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ASTM International Occupational Health and Safety Committee Recognizes Dr. …

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October 22, 2013 - Frederick Passman, Ph.D., president of Biodeterioration Control Associates Inc. in Princeton, NJ, has received Award of Merit from Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety. Passman currently serves as E34 vice chairman and was honored for his outstanding leadership and contributions to standards for the safety of workers and the scientific practice of microbiology. A member of ASTM since 1977, Passman also serves on Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants. ASTM International 100 Barr Harbor Dr., Box C700 West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959 USA Press release date: October 17, 2013

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. Frederick Passman, Ph.D., president of Biodeterioration Control Associates Inc. in Princeton, N.J., has received the ASTM International Award of Merit from Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety. The Award of Merit and its accompanying title of fellow is ASTMs highest organizational recognition for distinguished service and outstanding participation in ASTM technical committee activities.

Passman, who currently serves as E34 vice chairman, was honored by the committee for his outstanding leadership and contributions to standards for the safety of workers and the scientific practice of microbiology. He has been chairman of Subcommittee E34.50 on Health and Safety Standards for Metal Working Fluids since 2006, and has been instrumental in developing more than 50 standards on microbiology as applied to real world issues, including the health and safety of workers in the metal trades.

A member of ASTM International since 1977, Passman also serves on Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants, where he is vice chairman of D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels, as well as D18 on Soil and Rock, D19 on Water and E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials and Alternative Control Agents. Other awards received include an Award of Excellence and Award of Achievement from D02 and a 25-Year Service Award from E35.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H., where he received a doctorate in marine microbiology, Passman served in the United States Navy (active and reserves) for more than 30 years, commanding six successive Naval reserve units and receiving four Navy Commendation Medals before retiring as a captain in 1998. Passman founded Biodeterioration Control Associates in 1992 to provide consulting expertise for microbial contamination control in industrial systems. He has represented clients such as ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical Co., the National Biodiesel Board, New York City Transit Authority, Northwestern University and Rohm & Haas Co., among others. He also serves as associate editor for the journal International Biodegradation and Biodeterioration and magazine Tribology and Lubrication Technology.

Outside ASTM International, Passman is a fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers and a member of the American Society for Microbiology, International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society, Military Officers Association, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, Naval Order of the United States, Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, and the United States Naval Institute.

ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.

View this release on the ASTM Web site at http://www.astmnewsroom.org.

ASTM PR Contact: Erin K. Brennan, Phone: 610-832-9602; ebrennan@astm.org

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ASTM International Occupational Health and Safety Committee Recognizes Dr. ...

Green Roof- Microbiology building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. – Video

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Green Roof- Microbiology building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Up on top of the recent 2008 renovation of the microbiology study lounge, sits a 400 square foot experimental green roof. The roof was a collaboration betwee...

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Green Roof- Microbiology building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. - Video

Foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa moves over short distances, wild buffalo are a problem

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

22-Oct-2013

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

New research shows that in sub-Saharan Africa the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease (FMD) moves over relatively short distances and the African buffalo are important natural reservoirs for the infection. The study, published in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology, sheds light on how the type of FMD virus called SAT 2 emerged in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies patterns of spread in countries where SAT 2 is endemic.

"The data suggest that the common ancestor of all SAT 2 was in [African] buffalo. It's very clear that historically infections have moved from buffalo to cattle," says corresponding author Matthew Hall of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is devastating to livestock all over the world, but it's a particular problem in Africa, where wildlife that harbor the virus are thought to pass it on to their domesticated cousins.

FMD strikes cloven-hoofed animals, presenting as a high fever, blistering in the mouth and feet, decline in milk production in females, and weight loss. Although most animals recover over the course of months, some die of complications from the disease. In wild buffalo, the disease is very rarely symptomatic and animals can be persistently infected for a period of several years. The SAT 2 serotype of the virus is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, but it has crossed the Sahara and caused outbreaks in North Africa and the Middle East between 1990 and 2012.

In the hopes they could eventually predict future outbreaks, Hall and his colleagues wanted a better picture of the diversity of SAT 2 viruses in sub-Saharan Africa and how they move around from one location to another. They used 250 genetic sequences of the VP1 section of the genome from SAT 2 isolates taken from all over sub-Saharan Africa and tracked the appearance of the various unique 'topotypes' over the region.

Hall says the patterns in which the topotypes appear in different places gives strong support to the idea that the virus is spread by infected hosts in land movements over relatively short distances. What's more, African buffalo are an important "maintenance host", meaning they maintain a reservoir of the virus that can re-infect domesticated animals after time and culling has ended an outbreak among livestock. The relationships between the 250 sequences also indicate that it's possible the original source of the SAT 2 viruses that are now found in wild and domesticated animals was African buffalo.

To Hall, these results indicate that genetic tracking of viruses has a lot of potential for making inferences about viral spread and heading off future outbreaks.

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Foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa moves over short distances, wild buffalo are a problem

Plant Physiology Expert Joins Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer

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Newswise Light and plants expert Tessa Pocock, Ph.D., recently joined the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a senior research scientist, leading the development of a new plant physiology lighting program. Her research focuses on plant photosynthesis, and plant development and regulation by light for traditional greenhouse crops and the emerging field of medicinal plants.

Prior to joining the LRC, Dr. Pocock was director of research at Heliospectra, in Sweden, where she designed light-emitting diode (LED) regimes to reduce energy consumption, produce healthier plants, and improve the quality of greenhouse crops. For the last four years, she has been developing a biofeedback system in which the physiology of the plant regulates the spectrum and intensity of LED arrays, in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, under a prestigious grant from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra).

Light is a powerful regulator of plant physiology, affecting flavor and appearance, as well as nutritional and medicinal value. Each wavelength of light has a different effect on plant physiology. For example, plants grown under blue light are physiologically different than plants grown under red light. And each species of plant has an individual response to different wavelengths as well.

Due to advances in narrowband LED technology, it is now possible to select and deliver a specific wavelength and intensity of light, or different combinations of wavelengths and intensities, resulting in unprecedented control of plant characteristics. A specific wavelength and intensity of light could, for instance, increase the level of antioxidants in salad greens like red leaf lettuce, while a different wavelength and intensity could change the height of poinsettias, or perhaps, increase active compounds in medicinal plantsthere are endless possibilities.

Thanks to recent advances in LED technologies, it is now possible to better elucidate the effects and functions of different portions of the spectrum to manipulate plants with unprecedented control and accuracy, said Dr. Pocock. The fine-tuning of light spectra and controlled regulation of plant attributes is adding new sophistication to plant production.

One of Dr. Pococks first projects at the LRC is a study in collaboration with Gotham Greens, a New York City based agribusiness with rooftop greenhouses in Brooklyn. The team will research, evaluate, and model LED and high intensity discharge (HID) greenhouse lighting systems to reduce energy and its associated atmospheric pollution, and improve plant throughput and appearance for higher margins. The study is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which is providing $500,000 through a research and development program targeting improvements in energy efficiency and crop production for controlled environment agriculture, such as greenhouses. This research will identify optimal lighting to increase leafy vegetable production using energy efficient LEDs compared with existing HID fixtures.

Dr. Pocock earned her diploma in horticulture greenhouse management at Olds Agricultural College in Alberta, Canada, and an honors bachelors degree in plant science, masters degree in plant biochemistry, and doctoral degree in environmental stress biology at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. She then travelled to Sweden on a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship to study the effect of climate change on algal photosynthesis and stress responses. She is the author of numerous scientific and technical articles related to plant science and the effect of light and temperature on plants, and has presented at more than 20 national and international conferences.

About the Lighting Research Center The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the worlds leading center for lighting research and education. Established in 1988 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the LRC has been pioneering research in energy and the environment, light and health, transportation lighting and safety, and solid-state lighting for more than 25 years. In 1990, the LRC became the first university research center to offer graduate degrees in lighting and today the LRC offers both a M.S. in lighting as well as a Ph.D. to educate future leaders in lighting. Internationally recognized as the preeminent source for objective information on all aspects of lighting technology and application, LRC researchers conduct independent, third-party testing of lighting products in the LRCs state of the art photometric laboratories, the only university lighting laboratories accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP Lab Code: 200480-0). LRC researchers are continuously working to develop new and better ways to measure the value of light and lighting systems, such as the effect of light on human health, and the effect of light on plant physiology. The LRC believes that by accurately matching the lighting technology and application to the needs of the end user, it is possible to design lighting that benefits both society and the environment.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is the nation's oldest technological university. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering, the sciences, information technology, architecture, management, and the humanities and social sciences. Institute programs serve undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals around the world. Rensselaer faculty are known for pre-eminence in research conducted in a wide range of fields, with particular emphasis in biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, and the media arts and technology. The Institute is well known for its success in the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace so that new discoveries and inventions benefit human life, protect the environment, and strengthen economic development.

About NYSERDA NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

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Plant Physiology Expert Joins Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer

Small changes in ag practices could reduce produce-borne illness

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

21-Oct-2013

Contact: Jim Sliwa jsliwa@asmusa.org 202-942-9297 American Society for Microbiology

Researchers from Cornell University have identified some agricultural management practices in the field that can either boost or reduce the risk of contamination in produce from two major foodborne pathogens: salmonella, the biggest single killer among the foodborne microbes, and Listeria monocytogenes. Their findings are published ahead of print in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

"This is going to help make produce safer," says Laura Strawn, a researcher on the study. "We could significantly reduce risk of contamination through changes that occur a few days before the harvest."

Many of the risk factors were influenced by when they were applied to fields which suggests that adjustments to current practices may reduce the potential for contamination with minimal cost to growers, says Strawn.

Foodborne illness sickens an estimated 9.4 million, and kills around 1,300 annually in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Produce accounts for nearly half the illnesses, and 23 percent of the deaths.

"The research is the first to use field collected data to show the association between certain management practices and an increased or decreased likelihood of salmonella and L. monocytogenes," says Strawn.

For salmonella, manure application within the year prior to the researchers' sampling boosted the odds of a contaminated field, while the presence of a buffer zone between the fields and potential pathogen reservoirs such as livestock operations or waterways was protective.

Irrigation within three days before sample collection raised the risk of listeria contamination six-fold. Soil cultivation within the week before sampling also increased the chances of contamination.

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Small changes in ag practices could reduce produce-borne illness

One doctor, one location – complete care for women

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Carlos M. Verdeza, M.D., provides women with a variety services, helping them achieve their health, wellness and body image goals.

Carlos M. Verdeza, M.D., P.A., Cosmetic Surgery, Anti-aging & Gynecology Center is the newest tenant in One 7000 Place, located on southwest 62 Avenue in South Miami.Dr. Verdeza specializes in treating the whole woman. He provides comprehensive gynecological services, the latest surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments and anti-aging and metabolic medicine therapies in his state-ofthe- art private office.

Dr. Verdeza joins 30 premiere medical professionals in One 7000 Place who provide the community with healthcare services in a variety of specialties. He reports that his patients are enjoying the amenities of the new location, which include convenient location, covered parking and a newly renovated lobby and elevators. Dr. Verdezas updated space on the buildings penthouse floor has a warm and welcoming atmosphere for patients.

Dr. Verdeza treats women of all ages during all stages of life. The many services he offers under one roof saves women valuable time, so they can take proper care of themselves. He performs general gynecological exams and gynecological surgeries, as well as laparoscopic surgeries. He treats cervical diseases, and symptoms of menopause. And when a woman requires follow-up to a mammogram, Dr. Verdeza performs open breast biopsy or needle aspiration.

I am able to offer these services to my patients rather than referring them to a breast surgeon, said Dr. Verdeza. Its nice for women to build a relationship with a physician and have continuity in treatment. Its also important for them to feel comfortable. My patients become like family.

This philosophy is at the heart of Dr. Verdezas practice. Many of the cosmetic and anti-aging treatments he provides require good doctor/patient communication and trust to achieve the best results, he says. They also require expertise and skill.

Dr. Verdeza is one of only two physicians in the area who is Board certified in anti-aging. He graduated from medical school in Colombia, and completed additional training in obstetrics and gynecology at Albany Medical Center in New York and cosmetic gynecology and liposuction at the International Society of Cosmetic Gynecology (ISCGYN) at the Pelosi Institute in New Jersey. He is also certified in metabolic medicine and aesthetic medicine.

Dr. Verdeza offers non-surgical and surgical cosmetic procedures to help women achieve physical and emotional wellness.

Many of the treatments and surgeries I provide are curative or corrective, and are important to a womans health. At the same time, these procedures can result in body improvement, which is important to a womans overall wellness, Dr. Verdeza said.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures offered at the Center include cellulite treatments and other minimally-invasive body contouring procedures, laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments such as Botox, fillers, fat grafting and plasma stem cell therapy.

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One doctor, one location – complete care for women

The Physiology of Forgiveness – Dr Arlene Taylor PhD, Brain Function Expert – Video

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The Physiology of Forgiveness - Dr Arlene Taylor PhD, Brain Function Expert
The Physiology of Forgiveness - Dr Arlene Taylor PhD, Brain Function Expert Recent research into how our brains function confirms the importance of forgiving others, as God has asked us to....

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The Physiology of Forgiveness - Dr Arlene Taylor PhD, Brain Function Expert - Video

Experimental Physiology meeting report: Neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis – Video

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Experimental Physiology meeting report: Neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis
William Colledge reports on the meeting from April 2013 in Boston USA. Read full reports at: http://ep.physoc.org/content/98/11.toc Neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis.

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Experimental Physiology meeting report: Neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis - Video

Canadian scientists fine-tune possible Ebola virus therapy

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TORONTO - Scientists at Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory are continuing to fine-tune a possible treatment for Ebola virus infection, one of the deadliest known to humankind.

In a newly published article, the Winnipeg-based scientists reported that their combination therapy saved three of four cynomolgus macaques and four of four rhesus macaques when it was given three days after the animals were infected with Ebola Zaire, the deadliest strain.

The scientists hope to test the drug cocktail in humans beginning in late 2014 or early 2015, if they can get approval from Canadian and U.S. drug regulators.

The work builds on earlier research which showed a cocktail of three cloned antibodies saved four of four primates when given 24 hours after infection and two of four treated 48 hours after infection.

This time the researchers added interferon-alpha, a chemical made by the immune system, to the treatment regime.

Two of four primates survived when they were given the chemical one day after infection, and then the antibody cocktail four days later.

In order for a treatment to be useful against the five types of Ebola viruses or their cousin, the Marburg virus, it must be something that can enhance survival when given days after infection, which is when cases would typically come to light.

"The concept of combining different treatments to improve efficacy and extend the treatment window is certainly interesting and the data look promising," Tom Geisbert, an expert in viral hemorrhagic fevers, said of the work. Geisbert is a researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

The senior author of the study is Gary Kobinger, head of the special pathogens program at the Winnipeg lab. The laboratory is part of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

He said in an interview that the aim of this work is to find a way to put a lid on the infection, to give the immune system a chance to fight it off.

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Canadian scientists fine-tune possible Ebola virus therapy