Harmful algal bloom toxins alter c-Fos protein expression in the brain of killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus.

The immediate early gene c-fos, and its protein product c-Fos, are known to be induced in neurons of mammals and fish as a result of neuronal stimulation. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine CNS alterations in killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, in relation to harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxin exposure. c-Fos expression was visualized using immunocytochemistry in the brains of killifish exposed to the excitatory neurotoxins domoic acid (DA) and brevetoxin (PbTx-2), and a paralytic neurotoxin, saxitoxin (STX), released from HABs. In addition, a simulated transport stress experiment was conducted to investigate effects of physical stress on c-Fos induction. Groups of fish were exposed to the different stress agents, brain sections were processed for c-Fos staining, and expression was quantified by brain region. Fish exposed to DA, STX, and transport stress displayed significant alterations in neuronal c-Fos expression when compared to control fish (p< or = 0.05). DA, PbTx-2, and transport stress increased c-Fos expression in the optic tecta regions of the brain, whereas STX significantly decreased expression. This is the first study to quantify c-Fos protein expression in fish exposed to HAB toxins. General alterations in brain activity, as well as knowledge of specific regions within the brain activated in association with HABs or other stressors, provides valuable insights into the neural control of fish behavior as well as sublethal effects of specific stressors in the CNS.

Five-year follow-up results of instep plantar fasciotomy for chronic heel pain.

The results of a 5-year follow-up of patients who underwent surgical partial release of plantar fascia with plantar skin incision for treatment of chronic heel pain are presented. Evaluation included survey results from both a modified Mayo Scoring System and a list of specific questions developed by the authors. Thirty-three feet of 30 patients are evaluated. Thirty of the 33 feet studied achieved good or excellent results, scoring 80 or better on a 100-point scale. Ninety percent pain relief was achieved in 27 of the 33 feet studied (81.8%). A satisfaction rate of 90% or better was found with 30 of the 33 feet studied (90.9%). Long-lasting complications were described by five patients, including opposite foot pain, dorsal foot pain after extended activity, scar tissue discomfort, callus at scar area, and continued heel pain.