Corrigendum to “Identification skills in biodiversity professionals and laypeople:A gap in species literacy” [Biol. Conserv. 238, October 2019, 108202]

In Fig. 3, because of an error in the R-script, the distribution of species literacy scores of one of the three target groups (the general public) is incorrect: the distribution has shifted 5 score-points to the left. The R-script was altered to make the correct ‘Fig. 3’ (see below). The textual description and interpretation of this figure remain unaltered. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. The new Fig. 3: [Figure presented

Effect of single- versus double-layer uterine closure during caesarean section on postmenstrual spotting (2Close): multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled superiority trial

Objective: To evaluate whether double-layer uterine closure after a first caesarean section (CS) is superior compared with single-layer uterine closure in terms of postmenstrual spotting and niche development in the uterine caesarean scar. Design: Multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled superiority trial. Setting: Thirty-two hospitals in the Netherlands. Population: A total of 2292 women aged ≥18 years undergoing a first CS were randomly assigned to each procedure (1:1): 1144 women were assigned to single-layer uterine closure and 1148 women were assigned to double-layer uterine closure. Methods: Single-layer unlocked closure and double-layer unlocked closure, with the second layer imbricating the first. Main outcome measures: Number of days with postmenstrual spotting during one menstrual cycle 9 months after CS. Secondary outcomes: perioperative and menstrual characteristics; transvaginal ultrasound measurements. Results: A total of 774 (67.7%) women from the single-layer group and 770 (67.1%) women from the double-layer group were evaluable for the primary outcome, as a result of drop-out and amenorrhoea. The mean number of postmenstrual spotting days was 1.33 (bootstrapped 95% CI 1.12–1.54) after single-layer closure and 1.26 (bootstrapped 95% CI 1.07–1.45) after double-layer closure (adjusted mean difference −0.07, 95% CI −0.37 to 0.22, P = 0.810). The operative time was 3.9 minutes longer (95% CI 3.0–4.9 minutes, P < 0.001) and niche prevalence was 4.7% higher (95% CI 0.7–8.7%, P = 0.022) after double-layer closure. Conclusions: The superiority of double-layer closure compared with single-layer closure in terms of postmenstrual spotting after a first CS was not shown. Long-term obstetric follow-up of our trial is needed to assess whether uterine caesarean closure guidelines should be adapted. Tweetable abstract: Double-layer uterine closure is not superior for postmenstrual spotting after a first caesarean; single-layer closure performs slightly better on other outcomes

Comparison of the specificities of IgG, IgG-subclass, IgA and IgM reactivities in African and European HIV-infected individuals with an HIV-1 clade C proteome-based array

A comprehensive set of recombinant proteins and peptides of the proteome of HIV-1 clade C was prepared and purified and used to measure IgG, IgG-subclass, IgA and IgM responses in HIV-infected patients from Sub-Saharan Africa, where clade C is predominant. As a comparison group, HIV-infected patients from Europe were tested. African and European patients showed an almost identical antibody reactivity profile in terms of epitope specificity and involvement of IgG, IgG subclass, IgA and IgM responses. A V3-peptide of gp120 was identified as major epitope recognized by IgG1>IgG2 = IgG4>IgG3, IgA>IgM antibodies and a C-terminal peptide represented another major peptide epitope for the four IgG subclasses. By contrast, gp41-derived-peptides were mainly recognized by IgG1 but not by the other IgG subclasses, IgA or IgM. Among the non-surface proteins, protease, reverse transcriptase+RNAseH, integrase, as well as the capsid and matrix proteins were the most frequently and strongly recognized antigens which showed broad IgG subclass and IgA reactivity. Specificities and magnitudes of antibody responses in African patients were stable during disease and antiretroviral treatment, and persisted despite severe T cell loss. Using a comprehensive panel of gp120, gp41 peptides and recombinant non-surface proteins of HIV-1 clade C we found an almost identical antibody recognition profile in African and European patients regarding epitopes and involved IgG-sublass, IgA- and IgM-responses. Immune recognition of gp120 peptides and non-surface proteins involved all four IgG subclasses and was indicative of a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. The HIV-1 clade C proteome-based test allowed diagnosis and monitoring of antibody responses in the course of HIV-infections and assessment of isotype and subclass responses

Prognostic model on niche development after a first caesarean section:development and internal validation

Objective: To develop and internally validate a prognostic prediction model for development of a niche in the uterine scar after a first caesarean section (CS). Study design: Secondary analyses on data of a randomized controlled trial, performed in 32 hospitals in the Netherlands among women undergoing a first caesarean section. We used multivariable backward logistic regression. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation. Model performance was assessed by calibration and discrimination. Internal validation using bootstrapping techniques took place. The outcome was ‘development of a niche in the uterus’, defined as an indentation of = 2 mm in the myometrium. Results: We developed two models to predict niche development: in the total population and after elective CS. Patient related risk factors were: gestational age, twin pregnancy and smoking, and surgery related risk factors were double-layer closure and less surgical experience. Multiparity and Vicryl suture material were protective factors. The prediction model in women undergoing elective CS revealed similar results. After internal validation, Nagelkerke R2 ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 and was considered low; median area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.56 to 0.62, indicating failed to poor discriminative ability. Conclusions: The model cannot be used to accurately predict the development of a niche after a first CS. However, several factors seem to influence scar healing which indicates possibilities for future prevention such as surgical experience and suture material. The search for additional risk factors that play a role in development of a niche should be continued to improve the discriminative ability