More than just an eagle killer: The freshwater cyanobacterium produces highly toxic dolastatin derivatives.

Cyanobacteria are infamous producers of toxins. While the toxic potential of planktonic cyanobacterial blooms is well documented, the ecosystem level effects of toxigenic benthic and epiphytic cyanobacteria are an understudied threat. The freshwater epiphytic cyanobacterium has recently been shown to produce the "eagle killer" neurotoxin aetokthonotoxin (AETX) causing the fatal neurological disease vacuolar myelinopathy.

Di-N-octylphthalate acts as a proliferative agent in murine cell hepatocytes by regulating the levels of TGF-β and pro-apoptotic proteins.

Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) is a phthalate used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of polyvinyl chloride-containing medical and consumer products. A study on chronic exposure to DNOP in rodents showed the development of pre-neoplastic hepatic lesions following exposure to a tumor initiator. The objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms by which DNOP leads to pre-neoplastic hepatic lesions.

The relationship of character strengths to sexual behaviors and related risks among African American adolescents.

Background: Relatively few studies have examined positive character traits that are associated with lower HIV/STD risks.

Purpose: In the present study, the relationships of character strengths with sexual behaviors and attitudes were assessed among 383 African-American adolescents.

Method: Character strengths were measured using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths.

An extract of Hydrilla verticillata and associated epiphytes induces avian vacuolar myelinopathy in laboratory mallards.

Avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM) is a neurological disease affecting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), American coots (Fulica americana), waterfowl, and other birds in the southeastern United States. The cause of the disease is unknown, but is thought to be a naturally produced toxin. AVM is associated with aquatic macrophytes, most frequently hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), and researchers have linked the disease to an epiphytic cyanobacterial species associated with the macrophytes.

Effect of In Ovo exposure to an organochlorine mixture extracted from double crested cormorant eggs (Phalacrocorax auritus) and PCB 126 on immune function of juvenile chickens.

Organochlorine (OC) contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p, p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) have been associated with immune modulation in wild fish-eating birds from the Great Lakes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immune function of juvenile chickens after in ovo exposure to PCB 126 or an environmentally relevant OC mixture extracted from eggs of double crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) from Green Bay, Lake Michigan, USA. Fertile white leghorn chicken (Gallus domesticus) eggs were injected before incubation with 0.

Investigation of the link between avian vacuolar myelinopathy and a novel species of cyanobacteria through laboratory feeding trials.

Avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM) is a neurologic disease affecting Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), American Coots (Fulica americana), and other birds in the southeastern United States. The cause of the disease has not yet been determined, although it is generally thought to be a natural toxin. Previous studies have linked AVM to aquatic vegetation, and the current working hypothesis is that a species of cyanobacteria growing epiphytically on that vegetation is producing a toxin that causes AVM.

Concentrations of p,p'-DDE in plasma of nestling Wood Storks from Georgia.

We determined the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and total PCBs in plasma of nestling Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) from two colonies in Georgia in 2000. Of 20 compounds analyzed for, only p,p'-DDE was quantified in reportable concentrations, ranging from <2.0-174.

Activity patterns of biotransformation enzymes in juvenile chickens after in ovo dosage of PCB126.

Little is known about the correlations between biotransformation enzymes in juvenile birds after exposure to environmental toxicants like PCBs. In this study eggs of domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus) were dosed with PCB126 in concentrations of 0.175-0.

Avian vacuolar myelinopathy linked to exotic aquatic plants and a novel cyanobacterial species.

Invasions of exotic species have created environmental havoc through competition and displacement of native plants and animals. The introduction of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) into the United States in the 1960s has been detrimental to navigation, power generation, water intake, and water quality (McCann et al., 1996).

Psychosocial impacts of a camping experience for children with cancer and their siblings.

Background: We conducted a prospective two-group evaluation of pediatric cancer patients and their siblings regarding experiences and affective changes resulting from a 1-week summer camp experience.

Methods: The patients and siblings were assessed prior to camp (Baseline), at the end of camp (Follow-up 1), and again 4-6 months later (Follow-up 2). Assessments included standardized tests for depressive affects, social competency, and a measure of pleasure and participation in camp activities.

Parents' perceptions of randomization in pediatric clinical trials. Children Cancer Group.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate parents' knowledge and perceptions about randomization in clinical trials for children with cancer, and to determine whether parents' decisions were influenced by demographic factors, randomization circumstances, the clinical characteristics of the child with cancer, or a combination.

Materials And Methods: This study collected information from 192 parents of patients with various forms of childhood cancer who either accepted or refused randomization. A comparative case-control design was used.

Unrelated donor bone marrow transplants in children.

Only a small proportion of children who might benefit from bone marrow transplant (BMT) have an HLA-identical sibling. To provide this potentially curative therapy to patients without a matched related donor, marrow transplants using less well matched related donors or unrelated donors (identified through computerized donor registries) have been performed. We report the outcome of 24 consecutive unrelated donor BMT's performed on children.

Survival outcome among 54 intubated pediatric bone marrow transplant patients.

Objectives: To assess the outcome of children who required endotracheal intubation after bone marrow transplantation and to determine whether prognostic indicators that might assist decision-making regarding the institution of mechanical ventilation could be identified.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Critical care, reverse isolation unit at a university hospital.