Big Creek and Its Fishes

This book is a brief account of Big Creek: the stream, the life, the geology, the history. We hope that it will at least stimulate your appreciation of what Big Creek was and still is. Should you desire to learn more about the topics covered here, publications that served as our sources and those that cover the material in more detail are listed at the end of the book under the titles of the sections in the text.https://scholars.fhsu.edu/fort_hays_studies_series/1075/thumbnail.jp

FRI0191 CRANIAL-LIMITED AND LARGE-VESSEL GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: PRESENTING FEATURES AND OUTCOME

Background:Giant cell arteritis (GCA) comprises two main phenotypes: cranial (C) and large-vessel (LV) disease1. A full baseline steroid-free vascular imaging evaluation is required to properly diagnose LV involvement2Objectives:To compare presenting and prognostic features of LV-GCA and C-GCA patients after an adequate vascular imaging evaluation at baselineMethods:Data from GCA patients followed-up at our Institution were retrospectively collected. Only patients who underwent large-vessel imaging (PET, CTA, MRA) at disease onset or within 1 week after steroid introduction were included. Patients with evidence of LV involvement were classified as LV-GCA. Differences between LV-GCA and C-GCA patients regarding presenting features, treatment, prognosis were evaluated. Non-parametric tests were usedResults:In our cohort, we identified 161/280 patients who underwent LV-imaging study at baseline. Of these, 100 (62.1%) had signs of LV inflammation. Table 1 compares demographic features, diagnostic delay, pre-existing comorbidities and complementary treatment between the 2 groups. Table 2 compares disease features at diagnosis. Mean follow-up was similar between LV- and C-GCA patients (31.8±31.8 vs 27.8±29.1 months; 70% vs 73.8% followed-up ≥12 months). Corrected cumulative prednisone dose (CCPD, grams/months) was equivalent (LV, 0.67±0.57; C, 0.87±1.37; p=0.871). A DMARD was added in 73% of LV- and in 55.7% of C-GCA patients (p=0.027), but, notably, it was introduced at baseline in 52% of LV- vs 23.5% of C-GCA patients (p=0.006). CCPD was equivalent even considering only patients who did not receive DMARDs (LV, 0.92±0.81; C, 0.94±1.18; p=0.522). Frequency of relapses was not significantly different (LV, 51%; C, 57.3%, p=0.515), even when considering only DMARD-receiving patients (LV, 36.1%; C, 38.2%, p=0.833). Aortic aneurysms incidence at 5 years was similar (LV, 17.3%; C, 15.7%; p=0.826). Rate of metabolic and infective complications was similar, in terms of arterial hypertension (LV, 3%; C, 0%, p=0.286), diabetes (2% vs 0%, p=0.524), osteoporotic fractures (7% vs 5%, p=0.742), severe infections (3% vs 3.3%, p=1)Table 1.Demographic features, diagnostic delay, pre-existing comorbidities, and complementary treatment at baseline in LV and C-GCA patientsLV imaging +n=100 (%)LV imaging-n=61 (%)p-valueAge (years)73.2 ± 8.976 ± 8.80.018Sex (female)65 (65)40 (65)1Diagnostic delay (months)3.5 ± 4.62.3 ± 4.90.001Pre-existing comorbidities- CAD3 (3)7 (11.5)0.043- Diabetes4 (4)6 (9.8)0.181- Dyslipidemia17 (17)17 (27.9)0.114- Hypertension42 (42)34 (55.7)0.105- Stroke3 (3)3 (5)0.674- Cancer20 (20)6 (9.8)0.122Ongoing complementary treatment- Antiplatelet18 (18)15 (25)0.322- Anticoagulant1 (1)6 (9.8)0.012- Statin14 (14)14 (23)0.198Table 2.Diseases features at onset in LV and C-GCA patientsLV imaging +n=100 (%)LV imaging-n=61 (%)p-valueTemporal biopsy positive17/31 (55)9(43)0.573Symptoms- Headache65 (65)52 (85)0.006- Jaw claudication22 (22)20 (32.8)0.142- Scalp tenderness31 (31)26 (42.6)0.174- Ocular symptoms14 (14)20 (32.8)0.006- Ischemic optic neuropathy7 (7)17 (27.9)<0.001- Stroke3 (3)0 (0)0.290- Polymyalgia rheumatica42 (42)31 (50.8)0.328- Fever44 (44)12 (19.7)0.002- Fatigue72 (72)21 (34.4)<0.001- Weight loss37 (37)7 (11.5)<0.001- Cough10 (10)1 (1.6)0.053Laboratory findings, mean- C-reactive protein, mg/L80.8 ± 60.865.7 ± 58.20.057- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate76.8 ± 3071.5 ± 270.360- Hemoglobin, g/dL11.4 ± 1.512 ± 1.60.007- Platelet count389.4 ± 116.6366.8 ± 125.20.758Conclusion:LV-GCA patients are younger and suffer of a greater diagnostic delay. Although a greater systemic inflammation seems to be a feature of LV-GCA patients, the vascular prognosis is similar to C-GCA patients, who, conversely, have a greater incidence of ocular complicationsReferences:[1]Dejaco C, et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol (2017)[2]Kermani T, et al. Rheumatology (2019)Disclosure of Interests:Alessandro Tomelleri: None declared, Corrado Campochiaro Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, GSK, SOBI, Silvia Sartorelli: None declared, Nicola Farina: None declared, Elena Baldissera Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Alpha Sigma, Sanofi, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOB

Extreme events in gross primary production: a characterization across continents

Climate extremes can affect the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, for instance via a reduction of the photosynthetic capacity or alterations of respiratory processes. Yet the dominant regional and seasonal effects of hydrometeorological extremes are still not well documented and in the focus of this paper. Specifically, we quantify and characterize the role of large spatiotemporal extreme events in gross primary production (GPP) as triggers of continental anomalies. We also investigate seasonal dynamics of extreme impacts on continental GPP anomalies. We find that the 50 largest positive extremes (i.e., statistically unusual increases in carbon uptake rates) and negative extremes (i.e., statistically unusual decreases in carbon uptake rates) on each continent can explain most of the continental variation in GPP, which is in line with previous results obtained at the global scale. We show that negative extremes are larger than positive ones and demonstrate that this asymmetry is particularly strong in South America and Europe. Our analysis indicates that the overall impacts and the spatial extents of GPP extremes are power-law distributed with exponents that vary little across continents. Moreover, we show that on all continents and for all data sets the spatial extents play a more important role for the overall impact of GPP extremes compared to the durations or maximal GPP. An analysis of possible causes across continents indicates that most negative extremes in GPP can be attributed clearly to water scarcity, whereas extreme temperatures play a secondary role. However, for Europe, South America and Oceania we also identify fire as an important driver. Our findings are consistent with remote sensing products. An independent validation against a literature survey on specific extreme events supports our results to a large extent

FRI0506 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF CANAKINUMAB IN ADULT-ONSET STILL'S DISEASE: A SINGLE-CENTER REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE

Background:The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 has a central role in the pathogenesis of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), a rare auto-inflammatory condition. Anakinra, has been for years the cornerstone of IL-1-blocking therapy in AOSD. More recently, the monoclonal antibody canakinumab, a new agent blocking IL-1, has become availableObjectives:To describe our real-life experience with CNK in a cohort of AOSD patients from a single Italian CenterMethods:AOSD patients diagnosed according to Yamaguchi's criteria followed-up at our Autoinflammatory Unit and treated with CNK for at least 3 months were included. Demographic features, disease characteristics, reasons for CNK introduction, concomitant therapies, variation in systemic steroids dose, adverse events, and response to treatment were retrospectively evaluated. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical comparisonResults:13 patients (5 women; median age 49 years, range 21-74), treated with subcutaneous CNK 4 mg/kg 4-weekly, were identified. Median disease duration before CNK introduction was 12 (6-240) months. After CNK introduction, 2 patients were followed-up for 18 months, 3 for 12 months, 6 for 6 months, 2 for 3 months. CNK was introduced as first-line biologic DMARD in 6 patients. The other 7 patients had been already treated with at least one other bDMARD, for a total of 15 treatment courses (7, anakinra, ANK; 4, tocilizumab; 4, TNF-inhibitors), with a median bDMARD therapy duration of 8 (4-178) months. Previous bDMARDs had been interrupted because of inefficacy (8 cases) or adverse events (AE, 7 cases); of the 7 ANK-treated patients, therapy interruption was due to inefficacy in 3 cases. At CNK introduction, 11 patients were on systemic steroid therapy, prednisone (PDN) equivalent dose 15 (5-80) mg, and 10 were concomitantly receiving a conventional DMARD (7, methotrexate; 2, colchicine; 1, cyclosporine-A).Graphic 1summarizes main clinical features at CNK introduction. After CNK start, a striking and rapid clinical response was observed, as demonstrated by a substantial decrease of modified Pouchot score and a normalization of acute phase reactants after only 3 months (see Table 1 for details). CNK showed also a significant steroid-sparing effect: median PDN dose was reduced to 7.5 (2.5-12.5) mg at month 3 and 5 (0-7.5) mg at month 6; PDN was stopped in 3 patients (1 at month 3, 1 at month 6, 1 at month 12) due to optimal disease control. CNK was temporarily held-off in 3 patients (zoster reactivation, 1; prostatitis, 1; mild leukopenia, 1). We observed no case of primary inefficacyTable 1.Disease activity and blood tests at canakinumab introduction and during follow-upDaily prednisone dosemgBaseline(n=13)3 months(n=13)6 months(n=11)12 months(n=5)18 months(n=2)Pouchot score15 (5-80)7.5 (2.5-12.5)5 (0-7.5)5 (0-7.5)2.5VAS pain3 (2-5)1 (0-2)0 (0-1)00Erythrocyte sedimentation ratemm/h7 (2-10)3 (1-8)2 (1-4)1 (1-2)1C-reactive proteinmg/L42 (8-120)21 (2-69)13 (2-55)14 (2-41)11Ferritinng/mL20.8 (3-180)3.1 (0.5-22.5)1.6 (0.5-8.4)1 (0.3-6.3)0.5Hemoglobing/dL379.5 (161-914)282 (82-552)215 (34-464)177 (77-401)19913.1 (9.4-15.7)13.2 (10.7-15.3)13.8 (11.5-15.5)13.9 (11.3-14.3)13.5Figure 1.Graphic 1 Main clinical features at canakinumab introductionConclusion:Our real-life data confirm that CNK is highly effective and safe in AOSD treatment and has significant steroid-sparing effects. CNK showed its efficacy both as first-line therapy and after other bDMARDs failure, also in patients who have previously failed IL-1 inhibition through ANKReferences:[1] Cavalli G, et al. Treating rheumatological diseases and co-morbidities with interleukin-1 blocking therapies. Rheumatology (2015)[2] Cavalli G, et al. Efficacy of Canakinumab as First-Line Biologic Agent in Adult-Onset Still's Disease. Arthritis Res Ther (2019)Disclosure of Interests:Alessandro Tomelleri: None declared, Corrado Campochiaro Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, GSK, SOBI, Giacomo De Luca Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Celgene, Pfizer, MSD, Nicola Farina: None declared, Elena Baldissera Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Alpha Sigma, Sanofi, Giulio Cavalli Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Pfizer, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOB

Remote sensing of ecosystem light use efficiency with MODIS-based PRI

Several studies sustained the possibility that a photochemical reflectance index (PRI) directly obtained from satellite data can be used as a proxy for ecosystem light use efficiency (LUE) in diagnostic models of gross primary productivity. This modelling approach would avoid the complications that are involved in using meteorological data as constraints for a fixed maximum LUE. However, no unifying model predicting LUE across climate zones and time based on MODIS PRI has been published to date. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness with which MODIS-based PRI can be used to estimate ecosystem light use efficiency at study sites of different plant functional types and vegetation densities. Our objective is to examine if known limitations such as dependence on viewing and illumination geometry can be overcome and a single PRI-based model of LUE (i.e. based on the same reference band) can be applied under a wide range of conditions. Furthermore, we were interested in the effect of using different faPAR (fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation) products on the in-situ LUE used as ground truth and thus on the whole evaluation exercise. We found that estimating LUE at site-level based on PRI reduces uncertainty compared to the approaches relying on a maximum LUE reduced by minimum temperature and vapour pressure deficit. Despite the advantages of using PRI to estimate LUE at site-level, we could not establish an universally applicable light use efficiency model based on MODIS PRI. Models that were optimised for a pool of data from several sites did not perform well

Armenia, Caucaso e Asia Centrale, Ricerche 2017

Questo nuovo volume della serie Eurasiatica. Quaderni di Studi su Balcani, Anatolia, Iran, Caucaso e Asia Centrale delle Edizioni Ca’ Foscari di Venezia raccoglie diversi articoli dedicati all’Armenia, al Caucaso e all’Asia Centrale. Gli articoli del volume vanno dall’archeologia alla letteratura, dal folclore alla storia, dalla storia del cristianesimo orientale all’arte, dalla narrazione di viaggio all’urbanistica. Un’intera sezione è dedicata agli studi osseti, di grande interesse non solo nell’ambito caucasico e in quello iranistico, ma anche per quel che riguarda la storia e la cultura russe

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The present paper features the publication of an unedited manuscript by the Soviet linguist E.D. Polivanov, submitted in November 1927 by its author not for publication but just as a contribu- tion to the discussion around the so-called Abkhaz Analytical Alphabet. is graphic system was devised by the academician Nikolay Yakovlevich Marr on the basis of the Latin alphabet for the representation of all Japhetic (Caucasian) languages. In the rst section of the introduction, the main characteristics of Marr\u2019s Analytical Alphabet are presented; the second section addresses the linguistic discussion that followed its introduction in Abkhazia as the o cial alphabet in 1926 and its replacement two years later by a Latin-based alphabet. e third section gives comment on some questions of Abkhaz phonetics and transcription; the fourth is devoted to textual and editorial is- sues. e edition of the Russian text is accompanied by an English translation, prepared by Grazia Giannetta (Macerata)

A quantitative study on the growth variability of tumour cell clones in vitro

Objectives: In this study, we quantify the growth variability of tumour cell clones from a human leukemia cell line. Materials and methods: We have used microplate spectrophotometry to measure the growth kinetics of hundreds of individual cell clones from the Molt3 cell line. The growth rate of each clonal population has been estimated by fitting experimental data with the logistic equation. Results: The growth rates were observed to vary among different clones. Up to six clones with a growth rate above or below the mean growth rate of the parent population were further cloned and the growth rates of their offsprings were measured. The distribution of the growth rates of the subclones did not significantly differ from that of the parent population thus suggesting that growth variability has an epigenetic origin. To explain the observed distributions of clonal growth rates we have developed a probabilistic model assuming that the fluctuations in the number of mitochondria through successive cell cycles are the leading cause of growth variability. For fitting purposes, we have estimated experimentally by flow cytometry the maximum average number of mitochondria in Molt3 cells. The model fits nicely the observed distributions of growth rates, however, cells in which the mitochondria were rendered non functional (rho-0 cells) showed only a 30% reduction in the clonal growth variability with respect to normal cells. Conclusions: A tumor cell population is a dynamic ensemble of clones with highly variable growth rate. At least part of this variability is due to fluctuations in the number of mitochondria.Comment: 31 pages, 5 figure

Classification of schizophrenia using feature-based morphometry

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