Factors Affecting Interannual Movements of Snowy Plovers

We studied the interannual movements of 361 individually color-banded adult Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) at Great Salt Lake, Utah from 1990 to 1993. In northern Utah, Snowy Plovers nested in a dynamic environment; suitable breeding habitat declined by 50% at two study areas in four years. Male Snowy Plovers were more site faithful than females; 40% of males exhibited fidelity compared with 26% of females (P \u3c 0.01). However, as the amount of available suitable nesting habitat declined, male site fidelity diminished, whereas female fidelity remained relatively constant. We found strong evidence that female site fidelity was affected by nesting success in the previous year. Females that nested unsuccessfully were less likely than successful females to exhibit site fidelity the following year; males did not exhibit this nest-success bias. In addition, unsuccessful females breeding at sites with high densities of nests tended to disperse the following year, whereas male site fidelity did not appear to be affected by either a study site\u27s overall nesting success the previous year or a study site\u27s nest density the previous year. Female avoidance of areas with high densities of nests may be an antipredator strategy. Snowy Plovers in northern Utah have biparental incubation duties, but only males care for broods. Familiarity with brood-rearing areas was one plausible explanation for male-biased fidelity. However, we could not eliminate an alternative hypothesis that both focal study sites represented scarce breeding areas due to the presence of freshwater, and male Snowy Plovers preferred to use the same areas rather than disperse. We propose that more landscape-level studies are needed to address questions concerning local and regional movement patterns

James Paton Jr. letter to Editor of the Friend of Reform

Letter from Paton (Paris, Kentucky) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding subscription to the paper; Benning to forward the money.https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/dawson_correspondence/1219/thumbnail.jp

Immunizations with pneumococcal surface protein A and pneumolysin are protective against pneumonia in a murine model of pulmonary infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Intranasal infection of mice with certain strains of capsular group 19 Streptococcus pneumoniae can result in focal pneumonia in the absence of bacteremia. Using this model of murine pneumonia, we demonstrated that immunization with recombinant forms of either pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) or PdB (a genetically detoxified derivative of pneumolysin) elicited significant protection against focal pulmonary infection. This may be the first demonstration that a proposed vaccine antigen can protect against pneumococcal pneumonia. The best protection was obtained by immunizing mice with a mixture of PspA and PdB, indicating that the protection elicited by these antigens can complement each other. This result is in agreement with previous studies that used pneumococcal sepsis and nasal colonization models and demonstrate that the best protein vaccines for prevention of infection may be those that include more than one protection-eliciting pneumococcal protein.David E. Briles, Susan K. Hollingshead, James C. Paton, Edwin W. Ades, Lea Novak, Frederik W. van Ginkel, and William H. Benjamin, Jr

Immunizations with pneumococcal surface protein A and pneumolysin are protective against pneumonia in a murine model of pulmonary infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Intranasal infection of mice with certain strains of capsular group 19 Streptococcus pneumoniae can result in focal pneumonia in the absence of bacteremia. Using this model of murine pneumonia, we demonstrated that immunization with recombinant forms of either pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) or PdB (a genetically detoxified derivative of pneumolysin) elicited significant protection against focal pulmonary infection. This may be the first demonstration that a proposed vaccine antigen can protect against pneumococcal pneumonia. The best protection was obtained by immunizing mice with a mixture of PspA and PdB, indicating that the protection elicited by these antigens can complement each other. This result is in agreement with previous studies that used pneumococcal sepsis and nasal colonization models and demonstrate that the best protein vaccines for prevention of infection may be those that include more than one protection-eliciting pneumococcal protein.David E. Briles, Susan K. Hollingshead, James C. Paton, Edwin W. Ades, Lea Novak, Frederik W. van Ginkel, and William H. Benjamin, Jr

Community responses to communication campaigns for influenza A (H1N1): a focus group study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This research was a part of a contestable rapid response initiative launched by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Ministry of Health in response to the 2009 influenza A pandemic. The aim was to provide health authorities in New Zealand with evidence-based practical information to guide the development and delivery of effective health messages for H1N1 and other health campaigns. This study contributed to the initiative by providing qualitative data about community responses to key health messages in the 2009 and 2010 H1N1 campaigns, the impact of messages on behavioural change and the differential impact on vulnerable groups in New Zealand.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Qualitative data were collected on community responses to key health messages in the 2009 and 2010 Ministry of Health H1N1 campaigns, the impact of messages on behaviour and the differential impact on vulnerable groups. Eight focus groups were held in the winter of 2010 with 80 participants from groups identified by the Ministry of Health as vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, such as people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, children, Pacific Peoples and Māori. Because this study was part of a rapid response initiative, focus groups were selected as the most efficient means of data collection in the time available. For Māori, focus group discussion (hui) is a culturally appropriate methodology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thematic analysis of data identified four major themes: personal and community risk, building community strategies, responsibility and information sources. People wanted messages about specific actions that they could take to protect themselves and their families and to mitigate any consequences. They wanted transparent and factual communication where both good and bad news is conveyed by people who they could trust.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The responses from all groups endorsed the need for community based risk management including information dissemination. Engaging with communities will be essential to facilitate preparedness and build community resilience to future pandemic events. This research provides an illustration of the complexities of how people understand and respond to health messages related to the H1N1 pandemic. The importance of the differences identified in the analysis is not the differences per se but highlight problems with a "one size fits all" pandemic warning strategy.</p

A Trap-Door Mechanism for Zinc Acquisition by Streptococcus pneumoniae AdcA.

Zinc is an essential element in all domains of life. Nonetheless, how prokaryotes achieve selective acquisition of zinc from the extracellular environment remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidate a novel mechanism for zinc-binding in AdcA, a solute-binding protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Crystal structure analyses reveal the two-domain organization of the protein and show that only the N-terminal domain (AdcAN) is necessary for zinc import. Zinc binding induces only minor changes in the global protein conformation of AdcA and stabilizes a highly mobile loop within the AdcAN domain. This loop region, which is conserved in zinc-specific solute-binding proteins, facilitates closure of the AdcAN binding site and is crucial for zinc acquisition. Collectively, these findings elucidate the structural and functional basis of selective zinc uptake in prokaryotes. IMPORTANCE Zinc is an essential nutrient for the virulence of bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Many Gram-positive bacteria use a two-domain lipoprotein for zinc acquisition, but how this class of metal-recruiting proteins acquire zinc and interact with the uptake machinery has remained poorly defined. We report the first structure of a two-domain lipoprotein, AdcA from S. pneumoniae, and use computational, spectroscopic, and microbiological approaches to provide new insights into the functional basis of zinc recruitment. Our findings reveal that AdcA employs a novel mechanism for zinc binding that we have termed the “trap-door” mechanism, and we show how the static metal-binding site of the protein, which confers its selectivity for zinc ions, is combined with a dynamic surface element to facilitate zinc recruitment and import into the bacterium. Together, these findings expand our understanding of how bacteria acquire zinc from the environment and provide a foundation for inhibiting this process, through antimicrobial targeting of the dynamic structural elements to block bacterial zinc scavenging

Predicting developmental dysplasia of the hip in at-risk newborns.

BACKGROUND: The development of developmental dysplasia of the hip can be attributed to several risk factors and often in combination with each other. When predicting the likelihood of developing this condition, clinicians tend to over and underestimate its likelihood of occurring. Therefore, the study aim is to determine among at-risk newborns how to best predict developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) within 8 weeks post-partum. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in secondary care. Patient population included newborns at-risk for DDH - we assessed 13,276 consecutive newborns for the presence of DDH risk factors. Only newborns with at least one of the predefined risk factors and those showing an abnormal examination of the hip were enrolled (n = 2191). For the development of a risk prediction model we considered 9 candidate predictors and other variables readily available at childbirth. The main outcome measure was ultrasonography at a median age of 8 weeks using consensus diagnostic criteria; outcome assessors were blinded. RESULTS: The risk model includes four predictors: female sex (OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 2.9-10.9; P  4000 g (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6-4.2; P = 0.34), and abnormal examination of hip (OR = 58.8; 95% CI: 31.9, 108.5; P <  0.001). This model demonstrated excellent discrimination (C statistic = 0.9) and calibration of observed and predicted risk (P = 0.35). A model without the variable 'hip examination' demonstrated similar performance. CONCLUSION: The risk model quantifies absolute risk of DDH within 8 weeks postpartum in at-risk newborns. Based on clinical variables readily available at the point of childbirth, the model will enhance parental counselling and could serve as the basis for real time decisions prior to discharge from maternity wards

Laterally Confined Volcanic Successions (LCVS); recording rift-jumps during the formation of magma-rich margins

Seaward Dipping Reflectors (SDRs) are a characteristic feature of magma-rich margins, and represent the generation of large volumes of flood basalts at the point of continental breakup. A number of recent studies provide new insights into the emplacement and tilting of SDRs and conclude that the majority of SDRs are contained within new magmatic crust that has a close affinity to oceanic crust. However, the process by which these initial magmatic systems evolve into a fully established spreading centre remains poorly understood. Several characteristic features of magma-rich margins may be explained by the occurrence of rift-jumps during SDR emplacement, yet the cause and prevalence of such rift-jumps remain unknown. Here we constrain the 3D geometry of the continent–ocean transition in the Orange Basin, offshore South Africa. This allows us to test if, where and why such rift jumps occur. Our results demonstrate an order of along-strike segmentation previously unobserved in these settings. We demonstrate that the SDR belt is disrupted by the occurrence of a volcanic-stratigraphic package, defined as the Laterally Confined Volcanic Succession (LCVS), not previously identified on a rifted margin. We interpret this as a magmatic spreading centre that was abandoned by a subsequent rift-jump. Identification of LCVSs is important for two reasons. First, we argue that the LCVS formed via the same process as SDRs, and hence provides a unique example of SDR geometry prior to their separation onto conjugate plates. Second, as we can map out the 3D geometry of the LCVS and SDRs, we propose that rift-jumps during magma-rich margin formation may be fundamental to the establishment of a laterally continuous incipient spreading centre

Standards of lithium monitoring in mental health trusts in the UK

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lithium is a commonly prescribed drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and recognised adverse effects on the kidneys and thyroid. Clinical guidelines for the management of bipolar affective disorder published by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend checks of renal and thyroid function before lithium is prescribed. They further recommend that all patients who are prescribed lithium should have their renal and thyroid function checked every six months, and their serum lithium checked every three months. Adherence to these recommendations has not been subject to national UK audit.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health (POMH-UK) invited all National Health Service Mental Health Trusts in the UK to participate in a benchmarking audit of lithium monitoring against recommended standards. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records and submitted electronically.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>436 clinical teams from 38 Trusts submitted data for 3,373 patients. In patients recently starting lithium, there was a documented baseline measure of renal or thyroid function in 84% and 82% respectively. For patients prescribed lithium for a year or more, the NICE standards for monitoring lithium serum levels, and renal and thyroid function were met in 30%, 55% and 50% of cases respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The quality of lithium monitoring in patients who are in contact with mental health services falls short of recognised standards and targets. Findings from this audit, along with reports of harm received by the National Patient Safety Agency, prompted a Patient Safety Alert mandating primary care, mental health and acute Trusts, and laboratory staff to work together to ensure systems are in place to support recommended lithium monitoring by December 2010.</p