Estimating diagnostic test accuracy for infectious salmon anaemia virus in Maine, USA

Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is a pathogen of consequence to farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. ISA control centres on active surveillance for early detection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), indirect fluorescent antibody assay (IFAT) and virus isolation. Because diagnostic test performance varies among populations and laboratories, the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) recommends an evaluation of test accuracy in each region of use. This is complicated in Maine, USA by the co-existence of ISAV genotypes homologous to North American (NA) and European (EU) isolates. While NA ISAV genotypes isolated in Maine are characterized by high morbidity and mortality, the single EU genotype in Maine has not yet been linked to disease or isolated by cell culture. Consequently, distinguishing among genotypes is critical to infection response. Accuracy in NA genotype detection was estimated from ISA surveillance data using latent class models. Results suggested that RT-PCR is an excellent screening test for NA ISAV genotypes in Maine, although probably with reduced specificity in the presence of EU genotypes. IFAT, in contrast, was a poor screening test for detection of ISAV in Maine, although it may be useful in confirmation of NA genotypes during disease outbreaks.

Non-Mendelian inheritance of paralogs of 2 cytoskeletal genes in the ciliate Chilodonella uncinata

Recognition of the role of non-Mendelian inheritance is on the rise, particularly as epigenetic phenomena are shown to shape the transformation of genomes into phenotypes. Ciliates provide a model system in which to explore the role of epigenetics because ciliates have both a germ line (micronuclear) and somatic (macronuclear) genome within every cell. In the ciliate Chilodonella uncinata, the macronucleus is extensively fragmented such that many genes end up on their own chromosomes. Hence, it is possible to track the fate of unlinked genes within macronuclei of C. uncinata. Here we demonstrate that the pattern of inheritance in isolates of C. uncinata is complex and involves both Mendelian transmission between micronuclei and macronuclei and epigenetic phenomena. The macronuclei from 2 isolates of C. uncinata and their progeny share identical rDNA loci and 2 identical beta-tubulin paralogs, yet have different actin paralogs and some beta-tubulin paralogs that are not shared. We propose a model in which all the divergent paralogs are present in the ciliate micronuclei. Under this model, different paralogs are retained in developing macronuclei following conjugation. We further speculate that an epigenetic mechanism, such as RNA interference, is involved in selective retention of specific paralogs within lines. This system allows the exploration of epigenetic phenomena that shape somatic genomes and provides parallels to studies of the development of somatic nuclei within animals.

Generation of a train of ultrashort pulses from a compact birefringent crystal array

A linear array of n calcite crystals is shown to allow the generation of a high contrast (>10:1) train of 2(n) high energy (>100 microJ) pulses from a single ultrafast laser pulse. Advantage is taken of the pulse-splitting properties of a single birefringent crystal, where an incident laser pulse can be split into two pulses with orthogonal polarizations and equal intensity, separated temporally in proportion to the thickness of the crystal traversed and the difference in refractive indices of the two optic axes. In the work presented here an array of seven calcite crystals of sequentially doubled thickness is used to produce a train of 128 pulses, each of femtosecond duration. Readily versatile properties such as the number of pulses in the train and variable mark-space ratio are realized from such a setup.

Simple technique for generating trains of ultrashort pulses

A simple method for generating trains of high-contrast femtosecond pulses is proposed and demonstrated: a linearly polarized, frequency-chirped laser pulse is passed through a multiple-order wave plate and a linear polarizer. It is shown theoretically that this arrangement forms a train of laser pulses, and in experiments the production of a train of approximately 100 pulses, each of 200 fs duration, is demonstrated. In combination with an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter this technique could be used to generate and control pulse trains with chirped spacing. Pulse trains of this type have widespread applications in ultrafast optics.

Spatial and non-spatial risk factors associated with cage-level distribution of infectious salmon anaemia at three Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms in Maine, USA

The distribution of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) was examined among 80 cages from three Atlantic salmon grow-out farms in Maine, USA that were stocked with smolts from a single hatchery. Cage-level disease was broadly defined as one or more moribund fish testing positive for infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) by RT-PCR and a second confirmatory test (IFAT, culture or genotype sequence). Spatio-temporal and cage-level risks were explored using logistic regression and survival analysis. Non-spatial risk factors associated with ISA, or shortened survival time to disease, included increased predation, trucking company choice for smolt transfers, a finely-sedimented benthic substrate, and smaller average size of smolts at stocking. Univariable analysis identified the time-dependent spatial factor 'adjacency to newly infected cages' to be predictive of new infection in neighbouring cages 11-12 weeks later. However, none of the spatial factors, or their lags retained relevance in multiple-variable models. The results suggest a diffuse distribution of virus exposure throughout infected sites, with host-susceptibility factors probably influencing disease manifestation in individual cages. The narrow focus of the current study may limit application of the findings to other sites and year-classes. However, these data support the relevance of husbandry efforts to optimize fish health in regions affected by ISAV.

Efficacy of emamectin benzoate against sea lice infestations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.: evaluation in the absence of an untreated contemporary control

The efficacy of emamectin benzoate (SLICE) against sea lice infestations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., is typically assessed using untreated fish, or fish treated with alternative therapeutants, as controls. The State of Maine, USA, is currently under active management for the OIE-notifiable pathogen, infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV); consequently, neither control group is feasible in this region. Untreated salmon risk extensive damage from the ectoparasites, and threaten to increase vector-borne exposure or susceptibility of farms to ISAV; and the only treatment presently available in Maine is SLICE. However, because sea lice infestations are unlikely to resolve spontaneously, and response to treatment occurs within weeks, use of a pretreatment baseline is a reasonable alternative for confirmatory studies. We evaluated SLICE efficacy on Atlantic salmon farms in Cobscook Bay 2002-2005, in the absence of untreated controls, using pretreatment lice loads as a reference for calculation. Maximum efficacy ranged from 68% to 100% reduction from initial levels. Time-to-maximum efficacy ranged from 1 to 8 weeks after treatment initiation. Efficacy duration, measured between first reduction and first progressive rise in counts, ranged from 4 to 16 weeks.

Delayed profound local brain hypothermia markedly reduces interleukin-1beta gene expression and vasogenic edema development in a porcine model of intracerebral hemorrhage

White matter (lobar) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can cause edema-related deaths and life-long morbidity. In our porcine model, ICH induces oxidative stress, acute interstitial and delayed vasogenic edema, and up-regulates interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), a proinflammatory cytokine-linked to blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening. In brain injury models, hypothermia reduces inflammatory cytokine production and protects the BBB. Clinically, however, hypothermia for stroke treatment using surface and systemic approaches can be challenging. We tested the hypothesis that an alternative approach, i.e., local brain cooling using the ChillerPad System, would reduce IL-1beta gene expression and vasogenic edema development even if initiated several hours after ICH. We infused autologous whole blood (3.0 mL) into the frontal hemispheric white matter of 20 kg pentobarbital-anesthetized pigs. At 3 hours post-ICH, we performed a craniotomy for epidural placement of the ChillerPad. Chilled saline was then circulated through the pad for 12 hours to induce profound local hypothermia (14 degrees C brain surface temperature). We froze brains in situ at 16 hours after ICH induction, sampled perihematomal white matter, extracted RNA, and performed real-time RT-PCR. Local brain cooling markedly reduced both IL-1beta RNA levels and vasogenic edema. These robust results support the potential for local brain cooling to protect the BBB and reduce injury after ICH.

Responses to homeopathic treatment in National Health Service general practice

OBJECTIVE

To assess homeopathic consultations in NHS general practice over a 12-month study period; to analyse the conditions treated homeopathically and assess the responses to homeopathy prescribed in a standard 10 min GP consultation.

METHODS

Data on each homeopathic consultation over 12 months were recorded: including patient details; condition/diagnosis; response score; prescribed medicine; prescribing strategy; medical specialty category. Clinical response was scored using a modified version of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Scale.

RESULTS

Over the 12-month study period, a total of 5,331 consultations were conducted within the general practice; 489 (9%) of these consultations were homeopathic. A wide variety of conditions were treated homeopathically, 78% of patients had a positive clinical response, 19% no response, 3% negative response. Analysis of the prescribing strategies demonstrated that 73% of the homeopathic prescriptions were issued using the 'problem-based' strategy. The remainder were 'patient-based' (19%), 'context-based' (4%) and 'combined' (4%) strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrates the varied and successful application of homeopathy within the general practice setting. Response scores reveal the beneficial effects of homeopathic treatment. This study supports the use of homeopathy within NHS general practice, delivered in a 10 min consultation.

Review article: bifidobacteria as probiotic agents -- physiological effects and clinical benefits

Bifidobacteria, naturally present in the dominant colonic microbiota, represent up to 25% of the cultivable faecal bacteria in adults and 80% in infants. As probiotic agents, bifidobacteria have been studied for their efficacy in the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of animal and/or human gastrointestinal disorders, such as colonic transit disorders, intestinal infections, and colonic adenomas and cancer. The aim of this review is to focus on the gastrointestinal effects of bifidobacteria as probiotic agents in animal models and man. The traditional use of bifidobacteria in fermented dairy products and the GRAS ('Generally Recognised As Safe') status of certain strains attest to their safety. Some strains, especially Bifidobacterium animalis strain DN-173 010 which has long been used in fermented dairy products, show high gastrointestinal survival capacity and exhibit probiotic properties in the colon. Bifidobacteria are able to prevent or alleviate infectious diarrhoea through their effects on the immune system and resistance to colonization by pathogens. There is some experimental evidence that certain bifidobacteria may actually protect the host from carcinogenic activity of intestinal flora. Bifidobacteria may exert protective intestinal actions through various mechanisms, and represent promising advances in the fields of prophylaxis and therapy.

Review article: bifidobacteria as probiotic agents -- physiological effects and clinical benefits

Bifidobacteria, naturally present in the dominant colonic microbiota, represent up to 25% of the cultivable faecal bacteria in adults and 80% in infants. As probiotic agents, bifidobacteria have been studied for their efficacy in the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of animal and/or human gastrointestinal disorders, such as colonic transit disorders, intestinal infections, and colonic adenomas and cancer. The aim of this review is to focus on the gastrointestinal effects of bifidobacteria as probiotic agents in animal models and man. The traditional use of bifidobacteria in fermented dairy products and the GRAS ('Generally Recognised As Safe') status of certain strains attest to their safety. Some strains, especially Bifidobacterium animalis strain DN-173 010 which has long been used in fermented dairy products, show high gastrointestinal survival capacity and exhibit probiotic properties in the colon. Bifidobacteria are able to prevent or alleviate infectious diarrhoea through their effects on the immune system and resistance to colonization by pathogens. There is some experimental evidence that certain bifidobacteria may actually protect the host from carcinogenic activity of intestinal flora. Bifidobacteria may exert protective intestinal actions through various mechanisms, and represent promising advances in the fields of prophylaxis and therapy.

Membrane gas absorbers for H2S removal--design, operation and technology integration into existing odour treatment strategies

A hollow fibre (HF) polypropylene membrane gas absorber was investigated for the removal of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from gas streams. Gas concentrations between 25-2010 ppmV were fed into the shell side of a membrane module whilst water-NaOH solutions flowed counter-currently in the fibre lumens. The process was effective at removing the H2S (96% at G:L ratios up to 50 and pH 13) from the gas phase in a single pass through the membrane at all the concentrations of HaS investigated. Analysis of the mass transfer process revealed the rate of transfer to be controlled by the gas phase transfer coefficient with a value between 1 and 25 x 10(-4) m.s(-1). The possible integration of a membrane absorber system into existing odour treatment strategies was assessed by comparing the membrane system, based on the experimentally determined mass transfer coefficient, with existing full scale biofiltration plants. The membrane system became economically favourable at gas flow rates lower than 1630 m(3) x h(-1).

Assessing diet in savanna herbivores using stable carbon isotope ratios of faeces

In African savannas, browse-based resources (@3 plants) are isotopically distinct from grasses (@4 plants). The carbon isotopic composition of the basic plant diet is recorded in animal tissues. Mammal faeces are a readily accessible, non-invasive, sample material for temporally resolved dietary reconstructions. Faeces, however, include both undigested plant matter and waste, hence accuracy of dietary calculations could potentially be compromised by shifts in plant isotopic values related to seasonal or spatial differences, or by variability in the isotopic differences between faeces and diet. A controlled feeding study of four ungulate species showed a small, consistent difference between diet and faeces of-0.9 o, irrespective of whether the diet was @3 or C4-based. Results from faeces oftaxa known to be pure grazers, pure browsers, and mixed-feeders from the Kruger National Park were entirely consistent with their diets, but the accuracy of dietary reconstructions is enhanced with data from local plant communities.

CHHIPS (Controlling Hypertension and Hypotension Immediately Post-Stroke) Pilot Trial: rationale and design

RATIONALE

High and low blood pressure (BP) levels are common following acute stroke, with up to 60% of patients being hypertensive (SBP > 160 mmHg) and nearly 20% having relative hypotension (SBP < or = 140 mmHg), within the first few hours of ictus, both conditions being associated with an adverse prognosis. At present, the optimum management of blood pressure in the immediate post-stroke period is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of the Controlling Hypertension and Hypotension Immediately Post-Stroke (CHHIPS) Pilot Trial is to assess whether hypertension and relative hypotension, manipulated therapeutically in the first 24 h following acute stroke, affects short-term outcome measures.

DESIGN

The CHHIPS Pilot Trial is a UK based multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, titrated dose trial.

SETTING

Acute stroke and medical units in teaching and district general hospitals, in the UK.

PATIENTS

The CHHIPS Pilot Study aims to recruit 2050 patients, with clinically suspected stroke, confirmed by brain imaging, who have no compelling indication or contraindication for BP manipulation.

STUDY OUTCOMES

The primary outcome measure will be the effects of acute pressor therapy (initiated < or = 12 h from stroke onset) or depressor therapy (started < or = 24 h post-ictus) on death and dependency at 14 days post-stroke. Secondary outcome measures will include the influence of therapy on early neurological deterioration, the effectiveness of treatment in manipulating BP levels, the influence of time to treatment and stroke type on response and a cost-effectiveness analysis.

The effectiveness of a modified version of the Wilkinson questionnaire in screening for TIA and minor stroke in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) and minor strokes are important to diagnose as there are effective secondary preventive interventions. Significant under-reporting by patients occurs, but general practitioners tend to over-diagnose the condition, contributing in part to long clinic waiting lists. An accurate screening test could address both these problems.

METHODS

A modified version of a questionnaire designed to detect TIA was tested against the gold standard of specialist diagnosis in two vascular outpatient clinics in Leicester, UK.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was sent by post with the clinic appointment and completed by 136 participants. In 99 cases the same questionnaire was administered by a clinic nurse. Overall levels of agreement (kappa, 95% CI) with specialist diagnosis of TIA, stroke or neither were 0.32 (0.15, 0.48) and 0.31 (0.12, 0.50) for postal and administered questionnaires, respectively. When the diagnoses of TIA and stroke were combined, agreement rose to 0.38 (0.23, 0.53) for postal and 0.38 (0.20, 0.57) for administered versions. For this outcome, the postal version had a sensitivity of 0.56 (0.43, 0.68) and specificity of 0.81 (0.71, 0.90). Equivalent figures for administered questionnaires were 0.61 (0.46, 0.76) and 0.76 (0.63, 0.87).

CONCLUSION

The questionnaire has potential in prioritising outpatient referrals but is not sufficiently specific to be used for research or population screening.

Tuberculosis in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients: still a problem in the 21st century

Allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT) recipients have severely impaired cell-mediated immunity as a result of their conditioning regimen, immunosuppressive therapy, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Accordingly, they are susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Mycobacterial infections can also occur in these patients, although the incidence is not high, even in countries where tuberculosis (TB) is common. We describe four patients from our hospital who developed pulmonary T tuberculous infection in the post-transplant period over a 3-year period. During that time a total of 127 patients have undergone an ASCT, representing an incidence of TB of 2.3%. The pretransplant diagnosis was acute myeloid leukemia in three patients and chronic myeloid leukemia in one case. All four patients were treated with a combination of cyclosporine and corticosteroids for acute and/or chronic GVHD. Three of the four patients were born outside Australia, each from an area where TB is endemic. Two patients died within 2 weeks of the commencement of antituberculous therapy, the third is alive and well, and the fourth died of multi-organ failure and sepsis after 4 months in hospital. A higher index of suspicion of previous TB exposure and infection is required in the assessment of ASCT recipients, particularly in those born in areas where TB is common or endemic.

Cocaine-induced potentiation of synaptic strength in dopamine neurons: behavioral correlates in GluRA(-/-) mice

Synaptic plasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is thought to contribute to the neural adaptations that mediate behavioral sensitization, a model for core aspects of addiction. Recently, it has been demonstrated that multiple classes of drugs of abuse, as well as acute stress, enhance strength at excitatory synapses on midbrain DA neurons. Here, we show that both the cocaine- and stress-induced synaptic enhancement involves an up-regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors. This enhancement requires the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit GluRA as evidenced by its absence in mice lacking this subunit. The cocaine-elicited, but not the stress-elicited, synaptic potentiation in DA neurons was blocked by a D1-like receptor antagonist, indicating that the in vivo triggering mechanisms differ for these forms of experience-dependent synaptic modification. Surprisingly, behavioral sensitization to cocaine was elicited in GluRA(-/-) mice, indicating that potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission in DA neurons is not necessary for this form of behavioral plasticity. However, GluRA(-/-) mice did not exhibit a conditioned locomotor response when placed in a context previously paired with cocaine, nor did they exhibit conditioned place preference in response to cocaine. We suggest that the drug-induced enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission in midbrain DA neurons, although not required for behavioral sensitization per se, may contribute to the attribution of incentive value to drug-associated cues.

Turnover of carbon isotopes in tail hair and breath CO 2 of horses fed an isotopically varied diet

Temporal stable isotope records derived from animal tissues are increasingly studied to determine dietary and climatic histories. Despite this, the turnover times governing rates of isotope equilibration in specific tissues following a dietary isotope change are poorly known. The dietary isotope changes recorded in the hair and blood bicarbonate of two adult horses in this study are found to be successfully described by a model having three exponential isotope pools. For horse tail hair, the carbon isotope response observed following a dietary change from a C3 to a C4 grass was consistent with a pool having a very fast turnover rate ( t1/2 approximately 0.5 days) that made up approximately 41% of the isotope signal, a pool with an intermediate turnover rate ( t1/2 approximately 4 days) that comprised approximately 15% of the isotope signal, and a pool with very slow turnover rate ( t1/2 approximately 140 days) that made up approximately 44% of the total isotope signal. The carbon isotope signature of horse blood bicarbonate, in contrast, had a different isotopic composition, with approximately 67% of the isotope signal coming from a fast turnover pool ( t1/2 0.2 days), approximately 17% from a pool with an intermediate turnover rate ( t1/2 approximately 3 days) and approximately 16% from a pool with a slow turnover rate ( t1/2 approximately 50 days). The constituent isotope pools probably correspond to one exogenous and two endogenous sources. The exogenous source equates to our fast turnover pool, and the pools with intermediate and slow turnover rates are thought to derive from the turnover of metabolically active tissues and relatively inactive tissues within the body, respectively. It seems that a greater proportion of the amino acids available for hair synthesis come from endogenous sources compared to the compounds undergoing cellular catabolism in the body. Consequently, the isotope composition of blood bicarbonate appears to be much more responsive to dietary isotope changes, whereas the amino acids in the blood exhibit considerable isotopic inertia.

Acute gastroenteritis in northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: a telephone survey

Most people with acute gastroenteritis do not seek medical care and are therefore not captured by routine surveillance. For this reason, population-based studies are needed to measure the burden of illness. A study of acute gastroenteritis in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland surveyed 9,903 people by telephone over the 12-month period from December 2000 to November 2001. The rate of acute gastroenteritis was 0.60 episodes per person per year. A general practitioner was consulted by 29.2% of those reporting illness, and 2.0% submitted a stool sample. The use of antibiotics was reported by 7.4% of ill respondents and 14.8% took anti-diarrhoeals. Taking days off work due to illness, was reported by 17.4% of respondents. Acute gastroenteritis causes a large amount of illness in the community. There are established and effective measures to prevent this condition and the challenge is to find new ways of promoting these precautions.

Effect of pretreatments of three waste residues, wheat straw, corncobs and barley husks on dye adsorption

The removal of dyes (Cibacron Yellow C-2R, Cibacron Red C-2G, Cibacron Blue C-R, Remazol Black B and Remazol Red RB) from an aqueous solution has been discussed by adsorption which was examined on three different low cost pretreated agricultural residues viz., wheat straw, corncob and barley husk. The pretreatments were carried out in order to delignify, or to increase the surface area of the sorbents, and to study their effect on the rate and effective adsorption of dyes. Steam, alkali, ammonia steeping and milling were the pretreatments employed and compared with the untreated sorbents. A higher percentage of dye removal was achieved at a faster rate by the milled samples proving milling to be a better and more cost effective treatment, except for barley husk which had a higher percentage removal for the control.

Studies on desorption of individual textile dyes and a synthetic dye effluent from dye-adsorbed agricultural residues using solvents

Two solvents, A and B (A: methanol, chloroform, water in the ratio 1:1:1; B: 50% methanol), were used to extract textile dyes adsorbed onto substrates for the purpose of future analyses of the amount of dyes degraded through solid state fermentation (SSF) using white rot fungi. Barley husk, apple pommace and corncob were separately soaked in five different dye solutions and a synthetic textile effluent. A maximum value of 93% desorption of Cibacron Red from corncob was achieved using solvent A. Barley husk was the only substrate from which the synthetic textile effluent could be desorbed, with 82% being recovered using solvent A.

Photoinduced refractive index change in As2Se3 by 633nm illumination

Photodarkening of amorphous As2Se3 thin films was generated by a 633-nm HeNe laser. The refractive index and absorption coefficient of the chalcogenide glass was determined, both before and after exposure, by analyzing the material's transmission spectrum. In order to accurately determine the optical constants, the thin film's non-uniform thickness was accounted for. The increase in the refractive index and the coefficient of absorption was investigated and was found to demonstrate saturation with increased exposure time. Index changes as high as 0.05, or 2%, were obtained in As2Se3, a promising glass for all-optical switching.

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in an Australian high school student population

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections among an Australian high school adolescent population.

METHODS

Over a 4 year period, 14 high schools were selected in which an infertility prevention programme targeting C. trachomatis was delivered to senior student populations. Coded first catch urine specimens were analysed by Amplicor PCR and infected students treated. Data retrospectively obtained from chlamydia screening programmes conducted among disadvantaged young people detached from formal education were also collated for comparison.

RESULTS

Of a total student test population of 1174, 15 (1.3%; 95% CI 0.7% to 2.1%) were diagnosed with C. trachomatis. Of 516 females and 658 males, 12 (2.3%; 95% CI 1.1% to 4.1%) and 3 (0.5%; 95% CI 0.1% to 1.4%) were tested positive respectively. Data collated for three populations of disadvantaged youth returned at total of 89 C. trachomatis infections out of 560 people (15.9% 95%CI 13.0-19.2%).

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection among this population of senior high school adolescents is low, and significantly differs from the higher chlamydia rates detected in disadvantaged adolescents detached from formal schooling (p<0.0001).

Removal of dyes from a synthetic textile dye effluent by biosorption on apple pomace and wheat straw

This paper deals with two low-cost, locally available, renewable biosorbents; apple pomace and wheat straw for textile dye removal. Experiments at total dye concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/l were carried out with a synthetic effluent consisting of an equal mixture of five textile dyes. The effect of initial dye concentration, biosorbent particle size, quantity of biosorbent, effective adsorbance, dye removal and the applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were examined. One gram apple pomace was found to be a better biosorbent, removing 81% of dyes from the synthetic effluent at a particle size of 2 mm x 4 mm and 91% at 600 microm. Adsorption of dyes by apple pomace occurred at a faster rate in comparison to wheat straw. Both the isotherms were found to be applicable in the case of dye adsorption using apple pomace.

Removal of dyes from an artificial textile dye effluent by two agricultural waste residues, corncob and barley husk

The use of a previously untried biosorbent, barley husk, for dye removal is compared to corncob. The effectiveness of adsorption as a means of dye removal has made it an ideal alternative to other more costly treatments. This paper deals with two low-cost, renewable biosorbents, which are agroindustrial by-products, for textile dye removal. Experiments at total dye concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg l(-1) were carried out with an artificial effluent consisting of an equal mixture of five textile dyes. The effects of initial dye concentration, biosorbent particle size, dose of biosorbent, effective adsorbance, and dye removal kinetics were examined. One gram (per 100 ml) of < or = 600 microm corncob was found to be effective in removing a high percentage of dyes at a rapid rate (92% in 48 h). One gram of I x 4 mm barley husk was found to be the most effective weight and particle size combination for the removal of dyes (92% in 48 h). The results illustrate how barley husk and corncob are effective biosorbents concerning the removal of textile dyes from effluent.

Studies on the decolourisation of an artificial textile-effluent by white-rot fungi in N-rich and N-limited media

Coriolopsis gallica and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were selected for their potential ability to degrade five dyes in an artificial effluent. Degradation experiments were carried out in N-rich (C:N ratio 11.6:1) and N-limited (116:1) conditions at an effluent concentration of 100 mg l(-1). P. chrysosporium decolourised 53.6% of the effluent in N-rich conditions and 48% in N-limited conditions. C. gallica decolourised 80.7% in N-rich conditions and 86.9% in N-limited conditions. Nitrogen supplementation improved enzyme activities and dye decolourisation for P. chrysosporium. Additional nitrogen increased enzyme activities for C. gallica but did not improve decolourisation. The results highlight the potential of C. gallica for textile dye degradation.

Arterial strokes associated with factor V Leiden mutation

A 41-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted with right hemiparesis and blurred vision. There was no history of hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, previous stroke, oral contraceptive use or miscarriages nor any family history of stroke. She was a non-smoker. Clinical examination confirmed the presence of right-sided weakness. There were no carotid bruits and her fundi were normal. Computed tomography scan of the brain confirmed the presence of a large infarct in the right middle cerebral artery territory (Figure 1). Full blood count, urea, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol levels were normal. Autoimmune profile, including antinuclear antibody, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anticardiolipin antibody, were negative. Other thrombophilia tests, including lupus anticoagulant, antithrombin III, plasminogen and protein S levels, were normal. Her electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiogram and a carotid Doppler study were unremarkable. A thrombophilia screen revealed markedly decreased activated protein C activity at 1.32 (normal ratio 2.25—2.63) when tested with factor V deficient plasma suggestive of factor V Leiden mutation.

Microbial decolourisation and degradation of textile dyes

Dyes and dyestuffs find use in a wide range of industries but are of primary importance to textile manufacturing. Wastewater from the textile industry can contain a variety of polluting substances including dyes. Increasingly, environmental legislation is being imposed to control the release of dyes, in particular azo-based compounds, into the environment. The ability of microorganisms to decolourise and metabolise dyes has long been known, and the use of bioremediation based technologies for treating textile wastewater has attracted interest. Within this review, we investigate the mechanisms by which diverse categories of microorganisms, such as the white-rot fungi and anaerobic bacterial consortia, bring about the degradation of dyestuffs.

Antibody-ELISA seroprevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in the Eastern Province of Zambia

A longitudinal study was conducted over a 1-year period in six selected villages in Petauke and Katete districts in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Starting in November 1997, 50 animals were sampled at random at each village every 2 months. The parasitological prevalence of trypanosomosis was determined by the haematocrit centrifugation buffy-coat technique, supplemented with thick and thin Giemsa-stained blood films. Serum samples also were collected for anti-trypanosomal antibody determination by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parasitological prevalence was highly variable between villages and between visits (range: 0-28.6%; median: 3.1%). Seroprevalence was also variable between villages (range: 0-80.8%; median: 50%), but was less variable between visits. Average annual parasitological prevalence and average annual seroprevalence for each village were highly correlated [R(2)(adjustedford.f.)=0.89, p<0.01]. Seroprevalence measured on any single visit to a study village was better than parasitological prevalence as a predictor of average annual parasitological prevalence.

Remediation of dyes in textile effluent: a critical review on current treatment technologies with a proposed alternative

The control of water pollution has become of increasing importance in recent years. The release of dyes into the environment constitutes only a small proportion of water pollution, but dyes are visible in small quantities due to their brilliance. Tightening government legislation is forcing textile industries to treat their waste effluent to an increasingly high standard. Currently, removal of dyes from effluents is by physio-chemical means. Such methods are often very costly and although the dyes are removed, accumulation of concentrated sludge creates a disposal problem. There is a need to find alternative treatments that are effective in removing dyes from large volumes of effluents and are low in cost, such as biological or combination systems. This article reviews the current available technologies and suggests an effective, cheaper alternative for dye removal and decolourisation applicable on large scale.

Description and epidemiology of Theileria youngi n. sp. from a northern Californian dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma Fuscipes) population

An epidemiologic study designed to identify the small mammal reservoir for the zoonotic WA1-type babesial parasite resulted in the discovery of a small, intraerythrocytic piroplasm in smeared blood from dusky-footed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) in northern California. The woodrat parasites were isolated and compared to other piroplasm parasites based on their morphology, antigenicity, and genetic characteristics. These studies indicated that the woodrat parasites were not the WA1-type babesial agent but were of the genus Theileria. We accordingly named it Theileria youngi. The prevalence in the woodrat population was high (61%). Infection was unrelated to gender or age of the woodrats. Potential vectors for this tick-transmitted parasite included 3 species of ticks recovered from the woodrats. Dermacentor occidentalis, Ixodes woodi, and Ixodes pacificus. Mostly larval or nymphal stages were recovered, suggesting transstadial transmission is possible. This is the first piroplasm fully characterized from a dusky-footed woodrat.

Solid-state fermentation: a promising microbial technology for secondary metabolite production

Solid state (substrate) fermentation (SSF) has been used successfully for the production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. These products are associated with the stationary phase of microbial growth and are produced on an industrial scale for use in agriculture and the treatment of disease. Many of these secondary metabolites are still produced by submerged liquid fermentations (SmF) even though production by this method has been shown to be less efficient than SSF. As large-scale production increases further, so do the costs and energy demands. SSF has been shown to produce a more stable product, requiring less energy, in smaller fermenters, with easier downstream processing measures. In this article we review an important area of biotechnology, since the recent evidence indicates that bacteria and fungi, growing under SSF conditions, are more than capable of supplying the growing global demand for secondary metabolites.

Orthodeoxia and platypnea secondary to a patent foramen ovale despite normal right-sided cardiac pressures

Numerous cases of orthodeoxia and platypnea have been reported. Some have been found to be due to intracardiac shunts despite normal intracardiac pressures. In the case presented, a 79-year-old woman was noted to have orthodeoxia and platypnea secondary to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) despite normal intracardiac pressures. She recovered after closure of the PFO. The authors postulate that recent vertebral fractures and subsequent kyphosis, as well as a dilated thoracic aorta, altered intrathoracic relationships and may have led to a stream of venous return being directed across the PFO in the upright position, despite normal intracardiac pressures.

Multiculturalism as a concept in nursing

This article focuses on the theoretical processes of identifying and evaluating concepts in the public domain and the subsequent practical application of such concepts to the provision of nursing care. More specifically, this article identifies the concept of "multiculturalism" as a valuable one for nursing, and then evaluates it via the methodology developed by nursing theorists Wilson (1969) and Meleis (1997).

LabPatch, an acquisition and analysis program for patch-clamp electrophysiology

An acquisition and analysis program, "LabPatch," has been developed for use in patch-clamp research. LabPatch controls any patch-clamp amplifier, acquires and records data, runs voltage protocols, plots and analyzes data, and connects to spreadsheet and database programs. Controls within LabPatch are grouped by function on one screen, much like an oscilloscope front panel. The software is mouse driven, so that the user need only point and click. Finally, the ability to copy data to other programs running in Windows 95/98, and the ability to keep track of experiments using a database, make LabPatch extremely versatile. The system requirements include Windows 95/98, at least a 100-MHz processor and 16 MB RAM, a data acquisition card, digital-to-analog converter, and a patch-clamp amplifier. LabPatch is available free of charge at http://www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/huizinga/.

Phylogenetic relationships of human and wildlife piroplasm isolates in the western United States inferred from the 18S nuclear small subunit RNA gene

The 18S nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of piroplasms from wildlife and human cases of babesiosis in the western USA were isolated by PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences and comparisons with sequences from other Babesia and Theileria species revealed that piroplasm isolates from the human cases were indistinguishable from some of the isolates from the western wildlife species, most notably the isolates from mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). These results suggest that large ungulates may serve as reservoirs for human piroplasm infection. The western piroplasm isolates from humans and wildlife formed a distinct clade, separate from other piroplasms found worldwide.

Subacute necrotising encephalopathy in an Alaskan husky

A 29-month-old female Alaskan husky was presented recumbent, tetraparetic and in a state of dementia, with blindness and cranial nerve deficits. The dog's progress was followed for over two months, as the signs resolved to an non-progressive mild hypermetria with slight proprioceptive ataxia, a diminished menace response and inability to prehend food. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral cavitation extending from the thalamus to the medulla, with less pronounced degenerative lesions in the caudate nucleus, putamen and claustrum. Cerebrospinal fluid lactate and pyruvate concentrations were in their normal ranges. Necropsy and histological examination confirmed the MRI findings as well as neuronal degeneration of the cerebellar cortex in the vermis and degenerative changes in the neocortex at the depths of the cerebral sulci. In view of the similarity of lesions to subacute necrotising encephalomyelopathy, known as Leigh's disease in humans, a tentative diagnosis of a mitochondrial encephalopathy was made.