Morphological traits as indicators of sexual dimorphism in Prairie Rattlesnakes (\u3ci\u3eCrotalus viridis\u3c/i\u3e)

As humans encroach into areas inhabited by predators, the potential of human-predator confrontations increases and the predators become regarded as dangerous pests. Predators exert a measure of population control over pest species such as small rodents, as well as limit the quantity and scope of diseases (e.g. spread of Hantavirus by these prey species). Control of these small rodent pest species can be aided by conserving and managing their predators like rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp). Management of any population requires detailed information on population composition and the ability to determine the key information (especially age and sex) for each individual quickly and with high accuracy. To determine the sex of a snake in the field, traditionally, a probe or forceful expulsion of the hemipenes are used. In the hands of a person unskilled in field herpetology, these methods can potentially be painful to the snake, as well as place the observer in unnecessary danger. The goal of this study was to develop a less invasive field method of determining sex for any life stage in Prairie Rattlesnakes (C. viridis) using morphological characteristics that are commonly collected. Snout-vent length (SVL), and absolute and relative measures of tail length (TL, TL/SVL), rattle length (RL, RL/SVL), number of subcaudal scales (SS, SS/SVL), and number of dorsal saddle patterns (DS, DS/SVL) were examined within and across life stages of a C. viridis populationnear Ulysses, Kansas, USA, collected from 2012-2015 to facilitate a safe working environment for a prairie restoration project. SVL, , RL, and DS as well ass RL/SVL and DS/SVL did not differ between sexes within and across life stages. TL,SS,TL/SVL and SS/SVL did not differ between male and female neonates and juveniles, but were, on average, larger in adult males than females. Regression tree analysis, however, indicated that TL and SS as well as TL/SVL and SS/SVL are not very reliable for sex determination of adult snakes. Yet, if used in conjunction with other reliable methods, such as palpation of the ventral area of a snake to determine gravidity, both absolute and relative measures of tail length and number of subcaudal scales are viable alternatives to the more invasive methods currently in use

Some factors influencing the proportion of periplasmic hepatitis B virus pre-S2 antigen in the recombinant yeast Hansenula polymorpha.

A central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate, for the purpose of future process optimization, the influence of pH, yeast extract and ammonium chloride concentrations on the proportion of periplasmic hepatitis B pre-S2 antigen in the recombinant yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Each factor was tested at five levels, and a second order polynomial model for the proportion of periplasmic antigen was fitted to the treatment combinations. pH showed the greatest effect: the proportion of periplasmic antigen was greatly increased at the higher pH levels. At the higher pH levels used, the proportion of periplasmic antigen was enhanced by a high concentration of ammonium chloride. Additional experiments have confirmed both the validity of the selected model and the optimal conditions found. A significant correlation was found between the proportion of periplasmic antigen and the total yield of antigen. These results indicated that it should be possible to modulate the distribution of the pre-S2 antigen between the periplasm and the cytoplasm of the yeast

Renewable energy and decarbonization in the Canadian mining industry: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Mining in Canada stands as one of the most energy-intensive sectors, playing a pivotal role as a significant provider of copper, nickel, and cobalt to the international market. Anticipated growth in the global population, coupled with the transition of several low-income economies to middle-income status, is poised to escalate the demand for essential raw materials. This surge in demand is expected to drive an increase in energy consumption across various stages of the Canadian mining industry, encompassing exploration, extraction, processing, and refining. Due to their geographical constraints, most Canadian mining operations rely heavily on fossil fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel. Considering the global shift towards decarbonization and the pursuit of net-zero emission targets, exploring avenues for adopting electrification solutions and integrating renewable energy technologies, particularly in sizable surface mines, is imperative. Within this context, our study delves into the challenges and prospects associated with infusing renewable energy technologies and embracing electrification alternatives within Canadian mining practices. This exploration encompasses a comprehensive review of pertinent literature comprising academic research, technical analyses, and data disseminated by international entities and experts. The findings underscore a prevalent trend wherein Canadian mining enterprises are prominently investing in robust electric truck fleets, particularly for heavy-duty operations. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy solutions is notably prevalent in remote sites with extended operational lifespans. However, an in-depth examination reveals that the most formidable hurdles encompass successfully integrating renewable energy sources and battery electric vehicles. Financial constraints, logistical intricacies, and the imperative to enhance research and development competencies emerge as pivotal challenges that demand strategic addressing

Structurally-informed Mutagenesis of a Stereochemically Promiscuous Aldolase Produces Mutants that Catalyse the Diastereoselective Syntheses of all Four Stereoisomers of 3-Deoxy-Hexulosonic acid

[Image: see text] A 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate aldolase from the hyperthermophile Sulfolobus solfataricus catalyzes the nonstereoselective aldol reaction of pyruvate and d-glyceraldehyde to produce 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate (d-KDGlc) and 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-galactonate (d-KDGal). Previous investigations into curing the stereochemical promiscuity of this hyperstable aldolase used high-resolution structures of the aldolase bound to d-KDGlc or d-KDGal to identify critical amino acids involved in substrate binding for mutation. This structure-guided approach enabled mutant variants to be created that could stereoselectively catalyze the aldol reaction of pyruvate and natural d-glyceraldehyde to selectively afford d-KDGlc or d-KDGal. Here we describe the creation of two further mutants of this Sulfolobus aldolase that can be used to catalyze aldol reactions between pyruvate and non-natural l-glyceraldehyde to enable the diastereoselective synthesis of l-KDGlc and l-KDGal. High-resolution crystal structures of all four variant aldolases have been determined (both unliganded and liganded), including Variant 1 with d-KDGlc, Variant 2 with pyruvate, Variant 3 with l-KDGlc, and Variant 4 with l-KDGal. These structures have enabled us to rationalize the observed changes in diastereoselectivities in these variant-catalyzed aldol reactions at a molecular level. Interestingly, the active site of Variant 4 was found to be sufficiently flexible to enable catalytically important amino acids to be replaced while still retaining sufficient enzymic activity to enable production of l-KDGal

Breastfeeding in public: “You can do it?”

On a regular basis there is an outcry about a mother who has been told to cover up or move away from a public area while she is breastfeeding. Mothers should feel free to breastfeed whenever they need to. However, the increasing market for “nursing covers” to hide the breast while feeding is evidence of changing perceptions. Discomfort with the idea of breastfeeding in public has been cited as a reason for some women choosing not to initiate breastfeeding or planning a shorter duration of breastfeeding. Other women are choosing to express and bottle-feed their expressed milk when they are in public. In many cultures today there is a conflict between the concept of breast milk being pure (like tears), and contaminated or “dirty” (like genital secretions or vomit). In these settings the female breast may be considered primarily a sexual organ, and therefore a private part of the body, which needs to be invisible in the public arena. In order to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration and to reduce health inequities breastfeeding needs to be more visible. Let’s strive together to make breastfeeding in public unremarkable

LiQD Cornea: Pro-regeneration collagen mimetics as patches and alternatives to corneal transplantation

Transplantation with donor corneas is the mainstay for treating corneal blindness, but a severe worldwide shortage necessitates the development of other treatment options. Corneal perforation from infection or inflammation is sealed with cyanoacrylate glue. However, the resulting cytotoxicity requires transplantation. LiQD Cornea is an alternative to conventional corneal transplantation and sealants. It is a cell-free, liquid hydrogel matrix for corneal regeneration, comprising short collagen-like peptides conjugated with polyethylene glycol and mixed with fibrinogen to promote adhesion within tissue defects. Gelation occurs spontaneously at body temperature within 5 min. Light exposure is not required-particularly advantageous because patients with corneal inflammation are typically photophobic. The self-assembling, fully defined, synthetic collagen analog is much less costly than human recombinant collagen and reduces the risk of immune rejection associated with xenogeneic materials. In situ gelation potentially allows for clinical application in outpatient clinics instead of operating theaters, maximizing practicality, and minimizing health care costs

Extracellular DNA release, quorum sensing, and PrrF1/F2 small RNAs are key players in Pseudomonas aeruginosa tobramycin-enhanced biofilm formation

Biofilms are structured microbial communities that are the leading cause of numerous chronic infections which are difficult to eradicate. Within the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes persistent biofilm infection that is commonly treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics such as tobramycin. However, sublethal concentrations of this aminoglycoside were previously shown to increase biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa, but the underlying adaptive mechanisms still remain elusive. Herein, we combined confocal laser scanning microscope analyses, proteomics profiling, gene expression assays and phenotypic studies to unravel P. aeruginosa potential adaptive mechanisms in response to tobramycin exposure during biofilm growth. Under this condition, we show that the modified biofilm architecture is related at least in part to increased extracellular DNA (eDNA) release, most likely as a result of biofilm cell death. Furthermore, the activity of quorum sensing (QS) systems was increased, leading to higher production of QS signaling molecules. We also demonstrate upon tobramycin exposure an increase in expression of the PrrF small regulatory RNAs, as well as expression of iron uptake systems. Remarkably, biofilm biovolumes and eDNA relative abundances in pqs and prrF mutant strains decrease in the presence of tobramycin. Overall, our findings offer experimental evidences for a potential adaptive mechanism linking PrrF sRNAs, QS signaling, biofilm cell death, eDNA release, and tobramycin-enhanced biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. These specific adaptive mechanisms should be considered to improve treatment strategies against P. aeruginosa biofilm establishment in CF patients’ lungs

High- versus low-intensity interventions for perinatal depression delivered by non-specialist primary maternal care providers in Nigeria: cluster randomised controlled trial (the EXPONATE trial)

Background: Contextually appropriate interventions delivered by primary maternal care providers might be effective in reducing the treatment gap for perinatal depression.Aim: To compare a high intensity psychological intervention with a low intensity enhanced usual care in the treatment of perinatal depression.Methods: This cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria between June 18, 2013 and December 11, 2015. Twenty-nine maternal care clinics were randomized to either high intensity (HIT, n=15) or low intensity (LIT, n=14) treatment. Pregnant women, registering for antenatal care, assessed to have DSM-IV major depression, received either enhanced usual care delivered by providers using the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme – Intervention Guide (LIT arm) or 8 weekly structured problem solving prenatal sessions delivered within a stepped care model (HIT arm). Primary outcome was recovery from depression 6 months postpartum (score < 6 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, (EPDS). Results: There were 686 participants, 452 and 234 in HIT and LIT arms, respectively, with both groups similar at baseline. Follow-up assessments, completed on 85%, showed recovery rates of 70% in the HIT arm and 66% in the LIT arm: adjusted risk difference 4% (95%CI: -4·1%, 12·0%), adjusted odds ratio 1·12 (95%CI: 0·73, 1·72). HIT was more effective among women with higher baseline EPDS scores (adjusted interaction OR 2·29, 95%CI 1·01, 5·20).Conclusions: Except among more severely depressed perinatal women, we found no strong evidence to recommend high intensity in preference to low intensity psychological intervention in routine primary maternal care

Guilt, shame, and postpartum infant feeding outcomes: A systematic review

Abstract Negative maternal affect (e.g., depression and anxiety) has been associated with shorter breastfeeding duration and poorer breastfeeding intention, initiation, and exclusivity. Other affective states, including guilt and shame, have been linked with formula feeding practice, though existing literature has yet to be synthesised. A narrative synthesis of quantitative data and a framework synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data were conducted to explore guilt and/or shame in relation to infant feeding outcomes. Searches were conducted on the DISCOVER database between December 2017 and March 2018. The search strategy was rerun in February 2020, together yielding 467 studies. The study selection process identified 20 articles, published between 1997 and 2017. Quantitative results demonstrated formula feeders experienced guilt more commonly than breastfeeding mothers. Formula feeders experienced external guilt most commonly associated with healthcare professionals, whereas breastfeeding mothers experienced guilt most commonly associated with peers and family. No quantitative literature examined shame in relation to infant feeding outcomes, warranting future research. The framework synthesis generated four distinct themes which explored guilt and/or shame in relation to infant feeding outcomes: ‘underprepared and ineffectively supported’, ‘morality and perceived judgement’ (breastfeeding), ‘frustration with infant feeding care’ and ‘failures, fears and forbidden practice’ (formula feeding). Both guilt and shame were associated with self‐perception as a bad mother and poorer maternal mental health. Guilt and shame experiences were qualitatively different in terms of sources and outcomes, dependent on infant feeding method. Suggestions for tailored care to minimise guilt and shame, while supporting breastfeeding, are provided