Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2011

Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2011

Induction of experimental endocarditis by continuous low-grade bacteremia mimicking spontaneous bacteremia in humans.

Transient high-grade bacteremia following invasive procedures carries a risk of infective endocarditis (IE). This is supported by experimental endocarditis. On the other hand, case-control studies showed that IE could be caused by cumulative exposure to low-grade bacteremia occurring during daily activities. However, no experimental demonstration of this latter possibility exists. This study investigated the infectivity in animals of continuous low-grade bacteremia compared to that of brief high-grade bacteremia. Rats with aortic vegetations were inoculated with Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus gordonii or Staphylococcus aureus (strains Newman and P8). Animals were challenged with 10(3) to 10(6) CFU. Identical bacterial numbers were given by bolus (1 ml in 1 min) or continuous infusion (0.0017 ml/min over 10 h). Bacteremia was 50 to 1,000 times greater after bolus than during continuous inoculation. Streptococcal bolus inoculation of 10(5) CFU infected 63 to 100% vegetations compared to 30 to 71% infection after continuous infusion (P > 0.05). When increasing the inoculum to 10(6) CFU, bolus inoculation infected 100% vegetations and continuous infusion 70 to 100% (P > 0.05). S. aureus bolus injection of 10(3) CFU infected 46 to 57% valves. This was similar to the 53 to 57% infection rates produced by continuous infusion (P > 0.05). Inoculation of 10(4) CFU of S. aureus infected 80 to 100% vegetations after bolus and 60 to 75% after continuous infusion (P > 0.05). These results show that high-level bacteremia is not required to induce experimental endocarditis and support the hypothesis that cumulative exposure to low-grade bacteremia represents a genuine risk of IE in humans.

High-grade gliomas: reality and hopes.

In this issue of the Chinese Journal of Cancer, European experts review current standards, trends, and future prospects in the difficult domain of high-grade glioma. In all fields covered by the different authors, the progress has been impressive. For example, discoveries at the molecular level have already impacted imaging, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies, and they are expected to play an increasing role in the management of these cancers. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has pioneered new treatment strategies and contributed to new standards. The articles in this issue will cover basic molecular biological principles applicable today, novel surgical approaches, innovations in radiotherapy planning and delivery, evidence-based standards for radiotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy, current standards and novel approaches for systemic treatments, and the important but often neglected field of health-related quality of life. Despite the advances described in these articles, the overall prognosis of high-grade glioma, especially glioblastoma, remains poor, and more research is needed to address this problem.

Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2012

Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2012

Evidence for different expression profiles for c-Met, EGFR, PTEN and the mTOR pathway in low and high grade endometrial carcinomas in a cohort of consecutive women. Occurrence of PIK3CA and K-Ras mutations and microsatellite instability.

Molecular and genetic investigations in endometrial carcinogenesis may have prognostic and therapeutic implications. We studied the expression of EGFR, c-Met, PTEN and the mTOR signalling pathway (phospho-AKT/phospho-mTOR/phospho-RPS6) in 69 consecutive tumours and 16 tissue microarrays. We also analysed PIK3CA, K-Ras mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI). We distinguished two groups: group 1 (grade 1 and 2 endometrioid cancers) and group 2 (grade 3 endometrioid and type II clear and serous cell cancers). We hypothesised that these histological groups might have different features. We found that a) survival was higher in group 1 with less aggressive tumours (P⟨0.03); b) EGFR (P=0.01), PTEN and the AKT/mTOR/RPS6 signalling pathway were increased in group 1 versus group 2 (P=0.05 for phospho-mTOR); c) conversely, c-Met was higher (P⟨0.03) in group 2 than in group 1; d) In group 1, EGFR was correlated with c-Met, phospho-mTOR, phospho-RPS6 and the global activity of the phospho-AKT/phospho-mTOR/phospho-RPS6 pathway. In group 2, EGFR was correlated only with the phospho-AKT/phospho-mTOR/phospho-RPS6 pathway, whereas c-Met was correlated with PTEN; e) survival was higher for tumours with more than 50% PTEN-positive cells; f) K-RAS and PIK3CA mutations occurred in 10-12% of the available tumours and MSI in 40.4%, with a loss of MLH1 and PMS2 expression. Our results for endometrial cancers provide the first evidence for a difference in status between groups 1 and 2. The patients may benefit from different targeted treatments, anti-EGFR agents and rapamycin derivatives (anti-mTOR) for group 1 and an anti c-MET/ligand complex for group 2.

Differences in low-grade chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are both characterized by an increase in insulin resistance. Our goal in the present study was to measure insulin resistance (as estimated by homeostasis model assessment, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and adiponectin concentrations) and parameters of low-grade inflammation in non-diabetic, non-hyperandrogenic ovulatory women with previous GDM (pGDM) and in non-diabetic women with classic PCOS, characterized by hyperandrogenism and oligo/anovulation. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: We evaluated 20 women with PCOS, 18 women with pGDM and 19 controls, all matched according to body mass index (BMI). Fasting blood samples were drawn in all women 3-6 days after spontaneous or dydrogesterone-induced withdrawal bleeding. Body fat distribution was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in all women. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and percent body fat, measures of insulin resistance such as SHBG and adiponectin concentrations were decreased and central obesity was increased in women with PCOS and pGDM compared with controls (all p < 0.05). Parameters of low-grade inflammation such as serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and highly sensitive C-reactive protein concentrations, white blood cell and neutrophil count were increased only in women with PCOS compared with BMI-matched controls (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Certain markers of insulin resistance are increased in both women with PCOS and women with pGDM, while low-grade inflammation is increased only in PCOS. PCOS and GDM might represent specific phenotypes of one disease entity with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, whereby women with PCOS demonstrate an augmented cardiovascular risk profile.

Inverse metamorphic zonation in very low-grade Tibetan zone series of SE Zanskar and its tectonic consequences (NW India, Himalaya)

The metamorphism of the carbonate rocks of the SE Zanskar Tibetan zone has been studied by `'illite crystallinity'' and calcite-dolomite thermometry. The epizonal Zangla unit overlies the anchizonal Chumik unit. This discontinuous inverse zonation demonstrates a late to post-metamorphic thrust of the first unit over the second. The studied area underwent a complex tectonic history: - The tectonic units were stacked from the NE to the SW, generating recumbent folds, NE dipping thrusts and the regional metamorphism. The compressive movements were active under lower temperature conditions, resulting in late thrusts that disturbed the metamorphic zonation. The discontinuous inverse metamorphic zonation dates from this phase. - A NE vergent backfolding phase occurred at lower temperature conditions. It caused the uplift of more metamorphic levels. - A late extensional phase is revealed by the presence of NE dipping low angle normal faults, and a major high angle fault, the Sarchu fault. The low angle normal faults locally run along earlier thrusts (composite tectonic contacts). Their throw has been sufficient to reset a normal stratigraphic superposition (young layers overlying old ones), but insufficient to erase the inverse metamorphic relationship. However, the combined action of backfolding and normal faulting can locally lessen, or even cancel, the inverse metamorphic superposition. After deduction of the normal fault translation, the vertical component of the original thrust displacement through stratigraphy is 400 m, which is a value far too low to explain the temperature difference between the two units. The horizontal component of displacement is therefore far more important than the vertical one. The regional distribution of metamorphism within the Zangla unit points out to an anchizonal front and an epizonal inner part. This fact is in agreement with nappe tectonics.

Laboratory Evaluation of Polymer and Multi-Grade Asphalt Binders, MLR-90-5, 1992

A number of claims have been made that polymer modified asphalt cements, multi-grade asphalt cements, and other modifications of the liquid asphalt will prevent rutting and other deterioration of asphalt mixes, thereby, extending the service life of asphalt pavements. This laboratory study evaluates regular AC-20 asphalt cement, PAC-30 polymer modified asphalt cement and AC-10-30 multi-grade asphalt cement. PAC-30 was also evaluated with 15% Gilsonite and 15% Witcurb in a 75% crushed stone - 25% sand mix. These mixtures were evaluated for all Marshall properties along with indirect tensile, resilient modulus, and creep resistance.

Drivers' Behavior at Railroad Grade Crossings: Before and After Safety Campaign, HR-335, 1992

In April 1991 the Iowa Department of Transportation, the CNW Transportation Company, the SOO Line, and local agencies and business in the Mason City/Clear Lake area initiated an Operation Lifesaver program to attempt to increase public awareness of safety issues and safe behavior at railroad-highway grade crossings. This document reports an initial study of data on traffic characteristics at a selected set of grade crossings in Cerro Gordo County taken before and after the safety program. Twenty-two crossings were studied. The 13 crossings at which collisions were reported for the five years prior to the study were included in the sample of sites. Two field observations were made at each study crossing before the Operation Lifesaver campaign was in full swing, and two observations were made after the conclusion of the main effort of the campaign. The summary of each data set is contained in a companion volume. The research shows that Operation Lifesaver altered drivers' behavior in the following ways: (1) reduced approach speeds and crossing speeds at crossings with low speed limits, (2) reduced the percent of drivers approaching the crossing at speeds in excess of the posted speed limit, and (3) increased alertness of drivers to railroad crossing hazards as evidenced by more drivers looking for a clear track. Thus, Operation Lifesaver enhanced safety in street and highway traffic operations in the vicinity of railroad-highway grade crossings.

Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Effects of Planting at Highway Grade Separation Structures, HR-202, 1979

Blowing and drifting snow has been a problem for the highway maintenance engineer virtually since the inception of the automobile. In the early days, highway engineers were limited in their capability to design and construct drift free roadway cross sections, and the driving public tolerated the delays associated with snow storms. Modern technology, however, has long since provided the design expertise, financial resources, and construction capability for creating relatively snowdrift free highways, and the driver today has come to expect a highway facility that is free of snowdrifts, and if drifts develop they expect highway maintenance crews to open the highway within a short time. Highway administrators have responded to this charge for better control of snowdrifting. Modern highway designs in general provide an aerodynamic cross section that inhibits the deposition of snow on the roadway insofar as it is economically feasible to do so.

Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2013

Report on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for the year ended June 30, 2013

08013-009 Muchakinock Creek Final Report

The Muchakinock Creek Watershed Project began in February of 2005 to treat upland soil erosion in the creek that has lead to a 303(d) impairment. The Mahaska SWCD is currently administering this cost-share program to promote terraces, basins, and grade stabilization structures. The District is seeking funding from WIRB to treat specific abandoned mine lands in the Muchakinock Creek Watershed. These areas contribute sediment to the creek at levels second only to agricultural lands as well as acid mine drainage from open pits mines that have been left to decay across the county. The WIRB funding would be used to compliment Federal Abandoned Mine Land (AML) funding in the reclamation of these areas.

08011-007 Ludlow Creek Final Report

Brief Project Summary (no greater than this space allows): This project is located in the Ludlow Creek Watershed, a 9,827 acre sub-watershed of the Yellow River. Ludlow Creek is extremely fragile and unique because it is a karst watershed, containing an estimated 1,188 sinkholes and depressions. Ludlow Creek may arguably contain more sinkholes per acre than any other watershed in Iowa. Water sampling data shows sediment delivery and E.coli as being water quality impairments in Ludlow Creek. The goals of this project are to 1) Reduce sediment delivery by 40%, 2) Reduce animal waste run-off which may include E.coli and nutrients by 40%, and 3) Reduce the water quality impact that sinkholes have on this watershed. The following Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to target Ludlow Creek's water quality impairments: no-till, terraces, grade stabilization structures, manure systems, strearnbank stabilization, pasture management, and both sinkhole and stream buffers. Our goal is to implement a combination of approximately 62 BMPs in the Ludlow Creek Watershed. These landowners will receive 75% cost-share for each one of these practices. If we receive funding from this grant, we will reach this 75% cost-share allocation by leveraging WHIP or EQIP funds when available, for most of these practices. This application has been reviewed and approved by the Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners.

08004-001 Summit Lake Final Report

The Summit Lake Watershed Improvement Project is a watershed-based sediment control project designed to greatly reduce to nearly eliminate sedimentation of an existing lake that is being renovated for use as a water source in southern Iowa. Summit Lake is owned by the City of Creston and was once a water source lake until around 1984. The watershed improvements will include lakeshore stabilization and erosion control practices as a precursor for related improvements to the lake and overall 4,900-acre watershed. Best practices included in this phase are the implementation of riprap, a rain garden, grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, terraces, basins, water use and access ordinances, education and outreach, water monitoring, and other stream bank improvements. These improvements, along with leveraged work to be done by strategic partners, will enable the lake to be used for local and regional water supplies by sustaining the lake for many years to come. Without the lake rehabilitation, the lake will likely be filled with sedimentation to the point that it will have no recreational value. Key partners are the City of Creston, IDNR, Southern Iowa Rural Water Association, Union County, the Union County NRCS office, Southwestern Community College, and the Summit Lake Association, which is a non-profit group of landowners working to protect the lake. The project will address WIRB targets: a) streambank stabilization, b) livestock runoff, c) agricultural runoff and drainage, d) stormwater runoff, and e) a section of inadequately sewered community.

Petrology, geochemistry and geodynamic implications of Jurassic island arc magmatism as revealed by mafic volcanic rocks in the Mesozoic low-grade sequence, eastern Rhodope, Bulgaria

In the eastern Bulgarian Rhodope, mafic extrusive rocks and underlying greenschists are found in the Mesozoic low-grade unit, which represents the northern extension of similar sequences including the Evros ophiolites in Thrace (Greece). Both rock types define a suite of low-Ti tholeiitic basalts to transitional boninitic basaltic andesites and andesites and associated metapyroclastites (greenschists), intruded at its base by diorite dikes of a boninitic affinity. Mafic lavas and greenschists display large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment relative to high-field strength elements (HFSE), flat REE patterns of a slight light REE depletion, a strong island arc tholeiite (IAT) and weak MORB-like signature. All these rocks are characterized by negative Nb anomalies ascribed to arc lavas. They have positive epsilon Nd(i) values in the range of +4.87 to +6.09, approaching the lower limit of MORB-like source, and relatively high ((207)Pb/(204)Pb)(i) (15.57-15.663) at low ((206)Pb/(204)Pb)(i) (18.13-18.54) ratios. The Nd isotopic compositions coupled with trace element data imply a dominantly depleted MORB-like mantle source and a contribution of subduction modified LILE-enriched component derived from the mantle wedge. The diorite dike has a low eNdi value of -2.61 and is slightly more Pb radiogenic ((207)Pb/(204)Pb)(i) (15.64) and ((206)Pb/(204)Pb)(i) (18.56), respectively, reflecting crustal contamination. Petrologic and geochemical data indicate that the greenschists and mafic extrusive rocks represent a magmatic assemblage formed in an island arc setting. The magmatic suite is interpreted as representing an island arc-accretionary complex related to the southward subduction of the Meliata-Maliac ocean under the supra-subduction back-arc Vardar ocean/island arc system. Magmatic activity appears to have initiated in the north during the inception of the island arc system by the Early-Middle Jurassic time in the eastern Rhodope that most likely graded to back-arc spreading southwards as represented by the Late Jurassic MORB-type Samothraki Island ophiolites. This tectonic scenario is further constrained by paleotectonic reconstructions. The arc-trench system collided with the Rhodope in the Late Jurassic times. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.