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Mapping the landscape of corporate avoided emissions accounting methodologies
Get PDFIncreasing numbers of companies are disclosing estimates for the avoided emissions caused by their products and services, with over 2,000 companies reporting information on this to CDP in 2022. However, there appears to be a proliferation of different attempts to standardise the quantification of avoided emissions, creating a crowded and complex landscape. This issue is therefore also directly relevant to the current update process undertaken by the GHG Protocol, which may move to standardise the best practice guidance on avoided emissions accounting at the corporate level. In order to provide an overview of developments in this field this paper presents the results of a comprehensive mapping exercise of published methodologies or guidance documents. These were identified based on the responses to the 2022 CDP questionnaire, prior expert knowledge, and a web database search. In addition, the CDP data was analysed to show which methodologies are used most frequently. The research identifies 48 methodologies for avoided emissions quantification published since 2005. An upward trend in method development can be seen in recent years with 9 (19%) published in 2023. However, a further important finding is that a significant proportion of companies do not use a published methodology for their avoided emissions quantification or cite the use of inappropriate methodologies. This calls into question the quality of disclosures on avoided emissions. On the basis of this research we recommend that the Greenhouse Gas Protocol should bring standardisation to this field of accounting
Immunological drivers and potential novel drug targets for major psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative conditions
No full textImmune dysfunction is implicated in the aetiology of psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative conditions, but the issue of causality remains unclear impeding attempts to develop new interventions. Using genomic data on protein and gene expression across blood and brain, we assessed evidence of a potential causal role for 736 immune response-related biomarkers on 7 neuropsychiatric conditions by applying Mendelian randomization (MR) and genetic colocalisation analyses. A systematic three-tier approach, grouping biomarkers based on increasingly stringent criteria, was used to appraise evidence of causality (passing MR sensitivity analyses, colocalisation, False Discovery Rate and Bonferroni thresholds). We provide evidence for a potential causal role of 29 biomarkers for 7 conditions. The identified biomarkers suggest a role of both brain specific and systemic immune response in the aetiology of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. Of the identified biomarkers, 20 are therapeutically tractable, including ACE, TNFRSF17, SERPING1, AGER and CD40, with drugs currently approved or in advanced clinical trials. Based on the largest available selection of plasma immune-response related biomarkers, our study provides insight into possible influential biomarkers for the aetiology of neuropsychiatric conditions. These genetically prioritised biomarkers now require examination to further evaluate causality, their role in the aetiological mechanisms underlying the conditions, and therapeutic potential.</p
Effect of intra-arterial cisplatin on dorsal hoof wall tissue of isolated perfused equine limbs
No full textEquine hoof canker is a chronic proliferative condition of the hoof tissues that is often time-consuming and frustrating to treat. After surgical debridement, topical application of cisplatin (cis-Diamindichlorplatin II) has been reported, requiring repeatedly handling this hazardous substance during bandage changes. Alternatively, intraarterial application of cisplatin could be used, similar to the treatment of some human neoplastic diseases. As the side effects of such a treatment are currently unknown, evaluation of associated risks is necessary before treating live horses. Thus, forelimbs of thirteen horses underwent an eight-hour perfusion protocol; nine limbs received a 20-minute intraarterial cisplatin infusion (14 mg/600 ml autologous blood-plasma perfusate). Post-treatment, dorsal hoof wall samples were subjected to histological (hematoxylin and eosin) and immunohistochemical (laminin, Ki-67) analysis. Comparisons were carried out using a linear mixed model analysis to investigate the effect of cisplatin. Appearance of primary and secondary epidermal lamellae was not significantly affected by the cisplatin treatment. Notable basal membrane damage was evidenced by significantly weaker laminin staining intensity in the limbs of the cisplatin group than in the control group (p=0.005). Cisplatin samples showed 54% weak, 37% moderate and 9% strong staining intensities, and control samples showed 12% weak, 53% moderate and 35% strong staining intensities. Median numbers of Ki-67 positive basal cells in the primary epidermal lamellae were not affected by cisplatin. Specifically, even short-term cisplatin exposure significantly compromises the basal membrane of the dorsal hoof wall creating a considerable risk of laminitis.</p
Training DAFNEplus facilitators in novel behaviour change approaches: a template for training design and delivery
No full textThe integration of behaviour change principles into diabetes structured education programmes is key to sustaining long-term improvements in glycaemic management. Good quality training for diabetes educators, that enables them to understand and feel confident in behaviour change approaches, is fundamental to their delivery. Educator training programmes are rarely described in detail despite this information being needed to enable interpretation of trial/outcome data, fidelity analyses and replicability between centres. This paper presents an overview of a bespoke training programme developed for educators who delivered the DAFNEplus programme. DAFNEplus is a revised version of the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating Programme (DAFNE) for people with Type 1 diabetes. The revisions incorporate novel technology, behaviour change approaches and structured individualised follow-up. This paper outlines the structure of the training provided to educators, a summary of its development, and examples of training content and process. In doing so we seek to provide a template for future training courses, where psychological approaches are integrated into standard diabetes education, and delivered by healthcare professionals. The impact upon educators’ perceptions and delivery of structured education, as well as the potential for ongoing training development, is also discussed
Microbial Signatures in Oil Reservoirs: Biomarker Stability and Their Role in Subsurface Fluid Monitoring
No full textSustainable energy solutions such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy, and hydrogen storage are vital for achieving low-carbon energy goals. However, these technologies face significant challenges, including gas leakage and the need for reliable monitoring systems within subsurface geological formations. Indigenous microorganisms, naturally widespread in these formations, offer a novel approach for dynamic monitoring over time through DNA sequencing analysis. Yet, critical questions remain: Can ground-level samples accurately represent geological information? How stable is the microbial DNA under surface conditions and for how long? This study investigates the stability of microbial community structures from deep subsurface oil reservoir samples during degradation at room temperature over 120 h. Samples were analyzed at 24 h intervals using DNA extraction, concentration measurements, and sequencing. Microbial diversity was assessed via α and β diversity indexes, while Venn analysis compared community structures to identify formation-specific genera. Findings reveal that microbial profiles from subsurface samples remain largely reflective of their original environments despite surface degradation. This highlights the feasibility of using subsurface microbial biosensing for dynamic environmental monitoring. By addressing the stability of microbial data, this research enhances the potential of DNA-based tools to support CCUS, geothermal energy, and hydrogen storage. It underscores the role of microbial biosensing in advancing sustainable energy practices, offering a robust framework for tackling challenges in subsurface monitoring, while contributing to the transition toward a low-carbon future
Cell morphogenesis: How to turn yeast into Cerberus
No full textPioneering research in the black yeast A. pullulans begins to reveal the mechanistic elements of its cell polarity network that allow this multinucleate fungus to grow multiple buds simultaneously, in contrast to the budding yeast that strictly enforces the uniqueness of its bud
Deciphering the influence of socioeconomic status on brain structure:Insights from Mendelian randomization
Get PDFSocioeconomic status (SES) influences physical and mental health, however its relation with brain structure is less well documented. Here, we examine the role of SES on brain structure using Mendelian randomisation. First, we conduct a multivariate genome-wide association study of SES using educational attainment, household income, occupational prestige, and area-based social deprivation, with an effective sample size of N = 947,466. We identify 554 loci associated with SES and distil these loci into those that are common across those four traits. Second, using an independent sample of ~35,000 we provide evidence to suggest that SES is protective against white matter hyperintensities as a proportion of intracranial volume (WMHicv). Third, we find that differences in SES still afford a protective effect against WMHicv, independent of that made by cognitive ability. Our results suggest that SES is a modifiable risk factor, causal in the maintenance of cognitive ability in older-age
A cross-sectional study of symptom prevalence, frequency, severity, and impact of long-COVID in Scotland:Part II
Get PDFBackgroundThere has been some effort to map the prevalence, frequency, and severity of symptoms of long COVID at local and national levels. However, what is frequently absent from such accounts is details of the impact the disease and its symptoms have had on those living with the condition. In this article, we present details of the impact on work, caring, and mental health gathered using a cross-sectional survey.MethodsData were collected using an online survey that was available from April 21, 2022, to August 5, 2022. Included participants had either self-diagnosed or confirmed long COVID, were living in Scotland, and were aged ≥18 years. Hospitalization during initial COVID-19 infection was an exclusion criterion. Participants were asked to report on the impact of their illness on everyday activities such as working, studying, or caring. They also completed an assessment of their current mood.ResultsPeople with long COVID were often severely impacted in their ability to work and study. Severe impact on work and study were predicted by more severe and more frequent fatigue, more severe pain, and more severe cognitive impairment. Respondents’ ability to care for child dependents was also associated with more severe and more frequent fatigue, and more severe cognitive impairments. More severe pain associated with greater impact on adult care. Negative mood correlated most strongly with frequency and severity of neurological symptoms, including lack of attention, loss of smell, impaired sense of smell, loss of taste, impaired sense of taste, and loss of appetite.ConclusionsLong COVID has a significant impact on ability to work, study, and care for dependents. The severity of this impact is associated with specific symptom burden, including fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment
Addressing the Inverse Care Law in Scottish general practice:systematic scoping review
Get PDFBackgroundRecent evidence demonstrates persistence of the inverse care law (ICL) in general practice in England. Although the ICL was well-described in Scotland 20 years ago, progress in interventions since then is unclear. AimTo review national and local interventions which aimed to specifically address the ICL in Scottish general practice since 2000.Design & SettingSystematic scoping review, Scotland.MethodWe searched EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and BASE from 2000 to February 2024. We also performed a systematic grey literature search of government, NHS and third sector websites. All papers were double screened for inclusion. We included quantitative and qualitative studies and assessed quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. ResultsOut of 13089 results, 67 papers reporting on 20 interventions were included. Interventions to improve general practice in deprived areas were categorised as: 1) enhancing patients’ financial or social support, 2) targeting specific health conditions, 3) targeting specific groups and 4) enhancing generalist healthcare. Six interventions accounted for 49% of all included papers. Only two interventions have been rolled out nationally – Community Link Workers and Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships – with both facing uncertain long-term funding. ConclusionThere remains a major implementation gap between Scottish Government’s policy ambitions to address health inequalities and sustainable delivery on the ground. To address the inverse care law, greater overall investment in general practice is needed, together with additional resources for more deprived areas according to local population need (a “proportionate universalism” approach).KeywordsGeneral practice, Health Inequities, Health Disparities, Workforce, Social Deprivation, Primary Health Care<br/
On-farm 3D images of beef cattle for the prediction of carcass classification traits and cold carcass weight
Get PDFFor beef cattle, subjective methods tend to be used on-farm for assessing readiness for slaughter. This means that the target classification grades cannot be accurately estimated, leading to over- and under-finished animals being sent to slaughter. This leads to financial losses and potentially to increased greenhouse gas emissions. To counteract this, objective technologies are needed to select slaughter cattle at the optimal point. Video image analysis systems have proven their suitability for the estimation of carcass traits postslaughter. There is potential for this technology to support on-farm assessment of the live animal. This study explored 3D measurements extracted from images of live beef animals and their ability to predict key carcass traits when coupled with additional animal or carcass details. The images were captured from four commercial beef finishing farms across the UK and the cattle were processed at commercial abattoirs. Data for 762 animals were used to build models for the prediction of EUROP conformation and fat class, and cold carcass weight (CCW), using either traditional statistics (multiple linear regression using stepwise feature selection) or machine learning techniques (random forest models). Various model inputs were combined and tested, including breed, sex, the camera unit that the images were captured on, the number of days before slaughter the images were captured, and the month of image capture as fixed effects, the 34 3D measurements, and CCW. The best linear models predicted EUROP conformation class with moderate accuracy (R2 = 0.37), EUROP fat class with low accuracy (R2 = 0.24) and CCW with moderate accuracy (R2 = 0.38). Moderate accuracies were also found when using the machine learning methods, with the best random forest models predicting EUROP conformation and fat classes with moderate accuracy (58 and 45% of classes, respectively, predicted correctly) and CCW with moderate accuracy (R2 = 0.41). The results indicate that there is potential for imaging systems on farm to predict key carcass traits currently assessed in the abattoir, providing a tool for farmers to objectively select cattle at the optimum conditions for slaughter.</p
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