Size-Mediated Sea Turtle Behavioral Responses at Artificial Habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

Our understanding of size-specific sea turtle behavior has lagged due to methodological limitations. However, stereo-video cameras (SVC) are an in-water approach that can link body-size and allow for relatively undisturbed behavioral observations. In this study, we conducted SVC dive surveys at local artificial reefs, piers, and jetties in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) from May 2019 to August 2021.

Stochastic force dynamics of the model microswimmer Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Active forces and energetics.

We study the stochastic force dynamics of a model microswimmer (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), using a combined experimental, theoretical, and numerical approach. While swimming dynamics have been extensively studied using hydrodynamic approaches, which infer forces from the viscous flow field, we directly measure the stochastic forces generated by the microswimmer using an optical trap via the photon momentum method. We analyze the force dynamics by modeling the microswimmer as a self-propelled particle, à la active matter, and analyze its energetics using methods from stochastic thermodynamics.

Quantifying the non-equilibrium activity of an active colloid.

Active matter systems exhibit rich emergent behavior due to constant injection and dissipation of energy at the level of individual agents. Since these systems are far from equilibrium, their dynamics and energetics cannot be understood using the framework of equilibrium statistical mechanics. Recent developments in stochastic thermodynamics extend classical concepts of work, heat, and energy dissipation to fluctuating non-equilibrium systems.

Permanent pacemaker-associated actinomycetemcomitans endocarditis: A case report.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacillus, member of the HACEK group of bacteria, and it is a very rare cause of endocarditis. It is also an extremely rare cause of device-associated infection of the heart. We describe the case of a 25 year-old man who presented with pacemaker-associated endocarditis due to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and also discuss the implications and treatment of this organism.

The surface electrocardiogram predicts risk of heart block during right heart catheterization in patients with preexisting left bundle branch block: implications for the definition of complete left bundle branch block.

Background: Patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) undergoing right heart catheterization can develop complete heart block (CHB) or right bundle branch block (RBBB) in response to right bundle branch (RBB) trauma. We hypothesized that LBBB patients with an initial r wave (>or=1 mm) in lead V1 have intact left to right ventricular septal (VS) activation suggesting persistent conduction over the left bundle branch. Trauma to the RBB should result in RBBB pattern rather than CHB in such patients.

Zinc dyshomeostasis in rats with aldosteronism. Response to spironolactone.

Zinc is a structural constituent of many proteins, including Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), an endogenous antioxidant enzyme. Hypozincemia has been found in patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure, where neurohormonal activation, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is expected and oxidative stress is present. This study was undertaken to elucidate potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in Zn dyshomeostasis in aldosteronism.

Calcium paradox of aldosteronism and the role of the parathyroid glands.

The hypercalciuria and hypermagnesuria that accompany aldosteronism contribute to a fall in plasma ionized extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]o and [Mg2+]o). Despite these losses and the decline in extracellular levels of these cations, total intracellular and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is increased and oxidative stress is induced. This involves diverse tissues, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma.