A comparison of benthic community diversity between two depressions within Douglas Lake, Michigan

This study explores whether the theory of island biogeography can be applied to two of the depressions of Douglas Lake (Pellston, MI). The species diversity of two benthic communities, South Fishtail Bay and Sedge Point depressions, were compared. Samples were obtained by dredging lake floor samples and sifting through for visible organisms. Results indicate that the two communities are signficantly different in species diversity; however, further research of life history strategies indicated that they are unlikely to be geographically isolated. Island biogeography theory suggests that the larger depression should have more species diversity, however, the smaller depression was found to have a much more diverse community. More research on the exclusively benthic species found is needed to determine whether the theory of island biogeography applies to these species.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/64577/1/Baker_Berent_Jeng_Rink_2009.pd

Zniszczenia mikrobiologiczne zbiorów na tle warunków przechowywania w wybranych bibliotekach i archiwach w Polsce

The aims of this work were to assess the biodeterioration of library and archive collections as well as to identify the causes of the destructive processes. The investigation was carried out in five selected storerooms with particular attention being paid to the accumulation of moisture on wall barriers. The measurements of air relative humidity (RH) and temperature as well as the assessment of the biodeterioration of the collections were performed. The samples taken from the objects attacked by microorganisms were microbiologically tested. A direct dependency between the defects of buildings and the accumulation of moisture on wall barriers was confirmed. The source of moisture accumulation in some storerooms were rainwater penetrating the interior of the rooms through a leaky emergency door, through cracks in roof or terrace coverings or water from the overfilled manholes. The floodings resulted in the water stains on walls and ceilings, flaking of paint coatings, or sometimes colourful deposits of moulds or salts. The average values of the air RH in the examined storerooms ranged between 46.0% and 47.4%. However, it was noted that this parameter highly fluctuated up to 30% RH during a year. The average temperatures were between 19.5 and 21.0ºC, which means they were around 1.5 to 3ºC higher than temperatures recommended for library and archive collections. The temperature values were also variable and, to a large extent, dependent on the outdoor conditions. Around a quarter of collections in all examined storerooms was, to a larger or lesser degree, damaged by living organisms (fungi, insects and rodents). Some of the threats were still up-to-date, e.g. the attack of insects in one of the storerooms. However, a great number of other damage, in particular caused by microorganisms, has its beginnings in the past and the microorganisms responsible for the damage may have been inactive for a long time now. Hence, it is very difficult to find a correlation between the results of microscope examinations of deposits taken from the attacked places and the results of cultivation of microorganisms from the same spots. The collections had been stored in the examined storerooms for a relatively short period of time between 10 and 30 years. Their condition of preservation was, to a larger degree, affected by violent conditions (storing in basements, storing in attics, moving places, wars) and moisture, which had accumulated for decades before the collections were placed in the examined storerooms.

Badania nad zastosowaniem celulozy bakteryjnej w konserwacji i restauracji dzieł sztuki

Bacterial cellulose (BC) obtained in the bacterial biosynthesis by Acetobacter xylinum is considered one of the most interesting materials tested and used in different areas of the human activity. Successful its applications in medicine and food industry launched a study of this material on a large scale. Many characteristic and unique properties of bacterial cellulose are used already in the paper industry Research and application of bacterial cellulose nano fibers made up of cellulose, its non-toxic, biocompatibility and biodegradability fit perfectly into the world of interest and progress in nanotechnology. Plant cellulose and bacterial cellulose have the same chemical structure, but different chemical and physical properties. Bacterial Cellulose is biopolymer not soluble, more elastic and demonstrate a high tensile strength. The study was performed in collaboration with the Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Technical University of Łódź. Planned and carried out the study covered a wide range of experience of testing the applicability of bacterial cellulose as well as its modification in the work of restoration. So far, studies and practical adaptation of bacterial cellulose in our research are the first tests in the conservation area. The exceptions were the addition of bacterial cellulose sample during the manufacture of paper hand-derived, which as noted have a positive impact on the properties of paper produced and lead to the conclusion that the paper with the participation of bacterial cellulose can be used for archival and preservation purposes. Research undertaken in this study are the first extensive experience seeking to use the unique properties of this material such as high strength and elasticity, content of pure cellulose with a high degree of polymerization and the ability of these material to modification. Microscopic analysis (SEM, ESEM, AFM) showed significant differences in the structural construction of the test paper and bacterial cellulose (BC). BC is a product of a multi-layered as opposed to a paper test. It consists of a large number of very fine mesh of layers made of the microfibrils, whose thickness is usually tens of nanometers (usually less than 100 nm). Preliminary studies of bacterial cellulose membranes indicated the need to modify the native membrane by drying them to form sheets, and further grinding in the presence of water. Suspensions of bacterial cellulose known in our work hygrogels were modified with the addition of fillers, dyes, methyl cellulose, fibers of paper, fabric and dry shredded leather and parchment. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by low density and high water content, which allowed the formation of thin coats or seams. Additive methylcellulose had a positive influence on the properties of suspensions and coats. Structure of the sheets turned out by use the hydrogels was in contrast to the less dense sheets of BC a more flexible and bibulous. These suspensions were poured on the low-pressure suction table create flexible, durable sheets with similar appearance to the materials, which were the source fiber supplements. Hydrogels blended well with the fibers of fabrics, leather and parchment response for good and flexible materials. A significant advantage of bacterial cellulose is easy given to maintaining its forms such as impress of the sieve or cloth texture and others. Sheets of bacterial cellulose, its suspension were used as a bonding agent to reinforcing by coating and lining of test paper. Adhesive properties of hydrogels demonstrated that they can be used as a bonding mediums. Suspensions of bacterial cellulose fibers made from various materials were used for filling the holes in paper, textiles, leather and parchment. Lining samples of Bacterial cellulose sheets did not show any tendency to cracking and tearing. The test paper lining on sheet of BC strengthened the mechanical properties of the test paper. Suspensions of bacterial cellulose fibers used for coating the test paper and tissue samples delicate reinforcing them. Positive effect of application dried sheets to restoration of old photos, application of modified hydrogels to filling and reinforcing the paper and others tested treatment indicate necessary to continue of the evaluation on these field. Study were performed a wide range of experience. By microscopy examination (SEM, ESEM, OTC) was identified the morphology and structure of the membranes, any modified sheets and products. Colorimetrically determined by the brightness and colors of tested materials. PH and mechanical properties of the membranes, modified sheets and adhesive bonded joints to conservation materials was tested according to Polish standards. Determined mass, thickness, basis weight of the bio-cellulose materials and their changes under influence of the modification applied. Researched the optimal methods of membranes and modified sheets drying. Determined the rate of water vapour transmission according to Polish standards. It was made also evaluation of hygro-stability of the biocellulosic sheets. Biocellulose and test paper changes were studied under the influence of accelerated ageing. The results of investigation indicated that Bacterial Cellulose was more sensitive to microbial attack than the test paper. This characteristic can be improved by application of biocides.

Wybrane białka ostrej fazy u pacjentów poddanych angioplastyce wieńcowej

Wstęp: Pomimo licznych doniesień dotyczących czynników ryzyka powikłań i restenozy, w tym prac na temat białek ostrej fazy, dokładna stratyfikacja ryzyka u pacjentów poddanych angioplastyce wieńcowej (PTCA) jest wciąż przedmiotem badań. Celem pracy była ocena zależności występowania zgonów, zawałów serca i ponownych rewaskularyzacji (ocenianych łącznie) oraz restenozy u pacjentów z dławicą piersiową bolesną zależnie od stężenia biochemicznych markerów stanu zapalnego. Materiał i metody: Badanie miało charakter prospektywnej, kohortowej próby z rocznym okresem klinicznej obserwacji chorych. Stężenia białka C-reaktywnego (CRP) i surowiczego białka amyloidowego (SAA) oznaczono metodą nefelometryczną u 138 pacjentów z dławicą piersiową stabilną i 16 chorych z dławicą piersiową niestabilną. Krew do oznaczeń pobierano przed zabiegiem oraz po 6, 18&#8211;24 godzinach, a także po 1, 3, 6, 12 miesiącach po zabiegu. Kliniczne objawy restenozy weryfikowano angiograficznie. Wyniki: Stężenia CRP oznaczane 18&#8211;24 godzin i 6 miesięcy po angioplastyce okazały się czynnikami predykcyjnymi wystąpienia zgonu, zawału serca i potrzeby rewaskularyzacji, ocenianymi łącznie (MACE), oraz wystąpienia restenozy. Wartości SAA, zmierzone przed zabiegiem oraz po 6 i po 18&#8211;24 godzinach, a także po miesiącu od PTCA, jak również CRP oznaczone przed angioplastyką i po 6 godzinach, 1, 3, 12 miesiącach nie miały wpływu na występowanie wspomnianych kryteriów oceny. Szczytowe wartości stężeń CRP i SAA wystąpiły po 18&#8211;24 godzinach od zabiegu. Między stężeniami CRP oznaczanymi 18&#8211;24 godzin oraz 6 miesięcy po PTCA istnieje wysoka, istotna korelacja liniowa. Rozległość zmian miażdżycowych oceniana liczbą zajętych tętnic wieńcowych nie wiązała się ze stężeniem CRP. Wnioski: Uzyskane wyniki potwierdzają kluczową rolę procesu zapalnego w destabilizacji zmian miażdżycowych i procesie restenozy oraz wskazują na istnienie odczynu zapalnego wywołanego zabiegiem angioplastyki wieńcowej. Pacjenci po PTCA z wysokim stężeniem CRP (> 6,3 mg/l) są bardziej zagrożeni ostrym incydentem wieńcowym i restenozą, dlatego wymagają szczególnego nadzoru kardiologicznego w okresie kilkunastu miesięcy po zabiegu w przeciwieństwie do chorych z niskim stężeniem tego markera (CRP < 2,5 mg/l), którzy znajdują się w grupie niskiego ryzyka (OR dla MACE 2,1; OR dla restenozy 2,2). (Folia Cardiol. 2003; 10: 733&#8211;742

Wybrane białka ostrej fazy u pacjentów poddanych angioplastyce wieńcowej

Wstęp: Pomimo licznych doniesień dotyczących czynników ryzyka powikłań i restenozy, w tym prac na temat białek ostrej fazy, dokładna stratyfikacja ryzyka u pacjentów poddanych angioplastyce wieńcowej (PTCA) jest wciąż przedmiotem badań. Celem pracy była ocena zależności występowania zgonów, zawałów serca i ponownych rewaskularyzacji (ocenianych łącznie) oraz restenozy u pacjentów z dławicą piersiową bolesną zależnie od stężenia biochemicznych markerów stanu zapalnego. Materiał i metody: Badanie miało charakter prospektywnej, kohortowej próby z rocznym okresem klinicznej obserwacji chorych. Stężenia białka C-reaktywnego (CRP) i surowiczego białka amyloidowego (SAA) oznaczono metodą nefelometryczną u 138 pacjentów z dławicą piersiową stabilną i 16 chorych z dławicą piersiową niestabilną. Krew do oznaczeń pobierano przed zabiegiem oraz po 6, 18&#8211;24 godzinach, a także po 1, 3, 6, 12 miesiącach po zabiegu. Kliniczne objawy restenozy weryfikowano angiograficznie. Wyniki: Stężenia CRP oznaczane 18&#8211;24 godzin i 6 miesięcy po angioplastyce okazały się czynnikami predykcyjnymi wystąpienia zgonu, zawału serca i potrzeby rewaskularyzacji, ocenianymi łącznie (MACE), oraz wystąpienia restenozy. Wartości SAA, zmierzone przed zabiegiem oraz po 6 i po 18&#8211;24 godzinach, a także po miesiącu od PTCA, jak również CRP oznaczone przed angioplastyką i po 6 godzinach, 1, 3, 12 miesiącach nie miały wpływu na występowanie wspomnianych kryteriów oceny. Szczytowe wartości stężeń CRP i SAA wystąpiły po 18&#8211;24 godzinach od zabiegu. Między stężeniami CRP oznaczanymi 18&#8211;24 godzin oraz 6 miesięcy po PTCA istnieje wysoka, istotna korelacja liniowa. Rozległość zmian miażdżycowych oceniana liczbą zajętych tętnic wieńcowych nie wiązała się ze stężeniem CRP. Wnioski: Uzyskane wyniki potwierdzają kluczową rolę procesu zapalnego w destabilizacji zmian miażdżycowych i procesie restenozy oraz wskazują na istnienie odczynu zapalnego wywołanego zabiegiem angioplastyki wieńcowej. Pacjenci po PTCA z wysokim stężeniem CRP (> 6,3 mg/l) są bardziej zagrożeni ostrym incydentem wieńcowym i restenozą, dlatego wymagają szczególnego nadzoru kardiologicznego w okresie kilkunastu miesięcy po zabiegu w przeciwieństwie do chorych z niskim stężeniem tego markera (CRP < 2,5 mg/l), którzy znajdują się w grupie niskiego ryzyka (OR dla MACE 2,1; OR dla restenozy 2,2). (Folia Cardiol. 2003; 10: 733&#8211;742

Protection against glucose-induced neuronal death by NAAG and GCP II inhibition is regulated by mGluR3

Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP II) inhibition has previously been shown to be protective against long-term neuropathy in diabetic animals. In the current study, we have determined that the GCP II inhibitor 2-(phosphonomethyl) pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA) is protective against glucose-induced programmed cell death (PCD) and neurite degeneration in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a cell culture model of diabetic neuropathy. In this model, inhibition of caspase activation is mediated through the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR3. 2-PMPA neuroprotection is completely reversed by the mGluR3 antagonist (S)-α-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU). In contrast, group I and III mGluR inhibitors have no effect on 2-PMPA neuroprotection. Furthermore, we show that two mGluR3 agonists, the direct agonist (2 R ,4 R )-4-aminopyrrolidine-2, 4-dicarboxylate (APDC) and N -acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) provide protection to neurons exposed to high glucose conditions, consistent with the concept that 2-PMPA neuroprotection is mediated by increased NAAG activity. Inhibition of GCP II or mGluR3 may represent a novel mechanism to treat neuronal degeneration under high-glucose conditions.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65724/1/j.1471-4159.2003.02321.x.pd

The Chief Nursing Officer Council: A Model to Achieve Integrated Professional Practice in Health Care Systems

The directive to develop more nursing leaders was clear in the 2010 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.1 The IOM had 4 messages for nurses: one, practice to the full extent of your education and training; two, achieve higher levels of education and training through a system that promotes unified academic progression; three, partner with physicians and other health care professionals to achieve care reform; and four, commence improved data collection and information structure to realize effective workforce planning and policy making. Research continues to show the influence of nursing leadership on patient satisfaction, patient mortality, medication errors, restraint use, and hospital-associated infections (HAIs)

Detection of feline haemoplasma species in experimental infections by in-situ hybridisation

The aim of this study was to use fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) to search for the tissues and cell types important in survival and persistence of Mycoplasma haemofelis, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” or “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” in infected cats. A 16S rDNA probe for each species was applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissues sections collected from experimentally infected cats