Predominance of exotic and introduced species among sturgeons captured from the Baltic and North Seas and their watersheds, 1981-1999

Sturgeon catches (n = 256) from 1981-1999 reported mainly by commercial fishermen and anglers in German, Polish, and Dutch coastal waters and tributaries were analysed. During the study period, 20 % of catches were reported from coastal waters and 65 % from rivers and estuaries of large river systems, including the Odra, Elbe, Rhine and Weser. The data indicate that, from 1981- 1993, there was a major decline in the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L., 1758, and an increase in the total catches of non-indigenous sturgeon species. The Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869, the Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeberg, 1833, and various hybrids dominated. Occasional catches of the white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836 and the sterlet Acipenser ruthenus L., 1758 were also reported. During the study period, significant changes in species composition and distribution of catches were observed. The predominance of non-indigenous sturgeon species is a result of the increasingly intensive sturgeon aquaculture activities in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. The most frequently reared species now dominate the catches. In addition to these escapees from fish farms, several intentional releases of sturgeons were reported. The results show that introduced exotic sturgeon species may thrive under certain natural conditions. Therefore, they may interfere with restoration efforts for the native A. sturio, competing for habitat and introducing diseases and hybridization.Se analizaron las capturas de esturiones (n = 256) entre 1981 y 1999 proporcionadas principalmente por pescadores profesionales y deportivos en las costas alemanas, polacas y holandesas, y en los sistemas fluviales que desembocan en ellas. En el periodo de estudio, el 20 % de las capturas correspondió a aguas litorales y el 65 % a ríos y estuarios de los grandes sistemas fluviales, incluidos los ríos Oder, Elba, Rin y Weser. Los datos indican que entre 1981 y 1993 tuvo lugar el mayor declive del esturión atlántico Acipenser sturio L., 1758 y un incremento en las capturas totales de las especies alóctonas de esturiones. Predominaron las capturas de esturión siberiano Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869, esturión ruso Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeberg, 1833 y varios híbridos. También se registraron capturas ocasionales de esturión blanco Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836 y esterlete Acipenser ruthenus L., 1758. En el periodo de estudio se observaron cambios significativos en la composición de especies y en la distribución de las capturas. El predominio de las especies alóctonas de esturiones es el resultado de las crecientes actividades en la acuicultura intensiva de esturión en Alemania, Polonia y Países Bajos. Las especies cultivadas más frecuentemente dominan ahora las capturas. Además de estas fugas de las piscifactorías, se han registrado varias sueltas intencionadas. Los resultados muestran que las especies de esturiones exóticas introducidas pueden prosperar en ciertas condiciones naturales. Por esta razón, pueden interferir en los esfuerzos de restauración de la especie autóctona A. sturio, compitiendo por el hábitat e introduciendo enfermedades e hibridación.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

Systematic review and meta-analysis appraising efficacy and safety of adrenaline for adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND: There is a beneficial effect of adrenaline during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from cardiac arrest but there is also uncertainty about its safety and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of adrenaline versus non-adrenaline CPR. METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Google Scholar databases were searched from their inception up to 1st July 2020. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference of groups were calculated using fixed or random-effect models. RESULTS: Nineteen trials were identified. The use of adrenaline during CPR was associated with a significantly higher percentage of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to non-adrenaline treatment (20.9% vs. 5.9%; RR = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.55; p < 0.001). The use of adrenaline in CPR was associated with ROSC at 19.4% and for non-adrenaline treatment - 4.3% (RR = 3.23; 95% CI 1.89-5.53; p < 0.001). Survival to discharge (or 30-day survival) when using adrenaline was 6.8% compared to non-adrenaline treatment (5.5%; RR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.76-1.30; p = 0.97). However, the use of adrenaline was associated with a worse neurological outcome (1.6% vs. 2.2%; RR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that resuscitation with adrenaline is associated with the ROSC and survival to hospital discharge, but no higher effectiveness was observed at discharge with favorable neurological outcome. The analysis showed higher effectiveness of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge in non-shockable rhythms. But more multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed in the future

Effect of ASA dose doubling versus switching to clopidogrel on plasma inflammatory markers concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes and high platelet reactivity: The AVOCADO study

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2 strategies of antiplatelet treatment (i.e., 150 mg ASA vs. 75 mg clpoidogrel) on plasma level of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 304 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy (75 mg per day) participating in the Aspirin Versus/Or Clopidogrel in Aspirin-resistant Diabetics inflammation Outcomes (AVOCADO) study. Patients with HPR defined as Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 collagene/epinephrine closure time (CEPI-CT) &lt; 193 s (n = 80) were randomized to 150 mg of ASA or 75 mg of clopidogrel in 2:3 ratio, respectively. Concentrations of the selected inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, solubleCD40 ligand (sCD40L), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), were measured and compared in both treatment groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups.Results: Out of 234 patients included into final analysis, the total of 34.2% (n = 80) patients displayed HPR, of which 14.1% (n = 33) were randomized into 150 mg of ASA group and 20.1% (n = 47) into 75 mg of clopidogrel group. Treatment with clopidogrel was a positive predictor (stepwise multiple regression analysis) of reduction of sCD40L concentration (odds ratio [OR] 4.15; p = 0.013), while treatment with 150 mg ASA was a positive predictor of reduction of IL-6 concentration (OR 4.38; p = 0.033). There was no statistically significant differences between clopidogrel and ASA 150 mg treatment in respect to predictive value for decreased hsCRP concentrations or increased TNF-α concentrations.Conclusions: Increasing the dose of ASA from 75 mg to 150 mg daily or switching ASA 75 mg to clopidogrel 75 mg daily may reduce concentrations of some inflammatory markers (in particular hsCRP, IL-6 and CD40L) in T2DM patients with HPR treated previously with 75 mg of ASA

Association of plasma concentrations of salicylic acid and high on ASA platelet reactivity in type 2 diabetes patients

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between plasmaconcentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and other minor acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) metabolitesand high on ASA platelet reactivity assessed with different methods in type 2 diabetic patients(T2DM).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 293 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy. Plateletfunction inhibition was analyzed using measurements of serum thromboxane B2 (S-TxB2),VerifyNow Aspirin and Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 assays. The concentration of ASAmetabolites in plasma was measured with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results: In logistic regression analysis both ASA dose/kg of body weight and plasma SAconcentration were found to be predictive of S-TxB2 concentrations above 0.72 ng/mL cut-offpoint (OR 16.9, 95% CI 2.29–125.8, p = 0.006 and OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.67–10.68, p &lt; 0.001,respectively). When using the VerifyNow Aspirin Assay, the concentrations of SA were signifi -cantly lower (p = 0.007) in the group with high on ASA platelet reactivity when compared withthe group with normal on ASA platelet reactivity. In logistic regression analysis plasma SAconcentration was found to be predictive of VerifyNow Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU) ≥ 550(OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.86–8.00, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: Our study suggests that disturbances of pharmacokinetic mechanisms mightcontribute to lower plasma SA levels, and subsequently incomplete inhibition of thromboxane A2synthesis as measured with S-TxB2 concentrations and increased platelet reactivity measuredwith VerifyNow in T2DM patients

‘Give courage to the ladies’: expansive apprenticeship for women in rural Malawi

Apprenticeship in developed and industrialised nations is increasingly understood as a theory of learning which connects workplace activity and formal study. The concept of ‘expansive apprenticeship’ defines frameworks for workforce development where participants acquire knowledge and skills which will help them in the future as well as in their current roles, whilst ‘restrictive’ apprenticeships limit opportunities for wider, lifelong learning. In developing nations apprenticeship is a traditional route to learning and employment, but apprenticeships in these contexts tend to reflect a restrictive approach characterized by narrowly defined roles and weak educational outcomes. This paper examines a project in Malawi which uses concepts of expansive apprenticeship to address barriers to female continuing education and chronic teacher shortages. The Malawi Access to Teaching Scholarship recruited one thousand women to follow a year-long combined programme of academic distance study and practical work experience in rural primary schools. The aim is to increase the numbers of women teachers in Malawi, especially in rural areas. The Scholarship materials and support structures are designed to move participants from restrictive to expansive contexts for learning so that Scholars develop hybrid roles as students, community workers and apprentice pedagogues. The programme’s resources and approach offer an innovative model of expansive apprenticeship in Sub Saharan Africa

The risk of neoplasm associated with dysgenetic testes in prepubertal and pubertal/adult patients

Introduction. In patients with Y-chromosome in the karyotype, partial gonadal dysgenesis and disorders of male reproductive sex organs development are usually resected in childhood because of the high risk of germ cell tumours (GCT). In patients with Y-chromosome, complete gonadal dysgenesis and female genitalia gonadectomy is performed markedly later. However, due to the relatively low number of adult patients with preserved dysgenetic gonads, the true risk of neoplasm is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of neoplasia in dysgenetic gonads of children and adults with Y-chromosome in a retrospective study. Material and methods. A review of medical documentation of 94 patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), Y-chromosome and gonadal dysgenesis (GD), aged 1.2–32 years (47 prepubertal, 1.2–10 years; 47 pubertal/adult, 13–32 years), was conducted. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were determined. Bilateral gonadectomy was performed in 73.4% of patients, and unilateral gonadectomy with biopsy of the contralateral gonad in 26.4%. All gonadal tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical evaluation with antibodies against PLAP and OCT3/4 (markers of malignant germ cells, but also foetal multipotent germ cells), while gonads of prepubertal patients were examined by c-KIT, as well. Results. Streak gonads were identified on both sides (complete GD) in 30.8%, a streak gonad on one side and an underdeveloped testis on the other (asymmetric GD) in 38.3%, and underdeveloped testicular structure on both sides (partial GD) in 30.8% of cases. Germ cell neoplasia was found in 53.2% of patients (51.1% in children, 55.3% in pubertal/adults). Invasive GCT were identified in 11.7% of cases, of which 90.9% were in pubertal/adult patients. Other neoplastic lesions included gonadoblastoma (16% prevalence) and testicular carcinoma in situ (25.5%). In younger patients FSH serum levels were increased in 81% of cases (mean 2.82 ± 2.18 IU/L), while LH in 58% (mean 1.82 ± 1.69 IU/L). Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was diagnosed in most of the pubertal/ /adult patients (mean FSH 54.2 ± 23.3 IU/L, mean LH 21.7 ± 12.1 IU/L, mean testosterone 5.5 ± 4.5 nmol/L). Conclusions. Dysgenetic gonads in patients with Y chromosome have a high risk of germ cell neoplasia (ca. 50%). If they are preserved until puberty/early adulthood, they may develop overt, invasive GCT. The gonads also have poor hormonal activity (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) in most of the pubertal/adult patients. Each of these cases must be considered individually and a decision to remove the gonad or not should be based on the comprehensive analysis of the phenotype by a multidisciplinary team of specialists in consultation with the patient and the parents. If dysgenetic gonads are not resected in childhood, these patients need careful ongoing follow-up examination, including biopsy and histopathological evaluation.

O3‐06‐01: Nih Toolbox Cognition Tablet Battery In Identification Of Early Cognitive Impairment

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/152934/1/alzjjalz2019064654.pd

The chemerin knockout rat reveals chemerin dependence in female, but not male, experimental hypertension

Measures of the adipokine chemerin are elevated in multiple cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, but little mechanistic work has been done to implicate chemerin as being causative in such diseases. The chemerin knockout (KO) rat was created to test the hypothesis that removal of chemerin would reduce pressure in the normal and hypertensive state. Western analyses confirmed loss of chemerin in the plasma and tissues of the KO vs. wild‐type (WT) rats. Chemerin concentration in plasma and tissues was lower in WT females than in WT males, as determined by Western analysis. Conscious male and female KO rats had modest differences in baseline measures vs. the WT that included systolic, diastolic, mean arterial and pulse pressures, and heart rate, all measured telemetrically. The mineralocorticoid deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and salt water, combined with uninephrectomy as a hypertensive stimulus, elevated mean and systolic blood pressures of the male KO higher than the male WT. By contrast, all pressures in the female KO were lower than their WT throughout DOCA‐salt treatment. These results revealed an unexpected sex difference in chemerin expression and the ability of chemerin to modify blood pressure in response to a hypertensive challenge.—Watts, S. W., Darios, E. S., Mullick, A. E., Garver, H., Saunders, T. L., Hughes, E. D., Filipiak, W. E., Zeidler, M. G., McMullen, N., Sinal, C. J., Kumar, R. K., Ferland, D. J., Fink, G. D. The chemerin knockout rat reveals chemerin dependence in female, but not male, experimental hypertension. FASEB J. 32, 6596–6614 (2018). www.fasebj.orgPeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154357/1/fsb2fj201800479.pd