The brachyopoid Hadrokkosaurus bradyi from the early Middle Triassic of Arizona, and a phylogenetic analysis of lower jaw characters in temnospondyl amphibians

The holotype of the brachyopoid temnospondyl Hadrokkosaurus bradyi, represented by a right lower jaw ramus, is re−ex− amined based upon new data and revision of various morphological features. Additional fragmentary jaw material re− ferred to this species is briefly described. Prominent features are a large postsymphyseal foramen that is anteriorly open, and prearticular and surangular buttresses for support of the articular. Brachyopoid characters include a long and robust postglenoid area formed by surangular and prearticular, anterior and posterior keels on at least some marginal dentary teeth, and subtriangular outline of the adductor fossa in dorsal view. Five features of the holotype ramus, long thought to be at odds with its brachyopoid or temnospondyl nature, are critically re−evaluated. A phylogenetic analysis of lower jaw characters in temnospondyls retrieves most of the clades found in more comprehensive data sets, but the statistical node support is low. Brachyopoids are monophyletic, with Hadrokkosaurus emerging as their most basal taxon

Technical innovation changes standard radiographic protocols in veterinary medicine: is it necessary to obtain two dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique views of the equine foot when using computerised radiography systems?

Since the 1950s, veterinary practitioners have included two separate dorsoproximal–palmarodistal oblique (DPr–PaDiO) radiographs as part of a standard series of the equine foot. One image is obtained to visualise the distal phalanx and the other to visualise the navicular bone. However, rapid development of computed radiography and digital radiography and their post-processing capabilities could mean that this practice is no longer required. The aim of this study was to determine differences in perceived image quality between DPr–PaDiO radiographs that were acquired with a computerised radiography system with exposures, centring and collimation recommended for the navicular bone versus images acquired for the distal phalanx but were subsequently manipulated post-acquisition to highlight the navicular bone. Thirty images were presented to four clinicians for quality assessment and graded using a 1–3 scale (1=textbook quality, 2=diagnostic quality, 3=non-diagnostic image). No significant difference in diagnostic quality was found between the original navicular bone images and the manipulated distal phalanx images. This finding suggests that a single DPr–PaDiO image of the distal phalanx is sufficient for an equine foot radiographic series, with appropriate post-processing and manipulation. This change in protocol will result in reduced radiographic study time and decreased patient/personnel radiation exposure

Adaptation processes that build CRISPR immunity: creative destruction, updated

Prokaryotes can defend themselves against invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs) by acquiring immune memory against them. The memory is a DNA database located at specific chromosomal sites called CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) that store fragments of MGE DNA. These are utilised to target and destroy returning MGEs, preventing re-infection. The effectiveness of CRISPR-based immune defence depends on ‘adaptation’ reactions that capture and integrate MGE DNA fragments into CRISPRs. This provides the means for immunity to be delivered against MGEs in ‘interference’ reactions. Adaptation and interference are catalysed by Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins, aided by enzymes well known for other roles in cells. We survey the molecular biology of CRISPR adaptation, highlighting entirely new developments that may help us to understand how MGE DNA is captured. We focus on processes in Escherichia coli, punctuated with reference to other prokaryotes that illustrate how common requirements for adaptation, DNA capture and integration, can be achieved in different ways. We also comment on how CRISPR adaptation enzymes, and their antecedents, can be utilised for biotechnology

Relating to the end of life through advance care planning:Expectations and experiences of people with dementia and their family caregivers

Global Challenges (FSW

The Christian Sportsperson: An Introduction

Introduction to the Special Edition of the Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure and Sport Studies dedicated to scholarship generated from papers presented at the the Second Global Congress on Sport and Christianity, October 23-27, 2019, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Earth matter density uncertainty in atmospheric neutrino oscillations

That muon neutrinos $\nu_{\mu}$ oscillating into the mixture of tau neutrinos $\nu_{\tau}$ and sterile neutrinos $\nu_{s}$ has been studied to explain the atmospheric $\nu_{\mu}$ disappearance. In this scenario, the effect of Earth matter is a key to determine the fraction of $\nu_{s}$. Considering that the Earth matter density has uncertainty and this uncertainty has significant effects in some neutrino oscillation cases, such as the CP violation in very long baseline neutrino oscillations and the day-night asymmetry for solar neutrinos, we study the effects caused by this uncertainty in the above atmospheric $\nu_{\mu}$ oscillation scenario. We find that this uncertainty seems to have no significant effects and that the previous fitting results need not to be modified fortunately.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Estrogen Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha During Dr+ Escherichia Coli Uropathogenesis

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of estrogen in modulating TNF-α responses during Dr+ E.coli infection in mIMCD-3 cells. E2 and ER antagonist ICI-182780 pre-treated mIMCD-3 cells were infected with Dr+ E.coli for 2 and 8 hours. TNF-α and DAF expression at mRNA levels were determined by quantitative Real-time RT-PCR and secreted protein quantified by ELISA. E2 modulated TNF-α mRNA levels at both time points in Dr+ E.coli infected mIMCD-3 cells. ICI-182, 780 and E2 co-treatment of cells reversed the observed E2 effects on TNF-α mRNA. TNF-α mRNA increase in DR+ E.coli infected cells also coincided with down-regulation of DAF mRNA. Significant reversal of DAF mRNA levels was induced by co-treatment of the cells with E2 and ICI. Thus, E2 mediates protective effects against Dr+ E.coli invasion in mIMCD-3 cells by modulating TNF-α and DAF production.Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolog

Practice Patterns Of Clinicians: Assessment Of Malnutrition In Ckd Dialysis And Interventions

With limited information on the practice patterns regarding clinician identification of malnutrition and the use of nutritional interventions in malnourished CKD-5 dialysis patients, a market research survey was conducted by NKF sponsored by Pentec Health to evaluate this amongst renal clinicians. For dialysis patients, results for the top four assessment markers were: decreased appetite; albumin level; decrease in dry weight, quality of life. Most commonly recommended oral supplements (OS) were nutritionally complete renal, diabetic and standard products with most common barriers: out of pocket cost; patient resistance; and reimbursement issues. Nutrition support and food during dialysis responses for outpatients in table below:Nutrition Intervention% of clinicians who would recommendBarriers to Use (Top 3 )Tube Feeding28.0 %Not available at unit; patient resistance; family resistanceIntradialytic Parenteral Nutrition (IDPN)48.7 %Reimbursement ; not available at unit; MD resistanceIntraperitoneal Nutrition (IPN)22.0 %Not available at unit; reimbursement; MD resistanceTotal Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)16.9 %Not available at unit; reimbursement, MD resistanceFood During Hemodialysis83.3 % OS 63.3% FoodDrop in blood pressure, risk of aspiration; hygieneFindings: A clinician gap seems to exist around nutrition support interventions in CKD-5 dialysis patients. Meal provision during dialysis could be expanded. These interventions may improve the nutritional status of dialysis patients