Childhood anhedonia symptoms and stressful life events predict the development of reward-related brain activity across adolescence.

The reward positivity (RewP) is an event-related potential that indexes reinforcement learning and reward system activation. The RewP has been shown to increase across adolescence; however, most studies have examined the RewP across two assessments, and no studies have examined within-person changes across adolescence into young adulthood. Moreover, the RewP has been identified as a neurobiological risk factor for adolescent-onset depression, but it is unclear whether childhood psychosocial risk factors might predict RewP development across adolescence. In a sample of 317 8- to 14-year-old girls (Mage = 12.4, SD = 1.8), the present study examined self-report measures of depression symptoms and stressful life events at baseline and the ΔRewP during the doors guessing task across three timepoints. Growth modeling indicated that, across all participants, the ΔRewP did not demonstrate linear change across adolescence. However, baseline anhedonia symptoms predicted within-person changes in the ΔRewP, such that individuals with low anhedonia symptoms demonstrated a linear increase in the ΔRewP, but individuals with high anhedonia symptoms had no change in the ΔRewP across adolescence. Similar patterns were observed for stressful life events. The present study suggests that childhood risk factors impact the development of reward-related brain activity, which might subsequently increase risk for psychopathology.

Collaborative wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response at Bells Swamp Victoria, February 2023.

In February 2023, a report of morbidity and mortality in waterbirds triggered a collaborative regional wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response, led by Parks Victoria. Triage, rehabilitation and diagnosis of sick and dead birds were undertaken by Zoos Victoria (ZV), Agriculture Victoria, Vets for Compassion, Wildlife Victoria and Melbourne Veterinary School (MVS). The field response focused on collection of sick and dead birds for wildlife welfare, for diagnosis, and to reduce environmental contamination. Botulism was suspected, based on clinical signs and lack of significant gross pathology, and this diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses non H5 or H7 were detected in two birds and ruled out in all in others tested. These incidental, non-clinical LPAI detections are considered part of the natural wild bird virus community in Australia. A number of elements contributed to the collaborative effort. Regional individuals had the necessary connections for reporting, collecting and transporting birds. There was rapid determination by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) that Parks Victoria, as the land managers, should lead the response. Zoos Victoria provided capacity and expertise in wildlife triage and rehabilitation, and Agriculture Victoria, ZV and MVS were responsible for veterinary management of the response and diagnosis. Field investigation and response were conducted by Parks Victoria, Agriculture Victoria, MVS and veterinary teams from Vets for Compassion and Wildlife Victoria. Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) provided guidance and information, approved National Significant Disease Investigation Program funding and captured the event in the national wildlife health information database. Communication and media were important for community understanding of the event.

Hylan G-F 20 maintains cartilage integrity and decreases osteophyte formation in osteoarthritis through both anabolic and anti-catabolic mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a molecular mechanism-based investigation of the chondroprotective potential of hylan G-F 20. METHOD: The effects of hylan G-F 20 on IL-1ß-induced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) depletion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in bovine and human cartilage explants were evaluated. Three weekly intra-articular hylan G-F 20 or control injections were administered 4 weeks post-operatively to rabbits with surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA). Cartilage histopathologic scores and osteophyte size were evaluated at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-injections. Histomorphometry and immunostaining were used to quantify cartilage area and type II collagen (Col II) intensity, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine the mRNA levels of Col2A1, MMP-13, -16 and IL-1ß at 1 week. RESULTS: Hylan G-F 20 retained GAG in IL-1ß-exposed bovine and human cartilage explants and abrogated IL-1ß-mediated increases in MMP-1, -3, and -13 in human explant culture. Hylan G-F 20‒treated OA joints had significantly better cartilage integrity at 1 and 4 weeks post-treatment and significantly smaller osteophytes at 4 weeks compared with control. Col2A1 mRNA increased with hylan G-F 20 treatment, which correlated with a trend toward increased Col II immunostaining. MMP-13 and -16 mRNAs increased in OA cartilage, but were not significantly altered by hylan G-F 20. IL-1ß mRNA was undetectable in cartilage and unaltered in the synovium. CONCLUSIONS: Hylan G-F 20 improved cartilage integrity and decreased osteophyte formation in the rabbit model of OA. Our results suggest that hylan G-F 20 may stimulate cartilage repair by increasing Col II, and inhibit IL-1ß-mediated matrix degradation by decreasing MMPs.

Hepatopathy in Victorian dogs consuming pet meat contaminated with indospicine.

BACKGROUND: Indospicine is an arginine analogue and a natural toxin occurring only in Indigofera plant species, including Australian native species. It accumulates in the tissues of grazing animals, persisting for several months after ingestion. Dogs are particularly sensitive to indospicine toxicity and can suffer fatal liver disease after eating indospicine-contaminated pet meat. METHOD: A disease outbreak investigation was launched following notification to Agriculture Victoria of a cluster of 18 dogs displaying acute, severe, hepatopathy in the East Gippsland Shire in June 2021. RESULTS: Between June and September 2021, 24 pet dogs died, and 40 others experienced liver disease after eating commercially prepared pet meat found to contain indospicine. The investigation identified the toxin in serum and liver samples from affected dogs and at high levels in some samples of pet meat eaten by the dogs. Twenty-six horses that were moved from the Northern Territory and processed at a Pet Meat Processing facility (knackery) in eastern Victoria over a period of 14 days in late May-early June 2021 were identified as the likely source of the indospicine toxin in the pet meat. Pet meat produced by the knackery and on-sold by several retailers was determined to be the cause of the illness and death in the dogs. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of severe and frequently fatal hepatopathy in dogs in Victoria relating to consumption of pet meat contaminated with indospicine.

Hepatotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of Punica granatum (pomegranate).

CASE REPORT: Ingestion of pomegranates was associated with the deaths of 9 of 35 young cattle; 8 were found dead without any prior clinical signs being noted and 1 animal was observed to be weak with pale-pink mucous membranes. Gross pathological changes included widespread subcutaneous and serosal haemorrhages and the liver showed an enhanced acinar or 'nutmeg-like' pattern. The significant histopathological lesion was severe, acute periacinar to midzonal hepatocellular necrosis. These findings were considered characteristic of a hepatotoxicosis; however, other than the possible involvement of pomegranates, no known hepatotoxins were detected in the pasture or water sources. CONCLUSION: Consumption of large quantities of whole pomegranates is capable of causing severe hepatic necrosis resulting in the death of cattle. At this stage it is unknown whether the toxic principle is within the pomegranates or produced by a microbe associated with the deteriorating fruit.

Primary, congenital neuroaxonal dystrophy with peripheral nerve demyelination in Merino-Border Leicester × Polled Dorset lambs.

CASE REPORT: Clinicopathological features of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in newborn, Merino-Border Leicester × Polled Dorset lambs are described. The affected lambs were unable to walk at birth and microscopic examination of brainstem and spinal cord sections revealed bilaterally symmetrical accumulations of axonal swellings (spheroids), the histological hallmark of primary NAD. The neurological deficit was also exacerbated by myelin loss and secondary axonal degeneration, particularly in the spinal cord and sciatic nerves, but also, to a more limited extent, in brainstem and spinal nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Although lambs previously diagnosed with NAD have ranged in age from 2 days to 7 months, this is believed to be the first report of congenital NAD in this species. Moreover, the present cases are the only ones in which peripheral nerve demyelination has been found.

Function of root border cells in plant health: pioneers in the rhizosphere.

Plants dedicate a large amount of energy to the regulated production of living cells programmed to separate from roots into the external environment. This unusual process may be worth the cost because it enables the plant to dictate which species will share its ecological niche. For example, border cells can rapidly attract and stimulate growth in some microorganisms and repel and inhibit the growth of others. Such specificity may provide a way to control the dynamics of adjacent microbial populations in the soil to foster beneficial associations and inhibit pathogenic invasion. Plant genes controlling the delivery of border cells and the expression of their unique properties provide tools to genetically engineer plants with altered border cell quality and quantity. Such variants are being used to test the hypothesis that the function of border cells is to protect plant health by controlling the ecology of the root system.

The role of root border cells in plant defense.

The survival of a plant depends upon the capacity of root tips to sense and move towards water and other nutrients in the soil. Perhaps because of the root tip's vital role in plant health, it is ensheathed by large populations of detached somatic cells - root 'border' cells - which have the ability to engineer the chemical and physical properties of the external environment. Of particular significance, is the production by border cells of specific chemicals that can dramatically alter the behavior of populations of soilborne microflora. Molecular approaches are being used to identify and manipulate the expression of plant genes that control the production and the specialized properties of border cells in transgenic plants. Such plants can be used to test the hypothesis that these unusual cells act as a phalanx of biological 'goalies', which neutralize dangers to newly generated root tissue as the root tip makes its way through soil.

Atypical scrapie in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Since its initial detection in Norway in 1998, atypical scrapie ('atypical/Nor98 scrapie') has been reported in sheep in the majority of European countries (including in regions free of classical scrapie) and in the Falkland Islands, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. CASE SERIES: The diagnosis in Australia of atypical scrapie in four Merino and one Merino-cross sheep showing clinical signs of neurological disease was based on the detection of grey matter neuropil vacuolation (spongiform change) in the brain (particularly in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex) and associated abnormal prion protein (PrPSc ) deposition in both grey and white matter. Changes were minimal in the caudal brainstem, the predilection site for lesions of classical scrapie. CONCLUSION: The distinctive lesion profile of atypical scrapie in these five sheep highlights the diagnostic importance of routine histological evaluation of the cerebellum for evidence of neuropil vacuolation and associated PrPSc deposition in adult sheep with suspected neurological disease.

Correlation of Pectin Methylesterase Activity in Root Caps of Pea with Root Border Cell Separation.

We tested predictions of the hypothesis that pectin methylesterase in the root cap plays a role in cell wall solubilization leading to separation of root border cells from the root tip. Root cap pectin methylesterase activity was detected only in species that release large numbers of border cells daily. In pea (Pisum sativum) root caps, enzyme activity is correlated with border cell separation during development: 6-fold more activity occurs during border cell separation than after cell separation is complete. Higher levels of enzyme activity are restored by experimental induction of border cell separation. A corresponding increase in transcription of a gene encoding root cap pectin methylesterase precedes the increase in enzyme activity. A dramatic increase in the level of soluble, de-esterified pectin in the root tip also is correlated with pectin methylesterase activity during border cell development. This increase in acidic, de-esterified pectin during development occurs in parallel with a decrease in cell wall/apoplastic pH of cells in the periphery of the root cap.

Differential Expression of Proteins and mRNAs from Border Cells and Root Tips of Pea.

Many plants release large numbers of metabolically active root border cells into the rhizosphere. We have proposed that border cells, cells produced by the root cap meristem that separate from the rest of the root upon reaching the periphery of the cap, are a singularly differentiated part of the root system that modulates the environment of the plant root by producing specific substances to be released into the rhizosphere. Proteins synthesized in border cells exhibit profiles that are very distinct from those of the root tip (root cap, root meristem, and adjacent cells). In vivo-labeling experiments demonstrate that 13% of the proteins that are abundant in preparations from border cells are undetectable in root tip preparations. Twenty-five percent of the proteins synthesized by border cells in a 1-h period are rapidly excreted into the incubation medium. Quantitative variation in levels of specific marker proteins, including glutamine synthetase, heat-shock protein 70, and isoflavone reductase, also occurs between border cells and cells in the root tip. mRNA differential-display assays demonstrate that these large qualitative and quantitative differences in protein expression are correlated with similarly distinct patterns of gene expression. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a major switch in gene expression accompanies differentiation into root border cells, as expected for cells with specialized functions in plant development.

Primary structure of the mRNA encoding a 16.5-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme of Pisum sativum.

The complementary DNA (PsU BC4) representing an mRNA encoding an ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBC) of Pisum sativum has been cloned. The coding region is 444 nucleotides (nt) in length and capable of specifying a 16.5-kDa protein of 148 amino acids (aa) with an isoelectric point of 7.95. The deduced aa sequence showed 97% identity with Arabidopsis thaliana AtUBC8-12 families and tomato ERT17, and 80% identity with yeast ScUBC4 and ScUBC5 and Drosophila melanogaster DmUBC4. The active site cysteine (Cys85) found in UBCs so far described is also conserved in the P. sativum sequence.

Improved chest expansion in idiopathic scoliosis after intensive, multiple-modality, nonsurgical treatment in an adult.

This case report documents a substantial increase in chest wall expansion in a middle-aged woman with stable right thoracic spinal curvature due to idiopathic scoliosis. Treatment involved intensive psychological and mobilization therapies, including comprehensive manipulative medicine treatments and daily manual traction. Over an 8-year period, a 6-cm increase in resting chest circumference (in the absence of weight gain) and a 7.5-cm increase in chest expansion were correlated with a substantial reduction of incidence of respiratory infections.

The microscopic anatomy of the lower eyelid retractors.

Twenty-two normal lower eyelids were studied microscopically to examine the normal anatomy of the lower eyelid retractors. Eight lower eyelid specimens from patients with involutional entropion and five from patients with involutional ectropion were studied also. In the normal eyelids, the inferior tarsal muscle consisted of scattered smooth-muscle fibers and did not insert on the tarsus. The orbital septum fused with the capsulopalpebral fascia 5 mm beneath the lower tarsal border to form a single, complex fascial layer. In the involutional entropion and ectropion cases, the fused capsulopalpebral fascia-orbital septum complex was attached to the tarsus in all specimens. The first identifiable smooth-muscle strands of the inferior tarsal muscle averaged 3.9 mm from the lower tarsal border in entropion cases, 4.5 mm in ectropion cases, and 2.5 mm in the normal eyelids.

Schistosoma mansoni in baboons. III. The course and characteristics of infection, with additional observations on immunity.

Parasitological, clinical, and histopathological observations on 54 baboons infected with Schistosoma mansoni are presented. The baboon and S. mansoni constitute a compatible host-parasite system, evidence by the infectivity of cercariae (98% penetration, 42% adult worm recovery), and the long, fertile life of the worms. Baboons tolerated the infection well, with clinical illness a rarity in moderately infected baboons. Pathological findings were generally unremarkable. An acute "toxemic" phase occurred 66 days or less following a large cercarial exposure in three baboons. Worm burdens were not significantly reduced during the course of prolonged infection, but prolonged infections resulted in decreased oviposition by the worms and in an anterior shift in egg deposition from the colon to the small intestine. Concomitant immunity was also a feature of baboon infections. Decreased oviposition and the anterior shift are probably manifestations of a second phase of immunity, distinct from concomitant immunity. The baboon is similar to man and the grivet monkey in that in all three species immunity is slow to develop.

Relationship of physical activity, body fat, diet, and blood lipid profile in youths 10-15 yr.

The relationship between risk factors for CHD such as physical activity, cardiovascular fitness, subcutaneous body fat, dietary intake characteristics, age, and sex with the blood lipid profile was examined in 39 boys and 58 girls aged 10-15 yr. In boys, a high level of physical activity was related to higher concentrations of HDL-C (r = 0.32, P < 0.05), as well as to lower concentrations of VLDL-C, total triglycerides (TG), and the ratio of total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C (r = -0.42; -0.40, both P < 0.01; and -0.37, P < 0.05). A high sum of 10 skinfolds (sigma 10SF) was related to a higher ratio of TC/HDL-C (r = 0.35; P < 0.05). In girls, physical activity was positively related to HDL-C (r = 0.29; P < 0.05). The sigma 10SF showed a negative association with Apo A-I and HDL-C (r = -0.26, -0.29, both P < 0.05) and a positive association with apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (r = 0.28, P < 0.05). Cardiovascular fitness was not significantly related to any of the blood lipid concentrations, in either boys or girls. Intake of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol was positively related to TC levels in boys, but the associations failed to reach statistical significance (r = 0.34 and r = 0.31, P > 0.05) due to the small sample size (N = 32).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prospective sensory evaluation of preparatory methods of elemental diets.

Palatability of elemental diets has been the greatest obstacle to their successful long-term oral administration. Two elemental diet products, A and B, were evaluated in four preparatory methods for acceptability in a prospective double-blind study. The elemental diets evaluated were most acceptable when prepared in the form of Jello (57% receiving acceptable scores) followed by frozen Tang (27% receiving acceptable scores) and those prepared with Flavor Packets (18% receiving acceptable scores). The Kool-Aid method of preparation was not accepted well (6% receiving acceptable scores). Product B was more acceptable than A in palatability and overall acceptability in the methods tested. To successfully administer elemental diets when a nasogastric tube is not employed, we recommend that these diets include formulations with Jello, frozen Tang, or Flavor Packets and that they be prepared by the dietary department. It is recognized that alterations in the composition of elemental diets result from the addition of flavoring agents. The significance of these alterations should be considered for each patient.

Nasolacrimal obstruction after inferior meatus nasal antrostomy.

Transient epiphora following rhinoplasty or intranasal procedures is a common occurrence. Permanent nasolacrimal duct obstruction, however, is rare. This article documents four cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction following intranasal antrostomy. Three patients were cured by dacryocystorhinostomy and a fourth refused surgery. The anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct in the inferior meatus has considerable variation. Although the duct typically opens in the inferior meatus immediately under the insertion of the inferior turbinate, the orifice can be a single hole, a slit, multiple holes, or a trough, and can be located anywhere from 30 to 40 mm dorsal to the anterior nares. We review the embryology and anatomy of the nasolacrimal orifice in the nose and make recommendations for safe surgery in the inferior meatus.

Species-dependent effects of border cell and root tip exudates on nematode behavior.

ABSTRACT Effects of border cell and root tip exudates on root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) behavior were examined. In whole-plant assays using pea, M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) accumulated rapidly around the 1- to 2-mm apical region ensheathed by border cells, but not in the region of elongation. Within 15 to 30 min, J2 which had accumulated within detached clumps of border cells lost motility and entered into a quiescent state. When border cells (and associated root tip exudates) were washed from pea roots prior to challenge with nematodes, no such accumulation and quiescence was induced. Attraction of nematodes by roots was species dependent: no attraction or accumulation occurred in snap bean. Using a quantitative assay, three categories of chemotaxis responses occurred: attraction (pea and alfalfa cv. Thor), repulsion (alfalfa cv. Moapa 69), and no response (snap bean and alfalfa cv. Lahonton). In contrast, total root tip exudates from all three plant species acted as a repellent for M. incognita in the sand assay. An in vitro assay was developed to characterize the induced quiescence response. When total root tip exudate from the tested legumes (as well as corn) was incubated with J2 populations, >80% of the nematodes lost motility. A similar response occurred in Caenorhabditis elegans. Border cell exudates did not induce or contribute to the induction of quiescence. Cocultivation of pea border cells with M. incognita resulted in changes in border cell shape similar to those observed in response to exogenous plant hormones. No such changes occurred in snap bean border cells. Understanding the cell- and host-specific extracellular recognition that occurs between roots and pathogenic nematodes in the early stages before infection occurs could lead to new avenues for disease control.

Specialized dementia programs in residential care settings.

The authors conducted a telephone survey in 7 states to determine the prevalence of residential care specialized dementia programs (RC-SDPs) and to identify a sample of homes (n = 56) for more detailed study. The 56 homes were site visited, and data were gathered on facility administration, therapeutic environment, and characteristics of 259 randomly selected residents. Comparison data from 138 nursing home Special Care Units (NH-SCUs) and 1,340 of their residents were obtained from 4 studies conducted in the same 7 states. RC-SDPs were smaller, provided a more homelike environment, and had a higher proportion of residents paying privately, compared with NH-SCUs. Mean levels of cognitive and physical impairment among residents were higher in NH-SCUs; prevalences of psychotropic medication use and problem behaviors were similar. Among RC facilities, small homes were more homelike, provided fewer structured activities, and charged less than larger facilities. RC-SDPs include 5 types: small, independently operated homes; multiple small homes with joint administration; larger, all-dementia facilities; SDPs operated within larger, exclusively RC facilities; and RC-SDPs in multilevel facilities.