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The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., resurged as an important urban pest in the last 20 yr. Yet, there are no commercial repellent products labeled for bed bugs available in the United States. We evaluated the repellency of two catnip oils from newly developed cultivars, CR3 and CR9, and compared each to 10 and 25% N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). CR3 contains 63.4% E,Z-nepatalactone and 27.5% Z,E-nepatalactone, and CR9 contains 94.9% Z,E-nepatalactone. Arena studies showed that CR3 and CR9 oils were more effective than DEET within a 24-h period. At 10% concentration, both CR3 and CR9 oils exhibited a repellency of over 94% during the first 8 h. At 25% concentration, the repellency of CR3 and CR9 oils increased to 100%, and repellency of DEET was 92% during the first 24 h. Repellency of 25% CR3 and CR9 oils became lower than 25% DEET after being aged for 3 d. After 28-d aging, repellency of 25% CR3, CR9, and DEET reduced to 25, 64, and 92%, respectively. Soiled socks were placed above repellent treated bands to determine if the repellent can protect soiled socks from being infested. The 20% CR3 oil prevented 100% of bed bugs from infesting soiled socks showing that it was more effective than DEET. These results indicate that catnip oils from CR3 and CR9 cultivars are more repellent than DEET over a 24-h period following application, but their longevity is shorter than DEET after 72 h.

The left ventricular summit (LVS) is a challenging location for catheter-based percutaneous ablation due to its anatomical location. There have been case reports of cryoablations performed in this region, but the technique may be underutilized when radiofrequency ablation fails. A 45-year-old male was found to have 25 000 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) a day despite previous ablation and a reduced ejection fraction of 40% despite medical therapy. Coronary sinus epicardial mapping revealed the coronary sinus distal region generated activations earlier than the QRS onset by 28 ms. Two separate, 4-minute cryoablations were delivered that suppressed the PVCs within 5 seconds. Alternate energy modalities such as cryo may offer a safer and more viable approach for ablation of LVS in select patients.

A new diploid variety, Cryptocoryne cordata var. wellyi from the Riau Province in Sumatera is described. Three interspecific natural hybrids are also described: the diploid C. ×ardyi, the triploid C. ×jambiensis and the tetraploid C. ×zukalii nothovar. sumateraensis, of which the tetraploid hybrid involves C. cordata var. diderici as one parent. The hybrids are sterile but propagate vegetatively, forming large stands. A key to the Cryptocoryne taxa of Sumatera is provided.

Purpose of review Atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia. Radiofrequency ablation has been the most prevalent method for slow pathway ablation but carries risk of atrioventricular node injury. Focal cryoablation has been utilized as an alternative ablation modality; however, there has been concern about decreased efficacy, resulting in a higher rate of recurrence postablation. We also report outcomes from two international centers using an 8-mm cryocatheter and complete a thorough comparison of existing data on ablation of AVNRT. Recent findings Previous reviews included studies from 2006 onward. These studies included use of the 4 mm focal cryocatheter, which has largely been abandoned in current adult practice. We will cite more contemporary studies within the past 10 years, which also includes use of the 6 and 8 mm cryocatheter. Summary The use of focal cryoablation allows for reversible injury during AVNRT ablation, providing safety from permanent atrioventricular node injury. With the appropriate ablation endpoints, 8 mm focal cryoablation is more effective for permanent lesion formation, leading to lower recurrences.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.), a popular aromatic herb used as a traditional medicine is more widely recognized for its use in the pet toy industry due to the behavioral effects it elicits on cats and other felids. A major interest in catnip is also due to its repellent activity against arthropods. Essential oil of catnip is an effective repellent against several species of mosquitoes, flies, ticks, mites, and other disease vectors, with results comparable to DEET. Both the repellency to arthropods and the characteristic effects on cats are mainly attributed to nepetalactone, a bicyclic oxygenated monoterpene in the essential oil of catnip. While catnip is grown as a garden herb and in the open field for dried biomass and essential oil, the lack of improved genetic materials makes it difficult for North American growers to expand production and ensure adequate product supply. The present chapter provides an overview of the recent advances in breeding, biochemistry, production systems, biological activities and potential new uses of N. cataria and other Nepeta species in North America.

Patients with atrial fibrillation often undergo repeat catheter ablation for the recurrence of tachyarrhythmia. If the pulmonary veins were isolated in prior procedure, the operator should focus on substrate homogenization with identification and ablation of only arrhythmogenic areas.

There is an increased need for improved and affordable insect repellents to reduce transmission of rapidly spreading diseases with high mortality rates. Natural products are often used when DEET cannot be afforded or accessed and when consumers choose not to use a synthetic repellent. The essential oils from two newly bred Nepeta cataria (catnip) plants representing two different chemotypes and their respective isolated nepetalactone isomers were evaluated as mosquito repellents against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that transmit the Zika and Dengue virus in a one choice landing rate inhibition assay. A dose response curve was generated for each treatment and a time course analysis of repellency was performed over 24 hours with a N. cataria essential oil sample. The results indicate that all essential oil samples and their respective purified nepetalactone isomers were able to achieve greater than 95% repellency. Between two and four hours, the ability to repel more than 95% of the mosquitoes diminished. At the lowest concentrations tested, the nepetalactones and crude essential oil samples were more effective than DEET at reducing the number of mosquito landings.

The rapid expansion of Asian populations in the United States presents significant opportunities and challenges for the eastern U.S. produce sector to take advantage of their close proximity to densely populated areas. Initial crop studies followed by ethnic consumer and crop surveys were conducted to examine vegetable, leafy green, and herb consumption and expenditures among Chinese, Asian Indians, and other Asian groups. Consumer choices were used to prioritize subsequent production trials. Family expenditures were determined for specific Asian produce types and total produce purchases. This market data were extrapolated to the east coast Asian populations to assess potential market size (90% confidence interval, error margin 5.6%). Chinese consumer values ranged from $245 to $296 million per annum and Asian Indians ranged from $190 to $230 million per annum. The average annual fresh fruit and vegetable expenditures by both Asian groups were 2 to 3.5 times respective national averages. Leading Chinese vegetables determined by average expenditures were baby bok choy, pak choy, oriental eggplant, snow pea, oriental spinach, and napa cabbage. Highest expenditure of leafy greens and herbs for Chinese consumers were chives and garland chrysanthemum. This market-driven survey reported consumption of over 100 Asian crops and 42 cultivars were ranked “feasible” to grow in the eastern section of the United States. Horticultural matrices of selection criteria narrowed the list to the most promising candidates for production. As a result, 28 cultivars were then grown in University research and demonstration plots at Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida in determining growth characteristics and yield to focus horticultural crop producers. Leading vegetable cultivars for Asian Indian consumers were bitter gourd, eggplant, fenugreek leaves, cluster beans, and bottle gourd. Leading leafy greens and herbs for Asian Indians were turmeric, fenugreek, sorrel spinach, and radish greens. Most of these Asian cultivars were demonstrated to grow well in the three main growing zones of 5, 7, and 9. Phytochemical attributes such as antioxidant activity, polyphenols, and mineral contents were analyzed for several of the leading crop candidates. This initial field and laboratory data shows that many of these ethnic crops can be grown in the eastern United States to direct production opportunities and are nutrient rich to help drive consumer demand.

OBJECTIVES: A short-term intervention designed to test the feasibility of Veterans to adopt a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet has not been tested. The specific aims of this study were to (1) determine the feasibility of Veterans adopting a WFPB diet within four weeks, following a plant-strong protocol, (2) determine the effectiveness on participant's cardiovascular risk factors and dietary patterns and (3) compare the results to Veterans following the American Heart Association or Diabetic Diets. METHODS: Prospective, nonrandomized, pilot study of overweight or obese hyperlipidemic Veterans naive to lipid lowering drugs. The first 4 participants were assigned the control group, the next 6 were assigned the intervention. Participants in the control group who met inclusion/exclusion criteria after completion of control intervention could cross-over into the intervention group. The intervention was a four-week program which included individual education on a WFBP diet, (including menu planning and making grocery lists), a grocery store tour, cooking skills, substitutions and food preparation, and challenges dining out. Participants in the control arm received the standard of care. Anthropometrics, biochemical measures, and dietary intake patterns were obtained at baseline and five weeks. RESULTS: Eight male Veterans (mean 57 years old) completed the study, (n = 4 control, n = 6 intervention, 2 crossed over). Ability to adopt a WFBP diet was 83%. Data from diet adopters were compared to the control. Both groups had a significant decrease in LDL from baseline (12% control and 19% in intervention, P = 0.04 each). Veterans in the intervention group had a significant decrease in weight (3%, P = 0.04) and reported: gassiness, better digestion, more energy and better sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans were able to adopt a WFBP diet and experienced a favorable change in LDL cholesterol. Resources needed to conduct the intervention preclude widespread implementation. Further research is needed to determine if less resource intensive programs are feasible and effective for long-term sustainability and determine which Veterans may benefit most. FUNDING SOURCES: Carl T Hayden Medical Research Foundation.

Platypnea Orthodeoxia Syndrome (POS) is a rare condition defined as hypoxemia and dyspnea that is induced by upright posture that resolves when recumbent. A 52 year old male veteran with obstructive sleep apnea was referred for right heart catheterization (RHC) due to chronic intermittent hypoxemia

Fundamental concerns in quality control arise due to increasing use of grape seed extract (GSE) and the complex chemical composition of GSE. Proanthocyanidin monomers and oligomers are the major bioactive compounds in GSE. Given no standardized criteria for quality, large variation exists in the composition of commercial GSE supplements. Using HPLC/UV/MS, 21 commercial GSE containing products were purchased and chemically profiled, major compounds quantitated, and compared against authenticated grape seed extract, peanut skin extract, and pine bark extract. The antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content for each sample was also determined and compared using standard techniques. Nine products were adulterated, found to contain peanut skin extract. A wide degree of variability in chemical composition was detected in commercial products, demonstrating the need for development of quality control standards for GSE. A TLC method was developed to allow for rapid and inexpensive detection of adulteration in GSE by peanut skin.

Students in Biomaterials BBE3102 at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda were assigned semester long group projects in the first semester of the 2014-15 academic year to determine the biomaterials type and usage in Mulago National Referral Hospital, which is emblematic of large public hospitals across East Africa. Information gathering was conducted through student interviews with Mulago physicians because there were no archival records. The students divided themselves into seven project groups covering biomaterials use in the areas of wound closure, dental and oral surgery, cardiology, burn care, bone repair, ophthalmology and total joint replacement. As in the developed world, the majority of biomaterials used in Mulago are basic wound closure materials, dental materials, and bone fixation materials, all of which are comparatively inexpensive, easy to store, and readily available from either the government or local suppliers; however, there were significant issues with the implant supply chain, affordability, and patient compliance and follow-up in cases where specialty expertise and expensive implants were employed.

Certainpolynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) induce CYP1A-dependent enzyme activities. Because PAHs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and some are aryl hydrocarbon agonists, CYP1A has been used as a biomarker for PAH exposure. However, PAHs exist in the environment in complex mixtures that may confound biomarker results. In in vitro studies, the PAH fluoranthene (FL) failed to increase or enhance CYP1A1-dependent ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in cells, but rather inhibited activities induced by AhR agonists such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and benzo(k)fluoranthene. In order to determine the in vivo effects of FL on CYP1A and DNA adduct levels, Fundulus heteroclitus were given single ip injections of either BaP (5 mg/kg), BaP + FL (5 mg/kg each), BaP + FL (5 and 50 mg/kg, respectively), FL (5 mg/kg), FL (50 mg/kg), or corn oil control. BaP-treated fish had liver microsome EROD activities significantly higher than controls, whereas FL-treated fish were not different from controls. EROD activities in BaP + FL cotreatments were significantly lower compared to fish treated with BaP alone. When FL was incubated with BaP-induced microsomes, the IC50 for inhibition of EROD activity was 1.4 × 10−5 M FL. Kinetic studies indicated a significant noncompetitive component to the FL inhibition. When fish were treated with [14C]FL, the concentration of radiolabel associated with microsomal preparations was four orders of magnitude lower than the IC50. Therefore, the presence of FL or a FL metabolite was insufficient to account for the inhibition by a kinetic mechanism. In contrast to cell studies, CYP1A immunoreactive protein was significantly decreased in vivo by FL cotreatment, indicating that FL may inhibit EROD activity by down-regulating the CYP1A protein. A covalent interaction of [14C]FL with CYP1A was not detected. Total 32P-postlabeled DNA adducts were not significantly changed by cotreatment of FL and BaP; however, cotreatment with 50 mg/kg FL decreased one adduct and increased another significantly. Because FL and perhaps other inhibitory PAHs, cooccur in the environment with CYP1A inducers, CYP1A-dependent bioassays may cause an underestimation of PAH exposures.