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Background Plant volatiles play an important role in both plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore interactions. Intraspecific polymorphisms in volatile production are ubiquitous, but studies that explore underlying differential gene expression are rare. Oenothera harringtonii populations are polymorphic in floral emission of the monoterpene (R)-(−)-linalool; some plants emit (R)-(−)-linalool (linalool+ plants) while others do not (linalool- plants). However, the genes associated with differential production of this floral volatile in Oenothera are unknown. We used RNA-Seq to broadly characterize differential gene expression involved in (R)-(−)-linalool biosynthesis. To identify genes that may be associated with the polymorphism for this trait, we used RNA-Seq to compare gene expression in six different Oenothera harringtonii tissues from each of three linalool+ and linalool- plants. Results Three clusters of differentially expressed genes were enriched for terpene synthase activity: two were characterized by tissue-specific upregulation and one by upregulation only in plants with flowers that produce (R)-(−)-linalool. A molecular phylogeny of all terpene synthases identified two putative (R)-(−)-linalool synthase transcripts in Oenothera harringtonii, a single allele of which is found exclusively in linalool+ plants. Conclusions By using a naturally occurring polymorphism and comparing different tissues, we were able to identify candidate genes putatively involved in the biosynthesis of (R)-(−)-linalool. Expression of these genes in linalool- plants, while low, suggests a regulatory polymorphism, rather than a population-specific loss-of-function allele. Additional terpene biosynthesis-related genes that are up-regulated in plants that emit (R)-(−)-linalool may be associated with herbivore defense, suggesting a potential economy of scale between plant reproduction and defense.

PremiseGenetic variation influences the potential for evolution to rescue populations from impacts of environmental change. Most studies of genetic variation in fitness-related traits focus on either vegetative or floral traits, with few on floral scent. How vegetative and floral traits compare in potential for adaptive evolution is poorly understood.MethodsWe measured variation across source populations, planting sites, and genetic families for vegetative and floral traits in a hybrid zone. Seeds from families of Ipomopsis aggregata, I. tenuituba, and F1 and F2 hybrids of the two species were planted into three common gardens. Measured traits included specific leaf area (SLA), trichomes, water-use efficiency (WUE), floral morphology, petal color, nectar, and floral volatiles.ResultsVegetative traits SLA and WUE varied greatly among planting sites, while showing weak or no genetic variation among source populations. Specific leaf area and trichomes responded plastically to snowmelt date, and SLA exhibited within-population genetic variation. All aspects of floral morphology varied genetically among source populations, and corolla length, corolla width, and sepal width varied genetically within populations. Heritability was not detected for volatiles due to high environmental variation, although one terpene had high evolvability, and high emission of two terpenes, a class of compounds emitted more strongly from the calyx than the corolla, correlated genetically with sepal width. Environmental variation across sites was weak for floral morphology and stronger for volatiles and vegetative traits. The inheritance of three of four volatiles departed from additive.ConclusionsResults indicate stronger genetic potential for evolutionary responses to selection in floral morphology compared with scent and vegetative traits and suggest potentially adaptive plasticity in some vegetative traits.

Infestation of agricultural commodities by insect pests results in significant economic, import and export, food safety, and invasive insect introduction issues for growers, consumers, and inspectors. The Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is considered a highly invasive insect pest with populations reported in more than 60 countries, with prevalent distributions in Asia and Africa. B. dorsalis is phytophagous with a host range encompassing hundreds of fruits and vegetables. Damage to the fruit or vegetable is inflicted through oviposition and subsequent larval feeding resulting in spoilage. Early detection of insect pest infestations is a critical component for ensuring food safety as well as controlling introduction and spread of invasive insects. However, detection of ovipositional activity and early larval development is visually difficult, thus rapid and non-destructive detection often relies on odors associated with infestation. We investigated the odors of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) infested with B. dorsalis and compared the volatile profiles of infested mangoes to non-infested and mechanically damaged mangoes 24 h post-infestation. GC-MS and multivariate analyses provided the identification of eleven compounds unique to infested mangoes compared to mechanically damaged or non-infested fruit. Results indicated compositional and quantitative differentiation of volatile profiles among treatments for detection of infested fruit at quality checks or points of commerce.

Concern for pollinator health often focuses on social bees and their agricultural importance at the expense of other pollinators and their ecosystem services. When pollinating herbivores use the same plants as nectar sources and larval hosts, ecological conflicts emerge for both parties, as the pollinator's services are mitigated by herbivory and its larvae are harmed by plant defences. We tracked individual-level metrics of pollinator health—growth, survivorship, fecundity—across the life cycle of a pollinating herbivore, the common hawkmoth, Hyles lineata , interacting with a rare plant, Oenothera harringtonii , that is polymorphic for the common floral volatile ( R )-(−)-linalool. Linalool had no impact on floral attraction, but its experimental addition suppressed oviposition on plants lacking linalool. Plants showed robust resistance against herbivory from leaf-disc to whole-plant scales, through poor larval growth and survivorship. Higher larval performance on other Oenothera species indicates that constitutive herbivore resistance by O. harringtonii is not a genus-wide trait. Leaf volatiles differed among populations of O. harringtonii but were not induced by larval herbivory. Similarly, elagitannins and other phenolics varied among plant tissues but were not herbivore-induced. Our findings highlight asymmetric plant–pollinator interactions and the importance of third parties, including alternative larval host plants, in maintaining pollinator health. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes’.

Background The value of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of women with endometrial hyperplasia and its role in diagnosis of myometrial invasion or coexistence of cancer is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of MRI in the management of patients diagnosed on endometrial biopsy with complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia (CEHA). Methods A retrospective study of 86 cases diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia with atypia on the initial endometrial biopsy in a tertiary university teaching hospital between 2010 and 2015 was carried out. The MRI accuracy in predicting malignant changes and influence the clinical management was compared among women who had either pelvic MRI, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), or no additional imagistic studies. Results MRI was performed in 24 (28%) and TVUS in 11 (13%)cases, while 51 (59%) women had no additional imagistic studies. In the group of women with no imaging studies, 26/51 (51%) were surgically treated and 8/26 (31%) were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EEC) stage 1a. In the group of women who had TVUS, 5/11 (45%) were surgically treated and none was diagnosed with EEC. In the group of women who underwent an MRI examination, 20/24 (83%) were surgically treated. Among these, 11/20 (55%) were diagnosed with EEC, 7 had EEC stage 1a, and 4 had EEC stage 1b. Although MRI was able to identify malignant changes with a good sensitivity (91.7%), it had a low specificity in characterisation of malignant transformation (8%). MRI correctly identified 31% of the stage 1a and 33% of the stage 1b endometrial cancer. Conclusion In this study, we found a potential diagnostic value of MRI for identifying malignant transformation in patients with CEHA. However, pelvic MRI has a rather weak predictive value of myometrial invasion in women with CEHA and concurrent EEC. The diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of MRI assessment in patients with CEHA need further validation.

To avoid inbreeding depression, plants have evolved diverse breeding systems to favor outcrossing, such as self-incompatibility. However, changes in biotic and abiotic conditions can result in selective pressures that lead to a breakdown in self-incompatibility. The shift to increased selfing is commonly associated with reduced floral features, lower attractiveness to pollinators, and increased inbreeding. We tested the hypothesis that the loss of self-incompatibility, a shift to self-fertilization (autogamy), and concomitant evolution of the selfing syndrome (reduction in floral traits associated with cross-fertilization) will lead to increased inbreeding and population differentiation in Oenothera primiveris. Across its range, this species exhibits a shift in its breeding system and floral traits from a self-incompatible population with large flowers to self-compatible populations with smaller flowers.We conducted a breeding system assessment, evaluated floral traits in the field and under controlled conditions, and measured population genetic parameters using RADseq data.Our results reveal a bimodal transition to the selfing syndrome from the west to the east of the range of O. primiveris. This shift includes variation in the breeding system and the mating system, a reduction in floral traits (flower diameter, herkogamy, and scent production), a shift to greater autogamy, reduced genetic diversity, and increased inbreeding.The observed variation highlights the importance of range-wide studies to understand breeding system variation and the evolution of the selfing syndrome within populations and species.

Introduction/Background* The first population study investigating per protocol implementation of ultra-radical surgery (URS) as primary surgery reported that URS in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) reduces the proportion treated surgically and does not improve survival.1 We investigated this hypothesis using population level data for centers participating in the SOCQER 2 study Methodology The SOCQER2 study investigated quality of life after surgery of varying complexity for AOC in a prospective multicenter cohort study, recruiting for 12 months with 24 months follow-up. Results of QoL and variation in Surgical Complexity Scores (SCS) have been previously reported. 2 SOCQER2 centers diverged in approach to URS; used routinely in some participating centers and not in others. Here we analyzed data from nationally collected datasets (Cancer Outcome and Services Data, Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment, Hospital Episode Statistics) to investigate survival and treatment outcomes in the total cohort of patients from the cancer centers that participated in the SOCQER 2 study, including patients with FIGO Stage 3,4, and stage unknown AOC patients. Residual disease post-surgery was not available for analysis. Result(s)* 1521 patients across 11 participating centers clustered into 3 groups – centers performing >70% low SCS (5/11), mainly intermediate SCS >40% (3/11) and mainly high SCS surgery > 35% (3/11) with 788, 365 and 368 patients. The proportion of patients receiving standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, was similar in both low and high SCS groups and highest in the intermediate group (39.2 vs 38.3 vs 51.8, p Conclusion* This multicenter ‘ real-life’ population based study finds that URS does not reduce the proportion of AOC patients treated surgically. Centers with mainly intermediate SCS have higher proportion receiving surgery and chemotherapy; this may reflect a willingness to accept greater optimal rather than complete cytoreduction rates. Centers with greater radicality trend towards improved survival, but this did not reach statistical significance. A larger population level study to identify ideal intermediate: high SCS ratios is urgently needed.

Introduction/Background* The prognosis of advanced stage high grade serous ovarian cancer patients (HGSOC) is multifactorial, and could be accurately predicted by using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. We designed a study to support the feature selection of selected clinical variables to define their relative survival impact on two-year prognosis prediction in HGSOC patients, who received surgical treatment. Methodology This was a retrospective analysis of 209 FIGO stage III-IV HGSOC women, who were scheduled for cytoreductive surgery in SJUH, Leeds between Jan 2015 to Dec 2018 with curative or life-prolonging intent. The two-year prognosis estimation was formulated as a binary classification problem. Dataset was split into training (80%) and test (20%) cohorts with repeated random sampling until there was no significant difference (p=0.20) between the two cohorts. A ten-fold cross-validation was applied. Various state-of-the-art supervised ML classifiers were tested, including Support-Vector-Machines (SVMs), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), Ensemble Classifiers, and Naive Bayes, based on a set of performance metrics. These results were directly compared to conventional Logistic Regression (LR). For feature selection, multivariate feature ranking using the MRMR method was carried out. Result(s)* Two hundred nine patients were identified. The model’s mean prediction accuracy reached 73%. We demonstrated that SVM and Ensemble Discriminant algorithms outperformed Logistic Regression in accuracy indices. The probability of achieving a cancer-free state was maximized with a combination of primary cytoreduction, good performance status, and maximal surgical effort (AUC 0.63). Standard chemotherapy, performance status, tumor load, and residual disease were consistently predictive of the two-year overall survival (AUC 0.63-0.66) (figure 1). The model recall and precision were greater than 80%. Conclusion* Appropriate feature selection is required when building a HGSOC model for two-year prognosis prediction. For HGSOC prognosis, one should consider not only the patient’s disease burden but also their overall medical status and ability to undergo extensive surgery, resulting in survival benefits alongside with standard chemotherapy.

Introduction/Background* In advanced stage high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the introduction of maximal surgical effort without compromising peri-operative management and subsequent recovery to achieve complete cytoreduction, requires Critical Care Unit (CCU) availability. This paradigm shift prompts the development of tools to accurately predict CCU admission following cytoreductive surgery. Modern data mining technology, such as Machine Learning (ML) could be helpful in accurately predicting CCU admissions to improve standards of care. We developed a framework to improve the accuracy of predicting CCU admission in HGSOC patients by use of ML algorithms (figure 1). Methodology A cohort of 291 advanced stage HGSOC patients, who underwent surgical cytoreduction from Jan 2014 to Dec 2019, was selected from the ovarian database. They were randomly assigned to training (60%) and test (40%) sub-cohorts. Forward selection and backward stepwise regression were employed to screen independent pre- and intra-operative variables. Linear (LDA), Quadratic (QDA), and non-linear distance (ANN and KNN) ML models were employed to derive predictive information. These methods were tested against conventional linear regression (LR). Model performance was evaluated by prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 scores. Result(s)* We identified 56/291(19.2%) CCU admissions. For the outcome of CCU admission, the prediction accuracies were higher for LDA (0.90) and QDA (0.93) compared with LR (0.84) when all the variables were included in the in-built model. Feature selection identified pre-treatment albumin, surgical complexity score, estimated blood loss, operative time, and bowel resection with stoma formation as the most significant prediction features. With feature selection, the prediction accuracies were higher for LDA (0.89) and KNN (0.86) compared with LR (0.82). Admission to CCU was associated with increased length of stay (P = 0.000), and decreased number of postoperative complications (P = 0.001). Conclusion* Herein, ML algorithms accurately predicted HGSOC patients, who required CCU admission following their cytoreductive surgery. Linear discriminant analysis was consistently more predictive than LR for CCU admission, irrespective of the number of features included in the analysis. Limited, potentially modifiable, mostly intra-operative factors contributing to CCU admission were identified and suggest areas for targeted interventions.

BackgroundPlant volatiles play an important role in both plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore interactions. Intraspecific polymorphisms in volatile production are ubiquitous, but studies that explore underlying differential gene expression are rare. Oenothera harringtonii populations are polymorphic in floral emission of the monoterpene (R)-(-)-linalool; some plants emit (R)-(-)-linalool (linalool+ plants) while others do not (linalool-plants). However, the genes associated with differential production of this floral volatile in Oenothera are unknown. We used RNA-Seq to broadly characterize differential gene expression involved in (R)-(-)-linalool biosynthesis. To identify genes that may be associated with the polymorphism for this trait, we used RNA-Seq to compare gene expression in six different Oenothera harringtonii tissues from each of three linalool+ and linalool-plants.ResultsThree clusters of differentially expressed genes were enriched for terpene synthase activity: two were characterized by tissue-specific upregulation and one by upregulation only in plants with flowers that produce (R)-(-)-linalool. A molecular phylogeny of all terpene synthases identified two putative (R)-(-)-linalool synthase transcripts in Oenothera harringtonii, a single allele of which is found exclusively in linalool+ plants.ConclusionsBy using a naturally occurring polymorphism and comparing different tissues, we were able to identify genes putatively involved in the biosynthesis of (R)-(-)-linalool. Expression of these genes in linalool-plants suggests a regulatory polymorphism, rather than a population-specific loss-of-function allele. Additional terpene biosynthesis-related genes that are up-regulated in plants that emit (R)-(-)-linalool may be associated with herbivore defense, suggesting a potential economy of scale between plant reproduction and defense.

Introduction/Background The surgical aim in cytoreduction for an advanced stage of ovarian cancer is to achieve complete cytoreduction (nil macroscopic disease) with minimal peri- and postoperative morbidity. We assessed the impact of the extent and complexity of surgical cytoreduction on morbidity in patients with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer. Methodology A cohort of patients with a diagnosis of advanced stage (FIGO III/IV) high grade epithelial ovarian cancer, undergoing upfront and delayed surgical cytoreduction, from Jan 2016 to Dec 2018 was selected from the ovarian database. We evaluated age, surgical complexity score (SCS) and postoperative morbidity. The SCS was assigned based on the Aletti classification as low, moderate and high. Morbidity was graded based on the Clavien-Dindo score and grouped as 0, I–II, IIIA–IVB and V. The chi square test was used for statistical analysis. Results 283 patients were identified. Mean age was 64±11 yrs. The median SCS was 3 (1–10). The number of patients identified with Clavien-Dindo 0 (no change from normal postoperative course), I–II (any simple deviation from the post-OP course or pharmacological treatment) and IIIa–IVB (intervention or life-threatening complications) were 134, 129 and 20 respectively. None of the patients died within 30-days post-operatively (Clavien-Dindo V).The SCS increased over the years 2016–2018 (p=0.0035) whilst the Cavien-Dindo remained unchanged (p=0.764; NS). Conclusion We observed that in our cohort of patients with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer, increased surgical complexity does not result in increased surgical morbidity. Therefore radical surgery for an advanced stage of ovarian cancer, to achieve complete cytoreduction, seems justified in our population. Further monitoring and evaluation is ongoing Disclosure Nothing to disclose.

Introduction/Background Extensive surgery has been shown in retrospective studies to improve survival from advanced ovarian cancer. UK uptake of extensive surgery has been variable, owing to concerns regarding the impact on quality of life (QoL) and organizational factors. We investigated QoL after surgery in parallel, multicentre, international, prospective cohorts, here reporting UK and Kolkata, India results. Methodology Patients completed EORTC-QLQ-C30 and other Patient Reported Outcome Measures pre-operation and at 6 weeks, 6, 12, 18 and 24 month postoperatively. Surgical complexity scores (SCS), intraoperative disease load and survival up to two years were collected and Kaplan Meier survival analyses and forward stepwise Cox proportional hazard models of overall survival conducted. The association of SCS with QLQ-C30 global scores at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-surgery was evaluated using general linear repeated measures models (SPSS 24). Results In 247 patients, those undergoing high (64) or intermediate (70) SCS procedures were younger, showed better performance status, higher disease load, more upper abdominal disease and greater cytoreduction rates although all SCS groups included patients with a higher burden of disease. (Table 1). Progression free and overall survival was poorer with residual disease in all SCS groups (log rank p≤0.001) (figure 1). Age Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, pre-operative albumin and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index were independent predictors of survival (table 2). In a complete case analysis, post operation QLQ-C30 improved in all SCS groups between 6 weeks and 12 months (p Conclusion In this observational study, QoL of patients improved postoperatively, and was no worse in patients undergoing complex surgery during that period. Extensive surgery to achieve complete cytoreduction for high disease load was associated with improved survival and no deleterious impact on QoL in the post operative year. Disclosure Nothing to disclose

Introduction/Background Our goal in ovarian cancer surgery is to deliver optimal treatment aiming at maximal survival benefits. Quantifying radicality and timing of surgery may help to individualise surgical treatment. We assessed the impact of these parameters on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methodology Patients with a diagnosis of advanced stage (FIGO IIIC/IV) high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) who underwent surgical cytoreduction from January 2015 to December 2017 was selected from the ovarian database. We evaluated age, timing of surgery (upfront vs delayed cytoreduction), surgical complexity score (SCS), and residual disease (RD). SCS was assigned based on the Aletti classification as low, intermediate and high. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed for PFS and OS. Results Eighty patients were identified. Mean age and BMI were 63.5±11 yrs. and 26.6±4.8 respectively. The mean SCS was 3±1 (1–8). Complete and optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 48/80 (58.7%) and 66/80 (82.6%) patients. Median PFS and OS were 17 and 44 months respectively. The presence of RD had a negative impact on PFS: 20, 16, and 12 months for nil macroscopic, 1 cm, respectively. Although not significant, upfront surgical cytoreduction vs delayed surgical cytoreduction resulted in a better PFS (NS). Patients with a higher surgical complexity score (>3) showed a favourable trend in PFS compared to those with a low surgical complexity score ( 75 yrs (p=0.21 and p=0.07, respectively). Conclusion We observed trends towards favourable prognosis in patients with upfront surgical cytoreduction, more radical surgery and younger age. No significant differences were observed for OS. This cohort is currently expanding to reach significance. Disclosure Nothing to disclose.

Floral scents act as long-distance signals to attract pollinators, but volatiles emitted from the vegetation and neighboring plant community may modify this mutualistic communication system. What impact does the olfactory background have on pollination systems and their evolution? We consider recent behavioral studies that address the context of when and where volatile backgrounds influence a pollinator's perception of floral blends. In parallel, we review neurophysiological studies that show the importance of blend composition and background in modifying the representation of floral blends in the pollinator brain, as well as experience-dependent plasticity in increasing the representation of a rewarding odor. Here, we suggest that the efficacy of the floral blend in different environments may be an important selective force shaping differences in pollinator olfactory receptor expression and underlying neural mechanisms that mediate flower visitation and plant reproductive isolation.

Eicosanoids comprise a diverse group of bioactive lipids which orchestrate inflammation, immunity and tissue homeostasis, and whose dysregulation has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Among the various eicosanoid metabolic pathways, studies of their role in endometrial cancer (EC) have very much been confined to the COX‐2 pathway. This study aimed to determine changes in epithelial eicosanoid metabolic gene expression in endometrial carcinogenesis, to integrate these with eicosanoid profiles in matched clinical specimens and, finally, to investigate the prognostic value of candidate eicosanoid metabolic enzymes. Eicosanoids and related mediators were profiled using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry in fresh frozen normal, hyperplastic and cancerous (Types I and II) endometrial specimens (n=192). Sample‐matched epithelia were isolated by laser capture microdissection and whole genome expression analysis was performed using microarrays. Integration of eicosanoid and gene expression data showed that the accepted paradigm of increased COX‐2 mediated prostaglandin production does not apply in EC carcinogenesis. Instead, there was evidence for decreased PGE2/PGF2α inactivation via 15‐hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) in Type II ECs. Increased expression of 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5) mRNA was also identified in Type II ECs, together with proportional increases in its product, 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenioic acid (5‐HETE). Decreased HPGD and elevated ALOX5 mRNA expression were associated with adverse outcome, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical tissue microarray analysis of an independent series of EC specimens (n=419). While neither COX‐1 nor COX‐2 protein expression had prognostic value, low HPGD combined with high ALOX5 expression associated with the worst overall and progression‐free survival. These findings highlight HPGD and ALOX5 as potential therapeutic targets in aggressive EC subtypes.

Presynaptic resting Ca(2+) influences synaptic vesicle (SV) release probability. Here, we report that a TRPV channel, Inactive (Iav), maintains presynaptic resting [Ca(2+)] by promoting Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum in Drosophila motor neurons, and is required for both synapse development and neurotransmission. We find that Iav activates the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin, which is essential for presynaptic microtubule stabilization at the neuromuscular junction. Thus, loss of Iav induces destabilization of presynaptic microtubules, resulting in diminished synaptic growth. Interestingly, expression of human TRPV1 in Iav-deficient motor neurons rescues these defects. We also show that the absence of Iav causes lower SV release probability and diminished synaptic transmission, whereas Iav overexpression elevates these synaptic parameters. Together, our findings indicate that Iav acts as a key regulator of synaptic development and function by influencing presynaptic resting [Ca(2+)].

Circadian patterns of activity are considered ubiquitous and adaptive, and are often invoked as a mechanism for temporal niche partitioning. Yet, comparisons of rhythmic behavior in related animal species are uncommon. This is particularly true of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), in which studies of whole-animal patterns of behavior are far outweighed by examinations of tissue-specific molecular clocks. Here, we used a comparative approach to examine the circadian patterns of flight behavior in Manduca sexta and Hyles lineata, two distantly related species of hawkmoth (Sphingidae). By filming isolated, individual animals we were able to examine rhythmic locomotor (flight) activity at the species level as well as at the level of the individual sexes, and in the absence of interference from social interaction. Our results confirm classic descriptions of strictly nocturnal behavior in M. sexta and demonstrate a dramatically different activity pattern in H. lineata. Furthermore, we show distinct species and sex-specific differences in the maintenance of the endogenous rhythm under conditions of constant darkness. In both species, female activity peaks in advance of males, whereas male activity coincides with periods of female sexual receptivity. This suggests a role for circadian patterns of locomotor activity in synchronizing periods of sexual receptivity between the sexes.

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with disseminated ovarian cancer remains controversial. The role of PN in providing nutrition and improving quality of life is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of prescribing in a large teaching hospital, and to identify subgroups where the use of PN was justified. Methods: Sixty-five patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma received PN between January 2002 and May 2008. A retrospective case note review was undertaken to retrieve data on PN prescribing and outcomes in terms of duration of PN provision, complications, and survival. Results: Three subgroups were identified. Group I consisted of 18 (28%) patients who received PN for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 5 (2–11) days. The majority of these 18 patients (n = 13, 72%) had disease-related terminal bowel obstruction. Out of 18 of these patients, 17 (95%) had poor performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 12 (6–28) days. Group II consisted of 40 (61%) patients who were re-established on enteral nutrition. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration was 10 (6–17) days. The most common indication of PN was protracted ileus (n = 25, 63%). Out of 40 of these patients, 35 (88%) patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 264 (96–564) days. The third group of patients required home PN (n = 7, 11%). Four (58%) patients had short bowel syndrome and three (42%) had terminal intestinal obstruction. All of the patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration and survival was 241 (90–305) days. Conclusions: Administration of PN appears to be justified in those patients with a good performance status (i.e. patients capable of self-care), which constituted three-quarters of this cohort. In the remaining patients with poor performance status, and particularly those with terminal intestinal obstruction, PN administration was difficult to justify. PN should not be denied based purely on the pathology, although cautious judgment is required to select those who are most likely to benefit.

Deculverting, or 'daylighting', involves opening up buried watercourses and restoring them to more natural conditions. It is often claimed to provide multiple benefits to society, the environment and the economy. However, the outcomes and objectives of deculverting projects are rarely published, which makes it difficult to evaluate their true effectiveness, determine the best methods to use, or provide quantitative evidence to encourage future projects. At the Catchment Science Centre, we have developed www.daylighting.org.uk in response to this research need. This map-based website of international daylighting case studies records the project drivers, costs and the environmental, social and economic objectives and outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to enter their own case study details and add to our findings.

Captured streams and springs may be flowing in combined sewers, increasing clean baseflow in pipes and wastewater treatment works (WwTWs), reducing pipe capacity and increasing treatment costs. The UK water industry is aware of this in principle, but there has been no explicit discussion of this in the published literature, nor have there been any known attempts to manage it. Instead, the current focus is on the similar intrusion of groundwater infiltration through pipe cracks and joints. We have conducted a thorough review of literature and international case studies to investigate stream and spring capture, finding several examples with convincing evidence that this occurs. We identify three modes of entry: capture by conversion, capture by interception, and direct spring capture. Methods to identify and quantify capture are limited, but the experience in Zurich suggests that it contributed 7-16% of the baseflow reaching WwTWs. There are negative impacts for the water industry in capital and operational expenditure, as well as environmental and social impacts of loss of urban streams. For a typical WwTW (Esholt, Bradford) with 16% of baseflow from captured streams and springs, we conservatively estimate annual costs of £ 2 million to £ 7 million. A detailed case study from Zurich is considered that has successfully separated captured baseflow into daylighted streams through the urban area, with multiple economic, environmental and social benefits. We conclude that there is a strong case for the UK water industry to consider captured streams and springs, quantify them, and assess the merits of managing them.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with disseminated ovarian cancer remains controversial. The role of PN in providing nutrition and improving quality of life is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of prescribing in a large teaching hospital, and to identify subgroups where the use of PN was justified.Sixty-five patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma received PN between January 2002 and May 2008. A retrospective case note review was undertaken to retrieve data on PN prescribing and outcomes in terms of duration of PN provision, complications, and survival.Three subgroups were identified. Group I consisted of 18 (28%) patients who received PN for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 5 (2-11) days. The majority of these 18 patients (n = 13, 72%) had disease-related terminal bowel obstruction. Out of 18 of these patients, 17 (95%) had poor performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 12 (6-28) days. Group II consisted of 40 (61%) patients who were re-established on enteral nutrition. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration was 10 (6-17) days. The most common indication of PN was protracted ileus (n = 25, 63%). Out of 40 of these patients, 35 (88%) patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 264 (96-564) days. The third group of patients required home PN (n = 7, 11%). Four (58%) patients had short bowel syndrome and three (42%) had terminal intestinal obstruction. All of the patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration and survival was 241 (90-305) days.Administration of PN appears to be justified in those patients with a good performance status (i.e. patients capable of self-care), which constituted three-quarters of this cohort. In the remaining patients with poor performance status, and particularly those with terminal intestinal obstruction, PN administration was difficult to justify. PN should not be denied based purely on the pathology, although cautious judgment is required to select those who are most likely to benefit.

Herbivory is viewed as a major driver of plant evolution and the most important energy pathway from plants to higher trophic levels. Therefore, understanding patterns of herbivory on plants remains a key focus in evolution and ecology. The evolutionary impacts of leaf herbivory include altering plant fitness, local adaptation, the evolution of defenses, and the diversification of plants as well as natural enemies. Leaf herbivory also impacts ecological processes such as plant productivity, community composition, and ecosystem nutrient cycling. Understanding the impact of herbivory on these ecological and evolutionary processes requires species-specific, as opposed to community-level, measures of herbivory. In addition, species-specific data enables the use of modern comparative methods to account for phylogenetic non-independence. Although hundreds of studies have measured natural rates of leaf consumption, we are unaware of any accessible compilation of these data. We created such a data set to provide the raw data needed to test general hypotheses relating to plant–herbivore interactions and to test the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on herbivory rates across large spatial scales. A large repository will make this endeavor more efficient and robust. In total, we compiled 2641 population-level measures for either annual or daily rates of leaf herbivory across 1145 species of vascular plants collected from 189 studies. All damage measures represent natural occurrences of herbivory that span numerous angiosperm, gymnosperm, and fern species. To enable researchers to explore the causes of variation in herbivory and how these might interact, we added information about the study sites including: geolocation, climate classification, habitat descriptions (e.g., seashore, grassland, forest, agricultural fields), and plant trait information concerning growth form and duration (e.g., annual vs. perennial). We also included extensive details of the methodology used to measure leaf damage, including seasons and months of sampling, age of leaves, and the method used to estimate percentage area missing. We anticipate that these data will make it possible to test important hypotheses in the plant–herbivore literature, including the plant apparency hypothesis, the latitudinal-herbivory defense hypothesis, the resource availability hypothesis, and the macroevolutionary escalation of defense hypothesis.

Fourteen non-insulin-dependent diabetics (9 female, 5 male), aged 46 to 64 years, uncontrolled by diet (fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 8 mmol/l), were treated with metformin, 1-3 g daily, and followed prospectively at 1 week, then at 2-weekly intervals for 6 months. The fasting plasma glucose fell significantly (p less than 0.01) after 1 week of therapy and HbA1 showed a significant reduction, 13.4 +/- 2.5% (mean +/- SD) to 10.7 +/- 1.8% (normal range 5.1-9.3%) at 8 weeks (p less than 0.001). There was no significant change in body weight, plasma insulin, serum cholesterol or triglycerides, blood lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, alanine, 3-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate concentration. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures, along with resting heart rate remained unchanged. This study shows that metformin effectively lowers plasma glucose without hyperinsulinism or significant rise in fasting blood lactate and other gluconeogenic precursors.