Long-term study of the impact of methotrexate on serum cytokines and lymphocyte subsets in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with pharmacokinetic measures

Objective To describe changes in immune parameters observed during long-term methotrexate (MTX) therapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore correlations with simultaneously measured MTX pharmacokinetic (PKC) parameters. Design Prospective, open-label, long-term mechanism of action study. Setting University clinic. Methods MTX was initiated at a single weekly oral dose of 7.5 mg and dose adjusted for efficacy and toxicity for the duration of the study. Standard measures of disease activity were performed at baseline and every 6–36 months. Serum cytokine measurements in blood together with lymphocyte surface immunophenotypes and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production were assessed at each clinical evaluation. Results Cytokine concentrations exhibited multiple significant correlations with disease activity measures over time. The strongest correlations observed were for interleukin (IL)-6 (r=0.45, p<0.0001 for swollen joints and r=0.32, p=0.002 for tender joints) and IL-8 (r=0.25, p=0.01 for swollen joints). Significant decreases from baseline were observed in serum IL-1B, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations. The most significant changes were observed for IL-6 (p<0.001). Significant increases from baseline were observed in IL-2 release from PBMCs ex vivo (p<0.01). In parallel, multiple statistically significant correlations were observed between MTX PKC measures and immune parameters. The change in swollen joint count correlated inversely with the change in area under the curve (AUC) for MTX (r=−0.63, p=0.007). Conclusions MTX therapy of patients with RA is accompanied by a variety of changes in serum cytokine expression, which in turn correlate strongly with clinical disease activity and MTX pharmacokinetics (PKCs). These data strongly support the notion that MTX mediates profound and functionally relevant effects on the immunological hierarchy in the RA lesion

HST Images and Spectra of the Remnant of SN 1885 in M31

Near UV HST images of the remnant of SN 1885 (S And) in M31 show a 0"70 +- 0"05 diameter absorption disk silhouetted against M31's central bulge, at SN 1885's historically reported position. The disk's size corresponds to a linear diameter of 2.5 +- 0.4 pc at a distance of 725 +- 70 kpc, implying an average expansion velocity of 11000 +- 2000 km/s over 110 years. Low-dispersion FOS spectra over 3200-4800 A; reveal that the absorption arises principally from Ca II H & K (equivalent width ~215 A;) with weaker absorption features of Ca I 4227 A; and Fe I 3720 A;. The flux at Ca II line center indicates a foreground starlight fraction of 0.21, which places SNR 1885 some 64 pc to the near side of the midpoint of the M31 bulge, comparable to its projected 55 pc distance from the nucleus. The absorption line profiles suggest an approximately spherically symmetric, bell-shaped density distribution of supernova ejecta freely expanding at up to 13100 +- 1500 km/s. We estimate Ca I, Ca II, and Fe I masses of 2.9(+2.4,-0.6) x 10^-4 M_o, 0.005(+0.016,-0.002) M_o, and 0.013(+0.010,-0.005) M_o respectively. If the ionization state of iron is similar to the observed ionization state of calcium, M_CaII/M_CaI = 16(+42,-5), then the mass of Fe II is 0.21(+0.74,-0.08) M_o, consistent with that expected for either normal or subluminous SN Ia.Comment: 8 pages, including 4 embedded EPS figures, emulateapj.sty style file. Color image at http://casa.colorado.edu/~mcl/sand.shtml . Submitted to Ap

Magnetic Hole Formation from the Perspective of Inverse Scattering Theory

The dynamics of oblique, weakly dispersive nonlinear Alfven waves in the presence of weak resistive damping are investigated numerically through an extension of the derivative nonlinear Schrodinger (DNLS) equation. It is observed numerically that the nonlinear dynamics are organized around the dynamics and allowed interactions of the underlying DNLS soliton families. There are three types of oblique Alfven solitons: the compressive two-parameter soliton and one-parameter bright soliton along with the rare factive one-parameter dark soliton. The damping of either of these compressive solitons is accompanied by the formation of one or more dark solitons. The implication of these processes is that any initial wave profile containing solitons in its Inverse Scattering Transformation representation, in the presence of weak resistive damping, will result in a leading train of dark solitons. These dark soliton shave been identified with magnetic holes, and the results described above are discussed in the context of magnetic hole observations and theory

Evaluation of Plant- waxes to Estimate Forage Intake in Grazing Cattle

Although key to the efficiency of a cattle operation, feed intake is challenging to evaluate in a grazing setting. However, even within forage- based systems, plant- wax markers may be used to predict dietary choices and feed intake. Plant- waxes are a complex mixture of lipids found on the surface of plants. When sufficiently unique among plants, the composition of diets can be determined from the pattern of these compounds in the forages ingested. These markers were used to delineate the parts of the corn plant and, separately, 8 western rangeland grasses and legumes. Using plant waxes, the components of the corn plant were clearly distinguished. Th is technique therefore could be useful in a monoculture, such as a corn residue field, to determine the plant parts predominating in the diet. Delineating plants in a complex sward was more difficult, particularly among like species. Th e use of more markers may help to more explicitly distinguish plants within diverse pastures, such as western rangelands

2018 Convocation

Welcome: Katie Berger, Executive Director of Student Affairs Pledge of Allegiance: Srivinay Tummarakota \u2719, Student Council President Opening Remarks: José M. Torres, Ph.D., President Opening Remarks: Robert Hernandez, Ph.D., Principal Featured Musical Selection: Luke Musgrave, Class of 2015 Keynote Address: Kiyomi Hamilton, Class of 2000, General Operations Manager at McMaster-Carr Closing Remarks: Robert Hernandez, Ph.D., Principa

North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium 2019 Annual Report Card

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) remains one of the most endangered large whales in the world. Over the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in addressing the problems hampering the recovery of North Atlantic right whales by using innovative research techniques, new technologies, analyses of existing databases, and enhanced conservation and education strategies. This increased interest demanded better coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that there was improved access to data, research efforts were not duplicative, and that findings were shared with all interested parties. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, initially formed in 1986 by five research institutions to share data among themselves, was expanded in 1997 to address these greater needs. Currently, the Consortium membership is comprised of representatives from more than 100 entities including: research, academic, and conservation organizations; shipping and fishing industries; whale watching companies; technical experts; United States (U.S.) and Canadian Government agencies; and state authorities. North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium members agreed in 2004 that an annual “report card” on the status of right whales would be useful. This report card includes updates on the status of the cataloged population, mortalities and injury events, and a summary of management and research efforts that have occurred over the previous 12 months. The Board’s goal is to make public a summary of current research and management activities, as well as provide detailed recommendations for future activities. The Board views this report as a valuable asset in assessing the effects of research and management over time.Island Foundation; Conference Fee

North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium 2018 Annual Report Card

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) remains one of the most endangered large whales in the world. Over the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in addressing the problems hampering the recovery of North Atlantic right whales by using innovative research techniques, new technologies, analyses of existing databases, and enhanced conservation and education strategies. This increased interest demanded better coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that there was improved access to data, research efforts were not duplicative, and that findings were shared with all interested parties. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, initially formed in 1986 by five research institutions to share data among themselves, was expanded in 1997 to address these greater needs. Currently, the Consortium membership is comprised of representatives from more than 100 entities including: research, academic, and conservation organizations; shipping and fishing industries; whale watching companies; technical experts; United States (U.S.) and Canadian Government agencies; and state authorities. North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium members agreed in 2004 that an annual “report card” on the status of right whales would be useful. This report card includes updates on the status of the cataloged population, mortalities and injury events, and a summary of management and research efforts that have occurred over the previous 12 months. The Board’s goal is to make public a summary of current research and management activities, as well as provide detailed recommendations for future activities. The Board views this report as a valuable asset in assessing the effects of research and management over time.Island Foundation; Conference Fee

North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium 2017 Annual Report Card Amended

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) remains one of the most endangered large whales in the world. Over the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in addressing the problems hampering the recovery of North Atlantic right whales by using innovative research techniques, new technologies, analyses of existing databases, and enhanced conservation and education strategies. This increased interest demanded better coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that there was improved access to data, research efforts were not duplicative, and that findings were shared with all interested parties. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, initially formed in 1986 by five research institutions to share data among themselves, was expanded in 1997 to address these greater needs. Currently, the Consortium membership is comprised of representatives from more than 100 entities including: research, academic, and conservation organizations; shipping and fishing industries; whale watching companies; technical experts; United States (U.S.) and Canadian Government agencies; and state authorities. North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium members agreed in 2004 that an annual “report card” on the status of right whales would be useful. This report card includes updates on the status of the cataloged population, mortalities and injury events, and a summary of management and research efforts that have occurred over the previous 12 months. The Board’s goal is to make public a summary of current research and management activities, as well as provide detailed recommendations for future activities. The Board views this report as a valuable asset in assessing the effects of research and management over time.Island Foundation; Conference Fee

North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium 2020 Annual Report Card

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) remains one of the most endangered large whales in the world. Over the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in addressing the problems hampering the recovery of North Atlantic right whales by using innovative research techniques, new technologies, analyses of existing databases, and enhanced conservation and education strategies. This increased interest demanded better coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that there was improved access to data, research efforts were not duplicative, and that findings were shared with all interested parties. The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, initially formed in 1986 by five research institutions to share data among themselves, was expanded in 1997 to address these greater needs. Currently, the Consortium membership is comprised of representatives from more than 100 entities including: research, academic, and conservation organizations; shipping and fishing industries; whale watching companies; technical experts; United States (U.S.) and Canadian Government agencies; and state authorities. North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium members agreed in 2004 that an annual “report card” on the status of right whales would be useful. This report card includes updates on the status of the cataloged population, mortalities and injury events, and a summary of management and research efforts that have occurred over the previous 12 months. The Board’s goal is to make public a summary of current research and management activities, as well as provide detailed recommendations for future activities. The Board views this report as a valuable asset in assessing the effects of research and management over time.Island Foundation; Conference Fee