Tag retention and mortality of adult Atlantic salmon Salmo salar gastrically tagged with different sized telemetry transmitters.

A batch of 1 sea winter pre-spawning adult Salmo salar from the Bush river in Northern Ireland, U.K., were gastrically tagged with large (13 mm diameter) and small (9 mm diameter) dummy acoustic telemetry tags alongside untagged control fish. Survival differed between control and tagged fish and the estimated probability of survival by the end of the study for control fish with no tag was 0·94, small tags was 0·90 and large tags was 0·72. Tag loss through regurgitation was slightly higher for fish tagged with larger tags than for fish tagged with smaller tags and the estimated probability of tag loss for fish with a small tag was 0·10 and for large tags was 0·14.

The pre-spawning migratory behaviour of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in a large lacustrine catchment.

The movements of adult Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were determined as they migrated to spawning habitats in a large lacustrine catchment, Lough Neagh, in Northern Ireland. The minimum average ground speed of S. salar through the lake was 2·1 km day(-1) and the mean residence time was 11 days. Tagged S. salar tended to actively migrate through the lake which represented a transitory habitat for adult S. salar. Migration time from the release site, through the lake, to a spawning tributary decreased during the migratory period. During the 4 year study period between 20·5 and 41·6% of tagged S. salar which entered the lake each year, explored at least one other channel before ascending the final spawning tributary. Exploratory behaviour was more likely in S. salar which spawned in the tributaries furthest from the sea. Exploratory behaviour was also more likely to occur during periods of reduced discharge in the natal stream. The fishery management implications of complex pre-spawning behaviour in a mixed stock lacustrine system, are discussed.

Factors associated with symptom-specific psychological and functional impact among acoustic neuroma patients.

INTRODUCTION: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and functional impact attributed to acoustic neuroma symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 207 acoustic neuroma patients completed a study-specific questionnaire about the severity, frequency, and psychological and functional impact of 9 acoustic neuroma symptoms. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 56.4 per cent. All symptoms had some degree of psychological impact for the majority of participants; hearing loss was the symptom most often reported to have a severe psychological impact. The majority of respondents reported functional impact attributed to hearing loss, balance disturbance, dizziness, eye problems, headache and fatigue; balance disturbance was the symptom most often reported to have a severe functional impact. For most symptoms, psychological and functional impact were related to severity and frequency. CONCLUSION: Of the acoustic neuroma symptoms investigated, hearing loss and balance disturbance were the most likely to have a severe psychological and functional impact, respectively.

Upstream migratory behaviour of wild and ranched Atlantic salmon Salmo salar at a natural obstacle in a coastal spate river.

The upstream migratory behaviour of wild and ranched Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in a small Irish coastal spate river was investigated using acoustic telemetry. Prespawning migratory behaviour was investigated including movement patterns at a large natural waterfall in the lower reaches of the river. A strong diurnal pattern was observed for upstream migrants at the waterfall indicative of the need for daylight to ascend this complex natural obstacle to migration. Successful passage of the waterfall was also associated with distinct environmental conditions and no difference in migratory ability was detected between wild and ranched origin S. salar. Wild S. salar tended to exhibit a non-erratic, stepwise upstream migration pattern after ascending the waterfall while ranched S. salar had an increased probability of displaying more erratic migratory behaviour. Wild S. salar penetrated further into the river catchment than ranched S. salar, although male ranched S. salar exhibited the greatest cumulative distance moved prior to the spawning period. The management implications of escaped or released ranched S. salar and movement at natural obstacles are discussed.

Beaufort trout MicroPlex: a high-throughput multiplex platform comprising 38 informative microsatellite loci for use in resident and anadromous (sea trout) brown trout Salmo trutta genetic studies.

A flexible panel consisting of 38 informative microsatellite markers for Salmo trutta is described. These markers were selected from a pool of over 150 candidate loci that can be readily amplified in four multiplex PCR groups but other permutations are also possible. The basic properties of each markers were assessed in six population samples from both the Burrishoole catchment, in the west of Ireland, and Lough Neagh, in Northern Ireland. A method to assess the relative utility of individual markers for the detection of population genetic structuring is also described. Given its flexibility, technical reliability and high degree of informativeness, the use of this panel of markers is advocated as a standard for S. trutta genetic studies.

The effect of stocking with 0+ year age-class Atlantic salmon Salmo salar fry: a case study from the River Bush, Northern Ireland.

An enhancement programme based on stocking 0+ year age-class Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, conducted in the River Bush, Northern Ireland, U.K. over the period 1996-2005, was reviewed with reference to the performance and biological characteristics of wild fish. Wild ova to 0+ year fry (summer) survival was c. 8% with subsequent wild 0+ year fry-to-smolt survival c. 9%. Stocked unfed 0+ year juveniles gave c. 1% survival to smolt whilst fed 0+ year S. salar stocked in late summer exhibited survival at c. 5%. Stocking with unfed and fed fry contributed to increased smolt production and helped attain local management objectives between 2001 and 2005. Significant differences in biological characteristics were observed between wild and stocked-origin fish. Wild-smolt cohorts were dominated by 2+ year age-class fish on the River Bush whilst smolts originating from fed fry mostly comprised younger 1+ year individuals. The mean mass of 1+ year smolts derived from stocked fed fry was significantly lower than that of wild 1+ year smolts, although these differences were not evident between older age classes. Differences in run timing between wild smolts and smolts derived from stocked fry were also apparent with the stocked-origin fish tending to run earlier than wild fish. Although the stocking exercise was useful in terms of maximizing freshwater production, concerns over the quality of stocked-origin recruits and the long term consequences for productivity are highlighted.

Cardiac troponin I: a case study in rational antibody design for human diagnostics.

In vitro diagnostic (IVD) platforms provide rapid and accurate determination of disease status. The clinical performance of antibody-based diagnostic platforms is paramount as the information provided often informs the medical intervention taken and, ultimately, the patient's outcome. Breaking down such an immuno-IVD device into its component elements, the biorecognition entity is key to the analytical specificity of the test. Furthermore, tailored optimisation of the antibody is often necessary to impart the desired biophysical properties for the specific application. This tailoring is now widely facilitated by advances in combinatorial approaches to antibody generation, molecular evolution strategies and the availability of truly high-throughput (HT), refined surface plasmon resonance-based screening tools. In this paper, we demonstrate a rational, knowledge-driven approach to the generation of epitope-specific antibodies for the early detection of cardiovascular disease, discuss the merits of the approaches taken and offer a perspective on HT strategies to mining large antibody libraries. These results highlight the expedience of such methodologies for the development of truly superior cardiovascular disease biorecognition elements.

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas: imaging diagnosis and classification.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: ILS is a rare lesion that has a different management from the more common "acoustic" schwannoma. To date, only 137 cases have been reported. We present a classification scheme based on labyrinthine anatomy to describe and localize these lesions. Treatment and prognosis hinge on the appropriate localization of these tumors; thus, a concise terminology that can be used by both the otolaryngologist and radiology communities is desirable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After approval of the institutional review board, a retrospective study of all patients with the diagnosis of ILS imaged between 1996 and 2010 was performed. Clinical and imaging data were collected. Patients were imaged with thin-section high-resolution T2 and contrast-enhanced MR imaging. RESULTS: There were 45 patients with a diagnosis of ILS. Forty-three had complete histories. There were 18 male and 25 female patients with an age range of 21-78 years with a mean age of 53 years. The most common presenting symptom was progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Lesions were characterized on the basis of their location. Intracochlear was most common (14/45) followed by transmodiolar (13/45), intravestibular (7/45), vestibulocochlear (5/45), transmacular (4/45), and transotic (2/45). Sixteen patients underwent surgical resection. The remaining patients were followed clinically and by serial MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: ILS is an uncommon but under-reported tumor. We characterized the MR imaging appearance of these tumors by using high-resolution techniques. In addition, an anatomically based classification system is presented that will help the radiologist accurately describe ILS within the inner ear and help the surgeon determine which tumors are potential surgical candidates.

Factors associated with anxiety and depression in the management of acoustic neuroma patients.

The objectives of this study were to describe anxiety and depression levels among acoustic neuroma patients; examine differences in anxiety and depression across the acoustic neuroma management options of microsurgery, radiation and observation; and to investigate management, medical and demographic factors that might predict anxiety and depression in this patient group. A cross-sectional questionnaire was completed by 205 adults diagnosed with, or treated for, a unilateral acoustic neuroma within five years of questionnaire distribution. Median age of participants was 57.0 years, and 120 (58.5%) were female. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Clinically significant anxiety was reported by 29.8% of participants and 10.2% were depressed. Mean anxiety and depression scores did not differ from general population norms. No significant differences in anxiety and depression were found across management options. Time since management, number of symptoms and comorbid medical conditions predicted anxiety, while depression was predicted by number of symptoms. This appears to be the first study among acoustic neuroma patients in which anxiety and depression were compared across management options. Treating physicians should be aware that as the number of acoustic neuroma symptoms increases, so may the likelihood of clinically significant anxiety and depression.

Risk stratification as a means of reducing the burden of follow-up after completion of initial treatment for breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Little evidence exists regarding the optimum frequency or duration of follow-up for patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a risk-stratified follow-up programme. METHODS: Patients treated surgically for primary breast cancer from January 2000 to September 2006 were recorded on a BASO database. Follow-up was stratified according to risk of relapse as determined by the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI). Patients were assigned to high, moderate or low risk groups. The date of recurrence, time from primary diagnosis and site of relapse were obtained from the database. Review of case notes was used to confirm the method of detection. RESULTS: 1303 women had surgery for primary breast cancer in the study period. Median follow-up was 40 months. Overall survival rate was 96.9% (90.4% high, 97.3% moderate, 99.5% low). Disease free survival was 94.1% (84.1% high, 94.7% moderate, 98.1% low). Seventy-seven recurrences were detected with 39 (51%) in the high risk group, 27 (35%) in the moderate risk group and 11 (14%) in the low risk group. Detection rate at a scheduled appointment was 0.27% overall (low risk 0.14%, moderate risk 0.27%, high risk 0.45%). CONCLUSIONS: NPI correlates with risk of recurrent disease. Scheduled follow-up yielded few recurrences, suggesting early discharge with open access to clinics could be a safe alternative. This type of follow-up may reduce demand on specialist clinics without significantly affecting patient care or overall survival.

Evidence of changing migratory patterns of wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts in the River Bush, Northern Ireland, and possible associations with climate change.

The migration patterns, timing and biological characteristics of wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts in the River Bush, Northern Ireland, were examined over the period 1978-2008. A distinct change in the timing of the smolt run was detected with progressively earlier emigration periods evident across the time series. The shift in run timing ranged from 3.6 to 4.8 days 10 years(-1) for a range of standard migratory audit points. The timing of smolt emigration has been linked to ambient river temperature patterns. Distinct seasonal patterns were evident for biological characteristics of River Bush smolts with mean age and fork length decreasing throughout the emigration period. Marine survival patterns in 1 sea winter River Bush S. salar were strongly influenced by the run timing of the preceding smolt year such that later emigrating cohorts demonstrated increased survival. Possible mechanisms for this relationship based on local climatic variation have been explored, including the effect of potential thermal mismatch between freshwater and marine environments.

Removal of two sentinel nodes accurately stages the axilla in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of lymph node status in breast cancer is still necessary for staging. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) may provide accurate staging with less morbidity than axillary clearance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the number of sentinel nodes removed on the false-negative rate. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from 395 women undergoing SNB for breast cancer, between June 1995 and December 2001. All nodes that were hot and/or blue were removed and analysed. RESULTS: During this interval 136 patients who had SNB were lymph node positive. The median number of sentinel nodes removed was two (range one to five). The overall false-negative rate of SNB in these women was 7.1 per cent. If only one sentinel node had been removed, the false-negative rate would have been 16.5 per cent. The removal of more than two nodes had no effect on axillary staging in all but two women. CONCLUSION: In early breast cancer, when there were multiple sentinel nodes, removal of two sentinel nodes significantly reduced the false-negative rate compared with removal of one node. Removing more than two sentinel nodes did not significantly reduce the false-negative rate further.

First-order transition from a Kondo insulator to a ferromagnetic metal in single crystalline FeSi(1-x)Ge(x).

The phase diagram of FeSi(1-x)Ge(x), obtained from magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements on single crystals, shows a discontinuous transition from Kondo insulator to ferromagnetic metal with x at a critical concentration, x(c) approximately 0.25. The gap of the insulating phase strongly decreases with x. The specific heat gamma coefficient appears to track the density of states of a Kondo insulator. The phase diagram is consistent with an insulator-metal transition induced by a reduction of the hybridization with x in conjunction with disorder on the Si/Ge ligand site.

Optimal N-caps for N-terminal helical templates: effects of changes in H-bonding efficiency and charge.

A family of efficient helix-initiating N-terminal caps X-Hel is introduced that expand the scope and versatility of the previously reported reporting conformational template Ac-Hel, (Kemp, D. S.; Allen, T. J.; Oslick, S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 6641-6657) and a working principle for predicting cap performance is described, based on structurally specific intramolecular hydrogen bond formation. Replacement of the N-acetyl by urethane, urea, or sulfonamide generated less efficient polypeptide helix inducers. The N-formyl cap is found to be equivalent to the N-acetyl and may provide more convenient quantitative helix reporting properties. Anionic N-caps derived from the series X = (-)O(2)C-(CH(2))(n)-CO, 0 < or = n < or = 3, are superior to N-acetyl, as are N-acylglycyl and N-acyl-beta-aspartyl. The latter pair of caps permit introduction of the X-Hel functionality within a polypeptide chain, allowing control of helicity of a peptide sub-sequence. Applications of these capping functions are discussed. This work has been focused primarily on immediate practical goals directed toward enhancing the maximum helicity of isolated short to medium-sized peptides in aqueous solution, but its developing concepts and working hypotheses are likely to significantly enhance our understanding at a chemical level of the protein folding problem.