Arable fields as potential reservoirs of biodiversity: Earthworm populations increase in new leys

Managing soil to support biodiversity is important to sustain the ecosystem services provided by soils upon which society depends. There is increasing evidence that functional diversity of soil biota is important for ecosystem services, and has been degraded by intensive agriculture. Importantly, the spatial distribution of reservoirs of soil biota in and surrounding arable fields is poorly understood. In a field experiment, grass-clover ley strips were introduced into four arable fields which had been under continuous intensive/conventional arable rotation for more than 10 years. Earthworm communities in arable fields and newly established grass-clover leys, as well as field boundary land uses (hedgerows and grassy field margins), were monitored over 2 years after arable-to-ley conversions. Within 2 years, earthworm abundance in new leys was 732 ± 244 earthworms m^-2, similar to that in field margin soils (619 ± 355 earthworms m^-2 yr^-1) and four times higher than in adjacent arable soil (185 ± 132 earthworms m^-2). Relative to the arable soils, earthworm abundance under the new leys showed changes in community composition, structure and functional group, which were particularly associated with an increase in anecic earthworms; thus new leys became more similar to grassy field margins. Earthworm abundance was similar in new leys that were either connected to biodiversity reservoirs i.e. field margins and hedgerows, or not (installed earthworm barriers). This suggests that, for earthworm communities in typical arable fields, biodiversity reservoirs in adjacent field margins and hedgerows may not be critical for earthworm populations to increase. We conclude that the increase in earthworm abundance in the new leys observed over 2 years was driven by recruitment from the existing residual population in arable soils. Therefore, arable soils are also potential reservoirs of biodiversity.

Impact of fertiliser, water table, and warming on celery yield and CO2 and CH4 emissions from fenland agricultural peat

Peatlands are globally important areas for carbon preservation; although covering only 3% of global land area, they store 30% of total soil carbon. Lowland peat soils can also be very productive for agriculture, but their cultivation requires drainage as most crops are intolerant of root-zone anoxia. This leads to the creation of oxic conditions in which organic matter becomes vulnerable to mineralisation. Given the demand for high quality agricultural land, 40% of the UK's peatlands have been drained for agricultural use. In this study we present the outcomes of a controlled environment experiment conducted on agricultural fen peat to examine possible trade-offs between celery growth (an economically important crop on the agricultural peatlands of eastern England) and emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄)) at different temperatures (ambient and ambient +5 °C), water table levels (-30 cm, and -50 cm below the surface), and fertiliser use. Raising the water table from -50 cm to -30 cm depressed yields of celery, and at the same time decreased the entire ecosystem CO₂ loss by 31%. A 5 °C temperature increase enhanced ecosystem emissions of CO₂ by 25% and increased celery dry shoot weight by 23% while not affecting the shoot fresh weight. Fertiliser addition increased both celery yields and soil respiration by 22%. Methane emissions were generally very low and not significantly different from zero. Our results suggest that increasing the water table can lower emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce the rate of peat wastage, but reduces the productivity of celery. If possible, the water table should be raised to -30 cm before and after cultivation, and only decreased during the growing season, as this would reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions and peat loss, potentially not affecting the production of vegetable crops.

Fish product mislabelling: failings of traceability in the production chain and implications for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

Increasing consumer demand for seafood, combined with concern over the health of our oceans, has led to many initiatives aimed at tackling destructive fishing practices and promoting the sustainability of fisheries. An important global threat to sustainable fisheries is Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and there is now an increased emphasis on the use of trade measures to prevent IUU-sourced fish and fish products from entering the international market. Initiatives encompass new legislation in the European Union requiring the inclusion of species names on catch labels throughout the distribution chain. Such certification measures do not, however, guarantee accuracy of species designation. Using two DNA-based methods to compare species descriptions with molecular ID, we examined 386 samples of white fish, or products labelled as primarily containing white fish, from major UK supermarket chains. Species specific real-time PCR probes were used for cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) to provide a highly sensitive and species-specific test for the major species of white fish sold in the UK. Additionally, fish-specific primers were used to sequence the forensically validated barcoding gene, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Overall levels of congruence between product label and genetic species identification were high, with 94.34% of samples correctly labelled, though a significant proportion in terms of potential volume, were mislabelled. Substitution was usually for a cheaper alternative and, in one case, extended to a tropical species. To our knowledge, this is the first published study encompassing a large-scale assessment of UK retailers, and if representative, indicates a potentially significant incidence of incorrect product designation.

Demographic, institutional and obstetrical risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage mortality

This study, initially presented at the SMFM Annual Conference in San Diego on 29 January 2009, sought to explore the risk factors for mortality from postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). A total of 138,316 cases of PPH from 1991 to 2000 were identified using the California Health Discharge Database. Data analysed included demographic information and clinical risk factors. PPH increased from 1.9% to 2.8%, while mortality rate decreased during the study period (1991-2000). Logistic regression showed that hysterectomy, hypertensive disorders, abruption, transverse caesarean delivery, and classical caesarean delivery, increased risk for PPH mortality, while manual placental extraction, episiotomy, and laceration repairs decreased risk. Two geographical regions, Inland Empire and Orange County, were associated with increased PPH mortality, despite having lower incidence of PPH. Teaching status and investor ownership of hospitals increased the risk of PPH mortality. There was no associated change in mortality based on hospital quality rating.

Networks of power and influence: the role of mycorrhizal mycelium in controlling plant communities and agroecosystem functioning

Extraradical mycelia of mycorrhizal fungi are normally the “hidden half” of the symbiosis, but they are powerful underground influences upon biogeochemical cycling, the composition of plant communities, and agroecosystem functioning. Mycorrhizal mycelial networks are the most dynamic and functionally diverse components of the symbiosis, and recent estimates suggest they are empowered by receiving as much as 10% or more of the net photosynthate of their host plants. They often constitute 20%–30% of total soil microbial biomass yet are undetected by standard measures of biomass used by soil scientists and agromomists. Mycorrhizal mycelia provide extensive pathways for carbon and nutrient fluxes through soil, often exceeding tens of metres per gram of soil. We consider the amounts of photosynthate “power” allocated to these mycelial networks and how this is used in fungal respiration, biomass, and growth and in influencing soil, plant, and ecosystem processes. The costs and functional “benefits” to plants linking to these networks are fungal specific and, because of variations in physiology and host specificity, are not shared equally; some plants even depend exclusively on these networks for carbon. We briefly assess the potential contribution of extraradical mycorrhizal mycelium to sustainable agriculture and maintenance of biodiversity and highlight technologies that promise new vistas and improved fine-scale resolution of the dynamic spatial and temporal functioning of these networks in soil.Key words: arbuscular mycorrhiza, ectomycorrhiza, extraradical mycelium, hyphal networks.

Lectin Receptors for Endometrial H-type 1 Antigen on Goat Conceptuses

PROBLEM

The goal of this study was to determine if caprine conceptuses express lectin-like receptors for endometrial H-type 1 (HT1) antigen.

METHOD OF STUDY

Conceptus tissues were collected during the apposition, adhesion and attachment phases of placentation and evaluated using immunofluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Conceptus staining for the trisaccharide lacto-N-fucopentaose-1 was strong and uniform during apposition of fetal and maternal tissues but changed by day 25 of pregnancy when large aggregates of intense staining were observed. Monoclonal antibodies to galectin-3 did not stain conceptus tissue during the apposition phase but intense punctate staining was observed after day 25. Strong uniform staining for Lewis Y antigen was detected only on day 17 of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Conceptus tissue expresses potential receptors for endometrial HT1 antigen. Carbohydrate-lectin interactions may facilitate attachment of the apical surfaces of uterine epithelial cells and trophectoderm during the early stages of placentation.

Evaluation of febrile children with petechial rashes: is there consensus among pediatricians?

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of febrile children with petechial rashes evokes controversy. Although many of these children have viral infections, on occasion such patients may be infected with Neisseria meningitidis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences in practice trends for the evaluation and management of non-toxic-appearing febrile children with petechial rashes among pediatric specialty groups.

METHODS

We surveyed 833 pediatricians in 4 specialties [community (CGP) and academic (AGP) general pediatrics, emergency medicine (EM) and infectious diseases] regarding 4 hypothetical non-toxic-appearing febrile children ages 1, 2, 5 and 7 years. The patients differed with regard to clinical appearance, distribution of petechiae and complete blood count results. We compared specialty group responses, adjusting for practice setting, population size and years in practice using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The survey was completed and returned by 416 (50%) pediatricians. There was substantial variation in the evaluation of the 2 younger febrile children without clear sources for their petechiae. For the 1-year-old the overall blood culture (BCx) rate was 82%, with the EM group (91%) more often requesting BCx than either the CGP (76%) or AGP (73%, P=0.001) groups. The overall hospital admission rate was 31%, with CGP less often requesting admission than infectious disease pediatricians (22% vs. 40%, P=0.007). In the regression analysis the only significant difference between groups was in BCx rate between the EM and AGP groups. For the 2-year-old the overall rate of BCx was 95%, lumbar puncture was 41% and admission was 44%, with no significant differences among groups. For the scenarios involving the 2 older febrile children with sources for their petechiae, the majority of respondents chose neither lumbar puncture nor admission. There was disagreement regarding BCx, both within and between groups, although most of the between group differences did not persist in the regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There are substantial differences among pediatricians in the evaluation of young non-toxic-appearing febrile children with petechial rashes. Although there are some differences between pediatric subspecialties, most of these differences do not persist after adjusting for practice setting, population size and physician experience.

Haemophilus influenzae invasive disease in the United States, 1994-1995: near disappearance of a vaccine-preventable childhood disease

We analyzed national Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) surveillance data from 1994 and 1995 to describe the epidemiology of Hi invasive disease among persons of all ages. Serotype data were available for 376 (56%) of 669 reported Hi cases among children aged 4 years or younger; 184 (49%) were H. influenzae type b (Hib). Among children aged 4 or younger, incidence (per 100,000) of all Hi invasive disease was 1.8 in 1994 and 1.6 (p < 0.05) in 1995. Children aged 5 months or younger had the highest average annual incidence rate of Hib invasive disease (2.2 per 100,000); children aged 6 to 11 months had the next highest rate (1.2 per 100,000)(p < 0.05). Of 181 children with Hib invasive disease whose age in months was known, 85 (47%) were too young (aged 5 months or younger) to have completed a primary series with an Hib-containing vaccine. Of the 83 children with known vaccination status who were eligible to receive a primary series (aged 6 months or older), 52 (63%) were undervaccinated, and the remaining 31 (37%) had completed a primary series in which vaccine failed. Among persons aged 5 years or older with Hi invasive disease, the lowest average annual incidence was among those 20 to 39 years of age (0.15 per 100,000), and the highest was among those aged 80 years or older (2.26 per 100,000). Among persons aged 5 years or older, serotype data were available for 1,372 (71%) of the 1,940 Hi invasive disease cases; 159 (28%) of the 568 Hi cases with known serotype were due to Hib.

What is the true incidence of primary fallopian tube carcinoma?

Fallopian tube carcinoma can be histologically indistinguishable from and has a similar clinical behavior to epithelial ovarian carcinoma. However, it is considerably less common; only approximately 1000 cases have been recorded in the literature. In the prevalence screen of 22000 women participating in The Royal London Hospital, London, UK, ovarian cancer screening project, three cases of early stage primary fallopian tube carcinoma were diagnosed following the finding of an elevated serum level of the CA 125 antigen. The ratio of epithelial ovarian : tubal cancer developing in these postmenopausal volunteers was 6:1. This is 25-fold greater than the expected ratio. It is difficult to attribute this finding to population selection bias. However, it is possible that the screening test was particularly effective in detecting tubal carcinoma or that, in clinical practice, the true primary site of origin of some tumors classified as widely disseminated ovarian cancer is in the fallopian tube.

Immunocytochemical and serological expression of CA 125: a clinicopathological study of 40 malignant ovarian epithelial tumours

Elevated serum levels of the tumour-associated antigen CA 125 occur in more than 80% of cases of ovarian carcinoma. The antigen can be demonstrated in formalin-fixed tissue using the monoclonal antibody OC 125, which localizes it to the surface membrane or cytoplasm. This study was performed to determine the relationship between pre-operative serum levels of CA 125 and the subsequent immunocytochemical findings in the surgical specimen. Paraffin-wax embedded sections from 40 consecutive borderline and frankly malignant ovarian epithelial tumours were stained with OC 125. The pattern and distribution of immunostaining were investigated in relation to histological appearances. Serous tumours showed a 100% correlation between immunocytochemical findings and elevated serum levels of CA 125. Amongst the other histological types, correlation was less good; mucinous tumours and undifferentiated carcinomas showed a poor correlation. Immunostaining within tumours was heterogeneous and only loosely related to morphological appearances. Our finding suggests that, with the exception of serous tumours, immunolocalization of CA 125 is insufficiently sensitive to provide reliable clinical guidance to the likely value of serum CA 125 monitoring on follow-up.

Papillary cystic cancer of the pancreas: diagnostic difficulties

Pancreatic tumors rarely present in childhood. Diagnostic difficulty and inappropriate treatment may result especially when the lesions have a cystic component. Two cases of papillary cystic carcinoma of the pancreas in teenage girls are presented. Optimal treatment of such lesions in the head of pancreas consists of partial pancreaticoduodenectomy preserving the pylorus when possible.

Brown bowel syndrome: a late complication of intestinal atresia

Two children, aged 11 years, who originally had jejunal atresia corrected in the neonatal period, developed massive dilatation of the proximal small intestine. This resulted in circular muscular hypertrophy with lipofuscin deposits giving the typical appearance of "brown bowel." The condition was associated with malnutrition and vitamin E deficiency. Because of relatively short bowel, the condition was treated by limited resection and extensive tapering of the dilated segment, end-to-end reanastomosis, vitamin E supplementation, and intensive nutritional support.

Congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants: a rare but important association with esophageal atresia

Congenital esophageal stenosis caused by tracheobronchial remnants occurred in eight children, six of whom had associated esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula. Symptoms usually began in early infancy but delayed diagnosis was a common feature. The mean lag period between presentation and definitive operation was 4.6 years (range, 1 month to 16 years). Errors in diagnosis were common. Six were initially diagnosed as having inflammatory strictures secondary to reflux esophagitis. Seven children were subjected to repeated esophagoscopy and bouginage of the "stricture" (mean no. = 3.4), with invariable failure to ameliorate dysphagia. Antireflux procedures were performed in three patients. In all children, symptoms were dramatically relieved following resection of the stenotic segment or esophageal replacement. Although a rare entity, congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants should be considered a possibility in patients with esophageal stricture, presumed to be inflammatory in nature, which fails to respond to standard therapy.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis in children

Data on patients with crescentic glomerulonephritis (greater than 50% glomeruli with crescents), referred to the Hospital for Sick Children during the past 13 years, were reviewed. Thirty patients (13 male, 17 female) aged 3.7-15.7 years (mean 9.5) were evaluated. Initial clinical features included: oedema (24/30), hypertension (19/30), gross haematuria (15/30), oliguria (15/30) and a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR less than 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2) (22/30). Henoch-Schönlein purpura was present in 9 patients, microscopic polyarteritis in 3, polyarteritis nodosa in 1, Wegener's granulomatosis in 1, systemic lupus erythematosus in 1, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in 2, mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis in 7, anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis in 2, and 4 were idiopathic. In 10 patients 50%-79% of glomeruli were affected by crescentic changes (group 1) and in the remaining 20, 80% or more (group 2). The crescents were cellular, fibrocellular or fibrous, and the degree of sclerosis was assessed. Patients in both groups were treated with plasma exchange, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, cyclophosphamide and azathioprine in different combinations. On follow-up, 3 patients were dead, 1 was lost to follow-up, 12 were on dialysis/transplant programmes, 4 had a GFR of less than 30 and 10 a GFR of more than 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. In our experience, 50% progressed to end-stage renal failure. The interval between disease onset and start of treatment was a prognostic factor for outcome. Fibrous crescents were associated with a worse outcome than fibrocellular crescents (P less than 0.05). Outcome was not, however, related to the percentage of glomeruli affected (P greater than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinicopathologic review of twelve children with nephropathy, Wilms tumor, and genital abnormalities (Drash syndrome)

The clinicopathologic and radiologic features of 12 children with complete and incomplete forms of Drash syndrome are reported. Their common denominator was a nephropathy. Four had the full triad, consisting of nephropathy, Wilms tumor, and genital abnormalities; five had nephropathy and genital abnormalities, and three had nephropathy and Wilms tumor. Of the 11 children who had proteinuria, eight had the nephrotic syndrome. Of the 10 whose condition progressed to end-stage renal failure, seven were less than 3 years of age. The histologic features of Wilms tumor were favorable in all seven children, and the tumor was bilateral in three. Of the nine patients who had genital abnormalities, eight had 46,XY karyotype and either ambiguous genitalia (six patients) or normal female phenotype (two). One other patient had a normal 46,XX female karyotype and phenotype but had both müllerian and wolffian structures and a streak ovary. Nine patients had a distinct pelvicaliceal abnormality not previously reported as a feature of this syndrome. Other congenital abnormalities were aniridia, mental retardation, deafness, nystagmus, and cleft palate. This syndrome must be considered in any infant with unexplained nephropathy, particularly in young phenotypic female infants and in those children with ambiguous genitalia or Wilms tumor with an early presentation.

Cervical ectopic pregnancy: review of the literature and report of a case treated by single-dose methotrexate therapy

Methotrexate with folinic acid rescue was used to terminate a clinically diagnosed cervical pregnancy while preserving reproductive capability in a young female patient. The chemotherapy was well tolerated except for transient elevation of liver enzymes. Beta HCG titers fell rapidly and became negative by 13 days. This is the first report showing successful treatment of a cervical pregnancy with single-dose chemotherapy. The literature is reviewed and discussed.

Dental insurance and its effects among the elderly in Ontario

This paper examines the association between dental insurance, dental utilization and oral health outcomes among elderly people living independently in two communities in Ontario. Dental insurance had no independent effect on use of dental services, dissatisfaction with oral health status or clinically defined treatment needs. However, dentate attenders were less likely to be dissatisfied with their oral health and less likely to need dental treatment than those defined as non-attenders. One unexpected finding was that the dentate elderly had higher levels of utilization than is often reported in the literature but still had high levels of treatment need.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in childhood. A clinicopathological study of six cases

A review of the pathological material from 42 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma seen over a 44 month period revealed 10 large cell tumours. Of these, six were classified as peripheral T-cell lymphoma, an entity rarely reported in childhood. Three patients were boys and three girls (median age 9.5 years), and extranodal presentation was a feature of two patients. Five had high-grade tumours; of these, three were classified as large cell anaplastic, Ki-1 positive and two as pleomorphic large cell. The remaining patient had a low-grade tumour of angioimmunoblastic type. T-cell subsets were examined in three cases and showed the following phenotypes: CD4-, CD8-; CD4+, CD8-; CD4-, CD8+. Three of the patients with high-grade tumours died, with a mean survival of 22 weeks. The remaining patients are alive and clinically disease-free for between 10 and 24 months after treatment.

The effect of valproic acid on the 5-hydroxyindoleacetic, homovanillic and lactic acid levels of cerebrospinal fluid

In this study the cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contents of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were sequentially measured in free-moving rats which were administered 50-500 mg X kg-1 valproic acid. Animals receiving 100-500 mg X kg-1 valproic acid showed significant increases in CSF 5-HIAA and HVA content, with maximal accumulation rates of 1.80-2.10 and 0.25-0.30 nmol X ml-1 X h-1, respectively, being reached at the 250-mg X kg-1 dose. The combination of valproic acid 500 mg X kg-1 and probenecid 300 mg X kg-1 failed to increase the accumulation rates of 5-HIAA and HVA over those seen with valproic acid 500 mg X kg-1 or probenecid 300 mg X kg-1 alone. This pattern of change indicates that valproic acid and probenecid share a common site of action in blocking the clearance of 5-HIAA and HVA from CSF. The tranquillizer diazepam produced progressive increases in CSF 5-HIAA and HVA content which suggested a similar action to that of valproic acid and probenecid. The anticonvulsants phenytoin and phenobarbital produced selective increases in 5-HIAA, whereas the tranquillizer chlorpromazine produced proportionally larger increases in HVA, changes which seem to indicate a more selective effect of these drugs on the serotonergic or dopaminergic systems, respectively. Valproic acid was associated with increases in CSF lactate which occurred in the absence of similar increases of blood or tissue lactate. This indicated that valproic acid, like probenecid, can inhibit the monocarboxylic acid transport system which removes lactate from the CSF.

The pattern of involvement of adult-onset acid maltase deficiency at autopsy

The autopsy findings in a clinically and biochemically documented case of adult-onset acid maltase deficiency presenting with limb girdle myopathy are presented. The skeletal muscles, tongue, extraocular and smooth muscles of gut and arterioles showed a vacuolar myopathy, most severely affecting proximal skeletal muscles. Muscle spindles were severely affected in all muscles. The heart showed basophilic degeneration and a vacuolar myopathy. The visceral organs and nervous system were morphologically normal. Possible mechanisms for this differential involvement of muscles and tissues are discussed.

Granulomatous sialadenitis of the major salivary glands. A clinicopathological study of 57 cases

Fifty-seven of 469 major salivary glands excised for various reasons were found to contain granulomas. The aetiologies were tuberculosis (eight parotid, one sublingual), sarcoidosis (two parotid), calculous duct obstruction (34 submandibular), carcinomatous duct obstruction (four submandibular, one sublingual) and undetermined (four submandibular, three parotid). The tuberculous glands showed caseation in the majority of cases but two cases consisted predominantly of discrete granulomas with minimal necrosis. The sarcoid granulomas were typically non-caseating but a few were centrally necrotic. The cases of calculous and carcinomatous duct obstruction contained single to multiple small granulomas which contained mucin and were related to ruptured ducts. It is suggested that the frequency of calculi and the mixture of serous and mucous acini in the submandibular gland account for the distribution of obstructive granulomas. This study establishes calculous sialadenopathy as a major cause of granulomatous sialadenitis.

Chronic untreated tuberculous meningitis

We describe a 34-year-old man who suffered from tuberculous meningitis for 2 years without receiving antituberculous medication. Our case is compared with other forms of indolent or benign variants of the disease.

Vancomycin blood levels during cardiac bypass surgery

Because of the allergic reaction that some patients have to penicillin and cephalosporins, there is a need for an alternative antimicrobial agent to protect the patient who undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting from infection perioperatively. Vancomycin, a bactericidal antibiotic active against gram-positive organisms was studied in 13 men who underwent aortocoronary bypass grafting. For 60 minutes from the time the patient arrived in the operating room, vancomycin (15 mg/kg) was given intravenously. Blood levels were assayed up to 12 hours thereafter. Adequate antistaphylococcal levels of the drug were maintained throughout operation. Twelve hours later levels were subtherapeutic. There was no cardiovascular, cutaneous or renal toxicity. Two patients had minor wound infections.