Bovine Liver Supplement Labeling Practices and Compliance With U.S. Regulations.

Bovine liver supplements are sought after by consumers due to their nutrient-dense profile and high protein content. However, there is a lack of information regarding bovine liver supplement labeling practices. The objective of this study was to assess labeling practices and compliance with U.S. regulatory standards among commercially sold bovine liver supplements. The product labels for 49 bovine liver supplements were examined for required information, including a statement of identity; net quantity of contents; "Supplement Facts" label; ingredient statement; and name and place of business of manufacturer, packer, or distributor with domestic address or telephone number. Any claims made on the supplement labels were also reviewed for compliance. Overall, 59% of the products had at least one instance of noncompliance with U.S. labeling regulations. The main categories of noncompliance were missing a domestic mailing address or phone number (39% of products), noncompliant nutrient content claim (31% of products), and missing/noncompliant disclaimer for a nutritional support statement (6% of products). The lack of a mailing address or phone number is problematic because it prevents consumers from being able to report serious adverse events to the manufacturer. The majority (85%) of the nutrient content observed on product labels was found to be noncompliant. Noncompliant nutrient content claims are a major concern for consumers who rely on these claims to assess the nutritional benefits of a product. Overall, the results of this study revealed a lack of labeling compliance in bovine liver supplements, indicating a need for increased awareness and monitoring.

Use of Molecular Methods to Authenticate Animal Species and Tissue in Bovine Liver Dietary Supplements.

Dietary supplements containing bovine (subfamily Bovinae) liver are susceptible to fraud due to their high value and the lack of modern detection methods available for processed animal tissues. The objective of this research was to use molecular methods to authenticate dietary supplements claiming to contain bovine liver or beef liver through the verification of animal species and tissue type. A total of 53 bovine/beef liver dietary supplements were purchased from online sources. The presence of liver was verified with reverse transcription and real-time PCR testing for microRNA-122 (miR-122), which is highly expressed in liver tissue. Multiplex real-time PCR targeting domestic cattle (Bos taurus), horse (Equus caballus), sheep (Ovis aries), and pork (Sus scrofa) was used to verify species. Samples that failed species identification with multiplex real-time PCR underwent DNA mini-barcoding. Overall, bovine species were detected in 48/53 liver supplements: 35 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle with multiplex real-time PCR and an additional 13 samples were confirmed as domestic cattle or Bos spp. with DNA mini-barcoding. One of these samples was also positive for sheep/lamb, which was declared on the label. One product contained undeclared pork in addition to beef. MiR-122 was detected in 51 out of 53 supplements, suggesting the presence of liver. While this study demonstrates the potential use of tissue-specific microRNAs in verifying tissues in dietary supplements, more research is needed to evaluate the specificity of these markers.

The abundant DNA adduct N7-methyl deoxyguanosine contributes to miscoding during replication by human DNA polymerase η.

Aside from abasic sites and ribonucleotides, the DNA adduct N7-methyl deoxyguanosine (N7 -CH3 dG) is one of the most abundant lesions in mammalian DNA. Because N7 -CH3 dG is unstable, leading to deglycosylation and ring-opening, its miscoding potential is not well-understood. Here, we employed a 2'-fluoro isostere approach to synthesize an oligonucleotide containing an analog of this lesion (N7 -CH3 2'-F dG) and examined its miscoding potential with four Y-family translesion synthesis DNA polymerases (pols): human pol (hpol) η, hpol κ, and hpol ι and Dpo4 from the archaeal thermophile Sulfolobus solfataricus We found that hpol η and Dpo4 can bypass the N7 -CH3 2'-F dG adduct, albeit with some stalling, but hpol κ is strongly blocked at this lesion site, whereas hpol ι showed no distinction with the lesion and the control templates. hpol η yielded the highest level of misincorporation opposite the adduct by inserting dATP or dTTP. Moreover, hpol η did not extend well past an N7-CH3 2'-F dG:dT mispair. MS-based sequence analysis confirmed that hpol η catalyzes mainly error-free incorporation of dC, with misincorporation of dA and dG in 5-10% of products. We conclude that N7-CH3 2'-F dG and, by inference, N7-CH3 dG have miscoding and mutagenic potential. The level of misincorporation arising from this abundant adduct can be considered as potentially mutagenic as a highly miscoding but rare lesion.

Measles and Rubella Global Strategic Plan 2012-2020 midterm review.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Measles eradication is the ultimate goal but it is premature to set a date for its accomplishment. Existing regional elimination goals should be vigorously pursued to enable setting a global target by 2020. 2. The basic strategic approaches articulated in the Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan 2012-2020 are valid to achieve the goals but have not been fully implemented (or not appropriately adapted to local situations). 3. The report recommends a shift from primary reliance on supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) to assure two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) are delivered to the target population to primary reliance on ongoing services to assure administration of two doses of MCV. Regular high quality SIAs will still be necessary while ongoing services are being strengthened. 4. The report recommends a shift from primary reliance on coverage to measure progress to incorporating disease incidence as a major indicator. 5. The report recommends that the measles/rubella vaccination program be considered an indicator for the quality of the overall immunization program and that measles/rubella incidence and measles and rubella vaccination coverage be considered as primary indicators of immunization program performance. 6. Polio transition presents both risks and opportunities: risks should be minimized and opportunities maximized. 7. A school entry immunization check could contribute significantly to strengthening overall immunization services with assurance that recommended doses of measles and rubella vaccines as well as other vaccines have been delivered and providing those vaccines at that time if the child is un- or under-vaccinated. 8. Program decisions should increasingly be based on good quality data and appropriate analysis. 9. The incorporation of rubella vaccination into the immunization program needs to be accelerated - it should be accorded equivalent emphasis as measles. 10. Outbreak investigation and response are critical but the most important thing is to prevent outbreaks.

Ultrasonographic screening for subclinical osteochondrosis of the femoral trochlea in foals (28-166 days old): a prospective farm study.

BACKGROUND: Extensive osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the femur (LRTF), the most common OCD-affected site in the stifle, have a poor outcome with surgical debridement and can be career ending. The early detection of osteochondrosis lesions and their conservative management holds the promise to enhance outcome. We hypothesise that ultrasonography is a valuable field screening tool to detect and monitor early subclinical LRTF osteochondrosis. OBJECTIVES: The goals were to 1) describe the normal ultrasonographic features of the LRTF in foals of different ages and 2) screen a foal cohort at the farm for early subclinical osteochondrosis lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: The LRTF of both hindlimbs of Thoroughbred foals (n = 46, 27-166 days old) were imaged once with ultrasonography and radiography (lateromedial and caudolateral-craniomedial oblique views). Cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation of the chondro-osseous junction and epiphyseal vascularisation were assessed on ultrasonography. Follow-up radiographs were taken as yearlings. RESULTS: The cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and epiphyseal vascularisation significantly decreased with advancing maturity. Subclinical osteochondrosis lesions, characterised by semicircular indentations in the ossification front (indirect evidence of focal failure of ossification and retained cartilage) were detected in six foals (28-145 days old), both with radiography and ultrasonography. Ultrasonography provided a better overall subjective assessment of the osteochondrosis lesion topography (length, depth and the width) compared with radiography. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Post-mortem validation of lesions was not possible. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography of the LRTF is a practical, inexpensive and reliable technique to discriminate physiological from pathological events at the LRTF in young foals. It revealed the complex topography of the chondro-osseous junction permitting a rapid, comprehensive assessment of the subclinical osteochondrosis lesions in very young foals.

Mutual synergy between catalase and peroxidase activities of the bifunctional enzyme KatG is facilitated by electron hole-hopping within the enzyme.

KatG is a bifunctional, heme-dependent enzyme in the front-line defense of numerous bacterial and fungal pathogens against H2O2-induced oxidative damage from host immune responses. Contrary to the expectation that catalase and peroxidase activities should be mutually antagonistic, peroxidatic electron donors (PxEDs) enhance KatG catalase activity. Here, we establish the mechanism of synergistic cooperation between these activities. We show that at low pH values KatG can fully convert H2O2 to O2 and H2O only if a PxED is present in the reaction mixture. Stopped-flow spectroscopy results indicated rapid initial rates of H2O2 disproportionation slowing concomitantly with the accumulation of ferryl-like heme states. These states very slowly returned to resting (i.e. ferric) enzyme, indicating that they represented catalase-inactive intermediates. We also show that an active-site tryptophan, Trp-321, participates in off-pathway electron transfer. A W321F variant in which the proximal tryptophan was replaced with a non-oxidizable phenylalanine exhibited higher catalase activity and less accumulation of off-pathway heme intermediates. Finally, rapid freeze-quench EPR experiments indicated that both WT and W321F KatG produce the same methionine-tyrosine-tryptophan (MYW) cofactor radical intermediate at the earliest reaction time points and that Trp-321 is the preferred site of off-catalase protein oxidation in the native enzyme. Of note, PxEDs did not affect the formation of the MYW cofactor radical but could reduce non-productive protein-based radical species that accumulate during reaction with H2O2 Our results suggest that catalase-inactive intermediates accumulate because of off-mechanism oxidation, primarily of Trp-321, and PxEDs stimulate KatG catalase activity by preventing the accumulation of inactive intermediates.

Validation of the ultrasonographic assessment of the femoral trochlea epiphyseal cartilage in foals at osteochondrosis predilected sites with magnetic resonance imaging and histology.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive imaging tools are needed to screen foal femoropatellar joints to detect subclinical osteochondrosis lesions due to focal failure of endochondral ossification to enhance early management to optimise intrinsic healing events. Recently investigations employing 3T susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (3T SWI MRI) and CT have demonstrated their capacity for early osteochondrosis diagnosis, but these technologies are not practical for field screening. We postulate that ultrasonography is a valuable field tool for the detection of subclinical osteochondrosis lesions. OBJECTIVES: The goals were to 1) describe the ultrasonographic features of the femoral trochlea of healthy and osteochondrosis-predisposed neonatal foals, 2) validate the capacity of ultrasound to assess cartilage canal vascular archictecture and the ossification front and 3) evaluate field feasibility in a pilot study. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Ultrasonographic evaluation of osteochondrosis predisposed (n = 10) and control (n = 6) femoral trochleas was performed ex vivo and compared with site-matched histological sections and 3T SWI MRI. The articular and epiphyseal cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and cartilage canal vascular archictecture were assessed at each ROI. Femoral trochleae of foals (n = 3) aged ≈ 1, 3 and 6 months were also evaluated with ultrasonography in field. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic measurements strongly correlated with the histological measurements. There was no difference in the cartilage thickness or ossification front indentation between control and osteochondrosis-predisposed specimens. The cartilage canal vascular archictecture on ultrasonograms corresponded with the vessel pattern observed on site matched histology and 3T SWI MRI. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The number of specimens for study was limited and no early osteochondrosis lesions were present within the predilected group, but a field study is now underway. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic examination of the femoral trochlea permitted accurate evaluation of cartilage thickness, cartilage canal vascular archictecture and ossification front indentation in young foals and is a promising, practical tool for screening subclinical osteochondrosis and monitoring and managing lesions at important clinical sites.

Response to Comment on "Sensitivity of seafloor bathymetry to climate-driven fluctuations in mid-ocean ridge magma supply".

Tolstoy reports the existence of a characteristic 100 thousand year (ky) period in the bathymetry of fast-spreading seafloor but does not argue that sea level change is a first-order control on seafloor morphology worldwide. Upon evaluating the overlap between tectonic and Milankovitch periodicities across spreading rates, we reemphasize that fast-spreading ridges are the best potential recorders of a sea level signature in seafloor bathymetry.

Response to Comment on "Sensitivity of seafloor bathymetry to climate-driven fluctuations in mid-ocean ridge magma supply".

Huybers et al present new bathymetric spectra from an intermediate-spreading ridge as evidence for a primary contribution of sea level cycles to the morphology of the seafloor. Although we acknowledge the possibility that sea level-modulated magmatic constructions may be superimposed on a first-order tectonic fabric, we emphasize the difficulty of deciphering these different contributions in the frequency domain alone.

Sensitivity of seafloor bathymetry to climate-driven fluctuations in mid-ocean ridge magma supply.

Recent studies have proposed that the bathymetric fabric of the seafloor formed at mid-ocean ridges records rapid (23,000 to 100,000 years) fluctuations in ridge magma supply caused by sealevel changes that modulate melt production in the underlying mantle. Using quantitative models of faulting and magma emplacement, we demonstrate that, in fact, seafloor-shaping processes act as a low-pass filter on variations in magma supply, strongly damping fluctuations shorter than about 100,000 years. We show that the systematic decrease in dominant seafloor wavelengths with increasing spreading rate is best explained by a model of fault growth and abandonment under a steady magma input. This provides a robust framework for deciphering the footprint of mantle melting in the fabric of abyssal hills, the most common topographic feature on Earth.

Deinococcus as new chassis for industrial biotechnology: biology, physiology and tools.

Deinococcus spp are among the most radiation-resistant micro-organisms that have been discovered. They show remarkable resistance to a range of damage caused by ionizing radiation, desiccation, UV radiation and oxidizing agents. Traditionally, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been the two platforms of choice for engineering micro-organisms for biotechnological applications, because they are well understood and easy to work with. However, in recent years, researchers have begun using Deinococcus spp in biotechnologies and bioremediation due to their specific ability to grow and express novel engineered functions. More recently, the sequencing of several Deinococcus spp and comparative genomic analysis have provided new insight into the potential of this genus. Features such as the accumulation of genes encoding cell cleaning systems that eliminate organic and inorganic cell toxic components are widespread among Deinococcus spp. Other features such as the ability to degrade and metabolize sugars and polymeric sugars make Deinococcus spp. an attractive alternative for use in industrial biotechnology.

A role for catalase-peroxidase large loop 2 revealed by deletion mutagenesis: control of active site water and ferric enzyme reactivity.

Catalase-peroxidases (KatGs), the only catalase-active members of their superfamily, all possess a 35-residue interhelical loop called large loop 2 (LL2). It is essential for catalase activity, but little is known about its contribution to KatG function. LL2 shows weak sequence conservation; however, its length is nearly identical across KatGs, and its apex invariably makes contact with the KatG-unique C-terminal domain. We used site-directed and deletion mutagenesis to interrogate the role of LL2 and its interaction with the C-terminal domain in KatG structure and catalysis. Single and double substitutions of the LL2 apex had little impact on the active site heme [by magnetic circular dichroism or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)] and activity (catalase or peroxidase). Conversely, deletion of a single amino acid from the LL2 apex reduced catalase activity by 80%. Deletion of two or more apex amino acids or all of LL2 diminished catalase activity by 300-fold. Peroxide-dependent but not electron donor-dependent kcat/KM values for deletion variant peroxidase activity were reduced 20-200-fold, and kon for cyanide binding diminished by 3 orders of magnitude. EPR spectra for deletion variants were all consistent with an increase in the level of pentacoordinate high-spin heme at the expense of hexacoordinate high-spin states. Together, these data suggest a shift in the distribution of active site waters, altering the reactivity of the ferric state, toward, among other things, compound I formation. These results identify the importance of LL2 length conservation for maintaining an intersubunit interaction that is essential for an active site water distribution that facilitates KatG catalytic activity.

Catalase in peroxidase clothing: Interdependent cooperation of two cofactors in the catalytic versatility of KatG.

Catalase-peroxidase (KatG) is found in eubacteria, archaea, and lower eukaryotae. The enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has received the greatest attention because of its role in activation of the antitubercular pro-drug isoniazid, and the high frequency with which drug resistance stems from mutations to the katG gene. Generally, the catalase activity of KatGs is striking. It rivals that of typical catalases, enzymes with which KatGs share no structural similarity. Instead, catalatic turnover is accomplished with an active site that bears a strong resemblance to a typical peroxidase (e.g., cytochrome c peroxidase). Yet, KatG is the only member of its superfamily with such capability. It does so using two mutually dependent cofactors: a heme and an entirely unique Met-Tyr-Trp (MYW) covalent adduct. Heme is required to generate the MYW cofactor. The MYW cofactor allows KatG to leverage heme intermediates toward a unique mechanism for H2O2 oxidation. This review evaluates the range of intermediates identified and their connection to the diverse catalytic processes KatG facilitates, including mechanisms of isoniazid activation.

Fast presurgical magnetic resonance imaging of meniscal tears and concurrent subchondral bone marrow lesions. Study of dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Meniscal tears and subchondral bone marrow lesions have both been described in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but their possible concurrence has not been evaluated. In a population of 14 dogs exhibiting signs of stifle pain with surgically confirmed cranial cruciate ligament rupture, a short presurgical 1.5T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol including dorsal proton density, dorsal T1-weighted gradient recalled echo, and sagittal fat-saturated dual echo sequences was tested to further investigate these features and illustrate meniscal tears. Interobserver agreement for detection of medial meniscal tears (k=0.83) and bone marrow lesions (k=0.87) was excellent. Consensus MR reading allowed detection of nine out of 12 surgically confirmed medial meniscal tears and there was no false positive. All dogs had cruciate ligament enthesis-related bone marrow lesions in the tibia, femur or both bones. Additionally, among the 12 dogs with confirmed medial meniscal tears, subchondral bone marrow lesions were present in the caudomedial (9 dogs) and caudoaxial (11 dogs) regions of the tibial plateau, resulting in odds ratios (13.6, p=0.12, and 38.3, p=0.04, respectively) that had large confidence intervals due to the small group size of this study. The other two dogs had neither tibial bone marrow lesions in these locations nor medial meniscal tears. These encouraging preliminary results warrant further investigation using this clinically realistic preoperative MR protocol. As direct diagnosis of meniscal tears remained challenging in dogs even with high-field MR, identification of associated signs such as subchondral bone marrow lesions might indirectly allow suspicion of an otherwise unrecognized meniscal tear.

First Report of Impatiens Downy Mildew Caused by Plasmopara obducens in Alabama.

During spring 2012, potted impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Hook.f.) plants with symptoms of a foliar disease were found in several commercial greenhouses in Mobile County, Alabama. Symptomatic leaves were chlorotic with no distinct lesions, and quickly wilted and abscised from erect green stems. In summer 2012 and 2013, numerous landscape impatiens plants with similar symptoms were observed in a large area from Mobile County north to Lee County, Alabama. A downy mildew was observed on the lower surfaces of symptomatic and abscised leaves from all locations. It consisted of hyaline, monopodial sporangiophores and ovoid, hyaline sporangia. Sporangiophores, which emerged from stomata, consisted of apical branches arranged at right angles to the supporting branches; they measured 69 to 90 µm long with individual branches measuring 7 to 14 µm long. Sporangia were borne on the tips of sporangiophore branches and measured 10 to 16.5 × 17 to 22.5 µm. No oospores were observed. In 2013, symptomatic plants were obtained from two separate locations in Alabama (Mobile and Tallapoosa counties). Total genomic DNA was extracted directly from symptomatic plant tissue and the large ribosomal subunit DNA was amplified by PCR using primers NL-1 and NL-4 (1). From both isolates, amplicons of 600 and 775 bp were obtained. DNA from each amplicon of both isolates was purified, sequenced, and the sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. KF956518 to 21). The sequences of the 600-bp amplicons were 99% similar to that of I. walleriana (JX142135); the sequences of the 775-bp amplicons were 99% similar to Plasmopara obducens isolates from Florida (JX217746), Ohio (JX142134), Serbia (HQ246451), and the United Kingdom (AY587558). In pathogenicity tests, 10 potted impatiens plants, I. walleriana'Super Elfin,' were inoculated with a sporangial suspension (1 × 105 sporangia/ml washed from infected leaves) from the Mobile County isolate, by spraying until runoff. Controls were inoculated with sterile water. Plants were incubated in a moist chamber at 21°C for 48 h and then maintained in a greenhouse at 22 to 25°C until symptom development. All inoculated plants developed symptoms of downy mildew within 10 days. Microscopic examination of the symptomatic tissue revealed sporangiophores and sporangia similar to those observed in naturally infected plants. Control plants showed no symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of downy mildew caused by P. obducens on impatiens in Alabama. This disease has been reported to have a significant economic impact for growers throughout the United States (2,3). Impatiens downy mildew is likely to be a recurring problem in Alabama. References: (1) K. O'Donnell. Curr. Genet. 22:213, 1992. (2) A. Palmateer et al. Plant Dis. 97:687, 2013. (3) S. Wegulo et al. Plant Dis. 88:909, 2004.

Nursing preceptorship experiences in rural settings: "I would work here for free".

AIMS: The primary aim was to capture the experience of preceptorship in a rural setting, via photographic narrative. It is hoped that this narrative will highlight areas that require greater support; communicate the experience of rural preceptorship for students, educators and policymakers; and emphasize the benefits of this experience for these current and future stakeholders. METHODS: In a photovoice study, preceptors (n = 4) and students (n = 4) in rural, Western Canadian health care settings were given digital cameras and asked to provide images and commentary about the experience of preceptorship. Participants selected the photographs to be included as data, and participated in thematic data analysis, through facilitated group discussions during and following the preceptorships. FINDINGS: This article explores the category of teaching and learning, encompassing three themes: confidence, conscientiousness, and mutual growth. Preceptors emphasized the importance of students bringing sufficient knowledge to the rural preceptorship, pertaining not only to the nature of care but also to the predominant health care issues in the community. IMPLICATIONS: The implications were generated in part by the participants, who indicated a need for more student practica in rural settings; curricular changes to incorporate knowledge about rural health care and communities; post-graduation rural mentorship programs; and site/community-specific preparation.

First Report of Bacterial Gall on Loropetalum chinense Caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi in the United States.

Bacterial gall symptoms were observed on Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv. in two separate commercial nurseries in South Alabama during the spring of 2012. Limb dieback and plant death was first reported by the growers. Plants with dieback symptoms had galling and irregular dark callus formation on the lower stem and lower branches. Galls were small, 0.2 to 1 cm, inconspicuous, and in some cases girdled the stem causing breakage of the main stem. In both locations, 30 to 40% of the crop was affected. Similar symptoms have been observed on L. chinense in nursery and landscape plantings in central Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia in previous years. Bacterial colonies were isolated from four plants representing two different locations. Isolates were recovered from surface sterilized symptomatic tissue on nutrient agar and King's medium B (KMB). All isolates were gram-negative and fluoresced blue-green under UV light after 48 h of growth at 28°C on KMB. One representative isolate from each site was identified as Pseudomonas savastanoi based on their fatty acid profiles (similarity index of 0.776; MIS-TSBA, version 4.0, MIDI Inc., Newark, DE) and LOPAT tests (2). The identity was confirmed by sequencing a 900-bp portion of the 16S rDNA gene, which revealed 98% similarity to the P. savastanoi type strain in NCBI (Accession No. AB021402). In greenhouse pathogenicity tests, eight Loropetalum liners were inoculated with a bacterial suspension (107 CFU/ml) of each of the two isolates. Plants were inoculated by injecting the suspension into the lower stem after wounding by puncturing with needles or slicing sections of the bark. Controls were inoculated with water. All plants inoculated with the bacteria developed gall symptoms in 8 weeks under 90% relative humidity at 30°C. The bacteria were reisolated from five inoculated plants. DNA was extracted from each isolate, amplified using primer pair 27F/1492R targeting the 16S rDNA gene (1), and sequenced. Sequences (900 bp) from all isolates shared 98 to 99% similarity to P. savastanoi type strain in GenBank (Accession No. AB021402). Nucleotide sequence data reported are available in GenBank under accessions JX915832 to 37. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bacterial gall of L. chinense caused by P. savastanoi in the United States. Given the increasing prevalence of this disease in South Alabama, its confirmation is a significant step toward management recommendations for growers. References: (1) D. J. Lane. 16S/23S rRNA sequencing. Page 115-175 in: Nucleic Acid Techniques in Bacterial Systematics. E. Stackebrandt and M. Goodfellow, eds. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1991. (2) N. W. Schaad et al. Laboratory Guide for Identification of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. 3rd ed. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2001.

Development and implementation of a computerized system for collection, processing, and administration of cellular therapy products.

Great strides have been made in computerization of ordering processes for general medications and chemotherapy agents. However, systems for ordering, processing, and administration of cellular therapies continue to be largely paper-based, without the safety features of computerized order entry. To address this deficit, Partners Healthcare System Information Services (PHS-IS; Boston, MA) has worked with oncologists and staff in the cell processing laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA) to develop and implement a novel, comprehensive computerized system for physician ordering and management of cellular products. A multidisciplinary team was formed to accomplish the task of developing a cellular product management system. This team identified the unique characteristics of cellular therapies and sought to develop a comprehensive computerized system that addressed these needs. The biotherapy order entry system developed and implemented by PHS-IS includes a suite of three interrelated applications that addresses all requirements of a traditional computerized provider order entry system, as well as features unique to cellular therapies. The biotherapy suite of applications has addressed patient safety concerns, streamlined the ordering of cellular therapy products, and has reduced opportunities for error and delay in product administration.

Serum hsCRP and visfatin are elevated and correlate to carotid arterial stiffness in spinal cord-injured subjects.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison, control group. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between carotid arterial stiffness and circulating markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in spinal cord-injured (SCI) subjects compared with able-bodied (AB) individuals. SETTING: University Research Laboratory, University of Louisville. METHODS: SCI (n=14) and AB (n=13) subjects between 20-52 years of age were recruited to participate in the study. B-mode Doppler ultrasound was used to obtain carotid artery diameter measurements. Arterial stiffness was assessed via the stiffness index and distensibility coefficient. Markers of CVD risk were obtained by fasting blood draw. RESULTS: Carotid arterial stiffness index (P=0.061) and distensibility coefficient (P=0.370) were not different between the SCI and AB groups. The SCI group had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (P=0.046), triglycerides (P=0.017), leptin (P=0.040) and visfatin (P<0.001) compared with the control group. Visfatin (r=0.559, P=0.047), hsCRP (r=0.633, P=0.037), insulin (r=0.637, P=0.019) and HOMA (r=0.614, P=0.026) significantly correlated with carotid arterial stiffness index in the SCI group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that SCI subjects are at a high cardiovascular risk as indicated by elevated hsCRP levels. Elevations in hsCRP and visfatin may contribute to accelerated atherogenic processes in the SCI population.