Christine Elizabeth Cooper, Laura Leilani Hurley, Pierre Deviche, and Simon Charles Griffith

Desert birds inhabit hot, dry environments that are becoming hotter and drier as a consequence of climate change. Extreme weather such as heatwaves can cause mass-mortality events that may significantly impact populations and species. There are currently insufficient data concerning physiological plasticity to inform models of species’ response to extreme events and develop mitigation strategies. Consequently, we examine here the physiological plasticity of a small desert bird in response to hot (mean maximum ambient temperature=42.7°C) and cooler (mean maximum ambient temperature=31.4°C) periods during a single Austral summer. We measured body mass, metabolic rate, evaporative water loss, and body temperature, along with blood parameters (corticosterone, glucose, and uric acid) of wild zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata; Gould 1837) to assess their physiological state and determine the mechanisms by which they respond to heatwaves. Hot days were not significant stressors; they did not result in modification of baseline blood parameters or an inability to maintain body mass, provided drinking water was available. During heatwaves, finches shifted their thermoneutral zone to higher temperatures. They reduced metabolic heat production, evaporative water loss and wet thermal conductance, and increased hyperthermia, especially when exposed to high ambient temperature. A consideration of the significant physiological plasticity that we have demonstrated to achieve more favourable heat and water balance is essential for effectively modelling and planning for the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

Background

Experimental and observational studies have raised concerns that giving intravenous (IV) iron to patients, such as individuals receiving maintenance hemodialysis, might increase the risk of infections. The Proactive IV Iron Therapy in Haemodialysis Patients (PIVOTAL) trial randomized 2141 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for ESKD to a high-dose or a low-dose IV iron regimen, with a primary composite outcome of all-cause death, heart attack, stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Comparison of infection rates between the two groups was a prespecified secondary analysis.

The Carboniferous Bowland Shale Formation of the UK is a proven hydrocarbon source rock and currently a target for shale gas exploration. Most existing analysis details lithofacies and geochemical assessment of a small number of boreholes. Given a paucity of relevant borehole cores, surface samples provide a valuable contribution to the assessment of this unconventional gas source. This study reviews existing literature on the formation's hydrocarbon geochemistry and provides new lithological descriptions of seven lithofacies, XRD mineralogy and hydrocarbon-specific geochemical data for 32 outcrop localities within the Craven and Edale basins, respectively in the northern and southern parts of the resource area. Low oxygen indices suggest that the majority of samples are relatively unaltered (in terms of hydrocarbon geochemistry), and therefore suitable for the characterization of the shale organic character. Total organic carbon (TOC) ranges from 0.7 to 6.5 wt%, with highest values associated with maximum flooding surfaces. Mean T_max values of 447 and 441°C for the Edale and Craven basins, respectively, suggest that nearly all the samples were too immature to have generated appreciable amounts of dry gas. The oil saturation index is consistently below the >100 mg g^–1 TOC benchmark, suggesting that they are not prospective for shale oil.

Supplementary material: A table summarizing the location, geological description and age of all of the samples in this paper is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4444589

Detailed interpretation of a 3D seismic data volume reveals the detrimental effect that post-depositional tectonic deformation has had on buried Lower Carboniferous (Dinantian–Namurian) shales and its consequences for shale gas exploration in the SW part (Fylde area) of the Craven Basin in NW England. The structural styles primarily result from Devono-Carboniferous (syn-sedimentary) extension, post-rift subsidence and Variscan inversion, a renewed phase of Permo-Triassic extension, and Cenozoic uplift and basin exhumation. In contrast to the shallow dips and bedding continuity that characterizes productive shale gas plays in other basins (e.g. in the USA and Argentina), our mapping shows that the area is affected by deformation that results in the Bowland Shale Formation targets being folded and dissected into fault-bound compartments defined by SW–NE striking (Lower Carboniferous and Variscan) reverse faults and SSW–NNE to N–S striking (Permo-Triassic) normal faults. The fault networks and the misalignment between the elongate compartments they contain and the present-day minimum horizontal stress orientation limit the length over which long lateral boreholes can remain in a productive horizon, placing an important constraint on optimal well positioning, reducing the size of the shale gas resource and affecting well productivity. Our subsurface mapping using this high-fidelity dataset provides an accurate picture of the Upper Palaeozoic structure and demonstrates that faulting is denser and more complex than apparent from geological mapping of the surface outcrop. That structural complexity has direct and significant consequences for: the location of well pads; the lateral continuity of target shale gas horizons; the evaluation of the risk of inducing seismicity on seismically resolvable (large displacement) fault planes prior to drilling; and the likelihood of faults with small throws (below seismic resolution) being present.

This case study aims to identify the cubic capacity and geometry of the geological body of silt–organic sediments in the environment of a former gravel pit situated in a drainless depression of the alluvium of the Čierna voda River. It is located in the well-known geotourism locality of Slnečné Jazera in Senec, in the SW of Slovakia. To identify the body, electrical resistivity tomography was combined with the use of sonar. The research shows that this approach is appropriate for a number of activities that are subjects of engineering-geological investigations. The cubic capacity and geometry of specific aqueous engineering-geological environments must be determined in connection with the need for the management, control, quantification and extraction of selected sedimentary bodies. In addition, the management of sustainable development of reservoirs, sedimentation basins, industrial ponds, settling pits and natural pools for recreation (the subject of the case study) is important to control the limit amounts of sediments in such environments. The results of this study may be applied in analogous engineering-geological conditions. The drainless depression Slnečné Jazera contained a body of silt–organic sediments amounting to 23 000 m³ (41 Olympic-size pools of 25 m x 12.5 m x 1.8 m). The maximum thickness of the bottom sediments was about 6.3 m on the alluvium with an articulated morphology owing to the submerged digging of gravel. The proposed approach improved the control of extraction of the sedimentary body and optimized the engineering-geological conditions in this geotourism locality.

Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae at the pharyngeal, urogenital, and anorectal sites is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM). Combining the three individual-site samples into a single pooled sample could result in significant cost savings, provided there is no significant sensitivity reduction. The aim of this study was to examine the sensitivity of pooled samples for detecting chlamydia and gonorrhea in asymptomatic MSM using a nucleic acid amplification test. Asymptomatic MSM who tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea were invited to participate. Paired samples were obtained from participants prior to administration of treatment. To form the pooled sample, the anorectal swab was agitated in the urine specimen transport tube and then discarded. The pharyngeal swab and 2 ml of urine sample were then added to the tube. The difference in sensitivity between testing of pooled samples and individual-site testing was calculated against an expanded gold standard, where an individual is considered positive if either pooled-sample or individual-site testing returns a positive result. All samples were tested using the Aptima Combo 2 assay. A total of 162 MSM were enrolled in the study. Sensitivities of pooled-sample testing were 86% (94/109; 95% confidence interval [CI], 79 to 92%]) for chlamydia and 91% (73/80; 95% CI, 83 to 96%) for gonorrhea. The sensitivity reduction was significant for chlamydia (P = 0.02) but not for gonorrhea (P = 0.34). Pooling caused 22 infections (15 chlamydia and 7 gonorrhoea) to be missed, and the majority were single-site infections (19/22). Pooling urogenital and extragenital samples from asymptomatic MSM reduced the sensitivity of detection by approximately 10% for chlamydia but not for gonorrhea.

The incidence of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors before intraventricular therapy has not been described. Methods: We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of patients with primary or metastatic CNS tumors treated between 2003 and 2018 (15 y). Patients underwent ¹¹¹In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid injection into the CSF intraventricular space followed by nuclear medicine imaging at 90 min, 4 h, 24 h, and 48 h (if required). CSF flow was classified as normal, delayed, asymmetric, or obstructed. Results: In total, 278 CSF flow studies were performed on 224 patients, 202 of whom (90%) were less than 18 y old. Of these, 116 patients (52%) had metastatic CNS neuroblastoma, 57 (25%) had medulloblastoma, and 51 (23%) had other histologic types of CNS tumors. Of the 278 studies, 237 (85%) were normal, 9 (3%) required neurosurgical intervention, 25 (9%) were delayed, and 7 (3%) were asymmetric. Conclusion: Abnormal CSF flow and the necessity for neurosurgical intervention must be considered when attempting to ensure appropriate intraventricular therapy in the pediatric population.

Genetic variants are the primary driver of congenital heart disease (CHD) pathogenesis. However, our ability to identify causative variants is limited. To identify causal CHD genes that are associated with specific molecular functions, the study used prior knowledge to filter de novo variants from 2,881 probands with sporadic severe CHD. This approach enabled the authors to identify an association between left ventricular outflow tract obstruction lesions and genes associated with the WAVE2 complex and regulation of small GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Using CRISPR zebrafish knockdowns, the study confirmed that WAVE2 complex proteins brk1, nckap1, and wasf2 and the regulators of small GTPase signaling cul3a and racgap1 are critical to cardiac development.

Dalbavancin offers a possible treatment option for infectious peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to its coverage of Gram-positive bacteria and pharmacokinetic properties. We aimed to evaluate the clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of dalbavancin in a prospective, randomized, open-label, crossover PK study of adult patients with end-stage renal disease ESRD who were receiving PD. Sampling occurred prior to a single 30-min infusion of dalbavancin at 1,500 mg and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h and 7 and 14 days postadministration. Concentration-time data were analyzed via noncompartmental analysis. Pharmacodynamic parameters against common infectious peritonitis-causing pathogens were evaluated. Ten patients were enrolled. Patients were a median of 55 years old and had a median weight of 78.2 kg, 50% were female, and 70% were Caucasian. The terminal plasma half-life of dalbavancin was 181.4 ± 35.5 h. The day 0 to day 14 dalbavancin mean area under the curve (AUC) was 40,573.2 ± 9,800.3 mg·h/liter. The terminal-phase half-life of dalbavancin within the peritoneal fluid was 4.309 x 10⁸ ± 1.140 x 10⁹ h. The day 0 to day 14 dalbavancin mean peritoneal fluid AUC was 2,125.0 ± 1,794.3 mg·h/liter. The target plasma AUC/MIC was attained with the intravenous dose in all 10 patients for all Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species at the recommended MIC breakpoints. The intraperitoneal arm of the study was stopped early, because the first 3 patients experienced moderate to severe pain and bloating within 1 h following the administration of dalbavancin. Dalbavancin at 1,500 mg administered intravenously can be utilized without dose adjustment in peritoneal dialysis patients and will likely achieve the necessary peritoneal fluid concentrations to treat peritonitis caused by typical Gram-positive pathogens.

The effects of multiple-dose administration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the pharmacokinetics of morinidazole (MOR) were compared in healthy subjects. MOR exposure was similar, with an area under the curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC_0-) treatment ratio for MOR+TDF/MOR of 1.01 (90% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.06). No relevant differences were observed regarding plasma exposure of metabolites. Renal clearances of MOR and its metabolites were not affected by TDF. No unexpected safety or tolerability issues were observed.

Background:

The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD), NCI, implemented Screen to Save, NCI's Colorectal Cancer Outreach and Screening Initiative to promote awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer in racial/ethnic and rural populations.

Colorectal cancer is a growing burden in adults less than 50 years old. In 2018, the American Cancer Society published a guideline update recommending a reduction in the colorectal cancer screening start age for average-risk individuals from 50 to 45. Implementing these recommendations would have important implications for public health. However, the approximate number of people impacted by this change, the average-risk population ages 45–49, is not well-described in the literature. Here, we provide methodology to conservatively estimate the average-risk and screening-eligible population in the United States, including those who would be impacted by a lowered colorectal cancer screening start age. Using multiple data sources, we estimated the current average-risk population by subtracting individuals with symptomatic colorectal cancer, with a family history of colorectal cancer, and with inflammatory bowel disease and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer from the total population. Within this population, we estimated the number of screening-eligible individuals by subtracting those with previous colorectal cancer screening (45- to 49-year-old) or up to date with colorectal cancer screening (50- to 74-year-old). The total average-risk population is estimated between 102.1 and 106.5 million people, of whom 43.4–45.2 million people are eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Lowering the screening age would add roughly 19 million people to the average-risk population and increase the current number of screening-eligible individuals on immediate implementation by over 60% (from 27 to 44 million). Estimating the population size impacted by lowering the recommended colorectal cancer screening start age enables more accurate decision-making for policymakers and epidemiologists focused on cancer prevention.

The constantly increasing number of new real estate projects which have been implemented in the Mekong Delta region has led to the rising land price and strong fluctuation in the local property market.

[Having appointment with real estate experts #5] While buying a home is quite easy for high-income households, it is another story for the middle-class. With a wise and specific financial plan, the chances of owning a home can still lie within reach even if an average income.

Home moving is surely a hassle. Luckily, a little preparation work can mean the difference between a minor headache and an all-out life takeover.

The super-sensitive smelling ability of American grasshoppers has been used to create biological bomb sniffers, which could prove useful for security purposes

A robot can recreate the mechanism plants use to transport water to bend itself towards the sun and open its leaves like a real plant

In winter, the veins of leaves don’t get completely covered in frost. Mimicking this effect could be the best way to create ice-resistant surfaces

Always forgetting birthdays? Terrible at staying in touch? New tech promises to turn you into the best buddy ever. We put it to the test

Bamboo is a renewable material that when microwaved becomes stronger by weight than steel or concrete – which could make it ideal for constructing buildings, cars and planes

Sony has managed to best its top-of-the-line noise cancelling earbuds with a new, improved, and best of all, cheaper model.

It’s quite the spectacle, but the light show is leading people to be less than cautious about social distancing.

By Rachana Pradhan and Fred Schulte | Kaiser Health News

The Trump administration has sent hundreds of millions of dollars in pandemic-related bailouts to health care providers with checkered histories, including a Florida-based cancer center that agreed to pay a $100 million criminal penalty as part of a federal antitrust investigation.

At least half of the top 10 recipients, part of a group that received $20 billion in emergency funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, have paid millions in recent years either in criminal penalties or to settle allegations related to improper billing and other practices, a Kaiser Health News review of government records shows.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Being at home this long, or really, just in one place for this long, has led me to see how much waste I produce. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot more than I thought. But I’m not here to shame anyone, in fact, quite the opposite. I think there are plenty of small ways we can cut down our carbon footprint, from driving less (check), to not using a washing machine or dryer (also, sadly, check), but gardening is what I’ve been doing, and is something that I’d recommend everyone give a shot now that we all have a little more times on our hands.

GETTING STARTED

Composting is a natural way to recycle all of the organic materials in your house through decomposition. Compost can improve your soil’s water retention, which saves you money on your water bills, and helps keep excess garbage out of landfills, too. To get started you need two things. The first is a compost bin for your kitchen. This is great whether you want to start a compost at home or if you have a compost center you can bring them to. You want something sleek, designy, yet simple because after all, it’s really just a trash can. This is an excellent one.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

MONEY saving hacks are something which many people will look to adopt in their lives, be it for a financial milestone or for a rainy day fund. And, there may be a way in which some soon see their spare cash add up.

THE CORONAVIRUS lockdown is now causing serious damage to the UK's economy, Tory MP Steve Baker has warned - stressing he was now "gravely concerned" at the situation

A neutron star has produced gravitational waves after colliding with an unknown object – it could be the smallest black hole or biggest neutron star ever found

Mercury is mostly iron, which may be because a series of close encounters with a young Venus billions of years ago stripped away its rocky outer layers

Strange blasts from space called fast radio bursts continue to puzzle astronomers with their odd behaviour, as they seem to come from a variety of galaxies

Astrology is bunk, but a new book exploring its ancient history argues that it has crucial lessons for today's data science with its seemingly opaque algorithms

A strange supernova that’s 100 times brighter than it should be has long been a mystery, but it may be explained by the explosion slamming into a cloud of gas

Young Mars may have endured a series of huge collisions that smashed its mantle, throwing off our measurements of when it formed by up to 15 million years

The International Astronomical Union has concluded a review of satellite mega constellations such as SpaceX's Starlink satellites and found they will have a major impact on large telescopes, but not naked eye astronomy

For the first time, astronomers have spotted an exoplanet by detecting radio waves generated by interactions with its parent star

Stars like our sun formed in a dense cluster with thousands of others, during which time they may have swapped planets

NASA’s InSight lander has been on the surface of Mars for over a year now – here are five of its strangest and most fascinating discoveries from the Red Planet

The enormous black hole at the centre of the Milky Way was active millions of years ago, and its intense X-rays may have formed some molecules necessary for life