Alien aquatics in Europe: assessing the relative environmental and socio-economic impacts of invasive aquatic macroinvertebrates and other taxa

Invasive alien aquatic species, including marine and freshwater macroinvertebrates, have become increasingly important in terms of both environmental and socio-economic impacts. In order to assess their environmental and economic costs, we applied the Generic Impact Scoring System (GISS) and performed a comparison with other taxa of invaders in Europe. Impacts were scored into six environmental and six socio-economic categories, with each category containing five impact levels. Among 49 aquatic macroinvertebrates, the most impacting species were the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis (Milne-Edwards, 1853) and the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771). The highest impacts found per GISS impact category were, separately; on ecosystems, through predation, as competitors, and on animal production. Eleven species have an impact score > 10 (high impact) and seven reach impact level 5 in at least one impact category (EU blacklist candidates), the maximum score that can be given is 60 impact points. Comparisons were drawn between aquatic macroinvertebrates and vertebrate invaders such as fish, mammals and birds, as well as terrestrial arthropods, revealing invasive freshwater macroinvertebrates to be voracious predators of native prey and damaging to native ecosystems compared with other taxa. GISS can be used to compare these taxa and will aid policy making and targeting of invasive species for management by relevant agencies, or to assist in producing species blacklist candidates.

(223)Ra and other bone-targeting radiopharmaceuticals-the translation of radiation biology into clinical practice

Osseous metastases are a source of significant morbidity for patients with a variety of cancers. Radiotherapy is well established as an effective means of palliating symptoms associated with such metastases. The role of external beam radiotherapy is limited where sites of metastases are numerous and widespread. Low linear energy transfer (LET) radionuclides have been utilized to allow targeted delivery of radiotherapy to disparate sites of disease, with evidence of palliative benefit. More recently, the bone targeting, high LET radionuclide (223)Ra has been shown to not only have a palliative effect but also a survival prolonging effect in metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases. This article reviews the different radionuclide-based approaches for targeting bone metastases, with an emphasis on (223)Ra, and key elements of the underlying radiobiology of these that will impact their clinical effectiveness. Consideration is given to the remaining unknowns of both the basic radiobiological and applied clinical effects of (223)Ra as targets for future research.

Solitary and repetitive binding motifs for the AP2 complex alpha-appendage in amphiphysin and other accessory proteins

Adaptor protein (AP) complexes bind to transmembrane proteins destined for internalization and to membrane lipids, so linking cargo to the accessory internalization machinery. This machinery interacts with the appendage domains of APs, which have platform and beta-sandwich subdomains, forming the binding surfaces for interacting proteins. Proteins that interact with the subdomains do so via short motifs, usually found in regions of low structural complexity of the interacting proteins. So far, up to four motifs have been identified that bind to and partially compete for at least two sites on each of the appendage domains of the AP2 complex. Motifs in individual accessory proteins, their sequential arrangement into motif domains, and partial competition for binding sites on the appendage domains coordinate the formation of endocytic complexes in a temporal and spatial manner. In this work, we examine the dominant interaction sequence in amphiphysin, a synapse-enriched accessory protein, which generates membrane curvature and recruits the scission protein dynamin to the necks of coated pits, for the platform subdomain of the alpha-appendage. The motif domain of amphiphysin1 contains one copy of each of a DX(F/W) and FXDXF motif. We find that the FXDXF motif is the main determinant for the high affinity interaction with the alpha-adaptin appendage. We describe the optimal sequence of the FXDXF motif using thermodynamic and structural data and show how sequence variation controls the affinities of these motifs for the alpha-appendage.

New microsatellite loci for the longnose velvet dogfish Centroselachus crepidater (Squaliformes: Somniosidae) and other deep sea sharks

The continuing over-exploitation of traditional coastal stocks has resulted in the shift of commercial fishing towards deep-sea ecosystems in many parts of the world. The effects on target and non-target species have been dramatic; particularly for the deep-sea sharks. With the aim of providing tools that will allow the assessment of population genetic structure of Centroselachus crepidater, novel microsatellite loci have been developed for this deep-sea elasmobranch. Seven of these markers showed between 3 and 7 alleles per locus in two North Atlantic populations, with observed and expected heterozygosities between 0.18-0.95 and 0.25-0.82, respectively. Additionally, ten loci cross-amplify in other Elasmobranch species.

Influence of corneal structure, corneal responsiveness, and other ocular parameters on tonometric measurement of intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: To estimate the relationships between ocular parameters and tonometrically measured intraocular pressure (IOP), to determine the influence of ocular parameters on different instrument measurements of IOP, and to evaluate the association of ocular parameters with a parameter called hysteresis. METHODS: Patients presenting at a glaucoma clinic were recruited for this study. Subjects underwent IOP measurement with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), the TonoPen, and the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), and also measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length, corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, central visual acuity, and refractive error. Chart information was reviewed to determine glaucoma treatment history. The ORA instrument provided a measurement called corneal hysteresis. The association between measured IOP and the other ocular characteristics was estimated using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Among 230 patients, IOP measurements from the TonoPen read lowest, and ORA read highest, and GAT measurements were closest to the mean IOP of the 3 instruments. In a multiple regression model adjusting for age, sex, race, and other ocular characteristics, a 10 microm increase in CCT was associated with an increase of 0.79 mm Hg measured IOP in untreated eyes (P<0.0001). Of the 3 tonometers, GAT was the least affected by CCT (0.66 mm Hg/10 mum, P<0.0001). Hysteresis was significantly correlated with CCT with a modest correlation coefficient (r=0.20, P<0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: Among parameters related to measured IOP, features in addition to CCT, such as hysteresis and corneal curvature, may also be important. Tonometric instruments seem to be affected differently by various physiologic characteristics.

Taxonomic databases for Bursaphelenchus and other aphelenchoid nematodes

Nematodes are the most abundant metazoans, comprising more than 80% of all animals alive today. Since 1743, when Needham (Needham, 1743) described the first nematode, approximately 20,000 - 30,000 species have been named, with estimates of species remaining to be described ranging from 100,000 to 1 million (Blaxter, 2004; De Ley, 2000). Unfortunately, the taxonomic community is woefully inadequate for this task. The number of taxonomists currently describing new species of nematodes around the world is less than 100, and significant increases are not expected. If each of these taxonomists were able to describe 10 new species every year, it would take between 100 to 1,000 years to name these yet to be described species.

Health vulnerabilities: the diagnosis of freshmen from a portuguese university

The start of university is presented as a crucial stage in the life of the student. If, on the one hand, it is a period of increased autonomy and freedom, on the other, it is a period that also increases the sense of responsibility and self discipline. In this study, based on a quantitative approach, we identified the main risk situations experienced by freshmen at the University of Evora, by applying a questionnaire developed for this purpose and the Beck inventory. Key findings are highlighted, such as the consumption of harmful substances (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), whose values exceed the average population. The consumption of alcoholic beverages begins early and is continuous and excessive. Also, the presence of symptoms compatible with dysphoria and depression is noted in about 9% of students. Self-medication practices were found in 58.7% of the freshmen. Our findings reveal the need for preventive intervention by health professionals, due to these young people’s great exposure to health risks.

Motor delays in MDMA (ecstasy) exposed infants persist to 2years

Background Recreational use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy, MDMA) is increasing worldwide. Its use by pregnant women causes concern due to potentially harmful effects on the developing fetus. MDMA, an indirect monoaminergic agonist and reuptake inhibitor, affects the serotonin and dopamine systems. Preclinical studies of fetal exposure demonstrate effects on learning, motor behavior, and memory. In the first human studies, we found prenatal MDMA exposure related to poorer motor development in the first year of life. In the present study we assessed the effects of prenatal exposure to MDMA on the trajectory of child development through 2 years of age. We hypothesized that exposure would be associated with poorer mental and motor outcomes. Materials and Methods The DAISY (Drugs and Infancy Study, 2003–2008) employed a prospective longitudinal cohort design to assess recreational drug use during pregnancy and child outcomes in the United Kingdom. Examiners masked to drug exposures followed infants from birth to 4, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. MDMA, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs were quantified through a standardized clinical interview. The Bayley Scales (III) of Mental (MDI) and Motor (PDI) Development and the Behavior Rating Scales (BRS) were primary outcome measures. Statistical analyses included a repeated measures mixed model approach controlling for multiple confounders. Results Participants were pregnant women volunteers, primarily white, of middle class socioeconomic status, average IQ, with some college education, in stable partner relationships. Of 96 women enrolled, children of 93 had at least one follow-up assessment and 81 (87%) had ≥ two assessments. Heavier MDMA exposure (M = 1.3 ± 1.4 tablets per week) predicted lower PDI (p < .002), and poorer BRS motor quality from 4 to 24 months of age, but did not affect MDI, orientation, or emotional regulation. Children with heavier exposure were twice as likely to demonstrate poorer motor quality as lighter and non-exposed children (O.R. = 2.2, 95%, CI = 1.02–4.70, p < .05). Discussion Infants whose mothers reported heavier MDMA use during pregnancy had motor delays from 4 months to two years of age that were not attributable to other drug or lifestyle factors. Women of child bearing age should be cautioned about the use of MDMA and MDMA-exposed infants should be screened for motor delays and possible intervention.

Some additions and other records new to the ornithology of South Carolina

This document contains notes on several species of birds observed by Arthur T. Wayne in South Carolina including the Sooty Shearwater, the Harlequin Duck, the Snow Goose, the Blue Goose, the Egret, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, the Hudsonian Curlew, the Turnstone, the Pigeon Hawk, the Crested Flycatcher, the Bronzed Grackle, the Carolina Grackle, the Ipswich Sparrow, Leconte’s Sparrow, the Mountain Solitary Vireo, Bachman’s Warbler, the Magnolia Warbler, the Black-throated Green Warbler, and the Connecticut Warbler.

Inappropriate medication use in long-term care facility residents with advanced Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Les personnes atteintes de démence sévère, résidant dans un centre d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée (CHSLD) et approchant la fin de leur vie, ne reçoivent pas systématiquement des soins palliatifs, malgré que ce niveau de soins soit le plus approprié. La plupart de ces personnes reçoivent également un grand nombre de médicaments dont les effets indésirables peuvent contribuer à des souffrances évitables. Une approche axée sur les soins palliatifs serait possiblement associée à une réduction de la charge médicamenteuse et, du même coup, à une prescription plus appropriée. Les objectifs de ce projet de recherche étaient de décrire l’usage des médicaments chez les résidents atteints de démence sévère en CHSLD, de comparer leur usage de médicaments à des critères de pertinence et d’évaluer si la mise en œuvre d’une approche axée sur les soins palliatifs était associée aux médicaments prescrits. Cette étude décrit l’usage des médicaments chez 215 sujets atteints de démence sévère et en fin de vie qui ont participé à une étude d’intervention quasi expérimentale menée dans quatre CHSLD du Québec sur la mise en œuvre d’une approche axée sur les soins palliatifs. L’utilisation des médicaments a été comparée à trois listes de critères pertinents publiés, soit ceux de Holmes, Rancourt et Kröger, en utilisant des statistiques descriptives. Les analyses sur l’usage de 412 médicaments différents chez 120 sujets du groupe expérimental et 95 sujets du groupe témoin ont montré que cette approche axée sur les soins palliatifs n’est pas associée à une prescription plus appropriée des médicaments chez ces personnes particulièrement vulnérables.

Environmental ethics: philosophy, ecology and other species

Pressure on the environment has increased in step with economic growth and the mass consumption that fueled rising gross domestic product throughout the twentieth century. Both growth and ecological crises have attained a global reach, challenging our established notions of cause and effect, and our framing of problems and solutions. Accordingly, global environmental politics has witnessed major changes and significant "rescaling" in its "locus, agency and scope" (Andonova and Mitchell2010: 257). Both dimensions of global environmental politics - politics and governance, and the ecological problems that are the subject matter of global environmental politics - are being reinterpreted due to increasing complexity, interconnectedness and interdependence. Accordingly, the range of actors and disciplines that infom1 global environmental politics and contribute to framing global environmental problems is widening, in an acknowledgment of inescapable pluralism.

Spent coffee grounds for biodiesel production and other applications

This work evaluates the possibility of using spent coffee grounds (SCG) for biodiesel production and other applications. An experimental study was conducted with different solvents showing that lipid content up to 6 wt% can be obtained from SCG. Results also show that besides biodiesel production, SCG can be used as fertilizer as it is rich in nitrogen, and as solid fuel with higher heating value (HHV) equivalent to some agriculture and wood residues. The extracted lipids were characterized for their properties of acid value, density at 15 °C, viscosity at 40 °C, iodine number, and HHV, which are negatively influenced by water content and solvents used in lipid extraction. Results suggest that for lipids with high free fatty acids (FFA), the best procedure for conversion to biodiesel would be a two-step process of acid esterification followed by alkaline transesterification, instead of a sole step of direct transesterification with acid catalyst. Biodiesel was characterized for its properties of iodine number, acid value, and ester content. Although these quality parameters were not within the limits of NP EN 14214:2009 standard, SCG lipids can be used for biodiesel, blended with higher-quality vegetable oils before transesterification, or the biodiesel produced from SCG can be blended with higher-quality biodiesel or even with fossil diesel, in order to meet the standard requirements.

Spinoffs and other entrants: Evidence from Portugal

This thesis studies the prevalence and survival of spinoff entrants in Portugal from 1987 to 2008. Information on worker flows is used to identify them at a population level, providing evidence on other operations such as mergers and acquisitions. We show that the number of spinoffs has been increasing at a higher rate than other entrants of comparable size. Studying the determinants of their exit suggests that the most important predictor is whether the spinoff was motivated by the failure of the parent firm. The effect of industry specific knowledge and previous experience of the founders from working together in the parent firm is seemingly negligible, with only weak evidence supporting the latter.

Fingermarks and Other Impressions Left by the Human Body - A Review (August 2007-July 2010)

The purpose of this paper is to review the scientific literature from August 2007 to July 2010. The review is focused on more than 420 published papers. The review will not cover information coming from international meetings available only in abstract form. Fingermarks constitute an important chapter with coverage of the identification process as well as detection techniques on various surfaces. We note that the research has been very dense both at exploring and understanding current detection methods as well as bringing groundbreaking techniques to increase the number of marks detected from various objects. The recent report from the US National Research Council (NRC) is a milestone that has promoted a critical discussion on the state of forensic science and its associated research. We can expect a surge of interest in research in relation to cognitive aspect of mark and print comparison, establishment of relevant forensic error rates and statistical modelling of the selectivity of marks' attributes. Other biometric means of forensic identification such as footmarks or earmarks are also covered in the report. Compared to previous years, we noted a decrease in the number of submission in these areas. No doubt that the NRC report has set the seed for further investigation of these fields as well.