Jennifer Keller - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jennifer Keller

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Aug 21, 2007

The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Se... more The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Serum has been updated to include certified concentration values for 27 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, three chlorinated pesticides, and four polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners as well as reference concentration values for 27 additional PCB congeners, six additional chlorinated pesticides, three additional PBDE congeners, and selected polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). This represents an addition of concentration values for 29 PCB congeners and for PBDE congeners that were not quantified in the previous issue of SRM 1589a. With the increased number of certified and reference concentration values for PCBs and the inclusion of certified and reference concentration values for PBDEs, this serum material will be more useful as a reference material for contaminant monitoring in human tissues and fluids.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants that have been in use since before 19... more Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants that have been in use since before 1970. PBDEs leach from consumer products and like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), they have become global environmental contaminants bioaccumulating into animal tissues and showing toxic effects in laboratory animals 1 . PBDEs have been measured in several species of wildlife, including marine mammals and seabirds, but not in sea turtles or in any other reptile. The loggerhead sea turtle (Carettacaretta) is listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act and feeds on crustaceans and bivalves. This species has been utilized in several recent heath assessment studies to monitor contaminant concentrations (mercury, PCBs, pesticides, perfluorinated compounds) and to assess the potential effects of these contaminants on its health 2-5 .

Psychophysiology, Jul 1, 1999

Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be different... more Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be differentially sensitive to involuntary and voluntary cognitive processes were examined. Nonpatients (N = 131) identified initially by the Chapman and Depue research scales and classified later on the basis of diagnostic symptom clusters and family psychiatric history provided converging evidence for an intact mismatch negativity subcomponent. In contrast, the N2b subcomponent distinguished several groups of subjects. Results suggested abnormal voluntary cognitive processing, perhaps reflecting compensatory efforts in subjects at risk for or manifesting psychopathology, particularly those showing negative symptoms.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2006

Marine animals are faced with health threats including disease and accumulation of toxic pollutan... more Marine animals are faced with health threats including disease and accumulation of toxic pollutants. There are several efforts in the USA seeking to relate health metrics to the exposure of marine animals to pollution, biotoxins, and disease. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports those efforts through projects directed towards marine mammals and sea turtles. The marine mammal activities conducted by NIST aid multiple investigators engaged in live-capture and release marine mammal health assessments. NIST developed a uniform collection protocol for blood, blubber, skin, and milk samples to be analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace elements. The protocol includes instructions for collecting samples for immediate analysis as well as sub-samples for long-term archival. For bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), the protocol was utilized 26 times along the US Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico coast, and off Bermuda. The work resulted in publications assessing pollutant exposure to bottlenose dolphins in these areas. NIST also supports efforts to monitor sea turtle health. A uniform protocol for collecting blood and scute samples from live sea turtles was developed and applied to turtles from several locations along the US East Coast resulting in publications detailing pollutant exposure and health effects.

The American surgeon

Laparoscopic expertise increases the volume of adrenalectomies at referral centers. We report our... more Laparoscopic expertise increases the volume of adrenalectomies at referral centers. We report our 10-year experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy. All laparoscopic adrenalectomies at a single institution were prospectively recorded in a surgical outcomes database. Patient demographics, operative/perioperative outcomes, and adrenal pathology were reviewed retrospectively. From March 1999 through July 2009, 154 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in 150 patients. Average patient age was 49.9 years (range 15-82); mean body mass index was 31.1 kg/m(2) (range 17-56). Pathologic diagnoses included hyperaldosteronism (n = 69), nonfunctional adenoma (n = 28), pheochromocytoma (n = 23), hypercortisolism (n = 14), malignancy (primary n = 3, metastasis n = 9), and cyst (n = 4). Seventy-three per cent (n = 110) occurred on the left, 23 per cent (n = 35) on the right, 2.6 per cent (n = 4) bilateral, and 0.6 per cent (n = 1) as extra-adrenal. The average tumor measured 3.6 cm (range 0.4-12). The average operative time was 156 minutes (range 62-409), the mean estimated blood loss was 60 mL (range 10-400), and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.6 (range 1-4). Three operations (0.2%) were converted to open. Three patients (0.2%) experienced perioperative complications (respiratory failure, urinary tract infection, line sepsis, and readmission within 30 days). The average length of stay was 3.4 days (range 1-44) and mean follow-up was 96.9 days (5-2567). No wound-related complications or deaths occurred. Pathologic diagnosis was not associated with a particular side or development of a complication (P > 0.5). Patients with pheochromocytomas had the longest operative times, highest estimated blood loss, and highest American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (218.2 minutes, 128 mL, 3.0; P…

The American surgeon

Incisional hernias occur in up to 11 per cent of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Up to 50 ... more Incisional hernias occur in up to 11 per cent of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Up to 50 per cent of these patients with hernias will require repeat operative procedures. Management of these hernias have focused primarily on tensile strength of the mesh material, have not addressed currently used materials, and have not compared the strength of these repairs with each other. Forty-nine adult Sprague-Dawley rats had an incisional hernia created by removing a portion of their abdominal wall that was then repaired primarily, using either a composite mesh, Dual mesh (Gore-Tex), or polypropylene mesh. Six weeks after the repair, the rats were euthanized. Hydrostatic distension of the abdominal cavity was performed to compare bursting strength of each repair. Wound tensile strength was assessed and compared. Tissue samples were also taken to compare repair types for incorporation of prosthetic materials. The gross weight of the animals subjected to hydrostatic distention was equivalent between groups, as was the volume required prior to failure of the repair. There was a trend toward improved tensile strength of the Prolene mesh repair, which had a lower average inflammatory and fibrosis score on histology. Overall, the type of mesh used for repair does not seem to impact significantly the strength of the repair when assessed 6 weeks postoperatively. Choice of prosthetic material to repair the hernia should be made based on economics and handling characteristics alone. Prolene mesh has satisfactory strength with the least amount of inflammation and fibrosis.

Current Metabolomics, 2014

The metabolomic fingerprints of a protected sea turtle species have been investigated for the fir... more The metabolomic fingerprints of a protected sea turtle species have been investigated for the first time using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach. We emphasized method development of optimal plasma filtration conditions (filter type, washing techniques, extract stability) for green turtles and other organisms, while also using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material 1950 (SRM 1950) Metabolites in Human Plasma for quality control. We surveyed the blood plasma metabolomic fingerprints of Hawaiian green sea turtles representing a wide range of physiological conditions that include varying disease states, behavioral conditions, and locales. The turtles sampled were free-swimming (n=5 from Hualalai on the west coast of the island of Hawaii), basking (n=7 from Hualalai), free-swimming tumor-free (n=3 from Kapoho, east coast of Hawaii), or freeswimming afflicted with external tumors (n=5 from Kapoho) caused by the disease, fibropapillomatosis (FP). The metabolomic profiles and the specific metabolites that differed among individual turtles are discussed. This optimized tool and the annotated metabolic profiles will benefit future investigations into the behavioral and disease conditions of the green turtle.

Virology journal, 2007

The extraordinary morphologies of viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea clearly distinguish... more The extraordinary morphologies of viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea clearly distinguish them from bacterial and eukaryotic viruses. Moreover, their genomes code for proteins that to a large extend have no related sequences in the extent databases. However, a small pool of genes is shared by overlapping subsets of these viruses, and the most conserved gene, exemplified by the ORF109 of the Acidianus Filamentous Virus 3, AFV3, is present on genomes of members of three viral familes, the Lipothrixviridae, Rudiviridae, and "Bicaudaviridae", as well as of the unclassified Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus, STIV. We present here the crystal structure of the protein (Mr = 13.1 kD, 109 residues) encoded by the AFV3 ORF 109 in two different crystal forms at 1.5 and 1.3 A resolution. The structure of AFV3-109 is a five stranded beta-sheet with loops on one side and three helices on the other. It forms a dimer adopting the shape of a cradle that encompasses the best con...

Surgical Innovation, 2007

At present, implantation of this device is limited to Food and Drug Administration approved trial... more At present, implantation of this device is limited to Food and Drug Administration approved trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Funding by GI Dynamics™ is limited to provision of the device and coverage of patient hospital costs.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2005

A fully functioning immune system is vital to the survival of threatened and endangered sea turtl... more A fully functioning immune system is vital to the survival of threatened and endangered sea turtles. Immunological protection against diseases in any organism can be reduced by a number of natural and anthropogenic factors, such as seasonal changes, malnutrition, disease states, and contaminant exposure. These factors are even more critical when they occur in endangered species or populations. To identify alterations in the immunological health of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation (LP) assay was developed using peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). Collection and culture conditions were optimized for this assay using non-lethal blood samples collected from free-ranging turtles along the southeastern US coast. During the collection, two anticoagulants (sodium heparin and lithium heparin) were compared to determine effects of different ions on assay results. Optimal culture conditions were established for loggerhead PBLs while two different methods of measuring LP were compared: (1) the traditional radioactive 3 H-thymidine assay and (2) a non-radioactive, colorimetric method utilizing 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT). The results indicate that the 3 H-thymidine and the non-radioactive MTT methods did not correlate with each other and that the use of www.elsevier.com/locate/vetimm Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 103 (2005) 269-281

Toxicological Sciences, 2008

Adult male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) daily via gava... more Adult male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) daily via gavage for 28 days (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 or 5 mg/kg total administered dose [TAD]).

Toxicologic Pathology, 2012

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are environmentally widespread, persistent, and bioaccumulative c... more Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are environmentally widespread, persistent, and bioaccumulative chemicals with multiple toxicities reported in experimental models and wildlife, including immunomodulation. The two most commonly detected compounds, which also generally occur in the highest concentrations in environmentally exposed organisms, are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFOA and PFOS have been reported to alter inflammatory responses, production of cytokines, and adaptive and innate immune responses in rodent models, avian models, reptilian models, and mammalian and nonmammalian wildlife. Mounting evidence suggests that immune effects in laboratory animal models occur at serum concentrations below, within the reported range, or just above those reported for highly exposed humans and wildlife. Thus, the risk of immune effects for humans and wildlife exposed to PFCs cannot be discounted, especially when bioaccumulation and exposure to multiple PFCs are considered. This review contains brief descriptions of current and recently published work exploring immunomodulation by PFOA, PFOS, and other PFCs in rodent models, alternative laboratory models, and wildlife.

Surgical Endoscopy, 2009

Studies have shown donor and recipient outcomes to be equivalent for laparoscopic donor nephrecto... more Studies have shown donor and recipient outcomes to be equivalent for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and open donor nephrectomy. In the past, LDN has been avoided in the procurement of the right kidney or organs with multiple arteries. This study compares procurement of right and left kidneys as well as procurement of single- and multiple artery organs. A review of all LDNs at a single institution between August 2000 and December 2007 was performed. The data included estimated blood loss (EBL), need for transfusion, operative time, warm ischemia time, length of hospital stay (LOS), and delayed graft function. Arterial supply was assessed using renal arteriogram or computed tomographic (CT) angiography. Outcomes for multiple versus single artery and left versus right LDN were compared. Student's t-test and chi-square test were used for statistical comparison. A total of 230 LDNs were performed. Multiple arteries were present in 37 donors. The right kidney was procured from 36 donors. No significant difference in EBL, transfusions, operative time, or LOS was noted between multiple and single or right and left LDNs. Warm ischemia time was significantly longer for multiple arteries (mean, 83 s) than for single arteries (mean, 63 s; p = 0.007), and for right kidneys (mean, 86 s) than for left kidneys (mean, 62 s; p = 0.001). No significant difference in delayed graft function was seen in the comparison of multiple (21.6%) and single (11.4%) artery organs (p = 0.11) or of right (13.9%) and left (12.9%) kidneys (p = 0.79). The presence of multiple arteries or the need to procure the right kidney does not affect the operative outcome of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Warm ischemia time may be greater for these groups, but this does not result in delayed allograft function. The laparoscopic approach should be the standard of care even when expansion of the donor pool includes organs with multiple arteries and procurement of the right kidney.

Science of The Total Environment, 2013

Remote locations, such as the Arctic, are often sinks for persistent contaminants which can ultim... more Remote locations, such as the Arctic, are often sinks for persistent contaminants which can ultimately bioaccumulate in local wildlife. Assessing temporal contaminant trends in the Arctic is important in understanding whether restrictions on legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have led to concentration declines. Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) tissue samples were collected from two subpopulations (Cook Inlet, Alaska and the eastern Chukchi Sea) between 1989 and 2006. Several POPs (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane and related compounds (DDTs), chlordanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlorobenzenes, mirex, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and semi-quantitatively hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs)) were measured in 70 blubber samples, and total mercury (Hg) was measured in 67 liver samples from a similar set of individuals. Legacy POPs (PCBs, chlordanes, DDTs, and HCHs) were the predominant organic compound classes in both subpopulations, with median concentrations of 2360ng/g lipid for Σ80PCBs and 1890 ng/g lipid for Σ6DDTs. Backward stepwise multiple regressions showed that at least one of the four independent variables (subpopulation, sampling year, sex, and animal length) influenced the POP and Hg concentrations. ΣPCBs, ΣDDTs, Σchlordanes, Σchlorobenzenes, mirex, and Hg were significantly higher in belugas from the eastern Chukchi Sea than from the Cook Inlet (p≤0.0001). In contrast, Σ8PBDE and α-HBCD concentrations were significantly lower in belugas from the eastern Chukchi Sea than from the Cook Inlet (p<0.0001). Significant temporal increases in concentrations of Σ8PBDE and α-HBCD were observed for both subpopulations (p≤0.0003), and temporal declines were seen for ΣHCHs and Σchlorobenzenes in eastern Chukchi Sea belugas only (p≤0.0107). All other POP and Hg concentrations were stable, indicating either a lagging response of the Arctic to source reductions or the maintenance of concentrations by unregulated sources. Sex and length also significantly influenced some concentrations, and these findings are discussed.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2009

Oocyte vitrification has the potential to expand tremendously the reproductive options for women ... more Oocyte vitrification has the potential to expand tremendously the reproductive options for women desiring fertility preservation. Indeed, the number of publications regarding the reliability and efficiency of oocyte vitrification has increased exponentially over the past decade. The application of the technique to standard reproductive technologies depends on not only oocyte survival, but also the developmental potential and clinical outcomes from the resultant embryos. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the embryo quality obtained from vitrified, warmed oocytes in a standard infertility population. The results demonstrate that high quality blastocyst development can be expected with subsequent excellent obstetric and perinatal outcomes. These data support oocyte vitrification as a promising technique for fertility preservation.

Psychophysiology, 1999

Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be different... more Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be differentially sensitive to involuntary and voluntary cognitive processes were examined. Nonpatients (N = 131) identified initially by the Chapman and Depue research scales and classified later on the basis of diagnostic symptom clusters and family psychiatric history provided converging evidence for an intact mismatch negativity subcomponent. In contrast, the N2b subcomponent distinguished several groups of subjects. Results suggested abnormal voluntary cognitive processing, perhaps reflecting compensatory efforts in subjects at risk for or manifesting psychopathology, particularly those showing negative symptoms.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2000

In order to determine a suitable procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC... more In order to determine a suitable procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), blood was collected using three different anticoagulants (sodium heparin, sodium citrate or potassium EDTA) and separated using a single step commerciallyprepared arabinogalactan gradient of 1.077 g/ ml density or multiple step Percoll gradients between 1.053 and 1.076 g/ml density (40-60% stock isotonic Percoll suspension). Heparinized blood centrifuged over a two-step 45/55% (1.059/1.070 g/ml) Percoll gradient yielded 99 to 100% mononuclear cells at the 45/55% interface. Mononuclear cell viability ranged from 85 to 97% with cell yields up to 9.2 ϫ 10 6 cells/ mL. An unexpected finding was a population of low density granulocytes migrating to 40% (1.053 g/ml) and 45% Percoll layers in the multiple step gradients. These granulocytes could be eliminated from the PBMC preparation by use of the two-step 45/55% Percoll gradient. Isolated PBMCs can be used for cellular immunology and toxicology studies on these threatened marine organisms for which other tissues can usually be obtained only sporadically from post-mortem specimens.

Journal of Surgical Research, 2008

study. Although the daily trough cyclosporine levels were therapeutic, some degree of histopathol... more study. Although the daily trough cyclosporine levels were therapeutic, some degree of histopathologic rejection was present in all animals at 28 days (Grade I Nϭ3, Grade II Nϭ4, Grade III Nϭ1). Visual inspection of the graft did not correlate with histopathologic rejection. At necropsy, the transplanted muscle flap thickness was reduced compared to the native muscle (4.3 mm vs 7.7 mm, pϽ0.0001). The diameter of the muscle fibril under high power microscopic examination decreased from 3.75 m to 2.25 m (pϽ0.0001) as the study progressed. While the elasticity between the transplanted and native muscles were comparable (0.5 Ϯ 0.27 N/mm vs 0.40 Ϯ 0.10 N/mm, pϭ0.12), the transplanted muscles had significantly lower tensile strength than the native muscles (5.48 Ϯ 2.38 N vs 11.3 Ϯ 1.34 N, pϽ0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of isolated abdominal wall allotransplantation to provide a potential solution to end stage abdominal wall failure. There were no hernias associated with the surviving allografts during short term follow up. Based on the model set forth, future work will determine the functional and biomechanical outcomes of the composite allografts to provide a suitable dynamic abdominal wall replacement.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Aug 21, 2007

The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Se... more The Certificate of Analysis for SRM 1589a PCBs, Pesticides, PBDEs, and Dioxins/Furans in Human Serum has been updated to include certified concentration values for 27 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, three chlorinated pesticides, and four polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners as well as reference concentration values for 27 additional PCB congeners, six additional chlorinated pesticides, three additional PBDE congeners, and selected polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). This represents an addition of concentration values for 29 PCB congeners and for PBDE congeners that were not quantified in the previous issue of SRM 1589a. With the increased number of certified and reference concentration values for PCBs and the inclusion of certified and reference concentration values for PBDEs, this serum material will be more useful as a reference material for contaminant monitoring in human tissues and fluids.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants that have been in use since before 19... more Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants that have been in use since before 1970. PBDEs leach from consumer products and like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), they have become global environmental contaminants bioaccumulating into animal tissues and showing toxic effects in laboratory animals 1 . PBDEs have been measured in several species of wildlife, including marine mammals and seabirds, but not in sea turtles or in any other reptile. The loggerhead sea turtle (Carettacaretta) is listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act and feeds on crustaceans and bivalves. This species has been utilized in several recent heath assessment studies to monitor contaminant concentrations (mercury, PCBs, pesticides, perfluorinated compounds) and to assess the potential effects of these contaminants on its health 2-5 .

Psychophysiology, Jul 1, 1999

Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be different... more Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be differentially sensitive to involuntary and voluntary cognitive processes were examined. Nonpatients (N = 131) identified initially by the Chapman and Depue research scales and classified later on the basis of diagnostic symptom clusters and family psychiatric history provided converging evidence for an intact mismatch negativity subcomponent. In contrast, the N2b subcomponent distinguished several groups of subjects. Results suggested abnormal voluntary cognitive processing, perhaps reflecting compensatory efforts in subjects at risk for or manifesting psychopathology, particularly those showing negative symptoms.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2006

Marine animals are faced with health threats including disease and accumulation of toxic pollutan... more Marine animals are faced with health threats including disease and accumulation of toxic pollutants. There are several efforts in the USA seeking to relate health metrics to the exposure of marine animals to pollution, biotoxins, and disease. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports those efforts through projects directed towards marine mammals and sea turtles. The marine mammal activities conducted by NIST aid multiple investigators engaged in live-capture and release marine mammal health assessments. NIST developed a uniform collection protocol for blood, blubber, skin, and milk samples to be analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace elements. The protocol includes instructions for collecting samples for immediate analysis as well as sub-samples for long-term archival. For bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), the protocol was utilized 26 times along the US Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico coast, and off Bermuda. The work resulted in publications assessing pollutant exposure to bottlenose dolphins in these areas. NIST also supports efforts to monitor sea turtle health. A uniform protocol for collecting blood and scute samples from live sea turtles was developed and applied to turtles from several locations along the US East Coast resulting in publications detailing pollutant exposure and health effects.

The American surgeon

Laparoscopic expertise increases the volume of adrenalectomies at referral centers. We report our... more Laparoscopic expertise increases the volume of adrenalectomies at referral centers. We report our 10-year experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy. All laparoscopic adrenalectomies at a single institution were prospectively recorded in a surgical outcomes database. Patient demographics, operative/perioperative outcomes, and adrenal pathology were reviewed retrospectively. From March 1999 through July 2009, 154 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed in 150 patients. Average patient age was 49.9 years (range 15-82); mean body mass index was 31.1 kg/m(2) (range 17-56). Pathologic diagnoses included hyperaldosteronism (n = 69), nonfunctional adenoma (n = 28), pheochromocytoma (n = 23), hypercortisolism (n = 14), malignancy (primary n = 3, metastasis n = 9), and cyst (n = 4). Seventy-three per cent (n = 110) occurred on the left, 23 per cent (n = 35) on the right, 2.6 per cent (n = 4) bilateral, and 0.6 per cent (n = 1) as extra-adrenal. The average tumor measured 3.6 cm (range 0.4-12). The average operative time was 156 minutes (range 62-409), the mean estimated blood loss was 60 mL (range 10-400), and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.6 (range 1-4). Three operations (0.2%) were converted to open. Three patients (0.2%) experienced perioperative complications (respiratory failure, urinary tract infection, line sepsis, and readmission within 30 days). The average length of stay was 3.4 days (range 1-44) and mean follow-up was 96.9 days (5-2567). No wound-related complications or deaths occurred. Pathologic diagnosis was not associated with a particular side or development of a complication (P > 0.5). Patients with pheochromocytomas had the longest operative times, highest estimated blood loss, and highest American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (218.2 minutes, 128 mL, 3.0; P…

The American surgeon

Incisional hernias occur in up to 11 per cent of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Up to 50 ... more Incisional hernias occur in up to 11 per cent of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Up to 50 per cent of these patients with hernias will require repeat operative procedures. Management of these hernias have focused primarily on tensile strength of the mesh material, have not addressed currently used materials, and have not compared the strength of these repairs with each other. Forty-nine adult Sprague-Dawley rats had an incisional hernia created by removing a portion of their abdominal wall that was then repaired primarily, using either a composite mesh, Dual mesh (Gore-Tex), or polypropylene mesh. Six weeks after the repair, the rats were euthanized. Hydrostatic distension of the abdominal cavity was performed to compare bursting strength of each repair. Wound tensile strength was assessed and compared. Tissue samples were also taken to compare repair types for incorporation of prosthetic materials. The gross weight of the animals subjected to hydrostatic distention was equivalent between groups, as was the volume required prior to failure of the repair. There was a trend toward improved tensile strength of the Prolene mesh repair, which had a lower average inflammatory and fibrosis score on histology. Overall, the type of mesh used for repair does not seem to impact significantly the strength of the repair when assessed 6 weeks postoperatively. Choice of prosthetic material to repair the hernia should be made based on economics and handling characteristics alone. Prolene mesh has satisfactory strength with the least amount of inflammation and fibrosis.

Current Metabolomics, 2014

The metabolomic fingerprints of a protected sea turtle species have been investigated for the fir... more The metabolomic fingerprints of a protected sea turtle species have been investigated for the first time using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach. We emphasized method development of optimal plasma filtration conditions (filter type, washing techniques, extract stability) for green turtles and other organisms, while also using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material 1950 (SRM 1950) Metabolites in Human Plasma for quality control. We surveyed the blood plasma metabolomic fingerprints of Hawaiian green sea turtles representing a wide range of physiological conditions that include varying disease states, behavioral conditions, and locales. The turtles sampled were free-swimming (n=5 from Hualalai on the west coast of the island of Hawaii), basking (n=7 from Hualalai), free-swimming tumor-free (n=3 from Kapoho, east coast of Hawaii), or freeswimming afflicted with external tumors (n=5 from Kapoho) caused by the disease, fibropapillomatosis (FP). The metabolomic profiles and the specific metabolites that differed among individual turtles are discussed. This optimized tool and the annotated metabolic profiles will benefit future investigations into the behavioral and disease conditions of the green turtle.

Virology journal, 2007

The extraordinary morphologies of viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea clearly distinguish... more The extraordinary morphologies of viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea clearly distinguish them from bacterial and eukaryotic viruses. Moreover, their genomes code for proteins that to a large extend have no related sequences in the extent databases. However, a small pool of genes is shared by overlapping subsets of these viruses, and the most conserved gene, exemplified by the ORF109 of the Acidianus Filamentous Virus 3, AFV3, is present on genomes of members of three viral familes, the Lipothrixviridae, Rudiviridae, and "Bicaudaviridae", as well as of the unclassified Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus, STIV. We present here the crystal structure of the protein (Mr = 13.1 kD, 109 residues) encoded by the AFV3 ORF 109 in two different crystal forms at 1.5 and 1.3 A resolution. The structure of AFV3-109 is a five stranded beta-sheet with loops on one side and three helices on the other. It forms a dimer adopting the shape of a cradle that encompasses the best con...

Surgical Innovation, 2007

At present, implantation of this device is limited to Food and Drug Administration approved trial... more At present, implantation of this device is limited to Food and Drug Administration approved trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Funding by GI Dynamics™ is limited to provision of the device and coverage of patient hospital costs.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2005

A fully functioning immune system is vital to the survival of threatened and endangered sea turtl... more A fully functioning immune system is vital to the survival of threatened and endangered sea turtles. Immunological protection against diseases in any organism can be reduced by a number of natural and anthropogenic factors, such as seasonal changes, malnutrition, disease states, and contaminant exposure. These factors are even more critical when they occur in endangered species or populations. To identify alterations in the immunological health of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation (LP) assay was developed using peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). Collection and culture conditions were optimized for this assay using non-lethal blood samples collected from free-ranging turtles along the southeastern US coast. During the collection, two anticoagulants (sodium heparin and lithium heparin) were compared to determine effects of different ions on assay results. Optimal culture conditions were established for loggerhead PBLs while two different methods of measuring LP were compared: (1) the traditional radioactive 3 H-thymidine assay and (2) a non-radioactive, colorimetric method utilizing 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT). The results indicate that the 3 H-thymidine and the non-radioactive MTT methods did not correlate with each other and that the use of www.elsevier.com/locate/vetimm Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 103 (2005) 269-281

Toxicological Sciences, 2008

Adult male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) daily via gava... more Adult male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) daily via gavage for 28 days (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 or 5 mg/kg total administered dose [TAD]).

Toxicologic Pathology, 2012

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are environmentally widespread, persistent, and bioaccumulative c... more Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are environmentally widespread, persistent, and bioaccumulative chemicals with multiple toxicities reported in experimental models and wildlife, including immunomodulation. The two most commonly detected compounds, which also generally occur in the highest concentrations in environmentally exposed organisms, are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFOA and PFOS have been reported to alter inflammatory responses, production of cytokines, and adaptive and innate immune responses in rodent models, avian models, reptilian models, and mammalian and nonmammalian wildlife. Mounting evidence suggests that immune effects in laboratory animal models occur at serum concentrations below, within the reported range, or just above those reported for highly exposed humans and wildlife. Thus, the risk of immune effects for humans and wildlife exposed to PFCs cannot be discounted, especially when bioaccumulation and exposure to multiple PFCs are considered. This review contains brief descriptions of current and recently published work exploring immunomodulation by PFOA, PFOS, and other PFCs in rodent models, alternative laboratory models, and wildlife.

Surgical Endoscopy, 2009

Studies have shown donor and recipient outcomes to be equivalent for laparoscopic donor nephrecto... more Studies have shown donor and recipient outcomes to be equivalent for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and open donor nephrectomy. In the past, LDN has been avoided in the procurement of the right kidney or organs with multiple arteries. This study compares procurement of right and left kidneys as well as procurement of single- and multiple artery organs. A review of all LDNs at a single institution between August 2000 and December 2007 was performed. The data included estimated blood loss (EBL), need for transfusion, operative time, warm ischemia time, length of hospital stay (LOS), and delayed graft function. Arterial supply was assessed using renal arteriogram or computed tomographic (CT) angiography. Outcomes for multiple versus single artery and left versus right LDN were compared. Student's t-test and chi-square test were used for statistical comparison. A total of 230 LDNs were performed. Multiple arteries were present in 37 donors. The right kidney was procured from 36 donors. No significant difference in EBL, transfusions, operative time, or LOS was noted between multiple and single or right and left LDNs. Warm ischemia time was significantly longer for multiple arteries (mean, 83 s) than for single arteries (mean, 63 s; p = 0.007), and for right kidneys (mean, 86 s) than for left kidneys (mean, 62 s; p = 0.001). No significant difference in delayed graft function was seen in the comparison of multiple (21.6%) and single (11.4%) artery organs (p = 0.11) or of right (13.9%) and left (12.9%) kidneys (p = 0.79). The presence of multiple arteries or the need to procure the right kidney does not affect the operative outcome of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Warm ischemia time may be greater for these groups, but this does not result in delayed allograft function. The laparoscopic approach should be the standard of care even when expansion of the donor pool includes organs with multiple arteries and procurement of the right kidney.

Science of The Total Environment, 2013

Remote locations, such as the Arctic, are often sinks for persistent contaminants which can ultim... more Remote locations, such as the Arctic, are often sinks for persistent contaminants which can ultimately bioaccumulate in local wildlife. Assessing temporal contaminant trends in the Arctic is important in understanding whether restrictions on legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have led to concentration declines. Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) tissue samples were collected from two subpopulations (Cook Inlet, Alaska and the eastern Chukchi Sea) between 1989 and 2006. Several POPs (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane and related compounds (DDTs), chlordanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlorobenzenes, mirex, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and semi-quantitatively hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs)) were measured in 70 blubber samples, and total mercury (Hg) was measured in 67 liver samples from a similar set of individuals. Legacy POPs (PCBs, chlordanes, DDTs, and HCHs) were the predominant organic compound classes in both subpopulations, with median concentrations of 2360ng/g lipid for Σ80PCBs and 1890 ng/g lipid for Σ6DDTs. Backward stepwise multiple regressions showed that at least one of the four independent variables (subpopulation, sampling year, sex, and animal length) influenced the POP and Hg concentrations. ΣPCBs, ΣDDTs, Σchlordanes, Σchlorobenzenes, mirex, and Hg were significantly higher in belugas from the eastern Chukchi Sea than from the Cook Inlet (p≤0.0001). In contrast, Σ8PBDE and α-HBCD concentrations were significantly lower in belugas from the eastern Chukchi Sea than from the Cook Inlet (p<0.0001). Significant temporal increases in concentrations of Σ8PBDE and α-HBCD were observed for both subpopulations (p≤0.0003), and temporal declines were seen for ΣHCHs and Σchlorobenzenes in eastern Chukchi Sea belugas only (p≤0.0107). All other POP and Hg concentrations were stable, indicating either a lagging response of the Arctic to source reductions or the maintenance of concentrations by unregulated sources. Sex and length also significantly influenced some concentrations, and these findings are discussed.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2009

Oocyte vitrification has the potential to expand tremendously the reproductive options for women ... more Oocyte vitrification has the potential to expand tremendously the reproductive options for women desiring fertility preservation. Indeed, the number of publications regarding the reliability and efficiency of oocyte vitrification has increased exponentially over the past decade. The application of the technique to standard reproductive technologies depends on not only oocyte survival, but also the developmental potential and clinical outcomes from the resultant embryos. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the embryo quality obtained from vitrified, warmed oocytes in a standard infertility population. The results demonstrate that high quality blastocyst development can be expected with subsequent excellent obstetric and perinatal outcomes. These data support oocyte vitrification as a promising technique for fertility preservation.

Psychophysiology, 1999

Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be different... more Subcomponents of the N200 component of the event-related brain potential believed to be differentially sensitive to involuntary and voluntary cognitive processes were examined. Nonpatients (N = 131) identified initially by the Chapman and Depue research scales and classified later on the basis of diagnostic symptom clusters and family psychiatric history provided converging evidence for an intact mismatch negativity subcomponent. In contrast, the N2b subcomponent distinguished several groups of subjects. Results suggested abnormal voluntary cognitive processing, perhaps reflecting compensatory efforts in subjects at risk for or manifesting psychopathology, particularly those showing negative symptoms.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2000

In order to determine a suitable procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC... more In order to determine a suitable procedure for isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), blood was collected using three different anticoagulants (sodium heparin, sodium citrate or potassium EDTA) and separated using a single step commerciallyprepared arabinogalactan gradient of 1.077 g/ ml density or multiple step Percoll gradients between 1.053 and 1.076 g/ml density (40-60% stock isotonic Percoll suspension). Heparinized blood centrifuged over a two-step 45/55% (1.059/1.070 g/ml) Percoll gradient yielded 99 to 100% mononuclear cells at the 45/55% interface. Mononuclear cell viability ranged from 85 to 97% with cell yields up to 9.2 ϫ 10 6 cells/ mL. An unexpected finding was a population of low density granulocytes migrating to 40% (1.053 g/ml) and 45% Percoll layers in the multiple step gradients. These granulocytes could be eliminated from the PBMC preparation by use of the two-step 45/55% Percoll gradient. Isolated PBMCs can be used for cellular immunology and toxicology studies on these threatened marine organisms for which other tissues can usually be obtained only sporadically from post-mortem specimens.

Journal of Surgical Research, 2008

study. Although the daily trough cyclosporine levels were therapeutic, some degree of histopathol... more study. Although the daily trough cyclosporine levels were therapeutic, some degree of histopathologic rejection was present in all animals at 28 days (Grade I Nϭ3, Grade II Nϭ4, Grade III Nϭ1). Visual inspection of the graft did not correlate with histopathologic rejection. At necropsy, the transplanted muscle flap thickness was reduced compared to the native muscle (4.3 mm vs 7.7 mm, pϽ0.0001). The diameter of the muscle fibril under high power microscopic examination decreased from 3.75 m to 2.25 m (pϽ0.0001) as the study progressed. While the elasticity between the transplanted and native muscles were comparable (0.5 Ϯ 0.27 N/mm vs 0.40 Ϯ 0.10 N/mm, pϭ0.12), the transplanted muscles had significantly lower tensile strength than the native muscles (5.48 Ϯ 2.38 N vs 11.3 Ϯ 1.34 N, pϽ0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of isolated abdominal wall allotransplantation to provide a potential solution to end stage abdominal wall failure. There were no hernias associated with the surviving allografts during short term follow up. Based on the model set forth, future work will determine the functional and biomechanical outcomes of the composite allografts to provide a suitable dynamic abdominal wall replacement.