Food production is a major driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and land use, and dietary risk factors are contributors to non-communicable diseases. Shifts in dietary patterns can ...therefore potentially provide benefits for both the environment and health. However, there is uncertainty about the magnitude of these impacts, and the dietary changes necessary to achieve them. We systematically review the evidence on changes in GHG emissions, land use, and water use, from shifting current dietary intakes to environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. We find 14 common sustainable dietary patterns across reviewed studies, with reductions as high as 70-80% of GHG emissions and land use, and 50% of water use (with medians of about 20-30% for these indicators across all studies) possible by adopting sustainable dietary patterns. Reductions in environmental footprints were generally proportional to the magnitude of animal-based food restriction. Dietary shifts also yielded modest benefits in all-cause mortality risk. Our review reveals that environmental and health benefits are possible by shifting current Western diets to a variety of more sustainable dietary patterns.
Abstract Absorption methods using polyurethane foams (PUFs) have recently gained popularity in treating oil spills. However, conventional petroleum-based PUFs lack selectivity and are commonly ...surface-modified using complicated processes that require toxic and harmful solvents to enhance their hydrophobicity and oil sorption capacities. In this paper, a novel naturally superoleophilic foam with inherent hydrophobic properties has been developed through the conventional one-shot foaming method with the integration of coconut oil-based polyol. This bio-based polyol was explicitly handpicked as it is chiefly saturated, highly abundant, and inexpensive. The foam is characterized by an oil sorption capacity range of 14.89–24.65 g g −1 for different types of oil, equivalent to 578–871 times its weight. Its hydrophobic behavior is expressed through a water contact angle of ~ 139°. The foam also showcased excellent chemical stability and high recyclability without a significant loss in absorption capacity after 20 cycles. The incorporation of the coconut oil-based polyol is also shown to improve the morphological, mechanical, and thermal behavior of the foam. It can be inferred from these findings that this novel material holds great potential for revolutionizing sorbents, pioneering a more sustainable and eco-friendly functional material produced via a facile method.
The biological stress of early weaned piglets Campbell, Joy M; Crenshaw, Joe D; Polo, Javier
Journal of animal science and biotechnology,
04/2013, Letnik:
4, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Pigs experience biological stress such as physiological, environmental, and social challenges when weaned from the sow. The process of weaning is one of the most stressful events in the pig＇s life ...that can contribute to intestinal and immune system dysfunctions that result in reduced pig health, growth, and feed intake, particularly during the first week after weaning. Technological improvements in housing, nutrition, health, and management have been used to minimize some of the adverse effects of weaning stress, but a greater understanding of the biological impact of stress is needed to improve strategies to overcome weaning stress. The focus of this review paper is to briefly describe how the biological stress associated with weaning impacts intestinal morphology, structure, physiology, and intestinal immune responses that can impact subsequent production efficiencies such as growth, intake, morbidity, and mortality.
This study propounds a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyurethane (PU) foams, aiming to curtail this nonrenewable resource's continued and uncontrolled use. Coconut fatty acid distillate ...(CFAD) and crude glycerol (CG), both wastes generated from vegetable oil processes, were utilized for bio-based polyol production for rigid PU foam application. The raw materials were subjected to catalyzed glycerolysis with alkaline-alcohol neutralization and bleaching. The resulting polyol possessed properties suitable for rigid foam application, with an average OH number of 215 mg KOH/g, an acid number of 7.2983 mg KOH/g, and a Gardner color value of 18. The polyol was used to prepare rigid PU foam, and its properties were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetric (TGA/DTA), and universal testing machine (UTM). Additionally, the cell foam morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), in which most of its structure revealed an open-celled network and quantified at 92.71% open-cell content using pycnometric testing. The PU foam thermal and mechanical analyses results showed an average compressive strength of 210.43 kPa, a thermal conductivity of 32.10 mW·m
K
, and a density of 44.65 kg·m
. These properties showed its applicability as a type I structural sandwich panel core material, thus demonstrating the potential use of CFAD and CG in commercial polyol and PU foam production.
Prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity has increased considerably in recent years. The transition to higher rates of overweight/obesity has been well documented in high income countries; however, ...consistent or representative data from lower income countries is scarce. It is therefore pertinent to assess if rates of overweight/obesity are also increasing in lower income countries, to inform public health efforts.
This systematic review aimed to investigate the evidence for an overweight/obesity transition occurring in school-aged children and youth in Sub Saharan Africa.
Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Africa Index Medicus, Global Health, Geobase, and EPPI-Centre electronic databases. Studies that used subjective or objective metrics to assess body composition in apparently healthy or population-based samples of children and youth aged 5 to 17 years were included.
A total of 283 articles met the inclusion criteria, and of these, 68 were used for quantitative synthesis. The four regions (West, Central, East, and South) of Sub Saharan Africa were well represented, though only 11 (3.9%) studies were nationally representative. Quantitative synthesis revealed a trend towards increasing proportions of overweight/obesity over time in school-aged children in this region, as well as a persistent problem of underweight. Weighted averages of overweight/obesity and obesity for the entire time period captured were 10.6% and 2.5% respectively. Body composition measures were found to be higher in girls than boys, and higher in urban living and higher socioeconomic status children compared to rural populations or those of lower socioeconomic status.
This review provides evidence for an overweight/obesity transition in school-aged children in Sub Saharan Africa. The findings of this review serve to describe the region with respect to the growing concern of childhood overweight/obesity, highlight research gaps, and inform interventions.
CRD42013004399.
As the human population increases there is an increasing reliance on aquaculture to supply a safe, reliable, and economic supply of food. Although food production is essential for a healthy ...population, an increasing threat to global human health is antimicrobial resistance. Extensive antibiotic resistant strains are now being detected; the spread of these strains could greatly reduce medical treatment options available and increase deaths from previously curable infections. Antibiotic resistance is widespread due in part to clinical overuse and misuse; however, the natural processes of horizontal gene transfer and mutation events that allow genetic exchange within microbial populations have been ongoing since ancient times. By their nature, aquaculture systems contain high numbers of diverse bacteria, which exist in combination with the current and past use of antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and other treatment regimens-singularly or in combination. These systems have been designated as "genetic hotspots" for gene transfer. As our reliance on aquaculture grows, it is essential that we identify the sources and sinks of antimicrobial resistance, and monitor and analyse the transfer of antimicrobial resistance between the microbial community, the environment, and the farmed product, in order to better understand the implications to human and environmental health.
Takahashi et al shed light on the mysteries of tooth eruption, identify putative stem cells that surround the tooth, and provide insight into the function of parathyroid hormone-related peptide ...PTHrP; or parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH). These researchers at the University of Michigan, Showa University, and Harvard Medical School wanted to solve the puzzle that surrounds the translocation of teeth from within the bone into the oral cavity. Many hypotheses were initially proposed, including biophysical traction forces exerted by the periodontal ligament (PDL) or pushing from the tooth root against the surrounding bone. However, classic developmental biology experiments that were carried out in the 1980s narrowed down the required tissue for the eruption of teeth to the dental follicle. Takahashi et al started by performing lineage tracing of cells that express Pthrp. Using a knockin reporter, they followed expression up to 6 mo of age. Initially, mCherry is expressed in the dental follicle but then becomes restricted to cementoblasts, PDL, and bony crypt cells between the roots.
Worldwide, artificial bat roosts (e.g., bat boxes, bark mimics, bat condos) are routinely deployed for conservation, mitigation, and community engagement. However, scant attention has been paid to ...developing best practices for the use of artificial roosts as conservation tools. Although bats readily occupy artificial roosts, occupancy and abundance data are misleading indicators of habitat quality. Lacking information on bat behavior, health, and fitness in artificial roosts, their conservation efficacy cannot be adequately validated. We considered the proximal and ultimate factors, such as evolutionarily reliable cues, that may prompt bats to preferentially use and show fidelity to suboptimal artificial roosts even when high‐quality alternatives are available. Possible negative health and fitness consequences for artificial roost inhabitants include exposure to unstable and extreme microclimates in poorly designed roosts, and vulnerability to larger numbers of ectoparasites in longer lasting artificial roosts that house larger bat colonies than in natural roosts. Bats using artificial roosts may have lower survival rates if predators have easy access to roosts placed in conspicuous locations. Bats may be lured into occupying low‐quality habitats if attractive artificial roosts are deployed on polluted urban and agricultural landscapes. To advance the science behind artificial bat roosts, we present testable research hypotheses and suggestions to improve the quality of artificial roosts for bats and decrease risks to occupants. Because continued loss of natural roosts may increase reliance on alternatives, such as artificial roosts, it is imperative that this conservation practice be improved.
Mejoras en la ciencia y práctica del uso de perchas artificiales para murciélagos
Resumen
Las perchas artificiales para murciélagos (cajas, imitaciones de corteza, condominios) se usan en todo el mundo para la conservación, mitigación y participación de la comunidad. Sin embargo, se ha prestado poca atención al desarrollo de las mejores prácticas en cuanto al uso de perchas artificiales como herramientas de conservación. Aunque los murciélagos ocupan fácilmente las perchas artificiales, los datos de su abundancia y ocupación son indicadores engañosos de la calidad del hábitat. La falta de información sobre el comportamiento, salud y adaptabilidad de los murciélagos en las perchas artificiales causa que no pueda validarse adecuadamente la eficiencia de conservación de las perchas. Consideramos los factores proximales y finales, como las pautas de confianza evolutiva, que pueden llevar a los murciélagos a usar con preferencia y mostrar fidelidad a las perchas artificiales subóptimas cuando existen alternativas de gran calidad. Las posibles consecuencias negativas para la salud y adaptabilidad de los habitantes de los nidos artificiales incluyen la exposición a microclimas inestables y extremos en perchas mal diseñadas y la vulnerabilidad a un mayor número de ectoparásitos en perchas artificiales de mayor duración que albergan colonias mayores a las perchas naturales. Los murciélagos que usan perchas artificiales pueden tener tasas menores de supervivencia si los depredadores tienen acceso fácil a las perchas colocadas en ubicaciones conspicuas. Puede que los murciélagos terminen ocupando hábitats de baja calidad si se construyen perchas artificiales atractivas sobre terrenos agrícolas y urbanos contaminados. Presentamos hipótesis comprobables de investigación y sugerencias para mejorar la calidad de las perchas artificiales y reducir los riesgos para sus habitantes y así avanzar la ciencia detrás de las perchas artificiales para murciélagos. Ya que la pérdida continua de perchas naturales puede incrementar la dependencia de alternativas, como las perchas artificiales, es imprescindible que se mejore esta práctica de conservación.
Latest developments in MUC1 immunotherapy Taylor-Papadimitriou, Joyce; Burchell, Joy M; Graham, Rosalind ...
Biochemical Society transactions,
06/2018, Letnik:
46, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Currently, there is renewed interest in attempting to recruit the host immune system to eliminate cancers, and within this renewed activity, MUC1 continues to arouse interest. MUC1 has been ...considered a possible therapeutic target for the past 30 years as it is up-regulated, aberrantly glycosylated and its polarization is lost in many adenocarcinomas. Moreover, MUC1 is expressed by some haematopoietic cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and myeloma. Although multiple clinical trials have been initiated and immune responses have been documented, effective clinical benefit worthy of approval for general application has not as yet been achieved. However, this does not appear to have quelled the interest in MUC1 as a therapeutic target, as shown by the increase in the number of MUC1-based clinical trials initiated in 2017 ( Figure 1). As with all translational studies, incorporating new relevant research findings into therapeutic strategy is difficult. Decisions are made to commit to a specific strategy based on the information and data available when the trial is initiated. However, the time required for preclinical studies and early trials can render the founding concept not always appropriate for proceeding to a larger definitive trial. Here, we summarize the attempts made, to date, to bring MUC1 into the world of cancer immunotherapy and discuss how research findings regarding MUC1 structure and function together with expanded knowledge of its interactions with the tumour environment and immune effector cells could lead to improved therapeutic approaches. ppbiost;46/3/659/BST20170400CF1F1BST-2017-0400CF1Figure 1.Number of MUC1-targeted trials initiated each year.
Reports of ChAdOx1 vaccine-associated thrombocytopenia and vascular adverse events have led to some countries restricting its use. Using a national prospective cohort, we estimated associations ...between exposure to first-dose ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2 vaccination and hematological and vascular adverse events using a nested incident-matched case-control study and a confirmatory self-controlled case series (SCCS) analysis. An association was found between ChAdOx1 vaccination and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (0-27 d after vaccination; adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 5.77, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.41-13.83), with an estimated incidence of 1.13 (0.62-1.63) cases per 100,000 doses. An SCCS analysis confirmed that this was unlikely due to bias (RR = 1.98 (1.29-3.02)). There was also an increased risk for arterial thromboembolic events (aRR = 1.22, 1.12-1.34) 0-27 d after vaccination, with an SCCS RR of 0.97 (0.93-1.02). For hemorrhagic events 0-27 d after vaccination, the aRR was 1.48 (1.12-1.96), with an SCCS RR of 0.95 (0.82-1.11). A first dose of ChAdOx1 was found to be associated with small increased risks of ITP, with suggestive evidence of an increased risk of arterial thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. The attenuation of effect found in the SCCS analysis means that there is the potential for overestimation of the reported results, which might indicate the presence of some residual confounding or confounding by indication. Public health authorities should inform their jurisdictions of these relatively small increased risks associated with ChAdOx1. No positive associations were seen between BNT162b2 and thrombocytopenic, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events.
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