Barcoding of estuarine macrophytes and phylogenetic diversity of estuaries along the South African coastline.

Plant DNA barcoding serves as an effective approach to building community phylogenies and increasing our understanding of the factors that determine plant community assemblages. The aims of the study were to (i) barcode macrophytes with high estuarine fidelity and (ii) to determine the phylogenetic diversity (PD) of selected South African estuaries for conservation prioritisation. Three DNA barcoding gene regions (rbcLa, matK, and trnH-psbA) were assessed, and community phylogenies were constructed for 270 estuaries. Generally, the matK barcode had the greatest discrimination success rate of 67.4% (parsimony informative sites = 418). Closely related species formed clades that also represent estuarine habitat types. Estuaries with high phylogenetic diversity along the southeast coast were associated with a combination of mangrove and salt marsh habitats. Species richness was strongly and significantly correlated with PD (r = 0.93; p < 0.000). Based on mean pairwise distance (MPD), more temperate estuaries (56) showed significant phylogenetic clustering compared to subtropical estuaries (24) (p < 0.05). Similarly, based on mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD), significant phylogenetic clustering was highest in temperate estuaries (50) compared to subtropical estuaries (12) (p < 0.05). This suggests that the coexistence of plant species in estuaries is structured by both biotic and abiotic interactions.

Blue carbon sinks in South Africa and the need for restoration to enhance carbon sequestration.

Blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses) contribute towards climate change mitigation because they are efficient at sequestering atmospheric CO2 into long-term total ecosystem carbon stocks. Destruction or disturbance therefore reduces sink capacity and leads to significant CO2 emissions. This study reports the first national estimates of: 1) total carbon storage, 2) CO2 emissions from anthropogenic activities, 3) the potential for restoration to enhance carbon sequestration for blue carbon ecosystems in South Africa. Mangrove ecosystems have the greatest carbon storage per unit area (253-534 Mg C ha-1), followed by salt marshes (100-199 Mg C ha-1) and seagrasses (45-144 Mg C ha-1). Salt marshes are the most extensive and contribute 67 % to the national carbon stock of 4000 Gg C. Since 1930, 6500 ha has been lost across all blue carbon ecosystems (26 % of the natural extent), equivalent to losing 1086 Gg C from the national carbon stock. Historic CO2 emissions were estimated at an average rate of 30,266 t CO2e yr-1. Despite losses, a total of 3998 ha could be restored to increase carbon sequestration and CO2 removals of 14,845 tCO2e.yr-1. Extractive activities have declined rapidly in recent decades, but abiotic pressures on estuarine ecosystems (flow modification, reduced water quality, and artificial breaching) have been increasing. There is an urgent need to quantify the potential impact of these pressures and include them in estuarine management and restoration plans. Blue carbon ecosystems cover a relatively small area in South Africa, but they are valued for their multiple ecosystem services that contribute towards climate change adaptation and biodiversity co-benefits. These ecosystems need to be included in national policies driving climate change response in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land-Use (AFOLU) sector, such as incorporating them into the wetland subcategory of the national GHG inventory.

Lunar and martian surfaces: petrologic significance of absorption bands in the near-infrared.

A reflection minimum at 1 micron, reported for Moon and for Mars, indicates olivine or iron- and calcium-bearing clinopyroxene, or both-major constituents of many basaltic rocks. If the 1-micron absorption features are real, both chondritic and acidic rocks are ruled out as primary constituents of the surfaces of the bodies. The reflectance spectrum of Mars matches closely that of an oxidized basalt.

Spectral reflectivity of lunar samples.

Twelve rock chips and two samples of fines all have electronic absorption bands in diffuse reflected light between 0.32 and 2.5 micrometers. Major bands occur between 0.94 and 1.00 micrometer and at 2.0 micrometers, and arise from Fe(2+) in clinopyroxene and to a lesser extent in olivine. A band at 0.95 micrometer and other details of curve slope and shape for the lunar surface fines match McCord's telescopic curve for an 18-kilometer area that includes the Apollo-il site. Results confirm mineralogical predictions based on telescopic data and support the feasibility of obtaining mineralogical information by remote and in glass content. reflectivity measurements.

Mercury: surface composition from the reflection spectrum.

The reflection spectrum for the integral disk of the planet Mercury was measured and was found to have a constant positive slope from 0.32 to 1.05 micrometers, except for absorption features in the infrared. The reflectivity curve matches closely the curve for the lunar upland and mare regions. Thus, the surface of Mercury is probably covered with a lunar-like soil rich in dark glasses of high iron and titanium content. Pyroxene is probably the dominant mafic mineral.

Spectral reflectivity of Mars.

Analysis of data on the spectral reflectivity curves for both bright and dark areas of Mars disclosed several features not considered in previous models of the martian surface. The shape of the mean spectral geometric albedo curve between 0.3 and about 1.3 microns for Mars is defined to within a few percent. Spectral reflectivity curves based on relative reflectivity data were calculated for both a bright and a dark region between 0.4 and 1.1 microns. The curve for the dark region shows a broad, deep ( approximately 13 percent) absorption feature centered near 1 micron. The curve for the dark area crosses that of the bright area between 0.4 and 0.5 micron during some martian seasons.

Alteration of lunar optical properties: age and composition effects.

A model for lunar surface processes is presented which explains the main albedo and color contrasts and the temporal changes in these optical properties. Evidence from Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 samples and telescopic spectral reflectivity measurements indicates that the maria are similar in mineralogy on a regional scale and that the highlands are consistent with an anorthositic-gabbro composition. Bright craters and rays in both regions expose materials that are relatively crystalline compared with their backgrounds, which are richer in dark glass. With age, bright craters and rays in the maria darken in place by meteorite impact-induced vitrification and mixing with the surrounding material. Highland bright craters and rays may, however, darken primarily through regional contamination by iron- and titanium-rich mare material.

Microcolonial fungi: common inhabitants on desert rocks?

Microcolonial structures have been harvested from desert rock samples for cultivation and ultrastructural examination. The results indicate that these microcolonial structures are fungi previously unrecognized as inhabitants of desert rocks.

Asteroid vesta: spectral reflectivity and compositional implications.

The spectral reflectivity (0.30 to 1.10 microns) of several asteroids has been measured for the first time. The reflection spectrum for Vesta contains a strong absorption band centered near 0.9 micron and a weaker absorption feature between 0.5 and 0.6 micron. The reflectivity decreases strongly in the ultraviolet. The reflection spectrum for the asteroid Pallas and probably for Ceres does not contain the 0.9-micron band. Vesta shows the strongest and best-defined absorption bands yet seen in the reflection spectrum for the solid surface of an object in the solar system. The strong 0.9-micron band arises from electronic absorptions in ferrous iron on the M2 site of a magnesian pyroxene. Comparison with laboratory measurements on meteorites and Apollo 11 samples indicates that the surface of Vesta has a composition very similar to that of certain basaltic achondrites.

Lunar surface: identification of the dark mantling material in the apollo 17 soil samples.

Evidence indicates that Apollo 17 sample 74001, a soil consisting of very dark spheres, is composed almost entirely of the dark mantling material that covers a large region of the southeastern boundary of Mare Serenitatis. Other Apollo 17 samples contain only a component of this material. The underlying basalt in the Taurus-Littrow valley appears to be an extension of material forming the low-albedo ring around part of Mare Serenitatis and much of the surface of Mare Tranquillitatis. The surface of this basalt region is spectrally distinct from areas with dark mantling material. These results are derived fromn telescopic and laboratory measurements of the optical properties of lunar soil. Digital vidicon color images are used to map the extent of these material units in the Taurus-Littrow region.

Surveyor v: discussion of chemical analysis.

Material of basaltic composition at the Surveyor V landing site implies that differentiation has occurred in the moon, probably due to internal sources of heat. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that extensive volcanic flows have been responsible for flooding and filling the mare basins. The processes and products of lunar magmatic activity are apparently similar to those of the earth.

The outpatient total hip arthroplasty : a paradigm change.

AIMS: To examine incidence of complications associated with outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to see if medical comorbidities are associated with complications or extended length of stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2013 to December 2016, 1279 patients underwent 1472 outpatient THAs at our free-standing ambulatory surgery centre. Records were reviewed to determine frequency of pre-operative medical comorbidities and post-operative need for overnight stay and complications which arose. RESULTS: In 87 procedures, the patient stayed overnight for 23-hour observation, with 39 for convenience reasons and 48 (3.3%) for medical observation, most frequently urinary retention (13), obstructive sleep apnoea (nine), emesis (four), hypoxia (four), and pain management (six). Five patients (0.3%) experienced major complications within 48 hours, including three transferred to an acute facility; there was one death. Overall complication rate requiring unplanned care was 2.2% (32/1472). One or more major comorbidities were present in 647 patients (44%), including previous coronary artery disease (CAD; 50), valvular disease (nine), arrhythmia (219), thromboembolism history (28), obstructive sleep apnoea (171), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; 124), asthma (118), frequent urination or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH; 217), or mild chronic renal insufficiency (11). CONCLUSION: The presence of these comorbidities was not associated with medical or surgical complications. However, presence of one or more major comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of overnight observation. Specific comorbidities associated with increased risk were CAD, COPD, and frequent urination/BPH. Outpatient THA is safe for a large proportion of patients without the need for a standardised risk assessment score. Risk of complications is not associated with presence of medical comorbidities. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):31-5.

Natural nutrient enrichment and algal responses in near pristine micro-estuaries and micro-outlets.

Naturally-occurring pristine estuarine ecosystems are rare in modern environments due to anthropogenic encroachment. There are more than 100 outlets around the South African coast arising from streams flowing from small catchments close to the sea. Eight near natural systems were sampled seasonally over the period of a year to acquire baseline information on water quality and chlorophyll a status across a variety of algal guilds (benthic microalgae, phytoplankton and macroalgal cover). Albeit on a much smaller-scale, these systems represent natural surrogates of larger temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs). Inorganic nutrients (ammonium, total oxidized nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphate), phytoplankton and microphytobenthos chlorophyll a, as well as macroagal percentage cover, were measured using standard methods. Algae showed a seasonal trend, with blooms of both micro- and macro-algae occurring during summer, with a dieback recorded in autumn. During summer, only one system had a phytoplankton peak in chlorophyll a above 20µgL-1, while the microphytobenthos concentrations in three of the systems were above 100mgm-2. Summer blooms of green filamentous macroalgae occurred in all four micro-outlets and in one micro-estuary. Using a linear mixed-effects modelling approach, significant drivers for algal growth related to temperature, nutrient conditions, light availability and water residence time, all of which are known to stimulate primary production. The results show that enrichment from natural sources display similar responses from primary producers to mesotrophic and/or eutrophic water bodies, with the exception that they revert to a natural state rather than continue into a degraded state as is the case in artificially enriched systems. This importantly demonstrates how larger temporarily/open closed estuaries, most of which are anthropogenically degraded, might have functioned under a former more balanced state. Some of these larger systems now respond to nutrient enrichment by exhibiting permanent cultural eutrophication.

Analyses of toxic metals and essential minerals in the hair of Arizona children with autism and associated conditions, and their mothers.

The objective of this study was to assess the levels of 39 toxic metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism spectrum disorders and their mothers compared to controls. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the elemental content of the hair of children with autism spectrum disorders (n=51), a subset of their mothers (n=29), neurotypical children (n=40), and a subset of their mothers (n=25). All participants were recruited from Arizona. Iodine levels were 45% lower in the children with autism (p=0.005). Autistic children with pica had a 38% lower level of chromium (p=0.002). Autistic children with low muscle tone had very low levels of potassium (-66%, p=0.01) and high zinc (31%, p=0.01). The mothers of young children with autism had especially low levels of lithium (56% lower, p=0.005), and the young children (ages 3-6 yr) with autism also had low lithium (-30%, p=0.04). Low iodine levels are consistent with previous reports of abnormal thyroid function, which likely affected development of speech and cognitive skills. Low lithium in the mothers likely caused low levels of lithium in the young children, which could have affected their neurological and immunological development. Further investigations of iodine, lithium, and other elements are warranted.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase as a possible shunt for the control of steroid metabolism in human mammary carcinoma.

Human primary mammary tumors were examined to determine what factors were of importance in deciding relative rates of sulfurylation of dehydroepiandrosterone and 17beta-estradiol, such rates having been shown to correlate with the patient's prognosis and response to adrenalectomy (T. L. Dao and P.R. Libby. Enzymic Synthesis of Steroid Sulfate by Mammary Cancer and Its Clinical Implications. Natl. Cancer Inst. Monographs, 34: 205-210, 1971). The sulfurylation of dehydroepiandrosterone and 17beta-estradiol was studied in 41 tumors in vitro using tumor cytosol, adenosine triphosphate, [35S]SO42-, Mg2+, and added steroid. Six tumors showed no sulfurylating ability, 9 sulfurylated dehydroepiandrosterone at a rate greater than that for 17beta-estradiol (ratio, greater than 1), and 26 sulfurylated dehydroepiandrosterone at a rate lower than that for 17beta-estradiol (ratio, less than 1). Evidence was obtained that low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase were responsible for ratios of less than 1, in many instances. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate synthesis and steroid sulfotransferase activities were measured in 30 tumors. A significant correlation was found between synthesis of the former and levels of estrogen sulfotransferase, but this relationship did not hold for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase, again due to low levels of this enzyme in many tumors. It is suggested that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate formation in the tumors is mainly controlled by the sulfotransferase, which acts as a shunt in regulating the level of free dehydroepiandrosterone, and related compounds, available for metabolism to steroids influencing the growth of mammary epithelial cells.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol in human mammary cancer cytosolic and nuclear compartments and their relationship to estrogen receptor.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol (ADIOL) were determined by radioimmunoassay in human primary mammary cancer cytosol preparations. The range and means +/- S.D. (ng/g, wet weight, of tissue) in individual tumors were: DHE, 12.3 +/- 14.4, n = 34; and ADIOL, 2.7 +/- 2.1, n = 43. In 23 tumors in which both steroids were measured in the same extract, they were significantly correlated, and in these tumors the ratio of ADIOL to DHEA was lower in estrogen receptor (ERC)-negative than in ERC-positive tumors, but this difference was not significant. The ratio of ADIOL to DHEA was 5-fold higher in purified nuclei obtained from pooled primary mammary cancer tissue compared to that in the cytosol. DHEA was present in the cytosol of tumors from premenopausal women in significantly higher concentrations than in cytosols of postmenopausal women [0.73 +/- 0.49 ng/mg cytosol protein (n = 14) versus 0.35 +/- 0.35 (n = 19); p < 0.02], whereas the concentrations of ADIOL were similar [0.12 +/- 0.09 ng/mg cytosol protein (n = 18) and 0.10 +/- 0.11 (n = 25), for pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively]. In ERC-positive tumors, there was a negative correlation between ERC concentration and cytosol ADIOL levels in both premenopausal (r = -0.46, n = 10) and postmenopausal (r = -0.24; n = 20) subjects and also DHEA levels in postmenopausal women only (r = -0.30; n = 12). However, none of these correlations reached statistical significance. In view of the known high affinity of ADIOL for ERC (Kd approximately 6 nM) and its estrogen-like activity in vivo, these data suggest that the concentration of ADIOL in the tumor cytosols is sufficiently high to translocate ERC and provoke an estrogen response.

A relationship between estrogen sulfurylation and estrogen and progesterone receptor status in human mammary carcinoma.

It was previously demonstrated that a correlation existed between estrogen receptor (ER) status and levels of estrogen sulfotransferase in human mammary cancer, high levels being associated with ER-positive and low levels with ER-negative tumors. We have now examined these same parameters, along with progesterone receptor (PGR) status, in 44 primary human mammary tumors. Tumors which were both ER-positive and PGR-positive (n = 21), showed significantly higher levels of estrogen sulfotransferase compared to ER-positive PGR-negative (n = 12) and ER-negative PGR-negative (n = 11) tumors. These values (pmol estradiol sulfate per mg protein per 2 hr) were 72 +/- 12 (S.E.), 25 +/- 5, and 11 +/- 4 (p less than 0.01 and less than 0.005, respectively). There was no significant difference between ER-positive PGR-negative and ER-negative PGR-negative tumors. The possible involvement of PGR in the regulation of estrogen sulfotransferase is discussed.

A correlation between estrogen sulfotransferase levels and estrogen receptor status in human primary breast carcinoma.

Estrogen sulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.4) activity and estrogen receptor levels were measured in 32 human primary breast cancer cytosol preparations. Two types of tumors were identified: type 1, in which estrogen sulfotransferase levels were low (less than 40 pmol 17 beta-estradiol 3-sulfate formed per mg protein per 2 hr) and were independent of [35S]adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate production from [35S]sulfate and adenosine triphosphate, and type 2, in which estrogen sulfotransferase levels ranged from 50 to 200 pmol 17 beta-estradiol 3-sulfate per mg protein per 2 hr and were correlated with [35S]adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate formation (r = 0.70; p less than 0.005). In type 1 tumors, 11 of 16 were estrogen receptor negative; in type 2 tumors, 2 of 16 were receptor negative. Estrogen sulfotransferase levels in receptor-negative tumors were significantly lower than the levels in receptor-positive tumors (p = 0.025).

PIP: Results of a study of estrogen Rc receptors in 32 primary human breast cancer cytosol preparations are presented. Tritiated sulfate activation to tritiated adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate and subsequent formation of tritiated estrogen sulfotranferase levels was assessed in these preparations. 2 groups of tumors were identified: a low estrogen sulfurylation which was predominantly Rc negative, and a high estrogen sulfurylation with almost exclusive Rc -positivity. In the 1st type of tumor, in which estrogen sulfotranferase levels were low (40 pmol of 17beta-estradiol 3-sulfate formed/mg of protein/2 hours) and were independent of tritiated adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate production from tritiated sulfate and adenosine triphosphate, and in the 2nd type of tumor, in which estrogen sulfotransferase levels ranged from 50-200 pmol of 17 beta-estradiol 3-sulfate/mg of protein/2 hours, there was a correlation between the 2 in terms of tritiated adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate formation (P.005). 11 of 16 of the 1st type of tumor were estrogen receptor negative, whereas 2 of 16 of the 2nd tumor type were receptor negative. In receptor-negative tumors, the estrogen sulfotransferasse levels were significantly lower than those in receptor-positive tumors (rho=.025).

Radiological Decision Aid to determine suitability for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: development and preliminary validation.

AIMS: An evidence-based radiographic Decision Aid for meniscal-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been developed and this study investigates its performance at an independent centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pre-operative radiographs, including stress views, from a consecutive cohort of 550 knees undergoing arthroplasty (UKA or total knee arthroplasty; TKA) by a single-surgeon were assessed. Suitability for UKA was determined using the Decision Aid, with the assessor blinded to treatment received, and compared with actual treatment received, which was determined by an experienced UKA surgeon based on history, examination, radiographic assessment including stress radiographs, and intra-operative assessment in line with the recommended indications as described in the literature. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the Decision Aid was 92% and 88%, respectively. Excluding knees where a clear pre-operative plan was made to perform TKA, i.e. patient request, the sensitivity was 93% and specificity 96%. The false-positive rate was low (2.4%) with all affected patients readily identifiable during joint inspection at surgery. In patients meeting Decision Aid criteria and receiving UKA, the five-year survival was 99% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 97 to 100). The false negatives (3.5%), who received UKA but did not meet the criteria, had significantly worse functional outcomes (flexion p < 0.001, American Knee Society Score - Functional p < 0.001, University of California Los Angeles score p = 0.04), and lower implant survival of 93.1% (95% CI 77.6 to 100). CONCLUSION: The radiographic Decision Aid safely and reliably identifies appropriate patients for meniscal-bearing UKA and achieves good results in this population. The widespread use of the Decision Aid should improve the results of UKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(10 Suppl B):3-10.

Early outcomes of twin-peg mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty compared with primary total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: Since redesign of the Oxford phase III mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) femoral component to a twin-peg design, there has not been a direct comparison to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Thus, we explored differences between the two cohorts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 168 patients (201 knees) underwent medial UKA with the Oxford Partial Knee Twin-Peg. These patients were compared with a randomly selected group of 177 patients (189 knees) with primary Vanguard TKA. Patient demographics, Knee Society (KS) scores and range of movement (ROM) were compared between the two cohorts. Additionally, revision, re-operation and manipulation under anaesthesia rates were analysed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up for UKA and TKA groups was 5.4 and 5.5 years, respectively. Six TKA (3.2%) versus three UKAs (1.5%) were revised which was not significant (p = 0.269). Manipulation was more frequent after TKA (16; 8.5%) versus none in the UKA group (p < 0.001). UKA patients had higher post-operative KS function scores versus TKA patients (78 versus 66, p < 0.001) with a trend toward greater improvement, but there was no difference in ROM and KS clinical improvement (p = 0.382 and 0.420, respectively). CONCLUSION: We found fewer manipulations, and higher functional outcomes for patients treated with medial mobile-bearing UKA compared with TKA. TKA had twice the revision rate as UKA although this did not reach statistical significance with the numbers available. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(10 Suppl B):28-33.