Pesticide Use and Pest Management Practices for Major Crops in North Dakota - 2000

ER-79. This report summarizes the information on pesticide use as reported by the farmers surveyed. The data do not imply endorsement of any particular product or practice. Also, some responses may have misreported use of pesticides due to similar sounding chemical or trade names. In some cases, pesticides are approved for use before planting or after harvest, but not to a crop. The mention of an unregistered pesticide applied to a crop does not imply applications are legal or advocated by the authors. It is of the utmost importance that pesticide users READ, UNDERSTAND, and FOLLOW all label directions and precautions

Präoperative Nüchternzeiten: Sicht der Patienten

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Mit dem Ziel der subjektiven perioperativen Qualitätsverbesserung scheint es wünschenswert, die präoperativen Nüchternzeiten im Rahmen der als sicher geltenden Grenzen so kurz als möglich zu halten. Diese Maßnahmen sollten mit einer messbaren Verminderung von präoperativem Hunger und Durst einhergehen und v.a. in einer Verbesserung der präoperativen Befindlichkeit resultieren. Welchen Einfluss Durst und Hunger aus Patientensicht auf den präoperativen Komfort haben, ist jedoch weit gehend unbekannt. Ziel dieser Studie war es, das Ausmaß der Beeinträchtigung der Patienten durch eine traditionelle Nüchternheitsregelung abzuschätzen. Patienten und Methoden: Ein Kollektiv von 412Patienten der "American-Society-of-Anesthesiologists"- (ASA-)RisikoklassenI und II, das sich einem kleineren chirurgischen Eingriff unterzog, wurde mithilfe eines Fragebogens zum Ausmaß und Stellenwert von präoperativem Durst und Hunger befragt. Ergebnisse: Es hatten 33% der Patienten mäßigen oder starken Durst, 19% mäßigen bis starken Hunger. Von den Befragten möchten 47% vor der Operation noch trinken, 72% hätten gern noch ein leichtes Frühstück eingenommen. Die mittlere Nüchternzeit war 12,8±3,4h für Flüssigkeiten und 15,5±4,4h für Essen. Durst wurde von 3,3% und Hunger von 0,8% der Patienten als Hauptgrund für die Beeinträchtigung des präoperativen Wohlbefindens genannt. Das lange Warten (8,5%), Nervosität (6,5%) und Angst (4,8%) wurden am häufigsten genannt. Die Antworten waren unabhängig von der Zeitdauer der präoperativen Nüchternheit. Schlussfolgerung: Der Patientenkomfort ist durch eine traditionelle Nüchternheitsregelung beeinträchtigt, und Minimierung der präoperativen Nüchternzeiten wird von den Patienten gewünscht. Anstrengungen mit dem Ziel der Reduktion von präoperativer Angst und Nervosität bergen jedoch zusätzliches großes Potenzial für eine Steigerung der perioperativen Behandlungsqualität aus Sicht der Patiente

Volumetric preload measurement by thermodilution: a comparison with transoesophageal echocardiography

Background. End-diastolic volume indices determined by transpulmonary thermodilution and pulmonary artery thermodilution may give a better estimate of left ventricular preload than pulmonary capillary wedge pressure monitoring. The aim of this study was to compare volume preload monitoring using the two different thermodilution techniques with left ventricular preload assessment by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Methods. Twenty patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with preserved left-right ventricular function were studied after induction of anaesthesia. Conventional haemodynamic variables, global end-diastolic volume index using the pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO) system (GEDVIPiCCO), continuous end-diastolic volume index (CEDVIPAC) measured by a modified pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), left ventricular end-diastolic area index (LVEDAI) using TOE and stroke volume indices (SVI) were recorded before and 20 and 40 min after fluid replacement therapy. Analysis of variance (Bonferroni-Dunn), Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression were performed. Results. GEDVIPiCCO, CEDVIPAC, LVEDAI and SVIPiCCO/PAC increased significantly after fluid load (P10% for GEDVIPiCCO and LVEDAI was observed in 85% and 90% of the patients compared with 45% for CEDVIPAC. Mean bias (2 sd) between percentage changes (Δ) in GEDVIPiCCO and ΔLVEDAI was −3.2 (17.6)% and between ΔCEDVIPAC and ΔLVEDAI −8.7 (30.0)%. The correlation coefficient (r2) for ΔGEDVIPiCCO vs ΔLVEDAI was 0.658 and for ΔCEDVIPAC vs ΔLVEDAI 0.161. The relationship between ΔGEDVIPiCCO and ΔSVIPiCCO was stronger (r2=0.576) than that between ΔCEDVIPAC and ΔSVIPAC (r2=0.267). Conclusion. GEDVI assessed by the PiCCO system gives a better reflection of echocardiographic changes in left ventricular preload, in response to fluid replacement therapy, than CEDVI measured by a modified PA

Preconditioning with sevoflurane decreases PECAM-1 expression and improves one-year cardiovascular outcome in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background. Cardiac preconditioning is thought to be involved in the observed decreased coronary artery reocclusion rate in patients with angina preceding myocardial infarction. We prospectively examined whether preconditioning by sevoflurane would decrease late cardiac events in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods. Seventy-two patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery were randomized to preconditioning by sevoflurane (10 min at 4 vol%) or placebo. For all patients, follow-up of adverse cardiac events was obtained 6 and 12 months after surgery. Transcript levels for platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31), catalase and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) were determined in atrial biopsies after sevoflurane preconditioning. Results. Pharmacological preconditioning by sevoflurane reduced the incidence of late cardiac events during the first year after CABG surgery (sevoflurane 3% vs 17% in the placebo group, log-rank test, P=0.038). One patient in the sevoflurane group and three patients in the placebo group experienced new episodes of congestive heart failure and three additional patients had coronary artery reocclusion. Perioperative peak concentrations for myocardial injury markers were higher in patients with subsequent late cardiac events [NTproBNP, 9031 (4125) vs 3049 (1906) ng litre−1, P<0.001; cTnT, 1.31 (0.88) vs 0.46 (0.29) µg litre−1, P<0.001]. Transcript levels were reduced for PECAM-1 and increased for catalase but unchanged for Hsp70 in atrial biopsies after sevoflurane preconditioning. Conclusions. This prospective randomized clinical study provides evidence of a protective role for pharmacological preconditioning by sevoflurane in late cardiac events in CABG patients, which may be related to favourable transcriptional changes in pro- and antiprotective protein

Glial βii spectrin contributes to paranode formation and maintenance

Action potential conduction along myelinated axons depends on high densities of voltage-gated Na channels at the nodes of Ranvier. Flanking each node, paranodal junctions (paranodes) are formed between axons and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or oligodendrocytes intheCNS. Paranodal junctions contribute to both no deassembly and maintenance. Despitetheir importance, the molecular mechanisms responsible for paranode assembly and maintenance remain poorly understood. βII spectrin is expressed in diverse cells and is an essential part of the submembranous cytoskeleton. Here, we show that Schwann cell βII spectrin is highly enriched at paranodes. To elucidate the roles of glial βII spectrin, we generated mutant mice lacking βII spectrin in myelinating glial cells by crossing mice with a floxed allele of Sptbn1 with Cnp-Cre mice, and analyzed both male and female mice. Juvenile (4 weeks) and middle-aged (60 weeks) mutant mice showed reduced grip strength and sciatic nerve conduction slowing, whereas no phenotype was observed between 8 and 24 weeks of age. Consistent with these findings, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed disorganized paranodes in the PNS and CNS of both postnatal day 13 and middle-aged mutant mice, but not in young adult mutant mice. Electron microscopy confirmed partial loss of transverse bands at the paranodal axoglial junction in the middle-aged mutant mice in both the PNS and CNS. These findings demonstrate that a spectrin-based cytoskeleton in myelinating glia contributes to formation and maintenance of paranodal junctions.Fil: Susuki, Keiichiro. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Zollinger, Daniel R.. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Chang, Kae Jiun. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Zhang, Chuansheng. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Huang, Claire Yu Mei. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Tsai, Chang Ru. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Galiano, Mauricio Raul. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; Argentina. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Liu, Yanhong. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Benusa, Savannah D.. Virginia Commonwealth University; Estados UnidosFil: Yermakov, Leonid M.. Wright State University; Estados UnidosFil: Griggs, Ryan B.. Wright State University; Estados UnidosFil: Dupree, Jeffrey L.. Virginia Commonwealth University; Estados UnidosFil: Rasband, Matthew N.. Baylor College of Medicine; Estados Unido

Effect of soluble complement receptor type 1 on reperfusion edema and neutrophil migration after lung allotransplantation in swine

AbstractObjective: Soluble complement receptor type 1 inhibits complement activation by blocking C3 and C5 convertases of the classical and alternative pathways. We evaluated the effect of soluble complement receptor type 1 on lung allograft reperfusion injury. Methods: Left lung transplantation was performed in 13 weight-matched pigs (25 to 31 kg) after prolonged preservation (20 hours at 1° C). One hour after reperfusion the recipient contralateral right lung was excluded to assess graft function only. Complement activity and C3a levels were measured after reperfusion and at the end of the assessment. Extravascular lung water index, intrathoracic blood volume, and cardiac output were assessed during a 5-hour observation period. Gas exchange and hemodynamics were monitored. At the end of the 5-hour assessment period, myeloperoxidase assay and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed to assess neutrophil migration, and C5b-9 (membrane attack complex) deposits in the allograft were detected by immunohistochemistry. Two groups were studied. In group II (n = 6) recipient animals were treated with soluble complement receptor type 1 (15 mg/kg) 15 minutes before reperfusion. Group I (n = 7) served as the control group. Results: Serum complement activity was completely inhibited in group II. In contrast to group I, C5b-9 complexes were not detected in group II allograft tissue samples. C3a was reduced to normal levels in group II (p = 0.00005). Extravascular lung water index was higher in group I animals throughout the assessment period (p = 0.035). No significant difference in allograft myeloperoxidase activity (p = 0.10) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (p = 0.057) was detected. Conclusion: Inhibition of the complement system by soluble complement receptor type 1 blocks local complement activation in the allograft and reduces posttransplantation reperfusion edema but does not improve hemodynamic parameters. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;116:90-7

Volumetric preload measurement by thermodilution: a comparison with transoesophageal echocardiography

Background. End-diastolic volume indices determined by transpulmonary thermodilution and pulmonary artery thermodilution may give a better estimate of left ventricular preload than pulmonary capillary wedge pressure monitoring. The aim of this study was to compare volume preload monitoring using the two different thermodilution techniques with left ventricular preload assessment by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Methods. Twenty patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with preserved left-right ventricular function were studied after induction of anaesthesia. Conventional haemodynamic variables, global end-diastolic volume index using the pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO) system (GEDVIPiCCO), continuous end-diastolic volume index (CEDVIPAC) measured by a modified pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), left ventricular end-diastolic area index (LVEDAI) using TOE and stroke volume indices (SVI) were recorded before and 20 and 40 min after fluid replacement therapy. Analysis of variance (Bonferroni-Dunn), Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression were performed. Results. GEDVIPiCCO, CEDVIPAC, LVEDAI and SVIPiCCO/PAC increased significantly after fluid load (P10% for GEDVIPiCCO and LVEDAI was observed in 85% and 90% of the patients compared with 45% for CEDVIPAC. Mean bias (2 sd) between percentage changes (Δ) in GEDVIPiCCO and ΔLVEDAI was −3.2 (17.6)% and between ΔCEDVIPAC and ΔLVEDAI −8.7 (30.0)%. The correlation coefficient (r2) for ΔGEDVIPiCCO vs ΔLVEDAI was 0.658 and for ΔCEDVIPAC vs ΔLVEDAI 0.161. The relationship between ΔGEDVIPiCCO and ΔSVIPiCCO was stronger (r2=0.576) than that between ΔCEDVIPAC and ΔSVIPAC (r2=0.267). Conclusion. GEDVI assessed by the PiCCO system gives a better reflection of echocardiographic changes in left ventricular preload, in response to fluid replacement therapy, than CEDVI measured by a modified PA

GIFTS EDU Ground-based Measurement Experiment

Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) Engineering Demonstration Unit (EDU) is an imaging infrared spectrometer designed for atmospheric soundings. The EDU groundbased measurement experiment was held in Logan, Utah during September 2006 to demonstrate its extensive capabilities for geosynchronous and other applications

Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS): Imaging and Tracking Capability

The geosynchronous-imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (GIFTS) engineering demonstration unit (EDU) is an imaging infrared spectrometer designed for atmospheric soundings. It measures the infrared spectrum in two spectral bands (14.6 to 8.8 microns, 6.0 to 4.4 microns) using two 128 128 detector arrays with a spectral resolution of 0.57/cm with a scan duration of approx. 11 seconds. From a geosynchronous orbit, the instrument will have the capability of taking successive measurements of such data to scan desired regions of the globe, from which atmospheric status, cloud parameters, wind field profiles, and other derived products can be retrieved. The GIFTS EDU provides a flexible and accurate testbed for the new challenges of the emerging hyperspectral era. The EDU ground-based measurement experiment, held in Logan, Utah during September 2006, demonstrated its extensive capabilities and potential for geosynchronous and other applications (e.g., Earth observing environmental measurements). This paper addresses the experiment objectives and overall performance of the sensor system with a focus on the GIFTS EDU imaging capability and proof of the GIFTS measurement concept

Biocatalyzed C-C bond formation for the production of alkaloids

Traditional methods of chemical synthesis of alkaloids exhibit various problems such as lack of enantioselectivity, the use of toxic chemical and intermediates, and multiple numbers of synthetic steps. Consequently, various enzymatic methods for the formation of C-C bonds in the alkaloid skeleton have been developed. Herein, we report advances achieved in the enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic synthesis of pharmaceutically important alkaloids that employ three C-C bond forming enzymes: two Pictet-Spenglerases and the oxidative C-C bond forming flavoenzyme Berberine Bridge Enzyme. Protein engineering studies, improving the substrate scope of these enzymes, and thereby leading to the synthesis of non-natural alkaloids possessing higher or newer pharmacological activities, are also discussed. Furthermore, the integration of these biocatalysts with other enzymes, in multi-enzymatic cascades for the enantioselective synthesis of alkaloids, is also reviewed. Current results suggest that these enzymes hold great promise for the generation of C-C bonds in the selective synthesis of alkaloid compounds possessing diverse pharmacological properties