Life post-closure: perception and use of rehabilitated mine sites by local communities

The social dimensions of resource extraction have always presented a major challenge for industries. This is particularly acute towards the end of the project lifecycle when multiple pressures align. Planning for successful mine closure is a key driver in the mine design, planning and the sequencing process. This enables the mine to be progressively rehabilitated towards a well-understood and acceptable final landform and land-use outcome. Although a significant need to better understand the social aspects of mine closure has been recognised across the industry, there is a lack of case studies that cover the long-term post-closure outcomes. Without case study material, it will not be possible to develop realistic guidance for closure practitioners considering social and community aspects. The guidance is particularly important in densely-populated regions where open pit mines frequently overlap with sensitive ecosystems and with intangible cultural values. The study investigated how people living in close proximity to open pit mines and mine rehabilitation sites perceive their neighbouring landscapes and how they use the post-mining land in their everyday lives. A total of 40 residents from two communities in a lignite-mining region in the Czech Republic were interviewed. While one community is living adjacent to a closed mine site, the other is next to an operating mine with closure planned in 20 years. The relationship between communities and the post-mining and mining sites, as well as to the mining company operating in the area were investigated. Participants identified places that they use in their everyday activities and places with various cultural and natural values and meanings. The results show that most respondents use post-closure landscapes in their leisure time activities and appreciate their high aesthetic, recreational and natural values. Place attachment, feelings of belonging, experience of positive results of mine rehabilitation, and economic benefits played a key role in the communities’ perception. The study introduced a spatially-explicit qualitative approach that can assist in maximising the beneficial use of post-mining land, in particular to evaluate the restoration success of post-mining sites

Aptamers against the β-conglutin allergen: Insights into the behavior of the shortest multimeric (intra)molecular dna gquadruplex

In previous work, a 93-mer aptamer was selected against the anaphylactic allergen, β-conglutin and truncated to an 11-mer, improving the affinity by two orders of magnitude, whilst maintaining the specificity. This 11-mer was observed to fold in a G-quadruplex, and preliminary results indicated the existence of a combination of monomeric and higher-order structures. Building on this previous work, in the current study, we aimed to elucidate a deeper understanding of the structural forms of this 11-mer and the effect of the structure on its binding ability. A battery of techniques including polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight, thermal binding analysis, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to probe the structure of both the 11-mer and the 11-mer flanked with TT- at either the 5′ or 3′ end or at both ends. The TT-tail at the 5′ end hinders stacking effects and effectively enforces the 11-mer to maintain a monomeric form. The 11-mer and the TT- derivatives of the 11-mer were also evaluated for their ability to bind its cognate target using microscale thermophoresis and surface plasmon resonance, and biolayer interferometry confirmed the nanomolar affinity of the 11-mer. All the techniques utilized confirmed that the 11-mer was found to exist in a combination of monomeric and higher-order structures, and that independent of the structural form present, nanomolar affinity was observed

The multi-risk vulnerability of global coal regions in the context of mine closure

Coal mining industries face real challenges to meet legal demands on a low carbon future. The history of coal in industrial transitions seems to come to a rapid end, accompanied by widespread boom of closing active coal mining projects. This change can result in negative ramifications for coal mining regions, involving a complex interplay of multiple risks. In this paper, we aim to analyse the complexity of environmental, social, and governance factors that can cause significant difficulties in closure of coal mining operations. We identify multi-factor risk profiles for operating mines by applying spatially explicit indicators within a proposed multi-risk framework. The indicators have not been captured by conventional market, as they tend to be more long-term oriented in the context of strategy and performance. We map eight risk categories: stability, water and climate, biodiversity, vulnerability of land uses, indigenous people, social fragility, political fragility, and regulatory environment, and analyse their effect on a global dataset of active open pit coal mines. The spatial analysis reveals that a significant proportion of the projects face accumulation of multiple risk factors. A total of 552 projects out of 916 show medium to very high-risk occurrence. In this paper, we present global risk vulnerability across the coal mining projects by indicating extent to which operators of the mines face multiple risk factors when planning for closure

Genetic, serological and biochemical characterization of Leishmania tropica from foci in northern Palestine and discovery of zymodeme MON-307

Background Many cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) have been recorded in the Jenin District based on their clinical appearance. Here, their parasites have been characterized in depth. Methods Leishmanial parasites isolated from 12 human cases of CL from the Jenin District were cultured as promastigotes, whose DNA was extracted. The ITS1 sequence and the 7SL RNA gene were analysed as was the kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) sequence. Excreted factor (EF) serotyping and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) were also applied. Results This extensive characterization identified the strains as Leishmania tropica of two very distinct sub-types that parallel the two sub-groups discerned by multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) done previously. A high degree of congruity was displayed among the results generated by the different analytical methods that had examined various cellular components and exposed intra-specific heterogeneity among the 12 strains. Three of the ten strains subjected to MLEE constituted a new zymodeme, zymodeme MON-307, and seven belonged to the known zymodeme MON-137. Ten of the 15 enzymes in the profile of zymodeme MON-307 displayed different electrophoretic mobilities compared with the enzyme profile of the zymodeme MON-137. The closest profile to that of zymodeme MON-307 was that of the zymodeme MON-76 known from Syria. Strains of the zymodeme MON-307 were EF sub-serotype A2 and those of the zymodeme MON-137 were either A9 or A9B4. The sub-serotype B4 component appears, so far, to be unique to some strains of L. tropica of zymodeme MON-137. Strains of the zymodeme MON-137 displayed a distinctive fragment of 417 bp that was absent in those of zymodeme MON-307 when their kDNA was digested with the endonuclease RsaI. kDNA-RFLP after digestion with the endonuclease MboI facilitated a further level of differentiation that partially coincided with the geographical distribution of the human cases from which the strains came. Conclusions The Palestinian strains that were assigned to different genetic groups differed in their MLEE profiles and their EF types. A new zymodeme, zymodeme MON-307 was discovered that seems to be unique to the northern part of the Palestinian West Bank. What seemed to be a straight forward classical situation of L. tropica causing anthroponotic CL in the Jenin District might be a more complex situation, owing to the presence of two separate sub-types of L. tropica that, possibly, indicates two separate transmission cycles involving two separate types of phlebotomine sand fly vector

Dysregulation of epicardial adipose tissue in cachexia due to heart failure. the role of natriuretic peptides and cardiolipin

Background: Cachexia worsens long-term prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). Effective treatment of cachexia is missing. We seek to characterize mechanisms of cachexia in adipose tissue, which could serve as novel targets for the treatment. Methods: The study was conducted in advanced HF patients (n = 52; 83% male patients) undergoing heart transplantation. Patients with ≥7.5% non-intentional body weight (BW) loss during the last 6 months were rated cachectic. Clinical characteristics and circulating markers were compared between cachectic (n = 17) and the remaining, BW-stable patients. In epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), expression of selected genes was evaluated, and a combined metabolomic/lipidomic analysis was performed to assess (i) the role of adipose tissue metabolism in the development of cachexia and (ii) potential impact of cachexia-associated changes on EAT-myocardium environment. Results: Cachectic vs. BW-stable patients had higher plasma levels of natriuretic peptide B (BNP; 2007 ± 1229 vs. 1411 ± 1272 pg/mL; P = 0.010) and lower EAT thickness (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4 mm; P = 0.010), and they were treated with ~2.5-fold lower dose of both β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE/ARB-inhibitors). The overall pattern of EAT gene expression suggested simultaneous activation of lipolysis and lipogenesis in cachexia. Lower ratio between expression levels of natriuretic peptide receptors C and A was observed in cachectic vs. BW-stable patients (0.47 vs. 1.30), supporting activation of EAT lipolysis by natriuretic peptides. Fundamental differences in metabolome/lipidome between BW-stable and cachectic patients were found. Mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin (CL), specifically the least abundant CL 70:6 species (containing C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2 acyls), was the most discriminating analyte (partial least squares discriminant analysis; variable importance in projection score = 4). Its EAT levels were higher in cachectic as compared with BW-stable patients and correlated with the degree of BW loss during the last 6 months (r = −0.94; P = 0.036). Conclusions: Our results suggest that (i) BNP signalling contributes to changes in EAT metabolism in cardiac cachexia and (ii) maintenance of stable BW and ‘healthy’ EAT-myocardium microenvironment depends on the ability to tolerate higher doses of both ACE/ARB inhibitors and β-adrenergic blockers. In line with preclinical studies, we show for the first time in humans the association of cachexia with increased adipose tissue levels of CL. Specifically, CL 70:6 could precipitate wasting of adipose tissue, and thus, it could represent a therapeutic target to ameliorate cachexia

Biopolymer-based structuring of liquid oil into soft solids and oleogels using water-continuous emulsions as templates

Physical trapping of a hydrophobic liquid oil in a matrix of water-soluble biopolymers was achieved using a facile two-step process by first formulating a surfactant-free oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by biopolymers (a protein and a polysaccharide) followed by complete removal of the water phase (by either high- or low-temperature drying of the emulsion) resulting in structured solid systems containing a high concentration of liquid oil (above 97 wt %). The microstructure of these systems was revealed by confocal and cryo-scanning electron microscopy, and the effect of biopolymer concentrations on the consistency of emulsions as well as the dried product was evaluated using a combination of small-amplitude oscillatory shear rheometry and large deformation fracture studies. The oleogel prepared by shearing the dried product showed a high gel strength as well as a certain degree of thixotropic recovery even at high temperatures. Moreover, the reversibility of the process was demonstrated by shearing the dried product in the presence of water to obtain reconstituted emulsions with rheological properties comparable to those of the fresh emulsion

The proposal of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage (Cretaceous System): Part 1.

Here in the first part of this publication we discuss the possibilities for the selection of a GSSP for the Berriasian Stage of the Cretaceous System, based on the established methods for correlation in the Tithonian/Berriasian interval. This will be followed, in the second part, by an account of the stratigraphic evidence that justifies the locality of Tré Maroua (Hautes-Alpes, SE France) as the proposed GSSP. Here we discuss the possibilities for correlation in the historical J/K boundary interval, and the evolution of thinking on the positioning of the boundary over recent generations, and in relation to research in the last ten years. The Tithonian/Berriasian boundary level is accepted as occurring within magnetosubzone M19n.2n. The detailed distribution of calpionellids has been recorded at numerous sites, tied to magnetostratigraphy, and the base of the calpionellid Alpina Zone is taken to define the base of the Berriasian Stage. This is at a level just below the distinctive reversed magnetic subzone M19n.1r (the so-called Brodno reversal). We discuss a wide range of magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data from key localities globally, in the type Berriasian areas of France and wider regions (Le Chouet, Saint Bertrand, Puerto Escaño, Rio Argos, Bosso, Brodno, Kurovice, Theodosia etc.). The characteristic datums that typify the J/K boundary interval in Tethys and its extensions are detailed, and the correlative viability of various fossil groups is discussed. The boundary level is correlated to well-known J/K sections globally, and a series of secondary markers and proxies are indicated which assist wider correlation. Particularly significant are the primary basal Berriasian marker, the base of the Alpina Subzone (marked by dominance of small Calpionella alpina, Crassicollaria parvula and Tintinopsella carpathica) and secondary markers bracketing the base of the Calpionella Zone, notably the FOs of the calcareous nannofossil species Nannoconus wintereri (just below the boundary) and the FO of Nannoconus steinmannii minor (just above). Notable proxies for the boundary are: 1) the base of the Arctoteuthis tehamaensis Zone in boreal and subboreal regions, 2) the dated base of the Alpina Subzone at 140.22 ± 0.14 Ma, which also gives a precise age estimate for the system boundary; and 3) the base of radiolarian “unitary zone” 14, which is situated just above the base of the Alpina Subzone

Loss of Nrf2 abrogates the protective effect of Keap1 down regulation in a preclinical model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) are the most common and highly mutated human malignancies, challenging identification of driver mutations and targeted therapies. Transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) orchestrates a cytoprotective inducible program, which counteracts the damaging effects of solar UV radiation, the main etiological factor in cSCC development. Downregulation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a Cullin-3/Rbx1 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor protein, which mediates the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Nrf2, has a strong protective effect in a preclinical model of cSCC. However, in addition to Nrf2, Keap1 affects ubiquitination of other proteins in the carcinogenesis process, including proteins involved in inflammation and DNA damage repair. Here, we generated Keap1(flox/flox) SKH-1 hairless mice in which Nrf2 is disrupted (Keap1(flox/flox)/Nrf2(−/−)) and subjected them chronically to solar-simulated UV radiation. We found that the incidence, multiplicity and burden of cSCC that form in Keap1(flox/flox)/Nrf2(−/−) mice are much greater than in their Keap1(flox/flox)/Nrf2(+/+) counterparts, establishing Nrf2 activation as the protection mediator. Our findings further imply that inhibition of Nrf2 globally, a strategy proposed for cancer treatment, is unlikely to be beneficial

Phagocytosis depends on TRPV2-mediated calcium influx and requires TRPV2 in lipids rafts: alteration in macrophages from patients with cystic fibrosis.

Whereas many phagocytosis steps involve ionic fluxes, the underlying ion channels remain poorly defined. As reported in mice, the calcium conducting TRPV2 channel impacts the phagocytic process. Macrophage phagocytosis is critical for defense against pathogens. In cystic fibrosis (CF), macrophages have lost their capacity to act as suppressor cells and thus play a significant role in the initiating stages leading to chronic inflammation/infection. In a previous study, we demonstrated that impaired function of CF macrophages is due to a deficient phagocytosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate TRPV2 role in the phagocytosis capacity of healthy primary human macrophage by studying its activity, its membrane localization and its recruitment in lipid rafts. In primary human macrophages, we showed that P. aeruginosa recruits TRPV2 channels at the cell surface and induced a calcium influx required for bacterial phagocytosis. We presently demonstrate that to be functional and play a role in phagocytosis, TRPV2 might require a preferential localization in lipid rafts. Furthermore, CF macrophage displays a perturbed calcium homeostasis due to a defect in TRPV2. In this context, deregulated TRPV2-signaling in CF macrophages could explain their defective phagocytosis capacity that contribute to the maintenance of chronic infection