7 times more likely than

7 times more likely than

Anlotinib those with no pathology), adenoma (2.0 times more likely than those with no pathology), and number of polyps visualized (1.7 times more likely for each polyp).\n\nConclusions: This quality assurance assessment from standard colonoscopy practices of 315 gastroenterologists in 49 endoscopic ambulatory surgery centers serving a wide geographical area provides support for the merits of a colonoscopy withdrawal time from the cecum of 6 minutes or more to improve the detection of polyps.”
“Highly ordered porous films of cellulose-based graft copolymers were prepared by the breath figure method upon solvent evaporation. The morphology of the microporous films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atom force microscopy (AFM). The influences of the preparing conditions, the length and

the type of the side chains of copolymers on the morphology of the porous films were investigated. It was found that the average pore size is decreased with increasing the concentration of copolymer solutions and with increasing the side chain length. Moreover, it was confirmed that both the present aggregation in solution and the timely precipitation of copolymer selleck kinase inhibitor are beneficial for the formation of the ordered microstructure by comparison of solvent and the property of side chains of copolymers. The porous films can be used as the template for the preparation of the micropatterning of fluorescence materials Selleck GF120918 and have the potential applications

in many fields such as templates, devices, nanocontainer, photonic and bandgap materials. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: The Ponseti method has revolutionized the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). However, nonidiopathic CTEV is still often primarily treated by extensive surgical soft tissue release. We believe that non-operative treatment of these patients using the Ponseti method may give very satisfactory results.\n\nMethods: We examined the demographics of nonidiopathic CTEV and the success of the Ponseti method in this population over a 5-year period. We treated 29 patients with 43 nonidiopathic and 97 patients with 138 idiopathic CTEV feet. Patients with nonidiopathic CTEV made up 23% of all cases. The commonest etiologies were arthrogryposis (5 cases), trisomy 21 (4 cases), and spina bifida (3 cases). Average follow-up was 39 (nonidiopathic group) and 35 months (idiopathic group).\n\nResults: The Ponseti method was initially successful in 91% of nonidiopathic and 98% of idiopathic feet. Recurrence of deformity occurred in 44% of nonidiopathic and 8% of idiopathic feet. Thirty-seven percent of nonidiopathic feet required extensive surgical release compared with 2% in the idiopathic group.


“The cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib (ODN), currently in


“The cathepsin K inhibitor odanacatib (ODN), currently in phase 3 development for postmenopausal osteoporosis, has a novel mechanism of action that reduces bone resorption while maintaining bone formation. In phase 2 studies, odanacatib increased areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the lumbar spine and total hip progressively over 5 years. To determine the effects of ODN on cortical and trabecular bone and estimate Bindarit concentration changes in bone strength, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

trial, using both quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and high-resolution peripheral (HR-p) QCT. In previously published results, odanacatib was superior to placebo with respect to increases in trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) and estimated compressive strength at the spine, and integral and trabecular vBMD and estimated strength at the hip. Here, we report the results of HR-pQCT assessment. A total of 214 postmenopausal women (mean age 64.0 +/- 6.8 years and baseline lumbar spine T-score -1.81 +/- 0.83) were randomized to oral ODN 50 mg or placebo, weekly for 2 years. With ODN, significant increases from baseline in total vBMD occurred at the distal radius and selleck products tibia. Treatment differences from placebo were also significant (3.84% and 2.63% for radius

and tibia, respectively). At both sites, significant differences from placebo were also found in trabecular vBMD, cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, cortical area, and strength (failure load) estimated using finite element analysis of HR-pQCT scans (treatment differences at radius and tibia 2.64% and 2.66%). AZD5153 At the distal radius, odanacatib significantly improved trabecular thickness and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) versus placebo. At a more proximal radial site, odanacatib attenuated the increase in cortical porosity found with placebo (treatment difference -7.7%, p = 0.066). At the distal tibia, odanacatib significantly improved trabecular number, separation, and BV/TV versus placebo. Safety

and tolerability were similar between treatment groups. In conclusion, odanacatib increased cortical and trabecular density, cortical thickness, aspects of trabecular microarchitecture, and estimated strength at the distal radius and distal tibia compared with placebo. (C) 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research”
“Key message We developed ‘Golden SusPtrit’, i.e., a barley line combining SusPtrit’s high susceptibility to non-adapted rust fungi with the high amenability of Golden Promise for transformation. Nonhost and partial resistance to Puccinia rust fungi in barley are polygenically inherited. These types of resistance are principally prehaustorial, show high diversity between accessions of the plant species and are genetically associated.

The map was used to determine relative alterations in functional

The map was used to determine relative alterations in functional processes and pathways. Co-culturing EC with MSC up-regulated genes related to angiogenesis as von Willebrand factor, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, cadherin 5, angiopoietin-related protein 4, and cell surface antigen CD34, and genes playing important roles in osteogenesis as alkaline phosphatase, FK506 binding protein 5, and bone morphogenetic protein. These findings clearly demonstrated that EC had a significant impact on MSC, particularly the bidirectional regulation of angiogenesis and

osteogenesis. Moreover, cell-matrix LOXO-101 interactions and TGF-beta signal pathways were implicated for a crucial role in endothelial, cell-induced PX-478 gene regulation in MSCs. A detailed study of the functional correlates of the microarray data is warranted to explore cellular and molecular interactions of importance in bone tissue engineering.”
“There is a growing body of evidence indicating the important role of the neonatal steroid milieu in programming sexually diergic changes in thymopoietic efficiency, which in rodents occur around puberty and lead to a substantial phenotypic and functional remodeling of the peripheral T-cell compartment. This in turn leads to an alteration in the susceptibility to infection and various immunologically mediated pathologies. Our laboratory has explored interdependence in the programming and development

of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and thymus using experimental model of neonatal androgenization. We have outlined critical points in the complex process of T-cell development depending on neonatal androgen imprinting and the peripheral outcome of these changes and have pointed to

underlying mechanisms. Our research has particularly contributed to an understanding of the putative role of changes in catecholamine-mediated communications in the thymopoietic alterations in adult neonatally androgenized rats.”
“We describe a dose escalation procedure for a combined GDC-0994 nmr phase I/II clinical trial. The procedure is based on a Bayesian model for the joint distribution of the occurrence of a dose limiting event and of some indicator of efficacy (both considered binary variables), making no assumptions other than monotonicity. Thus, the chances of each outcome are assumed to be non-decreasing in dose level. We applied the procedure to the design of a placebo-controlled, sequential trial in rheumatoid arthritis, in each stage of which patients were randomized between placebo and all dose levels that currently appeared safe and non-futile. On the basis of data from a pilot study, we constructed five different scenarios for the doseresponse relationships under which we simulated the trial and assessed the performance of the procedure. The new design appears to have satisfactory operating characteristics and can be adapted to the requirements of a range of trial situations.

5% to 5% Defined by the International Headache Society as “an in

5% to 5%. Defined by the International Headache Society as “an intraoral burning sensation for which no medical or dental cause can be found,” BMS is considered a form of neuropathic pain. The management of BMS remains unsatisfactory. In this pilot study, we investigated the use of acupuncture in a small group of BMS patients. The study group, after 4 refusals, was composed of 10 BMS patients (9 females and 1 male; mean age, 65.2 years; range,

from 48 to 80 years; mean duration of BMS, 2.6 years; SD +/- 0.8 years). Oral pain/burning sensation (primary outcome) was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Health-related quality of life (secondary outcome) was measured using the 36-item Short-Form PF-03084014 Health Survey (SF-36). Acupuncture treatment lasted 8 weeks and consisted of 20 sessions. Patients reported a mean reduction in pain of 0.99 points on the VAS (max 2.1-min 0.1), which, although slight, was statistically significant (Wilcoxon test P smaller than 0.009). No significant improvement in the overall score for quality of life was observed, although subjects receiving acupuncture treatment seemed better able cope with their oral symptoms.”
“Inflammatory monocytes play an important role in host defense against infections. However, the regulatory mechanisms of transmigration into infected tissue are not yet completely understood. Here we show that mice deficient

in MAIR-II (also called CLM-4 or LMIR2) are more susceptible to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced peritonitis than wild-type (WT) mice. Adoptive transfer of inflammatory monocytes from WT mice, but not from MAIR-II, TLR4 or https://www.selleckchem.com/products/BafilomycinA1.html MyD88-deficient mice, significantly improves survival of MAIR-II-deficient mice after CLP. Migration of inflammatory monocytes into the peritoneal cavity after CLP, which is dependent on VLA-4, is impaired in above mutant and FcR gamma chain-deficient mice. Lipopolysaccharide stimulation QNZ cost induces association of MAIR-II with FcR gamma chain and Syk, leading to enhancement of VLA-4-mediated

adhesion to VCAM-1. These results indicate that activation of MAIR-II/FcR gamma chain by TLR4/MyD88-mediated signalling is essential for the transmigration of inflammatory monocytes from the blood to sites of infection mediated by VLA-4.”
“Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity has been related with several cases of cirrhosis, hepatitis and suicides attempts. Notably, oxidative stress plays a central role in the hepatic damage caused by APAP and antioxidants have been tested as alternative treatment against APAP toxicity. In the present study, we observed the hepatoprotector activity of the diethyl-2-phenyl-2-tellurophenyl vinylphosphonate (DPTVP), an organotellurium compound with low toxicity and high antioxidant potential. When the dose of 200 mg/kg of APAP was used, we observed that all used doses of DPTVP were able to restore the -SH levels that were depleted by APAP.

The results from the experimental model speak in favour of the cl

The results from the experimental model speak in favour of the clinical use of the intramedullary calcaneal nail. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Bile duct ligation (BDL) is shown to induce cholestasis-related liver function impairments

as well as consequent cognitive dysfunctions (i.e. impaired learning and memory formation). Glutamatergic neurotransmission plays an important role in hippocampal modulation of learning and memory function. The present study aimed to investigate the possible involvement of AZD1208 inhibitor dorsal hippocampal (CA1) glutamatergic systems upon cholestasis-induced amnesia. Method: Cholestasis was induced in male Wistar rats through double-ligation of the main bile duct (at two points) and transection of the interposed segment. Step-through passive avoidance test was employed to examine rats’ learning and memory function. All drugs were injected into CA1 region of the hippocampus. Results: our results indicated a decrease in memory retrieval following cholestasis (11, 17 and 24 days post BDL). Only subthreshold doses of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA: 0.125 and 0.25 mu g/mu l) but not its effective dose (0.5 mu g/mu l), restored the cholestasis-induced GSK2126458 mw amnesia in step-through passive avoidance test, 11, 17 and 24 days post BDL. This

effect was blocked by the subthreshold dose of D-[1]-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (D-AP7, NMDA receptor antagonist; Selleckchem GW786034 0.0625 mu g/mu l, intra-CA1) at 0.125 mu g/mu l and 0.25 mu l/mu l doses of NMDA. Moreover, our data revealed that only effective doses of D-AP7

(0.125 and 0.25 mu l/mu l, intra-CA1) potentiate memory impairments in 11 days after BDL. It was noted that none of applied drugs/doses exerted an effect on memory acquisition and locomotors activity, 10 and 12 days post laparotomy, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the potential involvement of CA1 glutamatergic system(s) in cholestasis-induced memory deficits. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND White matter lesions (WMLs), seen as hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging brain scans, are common in the brains of healthy older individuals. They are thought to be related to cerebral small vessel disease and to have a genetic component to their aetiology, and hypertension is thought to be an important risk factor. Genetic polymorphisms in hypertension-related genes may therefore be associated with the formation of WMLs. METHODS In this study, a sample of 445 Australians aged 60-65 years was drawn from a larger longitudinal epidemiological study, the Personality and Total Health Through Life Project. The associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding angiotensinogen (AGT, rs699), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, rs4362), and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1, rs5182) with WMLs were examined.

The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimenta

The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The local structure (bond length and bond angle) of [NiF6](4-) clusters are determined, and the selleck screening library results shows that the structure data given by Stout are more plausible than those given by Baur. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“To identify host factors that play critical roles in processes, including cell-to-cell movement of plant-adapted rhabdoviruses, we constructed and validated a high-resolution Nicotiana benthamiana yeast two-hybrid

library. The library was screened with the putative movement protein (sc4), nucleocapsid (N), and matrix (M) proteins of Sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV). This resulted in identification of 31 potential host factors. Steady-state localization studies using autofluorescent PD0332991 price protein fusions to full-length clones of interactors were conducted in transgenic N. benthamiana marker lines. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays were used to validate two-hybrid interactions. The sc4 interactor, sc4i21, localized to microtubules. The N interactor, Ni67, localized to punctuate loci on the endoplasmic reticulum. These two proteins are 84% identical homologues of the Arabidopsis

phloem-associated transcription activator AtVOZ1, and contain functional nuclear localization signals. Sc4i17 is a microtubule-associated motor protein. The M interactor, Mi7, is a nuclear-localized transcription factor. Combined with selleck chemical a binary interaction map for SYNV proteins, our data support a model in which the SYNV nucleocapsids are exported from the nucleus and moved cell-to-cell by transcription activators tethered in the cytoplasm.”
“The analysis of the genomes of bacterial pathogens

indicates that they have acquired their pathogenic capability by incorporating different genetic elements through horizontal gene transfer. The ancestors of virulent bacteria, as well as the origin of virulence determinants, lay most likely in the environmental microbiota. Studying the role that these determinants may have in non-clinical ecosystems is thus of value for understanding in detail the evolution and the ecology of bacterial pathogens. In this article, I propose that classical virulence determinants might be relevant for basic metabolic processes (for instance iron-uptake systems) or in modulating prey/predator relationships (toxins) in natural, non-infective ecosystems. The different role that horizontal gene transfer and mutation may have in the evolution of bacterial pathogens either for their speciation or in short-sighted evolution processes is also discussed.”
“The evolution of the shape of a stripe mesa during molecular-beam epitaxy of GaAs is studied under different growth conditions (e.g., growth temperature, As pressure). If the stripe mesa is along the < 1 (1) over bar0 > axis on a (001) GaAs substrate, 11nA facets (n = 1, 3, 4, 5) are formed. We found that 111A and 113A predominate if the stripe width is less than 1.5 mu m.

MethodsTo better understand which cellular mechanisms are tar

\n\nMethodsTo better understand which cellular mechanisms are targeted by celecoxib, its effects upon the Akt signaling pathway using two different HNSCC cell lines were analyzed through cell viability assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.\n\nResultsThe results showed decreased levels of Cyclin D1 and pAkt protein expression in vitro. The number of viable cells was also diminished after celecoxib treatment.\n\nConclusionAs Akt pathway HKI-272 datasheet seems to

be a valuable target for the HNSCC therapy, the results presented herein confirm that celecoxib can be considered as an alternative adjuvant drug for HNSCC treatment.”
“Tumors arising from epithelium of the odontogenic apparatus or from its derivatives or remnants exhibit considerable histologic variation and are classified into several benign and malignant entities. A high proliferative activity of the odontogenic epithelium in ameloblastoma (AM) and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) has been demonstrated

ASP2215 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor in some studies individually. However, very few previous studies have simultaneously evaluated cell proliferation and apoptotic indexes in AM and KCOT, comparing both lesions. The aim of this study was to assess and compare cell proliferation and apoptotic rates between these two tumors. Specimens of 15 solid AM and 15 KCOT were evaluated. The proliferation index (PI) was assessed by immunohistochemical detection of Ki-67 and the apoptotic index (AI) by methyl green-pyronin stain. KCOT

presented a higher PI than AM (P<.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the AI between AM and KCOT. PI and AI were higher in the peripheral cells of AM and respectively in the suprabasal and superficial layers of KCOT. In conclusion, KCOT showed a higher cell proliferation than AM and the AI was similar between these tumors. These findings reinforce the classification of KCOT as an odontogenic tumor and should contribute to its aggressive clinical behavior. (C) 2013 Elsevier Selleckchem Silmitasertib Inc. All rights reserved.”
“To improve the processability of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers (POE), POE and POE/polystyrene (PS) blends were extruded in the presence Of ultrasound. On the one hand, the effect Of ultrasound on the die pressure drop, extrudate productivity, melt viscosity of POE, and the processing behaviors of POE and POE/PS (80/20) blend were studied. The results showed that with increasing ultrasound power, the die pressure and melt-apparent viscosity of POE decreased whereas the productivity of POE extrudates increased, then the processability of POE was greatly improved. On the other hand, the effects of Ultrasound on the morphology, rheological, and mechanical properties of POE/PS (80/26) blend were Studied. Capillary rheological results showed that the merger of ultrasound and the addition of PS showed a synergistic improvement of processability of POE.

5 solar spectrum is 18 51% as compared to the reference, and prod

5 solar spectrum is 18.51% as compared to the reference, and producing a 19.65% improvement in short-circuit current density

(J(SC)) over 11.7 mA/cm(2) for a reference cell. The J(SC) in the nano-disk patterned solar cell (NDPSC) was found to be higher than the commercial reference structure for any incident angle. The NDPSC has a multi-resonant optical response for the visible spectrum and the associated mechanism for OE in i-a-Si:H layer is excitation of Fabry-Perot resonance facilitated by surface plasmon resonances. The detrimental Staebler-Wronski effect in a-Si:H solar cell can be minimized by the additional OE in the NDPSC and self-annealing of defect states by additional heat generation,

click here thus likely improving the overall stabilized characteristics of a-Si:H solar cells. (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.”
“Purpose: Carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of mixed epithelial and mesenchymal origin. In the head and neck, carcinosarcoma most commonly affects the salivary glands. Primary sinonasal carcinosarcoma (SN-CS) is exceedingly rare. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 15 cases of SN-CS obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology Bcl-2 inhibitor and End Results (SEER) database from 1973 to 2010. Case-matched cohorts of non-sinonasal carcinosarcoma (NS-CS), salivary gland carcinosarcoma (SG-CS) and carcinosarcoma at all other head and neck sites (NonSNSG-CS) were used for comparison. Results: Women made up 60.0% of the SN-CS cohort and whites 73.3%. Tumors originated in the nasal cavity in 46.7% of cases, and from the maxillary sinus in 33.3%. In 66.7% of cases, tumors were poorly differentiated (histologic grades III and IV). Surgery with radiotherapy was the primary treatment modality in 46.7% of cases. Five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 48.5% for SN-CS compared to 65.5% for the case-matched SG-CS cohort (p = 0.2950), whereas it was 76.9% for the BI 6727 in vitro case-matched NonSNSG-CS cohort (p = 0.0406). Conclusion: SN-CS is a rare tumor. Here we present the largest known cohort of SN-CS and report

on its demographic, clinicopathologic and survival features. Our results suggest that patients with SN-CS have DSS comparable to the case-matched cohort of SG-CS patients. However, SN-CS patients have significantly poor survival outcomes compared to the case-matched cohort of NonSNSG-CS patients. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Understanding the mechanisms underlying distributed pattern formation in brain networks and its content driven dynamical segmentation is an area of intense study. We investigate a theoretical mechanism for selective activation of diverse neural populations that is based on dynamically shifting cellular resonances in functionally or structurally coupled networks.

05) CONCLUSIONS A high preoperative CRP level predicts an increa

05). CONCLUSIONS A high preoperative CRP level predicts an increased rate of postoperative

complication due to established inflammation and/or infection. This raises the question of whether we should be offering primary open appendicectomies to patients with a CRP level of bigger than 150mg/l.”
“We propose a homogenous multi-analyte immunoassay based on the quenching of quantum dot (QD) fluorescence by means of graphene. Two QDs with emission maxima at 636 and 607 nm were bound to antibodies selective for mouse or chicken LY2157299 chemical structure immunoglobulins, respectively, and graphene functionalized with carboxylic moieties was employed to covalently link the respective antigen. The antibody-antigen interaction led graphene close enough to QDs to quench the QD fluorescence

by resonance energy transfer. The addition of free antigens that competed with those linked to graphene acted as a “turn-on” effect on QD fluorescence. Fluorescence emitted by the two QDs could be recorded simultaneously since the QDs emitted light at different wavelengths while being excited at the same wavelength and proved to be linearly correlated with free Pim inhibitor antigen concentration. The developed assay allows measuring both antigens over 2-3 orders of magnitude and showed estimated limits of detection in the nanomolar range. This approach is thus a promising universal strategy to develop homogenous immunoassays for diverse antigens (cells, proteins, low-molecular-mass analytes) in a multi-analyte configuration.”
“Osteoporosis, defined as low bone mass leading to increased fracture risk, is a major health problem that affects approximately 10 million Americans. The aging U. S. population is predicted to contribute to as find more much as a 50% increase in prevalence by 2025. Although common, osteoporosis can be clinically silent,

and without prevention and screening, the costs of osteoporotic fracture-related morbidity and mortality will burden the U. S. healthcare system. This is a particularly relevant concern in the context of diminishing health care resources. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is the most widely used, validated technique for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and diagnosing osteoporosis. Cost-effectiveness analyses support early detection and treatment of high-risk patients with antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates. Moreover, optimization of bone health throughout life can help prevent osteoporosis. Current guidelines recommend screening women by age 65 years, but because no guidelines for screening intervals exist, decisions are made on the basis of clinical judgment alone. Although the recent literature provides some guidance, this review further explores current recommendations in light of newer evidence to provide more clarity on prevention, screening, and management strategies for patients with osteoporosis in the primary care setting.

The second aim was to determine extent demographic, health-relate

The second aim was to determine extent demographic, health-related, environmental, and cognitive factors influence the change

in speech-in-noise recognition over time.\n\nDesign: Data covering 3 to 7 years of follow-up (mean: 4.9 years) of a large sample of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used (n = 1298; 3025 observations; baseline ages: 57 to 93 years). Hearing ability was measured by a digit triplet speech-in-noise test (SNT) yielding a speech reception threshold in noise (SRTn). Multilevel analyses were used to model the change in SRTn over time. First, interaction terms were used to test differences in rate of decline across subgroups. Second, for each of the following factors the authors determined the influence on the change in SRTn : age, MI-503 concentration gender, educational level, cardiovascular conditions, information processing speed, fluid intelligence, global cognitive functioning, BAY 57-1293 smoking, and alcohol use. This was done by calculating the percentage change in B-time after adding the particular factor to the model.\n\nResults: On average, respondents’ SRTn increased (i.e., deteriorated) significantly over time by 0.18 dB signal-to-noise ratio per annum. Rates were accelerated for older ages (B-time = 0.13, 0.14, 0.25, 0.27 for persons who were 57 to 65, 65 to 75,

75 to 85, and 85 to 93 years of age, respectively). Only information processing speed relevantly influenced the change in SRTn over time (17% decrease in B-time).\n\nConclusions: Decline in older persons’ speech-in-noise recognition over time accelerated for older ages. Decline in information processing speed explained a moderate proportion of the SRTn decline. This indicates the relevance of declining cognitive abilities in the ability of older persons to recognize speech in noisy environments.”
“Urea may buy AZD6094 be an important source of nitrogen in low nutrient coral reef environments because corals and other organisms can assimilate it easily and it is found throughout ocean waters. We measured the distribution and concentrations

of urea in seagrass beds, areas of schooling fish, coral formations and bottom sediments in the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract. The flux of urea from bottom sediments was also measured. Ambient concentrations of urea in the offshore reefs were similar to the concentrations of nitrate and ammonium. Seagrass beds, areas of schooling fish and coral formations had elevated concentrations of urea that were up to eight times higher than nitrate in the system. Numerous ephemeral hotspots of urea that were 8-20 times the ambient urea concentration existed in seagrass beds, areas of schooling fish, and above sediments. Coastal areas and inland canals had high urea concentrations where urban runoff and septic effluents were prevalent, but there was no anthropogenic influence in the offshore habitats.