Multimodal Spectroscopic Imaging of Pea Root Nodules to Assess the Nitrogen Fixation in the Presence of Biofertilizer Based on Nod-Factors

Multimodal spectroscopic imaging methods such as Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI MSI), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to monitor the changes in distribution and to determine semi quantitatively selected metabolites involved in nitrogen fixation in pea root nodules. These approaches were used to evaluate the effectiveness of nitrogen fixation by pea plants treated with biofertilizer preparations containing Nod factors. To assess the effectiveness of biofertilizer, the fresh and dry masses of plants were determined. The biofertilizer was shown to be effective in enhancing the growth of the pea plants. In case of metabolic changes, the biofertilizer caused a change in the apparent distribution of the leghaemoglobin from the edges of the nodule to its centre (the active zone of nodule). Moreover, the enhanced nitrogen fixation and presumably the accelerated maturation form of the nodules were observed with the use of a biofertilizer.

1662. Pushing the Dose: Miltefosine Treatment for a Supersized American with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background Miltefosine (Profounda, FL) is an oral alkylphospholipid drug which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of some species of New World cutaneous leishmaniasis. The maximal daily recommended dosage is 50 mg t.i.d for 28 days; yet there is some evidence that doses <2.5 mg/kg/day may be associated with lesser efficacy. We treated a healthy 30-year-old, 117 kg, 78 inches (low body fat) male with cutaneous Leishmania tropica infection with miltefosine after multiple unsuccessful treatment regimens. This presentation will provide the background considerations and the outcome of our approach of using higher daily dosages of miltefosine. Methods We used a miltefosine dose escalation of 50 mg t.i.d (1.28 mg/kg/day) for days 1–5 with fatty food, increasing to 50 mg. q.i.d. (1.71 mg/kg/day) for days 6–15. For days 16–28, the patient received 250 mg daily (2.13 mg/kg/day). Weekly blood testing was done for complete blood count, metabolic panel, and miltefosine pharmacokinetics. Plasma concentrations were assayed using a validated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry methodology. Results The patient experienced a good clinical result with his two ulcerative lesions on the left leg healing with full epithelialization by day 28. He tolerated miltefosine well until he escalated to 250 mg daily when he noted 2 hours of fatigue and dizziness after the dose, nausea and after the fourth day he developed epididymitis. His serum creatinine was elevated (1.4 mg/dL). The epididymitis resolved after approximately a week, his other symptoms resolved soon after completing the day 28 dose. Serial miltefosine plasma levels accumulated during treatment to 30, 34, 44, and 53 μg/mL on days 7, 14, 21, and 27 after the start of treatment (dropping to 27 μg/mL 8 days post), with an apparent distribution half-life of 7 days. Conclusion Miltefosine yielded healing of recalcitrant L. tropica infection but was associated with adverse effects at the 250 mg daily dose that severely limited the activity of the patient for the final 8 days of therapy; however, they were not dose-limiting. Miltefosine accumulation appeared to be dose-proportional compared with reported concentrations with a median 1.8 mg/kg/day dose in Dutch cutaneous leishmaniasis patients (median weight 85 kg). Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics from water by high-silica ZSM-5

Adsorption characteristics of high-silica zeolites (HSZSM-5) for two selected sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) (sulfamethoxazole and sulfadiazine) were investigated. The SAs were almost completely (&gt;90%) removed from the water by HSZSM-5. Adsorption followed second-order kinetics with liquid–film diffusion as the dominant mechanism. SA adsorption capacity on high-silica zeolites was examined in terms of pH, temperature, and the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). HSZSM-5 had better adsorption performance in acidic conditions, and the apparent distribution coefficient indicated that SA0 species were the major contribution to the overall adsorption at pH of 2–10. Adsorption of SAs on HSZSM-5 was a spontaneous and exothermic physisorption process. SA removal by HSZSM-5 was a mixed mechanism through ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction. HSZSM-5 has potential application prospects in removing SAs from wastewater.

Basic physics

Chapter 2 discusses the basic physics of external beam therapy, and addresses the fact that distribution of radiation within the patient will be affected by many factors. These include the energy and modality of the beam, the density of the tissue and the use of beam modification. The apparent distribution will also be affected by the accuracy of the algorithm used in the planning system.

Significant locations in auxiliary data as seeds for typical use cases of point clustering

Random greedy clustering and grid-based clustering are highly susceptible by their initial parameters. When used for point data clustering in maps they often change the apparent distribution of the underlying data. We propose a process that uses precomputed weighted seed points for the initialization of clusters, for example from local maxima in population density data. Exemplary results from the clustering of a dataset of petrol stations are presented.

FILLING IN THE GAPS IN DISTRIBUTION DATA OF THE SNAKE-EYED SKINK ABLEPHARUS KITAIBELII BIBRON AND BORY, 1833 (SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE) IN SERBIA

The distribution of Ablepharus kitaibelii (Snake-eyed skink) in Serbia was reviewed, based on the collection of 183 records comprised of the authors’ unpublished data, observations of colleague researchers and of literature data. Roughly 68% of these records have not been published previously. Apparent distribution gaps in western and southern parts of the country were largely filled in by new findings. The absence of the Snake-eyed skink in the northern parts of our country is most likely caused by large-scale alteration and destruction of suitable habitats. Presented data provide the basis for further research and conservation assessments of this species.

The Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Tacrolimus in Chinese Adult Liver Transplantation Patients

Aim. The aim of this study was to establish population pharmacokinetic models of tacrolimus in Chinese adult liver transplantation patients. Methods. Tacrolimus dose and concentration data (n=435) were obtained from 47 Chinese adult liver transplant recipients, and the data were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effect modeling (NONMEM) method. Results. The structural model was a two-compartment model with first-order absorption. The typical population values of tacrolimus for the pharmacokinetic parameters of apparent clearance (CL/F), apparent distribution volume of the central compartment (V2/F), intercompartmental clearance (Q/F), apparent distribution volume of the peripheral compartment (V3/F), and absorption rate (ka) were 11.2 L/h, 406 L, 57.3 L/h, 503 L, and 0.723 h−1, respectively. The interindividual variabilities of these parameters were 16.2%, 163%, 19.7%, 199%, and 74.3%, respectively, and the intraindividual variability of observed concentration was 26.54%. The covariates retained in the final models were postoperative days (POD) and dosage per day (DOSE) on CL/F. Conclusion. Population pharmacokinetic models of tacrolimus were developed in Chinese adult liver transplant patients. These results could provide the interpretation of the outcome of pharmacokinetics modeling and the impact of covariate tested on individualized tacrolimus therapy.

Basic physics

Chapter 2 discusses the basic physics of external beam therapy, and addresses that distribution of radiation within the patient will be affected by many factors. These include the energy and modality of the beam, the density of the tissue, the use of beam modifiers such as wedges and compensators, and the distance of the patient from the machine. The apparent distribution will also be affected by the accuracy of the algorithm used in the planning system.