Mycobacteriosis in Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis): The Interaction of Nutrition and Disease

Field and laboratory studies were conducted from 1998 - 2005 to examine the relationship between nutritional status and mycobacteriosis in Chesapeake Bay striped bass (Morone saxatilis). A review of DNA from archived tissue blocks indicated that the disease has been present since at least 1984. Field surveys and feeding trials were conducted from 1998-1999 to determine the nutritional condition of striped bass and the association with disease state. Proximate composition revealed elevated moisture (~ 80%) and low storage lipids (< 0.5% ww), characteristic of a poorly nourished population. These findings were not consistent with data collected in 1990-1991, or with experimentally fed fish. Mycobacteriosis explained little of the variance in chemical composition (p > 0.2); however elevated moisture and low lipid concentration were associated with fish with ulcerative lesions (p < 0.05). This suggests that age 3 and 4 striped bass were in poor nutritional health in 1998-1999, which may be independent from the disease process. Challenge studies were performed to address the hypothesis that disease progression and severity may be altered by nutritional status of the host. Intraperitoneal inoculation of 104 CFU M. marinum resulted in high mortality, elevated bacterial density, and poor granuloma formation in low ration (0.15% bw/d) groups while adequately fed fish (1% bw/d) followed a normal course of granulomatous inflammation with low mortality to a steady, equilibrium state. Further, we demonstrated that an active inflammatory state could be reactivated in fish through reductions in total diet. The energetic demand of mycobacteriosis, was insignificant in comparison to sham inoculated controls in adequately fed fish (p > 0.05). Declines in total body energy were only apparent during active, inflammatory stages of disease. Overall, these findings suggest that: 1) mycobacteriosis is not a new disease of Chesapeake Bay striped bass, 2) the disease has little energetic demand in the normal, chronic progression, and 3) poor nutritional health can greatly enhance the progression and severity, and reactivation of disease. The implications of this research are that management strategies focused on enhancing the nutritional state of striped bass could potentially alter the disease dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.

Augmentation of cardiac contractility mediated by the human beta(3)-adrenergic receptor overexpressed in the hearts of transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: Stimulation of beta(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the heart results in positive inotropy. In contrast, it has been reported that the beta(3)AR is also expressed in the human heart and that its stimulation leads to negative inotropic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: To better understand the role of beta(3)ARs in cardiac function, we generated transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of 330 fmol/mg protein of the human beta(3)AR (TGbeta(3) mice). Hemodynamic characterization was performed by cardiac catheterization in closed-chest anesthetized mice, by pressure-volume-loop analysis, and by echocardiography in conscious mice. After propranolol blockade of endogenous beta(1)- and beta(2)ARs, isoproterenol resulted in an increase in contractility in the TGbeta(3) mice (30%), with no effect in wild-type mice. Similarly, stimulation with the selective human beta(3)AR agonist L-755,507 significantly increased contractility in the TGbeta(3) mice (160%), with no effect in wild-type mice, as determined by hemodynamic measurements and by end-systolic pressure-volume relations. The underlying mechanism of the positive inotropy incurred with L-755,507 in the TGbeta(3) mice was investigated in terms of beta(3)AR-G-protein coupling and adenylyl cyclase activation. Stimulation of cardiac membranes from TGbeta(3) mice with L-755,507 resulted in a pertussis toxin-insensitive 1.33-fold increase in [(35)S]GTPgammaS loading and a 1.6-fold increase in adenylyl cyclase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac overexpression of human beta(3)ARs results in positive inotropy only on stimulation with a beta(3)AR agonist. Overexpressed beta(3)ARs couple to G(s) and activate adenylyl cyclase on agonist stimulation.

A model of sequential heart and composite tissue allotransplant in rats.

BACKGROUND: Some of the 600,000 patients with solid organ allotransplants need reconstruction with a composite tissue allotransplant, such as the hand, abdominal wall, or face. The aim of this study was to develop a rat model for assessing the effects of a secondary composite tissue allotransplant on a primary heart allotransplant. METHODS: Hearts of Wistar Kyoto rats were harvested and transplanted heterotopically to the neck of recipient Fisher 344 rats. The anastomoses were performed between the donor brachiocephalic artery and the recipient left common carotid artery, and between the donor pulmonary artery and the recipient external jugular vein. Recipients received cyclosporine A for 10 days only. Heart rate was assessed noninvasively. The sequential composite tissue allotransplant consisted of a 3 x 3-cm abdominal musculocutaneous flap harvested from Lewis rats and transplanted to the abdomen of the heart allotransplant recipients. The abdominal flap vessels were connected to the femoral vessels. No further immunosuppression was administered following the composite tissue allotransplant. Ten days after composite tissue allotransplantation, rejection of the heart and abdominal flap was assessed histologically. RESULTS: The rat survival rate of the two-stage transplant surgery was 80 percent. The transplanted heart rate decreased from 150 +/- 22 beats per minute immediately after transplant to 83 +/- 12 beats per minute on day 20 (10 days after stopping immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: This sequential allotransplant model is technically demanding. It will facilitate investigation of the effects of a secondary composite tissue allotransplant following primary solid organ transplantation and could be useful in developing future immunotherapeutic strategies.

Smartphone ECG for evaluation of STEMI: Results of the ST LEUIS Pilot Study

© 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Background 12-lead ECG is a critical component of initial evaluation of cardiac ischemia, but has traditionally been limited to large, dedicated equipment in medical care environments. Smartphones provide a potential alternative platform for the extension of ECG to new care settings and to improve timeliness of care. Objective To gain experience with smartphone electrocardiography prior to designing a larger multicenter study evaluating standard 12-lead ECG compared to smartphone ECG. Methods 6 patients for whom the hospital STEMI protocol was activated were evaluated with traditional 12-lead ECG followed immediately by a smartphone ECG using right (VnR) and left (VnL) limb leads for precordial grounding. The AliveCor™ Heart Monitor was utilized for this study. All tracings were taken prior to catheterization or immediately after revascularization while still in the catheterization laboratory. Results The smartphone ECG had excellent correlation with the gold standard 12-lead ECG in all patients. Four out of six tracings were judged to meet STEMI criteria on both modalities as determined by three experienced cardiologists, and in the remaining two, consensus indicated a non-STEMI ECG diagnosis. No significant difference was noted between VnR and VnL. Conclusions Smartphone based electrocardiography is a promising, developing technology intended to increase availability and speed of electrocardiographic evaluation. This study confirmed the potential of a smartphone ECG for evaluation of acute ischemia and the feasibility of studying this technology further to define the diagnostic accuracy, limitations and appropriate use of this new technology.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Z: The claims made about CICS and where we go from here

There have been few genuine success stories about industrial use of formal methods. Perhaps the best known and most celebrated is the use of Z by IBM (in collaboration with Oxford University's Programming Research Group) during the development of CICS/ESA (version 3.1). This work was rewarded with the prestigious Queen's Award for Technological Achievement in 1992 and is especially notable for two reasons: 1) because it is a commercial, rather than safety- or security-critical, system and 2) because the claims made about the effectiveness of Z are quantitative as well as qualitative. The most widely publicized claims are: less than half the normal number of customer-reported errors and a 9% savings in the total development costs of the release. This paper provides an independent assessment of the effectiveness of using Z on CICS based on the set of public domain documents. Using this evidence, we believe that the case study was important and valuable, but that the quantitative claims have not been substantiated. The intellectual arguments and rationale for formal methods are attractive, but their widespread commercial use is ultimately dependent upon more convincing quantitative demonstrations of effectiveness. Despite the pioneering efforts of IBM and PRG, there is still a need for rigorous, measurement-based case studies to assess when and how the methods are most effective. We describe how future similar case studies could be improved so that the results are more rigorous and conclusive.

Tree diameter distribution modelling: introducing the logitlogistic distribution

Johnson's SB distribution is a four-parameter distribution that is transformed into a normal distribution by a logit transformation. By replacing the normal distribution of Johnson's SB with the logistic distribution, we obtain a new distributional model that approximates SB. It is analytically tractable, and we name it the "logitlogistic" (LL) distribution. A generalized four-parameter Weibull model and the Burr XII model are also introduced for comparison purposes. Using the distribution "shape plane" (with axes skew and kurtosis) we compare the "coverage" properties of the LL, the generalized Weibull, and the Burr XII with Johnson's SB, the beta, and the three-parameter Weibull, the main distributions used in forest modelling. The LL is found to have the largest range of shapes. An empirical case study of the distributional models is conducted on 107 sample plots of Chinese fir. The LL performs best among the four-parameter models.

Understanding changes in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Cardiovascular pathophysiological changes, such as hypertension and enlarged ventricles, reflect the altered functions of the heart and its circulation during ill-health. This article examines the normal and altered anatomy of the cardiac valves, the contractile elements and enzymes of the myocardium, the significance of the different factors associated with cardiac output, and the role of the autonomic nervous system in the heart beat. It also explores how certain diseases alter these functions and result in cardiac symptoms. Nurses can benefit from knowledge of these specific changes, for example, by being able to ask relevant questions in order to ascertain the nature of a patients condition, by being able to take an effective patient history and by being able to read diagnostic results, such as electrocardiograms and cardiac enzyme results. All this will help nurses to promote sound cardiac care based on a physiological rationale.

Vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations of the di-amino acid peptide L-aspartyl-L-glutamic acid in the zwitterionic state

Solid state IR and Raman as well as aqueous solution state Raman spectra are reported for the linear di-amino acid peptide L-aspartyl-L-glutamic acid (L-Asp-L-Glu); the solution state Raman spectrum has also been obtained for the N,O-deuterated derivative. SCF-DFT calculations at the B3-LYP/cc-pVDZ level established that the structure and vibrational spectra of L-Asp-L-Glu can be interpreted using a model of the peptide with ten hydrogen-bonded water molecules, in conjunction with the conductor-like polarizable continuum solvation method. The DFT calculations resulted in the computation of a stable zwitterionic structure, which displays trans-amide conformation. The vibrational spectra were computed at the optimised molecular geometry, enabling normal coordinate analysis, which yielded satisfactory agreement with the experimental IR and Raman data. Computed potential energy distributions of the normal modes provided detailed vibrational assignments.

DFT calculations of the structures and vibrational spectra of the [Fe(bpy)(3)](2+) and [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) complexes

Structures of the [M(bpy)(3)](2+) complexes (M = Fe and Ru) have been calculated at the B3-LYP/DZVP level. IR and Raman spectra were calculated using the optimised geometries, employing a scaled quantum chemical force field, and compared with an earlier normal coordinate analysis of [Ru(bpy)(3) ](2+) which was based upon experimental data alone, and the use of a simplified model. The results of the calculations provide a highly satisfactory fit to the experimental data and the normal coordinate analyses, in terms of potential energy distributions, allow a detailed understanding of the vibrational spectra of both complexes. Evidence is presented for Jahn-Teller distortion in the E-1 MLCT excited state. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the footprint in school age of 8-10 years old

Biomechanical problems in children, is an important subject currently, existing controversy in different areas, for example, the majority of children have a flattened footprint, or the hypermobility joint is linked to a musculoskeletal pain. The objective of the study was to determine what kind of footprint is most frequent in school-age children (8-10 years) in the area of Plasencia. This was taken as a sign 50 children, of whom 28 were males and 22 females. All the subjects in the study underwent an assessment of footprint planted in static as well as an exploration of different parameters through inspection in a standing position (formula digital, rearfoot). The results show that excavated footprint is present in a 72% cases of the population, 16% was belonging to an excavated footprint in which we find a higher percentage of weight related.For the digital formula we find that the most common is the Egyptian foot by 40% of the cases and that the prevalence in the rearfoot, is a normal hindfoot. In relation with the hypermobility joint, we check that it is more common in girls and that none of them presents an association to musculoskeletal pain. As a future line we could establish a more comprehensive study with new techniques and valuingchild’s statics and dynamics, to have a more accurate study of the different variables in the sample population studied.

A comparison between randomly alternating imaging, normal laparoscopic imaging, and virtual reality training in laparoscopic psychomotor skill acquisition

Objectives: To evaluate virtual reality as a laparoscopic training device in helping surgeons to automate to the “fulcrum effect” by comparing it to time-matched training programs using randomly alternating images (ie, y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic) and normal laparoscopic viewing conditions.

Methods: Twenty-four participants (16 females and 8 males), were randomly assigned to minimally invasive surgery virtual reality (MIST VR), randomly alternating (between y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic images), and normal laparoscopic imaging condition. Participants were requested to perform a 2-minute laparoscopic cutting task before and after training.

Results: In the test trial participants who trained on the MIST VR performed significantly better than those in the normal laparoscopic and randomly alternating imaging conditions.

Conclusion: The results show that virtual reality training may provide faster skill acquisition with particular reference to automation of the fulcrum effect. MIST VR provides a new way of training laparoscopic psychomotor surgical skills.

In vitro phototoxicity of 5-aminolevulinic acid and its methyl ester and the influence of barrier properties on their release from a bioadhesive patch.

opical administration of excess exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) leads to selective accumulation of the potent photosensitiser protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in neoplastic cells, which can then be destroyed by irradiation with visible light. Due to its hydrophilicity, ALA penetrates deep lesions, such as nodular basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) poorly. As a result, more lipophilic esters of ALA have been employed to improve tissue penetration. In this study, the in vitro release of ALA and M-ALA from proprietary creams and novel patch-based systems across normal stratum corneum and a model membrane designed to mimic the abnormal stratum corneum overlying neoplastic skin lesions were investigated. Receiver compartment drug concentrations were compared with the concentrations of each drug producing high levels of PpIX production and subsequent light-induced kill in a model neoplastic cell line (LOX). LOX cells were found to be quite resistant to ALA- and M-ALA-induced phototoxicity. However, drug concentrations achieved in receiver compartments were comparable to those required to induce high levels of cell death upon irradiation in cell lines reported in the literature. Patches released significantly less drug across normal stratum corneum and significantly more across the model membrane. This is of major significance since the selectivity of PDT for neoplastic lesions will be further enhanced by the delivery system. ALA/M-ALA will only be delivered in significant amounts to the abnormal tissue. PpIX will only then accumulate in the neoplastic cells and the normal surrounding tissue will be unharmed upon irradiation.

Expression of the VEGF gene family during retinal vaso-obliteration and hypoxia.

Vascular insufficiency and retinal ischaemia precede many proliferative retinopathies and stimulate secretion of vasoactive growth factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role and we therefore investigated the other members of the VEGF family: Placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B, -C, and -D, and platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) A and B. Neonatal mice were exposed to hyperoxia for 5 days and then returned to room air (resulting in acute retinal ischaemia). RT-PCR demonstrated that all the members of the VEGF family are expressed in the retina and in situ hybridization (ISH) located their mRNAs primarily in ganglion cells. Similarly to VEGF itself, VEGF-C, PDGF-A, and PDGF-B were upregulated during retinal ischaemia (P < 0.05). Only PlGF gene expression increased during hyperoxia (P < 0.01). The expression pattern of these growth factors suggests a role in the normal retina and during vaso-obliterative and ischaemic phases.

'PERMIT' ion migration test for measuring the chloride ion transport of concrete on site

The ingress of chlorides into concrete is predominantly by the mechanism of diffusion and the resistance of concrete to the transport of chlorides is generally represented by its coefficient of diffusion. The determination of this coefficient normally requires long test duration (many months). Therefore, rapid test methods based on the electrical migration of ions have widely been used. The current procedure of chloride ion migration tests involves placing a concrete disc between an ion source solution and a neutral solution and accelerating the transport of ions from the source solution to the neutral solution by the application of a potential difference across the concrete disc. This means that, in order to determine the chloride transport resistance of concrete cover, cores should be extracted from the structure and tested in laboratories. In an attempt to facilitate testing of the concrete cover on site, an in situ ion migration test (hereafter referred to as PERMIT ion migration test for the unique identification of the new test) was developed. The PERMIT ion migration test was validated in the lab by carrying out a comparative investigation and correlating the results with the migration coefficient from the one-dimensional chloride migration test, the effective diffusion coefficient from the normal diffusion test and the apparent diffusion coefficient determined from chloride profiles. A range of concrete mixes made with ordinary Portland cement was used for this purpose. In addition, the effects of preferential flow of ions close to the concrete surface and the proximity of reinforcement within the test area on the in situ migration coefficients were investigated. It was observed that the in situ migration index, found in one working day, correlated well with the chloride diffusion coefficients from other tests. The quality of the surface layer of the cover concrete and the location of the reinforcement within the test area were found to affect the flow of ions through the concrete during the test. Based on the data, a procedure to carry out the PERMIT ion migration test was standardised.

The effect of dust obscuration in RR Telescopii on optical and IR long-term photometry and FeII emission lines

Aims. Infrared and optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the symbiotic nova RR Tel are used to study the effects and properties of dust in symbiotic binaries containing a cool Mira component, as well as showing "obscuration events" of increased absorption, which are typical for such Miras. Methods. A set of photometric observations of the symbiotic nova RR Tel in different wavelength bands - visual from 1949 to 2002 and near-infrared (JHKL) from 1975 to 2002 - are presented. The variability due to the normal Mira pulsation was removed from the JHKL data, which were then compared with the American Association of Variable Star Observers' (AAVSO) visual light curve. The changes of the Fe II emission line fluxes during the 1996-2000 obscuration episode were studied in the optical spectra taken with the Anglo-Australian telescope. Results. We discuss the three periods during which the Mira component was heavily obscured by dust as observed in the different wavelength bands. A change in the correlations of J with other infrared magnitudes was observed with the colour becoming redder after JD 2 446 600. Generally, J-K was comparable, while K-L was larger than typical values for singleMiras. A distance estimate of 2.5 kpc, based on the IR data, is given. A larger flux decrease for the permitted than for the forbidden Fe II lines, during the obscuration episode studied, has been found. There is no evidence for other correlations with line properties, in particular with wavelength, which suggests obscuration due to separate optically thick clouds in the outer layers. Conclusions.