Transport and fate of aqueous film forming foam in an urban estuary

The deployment of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used for firefighting during emergencies and training often releases per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. In October 2018, first responders in Providence, RI, USA applied an AFFF during a fuel spill. Due to the proximity of the incident to the upper reaches of Narragansett Bay (NB), an unknown quantity of gasoline and AFFF entered the estuary via surface runoff and stormwater drains. Water samples near the spill were collected approximately 15 h after the incident and analyzed for 24 PFAS. Minor increases in measured PFAS concentrations were observed relative to pre- and post-spill samples at monitoring sites near the incident, except 6:2-fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2-FTS) that peaked post-spill (max 311 ng/L). After performing the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay on water samples and the AFFF concentrate, significant increases in perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were observed. One compound, 6:2 fluorotelomer mercaptoalkylamido sulfonate (6:2-FTSAS), was identified as a major component of the AFFF used. Peak areas of 6:2-FTSAS and the degradation product 6:2-FTSAS-sulfoxide corresponded to observed increases in the TOP assay results and were useful as tracers of AFFF in surrounding waters. Elevated levels of PFAS at the time of sampling were limited to a confined area of the Providence River due to river flow and tidal action. Observed concentrations were also compared to hydrodynamic model results, and results confirmed rapid dissipation of AFFF components with distance from the spill. However, modeled results did not capture possible secondary releases of AFFF from local municipal stormwater and sewer infrastructure, as observational data suggest. The multiple lines of evidence of PFAS present in surface waters permitted a better assessment of the potential environmental impacts from products such as AFFF for which the chemical composition is largely unknown.

Evaluation of wastewater tracers to predict pharmaceutical distributions and behavior in the Long Island Sound estuary

Urban estuaries receive large volumes of effluents from municipal wastewater treatment facilities containing numerous contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals residues. Water was sampled for 16 highly prescribed pharmaceuticals at 17 sites along the Long Island Sound (LIS) estuary located in the Northeastern U.S. Pharmaceutical concentrations were highest in western LIS, ranging from non-detect to 71 ng L^-1 and declining steadily eastward, while river samples from four major tributaries ranged from non-detect to 83 ng L^-1. Two tracers, sucralose and caffeine, accurately predicted pharmaceutical behavior in LIS while only sucralose was effective at the river sites. Sucralose also tracked well with the salinity gradient in LIS, exhibiting conservative behavior along the transect. Attenuation factors were determined for measurable pharmaceuticals and compared against sucralose to estimate the magnitude of decline in concentrations that may be attributable to in situ degradation and partitioning. The results demonstrate sucralose's effectiveness as a tracer of wastewater-borne contaminants under estuarine conditions.

Spatial patterns of pharmaceuticals and wastewater tracers in the Hudson River Estuary

The widespread use of pharmaceuticals by human populations results in their sustained discharge to surface waters via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, 16 highly prescribed pharmaceuticals were quantified along a 250 km transect of the Hudson River Estuary and New York Harbor to describe their sources and spatial patterns. Sampling was conducted over two dry weather periods in May and July 2016, at 72 sites which included mid-channel and nearshore sites, as well as locations influenced by tributaries and WWTP outfalls. The detection frequency of the study pharmaceuticals was almost identical between the May and July sampling periods at 55% and 52%, respectively. Six pharmaceuticals were measurable at 92% or more of the sites during both sampling periods, illustrating their ubiquitous presence throughout the study area. Individual pharmaceutical concentrations were highly variable spatially, ranging from non-detect to 3810 ng/L during the study. Major factors controlling concentrations were proximity and magnitude of WWTP discharges, inputs from tributaries and tidal mixing. Two compounds, sucralose and caffeine, were evaluated as tracers to identify wastewater sources and assess pharmaceutical behavior. Sucralose was useful in identifying wastewater inputs to the river and concentrations showed excellent correlations with numerous pharmaceuticals in the study. Caffeine-sucralose ratios showed potential in identifying discharges of untreated wastewater occurring during a combined sewage overflow event. Many of the study pharmaceuticals were present throughout the Hudson River Estuary as a consequence of sustained wastewater discharge. Whereas some concentrations were above published effects levels, a more complete risk assessment is needed to understand the potential for ecological impacts due to pharmaceuticals in the Hudson River Estuary.

Particle-bound metal transport after removal of a small dam in the Pawtuxet River, Rhode Island, USA

The Pawtuxet River in Rhode Island, USA, has a long history of industrial activity and pollutant discharges. Metal contamination of the river sediments is well documented and historically exceeded toxicity thresholds for a variety of organisms. The Pawtuxet River dam, a low-head dam at the mouth of the river, was removed in August 2011. The removal of the dam was part of an effort to restore the riverine ecosystem after centuries of anthropogenic impact. Sediment traps were deployed below the dam to assess changes in metal concentrations and fluxes (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) from the river system into Pawtuxet Cove. Sediment traps were deployed for an average duration of 24 days each, and deployments continued for 15 months after the dam was removed. Metal concentrations in the trapped suspended particulate matter dropped after dam removal (e.g., 460 to 276 mg/kg for Zn) and remained below preremoval levels for most of the study. However, particle-bound metal fluxes increased immediately after dam removal (e.g., 1206 to 4248 g/day for Zn). Changes in flux rates during the study period indicated that river volumetric flow rates acted as the primary mechanism controlling the flux of metals into Pawtuxet Cove and ultimately upper Narragansett Bay. Even though suspended particulate matter metal concentrations initially dropped after removal of the dam, no discernable effect on the concentration or flux of the study metals exiting the river could be associated with removal of the Pawtuxet River dam. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:675-685. Published 2016. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Temporal and spatial behavior of pharmaceuticals in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, United States

The behavior and fate of pharmaceutical ingredients in coastal marine ecosystems are not well understood. To address this, the spatial and temporal distribution of 15 high-volume pharmaceuticals were measured over a 1-yr period in Narragansett Bay (RI, USA) to elucidate factors and processes regulating their concentration and distribution. Dissolved concentrations ranged from below detection to 313 ng/L, with 4 pharmaceuticals present at all sites and sampling periods. Eight pharmaceuticals were present in suspended particulate material, ranging in concentration from below detection to 44 ng/g. Partitioning coefficients were determined for some pharmaceuticals, with their range and variability remaining relatively constant throughout the study. Normalization to organic carbon content provided no benefit, indicating other factors played a greater role in regulating partitioning behavior. Within the upper bay, the continuous influx of wastewater treatment plant effluents resulted in sustained, elevated levels of pharmaceuticals. A pharmaceutical concentration gradient was apparent from this zone to the mouth of the bay. For most of the pharmaceuticals, there was a strong relationship with salinity, indicating conservative behavior within the estuary. Short flushing times in Narragansett Bay coupled with pharmaceuticals' presence overwhelmingly in the dissolved phase indicate that most pharmaceuticals will be diluted and transported out of the estuary, with only trace amounts of several compounds sequestered in sediments. The present study identifies factors controlling the temporal and spatial dynamics of dissolved and particulate pharmaceuticals; their partitioning behavior provides an increased understanding of their fate, including bioavailability in an urban estuary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1846-1855. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Selected pharmaceuticals entering an estuary: Concentrations, temporal trends, partitioning, and fluxes

In many coastal watersheds and ecosystems, rivers discharging to estuaries receive waters from domestic wastewater-treatment plants resulting in the release and distribution of pharmaceuticals to the marine environment. In the present study, 15 active pharmaceutical ingredients were measured regularly over 1 yr in the dissolved and particulate phases as they entered Narragansett Bay from the Pawtuxet River in Cranston (Rhode Island, USA). Of the active pharmaceutical ingredients measured, 14 were consistently present in the dissolved phase, with concentrations ranging from below detection to >310 ng/L, whereas 8 were present in the particulate phase (0.2-18 ng/g). Partition coefficients (K_d s and K_OC s) were determined, and organic carbon normalization reduced variability associated with K_d s for the active pharmaceutical ingredients evaluated. Flux estimates based on river flow were calculated for both dissolved and particulate-phase active pharmaceutical ingredients, with particulate fluxes being low (1-12 g/yr) and dissolved fluxes of active pharmaceutical ingredients being 155 g/yr to 11 600 g/yr. Results indicate that the pharmaceuticals measured in the present study reside primarily in the dissolved phase and thus are likely bioavailable on entering the estuarine waters of Narragansett Bay. This long-term temporal study provides important information on seasonal and annual dynamics of pharmaceuticals in an urban estuarine watershed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2665-2673. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Caffeine in Boston Harbor past and present, assessing its utility as a tracer of wastewater contamination in an urban estuary

Sites throughout Boston Harbor were analyzed for caffeine to assess its utility as a tracer in identifying sources of sanitary wastewater. Caffeine ranged from 15ng/L in the outer harbor to a high of 185ng/L in the inner harbor. Inner harbor concentrations were a result of combined sewage overflow (CSO) events as well as illicit discharge of sanitary sewage into municipal storm drains. Comparing current results to data from 1998 to 1999 shows reductions in caffeine levels. Reductions are attributed to termination of effluent discharge to the harbor, declines in the number of CSOs and discharge volume along with efforts to eliminate illicit discharges. Spatial distributions of caffeine identified CSOs as major contemporary sources to the inner harbor. The findings further establish the utility of caffeine as a tracer for sanitary wastewater contamination in urban estuaries and demonstrate the efficacy of pollution reduction strategies undertaken in recent decades in Boston Harbor.

Source determination of benzotriazoles in sediment cores from two urban estuaries on the Atlantic Coast of the United States

Benzotriazoles (BZTs) are used in a broad range of commercial and industrial products, particularly as metal corrosion inhibitors and as ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizer additives in plastics and polymers. In this study, dated sediment cores from two east coast estuaries were analyzed for commonly used BZTs. In Narragansett Bay, UV stabilizing BZTs (UV-BZTs) were present at high levels from 1961 on, reflecting their patent date, local production and long-term preservation in sediment. In Salem Sound, UV-BZTs were present at concentrations consistent with other coastal marine locations not influenced by BZT production. Anticorrosive BZTs (AC-BZTs) were found in both cores, with the highest levels reported to date present in Narragansett Bay, indicating sorption to, and preservation in, sediments. This study revealed that both classes of BZTs have remained structurally intact over time in coastal sediment cores, demonstrating their resistance to degradation and persistence in environmental compartments.

Assessing organic contaminant fluxes from contaminated sediments following dam removal in an urbanized river

In this study, methods and approaches were developed and tested to assess changes in contaminant fluxes resulting from dam removal in a riverine system. Sediment traps and passive samplers were deployed to measure particulate and dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the water column prior to and following removal of a small, low-head dam in the Pawtuxet River, an urbanized river located in Cranston, RI, USA. During the study, concentrations of particulate and dissolved PAHs ranged from 21.5 to 103 μg/g and from 68 to 164 ng/L, respectively. Overall, temporal trends of PAHs showed no increases in either dissolved or particulate phases following removal of the dam. Dissolved concentrations of PCBs were very low, remaining below 1.72 ng/L at all sites. Particulate PCB concentrations across sites and time showed slightly greater variability, ranging from 80 to 469 ng/g, but with no indication that dam removal influenced any increases. Particulate PAHs and PCBs were sampled continuously at the site located below the dam and did not show sustained increases in concentration resulting from dam removal. The employment of passive sampling technology and sediment traps was highly effective in monitoring the concentrations and flux of contaminants moving through the river system. Variations in river flow had no effect on the concentration of contaminants in the dissolved or particulate phases, but did influence the flux rate of contaminants exiting the river. Overall, dam removal did not cause measurable sediment disturbance or increase the concentration or fluxes of dissolved or particulate PAHs and PCBs. This is due in large part to low volumes of impounded sediment residing above the dam and highly armored sediments in the river channel, which limited erosion. Results from this study will be used to improve methods and approaches that assess the short- and long-term impacts ecological restoration activities such as dam removal have on the release and transport of sediment-bound contaminants.

ET-1 actions in the kidney: evidence for sex differences

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease are more common in men than in premenopausal women at the same age. In animal models, females are relatively protected against genetic or pharmacological procedures that produce high blood pressure and renal injury. Overactivation or dysfunction of the endothelin (ET) system modulates the progression of hypertension or kidney diseases with the ET(A) receptor primarily mediating vasoconstriction, injury and anti-natriuresis, and ET(B) receptors having opposite effects. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of the ET system in the kidney with a focus on the inequality between the sexes associated with the susceptibility to and progression of hypertension and kidney diseases. In most animal models, males have higher renal ET-1 mRNA expression, greater ET(A) -mediated responses, including renal medullary vasoconstriction, and increased renal injury. These differences are reduced following gonadectomy suggesting a role for sex hormones, mainly testosterone. In contrast, females are relatively protected from high blood pressure and kidney damage via increased ET(B) versus ET(A) receptor function. Furthermore, ET(A) receptors may have a favourable effect on sodium excretion and reducing renal damage in females. In human studies, the genetic polymorphisms of the ET system are more associated with hypertension and renal injury in women. However, the knowledge of sex differences in the efficacy or adverse events of ET(A) antagonists in the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease is poorly described. Increased understanding how the ET system acts differently in the kidneys between sexes, especially with regard to receptor subtype function, could lead to better treatments for hypertension and renal disease. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Endothelin. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.168.issue-1.

Endothelin(A) (ET(A)) and ET(B) receptor-mediated regulation of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) and NOS3 isoforms in the renal inner medulla

AIM

Our laboratory and others have shown that endothelin (ET)-1 directly stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. The goal of this study was to determine which NO synthase (NOS) isoforms in IMCD are sensitive to ET-1, and the role of ET(A) and ET(B) receptor activation in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

NOS enzymatic activity and NOS isoform protein expression were examined in cultured IMCD-3 cells and isolated renal inner medulla. ET(B) receptor-deficient homozygous rats (sl/sl) have elevated levels of circulating ET-1 and lack a functional ET(B) signalling pathway in kidneys, and furthermore provides a unique model to study ET(A) receptor signalling in the renal inner medulla in vivo.

RESULTS

Incubation of IMCD-3 cells with exogenous ET-1 (50 nm) resulted in ET(A)-dependent increased NOS1 protein expression in IMCD-3 cells with no effect on NOS2 or NOS3 expression. ET(B) receptor antagonism has no effect on NOS expression in IMCD-3 cells. Consistent with in vitro results, cytosolic NOS1 protein expression was significantly greater in the renal inner medulla of sl/sl rats compared with heterozygous (sl/+) controls, with no alteration in NOS3 expression. In contrast to protein expression data, NOS1- and NOS3-specific enzymatic activities decreased in the cytosolic fraction from the renal inner medulla of sl/sl compared with sl/+.

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors regulate NOS isoform activity in the renal inner medulla and specifically support the hypothesis that ET(A) receptor activation increases NOS1 expression.

Kinetics of the reaction of U(vi) with benzene-1,2-diphosphonic acid

The kinetics of the reaction between dioxouranium(VI) and benzene-1,2-diphosphonic acid (BzDPA) has been investigated by stopped-flow spectrophotometry. The rate of reaction of uranyl ions with Arsenazo III (2,7-bis(2,2'-arsonophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid) in 50:50 methanol-water solutions was also determined. Both formation and dissociation rate constants for the 1:1 complex between uranyl-BzDPA in acidic solutions were resolved. To gain insight into the effect of solvation on the progress of the reaction, the system was studied in triply distilled water, in 50:50 methanol-water, 80:20 methanol-water and in 50:50 tert-butanol-water as a function of temperature at pH 1.0. The rates of complex formation and dissociation reactions decrease as methanol substitutes for water in the medium and further decrease as tert-butanol replaces methanol as co-solvent. Activation parameters are most consistent with an associative process governing the progress of both complex formation and dissociation reactions. Introduction of alcoholic co-solvents results in notably more negative activation entropies for both complex formation and dissociation reactions, while the activation enthalpies are only slightly reduced in the mixed methanol-water medium. These results are compared with the kinetic features of other U(VI) systems.

NOS 3 subcellular localization in the regulation of nitric oxide production

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Endothelial NO synthase (NOS 3), which catalyses the formation of NO, is targeted to the plasma membrane by dual acylation. In vitro studies suggest that membrane localization of NOS 3 is an important regulatory element of NO production. Dysfunction of the vascular endothelium and a decrease in NO bioavailability is associated with the development and progression of a number of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Our laboratory has previously published that in salt-dependent hypertension there is an altered localization of NOS 3, with an increase in cytosolic expression. These data have led us to question whether the increased cytosolic NOS 3 expression is a form of compensation for endothelial dysfunction in hypertension, or an indicator and contributing factor to endothelial dysfunction. This review will outline the importance of subcellular localization in the regulation of NOS 3 in vitro, the role of NOS 3 in endothelial dysfunction associated with salt-dependent hypertension, and the potential physiological consequences of altered NOS 3 localization in vivo.

Creatine supplementation in high school football players

OBJECTIVE

To describe creatine supplementation patterns and behaviors associated with creatine supplementation in high school football players.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, multisite, anonymous, descriptive survey was conducted between October 1999 and February 2000.

SETTING

37 public high schools in Wisconsin.

SUBJECTS

A total of 1,349 high school football players, grades 9-12.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported prevalence of creatine use, as well as perceived benefits and risks. In addition, sources of information and influence regarding creatine supplementation were assessed.

RESULTS

30% of the respondents reported using creatine. Creatine use was lowest in the 9th grade (10.4%) and highest in the 12th grade (50.5%). 41% of the players at small schools stated they used creatine compared with 29% of the players in large schools. Enhanced recovery following a workout was the most likely perceived benefit of creatine supplementation, while dehydration was cited most often as a risk of creatine use. Users were encouraged to take creatine most often by their friends while their parents discouraged creatine use.

CONCLUSIONS

Creatine use is widespread in high school football players. High school football players who use creatine may not be aware of the risks and benefits associated with creatine supplementation. Sports medicine professionals who work with this population need to educate athletes, coaches, and parents about the use of creatine as a performance-enhancing supplement.

Effect of age on electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in male and female rats

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effect of age on electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was different in males and females.

METHODS

Young (3 month) and old (25 month) Fisher 344 rats were studied: young females (YF, n=34), young males (YM, n=28), old females (OF, n=19), and old males (OM, n=24). Isolated mesenteric resistance arteries (endothelium-intact and denuded) were pressurized, and outer diameter was monitored. EFS-response curves (0.1-8 Hz) were performed in preconstricted arteries in the presence of guanethidine. EFS responses were expressed as percent relaxation from preconstricted diameter. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and comparisons were made using ANOVA and t-tests.

RESULTS

Males became less responsive to EFS-induced vasodilation with age, while responses among females were unaffected (AUC: YM=344+/-23, OM=253+/-25, P=0.008; YF=397+/-21, OF=365+/-25, P=0.33). Endothelial denudation produced a significant decrease in EFS-induced dilation among all rat groups. The effect of denudation was greater in young animals compared to old. Incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (LNA) significantly decreased EFS responsiveness among all of the rat groups.

CONCLUSIONS

EFS-induced vasodilation declines with age among males. In YF and YM endothelium-dependent EFS-induced vasodilation is mediated by the release of endothelium-derived NO. With age, endothelial function declines, which is likely due to a decrease in the production of endothelium-derived NO. A decline in endothelial-derived NO is likely responsible for the decrease in EFS-induced vasodilation with age among males.

Gender differences in the effect of age on electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced adrenergic vasoconstriction in rat mesenteric resistance arteries

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of gender and age on electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced vasoconstriction. Fisher 344 rats were studied: young females (YF, n = 38), young males (YM, n = 29), old females (OF, n = 33), and old males (OM, n = 30). Isolated mesenteric resistance arteries (endothelium-intact or denuded) were pressurized, and outer diameter was monitored. Dose-response curves were performed to KCl and phenylephrine (PE). EFS (0.1-16 Hz) responses were expressed as percentage of constriction from baseline. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and comparisons were made using analysis of variance and t tests. Females became less responsive to EFS-induced constriction with age, whereas constrictor responses among males were unaffected (AUC: YF = 454 +/- 15, OF = 284 +/- 22, p < 0.001; YM = 391 +/- 35, OM = 357 +/- 31, p = 0.22). Endothelial denudation produced a significant increase in EFS-induced constriction in OF and OM. Endothelium removal in OF increased the EFS constrictor response to the level seen in arteries from YF. BQ 123 (ET(A) receptor antagonist) significantly decreased EFS-induced constriction in YM and OM. In YM, SQ 29,548 [thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2))/PGH(2) receptor antagonist] and indomethacin depressed constrictor responses. There were no differences among groups in the sensitivity to KCl, but YF were the most sensitive to PE. In conclusion, EFS-induced vasoconstriction declined with age among females but not males. The decrease in EFS constrictor responses in OF may be due to a selective decrease in vascular smooth muscle sensitivity to adrenergic agonists and an increase in the production of an endothelium-derived vasodilator. Among males there is also an endothelin-1 and TXA(2)/PGH(2) component to EFS-induced constriction that is absent among females.

Cross-validation of methods to predict body fat in African-American and Caucasian collegiate football players

Eight skinfold (SF) equations and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were cross-validated in 71 Division IA college football players. Criterion percent body fat (%FAT) was determined by hydrostatic weighing (HW) and computed from body density (BD) for African Americans (n = 28) and Caucasians (n = 43). Results were analyzed by method, with position and race effects examined simultaneously using a two-way ANOVA. Analysis included computation of mean difference (MD), correlation (r), standard error of estimate (SEE), and total error (TE). Skinfolds had MDs ranging from -1.8 to 2.9%, correlations from .85 to .93, SEEs from 2.3 to 3.2%, and TEs from 2.3 to 4.2%. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was significantly different from HW and yielded the highest MD (3.8%), lowest correlation (r = .78), highest SEE (3.9%), and highest TE (5.4%). The Jackson and Pollock (1978) SF equation provided the most valid prediction of HW-determined %FAT in a racially mixed sample of college football players, demonstrating the highest correlation, lowest SEE and TE, and an intercept and slope not significantly different than 0.0 and 1.0, respectively.

Prediction of percent body fat in adult males using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, skinfolds, and hydrostatic weighing

The purpose of this study was to compare the prediction of percent body fat (%FAT) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), skinfolds (SF), and hydrostatic weighing (HW) in adult males. Subjects were 35 adult male Caucasians (mean +/- SD; age: 39.1 +/- 14.0 yr, height: 180.6 +/- 5.3 cm, weight: 81.0 +/- 11.1 kg). %FAT, determined by HW with residual volume determined via O2 dilution, served as the criterion. DXA %FAT was determined by the Norland XR-26 (XR-26) bone densitometer and by the SF equations of Jackson and Pollock (JP) (1978), and Lohman (LOH) (1981). Criterion referenced validation included analyzing mean (+/- SD) %FAT values using a one-way ANOVA for significance, comparison of mean differences (MD), correlations (r), standard error of estimates (SEE), and total errors (TE). Significant differences were found between means of each method. The r (0.91) and SEE (3.0 %FAT) for DXA compare favorably with the established SF methods of JP and LOH for predicting %FAT; however, DXA demonstrated the largest MD (3.9 %FAT) and TE (5.2 %FAT). Regression analysis yields HW = 0.79* DXA + 0.56. The results do not support earlier research that found no significant difference between HW and DXA %FAT in males. The study suggests the density of the fat-free body (DFFB) is not constant, and that the variation in bone mineral content affects the DFFB, which contributes to the differences between DXA and HW %FAT. We recommend further research to identify inconsistencies between manufacturers of DXA equipment in prediction of %FAT in males.

A comparison of methods to predict minimal weight in high school wrestlers

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of body fat determinations and subsequent calculation of minimal weight (MW) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bioelectrical impedance (BIA), near-infrared photospectometry (NIR), and anthropometry (LOHMAN). Necessitated by mandatory state minimal weight testing, the methods were cross-validated on 95 Wisconsin high school wrestlers (mean +/- SD; age: 15.1 +/- 1.2 yr, height: 170.4 +/- 7.1 cm, weight: 63.4 +/- 9.8 kg). MW, defined as fat-free body/0.93, determined by hydrostatic weighing (HW) and residual volume via O2 dilution, served as the criterion. The validity of the four selected MW predictions were evaluated against HW by examining mean differences (MD), standard deviation differences (SDD), correlations (r), standard error of estimate (SEE), and total errors (TE). Statistically significant differences were shown between the methods and the criterion by t-tests; however, these were clinically small in Lohman (0.6 kg) and BIA (0.9 kg). TE ranged from 2.25 kg (Lohman) to 6.03 kg (NIR). The results indicated that Lohman skinfold equation provided the most accurate prediction of MW, demonstrating the highest correlation (0.972), lowest MD (0.6 kg), lowest SEE (2.12 kg), and lowest TE (2.25 kg) of the methods evaluated.

Oxidation of Formatopentaamminecobalt(III) Perchlorate by Silver(II)

Formatopentaamminecobalt (III) perchlorate is oxidized relatively rapidly by AgO in acid conditions (1 M H2SO4, HNO3 or HO3SCF3), with approximately 97% of the total cobalt retained in the cobalt(III) state as [Co(NH3)5(OH2)]3+ and [Co(NH3)5X]n+ (X = SO42- or NO3-). A combination of product distribution, silver(I) and silver(II) concentration dependence and 18O-labelling experiments indicate that the major pathway (97%) is oxidation of [Co(NH3)5(OCHO)]2+ directly to [(NH3)5Co(OCO)]3+ and [(NH3)5Co(O2COH)]2+ by AgIII (through the disproportionation 2AgII ↔ AgIII + AgI ) in a relatively rapid hydride extraction. A minor path (3%) appears to involve a one-electron oxidation by AgII to the complexed radical anion [(NH3)5Co(OC?O)]2+ which then decays intramolecularly to yield CoII and CO2. In 1 M H2SO4 the cobalt(III) intermediate, [(NH3)5Co(OCO)]3+, has been shown by 18O-labelling and competition experiments to decay by dissociation into [Co(NH3)5]3+ and CO2. The pentacoordinate intermediate [Co(NH3)5]3+ immediately captures OH2 and HSO4-.

Clients' satisfaction survey in a psychiatric inpatient population attached to a general hospital

A clients' satisfaction survey was undertaken on the population of a psychiatric inpatient facility in a general hospital setting. The responses were analysed statistically and the results showed that the patients were highly satisfied with the services provided. The results are reviewed within the context of the literature available, and the methodological issues involved are discussed. It is felt that existing questionnaires need to be further refined to make them more sensitive to dissatisfaction felt by patients.

Lymphoma and the parotid gland

The rich parotid lymphatic network makes necessary the inclusion of benign and malignant lymphoid disease in the differential diagnosis of parotid swelling. This area is affected directly by lymphoma in many clinical situations and has an indirect relationship with lymphoma through Sjögren's syndrome. These associations can produce uncertainty about the etiology and significance of parotid masses. Patients with Sjögren's have a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders from benign lymphoepithelial disease (BLD) to lymphoma and a significantly greater incidence of the latter than the general population. Nine patients with lymphoma and also benign and malignant lymphoid disease in the parotid illustrate various diagnostic considerations. These include that both benign and malignant parotid lymphoid pathology are seen with systemic lymphoma, that lymphoma can co-exist with BLD, may be misdiagnosed as BLD, and can develop in the same gland after appearance of BLD.

Male aggression toward females as a function of traditional vs nontraditional cues and visibility of the target

An aggression paradigm, disguised as a competitive reaction time task, was designed to investigate aggression by males toward a female who deviated from traditionally expected properties of a female target. 33 male subjects, exposed to a female varying in traditional vs non-traditional appearance and attitudes, did not set differential shock levels for their target. The surprisingly high shock levels which subjects set for the female, however, resulted in an additional experimental condition to compare the visibility of the opponent in the design with the non-visibility of female opponents in previous studies demonstrating low aggression against females. Seven subjects with a non-visible target shocked their opponent significantly less than in all other conditions where males had contact with the female opponent. This finding suggests that studies using non-visible female targets cannot legitimately be generalized to real-life situations and that males may not be inhibited from aggressing against females as previously thought.

The effects of N-hexyl-O-glucosyl sphingosine on normal cultured human fibroblasts: a chemical model for Gaucher's disease

Normal human skin fibroblasts were grown in the presence of N-hexyl-O-glucosyl sphingosine (HGS), an inhibitor of aryl glucosidase and glucocerebrosidase. Tests of the cells with aryl glycosides showed that beta-glucosidase activity in the cells was drastically reduced while other enzyme activities (alpha-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase, and N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase) were normal or elevated. Exposure of cells to HGS for 28 days resulted in increased values for cell weight per plate, glucocerebroside concentration, and galactosyl-galactosylglucosyl ceramide concentration. The concentrations of total lipid, cholesterol, and protein were unchanged, as was the fatty acid distribution within the glycolipids. Chemically, the inhibitor-treated cells exhibited a model form of Gaucher's disease. Although many membranous cytoplasmic inclusions were induced by HGS, they were unlike the characteristic inclusions seen in individuals with the genetic disorder. Skin fibroblasts from a Gaucher patient showed no abnormalities in composition or appearance.

Study of the Hurler syndrome using cell culture: definition of the biochemical phenotype and the effects of ascorbic acid on the mutant cell

Fibroblasts from patients with Hurler syndrome retain a distinctive biochemical phenotype when grown in culture which is characterized by increased synthesis of both nonsulfated and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Ascorbic acid reinforces the phenotypic expression of the biochemical abnormality, producing not only increased synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, but selective retention of sulfated glycosaminoglycans within the cell. Although the synthesis of nonsulfated glycosaminoglycans is also increased, these compounds, particularly hyaluronic acid are not retained by the cell but are secreted into the medium. Analyses of urine from patients with Hurler syndrome show increased absolute concentrations of nonsulfated glycosaminoglycans in addition to the expected increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans. This indicates that the biochemical phenotype as defined in cell culture is not an artifact of the experimental model but reflects the biochemical defect in the patient. Redefinition of the biochemical defect to include nonsulfated as well as sulfated glycosaminoglycans contradicts explanations of this disease which are based on a single structural gene mutation.

Ascorbic acid deficiency in cultured human fibroblasts

Fibroblasts grown in medium containing less than 1 microg of ascorbic acid per milliliter showed evidence of ascorbic acid deficiency when compared with cells grown in medium containing 50 microg of ascorbic acid per milliliter. This was manifested morphologically by dilated endoplasmic reticulum, a decrease in number, size, and intensity of staining of the mitochondria, by defective intercellular fibril formation, and by easy disaggregation of the cells from the intercellular matrix after treatment with pronase. When 50 microg per milliliter of ascorbic acid was incorporated into the medium, the altered morphology was corrected, banded fibrils were produced which were organized into bundles, and the cells were tightly bound in a matrix which was resistant to disaggregation with a variety of proteolytic enzymes. Collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis were less in the control than in the ascorbic acid supplemented cells. Similar morphological and chemical changes have been reported in the connective tissue of scorbutic animals. The effects of low ascorbic acid concentration on fibroblasts in culture indicate that these cells require ascorbic acid to maintain connective tissue functions.

Vitamin C-induced increase of dermatan sulfate in cultured Hurler's fibroblasts

In fibroblasts taken from patients witli Hurler's syndromne and grown in cultlure, dermatan sulfate constituted a larger percentage of the total sulfated glycosaminoglycans than it did in cultured fibroblasts from unaffected individuals. Moreover, the addition of ascorbic acid (vitamnin C) to the culture medium markedly increased the concentration of dermatan sulfate in the Hurler's fibroblasts but not in the normal fibroblasts. The biochemical phenotype of the Hurler's cells persisted during 28 weeks of serial culture.

Studies on the Protective Effect of Gamma Globulin against Herpes Simplex Infections in Mice

Concentrated human serum gamma globulin has been shown to contain virus neutralizing antibody for herpes simplex virus by means of protection tests in which mice were employed. When the globulin was administered prior to the challenge dose of virus the protective effect was definite although slight. No more than a minimal protective effect was observed when the viral injection preceded the administration of globulin by as little as 12 or 24 hours. Porcine and bovine gamma globulin had no demonstrable protective effect. No antigenic relationship between the viruses of herpes simplex and epidemic keratoconjunctivitis was revealed by protection tests with human gamma globulin.