Comparison of sampling methods to recover germinated Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus thuringiensis endospores from surface coupons.

AIMS: In an attempt to devise decontamination methods that are both effective and minimally detrimental to the environment, we evaluated germination induction as an enhancement to strategies for Bacillus anthracis spore decontamination. To determine an optimal method for the recovery of germinating spores from different matrices, it was critical to ensure that the sampling procedures did not negatively impact the viability of the germinating spores possibly confounding the results and downstream analyses of field trial data. METHODS AND RESULTS: Therefore, the two main objectives of this study were the following: (i) development of an effective processing protocol capable of recovering the maximum number of viable germinating or germinated spores from different surface materials; and (ii) using a model system of spore contamination, employ this protocol to evaluate the potential applicability of germination induction to wide-area decontamination of B. anthracis spores. We examined parameters affecting the sampling efficiencies of B. anthracis and the surrogate species Bacillus thuringiensis on nonporous and porous materials. CONCLUSIONS: The most efficient extraction from all matrices was observed using PBS with 0·01% Tween 80 extraction buffer. The addition of a sonication and/or extended vortex treatment did not yield significant increases in spore or germinated spore recovery. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our data demonstrate that previous germination-induction experiments performed in suspension can be reproduced when Bacillus spores are deposited onto reference surfaces materials. Our proof of concept experiment illustrated that a germination pretreatment step significantly improves conventional secondary decontamination strategies and remediation plans.

Diet of Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Chapada dos Guimarães and Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

The understanding of feeding habits is important for anurans in general, both from an ecological and a phylogenetic perspective. For diurnal poison frogs belonging to the Dendrobatidae family, diet aspects play a crucial role in their defense and survival. Herein, we investigated feeding habits, foraging behaviour, and overall effects of habitat, sex, and body size on the diet of individuals of Ameerega braccata, a poorly known dendrobatid species. Specimens were observed and collected in the type-locality, Chapada dos Guimarães, and in the neighbouring municipality of Cuiabá, both in the State of Mato Grosso, Midwestern Brazil. The most important prey categories for A. braccata were Formicidae, Isoptera, and Acari, whose representatives were caught during active foraging. Individuals from Chapada dos Guimarães population consumed more Acari but fewer Isoptera than individuals from Cuiabá. Despite this, niche breadth values were narrow and similar for the two populations. Individuals from two distinct habitats (campo sujo and cerrado stricto sensu) showed differences in their diet, probably as an effect of differential prey availability. Females consumed more Isoptera than males. The number of prey categories used as food was not influenced by the variation of body size of the target species. However, the abundance and the volume of consumed Acari were statistically correlated with body size. The main results suggest that Ameerega braccata has a narrow niche breadth, as well as a specialised diet in ants, termites, and mites, which reinforces the hypotheses of close association between Acari consumption and the presence of skin toxic alkaloids, already found in other species of Dendrobatidae. Although differences in prey consumption between sexes are uncommon among poisonous frogs, differences in the diet composition between age classes, which probably reduce intraspecific competition, are frequently reported.

Acoustic communication and vocalization microhabitat in Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from midwestern Brazil.

Ameerega braccata is an aposematic, small dendrobatid anuran known from its type-locality, Chapada dos Guimarães, in the State of Mato Grosso, and from a few additional localities in Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás States, Brazil. The advertisement call of A. braccata is composed of a single unpulsed note, with a frequency range from 3.5 to 4.2 KHz (N = 110), and average duration of 65.8 ms (N = 110, SD = 11.6). The territorial call is composed of five or six repeated notes, structurally similar to advertisement call notes. The courtship call is emitted in close-range interactions between male-female during the courtship event and may reach frequencies of 2.2 to 5.3 KHz (N = 10), with shorter notes (average duration 43 ms; N = 10; SD = 4.9). Call duration, note duration and call rate of the advertisement call showed high variation (>15% of coefficient of variation), and dominant frequency showed low variation (<4%). The properties with higher variation possibly respond to climatic features and male social position. When producing advertisement calls, males were usually found at an average height of 31.4 cm (N = 19, SD = 12.2 cm), mainly on leaves of shrubs and herbaceous plants (59%). Individuals of A. braccata were found in open physiognomies in the Cerrado ('campo sujo' and 'cerrado stricto sensu'), as opposed to that found by previous researchers, who reported an association of the species with gallery forests in the Cerrado.

Acoustic communication and vocalization microhabitat in Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from Midwestern Brazil / Comunicação acústica e microhabitat de vocalização em Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura, Dendrobatidae) do centro-oeste do Brasil

Ameerega braccata is an aposematic, small dendrobatid anuran known from its type-locality, Chapada dos Guimarães, in the State of Mato Grosso, and from a few additional localities in Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás States, Brazil. The advertisement call of A. braccata is composed of a single unpulsed note, with a frequency range from 3.5 to 4.2 KHz (N = 110), and average duration of 65.8 ms (N = 110, SD = 11.6). The territorial call is composed of five or six repeated notes, structurally similar to advertisement call notes. The courtship call is emitted in close-range interactions between male-female during the courtship event and may reach frequencies of 2.2 to 5.3 KHz (N = 10), with shorter notes (average duration 43 ms; N = 10; SD = 4.9). Call duration, note duration and call rate of the advertisement call showed high variation (>15 percent of coefficient of variation), and dominant frequency showed low variation (<4 percent). The properties with higher variation possibly respond to climatic features and male social position. When producing advertisement calls, males were usually found at an average height of 31.4 cm (N = 19, SD = 12.2 cm), mainly on leaves of shrubs and herbaceous plants (59 percent). Individuals of A. braccata were found in open physiognomies in the Cerrado ("campo sujo" and "cerrado stricto sensu"), as opposed to that found by previous researchers, who reported an association of the species with gallery forests in the Cerrado.

Ameerega braccata é um pequeno anuro aposemático da família Dendrobatidae, conhecido de sua localidade-tipo, Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso e outras localidades adicionais em Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás, Brasil. A vocalização de anúncio de A. braccata é composta de uma única nota, não pulsionada, com amplitude de frequência entre 3,5 e 4,2 KHz (N = 110) e duração média de 65,8 ms (N = 110, DP = 11,6). A vocalização territorial é composta por cinco ou seis notas repetidas, estruturalmente similares às notas da vocalização de anúncio. Vocalização de corte é emitida em interações de proximidade entre machos e fêmeas durante o processo de corte, podendo alcançar frequências entre 2,2 e 5,3 KHz (N = 10), com notas curtas (duração média 43 ms; N = 10; DP = 4,9). A duração do canto, a duração da nota e a taxa de repetição de canto de anúncio apresentam alta variação (>15 por cento de coeficiente de variação), ao passo que a frequência dominante apresenta baixa variação (<4 por cento). As propriedades com variação alta podem variar de acordo com características climáticas e possivelmente em função do contexto social do macho emissor. Quando em exibição de anúncio, os machos foram usualmente encontrados a uma altura média de 31,4 cm (N = 19, DP = 12,2 cm), principalmente sobre folhas de arbustos e plantas herbáceas (59 por cento). Indivíduos de A. braccata foram encontrados em fisionomias abertas no cerrado ("campo sujo" e "cerrado stricto sensu"), em oposição aos relatos prévios, os quais registraram uma associação da espécie com floresta de galeria no cerrado.

Genetic analysis of gain from birth to weaning, milk production, and udder conformation in Line 1 Hereford cattle.

The objective of this research was to partition phenotypic variation in calf gain from birth to weaning, and milk production measured, by the weigh-suckle-weigh method, and udder score of cows into genetic and nongenetic components. Data were from the Line 1 Hereford population maintained by USDA-ARS at Miles City, MT, and included observations of pre-weaning gain (n = 6,835) from 2,172 dams, milk production (n = 692) from 403 cows, and udder score (n = 1,686) from 622 cows. Data were analyzed using a Gibbs sampler for multiple-trait animal models. Results are reported as means +/- SD derived from the posterior distributions of parameter estimates. Mean estimates of the phenotypic variance of preweaning gain, milk production, and udder score were 476.3 kg2, 8.88 kg2, and 1.89 (1 to 9 scale), respectively. Estimates of phenotypic correlations between preweaning gain and milk production, preweaning gain and udder score, and milk production and udder score were 0.37 +/- 0.04, - 0.07 +/- 0.04, and - 0.09 +/- 0.05, respectively. Estimates of heritability for direct and maternal preweaning gain, milk production, and udder score were 0.13 +/- 0.03, 0.25 +/- 0.04, 0.25 +/- 0.06, and 0.23 +/- 0.05, respectively. Genetic correlations of milk production with maternal preweaning gain and udder score were estimated as 0.80 +/- 0.08 and - 0.36 +/- 0.16, respectively. Posterior distributions of the other genetic correlations all contained 0.00 within the respective 90% probability density posterior intervals. Estimates of repeatability of maternal preweaning gain, milk production, and udder score were 0.43 +/- 0.03, 0.39 +/- 0.05, and 0.34 +/- 0.03, respectively. Breeding value for maternal gain from birth to weaning was highly predictive of breeding value for milk production. Direct measurement of milk production to use in genetic improvement may not be justified because it is difficult to measure, and selection based on the breeding value for maternal preweaning gain may be nearly as effective in changing milk production as direct selection. A potentially undesirable consequence of selection to increase milk production is the degradation of udder quality. However, this correlation is not so strong as to preclude simultaneous improvement of milk production and udder quality using appropriate predicted breeding values for each trait.

Looking for a general for some modern major models.

Computer climate models are some of the most complex scientific structures ever conceived. Consisting of hundreds of thousands of equations and running on supercomputers capable of trillions of operations per second, they chart the evolution of past and future climates across thousands of years. These simulations are breathtaking in their qualitative detail and vastly ambitious in their quantitative exactitude. However, their progress has recently been challenged by the very size and complexity of the models, factors that are also paralleled in the communities of scientists that build them. This complex co-evolution of computers and scientific communities gives us insight into the promise and limits of sciences driven by exponential increases in computing power.

Are children more accurate than adults? Spontaneous use of metaphor by children and adults.

This study examined an observation in which children outscored adults on a series of test questions, which included unusual items such as, "Do you see with your ears?" We assumed that the adults were treating the questions metaphorically because the literally correct answer was so obvious, an assumption consistent with Grice's theory. In Study 1, we tested this assumption by manipulating pretest and test items so as to suggest, or not suggest, a metaphorical or factual response. In Study 2, we used a similar manipulation involving the order of questions of various sorts and we more directly tested the Gricean hypothesis by giving college students a reason to treat the question literally. The results replicated the previous finding in which college students' scores were lower than those of children, and the condition effects suggested that the college students' performance was due to their responding metaphorically.

Using genetic evaluations for growth and maternal gain from birth to weaning to predict energy requirements of Line 1 Hereford beef cows.

The maintenance energy required to sustain the cow herd is a major cost of beef production. This work proposes modifying parameter estimates for a population-specific lactation curve with genetic evaluations for the maternal genetic effect on calf gain from birth to weaning to provide inputs for a commonly used prediction of energy requirement. Daily milk production (y) was modeled as a function of stage of lactation (T, d) using the function y = AT(B)exp(-CT) modified to incorporate effects of genetic evaluation for the maternal effect on calf gain from birth to weaning and age of dam. A 1-kg increase in predicted maternal breeding value for calf gain from birth to weaning from within-herd genetic evaluation increased the lactation curve parameter A by 10.3+/-4.6% and reduced the B parameter by 1.0+/-0.6%. Similarly, a 1-kg increase in maternal breeding value for gain from birth to weaning from national cattle evaluation increased the A parameter by 1.7+/-0.2%. Corresponding estimates of peak milk yield and time of peak lactation were derived for individual animals from their genetic evaluation. Additional inputs for predicting maintenance energy requirements were derived from genetic evaluations for birth weight and mature size. The methodology is demonstrated using genetic evaluations of sires from the Miles City Line 1 Hereford population. Further refinement and application of this methodology may facilitate characterization of beef cattle seedstock for their potential genetic contributions to profitability.

Postdischarge medication compliance of inpatients converted from an oral to a depot neuroleptic regimen.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study assessed the effects on outpatient medication compliance of converting inpatients with schizophrenia from oral to depot neuroleptic medication. METHODS: Subjects consisted of 93 neuroleptic-responsive inpatients with schizophrenia from three New York City hospitals who were part of a one-year prospective longitudinal study of medication compliance. Forty patients were converted to depot neuroleptic medication while hospitalized; the other 53 remained on oral medication. Symptoms, side effects, and medication compliance of the two groups were compared at one, six, and 12 months postdischarge. RESULTS: Inpatients converted to depot medication had significantly better compliance at one month postdischarge. Differences in demographic characteristics, symptoms, hospital site, and baseline attitudes toward medication did not account for this finding. The initial positive effect on compliance waned, and no significant between-group differences in compliance were found at six and 12 months postdischarge. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to depot medication before hospital discharge may facilitate medication compliance during transition to outpatient treatment, but other interventions are needed to maintain compliance over time.

Pilot studies of 2 and 1 course carboplatin as adjuvant for stage I seminoma: should it be tested in a randomized trial against radiotherapy?

PURPOSE: Underpinned by increased confidence in cure of metastatic seminoma by chemotherapy during the past 12 years, three management strategies for Stage I seminoma have been evaluated by six collaborating centers within the Anglian Germ Cell Tumor Group. This paper evaluates the efficacy of surveillance, prophylactic radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, and discusses these differing management approaches. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients were recruited into the study between 1982 and 1992. There was no randomization between treatment groups. Seventy-nine patients received prophylactic radiotherapy (median follow-up = 51 months), 67 patients had surveillance alone (median follow-up = 61 months) and 78 patients were treated with adjuvant single agent platinum (median follow-up = 44 months). Fifty-three of these patients received two courses of platinum (median follow-up = 51 months) and 25 patients received one course (median follow-up = 29 months, range 22-72 months). RESULTS: There were 18 (27%) recurrences on surveillance, five (6%) after radiotherapy, one (1%) after two courses of adjuvant single agent platinum and none after one course of carboplatin. There was one death from testis cancer after radiotherapy and none after adjuvant chemotherapy treatments. Two patients died with drug resistant disease after relapse on surveillance. There was one death from a myocardial infarction after prophylactic radiotherapy and one death from suicide in the surveillance group. A retrospective quality of life questionnaire reviewing the incidence of early and late toxicity revealed no major differences though they suggest that those treated with one course adjuvant carboplatin had somewhat less sickness and an earlier return to work. CONCLUSION: Single agent carboplatin appears well tolerated and is an effective adjuvant treatment for Stage I seminoma. A multicenter randomized trial of the different treatment modalities is required to further evaluate its use.

Rating of medication influences (ROMI) scale in schizophrenia.

Noncompliance with neuroleptic treatment is a major barrier to delivery of effective treatment for schizophrenia outpatients. This article describes the development of a standardized measure for the assessment of attitudinal and behavioral factors influencing patient compliance with neuroleptic treatment. The Rating of Medication Influences (ROMI) scale was developed as part of a longitudinal study of neuroleptic noncompliance in schizophrenia and administered to 115 discharged schizophrenia outpatients. Analyses of the following were conducted to assess the scale's psychometric properties: (1) interrater reliability, (2) internal consistency, (3) principal components, (4) correlation with other subjective measures, and (5) correlation with independent family reports. Most (95%) of the ROMI patient-report items were reliable, whereas rater-judgment items were not reliable. The rater section was dropped. A principal components analysis of the reliable patient-report items yielded three subscales related to compliance (Prevention, Influence of Others, and Medication Affinity) and five subscales related to noncompliance (Denial/Dysphoria, Logistical Problems, Rejection of Label, Family Influence, and Negative Therapeutic Alliance). There were significant correlations between these subscales, and independently obtained family-report ROMI items were significant. The Denial/Dysphoria subscale correlated strongly with two other published measures of dysphoric response to neuroleptics, whereas the other noncompliance subscales did not. The ROMI is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to assess the patient's subjective reasons for medication compliance and non-compliance. The subscale findings suggest that the ROMI provides a more comprehensive data base for patient-reported compliance attitudes than the other available subjective measures. Indications for use of the ROMI and other subjective measures of neuroleptic response are reviewed.

Untoward effects associated with hypnosis.

There are numerous reports of untoward effects associated with hypnosis but no reports of hypnosis per se causing a serious untoward effect. The context and manipulations performed are markedly different in the various settings where hypnosis is used. The various settings such as stage hypnosis, amateur hypnosis, clinical hypnosis, and research hypnosis must be considered separately when discussing untoward effects. Although the incidence of untoward effects has been studied in the research setting, the incidence of untoward effects is difficult to assess in some settings (such as stage and amateur hypnosis) and has not been adequately assessed in the clinical setting. After reviewing the literature on untoward effects in these various settings, I conclude that amateur and stage hypnosis should not be done because the risk is not balanced by possible benefits. Research hypnosis and clinical hypnosis by well-trained practitioners are safe procedures if certain guidelines are followed.

Combining interferon with cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Laboratory studies have suggested therapeutic synergy between alpha-interferons and various cytotoxic agents. The present study set out to monitor the toxicity of giving a standard cytotoxic drug regimen with a well evaluated, low-dose, schedule of lymphoblastoid interferon. The combined treatment resulted in significantly greater leucopenia than was seen with cytotoxics alone and two patients developed severe infections. Although total numbers were small there was no evidence of increased therapeutic response in the combined treatment group. We would therefore suggest caution in future studies combining cytotoxic drugs and interferons as dose reductions of one or other modality is probably necessary.

Assay of anti-cancer drugs in tissue culture: relationship of relapse free interval (RFI) and in vitro chemosensitivity in patients with malignant cerebral glioma.

One hundred and seventeen patients with cerebral glioma (Kernohan grades III and IV) were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy using procarbazine (PCB), CCNU and vincristine (VCR) following whole head irradiation. Cell cultures were prepared from 40 patients in this series and their sensitivity to each cytotoxic drug was assessed in a mictotitration assay with 35 S-methionine incorporation as the end point. Twenty-two of forty (55%) patients responded to PCB and/or CCNU in vitro, and sensitivity to these drugs was linked with increased RFI, whilst sensitivity to VCR was not. The RFI of patients who had responded to PCB or CCNU in vitro was significantly longer than the RFI of patients whose tumours failed to respond in vitro or patients who had not been tested. There was no difference in sex ratio, extent of operation, radiation dose and degree of steroid cover between responders, non-responders and untested groups. Grade III tumours tended to be more sensitive in vitro than grade IV tumours. The age of patients also influenced in vitro chemosensitivity. Patients with chemosensitive tumours in vitro tended to be younger than patients with insensitive tumours in vitro. Further statistical analysis, taking into account these prognostic factors, indicated an association between chemosensitivity in vitro and RFI.