DNA based method for determining source country of the short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) in the illegal wildlife trade

The illegal trade in wild animals being sold as 'captive bred' is an emerging issue in the pet and zoo industry and has both animal welfare and conservation implications. DNA based methods can be a quick, inexpensive, and definitive way to determine the source of these animals, thereby assisting efforts to combat this trade. The short beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is currently one of the species suspected to be targeted in this trade. As this species is distributed throughout Australia and in New Guinea (currently comprising of five recognised sub-species), this project aimed to develop a DNA based method to definitively determine the source country of an echidna and explore the use of non-invasive sampling techniques. Here we use non-invasively sampled echidna quills and demonstrate the extraction of mitochondrial DNA and amplification of a region of the mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetically informative markers for analysis of a 322bp segment of the D-loop region were developed, and subsequently validated, using animals with known source locations allowing us to reliably distinguish between echidnas from New Guinea, and Australia. This research presents the first validated forensic protocols for short beaked echidnas and will be an integral tool in understanding the movement of animals in this emerging trade.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Two Families

Purpose and Methods.

The reported occurrence of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in families is rare. We report two families (five patients) who have been diagnosed with CSCR. The diagnosis of CSCR was made on clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings.

Results

Three members of the first family and two members of the second family had CSCR. Affected individuals were all males.

Conclusions

CSCR has been associated with psychological and emotional stress and the occurrence of CSCR in families may be due to similar inherited psychological and physiological characteristics and responses that predispose these families to the development of CSCR.

Surgical Results for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

We reviewed 88 consecutive eyes that underwent vitrectomy for retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and were followed a minimum of six months. A primary goal of the surgery was the meticulous trimming of the vitreous base in hopes of decreasing the incidence of post-operative reproliferation and anterior PVR. Those eyes with anterior PVR had aggressive release of vitreous base contraction (anteroposterior and circumferential) with intraocular scissors. All posterior tractional membranes were removed. All eyes received long-acting gas for postoperative retinal tamponade. Macular reattachment was achieved in 78 (88.6%) eyes. Forty-six (52.3%) obtained at least 5/200 vision. Seventeen (19%) eyes were re-operated at least once. We compared the importance of initial lens status (pseudophakic, aphakic, phakic), need for relaxing retinotomy, presence of anterior PVR, and history of previous vitrectomy on the anatomic and visual results. No single factor was responsible for a statistically significant effect on either vision or anatomic success, except for the need for a relaxing retinotomy, which carried with it a decreased chance of an eye obtaining 5/200 vision (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.03).

Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: A Case Report and Review

In 1958, Kearns and Sayre described a multisystem entity, now known as Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS). The syndrome is defined as exhibiting a triad of thus far unexplained degenerative conditions: progressive external ophthalmoplegia, retinal pigmentary degeneration, and heart block. Commonly accompanying findings include cerebellar dysfunction and CSF protein levels above 100 mg/dl. Symptoms usually appear in early childhood, but the onset has been seen occasionally in young adults. KSS is a mitochondrial disorder that occurs rarely; the actual incidence is unknown. Ocular findings consist of bilateral ptosis, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, and pigmentary retinopathy. Corneal clouding and optic neuritis are infrequent.

We herein report a classic case of Kearns Sayre syndrome and discuss the findings.

Population genetics of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland

Habitat loss and fragmentation are key threats to local koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations. Broad-scale management is suboptimal for koalas because distribution models are not easily generalised across regions. Therefore, it is imperative that data relevant to local management bodies are available. Genetic data provides important information on gene flow and potential habitat barriers, including anthropogenic disturbances. Little genetic data are available for nationally significant koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales, despite reported declines due to urbanisation and habitat loss. In this study, we develop 14 novel microsatellite loci to investigate koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales (Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Tyagarah, Ballina) and south-eastern Queensland (Coomera). All locations were significantly differentiated (FST = 0.096–0.213; FʹST = 0.282–0.582), and this pattern was not consistent with isolation by distance (R2 = 0.228, P = 0.058). Population assignment clustered the more northern populations (Ballina, Tyagarah and Coomera), suggesting contemporary gene flow among these sites. For all locations, low molecular variation among (16%) rather than within (84%) sites suggests historical connectivity. These results suggest that koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland are experiencing contemporary impediments to gene flow, and highlight the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity across this region.

Genetic control of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) dance language: segregating dance forms in a backcrossed colony

We studied the genetic control of the dance dialects that exist in the different subspecies of honey bees (Apis mellifera) by observing the variation in dance form observed in a backcross between two lines that showed widely different dance dialects. To do this we generated the reciprocal of the cross performed by Rinderer and Beaman (1995), thus producing phenotypic segregation of dance forms within a single colony rather than between colonies. Our results are consistent with Rinderer and Beaman (1995) in that inheritance of the transition point from round dancing --> waggle dancing is consistent with control by a single locus with more than one allele. That is, we found one dance type to be dominant in the F(1), and observed a 1:1 segregation of dance in a backcross involving the F(1) and the recessive parent. However, we found some minor differences in dance dialect inheritance, with the most significant being an apparent reversal of dominance between our cross (for us "black" is the dominant dialect) and that of Rinderer and Beaman (1995) (they report "yellow" to be the dominant dialect). We also found that our black bees do not perform a distinct sickle dance, whereas the black bees used by Rinderer and Beaman (1995) did perform such a dance. However, our difference in dominance need not contradict the results of Rinderer and Beaman (1995), as there is no evidence that body color and dominance for dance dialect are linked.

Massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy associated with Valsalva maneuver

PURPOSE

To report the intraoperative occurrence of massive intraocular suprachoroidal hemorrhage associated with Valsalva maneuver.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter study of patients who developed massive choroidal hemorrhage associated with Valsalva maneuver during vitrectomy.

RESULTS

Massive intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage in seven patients (seven eyes) involved three men and four women with a median age of 52 years (range, 26 to 82 years). General anesthesia was used in six of seven cases. Coughing or "bucking" on the endotracheal tube during general anesthesia or severe coughing during the one vitrectomy performed under local anesthesia was associated with massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage. In five of seven eyes, this occurred near the end of surgery, after air-fluid exchange but before sclerotomy closure. Scleral plugs were immediately placed, and sclerotomy closure was performed exigently. Immediate posterior sclerotomy was performed on five of seven eyes; an additional patient underwent posterior sclerotomy postoperatively. After median follow-up of 18 months (range, 3 to 36 months), final visual acuity was no light perception in four eyes, light perception in one eye, 20/250 in one eye, and 20/20 in one eye. Four eyes became phthisical.

CONCLUSIONS

Valsalva maneuver during pars plana vitrectomy may result in massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage with disastrous visual consequences. Precautionary measures to prevent coughing or "bucking" on the endotracheal tube during general anesthesia, or a prolonged episode of coughing during local anesthesia, may prevent this potentially devastating complication.

Sympathetic ophthalmia associated with pars plana vitrectomy without antecedent penetrating trauma

PURPOSE

To evaluate, describe, and categorize the clinical presentation, clinical course, histopathology, and response to therapy in patients without a history of penetrating ocular trauma who developed sympathetic ophthalmia following pars plana vitrectomy.

METHODS

The records of patients without a history of trauma who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and developed sympathetic ophthalmia were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were analyzed with respect to clinical presentation, fluorescein angiographic findings, anatomic and visual outcomes, histopathology, and response to therapy.

RESULTS

Eight eyes were identified. The median age at presentation was 55 years, with a range of 14 to 62 years. The time from vitrectomy to diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia ranged from 2 months to greater than 2 years, with a median of 7 months. Six of eight patients (75%) presented with anterior chamber reaction. All eight patients presented with a vitreous inflammatory response. The optic nerve was inflamed clinically or angiographically in four of eight cases (50%). Small yellow-white sub-retinal pigment epithelial deposits were present in four of eight cases (50%). Two eyes had lesions characterized as multifocal choroiditis. One eye had larger yellow placoid-like lesions. One eye presented with vitritis but no retinal lesions. Subretinal choroidal neovascularization was noted in the inciting eye of one patient. Vision improved in the sympathizing eye with immunosuppressive therapy in five of eight cases (62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sympathetic ophthalmia can be seen following pars plana vitrectomy in patients without penetrating injuries or a history of trauma. Indeed, it may be seen after successful vitrectomy for retinal detachment. Diverse clinical presentations are possible, and persistent or atypical uveitis following vitrectomy should alert the surgeon to the development of sympathetic ophthalmia.

Error detection and measurement in glucose monitors

In a quality review of glucose monitors, we measured the inaccuracy and imprecision of 26 systems. In each case, measurements on at least 50 capillary specimens from diabetic patients were compared with results from capillary blood that had been deproteinized and assayed with hexokinase. We also tested the monitors with commercial control solutions. In patients' specimens having a mean blood glucose concentration of about 9 mmol/l, the bias of the 26 monitors ranged from -5.1 to +20.1% (median=+7.5%). Imprecision of the monitors with blood specimens gave coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 4.5% to 22.8% (median=8.7%) at the mean glucose concentration. A control solution for the monitors gave a glucose concentration of 7.6-13.6 mmol /l (median=9.2 mmol/l) with CV that varied from 1.7 to 19.8% (median=4.7%). While the means and CV's of the control were significantly correlated with bias and imprecision of the blood specimens, much of the variance remained unexplained (for bias, r(2)=0.17; for imprecision, r(2)=0.43). We conclude that a common basis for calibration could remove a significant component of variation and that control solutions may give a false impression of analytical performance.

Traumatic macular hole: observations, pathogenesis, and results of vitrectomy surgery

PURPOSE

To review our experience with vitrectomy surgery techniques for the treatment of traumatic macular holes and the biomicroscopic and surgical findings.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative, multicenter, case series.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION

Twenty-five patients with traumatic macular hole underwent surgical repair.

INTERVENTION

Vitrectomy with membrane peeling and gas injection followed by prone positioning for 7 to 14 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative evaluation included visual acuity testing, closure of the macular hole, and ocular complications.

RESULTS

The macular hole was successfully closed in 24 of 25 cases (96%). The visual acuity improved two or more lines in 21 (84%) cases, and 16 (64%) achieved 20/50 or better vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitrectomy surgery can successfully close macular holes associated with trauma and improve vision.

Soccer ball-related retinal injuries: a report of 13 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical characteristics and management of retinal injuries caused by soccer ball impact as well as the mechanism of injury, prognostic features, risk factors, and possible prevention strategies.

METHODS

Thirteen cases of soccer ball injuries from retina referral practices were retrospectively reviewed, with attention to the mechanism of associated ocular complications and the anatomic and visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Soccer ball injuries occurred in both male and female patients (9 male, 4 female) with ages ranging from 8 to 21 years (median 14 years). These patients were observed from 0 to 64 months (median follow-up, 8 months). Four patients had traumatic macular holes, two eyes had retinal detachment associated with retinal dialysis, two had retinal tears associated with hemorrhage, one had a choroidal rupture, and one had only vitreous hemorrhage and Berlin's edema. Although six eyes had some degree of traumatic retinal pigment epitheliopathy, it was the primary diagnosis in only three. Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/20 to count fingers, with 7/13 (54%) having 20/200 or worse vision. Seven eyes underwent surgical procedures; the remainder were observed. Final visions ranged from 20/20 to count fingers, with 3/13 (23%) having 20/200 or worse vision. Six eyes (46%) improved by two or more lines by the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Soccer ball-related ocular injuries disproportionately affect young players, are more frequent in females than previously reported, and have more severe visual consequences than previously recognized. Injury prevention strategies to minimize contact between the eye and the soccer ball may reduce the incidence and severity of eye injuries.

Vitrectomy update for macular traction in ocular toxocariasis

PURPOSE

To study the results of modern vitrectomy in traction and combined traction-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macula in cases of ocular toxocariasis.

METHODS

This was a cohort study of patients seen in different institutions in the United States. Ten eyes of 10 patients were studied. Vitrectomy was performed in all eyes, combined with membrane removal, scleral buckle, fluid-gas exchange, silicone oil, or lensectomy in certain cases. The anatomic and visual results of surgery were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ten eyes from 10 patients ranging in age from 2 to 33 years (median, 6 years) were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 8 years (median, 2 years). All eyes achieved macular attachment following surgery; vision improved in 5 (50%) eyes, and was unchanged in 5 (50%). Histologic specimens from six eyes were reviewed, and revealed combinations of fibrous tissue, eosinophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and giant cells. One specimen revealed an encysted Toxocara canis organism.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation created in response to Toxocara larvae may lead to traction retinal detachment of the macula. Vitreoretinal surgery has a good chance of reattaching the macula and improving vision.

Serum troponins T and I after elective cardioversion

AIMS

To describe the pattern of release of five myocardial proteins after elective cardioversion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We measured serum levels of the myocardial proteins creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB mass, myoglobin, troponin T and troponin I serially from baseline to 24 h after 72 elective cardioversion attempts. The total energy used for attempted cardioversion was 408+/-318 J (range 50 to 1280 J). Maximal creatine kinase levels (median 232 IU x l(-1), interquartile range 91 to 1152 IU x l(-1)) occurred at 24 h and correlated with the total energy delivered (r=0.75, P<0.0001). The peak creatine kinase MB mass levels exceeded the discrimination level for myocardial injury (>/=5 microg x l(-1)) in seven patients (10%). The peak myoglobin levels were elevated (>85 microg x l(-1)) in 40 patients (56%) and correlated with the peak creatine kinase levels (r=0.83, P<0.0001). Troponin T reached the discrimination level (0.10 microg x l(-1)) in one patient with a serum creatinine level of 0.16 mmol x l(-1)and severe left ventricular impairment. Twelve patients had baseline troponin I levels above our prespecified discrimination level of 0.4 microg x l(-1)(range 0.4 to 3.1 microg x l(-1)), which did not increase after cardioversion. In two patients the levels rose from <0.4 microg x l(-1) to 0.5 microg x l(-1) and 0.6 microg x l(-1) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Troponin T levels do not rise after elective cardioversion. The minor increases in troponin I may reflect our choice of discrimination level. Cardiac troponins are useful in determining whether arrhythmias requiring emergency cardioversion are primary or secondary to myocardial infarction.

Phlebotomine sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) seasonal distribution and infection rates in a defined focus of Leishmania tropica

A two-year study was conducted of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in a defined focus of Leishmania tropica. A total of 17,947 sand flies representing 10 species were collected from the location. Phlebotomus guggisbergi, a vector of L. tropica in Kenya, was the most prevalent species through the entire period, representing about 80% of the total catch. There was marked seasonal fluctuation in the populations of the three most common species, with highest population levels reached in December and lowest levels reached in July and August. Leishmania-like infections were encountered in 489 P. guggisbergi. No flagellate infections were observed in any other species of sand fly. Although infected P. guggisbergi were collected during each month of the year, the percent parous infected flies was highest (27.5%) during the November through January time period. These data show that the greatest risk of transmission to humans at this focus occurs during December, when the vector is prevalent and infections are common.

Analytical error of home glucose monitors: a comparison of 18 systems

In a quality review of 18 home blood glucose monitors, we measured the imprecision and incidence of significant error of 12 colorimetric and six amperometric systems by using capillary blood specimens from patients attending diabetes clinics. Imprecision at the mean glucose concentration found in the respective blood specimens (about 9 mmol/L) gave coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 5.2 to 22.8%. Eight monitors including five of amperometric design had a CV of less than 10%. The incidence of significant error (defined as the proportion of specimens differing in value by more than 15% from a reference hexokinase assay of glucose in capillary blood) varied from 6 to 76%. Among the eight monitors identified as being most precise, the majority produced results that differed markedly from the reference assay, underlining the need for a common approach to calibration of home glucose monitors.

Rash, fever, and chills after intravenous fluorescein angiography

PURPOSE

To report a previously unreported complication associated with intravenous injection of fluorescein dye.

METHOD

Case report. A 75-year-old man developed a unique complication after intravenous injection of fluorescein dye for angiography.

RESULTS

Two hours after receiving an intravenous injection of fluorescein for angiography, the patient developed a fever, rash, and chills. Admission to a hospital and careful systemic evaluation determined that this reaction was a noninfectious allergic response to intravenous fluorescein dye injection.

CONCLUSION

A delayed allergic response to intravenous fluorescein dye injection can occur.

Crystalline retinopathy associated with chronic retinal detachment

OBJECTIVE

To describe the presence of crystalline opacities located at the level of the inner retina in patients with chronic retinal detachment.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records, fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiograms of patients with superficial retinal crystals in the presence of a chronic retinal detachment.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes in 11 patients with chronic retinal detachment were found to have these peculiar crystalline opacities on the inner retinal surface. In 5 patients, the crystalline opacities were noted on initial assessment prior to surgery and persisted without change in appearance or number after surgical repair. In 6 eyes, the crystals were not appreciated until after surgical repair of the retinal detachment. The crystals appeared similar in all 11 eyes, were highly refractile, and were located in the posterior pole. Eight of the eyes had retinal detachment associated with retinal dialysis and 6 of these had a history of trauma. There was a definite history of vitreous hemorrhage in 2 eyes. The crystals did not seem to be associated with any visual deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic retinal detachment can be associated with crystals on the inner retinal surface. The cause and composition of these crystals are unknown. They seem to be visually inconsequential and unchanging.

Accuracy of devices used for self-monitoring of blood glucose

We measured the inaccuracy of 17 home blood glucose monitors (two visually read, eight colorimetric and seven amperometric). Using strips from a single batch, blood glucose measurements were performed by three medical laboratory technologists on at least 50 capillary blood specimens from patients attending two diabetes clinics. Additional capillary blood was deproteinized and assayed with hexokinase to give a whole blood glucose result. A dedicated glucose analyser was also studied to cross-validate the methodology. At a mean glucose concentration of about 9 mmol/L, monitor readings differed from the reference results by -5.1 to +19.5% with three systems failing to meet the American Diabetes Association guideline for total error of less than 15%. This problem would be alleviated by manufacturers adopting a common policy on calibration and on reporting as a plasma or whole blood value.

Outpatient postoperative fluid-gas exchange after early failed vitrectomy surgery for macular hole

BACKGROUND

Vitrectomy surgery with fluid-gas exchange and prone positioning has been shown to close macular holes and improve vision. In those eyes that have failed surgery, repeat vitrectomy has been advocated. As an alternative, the authors performed an outpatient postoperative fluid-gas exchange on eyes when the macular hole failed to close after vitrectomy surgery.

METHODS

The authors reviewed all cases of failed vitrectomy surgery for macular holes that underwent a postoperative fluid-gas exchange. Eyes were considered to have failed initial surgery if a rim of subretinal fluid surrounded an open full-thickness macular hole.

RESULTS

Twenty-three consecutive eyes underwent outpatient fluid-gas exchange 1 week to 8 weeks after vitrectomy surgery. In 17 eyes (74%), fluid-gas exchange resulted in flattening and closure of the macular hole. In all 17 eyes, visual acuity improved 2 or more lines, with 8 (35%) of the 23 eyes achieving 20/50 or better visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative fluid-gas exchange may achieve successful closure of macular holes and improve vision in eyes that have failed surgery for full-thickness macular holes and should be considered as a cost-effective alternative to repeat vitrectomy.

Grid laser photocoagulation for macular edema in bilateral juxtafoveal telangiectasis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to report the efficacy of laser photocoagulation treatment for macular edema in bilateral juxtafoveal telangiectasis (BJT).

DESIGN

The study design was a retrospective, clinical study.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors observed 14 patients with BJT, studying the visual acuities and retinal changes of treated and untreated eyes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity, presence of macular edema, and associated retinal findings were measured.

RESULTS

Of 28 eyes, 10 (8 patients) received 15 laser photocoagulation treatments for macular edema. Neither treated nor untreated eyes had visual improvement of two or more lines. After treatment, five eyes (50%) had increased retinal vascular distortion develop, three (30%) had new draining retinal venules, five (50%) had intraretinal fibrovascular tissues, and four (40%) had retinal and preretinal hemorrhages develop.

CONCLUSIONS

Grid laser photocoagulation therapy for macular edema in patients with BJT appears to neither improve nor stabilize long-term visual acuity. In addition, treatment is associated with retinal pigment epithelial changes, increased postoperative retinal vascular distortion, postoperative vascularized retinal scars, and postoperative retinal hemorrhages. These changes, however, do not appear to cause a further loss of vision.

Molecular advances in understanding social insect population structure

Social insects present many phenomena seen in all organisms but in more extreme forms and with larger sample sizes than those observable in most natural populations of vertebrates. Microsatellites are proving very much more informative than allozymes for the analysis of population biological problems, and prolifically polymorphic markers are fairly readily developed. In addition, the male-haploid genetic system of many social insects facilitates genetic analysis. The ability to amplify DNA from sperm stored in a female's sperm storage device enables the determination of mating types long after the death of the short-lived males, in addition to information on the degree of mixing of sperm from different males. Mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequences are also proving important, not only in phylogenetic studies but also in molecular population genetics, as a tracer of female movements. Mitochondrial markers have definitively shown the movement of females between colonies, challenging models giving exclusive primacy to kin selection as the explanation for multiqueen colonies, in Australian meat ants, Iridomyrmex purpureus, and the aridzone queenless ant Rhytidoponera sp. 12. Microsatellite and mtDNA variation are being studied in Camponotus consobrinus sugar ants, showing an unexpected diversity of complexity in colony structure, and microsatellites have shown that transfer of ants between nests of the weaver ant Polyrhachis doddi must be slight, despite an apparent lack of hostility.