Habitat utilization by juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata, Linnaeus, 1766) around a shallow water coral reef

Contemporary studies of sea turtle diving behaviour are generally based upon sophisticated techniques such as the attachment of time depth recorders. However, if the risks of misinterpretation are to be minimized, it is essential that electronic data are analysed in the light of first-hand observations. To this aim, we set out to make observations of juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata , Linnaeus, 1766) foraging and resting in a shallow water coral reef habitat around the granitic Seychelles (4degrees'S, 55degrees'E). Data were collected from six study sites characterized by a shallow reef plateau (

High-Frequency Ultrasound Assessment of the Murine Heart From Embryo Through to Juvenile

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the murine heart of normal embryos, neonates, and juveniles using high-frequency ultrasound. Methods: Diastolic function was measured with E/A ratio (E wave velocity/A wave velocity) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), systolic function with isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), percentage fractional shortening (FS%), percentage ejection fraction (EF%). Global cardiac performance was quantified using myocardial performance index (MPI). Results: Isovolumetric relaxation time remained stable from E10.5 to 3 weeks. Systolic function (ICT) improved with gestation and remained stable from E18.5 onward. Myocardial performance index showed improvement in embryonic lift (0.82-0.63) and then stabilized from 1 to 3 week (0.60-0.58). Percentage ejection fraction remained high during gestation (77%-69%) and then decreased from the neonate to juvenile (68%-51%). Conclusion: The ultrasound biomicroscope allows for noninvasive in-depth assessment of cardiac function of embryos and pups. Detailed physiological and functional cardiac function readouts can be obtained, which is invaluable for comparison to mouse models of disease.

The Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis.

Objective To develop a provisional definition for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) based on the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation juvenile DM core set of variables. Methods Thirty-seven experienced pediatric rheumatologists from 27 countries achieved consensus on 128 difficult patient profiles as clinically improved or not improved using a stepwise approach (patient's rating, statistical analysis, definition selection). Using the physicians' consensus ratings as the “gold standard measure,” chi-square, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive and-negative rates, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and kappa agreement for candidate definitions of improvement were calculated. Definitions with kappa values >0.8 were multiplied by the face validity score to select the top definitions. Results The top definition of improvement was at least 20% improvement from baseline in 3 of 6 core set variables with no more than 1 of the remaining worsening by more than 30%, which cannot be muscle strength. The second-highest scoring definition was at least 20% improvement from baseline in 3 of 6 core set variables with no more than 2 of the remaining worsening by more than 25%, which cannot be muscle strength (definition P1 selected by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies group). The third is similar to the second with the maximum amount of worsening set to 30%. This indicates convergent validity of the process. Conclusion We propose a provisional data-driven definition of improvement that reflects well the consensus rating of experienced clinicians, which incorporates clinically meaningful change in core set variables in a composite end point for the evaluation of global response to therapy in juvenile DM.

Synovial membrane immunohistology in early untreated juvenile idiopathic arthritis: differences between clinical subgroups

Abstract: Objective Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) consists of a heterogeneous group of inflammatory disorders, within which there are a number of clinical subgroups. Diagnosis and assignment to a particular subgroup can be problematical and more concise methods of subgroup classification are required. This study of the synovial membrane characterises the immunohistochemical features in early untreated, newly diagnosed JIA and compares findings with disease subgroup at 2 years.

Methods: 42 patients with newly diagnosed untreated JIA underwent synovial biopsy before the administration of steroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Patients were classified as either polyarticular, persistent oligoarticular or extended-to-be oligoarticular. The location and semiquantitative analysis of T-cell subsets, B cells, macrophages and blood vessels were determined using immunohistochemistry.

Results: Synovial hyperplasia varied significantly between the three groups
(p<0.0001). There was a significant difference in the CD3 T-cell population between the three groups (p=0.004) and between the extended-to-be and persistent group (p=0.032). CD4 expression was significantly higher in the poly and extended-to-be oligo groups (p=0.002), again the extended-to-be group had more CD4 T cells than the persistent group (p=0.008). B-cell infiltrates were more marked in the polyarticular group and were significantly higher in the extended-to-be group compared with the persistent group (p=0.005). Vascularisation was more pronounced in the polyarticular and extended-to-be oligoarticular groups, the extended-to-be group had significantly more vascularisation than the persistent group (p=0.0002).

Conclusions: There are significant differences in the histomorphometric features of synovial tissue between patient subgroups. Immunohistological examination of synovial membrane biopsies may provide further insight into early disease processes in JIA.

Ankle disease in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: ultrasound findings in clinically swollen ankles

The ankle joint is frequently involved in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but it is unclear whether this is predominantly due to synovitis, tenosynovitis, or both. We performed clinic-based ultrasound examination to assess the prevalence of synovitis and tenosynovitis in children with JIA felt clinically to have active inflammatory disease of the ankle.

Juvenile Songbirds Compensate for Displacement to Oceanic Islands during Autumn Migration

To what degree juvenile migrant birds are able to correct for orientation errors or wind drift is still largely unknown. We studied the orientation of passerines on the Faroe Islands far off the normal migration routes of European migrants. The ability to compensate for displacement was tested in naturally occurring vagrants presumably displaced by wind and in birds experimentally displaced 1100 km from Denmark to the Faroes. The orientation was studied in orientation cages as well as in the free-flying birds after release by tracking departures using small radio transmitters. Both the naturally displaced and the experimentally displaced birds oriented in more easterly directions on the Faroes than was observed in Denmark prior to displacement. This pattern was even more pronounced in departure directions, perhaps because of wind influence. The clear directional compensation found even in experimentally displaced birds indicates that first-year birds can also possess the ability to correct for displacement in some circumstances, possibly involving either some primitive form of true navigation, or 'sign posts', but the cues used for this are highly speculative. We also found some indications of differences between species in the reaction to displacement. Such differences might be involved in the diversity of results reported in displacement studies so far.

FASCIOLA-HEPATICA - ULTRASTRUCTURAL-CHANGES TO THE TEGUMENT OF JUVENILE FLUKES FOLLOWING INCUBATION IN-VITRO WITH THE DEACETYLATED (AMINE) METABOLITE OF DIAMPHENETHIDE

Ultrastructural changes to the tegument of 5-week-old, 3-week-old and freshly-excysted Fasciola hepatica following in vitro incubation with the deacetylated (amine) metabolite of diamphenethide (DAMD, 10 mu gml(-1)) were examined by transmission electron microscopy, A similar sequence of tegumental changes occurred in all three age groups of fluke, although, with increasing fluke age, the time before onset increased and the damage became more extensive. The 5-week-old flukes showed an initial stress response after 3 h, typified by blebbing of the apical plasma membrane, formation of microvilli and an accumulation and accelerated release of secretory bodies at the tegumental apex, as well as swelling of the basal infolds, The swelling increased in extent with progressively longer periods of incubation in DAMD, leading to extreme edema and sloughing of the tegument after 9 h. The 3-week-old flukes showed a stress response and swelling of the basal infolds after only 1.5 h, although sloughing of the tegument did not occur until after 9 h. In the freshly-excysted metacercaria, a stress response and some sloughing of the tegument were evident after only 0.5 h. At all stages of development, the ventral tegument was more severely affected than the dorsal, Changes also occurred to the tegumental cells which were indicative of a disruption in the synthesis and release of tegumental secretory bodies: the amount of GER became reduced, the cisternae became swollen and their ribosomal covering decreased, the Golgi complexes disappeared from the cells and the numbers of secretory bodies in the cells also decreased, The heterochromatin content of the nuclei increased and eventually the tegumental cells began to break down, Again, the changes became apparent more rapidly at the earlier stages of development. The ultrastructural changes to the tegument are linked to a possible mode of action for diamphenethide as an inhibitor of protein synthesis. In turn, the results may help to explain the drug's high efficacy against juvenile stages of F. hepatica.

THE EFFECT OF THE SULFOXIDE METABOLITE OF TRICLABENDAZOLE (FASINEX) ON THE TEGUMENT OF MATURE AND IMMATURE STAGES OF THE LIVER FLUKE, FASCIOLA-HEPATICA

The effects of the novel benzimidazole, triclabendazole (TCBZ) ('Fasinex', Ciba-Geigy), in its active sulphoxide metabolite form (TCBZ-SX), on the tegumental ultrastructure of Fasciola hepatica were determined in vitro by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), using both intact flukes and tissue-slice material. At a concentration of 15 mu g/ml, the tegument of the whole adult fluke showed ultrastructural changes only after prolonged time-periods, with vacuolation at the base of the syncytium and accumulation of T2 secretory bodies in the tegumental cells. At a concentration of 50 mu g/ml, with both whole flukes and tissue-slices, the tegument appeared extremely abnormal with accumulation of secretory bodies towards the base of the syncytium. With longer incubation times, the tegument was completely sloughed away and the tegumental cells became synthetically inactive. The tegument of the 3-week-old juvenile became progressively convoluted at the apex, while in the basal regions there was severe vacuolation. In the tegumental cells, there were accumulations of T1 secretory bodies. These results confirm TCBZ as a potent fasciolicide, being very effective in disrupting the fluke tegument. They may go some way to explain the mode of action of this important fasciolicide.

GRILLOTIA ERINACEUS (CESTODA, TRYPANORHYNCHA) - LOCALIZATION OF NEUROACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN THE PLEROCERCOID, USING CONFOCAL AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY

Indirect immunocytochemistry, in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy and electron-microscopic immunogold labeling, has been used to localize neuropeptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) immunereactivities (IRs) in the plerocercoid (scolex and surrounding blastocyst) of the trypanorhynch tapeworm, Grillotia erinaceus. Antisera directed to two native cestode neuropeptides, neuropeptide F and the FMRFamide-related peptide, GNFFRFamide, were used to demonstrate the presence of a well-developed and extensive peptide-immunoreactive nervous system of central and peripheral elements in the juvenile scolex. Neuronal connectivity exists between the scolex and the surrounding blastocyst, in which there is a rich innervation of varicose fibers displaying peptide IR. Ultrastructurally, gold labeling of the peptide IR was found exclusively over the contents of dense secretory vesicles in the axons and somatic cytoplasm of neurons. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated an apparent colocalization of peptide IR, although the results of antigen preadsorption procedures indicated substantial cross-reactivity of the two antisera. A separate and well-differentiated 5-HT-immunoreactive nervous system, with a similar anatomical arrangement as the peptide-immunoreactive nervous system, is present in both the scolex and blastocyst (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.

Notes from Some Small Countries: A Study of the 'New Punitiveness' in Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand

In recent years there has been a remarkable surge of interest in the concept of punitiveness in theoretical criminology. Accounts serve to emphasise rupture over continuity, drawing attention to the increased focus on managerialism, risk and expressive penal policies in countries such as England and the US. Criticisms of these accounts have drawn attention to the weak empirical base for such assertions and the continued relevance of local cultural, historical and political conditions in mediating the effect of more punitive trends. In light of the relative neglect of smaller jurisdictions in this literature it was decided to locate these debates in three small common law jurisdictions, namely, Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand over the period 1976-2006 with a view to assessing the empirical evidence for penal change. This was done using a broader definition of punitiveness than normally employed incorporating indices relating to the ‘front end’ (eg police powers) as well as the ‘back end’ (eg prison and probation) of the criminal justice system. Data were collected on the three case studies using a multi-method approach involving examination of extensive quantitative data, interviews with key criminal justice stakeholders and documentary analysis. The data provide some support for the ‘new punitiveness’ thesis in these countries through a pattern of increased legislative activity aimed at controlling violent and sexual offenders and significant increases in the lengths of sentences imposed. However, analysis of qualitative data and a larger number of variables reveals distinctly different patterns of punitiveness over the thirty year period in the three countries. It is argued that the study holds important lessons for comparative criminology into the ‘new punitiveness’. There is a need for qualitative as well as quantitative data; for multiple rather than singular indices across a wide range of areas (juvenile justice, prison conditions, etc); and for ‘front end’ as well as ‘back end’ indices.

Conservation status and reproduction of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera).

1. Freshwater unionoids are one of the most threatened animal groups worldwide and the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is currently listed as critically endangered in Europe. The ‘EC Habitats & Species Directive’ requires that EU member states monitor the distribution and abundance of this species and report regularly on its conservation status.
2. The pearl mussel meta-population in Northern Ireland was surveyed to assess temporal population trends in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and mussel reproduction throughout its range.
3. Mussels occurred in six rivers and numbers within three SAC designated sites remained stable between 2004-07 and 2011. The discovery of >8,000 previously unknown individuals in the Owenreagh River contributed to an overall increase (+56.8%) in the total known population. All populations actively reproduced during 2010 with approximately half of all individuals gravid. Moreover, suitable salmonid hosts occurred at all sites with 10.7% of salmon and 22.8% of trout carrying encysted glochidia. Populations were composed entirely of aged individuals with little evidence of recent recruitment.
4. We infer that the break in the life cycle must occur during the juvenile stage when glochidia metamorphose and settle into the interstitial spaces within the substrate. Water quality parameters, most notably levels of suspended solids, exceeded the recommended maximum thresholds in all rivers.
5. We posit that the deposition of silt may be the main cause of juvenile mortality contributing to a lack of recruitment. Consequently, all populations were judged to be in ‘unfavourable’ conservation status. Catchment-level management plans are urgently needed to reduce siltation with the aim of improving recruitment. Our results have implications for the success of ex-situ conservation programmes; specifically, the size at which captive bred juveniles are released into the wild. Further research is required to assess the vulnerabilities of early life stages of M. margaritifera to siltation.

Proteomics and phylogenetic analysis of the cathepsin L protease family of the helminth pathogen Fasciola hepatica:Expansion of a repertoire of virulence-associated factors

Cathepsin L proteases secreted by the helminth pathogen Fasciola hepatica have functions in parasite virulence including tissue invasion and suppression of host immune responses. Using proteomics methods alongside phylogenetic studies we characterized the profile of cathepsin L proteases secreted by adult F. hepatica and hence identified those involved in host-pathogen interaction. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Fasciola cathepsin L gene family expanded by a series of gene duplications followed by divergence that gave rise to three clades associated with mature adult worms (Clades 1, 2, and 5) and two clades specific to infective juvenile stages (Clades 3 and 4). Consistent with these observations our proteomics studies identified representatives from Clades 1, 2, and 5 but not from Clades 3 and 4 in adult F. hepatica secretory products. Clades 1 and 2 account for 67.39 and 27.63% of total secreted cathepsin Ls, respectively, suggesting that their expansion was positively driven and that these proteases are most critical for parasite survival and adaptation. Sequence comparison studies revealed that the expansion of cathepsin Ls by gene duplication was followed by residue changes in the S2 pocket of the active site. Our biochemical studies showed that these changes result in alterations in substrate binding and suggested that the divergence of the cathepsin L family produced a repertoire of enzymes with overlapping and complementary substrate specificities that could cleave host macromolecules more efficiently. Although the cathepsin Ls are produced as zymogens containing a prosegment and mature domain, all secreted enzymes identified by MS were processed to mature active enzymes. The prosegment region was highly conserved between the clades except at the boundary of prosegment and mature enzyme. Despite the lack of conservation at this section, sites for exogenous cleavage by asparaginyl endopeptidases and a Leu-Ser[downward arrow]His motif for autocatalytic cleavage by cathepsin Ls were preserved.

Good things come to those who wait:Time discounting differences between adult offenders and nonoffenders

Criminal behavior has been explained by the idea that offenders have a lack of self-control. Yet, Wilson and Daly reported that juvenile offenders exhibit time-discounting tendencies similar to those of nonoffending juveniles. As no previous study has compared time-discounting behavior of adult offenders with nonoffenders, we raise the question, do adult offenders exhibit shorter time horizons or the tendency to discount future rewards? To answer this question, 89 offenders (ex-prisoners and prisoners) and 106 nonoffenders completed a time-discounting measure containing 27 different monetary choices. Our results show that, counter to findings with juvenile offenders, adult offenders (ex-prisoners) exhibit significantly shorter time horizons and discount more than nonoffenders as delayed payoffs increase to medium and large rewards. Furthermore, both offenders and nonoffenders are less likely to discount as the reward of future gains increases to medium and large.

Fasciola hepatica:development of monoclonal antibodies and their use to characterize a glycocalyx antigen in migrating flukes

Using mice harbouring early Fasciola hepatica infections, six monoclonal antibodies were prepared against a tegumental antigen present in T1 granules and glycocalyx of flukes. Blocking tests indicated that all monoclonals bound the same T1 epitope (or epitopes in close proximity on the antigen molecule), but this was not the determinant recognized by sheep and cattle. Localization of antibody binding at light and electron microscope levels showed that T1-type antigen also occurred in metacercarial tegument and in glycocalyx of gut cells and excretory ducts in juvenile and adult flukes. This indicates that the natural host-antibody response to F. hepatica may be to one antigen early in the infection. Protein A-gold labelling of monoclonal treated fluke sections revealed that the epitope was probably a polypeptide, unmodified by glycosylation in Golgi bodies. When isolated by immunoadsorption and separated electrophoretically under reducing conditions T1-type antigen was found to consist of a polypeptide mol. wt. 50 000, possibly linked to smaller entities mol. wt. 25-40 000. Tissue-specific variations in the antigen molecule might be conferred by linkage of different polypeptides or carbohydrate side-chains to an antigenic core polypeptide. A component of T1-type antigen was found to have mol. wt. of 25 000, possibly resembling a polypeptide of mol. wt. 24 000 from Schistosoma mansoni tegument.

Fasciola hepatica:development of monoclonal antibodies against somatic antigens and their characterization by ultrastructural localization of antibody binding

A series of monoclonal antibodies was prepared against tegumental and internal antigens of Fasciola hepatica by immunizing mice with whole adult-fluke homogenates prior to harvesting the splenic lymphocytes for fusion. Preliminary screening by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody technique indicated the occurrence of discrete groups of monoclonals differing from one another in tissue-specificity but within which IFA labelling patterns were fairly consistent. Representative hybridomas for 5 of these groups were stabilized and used to produce ascites fluid in mice. By application of an immunogold labelling technique it was possible to map the distribution of antigens for which each monoclonal antibody had affinity throughout the tissues of 4-week and 12-week flukes. Several monoclonals specifically labelled antigenic determinants on the important tegumental antigen T1. However the distribution of gold colloid labelling suggested that epitopes other than that normally exposed to the infected host were recognized; and several monoclonals specifically attached to T1 antigen in the tegument of juvenile worms only. The glycocalyx of the gut and excretory system of flukes shared T1 antigenicity with the tegument. Monoclonal antibodies were produced against an internal immunogen associated with ribosomes and heterochromatin in active protein-producing cells, and against interstitial material of adult flukes. Monoclonals against antigens in parenchymal cell cytoplasm and in mature vitelline cells were recognized but the corresponding hybridomas were not stabilized.