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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]