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The Hokuroku region of north-eastern Japan is endowed with important volcanic-hosted massive sulphide Zn–Pb–Cu deposits, which are considered the archetype of Kuroko (black ore) deposits worldwide. The bimodal, felsic-dominated volcanic succession that hosts the ore was deposited in a continental rift formed during continental extension in the final stages of the Miocene back-arc opening that led to the formation of the Japan Sea. In this study, we define some of the fundamental intensive parameters of this volcanism (temperature, pressure of crystallisation, fluid saturation, fO2) based on rock textures, and analyses of whole-rock samples, minerals and melt inclusions. Based on the melt inclusion analyses, we assess the behaviour of metals during magma evolution and degassing, and evaluate the possible implications for ore deposition. Plagioclase-melt geothermometry in felsic tuff and lava samples collected from both the units underlying and overlying the Kuroko indicates temperatures of 880–940 °C, and Fe–Ti oxide equilibrium indicates oxygen fugacity of ca. FMQ + 1.5. Melt inclusions have high-SiO2 rhyolite compositions (> 75 wt%, on an anhydrous basis), and the plot of normative mineral compositions in the granitic triplot indicates low pressure of magma stalling and crystallisation (

Archaean supracrustal rocks carry a record of mass-independently fractionated S that is interpreted to be derived from UV-induced photochemical reactions in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Experiments with photochemical reactions of SO2 gas have provided some insight into these processes. However, reconciling experimental results with the multiple S isotopic composition of the Archaean sedimentary record has proven difficult and represents one of the outstanding issues in understanding the Archaean surface S-cycle. We present quadruple S isotope data (32S, 33S, 34S, 36S) for pyrite from Mesoarchaean carbonaceous sediments of the Dominion Group, South Africa, deposited in an acidic volcanic lake, which help reconcile observations from the Archaean sedimentary record with the results of photochemical experiments. The data, which show low S/S ratios (mostly ≪ 1) and very negative S/S ratios (−4 and lower), contrast with the composition of most Archaean sedimentary sulfides and sulfates, having S/ (the so-called ‘Archaean reference array’), but match those of modern photochemical sulfate aerosols produced in the stratosphere, following super-large volcanic eruptions, and preserved in Antarctic ice. These data are also consistent with the results of UV-irradiation experiments of SO2 gas at variable gas pressure. The S isotope composition of the Dominion Group pyrite is here interpreted to reflect the products of photolysis in a low-oxygen-level atmosphere at high SO2 pressure during large volcanic eruptions, mixed with Archaean ‘background’ (having a composition broadly similar to the Archaean reference array) S pools. It is inferred that high sedimentation rates in a terrestrial basin resulted in an instantaneously trapped input of atmospheric S during short-lasted depositional intervals, which faithfully represents transient photochemical signals in comparison with marine sedimentary records.

International audience; Constraining the timing of eukaryogenesis and the divergence of eukaryotic clades is a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Here, we present trace metal concentration and zinc isotope data for c. 2.1 billion-year-old Francevillian Group pyritized structures, previously described as putative remnants of the first colonial multicellular organisms, and their host black shales. Relative to the host rocks, pyritized structures are strongly enriched in zinc, cobalt and nickel, by at least one order of magnitude, with markedly lighter zinc isotope compositions. A metabolic demand for high concentrations of aqueous zinc, cobalt, and nickel combined with preferential uptake of lighter zinc isotopes may indicate metalloenzyme utilization by eukaryotes in marine habitats c. 2.1 billion years ago. Once confirmed, this would provide a critical calibration point for eukaryogenesis, suggesting that this major evolutionary innovation may have happened contemporaneously with elevated atmospheric oxygen levels during the latter part of the Great Oxidation Event, some 400 million years earlier than is currently widely accepted.

Background Food allergy (FA) is a growing health problem worldwide. Effective strategies are advocated to limit the disease burden. Human milk (HM) could be considered as a protective factor against FA, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Butyrate is a gut microbiota‐derived metabolite able to exert several immunomodulatory functions. We aimed to define the butyrate concentration in HM, and to see whether the butyrate concentration detected in HM is able to modulate the mechanisms of immune tolerance. Methods HM butyrate concentration from 109 healthy women was assessed by GS‐MS. The effect of HM butyrate on tolerogenic mechanisms was assessed in in vivo and in vitro models. Results The median butyrate concentration in mature HM was 0.75 mM. This butyrate concentration was responsible for the maximum modulatory effects observed in all experimental models evaluated in this study. Data from mouse model show that in basal condition, butyrate up‐regulated the expression of several biomarkers of gut barrier integrity, and of tolerogenic cytokines. Pretreatment with butyrate significantly reduced allergic response in three animal models of FA, with a stimulation of tolerogenic cytokines, inhibition of Th2 cytokines production and a modulation of oxidative stress. Data from human cell models show that butyrate stimulated human beta defensin‐3, mucus components and tight junctions expression in human enterocytes, and IL‐10, IFN‐γ and FoxP3 expression through epigenetic mechanisms in PBMCs from FA children. Furthermore, it promoted the precursors of M2 macrophages, DCs and regulatory T cells. Conclusion The study's findings suggest the importance of butyrate as a pivotal HM compound able to protect against FA., Human milk contains a significant level of the short‐chain fatty acid butyrate. At concentration detectable in human milk, butyrate effectively modulates several tolerogenic mechanisms involved in the protection against food allergy. The protective role of human milk against food allergy could be related, at least in part, to the presence of an effective concentration of butyrate

The Ruwai skarn deposit is located in the Schwaner Mountain complex within the central Borneo gold belt and is currently considered the largest Zn skarn deposit in Indonesia. The deposit has been known to host Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization in the form of massive sulfide ore bodies; however, the occurrence of Ag-bearing minerals has not been identified yet. This study documents the mineralogical characteristics of several Bi-Ag sulfosalts and sulfoarsenides, as well as their chemical compositions. Ten Bi-Ag sulfosalts were identified, including native bismuth, tetrahedrite, cossalite, tsumoite, bismuthinite, joseite-B, Bi6Te2S, Bi-Pb-Te-S, Bi-Ag-S, and Bi-Te-Ag. Three sulfoarsenides were identified, including arsenopyrite, glaucodot, and alloclasite. The occurrence of Bi-Ag sulfosalts is typically associated with massive sulfide mineralization, although tsumoite can also be found associated with massive magnetite. In terms of sulfoarsenides, both arsenopyrite and glaucodot are associated with massive sulfide mineralization, whereas alloclasite is associated with massive magnetite mineralization. The Bi-bearing minerals are characterized by irregular, bleb-like texture or patch morphology, and occur either as free grains or inclusions within sulfides, such as galena or pyrite. Tetrahedrite typically has an anhedral shape with a rim or atoll texture surrounding sphalerite or galena. In contrast, sulfoarsenides are typically found as euhedral–subhedral grains where glaucodot typically is rimmed by arsenopyrite. Both Bi-Ag sulfosalt and sulfoarsenides were formed during the retrograde stage under high oxidation and a low sulfidation state condition. The ore-forming temperature based on arsenopyrite geothermometry ranges from 428 °C to 493 °C.

Purpose: To evaluate associations between CD4/CD8 ratio and pregnancy outcomes in women with HIV. Methods: We evaluated, in a national study of pregnant women with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART), values of CD4/CD8 ratio at entry in pregnancy, changes between first and third trimester, and possible associations with preterm delivery, low birthweight, and HIV-RNA < 50 copies/ml at third trimester in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 934 women, 536 (57.4%) were already on ART at conception. CD4/CD8 ratio (baseline value 0.570) increased significantly between the first and third trimesters, particularly in women who started ART in pregnancy (+ 0.163, vs. + 0.036 in women already on treatment). The rate of CD4/CD8 ratio normalization, defined by achieving a ratio ≥ 1 at the third trimester, was 13.2%. In multivariable analyses, women who entered pregnancy with a CD4/CD8 ratio < 0.3, compared to women with ratio ≥ 1, were almost four-times less likely to have third-trimester HIV-RNA < 50 copies/ml (AOR 0.258, 95%CI 0.111–0.601), and more than twice as likely to have preterm delivery (AOR 2.379, 95%CI 1.082–5.232). For preterm delivery, also a baseline CD4/CD8 ratio between 0.3 and 0.45 was significantly associated with an increased risk (AOR: 3.415, 95%CI 1.690–6.900). Conclusion: We described for the first time independent associations of low CD4/CD8 ratio with preterm delivery and HIV-RNA suppression.

The geochemical analysis of trace elements in rutile (e.g., Pb, U, and Zr) is routinely used to extract information on the nature and timing of geological events. However, the mobility of trace elements can affect age and temperature determinations, with the controlling mechanisms for mobility still debated. To further this debate, we use laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography to characterize the micro- to nanoscale distribution of trace elements in rutile sourced from the Capricorn orogen, Western Australia. At the >20 µm scale, there is no significant trace-element variation in single grains, and a concordant U-Pb crystallization age of 1872 ± 6 Ma (2σ) shows no evidence of isotopic disturbance. At the nanoscale, clusters as much as 20 nm in size and enriched in trace elements (Al, Cr, Pb, and V) are observed. The 207Pb/206Pb ratio of 0.176 ± 0.040 (2σ) obtained from clusters indicates that they formed after crystallization, potentially during regional metamorphism. We interpret the clusters to have formed by the entrapment of mobile trace elements in transient sites of radiation damage during upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. The entrapment would affect the activation energy for volume diffusion of elements present in the cluster. The low number and density of clusters provides constraints on the time over which clusters formed, indicating that peak metamorphic temperatures are short-lived

The geochemistry of rutile (TiO2) has recently found its use in mineral exploration with some studies reporting anomalous concentrations of Fe, W, V, Sn and Sb in rutile associated with mineralized ore systems. However, the use of rutile as a prospecting tool is likely to be complicated by the systematic changes in trace element composition with TiO2 polymorph type (anatase, brookite and rutile).Here we present TiO2 trace element and U–Pb geochronological data from the mineralized and barren portions of the Palaeoproterozoic Moorarie Supersuite and (Capricorn Orogen, Western Australia), with a focus on the Minnie Creek Molybdenum Prospect in the northern part of the Gascoyne Province. The barren samples contain all three TiO2 polymorphs (anatase, brookite and rutile). Textures suggest anatase and brookite may have formed during low-T metamorphism, either through replacement of previous rutile grains or titaniferous minerals. Rutile grains from barren samples yield variable U–Pb ages (ca. 3.0–2.2 Ga) as well as variable textures and chemical compositions suggesting detrital origins, thus most likely representing metasedimentary units intruded by the Moorarie Supersuite. Rutile grains from the Minnie Creek prospect yield Palaeoproterozoic (ca. 1.77–1.75 Ga) U–Pb cooling ages and Nb + Ta concentrations of up to 17 wt% that along with inclusions of manganocolumbite, oscillatory and patchy zonation of Nb and Fe, suggest a magmatic origin.The commonly used pathfinder elements for gold and base-metal mineralisation (Fe, Cr, V, W, Sn and Sb) are shown to be systematically lower in anatase and brookite, thus yielding false negatives if polymorph type is not identified during reconnaissance studies. For this reason, a ternary diagram was constructed based on the systematic changes in chemistry of TiO2 polymorphs to provide a relatively fast and easy chemical discrimination of polymorphs in large volumes of reconnaissance data. Furthermore, it is shown that high Al concentrations are characteristic of brookite and, to a lesser degree, anatase but not rutile. In addition, Sn, Nb, Ta and W concentrations in rutile may be more sensitive to igneous processes and may be used to track processes occurring in strongly fractionated granitic magmas such as pegmatites and associated deposits. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Background Atazanavir and darunavir represent the main HIV PIs recommended in pregnancy, but comparative data in pregnant women are limited. We assessed the safety and activity profile of these two drugs in pregnancy using data from a national observational study. Methods Women with atazanavir or darunavir exposure in pregnancy were evaluated for laboratory measures and main pregnancy outcomes (e.g. preterm delivery, low birthweight, non-elective caesarean section and neonatal gestational age-adjusted birthweight Z-score). Results Final analysis included 500 pregnancies with either atazanavir (n = 409) or darunavir (n = 91) exposure. No differences in pregnancy outcomes, weight gain in pregnancy, drug discontinuations, undetectable HIV-RNA, haemoglobin, ALT, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were observed between the two groups. At third trimester, exposure to darunavir was associated with higher levels of plasma triglycerides (median 235.5 versus 179 mg/dL; P = 0.032) and a higher total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (median 4.03 versus 3.27; P = 0.028) and exposure to atazanavir was associated with higher levels of plasma bilirubin (1.54 versus 0.32 mg/dL; P

In our study we explore the applicability of rutile as a pathfinder for orogenic gold deposits, which are an important source of this metal worldwide. We analysed rutile associated with orogenic Au deposits from three different Precambrian terranes, the Capricorn Orogen, the Barberton Greenstone Belt and the Ashanti Belt, all of which formed under greenschist conditions and share similarities in the style of mineralisation. Microtextural evidence from scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scatter diffraction indicates that rutile formed during the main deformation and alteration stage in these rocks, and is therefore related to mineralisation. We used electron microprobe and laser ablation ICP-MS to investigate the trace element compositions of rutile and we compared our results to other gold deposits. We find that hydrothermal rutile from gold deposits contains certain trace element characteristics, in particular high Sb concentrations (up to ∼1500 ppm in Au deposits of the Capricorn Orogen), that are distinct from rutile from non-mineralised rocks of various petrogenetic origin. Other elements, such as W and Sn, are found to be more enriched in rutile from other rock types, namely felsic magmatic rocks and hydrothermal veins, and are therefore not diagnostic of Au mineralisation in this type of deposits. We also find that the presence of sub-µm-scale inclusions – in particular Zr-(Si, Th)-bearing phases, sulfide minerals and native Au – can severely affect analyses of this type of rutile and compromise the applicability of Zr-in-rutile geothermometry.

Background No published studies have evaluated in pregnant women with HIV weight gain with different antiretroviral drug classes. Methods Data from a national cohort study were used. We compared absolute weight gain and occurrence of excessive weight gain in women with HIV who received during pregnancy integrase inhibitors (INSTI), protease inhibitors (PI), or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI). Excessive weight gain was defined according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Possible predictors of weight gain were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Among 273 cases (PI: 191, NNRTI: 43, INSTI: 39), the mean weight increase was 11.3 kg, and 25.4% of the mothers had an excessive weight increase. No significant differences were found among the three treatment groups for absolute weight increase, occurrence of excessive weight gain, infant birthweight, and other pregnancy and laboratory outcomes. The comparisons of individual drugs, although based on a limited number of cases, suggested no major differences. A significant positive correlation was found between weight gain and CD4+ T-cell increase during pregnancy. In multivariate analyses, drug class and nucleoside backbone were not associated with absolute or excessive weight increase. Excessive weight increase was significantly associated with week of delivery (adjusted odds ratio: 1.74, 95% CI 1.15, 2.63), obesity (5.21, 95% CI 1.85, 14.64), overweight (7.95, 95% CI 3.26, 19.39), recent substance use (5.96, 95% CI 1.13, 31.40) and fasting 2nd trimester hyperglycaemia (3.94, 95% CI 1.14, 13.65). Conclusions No significant differences in absolute weight change or occurrence of excessive weight gain were found among women with HIV who received during pregnancy different classes of antiretroviral drugs.

The Mazua ultramafic intrusion is among the most promising intrusions hosting Fe-Ti oxide ores in Mozambique. Fe-Ti oxide ores are mainly composed of ilmenite occurring as lenses, veins and layers, either massive or disseminated in hornblende pyroxenite. This study discusses the nature and origin of the intrusion and related ilmenite ore body on the basis of whole-rock and mineral chemistry. Textural and structural evidences support a cumulate origin for these rocks, including the occurrence of relict cumulate textures, layering of alternating oxides and silicate-rich rocks, and size-grading of silicate-rich layers. Primary magmatic features have, however, largely been overprinted by subsolidus processes. The occurrence of the cumulate assemblage (Fe-Ti oxides and clinopyroxene), without plagioclase and olivine, suggests that the magma underwent differentiation before its emplacement. The evolved magmatic nature of the intrusion is consistent with the calculated Mg-number of approximately 50 for the melt in equilibrium with clinopyroxene crystals. The high TiO2concentrations (>4wt%) of the evolved magma, by differentiation, are interpreted as the main factors controlling the crystallization of Fe-Ti oxides. We propose that the ores formed from crystallization and settling of Fe-Ti oxide minerals from an evolved basaltic magma. This model is consistent with (1) the occurrence of Fe-Ti oxides and clinopyroxene as cumulates in relation to the coexisting amphibole, (2) the layering structures of alternating oxides and silicate matrix, (3) the scarcity of apatite supported by the extremely low whole-rock P2O5concentrations and (4) the restricted occurrence of ore veins, excluding the formation from immiscible oxide melts.

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy and to describe the characteristics of the serological status, management, follow-up and treatment. Material and methods This is a population-based cohort study of women referred for suspected toxoplasmosis during pregnancy from January, 2001 to December, 2012. Suspected toxoplasmosis was defined as positive IgM antibody during pregnancy. Women with suspected toxoplasmosis during pregnancy were classified into three groups: seroconversion, suspected infection, or no infection in pregnancy. Women in the first and second group were treated according to local protocol, and amniocentesis with toxoplasmosis PCR detection and serial detailed ultrasound scans were offered. Neonates were investigated for congenital toxoplasmosis at birth and were monitored for at least one year after birth. Results During the study period, there were 738,588 deliveries in Campania. Of them 1159 (0.2%) were referred to our Institution for suspected toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: 183 (15.8%) women were classified as seroconversion, 381 (32.9%) were suspected infection, and 595 (51.3%) were not infected in pregnancy. Neonatal outcome was available for 476 pregnancies, including 479 neonates (3 twins, 473 singletons), out of the 564 pregnancies with seroconversion or suspected infection. 384 (80.2%) babies were not infected at birth and at follow-up, 67 (14.0%) had congenital toxoplasmosis, 10 (2.1%) were voluntary induced termination of pregnancy, 15 (3.1%) were spontaneous miscarriage, and 4 (0.8%) were stillbirth (of which one counted already in the infected cohort). Considering cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, the transmission rate in women with seroconversion was 32.9% (52/158), and in women with suspected infection was 4.7% (15/321). Conclusions Toxoplasmosis is uncommon in pregnancy with overall incidence of seroconversion and suspected infection in pregnancy of 0.8 per 1000 live births and incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis 0.1 per 1000 live births when applying a strict protocol of screening, follow-up, and treatment. 51.3% (595/1159) of women referred to our center for suspected infection were actually considered not infected.

The Dallol volcano and its associated hydrothermal field are located in a remote area of the northern Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, a region only recently appraised after decades of inaccessibility due to severe political instability and the absence of infrastructure. The region is notable for hosting environments at the very edge of natural physical-chemical extremities. It is surrounded by a wide, hyperarid salt plain and is one of the hottest (average annual temperature Dallol : 36-38°C) and most acidic natural systems (pH Dallol ≈0) on Earth. Spectacular geomorphologies and mineral deposits produced by supersaturated hydrothermal waters and brines are the result of complex interactions between active and inactive hydrothermal alteration of the bedrock, sulfuric hot springs and pools, fumaroles and geysers, and recrystallization processes driven by hydrothermal waters, degassing, and rapid evaporation. The study of planetary field analog environments plays a crucial role in characterizing the physical and chemical boundaries within which life can exist on Earth and other planets. It is essential for the definition and assessment of the conditions of habitability on other planets, including the possibility for biosignature preservation and in situ testing of technologies for life detection. The Dallol area represents an excellent Mars analog environment given that the active volcanic environment, the associated diffuse hydrothermalism and hydrothermal alteration, and the vast acidic sulfate deposits are reminiscent of past hydrothermal activity on Mars. The work presented in this paper is an overview of the Dallol volcanic area and its hydrothermal field that integrates previous literature with observations and results obtained from field surveys and monitoring coupled with sample characterization. In so doing, we highlight its exceptional potential as a planetary field analog as well as a site for future astrobiological and exploration programs, This is a contribution to the Europlanet 2020 Research Infrastructure programme funded under the European Commission's Horizon 2020 programme (No. 654208

The timing of final assembly and initiation of subsequent rifting of Rodinia is disputed. New rutile ages (913 ± 9 Ma, 900 ± 8 Ma and 873 ± 3 Ma) and published zircon, monazite, titanite, biotite, muscovite and xenotime geochronology from the Capricorn Orogen (West Australian Craton) reveal a significant early Neoproterozoic event characterized by very low to low metamorphic grade, abundant metasomatism, minor leucogranitic and pegmatitic magmatism and NW–SE fault reactivation episodes between ca. 955 and 830 Ma. Collectively, these are termed the ca. 955–830 Ma Kuparr Tectonic Event. An age range of ca. 955–830 Ma is concomitant with the final stages of Rodinia assembly and the initial stages of its attempted breakup. Very low- to low-grade metamorphic and structural geological evidence favor a distal north–south compressional regime as the driver for hydrothermal activity during ca. 955–830 Ma. Nearby continental collision or accretion from the west (e.g., South China and/or Tarim) are ruled out. The cessation of metasomatism and magmatism in the West Australian Craton after ca. 830 Ma is concomitant with the emplacement of the Gairdner–Amata dyke swarm and associated magmatic activity in South China and Laurentia, the inception of the Adelaide Rift Complex and the deposition of the Centralian Superbasin. We posit that the cessation of hydrothermal activity in the Capricorn Orogen was caused by a tectonic switch from compressional to extensional at ca. 830 Ma. Magmatic and hydrothermal fluids were transferred away from the Capricorn Orogen to the incipient Adelaide Rift Complex, terminating metasomatism in the West Australian Craton. Ultimately, the Kuparr Tectonic Event marked the final stages of Rodinia assembly and its cessation marks the initial stages of its attempted breakup. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

In the Kaapvaal craton of southern Africa, as well as other Archaean cratons worldwide, the progression from dominant tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) to granite-monzogranite-syenogranite (GMS) rock types is interpreted to reflect progressive reworking and differentiation of the continental crust. Here we re-evaluate the early Archaean evolution of the Kaapvaal craton and propose a unified view of the plutonic and volcanic records based on elemental and isotopic (Nd, Hf) data and zircon U–Pb ages. We also report new whole-rock major and trace element analyses, zircon U–Pb ages and Hf-in-zircon analyses of igneous clasts from a conglomerate of the 3.2 Ga Moodies Group of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. Many of these clasts are derived from shallow intrusive rocks of granitic composition, which are scarcely represented in outcrop. Despite alteration, the volcanic rocks can be classified based on their trace element contents into two main groups by comparison with plutonic rocks. One group has characteristics resembling TTGs: relatively low and fractionated rare earth element concentrations with no Eu anomaly and relatively low concentrations of high field strength elements (Nb mostly ≤12 ppm). The second group has GMS-like characteristics: less fractionated REE, marked negative Eu anomalies and HFSE-increasing trends with progressing fractionation (Nb ≤ 50 ppm or more, Th up to 30–40 ppm). In addition, igneous clasts of Moodies Group conglomerate have chemical, mineralogical and isotopic characteristics that link them to GMS. New analyses of some of these clasts indicate elevated high field strength elements (Nb up to 20 ppm) and εHf(t) of zircon down to −3.5. These rocks imply the presence of an already differentiated felsic crust at >3.5 Ga, which has Nd and Hf model ages indicating mantle extraction ages extending back to the Eoarchaean. The combined record of plutonic and volcanic rocks of the Kaapvaal craton provides a more complex scenario than previously suggested and indicates that TTG and GMS-like felsic magmas were emplaced broadly coevally in multiple pulses between ∼3.5 Ga and 3.2 Ga. Keywords: Archean, Kaapvaal craton, TTG, Greenstone, Barberton

The Proterozoic Bryah and Yerrida basins of Western Australia contain important base and precious metal deposits. Here we present microtextural data, trace element and S isotope analyses of massive sulphide mineralisation hosted in Palaeoproterozoic subvolcanic rocks (dolerite) recently discovered at Red Bore. The small-scale high-grade mineralisation, which extends from the sub-surface to at least 95 m down-hole, is dominated by massive chalcopyrite and contains minor pyrite and Bi-Te-(Se) phases. Massive sulphide mineralisation is surrounded by discontinuous brecciated massive magnetite, and a narrow (

Objectives To assess in pregnant women with HIV the rates of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and the outcomes associated with such procedures. Design Observational study. Data from the Italian National Program on Surveillance on Antiretroviral Treatment in Pregnancy were used. Setting University and hospital clinics. Population Pregnant women with HIV. Methods Temporal trends were analysed by analysis of variance and by the Chi-square test for trend. Quantitative variables were compared by Student's t-test and categorical data by the Chi-square test, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Main outcome measures Rate of invasive testing, intrauterine death, HIV transmission. Results Between 2001 and 2015, among 2065 pregnancies in women with HIV, 113 (5.5%) had invasive tests performed. The procedures were conducted under antiretroviral treatment in 99 cases (87.6%), with a significant increase over time in the proportion of tests performed under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (100% in 2011–2015). Three intrauterine deaths were observed (2.6%), and 14 pregnancies were terminated because of fetal anomalies. Among 96 live newborns, eight had no information available on HIV status. Among the remaining 88 cases with either amniocentesis (n = 75), CVS (n = 12), or both (n = 1), two HIV transmissions occurred (2.3%). No HIV transmission occurred among the women who were on HAART at the time of invasive testing, and none after 2005. Conclusions The findings reinforce the assumption that invasive prenatal testing does not increase the risk of HIV vertical transmission among pregnant women under suppressive antiretroviral treatment. Tweetable abstract No HIV transmission occurred among women who underwent amniocentesis or CVS under effective anti-HIV regimens.

Northern Mozambique hosts numerous occurrences of gold mineralization in metamorphic terranes, which are little known because of the insufficient studies. In this work, we describe the main geological and geochemical characteristics of the Nanlia and Makorongo gold prospects located in the Namuno district, northeastern Mozambique. We report the mode of occurrence of gold, petrography and mineralogy of the host rocks and ores, fluid inclusion characteristics and stable isotope data, to understand the genesis of gold mineralization in the study area. The gold mineralization in the Nanlia and Makorongo prospects is hosted by the Neoproterozoic Xixano Metamorphic Complex in the Mozambique Belt, which is composed of mafic granulite, amphibolite, paragneiss and marble. The host rock amphibolite consists mainly of amphibole, plagioclase, biotite and minor quartz, titanite and sulfides. The gold mineralization is associated with E-W to ENE-WSW trending quartz veins, oriented parallel to low angle to the foliation of the host rock amphibolite. The ore mineralogy consists of pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, galena and sphalerite, with minor tellurides, xilingolite, electrum and native gold. Mineralized quartz veins in the Nanlia and Makorongo prospects host two types of fluid inclusions which locally coexist in the same assemblage: type 1, one-phase CO2 inclusions with final melting temperature between −58 and −52 °C; and type 2, two-phase H2O + NaCl (±CO2 ± N2 ± CH4) inclusions with homogenization temperature ranging from 246 to 370 °C and 239 to 382 °C in the Nanlia and Makorongo prospects, respectively, and salinity of 12–21 wt% NaCl eq. Pressure and temperature (P-T) conditions of ore-formation were estimated from fluid inclusions and sphalerite geobarometry at 420–620 °C and 160–280 MPa, and 330–440 °C and 150–200 MPa in the Nanlia and Makorongo prospects, respectively. The Nanlia and Makorongo gold prospects are classified as orogenic-type gold deposits. We suggest that gold mineralization was caused by an aqueous-carbonic fluid with low-moderate salinity originated by devolatilization during prograde metamorphism of underlying rocks. The gold mineralization post-dates the peak of metamorphism of the host rocks, thus formed during the retrograde metamorphism of the host rocks. The precipitation of gold in the Nanlia and Makorongo prospects was caused by fluid phase separation induced by pressure drop as the mineralizing fluid migrated to shallower depths.

The antiquity of life in marine environments has been demonstrated, with examples of microfossils and stromatolites extending back to at least 3.5 billion years ago (Ga). In contrast, emerged land was likely a more challenging environment during the Archaean, and only sparse evidence of life in non-marine environments has so far been identified. Here we document the abundance of isotopically light carbon (with δ 13 C values from −46.6 to −31.3‰), diagnostic of a biogeochemical methane cycle or acetogenesis, in shale and sandstone deposited in ∼3 billion-years-old acidic volcanic lakes on the Kaapvaal Craton of southern Africa. A distinctive Al-rich mineral assemblage with abundant pyrophyllite in lacustrine sedimentary rocks bears similarity to modern volcanic rocks affected by circulation of hot acidic fluids. This is compounded with an enrichment of Ni, Mo, W, As and Cu in whole-rock analyses of sedimentary rocks, which is also observed in geothermal areas of modern volcanic environments. Analysis of early diagenetic pyrite in these sedimentary rocks indicates high nutrient level in the lake, which might reflect hydrothermal input with leaching of volcanic material. Despite the restricted and ephemeral nature of volcanic lakes, a highly productive and complex ecosystem established itself in this environment. Volcanic lakes during the Mesoarchaean thus served as an ecological niche for the development and diversification of microbial life on emerged continental landmasses.

Abacavir-lamivudine (ABC/3TC) and tenofovir-emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) represent in the guidelines of several countries, including Italy and United States, the preferred nucleoside/nucleotide backbones of antiretroviral regimens. We assessed their profile in pregnancy using data from a national observational study.Laboratory measures (CD4, HIV-RNA, lipid profile, glucose, hemoglobin, and alanine transferase) and pregnancy outcomes (preterm delivery, low birthweight, nonelective cesarean section, birthweight Z-score, congenital defects, HIV transmission, maternal weight gain, and pregnancy complications) were compared after prenatal exposure to ABC/3TC or TDF/FTC.The study evaluated 913 pregnancies (ABC/3TC: 252; TDF/FTC: 661). At entry in pregnancy, women on TDF/FTC were older (33.6 vs. 32.4 years, P = 0.005), less frequently on treatment (66.9% vs. 80.2%, P0.001), and had lower CD4 counts (475/mm vs. 533/mm, P = 0.003) and higher plasma HIV-RNA levels (2.48 vs. 2.22 log10 copies/mL, P = 0.003). Women on ABC/3TC had more commonly hypertension/nephropathy (5.2% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.013). No major differences were observed in the main pregnancy outcomes and in rates of undetectable HIV-RNA at third trimester. In a subgroup analysis that evaluated at third trimester only cases with regular 3-drug treatment during pregnancy, women on TDF/FTC had lower hemoglobin levels (median: 11.1 vs. 11.8 g/dL, P = 0.002) and women on ABC/3TC had higher levels of total cholesterol (median: 230 vs. 216 mg/dL, P = 0.023) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (133 vs. 111 mg/dL, P = 0.030).In this study, use of TDF/FTC and ABC/3TC in pregnancy was associated with similar pregnancy outcomes and with some differences in laboratory measures that might guide physicians' prescriptions in mothers with hematologic or metabolic risk factors.

Increasing numbers of women in resource-rich settings are prescribed zidovudine (ZDV)-sparing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in pregnancy. We compare ZDV-sparing with ZDV-containing HAART in relation to maternal viral load at delivery, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, and congenital abnormality. This is an analysis of data from the National Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood and the European Collaborative Study. Data on 7573 singleton births to diagnosed HIV-infected women between January 2000 and June 2009 were analyzed. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Overall, 15.8% (1199 of 7573) of women received ZDV-sparing HAART, with increasing use between 2000 and 2009 (P

SUMMARYYoung pregnant women with HIV may be at significant risk of unplanned pregnancy, lower treatment coverage, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In a large cohort of pregnant women with HIV in Italy, among 2979 pregnancies followed in 2001–2016, 9·0% were in women P< 0·001). Younger women had a lower rate of planned pregnancy (23·2%vs.37·7%, odds ratio (OR) 0·50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·36–0·69), were more frequently diagnosed with HIV in pregnancy (46·5%vs.20·9%, OR 3·29, 95% CI 2·54–4·25), and, if already diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy, were less frequently on antiretroviral treatment at conception (vs.99·3%), with no differences in rate of HIV viral suppression at third trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The data show that young women represent a growing proportion of pregnant women with HIV, and are significantly more likely to have unplanned pregnancy, undiagnosed HIV infection, and lower treatment coverage at conception. During pregnancy, antiretroviral treatment, HIV suppression, and pregnancy outcomes are similar compared with older women. Earlier intervention strategies may provide additional benefits in the quality of care for women with HIV.

Textural, mineralogical and geochemical data on F-rich rhyolite (ongonite) from the Ary-Bulak massif of eastern Transbaikalia help constrain the formation of magmatic topaz. In these rocks, topaz occurs as phenocrysts, thus providing compelling evidence for crystallisation at the orthomagmatic stage. Cathodoluminescence images of topaz and quartz reveal growth textures with multiple truncation events in single grains, indicative of a dynamic system that shifted from saturated to undersaturated conditions with respect to topaz and quartz. Electron microprobe and Raman analyses of topaz indicate near-pure F composition [Al2SiO4F2], with very limited OH replacement. Laser ablation ICP-MS traverses revealed the presence of a large number of trace elements present at sub-ppm to hundreds of ppm levels. The chemical zoning of topaz records trace element fluctuations in the coexisting melt. Concentrations of some trace elements (Li, Ga, Nb, Ta and W) are correlated with cathodoluminescence intensity, thus suggesting that some of these elements act as CL activators in topaz. The study of melt inclusions indicates that melts with different F contents were trapped at different stages during formation of quartz and topaz phenocrysts, respectively. Electron microprobe analyses of glass in subhedral quartz-hosted melt inclusions indicate F ≤ 1.2 wt.%, whereas irregular-shaped melt inclusions hosted in both topaz and quartz have F ≤ 9 wt.%. Cryolithionite [Na3Li3Al2F12] coexists with glass in irregular inclusions, implying high Li contents in the melt. The very high F contents would have increased the solubility of Nb, Ta and W in the melt, thus allowing progressive concentration of these elements during magma evolution. Crystallisation of Nb–Ta–W-oxides (W-ixiolite and tantalite–columbite) may have been triggered by separation of cryolithionite, which would have caused F and Li depletion and consequent drop in the solubility of these elements.

The Fairview and Sheba mines are two of the major gold mines in the Paleoarchean Barberton Greenstone Belt of Southern Africa. At these mines, gold is associated with quartz–carbonate ± rutile veins and occurs both as “invisible” gold finely dispersed in sulfides (primarily pyrite and arsenopyrite), and as visible electrum grains hosted in pyrite. Up to approximately 1000 ppm Au are contained in pyrite, and up to approximately 1700 ppm in arsenopyrite. Mapping of trace element distribution in sulfide minerals using electron microprobe and proton probe techniques revealed multiple events of ore formation and Au mineralisation. At Fairview mine, three stages of pyrite formation were identified, the last of which is associated with arsenopyrite, electrum and other sulfide minerals (sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, gersdorffite, and Sb-sulfides). At Sheba mine, pyrite was deposited in two stages, and electrum is associated with the second stage. At both mines, the last stage of sulfide formation is the main stage of Au deposition, and is associated with mobilisation of Au, As, Sb, Cu, Zn, and Ni. The host rock composition seems to have affected the composition of pyrite, since higher Ni and Co concentrations (up to 1.4 and 1.6 wt.%, respectively) have been measured in meta-(ultra)mafic host rocks in comparison with chert and metagreywacke. Arsenopyrite is chemically zoned, and has Sb- and S-rich cores and As- and Ni-rich rims. This zoning indicates variations in fluid compositions (decreasing Sb and increasing Ni), and crystallisation conditions (increasing As content for increasing temperature). Geothermometric estimates based on the As content of arsenopyrite (As ≤ 32 at.%) indicate temperatures up to ~ 420 °C for the crystal rims. Petrographic and cathodoluminescence observations of quartz associated with gold mineralisation show only local brittle deformation, and no plastic deformation. This supports the notion that the ore-transporting veins were emplaced late in the deformation history. Variations of cathodoluminescence of quartz are correlated with changing Al contents (Al ≤ 0.16 wt.%), and can be related to fluctuations in the pH of the mineralising fluids.