Detection of non-consumptive effects of predation and intraspecific aggression in fire salamander larvae: Environmental issues

The identification of injury causes may reveal important insights on the factors that influence intra and interspecific predation pressures. In this study we evaluated the proportion of injuries occurring in fire salamander larvae (Salamandra salamandra) in caves and epigean springs to understand the factors determining non-consumptive effects that may affect larval survival. We surveyed 25 sites (13 cave pools, 12 spring pools) during the day. We applied two consecutive removal samplings to collect fire salamander larvae and examined every removed larva to detect if it had injuries and we evaluated the proportion of the injured larvae on the total number of collected larvae. For each site we recorded different environmental variables including predator occurrence and prey density. The proportion of injured larvae was significantly linked only to predators occurrence. Our results show that interspecific predation pressure is a major source of non-consumptive effects that may affect larval survival Overall, our study underlines the role that environmental features may play on the non-consumptive effects of selective pressures that affect larval survival. Predator occurrence determines the levels of non-consumptive effects and larval survival across their developmental cycle. These results deriving from a field survey could furnish useful insights for further experimental studies

Cases of albinism and leucism in amphibians in Italy : new reports

Findings of abnormally pigmented amphibian individuals provide interesting insights on intraspecific phenotypic variability as well as on variation among populations inhabiting different habitats. Amphibian coloration is determined by chromatophores (specific epidermal cells), and a variety of abnormalities related to them have been reported. In this study we reported cases of albinism and leucism in six species of Italian amphibians, including some endemic species. For some taxa, like Hydromantes sarrabusensis, H. flavus, H. supramontis and Bufo viridis, we describe the first observations of albinism and leucism

Douleurs tibiales internes chez les coureurs à pied

Pain at the site of the tibial insertion of the flexor digitorum longus and the soleus near the middle third of the medial border of the tibia may be encountered in young athletes, who have usually started to run in late adolescence. Heel valgus, abnormal mid-foot pronation and excessive tibial torsion may be seen in association. The symptoms are brought on after excessive training. Radiographs may show cortical thickening at the site of the pain, and a bone scan may demonstrate a mild increase in the uptake of the isotope at this site. The pain appears to be related to a strain of the attachment of the flexor digitorum longus and the aponeurotic insertion of the soleus into the tibia. The pressure in the deep posterior compartment of the tibia is normal. Histological examination of specimens from the flexor digitorum longus may demonstrate ischaemic changes in the muscle. Treatment is based on an understanding of the biomechanics of the foot in running, modification of training methods and the use of suitable orthotics. If these measures fail, partial division of the aponeurotic attachment of soleus and freeing of the insertion of the flexor digitorum longus is usually succesful. © 1988 Springer-Verlag.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Emergence of high-level resistance to glycopeptides in Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus.

Enterococcus gallinarum BM4231 and Enterococcus casseliflavus BM4232, isolated from the feces of a patient under oral therapy with vancomycin, were resistant to high levels of vancomycin (MICs of > 256 micrograms/ml) and teicoplanin (MICs of 128 and 64 micrograms/ml, respectively). This phenotype is new for these bacterial species that are naturally resistant to low levels of vancomycin and appears to be due to in vivo acquisition of plasmid pIP218 carrying the vanA gene cluster

Etude anatomique et extensométrique concernant la collerette d'appui et le manche de la prothèse: Base de la conception d'une prothèse anatomique

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Severe aberrant glenohumeral motor patterns in a young female rower: a case report

Background: This case features an 18-year-old female with glenohumeral dysrhythmia and subluxation-relocation patterns. This unusual case highlights the need for careful examination and consideration to the anatomical structures involved. Conventional approaches to shoulder examination include range of motion, orthopaedic tests and manual resistance tests. We also assessed the patient's cognitive ability to coordinate muscle function. With this type of assessment we found that co-contraction of local muscle groups seemed to initially improve the patients abnormal shoulder motion. With this information a rehabilitation method was instituted with a goal to maintain the improvement. Case presentation: An 18-year-old female with no history of trauma, presented with painless kinesiopathology of the left shoulder (in abduction) consisting of dysrhythmia of the glenohumeral joint and early lateral rotation of the scapula. Examination also showed associated muscle atrophy of the lower trapezius and surrounding general muscle weakness. We used an untested functional assessment method in addition to more conventional methods. Exercise rehabilitation interventions were subsequently prescribed and graduated in accordance with what is known as the General Physical Rehabilitation Pyramid. Conclusion: This paper presents an unusual case of aberrant shoulder movement. It highlights the need for careful examination and thought regarding the anatomical structures and normal motor patterns associated with the manoeuvre being tested. It also emphasised the use of co-contraction during examination in an attempt to immediately improve a regional dysrythmia if there is suspicion of a regional aberrant motor pattern. Further research may be warranted to test this approach