In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the low-passage UT-SC

In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the low-passage UT-SCC cell lines evaluated in this study differ in their glycolytic and hypoxic phenotypes. Importantly, these in vitro phenotypic differences can be imaged in vivo and may thus be clinically evaluable using PET. Overall, our results suggest that [18F]EF5 accumulation

in HNSCC not only reflects hypoxia but also is related to an adverse phenotype. [18F]FDG uptake, in turn, may be sensitive to acute changes in oxygenation as suggested by rapid response of expression of HIF-1α to hypoxia in vitro. The hypoxia tracer [18F]EF5 might be useful for the detection of hypoxic and more aggressive PI3K inhibitor HNSCC tumors, and thus, it could assist in planning of hypoxia-directed therapies. The biologic genotype behind the phenotypes reported in this study will need to be evaluated in greater detail. “
“Osteosarcoma is an aggressive selleck inhibitor malignancy of bone, mainly affecting adolescents and young adults. Interactions between osteosarcoma and bone microenvironment (BME) promote tumor growth and osteoclastic bone destruction. The main goal of this study is to understand the role of extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) as potential modulators of osteosarcoma BME and to identify

the key biochemical components of EMVs mediating cellular dynamics and dysregulated pathologic remodeling of the matrix and bone. EMVs are membrane-invested structures that are derived from a number of cells including osteosarcoma

cells [1] and [2]. In recent years, EMVs have received much attention for their role in various diseases and as biomarkers of therapy and disease burden [3]. Recent studies report that tumor cell–derived EMVs support cancer cell growth, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis, evade host immune surveillance, modulate tumor microenvironment (TMN), and initiate the formation of premetastatic sites [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11] and [12]. Tumor-derived EMVs, in general, originate through the fusion Protein tyrosine phosphatase of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane (exosomes) or by budding (shed vesicles or microvesicles), followed by exocytotic release [13], [14], [15] and [16]. Detection of EMVs and osteoblastic and osteoclastic lesions in the bioluminescent osteosarcoma orthotopic mouse (BOOM) model provides a strong rationale to investigate the role of EMVs in modulating osteosarcoma BME [2]. Biochemical analyses of EMV cargo will be informative as it will identify the key EMV mediators underlying osteosarcoma pathobiology. Biomechanical stress in the bone TMN leads to increased intracellular calcium levels that, in turn, may promote EMV biogenesis, increase the expression of extracellular remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and stimulate exocytotic delivery of bioactive cargo. These biochemical events may result through the activation of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) or calcium-dependent signaling pathways. A study by Ancha et al.

g , Guastella et al , 2008 and Rimmele et al , 2009) Following i

g., Guastella et al., 2008 and Rimmele et al., 2009). Following inhalation, participants sat quietly for 45 min, the length of time it is believed to take for central oxytocin levels to plateau (Born et al., 2002). Participants were instructed to bring a book or magazine to read during this time. Following the rest period, participants completed the two face processing tasks in the same order (commencing with the face memory task), in order to ensure equality of central oxytocin levels for each

test. General affect was measured throughout the experiment using the Multidimensional Mood Questionnaire (MMQ: Steyer, Schwenkmezger, Notz, BIBW2992 & Eid, 1997), to assess the possible mood-altering effects of oxytocin, and to control for non-specific selleck chemical effects of attention and wakefulness (the MMQ is composed of three sub-scales: good–bad, awake–tired and calm–nervous). Each participant was required to complete the MMQ at three intervals across the experiment: immediately following inhalation, after the 45 min resting period, and after the two face processing tests had been completed. Finally, the experimenter enquired about adverse side effects during the testing session and again 24 h after test completion. Statistical analyses were conducted on the MMQ results collected across the testing sessions and on the behavioural data collected from the two face processing tasks. Scores on the MMQ

were calculated according to the three sub-scales, and data were entered into a 2 (spray: oxytocin, placebo) × 3 (time of MMQ completion: after inhalation, after rest, end of session) × 2 (group: DP, control) mixed factorial MANOVA. Scores for the two face processing tests were entered into a 2 (spray: oxytocin, placebo) × 2 (group: DP, control) mixed factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The data file for one DP participant

was unreadable in the placebo condition of the CFMT, and was therefore not included in the analysis of this test. Additional comparisons were carried out to investigate (a) whether DP performance Cediranib (AZD2171) in the oxytocin condition fell within the same range as control placebo performance, and (b) whether the severity of each individual’s prosopagnosia correlated with the extent of their improvement on the two tasks. For the latter analyses, scores obtained on the original version of the CFMT and the CFPT (i.e., the tests run within the original diagnostic session: see Table 1) were correlated against the level of improvement in the oxytocin condition (oxytocin performance minus placebo performance) of the CFMT and matching test, respectively. Adverse side effects were only reported by one DP participant following inhalation of either spray. Specifically, this individual reported a slight headache immediately after oxytocin inhalation, but this had disappeared by the 24-h follow-up. A mixed factorial MANOVA revealed no main effect of spray or group, F(3,16) = .569, p = .643, ƞp2 = .

The sections were incubated overnight with antibodies (5 μg/mL) i

The sections were incubated overnight with antibodies (5 μg/mL) in blocking buffer and washed with PBS containing 0.2% (w/vol) Triton X-100, after each incubation. Endogenous biotin was blocked using a biotin blocking system (Dako Corporation, Glostrup, Denmark). selleck inhibitor The sections were then incubated for 30 min with biotinylated secondary antibody, diluted 1:200 (vol/vol) in blocking buffer. Biotinylated secondary antibodies were detected using the Elite ABC kit with

diaminobenzidine (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA) as the chromogen. All incubations were carried out at room temperature. Sections were mounted with Permount and analyzed using a Reichert Polyvar binocular photomicroscope (Leica, Wien, Austria). Negative controls consisted of sections that

were not stained with the primary antibodies. Other sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E staining), Alectinib manufacturer and mounted in Canada balsam. NMDA (0.04 nmol/μL) and melittin (100 mg/mL) were dissolved in saline and 20 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4, containing 1 M NaCl, 1 mM EGTA and 1.2 mM CaCl2, respectively. These reagents were then desalted using Sephadex G-10 resin (Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden), equilibrated with buffer, as described above, and stored. This stock was dissolved fourfold in saline. Groups of worker honey bees were caught before the experiments, maintained in small box at room temperature, and treated with each drug. The head injection site was the clypeus, and each honey bee received 0.1 μL of NMDA or melittin. A control group received saline. A response was counted only if the proboscis was fully extended and extension occurred shortly after stimulus onset. Only honey bees showing this behavioral response were included

in the data analysis and brains were dissected after 1, 2, and 3 h. Brain homogenates were prepared individually, 4-Aminobutyrate aminotransferase and immunoblotted for myosin-Va. All chemicals were purchased from Sigma–Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). The data of densitometry relating to myosin-V expression in honey bee brain after injection were initially analyzed by one-way ANOVA. When ANOVA analyses detected differences, sets of control and treated groups of animals were compared using t-test to determine if the differences were statistically significant. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 in all cases. Western blot analyses of rabbit, rat and bee brain homogenates and supernatants with myosin-Va and CaMKII antibodies resulted in the detection of 190 and 60 kDa polypeptides, respectively, in all samples (Fig. 1A). Equal levels of cross-reactivity were observed for the immunodetection of myosin-Va in larval ganglia and brain homogenates of adult worker bees, queens and drones (Fig. 1B). By Western blot, we also observed cross-reaction between myosin-Va (190 kDa), myosin-VI (140 kDa) and DYNLL1/LC8 (10 kDa) in the supernatant fraction of honey bee brains (Fig. 1C).

However, it is possible that the SND scoring system may not be se

However, it is possible that the SND scoring system may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle differences in the chronic phase. In the late reperfusion period, rCBF was higher in the AGL-treated group (Fig. 3). We speculate that the brain damage during ischemia was more severe in the vehicle group, which brought on more severe cerebral edema during reperfusion,

and reduced the rCBF, as demonstrated in our previous studies (Yanamoto et al., 2008 and Yamamoto et al., 2011). Although Obeticholic Acid datasheet treatment of mice with AGL may upregulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (Ban et al., 2008), rCBF was not increased during ischemia. In DM-2 rats, treatment with Ex-4 (0.1, 1 or 5 μg/kg, via intraperitoneal injections, twice a day), before (for four weeks) and after (for two or four weeks) the induction of focal ischemia, reduced hyperglycemia and the volumes of infarcted lesions in a dose-dependent manner (Darsalia et al., 2012). In normal rats, prophylactic treatment with Ex-4 (0.5 μg/kg, via intraperitoneal injections, twice a day) for seven days reduced volumes of

infarct lesion, the extent of neurological deficits, and also markers of oxidative stress (Briyal et al., 2012). Recently, intravenous injection of Ex-4 (0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg, immediately, or 1 h after the induction of reperfusion) reduced the volumes of infarcted lesions and the extent of functional deficits, without altering plasma insulin or glucose levels, in non-diabetic C57BL/6 mice (Teramoto et al., 2011). The conflict between the finding with post hoc Ex-4 (Teramoto et al., 2011) and ATR inhibitor post hoc GLP treatment of focal ischemia may be explained by the different conditions present in the two sets of experiments: (1) A 100–1000 fold larger dose was used than was the case with effective prophylaxis against ischemia using Ex-4 (Darsalia et al., 2012 and Briyal et al., 2012), with the same dose used for effective prophylaxis against ischemia with AGL; (2) Ex-4 acts as a long-acting analog of GLP-1, while AGL increases intrinsic GLP-1; (3) Ex-4 was given intravenously, in contrast to the intragastric

Dipeptidyl peptidase gavage used to administer AGL; (4) the intraluminal thread insertion (ITI) method (a 60-min focal ischemia) was used to assess volumes of infarcted lesions with Ex-4, but the three-vessel occlusion (3-VO) method (a 15-min focal ischemia limited in the cortex) was used with AGL. Considering the difference in biological time, 15-min delay (plus the delay for the transfer into the brain) after the onset in mice could be translated into more than 3-h delay in humans. Further investigations are needed, in which AGL is administered immediately, or within 15 min after the onset of ischemia. Ischemia induces abnormal release, from 5- to 50-fold elevations, of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain (Matsumoto et al., 1996).

5 g/L from Sigma) as previously described ( Liman et al , 1992)

5 g/L from Sigma) as previously described ( Liman et al., 1992). Anaesthetized frogs were kept on ice during all procedures. The oocytes were defolliculated for 2 h by treatment with 2 mg/mL collagenase (Sigma) in Ca2+ free ND solution (in mM: 96 NaCl; 2 KCl; 1 MgCl2; 5 HEPES adjusted pH 7.5). After oocyte

defolliculation, cRNA of the different channels were injected using a microinjector (Drummond Scientific, USA). The oocytes were incubated in ND-96 solution supplemented with 50 mg/L gentamycin selleck chemicals sulfate at 16 °C for 1–5 days. Electrophysiological measurements were performed by the two-electrode voltage clamp technique at room temperature (18–22 °C). The recordings were processed by GeneClamp 500 amplifier (Axon Instruments, USA) PLX4032 controlled by a pClamp data acquisition system (Axon Instruments, USA). Whole cell currents from oocytes were recorded 1–5 days after

injection. Voltage and current electrode were filled with 3 M KCl and resistances of both electrodes were kept between 0.7 and 1.5 MΩ. Bath solution composition was (in mM): 96 NaCl, 2 KCl, 1.8 CaCl2, 2 MgCl2 and 5 HEPES pH 7.4. Currents were filtered at 1 kHz using a four–pole low-pass Bessel filter and sampled at 2 kHz. Leak subtraction was performed using a –P/4 protocol. Kv1.1-Kv1.6 and Shaker currents were evoked by 500 ms depolarizations to 0 mV followed by a 500 ms pulse to −50 mV, from a holding potential of −90 mV. see more Current traces of hERG channels were elicited by applying a +40 mV prepulse for 2 s followed by a step to −120 mV for

2 s Kv3.1 and Kv4.3 currents were elicited by 500 ms pulses to +20 mV from a holding potential of −90 mV. To assess the concentration dependency of the Ts15 induced inhibitory effects, dose-response curves were constructed, in which the percentage of blocked currents was plotted as a function of increasing toxin concentrations. Each experiment was performed at least 3 times (n ≥ 3). All data are presented as mean ± standard error. The pClamp program was used for data acquisition and data files (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA), were directly imported, analyzed and visualized with Origin program. The patch clamp technique was used to check the effect of Ts15 on NaV channels from DRG (dorsal root ganglion) neurons. The neurons were freshly isolated from Wistar male mice (30 days). Patch clamp recordings were performed in the whole cell configuration. The membranes currents were recorded using an Axopatch 200B patch clamp amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster City, CA, USA) interfaced to a computer via a Digidata 1200A/D converter running pClamp 10 (axon Instruments). Sodium currents were filtered at 5 kHz and acquired at 10 kHz. Glass micropippetes were pulled from borosilicate glass capillaries and showed resistance between 2 and 4 MΩ. During measurements cells were bathed in a solution that contained (in mM): 50 NaCl; 95 NMDG; 5.4 CsCl; 1.

1–10 kHz) Consequently, a modelling approach based on vessel mov

1–10 kHz). Consequently, a modelling approach based on vessel movements derived from AIS data should account for the majority of variability in noise exposure, provided the ship source levels input to the model are sufficiently accurate and acoustic propagation models are sufficiently predictive. Future work could explore whether this is achievable through implementation of such models and comparison with recorded data. In addition to analysis of AIS movements, time-lapse footage was also reviewed to explore the potential for corroboration of AIS vessel identifications, detection of non-AIS vessels responsible ERK inhibitor clinical trial for unidentified noise peaks, and characterisation of

unusual acoustic events. The frame presented in Fig. 7a corresponds to the timing of the noise peak at around 09:00 presented in Fig. 7c–e, and confirms the previous identification of this vessel from the CPA of its AIS track. An example in the Supplementary

material of a noise peak unidentified by AIS also shows a small vessel in the field of view of the time-lapse camera (although it is difficult to distinguish). Two examples of time-lapse footage paired with acoustic and AIS data are provided in the Supplementary material as videos, which demonstrate the potential for this method to be used as a quick review tool of ship movements and underwater noise variability in coastal environments. They also provide an intuitive and informative educational tool to highlight the impact of ship noise on marine soundscapes and the potential this website for masking, behavioural and physiological impacts to marine fauna. As these examples illustrate, improving tuclazepam the visual and temporal resolution and the field of view would significantly enhance the power of this method for vessel monitoring and identification in coastal waters. The MSFD proposes to monitor underwater ambient noise in EU waters, using two 1/3-octave frequency bands (63

and 125 Hz) as indicators of shipping noise levels (EU, 2008 and Tasker et al., 2010). Ships also generate noise above these frequencies – as was observed in this study [Figs. 5a and 6b] – though at higher frequencies sound is attenuated more rapidly by water and so is generally more localised. To assess whether higher frequency bands may be appropriate indicators for noise exposure from shipping, we compared mean noise levels in 1/3-octave frequency bands centred on 63, 125, 250 and 500 Hz (Fig. 8c) with daily broadband sound exposure levels in the range 0.05–1 kHz. This wider frequency band (0.05–1 kHz) approximately corresponds to the nominal range of shipping noise (0.01–10 kHz; Tasker et al., 2010), but avoids the greatest levels of flow noise, which increases with decreasing frequency (Strasberg, 1979). All four bands were highly correlated with noise exposure levels in the wider frequency band (Fig.

A redução da utilização da terapêutica corticoide é apontada como

A redução da utilização da terapêutica corticoide é apontada como um dos efeitos benéficos do tratamento biológico, no entanto, no estudo agora apresentado não conseguimos entender quantos e quais os doentes que conseguiram efetivamente suspender de forma sustentada este tipo de fármacos. É apontada

na literatura a repercussão benéfica sobre o desenvolvimento estaturo‐ponderal dos doentes pediátricos tratados com fármacos biológicos e os autores afirmam ter verificado esse facto nos adolescentes em estádio Tanner mais avançado, no entanto, não BIBF 1120 cost apresentam qualquer dado objetivo que suporte essa afirmação. Em conclusão, parece‐nos necessário aumentar a amostra a analisar para números mais significativos, para ver se confirmam os resultados agora

apresentados, que no que se refere à resposta aos biológicos parece seguir o sentido de outros estudos já publicados. “
“A infeção pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC) constitui um grave problema de saúde pública a nível mundial devido à elevada taxa de progressão para a cronicidade e potencial evolutivo para cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC), as principais causas de morte por VHC1. O objetivo da terapêutica antivírica é a cura da infeção, através da eliminação sustentada do vírus, prevenindo assim o desenvolvimento destas complicações. Dada a evolução lenta da hepatite C, estima‐se Ceritinib que, na ausência de tratamento, as complicações decorrentes 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase do VHC venham a aumentar nos próximos anos, já que a maior ocorrência de novas infeções deverá ter acontecido em meados da década de 802. Nos estádios mais avançados de progressão da doença, a hepatite C representa custos muito elevados devido ao consumo de recursos em saúde, nomeadamente hospitalizações, consultas médicas, medicamentos, análises e exames, e nalguns casos, necessidade de transplante hepático. O reconhecimento e caracterização

do impacto da doença em Portugal torna‐se assim essencial na sustentação das tomadas de decisão relacionadas com a prevenção e tratamento da doença. O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o impacto da infeção pelo VHC em Portugal, através da recolha de dados epidemiológicos e história natural da doença, da caracterização da prática clínica atual, do cálculo de custos associados aos diferentes estádios de progressão da doença e da avaliação do impacto do VHC na qualidade de vida dos doentes. Com o objetivo de recolher e analisar a informação científica disponível sobre a infeção pelo VHC em Portugal, efetuou‐se uma revisão da literatura médica publicada.

Moreover, our results revealed that neutrophils are the first cel

Moreover, our results revealed that neutrophils are the first cells recruited to the peritoneal cavity after the Ts2 or Ts6 injection. These cells together with resident cells characterize the inflammatory response by releasing inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, LTB4 and PGE2, and increasing

the total protein amounts. Concurrently, the same Quizartinib order cells release anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-4, to re-establish the homeostasis. However, the release of large amounts of inflammatory mediators overcomes the anti-inflammatory mediators. Subsequently, macrophages, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes are recruited to re-establish the basal homeostatic state, in a mechanism partially dependent on PGs and LTs. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that both Ts2 and Ts6 induced inflammatory response by mechanism dependent on lipid mediators and cytokines production. Moreover, the data suggested that Ts2 have a regulatory role in the inflammatory response, because it stimulated IL-10 production. Ts6 showed exclusive pro-inflammatory activity. Our results this website emphasize the importance of studies that aim to better understand the role of isolated toxins in envenomation. The mechanisms and the underlying signaling pathways, as well as the novel approaches for alternative treatments, might be useful in diminishing the lesions

caused by T. serrulatus venom and will be the focus of our next work. We certify that human subjects were not used in this work. We are grateful to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for financial support. The authors would like to acknowledge Fabiana Rosseto Morais for technical assistance by Flow cytometry, Izaira T. Brandão by LAL test, Francisco W. G. Paula e Silva for critical comments

and Dr. Francisco Silveira Guimaraes by helping in the interpretation of statistical data. “
“According to the effects of venom in humans, accidents caused by spiders can be categorized in, at least, two distinct groups: those producing necrotic ulceration, and the ones that do not. Arachnidism produced by widow spiders (Theridiidae) Cediranib (AZD2171) will result in systemic symptoms but with minimal tissue damage. Envenomation by Agelenidae family (araneomorph funnel-web spiders, including hobo and grass spiders) results in severe tissue damage (Mattiello-Sverzut et al., 1998; Elston et al., 2000) and, in a minority of accidents, also systemic symptoms. Local necrosis and systemic symptoms are observed in the events incited by Sicariidae (Loxosceles; recluse and fiddlehead spiders) ( Madrigal et al., 1972; Barbaro et al., 1992). Tarantulas (Theraphosidae, Mygalomorphae) bites are considered to be painful, but do not induce local necrosis or systemic effects ( Saucier, 2004).

This observation was, however, not considered predictive of an in

This observation was, however, not considered predictive of an increased risk for humans treated for relatively short periods [70]. Baseline values showed that the study population was relatively young (58–59 years old), with relatively elevated spine BMD and low risk T-scores. About 40% of participants had vertebral fractures and half had low free testosterone values. The patterns of biochemical marker changes in response to teriparatide were typical (dose-dependent increases in bone formation and resorption markers) and very closely mirrored similar data in women, albeit with a lower

magnitude [69]. The changes in BMD were also very similar to those previously reported in women [71]. Both teriparatide doses MS-275 solubility dmso led to the expected changes in spine, total hip and femoral neck BMD. When BMD responses to 20 mcg of teriparatide are compared in men and women, the absolute change in BMD is similar. Analyses showed consistent responses across the risk groups usually seen in male osteoporosis, in that responses did not differ according to baseline BMD, age, gonadal status, previous fracture status, smoking or alcohol consumption [69]. In an 18-month follow-up study, about 80% of patients agreed to be observed without receiving study medication, but with the option to undertake other therapies [72]. After treatment discontinuation, BMD declined in both teriparatide treatment

groups, particularly at the lumbar spine [72]. There was no difference in the rate of BMD decline as a function of testosterone concentrations [72]. From SB203580 in vitro the original treatment trial baseline to the 18 months visit of the follow-up study, there was a lower incidence of moderate and severe fractures, in the combined 20 and 40 mcg teriparatide groups than in the placebo group (p = 0.01)

[72]. However, these data should be interpreted with caution, because approximately 22% of the men reported the use of a bisphosphonate at some point during the follow-up study. Again, the point estimates for the reduction in mafosfamide vertebral fracture risk in men were essentially the same as in women [73], despite the smaller study size. Of interest, Leder et al. investigated the effects of teriparatide treatment and discontinuation [74] in a small study involving 14 postmenopausal women and 17 eugonadal men with osteoporosis, aged 46–85 years, with lumbar spine or femoral neck T-scores <− 2 SD. Daily teriparatide (37 mcg) was administered subcutaneously for 24 months, followed by 12 months off therapy. The study observed that, following teriparatide discontinuation, the rate of BMD decline was greater in women than in men, possibly highlighting a difference in teriparatide response or in the drivers of BMD maintenance in men and women. The 5.9% female to male difference in trabecular BMD loss was statistically significant (p = 0.037; 95% CI, 11.2–0.

I thank colleagues David Aiken, Burton Ayles, Tom Duck, Elizabeth

I thank colleagues David Aiken, Burton Ayles, Tom Duck, Elizabeth De Santo, Marie DeYoung, Don Forbes, Ken Freeman, Gareth Harding, Jennifer Hubbard, Don Gordon, Bertrum MacDonald, Margaret Munro, Michelle Paon, Gerhard Pohle, Diane Orihel, Andy Sherin, Suzuette Soomai, and Louise Spiteri for their thoughtful comments on the draft manuscript. The paper

is dedicated to the information management professionals in the Public Service of Canada, who have worked with extraordinary commitment throughout check details a very difficult time to protect and preserve the core freshwater and marine science collections. “
“The Monterey Bay is characterized by a submarine canyon beginning just offshore of Moss Landing, California,

along the central CA coast. The main channel of the submarine canyon meanders over 400 km into the Pacific Ocean, and reaches depths over 4000 m (Paull et Bleomycin price al., 2011). Monterey Canyon and the waters above it provide diverse habitats, from the rocky outcroppings and soft seafloor that comprise the benthos, to the vast midwater habitat, and surface waters that undergo the dramatic seasonal changes characteristic of an upwelling ecosystem. These characteristics led the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) in 1992. As the Monterey submarine canyon system meanders into the Pacific Ocean, major shipping routes cross directly overhead (Fig. 1), within the MBNMS. The estimated 10,000 shipping containers lost at sea each year along international shipping

routes (Podsada, 2001, IMO, 2004 and Frey and DeVogelaere, 2013) may take centuries to degrade on the seafloor, and have varied and often-unknown levels of toxicity associated with their contents and exterior coatings. Incidents of catastrophic grounding of container ships on shallow reefs (e.g., M/V Rena; Bateman 2011) and beaching/salvaging of lost cargo (e.g., global beaching of rubber ducks from a container lost in 1992 in the North Pacific ( Ebbesmeyer and Scigliano, 2009 and Nagel O-methylated flavonoid and Beauboeuf, 2012)) are often reported widely. However, the vast majority of shipping container losses are presumed to occur in deep water during inclement weather. Because lost containers are rarely located and deep-sea research is costly and challenging, their effects on deep-sea benthic communities have not been investigated. During a winter storm in February 2004, 24 standard metal intermodal containers (12.2  × 2.4  × 2.6 m, empty weight 4 t, maximum gross mass over 30 t) fell off the Chinese M/V Med Taipei along the central coast of California en route to the Port of Los Angeles, CA. Of these, 15 were lost within the MBNMS.