Eu-Social Science: The Role of Internet Social Networks in the Collection of Bee Biodiversity Data

Background Monitoring change in species diversity, community composition and phenology is vital to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activity and natural change. However, monitoring by trained scientists is time consuming and expensive. Methodology/Principal Findings Using social networks, we assess whether it is possible to obtain accurate data on bee distribution across the UK from photographic records submitted by untrained members of the public, and if these data are in sufficient quantity for ecological studies. We used Flickr and Facebook as social networks and Flickr for the storage of photographs and associated data on date, time and location linked to them. Within six weeks, the number of pictures uploaded to the Flickr BeeID group exceeded 200. Geographic coverage was excellent; the distribution of photographs covered most of the British Isles, from the south coast of England to the Highlands of Scotland. However, only 59% of photographs were properly uploaded according to instructions, with vital information such as ‘tags’ or location information missing from the remainder. Nevertheless, this incorporation of information on location of photographs was much higher than general usage on Flickr (∼13%), indicating the need for dedicated projects to collect spatial ecological data. Furthermore, we found identification of bees is not possible from all photographs, especially those excluding lower abdomen detail. This suggests that giving details regarding specific anatomical features to include on photographs would be useful to maximise success. Conclusions/Significance The study demonstrates the power of social network sites to generate public interest in a project and details the advantages of using a group within an existing popular social network site over a traditional (specifically-designed) web-based or paper-based submission process. Some advantages include the ability to network with other individuals or groups with similar interests, and thus increasing the size of the dataset and participation in the project

Anti-emetic profile of a non-peptide neurokinin NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-99,994, in ferrets.

In the ferret, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are effective in controlling emesis produced by cytotoxic agents or radiation. To investigate the possibility that substance P has a role, as well as 5-HT, in the emetic reflex pathway, we have examined the anti-emetic effects of a NK1 receptor antagonist (racemic CP-99,994) in the ferret. Racemic CP-99,994 was effective against a range of emetogens, comprising cytotoxic drugs, radiation, morphine, ipecacuanha and copper sulphate

Towards understanding the aetiology and pathophysiology of the emetic reflex: novel approaches to antiemetic drugs.

The introduction of 5-HT3 antagonists, such as ondansetron, as antiemetic agents has transformed the management of patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Studies in animal models with NK1 antagonists suggest that these represent a new class of antiemetic agents having a broader spectrum of activity than 5-HT3 antagonists. Compounds of this class may prove to be more effective in man against delayed emesis induced by cisplatin, post-operative nausea and vomiting and motion sickness. Thus, they have the potential to complement 5-HT3 antagonists and so provide a further advance in the management of nausea and vomiting

The broad-spectrum anti-emetic activity of the novel non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist GR203040.

1. Following our earlier observations that the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist CP-99,994 is an effective anti-emetic in ferrets, we have examined the anti-emetic effects of a more potent and novel NK1 receptor antagonist, GR203040, against various emetic stimuli in the ferret, dog and house musk shrew (Suncus murinus). 2. In ferrets, GR203040 (0.1 mg kg-1 s.c. or i.v.) is effective against emesis induced by radiation, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, copper sulphate, ipecacuanha or morphine. 3. In animals in which emesis had been established with cisplatin, GR203040 (1 mg kg-1 s.c.) was fully effective as an interventional treatment. No further emesis was seen in animals treated with GR203040 whilst saline-treated animals continued to vomit. 4. GR203040 (0.1 mg kg-1 s.c.) retains anti-emetic efficacy in the ferret, even when given as a 6 h pretreatment, indicating that this compound has a long duration of action. The compound is also effective orally at the same dose, when given as a 90 min pretreatment. 5. GR203040 (0.1 mg kg-1 i.v.) is fully effective against ipecacuanha-induced emesis in the dog. 6. GR203040 is effective against motion- and cisplatin-induced emesis in Suncus murinus. These effects were seen at doses an order of magnitude greater than those shown to be effective against cisplatin in the ferret. 7. In conclusion, GR203040 is a novel anti-emetic agent, and the broad spectrum of anti-emetic activity, together with activity observed in three species, suggests that this compound is worthy of clinical investigation