Degradation of [Dha7]MC-LR by a Microcystin Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand

PubMed Central

Somdee, Theerasak; Ruck, John; Lys, Isabelle; Allison, Margaret; Page, Rachel

2013-01-01

For the first time a microcystin-degrading bacterium (NV-3 isolate) has been isolated and characterized from a NZ lake. Cyanobacterial blooms in New Zealand (NZ) waters contain microcystin (MC) hepatotoxins at concentrations which are a risk to animal and human health. Degradation of MCs by naturally occurring bacteria is an attractive bioremediation option for removing MCs from drinking and recreational water sources. The NV-3 isolate was identified by 16S rRNA sequence analysis and found to have 100% nucleotide sequence homology with the Sphingomonas MC-degrading bacterial strain MD-1 from Japan. The NV-3 isolate (concentration of 1.0 × 108 CFU/mL) at 30°C degraded a mixture of [Dha7]MC-LR and MC-LR (concentration 25 μg/mL) at a maximum rate of 8.33 μg/mL/day. The intermediate by-products of [Dha7]MC-LR degradation were detected and similar to MC-LR degradation by-products. The presence of three genes (mlrA, mlrB, and mlrC), that encode three enzymes involved in the degradation of MC-LR, were identified in the NV-3 isolate. This study confirmed that degradation of [Dha7]MC-LR by the Sphingomonas isolate NV-3 occurred by a similar mechanism previously described for MC-LR by Sphingomonas strain MJ-PV (ACM-3962). This has important implications for potential bioremediation of toxic blooms containing a variety of MCs in NZ waters. PMID:23936728

Microcystin-leucine arginine mediates apoptosis and engulfment of Leydig cell by testicular macrophages resulting in reduced serum testosterone levels.

PubMed

Chen, Yabing; Wang, Jing; Chen, Xiang; Li, Dongmei; Han, Xiaodong

2018-06-01

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) causes decline of serum testosterone levels resulting in impaired spermatogenesis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of MC-LR exposure on the number of Leydig cells (LCs) in testis. Following chronic low dose exposure to MC-LR, the number of LCs was markedly decreased while macrophages were significantly increased. Then, we established a co-culture system to study the interaction between macrophages and LCs in the presence of MC-LR. No significant apoptosis of LCs cultured alone was observed after MC-LR (< 5 000 nM) treatment; however, apoptosis was robustly increased when LCs were co-cultured with macrophages in the presence of MC-LR. Further studies identified that MC-LR could stimulate macrophage to produce TNF-α, and secreted TNF-α induced LC apoptosis by binding to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) on the LCs and thus activating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-p38MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also examined increased expression of Axl receptor and growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) in macrophages after MC-LR treatment. GAS6 mediates phagocytosis of apoptotic LCs by binding to the Axl receptor on macrophages and phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) on apoptotic LCs. Together, these results suggested that reduced serum testosterone levels may be associated with decrease of LCs as a result of LC apoptosis and phagocytosis by immune cells in MC-LR-treated mice. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic and mechanistic study of microcystin-LR degradation by nitrous acid under ultraviolet irradiation.

PubMed

Ma, Qingwei; Ren, Jing; Huang, Honghui; Wang, Shoubing; Wang, Xiangrong; Fan, Zhengqiu

2012-05-15

Degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of nitrous acid (HNO(2)) under irradiation of 365nm ultraviolet (UV) was studied for the first time. The influence of initial conditions including pH value, NaNO(2) concentration, MC-LR concentration and UV intensity were studied. MC-LR was degraded in the presence of HNO(2); enhanced degradation of MC-LR was observed with 365nm UV irradiation, caused by the generation of hydroxyl radicals through the photolysis of HNO(2). The degradation processes of MC-LR could well fit the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of the byproducts and the analysis of degradation mechanisms. Major degradation pathways were proposed according to the results of LC-MS analysis. The degradation of MC-LR was initiated via three major pathways: attack of hydroxyl radicals on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda, attack of hydroxyl radicals on the benzene ring of Adda, and attack of nitrosonium ion on the benzene ring of Adda. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subchronic toxicity of Nile tilapia with different exposure routes to Microcystis aeruginosa: Histopathology, liver functions, and oxidative stress biomarkers

PubMed Central

Abdel-Latif, H. M. R.; Khashaba, A. M. Abou

2017-01-01

Background: Toxic cyanobacterial blooms (Microcystis aeruginosa contains microcystins [MCs]) have been reported to induce clinicopathological alterations as well as different oxidative stress in aquatic biota. Aim: Three-week subchronic exposure experiment was carried out on Nile tilapia, to determine their effects on fish behavior, tissues, liver functions, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation. Materials and Methods: Fish were exposed to four main treatments; orally fed diet plus toxic cells of M. aeruginosa (containing 3500 µg/g MC-LR), immersion in 500 µg MC-LR/L, intraperitoneal injection of M. aeruginosa MC-LR with a dose of 0.1 ml of extracted toxin at a dose of 200 μg/kg bwt, and the fourth one served as a control group, then the fish were sacrificed at the end of 3rd week of exposure. Results: The results revealed no recorded mortality with obvious behavioral changes and an enlarged liver with the congested gall bladder. Histopathology demonstrated fragmentation, hyalinization, and necrosis of the subcutaneous musculature marked fatty degeneration, and vacuolation of hepatopancreatic cells with adhesion of the secondary gill lamellae associated with severe leukocytic infiltration. Furthermore, liver functions enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidase, and catalase enzymes) were significantly increased in all treatments starting from the 2nd week as compared to the control levels. Conclusion: In this context, the study addresses the possible toxicological impacts of toxic M. aeruginosa contain MC-LR to Nile tilapia, and the results investigated that MC-LR is toxic to Nile tilapia in different routes of exposure as well as different doses. PMID:28919690

New insights into cytotoxicity induced by microcystin-LR, estradiol, and ractopamine with mathematical models: Individual and combined effects.

PubMed

Ma, Min; Pi, Fuwei; Wang, Jiasheng; Ji, Jian; Sun, Xiulan

2017-02-01

Humans are most likely to be exposed to microcystins (MCs) combined with other water pollutants rather than to individual compounds through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or through recreational activities, such as swimming. However, the combined effects of MC-LR, estradiol (EST), and ractopamine (RAC) have not been extensively researched. The goal of this study was to investigate the combined effects of these compounds. For this purpose, cytotoxicity was evaluated in HepG2 cells treated with single or combined doses of MC-LR, EST, and RAC based on concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA), and Chou-Talalay's combination-index (CI) methods. Singly applied MC-LR and EST induced HepG2 cellular proliferation at low-concentration levels (1 × 10 -12 -1 × 10 -9  M), and decreased viability at higher doses of exposure (1 × 10 -9 -1 × 10 -6  M). Exposure to binary or ternary mixtures of MC-LR, EST, and RAC exhibited synergistic effects at high concentrations, irrespective of the models used. In contrast, antagonism was observed for the mixture of MC-LR and EST at relatively low concentrations. A synergistic effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed for the combined drugs at high concentrations. Additionally, the ratio of apoptotic cells was increased more by the combined drugs than the single drugs, consistent with the inhibition of cell viability. The ROS increase after treatment with the combined drugs may enhance cytotoxicity and subsequently lead to cell apoptosis. Given the interactions between MC-LR, EST, and RAC, government regulatory standards for MC-LR should consider the toxicological interactions between MC-LR and other environment pollutions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discerning biodegradation and adsorption of microcystin-LR in a shallow semi-enclosed bay and bacterial community shifts in response to associated process.

PubMed

Li, Jieming; Li, Ji; Shi, Ge; Mei, Zulin; Wang, Ruiping; Li, Dianyue

2016-10-01

Hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria pose serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health, to understand elimination pathways and mechanisms for MCs, especially in a shallow and semi-enclosed eutrophic area, is of great significance. This study succeed in discerning biodegradation and adsorption of microcystin-LR (MCLR) mediated by water and/or sediment in northern part of Meiliang Bay in Lake Taihu, China, and among the first to reveal the shifts of indigenous bacterial community composition in response to MCLR-biodegradation in sediment by Illumina high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Results confirmed that biodegradation predominantly governed MCLR elimination as compared to adsorption in study area. Through faster biodegradation with a rate of 49.21μgL(-1)d(-1), lake water contributed more to overall MCLR removal than sediment. Sediment also played indispensable role in MCLR removal via primarily biodegradation by indigenous community (a rate of 17.27μgL(-1)d(-1)) and secondarily adsorption (<20% of initial concentration). HTS analysis showed that indigenous community composition shifted with decreased phylogenetic diversity in response to sediment-mediated MCLR-biodegradation. Proteobacteria became predominant (39.34-86.78%) in overall composition after biodegradation, which was mostly contributed by sharp proliferation of β-proteobacteria (22.76-74.80%), and might closely link to MCLR-biodegradation in sediment. Moreover, the members of several genera belonging to α-proteobacteria, β-proteobacteria and γ-proteobacteria seemed to be key degraders because of their dominance or increasing population as MCLR degraded. This study expands understanding on natural elimination mechanism for MCs, and provides guidance to reduce MCs' biological risks and guarantee ecosystem safety in aquatic habitats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR impairs zebrafish reproduction by affecting oogenesis and endocrine system.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanyan; Xie, Liqiang; Yan, Yunjun

2015-02-01

Previous studies have shown that microcystins (MCs) are able to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of fish. However, few data are actually available on the effects of MC-LR on the reproductive system of female fish. In the present study, female zebrafish were exposed to 2, 10, and 50 μg L(-1) of MC-LR for 21 d, and its effects on oogenesis, sex hormones, transcription of genes on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, and reproduction were investigated for the first time. It was observed that egg production significantly declined at ⩾ 10 μg L(-1) MC-LR. MC-LR exposure to zebrafish increased the concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG) at 10 μg L(-1) level, whereas concentrations of E2, VTG and testosterone declined at 50 μg L(-1) MC-LR. The transcriptions of steroidogenic pathway gene (cyp19a, cyp19b, 17βhsd, cyp17 and hmgra) changed as well after the exposure and corresponded well with the alterations of hormone levels. A number of intra- and extra-ovarian factors, such as gnrh3, gnrhr1, fshβ, fshr, lhr, bmp15, mrpβ, ptgs2 and vtg1 which regulate oogenesis, were significantly changed with a different dose-related effect. Moreover, MC-LR exposure to female zebrafish resulted in decreased fertilization and hatching rates, and may suggest the possibility of trans-generational effects of MC-LR exposure. The results demonstrate that MC-LR could modulate endocrine function and oogenesis, eventually leading to disruption of reproductive performance in female zebrafish. These data suggest there is a risk for aquatic population living in MC polluted areas. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The interactive effects of microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin on the growth rate of the freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Carlos; Azevedo, Joana; Campos, Alexandre; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Loureiro, Susana

2016-05-01

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are the most representative cyanobacterial cyanotoxins. They have been simultaneously detected in aquatic systems, but their combined ecotoxicological effects to aquatic organisms, especially microalgae, is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of these cyanotoxins individually and as a binary mixture on the growth rate of the freshwater algae Chlorella vulgaris. Using the MIXTOX tool, the reference model concentration addition (CA) was selected to evaluate the combined effects of MC-LR and CYN on the growth of the freshwater green algae due to its conservative prediction of mixture effect for putative similar or dissimilar acting chemicals. Deviations from the CA model such as synergism/antagonism, dose-ratio and dose-level dependency were also assessed. In single exposures, our results demonstrated that MC-LR and CYN had different impacts on the growth rates of C. vulgaris at the highest tested concentrations, being CYN the most toxic. In the mixture exposure trial, MC-LR and CYN showed a synergistic deviation from the conceptual model CA as the best descriptive model. MC-LR individually was not toxic even at high concentrations (37 mg L(-1)); however, the presence of MC-LR at much lower concentrations (0.4-16.7 mg L(-1)) increased the CYN toxicity. From these results, the combined exposure of MC-LR and CYN should be considered for risk assessment of mixtures as the toxicity may be underestimated when looking only at the single cyanotoxins and not their combination. This study also represents an important step to understand the interactions among MC-LR and CYN detected previously in aquatic systems.

Genotoxic potential of the binary mixture of cyanotoxins microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin.

PubMed

Hercog, Klara; Maisanaba, Sara; Filipič, Metka; Jos, Ángeles; Cameán, Ana M; Žegura, Bojana

2017-12-01

Increased eutrophication of water bodies promotes cyanobacterial blooming that is hazardous due to the production of various bioactive compounds. Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is among the most widespread cyanotoxins classified as possible human carcinogen, while cylindrospermopsin (CYN) has only recently been recognized as health concern. Both cyanotoxins are genotoxic; however, the mechanisms of their action differ. They are ubiquitously present in water environment and are often detected together. Therefore, we studied genotoxic potential of the binary mixture of these cyanotoxins. Human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were exposed to a single dose of MCLR (1 μg/mL), graded doses of CYN (0.01-0.5 μg/mL), and their combinations. Comet and Cytokinesis block micronucleus assays were used to detect induction of DNA strand breaks (sb) and genomic instability, respectively, along with the transcriptional analyses of the expression of selected genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, immediate/early cell response and DNA-damage response. MCLR induced DNA sb that were only transiently present after 4 h exposure, whereas CYN, after 24 h exposure, induced DNA sb and genomic instability. The MCLR/CYN mixture induced DNA sb after 24 h exposure, but to lesser extent as CYN alone. On the other hand, induction of genomic instability by the MCLR/CYN mixture was comparable to that induced by CYN alone. In addition, patterns of changes in the expression of selected genes induced by the MCLR/CYN mixture were not significantly different from those induced by CYN alone. Our results indicate that CYN exerts higher genotoxic potential than MCLR and that genotoxic potential of the MCLR/CYN mixture is comparable to that of CYN alone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of microcystin-LR on mesoporous carbons and its potential use in drinking water source.

PubMed

Park, Jeong-Ann; Jung, Sung-Mok; Yi, In-Geol; Choi, Jae-Woo; Kim, Song-Bae; Lee, Sang-Hyup

2017-06-01

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a common toxin derived from cyanobacterial blooms an effective, rapid and non-toxic method needs to be developed for its removal from drinking water treatment plants (DWTP). For an adsorption-based method, mesoporous carbon can be a promising supplemental adsorbent. The effect of mesoporous carbon (MC1, MC2, and MC3) properties and water quality parameters on the adsorption of MC-LR were investigated and the results were analyzed by kinetic, isotherm, thermodynamic, Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO), and intraparticle diffusion models. MC1 was the most appropriate type for the removal of MC-LR with a maximum adsorption capacity of 35,670.49 μg/g. Adsorption of MC-LR is a spontaneous reaction dominated by van der Waals interactions. Pore sizes of 8.5-14 nm enhance the pore diffusion of MC-LR from the surface to the mesopores of MC1. The adsorption capacity was not sensitive to changes in the pH (3.2-8.0) and the existence of organic matter (2-5 mg/L). Furthermore, the final concentration of MC-LR was below the WHO guideline level after a 10-min reaction with 20 mg/L of MC1 in the Nak-Dong River, a drinking water source. The MC-LR adsorption mainly competed with humic substances (500-1000 g/mole); however, they did not have a great effect on adsorption. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Comparison of Microcystis aeruginosa (PCC7820 and PCC7806) growth and intracellular microcystins content determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay anti-Adda and phosphatase bioassay.

PubMed

Ríos, V; Moreno, I; Prieto, A I; Soria-Díaz, M E; Frías, J E; Cameán, A M

2014-03-01

Cyanobacteria are able to produce several metabolites that have toxic effects on humans and animals. Among these cyanotoxins, the hepatotoxic microcystins (MC) occur frequently. The intracellular MC content produced by two strains of Microcystis aeruginosa, PCC7806 and PCC7820, and its production kinetics during the culture time were studied in order to elucidate the conditions that favour the growth and proliferation of these toxic strains. Intracellular MC concentrations measured by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (MS) were compared with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) anti-Adda and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition assays. It has been demonstrated there are discrepancies in the quantification of MC content when comparing ELISA and LC-MS results. However, a good correlation has been obtained between PP2A inhibition assay and LC-MS. Three MC were identified using LC-MS in the PCC7806 strain: MC-LR, demethylated MC-LR and a new variant detected for the first time in this strain, [L-MeSer(7)] MC-LR. In PCC7820, MC-LR, D-Asp(3)-MCLR, Dglu(OCH3)-MCLR, MC-LY, MC-LW and MC-LF were identificated. The major one was MC-LR in both strains, representing 81 and 79% of total MC, respectively. The total MC content in M. aeruginosa PCC7820 was almost three-fold higher than in PCC7806 extracts.

Characterization of in vitro effects of microcystin-LR on intestinal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Zhou, Yuan; Xu, Xiaoping; Yu, Beibei; Yu, Guang

2017-05-01

The intestinal epithelium is a single-cell layer that provides an important barrier against natural toxins. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide, is one of the best known toxins able to alter the functions of intestine. This study evaluated the toxic effects and the possible mechanisms of MC-LR on barrier function of the intestinal epithelial cells. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were exposed to 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 μM MC-LR. Cell viability significantly decreased, while the ratio of apoptotic cells increased after exposure to 12.5μM and higer concentration of MC-LR. As expected, the integrity of a polarized IEC-6 monolayer was affected by MC-LR exposure, as demonstrated by a decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, becoming most pronounced at 50μM, 24 h. No effects were detected on the protein expression levels of the tight junction protein claudin at 50μM. However, the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) declined. Furthermore, MC-LR can immigrate into IEC-6 cells. The activity of protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) decreased from the concentration of 12.5 μM, showing a dose-dependent decline. These results provide new information that strengthens the concept that the intestinal epithelium is important targets for toxic effects of water contaminants like MC-LR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1539-1547, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woźny, Maciej, E-mail: maciej.wozny@uwm.edu.pl

To date, there has been no systematic approach comprehensively describing the sequence of pathological changes in fish during prolonged exposure to microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Towards this aim, juvenile whitefish individuals received an intraperitoneal injection with pure MC-LR, and the injection was repeated every week to maintain continuous exposure for 28 days. During the exposure period, growth and condition of the fish were assessed based on biometric measurements. Additionally, selected biochemical markers were analysed in the fishes' blood, and their livers were carefully examined for morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular changes. The higher dose of MC-LR (100 μg·kg{sup −1}) caused severe liver injurymore » at the beginning of the exposure period, whereas the lower dose (10 μg·kg{sup −1}) caused less, probably reversible injury, and its effects began to be observed later in the exposure period. These marked changes were accompanied by substantial MC-LR uptake by the liver. However, starting on the 7th day of exposure, cell debris began to be removed by phagocytes, then by 14th day, proliferation of liver cells had markedly increased, which led to reconstruction of the liver parenchyma at the end of the treatment. Surprisingly, despite weekly-repeated intraperitoneal injections, MC-LR did not accumulate over time of exposure which suggests its limited uptake in the later phase of exposure. In support, mRNA expression of the membrane transport protein oatp1d was decreased at the same time as the regenerative processes were observed. Our study shows that closing of active membrane transport may serve as one defence mechanism against further MC-LR intoxication. - Highlights: • The study presents pathological changes in whitefish during prolonged MC-LR exposure. • After early, severe injury, the damaged liver parenchyma of the fish regenerated. • Endoplasmic reticulum, cytoskeleton, and chromatin were the main targets for MC-LR. • MC-LR did not accumulate over time of exposure despite weekly-repeated injections. • Down-regulation of oatp1d expression may serve as a defence mechanism against MC-LR.« less

Simultaneous Microcystis Algicidal and Microcystin Degrading Capability by a Single Acinetobacter Bacterial Strain.

PubMed

Li, Hong; Ai, Hainan; Kang, Li; Sun, Xingfu; He, Qiang

2016-11-01

Measures for removal of toxic harmful algal blooms often cause lysis of algal cells and release of microcystins (MCs). In this study, Acinetobacter sp. CMDB-2 that exhibits distinct algal lysing activity and MCs degradation capability was isolated. The physiological response and morphological characteristics of toxin-producing Microcystis aeruginosa, the dynamics of intra- and extracellular MC-LR concentration were studied in an algal/bacterial cocultured system. The results demonstrated that Acinetobacter sp. CMDB-2 caused thorough decomposition of algal cells and impairment of photosynthesis within 24 h. Enhanced algal lysis and MC-LR release appeared with increasing bacterial density from 1 × 10 3 to 1 × 10 7 cells/mL; however, the MC-LR was reduced by nearly 94% within 14 h irrespective of bacterial density. Measurement of extracellular and intracellular MC-LR revealed that the toxin was decreased by 92% in bacterial cell incubated systems relative to control and bacterial cell-free filtrate systems. The results confirmed that the bacterial metabolite caused 92% lysis of Microcystis aeruginosa cells, whereas the bacterial cells were responsible for approximately 91% reduction of MC-LR. The joint efforts of the bacterium and its metabolite accomplished the sustainable removal of algae and MC-LR. This is the first report of a single bacterial strain that achieves these dual actions.

Adsorptive removal of microcystin-LR from surface and wastewater using tyre-based powdered activated carbon: Kinetics and isotherms.

PubMed

Mashile, Phodiso P; Mpupa, Anele; Nomngongo, Philiswa N

2018-04-01

Microcystin LR (MC-LR) is a highly toxic compound and it is known for its adverse health effect on both humans and animals. Due to the ineffectiveness of conventional water treatments methods, for the past decades, researchers have been developing cost-effective ways of removing MC-LR from water bodies. This study reports the application of powdered activated carbon (PAC) obtained from the waste tyre for the removal of MC-LR. The choice of the adsorbent was chosen due to its attractive properties. The prepared tyre-based PAC was found to have the large surface area (1111 m 2  g -1 ). The detection of MC-LR was achieved using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a PDA detector. The experimental parameters (such as optimum pH, dosage and contact time) affecting the removal of MC-LR using tyre based-powdered activated carbon were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum removal of MC-LR was achieved under the following optimum conditions; sample pH 4, carbon dosage concentration 10,000 mg L -1 and contact time of 34 min. Under optimum conditions, kinetic studies and adsorption isotherms reflected better fit for pseudo-second-order rate and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. The optimized method was applied for the removal of MC-LR in wastewater sample. The effluent and influent sample contained initial concentrations ranging from 0.52 to 8.54 μg L -1 and the removal efficiency was 100%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estrogenic potency of MC-LR is induced via stimulating steroidogenesis: In vitro and in vivo evidence.

PubMed

Hou, Jie; Su, Yujing; Lin, Wang; Guo, Honghui; Li, Li; Anderson, Donald M; Li, Dapeng; Tang, Rong; Chi, Wei; Zhang, Xi

2018-05-14

Waterborne microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been reported to disrupt sex hormones, while its estrogenic potency remains controversial. We hypothesized that MC-LR could induce estrogenic effects via disrupting sex hormone synthesis, and verified this hypothesis by in vitro and in vivo assays. Effects of MC-LR (1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 μg/L) on steroidogenesis were assessed in the H295R cells after 48 h. The contents of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) increased in a non-dose-dependent manner, which showed positive correlations with the expression of steroidogenic genes. In the in vivo assay, adult male zebrafish were exposed to 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 μg/L MC-LR for 30 d. Similarly, E2 and T contents in the testis were increased, accompanied by extensive up-regulation of steroidogenic genes, especially cyp19a. Meanwhile, the percentage of spermatid in the testis declined. In the liver, the vtg1 gene was significantly up-regulated while both the transcriptional and protein levels of the estrogenic receptor (ER) declined. These results indicate that MC-LR induced non-dose-dependent estrogenic effects at environmental concentrations, which may result from steroidogenesis stimulation via a non-ER-mediated pathway. Our findings support a paradigm shift in the risk assessment of MC-LR from traditional toxicity to estrogenic risk, particularly at low concentrations, and emphasize the potential threat to the male reproductive capacity of wildlife in bloom areas. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of cyanotoxins on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male adult mouse.

PubMed

Xiong, Xiaolu; Zhong, Anyuan; Xu, Huajun

2014-01-01

Microcystins LR (MC-LR) are hepatotoxic cyanotoxins that have been shown to induce reproductive toxicity, and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis (HPG) is responsible for the control of reproductive functions. However, few studies have been performed to evaluate the effects of MC-LR on HPG axis. This study aimed to investigate the MC-LR-induced toxicity in the reproductive system of mouse and focus on the HPG axis. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to various concentrations of MC-LR (0, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00 and 30.00 µg/kg body weight per day) for 1 to 14 days, and it was found that exposure to different concentrations of MC-LR significantly disturbed sperm production in the mice testes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To elucidate the associated possible mechanisms, the serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assessed. Meanwhile, PCR assays were employed to detect alterations in a series of genes involved in HPG axis, such as FSH, LH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and their complement receptors. Furthermore, the effect of MC-LR on the viability and testosterone production of Leydig cells were tested in vitro. MC-LR significantly impaired the spermatogenesis of mice possibly through the direct or indirect inhibition of GnRH synthesis at the hypothalamic level, which resulted in reduction of serum levels of LH that lead to suppression of testosterone production in the testis of mice. MC-LR may be a GnRH toxin that would disrupt the reproductive system of mice.

MCLR-induced PP2A inhibition and subsequent Rac1 inactivation and hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeleton-associated proteins are involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement in SMMC-7721 human liver cancer cell line.

PubMed

Wang, Hao; Liu, Jinghui; Lin, Shuyan; Wang, Beilei; Xing, Mingluan; Guo, Zonglou; Xu, Lihong

2014-10-01

Cyanobacteria-derived toxin microcystin-LR (MCLR) has been widely investigated in its effects on normal cells, there is little information concerning its effects on cancer cells. In the present study, the SMMC-7721 human liver cancer cell line treated with MCLR was used to investigate the change of PP2A, cytoskeleton rearrangement, phosphorylation levels of PP2A substrates that related with cytoskeleton stability and explored underlying mechanisms. Here, we confirmed that MCLR entered into SMMC-7721 cells, bound to PP2A/C subunit and inhibited the activity of PP2A. The upregulation of phosphorylation of the PP2A/C subunit and PP2A regulation protein α4, as well as the change in the association of PP2A/C with α4, were responsible for the decrease in PP2A activity. Another novel finding is that the rearrangement of filamentous actin and microtubules led by MCLR may attribute to the increased phosphorylation of HSP27, VASP and cofilin due to PP2A inhibition. As a result of weakened interactions with PP2A and alterations in its subcellular localization, Rac1 may contribute to the cytoskeletal rearrangement induced by MCLR in SMMC-7721 cells. The current paper presents the first report demonstrating the characteristic of PP2A in MCLR exposed cancer cells, which were more susceptible to MCLR compared with the normal cell lines we previously found, which may be owing to the absence of some type of compensatory mechanisms. The hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeleton-associated proteins and Rac1 inactivation which were induced by inhibition of PP2A are shown to be involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of microcystin-LR on the tissue growth and physiological responses of the aquatic plant Iris pseudacorus L.

PubMed

Wang, Naiyu; Wang, Can

2018-04-27

The release of cyanobacterial toxins during algal bloom has adverse effects on aquatic plants and animals. This study aimed to understand the toxic effects and mechanism of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on the seedling growth and physiological responses of Iris pseudacorus L. (calamus). After a one-month exposure experiment, the growth and development of the calamus leaves were significantly inhibited, and this inhibitory effect was verified to be concentration dependent. Furthermore, the cell membrane system was damaged, and the photosynthesis was also adversely affected by MC-LR. The relative conductivity of the leaves increased from 10.96% to 97.51%, and the total chlorophyll content decreased from 0.89 mg/g to 0.09 mg/g. Notably, the behavior of the roots in the presence of MC-LR was different from that of the leaves. The seedlings needed to absorb more nutrients to maintain the normal growth at low-toxin concentrations, but the high concentration of (over 250 μg/L) MC-LR exceeded the tolerance of plants and inhibited the growth of roots. In addition, MC-LR led to an excessive accumulation of H 2 O 2 , and the seedlings enhanced the activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase to resist oxidative stress. The presence of MC-LR also affected the capacity of the plants to absorb nitrogen and phosphorus. The removal efficiency of NO 3 - -N, the main source of nitrogen, was 63.53% in the presence of 100 μg/L MC-LR. As a result, the pH increased, and the growth of plants was indirectly inhibited. Therefore, the presence of MC-LR could affect the purification efficiency of calamus in eutrophic water. This study provides theoretical support for the selection of plants in the eutrophic water. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR-induced phytotoxicity in rice crown root is associated with the cross-talk between auxin and nitric oxide.

PubMed

Chen, Jian; Zhang, Hai-Qiang; Hu, Liang-Bin; Shi, Zhi-Qi

2013-09-01

Irrigation with cyanobacterial-blooming water containing microcystin-LR (MC-LR) poses threat to the growth of agricultural plants. Large amounts of rice (Oryza sativa) field in the middle part of China has been irrigating with cyanobacterial-blooming water. Nevertheless, the mechanism of MC-LR-induced phytotoxicity in the root of monocot rice remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that MC-LR stress significantly inhibits the growth of rice root by impacting the morphogenesis rice crown root. MC-LR treatment results in the decrease in IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) concentration as well as the expression of CRL1 and WOX11 in rice roots. The application of NAA (1-naphthylacetic acid), an IAA homologue, is able to attenuate the inhibitory effect of MC-LR on rice root development. MC-LR treatment significantly inhibits OsNia1-dependent NO generation in rice roots. The application of NO donor SNP (sodium nitroprusside) is able to partially reverse the inhibitory effects of MC-LR on the growth of rice root and the expression of CRL1 and WOX11 by enhancing endogenous NO level in rice roots. The application of NO scavenger cPTIO [2-(4-carboxy-2-phenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylinidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide] eliminates the effects of SNP. Treatment with NAA stimulates the generation of endogenous NO in MC-LR-treated rice roots. Treatment with NO scavenger cPTIO abolishes the ameliorated effect of NAA on MC-LR-induced growth inhibition of rice root. Treatment with SNP enhanced IAA concentration in MC-LR-treated rice roots. Altogether, our data suggest that NO acts both downstream and upstream of auxin in regulating rice root morphogenesis under MC-LR stress. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toxicogenomic evaluation of microcystin-LR treated with ultrasonic irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hudder, Alice; Song Weihua; O'Shea, Kevin E.

2007-05-01

Microcystins are a family of toxins produced by cyanobacteria found throughout the world in marine and freshwater environments. The most commonly encountered form of microcystin is microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Humans are exposed to MC-LR by drinking contaminated water. The toxin accumulates rapidly in the liver where it exerts most of its damage. Treatment of water containing MC-LR by ultrasonic irradiation leads to the breakdown of the toxin. Both the parent toxin and the treated toxin reaction products (TTRP) were evaluated for toxic effects in mice. Animals were exposed to purified MC-LR or an equivalent dose of the TTRP and sacrificed aftermore » 4 h or 24 h. Serum was collected and assayed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity as an indicator of hepatotoxicity. LDH activity was detected in the serum of MC-LR exposed mice indicative of liver damage, but not in control mice. Only a fraction of that activity was detectable in mice exposed to TTRP. Liver RNA was used for microarray analysis and real-time PCR. Individual animals varied in their overall genomic response to the toxin; however, only 20 genes showed consistent changes in expression. These include chaperones which may be part of a generalized stress response; cytochrome P450 which may be involved in metabolizing the toxin; and lipid dystrophy genes such as lipin-2, uridine phosphorylase and a homolog to tribbles, a stress-inducible gene involved in cell death. Of the genes that responded to the MC-LR, none showed significant changes in expression profile in response to TTRP. Taken together, the data indicate that ultrasonic irradiation of MC-LR effectively reduces hepatotoxicity in mice and therefore may be a useful method for detoxification of drinking water.« less

Characteristics of competitive uptake between Microcystin-LR and natural organic matter (NOM) fractions using strongly basic anion exchange resins.

PubMed

Dixit, Fuhar; Barbeau, Benoit; Mohseni, Madjid

2018-08-01

Microcystins are the most commonly occurring cyanotoxins, and have been extensively studied across the globe. In the present study, a strongly basic anion exchange resin was employed to investigate the removal of Microcystin-LR (MCLR), one of the most toxic microcystin variants. Factors influencing the uptake behavior included the MCLR and resin concentrations, resin dosage, and natural organic matter (NOM) characteristics, specifically, the charge density and molecular weight distribution of source water NOM. Equivalent background concentration (EBC) was employed to evaluate the competitive uptake between NOM and MCLR. The experimental data were compared with different mathematical and physical models and pore diffusion was determined as the rate-limiting step. The resin dose/solute concentration ratio played a key role in the MCLR uptake process and MCLR removal was attributed primarily to electrostatic attractions. Charge density and molecular weight distribution of the background NOM fractions played a major role in MCLR removal at lower resin dosages (200 mg/L ∼ 1 mL/L and below), where a competitive uptake was observed due to the limited exchange sites. Further, evidences of pore blockage and site reduction were also observed in the presence of humics and larger molecular weight organic fractions, where a four-fold reduction in the MCLR uptake was observed. Comparable results were obtained for laboratory studies on synthetic laboratory water and surface water under similar conditions. Given their excellent performance and low cost, anion exchange resins are expected to present promising potentials for applications involving the removal of removal of algal toxins and NOM from surface waters. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon nanohorn sensitized electrochemical immunosensor for rapid detection of microcystin-LR.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Lei, Jianping; Xu, Chuanlai; Ding, Lin; Ju, Huangxian

2010-02-01

A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor was proposed by functionalizing single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWNHs) with analyte for microcystin-LR (MC-LR) detection. The functionalization of SWNHs was performed by covalently binding MC-LR to the abundant carboxylic groups on the cone-shaped tips of SWNHs in the presence of linkage reagents and characterized with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a transmission electron micrograph. Compared with single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWNHs as immobilization matrixes showed a better sensitizing effect. Using home-prepared horseradish peroxidase-labeled MC-LR antibody for the competitive immunoassay, under optimal conditions, the immunosensor exhibited a wide linear response to MC-LR ranging from 0.05 to 20 microg/L with a detection limit of 0.03 microg/L at a signal-to-noise of 3. This method showed good accuracy, acceptable precision, and reproducibility. The assay results of MC-LR in polluted water were in a good agreement with the reference values. The proposed strategy provided a biocompatible immobilization and sensitized recognition platform for analytes as small antigens and possessed promising application in food and environmental monitoring.

Allelopathic effects of microcystin-LR on the germination, growth and metabolism of five charophyte species and a submerged angiosperm.

PubMed

Rojo, Carmen; Segura, Matilde; Cortés, Francisco; Rodrigo, María A

2013-11-15

Microcystins (MCs) are produced by cyanobacteria in aquatic environments and adversely affect macrophytes at very high concentrations. However, the effects of MC on macrophytes at concentrations of environmental relevance are largely unknown. The main objective of this study was to analyze the allelopathic effects of MC-LR at natural concentrations (1, 8 and 16 μg MC-LR/L) on five charophyte species (Chara aspera, C. baltica, C. hispida, C. vulgaris and Nitella hyalina) and the angiosperm Myriophyllum spicatum. Macrophyte specimens were obtained from a restored area located in Albufera de València Natural Park, a protected coastal Mediterranean wetland. Two different experiments were conducted involving (i) the addition of MC-LR to natural sediment to evaluate its effects on seed germination and (ii) the addition of MC-LR to water cultures of macrophytes to evaluate its effects on growth and metabolic functions. In water, the MC-LR concentration decreased by 84% in two weeks; the loss was not significant in sediment. The first seedlings (all C. hispida) emerged from the wetland sediment following a delay of a few days in the presence of MC-LR. The germination rates in 8 and 16 μg MC-LR/L treatments were 44% and 11% of that occurring in the absence of MC, but these differences disappeared over time. The final density was 6-7 germlings/dm(3). Final germling length was unaffected by MC-LR. Rotifers (Lecane spp.) emerging from the natural sediment during the experiment were favored by MC-LR; the opposite pattern was observed in the cladoceran Daphnia magna. The growth rates of C. vulgaris, C. baltica and N. hyalina were unaffected by MC exposure, whereas those of C. hispida and C. aspera were reduced in the MC treatments relative to the control treatment. The concentration of chlorophyll-a and the in vivo net photosynthetic rate were lower in the presence of MC-LR, even at the lowest concentration, for all of the characeans tested. M. spicatum was sensitive to the presence of MC-LR in the culture medium; the growth and chlorophyll-a concentrations were reduced. Therefore, environmentally relevant concentrations of MC might induce important changes in macrophyte meadows and the structure of the associated plankton community. Synchrony or delay in the processes evaluated here in response to environmentally relevant concentrations of cyanobacteria MC exudates can enhance understanding of the turning point to alternative states and the point of no return in eutrophicated shallow lakes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Removal of cyanotoxins from surface water resources using reusable molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbents.

PubMed

Krupadam, Reddithota J; Patel, Govind P; Balasubramanian, Rajasekhar

2012-06-01

Microcystins (MCs; cyclic heptapeptides) are produced by freshwater cyanobacteria and cause public health concern in potable water supplies. There are more than 60 types of MCs identified to date, of which MC-LR is the most common found worldwide. For MC-LR, the WHO has established a threshold value of 1 μg L(-1) for drinking water. The present MCs removal methods such as coagulation, flocculation, adsorption, and filtration showed low efficiency for removing dissolved MC fraction from surface waters to the stipulated limit prescribed by WHO based on MC health impacts. The search for cost-effective and efficient removal method is still warranted for remediation of dissolved MC-LR-contaminated water resources. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) adsorbent has been prepared using non-covalent imprinting approach. Using MC-LR as a template, itaconic acid as a functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linking monomer, a MIP has been synthesized. Computer simulations were used to design effective binding sites for MC-LR binding in aqueous solutions. Batch binding adsorption assay was followed to determine binding capacity of MIP under the influence of environmental parameters such as total dissolved solids and pH. The adsorptive removal of MC-LR from lake water has been investigated using MIPs. The MIP showed excellent adsorption potential toward MC-LR in aqueous solutions with a binding capacity of 3.64 μg mg(-1) which is about 60% and 70% more than the commercially used powdered activated carbon (PAC) and resin XAD, respectively. Environmental parameters such as total organic carbon (represented as chemical oxygen demand (COD)) and total dissolved solids (TDS) showed no significant interference up to 300 mg L(-1) for MC-LR removal from lake water samples. It was found that the binding sites on PAC and XAD have more affinity toward COD and TDS than the MC-LR. Further, the adsorption capacity of the MIP was evaluated rigorously by its repeated contact with fresh lake water, and it was found that the adsorption capacity of the MIP did not change even after seven adsorption/desorption cycles. The contaminated water of MC-LR (1.0 μg L(-1)) of 3,640 L could be treated by 1 g of MIP with an estimated cost of US $1.5. The adsorption capacity of the MIP is 40% more than commercially used PAC and resins and also the polymer showed reusable potential which is one of the important criteria in selection of cyanotoxins remediation methods.

Fresh produce and their soils accumulate cyanotoxins from irrigation water: Implications for public health and food security.

PubMed

Lee, Seungjun; Jiang, Xuewen; Manubolu, Manjunath; Riedl, Ken; Ludsin, Stuart A; Martin, Jay F; Lee, Jiyoung

2017-12-01

Microcystin (MC), a hepatotoxin that can adversely affect human health, has become more prevalent in freshwater ecosystems worldwide, owing to an increase in toxic cyanobacteria blooms. While consumption of water and fish are well-documented exposure pathways of MCs to humans, less is known about the potential transfer to humans through consumption of vegetables that have been irrigated with MC-contaminated water. Likewise, the impact of MC on the performance of food crops is understudied. To help fill these information gaps, we conducted a controlled laboratory experiment in which we exposed lettuce, carrots, and green beans to environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-LR (0, 1, 5, and 10μg/L) via two irrigation methods (drip and spray). We used ELISA and LC-MS/MS to quantify MC-LR concentrations and in different parts of the plant (edible vs. inedible fractions), measured plant performance (e.g., size, mass, edible leaves, color), and calculated human exposure risk based on accumulation patterns. MC-LR accumulation was positively dose-dependent, with it being greater in the plants (2.2-209.2μg/kg) than in soil (0-19.4μg/kg). MC-LR accumulation varied among vegetable types, between plant parts, and between irrigation methods. MC-LR accumulation led to reduced crop growth and quality, with MC-LR persisting in the soil after harvest. Observed toxin accumulation patterns in edible fractions of plants also led to estimates of daily MC-LR intake that exceeded both the chronic reference dose (0.003μg/kg of body weight) and total daily intake guidelines (0.04μg/kg of body weight). Because the use of MC-contaminated water is common in many parts of the world, our collective findings highlight the need for guidelines concerning the use of MC-contaminated water in irrigation, as well as consumption of these crops. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of the naturally-occurring contaminant microcystins on the Azolla filiculoides-Anabaena azollae symbiosis.

PubMed

Pereira, A L; Monteiro, B; Azevedo, J; Campos, A; Osório, H; Vasconcelos, V

2015-08-01

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) contaminate aquatic ecosystems and are responsible for animal poisoning worldwide. We conducted a toxicity test with the aquatic fern and the biofertilizer, Azolla filiculoides. The sporophytes were exposed to three concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1μgmL(-1)) of a microcystin (MC) cyanobacterial crude extract and purified MC-LR. The growth of A. filiculoides decreased only at 1μgmL(-1) crude extract concentration while with MC-LR it decreased at all the tested concentrations, indicating that the presence of other compounds in the crude extract altered toxicity and stimulated the fern growth at lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.1μgmL(-1)). Both phycoerythrocyanin and allophycocyanin levels decreased in all the concentrations of crude extract and MC-LR. The phycocyanin had a marked increase at 0.1μgmL(-1) crude extract concentration and a marked decrease at 1μgmL(-1) MC-LR concentration. These changes in the phycobiliprotein content indicate a shift in the antenna pigments of the cyanobionts of A. filiculoides. The changes in two oxidative stress enzymes, glutathione reductase for the crude extract assay and glutathione peroxidase for MC-LR assay, points towards the induction of stress defense responses. The low bioconcentration factor in both crude extract and MC-LR treatments can suggest the low uptake of microcystins, and indicates that the aquatic fern can be used as a biofertilizer and as animal feed but is not suitable for MC phytoremediation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A pM leveled photoelectrochemical sensor for microcystin-LR based on surface molecularly imprinted TiO2@CNTs nanostructure.

PubMed

Liu, Meichuan; Ding, Xue; Yang, Qiwei; Wang, Yu; Zhao, Guohua; Yang, Nianjun

2017-06-05

A simple and highly sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor towards Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a kind of typical cyanobacterial toxin in water samples, was developed on a surface molecular imprinted TiO 2 coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MI-TiO 2 @CNTs) hybrid nanostructure. It was synthesized using a feasible two-step sol-gel method combining with in situ surface molecular imprinting technique (MIT). With a controllable core-shell tube casing structure, the resultant MI-TiO 2 @CNTs are enhanced greatly in visible-light driven response capacity. In comparison with the traditional TiO 2 (P25) and non-imprinted (NI-)TiO 2 @CNTs, the MI-TiO 2 @CNTs based PEC sensor showed a much higher photoelectric oxidation capacity towards MC-LR. Using this sensor, the determination of MC-LR was doable in a wide linear range from 1.0pM to 3.0nM with a high photocurrent response sensitivity. An outstanding selectivity towards MC-LR was further achieved with this sensor, proven by simultaneously monitoring 100-fold potential co-existing interferences. The superiority of the obtained MC-LR sensor in sensitivity and selectivity is mainly attributed to the high specific surface area and excellent photoelectric activity of TiO 2 @CNTs heterojunction structure, as well as the abundant active recognition sites on its functionalized molecular imprinting surface. A promising PEC analysis platform with high sensitivity and selectivity for MC-LR has thus been provided. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Cytoskeletal Disruption and Apoptosis of Hepatocytes in Cyprinus carpio L.

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jinlin; Shan, Zhengjun; Xu, Weili; Wang, Xiaorong; Zhou, Junying; Kong, Deyang; Xu, Jing

2013-01-01

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of cyclic hepatotoxic peptides produced by cyanobacteria. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) contains Leucine (L) and Arginine (R) in the variable positions, and is one of the most common and potently toxic peptides. MC-LR can inhibit protein phosphatase type 1 and type 2A (PP1 and PP2A) activities and induce excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The underlying mechanism of the inhibition of PP1 and PP2A has been extensively studied. The over-production of ROS is considered to be another main mechanism behind MC-LR toxicity; however, the detailed toxicological mechanism involved in over-production of ROS in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) remains largely unclear. In our present study, the hydroxyl radical (•OH) was significantly induced in the liver of carp after a relatively short-term exposure to MC-LR. The elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may play an important role in the disruption of microtubule structure. Pre-injection of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) provided significant protection to the cytoskeleton, however buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) exacerbated cytoskeletal destruction. In addition, the elevated ROS formation induced the expression of apoptosis-related genes, including p38, JNKa, and bcl-2. A significant increase in apoptotic cells was observed at 12 - 48 hours. Our study further supports evidence that ROS are involved in MC-LR induced damage to liver cells in carp, and indicates the need for further study of the molecular mechanisms behind MC-LR toxicity. PMID:24376844

The combined effects of Dolichospermum flos-aquae, light, and temperature on microcystin production by Microcystis aeruginosa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ruoqi; Li, Fangfang; Liu, Jiadong; Zheng, Hongye; Shen, Fei; Xue, Yarong; Liu, Changhong

2016-11-01

The effects of light, temperature, and coculture on the intracellular microcystin-LR (MC-LR) quota of Microcystis aeruginosa were evaluated based on coculture experiments with nontoxic Dolichospermum ( Anabaena) flos-aquae. The MC-LR quota and transcription of mcyB and mcyD genes encoding MC synthetases in M. aeruginosa were evaluated on the basis of cell counts, high-performance liquid chromatography, and reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR. The MC-LR quotas of M. aeruginosa in coculture with a 1/1 ratio of inoculum of the two species were significantly lower relative to monocultures 6-d after inoculation. Decreased MC-LR quotas under coculture conditions were enhanced by increasing the D. flos-aquae to M. aeruginosa ratio in the inoculum and by environmental factors, such as temperature and light intensity. Moreover, the transcriptional concentrations of mcyB and mcyD genes in M. aeruginosa were significantly inhibited by D. flos-aquae competition in coculture ( P <0.01), lowered to 20% of initial concentrations within 8 days. These data suggested that coculture eff ects by D. flos-aquae not only reduced M. aeruginosa's intracellular MC-LR quota via inhibition of genes encoding MC synthetases, but also that this eff ect was regulated by environmental factors, including temperature and light intensities.

Effects of microcystin-LR, cylindrospermopsin and a microcystin-LR/cylindrospermopsin mixture on growth, oxidative stress and mineral content in lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.).

PubMed

Freitas, Marisa; Azevedo, Joana; Pinto, Edgar; Neves, Joana; Campos, Alexandre; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2015-06-01

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are documented worldwide as an emerging environmental concern. Recent studies support the hypothesis that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) produce toxic effects in crop plants. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important commercial leafy vegetable that supplies essential elements for human nutrition; thus, the study of its sensitivity to MC-LR, CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture is of major relevance. This study aimed to assess the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (1, 10 and 100 µg/L) of MC-LR, CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture on growth, antioxidant defense system and mineral content in lettuce plants. In almost all treatments, an increase in root fresh weight was obtained; however, the fresh weight of leaves was significantly decreased in plants exposed to 100 µg/L concentrations of each toxin and the toxin mixture. Overall, GST activity was significantly increased in roots, contrary to GPx activity, which decreased in roots and leaves. The mineral content in lettuce leaves changed due to its exposure to cyanotoxins; in general, the mineral content decreased with MC-LR and increased with CYN, and apparently these effects are time and concentration-dependent. The effects of the MC-LR/CYN mixture were almost always similar to the single cyanotoxins, although MC-LR seems to be more toxic than CYN. Our results suggest that lettuce plants in non-early stages of development are able to cope with lower concentrations of MC-LR, CYN and the MC-LR/CYN mixture; however, higher concentrations (100 µg/L) can affect both lettuce yield and nutritional quality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR induced DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

PubMed

Zegura, B; Gajski, G; Straser, A; Garaj-Vrhovac, V; Filipič, M

2011-12-24

Human exposure to microcystins, which are produced by freshwater cyanobacterial species, is of growing concern due to increasing appearance of cyanobacterial blooms as a consequence of global warming and increasing water eutrophication. Although microcystins are considered to be liver-specific, there is evidence that they may also affect other tissues. These substances have been shown to induce DNA damage in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanisms of their genotoxic activity remain unclear. In human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) exposure to non-cytotoxic concentrations (0, 0.1, 1 and 10μg/ml) of microcystin-LR (MCLR) induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in DNA damage, as measured with the comet assay. Digestion of DNA from MCLR-treated HPBLs with purified formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) displayed a greater number of DNA strand-breaks than non-digested DNA, confirming the evidence that MCLR induces oxidative DNA damage. With the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay no statistically significant induction of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds was observed after a 24-h exposure to MCLR. At the molecular level, no changes in the expression of selected genes involved in the cellular response to DNA damage and oxidative stress were observed after a 4-h exposure to MCLR (1μg/ml). After 24h, DNA damage-responsive genes (p53, mdm2, gadd45a, cdkn1a), a gene involved in apoptosis (bax) and oxidative stress-responsive genes (cat, gpx1, sod1, gsr, gclc) were up-regulated. These results provide strong support that MCLR is an indirectly genotoxic agent, acting via induction of oxidative stress, and that lymphocytes are also the target of microcystin-induced toxicity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The interaction between nitrobenzene and Microcystis aeruginosa and its potential to impact water quality.

PubMed

Liu, Zhiquan; Cui, Fuyi; Ma, Hua; Fan, Zhenqiang; Zhao, Zhiwei; Hou, Zhenling; Liu, Dongmei; Jia, Xuebin

2013-08-01

The potential water quality problems caused by the interaction between nitrobezene (NB) and Microcystis aeruginosa was investigated by studying the growth inhibition, the haloacetic acids formation potential (HAAFP) and the secretion of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The results showed that NB can inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa, and the value of EC50 increased with the increase of initial algal density. Although NB can hardly react with chlorine to form HAAs, the presence of NB can enhance the HAAFP productivity. The secretion of the intracellular MC-LR is constant under the steady experimental conditions. However, the presence of NB can reduce the MC-LR productivity of M. aeruginosa. Overall, the increased disinfection risk caused by the interaction has more important effect on the safety of drinking water quality than the benefit of the decreased MC-LR productivity, and should be serious considered when the water contained NB and M. aeruginosa is used as drinking water source. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated online optical biosensing system for continuous real-time determination of microcystin-LR with high sensitivity and specificity: early warning for cyanotoxin risk in drinking water sources.

PubMed

Shi, Han-Chang; Song, Bao-Dong; Long, Feng; Zhou, Xiao-Hong; He, Miao; Lv, Qing; Yang, Hai-Yang

2013-05-07

The accelerated eutrophication of surface water sources and climate change have led to an annual occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in many drinking water resources. To minimize the health risks to the public, cyanotoxin detection methods that are rapid, sensitive, real time, and high frequency must be established. In this study, an innovative automated online optical biosensing system (AOBS) was developed for the rapid detection and early warning of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the most toxic cyanotoxins and most frequently detected in environmental water. In this system, the capturing molecular MC-LR-ovalbumin (MC-LR-OVA) was covalently immobilized onto a biochip surface. By an indirect competitive detection mode, samples containing different concentrations of MC-LR were premixed with a certain concentration of fluorescence-labeled anti-MC-LR-mAb, which binds to MC-LR with high specificity. Then, the sample mixture was pumped onto the biochip surface, and a higher concentration of MC-LR led to less fluorescence-labeled antibody bound onto the biochip surface and thus to lower fluorescence signal. The quantification of MC-LR ranges from 0.2 to 4 μg/L, with a detection limit determined as 0.09 μg/L. The high specificity and selectivity of the sensor were evaluated in terms of its response to a number of potentially interfering cyanotoxins. Potential interference of the environmental sample matrix was assessed by spiked samples, and the recovery of MC-LR ranged from 90 to 120% with relative standard deviation values <8%. The immunoassay performance of the AOBS was validated with respect to that of conventional high-performance liquid chromatography, and the correlation between methods agreed well (R(2) = 0.9762). This system has successfully been applied to long-term, continuous determination and early warning for MC-LR in Lake Tai from June 2011 to May 2012. Thus, the AOBS paves the way for a vital routine online analysis that satisfies the high demand for ensuring the safety of drinking water sources. The AOBS can also serve as early warning system for accidental or intentional water pollution.

Removal of MCs by Bi2O2CO3: adsorption and the potential of photocatalytic degradation.

PubMed

Wang, Yujiao; Cao, Yanqiu; Li, Hongmei; Gong, Aijun; Han, Jintao; Qian, Zhen; Chao, Wenran

2018-04-01

Microcystins (MCs) is a kind of hepatotoxin, which is the secondary metabolite of cyanobacteria. Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 (BOC) is a kind of cheap and nontoxic semiconductor material. BOC was synthetized by solvothermal method and then microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and microcystin-RR (MC-RR) were removed by BOC, through adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. When the dosage of BOC is 6 g/L, the MC-LR and MC-RR in the natural water sample can be completely adsorbed in 30 min and then after 12 h irradiation, MC-LR and MC-RR were photocatalytically degraded by BOC.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Microcystin-LR-Induced Testis Germ Cell Apoptosis in Rats via SIRT1 Signaling Pathway Activation.

PubMed

Liu, Haohao; Zhang, Shenshen; Liu, Chuanrui; Wu, Jinxia; Wang, Yueqin; Yuan, Le; Du, Xingde; Wang, Rui; Marwa, Phelisters Wegesa; Zhuang, Donggang; Cheng, Xuemin; Zhang, Huizhen

2018-06-09

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide produced by cyanobacteria, is a strong reproductive toxin. Studies performed in rat Sertoli cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells have demonstrated typical apoptosis after MC-LR exposure. However, little is known on how to protect against the reproductive toxicity induced by MC-LR. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptosis and protective effects of resveratrol (RES) on the co-culture of Sertoli⁻germ cells and rat testes. The results demonstrated that MC-LR treatment inhibited the proliferation of Sertoli⁻germ cells and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Bcl-2 were inhibited, while p53 and Ku70 acetylation, Bax expression, and cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated by MC-LR. However, RES pretreatment ameliorated MC-LR-induced apoptosis and SIRT1 inhibition, and downregulated the MC-LR-induced increase in p53 and Ku70 acetylation, Bax expression, and caspase-3 activation. In addition, RES reversed the MC-LR-mediated reduction in Ku70 binding to Bax. The present study indicated that the administration of RES could ameliorate MC-LR-induced Sertoli⁻germ cell apoptosis and protect against reproductive toxicity in rats by stimulating the SIRT1/p53 pathway, suppressing p53 and Ku70 acetylation and enhancing the binding of Ku70 to Bax.

LC/MS/MS structure elucidation of reaction intermediates formed during the TiO2 photocatalysis of microcystin-LR

EPA Science Inventory

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a cyanotoxin and emerging drinking water contaminant, was treated with TiO(2) photocatalysts immobilized on stainless steel plates as an alternative to nanoparticles in slurry. The reaction intermediates of MC-LR were identified with mass spectrometry (MS)...

Bioacumulation of cyanotoxins in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (silver carp) in Paranoá Lake, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.

PubMed

Oliveira, N B; Schwartz, C A; Bloch, C; Paulino, L; Pires, O R

2013-03-01

Three individuals of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were collected biweekly from Paranoá Lake (DF, Brazil) for analysis of microcystin (MC) concentrations in their muscle and liver tissue. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed MC masses and fragmentation patterns that were identified as MC-LR (995.04 m/z), MC-LA (909.01 m/z) and an unknown MC (987.07 m/z). Concentrations were calculated as MC-LR equivalents using a calibration curve prepared with a standard of MC-LR. May/06 was the month with the highest MC-LR equivalent concentrations in muscle and liver (3.83 ± 2.78, and 12.94 ± 10.51 μg g(-1), respectively). Our results show that during the drought months (April-September), consumption of fish with these MC concentrations would result in exposure to MCs that greatly exceed the World Health Organization's recommended tolerable daily intake limit of 0.04 μg MC kg(-1) body weight.

Solar photo-Fenton treatment of microcystin-LR in aqueous environment: Transformation products and toxicity in different water matrices.

PubMed

Karci, Akin; Wurtzler, Elizabeth M; de la Cruz, Armah A; Wendell, David; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2018-05-05

Transformation products and toxicity patterns of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a common cyanotoxin in freshwaters, during degradation by solar photo-Fenton process were studied in the absence and presence of two major water components, namely fulvic acid and alkalinity. The transformation products m/z 795, 835, 515/1030 and 532 can be formed through attack of OH on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda. Transformation products with m/z 1010, 966 and 513 can be generated through the attack of OH on the methoxy group of Adda. The transformation products m/z 783, 508 and 1012 can be originated from the attack of OH on the cyclic structure of MC-LR. Transformation products (m/z 522, 1028, 1012, 1046 and 514) formed after hydroxylation of the aromatic ring with OH were also identified in this study. The toxicity study revealed that fulvic acid and alkalinity strongly influence the toxicity profiles of solar photo-Fenton treated MC-LR. Fulvic acid enhanced the detoxification whereas low level total alkalinity (1.8 mg L -1 CaCO 3 ) inhibited the detoxification of MC-LR by solar photo-Fenton process as assessed by protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) inhibition assay. This work provides insights on the utility of solar photo-Fenton destruction of MC-LR in water based on transformation products and toxicity data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Research on the threshold of Chl-a in Lake Taihu based on microcystins].

PubMed

Wei, Dai-chun; Su, Jing; Ji, Dan-feng; Fu, Xiao-yong; Wang, Ji; Huo, Shou-liang; Cui, Chi-fei; Tang, Jun; Xi, Bei-dou

2014-12-01

Water samples were collected in Lake Taihu from June to October in 2013 in order to investigate the threshold of chlorophyll a (Chl-a). The concentrations of three microcystins isomers (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR) were detected by means of solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The correlations between various MCs and eutrophication factors, for instance of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a, permanganate index etc were analyzed. The threshold of Chl-a was studied based on the relationships between MC-LR, MCs and Chl-a. The results showed that Lake Taihu was severely polluted by MCs and its spatial distribution could be described as follows: the concentration in Meiliang Bay was the highest, followed by Gonghu Bay and Western Lake, and Lake Center; the least polluted areas were in Lake Xuhu and Southern Lake. The concentration of MC-LR was the highest among the 3 MCs. The correlation analysis indicated that MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR and MCs had very positive correlation with permanganate index, TN, TP and Chl-a (P < 0.01). The threshold value of Chl-a was 12.26 mg x m(-3) according to the standard thresholds of MC-LR and MCs in drinking water. The threshold value of Chl-a in Lake Taihu was very close to the standard in the State of North Carolina, which demonstrated that the threshold value provided in this study was reasonable.

Photodegradation of microcystin-LR catalyzed by metal phthalocyanines immobilized on TiO2-SiO2 under visible-light irradiation.

PubMed

Peng, Guotao; Fan, Zhengqiu; Wang, Xiangrong; Sui, Xin; Chen, Chen

2015-01-01

Microcystins (MCs) are a group of monocyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by species of cyanobacteria. Since MCs exhibit acute and chronic effects on humans and wildlife by damaging the liver, they are of increasing concern worldwide. In this study, we investigated the ability of the phthalocyanine compound (ZnPc-TiO2-SiO2) to degrade microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of visible light. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) were utilized to characterize the crystalline phase and the absorption behavior of this catalyst. According to the results, XRD spectra of ZnPc-TiO2-SiO2 powders taken in the 2θ configuration exhibited the peaks characteristic of the anatase phase. UV-Vis DRS showed that the absorption band wavelength shifted to the visible range when ZnPc was supported on the surface of TiO2-SiO2. Subsequently, several parameters including catalyst dose, MC-LR concentrations and pH were investigated. The MC-LR was quantified in each sample through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The maximum MC-LR degradation rate of 80.2% can be obtained within 300 minutes under the following conditions: catalyst dose of 7.50 g/L, initial MC-LR concentration of 17.35 mg/L, pH 6.76 and the first cycling run of the photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the degradation process fitted well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.

Protein phosphatase 2A inhibition and subsequent cytoskeleton reorganization contributes to cell migration caused by microcystin-LR in human laryngeal epithelial cells (Hep-2).

PubMed

Wang, Beilei; Liu, Jinghui; Huang, Pu; Xu, Kailun; Wang, Hanying; Wang, Xiaofeng; Guo, Zonglou; Xu, Lihong

2017-03-01

The major toxic mechanism of Microcystin-LR is inhibition of the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), resulting in a series of cytotoxic effects. Our previous studies have demonstrated that microcystin-LR (MCLR) induced very different molecular effects in normal cells and the tumor cell line SMMC7721. To further explore the MCLR toxicity mechanism in tumor cells, human laryngeal epithelial cells (Hep-2) was examined in this study. Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and transwell migration assay were used to detect the effects of MCLR on PP2A activity, PP2A substrates, cytoskeleton, and cell migration. The results showed that the protein level of PP2A subunits and the posttranslational modification of the catalytic subunit were altered and that the binding of the AC core enzyme as well as the binding of PP2A/C and α4, was also affected. As PP2A substrates, the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway members, p38, ERK1/2, and the cytoskeleton-associated proteins, Hsp27, VASP, Tau, and Ezrin were increased. Furthermore, MCLR induced reorganization of the cytoskeleton and promoted cell migration. Taken together, direct covalent binding to PP2A/C, alteration of the protein levels and posttranslational modification, as well as the binding of subunits, are the main pattern for the effects of MCLR on PP2A in Hep-2. A dose-dependent change in p-Tau and p-Ezrin due to PP2A inhibition may contribute to the changes in the cytoskeleton and be related to the cell migration in Hep-2. Our data provide a comprehensive exposition of the MCLR mechanism on tumor cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 890-903, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of visible light sensitized S, N and C co-doped polymorphic TiO2 for Microcystin-LR MC-LR removal

EPA Science Inventory

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is considered as one of the most widespread and toxic cyanotoxins, which had been discovered to be hepatotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic. It is the only cyanotoxin that has been proposed by Word Health Organization (WHO) for a provisional guideline (1 ppb) ...

Effects of glyphosate at environmentally relevant concentrations on the growth of and microcystin production by Microcystis aeruginosa.

PubMed

Zhang, Quan; Zhou, Hang; Li, Zhe; Zhu, Jianqiang; Zhou, Cong; Zhao, Meirong

2016-11-01

The use of glyphosate, which is a well-known sterilant herbicide, has been growing rapidly because the area under the cultivation of genetically modified crops that are tolerant to this herbicide has increased. Glyphosate can enter into aquatic systems through many different ways. However, information on the potential risks of glyphosate at environmentally relevant levels to aquatic systems is still limited. In this study, we selected the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905 (M. aeruginosa) as a model organism to evaluate the effects of glyphosate at environmentally relevant concentrations on the former's growth and microcystin (MC) production. Our results show that low levels of glyphosate stimulate the growth of M. aeruginosa. Subsequently, there was significant increase in the total MC-LR and intracellular MC-LR, but not in extracellular MC-LR, after exposure to 0.1-2 mg/L of glyphosate. The increase in total MC-LR is mainly due to the effects of glyphosate on the cell density of M. aeruginosa. The data provided here show that low level of glyphosate in a water body is a potential environmental risk factor that stimulates the growth and enhances MC production in M. aeruginosa, which should arouse great concern.

Selective oxidation of key functional groups in cyanotoxins during drinking water ozonation.

PubMed

Onstad, Gretchen D; Strauch, Sabine; Meriluoto, Jussi; Codd, Geoffrey A; Von Gunten, Urs

2007-06-15

Chemical kinetics were determined for the reactions of ozone and hydroxyl radicals with the three cyanotoxins microcystin-LR (MC-LR), cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and anatoxin-a (ANTX). The second-order rate constants (k(O3)) at pH 8 were 4.1 +/- 0.1 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for MC-LR, approximately 3.4 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for CYN, and approximately 6.4 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for ANTX. The reaction of ozone with MC-LR exhibits a k(O3) similar to that of the conjugated diene in sorbic acid (9.6 +/- 0.3 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) at pH 8. The pH dependence and value of k(O3) for CYN at pH > 8 (approximately 2.5 +/- 0.1 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)) are similar to deprotonated amines of 6-methyluracil. The k(O3) of ANTX at pH > 9 (approximately 8.7 +/- 2.2 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) agrees with that of neutral diethylamine, and the value at pH < 8 (2.8 +/- 0.2 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)) corresponds to an olefin. Second-order rate constants for reaction with OH radicals (*OH), k(OH) for cyanotoxins were measured at pH 7 to be 1.1 +/- 0.01 x 10(10) M(-1) s(-1) for MC-LR, 5.5 +/- 0.01 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) for CYN, and 3.0 +/- 0.02 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) for ANTX. Natural waters from Switzerland and Finland were examined for the influence of variations of dissolved organic matter, SUVA254, and alkalinity on cyanotoxin oxidation. For a Swiss water (1.6 mg/L DOC), 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/L ozone doses were required for 95% oxidation of MC-LR, CYN, and ANTX, respectively. For the Finnish water (13.1 mg/L DOC), >2 mg/L ozone dose was required for each toxin. The contribution of hydroxyl radicals to toxin oxidation during ozonation of natural water was greatest for ANTX > CYN > MC-LR. Overall, the order of reactivity of cyanotoxins during ozonation of natural waters corresponds to the relative magnitudes of the second-order rate constants for their reaction with ozone and *OH. Ozone primarily attacks the structural moieties responsible for the toxic effects of MC-LR, CYN, and ANTX, suggesting that ozone selectively detoxifies these cyanotoxins.

Degradation mechanisms of Microcystin-LR during UV-B photolysis and UV/H2O2 processes: Byproducts and pathways.

PubMed

Moon, Bo-Ram; Kim, Tae-Kyoung; Kim, Moon-Kyung; Choi, Jaewon; Zoh, Kyung-Duk

2017-10-01

The removal and degradation pathways of microcystin-LR (MC-LR, [M+H] +  = 995.6) in UV-B photolysis and UV-B/H 2 O 2 processes were examined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The UV/H 2 O 2 process was more efficient than UV-B photolysis for MC-LR removal. Eight by-products were newly identified in the UV-B photolysis ([M+H] +  = 414.3, 417.3, 709.6, 428.9, 608.6, 847.5, 807.4, and 823.6), and eleven by-products were identified in the UV-B/H 2 O 2 process ([M+H] +  = 707.4, 414.7, 429.3, 445.3, 608.6, 1052.0, 313.4, 823.6, 357.3, 245.2, and 805.7). Most of the MC-LR by-products had lower [M+H] + values than the MC-LR itself during both processes, except for the [M+H] + value of 1052.0 during UV-B photolysis. Based on identified by-products and peak area patterns, we proposed potential degradation pathways during the two processes. Bond cleavage and intramolecular electron rearrangement by electron pair in the nitrogen atom were the major reactions during UV-B photolysis and UV-B/H 2 O 2 processes, and hydroxylation by OH radical and the adduct formation reaction between the produced by-products were identified as additional pathways during the UV-B/H 2 O 2 process. Meanwhile, the degradation by-products identified from MC-LR during UV-B/H 2 O 2 process can be further degraded by increasing H 2 O 2 dose. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exposure of Lycopersicon Esculentum to Microcystin-LR: Effects in the Leaf Proteome and Toxin Translocation from Water to Leaves and Fruits

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez-Praena, Daniel; Campos, Alexandre; Azevedo, Joana; Neves, Joana; Freitas, Marisa; Guzmán-Guillén, Remédios; Cameán, Ana María; Renaut, Jenny; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2014-01-01

Natural toxins such as those produced by freshwater cyanobacteria have been regarded as an emergent environmental threat. However, the impact of these water contaminants in agriculture is not yet fully understood. The aim of this work was to investigate microcystin-LR (MC-LR) toxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum and the toxin accumulation in this horticultural crop. Adult plants (2 month-old) grown in a greenhouse environment were exposed for 2 weeks to either pure MC-LR (100 μg/L) or Microcystis aeruginosa crude extracts containing 100 μg/L MC-LR. Chlorophyll fluorescence was measured, leaf proteome investigated with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF, and toxin bioaccumulation assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS. Variations in several protein markers (ATP synthase subunits, Cytochrome b6-f complex iron-sulfur, oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins) highlight the decrease of the capacity of plants to synthesize ATP and to perform photosynthesis, whereas variations in other proteins (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase) suggest an increase of carbon fixation and decrease of carbohydrate metabolism reactions in plants exposed to pure MC-LR and cyanobacterial extracts, respectively. MC-LR was found in roots (1635.21 μg/kg fw), green tomatoes (5.15–5.41 μg/kg fw), mature tomatoes (10.52–10.83 μg/kg fw), and leaves (12,298.18 μg/kg fw). The results raise concerns relative to food safety and point to the necessity of monitoring the bioaccumulation of water toxins in agricultural systems affected by cyanotoxin contamination. PMID:24921194

Exposure of Lycopersicon esculentum to microcystin-LR: effects in the leaf proteome and toxin translocation from water to leaves and fruits.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Praena, Daniel; Campos, Alexandre; Azevedo, Joana; Neves, Joana; Freitas, Marisa; Guzmán-Guillén, Remédios; Cameán, Ana María; Renaut, Jenny; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2014-06-11

Natural toxins such as those produced by freshwater cyanobacteria have been regarded as an emergent environmental threat. However, the impact of these water contaminants in agriculture is not yet fully understood. The aim of this work was to investigate microcystin-LR (MC-LR) toxicity in Lycopersicon esculentum and the toxin accumulation in this horticultural crop. Adult plants (2 month-old) grown in a greenhouse environment were exposed for 2 weeks to either pure MC-LR (100 μg/L) or Microcystis aeruginosa crude extracts containing 100 μg/L MC-LR. Chlorophyll fluorescence was measured, leaf proteome investigated with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF, and toxin bioaccumulation assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS. Variations in several protein markers (ATP synthase subunits, Cytochrome b6-f complex iron-sulfur, oxygen-evolving enhancer proteins) highlight the decrease of the capacity of plants to synthesize ATP and to perform photosynthesis, whereas variations in other proteins (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase) suggest an increase of carbon fixation and decrease of carbohydrate metabolism reactions in plants exposed to pure MC-LR and cyanobacterial extracts, respectively. MC-LR was found in roots (1635.21 μg/kg fw), green tomatoes (5.15-5.41 μg/kg fw), mature tomatoes (10.52-10.83 μg/kg fw), and leaves (12,298.18 μg/kg fw). The results raise concerns relative to food safety and point to the necessity of monitoring the bioaccumulation of water toxins in agricultural systems affected by cyanotoxin contamination.

Elimination of microcystin-LR and residual Mn species using permanganate and powdered activated carbon: Oxidation products and pathways.

PubMed

Jeong, Boyoung; Oh, Min-Seok; Park, Hyun-Mee; Park, Chanhyuk; Kim, Eun-Ju; Hong, Seok Won

2017-05-01

The oxidation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in deionized water (DI) and river water using potassium permanganate (KMnO 4 ) at a neutral pH and at 23 ± 2 °C was investigated. These two aqueous systems (i.e., DI and river water) gave comparable second-order rate constants (289.9 and 285.5 M -1 s -1 (r 2  > 0.99), respectively), which confirmed the effectiveness of this oxidation process for the treatment of natural surface water. The presence of either humic or fulvic acid reduced the removal efficiency of MC-LR, with the latter exhibiting a greater inhibitory effect. Monitoring of MC-LR and residual Mn 2+ levels with adding KMnO 4 (1 mg/L) and powdered activated carbon (PAC, 5-20 mg L -1 ) before and during coagulation, respectively, revealed that 60 min of permanganate pre-oxidation followed by coagulant addition with PAC was the most effective approach for reducing both levels below limits stated by WHO guidelines. The MC-LR degradation products were the result of oxidation occurring at the diene and aromatic moieties of the Adda (3-amino-9-methoxy-2,6,8-trimethyl-10-phenyldeca-4,6-dienoic acid) side-chain, in addition to amine bond hydrolysis of the Mdha (N-methyldehydroalanine) moiety. Several toxic by-products with an intact Adda chain were observed during the reaction, but completely disappeared after 60 min. This further supports the conclusion that sufficient contact time with permanganate (i.e., >60 min) is essential to reducing the residual toxicity and maximizing the efficiency of MC-LR oxidation when treating raw water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient electrochemical remediation of microcystin-LR in tap water using designer TiO2@carbon electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz Lobón, Germán; Yepez, Alfonso; Garcia, Luane Ferreira; Morais, Ruiter Lima; Vaz, Boniek Gontijo; Carvalho, Veronica Vale; de Oliveira, Gisele Augusto Rodrigues; Luque, Rafael; Gil, Eric De Souza

2017-02-01

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is the most abundant and toxic secondary metabolite produced by freshwater cyanobacteria. This toxin has a high potential hazard health due to potential interactions with liver, kidney and the nervous system. The aim of this work was the design of a simple and environmentally friendly electrochemical system based on highly efficient nanostructured electrodes for the removal of MC-LR in tap water. Titania nanoparticles were deposited on carbon (graphite) under a simple and efficient microwave assisted approach for the design of the electrode, further utilized in the electrochemical remediation assays. Parameters including the applied voltage, time of removal and pH (natural tap water or alkaline condition) were investigated in the process, with results pointing to a high removal efficiency for MC-LR (60% in tap water and 90% in alkaline media experiments, under optimized conditions).

Efficient electrochemical remediation of microcystin-LR in tap water using designer TiO2@carbon electrodes

PubMed Central

Sanz Lobón, Germán; Yepez, Alfonso; Garcia, Luane Ferreira; Morais, Ruiter Lima; Vaz, Boniek Gontijo; Carvalho, Veronica Vale; de Oliveira, Gisele Augusto Rodrigues; Luque, Rafael; Gil, Eric de Souza

2017-01-01

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is the most abundant and toxic secondary metabolite produced by freshwater cyanobacteria. This toxin has a high potential hazard health due to potential interactions with liver, kidney and the nervous system. The aim of this work was the design of a simple and environmentally friendly electrochemical system based on highly efficient nanostructured electrodes for the removal of MC-LR in tap water. Titania nanoparticles were deposited on carbon (graphite) under a simple and efficient microwave assisted approach for the design of the electrode, further utilized in the electrochemical remediation assays. Parameters including the applied voltage, time of removal and pH (natural tap water or alkaline condition) were investigated in the process, with results pointing to a high removal efficiency for MC-LR (60% in tap water and 90% in alkaline media experiments, under optimized conditions). PMID:28145477

Liver Transcriptome and miRNA Analysis of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Intraperitoneally Injected With Microcystin-LR

PubMed Central

Qu, Xiancheng; Hu, Menghong; Shang, Yueyong; Pan, Lisha; Jia, Peixuan; Fu, Chunxue; Liu, Qigen; Wang, Youji

2018-01-01

Next-generation sequencing was used to analyze the effects of toxic microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Silver carps were intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR, and RNA-seq and miRNA-seq in the liver were analyzed at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 h. The expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST), which acts as a marker gene for MC-LR, was tested to determine the earliest time point at which GST transcription was initiated in the liver tissues of the MC-LR-treated silver carps. Hepatic RNA-seq/miRNA-seq analysis and data integration analysis were conducted with reference to the identified time point. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of the following genes at the three time points: heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), interleukin-10 receptor 1 (IL-10R1), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and heme binding protein 2 (HBP2). Results showed that the liver GST expression was remarkably decreased at 0.25 h (P < 0.05). RNA-seq at this time point revealed that the liver tissue contained 97,505 unigenes, including 184 significantly different unigenes and 75 unknown genes. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis suggested that 35 of the 145 enriched GO terms were significantly enriched and mainly related to the immune system regulation network. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that 18 of the 189 pathways were significantly enriched, and the most significant was a ribosome pathway containing 77 differentially expressed genes. miRNA-seq analysis indicated that the longest miRNA had 22 nucleotides (nt), followed by 21 and 23 nt. A total of 286 known miRNAs, 332 known miRNA precursor sequences, and 438 new miRNAs were predicted. A total of 1,048,575 mRNA–miRNA interaction sites were obtained, and 21,252 and 21,241 target genes were respectively predicted in known and new miRNAs. qPCR revealed that HO-1, IL-10R1, apoA-I, and HBP2 were significantly differentially expressed and might play important roles in the toxicity and liver detoxification of MC-LR in fish. These results were consistent with those of high-throughput sequencing, thereby verifying the accuracy of our sequencing data. RNA-seq and miRNA-seq analyses of silver carp liver injected with MC-LR provided valuable and new insights into the toxic effects of MC-LR and the antitoxic mechanisms of MC-LR in fish. The RNA/miRNA data are available from the NCBI database Registration No. : SRP075165. PMID:29692738

Comparative study of cyanotoxins affecting cytoskeletal and chromatin structures in CHO-K1 cells.

PubMed

Gácsi, Mariann; Antal, Otilia; Vasas, Gábor; Máthé, Csaba; Borbély, György; Saker, Martin L; Gyori, János; Farkas, Anna; Vehovszky, Agnes; Bánfalvi, Gáspár

2009-06-01

In this study we compared the effects of the two frequently occuring and most dangerous cyanobacterial toxins on the cellular organization of microfilaments, microtubules and on the chromatin structure in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. These compounds are the widely known microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) classified as the highest-priority cyanotoxin. Toxic effects were tested in a concentration and time dependent manner. The hepatotoxic MC-LR did not cause significant cytotoxicity on CHO-K1 cells under 20 microM, but caused apoptotic changes at higher concentrations. Apoptotic shrinkage was associated with the shortening and loss of actin filaments and with a concentration dependent depolymerization of microtubules. No necrosis was observed over the concentration range (1-50 microM MC-LR) tested. Cylindrospermopsin did cause apoptosis at low concentrations (1-2 microM) and over short exposure periods (12h). Necrosis was observed at higher concentrations (5-10 microM) and following longer exposure periods (24 or 48h). Cyanotoxins also affected the chromatin structure. The condensation process was inhibited by MC-LR at a later stage and manifested as broken elongated prechromosomes. CYN inhibited chromatin condensation at the early fibrillary stage leading to blurred fluorescent images of apoptotic bodies and preventing the formation of metaphase chromosomes. Cylindrospermopsin exhibited a more pronounced toxic effect causing cytoskeletal and nuclear changes as well as apoptotic and necrotic alterations.

Lettuce irrigated with contaminated water: Photosynthetic effects, antioxidative response and bioaccumulation of microcystin congeners.

PubMed

Bittencourt-Oliveira, Maria do Carmo; Cordeiro-Araújo, Micheline Kézia; Chia, Mathias Ahii; Arruda-Neto, João Dias de Toledo; de Oliveira, Ênio Tiago; dos Santos, Flávio

2016-06-01

The use of microcystins (MCs) contaminated water to irrigate crop plants represents a human health risk due to their bioaccumulation potential. In addition, MCs cause oxidative stress and negatively influence photosynthetic activities in plants. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of MCs on photosynthetic parameters and antioxidative response of lettuce. Furthermore, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of total MCs, MC-LR and MC-RR in the vegetable after irrigation with contaminated water was determined. Lettuce crops were irrigated for 15 days with water containing cyanobacterial crude extracts (Microcystis aeruginosa) with MC-LR (0.0, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 µg L(-1)), MC-RR (0.0, 0.15, 0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 µg L(-1)) and total MCs (0.0, 0.65, 2.5, 6.5 and 13.0 µg L(-1)). Increased net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf tissue transpiration and intercellular CO2 concentration were recorded in lettuce exposed to different MCs concentrations. Antioxidant response showed that glutathione S-transferase activity was down-regulated in the presence of MCs. On the other hand, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities were upregulated with increasing MCs concentrations. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of total MCs and MC-LR was highest at 6.50 and 5.00 µg L(-1), respectively, while for MC-RR, the highest BAF was recorded at 1.50 µg L(-1) concentration. The amount of total MCs, MC-LR and MC-RR bioacumulated in lettuce was highest at the highest exposure concentrations. However, at the lowest exposure concentration, there were no detectable levels of MC-LR, MC-RR and total MCs in lettuce. Thus, the bioaccumulation of MCs in lettuce varies according to the exposure concentration. In addition, the extent of physiological response of lettuce to the toxins relies on exposure concentrations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of trace amount of cyanobacterial toxin in water by microchip based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

PubMed

Pyo, Dongjin; Hahn, Jong Hoon

2009-01-01

Routine monitoring of microcystin in natural waters is difficult because the concentration of the toxin is usually lower than the detection limits. As a more sensitive detection method for microcystin, we developed a microchip based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on monoclonal antibodies. New monoclonal antibodies against the microcystin leucine-arginine variant (MCLR), a cyclic peptide toxin of the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, were prepared from cloned hybridoma cell lines. We used keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH)-conjugated MCLR as an immunogen for the production of mouse monoclonal antibody. The immunization, cell fusion, and screening of hybridoma cells producing anti-MCLR antibody were conducted. Since the ELISA test was highly sensitive, the newly developed microchip based ELISA can be suitable for the trace analysis of cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, microcystins in water. The linear responses of monoclonal antibodies with different concentrations of microcystin LR were established between 0.025 and 0.3 ng/mL.

Highly sensitive detection and discrimination of LR and YR microcystins based on protein phosphatases and an artificial neural network.

PubMed

Covaci, O I; Sassolas, A; Alonso, G A; Muñoz, R; Radu, G L; Bucur, B; Marty, J-L

2012-08-01

The inhibition characteristics of three different protein phosphatases by three microcystin (MC) variants--LR, YR, and RR--were studied. The corresponding K (I) for each enzyme-MC couple was calculated. The toxicity of MC varies in the following order: MC-LR > MC-YR > MC-RR. The sensitivity of the enzymes increased in the following order: mutant PP2A < mutant PP1 < natural PP2A. The best limit of detection obtained was 21.2 pM MC-LR using the most sensible enzyme. Methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile up to 2 % (v/v) may be used in inhibition measurements. An artificial neural network (ANN) was used to discriminate two MC variants--LR and YR--using the differences in inhibition percentages measured with mutant PP1 and natural PP2A. The ANN is able to analyze mixtures with concentrations ranging from 8 to 98 pM MC-LR and 31 to 373 pM MC-YR.

Responses of the antioxidative and biotransformation enzymes in the aquatic fungus Mucor hiemalis exposed to cyanotoxins.

PubMed

Balsano, Evelyn; Esterhuizen-Londt, Maranda; Hoque, Enamul; Lima, Stephan Pflugmacher

2017-08-01

To investigate antioxidative and biotransformation enzyme responses in Mucor hiemalis towards cyanotoxins considering its use in mycoremediation applications. Catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in M. hiemalis maintained their activities at all tested microcystin-LR (MC-LR) exposure concentrations. Cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity decreased with exposure to 100 µg MC-LR l -1 while microsomal GST remained constant. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) at 100 µg l -1 led to an increase in CAT activity and inhibition of GR, as well as to a concentration-dependent GPx inhibition. Microsomal GST was inhibited at all concentrations tested. β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) inhibited GR activity in a concentration-dependent manner, however, CAT, GPx, and GST remained unaffected. M. hiemalis showed enhanced oxidative stress tolerance and intact biotransformation enzyme activity towards MC-LR and BMAA in comparison to CYN, confirming its applicability in bioreactor technology in terms of viability and survival in their presence.

Detection of trace microcystin-LR on a 20 MHz QCM sensor coated with in situ self-assembled MIPs.

PubMed

He, Hao; Zhou, Lianqun; Wang, Yi; Li, Chuanyu; Yao, Jia; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Qingwen; Li, Mingyu; Li, Haiwen; Dong, Wen-fei

2015-01-01

A 20 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor coated with in situ self-assembled molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was presented for the detection of trace microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in drinking water. The sensor performance obtained using the in situ self-assembled MIPs was compared with traditionally synthesized MIPs on 20 MHz and normal 10 MHz QCM chip. The results show that the response increases by more than 60% when using the in situ self-assembly method compared using the traditionally method while the 20 MHz QCM chip provides four-fold higher response than the 10 MHz one. Therefore, the in situ self-assembled MIPs coated on a high frequency QCM chip was used in the sensor performance test to detect MC-LR in tap water. It showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 nM which is lower than the safety guideline level (1 nM MC-LR) of drinking water in China. The low sensor response to other analogs indicated the high specificity of the sensor to MC-LR. The sensor showed high stability and low signal variation less than 2.58% after regeneration. The lake water sample analysis shows the sensor is possible for practical use. The combination of the higher frequency QCM with the in situ self-assembled MIPs provides a good candidate for the detection of other small molecules. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxic Effects of Environmental Toxins on Human Glial Cells.

PubMed

D'Mello, Fiona; Braidy, Nady; Marçal, Helder; Guillemin, Gilles; Rossi, Fanny; Chinian, Mirielle; Laurent, Dominique; Teo, Charles; Neilan, Brett A

2017-02-01

Toxins produced by cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates have increasingly become a public health concern due to their degenerative effects on mammalian tissue and cells. In particular, emerging evidence has called attention to the neurodegenerative effects of the cyanobacterial toxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Other toxins such as the neurotoxins saxitoxin and ciguatoxin, as well as the hepatotoxic microcystin, have been previously shown to have a range of effects upon the nervous system. However, the capacity of these toxins to cause neurodegeneration in human cells has not, to our knowledge, been previously investigated. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effects of BMAA, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), saxitoxin (STX) and ciguatoxin (CTX-1B) on primary adult human astrocytes. We also demonstrated that α-lipoate attenuated MC-LR toxicity in primary astrocytes and characterised changes in gene expression which could potentially be caused by these toxins in primary astrocytes. Herein, we are the first to show that all of these toxins are capable of causing physiological changes consistent with neurodegeneration in glial cells, via oxidative stress and excitotoxicity, leading to a reduction in cell proliferation culminating in cell death. In addition, MC-LR toxicity was reduced significantly in astrocytes-treated α-lipoic acid. While there were no significant changes in gene expression, many of the probes that were altered were associated with neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. Overall, this is important in advancing our current understanding of the mechanism of toxicity of MC-LR on human brain function in vitro, particularly in the context of neurodegeneration.

Impairment of endoplasmic reticulum is involved in β-cell dysfunction induced by microcystin-LR.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanyan; Cao, Qing; He, Yaojia; Xue, Qingju; Xie, Liqiang; Yan, Yunjun

2017-04-01

Microcystins (MCs) widely distributed in freshwaters have posed a significant risk to human health. Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure to MC-LR impairs pancreatic islet function, however, the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) impairment in β-cell dysfunction caused by MC-LR. The result showed that MC-LR modified ER morphology evidenced by increased ER amount and size at low doses (15, 30 or 60 μM) and vacuolar and dilated ER ultrastructure at high doses (100 or 200 μM). Also, insulin content showed increased at 15 or 30 μM but declined at 60, 100, or 200 μM, which was highly accordant with ER morphological alteration. Transcriptomic analysis identified a number of factors and several pathways associated with ER protein processing, ER stress, apoptosis, and diabetes mellitus in the cells treated with MC-LR compared with non-treated cells. Furthermore, MC-LR-induced ER stress significantly promoted the expression of PERK/eIF2α and their downstream targets (ATF4, CHOP, and Gadd34), which indicates that PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 pathway is involved in MC-LR-induced insulin deficiency. These results suggest that ER impairment is an important contributor to MC-LR-caused β-cell failure and provide a new insight into the association between MCs contamination and the occurrence of human diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR nanobody screening from an alpaca phage display nanobody library and its expression and application.

PubMed

Xu, Chongxin; Yang, Ying; Liu, Liwen; Li, Jianhong; Liu, Xiaoqin; Zhang, Xiao; Liu, Yuan; Zhang, Cunzheng; Liu, Xianjin

2018-04-30

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a type of biotoxin that pollutes the ecological environment and food. The study aimed to obtain new nanobodies from phage nanobody library for determination of MC-LR. The toxin was conjugated to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively, then the conjugates were used as coated antigens for enrichment (coated MC-LR-KLH) and screening (coated MC-LR-BSA) of MC-LR phage nanobodies from an alpaca phage display nanobody library. The antigen-specific phage particles were enriched effectively with four rounds of biopanning. At the last round of enrichment, total 20 positive monoclonal phage nanobodies were obtained from the library, which were analyzed after monoclonal phage enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), colony PCR and DNA sequencing. The most three positive nanobody genes, ANAb12, ANAb9 and ANAb7 were cloned into pET26b vector, then the nanobodies were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 respectively. After being purified, the molecular weight (M.W.) of all nanobodies were approximate 15kDa with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified nanobodies, ANAb12, ANAb9 and ANAb7 were used to establish the indirect competitive ELISA (IC-ELISA) for MC-LR, and their half-maximum inhibition concentrations (IC 50 ) were 0.87, 1.17 and 1.47μg/L, their detection limits (IC 10 ) were 0.06, 0.08 and 0.12μg/L, respectively. All of them showed strong cross-reactivity (CRs) of 82.7-116.9% for MC-RR, MC-YR and MC-WR, and weak CRs of less than 4.56% for MC-LW, less than 0.1% for MC-LY and MC-LF. It was found that all the IC-ELISAs for MC-LR spiked in tap water samples detection were with good accuracy, stability and repeatability, their recoveries were 84.0-106.5%, coefficient of variations (CVs) were 3.4-10.6%. These results showed that IC-ELISA based on the nanobodies from the alpaca phage display antibody library were promising for high sensitive determination of multiple MCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In-situ electrochemical Fe(VI) for removal of microcystin-LR from drinking water: comparing dosing of the ferrate ion by electrochemical and chemical means.

PubMed

Dubrawski, K L; Cataldo, M; Dubrawski, Z; Mazumder, A; Wilkinson, D P; Mohseni, M

2018-06-01

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) release microtoxins that contaminate drinking water supplies and risk the health of millions annually. Crystalline ferrate(VI) is a powerful oxidant capable of removing algal microtoxins. We investigate in-situ electrochemically produced ferrate from common carbon steel as an on-demand alternative to crystalline ferrate for the removal of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and compare the removal efficacy for both electrochemical (EC) and chemical dosing methodologies. We report that a very low dose of EC-ferrate in deionized water (0.5 mg FeO 4 2- L -1 ) oxidizes MC-LR (MC-LR 0 = 10 μg L -1 ) to below the guideline limit (1.0 μg L -1 ) within 10 minutes' contact time. With bicarbonate or natural organic matter (NOM), doses of 2.0-5.0 mg FeO 4 2- L -1 are required, with lower efficacy of EC-ferrate than crystalline ferrate due to loss of EC-ferrate by water oxidation. To evaluate the EC-ferrate process to concurrently oxidize micropollutants, coagulate NOM, and disinfect drinking water, we spiked NOM-containing real water with MC-LR and Escherichia coli, finding that EC-ferrate is effective at 10.0 mg FeO 4 2- L -1 under normal operation or 2.0 mg FeO 4 2- L -1 if the test water has initial pH optimized. We suggest in-situ EC-ferrate may be appropriate for sporadic HAB events in small water systems as a primary or back-up technology.

Effects of glucose on microcystin-LR removal and the bacterial community composition through anoxic biodegradation in drinking water sludge.

PubMed

Ma, Guangxiang; Pei, Haiyan; Hu, Wenrong; Xu, Xiangchao; Ma, Chunxia; Pei, Ruoting

2016-01-01

To enhance the degradation efficiency of microcystin (MC) in drinking water sludge (DWS), the underlying mechanisms between organic carbon (glucose) and the biodegradation of MC-LR under anoxic conditions were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis technology. The addition of glucose reduced the rate of the MC-LR biodegradation indicating the occurrence of inhibition of degradation, and an increased inhibition was observed with increases in glucose concentration (0-10,000 mg/L). In addition, the community analysis indicated that the variety and the number of the microbes increased with the concentration of glucose amended (0 -1000 mg/L), but they decreased substantially with the addition of 10,000 mg/L of glucose. The phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi were found to be the dominant. Methylobacterium and Sphingomonas were MC-degrading bacteria and used glucose as a prior carbon source instead of MC, resulting in the decrease in the MC-LR biodegradation rate under anoxic conditions. Thus, reducing organic carbon could improve the anoxic biodegradation efficiency of MC in DWS.

Accumulation of free and covalently bound microcystins in tissues of Lymnaea stagnalis (Gastropoda) following toxic cyanobacteria or dissolved microcystin-LR exposure.

PubMed

Lance, Emilie; Neffling, Milla-Riina; Gérard, Claudia; Meriluoto, Jussi; Bormans, Myriam

2010-03-01

Accumulation of free microcystins (MCs) in freshwater gastropods has been demonstrated but accumulation of MCs covalently bound to tissues has never been considered so far. Here, we follow the accumulation of total (free and bound) MCs in Lymnaea stagnalis exposed to i) dissolved MC-LR (33 and 100 microg L(-1)) and ii) Planktothrix agardhii suspensions producing 5 and 33 microg MC-LR equivalents L(-1) over a 5-week period, and after a 3-week depuration period. Snails exposed to dissolved MC-LR accumulated up to 0.26 microg total MCs g(-1) dry weight (DW), with no detection of bound MCs. Snails exposed to MCs producing P. agardhii accumulated up to 69.9 microg total MCs g(-1) DW, of which from 17.7 to 66.7% were bound. After depuration, up to 15.3 microg g(-1) DW of bound MCs were detected in snails previously exposed to toxic cyanobacteria, representing a potential source of MCs transfer through the food web. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of microcystin-LR in drinking water using UPLC tandem mass spectrometry-matrix effects and measurement.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Duan, Jinming; Niu, Chaoying; Qiang, Naichen; Mulcahy, Dennis

2011-10-01

A simple detection method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS-MS) coupled with the sample dilution method for determining trace microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in drinking water is presented. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.04 µg/L and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.1 µg/L. Water matrix effects of ionic strength, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH were examined. The results indicate that signal detection intensity for MC-LR was significantly suppressed as the ionic strength increased from ultrapure water condition, whereas it increased slightly with solution pH and DOC at low concentrations. However, addition of methanol (MeOH) into the sample was able to counter the signal suppression effects. In this study, dilution of the tap water sample by adding 4% MeOH (v/v) was observed to be adequate to compensate for the signal suppression. The recoveries of the samples fortified with MC-LR (0.2, 1, and 10 µg/L) for three different tap water samples ranged from 84.4% to 112.9%.

Simple, Rapid, Sensitive, and Versatile SWNT-Paper Sensor for Environmental Toxin Detection Competitive with ELISA

PubMed Central

Wang, Libing; Chen, Wei; Xu, Dinghua; Shim, Bong Sup; Zhu, Yingyue; Sun, Fengxia; Liu, Liqiang; Peng, Chifang; Jin, Zhengyu; Xu, Chuanlai; Kotov, Nicholas A.

2009-01-01

Safety of water was for a long time and still is one of the most pressing needs for many countries and different communities. Despite the fact that there are potentially many methods to evaluate water safety, finding a simple, rapid, versatile, and inexpensive method for detection of toxins in everyday items is still a great challenge. In this study, we extend the concept of composites obtained impregnation of porous fibrous materials, such as fabrics and papers, by single walled carbon-nanotubes (SWNTs) toward very simple but high-performance biosensors. They utilize the strong dependence of electrical conductivity through nanotubes percolation network on the width of nanotubes-nanotube tunneling gap and can potentially satisfy all the requirements outlined above for the routine toxin monitoring. An antibody to the microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of the common culprits in mass poisonings, was dispersed together with SWNTs. This dispersion was used to dip-coat the paper rendering it conductive. The change in conductivity of the paper was used to sense the MC-LR in the water rapidly and accurately. The method has the linear detection range up to 10 nmol/L and non-linear detection up to 40 nmol/L. The limit of detection was found to be 0.6 nmol/L (0.6 ng/mL), which satisfies the strictest World Health Organization standard for MC-LR content in drinking water (1 ng/mL), and is comparable to the detection limit of traditional ELISA method of MC-LR detection, while drastically reducing the time of analysis by more than an order of magnitude, which is one of the major hurdles in practical applications. Similar technology of sensor preparation can also be used for a variety of other rapid environmental sensors. PMID:19928776

Homogeneous time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay of microcystin-LR using layered WS2 nanosheets as a transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Xiaodan; Wang, Yuanxiu; Song, Bo; Wang, Xin; Ma, Hua; Yuan, Jingli

2017-06-01

A homogeneous time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay method for rapid and sensitive detection of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in water samples was developed based on the interaction between water-soluble WS2 nanosheets and the conjugate of MC-LR with a luminescent Eu3+ complex BHHBCB-Eu3+ (BHHBCB: 1,2-bis[4‧-(1″,1″,1″,2″,2″,3″,3″-heptafluoro-4″,6″-hexanedion-6″-yl)- benzyl]-4-chlorosulfobenzene). The large lateral dimensions and high surface areas of two-dimensional layered WS2 nanosheets enable easy adsorption of the MC-LR-BHHBCB-Eu3+ conjugate, that lead to efficient quenching of the luminescence of Eu3+ complex via energy transfer or electron transfer process. However, the addition of monoclonal anti-MC-LR antibody can induce the formation of MC-LR-BHHBCB-Eu3+/antibody immune complex, which prevents the interaction between WS2 nanosheets and MC-LR-BHHBCB-Eu3+ to result in the restoration of Eu3+ luminescence. This signal transduction mechanism made it possible for analysis of the target MC-LR in a homogeneous system. The present method has advantages of rapidity and simplicity since the B/F (bound reagent/free reagent) separation steps, the solid-phase carrier and antibody labeling or modification process are not necessary. The proposed immunosensing system displayed a wide linear range, good precision and accuracy, and comparable sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.3 μg l-1, which satisfied the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guideline limit of 1.0 μg l-1 for MC-LR in drinking water.

First Identification of the Toxicity of Microcystins on Pancreatic Islet Function in Humans and the Involved Potential Biomarkers.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanyan; Xue, Qingju; Su, Xiaomei; Xie, Liqiang; Yan, Yunjun; Wang, Lixiao; Steinman, Alan D

2016-03-15

Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria have been recognized as a major public health threat. However, the toxicity of MCs to humans is still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the changes in pancreatic islet function in fishers exposed to ambient levels of MCs at Lake Taihu and, using a mouse model, explored the molecular mechanisms involved in toxicity. MCs content in the serum of fishers tested positive, with a range from 0.10 to 0.64 μg/L. Both lower blood insulin levels (2.26 ± 0.96 μIU/mL) and impaired fasting glucose were found in participants from the Meiliang Bay area in Lake Taihu, where MC-LR levels were substantially greater than the MC threshold established by WHO for drinking water. Animal experiments showed that glucose level increased by 27.9% in mice exposed to 5 μg/kg bw and decreased by 41.5% in mice exposed to 20 μg/kg bw. Blood insulin levels declined by 21.9% and 56.2% in mice exposed to 5 and 20 μg/kg bw MC-LR, respectively, which was consistent with the results observed in fishers. Furthermore, the diabetes gene pdx1 and several other proteins (such as Ppp3ca, Ide, Marcks, Pgk1, Suclg1, Ndufs4) involved in insulin secretion were identified for the first time in mice following MC-LR exposure; these biomarkers were considered responsible for MC-LR induced islet dysfunction. This study suggests that subchronic exposure to environmental levels of MCs may increase the risk of the occurrence of diabetes in humans.

Microcystin-LR affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-inter-renal (HPI) axis in early life stages (embryos and larvae) of zebrafish.

PubMed

Chen, Liang; Wang, Yeke; Giesy, John P; Chen, Feng; Shi, Ting; Chen, Jun; Xie, Ping

2018-05-22

Frequencies and durations of blooms of cyanobacteria are increasing. Some cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins including microcystins (MCs). MCs are the most common toxic products of hazardous algal blooms (HABs), with the greatest potential for exposure and to cause toxicity. Recently, MCs have been shown to disrupt endocrine functions. In this study, for the first time, effects of MC-LR on the hypothalamic-pituitary-inter-renal (HPI) axis during early embryonic development (embryos/larvae) of zebrafish (Danio rerio), were investigated. Embryos/larvae of zebrafish were exposed to 1, 10, 100, or 300 μg MC-LR/L during the period of 4-168 h post-fertilization (hpf). Exposure to 300 μg MC-LR/L resulted in significantly greater concentrations of whole-body cortisol than those in controls. Expressions of genes along the HPI axis and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR-) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR-) centered gene networks were evaluated by use of quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of mRNA for crh was significantly down-regulated by exposure to 300 μg MC-LR/L, while expressions of crhbp, crhr1, and crhr2 were significantly up-regulated, relative to controls. MC-LR caused significantly lesser levels of mRNA for steroidogenic genes including hmgra, star, and cyp17, but expression of mRNA for hsd20b was significantly greater than that of controls. Treatment with MC-LR also altered profiles of transcription of MR- and GR-centered gene networks, which might result in multiple responses. Taken together, these results demonstrated that MC-LR affected the corticosteroid-endocrine system of larvae of zebrafish. This study provided valuable insights into molecular mechanisms behind potential toxicity and endocrine disruption of MCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell density dependence of Microcystis aeruginosa responses to copper algaecide concentrations: Implications for microcystin-LR release.

PubMed

Kinley, Ciera M; Iwinski, Kyla J; Hendrikse, Maas; Geer, Tyler D; Rodgers, John H

2017-11-01

Along with mechanistic models, predictions of exposure-response relationships for copper are often derived from laboratory toxicity experiments with standardized experimental exposures and conditions. For predictions of copper toxicity to algae, cell density is a critical factor often overlooked. For pulse exposures of copper-based algaecides in aquatic systems, cell density can significantly influence copper sorbed by the algal population, and consequent responses. A cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, was exposed to a copper-based algaecide over a range of cell densities to model the density-dependence of exposures, and effects on microcystin-LR (MC-LR) release. Copper exposure concentrations were arrayed to result in a gradient of MC-LR release, and masses of copper sorbed to algal populations were measured following exposures. While copper exposure concentrations eliciting comparable MC-LR release ranged an order of magnitude (24-h EC50s 0.03-0.3mg Cu/L) among cell densities of 10 6 through 10 7 cells/mL, copper doses (mg Cu/mg algae) were similar (24-h EC50s 0.005-0.006mg Cu/mg algae). Comparisons of MC-LR release as a function of copper exposure concentrations and doses provided a metric of the density dependence of algal responses in the context of copper-based algaecide applications. Combined with estimates of other site-specific factors (e.g. water characteristics) and fate processes (e.g. dilution and dispersion, sorption to organic matter and sediments), measuring exposure-response relationships for specific cell densities can refine predictions for in situ exposures and algal responses. These measurements can in turn decrease the likelihood of amending unnecessary copper concentrations to aquatic systems, and minimize risks for non-target aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

L-valine, an antialgal amino acid from Streptomyces jiujiangensis JXJ 0074(T).

PubMed

Zhang, Bing-Huo; Chen, Wei; Li, Han-Quan; Yang, Jian-Yuan; Zha, Dai-Ming; Duan, Yan-Qing; N Hozzein, Wael; Xiao, Min; Gao, Rui; Li, Wen-Jun

2016-05-01

An antialgal compound was isolated from the cultured broth of Streptomyces jiujiangensis JXJ 0074(T) by using bioassay methods. Based on the data of (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, ESI-MS, and thin layer chromatography, the active compound was identified as L-valine, which showed antialgal activity mainly against Microcystis. L-valine exhibited greater antialgal activities than both L-lysine and copper sulfate (CuSO4) did on Microcystis aeruginosa lawn. However, M. aeruginosa recovered growth earlier with higher growth rate in L-valine treatment than in L-lysine treatment. L-valine dissipated completely within 2 days, much quicker than L-lysine (6 days), which resulted in the lysing of more than 80 % M. aeruginosa cells and the release of amount of intracellular microcystin-LR (MC-LR) within 2 days. As a resultant, the extracellular MC-LR content was more than twice of the control from day 1 to 5. Exposure to L-valine significantly promoted the synthesis of MC-LR. L-lysine also promoted the release and synthesis of MC-LR with much lesser efficiency than L-valine. L-valine could damage Microcystis severely, causing perforation and collapse of M. aeruginosa cells and decrease of the chlorophyll. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in L-valine-treated cells of M. aeruginosa initially increased with 32.94 ± 3.37 % higher than the control after 36 h and then decreased quickly. However, the increase rate of superoxide anion radical (O2 (-)) was much higher than that of SOD, which resulted in serious lipid peroxidation and accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). To our knowledge, this is the first report showing L-valine active against cyanobacteria.

Vulnerability of Quebec drinking-water treatment plants to cyanotoxins in a climate change context.

PubMed

Carrière, Annie; Prévost, Michèle; Zamyadi, Arash; Chevalier, Pierre; Barbeau, Benoit

2010-09-01

Cyanobacteria are a growing concern in the province of Quebec due to recent highly publicised bloom episodes. The health risk associated with the consumption of drinking water coming from contaminated sources was unknown. A study was undertaken to evaluate treatment plants' capacity to treat cyanotoxins below the maximum recommended concentrations of 1.5 microg/L microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and the provisional concentration of 3.7 microg/L anatoxin-a, respectively. The results showed that close to 80% of the water treatment plants are presently able to treat the maximum historical concentration measured in Quebec (5.35 microg/L MC-LR equ.). An increase, due to climate change or other factors, would not represent a serious threat because chlorine, the most popular disinfectant, is effective in treating MC-LR under standard disinfection conditions. The highest concentration of anatoxin-a (2.3 microg/L) measured in natural water thus far in source water is below the current guideline for treated waters. However, higher concentrations of anatoxin-a would represent a significant challenge for the water industry as chlorine is not an efficient treatment option. The use of ozone, potassium permanganate or powder activated carbon would have to be considered.

Bioaccumulation of microcystin congeners in soil-plant system and human health risk assessment: A field study from Lake Taihu region of China.

PubMed

Cao, Qing; Steinman, Alan D; Wan, Xiang; Xie, Liqiang

2018-05-02

A 120-day field study was carried out near Lake Taihu to evaluate the bioaccumulation of microcystin (MC) congeners in a soil-plant system, as well as to assess human health risk when consuming edible plants irrigated with MCs-contaminated water. Natural cyanobacteria bloom-containing lake water (lake water) and half-diluted natural cyanobacteria bloom-containing lake water with tap water (half-lake water) were used to irrigate lettuce and rice. An additional treatment involving fertilization with a cyanobacteria bloom was applied just to the lettuce experiment. MCs in soils, roots, leaves and grains (rice) were detected. In the soil-lettuce system, the three MC congeners in soils fertilized with a cyanobacteria bloom were not detected. The highest concentrations of MCs detected in soils, lettuce roots and leaves were 24.8 (MC-LR 10.1, MC-RR 10.5, MC-YR 4.2) μg kg -1 , 424 (MC-LR 168, MC-RR 194, MC-YR 61.5) μg kg -1 and 183 (MC-LR 78.0, MC-RR 76.8, MC-YR 28.1) μg kg -1 , respectively, in the lake water treatment. In the soil-rice system, the highest concentration of MCs was accumulated in roots 1504 (MC-LR 634, MC-RR 573, MC-YR 297) μg kg -1 , in the lake water treatment. However, the concentration of MCs that accumulated in grains was extremely low with a total MCs concentration of 5.2 (MC-LR 2.1, MC-RR 2.0, MC-YR 1.1) μg kg -1 in the lake water treatment. According to the estimated daily intake (EDI) value, fertilizing with an appropriate amount (0.2% or less, w/w, dry weight (DW)) of a cyanobacteria bloom, as well as consuming rice irrigated with lake water would not pose a threat to human health. However, the EDI values for both adults and children reached tolerable daily intake (TDI) value, assuming they consumed lettuce irrigated with lake water. Results obtained from the growth and yield indicators suggest that MCs bioaccumulation in edible plants is not necessarily coupled with phytotoxic effects. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An SPR biosensor for the detection of microcystins in drinking water.

PubMed

Herranz, Sonia; Bocková, Markéta; Marazuela, María Dolores; Homola, Jiří; Moreno-Bondi, María Cruz

2010-11-01

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the detection of microcystins (MCs) in drinking water has been developed. Several assay formats have been evaluated. The selected format is based on a competitive inhibition assay, in which microcystin-LR (MCLR) has been covalently immobilized onto the surface of an SPR chip functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer. The influence of several factors affecting sensor performance, such as the nature and concentration of the antibody, the composition of the carrier buffer, and the blocking and regeneration solutions, has been evaluated. The optimized SPR biosensor provides an IC(50) 0.67 ± 0.09 µg L(-1), a detection limit of 73 ± 8 ng L(-1), and a dynamic range from 0.2 to 2.0 µg L(-1) for MCLR. Cross-reactivity to other related MCs, such as microcystin-RR (88%) and microcystin-YR (94%), has also been measured. The SPR biosensor can perform four simultaneous determinations in 60 min, and each SPR chip can be reused for at least 40 assay-regeneration cycles without significant binding capacity loss. The biosensor has been successfully applied to the direct analysis of MCLR in drinking water samples, below the provisional guideline value of 1 µg L(-1) established by the World Health Organization for drinking water.

Degradation of microcystin-LR by highly efficient AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst under simulated solar light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin; Utsumi, Motoo; Yang, Yingnan; Li, Dawei; Zhao, Yingxin; Zhang, Zhenya; Feng, Chuanping; Sugiura, Norio; Cheng, Jay Jiayang

2015-01-01

A novel photocatalyst AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 was developed by a simple facile in situ deposition method and used for degradation of mirocystin-LR. TiO2 (P25) as a cost effective chemical was used to improve the stability of AgBr/Ag3PO4 under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity tests for this heterojunction were conducted under simulated solar light irradiation using methyl orange as targeted pollutant. The results indicated that the optimal Ag to Ti molar ratio for the photocatalytic activity of the resulting heterojunction AgBr/Ag3PO4/TiO2 was 1.5 (named as 1.5 BrPTi), which possessed higher photocatalytic capacity than AgBr/Ag3PO4. The 1.5 BrPTi heterojunction was also more stable than AgBr/Ag3PO4 in photocatalysis. This highly efficient and relatively stable photocatalyst was further tested for degradation of the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR). The results suggested that MC-LR was much more easily degraded by 1.5 BrPTi than by AgBr/Ag3PO4. The quenching effects of different scavengers proved that reactive h+ and •OH played important roles for MC-LR degradation.

Effects of thermal treatments during cooking, microwave oven and boiling, on the unconjugated microcystin concentration in muscle of fish (Oreochromis niloticus).

PubMed

Guzmán-Guillén, Remedios; Prieto, Ana I; Moreno, Isabel; Soria, Ma Eugenia; Cameán, Ana M

2011-09-01

Understanding the factors that contribute to the risk from fish consumption is a relevant public health concern due to potential adverse effects of cyanobacterial toxins. The aim of this work was to study the influence of two usual cooking practices, microwave oven and boiling, on the microcystin (MCs) concentration in fish muscle (Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) spiked with a stock solution (500 μL) containing a mixture of three toxins (MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-YR) (1.5 μg/mL of each toxin). Two different variables were investigated: time of cooking in the microwaves treatment (1 or 5 min), and way of boiling, "boiled muscle" or "continuously heated muscle". All samples were then lyophilized and MCs were extracted and purified (Oasis HLB cartridge) and quantified by HPLC-MS. Furthermore, the waters in which the samples boiled were also analyzed after their purification. The results suggest a reduction on MC-LR (36%) and MC-YR (24.6%) in samples cooked in the microwave for 5 min. Major changes were found when the fish was cooked by the continuous boiling, with a decrease of 45.0% (MC-RR), 56.4% (MC-YR) and 59.3% (MC-LR). More studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms involved when aquatic food is submitted to usual cooking practices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural Characterization and Absolute Quantification of Microcystin Peptides Using Collision-Induced and Ultraviolet Photo-Dissociation Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attard, Troy J.; Carter, Melissa D.; Fang, Mengxuan; Johnson, Rudolph C.; Reid, Gavin E.

2018-05-01

Microcystin (MC) peptides produced by cyanobacteria pose a hepatotoxic threat to human health upon ingestion from contaminated drinking water. While rapid MC identification and quantification in contaminated body fluids or tissue samples is important for patient treatment and outcomes, conventional immunoassay-based measurement strategies typically lack the specificity required for unambiguous determination of specific MC variants, whose toxicity can significantly vary depending on their structures. Furthermore, the unambiguous identification and accurate quantitation of MC variants using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based methods can be limited due to a current lack of appropriate stable isotope-labeled internal standards. To address these limitations, we have systematically examined here the sequence and charge state dependence to the formation and absolute abundance of both "global" and "variant-specific" product ions from representative MC-LR, MC-YR, MC-RR, and MC-LA peptides, using higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD)-MS/MS, ion-trap collision-induced dissociation (CID)-MS/MS and CID-MS3, and 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UPVD)-MS/MS. HCD-MS/MS was found to provide the greatest detection sensitivity for both global and variant-specific product ions in each of the MC variants, except for MC-YR where a variant-specific product uniquely formed via UPVD-MS/MS was observed with the greatest absolute abundance. A simple methodology for the preparation and characterization of 18O-stable isotope-labeled MC reference materials for use as internal standards was also developed. Finally, we have demonstrated the applicability of the methods developed herein for absolute quantification of MC-LR present in human urine samples, using capillary scale liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high resolution / accurate mass spectrometry and HCD-MS/MS.

An integrated omic analysis of hepatic alteration in medaka fish chronically exposed to cyanotoxins with possible mechanisms of reproductive toxicity.

PubMed

Qiao, Qin; Le Manach, Séverine; Huet, Hélène; Duvernois-Berthet, Evelyne; Chaouch, Soraya; Duval, Charlotte; Sotton, Benoit; Ponger, Loïc; Marie, Arul; Mathéron, Lucrèce; Lennon, Sarah; Bolbach, Gérard; Djediat, Chakib; Bernard, Cécile; Edery, Marc; Marie, Benjamin

2016-12-01

Cyanobacterial blooms threaten human health as well as the population of other living organisms in the aquatic environment, particularly due to the production of natural toxic components, the cyanotoxin. So far, the most studied cyanotoxins are microcystins (MCs). In this study, the hepatic alterations at histological, proteome and transcriptome levels were evaluated in female and male medaka fish chronically exposed to 1 and 5 μg L -1 microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and to the extract of MC-producing Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7820 (5 μg L -1 of equivalent MC-LR) by balneation for 28 days, aiming at enhancing our understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity of cyanotoxins in aquatic vertebrate models. Indeed, both MC and Microcystis extract adversely affect reproductive parameters including fecundity and egg hatchability. The liver of toxin treated female fish present glycogen storage loss and cellular damages. The quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that the quantities of 225 hepatic proteins are dysregulated. In particular, a notable decrease in protein quantities of vitellogenin and choriogenin was observed, which could explain the decrease in reproductive output. Liver transcriptome analysis through Illumina RNA-seq reveals that over 100-400 genes are differentially expressed under 5 μg L -1  MC-LR and Microcystis extract treatments, respectively. Ingenuity pathway analysis of the omic data attests that various metabolic pathways, such as energy production, protein biosynthesis and lipid metabolism, are disturbed by both MC-LR and the Microcystis extract, which could provoke the observed reproductive impairment. The transcriptomics analysis also constitutes the first report of the impairment of circadian rhythm-related gene induced by MCs. This study contributes to a better understanding of the potential consequences of chronic exposure of fish to environmental concentrations of cyanotoxins, suggesting that Microcystis extract could impact a wider range of biological pathways, compared with pure MC-LR, and even 1 μg L -1  MC-LR potentially induces a health risk for aquatic organisms. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sex-dependent effects of microcystin-LR on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis and gametogenesis of adult zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wanjing; Chen, Chuanyue; Chen, Liang; Wang, Li; Li, Jian; Chen, Yuanyuan; Jin, Jienan; Kawan, Atufa; Zhang, Xuezhen

2016-03-01

While microcystins (MCs) have been reported to exert reproductive toxicity on fish with a sex-dependent effect, the underlying mechanism has been rarely investigated. In the present study, zebrafish were exposed to 1, 5 and 20 μg/L MC-LR for 30 d. The gonad-somatic index declined in all treated males. 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 11-keto testosterone (11-KT) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increased in serum from all treated females, while T, FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels changed in all treated males. Histomorphological observation showed that MC-LR exposure evidently retarded oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Transcriptional changes of 22 genes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis exhibited sex-specific responses, and the relationship between gene transcriptions and gametogenesis was evaluated by principle component analysis (PCA). Major contributors to PC1 (gnrh2, gnrhr3, ar, lhr, hmgra, hmgrb and cyp19a) were positively correlated with the number of post-vitellogenic oocytes, while PC1 (gnrh2, lhβ, erβ, fshr, cyp11a and 17βhsd) were positively correlated with the number of spermatozoa. The protein levels of 17βHSD and CYP19a were affected in both females and males. In conclusion, this study first investigated the sex-dependent effects of microcystins on fish reproduction and revealed some important molecular biomarkers related to gametogenesis in zebrafish suffered from MC-LR.

Sex-dependent effects of microcystin-LR on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis and gametogenesis of adult zebrafish

PubMed Central

Liu, Wanjing; Chen, Chuanyue; Chen, Liang; Wang, Li; Li, Jian; Chen, Yuanyuan; Jin, Jienan; Kawan, Atufa; Zhang, Xuezhen

2016-01-01

While microcystins (MCs) have been reported to exert reproductive toxicity on fish with a sex-dependent effect, the underlying mechanism has been rarely investigated. In the present study, zebrafish were exposed to 1, 5 and 20 μg/L MC-LR for 30 d. The gonad-somatic index declined in all treated males. 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 11-keto testosterone (11-KT) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increased in serum from all treated females, while T, FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels changed in all treated males. Histomorphological observation showed that MC-LR exposure evidently retarded oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Transcriptional changes of 22 genes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis exhibited sex-specific responses, and the relationship between gene transcriptions and gametogenesis was evaluated by principle component analysis (PCA). Major contributors to PC1 (gnrh2, gnrhr3, ar, lhr, hmgra, hmgrb and cyp19a) were positively correlated with the number of post-vitellogenic oocytes, while PC1 (gnrh2, lhβ, erβ, fshr, cyp11a and 17βhsd) were positively correlated with the number of spermatozoa. The protein levels of 17βHSD and CYP19a were affected in both females and males. In conclusion, this study first investigated the sex-dependent effects of microcystins on fish reproduction and revealed some important molecular biomarkers related to gametogenesis in zebrafish suffered from MC-LR. PMID:26960901

Toxic threshold of dietary microcystin (-LR) for quart medaka.

PubMed

Deng, Dong-Fang; Zheng, Keke; Teh, Foo-Ching; Lehman, Peggy W; Teh, Swee J

2010-04-01

This study was designed to estimate the toxic threshold of male and female fish to microcystins based on different biomarkers. Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were fed dietary Microcystin-LR (0, 0.46, 0.85, 2.01 and 3.93 microg MC-LR/g dry diet for 8 weeks at 25 degrees C. The results revealed that dietary MC-LR inhibited growth at the end of 8 weeks. The survival of embryos and the RNA/DNA ratio of whole fish decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in fish fed 3.93 microg MC-LR/g dry diet. Heat shock protein (Hsp60) expression was induced in the liver of female and male fish fed diets containing > or =0.85 and 0.46 microg MC-LR/g diet, respectively. The activity of liver caspase 3/7 was significantly higher in female fish fed 3.93 microg MC-LR/g diet and in males fed 2.01 MC-LR microg/g dry diet than fish fed the control diet. The threshold for inhibition of liver protein phosphatase expression was lower in female (2.01 microg/g diet) than that in male fish (3.93 microg/g diet). Histopathological examination showed significant single-cell necrosis in female and male medaka fed diets containing 0.85 and 3.93 microg MC-LR/g diet, respectively. Based on different biomarkers, this study demonstrated that dietary MC-LR is toxic to Medaka and the effects are gender dependent. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Microcystin production and ecological physiology of Caribbean black band disease cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Stanić, Dina; Oehrle, Stuart; Gantar, Miroslav; Richardson, Laurie L

2011-04-01

Molecular studies of black band disease (BBD), a coral disease found on tropical and subtropical reefs worldwide, have shown that one 16S rRNA gene sequence is ubiquitous. This sequence has been reported to be a member of the cyanobacterial genus Oscillatoria. In this study, extracts of two cultured laboratory strains of BBD Oscillatoria, and for comparison two strains of BBD Geitlerinema, all isolated from reefs of the wider Caribbean, were analysed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Quad Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) was found in all strains, and one Geitlerinema strain additionally produced MC-YR. Growth experiments that monitored toxin production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that BBD Oscillatoria produced yields of MC-LR equivalent (0.02-0.04 mg g(-1)) independent of biomass and culture conditions (varying temperature, pH, light and organic carbon). This pattern is different from BBD Geitlerinema, which increased production of MC-LR equivalent in the presence of organic carbon in the light and dark and at a relatively lower temperature. These results indicate that different species and strains of BBD cyanobacteria, which can occur in the same BBD infection, may contribute to BBD pathobiology by producing different toxins and different amounts of toxin at different stages in the disease process. This is the first detailed study of laboratory cultures of the ubiquitous BBD cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp. isolated from Caribbean reefs. © 2010 Society for Applied Microbiology and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

A photoelectrochemical aptasensor constructed with core-shell CuS-TiO2 heterostructure for detection of microcystin-LR.

PubMed

Tang, Yunfei; Chai, Yun; Liu, Xiaoqiang; Li, Lele; Yang, Liwei; Liu, Peipei; Zhou, Yanmei; Ju, Huangxian; Cheng, Yunzhi

2018-06-05

In this work, a CuS-TiO 2 heterojunction composite was prepared by dispersedly depositing CuS nanoparticles on TiO 2 nanospheres surface with a hydrothermal method, and was then used to construct a photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for sensitive detection of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in aquatic environment. The energy bands of CuS nanoparticles and spherical anatase TiO 2 were well matched, which enhanced the photo-to-current conversion efficiency. The composite exhibited the enhanced visible light absorption, the improved separation of photo-generated charges, and the reduced self-aggregation of CuS nanoparticles, leading to the enhanced photocurrent response. The PEC aptasensor was constructed by immobilizing CuS-TiO 2 composite on ITO electrode with chitosan film that further covalently bound aminated aptamer. After the target, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) as an analyte model, was captured by the aptamer on the aptasensor, it could be oxidized by the photo-generated hole to impede the electron-hole recombination and further amplify the photocurrent. The PEC aptasensor showed superior analytical performance for MC-LR with a linear range of 5.0 × 10 -5 nM to 250 nM and a detection limit of 2.0 × 10 -5 nM. The detection results with the aptasensor for practical water samples indicated its promising application in environmental monitoring. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of microcystins contamination on soil enzyme activities and microbial community in two typical lakeside soils.

PubMed

Cao, Qing; Steinman, Alan D; Su, Xiaomei; Xie, Liqiang

2017-12-01

A 30-day indoor incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of microcystin (1, 10, 100 and 1000 μg eq. MC-LR L -1 ) on soil enzyme activity, soil respiration, physiological profiles, potential nitrification, and microbial abundance (total bacteria, total fungi, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea) in two lakeside soils in China (Soil A from the lakeside of Lake Poyanghu at Jiujiang; Soil B from the lakeside of Lake Taihu at Suzhou). Of the enzymes tested, only phenol oxidase activity was negatively affected by microcystin application. In contrast, dehydrogenase activity was stimulated in the 1000 μg treatment, and a stimulatory effect also occurred with soil respiration in contaminated soil. The metabolic profiles of the microbial communities indicated that overall carbon metabolic activity in the soils treated with high microcystin concentrations was inhibited, and high concentrations of microcystin also led to different patterns of potential carbon utilization. High microcystin concentrations (100, 1000 μg eq. MC-LR L -1 in Soil A; 10, 100 1000 μg eq. MC-LR L -1 in Soil B) significantly decreased soil potential nitrification rate. Furthermore, the decrease in soil potential nitrification rate was positively correlated with the decrease of the amoA gene abundance, which corresponds to the ammonia-oxidizing bacterial community. We conclude that application of microcystin-enriched irrigation water can significantly impact soil microbial community structure and function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxidative elimination of cyanotoxins: comparison of ozone, chlorine, chlorine dioxide and permanganate.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Eva; Onstad, Gretchen D; Kull, Tomas P J; Metcalf, James S; Acero, Juan L; von Gunten, Urs

2007-08-01

As the World Health Organization (WHO) progresses with provisional Drinking Water Guidelines of 1 microg/L for microcystin-LR and a proposed Guideline of 1 microg/L for cylindrospermopsin, efficient treatment strategies are needed to prevent cyanotoxins such as these from reaching consumers. A kinetic database has been compiled for the oxidative treatment of three cyanotoxins: microcystin-LR (MC-LR), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and anatoxin-a (ANTX) with ozone, chlorine, chlorine dioxide and permanganate. This kinetic database contains rate constants not previously reported and determined in the present work (e.g. for permanganate oxidation of ANTX and chlorine dioxide oxidation of CYN and ANTX), together with previously published rate constants for the remaining oxidation processes. Second-order rate constants measured in pure aqueous solutions of these toxins could be used in a kinetic model to predict the toxin oxidation efficiency of ozone, chlorine, chlorine dioxide and permanganate when applied to natural waters. Oxidants were applied to water from a eutrophic Swiss lake (Lake Greifensee) in static-dose testing and dynamic time-resolved experiments to confirm predictions from the kinetic database, and to investigate the effects of a natural matrix on toxin oxidation and by-product formation. Overall, permanganate can effectively oxidize ANTX and MC-LR, while chlorine will oxidize CYN and MC-LR and ozone is capable of oxidizing all three toxins with the highest rate. The formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in the treated water may be a restriction to the application of sufficiently high-chlorine doses.

LACK OF TERATOGENICITY OF MICROCYSTIN-LR IN THE MOUSE AND TOAD

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial toxin generated by the organism, Microcystis aeruginosa. Although the hepatotoxicity of this chemical has been characterized, the potential developmental toxicity in vertebrates has not been well studied. The purpose of this...

Effect of Microcystin-LR on Cultured Rat Endothelial Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

silymarin (SM) [81, in \\ticrocystin. silymarin . order to determine if thcse agents could prevent changes 4 induced by supernatants derived from MCLR...commercially from the indicated sources: silymarin (SM) such as deformation of ceillsblebbing) rapid risc in intra- (Aldrich, Milwaukee. WVI

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Microcystin Variants and Relationships with Environmental Parameters in Lake Taihu, China

PubMed Central

Su, Xiaomei; Xue, Qingju; Steinman, Alan D.; Zhao, Yanyan; Xie, Liqiang

2015-01-01

Excessive anthropogenically-caused nutrient loading from both external and internal sources has promoted the growth of cyanobacteria in Lake Taihu from 2005 to 2014, suggesting increased production and release of cyanotoxins. In order to explain the spatial distribution and temporal variation of microcystins (MCs), the intracellular concentrations of MCs (MC-LR, -RR and -YR, L, R and Y are abbreviations of leucine, arginine and tyrosine) were monitored monthly from July 2013 to June 2014. Three MC variants are present simultaneously in Lake Taihu; the MC-LR and -RR variants were dominant (accounting for 40% and 39% of the total), followed by MC-YR (21%). However, MC-YR accounted for a higher proportion in colder months, especially in March. The highest concentrations of intracellular MCs were found in July and October when cyanobacteria cell density also reached the maximum. The average concentrations of MC-LR, -RR and -YR in July were 4.69, 4.23 and 2.01 μg/L, respectively. In terms of the entire lake, toxin concentrations in northern parts were significantly higher than the eastern part in summer, when MC concentrations were several times higher than the guideline value by WHO throughout much of Lake Taihu. Results from correlation and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that total MCs, including all variants, were strongly and positively correlated with cyanobacteria cell density, water temperature, total phosphorus (TP) and pH, whereas each variant had different correlation coefficients with each of the considered environmental variables. MC-RR showed a stronger relationship with temperature, in contrast to MC-YR and -LR. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) showed a negative relationship with each variant, suggesting that rising DIC concentrations may inhibit cyanobacterial growth and thereby reduce MC production in the future. PMID:26295260

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Microcystin Variants and Relationships with Environmental Parameters in Lake Taihu, China.

PubMed

Su, Xiaomei; Xue, Qingju; Steinman, Alan D; Zhao, Yanyan; Xie, Liqiang

2015-08-18

Excessive anthropogenically-caused nutrient loading from both external and internal sources has promoted the growth of cyanobacteria in Lake Taihu from 2005 to 2014, suggesting increased production and release of cyanotoxins. In order to explain the spatial distribution and temporal variation of microcystins (MCs), the intracellular concentrations of MCs (MC-LR, -RR and -YR, L, R and Y are abbreviations of leucine, arginine and tyrosine) were monitored monthly from July 2013 to June 2014. Three MC variants are present simultaneously in Lake Taihu; the MC-LR and -RR variants were dominant (accounting for 40% and 39% of the total), followed by MC-YR (21%). However, MC-YR accounted for a higher proportion in colder months, especially in March. The highest concentrations of intracellular MCs were found in July and October when cyanobacteria cell density also reached the maximum. The average concentrations of MC-LR, -RR and -YR in July were 4.69, 4.23 and 2.01 μg/L, respectively. In terms of the entire lake, toxin concentrations in northern parts were significantly higher than the eastern part in summer, when MC concentrations were several times higher than the guideline value by WHO throughout much of Lake Taihu. Results from correlation and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that total MCs, including all variants, were strongly and positively correlated with cyanobacteria cell density, water temperature, total phosphorus (TP) and pH, whereas each variant had different correlation coefficients with each of the considered environmental variables. MC-RR showed a stronger relationship with temperature, in contrast to MC-YR and -LR. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) showed a negative relationship with each variant, suggesting that rising DIC concentrations may inhibit cyanobacterial growth and thereby reduce MC production in the future.

Laboratory simulated transport of microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin in groundwater under the influence of stormwater ponds: implications for harvesting of infiltrated stormwater

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Reilly, Andrew M.; Wanielista, Martin P.; Loftin, Keith A.; Chang, Ni-Bin; Schirmer, Mario; Hoehn, Eduard; Vogt, Tobias

2011-01-01

Water shortages in the southeastern United States have led to a need for more intensive management and usage of stormwater for beneficial uses such as irrigation. Harvesting of infiltrated stormwater from horizontal wells in sandy aquifer sediments beneath stormwater ponds has emerged as an alternative in need of evaluation. Cyanobacteria may proliferate in stormwater ponds; cyanotoxins produced by these organisms represent potential public health concerns. Results of two, saturated flow, sand column experiments indicate breakthrough of microcystin-LR (MCLR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYL) within 1―2 pore volumes indicating little removal attributable to sorption. Concentration-based MCLR removal efficiencies up to 90% were achieved, which we hypothesize were predominantly due to biodegradation. In contrast, CYL removal efficiencies were generally less than 15%. On the basis of these results, removal of sandy soil in the stormwater pond bottom and addition of sorption media with greater binding affinities to cyanotoxins may enhance natural attenuation processes prior to water withdrawal.

Unveiling New Degradation Intermediates/Pathways from the Photocatalytic Degradation of Microcystin-LR

EPA Science Inventory

This study focuses on the identification of reaction intermediates formed during the photocatalytic degradation of the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR with immobilized TiO₂ Tphotocatalysts at neutral pH. To differentiate between impurities already existing in the MC-LR stand...

Gene expression network regulated by DNA methylation and microRNA during microcystin-leucine arginine induced malignant transformation in human hepatocyte L02 cells.

PubMed

Chen, Hong-Qiang; Zhao, Ji; Li, Yan; He, Li-Xiong; Huang, Yu-Jing; Shu, Wei-Qun; Cao, Jia; Liu, Wen-Bin; Liu, Jin-Yi

2018-06-01

Microcystin (MC) is a cyclic heptapeptide compound which could lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the underlying epigenetic regulation mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, microcystin-LR (L: lysine, R: arginine, MC-LR) was used to induce the malignant transformation of human hepatocyte L02 cell line. The profile of gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) and DNA methylation were detected through high-throughput sequencing. Compared with control group, the expression of 826 genes and 187 miRNAs changed significantly in MC-LR treated group. DNA methylation sequencing analysis showed that 2592 CpG sites differentially methylated in promoter or the coding DNA sequence (CDS) of genes, while DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3a) and DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3b) were dramatically up-regulated. Functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that significantly changed mRNAs and microRNAs were mainly involved in the formation of cancer, proliferation, invasion, migration and metabolism. MiRNA-mRNA network and mRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that hsa-miR-320a, hsa-miR-331-3p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-196a-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, coiled-coil domain containing 180 (CCDC180), melanoma antigen gene family member D1 (MAGED1), membrane spanning 4-domains A7 (MS4A7), hephaestin like 1 (HEPHL1), BH3 (Bcl-2 homology 3)-like motif containing, cell death inducer (BLID), matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13), guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5), adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF), formin homology 2 domain containing 1 (FHDC1), protein kinase CAMP-dependent type II regulatory subunit beta (PRKAR2B), nodium leak channel, non-selective (NALCN), myosin light chain kinase 3 (MYLK3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and zinc finger protein 704 (ZNF704) were key miRNAs and genes in the malignant transformation induced by MC-LR in L02 cells. Moreover, we found that expression of MYLK3, EGFR and ZNF704 were regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs, and these genes affected the cell cycle and cell division. Our study suggested that characteristic gene alterations regulated by DNA methylation and miRNA could play an important role in environmental MC-LR induced hepatic carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-based Biosensor for Monitoring Microcystin-LR in Sources of Drinking Water Supplies

EPA Science Inventory

A multi-walled carbon nanotube-based electrochemical biosensor is developed for monitoring microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a toxic cyanobacterial toxin, in sources of drinking water supplies. The biosensor electrodes are fabricated using dense, mm-long multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) arrays gro...

Solar photo-Fenton treatment of microcystin-LR in aqueous environment: Transformation products and toxicity in different water matrices

EPA Science Inventory

Transformation products and toxicity patterns of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a common cyanotoxin in freshwaters, during degradation by solar photo-Fenton process were studied in the absence and presence of two major water components, namely fulvic acid and alkalinity. The transformat...

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF REGENERATION FOLLOWING HEPATOTOXIC EFFECTS OF THE CYANOTOXIN MICROCYSTIN-LR IN THE HARDHEAD CATFISH AND GULF KILLIFISH.

EPA Science Inventory

The cyanobacterial toxin, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), causes liver damage in several freshwater fish species. The damage appears to be acute and irreversible. In the present study, two estuarine species, hardhead catfish, Arius felis, and gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, were inject...

Detection of free and covalently bound microcystins in different tissues (liver, intestines, gills, and muscles) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: method characterization.

PubMed

Cadel-Six, Sabrina; Moyenga, David; Magny, Stéphanie; Trotereau, Sophie; Edery, Marc; Krys, Sophie

2014-02-01

So far only a few publications have explored the development of extraction methods of cyanotoxin extracted from complex matrices. With regard to cyanobacterial microcystins (MCs), the data on the contamination of the flesh of aquatic organisms is hard to compare and very limited due to the lack of validated methods. In recent years, evidence that both free and bound fractions of toxin are found in these tissues has highlighted the need to develop effective methods of quantification. Several techniques do exist, but only the Lemieux oxidation has so far been used to investigate complex tissue matrices. In this study, protocols based on the Lemieux approach were adapted for the quantitative chemical analysis of free MC-LR and MMPB derived from bound toxin in the tissues of juvenile trout gavaged with MC-LR. Afterwards, the NF V03 110 guideline was used to characterize the protocols elaborated and evaluate their effectiveness. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Destruction of microcystins (cyanotoxins) by UV-254 nm-based direct photolysis and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): influence of variable amino acids on the degradation kinetics and reaction mechanisms.

PubMed

He, Xuexiang; de la Cruz, Armah A; Hiskia, Anastasia; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; O'Shea, Kevin; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2015-05-01

Hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) are the most frequently detected group of cyanobacterial toxins. This study investigated the degradation of common MC variants in water, MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR and MC-LA, by UV-254 nm-based processes, UV only, UV/H2O2, UV/S2O8(2-) and UV/HSO5(-). Limited direct photolysis of MCs was observed, while the addition of an oxidant significantly improved the degradation efficiency with an order of UV/S2O8(2-) > UV/HSO5(-) > UV/H2O2 at the same initial molar concentration of the oxidant. The removal of MC-LR by UV/H2O2 appeared to be faster than another cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin, at either the same initial molar concentration or the same initial organic carbon concentration of the toxin. It suggested a faster reaction of MC-LR with hydroxyl radical, which was further supported by the determined second-order rate constant of MCs with hydroxyl radical. Both isomerization and photohydration byproducts were observed in UV only process for all four MCs; while in UV/H2O2, hydroxylation and diene-Adda double bond cleavage byproducts were detected. The presence of a tyrosine in the structure of MC-YR significantly promoted the formation of monohydroxylation byproduct m/z 1061; while the presence of a second arginine in MC-RR led to the elimination of a guanidine group and the absence of double bond cleavage byproducts. It was therefore demonstrated in this study that the variable amino acids in the structure of MCs influenced not only the degradation kinetics but also the preferable reaction mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toxicokinetics of Microcystin and Dihydro-Microcystin in Swine

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-14

cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) including, Nicrocystis, Anabaena, Nostoc , and Oscillatoria, produce cyclic heptapeptida hepatotoxins that have been termed...1990) describe three hepatotoxic MCs from Nostoc spp. which retained toxicity similar to MCLR despite the fact that they contained an acetoxyl group...W. W. (1990) Structures of three new cyclic hepatapeptide hepatotoxins produced by the cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) Nostoc sp. Strain 152. J

METHOD 544. DETERMINATION OF MICROCYSTINS AND NODULARIN IN DRINKING WATER BY SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION AND LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY/TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY (LC/MS/MS)

EPA Science Inventory

Method 544 is an accurate and precise analytical method to determine six microcystins (including MC-LR) and nodularin in drinking water using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC/MS/MS). The advantage of this SPE-LC/MS/MS is its sensi...

Microcystins Presence in Mussels (M. galloprovincialis) and Water of Two Productive Mediterranean's Lagoons (Sardinia, Italy)

PubMed Central

Baralla, Elena; Varoni, Maria Vittoria; Sedda, Tiziana; Floris, Antonello; Demontis, Maria Piera

2017-01-01

Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxins harmful for animal and human health. The most toxic type between them is MC-LR whose presence has been investigated in different reservoirs all around the world. In this work microcystins were monitored in spring and summer in water and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) of two Sardinia lagoons: Cabras and Calich lagoons. A Solid Phase Extraction method was developed to clean and concentrate samples before the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the following Mass Spectrometry detection. MCs presence was detected using the screening ELISA test in both lagoons. MCs peak was revealed in July for water and mussels belonging to Cabras lagoon (0.75 ± 0.07 ng/L in water and 0.12 ± 0.04 ng/g ww in mussels). In water of Calich lagoon there was a constant trend in the concentration of MCs during the considered months, while there was a MCs peak in July (0.6 ± 0.5 ng/g ww) in mussels. The following LC-MS/MS analysis did not reveal MC-LR presence in all analyzed samples. These results can be useful to enrich knowledge on public health and consumer's safeguard. PMID:29359150

Microcystins Alter Chemotactic Behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans by Selectively Targeting the AWA Sensory Neuron

PubMed Central

Moore, Caroline E.; Lein, Pamela J.; Puschner, Birgit

2014-01-01

Harmful algal blooms expose humans and animals to microcystins (MCs) through contaminated drinking water. While hepatotoxicity following acute exposure to MCs is well documented, neurotoxicity after sub-lethal exposure is poorly understood. We developed a novel statistical approach using a generalized linear model and the quasibinomial family to analyze neurotoxic effects in adult Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to MC-LR or MC-LF for 24 h. Selective effects of toxin exposure on AWA versus AWC sensory neuron function were determined using a chemotaxis assay. With a non-monotonic response MCs altered AWA but not AWC function, and MC-LF was more potent than MC-LR. To probe a potential role for protein phosphatases (PPs) in MC neurotoxicity, we evaluated the chemotactic response in worms exposed to the PP1 inhibitor tautomycin or the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid for 24 h. Okadaic acid impaired both AWA and AWC function, while tautomycin had no effect on function of either neuronal cell type at the concentrations tested. These findings suggest that MCs alter the AWA neuron at concentrations that do not cause AWC toxicity via mechanisms other than PP inhibition. PMID:24918360

High performance sulfur, nitrogen and carbon doped mesoporous anatase-brookite TiO₂ photocatalyst for the removal of microcystin-LR under visible light irradiation.

PubMed

El-Sheikh, Said M; Zhang, Geshan; El-Hosainy, Hamza M; Ismail, Adel A; O'Shea, Kevin E; Falaras, Polycarpos; Kontos, Athanassios G; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

2014-09-15

Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur (C, N and S) doped mesoporous anatase-brookite nano-heterojunction titania photocatalysts have been synthesized through a simple sol-gel method in the presence of triblock copolymer Pluronic P123. XRD and Raman spectra revealed the formation of anatase and brookite mixed phases. XPS spectra indicated the presence of C, N and S dopants. The TEM images demonstrated the formation of almost monodisperse titania nanoparticles with particle sizes of approximately 10nm. N2 isotherm measurements confirmed that both doped and undoped titania anatase-brookite materials have mesoporous structure. The photocatalytic degradation of the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been investigated using these novel nanomaterials under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic efficiency of the mesoporous titania anatase-brookite photocatalyst dramatically increased with the addition of the C, N and S non-metal, achieving complete degradation (∼ 100 %) of MC-LR. The results demonstrate the advantages of the synthetic approach and the great potential of the visible light activated C, N, and S doped titania photocatalysts for the treatment of organic micropollutants in contaminated waters under visible light. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of harmful cyanobacteria on the freshwater pathogenic free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii.

PubMed

Urrutia-Cordero, Pablo; Agha, Ramsy; Cirés, Samuel; Lezcano, María Ángeles; Sánchez-Contreras, María; Waara, Karl-Otto; Utkilen, Hans; Quesada, Antonio

2013-04-15

Grazing is a major regulating factor in cyanobacterial population dynamics and, subsequently, considerable effort has been spent on investigating the effects of cyanotoxins on major metazoan grazers. However, protozoan grazers such as free-living amoebae can also feed efficiently on cyanobacteria, while simultaneously posing a major threat for public health as parasites of humans and potential reservoirs of opportunistic pathogens. In this study, we conducted several experiments in which the freshwater amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii was exposed to pure microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and six cyanobacterial strains, three MC-producing strains (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR, MC-WR, [Dha7] MC-RR) and three strains containing other oligopeptides such as anabaenopeptins and cyanopeptolins. Although the exposure to high concentrations of pure MC-LR yielded no effects on amoeba, all MC-producing strains inflicted high mortality rates on amoeba populations, suggesting that toxic effects must be mediated through the ingestion of toxic cells. Interestingly, an anabaenopeptin-producing strain caused the greatest inhibition of amoeba growth, indicating that toxic bioactive compounds other than MCs are of great importance for amoebae grazers. Confocal scanning microscopy revealed different alterations in amoeba cytoskeleton integrity and as such, the observed declines in amoeba densities could have indeed been caused via a cascade of cellular events primarily triggered by oligopeptides with protein-phosphatase inhibition capabilities such as MCs or anabaenopeptins. Moreover, inducible-defense mechanisms such as the egestion of toxic, MC-producing cyanobacterial cells and the increase of resting stages (encystation) in amoebae co-cultivated with all cyanobacterial strains were observed in our experiments. Consequently, cyanobacterial strains showed different susceptibilities to amoeba grazing which were possibly influenced by the potentiality of their toxic secondary metabolites. Hence, this study shows the importance of cyanobacterial toxicity against amoeba grazing and, that cyanobacteria may contain a wide range of chemical compounds capable of negatively affect free-living, herbivorous amoebae. Moreover, this is of high importance for understanding the interactions and population dynamics of such organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation, Identification and Phenotypic Characterization of Microcystin-Degrading Bacteria from Lake Erie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, A.; Mou, X. J.

2015-12-01

Lake Erie, the smallest and warmest lake among the Laurentian Great Lakes, is known for its problem of eutrophication and frequent occurrence of harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs). One major harmful effect of CyanoHABs is the production of cyanotoxins, especially microcystins. Microcystins (MC) are a group of hepatotoxins and the predominant variant of them is MC-LR. Field measurements and lab experiments indicate that MC degradation in Lake Erie is mainly carried out by indigenous bacteria. However, our knowledge on taxa involved in this process is very limited. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap using a culture-dependent approach. Water and surface sediment samples were collected from Lake Erie in 2014 and 2015 and enriched with MC-LR. Cells were plated on a number of culturing media. The obtained pure bacterial cultures were screened for MC degrading abilities by MT2 BIO-LOG assays and by growing cells in liquid media containing MC-LR as the sole carbon source. In the latter experiment, MC concentrations were measured using HPLC. Isolates showing positive MC degradation activities in the screening steps were designated MC+ bacteria and characterized based on their phenotypic properties, including colony pigmentation, elevation, opacity, margin, gram nature and motility. The taxonomic identity of MC+ bacteria was determined by 16S rRNA gene full-length DNA sequencing. The presence of mlrA, a gene encoding MC cleavage pathway, was detected by PCR. Our culturing efforts obtained 520 pure cultures; 44 of them were identified as MC+. These MC+ isolates showed diversity in taxonomic identities and differed in their morphology, gram nature, colony characteristics and motility. PCR amplification of mlrA gene yield negative results for all MC+ isolates, indicating that the primers that were used may not be ubiquitous enough to cover the heterogeneity of mlrA genes or, more likely, alternative degradative genes/pathways were employed by Lake Erie bacteria. The MC+ isolates can serve as models for future identification of MC degradation pathway and used to develop or augment biofilters for effective treatment of MC contaminated water. Key Words: CyanoHAB, microcystins, degradation

Development and single-laboratory validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantitation of microcystins and nodularin in natural water, cyanobacteria, shellfish and algal supplement tablet powders.

PubMed

Turner, Andrew D; Waack, Julia; Lewis, Adam; Edwards, Christine; Lawton, Linda

2018-02-01

A simple, rapid UHPLC-MS/MS method has been developed and optimised for the quantitation of microcystins and nodularin in wide variety of sample matrices. Microcystin analogues targeted were MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA, MC-LY, MC-LF, LC-LW, MC-YR, MC-WR, [Asp3] MC-LR, [Dha7] MC-LR, MC-HilR and MC-HtyR. Optimisation studies were conducted to develop a simple, quick and efficient extraction protocol without the need for complex pre-analysis concentration procedures, together with a rapid sub 5min chromatographic separation of toxins in shellfish and algal supplement tablet powders, as well as water and cyanobacterial bloom samples. Validation studies were undertaken on each matrix-analyte combination to the full method performance characteristics following international guidelines. The method was found to be specific and linear over the full calibration range. Method sensitivity in terms of limits of detection, quantitation and reporting were found to be significantly improved in comparison to LC-UV methods and applicable to the analysis of each of the four matrices. Overall, acceptable recoveries were determined for each of the matrices studied, with associated precision and within-laboratory reproducibility well within expected guidance limits. Results from the formalised ruggedness analysis of all available cyanotoxins, showed that the method was robust for all parameters investigated. The results presented here show that the optimised LC-MS/MS method for cyanotoxins is fit for the purpose of detection and quantitation of a range of microcystins and nodularin in shellfish, algal supplement tablet powder, water and cyanobacteria. The method provides a valuable early warning tool for the rapid, routine extraction and analysis of natural waters, cyanobacterial blooms, algal powders, food supplements and shellfish tissues, enabling monitoring labs to supplement traditional microscopy techniques and report toxicity results within a short timeframe of sample receipt. The new method, now accredited to ISO17025 standard, is simple, quick, applicable to multiple matrices and is highly suitable for use as a routine, high-throughout, fast turnaround regulatory monitoring tool. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cell Lysis and Detoxification of Cyanotoxins Using a Novel Combination of Microbubble Generation and Plasma Microreactor Technology for Ozonation

PubMed Central

Pandhal, Jagroop; Siswanto, Anggun; Kuvshinov, Dmitriy; Zimmerman, William B.; Lawton, Linda; Edwards, Christine

2018-01-01

There has been a steady rise in the incidences of algal blooms globally, and worryingly, there is increasing evidence that changes in the global climate are leading to a shift toward cyanobacterial blooms. Many cyanobacterial genera are harmful, producing several potent toxins, including microcystins, for which there are over 90 described analogues. There are a wide range of negative effects associated with these toxins including gastroenteritis, cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Although a variety of oxidation based treatment methods have been described, ozonation and advanced oxidation are acknowledged as most effective as they readily oxidise microcystins to non-toxic degradation products. However, most ozonation technologies have challenges for scale up including high costs and sub-optimum efficiencies, hence, a low cost and scalable ozonation technology is needed. Here we designed a low temperature plasma dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with an incorporated fluidic oscillator for microbubble delivery of ozone. Both technologies have the potential to drastically reduce the costs of ozonation at scale. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed very rapid (<2 min) destruction of two pure microcystins (MC-LR and MC-RR), together with removal of by-products even at low flow rate 1 L min−1 where bubble size was 0.56–0.6 mm and the ozone concentration within the liquid was 20 ppm. Toxicity levels were calculated through protein phosphatase inhibition assays and indicated loss of toxicity as well as confirming the by-products were also non-toxic. Finally, treatment of whole Microcystis aeruginosa cells showed that even at these very low ozone levels, cells can be killed and toxins (MC-LR and Desmethyl MC-LR) removed. Little change was observed in the first 20 min of treatment followed by rapid increase in extracellular toxins, indicating cell lysis, with most significant release at the higher 3 L min−1 flow rate compared to 1 L min−1. This lab-scale investigation demonstrates the potential of the novel plasma micro reactor with applications for in situ treatment of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins. PMID:29675015

Cell Lysis and Detoxification of Cyanotoxins Using a Novel Combination of Microbubble Generation and Plasma Microreactor Technology for Ozonation.

PubMed

Pandhal, Jagroop; Siswanto, Anggun; Kuvshinov, Dmitriy; Zimmerman, William B; Lawton, Linda; Edwards, Christine

2018-01-01

There has been a steady rise in the incidences of algal blooms globally, and worryingly, there is increasing evidence that changes in the global climate are leading to a shift toward cyanobacterial blooms. Many cyanobacterial genera are harmful, producing several potent toxins, including microcystins, for which there are over 90 described analogues. There are a wide range of negative effects associated with these toxins including gastroenteritis, cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Although a variety of oxidation based treatment methods have been described, ozonation and advanced oxidation are acknowledged as most effective as they readily oxidise microcystins to non-toxic degradation products. However, most ozonation technologies have challenges for scale up including high costs and sub-optimum efficiencies, hence, a low cost and scalable ozonation technology is needed. Here we designed a low temperature plasma dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with an incorporated fluidic oscillator for microbubble delivery of ozone. Both technologies have the potential to drastically reduce the costs of ozonation at scale. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed very rapid (<2 min) destruction of two pure microcystins (MC-LR and MC-RR), together with removal of by-products even at low flow rate 1 L min -1 where bubble size was 0.56-0.6 mm and the ozone concentration within the liquid was 20 ppm. Toxicity levels were calculated through protein phosphatase inhibition assays and indicated loss of toxicity as well as confirming the by-products were also non-toxic. Finally, treatment of whole Microcystis aeruginosa cells showed that even at these very low ozone levels, cells can be killed and toxins (MC-LR and Desmethyl MC-LR) removed. Little change was observed in the first 20 min of treatment followed by rapid increase in extracellular toxins, indicating cell lysis, with most significant release at the higher 3 L min -1 flow rate compared to 1 L min -1 . This lab-scale investigation demonstrates the potential of the novel plasma micro reactor with applications for in situ treatment of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxins.

Using ancestry matching to combine family-based and unrelated samples for genome-wide association studies‡

PubMed Central

Crossett, Andrew; Kent, Brian P.; Klei, Lambertus; Ringquist, Steven; Trucco, Massimo; Roeder, Kathryn; Devlin, Bernie

2015-01-01

We propose a method to analyze family-based samples together with unrelated cases and controls. The method builds on the idea of matched case–control analysis using conditional logistic regression (CLR). For each trio within the family, a case (the proband) and matched pseudo-controls are constructed, based upon the transmitted and untransmitted alleles. Unrelated controls, matched by genetic ancestry, supplement the sample of pseudo-controls; likewise unrelated cases are also paired with genetically matched controls. Within each matched stratum, the case genotype is contrasted with control pseudo-control genotypes via CLR, using a method we call matched-CLR (mCLR). Eigenanalysis of numerous SNP genotypes provides a tool for mapping genetic ancestry. The result of such an analysis can be thought of as a multidimensional map, or eigenmap, in which the relative genetic similarities and differences amongst individuals is encoded in the map. Once constructed, new individuals can be projected onto the ancestry map based on their genotypes. Successful differentiation of individuals of distinct ancestry depends on having a diverse, yet representative sample from which to construct the ancestry map. Once samples are well-matched, mCLR yields comparable power to competing methods while ensuring excellent control over Type I error. PMID:20862653

Immunoaffinity column as clean-up tool for determination of trace amounts of microcystins in tap water.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, T; Nagata, S; Hasegawa, A; Ueno, Y

2000-07-01

Trace amounts of microcystins (MCs) in drinking water should be monitored because of their potential hazard for human health as an environmental tumor promoter. We describe here a new clean-up tool with immunoaffinity column (IAC) for determination of trace amounts of MCs (from pg to microg/litre) in tap water. The water samples were concentrated with IAC clean-up and MCs levels were determined by HPLC with UV detection or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the combination with HPLC analysis, mean recovery of microcystin-LR (MCLR),-RR and-YR spiked to tap water were 91.8%, 77.3% and 86.4%, respectively, in the range 2.5-100 microg/litre. The chromatogram of MCs-spiked tap water sample cleaned up with IAC showed effective elimination of the impurities compared to that with octadecyl silanized cartridge, which had been cleaned up with a conventional method. Also, in the combination with highly sensitive ELISA, mean recovery of MCLR spiked to tap water was 80% in the range 0.1-1000 ng/litre. The combined methods developed here can detect pg to microg/litre of MCs in tap water. The overall results indicated that IAC will be suitable as a clean-up tool for trace amounts of MCs in tap water.

Functional characterization of a reactive oxygen species modulator 1 gene in Litopenaeus vannamei.

PubMed

He, Hong-Hui; Chi, Yi-Miao; Yuan, Kai; Li, Xiao-Yun; Weng, Shao-Ping; He, Jian-Guo; Chen, Yi-Hong

2017-11-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) imparts a dual effect on multicellular organisms, wherein high levels are usually harmful, and low levels could facilitate in combating pathogenic microorganisms; therefore, the regulation of ROS production is critical. Previous studies have suggested that ROS contributes to resistance to the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) or Vibrio alginolyticus in Litopenaeus vannamei. However, the regulation of ROS metabolism in L. vannamei remains elusive. In the present study, we proved that the overexpression of L. vannamei reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (LvROMO1) increases ROS production in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that LvROMO1 is induced by WSSV or V. alginolyticus infection and β-glucan or microcystin (MC-LR) injection. Further investigation showed that LvROMO1 responding to MC-LR, thereby inducing hemocytes to undergo apoptosis, and ultimately resulting in hepatopancreatic damage. And LvROMO1 downregulation induced an increase in the cumulative mortality of WSSV-infected shrimp by reducing ROS production and suppressing the expression of antimicrobial peptides genes. The findings of present study suggest that LvROMO1 plays an important role in ROS production in L. vannamei and is involved in innate immunity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Power of data mining methods to detect genetic associations and interactions.

PubMed

Molinaro, Annette M; Carriero, Nicholas; Bjornson, Robert; Hartge, Patricia; Rothman, Nathaniel; Chatterjee, Nilanjan

2011-01-01

Genetic association studies, thus far, have focused on the analysis of individual main effects of SNP markers. Nonetheless, there is a clear need for modeling epistasis or gene-gene interactions to better understand the biologic basis of existing associations. Tree-based methods have been widely studied as tools for building prediction models based on complex variable interactions. An understanding of the power of such methods for the discovery of genetic associations in the presence of complex interactions is of great importance. Here, we systematically evaluate the power of three leading algorithms: random forests (RF), Monte Carlo logic regression (MCLR), and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). We use the algorithm-specific variable importance measures (VIMs) as statistics and employ permutation-based resampling to generate the null distribution and associated p values. The power of the three is assessed via simulation studies. Additionally, in a data analysis, we evaluate the associations between individual SNPs in pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory genes and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The power of RF is highest in all simulation models, that of MCLR is similar to RF in half, and that of MDR is consistently the lowest. Our study indicates that the power of RF VIMs is most reliable. However, in addition to tuning parameters, the power of RF is notably influenced by the type of variable (continuous vs. categorical) and the chosen VIM. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Ultrasensitive immunochromatographic assay for the simultaneous detection of five chemicals in drinking water.

PubMed

Xing, Changrui; Liu, Liqiang; Song, Shanshan; Feng, Min; Kuang, Hua; Xu, Chuanlai

2015-04-15

In this paper, we describe the development of a multicomponent lateral-flow assay based on an antibody-antigen reaction for the rapid and simultaneous detection of trace contaminants in water, including a heavy metal, algal toxin, antibiotic, hormone, and pesticide. The representative analytes chosen for the study were lead (Pb(II), microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR), chloramphenicol (CAP), testosterone (T), and chlorothalonil (CTN). Five different antigens were immobilized separately in five test lines on a nitrocellulose membrane. The monoclonal antibodies specifically recognized the corresponding antigens, and there was no cross-reactivity between the antibodies in the detection assay. Samples or standards containing the five analytes were preincubated with the freeze-dried colloidal-gold-labeled monoclonal antibody conjugates to improve the sensitivity of the assay. The results were obtained within 20min with a paper-based sensor. The cut-off values for the strip test were 4ng/mL for Pb(II), 1ng/mL for MC-LR, 0.1ng/mL for CAP, 5ng/mL for T, and 5ng/mL for CTN. The assay was evaluated using spiked water samples, and the accuracy and reproducibility of the results were good. In summary, this lateral-flow device provides an effective and rapid method for the onsite detection of multiple contaminants in water samples, with no treatment or devices required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcystin-LR toxicity on dominant copepods Eurytemora affinis and Pseudodiaptomus forbesi of the upper San Francisco Estuary.

PubMed

Ger, Kemal A; Teh, Swee J; Goldman, Charles R

2009-08-15

This study investigates the toxicity and post-exposure effects of dissolved microcystin (MC-LR) on the dominant copepods of the upper San Francisco Estuary (SFE), where blooms of the toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa coincide with record low levels in the abundance of pelagic organisms including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. The potential negative impact of Microcystis on the copepods Eurytemora affinis and Pseudodiaptomus forbesi has raised concern for further depletion of high quality fish food. Response of copepods to MC-LR (MC) was determined using a 48-h standard static renewal method for acute toxicity testing. Following exposure, a life table test was performed to quantify any post-exposure impacts on survival and reproduction. The 48-h LC-50 and LC-10 values for MC were 1.55 and 0.14 mg/L for E. affinis; and 0.52 and 0.21 mg/L for P. forbesi. Copepod populations recovered once dissolved MC was removed and cultures returned to optimal conditions, suggesting no post-exposure effects of MC on copepod populations. Dissolved microcystin above 0.14 mg/L proved likely to have chronic effects on the survival of copepods in the SFE. Since such high concentrations are unlikely, toxicity from dissolved microcystin is not a direct threat to zooplankton of the SFE, and other mechanisms such as dietary exposure to Microcystis constitute a more severe risk.

Contamination by Microcystis and microcystins of blue-green algae food supplements (BGAS) on the Italian market and possible risk for the exposed population.

PubMed

Vichi, Susanna; Lavorini, Paolo; Funari, Enzo; Scardala, Simona; Testai, Emanuela

2012-12-01

Blue green algae supplements (BGAS) are generally proposed as health-promoting natural products for their purported beneficial effects. Spirulina spp. and Aphanizomenon flos aquae are mainly used in BGAS production. They are usually collected from the natural environment, where other potentially toxic cyanobacteria can be present, making possible BGAS contamination by cyanotoxins, with potential risk for human health. In this work we apply a combined approach, by using chemical and molecular techniques, on BGAS of 17 brands available in Italy. Samples containing Spirulina-only were free of contamination. The Aphanizomenon flos aquae-based samples were contaminated by highly variable levels of microcystins (MC-LR and MC-LA congeners), up to 5.2 μg MC-LR equivalents per gram product. The highest variability (up to 50 fold) was among batches of the same brand, although intra-batch differences were also evidenced. PCR analyses were positive only for the presence of Microcystis sp., identified as the toxin-producing species responsible for contamination. At the maximum contamination levels found, a risk for consumers can be expected following chronic or sub-chronic exposure to a reasonable daily BGAS consumption of 4 g. The need for a strict monitoring by producers and Health Authority to assure an adequate protection for consumers is underscored. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Building a Three-Dimensional Nano-Bio Interface for Aptasensing: An Analytical Methodology Based on Steric Hindrance Initiated Signal Amplification Effect.

PubMed

Du, Xiaojiao; Jiang, Ding; Hao, Nan; Qian, Jing; Dai, Liming; Zhou, Lei; Hu, Jianping; Wang, Kun

2016-10-04

The development of novel detection methodologies in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor fields with simplicity and ultrasensitivity is essential for constructing biosensing architectures. Herein, a facile, specific, and sensitive methodology was developed unprecedentedly for quantitative detection of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) based on three-dimensional boron and nitrogen codoped graphene hydrogels (BN-GHs) assisted steric hindrance amplifying effect between the aptamer and target analytes. The recognition reaction was monitored by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to validate the possible steric hindrance effect. First, the BN-GHs were synthesized via self-assembled hydrothermal method and then applied as the Ru(bpy) 3 2+ immobilization platform for further loading the biomolecule aptamers due to their nanoporous structure and large specific surface area. Interestingly, we discovered for the first time that, without the aid of conventional double-stranded DNA configuration, such three-dimensional nanomaterials can directly amplify the steric hindrance effect between the aptamer and target analytes to a detectable level, and this facile methodology could be for an exquisite assay. With the MC-LR as a model, this novel ECL biosensor showed a high sensitivity and a wide linear range. This strategy supplies a simple and versatile platform for specific and sensitive determination of a wide range of aptamer-related targets, implying that three-dimensional nanomaterials would play a crucial role in engineering and developing novel detection methodologies for ECL aptasensing fields.

Microcystin accumulation and potential effects on antioxidant capacity of leaves and fruits of Capsicum annuum.

PubMed

Drobac, Damjana; Tokodi, Nada; Kiprovski, Biljana; Malenčić, Djordje; Važić, Tamara; Nybom, Sonja; Meriluoto, Jussi; Svirčev, Zorica

2017-01-01

Surface water, often used for irrigation purposes, may sometimes be contaminated with blooming cyanobacteria and thereby may contain their potent and harmful toxins. Cyanotoxins adversely affect many terrestrial plants, and accumulate in plant tissues that are subsequently ingested by humans. Studies were undertaken to (1) examine the bioaccumulation of microcystins (MCs) in leaves and fruits of pepper Capsicum annuum and (2) examine the potential effects of MCs on antioxidant capacity of these organs. Plants were irrigated with water containing MCs for a period of 3 mo. Data showed that MCs did not accumulate in leaves; however, in fruits the presence of the MC-LR (0.118 ng/mg dry weight) and dmMC-LR (0.077 ng/mg dry weight) was detected. The concentrations of MC-LR in fruit approached the acceptable guideline values and tolerable daily intake for this toxin. Lipid peroxidation levels and flavonoids content were significantly enhanced in both organs of treated plants, while total phenolic concentrations were not markedly variable between control and treated plants. Significant decrease in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity was noted for both organs. The levels of superoxide anion in fruits and hydroxyl radical in leaves were markedly reduced. Data suggest that exposure to MCs significantly reduced antioxidant capacity of experimental plants, indicating that MCs affected antioxidant systems in C. annuum.

Microcystin-LR Detected in a Low Molecular Weight Fraction from a Crude Extract of Zoanthus sociatus

PubMed Central

Domínguez-Pérez, Dany; Alexei Rodríguez, Armando; Osorio, Hugo; Azevedo, Joana; Castañeda, Olga; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Antunes, Agostinho

2017-01-01

Cnidarian constitutes a great source of bioactive compounds. However, research involving peptides from organisms belonging to the order Zoanthidea has received very little attention, contrasting to the numerous studies of the order Actiniaria, from which hundreds of toxic peptides and proteins have been reported. In this work, we performed a mass spectrometry analysis of a low molecular weight (LMW) fraction previously reported as lethal to mice. The low molecular weight (LMW) fraction was obtained by gel filtration of a Zoanthus sociatus (order Zoanthidea) crude extract with a Sephadex G-50, and then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion reflector mode from m/z 700 to m/z 4000. Afterwards, some of the most intense and representative MS ions were fragmented by MS/MS with no significant results obtained by Protein Pilot protein identification software and the Mascot algorithm search. However, microcystin masses were detected by mass-matching against libraries of non-ribosomal peptide database (NORINE). Subsequent reversed-phase C18 HPLC (in isocratic elution mode) and mass spectrometry analyses corroborated the presence of the cyanotoxin Microcystin-LR (MC-LR). To the best of our knowledge, this finding constitutes the first report of MC-LR in Z. sociatus, and one of the few evidences of such cyanotoxin in cnidarians. PMID:28257074

Microcystin-LR Detected in a Low Molecular Weight  Fraction from a Crude Extract of Zoanthus sociatus.

PubMed

Domínguez-Pérez, Dany; Rodríguez, Armando Alexei; Osorio, Hugo; Azevedo, Joana; Castañeda, Olga; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Antunes, Agostinho

2017-03-01

Cnidarian constitutes a great source of bioactive compounds. However, research involving peptides from organisms belonging to the order Zoanthidea has received very little attention, contrasting to the numerous studies of the order Actiniaria, from which hundreds of toxic peptides and proteins have been reported. In this work, we performed a mass spectrometry analysis of a low molecular weight (LMW) fraction previously reported as lethal to mice. The low molecular weight (LMW) fraction was obtained by gel filtration of a Zoanthus sociatus (order Zoanthidea) crude extract with a Sephadex G-50, and then analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) in positive ion reflector mode from m/z 700 to m/z 4000. Afterwards, some of the most intense and representative MS ions were fragmented by MS/MS with no significant results obtained by Protein Pilot protein identification software and the Mascot algorithm search. However, microcystin masses were detected by mass-matching against libraries of non-ribosomal peptide database (NORINE). Subsequent reversed-phase C18 HPLC (in isocratic elution mode) and mass spectrometry analyses corroborated the presence of the cyanotoxin Microcystin-LR (MC-LR). To the best of our knowledge, this finding constitutes the first report of MC-LR in Z. sociatus, and one of the few evidences of such cyanotoxin in cnidarians.

Study of lubricant circulation in HVAC systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biancardi, F.; Sienel, T.; Pandy, D.

1997-02-01

This program was aimed at understanding refrigerant/lubricant circulation issues, developing test data and approximate models that can predict operating regimes where good oil management can be assured. A dynamic test facility was constructed and used to examine oil return under varying system operating conditions. The development of industry guidelines for system reliability in using the new refrigerant blends was a goal of this program. To validate the guidelines, techniques and predictions, this dynamic test facility was used to obtain data to compare to the analytical predictions. The overall program approach undertaken to meet this objective was: (1) to identify poormore » oil return scenarios and, therefore, the worst case oil return parameters for conventional residential HVAC systems using HCFC-22 and mineral oils, in terms of compressor, suction and exhaust line vapor velocity, and refrigerant viscosity requirements; (2) design and instrument a test apparatus that simulates such conditions, as well as those that might be achieved with HFC and POE mixtures and HFCs and mineral oils; (3) conduct tests with the range of baseline refrigerants and lubricant mixtures to provide experimental data; and (4) prepare, present and interpret the test data to provide an expanded understanding of the phenomena required for good oil circulation in split-system heat pump systems. To convert this general approach into the program specifics, three major tasks were defined and pursued. These are described briefly here and in greater detail in the report body as Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3. The report prepared for ARTI as part of the MCLR Project Number 665-53100 is described in Volumes 1 and 2, ``Study of Lubricant Circulation in the HVAC Systems,`` October 1996, from the same authors as this publication. This record consists of the overheads used in the presentation.« less

Magnetic porous β-cyclodextrin polymer for magnetic solid-phase extraction of microcystins from environmental water samples.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenmin; Lin, Mingxia; Wang, Meili; Tong, Ping; Lu, Qiaomei; Zhang, Lan

2017-06-23

Microcystins (MCs) are cyclic heptapeptide toxins and tumor promoters produced by cyanobacteria, which threaten the health of humans. In this study, magnetic porous β-cyclodextrin polymer (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @P-CDP) was synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption porosimetry and vibrating sample magnetometer. The synthesized Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @P-CDP particles were then used for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of MCs from environmental water samples, and exhibited excellent extraction performance, especially for MC-RR. Coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), a simple, efficient and sensitive method for determination of trace levels of MCs was established. After the optimization of conditions, wide linear ranges (2.0-1000pgmL -1 ), good linearity (r 2 ≥0.9996) and acceptable repeatability (RSD≤9.4%, n=5) were obtained. The limits of detection (LODs, S/N=3) and limits of quantification (LOQs, S/N=10) for three MCs (MC-LR, MC-RR and MC-YR) were in the range of 1.0-2.0pgmL -1 and 2.0-5.0pgmL -1 , respectively. Typical water samples were analyzed by the developed method, and trace levels of MC-LR and MC-RR were detected. The results demonstrate that the developed method has great potential for the determination of MCs in complicated matrix. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxidation of microcystins by permanganate: reaction kinetics and implications for water treatment.

PubMed

Rodríguez, Eva; Majado, María E; Meriluoto, Jussi; Acero, Juan L

2007-01-01

A few genera of cyanobacteria produce toxins which contaminate drinking water resources. Microcystins (MC), widely reported cyanotoxins, cause acute and chronic toxicity effects in living beings including humans and warrant removal from drinking water. In the present study, unknown second-order rate constants for the reactions of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), -RR and -YR with potassium permanganate were determined at pH 6.2-8.2 and temperature 10-25 degrees C. The reaction of permanganate with MCs is second-order overall and first-order with respect to both permanganate and toxin. The second-order rate constant for the reaction of MC-LR with permanganate at pH 7 and 20 degrees C was 357.2+/-17.5M(-1)s(-1). The influence of pH on the oxidation process was not appreciable and the activation energy was 28.8 kJ mol(-1). Slightly higher reactivity with permanganate was found for MC-RR (418.0M(-1)s(-1)) and MC-YR (405.9M(-1)s(-1)). According to the results obtained, permanganate likely attacks the Adda moiety of the MC molecule. The oxidation of MCs in a natural surface water was also investigated. A permanganate dose of 1-1.25mgL(-1) was enough to reduce MCs concentration below the guideline value of 1microgL(-1). Permanganate oxidation is therefore a feasible option for microcystin removal during preoxidation processes. However, the oxidant dose must be carefully optimized in order to remove extracellular MCs without causing cell lysis (due to chemical stress) and further release of MCs.

In vitro biodegradation of cyanotoxins in the rumen fluid of cattle

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background In countries around the Baltic Sea grazing ruminants have access to and drink, surface water from lakes, rivers and in several coastal regions. The water quality of these naturally occurring reservoirs affects performance and health of livestock. In the Baltic Sea both microcystin (MC) and nodularin (NOD) occurs as cyclic peptides and have hepatotoxic effects. Although cattle obviously have died after consuming contaminated water very little information is available as to how susceptible ruminants are to the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. The critical question as to whether the rumen microflora might constitute a protective shield is unresolved. For this reason our aim is to investigate a possible degradation rate of these toxins in rumen. Results The ability of rumen microorganisms to degrade certain important cyanotoxins (MC-LR, YR, RR and NOD) was studied in vitro by incubating with rumen fluid at three different concentrations (0.05, 0.5 and 5 μg/mL) for 3 h. The degradation efficiencies were determined by LC-MS (ESI) positive mode. Degradation was observed in the following order MC-RR 36%, NOD 35%, MC-RR 25% and MC-LR 8.9% at lower concentrations within 3 h. However, average degradation was observed at concentration of 0.5 μg/mL. No degradation was observed in higher concentrations for entire 3 h. The present results reveal that the degradation was both dose and time dependent. Conclusions In conclusion the present results suggest that the rumen microbial flora may protect ruminants from being intoxicated by Cyanotoxins. PMID:24885733

In vitro biodegradation of cyanotoxins in the rumen fluid of cattle.

PubMed

Manubolu, Manjunath; Madawala, Samanthi R P; Dutta, Paresh C; Malmlöf, Kjell

2014-05-08

In countries around the Baltic Sea grazing ruminants have access to and drink, surface water from lakes, rivers and in several coastal regions. The water quality of these naturally occurring reservoirs affects performance and health of livestock. In the Baltic Sea both microcystin (MC) and nodularin (NOD) occurs as cyclic peptides and have hepatotoxic effects. Although cattle obviously have died after consuming contaminated water very little information is available as to how susceptible ruminants are to the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. The critical question as to whether the rumen microflora might constitute a protective shield is unresolved. For this reason our aim is to investigate a possible degradation rate of these toxins in rumen. The ability of rumen microorganisms to degrade certain important cyanotoxins (MC-LR, YR, RR and NOD) was studied in vitro by incubating with rumen fluid at three different concentrations (0.05, 0.5 and 5 μg/mL) for 3 h. The degradation efficiencies were determined by LC-MS (ESI) positive mode. Degradation was observed in the following order MC-RR 36%, NOD 35%, MC-RR 25% and MC-LR 8.9% at lower concentrations within 3 h. However, average degradation was observed at concentration of 0.5 μg/mL. No degradation was observed in higher concentrations for entire 3 h. The present results reveal that the degradation was both dose and time dependent. In conclusion the present results suggest that the rumen microbial flora may protect ruminants from being intoxicated by Cyanotoxins.

Diversity of cyanobacteria and the presence of cyanotoxins in the epilimnion of Lake Yerevan (Armenia).

PubMed

Minasyan, Arevik; Christophoridis, Christophoros; Wilson, Alan E; Zervou, Sevasti-Kiriaki; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; Hiskia, Anastasia

2018-04-26

This paper presents the first report of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins from the South Caucasus region, in particular from Lake Yerevan (Armenia). Microcystis, Dolichospermum and Planktothrix were the key genera identified during the growing season. A trend of a remarkable increase in cyanobacterial densities was observed from 2012 to 2013 exhibiting bloom formation in June (by Nostoc linckia) with the highest values in June and August 2013, reaching up to 695.9*10 3  cells mL -1 . Seasonal dependence of cyanobacterial density on temperature, and temperature as a driver for cyanobacterial cells growth and development were suggested. Biogenic nutrients were identified as co-drivers determining species richness and dominance, as well as the distribution of phytoplankton in different parts of the reservoir. Cyanotoxin concentrations in the filtered biomass were reported during July 2012 for both stations of the reservoir (left and right bank). Microcystin-RR (MC-RR) was the most abundant and the most frequently observed cyanotoxin. Lower MC-LR concentrations were identified in all samples from both stations, with the highest values observed at the right bank in July 2012. [D-Asp 3 ]MC-RR, MC-YR, MC-HtyR, [D-Asp 3 ]MC-LR, MC-HilR, MC-WR, MC-LY and MC-LW were also identified in trace levels. Anatoxin-a (ANA) was reported in the samples from both stations during August 2012. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) was present in trace concentrations in samples from both stations during July and in the sample from the left bank during September. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differentiation between microcystin contaminated and uncontaminated fish by determination of unconjugated MCs using an ELISA anti-Adda test based on receiver-operating characteristic curves threshold values: application to Tinca tinca from natural ponds.

PubMed

Moreno, Isabel María; Herrador, M Ángeles; Atencio, Loyda; Puerto, María; González, A Gustavo; Cameán, Ana María

2011-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) anti-Adda technique could be used to monitor free microcystins (MCs) in biological samples from fish naturally exposed to toxic cyanobacteria by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve software to establish an optimal cut-off value for MCs. The cut-off value determined by ROC curve analysis in tench (Tinca tinca) exposed to MCs under laboratory conditions by ROC curve analysis was 5.90-μg MCs/kg tissue dry weight (d.w.) with a sensitivity of 93.3%. This value was applied in fish samples from natural ponds (Extremadura, Spain) in order to asses its potential MCs bioaccumulation by classifying samples as either true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), or false negative (FN). In this work, it has been demonstrated that toxic cyanobacteria, mainly Microcystis aeruginosa, Aphanizomenon issatchenkoi, and Anabaena spiroides, were present in two of these ponds, Barruecos de Abajo (BDown) and Barruecos de Arriba (BUp). The MCs levels were detected in waters from both ponds with an anti-MC-LR ELISA immunoassay and were of similar values (between 3.8-6.5-μg MC-LR equivalent/L in BDown pond and 4.8-6.0-μg MC-LR equivalent/L in BUp). The MCs cut-off values were applied in livers from fish collected from these two ponds using the ELISA anti-Adda technique. A total of 83% of samples from BDown pond and only 42% from BUp were TP with values of free MCs higher than 8.8-μg MCs/kg tissue (d.w.). Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cyanotoxins at low doses induce apoptosis and inflammatory effects in murine brain cells: Potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed

Takser, Larissa; Benachour, Nora; Husk, Barry; Cabana, Hubert; Gris, Denis

2016-01-01

Cyanotoxins have been shown to be highly toxic for mammalian cells, including brain cells. However, little is known about their effect on inflammatory pathways. This study investigated whether mammalian brain and immune cells can be a target of certain cyanotoxins, at doses approximating those in the guideline levels for drinking water, either alone or in mixtures. We examined the effects on cellular viability, apoptosis and inflammation signalling of several toxins on murine macrophage-like RAW264.7, microglial BV-2 and neuroblastoma N2a cell lines. We tested cylindrospermopsin (CYN), microcystin-LR (MC-LR), and anatoxin-a (ATX-a), individually as well as their mixture. In addition, we studied the neurotoxins β- N -methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and its isomer 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), as well as the mixture of both. Cellular viability was determined by the MTT assay. Apoptosis induction was assessed by measuring the activation of caspases 3/7. Cell death and inflammation are the hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, our final step was to quantify the expression of a major proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α by ELISA. Our results show that CYN, MC-LR and ATX-a, but not BMAA and DAB, at low doses, especially when present in a mixture at threefold less concentrations than individual compounds are 3-15 times more potent at inducing apoptosis and inflammation. Our results suggest that common cyanotoxins at low doses have a potential to induce inflammation and apoptosis in immune and brain cells. Further research of the neuroinflammatory effects of these compounds in vivo is needed to improve safety limit levels for cyanotoxins in drinking water and food.

Target-regulated proximity hybridization with three-way DNA junction for in situ enhanced electronic detection of marine biotoxin based on isothermal cycling signal amplification strategy.

PubMed

Liu, Bingqian; Chen, Jinfeng; Wei, Qiaohua; Zhang, Bing; Zhang, Lan; Tang, Dianping

2015-07-15

A new signal amplification strategy based on target-regulated DNA proximity hybridization (TRPH) reaction accompanying formation of three-way DNA junction was designed for electronic detection of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR used in this case), coupling with junction-induced isothermal cycling signal amplification. Initially, a sandwiched-type immunoreaction was carried out in a low-cost PCR tube between anti-MC-LR mAb1 antibody-labeled DNA1 (mAb1-DNA1) and anti-MC-LR mAb2-labeled DNA2 (mAb2-DNA2) in the presence of target to form a three-way DNA junction. Then, the junction could undergo an unbiased strand displacement reaction on an h-like DNA nanostructure-modified electrode (labeled with methylene blue redox tag on the short DNA strand), thereby resulting in the dissociation of methylene blue-labeled signal DNA from the electrode. The newly formed double-stranded DNA could be cleaved again by exonuclease III, and the released three-way DNA junction retriggered the strand-displacement reaction with h-like DNA nanostructures for junction recycling. During the strand-displacement reaction, numerous methylene blue-labeled DNA strands were far away from the electrode, thus decreasing the detectable electrochemical signal within the applied potentials. Under optimal conditions, the TRPH-based immunosensing system exhibited good electrochemical responses for detecting target MC-LR at a concentration as low as 1.0ngkg(-1) (1.0ppt). Additionally, the precision, reproducibility, specificity and method accuracy were also investigated with acceptable results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hepatitis B virus x gene and cyanobacterial toxins promote aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotumorigenesis in mice

PubMed Central

Lian, Min; Liu, Ying; Yu, Shun-Zhang; Qian, Geng-Sun; Wan, Shu-Guang; Dixon, Kenneth R

2006-01-01

AIM: To assess the combinative role of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), cyanobacterial toxins (cyanotoxins), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) x gene in hepatotumorigenicity. METHODS: One-week-old animals carrying HBV x gene and their wild-type littermates were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with either single-dose AFB1 [6 mg/kg body weight (bw)], repeated-dose cyanotoxins (microcystin-LR or nodularin, 10 μg/kg bw once a week for 15 wk), DMSO (vehicle control) alone, or AFB1 followed by cyanotoxins a week later, and were sacrificed at 24 and 52 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: AFB1 induced liver tumors in 13 of 29 (44.8%) transgenic mice at 52 wk post-treatment, significantly more frequent than in wild-type mice (13.3%). This significant difference was not shown in the 24-wk study. Compared with AFB1 exposure alone, MC-LR and nodularin yielded approximately 3-fold and 6-fold increases in the incidence of AFB1-induced liver tumors in wild-type animals at 24 wk, respectively. HBV x gene did not further elevate the risk associated with co-exposure to AFB1 and cyanotoxins. With the exception of an MC-LR-dosed wild-type mouse, no liver tumor was observed in mice treated with cyanotoxins alone at 24 wk. Neither DMSO-treated transgenic mice nor their wild-type littermates had pathologic alterations relevant to hepatotumorigenesis in even up to 52 wk. CONCLUSION: HBV x gene and nodularin promote the development of AFB1-induced liver tumors. Co-exposure to AFB1 and MC-LR tends to elevate the risk of liver tumors at 24 wk relative to exposure to one of them. The combinative effect of AFB1, cyanotoxins and HBVx on hepatotumorigenesis is weak at 24 wk. PMID:16718789

No impacts of microcystins on wild freshwater snail Bellamya Aeruginosa fecundity from a eutrophic lake.

PubMed

Qiao, Fei; Lei, Kun; Han, Xuemei; Wei, Zhanliang; Zhao, Xingru; An, Lihui; LeBlanc, Gerald A

2018-06-01

The preliminary investigation at shoreline along Taihu lake with different degrees of eutrophication status found no significant relationship between the microcystin-LR concentrations and the freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa fecundity or the abundance of wild freshwater snails. To further confirm the impact of eutrophication on the reproductive ability of snails, ecological mesocosm experiments were employed at four sites in Taihu lake during the algal blooming period, and no significant relationship was also found between MC-LR concentrations and snail fecundity. These results implied that eutrophication does not negatively or positive affect snail fecundity in Taihu Lake, a typical eutrophication lake in China. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early onset of a microcystin-producing cyanobacterial bloom in an agriculturally-influenced Great Lakes tributary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKay, Robert Michael L.; Tuttle, Taylor; Reitz, Laura A.; Bullerjahn, George S.; Cody, William R.; McDowell, Adam J.; Davis, Timothy W.

2018-05-01

In late May 2016, a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cHAB) was detected in the Maumee River, the largest tributary to Lake Erie, the southernmost lake of the Laurentian Great Lakes system. Testing on 31 May identified Planktothrix agardhii as the dominant cyanobacterium with cell abundance exceeding 1.7×10 9 cells/L and total microcystins (MC) reaching 19 μg/L MC-LR equivalents, a level over 10-fold higher than the 2015 revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) national health advisory levels for drinking water exposure to adults. Low river discharge coincident with negligible precipitation through the latter half of May coincided with an 80% decline in river turbidity that likely favored bloom formation by a low-light adapted P. agardhii population. Also contributing to the cHAB were high initial nutrient loads and an increase of the river temperature from 13°C to 26°C over this same period. The bloom persisted through 5 June with microcystins exceeding 22 μg/L MC-LR equivalents at the bloom peak. By 6 June, the river had returned to its muddy character following a rain event and sampling on 7 June detected only low levels of toxin (<0.6 μg/L) at public water systems located near the bloom origin. The elevated toxin production associated with this early onset bloom was without precedent for the Maumee River and an unique attribute of the cHAB was the high proportion of potentially-toxic genotypes. Whereas Planktothrix spp. is common in lotic environments, and has been previously detected in the Maumee, blooms are not commonly reported. This early onset, microcystin-producing cHAB provided a rare opportunity to glean insights into environmental factors that promote bloom development and dominance by Planktothrix in lotic environments.

Sensitivity of salad greens (Lactuca sativa L. and Eruca sativa Mill.) exposed to crude extracts of toxic and non-toxic cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Bittencourt-Oliveira, M C; Hereman, T C; Macedo-Silva, I; Cordeiro-Araújo, M K; Sasaki, F F C; Dias, C T S

2015-05-01

We evaluated the effect of crude extracts of the microcystin-producing (MC+) cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa on seed germination and initial development of lettuce and arugula, at concentrations between 0.5 μg.L(-1) and 100 μg.L(-1) of MC-LR equivalent, and compared it to crude extracts of the same species without the toxin (MC-). Crude extracts of the cyanobacteria with MC (+) and without MC (-) caused different effects on seed germination and initial development of the salad green seedlings, lettuce being more sensitive to both extracts when compared to arugula. Crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC+) caused more evident effects on seed germination and initial development of both species of salad greens than MC-. Concentrations of 75 μg.L(-1) and 100 μg.L(-1) of MC-LR equivalent induced a greater occurrence of abnormal seedlings in lettuce, due to necrosis of the radicle and shortening of this organ in normal seedlings, as well as the reduction in total chlorophyll content and increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme peroxidase (POD). The MC- extract caused no harmful effects to seed germination and initial development of seedlings of arugula. However, in lettuce, it caused elevation of POD enzyme activity, decrease in seed germination at concentrations of 75 μg.L(-1) (MC-75) and 100 μg.L(-1) (MC-100), and shortening of the radicle length, suggesting that other compounds present in the cyanobacteria extracts contributed to this result. Crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC-) may contain other compounds, besides the cyanotoxins, capable of causing inhibitory or stimulatory effects on seed germination and initial development of salad green seedlings. Arugula was more sensitive to the crude extracts of M. aeruginosa (MC+) and (MC-) and to other possible compounds produced by the cyanobacteria.

Occurrence of cyanobacteria and microcystin toxins in raw and treated waters of the Nile River, Egypt: implication for water treatment and human health.

PubMed

Mohamed, Zakaria A; Deyab, Mohamed Ali; Abou-Dobara, Mohamed I; El-Sayed, Ahmad K; El-Raghi, Wesam M

2015-08-01

Monitoring of cyanobacteria and their associated toxins has intensified in raw water sources of drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) in most countries of the world. However, it is not explored yet for Egyptian WTPs. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of cyanobacteria and their microcystin (MC) toxins in the Nile River source water of Damietta WTP during warm months (April-September 2013) and to evaluate the removal efficiency of both cyanobacterial cells and MCs by conventional methods used in this plant as a representative of Egyptian drinking WTPs. The results showed that the source water at the intake of Damietta WTP contained dense cyanobacterial population (1.1-6.6 × 107 cells L(-1)) dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa. This bloom was found to produce MC-RR and MC-LR. Both cyanobacterial cell density and intracellular MCs in the intake source water increased with the increase in temperature and nutrients during the study period, with maximum values obtained in August. During treatment processes, cyanobacterial cells were incompletely removed by coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation (C/F/S; 91-96.8%) or sand filtration (93.3-98.9%). Coagulation/flocculation induced the release of MCs into the ambient water, and the toxins were not completely removed or degraded during further treatment stages (filtration and chlorination). MCs in outflow tank water were detected in high concentrations (1.1-3.6 μg L - 1), exceeding WHO provisional guideline value of 1 μg L - 1 for MC-LR in drinking water. Based on this study, regular monitoring of cyanobacteria and their cyanotoxins in the intake source water and at different stages at all WTPs is necessary to provide safe drinking water to consumers or to prevent exposure of consumers to hazardous cyanobacterial metabolites.

Zebrafish Oatp-mediated transport of microcystin congeners.

PubMed

Steiner, Konstanze; Zimmermann, Lisa; Hagenbuch, Bruno; Dietrich, Daniel

2016-05-01

Microcystins (MC), representing >100 congeners being produced by cyanobacteria, are a hazard for aquatic species. As MC congeners vary in their toxicity, the congener composition of a bloom primarily dictates the severity of adverse effects and appears primarily to be governed by toxicokinetics, i.e., whether transport of MCs occurs via organic anion-transporting polypeptides (Oatps). Differences in observed MC toxicity in various fish species suggest differential expression of Oatp subtypes leading to varying tissue distribution of the very same MC congener within different species. The objectives of this study were the functional characterization and analysis of the tissue distribution of Oatp subtypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a surrogate model for cyprinid fish. Zebrafish Oatps (zfOatps) were cloned, and the organ distribution was determined at the mRNA level. zfOatps were transiently expressed in HEK293 cells for functional characterization using the Oatp substrates estrone-3-sulfate, taurocholate and methotrexate and specific MC congeners (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LF and MC-LW). Novel zfOatp isoforms were isolated. Among these isoforms, the organ-specific expression of zfOatp1d1 and of members of the zfOatp1f subfamily was identified. At the functional level, zfOatp1d1, zfOatp1f2, zfOatp1f3 and zfOatp1f4 transported at least one of the Oatp substrates, and zfOatp1d1, zfOatp1f2 and zfOatp1f4 were shown to transport MC congeners. MC-LF and MC-LW were generally transported faster than MC-LR and MC-RR. The subtype-specific expression of zfOatp1d1 and of members of the zfOatp1f subfamily as well as differences in the transport of MC congeners could explain the MC congener-dependent differences in toxicity in cyprinids.

Assessment of the roles of reactive oxygen species in the UV and visible light photocatalytic degradation of cyanotoxins and water taste and odor compounds using C-TiO2.

PubMed

Fotiou, Theodora; Triantis, Theodoros M; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; O'Shea, Kevin E; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; Hiskia, Anastasia

2016-03-01

Visible light (VIS) photocatalysis has large potential as a sustainable water treatment process, however the reaction pathways and degradation processes of organic pollutants are not yet clearly defined. The presence of cyanobacteria cause water quality problems since several genera can produce potent cyanotoxins, harmful to human health. In addition, cyanobacteria produce taste and odor compounds, which pose serious aesthetic problems in drinking water. Although photocatalytic degradation of cyanotoxins and taste and odor compounds have been reported under UV-A light in the presence of TiO2, limited studies have been reported on their degradation pathways by VIS photocatalysis of these problematic compounds. The main objectives of this work were to study the VIS photocatalytic degradation process, define the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved and elucidate the reaction mechanisms. We report carbon doped TiO2 (C-TiO2) under VIS leads to the slow degradation of cyanotoxins, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), while taste and odor compounds, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, were not appreciably degraded. Further studies were carried-out employing several specific radical scavengers (potassium bromide, isopropyl alcohol, sodium azide, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and probes (coumarin) to assess the role of different ROS (hydroxyl radical OH, singlet oxygen (1)O2, superoxide radical anion [Formula: see text] ) in the degradation processes. Reaction pathways of MC-LR and CYN were defined through identification and monitoring of intermediates using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for VIS in comparison with UV-A photocatalytic treatment. The effects of scavengers and probes on the degradation process under VIS, as well as the differences in product distributions under VIS and UV-A, suggested that the main species in VIS photocatalysis is [Formula: see text] , with OH and (1)O2 playing minor roles in the degradation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Microcystis on development of early life stage Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes): Comparative toxicity of natural blooms, cultured Microcystis and microcystin-LR.

PubMed

Saraf, Spencer R; Frenkel, Amy; Harke, Matthew J; Jankowiak, Jennifer G; Gobler, Christopher J; McElroy, Anne E

2018-01-01

Freshwater cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) caused by algae in the genus Microcystis have been increasing in frequency and severity in recent decades. Microcystis blooms threaten aquatic organisms through effects associated with the rapid increase of biomass and the production of the hepatotoxin microcystin (MC) by toxic strains. Among fish, effects of blooms are likely to be more severe for early life stages, and physiological impacts on this life stage could significantly impact recruitment and fish populations. This study explores the effects of Microcystis blooms on the development of fish using the model organism, the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), under realistic exposure conditions. Medaka embryos were exposed to natural blooms collected from New York City (USA) lakes, lab cultures of Microcystis, and MC-LR solutions. Field collected samples were more toxic than lab cultures (even when compared at the same algal density or MC concentration), causing decreased survival, premature time to hatch, reduced body length, yolk sac edema, and decreased heart rate, while lab culture exposures only resulted in bradycardia. Heart rate was the most sensitive endpoint measured, being depressed in embryos exposed to both lab cultures and field collected blooms. Generalized linear model analysis indicated bradycardia was statistically associated with both cell densities of blooms and MC concentrations, while single factor analysis indicated that MC concentrations had a stronger correlation compared to cell densities. However, MC exposure could not fully explain the effects observed, as exposures to MC-LR solutions alone were not able to reduce heart rate as severely as algal exposures. Collectively, these experiments indicate that factors beyond exposure to MC or even isolated Microcystis strains influence heart rate of fish exposed to Microcystis blooms. Enhanced mortality, depressed heart rate, and abnormal development observed in response to environmentally realistic exposures of Microcystis blooms could affect success of fish at both individual or population levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steiner, Konstanze, E-mail: konstanze.steiner@uni-konstanz.de; Hagenbuch, Bruno, E-mail: bhagenbuch@kumc.edu; Dietrich, Daniel R., E-mail: daniel.dietrich@uni-konstanz.de

Cyanobacterial blooms have an impact on the aquatic ecosystem due to the production of toxins (e.g. microcystins, MCs), which constrain fish health or even cause fish death. However the toxicokinetics of the most abundant toxin, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), are not yet fully understood. To investigate the uptake mechanism, the novel Oatp1d1 in rainbow trout (rtOatp1d1) was cloned, identified and characterized. The cDNA isolated from a clone library consisted of 2772 bp containing a 2115 bp open reading frame coding for a 705 aa protein with an approximate molecular mass of 80 kDa. This fish specific transporter belongs to the OATP1 familymore » and has most likely evolved from a common ancestor of OATP1C1. Real time PCR analysis showed that rtOatp1d1 is predominantly expressed in the liver, followed by the brain while expression in other organs was not detectable. Transient transfection in HEK293 cells was used for further characterization. Like its human homologues OATP1A1, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, rtOatp1d1 displayed multi-specific transport including endogenous and xenobiotic substrates. Kinetic analyses revealed a K{sub m} value of 13.9 μM and 13.4 μM for estrone-3-sulfate and methotrexate, respectively and a rather low affinity for taurocholate with a K{sub m} value of 103 μM. Furthermore, it was confirmed that rtOatp1d1 is a MC-LR transporter and therefore most likely plays a key role in the susceptibility of rainbow trout to MC intoxications. - Highlights: • A new Oatp1d1 in rainbow trout (rtOatp1d1) was cloned, identified and characterized. • rtOatp1d1 is predominantly expressed in the liver. • rtOatp1d1 displays multi-specific transport of endogenous and xenobiotic substrates. • rtOatp1d1 is a homologue of the OATP1A1, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. • rtOatp1d1 is a microcystin (MC) transporter.« less

Analysis of cyanobacterial metabolites in surface and raw drinking waters reveals more than microcystin.

PubMed

Beversdorf, Lucas J; Rude, Kayla; Weirich, Chelsea A; Bartlett, Sarah L; Seaman, Mary; Kozik, Christine; Biese, Peter; Gosz, Timothy; Suha, Michael; Stempa, Christopher; Shaw, Christopher; Hedman, Curtis; Piatt, Joseph J; Miller, Todd R

2018-04-16

Freshwater cyanobacterial blooms are becoming increasingly problematic in regions that rely on surface waters for drinking water production. Microcystins (MCs) are toxic peptides produced by multiple cyanobacterial genera with a global occurrence. Cyanobacteria also produce a variety of other toxic and/or otherwise bioactive peptides (TBPs) that have gained less attention including cyanopeptolins (Cpts), anabaenopeptins (Apts), and microginins (Mgn). In this study, we compared temporal and spatial trends of four MCs (MCLR, MCRR, MCYR, MCLA), three Cpts (Cpt1020, Cpt1041, Cpt1007), two Apts (AptF, AptB), and Mgn690 in raw drinking water and at six surface water locations above these drinking water intakes in a eutrophic lake. All four MC congeners and five of six TBPs were detected in lake and raw drinking water. Across all samples, MCLR was the most frequently detected metabolite (100% of samples) followed by MCRR (97%) > Cpt1007 (74%) > MCYR (69%) > AptF (67%) > MCLA (61%) > AptB (54%) > Mgn690 (29%) and Cpt1041 (15%). Mean concentrations of MCs, Apts, and Cpts into two drinking water intakes were 3.9 ± 4.7, 0.14 ± 0.21, and 0.38 ± 0.92, respectively. Mean concentrations in surface water were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in drinking water intakes for MCs but not for Cpts and Apts. Temporal trends in MCs, Cpts, and Apts in the two raw drinking water intakes were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with measures of cell abundance (chlorophyll-a, Microcystis cell density), UV absorbance, and turbidity in surface water. This study expands current information about cyanobacterial TBPs that occur in lakes and that enter drinking water treatment plants and underscores the need to determine the fate of less studied cyanobacterial metabolites during drinking water treatment that may exacerbate toxicity of more well-known cyanobacterial toxins. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of extraction methods for quantification of microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR in fish, vegetable, and soil matrices using UPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Manubolu, Manjunath; Lee, Jiyoung; Riedl, Kenneth M; Kua, Zi Xun; Collart, Lindsay P; Ludsin, Stuart A

2018-06-01

Human-driven environmental change has increased the occurrence of harmful cyanobacteria blooms in aquatic ecosystems. Concomitantly, exposure to microcystin (MC), a cyanobacterial toxin that can accumulate in animals, edible plants, and agricultural soils, has become a growing public health concern. For accurate estimation of health risks and timely monitoring, availability of reliable detection methods is imperative. Nonetheless, quantitative analysis of MCs in many types of biological and environmental samples has proven challenging because matrix interferences can hinder sample preparation and extraction procedures, leading to poor MC recovery. Herein, controlled experiments were conducted to enhance the use of ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to recover MC-LR and MC-RR at a range of concentrations in seafood (fish), vegetables (lettuce), and environmental (soil) matrices. Although these experiments offer insight into detailed technical aspects of the MC homogenization and extraction process (i.e., sonication duration and centrifugation speed during homogenization; elution solvent to use during the final extraction), they centered on identifying the best (1) solvent system to use during homogenization (2-3 tested per matrix) and (2) single-phase extraction (SPE) column type (3 tested) to use for the final extraction. The best procedure consisted of the following, regardless of sample type: centrifugation speed = 4200 × g; elution volume = 8 mL; elution solvent = 80% methanol; and SPE column type = hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), with carbon also being satisfactory for fish. For sonication, 2 min, 5 min, and 10 min were optimal for fish, lettuce, and soil matrices, respectively. Using the recommended HLB column, the solvent systems that led to the highest recovery of MCs were methanol:water:butanol for fish, methanol:water for lettuce, and EDTA-Na 4 P 2 O 7 for soils. Given that the recommended procedures resulted in average MC-LR and MC-RR recoveries that ranged 93 to 98%, their adoption for the preparation of samples with complex matrices before UPLC-MS/MS analysis is encouraged. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A menu with prices: Annual per person costs of programs addressing community integration.

PubMed

Leff, H Stephen; Cichocki, Ben; Chow, Clifton; Salzer, Mark; Wieman, Dow

2016-02-01

Information on costs of programs addressing community integration for persons with serious mental illness in the United States, essential for program planning and evaluation, is largely lacking. To address this knowledge gap, community integration programs identified through directories and snowball sampling were sent an online survey addressing program costs and organizational attributes. 64 Responses were received for which annual per person costs (APPC) could be computed. Programs were categorized by type of services provided. Program types differed in median APPCs, though median APPCs identified were consistent with the ranges identified in the limited literature available. Multiple regression was used to identify organizational variables underlying APPCs such as psychosocial rehabilitation program type, provision of EBPs, number of volunteers, and percentage of budget spent on direct care staff, though effects sizes were moderate at best. This study adds tentative prices to the menu of community integration programs, and the implications of these findings for choosing, designing and evaluating programs addressing community integration are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of artemisinin sustained-release granules on mixed alga growth and microcystins production and release.

PubMed

Ni, Lixiao; Li, Danye; Hu, Shuzhen; Wang, Peifang; Li, Shiyin; Li, Yiping; Li, Yong; Acharya, Kumud

2015-12-01

To safely and effectively apply artemisinin sustained-release granules to control and prevent algal water-blooms, the effects of artemisinin and its sustained-release granules on freshwater alga (Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus) and Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa)), as well as the production and release of microcystins (MCs) were studied. The results showed that artemisinin sustained-release granules inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa (above 95% IR) and S. obliquus (about 90% IR), with M. aeruginosa more sensitive. The artemisinin sustained-release granules had a longer inhibition effect on growth of pure algae and algal coexistence than direct artemisinin dosing. The artemisinin sustained-release granules could decrease the production and release of algal toxins due to the continued stress of artemisinin released from artemisinin sustained-release granules. There was no increase in the total amount of MC-LR in the algal cell culture medium.

METHOD 544. DETERMINATION OF MICROCYSTINS AND ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Method 544 is an accurate and precise analytical method to determine six microcystins (including MC-LR) and nodularin in drinking water using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC/MS/MS). The advantage of this SPE-LC/MS/MS is its sensitivity and ability to speciate the microcystins. This method development task establishes sample preservation techniques, sample concentration and analytical procedures, aqueous and extract holding time criteria and quality control procedures. Draft Method 544 undergone a multi-laboratory verification to ensure other laboratories can implement the method and achieve the quality control measures specified in the method. It is anticipated that Method 544 may be used in UCMR 4 to collect nationwide occurrence data for selected microcystins in drinking water. The purpose of this research project is to develop an accurate and precise analytical method to concentrate and determine selected MCs and nodularin in drinking water.

Management of toxic cyanobacteria for drinking water production of Ain Zada Dam.

PubMed

Saoudi, Amel; Brient, Luc; Boucetta, Sabrine; Ouzrout, Rachid; Bormans, Myriam; Bensouilah, Mourad

2017-07-01

Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in Algerian reservoirs represent a potential health problem, mainly from drinking water that supplies the local population of Ain Zada (Bordj Bou Arreridj). The objective of this study is to monitor, detect, and identify the existence of cyanobacteria and microcystins during blooming times. Samples were taken in 2013 from eight stations. The results show that three potentially toxic cyanobacterial genera with the species Planktothrix agardhii were dominant. Cyanobacterial biomass, phycocyanin (PC) concentrations, and microcystin (MC) concentrations were high in the surface layer and at 14 m depth; these values were also high in the treated water. On 11 May 2013, MC concentrations were 6.3 μg/L in MC-LR equivalent in the drinking water. This study shows for the first time the presence of cyanotoxins in raw and treated waters, highlighting that regular monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins must be undertaken to avoid potential health problems.

Algicidal Activity of Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089 Metabolites and Their Effects on Microcystis Physiology

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bing-Huo; Ding, Zhang-Gui; Li, Han-Quan; Zhang, Yu-Qin; Yang, Jian-Yuan; Zhou, En-Min

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Copper sulfate (CuSO4) has been widely used as an algicide to control harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) in freshwater lakes. However, there are increasing concerns about this application, due mainly to the general toxicity of CuSO4 to other aquatic species and its long-term persistence in the environment. This study reported the isolation and characterization of two natural algicidal compounds, i.e., tryptamine and tryptoline, from Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089. At a concentration of 5 μg/ml, both compounds showed higher algicidal efficiencies than CuSO4 on Microcystis sp. FACHB-905 and some other harmful cyanobacterial strains. Tryptamine and tryptoline treatments induced a degradation of chlorophyll and cell walls of cyanobacteria. These two compounds also significantly increased the intracellular oxidant content, i.e., superoxide anion radical (O2−) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but reduced the activity of intracellular reductants, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), of cyanobacteria. Moreover, tryptamine and tryptoline treatments significantly altered the internal and external contents of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a common cyanotoxin. Like CuSO4, tryptamine and tryptoline led to releases of intracellular MC-LR from Microcystis, but with lower rates than CuSO4. Tryptamine and tryptoline (5 μg/ml) in cyanobacterial cultures were completely degraded within 8 days, while CuSO4 persisted for months. Overall, our results suggest that tryptamine and tryptoline could potentially serve as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative algicides than CuSO4 in controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms. IMPORTANCE Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in aquatic environments have become a worldwide problem. Numerous efforts have been made to seek means to prevent, control, and mitigate CyanoHABs. Copper sulfate (CuSO4), was once a common algicide to treat and control CyanoHABs. However, its application has become limited due to concerns about its general toxicity to other aquatic species and its long-term persistence in the environment. There is a great need for algicides with higher specificity and low environmental impacts. This study reports the isolation and characterization of two natural algicidal compounds from a streptomycete strain, Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089. Our results suggest that the identified algicides could potentially serve as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative algicides than CuSO4 in controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms. PMID:27316950

Algicidal Activity of Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089 Metabolites and Their Effects on Microcystis Physiology.

PubMed

Zhang, Bing-Huo; Ding, Zhang-Gui; Li, Han-Quan; Mou, Xiao-Zhen; Zhang, Yu-Qin; Yang, Jian-Yuan; Zhou, En-Min; Li, Wen-Jun

2016-09-01

Copper sulfate (CuSO4) has been widely used as an algicide to control harmful cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) in freshwater lakes. However, there are increasing concerns about this application, due mainly to the general toxicity of CuSO4 to other aquatic species and its long-term persistence in the environment. This study reported the isolation and characterization of two natural algicidal compounds, i.e., tryptamine and tryptoline, from Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089. At a concentration of 5 μg/ml, both compounds showed higher algicidal efficiencies than CuSO4 on Microcystis sp. FACHB-905 and some other harmful cyanobacterial strains. Tryptamine and tryptoline treatments induced a degradation of chlorophyll and cell walls of cyanobacteria. These two compounds also significantly increased the intracellular oxidant content, i.e., superoxide anion radical (O2 (-)) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but reduced the activity of intracellular reductants, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), of cyanobacteria. Moreover, tryptamine and tryptoline treatments significantly altered the internal and external contents of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a common cyanotoxin. Like CuSO4, tryptamine and tryptoline led to releases of intracellular MC-LR from Microcystis, but with lower rates than CuSO4 Tryptamine and tryptoline (5 μg/ml) in cyanobacterial cultures were completely degraded within 8 days, while CuSO4 persisted for months. Overall, our results suggest that tryptamine and tryptoline could potentially serve as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative algicides than CuSO4 in controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in aquatic environments have become a worldwide problem. Numerous efforts have been made to seek means to prevent, control, and mitigate CyanoHABs. Copper sulfate (CuSO4), was once a common algicide to treat and control CyanoHABs. However, its application has become limited due to concerns about its general toxicity to other aquatic species and its long-term persistence in the environment. There is a great need for algicides with higher specificity and low environmental impacts. This study reports the isolation and characterization of two natural algicidal compounds from a streptomycete strain, Streptomyces eurocidicus JXJ-0089. Our results suggest that the identified algicides could potentially serve as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative algicides than CuSO4 in controlling harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

An Assessment of Fiscal Year 2013 Beyond Yellow Ribbon Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

2013 Beyond Yellow Ribbon Programs 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER...5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) RAND Corporation,National Defense Research Institute,1776 Main Street, P.O...Box 2138,Santa Monica,CA,90407-2138 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR

An Imperative for Leadership Preparation Programs: Preparing Future Leaders to Meet the Needs of Students, Schools, and Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beyer, Bonnie

2009-01-01

This paper addresses the structure, philosophy, and curriculum of educational leadership preparation programs and the importance of preparing schools leaders to address the unique needs of students and communities. In particular, it will address how programs can be enhanced by integrating organizational research and philosophies from educational,…

41 CFR 102-79.35 - What elements must Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness programs? 102-79.35 Section 102... Utilization of Space Fitness Centers § 102-79.35 What elements must Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness programs? Federal agencies must address the following elements in their...

41 CFR 102-79.35 - What elements must Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness programs? 102-79.35 Section 102... Utilization of Space Fitness Centers § 102-79.35 What elements must Federal agencies address in their planning effort for establishing fitness programs? Federal agencies must address the following elements in their...

Microbial degradation of microcystin in Florida’s freshwaters

PubMed Central

Ramani, A.; Rein, K.; Shetty, K. G.

2012-01-01

Presence of microcystin (MC), a predominant freshwater algal toxin and a suspected liver carcinogen, in Florida’s freshwaters poses serious health threat to humans and aquatic species. Being recalcitrant to conventional physical and chemical water treatment methods, biological methods of MC removal is widely researched. Water samples collected from five sites of Lake Okeechobee (LO) frequently exposed to toxic Microcystis blooms were used as inoculum for enrichment with microcystin LR (MC-LR) supplied as sole C and N source. After 20 days incubation, MC levels were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A bacterial consortium consisting of two isolates DC7 and DC8 from the Indian Prairie Canal sample showed over 74% toxin degradation at the end of day 20. Optimal temperature requirement for biodegradation was identified and phosphorus levels did not affect the MC biodegradation. Based on 16S rRNA sequence similarity the isolate DC8 was found to have a match with Microbacterium sp. and the DC7 isolate with Rhizobium gallicum (AY972457). PMID:21611743

Debugging a high performance computing program

DOEpatents

Gooding, Thomas M.

2014-08-19

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for debugging a high performance computing program by gathering lists of addresses of calling instructions for a plurality of threads of execution of the program, assigning the threads to groups in dependence upon the addresses, and displaying the groups to identify defective threads.

Debugging a high performance computing program

DOEpatents

Gooding, Thomas M.

2013-08-20

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for debugging a high performance computing program by gathering lists of addresses of calling instructions for a plurality of threads of execution of the program, assigning the threads to groups in dependence upon the addresses, and displaying the groups to identify defective threads.

Programs for Deaf-Blind Children and Adults.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Annals of the Deaf, 1999

1999-01-01

This directory of programs for deaf-blind children and adults lists program name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, Web site, and administrator name. The directory also lists, with similar information, Helen Keller Centers for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, and programs for training teachers of deaf-blind students. (DB)

Evaluation of a Life Skills Program for Women Inmates in Michigan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schram, Pamela J.; Morash, Merry

2002-01-01

Describes and evaluates a life skills program that focuses on addressing the special needs of female inmates. Analyses of pre- and post-test scores of program participants compared emotional empathy, self-esteem, coping resources, problem solving, parenting stress, employability, and well-being. Results suggest tat the program does address some of…

Process and Outcomes Evaluation of an Even Start Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meehan, Merrill L.; Walsh, Sandra; Swisher, Angie; Spring, Janet; Lewis, Harry

The Even Start Family Literacy Program is a national program that addresses the literacy and educational needs of adults in eligible families, teaches effective parenting skills, and addresses the preschool readiness needs of young children in the family. The Monongalia County (West Virginia) Even Start Program was unusual in that it took place in…

Induction and resuscitation of the viable but nonculturable state in a cyanobacteria-lysing bacterium isolated from cyanobacterial bloom.

PubMed

Chen, Huirong; Fu, Lixian; Luo, Lingxi; Lu, Jun; White, W Lindsey; Hu, Zhangli

2012-01-01

The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state has been found to be a growth strategy used by many aquatic pathogens; however, few studies have focused on VBNC state on other aquatic bacterial groups. The purpose of this study was to explore the VBNC state of cyanobacteria-lysing bacteria and the conditions that regulate their VBNC state transformation. Three cyanobacteria-lysing heterotrophic bacterial strains (F1, F2 and F3) were isolated with liquid infection method from a lake that has experienced a cyanobacterial bloom. According to their morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and results of 16SrDNA sequence analysis, F1, F2 and F3 were identified as strains of Staphylococcus sp., Stappia sp. and Microbacterium sp., respectively. After being co-cultured with the axenic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa 905, for 7 days, strains F1, F2 and F3 exhibited an inhibition effect on cyanobacterial growth, which was expressed as a reduction in chlorophyll concentration of 96.0%, 94.9% and 84.8%, respectively. Both autoclaved and filtered bacterial cultures still showed lytic effects on cyanobacterial cells while centrifuged pellets were less efficient than other fractions. This indicated that lytic factors were extracelluar and heat-resistant. The environmental conditions that could induce the VBNC state of strain F1 were also studied. Under low temperature (4°C), distilled deionized water (DDW) induced almost 100% of F1 cells to the VBNC state after 6 days while different salinities (1%, 3% and 5% of NaCl solution) and lake water required 18 days. A solution of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) crude extract also induced F1 to the VBNC state, and the effect was stronger than DDW. Even the lowest MC-LR concentration (10 μg L(-1)) could induce 69.7% of F1 cells into VBNC state after 24 h. On the other hand, addition of Microcystis aeruginosa cells caused resuscitation of VBNC state F1 cells within 1 day, expressed as an increase of viable cell number and a decrease of VBNC ratio. Both VBNC state and culturable state F1 cells showed lytic effects on cyanobacteria, with their VBNC ratio varying during co-culturing with cyanobacteria. The findings indicated that VBNC state transformation of cyanobacteria-lysing bacteria could be regulated by cyanobacterial cells or their toxin, and the transformation may play an important role in cyanobacterial termination.

The Learning Community: A Program to Address Issues of Academic Achievement and Retention.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hummel, Mary; Steele, Claude

1996-01-01

Describes the 21st Century Program at the University of Michigan, a program to address issues of academic achievement and student retention in higher education. The conceptual basis for this program comes from C. Steele's work that finds that there are disruptive pressures tied to racial stereotypes that in turn diminish academic performance. (SLD)

What Is the Purpose of the Theses Addressing the Issue of Program Evaluation in Turkey? (The Case of Curriculum and Instruction: 1997-2015)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alkin-Sahin, Senar; Tunca, Nihal

2016-01-01

In the current study, the aim is to investigate the theses addressing the issue of program evaluation in the field of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) in 1997-2015. The study employed the survey model. The universe of the study consists of totally 87 theses addressing the issue of program evaluation in the field of C&I in 1997-2015. As the…

Toward Affordable Systems II: Portfolio Management for Army Science and Technology Programs Under Uncertainties

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Rand Corporation ,Arroyo Center,PO Box...2138, 1776 Main Street,Santa Monica,CA,90407-2138 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...research, development, test , and evaluation programs; and those who are interested in the optimal allocation of funds among different programs and/or

Akamai Internship Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-17

AFRL-OSR-VA-TR-2015-0094 AKAMAI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Lisa Hunter UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEMS Final Report 04/17/2015 DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution...NUMBER n/a 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER n/a 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Hawaii Systems 2530 Dole St. SAK D-200...Honolulu, HI 96822-2309 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER n/a 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of

32 CFR 300.6 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PROGRAM DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM FOIA Request Processing § 300.6... information should address their FOIA requests to one of the FOIA Requester Service Center addresses listed in...

National Directory of Financial Assistance Programs for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estey, Steven; Alphonse, Laurie

This directory is intended to provide a comprehensive source of information on financial assistance for Canadian post-secondary students with disabilities. The directory includes descriptions of funding programs, mailing addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses for further information. Government funding programs described…

The Weekend Intervention Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siegal, Harvey A.

The Weekend Intervention Program (WIP) at the Wright State University School of Medicine is described in this report. Designed to address severe health and social problems while supporting the university's academic mission, the program began with the goal of addressing the health and social problems of alcohol abusers. WIP is a 72-hour intensive…

10 CFR 600.341 - Monitoring and reporting program and financial performance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... will be taken to address the deviations. (2) A final technical report if the award is for research and... dates for reports. At a minimum, requirements must include: (1) Periodic progress reports (at least... follows: (i) The program portions of the reports must address progress toward achieving program...

10 CFR 600.341 - Monitoring and reporting program and financial performance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... will be taken to address the deviations. (2) A final technical report if the award is for research and... dates for reports. At a minimum, requirements must include: (1) Periodic progress reports (at least... follows: (i) The program portions of the reports must address progress toward achieving program...

10 CFR 600.341 - Monitoring and reporting program and financial performance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... will be taken to address the deviations. (2) A final technical report if the award is for research and... dates for reports. At a minimum, requirements must include: (1) Periodic progress reports (at least... follows: (i) The program portions of the reports must address progress toward achieving program...

10 CFR 600.341 - Monitoring and reporting program and financial performance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... will be taken to address the deviations. (2) A final technical report if the award is for research and... dates for reports. At a minimum, requirements must include: (1) Periodic progress reports (at least... follows: (i) The program portions of the reports must address progress toward achieving program...

Evaluation of a Bullying Prevention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hallford, Abby; Borntrager, Cameo; Davis, Joanne L.

2006-01-01

In order to address the federal "No Child Left Behind Act", the state of Oklahoma required that all public schools address the problem of bullying. Although numerous anti-bullying programs exist, few have been evaluated to determine their effectiveness. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of one such program,…

Future Student Support Programs: Distinction or Extinction?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Sharon K.; Johnson, C. D.

This chapter reviews changes for the future of student support programs identified and addressed by other contributing authors. It is proposed that without a blueprint of how the fields of school counseling, psychology, nursing, social work, and other student support programs will change to address the future, extinction is guaranteed. Changes…

Mobile Robot Enabled Detection of Explosives and Biological Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

Detection of Explosives and Biological Agents 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e...TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Wayne State University, SSIM Program, Detroit, Michigan 48202 8...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11. SPONSOR

Why do parents enrol in a childhood obesity management program?: a qualitative study with parents of overweight and obese children.

PubMed

Davidson, Kamila; Vidgen, Helen

2017-02-02

Despite the high prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity enrolment to weight management programs remains difficult, time consuming, costly and has limited effectiveness. The aim of this paper was to explore parents' perspectives on factors that influence their decision to enrol in a program to address their child's weight. Semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were undertaken with 21 parents of primary school aged children above the healthy weight range who had enrolled in a healthy lifestyle program. Questions were developed and analysed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. They addressed parental reasons for enrolment, expectations of the program and apprehensions regarding enrolling. Prior to deciding to enrol, parents tended to be aware of the child's weight status, had attempted to address it themselves and had sought help from a number of people including health professionals. Parental decision to enrol was influenced by their evaluation of their previous attempts and their child's emotional state. Awareness of their child's weight status is an important first step in parents taking action at this health issue however it is unlikely to be sufficient on its own. Parental decision to join a childhood obesity management program can be complex and is likely to be made after numerous and unsuccessful attempts to address the child's weight. Strategies to encourage parents to enrol in programs should include activities beyond awareness of weight status. Health professionals should use contact time with parents to raise awareness of the child's weight status and to provide encouragement to address overweight and obesity. Parents must be supported in their attempts to address their child's overweight and obesity whether they choose to manage it themselves or within a program.

Evaluating programs that address ideological issues: ethical and practical considerations for practitioners and evaluators.

PubMed

Lieberman, Lisa D; Fagen, Michael C; Neiger, Brad L

2014-03-01

There are important practical and ethical considerations for organizations in conducting their own, or commissioning external, evaluations and for both practitioners and evaluators, when assessing programs built on strongly held ideological or philosophical approaches. Assessing whether programs "work" has strong political, financial, and/or moral implications, particularly when expending public dollars, and may challenge objectivity about a particular program or approach. Using a case study of the evaluation of a school-based abstinence-until-marriage program, this article discusses the challenges, lessons learned, and ethical responsibilities regarding decisions about evaluation, specifically associated with ideologically driven programs. Organizations should consider various stakeholders and views associated with their program to help identify potential pitfalls in evaluation. Once identified, the program or agency needs to carefully consider its answers to two key questions: Do they want the answer and are they willing to modify the program? Having decided to evaluate, the choice of evaluator is critical to assuring that ethical principles are maintained and potential skepticism or criticism of findings can be addressed appropriately. The relationship between program and evaluator, including agreements about ownership and eventual publication and/or promotion of data, should be addressed at the outset. Programs and organizations should consider, at the outset, their ethical responsibility when findings are not expected or desired. Ultimately, agencies, organizations, and programs have an ethical responsibility to use their data to provide health promotion programs, whether ideologically founded or not, that appropriately and effectively address the problems they seek to solve.

Infusing Multicultural Education into the Curriculum: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Address Homophobia in K-12 Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Joseph R.

2015-01-01

This article discusses the role multicultural education can play in addressing homophobia in K-12 schools. The author explores the lack of multiculturalism courses in undergraduate teacher education programs. To address the lack of multiculturalism courses, three instructional activities are offered that faculty in teacher education programs can…

Assessment of the Federal Voting Assistance Program Office Implementation of the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-31

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Department of Defense Inspector General,4800 Mark Center Drive,Alexandria,VA,22350-1500 8... PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...Empowerment (MOVE) Act What We Did To determine if voting assistance programs carried out under the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act

Addressing the Mathematics-Specific Needs of Beginning Mathematics Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Britton, Edward

2012-01-01

Beginning mathematics teachers at the secondary level (middle and high school grades) have mathematics-specific needs that induction programs should address more substantially. However, a number of issues in how programs can accomplish this are more complex than often framed in discussions occurring in the induction programs and the field of…

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Project Descriptions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (ED), Washington, DC.

Descriptions of 155 programs supported by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education are provided. In addition to a brief statement of the scope of each program, the project director, address, and phone number are identified. Topics addressed by the programs include: ensuring adequate math preparation for college work through…

Schools and Programs in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Annals of the Deaf, 2000

2000-01-01

This annual directory lists U.S. schools and programs enrolling deaf and hard of hearing children and youth in two sections: (1) the directory listing including name, address, phone numbers, administrator or contact person, and e-mail/Web address and (2) program and services chart including whether day or residential, enrollment, services, and…

Cross-Cultural Communication: A Program Addressing the Effect of Migration on South African Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Potgieter, Christo; Bredenkamp, Esther

2002-01-01

Presents general background information on migration in South Africa and its effect on education. Described a cross-cultural communication program that addresses creatively the outcomes of migration, including its theoretical model, an application, program operation for learners and educators, and challenges. Reviews lessons learned by migrant…

NASA Goddard Thermal Technology Overview 2018

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, Dan; Swanson, Ted

2018-01-01

This presentation summarizes the current plans and efforts at NASA/Goddard to develop new thermal control technology for anticipated future missions. It will also address some of the programmatic developments currently underway at NASA, especially with respect to the NASA Technology Development Program. The effects of the recently submitted NASA budget will also be addressed. While funding for basic technology development is still tight, significant efforts are being made in direct support of flight programs. Thermal technology Implementation on current flight programs will be reviewed, and the recent push for Cube-sat mission development will also be addressed. Many of these technologies also have broad applicability to DOD, DOE, and commercial programs. Partnerships have been developed with the Air Force, Navy, and various universities to promote technology development. In addition, technology development activities supported by internal research and development (IRAD) program and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program are reviewed in this presentation. Specific technologies addressed include; two-phase systems applications and issues on NASA missions, latest developments of thermal control coatings, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Micro-scale Heat Transfer, and various other research activities.

An Analysis of Academic Assistance Programs on At-Risk Students at the United States Naval Academy

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

ADDRESS(ES) N/ A 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES The views expressed in this thesis are those of the...programs are available to these students. In particular, the Naval Academy administers a program known as the Midshipmen Group Study Program, which...is based on the supplemental instruction model. This study examines the impact of participation in each of these programs as a determinant to

The case for addressing gender and power in sexuality and HIV education: a comprehensive review of evaluation studies.

PubMed

Haberland, Nicole A

2015-03-01

Curriculum-based sexuality and HIV education is a mainstay of interventions to prevent STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancy among young people. Evidence links traditional gender norms, unequal power in sexual relationships and intimate partner violence with negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes. However, little attention has been paid to analyzing whether addressing gender and power in sexuality education curricula is associated with better outcomes. To explore whether the inclusion of content on gender and power matters for program efficacy, electronic and hand searches were conducted to identify rigorous sexuality and HIV education evaluations from developed and developing countries published between 1990 and 2012. Intervention and study design characteristics of the included interventions were disaggregated by whether they addressed issues of gender and power. Of the 22 interventions that met the inclusion criteria, 10 addressed gender or power, and 12 did not. The programs that addressed gender or power were five times as likely to be effective as those that did not; fully 80% of them were associated with a significantly lower rate of STIs or unintended pregnancy. In contrast, among the programs that did not address gender or power, only 17% had such an association. Addressing gender and power should be considered a key characteristic of effective sexuality and HIV education programs.

Addressing the Academic and Social Needs of Young Male Students through School-Based Mentoring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alston, Curtis E.

2013-01-01

This study addressed the problem within the U.S. public school system to sustainably meet the academic and social needs of its African American male students. The administrative team of the elementary school in this study desired an evaluation of a school-based male mentoring program that was designed to address these needs. The program, Gentlemen…

U.S. Policy Approaches for Maintaining Stability in the Asia-Pacific Region: History, Economics, and Soft Power

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) CDR Scott N. Richardson United States Navy 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK...UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) U.S. Army Command and General Staff College ATTN: ATZL-SWD-GD Fort Leavenworth, KS...66027-2301 8. PERFORMING ORG REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program

Development of Medical Technology for Contingency Response to Marrow Toxic Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-30

NUMBER N/A 5b. GRANT NUMBER N00014-12-1-0142 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER N/A 6. AUTHOR( S ) Spellman, Stephen 5d. PROJECT NUMBER N/A 5e. TASK...NUMBER Project 1, 2, 3, 4 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER N/A 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) National Marrow Donor Program 3001 Broadway...St., N.E., Ste. 500 Minneapolis, MN 55413 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER N/A 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES

NASA pyrotechnically actuated systems program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schulze, Norman R.

1993-01-01

The Office of Safety and Mission Quality initiated a Pyrotechnically Actuated Systems (PAS) Program in FY-92 to address problems experienced with pyrotechnically actuated systems and devices used both on the ground and in flight. The PAS Program will provide the technical basis for NASA's projects to incorporate new technological developments in operational systems. The program will accomplish that objective by developing/testing current and new hardware designs for flight applications and by providing a pyrotechnic data base. This marks the first applied pyrotechnic technology program funded by NASA to address pyrotechnic issues. The PAS Program has been structured to address the results of a survey of pyrotechnic device and system problems with the goal of alleviating or minimizing their risks. Major program initiatives include the development of a Laser Initiated Ordnance System, a pyrotechnic systems data base, NASA Standard Initiator model, a NASA Standard Linear Separation System and a NASA Standard Gas Generator. The PAS Program sponsors annual aerospace pyrotechnic systems workshops.

French MALE UAV Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-02

ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) MoD- France 8...1French Air Force MINISTÈRE DE LA DÉFENSE 1 SIDM CONOPS 2 FAF IMAGERY ARCHITECTURE 3 FUTURE FRENCH MALE UAV PROGRAM FRENCH MALE UAV PROGRAM Report...2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE French Male UAV Program 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM

To What Extent Is Criminal Justice Content Specifically Addressed in MSW Programs?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epperson, Matthew W.; Roberts, Leslie E.; Ivanoff, Andre; Tripodi, Stephen J.; Gilmer, Christy N.

2013-01-01

This study examined the extent to which criminal justice content is addressed in all CSWE-accredited MSW programs in the United States ("N"?=?192). Criminal justice content was measured in three areas: (1) dual or joint degree programs, (2) concentrations or specializations, and (3) coursework. Excluding social work and law classes, 22%…

Promoting First-Generation College Students' Mental Well-Being: Student Perceptions of an Academic Enrichment Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanbrow Becker, Martin A.; Schelbe, Lisa; Romano, Kelly; Spinelli, Carmella

2017-01-01

Academic enrichment programs seek to address the challenges first-generation students face, but research tends to focus on academic outcomes. In this study we investigated first-generation students' perceptions of how a program addresses their mental well-being. A total of 25 undergraduate students who were enrolled in an academic enrichment…

Program To Address Sociocultural Barriers to Health Care in Hispanic Communities. National Program Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Mike; Heroux, Janet

Many members of the Hispanic community are separated from the larger community by language barriers and different cultures and belief systems. These factors can affect Hispanic Americans' ability to seek and gain access to the health care system. The Program To Address Sociocultural Barriers to Health Care in the Hispanic Community, known as…

Programs at Wright-patterson Air Force Base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dayton, Ron

1991-01-01

The Lubrication Branch has two active programs that are developing gas turbine engine mainshaft air/oil seals. Both of these programs, one of which is with General Electric Aircraft Engines and the other with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, are addressing counter-rotating intershaft applications which involve very high rubbing velocities. The objectives and requirements of these efforts are briefly addressed.

A strategy to address the nursing faculty shortage.

PubMed

Ganley, Barbara J; Sheets, Ingrid

2009-07-01

This article describes one university's experience in creating a master's geriatric clinical nurse specialist-nurse educator program to address the nursing faculty shortage and the need for geriatric clinical nurse specialists. The successes and challenges are outlined, and curricular ideas that may be beneficial to other nursing programs also are presented. This program has enhanced the university's pool of clinical instructors, increased its ability to provide services to older adults, and allowed faculty to instruct and focus undergraduates in the distinctions of geriatric nursing care. The biggest challenges faced were marketing and recruitment of nurses; these challenges were addressed, and possible solutions are offered. The most immediate benefit of this program was the generation of geriatric clinical nurse specialists.

Rapid Microcystin Determination Using a Paper Spray Ionization Method with a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry System.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiaoqiang; Huang, Zhengxu; Gao, Wei; Li, Xue; Li, Lei; Zhu, Hui; Mo, Ting; Huang, Bao; Zhou, Zhen

2016-07-13

The eutrophication of surface water sources and climate changes have resulted in an annual explosion of cyanobacterial blooms in many irrigating and drinking water resources. To decrease health risks to the public, a rapid real time method for the synchronous determination of two usually harmful microcystins (MC-RR and MC-LR) in environmental water samples was built by employing a paper spray ionization method coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer system. With this approach, direct analysis of microcystin mixtures without sample preparation has been achieved. Rapid detection was performed, simulating the release process of microcystins in reservoir water samples, and the routine detection frequency was every three minutes. The identification time of microcystins was reduced from several hours to a few minutes. The limit of detection is 1 μg/L, and the limit of quantitation is 3 μg/L. This method displays the ability for carrying out rapid, direct, and high-throughput experiments for determination of microcystins, and it would be of significant interest for environmental and food safety applications.

A Program Evaluation of the Language Lab™: Response to Intervention Program for Teaching Grammar, Vocabulary, and Storytelling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiechmann, JoAnn; Richardson, Martha; Jones, Don

2014-01-01

This program evaluation study addressed the struggle of local elementary school speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in a school district to provide evidence-based intervention in language for students below grade level as required by the U.S. Department of Education. Recently, Language Lab™ was published to address the needs of oral language…

Addressing Children's Exposure to Violence in a Short-Term Crisis Intervention Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boothroyd, Roger A.; Kuppinger, Anne D.; Evans, Mary E.

This paper describes the Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) program in New York and the effects that exposure to violence had on 36 participating children (ages 5-18), the training counselors received on violence issues, and strategies used as a result of efforts to address the effect of violence. The HBCI program provides short-term intensive…

NASA Goddard Thermal Technology Overview 2017

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, Dan; Swanson, Ted

2017-01-01

This presentation summarizes the current plans and efforts at NASA Goddard to develop new thermal control technology for anticipated future missions. It will also address some of the programmatic developments currently underway at NASA, especially with respect to the NASA Technology Development Program. The effects of the recently enacted FY 17 NASA budget, which includes a sizeable increase, will also be addressed. While funding for basic technology development is still tight, significant efforts are being made in direct support of flight programs. Thermal technology Implementation on current flight programs will be reviewed, and the recent push for CubeSat mission development will also be addressed. Many of these technologies also have broad applicability to DOD (Dept. of Defense), DOE (Dept. of the Environment), and commercial programs. Partnerships have been developed with the Air Force, Navy, and various universities to promote technology development. In addition, technology development activities supported by internal research and development (IRAD) program and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program are reviewed in this presentation. Specific technologies addressed include; two-phase systems applications and issues on NASA missions, latest developments of electro-hydrodynamically pumped systems, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Micro-scale Heat Transfer, and various other research activities.

NASA Goddard Thermal Technology Overview 2016

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, Dan; Swanson, Ted

2016-01-01

This presentation summarizes the current plans and efforts at NASA Goddard to develop new thermal control technology for anticipated future missions. It will also address some of the programmatic developments currently underway at NASA, especially with respect to the NASA Technology Development Program. The effects of the recently enacted FY 16 NASA budget, which includes a sizeable increase, will also be addressed. While funding for basic technology development is still tight, significant efforts are being made in direct support of flight programs. Thermal technology implementation on current flight programs will be reviewed, and the recent push for Cube-sat mission development will also be addressed. Many of these technologies also have broad applicability to DOD, DOE, and commercial programs. Partnerships have been developed with the Air Force, Navy, and various universities to promote technology development. In addition, technology development activities supported by internal research and development (IRAD) program and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program are reviewed in this presentation. Specific technologies addressed include; two-phase systems applications and issues on NASA missions, latest developments of electro-hydrodynamically pumped systems, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Micro-scale Heat Transfer, and various other research activities.

Substance abuse prevention program content: systematizing the classification of what programs target for change.

PubMed

Hansen, William B; Dusenbury, Linda; Bishop, Dana; Derzon, James H

2007-06-01

We conducted an analysis of programs listed on the National Registry of Effective Programs and Practices as of 2003. This analysis focused on programs that addressed substance abuse prevention from among those on the effective or model program lists and that had manuals. A total of 48 programs met these inclusion criteria. We coded program manuals for content that was covered based on how much time was devoted to changing targeted mediating variables. The value of this approach is that program content can be judged using an impartial standard that can be applied to a wide range of intervention approaches. On average, programs addressed eight of 23 possible content areas. Our analyses suggested there were seven distinguishable approaches that have been used in substance abuse prevention programs. These include (i) changing access within the environment, (ii) promoting the development of personal and social skills, (iii) promoting positive affiliation, (iv) addressing social influences, (v) providing social support and helping participants develop goals and alternatives, (vi) developing positive schools and (vii) enhancing motivation to avoid substance use. We propose that the field use such analyses as the basis of future theory development.

Impact of Environmental Issues on the High-Speed Civil Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitehead, Allen H., Jr.

1998-01-01

This paper provides an overview of the impact of environmental issues on the design and operation of the proposed High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). This proposal for a new generation commercial supersonic transport is being pursued by NASA and its US industry partners in the NASA High-Speed Research (HSR) Program. A second related paper describes the overall HSR Program, including a history of supersonic transport development that led to the present program, and a brief outline of the structure of the two-phase program and its management structure. The specific objectives are to address the four major barrier environmental issues and show their impact on the design of the airplane and potentially, its mode of operation. A brief historical perspective shows how HSR Phase I addressed these environmental topics and, with the successful completion of that program, led to the successful advocacy for the Phase II effort that followed. The Phase II program elements were discussed in the earlier paper and addressed technology programs to enhance the economic viability of the HSCT. Since many of the regulations that may effect the certification and operation of the HSCT are either not in place or well documented, a brief treatise is provided to address the status of the rules and the potential impact on the viability of the HSCT.

Environmental Hazards Assessment Program. Quarterly report, January 1994--March 1994

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-05-04

The objectives of the EHAP program are to: Develop a holistic, national basis for risk assessment, risk management and risk communication; Develop a pool of talented scientists and experts in cleanup activities, especially in human health aspects, and; Identify needs and develop programs addressing the critical shortage of well-educated, highly-skilled technical and scientific personnel to address the health oriented aspects of environmental restoration and waste management. This report describes activities and reports on progress for the third quarter of year two (January-March, 1994) of the grant. To better accomplish objectives, grant efforts are organized into three major elements: The Crossroadsmore » of Humanity Series; Research, Science and Education Programs; and Program Management. The Crossroads of Humanity Series charted a new course, incorporating lessons learned during previous quarters into a series of programs designed to address environmental issues in a real world setting. Reports are included on the various research programs with milestones and deliverables from the third quarter.« less

PERCEIVED FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING DEDICATED ELDER ABUSE PROGRAMS OF CARE AT HOSPITAL-BASED SEXUAL ASSAULT/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TREATMENT CENTETR.

PubMed

Du Mont, Janice; Mirzaei, Aftab; Macdonald, Sheila; White, Meghan; Kosa, Daisy; Reimer, Linda

2014-12-01

Elder abuse is an increasingly important issue that must be addressed in a systematic and coordinated way. Our objective was to evaluate the perceived feasibility of establishing an elder abuse care program at hospital-based sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centers in Ontario, Canada. In July 2012, a questionnaire focused on elder abuse care was distributed to all of Ontario's Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SA/DVTC) Program Coordinators/Managers. We found that the majority of Program Coordinators/ Managers favored expansion of their program mandates to include an elder abuse care program. However, these respondents viewed collaboration with a large network of well trained professionals and available services in the community that address elder abuse as integral to responding in a coordinated manner. The expansion of health services to address the needs of abused older adults in a comprehensive and integrated manner should be considered as an important next step for hospital-based violence care programs worldwide.

Assessing Heat-to-Heat Variations Affecting Mechanism Based Modeling of Hydrogen Environment Cracking (HEAC) in High Strength Alloys for Marine Applications: Monel K-500

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-28

PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER N/A 6. AUTHOR( S ) John R. Scully 5d. PROJECT NUMBER N/A 5e. TASK NUMBER N/A 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER N/A 7. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Virginia Office of Sponsored Programs P.O. Box 400195 Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4195 8...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 140116-101-GG11530-31340 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Office of Naval Research

Scaffold: Quantum Programming Language

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-24

Europe, 2012. [8] B. Eastin and S . T. Flammia , “Q-circuit tutorial,” arXiv:quant-ph/0406003v2. [9] A. I. Faruque et al., “Scaffold: Quantum Programming...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Scaffold: Quantum Programming Language 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d...PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Princeton University,Department of Computer

Elections: DOD Can Strengthen Evaluation of Its Absentee Voting Assistance Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

Evaluation of Its Absentee Voting Assistance Program June 2010 GAO-10-476 Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public...4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Elections: DOD Can Strengthen Evaluation of Its Absentee Voting Assistance Program 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c...PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES

Final Report from The University of Texas at Austin for DEGAS: Dynamic Global Address Space programming environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erez, Mattan; Yelick, Katherine; Sarkar, Vivek

The Dynamic, Exascale Global Address Space programming environment (DEGAS) project will develop the next generation of programming models and runtime systems to meet the challenges of Exascale computing. Our approach is to provide an efficient and scalable programming model that can be adapted to application needs through the use of dynamic runtime features and domain-specific languages for computational kernels. We address the following technical challenges: Programmability: Rich set of programming constructs based on a Hierarchical Partitioned Global Address Space (HPGAS) model, demonstrated in UPC++. Scalability: Hierarchical locality control, lightweight communication (extended GASNet), and ef- ficient synchronization mechanisms (Phasers). Performance Portability:more » Just-in-time specialization (SEJITS) for generating hardware-specific code and scheduling libraries for domain-specific adaptive runtimes (Habanero). Energy Efficiency: Communication-optimal code generation to optimize energy efficiency by re- ducing data movement. Resilience: Containment Domains for flexible, domain-specific resilience, using state capture mechanisms and lightweight, asynchronous recovery mechanisms. Interoperability: Runtime and language interoperability with MPI and OpenMP to encourage broad adoption.« less

Issues and Actions: Dialogues from Wingspread. Proceedings of the Conference on Adolescent Pregnancy: State Policies and Programs (Racine, Wisconsin, August 19-21, 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mott (C.S.) Foundation, Flint, MI.

Proceedings of a conference on adolescent pregnancy are presented in this document. Eunice Kennedy Shriver's opening address, in which she urged the building of "communities of caring" is summarized, as is the address by Gina C. Adams who discussed recent findings on the topic of adolescent pregnancy. Several programs developed to address the…

Using The GLOBE Program to address the Global Development Goals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegner, K.; Murphy, T.; Wigbels, L.; Mauriello, H.; Kucera, P. A.

2016-12-01

The GLOBE Program (globe.gov) is an international science and education program in more than 110 countries that provides students and the public worldwide the opportunity to participate in the scientific process through Earth observations and geospatial information. To address the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, The GLOBE Program has collaborated with with international organizations such as the UNEP, Peace Corps, USAID, UNESCO, Eco-Schools, and SciStarter to address the Goals for Sustainable Development. In this presentation, GLOBE will share the alignment materials that they have created to provide pathways to achieving the goals, as well as present case studies that demonstrate how the GLOBE community uses GLOBE protocols as Earth observations to monitor and communicate environmental indicators aligned to the Global Development Goals.

Controlling toxic cyanobacteria: effects of dredging and phosphorus-binding clay on cyanobacteria and microcystins.

PubMed

Lürling, Miquel; Faassen, Elisabeth J

2012-04-01

Sediment dredging and Phoslock(®) addition were applied individually and in combination in an enclosure experiment in a Dutch hypertrophic urban pond. These measures were applied to control eutrophication and reduce the risk of exposure to cyanobacterial toxins. Over the 58 days course of the experiment, cyanobacteria (predominantly Microcystis aeruginosa) gradually decreased until they dropped below the level of detection in the combined treated enclosures, they were reduced in dredged enclosures, but remained flourishing in controls and Phoslock(®) treated enclosures. Cyanobacteria were, however, less abundant in the enclosures (medians chlorophyll-a 30-87 μg l(-1)) than in the pond (median chlorophyll-a 162 μg l(-1)), where also a thick surface scum covered one-third of the pond for many weeks. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower in the combined dredged and Phoslock(®) treated enclosures than in controls. Median SRP concentrations were 24 μg P l(-1) in the combined treatment, 58 μg P l(-1) in dredged enclosures, and 90 μg P l(-1) in controls and 95 μg P l(-1) in Phoslock(®) treated enclosures. Hence, the combined treatment was most effective in decreasing SRP and TP, and in lowering cyanobacterial biomass. Microcystin (MC) concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. MC concentrations and cyanobacterial biomass were positively correlated in all treatments. Mean MC concentrations in controls (71 μg l(-1)), Phoslock(®) treated enclosures (37 μg l(-1)) and dredged enclosures (25 μg l(-1)) exceeded the provisional guideline of 20 μg l(-1), whereas mean MC concentrations were 13 μg l(-1) in the combined treated enclosures. All samples contained the MC variants dmMC-RR, MC-RR, MC-YR, dmMC-LR and MC-LR; traces of MC-LY and nodularin were detected in few samples. The different treatments did not change the relative contribution of the variants to the MC pool; MC profiles in all treatments and the pond showed dominance of MC-RR followed by MC-LR. In the surface scum of the pond, total MC concentration was extremely high (64000 μg l(-1) or 1300 μg g(-1) DW), which poses a serious health hazard to children playing on the banks of the pond. Based on our results and pond characteristics, we propose combined sediment dredging and Phoslock(®) addition, fish removal and strong reduction of duck feeding by the neighborhood as most promising measures controlling cyanobacterial hazards in this pond. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) leaf-proteome profiles after exposure to cylindrospermopsin and a microcystin-LR/cylindrospermopsin mixture: a concentration-dependent response.

PubMed

Freitas, Marisa; Campos, Alexandre; Azevedo, Joana; Barreiro, Aldo; Planchon, Sébastien; Renaut, Jenny; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2015-02-01

The intensification of agricultural productivity is an important challenge worldwide. However, environmental stressors can provide challenges to this intensification. The progressive occurrence of the cyanotoxins cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) as a potential consequence of eutrophication and climate change is of increasing concern in the agricultural sector because it has been reported that these cyanotoxins exert harmful effects in crop plants. A proteomic-based approach has been shown to be a suitable tool for the detection and identification of the primary responses of organisms exposed to cyanotoxins. The aim of this study was to compare the leaf-proteome profiles of lettuce plants exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture. Lettuce plants were exposed to 1, 10, and 100 μg/l CYN and a MC-LR/CYN mixture for five days. The proteins of lettuce leaves were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and those that were differentially abundant were then identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). The biological functions of the proteins that were most represented in both experiments were photosynthesis and carbon metabolism and stress/defense response. Proteins involved in protein synthesis and signal transduction were also highly observed in the MC-LR/CYN experiment. Although distinct protein abundance patterns were observed in both experiments, the effects appear to be concentration-dependent, and the effects of the mixture were clearly stronger than those of CYN alone. The obtained results highlight the putative tolerance of lettuce to CYN at concentrations up to 100 μg/l. Furthermore, the combination of CYN with MC-LR at low concentrations (1 μg/l) stimulated a significant increase in the fresh weight (fr. wt) of lettuce leaves and at the proteomic level resulted in the increase in abundance of a high number of proteins. In contrast, many proteins exhibited a decrease in abundance or were absent in the gels of the simultaneous exposure to 10 and 100 μg/l MC-LR/CYN. In the latter, also a significant decrease in the fr. wt of lettuce leaves was obtained. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of the lettuce response to CYN and MC-LR/CYN and may contribute to the identification of potential protein markers of exposure and proteins that may confer tolerance to CYN and MC-LR/CYN. Furthermore, because lettuce is an important crop worldwide, this study may improve our understanding of the potential impact of these cyanotoxins on its quality traits (e.g., presence of allergenic proteins). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Approaches used by employee assistance programs to address perpetration of intimate partner violence.

PubMed

Walters, Jennifer L Hardison; Pollack, Keshia M; Clinton-Sherrod, Monique; Lindquist, Christine H; McKay, Tasseli; Lasater, Beth M

2012-01-01

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace resources available to employees with problems impacting work performance. EAPs are well-positioned to address intimate partner violence (IPV), a major public health problem with workplace impacts. A purposeful sample of 28 EAPs across the United States was surveyed to identify policies and programs to address IPV, including perpetration. Most EAPs did not report having standardized approaches for addressing IPV perpetration. EAPs also described significant barriers to identifying IPV perpetrators, with the majority relying on self-disclosure on the part of the perpetrator when contacting the EAP. These results suggest that many EAPs--even when interacting with employees who present with issues known to correlate with IPV--are missing a potential opportunity to assess and intervene with IPV perpetrators.

The NASA "PERS" Program: Solid Polymer Electrolyte Development for Advanced Lithium-Based Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, Richard S.; Bennett, William R.

2007-01-01

In fiscal year 2000, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) established a collaborative effort to support the development of polymer-based, lithium-based cell chemistries and battery technologies to address the next generation of aerospace applications and mission needs. The ultimate objective of this development program, which was referred to as the Polymer Energy Rechargeable System (PERS), was to establish a world-class technology capability and U.S. leadership in polymer-based battery technology for aerospace applications. Programmatically, the PERS initiative exploited both interagency collaborations to address common technology and engineering issues and the active participation of academia and private industry. The initial program phases focused on R&D activities to address the critical technical issues and challenges at the cell level. Out of a total of 38 proposals received in response to a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicitation, 18 proposals (13 contracts and 5 grants) were selected for initial award to address these technical challenges. Brief summaries of technical approaches, results and accomplishments of the PERS Program development efforts are presented. With Agency support provided through FY 2004, the PERS Program efforts were concluded in 2005, as internal reorganizations and funding cuts resulted in shifting programmatic priorities within NASA. Technically, the PERS Program participants explored, to various degrees over the lifetime of the formal program, a variety of conceptual approaches for developing and demonstrating performance of a viable advanced solid polymer electrolyte possessing the desired attributes, as well as several participants addressing all components of an integrated cell configuration. Programmatically, the NASA PERS Program was very successful, even though the very challenging technical goals for achieving a viable solid polymer electrolyte material or the overall envisioned long-term, program objectives were not met due to funding reductions. The NASA PERS Program provided research opportunities and generated and disseminated a wealth of new scientific knowledge and technical competencies within the polymer electrolyte area.

Quality Programs for Children and Families: Multiple Perspectives. Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Early Childhood Education (6th, Duluth, Minnesota, October 3-4, 1986).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sword, Jeane, Ed.

Presented are the keynote address and sectional presentations made at a conference on early childhood education. Speakers offered various perspectives on high quality programs for children and families. The keynote address, given by Bettye Caldwell, concerned marketing quality programs for children, exploring internal and external deterrents,…

French Interim MALE UAV Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-02

MINISTÈRE DE LA DÉFENSE June, 13th 2002 Lcl Monsterleet FAF Staff J. Caron EADS S&DE-ISR FRENCH INTERIM MALE UAV PROGRAM 4 INDUSTRIAL STATUS Report...2003 2. REPORT TYPE N/A 3. DATES COVERED - 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE French Interim Male UAV Program 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c...PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) EADS

Addition to the Lewis Chemical Equilibrium Program to allow computation from coal composition data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sevigny, R.

1980-01-01

Changes made to the Coal Gasification Project are reported. The program was developed by equilibrium combustion in rocket engines. It can be applied directly to the entrained flow coal gasification process. The particular problem addressed is the reduction of the coal data into a form suitable to the program, since the manual process is involved and error prone. A similar problem in relating the normal output of the program to parameters meaningful to the coal gasification process is also addressed.

National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tank, Ming H.

1991-01-01

A program to develop the technology for reusable airbreathing hypersonic/transatmospheric vehicles is addressed. Information on the following topics is presented in viewgraph form: (1) the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program schedule; (2) the NASP program organization; (3) competitive strategy; (4) propulsion options; (5) wind tunnel data available for NASP; (6) ground track of envelope expansion; and (7) altitude vs. Mach number. A NASP/Space Shuttle comparison, NASP configuration matrix, and the propulsion concept of a high speed scramjet are also briefly addressed.

78 FR 19745 - Privacy Act of 1974; Privacy Act System of Records

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-02

... address, badge number, monthly commuting cost, email address, years of government service, grade, personal..., rideshare, or other transit program applications, status or participation reports of individuals... Subsidy Program Lead, Logistics Management Division, Location 4, as set forth in Appendix A. NOTIFICATION...

Democratic Learning Communities in Educational Leadership Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Kathryn; Basom, Margaret; Perez, Lynne

2009-01-01

In this article, we address the characteristics of democratic education, examine learning communities in higher education and offer suggestions for faculty in Educational Leadership programs to develop learning communities in their classrooms that more systematically and effectively address issues of democracy. This publication aligns with the…

7 CFR 225.19 - Regional office addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Regional office addresses. 225.19 Section 225.19 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM General Administrative Provisions § 225.19...

7 CFR 225.19 - Regional office addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Regional office addresses. 225.19 Section 225.19 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM General Administrative Provisions § 225.19...

7 CFR 225.19 - Regional office addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Regional office addresses. 225.19 Section 225.19 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM General Administrative Provisions § 225.19...

7 CFR 225.19 - Regional office addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Regional office addresses. 225.19 Section 225.19 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM General Administrative Provisions § 225.19...

Exemplary Programs in Secondary School Biology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McComas, William F.; Penick, John E.

1989-01-01

Summarizes 10 exemplary programs which address topics on individualized biology, a modified team approach, limnology, physical anthropology, the relevance of biology to society, ecology, and health. Provides names and addresses of contact persons for further information. Units cover a broad range of abilities and activities. (RT)

19 CFR 24.22 - Fees for certain services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... following address: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: DTOPS Program Administrator, 6650 Telecom Drive... address: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: DTOPS Program Administrator, 6650 Telecom Drive, Suite....S. Customs and Border Protection, Revenue Division, Attn: User Fee Team, 6650 Telecom Drive, Suite...

19 CFR 24.22 - Fees for certain services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... following address: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: DTOPS Program Administrator, 6650 Telecom Drive... address: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Attn: DTOPS Program Administrator, 6650 Telecom Drive, Suite....S. Customs and Border Protection, Revenue Division, Attn: User Fee Team, 6650 Telecom Drive, Suite...

Community Forays: Addressing Students' Functional Skills in Inclusive Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burcroff, Teri L.; Radogna, Daniel M.; Wright, Erika H.

2003-01-01

This article describes how one inclusive middle school addressed needs of students with significant disabilities for functional community-referenced skills including clothing purchases, buying groceries, eating out, crossing the street, doing laundry, and using a microwave. Program development, program organization, and involvement of peers…

Stirring up the Mud: Using a Community-Based Participatory Approach to Address Health Disparities through a Faith-Based Initiative

PubMed Central

Kaplan, Sue A.; Ruddock, Charmaine; Golub, Maxine; Davis, Joyce; Foley, Robert; Devia, Carlos; Rosen, Rosa; Berry, Carolyn; Barretto, Brenda; Carter, Toni; Irish-Spencer, Evalina; Marchena, Maria; Purcaro, Ellenrita; Calman, Neil

2011-01-01

This case study provides a mid-course assessment of the Bronx Health REACH faith-based initiative four years into its implementation. The study uses qualitative methods to identify lessons learned and to reflect on the benefits and challenges of using a community-based participatory approach for the development and evaluation of a faith-based program designed to address health disparities. Key findings concern the role of pastoral leadership, the importance of providing a religious context for health promotion and health equality messages, the challenges of creating a bilingual/bi-cultural program, and the need to provide management support to the lay program coordinators. The study also identifies lessons learned about community-based evaluation and the importance of addressing community concern about the balance between evaluation and program. Finally, the study identifies the challenges that lie ahead, including issues of program institution-alization and sustainability. PMID:20168022

Developing a trauma-informed, emergency department-based intervention for victims of urban violence.

PubMed

Corbin, Theodore J; Rich, John A; Bloom, Sandra L; Delgado, Dionne; Rich, Linda J; Wilson, Ann S

2011-01-01

The Surgeon General's report on youth violence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other national organizations are calling for public health approaches to the issue of youth violence. Hospital-based violence intervention programs have shown promise in reducing recurrent violence and decreasing future involvement in the criminal justice system. These programs seldom address trauma-related symptoms. We describe a conceptual framework for emergency department-based and hospital-based violence intervention programs that intentionally addresses trauma. The intervention described--Healing Hurt People--is a trauma-informed program designed to intervene in the lives of injured patients at the life-changing moment of violent injury. This community-focused program seeks to reduce recurrent violence among 8- to 30-year-olds through opportunities for healing and connection. Healing Hurt People considers the adversity that patients have experienced during their lives and seeks to break the cycle of violence by addressing this trauma.

Addressing substance abuse and violence in substance use disorder treatment and batterer intervention programs.

PubMed

Timko, Christine; Valenstein, Helen; Lin, Patricia Y; Moos, Rudolf H; Stuart, Gregory L; Cronkite, Ruth C

2012-09-07

Substance use disorders and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) are interrelated, major public health problems. We surveyed directors of a sample of substance use disorder treatment programs (SUDPs; N=241) and batterer intervention programs (BIPs; N=235) in California (70% response rate) to examine the extent to which SUDPs address IPV, and BIPs address substance abuse. Generally, SUDPs were not addressing co-occurring IPV perpetration in a formal and comprehensive way. Few had a policy requiring assessment of potential clients, or monitoring of admitted clients, for violence perpetration; almost one-quarter did not admit potential clients who had perpetrated IPV, and only 20% had a component or track to address violence. About one-third suspended or terminated clients engaging in violence. The most common barriers to SUDPs providing IPV services were that violence prevention was not part of the program's mission, staff lacked training in violence, and the lack of reimbursement mechanisms for such services. In contrast, BIPs tended to address substance abuse in a more formal and comprehensive way; e.g., one-half had a policy requiring potential clients to be assessed, two-thirds required monitoring of substance abuse among admitted clients, and almost one-half had a component or track to address substance abuse. SUDPs had clients with fewer resources (marriage, employment, income, housing), and more severe problems (both alcohol and drug use disorders, dual substance use and other mental health disorders, HIV + status). We found little evidence that services are centralized for individuals with both substance abuse and violence problems, even though most SUDP and BIP directors agreed that help for both problems should be obtained simultaneously in separate programs. SUDPs may have difficulty addressing violence because they have a clientele with relatively few resources and more complex psychological and medical needs. However, policy change can modify barriers to treatment integration and service linkage, such as reimbursement restrictions and lack of staff training.

Violence Goes to School. Keynote Address.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levin, Jack

1998-01-01

Increased juvenile violence in schools has led to suggested solutions that are politically expedient but fail to address what makes violence so appealing. Instead of school uniforms, conflict resolution programs, or media rating systems, a grass roots approach of alternative programs, parental involvement, and youth support systems could repair…

38 CFR 61.43 - Rating criteria for special needs grant applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...; and (4) Address safety and security issues including segregation procedures from other program... activities, physical activity, and plans for social engagement within the program and in the community; (3) Provide opportunities for participants to address life transitional issues and separation and/or loss...

38 CFR 61.43 - Rating criteria for special needs grant applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...; and (4) Address safety and security issues including segregation procedures from other program... activities, physical activity, and plans for social engagement within the program and in the community; (3) Provide opportunities for participants to address life transitional issues and separation and/or loss...

The theory of interface slicing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beck, Jon

1993-01-01

Interface slicing is a new tool which was developed to facilitate reuse-based software engineering, by addressing the following problems, needs, and issues: (1) size of systems incorporating reused modules; (2) knowledge requirements for program modification; (3) program understanding for reverse engineering; (4) module granularity and domain management; and (5) time and space complexity of conventional slicing. The definition of a form of static program analysis called interface slicing is addressed.

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-23

NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service,Library of Congress...Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for the Deepwater program that...sustainment is not a Deepwater program but is displayed to align with the FY2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations

Force Identification from Structural Response

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

STUDENT AT (If applicable) AFIT/CIA Univ of New Mexico A 6c. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) Wright...ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code ) 10. SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS PROGRAM PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT ELEMENT NO. NO. NO. ACCESSION NO. 11. TITLE (h,,clude...FOR PUBLIC RELEASE IAW AFR 190-1 ERNEST A. HAYGOOD, 1st Lt, USAF Executive Officer, Civilian Institution Programs 17. COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS

Harmonizing disease prevention and police practice in the implementation of HIV prevention programs: Up-stream strategies from Wilmington, Delaware

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Improving access to sterile injection equipment is a key component in community-based infectious disease prevention. Implementation of syringe access programs has sometimes been complicated by community opposition and police interference. Case description In 2006, the Delaware legislature authorized a pilot syringe exchange program (SEP). A program designed to prevent, monitor, and respond to possible policing and community barriers before they had a chance to effect program implementation and operation. A program designed to prevent, monitor, and respond to these barriers was planned and implemented by a multidisciplinary team of legal practitioners and public health professionals. Discussion We report on an integrated intervention to address structural barriers to syringe exchange program utilization. This intervention employs community, police and client education combined with systematic surveillance of and rapid response to police interference to preempt the kinds of structural barriers to implementation observed elsewhere. The intervention addresses community concerns and stresses the benefits of syringe exchange programs to officer occupational safety. Conclusions A cohesive effort combining collaboration with and educational outreach to police and community members based on the needs and concerns of these groups as well as SEP clients and potential clients helped establish a supportive street environment for the SEP. Police-driven structural barriers to implementation of public health programs targeting populations engaged in drug use and other illicit behavior can be addressed by up-stream planning, prevention, monitoring and intervention strategies. More research is needed to inform the tailoring of interventions to address police-driven barriers to HIV prevention services, especially among marginalized populations. PMID:22591836

Standards Policies to Support Young Dual Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rendon, Thomas; Harjusola-Webb, Sanna; Gatmaitan, Michelle

2014-01-01

In response to increasing numbers of young dual language learners (DLL) in American early childhood programs, teachers and administrators have made many and varied attempts to address the unique needs of this population. Educational success for DLLs comes through skilled educators who address relevant content through high-quality programs and…

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Middle Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beddoes, Zack; Castelli, Darla M.

2017-01-01

Physical activity declines among children in their tweens and teens. To address physical inactivity as a health risk, national organizations are endorsing the implementation of comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs). The purpose of this article is to describe the history of school-coordinated approaches to addressing health…

75 FR 13284 - Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Request for Nominations to the Pesticide Program Dialogue...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-19

... racial and ethnic groups. Vacancies are expected to be filled by late spring 2010. Additional sources may... Fehrenbach at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT...; e-mail address: [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A...

The Time-Limited Hot Line.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loring, Marti Tamm; Wimberley, Edward T.

1993-01-01

Notes that media have become involved in creating programs and addressing issues that have been historically exclusive purview of mental health and human services agencies. Explains how time-limited hot line has been used to address specific issues raised by these programs. Provides overview of this type of hot line, offering triangular model of…

Wellness-Based Group Counseling with Elementary Students in Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perepiczka, Michelle

2009-01-01

Students in Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs) have a variety of behavior problems. School counselors in DAEPs have the opportunity to address emotional, academic, social, and behavioral concerns of these students. Counselors may use the strengths-based wellness paradigm as an alternative method of addressing students' holistic…

Telecommunications Policy Research Conference 1987. Program [and] Keynote Address by Morris Tanenbaum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Telecommunications Policy Research Conference, Inc., Washington, DC.

Panelists, discussants, and speakers at the 20 sessions of this three-day conference on telecommunications policy research are listed under the appropriate sessions in this conference program, as well luncheon and dinner speakers. Topics addressed by the various sessions include: federal regulatory policies and technical change in…

77 FR 67804 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Application for Client Assistance Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-14

...: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before January 14, 2013. ADDRESSES: Comments... Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection... provided under the Rehabilitation Act including the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Dated: November 8...

Department of Defense high power laser program guidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Clifford H.

1994-06-01

The DoD investment of nominally $200 million per year is focused on four high power laser (HPL) concepts: Space-Based Laser (SBL), a Ballistic Missile Defense Organization effort that addresses boost-phase intercept for Theater Missile Defense and National Missile Defense; Airborne Laser (ABL), an Air Force effort that addresses boost-phase intercept for Theater Missile Defense; Ground-Based Laser (GBL), an Air Force effort addressing space control; and Anti-Ship Missile Defense (ASMD), a Navy effort addressing ship-based defense. Each organization is also supporting technology development with the goal of achieving less expensive, brighter, and lighter high power laser systems. These activities represent the building blocks of the DoD program to exploit the compelling characteristics of the high power laser. Even though DoD's HPL program are focused and moderately strong, additional emphasis in a few technical areas could help reduce risk in these programs. In addition, a number of options are available for continuing to use the High-Energy Laser System Test Facility (HELSTF) at White Sands Missile Range. This report provides a brief overview and guidance for the five efforts which comprise the DoD HPL program (SBL, ABL, GBL, ASMD, HELSTF).

Integrating Interprofessional Education and Cultural Competency Training to Address Health Disparities.

PubMed

McElfish, Pearl Anna; Moore, Ramey; Buron, Bill; Hudson, Jonell; Long, Christopher R; Purvis, Rachel S; Schulz, Thomas K; Rowland, Brett; Warmack, T Scott

2018-01-01

Many U.S. medical schools have accreditation requirements for interprofessional education and training in cultural competency, yet few programs have developed programs to meet both of these requirements simultaneously. Furthermore, most training programs to address these requirements are broad in nature and do not focus on addressing health disparities. The lack of integration may reduce the students' ability to apply the knowledge learned. Innovative programs that combine these two learning objectives and focus on disenfranchised communities are needed to train the next generation of health professionals. A unique interprofessional education program was developed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest. The program includes experiential learning, cultural exposure, and competence-building activities for interprofessional teams of medicine, nursing, and pharmacy students. The activities include (a) educational seminars, (b) clinical experiential learning in a student-led clinic, and (c) community-based service-learning through health assessments and survey research events. The program focuses on interprofessional collaboration to address the health disparities experienced by the Marshallese community in northwest Arkansas. The Marshallese are Pacific Islanders who suffer from significant health disparities related to chronic and infectious diseases. Comparison tests revealed statistically significant changes in participants' retrospectively reported pre/posttest scores for Subscales 1 and 2 of the Readiness for Interpersonal Learning Scale and for the Caffrey Cultural Competence in Healthcare Scale. However, no significant change was found for Subscale 3 of the Readiness for Interpersonal Learning Scale. Qualitative findings demonstrated a change in students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward working with other professions and the underserved population. The program had to be flexible enough to meet the educational requirements and class schedules of the different health professions' education programs. The target community spoke limited English, so providing interpretation services using bilingual Marshallese community health workers was integral to the program's success.

Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-18

ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES... Lessons in Shipbuilding Program Failures,” GovernmentExecutive.com, September 24, 2008) quoted Admiral Gary Roughead, the Chief of Naval Operations, as...the schedule for procuring CG(X)s is properly aligned with foreign-country ballistic missile development programs. A 2005 defense trade press report

Systems Engineering Technical Leadership Development Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-30

technology-based competitive advantage can be part of firm’s business strategy.  Review the Porter Model . Return to Syllabus UNCLASSIFIED 66...Program 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Stevens Institute of Technology,Systems Engineering Research Center,Castle Point on the Hudson,Hoboken,NJ

The Reach Address Database (RAD)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Reach Address Database (RAD) stores reach address information for each Water Program feature that has been linked to the underlying surface water features (streams, lakes, etc) in the National Hydrology Database (NHD) Plus dataset.

Bystander programs addressing sexual violence on college campuses: A systematic review and meta-analysis of program outcomes and delivery methods.

PubMed

Jouriles, Ernest N; Krauss, Alison; Vu, Nicole L; Banyard, Victoria L; McDonald, Renee

2018-02-06

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of bystander programs that address sexual violence on college campuses. Program effects on student attitudes/beliefs and bystander behavior were examined. Durability of program outcomes and the influence of program-delivery methods (e.g., facilitator-led programs vs. video, online or poster campaign programs) and program-parameters (e.g., program length) were also evaluated. Twenty-four studies met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, and 207 separate results from these studies were coded. Students who participated in a bystander program, compared to those who had not, had more pro-social attitudes/beliefs about sexual violence and intervening to prevent it, and engaged in more bystander behavior. Program effects diminished over time, but meaningful changes persisted for at least three months following program delivery. Longer programs had greater effects than shorter programs on attitudes/beliefs. Bystander programs can be a valuable addition to colleges' violence prevention efforts.

Justice for All? Suspension Bans and Restorative Justice Programs in the Los Angeles Unified School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hashim, Ayesha K.; Strunk, Katharine O.; Dhaliwal, Tasminda K.

2018-01-01

To address disproportionalities in suspensions for students of color, many districts have prohibited schools from suspending students for willful defiance of school authorities and implemented restorative justice programs (RJP) that address student misconduct using alternative conflict resolution practices. However, there is limited evidence on…

Information Management: Records Management: Official Mail and Distribution Management

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-11-30

Official Mail Cost Control Program and the Department of the Army Official Mail and Distribution Management Program. It addresses the use of postage meters...mailing permits, special mail services, postage stamps, correspondence distribution management , mailing procedures for certain U.S. Army activities and U.S. citizens overseas, and street addressing of correspondence.

School Districts-University Partnerships: A College-Readiness Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Labas, Gladys; Minaya Rowe, Liliana

2010-01-01

This paper reports on how ten school districts and a state university system address a state-funded college readiness program for high school student achievement in mathematics and English. It addresses in qualitative and quantitative detail: (a) the school-university partnership designed to decrease the number of high school students that require…

Promoting Probabilistic Programming System (PPS) Development in Probabilistic Programming for Advancing Machine Learning (PPAML)

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-03-01

MARCH 2018 FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED STINFO COPY AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY INFORMATION...SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Air Force Research Laboratory/RITA DARPA 525 Brooks Road 675 North Randolph Street Rome...1 3.0 METHODS , ASSUMPTIONS, AND PROCEDURES

77 FR 14538 - Announcement of Funding Awards Family Unification Program (FUP) Fiscal Year (FY) 2010

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-12

... announcement contains the consolidated names and addresses of the award recipients for this year under the FUP.... Appendix A Fiscal Year 2010 Funding Awards for the Family Unification Program Recipient Address City State... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. 5415-FA-15] Announcement of Funding Awards...

Highway research : the Second Strategic Highway Research Program addresses the four required areas, but some anticipated research was not funded : report to congressional committees.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-02-01

The 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users authorized the Department of Transportation to establish a highway research program to address future challenges facing the U.S. highway system. In 2006, th...

Lived Experiences of School Counselors Who Address Mental Health Needs through Evidenced-Based Educational Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olds, Kelley Yvette

2017-01-01

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of school counselors who address the mental health needs of students through at least one of the following educational evidenced-based programs: Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, Response to Intervention, Restorative Practices, and Student…

Training Evaluation as an Integral Component of Training for Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lapp, H. J., Jr.

A training evaluation system should address four major areas: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. The training evaluation system at GPU Nuclear Corporation addresses each of these areas through practical approaches such as course and program evaluation. GPU's program evaluation instrument uses a Likert-type scale to assess task development,…

Pathways to Leadership and Professional Development: Inspiring Novice Special Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Roberta C.; Ring, Mary

2011-01-01

Well-trained new special education teachers know that the individualized education program (IEP) team is the crux of the special education program. The IEP team addresses academic goals and behavior intervention plans for the student but rarely addresses in depth the social environment of the school, classroom, or family. Important aspects of the…

What Assessment Knowledge and Skills Do Initial Teacher Education Programs Address? A Western Canadian Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poth, Cheryl-Anne

2012-01-01

Teacher education programs play a crucial role in preparing teachers for their future assessment roles and responsibilities, yet many beginning teachers feel unprepared to assess their students' performances (Mertler, 2009). To address concerns related to the relevancy of pre-service assessment education, this study examined 57 syllabi from…

A national survey of state mental health authority programs and policies for clients who are parents: a decade later.

PubMed

Biebel, Kathleen; Nicholson, Joanne; Geller, Jeffrey; Fisher, William

2006-01-01

This study presents a survey of State Mental Health Authorities' (SMHA) programs and policies addressing the needs of adult clients in their role as parent. Six program and policy areas (parent status identification, parent-focused residential programs, parent functioning assessment, outpatient services for parents, policies for hospitalized parents, and policies for hospitalized pregnant women) are examined. Results of the most recent 1999 survey are compared with results from a similar 1990 survey. This comparison reveals that the majority of SMHAs continue to overlook adult clients in their parenting role, and few SMHA programs and policies address issues of parenting.

Good, now keep going: challenging the status quo in STEM pipeline and access programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiseman, Dawn; Herrmann, Randy

2018-03-01

This contribution engages in conversation with McMahon, Griese, and Kenyon (this issue) to consider how the SURE program they describe represents a pragmatic approach to addressing the issue of underrepresentation of Indigenous people in STEM post-secondary programs. We explore how such programs are generally positioned and how they might be positioned differently to challenge the status quo within Western post-secondary institutions. The challenge arises from moving beyond the immediate pragmatics of addressing an identifiable issue framed as a problem to considering how post-secondary institutions and people developing access recruitment programs might begin unlearning colonialism.

Addressing consumer grievances in medicine: policies and practices of newborn screening programs in the United States.

PubMed

Natowicz, Marvin R; Hiller, Elaine H

2002-01-01

Newborn screening programs collectively administer the largest genetic testing initiative in the United States. The redress of grievances is an important mechanism for consumers to provide input into clinical and public health programs. In this study, we evaluated mechanisms for addressing consumer grievances in newborn screening programs. To do this, we surveyed all 50 state plus the District of Columbia newborn screening programs by questionnaire regarding protocols for receipt and redress of problems reported by parents of newborns and ascertained the existence and nature of complaints and how complaints were documented and addressed. Pertinent state and federal legislation and regulation were also reviewed. Six of 49 newborn screening programs reported having formal policies for handling consumer grievances. Four states reported having pertinent legislation or regulation. Thirty-eight of 49 states reported having received complaints from 1993 to 1995. Thirteen of 49 newborn screening programs reported that they actively seek feedback from consumers. Consumer grievances ranged from minor complaints to potentially life-threatening concerns. In general, complaints are managed on an ad hoc basis; formal policies are typically lacking. As newborn screening programs affect a vast number of Americans, a proactive and comprehensive approach, including solicitation of consumer feedback, could benefit both newborn screening programs and the public served by them.

Measuring the Impact of Military Family Programs on the Army

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-23

releas*; dis tribuation is unlimited. 23 MARCH 1987 JL 1 8 1 /’W-S US ARMY WAR COLLEGE, CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA 11013 0z SsECURITY CLASSIFICATIOM OF HIS PAGE...ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASKAREA II WORK UNIT NUMBERS US Army War College Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013 II. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS...effectiveness of Military Family Programs, data was gathered using a literature search, the development and employment of a questionaire, and personal

Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-27

ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional...report (Katherine McIntire Peters, “Navy’s Top Officer Sees Lessons in Shipbuilding Program Failures,” GovernmentExecutive.com, September 24, 2008) quoted...40 A related question is whether the schedule for procuring CG(X)s is properly aligned with foreign-country ballistic missile development programs. A

Toward Affordable Systems: Portfolio Analysis and Management for Army Science and Technology Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR (S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Rand...Decision Authority MDAP major defense acquisition program Abbreviations xxvii MIC marginal implementation cost MOMC marginal operating and...the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA).1 1 This section is based on U.S. Army, 2003, pp. 30–33. This 2003 Army document had taken into account the

Biological and Environmental Research Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, FY 1992--1994

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

This report is the 1992--1994 Program Director's Overview Report for Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL's) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Program, and as such it addresses KP-funded work at ORNL conducted during FY 1991 and in progress during FY 1992; it also serves as a planning document for the remainder of FY 1992 through FY 1994. Non-BER funded work at ORNL relevant to the mission of OHER is also discussed. The second section of the report describes ORNL facilities and resources used by the BER program. The third section addresses research management practices at ORNL. The fourth, fifth, and sixthmore » sections address BER-funded research in progress, program accomplishments and research highlights, and program orientation for the remainder of FY 1992 through FY 1994, respectively. Work for non-BER sponsors is described in the seventh section, followed by a discussion of significant near and long-term issues facing BER work at ORNL in the eighth section. The last section provides a statistical summary of BER research at ORNL. Appendices supplement the above topics with additional detail.« less

General RMP Guidance - Chapter 7: Prevention Program (Program 3)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Many Program 3 processes are already addressed by the OSHA Process Safety Management Program, which covers on-site consequences. So for compliance with the risk management program, process hazard analysis teams must consider potential offsite consequences.

Educator's Guide to Program Development in Natural Resources: Program Development Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoder, Jon; Maine, Neal

2001-01-01

Distinguishes between natural resource programs and natural resource projects and provides a project planning outline. Addresses critical elements and concerns in the development of natural resource programs. (DDR)

Spacecraft contamination programs within the Air Force Systems Command Laboratories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murad, Edmond

1990-01-01

Spacecraft contamination programs exist in five independent AFSC organizations: Geophysics Laboratory (GL), Arnold Engineering and Development Center (AEDC), Rome Air Development Center (RADC/OSCE), Wright Research and Development Center (MLBT), Armament Laboratory (ATL/SAI), and Space Systems Division (SSD/OL-AW). In addition, a sizable program exists at Aerospace Corp. These programs are complementary, each effort addressing a specific area of expertise: GL's effort is aimed at addressing the effects of on-orbit contamination; AEDC's effort is aimed at ground simulation and measurement of optical contamination; RADC's effort addresses the accumulation, measurement, and removal of contamination on large optics; MLBT's effort is aimed at understanding the effect of contamination on materials; ATL's effort is aimed at understanding the effect of plume contamination on systems; SSD's effort is confined to the integration of some contamination experiments sponsored by SSD/CLT; and Aerospace Corp.'s effort is aimed at supporting the needs of the using System Program Offices (SPO) in specific areas, such as contamination during ground handling, ascent phase, laboratory measurements aimed at understanding on-orbit contamination, and mass loss and mass gain in on-orbit operations. These programs are described in some detail, with emphasis on GL's program.

23 CFR 637.207 - Quality assurance program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... program. (a) Each STD's quality assurance program shall provide for an acceptance program and an independent assurance (IA) program consisting of the following: (1) Acceptance program. (i) Each STD's... STD shall establish a dispute resolution system. The dispute resolution system shall address the...

23 CFR 637.207 - Quality assurance program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... program. (a) Each STD's quality assurance program shall provide for an acceptance program and an independent assurance (IA) program consisting of the following: (1) Acceptance program. (i) Each STD's... STD shall establish a dispute resolution system. The dispute resolution system shall address the...

23 CFR 637.207 - Quality assurance program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... program. (a) Each STD's quality assurance program shall provide for an acceptance program and an independent assurance (IA) program consisting of the following: (1) Acceptance program. (i) Each STD's... STD shall establish a dispute resolution system. The dispute resolution system shall address the...

Advanced Durability and Damage Tolerance Design and Analysis Methods for Composite Structures: Lessons Learned from NASA Technology Development Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Charles E.; Starnes, James H., Jr.; Shuart, Mark J.

2003-01-01

Aerospace vehicles are designed to be durable and damage tolerant. Durability is largely an economic life-cycle design consideration whereas damage tolerance directly addresses the structural airworthiness (safety) of the vehicle. However, both durability and damage tolerance design methodologies must address the deleterious effects of changes in material properties and the initiation and growth of microstructural damage that may occur during the service lifetime of the vehicle. Durability and damage tolerance design and certification requirements are addressed for commercial transport aircraft and NASA manned spacecraft systems. The state-of-the-art in advanced design and analysis methods is illustrated by discussing the results of several recently completed NASA technology development programs. These programs include the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology Program demonstrating technologies for large transport aircraft and the X-33 hypersonic test vehicle demonstrating technologies for a single-stage-to-orbit space launch vehicle.

Temperature Effects Explain Continental Scale Distribution of Cyanobacterial Toxins

PubMed Central

Mantzouki, Evanthia; Fastner, Jutta; de Senerpont Domis, Lisette; Wilk-Woźniak, Elżbieta; Koreivienė, Judita; Verstijnen, Yvon; Krztoń, Wojciech; Walusiak, Edward; Karosienė, Jūratė; Kasperovičienė, Jūratė; Savadova, Ksenija; Vitonytė, Irma; Budzyńska, Agnieszka; Szeląg-Wasielewska, Elżbieta; Domek, Piotr; Messyasz, Beata; Pełechata, Aleksandra; Pełechaty, Mariusz; Kokocinski, Mikolaj; García-Murcia, Ana; Real, Monserrat; Romans, Elvira; Noguero-Ribes, Jordi; Duque, David Parreño; Karakaya, Nusret; Häggqvist, Kerstin; Beklioğlu, Meryem; Filiz, Nur; Iskin, Uğur; Bezirci, Gizem; Tavşanoğlu, Ülkü Nihan; Panou, Manthos; Fakioglu, Özden; Avagianos, Christos; Çelik, Kemal; Yilmaz, Mete; Marcé, Rafael; Buck, Moritz; Colom-Montero, William; Mustonen, Kristiina; Pierson, Don; Yang, Yang; Raposeiro, Pedro M.; Antoniou, Maria G.; Tsiarta, Nikoletta; McCarthy, Valerie; Perello, Victor C.; Feldmann, Tõnu; Panksep, Kristel; Tuvikene, Lea; Gagala, Ilona; Çınar, Şakir; Çapkın, Kadir; Yağcı, Abdulkadir; Cesur, Mehmet; Bilgin, Fuat; Bulut, Cafer; Uysal, Rahmi; Boscaini, Adriano; Cerasino, Leonardo; Richardson, Jessica; Visser, Petra M.; Verspagen, Jolanda M. H.; Karan, Tünay; Ochocka, Agnieszka; Pasztaleniec, Agnieszka; Köker, Latife; Albay, Meriç; Maronić, Dubravka Špoljarić; Stević, Filip; Pfeiffer, Tanja Žuna; Fonvielle, Jeremy; Rothhaupt, Karl-Otto; Hansson, Lars-Anders; Bláha, Luděk; Geriš, Rodan; Fránková, Markéta; Koçer, Mehmet Ali Turan; Alp, Mehmet Tahir; Remec-Rekar, Spela; Elersek, Tina; Hiskia, Anastasia; Haande, Sigrid; Skjelbred, Birger; Madrecka, Beata; Nemova, Hana; Drastichova, Iveta; Chomova, Lucia; Edwards, Christine; Sevindik, Tuğba Ongun; Tunca, Hatice; Önem, Burçin; Aleksovski, Boris; Krstić, Svetislav; Vucelić, Itana Bokan; Nawrocka, Lidia; Salmi, Pauliina; Machado-Vieira, Danielle; de Oliveira, Alinne Gurjão; Delgado-Martín, Jordi; García, David; Cereijo, Jose Luís; Trapote, Mari Carmen; Obrador, Biel; Grabowska, Magdalena; Chmura, Damian; Úbeda, Bárbara; Warming, Trine Perlt; Kobos, Justyna; Mazur-Marzec, Hanna; Arvola, Lauri; Alcaraz-Párraga, Pablo; Toporowska, Magdalena; Pawlik-Skowronska, Barbara; Niedźwiecki, Michał; Pęczuła, Wojciech; Moreno-Ostos, Enrique; Blanco, José María; Rodríguez, Valeriano; Montes-Pérez, Jorge Juan; Palomino, Roberto L.; Rodríguez-Pérez, Estela; Carballeira, Rafael; Picazo, Antonio; Santamans, Anna C.; Ferriol, Carmen; Romo, Susana; Dunalska, Julita; Sieńska, Justyna; Szymański, Daniel; Kostrzewska-Szlakowska, Iwona; Jasser, Iwona; Žutinić, Petar; Udovič, Marija Gligora; Plenković-Moraj, Anđelka; Frąk, Magdalena; Bańkowska-Sobczak, Agnieszka; Wasilewicz, Michał; Özkan, Korhan; Kangro, Kersti; Ibelings, Bas W.

2018-01-01

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains. PMID:29652856

Temperature Effects Explain Continental Scale Distribution of Cyanobacterial Toxins.

PubMed

Mantzouki, Evanthia; Lürling, Miquel; Fastner, Jutta; de Senerpont Domis, Lisette; Wilk-Woźniak, Elżbieta; Koreivienė, Judita; Seelen, Laura; Teurlincx, Sven; Verstijnen, Yvon; Krztoń, Wojciech; Walusiak, Edward; Karosienė, Jūratė; Kasperovičienė, Jūratė; Savadova, Ksenija; Vitonytė, Irma; Cillero-Castro, Carmen; Budzyńska, Agnieszka; Goldyn, Ryszard; Kozak, Anna; Rosińska, Joanna; Szeląg-Wasielewska, Elżbieta; Domek, Piotr; Jakubowska-Krepska, Natalia; Kwasizur, Kinga; Messyasz, Beata; Pełechaty, Aleksandra; Pełechaty, Mariusz; Kokocinski, Mikolaj; García-Murcia, Ana; Real, Monserrat; Romans, Elvira; Noguero-Ribes, Jordi; Duque, David Parreño; Fernández-Morán, Elísabeth; Karakaya, Nusret; Häggqvist, Kerstin; Demir, Nilsun; Beklioğlu, Meryem; Filiz, Nur; Levi, Eti E.; Iskin, Uğur; Bezirci, Gizem; Tavşanoğlu, Ülkü Nihan; Özhan, Koray; Gkelis, Spyros; Panou, Manthos; Fakioglu, Özden; Avagianos, Christos; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; Çelik, Kemal; Yilmaz, Mete; Marcé, Rafael; Catalán, Nuria; Bravo, Andrea G.; Buck, Moritz; Colom-Montero, William; Mustonen, Kristiina; Pierson, Don; Yang, Yang; Raposeiro, Pedro M.; Gonçalves, Vítor; Antoniou, Maria G.; Tsiarta, Nikoletta; McCarthy, Valerie; Perello, Victor C.; Feldmann, Tõnu; Laas, Alo; Panksep, Kristel; Tuvikene, Lea; Gagala, Ilona; Mankiewicz-Boczek, Joana; Yağcı, Meral Apaydın; Çınar, Şakir; Çapkın, Kadir; Yağcı, Abdulkadir; Cesur, Mehmet; Bilgin, Fuat; Bulut, Cafer; Uysal, Rahmi; Obertegger, Ulrike; Boscaini, Adriano; Flaim, Giovanna; Salmaso, Nico; Cerasino, Leonardo; Richardson, Jessica; Visser, Petra M.; Verspagen, Jolanda M. H.; Karan, Tünay; Soylu, Elif Neyran; Maraşlıoğlu, Faruk; Napiórkowska-Krzebietke, Agnieszka; Ochocka, Agnieszka; Pasztaleniec, Agnieszka; Antão-Geraldes, Ana M.; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Morais, João; Vale, Micaela; Köker, Latife; Akçaalan, Reyhan; Albay, Meriç; Špoljarić Maronić, Dubravka; Stević, Filip; Žuna Pfeiffer, Tanja; Fonvielle, Jeremy; Straile, Dietmar; Rothhaupt, Karl-Otto; Hansson, Lars-Anders; Urrutia-Cordero, Pablo; Bláha, Luděk; Geriš, Rodan; Fránková, Markéta; Koçer, Mehmet Ali Turan; Alp, Mehmet Tahir; Remec-Rekar, Spela; Elersek, Tina; Triantis, Theodoros; Zervou, Sevasti-Kiriaki; Hiskia, Anastasia; Haande, Sigrid; Skjelbred, Birger; Madrecka, Beata; Nemova, Hana; Drastichova, Iveta; Chomova, Lucia; Edwards, Christine; Sevindik, Tuğba Ongun; Tunca, Hatice; Önem, Burçin; Aleksovski, Boris; Krstić, Svetislav; Vucelić, Itana Bokan; Nawrocka, Lidia; Salmi, Pauliina; Machado-Vieira, Danielle; de Oliveira, Alinne Gurjão; Delgado-Martín, Jordi; García, David; Cereijo, Jose Luís; Gomà, Joan; Trapote, Mari Carmen; Vegas-Vilarrúbia, Teresa; Obrador, Biel; Grabowska, Magdalena; Karpowicz, Maciej; Chmura, Damian; Úbeda, Bárbara; Gálvez, José Ángel; Özen, Arda; Christoffersen, Kirsten Seestern; Warming, Trine Perlt; Kobos, Justyna; Mazur-Marzec, Hanna; Pérez-Martínez, Carmen; Ramos-Rodríguez, Eloísa; Arvola, Lauri; Alcaraz-Párraga, Pablo; Toporowska, Magdalena; Pawlik-Skowronska, Barbara; Niedźwiecki, Michał; Pęczuła, Wojciech; Leira, Manel; Hernández, Armand; Moreno-Ostos, Enrique; Blanco, José María; Rodríguez, Valeriano; Montes-Pérez, Jorge Juan; Palomino, Roberto L.; Rodríguez-Pérez, Estela; Carballeira, Rafael; Camacho, Antonio; Picazo, Antonio; Rochera, Carlos; Santamans, Anna C.; Ferriol, Carmen; Romo, Susana; Soria, Juan Miguel; Dunalska, Julita; Sieńska, Justyna; Szymański, Daniel; Kruk, Marek; Kostrzewska-Szlakowska, Iwona; Jasser, Iwona; Žutinić, Petar; Gligora Udovič, Marija; Plenković-Moraj, Anđelka; Frąk, Magdalena; Bańkowska-Sobczak, Agnieszka; Wasilewicz, Michał; Özkan, Korhan; Maliaka, Valentini; Kangro, Kersti; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Paerl, Hans W.; Carey, Cayelan C.; Ibelings, Bas W.

2018-04-13

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains.

Hepatotoxicity induced by paclitaxel interaction with turmeric in association with a microcystin from a contaminated dietary supplement.

PubMed

Costa, Maria Luísa; Rodrigues, José A; Azevedo, Joana; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Eiras, Eduardo; Campos, Maria Graça

2018-05-29

A 67-year-old Caucasian male with lung cancer was presented to the Emergency Department with asthenia, anorexia, jaundice and choluria. The patient's lung cancer was being treated medically by a combination of paclitaxel/carboplatin with bi-monthly frequency. The patient was also self-medicating with several natural products, including Chlorella (520 mg/day), Silybum marianum (total of 13.5 mg silymarin/day), zinc sulphate (5.5 mg), selenium (50 μg) and 15 g/day of Curcuma longa. In first chemotherapy cycle no toxicity was observed even he was taking other medications as budesonide and sitagliptin. The toxic events started only after the introduction of the dietary products. Chlorella had contamination with cyanobacteria (Oscillatoriales) and 1.08 μg of cyanotoxin Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) per gram of biomass was found. Patient was consuming ca 0.01 μg MC-LR/kg/day. This case report describes the first known case of paclitaxel toxicity probably related to pharmacokinetic interaction with Turmeric and a contaminated Chlorella supplement resulting in an acute toxic hepatitis and the impact on oncologic patient health. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Examination of New Counselor Mentor Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bass, Erin; Gardner, Lauren; Onwukaeme, Chika; Revere, Dawn; Shepherd, Denise; Parrish, Mark S.

2013-01-01

An analysis of current new counselor mentor programs reveals the need for such programs, but information regarding established programs is limited. A review of the literature addresses program characteristics and data obtained from existing mentor program participants. An overview of four programs explaining the framework outlined for mentoring…

Addressing Social Injustices, Displacement, and Minority Rights through Cases of Culturally Responsive Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stokes, Helga; Chaplin, Shane S.; Dessouky, Shimaa; Aklilu, Liya; Hopson, Rodney K.

2011-01-01

Evaluation of programs that address the lingering effects of human rights abuses during times of conflict is necessary to improve program sustainability and create a knowledge bank about the effectiveness of strategies. Outcomes, however, are hard to measure. Evaluators have to gain understanding of the roots of a conflict, surrounding events,…

Repair, Evaluation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation Research Program: Plastic Concrete Cutoff Walls for Earth Dams

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 REMR-GT-15 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10 . SPONSORINGIMONITORING AGENCY REPORT NUMBER US Army Corps...6 PART II: LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................. 10 General Observations of Recent...Plastic Concrete Research ......... 10 Major Plastic Concrete Research Programs ............................ 13 Plastic Concrete Cutoff Wall Field Case

School as the Entry Point: Assessing Adherence to the Basic Tenets of the Wraparound Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epstein, Michael H.; Nordness, Philip D.; Gallagher, Ken; Nelson, J. Ron; Lewis, Linda; Schrepf, Sheryl

2005-01-01

In an effort to address the problem behaviors of children and youth, professionals have advocated for the implementation of three-tiered prevention programs: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The wraparound approach has been advanced as an appropriate tertiary program that can be used to address the complex behaviors and needs of students and…

Linking Geography to Reading and English Language Learners' Achievement in US Elementary and Middle School Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hinde, Elizabeth R.; Osborn Popp, Sharon E.; Jimenez-Silva, Margarita; Dorn, Ronald I.

2011-01-01

The "GeoLiteracy for English language learners" (ELLs) program is a curriculum that enhances reading and writing skills while teaching geography content for US students in kindergarten through eighth grades. The program includes 85 lesson plans that address all US national geography standards, a quarter of which address environmental…

76 FR 19527 - Medicare Program; Medicare Shared Savings Program: Accountable Care Organizations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-07

... one of the addresses provided below, no later than 5 p.m. on June 6, 2011. ADDRESSES: In commenting... comments by facsimile (FAX) transmission. You may submit comments in one of four ways (please choose only one of the ways listed): 1. Electronically. You may submit electronic comments on this regulation to...

Coast Guard Deepwater Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-10

PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...112 Appendix E. NGSS Testimony...Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for the Deepwater

Perspectives of Puerto Rican Adults about Heart Health and a Potential Community Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Todorova, Irina L. G.; Tejada, Shirley; Castaneda-Sceppa, Carmen

2014-01-01

Background: Puerto Ricans are the second largest Hispanic group in the United States, and older adults have significant health disparities. Educational programs that address heart disease risk for this population have rarely been developed and implemented. Purpose: To address this gap, the Heart Healthy Initiative for Puerto Rican adults is being…

START! The Successful Transitions and Retention Track Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Supporting GED Holders Entering College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nix, J. Vincent; Michalak, Megan B.

2012-01-01

Students entering college face many obstacles to success. Students who received a General Education Development (GED) face additional barriers that must be addressed in order for success in higher education. The Successful Transitions and Retention Track Program employs a holistic approach to addressing the needs of GED holders entering college.

Study Abroad: You Can Get There from Here. A Guide for Women and Men.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of International Education, New York, NY.

This brochure draws on a study of women's participation in international scholarship programs to provide practical information on a variety of issues in study abroad. While much of the information is intended to address barriers faced by women, it is generally also applicable to men. Topics addressed include: accessibility of program information,…

Strategies for Addressing Asthma within a Coordinated School Health Program, with Updated Resources. Revised

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006

2006-01-01

This publication offers concrete suggestions for schools working to improve the health and school attendance of students with asthma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six strategies for schools and districts to consider when addressing asthma within a coordinated school health program. The six strategies detailed…

Efforts to Empower Teachers in Ethiopia to Address Local Environmental Problems: Achievements and Limitations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dalelo, Aklilu

2009-01-01

It is believed that the possibilities of integrating environmental issues into the formal and nonformal education programs depend on the capacity of teachers who put such programs into effect. A pilot project, aimed at building the capacity of schools in Ethiopia to address key environmental issues, was initiated in 2004. Among the major…

Opium, Insurgency, and U.S. Counterdrug Strategy in Afghanistan: A Case for Change

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-14

War College 686 Cushing Road Newport, RI 02841-1207 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES...CONTRACT NUMBER A Case for Change. 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Office of the Provost Naval

Genetics Education in Nurse Residency Programs: A Natural Fit.

PubMed

Hamilton, Nalo M; Stenman, Christina W; Sang, Elaine; Palmer, Christina

2017-08-01

Scientific advances are shedding light on the genetic underpinning of common diseases. With such insight, the entire health care team is faced with the need to address patient questions regarding genetic risk, testing, and the psychosocial aspects of genetics information. Nurses are in a prime position to help with patient education about genetic conditions, yet they often lack adequate genetics education within their nursing curriculum to address patient questions and provide resources. One mechanism to address this knowledge deficit is the incorporation of a genetics-based curriculum into nurse residency programs. This article describes a novel genetics-based curriculum designed and implemented in the UCLA Health System Nurse Residency Program. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(8):379-384. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

Gore proposes doubling U.S. effort for global programs.

PubMed

1999-08-06

To confront the widespread HIV crisis, Vice President Al Gore has proposed a plan for doubling the current U.S. allocations for global programs. Seventy percent of the projected $100 million is earmarked for sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller portions going to Asia and former Soviet republics. The global campaign will address issues including containment, prevention and education efforts, and medical and psychological treatment programs. Several meetings are being scheduled with political leaders, industry, AIDS activists, and foreign leaders to address worldwide problems related to HIV. Most advocacy groups are praising the initiative, stating the U.S. is now recognizing HIV as a foreign policy priority. However, other groups are critical, and state that more funds are needed to effectively address this issue.

Principles of Work Sample Testing. 2. Evaluation of Personnel Testing Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

i ARI TECHNICAL REPORT VE TR-79-A9 Principles of Work Sample Testing: II. Evaluation of Personnel Testing Programs by Robert M. Guion BOWLING GREEN ...STATE UNIVERSITY .Bowling Green , Ohio 43403 April 1979 Contract DAHC 19-77-C-0007 UK 0-. Prepared for C-, LA. U.S. ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE w for the...NAME AND ADDRESS V.PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK Bowl iiq Green ’tate UniversityV Bowlilnq Green , Ohio 4 340i3 11. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS

Teachers, Traditions, and Transformation: Keynote Address Delivered at the 9th Annual Master's Capstone Conference for the Urban Teacher Master's and Certification Program at the University of Pennsylvania on 29 April 2014

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, John F., III

2015-01-01

An alumnus of both Teach For America and the master's program in urban education at the University of Pennsylvania, John F. Smith III delivered the following address on April 29, 2014, to teachers in the 2013 and 2014 cohorts of Teach For America in Philadelphia. Program organizers invited him to provide remarks during the capstone event and to…

Challenges in Measuring Benefit of Clinical Research Training Programs--the ASH Clinical Research Training Institute Example.

PubMed

Sung, Lillian; Crowther, Mark; Byrd, John; Gitlin, Scott D; Basso, Joe; Burns, Linda

2015-12-01

The American Society of Hematology developed the Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI) to address the lack of training in patient-oriented research among hematologists. As the program continues, we need to consider metrics for measuring the benefits of such a training program. This article addresses the benefits of clinical research training programs. The fundamental and key components are education and mentorship. However, there are several other benefits including promotion of collaboration, job and advancement opportunities, and promotion of work-life balance. The benefits of clinical research training programs need to be measured so that funders and society can judge if they are worth the investment in time and resources. Identification of elements that are important to program benefit is essential to measuring the benefit of the program as well as program planning. Future work should focus on the constructs which contribute to benefits of clinical research training programs such as CRTI.

Children/Youth Physical Fitness Program Management System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mozzini, Lou; And Others

Intended for physical fitness program managers, this book presents a system through which these professionals can justify, evaluate, develop, supervise, and promote a sound physical fitness program. Sections address the management stages of: (1) program assessment; (2) program commitment; (3) physical fitness program planning; (4) program…

HIV/AIDS workplace policy addressing epidemic drivers through workplace programs.

PubMed

Chatora, Bridget; Chibanda, Harrington; Kampata, Linda; Wilbroad, Mutale

2018-01-25

HIV workplace policies have become an important tool in addressing the HIV Pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, the National AIDS Council has been advocating for establishing of HIV/AIDS workplace policies to interested companies, however no formal evaluation has been done to assess uptake and implementation. The study aimed to establish the existence of HIV/AIDS policies and programs in the private sector and to understand implementation factors and experiences in addressing HIV epidemic drivers through these programs. A mixed method assessment of the availability of policies was conducted in 128 randomly selected member companies of Zambia Federation of Employers in Lusaka. Categorized variables were analysed on Policy and programs using Stata version 12.0 for associations: Concurrently, 28 in-depth interviews were conducted on purposively sampled implementers. Qualitative results were analysed thematically before integrating them with qualitative findings. Policies were found in 47/128 (36.72%) workplaces and the private sector accounted for 34/47 (72.34%) of all workplaces with a policy. Programs were available in 56/128 (43.75%) workplaces. The availability of policy was 2.7 times more likely to occur with increased size of a workplace, P value = 0.0001, (P < 0.05). Management support was 0.253 times more likely to occur in workplaces with policy, P value = 0.013, (P < 0.05) compared to those without. Having a specific budget for programs was 0.23 times more likely to occur in workplaces with a policy (P < 0.05) than those without a policy. Implementation was hindered by reduced funding, lack of time, sensitisation and lack of monitoring/evaluation systems. HIV awareness (56/56, 100%) and HIV/AIDS/Stigma (47/56, 83.93%) were the most addressed epidemic drivers through programs while Mother to Child Transmission (30/56 53.57%) and Males having sex with males were the least addressed (18/56, 32.14%). HIV/AIDS policies exist in the private sector at a very low proportion but policy translation was very high suggesting that workplaces with polices are likely to implement programs. The eradication of HIV/AIDS by 2030, requires addressing epidemic drivers with a focus on marginalised populations, gender integration, a wellness and rights based approach within the context of the legal framework.

Challenges, Benefits, and Recommendations for Continued Nigerian Peacekeeping

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-02

Peacekeeping 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Peacekeeping. 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ...Larry Stein, USN 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Joint Military Operations Department Naval War College 686 Cushing Road

25 CFR 1000.382 - What may the Tribe's/Consortium's annual report on self-governance address?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...-governance address? 1000.382 Section 1000.382 Indians OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, INDIAN AFFAIRS... report on self-governance address? (a) The Tribe's/Consortium's annual self-governance report may address... the programs and services funded under self-governance, summarized and annotated as the Tribe may deem...

How Well Do Health-Mediation Programs Address the Determinants of the Poor Health Status of Roma? A Longitudinal Case Study.

PubMed

Belak, Andrej; Veselska, Zuzana Dankulincova; Geckova, Andrea Madarasova; Dijk, Jitse P van; Reijneveld, Sijmen A

2017-12-13

In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), health-mediation programs (HMPs) have become central policy instruments targeting health inequities between segregated Roma and general populations. Social determinants of health (SDH) represent the root causes behind health inequities. We therefore evaluated how an HMP based in Slovakia addressed known SDH in its agenda and its everyday implementation. To produce descriptive data on the HMP's agenda and everyday implementation we observed and consulted 70 program participants across organizational levels and 30 program recipients over the long-term. We used a World Health Organization framework on SDH to direct data acquisition and consequent data content analysis, to structure the reporting of results, and to evaluate the program's merits. In its agenda, the HMP did not address most known SDH, except for healthcare access and health-related behaviours. In the HMP's everyday implementation, healthcare access facilitation activities were well received, performed as set out and effective. The opposite was true for most educational activities targeting health-related behaviours. The HMP fieldworkers were proactive and sometimes effective at addressing most other SDH domains beyond the HMP agenda, especially material conditions and psychosocial factors, but also selected local structural aspects. The HMP leaders supported such deliberate engagement only informally, considering the program inappropriate by definition and too unstable institutionally to handle such extensions. Reports indicate that the situation in other CEE HMPs is similar. To increase the HMPs' impact on SDH, their theories and procedures should be adapted according to the programs' more promising actual practice regarding SDH.

Starting With Lucy: Focusing on Human Similarities Rather Than Differences to Address Health Care Disparities.

PubMed

Clementz, Laura; McNamara, Megan; Burt, Nicole M; Sparks, Matthew; Singh, Mamta K

2017-09-01

Multicultural or cultural competence education to address health care disparities using the traditional categorical approach can lead to inadvertent adverse consequences. Nontraditional approaches that address these drawbacks while promoting humanistic care are needed. In September 2014, the Cleveland VA Medical Center's Center of Excellence in Primary Care Education Transforming Outpatient Care (CoEPCE-TOPC) collaborated with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) to develop the Original Identity program, which uses a biocultural anthropologic framework to help learners recognize and address unconscious bias and starts with a discussion of humans' shared origins. The program comprises a two-hour initial learning session at the CMNH (consisting of an educational tour in a museum exhibit, a didactic and discussion section, and patient case studies) and a one-hour wrap-up session at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The authors delivered the complete Original Identity program four times between March and November 2015, with 30 CoEPCE-TOPC learners participating. Learners' mean ratings (n = 29; response rate: 97%) for the three initial learning session questions were consistently high (4.2-4.6) using a five-point scale. Comments to an open-ended question and during the audio-recorded wrap-up sessions also addressed the program objectives and key elements (e.g., bias, assumptions, stereotyping). The authors are completing additional qualitative analysis on the wrap-up session transcriptions to clarify factors that make the program successful, details of learners' experience, and any interprofessional differences in interpreting content. The authors believe this innovative addition to health care education warrants further research.

Perceptions of Attrition and Family Participation: A Qualitative Study of Pediatric Obesity Clinicians

PubMed Central

Skelton, Joseph A.; Irby, Megan B.; Beech, Bettina M.; Rhodes, Scott D.

2012-01-01

Objective The majority of participants drop out of pediatric obesity treatment programs; however, clinicians have little knowledge of how to address this problem. The objective of this study was to explore obesity treatment clinicians’ perceptions of contributors to attrition, as well as methods to maintain family participation. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 pediatric obesity clinicians representing primary care (PC), community-based (CB), and tertiary-care (TC) treatment programs in North Carolina. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a multistage inductive approach. Grounded theory was used to analyze responses. Results Eleven themes emerged from analysis, including: the influence of program elements, family characteristics, and the variety of approaches employed to address retention. Only TC programs reported attempts to address attrition. Patients’ past experiences with obesity treatment, desire for immediate outcomes, and relationships with clinicians were perceived as important factors related to attrition. Other important themes were: families’ understanding of obesity treatment; importance of realistic expectations; and families’ value of treatment. Important differences and similarities among programs were identified. All clinicians reported families came to treatment through physician-, not self-referral. Conclusions Clinicians perceive attrition to be a significant problem in pediatric obesity treatment. As a result of clinical interviews, several potential avenues to address attrition were identified, including: the need for clinicians to develop relationships with families, assist in building appropriate expectations, and address families’ value of treatment. Findings of this study can inform larger investigations of attrition, and guide exploration of family impressions of and experiences in treatment. PMID:22795203

Designing, testing, and implementing a sustainable nurse home visiting program: right@home.

PubMed

Goldfeld, Sharon; Price, Anna; Kemp, Lynn

2018-05-01

Nurse home visiting (NHV) offers a potential platform to both address the factors that limit access to services for families experiencing adversity and provide effective interventions. Currently, the ability to examine program implementation is hampered by a lack of detailed description of actual, rather than expected, program development and delivery in published studies. Home visiting implementation remains a black box in relation to quality and sustainability. However, previous literature would suggest that efforts to both report and improve program implementation are vital for NHV to have population impact and policy sustainability. In this paper, we provide a case study of the design, testing, and implementation of the right@home program, an Australian NHV program and randomized controlled trial. We address existing gaps related to implementation of NHV programs by describing the processes used to develop the program to be trialed, summarizing its effectiveness, and detailing the quality processes and implementation evaluation. The weight of our evidence suggests that NHV can be a powerful and sustainable platform for addressing inequitable outcomes, particularly when the program focuses on parent engagement and partnership, delivers evidence-based strategies shown to improve outcomes, includes fidelity monitoring, and is adapted to and embedded within existing service delivery systems. © 2018 The Authors. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The New York Academy of Sciences.

Developing a smoking cessation program for Turkish-speaking migrants in Switzerland: novel findings and promising effects.

PubMed

Schnoz, Domenic; Schaub, Michael; Schwappach, David L; Salis Gross, Corina

2011-02-01

Recent studies show that smoking prevalence in the Turkish-speaking migrant population in Switzerland is substantially higher than in the general population. A specific group treatment for Turkish-speaking migrants was developed and tested in order to provide the migrant population with equal access to smoking cessation programs and to improve the migration-sensitive quality of such programs by sociocultural targeting. The evaluation of the program included quantitative (questionnaires t1 and t2 and follow-up by telephone) and qualitative methods (participant observation and semi-structured interviews). The results showed that 37.7% of the 61 participants were smoke free at the 12-month follow-up. The factors of being in a partnership and using nicotine replacement products during the program were positively associated with successful cessation. We also demonstrated the importance of "strong ties" (strong relationships between participants) and the sensitivity of the program to sociocultural (e.g., social aspects of smoking in Turkish culture, which were addressed in relapse prevention), socioeconomic (e.g., low financial resources, which were addressed by providing the course for free), and migration-specific (e.g., underdeveloped access to smoking cessation programs, which was addressed using outreach strategy for recruiting) issues. Overall, the smoking cessation program was successfully tested and is now becoming implemented as a regular service of the Swiss Public Health Program for Tobacco Prevention (by the Swiss Association for Smoking Prevention).

Increasing Capacity & Changing the Culture: Volunteer Management in Law Enforcement

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

6. AUTHOR(S) Donna Cayson 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943...5000 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING /MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) N/A 10. SPONSORING/MONITORING...mission performance in a law enforcement agency’s volunteer program? Furthermore, the research will address the role of volunteers in law enforcement

Implementation and Sustainability of an Evidence-Based Program: Lessons Learned from the Prism Applied to "First Step to Success"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodbridge, Michelle W.; Sumi, W. Carl; Yu, Jennifer; Rouspil, Kristen; Javitz, Harold S.; Seeley, John R.; Walker, Hill M.

2014-01-01

Although numerous studies address the efficacy of school-based interventions, fewer focus on how to support sustainability of interventions from the perspective of participants. To address this research gap, we use the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to examine how the characteristics of an evidence-based program interact…

Achieving Adaptability through Inquiry Based Learning

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

BLACK, Ph.D. MICHELLE SAMS, Ph.D. Research Program Manager Director Training and Leader Development Division Technical review by Marisa...Learning 5a. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Thomas M. Duffy (Indiana University) and Pamela...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) School of Education Army Management Staff College Indiana University 5500 21st Street 201

AFRL Defensive IO Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-22

NUMBER Air Force Research Laboratory 525 Brooks Road, Rome NY 13441 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 12a. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for...entire NOSC crew Air Force Enterprise Defense Moving from Data-Centric to Mission-Centric Operations 16 Summary • The AFRL /IF program includes all...William E.; Simpson, Lt. Col Richard 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Air Force

Enhancing Students' Interest in Science and Technology through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Active Learning Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grant, Donna M.; Malloy, Alisha D.; Hollowell, Gail P.

2013-01-01

Twenty-nine rising high school 12th grade students participated in a 4-week summer program designed to increase their interest in science and technology. The program was a blend of hands-on biology, chemistry, and technology modules that addressed the global issue of obesity. Student groups developed websites to address obesity in one of five…

A Self-Evaluation Report of Wisconsin Public Schools, 1991-92: Comprehensive Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wisconsin State Dept. of Public Instruction, Madison.

This publication reports the progress Wisconsin school districts have made toward providing programs that address alcohol and other drug abuse. It begins with an explanation of the problem and a description of Wisconsin's model for addressing the problem. Progress within districts is measured using the model as a standard. Results are presented…

A Study of the Perceptions of Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program Administrators regarding the Integration of Acupuncture and Acupressure in DNP Curricula

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Voight, Rebecca W.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to explore the perceptions of DNP administrators regarding the extent acupuncture and acupressure are addressed in DNP curricula. Five research questions were addressed: 1. What are the perspectives of DNP program administrators regarding acupuncture and acupressure? 2. What are the…

Student and Early Career Mobility Patterns among Highly Educated People in Germany, Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindberg, Matti E.

2009-01-01

This article addresses the question of how great are higher education students' incentives to change study programs or institutions to improve one's personal employability in the course of the higher education-to-work transition process. The posed question is addressed at a system level. Students' mobility between programs and institutions is…

Encouraging the Spiritual Development of Counseling Students and Supervisees Using Fowler's Stages of Faith Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erwin, Terry McVannel

The impact of faith on individuals has been described in research for many years, yet counseling programs often do not address issues of spirituality. Little has been documented about how to integrate spirituality and religious issues into counseling programs and practices. In an attempt to address the need for more discussion on issues of…

Education for Action. Undergraduate and Graduate Programs That Focus on Social Change. Expanded Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Sean, Ed.; Knowles, Alison, Ed.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to graduate and undergraduate programs focusing on social change that are recommended by Food First, a non-profit research and education center with a mission of empowering citizens to address the root causes of hunger, poverty, and environmental decline. Listings provide the name and address of the…

Indigenous Child Health in Brazil: The Evaluation of Impacts as a Human Rights Issue.

PubMed

Coates, Anna R; Del Pino Marchito, Sandra; Vitoy, Bernardino

2016-06-01

Improving the health status of indigenous children is a long-standing challenge. Several United Nations committees have identified the health of indigenous peoples as a human rights concern. Addressing the health of indigenous children cannot be separated from their social, cultural, and historic contexts, and any related health program must offer culturally appropriate services and a community perspective broad enough to address the needs of children and the local worlds in which they live. Evaluations of programs must, therefore, address process as well as impacts. This paper assesses interventions addressing indigenous children's health in Brazil, ranging from those explicitly targeting indigenous children's health, such as the targeted immunization program for indigenous peoples, as well as more generalized programs, including a focus upon indigenous children, such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness. The paper discusses the tensions and complexities of ethnically targeted health interventions as well as the conceptual and methodological challenge of measuring the processes employed and their impact. The lessons learned, especially the need for countries to more systematically collect data and evaluate impacts using ethnicity as an analytical category, are drawn out with respect to ensuring human rights for all within health sector responses.

Indigenous Child Health in Brazil

PubMed Central

del Pino Marchito, Sandra; Vitoy, Bernardino

2016-01-01

Abstract Improving the health status of indigenous children is a long-standing challenge. Several United Nations committees have identified the health of indigenous peoples as a human rights concern. Addressing the health of indigenous children cannot be separated from their social, cultural, and historic contexts, and any related health program must offer culturally appropriate services and a community perspective broad enough to address the needs of children and the local worlds in which they live. Evaluations of programs must, therefore, address process as well as impacts. This paper assesses interventions addressing indigenous children’s health in Brazil, ranging from those explicitly targeting indigenous children’s health, such as the targeted immunization program for indigenous peoples, as well as more generalized programs, including a focus upon indigenous children, such as the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness. The paper discusses the tensions and complexities of ethnically targeted health interventions as well as the conceptual and methodological challenge of measuring the processes employed and their impact. The lessons learned, especially the need for countries to more systematically collect data and evaluate impacts using ethnicity as an analytical category, are drawn out with respect to ensuring human rights for all within health sector responses. PMID:27781012

Addressing vaccine hesitancy: The potential value of commercial and social marketing principles and practices.

PubMed

Nowak, Glen J; Gellin, Bruce G; MacDonald, Noni E; Butler, Robb

2015-08-14

Many countries and communities are dealing with groups and growing numbers of individuals who are delaying or refusing recommended vaccinations for themselves or their children. This has created a need for immunization programs to find approaches and strategies to address vaccine hesitancy. An important source of useful approaches and strategies is found in the frameworks, practices, and principles used by commercial and social marketers, many of which have been used by immunization programs. This review examines how social and commercial marketing principles and practices can be used to help address vaccine hesitancy. It provides an introduction to key marketing and social marketing concepts, identifies some of the major challenges to applying commercial and social marketing approaches to immunization programs, illustrates how immunization advocates and programs can use marketing and social marketing approaches to address vaccine hesitancy, and identifies some of the lessons that commercial and non-immunization sectors have learned that may have relevance for immunization. While the use of commercial and social marketing practices and principles does not guarantee success, the evidence, lessons learned, and applications to date indicate that they have considerable value in fostering vaccine acceptance. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Addressing Dynamic Issues of Program Model Checking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerda, Flavio; Visser, Willem

2001-01-01

Model checking real programs has recently become an active research area. Programs however exhibit two characteristics that make model checking difficult: the complexity of their state and the dynamic nature of many programs. Here we address both these issues within the context of the Java PathFinder (JPF) model checker. Firstly, we will show how the state of a Java program can be encoded efficiently and how this encoding can be exploited to improve model checking. Next we show how to use symmetry reductions to alleviate some of the problems introduced by the dynamic nature of Java programs. Lastly, we show how distributed model checking of a dynamic program can be achieved, and furthermore, how dynamic partitions of the state space can improve model checking. We support all our findings with results from applying these techniques within the JPF model checker.

National trends in IPPE programs at US schools of pharmacy from 2008-2013.

PubMed

Devine, Patricia S; Darbishire, Patricia L

2015-04-25

To determine trends and challenges in introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) programs from 2008-2013. In 2013, a web-based survey was sent to IPPE program administrators at 107 fully accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy. The survey addressed administrative personnel, program structure, and quality assurance issues. Sixty-nine IPPE administrators responded to the survey (64.5% response rate). Within the past 5 years, 4 significant trends occurred in the area of administrative personnel, 7 trends in program structure, and 6 in quality assurance. Clarifications of ACPE Standards through new guidelines and policy statements likely influence many of the 17 trends. Understaffed programs, competition for institutional sites, difficulty conducting site visits, preceptor training, program assessment, documentation maintenance, and individual site requirements are all challenges. The results of this study can be used as a stimulus to address ongoing issues and to enhance the quality of IPPE programs.

Understanding the Business Case for Telemental Health in Rural Communities.

PubMed

Lambert, David; Gale, John; Hartley, David; Croll, Zachariah; Hansen, Anush

2016-07-01

Telemental health has been promoted to address long-standing access barriers to rural mental health care, including low supply and long travel distances. Examples of rural telemental health programs are common; there is a less clear picture of how widely implemented these programs are, their organization, staffing, and services. There is also a need to understand the business case for these programs and assess whether and how they might realize their promise. To address these gaps, a national study was conducted of rural telemental health programs including an online survey of 53 programs and follow-up interviews with 23 programs. This article describes the current landscape and characteristics of these programs and then examines their business case. Can rural telemental health programs be sustained within current delivery systems and reimbursement structures? This question is explored in four areas: need and demand, infrastructure and workforce, funding and reimbursement, and organizational fit and alignment.

Community health clinical education in Canada: part 2--developing competencies to address social justice, equity, and the social determinants of health.

PubMed

Cohen, Benita E; Gregory, David

2009-01-01

Recently, several Canadian professional nursing associations have highlighted the expectations that community health nurses (CHNs) should address the social determinants of health and promote social justice and equity. These developments have important implications for (pre-licensure) CHN clinical education. This article reports the findings of a qualitative descriptive study that explored how baccalaureate nursing programs in Canada address the development of competencies related to social justice, equity, and the social determinants of health in their community health clinical courses. Focus group interviews were held with community health clinical course leaders in selected Canadian baccalaureate nursing programs. The findings foster understanding of key enablers and challenges when providing students with clinical opportunities to develop the CHN role related to social injustice, inequity, and the social determinants of health. The findings may also have implications for nursing programs internationally that are addressing these concepts in their community health clinical courses.

The Asian American Hepatitis B Program: Building a Coalition to Address Hepatitis B Health Disparities

PubMed Central

Trinh-Shevrin, Chau; Pollack, Henry J.; Tsang, Thomas; Park, Jihyun; Ramos, Mary Ruchel; Islam, Nadia; Wang, Su; Chun, Kay; Sim, Shao-Chee; Pong, Perry; Rey, Mariano Jose; Kwon, Simona C.

2012-01-01

Background Community coalitions are increasingly recognized as important strategies for addressing health disparities. By providing the opportunity to pool resources, they provide a means to develop and sustain innovative approaches to affect community health. Objectives This article describes the challenges and lessons learned in building the Asian American Hepatitis B Program (AAHBP) coalition to conduct a community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiative to address hepatitis B (HBV) among New York City Asian-American communities. Methods Using the stages of coalition development as a framework, a comprehensive assessment of the process of developing and implementing the AAHBP coalition is presented. Lessons Learned Findings highlight the importance of developing a sound infrastructure and set of processes to foster a greater sense of ownership, shared vision, and investment in the program. Conclusion Grassroots community organizing and campus–community partnerships can be successfully leveraged to address and prevent a significant health disparity in an underserved and diverse community. PMID:22080774

Polymer Energy Rechargeable System (PERS) Development Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, Richard S.; Manzo, Michelle A.; Dalton, Penni J.; Marsh, Richard A.; Surampudi, Rao

2001-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have recently established a collaborative effort to support the development of polymer-based, lithium-based cell chemistries and battery technologies to address the next generation of aerospace applications and mission needs. The overall objective of this development program, which is referred to as PERS, Polymer Energy Rechargeable System, is to establish a world-class technology capability and U.S. leadership in polymer-based battery technology for aerospace applications. Programmatically, the PERS initiative will exploit both interagency collaborations to address common technology and engineering issues and the active participation of academia and private industry. The initial program phases will focus on R&D activities to address the critical technical issues and challenges at the cell level.

Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program: Program Update 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy

1999-03-01

Annual report on the Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program (CCT Program). The report address the role of the CCT Program, implementation, funding and costs, accomplishments, project descriptions, legislative history, program history, environmental aspects, and project contacts. The project descriptions describe the technology and provides a brief summary of the demonstration results.

Chapter 13: Assessing Persistence and Other Evaluation Issues Cross-Cutting Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurnik, Charles W; Violette, Daniel M.

Addressing other evaluation issues that have been raised in the context of energy efficiency programs, this chapter focuses on methods used to address the persistence of energy savings, which is an important input to the benefit/cost analysis of energy efficiency programs and portfolios. In addition to discussing 'persistence' (which refers to the stream of benefits over time from an energy efficiency measure or program), this chapter provides a summary treatment of these issues -Synergies across programs -Rebound -Dual baselines -Errors in variables (the measurement and/or accuracy of input variables to the evaluation).

Addressing Disruptive Behaviors in an after School Program Classroom: The Effects of the Daily Behavior Report Card

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCorvey, Zamecia J.

2013-01-01

There is a need to address behavior discipline problems in special and general education setting classrooms. Disruptive behaviors are a major concern as they create excessive stress and demands for classroom teachers and school administrators to address them. Effective interventions are needed to properly address them. Moreover, classroom…

The Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program at Mayo Clinic

PubMed Central

Mueller, Paul S.; McConahey, Linda L.; Orvidas, Laura J.; Jenkins, Sarah M.; Kasten, Mary J.

2010-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To describe the history, objectives, statistics, and initiatives used to address challenges associated with the Mayo Clinic Visiting Medical Student (VMS) Clerkship Program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mayo Clinic administrative records were reviewed for calendar years 1995 through 2008 to determine the effect of interventions to increase the numbers of appropriately qualified international VMSs and underrepresented minority VMSs. For numerical data, descriptive statistics were used; for comparisons, χ2 tests were performed. RESULTS: During the specified period, 4908 VMSs participated in the Mayo VMS Program (yearly mean [SD], 351 [24]). Most students were from US medical schools (3247 [66%]) and were male (3084 [63%]). Overall, 3101 VMSs (63%) applied for and 935 (30%) were appointed to Mayo Clinic residency program positions. Interventions to address the challenge of large numbers of international students who participated in our VMS program but did not apply for Mayo residency positions resulted in significantly fewer international students participating in our VMS program (P<.001), applying for Mayo residency program positions (P<.001), and being appointed to residency positions (P=.001). Interventions to address the challenge of low numbers of underrepresented minority students resulted in significantly more of these students participating in our VMS program (P=.005), applying for Mayo residency positions (P=.008), and being appointed to residency positions (P=.04). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that specific interventions can affect the characteristics of students who participate in VMS programs and who apply for and are appointed to residency program positions. PMID:20675510

The visiting medical student clerkship program at Mayo Clinic.

PubMed

Mueller, Paul S; McConahey, Linda L; Orvidas, Laura J; Jenkins, Sarah M; Kasten, Mary J

2010-08-01

To describe the history, objectives, statistics, and initiatives used to address challenges associated with the Mayo Clinic Visiting Medical Student (VMS) Clerkship Program. Mayo Clinic administrative records were reviewed for calendar years 1995 through 2008 to determine the effect of interventions to increase the numbers of appropriately qualified international VMSs and underrepresented minority VMSs. For numerical data, descriptive statistics were used; for comparisons, chi(2) tests were performed. During the specified period, 4908 VMSs participated in the Mayo VMS Program (yearly mean [SD], 351 [24]). Most students were from US medical schools (3247 [66%]) and were male (3084 [63%]). Overall, 3101 VMSs (63%) applied for and 935 (30%) were appointed to Mayo Clinic residency program positions. Interventions to address the challenge of large numbers of international students who participated in our VMS program but did not apply for Mayo residency positions resulted in significantly fewer international students participating in our VMS program (P<.001), applying for Mayo residency program positions (P<.001), and being appointed to residency positions (P=.001). Interventions to address the challenge of low numbers of underrepresented minority students resulted in significantly more of these students participating in our VMS program (P=.005), applying for Mayo residency positions (P=.008), and being appointed to residency positions (P=.04). Our findings suggest that specific interventions can affect the characteristics of students who participate in VMS programs and who apply for and are appointed to residency program positions.

Low-income individuals’ perceptions about fruit and vegetable access programs: A qualitative study

PubMed Central

Haynes-Maslow, Lindsey; Auvergne, Lauriane; Mark, Barbara; Ammerman, Alice; Weiner, Bryan J.

2015-01-01

Objective To examine how fruit and vegetable (F&V) programs address barriers to F&V access and consumption as perceived by low-income individuals. Design From 2011–2012 thirteen focus groups were used to better understand low-income individuals’ perceptions about F&V programs. Setting Five North Carolina counties at community-serving organizations. Participants Low-income participants ages 18 or older were included in the study. A majority were African American females with a high school education or less and received government assistance. Phenomenon of Interest Low-income individuals’ perceptions about how F&V access programs can reduce barriers and increase consumption. Analysis A socioecological framework guided data analysis, and 2 trained researchers coded transcripts, identified major themes, and summarized findings. Results A total of 105 participants discussed that mobile markets could overcome barriers such as availability, convenience, transportation, and quality/variety. Some were worried about safety in higher crime communities. Participants’ opinions about how successful food assistance programs were at overcoming cost barriers were mixed. Participants agreed that community gardens could increase access to affordable, conveniently located produce, but worried about feasibility/implementation issues. Implications for Research and Practice Addressing access barriers through F&V programs could improve consumption. Programs have the potential to be successful if they address multiple access barriers. (200 words). PMID:25910929

Foundations for Effective School Library Media Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haycock, Ken, Ed.

This collection of 38 articles, reprinted from "Emergency Librarian," addresses critical elements of school library media program development and implementation, organized by seven areas: foundations; the school context; role clarification; information literacy; collaborative program planning and teaching; program development; and…

Programs in Animal Agriculture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herring, Don R.; And Others

1980-01-01

Five topics relating to programs in animal agriculture are addressed: (1) the future of animal agriculture; (2) preparing teachers in animal agriculture; (3) how animal programs help young people; (4) a nontraditional animal agriculture program; and (5) developing competencies in animal agriculture. (LRA)

BRONX HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT FOR WEST AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS.

PubMed

Wilson, Rebecca Dover; Elgoghail, Nadia

2016-01-01

The transition from a traditional West African diet and lifestyle to a modern diet has a significant impact on health and the risk of chronic disease. To implement a health education program for West African immigrants in the U.S. to address health risks associated with the modern diet. A health education program model targeted at West African immigrants in the Bronx was determined based on existing health education programs with educational materials, group education sessions, and targeted individual counseling. A health education program was successfully implemented at a clinic comprised of West African immigrant patients in the Bronx. This project demonstrates an example of a targeted health education program for West African immigrants to address health risks related to diet.

Process and impact evaluation of a legal assistance and health care community partnership.

PubMed

Teufel, James A; Brown, Stephen L; Thorne, Woody; Goffinet, Diane M; Clemons, Latesha

2009-07-01

Community health partnerships have increased in popularity, but their effectiveness is often not evaluated. Through secondary data analysis, this study evaluates a program that offered access to legal services to address health-related issues, such as Medicaid reimbursement, Social Security benefits, medication coverage, and divorce. Based on the analysis reimbursements to expenditures, the health and law program appears to be cost-effective and thereby economically sustainable. The cost-effectiveness of this program increases the likelihood that it will be institutionalized and/or expanded. This program evaluation is used to exemplify how community stakeholders could partner to leverage resources to establish a sustainable community health and law program to address the needs of people living in medically underserved areas.

Cybersecurity:The Road Ahead for Defense Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

tion programs. A key challenge for DoD acquisition addressing the cyber threat is how do we “ bake in” cybersecurity for our DoD ac- quisition programs...cybersecurity must be “ baked in” the design of our warfighting systems. Supporting policy and best practices for effective cyberse- curity in acquisition...contacted at steve.mills@dau.mil and steve.monks@ dau.mil. A key challenge for DoD acquisition addressing the cyber threat is how do we “ bake in” cybersecurity for our DoD acquisition programs vs. “bolting it on.”

NASA Systems Autonomy Demonstration Program - A step toward Space Station automation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starks, S. A.; Rundus, D.; Erickson, W. K.; Healey, K. J.

1987-01-01

This paper addresses a multiyear NASA program, the Systems Autonomy Demonstration Program (SADP), whose main objectives include the development, integration, and demonstration of automation technology in Space Station flight and ground support systems. The role of automation in the Space Station is reviewed, and the main players in SADP and their roles are described. The core research and technology being promoted by SADP are discussed, and a planned 1988 milestone demonstration of the automated monitoring, operation, and control of a complete mission operations subsystem is addressed.

National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Spectacle Swamp Dam (CT 00476), Connecticut Coastal Basin, Wilton, Connecticut. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

CT 00476 IA 𔄁V 7 4. TITLE (nd $ba#ile) S. TYPE OF REPORT a PERIOD COVERED Spectacle Swamp Dam INSPECTION REPORT NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR INSPECTION OF...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELrihENT. PROJECT. TASK AREA & WORK UNIT NUMS1RS X 1I. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS Ia ...SCNEDULE 16. DISTRIOUTION STATEMENT (1 tklReport) APPROVAL FOR PUBLIC RELEASE: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED 5 17. DISTRIOUTION STATEMENT (of IA * he r ieet

Robotics Programs: Automation Training in Disguise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rehg, James A.

1985-01-01

Questions and answers from the book "Guidelines for Robotics Program Development" are presented, addressing some of the major issues confronted by the person setting the direction for a robotics training program. (CT)

LifeSat - A satellite for space biological research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halstead, Thora W.; Morey-Holton, Emily R.

1990-01-01

The LifeSat Program addresses the need for continuing access by biological scientists to space experimentation by accommodating a wide range of experiments involving animals and plants for durations up to 60 days in an unmanned satellite. The program will encourage interdisciplinary and international cooperation at both the agency and scientist levels, and will provide a recoverable, reusable facility for low-cost missions addressing key scientific issues that can only be answered by space experimentation. It will provide opportunities for research in gravitational biology and on the effects of cosmic radiation on life systems. The scientific aspects of LifeSat are addressed here.

Transient upset models in computer systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, G. M.

1983-01-01

Essential factors for the design of transient upset monitors for computers are discussed. The upset is a system level event that is software dependent. It can occur in the program flow, the opcode set, the opcode address domain, the read address domain, and the write address domain. Most upsets are in the program flow. It is shown that simple, external monitors functioning transparently relative to the system operations can be built if a detailed accounting is made of the characteristics of the faults that can happen. Sample applications are provided for different states of the Z-80 and 8085 based system.

Ada Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 901212I1. 11120 Tartan Inc., Tartan Ada VMS/960MC Version 4.0 VAXstation 3100 = Intel ICE960/25 on an VMS 5.2 Intel EXV80960MC Board

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-09

5.2 (Target), 90121211 .11120 6. AUTHOR( S ) IABG-AVFT IOttobrunn, Federal Republic of Germany 7 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) N-1...FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 9 SPONSORINGMONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS( ES) 10. SPONSORING/ONITORING AGENCY Ada Joint Program Office REPORT NUMBER...Ada implementacion for which validation status is realized. Host Computer A computer system where Ada source programs are transformec System into

40 CFR 65.14 - Addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Addresses. 65.14 Section 65.14 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL AIR RULE General Provisions § 65.14 Addresses. (a) All requests, reports, applications, notifications, and other communications submitted...

40 CFR 65.14 - Addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Addresses. 65.14 Section 65.14 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL AIR RULE General Provisions § 65.14 Addresses. (a) All requests, reports, applications, notifications, and other communications submitted...

40 CFR 65.14 - Addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Addresses. 65.14 Section 65.14 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL AIR RULE General Provisions § 65.14 Addresses. (a) All requests, reports, applications, notifications, and other communications submitted...

Addressing Adolescent Substance Abuse: An Evaluation of Washington's Prevention and Intervention Services Program. 2001-03 Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deck, Dennis D.

2004-01-01

To directly address the state of Washington's concerns regarding student alcohol and other drug use, in 1989 the state Legislature passed the Omnibus Alcohol and Controlled Substances Act (ESSHB 1793). One part of this act called for the creation of a school-based alcohol and other dug abuse prevention and early intervention program. The Office of…

Local Food Systems Course for Extension Educators in North Carolina: Summary of an Innovative Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bloom, J. Dara; Lelekacs, Joanna Massey; Dunning, Rebecca; Piner, Abbey; Brinkmeyer, Emma

2017-01-01

Interest in local foods began in the early 2000s and has grown substantially over the past decade and a half. Although Extension is addressing local food systems in many states, training and materials in this program area are nascent. To address this circumstance, we developed a graduate course on local food systems for Extension educators.…

What about Me?: A Practicum Addressing the Needs of Children Who Have a Preschool Sibling with Impaired Hearing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weston, Marsha C.

This practicum developed a special program to serve the elementary school child who has a preschool sibling with a hearing impairment. A special book addressing the cognitive and emotional needs of the siblings was written and distributed to 35 children whose families were enrolled in a clinic-sponsored correspondence program and to 15 children…

S&T in the Asia-Pacific Region

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-01

to perform research that supports their academic programs; and has several other programs to encourage entrepreneurship by university or TAFE...nature are best performed internally223. DSTO does already interface with the academic and industrial communities, both directly and through...AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Office of Naval Research

Anomaly Detection and Modeling of Trajectories

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

policies, either expressed or implied, of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program , or the Office of Naval Research. Report Documentation Page Form... PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Carnegie...thesis proposes several methods using statistics and machine learning (ML) that provide a deep understanding of trajectory datasets. In particular

Bridges to Student Success: Exemplary Programs, 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Inc.

This document presents 11 student affairs programs selected by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators as being exemplary programs in their field. All of the programs demonstrate innovative approaches to improving campus life and expanding opportunities for students. The programs address a broad range of objectives, including…

About the Climate Ready Estuaries Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Climate Ready Estuaries program is a partnership between EPA and the National Estuary Programs to address climate change in coastal areas. It has helped coastal communities prepare for climate change since 2008.

Targets of opportunity : community based alcohol programs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-04-01

Targets of Opportunity (TOP), were comprehensive community based programs addressing the drinking and driving concerns within a particular community. The program incorporated six elements: 1) General deterrence - public information,leducation and enf...

Options and Risk for Qualification of Electric Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Michelle; Daniel, Charles; Cook, Steve (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Electric propulsion vehicle systems envelop a wide range of propulsion alternatives including solar and nuclear, which present unique circumstances for qualification. This paper will address the alternatives for qualification of electric propulsion spacecraft systems. The approach taken will be to address the considerations for qualification at the various levels of systems definition. Additionally, for each level of qualification the system level risk implications will be developed. Also, the paper will explore the implications of analysis verses test for various levels of systems definition, while retaining the objectives of a verification program. The limitations of terrestrial testing will be explored along with the risk and implications of orbital demonstration testing. The paper will seek to develop a template for structuring of a verification program based on cost, risk and value return. A successful verification program should establish controls and define objectives of the verification compliance program. Finally the paper will seek to address the political and programmatic factors, which may impact options for system verification.

Masonry Program Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Georgia Univ., Athens. Dept. of Vocational Education.

This masonry program guide presents the standard curriculum for technical institutes in Georgia. The curriculum addresses the minimum competencies for a masonry program. The general information section contains the following: purpose and objectives; program description, including admissions, typical job titles, and accreditation and certification;…

Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program Case Studies: Demonstrating Program Outcomes, Volume III

EPA Science Inventory

This booklet, ETV Program Case Studies: Demonstrating Program Outcomes, Volume III contains two case studies, addressing verified environmental technologies for decentalized wastewater treatment and converting animal waste to energy. Each case study contains a brief description ...

Aligning Needs, Expectations, and Learning Outcomes to Sustain Self-Efficacy through Transfer Learning Community Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leptien, Jennifer R.

2015-01-01

This chapter addresses strengths and difficulties encountered in implementing transfer learning community models and how efficacy is supported through transfer learning community programming. Transfer programming best practices and recommendations for program improvements are presented.

Do Supplemental Remedial Reading Programs Address the Motivational Issues of Struggling Readers? An Analysis of Five Popular Programs.

PubMed

Quirk, Matthew P; Schwanenflugel, Paula J

2004-04-01

Five popular, but distinctly different, remedial reading programs were reviewed regarding the potential to motivate children to read. It is argued that current remedial reading program designs and research on program effectiveness ignore the impact that motivation has on struggling readers. In addition, we develop a theory of reading motivation specific to struggling readers that highlights motivational constructs we feel are important to the improvement of reading skill for this population of students. The three aspects of reading motivation most relevant to the instruction of remedial readers include: (a) improving reading self-efficacy; (b) making internal and controllable outcome attributions for successes and failures associated with reading; and (c) establishing personally relevant value in becoming a better reader. We conclude that, while most programs address some motivational issues and other issues not at all, most programs could make minor modifications that would greatly enhance their motivational impact.

Clinically speaking: A communication skills program for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

PubMed

Miguel, Caroline San; Rogan, Fran; Kilstoff, Kathleen; Brown, Di

2006-09-01

This paper reports on the design, delivery and evaluation of an innovative oral communication skills program for first year students in a Bachelor of Nursing degree at an Australian university. This program was introduced in 2004 to meet the needs of first year undergraduate students from non-English speaking backgrounds who had experienced difficulties with spoken English while on clinical placement. The program consisted of early identification of students in need of communication development, a series of classes incorporated into the degree program to address students' needs, followed by a clinical placement block. This paper describes the structure of the program, discusses some of the major problems encountered by students in the clinical setting and presents some of the teaching strategies used to address these problems. Evaluations of the program suggest that students' communication skills and confidence improved, resulting in a more positive clinical experience for the majority of students.

Modernize or Mothball; Ship to Shore Watercraft Must be Modernized to Remain Relevant

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-12

remain relevant. 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER moderni to remain relevant. 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ...5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...NUMBER Joint Military Operations Department Naval War College 686 Cushing Road Newport, RI 02841-1207

Coalbed Methane Outreach Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Coalbed Methane Outreach Program, voluntary program seeking to reduce methane emissions from coal mining activities. CMOP promotes profitable recovery/use of coal mine methane (CMM), addressing barriers to using CMM instead of emitting it to atmosphere.

EPA Partnership Programs for the Green Team

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Through its partnership programs, EPA works collaboratively with companies, organizations, academic institutions, communities, and individuals to address a wide range of environmental needs. There are now close to 50 EPA partnership programs that companie

Youth Suicide Prevention Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kalafat, John

2006-01-01

Youth suicide prevention programs are described that promote the identification and referral of at-risk youth, address risk factors, and promote protective factors. Emphasis is on programs that are both effective and sustainable in applied settings.

EERE Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program Technology Review (Deep Dive) for Under Secretaries Johnson and Koonin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2009-09-01

September 4, 2009 presentation highlighting the Wind and Hydropower Program, addressing program goals and objectives, budgets, technology pathways, breakthroughs, and DOE solutions to market barriers.

EERE Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program Technology Review (Deep Dive) for Under Secretaries Johnson and Koonin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCluer, Megan

2009-09-04

September 4, 2009 presentation highlighting the Wind and Hydropower Program, addressing program goals and objectives, budgets, technology pathways, breakthroughs, and DOE solutions to market barriers.

Multidisciplinary collaboration as a sustainable research model for device development.

PubMed

Chandra, Ankur

2013-02-01

The concurrent problems of research sustainability and decreased clinician involvement with medical device development can be jointly addressed through a novel, multidisciplinary solution. The University of Rochester Cardiovascular Device Design Program is a sustainable program in medical device design supported through a collaboration between the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. This article provides a detailed description of the motivation for starting the program, the current structure of the program, the methods of financial sustainability, and the direct impact it intends to have on the national vascular surgery community. The further expansion of this program and encouragement for development of similar programs throughout the country aims to address many of our current challenges in both research funding and device development education. Copyright © 2013 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

34 CFR 674.44 - Address searches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Address searches. 674.44 Section 674.44 Education Regulations of the Offices of the Department of Education (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM Due Diligence § 674.44 Address searches. (a) If mail...

34 CFR 674.44 - Address searches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 34 Education 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Address searches. 674.44 Section 674.44 Education Regulations of the Offices of the Department of Education (Continued) OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM Due Diligence § 674.44 Address searches. (a) If mail...

History Forum Addresses Creation/Evolution Controversy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schweinsberg, John

1997-01-01

A series of programs entitled Creationism and Evolution: The History of a Controversy was presented at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The controversy was addressed from an historical and sociological, rather than a scientific perspective. Speakers addressed the evolution of scientific creationism, ancient texts versus sedimentary rocks…

Modeling and Prediction of Corrosion-Fatigue Failures in AF1410 Steel Test Specimens

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-12

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Structures Division, Code 4.3.3 University of Dayton Research Bldg. 2187 Room 2340A Institute Naval...AND ADDRESS(ES) Office of Naval Research One Liberty Center 875 North Randolph St., Suite 1425 Arlington, VA 22203-1995 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...costs. To address these issues, NAVAIR has initiated a multiyear research program to investigate and quantify the fatigue life reduction due to

Early Intervention Preservice Preparation: Program Evaluation and Reflections. Master's Personnel Prep Program. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bricker, Diane; Squires, Jane

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of the early intervention interdisciplinary preservice program at the University of Oregon. This master's degree program used both "measurement of" and "reflection about" preservice efforts to address important questions regarding program effectiveness and identify…

78 FR 47419 - Requirements for the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program and the OSHA Outreach...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-05

...] Requirements for the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program and the OSHA Outreach Training Program... approval of the information collection requirements contained in the OSHA Training Institute Education... Educational Programs, or Kimberly Mason, OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program at the address...

Visual Programming: A Programming Tool for Increasing Mathematics Achivement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanier, Cheryl A.; Seals, Cheryl D.; Billionniere, Elodie V.

2009-01-01

This paper aims to address the need of increasing student achievement in mathematics using a visual programming language such as Scratch. This visual programming language facilitates creating an environment where students in K-12 education can develop mathematical simulations while learning a visual programming language at the same time.…

Implementing solutions to barriers to on-site HIV testing in substance abuse treatment: a tale of three facilities.

PubMed

Hood, Kristina B; Robertson, Angela A; Baird-Thomas, Connie

2015-04-01

Due to the scarcity of resources for implementing rapid on-site HIV testing, many substance abuse treatment programs do not offer these services. This study sought to determine whether addressing previously identified implementation barriers to integrating on-site rapid HIV testing into the treatment admissions process would increase offer and acceptance rates. Results indicate that it is feasible to integrate rapid HIV testing into existing treatment programs for substance abusers when resources are provided. Addressing barriers such as providing start-up costs for HIV testing, staff training, addressing staffing needs to reduce competing job responsibilities, and helping treatment staff members overcome their concerns about clients' reactions to positive test results is paramount for the integration and maintenance of such programs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organ Donation After Circulatory Death: Ethical Issues and International Practices.

PubMed

Jericho, Barbara G

2018-05-21

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is an increasingly utilized practice that can contribute to reducing the difference between the supply of organs and the demand for organs for transplantation. As the number of transplanted organs from DCD donors continues to increase, there is an essential need to address the ethical aspects of DCD in institutional DCD protocols and clinical practice. Ethical issues of respecting the end-of-life wishes of a potential donor, respecting a recipient's wishes, and addressing potential conflicts of interest are important considerations in developing policies and procedures for DCD programs. Although there may be diversity among DCD programs in Europe, Australia, Israel, China, the United States, and Canada, addressing ethical considerations in these DCD programs is essential to respect donors and recipients during the altruistic and generous act of organ donation.

Challenges of implementating a doctoral program in an international exchange in Cuba through the lens of Kanter's empowerment theory.

PubMed

Scanlan, Judith M; Abdul Hernandéz, C

2014-08-01

The literature in international education focuses primarily on the experiences of western students in developing countries, international students in western universities, the development of an educational program in a developing country, or internationalization of curricula in western universities. There is little in the literature that addresses the challenges students and participating faculty face when implementing a graduate program in a developing country. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the challenges of implementing a doctoral program in an international exchange through the lens of Kanter's theory of empowerment. Recommendations to address these challenges will be made. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INFECTION CONTROL IN ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

PubMed Central

Flanagan, Elaine; Chopra, Teena; Mody, Lona

2011-01-01

SYNOPSIS With the changing healthcare delivery, patients receive care at various settings including acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient primary care and specialty clinics, as well as at home, exposing them to pathogens in various settings. Various healthcare settings face unique challenges requiring individualized infection control programs. Infection control programs in skilled nursing facilities should address: surveillance for infections and antimicrobial resistance, outbreak investigation and control plan for epidemics, isolation precautions, hand hygiene, staff education, and employee and resident health programs. Infection control programs in ambulatory clinics should address: Triage and standard – transmission based precautions, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization principles, surveillance in surgical clinics, safe injection practices, and bioterrorism and disaster planning for ambulatory clinics. PMID:21316005

Measuring learning, student engagement, and program effectiveness: a strategic process.

PubMed

Jantzi, Julie; Austin, Connie

2005-01-01

What if there was an effective way to address the age-old question from students, "Why do we have to do this assignment?" And from faculty, "How do we know our students are really learning?" And from administrators, "How will we demonstrate to our peers, our accrediting agencies, and other program stakeholders that our programs are educationally effective?" As it undertook a curriculum redesign, faculty in a baccalaureate school of nursing developed a 9-step process for curriculum implementation. The authors discuss how they applied the 9 steps strategically, positioning the program for 2 successful accreditation self-studies and concurrently addressing, with greater confidence, some of these age-old questions.

Wind for Schools: Developing Educational Programs to Train the Next Generation of Wind Energy Experts (Poster)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baring-Gould, I.; Flowers, L.; Kelly, M.

2009-05-01

As the world moves toward a vision of expanded wind energy, the industry is faced with the challenges of obtaining a skilled workforce and addressing local wind development concerns. Wind Powering America's Wind for Schools Program works to address these issues. The program installs small wind turbines at community "host" schools while developing wind application centers at higher education institutions. Teacher training with interactive and interschool curricula is implemented at each host school, while students at the universities assist in implementing the host school systems while participating in other wind course work. This poster provides an overview of the program'smore » objectives, goals, approach, and results.« less

Wave Attenuation on Muddy Bottoms - A Multidisciplinary Field Study Offshore Cassino Beach, Southern Brazil

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-30

Rio de Janeiro Ocean Engineering Program / COPPE CP 68508 - Centro de Tecnologia - C203 21945-970 Rio de Janeiro , Brazil Phone/fax...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Federal University of Rio de Janeiro ,Ocean Engineering Program / COPPE, CP 68508 - Centro de Tecnologia - C203,21945-970 Rio ...activities of the project: From Brazilian Institutions: 1- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) / Laboratory for

Matrix Management in DoD: An Annotated Bibliography

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

ADDRESS 10 PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT, TASK AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS ACSC/EDCC, MAXWELL AFB AL 36112 1 1. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12 ...completes their message that matrix orga- nization is the likely format of the multiprogram Program Office. 12 The text’s discussion of matrix is...manager, and functional specialist are of vital importance to the effective operation of the matrix .... Matrix management will not achieve its

South Carolina Cancer Health Equity Consortium: HBCU Student Summer Training Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

TYPE OF REPORT: Annual PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT...SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort Detrick...Carolina. The goal of the South Carolina Cancer Health Equity Consortium: HBCU Student Summer Training Program is to provide a biomedical research

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-18

NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service,Library Of Congress,101...Deepwater Acquisition into asset-based Acquisition Program Baselines, the proposed changes align projects that were formerly grouped under...Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS)—an industry team led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an indefinite

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-14

NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service,The Library of Congress...disaggregation of the Deepwater Acquisition into asset-based Acquisition Program Baselines, the proposed changes align projects that were formerly grouped...industry team led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ

The Future of WAC-Plenary Address, International Writing across the Curriculum Conference, (Ninth, Austin, Texas, May 2008 )

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLeod, Susan H.

2008-01-01

In this Plenary Address given at the 9th IWAC Conference in 2008, Susan McLeod (who started her first WAC program in 1982) speculates about the future of the WAC movement. She focuses on four issues: The changing nature of communication and the cultural lag in assignment design, the question of who is in charge of the program, the ascendancy of…

Cognitive and Neural Sciences Division 1991 Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

FUNDING NUMBERS Cognitive and Neural Sciences Division 1991 Programs PE 61153N 6. AUTHOR(S) Edited by Willard S. Vaughan 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Office of Naval Research 0CNR !1491-19 Cognitive and Neural Sciences Division Code 1142...NOTES iN This is a compilation of abstracts representing R&D sponsored by the ONR Cognitive and Neural Sciences Division. 12a. DISTRIBUTION

Addressing the hidden dimension in nursing education: promoting cultural competence.

PubMed

Carter, Kimberly F; Xu, Yu

2007-01-01

The authors describe a cultural competence quality enhancement process to address the retention challenge of students who speak English as second language and international students as part of a school of nursing's continuous program quality improvement to achieve excellence. The process, strategies, outcomes, and evaluation of the training program are detailed within the given geographical, institutional, and curriculum context. Lessons and continuing challenges are also specified.

Women's experiences accessing a women-centered cardiac rehabilitation program: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Rolfe, Danielle E; Sutton, Erica J; Landry, Mireille; Sternberg, Len; Price, Jennifer A D

2010-01-01

The health benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for women living with heart disease are well documented, yet women remain underrepresented in traditionally structured CR programs. This health service delivery gap has been attributed to a number of sex-related factors experienced by women, including lower rates of physician referral, travel-related barriers, competing work and caregiving responsibilities, greater cardiovascular disease severity, and number of comorbid health conditions. Whether a program specifically designed for women is able to address these barriers and facilitate women's participation is a question that has seldom been explored in the CR literature. As part of a larger study exploring whether 6 predefined principles of women's health (empowerment of women, accessible programs, broad definition of health care, high-quality of care, collaborative planning, and innovative and creative approaches) are reflected in the practices of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) (a comprehensive CR and primary prevention program designed for women), the objective of this analysis was to explore how the principle of "accessible programs" is experienced by women participating in the WCHI. Fourteen women previously enrolled in the WCHI program participated in a single, in-person qualitative interview. Transcripts were analyzed using a constant-comparative approach to identify relevant themes related to program accessibility. Key themes identified included participants' experiences with acquiring physician referral, negotiating transportation issues, and navigating program schedules. Women discussed how peer support and staff members' willingness to address their health-related concerns facilitated their participation. While a women-centered CR/primary prevention program may facilitate and encourage women's participation by providing flexible program schedules as well as peer and professional support, efforts are still required to address persistent barriers for women related to physician referral and transportation to programs.

10 CFR 501.11 - Address for filing documents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Address for filing documents. 501.11 Section 501.11 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (CONTINUED) ALTERNATE FUELS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS General Provisions... communications to the following address: Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Fuels Programs, Coal and Electricity...

76 FR 17658 - National Forum for State and Territorial Chief Executives (National Forum) Program Cooperative...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-30

... governors and their senior health policy advisors, including addressing the needs of uninsured, underinsured... addressing similar health policy challenges. A 1-year extension with funds will allow the National Forum to facilitate ongoing communication on emerging strategies addressing common priorities, public health policy...

Application of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity to the Admission Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loewy, Michael I.; Juntunen, Cindy L.; Duan, Changming

2009-01-01

This article addresses the responsibility of counseling psychology programs to communicate and implement the professional training values regarding diversity as articulated in the "Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity" (henceforth the "Values Statement") clearly and directly in the advertising and admission…

Iatrogenic disease management: moderating medication errors and risks in a pharmacy benefit management environment.

PubMed

Nair, Vinit; Salmon, J Warren; Kaul, Alan F

2007-12-01

Disease Management (DM) programs have advanced to address costly chronic disease patterns in populations. This is in part due to the programs' significant clinical and economical value, coupled with interest by pharmaceutical manufacturers, managed care organizations, and pharmacy benefit management firms. While cost containment realizations for many such interventions have been less than anticipated, this article explores potentials in marrying Medication Error Risk Reduction into DM programs within managed care environments. Medication errors are an emergent serious problem now gaining attention in US health policy. They represent a failure within population-based health programs because they remain significant cost drivers. Therefore, medication errors should be addressed in an organized fashion, with DM being a worthy candidate for piggybacking such programs to achieve the best synergistic effects.

An Argument for Early Retirement Incentive Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baenen, Leonard B.; Ernest, Robert C.

1982-01-01

Early retirement incentive programs are discussed as a humanitarian way of reducing payroll costs and rewarding long-tenured employees. The incentives to be considered, program communication, and problems found in incentive programs are addressed. (Author/MLF)

40 CFR 144.31 - Application for a permit; authorization by permit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (2) Name, mailing address, and location of the facility for... under SDWA. (iii) NPDES program under CWA. (iv) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program...

Research peer exchange, 2014.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

The WSDOT Research Peer Exchange was held in Olympia, Washington on May 13 and 14, 2014 and addressed Research Program and Project Management as described in the following paragraphs: Program Management There are numerous funding programs, standing c...

Where are they now? Cash and Counseling successes and challenges over time

PubMed Central

Simon-Rusinowitz, Lori; Schwartz, Abby J.; Loughlin, Dawn; Sciegaj, Mark; Mahoney, Kevin J.; Donkoh, Yaw

2014-01-01

The positive results of the Cash & Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) led to the funding of a replication project that included 12 more states in 2008. Since then, the political and economic environments have changed. The authors sought to investigate how well the three original and 12 replication CCDE programs are coping with current challenges, and how their experiences may inform the growth and sustainability of emerging participant-directed programs. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with the 15 Cash & Counseling state program administrators. Key topics addressed included: successful aspects of state programs, biggest challenges for each program, and information program administrators would like to learn from state colleagues. Themes related to budget issues (e.g., staff shortages and program funding cuts) and non-budget related issues (e.g., understanding of program operations) emerged from the interviews. State program administrators also discussed program successes. To promote the sustainability and growth of participant-directed programs, existing participant-directed programs should be tied to national policy trends as well as review whether or not the programs address participant-directed principles. The development of new participant-directed programs should be based on other states’ experiences as discussed in this paper. PMID:25750590

Unified Program Design: Organizing Existing Programming Models, Delivery Options, and Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rubenstein, Lisa DaVia; Ridgley, Lisa M.

2017-01-01

A persistent problem in the field of gifted education has been the lack of categorization and delineation of gifted programming options. To address this issue, we propose Unified Program Design as a structural framework for gifted program models. This framework defines gifted programs as the combination of delivery methods and curriculum models.…

E-Mentoring for Social Equity: Review of Research to Inform Program Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Single, Peg Boyle; Single, Richard M.

2005-01-01

The advent of user-friendly email programs and web browsers created possibilities for widespread use of e-mentoring programs. In this review of the research, we presented the history of e-mentoring programs and defined e-mentoring and structured e-mentoring programs, focusing on large-scale e-mentoring programs that addressed issues of social…

12 CFR 222.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

12 CFR 222.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

12 CFR 222.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

12 CFR 571.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

12 CFR 222.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

12 CFR 571.82 - Duties of users regarding address discrepancies.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... consumer's identity in accordance with the requirements of the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules... of address notifications, other customer account records, or retained CIP documentation; or (C...

77 FR 12799 - Census Scientific Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-02

...-SAC). The Committee will address policy, research, and technical issues relating to a full range of... and technical expertise, as appropriate, to address Census Bureau program needs and objectives. The...

75 FR 16078 - Census Scientific Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-31

...-SAC). The Committee will address policy, research, and technical issues relating to a full range of... and technical expertise, as appropriate, to address Census Bureau program needs and objectives. The...

76 FR 54197 - Census Scientific Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-31

...-SAC). The Committee will address policy, research, and technical issues relating to a full range of... scientific and technical expertise, as appropriate, to address Census Bureau program needs and objectives...

40 CFR 233.13 - Memorandum of Agreement with Regional Administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... administration and enforcement of the approved program. (3) Provisions addressing EPA and State roles and coordination with respect to compliance monitoring and enforcement activities. (4) Provisions addressing...

MEXUS Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branan, Alvord; Hergert, Michael

The MEXUS program, a transnational, undergraduate, dual-degree program in the United States and Mexico, addresses the problem of how universities can better prepare students to manage business in an interdependent global marketplace. The program was initiated as a consortium of four institutions (San Diego State University and Southwestern College…

Intergenerational Programs: Weaving Hearts and Minds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duggar, Margaret Lynn; And Others

This publication spotlights the success and diversity of Florida's many intergenerational programs. It describes what intergenerational programming is and the three community needs that intergenerational programs address. Statistics on older persons as well as youth and families in Florida are followed by a listing of what intergenerational…

The comprehensive community-based traffic safety program : phase II, program assessment for District 2 and District 7, final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-01-01

The program assessment phase was designed to identify community resources and address the recommendation, made in Phase I, that initial countermeasures should target the program areas of occupant protection, alcohol, selective enforcement, and pedest...

The future role of next-generation DNA sequencing and metagenetics in aquatic biology monitoring programs

EPA Science Inventory

The development of current biological monitoring and bioassessment programs was a drastic improvement over previous programs created for monitoring a limited number of specific chemical pollutants. Although these assessment programs are better designed to address the transient an...

Economic evaluation of drug abuse treatment and HIV prevention programs in pregnant women: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ruger, Jennifer Prah; Lazar, Christina M

2012-01-01

Drug abuse and transmission of HIV during pregnancy are public health problems that adversely affect pregnant women, their children and surrounding communities. Programs that address this vulnerable population have the ability to be cost-effective due to resulting cost savings for mother, child and society. Economic evaluations of programs that address these issues are an important tool to better understand the costs of services and create sustainable healthcare systems. This study critically examined economic evaluations of drug abuse treatment and HIV prevention programs in pregnant women. A systematic review was conducted using the criteria recommended by the Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine and the British Medical Journal (BMJ) checklist for economic evaluations. The search identified 6 economic studies assessing drug abuse treatment for pregnant women, and 12 economic studies assessing programs that focus on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Results show that many programs for drug abuse treatment and PMTCT among pregnant women are cost-effective or even cost-saving. This study identified several shortcomings in methodology and lack of standardization of current economic evaluations. Efforts to address methodological challenges will help make future studies more comparable and have more influence on policy makers, clinicians and the public. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Composite Warfare Doctrine - Providing the JFMCC with the Optimal Command and Control Method for Amphibious Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-15

Method for Amphibious Operations 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Major Kevin J...7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER Joint Military...SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11 SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT 11. SPONSOR

PECASE: All-Optical Photonic Integrated Circuits in Silicon

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-14

COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d...PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11

Computation by Bacteria

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-03

NUMBER W911NF-08-1-0044 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Robert H. Austin 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK...UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) The Trustees of Princeton University 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER...ORPA 4 New South Building PO Box 36 Princeton, NJ 08544-0036 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10

Managed Migration: The Caribbean Approach to Addressing Nursing Services Capacity

PubMed Central

Salmon, Marla E; Yan, Jean; Hewitt, Hermi; Guisinger, Victoria

2007-01-01

Objective To (1) provide a contextual analysis of the Caribbean region with respect to forces shaping the current and emerging nursing workforce picture in the region; (2) discuss country-specific case(s) within the Caribbean; and (3) describe the Managed Migration Program as a potential framework for addressing regional and global nurse migration issues. Principal Findings The Caribbean is in the midst of a crisis of shortages of nurses with an average vacancy rate of 42 percent. Low pay, poor career prospects, and lack of education opportunities are among the reasons nurses resign. Many of these nurses look outside the region for job opportunities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other countries. Compounding the situation is the lack of resources to train nurses to fill the vacancies. The Managed Migration Program of the Caribbean is a multilateral, cross-sector, multi-interventional, long-term strategy for developing and maintaining an adequate supply of nurses for the region. Conclusions The Managed Migration Program of the Caribbean has made progress in establishing regional support for addressing the nursing shortage crisis and developing a number of interesting initiatives such as training for export and temporary migration. Recommendations to move the Managed Migration Program of the Caribbean forward focus on advocacy, integration of the program into regional policy decisions, and integration of the program with regional health programming. PMID:17489919

[Prevention among migrants: Participation, migrant sensitive strategies and programme characteristics].

PubMed

Brand, T; Kleer, D; Samkange-Zeeb, F; Zeeb, Hajo

2015-06-01

Health promotion and prevention can contribute to a long, healthy life in populations both with and without migrant background. This paper provides an overview on migrant participation in prevention programmes in Germany. Furthermore, we describe migrant sensitive prevention strategies and characteristics of prevention programmes for migrants in Germany. With regard to participation in prevention programmes, lower vaccination rates are found among children and adolescents who migrated to Germany after birth. Among adults with a migrant background, we found lower participation in general health check-ups, oral health check-ups, cancer screening programs and influenza vaccination. Migrant sensitive prevention strategies address the visual style of the material, a target group specific risk communication, language requirements, a systematic involvement of the target group, and the recognition of deeply rooted sociocultural practices and beliefs. On analyzing a large database on prevention programs in Germany, we found only a few programmes that were exclusively targeted to migrant groups (0.6%). In 16.6% of the programs migrants were addressed as the target group among others. Compared to general population programs, programs for migrants were more often exclusively directed towards girls or women. Moreover, programs for migrants used community-based approaches more often and addressed different age groups. Although information on migrant participation in prevention programs and utilization of migrant sensitive strategies is still incomplete, we can assume that there is a need for diversity-oriented, migrant sensitive prevention.

Report on the Program “Fluid-mediated particle transport in geophysical flows” at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, UC Santa Barbara, September 23 to December 12, 2013

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, James T.; Meiburg, Eckart; Valance, Alexandre

2015-09-15

The Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics (KITP) program held at UC Santa Barbara in the fall of 2013 addressed the dynamics of dispersed particulate flows in the environment. By focusing on the prototypes of aeolian transport and turbidity currents, it aimed to establish the current state of our understanding of such two-phase flows, to identify key open questions, and to develop collaborative research strategies for addressing these questions. Here, we provide a brief summary of the program outcome.

Fuels irradiation testing for the SP-100 program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makenas, Bruce J.; Hales, Janell W.; Ward, Alva L.

1991-01-01

An SP-100 fuel pin irradiation testing program is well on the way to providing data for performance correlations and demonstrating the lifetime and safety of the fuel system of the compact lithium-cooled reactor. Key SP-100 fuel performance issues addressed are the need for low fuel swelling and low fission gas release to minimize cladding strain, and the need for barrier integrity to prevent fuel/cladding chemical interaction. This paper provides a description of the irradiation test program that addresses these key issues and summarizes recent results of posttest examinations including data obtained at 6 atom percent goal burnup.

Report on the Program "Fluid-mediated particle transport in geophysical flows" at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, UC Santa Barbara, September 23 to December 12, 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, James T.; Meiburg, Eckart; Valance, Alexandre

2015-09-01

The Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics (KITP) program held at UC Santa Barbara in the fall of 2013 addressed the dynamics of dispersed particulate flows in the environment. By focusing on the prototypes of aeolian transport and turbidity currents, it aimed to establish the current state of our understanding of such two-phase flows, to identify key open questions, and to develop collaborative research strategies for addressing these questions. Here, we provide a brief summary of the program outcome.

2nd Generation RLV Risk Reduction Definition Program: Pratt & Whitney Propulsion Risk Reduction Requirements Program (TA-3 & TA-4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matlock, Steve

2001-01-01

This is the final report and addresses all of the work performed on this program. Specifically, it covers vehicle architecture background, definition of six baseline engine cycles, reliability baseline (space shuttle main engine QRAS), and component level reliability/performance/cost for the six baseline cycles, and selection of 3 cycles for further study. This report further addresses technology improvement selection and component level reliability/performance/cost for the three cycles selected for further study, as well as risk reduction plans, and recommendation for future studies.

New Brunswick Laboratory: Progress report, October 1987--September 1988

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

NBL has been tasked by the DOE Office of Safeguards and Security, Defense Programs (OSS/DP) to assure the application of accurate and reliable measurement technology for the safeguarding of special nuclear materials. NBL is fulfilling its mission responsibilities by identifying and addressing the measurement and measurement-related needs of the nuclear material safeguards community. These responsibilities are being addressed by activities in the following program areas: (1) reference and calibration materials, (2) measurement development, (3) measurement services, (4) measurement evaluation, (5) safeguards assessment, and (6) site-specific assistance. Highlights of each of these programs areas are provided in this summary.

Overview of ORNL/NRC programs addressing durability of concrete structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naus, D.J.; Oland, C.B.

1994-06-01

The role of reinforced concrete relative to its applications as either safety-related structures in nuclear power or engineered barriers of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities is described. Factors that can affect the long-term durability of reinforced concrete are identified. Overviews are presented of the Structural Aging Program, which is addressing the aging management of safety-related concrete structures in nuclear power plants, and the Permeability Test Methods and Data Program, which is identifying pertinent data and information for use in performance assessments of engineered barriers for low-level radioactive waste disposal.

Addressing chronic operational issues at the W. M. Keck Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordin, Tom; Matsuda, Richard

2016-07-01

The W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) has a good track record at addressing large critical faults which impact observing. Our performance tracking and correcting chronic minor faults has been mixed, yet this class of problems has a significant negative impact on scientific productivity and staff effectiveness. We have taken steps to address this shortcoming. This paper outlines the creation of a program to identify, categorize and rank these chronic operational issues, track them over time, and develop management options for their resolution. The success of the program at identifying these chronic operational issues and the advantages of dedicating observatory resources to this endeavor are presented.

A Directory of Public Service Internships: Opportunities for the Graduate, Post-Graduate and Mid-Career Professional, 1974-75.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Public Service Internship Programs, Washington, DC.

Listed alphabetically by program title, the information for each public service internship program includes: address and phone number, program director, administering agency, year commenced, interns/fellows per year, objectives of program, program design, scope of placement, sponsors/mentors, scope of recruitment, recruitment strategies, screening…

A Cross-Case Analysis of Three Social Justice-Oriented Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Mariela A.; Chambers, Terah Venzant; Gonzalez, Maria Luisa; Scheurich, James Joseph

2010-01-01

This cross-case analysis was based on three main questions that addressed three social justice-oriented education programs. The three questions were: 1) What critical elements underlie programs that prepare professionals for social justice? 2) What can we learn from these programs in support of educational-leadership programs whose aim is to…

Institutional Supports for Faculty Scholarship: A National Survey of Social Work Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freedenthal, Stacey; Potter, Cathryn; Grinstein-Weiss, Michal

2008-01-01

This survey of 99 U.S. social work programs investigated the types, prevalence, and correlates of supports that schools provide to facilitate faculty scholarship. The dean, director, or program chair at every school with an MSW program was invited to participate in an online survey. Items addressed program characteristics and research…

Campus Work and Family Programs: Passing Trend or Wave of the Future?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Pietro, Leslie

1995-01-01

College and university employee assistance programs that address work and family issues are discussed. Components of such programs include child care resource and referral, parent education and support groups, elder care support and education, and management training. Issues in program creation and administration are highlighted. More programs in…

The Current Often Implemented Fitness Tests in Physical Education Programs: Problems and Future Directions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keating, Xiaofen Deng

2003-01-01

This paper aims to examine current nationwide youth fitness test programs, address problems embedded in the programs, and possible solutions. The current Fitnessgram, President's Challenge, and YMCA youth fitness test programs were selected to represent nationwide youth fitness test programs. Sponsors of the nationwide youth fitness test programs…

Programs for Deaf-Blind Children and Adults.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Annals of the Deaf, 1995

1995-01-01

This report of the annual survey of programs for deaf-blind children and adults lists, by state, programs for deaf-blind children and youth, Helen Keller Centers for deaf-blind youth and adults, and programs for training teachers of deaf-blind students. Provided are program names, addresses, telephone numbers, and names of directors. (DB)

Addressing Your Child's Weight at the Doctor

MedlinePlus

... a Healthy Heart Healthy Kids Our Kids Programs Childhood Obesity What is childhood obesity? Overweight in Children BMI in Children Is Childhood Obesity an Issue in Your Home? Addressing your Child's ...

40 CFR 144.31 - Application for a permit; authorization by permit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Significant Deterioration (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (2) Name, mailing address, and location of... (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (v) Nonattainment program under the Clean Air Act. (vi) National...

40 CFR 144.31 - Application for a permit; authorization by permit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Significant Deterioration (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (2) Name, mailing address, and location of... (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (v) Nonattainment program under the Clean Air Act. (vi) National...

40 CFR 144.31 - Application for a permit; authorization by permit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Significant Deterioration (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (2) Name, mailing address, and location of... (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (v) Nonattainment program under the Clean Air Act. (vi) National...

40 CFR 144.31 - Application for a permit; authorization by permit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Significant Deterioration (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (2) Name, mailing address, and location of... (PSD) program under the Clean Air Act. (v) Nonattainment program under the Clean Air Act. (vi) National...

Leveraging Resources to Address Transportation Needs: Transportation Pooled Fund Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-05-28

This brochure describes the Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program. The objectives of the TPF Program are to leverage resources, avoid duplication of effort, undertake large-scale projects, obtain greater input on project definition, achieve broade...

ITS data archiving : five-year program description

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-03-01

The purpose of this document is to explain the need for and elements of a Federal program : addressing the archiving and multi-agency use of data generated from Intelligent : Transportation Systems (ITS) applications. The development of this program ...

Engaging underserved audiences in informal science education through community-based partnerships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouzo, Suzanne

This thesis explores the impact of the Science Education and Engagement of Denver (SEED) Partnership on three of its participant families. The partnership, consisting of large informal science organizations, as well as small community-based organizations, created its programming based on prior research identifying barriers to minority participation in informal science education programs. SEED aims to engage youth and families of emerging populations in science and nature. Three families were examined as a case study to have an in depth investigation about their involvement in the programs sponsored by the partnership. Findings suggest a positive impact on participant feelings and engagement in science and nature. Future recommendations are made for furthering programming as well as conducting a larger scale, more comprehensive program evaluation. This research addresses prior studies that have identified several barriers toward participation of underserved audiences in informal science education programs and how the SEED partnership has addressed specific identified barriers.

Consideration of an Applied Model of Public Health Program Infrastructure

PubMed Central

Lavinghouze, Rene; Snyder, Kimberly; Rieker, Patricia; Ottoson, Judith

2015-01-01

Systemic infrastructure is key to public health achievements. Individual public health program infrastructure feeds into this larger system. Although program infrastructure is rarely defined, it needs to be operationalized for effective implementation and evaluation. The Ecological Model of Infrastructure (EMI) is one approach to defining program infrastructure. The EMI consists of 5 core (Leadership, Partnerships, State Plans, Engaged Data, and Managed Resources) and 2 supporting (Strategic Understanding and Tactical Action) elements that are enveloped in a program’s context. We conducted a literature search across public health programs to determine support for the EMI. Four of the core elements were consistently addressed, and the other EMI elements were intermittently addressed. The EMI provides an initial and partial model for understanding program infrastructure, but additional work is needed to identify evidence-based indicators of infrastructure elements that can be used to measure success and link infrastructure to public health outcomes, capacity, and sustainability. PMID:23411417

The Aircraft Morphing Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wlezien, R. W.; Horner, G. C.; McGowan, A. R.; Padula, S. L.; Scott, M. A.; Silcox, R. J.; Simpson, J. O.

1998-01-01

In the last decade smart technologies have become enablers that cut across traditional boundaries in materials science and engineering. Here we define smart to mean embedded actuation, sensing, and control logic in a tightly coupled feedback loop. While multiple successes have been achieved in the laboratory, we have yet to see the general applicability of smart devices to real aircraft systems. The NASA Aircraft Morphing program is an attempt to couple research across a wide range of disciplines to integrate smart technologies into high payoff aircraft applications. The program bridges research in seven individual disciplines and combines the effort into activities in three primary program thrusts. System studies are used to assess the highest- payoff program objectives, and specific research activities are defined to address the technologies required for development of smart aircraft systems. In this paper we address the overall program goals and programmatic structure, and discuss the challenges associated with bringing the technologies to fruition.

How reliable is computerized assessment of readability?

PubMed

Mailloux, S L; Johnson, M E; Fisher, D G; Pettibone, T J

1995-01-01

To assess the consistency and comparability of readability software programs, four software programs (Corporate Voice, Grammatix IV, Microsoft Word for Windows, and RightWriter) were compared. Standard materials included 28 pieces of printed educational materials on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome distributed nationally and the Gettysburg Address. Statistical analyses for the educational materials revealed that each of the three formulas assessed (Flesch-Kincaid, Flesch Reading Ease, and Gunning Fog Index) provided significantly different grade equivalent scores and that the Microsoft Word program provided significantly lower grade levels and was more inconsistent in the scores provided. For the Gettysburg Address, considerable variation was revealed among formulas, with the discrepancy being up to two grade levels. When averaging across formulas, there was a variation of 1.3 grade levels between the four software programs. Given the variation between formulas and programs, implications for decisions based on results of these software programs are provided.

Surgical Technology Program Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Georgia Univ., Athens. Dept. of Vocational Education.

This surgical technology program guide presents the standard curriculum for technical institutes in Georgia. The curriculum addresses the minimum competencies for a surgical technology program. The program guide is designed to relate primarily to the development of those skills needed by individuals in the field to provide services in the…

Program Discontinuance: A Faculty Perspective Revisited. Adopted Fall 2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, 2012

2012-01-01

The 1998 Academic Senate for California Community Colleges paper Program Discontinuance: A Faculty Perspective presented issues of program discontinuance and addressed principles and key factors for effective faculty participation in the development of fair and equitable program discontinuance processes. In 2009, an Academic Senate resolution…

Creating a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hambrecht, Georgia, Ed.; Stimley, Mark, Ed.

This document consists of 11 short articles about the development of the Associate of Science degree program for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) at Indiana State University. The three sections address the program's background, course planning, and program implementation, respectively. Individual articles are: (1) "Top 10 List of…

25 CFR 46.20 - Program requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM General Provisions § 46.20 Program requirements. (a) The Adult Education Office will implement the program or project that is designed to address the needs of the Indian adults in the service area. To determine the needs of...

25 CFR 46.20 - Program requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM General Provisions § 46.20 Program requirements. (a) The Adult Education Office will implement the program or project that is designed to address the needs of the Indian adults in the service area. To determine the needs of...

25 CFR 46.20 - Program requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM General Provisions § 46.20 Program requirements. (a) The Adult Education Office will implement the program or project that is designed to address the needs of the Indian adults in the service area. To determine the needs of...

25 CFR 46.20 - Program requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM General Provisions § 46.20 Program requirements. (a) The Adult Education Office will implement the program or project that is designed to address the needs of the Indian adults in the service area. To determine the needs of...

Site support program plan for ICF Kaiser Hanford Company

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dieterle, S.E.

1996-09-27

The Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Inftastructure Program Site Support Program Plan (SSPP) addresses the mission objectives, workscope, work breakdown structures (WBS), management approach, and resource requirements for the Infrastructure Program. Attached to the plan are appendices that provide more detailed information associated with scope definition.

Student Assistance Program Implementation and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dykeman, Cass

Recently, educators have initiated programs to help students address the social and emotional problems which can impair academic performance. This paper reviews current knowledge on one such program called a Student Assistance Program (SAP). SAPs were initially designed to intervene with chemically-dependent high school students, but more…

Educating the Employee Assistance Professional: Cornell University's Employee Assistance Education and Research Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quick, R. C.; And Others

1987-01-01

Outlines Cornell University's Employee Assistance Education and Research Program, which uses an academic curriculum and field experience to further develop the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) profession. Addresses the dilemma of personnel executives in ensuring quality in EAP programs and staff. (JOW)

Programs for the Deaf Blind.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Annals of the Deaf, 1987

1987-01-01

The directory lists 30 programs for deaf-blind children and youth, the 10 regional offices of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, and five programs for training teachers of the deaf-blind. Provided for each program is address, director's name, and phone number. (DB)

Helping General Physical Educators and Adapted Physical Educators Address the Office Of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Guidance Letter: Part VI--Addressing Professional Preparation for Serving Students with Disabilities in Extracurricular Athletic Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silliman-French, Lisa; French, Ron

2013-01-01

One of the major components in the development of quality extracurricular athletic (ECA) programs that involves the infusion of students who have been classified as educationally disabled is the preparation of effective, high-quality physical educators who will assume coaching positions (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2012). These coaches…

Creating a Patient Navigation Model to Address Cervical Cancer Disparities in a Rural Hispanic Farmworker Community

PubMed Central

Wells, Kristen J.; Rivera, Maria I.; Proctor, Sara K.; Arroyo, Gloria; Bynum, Shalanda A.; Quinn, Gwendolyn P.; Luque, John S.; Rivera, Marlene; Martinez-Tyson, Dinorah; Meade, Cathy D.

2013-01-01

Summary This report describes the implementation of a pilot patient navigation (PN) program created to address cervical cancer disparities in a predominantly Hispanic agricultural community. Since November 2009, a patient navigator has provided services to patients of Catholic Mobile Medical Services (CMMS). The PN program has resulted in the need for additional clinic sessions to accommodate the demand for preventive care at CMMS. PMID:23698685

Guidelines clarify managed care accounting procedures.

PubMed

Cheramy, S J; Garner, M

1989-08-01

Two new documents offer guidance for accounting issues involved in managed care programs. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position 89-5 and HFMA's Principles and Practices Board Statement No. 11 address risk contracting from the perspective of the managed care program and the healthcare provider, respectively. One key issue addressed in the documents is the timing of expense recognition of the costs of providing health services to members of managed care plans.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gann, Gabriel D. Orebi

Solar neutrinos offer a unique opportunity to study the interaction of neutrinos with matter, a sensitive search for potential new physics effects, and a probe of solar structure and solar system formation. This paper describes the broad physics program addressed by solar neutrino studies, presents the current suite of experiments programs, and describes several potential future detectors that could address the open questions in this field. This paper is a summary of a talk presented at the Neutrino 2014 conference in Boston.

Roster of NSAP (Navy Science Assistance Program) Field Team Members, Fiscal Years 1971-1986

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-05

CAPTOR Evaluation Program, NSWC. Current Job/Position: Operational Requirements Analyst for a new generation of mines. Current Address: Officer in...to NSAP Field Assignment: General Engineer; combat systems engineering on new ship design concepts, NSWC. Current Job/Position: Electronic Engineer...ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE Naval Surface Weapons Center (Code D23) 5 August 1985 10901 New Hampshire Avenue 13. NUMBER OF PAGES Silver Spring, MD 20910

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-23

NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service,The Library of...role to Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS)—an industry team led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an...icebreaker sustainment is not a Deepwater program but is displayed to align with the FY2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and

Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-22

NUMBER 5e . TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Congressional Research Service,Library of Congress,101...an industry team led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems ( NGSS ). ICGS was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID...program but is displayed to align with the FY2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 110-329.” b

U. S. Navy’s Superconductivity Programs; Scientific Curosity To Fleet Utility

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND...ADDRESS(ES) Naval Research Laboratory,Washington,DC,20375 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS...classes of materials studied for superconductivity were ternary alloys13, and organic materials14. The dilution refrigerator largely replaced

An Interactive Artificial Cutting Plane Method for Bicriterion Integer Programming Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

AUTHOR(S) Diane Breivik Allen, 1st Lt 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER AFIT Student Attending...INTERACTIVE ARTIFICIAL CUTTING PLANE METHOD FOR BICRITERION INTEGER PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS By Diane Breivik Allen A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of...ITfiSRA&1 DTIC TAB 0 Unannounced 0 Justirication By BY Diane Breivik Allen Distributlon/ Availability CQdes Avail and/or Dist Special Approved: DTI

A Female Urinary Diversion Device for Military Women in the Deployed Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-27

9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) TriService Nursing Research TSNRP Program, 4301 Jones...reported there were many opportunities for a FUDD due to unsanitary and challenging conditions. Implications for Military Nursing : This research...Contract PoP: 6/1/2011 - 5/31/2016 Customer: TRISERVICE NURSING RESEARCH PROGRAM Customer Contract ID: HU0001 -11-1-TS02 Contract Manager: Robinson

Small Business Procurement Event

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-13

Small Business Procurement Event 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Department of the Navy,Office of Small Business Programs,720 Kennon...distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES NDIA 27th Navy Gold Coast Small Business Procurement Event, 12-13 Aug 2014, San Diego, CA. 14. ABSTRACT

Evaluation of a pilot promotora program for Latino forest workers in southern Oregon.

PubMed

Bush, Diane E; Wilmsen, Carl; Sasaki, Timothy; Barton-Antonio, Dinorah; Steege, Andrea L; Chang, Charlotte

2014-07-01

Forest work, an occupation with some of the highest injury and illness rates, is conducted primarily by Latino immigrant workers. This study evaluates a pilot program where promotoras (lay community health educators) provided occupational health and safety trainings for Latino forest workers. Evaluation methods included a focus group, post-tests, and qualitative feedback. Community capacity to address working conditions increased through (i) increased leadership and community access to information and resources; and (ii) increased worker awareness of workplace health and safety rights and resources. Fear of retaliation remains a barrier to workers taking action; nevertheless, the promotoras supported several workers in addressing-specific workplace issues. For working conditions to significantly improve, major structural influences need to be addressed. A long-term, organizationally supported promotora program can play a key role in linking and supporting change at the individual, interpersonal and community levels, contributing to and supporting structural change. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

NHD Event Data Dictionary

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Reach Address Database (RAD) stores reach address information for each Water Program feature that has been linked to the underlying surface water features (streams, lakes, etc) in the National Hydrology Database (NHD) Plus dataset.

Reach Address Database (RAD)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Reach Address Database (RAD) stores the reach address of each Water Program feature that has been linked to the underlying surface water features (streams, lakes, etc) in the National Hydrology Database (NHD). (A reach is the portion of a stream between two points of confluence. A confluence is the location where two or more streams flow together.)

77 FR 11101 - Applications for New Awards; Native Hawaiian Education Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-24

... designed to address the needs of at-risk children and youth. Competitive Preference Priority 2--Native Hawaiian Underemployment. (Up to 2 points). Projects that are designed to address needs in fields or... Instruction. (Up to 2 points). Projects that are designed to address the use of the Hawaiian language in...

40 CFR 63.13 - Addresses of State air pollution control agencies and EPA Regional Offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Addresses of State air pollution... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES General Provisions § 63.13 Addresses of State air pollution control agencies...

40 CFR 63.13 - Addresses of State air pollution control agencies and EPA Regional Offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Addresses of State air pollution... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES General Provisions § 63.13 Addresses of State air pollution control agencies...

40 CFR 63.13 - Addresses of State air pollution control agencies and EPA Regional Offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Addresses of State air pollution... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR SOURCE CATEGORIES General Provisions § 63.13 Addresses of State air pollution control agencies...

Improving the Nurse–Family Partnership in Community Practice

PubMed Central

Donelan-McCall, Nancy; O’Brien, Ruth; MacMillan, Harriet; Jack, Susan; Jenkins, Thomas; Dunlap, Wallace P.; O’Fallon, Molly; Yost, Elly; Thorland, Bill; Pinto, Francesca; Gasbarro, Mariarosa; Baca, Pilar; Melnick, Alan; Beeber, Linda

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based preventive interventions are rarely final products. They have reached a stage of development that warrant public investment but require additional research and development to strengthen their effects. The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a program of nurse home visiting, is grounded in findings from replicated randomized controlled trials. OBJECTIVE: Evidence-based programs require replication in accordance with the models tested in the original randomized controlled trials in order to achieve impacts comparable to those found in those trials, and yet they must be changed in order to improve their impacts, given that interventions require continuous improvement. This article provides a framework and illustrations of work our team members have developed to address this tension. METHODS: Because the NFP is delivered in communities outside of research contexts, we used quantitative and qualitative research to identify challenges with the NFP program model and its implementation, as well as promising approaches for addressing them. RESULTS: We describe a framework used to address these issues and illustrate its use in improving nurses’ skills in retaining participants, reducing closely spaced subsequent pregnancies, responding to intimate partner violence, observing and promoting caregivers’ care of their children, addressing parents’ mental health problems, classifying families’ risks and strengths as a guide for program implementation, and collaborating with indigenous health organizations to adapt and evaluate the program for their populations. We identify common challenges encountered in conducting research in practice settings and translating findings from these studies into ongoing program implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The conduct of research focused on quality improvement, model improvement, and implementation in NFP practice settings is challenging, but feasible, and holds promise for improving the impact of the NFP. PMID:24187112

Fact Sheet: 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA's existing chemicals programs address pollution prevention, risk assessment, hazard and exposure assessment and/or characterization, and risk management for chemicals substances in commercial use.

Expeditionary Warrior 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-23

CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING...ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory,Wargaming Division,3255 Meyers Avenue (Newlin Hall),Quantico,VA,22134 8...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S

On the Radiation Effect in Nanostructures Related to Nanomagnetics and Spintronics

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d...PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION...REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM( S ) 11

Cyber Enabled Direct Digital Manufacturing

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-15

5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Labotatory Office of...MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Office of Naval Research 875 North Randolph Street Arlington, VA 22203-1995 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S...the Office of Naval Research "Cyber Enabled Direct Digital Manufacturing" program, award N00014-11-1-0668 are discussed. Achievements include the

Task Force Fury - 4/82 ABN. Operation Enduring Freedom X, Aug 09-Sep 10

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Office Secretary of Defense,Joint Advanced Warfighting Program - Analytical Projects...Office,Washington,DC,20301 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S...assess our Operational Environments (OE), Afghan partners and ourselves - Remain an agile, adaptive and learning organization (get better every day) ANSF

Library outreach: overcoming health literacy challenges*

PubMed Central

Parker, Ruth; Kreps, Gary L.

2005-01-01

Objective: This paper examines the powerful influences of consumer health literacy on access to and use of relevant health information. Method: The paper describes how widespread problems with health literacy significantly limit effective dissemination of relevant health information in society, especially to many vulnerable populations where health literacy challenges are especially pervasive. Results: The paper examines strengths and weaknesses of different programs for addressing health literacy problems, including educational programs, message design programs, and strategic communication training and intervention programs. Implications: The paper evaluates strategies that can be implemented throughout the modern health care system to address problems of health literacy by improving health information access, processing, and understanding. It concludes by examining several strategies that libraries can adopt to overcome many health literacy challenges. PMID:16239962

ITS data archiving : five-year program description

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-05-01

The purpose of this document is to explain the need for and elements of a Federal program addressing the archiving and multi-agency use of data generated from Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications. The development of this program buil...

WATERS Terms of Use and Disclaimer

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Reach Address Database (RAD) stores reach address information for each Water Program feature that has been linked to the underlying surface water features (streams, lakes, etc) in the National Hydrology Database (NHD) Plus dataset.

Employee assistance programs: a workplace resource to address intimate partner violence.

PubMed

Pollack, Keshia M; Austin, Whitney; Grisso, Jeane Ann

2010-04-01

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem with significant impact on the workplace. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are a confidential benefit to assist employees and their families with a variety of problems that may negatively affect their job performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to study the extant literature to identify articles that have explored the role of EAPs in addressing IPV. We searched Medline, PsychINFO, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for English-language papers that have explored how EAPs can address IPV. Articles published through 2008 were included. Our review yielded nine articles, mostly from EAP-centered journals. Nearly all of the studies were published before the year 2000 and primarily describe the need for EAPs to be more engaged in preventing violence against women. Most of the studies were commentaries, often using case reports to support recommendations on how EAPs could address IPV. Results from the two intervention studies revealed close connections between EAP clients being treated for alcoholism and IPV perpetration and the effectiveness of a standardized tool to identify EAP clients experiencing IPV. Research in this area is in its infancy, and more studies are needed to inform the formulation of evidence-based policies and programs that guide the role of EAPs in addressing IPV. The lack of research on how EAPs address IPV is alarming, as many employers state that they often refer employees affected by IPV to the EAP for assistance.

Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) Through Cooperative Bioengagement

PubMed Central

Standley, Claire J.; Sorrell, Erin M.; Kornblet, Sarah; Fischer, Julie E.; Katz, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Cooperative bioengagement efforts, as practiced by U.S. government-funded entities, such as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Cooperative Biological Engagement Program, the State Department’s Biosecurity Engagement Program, and parallel programs in other countries, exist at the nexus between public health and security. These programs have an explicit emphasis on developing projects that address the priorities of the partner country as well as the donor. While the objectives of cooperative bioengagement programs focus on reducing the potential for accidental or intentional misuse and/or release of dangerous biological agents, many partner countries are interested in bioengagement as a means to improve basic public health capacities. This article examines the extent to which cooperative bioengagement projects address public health capacity building under the revised International Health Regulations and alignment with the Global Health Security Agenda action packages. PMID:26528463

Unpacking the "Black Box" of Social Programs and Policies: Introduction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Solmeyer, Anna R.; Constance, Nicole

2015-01-01

Traditionally, evaluation has primarily tried to answer the question "Does a program, service, or policy work?" Recently, more attention is given to questions about variation in program effects and the mechanisms through which program effects occur. Addressing these kinds of questions requires moving beyond assessing average program…

76 FR 16000 - Voluntary Protection Programs Information; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-22

... management programs including how the programs successfully address management leadership and employee...] Voluntary Protection Programs Information; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's... concerning its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) approval of the information...

Nutrition Programs for Children. ERIC Digest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Urbana, IL.

Despite recognition of the importance of good nutrition for children's cognitive development, many children in America are poorly nourished. This digest reviews programs designed to address this problem and suggests ways to improve child nutrition and school meal programs. Federal programs administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the…

Trends toward the Future in Physical Activity Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charles, John M.; Charles, P. Kelly

2016-01-01

In the wake of multiple activity program eliminations and frequent downgrading of activity programs nationwide, the question to be addressed is how we can draw upon our interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and intercultural understandings of human movement to construct physical activity programs for the future that might withstand the test of…