Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL)3 regulates plasma lipids by inhibiting LPL and endothelial lipase (EL). ANGPTL3 inactivation lowers LDL-C independently of the classical LDLR-mediated pathway and represents a promising therapeutic approach for individuals with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia due to LDLR mutations. Yet, how ANGPTL3 regulates LDL-C levels is unknown. Here, we demonstrate in hyperlipidemic humans and mice that ANGPTL3 controls VLDL catabolism upstream of LDL. Using kinetic, lipidomic, and biophysical studies, we show that ANGPTL3 inhibition reduces VLDL-lipid content and size, generating remnant particles that are efficiently removed from the circulation. This suggests that ANGPTL3 inhibition lowers LDL-C by limiting LDL particle production. Mechanistically, we discovered that EL is a key mediator of ANGPTL3’s novel pathway. Our experiments revealed that, although dispensable in the presence of LDLR, EL-mediated processing of VLDL becomes critical for LDLR-independent particle clearance. In the absence of EL and LDLR, ANGPTL3 inhibition perturbed VLDL catabolism, promoted accumulation of atypical remnants, and failed to reduce LDL-C. Taken together, we uncover ANGPTL3 at the helm of a novel EL-dependent pathway that lowers LDL-C in the absence of LDLR.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a key player for innate immunity activation. It is therefore a prime target for sepsis treatment, as antibiotics are not sufficient to improve outcome during septic shock. An extracorporeal removal method by polymyxin (PMX) B direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) is used in Japan, but recent trials failed to show a significant lowering of circulating LPS levels after PMX-DHP therapy. PMX-DHP has a direct effect on LPS molecules. However, LPS is not present in a free form in the circulation, as it is mainly carried by lipoproteins, including LDLs. Lipoproteins are critical for physiological LPS clearance, as LPSs are carried by LDLs to the liver for elimination. We hypothesized that LDL apheresis could be an alternate method for LPS removal. First, we demonstrated in vitro that LDL apheresis microbeads are almost as efficient as PMX beads to reduce LPS concentration in LPS-spiked human plasma, whereas it is not active in PBS. We found that PMX was also adsorbing lipoproteins, although less specifically. Then, we found that endogenous LPS of patients treated by LDL apheresis for familial hypercholesterolemia is also removed during their LDL apheresis sessions, with both electrostatic-based devices and filtration devices. Finally, LPS circulating in the plasma of septic shock and severe sepsis patients with gram-negative bacteremia was also removed in vitro by LDL adsorption. Overall, these results underline the importance of lipoproteins for LPS clearance, making them a prime target to study and treat endotoxemia-related conditions.

Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade in Africa: Economic Incentives and Approaches Research paper sysadmin 5 October 2018

Combating illegal wildlife trade and further pursuing conservation-development models could help generate considerable economic benefits for African countries, while ensuring the long-term preservation of Africa’s wealth of natural capital.

Summary

• The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) significantly impacts African economies by destroying and corroding natural, human and social capital stocks. This hinders the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has an impact on national budgets. Illicit financial flows from IWT deny revenue to governments where legal wildlife product trade exists and perpetuate cash externalization. IWT diverts national budgets away from social or development programmes, increases insecurity and threatens vulnerable populations.
• In expanding wildlife economies and pursuing conservation-driven development models, governments can protect their citizens, derive revenue from wildlife products, and establish world class tourism offerings. The illegal exploitation of wildlife is often due to a failure to enforce rights over those resources, where rights are unclearly defined or not fully exercised. Southern African countries have defined these rights in various ways, contributing to regional differences in conservation practices and the socio-economic benefits derived from wildlife resources. Combating IWT is an important step towards allowing legitimate business and communities to develop livelihoods that incentivize stewardship and connect people to conservation.
• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has several framework policies for the establishment of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs). These promote local stewardship across multiple land-use areas to conserve biodiversity and increase the welfare and socioeconomic development of rural communities. Private-sector partnerships also increase skills transfer, improve access to investment finance, and expand economic opportunities, including through the promotion of local procurement. The economic benefits of TFCAs extend beyond tourism.
• The economic value of African ecosystems is often under-recognized because they remain unquantified, partly due to the lack of available data on the broader economic costs of IWT. Improved monitoring and evaluation with key performance indicators would help governments and citizens to appreciate the economic value of combating IWT.

Animal behavior expert Philip Johns introduces us to the vibrant urban environments of Singapore, where city dwellers and skyscrapers coexist with a rich array of other species, including otters, hornbills and lizards — prompting the question: Can we design cities to be wildlife refuges?

When wildfires rage in California, incarcerated people are often on the front lines fighting the flames. TED Fellow Royal Ramey was one of them. He shares the story of how doing public service in prison inspired him to cofound the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated people become wildland firefighters — and find purpose along the way.

A new book reveals striking images from six decades of the beloved Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

Breathtaking shots shine a light on the wonders of wildlife and the threats that human activities pose to the natural world

Researchers trained African giant pouched rats to detect commonly smuggled items, including rhino horns and elephant tusks

Introduced in 1934, the federal duck stamp contest has raised more than $1.2 billion and protected at least 6.5 million acres across the nation. Now, an art exhibition at Connecticut’s Bruce Museum honors the competition’s history

The 1951 artwork, "La Grande Dame (The Cat Woman)," stands over six feet tall and features paintings of "hybrid creatures and lush dreamscapes"

The union for wildland firefighters says a recently passed Ontario bill that makes them eligible for presumptive cancer care under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board doesn't go far enough.

Wildland firefighters were at Queen’s Park on Wednesday to outline why they feel a new bill that extends protections for cancers, heart injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder linked to their occupation falls short.

Drivers are being warned to use caution on Saskatchewan's highways after five separate collisions involving moose were reported to RCMP in a 30-minute window on Friday evening.

Recently, the Wildlife Technology Program at Penn State DuBois earned reaccreditation with the North American Wildlife Technology Association for five years.

DNREC and DDA have determined that trail cameras for recreational use are no longer to be permitted on state wildlife areas, state parks, or state forests.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to execute a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in February or March. This prescribed burn will help manage nearly 30 acres of meadowland near the park’s nature center.

Wildlife watchers in Delaware this time of year are apt to happen upon young animals, particularly deer fawns, that appear to have been left alone, even abandoned in their natural environment – and “So tiny, so helpless…so cute!”, they look very much like they need rescuing by a kind public hand or two. Almost always, that’s not the case – rather, these young’uns are waiting for a parent’s return from foraging or from a nearby vantage of keeping a close eye on them. Thus, DNREC's reminder: If you find them alone, leave them alone.

Cadence is super excited to announce SPB 23.1 release —Your freedom to design boldly!  

These tools help engineers build better PCBs faster with the new 3D engine and optimized interface.  

We have been hard at work to bring you this release and believe that it will help you take control of the PCB design process with the powerful new features in Allegro X APD like: 

• Packaging Support in 3DX Canvas 

• 3DX Wire DRCs 

• Aligning Components by Offset 

• Text Wizard Enhancements 

• Device File Reuse for Existing Components for Netlist and Logic Import 

Watch this space to know all about What’s New in SPB 23.1.  

Regards 

Team PCBTech 

Cadence Design System 

For individuals, small businesses, or teams, START YOUR FREE TRIAL. 

Up to 100,000 extraordinary species, from spiders and beetles to salamanders and fish, live in subterranean caves and cracks. They aren’t as safe down there as we thought

African giant pouched rats proved adept at detecting four commonly trafficked products derived from endangered species including rhino horn and elephant ivory

An army of tadpoles and a stretching lynx are just some of the incredible photos winning accolades at the annual competition

Up to 100,000 extraordinary species, from spiders and beetles to salamanders and fish, live in subterranean caves and cracks. They aren’t as safe down there as we thought

Humans perfected how to identify wild animals over millennia, and now biologists are rediscovering the exceptional worth of the tracks and marks left behind

A Kenora, Ont., resident says she wants to see more resources for people who encounter sick or injured animals after seeing a deer in her yard with a tomato cage stuck on its head. Here's how the community has responded to the incident, and what we know about the deer's status.

Born on May 28, 2015, Obi was the first of Zoo Knoxville�s gorilla babies. She�s a natural gymnast who loves to climb. Obi�s name means �heart.� Ubuntu arrived on June 2, 2015. He's all boy and particularly enjoys pestering his half-sister Obi.

Just butts and weenies as far as the eye can see

A new association between early-onset Alzheimer's disease and increased LDL cholesterol levels has been identified by Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Emory University researchers.

70% of individuals who have experienced medlinkheart attacks/medlink and medlinkstrokes/medlink are not aware that medlinkLDL cholesterol/medlink

People in the general population or those with low risk should keep LDL (low-density lipoprotein) medlinkcholesterol/medlink, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, below 100 mg/dL.

1. Mr. Devansh Mohta, learned Counsel assisted by Mr. Vikram Rajkhowa, learned Counsel is present on behalf of the Applicant in Miscellaneous Application No.31/2023/EZ.

2. Arguments could not be concluded today.

1

3. On the request of the Counsel for the parties, put up this matter for further hearing on 25.11.2024.

4. List on 25.11.2024 for further hearing.

..................................... B. Amit Sthalekar, JM ............................................. Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, EM November 11, 2024, Original Application No.44/2020/EZ With Miscellaneous Application No.31/2023/EZ In Original Application No.43/2020/EZ SKB

The 'preliminary report' dated 24.07.2020 filed by the Expert Committee constituted by this Tribunal vide order dated 24.06.2020 is taken on record. On the request of learned Counsel appearing for the parties, adjourned to 06.08.2020. Liberty to file further submission, if any, before the next date.

Adarsh Kumar Goel, CP S. P. Wangdi, JM Dr. Nagin Nanda, EM July 29, 2020 Original Application No. 43/2020(EZ) & Original Application No. 44/2020(EZ) DV

1.1 We have heard learned Counsel for the parties. Hearing concluded. Order reserved. The order will be uploaded on the website, after due consideration, on or before 19.02.2021.

Adarsh Kumar Goel, CP S.K. Singh, JM Dr. Nagin Nanda, EM February 15, 2021 Original Application No. 43/2020(EZ) with connected matters DV

1. Case taken up by video conference on Vidyo App.

2. These cases are taken up together as identical questions have been raised. The Applicant in O.A. No. 43/2020/EZ, an environmentalist, who has preferred the application alleging failure of the Respondent Authorities in preventing the blowout of Baghjan 5 oil well of the Respondent No. 1, M/s. Oil India Ltd. (OIL in short), resulting in a massive fire causing irreparable loss to the entire biodiversity of the region and loss of lives and property.

3. It is stated that on 27.05.2020 at around 10:30 AM the producing well of Baghjan 5 under the Baghjan Oilfield of OIL in Tinsukia District, Assam, released natural gas in an uncontrolled manner. Baghjan is one of the 23 oil wells set up by OIL to tap the large gas reserves in the Brahmaputra basin located near the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The released gas is stated to be a mix of propane, methane, propylene and other gases that flow with the wind the condensate of which mostly falls on the bamboo groves, tea gardens, banana trees and betel nut trees in the area and also spread into the Dibru- Saikhowa National Park which, according to the Applicant, records over 40 mammals, 500 species of birds, 104 fish species, 105 butterfly species and 680 types of plants, including a wide variety of rare orchids. It harbours the tiger, elephant, wild buffalo, leopard, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, slow loris, Gangetic dolphin, besides critically endangered bird species such as the Bengal Florican, White Winged Duck, Greater Adjutant stork, White rumped vulture, slender billed vulture as well as the rare and endemic Black-breasted parrotbill.

1. This order is being passed in continuation of orders dated 24.06.2020 and 02.07.2020 dealing with the issue of providing remedies to the victims and for restoration of environment as a result of incident of oil blowout on 27.05.2020 and other consequential events that followed at Baghjan in Tinsukia District of Assam.

2. The Tribunal noted the case of the applicant that as a result of blowout on 27.5.2020, the Baghjan Oil well set up by the Oil India Limited (OIL) released propane, methane, propylene and other gases causing damage to bamboo groves, tea gardens, banana trees and betel nut trees in the area and also spread into the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park which, according to the Applicant, records over 40 mammals, 500 species of birds, 104 fish species, 105 butterfly species and 680 types of plants including a wide variety of rare orchids. The area harbours tiger, elephant, wild buffalo, leopard, hoolock gibbon, capped langur, slow loris, Gangetic dolphin, besides critically endangered bird species such as the Bengal Florican, White Winged Duck, Greater Adjutant stork, White rumped vulture, slender billed vulture as well as the rare and endemic Black-breasted parrotbill. The oil also spilled into the Dibru river causing a film of oil in the river that passes through the Maguri- Motapung wetlands, an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and along the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The Maguri-Motapung Wetland, located less than 10 km from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, is a part of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (DSBR) and hosts some of the most vulnerable species of birds such as Swamp Francolin, Marsh Babbler, Greater Adjutant and Pallas's Fish-eagle, Red-headed Vulture and White-bellied Heron, and over 80 species of fish. River Dibru is a tributary of River Lohit which then forms river Brahmaputra in the lower reaches. Brahmaputra river system is also a home to Gangetic dolphins. As a result of the blowout, there was also a fire on 09.06.2020. The applicant has also stated that the blowout has left behind huge volumes of residue as gas condensate which is a mixture of chemical compounds that are toxic for land and vegetation and is a known carcinogen. The blowout is not only hazardous to the health of the people but also severely affect their livelihood whose occupation is mainly agriculture, fishing and animal rearing. 1610 families were displaced as a result of the gas leak.

Treknology and The Physics of Star Wars offer a fascinating and entertaining ride through the science and fiction of these two complimentary franchises, writes Andrew Glester

Visakhapatnam is set to host a two-day wildlife photography exhibition on July 29 and 30

Debate over seaplane impact on Kerala wildlife as trial run approaches, with concerns over disturbance to animals.

The Zoological Survey of India will use eDNA for mapping, monitoring wildlife; help in biodiversity assessments & eradication of aquatic invasive species

A Bengaluru-based start-up develops solutions for farmers to deter big cats, animals and monkeys from raiding their fields  

Some animals like the Nilgai, wild boar and rhesus monkey have found themselves now termed as vermin!

'We need to understand and respect wildlife behaviour.'

Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Romain Pizzi answers the internet's hottest questions about wild animals. Why does a giraffe have "antennae" on its head? Why do big cats have round pupils and house cats have slits? Does an elephant really have a great memory? What's it like putting an oxygen mask on a tiger?

Bespoke luxury experiences in the wild are offering travellers a lot more than just tiger spotting

Private safaris, bush dinners, and forest spas... step into a place that time forgot. Here is how to experience India’s wildlife in style   

Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022

Baltimore, Maryland : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023.

LDF’s Sathyan Mokeri focussed on door-to-door visits, UDF’s Priyanka Gandhi Vadra equally critical of State and Central governments; Navya Haridas, the NDA nominee, visits remote tribal hamlets

The payments firm has set up POS terminals at villages in Tamil Nadu for payment of taxes and also for devotees making payments to temples.