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PubMed2006

Induction and partial characterization of California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) vitellogenin.

The egg yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin (Vg), was isolated by size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography from plasma of California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) treated with estrogen. MALDI TOF mass spectrometry (MS) analysis resulted in a molecular mass of 188 kDa. MS/MS de novo sequencing identified the protein as Vg by matching sequences of tryptic peptides to the known sequences of several other species. Matches were also made to two different forms of Vg in haddock, medaka, and mummichog, providing evidence that California halibut has more than one form of Vg. Native PAGE and Western blot with an antibody to turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Vg confirmed the identity of the protein. Protein resolved on the SDS PAGE as a double band of approximately the same mass as determined with MALDI TOF, and two lower mass bands that were also immunoreactive. MALDI TOF and MS/MS de novo sequencing were useful for determining the molecular mass, identification, and exploring the multiplicity of Vg. The potential of using other MS methods to understand the structure and function of Vg is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

The development of the pulmonary surfactant system in California sea lions.

Pulmonary surfactant has previously been shown to change during development, both in composition and function. Adult pinnipeds, unlike adult terrestrial mammals, have an altered lung physiology to cope with the high pressures associated with deep diving. Here, we investigated how surfactant composition and function develop in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Phosphatidylinositol was the major anionic phospholipid in the newborn, whereas phosphatidylglycerol was increased in the adult. This increase in phosphatidylglycerol occurred at the expense of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine. There was a shift from long chain and polyunsaturated phospholipid molecular species in the newborn to shorter chain and mono- and disaturated molecular species in the adult. Cholesterol and SP-B concentrations were also higher in the adult. Adult surfactant could reach a lower equilibrium surface tension, but newborn surfactant could reach a lower minimum surface tension. The composition and function of surfactant from newborn California sea lions suggest that this age group is similar to terrestrial newborn mammals, whereas the adult has a "diving mammal" surfactant that can aid the lung during deep dives. The onset of diving is probably a trigger for surfactant development in these animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Tracing sewage pollution using linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in surface sediments at the south end of the Southern California Bight.

Distribution and isomeric composition of LABs in surface marine sediments were evaluated at the southern end of the southern California Bight. LABs are used as tracers of wastewater discharges. The area studied extends from the Mexico-USA border to the Todos Santos Bay, Baja California in the south. The area was partitioned into a northern, central and a southern stratum. GC-MS was used for the analysis of LABs concentration. The average value of total LABs concentration was 17.4, 32.0 and 24.9 ng/g for the north, central and southern strata, respectively. LABs were not correlated with either sediments grain size (%<63 microm) or sediment organic carbon contents. The highest concentrations values of LABs were found in the northern and central strata near the 200 m isobath. Based on the I/E index, the estimated average percentage degradation was 21.3, 15.9, and 8.4% for the northern, central and southern strata respectively. Based on the isomeric composition of LABs, the largest degradation value was found in the northern stations. Internal isomers did not show significant enrichment, however, short-chained isomers (LAB(10), LAB(11)) showed enrichment. It was found that 67 out of the 68 stations measured had concentrations above detection limits. This suggests extensive contact of wastewater discharges with marine sediments in the area. An estimate of the amount of LABs per year based on detergent consumption per capita is provided.

Benzene Derivatives↗
PubMed2006

Otarine Herpesvirus-1, not papillomavirus, is associated with endemic tumours in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).

The purpose of this study was to determine if Otarine Herpesvirus-1 (OtHV-1) is associated with the presence of urogenital carcinomas in California sea lions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with primers specific for OtHV-1 was used to compare the prevalence of OtHV-1 infection in 15 sea lions affected by urogenital carcinoma with that of age-matched and juvenile tumour-free animals, and animals with tumours of non-urogenital origin. The herpesvirus was more prevalent (100%) and more widespread in the 15 animals with urogenital carcinoma than in 25 control animals, and was most often found in the urogenital tissue (vagina and prostate) and in the draining lymph nodes. Moreover, OtHV-1 DNA was not found in any juvenile animal, or in the neoplastic tissues of animals with non-urogenital tumours. Papillomavirus-specific PCR analysis of urogenital carcinoma tissues detected papillomavirus sequences in only one carcinomatous tissue. Further studies are needed to determine if OtHV-1 contributes to oncogenesis in the California sea lion; these data show, however, that OtHV-1 is associated with urogenital carcinomas, is preferentially present in urogenital tissues, and may be sexually transmitted. Papillomaviruses, which are known to contribute to urogenital tumours in other species, did not appear to be associated with the sea lion carcinomas.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of the relationships between biochemical endpoints of PAH exposure and physiological endpoints of reproduction in male California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus) exposed to sediments from a natural oil seep.

Coal Oil Point (COP) is a natural oil seep off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. Although most studies examining the fate and effects of petroleum have focused upon urbanized or anthropogenic sources of inputs, few have examined the effects of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from natural seeps. In order to evaluate the effects of PAHs derived from COP on marine fish populations, hatchery-reared California Halibut (Platichthys californicus) were exposed for 30 days to seven dilutions of sediments collected from COP. Hepatic cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), biliary fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs), gonadal somatic indices, and plasma steroid concentrations. Sixteen USEPA priority PAHs were targeted for analysis in each sediment dilution. In general, biochemical responses were somewhat recalcitrant to dose-response relationships and were less sensitive than the literature values established for the same indicators following exposure to urbanized PAHs. Trends toward reductions in plasma 17beta-estradiol concentrations were observed, but reductions in gonadal somatic indices were not observed. FAC values for naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene, phenanthrene-related compounds reached maximums at 33-100% COP sediment. The resulting insensitivity may be unique for exposure to "natural" petroleum due to a higher concentration of lower molecular weight PAHs or uncharacterized inhibitors.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Determination of HBCD, PBDEs and MeO-BDEs in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) stranded between 1993 and 2003.

Blubber samples from male California sea lions (Zalphophus californianus) stranded between 1993 and 2003 were analyzed for 27 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, three isomers of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and 14 methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ether (MeO-BDE) congeners. Total PBDEs ranged from 450 ng/g to 4740 ng/g wet mass and total HBCD ranged from < 0.3 ng/g to 12 ng/g wet mass. The concentration of HBCD increased from 0.7 ng/g to12.0 ng/g wet mass in sea lion blubber between 1993 and 2003. However, no significant temporal trend was observed for any of the other brominated compounds over this 10 year period. Only one of the 14 MeO-BDE congeners was detected in the blubber samples, 6-methoxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-MeO-BDE 47), and concentrations ranged from < 0.2 ng/g to 12 ng/g wet mass. A bromo-, chloro-heterocyclic compound, 1,1'-dimethyl-tetrabromo-dichloro-2,2'-bipyrrole (DBP-Br4Cl2), previously reported in marine species along the Pacific coast, was also identified in the sea lion blubber. DBP-Br4Cl2 ranged from 44 ng/g wet mass to 660 ng/g wet mass and was present at concentrations rivaling the dominant PBDE congener, BDE 47 (2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether). Concentrations of DBP-Br4Cl2 were positively correlated with 6-MeO-BDE 47 (r = 0.7; p < 0.05). Both of these compounds have been identified in marine algae and sponges, and studies suggest they are both produced from natural sources. This study demonstrates that brominated compounds from both anthropogenic and biogenic sources can accumulate to similar levels in marine mammals. In addition, HBCD concentrations appear to be increasing in California sea lion populations, whereas PBDE concentrations, between 1993 and 2003, were highly variable.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

Aerobic bacterial flora of the nasal cavity in Gulf of California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups.

Nasal swab samples from clinically healthy California sea lions pups (Zalophus californianus) from six different reproductive rookeries in the Gulf of California were collected to determine the type and frequency of the representative aerobic bacterial microflora of their nasal mucosa. A total of 114 samples were examined and 100 bacterial isolates were identified and typified by microbiological and biochemical standard tests. Fifty four isolates corresponded to Gram positive bacteria (54%) and 46 isolates to Gram negative bacteria (46%). Fifteen bacterial genera were identified, including Micrococcus, Arcanobacterium, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, Neisseria, Escherichia, Kurthia, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, Brevibacillus, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas and Aeromonas. The most frequently isolated genera were Moraxella (24%), Micrococcus (18%), and Corynebacterium (15%). These results show the presence in the nasal cavity of sea lions of several microorganisms. Although considered part of the normal microflora, they may also be opportunistic pathogens for their hosts and may act as a potential natural sentinel of environmental changes.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Prospective immunization of the endangered California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) protects this species from lethal West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus (WNV) has caused significant morbidity and mortality in humans, mammals, and both native and exotic birds in North America since its emergence in New York City in 1999 and its subsequent spread westward. Prior to the arrival of WNV to the western United States, prospective vaccination was conducted for the entire population of endangered California condors, both in captivity and in the wild. Here we show that this vaccine is safe for condors, stimulates protective immunity in adults, nestlings, and newly hatched chicks. Most importantly, we demonstrate protection of captive birds exposed to naturally circulating WNV during the 2004 transmission season. The prospective vaccination of the entire population of California condors before the arrival of WNV has thus potentially saved this endangered species from subsequent lethal WNV encephalitis, and possible extinction.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Winning fights elevates testosterone levels in California mice and enhances future ability to win fights.

The 'winner effect' has been studied in a variety of species, but only rarely in mammals. We compared effects of winning three, two, one, or zero resident-intruder encounters on the likelihood of winning a subsequent aggressive encounter in the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). During the training phase, we ensured that resident males won all encounters by staging contests with mildly sedated, smaller intruders. During the test phase, the resident male encountered an unfamiliar, more evenly matched intruder that had experience winning an encounter and was larger than the resident. Testosterone (T) plasma levels significantly increased after the final test when they had experienced two prior winning encounters, and the probability of winning a future encounter increased significantly after three prior wins independent of intrinsic fighting ability. We hypothesize a 'winner-challenge' effect in which increased T levels serve to reinforce the winner effect in male California mice.

Aggression↗
PubMed1998

Shoulder dystocia and associated risk factors with macrosomic infants born in California.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the 1-year incidence statewide in California of shoulder dystocia and its associated risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: With a data set that contains computer-linked records from the birth certificate and hospital discharge records of both mother and baby, all births of infants >3500 g in >300 civilian acute care hospitals in California in 1992 were analyzed. All cases of shoulder dystocia were identified from discharge records, birth certificates, or both and were analyzed with both bivariate and multivariate techniques to identify specific risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 175,886 vaginal births of infants >3500 g were included in our database, of which 6238 infants (3%) had shoulder dystocia. The percentages of births complicated by shoulder dystocia for unassisted births not complicated by diabetes were 5.2% for infants 4000 to 4250 g, 9.1% for those 4250 to 4500 g, 14.3% for 4500 to 4750, and 21.1% for those 4750 to 5000 g. Shoulder dystocia increased by approximately 35% to 45% in vacuum- or forceps-assisted births to nondiabetic mothers. Similar increases were seen in unassisted births to diabetic mothers. The risk of shoulder dystocia for assisted births to diabetic mothers was even more dramatic: 12.2% for infants 4000 to 4250 g, 16.7% for those 4250 to 4500 g, 27.3% for those 4500 to 4750 g, and 34.8% for those 4750 to 5000 g. After controlling for other parameters, there was an increased risk of shoulder dystocia associated with diabetes (odds ratio 1.7), assisted delivery (odds ratio 1.9), and induction of labor (odds ratio 1.3). Rates of birth trauma, asphyxia, and length of stay were all increased among births complicated by shoulder dystocia. CONCLUSION: This information on the incidence of shoulder dystocia and associated risk factors for a large statewide population may assist providers of obstetric care in counseling patients when macrosomia is suspected. The inaccuracy of estimating fetal weight is a severe limitation in attempting to establish guidelines designed to prevent shoulder dystocia.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2002

Isolation of Prorocentrum lima (Syn. Exuviaella lima) and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) risk assessment in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

A benthic toxic dinoflagellate identified as Prorocentrum lima (Syn. Exuviaella lima), and designated as strain PRL-1, was isolated from the coast of El Pardito (Coyote) Island in Baja California Sur, Mexico, after a fisherman poisoning incident involving consumption of liver from Lutjanus colorado, and Mycteroperca prionura fish. Purification and culturing was done in ES-Si medium, under 12:12 light/dark cycle (4 x 20 W cool-white fluorescent lamps), at 22 degrees C and constant stirring during 28 days. Whole cells were toxic to Artemia franciscana and its methanolic extract to mouse and to the marine yeast Debaryomyces hansenii. Chromatographic analysis (TLC and HPLC-MS) of such extract indicated an unusual proportion (1:2) okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1). Estimated total toxin content by mouse bioassay (based on OA toxicity) was 19 pg/cell, a value significantly higher than that found by HPLC-MS (about 5.2 pg/cell, taking into account OA and DTX-1 only), suggesting that additional toxic components of unidentified nature are detected with the bioassay. This is the first report of a successful isolation and culturing of a toxic dinoflagellate from the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The effects of California Proposition 187 on ophthalmology clinic utilization at an inner-city urban hospital.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect on ophthalmology clinic utilization at a major public inner-city hospital of California Proposition 187 and the debate surrounding its passage. Proposition 187 was a statewide referendum passed by 63% of the electorate in the November 1994 election that would restrict social services to undocumented immigrants and require providers to report them to immigration authorities. METHODS: The ophthalmology clinic volume at the Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California Medical Center was analyzed from October 1 to December 31, 1993 and 1994. RESULTS: New walk-in patients significantly decreased (P < 0.001) for a 2-month period around the election, but returned to baseline levels in December 1994. The new patient cancellation and no show rate was not affected. No change in return patient behavior was noted for general and specialty clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Proposition 187 may have caused a statistically significant decrease in new walk-ins to the ophthalmology clinics during a 2-month period surround the November 1994 election, but it had no measurable effect on other indicators of utilization. In addition, utilization rates returned to baseline after the implementation of Proposition 187 was stayed by the judicial system, and concern that providers would be required to report undocumented immigrants to authorities was alleviated.

Appointments and Schedules↗
PubMed2001

Problem-solving abilities in unipolar depressed patients: comparison of performance on the modified version of the Wisconsin and the California sorting tests.

Problem solving relies on such abilities as decision-making, planning, initiation and hypothesis testing. Although problem-solving deficits have been consistently reported in depression, the specific nature of these deficits is not fully elucidated. In order to assess and isolate cognitive processes underlying problem-solving impairments in depression, depressed patients and normal controls were evaluated with the modified version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the California Card Sorting Test (CCST). The California Card Sorting Test, unlike the modified WCST, provides several different measures of concept generation, concept identification and concept execution. Compared with controls, depressed patients did not show any deficits on all the measures of the modified WCST. In contrast, depressed patients evidenced mild impairment on the CCST with a specific deficit on concept generation but no major problems in concept identification and concept execution. The deficit in concept generation may be rooted in multiple factors such as hypothesis-testing deficits, a loss of cognitive flexibility and a conservative style of response. Since a positive relation between problem-solving deficits and the mean duration of the depressive episode was observed, problem-solving abilities might be predictive of poorer outcome in patients with unipolar affective disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Butyltins in sediments from Santa Monica and San Pedro basins, California.

Butyltins have been measured for the first time in sediments from the deeper waters of the Santa Monica and San Pedro (SM/SP) basins of Southern California borderland. Core samples were collected from water depths ranging from 458 m in the shelf to 906 m in the central basin. Surficial and a few subsurface sections from selected cores were analyzed for butyltins. The dominant components are generally dibutyl and monobutyltins (DBT and MBT, respectively). Microbial degradation of Tributyltin (TBT, the most toxic of the butyltin species) to DBT and MBT during the long range transport to deeper basins, as well as a lack of continuing inputs of TBT in the present times could justify the butyltins signatures found in the region. The levels of butyltins are in the lower range (below detection level, <1, to 14 ng of Sn g(-1)) relative to nearshore sediments. However, the results demonstrate that the butyltins are, indeed, found even in the sediments of the central basins of the Southern California borderland suggesting that deeper global oceanic regimes need to be further investigated for these compounds.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Ultrasonic vocalizations and ontogenetic development in California mice (Peromyscus californicus).

This experiment investigated the time-course of behavioral and physical development in 18 male and 18 female pups from 18 litters of California mice. From 1 to 23 days of age animals were observed for a 6-min observation period every other day, followed by a neurobehavioral testing session. Ultrasonic vocalizations (UVs), coordinated movements, neuromotor indicators and physical parameters were measured. The production of UVs peaked during the first week of development, remained stable from 9 to 15 days of age, and decreased abruptly thereafter. Females vocalized more than males during the first 9 days after birth, although this difference only was statistically significant on the third day. There was an inverse relationship between the emission of UVs and coordinated movements. The frequency of UVs dropped significantly 1 day after the pups had displayed surface righting, were able to hear, and had begun opening their eyes compared with 1 day before. In conclusion, it appears that there is a sex difference in the emission of UVs, which is more intense at the beginning of development. Furthermore, the ontogenetic patterns of changes in the emission of UVs, by both males and females in California mice, are inversely related to the development of coordinated movements, such as rearing, locomotion and self-grooming.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

California ground squirrel body temperature regulation patterns measured in the laboratory and in the natural environment.

Body temperature (Tb) was measured by telemetry in both laboratory maintained and natural environment California ground squirrels, Spermophilus beecheyi. Laboratory animals had a mean diurnal Tb of 37.5 degrees C under conditions of LD 14:10, 20 degrees C and 36.5 degrees C under conditions of LD 10:14, 20 degrees C (P < 0.01). Nocturnal mean Tbs were 37.1 and 35.2 degrees C, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean diurnal Tbs for each animal in the natural environment ranged from 39.3 to 40.1 degrees C (mean = 39.6 degrees C) during both study seasons which included the hot season months of March through August and the cool season months of December through February. Natural environment hot season mean Tb was not significantly different from cool season mean Tb but both mean Tbs were significantly different from the diurnal mean Tbs measured in the laboratory (P < 0.05). California ground squirrels exhibit an open-field stress induced hyperthermia in the laboratory which can be extended for periods up to 6 h. The hyperthermic response is blocked by L-propranolol at a dosage of 15 mg kg-1. Laboratory animals do not habituate to repeated open-field exposures over a five consecutive day period. It is suggested that stress hyperthermia might be a normal component of thermoregulation in some free-living ground squirrels because of the openness of the habitat in which they exist.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Anesthesiology in California: the early years.

This article briefly reviews the early history of anesthesia in California. Much of the history of anesthesia in California has not been completely documented yet and is complex due to the large size of the state. What follows is the most current historical information, and some essential references for further reading.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed2001

Olfactory bulb uptake and determination of biotransfer factors in the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) exposed to manganese and cadmium in environmental habitats.

Manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd) profiles in olfactory bulbs of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) trapped at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Site 300 facility in California were determined with proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE). As a reference, Mn profiles in olfactory bulbs from laboratory rats exposed via nose-only inhalation to 0.53 mg/m3 Mn in the form of MnCl2 were also determined with PIXE. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure soil Mn and Cd contents from the trapping sites and Mn and Cd contents in ground squirrel liver and leg muscle tissues. The data from laboratory rats revealed that Mn uptake into the olfactory bulb occurs via inhalation exposure. Data from ground squirrels and knowledge of the collection sites indicate that although several routes of exposure may occur, fossorial rodent olfactory uptake affords a significant exposure route to Mn and Cd in soils. Measured biotransfer factors (ratio of leg muscle tissue metal content to soil metal content) for Cd in ground squirrels were 10(3)-fold greater than exposure modeling estimates based on oral Cd uptake data from livestock. The measurements for ground squirrel tissues show that when conducting ecological risk assessments for natural habitats considerable care should be taken in selecting transfer factors. Specifically, transfer factors derived from data pertaining to comparable exposure pathways and ecological setting should be used wherever possible.

Animals↗