Multiple introductions and secondary dispersion of Tubastraea spp. in the Southwestern Atlantic.

Accidental introduction through ballast water and biofouling are currently the main factors responsible for spreading non-indigenous species in the marine realm. In the Southwestern Atlantic, two scleractinian corals, Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis, have been introduced by opportunistic colonization in 1980 and are now widespread along more than 3,500 km of coastline. To better understand the invasion process and the role of vectors in spreading these species, we sampled 306 and 173 colonies of T. coccinea and T. tagusensis from invaded sites, possible vectors and one native population. Analyses revealed a higher diversity of multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) on vectors, suggesting that they were contaminated prior to their arrival in the Southwestern Atlantic, and a high proportion of clones at invaded sites, with few genotypes spread over ~2,000 km. This broad distribution is most likely a result of secondary introductions through the transport of contaminated vectors. Results also suggest the occurrence of multiple invasions, mainly in the northernmost sites. In summary, clonality, secondary introductions, and multiple invasions are the main reasons for the broad spread and invasive success of Tubastraea spp. in the Southwestern Atlantic. Consequently, the correct control of vectors is the most effective approach for management and prevention of new invasions.

Environmental matching used to predict range expansion of two invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.).

The scleractinian corals Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 and T. tagusensis Wells, 1982 have invaded reefs along Brazil's coastline. Over the period 2011-2017 a standard, fast, easily repeatable semi-quantitative method was used to produce maps of distribution and a site (n = 77) specific Relative Abundance Index (RAI) to determine range expansion at Cabo Frio, an upwelling region. Invaded sites doubled from six to 12 over the period (one per year) and mean abundance increased tenfold from 0.2 to 2.6 RAI and 0.22 to 1.8 RAI (T. coccinea and T. tagusensis respectively). Site specific oceanographic conditions (temperature, salinity and water transparency) and distance from currently invaded sites (a proxy for propagule pressure) were chosen and used as determinants of invasion success in order to model the expansion. Model results compared favourably with empirical measurements and the simple, regional, and spatially explicit model predicted future range expansion under 10 and 20 year scenarios.

Spatial distribution and abundance of nonindigenous coral genus Tubastraea (Cnidaria, Scleractinia) around Ilha Grande, Brazil.

The distribution and abundance of azooxanthellate coral Tubastraea Lesson, 1829 were examined at different depths and their slope preference was measured on rocky shores on Ilha Grande, Brazil. Tubastraea is an ahermatypic scleractinian nonindigenous to Brazil, which probably arrived on a ship's hull or oil platform in the late 1980's. The exotic coral was found along a great geographic range of the Canal Central of Ilha Grande, extending over a distance of 25 km. The abundance of Tubastraea was quantified by depth, using three different sampling methods: colony density, visual estimation and intercept points (100) for percentage of cover. Tubastraea showed ample tolerance to temperature and desiccation since it was found more abundantly in very shallow waters (0.1-0.5 m), despite the fact that hard substratum is available at greater depths at all the stations sampled. At most sites, 1 to 5 colonies per 0.25 m2 were found most frequently, but occasionally more than 50 colonies were found per 0.25 m2, indicating a somewhat gregarious spatial distribution for this coral. The coral Tubastraea was found to occupy slopes of every possible angle in the Canal Central of Ilha Grande, but more colonies were found occupying slopes of 80 to 100 degrees. Therefore, its insensitivity to angles of recruitment and its tolerance for different depths makes it an organism with great ecological tolerance, with a potential to colonize new areas and increase its current range in Brazil's coastal waters.

Ecological Niche Model used to examine the distribution of an invasive, non-indigenous coral.

All organisms have a set of ecological conditions (or niche) which they depend on to survive and establish in a given habitat. The ecological niche of a species limits its geographical distribution. In the particular case of non-indigenous species (NIS), the ecological requirements of the species impose boundaries on the potential distribution of the organism in the new receptor regions. This is a theoretical assumption implicit when Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) are used to assess the potential distribution of NIS. This assumption has been questioned, given that in some cases niche shift may occur during the process of invasion. We used ENMs to investigate whether the model fit with data from the native range of the coral Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 successfully predicts its invasion in the Atlantic. We also identified which factors best explain the distribution of this NIS. The broad native distributional range of T. coccinea predicted the invaded sites well, especially along the Brazilian coast, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The occurrence of T. coccinea was positively related to calcite levels and negatively to eutrophy, but was rather unaffected to other variables that often limit other marine organisms, suggesting that this NIS has wide ecological limits, a trait typical of invasive species.

Helium microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometric detection for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is directly coupled to helium microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry (He MIP-MS) for the element-selective detection of halogenated organic compounds. Absolute detection limits are approximately 50 pg Br for brominated compounds, 1 pg I for iodinated compounds, and 10 ng Cl for chlorinated compounds. The linear dynamic range for Br- and I-containing compounds is 3-4 orders of magnitude. However, the linear range for chlorinated species is severely limited by high background at m/z = 35. The relative standard deviation for repetitive injections is less than 10%. The helium microwave-induced plasma is operated at moderate powers (300-350 W) and with a total helium consumption of 6-8 L/min. The effect of organic solvents on the background mass spectrum is investigated.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography for speciation and detection of organotin compounds.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) is utilized as a detector for several organotin species separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Detection limits obtained by ICP/MS are 3 orders of magnitude lower than those obtained with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES) detection under the same chromatographic conditions. Chromatographic detection limits are higher than conventional solution nebulization for the same compound by a factor of 20. Ion-exchange chromatography yields linear response over 3 orders of magnitude, while ion pair chromatography gives a linear response of only 2 orders of magnitude as a result of poor resolution. The relative standard deviation for the injection of 20 ng of tin compounds is less than 10%.

Rhinosporidiosis in a dog.

Rhinosporidiosis was diagnosed in a black and tan coonhound. Clinical signs were characterized by 6 to 8 months of intermittent sneezing. Numerous polypoid nodules were removed from the nasal cavity. Histologic examination of the nodules revealed chronic pyogranulomatous inflammation caused by infection with Rhinosporidium seeberi. Rhinosporidiosis has been reported in human beings, dogs, and several other domestic species. It is an uncommon disease in the United States.

Complications associated with the dorsolateral muscle-separating approach for thoracolumbar disk fenestration in the dog.

In a series of over 125 cases, complications associated with the dorsolateral muscle-separating approach for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk fenestration have been pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and neuromuscular deficits. Most of the complications were neuromuscular in origin and of short duration. It was concluded that the approach provides excellent visualization and is rapid, precise, and unlikely to lead to permanent complications.

Alzheimer's disease 2: Caring for a woman with Alzheimer-type dementia.

Alzheimer's disease creates difficulties in perceiving and interpreting information for an individual. Nursing care must be sensitive to this. A comprehensive nursing assessment should include information about how the patient performed functionally and psychologically before the illness, and what these abilities are like on admission. This allows for achievable goals in care to be set. Although patients are cognitively impaired they should be actively involved in their care along with their carers.

Aphasia: a care study.

Aphasia is a term used to describe any deficit in the production or comprehension of speech. Damage to various parts of the brain can give rise to aphasia. The communication problems experienced by patients with aphasia present a unique challenge to the nurse. It is vital that all patients receive a proper assessment of their needs. A holistic approach is required. Nurses should be non-judgmental in their approach and remember the person behind the aphasia.

Accurate prediction of repeat prostate biopsy outcomes by a mitochondrial DNA deletion assay.

Several cancers are characterized by large-scale mtDNA deletions. We previously provided evidence that one of these deletions has potential utility in resolving false from true-negative prostate needle biopsies. This study was to assess the clinical value of this deletion in predicting re-biopsy outcomes. We used a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to measure the levels of the deletion in individual negative needle biopsies from 101 patients who had a repeat biopsy within a year with known outcomes. Using an empirically established cycle threshold (Ct) cutoff of 31, and the lowest Ct for each patient as diagnostic of prostate cancer, as well as the histopathologic diagnosis on second biopsy, we calculated the clinical performance of the deletion. The Ct cutoff at 31 gave a sensitivity and specificity of 84 and 54%, respectively, with the area under a receiver-operating characteristics curve of 0.749. The negative predictive value was 91%. The assay was able to predict the presence of a missed tumor in 17 out of 20 men a year before diagnosis. This ancillary test appears to identify men who do not require a repeat biopsy with a high degree of certainty. The results suggest that the majority of men with atypical small acinar proliferation have a concurrent missed tumor and therefore require close monitoring for early detection.

Isotope dilution analysis of bromate in drinking water matrixes by ion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection.

Bromate is a disinfection byproduct in drinking water which is formed during the ozonation of source water containing bromide. This paper describes the analysis of bromate via ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The separation of bromate from interferences such as bromide and brominated haloacetic acids is achieved using a PA-100 column in combination with a 5 mM HNO3 + 25 mM NH4NO3 mobile phase. Polyatomic ions are observed on masses 79 and 81 in a synthetic phosphate matrix and in ozonated drinking waters. These polyatomic ions have been tentatively identified as PO3+ and H2PO3+. These polyatomic ions do not interfere with the detection of bromate because phosphate elutes prior to bromate. A polyatomic ion is observed on mass 81 in a synthetic sulfate matrix and in ozonated drinking waters. This polyatomic ion has been tentatively identified as HSO3+ and does not interfere with the detection of bromate because sulfate elutes after bromate. Isotope dilution analysis produces a relative standard deviation (RSD) of approximately 5% for both enriched isotopic additions at sample concentrations of 10 ng/g. The RSD associated with the direct analysis of bromate is 3.2% at sample concentrations of 10 ng/g. The bromate concentrations determined in ozonated drinking waters via isotope dilution analysis are within 10% of the concentrations determined via direct analysis for sample concentrations above 2 ng/g. The detection limit for the direct analysis of bromate via IC-ICPMS is 0.3 ng/g.

A weekend camp for bereaved siblings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a weekend bereavement camp for children age 6 to 18 years who have lost a brother or sister to cancer. A description of the planning for the camp and the weekend program is included. OVERVIEW: Camp New Horizons is a weekend camp for children age 6 to 18 years who have lost a sibling to cancer. At the camp, the children are divided into age-appropriate groups and spend time, through various activities, learning about the grief process to reduce their feelings of isolation, to express grief appropriately, and to move forward in the grief process. Similar programs, as well as the uniqueness of this program, are discussed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Camp New Horizons has met many of the educational and support needs of bereaved siblings. Networks of support and friendship have formed that allow the children to reach out to one another when needed. Parents and children have increased their communication about the death in their family, thus accepting their feelings and increasing support in the family system. Continued collaboration between centers will create ongoing support for the healthcare professionals and the programs they provide.

Speciation of selenium and arsenic compounds by capillary electrophoresis with hydrodynamically modified electroosmotic flow and on-line reduction of selenium(VI) to selenium(IV) with hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine four arsenicals and two selenium species. Selenate (SeVI) was reduced on-line to selenite (SeIV) by mixing the CE effluent with concentrated HCl. A microporous PTFE tube was used as a gas-liquid separator to eliminate the 40Ar37Cl and 40Ar35Cl interference from 77Se and 75As, respectively. The direction of the electroosmotic flow during CE was reversed with hydrodynamic pressure, which allowed increased freedom of buffer choice. For conventional pressure injection, method detection limits for SeIV and SeVI based on seven replicate injections were 10 and 24 pg, respectively. Recoveries of SeIV and SeVI in drinking water were measured.

A retreat for families of children recently diagnosed with cancer.

PURPOSE: The authors describe a clinical intervention program designed for children recently diagnosed with cancer and their families. The rationale for a family weekend retreat, the planning process, and its implementation are outlined. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: Staff members (nurses, social workers, child life specialists, and physicians) at the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of the Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of the families of children recently diagnosed with cancer. Subsequently, staff members planned and implemented the Family Weekend Retreat for these patients and their families. The program was designed to provide education to patients and parents, to reduce isolation within the family and among family systems, and to reduce individual and family stress. RESULTS: Using a 19-item evaluative questionnaire, the participating families indicated that the Family Weekend Retreat met their needs for education, recreation, and mutual support. The families expressed an interest in, and subsequently held, a retreat reunion. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This program may be useful to other clinicians and/or cancer treatment facilities that wish to provide a network of support among families of recently diagnosed children who are struggling through the cancer experience.

Pseudostrabismus secondary to use of cosmetic contact lenses.

The DuraSoft 3 Colors cosmetic contact lens is manufactured with a pattern of opaque dots applied to its front surface in order to produce a change in apparent iris color. We fit ten subjects with the DuraSoft 3 Colors contact lens, and all were found to have pseudoexotropia. The deviation ranged from 10 to 22 delta (prism diopters) (average: 16 delta). The cause of the pseudoexotropia was creation of a pseudopositive angle kappa from lateral displacement of the contact lens. Physicians fitting the DuraSoft 3 Colors contact lens should pay special attention to centration characteristics during the fitting session in order to avoid creation of pseudostrabismus.