Assessing climate change impacts on pearl millet under arid and semi-arid environments using CSM-CERES-Millet model

Abstract

Climate change adversely affects food security all over the world, especially in developing countries where the increasing population is confronting food insecurity and malnutrition. Crop models can assist stakeholders for assessment of climate change in current and future agricultural production systems. The aim of this study was to use of system analysis approach through CSM-CERES-Millet model to quantify climate change and its impact on pearl millet under arid and semi-arid climatic conditions of Punjab, Pakistan. Calibration and evaluation of CERES-Millet were performed with the field observations for pearl millet hybrid 86M86. Mid-century (2040–2069) climate change scenarios for representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were generated based on an ensemble of selected five general circulation models (GCMs). The model was calibrated with optimum treatment (15-cm plant spacing and 200 kg N ha⁻¹) using field observations on phenology, growth and grain yield. Thereafter, pearl millet cultivar was evaluated with remaining treatments of plant spacing and nitrogen during 2015 and 2016 in Faisalabad and Layyah. The CERES-Millet model was calibrated very well and predicted the grain yield with 1.14% error. Model valuation results showed that there was a close agreement between the observed and simulated values of grain yield with RMSE ranging from 172 to 193 kg ha⁻¹. The results of future climate scenarios revealed that there would be an increase in T_min (2.8 °C and 2.9 °C, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment) and T_max (2.5 °C and 2.7 °C, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment) under RCP4.5. For RCP8.5, there would be an increase of 4 °C in T_min for the semi-arid and arid environment and an increase of 3.7 °C and 3.9 °C in T_max, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment. The impacts of climate changes showed that pearl millet yield would be reduced by 7 to 10% under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 in Faisalabad and 10 to 13% in Layyah under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for mid-century. So, CSM-CERES-Millet is a useful tool in assessing the climate change impacts.

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Inhibition of AKT signalling by benzoxazine derivative LTUR6 through the modulation of downstream kinases

Summary

Many compounds structurally similar to chromones have been developed to enhance the sensitizing effect of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Most of these compounds have been shown to promote this sensitization by targeting the repair pathways. One such compound is LTUR6, which enhances the sensitization of doxorubicin to colon cancer cells HT29, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the double stranded break (DSB) repair enzyme AKT. The downstream regulatory targets of AKT that enhance doxorubicin mediated cytotoxicity in the presence of LTUR6 remains elusive. In this study, we performed comparative analyses of 43 kinase phosphorylation sites using the human phospho-kinase array proteome profiler. Results revealed altered expression levels of multiple proteins that regulated apoptotic signalling pathways. Increased activation of mTOR, RSK1/2/3, p38α and PRAS40 after combination treatment with LTUR6 and doxorubicin over doxorubicin alone was observed. This study provides a deeper insight into the key proteins involved and presents a novel molecular pathway.

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TRAIL inhibits platelet-induced colorectal cancer cell invasion

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


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Meta-analysis of the efficacy of sexual intercourse for distal ureteric stones

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


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An unresolved issue: The relationship between spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour proteinuria

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


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Combined influence of external nitrogen and soil contact on plant residue decomposition and indications from stable isotope signatures

Abstract

External nitrogen (N) supply has been testified to exert important impacts on plant residue decomposition. The influence of N may be interactive with soil contact in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the joint mechanisms of decomposition of plant residues driven by soil contact and N addition remain incomplete. Using contrasting residues, including needles of Chinese fir (Cuninghamia lanceolata) (Cl) (relatively hard to degrade) vs. leaves of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla) (Eu) (relatively easy to degrade), a full factorial experiment was conducted by 360-day experiment to investigate the combined effect of N addition and soil contact on residue decay. As the microbe-manipulated decomposition could leave an imprint on the residue carbon (C) and N stable isotope, variations of the two signatures (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were synchronously monitored. Our results firstly showed that added N sped up initial decomposition, while it played an opposite role in subsequent stage, and soil contact always stimulated decay. Under soil contact condition, we found a markedly more accelerating effect of N addition on decay of Cl than without soil contact. Linking with residue N dynamics, we thought that although N immobilized from soil could not completely meet microbial needs for decay of Cl, this N limitation was just relieved by added N, leading to this synergistic effect. At late decay stage, the N inhibiting influence was partly offset under soil contact condition, and this phenomenon was more dramatic for Eu. Our results lastly revealed that the ¹³C and ¹⁵N signatures mirrored and explained the underlying mechanisms of the above interactions. Overall, we concluded that external N and soil contact could interactively affect decay, depending on plant residue decomposability. These results would be used to accurately predict C sequestration for terrestrial ecosystems under heightened N scenario in the future.

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Regulation of the phosphate metabolism in Streptomyces genus: impact on the secondary metabolites

Abstract

The analysis of the inorganic phosphate effect over the antibiotics production is a long-distance history in the Streptomyces genus, which began almost at the same time that Michael Ende published his book entitled The Neverending Story. In some way, the unveiling of the pho regulon and its influence over the secondary metabolites production is an unfinished story, which keeps this subject as a trending topic, nowadays. Up to date, different studies have been releasing knowledge about particular areas of the pho regulon of different Streptomyces species. Nevertheless, for the first time, these knowledge drops are grouped in a review presenting a broad overview of the phosphate regulation and its impact over the secondary metabolites production in industrially relevant species. Even though the genetic response against phosphate scarcity is similar, as a whole, in different Streptomyces species, the fine-tuning is species-specific. Thus, the response regulator PhoP directly controls the secondary metabolites production in some species, whereas it regulates them in an indirect manner in other species. This information, unraveled in this review, is the result of the intensive analysis along last decade in several species of the genus that is allowing to distinguish how the phosphate response is unleashed in Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces natalensis, Streptomyces lydicus, Streptomyces avermitilis, and Streptomyces tsukubaensis.

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Glycolytic Inhibitor 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose at Chronic Low Dose Mimics Calorie Restriction in Rats Through Mitohormetic Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species

Rejuvenation Research, Ahead of Print.


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Functional evenness of N-to-P ratios of evergreen-deciduous mixtures predicts positive non-additive effect on leaf litter decomposition

Abstract

Aims

The effects of litter diversity on litter decomposition remain debated. We tested to what extent the community-weighted means (CWM; functional composition) versus Rao's dissimilarity of litter nitrogen (N)-to-phosphorus (P) ratios explain the non-additive mixture effect on decomposition rate (k) and associated N release.

Methods

We carried out a one-year field decomposition experiment with a range of five litter types ranging from three evergreens only (high N/P and low specific leaf area, SLA) to three deciduous species only (low-N/P and high-SLA), with 30:70, 50:50 and 70:30% mixtures of these two extremes in between, in subtropical forest of China.

Results

There were tight hump-backed relationships of absolute k-values and N release, respectively, with the CWM_SLA. The mixtures with the highest functional evenness in terms of CWM_N/P caused the highest positive non-additivity on decomposition (R² = 0.72) and N release (R² = 0.95) rates. In contrast, the mixing effect on k or N release was weakly positively correlated with Rao's dissimilarity of N/P (R² = 0.38 and 0.27 respectively).

Conclusions

Our results provide a strong framework for predicting litter decomposition rates and associated N release versus immobilization in mixtures of deciduous versus evergreen species based on their differences in initial stoichiometry.

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Effect of ultrasonication and thermal and pressure treatments, individually and combined, on inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores

Abstract

Bacillus cereus spores are a concern to the food industry due to their high resistance to processing and their ability to germinate to vegetative cells under suitable conditions. This research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of Bacillus cereus spore inactivation under ultrasonication (US) combined with thermal (thermosonication, TS) treatments, with pressure (manosonication, MS) treatments, and with thermal and pressure (manothermosonication, MTS) treatments. Electronic microscopy, dipicolinic acid (DPA) release, and flow cytometric assessments were used to investigate the inactivation effect and understand the inactivation mechanisms. The sporicidal effects of the US and thermal treatment were slight, and the MS and TS also showed little inactivation effect. However, ultrasonication promoted the detachment of the exosporium, thereby reducing the spore's ability to adhere to a surface, while the thermal treatment induced a decrease in the electron density in the nucleoid of bacterium, which retained a relatively intact exosporium and coat. MS caused 92.54% DPA release, which might be due to triggering of the germinant receptors or releasing of ions and Ca²⁺-DPA. In addition, the morphological changes such as core hydration and cortex degradation were significant after treatment with MS. The release of DPA and the morphological changes were responsible for the reduction in thermal resistance. The MTS showed a remarkable inactivation effect of 3.12 log CFU/mL reductions after 30 min of treatment. It was the most effective treatment and exhibited a large fraction of damage. In addition, the MTS had a significant impact on the intracellular structure of the spores, with the coat destroyed and the cortex damaged. These results indicated that ultrasonication combined with thermal and pressure treatments had a significant sporicidal effect on Bacillus cereus spores and could be a promising green sterilization technology.

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Effects of dietary fluoranthene on nymphs of Blaptica dubia S. (Blattodea: Blaberidae)

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants which exert detrimental effects on living beings. Considering the health risk associated with exposure to these pollutants, their presence in food increases efforts to establish early-warning indicators of pollution. We aimed to examine the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoranthene (0.2 ng and 18 ng/g dry weight of diet) on the activities of midgut antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in Blaptica dubia. Significant changes of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, recorded at the higher fluoranthene concentration regardless of the exposure time, suggest that they may be used as biomarkers of PAH pollution. Increased GST activity and decreased total GSH content, detected upon acute exposure to the lower concentration, indicate processes of detoxification. Reorganization of B. dubia mechanisms of defense in response to oxidative stress caused by exposure to dietary PAH point to the necessity for further examination of fluoranthene actions.

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Real-time monitoring and quantification of organic by-products and mechanism study of acetone decomposition in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) degradation of low-concentration acetone was investigated in a cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge reactor. The effects of oxygen content and flow rate on the removal efficiency at various discharge powers were examined in real-time. The acetone removal efficiency decreases drastically and then remains stable or increases gradually as the O₂ content increases from 0 to 25%, and further to 50%. The organic by-products were characterized and quantified using a real-time proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS) instrument. The observed organic compounds, with concentrations about ppbv/ppmv by volume, were mainly formaldehyde, methanol, ketene, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetone, and acetic acid. The discharge power was a critical factor affecting the concentration of the organic by-products and the selectivity toward CO₂. The mechanism study based on the by-product monitor in real-time showed that acetone firstly fragments into methyl radicals, acetyl radicals, and H; then, the methyl and acetyl radicals are oxidized by O or OH radicals into acetaldehyde, methanol, and other compounds. It seems that acetaldehyde could be an intermediate in acetone decomposition. Firstly, most of the acetone molecules were decomposed into acetaldehyde molecules; then, the acetaldehyde molecules continued to be decomposed and oxidized into other compounds, such as acetic acid and formaldehyde. These investigations not only proposed a detail decomposition mechanism for acetone in dielectric barrier discharge reactor, but also provided a potential way to analyze and evaluate the practicability of NTP removal of VOCs.

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Morphological and ecophysiological root and leaf traits in ectomycorrhizal, arbuscular-mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Alnus incana seedlings

Abstract

Background and aims

The aim was to assess possible benefits or drawbacks of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonisation compared to no mycorrhizas (NM) in seedlings of the same host species. Eight broadleaf species were tested for mycorrhiza formation. Grey alder (Alnus incana) and four fungal species were selected for further experiments.

Methods

Grey alder seedlings were inoculated with AM fungi Rhizophagus intraradices and Glomus hoi or EM fungi Paxillus involutus plus an ascomycete isolated from Alnus roots or mock-inoculated (NM).

Results

EM formed in 70% of root tips and AM in 30% of root length. AM plants were smaller than EM and NM, but their specific root length (SRL) and specific leaf area (SLA) were highest. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and shoot water potential did not differ between treatments. Foliar Ca, K, Mg, Mn, N, P and S concentrations (mg g⁻¹) were highest in AM plants. However, total foliar contents (mg per plant) were lowest in AM plants, except for P, K and Zn.

Conclusions

The larger SRL and SLA suggest more efficient resource usage in AM plants, even though these were smaller than EM and NM plants. Grey alder is proposed as a new model species for comparisons between mycorrhiza types in cold climates.

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Solution-processed intermediate-band solar cells with lead sulfide quantum dots and lead halide perovskites

Solution-processed intermediate-band solar cells with lead sulfide quantum dots and lead halide perovskites

Solution-processed intermediate-band solar cells with lead sulfide quantum dots and lead halide perovskites, Published online: 10 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41467-018-07655-3

Intermediate-band solar cell presents a possible route to break the Shockley-Queisser limit but the fabrication has been difficult. Here Hosokawa et al. exhibit working cells at room temperature in solution processed quantum dot-perovskite system with carefully designed miscibility and energy levels.

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A Big Thank You to Our Reviewers in The Past Year!

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2019; 127: 5-7
DOI: 10.1055/a-0795-1114

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Full text

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Selenoprotein P in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0811-9136

Objective Main aim of this study was to evaluate circulating selenoprotein P (SEPP) levels in patients with simple steatosis (SS) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) compared with healthy controls. Methods Thirty-one patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD (15 with SS, 10 with borderline NASH, 6 with definite NASH) and 27 matched controls without NAFLD were enrolled. Serum SEPP levels and liver function tests plus biochemical parameters were measured with ELISA and standard methods, respectively. Homeostatic model of assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Results SEPP levels were statistically different between groups (p-value for trend=0.043). In pairwise comparisons, SEPP was lower in definite NASH compared with controls (p=0.029), but not SS (p=0.18) or borderline NASH (p=0.35). SEPP was not different between controls, SS and borderline NASH. The unadjusted trend between the controls, SS and NASH patients remained essentially unchanged after adjustment for age, sex, log(ALT) and waist circumference, but it marginally lost significance when log(HOMA-IR) entered into the model. SEPP levels were not different between groups of different severity of steatosis, fibrosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular and portal inflammation. Conclusions Lower SEPP levels were observed in patients with definite NASH compared with controls, a finding warranting larger studies.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

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[ASAP] Translation of a Polar Biogenesis Proposal into a Radical Synthetic Approach: Synthesis of Pleurocin A/Matsutakone and Pleurocin B

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13356

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Solution-processed intermediate-band solar cells with lead sulfide quantum dots and lead halide perovskites

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National inventories of land occupation and transformation flows in the world for land use impact assessment

Abstract

Purpose

Land use can cause significant impacts on ecosystems and natural resources. To assess these impacts using life cycle assessment (LCA) and ensure adequate decision-making, comprehensive national inventories of land occupation and transformation flows are required. Here, we aim at developing globally differentiated inventories of land use flows that can be used for primary use in life cycle impact assessment or national land planning.

Methods

Using publicly available data and inventory techniques, national inventories for several land use classes were developed. All land use classes were covered with the highest retrievable level of disaggregation within urban, forestry, agriculture and other land use classes, thus differentiating 21 land use classes. For illustrating the application of this newly developed inventory, two different application settings relevant to life cycle impact assessment were considered: the calculation of global normalisation references for 11 land use impact indicators related to soil quality assessment (adopting the methods recommended by the EU Commission) and the determination of generic globally applicable characterisation factors (CFs) resulting from aggregation of country-level CFs for situations for use when land use location is unknown.

Results and discussion

We built national inventories of 21 land occupation and 17 land transformation flows for 225 countries in the world for the reference year 2010. Cross-comparisons with existing inventories of narrower scopes attested its consistency. Detailed analyses of the calculated global normalisation references for the 11 land use impact categories showed different patterns across the land use impact indicators for each country, thus raising attention on key land use impacts specific to each country. Furthermore, the upscaling of country-level CFs to global generic CFs using the land use inventory revealed discrepancies with other alternative approaches using land use data at different resolutions.

Conclusions

In this study, we made a first attempt at developing national inventories of land use flows with sufficient disaggregation level to enable the calculation of normalisation references and differentiated impacts. However, the findings also demonstrated the need to refine the consistency of the inventory, particularly in the combination of land cover and land use data, which should be harmonised in future studies, and to expand it with differentiated coverage of more land use flows relevant to impact assessment.

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[ASAP] Stereoselective Assembly of Gigantic Chiral Molybdenum Blue Wheels Using Lanthanide Ions and Amino Acids

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b09750

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[ASAP] Shape-Persistent Actuators from Hydrazone Photoswitches

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11558

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[ASAP] Polyoxometalate–Cyclodextrin Metal–Organic Frameworks: From Tunable Structure to Customized Storage Functionality

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11998

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Sound velocity of CaSiO3 perovskite suggests the presence of basaltic crust in the Earth’s lower mantle

Sound velocity of CaSiO₃ perovskite suggests the presence of basaltic crust in the Earth's lower mantle

Sound velocity of CaSiO₃ perovskite suggests the presence of basaltic crust in the Earth's lower mantle, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0816-5

In situ high-pressure and high-temperature measurements of the sound velocity of CaSiO3 perovskite suggest accumulation of basaltic crust in the Earth's uppermost lower mantle.

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Black hole goes with the flow

Black hole goes with the flow

Black hole goes with the flow, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00011-5

A technique called reverberation mapping has previously been used to probe the structure of matter around supermassive black holes. Observations suggest that this technique can also be applied to much smaller black holes.

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Structures of an RNA polymerase promoter melting intermediate elucidate DNA unwinding

Structures of an RNA polymerase promoter melting intermediate elucidate DNA unwinding

Structures of an RNA polymerase promoter melting intermediate elucidate DNA unwinding, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0840-5

Cryo-electron microscopy structures of bacterial RNAP–promoter DNA complexes, including structures of partially melted intermediates, suggest a universally conserved common mechanism for promoter DNA opening prior to gene expression.

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De novo design of potent and selective mimics of IL-2 and IL-15

De novo design of potent and selective mimics of IL-2 and IL-15

De novo design of potent and selective mimics of IL-2 and IL-15, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0830-7

A hyper-stable de novo protein mimic of interleukin-2 computationally designed to not interact with a regulatory T-cell specific receptor subunit has improved therapeutic activity in mouse models of melanoma and colon cancer.

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A second source of repeating fast radio bursts

A second source of repeating fast radio bursts

A second source of repeating fast radio bursts, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0864-x

A second source of repeating fast radio bursts

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The corona contracts in a black-hole transient

The corona contracts in a black-hole transient

The corona contracts in a black-hole transient, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0803-x

X-ray observations of the evolution of a black-hole transient suggest a shrinkage of its corona, rather than a change in the inner edge of the accretion disk.

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Core crystallization and pile-up in the cooling sequence of evolving white dwarfs

Core crystallization and pile-up in the cooling sequence of evolving white dwarfs

Core crystallization and pile-up in the cooling sequence of evolving white dwarfs, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0791-x

Photometry and parallax data from the Gaia satellite provide direct observational evidence of a theoretically predicted pile-up in the cooling sequence of white dwarfs, which is associated with core crystallization.

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High-pressure experiments cast light on deep-Earth mineralogy

High-pressure experiments cast light on deep-Earth mineralogy

High-pressure experiments cast light on deep-Earth mineralogy, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07864-2

A technically challenging analysis has revealed the physical properties of a mineral at pressures and temperatures as high as those in Earth's mantle. The findings have implications for our understanding of Earth's deep interior.

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Protein modification fine-tunes the cell’s force producers

Protein modification fine-tunes the cell's force producers

Protein modification fine-tunes the cell's force producers, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07882-0

Identification of the enzyme that catalyses a site-specific modification of the protein actin reveals how this change modulates the function of the cell's force-producing machinery.

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Designer protein delivers signal of choice

Designer protein delivers signal of choice

Designer protein delivers signal of choice, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07883-z

A computational strategy has delivered a redesigned, more stable version of a cytokine protein that mimics the natural protein's interactions with receptors, opening the way for designer cytokine-based therapeutics.

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Subcellular transcriptomes and proteomes of developing axon projections in the cerebral cortex

Subcellular transcriptomes and proteomes of developing axon projections in the cerebral cortex

Subcellular transcriptomes and proteomes of developing axon projections in the cerebral cortex, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0847-y

A subcellular sorting approach enables quantitative analysis of subtypes of growth cones in the brain, and reveals subcellular relationships between local mRNA and local proteomes in developing projection neurons.

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Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement

Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement

Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0852-1

Cryo-electron microscopy structures of feline calicivirus and its cellular receptor show that twelve copies of the minor capsid protein VP2 form a portal-like assembly arranged about a pore in the capsid shell.

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A recurrent nova super-remnant in the Andromeda galaxy

A recurrent nova super-remnant in the Andromeda galaxy

A recurrent nova super-remnant in the Andromeda galaxy, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0825-4

A frequently recurring nova is surrounded by an enormous cavity in space, produced as the nova's ejecta 'sweeps up' the interstellar medium around the star after each eruption.

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Podcast: Fast Radio Bursts and new year future gazing

Podcast: Fast Radio Bursts and new year future gazing

Podcast: Fast Radio Bursts and new year future gazing, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00089-x

Join Benjamin Thompson and Noah Baker for the latest science news.

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Earth’s magnetic field is acting up and geologists don’t know why

Earth's magnetic field is acting up and geologists don't know why

Earth's magnetic field is acting up and geologists don't know why, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00007-1

Erratic motion of north magnetic pole forces experts to update model that aids global navigation.

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Mobile PEAR transcription factors integrate positional cues to prime cambial growth

Mobile PEAR transcription factors integrate positional cues to prime cambial growth

Mobile PEAR transcription factors integrate positional cues to prime cambial growth, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0839-y

Radial growth in the roots of Arabidopsis, which is mediated by gene expression activated by the mobile PEAR1 and PEAR2 transcription factors, is initiated around protophloem-sieve-element cell files of procambial tissue.

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Colombia creates its first science ministry

Colombia creates its first science ministry

Colombia creates its first science ministry, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00087-z

But country-wide structural and cultural changes must occur to truly improve the nation's research environment, scientists say.

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FTSJ3 is an RNA 2′-O-methyltransferase recruited by HIV to avoid innate immune sensing

FTSJ3 is an RNA 2′-O-methyltransferase recruited by HIV to avoid innate immune sensing

FTSJ3 is an RNA 2′-<i>O</i>-methyltransferase recruited by HIV to avoid innate immune sensing, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0841-4

HIV-1 uses the host protein FTSJ3 to methylate its own genome, thereby evading detection by the innate immune system.

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SOX10, GATA3, GCDFP15, Androgen Receptor, and Mammaglobin for the Differential Diagnosis Between Triple-negative Breast Cancer and TTF1-negative Lung Adenocarcinoma

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients have an increased risk of developing visceral metastases and other primary nonbreast cancers, particularly lung cancer. The differential diagnosis of TNBC metastases and primary cancers from other organs can be difficult due to lack of a TNBC standard immunoprofile. We analyzed the diagnostic value of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1), Napsin A, mammaglobin, gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP15), Sry-related HMg-Box gene 10 (SOX10), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), and androgen receptor in a series of 207 TNBC and 152 primary lung adenocarcinomas (LA). All tested TNBCs were TTF1 and Napsin A-negative. When comparing TNBC and TTF1-positive or negative LA, SOX10 had the best sensitivity (62.3%) and specificity (100%) as a marker in favor of TNBC compared with LA, irrespective of TTF1 status (P

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Placental and Gestational Pathology

No abstract available

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Histologic Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy is Not Predictive of Favorable Outcomes in High-grade Pleomorphic Soft Tissue Sarcoma

The College of American Pathologists recommends reporting the histologic response of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) to neoadjuvant therapy, presumably as an assessment of chemosensitivity and a prognostic indicator, despite lack of evidence of clinical utility as such. This study examines whether extent of neoadjuvant therapy effect in STS is a favorable prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Extent of tumor necrosis and stromal hyalinization/fibrosis were determined in 143 high-grade, nonmetastatic, pleomorphic STS of the extremity or trunk. Multivariable nonlinear Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the prognostic impact of tumor necrosis and fibrosis. Cross-model comparisons of regression coefficients from nested parametric survival models were used to investigate possible effects of multicollinearity (inverse correlation) between tumor necrosis and fibrosis. Increasing tumor necrosis after neoadjuvant therapy (with or without adjusting for fibrosis) was associated with increased hazard ratios. In contrast, hazard ratios for increasing tumor fibrosis did not significantly change when unadjusted for necrosis, but were similar to necrosis after adjusting for tumor necrosis. This suggests that tumor fibrosis evolves as a reparative response to regional tumor necrosis, a conclusion supported by evidence that extent of tumor fibrosis was positively correlated with interval between initiation of neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection. Increasing amounts of tumor necrosis observed in STS after neoadjuvant therapy are not indicative of a good therapeutic response or better prognosis. Instead, tumor necrosis simply reflects higher histologic grade and biological aggressiveness. Stromal hyalinization/fibrosis is not an independent prognostic factor either, and likely represents organization of prior tumor necrosis. Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The author has disclosed that there is no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article. Correspondence: Justin M.M. Cates, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, C-3322, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232 (e-mail: justin.m.cates@vanderbilt.edu). Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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De novo design of potent and selective mimics of IL-2 and IL-15

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The corona contracts in a black-hole transient

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A recurrent nova super-remnant in the Andromeda galaxy

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Podcast: Fast Radio Bursts and new year future gazing

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Chemical control of structure and guest uptake by a conformationally mobile porous material

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Subcellular transcriptomes and proteomes of developing axon projections in the cerebral cortex

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Sound velocity of CaSiO3 perovskite suggests the presence of basaltic crust in the Earth’s lower mantle

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Observations of fast radio bursts at frequencies down to 400 megahertz

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Earth’s magnetic field is acting up and geologists don’t know why

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Structures of an RNA polymerase promoter melting intermediate elucidate DNA unwinding

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High levels of auxin signalling define the stem-cell organizer of the vascular cambium

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Electromagnetic and gravitational responses of photonic Landau levels

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Realization of a three-dimensional photonic topological insulator

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A second source of repeating fast radio bursts

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Black hole goes with the flow

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Chromosomes come together to help mice distinguish odours

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LHX2- and LDB1-mediated trans interactions regulate olfactory receptor choice

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Core crystallization and pile-up in the cooling sequence of evolving white dwarfs

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Mitochondrial complex III is essential for suppressive function of regulatory T cells

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Protein modification fine-tunes the cell’s force producers

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Announcement: FAIR data in Earth science

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Mobile PEAR transcription factors integrate positional cues to prime cambial growth

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High-pressure experiments cast light on deep-Earth mineralogy

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FTSJ3 is an RNA 2′-O-methyltransferase recruited by HIV to avoid innate immune sensing

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Designer protein delivers signal of choice

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Plant-thickening mechanisms revealed

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Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement

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[ASAP] Redox Reactivity of a Mononuclear Manganese-Oxo Complex Binding Calcium Ion and Other Redox-Inactive Metal Ions

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11492

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[ASAP] Isotope Labeling Reveals Fast Atomic and Molecular Exchange in Mechanochemical Milling Reactions

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12149

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Using Infant Mortality Data to Improve Maternal and Child Health Programs: An Application of Statistical Process Control Techniques for Rare Events

Abstract

Introduction The infant mortality rate (IMR) in the United States remains higher than most developed countries. To understand this public health issue and support state public health departments in displaying and analyzing data in ways that support learning, states participating in the Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network to Reduce Infant Mortality (IM CoIIN) created statistical process control (SPC) charts for rare events. Methods State vital records data on live births and infant deaths was used to create U, T and G charts for Kansas and Alaska, two states participating in the IM CoIIN who sought methods to more effectively analyze IMR for subsets of their populations with infrequent number of deaths. The IMR and the number of days and number of births between infant deaths was charted for Kansas Non-Hispanic black population and six Alaska regions for the time periods 2013–2016 and 2011–2016, respectively. Established empirical patterns indicated points of special cause variation. Results The T and G charts for Kansas and G charts for Alaska depict points outside the upper control limit. These points indicate special cause variation and an increased number of days and/or births between deaths at these time periods. Discussion T and G charts offer value in examining rare events, and indicate special causes not detectable by U charts or other more traditional analytic methods. When small numbers make traditional analysis challenging, SPC has potential in the MCH field to better understand potential drivers of improvements in rare outcomes, inform decision making and take interventions to scale.

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Colombia creates its first science ministry

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Daily briefing: How bizarre animal sounds have confused and flummoxed humans

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Why earning a PhD is an advantage in today’s industry job market

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Photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical micro-pollutants using ZnO

Abstract

This research paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the degradation of three different contaminants including progesterone (PGS), ibuprofen (IBU), and naproxen (NAP) using ZnO as the photocatalyst and ultraviolet (UV) light as a source for catalysts activation. Two operating parameters, namely, catalyst loading and initial concentration of contaminants, were tested in a batch photocatalytic reactor. To demonstrate the large-scale applications, experiments were also conducted in a submerged membrane photocatalytic reactor. It has proven that ZnO photocatalyst degraded the three contaminants very efficiently under almost all the studied experimental conditions, with efficiency rates of 92.3, 94.5, and 98.7 % for PSG, IBU, and NAP, respectively. The photodegradation kinetics study was performed to calculate the reaction rate constant, which is found to follow pseudo-first order kinetics. The membrane photocatalytic reactor was efficient to remove pollutants and it is observed that the degradation rate increases with increasing the membrane oscillation frequency approaching that of the stirred reactor.

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Zirconia Primers Improve the Shear Bond Strength of Dental Zirconia

Abstract

Purpose

Various resin cements and priming agents are available for adhesive luting of zirconia restorations. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cement type and priming protocol affect the shear bond strength on zirconia ceramics.

Materials and Methods

Yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic cylinders were bonded to flat zirconia ceramic surfaces using 7 commercially available resin cements. Ten specimens of each cement group were pre‐treated with a universal primer, and 10 specimens per group were bonded without pre‐treatment. In addition, 10 specimens per group were pre‐treated with system‐specific zirconia primers, which were available for 3 cements. Altogether 170 bonded specimens were water‐stored, thermal‐cycled, and then submitted to shear bond strength tests. The shear bond strength and the fracture types were documented. Differences in shear bond strengths were assessed using 2‐way ANOVA with post‐hoc test (α = 0.05). A point‐biserial correlation was run between the fracture patterns and the shear bond strengths.

Results

The mean shear bond strengths of cements in the un‐primed group showed large variations between 2.52 ± 3.01 (Mean ± SD) MPa and 33.15 ± 7.35 MPa. Pre‐treating the specimens with a universal primer improved the shear bond strengths significantly in all groups (p < 0.05) with a range of 21.80 ± 12.51 to 57.20 ± 11.40 MPa. The system‐specific primers also improved the shear bond strength significantly, compared to the un‐primed group (p < 0.01); however, only one system‐specific primer achieved a shear bond strength superior to the universal primer (p < 0.01). There was also a statistical correlation between the fracture type and the shear bond strength (p < 0.0005), with cohesively fractured specimens showing higher shear bond strengths (37.24 ± 19.87 MPa) than adhesively fractured specimens (23.10 ± 17.65 MPa) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using universal primer can enhance the maximal shear bond strength of zirconia.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Hubble telescope camera is broken — and US government shutdown could delay repairs

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Tomorrow, the sunset will be blue

Tomorrow, the sunset will be blue

Tomorrow, the sunset will be blue, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07871-3

A sight for sore eyes.

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Risk Factors for Postpartum Emergency Department Visits in an Urban Population

Abstract

Objectives To identify risk factors associated with urban postpartum emergency department utilization. Methods This case–control study included 100 matched pairs of postpartum women who had delivered at a large, integrated urban medical system in Bronx, New York, in 2012–2013, with the cases having had an emergency department visit within 42 days of delivery. The cases, identified utilizing administrative and billing data, were matched 1:1 with controls by labor unit, delivery mode and date, excluding nonviable pregnancies. The controls did not have a known postpartum emergency department visit. Variables were abstracted from administrative data and chart review, and included demographics, antenatal/intrapartum/postpartum complications and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Factors associated with puerperal emergency department use were identified via univariate and multivariable analyses. Results Following conditional logistic regression, primiparity [54% vs. 32%, aOR 5.91, 95% CI 2.34–14.91], public insurance [70% vs. 56%, aOR 4.22, 95% CI 1.60–11.12], weekend delivery [30% vs. 26%, aOR 7.61, 95% CI 1.15–52.43] and delivery-related complications [47% vs. 28%, aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.16–7.51] were associated with an increased risk of postpartum emergency department use, while women of younger ages (17–24 years old) were less likely to have postpartum emergency department use [aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.74]. Univariate analysis of individual events within the composite variables showed an association between gestational hypertension/pre-eclampsia and postpartum emergency department use [28% vs. 13% OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.26–5.39]. Psychiatric history, social instability, preterm delivery/neonatal intensive care unit admission, pre-existing medical/antepartum conditions and prolonged postpartum stay were not associated. Conclusions for Practice Delivery-related complications, delivery timing, and certain sociodemographic factors are identifiable risk factors for increased postpartum emergency department utilization. These may be targeted for development of interventions improving puerperal care and potentially preventing emergency department visits, which are costly to the health system and disruptive to the lives of women and their families.

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Arctic protection can’t wait for global treaty

Arctic protection can't wait for global treaty

Arctic protection can't wait for global treaty, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00021-3

Arctic protection can't wait for global treaty

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Threatened UK nuclear-fusion lab secures short-term extension

Threatened UK nuclear-fusion lab secures short-term extension

Threatened UK nuclear-fusion lab secures short-term extension, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00046-8

The European Union-funded Joint European Torus near Oxford can operate until the end of March, but its future after Brexit is uncertain.

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Light can treat inoperable brain tumours

Light can treat inoperable brain tumours

Light can treat inoperable brain tumours, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00020-4

Light can treat inoperable brain tumours

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South Africa beats back invasive plants

South Africa beats back invasive plants

South Africa beats back invasive plants, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00037-9

South Africa beats back invasive plants

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Stolen-colon storm could boost cancer screening

Stolen-colon storm could boost cancer screening

Stolen-colon storm could boost cancer screening, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00038-8

Stolen-colon storm could boost cancer screening

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Chinese reviewers: sign up for unique IDs, please

Chinese reviewers: sign up for unique IDs, please

Chinese reviewers: sign up for unique IDs, please, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00036-w

Chinese reviewers: sign up for unique IDs, please

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Pharma merger, US science adviser and wonky asteroid

Pharma merger, US science adviser and wonky asteroid

Pharma merger, US science adviser and wonky asteroid, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00034-y

The week in science: 4–10 January 2019.

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Early-Onset Neonatal Meningitis Caused by an Unusual Pathogen‐Moraxella catarrhalis

Introduction. Moraxella catarrhalis are part of the normal flora of the human respiratory tract and are known to have low pathogenic potential. The organism is rarely reported in the literature as the causative agent of meningitis. We report the first case of early-onset neonatal meningitis associated with M. catarrhalis from Nepal. Case Report. A 3-day-old baby with fever and yellowish discolouration of the body since 48 hrs was admitted to the neonatal ward. The baby developed 3 episodes of seizures in the form of uprolling of eyes on the first day of admission during phototherapy course for raised serum bilirubin. Sepsis screen was positive, and meningitis was confirmed as the cerebrospinal fluid culture grew M. catarrhalis. Cranial ultrasound scan was normal. The baby received a 21-day course of intravenous cefotaxime and amikacin. Recovery has been uneventful to date. Conclusion. Neonatal meningitis is a life-threatening infection. This case report presents an uncommon aetiology of neonatal meningitis which can be misidentified in the diagnostic bacteriology laboratory in resource constraints area like ours.

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Validation of a system of models for plutonium decorporation therapy

Abstract

A recently proposed system of models for plutonium decorporation (SPD) was developed using data from an individual occupationally exposed to plutonium via a wound [from United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USTUR) Case 0212]. The present study evaluated the SPD using chelation treatment data, urine measurements, and post-mortem plutonium activities in the skeleton and liver from USTUR Case 0269. This individual was occupationally exposed to moderately soluble plutonium via inhalation and extensively treated with chelating agents. The SPD was linked to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 66 Human Respiratory Tract Model (HRTM) and the ICRP Publication 30 Gastrointestinal Tract model to evaluate the goodness-of-fit to the urinary excretion data and the predictions of post-mortem plutonium retention in the skeleton and liver. The goodness-of-fit was also evaluated when the SPD was linked to the ICRP Publication 130 HRTM and the ICRP Publication 100 Human Alimentary Tract Model. The present study showed that the proposed SPD was useful for fitting the entire, chelation-affected and non-affected, urine bioassay data, and for predicting the post-mortem plutonium retention in the skeleton and liver at time of death, 38.5 years after the accident. The results of this work are consistent with the conclusion that Ca-EDTA is less effective than Ca-DTPA for enhancing urinary excretion of plutonium.

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Laser-assisted hatching and clinical outcomes in frozen-thawed cleavage-embryo transfers of patients with previous repeated failure

Abstract

Assisted hatching (AH) is initially developed to provide an artificial manipulation of the zona pellucida (ZP) to help embryos hatch and improve the capacity of the embryos to implant. However, these effects remain unclear and controversial because of variation in patient characteristics, and it is critical to ascertain the indications for AH and to identify those patients who might benefit from AH. Here, this study aimed to assess the effect of laser-assisted zona thinning hatching technology (LAH) during the frozen-thawed D3 embryos on pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous repeated failures in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). To the best of our knowledge, these relationships have not been previously investigated. A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out. Infertility patients with previous repeated failure who underwent assisted reproductive therapy at our in vitro fertilization (IVF) center from May 2014 to May 2016 were enrolled. A total of 415 cleavage FET cycles (225 in the LAH group and 190 in the control group) were analyzed. Clinical outcomes including clinical pregnancy, implantation, live birth, miscarriage, and multiple gestation rates after transfer were compared between the LAH and control groups. The clinical pregnancy (49.3% versus 38.9%) and implantation rates (31.2% versus 24.6%) were significantly higher for the LAH group than the control group (P < 0.05). The live birth (44.8% versus 35.8%), multiple pregnancy (32.4% versus 31.0%), preterm birth (22.8% versus 17.1%), miscarriage (7.2% versus 5.4%), and ectopic rates (1.9% versus 0%) did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). This study showed that LAH via zona pellucida (ZP) thinning significantly improves clinical outcomes, particularly clinical pregnancy and implantation rates, associated with FET cycles among patients with previous repeated failure.

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Threatened UK nuclear-fusion lab secures short-term extension

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Safety evaluation of the food enzyme alpha‐amylase from a genetically modified Trichoderma reesei (strain DP‐Nzb48)

Abstract

The food enzyme alpha‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei by Danisco US Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. This α‐amylase is intended to be used in distilled alcohol production and brewing processes. Residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by distillation; consequently, dietary exposure was not calculated for this use. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for the brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, dietary exposure to the food enzyme–TOS was estimated to be up to 1.701 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests with the food enzyme did not indicate a genotoxic concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) at the highest dose of 230 mg TOS/kg bw per day. Similarity of the amino acid sequence to those of known allergens was searched and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended condition of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is considered low. Based on the removal of residues of the food enzyme during distillation, the Panel concluded that the use of this enzyme in the distilled alcohol production is safe. When used in brewing processes, the margin of exposure calculated from the data provided is only (at least) 135, but no safety issues were identified.

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"Front Oncol"[jour]; +41 new citations

41 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Front Oncol"[jour]

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/01/09

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Future Oncology; +28 new citations

28 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

Future Oncology

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/01/09

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Knowledge, attitude and compliance of infection control guidelines among dental faculty members and students in KSU

Abstract

Background

Infection is one of the most crucial problems in health care services worldwide. It is considered one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality associated with clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitude, and compliance with recommended infection control guidelines among dental faculty members and students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain information regarding knowledge, attitude, and compliance with recommended infection control guidelines. The sample (n = 317) comprised of dental faculty members and students (3rd, 4th and 5th year) in both male and female campuses of College of Dentistry (KSU).

This questionnaire contained three parts (knowledge, attitude, and compliance) and was distributed to the participants. After validation of the survey, data were collected, entered and analyzed by SPSS software.

Results

A total of 317 dental faculty members and students participated in this study. Out of the total study subjects, 141 (44.5%) were female and 176 (55.5%) were male. A comparison between dental faculty members and students was made based on their knowledge, attitude, and compliance, which resulted in almost equal percentages of knowledge (49.6, 49.0% respectively). In addition, it revealed that faculty members' attitude toward infection control in the dental clinic was more positive compared to their compliance with the infection control guidelines (70.6, 65.2% respectively) while with the students it was vice versa (67.2, 69.6% respectively).

There is no statistically significant difference in the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty members and students regarding infection control guidelines (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study showed that dental undergraduate student and faculty members at KSU demonstrated a good adherence to infection control guidelines. On the other hand, there was a lack in the knowledge of the basics of infection control standards.

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Oral hygiene practice and periodontal status among two tribal population of Telangana state, India- an epidemiological study

Abstract

Background

The tribes of India have poor periodontal health status due to their isolation, awareness and less accessibility to dental resources. They follow traditional methods of oral hygiene practice, which are found to be inadequate and inaccurate to maintain their good oral health. This study aims to assess the oral hygiene practice, oral hygiene and periodontal status of two tribes residing in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, India.

Methods

Based on accessibility the two tribes Koya and Lambada were included in the study. The total study population consisted of 1000 subjects, with 500 subjects in each group. Using a preformed proforma the oral hygiene practices were recorded for two groups and oral examination was done using Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) index and Community Periodontal Index (CPI).

Results

The OHI-S ranged between 2.5–3.0 in both the groups. The CPI index scores showed that sextants with calculus, shallow pockets, deep pockets and loss of attachment of 4-5 mm were significantly present in both groups.

Conclusion

To conclude, though practice of poor oral hygiene and compromised periodontal status was seen among both groups. However, it was more prevalent in Koya. Under these circumstances, implementation of a basic awareness of oral health care programme for these tribes should be a high priority.

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Adapting the 2015 Mother–Baby Friendly Birth Facility Guidelines for Semi-nomadic Pastoralist Communities in Laikipia and Samburu Counties of Kenya

Abstract

Purpose To adapt the 2015 International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), White Ribbon Alliance (WRA), International Pediatric Association (IPA), and WHO auspiced Guidelines on Mother–Baby Friendly Facilities to a particular sub-population; seminomadic pastoralist communities of Laikipia and Samburu Counties, Kenya. We anticipate an increased utilization of childbirth services by improving their acceptability. Description We drafted a Pastoralist Friendly Birthing Facility Checklist based on the FIGO/ICM/WRA/IPA/WHO guidelines and previous research in this context. We employed mixed methods to finalise the adaptation: a workshop with 27 local stakeholders; interviews with ten health planners and skilled birth attendants (SBAs); and ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with health committee members, community health workers, mothers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs). A facility audit of dispensaries across five group ranches was also undertaken. Assessment The final Checklist was divided into: characteristics of care and the environment; care during labour and birth; post-partum care; and community staff relationships. It was endorsed by the Ministries of Health in the relevant counties, and by women, SBAs and TBAs. No facility currently satisfies all the criteria specified in the Checklist. Conclusion The FIGO/ICM/WRA/IPA/WHO Guidelines were successfully adapted and can be used to ensure health facilities meet the needs of pastoralist women.

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Social Support During Pregnancy Modifies the Association Between Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Infant Birth Size

Abstract

Introduction Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can deleteriously affect health, including pregnancy and birth outcomes occurring later in life. Identification of modifiable factors during pregnancy that buffer the ill effects of adversity is warranted. Social support during pregnancy can promote better birth outcomes, yet it is unknown whether it could also mitigate perinatal risks stemming from ACEs. Thus, this study considers multiple forms of social support in pregnancy as modifiers of an ACEs and fetal growth association. Methods Data were collected from mother and infant pairs from an ongoing prospective birth cohort. Women enrolled around 27 weeks gestation and completed gold-standard assessments of ACEs and social support. Infant cephalization index scores [(head circumference /birthweight) × 100; a marker of asymmetric fetal growth] were derived. Multivariable regression models tested main effects and interaction between ACEs and social support in relation to infant cephalization. Results Higher levels of ACEs were associated with higher cephalization scores (β = 0.01, SE = 0.01, p < 0.05) whereas higher social support was associated with lower cephalization scores (β = − 0.03, SE = 0.01, p < 0.05). A significant interaction was observed showing a protective effect of social support among those with low (0 events) and moderate (1–3 events) ACEs but not among those with high ACEs (4 + events; p < 0.05). Tangible and emotional support, but not information support, contributed to the associations. Discussion Maternal ACEs can deleteriously affect birth size, yet social support during pregnancy provides some buffer from its enduring effects. Interventions designed to enhance pregnancy social support may not only improve maternal wellbeing, but may also safeguard infant health.

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Pharma merger, US science adviser and wonky asteroid

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RiMmvh

Light can treat inoperable brain tumours

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2CdiAOc

Stolen-colon storm could boost cancer screening

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RhLAPq

South Africa beats back invasive plants

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2CcPrTz

Arctic protection can’t wait for global treaty

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RhLveA

Tomorrow, the sunset will be blue

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Chinese reviewers: sign up for unique IDs, please

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Aquatic beetles Cercyon unipunctatus as bioindicators of pollution in Lake Edku and Mariut, Egypt

Abstract

The lakes of the North Delta give a rich and imperative territory for marine fish and its regeneration, and have dependably been major areas of fish creation in Egypt, 75% of the production was collected from them. As of late, many difficulties are confronting these lakes and prompt the exhaustion of fish production from them. The aim of the present study is to evaluate different inorganic pollutants in Coleopterons aquatic insect (Cercyon unipunctatus) taken from both Lake Edku and Mariut and also, to estimate their effect on oxidative stress markers and chromosomal aberrations. The average concentrations of heavy metals differ in the two locations. The concentration of (Pb, Cd, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn) was significantly higher in water samples of Lake Mariut than those of Lake Edku. Also, the present work, showed the physical and chemical characters of the two lakes water. In the current study, the obtained results showed that there was a significant increase in (Pb, Cd, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn) concentrations in C. unipunctatus tissues which were collected from Lake Mariut. The biochemical parameters of oxidative stress have been affected by the pollution in Lake Mariut water. Significant increases in the activity level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde concentration were recorded, while there were significant decreases in (total protein content, GSH content, and GPx activity). The result of chromosomal aberration test showed that there were different types of aberrations as binucleate cell, lagging chromosome, and abnormal distribution of chromosomes. The obtained data showed that C. unipunctatus highly affected by environmental stressors in water. So we suggest that these beetles could be a suitable monitor for ecotoxicological studies.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2CZEl5J

Searching variables to assess recreational water quality: the presence of infectious human enterovirus and its correlation with the main variables of water pollution by multivariate statistical approach in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

Surface waters are used by local populations for different purposes, such as recreational activities, water source for human and animal consumption, and irrigation among others, which lead to the need for management strategies on water health and associated risks. During this study, we investigated physicochemical parameters, fecal coliform bacteria, and infectious human enterovirus detection to determine the water quality in different beaches (categorized as an urban area, non-urban areas, and an intermediate position) from San Roque Dam, in Argentina. Multivariate techniques were applied. Principal component analysis allowed identification of subgroup of variables responsible for the water quality. A cluster analysis and multivariate analysis of variance showed the urban beach as the highest pollution area. The following variables (measured at the urban beach) would be enough to describe the quality of the aquatic body: nitrites, fecal coliforms, total phosphorous, and infectious human enterovirus. The infectious human enterovirus was an independent variable detected in 69.1% of the samples showing a steady frequency of detection during the whole period studied and could identify human fecal contaminations as a source of water pollution. The selected variables would contribute to water quality regarding the risk for human health using San Roque dam waters for recreational propose.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2D00ReE

A father’s fight to help his sons — and fix clinical trials

A father's fight to help his sons — and fix clinical trials

A father's fight to help his sons — and fix clinical trials, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00035-x

Nick Sireau's quest to give his sons weedkiller could help thousands struggling with rare genetic conditions.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2C6FkiW

Dreaming of death rays: the search for laser weapons

Dreaming of death rays: the search for laser weapons

Dreaming of death rays: the search for laser weapons, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00024-0

Lasers have long held allure for physics, the military and science fiction, finds Luke Fleet.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2ReERFG

Clever crows size up objects blowing in the wind

Clever crows size up objects blowing in the wind

Clever crows size up objects blowing in the wind, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00032-0

A crow species known for its problem solving can infer properties of breezy objects

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2Flbuui

How to globalize the circular economy

How to globalize the circular economy

How to globalize the circular economy, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00017-z

Set up an international platform to share data and experiences, and coordinate industrial policies and trade to conserve resources and energy, urge Yong Geng, Joseph Sarkis and Raimund Bleischwitz.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2Rzk0fO

Progress in the fight against brain cancer

Progress in the fight against brain cancer

Progress in the fight against brain cancer, Published online: 09 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00077-1

A series of steps shows hope for improving treatments.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2TBvJrp