A comparison of the growth and development of pyjama sharks (Poroderma africanum) in wild and captive populations.

The pyjama shark (Poroderma africanum) is a Scyliorhinid species endemic to South Africa. Even though it is kept in captivity in many aquaria, there is a lack of research on its growth and development. In this study, we investigated the fertilization rate of eggs and the age at female sexual maturation in captive sharks and compared their growth to that of wild individuals. This is the first study to compare the growth of captive and wild catsharks as well as the first study to compare growth in male and female pyjama sharks and benefits from a much larger sample size than has previously been collected. The mean incubation rate (±standard error of the mean [SE]) was 239.46 ± 4.97 days, the mean Lt of hatchlings (±SE) was 14.65 ± 0.24 cm, and the mean Wt (±SE) was 17.19 ± 0.75 g. The observed ratio of male to female offspring (1:3.5) was also significantly different from 1:1. One female laid fertilized eggs 6.6 years after hatching and was considered sexually mature. Both in captivity and in the wild, males showed negative allometric growth and females showed isometric growth. The growth performance (Φ') was also greater in captive sharks compared to wild sharks regardless of sex. However, there was significant variation in growth between individuals of the same sex. The similar growth patterns (i.e., allometry and isometry) found in wild and captive populations are a very useful tool for informing future conservation management if the population of this shark species were to decline in the future and also prove that captive studies for this species are transferable to wild populations with regard to sexual differences. This study also provides a benchmark for further captive studies in other lesser-studied catshark species and raises interesting questions concerning sexual differences in growth for other shark species.

Telescoped Oxidation and Cycloaddition of Urazoles to Access Diazacyclobutenes.

Our previous method to access the diazacyclobutene scaffold did not allow for modification of the substituent originating from the 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione component. We have circumvented this challenge and expanded access to additional structural diversity of the scaffold. A telescoped urazole oxidation and Lewis acid-catalyzed cyclization provided R3-substituted diazacyclobutenes. Calcium hypochlorite-mediated oxidation of urazoles followed by MgCl2-catalyzed cyclization of the resulting triazolinediones with thioalkynes promoted the formation of diazacyclobutenes bearing substitution at the R3 position originating from the triazolinedione component.

Systemic reaction rates to field stings among imported fire ant-sensitive patients receiving >3 years of immunotherapy versus <3 years of immunotherapy.

As imported fire ants (IFAs) expand their range, hypersensitivity reactions to their stings are becoming a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Currently, IFAs whole body extract (WBE) immunotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for IFA hypersensitivity but the optimal duration of treatment is unknown. A questionnaire was administered to patients diagnosed with IFA venom hypersensitivity based on history and the presence of IFA venom-specific IgE who had been offered immunotherapy. The patients were grouped into those who received > or =3 years of immunotherapy and those who received <3 years of immunotherapy. Forty of the 272 patients initially identified were successfully contacted (14%) with 6 patients being excluded. Of these patients, 19 reported having received <3 years of IFA immunotherapy (reduced course) and 15 stated they had been given >3 years of immunotherapy (complete course). Subsequent field stings were reported by 18 (95%) of the reduced course groups and 14 (93%) of the complete course group with 1 person from each group (6 and 7%, respectively) experiencing a systemic reaction. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of patients with subsequent field stings or systemic reactions after subsequent IFA stings. Less than 3 years of IFA immunotherapy may offer long-term protection against IFA hypersensitivity reactions although additional studies with more subjects and controls are necessary before definitive conclusions may be made.

Rates of retrieval of self-injectable epinephrine prescriptions: a descriptive report.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have demonstrated poor patient compliance with carrying and administering self-injectable epinephrine (SIE). No study has attempted to define the number or characteristics of patients who are prescribed SIE and subsequently do not retrieve the prescription. OBJECTIVES: To determine fill rates of SIE prescriptions and to provide a descriptive report of patients who do not fill those prescriptions. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients prescribed SIE at a large military medical center in a 1-year period. Rates of prescription retrieval were determined, and patient demographic information was collected. Additional information recorded included the number of devices prescribed per prescription, the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code associated with each prescription, and the ambulatory care setting associated with the patient encounter resulting in the prescription. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi2 test. RESULTS: There were 881 SIE prescriptions entered for 769 patients, and 630 patients (82%) filled at least 1 prescription. Individuals older than 55 years filled their SIE prescriptions more often than those 55 years and younger (P < .009), and prescriptions were filled more often from outpatient clinics compared with the emergency department (P < .01). There were no statistically significant differences in fill rates based on sex, active-duty military status, or diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients and those receiving care in clinic settings are more likely to fill an SIE prescription. Determining why patients do not fill an SIE prescription may help focus patient education efforts.