The Bats of Greece: An Updated Review of Their Distribution, Ecology and Conservation.

Bats of Greece have been studied since the second half of the 19th century. Their distribution and ecology, however, remain poorly understood. Conservation efforts for the protection of the roosting and foraging habitats of their populations in Greece are limited. To date, 35 bat species have been recorded from Greece. Four species (Eptesicus anatolicus, Plecotus auritus, Myotis brandtii and Rousettus aegyptiacus) have a limited distribution in the country and the presence of one species (Myotis mystacinus) requires verification. The present study summarises all existing knowledge and adds several hundred new records on the distribution of bats of Greece. Additionally, it provides a summary of new insights on various aspects of their roosting ecology, foraging habitat use, altitudinal distribution, winter activity and landscape characteristics around major roosts. Finally, it discusses the current research and conservation needs of Greek bats.

Non-destructive extraction of DNA from preserved tissues in medical collections.

Museum specimens and histologically fixed material are valuable samples for the study of historical soft tissues and represent a possible pathogen-specific source for retrospective molecular investigations. However, current methods for molecular analysis are inherently destructive, posing a dilemma between performing a study with the available technology, thus damaging the sample, and conserving the material for future investigations. Here the authors present the first tests of a non-destructive alternative that facilitates genetic analysis of fixed wet tissues while avoiding tissue damage. The authors extracted DNA from the fixed tissues as well as their embedding fixative solution, to quantify the DNA that was transferred to the liquid component. The results show that human historical DNA can be retrieved from the fixative material of medical specimens and provide new options for sampling valuable collections.

Developing a pediatric neurosurgical training model.

OBJECTIVE One of the greatest challenges of pediatric neurosurgery training is balancing the training needs of the trainee against patient safety and parental expectation. The traditional "see one, do one, teach one" approach to training is no longer acceptable in pediatric neurosurgery. The authors have developed the baby Modeled Anatomical Replica for Training Young Neurosurgeons (babyMARTYN). The development of this new training model is described, its feasibility as a training tool is tested, and a new approach of integrating simulation into day-to-day training is suggested. METHODS In part 1 (development), a prototype skull was developed using novel model-making methods. In part 2 (validation), 18 trainee neurosurgeons (at various stages in training) performed the following 4 different procedures: 1) evacuation of a posterior fossa hematoma; 2) pterional craniotomy; 3) tapping of the fontanelle to obtain a CSF specimen; and 4) external ventricular drain insertion. Completion of the procedural stages (scored using a curriculum-based checklist) was used to test the feasibility of babyMARTYN as a training tool. Likert scale-based questionnaires were used to assess the model for face and content validity. Training benefit was assessed using pre- and posttraining ratings on the Physician Performance Diagnostic Inventory Scale (PPDIS). To determine the significance of improvement in median PPDIS score, the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was performed. RESULTS In part 1 (development), the model was successfully developed with good fidelity. In part 2 (validation), the validation data demonstrated feasibility, face, and content validity. The PPDIS score significantly increased for all groups after babyMARTYN training, thereby indicating a potential future role for babyMARTYN in the training of pediatric neurosurgeons. CONCLUSIONS This recent collaborative neurosurgical development by the Royal College of Surgeons of England is designed to supplement current neurosurgical training. High-fidelity, portable, operation-specific models enable preoperative planning and have the potential to be used in an operating room environment prior to novel operations. A "see one, simulate one, do one" approach for pediatric neurosurgical training using babyMARTYN is suggested.

Functional Adaptation of the Calcaneus in Historical Foot Binding.

The normal structure of human feet is optimized for shock dampening during walking and running. Foot binding was a historical practice in China aimed at restricting the growth of female feet for aesthetic reasons. In a bound foot the shock-dampening function normally facilitated by the foot arches is withdrawn, resulting in the foot functioning as a rigid extension of the lower leg. An interesting question inspiring this study regards the nature of adaptation of the heel bone to this nonphysiological function using the parameters of cancellous bone anisotropy and 3D fabric topology and a novel intertrabecular angle (ITA) analysis. We found that the trabecular microarchitecture of the normal heel bone, but not of the bound foot, adapts to function by increased anisotropy and preferred orientation of trabeculae. The anisotropic texture in the normal heel bone consistently follows the physiological stress trajectories. However, in the bound foot heel bone the characteristic anisotropy pattern fails to develop, reflecting the lack of a normal biomechanical input. Moreover, the basic topological blueprint of cancellous bone investigated by the ITA method is nearly invariant in both normal and bound foot. These findings suggest that the anisotropic cancellous bone texture is an acquired characteristic that reflects recurrent loading conditions; conversely, an inadequate biomechanical input precludes the formation of anisotropic texture. This opens a long-sought-after possibility to reconstruct bone function from its form. The conserved topological parameters characterize the generic 3D fabric of cancellous bone, which is to a large extent independent of its adaptation to recurrent loading and perhaps determines the mechanical competence of trabecular bone regardless of its functional adaptation. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Development of a modelled anatomical replica for training young neurosurgeons.

INTRODUCTION: The Modelled Anatomical Replica for Training Young Neurosurgeons (MARTYN) is a novel simulation model developed by the Royal College of Surgeons England (RCSEng). This study describes the development of the model and aims to determine its feasibility as a potential future training tool. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Traditional model-making methods were used to develop a prototype. Initial procedural trials tested the feasibility of the model. Eighteen participants, grouped by experience (nine novices, four intermediates and five experienced), completed two tasks: a craniotomy and a burr hole followed by insertion of an external ventricular drain (EVD). Subjective data on confidence, usefulness, realism and preference to other training modalities were collected via a standardised questionnaire and a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Preliminary trials of the model prototype demonstrated feasibility. The novice group had the greatest self-reported benefit from MARTYN training, with significant increases in self-rated confidence in both the craniotomy (p < 0.01) and EVD insertion (p < 0.05) procedures. MARTYN was reported to having good visual and tactile realism overall with the bone component being considered highly realistic. The model was reported to be a useful training tool. When asked to rank preferred training modalities, operative experience was chosen first with cadaveric training and MARTYN consistently scoring a second choice. CONCLUSIONS: MARTYN was developed with the intention to fill the current niche for an inexpensive synthetic model head. This study shows that the use of MARTYN for training is both feasible and realistic. We demonstrate a preliminary face and construct validity of the model in this pilot study. With the reduction in working hours, we believe this model will be a suitable supplement to the current ST 1-3 level cadaveric training and will have a positive impact on patient safety.