Increased amino acid turnover and myofibrillar protein breakdown in advanced cancer are associated with muscle weakness and impaired physical function

Muscle wasting in cancer negatively affects physical function and quality of life. This study investigates amino acid metabolism and the association with muscle mass and function in patients with cancer.In 16 patients with advanced cancer undergoing chemotherapy and 16 healthy controls, we administered an intravenous pulse and prime of stable amino acid tracers. We took blood samples to measure the Rate of appearance (Ra), whole body production (WBP), clearance (Cl), and post absorptive whole body net protein breakdown (WBnetPB). Plasma amino acid concentrations and enrichments were analysed by LC-MS/MS. We assessed muscle mass, handgrip/leg/respiratory muscle strength and reported physical activity, quality of life, and physical function.Muscle strength was lower in cancer patients than in healthy controls. Total and limb muscle mass, reported physical activity and WBnetPB were comparable. WBP and Cl of tau-methylhistidine, leucine, glutamine and taurine were higher in cancer patients as well as glycine Cl. Amino acid metabolism was correlated with low muscle mass, strength, physical function and quality of life.Myofibrillar protein breakdown and production of amino acids involved in muscle contractility are up regulated in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and related to muscle weakness and reduced physical outcomes

Star formation in Seyfert galaxies

An analysis of the IRAS data for a sample of classical (optically selected) Seyfert galaxies is presented. The IRAS fluxes at 25 micron, 60 micron, and 100 micron are found to be uncorrelated or only very weakly correlated with the UV/Optical continuum flux and the near and mid IR flux at 3.5 and 10 microns. To investigate the possibility that star formation accounts for the far IR flux, the IRAS measurements for the Seyfert galaxies are compared to IRAS observations of a sample of normal spiral galaxies, and a sample of Starburst galaxies. It is shown that the far IR luminosities and far IR colors of Seyfert galaxies are indistinguishable from those of the Starburst galaxies. Besides, normal galaxies are an order of magnitude less luminous than both the Seyfert and the Starburst galaxies. This indicates that star formation produces the bulk of the far infrared emission in Seyfert galaxies

Can ecosystem-based adaptation address the adaptation needs of smallholder farmers? Insights from smallholder coffee and subsistence farmers in central America

In many regions, climate change is having significant adverse impacts on the agricultural production and livelihoods of smallholder farmers, with important consequences for global food security.. Helping smallholder farmers adapt to climate change has therefore become a priority for many of donors and governments. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA, defined as the use of ecosystem services and biodiversity as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the effects of climate change) is one approach that could help smallholder farmers, yet there is still limited knowledge on whether EbA can meet the adaptation needs of smallholder farmers. Here, we provide an overview of what EbA means in the context of smallholder agricultural production. Drawing on expert surveys, field work and household surveys of smallholder coffee and subsistence farmers in Central America, we provide examples of EbA strategies that are suitable for smallholder farmers, characterize how farmers are implementing these strategies, and provide insights into the perceived advantages and drawbacks of different practices for reducing farmer vulnerability. Our study highlights that many agricultural practices that smallholder farmers already use (e.g., agroforestry systems, soil conservation practices, live fences) can be considered EbA, as they are based on the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services and t help and enhance the resilience of agricultural systems. Most smallholder farmers are aware of the relative benefits of EbA practices, but also acknowledge important constraints, such as the cost of setting up the practices and maintenance, andlimited financial, technical and political support. Scaling up the use of EbA through targeted government policies, extension services and farmer programs could not only help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change, but also ensure healthy, sustainable agroecosystems that sustain local livelihoods

SP-100 reactor with Brayton conversion for lunar surface applications

Examined here is the potential for integrating Brayton-cycle power conversion with the SP-100 reactor for lunar surface power system applications. Two designs were characterized and modeled. The first design integrates a 100-kWe SP-100 Brayton power system with a lunar lander. This system is intended to meet early lunar mission power needs while minimizing on-site installation requirements. Man-rated radiation protection is provided by an integral multilayer, cylindrical lithium hydride/tungsten (LiH/W) shield encircling the reactor vessel. Design emphasis is on ease of deployment, safety, and reliability, while utilizing relatively near-term technology. The second design combines Brayton conversion with the SP-100 reactor in a erectable 550-kWe powerplant concept intended to satisfy later-phase lunar base power requirements. This system capitalizes on experience gained from operating the initial 100-kWe module and incorporates some technology improvements. For this system, the reactor is emplaced in a lunar regolith excavation to provide man-rated shielding, and the Brayton engines and radiators are mounted on the lunar surface and extend radially from the central reactor. Design emphasis is on performance, safety, long life, and operational flexibility

Muon diffusion and electronic magnetism in Y2_2Ti2_2O7_7

We report a $\mu$SR study in a Y$_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ single crystal. We observe slow local field fluctuations at low temperature which become faster as the temperature is increased. Our analysis suggests that muon diffusion is present in this system and becomes small below 40 K and therefore incoherent. A surprisingly strong electronic magnetic signal is observed with features typical for muons thermally diffusing towards magnetic traps below $\approx 100$ K and released from them above this temperature. We attribute the traps to Ti$^{3+}$ defects in the diluted limit. Our observations are highly relevant to the persistent spin dynamics debate on $R_2$Ti$_2$O$_7$ pyrochlores and their crystal quality

Proposing Kluyvera georgiana as the Origin of the Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Gene fosA4

A putative fosA gene in Kluyvera georgiana 14751 showed 99% nucleotide identity with plasmid-encoded fosA4. Due to a single-nucleotide insertion translating to a truncated protein, K. georgiana 14751 fosA does not confer fosfomycin resistance. However, analysis of another genome deposit (Kluyvera ascorbata WCH1410) that could be recategorized as K. georgiana after phylogenetic analysis revealed a fosA gene 100% identical to the plasmid-borne fosA4 gene. We suggest that Kluyvera georgiana represents the most probable origin of fosA4.Fil: Rodriguez, Maria Margarita. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ghiglione, Barbara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; ArgentinaFil: Power, Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; ArgentinaFil: Naas, Thierry. Hôpital de Bicêtre. Service de Bactériologie Hygiène; FranciaFil: Gutkind, Gabriel Osvaldo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Metformin Therapy and Diabetes Prevention in Adolescents Who Are Obese

No studies have addressed the question of whether metformin reduces development of diabetes among adolescents who are obese. Metformin treatment in adolescents who are obese can modestly reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including elevated body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin levels, and fasting glucose levels. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C). However, metformin treatment is associated with nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. (SOR: A). Because of the limited available data, metformin is not recommended for diabetes prevention in adolescents. (SOR: C)

Comparison of dynamic isotope power systems for distributed planet surface applications

Dynamic isotope power system (DIPS) alternatives were investigated and characterized for the surface mission elements associated with a lunar base and subsequent manned Mars expedition. System designs based on two convertor types were studied. These systems were characterized parametrically and compared over the steady-state electrical output power range 0.2 to 20 kWe. Three methods of thermally integrating the heat source and the Stirling heater head were considered, depending on unit size. Figures of merit were derived from the characterizations and compared over the parametric range. Design impacts of mission environmental factors are discussed and quantitatively assessed

Discordant transmission of bacteria and viruses from mothers to babies at birth

BACKGROUND: The earliest microbial colonizers of the human gut can have life-long consequences for their hosts. Precisely how the neonatal gut bacterial microbiome and virome are initially populated is not well understood. To better understand how the maternal gut microbiome influences acquisition of the infant gut microbiome, we studied the early life bacterial microbiomes and viromes of 28 infant twin pairs and their mothers. RESULTS: Infant bacterial and viral communities more closely resemble those of their related co-twin than unrelated infants. We found that 63% of an infant\u27s bacterial microbiome can be traced to their mother\u27s gut microbiota. In contrast, only 15% of their viral communities are acquired from their mother. Delivery route did not determine how much of the bacterial microbiome or virome was shared from mother to infant. However, bacteria-bacteriophage interactions were altered by delivery route. CONCLUSIONS: The maternal gut microbiome significantly influences infant gut microbiome acquisition. Vertical transmission of the bacterial microbiome is substantially higher compared to vertical transmission of the virome. However, the degree of similarity between the maternal and infant gut bacterial microbiome and virome did not vary by delivery route. The greater similarity of the bacterial microbiome and virome between twin pairs than unrelated twins may reflect a shared environmental exposure. Thus, differences of the inter-generation transmissibility at birth between the major kingdoms of microbes indicate that the foundation of these microbial communities are shaped by different rules. Video Abstract

Quantifying nanoparticle cellular uptake: which method is best?

As the range of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) designed as specific carriers increases, for example for cell targeting and drug delivery, the question on how many NPs are interacting or are taken up by cells is becoming increasingly important for any potential biomedical application. On one hand, the delivered dose of such NPs to the targeted cells is a key parameter in the assessment of their efficiency to perform the desired action (e.g., deliver the therapeutic substance or induce a specific effect), on the other hand, the assessment of intracellular NPs is crucial also from the safety aspect as NPs might come unintentionally in contact by untargeted cells. Particularly from the regulative perspective, it is important that reproducible and reliable analytical methods for the intracellular quantification of NPs are available at an early stage in the development in order to correlate the cell burden of NPs with their possible effects at a cellular level