Search

Copyright of Journal of Natural History is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Food systems face significant environmental challenges, necessitating a shift towards sustainability and resource efficiency. Implementing circular economy principles and adopting new business models can significantly contribute to more sustainable food systems. These approaches address major issues in the linear economic model, such as excessive food loss and waste, resource depletion, and market volatility. However, due to various barriers, adopting new circular food systems confronts sluggish progress. This study identifies the hierarchical structure and cause-and-effect relationships of these barriers using the example of selected food systems in Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany. Employing the Fuzzy-DEMATEL analysis approach, this research identifies four primary causal barriers and four effect barriers classified across market development, finance, technological availability, knowledge management, as well as institutional domains. Furthermore, the study ranks these barriers based on their significance. It reveals that the top barriers are poor product design and waste management infrastructure, insufficient quantity and quality of material flow, and a lack of collaboration in the supply chain. In addition, weak policies, along with their inadequate evaluation and monitoring, act as the most influential causal barriers. These findings hold significant implications for practitioners and policymakers striving to promote the transition to circular food systems through innovative business models. Practitioners are advised to prioritize collaborations with different stakeholders to ensure proper waste management, by-product valorization, and resource efficiency. Concurrently, policymakers should enact supportive policies and effective governance structures based on the needs of the businesses and its stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of ion transport by responding to stimulus is a necessary condition for the existence of life. Bioinspired iontronics could enable anomalous ion dynamics in the nanoconfined spaces, creating many efficient energy systems and neuromorphic in-sensor computing networks. Unlike traditional electronics based on von Neumann computing architecture, the Boolean logic computing based on the iontronics could avoid complex wiring with higher energy efficiency and programmable neuromorphic logic. Here, a systematic summary on the state of art in bioinspired iontronics is presented and the stimulus from chemical potentials, electric fields, light, heat, piezo and magnetic fields on ion dynamics are reviewed. Challenges and perspectives are also addressed in the aspects of iontronic integrated systems. It is believed that comprehensive investigations in bioinspired ionic control will accelerate the development on more efficient energy and information flow for the futuristic human-machine interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the need for liver transplantation remains critical in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure syndromes (including acute liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis states). Conventional prognostic models utilize biomarkers of liver and non-liver failure and have limitations in their application. Novel biomarkers which predict regeneration may fulfil this niche. microRNA are implicated in health and disease and are present in abundance in the circulation. Despite this, they have not translated into mainstream clinical biomarkers. We will discuss current challenges in the prognostication of patients with liver failure syndromes as well as for patients with HCC. We will discuss biomarkers implicated with liver regeneration. We then provide an overview of the challenges in developing microRNA into clinically tractable biomarkers. Finally, we will provide a scoping review of microRNA which may have potential as prognostic biomarkers in liver failure syndromes and HCC. Novel biomarkers are needed to improve prognostic models in liver failure syndromes and HCC. Biomarkers associated with liver regeneration are currently lacking and may fulfil this niche. microRNA have the potential to be developed into clinically tractable biomarkers but a consensus on standardizing methodology and reporting is required prior to large-scale studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about effective interventions to increase physical activity levels in this population. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of different interventions for physical activity levels in whole-spectrum CKD patients. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to December 2022, with an update in March 2023. Studies of clinical interventions based on assessing physical activity outcomes (e.g., daily steps, time spent doing physical activity) in patients with whole-spectrum CKD were included. The pooled effect size was calculated using a restricted maximum likelihood method and reported as a standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The systematic review included 2,156 participants (59.9 ± 8.7 years) from 35 studies. Interventions aimed at modifying physical activity were associated with significantly higher physical activity levels in patients with CKD (SMD = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.36; I² = 55%). Exercise-based interventions and real-time step feedback increased physical activity by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.45; I² = 59%) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.60; I² = 0%) standard deviations, respectively. Effect sizes did not vary by disease stage or study duration; however, there was evidence of small study or publication bias for the primary analysis. Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, intervention strategies aimed at modifying physical activity were associated with significantly increased physical activity levels in patients with whole-spectrum CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power is an all-pervasive, and fundamental force in human relationships and plays a valuable role in social, political, and economic interactions. Power differences are important in social groups in enhancing group functioning. Most people want to have power and there are many benefits to having power. However, power is a corrupting force and this has been a topic of interest for centuries to scholars from Plato to Lord Acton. Even with increased knowledge of power's corrupting effect and safeguards put in place to counteract such tendencies, power abuse remains rampant in society suggesting that the full extent of this effect is not well understood. In this paper, an effort is made to improve understanding of power's corrupting effects on human behavior through an integrated and comprehensive synthesis of the neurological, sociological, physiological, and psychological literature on power. The structural limits of justice systems' capability to hold powerful people accountable are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased storage capacity was an essential part of demesne farming in England, as many surviving barns indicate. Their size facilitated their use also as winter workplaces for threshing grain and pulses. Another use, although undocumented, was probably wool storage. Church estates in particular invested in them, but the later Middle Ages saw many, mostly smaller, barns built by prospering tenant farmers. They therefore had considerable social as well as commercial significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: VACTERL association consists of Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-Esophageal, Renal, and Limb defects. The diagnosis depends on the presence of at least three of these structural abnormalities. Methods: The clinical presentation and diagnostic prenatal imaging of VACTERL association are comprehensively reviewed. Results: The most common feature is a vertebral anomaly, found in 60–80% of cases. Tracheo-esophageal fistula is seen in 50–80% of cases and renal malformations in 30% of patients. Limb defects including thumb aplasia/hypoplasia, polydactyly, and radial agenesis/hypoplasia are present in 40–50% of cases. Anorectal defects, like imperforate anus/anal atresia, are challenging to detect prenatally. Conclusion: The diagnosis of VACTERL association mostly relies on imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. Differential diagnosis should exclude similar diseases such as CHARGE and Townes-Brocks syndromes and Fanconi anemia. New insights into genetic etiology have led to recommendations of chromosomal breakage investigation for optimal diagnosis and counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) recovered from wastewater as struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) can meet high P demands in the agricultural sector by reuse as a P fertiliser. Heavy metals are prevalent in wastewaters and are common fertiliser contaminants, therefore struvite as a sorbent for metals requires evaluation. Struvite sorption experiments were conducted in model solutions with cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) at 1–5 μM concentrations from pH 7–10. The struvite metal loading increased with dissolved metal concentration and pH, ranging from 2 to 493 mg kg−1. Highest loadings were observed for 5 μM Pb, which exceeded the 120 mg kg−1 European Union (EU) struvite fertiliser limit at all pH values. At 5 μM concentrations, Ni and Cd loadings exceeded EU limits of 100 mg kg−1 at pH 10, and 60 mg kg−1 at pH 8–10, respectively. In desorption experiments, 10–85% metal was released after resuspension in metal-free solutions, with a positive correlation between initial loading and amount desorbed. Distortions of the struvite phosphate band, by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, indicated lowered symmetry of phosphate vibrations with metal sorption. X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) analysis of pH 9 solids indicated tetrahedral coordination for Cu and Zn, octahedral coordination for Co and Ni, and Pb in 9-fold coordination. Precipitation of Pb-phosphate minerals was a primary mechanism for Pb sorption. The results provide insight into metal contaminant sorption with struvite in wastewaters, and the potential for metal desorption after recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils irrigated with phosphorus (P)-rich wastewater can increase the risk of P losses from land to water. We investigated if wastewater-irrigated soils can leach P through the soil profile and enrich groundwater. Soils were sampled annually for 20 years to 7.5 cm depth and for one year to 2.2 and 15 m. A mass balance showed that topsoils >200 mg L−1 Olsen P (and <50% anion storage capacity, ASC) were no longer accumulating P and had very high concentrations of water and CaCl2-extractable P (designed to indicate loss to runoff and leaching, respectively). Samples in five paddocks showed substantial P leaching to 2.2 m, while sampling to 15 m showed leaching to 4.5 m depth. Deeper layers, especially in the 15 m deep cores, had a coarse texture and low capacity to sorb P, which caused high P concentrations (1.9 mg L−1) at one groundwater site. Based on these data preventing soils from reaching the thresholds of 200 mg L−1 Olsen P and 50% ASC is necessary to prevent excessive P losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) is an unparalleled technology in the field of transcriptomics, which can study cells in a comprehensive and unbiased manner, thus characterizing complex biological processes at the cellular level. At the same time, scRNA-seq can produce a large amount of experimental data; therefore, the extraction of important information is required. In this review, we summarize the common applications of scRNA-seq analysis, such as of cellular communication, pseudo-timing, transcription factors, and functional enrichment, to mine cellular information and reveal the regulatory relationships between genes and trajectories of different cell lineages during development. We also describe the latest technological progress of scRNA-seq use in organoid, pathogenic gene variants, tumor tissues, stem cells, viruses, antibody preparation, and so on, in order to improve its applicability in future research in the life science field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is among the main reasons women cease breastfeeding. In farm animals, mastitis results in significant economic losses and the premature culling of some animals. Nevertheless, the effect of inflammation on the mammary gland is not completely understood. This article discusses the changes to DNA methylation in mouse mammary tissue caused by lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation after in vivo intramammary challenges and the differences in DNA methylation between 1st and 2nd lactations. Lactation rank induces 981 differential methylations of cytosines (DMCs) in mammary tissue. Inflammation in 1st lactation compared to inflammation in 2nd lactation results in the identification of 964 DMCs. When comparing inflammation in 1st vs. 2nd lactations with previous inflammation history, 2590 DMCs were identified. Moreover, Fluidigm PCR data show changes in the expression of several genes related to mammary function, epigenetic regulation, and the immune response. We show that the epigenetic regulation of two successive physiological lactations is not the same in terms of DNA methylation and that the effect of lactation rank on DNA methylation is stronger than that of the onset of inflammation. The conditions presented here show that few DMCs are shared between comparisons, suggesting a specific epigenetic response depending on lactation rank, the presence of inflammation, and even whether the cells had previously suffered inflammation. In the long term, this information could lead to a better understanding of the epigenetic regulation of lactation in both physiological and pathological conditions. Abbreviations: RRBS, reduced representation bisulphite sequencing; RT-qPCR, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; MEC, mammary epithelial cells; MaSC, mammary stem cell; TSS, transcription start site; TTS, transcription termination site; UTR, untranslated region; SINE, short interspersed nuclear element; LINE, long interspersed nuclear element; CGI, CpG island; DEG, differentially expressed gene; DMC, differentially methylated cytosine; DMR, differentially methylated region; GO term, gene ontology term; MF, molecular function; BP, biological process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate clinical, surgical, and genetic data of neonates with anorectal malformation (ARM). Study design: A retrospective observational study was conducted on neonates with ARM as an isolated type (group 1), with ≥2 (group 2), and with ≥3 associated malformations (group 3), born between 2009 and 2020. Distribution of ARM, associated abnormalities and genetic testing were analyzed, and risk factors for adverse outcomes were identified. Results: The 45 ARM cases (36% females) were divided as follows: 13 neonates belonging to group 1 (29%), 8 to group 2 (18%), and 24 to group 3 (53%). Cases were equally distributed over 11 years. Krickenbeck anatomy was: without fistula/imperforate anus (18%), perineal fistula (36%), rectourethral fistula (4%), rectovesical fistula (2%), vestibular fistula (4%), cloaca (4%), and rare ARMs (31%). Groups showed differences in anthropometric data, Krickenbeck anatomy, and intensive care burden. Additional major congenital abnormalities were prevalent specific of VATER/VACTERL spectrum (vertebral/anorectal/cardiac/tracheoesophageal/renal/limb defects), but also Hirschsprung disease was found in 3/20 biopsies (15%). The most frequent minor abnormality was a single umbilical artery. In group 3, we identified four de novo microdeletions at 8p23.2, 8q13.3, Xp22.31-p22.2, Xq28, four de novo microduplications at 1p36.32, 6p24.1-p23, 13q14.11, 15q11.2, one microdeletion at 9q33.1 inherited from the affected mother, one microdeletion at 7q35 inherited from the unaffected father, one structurally uncharacterized rearrangement involving 9p23-q34.3. Thus, we attributed the Xq28 deletion with inactivated FAM58A gene in one girl to the X-linked dominant STAR syndrome (toe syndactyly-telecanthus-anogenital/renal malformations). Conclusions: Despite the great physical and social burden on ARM patients and their parents, in the majority of cases, the etiology is largely unknown and attributed to be multifactorial. In females, STAR syndrome should be part of the differential diagnosis. Associated malformations of other organ systems interact in outcome parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duplex collecting system is a common congenital urinary system anomaly and is usually asymptomatic. Vascular variations associated with a duplex system are common but haven't been reported as obstructive. 14-month-old female had a right sided incomplete ureteral duplication complicated by lower pole hydroureteronephrosis due to distal ureteral obstruction by an aberrant vessel crossing the bifid ureters at ureteric junction of these bifid ureters. Prenatal imaging detected right hydronephrosis. Magnetic resonance suggested a diagnosis of duplicated ureters. At surgery, an aberrant artery compressed the lower moiety ureter at the bifid ureteric junction. The stenotic section was resected and ureter segments were anastomosed. The occluding small artery was not resected to preserve vascularization. An anatomical vascular variation can cause proximal ureteral dilatation and segmental hydronephrosis in a bifid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been widely used in locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancer. Generally, complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment predicts survival. Studies have shown that patient-derived organoids can be used in cancer research and drug development. Therefore, we aimed to generate a living organoid biobank from biopsy samples to predict the response of patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We generated a living organoid biobank from locally advanced breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. When the patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the organoids were treated with similar drugs, thereby simulating the situation of the patient receiving treatment. We successfully constructed organoids from breast cancer biopsies, demonstrating that organoids can be generated from a small sample of tissue. The phenotype of breast cancer organoid often agreed with the original breast cancer according to the blinded histopathological analysis of H&E stain tissue and organoid sections. In addition, our data confirm that the patient's response to chemotherapy closely matches the organoids' response to drugs. Our data indicate that patient-derived organoids can be used to predict the clinical response of breast cancer patients to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in vitro and to screen drugs that have different effects on different patients. Complete pathological response (pCR) after adjuvant chemotherapy can predict, survival, therefore, predicting patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is critical. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) matched the original tumour in terms of histopathology, hormone receptor levels and HER2 receptor status. Patient-derived organoids can predict the responsiveness of patient to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead exposure during childhood has been associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including antisocial/aggressive behavior. However, different subtypes of antisocial behavior have been found to have different neurobiological correlates, and it is unclear whether lead exposure is related to specific subtypes of aggressive behavior. The objective of the study was to examine relationships between childhood blood lead levels (BLL) and proactive and reactive aggression. Further, given prior findings of sex differences in the effects of lead exposure, we examine whether there are sex differences in these relationships. In a sample of 818 youth (47.2% girls) ages 10–13 in China, we assessed BLL and administered the Reactive Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Results show that BLLs were associated with reactive, but not proactive aggression. There was a significant interaction between BLL and sex in predicting aggression; boys with higher BLL scored higher in both proactive and reactive aggression than boys with lower BLL, but these differences were not present for girls. These findings suggest that lead exposure may have broad effects on antisocial behavior, but that boys may be more susceptible than girls. These findings may provide insights to identifying protective factors that could be potential targets for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are noble metal nanocarriers that have been recently researched upon for pharmaceutical applications, imaging, and diagnosis. These metallic nanocarriers are easy to synthesize using chemical reduction techniques as their surface can be easily modified. Also, the properties of GNP are significantly affected by its size and shape which mandates its stabilization using suitable techniques of surface modification. Over the past decade, research has focused on surface modification of GNP and its stabilization using polymers, polysaccharides, proteins, dendrimers, and phase-stabilizers like gel phase or ionic liquid phase. The use of GNP for pharmaceutical applications requires its surface modification using biocompatible and inert surface modifiers. The stabilizers used, interact with the surface of GNP to provide either electrostatic stabilization or steric stabilization. This review extensively discusses the surface modification techniques for GNP and the related molecular level interactions involved in the same. The influence of various factors like the concentration of stabilizers used, their characteristics like chain length and thickness, pH of the surrounding media, etc., on the surface of GNP resulting in stability have been discussed in detail. Further, this review highlights the recent applications of surface-modified GNP in the management of tumor microenvironment and cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural, economic, social, resource and other factors were incorporated into the framework of VSD model, and vulnerability and obstacle degree models were used to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of coupled human–environment system in Yan'an City. The results show that: (1) The overall vulnerability of coupled human–environment systems in Yan'an city from 2000 to 2014 is between 0.2589 and 17.0180, the vulnerability index values of counties in the northwest and northeast are higher, while those in the central and southern regions are lower. (2) The spatial variability in exposure (0.1516–0.2255), sensitivity (0.2235–0.3093), adaptive capacity (0.6588–0.8865) and vulnerability (0.7502–0.7949) in the study area from 2000 to 2014 showed a downward trend. The spatial variability in exposure and sensitivity in each period was moderate, while adaptive capacity and vulnerability displayed strong variability. (3) There are significant differences in the obstacles affecting vulnerability in the study area. Unreasonable economic structure, fragile ecological environment, low level of economic and social development and low efficiency of production are the leading factors affecting the sustainability of coupled human–environment system, which means that how to adjust the economic structure and improve the ecological environment is the key to the sustainable development of resource-based cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are characterised by adverse changes in physical fitness and body composition. Post-transplant management involves being physically active, although evidence for the effect of exercise is limited. To assess the effects of exercise training interventions in KTRs. NCBI PubMed (MEDLINE) and CENTRAL (EMBASE, WHO ICTRP) databases were searched up to March 2021 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied exercise training in adult KTRs. Outcomes included exercise capacity, strength, blood pressure, body composition, heart rate, markers of dyslipidaemia and renal function, and health-related quality of life (QoL). Sixteen RCTs, containing 827 KTRs, were included. The median intervention length was 14-weeks with participants exercising between 2–7x/week. Most studies used a mixture of aerobic and resistance exercise. Significant improvements were observed in cardiorespiratory function (VO2peak) (3.21 ml/kg/min, p = 0.003), 6MWT (76.3 meters, p = 0.009), physical function (STS-60, 4.8 repetitions, p = 0.04), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.13 mg/dL, p = 0.03). A moderate increase in maximum heart rate was seen (p = 0.06). A moderate reduction in creatinine was also observed (0.14 mg/dl, p = 0.05). Isolated studies reported improvements in strength, bone health, lean mass, and QoL. Overall, studies had high risk of bias suggestive of publication bias. Exercise training may confer several benefits in adult KTRs, particularly by increasing cardiorespiratory function and exercise capacity, strength, HDL levels, maximum heart rate, and improving QoL. Additional long-term large sampled RCTs, incorporating complex interventions requiring both exercise and dietary behaviour change, are needed to fully understand the effects of exercise in KTRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a genetic disorder of reproduction and development, characterized by deficient gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion or action, affecting 1-in-4,000–15,000 males. Micropenis and undescended testes are cardinal features of antenatal GnRH deficiency and could indicate absent minipuberty in the first postnatal months. In this review, we outline the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of absent minipuberty and its implications for optimal approaches to the endocrine management of affected boys. Deficient GnRH activity during fetal development and neonatal-infancy phase of minipuberty accounts for the diminished mass of Sertoli cells and seminiferous tubules among CHH males, enduring impairment of reproductive function even during gonadotropin replacement in adult life. In overcoming this obstacle, several clinical studies of neonatal gonadotropin replacement have consistently shown positive results in inducing testicular development and correcting cryptorchidism. A high index of clinical suspicion, combined with hormonal testing undertaken in the postnatal period of 1–4 months, can reliably confirm or refute the diagnosis of CHH. Timely identification of CHH in affected male infants (having characteristic "red flag' developmental anomalies) opens up the possibility for gonadotropin replacement as a targeted therapy to restore the normal hormonal milieu of minipuberty. Further work is necessary in formulating optimal gonadotropin treatment regimens to be more widely adopted in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors representing 1 to 2% of lung cancers. This study outlines the case of a patient with a metastatic lung atypical carcinoid who presented with a pleural effusion and progression of liver metastases after developing resistance to conventional treatments. Personalized functional profiling (PFP), i.e. drug screening, was performed in ex-vivo spheroids obtained from the patient's liver metastasis to identify potential therapeutic options. The drug screening results revealed cediranib, an antiangiogenic drug, as a hit drug for this patient, from a library of 66 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and investigational drugs. Based on the PFP results and the reported evidence of clinical efficacy of bevacizumab and capecitabine combination in gastro-intestinal neuroendocrine tumors, this combination was given to the patient. Four months later, the pleural effusion and pleura carcinosis regressed and the liver metastasis did not progress. The patient experienced 2 years of a stable disease under the PFP-guided personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background TP53 mutation has been suggested to have prognostic value for patients with Wilms tumor (WT), but the results are still controversial. Methods: Relevant studies published until August 1, 2019 were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. A random‐effect model was performed to assess pooled data. Begg's and Egger's test were used to evaluate the potential publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the stability of results. Results: A total of seven eligible articles were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of death among patients with WT with different TP53 mutation status (odds ratio [OR] = 3.09, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 0.81–11.84). Combined hazard ratio (HR) suggested that TP53 mutation had an unfavorable impact on overall survival (OS) (HR = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.97–6.36) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.29–3.17) in WT. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates that TP53 mutations are associated with poorer prognosis in WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposal of animal carcasses by co-composting with animal waste usually selected conventional carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio around 25:1, in which the compost is widely used throughout the world. In this study, the pig carcass tissue blocks were sampled for composting at a laboratory scale to evaluate the effect of C/N ratio on the pig carcass compost. The time of thermophilic phase between 60 °C – 70 °C at a lower C/N ratio of 20:1 was significantly longer than that at the conventional C/N ratio, and it was the only one with the temperature beyond 70 °C that lasted for 2 days. Germination index and T value (the final C/N ratio / the initial C/N ratio) of the treatment with a C/N ratio of 20:1 were 94.67% and 0.69, respectively, meeting the standards of animal carcass compost. The degradation rate was 75.67%, and no significant difference was obtained as compared to the conventional C/N ratio groups. Organic fertilizer produced from the treatment with a C/N ratio of 20:1 was selected to evaluate the fertility by pot experiment of Cayenne pepper compared with chemical fertilizer. The results showed that organic fertilizer from this treatment could significantly improve the growth of Cayenne pepper. Overall, the use of the lower C/N ratio of 20:1 in the disposal of pig carcass by co-composting with swine manure could achieve the similar degradation rate as well as the maturity and stability of organic fertilizer as compared with the traditional C/N ratio at lab scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

miRNAs are involved in different biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 38% of the X chromosome-linked miRNAs are testis-specific and have crucial roles in regulating the renewal and cell cycle of spermatogonial stem cells. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal expression of spermatogenesis-related miRNAs could lead to nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Moreover, differential miRNAs expression in seminal plasma of NOA patients has been reported compared to normozoospermic men. However, the role of miRNAs in NOA pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms have not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, the aim of this review is to mechanistically describe the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of NOA and discuss the possibility of using the miRNAs as therapeutic targets. Abbreviations: AMO: anti-miRNA antisense oligonucleotide; AZF: azoospermia factor region; CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase; DAZ: deleted in azoospermia; ESCs: embryonic stem cells; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; JAK/STAT: Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; miRNA: micro-RNA; MLH1: Human mutL homolog l; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-kappa B; NOA: nonobstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; PGCs: primordial germ cells; PI3K/AKT: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B; Rb: retinoblastoma tumor suppressor; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SCOS: Sertoli cell-only syndrome; SIRT: sirtuin; SNPs: single nucleotide polymorphisms; SSCs: spermatogonial stem cells; TESE: testicular sperm extraction; TGF-β: transforming growth factor-beta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the water quality outcomes sought by catchment communities and regulators, the losses of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sediment from dairy and sheep/beef farms must be reduced across many catchments. We conducted a high-level desktop analysis of farm typologies and established that if mitigation actions were fully implemented across dairy and sheep/beef farms, losses of N and P could have been decreased by up to 16 and 23%, respectively, compared to the estimated losses for 2015 (where established actions were only partially implemented). Potential decreases were greater for dairy land (34% N and 26% P) because of its greater per hectare yield and number of mitigation actions available before land use change is required. If established and developing mitigation actions were fully implemented by 2035, potential N, P and sediment losses may decrease by up to 34, 39 and 66%, respectively, compared to actual 2015 losses. These results can inform investment and planning by the rural sector as part of an assessment of the potential for on-farm actions to mitigate losses from existing land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most major cities worldwide are affected Urban Heat Islands – a condition of relatively higher temperatures being observed in one area compared to another that can be caused by a decrease in greenspace. One of the major reasons attributed to this increase in the warming of urban landscapes is the decrease in green space. This concept has received a lot of attention due to the destruction of vegetation for urban development and has prompted long-term spatial-temporal studies of Urban Heat Islands to understanding local climates. The objective of this study is to use Landsat data to examine the temporal intensification of UHIs and their variability from 1984–2016 for the cities of Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Landsat L4-5 TM), L7 ETM+), OLI and TIRS from 1984 to 2016 was used to examine land surface temperature (LST). Firstly, we converted the digital number (DN) to spectral radiance (L) and to temperature in Kelvin and from kelvin to Celsius and a conversion from Radiance to Top of the Atmosphere Reflectance and estimation of land surface emissivity. Finally, LST was estimated and Urban Heat Island retrieval and anomalies computed to help examine inconsistencies in our data. Our analysis showed year-to-year fluctuations in surface temperature, intensification of UHIs for both metro areas. Using a defined deductive index to identify environmentally critical areas, estimates of UHIs based on LST showed that both metropolitan areas are UHIs with LST > µ + 0.5 × δ. Higher intensification values were observed in 1988 and 2010 for Chicago and 1984, 1999 and 2016 for Minneapolis-St. Paul from analysis. While both areas have the similar climatic conditions, our analysis show differences in UHIs intensification as observed in their urban growth patterns. Chicago experiences a higher UHI intensity compared to Minneapolis-St. Paul and this could be explained by higher number of tall buildings than Minneapolis-St. Paul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Matrix is designed to facilitate discussions between practitioners of risk assessment and epidemiology and, in so doing, to enhance the utility of epidemiology research for public health decision-making. The Matrix is comprised of nine fundamental "asks" of epidemiology studies, focusing on the types of information valuable to the risk assessment process. A 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) case study highlights the extent to which existing epidemiology literature includes information generally needed for risk assessments and proffers suggestions that would assist in bridging the epidemiology/risk assessment gap. Thirty-one publications identified in the US Environmental Protection Agency 2,4-D epidemiology review were assessed. These studies focused on associations between 2,4-D exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), respiratory effects, and birth outcomes. Many of the papers met one or more specific elements of the Matrix. However, from this case study, it is clear that some aspects of risk assessment, such as evaluating source-to-intake pathways, are generally not considered in epidemiology research. Others are incorporated, but infrequently (e.g. dose-response information, harmonization of exposure categories). We indicated where additional analyses or modifications to future study design could serve to improve the translation. Interaction with risk assessors during the study design phase and using the Matrix "asks" to guide the conversations could shape research and provide the basis for requests for funds to support these additional activities. The use of the Matrix as a foundation for communication and education across disciplines could produce more impactful and consequential epidemiology research for robust risk assessments and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without a doubt, the figure of Catalan poet Jaime Ferrán has left an indelible mark on Syracuse University, where he was a professor for over 30 years. This article is a small tribute to his personal and professional contributions through the analysis of the recent work of two Spanish poets (Francisco Díaz de Castro and Aurora Luque) who, in the spirit of Ferrán's legacy, recently visited and presented their work at Syracuse University and Le Moyne College. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Startle response is an objective physiological measure integral to the human defense system and a promising target for endophenotype investigations of anxiety. Given the alterations in startle reactivity observed among anxiety and related disorders, we searched for genetic variants associated with startle reactivity as they may be further involved in pathological anxiety risk. A systematic literature review was performed to identify genetic variants associated with startle reactivity in humans, specifically baseline and fear- or anxiety-potentiated startle. The polymorphisms Val66Met (rs6265) from brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Val158Met (rs4680) from catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) from the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were most commonly studied in human startle. In addition, several other genetic variants have also been identified as potential candidates that warrant further research, especially given their novelty in in the context of anxiety. Similar to psychiatric genetic studies, the studies on startle reactivity primarily focus on candidate genes and are plagued by non-replication. Startle reactivity is a promising endophenotype that requires concerted efforts to collect uniformly assessed, large, well-powered samples and hypothesis-free genome-wide strategies. To further support startle as an endophenotype for anxiety, this review suggests advanced genetic strategies for startle research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal attentional and cognitive processes are thought to increase the risk for depression and anxiety. To improve understanding of brain mechanisms of anxiety and depressive disorders and condition of their comorbidity, the study of early attentional processes was provided. Participants were patients with depressive (80 s.), anxiety (69 s.), and comorbid (41 s.) disorders, and healthy volunteers (50 s.). Acoustic startle response (ASR) and P50 component of the auditory event-related potential were recorded. In the ASR model decreased startle response amplitude at the left eye in patients with comorbid disorder was found, and ASR latency was lengthened in all clinical groups. Deficit of prepulse inhibition was unique for comorbid disorder, and might be considered as risk of evolution to more serious condition. Reduced prepulse facilitation was revealed in patients with comorbid and anxiety disorders. In P50 suppression paradigm decreased S1 response amplitude was revealed in all clinical groups, P50 latency was prolonged in depressive and comorbid patients, and P50 suppression deficit was observed in depression and anxiety groups. The obtained results might be useful for development of integrative neural models of comorbidity of anxiety and depression, and elaboration of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concepts of material flow and mass consistency of nitrogen compounds have been used to elucidate nitrogen's fate in an urban environment. While reactive nitrogen commonly is associated to agriculture and hence to large areas, here we have compiled scientific literature on nitrogen budget approaches in cities, following the central role cities have in anthropogenic activities generally. This included studies that specifically dealt with individual sectors as well as budgets covering all inputs and outputs to and from a city across all sectors and media. In the available data set, a clear focus on Asian cities was noted, making full use of limited information and thus enable to quantitatively describe a local pollution situation. Time series comparisons helped to identify trends, but comparison between cities was hampered by a lack of harmonized methodologies. Some standardization, or at least improved reference to relevant standardized data collection along international norms was considered helpful. Analysis of results available pointed to the following aspects that would reveal additional benchmarks for urban nitrogen budgets: analysing the share of nitrogen that is recycled or reused, separating largely independent sets of nitrogen flows specifically between food nitrogen streams and fossil fuel combustion-related flows, and estimating the stock changes for the whole domain or within individual pools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which represents approximately 80% of all pancreatic cancers, is a highly aggressive malignant disease and one of the most lethal among all cancers. Overall, the 5-year survival rate among all pancreatic cancer patients is less than 9%; these rates have shown little change over the past 30 years. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex disease is crucial to the development of new diagnostic tools for early detection and disease monitoring, as well as to identify new and more effective therapeutics to improve patient outcomes. We summarize recent advances in proteomic strategies and mass spectrometry to identify new biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of disease progression, predict response to therapy, and to identify novel proteins that have the potential to be 'druggable' therapeutic targets. An overview of proteomic studies that have been conducted to further our mechanistic understanding of metastasis and chemotherapy resistance in PDAC disease progression will also be discussed. The results from these PDAC proteomic studies on a variety of PDAC sample types (e.g., blood, tissue, cell lines, exosomes, etc.) provide great promise of having a significant clinical impact and improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since effective immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint blockade to treat cancer have emerged, the need for reliable preclinical cancer models that can evaluate and discover such drugs became stronger than ever before. The traditional preclinical cancer model using a cancer cell line has several limitations to recapitulate intra-tumor heterogeneity and in-vivo tumor activity including interactions between tumor-microenvironment. In this review, we will go over various preclinical cancer models recently discovered including patient-derived xenografts, humanized mice, organoids, organotypic-tumor spheroids, and organ-on-a-chip models. Moreover, we will discuss the future directions of preclinical cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Migraine is a common primary headache disorder triggered by internal or external stimuli. Impulsitivity and anger are associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the anger and impulsivity in migraine patients with or without aura. Methods: A total of 55 patients aged between 18 and 55, who were diagnosed with episodic migraine (31 with aura and 24 without aura) and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Migraine diagnosis and classification were based on criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Multidimensional Anger Scale and Barratt Impulsivity Scale-11 were administered to the patient and control groups. Results:Migraine patients with aura, migraine patients without aura and control groups were compared, anger symptoms were significantly higher in migraine patients with aura (p < 0.001), but between these groups there was no significant difference in terms of impulsivity (p = 0.711). Conclusions: It was found that anger symptoms were more common in migraine patients with aura compared to migraine patients without aura and control group, but in impulsitivity there was no difference between groups. Further studies in future investigating the relation between migraine with aura and anger may pave the way for different and more specified treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and legalization for recreational and medical purposes has substantially increased its availability and use in the United States.Objectives: Decades of research have suggested that recreational cannabis use confers risk for cognitive impairment across various domains, and structural and functional differences in the brain have been linked to early and heavy cannabis use.Methods: With substantial evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in neural development and understanding that brain development continues into early adulthood, the rising use of cannabis in adolescents and young adults raises major concerns. Yet some formulations of cannabinoid compounds are FDA-approved for medical uses, including applications in children.Results: Potential effects on the trajectory of brain morphology and cognition, therefore, should be considered. The goal of this review is to update and consolidate relevant findings in order to inform attitudes and public policy regarding the recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabinoid compounds.Conclusions: The findings point to considerations for age limits and guidelines for use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indialona ganapati (Petkovski 1966), is one of the three known cladoceran endemic species from India. It is also the only one of these species that is monotypic and endemic to central India. In this study we report on habitat shifts for this species as well as presence of parthenogenetic and ephippial females throughout the year, phenomena that are uncommon in most species of the family Chydoridae. These factors prompted us to undertake a study evaluating the taxonomic status of this species in collections from India using morphological and molecular methods. This included recognition of some degree of morphometric diversity based on sexual differentiation and reproductive patterns which were not correlated with speciation events. Analysis of our data does, however, suggest that I. ganapati can be split into two recent clades. Also, phylogenetic as well as haplotype network analysis of our data suggests the presence of a sibling species complex of I. ganapati in the river Godavari. This suggests that reconsideration of taxonomic status of this species may be appropriate. In addition, this study underscores the potential utility of using COI gene based 'barcode' DNA sequences for recognizing the existence of cryptic species among the cladocera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine whether chronic physical aggression (CPA) in adulthood can be epigenetically programmed early in life due to exposure to early-life adversity. Methods: Literature search of public databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. Results: Children/adolescents susceptible for CPA and exposed to early-life abuse fail to efficiently cope with stress that in turn results in the development of CPA later in life. This phenomenon was observed in humans and animal models of aggression. The susceptibility to aggression is a complex trait that is regulated by the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Epigenetic mechanisms mediate this interaction. Subjects exposed to stress early in life exhibited long-term epigenetic programming that can influence their behaviour in adulthood. This programming affects expression of many genes not only in the brain but also in other systems such as neuroendocrine and immune. Conclusions: The propensity to adult CPA behaviour in subjects experienced to early-life adversity is mediated by epigenetic programming that involves long-term systemic epigenetic alterations in a whole genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small GE, Niederluecke EQ, Shrestha P, Janke BD, Finlay JC. The effects of infiltration-based stormwater best management practices on the hydrology and phosphorus budget of a eutrophic urban lake. Lake Reserv Manage. 35:38–50. Urban lakes can provide a variety of ecosystem services but managing water quality in urban environments is a challenge due to greatly altered hydrology and nutrient cycling. Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are commonly used to reduce inputs of total phosphorus (TP) to urban lakes through interception and infiltration of stormwater runoff. However, the indirect effects of stormwater infiltration on urban lake water quality are not well understood. We used a heuristic hydrology and phosphorus model of an urban lake to explore how changes in hydraulic flushing due to stormwater management can affect water quality. We applied the model to Como Lake, a 28 ha shallow lake in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, which is impaired due to excess TP. The model was calibrated using 17 yr of data, including 10 yr post-BMP implementation. We then used the model to estimate the effect of a range of simulated BMP implementations on the lake's hydrology and P budget. BMP implementation reduced external TP loads to the lake, but reductions in water-column TP concentrations were partially undermined by reduced flushing in the summer months, when water column concentrations were highest, leading to reduced downstream TP export and the increased relative importance of evaporation. While the benefits of BMPs can often extend beyond lake P management, these results suggest that simply quantifying reductions in TP loading due to BMPs while ignoring altered hydrology could lead to overestimating water quality benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EGFR signaling has a critical role in oncogenic KRAS-driven tumorigenesis of the pancreas, whereas it is dispensable in other organs. The complex signaling network engaged by oncogenic KRAS and its modulation by EGFR signaling, remains incompletely understood. In order to study early signaling events activated by oncogenic KRAS in the pancreas, we recently developed a novel model system based on murine primary pancreatic epithelial cells enabling the time-specific expression of mutant KrasG12D from its endogenous promoter. Here, we discuss our findings of a KrasG12D-induced autocrine EGFR loop, how this loop is integrated by the MYC oncogene, and point to possible translational implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knopik J, Newman R. 2018. Transplanting aquatic macrophytes to restore the littoral community of a eutrophic lake after the removal of common carp. Lake Reserve Manage. 34:365-375. Six native submersed aquatic macrophyte taxa were transplanted to a eutrophic lake (Lake Susan, Minnesota) to promote the growth and expansion of native taxa after the removal of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Muskgrass (Chara spp.), wild celery (Vallisneria americana), northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum), bushy pondweed (Najas flexilis), water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia), and flat-stem pondweed (Potamogeton zosteriformis) were transplanted in a series of shallow (0.5-1.0 m) and deep (1.0-1.5 m) experimental plots around the lake. Survival and expansion of plants were measured over 4 yr and compared against environmental factors. Transplantation of whole plants in shallow water was generally successful, but plants in depths ≥1.4 m failed to persist. Light availability was the most important factor determining success. Water stargrass was the most successful, with high long-term survival and substantial expansion. Wild celery had high survival, but slow and limited expansion. Bushy pondweed had variable survival, but when it survived it generally expanded well. Muskgrass and northern watermilfoil had poor survival and expansion. Transplanting whole submersed aquatic macrophytes can help to restore the littoral community in degraded systems, but ecological stressors such as common carp should first be addressed. Poor mid-summer water clarity will limit the depth and distribution of successful transplants and taxa that survive. Taxa with large perennial structures such as water stargrass and wild celery are more likely to establish and persist, but the annual bushy pondweed was also able to grow and spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are the foundation for cultivating ecosystem services in urban agriculture. Yet, variations in socio-environment characteristics of urbanization leads to variable soil properties and unequal distribution of ecosystem services like soil fertility. Thus, examining relationships among biophysical features and social dimensions of urban agricultural systems is necessary to understand soil functioning variation and to develop urban agricultural systems that promote equitable ecosystem service provisioning. In 25 urban community gardens in California, we examined two links between soil properties and neighborhood socio-demographics: (1) how groundcover management affects soil properties; and (2) how socio-demographics (and in particular, social advantage) can affect groundcover management and soil properties. We found that mulch groundcover improves soil fertility and water holding capacity in gardens, and that socio-demographic factors may affect people’s access to mulch to affect soil properties: neighborhoods with measures of higher mobility (e.g., greater vehicle availability), but measures of poorer public/environmental health (e.g., poorer health care access) had more soil organic matter, higher soil nutrient content, and greater water holding capacity. However, we found indicators of high functioning soils in the absence of mulch, indicating that other factors like social networks and organizational support may be important for urban agricultural ecosystem services. Edited by Graciela Rusch [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]