Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade By Propranolol Enhances Retention In A Multitrial Passive-Avoidance Procedure

The effect of beta -adrenergic receptor blockade on retention in a mildly aversive passive-avoidance procedure was investigated. Rats were given passive-avoidance training-1 trial per day for 4 days-and were administered saline, the centrally and peripherally acting beta -adrenergic blocker propranolol (4 or 10 mg/kg ip), or the peripherally acting P-adrenergic blocker sotalol (4 or 10 mg/kg ip) immediately or 2 hr after the Ist trial. Enhanced retention occurred only with the higher dose (10 mg/kg) of propranolol and only when it was administered immediately after training. The enhanced retention produced by propranolol is discussed in terms of opposing, regionally specific actions of beta -adrenergic receptor-mediated neural circuits on modulation of memory

Differences in Withdrawal Symptomatology during Short-Term Smoking Abstinence in Menthol versus Non-Menthol Female Smokers

Faculty adviser: Alicia M Allen, Ph.D., M.P.H.Menthol cigarettes are popular among smokers, but menthol smokers have been shown to have a harder time quitting smoking. More severe withdrawal symptoms in menthol cigarette smokers versus non-menthol cigarette smokers may contribute to less-successful smoking cessation outcomes among menthol smokers. The purpose of this project is to examine whether menthol cigarette smokers showed more severe withdrawal symptoms, as measured by the Minnesota Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) and the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges - Brief (QSU), than non-menthol smoking counterparts during short-term smoking abstinence.This research was supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Managing Vendor Relationships

Libraries and vendors are all too often trapped in the paradigm of swapping content and services for dollars. Pivoting from this transactional model, this preconference panel of one moderator and five speakers explored the following questions: How can librarians and vendors work together to develop better products and services? What can impede these relationships? What are best practices for collaborating effectively and ethically? How can everyone build, negotiate, and sustain these relationships for mutual benefit? And when conflict inevitably arises, how do we deal with it? This preconference featured perspectives from two vendors, three libraries, and one consortium, based in the United States. Each speaker shared stories illustrating principles and practices of good and bad relationship management. Subsequently the speakers facilitated group discussions and answered questions, including several questions that attendees shared in advance. Successfully managing relationships among libraries and vendors is vital because these relationships enable and sustain collaborations, aid negotiations, and mitigate discord

Effects of Corn Bran and Degradable Protein Source on Microbial Protein Estimated From Spot Urine Samples in Heifers

A metabolism trial was conducted in finishing heifers to determine if allantoin in spot urine samples could be a predictor of microbial CP (MCP) supply. When corn bran replaced high moisture corn, ruminal pH was higher and microbial efficiency and flow were greater. Estimated microbial efficiency and flow were not different for SBM compared to urea as a source of degradable protein. Daily variation in intake was reflected in MCP estimates. Within day variation for MCP estimates was consistent and small. Estimates of MCP from allantoin in spot urine samples followed NRC estimates. Results demonstrate that allantoin is an effective predictor of MCP flow

Effects of Corn Bran and Degradable Protein Source on Microbial Protein Estimated From Spot Urine Samples in Heifers

A metabolism trial was conducted in finishing heifers to determine if allantoin in spot urine samples could be a predictor of microbial CP (MCP) supply. When corn bran replaced high moisture corn, ruminal pH was higher and microbial efficiency and flow were greater. Estimated microbial efficiency and flow were not different for SBM compared to urea as a source of degradable protein. Daily variation in intake was reflected in MCP estimates. Within day variation for MCP estimates was consistent and small. Estimates of MCP from allantoin in spot urine samples followed NRC estimates. Results demonstrate that allantoin is an effective predictor of MCP flow

Tracking Triploid Mortalities Of Eastern Oysters Crassostrea virginica In The Virginia Portion Of The Chesapeake Bay

Since 2012, aquacultured eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica have been reported by oyster farmers to display mortality approaching 30%, and in some cases 85%, in areas of the lower Chesapeake Bay, VA. Based on accounts from industry, this mortality has typically affected 1-y-old oysters between May and early July, and has tended to occur in triploid oysters, which represent the vast bulk of production in the area. During this period, samples submitted for pathology have not revealed the presence of major pathogens as a cause. In 2015, to gain deeper insight into this mortality and determine whether specific sites, ploidy condition, or genetic lines were affected, oyster seed commercially produced in early 2014 were obtained from four lines, one diploid (2N DEBY) and three triploid (3N DEBY, 3N hANA, and 3N Northern). These lines were deployed in July 2014 at aquaculture farms at five Chesapeake Bay locations: Locklies Creek and Milford Haven on the western shore, and Pungoteague Creek, Nassawadox Creek, and Cherrystone Creek on the Eastern Shore. During this study, mortality was observed to peak in June at most sites, reaching a mean mortality across all tested lines of 17.0% and a cumulative mortality for the study period of 32.0% at Nassawadox Creek, the site most severely affected by mortality that followed the expected early summer mortality pattern. Interval mortality at all sites decreased to under 5% after June, but cumulative levels for the study period reached from 8.8% to 18.6% even at the sites least affected by mortality. This represents a high level of mortality given the documented absence of material involvement by major oyster pathogens such as Hapolosporidium nelsoni and Perkinsus marinus. Infiltration of gill tissues by hemocytes, observed in up to 33% of individuals at Nassawadox Creek coincident with the increase in mortality, was the only pathology observed. Harmful algal blooms were not associated with the mortality, nor were abnormal temperatures or salinities. There was no clear relationship of mortality to oyster genetic heritage, although there was variability in susceptibility among oyster lines and interactions between lines and specific sites. At some locations and in comparison with diploids, triploid oysters appeared to be more susceptible to mortality. Mortality in triploids was coincident with the timing of peak gametogenic development in diploids. Given the lack of involvement by major pathogens and the possible association of mortality with oyster gametogenesis, future work should seek to better understand the suite of environmental stressors potentially impacting cultured oysters in these systems and their interactions with the physiology and energetics of these animals

Social Determinants of Health in People Living with Psychiatric Disorders: The Role of Pharmacists.

INTRODUCTION: Social determinants of health (SDOH) affect outcomes of people living with psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. As experts in medication optimization, pharmacists play a vital role in identifying and addressing medication-related problems associated with SDOH. However, there is a paucity of literature on how pharmacists can be part of the solution. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review and commentary on the intersection between SDOH, medication-related outcomes in people living with psychiatric disorders, and the role of pharmacists in addressing them. METHOD: The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists appointed an expert panel to research the issue, identify barriers, and develop a framework for including pharmacists in addressing medication therapy problems associated with SDOH in people with psychiatric disorders. The panel used Healthy People 2030 as the framework and sought input from public health officials to propose solutions for their commentary. RESULTS: We identified potential connections between SDOH and their impact on medication use in people with psychiatric disorders. We provide examples of how comprehensive medication management can afford opportunities for pharmacists to mitigate medication-related problems associated with SDOH. CONCLUSION: Public health officials should be aware of the vital role that pharmacists play in addressing medication therapy problems associated with SDOH to improve health outcomes and to incorporate them in health promotion programs

Selective Role of the Catalytic PI3K Subunit p110β in Impaired Higher Order Cognition in Fragile X Syndrome

SummaryDistinct isoforms of the PI3K catalytic subunit have specialized functions in the brain, but their role in cognition is unknown. Here, we show that the catalytic subunit p110β plays an important role in prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent cognitive defects in mouse models of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), an inherited intellectual disability. FXS is caused by loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which binds and translationally represses mRNAs. PFC-selective knockdown of p110β, an FMRP target that is translationally upregulated in FXS, reverses deficits in higher cognition in Fmr1 knockout mice. Genetic full-body reduction of p110β in Fmr1 knockout mice normalizes excessive PI3K activity, restores stimulus-induced protein synthesis, and corrects increased dendritic spine density and behavior. Notably, adult-onset PFC-selective Fmr1 knockdown mice show impaired cognition, which is rescued by simultaneous p110β knockdown. Our results suggest that FMRP-mediated control of p110β is crucial for neuronal protein synthesis and cognition

Cx43 Overexpression in Osteocytes Prevents Osteocyte Apoptosis and Preserves Cortical Bone Quality in Aging Mice

Young, skeletally mature mice lacking Cx43 in osteocytes exhibit increased osteocyte apoptosis and decreased bone strength, resembling the phenotype of old mice. Further, the expression of Cx43 in bone decreases with age, suggesting a contribution of reduced Cx43 levels to the age-related changes in the skeleton. We report herein that Cx43 overexpression in osteocytes achieved by using the DMP1-8kb promoter (Cx43OT mice) attenuates the skeletal cortical but not trabecular bone phenotype of aged, 14-month-old mice. The percentage of Cx43-expressing osteocytes was higher in Cx43OT mice, whereas the percentage of Cx43-positive osteoblasts remained similar to wild-type (WT) littermate control mice. The percentage of apoptotic osteocytes and osteoblasts was increased in aged WT mice compared with skeletally mature, 6-month-old WT mice, and the percentage of apoptotic osteocytes, but not osteoblasts, was decreased in age-matched Cx43OT mice. Aged WT mice exhibited decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption as quantified by histomorphometric analysis and circulating markers compared with skeletally mature mice. Further, aged WT mice exhibited the expected decrease in bone biomechanical structural and material properties compared with young mice. Cx43 overexpression prevented the increase in osteoclasts and decrease in bone formation on the endocortical surfaces and the changes in circulating markers in the aged mice. Moreover, the ability of bone to resist damage was preserved in aged Cx43OT mice both at the structural and material level. All together, these findings suggest that increased Cx43 expression in osteocytes ameliorates age-induced cortical bone changes by preserving osteocyte viability and maintaining bone formation, leading to improved bone strength. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Prospecting in ultracool dwarfs : Measuring the metallicities of mid- and late-m dwarfs

© 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.Metallicity is a fundamental parameter that contributes to the physical characteristics of a star. The low temperatures and complex molecules present in M dwarf atmospheres make it difficult to measure their metallicities using techniques that have been commonly used for Sun-like stars. Although there has been significant progress in developing empirical methods to measure M dwarf metallicities over the last few years, these techniques have been developed primarily for early- to mid-M dwarfs. We present a method to measure the metallicity of mid- to late-M dwarfs from moderate resolution (R ∼ 2000) K-band (≃ 2.2 μm) spectra. We calibrate our formula using 44 wide binaries containing an F, G, K, or early-M primary of known metallicity and a mid- to late-M dwarf companion. We show that similar features and techniques used for early-M dwarfs are still effective for late-M dwarfs. Our revised calibration is accurate to ∼0.07 dex for M4.5-M9.5 dwarfs with -0.58 <[Fe/H] <+0.56 and shows no systematic trends with spectral type, metallicity, or the method used to determine the primary star metallicity. We show that our method gives consistent metallicities for the components of M+M wide binaries. We verify that our new formula works for unresolved binaries by combining spectra of single stars. Lastly, we show that our calibration gives consistent metallicities with the Mann et al. study for overlapping (M4-M5) stars, establishing that the two calibrations can be used in combination to determine metallicities across the entire M dwarf sequence.Peer reviewe