Large-scale association analyses identify host factors influencing human gut microbiome composition

To study the effect of host genetics on gut microbiome composition, the MiBioGen consortium curated and analyzed genome-wide genotypes and 16S fecal microbiome data from 18,340 individuals (24 cohorts). Microbial composition showed high variability across cohorts: only 9 of 410 genera were detected in more than 95% of samples. A genome-wide association study of host genetic variation regarding microbial taxa identified 31 loci affecting the microbiome at a genome-wide significant (P <5 x 10(-8)) threshold. One locus, the lactase (LCT) gene locus, reached study-wide significance (genome-wide association study signal: P = 1.28 x 10(-20)), and it showed an age-dependent association with Bifidobacterium abundance. Other associations were suggestive (1.95 x 10(-10) <P <5 x 10(-8)) but enriched for taxa showing high heritability and for genes expressed in the intestine and brain. A phenome-wide association study and Mendelian randomization identified enrichment of microbiome trait loci in the metabolic, nutrition and environment domains and suggested the microbiome might have causal effects in ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis

Building Information Modelling (BIM) : a summary of some UK experiences as guide to adoption in Nigeria

Building information modelling (BIM) is a term that has been echoed around the world by researchers and practitioners alike. This is a new methodology (essentially electronic capture and focussed, timely distribution of relevant data) of project delivery that improves efficiency and quality of work. Although the word 'building' is used, BIM is equally applicable to civil engineering, utilities and infrastructure projects. Also, the word 'modelling' applies to the broad spectrum of process application not simply models produced by 3d software packages. The most important element in BIM is the 'information' and its beneficial capture and repeat usage. Every sector of the world economy is just looking for ways to produce more with fewer resources or making best use of the resources available. This paradigm shift has brought about the adoption of BIM in the construction industry. This paper will define BIM in simple terms; highlight its benefits and barriers; rationalise its workability, maturity levels and general ideas that it is based upon. The paper will also articulate some actual experiences from the UK at both the government and organisational level and the challenges overcome and some benefits achieved. Just like any other technology or methodology, BIM relies on collaboration for its successful implementation. This collaboration will create an avenue for construction teams to produce and make use of consistent unambiguous information, which will improve the overall efficiency in project delivery. For many people the question still remains. Will this be a solution to the all the problems in the industry? Or will it only solve particular problems? Just like every technology using it correctly will definitely yield benefits. Governments in many countries have recognised the usefulness of BIM and have intervened to make its implementation possible. As a developing country, Nigeria should not be far from making such efforts. There is need for construction industry to take proactive steps to overcome its problems. BIM implementation may not be a panacea to all the problems in the construction industry but it will surely make it better. Construction professionals may look at this idea with scepticism echoed, although it is now being overcome in countries adopting BIM. The earlier they realise that BIM will be the future of the industry the better