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Wastewater treatment plant effluents release microbiological pollutants, including the intI1 gene (integrases of class 1 integron), which has been proposed as a target for monitoring anthropogenic pollution in surface waters. This gene correlates with antibiotic resistance genes, making it an important proxy for genetic contamination in aquatic environments. It is currently unclear whether intI1 found in lake water is mainly present due to continuous seeding or if autochthonous bacteria harbor this gene. To better understand the fate and dynamics of class 1 integrons in aquatic systems, we resorted to classical limnological monitoring of intI1 (qPCR) over multiple years in three different size fractions: free‐living bacteria, particle‐attached bacteria, and zooplankton‐attached bacteria. We also conducted experiments to elucidate the impact of grazers on the abundance of intI1. The monitoring of different size fractions of the Lake Maggiore microbial community showed a particle‐bound lifestyle for intI1‐hosting bacteria. Most of these bacteria originated from both a wastewater effluent that discharges into Lake Maggiore and the lake water itself (amplicon sequencing). We hypothesize that these bacteria grow on particles in open waters, making them particularly vulnerable to grazing by large filter feeders such as Daphnia. Therefore, the presence of Daphnia reduced the abundance of intI1 in lake water, whereas this was not true for other grazers such as Rotaria macrura or Poterioochromonas sp. Our study shows that the food web structure and temporal changes in the lake influence the abundance of intI1 and consequently the assessment of anthropogenic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self‐identified women participated in this cross‐sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self‐perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual‐perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual‐perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual‐perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self‐perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their "normal" and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the "thin" body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of "normative discontent", and suggest more cross‐country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies. Highlights: This study had two objectives: (a) to explore the preliminary cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from Canada and Spain.The results highlight the preliminary validity of a novel continuum of 3D bodies as a valid cross‐cultural visual‐perceptual method to assess body image phenomena.Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies.Compared to their self‐perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their "normal" and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the "thin" body as not only ideal, but also normative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have explored the links between congenital anomalies and assisted reproduction techniques, among other factors. However, it remains unclear whether a particular technique harbors an inherent risk of major congenital anomalies, either cumulatively or in an organ‐specific manner. A meta‐analysis was conducted using relevant studies from inception to February 2023 using six databases and two appropriate registers. Sources of heterogeneity were explored using sub‐group analysis, using study weight, risk of bias and geographical location of original studies. Neonates conceived through assisted reproduction appear to have a higher risk of major congenital anomalies compared to naturally conceived neonates, OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.59, 0.76], I2 = 97%, p < 0.00001, with neonates conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at a 9% higher chance of being affected in comparison to neonates conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The increase in cardiac, gastrointestinal (GI), and neurological congenital anomalies appears to be independent of the assisted reproduction technique, while urogenital and musculoskeletal (MSK) anomalies were found to be increased in ICSI compared with IVF, OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.69, 0.98]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0%, and OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.49, 0.85]; p = 0.002, I2 = 80%, respectively. Neonates conceived using assisted reproduction techniques appear to be at higher risk of major congenital anomalies, with a higher risk attributable to conception using ICSI. The increase in cardiac, neurological, and GI congenital anomalies does not appear to be technique‐specific, while the opposite held true for urogenital and MSK anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two major mechanisms safeguard genome stability during mitosis: the mitotic checkpoint delays mitosis until all chromosomes have attached to microtubules, and the kinetochore–microtubule error‐correction pathway keeps this attachment process free from errors. We demonstrate here that the optimal strength and dynamics of these processes are set by a kinase–phosphatase pair (PLK1‐PP2A) that engage in negative feedback from adjacent phospho‐binding motifs on the BUB complex. Uncoupling this feedback to skew the balance towards PLK1 produces a strong checkpoint, hypostable microtubule attachments and mitotic delays. Conversely, skewing the balance towards PP2A causes a weak checkpoint, hyperstable microtubule attachments and chromosome segregation errors. These phenotypes are associated with altered BUB complex recruitment to KNL1‐MELT motifs, implicating PLK1‐PP2A in controlling auto‐amplification of MELT phosphorylation. In support, KNL1‐BUB disassembly becomes contingent on PLK1 inhibition when KNL1 is engineered to contain excess MELT motifs. This elevates BUB‐PLK1/PP2A complex levels on metaphase kinetochores, stabilises kinetochore–microtubule attachments, induces chromosome segregation defects and prevents KNL1‐BUB disassembly at anaphase. Together, these data demonstrate how a bifunctional PLK1/PP2A module has evolved together with the MELT motifs to optimise BUB complex dynamics and ensure accurate chromosome segregation. Synopsis: The mitotic checkpoint and kinetochore–microtubule error‐correction pathways safeguard chromosome segregation during mitosis. This work shows that a kinase–phosphatase recruitment module in BUBR1 integrates both processes by balancing PLK1 and PP2A levels at kinetochore scaffold KNL1. The kinase PLK1 and phosphatase PP2A‐B56 are engaged in an intramolecular negative feedback loop on BUBR1, which binds to kinetochores via phosphorylated MELT motifs in KNL1.This feedback balances PLK1 and PP2A levels at KNL1 to optimise strength and dynamics of the mitotic checkpoint (PLK1) and kinetochore–microtubule attachments (PP2A).The number of MELT motifs in KNL1 is also crucial for setting the right PLK1/PP2A levels because elevating MELT number causes defects that are associated with high PLK1/PP2A activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study that aimed to evaluate the role of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in distinguishing between small-for-gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in fetuses at risk for late-onset FGR. The study included non-anomalous singleton pregnancies with suspected late-onset FGR and used ultrasound clips of the fetal heart to perform offline STE. The results showed differences in right ventricular strain between SGA, FGR, and evolving FGR, suggesting increased cardiac deformation in the latter group. However, no differences in STE parameters were found between SGA and FGR. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "EP08.14: Computerised CTG features in small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks," explores the characteristics of computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) in suspected late-onset fetal smallness and compares cCTG analysis in small-for-gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). The study, which included 105 cases and 367 cCTG recordings, found a negative correlation between umbilical artery PI and UCR and long-term variability (LTV) and short-term variability (STV), as well as a positive correlation between these parameters and the length of recording. FGR fetuses showed a longer duration of cCTG recording and lower STV compared to SGA fetuses. The study concludes that there is a relationship between cCTG and fetal Doppler parameters, and that pathological cCTG is mainly accounted for by FGR cases. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study conducted on fetuses with late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) to investigate patterns of cardiac remodeling and evaluate fetal cardiac function using speckle tracking fetal echocardiography (STE). The study found three distinct cardiac remodeling phenotypes: a morphologically normal heart, a morphologically elongated heart, and a morphologically globular heart. The comparison of cardiac functional parameters using STE showed differences in left and right ventricular strain among the phenotypes. This study highlights the existence of different cardiac remodeling phenotypes in fetuses with late-onset FGR and their association with variations in ventricular strain. [Extracted from the article]

The Chenaillet Ophiolite represents a very well‐preserved portion of Ligurian‐Piedmont ocean in the Western Alps. It is formed from an oceanic lithospheric succession comprising exhumed mantle, various mafic intrusives (i.e., gabbro sensu lato), and a world‐renowned sequence of pillow basalts. Apart from scarce breccias closely related to oceanic lithosphere, no sedimentary cover is exposed. Historically, the Chenaillet Ophiolite has been known for its very low temperature–low pressure Alpine metamorphism, ascribed to obduction processes. However, studies aimed at constraining the peak pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions of Alpine metamorphism are virtually lacking, the general focus having been so far on its high temperature metamorphism and geochemical features. In this paper, we investigate two kinds of rocks: gabbro and albitite/alkali syenite, whose petrographic features shed light on the complex metamorphic history of the Chenaillet Ophiolite. Detailed analyses of mineral assemblages, blastesis/deformation relationships, and mineral chemical data allow two metamorphic events to be distinguished: an earlier, high temperature event (already reported in the literature) and a second, later low temperature, high pressure event, recognized here for the first time. The low temperature, high pressure event is strikingly testified by the occurrence of lawsonite relicts in the gabbro and of interstitial omphacite in the albitite. Thermodynamic modelling (i.e., via isochemical phase diagrams) performed on a gabbro sample suggests for this unit a minimum of 9 kbar and 300°C and a maximum of 15 kbar and 450°C. Overlapping these P–T conditions with those inferred for the albitite based on the observed mineral assemblage allows the Alpine peak metamorphism to be constrained to 10–11 kbar and 340–360°C. These P–T conditions suggest a thickness of the overlying nappe stack of about 35–40 km, which is incompatible with obduction or burial processes, and instead consistent with subduction processes related to the Alpine orogeny. We argue that, opposite to the common belief that the Chenaillet Ophiolite escaped Alpine metamorphism, our new data strongly support the idea that it experienced low temperature‐blueschist‐facies metamorphism, whose evidence can still be tracked in those (few) rocks that better recorded and preserved it. This finding generates new challenging questions regarding both subduction and exhumation processes in complex orogens such as the Western Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the ventricular myocardial band is the anatomical‐functional model that best explains cardiac mechanics during systolic‐diastolic phenomena in the cardiac cycle. The implications of the model fundamentally affect the anatomical interpretation of the ventricular myocardium, giving meaning to the direction that muscle fibers take, turning them into an object of study with potential clinical, imaging, and surgical applications. Re‐interpreting the anatomy of the ventricular muscle justifies changes in the physiological interpretation, from its functional focus as a fiber unraveling the mechanical phenomena carried out during systole and diastole. We identify the functioning of the heart from the electrical and hemodynamic point of view, but it is necessary to delve into the mechanics that originate the hemodynamic changes observed flowmetrically, and that manifested during the pathology. In this review, the mechanical phenomena that the myocardium performs in each phase of the cardiac cycle are broken down in detail, emphasizing the physical displacements that each of the muscle segments presents, as well as a vision of their alteration and in which pathologies they are mainly identified. Visually, an anatomical correlation to the echocardiogram is provided, pointing out the direction of the segmental myocardial displacement by the strain velocity vector technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the fetal head‐circumference‐to‐maternal‐height (HC/MH) ratio measured shortly before delivery and the occurrence of Cesarean section (CS) for labor dystocia. Methods: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study involving four tertiary maternity hospitals. An unselected cohort of women with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation, at a gestational age beyond 36 + 0 weeks and without any contraindication for vaginal delivery, was enrolled between September 2020 and November 2021. The MH and fetal HC were measured on admission of the patient to the labor ward. The primary outcome of the study was the performance of the HC/MH ratio in the prediction of CS for labor dystocia. Women who underwent CS for any indication other than failed labor progression, including fetal distress, were excluded from the final analysis. Results: A total of 783 women were included in the study. Vaginal delivery occurred in 744 (95.0%) women and CS for labor dystocia in 39 (5.0%). CS for labor dystocia was associated with shorter MH (mean ± SD, 160.4 ± 6.6 vs 164.5 ± 6.3 cm; P < 0.001), larger fetal HC (339.6 ± 9.5 vs 330.7 ± 13.0 mm; P < 0.001) and a higher HC/MH ratio (2.12 ± 0.11 vs 2.01 ± 0.10; P < 0.001) compared with vaginal delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the HC/MH ratio was associated independently with CS for labor dystocia (adjusted odds ratio, 2.65 (95% CI, 1.85–3.79); P < 0.001). The HC/MH ratio had an area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve of 0.77 and an optimal cut‐off value for discriminating between vaginal delivery and CS for labor dystocia of 2.09, which was associated with a sensitivity of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.45–0.77), specificity of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.76–0.82), positive predictive value of 0.13 (95% CI, 0.09–0.19) and negative predictive value of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–0.99). Conclusions: In a large cohort of unselected pregnancies, the HC/MH ratio performed better than did fetal HC and MH alone in identifying those cases that will undergo CS for labor dystocia, albeit with moderate predictive value. The HC/MH ratio could assist in the evaluation of women at risk for CS for labor dystocia. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the accuracy of first trimester referral ultrasounds compared to second trimester referral ultrasounds in detecting false positives and false negatives for structural anomalies in singleton pregnancies. The study found that the rate of false positive and false negative diagnoses in the first trimester ultrasounds was low. False negatives were mostly minor structural anomalies with little impact on management and counseling, or evolving anomalies that cannot be diagnosed in the first trimester. False positives were consistent with the natural history of the anomaly, although over-diagnosis was acknowledged as a limitation of first trimester referral ultrasounds. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of 3D ultrasound and Doppler technologies in visualizing the medullary veins of the central nervous system (CNS) in fetal imaging. The accurate imaging of these veins is important for diagnosing CNS malformations. The article presents images and case studies that demonstrate the use of Doppler technologies sensitive to low-velocity flow in visualizing the medullary veins and identifying disruptions in their anatomy. The authors suggest that these technologies have the potential to aid in the diagnosis of complex cerebral anomalies. [Extracted from the article]

Identifying individuals most at risk of HIV infection is a priority for policymakers. Apart from specific groups, however, little is known about how to identify those at high risk in the population. Research suggests that attitudes toward risk and time preferences may influence risky sexual behavior, but no studies have so far investigated the interplay between risk attitudes, time preference, and HIV infection. We collect data on risk and time preferences using hypothetical games (multiple price list method) at baseline and data on HIV status at baseline (2010) and endline (2012) allowing us to calculate incidence rate over a 2‐year period among 675 participants, males and females 18–32 years old in Lesotho. We find robust evidence of a statistically significant positive associations between HIV incidence and prevalence and risk‐loving attitudes, while the associations with risky behaviors and time preferences are not statistically significant. A measure of attitude toward risk, relatively easy to administer to individuals in a survey, is thus associated with future HIV status. This is an important finding for policymakers and suggests the importance of targeting HIV prevention programs to risk‐loving individuals and therefore improving program efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CDK4/6 inhibitors arrest the cell cycle in G1‐phase. They are approved to treat breast cancer and are also undergoing clinical trials against a range of other tumour types. To facilitate these efforts, it is important to understand why a cytostatic arrest in G1 causes long‐lasting effects on tumour growth. Here, we demonstrate that a prolonged G1 arrest following CDK4/6 inhibition downregulates replisome components and impairs origin licencing. Upon release from that arrest, many cells fail to complete DNA replication and exit the cell cycle in a p53‐dependent manner. If cells fail to withdraw from the cell cycle following DNA replication problems, they enter mitosis and missegregate chromosomes causing excessive DNA damage, which further limits their proliferative potential. These effects are observed in a range of tumour types, including breast cancer, implying that genotoxic stress is a common outcome of CDK4/6 inhibition. This unanticipated ability of CDK4/6 inhibitors to induce DNA damage now provides a rationale to better predict responsive tumour types and effective combination therapies, as demonstrated by the fact that CDK4/6 inhibition induces sensitivity to chemotherapeutics that also cause replication stress. Synopsis: CDK4/6 inhibitors are anti‐cancer drugs that pause the cell cycle in G1, but why this produces a long‐lasting proliferative arrest is unclear. Here, G1 delays are shown to induce replication stress and mitotic errors, which leads to genotoxic damage and cell cycle exit. CDK4/6 inhibitors downregulate replisome components and reduce origin licensing during a G1 arrest.If the G1 delays are too long, then replication stress during the subsequent S‐phase causes p53‐dependent cell cycle exit.p53‐null cells can progress through G2 into mitosis, but these cells experience catastrophic DNA damage which limits their long‐term proliferative potential.This genotoxic damage is observed in a range of tumour lines, including HR+/HER2‐ breast cancer cells, a subtype that are treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the safety of Partial‐Amniotic‐Insufflation‐of‐heated‐humidified‐CO2 (hPACI) during fetoscopic spina bifida repair (fSB‐repair). Method: A simulated fSB‐repair through an exteriorized uterus under hPACI was performed in 100‐day fetal lambs (term = 145 days) under a laboratory anesthesia protocol (n = 5; group 1) which is known to induce maternal‐fetal acidosis and hypercapnia. Since these may not occur clinically, we applied a clinical anesthesia protocol (n = 5; group 2), keeping maternal parameters within physiological conditions, that is, controlled maternal arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) pressure (pCO2 = 30 mmHg), blood pressure (≥67 mmHg), and temperature (37.1–39.8°C). Our superiority study used fetal pH as the primary outcome. Results: Compared to group 1, controlled anesthesia normalized fetal pH (7.23 ± 0.02 vs. 7.36 ± 0.02, p < 0.001), pCO2 (70.0 ± 9.1 vs. 43.0 ± 1.0 mmHg, p = 0.011) and bicarbonate (27.8 ± 1.1 vs. 24.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p = 0.071) at baseline. It kept them within clinically acceptable limits (pH ≥ 7.23, pCO2 ≤ 70 mmHg, bicarbonate ≤ 30 mm/L) for ≥120 min of hPACI as opposed to ≤30 min in group one. Fetal pO2 and lactate were comparable between groups and generally within normal range. Fetal brain histology demonstrated fewer apoptotic cells and higher neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex in group two. There was no difference in fetal membrane inflammation, which was mild. Conclusion: Fetoscopic insufflation of heated‐humidified CO2 during simulated fSB‐repair through an exteriorized uterus can be done safely under controlled anesthesia. Key points: What's already known about this topic? There is experimental concern that Partial‐Amniotic‐CO2‐Insufflation (partial amniotic CO2 insufflation [PACI]) could induce fetal acidosis and hypercapnia as well as damage to the fetal membranes and brainHeated‐humidified PACI is clinically used for fetoscopic spina bifida (SB) repair and has been shown to lessen fetal acidosis and hypercapnia in the fetal lamb What does this study add? In the fetal lamb, heated‐humidified PACI during simulated fetoscopic SB repair through an exteriorized uterus under controlled anesthesia avoids significant fetal acidosis and hypercapniaMoreover, it does not induce substantial changes in fetal brain and membranes histology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genetic etiology is identifiable in 20%–30% of patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) can detect copy number variants (CNV) associated with CHD. In previous studies, the diagnostic yield of postnatal CMA testing ranged from 4% to 28% in CHD patients. However, incidental pathogenic CNV and variants of unknown significance are often discovered without any known association with CHD. The study objective was to describe the rate of pathogenic CNV associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and compare clinical findings in CHD neonates with genetic results. A single‐center retrospective review was performed on all consecutive newborns with CHD admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit from January 2013 to March 2019 (n = 525). CHD phenotypes were classified as per the National Birth Defect Prevention Study. CMA detected pathogenic CNV in 21.3% (61/287) of neonates, and karyotype or fluorescence in situ hybridization detected aneuploidies in an additional 11% of the overall cohort (58/525). Atrioventricular septal defects and conotruncal defects showed the highest diagnostic yield by CMA (28.6% and 27.2%, respectively). Among neonates with pathogenic CNV on CMA, 78.7% (48/61) were associated with NDI. Neonates with pathogenic CNV were smaller in length at birth compared to those with benign CNV or variants of unknown significance (p = 0.005) and were more likely to be discharged with an enteral feeding tube (p = 0.027). CMA can discover genetic variants associated with NDI and are common in neonates with CHD. Genetic testing in the neonatal period can heighten awareness of genetic risk for NDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the drawbacks of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the need for a second invasive intervention to re‐establish airway patency. The 'Smart‐TO' device is a new balloon for FETO that deflates spontaneously when placed in a strong magnetic field, therefore overcoming the need for a second procedure. The safety and efficacy of this device have not yet been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the reversibility, local side effects and occlusiveness of the Smart‐TO balloon, both in a simulated in‐utero environment and in the fetal lamb model. Methods: First, the reversibility of tracheal occlusion by the Smart‐TO balloon was tested in a high‐fidelity simulator. Following videoscopic tracheoscopic balloon insertion, the fetal mannequin was placed within a 1‐L water‐filled balloon to mimic the amniotic cavity. This was held by an operator in front of their abdomen, and different fetal and maternal positions were simulated to mimic the most common clinical scenarios. Following exposure to the magnetic field generated by a 1.5‐T magnetic resonance (MR) machine, deflation of the Smart‐TO balloon was assessed by tracheoscopy. In cases of failed deflation, the mannequin was reinserted into a water‐filled balloon for additional MR exposure, up to a maximum of three times. Secondly, reversibility, occlusiveness and local effects of the Smart‐TO balloon were tested in vivo in fetal lambs. Tracheal occlusion was performed in fetal lambs on gestational day 95 (term, 145 days), either using the balloon currently used in clinical practice (Goldbal2) (n = 5) or the Smart‐TO balloon (n = 5). On gestational day 116, the presence of the balloon was assessed by tracheoscopy. Deflation was performed by puncture (Goldbal2) or MR exposure (Smart‐TO). Six unoccluded fetal lambs served as controls. Following euthanasia, the lung‐to‐body‐weight ratio (LBWR), lung morphometry and tracheal circumference were assessed. Local tracheal changes were measured using a hierarchical histologic scoring system. Results: Ex vivo, Smart‐TO balloon deflation occurred after a single MR exposure in 100% of cases in a maternal standing position with the mannequin at a height of 95 cm (n = 32), 55 cm (n = 8) or 125 cm (n = 8), as well as when the maternal position was 'lying on a stretcher' (n = 8). Three out of eight (37.5%) balloons failed to deflate at first exposure when the maternal position was 'sitting in a wheelchair'. Of these, two balloons deflated after a second MR exposure, but one balloon remained inflated after a third exposure. In vivo, all Smart‐TO balloons deflated successfully. The LBWR in fetal lambs with tracheal occlusion by a Smart‐TO balloon was significantly higher than that in unoccluded controls, and was comparable with that in the Goldbal2 group. There were no differences in lung morphometry and tracheal circumference between the two balloon types. Tracheal histology showed minimal changes for both balloons. Conclusions: In a simulated in‐utero environment, the Smart‐TO balloon was effectively deflated by exposure of the fetus in different positions to the magnetic field of a 1.5‐T MR system. There was only one failure, which occurred when the mother was sitting in a wheelchair. In healthy fetal lambs, the Smart‐TO balloon is as occlusive as the clinical standard Goldbal2 system and has only limited local side effects. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) deficiencies are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions belonging to the congenital disorders of glycosylation. PIGW is involved in GPI biosynthesis and modification, and biallelic pathogenic variants in this gene cause autosomal recessive GPI biosynthesis defect 11. Only five patients and two fetuses have been reported in the literature thus far. Here we describe a new patient with a novel homozygous missense variant in PIGW, who presented with hypotonia, severe intellectual disability, early‐onset epileptic seizures, brain abnormalities, nystagmus, hand stereotypies, recurrent respiratory infections, distinctive facial features, and hyperphosphatasia. Our report expands the phenotype of GPI biosynthesis defect 11 to include stereotypies and recurrent respiratory infections. A detailed and long‐term analysis of the electroclinical characteristics and review of the literature suggest that early‐onset epileptic seizures are a key manifestation of GPI biosynthesis defect 11. West syndrome and focal‐onset epileptic seizures are the most common seizure types, and the fronto‐temporal regions may be the most frequently involved areas in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study how aggregate economic conditions affect the timing of marriage, and particularly child marriage, in Sub‐Saharan Africa and in India. In both regions, substantial monetary or in‐kind transfers occur with marriage: bride price across Sub‐Saharan Africa and dowry in India. In a simple equilibrium model of the marriage market in which parents choose when their children marry, income shocks affect the age of marriage because marriage payments are a source of consumption smoothing, particularly for a woman's family. As predicted by our model, we show that droughts, which reduce annual crop yields by 10 to 15% and aggregate income by 4 to 5%, have opposite effects on the marriage behavior of a sample of 400,000 women in the two regions: in Sub‐Saharan Africa they increase the annual hazard into child marriage by 3%, while in India droughts reduce such a hazard by 4%. Changes in the age of marriage due to droughts are associated with changes in fertility, especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa, and with declines in observed marriage payments. Our results indicate that the age of marriage responds to short‐term changes in aggregate economic conditions and that marriage payments determine the sign of this response. This suggests that, in order to design successful policies to combat child marriage and improve investments in daughters' human capital, it is crucial to understand the economic role of marriage market institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐immolative (SI) spacers are sophisticated chemical constructs designed for molecular delivery or material degradation. We describe herein a (S)‐2‐(aminomethyl)pyrrolidine SI spacer that is able to release different types of anticancer drugs (possessing either a phenolic or secondary and tertiary hydroxyl groups) through a fast cyclization mechanism involving carbamate cleavage. The high efficiency of drug release obtained with this spacer was found to be beneficial for the in vitro cytotoxic activity of protease‐sensitive prodrugs, compared with a commonly used spacer of the same class. These findings expand the repertoire of degradation machineries and are instrumental for the future development of highly efficient delivery platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular malformations arising from the wall of the external jugular vein are rare and appeared most commonly in pediatric population. Here, we present a case of vascular malformation in the left external jugular vein diagnosed in a fetus during third trimester ultrasound. This is the first described case in prenatal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA promoter methylation is usually an early stage in carcinogenesis process, including oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between T allele of specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C>T rs 16906252 and O16‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation as prospective biomarkers of malignant transformation in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. Methods: This research is an observational, analytical case–control study where a total of 85 subjects (43 control individuals and 42 OLP patients) participated. The samples (mouthwashes) from all volunteers were analyzed, and DNA extraction was carried out. The genotyping of the rs 16906252 SNP in the MGMT gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). Statistical analyses of Student t test and multiple logistic regressions were used. Results: C>T genotype in the control and OLP groups was detected in 2.3% and 19.0%, respectively. The presence of this genotype was associated with methylation of the MGMT gene. In fact, taking into account age and gender, subjects with C>T genotype were 10.5 (95% CI 1.03–106; P = 0.047) times more likely to methylate promoter region of the MGMT gene. Conclusions: These findings indicate that C>T allele of rs 16906252, predictor of MGMT promoter methylation status, may be an important feature in the clinical prognosis of premalignant lesions of OLP, although this finding requires further clinical and laboratory investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐risk sexual behaviours are generally unobserved and difficult to identify. In this paper, we investigate the accuracy of two risky‐behaviour measures: biomarkers for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and self‐reported data. We build an epidemiological model to assess the relative performance of biomarkers versus self‐reported data. We then suggest an econometric strategy that combines both types of measures to estimate actual unobserved risky sexual behaviours. Using data from the Demographic and Health Survey in 28 countries, we calibrate the model and provide conditions under which self‐reported data are a better proxy for risky sexual behaviours than biomarkers. In countries with low STI prevalence, biomarkers have a higher probability of misclassification than self‐reported answers. We apply our econometric strategy to the data and show that the probability of actual risky behaviour is much higher than the probability of self‐reported risky behaviour and of testing positive for an STI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the fundamental role that environmental microbes play for ecosystem functioning, data on how microbes react to disturbances are still scarce, and most factors that confer stability to microbial communities are unknown. In this context, antibiotic discharge into the environment is considered a worldwide threat for ecosystems with potential risks to human health. We therefore tested resilience of microbial communities challenged by the presence of an antibiotic. In a continuous culture experiment, we compared the abundance, composition and diversity of microbial communities undisturbed or disturbed by the constant addiction of tetracycline in low (10 µg/L) or intermediate (100 µg/L) concentration (press disturbance). Further, the bacterial communities in the three treatments had to face the sudden pulse disturbance of adding an allochthonous bacterium (Escherichia coli). Tetracycline, even at low concentrations, affected microbial communities by changing their phylogenetic composition and causing cell aggregation. This, however, did not coincide with a reduced microbial diversity, but was mainly caused by a shift in dominance of specific bacterial families. Moreover, the less disturbed community (10 µg/L tetracycline) was sometimes more similar to the control and sometimes more similar to heavily disturbed community (100 µg/L tetracycline). All in all, we could not see a pattern where the communities disturbed with antibiotics were less resilient to a second disturbance introducing E. coli, but they seemed to be able to buffer the input of the allochthonous strain in a similar manner as the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The need to reduce emissions and improve mobility in overcrowded cities is promoting the use of bicycles as transportation means. Bicycles have a small footprint, are easy to use, and cost effective. The introduction of modern electric bicycles has also widened the user base, extending the reach of bicycles as a commuter's option. Electric bicycles, in order to meet regulation standards, need sensors that are not usually available on muscular bicycles, like torque or cadence sensors. In this paper, we develop a cadence estimation strategy based on the wheel speed encoder only, thus allowing to remove the cadence sensor. Specifically, we propose 2 approaches, ie, a direct cadence estimate and an indirect one via gear ratio estimate. Both estimation problems are shown to be equivalent to a frequency tracking problem, which can be solved by Kalman filtering. The final algorithm embeds a logic supervisor that guarantees the reliability of the procedure in all working conditions, including freewheeling. The whole analysis and development are based upon a thorough experimental campaign using an instrumented bicycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planktonic cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Synechococcus are ubiquitously distributed in marine and fresh waters, substantially contributing to total carbon fixation on a global scale. While their ecological relevance is acknowledged, increasing resolution in molecular techniques allows disentangling cyanobacteria's role at the micro-scale, where complex microbial interactions may drive the overall community assembly. The interplay between phylogenetically different Synechococcus clades and their associated bacterial communities can affect their ecological fate and susceptibility to protistan predation. In this study, we experimentally promoted different levels of ecological interaction by mixing two Synechococcus ribotypes ( MW101C3 and LL) and their associated bacteria, with and without a nanoflagellate grazer ( Poterioochromonas sp.) in laboratory cultures. The beta-diversity of the Synechococcus-associated microbiome in laboratory cultures indicated that the presence of the LL ribotype was the main factor determining community composition changes (41% of total variance), and prevailed over the effect of protistan predation (18% of total variance). Our outcomes also showed that species coexistence and predation may promote microbial diversity, thus highlighting the underrated ecological relevance of such micro-scale factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Also, no correlation was found between the total deceleration area in labour and both the WJA/birthweight and the UCA/birthweight ratio. The correlation between the total deceleration area during labour and the WJA/birthweight and the UCA/ birthweight ratio was also assessed. The WJA/birthweight and the UCA/birthweight ratio were compared between women who underwent an OI (i.e. Caesarean section, operative vaginal deliveries or intrapartum resuscitation) for suspected fetal compromise (group OI) and those where this was not necessary (group no OI). [Extracted from the article]

OP05.04: Expert neurosonography versus magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of techniques in detecting cortical abnormalities in a high-risk population A non-consecutive series of cases with a diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) abnormality at antenatal NSG and MRI, were included in the study. To compare the accuracy of neurosonography (NSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of the fetal cortex in a high-risk cohort of fetuses. [Extracted from the article]

The recruitment of bone marrow ( BM)-derived progenitor cells to the lung is related to pulmonary remodelling and the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension ( PH). Although sildenafil is a known target in PH treatment, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. To test the hypothesis that the therapeutic effect of sildenafil is linked to the reduced recruitment of BM-derived progenitor cells, we induced pulmonary remodelling in rats by two-week exposure to chronic hypoxia ( CH, 10% oxygen), a trigger of BM-derived progenitor cells. Rats were treated with either placebo (saline) or sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg/day ip) during CH. Control rats were kept in room air (21% oxygen) with no treatment. As expected, sildenafil attenuated the CH-induced increase in right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. However, sildenafil suppressed the CH-induced increase in c-kit+ cells in the adventitia of pulmonary arteries. Moreover, sildenafil reduced the number of c-kit+ cells that colocalize with tyrosine kinase receptor 2 ( VEGF-R2) and CD68 (a marker for macrophages), indicating a positive effect on moderating hypoxia-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation and inflammation without affecting the pulmonary levels of hypoxia-inducible factor ( HIF)-1α. Furthermore, sildenafil depressed the number of CXCR4+ cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that the improvement in pulmonary haemodynamic by sildenafil is linked to decreased recruitment of BM-derived c-kit+ cells in the pulmonary tissue. The attenuation of the recruitment of BM-derived c-kit+ cells by sildenafil may provide novel therapeutic insights into the control of pulmonary remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study group was represented by pregnancies where late-onset FGR was associated with DM/GDM; the control group consisted of pregnancies with late-onset FGR not associated with DM/GDM. To report the antenatal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) or gestational diabetes (GDM). Late-onset FGR in women with DM/GDM on insulin was associated with higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcome compared to GDM on diet (17/20, 85%, vs 25/42, 59.5%, p = 0.04). [Extracted from the article]

To evaluate the relationship between fetal Doppler parameters and functional echocardiography in fetuses at risk for late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR). Conclusions Functional echocardiographic findings on a selected population of fetuses at risk for late-onset FGR and birthweight < 10th percentile demonstrate a relationship between the UA Doppler and left ventricular strain and EF. At sub-analysis performed according to the birthweight, fetuses with birthweight 3 SP rd sp -10 SP th sp percentile and abnormal UA Doppler showed lower LV global longitudinal strain (-18.6 versus -21.9, p = 0.01), LV global radial strain (-31.1 versus -47.5, p = 0.003), LV global circumferential strain (-24.4 versus -31.6, p = 0.03) and EF (52.5 versus 60.2, p = 0.004) compared to those with normal UA Doppler. [Extracted from the article]

CPVAr shows higher association with NTDs, and the evidence of an increased CPVLr or CPVAr at 11-13 weeks should prompt detailed evaluation of the fetal spine. To evaluate the association between first trimester sonographic measurements of the lateral ventricles and neural tube defects (NTDs) at 11+0-13+6 weeks of gestation. The CPVLr and CPVAr best cut-off values to detect NTDs were 0.72 and 0.56 respectively, with areas under the ROC curve of 0.86 for CPVLr and 0.95 for CPVAr. [Extracted from the article]

The fate of antibiotic resistance genes ( ARGs) in environmental microbial communities is of primary concern as prodromal of a potential transfer to pathogenic bacteria. Although of diverse origin, the persistence of ARGs in aquatic environments is highly influenced by anthropic activities, allowing potential control actions in well-studied environments. However, knowledge of abundance and space-time distribution of ARGs in ecosystems is still scarce. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we investigated the presence and the abundance of twelve ARGs (against tetracyclines, β-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones and sulphonamides) at different sampling sites, depths and seasons, in Lake Maggiore, a large subalpine lake, and in the area of its watershed. We then evaluated the correlation between each ARG and a number of ecological parameters in the water column in the deepest part of the lake. Our results suggest the constitutive presence of at least four ARGs within the bacterial community with a high proportion of bacteria potentially resistant to tetracyclines and sulphonamides. The presence of these ARGs was independent of the total bacterial density and temperature. The dynamics of tet(A) and sul II genes were, however, positively correlated with dissolved oxygen and negatively to chlorophyll a, suggesting that the resistant microbes inhabit specific niches. These observations indicate that the lake is a reservoir of antibiotic resistances, highlighting the need of a deeper understanding of the sources of ARGs and the factors allowing their persistence in waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging interactions are key determinants of system productivity and efficiency in plant and animal communities, whereas their importance for planktonic microbial assemblages is unknown. We studied the relationship between two aquatic bacterial strains and a protistan predator with respect to cooperation and system efficiency. While competitive exclusion of one bacterial strain was observed in grazer-free cocultures, the presence of the predator induced the formation of large coaggregates and allowed a coexistence of both strains. The aggregates moreover provided a substrate for attachment of the predators. The interactions in the more complex community, i.e., microbial flocs composed by both bacterial strains and predators, led to a significantly increased transfer efficiency of dissolved organic matter to the higher trophic level than in systems with two species only. Similar emerging interactions might also play a role in complex microbial assemblages in natural aquatic systems, i.e., on suspended organic aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nacoti M, Cazzaniga S, Lorusso F, Naldi L, Brambillasca P, Benigni A, Corno V, Colledan M, Bonanomi E, Vedovati S, Buoro S, Falanga A, Lussana F, Barbui T, Sonzogni V. The impact of perioperative transfusion of blood products on survival after pediatric liver transplantation. Abstract: Intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) is associated with adverse outcome after LT in adult patients. This relationship in pediatric patients has not been studied in depth, and its analysis is the scope of this study. Forty-one variables associated with outcome, including blood product transfusions, were studied in a cohort of 243 pediatric patients undergoing a cadaveric LT between 2002 and 2009 at the General Hospital of Bergamo. Multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were adopted with adjustment by propensity scores to minimize factors associated with the use of blood products. Median age at transplant was 1.37 yr. In uni- and multivariate analyses, perioperative transfusion of FFP and RBC was an independent risk factor for predicting one-yr patient and graft survival. The effect on one-yr survival was dose-related with a hazard ratio of 3.15 for three or more units of RBC (p = 0.033) and 3.35 for three or more units of FFP (p = 0.021) when compared with 1 or no units transfused. The negative impact of RBC and FFP transfusion was confirmed by propensity score-adjusted analysis. These findings may have important implications for transfusion practice in the LT pediatric recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an extension of the Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT) methodology dedicated to linear time-delay systems with known delay and unknown dynamics. The standard VRFT is not well suited for systems with dominant time-delay as it yields high order controllers. The proposed direct approach, relying on a Smith Predictor structure, guarantees the same level of performance as the standard VRFT but with lower order controllers. The joint direct data-driven design of the controller and the predictor is facilitated by the introduction of an ad-hoc optimization initialization. Effectiveness and robustness to uncertainty in the time-delay estimation are shown in a vehicle dynamics control problem. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter explores how preservice teachers prepare for the transition from college classroom to career through assignments and features of the learning environment designed to approximate the demands of work settings and job-related tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]