Laboratory maintenance does not alter ecological and physiological patterns among species: a Drosophila case study.

Large comparative studies in animal ecology, physiology and evolution often use animals reared in the laboratory for many generations; however, the relevance of these studies hinges on the assumption that laboratory populations are still representative for their wild living conspecifics. In this study, we investigate whether laboratory-maintained and freshly collected animal populations are fundamentally different and whether data from laboratory-maintained animals are valid to use in large comparative investigations of ecological and physiological patterns. Here, we obtained nine species of Drosophila with paired populations of laboratory-maintained and freshly collected flies. These species, representing a range of ecotypes, were assayed for four stress-tolerance, two body-size traits and six life-history traits. For all of these traits, we observed small differences in species-specific comparisons between field and laboratory populations; however, these differences were unsystematic and laboratory maintenance did not eclipse fundamental species characteristics. To investigate whether laboratory maintenance influence the general patterns in comparative studies, we correlated stress tolerance and life-history traits with environmental traits for the laboratory-maintained and freshly collected populations. Based on this analysis, we found that the comparative physiological and ecological trait correlations are similar irrespective of provenience. This finding is important for comparative biology in general because it validates comparative meta-analyses based on laboratory-maintained populations.

Endonasal Microdebrider Assisted Excision of Congenital Intranasal Nasolacrimal Duct Cyst or Inferior Mucocoele.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital intranasal nasolacrimal duct (NLD) cyst is a rare clinical entity in the newborn whilst inferior mucocoeles are more common. We reviewed our case series of the management of patients presenting with congenital intranasal NLD cysts and inferior mucocoeles treated using powered instrumentation under endoscopic guidance. METHODS: A retrospective review identified three patients, between 2010 and 2013, who have had microdebrider assisted endoscopic marsupialisation of congenital intranasal NLD cysts under joint ENT and Ophthalmology care. RESULTS: Diagnosis was made based on intraoperative endoscopic nasal examination carried out during treatment of patients with epiphora. All patients were 2 years old or younger presented with persistent epiphora since birth with sticky eyes. All had normal development with no other past medical history of note. Two patients had unilateral and one patient had bilateral congenital intranasal NLD cysts/inferior mucocoels identified. These were treated by endoscopic incision of the cyst with drainage of pus and excision of excess mucosal tissue using a powered microdebrider to effect marsupialisation and prevent re healing of the floppy redundant flaps of the incised cyst. No silastic tubes were placed. All patients were discharged from clinic 3 months post surgery with complete resolution of symptoms and no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Microdebrider assisted endoscopic marsupialisation is a safe and effective treatment for removal of excess tissue in the treatment for congenital intranasal NLD cyst/inferior mucocoele whilst also obviating the need for silastic intubation and a further general anaesthetic for stent removal.

Constraints on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity: limits and costs of phenotype and plasticity.

Phenotypic plasticity is ubiquitous and generally regarded as a key mechanism for enabling organisms to survive in the face of environmental change. Because no organism is infinitely or ideally plastic, theory suggests that there must be limits (for example, the lack of ability to produce an optimal trait) to the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, or that plasticity may have inherent significant costs. Yet numerous experimental studies have not detected widespread costs. Explicitly differentiating plasticity costs from phenotype costs, we re-evaluate fundamental questions of the limits to the evolution of plasticity and of generalists vs specialists. We advocate for the view that relaxed selection and variable selection intensities are likely more important constraints to the evolution of plasticity than the costs of plasticity. Some forms of plasticity, such as learning, may be inherently costly. In addition, we examine opportunities to offset costs of phenotypes through ontogeny, amelioration of phenotypic costs across environments, and the condition-dependent hypothesis. We propose avenues of further inquiry in the limits of plasticity using new and classic methods of ecological parameterization, phylogenetics and omics in the context of answering questions on the constraints of plasticity. Given plasticity's key role in coping with environmental change, approaches spanning the spectrum from applied to basic will greatly enrich our understanding of the evolution of plasticity and resolve our understanding of limits.

Generation and analysis of an androgen-responsive myoblast cell line indicates that androgens regulate myotube protein accretion.

Androgens have anabolic actions in skeletal muscle and could potentially act to: (a) increase proliferation of myoblasts; (b) delay differentiation to myotubes; and (c) induce protein accretion in post-proliferative myofibers. To identify the site of androgens action, we investigated the proliferative response of the C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment. Neither androgens affected cell proliferation after up to 7 days treatment, nor was there a synergistic effect of androgens on the proliferative response of C2C12 cells to IGF-I treatment. However, proliferating C2C12 cells expressed 0.1% of the level of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA found in adult mouse gastrocnemius muscle (p<0.01). Therefore, we generated mouse C2C12 myoblast cell lines stably transfected with the mouse AR cDNA driven by the SV40 promoter (C2C12-AR). C2C12-AR cell proliferation, differentiation, and protein content were analyzed in response to androgen treatment. Our data demonstrated that androgen treatment does not alter either proliferation rate or differentiation rate of C2C12-AR cells. However, treatment of differentiated C2C12-AR myotubes with 100 nM DHT for 3 days caused a 20% increase in total protein content vs vehicle treatment (p<0.05). This effect was not observed in control C2C12 cells transfected with empty vector. These data suggest that androgens act via the AR to upregulate myotube protein content. This model cell line will be useful to further investigate the molecular mechanisms via which androgens regulate protein accretion.

Regional nerve block of the upper eyelid in oculoplastic surgery.

PURPOSE: To establish the efficacy of a regional nerve block of the upper eyelid and its effect on levator motor function. METHODS: Forty-one patients underwent surgery on 54 upper eyelids by one surgeon, after administration of a regional nerve block at the supraorbital notch. The amount of pain experienced by patients due to the local anesthetic injection and surgery was determined by using visual analogue scores. The effect of the local anesthetic injection on levator function was determined by comparing the measured levator function prior to and following administration. Any complications attributable to the regional sensory nerve block were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of patients found the injection painless, and the rest reported negligible pain. The mean pain score for the injection was 2 (SD 1.3, range 0-6). The mean pain score for the surgery was 0.3 (SD 0.6, range 0-3). No significant difference was found in levator function prior to and following the injection (pre-function: 14.4 mm, post-function: 13.4 mm, p=0.01). One patient had hematoma formation at the site of injection. CONCLUSIONS: A regional nerve block of the upper eyelid achieves effective sensory anesthesia,without compromising motor function. This helps in an accurate assessment of intraoperative height during upper lid surgery.

Determination of in situ-generated dimethyldioxirane from an aqueous matrix using selected ion monitoring.

There is a growing interest in utilizing in situ-generated dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) as an oxidant for synthetic purposes and bleaching and decontamination applications, but the ability to quantify the organic cyclic peroxide species is often complicated by the presence of other reactive components, peroxymonosulfate and acetone, within the solution matrix. This paper is the first to report the use of a MS method for the quantitation of DMDO from these complex matrices by utilizing an isothermal 30 degrees C GC program in conjunction with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The volatile organic species is sampled from the headspace of closed batch system vials and quantified by measuring the abundance of m/z 74. The method achieves a practical quantitation limit (PQL) for DMDO of 0.033 mM, and methyl acetate is identified as a minor decomposition product from the aqueous sample matrix, contributing 9% towards the overall DMDO measurements. The spectroscopic method makes use of common analytical instrumentation and is capable of measuring other in situ-generated dioxiranes, such as those generated from 2-butanone and [2H6]acetone.

Enucleation with reverse replacement of sclera as an alternative to conventional evisceration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To objectively review the results of a technique combining enucleation with evisceration in patients listed for traditional evisceration with preservation of the rectus muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients who underwent combined enucleation and evisceration with 3 to 36 months of follow-up were identified (average follow-up 14 months). Three eyes were phtihisical, 1 microphthalmic, 1 buphthalmic, 1 a secondary implant following conventional evisceration and 4 non-phtihisical painful eyes. The technique involved enucleation followed by evisceration of the eye contents. Implants, either coral or acrylic, were wrapped in the eviscerated sclera and replaced in the orbit with the posterior pole of the sclera facing anteriorly. The rectus muscles were then resutured onto the sclera. The patients were subsequently recalled and volume replacement, cosmesis and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Three coral and 7 acrylic implants were placed, 2 of 22 mm, 7 of 20 mm and 1 of 18 mm. No complications were encountered, in particular no implant extrusions. Cosmesis was graded good in 9 out of 10 patients. CONCLUSION: Combined enucleation and evisceration allows the selection and placement of an appropriately large-sized implant to achieve good volume replacement with no extrusions in our series. This technique is particularly pertinent as an alternative to standard evisceration in phtihisical eyes.

Origins of the desire for euthanasia and assisted suicide in people with HIV-1 or AIDS: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Euthanasia and assisted suicide, and policies to address them are the subjects of contentious debate in many countries. However, the question of why people desire euthanasia or assisted suicide has not been coherently answered. We aimed to answer this question in a specific group of patients. METHODS: We did a qualitative study of 32 people with HIV-1 or AIDS, who were enrolled in the HIV-1 Ontario Observational Database at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We elicited participants' experiences of deliberation about euthanasia or assisted suicide, and the meaning of these experiences with in-depth, face-to-face interviews. We analysed our data with grounded theory methods. FINDINGS: Participants' desire for euthanasia and assisted suicide were affected by two main factors: disintegration, which resulted from symptoms and loss of function; and loss of community, which we defined as progressive diminishment of opportunities to initiate and maintain close personal relationships. These factors resulted in perceived loss of self. Euthanasia and assisted suicide were seen by participants as means of limiting loss of self. INTERPRETATION: These determinants of desire for euthanasia or assisted suicide in people with HIV-1 or AIDS have implications for the debate on these practices, and development of policies to regulate them.

Immunologic therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

The treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common form of multiple sclerosis, has been revolutionized in recent years. In addition to effective treatment of acute relapses, therapies are now available to prevent relapses, reduce the burden of disease as seen on magnetic resonance imaging, and possibly even slow the course of disease. There are now several agents either approved, awaiting approval, or in various stages of development in many countries. Evidence suggests that early intervention with these agents will yield the best results in the long run. The current approach to treatment of RRMS is the focus of this discussion.

A life-cycle comparison of alternative automobile fuels.

We examine the life cycles of gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and ethanol (C2H5OH)-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles. Port and direct injection and spark and compression ignition engines are examined. We investigate diesel fuel from both petroleum and biosources as well as C2H5OH from corn, herbaceous bio-mass, and woody biomass. The baseline vehicle is a gasoline-fueled 1998 Ford Taurus. We optimize the other fuel/powertrain combinations for each specific fuel as a part of making the vehicles comparable to the baseline in terms of range, emissions level, and vehicle lifetime. Life-cycle calculations are done using the economic input-output life-cycle analysis (EIO-LCA) software; fuel cycles and vehicle end-of-life stages are based on published model results. We find that recent advances in gasoline vehicles, the low petroleum price, and the extensive gasoline infrastructure make it difficult for any alternative fuel to become commercially viable. The most attractive alternative fuel is compressed natural gas because it is less expensive than gasoline, has lower regulated pollutant and toxics emissions, produces less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and is available in North America in large quantities. However, the bulk and weight of gas storage cylinders required for the vehicle to attain a range comparable to that of gasoline vehicles necessitates a redesign of the engine and chassis. Additional natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure is required for large-scale use of natural gas for transportation. Diesel engines are extremely attractive in terms of energy efficiency, but expert judgment is divided on whether these engines will be able to meet strict emissions standards, even with reformulated fuel. The attractiveness of direct injection engines depends on their being able to meet strict emissions standards without losing their greater efficiency. Biofuels offer lower GHG emissions, are sustainable, and reduce the demand for imported fuels. Fuels from food sources, such as biodiesel from soybeans and C2H5OH from corn, can be attractive only if the co-products are in high demand and if the fuel production does not diminish the food supply. C2H5OH from herbaceous or woody biomass could replace the gasoline burned in the light-duty fleet while supplying electricity as a co-product. While it costs more than gasoline, bioethanol would be attractive if the price of gasoline doubled, if significant reductions in GHG emissions were required, or if fuel economy regulations for gasoline vehicles were tightened.

Variability in digital assessment of cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract.

To identify validity of the standardised Nidek EAS-1000 retroillumination image analysis, images of 450 consecutive patients were analysed for the standard 6.5 mm and for the maximal pupil size. The software allows for separation of cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities and defines threshold for cataract automatically at 12% below the brightest point of the histogram of pixel luminescence. The results were compared with clinical Wilmer cataract grading. Correlation between clinical and digital assessment was 0.48* for cortical opacities in maximal pupil size, 0. 47* in 6.5 mm pupil size analyses, and 0.71* for posterior subcapsular opacities (*p < 0.001). In 24.6% of maximal pupil size analyses and in 11.7% of standard pupil size analyses standardisation revealed confounding features, such as other opacities of media, refractive shadows etc., that masqueraded as cataract and interfered with the cortical opacity measurements. Automatic standardized analysis has reduced many sources of observer variation (level of illumination, pupil size and threshold adjustment), but the revealed range of confounding opacities and artifacts still requires observer interpretation.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome in the era of molecular genetics and the Internet: a point of view.

The era of molecular genetics has seen the discovery of a great deal of scientific information about the androgen receptor (AR) and about the many AR mutations that have been identified in patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS). In families with well-characterised mutations, carriers can now be identified and prenatal testing can be offered. An unexpected finding is that an AR mutation also causes X-linked spinobulbar muscular atrophy. The intersex community has established two influential support groups, the AIS Support Group (which has branches in the UK, North America and Australia) and the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA). It is ironic that at a time when advances in biomedical science regarding AIS are a source of pride, these support groups are accusing the medical profession of having ignored the real needs of patients with AIS. Since the support groups are willing to assist the medical profession to develop better approaches to the management of intersex disorders, a collaborative approach is likely to be mutually beneficial for patients and physicians. ISNA has alienated many doctors by advocating a radical approach, namely that surgery should not be performed to 'correct' ambiguous genitalia until the individual is old enough to express a gender preference. Many children born in developing countries have either no genital surgery to correct ambiguity, or surgery is carried out very late. Long term outcome studies, carried out in developing countries and sensitive to the cultural background, would provide information on how non-Western societies can accept genital abnormalities that would be considered unacceptable in the West.

[A simplified screening test for the identification of individuals with diminished vision in developing countries]. / Prueba de tamizaje simplificada para identificar a personas con visión disminuida en países en desarrollo.

Simple but effective tests have been produced for screening subjects with low vision in developing countries. These tests of distance and near vision, based on the E test, were evaluated and validated in trials with people aged 4-90 years, and have been field tested in the health, education and rehabilitation services in 32 developing countries. Their sensitivity and specificity as screening tools for low vision have been calculated: sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 96% for the distance vision test, and sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84% for the near vision test. The content and format of the tests have been demonstrated to be appropriate for developing countries, and their effectiveness for screening for low vision has been confirmed.

Recurrent scleritis in lepromatous leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent immune-mediated scleritis after adequate treatment of leprosy is not well documented in the literature. We describe an Australian resident with unilateral intra-ocular lepromatous leprosy who had persistent non-infectious scleritis. METHODS: A man of Anglo-Indian ancestry initially presented with lepromatous leprosy and unilateral ocular involvement. The affected eye had an interstitial keratitis and a granulomatous anterior uveitis that responded to antileprotics and anti-inflammatory agents. Despite systemic cure with triple antileprotic therapy, he developed recurrent scleritis that required multiple scleral patch grafts for scleral thinning and, subsequently, an enucleation. Histology failed to demonstrate persistent infection, rather a chronic non-granulomatous scleritis, which was probably immune mediated. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates an ocular complication of leprosy that is infrequently reported. Patients with ocular involvement by leprosy are at risk of developing recurrent scleritis despite systemic cure with antileprotics.

Prueba de tamizaje simplificada para identificar a personas con visión disminuida en países en desarrollo / A simplified screening test for identifying people with low vision in developing countries

Se han creado pruebas sencillas pero útiles para el tamizaje de personas con visión disminuida en países en desarrollo. Estas pruebas, que miden la visión de lejos y de cerca y que se basan en el uso de una figura en E, fueron evaluadas y respaldadas mediante ensayos en que participaron personas de 4 a 90 años de edad, y se han puesto a prueba en los servicios de salud, educación y rehabilitación de 32 países en desarrollo. Se han calculado su sensibilidad y especificidad como instrumentos para la detección de la visión disminuída: en la prueba de visión a distancia, la sensibilidad es de 85 por ciento y la especificidad, de 96 por ciento; en la prueba de visión cercana, la sensibilidad es de 100 por ciento y la especificidad, de 84 por ciento. Se ha demostrado que el contenido y el formato de las pruebas son adecuados para países en desarrollo y se ha comprobado la utilidad de las mismas para el tamizaje de la visión disminuida

Simple but effective tests have been produced for screening subjects with low vision in developing countries. These tests of distance and near vision, based on the E test, were evaluated and validated in trials with people aged 4­90 years, and have been field tested in the health, education and rehabilitation services in 32 developing countries. Their sensitivity and specificity as screening tools for low vision have been calculated: sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 96% for the distance vision test, and sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84% for the near vision test. The content and format of the tests have been demonstrated to be appropriate for developing countries, and their effectiveness for screening for low vision has been confirmed.

Prueba de tamizaje simplificada para identificar a personas con visión disminuida en países en desarrollo / A simplified screening test for identifying people with low vision in developing countries

Se han creado pruebas sencillas pero útiles para el tamizaje de personas con visión disminuida en países en desarrollo. Estas pruebas, que miden la visión de lejos y de cerca y que se basan en el uso de una figura en E, fueron evaluadas y respaldadas mediante ensayos en que participaron personas de 4 a 90 años de edad, y se han puesto a prueba en los servicios de salud, educación y rehabilitación de 32 países en desarrollo. Se han calculado su sensibilidad y especificidad como instrumentos para la detección de la visión disminuída: en la prueba de visión a distancia, la sensibilidad es de 85 por ciento y la especificidad, de 96 por ciento; en la prueba de visión cercana, la sensibilidad es de 100 por ciento y la especificidad, de 84 por ciento. Se ha demostrado que el contenido y el formato de las pruebas son adecuados para países en desarrollo y se ha comprobado la utilidad de las mismas para el tamizaje de la visión disminuida

The significance of identity in the adjustment to diabetes among insulin users.

In this study, the social theory of identity was used to gain a better understanding of the complex process of how individuals adjust to having insulin-requiring diabetes. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 individuals to explore issues related to their personal experience with diabetes. Narrative methods were used to analyze the data. An exploration of participants' stories revealed significant identity issues underlying their interpretation and management of diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes was conceptualized as an assault on personal identity. This initial disruption was followed by a process of negotiation whereby individuals grappled with identity issues to adapt to the condition and integrate it into their lives. This process was socially shaped and influenced individuals' perceptions of their diabetes management. The main concepts examined in this paper are diagnosis and identity, identity and treatment management, and identity and the ongoing nature of adjustment. The implications for diabetes education are presented.