Comparing the survival rate of juvenile Chinook salmon migrating through hydropower systems using injectable and surgical acoustic transmitters.

Acoustic telemetry is one of the primary technologies for studying the behavior and survival of fishes throughout the world. The size and performance of the transmitter are key limiting factors. The newly developed injectable transmitter is the first acoustic transmitter that can be implanted via injection instead of surgery. A two-part field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the injectable transmitter and its effect on the survival of implanted fish. The injectable transmitter performed well and similarly to the proceeding generation of commercially-available JSATS transmitters tested concurrently. Snake River subyearling Chinook salmon smolts implanted with the injectable transmitter had a higher survival probability from release to each of eleven downstream detection arrays, because reach-specific survival estimates were significantly higher for the injectable group in three of the eleven reaches examined. Overall, the injectable group had a 0.263 (SE = 0.017) survival probability over the entire 500 km study area compared to 0.199 (0.012) for the surgically implanted group. The reduction in size and ability to implant the new transmitter via injection has reduced the tag or tagging effect bias associated with studying small fishes. The information gathered with this new technology is helping to evaluate the impacts of dams on fishes.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: is there a metabolic association?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an uncommon cause of chest pain and acute myocardial infarction, occurring most classically in young women without cardiovascular risk factors. We present a case of a man presenting with chest pain and arrhythmia found to have multivessel spontaneous coronary artery dissection and hyperhomocysteinemia and we raise the possibility of a potential link between the two conditions.

Polish thread in the history of circulatory physiology.

A review of the most outstanding achievements in physiology of circulation done by scientists and physicians from Poland and evaluation of their contribution to the world knowledge in this matter is presented in the paper. The authors associate the beginnings of the Polish history of studying heart and its diseases with the brilliant physician from the XIV(th) century - Thomas of Wroclaw, and then in the XVI(th) century, with the most eminent physician of Polish Renaissance, the expert on pulse, Joseph Strus. The attempts to address the issues related to the circulatory system over historical period of early ages, through baroque and the blooming period in medicine of the XIX(th), up to our times, were presented. The memories of the exceptional and the more or less known in the world cardiologic ancestors, associated with Poland, were recalled, such as: Adam.Ch. Thebesius, Robert Remak, Edward Korczynski, Oscar Widmann, Napoleon Cybulski, Joseph Pawinski, Andrew Klisiecki, Adolph Beck, Leon Popielski, Wieslaw Holobut and many others. The analysis of Polish achievements in the field of diagnosing and treatment of the ischaemic heart disease, starting from beginnings of the XIX(th) century, was performed. The authors also tried to recapitulate the achievements of the last 50 years in cardiological diagnostics, modern interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery along with transplantology and the scientific programmes concerning these issues. The examples of the greatest scientific achievements related to the circulatory system and to myocardial physiology and pathology over the period of recent decade were described.

A process for evaluating adverse environmental impacts by cooling-water system entrainment at a California power plant.

A study to determine the effects of entrainment by the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) was conducted between 1996 and 1999 as required under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act. The goal of this study was to present the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB) with results that could be used to determine if any adverse environmental impacts (AEIs) were caused by the operation of the plant's cooling-water intake structure (CWIS). To this end we chose, under guidance of the CCRWQCB and their entrainment technical working group, a unique approach combining three different models for estimating power plant effects: fecundity hindcasting (FH), adult equivalent loss (AEL), and the empirical transport model (ETM). Comparisons of the results from these three approaches provided us a relative measure of confidence in our estimates of effects. A total of 14 target larval fish taxa were assessed as part of the DCPP 316(b). Example results are presented here for the kelp, gopher, and black-and-yellow (KGB) rockfish complex and clinid kelpfish. Estimates of larval entrainment losses for KGB rockfish were in close agreement (FH is approximately equals to 550 adult females per year, AEL is approximately equals to 1,000 adults [male and female] per year, and ETM = larval mortality as high as 5% which could be interpreted as ca. 2,600 1 kg adult fish). The similar results from the three models provided confidence in the estimated effects for this group. Due to lack of life history information needed to parameterize the FH and AEL models, effects on clinid kelpfish could only be assessed using the ETM model. Results from this model plus ancillary information about local populations of adult kelpfish suggest that the CWIS might be causing an AEI in the vicinity of DCPP.

Heart retrieval for cardiac homograft.

BACKGROUND: The use of homograft tissue instead of various artificial materials in contemporary cardiovascular surgery, although limited by the constant shortage of donor organs, has become the clinically preferable procedure. The proper technique of heart retrieval, with strict donor qualification criteria and sterility procedures, is one of the key points in the successful preparation of allografts to be used later in a selected group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, especially in the repair of pediatric congenital heart defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article presents the most popular surgical technique to use for retrieving a heart for cardiac homograft in multiorgan procurement and routine autopsy, including the immediate preliminary preparation and transport, as recommended by the majority of tissue bank institutions. The qualification criteria for tissue donation, delicate preparation techniques, and sterility protocols are also important issues for successful cardiac homograft retrieval. Recently a tendency towards a growing number of pediatric donors can be observed. The techniques presented in this article should also be applied in cases of homograft retrieval from pediatric donors. RESULTS: This article analyzes our seven-year-long experience, involving a total number of 608 hearts retrieved for cardiac homografts, with special attention to the main reasons for disqualification of the organs delivered to the tissue bank. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The procedures for the sterility of tissue retrieval, especially in autopsies with heart retrieval, although they may sometimes be difficult for the surgeon or pathologist, are necessary to provide maximum benefit from harvested tissues. 2. The proper technique for pediatric homograft retrieval is twice as important in tissue delivery protocols.

Criteria for oil spill recovery: a case study of the intertidal community of Prince William Sound, Alaska, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Marine intertidal organisms in Prince William Sound were exposed to crude oil following the TN Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. The intertidal communities were also subjected to mechanical disturbance during invasive oil spill remediation and cleanup efforts. Using monitoring data collected from 1989 to 1997, impacts and eventual recovery were assessed at oiled but uncleaned sites and oiled and cleaned study areas. A statistical model where recovery was defined as parallelism between the time profiles at control and oiled sites was evaluated. Statistical analysis and graphical presentations of the data suggest intertidal epibiota communities recovered from the oil spill by 1992 at the oiled sites and by 1994 at the oiled and remediated sites. Empirical data from the intertidal monitoring program supports the use of tests of parallelism in evaluating recovery and the need to avoid simply the comparison of sample means from control and oiled sites.

[The first Polish report on congenital diaphragmatic hernia and visceral malrotations]. / Pierwszy polski opis przepukliny przeponowej oraz wad ulozenia narzadów.

The forgotten throughout the years the doctor dissertation from 1837 of the Polish physician Ludwik Przybylko entitled De pravo organorum situ ("About malposition of the human organs") was presented. This paper, excessively modern in its epoch, contains the compendium of the contemporary medical science of the organs' dislocation and malrotation (including heart malposition and coexisting defects). First of all, however, it is the well-scientifically documented case report on the diaphragmatic hernia in the newborn. The summarized historical review of scientific report on diaphragmatic hernia places a special emphasis on the reports that had been published before the dissertation of Przybylko and before the Bochdalek's historical report in 1848, since then the posterolateral defects of the diaphragm have been defined with that name. The extensive fragments of the dissertation translated from Latin into Polish have been cited. Ludwik Przybylko presented not only the clinical report and details of precise anatomopathological description of the newborn with diaphragmatic hernia, but he also cited the relevant literature and discussed the issue with thorough knowledge. Numerous clinical and anatomopathological remarks of the author, based on his own experience and accordingly applied literature, have been current until today. The case report is completed with four engraved illustrations (woodcut) that document the autopsy examination. The work contains extremely interesting and revolutionary for that time considerations on the evolution (22 years prior to the famous work of Darwin) with an attempt to locate the etiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the evolution. The authors of this paper suggest that the dissertation of Ludwik Przybylko should be interesting for paediatric surgeons and, especially because of its unusual and original contents, ought to take constant place in the history of Polish and world's medicine.

[Bland-White-Garland syndrome co-existing with ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus--diagnostic difficulties]. / Zespól Bland-White-Garlanda wspólistniejacy z ubytkiem w przegrodzie miedzykomorowej i droznym przewodem tetniczym--trudnosci diagnostyczne.

A case of a 14 month-old boy suffering from unrecognized Bland-White-Garland syndrome with no typical clinical and electrocardiological features was reported. Diagnostic difficulties were caused by ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus co-existing with the anomaly of left coronary artery. Death caused by myocardial ischemia occurred after surgical closure of VSD and PDA.

A congenital defect of the pericardium.

Ten patients with congenital defects of the pericardium were treated in Departments of Cardiac Surgery, Silesian School of Medicine in Zabrze and Katowice between 1989 and 1998. There were eight children and two adults, eight males and two females. In each case the pericardial defect was discovered intraoperatively during surgery for congenital heart defect. There were no cases with clinical symptoms that could be clearly related to the defect of the pericardial sac. In the case of a child with a complete absence of the left pericardial wall the heart was significantly rotated contrary to the defect. The final outcome of the congenital heart defect surgery was satisfactory in each case. An abbreviated historical review of the diagnosis and treatment of the pericardial defects is presented with special attention placed on therapeutic management. Surgical correction of pericardial defects is concluded to be justified in patients with clinical symptoms. In most cases pericardial defects are discovered intraoperatively, but when they are large the said defects do not require any treatment.

The use of exogenous creatine phosphate for myocardial protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

A key component in the development of ischemic functional and structural myocardial injury during cardiosurgical procedures is an inadequate cellular energy supply which occurs as a consequence of the cessation of oxidative metabolism. In such conditions high energy phosphates are rapidly depleted. As they play a critical role in the maintenance of cell viability and postischemic recovery of contractile function, their conservation is therefore a primary objective in any procedure designed to reduce ischemic injury. Exogenous administration of phosphocreatine (CP) has been suggested as being beneficial to the ischemic heart. The aim of present study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effect of exogenous CP during coronary artery surgery (CABG). Forty patients undergoing CABG procedure were randomly assigned to receive creatine phosphate-enriched (group I) or standard-St. Thomas' Hospital (group II) cardioplegic solution; each group comprised 20 patients. Group I received: 6.0 g of exogenous CP (Neoton) daily in two 20-min intravenous infusions during 3 days preoperatively; during surgical procedure they were administered standard cardioplegic solution enriched in CP at the concentration of 10 mmol/l and -- 2 days postoperatively -- 4.0 g CP daily in two intravenous injections. Group II did not receive CP at all In both groups were analysed. Haemodynamic parameters. Continuous 48-h ECG recording (Holter monitoring) outcome. Laboratory values of serum CK and CK-MB. Inotropic support required (drugs, mechanical support). Ultrastructural findings (biopsy data). Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's "t"-test and the chi2 test. Values of p<0.05 were taken as the criterion of significant difference. The results of the study were: Significantly lower average number and energy of DC-shocks needed to restore cardiac function after cardiopulmonary bypass procedure in group 1. Statistically significant beneficial effect on the presence of ventricular arrhythmias during surgery and in early postoperative period in group I. Significantly lower requirements for inotropic drugs postoperatively in group I. Statistically significant lower degree of sarcolemmal damages in myocardial biopsies in group I. Concluding, the authors wish to state that: Exogenous phosphocreatine (Neoton) perioperative administration in coronary artery bypass patients reduced the need for inotropic drugs, which is clinically manifested in lower frequency of low cardiac output syndrome. Perioperative administration of exogenous CP improves electrophysiological stability of the myocardium. Advantageous clinical and electrophysiological effect of exogenous CP may result from its properties to protect sarcolemma of the cardiomyocytes.

[Collagen metabolism disturbances with experimentally increased pulmonary flow--experimental model of left to right shunt with congenital heart defects in children]. / Zaburzenia metabolizmu kolagenu w doswiadczalnie wywolanym zwiekszonym przeplywie plucnym--model eksperymentalny przeciekowych wad wrodzonych serca u dzieci.

The studies carried out on young piglets were to demonstrate that experimentally increased pulmonary flow resulted in collagen hyperproduction in the pulmonary tissue. In 14 piglets a modified Blalock-Taussig anastomosis was performed, 9 animals constituted the controls. The survivors included 9 experimental and 8 control piglets. In direct lung biopsies the biochemical collagen content was assessed, whereas histopathology confirmed the development of vascular lesions characteristic for pulmonary hypertension. A significant increase of collagen level in the pulmonary tissue was demonstrated in experimental animals. Determinations were also made of serum and urine hydroxyproline values. A significant increase was observed in serum and urine hydroxyproline values in experimental animals in comparison to the controls when determinations were made 7 days to 3 months after the anastomosis had been performed (p < 0.01). The authors showed that an increase of pulmonary flow in piglets results in collagen metabolism disturbances which are seen both in an increased collagen level in the tissue and in increased serum and hydroxyproline levels.

[Hydroxyproline in serum and urine in children with pulmonary hypertension in the course of congenital heart defects]. / Hydroksyprolina w surowicy i moczu u dzieci z nadcisnieniem plucnym w przebiegu przeciekowych wad wrodzonych serca.

In accordance to contemporary views on the pathology of biochemical changes in the fibrotic process at pulmonary hypertension, the authors took a trial to investigate the convection of excessive blood flow through lungs and changes of collagen metabolism in lungs. The possibility of following the metabolism of collagen through naming its metabolites (hydroxyproline-Hp) made us to connect the intended surveys with practical trail of its use, and diagnostic methods at children with congenital shunt cardiac defects. The survey was taken up in three groups of children with different levels of pulmonary advancement hypertension process: 39 children with dynamic elevation of pulmonary artery pressure (I st and II nd group age range: 12 months to 2 years), and 17 children with marks of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. III rd group age range: 12 months to 6 years. It was stated, that between children from the first and second group before operational treatment, clear growth of Hp contents in serum and in urine returned to its correct value within the 1 to 6 months observation period since the cardiac defect has been corrected. In the third group, in spite of surgical treatment, the increased Hp content remained in the post operative period, therefore testifying the non-retreated fibrotic changes. It was stated, that Hp content control in serum and excretion in urine can possess clinical usage as an auxiliary exam estimating the advancement of pulmonary hypertension before surgical treatment and at the post-operative monitoring of the lungs.

Truncus arteriosus communis associated with interrupted aortic arch: a report on two uncommon cases.

The paper presents two infants with the A-4 type of truncus arteriosus communis (according to Van Praagh's classification). One patient who survived a surgical procedure demonstrated a rare variant of aortic arch interruption to the left off the left subclavian artery (type A according to Celoria and Patton), whereas the second presented an uncommon anomaly in which the right subclavian artery originated from the descending aorta with associated severe truncal valve incompetency. The authors describe the clinical picture along with the surgical treatment of the first infant who being six days old was subjected to a correction employing the wide patent ductus arteriosus to reconstruct the aortic arch, following the method described by Gomes and McGoon. Subsequently an aortic homograft was implanted in order to connect the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.