Spatial analysis of water body distance and West Nile Virus human cases in Houston, TX

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an arboviral disease that has affected hundreds of residents in Harris County, Texas since its introduction in 2002. Persistent infection, lingering sequelae and other long-term symptoms of patients reaffirm the need for prevention of this important vector-borne disease. This study aimed to determine if living within 400m of a water body increases one’s odds of infection with WNV. Additionally, we wanted to determine if one’s proximity to a particular water type or water body source increased one’s odds of infection with WNV.^ 145 cases’ addresses were abstracted from the initial interview and consent records from a cohort of patients (Epidemiology of Arboviral Encephalitis in Houston study, HSC-SPH-03-039). After applying inclusion criteria, 140 cases were identified for analysis. 140 controls were selected for analysis using a population proportionate to size model and US Census Bureau data. MapMarker USA v14 was used to geocode the cases’ addresses. Both cases’ and controls’ coordinates were uploaded onto a Harris County water shapefile in MapInfo Professional v9.5.1. Distance in meters to the closest water source, closest water source type, and closest water source name were recorded.^ Analysis of Variance (p=0.329, R2 = 0.0034) indicated no association between water body distance and risk of WNV disease. Living near a creek (x2 = 11.79, p < 0.001), or the combined group of creek and gully (x 2 = 14.02, p < 0.001) were found to be strongly associated with infection of WNV. Living near Cypress Creek and its feeders (x2 = 15.2, p < 0.001) was found to be strongly associated with WNV infection. We found that creek and gully habitats, particularly Cypress Creek, were preferential for the local disease transmitting Culex quinquefasciatus and reservoir avian population.^

Water polo throwing speed and body composition: an analysis by playing positions and opposition level

The aim of this study was to develop an anthropometric profile on highly skilled male water polo players by specific playing positions. Also, to identify significant relationships between these features an overhead throwing speed in highly skilled male Water Polo players by specific playing positions. Methods: A total of 94 male water polo players (24.5±5.3 yrs) who were playing in the Spanish King´s cup were studied. Subjects were grouped according to their specific playing positions: 15 goalkeepers, 45 offensive wings, 20 center backs and 14 center forwards. Anthropometric assessment was made following ISAK protocols. Hand grip and throwing speed in several situations were also assessed. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if significant differences existed among the four playing positions. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the relationships of all anthropometric measures with throwing speed and hand grip. The total player’s somatotype was endomorphic-mesomorphic (2.9–5.8–2.3). Center forwards exhibit important anthropometric differences compared with the other specific playing positions in elite male water polo players, but no differences were found in throwing speed by specific playing positions in each throwing conditions. Moreover, a higher number of relationships between anthropometric and throwing speed were found in wings and also in center backs but no relationships were found in center forwards. The data reflects the importance of muscle mass and upper body in the throwing skill. Coaches can use this information in order to select players for the different specific positions.

Shell size, body mass and average pO2 in mantle cavity water of different marine mollusc species

Marine invertebrates with open circulatory system establish low and constant oxygen partial pressure (Po2) around their tissues. We hypothesized that as a first step towards maintenance of low haemolymph and tissue oxygenation, the Po2 in molluscan mantle cavity water should be lowered against normoxic (21 kPa) seawater Po2, but balanced high enough to meet the energetic requirements in a given species. We recorded Po2 in mantle cavity water of five molluscan species with different lifestyles, two pectinids (Aequipecten opercularis, Pecten maximus), two mud clams (Arctica islandica, Mya arenaria), and a limpet (Patella vulgata). All species maintain mantle cavity water oxygenation below normoxic Po2. Average mantle cavity water Po2 correlates positively with standard metabolic rate (SMR): highest in scallops and lowest in mud clams. Scallops show typical Po2 frequency distribution, with peaks between 3 and 10 kPa, whereas mud clams and limpets maintain mantle water Po2 mostly <5 kPa. Only A. islandica and P. vulgata display distinguishable temporal patterns in Po2 time series. Adjustment of mantle cavity Po2 to lower than ambient levels through controlled pumping prevents high oxygen gradients between bivalve tissues and surrounding fluid, limiting oxygen flux across the body surface. The patterns of Po2 in mantle cavity water correspond to molluscan ecotypes.

Water chemistry, and body temperature, swimming depth and stomach contents of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in inner Frobisher Bay, Canada

The influence of salinity, temperature and prey availability on the marine migration of anadromous fishes was determined by describing the movements, habitat use and feeding behaviours of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). The objectives were to determine whether char are restricted to the upper water column of the inter-/subtidal zones due to warmer temperatures. Twenty-seven char were tracked with acoustic temperature/pressure (depth) transmitters from June to September, 2008/2009, in inner Frobisher Bay, Canada. Most detections were in surface waters (0-3 m). Inter-/subtidal movements and consecutive repetitive dives (maximum 52.8 m) resulted in extreme body temperature shifts (-0.2-18.1 °C). Approximately half of intertidal and subtidal detections were between 9-13 °C and 1-3 °C, respectively. Stomach contents and deep diving suggested feeding in both inter-/subtidal zones. We suggest that char tolerate cold water at depth to capture prey in the subtidal zone, then seek warmer water to enhance feeding/digestion physiology.

Medical reports, on the effects of water, cold and warm, as a remedy in fever and other diseases, whether applied to the surface of the body, or used internally ...

Title of v. 2 reads: Medical reports, on the effects of water, cold and warm, as a remedy in fever and febrile diseases ... 2d ed., cor. and enl.

An exposition of the practice of affusing cold water on the surface of the body, as a remedy for the cure of fever; to which are added, remarks on the effects of cold drink, and of gestation in the open air in certain conditions of that disease.

Mode of access: Internet.

Operator's and organizational maintenance manual : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric driven, AC, 115, 208 V, single- and 3-phase, 60 hertz, 1/20 to 2 hp, 3000 gph (MET-PRO model 3000V), NSN 4610-00-168-1799.

"18 June 1980."

Operator and organizational maintenance manual : water purification unit, van-type body mounted; electric driven, AC, 115, 208V single-and 3-phase, 60 hertz ... NS 4610-01-016-9964.

"5 March 1979."

Organizational maintenance repair parts and special tools lists : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric driven, AC, 115/208 V, single and 3 phase, 60 hertz, 1/20 to 2 hp, 1500 GPH, model EMC-1500S, NSN 4610-01-037-8746.

"15 May 1980."

Direct support and general support maintenance manual : water purification unit, van type, body mounted, electric motor driven, AC, DC, 115, 208 V, single and 3 phase, 60 hertz, 1/20 to 2 hp, 1500 gph, model EMC-1500S, NSN 4610-01-037-8746, EMC Industries Inc., DAAKO1-76-C-5661.

"1 August 1979."

Direct support and general support maintenance repair parts and special tools lists (including depot maintenance repair parts and special tools) : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric driven, AC, 115/208 V, single and 3 phase, 60 hertz, 1/20 to 2 hp, 1500 gph, model EMC-1500S, NSN 4610-01-037-8746.

"15 May 1980."

Organizational maintenance repair parts and special tools list : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric driven, AC, 115, 208V, single- and 3-phase, 60 hertz, 1/2 to 2 hp, 1500 gph (MET-PRO model 1500-2600A) NSN 4610-00-879-4612, (ETC model S1500) NSN 4610-01-016-9964.

Includes index.

Direct support and general support maintenance repair parts and special tools list ... : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric motor driven, AC, 115, 208V, single- and 3-phase, 60 hertz, 1/2 to 2 hp, 1500 gph (MET-PRO model 1500-2600A) ...

"3 May 1982."

Direct support and general support maintenance repair parts and special tools list : water purification unit, van-type, body mounted, electric driven, AC 115/208V, single and 3-phase, 1/20 to 2 hp, 3000 gph (MET-PRO model 3000 V), NSN 4610-00-168-1799.

"10 February 1983."