A Review of the EUSO-Balloon Pathfinder for the JEM-EUSO Program

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder for JEM-EUSO, the mission concept of a spaceborne observatory which is designed to observe Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR)-induced Extensive Air Showers (EAS) by detecting their UltraViolet (UV) light tracks "from above." On August 25, 2014, EUSO-Balloon was launched from Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base (Ontario, Canada) by the balloon division of the French Space Agency CNES. After reaching a floating altitude of 38 km, EUSO-Balloon imaged the UV light in the wavelength range ∼290-500 nm for more than 5 hours using the key technologies of JEM-EUSO. The flight allowed a good understanding of the performance of the detector to be developed, giving insights into possible improvements to be applied to future missions. A detailed measurement of the photoelectron counts in different atmospheric and ground conditions was achieved. By means of the simulation of the instrument response and by assuming atmospheric models, the absolute intensity of diffuse light was estimated. The instrument detected hundreds of laser tracks with similar characteristics to EASs shot by a helicopter flying underneath. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. The reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks was performed. In this work, a review of the main results obtained by EUSO-Balloon is presented as well as implications for future space-based observations of UHECRs.

Transdermal delivery of carnosine into equine skeletal muscle

The dipeptide carnosine consists of β-alanine and L-histidine. It plays a major role in skeletal muscle metabolism, especially as an intracellular buffer and antioxidant. Increasing intramuscular carnosine has been shown to improve recovery from exercise and increase anaerobic threshold and time-to-exhaustion. Dietary supplementation with carnosine does not effectively increase intramuscular carnosine due to the presence of carnosinase in the blood. However, an effective transdermal delivery process could expediently increase intramuscular concentrations of carnosine. This study’s objective was to examine the efficacy of a transdermal system for delivering carnosine into the skeletal muscle of horses, using a randomised, placebo controlled, crossover study. Carnosine plus a proprietary transdermal delivery agent or the agent alone (placebo) were applied to the middle gluteal muscles of 10 Thoroughbred racehorses, and muscle biopsies were taken before and 30, 60, and 120 min after application. Muscle carnosine concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test for the main effects of time and treatment (placebo or carnosine) as well as an interaction between time and treatment. Independent F-tests examined the change in intramuscular carnosine levels from baseline to each time point (30, 60, and 120 min). There was a significant main effect of treatment (P=0.004), no significant main effect for time (P=0.18), and a non-significant interaction of treatment with time (P=0.08). Mean intramuscular carnosine concentrations increased from baseline to 120 min. Compared to concentrations following placebo application, carnosine was greater by ~35% at 30 min (P=0.002) and ~46% after 60 min (P=0.044), but not at 120 min (P=0.20). The results indicated that intramuscular carnosine can be increased using a transdermal delivery system within 60 min of application which could have important implications for the health of horses, and their capacity to perform and recover from physical activity.

Membrane Protein Identification in Rodent Brain Tissue Samples and Acute Brain Slices

Acute brain slices are a sample format for electrophysiology, disease modeling, and organotypic cultures. Proteome analyses based on mass spectrometric measurements are seldom used on acute slices, although they offer high-content protein analyses and explorative approaches. In neuroscience, membrane proteins are of special interest for proteome-based analysis as they are necessary for metabolic, electrical, and signaling functions, including myelin maintenance and regeneration. A previously published protocol for the enrichment of plasma membrane proteins based on aqueous two-phase polymer systems followed by mass spectrometric protein identification was adjusted to the small sample size of single acute murine slices from newborn animals and the reproducibility of the results was analyzed. For this, plasma membrane proteins of 12 acute slice samples from six animals were enriched and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 1161 proteins were identified, of which 369 were assigned to membranes. Protein abundances showed high reproducibility between samples. The plasma membrane protein separation protocol can be applied to single acute slices despite the low sample size and offers a high yield of identifiable proteins. This is not only the prerequisite for proteome analysis of organotypic slice cultures but also allows for the analysis of small-sized isolated brain regions at the proteome level.

No evidence for homosubtypic immunity of influenza H3 in Mallards following vaccination in a natural experimental system

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is an important reservoir species for influenza A viruses (IAV), and in this host, prevalence and virus diversity are high. Studies have demonstrated the presence of homosubtypic immunity, where individuals are unlikely to be reinfected with the same subtype within an autumn season. Further, evidence for heterosubtypic immunity exists, whereby immune responses specific for one subtype offer partial or complete protection against related HA subtypes. We utilized a natural experimental system to determine whether homo- or heterospecific immunity could be induced following experimental vaccination. Thirty Mallards were vaccinated with an inactivated H3, H6 or a sham vaccine and after seroconversion were exposed to naturally infected wild conspecifics. All ducks were infected within 2 days and had both primary and secondary infections. Overall, there was no observable difference between groups; all individuals were infected with H3 and H10 IAV. At the cessation of the experiment, most individuals had anti-NP antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against H10. Not all individuals had H3 neutralizing antibodies. The isolated H3 IAVs revealed genetic dissimilarity to the H3 vaccine strain, specifically substitutions in the vicinity of the receptor-binding site. There was no evidence of vaccine-induced homosubtypic immunity to H3, a likely result of both a poor H3 immune response in the ducks and H3 immune escape. Likewise, there was no observed heterosubtypic protection related to H6 vaccination. This study highlights the need for experimental approaches to assess how exposure to pathogens and resulting immune processes translates to individual and population disease dynamics.

Priming the immune system of Penaeid shrimp by bacterial HSP70 (DnaK)

This study was conducted to test the effect of DnaK on priming immune responses in Penaeid shrimp. Juvenile-specific pathogen-free (SPF) P. vannamei shrimp were injected with 0.05 μg recombinant DnaK. One hour post-DnaK priming, a non-lethal dose of Vibrio campbellii (10(5) CFU shrimp(-1)) was injected. Other treatments include only DnaK or V. campbellii injection or control with blank inocula. The haemolymph of three shrimp from each treatment was collected at 1.5, 6, 9 and 12 h post-DnaK priming (hpp). It was verified that injection with DnaK and V. campbellii challenge affected the transcription of 3 immune genes, transglutaminase-1 (TGase-1), prophenoloxidase-2 (proPO-2) and endogenous HSP70 (lvHSP70). In P. monodon, shrimp were first injected with DnaK at a dose of 10 μg shrimp(-1) and one hour later with 10(6) CFU of V. harveyi (BB120) shrimp(-1). Shrimp injected with DnaK showed a significant increase in proPO expression compared to the control (P < 0.05). Yet a double injection (DnaK and Vibrio) seemed to cause an antagonistic response at the level of expression, which was not equalled at the level of PO activity. Those results suggest that DnaK is able to modulate immune responses in P. vannamei and P. monodon.

[Calcaneo-fibular ligament surgery for chronic lateral instability of the upper ankle : Broström technique with modification by Wille. Video article]

BACKGROUND

An acute ligament rupture of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint is treated without surgery. Treatment failure may lead to a chronically unstable situation of the ankle joint, in which case surgery is an effective procedure for stabilizing the ruptured ligaments. Anatomical reconstruction is the best operative technique if the ligament tissue is of good quality.

METHOD

In our video we demonstrate a new possibility for the positioning of an anchor to tighten the calcaneo-fibular ligament. Modified Broström repairs are described in the literature in which the calcaneo-fibular ligament is released and reattached to the fibula to tighten it. We present the option to release the ligament at the calcaneus and reattach it using a suture anchor. This offers the advantage of preventing the possible dislocation of the peroneal tendons.

The Proteome Profiles of the Cerebellum of Juvenile, Adult and Aged Rats--An Ontogenetic Study

In this study, we searched for proteins that change their expression in the cerebellum (Ce) of rats during ontogenesis. This study focuses on the question of whether specific proteins exist which are differentially expressed with regard to postnatal stages of development. A better characterization of the microenvironment and its development may result from these study findings. A differential two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of the samples revealed that the number of proteins of the functional classes differed depending on the developmental stages. Especially members of the functional classes of biosynthesis, regulatory proteins, chaperones and structural proteins show the highest differential expression within the analyzed stages of development. Therefore, members of these functional protein groups seem to be involved in the development and differentiation of the Ce within the analyzed development stages. In this study, changes in the expression of proteins in the Ce at different postnatal developmental stages (postnatal days (P) 7, 90, and 637) could be observed. At the same time, an identification of proteins which are involved in cell migration and differentiation was possible. Especially proteins involved in processes of the biosynthesis and regulation, the dynamic organization of the cytoskeleton as well as chaperones showed a high amount of differentially expressed proteins between the analyzed dates.

The proteome profiles of the olfactory bulb of juvenile, adult and aged rats - an ontogenetic study

Background

In this study, we searched for proteins that change their expression in the olfactory bulb (oB) of rats during ontogenesis. Up to now, protein expression differences in the developing animal are not fully understood. Our investigation focused on the question whether specific proteins exist which are only expressed during different development stages. This might lead to a better characterization of the microenvironment and to a better determination of factors and candidates that influence the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells.

Results

After analyzing the samples by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), it could be shown that the number of expressed proteins differs depending on the developmental stages. Especially members of the functional classes, like proteins of biosynthesis, regulatory proteins and structural proteins, show the highest differential expression in the stages of development analyzed.

Conclusion

In this study, quantitative changes in the expression of proteins in the oB at different developmental stages (postnatal days (P) 7, 90 and 637) could be observed. Furthermore, the expression of many proteins was found at specific developmental stages. It was possible to identify these proteins which are involved in processes like support of cell migration and differentiation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12953-014-0058-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gene expression profiling of Drosophila tracheal fusion cells

The Drosophila trachea is a premier genetic system to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of tubular organ formation. Tracheal fusion cells lead the branch fusion process to form an interconnected tubular network. Therefore, fusion cells in the Drosophila trachea will be an excellent model to study branch fusion in mammalian tubular organs, such as kidneys and blood vessels. The fusion process is a dynamic cellular process involving cell migration, adhesion, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and membrane fusion. To understand how these cellular events are coordinated, we initiated the critical step to assemble a gene expression profile of fusion cells. For this study, we analyzed the expression of 234 potential tracheal-expressed genes in fusion cells during fusion cell development. 143 Tracheal genes were found to encode transcription factors, signal proteins, cytoskeleton and matrix proteins, transporters, and proteins with unknown function. These genes were divided into four subgroups based on their levels of expression in fusion cells compared to neighboring non-fusion cells revealed by in situ hybridization: (1) genes that have relative high abundance in fusion cells, (2) genes that are dynamically expressed in fusion cells, (3) genes that have relative low abundance in fusion cells, and (4) genes that are expressed at similar levels in fusion cells and non-fusion tracheal cells. This study identifies the expression profile of fusion cells and hypothetically suggests genes which are necessary for the fusion process and which play roles in distinct stages of fusion, as indicated by the location and timing of expression. These data will provide the basis for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of branch fusion.

Effects of massage under hypoxic conditions on exercise-induced muscle damage and physical strain indices in professional soccer players

Reports based on experiences from masseurs and players, mostly without any scientific background, suggest that the combination of a classical regeneration method (i.e. massage) with exposure to hypoxia may enhance regeneration in soccer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this specific combination could affect blood parameters related to muscle damage and physical strain after a soccer game. Approximately 15 hours after two separate championship games, 10 professional male outfield players of the first Austrian division were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 13.5% ∼ 4000m) or normoxia for 1 hour (30 minutes rest followed by 30 min massage) (cross-over design). Creatine kinase (CK), urea and uric acid (UA) were measured 4 days before the first game, and 15 and 63 hours after the two games. Match play increased CK values independently of the intervention. No effect of the massage in combination with hypoxia was seen. A trend was found between Δ UA ([UA] 48 hours after exposure minus [UA] before exposure) in response to hypoxia and SaO2 measured in hypoxia (r=0.612, p=0.06). Results show that massage under hypoxic conditions had no additional positive effect on the measured parameters compared to massage alone. Solely the trend of a relationship for Δ UA and SaO2 might indicate that redox alterations are a potential consequence of hypoxic exposure.

An inexpensive and effective larval diet for Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae): eat like a horse, a bird, or a fish?

A successful sterile insect technique program depends upon mass production of good-quality sterile insects for release into a target area. Specifically, to control Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) in a pilot area in northern Sudan, 1 million An. arabiensis sterile males per day are needed. To reach this production objective, mosquito mass rearing is indispensable and larval diet, a key parameter for the production of healthy male mosquitoes, needs to be cost-effective. The Koi Floating Blend fish food, previously used at the Food and Agriculture Organization/International Atomic Energy Agency Insect Pest Control Laboratory for the routine rearing of the An. arabiensis colony, is no longer available. The aim of this study was to find a cheap and effective substitute for the discontinued diet. Several candidate powdered diets that are commercially available were tested to determine the best diet. By using mixture experiment principles and response surface methodology, the combination of two components, bovine liver powder and tuna meal, showed the best results in terms of larval survival, developmental, rate and adult size. The addition of a vitamin mixture further improved the diet. These positive production results coupled with the relatively low cost of our blend demonstrated the possibility of its use for mass rearing purpose.

Short-term intermittent hypoxia reduces the severity of acute mountain sickness

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a promising approach to induce acclimatization and hence lower the risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS). We hypothesized that a short-term IH protocol in normobaric hypoxia (7 × 1 h to 4500 m) effectively increases the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) and reduces the incidence and severity of AMS. Therefore, 26 men (25.5 ± 4.4 years), assigned in a double-blinded fashion to the hypoxia group (HG) or placebo group (PG), spent 8 h at 5300 m before (PRE) and 2 days after cessation of the IH protocol (POST). Measurements included the evaluation of the Lake Louise Score (LLS) and the HVR. The severity of AMS decreased from PRE to POST in the HG (from 6.0 ± 2.7 at PRE to 4.1 ± 2.1 at POST), whereas the LLS in the PG stayed high (from 5.7 ± 2.9 to 5.5 ± 2.8, respectively). The HVR in the HG increased from 0.73 ± 0.4 L/min/% at PRE to 1.10 ± 0.5 L/min/% at POST and did not increase in the PG. The reduction of the LLS was inversely related to the changes in the HVR (r = -0.434), but the AMS incidence was not different between the HG and the PG at POST. In conclusion, short-term IH reduced the severity of AMS development during a subsequent 8-h exposure to normobaric hypoxia.

Effect of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate on Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, larvae challenged with pathogenic Vibrio anguillarum

This study investigated the protective effect of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, zoea larvae challenged with pathogenic Vibrio anguillarum. PHB was delivered to the crab larvae through rotifer and Artemia bioencapsulation. Zoea 3 larvae were challenged with V. anguillarum at a final concentration of 10(5) CFU mL(-1). PHB-enriched rotifers and Artemia nauplii were added to the culture water 24 h prior to, upon and 24 h after challenge. The results confirmed that PHB could enhance the survival and growth of unexposed E. sinensis larvae. Moreover, PHB protected larvae from the pathogen as the larvae fed PHB-enriched live food showed the highest survival and development rate in all challenged groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, larval performance was the best when PHB was delivered to the larvae 24 h before challenge (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that PHB can be used as part of an effective strategy to protect E. sinensis larvae from V. anguillarum resulting in higher survival and better growth, especially when applied before the challenge.

Changes in cardiac autonomic activity during a passive 8 hour acute exposure to 5 500 m normobaric hypoxia are not related to the development of acute mountain sickness

Alterations in the autonomic nervous system after ascent to high altitude may be related to the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS). So far, the time course of cardiac autonomic modulation in relation to AMS development during the early hours at altitude is not well established. As AMS develops sometimes as early as 1 h and typically within 6 to 10 h at altitude, evaluating this time period provides information on cardiac autonomic responses with regard to AMS development. Prior studies exclusively investigated autonomic modulations in hypobaric hypoxia. Because barometric pressure per se might influence autonomic nervous system activity, the evaluation of cardiac autonomic alterations caused by hypoxia alone might give new insights on the role of the autonomic nervous system in AMS development. To assess the early responses of acute hypoxia on cardiac autonomic modulation and its association to the development of AMS, 48 male subjects were exposed for 8 h to acute normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 11.0%, 5 500 m respectively). Heart rate variability (HRV) was determined by 5-min recordings of successive NN-intervals in normoxia and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h in hypoxia. Compared with normoxia, acute exposure to hypoxia decreased total power (TP), high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) components as well as the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of differences of successive NN intervals (rMSSD) and the proportion of differences between adjacent NN intervals of more than 50 ms (pNN50). LF:HF ratio, heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (LA) were augmented, indicating an increase in cardiac sympathetic activity. No differences were found between those who developed AMS and those who did not. Our results confirm reduced HRV with a shift towards sympathetic predominance during acute exposure to hypoxia. However, changes in cardiac autonomic modulations are not related to AMS development in acute normobaric hypoxia.

Quorum quenching bacteria protect Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae from Vibrio harveyi infection

AIMS

In this study, we investigated the effect of N-acyl homoserine lactone-degrading bacterial enrichment cultures (ECs) on larviculture of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The larval performance in terms of larval growth, larval survival, larval quality, duration of the larval rearing process and microflora levels in the rearing water as well as inside the prawn gut was investigated. The application of the EC bacteria was performed in two ways: by adding them directly into the larval rearing water and via enriched Artemia nauplii used for larval feeding. The results of the study demonstrated that both ECs that were tested had a similar positive effect on larval survival and larval quality, whereas they did not affect larval growth or the duration of the larval rearing process.

CONCLUSIONS

Under normal hatchery conditions, the optimal EC densities were found to be 10(6) CFU ml(-1) for adding into the rearing water and 5 × 10(8) CFU ml(-1) for enrichment of Artemia nauplii used for feeding of the larvae. In the hatchery, the ECs can be grown on waste streams of Artemia hatching.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Application of this kind of ECs could lead to a more sustainable aquaculture production, by replacing the use of antibiotics to control diseases.

Virulence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) isolates may be correlated with the degree of replication in gills of Penaeus vannamei juveniles

A standardized inoculation model was used in 2 separate experiments to gauge the virulence of 3 white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) isolates from Thailand and Vietnam (WSSV Thai-1, WSSV Thai-2, and WSSV Viet) in Penaeus vannamei juveniles. Mortality patterns (Expt 1) were compared and WSSV-positive cells quantified (Expt 2) in tissues following intramuscular inoculation of shrimp with the most (WSSV Thai-1) and least (WSSV Viet) virulent isolates as determined by Expt 1. The results of Expt 1 demonstrated that mortalities began at 36 h post inoculation (hpi) for both Thai isolate groups and at 36 to 60 hpi for the Viet isolate group. Cumulative mortality reached 100% 96 to 240 h later in shrimp challenged with the WSSV Viet isolate compared to shrimp challenged with the Thai isolates. WSSV infection was verified in all groups by indirect immunofluorescence. In Expt 2, WSSV-infected cells were quantified by immunohistochemical analysis of both dead and time-course sampled shrimp. WSSV-positive cells were detected in tissues of Thai-1 inoculated dead and euthanized shrimp from 24 hpi onwards and from 36 hpi onwards in shrimp injected with the Viet isolate. Significantly more infected cells were found in tissues of dead shrimp inoculated with the Thai-1 than in Viet isolate-inoculated shrimp. In these experiments, substantial differences in virulence were demonstrated between the WSSV isolates. The Vietnamese isolate induced a more chronic disease and mortality pattern than was found for the Thai isolates, possibly because it infected fewer cells. This difference was most pronounced in gills.

A review on the morphology, molecular characterization, morphogenesis and pathogenesis of white spot syndrome virus

Since it first appeared in 1992, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has become the most threatening infectious agent in shrimp aquaculture. Within a decade, this pathogen has spread to all the main shrimp farming areas and has caused enormous economic losses amounting to more than seven billion US dollars. At present, biosecurity methods used to exclude pathogens in shrimp farms include disinfecting ponds and water, preventing the entrance of animals that may carry infectious agents and stocking ponds with specific pathogen-free post-larvae. The combination of these practices increases biosecurity in shrimp farming facilities and may contribute to reduce the risk of a WSSV outbreak. Although several control methods have shown some efficacy against WSSV under experimental conditions, no therapeutic products or strategies are available to effectively control WSSV in the field. Furthermore, differences in virulence and clinical outcome of WSSV infections have been reported. The sequencing and characterization of different strains of WSSV has begun to determine aspects of its biology, virulence and pathogenesis. Knowledge on these aspects is critical for developing effective control methods. The aim of this review is to present an update of the knowledge generated so far on different aspects of WSSV organization, morphogenesis, pathology and pathogenesis.

Pathogenesis of a Thai strain of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in juvenile, specific pathogen-free Litopenaeus vannamei

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causes disease and mortality in cultured and wild shrimp. A standardized WSSV oral inoculation procedure was used in specific pathogen-free (SPF) Litopenaeus vannamei (also called Penaeus vannamei) to determine the primary sites of replication (portal of entry), to analyze the viral spread and to propose the cause of death. Shrimp were inoculated orally with a low (10(1.5) shrimp infectious dose 50% endpoint [SID50]) or a high (10(4) SID50) dose. Per dose, 6 shrimp were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h post inoculation (hpi). WSSV-infected cells were located in tissues by immunohistochemistry and in hemolymph by indirect immunofluorescence. Cell-free hemolymph was examined for WSSV DNA using 1-step PCR. Tissues and cell-free hemolymph were first positive at 18 hpi (low dose) or at 12 hpi (high dose). With the 2 doses, primary replication was found in cells of the foregut and gills. The antennal gland was an additional primary replication site at the high dose. WSSV-infected cells were found in the hemolymph starting from 36 hpi. At 60 hpi, the percentage of WSSV-infected cells was 36 for the epithelial cells of the foregut and 27 for the epithelial cells of the integument; the number of WSSV-infected cells per mm2 was 98 for the gills, 26 for the antennal gland, 78 for the hematopoietic tissue and 49 for the lymphoid organ. Areas of necrosis were observed in infected tissues starting from 48 hpi (low dose) or 36 hpi (high dose). Since the foregut, gills, antennal gland and integument are essential for the maintenance of shrimp homeostasis, it is likely that WSSV infection leads to death due to their dysfunction.

[Inner amputation of an upper extremity with impaired cerebral perfusion and lethal outcome]

An inner amputation of the upper extremity is understood to be a rupture of the arm's vascular nerve bundle as well as the shoulder's and scapular's stabilizing muscles and fibrous joints without damage to the dermal soft tissue sheath. This injury is a rare and grave incident which mostly occurs within the scope of a high-energy trauma and in cases of polytraumatized patients in combination with additional life-threatening injuries. In the literature this is referred to by the terms scapulothoracic dissociation (SD) and closed forequarter amputation--the entity of SD was first described by Oreck et al. in 1984. Traction of the upper extremity leads to the rupture of the m. pectoralis major, m. pectoralis minor, the musculi rhomboidei, the m. levator scapulae, the m. latissimus dorsi as well as the m. trapezius. Furthermore the traction causes acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular bursting of the joints or a displaced clavicle fracture. Among the more than 50 cases depicted until now, 94% of the patients exhibit a neurological (plexus) and 80% a vascular lesion, thus corresponding to a genuine inner amputation. The prognosis for this injury is consistently poor: 10% of the patients die, in 52% an nonfunctional extremity remains, and in 21% a untimely amputation has to be performed. The observed complication of cerebral hypoperfusion caused by increasing pressure in the neck compartment, which ultimately leads to the death of the patient, has, as far as we know, not yet been specified and emphasizes the gravity and the magnitude as well as the necessity of rapid diagnosis and appropriate therapy of this infrequent injury.

Standardized white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) inoculation procedures for intramuscular or oral routes

In the past, strategies to control white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) were mostly tested by infectivity trials in vivo using immersion or per os inoculation of undefined WSSV infectious doses, which complicated comparisons between experiments. In this study, the reproducibility of 3 defined doses (10, 30 and 90 shrimp infectious doses 50% endpoint [SID50]) of WSSV was determined in 3 experiments using intramuscular (i.m.) or oral inoculation in specific pathogen-free (SPF) Litopenaeus vannamei. Reproducibility was determined by the time of onset of disease, cumulative mortality, and median lethal time (LT50). By i.m. route, the 3 doses induced disease between 24 and 36 h post inoculation (hpi). Cumulative mortality was 100% at 84 hpi with doses of 30 and 90 SID50 and 108 hpi with a dose of 10 SID50. The LT50 of the doses 10, 30 and 90 SID50 were 52, 51 and 49 hpi and were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Shrimp orally inoculated with 10, 30 or 90 SID50 developed disease between 24 and 36 hpi. Cumulative mortality was 100% at 108 hpi with doses of 30 and 90 SID50 and 120 hpi with a dose of 10 SID50. The LT50 of 10, 30 and 90 SID50 were 65, 57 and 50 hpi; these were significantly different from each other (p < 0.05). A dose of 30 SID50 was selected as the standard for further WSSV challenges by i.m. or oral routes. These standardized inoculation procedures may be applied to other crustacea and WSSV strains in order to achieve comparable results among experiments.

In vivo titration of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in specific pathogen-free Litopenaeus vannamei by intramuscular and oral routes

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a devastating pathogen in shrimp aquaculture. Standardized challenge procedures using a known amount of infectious virus would assist in evaluating strategies to reduce its impact. In this study, the shrimp infectious dose 50% endpoint (SID50 ml(-1)) of a Thai isolate of WSSV was determined by intramuscular inoculation (i.m.) in 60 and 135 d old specific pathogen-free (SPF) Litopenaeus vannamei using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and 1-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, the lethal dose 50% endpoint (LD50 ml(-1)) was determined from the proportion of dead shrimp. The median virus infection titers in 60 and 135 d old juveniles were 10(6.8) and 10(6.5) SID50 ml(-1), respectively. These titers were not significantly different (p > or = 0.05). The titration of the WSSV stock by oral intubation in 80 d old juveniles resulted in approximately 10-fold reduction in virus titer compared to i.m. inoculation. This lower titer is probably the result of physical and chemical barriers in the digestive tract of shrimp that hinder WSSV infectivity. The titers determined by infection were identical to the titers determined by mortality in all experiments using both i.m. and oral routes at 120 h post inoculation (hpi), indicating that every infected shrimp died. The determination of WSSV titers for dilutions administered by i.m. and oral routes constitutes the first step towards the standardization of challenge procedures to evaluate strategies to reduce WSSV infection.

The attribute rating test for sensory analysis

This new sensory method evaluates the intensity of an odorant by using a modified "paired-comparison" format. It can be applied to any situation for which the odor-causing agent is known and a purified standard is available. The attribute rating test requires that a standard solution of the odorant be prepared at a concentration that is both readily recognized by most individuals and likely to evoke customer complaints. Within an hour individuals can be trained to compare the odor type and intensity of the standard to water samples, then rate the odor in the sample as "not detected," "less than the standard," "equal to standard," or "greater than the standard." The attribute rating test was successfully used by a full-scale water treatment facility to monitor the intensity of geosmin in the source water and to determine the effectiveness of powdered activated carbon for controlling its earthy-odor in treated water.

Intrathecal use of ropivacaine: a review

Spinal anesthesia is a very old and popular anesthetic technique, with a high success rate and a good safety profile. In order to further improve and understand safety issues as well as the clinical use of spinal anesthesia, new local anesthetics and analgesic additives are being investigated for different applications. As practice of medicine focuses increasingly on outpatient care, spinal anesthetics should provide short-acting and adequate anesthesia without compromising early ambulation and discharge from the day surgery unit. A review of the current literature suggests that ropivacaine could have potential in this area.

Fluoride release from a toothbrush

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the fluoride concentration in unstimulated saliva after using a toothbrush with 9,048 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride incorporated in the bristles. A toothpaste with 1,500 ppm fluoride served as the positive control. Twelve volunteers took part in the single-blind crossover study. In a pre-test phase of 14 days, the subjects refrained from eating fluoride-rich foods and did not use any fluoride-containing products for oral hygiene measures. This was followed by a test period of four weeks. At day one and after 14 and 28 days, unstimulated saliva was collected and analyzed for its fluoride content. Saliva was collected immediately after toothbrushing and after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 150, and 180 minutes. On day one, the fluoride toothbrush released significant amounts of fluoride immediately after the brushing, and after 15 and 30 minutes (p < 0.01). After 14 days of use, this could be found immediately after brushing and after 15 minutes (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively). After 28 days, a significant fluoride release was only found immediately after brushing (p < 0.05). On all days, compared to the positive control, the fluoride release from the fluoride toothbrush was generally lower immediately after brushing and after 15 minutes (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively). It may be concluded that a toothbrush with incorporated sodium fluoride could act as a fluoride-releasing. device.

Paleoenvironmental history of the Popayán area since 27 000 yr BP at Timbio, Southern Colombia

A pollen record from Timbio, located at an elevation of 1750m on the high plain of Popayán (2 degrees 24'N, 76 degrees 36'W) is presented. This forms the basis for reconstructing the vegetation and climate history for the periods from 27000 to 9200 radiocarbon years before the present (14Cyr BP) and 2100 14Cyr BP to sub-recent. The 5m sediment core has time control based on seven AMS radiocarbon dates. Four pollen assemblage zones (TIM-1 to TIM-4) are recognized. During the period of 27200 to 26000 14Cyr BP, an Andean forest was near the site. The vegetation consisted of forest and open herb-rich vegetation, climatic conditions were moist and temperatures some 6 degrees C lower than compared to those of today. During the period of 26000 to 16000 14Cyr BP forest was less open. The observed succession from a Podocarpus-Weinmannia dominated forest to a Hedyosmum dominated forest, and finally to a forest with Ilex, Myrica and ferns indicates a progressive decrease of temperature during this period, with a maximum temperature depression of ca. 5-7.5 degrees C compared to present-day conditions. During the period of 16000 to 9200 14Cyr BP, temperature decrease is estimated at ca. 7.5 degrees C and the climate was the driest. During the period of 2100 to 600 14C2600m altitude (ca. 8 degrees C) and those at sea-level (2.5-6 degrees C) and supports the observation that glacial lapse rates were higher than in modern times.

Ammonia toxicity as a criterion for the evaluation of larval quality in the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii

The feasibility of a short-term ammonia toxicity test as an evaluation criterion for larval quality was assessed in three trials. In each one, Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae originating from the same spawn were nutritionally differentiated in two groups by feeding them either a nutrient-rich (Artemia nauplii enriched for 24 h with n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) and ascorbic acid (AA)) or a nutrient-poor diet (Artemia nauplii starved for 24 h). Throughout their development, larvae from both treatments were exposed during 24 h to six concentrations of total ammonia (NH(4)(+)+NH(3)) and a control (no ammonia added). Based on mortality rates, the median lethal concentration for 50% of the population (LC(50)) was estimated. As expected from earlier work, larvae fed the optimal diet presented higher n-3 HUFA and AA contents as well as higher growth and metamorphosis rates. From the moment the effect of diet quality was analytically detectable in the tissues of the larvae, the ammonia test was able to distinguish both groups of larvae. Differences in ammonia tolerance were observed as early as larval stage 4 and remained evident throughout larval development. The short-term ammonia toxicity test proved to be a valuable, sensitive and reproducible criterion for the establishment of larval quality.

Gelsolin-actin complex is target for ADP-ribosylation by Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin in intact human neutrophils

The gelsolin-actin complex was ADP-ribosylated by Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin and Clostridium perfringens iota toxin in lysates of human platelets and human neutrophils. When [32P]orthophosphate-labelled human neutrophils were treated with C. botulinum C2 toxin, [32P]ADP-ribosylated gelsolin-actin was precipitated with anti-gelsolin antibody. Stimulation of neutrophils by formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine decreased the interaction of gelsolin with ADP-ribosylated actin in toxin-treated cells. The data indicate that the gelsolin-actin complex is a pathophysiological substrate for actin-ADP-ribosylating toxins.

ADP-ribosylation of gelsolin-actin complexes by clostridial toxins

ADP-ribosylation of the 1:1 (G-A) and 1:2 (G-A-A) gelsolin-actin complexes by Clostridium perfringens iota toxin and Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin was studied. Iota toxin ADP-ribosylated actin in the G-A complex from human platelets as effectively as skeletal muscle actin. The Km for NAD (4 microM) was identical for both substrates. C2 toxin ADP-ribosylated actin in the G-A complex with lower efficacy than nonmuscle actin from platelet cytosol. In the G-A-A complex both actin molecules were ADP-ribosylated by iota toxin. The G-A complex bound ADP-ribosylated actin (Ar) to form the G-A-Ar complex in which the weakly bound actin is ADP-ribosylated. Vice versa, ADP-ribosylated 1:1 gelsolin-actin complex (G-Ar) was able to bind unmodified actin to yield the G-Ar-A complex. ADP-ribosylation did not change the nucleation activity of either the G-Ar complex or the G-Ar-A complex. When monomeric actin was added to the G-A-Ar complex, polymerization of actin was delayed by about 10 min. According to a quantitative kinetic analysis, the delay of polymerization corresponded to the rate of dissociation of ADP-ribosylated actin from the G-A-Ar complex. This suggests that the nucleation activity of the G-A-A complex is inhibited by ADP-ribosylation of the weakly bound actin and that the inhibition can be removed by dissociation of ADP-ribosylated actin from the G-A-Ar complex.

The complete sequence of botulinum neurotoxin type A and comparison with other clostridial neurotoxins

The seven serologically different botulinum neurotoxins are highly potent protein toxins that inhibit neurotransmitter release from peripheral cholinergic synapses. The activated toxins consist of the toxifying A-subunits (Mr approximately 50,000) linked by a disulfide bond to the receptor-binding BC-subunits (Mr approximately 100,000). We have established the complete sequence of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A; 1,296 amino acid residues, Mr = 149,425) and a partial sequence of botulinum neurotoxin type E (273 amino acid residues) as deduced from the corresponding nucleotide sequences of the chromosomally located structural genes. The promoter of the BoNT/A gene is inactive in Escherichia coli. Primer extension experiments indicated that initiation of transcription of the BoNT/A gene occurred 118 nucleotides upstream from the ATG codon. A comparison of the protein sequence revealed an overall identity of 33.8% to that of tetanus toxin. No significant similarity to other known proteins including ADP-ribosylating toxins could be detected. Three of the six histidine residues of the A-subunit of BoNT/A were found in the peptide sequence H223ELIHXXH230 within a domain of predicted alpha-helical secondary structure. This motif is also found in similar positions of the A-subunits of tetanus toxin and BoNT/E.

[The strength of retinal sear tissue after argon-, xenon-, and cryocoagulation (author's transl)]

A method is presented for measuring the adhesive force between retina and pigment epithelium in rabbit eye preparations. This force shows a great interindividual variation and so the absolute value is of little interest. The variation of several readings in one animal is, however, significantly smaller. Therefore the relative change in adhesive force between untreated and treated areas of one animal can be used. The data shows similar increases of +25-30%. For laser-, xenon-, and cryocoagulation, the maximum adhesive strength is reached within 4-8 days after treatment. After a few weeks the additional adhesion in treated areas slowly fell to about +10% as compared to pretreatment levels.