Challenges and opportunities of hydrothermal carbonisation in the UK; case study in Chirnside

The latest research and development in hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) processes are reviewed and the feasibility of application to small towns in the UK is assessed. The HTC process designed in this report is theoretically evaluated for the biodegradable municipal waste and sewage waste produced by the small town of Chirnside, in the Scottish Borders. Calculation of mass and energy balances of the process are carried out alongside the evaluation of challenges and environmental, social and economic opportunities presented. The hypothetical HTC plant is capable of processing 267.14 t per year of food waste and 105.12 t per year of faecal sludge produced by Chirnsides estimated 2250 residents in 2041. The plant would be capable of producing 99.08 t per year of hydrochar with an estimated total energy content of 540.26 MWh per year. When used in a Biomass Combined Heat and Power Plant, the hydrochar would be capable of supplying Chirnsides residents with 0.71% and 3.43% of its domestic thermal energy demand and domestic electrical energy demand in 2041, respectively. Both the expected opportunities and challenges for the application of HTC are discussed, shedding light on the associated research in regards to this sustainable technology.

The latest research and development in hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) processes are reviewed and the feasibility of application to small towns in the UK is assessed.     

Expression of protocadherin-γC4 protein in the rat brain

It has been proposed that the combinatorial expression of γ-protocadherins (Pcdh-γs) and other clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) provides a code of molecular identity and individuality to neurons, which plays a major role in the establishment of specific synaptic connectivity and formation of neuronal circuits. Particular attention has been directed to the Pcdh-γ family, for which experimental evidence derived from Pcdh-γ-deficient mice shows that they are involved in dendrite self-avoidance, synapse development, dendritic arborization, spine maturation, and prevention of apoptosis of some neurons. Moreover, a triple-mutant mouse deficient in the three C-type members of the Pcdh-γ family (Pcdh-γC3, Pcdh-γC4, and Pcdh-γC5) shows a phenotype similar to the mouse deficient in whole Pcdh-γ family, indicating that the latter is largely due to the absence of C-type Pcdh-γs. The role of each individual C-type Pcdh-γ is not known. We have developed a specific antibody to Pcdh-γC4 to reveal the expression of this protein in the rat brain. The results show that although Pcdh-γC4 is expressed at higher levels in the embryo and earlier postnatal weeks, it is also expressed in the adult rat brain. Pcdh-γC4 is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. In the adult brain, the regional distribution of Pcdh-γC4 immunoreactivity is similar to that of Pcdh-γC4 mRNA, being highest in the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum. Pcdh-γC4 forms puncta that are frequently apposed to glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. They are also frequently associated with neuron-astrocyte contacts. The results provide new insights into the cell recognition function of Pcdh-γC4 in neurons and astrocytes.     

Sulfated Progesterone Metabolites That Enhance Insulin Secretion via TRPM3 Are Reduced in Serum From Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Serum progesterone sulfates were evaluated in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Serum progesterone sulfates were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in four patient cohorts: 1) the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes study; 2) London-based women of mixed ancestry and 3) U.K.-based women of European ancestry with or without GDM; and 4) 11–13 weeks pregnant women with BMI ≤25 or BMI ≥35 kg/m² with subsequent uncomplicated pregnancies or GDM. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was evaluated in response to progesterone sulfates in mouse islets and human islets. Calcium fluorescence was measured in HEK293 cells expressing transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3). Computer modeling using Molecular Operating Environment generated three-dimensional structures of TRPM3. Epiallopregnanolone sulfate (PM5S) concentrations were reduced in GDM (P < 0.05), in women with higher fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.010), and in early pregnancy samples from women who subsequently developed GDM with BMI ≥35 kg/m² (P < 0.05). In islets, 50 µmol/L PM5S increased GSIS by at least twofold (P < 0.001); isosakuranetin (TRPM3 inhibitor) abolished this effect. PM5S increased calcium influx in TRPM3-expressing HEK293 cells. Computer modeling and docking showed identical positioning of PM5S to the natural ligand in TRPM3. PM5S increases GSIS and is reduced in GDM serum. The activation of GSIS by PM5S is mediated by TRPM3 in both mouse and human islets.     

WHO生存质量评估简表的等价性评价

目的评价WHO生存质量评估简表(WHOQOL-BREF)在13个国家的等价性。方法采用多组验证性因子分析方法,对世界卫生组织生存质量研究小组提供的13个国家的数据进行分析,评价WHOQOL-BREF不同国家的等价性。结果各个国家的各个领域的Cronbachα系数均大于0·7,分布在0·7至0·88之间。除了英国和挪威之外,其它国家的社会关系领域的Cronbachα系数均大于0·65。采用根据世界卫生组织生存质量研究小组研制量表时构建的四因子模型对数据分别进行拟合,拟合优度指数(CFI)均大于0·8,其中德国、西班牙和美国的拟合优度指数大于0·9。多组验证性因子分析发现模型拟合尚可,CFI等于0·88,各个国家的因子负荷不全相等,因子负荷的轮廓相似。结论WHOQOL-BREF在13个国家具有相同的因子结构,且有等价性。     

Requirements for bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells in priming cytotoxic T cell responses to intracellular pathogens

Bone marrow (BM)-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are potent stimulators of T cell immune responses. We investigated the requirements for antigen presentation by these cells in priming cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses to intracellular bacterial and viral pathogens. [Parent-->F(1)] radiation BM chimeras were constructed using C57BL/6 donors and (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F(1) recipients. Infection of chimeric mice with either Listeria monocytogenes or vaccinia virus expressing the nucleoprotein (NP) antigen from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) primed H2-D(b)-restricted, but not H2-K(d)-restricted CTL responses, demonstrating the requirement for BM-derived APCs for successful priming of CTL responses to these pathogens. Surprisingly, this did not hold true for chimeric mice infected with LCMV itself. LCMV-infected animals developed strong CTL responses specific for both H2-D(b)- and H2-L(d)-restricted NP epitopes. These findings indicate that in vivo priming of CTL responses to LCMV is remarkably insensitive to deficiencies in antigen presentation by professional BM-derived APCs.     

针式腹腔镜下胆囊切除术的临床应用

目的 与开腹胆囊切除术相比,腹腔镜胆囊切除术（ＬＣ）有减少术后不适和较少的创作,但仍有改进的余地。方法：为进一步减轻手术创伤,我们引进了针式腹间胆囊切除术,共２９例。结果 平均手术时间为７５分钟,１９例当天出院,１０例隔天出院,其中１例是胆总管探查。结论 针式航空 镜胆囊切除术是一种可靠的技术。     

Long‐term effects of rapid weight gain in children,adolescents and young adults with appropriate birth weight for gestational age: the kiel obesity prevention study

Aim: This study investigates the effect of rapid weight gain in term children, adolescents and young adults born appropriate for gestational age. Methods: In all, 173 girls and 178 boys aged 6.1–19.9 (12.5 ± 3.1)years participated. Rapid weight gain (group 1) was defined as a change in weight‐SDS (standard deviation score) from birth till two years >0.67, ‘no change’ as ≥?0.67 and ≤0.67 (group 2) vs ‘slow weight gain’ as 90th age‐/sex‐specific BMI‐percentile was defined as overweight. Parental BMI, socio‐economic status and lifestyle were assessed as confounders. Results: A total of 22.8% gained weight rapidly, and 15.7% was overweight. Group 1 compared with group 2 and 3 subjects was taller, heavier and had a higher prevalence of overweight (girls/boys: 26.2%/28.9% vs 11.6%/19.0% vs 2.8%/5.0%; p < 0.01/p < 0.05). Concomitantly, a higher WC, %FM and FFM were observed. Rapid weight gain was positively associated with REE (adjusted for FFM) in boys (r = 0.26; p < 0.01), but not with cardio‐metabolic risk factors. Conclusion: Rapid weight gain was related to increases in height, weight, a higher prevalence of overweight and central fat distribution. In addition, rapid weight gain was related to a higher REE in boys, but not to cardio‐metabolic risk factors.     

Manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation can lead to manubriosternal septic arthritis in patients with kyphoscoliosis

Locally deranged joint anatomy can predispose to septic arthritis which can be managed by surgical debridement. We present a case of manubriosternal subluxation/dislocation caused by kyphoscoliosis leading to manubriosternal septic arthritis.