Ultrastructure of the Salivary Glands of the Stink Bug Predator Podisus distinctus.

Podisus distinctus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a zoophytophagous insect with significant potential for use as a biological control agent in agriculture and forestry because their nymphs and adults actively prey on diverse insect species. The saliva of this insect possesses active substances that cause paralysis and death of the prey. As the first step in identifying compounds of P. distinctus saliva, this study describes the ultrastructure of the salivary glands of this predator. The salivary system of P. distinctus possesses a pair of main salivary glands with a short anterior lobe, a long posterior lobe, and a pair of tubular accessory glands. The main salivary gland of P. distinctus has no associated muscles, suggesting that the saliva-release mechanism occurs with the help of certain thorax muscles. The main salivary gland epithelium has a single layer of cells (varying from cubical to columnar) with cytoplasm rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum, spherical granules of different sizes, a nucleus with a predominance of decondensed chromatin, and nucleolus. The apical cell region has a few short microvilli and the basal region has plasma membrane infoldings. The epithelium of the accessory salivary glands possesses a single-layered epithelium of cubic cells delimiting a narrow lumen. The apical cell region has a high density of microvilli and pleomorphic mitochondria, whereas the central cell region is rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum with a well-developed nucleus and decondensed chromatin. The basal cell region is characterized by the presence of several basal plasma membrane infoldings associated with mitochondria and numerous openings to the hemocoel forming large channels. The ultrastructural characteristics suggest that the main salivary glands and accessory salivary glands play a vital role in protein synthesis for saliva production and that the accessory glands are involved in transport of materials of the hemolymph.

Daptomycin elimination by CVVH in vitro: evaluation of factors influencing sieving and membrane adsorption.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge on the elimination of antibiotics by extracorporeal hemofiltration is a prerequisite for appropriate antimicrobial dosing in patients with renal failure. The present study set out to determine the clearance of the novel lipopetide antibiotic daptomycin from human whole blood by continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in vitro. In addition, factors influencing daptomycin sieving and membrane adsorption were investigated. METHODS: A recirculation model using different solvent media was established and daptomycin was added to the simulated blood circuit at varying concentrations. The concentration of daptomycin over time in the modelled blood compartment and the ultrafiltrate was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Mean Sieving coefficients (SCs) of daptomycin over time were calculated to 0.98 +/- 0.05, 0.33 +/- 0.02 and 0.40 +/- 0.03 at a baseline concentration of 60 microg/ml in Ringer lactate, Ringer lactate containing human albumin and in human whole blood, respectively. SCs of daptomycin in protein-containing media were higher than the free fraction in plasma of approximately 10%. Neither concentration of daptomycin nor addition of a second antibiotic showed significant impact on the SC. Adsorption of daptomycin to synthetic surfaces proved moderate and saturable, resulting in loss of around 20% of the amount initially added to the artificial blood circuit. CONCLUSION: In our in vitro setting the calculated clearance of daptomycin from whole blood exceeded the physiological clearance described for individuals with normal renal function. Investigation of clearance by CVVH in vivo seems necessary. Until sufficient clinical data are available for patients undergoing CVVH, monitoring of daptomycin concentrations in this population might be recommended in order to avoid sub-therapeutic exposure to daptomycin.

Experimental and theoretical studies of calcium fructoborate.

Calcium fructoborate samples of composition Ca(C6H10O6BO)2 x 3 x 5H2O were characterized by chemical analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and thermoanalytical (thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis) data. Theoretical studies, using density functional theory, were made for seven different structural models of the fructoborate moiety, and the most stable structure could be derived from these calculations. The results of the theoretical study also allow improving the assignment of the vibrational spectra of the compound.

Spectroscopic and magnetic properties of a Ni(II) complex with citric acid.

The complex compound K2[Ni(cit)(H2O)2]2 x 4H2O (cit = triionized citrate ion) seems to be a good model for the investigation of Ni(II)/citrate interactions that are of interest in relation to nickel metabolism and bioaccumulation. Its infrared and Raman spectra were recorded and analyzed on the basis of its structural peculiarities. The magnetic susceptibility, investigated in the temperature range between 1.9 and 300 K, shows the absence of magnetic interactions between the two metal centers present in this structure.

Older workers' progression from private disability benefits to Social Security disability benefits.

People with medical conditions that limit their ability to work tend to receive short-term disability benefits initially and may then move to long-term and eventually to permanent disability benefits. The progression of older workers (those aged 55 to 64) along that continuum of benefits is documented here with data from a large disability insurance company. The data show that older workers who receive short-term medical disability benefits are three times as likely as younger workers to progress to receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, although a slight reversal of that trend occurs as workers pass age 62. Musculoskeletal conditions are the most frequent basis of short-term disability claims among older workers, with circulatory conditions running a close second. Furthermore, although all medical conditions are more likely to lead to SSDI benefits among older workers, circulatory conditions do so most frequently. This article discusses industry standards for the management of disability claims at each level of severity. It also addresses common and emerging disability management practices that may reduce the likelihood of impaired workers developing long-term or permanent financial dependence on disability benefits programs.

Characterization of bis(isoorotato)diaquamagnesium(II) dihydrate: a potentially useful complex for magnesium supplementation.

The synthesis and crystal structure of a new Mg(II) complex of stoichiometry [Mg(isoor)2(H2O)2].2H2O, where isoor is the monoanion of 5-carboxyuracil (isoorotic acid), are reported. The structure, solved by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, shows that it crystallizes in the triclinic space group P(-1) with Z = 1. The electronic, IR and Raman spectra of the complex are briefly discussed. Its thermal behavior was also investigated by means of thermal gravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements in an oxygen atmosphere. Dissolution studies support the usefulness of the compound for magnesium supplementation.

Relapse prevention treatment for liver transplant patients.

This paper explores the utility of relapse prevention therapy (RPT) for transplant candidates with substance use disorders. Similarities and differences between this population and the general substance abuse patient population are discussed and suggestions are made for modifying the RPT treatment protocol. Major issues include the source and intensity of motivation for treatment, the nature of the therapeutic relationship, the type and severity of psychosocial consequences that may have been experienced as a result of substance use, and the patient's perception of the problem (addiction versus liver disease). Recommendations are made to provide empathy and support around medical concerns, motivate them for sobriety, and work to build collaborative relationships between team members and patients. Patients need to see the RP therapists as working to help them maintain sobriety and obtain a transplant, not as policing their drug use.

Assessing the interpersonal transaction cycle: convergence of action and reaction interpersonal circumplex measures.

Contemporary interpersonal theory uses 2 models to represent the process and content of interpersonal transactions. The interpersonal transaction cycle is a dynamic model demonstrating the interaction between the overt behaviors and the covert intrapsychic experiences of 2 interacting individuals in action-reaction event chains. The interpersonal circle is a static model codifying individual differences across various interpersonal content domains (e.g., traits, acts, problems, impacts). The present study used 150 pairs of undergraduates to demonstrate cross-observer structural convergence of 2 separate interpersonal circumplex inventories measuring the "action" and "reaction" components of the transaction cycle, providing evidence that both components of the cycle can be captured by existing circumplex measures, and allowing researchers to proceed on to more comprehensive tests of interpersonal theory.