Secure & Prepared, October 31, 2006, Vol.2, no.21

Secure & Prepared is a bi-weekly publication of the Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management Division for those involved in the homeland security system in the state of Iowa.

Heidelberg 2/11 -31

Kirje 2.11.1931

The expansion of 300 CTG repeats in myotonic dystrophy transgenic mice does not induce sensory or motor neuropathy.

Although many studies have been carried out to verify the involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in dystrophia myotonica (DM1) patients, the results remain controversial. The generation of DM1 transgenic mice displaying the human DM1 phenotype provides a useful tool to investigate the type and incidence of structural abnormalities in the PNS. In the present study, the morphological and morphometric analysis of semi-thin sections of sciatic and sural nerves, lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and lumbar spinal cords revealed that in DM1 transgenic mice carrying 300 CTG repeats, there is no change in the number and diameter of myelinated axons compared to wild type. Only a non-significant reduction in the percentage of thin myelinated axons was detected in electron micrographs of ultra-thin sciatic nerve sections. Analysis of the number of neurons did not reveal a loss in number of either sensory neurons in the lumbar DRG or motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord in these DM1 mice. Furthermore, in hind limb muscle sections, stained with a neurofilament antibody and alpha-bungarotoxin, the intramuscular axon arborization appeared normal in DM1 mice and undistinguishable from that in wild-type mice. Moreover, in DM1 mice, there was no irregularity in the structure or an increase in the endplate area. Also statistical analysis did not show an increase in endplate density or in the concentration of acetylcholine receptors. Altogether, these results suggest that 300 CTG repeats are not sufficient to induce axonopathy, demyelination or neuronopathies in this transgenic mouse model.

MVD Quarterly Report on Building Project quarter ending March 31, 2007

Pursuant to Section 1 of House File 466 of the 81st General Assembly, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to make quarterly reports to the Legislative Council regarding the progress of the building project for the Motor Vehicle Division and to inform the General Assembly of any significant delays or unanticipated expenditures. During the quarter ending March 31, 2007, the project progressed as planned. The project is on schedule and no unanticipated expenditures have been made.

Special investigation of the Washington Community School District for the period June 1, 2003 through October 31, 2006

Special investigation of the Washington Community School District for the period June 1, 2003 through October 31, 2006

Heidelberg 21/XI -31

Kirje 21.11.1931

Audit report on America’s Agricultural Industrial Heritage Landscape, Inc., d/b/a Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area (Silos and Smokestacks), in Waterloo, Iowa for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

Audit report on America’s Agricultural Industrial Heritage Landscape, Inc., d/b/a Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area (Silos and Smokestacks), in Waterloo, Iowa for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

Report on a special investigation of the Dallas County Jail for the period July 31, 2000 through February 5, 2007

Report on a special investigation of the Dallas County Jail for the period July 31, 2000 through February 5, 2007

Special investigation of the City of McCausland for the period January 1, 1999 through January 31, 2007

Special investigation of the City of McCausland for the period January 1, 1999 through January 31, 2007

Helsinki 31/12 1939

Kirje 31.12.1939

Heidelberg 6/11 -31

Kirje 6.11.1931