scholarly journals Is there a connection between fecal and milk microbiota composition and function and perinatal depression? Rationale for future studies

2020 ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Oliwia Gawlik-Kotelnicka
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Infant Development ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Coping with perinatal depression in healthcare systems worldwide has been so far more or less insufficient and there is a huge need of implementing new prevention and treatment options. Methods: Literature review has been done to assess state of current knowledge on microbiome changes in perinatal period and form potential clinical implementation of these information. Results: Intestinal microbiota can influence central nervous system functions and this relation seems bidirectional. The diversity of gut microbiota has emerged to play a significant role in the occurrence of mood and anxiety disorders, but this relationship is poorly understood in perinatal period. Studies have shown a reduced phylogenetic diversity and species richness of gut microbiota in depressed pregnant women, and a significant association between antibiotic exposure during the peripartum period and development of depressive symptoms. Even though breast milk is the fundamental source of microbes colonizing the infant’s gut, there is very little known about possible human milk microbiota changes in depressed women. Our microbiome may be modulated by numerous circumstances, especially diet but no current microbiome-specific dietary recommendations exist. Conclusions: Future research in the relationship between the gut microbiota, diet and PND holds tremendous potential to be integrated in clinical practice. The impact of breast milk microbiota on infant development and health could have important implications for early-life prevention of chronic conditions. Given that bacterial functions are conserved across taxonomic groups, incorporating microbial function biomarkers may be more productive than a purely taxonomic approach to understanding the microbiome in diseases. Keywords: Perinatal depression; Microbiota; Diet; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding

scholarly journals Phony peach disease: past and present impact on the peach industry in the southeastern U.S.A

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendall A. Johnson ◽  
Clive H. Bock ◽  
Phillip M. Brannen
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Pathogen Diversity ◽  
Foundational Research ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Phony peach disease (PPD) is caused by the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex (Xfm). Historically, the disease has caused severe yield loss in Georgia and elsewhere in the southeastern United States, with millions of PPD trees being removed from peach orchards over the last century. The disease remains a production constraint, and management options are few. Limited research has been conducted on PPD since the 1980s, but the advent of new technologies offers the opportunity for new, foundational research to form a basis for informed management of PPD in the U.S. Furthermore, considering the global threat of Xylella to many plant species, preventing import of Xfm to other regions, particularly where peach is grown, should be considered an important phytosanitary endeavor. Main topics We review PPD, its history and impact on peach production, and the eradication efforts that were conducted for 42 years. Additionally, we review the current knowledge of the pathogen, Xfm, and how that knowledge relates to our understanding of the peach—Xylella pathosystem, including the epidemiology of the disease and consideration of the vectors. Methods used to detect the pathogen in peach are discussed, and ramifications of detection in relation to management and control of PPD are considered. Control options for PPD are limited. Our current knowledge of the pathogen diversity and disease epidemiology are described, and based on this, some potential areas for future research are also considered. Conclusion There is a lack of recent foundational research on PPD and the associated strain of Xfm. More research is needed to reduce the impact of this pathogen on peach production in the southeastern U.S., and, should it spread internationally, wherever peaches are grown.

scholarly journals Gestation-Based Viability–Difficult Decisions with Far-Reaching Consequences

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 593
Author(s):  
Sumesh Thomas ◽  
Elizabeth Asztalos
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Extremely Preterm ◽  
Fetal Maturity

Most clinicians rely on outcome data based on completed weeks of gestational of fetal maturity for antenatal and postnatal counseling, especially for preterm infants born at the margins of viability. Contemporary estimation of gestational maturity, based on ultrasounds, relies on the use of first-trimester scans, which offer an accuracy of ±3–7 days, and depend on the timing of the scans and the measurements used in the calculations. Most published literature on the outcomes of babies born prematurely have reported on short- and long-term outcomes based on completed gestational weeks of fetal maturity at birth. These outcome data change significantly from one week to the next, especially around the margin of gestational viability. With a change in approach solely from decisions based on survival, to disability-free survival and long-term functional outcomes, the complexity of the parental and care provider’s decision-making in the perinatal and postnatal period for babies born at less than 25 weeks gestation remains challenging. While sustaining life following birth at the margins of viability remains our priority—identifying and mitigating risks associated with extremely preterm birth begins in the perinatal period. The challenge of supporting the normal maturation of these babies postnatally has far-reaching consequences and depends on our ability to sustain life while optimizing growth, nutrition, and the repair of organs compromised by the consequences of preterm birth. This article aims to explore the ethical and medical complexities of contemporary decision-making in the perinatal and postnatal periods. We identify gaps in our current knowledge of this topic and suggest areas for future research, while offering a perspective for future collaborative decision-making and care for babies born at the margins of viability.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

Disease and Trauma in the Children from Roman Britain

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Iron Deficiency Anaemia ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Skeletal Remains ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Roman Britain ◽  
Deficiency Anaemia ◽  
Roman World ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

This chapter explores our current knowledge of pathology and trauma in Romano-British non-adult samples focusing on the children from the late Roman cemetery of Poundbury Camp, Dorset. Evidence for metabolic diseases (rickets, scurvy, iron deficiency anaemia), fractures, thalassemia, congenital disorders and tuberculosis, are presented with emphasis on what their presence tells us about the impact of the Romans in Britain. Many of the large Roman sites from the UK were excavated long before diagnostic criteria for recognizing pathology in child remains were fully developed, and European studies tend only to focus on anaemia and its link to malaria. A lack of environmental evidence for the sites from which our skeletal remains are derived is also problematic, and this chapter hopes to set the agenda for future research into the health and life of children living in the Roman World.

scholarly journals The Roles of Prebiotics on Impaired Immune System in Preterm Infants: A Narrative Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1SP) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Zakiudin Munasir
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Human Breast Milk ◽  
Immune System Development ◽  
Narrative Literature ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Background: After birth, preterm infants face numerous challenges, including short and long-term morbidities, to survive and grow well with impaired immune and gastrointestinal systems. According to data from 184 countries, preterm birth rate ranges from 5-18%, accounting for 35% of all new born deaths. Purpose: This literature review aimed to summarize the evidence for the impact of prematurity on immune system development and the benefit of prebiotics on gut microbiota and immune responses. Discussion: Various studies in this narrative literature review showed that preterm infants have both qualitative and quantitative immune response deficits compared to term infants. Preterm newborns also have impaired intestinal immunity, underdeveloped intestinal mucosa barrier, and gut dysbiosis, which predisposes them to life-threatening infections. Early balanced gut microbiota in infants believed to be essential for adequate intestinal physiological functions and immune system maturation. The use of prebiotics, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in human breast milk, has been found to decrease the risk of various infections and cognitive impairment. A previous study found that prebiotic oligosaccharides supplementation was well-tolerated, significantly increased Bifidobacteria growth, and reduced the presence of gut pathogens. Conclusions: There was robust evidence that breast milk and prebiotics supplementation may support the gut microbiome and immune system in preterm infants. However, different types of synthetic prebiotics offer different benefits, and the protective effect seems to depend on the supplementation duration and dosage.

scholarly journals Risk and Resilience in Pregnancy and Birth

2021 ◽  
pp. 57-77
Author(s):  
Cecily Young ◽  
Susan Ayers
Keyword(s):  
Transition To Parenthood ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Pregnancy And Birth ◽  
In Pregnancy

Pregnancy, birth, and becoming a parent involves substantial changes at biological, psychological, social, and broader cultural levels. As such, it is a continuing process of adaptation to change and new demands. This chapter provides an overview of risk and resilience in pregnancy, birth, and the transition to parenthood and the impact of these experiences on both women and their infants. The first part of the chapter provides an overview of experiences of pregnancy and birth and risks that arise, in particular trauma that may be experienced during birth. The second part looks at resilience in pregnancy and birth, what we know, and what we still need to know in this area. The third part looks at theories of resilience relevant to the perinatal period and how it is important to look at resilience at different levels (e.g. epi/genetic, personal attributes, relationships, support systems, culture, and environment). The authors conclude with key considerations for future research and theory in this area.

scholarly journals Prospective mental imagery in depression: Impact on reward processing and reward-motivated behaviour

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Renner ◽  
Jessica Werthmann ◽  
Andreas Paetsch ◽  
Hannah E. Bär ◽  
Max Heise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Imagery ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Behavioural Therapies ◽  
Processing Motivation ◽  
Reward Motivation ◽  
The Impact

Background Mental imagery has long been part of cognitive behavioural therapies. More recently, a resurgence of interest has emerged for prospective mental imagery, i.e. future-directed imagery-based thought, and its relation to reward processing, motivation and behaviour in the context of depression. Method We conducted a selective review on the role of prospective mental imagery and its impact on reward processing and reward-motivated behaviour in depression. Results Based on the current literature, we propose a conceptual mechanistic model of prospective mental imagery. Prospective mental imagery of engaging in positive activities can increase reward anticipation and reward motivation, which can transfer to increased engagement in reward-motivated behaviour and more experiences of reward, thereby decreasing depressive symptoms. We suggest directions for future research using multimodal assessments to measure the impact of prospective mental imagery from its basic functioning in the lab to real-world and clinical implementation. Conclusion Prospective mental imagery has the potential to improve treatment for depression where the aim is to increase reward-motivated behaviours. Future research should investigate how exactly and for whom prospective mental imagery works.

scholarly journals HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hypoxic Episode ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

scholarly journals Perinatal depression screening using smartphone technology: Exploring uptake, engagement and future directions for the MGH Perinatal Depression Scale (MGHPDS)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257065
Author(s):  
Rachel Vanderkruik ◽  
Edwin Raffi ◽  
Marlene P. Freeman ◽  
Rebecca Wales ◽  
Lee Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection

Women may experience new-onset or worsening depressive disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum. If untreated, there may be detrimental consequences to the health and wellbeing of the woman and to her baby. There is a need for improved tools and approaches that can be easily and broadly implemented to effectively detect depression during the perinatal period. Early identification of depression during pregnancy is an important first step towards connecting women to treatment and preventing continued depression into the postpartum or beyond. This report provides preliminary findings from a pilot study of a digital screening app for perinatal depression expiring potential for app reach, engagement, and user demographics and mental health symptoms. With mainly passive recruitment efforts, we collected cross-sectional mental health data on over 700 women during the perinatal period, including women across over 30 countries. We report on mean depression scores among women during pregnancy and the postpartum as well as on constructs that are commonly comorbid with depression, including anxiety, sleep dysregulation, and perceived stress. Over half of the women during pregnancy and over 70% of women in the postpartum had a depression score indicative of clinical depression. Future research directions for this work and potential for public health impact are discussed, including longitudinal data collection and analyses of symptomology over time and embedding evidence-based digital therapeutics into the app as a means to increase access to mental health services.

Role of the gut microbiota in airway immunity and host defense against respiratory infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Willers ◽  
Dorothee Viemann
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Host Defense ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Commensal Microbiota ◽  
Enhanced Resistance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Colonization of the intestine with commensal bacteria is known to play a major role in the maintenance of human health. An altered gut microbiome is associated with various ensuing diseases including respiratory diseases. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the impact of the gut microbiota on airway immunity with a focus on consequences for the host defense against respiratory infections. Specific gut commensal microbiota compositions and functions are depicted that mediate protection against respiratory infections with bacterial and viral pathogens. Lastly, we highlight factors that have imprinting effects on the establishment of the gut microbiota early in life and are potentially relevant in the context of respiratory infections. Deepening our understanding of these relationships will allow to exploit the knowledge on how gut microbiome maturation needs to be modulated to ensure lifelong enhanced resistance towards respiratory infections.

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