The use of predator tags to explain reversal movement patterns in Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar L.).

Acoustic telemetry has seen a rapid increase in utility and sophistication in recent years and is now used extensively to assess the behavior and survival rates of many aquatic animals, including the Atlantic salmon. As part of the salmon's complex life cycle, salmon smolts are thought to make a unidirectional migration from fresh water to the sea, which is initiated by changes in their physiology. However, some tag movement patterns do not conform with this and can be difficult to explain, particularly if the tagged fish has been eaten by a predator. This study combines the use of predator tags with machine learning techniques to understand the fate of migrating salmon smolts and thereby improve estimates for migration success. Over 3 years between 2020 and 2022, 217 salmon smolts (including wild and hatchery-reared ranched fish) were acoustically tagged and released into an embayment on the west coast of Ireland. Some tagged smolts were observed to return from the estuary back into a saline lagoon through which they had already migrated. To distinguish between the movement of a salmon smolt and that of a predator, predator tags were deployed in migrating smolts in 2021 and 2022. The addition of a temperature sensor in 2022 enabled the determination of predator type causing the returning movement. A significant number of predator tags were triggered, and the patterns of movement associated with these triggered tags were then used with two types of machine learning algorithms (hierarchical cluster analysis and random forest) to identify and validate the behavior of smolts tagged without extra sensors. Both models produced the same outputs, grouping smolts tagged with predator tags with smolts tagged without the additional sensors but showing similar movements. A mammalian predator was identified as the cause of most reversal movement, and hatchery-reared ranched smolts were found to be more likely predated upon by this predator than wild smolts within the lake and the estuary. However, overall migration success estimates were similar for both wild and hatchery-reared ranched fish. This study highlights the value of predator tags as an essential tool in the overall validation of detection data.

The impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on classical cardiovascular disease risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Advanced measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with CVD risk factors. The present study aimed to examine whether CVD risk factors can predict clinic-based measures of CRF, using the Siconolfi step test and to determine if exercise can improve RA patients' cardiovascular health. Sixty-five RA patients (46 females, age 58 ± 11 years) completed assessments of CRF, CVD risk factors, body composition and RA characteristics. Ten patients participated in a follow-up 8-week exercise intervention. CRF was low (22 ml kg-1 min-1) and associated with higher diastolic blood pressure (r = - 0.37, p = 0.002), higher global CVD risk (r = - 0.267, p = 0.031) and worse body composition profile (body fat, r = - 0.48, p < 0.001; waist, r = - 0.65, p < 0.001; hip, r = - 0.58, p < 0.001). Regular exercise significantly improved CRF (p = 0.021), lower body strength (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.021), body fat (p = 0.018), waist circumference (p = 0.035), hip circumference (p = 0.016), disease activity (p = 0.002), disability (p = 0.007) and QoL (p = 0.004). Elevated diastolic blood pressure and worse body composition profile are strong predictors of clinic-based measures of CRF. CRF is an important determinant of CVD risk and warrants inclusion in the routine assessment of RA patients. Regular exercise can improve CRF and CVD risk factors without any exacerbation of disease activity and should be offered as part of routine care.

Red cell and platelet transfusion burden following myeloablative allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Adult allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) usually requires blood transfusion support of red cells and platelets. There are few studies describing transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT. AIMS: This study aims to quantify and identify determinants of transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT to improve planning, inventory management and patient counselling. METHODS: A retrospective audit of blood use (red cells and platelets) of all adult HSCT (n = 169) was performed over an 8-year period extracted from pathology and hospital databases. ABO compatibility, graft type, conditioning regimens and patient factors were analysed for up to 12 months post transplant. RESULTS: Transfusion burden was lower than expected and lower than reported by other groups. The median number of units transfused was four red cells and four platelets by day 30, and six red cells and six platelets by day 365. The median time to transfusion independence was 12 days for red cells and 16 days for platelets. Factors associated with increased red cell use included sex, disease stage, graft type (cord blood) and ABO compatibility. Disease stage and graft type (cord blood) were associated with increased platelet transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Donor and patient characteristics are associated with transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT. Determining transfusion burden in HSCT and identifying determinants of increased transfusion use assist in inventory planning and patient information.

Flow properties of single origin chocolates: Effect of product formulation and particle size.

The objective of this research was to evaluate changes in flow behavior of chocolate during chocolate grinding using a stone grinder as affected by chocolate formulation. Three different types of chocolates were evaluated. Two chocolates without milk added (70% chocolate) and two chocolates with milk added and with different amounts of cocoa nibs (30% chocolate and 14% chocolate) were tested. For the 70% chocolates, nibs of two different origins were used; therefore, a total of four samples were evaluated. Chocolates were processed in a stone grinder, and samples were taken as a function of grinding time. For each timepoint, the flow behavior of the samples was measured using a rotational rheometer and fitted to the Casson model. Particle size was measured using a laser scattering instrument. Results showed that yield stress increased linearly while the Casson plastic viscosity decreased exponentially with grinding time (smaller particles). Particle size distribution of the chocolates showed a prominent bimodal distribution for short grinding times (∼9 h) with small (∼15 µm) and large (∼100 µm) particles; with longer grinding time, the population of larger particles decreased. Yield stress values were higher for the 70% chocolate, but they were not very different between the two milk chocolates tested. The Casson plastic viscosity was greatest for the 70% chocolate, followed by the 30% chocolate. The 14% chocolate had the lowest Casson plastic viscosity. Changes of Casson plastic viscosity with particle size were more evident for the dark chocolates compared to the milk ones. These results are helpful to small chocolate producers who need better understanding of how the formulation and grinding of chocolate affect its flow behavior, which will ultimately affect chocolate handling during production.

Cord blood transplantation in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thirty-one umbilical cord blood transplants performed in Western Australia were retrospectively examined in order to document local experience and relevant prognostic factors. Three cord units were from human leucocyte antigen-matched siblings and the remainder were unrelated single (n= 22) or double (n= 6) cord blood transplants. METHODS: Twenty patients were transplanted for malignant conditions and 11 for non-malignant conditions. Cord units contained a median of 5.6 × 107 total nucleated cells/kg and 1.4 × 105 CD34+ cells/kg. Cumulative incidence of neutrophil engraftment was 76% at day 60. RESULTS: Of those who did not engraft, two patients remain alive following subsequent allogeneic bone marrow transplant. There were no deaths caused by graft-versus-host disease. Overall survival at median follow up of 28 months was 62%. Two year overall survival was influenced by type of disease (non-malignant = 91 ± 9% vs malignant = 41 ± 13%, P= 0.005), total nucleated cell dose (>3.5 × 107/kg = 87 ± 9% vs <3.5 × 107/kg = 34 ± 15%, P= 0.01) and CD34 dose (>1.7 × 105/kg = 92% vs <1.7 × 105/kg = 46%, P= 0.04). Age and human leucocyte antigen match did not influence survival. Four relapses occurred, all of which were fatal. CONCLUSION: Cord blood transplantation for malignant and non-malignant disease is practised in Western Australia and outcomes are satisfactory. Trends and techniques in cord blood transplantation in this state are comparable with those observed nationally and overseas. Although numbers are small, cell dose appears to be predictive of overall survival

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by Enterococcus mundtii isolated from soil.

Two bacterial isolates with inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis were obtained from soil. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization identified them as Enterococcus mundtii, a species whose ability to compete with L. monocytogenes is relatively unexplored compared to other members of the genus. The thermal stability of the inhibitory factor and its sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes indicate that it is most likely a bacteriocin. Both isolates grew at comparable rates to L. monocytogenes at 5 °C and 10 °C in vitro. One isolate killed L. monocytogenes when it reached concentrations of 10(6)-10(8) CFU ml(-1). Minimum inocula of 10(6) and 10(5) CFU ml(-1) of E. mundtii were required to reduce and maintain L. monocytogenes concentrations beneath the level of detection at 5 °C and 10 °C, respectively. In situ experiments at 5 °C showed that E. mundtii inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes on vacuum-packed cold smoked salmon during its four week shelf life. E. mundtii could, therefore, control the growth of L. monocytogenes at low temperatures, indicating a potential application in controlling this pathogen in chilled foods. To control growth of Listeria, the concentration of E. mundtii needs to be high, but it is possible that a purified bacteriocin could be used to achieve the same effect.

How we mobilize haemopoietic stem cells.

Mobilization and collection of haemopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) is the cornerstone of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation for a wide variety of haematological and some non-haematological malignancies. Centres providing this service face the challenge of optimizing the likelihood of successful collection of transplantable doses of cells, while maximizing the efficiency of the apheresis unit and minimizing the risk of toxicity as well as mobilization failure. Recent developments in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of mobilization have led to the emergence of novel strategies for HSPC mobilization, which may assist in meeting these imperatives. The task for clinicians is how to incorporate the use of these strategies into practice, in the light of emerging evidence for efficacy and safety of these agents. Herein, the literature is reviewed, and a proposed algorithm for HSPC mobilization is presented.

Use of risk stratification to guide ambulatory management of neutropenic fever. Australian Consensus Guidelines 2011 Steering Committee.

Utilization of risk-stratification tools in the setting of neutropenic fever is currently limited by inadequate knowledge and lack of awareness. Within this context, the approach to management of low-risk patients with neutropenic fever is inconsistent with the available evidence across many Australian treating centres. These clinical guidelines define and clarify an accepted standard of care for this patient group given the current evidence base. The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer risk index is presented as the preferred risk assessment tool for determining patient risk. Suitability of ambulatory care within specific patient populations is discussed, with defined eligibility criteria provided to guide clinical decision-making. Detailed recommendations for implementing appropriate ambulatory strategies, such as early discharge and outpatient antibiotic therapy, are also provided. Due consideration is given to infrastructural requirements and other supportive measures at a resourcing and operational level. An analysis of the relevant health economics is also presented.

Short-term blackcurrant extract consumption modulates exercise-induced oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses.

Exercise-induced oxidative stress is instrumental in achieving the health benefits from regular exercise. Therefore, inappropriate use of fruit-derived products (commonly applied as prophalytic antioxidants) may counteract the positive effects of exercise. Using human exercise and cellular models we found that 1) blackcurrant supplementation suppressed exercise-induced oxidative stress, e.g., plasma carbonyls (0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.1 nmol/mg protein, placebo vs. blackcurrant), and 2) preincubation of THP-1 cells with an anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract inhibited LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion [TNF-alpha (16,453 +/- 322 vs. 10,941 +/- 82 pg/ml, control vs. extract, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (476 +/- 14 vs. 326 +/- 32 pg/ml, control vs. extract, P < 0.05)] and NF-kappaB activation. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we found that postexercise plasma collected after blackcurrant supplementation enhanced the differential temporal LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in THP-1 cells, resulting in an early suppression of TNF-alpha (1,741 +/- 32 vs. 1,312 +/- 42 pg/ml, placebo vs. blackcurrant, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (44 +/- 5 vs. 36 +/- 3 pg/ml, placebo vs. blackcurrant, P < 0.05) secretion after 24 h. Furthermore, by using an oxidative stress cell model, we found that preincubation of THP-1 cells with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) prior to extract exposure caused a greater suppression of LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion after 24 h, which was not evident when cells were simultaneously incubated with H(2)O(2) and the extract. In summary, our findings support the concept that consumption of blackcurrant anthocyanins alleviate oxidative stress, and may, if given at the appropriate amount and time, complement the ability of exercise to enhance immune responsiveness to potential pathogens.

Methylation of tin by estuarine microorganisms.

Mixed inoculums of microorganisms from Chesapeake Bay sediments transformed inorganic tin (SnCl(4) . 5H(2)O) to organotin compounds. Dimethyltin and trimethyltin species were identified as products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methylated tin species were not observed in sterile controls or in poisoned controls. Thus, estuarine microorganisms have the potential for transforming tin to toxic organotins and for mobilizing tin in the ecosystem.

Evaluation of spinal cord stimulation on the symptoms of anxiety and depression and pain intensity in patients with failed back surgery syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is now established as the primary treatment for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Commonly, patients with chronic pain and FBSS often report symptoms of anxiety and depression resulting from this condition. These factors can modulate and amplify the pain experience, therefore, further challenging treatment success. AIMS: This study examined the efficacy of SCS on alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with chronic pain as well as pain intensity in a group of patients with FBSS. METHODS: A convenience sample (n = 26) was selected for participation. Questionnaires [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF)] were completed and examined pre and post spinal cord implant. RESULTS: Analysis of the data 1 year following SCS indicates that there was a statistical significant improvement in the symptoms of depression and anxiety reported as well as pain intensity in all participants (p < 0.001). Both anxiety and depression scores on the HADS were significantly lower compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Pain intensity scores decreased by ≥50% from baseline in all participants. Opioid analgesia was discontinued by 90% (n = 8) of participants. CONCLUSION: Whilst it is already recognised that SCS reduces pain in FBSS, this study demonstrated that it also reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression with an associated reduction in opioid consumption.

Successful Single-Lung Transplant for Severe Lung Graft-Versus-Host Disease Two Years After Sibling Allograft for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been performed as a successful life-saving treatment for hematological and neoplastic diseases. Despite the predictable long-term survival rates in BMT, pulmonary complications reduce the survival rates significantly mainly because of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This report briefly discusses a successful lung transplantation case for severe lung GVHD after allograft for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This case report supports the scarce evidence in the literature for the importance of lung transplantation as a therapeutic option for patients who develop respiratory failure secondary to BMT.

Protein H--a novel IgG binding bacterial protein.

Forty-eight group A streptococcal strains of different M types were screened for binding of human radiolabeled IgG. Three of the strains bound more than 80% of the added radioactivity and one of them, an M protein type 1 strain designated AP1, was selected for further analysis. Attempts were made to solubilize the IgG binding bacterial molecule, and small amounts of an IgG binding protein with a mol. wt of 40 kDa could be solubilized with mutanolysin, a muramolytic agent. The gene encoding this streptococcal protein was cloned and expressed in E. coli, and the E. coli-produced protein was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography on IgG-Sepharose. When tested with IgGs from different species, the molecule was found to bind human IgG almost exclusively. The N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined and showed no homology with previously isolated Ig binding proteins, and the name protein H (as in human IgG) is suggested for this novel Ig binding bacterial protein. Protein H showed preferential affinity for heavy chains and Fc fragments of human IgG, and did not bind Ig light chains. The affinity constant, determined by Scatchard plots, between protein H and human polyclonal IgG was 1.6 x 10(9). No binding was observed between protein H and IgM, IgA, IgD, or IgE. Finally, when tested against several additional proteins and human plasma, protein H only showed weak binding to alpha 2-macroglobulin, a proteinase inhibitor.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psycho-oncology patients: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a group-based intervention similar to mindfulness-based stress reduction, but which includes cognitive therapy techniques. This study investigates its usefulness in the treatment of depressive, anxiety and stress/distress symptoms in cancer patients referred to a psycho-oncology service. It also examines whether effect on depression is mediated by self-compassion. METHOD: In phase 1 of this study, 16 cancer patients with mild/moderate psychological distress were randomised to MBCT (n=8) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=8), and assessed pre- and post-treatment. Analysis of variance was performed to examine the effect of treatment on anxiety and depression. In phase 2, the TAU group received the intervention, and results of pre- and post-MBCT assessments were combined with those receiving MBCT in phase 1. Finally, both groups were followed up at 3 months. RESULTS: In phase 1, the MBCT group had a significant improvement in mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety. Statistically significant improvements in both depression and anxiety were found at 3 month follow-up. Self-compassion appeared to mediate the effect on anxiety/depression. CONCLUSION: This small pilot study suggests that MBCT may have a beneficial effect on psychological variables often adversely affected in cancer in a heterogeneous cancer population.

Specificity of the pyridostigmine/growth hormone challenge in the diagnosis of depression.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression. This is supported by the enhanced growth hormone (GH) release in response to pyridostigmine (PYD) challenge in depressed subjects relative to healthy comparison subjects. The aim of this study is to examine the specificity of the PYD/GH challenge in the diagnosis of depression. Pyridostigmine 120 mg orally, was administered to a total of 116 physically healthy subjects. Growth hormone responses were studied in 38 patients with (DSM-III-R) major depression, 13 subjects with panic disorder, 9 subjects with schizophrenia, 10 recently detoxified alcoholics, and a comparison group of 46 healthy volunteers. Mean delta GH (the difference between basal and maximal GH following PYD) was significantly greater than comparison subjects in patients with major depression. Responses observed in patients with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome did not differ from the comparison group. Those patients with panic disorder and a high Hamilton depression score had an enhanced delta GH. The sensitivity of the PYD/GH test was 63% for major depression. These results indicate that the PYD/GH test may help distinguish depression from schizophrenia, alcohol-dependence syndrome, or panic disorder with a low Hamilton depression score.

Effect of inflammation on measures of antioxidant status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

This study examined the effect of an inflammatory response on measures of antioxidant status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In healthy, control subjects (n = 13) and NSCLC patients (n = 22) fasting concentrations of albumin, C-reactive protein, cholesterol, and the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, retinol, lutein, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene were measured. The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and body mass index. However, the cancer group had an inflammatory response as evidenced by significantly increased C-reactive protein concentrations. Concentrations of all the measured antioxidants of the NSCLC group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.01). The lowest concentrations were those of the carotenoids lycopene and alpha- and beta-carotene. In the cancer group there were significant negative correlations between concentrations of C-reactive protein and retinol (r = -0.682, P < 0.01), alpha-tocopherol (r = -0.464, P < 0.05), and lutein (r = -0.599, P < 0.01). The results of this study have implications for the interpretation of circulating antioxidant concentrations in patients with NSCLC.

Differences in experimental tumor localization of dual-labeled monoclonal antibody.

To determine the importance of the label in the radioimmunoimaging of lesions, we studied the distribution of a monoclonal antibody (103D2) that had been labeled with both 125I and 111In. Antibody 103D2 is specific for a tumor-associated, 126-kd phosphoglycoprotein. We used the dual-labeled antibody to localize BT-20 human mammary tumors hosted in nude mice (n = 20). The means of the ratios of 111In to 125I activity in the blood, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, thyroid, and tumors were compared at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 days after the i.v. administration of antibody. The mean (+/- s.d.) of the ratios of 111In to 125I activity in the tumor was 2.3 +/- 0.8 at Day 1, which increased to 9.6 +/- 1.7 by Day 5 and 12.7 +/- 5.5 by Day 6, whereas the mean of the ratios in the blood was 1.1 +/- 0.3 at Day 1, 0.9 +/- 0.2 at Day 5 and 2.0 +/- 1.0 by Day 6. These results suggest that the circulating dual-labeled antibody remains intact, but that dehalogenation occurs at the tumor site.

Sequential imaging of indium-111-labeled monoclonal antibody in human mammary tumors hosted in nude mice.

Using a bifunctional chelating agent, indium-111 was attached to a monoclonal antibody 10- 3D2 , specific for a 126-kilodalton phosphoglycoprotein antigen associated with human mammary carcinoma, and was then used to localize and visualize human mammary tumors hosted in nude mice. Simultaneous tumor concentration of In-111-10- 3D2 was eight times greater than that of control I-125-MOPC-21. Uptake of F(ab')2 and Fab of 10- 3D2 was also compared. the scintigrams demonstrated that intact antibody provided the best images. Control In-111-labeled MOPC-21 and plasma did not show specific localization in the tumor. Uptake of In-111-labeled 10- 3D2 was also compared in two lines of human mammary tumors, BT-20 and HS- 578T . Imaging with 10- 3D2 was better for BT-20 than for HS- 578T . These studies demonstrated that (a) In-111-10- 3D2 can be utilized to image human mammary tumors hosted in nude mice; (b) intact antibody provided the best tumor images, although F(ab')2 had optimal target-to-background ratios for earlier imaging; and (c) different mammary tumor lines with possibly different concentrations of tumor-associated antigen showed different rates of uptake and apparent saturation with 10- 3D2 .

Successful autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in transformed follicular lymphoma previously treated with radioimmunotherapy (iodine (131)I tositumomab).

While the use of radioimmunotherapy for lymphoma increases, the feasibility and efficacy of autologous stem cell transplant for subsequent relapse remains unknown. We report a 48-year-old male with transformed follicular mixed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After treatment with three different combination chemotherapy regimens, at relapse he received radioimmunotherapy with iodine (131)I tositumomab (anti-CD20), with very good response. At later relapse, a second course of (131)I tositumomab was given unsuccessfully. He underwent peripheral blood stem cell harvest, chemoradiotherapy conditioning and autologous transplantation with prompt engraftment and without significant complications. He remains in complete remission with normal blood counts 25 months post autograft.

Infections in patients managed at home during autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

A group of 51 patients with multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease receiving high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue received chemotherapy and clinical care in the peritransplant period at home. This group was compared with 88 cases with the same diagnoses, receiving the peripheral stem cell transplant over the same time period as an inpatient in a high efficiency particulate air filtered bone marrow transplant unit. Patients were treated at home based on choice, geographic accessibility, availability of an educated care giver and a clean home environment, and comprehension of the concepts of infection and aseptic techniques. Febrile neutropenia and sepsis were not increased in the home group and no episodes of septic shock were seen in this group. Patients at home received prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin and roxithromycin during the phase when the absolute neutrophil count was < 1 x 10(9)/l. Fewer gram-negative infections, but no diminution in gram-positive infections or in the rate of fever were seen in patients at home. Empiric therapy with a third generation cephalosporin, teicoplanin and tobramycin was instituted in 31 patients who developed a fever greater than 38.5 degrees C. Of this group of 31, 18 required admission to hospital, 12 because of febrile neutropenia which persisted or was considered unsuitable for management at home due to sepsis. The remaining 13 with febrile neutropenia remained at home throughout, as did the 20 cases not developing neutropenic fever. This study demonstrates the feasibility of managing carefully selected patients in their home environment when at risk from febrile neutropenia or other septic complications following autologous peripheral stem cell support.