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Abstract: The precipitous decline of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus coupled with their recent listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act necessitates investigations into their population dynamics. Our objectives were to (1) estimate age of juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon by using pectoral spine sections; (2) determine annual growth periodicity in hatchery‐reared and recaptured wild Atlantic Sturgeon to validate our aging method; (3) determine growth rates for recaptured juveniles; and (4) back‐calculate lengths from ages estimated by using pectoral spine sections from captured juveniles. Fish were captured via gillnetting in Newburgh and Haverstraw bays, Hudson River, during fall 2003, spring and fall 2004, and spring and fall 2005. Two readers agreed upon 91% (n = 474) of ages estimated for juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon, establishing a coefficient of variation of 1.7%. Eight year‐classes (ages 1–8) were represented, with age‐4 fish making up the largest age‐class (39%; n = 203) and age‐1 fish being the least represented (<1%; n = 4). Multi‐annual oxytetracycline injections in four cohorts of hatchery‐reared Atlantic Sturgeon (n = 34) demonstrated a two‐part zone for each year of growth, as did four recaptured juveniles that were at liberty for a least 1 year, which exhibited mean growth rates of 0.3 mm/d and 2.4 g/d. We back‐calculated median FLs from annulus positioning in ages 2–8 by using dorsal and ventral lobes of pectoral spine sections and compared the results to actual reported lengths. Dorsal and ventral lobes underestimated the median FLs of all age‐classes except ages 3 and 7, for which lengths were overestimated. We found statistical differences between dorsal‐ and ventral‐derived median FLs, suggesting that both regions must be evaluated. Our overall goal is to provide researchers with a baseline of age and growth data for future work on juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Insulin-like growth factor 1 ( IGF-1)-dependent signalling promotes exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy. However, the in vivo therapeutic potential of IGF-1 for heart disease is not well established. Here, we test the potential therapeutic benefits of IGF-1 on cardiac function using an in vivo model of chronic catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods Rats were perfused with isoproterenol via osmotic pump (1 mg kg−1 per day) and treated with 2 mg kg−1 IGF-1 (2 mg kg−1 per day, 6 days a week) for 2 or 4 weeks. Echocardiography, ECG, and blood pressure were assessed. In vivo pressure-volume loop studies were conducted at 4 weeks. Heart sections were analysed for fibrosis and apoptosis, and relevant biochemical signalling cascades were assessed. Results After 4 weeks, diastolic function ( EDPVR, EDP, tau, E/A ratio), systolic function ( PRSW, ESPVR, dP/dtmax) and structural remodelling ( LV chamber diameter, wall thickness) were all adversely affected in isoproterenol-treated rats. All these detrimental effects were attenuated in rats treated with Iso+ IGF-1. Isoproterenol-dependent effects on BP were attenuated by IGF-1 treatment. Adrenergic sensitivity was blunted in isoproterenol-treated rats but was preserved by IGF-1 treatment. Immunoblots indicate that cardioprotective p110 α signalling and activated Akt are selectively upregulated in Iso+ IGF-1-treated hearts. Expression of iNOS was significantly increased in both the Iso and Iso+ IGF-1 groups; however, tetrahydrobiopterin ( BH4) levels were decreased in the Iso group and maintained by IGF-1 treatment. Conclusion IGF-1 treatment attenuates diastolic and systolic dysfunction associated with chronic catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy while preserving adrenergic sensitivity and promoting BH4 production. These data support the potential use of IGF-1 therapy for clinical applications for cardiomyopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The SCN5A-encoded voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.5 is expressed in human jejunum and colon. Mutations in NaV1.5 are associated with gastrointestinal motility disorders. The rat gastrointestinal tract expresses voltage-gated sodium channels, but their molecular identity and role in rat gastrointestinal electrophysiology are unknown. Methods The presence and distribution of Scn5a-encoded NaV1.5 was examined by PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in rat jejunum. Freshly dissociated smooth muscle cells were examined by whole cell electrophysiology. Zinc finger nuclease was used to target Scn5a in rats. Lentiviral-mediated transduction with sh RNA was used to target Scn5a in rat jejunum smooth muscle organotypic cultures. Organotypic cultures were examined by sharp electrode electrophysiology and RT- PCR. Key Results We found NaV1.5 in rat jejunum and colon smooth muscle by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry using two other antibodies of different portions of NaV1.5 revealed the presence of the ion channel in rat jejunum. Whole cell voltage-clamp in dissociated smooth muscle cells from rat jejunum showed fast activating and inactivating voltage-dependent inward current that was eliminated by Na+ replacement by NMDG+. Constitutive rat Scn5a knockout resulted in death in utero. NaV1.5 sh RNA delivered by lentivirus into rat jejunum smooth muscle organotypic culture resulted in 57% loss of Scn5a mRNA and several significant changes in slow waves, namely 40% decrease in peak amplitude, 30% decrease in half-width, and 7 mV hyperpolarization of the membrane potential at peak amplitude. Conclusions & Inferences Scn5a-encoded NaV1.5 is expressed in rat gastrointestinal smooth muscle and it contributes to smooth muscle electrophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition period to organic grain production presents an economic obstacle for farmers, and early management may affect subsequent crop performance. Using a corn-soybean-winter spelt/red clover [Zea mays L.-Glycine max (L.) Merr.-Triticum spelta L./Trifolium pratense L.] rotation in central New York, we compared yields and economics in four organic cropping systems during and after transition. These were high fertility (HF), low fertility (LF), enhanced weed management (EWM), and reduced tillage (RT). Corn and soybean yields in HF, LF, and EWM were similar among systems throughout the experiment and averaged 65 and 91%, respectively, of those in surrounding Cayuga County (CC) during transition. In the first year after transition, HF, LF, and EWM corn yields averaged 63% of CC, but after that 98 to 114% of CC. Soybean yield trends relative to CC remained the same after transition. Transitional spelt yields tended to be higher in HF and EWM than in LF. Spelt yields after transition were variable. Starting in 2006, RT yields were lower than other organic systems in all crops due to equipment problems. Weeds generally increased in all systems over 6 yr, and reached the highest biomass levels in RT and HF. Under our soil and climate conditions, higher fertility amendments in HF compared with LF increased weed biomass but not corn or soybean yield. Economic budgets revealed lower relative net returns (RNR) during transition for the HF, LF, and EWM systems compared with values calculated from CC yields and practices, but higher RNR thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to overfishing and habitat alteration, the anadromous Atlantic sturgeonAcipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchusis severely depleted across its historic range. The James and York rivers in Virginia are the two rivers comprising the Chesapeake Bay distinct population segment, where Atlantic sturgeon reproduction has been confirmed. It is widely recognized that Atlantic sturgeon spawn in the spring throughout their range; however, there is debate over whether they also spawn in the fall. To determine if Atlantic sturgeon spawn in the fall, independent of the spring spawn, large-mesh gill netting in the freshwater portion of the James River (above river kilometer 108) was conducted in the spring (April–June) and fall (August–October) for 3 years (2009–2011), resulting in the capture of 125 adult Atlantic sturgeon (three were recaptures) during the fall sampling, but none were captured during the spring. Field examination for sex and stage of maturity identified 106 mature males and one postspawned female. Sex was not determined for four fish, and due to time constraints, 11 were not examined. Forty mature males were externally tagged with Vemco©ultrasonic passives tags and movements were monitored with a Vemco©VR2W passive receiver array. Collection and tracking data showed that mature Atlantic sturgeon aggregate in the freshwater portion of the James River during the fall season, entering during August and out-migrating by the end of November. No tagged fish were detected in the freshwater area of the river during the subsequent spring months. Though James River Atlantic sturgeon may spawn in the spring, we suggest there is strong evidence for an independent fall spawn, which should be considered in future management and recovery actions. Received February 8, 2012; accepted June 8, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

When choosing a fish marking technique to address fishery related questions, it is important .to consider factors that affect mark retention. Calcein, a chemical marking agent, is under investigation for potential use on fish. Two laboratory trials were conducted with calcein-marked lake trout Salvelinus namaycush to determine the effect of artificial sunlight on calcein mark intensity. In trial 1, fish exposed to 18,000 1x for 7 d lost 90% or more of the calcein mark intensity (relative to the colorimetric key, mg/L) on the head, body, ventral region, and pectoral fins relative to mark intensity in fish that were maintained in darkness. In trial 2, light intensity was reduced 2.5-3.0-fold. After 7 d of light exposure, calcein mark intensity on the head was reduced by 40-45% relative to mark intensity in fish that were held in darkness; by day 14, calcein mark intensity on the head was reduced by 55-60% relative to that of dark-treated fish. No further decline was observed in light-exposed fish, and head mark intensity values did not differ among days 14, 21, and 28 for this treatment group. Of the four areas evaluated, the head and pectoral fin were more easily read using a colorimetric key than the lateral or ventral regions of the fish. The concentration of calcein spotted on filter paper to devise the colorimetric key ranged from 1 to 100 mg/L. A difference of approximately 7 mg/L in apparent calcein mark intensity means for the head region could be detected using the colorimetric key. These trials showed that calcein mark intensity on lake trout declined when fish were exposed to artificial sunlight, and the use of a colorimetric key improved the objectivity of calcein mark intensity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorochrome dye known as calcein (trade name SE-MARK; Western Chemical, Ferndale, Washington) is currently being tested to determine its utility for creating lethally and nonlethally detectable fluorescent marks on bony tissues of fish via batch immersion. The work is being done under an Investigational New Animal Drug (1NAD) exemption granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, conditions set forth in the INAD prohibit discharge of waste calcein solution from hatchery facilities, making calcein impractical for marking otoliths in certain fish (e.g., larval American shad Alosa sapidissima) due to the large volumes of wastewater created from the marking process. We performed simple laboratory tests that demonstrated the efficiency of activated carbon for removing the dye from solution; we also developed an adsorptive capacity model at calcein concentrations of 125 and 250 mg/L. Evaluation of a treatment column and a batch-type treatment showed that 7.3 and 6.6 g of carbon/L of used marking solution effectively removed the dye from 125- and 250-mg/L calcein solutions, respectively. We report that activated carbon treatment provides a practical means of eliminating calcein dye from used marking solutions. This treatment technique facilitates expanded use of SE-MARK by fisheries managers as a tool that can be used alone or in conjunction with oxytetracycline to produce unique marks in groups of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus are at historically low levels along the Atlantic coast of North America. Atlantic sturgeon is a long-lived species with a complex life history, making population assessment difficult. The purpose of this study was to determine seasonal habitat use by juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River estuary and provide recommendations for future population monitoring. Our study focused on Newburgh and Haverstraw bays in the Hudson River, as these are areas of known juvenile sturgeon concentrations. The habitat within each bay was coarsely stratified according to substrate (hard versus soft) and depth (deep versus shallow). Sampling occurred during fall 2003, spring and fall 2004, and spring and fall 2005. Fall sampling occurred from October through November and spring sampling occurred from March through April. We used anchored gill nets of 76-, 102-, and 127-mm stretch mesh fished together at a sampling site. A total of 562 individual juvenile Atlantic sturgeon were captured during the course of this study (14 were captured more than once), the majority (90%) coming from Haverstraw Bay. Soft and deep habitat comprised only 25% of the available habitat in Haverstraw Bay but yielded the greatest frequency of catches, the highest mean catch per unit effort (CPUE), and lowest variance of CPUE. Catch per unit effort was highest during spring seasons in soft-deep areas of Haverstraw Bay. These results suggest that future population monitoring should focus sampling effort in soft--deep areas of Haverstraw Bay to have the greatest statistical power in detecting population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most prominent genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. Unlike the "neutral" ε3 variant, or the protective ε2variant, the ε4 variant is strongly associated with late‐onset AD, albeit by mechanisms that are not well‐understood. Methods: To shed light on the biology of APOE in the development of AD, as part of the IMI (Innovative Medicines Initiative) consortium "ADAPTED", we acquired two human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, that were isogenically modified to carry the alleles ε2/ε2, ε3/ε3, ε3/ε4, ε4/ε4, as well as a knockout line. Neurons and the phagocytic cells of the CNS, the microglia were differentiated from all ten lines and subjected to thorough phenotyping, including RNA‐seq and proteomics analysis. Results: Cortical neurons do not secrete apoE under normal conditions and treatment of these cells with microglia‐enriched factors and apoE increased their overall Abeta secretion, without significant differences between the various genotypes. Microglia, on the other hand, secrete large amounts of apoE in varying quantities depending on the APOE genotype. Additionally, microglia carrying the ε4/ε4 genotype have a significantly reduced phagocytic capacity compared to their ε3/ε3 counterparts. These observations were supported by whole transcriptome sequencing, which revealed major differences in inflammatory and phagocytic activity‐related gene expression between the different APOE genotypes. Conclusions: This unique set of ten isogenic hiPSC lines enabled us to assess the cellular phenotypes in functional human neuronal cells. Microglia omics show changes in an array of AD‐relevant pathways, and being the main producers of apoE, these changes need to be understood in depth. Follow‐up experiments will validate candidate genes that might help design new therapies for APOE ε4 AD patients. Disclosure: This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 115975. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA. This study was sponsored by AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG. AbbVie contributed to the study design, research, and interpretation of data, writing, reviewing, and approving the abstract. Some authors are currently employed by AbbVie and may own AbbVie stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly and affects over 35 million people worldwide, imposing increasing social and economic burden as the population ages. While it is widely known that the most prominent genetic risk factor for AD is the presence of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, the effects of APOE in the development of AD is still poorly understood. As part of the IMI ADAPTED consortium, we aim to clarify the role of APOE as a risk factor in the development of AD. Here we present an in‐depth analysis of the effect of the APOE genotype on the transcriptome of brain cells derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Method: Isogenic hiPSC lines were modified to carry different APOE genotypes: ε3/ε3, ε4/ε4, ε3/ε4, ε2/ε2, as well as an APOE knock‐out (KO) cell line. Lines carrying each of these genotypes were differentiated into distinct cell types. Differential gene expression (DGE) and protein expression (DPE) was calculated, followed by gene set enrichment. Clustering approaches were used to identify shared and differing gene signatures across genotypes. We further applied upstream regulator and network analysis on the individual cell‐type results and integrated these results across cell types. The results were compared with DGE and DEP results from an APOE mouse model. Finally, the identified genes and mechanisms were combined with the results of data from postmortem human brain samples of AD cases and controls. Results: The observed transcriptional changes confirmed phenotypic observations made for the hiPSCs and refined the insight of genes identified human brain OMICS data. Several genes and pathways were identified, which showed consistent gene expression on transcriptome and proteome level. Further, shared patterns of expressions of genes across genotypes and potential mechanisms involved in this were detected. Conclusions: In depth transcriptomics and proteomics analysis of APOE modified hiPSCs enabled to study cell type specific effects and contributed with this to the understanding of mechanisms affected by different APOE genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While being the most prominent genetic risk factor for AD, the effects of APOE variants on biology and the development of AD is still poorly understood. The IMI ADAPTED consortium strives to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the effect of APOE with several approaches. Complementing the reanalysis of the publicly available human data, hiPSC lines with different APOE genotypes (ε3/ε3, ε4/ε4, ε3/ε4, ε2/ε2), differentiated into distinct brain cell types provide a tool to study cell‐type level effects of the APOE genotype. Further, OMICS data of human APOE modified mouse model (ε2/ε2, ε3/ε3, ε4/ε4) allowed cross species comparison and model validation. Method: For multiple brain cell types differentiated from the APOE modified isogenic hiPSC (neurons, astrocytes, microglia and macrophages) and mice transcriptomics and proteomics data were generated. Differential gene expression (DGE) and protein expression (DPE) was calculated, followed by gene set enrichment. Clustering approaches were used to identify shared and differing gene signatures across genotypes. We further applied upstream regulator and network analysis on the individual cell‐type results and integrated these results across cell types. The results were compared with DGE and DPE results from the humanized APOE mouse model. Finally, the identified genes and mechanisms were combined with the results of the integrated analysis of data from postmortem human brain samples of AD cases and controls. Results: The observed transcriptional changes confirmed and extended the phenotypic observations and refined the insight of genes identified in the integrated analysis of APOE genotype stratified human OMICS data. Several genes/proteins and pathways were consistently identified on transcriptome and proteome level. Further, shared patterns of expressions of genes across genotypes and potential mechanisms involved in this were detected. Conclusions: In depth transcriptomics and proteomics analysis of APOE modified hiPSCs‐derived cells enabled to study cell type and genotype specific effects and contributed with this to the understanding of mechanisms affected by different APOE genotypes. The findings in hiPSC we be compared with human blood and CSF OMICS analysis to be potentially used as biomarker for AD and AD progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ADAPTED (Alzheimer's Disease Apolipoprotein Pathology for Treatment Elucidation and Development) is an Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) project that focuses on apolipoprotein E (APOE) as it relates to Alzheimer's disease. As part of this effort, the utility of APOE transgenic mice as a model of human apoE function was investigated. Specifically, proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses were conducted in aged APOE transgenic mice: ε2/2, ε3/3, ε4/4, knock‐out (KO). Methods: Two studies were conducted. An initial proteomic and metabolomic study was conducted in brain tissue from male and female 22‐month old APOE ε3/3 and ε4/4 mice. A second proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic study was conducted in brain tissue from 16‐month old APOE ε2/2, ε3/3, ε4/4, or KO mice receiving a low‐fat/low‐sucrose or high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet. Results: Protein changes (upregulated and downregulated) in 22‐month old APOE ε4 males and females relative to age/sex matched ε3 mice were related to apoE function (LDL), immune function (IgGs) and cellular structure/function. Metabolomic differences in APOE ε4 female and/or male mice relative to ε3 mice were observed for lysophospholipid metabolites, sphinganine; and cholic acid. Enrichment analysis of top genes from the different comparisons involving the ε4 allele (ε 4vs ε3, ε4vs ε2 and ε4 vs KO) showed effects in mitochondrial/respiratory chain and immune‐related pathways. Conclusion: Proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic examination in APOE ε4 transgenic mice indicate genotype differences consistent with previously described effects of apoE on immune function and lipid signaling. Additional work in ADAPTED will characterize proteomic and metabolomic phenotypes in human‐derived inducible pluripotent stem cells and human patient samples. Comparison of the results across human cells, human samples, and the present findings will demonstrate the potential utility (or lack thereof) for APOE animal models. Disclosure: This project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 115975. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA. This study was sponsored by AbbVie, Inc. AbbVie contributed to the study design, research, and interpretation of data, writing, reviewing, and approving the abstract. Some authors are currently employed by AbbVie and may own AbbVie stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, and yellow perch Perca flavescens fed calcein for 5 d showed characteristic calcein scale marks 7-10 d postmarking. In fish fed 0.75 or 1.25 g of calcein per kilogram of feed, the percentage of fish that exhibited a calcein mark was 100% in brook trout, 93-98% in Atlantic salmon, 60% in yellow perch, and 0% in coho salmon. However, when coho salmon were fed 5.25 g calcein/kg feed, 100% marking was observed 7-10 d postmarking. Brook trout were successfully marked twice with distinct bands when fed calcein 5 months apart. Brook trout scale pixel luminosity increased as dietary calcein increased in experiment 2. For the second calcein mark, scale pixel luminosity from brook trout fed 1.25 g calcein/kg feed was numerically higher (P < 0.08) than scales from fish fed 0.75 g calcein/kg feed. Mean pixel luminosity of calcein-marked Atlantic salmon scales was 57.7 for fish fed 0.75 g calcein/kg feed and 55.2 for fish fed 1.25 g calcein/kg feed. Although feed acceptance presented a problem in yellow perch, these experiments provide evidence that dietary calcein is a viable tool for marking fish for stock identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catch-and-release fishing commonly occurs in recreational fisheries, including those for the striped bass Morone saxatilis of the Atlantic coast. The contribution of catch-and-release practices to overall fishing mortality is often not estimated. We estimated the catch-and-release mortality for the Hudson River spawning stock of striped bass in 2001. Volunteer anglers caught striped bass between April 30 and May 16, 2001. Fish were transferred to transport boats in live wells and placed in one of nine 15,000-L land-based holding tanks. Control fish were collected by electrofishing and otherwise handled similarly. Treatment and control fish were uniquely tagged and held together for 5 d. Hooking mortality was estimated via conditional rate and additive rates. These two estimation techniques partitioned total observed mortality into hooking mortality and handling mortality, the latter being estimated from control fish. Catch-and-release mortality for striped bass averaged 16% for traditional J hooks and 5% for circle hooks over the entire period. Hook location and the occurrence of bleeding were the most influential variables in determining the probability of death. Mortality rate increased when water temperatures reached 16°C. This mortality rate is significant and should be considered when accounting for Hudson River striped bass removals from their spawning population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcified tissues of Atlantic salmon in both larval and postscale developmental life stages became labeled with the fluorochrome dye known as calcein in 7 min by sequential immersion in salt and calcein solutions. I introduce the term "osmotic induction" to describe this process. At 47 d posttreatment, fish that had been exposed to osmotic induction of calcein as nonfeeding larvae exhibited mortality and growth equivalent to that of nonexposed fish (P < 0.05). Atlantic salmon parr (at 5 months posthatch) exposed to osmotic induction of calcein exhibited no mortality during a 120-d posttreatment period. In addition to inducing a calcein mark on fin rays of all larvae and parr, the procedure also produced a distinct calcein mark on scales of parr. A second exposure of parr to osmotic induction 90 d after the first produced a conspicuous 2-band pattern on scales which corresponded to the two separate marking events. Calcein marks are invisible to the unaided eye but were observed without sacrificing the experimental fish by employing a calcein detection device (patent applied for) and fluorescence microscopy. Osmotic induction of calcein marks is a potentially useful technique for batch-marking fish because it greatly reduces the amount of contact time between the fish and marking solution and produces an easily identified mark; this may enable salmon fishery managers and researchers to perform a variety of nonlethal fisheries evaluations not practical or possible using previous marking and tagging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues of the journal "Marriage and Family Living." "Marriage Counseling With Couples Indicating Sexual Incompatibility," which was about sexual problems between husband and wife; Response to comments on the article "Marriage Counseling With Couples Indicating Sexual Incompatibility."