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Many invasive fish conduct seasonal migrations, which create opportunities for large-scale removal. However, labor costs, cumbersome logistics, and environmental conditions (water depth, current, etc.) often make such efforts not feasible. We tested a semi-autonomous system for removing invasive common carp during spawning migrations in a natural stream (20 m wide, 1.5 m deep) over two migration seasons. A low-voltage, vertical deterrence and guidance system (DGS) was used to block the migrating carp and direct them into a large enclosure near shore. Additional electrodes placed in the enclosure created a sweeping electric field to push the carp towards one end and aggregate them over partially submerged conveyors that removed the carp from the water. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and antennas were used to monitor carp behavior and removal efficacy. Each year, spawning migration lasted approximately two months and removal efforts occurred on 19 (year 1) and 21 (year 2) days. The DGS blocked over 90% of the carp and directed them into our trap. In year 1, 56% of the migrating carp were removed, and 68% were removed in year 2 (23,500 carp removed overall). In the final iteration of the system, a crew of three was able to conduct the removal, primarily by operating control systems on shore. Similar systems could be used for other invasive fish in larger and deeper environments where direct human labor is problematic. Such systems could also be used for native species to help them navigate passageways or to deflect them from entrainment areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taebaek Mountains in Korea serve as the most apparent biogeographic barrier for Korean freshwater fishes, resulting in 2 distinct ichthyofaunal assemblages on the eastern (East/Japan Sea slope) and western (Yellow Sea and Korea Strait slopes) sides of the mountain range. Of nearly 100 species of native primary freshwater fishes in Korea, only 18 species occur naturally on both sides of the mountain range. Interestingly, there are 5 rheophilic species ( Phoxinus phoxinus, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Ladislavia taczanowskii, Iksookimia koreensis and Koreocobitis rotundicaudata) found on both sides of the Taebaek Mountains that are geographically restricted to the Osip River (and several neighboring rivers, for L. taczanowskii and I. koreensis) on the eastern side of the mountain range. The Osip River and its neighboring rivers also shared a rheophilic freshwater fish, Liobagrus mediadiposalis, with the Nakdong River on the western side of the mountain range. We assessed historical biogeographic hypotheses on the presence of these rheophilic fishes, utilizing DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results of our divergence time estimation indicate that ichthyofaunal transfers into the Osip River (and several neighboring rivers in East Sea slope) have occurred from the Han (Yellow Sea slope) and Nakdong (Korea Strait slope) Rivers since the Late Pleistocene. The inferred divergence times for the ichthyofaunal transfer across the Taebaek Mountains were consistent with the timing of hypothesized multiple reactivations of the Osip River Fault (Late Pleistocene), suggesting that the Osip River Fault reactivations may have caused stream capture events, followed by ichthyofaunal transfer, not only between the Osip and Nakdong Rivers, but also between the Osip and Han Rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene choice, base compositional heterogeneity and rate heterogeneity are known to influence phylogenetic reconstruction but are often overlooked. Here, we investigate the impact of these factors in reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of cypriniform fishes. We compile a multilocus data set of newly sequenced and previously published nuclear protein-coding genes from species from all major lineages of Cypriniformes. We collect data on the oldest known cypriniform fossils and gather body size information. We demonstrate that body size correlates with rates of molecular evolution and contributes to rate heterogeneity not only in Cypriniformes but also in a number of other fish lineages. We find that miniaturized cypriniforms show exceptionally high rates of molecular evolution that may lead to improper phylogenetic placement of these taxa due to issues associated with branch attraction. We identify and correct for base compositional heterogeneity and find that this has a marked impact on topology and a corresponding impact on the estimation of divergence times within Cypriniformes. Using gene sequences, fossil calibrations and two different methods, we show strong evidence that Catostomidae is sister to all other cypriniform families and the major clades of cypriniform fishes diverged long before their fossil record indicates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To better predict radiation–drug interactions in in vitro model systems, thorough assessment of the effects of in vitro exposure is required. The aim of this article is to show that both clonogenic capacity and cellular proliferation, which represent important different elements of tumour conduct, can be considered when assessing in vitro radio sensitisation. Methods: A model was designed that can predict radiation–drug interactions based on changes in clonogenic capacity and cell proliferation by radiation modifying agents. Results: Using this mechanistical model, the effect of combined exposure to radiation and potential drugs can be tested on both established cell lines and primary cells. In addition, we could obtain more information about the mechanisms underlying the radiation–drug interaction by assessing the results of in vitro exposure on tumour cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity according to our model. Conclusions: The significance of our model is not to replace the clonogenic gold standard but to give additional information about the radiation–drug combination by determining cell proliferation. Moreover, the advantage is that the interaction can also be predicted in cases where a clonogenic assay is not possible. Additional research into the biological effect of potential radio-sensitisers is warranted for future (pre)clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with a malignant glioma have a very poor prognosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein is regularly upregulated in gliomas and might be a potential therapeutic target. The effects of three selective COX-2 inhibitors were studied on three human glioma cell lines. Materials and methods: The selective COX-2 inhibitors NS-398, Celecoxib and Meloxicam and three human glioma cell lines (D384, U251 and U87) were used. Cell growth was assessed by a proliferation assay, the interaction with radiation (0 - 6 Gy) was studied using the clonogenic assay and cell cycle distribution was determined by FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) analysis. Results: All COX-2 inhibitors reduced proliferation of the glioma cell lines irrespective of their COX-2 expression level. Incubation with 200 μM NS-398 24 h before radiation enhanced radiation-induced cell death of D384 cells and 750 μM Meloxicam resulted in radiosensitization of D384 and U87 cells. No radiosensitization was observed with COX-2 inhibitor administration after radiotherapy. Treatment of D384 with NS-398 (200 μM) or Celecoxib (50 μM) and U87 with NS-398 (200 μM) after radiation resulted even in radioprotection. Conclusions: Effectiveness of COX-2 inhibitors on cell proliferation and radio-enhancement was independent of COX-2 protein expression. The sequence of COX-2 inhibitor addition and irradiation is very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the pattern and level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in a series of high grade primary and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and correlation with time to recurrence and patients’ survival following therapy. The relationship between COX-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) immunoreactivities was evaluated. Materials and methods: Specimens of 14 primary and 14 recurrent GBMs (eight pairs) following surgery and full course radiation therapy were processed for immunostaining on COX-2 and EGFR. Tumor cell positivity was semi-quantitatively scored. COX-2 scores of the primary tumor and recurrence were correlated with the time to radiological tumor progression and patients’ survival. Results: COX-2 positive tumor cells were disseminated throughout the tumor parenchyma. The intensity and pattern of COX-2 expression were heterogeneous, with predominant expression in areas surrounding tumor necrosis. Scoring of COX-2 positivity revealed values between 1 and 80% of the cells. Primary GBMs with COX-2 expression levels between 25% and 70% of the tumor cells showed a shorter time to radiological recurrence than GBMs with <10% COX-2 positive tumor cells (respectively, 219±50 and 382±77 days). No correlation was found between the COX-2 expression in the primary tumor and patients’ survival ( r s=−0.073) following therapy. No correlation was found either between COX-2 and EGFR immunoreactivity. Conclusions: Immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 in GBM showed large variation. Hence, determination of COX-2 expression in tumor specimen for each individual might be relevant for selection of those patients, who could benefit from adjuvant therapy with selective COX-2 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For the past 18 years, northern Sri Lanka has been affected by armed ethnic conflict. This has had a heavy impact on displacement of civilians, health delivery services, number of health professionals in the area and infrastructure. The north of Sri Lanka has a severe malaria burden, with less than 5% of the national population suffering 34% of reported cases. Health care providers investigated treatment-seeking behaviour and levels of treatment failure believed to be the result of lack of adherence to treatment.Methods: Pre- and post-treatment interviews with patients seeking treatment in the outpatient department (OPD) and focus groups.Results: A total of 271 persons completed interviews: 54.4% sought treatment within 2 days of the onset of symptoms, and 91.9% self-treated with drugs with prior to seeking treatment, mainly with paracetamol. Self-treatment was associated with delaying treatment (RR 3.55, CI 1.23-10.24, P=0.002). In post-treatment interviews, self-reported default was 26.1%. The main reasons for not taking the entire regimen were side-effects (57.6%) and disappearance of symptoms (16.7%). Focus groups indicated some lack of confidence in chloroquine treatment and prophylaxis, and scant enthusiasm for prevention methods.Conclusions: A number of factors contribute to a lack of access and a lower quality of care for malaria: lack of medical staff and facilities because of the fighting; lack of confidence in treatment, and perception of malaria as a routine illness. Prevention efforts need to take into account certain beliefs and practices to be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of intravenous ofloxacin therapy (200 mg 12-hourly) foUowed, when appropriate, by oral administration of the same dose was evaluated in an open multicentre trial involving 185 patients in 31 French hospitals. Dosage adjustment was made for patients in renal failure. Infection was hospital-acquired in 35 cases. 53 patients required admission to an intensive care unit. The infections comprised septicaemia (n = 56), pneumonia (n = 18), bronchitis (n = 10), urinary tract (n = 78), female pelvis (n = 8), bone and joint (n = 5), skin and soft tissue (n = 10). The causative pathogens were: Staphylococcus spp. (n = 23), Streptococcus spp. (n = 11), Escherichia coli (n = 85), Haemophilia influenzae (n = 9), Klebsiella, Enterobacter or Serratia spp. (n = 21), Salmonella spp. (n = 22), Chlamydia spp. (n = 3), Legionella spp. (n = 1), Mycoplasma pneumoniae {n = 1) and miscellaneous Gram-negative bacilli (n = 17). All were ofloxacin-susceptible. Mean duration of therapy was 8.06 (±2.6) days for the iv and 14.8 (± 14.39) days for the oral preparation. Clinical cure was achieved in 173 patients (93.5%). It is concluded that iv ofloxacin is an effective treatment for a range of infections due to susceptible organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study showing that single crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) Cu-based endodontic instruments can lead to equivalent mechanical performances compared to NiTi-based instruments besides their interesting biological properties. Following a previous finite element analysis (FEA) of single crystal CuAlBe endodontic instruments (Vincent et al 2015 J. Mater. Eng. Perform. 24 4128–39), prototypes with the determined geometrical parameters were machined and experimentally characterized in continuous rotation during a penetration/removal (P/R) protocol in artificial canals. The obtained mechanical responses were compared to responses of NiTi endodontic files in the same conditions. In addition, FEA was conducted and compared with the experimental results to validate the adopted modeling and to evaluate the local quantities inside the instrument as the stress state and the distribution of volume fraction of martensite. The obtained results highlight that single crystal CuAlBe SMA prototypes show equivalent mechanical responses to its NiTi homologous prototypes in the same P/R experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pro-survival Bcl-2 family members can promote cancer development and contribute to treatment resistance. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is frequently characterized by overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Increased levels of these anti-apoptotic proteins have been associated with radio- and chemoresistance and poor clinical outcome. Inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members therefore represents an appealing strategy to overcome resistance to anti-cancer therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate combined effects of radiation and the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor AT-101 in HNSCC in vitro. In addition, we determined human plasma levels of AT-101 obtained from a phase I/II trial, and compared these with the effective in vitro concentrations to substantiate therapeutic opportunities.Methods: We examined the effect of AT-101, radiation and the combination on apoptosis induction and clonogenic survival in two HNSCC cell lines that express the target proteins. Apoptosis was assessed by bis-benzimide staining to detect morphological nuclear changes and/or by propidium iodide staining and flow-cytometry analysis to quantify sub-diploid apoptotic nuclei. The type of interaction between AT-101 and radiation was evaluated by calculating the Combination Index (CI) and by performing isobolographic analysis. For the pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma AT-101 levels were measured by HPLC in blood samples collected from patients enrolled in our clinical phase I/II study. These patients with locally advanced HNSCC were treated with standard cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy and received dose-escalating oral AT-101 in a 2-weeks daily schedule every 3 weeks.Results: In vitro results showed that AT-101 enhances radiation-induced apoptosis with CI's below 1.0, indicating synergy. This effect was sequence-dependent. Clonogenic survival assays demonstrated a radiosensitizing effect with a DEF37 of 1.3 at sub-apoptotic concentrations of AT-101. Pharmacokinetic analysis of patient blood samples taken between 30 min and 24 h after intake of AT-101 showed a dose-dependent increase in plasma concentration with peak levels up to 300-700 ng/ml between 1.5 and 2.5 h after intake.Conclusion: AT-101 is a competent enhancer of radiation-induced apoptosis in HNSCC in vitro. In addition, in vitro radiosensitization was observed at clinically attainable plasma levels. These finding support further evaluation of the combination of AT-101 with radiation in Bcl-2-overexpressing tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide and the N-terminal fragment of its prohormone, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP), provide valuable prognostic information on short- and long-term mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome Aim: To investigate the association between plasma NT-proBNP levels and ST-segment resolution (STR) after reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Consecutive patients from the French regional RICO survey with STEMI who were treated by primary PCI or lysis Results: Of the 486 patients included, 133 (27%) were STR(-). STR(-) patients had similar cardiovascular risk factors but higher in-hospital mortality (5% vs. 1%, p = 0.03) than STR() patients. The STR(-) group had higher median (IQR) levels of Nt-proBNP: 938 (211–3272) vs. 533 (169–1471)?pg/ml, p = 0.003. On multivariate analysis, the highest quartile of Nt-ProBNP, Q waves and lysis were independent risk factors for incomplete STR. Discussion: Our data show a strong association between high levels of Nt-proBNP at admission and incomplete STR, suggesting that Nt-proBNP may be useful for early risk stratification in reperfusion therapy after acute myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]