Computed tomographic reconstruction of a fetus with the dysgnathia complex (agnathia-otocephaly)

The dysgnathia complex (agnathia-otocephaly) (AO) is a lethal malformation that consists of congenital absence of the lower jaw with union or close approximation of the lower ears on the front of the neck, microstomia, and hypoglossia. We present a novel case of agnathia-otocephaly with associated organomegaly and the use of postmortem 3-D computed tomographic rendering. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of temperature,size, and food on the growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Membranipora membranacea</Emphasis> in laboratory and field studies

In the rocky subtidal ecosystem of the western North Atlantic outbreaks of the introduced epiphytic bryozoan Membranipora membranacea cause defoliation of kelp beds and facilitate the introduction of other non-native benthic species. We quantified size- and temperature-dependent growth rates of M. membranacea colonies in the field and the laboratory for durations of 8–23 days. Also, we examined the interaction between food abundance and temperature on growth rates of newly settled colonies in the laboratory. Growth rates were positively related to temperature and increased exponentially with size of colonies over the ranges examined (5.7–16.2°C and 0.5–192 mm, respectively), and were significantly higher in the field than in the laboratory. There was an interactive effect between food and temperature on the size and growth rates of colonies, with the most pronounced effects of food limitation on colonies grown at the warmest temperatures, and no effect of food on colonies grown at the coldest temperatures. Quantifying the growth rates of introduced species is essential to understanding their population dynamics, particularly when outbreaks can have severe impacts on the native community.     

SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection: is fetal surgery in times of national disasters reasonable?

Even though the global COVID-19 pandemic may affect how medical care is delivered in general, most countries try to maintain steady access for women to routine pregnancy care, including fetal anomaly screening. This means that, also during this pandemic, fetal anomalies will be detected, and that discussions regarding invasive genetic testing and possibly fetal therapy will need to take place. For patients, concerns about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 will add to the anxiety caused by the diagnosis of a serious fetal anomaly. Yet, also for fetal medicine teams the situation gets more complex as they must weigh up the risks and benefits to the fetus as well as the mother, while managing a changing evidence base and logistic challenges in their healthcare system.     

Nation‐building policies in Timor‐Leste: disaster risk reduction,including climate change adaptation

Few studies have explored the relationships between nation‐building, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Focusing on small island developing states, this paper examines nation‐building in Timor‐Leste, a small island developing state that recently achieved independence. Nation‐building in Timor‐Leste is explored in the context of disaster risk reduction, which necessarily includes climate change adaptation. The study presents a synopsis of Timor‐Leste's history and its nation‐building efforts as well as an overview of the state of knowledge of disaster risk reduction including climate change adaptation. It also offers an analysis of significant gaps and challenges in terms of vertical and horizontal governance, large donor presence, data availability and the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for nation‐building in Timor‐Leste. Relevant and applicable lessons are provided from other small island developing states to assist Timor‐Leste in identifying its own trajectory out of underdevelopment while it builds on existing strengths.     

Vascular plant extinction in the continental United States and Canada

Extinction rates are expected to increase during the Anthropocene. Current extinction rates of plants and many animals remain unknown. We quantified extinctions among the vascular flora of the continental United States and Canada since European settlement. We compiled data on apparently extinct species by querying plant conservation databases, searching the literature, and vetting the resulting list with botanical experts. Because taxonomic opinion varies widely, we developed an index of taxonomic uncertainty (ITU). The ITU ranges from A to F, with A indicating unanimous taxonomic recognition and F indicating taxonomic recognition by only a single author. The ITU allowed us to rigorously evaluate extinction rates. Our data suggest that 51 species and 14 infraspecific taxa, representing 33 families and 49 genera of vascular plants, have become extinct in our study area since European settlement. Seven of these taxa exist in cultivation but are extinct in the wild. Most extinctions occurred in the west, but this outcome may reflect the timing of botanical exploration relative to settlement. Sixty-four percent of extinct plants were single-site endemics, and many occurred outside recognized biodiversity hotspots. Given the paucity of plant surveys in many areas, particularly prior to European settlement, the actual extinction rate of vascular plants is undoubtedly much higher than indicated here.     

Potential toxicity of leachate from the municipal landfill in view of the possibility of their migration to the environment through infiltration into groundwater

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Leachate from landfills is a product of complex biological and physicochemical processes occurring during waste storage. In the present study, the toxicity...     

Adoption of environmental standards in Australia: focus on ISO 14001

This study aimed to explore the adoption of environmental standards in Australia, focusing on ISO 14001. The authors used purposive sampling to select a group of ISO 14001 certified and a group of ISO 14001 non-certified companies. Data were collected through a combination of website searches and content analysis. The study found that, overall, 92.9% of the ISO 14001 certified compared to 78.4% of the ISO 14001 non-certified companies promoted their environmental commitment through various methods. In addition, 33.4% of ISO 14001 non-certified companies (compared to 19.2% of certified companies) used their environmental engagement activities as a marketing tool. Second, 80.9% of ISO 14001 certified companies' and 26.7% of the non-certified companies' reports are easy to find and are clearly stated. The study concludes that Australian companies engage in similar environmental activities irrespective of whether they are ISO 14001 certified or not. Both management and research implications of the study's findings are presented.