Antarctic geothermal heat flow: future research directions

Antarctic geothermal heat flow (GHF) affects the ice sheet temperature, determining how it slides and internally deforms, as well as the rheological behaviour of the lithosphere. However, GHF remains poorly constrained, with few borehole-derived estimates, and there are large discrepancies in currently available glaciological and geophysical estimates. This SCAR White Paper details current methods, discusses their challenges and limitations, and recommends key future directions in GHF research. We highlight the timely need for a more multidisciplinary and internationally-coordinated approach to tackle this complex problem

Genome-wide association study of placental weight identifies distinct and shared genetic influences between placental and fetal growth

A well-functioning placenta is essential for fetal and maternal health throughout pregnancy. Using placental weight as a proxy for placental growth, we report genome-wide association analyses in the fetal (n = 65,405), maternal (n = 61,228) and paternal (n = 52,392) genomes, yielding 40 independent association signals. Twenty-six signals are classified as fetal, four maternal and three fetal and maternal. A maternal parent-of-origin effect is seen near KCNQ1. Genetic correlation and colocalization analyses reveal overlap with birth weight genetics, but 12 loci are classified as predominantly or only affecting placental weight, with connections to placental development and morphology, and transport of antibodies and amino acids. Mendelian randomization analyses indicate that fetal genetically mediated higher placental weight is causally associated with preeclampsia risk and shorter gestational duration. Moreover, these analyses support the role of fetal insulin in regulating placental weight, providing a key link between fetal and placental growth

Genome-wide association study of placental weight identifies distinct and shared genetic influences between placental and fetal growth

A well-functioning placenta is essential for fetal and maternal health throughout pregnancy. Using placental weight as a proxy for placental growth, we report genome-wide association analyses in the fetal (n = 65,405), maternal (n = 61,228) and paternal (n = 52,392) genomes, yielding 40 independent association signals. Twenty-six signals are classified as fetal, four maternal and three fetal and maternal. A maternal parent-of-origin effect is seen near KCNQ1. Genetic correlation and colocalization analyses reveal overlap with birth weight genetics, but 12 loci are classified as predominantly or only affecting placental weight, with connections to placental development and morphology, and transport of antibodies and amino acids. Mendelian randomization analyses indicate that fetal genetically mediated higher placental weight is causally associated with preeclampsia risk and shorter gestational duration. Moreover, these analyses support the role of fetal insulin in regulating placental weight, providing a key link between fetal and placental growth

Genome-wide association study of placental weight in 65,405 newborns and 113,620 parents reveals distinct and shared genetic influences between placental and fetal growth

A well-functioning placenta is essential for fetal and maternal health throughout pregnancy. Using placental weight as a proxy for placental growth, we report genome-wide association analyses in the fetal (n = 65,405), maternal (n = 61,228) and paternal (n = 52,392) genomes, yielding 40 independent association signals. Twenty-six signals are classified as fetal, four maternal and three fetal and maternal. A maternal parent-of-origin effect is seen near KCNQ1. Genetic correlation and colocalization analyses reveal overlap with birth weight genetics, but 12 loci are classified as predominantly or only affecting placental weight, with connections to placental development and morphology, and transport of antibodies and amino acids. Mendelian randomization analyses indicate that fetal genetically mediated higher placental weight is causally associated with preeclampsia risk and shorter gestational duration. Moreover, these analyses support the role of fetal insulin in regulating placental weight, providing a key link between fetal and placental growth

Fetal superior mesenteric artery: longitudinal reference ranges and evidence of regulatory link to portal liver circulation

Objective: To establish longitudinal reference ranges for the fetal superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow velocity and pulsatility index (PISMA). Also to examine the hemodynamic relationship to venous liver perfusion and umbilical flow distribution in the liver, to other splanchnic arteries, and more generally to the middle cerebral and umbilical artery. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study of 161 low-risk pregnancies using Doppler recordings including the SMA, repeated on 3–5 occasions at 3–5 weekly intervals. Umbilical venous flow was estimated, blood velocity in the shunt ductus venosus represented umbilico-caval (i.e. porto-caval) pressure gradient, and left portal vein blood velocity represented umbilical distribution within the liver. The correlation between PISMA and the splenic and hepatic artery PI were analysed (PISA and PIHA), and the association to middle cerebral and umbilical artery PI (PIMCA and PIUA) assessed. Results: Reference ranges for the SMA for gestational weeks 21–39 were based on 589 observations. Low impedance in the SMA (i.e. low PISMA) was associated with low umbilical flow and porto-caval pressure gradient (i.e. b10th centile), and high distribution of umbilical flow to the right lobe (i.e. left portal vein blood velocity N90th centile). PISMA correlated weakly with PISA and PIHA (r=0.30, 95%CI 0.22–0.37, and r=0.39, 95% CI 0.27–0.51, respectively). PISMA was positively associated with PIMCA and PIUA. Conclusion: We have provided longitudinal reference ranges for fetal SMA flow velocity and PI, and shown that the SMA, which perfuses the fetal gut, is also involved in the regulation of the liver perfusion

Training Programs to Strengthen Pennsylvania's Public Health Response

This report describes Pennsylvania's 9-year experience in implementing training programs to strengthen public health response to emerging infectious diseases. During the biannual 3-5-day-long Pennsylvania Public Health Institute (PHI) events, which have been held since 2000, courses have covered topics such as emerging infectious disease outbreaks, monitoring of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in retail food, and zoonotic diseases commonly associated with companion animals. Core competency courses include the legal basis for public health and epidemiology for nonepidemiologists. Emerging infectious disease seminars offered to clinicians since 2005 have focused on the emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Complementing the PHI, the Pennsylvania Department of Health's monthly Epidemiology Journal Club offers additional interactions with presenters from academic institutions and federal agencies. Lunch-time forums also provide a venue for health department staff to share their work with colleagues. Innovative use of modern communication technology increases participation of frontline health workers in Journal Club events, and video conference capability offers flexibility in the selection of presenters. Pennsylvania's experience over the past 9 years demonstrates that with political will, commitment from content experts, and adequate administrative support, modest state and federal resources can be used to sustain public health training programs tailored to local needs