Association between TLR2 polymorphisms (− 196–174 Ins/Del,R677W,R753Q,and P631H) and schizophrenia in a Tunisian population

Since immune dysregulation has been well studied in schizophrenia pathophysiology, recent studies showed a potent role of TLR2 in neuroinflammation process underlying schizophrenia pathogenesis. However, the genetic predisposition is still unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that TLR2 polymorphisms − 196–174 Ins/Del (rs111200466), R753Q (rs5743708), R677W (rs121917864), and P631H (rs5743704) could be involved in schizophrenia predisposition. A case–control study was performed on a Tunisian population composed of 250 healthy controls and 250 patients genotyped by PCR–RFLP. Genotype and allele distribution were evaluated with sex, schizophrenia subtypes, and other clinical features. We also assessed a haplotype analysis for TLR2 polymorphisms with schizophrenia. Our results showed higher ins/del genotype frequency in healthy women compared to patients (p = 0.006; OR = 0.2). In the other hand, logistic regression showed higher ins/del genotype frequency in controls compared to paranoid patients (p = 0.05; OR = 0.48, adjusted). Frequencies of CT and T allele of R677W were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p < 10⁻⁴, OR = 10.39; p < 10⁻⁴, OR = 4, adjusted, respectively). R753Q polymorphism was exclusively detected in patients (GA + AA = 2.5%) particularly in men with disorganized subtype. P631H did not show any association with schizophrenia. Finally, haplotype analysis showed that InsGTC and delGTC were associated with higher risk of schizophrenia (p = 0.0001, OR = 8.58; p = 0.04, OR = 5.01, respectively). In the Tunisian population, our results suggested that TLR2 R677W could be associated with susceptibility for schizophrenia, while − 196–174 Ins/Del suggested a trend of protection in women. Otherwise, R753Q could have an effect on schizophrenia especially for disorganized subgroup.

     

Toll- like receptor 2 polymorphism and IL-6 profile in relation to disease progression in chronic HBV infection: a case control study in Egyptian patients

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has a wide range of outcomes depending on host immune responses mainly Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling and released cytokines. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) may influence the course of CHB. We aimed to elucidate the relation between TLR-2 polymorphism, IL-6 profile, and CHB progression. We analyzed TLR-2 polymorphism (SNP; rs3804099) in 185 CHB patients and 60 controls using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Serum IL-6 levels were assessed by ELISA. IL-6 levels were considerably higher in active CHB and cirrhotic patients compared with inactive carriers and controls (P < 0.001). IL-6 showed positive correlation with ALT and advanced fibrosis in active CHB patients (r = 0.31, P = 0.02). A significant positive correlation was noticed between IL-6 and HBV DNA PCR in all CHB groups. TT genotype of rs3804099/TLR-2 was significantly more prevalent in inactive carriers compared to active hepatitis patients (P = 0.04, OR = 0.39 and 95% CI: 0.16–0.95). Both heterozygous CT and mutant TT genotypes were significantly more frequent among inactive carriers compared to cirrhotic patients (P = 0.01, OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13–0.81 and P = 0.009, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.77). TT genotype was significantly related to lower IL-6 levels in active hepatitis and cirrhotic groups (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively) showing that TLR mutations would be associated with milder hepatitis activity and lower possibility for disease progression. There may be a positive association between TLR2 rs3804099 polymorphism and hepatitis B activity. IL-6 is a good indicator of CHB disease progression.

     

Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Regulatory T Cells Infiltration and the Clinical Outcome in Colorectal Cancer

The aim of the study is the assessment of the intensity of the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) CD68⁺/iNOS⁻ and Tregs CD8⁺/FoxP3⁺ in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients as prognostic factors with respect to disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In this retrospective study, tissue samples were obtained from 89 patients undergoing resection for CRC (stage IIA, pT3N0M0 and stages IIIB and IIIC, pT3N1-2M0). Recurrence was observed in 45 patients at the time of the follow-up (10 local recurrences, 35 distant metastases). In patients with recurrence the following were present: a tendency to an older average age at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.07), higher nodal involvement (p = 0.002) and more advanced clinical disease (p = 0.01). The analysis of the clinical data and immunohistochemical studies were performed with the methodology of identification of TAM and Treg subsets in histological sections, with the aim to use it in routine clinical management. Both DSF and OS were the clinical parameters assessed in the study. The presence of intense infiltration of TAMs in the tumor stroma was related to shorter DFS (p = 0.005) and OS (p = 0.006). The opposite tendency was observed in the tumor front (p = 0.061). The relative risks of recurrence and cancer-related death were more than twice higher in the group of patients with intense infiltration of TAMs in the tumor stroma (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.33–3.14; p = 0.001 and RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.28–3.39; p = 0.003, respectively). Intense infiltration of Tregs in the tumor stroma was related to shorter DFS and OS (p < 0.0001). The relative risks of recurrence and death in a group of patients with intense infiltration of Tregs in the tumor stroma were more than 12 times higher than in patients with less intense infiltration (RR 12.3, 95% CI 5.44–27.9; p < 0.0001 and RR 12.5, 95% CI 4.9–32.4; p < 0.0001, respectively). Infiltration of TAMs CD68⁺/iNOS⁻ and Tregs CD8⁺/FoxP3⁺ in the tumor stroma are negative prognostic factors with a positive correlation between them. Tregs may constitute an independent prognostic factor in patients with CRC.

     

Hybrids between Brassica napus and B. nigra show frequent pairing between the B and A/C genomes and resistance to blackleg

High frequencies of homoeologous and even non-homologous chromosome recombination in Brassica hybrids can transfer useful traits between genomes, but also destabilise synthetic allopolyploids. We produced triploid hybrids (2n = 3x = ABC) from the cross B. napus (rapeseed, 2n = 4x = AACC) × B. nigra (black mustard, 2n = 2x = BB) by embryo rescue and allohexaploid hybrids (2n = 6x = AABBCC = 54) by chromosome doubling of the triploids. These hybrids demonstrated resistance to blackleg disease (causal agent: Leptosphaeria maculans) inherited from their B. nigra parent. In order to assess the possibility of transfer of this resistance between the B genome and the A and C subgenomes of B. napus, as well as to assess the genomic stability of allohexaploids from the cross B. napus × B. nigra, frequencies of non-homologous chromosome pairing in these hybrids were assessed using classical cytogenetics and genomic in-situ hybridization. Meiosis was highly irregular, and non-homologous chromosome pairing between the B genome and the A/C genomes was common in both triploid hybrids (observed in 38% of pollen mother cells) and allohexaploid hybrids (observed in 15% of pollen mother cells). Our results suggest that introgression of blackleg resistance from the B genome into the A or C genomes should be possible, but that allohexaploids from this genome combination are likely unstable.

     

Ramp and step increases in shear stress result in a similar magnitude of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation

Purpose

There is evidence that the endothelium is responsive to both the rate and magnitude of increases in shear stress. However, whether flow-mediated dilation stimulated by sustained increases in shear stress (SS-FMD) is rate sensitive in humans is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to test whether ramp (gradual) and step (instantaneous) increases in shear stress elicit disparate SS-FMD.

Methods

Young, healthy men (n = 18, age = 22 ± 2 years, body mass index = 25 ± 3 kg m⁻²) performed two 11-min bouts of rhythmic handgrip exercise; one with a 5.5-min ramp-increase in shear stress and one with an immediate step increase in shear stress. Ramp increases in shear stress were achieved through incremental increases in handgrip exercise intensity [increases of 4% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) every 30 s for 5.5 min, ending at 44% MVC] and step increases in shear stress were achieved through a combination of arterial compression and commencing handgrip exercise at 44% MVC.

Results

Shear rate was greater in the step versus ramp protocol in minutes 1–6, but not different thereafter. Similarly, SS-FMD was greater in the step versus ramp protocol during minutes 2–6, but similar in minutes 7–11 (minute 11: ramp 8.7 ± 4.6%; step 9.4 ± 3.6%; P = 0.343). SS-FMD continued to increase over time with maintenance of a steady shear stress stimulus (step minutes 2–11: 0.51 ± 0.36% min⁻¹; ramp minutes 7–11: 0.64 ± 0.57% min⁻¹; P = 0.259).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that in the brachial artery of humans, the magnitude of SS-FMD is determined by the magnitude and duration, but not the rate, of increases in shear stress.

     

Comparative analysis of the role of olfaction and the neocortex in primate intrasexual competition

In strepsirrhine primates, the accessory olfactory system plays an important role in intrasexual competition. However, it does not play the same role in most haplorhines. In these primates, the main olfactory system and neocortex may have evolved to serve similar functions as the accessory olfactory system in strepsirrhines. To test these hypotheses, the relative size of the main olfactory bulb and neocortex were analyzed for associations with male and female competition frequency and intensity (categorized as low or high). Because neocortex size and competition intensity are associated with diet, only frugivorous species were analyzed (catarrhines, n = 7; platyrrhines, n = 8). Neither the size of the main olfactory bulb nor the neocortex was significantly associated with intrasexual competition among males. However, neocortex size was related to the frequency of female competition. Because the main olfactory system and neocortex both serve multiple purposes, there may not be a single behavioral variable that has selected for their size. Furthermore, categorization of male and female competition intensity reflects physically aggressive behavior. Use of the neocortex for social manipulation may allow males to obtain copulations and females to obtain food resources despite poor physical fighting abilities and low dominance rank.     

DCLK1, a promising colorectal cancer stem cell marker,regulates tumor progression and invasion through miR-137 and miR-15a dependent manner

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be a major player in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Targeting CSCs for elimination presents a promising therapeutic strategy; however, this approach will require a stronger understanding of CSC biology and identification of CSC-specific markers. The present study was conducted to examine the correlation between DCLK1 and miR-137 and miR-15a levels in colorectal cancer. A total of 222 samples, including 181 colorectal cancer specimens, 24 adenomatosis, and 17 non-adenomatosis colonic polyps, were stained for DCLK1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Also, expression of miR-137 and miR-15a was assessed in colorectal cancer with high and low DCLK1 expression levels. Most colorectal cancer specimens (76%) showed strong expression of DCLK1, whereas only 21% of adenomatous and none of non-adenomatous colonic polyps showed strong DCLK1 expression. A significant difference in DCLK1 expression was found between colorectal cancer, adenomatous, and non-adenomatous colonic polyps (P < 0.001). Higher expression of DCLK1 was more frequently detected in colorectal cases with larger tumor size (P = 0.03), poor differentiation (P = 0.03), and lymph node involvement (P = 0.04). Comparison of miR-137 and miR-15a in colorectal cancer cases revealed a significant inverse correlation with DCLK1 expression (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). DCLK1 may act as a candidate marker for colorectal cancer stem cells. The critical role of DCLK1 in colorectal cancer suggests that it may represent an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target; however, further investigation is warranted.

     

Prenatal attachment: using measurement invariance to test the validity of comparisons across eight culturally diverse countries

Studies in high-income countries (HICs) have shown that variability in maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) predict important maternal health and child outcomes. However, the validity of MFA ratings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unknown. Addressing this gap, we assessed measurement invariance to test the conceptual equivalence of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI: Muller, 1993) across eight LMICs. Our aim was to determine whether the PAI yields similar information from pregnant women across different cultural contexts. We administered the 18-item PAI to 1181 mothers in the third trimester (Mean age = 28.27 years old, SD = 5.81 years, range = 18–48 years) expecting their first infant (n = 359) or a later-born infant (n = 820) as part of a prospective birth cohort study involving eight middle-income countries: Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. We used Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses to assess across-site measurement invariance. A single latent factor with partial measurement invariance was found across all sites except Pakistan. Group comparisons showed that mean levels of MFA were lowest for expectant mothers in Vietnam and highest for expectant mothers in Sri Lanka. MFA was higher in first-time mothers than in mothers expecting a later-born child. The PAI yields similar information about MFA across culturally distinct middle-income countries. These findings strengthen confidence in the use of the tool across different settings; future studies should explore the use of the PAI as a screen for maternal behaviour that place children at risk.

     

Cross-education: effects of age on rapid and maximal voluntary contractile characteristics in males

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on the cross-education of rapid and maximal contractile properties for the knee extensors.

Methods

Young (n = 10; age = 21.1 ± 1.7 years) and older (n = 10; age = 65.3 ± 8.3 years) males performed unilateral isokinetic resistance training (RT) of the knee extensors for 4 weeks. Maximal voluntary isokinetic (45° s⁻¹ and 300° s⁻¹) and isometric testing was conducted for the trained and untrained leg before and after RT. Peak torque (PT) and acceleration were obtained from isokinetic testing as well as torque at 30 ms (TQ₃₀) and 100 ms (TQ₁₀₀) from the 45° s⁻¹ contraction. PT and rate of torque development were recorded from the isometric contractions.

Results

Independent of age, isometric PT (10.1%; p = 0.006) as well as PT and acceleration at 300° s⁻¹ (6.7%; p = 0.008 and 4.0%; p = 0.016, respectively) increased in the untrained leg. At 45° s⁻¹, acceleration was increased (3.6%; p = 0.021), but PT remained unchanged (p = 0.227). TQ₁₀₀ increased similarly between groups (4.5%; p = 0.014), but TQ₃₀ increased only in the older group (9.5%; p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Cross-education of rapid and maximal contractile parameters can be achieved early during unilateral RT independent of age. These findings indicate the potential for particular unilateral RT protocols to be used for older adults in rehabilitative settings to offset disuse-related reductions in contractile function, which are most dramatic in this population.

     

Infection patterns,clinical significance,and genetic characteristics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Jiangsu,China

The infection patterns and clinical significance of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle remain poorly investigated despite their common occurrence. Data on the genetic diversity are also needed to understand the transmission and human-infective potential of the two pathogens. In this study, fecal specimens from 1366 dairy cattle on a large farm were examined for the presence and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis by PCR and DNA sequencing. The overall infection rates of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis were 13.0% and 20.6%, respectively. Pre-weaned calves had significantly higher infection rates of both pathogens than post-weaned and adult cattle (P < 0.001), with peak occurrence of the pathogens in animals of 7–12 weeks. In both pre- and post-weaned calves, animals with diarrhea were 2.1–3.0 times more likely to be infected with either pathogen than those without diarrhea (P < 0.01). The E. bieneusi identified belonged to five genotypes, including J (n = 138), I (n = 21), BEB4 (n = 10), Type IV (n = 1), and a novel genotype CHC17 (n = 1). Genotype J was the dominant one in all age groups, whereas genotype I was only identified in calves of 6–11 weeks. Genotyping of G. duodenalis at three genetic loci identified assemblage E (n = 278), assemblage A (n = 2), and concurrence of the two (n = 1). Altogether, 13, 7 and 10 subtypes of assemblage E were detected at the bg, gdh, and tpi loci, respectively, forming 65 multilocus genotypes. The formation of two major clusters of MLGs in eBURST analysis indicated that intra-assemblage genetic recombination of two dominant MLGs could have led to the high genetic heterogeneity within assemblage E on a single farm. Results of this study provide much needed data on the pathogenicity of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis in pre- and post-weaned calves. The clinical significance of the two pathogens in dairy cattle warrants further investigations.

     

Neurological symptoms and axonal damage in COVID-19 survivors: are there sequelae?

The persistence of neurological symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the presence of late axonal damage, is still unknown. We performed extensive systemic and neurological follow-up evaluations in 107 out of 193 consecutive patients admitted to the COVID-19 medical unit, University Hospital of Verona, Italy between March and June 2020. We analysed serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in all cases including a subgroup (n = 29) of patients with available onset samples. Comparisons between clinical and biomarker data were then performed. Neurological symptoms were still present in a significant number (n = 49) of patients over the follow-up. The most common reported symptoms were hyposmia (n = 11), fatigue (n = 28), myalgia (n = 14), and impaired memory (n = 11) and were more common in cases with severe acute COVID-19. Follow-up serum NfL values (15.2 pg/mL, range 2.4–62.4) were within normal range in all except 5 patients and did not differentiate patients with vs without persistent neurological symptoms. In patients with available onset and follow-up samples, a significant (p < 0.001) decrease of NfL levels was observed and was more evident in patients with a severe acute disease. Despite the common persistence of neurological symptoms, COVID-19 survivors do not show active axonal damage, which seems a peculiar feature of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

     

AKAP12/Gravin is over-expressed in patients with ulcerative colitis

The gene of A-kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) regulates cell cycle progression, cell motility, and morphology through its multiple scaffolding domains. However, the role of AKAP12 expression in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients has not been yet described. The aim of the study was to describe the gene and protein of AKAP12 expression in patients with UC and its association regarding the disease severity. We included a total of 40 patients with confirmed diagnosis of UC and 25 controls without endoscopic evidence of colitis or neoplasia. The relative quantification of the gene expression was performed by real-time PCR for AKAP12. Kruskal–Wallis was used to test differences among groups, and Spearman correlation to assess the relationship between AKAP12 gene and clinical outcomes. The extent of disease was evaluated using total colonoscopy, and biopsies were taken from rectum segments. The AKAP12 gene expression was increased in colonic mucosa from patients with active UC when compared with UC remission and control group. The overexpression of AKAP12 in patients with UC was associated with the presence of extensive colitis (p = 0.04, RM = 12, IC = 1.29–186.37). AKAP12/CD16 double positive cells were higher in submucosa (p = 0.04), muscular (p < 0.001), and cells from serosa (p < 0.001) in patients affected by UC in comparison to controls. The overexpression of AKAP12 was associated with the extent of disease. This is the first report about the role of AKAP12 in patients with UC suggesting that this gene and its protein could be involved in the modulation of the disease.

     

Effect of ingesting carbohydrate only or carbohydrate plus casein protein hydrolysate during a multiday cycling race on left ventricular function,plasma volume expansion and cardiac biomarkers

Purpose

Multiday racing causes mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction from day 1 that persists on successive days. We evaluated ingesting casein protein hydrolysate–carbohydrate (PRO) compared with carbohydrate-only (CHO) during a 3-day mountain bike race.

Methods

Eighteen male cyclists were randomly assigned to ingest 6.7% carbohydrate without (CHO) or with 1.3% casein hydrolysate (PRO) during racing (~ 4–5 h/day; 68/71/71 km). Conventional LV echocardiography, plasma albumin content, plasma volume (PV) and blood biomarkers were measured before day 1 and post race on day 3.

Results

Fourteen cyclists (n = 7 per group) completed the race. PV increased in CHO (mean increase (95% CI), 10.2% (0.1 to 20.2)%, p = 0.045) but not in PRO (0.4% (− 6.1 to 6.9)%). Early diastolic transmitral blood flow (E) was unchanged but deceleration time from peak E increased post race (CHO: 46.7 (11.8 to 81.6) ms, p = 0.019; PRO: 24.2 (− 0.5 to 48.9) ms, p = 0.054), suggesting impaired LV relaxation. Tissue Doppler mitral annular velocity was unchanged in CHO, but in PRO septal early-to-late diastolic ratio decreased (p = 0.016) and was compensated by increased lateral early (p = 0.034) and late (p = 0.012) velocities. Systolic function was preserved in both groups; with increased systolic lateral wall velocity in PRO (p = 0.002). Effect size increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, CK-MB and C-reactive protein concentrations was less in PRO than CHO (Cohen’s d mean ± SD, PRO: 2.91 ± 2.07; CHO: 7.56 ± 4.81, p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Ingesting casein hydrolysate with carbohydrate during a 3-day race prevented secondary hypervolemia and failed to curb impaired LV relaxation despite reducing tissue damage and inflammatory biomarkers. Without PV expansion, systolic function was preserved by lateral wall compensating for septal wall dysfunction.

     

Associations between commonly used patient-reported outcome tools in postpartum depression clinical practice and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

The objective of this study is to explore the associations between the patient-reported Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and clinician-reported 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) in order to facilitate clinical decision-making. An integrated efficacy dataset of three randomized placebo-controlled trials (NCT02614547, NCT02942004, and NCT02942017) evaluating brexanolone injection, a neuroactive steroid chemically identical to allopregnanolone, in women with postpartum depression was used for this post hoc analysis. Data were pooled across treatment arms. Associations were assessed at day 30 (end-of-trial follow-up). Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between EPDS and PHQ-9 item and total scores and HAMD-17 total score. Cohen’s kappa assessed agreement of EPDS remission (score < 10) and PHQ-9 remission (score < 5) with HAMD-17 remission (score ≤ 7). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to develop equations estimating HAMD-17 total scores from EPDS and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. The total scores showed large correlations (HAMD-17/EPDS: r = 0.71, p < 0.001; HAMD-17/PHQ-9: r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Individual EPDS and PHQ-9 items significantly correlated (r= 0.35 to 0.67, all p < 0.001) with HAMD-17 total score. EPDS had 79% sensitivity and 67% specificity to detect HAMD-17 remission; corresponding estimates for PHQ-9 were 76% and 78%. OLS models yielded the following equations: HAMD-17 total = 2.66 + (EPDS total × 0.87) and HAMD-17 total = 3.99 + (PHQ-9 total × 0.97). There were large and statistically significant associations between patient-reported outcomes (EPDS, PHQ-9) and clinician-reported outcomes (HAMD-17) as clinical improvements were associated with patient-reported symptom improvement. These results provide tools to help translate clinical trial data to clinical practice, thus aiding shared decision-making for this critical population.

     

Ritualized combat as an indicator of intrasexual selection effects on male life history evolution

Trade‐offs between survival, growth, current reproduction, and future reproduction influence life history evolution, leading to adaptive timing of investment in various strategies. If engagement in costly intrasexual contests to gain better access to mates is an important form of male reproductive investment, then the expression of characters that promote success in this process should be influenced by their fitness effects across the lifespan. To test this prediction, the ages at which human (Homo sapiens) males exhibit the greatest investment in morphological, behavioral, and physiological characters associated with intrasexual competition was estimated by examining the ages at which males succeed in a form of ritualized combat. The average age of international boxing champions was in the latter half of the twenties, and titles were held for about 2 years on average. Thus, peak investment in traits that enhance intrasexual competition abilities appears to coincide with ages at which males have highest reproductive success. Additionally, larger males reached peak probability of success in this ritualized combat at ages about 2.6 years greater than smaller males. Because body size is highly heritable and there is strong positive assortative mating relative to this character among humans, this may indicate a polymorphic set of reproductive strategies produced through maintenance of coadapted gene complexes. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Comparative mtDNA phylogeographic patterns reveal marked differences in population genetic structure between generalist and specialist ectoparasites of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

To address factors affecting genetic diversity and dispersal of ectoparasites, we compared mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) population genetic structures of the generalist soft tick Ornithodoros capensis to the more host-specific nest flea Parapsyllus humboldti. A total of 103 ticks and 92 fleas were sampled at five distinct South African island/mainland African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colonies. With its wide host range, O. capensis showed no evidence of significant cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA population differentiation among the five sampling sites (φ_st = 0.00 ± 0.004; p = 0.80), as well as a higher level of genetic diversity (π = 0.8% ± 0.06%) when compared to P. humboldti. In contrast, the flea showed significant population structure among most of the same sampling sites (φ_st = 0.22 ± 0.11; p ≤ 0.05) and a lower level of genetic diversity (π = 0.2% ± 0.01%). Our findings suggest that despite both parasites being mostly nest bound, O. capensis have few barriers to dispersal among island and mainland colonies. However, P. humboldti are more dependent on the African penguin for dispersal and thus have more impediments to gene flow among the same colonies. These findings broadly support the SGVH (specialist generalist variation hypothesis) and provide the first evidence for this hypothesis in parasites restricted to seabird colonies.

     

Perinatal outcomes and offspring long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of mothers with anxiety disorder

Studies regarding the association between anxiety disorders and obstetrical and neonatal complications are inconclusive and sometimes contradictive. The aim of the present study was to assess perinatal outcome of mothers with anxiety disorder and to determine the association between maternal anxiety and long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of the offspring. A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted, comparing pregnancy complications and long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of offspring of mothers with anxiety disorder, during or before the pregnancy and mothers without anxiety. All singleton deliveries between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center were included. To evaluate perinatal outcome of women with anxiety disorders, generalized estimation equation (GEE) models were used to control for confounders. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative incidence of long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations, and a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to control for confounders. During the study period, 242,038 deliveries met the inclusion criteria, of them 0.1% (n = 304) were mothers with anxiety. Using GEE models, controlling for maternal age, maternal anxiety was noted as an independent risk factor for preterm delivery (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.32–2.69; P < 0.001), hypertensive disorders (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.08–2.69; P = 0.02) and cesarean delivery (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.32–2.1; P < 0.001). Offspring born to mothers with anxiety disorders had higher rates of neuropsychiatric-related hospitalizations (6.3 vs 3.1% P = 0.002; Kaplan-Meier log-rank test P < 0.001). Using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for confounders such as maternal age, hypertensive disorders, gestational age, birth weight, and cesarean delivery, being born to a mother with anxiety disorders was found to be an independent risk factor for long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of the offspring (adjusted HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.58–3.89; P < 0.001). Pregnancy of women with anxiety disorders is independently associated with adverse perinatal outcome and higher risk for long-term neuropsychiatric hospitalizations of the offspring.

     

Influence of body mass index and weight lifting on bicep brachii muscle and distal bicep tendon stiffness evaluated using ultrasound elastography

Background

There is an increased interest in quantifying and characterizing epicardial fat which has been linked to various cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. Recently, three-dimensional single-phase Dixon techniques have been used to depict the heart and to quantify the surrounding fat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the merits of a new high-resolution cine 3D Dixon technique for quantification of epicardial adipose tissue and compare it to single-phase 3D Dixon in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Fifteen patients referred for clinical CMR examination of known or suspected heart disease were scanned on a 1.5 T scanner using single-phase Dixon and cine Dixon. Epicardial fat was segmented by three readers and intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated per slice. Cine Dixon segmentation was performed in the same cardiac phase as single-phase Dixon. Subjective image quality assessment of water and fat images were performed by three readers using a 4-point Likert scale (1 = severe; 2 = significant; 3 = mild; 4 = no blurring of cardiac structures).

Results

Intra-observer variability was excellent for cine Dixon images (ICC = 0.96), and higher than single-phase Dixon (ICC = 0.92). Inter-observer variability was good for cine Dixon (ICC = 0.76) and moderate for single-phase Dixon (ICC = 0.63). The intra-observer measurement error (mean ± standard deviation) per slice for cine was − 0.02 ± 0.51 ml (− 0.08 ± 0.4%), and for single-phase 0.39 ± 0.72 ml (0.18 ± 0.41%). Inter-observer measurement error for cine was 0.46 ± 0.98 ml (0.11 ± 0.46%) and for single-phase 0.42 ± 1.53 ml (0.17 ± 0.47%). Visual scoring of the water image yielded median of 2 (interquartile range = [Q3-Q1] 2–2) for cine and median of 3 (interquartile range = 3–2) for single-phase (P < 0.05) while no significant difference was found for the fat images, both techniques yielding a median of 3 and interquartile range of 3–2.

Conclusion

Cine Dixon can be used to quantify epicardial fat with lower intra- and inter-observer variability compared to standard single-phase Dixon. The time-resolved information provided by the cine acquisition appears to support the delineation of the epicardial adipose tissue depot.