Pulmonary function testing as a diagnostic tool to assess respiratory health in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus.

Pulmonary function testing was performed in 3 bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (1 female and 2 males) under managed care during a 2 yr period to assess whether these data provide diagnostic information about respiratory health. Pulmonary radiographs and standard clinical testing were used to evaluate the pulmonary health of each dolphin. The female dolphin (F1) had evidence of chronic pulmonary fibrosis, and 1 male (M2) developed pneumonia during the study. Pulmonary function data were collected from maximal respiratory efforts in water and from spontaneous breaths while beached. From these data, the flow-volume relationship, the flow measured between 25 and 75% of the expired vital capacity (mid forced expiratory flow, FEF25%-75%), and the percent of the vital capacity (VC) at the peak expiratory flow (%VCPEF), were evaluated and compared with the diagnostic assessment. For maximal respiratory manoeuvres in water, there were no differences in FEF25%-75% or %VCPEF, and the flow-volume relationship showed a consistent pattern for F1. Additionally, FEF25%-75% and %VCPEF decreased by 27 and 52%, respectively, and the flow-volume relationship showed clear flow limitations with emerging disease in M2. While spontaneously breathing on land, M2 also showed a 49% decrease in %VCPEF and changes in the flow-volume relationship, indicating flow limitations following the development of pneumonia. Based on these preliminary results, we suggest that pulmonary function testing should be given more attention as a non-invasive and possibly adjunctive diagnostic tool to evaluate lung health of dolphins under managed care and in the wild.

Rhabdomyolysis and fluctuating asymptomatic hyperCKemia associated with CACNA1S variant.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CACNA1S encodes Cav 1.1, a voltage sensor for muscle excitation-contraction coupling, which activates the ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) leading to calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. CACNA1S mutations cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis, malignant hyperthermia and congenital myopathy. RYR1 mutations result in congenital myopathy, malignant hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis. METHODS: The aim was to describe a novel phenotype associated with a CACNA1S variant at a site previously linked to hypokalemic periodic paralysis. RESULTS: The patient presented with fluctuating asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation after an episode of rhabdomyolysis but has no history of periodic paralysis. His muscle biopsy showed core-like structures occurring mainly in type 2 fibers. He carries a novel Cav 1.1 variant (p.Arg528Leu) affecting a highly conserved amino acid. Different mutations at the same location cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the similarity between the phenotypes caused by mutations in two functionally linked proteins, RYR1 and Cav 1.1.

Reducing nitrous oxide emissions by changing N fertiliser use from calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) to urea based formulations.

The accelerating use of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers, to meet the world's growing food demand, is the primary driver for increased atmospheric concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O). The IPCC default emission factor (EF) for N2O from soils is 1% of the N applied, irrespective of its form. However, N2O emissions tend to be higher from nitrate-containing fertilisers e.g. calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) compared to urea, particularly in regions, which have mild, wet climates and high organic matter soils. Urea can be an inefficient N source due to NH3 volatilisation, but nitrogen stabilisers (urease and nitrification inhibitors) can improve its efficacy. This study evaluated the impact of switching fertiliser formulation from calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) to urea-based products, as a potential mitigation strategy to reduce N2O emissions at six temperate grassland sites on the island of Ireland. The surface applied formulations included CAN, urea and urea with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and/or the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD). Results showed that N2O emissions were significantly affected by fertiliser formulation, soil type and climatic conditions. The direct N2O emission factor (EF) from CAN averaged 1.49% overall sites, but was highly variable, ranging from 0.58% to 3.81. Amending urea with NBPT, to reduce ammonia volatilisation, resulted in an average EF of 0.40% (ranging from 0.21 to 0.69%)-compared to an average EF of 0.25% for urea (ranging from 0.1 to 0.49%), with both fertilisers significantly lower and less variable than CAN. Cumulative N2O emissions from urea amended with both NBPT and DCD were not significantly different from background levels. Switching from CAN to stabilised urea formulations was found to be an effective strategy to reduce N2O emissions, particularly in wet, temperate grassland.

Risk assessment for anterior cruciate ligament injury.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament tears are one of the most frequent soft tissue injuries of the knee. A torn anterior cruciate ligament leaves the knee joint unstable and at risk for further damage to other soft tissues manifested as pain, dislocation, and osteoarthritis. A better understanding of the anatomical details of knee joints suffering anterior cruciate ligament tears is needed to understand and develop prediction models for anterior cruciate ligament injury and/or tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of 32 patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears and 40 patients with non-tears were evaluated from a physician group practice. Digital measurements of femoral condyle length, femoral notch width, anterior cruciate ligament width in the frontal and sagittal plane, and the anterior cruciate ligament length in the sagittal plane were taken in both groups to identify trends. Monte Carlo simulations were performed (n = 2000) to evaluate the relationship between notch width index and sagittal width and to establish functional relationships among the anatomical parameters for potential injury risk. Sensitivity analysis performed shows the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury a function of force and notch width index. RESULTS: Females have a significantly shorter anterior cruciate ligament when compared to that of males. The notch width index was also significantly different between torn and non-torn individuals. The NWI was not significantly different between genders (p value = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cruciate ligament injury has been shown to be caused by the forces which act on the ligament. These forces can result from hyperextension of the tibia or the internal rotation of tibia. The anatomical parameters of the knee joint (i.e., notch width index, anterior cruciate ligament width and length) have no role in the cause of an injury.

Fermi-liquid computation of the phase diagram of high-Tc cuprate superconductors with an orbital antiferromagnetic pseudogap.

A 4-parameter Fermi-liquid calculation of the high-Tc cuprate phase diagram is reported. Simultaneously accounted for are the special doping densities of 5% and 16%, the d-wave functional form of the (orbital antiferromagnetic) pseudogap, the measured Tc, superconducting gap, pseudogap and superfluid density as a function of doping, the particle-hole doping asymmetry and the half-filling spin wave velocity.

Using stable isotopes to follow excreta N dynamics and N2O emissions in animal production systems.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and the dominant anthropogenic stratospheric ozone-depleting emission. The tropospheric concentration of N2O continues to increase, with animal production systems constituting the largest anthropogenic source. Stable isotopes of nitrogen (N) provide tools for constraining emission sources and, following the temporal dynamics of N2O, providing additional insight and unequivocal proof of N2O source, production pathways and consumption. The potential for using stable isotopes of N is underutilised. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of what these tools are and demonstrate where and how these tools could be applied to advance the mitigation of N2O emissions from animal production systems. Nitrogen inputs and outputs are dominated by fertiliser and excreta, respectively, both of which are substrates for N2O production. These substrates can be labelled with 15N to enable the substrate-N to be traced and linked to N2O emissions. Thus, the effects of changes to animal production systems to reduce feed-N wastage by animals and fertiliser wastage, aimed at N2O mitigation and/or improved animal or economic performance, can be traced. Further 15N-tracer studies are required to fully understand the dynamics and N2O fluxes associated with excreta, and the biological contribution to these fluxes. These data are also essential for the new generation of 15N models. Recent technique developments in isotopomer science along with stable isotope probing using multiple isotopes also offer exciting capability for addressing the N2O mitigation quest.

Autonomic dysfunction in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

OBJECTIVES: Autonomic deficits in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have not been adequately quantitated. The Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS) is a validated instrument for laboratory quantitation of autonomic failure derived from standard autonomic reflex tests. We characterized dysautonomia in CIDP using CASS. METHODS: Autonomic function was retrospectively analyzed in 47 patients meeting CIDP criteria. CASS ranges from 0 (normal) to 10 (pandysautonomia), reflecting summation of sudomotor (0-3), cardiovagal (0-3), and adrenergic (0-4) subscores. Severity of neurologic deficits was measured with Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS). Degree of small fiber involvement was assessed with quantitative sensation testing. Thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) was available in 8 patients. RESULTS: Patients (25 men) were middle-aged (45.0 ± 14.9 years) with longstanding CIDP (3.5 ± 4.3 years) of moderate severity (NIS, 46.5 ± 32.7). Autonomic symptoms were uncommon, mainly gastrointestinal (9/47; 19%) and genitourinary (8/47; 17%). Autonomic deficits (CASS ≥1) were frequent (22/47; 47%) but very mild (CASS, 0.8 ± 0.9; CASS ≤3, all cases). Deficits were predominantly sudomotor (16/47; 34%) and cardiovagal (10/47; 21%) with relative adrenergic sparing (4/47; 9%). TST was abnormal in 5 of 8 patients (anhidrosis range, 2%-59%). Sudomotor impairment was predominantly distal and postganglionic. Somatic deficits (disease duration, severity, small fiber deficits) did not predict presence of autonomic deficits. CONCLUSION: Our data characterize the autonomic involvement in classic CIDP as mild, cholinergic, and predominantly sudomotor mainly as a result of lesions at the distal postganglionic axon. Extensive or severe autonomic involvement (CASS ≥4) in suspected CIDP should raise concern for an alternative diagnosis.

Evidence for the production of NO and N2O in two contrasting subsoils following the addition of synthetic cattle urine.

Nitrogenous materials can be transferred out of the topsoil, either vertically to a greater depth, or in lateral pathways to surface waters, and they may also become transformed, with the potential of generating environmentally active agents. We measured the production of NO and N(2)O in two contrasting subsoils (70 to 90 cm): one poorly drained and the other freely drained and compared this with the topsoil (0 to 20 cm) of the corresponding soils. The soils were incubated aerobically in jars with subtreatments of either synthetic cattle urine or deionised water and sampled at intervals up to 34 days. (15)N-NO(3)(-) was used to determine the processes responsible for NO and N(2)O production. The headspace was analysed for the concentrations of N(2)O, NO and CO(2) and (15)N enrichment of N(2)O. The soil samples were extracted and analysed for NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-) and NH(4)(+), and the (15)N enrichment of the extracts was measured after conversion into N(2)O and N(2). The study demonstrated the potential for NO, N(2)O and NO(2)(-) to be generated from subsoils in laboratory incubations. Differences in these N dynamics occurred due to subsoil drainage class. In the freely drained subsoil the rates of NO and NO(2)(-) production were higher than those observed for the corresponding topsoil, with mean maximum production rates of 3.5 microg NO(2)(-)-N g(-1) dry soil on day 16 and 0.12 microg NO-N g(-1) dry soil on day 31. The calculated total losses of N(2)O-N as percentages of the applied synthetic urine N were 0.37% (freely drained subsoil), 0.24% (poorly drained subsoil), 0.43% (freely drained topsoil) and 2.09% (poorly drained topsoil). The calculated total losses of NO-N as percentages of the applied synthetic urine N were 1.53% (freely drained subsoil), 0.02% (poorly drained subsoil), 0.25% (freely drained topsoil) and 0.08% (poorly drained topsoil).

Preparation and analysis of 1-chloronaphthalene for highly refractive electrowetting optics.

High-index oils are critical to the performance of optical electrowetting devices, such as lenses, prisms, and retroreflectors. Herein, the preparation and electrowetting analysis of 1-chloronaphthalene are reported. When 1-chloronaphthalene is mixed with small amounts of an alkane, the following properties can be achieved: refractive index > 1.60, viscosity < 5 cP for rapid switching, operation at <10 V, and +/-45 degrees of electrowetting modulation around the condition for a flat meniscus (90 degrees ).

Incidence and prevalence of CIDP and the association of diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The reported prevalence of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) varies greatly, from 1.9 to 7.7 per 100,000. CIDP is reported to occur more commonly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) but has not been rigorously tested. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence (1982-2001) and prevalence (on January 1, 2000) of CIDP in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and whether DM is more frequent in CIDP. METHODS: CIDP was diagnosed by clinical criteria followed by review of electrophysiology. Cases were coded as definite, probable, or possible. DM was ascertained by clinical diagnosis or current American Diabetes Association glycemia criteria. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred eighty-one medical records were reviewed, and 23 patients (10 women and 13 men) were identified as having CIDP (19 definite and 4 probable). The median age was 58 years (range 4-83 years), with a median disease duration at diagnosis of 10 months (range 2-64 months). The incidence of CIDP was 1.6/100,000/year. The prevalence was 8.9/100,000 persons on January 1, 2000. Only 1 of the 23 CIDP patients (4%) also had DM, whereas 14 of 115 age- and sex-matched controls (12%) had DM. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The incidence (1.6/100,000/year) and prevalence (8.9/100,000) of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are similar to or higher than previous estimates. 2) The incidence of CIDP is similar to that of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy within the same population. 3) Diabetes mellitus (DM) is unlikely to be a major risk covariate for CIDP, but we cannot exclude a small effect. 4) The perceived association of DM with CIDP may be due to misclassification of other forms of diabetic neuropathies and excessive emphasis on electrophysiologic criteria.

Entamoeba histolytica: comparison of the role of receptors and filamentous actin among various endocytic processes.

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery. Uptake of iron is critical for E. histolytica growth and iron-bound human transferrin (holo-transferrin) has been shown to serve as an iron source in vitro. Although a transferrin-binding protein has been identified in E. histolytica, the mechanism by which this iron source is taken up by this pathogen is not well understood. To gain insight into this process, the uptake of fluorescent-dextran, -holo-transferrin, and human red blood cells (hRBCs) was compared. Both dextran and transferrin were taken up in an apparent receptor-independent fashion as compared to hRBCs, which were taken up in a receptor-mediated fashion. Interestingly, the uptake of FITC-dextran and FITC-holo-transferrin differentially relied on an intact actin cytoskeleton suggesting that their internalization routes may be regulated independently.

Multiple bosonic mode coupling in the electron self-energy of (La2-xSrx)CuO4.

High resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data along the (0,0)-(pi,pi) nodal direction with significantly improved statistics reveal fine structure in the electron self-energy of the underdoped (La2-xSrx)CuO4 samples in the normal state. Fine structure at energies of (40-46) meV and (58-63) meV, and possible fine structure at energies of (23-29) meV and (75-85) meV, have been identified. These observations indicate that, in (La2-xSrx)CuO4, more than one bosonic modes are involved in the coupling with electrons.

Nitrite formation and nitrous oxide emissions as affected by reclaimed effluent application.

The effect of irrigation with reclaimed effluent (RE) (after secondary treatment) on the mechanisms and rates of nitrite formation, N2O emissions, and N mineralization is not well known. Grumosol (Chromoxerert) soil was incubated for 10 to 14 d with fresh water (FW) and RE treated with 15NO3- and 15NH4+ to provide a better insight on N transformations in RE-irrigated soil. Nitrite levels in RE-irrigated soil were one order of magnitude higher than in FW- irrigated soil and ranged between 15 to 30 mg N kg(-1) soil. Higher levels of NO2- were observed at a moisture content of 60% than at 70% and 40% w/w. Nitrite levels were also higher when RE was applied to a relatively dry Grumosol (20% w/w) than at subsequent applications of RE to soil at 40% w/w. Isotopic labeling indicated that the majority of NO2 was formed via nitrification. The amount of N2O emitted from RE-treated Grumosol was double the amount emitted from FW treatments at 60% w/w. Nitrification was responsible for about 42% of the emissions. The N20 emission from the RE-treated bulk soil (passing a 9.5-mm sieve) was more than double the amount formed in large aggregates (4.76-9.5 mm in diameter). No dinitrogen was detected under the experimental conditions. Results indicate that irrigation with secondary RE stimulates nitrification, which may enhance NO3 leaching losses. This could possibly be a consequence of long-term exposure of the nitrifier population to RE irrigation. Average gross nitrification rate estimates were 11.3 and 15.8 mg N kg(-1) soil d(-1) for FW- and RE-irrigated bulk soils, respectively. Average gross mineralization rate estimates were about 3 mg N kg(-1) soil d(-1) for the two water types.

Gaseous nitrogen emissions and mineral nitrogen transformations as affected by reclaimed effluent application.

Irrigation with reclaimed effluent (RE) is essential in arid and semiarid regions. Reclaimed effluent has the potential to stimulate gaseous N losses and affect other soil N processes. No direct measurements of the N2 and N2O emissions from Mediterranean soils have been conducted so far. We used the 15N gas flux method in a field and a laboratory experiment to study the effect of RE irrigation on gaseous N losses and other N transformations in a Grumosol (Chromoxerert) soil. The fluxes of N2, N2O, and NH3 were measured from six Grumosol lysimeters following application of either fresh water or RE. The N fertilizer was applied either as 15NH4 or 15NO3. Only up to 0.3% from the applied N fertilizer was lost as N2O + NH3. Reclaimed effluent enhanced the losses of NH3, but did not affect those of N2O. Nitrification and denitrification were equally important to N2O production. Laboratory incubations were performed to both confirm the influence of the irrigation water type and to test the effect of moisture content. Significant quantities of N2 and N2O (up to 3.1% of the applied fertilizer) were emitted from saturated soils. Reclaimed effluent application did not induce higher N2O emissions, yet significantly more (approximately 33%) N2 was emitted from RE-irrigated soils. Denitrification contributed up to 75% of the N2O amounts emitted from saturated soils. Reclaimed effluent application inhibited nitrification in the Grumosol by 15 to 25% and induced NO2 accumulation in soils incubated at a field-capacity moisture content.

Spinon-holon attraction in the supersymmetric t-J model with 1/r(2) interaction.

We derive the coordinate representation of the one-spinon one-holon wave function for the supersymmetric t-J model with 1/r(2) interaction. This result allows us to show that a spinon and a holon attract each other at short distance. The attraction gets stronger as the size of the system is increased and, in the thermodynamic limit, it is responsible for the square-root singularity in the hole spectral function [Y. Kato, Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 5402 (1998)].

Foot and ankle survey in adults with diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to examine the foot and ankle care patterns and shoe wear habits in patients with clinically proven diabetes mellitus who were attending diabetes education classes for the first time. One hundred subjects were recruited from outpatient adult diabetes education classes. No attempts were made to select patients on the basis of disease duration or severity. Each subject completed a questionnaire assessing life-style, shoe wear habits, health care status and interaction with healthcare providers. Thirty-seven percent of the subjects reported prior foot problems. Twenty percent had their feet examined regularly and 59% had never had their feet examined. Foot problems reported were: corns 11%, calluses 11%, bunions 3%, ulcers 1%, gout 1%. Sensation was tested using the 5.07 Semmes Weinstein monofilament across seven zones of the plantar surface of the foot. Subjects unable to feel this varied from 5% to 20% in each of the zones. Shoe wear was assessed for fit and style. Thirty percent of the patients had shoes that were too narrow and 81% of the patients with poorly fitting shoes were women. Shoe wear history and factors influencing shoe selection were recorded. Diabetes mellitus is a common disease, often affecting the feet. Preventive care can help patients deal with the manifestations of diabetic neuropathy. This study showed that a low percentage of subjects with diabetes regularly have their feet examined and that a relatively high percentage (31%) wear shoes that are too narrow. Identifying these patients early may allow modification of habits that put their feet at risk.

Quantum interference and ballistic transmission in nanotube electron waveguides.

The electron transport properties of well-contacted individual single-walled carbon nanotubes are investigated in the ballistic regime. Phase coherent transport and electron interference manifest as conductance fluctuations as a function of Fermi energy. Resonance with standing waves in finite-length tubes and localized states due to imperfections are observed for various Fermi energies. Two units of quantum conductance 2G(0) = 4e(2)/h are measured for the first time, corresponding to the maximum conductance limit for ballistic transport in two channels of a nanotube.

Foot pressures during gait: a comparison of techniques for reducing pressure points.

PURPOSE: Various methods have been used to redistribute plantar surface foot pressure in patients with foot ulcers. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of four modalities (fracture walker, fracture walker with insert, and open and closed toe total contact casts) in reducing plantar foot pressure. METHODS: Ten healthy, normal volunteer subjects had an F-scan sensor (ultra thin shoe insert pressure monitor) placed under the right foot. They then ambulated on a flat surface, maintaining their normal gait. Dynamic plantar pressures were averaged over 10 steps at four different sites (plantar surface of great toe, first metatarsal head, base of fifth metatarsal, and plantar heel). All subjects repeated this sequence under five different testing conditions (barefoot, with a fracture walker, fracture walker with arch support insert, open and closed toe total contact cast). Each subject's barefoot pressures were then compared with the pressures during the different modalities. RESULTS: All four treatment modalities significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plantar pressure at the first metatarsal head (no method was superior). The fracture walker, fracture walker with insert, and open toe total contact cast significantly reduced pressure at the heel. Pressures at the base of the fifth metatarsal and great toe were not significantly reduced with any treatment form. CONCLUSION: The fracture walker, with and without arch support, and total contact cast can effectively reduce plantar pressure at the heel and first metatarsal head.

Surgical stress shifts the intestinal Escherichia coli population to that of a more adherent phenotype: role in barrier regulation.

BACKGROUND: We have shown that the combination of surgical stress and starvation in mice is associated with a defect in epithelial permeability and increased numbers of mucosa-associated Escherichia coli in the cecum. The aim of this study was to determine the specific role of mucosa-associated E coli on epithelial barrier dysfunction in this model. METHODS: Cecal E coli were harvested from mice 48 hours after a sham operation (control mice) or after a 30% surgical hepatectomy with only water provided ad libitum (short-term starvation) after the surgical procedure. Strains were tested for their ability to adhere to and alter the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of cultured young adult mouse colon epithelial cells. TEER changes were further characterized by mannitol fluxes to confirm a defect in paracellular permeability. RESULTS: Strains of cecal E coli harvested from hepatectomy-starved mice adhered to and altered the permeability of young adult mouse colon cells, whereas E coli from the cecum of control mice were less adherent and had no effect on epithelial permeability. The effect of the strains harvested from mice after hepatectomy on the TEER of young adult mouse colon cells was inhibited by mannose and reversed by ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: The combination of surgical stress and short-term starvation is associated with a greater abundance of adherent and barrier-altering strains of E coli in the mouse cecum.