Using climate change models to inform the recovery of the western ground parrot Pezoporus flaviventris

Translocation of species to areas of former habitat after threats have been mitigated is a common conservation action. However, the long-term success of reintroduction relies on identification of currently available habitat and areas that will remain, or become, habitat in the future. Commonly, a short-term view is taken, focusing on obvious and assumed threats such as predators and habitat degradation. However, in areas subject to significant climate change, challenges include correctly identifying variables that define habitat, and considering probable changes over time. This poses challenges with species such as the western ground parrot Pezoporus flaviventris, which was once relatively common in near-coastal south-western Australia, an area subject to major climate change. This species has declined to one small population, estimated to comprise \u3c 150 individuals. Reasons for the decline include altered fire regimes, introduced predators and habitat clearing. The establishment of new populations is a high priority, but the extent to which a rapidly changing climate has affected, and will continue to affect, this species remains largely conjecture, and understanding probable climate change impacts is essential to the prioritization of potential reintroduction sites. We developed high-resolution species distribution models and used these to investigate climate change impacts on current and historical distributions, and identify locations that will remain, or become, bioclimatically suitable habitat in the future. This information has been given to an expert panel to identify and prioritize areas suitable for site-specific management and/or translocation

Starch-Rich Microalgae as an Active Ingredient in Beer Brewing

Microalgal biomass is widely studied for its possible application in food and human nutrition due to its multiple potential health benefits, and to address raising sustainability concerns. An interesting field whereby to further explore the application of microalgae is that of beer brewing, due to the capacity of some species to accumulate large amounts of starch under specific growth conditions. The marine species Tetraselmis chui is a well-known starch producer, and was selected in this study for the production of biomass to be explored as an active ingredient in beer brewing. Cultivation was performed under nitrogen deprivation in 250 L tubular photobioreactors, producing a biomass containing 50% starch. The properties of high-starch microalgal biomass in a traditional mashing process were then assessed to identify critical steps and challenges, test the efficiency of fermentable sugar release, and develop a protocol for small-scale brewing trials. Finally, T. chui was successfully integrated at a small scale into the brewing process as an active ingredient, producing microalgae-enriched beer containing up to 20% algal biomass. The addition of microalgae had a noticeable effect on the beer properties, resulting in a product with distinct sensory properties. Regulation of pH proved to be a key parameter in the process.Starch-Rich Microalgae as an Active Ingredient in Beer BrewingpublishedVersio

Identification of individual zebrafish (Danio rerio): a refined protocol for VIE tagging whilst considering animal welfare and the principles of the 3Rs

In aquatic ecology, studies have commonly employed a tagging technique known as visible implant elastomer (VIE). This method has not been widely adopted by the zebrafish research community and also lacks refinement with regard to animal welfare. The current paper introduces a new VIE tagging protocol, with the aim of improving existing tagging techniques by placing particular emphasis on the Three Rs. To improve animal welfare and fish survival, we added the use of an analgesic compound (lidocaine) through the marking procedure, followed by after-treatment with antiseptics (melaleuca, aloe vera, and PVP-I as active ingredients) to improve tissue regeneration and healing. The newly improved protocol has been quantitatively evaluated on different populations and age groups of zebrafish. This study will be useful to the scientific zebrafish community and to the wider field including biologist and aquarists, especially in consideration of animal welfare, where tagging techniques are considered as a potential noxious stimulus for fish

Identification of Individual Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Refined Protocol for VIE Tagging Whilst Considering Animal Welfare and the Principles of the 3Rs

Simple SummaryIn aquatic ecology research studies commonly employ a tagging technique named visible implant elastomer (VIE). Despite existing widespread guidance on the use of this marking technique on fish, there is still a lack of information regarding efficiency in small fishes, as well as its impact on fish welfare. The current paper highlights important animal welfare issues and introduces a newly improved VIE tagging protocol, presenting information on individual survival rate, tag retention, and use of different elastomer colours, quantified in different populations and age groups of zebrafish. Specifically, we compare a previously used tagging method with a newly improved protocol which places particular emphasis to the Three Rs, helping to refine this scientific procedure. The shared detailed protocol and information will be beneficial to the zebrafish research community and beyond.In aquatic ecology, studies have commonly employed a tagging technique known as visible implant elastomer (VIE). This method has not been widely adopted by the zebrafish research community and also lacks refinement with regard to animal welfare. The current paper introduces a new VIE tagging protocol, with the aim of improving existing tagging techniques by placing particular emphasis on the Three Rs. To improve animal welfare and fish survival, we added the use of an analgesic compound (lidocaine) through the marking procedure, followed by after-treatment with antiseptics (melaleuca, aloe vera, and PVP-I as active ingredients) to improve tissue regeneration and healing. The newly improved protocol has been quantitatively evaluated on different populations and age groups of zebrafish. This study will be useful to the scientific zebrafish community and to the wider field including biologist and aquarists, especially in consideration of animal welfare, where tagging techniques are considered as a potential noxious stimulus for fish

The pattern of occupational accidents, injuries, accident causal factors and intervention in Nigerian factories

Understanding the status quo of occupational incidents in Nigeria in relation to accident rates, fatality rates, accident causal factors and intervention is vital in developing effective strategies for improving the problematic state of occupational health and safety (OHS) in Nigeria. As such, this study explores the pattern of reported accidents, injuries, near misses, accident causal factors and intervention in Nigeria. It reviews and discusses accidents reported to the custodian of OHS in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Inspectorate Division (FMLPID) over an 11-year period (2002-2012). Analysis of the data collected was also conducted, the findings from which prompted interviews of 10 staff out of 48 staff employed by FMLPID. Over the 11 year period, this study found that of the reported accidents: 80% occurred at night; manufacturers of rubber products accounted for the highest number of injuries at 53.8% and 63% for death; the total case fatality rate was 49.5, hence a significant increase in case fatality rate compared with the last study in 2001 by Ezenwa. Fire resulted in 53% of the deaths, while management factors accounted for 91.3% of the remote or contributory accident causal factors in which 90% were due to lack of training. Also, with a notable reduction in accident reporting in Nigeria and the FMLPID reportedly failing to penalise offenders as specified by the OHS legislation as established in this study, an overhaul of the operations of the FMLPID is therefore recommended. This is in addition with development and adoption of free mobile accident reporting system for victims. Keywords: Accidents, accident causal factors, fatality, injuries, intervention and Nigeria

The assessment of mitral valve disease: a guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography.

peer reviewedMitral valve disease is common. Mitral regurgitation is the second most frequent indication for valve surgery in Europe and despite the decline of rheumatic fever in Western societies, mitral stenosis of any aetiology is a regular finding in all echo departments. Mitral valve disease is, therefore, one of the most common pathologies encountered by echocardiographers, as both a primary indication for echocardiography and a secondary finding when investigating other cardiovascular disease processes. Transthoracic, transoesophageal and exercise stress echocardiography play a crucial role in the assessment of mitral valve disease and are essential to identifying the aetiology, mechanism and severity of disease, and for helping to determine the appropriate timing and method of intervention. This guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) describes the assessment of mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis, and replaces previous BSE guidelines that describe the echocardiographic assessment of mitral anatomy prior to mitral valve repair surgery and percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. It provides a comprehensive description of the imaging techniques (and their limitations) employed in the assessment of mitral valve disease. It describes a step-wise approach to identifying: aetiology and mechanism, disease severity, reparability and secondary effects on chamber geometry, function and pressures. Advanced echocardiographic techniques are described for both transthoracic and transoesophageal modalities, including TOE and exercise testing

The Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare Intervention for Detection of Recurrent and Second Primary Melanoma in Survivors of Melanoma : Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge Joanna Kaniewska, Anne Duncan, and Alison MacDonald (trial management) for their contributions to the protocol and management of the study and Andrea Fraser for secretarial support and data coordination. They also acknowledge Bolanle Birkinns and Susie Hall, who were the research nurses who trained participants and collected case note data at the Aberdeen and Cambridge sites, respectively. The authors thank Mr Mark Forrest and Mr Michael Chung for supporting the digital aspects of the intervention and data collection. They also thank Ms Ilja De Vries and her team from Medical Illustration for providing digital skin maps at the Aberdeen site and Mr Mark Bartley and the Medical Photography team at Addenbrooke’s Media Studio for providing skin maps for the Cambridge participants. The authors also thank Dr Aileen Neilson, who provided advice on collecting data about service use. They also wish to acknowledge the contribution of Rebecca Woods, Patricia Fairbrother, and Dr Doug Smith, who were members of the trial steering committee. The authors also acknowledge the 19 people affected by melanoma who participated in their early feasibility study. This study was supported by a grant from a Cancer Research UK Population Research Committee project award (C10673/A21685). The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Cancer Research UK. The funder (through their peer review and funding board review process) approved the study proposal but had no role in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of the data; the writing of the report; or the decision to submit this paper for publication. The Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, receives core funding from the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health Directorates.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Afatinib and radiotherapy, with or without temozolomide, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma: results of a phase I trial.

Funder: Boehringer Ingelheim; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100001003BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Amplification or overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, part of the ErbB family, occur in approximately 40% and 60% of patients with GBM, respectively. We present data from a dose-finding study of the ErbB inhibitor afatinib in combination with radiotherapy (RT), with or without temozolomide (TMZ), in patients with GBM. METHODS: This was a phase I, open-label, 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial in patients with newly-diagnosed, histologically-confirmed grade 4 malignant glioma and proven O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter methylation status. The primary endpoint was the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of continuous daily afatinib when given in combination with RT, with (regimen M) or without (regimen U) concomitant TMZ treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were enrolled; 36 received ≥ 1 dose of trial medication (regimen M, n = 20, regimen U, n = 16). Afatinib was discontinued by all patients during the study. Reasons for afatinib discontinuation (regimen M/U) included disease progression (45%/50%), dose-limiting toxicity (10%/0%), and other adverse events (AEs; 35%/38%). The most frequently reported AEs with either regimen were diarrhea and rash, with no new safety signals identified. The MTD was determined as afatinib 30 mg in combination with daily TMZ and RT, and afatinib 40 mg in combination with RT alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the MTD for afatinib in combination with RT, with and without TMZ, in patients with GBM. Further studies of afatinib in patients with GBM are warranted and should be based on appropriate biomarker-based preselection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00977431 (first posted September 15, 2009)

The genetic landscape of high-risk neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system that often presents with widespread metastatic disease, resulting in survival rates of less than 50%1. To determine the spectrum of somatic mutation in high-risk neuroblastoma, we studied 240 cases using a combination of whole exome, genome and transcriptome sequencing as part of the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) initiative. Here we report a low median exonic mutation frequency of 0.60 per megabase (0.48 non-silent), and remarkably few recurrently mutated genes in these tumors. Genes with significant somatic mutation frequencies included ALK (9.2% of cases), PTPN11 (2.9%), ATRX (2.5%, an additional 7.1% had focal deletions), MYCN (1.7%, a recurrent p.Pro44Leu alteration), and NRAS (0.83%). Rare, potentially pathogenic germline variants were significantly enriched in ALK, CHEK2, PINK1, and BARD1. The relative paucity of recurrent somatic mutations in neuroblastoma challenges current therapeutic strategies reliant upon frequently altered oncogenic drivers