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To eliminate the destructive impact of rodents on islands, conservation practitioners commonly use rodenticides to eradicate these pests. Frequently used rodenticides, such as brodifacoum, are non-specific. Consequently, non-target species may be susceptible to the poison. While mitigation actions to protect against unwanted impacts on non-target species are often included in eradication planning, such impacts are rarely measured or reported. In 2019, a rodent eradication program was implemented on Lord Howe Island to remove ship rats and house mice. To protect the island's unique suite of endemic avian fauna, a comprehensive monitoring and mitigation plan was implemented. Following assessments of potential effects of baiting on island-species, two endemic species were taken into captive management during the eradication. To assess effects on other species, a total of 243 ha of bushland was searched over a 14-week period and an additional 190 ha was searched in the island's settlement area for carcasses of non-targets. These surveys found that buff-banded rails suffered the highest level of mortality, but few carcasses of endemic species were found. The captive management program was successful with more than 95% of individuals that were taken into captivity being released at the end of the program. Post-eradication surveys of captive-managed species have shown that the endemic woodhen population has increased by nearly five-fold on pre-eradication levels and that endemic currawong numbers have also increased. Surveys of other bush birds have found higher numbers for most species and shows that pre-eradication assessments of these species being at lower risk were appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of genetic diversity within species is a key objective of biodiversity conservation, and small, isolated populations are particularly vulnerable to genetic erosion. Conservation management actions such as predator removal, captive breeding and reintroduction can facilitate numerical recovery of a population, but species often remain at risk from depleted genetic diversity and inbreeding. We investigated dispersal, genetic bottlenecks and genetic population structuring in the island‐dwelling Lord Howe woodhen, a species that came perilously close to extinction in the 1970s. Analyses of mark‐resighting records and variable genetic markers (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) collected from the contemporary population and 100‐year‐old museum specimens found strong evidence of restricted dispersal at fine spatial scales, with both the contemporary and historic populations exhibiting strong population structuring between mountain and lowland/slopes sites. Additionally, genetic comparison of the contemporary population and historic specimens demonstrated a decline in genetic diversity over the past century. Specifically for the Lord Howe woodhen, we recommend ongoing genetic monitoring and translocations to increase genetic diversity within the re‐established lowland subpopulation. More generally, our results demonstrate how pronounced genetic erosion can arise in species subject to human persecution and predation by introduced predators, and how genetic fragmentation of natural populations can be present at fine geographical scales (less than hundreds of metres). Moreover, without prior information about genetic structure and subsequent genetic monitoring, conservation management can have unexpected negative consequences for the genetic health of populations. Therefore, genetic monitoring and management early in the recovery of populations is desirable to maximize their adaptive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the biotechnology sector, a main processing goal is the production of high cell (and hence product) yields. Therefore, little consideration is traditionally given to the potential environmental impacts of excess culture media ingredients. This study investigated the scope for reducing the quantities of phosphorus (P) present in both a complex terrific broth (TB) and semi-defined minimal media 9/yeast extract (M9/YE) fermentation media used to culture a model Escherichia coli strain engineered to produce a recombinant β-galactosidase. Reductions of up to 70 % did not adversely affect biomass yields attained; however, further P minimization leads to a drop in dry cell weight obtained, particularly in the case of semi-defined media. P concentration in TB media had little effect upon total recombinant protein expression levels achieved. In the case of M9/YE media, reductions >70 % P negatively affected product expression levels. Protein functionality, assessed by k and V, was not influenced by the type of media nor the P concentration present. Overall, the results indicate that P can be reduced by a minimum of 70 % without adversely affecting the biomass yield, the recombinant protein yield or functionality. Such reductions should lead to significant P savings in the large-scale manufacturing of proteins produced by genetic engineering in E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of copper cation-exchanged zeolites on the adsorption uptake of organic pollutants. Two beta zeolites with silica-to-alumina ratios of 25:1 and 150:1 were modified by copper cation exchange and their potential for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions was investigated. It was found that copper loading could be increased by increasing the pH of the exchange to 7. The exchanged copper was found to be relatively resistant to leaching between 5 and 11. An increase in copper loading or silica content resulted in an increase in the adsorption capacity of the zeolite for phenol. Overall, it was found that the adsorption showed best fit to the generalized Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption process was exothermic and yielded thermodynamic parameters that were contiguous with phenol adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective is to present a short series of four rare cases of ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma. Our methods present four case reports of ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma and a review of the literature for management and treatment of this disease. The results indicate short case series reports of ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma arising from the anterior ethmoidal sinuses, the nasopharynx, the lateral nasal wall and the floor of the nose. The discussion focuses on likely origins of ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma, its clinical features and management. We conclude that ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare disease. Treatment principles are the same for non-ectopic disease and guided by extension into adjacent structures such as the orbit or anterior cranial fossa and usually involves surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the use of computed tomography - positron emission tomography and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for the staging of head and neck cancer. Patients and methods: From January to July 2009,15 consecutive head and neck cancer patients (11 men and four women; mean age 59 years; age range 19 to 81 years) underwent computed tomography -positron emission tomography and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for pre-therapeutic evaluation. All scans were staged, as per the American Joint Committee on Cancer tumour-node-metastasis classification, by two blinded consultant radiologists, in two sittings. Diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological examination of endoscopic biopsies, and in some cases whole surgical specimens. Results: Tumour staging showed a 74 per cent concordance, node staging an 80 per cent concordance and metastasis staging a 100 per cent concordance, comparing the two imaging modalities. Conclusion: This study found radiological staging discordance between the two imaging modalities. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging is an emerging staging modality with superior visualisation of metastatic disease, which does not require exposure to ionising radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the study were: first, to determine the prevalence of traditional medicine (TM) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in head and neck cancer patients in Ireland; second, to educate ourselves on the plethora of CAM/TM options available to patients outside the dominion of conventional medicine. The study design consisted of a cross-sectional survey carried out in three head and neck cancer centres. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 110 head and neck cancer patients attending the three cancer centres and data were collected for statistical analysis. A total of 106 patients completed the questionnaire; 21.7% of the participants used CAM/TM since their diagnosis with head and neck cancer. CAM/TM usage was higher in female (34.3%) than in male patients (16.2%). CAM/TM use was more common in the 41–50-year age group, in patients with higher educational levels and those holding strong religious beliefs, and also in married than single patients. The most common types of CAM/TM used were spiritual and laying on of hands. The most common reasons reported for using CAM/TM were to counteract the ill effects of treatment and increase the body’s ability to fight cancer. Sources of information on CAM/TM were friends (65%), family (48%) and media (21%). This survey reveals a high prevalence of CAM/TM use in head and neck cancer patients, hence emphasising the need for otolaryngologists to educate themselves on the various therapies available to be able to provide informative advice. There is an urgent need for evidence-based investigation of various CAM/TM therapies currently offered to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of the work described was the development of a solid catalytic adsorbent material capable of being regenerated, with the ability of adsorbing aniline from aqueous solution and the subsequent catalytic oxidation of the adsorbed aniline. Initially, an H-ZSM-5 zeolite was loaded with copper via an ion-exchange process to enhance its catalytic activity. Experimental results indicated an aniline adsorption level of ca. 37-42 mg/g for each of the unmodified H-ZSM-5, the 0.5 w/w% Cu-ZSM-5 or the 1.4 w/w% Cu-ZSM-5 zeolites. The Langmuir adsorption model was applicable to all aniline-on-zeolite adsorption processes, with the level of aniline adsorbed being largely unaffected by a change in temperature. The kinetics of the adsorption processes, indicated that the maximum uptake of aniline occurred within 50 min of contact. Assessment of the aqueous stability of the exchanged copper on the ZSM-5 zeolites indicated minimum copper leaching within the pH range 5-11, thus providing a stable working pH range for both the 0.5 w/w% and 1.4 w/w% Cu-ZSM-5 adsorbent materials. Catalytic oxidation studies on the adsorbed aniline indicated that the presence of copper in the zeolites significantly enhanced the degradation of aniline to predominantly carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen, with the production of significantly smaller levels of nitrogen oxide, benzene and nitrogen dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submandibular duct relocation plus or minus excision of the sublingual glands are relatively simple procedures with low morbidity. Between 1981 and 2005, 71 submandibular duct relocation and 29 submandibular duct relocation plus excision of the sublingual glands procedures were conducted. Objectives: To compare both procedures including operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, drooling scores and parental satisfaction. Study design: Prospective study. Setting: Paediatric tertiary referral centre. Participants: Patients referred with excessive drooling after failure of conservative methods. Exclusion criteria: patients with recurrent aspiration pneumonias or dental caries. Two patients were lost to follow up and excluded from the study. Results: Operative time and length of hospital stay were increased in the submandibular duct relocation plus sublingual gland excision group. Drooling scores and parental satisfaction results were excellent, 93% of parents in the submandibular duct relocation group and 89% of parents in the duct relocation plus sublingual glands excision were satisfied and would recommend the procedure. There was no statistical difference ( P = 0.643) in drooling scores between the two procedures. Postoperative morbidity was higher with the addition of sublingual gland excision, with postoperative haemorrhage occurring in 13.7% and 36% of parents expressing concern over postoperative pain, compared with 3% postoperative haemorrhage rate with submandibular duct relocation and only 12% of parents expressing the same concerns. Conclusion: We conclude that both procedures are effective in drooling control, but the addition of sublingual gland excision increases morbidity and we are no longer excising these glands with submandibular duct relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The pituitary hormone prolactin is thought to play an important role in the promotion of parental care in birds and mammals. The level of care parents provide is, however, likely to be influenced by additional factors, such as their physiological condition at the time of breeding. 2. We examined relationships between parental body condition, plasma prolactin levels and reproductive performance in Gould's Petrels ( Pterodroma leucoptera), a long-lived seabird. We predicted that parental body condition would correlate positively with both prolactin level and parenting intensity, as measured by the quality of the chick they produced. We also examined the effects of parenting intensity on parental body condition and reproductive success in the subsequent breeding season. 3. Body condition of male parents positively correlated with prolactin levels at the start of their second protracted incubation bout. The body condition of both parents correlated positively with the body condition of their chick at its peak mass. However, producing a good-quality chick did not negatively affect parental body condition or reproductive success the following year. 4. These results suggest that prolactin reinforces parental behaviour in parents in good body condition, which facilitates production of good-quality chicks. Moreover, good-quality parents consistently produce good-quality chicks with no apparent trade-off to their physical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The study sought to compare and contrast squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anterior mobile tongue with SCC of the tongue base, with emphasis on clinical presentation, management and outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective, comparative analysis of patients treated for SCC of the tongue over a 10-year period. Cox's regression model was used to assess the effect of tumour site on survival. RESULTS: The study included 142 patients, of whom 86 were treated for SCC of the anterior tongue and 56 for tongue base lesions. Patients with carcinoma of the anterior tongue tended to present with a visible lump or ulceration of the tongue, whereas the majority of patients with tongue base SCC presented with pain. Sixty per cent of anterior tongue lesions were early stage (I or II) at initial presentation as compared with 21 per cent of tongue base lesions. CONCLUSION: Patients with anterior tongue lesions had a better prognosis, but this was not statistically significant when adjusted for stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasses from a complex SiO2-Al2O3-P2O5-CaO-CaF2 glass series, known as ‘ionomer glasses’ were investigated. For comparison, a sodium-boro-silicate (s-b-s) glass system, which is known to undergo amorphous phase separation was also investigated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) and BET surface area and pore distribution analysis were the principal analytical techniques used in this study. SEM analysis of the ionomer glass compositions revealed smooth spherical droplets of 2–15 nm while the background morphology appeared rough and speckled. A classic interconnected structure was observed for the s-b-s glass. EDX analysis of the s-b-s glass confirmed that the sodium-borate phase was removed by leaching with 0.3 M HNO3, leaving behind a silica-rich structure. EDX analysis of ionomer glasses leached with 10% NaOH showed that the calcium and phosphate phases were being removed, although not to completion. For the base s-b-s glass a surface area of m 82 g-1 was recorded. However, the base glass after extraction with 0.3 M HNO3 of the sodium borate rich phase gave a BET surface area of 330 m2 g-1 indicating that it had already undergone phase separation on quenching from the melt, giving rise to a fine scale interconnected structure. The leached s-b-s glasses exhibited type 4 adsorption/desorption isotherms characteristic of mesoporous materials. Glasses which had been heat treated at 580°C for 4 h exhibited a surface area of 62 m2 g-1. This indicates that the as-quenched glass is already phase separated and that the phase separated microstructure is coarsening on heat treatment. A surface area of 4 m2 g-1 was measured for the base ionomer glasses. After leaching with 10% NaOH this value rose 10-fold with a maximum surface area of 44.1 m2 g-1 being recorded. The ionomer glasses also exhibited adsorption/desorption isotherms characteristic of mesoporous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare, histologically benign tumor which occurs almost exclusively in adolescent boys. The morbidity and mortality associated with this tumor are related to its prominent vascularity and its propensity for aggressive local growth. From 1974 through 1988, 21 male patients with a diagnosis of juvenile angiofibroma were managed at the Toronto General Hospital or the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Preoperative computed tomography was performed on 20 patients, selective angiography on 21 patients, and preoperative embolization on 15 patients. Primary surgery was performed on 67% of these patients, with radiation therapy used for advanced stage II and stage III disease or in response to patient preference. Pterygopalatine fossa involvement was demonstrated in 90% of the patients; as a result, the lateral rhinotomy approach was most commonly used in the surgical cases. A successful outcome was achieved in 86% of patients treated with surgery alone. Two patients underwent radiotherapy for salvage following postoperative recurrence. There were no treatment-related deaths and no major surgical complications. The value of computed tomography is discussed, the authors' treatment protocol is outlined, and the case series results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ireland has one of the highest death rates in the world from coronary heart disease (CHD) and has not shared in the rapid decline in mortality which has occurred in other countries. The Kilkenny Health Project was established as a community-based research and demonstration programme for cardiovascular disease prevention in County Kilkenny and as a pilot project for future national initiatives. The first phase of the health promotion programme in Kilkenny is being carried out between 1985 and 1990. Changes in behaviour and in factors associated with CHD will be estimated by the difference in changes over time between Kilkenny and the reference area, as measured by independent random sample surveys of men and women aged 35 to 64 years. CHD and stroke events, fatal and non-fatal, will be registered in both areas from 1987-1992. The Project has studied attitudes to CHD and its prevention. Health behaviours have been studied in adults and in post-primary school pupils. Risk factors for CHD have been measured in adults in accordance with the methods of the international MONICA Project. It has been demonstrated that health and education professionals can incorporate preventive activities and health education into everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kilkenny Health Project was a community research and demonstration programme which aimed to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in a county in the south-east of Ireland with a total population of approximately 70 000. The health promotion programme was carried out in Kilkenny from 1985 to 1992. Outcome evaluation was by means of population surveys of independent samples of men and women aged 35 to 64 years in Kilkenny (n approximately 800) and in the reference county (n approximately 600) in 1985/1986 and in 1990/1991. Survey methods for health behaviour questionnaires and risk factor measurements were similar to those of the WHO MONICA Project. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) declined significantly (P<0·01) in men and women in both counties, from 144·0 by 5·4 mmHg and from 143·2 by 5·4 mmHg in men and from 139·5 by 7·7 mmHg and from 136·5 by 6·6 mmHg in women in the intervention and reference counties. The prevalence of hypertension declined from 23·1% by 2·8% and from 26·1% by 6·0% in men in the two counties. Prevalence declined from 24·1% by 6·2% (P<0·05) in women in the intervention county but was unchanged, increasing by 0·5% from 17·5%, in women in the reference county. Mean serum total cholesterol declined from 6·04 mmol. 1 by 0·09 mmol. 1 and from 6·00 by 0·44 mmol. 1 (P<0·01) in men and from 6·01 by 0·36 (P<0·01) and from 5·90 by 0·31 (P<0·01) in women in the intervention and reference counties, respectively. Cigarette smoking prevalence declined from 27·7% by 0·7% and from 29·8% by 2·6% in men and from 30·3% by 5·5% and from 27·7% by 2·6% in women in the two counties. Mean body mass index (BMI) increased from 26·4 by 0·4 kg. and from 26·8 by 1·0 kg. (P<0·01) in men and from 25·5 by 0·4 and from 25·6 by 1·3 kg. (P<0·01) in women in the intervention and reference counties. Overall, changes in risk factor levels were similar in the intervention and reference counties. There were sign reductions (P<0·01) in the 5-year risk of a coronary heart disease (CHD) event as estimated using the Dundee Risk Score in men and women in both counties. This was consistent with the decline in CHD mortality at national level between the two surveys. The reasons why greater changes over time were not detected in the intervention compared to the reference area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

While treatment of previously untreated pleomorphic adenoma is relatively straightforward, recurrent pieomorphic adenoma presents a management problem with increased risk of injury to the facial nerve and an increased risk of malignant transformation in recurrent disease. The objectives of this study were to review the management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma in our unit to identify factors that might help treatment of future cases. We reviewed the management of pieomorphic adenoma at our department over an eight-year period from 1990–1998 and present our experience of recurrent pieomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and parapharyngeal space. Twelve patients were treated with recurrent pieomorphic adenoma. In 10 of these, the site of recurrence was in the parotid gland with the remainder occurring in the parapharyngeal space. Type of recurrence was uninodular or multinodular, the former being easier to treat. Three patients required adjuvant radiotherapy. None of our patients had permanent facial nerve damage. In order to prevent recurrence of pieomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, we recommend formal superficial parotidectomy for first time surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple primary squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive tract are well described but rare. To be recognised as distinct primary tumours, such malignancies must fulfil a number of anatomical and histological criteria as defined by Warren and Gates. Classification is based on the temporal sequence of tumour diagnosis into three groups; simultaneous, synchronous and metachronous. Second and subsequent primary tumours may escape early detection if not actively searched for. We present a very unusual case of three synchronous tumours in the oral cavity and oropharynx. The literature is reviewed emphasising the importance of thorough investigation of the entire upper aerodigestive tract in patients with a squamous cell carcinoma in this region. Recommendations regarding follow up are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The Marshall-Smith syndrome is characterised by a triad of facial dysmorphism, failure to thrive and accelerated osseous maturation. We report a further case of this rare syndrome with the unusual but previously reported complication of laryngeal hypoplasia and review the associated laryngeal anomalies that have been reported to date.Conclusion: Severe airway obstruction due to congenital anomalies must be excluded in any dysmorphic child presenting with respiratory distress at birth. Rapid airway assessment will enable early and appropriate intervention and may be important when deciding on the long-term plan for the infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Marshall-Smith syndrome is characterised by a triad of facial dysmorphism, failure to thrive and accelerated osseous maturation. We report a further case of this rare syndrome with the unusual but previously reported complication of laryngeal hypoplasia and review the associated laryngeal anomalies that have been reported to date.Conclusion Severe airway obstruction due to congenital anomalies must be excluded in any dysmorphic child presenting with respiratory distress at birth. Rapid airway assessment will enable early and appropriate intervention and may be important when deciding on the long-term plan for the infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumours more than 7cm in size and situated high up medially in the PPS were accessed via the transmandibular technique. Advantages and disadvantages will be outlined in this paper as will the complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]