The decline of the European eel Anguilla anguilla: quantifying and managing escapement to support conservation

A method was developed to quantify the number and biomass of European eels Anguilla anguilla escaping to the ocean for breeding. The non-intrusive method, involving a fixed-position, high-frequency multi-beam sonar, permitted constant surveillance of A. anguilla movements throughout their 5 month escapement season (July to December). During this period, >1000 individuals were monitored escaping to the Atlantic Ocean from their freshwater habitat in the River Huntspill study site (Somerset, U.K.). The total length of each fish was measured using the sonar software. These measurements were then converted to an estimate of mass using a length:mass regression relationship derived from historical fyke-net data from this site, comprising c. 500 A. anguilla length:mass measurements collected over a 10 year period. The net biomass of escapement from the study site was equivalent to c. 6 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, lower than the present European target which would require at least 7 kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ from this habitat. These findings demonstrate the capabilities of this monitoring technique and its usefulness both as a tool to assess the compliance with conservation targets and as a tool to evaluate the success of conservation measures for elusive aquatic species such as A. anguilla.

Targeted prostate cancer screening in men with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 detects aggressive prostate cancer: preliminary analysis of the results of the IMPACT study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of targeted prostate cancer screening in men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, an international study, IMPACT (Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer: Targeted screening in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and controls), was established. This is the first multicentre screening study targeted at men with a known genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. A preliminary analysis of the data is reported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men aged 40-69 years from families with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations were offered annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, and those with PSA > 3 ng/mL, were offered a prostate biopsy. Controls were men age-matched (± 5 years) who were negative for the familial mutation.

RESULTS

In total, 300 men were recruited (205 mutation carriers; 89 BRCA1, 116 BRCA2 and 95 controls) over 33 months. At the baseline screen (year 1), 7.0% (21/300) underwent a prostate biopsy. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in ten individuals, a prevalence of 3.3%. The positive predictive value of PSA screening in this cohort was 47·6% (10/21). One prostate cancer was diagnosed at year 2. Of the 11 prostate cancers diagnosed, nine were in mutation carriers, two in controls, and eight were clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that the positive predictive value of PSA screening in BRCA mutation carriers is high and that screening detects clinically significant prostate cancer. These results support the rationale for continued screening in such men.

Initial clinical evaluation of a wheelchair ergometer for diagnostic exercise testing: a technical note

The purpose of this initial study was to evaluate a new wheelchair ergometer (WCE) and exercise test protocol for the detection of coronary artery disease in men with lower limb disabilities. Forty-nine patients (63 +/- 9 yr) completed WCE tests without complications. Peak heart rate was 84 +/- 15% (mean +/- SD) of age-predicted maximum and peak double product was 223 +/- 62 x 10(2). The specified target heart rate (> or = 80% age-predicted maximal) or a positive result was achieved in 76% of tests. Fourteen tests were rated positive, 21 as negative and 14 as nondiagnostic for exercise-induced ischemia. In 18 patients who underwent coronary angiography, the predictive value was 100% (10/10) for a positive, and 50% (2/4) for a negative WCE test result. These results suggest that WCE is a viable initial diagnostic option for some persons who cannot adequately perform treadmill or cycle ergometry exercise.

Management of incontinent SCI patients with penile stimulation: preliminary results

We investigated dorsal penile stimulation for control of incontinence in nine spinal cord impaired (SCI) patients, using a battery-powered home-use stimulator connected to surface electrodes (Unipatch). The efficacy of the penile stimulation was assessed by urodynamic evaluation (NL-2, LifeTech) and surface electrodes (Unipatch); baseline and repeat cystometries (CMG) with and without stimulation were done. Stimulation for home use was begun at threshold parameters for inducing perineal contractions and, after two weeks, was adjusted based upon results. Two subjects successfully completed the study and became continent. One of these patient's CMG demonstrated hyperreflexia and his volume increased from 110 ml to 150 ml after the stimulation protocol. The most effective stimulating parameters were 5 pps, 250 microsec, pulse width and 40 ma current. The other patient also had a hyperreflexic bladder and improved on the protocol. The remaining seven patients did not complete the study for several reasons. Three patients had CMG's that demonstrated areflexia. Stimulation did not alter their bladder function and they dropped out of the program. Three other subjects withdrew because of bothersome sensations even at subthreshold levels and they complained that the technique was cumbersome. Finally, one patient with significant hyperreflexia and incontinence withdrew after trying unsuccessfully and diligently for 10 days. Our encouraging results in two patients with hyperreflexic bladders and decreased sensation suggest that this modality may be effective in this patient group.