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Fasciola gigantica: ultrastructure and cytochemistry of tegumental secretory activity and extracellular vesicle formation in juvenile flukes migrating in mouse liver
No full textFasciola gigantica, the predominant cause of fasciolosis in tropical regions, is a major cause of economic loss to the global farming community and is also recognised as a significant human pathogen. The surface tegument of the fluke, situated as it is at the host-parasite interface, is a metabolically active and highly dynamic secretory organ mainly concerned with ensuring the survival of the parasite in a hostile immunological and physiochemical environment. The period of migration of the juvenile fluke through the hepatic parenchyma of the host is critical in establishing a mutually sustainable host-parasite relationship, but due to technical difficulties has been inadequately investigated. Here, the tegument of migrating juvenile F. gigantica collected from the hepatic parenchyma of experimentally infected mice 4 and 7 weeks after infection was examined by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by cytochemistry using the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazine-osmium (PATCO) and Ruthenium Red methods. T1 secretory bodies in the surface syncytium maintain the surface glycocalyx by exocytosis in response to sloughing of immunocomplex as the fluke encounters the effectors of host immunity. Their bounding plasma membranes engender a superficial zone of microvilli which appear to give rise to detached tubules and extracellular vesicles. These may have a role in host-parasite communication and immunomodulation. T2 secretory bodies in the tegument contain stable glycoprotein, and their main contribution may be to preadapt the apical surface for changes in the physicochemical environment when the fluke enters the bile ducts. A novel type of tegumental cell, termed T3, has been described in the sub-syncytial zone. T3 secretory bodies may contribute to the syncytial proteome or spine formation in the growing juvenile flukes. The surface secretory activity in migrating juvenile flukes may offer a battery of stage-specific soluble and membrane-associated molecular products with potential for therapeutic exploitation
Antipsychotic drug use during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textPurposeThe use of antipsychotics during pregnancy has increased over the past two decades, primarily driven by an increase in the use of second-generation antipsychotic drugs. However, knowledge regarding the reproductive safety of antipsychotic drugs remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the associations between in utero antipsychotic drug exposure and congenital malformations and other neonatal outcomes.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo was conducted from database inception to February 2024 for cohort and case-control (English language) studies that examined maternal antipsychotic exposure and reported risk estimates for one or more of the following outcomes: congenital malformation, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, or neonatal intensive care unit admission. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and reporting was guided by the PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model.ResultsTwelve studies (comprising over 10 million pregnancies across 12 countries) met the inclusion criteria. A pooled meta-analysis of eight studies indicated borderline evidence of an association between the risk of congenital malformations and in utero antipsychotic drug exposure, with moderate heterogeneity (odds ratio [OR] 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.996–1.624, p = 0.0535; I2 = 53%). No association was observed when limited to second-generation antipsychotics (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.78–1.72, p = 0.47). Regarding the outcome of preterm birth, antipsychotic exposure was associated with an increase in risk (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.13–1.62, p < 0.01), though there was moderate to high heterogeneity (I2 = 70%). There was insufficient data to perform a meta-analysis for the other outcomes.ConclusionMeta-analyses did not indicate strong evidence that in utero antipsychotic exposure is a major teratogen; and although an association was observed between maternal antipsychotic use and preterm birth, there was significant heterogeneity across studies. The decision to continue antipsychotic use during pregnancy involves a complex balancing of risks and benefits for women and their healthcare professionals. Any potential risks to the developing foetus must be weighed against the risks of discontinuing treatment, including the possibility of relapse in women with severe mental illness, which can have serious consequences for a woman and her infant. Finally, there is a need for further robustly designed studies.<br/
Towards real-time pork breed and boar taint classification using rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry
No full textTo help counteract food fraud and meet consumer expectations, the pork industry requires reliable quality-monitoring and traceability systems. In this context, rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) could be rolled out as a real-time, accurate metabolic fingerprint-based classifier of pork meat characteristics and quality issues, such as genetic origin and boar taint. Here, fingerprinting of >3000 pig neck fat samples enabled highly accurate pig breed classification (pairwise comparison of Commercials (Pietrain × Hampshires × Durocs, Large-Whites, Durocs), Hampshires and Large-Whites, where data modelling using support vector machine (SVM, all pairwise comparisons > 89%) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA, >90%) outperformed random forest (RF, 72.0–79.5%). Boar taint classification showed comparable results between OPLS-DA, RF and SVM (93.5–96.0%), but it was important to apply strategies to avoid false negatives and positives, including the construction of balanced models (tainted vs. non-tainted)
A comprehensive understanding of technologies, materials, and strategies for net-zero energy buildings
No full textThe building sector is significantly responsible for the world’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have become an effective solution to move towards sustainability, maximizing energy efficiency, and minimizing carbon footprint. However, achieving net-zero energy targets requires a comprehensive understanding of building performance from the perspectives of technologies, materials, and strategies, for which existing studies have a knowledge gap. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap within existing studies through an empirical investigation. Based on a review of the literature, this study employs semi-structured interviews in the United Kingdom (UK) with industrial professionals experienced in NZEBs. The qualitative data collected from interview participants are analyzed minutely using NVivo to identify key themes and patterns, including 14 technologies, 12 materials, and seven strategies for NZEBs. Based on the literature review and, more importantly, the interview analysis, a conceptual framework is well established to describe an NZEB as a complex system that must incorporate appropriate technology adoption, careful material selection, and successful strategy implementation into consideration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of NZEBs from a systematic point of view. It also contributes to the full fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN)
LCA studies of fruit and vegetables production, storage and transportation using different packagings in consideration of food waste and energy consumption
No full textPackaging significantly affects the loss and waste rate of fresh fruit and vegetables (FV), and thus the environmental impact. The usage of reusable plastic crate (RPC) can reduce food loss and waste (FLW), energy consumption, and thus the relevant environmental impact. However, studies combining FV and all these considerations are limited. This article applies life cycle assessment (LCA), from farm to store shelf, to evaluate the environmental impact of FV and their packaging, including Global Warming Potential (GWP), Freshwater Eutrophication Potential (EP), Freshwater Ecotoxicity Potential (FETP) and Water consumption Potential (WCP). It shows that the RPC usage can significantly reduce environmental impacts. Considering the food loss and waste reduction and energy optimisation brought by RPC usage, RPC usage can reduce GWP increase by 32.36 %–50.38 % as compared to cardboard (CB) packaging, FETP by 3.1 %–16.8 %, EP by 1.9 %–13.4 % and WCP by 3.4 %–16.9 %. The most notable reduction in GWP and FETP is observed for cabbage among the selected FV due to the highest loss rate. When combining food and packaging two life cycles together, the RPC usage can reduce GWP by 4.50 %–16.61 % compared to CB, . Electricity and FLW rate are identified as highly sensitive factors to total environmental impact, while electricity and fertilizer demonstrated a high sensitivity for GWP and FETP, respectively. The study shows that RPC has coupling advantages over CB in terms of indirect and direct impacts on GHG emissions and other environmental impacts. The results support a further deployment of RPC as a means to reduce the environmental influence and waste.<br/
Ultra-processed food intake and impairment across multiple cognitive domains in nationally representative older U.S. adults
No full textIntroduction: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, which accounts for more than 50% of energy intake in the U.S., has steadily increased among older adults over the past decade. UPF consumption is associated with overall cognitive decline, but few studies have examined the associations between UPF consumption and individual cognitive domains. In this study, we examined associations between UPF consumption and impairment in executive function, memory, language, visuospatial, and orientation using data from the longitudinal and nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS).Methods: Data were drawn from HRS participants who took part in both the 2013 Health Care and Nutrition Study (HCNS) and the 2016 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) and who did not have dementia or memory problems at baseline (2012) (n = 1,408). Dietary intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire from 2013 HCNS. UPF was classified using the Nova categorization. The percentage of energy intake from UPF was grouped into sex-specific quintiles (Q). Cognitive impairment was assessed from the 2016 HCAP based on cognitive domain scores, defined as >1.5 SDs below the mean or a T-score = 35. Weighted multivariate-logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between UPF consumption and cognitive outcomes.Results: In the analytic sample, mean UPF intake was 42.3% energy/day. After adjustment for baseline sociodemographic and health characteristics, higher UPF consumption showed a marginally significant trend toward greater impairment in executive function (Q4 vs. Q1, OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.16–3.74; Q5 vs. Q1, OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.97–3.09; P-trend = 0.052). UPF consumption was not significantly associated with impairment in other cognitive domains.Discussion: Our findings highlight a potential association between high UPF intake and executive functioning impairment among older U.S. adults
Time-restricted eating to improve metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovarian syndrome (TimeMAP)
No full textOBJECTIVE: Time-restricted eating (TRE) represents a novel intervention that may improve hyperinsulinaemia and reduce weight, but has not been studied in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In a randomised interventional study (NCT05126199 [1]), we investigated the feasibility of TRE in PCOS including recruitment, compliance, safety, drop-out rate, and effect on insulin-related parameters, anthropometrics, nutritional intake and metabolic indices.METHODS: Participants were randomised to a 12-week TRE regimen (18 h fast/6 h eating window) or 'ad libitum' regimen (no time-restriction), and then crossed over to the alternative regimen for a further 12 weeks.RESULTS: TRE was a feasible intervention with near-total compliance in those completing the intervention; however, there were considerable difficulties with recruitment. A total of 70 were eligible to participate, of which ultimately 15 were recruited, and 11 completed the study (4 [27%] drop-outs due to commitment/study duration). There were no serious adverse events in the TRE group. Compliance [%(SD)] with TRE was 94.7(4.5)%, and 10 participants were keen to continue the intervention post-study. Whilst the study was not powered to detect changes in metabolic or anthropometric indices, exploratory analysis showed a decrease in HbA1c (p = 0.04), weight (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), hip circumference (p = 0.05) and waist circumference (p = 0.001) in the TRE group compared to the ad libitum eating group.CONCLUSION: In a 12-week cross-over feasibility study, TRE was a safe and feasible intervention. Recruitment was challenging and with limited numbers, the TRE group showed a decrease in HbA1c and anthropometric indices compared to the 'ad libitum' group.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05126199.</p
Which is more useful local government representatives, the annual budget or financial statements?
No full textThe ICAEW/CIPFA/PMM’s recent call for papers on Maximizing the use of local government accounts posed many interesting questions (Wheatcroft et al., 2024). To begin a debate and encourage more research, we focus on two topics from this call, drawing on our own empirical evidence from a broader study carried out by two of the authors on the usefulness of local authority accounting information in the context of Ireland. First, we offer some insight on the notion that the annual budget document is more useful to local government representatives than other sources of accounting information. Second, we also question the extent and effectiveness of training that is provided to local government representatives in comprehending budgets and financial statements
Delay minimization in pinching-antenna-enabled NOMA-MEC networks
No full textThis letter proposes a novel pinching antenna systems (PASS) enabled non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) multi-access edge computing (MEC) framework. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize the maximum task delay by optimizing offloading ratios, transmit powers, and pinching antenna (PA) positions, subject to constraints on maximum transmit power, user energy budgets, and minimum PA separation to mitigate coupling effects. To address the non-convex problem, a bisection search-based alternating optimization (AO) algorithm is developed, where each subproblem is iteratively solved for a given task delay. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly reduces the task delay compared to benchmark schemes
Of time lords and law lords::Preserving truths, preventing reunions and regenerating identities in adoption law (and Dr Who)
No full textTime, in relation to adoption law and policy, can be villain or hero (or both). In respect of England and Wales, its passing can serve to dissolve or displace original ties and legal relatedness. This may be especially so where Placement Orders are concerned, based on recent case law. There are parallels to be found in the 'laws', norms, and abandoning manoeuvrings of the Tardis (Dr Who) not least in episodes such as The Timeless Child