Red Streaks Research Articles

It’s Happening More Than We Think

“I fell in the bathroom in my home and hurt my knees.” Judy (not her real name) is an attractive young woman with perfect makeup and a professional wardrobe. Judy is a clerk for a firm and college educated. She shares an apartment with her boyfriend of 5 years. Judy drinks socially and doesn't use illicit drugs or tobacco. She is being treated for anxiety and attention-deficit disorder. She has had multiple visits to the clinic in the past for leg burns and shortness of breath. Today both of her knees are bruised with significant edema. There are no visible abrasions of the skin. Upon further questioning regarding other symptoms, Judy adds that she has throat pain and wraps her hand around her neck to indicate where her pain is, saying “It’s not on the inside but the outside." Looking closer and removing the makeup from her neck revealed red streaks. I asked her if she had been physically or sexually assaulted. She broke down and started crying. When Judy was first engaged to her current boyfriend 2 years ago, he choked her so hard during an argument that she feared he would kill her. She reported the incident, ended the engagement, and moved out, but she soon returned to her abuser. Judy’s most recent injuries occurred when her boyfriend pushed her to the floor, choking her because she woke him up. Her mother knew about the abuse but advised her to "try and work things out" because Judy could not afford the same lifestyle on her own, and she is getting too old to start a new relationship if she ever wants to be married. I realized that her last 4 visits to the clinic and 1 visit to the emergency room were most likely intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. Her symptoms included headaches, chest pain, heart palpitations, burns, and bruises. I provided her with the domestic violence hotline phone number. Together we called the intake line for counseling services. Afrodita Salievska, DNP, FNP-BC, is a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, IL, and a Family Nurse Practitioner in Minute Clinic and can be contacted at [email protected] .

1875 Acute Pancreatitis Due to Clipping of the Ampulla With Over-The-Scope Clip as a Complication of Bleeding Duodenal Ulcer Treatment

INTRODUCTION: Over-the-scope clips (OTSC; Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) are extensively used for management of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, stent anchoring, fistulas, and bowel perforations. Its mechanism of action includes mechanical compression and tissue approximation. Removal of OTSC is indicated when complications occur, which include ulceration, luminal obstruction or clip misplacement. ReMOVE system (Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) is a safe and effective tool designed to remove the clip. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 56-year-old male presented to our hospital with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding for 4 days. On examination, the patient had epigastric tenderness and rectal exam revealed melanotic stool with bright red streaking. Labs revealed Hgb of 10.4 g/dL. CT abdomen/pelvis revealed active bleeding in the 2nd and 3rd portion of the duodenum. The patient was started on pantoprazole and red blood cell infusion. EGD revealed a peptic ulcer with an exposed vessel in the 2nd portion of duodenum proximal to the ampulla (Figure 1). Hemostasis was achieved using epinephrine injection and placement of an Ovesco OTSC. Patients hemoglobin stabilized however he continued to experience excruciating abdominal pain. Serum lipase was checked and was elevated to 17,925 U/L. A repeat EGD showed OTSC deployed over the ampulla (Figure 2) and attempts to break the clip using a needle knife and APC were unsuccessful. Two days later, using the bipolar direct current (DC) cutter (remOVE system, Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) (Figure 3) the clip was removed following which bile was seen to be draining freely. Repeat EGD 1 month later showed normal duodenum with healed ampulla and ulcer. DISCUSSION: Ovesco OTSC is an innovative clipping system intended for endoscopic treatment of GI bleeding and closure of acute or chronic wall lesions. The OTSC for flexible endoscopy is an elastic device that works by compression and approximation of tissue. The clip is composed of Nitinol, a biocompatible material that can remain in the body as a long-term implant. RemOVE system can be used for endoscopic OTSC clips removal from the GI tract. It includes DC Cutter which is a bipolar instrument that allows fragmentation by localized melting and cutting of OTSC when used with DC Impulse. The DC Cutter’s tip consists of three electrodes that are brought in contact with the thinnest parts of the nitinol clip which is the frame/hinge. The OTSC must be cut at two spots on opposite side of the row of teeth and the clip fragments can be extracted.

Validity of endoscopic features for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection status based on the Kyoto classification of gastritis.

Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection status (non-infection, past infection, current infection) has become important. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of the Kyoto classification of gastritis for diagnosing H.pylori infection status by endoscopy. In this prospective study, 498 subjects were recruited. Seven well-experienced endoscopists blinded to the history of eradication therapy performed the examinations. Endoscopic findings were assessed according to the Kyoto classification of gastritis: diffuse redness, regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC), fundic gland polyp (FGP), atrophy, xanthoma, hyperplastic polyp, map-like redness, intestinal metaplasia, nodularity, mucosal swelling, white and flat elevated lesion, sticky mucus, depressive erosion, raised erosion, red streak, and enlarged folds. We established prediction models according to a machine learning procedure and compared them with general assessment by endoscopists using the Kyoto classification of gastritis. Significantly higher diagnostic odds were obtained for RAC (32.2), FGP (7.7), and red streak (4.7) in subjects with non-infection, map-like redness (12.9) in subjects with past infection, and diffuse redness (26.8), mucosal swelling (13.3), sticky mucus (10.2) and enlarged fold (8.6) in subjects with current infection. The overall diagnostic accuracy rate was 82.9% with the Kyoto classification of gastritis. The diagnostic accuracy of the prediction model was 88.6% for the model without H.pylori eradication history and 93.4% for the model with eradication history. The Kyoto classification of gastritis is useful for diagnosing H.pylori infection status based on endoscopic findings. Our prediction model is helpful for novice endoscopists. (UMIN000016674).

Linked Color Imaging and the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis: Evaluation of Visibility and Inter-Rater Reliability

Background/Aims: To compare white light imaging (WLI) with linked color imaging (LCI) and blue LASER imaging (BLI) in endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori presently infected, previously infected, and uninfected gastric mucosae for visibility and inter-rater reliability. Methods: WLI, LCI and BLI bright mode (BLI-bright) were used to obtain 1,092 endoscopic images from 261 patients according to the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis. Images were evaluated retrospectively by 10 experts and 10 trainee endoscopists and included diffuse redness, spotty redness, map-like redness, patchy redness, red streaks, intestinal metaplasia, and an atrophic border (52 cases for each finding, respectively). Physicians assessed visibility as follows: 5 (improved), 4 (somewhat improved), 3 (equivalent), 2 (somewhat decreased), and 1 (decreased). Visibility was assessed from totaled scores. The inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was also evaluated. Results: Compared with WLI, all endoscopists reported improved visibility with LCI: 55.8% for diffuse redness; LCI: 38.5% for spotty redness; LCI: 57.7% for map-like redness; LCI: 40.4% for patchy redness; LCI: 53.8% for red streaks; LCI: 42.3% and BLI-bright: 80.8% for intestinal metaplasia; LCI: 46.2% for an atrophic border. For all endoscopists, the inter-rater reliabilities of LCI compared to WLI were 0.73–0.87. Conclusion: The visibility of each endoscopic finding was improved by LCI while that of intestinal metaplasia was improved by BLI-bright.

Lipuite, a new manganese phyllosilicate mineral from the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, South Africa

AbstractA new phyllosilicate mineral, lipuite (IMA2014-085), has been discovered from the N'Chwaning III mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, Northern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. It occurs as platy, tabular, or granular crystals and veined agglomerate in association with Mn-bearing sugilite, taniajacoite, pectolite, richterite, norrishite and namansilite. Lipuite is dark red–brown with vitreous lustre, red streak, an estimated Mohs hardness of 5 and the measured density is 2.83(3) g/cm3. It is biaxial (+) and characterised by bright red to dark red colour in thin section with measured refractive indices in white light: α = 1.635(1), β = 1.653(1), γ = 1.670(1) and 2V = 86(2)°. The Raman spectra of lipuite are composed of over 21 bands at 109, 146, 162, 183, 206, 244, 288, 342, 362, 455, 496, 520, 552, 613, 669, 886, 930, 971, 1097, 3487 and 3540 cm–1. The empirical formula from microprobe analyses is (based on total number of cations = 27.5 and structural refinement): K1.12Na8.16(Mn4.77Fe0.07)Σ4.84Mg0.44[Si11.97O30(OH)4](PO4)0.94O2(OH)2·4H2O. The idealised formula is: KNa8Mn3+5Mg0.5[Si12O30(OH)4](PO4)O2(OH)2·4H2O.Lipuite is orthorhombic, space groupPnnm,a= 9.080(3),b= 12.222(3),c= 17.093(5) Å,V= 1897.0(9) Å3andZ= 2. The strongest powder X-ray diffraction peaks [d, Å (I) (hkl)] are: 9.965(40)(011), 2.938(33)(310), 2.895(100)(311), 2.777(38)(224), 2.713(53)(320), 2.483(32)(126), 2.086(35)(046) and 1.534(40)(446). The crystal structure of lipuite is characterised by sheets of SiO4tetrahedra that are linked together along [010] by K+, Na+, Mn3+, Mg2+and P5+cations, as well as hydrogen bonds. These tetrahedral sheets consist of 14-membered rings of SiO4tetrahedra that zigzag along [100]. The two independent Mn3+cations are both octahedrally coordinated. They form five-membered, edge-shared octahedral clusters between the SiO4tetrahedral sheets. Lipuite represents a rather unique structure type and its silicate tetrahedral sheets can be considered a derivative of the silicate sheets in mica.

Agmantinite, Ag2MnSnS4, a new mineral with a wurtzite derivative structure from the Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Lima Department, Peru

AbstractAgmantinite, ideally Ag2MnSnS4, is a new mineral from the Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Oyon district, Catajambo, Lima Department, Peru. It occurs as orange–red crystals up to 100 μm across. Agmantinite is translucent with adamantine lustre and possesses a red streak. It is brittle. Neither fracture nor cleavage were observed. Based on the empirical formula the calculated density is 4.574 g/cm3. On the basis of chemically similar compounds the Mohs hardness is estimated at between 2 to 2½. In plane-polarised light agmantinite is white with red internal reflections. It is weakly bireflectant with no observable pleochroism with red internal reflections. Between crossed polars, agmantinite is weakly anisotropic with reddish brown to greenish grey rotation tints. The reflectances (RminandRmax) for the four standard wavelengths are: 19.7 and 22.0 (470 nm); 20.5 and 23.2 (546 nm); 21.7 and 2.49 (589 nm); and 20.6 and 23.6 (650 nm), respectively.Agmantinite is orthorhombic, space groupP21nm, with unit-cell parameters:a= 6.632(2),b= 6.922(2),c= 8.156(2) Å,V= 374.41(17) Å3,a:b:c0.958:1:1.178 andZ= 2. The crystal structure was refined toR= 0.0575 for 519 reflections withI >2σ(I). Agmantinite is the first known mineral of${M}_{\rm 2}^{\rm I} $MIIMIVS4type that is derived from wurtzite rather than sphalerite by ordered substitution of Zn, analogous to the substitution pattern for deriving stannite from sphalerite. The six strongest X-ray powder-diffraction lines derived from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data [din Å (intensity)] are: 3.51 (s), 3.32 (w), 3.11 (vs), 2.42 (w), 2.04 (m) and 1.88 (m). The empirical formula (based on 8 apfu) is (Ag1.94Cu0.03)Σ1.97(Mn0.98Zn0.05)Σ1.03Sn0.97S4.03.The crystal structure-derived formula is Ag2(Mn0.69Zn0.31)Σ1.00SnS4and the simplified formula is Ag2MnSnS4.The name is for the composition and the new mineral and mineral name have been approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA2014-083).

The Search for Activity on Dione and Tethys WithCassiniVIMS and UVIS

AbstractDuring theCassinimission the Saturnian moons Dione and Tethys showed intriguing and multiple clues suggesting residual geologic activity that might be detectable as an atmosphere, plume, or even heat signature. These clues included an atmospheric aura around Dione, injection of particles into Saturn's magnetosphere, mysterious red streaks on Tethys, and possible cryovolcanic features on Dione. A concerted effort that was strengthened in the latter stages of the mission included the acquisition of stellar occulations by the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) of both Dione and Tethys and high solar phase observations of Dione by the Visible Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) to detect forward scattering from grains in a plume. Analysis of these observations shows no evidence for even a low level of activity on either moon. In addition, infrared images at 2.65 μm obtained throughout the mission were scrutinized for the reappearance of an atmosphere‐like aura, with negative results.

Accuracy of Endoscopic Diagnosis for Mild Atrophic Gastritis Infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Background/AimsThis study examined the accuracy of endoscopic evaluation for determining the Helicobacter pylori infection status in patients with mild atrophy who might not exhibit characteristic endoscopic findings. MethodsForty endoscopists determined the H. pylori infection status of 50 randomly presented H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative cases on the basis of a list of established findings. ResultsThe median clinical endoscopy experience was 7 years (range, 1–35 years), including 22 board-certified endoscopists (55%) of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. The mean accuracy rate of endoscopic diagnosis was 67% and was unrelated to experience status (experienced vs. trainee: 69% vs. 65%, p=0.089) and total years of experience (R2 =0.022). The most frequently selected endoscopic findings were regular arrangement of collecting venules (59%), atrophy (45%), and red streak (22%), which had fair accuracy rates of 67%, 65%, and 73%, respectively. By contrast, the accuracy rates of nodularity (89%) and mucosal swelling (77%) were highest. The 20 endoscopists who more frequently identified these findings diagnosed H. pylori infection significantly more accurately than did the other endoscopists (71% vs. 64%, p=0.008). ConclusionsCareful attention to nodularity and mucosal swelling in patients with mild atrophy may enhance diagnosis, enable prompt treatment, and avoid possible long-term carcinogenesis.

Endoscopic Findings Related To Helicobacter Pylori

Background: Studies with the latest technologies such as endoscopy with magnification and chromoendoscopy showed that various endoscopic aspects are clearly related to infection by Helicobacter pylori (Hp). The description of different patterns of erythema in gastric body under magnification of images revived interest in identifying these patterns by standard endoscopy. Aim: To validate the morphologic features of gastric mucosa to conventional gastroscopy Hprelated gastritis allowing predictability of their diagnosis as well as proper targeting biopsies. Methods: Prospective study of 339 consecutive patients with the standard videoendoscope image analysis were obtained, recorded and stored in a program database. These images were studied with respect to the presence or absence of HP, diagnosed by rapid urease test and/or by histological analysis. Were studied: a) normal mucosa appearance; b) mucosal nodularity; c) diffuse nonspecific erythemaor redness of antrum and body; d) mosaic pattern with focal area of hyperemia; e) erythema in streaks or bands (red streaks); f) raised erosions; g) flat erosions; h) fundic gland polyps. The main exclusion criteria were the use of drugs, Hp pre-treatment and other entities that could affect results. Results: Applying the exclusion criteria, were included 170 of the 339 patients, of which 52 (30.58%) were positive for Hp and 118 negative. On the positive findings, the most associated with infection were: antralnodularity (26.92%); raised erosion (15.38%) and mosaic pattern in the body (21,15%). On the negative group the normal appearance of the mucosa was 66.94%; red streaks in 9.32%; flat erosions 11.86%; and fundic gland polyps 11.86%. Conclusion: Endoscopic findings are useful in predicting the outcome, localization and targeting of biopsies in gastritis related to Helicobacter pylori infection.The most representative form of Hp related gastritis was the nodularity of the antralmucosa. Diffuse redness and mosaic pattern in the bodyare closely related to Hp infection.Raised erosions are suggestive but not specific to the infection. Normal-appearing forms, red streaks and fundic gland polyposis are related to the negativity of Helicobacter pylori infection. Flat erosions were not conclusive of the presence or absence of Hp.

Sudden Death- Case series of Ruptured Esophageal Varices

IntroductionSudden death due to Gastroinstestinal (GI) causes amount to 10% of all sudden death. Esophageal varices is one of the GI causes of sudden death. It develops as a complication of liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of esohgaeal varices in cirrhosis patients is 50% and mortality rate varies between 20%-35% with male female ratio of 1:9. The one year bleeding rate of small and large varices is 5% and 15%. Mortality rate increases with increased age.Case-SeriesSix case of sudden death were seen in the mortuary of a tertiary hospital. The six cases were males, alcoholics. On autopsy, similar findings of cirrhotic liver and hemorrhagic mucosa of the stomach with bleeding spots on lower one third of esophagus were observed.DiscussionCollaterals develop with development of portal hypertension. Some sites are pre disposed to rupture like the esophageal varices. Risk factors of variceal rupture are red streaks in lumen of esophagus and deranged liver function tests. On gross examination, signs of deranged liver functions are noted. On internal examination, esophagus is everted attached to the stomach and varices are seen shine to through the mucosa. Liver had cirrhotic changes and spleen was enlarged and congested in all the six cases.ConclusionThe case series emphasizes the importance of fatal esophageal variceal hemorrhage as an important cause of sudden death occurring outside the hospital in alcohol-addicted individuals, often in isolated scenarios.

Chelidoperca tosaensis, a new species of perchlet (Serranidae) from Japan and the Philippines, with geographic range extension of C. stella to the northwestern Pacific Ocean

Chelidoperca tosaensis is described as a new species based on 84 specimens from Japan and the Philippines taken from depths of 60–302 m. The species can be distinguished from all known congeners by having the following combination of characters: scale rows between lateral line and base of spinous dorsal fin 3; pored lateral-line scales 37–42 (modally 39); scale rows in longitudinal series 39–43 (modally 40); no longitudinal dark stripe or row of dark blotches on body side. The new species is additionally characterized by having a combination of numerous, scattered, yellow spots on dorsal and anal fins with red streak or cluster of reddish spots over bases of about 4–6th dorsal-fin spines; large ocellated red spot with pinkish white border present on membrane between opercular spines; pelvic fin with middle area yellow with whitish spine, and whitish first, second and fifth soft rays; caudal fin with about three transverse rows of yellow spots centrally and posteriorly, two fan-shaped rows of red blotches on basal third, and a pair of white blotches with a pair of yellow blotches between white blotches on the base. Diagnostic characters of Chelidoperca stella, previously known only from its type locality in the Andaman Sea, are updated based on 12 specimens from Taiwan, the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam and the Philippines. These specimens represent the first records of the species from the Pacific Ocean.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting with Red Streaking.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting with Red Streaking.

Testosterone regulates scarlet plumage in red-backed fairy-wrens

As the days begin to lengthen and winter recedes for yet another year, many birds dust off their most glamorous plumage to attract a mate. Males often opt for ostentatious displays while females tend to the dowdier end of the spectrum. But what factors regulate the dramatic differences in avian regalia between males and females? Willow Lindsay from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, explains that the hormones that regulate sexual differences were thought to play a key role in defining plumage patterns, but the precise role of individual hormones was less clear. As testosterone starts flowing in spring, male red-backed fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) shed their dreary brown feathers in favour of a vivid scarlet and glossy black coat, while the females retain their dingy brown and white plumage. So, Lindsay and Douglas Barron headed south to Queensland, Australia, to find out how the plumage of red-backed fairy-wrens altered after they received a testosterone implant.Initially, the males and females both looked drab; however, soon after the birds received the implant, the females moulted and began sprouting shorter male-like feathers. The females also produced a vibrant patch of red feathers on their backs, similar to the bright red streak on the males’ backs. In addition, the feathers on the crown, belly and breast of the females turned a shade of pinky-orange, which Lindsay said was: ‘Never previously documented on a red-backed fairy-wren’. Only one female went on to produce black feathers like those of the males, although the beaks of all of the females became darker. And when Lindsay and Barron injected some females with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, in a bid to naturally raise the birds’ testosterone levels, the females were unable to increase the levels of the hormone in their blood.So, it seems that testosterone is the hormone that regulates the production of the carotenoid pigments that produce the males’ scarlet plumage; however, the hormone was unable to elicit production of the jet-black melanin pigment that produces their distinctive dark feathers. It seems that the female fairy-wrens still maintain the essential hormone mechanism that allows the males to put on their gaudy display, although the females are unable to produce sufficient testosterone to trigger the masculine transformation.

Compression in dermato-lymphangio-adenits

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CONVENTIONAL VIDEOENDOSCOPY CAN IDENTIFY HELICOBACTER PYLORI GASTRITIS?

ABSTRACTBackground: Studies with latest technologies such as endoscopy with magnification and chromoendoscopy showed that various endoscopic aspects are clearly related to infection by Helicobacter pylori (HP). The description of different patterns of erythema in gastric body under magnification of images revived interest in identifying these patterns by standard endoscopy. Aim:To validate the morphologic features of gastric mucosa related to H. pylori infection gastritis allowing predictability of their diagnosis as well as proper targeting biopsies. Methods: Prospective study of 339 consecutive patients with the standard videoendoscope image analysis were obtained, recorded and stored in a program database. These images were studied with respect to the presence or absence of H. pylori, diagnosed by rapid urease test and/or by histological analysis. Were studied: a) normal mucosa appearance; b) mucosal nodularity; c) diffuse nonspecific erythema or redness (with or without edema of folds and exudate) of antrum and body; d) mosaic pattern with focal area of hyperemia; e) erythema in streaks or bands (red streak); f) elevated (raised) erosion; g) flat erosions; h) fundic gland polyps. The main exclusion criteria were the use of drugs, HP pre-treatment and other entities that could affect results. Results: Applying the exclusion criteria, were included 170 of the 339 patients, of which 52 (30.58%) were positive for HP and 118 negative. On the positive findings, the most associated with infection were: nodularity in the antrum (26.92%); presence of raised erosion (15.38%) and mosaic mucosa in the body (21.15%). On the negative group the normal appearance of the mucosa was 66.94%; erythema in streaks or bands in 9.32%; flat erosions 11.86%; and fundic gland polyps 11.86%. Conclusion: Endoscopic findings are useful in the predictability of the result and in directing biopsies. The most representative form of HP related gastritis was the nodularity of the antral mucosa. The raised erosion and mucosa in mosaic in the body are suggestive but not specific to the infection. The other forms were not conclusive of the presence of HP.

The biogeochemical iron cycle and astrobiology

Biogeochemistry investigates chemical cycles which influence or are influenced by biological activity. Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. The biogeochemical Fe cycle has controlled major nutrient cycles such as the C cycle throughout geological time. Iron sulfide minerals may have provided energy and surfaces for the first pioneer organisms on Earth. Banded iron formations document the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. To assess the potential habitability of planets other than Earth one looks for water, an energy source and a C source. On Mars, for example, Fe minerals have provided evidence for the past presence of liquid water on its surface and would provide a viable energy source. Here we present Mossbauer spectroscopy investigations of Fe and C cycle interactions in both ancient and modern environments. Experiments to simulate the diagenesis of banded iron formations indicate that the formation of ferrous minerals depends on the amount of biomass buried with ferric precursors rather than on the atmospheric composition at the time of deposition. Mossbauer spectra further reveal the mutual stabilisation of Fe-organic matter complexes against mineral transformation and decay of organic matter into CO2. This corresponds to observations of a ‘rusty carbon sink’ in modern sediments. The stabilisation of Fe-organic matter complexes may also aid transport of particulate Fe in the water column while having an adverse effect on the bioavailability of Fe. In the modern oxic ocean, Fe is insoluble and particulate Fe represents an important source. Collecting that particulate Fe yields small sample sizes that would pose a challenge for conventional Mossbauer experiments. We demonstrate that the unique properties of the beam used in synchrotron-based Mossbauer applications can be utilized for studying such samples effectively. Reactive Fe species often occur in amorphous or nanoparticulate form in the environment and are therefore difficult to study with standard mineralogical tools. Sequential extraction techniques are commonly used as proxies. We provide an example where Mossbauer spectroscopy can replace sequential extraction techniques where mineralogical information is sought. Where mineral separation is needed, for example in the investigation of Fe or S isotope fractionation, Mossbauer spectroscopy can help to optimize sequential extraction procedures. This can be employed in a large number of investigations of soils and sediments, potentially even for mineral separation to study Fe and S isotope fractionation in samples returned from Mars, which might reveal signatures of biological activity. When looking for the possibility of life outside Earth, Jupiter’s icy moon Europa is one of the most exciting places. It may be just in reach for a Mossbauer spectrometer deployed by a future lander to study the red streak mineral deposits on its surface to look for clues about the composition of the ocean hidden under the moon’s icy surface.

EFFECT OF DRYING CONDITION ON THE QUALITY OF DRY LATE PEACHES OF LEONFORTE

The Late Peach of Leonforte [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] grown in Southern Italy matures in September and October and as late as November. Fruits are wrapped in paper bags to protect them from parasites and are harvested only when fully ripe. Protected inside the bags, they ripen late and take on a bright yellow colour with red streaks. Highly aromatic, the peach has yellow, firm flesh that is high in soluble solids and has a distinctive, slightly caramelized flavour. The aim of this work was to deter¬mine the best method of drying peach as a means of conserving the fruit after harvest due to its very limited shelf-life. Drying processes were carried out in a pilot plant utilising different combinations of drying temperature and duration. Fruit texture analysis, colour and chemical parameters such as the carotenoids content, were evaluated to find the best process condition. Peaches subjected to different treatments were dried to the same final water content. The best colour and texture characteristics were found in peach samples dried for 9 hours at 60°C. Loss of carotenoids in dried products was comparable to losses in fresh peach samples.

First Report of Root Rot of Field Pea Caused by Aphanomyces euteiches in Alberta, Canada.

In recent years, root rots have severely impacted yields of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) in the Canadian province of Alberta. Above-normal precipitation levels in the springs of 2011 to 2013 led to the hypothesis that Aphanomyces euteiches Drechsler may play a role in root rot in water-saturated pea fields. To determine causal agent(s) of root rot, 145 pea fields were surveyed at flowering in July 2013 (1). Symptoms of root rot were abundant; the most prominent included red vascular streaking and dark brown rot of the tap root, indicative of Fusarium spp., but brown discoloration and cortical decay of lateral roots, indicative of A. euteiches, was also observed. Total genomic DNA was extracted from diseased root samples from each field, using the Qiagen DNeasy Plant kit, and amplified with species-specific primers for A. euteiches (2). Fusarium spp. were present in all fields, but seven fields located within a 200-km radius yielded a positive reaction for A. euteiches. Five fields were re-visited in May 2014 to collect soil for a bait test (3). Tests were performed using surface-sterilized pea seeds (cv. CDC Meadow) treated with Allegiance FL (Bayer, a.i. metalaxyl) at a rate of 110 ml/kg of seed. Five seeds per pot were planted into field soils in 10-cm pots with 12 replicate pots per field. Soils were irrigated as needed until the second-node stage and then kept at saturation for 14 days. Thirty day-old pea roots were evaluated for root rot symptoms; plated onto cornmeal agar amended with metalaxyl, benomyl, and vancomycin (MBV) without surface sterilization; and visualized microscopically for presence of oospores in the roots. Roots from three out of the five field soils showed symptoms typical of A. euteiches infection, including honey-brown discoloration, degradation of the root cortex, and presence of oospores. Root rot symptoms from the remaining fields were characteristic of Fusarium root rot, and oospores were not observed in roots. Fungal cultures with fast-growing, white, aerial mycelia characteristic of A. euteiches on MBV, were recovered from roots with Aphanomyces root rot symptoms, and transferred to PDA. To confirm pathogen identity, total DNA was extracted from 7-day-old cultures growing on PDA using the Qiagen DNeasy Plant Kit. The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using the primer pair ITS1 and ITS4 and sequenced (4). The sequences, deposited in GenBank with accession numbers KM486065, KM486066, and KM486067, were 100% identical to the ITS rDNA sequence of several isolates of A. euteiches using a BLASTn query. Fusarium spp. were also recovered from all root samples in the soil bait test. Total DNA extracted from roots was used in PCR assays with A. euteiches-specific primers as described above. PCR amplification of root DNA was successful only from the same three fields that showed Aphanomcyces root rot symptoms, further verifying presence of A. euteiches. The inability to detect or recover A. euteiches from two fields that had tested positive in the survey was likely due to patchy distribution of this pathogen and emphasizes the importance of rigorous soil collection methods to accurately detect pathogens. Although this is the first record of A. euteiches on field pea in Alberta, the distribution of A. euteiches within a 200-km radius in southern Alberta indicates that it has likely been present in soils for several years. The interaction between A. euteiches and Fusarium spp. infection in the root rot complex of field pea and their impact on field pea production in Alberta is currently being investigated.

294 Conditional Intestine-Specific HuR Deletion (HuR-IKO) Modulates Distinct Wnt-Dependent and Independent Pathways of Proliferation and Apoptosis With No Effect on Ileal ASBT Expression or Bile Acid Metabolism

Acute gut mucosal injury occurs commonly during critical pathological conditions, leading to mucosal hemorrhage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and the translocation of luminal toxic substances and bacteria to the blood stream, but the exact mechanism underlying mucosal injury/repair are still obscure. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression and are implicated in many aspects of pathophysiology. HuR is among the most prominent sequence-specific RBP and has emerged as a master regulator of the maintenance of the homeostasis of gut mucosa. Our previous studies show that HuR regulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, but the exact role of HuR in gut mucosal repair after injury remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that HuR plays a role in intestinal mucosal repair after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced Injury.Methods: Studies were conducted in our recently generating intestinal epithelial tissue-specific HuR knockout (IE-HuR-/-) mice and wild-type littermates. Mucosal injury was induced by exposed to 30min of mesenteric ischemia, followed by 2-h reperfusion. Barrier function was detected by paracellular tracer flux assay using FITC-dextran. Results: The mucosa of the animals subjected to mesenteric I/R displayed signs of remarkable damage. Macroscopically, the intestines of the animals exposed to I/R exhibited swollen and edematous with areas of red streaks in both littermates and IE-HuR-/animals. Microscopic analysis showed that there were severed damages in the small intestinal mucosa as indicated by sloughed cells, denuded villi with dilated capillaries, and frank hemorrhage. Although there were no significant differences in the injury scores between littermates and IE-HuR-/mice when measured immediately after I/R, HuR deletion delayed the process of early mucosal repair after I/Rinduced injury. The mucosal surface remained discontinuous, showing sloughed cells and debris in IE-HuR-/mice (injury score: 3.3 ± 0.12) 6 h after I/R, whereas the mucosa in littermates was almost completely recovered (0.2 ± 0.03). Both littermate and IE-HuR-/mice exhibited significant gut barrier dysfunction after I/R-induced injury, but increased levels of gut permeability in IE-HuR-/mice were much greater than those observed in littermates. The recovery of gut barrier function after I/R was also inhibited by HuR deletion. Moreover, expression of the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 and ARP2 in the intestinal mucosa of HuR-/mice decreased dramatically, which are necessary for normal mucosal repair after injury. Conclusions: These results indicate that 1) HuR is crucial for maintenance of normal gut mucosal epithelial integrity and 2) HuR deletion in intestinal epithelial cells delays mucosal repair and represses the recovery of gut barrier function after I/R-induced mucosal injury.

293 Lipopolysaccharide Inhibits T-Cell Activation-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Migration In Vivo: Role of MicroRNA-21

Acute gut mucosal injury occurs commonly during critical pathological conditions, leading to mucosal hemorrhage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and the translocation of luminal toxic substances and bacteria to the blood stream, but the exact mechanism underlying mucosal injury/repair are still obscure. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression and are implicated in many aspects of pathophysiology. HuR is among the most prominent sequence-specific RBP and has emerged as a master regulator of the maintenance of the homeostasis of gut mucosa. Our previous studies show that HuR regulates intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, but the exact role of HuR in gut mucosal repair after injury remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that HuR plays a role in intestinal mucosal repair after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced Injury.Methods: Studies were conducted in our recently generating intestinal epithelial tissue-specific HuR knockout (IE-HuR-/-) mice and wild-type littermates. Mucosal injury was induced by exposed to 30min of mesenteric ischemia, followed by 2-h reperfusion. Barrier function was detected by paracellular tracer flux assay using FITC-dextran. Results: The mucosa of the animals subjected to mesenteric I/R displayed signs of remarkable damage. Macroscopically, the intestines of the animals exposed to I/R exhibited swollen and edematous with areas of red streaks in both littermates and IE-HuR-/animals. Microscopic analysis showed that there were severed damages in the small intestinal mucosa as indicated by sloughed cells, denuded villi with dilated capillaries, and frank hemorrhage. Although there were no significant differences in the injury scores between littermates and IE-HuR-/mice when measured immediately after I/R, HuR deletion delayed the process of early mucosal repair after I/Rinduced injury. The mucosal surface remained discontinuous, showing sloughed cells and debris in IE-HuR-/mice (injury score: 3.3 ± 0.12) 6 h after I/R, whereas the mucosa in littermates was almost completely recovered (0.2 ± 0.03). Both littermate and IE-HuR-/mice exhibited significant gut barrier dysfunction after I/R-induced injury, but increased levels of gut permeability in IE-HuR-/mice were much greater than those observed in littermates. The recovery of gut barrier function after I/R was also inhibited by HuR deletion. Moreover, expression of the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 and ARP2 in the intestinal mucosa of HuR-/mice decreased dramatically, which are necessary for normal mucosal repair after injury. Conclusions: These results indicate that 1) HuR is crucial for maintenance of normal gut mucosal epithelial integrity and 2) HuR deletion in intestinal epithelial cells delays mucosal repair and represses the recovery of gut barrier function after I/R-induced mucosal injury.