Age-Associated Metabolic and Morphologic Changes in Mitochondria of Individual Mouse and Hamster Oocytes

Background: In human oocytes, as in other mammalian ova, there is a significant variation in the pregnancy potential, with approximately 20% of oocyte-sperm meetings resulting in pregnancies. This frequency of successful fertilization decreases as the oocytes age. This low proportion of fruitful couplings appears to be influenced by changes in mitochondrial structure and function. In this study, we have examined mitochondrial biogenesis in both hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and mouse (Mus musculus) ova as models for understanding the effects of aging on mitochondrial structure and energy production within the mammalian oocyte. Methodology/Principal Findings: Individual metaphase II oocytes from a total of 25 young and old mice and hamsters were collected from ovarian follicles after hormone stimulation and prepared for biochemical or structural analysis. Adenosine triphosphate levels and mitochondrial DNA number were determined within individual oocytes from young and old animals. In aged hamsters, oocyte adenosine triphosphate levels and mitochondrial DNA molecules were reduced 35.4% and 51.8%, respectively. Reductions of 38.4% and 44% in adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial genomes, respectively, were also seen in aged mouse oocytes. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis showed that aged rodent oocytes had significant alterations in mitochondrial and cytoplasmic lamellae structure. Conclusions/Significance: In both mice and hamsters, decreased adenosine triphosphate in aged oocytes is correlated with a similar decrease in mtDNA molecules and number of mitochondria. Mitochondria in mice and hamsters undergo significant morphological change with aging including mitochondrial vacuolization, cristae alterations, and changes in cytoplasmic lamellae

Taxonomy based on science is necessary for global conservation

Peer reviewe

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

IPM: Monitoring tomato fruitworm eggs in processing tomatoes

Research on egg distribution and treatment levels for the tomato fruitworm led to a set of monitoring guidelines, which were demonstrated in parts of the Sacramento Valley. Evaluation of this program documents grower adoption and an impact on insecticide use

Catheter drainage of ischiorectal abscesses

AB colon; We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 55 patients with ischiorectal abscesses treated from 1980 to 1983 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The patients were treated by placement of a 10F to 16F soft latex mushroom catheter into the abscess cavity under local anesthesia as an office procedure. The end of the catheter was shortened to leave 2 to 3 cm exiting the skin, and a bandage was applied. No sutures or irrigations were used, and the drains were removed an average of 12 days after placement. Antibiotics were not given. The patients ranged in age from 17 to 76 years (mean, 40 years) and 36% were female. Four patients had diabetes, and eight had a history of inflammatory bowel disease. Nine patients had been treated previously for anorectal abscesses. There were no complications. Adequate follow-up was obtainable in 31 patients (ten to 63 months; mean, 30 months). Eight of them (26%) were subsequently treated for fistulas found after resolution of the abscess, and an additional eight (26%) had a second abscess form during the follow-up period. The average time to this recurrence was 20 months. Catheter drainage of ischiorectal abscess in selected cases resulted in healing with low morbidity and significant cost savings

Selenium release and removal from the Red Dog Mine operation

Recent changes in the Red Dog water discharge permit reduced the allowable selenium discharge concentration to 6.0 ug/L. When these changes were introduced, the selenium concentration in the treated effluent was 9 ug/L. Over the last two years, this concentration has decreased to 4.5 ug/L. The release and subsequent selenium reactions in the mill circuit were investigated using mill and concentrator surveys. Designed flotation experiments were also carried out to determine the factors responsible for selenium release. The fate of selenium in the tailings impoundment was investigated using thermodynamic tailings pond simulations. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the long term release rates. A water and sediment sampling campaign from different areas in the tailings impoundment was conducted.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe