Shell we cook it? An experimental approach to the microarchaeological record of shellfish roasting

In this paper, we investigate the microarchaeological traces and archaeological visibility of shellfish cooking activities through a series of experimental procedures with direct roasting using wood-fueled fires and controlled heating in a muffle furnace. An interdisciplinary geoarchacological approach, combining micromorphology, FTIR (in transmission and ATR collection modes), TGA and XRD, was used to establish a baseline on the mineralogical transformation of heated shells from aragonite to calcite and diagnostic sedimentary traces produced by roasting fire features. Our experimental design focused on three main types of roasting procedures: the construction of shallow depressions with heated rocks (pebble cuvette experiments), placing shellfish on top of hot embers and ashes (fire below experiment), and by kindling short-lived fires on top of shellfish (fire above experiments). Our results suggest that similar shellfish roasting procedures will largely create microstratigraphic signatures of anthropogenically reworked combusted material spatially "disconnected" from the actual combustion locus. The construction of shallow earth ovens might entail an increased archaeological visibility, and some diagnostic signatures of in situ hearths can be obtained by fire below roasting activities. We also show that macroscopic visual modifications and mineralogical characterization of discarded shellfish might be indicative of specific cooking activities versus secondary burning.Max Planck Societyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The peroxisome: still a mysterious organelle

More than half a century of research on peroxisomes has revealed unique features of this ubiquitous subcellular organelle, which have often been in disagreement with existing dogmas in cell biology. About 50 peroxisomal enzymes have so far been identified, which contribute to several crucial metabolic processes such as β-oxidation of fatty acids, biosynthesis of ether phospholipids and metabolism of reactive oxygen species, and render peroxisomes indispensable for human health and development. It became obvious that peroxisomes are highly dynamic organelles that rapidly assemble, multiply and degrade in response to metabolic needs. However, many aspects of peroxisome biology are still mysterious. This review addresses recent exciting discoveries on the biogenesis, formation and degradation of peroxisomes, on peroxisomal dynamics and division, as well as on the interaction and cross talk of peroxisomes with other subcellular compartments. Furthermore, recent advances on the role of peroxisomes in medicine and in the identification of novel peroxisomal proteins are discussed

Thermal and Sedimentation Stress Are Unlikely Causes of Brown Spot Syndrome in the Coral Reef Sponge, Ianthella basta

Background: Marine diseases are being increasingly linked to anthropogenic factors including global and local stressors. On the Great Barrier Reef, up to 66% of the Ianthella basta population was recently found to be afflicted by a syndrome characterized by brown spot lesions and necrotic tissue.\ud \ud Methodology/Principal Findings: Manipulative experiments were undertaken to ascertain the role of environmental stressors in this syndrome. Specifically, the effects of elevated temperature and sedimentation on sponge health and symbiont stability in I. basta were examined. Neither elevated temperature nor increased sedimentation were responsible for the brown spot lesions, but sponges exposed to 32°C developed substantial discoloration and deterioration of their tissues, resulting in death after eight days and a higher microbial diversity in those samples. No shifts in the microbial community of I. basta were observed across a latitudinal gradient or with increased sedimentation, with three previously described symbionts dominating the community of all sponges (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Thaumarchaea).\ud \ud Conclusions/Significance: Results from this study highlight the stable microbial community of I. basta and indicate that thermal and sedimentation stress are not responsible for the brown spot lesions currently affecting this abundant and ecologically important sponge species

Adipocyte extracellular matrix composition, dynamics and role in obesity

The central role of the adipose tissue in lipid metabolism places specific demands on the cell structure of adipocytes. The protein composition and dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is of crucial importance for the functioning of those cells. Adipogenesis is a bi-phasic process in which the ECM develops from a fibrillar to a laminar structure as cells move from the commitment phase to the growth phase characterized by storage of vast amounts of triglycerides. Mature adipocytes appear to spend a lot of energy on the maintenance of the ECM. ECM remodeling is mediated by a balanced complement of constructive and destructive enzymes together with their enhancers and inhibitors. ECM remodeling is an energy costing process regulated by insulin, by the energy metabolism, and by mechanical forces. In the obese, overgrowth of adipocytes may lead to instability of the ECM, possibly mediated by hypoxia

Atmospheric chemistry: First results from the Solar Mesosphere Explorer

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Evidence-informed implementation of nurse prescribing under supervision: An integrative review.

AIM: To explore evidence reporting facilitators and barriers to implementation of nurse prescribing and provide practical recommendations for evidence-informed implementation and adoption of nurse prescribing under a supervision model. BACKGROUND: As demand for access to quality health care services increases, health professional roles are expanding to meet population needs. Nurse prescribing has been effective in some countries and is being considered globally to address growing health care demand. Successful implementation of health service models requires careful planning and consideration. No existing reviews have examined implementation factors in the literature. DESIGN: Integrative review. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 15 April 2020. REVIEW METHODS: This integrative review is guided by Whittemore and Knafl and adheres to PRISMA reporting guidelines. The sustainability of innovation framework was used to synthesize data concerning implementation and sustainability factors (i.e. innovation, organizational, political, workforce and financial) for nurse prescribing. RESULTS: A total of 39 articles were reviewed with literature predominantly reporting findings related to non-medical and nurse prescribing under various models. Variable evidence was found to inform nurse prescribing across five implementation and sustainability factors identifying several areas that require in-depth consideration. Very little evidence is available on nurse prescribing under supervision. CONCLUSION: Introduction of service reform is often costly. This review highlights gaps in the literature and raises areas for consideration prior to implementation of this new service delivery model. The introduction of nurse prescribing must be planned and informed by available evidence to support effective adoption, practice and patient outcomes. IMPACT: There are significant gaps in evidence related to nurse prescribing under a supervision model. Based on the evidence synthesized in this review, this paper provides practical recommendations for health service providers, managers, clinicians, educators and researchers to support implementation and adoption of nurse prescribing

What workforce preparation is required for successful implementation of nurse prescribing under supervision?

Background: Nurse prescribing is proposed globally in a variety of models in an attempt to meet health needs of the growing population. Providing appropriate preparation, knowledge, and supported skill development commensurate with this expanded scope has been identified as a key component to the successful adoption of this practice change. Aim: To explore nurses’ preferences for the educational preparation and support required to maximise uptake of expanding nursing practice to include prescribing according to a supervised model. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey, tested for face and content validity, was distributed to registered general nurses across Australia excluding nurse practitioners, enrolled nurses, and student nurses between March and July 2021. Quantitative data relating to demographics, nursing experience, and educational requirements to become a prescriber were analysed descriptively. Pearson χ2 tests were used to examine associations between participant demographics and preferences for education. Binary logistic regression was used to further examine whether demographic factors were significant predictors of educational preferences. Open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis techniques. Findings: There were 4,424 surveys completed by nurses from all jurisdictions. More than half of (n=2,907,65.7%) respondents considered that education should be delivered by health services in conjunction with universities using a blended approach with workplace integrated practice. Respondent's desire authorised prescriber support and a multidisciplinary approach for successful adoption. The most frequently reported (n=3,523, 79.6%) factor influencing the desire to undertake a specific program was course accreditation at a national level and contribution to a formal qualification. χ2 tests showed significant associations between participants characteristics and educational preparation factors; however, logistic regression showed a similar trend for all educational preparation items with no significant effect of age group, qualification, years of experience or state groups. Discussion: Implementation of an expanded scope of practice to include prescribing under the supervision of an authorised prescriber requires a nursing workforce prepared to undertake further education and authorised prescriber's support. Nurses seek a rigorous national educational program delivered in collaboration with colleagues. Conclusion: Health services planning to expand nursing practice to include prescribing should consider issues raised in this study. The findings highlight areas for future research and actions to optimise uptake of this new nursing role

Effect of fast thermal annealing on the optical spectroscopy in MBE- and CBE-grown GaInNAs/GaAs QWs: blue shift versus red shift

An investigation is presented of thermal annealing effects on spectral photoconductivity and photoluminescence in sequentially grown GaInNAs/GaAs and GaInAs/GaAs quantum well structures. Experiments have been carded out at temperatures between 30 K and 300 K. The results indicate that thermal annealing improves the optical quality of GaInNAs, but may cause either a blue shift, as commonly observed by other groups, or a red shift depending on the growth technique. The anneal-induced blue-shift behaviour can be explained in terms of two competing mechanisms involving the redistribution of nearest-neighbour configuration and the change of quantum well profile. The red shift is explained in terms of hydrogen-induced chemical effects. © IEE, 2004