Protected area use by two sympatric marine predators repopulating their historical range

As large carnivores recover from over-exploitation, managers often lack evidence-based information on species habitat requirements and the efficacy of management practices, particularly where species repopulate areas from which they have long been extirpated. We investigated the movement and habitat use by 2 semi-aquatic carnivores (Australian fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus and New Zealand fur seals A. forsteri) at the northern end of their distributions in Australia, where after a long absence both are recolonising their historic range. We also assessed male fur seal habitat use overlap with terrestrial and marine protected areas (PAs). While at the margin of the range during winter and early spring, the males remained inshore close to terrestrial sites and where interactions with humans often occur. From early spring, the males from the range margin showed uniform movement toward colonies in the core of the species’ range prior to their breeding seasons. This contrasts with males tracked from the core of the species’ range that returned periodically to colonies during the year, and highlights the importance of range-wide monitoring of a species to inform conservation planning. Habitat use by some males included over 90% of a marine PA at the margin of the species’ range. Most terrestrial haul-outs used were within terrestrial PAs, while sites not protected were on the margin of the range. Despite wide-ranging habits, their dependence on coastal sites, where human access and activities can be regulated and more readily enforced, suggests that terrestrial and marine PAs will continue to play an important role in managing the recovery of these fur seals.

157 A Rare Case of Cutaneous-Urachovesicoenteric Fistula in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease

Background

Entero-Uracho Vesicle fistulae are a rare sequelae of aggressive Crohn’s disease with only a small number of case reports being available in the literature. Such cases are most often managed via “SSNAP” principles with many Crohn’s fistulas requiring complex surgical intervention to definitively deal with the offending fistulous tracts. We present a case with an even rarer consequence of uncontrolled Crohn’s disease despite immunomodulatory therapy in a 34-year-old male who presented with a Entero-Uracho Vesicle fistula. We discuss the presenting symptoms and management protocol involved in this case.

Case:

A 34-year-old male with known Crohn’s disease presented with an entero-uracho vesicle fistula, which further developed into a cutenaous-urachovesicoenteric fistula while awaiting surgery during his index admission. The fistula tract was confirmed via Computed Tomography with evidence of significant inflammation. Bowel rest, antibiotics, and nutritional support with Total Parenteral Nutrition preceded total excision of the fistulous tract with ileo-caecal resection of the diseased bowel with primary anastomosis, and resection of the urachus and closure of the cutaneous fistula site with desirable outcome. Patient completed a full-recovery with return of normal bowel function and nutritional status, with no delayed complications at 6-month follow-up.

Breast cancer detection: Comparison of digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis across non-dense and dense breasts

INTRODUCTION

Breast density is associated with an increase in breast cancer risk and limits early detection of the disease. This study assesses the diagnostic performance of mammogram readers in digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

METHODS

Eleven breast readers with 1-39 years of experience reading mammograms and 0-4 years of experience reading DBT participated in the study. All readers independently interpreted 60 DM cases (40 normal/20 abnormal) and 35 DBT cases (20 normal/15 abnormal). Sensitivity, specificity, ROC AUC, and diagnostic confidence were calculated and compared between DM and DBT.

RESULTS

DBT significantly improved diagnostic confidence in both dense breasts (p = 0.03) and non-dense breasts (p = 0.003) but not in other diagnostic performance metrics. Specificity was higher in DM for readers with >7 years' experience (p = 0.03) in reading mammography, non-radiologists (p = 0.04), readers who had completed a 3-6 months training fellowship in breast imaging (p = 0.04), and those with ≤2 years' experience in reading DBT (p = 0.02), particularly in non-dense breasts.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic confidence was higher in DBT when compared to DM. In contrast, other performance metrics appeared to be similar or better with DM and may be influenced by the lack of experience of the reader cohort in reading DBT.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The benefits of DBT may not be entirely accrued until radiologists attain expertise in DBT interpretation. Specificity of DBT varied according to reader characteristics, and these characteristics may be useful for optimising pairing strategies in independent double reading of DBT as practiced in Australia to reduce false positive diagnostic errors.

A descriptive study quantifying warm-up patterns in elite and non-elite dressage horses in a field environment

There is very little reported information on the content of the warm-up period in dressage horses. Our objective was to quantify warm-up content, patterns and duration in a simulated competition (field) environment in British dressage horses. Twelve elite (Group A) and 20 non-elite (Group B) mixed-breed dressage horses, all ridden by advanced level riders, were assessed. Riders warmed-up as they would normally for a competition prior to completing a test. The warm-up was videoed and assessed retrospectively. Total duration, time spent in the different paces, and on which rein, was recorded, along with information on which movements were performed, and the head and neck position. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare variables between groups. Mean warm-up duration, time in walk and trot did not differ between groups, however Group A horses spent significantly more time in canter than Group B horses (P=0.0024). Group A horses also spent significantly more time in collected and extended paces, and performing advanced movements than Group B horses (P≤0.0421 for all variables). There was no difference in time spent on the left and right rein in either group. Results provide novel information on the warm-up content in a competition (field) environment for dressage horses. The findings indicate that that the content of the warm-up of elite and non-elite dressage horses was significantly different, with elite horses warming up for longer, spending more time in canter, performing more changes within paces and advanced movements. Dressage horses appear to warm-up more symmetrically than has been reported in jumping horses.

Endoscopic endonasal repair of a cerebrospinal fluid leak secondary to a meningoencephalocele using a posterior – based middle turbinate flap

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are rare but remain an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with persistent, unilateral rhinorrhoea. This case describes a middle-aged female with persistent left sided rhinorrhea. She was minimally responsive to treatment for chronic sinusitis. On re-evaluation, a cerebrospinal fluid leak secondary to a meningoencephalocele was identified. This was subsequently repaired with a pedicled, vascularized graft using an endoscopic endonasal approach. The discussion which follows reviews the management of CSF rhinorrhoea with an emphasis on the available surgical options as well as the materials used for repair.

Ring-Current Maps for Benzenoids: Comparisons, Contradictions, and a Versatile Combinatorial Model

As a key diagnostic property of benzenoids and other polycyclic hydrocarbons, induced ring current has inspired diverse approaches for calculation, modeling, and interpretation. Grid-based methods include the ipsocentric ab initio calculation of current maps, and its surrogate, the pseudo-π model. Graph-based models include a family of conjugated-circuit (CC) models and the molecular-orbital Hückel-London (HL) model. To assess competing claims for physical relevance of derived current maps for benzenoids, a protocol for graph-reduction and comparison was devised. Graph reduction of pseudo-π grid maps highlights their overall similarity to HL maps, but also reveals systematic differences. These are ascribed to unavoidable pseudo-π proximity limitations for benzenoids with short nonbonded distances, and to poor continuity of pseudo-π current for classes of benzenoids with fixed bonds, where single-reference methods can be unreliable. Comparison between graph-based approaches shows that the published CC models all shadow HL maps reasonably well for most benzenoids (as judged by L1-, L2-, and L∞-error norms on scaled bond currents), though all exhibit physically implausible currents for systems with fixed bonds. These comparisons inspire a new combinatorial model (Model W) based on cycle decomposition of current, taking into account the two terms of lowest order that occur in the characteristic polynomial. This improves on all pure-CC models within their range of applicability, giving excellent adherence to HL maps for all Kekulean benzenoids, including those with fixed bonds (halving the rms discrepancy against scaled HL bond currents, from 11% in the best CC model, to 5% for the set of 18 360 Kekulean benzenoids on up to 10 hexagonal rings). Model W also has excellent performance for open-shell systems, where currents cannot be described at all by pure CC models (4% rms discrepancy against scaled HL bond currents for the 20112 non-Kekulean benzenoids on up to 10 hexagonal rings). Consideration of largest and next-to-largest matchings is a useful strategy for modeling and interpretation of currents in Kekulean and non-Kekulean benzenoids (nanographenes).

Extended Search for the Invisible Axion with the Axion Dark Matter Experiment

This Letter reports on a cavity haloscope search for dark matter axions in the Galactic halo in the mass range 2.81-3.31  μeV. This search utilizes the combination of a low-noise Josephson parametric amplifier and a large-cavity haloscope to achieve unprecedented sensitivity across this mass range. This search excludes the full range of axion-photon coupling values predicted in benchmark models of the invisible axion that solve the strong CP problem of quantum chromodynamics.

Substrate Supporting Disc Method for Confirmed Detection of Total Coliforms and E. coli in all Foods: Collaborative Study

The Coli Complete® substrate supporting disc (SSD) method for simultaneous confirmed total coliform count and Escherichia coli determination in all foods was compared with AOAC most probable number (MPN) methods, 966.23 and 966.24. Twenty-nine laboratories participated in this collaborative study in which 6 food types were analyzed. Four food types, raw ground beef, pork sausage, raw liquid milk, and nut meats, were naturally contaminated with coliform bacteria. Two foods, dry egg and fresh frozen vegetables, were seeded with coliforms. Three food types, ground beef, raw liquid milk, and pork sausage, were naturally contaminated with E. coli. Although pork sausage was naturally contaminated, the level was very low (<10/50 g); therefore, additional E. coli were inoculated into 1 lot of this food type. Three food types, nut meats, dry egg, and fresh frozen vegetables, were inoculated with E. coli. For naturally contaminated samples, duplicate determinations were made on 3 separate lots for each food type. For inoculated samples, low, medium, and high contamination levels plus uninoculated control samples were examined in duplicate. Data were analyzed separately for total coliform bacteria and for E. coli. Mean log MPN counts were determined by the SSD method and the appropriate AOAC MPN method. Results were then analyzed for repeatability, reproducibility, and mean log MPN statistical equivalence. Results were statistically equivalent for all total coliform levels in all food types except frozen vegetable and raw nut meat uninoculated control samples and 1 lot of pork sausage where the SSD method produced statistically significant greater numbers. For the E. coli determinations, results were statistically equivalent across all samples and all levels for each food type. The SSD method has been adopted first action by AOAC International for confirmed detection of total coliforms and E. coli in all foods.

Intermittent mindfulness practice can be beneficial, and daily practice can be harmful. An in depth, mixed methods study of the "Calm" app's (mostly positive) effects

OBJECTIVES

Despite a weak evidence base, daily use of mindfulness-based self-help smartphone applications (apps) is said to promote wellbeing. However, many do not use these apps in the way that app developers and mindfulness proponents recommend. We sought to determine whether the "Calm" app works, and whether it does so even when it is used intermittently.

METHODS

Employing a mixed-methods design, we recruited a self-selected sample of 269 students from a Scottish university (81% female, 84% white, mean age 23.89) to engage with a seven-day introductory mindfulness course, delivered using Calm, currently one of the most popular, yet under-researched, apps.

RESULTS

Daily course engagement was associated with significant gains in wellbeing (p ≤.001, d = 0.42), trait mindfulness (p ≤.001, d = 0.50) and self-efficacy (p ≤.014, d = 0.21). Intermittent course engagement was also associated with significant gains in wellbeing (p ≤.028, d = 0.34), trait mindfulness (p ≤.010, d = 0.47) and self-efficacy (p ≤.028, d = 0.32). This study is therefore the first to demonstrate that the Calm app is associated with positive mental health outcomes. It also shows that regular use is not essential. A thematic analysis of qualitative data supported these quantitative findings. However it also revealed that some participants had negative experiences with the app.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Mindfulness-based self-help apps such as Calm have the potential to both enhance and diminish users' wellbeing. Intermittent mindfulness practice can lead to tangible benefits. Therefore, mindfulness proponents should not recommend daily practice, should increase awareness of the potential for negative outcomes, and resist the idea that mindfulness practice works for everyone. Developers of mindfulness apps ought to make specific features customisable in order to enhance their effectiveness.

Can research align with service? Lessons learned from the Big Experiment and National Biomechanics Day

Public engagement is an important role for the university academic, but is often neglected due to perceived lack of time and prioritized commitments in research and teaching. Yet, public engagement events offer an untapped opportunity for researchers to collect data from members of the general public who arrive on site at university labs. These engagement events could allow for data collection as part of didactic and demonstrative outreach events to be used in research and science. In this proof of concept study, a collaborative group of international researchers investigated the feasibility of embedding research quality assessment into events surrounding National Biomechanics Day. The Big Experiment collected data on 501 secondary school students (age range: 13 to 18 years) across 9 university sites within a 24-hour period. Data included maximal vertical jump height and self-reported physical activity levels. Vertical jump height was positively correlated to participant height, but not age or body mass. Very physically active students had significantly higher vertical jump heights than individuals who reported being somewhat or not physically active. This feasibility project demonstrates that with substantial preparation and a simple research design, focused research questions can be incorporated into educational outreach initiatives and ultimately provide a rich data source.

Superselective endovascular tissue access using trans-vessel wall technique: feasibility study for treatment applications in heart, pancreas and kidney in swine

OBJECTIVES

With the emergence of targeted cell transplantation and gene therapy, there is a need for minimally invasive tissue access to facilitate delivery of therapeutic substrate. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of an endovascular device which is able to directly access tissue and deliver therapeutic agent to the heart, kidney and pancreas without need to seal the penetration site.

METHODS

In vivo experiments were performed in 30 swine, including subgroups with follow-up to evaluate complications. The previously described trans-vessel wall (VW) device was modified to be sharper and not require tip detachment to seal the VW. Injections into targets in the heart (n = 13, 24-h follow-up n = 5, 72-h follow-up n = 3), kidney (n = 8, 14-day follow-up n = 3) and pancreas (n = 5) were performed. Some animals were used for multiple organ injections. Follow-up consisted of clinical monitoring, angiography and necropsy. Transvenous (in heart) and transarterial approaches (in heart, kidney and pancreas) were used. Injections were targeted towards the subepicardium, endomyocardium, pancreas head and tail, and kidney subcapsular space and cortex.

RESULTS

Injections were successful in target organs, visualized by intraparenchymal contrast on fluoroscopy and by necropsy. No serious complications (defined as heart failure or persistent arrhythmia, haemorrhage requiring treatment or acute kidney injury) were encountered over a total of 157 injections.

CONCLUSIONS

The trans-VW device can achieve superselective injections to the heart, pancreas and kidney for delivery of therapeutic substances without tip detachment. All parts of these organs including the subepicardium, pancreas tail and renal subcapsular space can be efficiently reached.

Piezoelectrically Tuned Multimode Cavity Search for Axion Dark Matter

The μeV axion is a well-motivated extension to the standard model. The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX) collaboration seeks to discover this particle by looking for the resonant conversion of dark-matter axions to microwave photons in a strong magnetic field. In this Letter, we report results from a pathfinder experiment, the ADMX "Sidecar," which is designed to pave the way for future, higher mass, searches. This testbed experiment lives inside of and operates in tandem with the main ADMX experiment. The Sidecar experiment excludes masses in three widely spaced frequency ranges (4202-4249, 5086-5799, and 7173-7203 MHz). In addition, Sidecar demonstrates the successful use of a piezoelectric actuator for cavity tuning. Finally, this publication is the first to report data measured using both the TM_{010} and TM_{020} modes.

Extranodal lymphoma of the tongue, a very rare entity-report of two cases with literature review

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The extranodal lymphoma of the base of the tongue is extremely rare.

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Among the lymphoma of the tongue; B cell lymphoma is more common than T cell lymphoma.

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It should be included in the differentials in patients with tumors arising from this site.

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Early detection and treatment can often result in a complete cure and a better long-term survival.

Background

Lymphomas are malignant neoplasms of the lymphocyte cell lines affecting the lymph nodes, spleen and other nonhemopoietic tissues. Of the extranodal lymphomas found in the head and neck region, 3–5% of malignant lymphomas arise in the oral and paraoral region, mainly from Waldeyer's ring. The involvement of the base of the tongue is extremely rare.

Summarised Case

Case 1: 64 year old female who presented initially with an enlarged occipital lymph node which gradually became generalized cervical lymphadenopathy with initial histology confirmed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Biopsy of left postero-lateral tongue lesion eventually showed high grade T cell lymphoma.

Case 2: 85 year old male presented with history of dysphagia for one year who was found to have a lesion extending from his base of tongue into the nasopharynx. Histology showed a diffuse B cell lymphoma.

Discussion

Both patients were noted to have lesion of the tongue, but tongue lesions are noted in the literature to be extremely rare. When tongue lymphomas do occur, most are of B-cell origin; the diffuse large-cell variety is the most common. Extranodal lymphomas of the T cell phenotype tend more to be sinonasal in origin than of the tongue, with T cell lymphomas of the tongue being even rarer than B cell lymphomas.

Conclusion

With regards to tumours arising in the tongue, squamous cell carcinomas are still classified as the most common. Lymphomas however, should still be kept in consideration as a differential diagnosis with regards to lesions arising from this site.