Systematic Characterization of Myocardial Inflammation,Repair, and Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Reperfused Myocardial Infarction

Mouse models of myocardial infarction are essential tools for the study of cardiac injury, repair, and remodeling. Our current investigation establishes a systematic approach for quantitative evaluation of the inflammatory and reparative response, cardiac function, and geometry in a mouse model of reperfused myocardial infarction. Reperfused mouse infarcts exhibited marked induction of inflammatory cytokines that peaked after 6 hr of reperfusion. In the infarcted heart, scar contraction and chamber dilation continued for at least 28 days after reperfusion; infarct maturation was associated with marked thinning of the scar, accompanied by volume loss and rapid clearance of cellular elements. Echocardiographic measurements of end-diastolic dimensions correlated well with morphometric assessment of dilative remodeling in perfusion-fixed hearts. Hemodynamic monitoring was used to quantitatively assess systolic and diastolic function; the severity of diastolic dysfunction following myocardial infarction correlated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and infarct collagen content. Expression of molecular mediators of inflammation and cellular infiltration needs to be investigated during the first 72 hr, whereas assessment of dilative remodeling requires measurement of geometric parameters for at least four weeks after the acute event. Rapid initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response, accelerated scar maturation, and extensive infarct volume loss are important characteristics of infarct healing in mice.     

Effects of environmental factors on carrageenan fromGymnogongrus griffithsiae (Gigartinales,Rhodophyta)

The effects of environmental factors on substratum coverage, thallus length, production of iota carrageenan and gelling behavior were investigated in field populations of the red algaGymnogongrus griffithsiae (Turner) Martius. Irradiance and water temperature affected thallus substratum coverage and water gel strength of the carrageenan. The significant monthly differences in thallus length, carrageenan content and carrageenan gelling properties were not attributable to seasonal variations in irradiance and water temperature. The effect of temperature and N loading on biomass productivity, carrageenan yield and gelling characteristics were also investigated using cultures. N-enriched cultures showed decreased gel yields, higher viscosities and higher water gel strengths in the carrageenans extracted from these cultures. Milk reactivity tests were correlated with thallus nitrogen and water dessert gel strength, but neither culture temperature nor N loading showed a significant effect. The field and culture studies indicate how temperature, irradiance and N availability affect growth and hydrocolloid production.Author for correspondence     

Habitat monitoring in Europe: a description of current practices

Monitoring of biodiversity at the level of habitats is becoming increasingly common. Here we describe current practices in habitat monitoring based on 150 schemes in Europe. Most schemes were initiated after 1990 in response to EU nature directives or habitat management/restoration actions, with funding mostly from European or national sources. Schemes usually monitor both the spatial distribution and the quality of the habitats, and they frequently collect data on environmental parameters and potential causes of changes. Many schemes are local or regional rather than national or international in scope, and sampling effort varies greatly across spatial and temporal scales. Experimental design is used in half of the schemes, however, data are rarely analysed by advanced statistics. Most schemes require two months or less per year in manpower and are typically run by professionals rather than by volunteers. Estimated salaries plus equipment costs average 650,000 Euro per year per scheme, and add up to 80 million Euros annually. Costs are particularly high for schemes based on European or international law and for schemes funded by European or national sources. Costs are also high in schemes in which sampling sites are selected subjectively rather than based on sampling theory, and in schemes that do not use field mapping or remote sensing to document spatial variation in habitats. Our survey demonstrates promising developments in European habitat monitoring but also underlines the need for better spatial coverage, documentation of spatial variaton, improved sampling design and advanced data analysis. Such improvements are essential if we are to judge progress towards the 2010 biodiversity targets.