The Influence of Selection on MHC DQA and DQB Haplotypes in the Endemic New Zealand Hector's and Māui Dolphins.

Strong balancing selection on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) can lead to different patterns in gene frequencies and neutral genomic variation within species. We investigated diversity and geographic structure of MHC genes DQA and DQB, as well as their inferred functional haplotypes, from 2 regional populations (East and West Coast) of the endangered Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) and the critically endangered Māui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) (West Coast, North Island), and contrasted these results with patterns from neutral microsatellites. The Māui had the lowest number of alleles for DQA (2) and DQB (3), consistent with strong genetic drift acting on this remnant population.

Simulations indicate that scores of lionfish () colonized the Atlantic Ocean.

The invasion of the western Atlantic Ocean by the Indo-Pacific red lionfish () has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Estimating the number of colonizing lionfish can be useful in identifying the introduction pathway and can inform policy decisions aimed at preventing similar invasions. It is well-established that at least ten lionfish were initially introduced.

Historical dimensions of population structure in a continuously distributed marine species: The case of the endemic Chilean dolphin.

The complementarity of historical and contemporary processes contributes to understanding the genetic structure of continuously distributed marine species with high dispersal capabilities. Cephalorhynchus eutropia, has a continuous coastal distribution with strong genetic differentiation identified by nuclear DNA markers. We explored the historical dimension of this genetic differentiation between northern and southern populations to evaluate phylogeographic structure.

Dual therapy of grazoprevir and elbasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C infection.

The impact of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide is expected to increase as the population infected with HCV ages and more undiagnosed individuals are identified and linked to care through nation-wide initiatives. The development of interferon-free regimens involving the use of direct-acting antiviral agents, which disrupt key steps in viral replication, has revolutionized the treatment of chronic HCV infection. However, there remains a great medical need for HCV therapy that is of shorter duration, all-oral, with a high barrier to resistance, and highly effective for all patient populations including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cirrhosis.

Comparisons of three practical field devices used to measure personal light exposures and activity levels.

This paper documents the spectral and spatial performance characteristics of two new versions of the Daysimeter, devices developed and calibrated by the Lighting Research Center to measure and record personal circadian light exposure and activity levels, and compares them to those of the Actiwatch Spectrum (Philips Healthcare). Photometric errors from the Daysimeters and the Actiwatch Spectrum were also determined for various types of light sources. The Daysimeters had better photometric performance than the Actiwatch Spectrum.

Field measurements of light exposures and circadian disruption in two populations of older adults.

The absence of daily robust light-dark exposure patterns may contribute to sleep disturbances in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Personal light-dark and activity-rest patterns were measured for healthy older adults and for persons with ADRD. Persons with ADRD experienced lower light levels, exhibited lower activity levels, and had greater levels of circadian disruption than healthy older adults during winter.

Survey of smoking knowledge, attitudes and practice in school children in Honduras.

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey Honduran pre-adolescent knowledge, perceptions and experience regarding smoking.

Methods: A 12-item survey was administered in the classroom to fifth and sixth grade students. The main outcome measures were a description of demographic factors, personal smoking experience, knowledge of health risks, attitudes about tobacco use and perceived sources of information.

Transgenic systems for in vivo mutation analysis.

Transgenic mice carrying shuttle vectors containing the lacI gene as the target permit the in vivo measurement of mutations in multiple tissues and have been used to test the mutagenic effects of several compounds. Tissue-specific and time-dependent responses have been observed, and the spectrum of mutations determined by sequencing allows analysis of the role of expression time in mutagenesis. The results obtained from sequencing analysis have demonstrated spectra paralleling those observed in alternative in vivo assays.

Induction of hepatic mutations in lacI transgenic mice.

Transgenic B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice containing a lambda shuttle vector that carries a lacI target and an alpha lacZ reporter gene have been constructed for use in in vivo mutagenesis assays. After chemical treatment of mice carrying the lacI target gene, genomic DNA is isolated and the shuttle vector is recovered by exposing the DNA to lambda phage packaging extracts in vitro. Mutations in the lacI target gene that inactivate the repressor gene allow expression of the alpha lacZ reporter gene, resulting in blue mutant plaques.

Hyperthyroidism in end-stage renal disease.

We report the 2nd patient to have hyperthyroidism while on maintenance hemodialysis. This case is instructive because the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in uremic patients is difficult due to similar signs and symptoms. This case report describes, for the first time, the unique interaction between hemodialysis and thyrotoxic heart disease.

Serum potassium concentrations in cyclosporine- and azathioprine-treated renal transplant patients.

Hyperkalemia was commonly observed in successful renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine and prednisone. At 1, 3 and 6 months after transplantation, 13 of 50, 9 of 50, and 5 of 50 patients, respectively, had serum concentrations of potassium greater than 5 mEq/1. This contrasts with the finding of hyperkalemia in only 1 of 13 comparable patients treated with azathioprine and prednisone.

Mitomycin-associated renal failure. Case report and review.

Renal failure due to mitomycin chemotherapy is a poorly appreciated entity often associated with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. We describe a 45-year-old man in whom renal failure and anemia developed, without evidence of hemolysis, five months after beginning chemotherapy with mitomycin, fluorouracil, and doxorubicin hydrochloride. A biopsy specimen taken from the patient's kidney showed fibrin thrombi in two of 18 glomeruli and in several small arteries.

Coccidioidal meningitis diagnosed by skin biopsy.

We present a patient with coccidioidal meningitis whose diagnosis was not confirmed until a skin biopsy was performed. Because he lived in an area where coccidioidomycosis is not endemic, his meningitis was at first attributed to tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. After a verrucous lesion from the face was biopsied and the diagnosis substantiated, the patient responded well to consolidation therapy consisting of intrathecal amphotericin B and oral ketoconazole.

Determination of boron in silicon-bearing alloys, steel, and other alloys by pyrohydrolysis and inductively-coupled argon-plasma spectroscopy.

Boron is quantitatively separated from silicon-bearing and other inorganic materials by pyrohydrolysis. Microgram amounts of boron are separated by passing oxygen-saturated steam over a sample mixed with vanadium oxide and copper oxide. The distillate is collected in dilute potassium hydroxide solution and determined by inductively-coupled argon-plasma spectroscopy.