Exploring behavioural responses of shorebirds to impulsive noise

Despite recent research interest in the consequences of chronic noise for animal populations, the effects of impulsive noise are less well understood. Determining wildlife responses to impulsive sound is pertinent in coastal areas where development of port and power generation industries may result in disturbance from impulsive sounds such as percussive piling, especially around estuaries which may support internationally important numbers of bird species. Discussions between regulators, planning authorities and regional development agencies over precautionary levels of impulsive sound emitting activities are common, yet we're unaware of any study which provides guidance on acceptable noise limits that would keep disturbance to shorebirds to a minimum. This experimental study intentionally disturbed birds at a high tide roost site, an agricultural field adjacent to the sea wall on the south bank of the Humber estuary in northern England, using an impulsive sound, and their behavioural responses were recorded. The researcher sounded an air-horn at ever decreasing distances towards a mixed species flock of shorebirds. While visual disturbance from the experimenter was taken into consideration in the mediods, we cannot statistically separate their effects in this study. An ordinal logistic regression model demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between the decibel (dB(A)) level experienced by the birds and the behavioural response observed. In principle, this model can be used to predict the probability of a particular behavioural response at a given dB(A) level. Estimates of sound levels which included calculation of geometric and atmospheric attenuation were superior over more simple measures in predicting behavioural responses. This study has implications for assessing possible disturbance caused by impulsive noise, and adds to growing evidence that the effects of noise may be an important, albeit not straightforward, consideration in management decisions made for shorebirds and other avian species. ©Wildfowl & Wedands Trust

Dynamic walking features and improved walking performance in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fampridine (4-aminopyridine)

Background: Impaired walking capacity is a frequent confinement in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Patients are affected by limitations in coordination, walking speed and the distance they may cover. Also abnormal dynamic walking patterns have been reported, involving continuous deceleration over time. Fampridine (4-aminopyridine), a potassium channel blocker, may improve walking in MS. The objective of the current study was to comprehensively examine dynamic walking characteristics and improved walking capacity in MS patients treated with fampridine. Methods: A sample of N = 35 MS patients (EDSS median: 4) underwent an electronic walking examination prior to (Time 1), and during treatment with fampridine (Time 2). Patients walked back and forth a distance of 25 ft for a maximum period of 6 min (6-minute 25-foot-walk). Besides the total distance covered, average speed on the 25-foot distance and on turns was determined separately for each test minute, at Time 1 and Time 2. Results: Prior to fampridine administration, 27/35 patients (77 %) were able to complete the entire 6 min of walking, while following the administration, 34/35 patients (97 %) managed to walk for 6 min. In this context, walking distance considerably increased and treatment was associated with faster walking and turning across all six test minutes (range of effect sizes: partial eta squared = .34-.72). Importantly, previously reported deceleration across test minutes was consistently observable at Time 1 and Time 2. Discussion: Fampridine administration is associated with improved walking speed and endurance. Regardless of a treatment effect of fampridine, the previously identified, abnormal dynamic walking feature, i.e. the linear decline in walking speed, may represent a robust feature. Conclusions: The dynamic walking feature might hence be considered as a candidate for a new outcome measure in clinical studies involving interventions other than symptomatic treatment, such as immune-modulating medication. Trial registration: DRKS00009228 (German Clinical Trials Register). Date obtained: 25.08.2015

Barriers for Cervical Cancer Screening in Women Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

Cervical cancer is a prominent cancer in U.S. women caused primarily by the human papilloma virus and its incidence and mortality rates have decreased through screening programs. Certain barriers are perceived to be affecting the rates of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV (WLWH). A systematic review was conducted to identify and summarize these barriers among WLWH nationwide. There is a need to increase awareness and education among WLWH. Public health programs and community-based interventions should target women of low SES and minority status while assessing the barriers among this population to improve cervical cancer screening rates

Statistical design and monitoring of the Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET).

CARET is a chemoprevention trial of beta-carotene and vitamin A with lung cancer as the primary outcome. Participants at high risk for lung cancer are drawn from two populations: asbestos-exposed workers and heavy smokers. The intervention is a daily combination of 30 mg beta-carotene and 25,000 IU vitamin A as retinyl palmitate. Nearly 18,000 participants will be followed for a mean 6 years, yielding over 100,000 person-years of follow-up. We project that this sample size will have 80% power to detect a 23% decrease in the incidence of lung cancer cases. The purpose of this paper is to present the values of the key sample size parameters of CARET; our schemes for monitoring CARET for sample size adequacy, incidence of side effects, and efficacy of the study vitamins; an overview of the data collected; and plans for the primary, secondary, and ancillary analyses to be performed at the end of the trial. These approaches to the design, monitoring, and analysis of CARET are applicable for many other prevention trials

Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the identification of hyperkinetic disorders following the introduction of government guidelines in England

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Previous studies have suggested that both underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis routinely occur in ADHD and hyperkinesis (hyperkinetic disorders). England has introduced governmental guidelines for these disorders' detection and treatment, but there has been no study on clinical diagnostic accuracy under such a regime.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All open cases in three Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the South East of England were assessed for accuracy in the detection of hyperkinetic disorders, using a two-stage process employing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for screening, with the cut-off between "unlikely" and "possible" as the threshold for identification, and the Development And Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) as a valid and reliable standard.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>502 cases were collected. Their mean age 11 years (std dev 3 y); 59% were clinically diagnosed as having a hyperkinetic disorder including ADHD. Clinicians had missed two diagnoses of hyperkinesis and six of ADHD. The only 'false positive' case was one that had become asymptomatic on appropriate treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The identification of children with hyperkinetic disorders by three ordinary English CAMHS teams appears now to be generally consistent with that of a validated, standardised assessment. It seems likely that this reflects the impact of Governmental guidelines, which could therefore be an appropriate tool to ensure consistent accurate diagnosis internationally.</p