Reproductive, physiological, and biochemical responses in juvenile female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sediment from pulp and paper mill industrial discharge areas

Four pulp and paper mills discharge their effluents in the same section of the Biobio River in central southern Chile. Pulp mill effluents are a very complex mixture with characteristics that depend on the type of raw material, the process technology, and the effluent treatment. To investigate the effect of pulp mill effluent discharges, immature Oncorhynchus mykiss were exposed to river sediments in the laboratory for 29 d. Three sampling areas were defined in a spatial gradient in the river: Preimpact, impact, and postimpact zones relative to the pulp and paper mill discharge areas. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities were significantly higher in fish exposed to impact and postimpact sediments when compared to those exposed to preimpact sediments, and higher levels of vitellogenin were observed in the plasma of female fish exposed to impact and postimpact sediments. Histological analysis of the gonadal tissue showed an induction of gonadal maturation in fish exposed to sediment coming from the impact and postimpact zones (oocytes in a vitellogenic state). No site differences were observed in erythrocytes, although differences were noted in the leukocytes in the exposure areas. Finally, the biomarker approach showed evidence that the sediment associated with pulp mill effluent discharges produces some effects in fish under laboratory conditions.     

Human metapneumovirus genetic variability, South Africa

The molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were characterized for a 3-year period (2000-2002) from viruses that were identified in South Africa. Two major genetic groups (A and B) and 2 subgroups (1 and 2) of hMPV were identified, as well as 2-6 possible genotypes within the subgroups. A shift in the predominant group was documented in successive seasons. Whereas the F gene was relatively conserved between subgroups, a high degree of variation was observed in the extracellular domain of the G gene of the virus. The G protein identities between groups A and B were 45.1%-53.1% at the nucleotide level and 22.4%-27.6% at the amino acid level. These results provide evidence for the diversity of both surface glycoproteins of hMPV in Africa, which may be a prerequisite to understanding protective immunity against hMPV.     

Ablation of Atrial-Ventricular Junction Tissues via the Coronary Sinus Using Cryo Balloon Technology

Introduction: The coronary sinus (CS) can provide access to targets across and within the atrioventricular (AV) junction.Methods: In 12 dogs (32 ± 3 Kg), cryo balloons (10–19 mm) were applied to regions of the AV junction for 3 minutes at a temperature of –75.9 ± 9C (ranging –57 to –83). Electrical activity and pacing within the CS were assessed pre and post ablation and at least 3 months later in 9 dogs. In the 3 other dogs, hearts were examined immediately after cryo ablation. CS and circumflex angiography was performed pre and post ablation. The hearts, CS, and Cx were then examined for structural injury. The AV junction was sectioned and the hearts were immersed in Tetrazolium, and the lesions were inspected for transmurality across the AV groove.Results: In 3/12 dogs the distal CS cryo lesions resulted in inferior ST segment depression that resolved within 5 minutes. There was no arrhythmia or hemodynamic changes. No CS electrical activity was noted post ablation. The pacing threshold increased from 2 ± 2.3 mA to 7.4 ± 3.6 mA (p < 0.001). Pathological examination of 3 acute hearts revealed hematomas.There was no pericardial effusion. No evidence of stenosis or thrombosis was seen within the CS and the circumflex artery. After 3 months of recovery, transmural lesions across the AV groove were present in all of the targeted AV regions.Conclusion: Intra-CS cryo balloon ablation is safe and can potentially replace endocardial RF ablation targeting the AV junction and the CS muscular sleeve.This research was partially funded by: VA Merit grant, Boston Scientific Corporation/EP Technologies, Scimed.     

Recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of alpha-aminoboronic acids, amine-carboxyboranes and their derivatives

This article describes recent developments in the synthesis and biological activity of alpha-aminoboronic acids, amine-carboxyboranes and their derivatives as potential therapeutic agents. alpha-Amino acid analogues are of considerable interest as inhibitors of enzymes involved in amino acid and peptide metabolism. In particular, alpha-amino alkylphosphonic acids and alpha-amino alkylboronic acids, in which the carboxyl group of amino acids is replaced by a phosphonic acid or boronic acid function, respectively, constitute a unique class of amino acid mimics from which a number of potent enzyme inhibitors have been synthesized. The inhibitory activity mainly stems from the fact that the tetrahedral phosphonic moiety or the tetrahedral adduct of electrophilic boronic acid is a good mimic of the putative tetrahedral transition state or intermediate encountered in the enzymatic hydrolysis or formation of peptides. Since the peptide hydrolysis and formation invariably involves the tetrahedral high energy species in the course of the reaction, these amino acid mimics serve as a general key element for inhibitors of a broad spectrum of proteases and peptide ligases. Serine protease inhibitors provide promising compounds having a P site binding moiety and a boronic acid chelating moiety. The compounds have been shown to have high inhibitory activity.     

Mantle cell lymphoma in lymph nodes with metastatic small cell carcinoma of lung: a diagnostic and treatment dilemma

We report a rare case of small cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung, metastatic to ipsilateral hilar and peribronchial lymph nodes with synchronous mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), in a 58-year-old female. She was treated with Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Rituximab, and remained in complete remission for approximately two and a half years following the initial diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, synchronous SCC and MCL or SCC metastatic to lymph nodes involved by MCL has not been previously reported. In this case, the features of MCL were very inconspicuous in the lymph nodes with extensive metastases of SCC. The presence of MCL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The co-existence of lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma in the same lymph node, as seen in this case, highlights the significance of analyzing subtle lymphoid architectural changes, and applying ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in suspicious cases. The management of synchronous SCC and MCL requires consideration of their respective biologic behavior, and cumulative toxicity of treatment regimens of both tumors. In such cases an optimum treatment strategy should be adopted to cover both malignancies with minimal toxic effect.     

Overweight, stunting, and anemia are public health problems among low socioeconomic groups in school adolescents (12-15 years) in the North Gaza Strip

The objective of the study was to describe sociodemographic differences in nutritional status among school adolescents aged 12 to 15 years in north Gaza Strip. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2002 comprising 1022 students from 10 schools in Gaza city, Jabalia village, and Jabalia refugee camp. Height, weight, and hemoglobin levels were measured to assess nutritional status. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to students and parents to obtain data on sociodemographic characteristics. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, stunting, and anemia in the total sample was 17.9%, 9.7%, and 49.6%, respectively. More overweight/obese girls than boys were found (20.2% vs 15.4%). In girls, being from a low-income residential area, having employed fathers, and having reached puberty had highest risk of overweight/obesity, whereas in boys, those with medium socioeconomic status (SES) had the lowest risk of overweight. The mean height-for-age percentile was generally low for both sexes compared with the National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization reference, but stunting was more common in boys than girls (13.7% vs 6.2%). Age was positively associated with risk of stunting in boys, whereas in girls, SES and mother's education were negatively associated with stunting. Anemia prevalence was high in both girls and boys (51.3% vs 47.9%). Age and onset of puberty had an independent negative effect on anemia among boys. Girls from nuclear families and from Jabalia village had higher risk of being anemic. In conclusion, undernutrition and overnutrition coexisted in the study area. Anemia, stunting, and overweight among the adolescents are public health problems, especially among low SES groups that merit attention.     

Mate Retention Behavior and Ejaculate Quality in Humans

Archives of Sexual Behavior - Males of some species use mate retention behavior and investment in ejaculate quality as anti-cuckoldry tactics concurrently while others do so in a compensatory...