Washington Water Rights Based on Actual Use or on Delivery System Capacity? \u3cem\u3eDepartment of Ecology v. Theodoratus\u3c/em\u3e

This Note argues that the court\u27s holding in Theodoratus, that vested water rights must be based on prior appropriation by actual beneficial use, is correct for three reasons. First, it comports with common law water rights, the foundation of Washington\u27s water rights codes. Second, it is consistent with the language and the intent of Washington\u27s water rights codes. Third, prior beneficial use, compared to system capacity, more closely addresses contemporary water management concerns. This Note acknowledges the shortcomings of the prior beneficial use doctrine under common law and as codified, and presents further steps that Washington\u27s courts and legislature should take to refine the doctrine to achieve the goal of a truly efficient use of scarce water resources. Unfortunately, the Theodoratus court failed to fully present the modern water rights policy concerns behind its decision. Therefore, the court failed to describe a clear policy foundation for the further development of water rights laws

Washington Water Rights Based on Actual Use or on Delivery System Capacity? \u3cem\u3eDepartment of Ecology v. Theodoratus\u3c/em\u3e

This Note argues that the court\u27s holding in Theodoratus, that vested water rights must be based on prior appropriation by actual beneficial use, is correct for three reasons. First, it comports with common law water rights, the foundation of Washington\u27s water rights codes. Second, it is consistent with the language and the intent of Washington\u27s water rights codes. Third, prior beneficial use, compared to system capacity, more closely addresses contemporary water management concerns. This Note acknowledges the shortcomings of the prior beneficial use doctrine under common law and as codified, and presents further steps that Washington\u27s courts and legislature should take to refine the doctrine to achieve the goal of a truly efficient use of scarce water resources. Unfortunately, the Theodoratus court failed to fully present the modern water rights policy concerns behind its decision. Therefore, the court failed to describe a clear policy foundation for the further development of water rights laws

Comparison of the EPIC Physical Activity Questionnaire with combined heart rate and movement sensing in a nationally representative sample of older British adults

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Genetic Inactivation of ANGPTL4 Improves Glucose Homeostasis and Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is an endogenous inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase that modulates lipid levels, coronary atherosclerosis risk, and nutrient partitioning. We hypothesize that loss of ANGPTL4 function might improve glucose homeostasis and decrease risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigate protein-altering variants in ANGPTL4 among 58,124 participants in the DiscovEHR human genetics study, with follow-up studies in 82,766 T2D cases and 498,761 controls. Carriers of p.E40K, a variant that abolishes ANGPTL4’s ability to inhibit lipoprotein lipase, have lower odds of T2D (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.85-0.92, p=6.3x10-10), lower fasting glucose, and greater insulin sensitivity. Predicted loss-of-function variants are associated with lower odds of T2D among 32,015 cases and 84,006 controls (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.49-0.99, p=0.041). Functional studies in Angptl4-deficient mice confirm improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, genetic inactivation of ANGPTL4 is associated with improved glucose homeostasis and reduced risk of T2D

Effect of one session of mirror therapy on phantom limb pain and recognition of limb laterality in military traumatic lower limb amputees: a pilot study

Up to 70 % of military amputees suffer phantom limb pain (PLP), which is difficult to treat. PLP has been attributed to cortical reorganisation and associated with impaired laterality. Repeated sessions of mirror therapy (MT) can benefit PLP; however, anecdotal evidence suggests one MT session could be effective. In a one-group pretest and post-test design, 16 UK military unilateral lower limb amputees (median age: 31.0, 95% CI 25.0 to 36.8 years) undertook one 10  min MT session. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and laterality (accuracy and reaction time) measurements were taken pre-MT and post-MT. Median VAS PLP did not differ significantly between pre-MT 15 mm (2–53 mm) and post-MT 12 mm (1–31) (p=0.875) scores. For the amputated limb, there were no significant differences between pre-MT and post-MT scores for laterality accuracy, 95.3%, 95% CI 90.5% to 97.6% and 96.7%, 95% CI 90.0% to 99.4%, respectively (p=0.778), or reaction time, 1.42 s, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.11  s and 1.42 s, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.02  s, respectively (p=0.629). Laterality was also not different between limbs for accuracy, p=0.484,  or reaction time, p=0.716, and did not correlate with PLP severity. No confounding variables predicted individual responses to MT. Therefore, one 10  min MT session does not affect laterality and is not effective as standard treatment for PLP in military lower limb amputees. However, substantial PLP improvement for one individual and resolution of a stuck phantom limb for another infers that MT may benefit specific patients. No correlation found between PLP and laterality implies associated cortical reorganisation may not be the main driver for PLP. Further research, including neuroimaging, is needed to help clinicians effectively target PLP

Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems Dominated by Deep-Water Corals and Sponges in the NAFO Convention Area

Many species of deep-water corals and sponges are important structure forming species in deep-sea environments, however not all coral and sponges meet the criteria associated with vulnerability. Here we review the taxa living within the NAFO regulatory area (NRA) and provide literature supporting their consideration as components of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). For the sponges, we present the first map of their location in the NRA, as determined from fisheries bycatch information

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin-Polymyxin B Combinations against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Associated with Traumatic Wound Infections

Bacterial infections resulting from nonsurgical traumatic wounds can be life threatening, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria with limited therapeutic options. The antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B (1) and curcumin (2) alone and in combination was determined versus MDR bacterial isolates associated with traumatic wound infections. Cytotoxicity assays for 1 and 2 were undertaken in keratinocyte cell lines. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 were significantly reduced in the presence of 2 (3- to 10-fold reduction), with synergy observed. Time− kill assays showed the combinations produced bactericidal activity. Cytotoxicity assays indicate the toxicity of 2 was reduced in the presence of 1

New data on deep-water corals and sponges from Spanish/EU and Canadian bottom trawl groundfish surveys in the NAFO Regulatory Area (Divs. 3LMNO): 2008-2010 period

SC WG ON THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO FISHERIES MANAGEMENTNew data on deep-water corals and sponges are presented based on Spanish/EU and Canadian bottom trawl groundfish surveys for the period 2008-2010 in order to make these data available to the NAFO WGEAFM and improve the mapping of sensitive species in the NAFO Regulatory area (Divs. 3LMNO). “Significant” catches (according to the NAFO definition from groundfish surveys) of deep-water corals and sponges are provided and mapped together with the areas closed in 2010. Most of the significant catches of sponges (88%) are inside of the closed areas, meanwhile for corals the results are different according to the group considered. For large gorgonians the 40% are inside, for small gorgonians the 25% and for sea pens all the significant catches recorded are outside of the closed areas

New VME indicator species (excluding corals and sponges) and some potential VME elements of the NAFO Regulatory Area

A review of over 500 taxa known to occur in the NRA revealed three additional faunal groups (additional to NAFO 2008a) that meet the criteria for a VME indicator based on traits related to functional significance, fragility, and the life-history traits of component species that produce a slow recovery to disturbance. These are crinoids, erect bryozoans and large sea squirts. For each group it is the dense aggregations (beds/fields) that are considered to be VME in order to establish functional significance. Although each group is present in the NRA, data to date have not revealed any concentrations of note with the exception of one catch of the stalked tunicate Boltenia ovifera (large sea squirt). Black corals were considered to be VME indicators by NAFO based on what was then known of their distribution. These were included based on the uniqueness/rarity criterion of habitats of rare, threatened or endangered species that occur only in discrete areas, however evaluation of their distribution using trawl survey, rock dredge and underwater video has indicated that they have widespread occurrence at low densities in the NRA and along the continental slopes off Labrador. However, because they are thought to be extremely long-lived and therefore ‘iconic’ if not rare, we have identified where the highest frequency of occurrence is for this taxon. Lastly, based on NEREIDA multibeam bathymetry we have identified more canyon heads, steep flanks and new seamounts in the NRA as possible VME elements

Causal relevance of blood lipid fractions in the development of carotid atherosclerosis: Mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a subclinical measure of atherosclerosis, is associated with risk of coronary heart disease events. Statins reduce progression of CIMT and coronary heart disease risk in proportion to the reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, interventions targeting triglycerides (TGs) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have produced inconsistent effects on CIMT and coronary heart disease risk, making it uncertain whether such agents are ineffective for coronary heart disease prevention or whether CIMT is an inadequate marker of HDL-C or TG-mediated effects. We aimed to determine the causal association among the 3 major blood lipid fractions and common CIMT using mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genetic scores specific for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C, and TGs were derived based on single nucleotide polymorphisms from a gene-centric array in ≈5000 individuals (Cardiochip scores) and from a genome-wide association meta-analysis in >100 000 individuals (Global Lipids Genetic Consortium scores). These were used as instruments in a mendelian randomization analysis in 2 prospective cohort studies. A genetically predicted 1 mmol/L higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was associated with a higher common CIMT by 0.03 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.04) and 0.04 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.06) based on the Cardiochip and Global Lipids Genetic Consortium scores, respectively. HDL-C and TGs were not causally associated with CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm a causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and CIMT but not with HDL-C and TGs. At present, the suitability of CIMT as a surrogate marker in trials of cardiovascular therapies targeting HDL-C and TGs is questionable and requires further study