-administered ATX in the most commonly used model of ADHD, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The aim of this study was to describe the effects of doses thought to be selective (0.15mg/kg) and non-selective (0.3mg/kg) for noradrenalin on behavioural measures in the SHR. Firstly, we examined the effects of acute and chronic ATX on locomotor activity including sensitisation and cross-sensitisation to amphetamine. Secondly, we measured drug effects on impulsivity using a T-maze delay discounting paradigm. We found no effect of ATX on locomotor activity and no evidence for sensitisation or cross-sensitisation. Furthermore, there were no differences in T-maze performance, indicating no effects on impulsivity at these doses. The absence of behavioural sensitisation supports previous claims of superior safety relative to psychostimulants for the doses administered. There was also no effect on impulsivity; however, we suggest that was confounded by stress specific to SHRs. Implications for future studies, behavioural assessment of SHRs and their use as a model of ADHD are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: Victims of bullying are susceptible to a variety of detrimental consequences. It remains unclear, however, whether the type of bullying victimization and the gender of the victim matter as they relate to two mental health consequences: (1) depression, and (2) suicide ideation. Methods: We examined the effects of the bullying victimization experiences of 1,874 adolescents. Controlling for known predictors of maladaptive mental health, we assessed whether any bullying victimization and any type of bullying victimizations were associated with depression and suicide ideation. Each of these relationships was also compared across gender. Results: Reported victimization rates varied across three types of bullying. Experiencing any type of bullying victimization corresponded with higher levels of depression and suicide ideation for females and males. Females and males who were verbally bullied experienced higher rates of depression than those who were not bullied. Female cyber bully victims experienced higher levels of depression compared to male cyber bully victims. No significant gender differences in suicide ideation emerged across individuals who experienced any type of bullying. Conclusions: Assistance to victims in terms of the development and/or maintenance of their mental health must be mindful of how individuals are being victimized and the gender of the victim. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A complete record of eruption activity is required for a robust volcanic hazard assessment, characterising the types and magnitude of possible activity and the relative frequency of these different types of eruptions. This paper documents a record of Holocene volcanic eruptions from Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand, with the aim of integrating the records of explosive and effusive style eruptions from this volcano. Discriminant function analysis of titanomagnetites from Mt. Taranaki is used to correlate a set of well-dated tephras from lake cores with comparatively poorly dated eruption units that outcrop on the flanks of the cone. Using this process the stratigraphic sections reveal that much of the current edifice was constructed between 6000 and 5000Cal.BP by prolific lava effusion events. The period of intensive effusive activity followed edifice modification by a major flank-collapse and debris avalanche. This demonstrates that trends in the frequency of effusive activity may vary independently of explosive eruption patterns. Examining the range of processes controlling the occurrence of a range of eruption types and the distribution of their products is essential for the production of robust probabilistic-based eruption forecasting models. In addition, the geochemical data on the widely dispersed Taranaki tephras presented here, tied to this new high-resolution eruption chronology, can be used to constrain future studies of landscape and climatic evolution across large areas of the North Island of New Zealand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A selective methodology for the synthesis of either 3-cyanoindoles or 4-cyanoquinolines via a base-modulated palladium-catalyzed reductive N-heterocyclization from a common 1-cyano-1-(2-nitrophenyl)-1-alkene precursor is described. The required starting materials were prepared either by a Kosugi–Migita–Stille coupling of 2-halo-1-nitrobenzenes with a tributyl(1-alkenyl)stannane or by a vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) of nitrobenzenes followed by a Knoevenagel condensation with an aldehyde. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Gottfredson and Hirschi, in A General Theory of Crime, argue that the primary source of self-control is parental socialization. Specifically, parents who fail to supervise their children, to recognize their child's deviant behavior, and to punish such behavior are more likely to raise children with lower levels of self-control. Recent empirical research, however, has broadened the explanatory factors to include sources within schools, neighborhoods, and individual factors as significant contributors to the development of self-control. This study proposes that maternal smoking during pregnancy places additional limits on the development of self-control. Methods: Using a subsample of the National Longitudinal Study of Youth (N =542), we provide a comprehensive investigation of the variety of sources of self-control to include both individual and environmental covariates. Results: Results indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy significantly impacts the development of self-control net of parental, neighborhood, and school socialization. We also found that individual sources of self-control significantly vary across race and neighborhood context. Conclusions: The sources of self-control are more complex than socialization from parents, schools, and within neighborhoods occurring in childhood and adolescence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The participation of acetylcholine-activated potassium current (I K,ACh) and hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker current (I f) in vagal bradycardia were examined using vagally-innervated preparations of guinea-pig atria. Preparations were maintained in Krebs–Henseleit solution (36 °C). Before treatment, trains of vagal stimuli (10 s at 2, 5 and 10 Hz) produced graded bradycardias displaying rapid onset and offset. Tertiapin-Q (300 nM), which blocks I K,ACh, had no effect on baseline atrial rate. In tertiapin-Q, vagal bradycardia displayed a gradual onset and offset, with a peak response ~50% of that recorded in control conditions. Cumulative addition of 1 mM ZD7288 (blocker of I f) caused atrial rate to fall by ~60%, but had no further effect on the amplitude of the vagal bradycardia, while response onset and offset became slightly faster. From these observations, we argue that (i) vagal bradycardia was attributable primarily to activation of I K,ACh, (ii) vagal modulation of I f had a minor influence on the rate of onset and offset of bradycardia, and (iii) removal of the influence of I K,ACh unmasked a slow response, of undetermined origin, to vagal stimulation. In a separate set of experiments we compared the effects of 1 mM Ba2+ and 300 nM tertiapin-Q on vagal bradycardia. Ba2+ reduced baseline atrial rate and the response to vagal stimulation. Subsequent cumulative addition of tertiapin-Q had no additional effect on baseline atrial rate, but caused further reduction in the amplitude of vagal bradycardia, suggesting that 1 mM Ba2+ did not achieve a complete block of I K,ACh in this preparation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eruption episodes, where a series of eruption events are generically related, can include the eruption of a wide spectrum of volcanic activity over decadal periods. This paper concentrates on the opening phases of an eruption episode which occurred approximately 1800 yrs BP from Mt Taranaki, New Zealand. These events spanned the eruption of differing bulk compositions and styles from two distinct vent locations; an andesitic sub-plinian eruption from the summit vent and a scoria cone-building eruption of basaltic magma from a satellite vent. Compositional profiles and zoning textures of plagioclase, amphibole and clinopyroxene phenocrysts from the opening andesitic event show evidence of magma mixing and subsequent crystallisation just prior to the initiation of the eruption episode. Titanomagnetite grain morphology and Ti variation suggest that the magma mixing event occurred within a few days to weeks before the eruption acting as a trigger for it. We present a magmatic model which is constrained by the petrological observations and eruptions of the episode. In this model magma differentiation at depth causes its rise and recharging of a mid-crustal magma storage area at 5–7 km. Although the recharging magma differed slightly in oxygen fugacity and temperature, it was compositionally and physically similar enough to the residing andesitic magma to allow efficient mixing. The petrological characteristics described here can be readily observed and enable identification of mixing events in other recent eruption episodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The need to develop and deploy large-scale, cost-effective, renewable energy is becoming increasingly important. In recent years photovoltaic (PV) cells based on nanoparticles blended with semiconducting polymers have achieved good power conversion efficiencies (PCE). All the nanoparticle types used in these PV cells can be considered as colloids. These include spherical, rod-like or branched organic or inorganic nanoparticles. Nanoparticle–polymer PV cells have the long-term potential to provide low cost, high-efficiency renewable energy. The maximum PCE achieved to date is about 5.5%. This value should rise as recently reported theoretical predictions suggest 10% is achievable. However, there are a number of challenges that remain to be overcome. In this review two general types of nanoparticle–polymer PV cells are considered and compared in detail. The organic nanoparticle–polymer PV cells contain fullerene derivatives (e.g., phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester, PCBM) or single-walled nanotubes as the nanoparticle phase. The second type is hybrid inorganic nanoparticle–polymer PV cells. These contain semiconducting nanoparticles that include CdSe, ZnO or PbS. The structure-property relationships that apply to both the polymer and nanoparticle phases are considered. The principles underlying nanoparticle–polymer PV cell operation are also discussed. An outcome of consideration of the literature in both areas are two sets of assembly conditions that are suggested for constructing PCBM-P3HT (P3HT is poly(3-hexylthiophene)) or CdSe-P3HT PV cells with reasonable power conversion efficiency. The maximum PCE reported for organic nanoparticle PV cells is about twice that for inorganic nanoparticle–polymer PV cells. This appears to be related to morphological differences between the respective photoactive layers. The morphological differences are attributed to differences in the colloidal stability of the nanoparticle/polymer/solvent mixtures used to prepare the photoactive layers. The principles controlling the colloid stability of the nanoparticle/polymer/solvent mixtures are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An optimized bilayer solid state solar cell is fabricated from poly[1,4-{2-methoxy-5(2′-ethylhexyloxy)}phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and TiO2 by spin coating. Optimal and reproducible device performance has been achieved by adjusting the polymer/TiO2 layer thickness, fabricating devices under an inert atmosphere and improving the polymer/gold contact. These devices showed very small leakage currents in the dark and an open circuit voltage of 0.8V was recorded. The effect of interfacial properties, incident light intensity and irradiation time on device performance are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Researchers investigating Gottfredson and Hirschi''s General Theory of Crime primarily concentrated their efforts on the relationship between an individual''s self-control and involvement in crime and/or analogous behaviors. Much less research examined the potential sources of an individual''s self-control. In this study, an argument was developed for the importance of exploring the contribution of the school context in the development of self-control within individuals. In particular, Gottfredson and Hirschi''s position on this front was theoretically elaborated by including school/teacher socialization practices in a larger model of the development of self-control. Using data extracted from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, it was found that the effects of school socialization on self-control were significant net of parental socialization. In addition, the effects of school socialization varied across parenting and neighborhood contexts. The theoretical implications of this research, specifically as they relate to the development of self-control, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An 18.3 m (60 ft) simple span bridge is South Carolina''s first use of a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bridge deck system. This paper describes the initial preparation and instrumentation of this structure including the use of surveying techniques to determine overall bridge deflections. Also outlined are the procedures used for in situ load testing the bridge. Critical design criteria such as overall deflections, effective deck widths, bending of the GFRP deck and moment distribution factors are reported for this structure. Data collected indicates that the GFRP deck and steel girders are acting in a composite manner and that the deck system is relatively stiff despite the large girder spacing used. Over the course of the next several years this bridge will be tested on a regular basis to establish the long-term performance of the GFRP deck system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Treatment of the tetramethylfulvene-Ru(II) complex [(η6-C5Me4CH2)RuCl2]2 with allylmagnesium chloride leads to the allyl ruthenium complex [(η2:η5-C5Me4CH2CH2CH&z.dbnd6;CH2)Ru(η3-C3H5)], which has been characterized spectroscopically and by a single crystal X-ray determination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine if the RhD status of the fetus can be detected in an unselected group of RhD-negative women with ongoing pregnancies booking for routine antenatal care. Material and methods: We obtained 2.5ml of whole blood from 202 unselected women with a normal ongoing pregnancy who booked for antenatal care before 20 weeks’ gestation. DNA was extracted and real time quantitative PCR performed. Primers and a specific probe were targeted at the Rhesus D gene. Results: Of 194 women, 31 were RhD-negative with no evidence of prior isoimmunisation. They delivered 17 RhD-positive and 14 RhD-negative babies. Of the 17 RhD-negative women carrying a RhD-positive fetus, the RhD gene was detected in the maternal blood in 14 (82%). There were no false positives. The quantity of RhD gene detected in the maternal blood of RhD-negative mothers ranged from 2×102 to 4×106 copies/ml of whole blood. Conclusion: Using real time quantitative PCR assays to amplify free fetal DNA in the maternal circulation, identification of RhD-positive fetuses in RhD-negative mothers is feasible when they book for antenatal care. Before such RhD genotyping can be introduced into clinical practice, however, further studies are required to show that false negative results can be eliminated and to show that this diagnostic test is reliable outside a research setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gottfredson and Hirschi''s General Theory of Crime contends that low self-control interacts with opportunity to produce criminal and analogous behaviors. Although several theoretical and empirical attempts have been aimed at assessing the general theory, researchers have been slow to examine one of the central postulates of the general theory: the stability postulate. Gottfredson and Hirschi contend that once established by ages eight to ten, self-control remains relatively stable over the life-course. In the only study to address this question, Arneklev, Cochran, and Gainey found that self-control levels were relatively stable in a four month test–retest among college students. In this article, the work of Arneklev et al. is extended and examination is made of the stability postulate in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Using a national probability sample, as well as behavioral and attitudinal measures of self-control, the results offer mixed support for Gottfredson and Hirschi''s stability postulate. Theoretical and future research directions are advanced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It has long been inferred that mantle metasomatism and the incompatible element enrichment of the continents both require movement of melts formed by very low degree melting of the mantle. Yet establishing the presence of these melts and whether this process is on-going and continuous, or spatially and temporally restricted, has proved difficult. Here we report large U-Th-Ra disequilibria in metasomatised, mantle xenoliths erupted in very young lavas from the Newer Volcanics Province in southeastern Australia. The 226Ra-230Th disequilibria appear to require reappraisal of previous estimates for the age of eruption that now seems unlikely to be more than a few kyr at most. We propose that infiltration of carbonatitic melts/fluids, combined with crystallization of pargasite, can account for the first order U-series disequilibria observations. Irrespective of the exact details of the complex processes responsible, the half-lives of the nuclides require that some of the chemical and isotopic disturbance was extremely young (« 8 kyr) and potentially on-going at the time of incorporation into the alkali basalts that transported the xenoliths to the surface. This provides evidence for the presence and possibly continuing migration of small melt fractions (~0.02%) in the upper convecting mantle that may contribute to the seismic low velocity zone. By implication, it appears that the asthenosphere must lie close to its solidus, at least in this region. Pressure-temperature estimates indicate that the small degree melts identified could infiltrate as far as 25 km upwards into the sub-continental lithospheric mantle leading to strong incompatible element enrichment and the recent timing of this event this urges a reappraisal of the meaning of 300–500 Ma Nd model ages in mantle xenoliths from this region. In principle, the resultant metasomatised mantle could provide a component for some ocean island basalts, should the sub-continental lithospheric mantle be returned to the asthenosphere by convective removal at some later time. • Upper continental mantle materials from western Victoria, Australia preserve U-Th-Ra disequilibria. • Eruption ages can only be a few kyr. • Metasomatism in this region is very recent and possibly on-going. • The subjacent asthenosphere lies close to its solidus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: We compared the incidence of spontaneous miscarriage in women categorised as obese, based on a Body Mass Index (BMI) >29.9kg/m2, with women in other BMI categories. Study design: In a prospective observational study conducted in a university teaching hospital, women were enrolled at their convenience in the first trimester after a sonogram confirmed an ongoing singleton pregnancy with fetal heart activity present. Maternal height and weight were measured digitally and BMI calculated. Maternal body composition was measured by advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: In 1200 women, the overall miscarriage rate was 2.8% (n =33). The mean gestational age at enrolment was 9.9 weeks. In the obese category (n =217), the miscarriage rate was 2.3% compared with 3.3% in the overweight category (n =329), and 2.3% in the normal BMI group (n =621). There was no difference in the mean body composition parameters, particularly fat mass parameters, between those women who miscarried and those who did not. Conclusions: In women with sonographic evidence of fetal heart activity in the first trimester, the rate of spontaneous miscarriage is low and is not increased in women with BMI>29.9kg/m2 compared to women in the normal BMI category. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A high-throughput methodology that facilitates the synthesis, purification and characterisation of π-conjugated oligothiophenes has been developed. α-Perfluorohexyltetrathiophene was synthesised by sequential α-bromination and microwave promoted Stille cross-coupling reactions. Each synthetic transformation was followed by a fluorous solid-phase extraction (F-SPE) procedure to isolate the desired α-perfluorohexyloligothiophene. After a single F-SPE, each oligomer gave essentially one peak by GC–MS, which enabled stepwise growth of a tetrathiophene with no additional purification of the intermediate building blocks required. We anticipate that microwave accelerated synthesis in conjunction with fluorous-phase purification of π-conjugated systems will find generic application in the high-throughput parallel-synthesis of novel organic materials for semiconductor applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Small organisms, like the nematode C. elegans , are emerging as insightful models in which to study host/pathogen interactions and the evolving interplay between host defenses and microbial offenses. In C. elegans the innate immune response has been shown to be connected to the DAF-2 insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signal pathway, a critical transduction pathway that mediates stress response in the worms via the DAF-16 FOXO/forkhead transcription factor. Our studies of the C. elegans' phenotypes that are associated with behavioral innate immune response (avoidance behavior) and IGF-1 signaling perturbations (lifespan effects) led us to question the cause of the avoidance behavior observed when C. elegans are challenged with B. anthracis. While worms indeed avoid B. anthracis , and this behavior seems to be partly tied to IGF-1 signaling, the bacteria have neither nematocidal nor visible pathogenic effects on the worms. In fact, worms fed B. anthracis alone exhibit extended lifespans. We demonstrate that the extended lifespan phenotype seen in worms fed B. anthracis is likely the result of calorie restriction, and that worms do not eat B. anthracis even when avoidance behaviors have been suppressed. We further demonstrate a large time lag between the onset of avoidance behavior (which occurs upon contact with B. anthracis), and the induction of IGF-1 signaling (which occurs much later) in worms fed B. anthracis. Taken together, our data demonstrate behavioral avoidance that does not appear to be linked to a measurable immune response. We propose that, in some situations, avoidance behaviors categorized as immunological might be more accurately described as broad foraging behaviors induced in worms presented with a non-preferred food choice, or with a food choice that is either difficult or impossible for the worms to ingest. • C. elegans avoid B. anthracis although it is not pathogenic to the worms. • DAF-16 activation in challenged worms lags behind avoidance behavior by > 2.5 h. • The extended lifespans of challenged worms are due to caloric restriction, not behavioral defenses. • C. elegans' avoidance of B. anthracis is not attributed to an innate-immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To assess the acute effects of intravenous guanfacine, an α 2A -adrenergic agonist, on sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system and on sympathetic arterial pressure (AP) response. Main methods In anesthetized Wistar Kyoto rats, carotid sinus baroreceptor regions were isolated. Changes in electrical sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and AP in response to a baroreceptor pressure input were examined before and after an intravenous administration of a high dose (100 μg/kg, n = 7) or a low dose (20 μg/kg, n = 5) of guanfacine. Key findings The higher dose of guanfacine significantly narrowed the range of the AP response (86.8 ± 6.4 to 38.4 ± 12.9 mm Hg, P < 0.01) but increased the minimum AP (79.3 ± 7.5 to 93.2 ± 8.7 mm Hg, P < 0.05). In the neural arc, guanfacine reduced both the response range (90.4 ± 2.3 to 33.4 ± 10.7%, P < 0.01) and the minimum SNA (11.4 ± 1.9 to 2.6 ± 1.5%, P < 0.01). In the peripheral arc, guanfacine increased the intercept (67.6 ± 7.1 to 92.8 ± 8.5 mm Hg, P < 0.01) without a significant effect on the slope. The lower dose of guanfacine weakened the effects on both the neural and peripheral arcs. Significance Guanfacine suppressed SNA without a significant reduction of AP, which may be attributable to the peripheral vasoconstrictive effect. Reducing the dose of acutely administered intravenous guanfacine does not aid in separating the central sympathoinhibitory effect from the peripheral vasoconstrictive effect on AP in anesthetized rats in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, solution processed high- k nanocomposite/low- k polymer bilayer gate dielectric that enables the fabrication of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) that operate effectively at 1 V in high yields is reported. Barium strontium titanate (BST) and barium zirconate (BZ) nanoparticles are dispersed in a poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP) polymer matrix to form a high- k nanocomposite layer. This is capped with a thin layer ( ca 30 nm) of cross-linked poly(vinyl phenol) (PVP) to improve the surface roughness and dielectric–semiconductor interface and reduces the leakage current by at least one order of magnitude. OFETs were fabricated using solution-processed semiconductors, poly(3,6-di(2-thien-5-yl)-2,5-di(2-octyldodecyl)-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) and a blend of 6,13-bis (triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene and poly (α-methylstyrene), in high yield (>90%) with negligible hysteresis and low leakage current density (10 − 9 A cm − 2 at ±1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the causes of why individuals desist from, or are resilient to, delinquency, crime, and other problem behaviors has captured the interests of scholars. Within the context of criminology, much of this research focused on resiliency against offending; that is, understanding how and why some individuals within high-risk environments do not engage in serious criminal offenses. The extant scholarship, however, has not fully explored the effects protective factors might have on fostering resiliency against victimization. Using a sample of respondents drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study investigated how individual protective factors and the accumulation of protective factors contribute to the explanation of resiliency against victimization. Analysis of the data revealed that commitment to school was the only statistically significant independent predictor of resiliency for at risk-individuals. Additional analyses indicated that a protective factor index measuring the accumulation of protection was significant across multiple measures of resiliency. The policy and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: In the prospective multicenter Genesis study, we developed a prediction model for Cesarean delivery (CD) in term nulliparous women. The objective of this secondary analysis was to determine whether the Genesis model has the potential to predict maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with vaginal delivery.Study Design: The national prospective Genesis trial recruited 2,336 nulliparous women with a vertex presentation between 39 + 0- and 40 + 6-weeks' gestation from seven tertiary centers. The prediction model used five parameters to assess the risk of CD: maternal age, maternal height, body mass index, fetal head circumference and fetal abdominal circumference. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to develop the Genesis model. The risk score calculated using this model were correlated with maternal and neonatal morbidity in women who delivered vaginally: postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), shoulder dystocia, one- and five-minute Apgar score ≤ 7, neonatal intensive care (NICU) admission, cephalohematoma, fetal laceration, nerve palsy and fractures. The morbidities associated with spontaneous vaginal delivery were compared with those associated with operative vaginal delivery (OVD). The likelihood ratios for composite morbidity and the morbidity associated with OVD based on the Genesis risk scores were also calculated.Results: A total of 1,845 (79%) nulliparous women had a vaginal delivery. A trend of increasing intervention and morbidity was observed with increasing Genesis risk score, including OVD (p < 0.001), PPH (p < 0.008), NICU admission (p < 0.001), low Apgar score at one-minute (p < 0.001) and OASI (p = 0.009). The morbidity associated with OVD was significantly higher compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery, including NICU admission (p < 0.001), PPH (p = 0.022), birth injury (p < 0.001), shoulder dystocia (p = 0.002) and Apgar score of<7 at one-minute (p < 0.001). The positive likelihood ratios for composite outcomes (where the OVD was excluded) increases with increasing risk score from 1.005 at risk score of 5% to 2.507 for risk score of>50%.Conclusion: In women who ultimately achieved a vaginal birth, we have shown more maternal and neonatal morbidity in the setting of a Genesis nomogram-determined high-risk score for intrapartum CD. Therefore, the Genesis prediction tool also has the potential to predict a more morbid vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the incidence of maternal morbidity following elective caesarean section in women with a history of at least two previous caesarean sections, and to determine if the incidence of morbidity correlates with the number of previous sections. Study design: We conducted an individual chart review of all women who had an elective caesarean section because of a history of two previous sections from 1990 to 1999. Results: There were 67,097 deliveries of babies weighing 500 g or more. The total number of cases eligible for the study was 250. There were 12 cases (4.8%) of placenta praevia of which four required a transfusion and two a hysterectomy. The incidence of wound infection was 6.3% and urinary tract infection was 11.2%. There were no cases of thromboembolism recorded. Conclusions: Maternal morbidity with elective repeat caesarean section is low. The major morbidity is associated with placenta praevia. We found no correlation between the incidence of maternal morbidity and the number of previous sections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Addition of two equivalents of HBF4 to suspensions of the di-alkynyl-di-μ-methylene-dirhodium complexes [(C5Me5)2Rh2(μ-CH2)2(C2R)2] (2, R=Ph; 3, R=p-C6H4Me) (prepared from the chloro-complex [(C5Me5)2Rh2(μ-CH2)2Cl2] (1), and RC2MgCl), gave the unexpected products syn- and anti-[(C5Me5)2Rh2(μ-η5,η5′-{XC6H4CH(CH2)CC(CH2)CHC6H4X}][BF4]2 (4, X=H; and 5, X=p-Me). The solid-state structure of syn-5, determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, was shown to contain a hydrocarbon skeleton of two linked η5-allylbenzenes. Complexes 4 and 5 underwent a dynamic process in solution; this was examined by VT-NMR spectroscopy for 5 and was shown to involve η5-/η3-/η5-migration of the allylbenzene fragment, with a free energy of activation of 62 kJ mol−1. The complexes 2 and 3 reacted with HCl to give 1 and RC2H. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Quasi-static breaking of a porphyry copper ore with in-situ X-ray µCT imaging. • A new textural analysis method for ore breakage type characterization. • 3D mapping of micro-porosity and its effects on ore breakage. • Ore texture and breakage characteristics on Cu minerals surface liberation. As the mining industry continues to seek greater energy efficiency, it needs more effective characterization of ore material as it progresses from mine to mill. The energy cost of ore mineral liberation, for example, is critically dependent on management of rock breakage from blasting to comminution. The study reported here presents a quantitative method for 3D characterization of ore texture and breakage based on X-ray micro-CT and in-situ micromechanical test. A porphyry copper ore is studied from its initial mechanical failure to the onset of fragmentation. This work integrates a quantitative ore textural analysis with 3D mapping of both the dominant minerals and micro-porosity in the ore sample. It enables us to show, as the fractured ore is still under loading, that internal breakage of feldspar grains dominates grain boundary fracturing. We discuss how the microporous regions, mostly found in hydrothermally altered plagioclase, may act as a weakening factor leading to the dominant breakage of plagioclase. We measure quantitatively and discuss how size reduction, ore texture and breakage characteristics control the degree of liberation of Cu minerals. Combining characterisation of ore texture with breakage in 3D could provide much needed insights for achieving more energy-efficient comminution and optimal liberation of critical minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microwave-promoted synthesis and fluorous purification procedures have been employed successfully to generate 4-(tetrathienyl)butyric acid rapidly. Initially, a fluorous tag 1H,1H-perfluorooctylamine was tethered to 4-(thienyl)butyric acid via an amide traceless linkage. Subsequent, sequential α-bromination and Stille cross-coupling reactions with 2-(tributylstannyl)thiophene grew the fluorous-tagged 4-(oligothienyl)butyric acid efficiently. Each synthetic transformation was followed by a fluorous-solid phase extraction procedure to isolate the fluorous-tagged compound intermediate in excellent yield. Finally, the fluorous tag was cleaved by microwave-promoted saponification of the amide bond to liberate the desired 4-(tetrathienyl)butyric acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Contemporary approaches to monitoring quality of care in obstetrics often focus on comparing Cesarean Delivery rates. Varied rates can complicate interpretation of quality of care. We previously developed a risk prediction tool for nulliparous women who may require intrapartum Cesarean delivery which identified five key predictors. Our objective with this study was to ascertain if patient heterogeneity can account for much of the observed variation in Cesarean delivery rates, thereby enabling Cesarean delivery rates to be a better marker of quality of care.Materials and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Genesis study. This was a large prospective study of 2336 nulliparous singleton pregnancies recruited at seven hospitals. A heterogeneity score was calculated for each hospital. An adjusted Cesarean delivery rate was also calculated incorporating the heterogeneous risk score.Results: A cut-off at the 90th percentile was determined for each predictive factor. Above the 90th percentile was considered to represent 'high risk' (with the exception of maternal height which identified those below the 10th percentile). The patient heterogeneous risk score was defined as the number of risk factors > 90th percentile (<10th percentile for height). An unequal distribution of high-risk patients between centers was observed (p < 0.001). The correlation between the Cesarean delivery rate and the patient heterogeneous risk score was high (0.76, p < 0.05). When adjusted for patient heterogeneity, Cesarean delivery rates became closer aligned.Conclusion: Inter-institutional diversity is common. We suggest that crude comparison of Cesarean delivery rates between different hospitals as a marker of care quality is inappropriate. Allowing for marked differences in patient characteristics is essential for correct interpretation of such comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies that investigated the relationship between biomarkers and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) generally focused on individual biomarkers with significant heterogeneity in terms of the screening methodologies, diagnostic criteria for GDM and sample handling of glucose within these studies. This prospective study used an established panel of ten biomarkers to determine if they could predict the diagnosis of GDM.Study Design: Women with risk factors for GDM were recruited at their first antenatal visit. They attended for an oral glucose tolerance test at 26-28 weeks' gestation with strict preanalytical handling of glucose samples to minimise glycolysis. A fasting plasma sample taken simultaneously was stored at -80 °C and analysed in bulk for 10 biomarkers (insulin, c-peptide, glucagon, ghrelin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leptin, visfatin, resistin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)) using the Bio-plex-pro Human Diabetes Assay.Results: Insulin and C-peptide levels in the third tertile were associated with the development of GDM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.6, 95 % CI 1.3-5.0, p = 0.005 and aOR 3.7, 95 % CI 1.8-7.4, p < 0.001 respectively, adjusted for maternal obesity). Elevated levels of ghrelin were associated with a lower odds of developing GDM, after adjustment for maternal obesity. However, approximately half of the women with GDM who were in the obesity category did not have insulin or c-peptide levels in the third tertile.Conclusions: While three of the ten biomarkers were statistically associated with an increased risk of GDM, the large overlap in values between those with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance meant that the biomarkers (alone or in combination) were not useful clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Epidemiological studies have previously reported that maternal socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. However, little attention has been paid to the question of the woman's employment status. The aim of this observational study was to examine the relationship between maternal employment status at the first antenatal visit and pregnancy outcomes.Study Design: The study was confined to women with a singleton pregnancy who attended for maternity care between the years 2010 and 2017 and delivered a baby weighing ≥500 g. Self-reported sociodemographic and clinical details were recorded at the first antenatal visit by a trained midwife and updated before hospital discharge. The hospital is one of the largest in Europe and accepts women from all socioeconomic groups, including women in the public system and those with private health insurance, across the rural-urban spectrum.Results: Of the 62,395 women, the mean age was 31.5 years (SD 5.4), 39.3% were nulliparas and 70.7% were Irish born. Compared with the 45,028 (72.2%) women who reported as being in paid employment, the 4984 (8.0%) women who were unemployed had a higher rate of stillbirth (8/4984 vs. 27/45,028, p = 0.005) and homemakers had a higher incidence of neonatal death (31/12,383 vs. 73/45,028, p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, women who were unemployed or homemakers had increased adjusted odds ratios for neonatal unit (NNU) admissions, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age. Compared to women in paid employment, women who were unemployed or homemakers were associated with younger age (<30 years) in pregnancy, multiparity, unplanned pregnancy, no or postconceptional only folic acid supplementation, anxiolytic/antidepressant use, as well as persistent smoking and illicit drug use during pregnancy.Conclusions: In a high-income European country, women who reported as unemployed or homemakers were associated with higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, these women were associated with suboptimal lifestyle behaviours such as smoking and illicit drug use in early pregnancy. This highlights the need for long term public policies on female unemployment and retaining women with children in employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]