Truman Bodden Law School

Abstract Understanding patterns of connectivity among populations of marine organisms is essential for the development of realistic, spatially explicit models of population dynamics. Two approaches, empirical genetic patterns and oceanographic dispersal modelling, have been used to estimate levels of evolutionary connectivity among marine populations but rarely have their potentially complementary insights been combined. Here, a spatially realistic Lagrangian model of larval dispersal and a theoretical genetic model are integrated with the most extensive study of gene flow in a Caribbean marine organism. The 871 genets collected from 26 sites spread over the wider Caribbean subsampled 45.8% of the 1900 potential unique genets in the model. At a coarse scale, significant consensus between modelled estimates of genetic structure and empirical genetic data for populations of the reef‐building coral Montastraea annularis is observed. However, modelled and empirical data differ in their estimates of connectivity among northern Mesoamerican reefs indicating that processes other than dispersal may dominate here. Further, the geographic location and porosity of the previously described east–west barrier to gene flow in the Caribbean is refined. A multi‐prong approach, integrating genetic data and spatially realistic models of larval dispersal and genetic projection, provides complementary insights into the processes underpinning population connectivity in marine invertebrates on evolutionary timescales.

ABSTRACT Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft‐tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents and accounts for 3% of all pediatric tumors. Subtypes include alveolar, spindle cell, embryonal, mixed‐type, pleomorphic, and rhabdomyosarcoma with ganglionic differentiation. The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for patients diagnosed with any type of rhabdomyosarcoma between 1973 and 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and incidence were studied with χ 2 analysis. Survival was modeled with Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the effect of age and gender on survival. Pleomorphic subtype had higher grade and larger sized tumors compared to other subtypes ( p < 0.05). Pleomorphic and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma had the worst overall survival with a 26.6% and 28.9% 5‐year survival, respectively. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma had the highest 5‐year survival rate (73.9%). Tumor size was negatively correlated with survival months, indicating patients with larger tumors had shorter survival times ( p < 0.05). Presence of higher‐grade tumors and metastatic disease at presentation were negatively correlated with survival months ( p < 0.05). No significant differences in the survival were found between gender or race between all of the subtypes ( p > 0.05). This study highlights key differences in the demographic and survival rates of the different types of rhabdomyosarcoma that can be used for more tailored patient counseling. We also demonstrate that large, population‐level databases provide sufficient data that can be used in the analysis of rare tumors. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2226–2230, 2019

BACKGROUND: Currently, guidelines recommend initial resuscitation with intravenous (IV) crystalloids during severe sepsis/septic shock. Albumin is suggested as an alternative. However, fluid mixtures are often used in practice, and it is unclear whether the specific mixture of IV fluids used impacts outcomes. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that the specific mixture of IV fluids used during initial resuscitation, in severe sepsis, is associated with important in-hospital outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study includes patients with severe sepsis who were resuscitated with at least 2 l of crystalloids and vasopressors by hospital day 2, patients who had not undergone any major surgical procedures, and patients who had a hospital length of stay (LOS) of at least 2 days. Inverse probability weighting, propensity score matching, and hierarchical regression methods were used for risk adjustment. Patients were grouped into four exposure categories: recipients of isotonic saline alone ("Sal" exclusively), saline in combination with balanced crystalloids ("Sal + Bal"), saline in combination with colloids ("Sal + Col"), or saline in combination with balanced crystalloids and colloids ("Sal + Bal + Col"). In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome, and hospital LOS and costs per day (among survivors) were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In risk-adjusted Inverse Probability Weighting analyses including 60,734 adults admitted to 360 intensive care units across the United States between January 2006 and December 2010, in-hospital mortality was intermediate in the Sal group (20.2%), lower in the Sal + Bal group (17.7%, P < 0.001), higher in the Sal + Col group (24.2%, P < 0.001), and similar in the Sal + Bal + Col group (19.2%, P = 0.401). In pairwise propensity score-matched comparisons, the administration of balanced crystalloids by hospital day 2 was consistently associated with lower mortality, whether colloids were used (relative risk, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.92) or not (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.89). The association between colloid use and in-hospital mortality was inconsistent, and survival was not uniformly affected, whereas LOS and costs per day were uniformly increased. Results were robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: During the initial resuscitation of adults with severe sepsis/septic shock, the types of IV fluids used may impact in-hospital mortality. When compared with the administration of isotonic saline exclusively during resuscitation, the coadministration of balanced crystalloids is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and no difference in LOS or costs per day. When colloids are coadministered, LOS and costs per day are increased without improved survival. A large randomized controlled trial evaluating crystalloid choice is warranted. Meanwhile, the use of balanced crystalloids seems reasonable. (Anesthesiology 2015; 123:1385-93).

SYNOPSIS An account is given of the formation of the mating plug in the atrium of newly mated females of Anopheles from genital secretions of the male and female. The function of these secretions, and of the mating plug, is discussed.

Headstarting is a management technique employed to enhance recruitment of turtles into diminished or extirpated marine turtle populations. Although there have been numerous projects worldwide, there has been a paucity of detailed investigations into its efficacy. Between 1980 and 2001, 16,422 captive-raised hatchlings and 14,347 yearling green marine turtles Chelonia mydas were released from the Cayman Turtle Farm. Approximately 80% of all turtles released were subject to some form of tagging, including living tags. A total of 392 tagged animals have been recaptured at intervals of up to 19 years. Of this total, 160 individuals were captured in the Cayman Islands and 232 were recorded from other locations within the wider Caribbean and southeastern USA. There was significant variation in the release-recapture intervals at the three countries with most returns (Cayman, Cuba and Nicaragua). A positive relationship exists between time at large and size at recapture and data suggest growth rates comparable to those of wild green turtles in the region. There have been at least six living tag returns, four involving turtles released as yearlings and two involving turtles released as hatchlings. This demonstrates an age at maturity that may be as short as 15–19 years, depending on stage of release. Results show that some headstarted turtles are moving around the Caribbean, surviving for long periods of time, contributing to the local breeding population, and are possibly displaying shifts in habitat utilization with age similar to those recorded by wild individuals.

CD44 and its variant isoforms are a group of transmembrane glycoproteins which play important roles in immune recognition, in lymphocyte trafficking, and in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Although CD44 is expressed by some normal human epithelial and mesenchymal cells, upregulation of CD44 expression has been related to the metastatic potential of some malignant tumours. In this study of 27 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), an indirect immunohistochemical method was used to investigate the distribution of CD44 in normal liver and to determine whether expression of the standard form of CD44 (CD44s), or two of its variant isoforms (CD44-v3 and CD44-v6), correlated with tumour grade, proliferation indices, or histological evidence of vascular invasion. Fifteen of the tumours were Edmondson grade II, four were grade III, and eight were grade IV. Liver cell dysplasia was present in adjacent liver parenchyma in three cases and vascular invasion was observed in ten HCCs. Vascular invasion was found to be more frequent in high grade HCCs and a significant correlation was observed between tumour proliferation indices and vascular invasion. CD44s was not expressed by epithelial cells of normal liver but was expressed by tumour cells in six HCCs; vascular invasion was present in five of these HCCs. Three CD44s-positive cases also expressed CD44-v3 and two of these also expressed CD44-v6. CD44 was not expressed in areas of hepatocyte dysplasia. There was a significant correlation between CD44 expression and the presence of vascular invasion, but not between CD44 expression and tumour grade or tumour proliferation indices. It is concluded that upregulation of cell surface CD44 expression on malignant hepatocytes is related to their tendency to vascular invasion and may have implications relating to metastasis and prognosis in patients with HCCs.

Abstract Threatened Caribbean coral communities can benefit from high‐resolution genetic data used to inform management and conservation action. We use Genotyping by Sequencing ( GBS ) to investigate genetic patterns in the threatened coral, Acropora cervicornis , across the Florida Reef Tract ( FRT ) and the western Caribbean. Results show extensive population structure at regional scales and resolve previously unknown structure within the FRT . Different regions also exhibit up to threefold differences in genetic diversity (He), suggesting targeted management based on the goals and resources of each population is needed. Patterns of genetic diversity have a strong spatial component, and our results show Broward and the Lower Keys are among the most diverse populations in Florida. The genetic diversity of Caribbean staghorn coral is concentrated within populations and within individual reefs ( AMOVA ), highlighting the complex mosaic of population structure. This variance structure is similar over regional and local scales, which suggests that in situ nurseries are adequately capturing natural patterns of diversity, representing a resource that can replicate the average diversity of wild assemblages, serving to increase intraspecific diversity and potentially leading to improved biodiversity and ecosystem function. Results presented here can be translated into specific goals for the recovery of A. cervicornis , including active focus on low diversity areas, protection of high diversity and connectivity, and practical thresholds for responsible restoration.

Abstract Rationale Development of diagnostic tools with improved predictive value for tuberculosis (TB) is a global research priority. Objectives We evaluated whether implementing higher diagnostic thresholds than currently recommended for QuantiFERON Gold-in-Tube (QFT-GIT), T-SPOT.TB, and the tuberculin skin test (TST) might improve prediction of incident TB. Methods Follow-up of a UK cohort of 9,610 adult TB contacts and recent migrants was extended by relinkage to national TB surveillance records (median follow-up 4.7 yr). Incidence rates and rate ratios, sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values for incident TB were calculated according to ordinal strata for quantitative results of QFT-GIT, T-SPOT.TB, and TST (with adjustment for prior bacillus Calmette-Guérin [BCG] vaccination). Measurements and Main Results For all tests, incidence rates and rate ratios increased with the magnitude of the test result (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Over 3 years’ follow-up, there was a modest increase in positive predictive value with the higher thresholds (3.0% for QFT-GIT ≥0.35 IU/ml vs. 3.6% for ≥4.00 IU/ml; 3.4% for T-SPOT.TB ≥5 spots vs. 5.0% for ≥50 spots; and 3.1% for BCG-adjusted TST ≥5 mm vs. 4.3% for ≥15 mm). As thresholds increased, sensitivity to detect incident TB waned for all tests (61.0% for QFT-GIT ≥0.35 IU/ml vs. 23.2% for ≥4.00 IU/ml; 65.4% for T-SPOT.TB ≥5 spots vs. 27.2% for ≥50 spots; 69.7% for BCG-adjusted TST ≥5 mm vs. 28.1% for ≥15 mm). Conclusions Implementation of higher thresholds for QFT-GIT, T-SPOT.TB, and TST modestly increases positive predictive value for incident TB, but markedly reduces sensitivity. Novel biomarkers or validated multivariable risk algorithms are required to improve prediction of incident TB.

To address patterns of genetic connectivity in a mass-aggregating marine fish, we analyzed genetic variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), microsatellites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus). We expected Nassau grouper to exhibit genetic differentiation among its subpopulations due to its reproductive behavior and retentive oceanographic conditions experienced across the Caribbean basin. All samples were genotyped for two mitochondrial markers and 9 microsatellite loci, and a subset of samples were genotyped for 4,234 SNPs. We found evidence of genetic differentiation in a Caribbean-wide study of this mass-aggregating marine fish using mtDNA (F ST = 0.206, p,0.001), microsatellites (F ST = 0.002, p = 0.004) and SNPs (F ST = 0.002, p = 0.014), and identified three potential barriers to larval dispersal. Genetically isolated regions identified in our work mirror those seen for other invertebrate and fish species in the Caribbean basin. Oceanographic regimes in the Caribbean may largely explain patterns of genetic differentiation among Nassau grouper subpopulations. Regional patterns observed warrant standardization of fisheries management and conservation initiatives among countries within genetically isolated regions.

This paper presents a study on the flexural behavior of two-way reinforced concrete slabs externally strengthened with prestressed or nonprestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Four large-scale flat plate slabs (3,000mm×3,000mm×90mm) are tested and a nonlinear three-dimensional finite-element analysis is conducted to predict the flexural behaviors of the tested slabs, including the load-deflection response, strain distribution, crack propagation, and crack mouth opening displacement. An increase in the load-carrying capacity of 25 and 72% is achieved for the slabs strengthened with nonprestressed and prestressed CFRP sheets, respectively, in comparison to the unstrengthened slab. A reduction of the deflections up to 32% in service is noted for the strengthened slabs. The unstrengthened slab shows very ductile behavior, whereas, progressive failure is observed for the strengthened slabs, exhibiting pseudoductility in postpeak behavior. Stress redistribution between the internal and external reinforcement is significant in the slab strengthened with prestressed CFRP sheets.

Age is a fundamental life history attribute that is used to understand the dynamics of wild animal populations. Unfortunately, most animals do not have a practical or nonlethal method to determine age. This makes it difficult for wildlife managers to carry out population assessments, particularly for elusive and long-lived fauna such as marine turtles. In this study, we present an epigenetic clock that predicts the age of marine turtles from skin biopsies. The model was developed and validated using DNA from known-age green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from two captive populations, and mark-recapture wild turtles with known time intervals between captures. Our method, based on DNA methylation levels at 18 CpG sites, was highly accurate with a median absolute error of 2.1 years (4.7% of maximum age in data set). This is the first epigenetic clock developed for a reptile and illustrates their broad applicability across a broad variety of vertebrate species. It has the potential to transform marine turtle management through a nonlethal and inexpensive method to provide key life history information.

Abstract Killer whales O rcinus orca are found in all oceans of the world, but most of our knowledge on the species comes from studies conducted at higher latitudes. Studies on killer whales in the C aribbean have been scarce. We compiled 176 records of killer whales from the C aribbean, including 95 previously unreported records and 81 records recovered from the literature, consisting of 27 capture or kill records, 4 stranding records and 145 sighting records. Our results indicate that killer whales are widespread in the C aribbean S ea and can be found year‐round in the region. Mean group size was 3.7 animals. A diversity of prey items was recorded, including sea turtles and marine mammals and possibly fish. We cannot exclude ecotype or morphotype‐specific dietary specialization in the C aribbean population. A preliminary morphological analysis of 10 characters in 52 individuals from 21 different groups suggests that C aribbean killer whales do not represent any of the four A ntarctic and subantarctic types, type 1 from the northwest A tlantic, or ‘resident’ and ‘transient’ killer whales from the northwest P acific. Some C aribbean killer whales share a combination of characters typical of type 2 in the N orth A tlantic, whereas others share those typical of ‘offshore’ killer whales in the northwest P acific. The significance of this is unclear. Comparison of C aribbean killer whales to previously described morphotypes and ecotypes is hampered by the lack of detailed, quantitative data on variation within other types, as well as by the lack of comparisons of genetic diversity. Our study adds to the growing knowledge of the diversity of killer whales worldwide but underscores that additional research is warranted in the tropics.

Many marine turtle populations are smaller than they once were, having been exploited at varying levels since prehistory. However, in areas where exploitation of adults has been substantially reduced or halted, increases in local nesting populations of several species have been shown. There is a paucity of published information on catch rates, methodologies, target species and size classes in small scale marine turtle fisheries. In the Cayman Islands a legal, highly regulated turtle fishery exists; laws regarding turtle protection regulate seasonality, capture location and method, size class, and levels of take via a licensing system. Licenses have only been issued to 'traditional' fishermen and will not be issued to other individuals in the future. Analysis of fishery data from legally captured animals (n = 27) shows that all turtles reported as captured were either adults or very large juveniles, and many were captured during periods when adults were likely to have been in the waters of the Cayman Islands to breed. We conclude that, given the critically small size of the local nesting populations, it is possible that this directed take, although at very low levels in regional terms, may impede the local population recovery sought through other conservation and management steps being taken in the Cayman Islands.

Infestations of Aedes albopictus were first identified in the Cayman Islands on June 19, 1997. Control techniques that had previously been effective in the elimination of Ae. aegypti from these islands were employed with the aim of eliminating this species. Chemical control methods against adult mosquitoes used a combination of ultra-low-volume applications of fenthion, backpack spraying with permethrin, and residual wall treatments with lambda-cyhalothrin. Larval stages were also targeted with the use of granular formulations of temephos and methoprene applied to all containers capable of sustaining larval development. For a 2-year period after the discovery of the introduction the abundance of this mosquito remained low (Breteau index = 0.6); however, in 1999 Ae. albopictus became firmly established (Breteau index = 5.5). By the end of 2001 it was apparent that the control methods utilized had failed to stop the spread of this species. This work describes the control methods utilized and discusses possible reasons for the failure of the elimination campaign.

Abstract Ex situ management is an important conservation tool that allows the preservation of biological diversity outside natural habitats while supporting survival in the wild. Captive breeding followed by re‐introduction is a possible approach for endangered species conservation and preservation of genetic variability. The Cayman Turtle Centre Ltd was established in 1968 to market green turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) meat and other products and replenish wild populations, thought to be locally extirpated, through captive breeding. We evaluated the effects of this re‐introduction programmme using molecular markers (13 microsatellites, 800‐bp D‐loop and simple tandem repeat mitochondrial DNA sequences) from captive breeders ( N = 257) and wild nesting females ( N = 57) (sampling period: 2013–2015). We divided the captive breeders into three groups: founders (from the original stock), and then two subdivisions of F 1 individuals corresponding to two different management strategies, cohort 1995 (“C1995”) and multicohort F 1 (“MCF1”). Loss of genetic variability and increased relatedness was observed in the captive stock over time. We found no significant differences in diversity among captive and wild groups, and similar or higher levels of haplotype variability when compared to other natural populations. Using parentage and sibship assignment, we determined that 90% of the wild individuals were related to the captive stock. Our results suggest a strong impact of the re‐introduction programmme on the present recovery of the wild green turtle population nesting in the Cayman Islands. Moreover, genetic relatedness analyses of captive populations are necessary to improve future management actions to maintain genetic diversity in the long term and avoid inbreeding depression.

This study presents punching shear behavior of two-way slabs strengthened with prestressed or non-prestressed carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Four two-way slabs (2360 × 2360 × 150 mm 3 ) with a steel reinforcement ratio of 1.44% are tested under concentric load. All slabs exhibit a punching shear failure mode. The strengthened slabs show an increase of up to approximately 20% in load-carrying capacity and an increase of up to 25% in cracking load with respect to the unstrengthened control slab. A detailed stress analysis in reinforcement is conducted along the loading span of the slabs, including the critical shear perimeter surrounding the column stub. The effective strain zone near the slab—column connection, where a sudden increase of strains in the reinforcement is observed, is also studied. The development of shear stresses in the vicinity of the slab—column connection is examined. A non-linear 3D finite element analysis is conducted and analytical predictive models for the punching shear failure are evaluated as well.

Managers, donors, regulators and reporters care about fundraising cost ratios (donations divided by costs) despite their many shortcomings. In this paper we discuss the unintended but harmful side effects resulting from the pressure to minimise cost ratios in the areas of compliance and regulatory costs, misleading solicitations and misled donors, inefficient generation of donations, and inefficient provision of services. We conclude with a brief discussion of alternative approaches to stemming fundraising abuses.

Latar Belakang : Anemia dalam kehamilan masih merupakan masalah kronik di Indonesia terbukti dalam prevalensi pada wanita hamil persentase mencapai 63,5%. Dalam empat tahun terakhir prevalensi anemia tidak menunjukan penurunan yang cukup berarti. Anemia pada kehamilan dapat berpengaruh buruk terutama saat kehamilan, persalinan dan nifas.Tujuan : Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan kejadian anemia.Metode : Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survey deskriptif analitik dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi adalah semua ibu hamil trimester III yang mengalami anemia dan memeriksakan kehamilannya di Puskesmas Tonsea Lama Kecamatan Tondano Utara Kabupaten Minahasa pada tahun 2009-2010 yang berjumlah 56 ibu hamil. Alat ukur yang digunakan adalah buku register PWS KIA Puskesmas Tonsea Lama Kecamatan Tondano Utara Kabupaten Minahasa tahun 2009-2010. Analisis data menggunakan uji statistik Non Parametrik yaitu chi-Square.Hasil : Hasil uji statistik, didapatkan ada hubungan signifikan antara paritas dengan tingkat anemia. Nilai X² = 14.761 dan p = 0.005 IK 95 % = 0.006 – 0.010, ada hubungan signifikan antara umur dengan Tingkat anemia. Nilai X² = 16.967 dan p = 0.002 IK 95 % = 0.001 – 0.003, ada hubungan signifikan antara kunjungan ANC dengan tingkat anemia. Nilai X² = 8.719 dan p = 0.013 IK 95 % = 0.011 – 0.015, ada hubungan signifikan antara konsumsi tablet zat besi dengan tingkat anemia. Nilai X² = 11.059 dan p = 0.004 IK 95 % = 0.009 – 0.013, tidak ada hubungan antara pendidikan dengan tingkat anemia.Kesimpulan : ada hubungan paritas,umur, kunjungan ANC dan konsumsi tablet zat besi.

Abstract Invasive non‐native species (INNS) are recognized as a major threat to island biodiversity, ecosystems, and economies globally. Preventing high‐risk INNS from being introduced is the most cost‐effective way to avoid their adverse impacts. We applied a horizon scanning approach to identify potentially INNS in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (OTs), ranging from Antarctica to the Caribbean, and from the Pacific to the Atlantic. High‐risk species were identified according to their potential for arrival, establishment, and likely impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function, economies, and human health. Across OTs, 231 taxa were included on high‐risk lists. The highest ranking species were the Asian green mussel ( Perna viridis ), little fire ant ( Wasmannia auropunctata ), brown rat ( Rattus norvegicus ), and mesquite tree ( Prosopis juliflora ). Shipping containers were identified as the introduction pathway associated with the most species. The shared high‐risk species and pathways identified provide a guide for other remote islands and archipelagos to focus ongoing biosecurity and surveillance aimed at preventing future incursions.

Abstract Nassau grouper Epinephelus striurus females ovulated 48–51 h after the first of two intramuscular injections of human chorionic gonadotropin given 24 h apart (usually 0.7 IU/gram body weight). Typical spawns contained 400,000–600,000 eggs. With fresh milt and clean water, fertilization rate was 85 and 86%. Survival from fertilization to first feeding for six spawns was 73–94%.