Riverbed sediments buffer phosphorus concentrations downstream of sewage treatment works across the River Wensum catchment, UK

Purpose: Wastewater effluent discharged into rivers from sewage treatment works (STWs) represents one of the most important point sources of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) pollution and is a major driver of freshwater eutrophication. In this study, we assess the ability of riverbed sediments to act as a self-regulating buffering system to reduce SRP dissolved in the water column downstream of STW outflows. Materials and methods: River water and riverbed sediment samples were collected from 10 tributary outlets across the River Wensum catchment, Norfolk, UK, at monthly intervals between July and October 2016, such that 40 sediment and 40 water samples were collected in total. Of these locations, five were located downstream of STWs and five were on tributaries without STWs. Dissolved SRP concentrations were analysed and the Equilibrium Phosphorus Concentration (EPC0) of each sediment sample was measured to determine whether riverbed sediments were acting as net sources or sinks of SRP. Results and discussion: The mean SRP concentration downstream of STWs (382 µg P L-1) was double that of sites without a STW (185 µg P L-1), whilst the mean EPC0 for effluent impacted sites (105 µg P L-1) was 70% higher than that recorded at unaffected sites (62 µg P L-1). Regardless of STW influence, riverbed sediments across all 10 sites almost always acted as net sinks for SRP from the overlying water column. This was particularly true at sites downstream of STWs which displayed enhanced potential to buffer the river against increases in SRP released in sewage effluent. Conclusions: Despite EPC0 values revealing riverbed sediments were consistently acting as sinks for SRP, elevated SRP concentrations downstream of STWs clearly demonstrate the sediments have insufficient SRP sorption capacity to completely buffer the river against effluent discharge. Consequently, SRP concentrations across the catchment continue to exceed recommended standards for good chemical status, thus emphasising the need for enhanced mitigation efforts at STWs to minimise riverine phosphorus loading

The Role of Gender in Test-Taking Motivation under Low-Stakes Conditions

Examinee effort can impact the validity of scores on higher education assessments. Many studies of examinee effort have briefly noted gender differences, but gender differences in test-taking effort have not been a primary focus of research. This review of the literature brings together gender-related findings regarding three measures of examinee motivation: attendance at the assigned testing session, time spent on each test item, and self-reported effort. Evidence from the literature is summarized, with some new results presented. Generally, female examinees exert more effort, with differences mostly at very low levels of effort—the levels at which effort is most likely to impact test scores. Examinee effort is positively correlated with conscientiousness and agreeableness, and negatively correlated with work-avoidance. The gender differences in these constructs may account for some of the gender differences in test-taking effort. Limitations and implications for higher education assessment practice are discussed

Human Anti-Oxidation Protein A1M—A Potential Kidney Protection Agent in Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been in clinical use for 15 years to treat metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. PRRT is limited by reabsorption and retention of the administered radiolabeled somatostatin analogues in the proximal tubule. Consequently, it is essential to develop and employ methods to protect the kidneys during PRRT. Today, infusion of positively charged amino acids is the standard method of kidney protection. Other methods, such as administration of amifostine, are still under evaluation and show promising results. α₁-microglobulin (A1M) is a reductase and radical scavenging protein ubiquitously present in plasma and extravascular tissue. Human A1M has antioxidation properties and has been shown to prevent radiation-induced in vitro cell damage and protect non-irradiated surrounding cells. It has recently been shown in mice that exogenously infused A1M and the somatostatin analogue octreotide are co-localized in proximal tubules of the kidney after intravenous infusion. In this review we describe the current situation of kidney protection during PRRT, discuss the necessity and implications of more precise dosimetry and present A1M as a new, potential candidate for renal protection during PRRT and related targeted radionuclide therapies

TP036/#426 Uplift (ENGOT-OV67/GOG-3048) a pivotal cohort of the XMT-1536–1 trial of upifitamab rilsodotin (XMT-1536; UPRI), a NAPI2B-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer

ObjectivesUpRi is a first-in-class NaPi2b ADC with a novel scaffold-linker-payload that enables high drug-to-antibody ratio and controlled bystander effect. NaPi2b is a sodium-dependent phosphate transporter protein broadly expressed in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), with limited expression in healthy tissues. Interim data from the Phase 1b expansion cohort of heavily pretreated patients with recurrent HGSOC has been reported. These data demonstrated clinically meaningful activity, notably in patients with NaPi2b-high tumors (TPS≥75). Effective and well-tolerated treatments for PROC remains an unmet medical need. The standard of care, single-agent chemotherapy, has limited efficacy, significant toxicities, and short duration of response. UPLIFT was designed as a single-arm Ph2 registrational trial for UpRi monotherapy in PROC.MethodsUPLIFT is enrolling patients with PROC with up to 4 prior LoT. Prior bevacizumab is required for patients with 1–2 prior LoT only; it’s not required for patients with 3–4 prior LoT. Patients may enroll regardless of NaPi2b expression; ≤ Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy is permitted. Primary platinum refractory patients are excluded. UPLIFT will enroll ~180 patients globally, including ~100 patients with high NaPi2b expression. UpRi is dosed IV at 36 mg/m2 up to ~80 mg dose maximum Q4W. Baseline tumor samples (fresh or archived) will be collected for central analysis of NaPi2b expression. The primary endpoint is ORR in NaPi2b-high expressing patients. The cut-off for high NaPi2b expression is TPS≥75. Secondary endpoints include ORR in the overall population, duration of response, and safety. UPLIFT is conducted in collaboration with ENGOT (ENGOT-ov67) and GOG (GOG-3048). NCT03319628Results trialinprogressConclusions trialinprogres

Stoichiometry patterns in the androdioecious Acer tegmentosum

CITATION: Zhang, X., et al. 2016. Stoichiometry patterns in the androdioecious Acer tegmentosum. Scientific Reports, 6:35022, doi:10.1038/srep35022.The original publication is available at http://www.nature.com/srepENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates stoichiometry patterns in the androdioecious Acer tegmentosum, a species characterized by a rare reproductive system where males and hermaphrodites coexist. Altogether 31 hermaphrodites and 29 male plants were harvested and samples of leaves, current-year shoots, branches and coarse roots were analyzed to explore gender differences in biomass, C, N and P concentrations of these four components. The nitrogen to phosphorus relationship of each component was examined using SMA estimates. Males had significantly greater amounts of leaf and coarse root dry matter content than hermaphrodites. C, N and P stoichiometry differed significantly between genders, especially in the newly emerging vegetative components (leaves and shoots). Males had higher C/N and C/P ratios in current-year shoots and lower C/P ratios in leaves and branches. Hermaphrodites had higher N/P ratios in the leaves and branches. Males had higher rates of increase in leaf P content than hermaphrodites. This study suggests that stoichiometry patterns may be significantly affected by gender.https://www.nature.com/articles/srep35022Publisher's versio