Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

HIGH-FREQUENCY ACCELEROMETER MONITORING OF FORAGING AND MOVEMENT BEHAVIOR IN A SECRETIVE PREDATOR (CENTRAL RAT SNAKES, PANTHEROPHIS ALLEGHENIENSIS)**

Advancements in bio-logging technology have transformed study of animals in nature. Among the many bio-loggers available, accelerometers (ACTs) are becoming increasingly common in studies of animal behavior. ACTs are small (\u3c1 g) piezo-electric (spring-like) sensors capable of measuring three-dimensional acceleration derived from subject-motion, and advanced machine learning techniques enable automated classification of distinct behavioral states from these data. While ACTs were previously utilized in the investigation of larger organisms and those most compliant to the temporary attachment of external devices, smaller dimensions have expanded the breadth of organisms amenable to these methods. The goal of this project is to expand a novel framework for ACT monitoring in snakes, a group of smaller vertebrates that have been previously absent in biologging applications. We will conduct comprehensive captive validation trials for robust machine learning model training and testing for accurate classification of key behaviors in Rat Snakes (Pantherophis allegheniensis), including full-body movement, immobility, predatory strikes, constriction, and ingestion of prey items. All classification model procedures will be conducted with open-source software specifically designed for acceleration data processing, demonstrating the increasing accessibility and feasibility of ACT studies. Following captive validation, this method will be applied to the field using a population of P. allegheniensis located in the lower Piedmont of middle Georgia to provide continuous and remote field-monitoring of activity patterns and key predatory behaviors. We envision validation of this technique carrying significant conservation and management implications. Real-time monitoring of foraging efficiency in the field facilitates improved interpretation of the causes and consequences of variation in individual behavior and performance, and its ultimate effects on population trajectories

Self-determination and stage of readiness to change physical activity behaviour in schizophrenia. Mental Health and Physical Activity

status: publishe

Empagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background The effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for disease progression are not well understood. The EMPA-KIDNEY trial was designed to assess the effects of treatment with empagliflozin in a broad range of such patients. Methods We enrolled patients with chronic kidney disease who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of at least 20 but less than 45 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) of body-surface area, or who had an eGFR of at least 45 but less than 90 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of at least 200. Patients were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin (10 mg once daily) or matching placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of progression of kidney disease (defined as end-stage kidney disease, a sustained decrease in eGFR to < 10 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), a sustained decrease in eGFR of & GE;40% from baseline, or death from renal causes) or death from cardiovascular causes. Results A total of 6609 patients underwent randomization. During a median of 2.0 years of follow-up, progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes occurred in 432 of 3304 patients (13.1%) in the empagliflozin group and in 558 of 3305 patients (16.9%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.82; P < 0.001). Results were consistent among patients with or without diabetes and across subgroups defined according to eGFR ranges. The rate of hospitalization from any cause was lower in the empagliflozin group than in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.95; P=0.003), but there were no significant between-group differences with respect to the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes (which occurred in 4.0% in the empagliflozin group and 4.6% in the placebo group) or death from any cause (in 4.5% and 5.1%, respectively). The rates of serious adverse events were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Among a wide range of patients with chronic kidney disease who were at risk for disease progression, empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes than placebo