Tap water use amongst pregnant women in a multi-ethnic cohort

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies of disinfection by-products in drinking water and measures of adverse fetal growth have often been limited by exposure assessment lacking data on individual water use, and therefore failing to reflect individual variation in DBP exposure.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Pregnant women recruited to the Born in Bradford cohort study completed a questionnaire which covers water exposure. Information was collected on water consumption, showering, bathing and swimming. Water exposure data from a subset of 39 women of the cohort are described here.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mean total tap water intake was 1.8 l/day, and women on average spent 146 minutes per week showering and bathing. Most tap water intake occurred at home (100% for unemployed, 71.8% for employed). Differences between age groups were observed for total tap water intake overall (p = 0.02) and at home (p = 0.01), and for bottled water intake (p = 0.05). There were differences between ethnic groups for tap water intake at home (p = 0.02) and total tap water intake at work (p = 0.02). Total tap water intake at work differed by income category (p = 0.001). Duration per shower was inversely correlated with age (Spearman's correlation -0.39, p = 0.02), and differed according to employment status (p = 0.04), ethnicity (p = 0.02) and income (p = 0.02).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study provides estimates of water exposure in pregnant women in a multi-ethnic population in the north of England and suggests differences related to age, employment, income and ethnicity. The findings are valuable to inform exposure assessment in studies assessing the relationship between DBPs and adverse birth outcomes.</p

Validation of trichloroacetic acid exposure via drinking water during pregnancy using a urinary TCAA biomarker

Disinfection by-product (DBP) exposure during pregnancy may be related to reduced fetal growth, but the evidence is inconclusive and improved DBP exposure assessment is required. The authors conducted a nested exposure study on a subset (n=39) of pregnant women in the Born in Bradford cohort to assess validity of TCAA exposure assessment based on tap water sampling and self-reported water-use; water-use questionnaire validity; and use of a one-time urinary TCAA biomarker. TCAA levels in urine and home tap water supply were quantified, and water use was measured via a questionnaire and 7-day diary, at 28 weeks gestation. Diary and urine measures were repeated later in pregnancy (n=14). TCAA level in home tap water supply was not correlated with urinary TCAA (0.18, P=0.29). Cold unfiltered tap water intake at home measured by questionnaire was correlated with urinary TCAA (0.44, P=0.007), but correlation was stronger still for cold unfiltered tap water intake reported over the 3 days prior to urine sampling (0.60, P<0.001). For unemployed women TCAA ingestion at home, derived from tap water sampling and self-reported water-use, correlated strongly with urinary TCAA (0.78, P<0.001), but for employed women the correlation was weak (0.31, P=0.20). Results suggest individual tap water intake is most influential in determining TCAA exposure variability in this cohort, and that TCAA ingestion at home is a valid proxy for TCAA exposure for unemployed women but less satisfactory for employed women

Targeted mutation of barley (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan synthases reveals complex relationships between the storage and cell wall polysaccharide content

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L) grain is comparatively rich in (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan, a source of fermentable dietary fibre that protects against various human health conditions. However, low grain (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content is preferred for brewing and distilling. We took a reverse genetics approach, using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mutations in members of the Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) gene superfamily that encode known (HvCslF6 and HvCslH1) and putative (HvCslF3 and HvCslF9) (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan synthases. Resultant mutations ranged from single amino acid (aa) substitutions to frameshift mutations causing premature stop codons, and led to specific differences in grain morphology, composition and (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content. (1,3;1,4)-β-Glucan was absent in the grain of cslf6 knockout lines, whereas cslf9 knockout lines had similar (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content to wild-type (WT). However, cslf9 mutants showed changes in the abundance of other cell-wall-related monosaccharides compared with WT. Thousand grain weight (TGW), grain length, width and surface area were altered in cslf6 knockouts, and to a lesser extent TGW in cslf9 knockouts. cslf3 and cslh1 mutants had no effect on grain (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan content. Our data indicate that multiple members of the CslF/H family fulfil important functions during grain development but, with the exception of HvCslF6, do not impact the abundance of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan in mature grain.</p

Microbiomes attached to fresh perennial ryegrass are temporally resilient and adapt to changing ecological niches

Abstract Background Gut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling. Results Network analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (≤ 4 h) and secondary (≥ 4 h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.e Fibrobacteriaceae, Selemondaceae and Methanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely, Prevotellaceae had most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) and Lachnospiraceae within the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families; however, we hypothesise that they may be ‘cheating’ in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2-based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry. Conclusions In summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants. Video Abstrac

Correction to: Microbiomes attached to fresh perennial ryegrass are temporally resilient and adapt to changing ecological niches

Following the publication of the original article [1], it was noticed that the figure image of Fig. 6 should be for Fig. 3. The image for Fig. 3 should be for Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 was missing. The correct Fig. 6 have been provided below and the original article has been updated to correct Figs. 3, 5 and 6. (Figure presented.)

The Vehicle, 1962, Vol. 4

Vol. 4 Table of Contents The SearchLarry Pricepage 7 If We Should MeetPauline B. Smithpage 16 Sonnet No. 1Linda Campbellpage 17 SnowflakesPauline B. Smithpage 17 Encounter in the VoidEric Crookspage 18 symbolBen Polkpage 24 The Sound of SilenceJames Wilhelmpage 24 ColoursJean Ellen Danenbargerpage 26 vegetableBen Polkpage 27 The GiftJan Holstlawpage 29 The Tiled OvenRichard Glassonpage 30 This Lover Ever WeepsBen Polkpage 31 El DoradoPauline B. Smithpage 32 I\u27m SorryMary Jean Pitratpage 32 The WalkDavid Schwarzpage 33 The Twenty-Third ChannelBen Polkpage 34 After the PicnicLinda Campbellpage 35 SoliloquyJanice Brookspage 35 JulieMyra Edmanpage 36 Poems (1) (2)Gale Crousepage 40 Boardwalk at NightSheran Broadwaypage 41 SunsetPauline B. Smithpage 42 SummerC.E.M.page 42 It\u27s Spring AgainJanice Brookspage 43 Chinese SymbolsJean Ellen Danenbargerpage 43 Why Do You Wait?Gale Crousepage 44 seekerBen Polkpage 46 Poems (3) (4) (5)Gale Crousepage 47 Opposite AttractionsC.E.M.page 48 Illustrations for the winning short story and poemDouglas Koertgehttps://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1010/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, 1961, Vol. 3 no. 2

Vol. 3, No. 2 Table of Contents The Voting CattleLinda Kay Campbellpage 5 But For the Passage of TimeDon Shepardsonpage 14 LoveJon Woodspage 16 Infinite JourneyJames E. Martinpage 19 The Clover ChainRichard W. Blairpage 20 SnowballSusan Daughertypage 24 Sureness Is NeverDon Shepardsonpage 26 ConceptionChristine McCollpage 34 Comedy: Relief and GriefTom McPeakpage 35 The Unspoken WordChristine McCollpage 35 CharmBenjamin Polkpage 36 Screaming SpiderTom McPeakpage 39 Just Once in an Early SpringE.J.B.page 39 HummingbirdPauline B. Smithpage 40 Willow TreesPauline B. Smithpage 40 MaturityChristine McCollpage 41 The New YearLinda Campbellpage 41 The StormMary-Jean Pitratpage 42 Ebony IvoryJean Danenbargerpage 42 The Fireball MailAllen Engelbrightpage 43 ExpectationChristine McCollpage 44 CatastropheChristine McCollpage 44 SophisticationBenjamin Polkpage 45 On Playing BridgeMyrna Jo Handleypage 46 SonnetMignon Stricklandpage 48https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1009/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, 1961, Vol. 3 no. 2

Vol. 3, No. 2 Table of Contents The Voting CattleLinda Kay Campbellpage 5 But For the Passage of TimeDon Shepardsonpage 14 LoveJon Woodspage 16 Infinite JourneyJames E. Martinpage 19 The Clover ChainRichard W. Blairpage 20 SnowballSusan Daughertypage 24 Sureness Is NeverDon Shepardsonpage 26 ConceptionChristine McCollpage 34 Comedy: Relief and GriefTom McPeakpage 35 The Unspoken WordChristine McCollpage 35 CharmBenjamin Polkpage 36 Screaming SpiderTom McPeakpage 39 Just Once in an Early SpringE.J.B.page 39 HummingbirdPauline B. Smithpage 40 Willow TreesPauline B. Smithpage 40 MaturityChristine McCollpage 41 The New YearLinda Campbellpage 41 The StormMary-Jean Pitratpage 42 Ebony IvoryJean Danenbargerpage 42 The Fireball MailAllen Engelbrightpage 43 ExpectationChristine McCollpage 44 CatastropheChristine McCollpage 44 SophisticationBenjamin Polkpage 45 On Playing BridgeMyrna Jo Handleypage 46 SonnetMignon Stricklandpage 48https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1009/thumbnail.jp

Insights into the Role of a Cardiomyopathy-Causing Genetic Variant in ACTN2

Pathogenic variants in ACTN2, coding for alpha-actinin 2, are known to be rare causes of Hyper-trophic Cardiomyopathy. However, little is known about the underlying disease mechanisms. Adult heterozygous mice carrying the Actn2 p.Met228Thr variant were phenotyped by echocar-diography. For homozygous mice, viable E15.5 embryonic hearts were analysed by High Reso-lution Episcopic Microscopy and wholemount staining, complemented by unbiased proteomics, qPCR and Western blotting. Heterozygous Actn2 p.Met228Thr mice have no overt phenotype. Only mature males show molecular parameters indicative of cardiomyopathy. By contrast, the variant is embryonically lethal in the homozygous setting and E15.5 hearts show multiple morphological abnormalities. Molecular analyses, including unbiased proteomics, identified quantitative abnormalities in sarcomeric parameters, cell cycle defects and mitochondrial dys-function. The mutant alpha-actinin protein is found to be destabilised, associated with increased activity of the ubiquitin-proteosomal system. This missense variant in alpha-actinin renders the protein less stable. In response, the ubiquitin-proteosomal system is activated; a mechanism which has been implicated in cardiomyopathies previously. In parallel, lack of functional al-pha-actinin is thought to cause energetic defects through mitochondrial dysfunction. This seems, together with cell cycle defects, the likely cause of death of the embryos. The defects also have wide-ranging morphological consequences