Magnetic bead capture eliminates PCR inhibitors in samples collected from the airborne environment, permitting detection of Pneumocystis carinii DNA

PCR detection methods are useful in studies of organisms not amenable to culture. Inhibitors in environmental samples can interfere with such assays. We describe a magnetic bead DNA capture protocol that removes inhibitors from outdoor air samples, maintaining the sensitivity of a 16S Pneumocystis carinii mitochondrial rRNA gene-based PCR.

Development and evaluation of a molecular viability assay for Pneumocystis carinii

Despite recent declines in incidence, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains the most commonly occurring opportunistic illness among persons with AIDS in the United States. While P. carinii DNA has been detected in patient respiratory specimens and in air samples collected from various indoor environments housing PCP patients, the viability of these organisms is unknown. For this reason, we have developed and evaluated a molecular viability assay for P. carinii. This method is based upon the detection of P. carinii mRNA by a reverse transcription-PCR that employs specific primers from a member of the heat shock protein 70 family. Under optimal assay conditions, these primers were capable of detecting as few as 100 viable trophozoites as determined by ethidium bromide staining, while no signal was obtained from 10(6) trophozoites killed by heat, desiccation, or UV radiation. This assay was also capable of distinguishing P. carinii from other common fungi present in the air. Therefore, this molecular viability assay may be useful in conjunction with standard bioaerosol collection devices and procedures for the detection of viable P. carinii collected from various indoor environments. It may also be useful in confirming the presence of viable trophozoites in respiratory specimens collected by noninvasive techniques from putatively infected individuals.

Evaluation of competition between a native and an invasive hornet species: do seasonal phenologies overlap?

One common dogma in ecology is based on the competitive exclusion principle. Hence, competition is often considered to be one of the primary determinants of the structure and functioning of ecosystems. In this paper, we investigate how the native Vespa crabro and the recently introduced Vespa velutina show some degree of niche differentiation that potentially minimizes their interspecific competition, the two dimensions investigated here being seasonal activity patterns and preferences for food. These two species share common characteristics: they are closely related, live in the same areas, belong to the same guild (predators), exploit the same kind of food sources, and exhibit a similar annual life cycle. Considering all these similarities, interspecific competition may occur if the two species exhibit identical seasonal phenologies. Our data show that their seasonal phenologies overlap to some extent probably due to biological constraints common to Vespinae. The shifts in time observed here allow the hornet species to not directly compete for food sources at the same time. It does not however exclude indirect competition, especially in a 'first-come, first-served' fashion.

A bioassay to evaluate the activity of chemical stimuli from grape berries on the oviposition of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

A two-choice bioassay was developed to evaluate the role of host-plant berry compounds on the oviposition site acceptance of the generalist moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Shiffermüller). A key feature was the lining of the bioassay arena with felt which focused oviposition on the test substrates. Initial experiments comparing substrates with different physical features indicated that smooth textures and spherical shapes with interstices favour oviposition. Artificial oviposition substrates were thus constructed with glass spheres in order to test the behavioural activity of grapevine berry extracts. Only polar extracts obtained by soaking berries in methanol or water stimulated oviposition (more eggs were laid on the extract-treated substrate than on the control substrate), whereas more apolar ones obtained with chloroform or hexane had no significant effect. The prior removal of epicuticular waxes from grape berries before extraction did not enhance the stimulatory activity of the methanol extract. The oviposition response to this extract was dose-dependent. It is concluded that polar compounds present on grape berries act as oviposition stimulants for L. botrana.

[Quantification of relevant measurements of the petrous bone with computerized tomography before cochlear implant operation]

In this investigation the following anatomical measurements of the petrous bone preceding cochlear implant were evaluated using computed tomography (CT): the width of the basal coil of the cochlea, the thickness of the promontory, the distance between the sigmoid sinus and the posterior wall of the external auditory canal and the thickness of the squamous part of the temporal bone in the area of operation. Initially it was necessary to ascertain how accurately CT represents the anatomical structures of the petrous bone. The procedure of CT investigation in adult patients was simulated using the base of a skull. The CT plane in which the above mentioned measurements preceding cochlear implant can be made was represented and measurements were taken. Subsequently the same plane in CT was represented macroscopically with a specially developed method. The results show that anatomical structures measured in CT are magnified by 5% in contrast to the original. This magnification is presumably attributable to the computing of connective tissue which is adjacent to bone and the incapacity of CT to image structures of different density in the same voxel. In the second part of this investigation we evaluated 66 preoperative CT's of patients who were given a cochlear implant. The results must be adjusted by 5% to allow for this error in magnification. In conclusion a preoperative radiologic evaluation of the anatomical structures relevant to cochlear implant is without doubt tenable. Also the negligible difference between CT and the anatomical original requires no operative consequences. Because cochleostomy is carried out with a diamond burr of 1 mm diameter, a tenth of a millimeter is negligible according to our experience.

[Hypoglycemic coma revealing a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura]

INTRODUCTION

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (TFSP) is rare. When associated with hypoglycemia it is commonly referred to as Doege-Potter syndrome.

CASE

A 51-year-old man was hospitalized for recurrent near-syncope associated with hypoglycemia. Clinical examination and then thoracic imaging clearly showed anomalies that corresponded to a mass occupying the entire left hemithorax. After resection, histological analysis diagnosed a fibrous tumor of the pleura.

DISCUSSION

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura are observed most often in patients aged 50 and 70 years. Hypoglycemia is rare, occurring in approximately 4% of cases. It is explained by the abnormal secretion of a type-II insulin-like growth factor. This tumor is treated by complete surgical excision.

Les tumeurs desmoïdes du creux sus-claviculaire (à propos de trois cas)

The authors report three cases of desmoid tumors of the shoulder-girdle. Through these observations and a review of the literature, they underline the specific characteristics of the desmoid tumors: the frequency and the seriousness of the localisations at the member roots and the great difficulties of the exeresis.

Comparison of blood transfusion and surgical complications in peripartum hysterectomy when anticipated and unanticipated

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and aetiology of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) for major obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) in our population and to compare estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, surgical complications and duration of hospital stay in PH that was anticipated and PH that was unanticipated. 26 cases of MOH requiring PH were identified from 50,548 women who delivered between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2011 (0.5/1000). PH was anticipated in 17 and unanticipated in 9 cases. When compared, the anticipated group was more likely to have placenta accreta 15/17 (88%) vs 4/9 (44%): p = 0.03 and a gynaecological oncologist as the principal operator 15/17 (88%) vs 3/9 (33%): p = 0.007. The EBL 5.5 ± 3.7 SD vs 6.6 ± 3.9 SD l; p = 0.5, units of red cell concentrate or RCC transfused 7 ± 5 SD vs 9 ± 5 SD: p = 0.3, and mean operating time 134 ± 60 SD vs 190 ± 96 SD min: p = 0.07 were less in the anticipated than the unanticipated group, but not significantly so. The intraoperative complication rate 7/17 (41%) vs 3/9 (33%): p = 1.0 and the mean duration of hospital stay 7 ± 1 SD vs 8 ± 3 SD days: p = 0.27 were similar in both groups. PH is associated with a large volume of blood loss and significant surgical complications regardless of whether the procedure is anticipated or not.

Are Tidal Salt Marshes Exposed to Nutrient Pollution more Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise?

Over the past four decades, Long Island, NY, USA, has lost coastal wetlands at a rate of 4% per decade due to submergence. In this study, we examined relationships between the rate of tidal salt marsh loss and environmental factors, including marsh elevation, tidal range, and wastewater exposure through analysis of stable isotope ratios of marsh soils and biota. Our goal was to identify factors that increase vulnerability of marshes to sea level rise, with a specific emphasis on the potential role of poor water quality in hastening marsh loss. Our results suggest that wastewater exposure may accelerate loss of intertidal marsh, but does not negatively impact high tidal marsh resilience to sea level rise. And while marsh elevation and tidal range were statistically significant predictors of marsh loss, they similarly displayed opposite relationships among marsh zones. This study suggests that different functional zones of coastal salt marshes may not respond similarly to global change factors, and that elevation may be an important factor mediating eutrophication effects to coastal salt marshes.

Physical injury in men after sexual assault: An analysis of 137 cases

BACKGROUND

Data on the prevalence of physical injury in men who experience sexual assault are under-represented in the literature; the aim of this study is to inform this knowledge gap. It is vital that forensic examiners have access to up-to-date information regarding the prevalence of genito-anal and extra-genital injury, specific to their examination method (i.e. with or without proctoscopy), as well as any associations with injury in order to provide optimal responsive care and accurate testimony in the context of written and oral evidence.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study analysing the attendances of all males who attended the Dublin Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) for a forensic examination between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2023.

RESULTS

During the study period there were 2495 attendances. Of these, 199 (8.0 %) were male, with 68.8 % (n = 137/199) undergoing a forensic examination. Within this cohort, genito-anal injury was identified in 19.7 % (n = 27/137). Anal injury was present in 14.6 % (n = 20/137) and genital injury was present in 5.8 % (n = 8/137). For those who disclosed completed anal penetration (either penile-anal, digital-anal penetration or object-anal penetration) and who underwent proctoscopic examination (n = 53) the injury rate was 24.5 % (n = 13/53). Extra-genital injuries were present in 40.1 % (n = 55/137). Those who had a genito-anal injury were significantly more likely to have been the victim of a multiple perpetrator assault (OR2.72 CI1.05-6.97 p = 0.03). Those who had extra-genital injuries were significantly more likely to have attended within 24 hours of the incident (OR2.89 CI1.03-4.22 p = 0.03). No other incident detail was found to have an association with the presence of genito-anal or extra-genital injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Genital injuries and/or anal injuries were absent in a large proportion of men after sexual assault. Extra-genital injuries were found in a higher proportion of men. It is anticipated that these findings will better inform society, the police and also assist forensic examiners in providing accurate and informed prevalence rates for medico-legal evidence in the criminal justice system. These findings also underscore the importance of comprehensive medical examinations and timely medical intervention for assault victims, highlighting the need for targeted support and care strategies.

The use of the marine gastropod, Cellana tramoserica, as a biomonitor of metal contamination in near shore environments

The use of the marine gastropod, Cellana tramoserica, as a biomonitor of metal exposure was investigated. The factors influencing metal concentrations, such as mass, gender, substrate, shoreline position and temporal variation were examined. Tissue metal concentrations were mostly found to be independent of mass and gender. When metal concentrations were significantly correlated with mass, correlations were low and explained little variability. The underlying substrate and position in the littoral zone had only a small influence on metal concentrations. Variation between individuals, inherent variability due to genetic variability, was the most significant contribution to the overall variation in metal concentrations, resulting in positive skewing of population distributions. The mean metal concentrations varied temporally; metal masses were relatively constant with fluctuations in metal concentrations related to fluctuations in metal body burdens. The populations from a metal-contaminated site had significantly higher tissue Cu, Zn, As and Pb concentrations than the populations from relatively uncontaminated locations. C. tramoserica therefore can be considered to be a net accumulator of metals. A sample number of >10 is required to detect changes of 25 % from the mean concentrations at uncontaminated locations. This species meets the requirements of a suitable biomonitor for metal contaminants in the environment i.e. hardy, sessile, widespread, sufficient tissue mass and a metal accumulator. As the measurement of metal concentrations in C. tramesoria were influenced by substrate and shore position and, sometimes, mass, sites with similar substrates and organisms of similar mass and shoreline position should be chosen for comparison. When comparing metal concentrations in gastropods from different locations, they should be collected over the same period to minimise variability due to mass differences, spawning and other seasonal/temporal effects.

Excellent mid-term outcomes with a hemispheric titanium porous-coated acetabular component for total hip arthroplasty: 7-10 year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Third-generation hemispheric, titanium porous-coated (HTPC) acetabular cups have been shown to achieve good biologic fixation through enhanced porous ingrowth surfaces. They also allow for a wide range of bearing options, including polyethylene, dual-mobility, and ceramic liners. The purpose of the study is to review the mid-term clinical outcomes an HTPC acetabular cup with a minimum of 7-year follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an HTCP acetabular cup at an urban, tertiary referral centre. Descriptive statistics were used describe baseline patient characteristics. Outcomes collected included postoperative complications, survival free of reoperations, and presence of osteolysis at latest imaging follow-up. Implant survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

118 cases (114 primary, 4 revision) underwent THA with the HTCP acetabular cup at an average follow-up of 8.16 ± 0.85 years (range 7.02-10.28 years). Mean patient age at the time of surgery was 61.29 ± 12.04 years. All cases utilised a high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE) liner. None of the acetabular cups showed loosening or migration at the latest follow-up. There were 2 revisions in our study, 1 for abductor mechanism disruption and 1 due to surgical site infection where the acetabular cup was revised. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis for all-cause revision at 7 and 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 99.1% (95% confidence interval, 94.1-99.9%). Survivorship analysis for aseptic acetabular revision at 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

At long-term follow-up, no radiologic and minimal clinical complications were identified in this series. The HTPC acetabular cup system, used in conjunction with a HMWPE liner, demonstrates excellent outcomes and survivorship when compared to earlier mid-term studies published in the literature.

Women attending the sexual assault treatment unit services in the Republic of Ireland: A 7-year review

OBJECTIVE

Sexual assault is pervasive in today's society, with the numbers of those reporting it increasing. In Ireland, 50% of women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. We sought to describe the incident details of females presenting to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) network in the Republic of Ireland and to determine associations between incident characteristics and: (1) victim age, (2) presence of injury, (3) victim-perpetrator relationship, and (4) number of assailants.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all females who attended between 2017 and 2023. Descriptive bivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

There were 5942 female attendances, with an average age of 26 years. The largest age group was women between 18 and 25 years (38.1%, n = 2263). Forensic examinations were performed in 76.6% (n = 4549). Assailants were male in 92% (n = 5469) of incidents, with multiple assailants disclosed in 7.3% (n = 435). Strangers or recent acquaintances were the assailant in 38.5% (n = 2290) of incidents, and close associates in 22.9% (n = 1359). Incidents occurred at the survivor's home in 22% (n = 1306) of incidents, and in the assailant's home in 22.6% (n = 1342). Drug use within 24 h was reported in 15.1% (n = 897) of cases, and alcohol use in 72% (n = 4276). Drug-facilitated assault was suspected by 16.1% (n = 955). Injuries (genital and extra-genital) occurred in 30.3% (n = 1800) of attendances and were more likely to be seen in those who disclosed ingesting alcohol (Relative risk [RR] 1.325, P < 0.001) or drugs (RR 1.111, P = 0.04) in the 24 h preceding the incident, in those who presented within 24 h (RR 1.646, P < 0.001), those aged 18 years or older (RR 1.07, P = 0.003), and those where the incident occurred outdoors (RR 1.24, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study, one of the largest on female attendances to a national SATU network, offers detailed insights into demographics, incident details, and circumstances. Most were young women, mainly 18 years and older, many of whom were full-time students. Forensic examinations were the primary reason for attendance, underscoring the network's key role in evidence collection. The study also identified factors linked to a higher risk of injury detection, such as immediate post-incident attendance, being over 18, outdoor incidents, perpetration by a stranger, and prior alcohol or drug use.