Building development and roads: implications for the distribution of stone curlews across the Brecks

Background: Substantial new housing and infrastructure development planned within England has the potential to conflict with the nature conservation interests of protected sites. The Breckland area of eastern England (the Brecks) is designated as a Special Protection Area for a number of bird species, including the stone curlew (for which it holds more than 60% of the UK total population). We explore the effect of buildings and roads on the spatial distribution of stone curlew nests across the Brecks in order to inform strategic development plans to avoid adverse effects on such European protected sites. Methodology: Using data across all years (and subsets of years) over the period 1988 – 2006 but restricted to habitat areas of arable land with suitable soils, we assessed nest density in relation to the distances to nearest settlements and to major roads. Measures of the local density of nearby buildings, roads and traffic levels were assessed using normal kernel distance-weighting functions. Quasi-Poisson generalised linear mixed models allowing for spatial auto-correlation were fitted. Results: Significantly lower densities of stone curlew nests were found at distances up to 1500m from settlements, and distances up to 1000m or more from major (trunk) roads. The best fitting models involved optimally distance-weighted variables for the extent of nearby buildings and the trunk road traffic levels. Significance : The results and predictions from this study of past data suggests there is cause for concern that future housing development and associated road infrastructure within the Breckland area could have negative impacts on the nesting stone curlew population. Given the strict legal protection afforded to the SPA the planning and conservation bodies have subsequently agreed precautionary restrictions on building development within the distances identified and used the modelling predictions to agree mitigation measures for proposed trunk road developments

Rare Variant Analysis of Human and Rodent Obesity Genes in Individuals with Severe Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Using targeted and whole-exome sequencing, we studied 32 human and 87 rodent obesity genes in 2,548 severely obese children and 1,117 controls. We identified 52 variants contributing to obesity in 2% of cases including multiple novel variants in GNAS, which were sometimes found with accelerated growth rather than short stature as described previously. Nominally significant associations were found for rare functional variants in BBS1, BBS9, GNAS, MKKS, CLOCK and ANGPTL6. The p.S284X variant in ANGPTL6 drives the association signal (rs201622589, MAF∼0.1%, odds ratio = 10.13, p-value = 0.042) and results in complete loss of secretion in cells. Further analysis including additional case-control studies and population controls (N = 260,642) did not support association of this variant with obesity (odds ratio = 2.34, p-value = 2.59 × 10 -3 ), highlighting the challenges of testing rare variant associations and the need for very large sample sizes. Further validation in cohorts with severe obesity and engineering the variants in model organisms will be needed to explore whether human variants in ANGPTL6 and other genes that lead to obesity when deleted in mice, do contribute to obesity. Such studies may yield druggable targets for weight loss therapies

Sexual Relationships in Hispanic Countries: a Literature Review

This is a pre-print of an article published in Current Sexual Health Reports. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00272-6Purpose of Review: Sexuality is a complex dimension for which culture seems to play an important role, particularly in countries that are more traditional. This review summarizes the knowledge about sexual relationships in Hispanic countries, considering sexual debut, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction. Recent Findings: In line with the literature reviewed, the sexual double standard seems to be continuing to influence sexual relationships. Some countries show more open expressions of sexuality based on the level of gender inequality or sexualized context, and within countries, variables such as religious commitment, family characteristics, and access to resources may play important roles in sexuality. Summary: Future research, policies, and interventions should consider these specific characteristics, including these forms of expression of sexuality, in the adjustment of cross-cultural and cross-national strategies

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

First record of the genus Vinalesphinctes (Ammonitina) in the Oxfordian of Mexico: Biostratigraphic and paleobiogeographic significance in the Upper Jurassic of the Americas

The genus Vinalesphinctes (Ammonitina) is reported for the first time from Mexico. The studied specimens were collected from two Oxfordian sections of the east-central Mexico, Huasteca region, Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi states. Two morphospecies have been identified, Vinalesphinctes tamanensis and Vinalesphinctes tenangensis. Mexican, Cuban and Chilean Vinalesphinctes are compared, and a late Oxfordian, Bifurcatus Chron age is interpreted for the Mexican forms. Within the context of limitations derived from the scarcity of the material available, the taxonomical differentiation proposed for Mexican Vinalesphinctes is in accordance with the ecological interpretation (i.e., envisaged habitat), and reinforces hypotheses about endemism affecting ammonites during the Chron Bifurcatus in the American regions considered However additional research is necessary before giving a conclusive interpretation about the causal factors for the ammonite scarcity during the Late Oxfordian of the Mexico-Caribbean region

Rare variant analysis of human and rodent obesity genes in individuals with severe childhood obesity

Obesity is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Using targeted and whole-exome sequencing, we studied 32 human and 87 rodent obesity genes in 2,548 severely obese children and 1,117 controls. We identified 52 variants contributing to obesity in 2% of cases including multiple novel variants in GNAS, which were sometimes found with accelerated growth rather than short stature as described previously. Nominally significant associations were found for rare functional variants in BBS1, BBS9, GNAS, MKKS, CLOCK and ANGPTL6. The p.S284X variant in ANGPTL6 drives the association signal (rs201622589, MAF~0.1%, odds ratio = 10.13, p-value = 0.042) and results in complete loss of secretion in cells. Further analysis including additional case-control studies and population controls (N = 260,642) did not support association of this variant with obesity (odds ratio = 2.34, p-value = 2.59 × 10-3), highlighting the challenges of testing rare variant associations and the need for very large sample sizes. Further validation in cohorts with severe obesity and engineering the variants in model organisms will be needed to explore whether human variants in ANGPTL6 and other genes that lead to obesity when deleted in mice, do contribute to obesity. Such studies may yield druggable targets for weight loss therapies

Tratados de artes figurativas [Recurso electrónico]

PC 486; 8 Mb de memoria RAM, recomendado 16 MB; MS-DOS 6.0 y Microsoft Windows 3.1 o superior; Espacio libre en disco local superior a 10 Mb; Monitor VGA, recomendado SVGA, resolución 800x600, 256 colores; Lector de CD-ROM local o en red.Tít. tomado de la etiquetaArce y Cacho, Celedonio Nicolás De: Conversaciones sobre la escultura: compendio historico, teorico y practico de ella... En Pamplona: Por Joseph Longas, 1786. -- Arfe y Villafañe, Juan: Qvilatador de la plata, oro, y piedras. Impresso en Valladolid: por Alonso y Diego Fernandez de Cordoua, 1572. -- Arfe y Villafañe, Juan: De varia commensvracion para la escvltvra, y Architectura. En Sevilla: En la imprenta de Andrea Pescioni y Iuan de Leon, 1585. -- Arteaga, Esteban De: Investigaciones filosoficas sobre la belleza ideal, considerada como objeto de todas las artes de imitación. En Madrid: Por don Antonio de Sancha, 1789. -- [Butrón, Juan De]: Epístola dirigida al rey solicitando protección para la Academia. [S. l.]: [s. n.], [s. d.]. -- Butrón, Juan De: Discvrsos apologeticos en qve se defiende la ingenvidad del arte de la pintvra... En Madrid: Por Luis Sánchez, 1626. -- Cabrera, Claudio Antonio De: Ivizio de artes y sciencias. En Madrid: por Iulian de Paredes, 1655. -- Carducho, Vincencio: Dialogo de la pintvra sv defensa, origen, essencia, definicion, modos y diferencias. [En Madrid]: Impresso con licencia por Francisco Martínez, 1633. -- Caveda, José: Memorias para la Historia de la Real Academia de San Fernando... [2 vol.]. Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprenta de Manuel Tello), 1867. -- Ceán Bermúdez, Juan Agustín: Diccionario historico de los mas ilustres profesores de Bellas Artes en España [6 vol.]. Madrid: Real Academia de San Fernando, 1800. -- Ceán Bermúdez, Juan Agustín: Ocios de Don Juan Agustín Cean-Bermudez sobre Bellas Artes: (hasta ahora ineditos). Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprenta de Berenguillo), 1870. -- Copia de los pareceres, y censvras de los reverendissimos padres maestros... En Madrid: Por la vivda de Alonso Martin, 1632. -- Elogios al Palacio Real del Bven Retiro. En Madrid: En la Imprenta del Reyno, 1635. -- Esquivel, Antonio María: Tratado de anatomía pictórica... Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprentra de Don Francisco Andrés y Compañía), 1848. -- Estatutos de la Real Academia de San Fernando. En Madrid: En Casa de D. Gabriel Ramírez, 1757. -- Galofre, José: El artista en Italia y demas paises de Europa... Madrid: Monier (Imprenta de L. García), 1851. -- García De La Huerta, Pedro: Comentarios de la pintura encáustica del pincel. En Madrid: En la Imprenta Real, 1795. -- Giner, Hermenegildo: Teoría del arte e historia de las artes bellas en la antigüedad. Baeza: Imp. y lib. de la Comisión general de libros, 1873. -- Giner, Hermenegildo: Filosofía y arte. Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprenta de M. Minuesa de los Ríos), 1878. -- Guevara, Felipe De: Comentarios de la pintura. Madrid: Por don Gerónimo Ortega, hijos de Ibarra y compañia, 1788. -- Gutiérrez De Los Ríos, Gaspar: Noticia general para la estimación de artes... En Madrid: Por Pedro Madrigal, 1600. -- Haes, Carlos De: De la pintura de paisaje antigua y moderna... [S. l.]: [s. n.], [s. d.]. (**) -- Interian De Ayala, Juan: El pintor christiano, y erudito, ó tratado de los errores... [2 vol.]. Madrid: Por D. Joachín Ibarra, 1782. -- Madrazo, Pedro De: Catálogo de los cuadros del Real Museo de Pintura y Escultura de S.M.Madrid: [s. n.] (Oficina deAguado, Impresor de Cámara), 1843. -- Manjarres y De Bofarull, José De: Teoría é Historia de las Bellas Artes... Barcelona: Librería de Joaquín Verdaguer, 1859. -- Martínez, Francisco: Introduccion al conocimiento de las Bellas Artes o Diccionario manual de Pintura, Escultura, Arquitectura, Grabado, etc. Madrid: Por la Viuda de Escribano, 1788. -- Martínez, Juseppe: Discursos practicables del nobilísimo arte de la pintura... Madrid: Real Academia de San Fernando, 1866. -- Mendoza, Francisco De: Manual del pintor de historia... Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprenta de T. Fontanet), 1870. -- Mengs, Antonio Rafael: Obras de D. Antonio Rafael Mengs, primer pintor de camara del rey. En Madrid: Por don Joseph Nicolas de Azara, 1780. -- Moreno De Tejada, Juan: Excelencias del pincel y del buril... Madrid: En la Imprenta de Sancha, 1804. -- Pacheco, Francisco: Arte de la pintvra, sv antigvedad y grandezas. En Sevilla: Por Simón Faxardo, impressor de libros, a la Cerrajeria, 1649. -- Palomino De Castro y Velasco, Antonio: El museo pictorico y escala optica [3 vol.]. EnMadrid: Por LucasAntonio de Bedmar, Impresor del Reyno, 1715. -- Pi y Margall, Francisco: Historia de la Pintura en España... Madrid: [s. n.] (Imprenta à cargo de Manini hermanos), 1851. -- Rejón De Silva, Diego Antonio: La Pintura: Poema didactico en tres cantos. En Segovia: Por Don Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros, 1786. -- Tebano, Parraiso: Arcadia pictórica en sueño, alegoría ó poema prosaico sobre la teórica y práctica de la pintura. Madrid: Por Don Antonio de Sancha, 1789