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Callum M. Roberts (Reports, 21 Nov., p. [1454][1]) uses a model of reef connectivity to identify beneficial management partnerships and to evaluate marine reserves in integrated networks. The model is clear and compelling. But, like others based on similar approaches ([1][2]), it makes one

Collecting biological specimens for scientific studies came under scrutiny when B. A. Minteer et al. [“Avoiding (re)extinction,” Perspectives, 18 April, p. [260][1]] suggested that this practice plays a significant role in species extinctions. Based on a small number of examples (rare birds

S\~lmrnlng speeds of the late-stage, pelaglc larvae of coral-leef flshes were measured in situ near Llzard Island on Australia's Great Barrler Reef, and Ranglroa Atoll, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynes~a dunng 1995-96 Larvae were captured w ~ t h llght traps and crest nets, and released indiv~dually In open water They were then followed by SCUBA d ~ v e r s , normally for 10 mm, and their speed was measured w ~ t h a m o d ~ f ~ e d plankton-net flow meter and a stop watch Swlmmlng speeds of 260 lalvae of 50 specles In 15 famll~es of mostly perclform reef f ~ s h e s are presented Most measurements were for pomacentnds (8 genera 16 specles, 127 ~ n d ~ v i d u a l s ) , apogonids (1 genus, -5 specles, 18 1nd1vlduals), chaetodontids (3 genera. 8 specles, 49 ~ndlviduals) , lethrlnlds (1 genus, -4 specles, 11 lndivlduals), nemipterlds ( l genus, 2 specles, 10 ~ndlvlduals) , serranlds (2 genera, 2 specles, 14 md~vlduals) and acanthurlds (2 genera, -4 specles 13 ~ n d ~ v l d u a l s ) Numbers of lndlvlduals per specles ranged from 1 to 25 Speeds were remarkably hlgh for such small flshes (0 7 to 5 5 cm) Average speed was 20 6 cm S ' (ranqe 2 to 65), or 13 7 body lengths s ' (range 2 to 34) SE fol specles wlth n > 4 ranged from 0 8 to 5 3 cm s ' 14 1 to 25 0"0 of mean speed), but speed of the fastest lndlvldual ot each specles averaged 144 "/o of mean speed A taxonom~c component was evident, with apogonlds the slowest (2 to 13 cm S l ) , followed by nemipterlds (10 cm s ' ) Speed of pomacentr~ds and chaetodontlds varled wldely among specles (7 to 35 cm s '), whereas acanthunds, lethrlnlds and se r r an~ds were fast ( l 9 to 55 cm S-') Except for apogonlds and nem~ptel-lds, nearly all specles had mean swlmming speeds greater than average ambient current speeds In the L~zard Island area Mean speed was positively correlated wlth size (slope 8 2, r2 = 0 43) when all taxa were lncluded but was not correlated wlth slze for the Pomacentndae and Chaetodontidae when each were considered alone The speeds reported here combined wlth data on swimming endurance recently reported by Stobutzk~ & Bellwood (1997. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 149 35-41) reveal remarkable swlmnling ab lh t~es for late-stage pelaglc larvae of coral-reef flshes whlch could e ~ t h e r gleatly enhance d~spersa l or eliminate it

A method for the quantitative measurement of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen in human plasma and urine is presented. The assay is based on gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The preparation of stable isotope-labelled ketoprofen for use as an internal standard is described. After solvent extraction from the acidified matrix, urine samples were analysed as pentafluorobenzyl esters, whereas plasma samples required further derivatization to the hydroxylamine-trimethylsilyl derivatives. The detection limit was found to be 5 pg in both cases. The method was applied to the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen in man after epidermal application.

The Medway Project is a 660 MW combined cycle power plant which employs two of the world’s largest advanced technology MS9001FA combustion turbine generators and an advanced design reheat steam turbine generator in a power plant system designed for high reliability and efficiency. This paper discusses the power plant system optimization and design, including thermodynamic cycle selection, equipment arrangement, and system operation. The design of the MS9031FA combustion turbine generator and the steam turbine generator, including tailoring for the specific application conditions, is discussed.Copyright © 1994 by ASME

Behavioural and ecological observations were made on young, reared Platax orbicularis in Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia, during their transition from the pelagic, dispersive stage to the reef-orientated demersal stage. Seventy-two young P. orbicularis (17-75 mm standard length, LS ) were released in the pelagic zone and 20 (40-70 mm LS ) adjacent to the reefs. Swimming speed was slow (mean 5·2 cm s(-1) ) and independent of size. An ontogenetic descent was observed: the smallest P. orbicularis swam at the surface, medium-sized P. orbicularis swam in midwater (mean 5-13 m) and the largest P. orbicularis swam to the bottom, where many lay on their sides. Platax orbicularis swam southerly on average, away from the ocean and into the bay. Smaller P. orbicularis were more likely to swim directionally than larger individuals. Young P. orbicularis released near reef edges swam at similar, but more variable speeds (mean 6·6 cm s(-1) ). About half of those released near reefs swam away, but fewer swam away from an inshore fringing reef than from a patch reef near the bay mouth. Many P. orbicularis swam up the slope onto the reef top, but the little settlement observed was near the reef base. Average, near-reef swimming direction was also southerly. Some reef residents, in particular the triggerfish Balistapus undulatus, harassed young P. orbicularis.

Animal-type melanoma is a rare variant of malignant melanoma in humans. Although many patients develop locoregional and distant metastases, mortality is lower than in other types of melanoma. We present 3 cases of animal-type melanoma in elderly men and include a description of common clinical and dermoscopic features (homogeneous blue pattern, irregular whitish structures, and irregular large vessels).

The results of a surgical procedure for the treatment of mucous cysts of the hand are described. One hundred ninety-one mucous cysts from 178 patients were treated from 1973 to 1992. The average age of the study population was 57 years. The long finger was most frequently involved. There were only two recurrences and two postoperative infections. Both patients with recurrences presented more than 40 months after surgery. Sixty-four of the cysts had been previously treated elsewhere. The most common postoperative complaint was tenderness of the joint. Associated nail deformities were corrected in 40 of 46 cases.

The longitudinal vibratory movements (LVMs) and the convulsive vibratory movements (CVMs) which occur in K. flavicollis have been studied. Both movements are predominantly performed by nymphs and pseudoergates with different frequencies depending on the caste ratio within the colony. Physical stimuli (such as light intensity variations and substrate vibrations), chemical (inorganic and organic compounds) and biological (individuals of other insect species) induced an increase in both movements, that is much higher for CVM than for LVM.

Measuring connectivity in marine populations is a key, yet poorly understood issue. The degree of connectivity determines the spatial scales over which population dynamics operate, the spatial scales over which fisheries should be managed and how marine protected areas should be designed and implemented. Thus, much research is directed towards a better understanding of connectivity. The tools currently used to measure connectivity broadly include larval distribution, numerical models (physical or biophysical), genetic techniques and otolith chemistry. However, few studies use more than one of these approaches, and users of connectivity estimates are frequently unclear about what any approach actually measures or whether it is the best approach for their purposes. That is, does the tool provide information on evolutionary connectivity or ecological connectivity, can it forecast connectivity, what do the results of such studies mean in that context, and what are the limitations of the tool? This review provides an overview of these four approaches to estimating connectivity and how they work, examines what each actually measures, outlines the spatial and temporal scales over which each is appropriate and details the pros and cons of each. A historical approach is used to describe the development of these four approaches, focusing on examples using reef fishes. However, the key points are broadly applicable to marine and estuarine fishes and some invertebrates. Finally, we discuss the advantages of using multiple methods to elucidate a more complete understanding of marine connectivity.

In most demersal marine teleost fishes, lar- vae develop in the pelagic environment, but must locate appropriate settlement habitats. One potential cue for lo- cating settlement habitats that has received recent inter- est is acoustic cues from reef habitats. Although it is clear that settlement-stage fish larvae can hear, it is less clear how hearing ability develops during the larval phase, or how auditory abilities vary among species and families. Auditory-evoked potentials were used to investigate hearing in larvae of 5 fishes (Epinephelus coioides, E. fuscoguttatus, Serranidae; Eleutheronema tetradacty- lum, Polynemidae; Caranx ignobilis, Carangidae; and Macquaria novemaculeata, Percichthyidae) over a range of sizes (9 to 28 mm). Ontogenetic improvement in hear- ing of up to 25 dB was found in 4 species. We also as- sessed hearing ability within and between 4 families (Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Pomacentridae and Carangi- dae) using larger larvae of 11 species from tropical and warm temperate habitats (the serranids and carangid above plus Epinephelus malabaricus, Plectropomus leopardus, Lutjanus carponotatus, L. sebae, Pomacen- trus nagasakiensis, P. amboinensis, Gnathanodon spe- ciosus and Elagatis bipinnulata). Within pomacentrids, carangids and lutjanids, hearing sensitivity differences among species were found. This high within-family vari- ance results in no difference in hearing ability among the 4 families. A key component of modelling reef connectiv- ity is the estimation of larval attraction distances. The data provided herein clearly demonstrate that attraction varies both ontogenetically and among species. Both developmental stage and species must be taken into account when estimating distances over which sound cues emanating from settlement habitats can be detected.

PURPOSE: The surgery department at our institution has become the primary provider of colonoscopy. We sought to determine which risk factors, if any, were most predictive of positive findings on colonoscopy. Methods Between March and December 1999, 202 consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy were identified. Each patient was interviewed and a standard questionnaire completed before colonoscopy to establish possible risk factors for the presence of colorectal cancer or polyps. The colonoscopy findings, including pathology reports, were correlated with the questionnaire and subjected to chi-square analysis to determine statistical significance. Results The risk factors most likely to be associated with a finding of colorectal cancer or polyp were family history of colorectal cancer (65%), bleeding (65%), fecal occult blood positive (64%), abdominal pain (60%), and alteration of bowel habits (53%). Conclusions No risk factor by history or presenting symptoms reached statistical significance as an independent predictor of a positive colonoscopy finding. However, most frequently associated with positive colonoscopy findings were a family history of colorectal cancer, bleeding, positive fecal occult blood test, presence of abdominal pain, and alteration of bowel habits. A history to include these risk factors can serve to prioritize the need for a colonoscopic examination.

The termite Kalotermes flavicollis shows characteristic vibratory movements, identifiable as complex vibratory movements (CVMs) and as longitudinal vibratory movements (LVMs) whose function could be to produce acoustic signals. This hypothesis is supported by SEM observations which indicate the presence of characteristic cuticular cuspids.

The larval phase of most species of coral reef fishes is spent away from the reef in the pelagic environment. At the time of settlement, these larvae need to locate a reef, and recent research indicates that sound emanating from reefs may act as a cue to guide them. Here, the auditory abilities of settlement-stage larvae of four species of coral reef fishes (families Pomacentridae, Lutjanidae and Serranidae) and similar-sized individuals of two pelagic species (Carangidae) were tested using an electrophysiological technique, auditory brainstem response (ABR). Five of the six species heard frequencies in the 100–2,000 Hz range, whilst one carangid species did not detect frequencies higher than 800 Hz. The audiograms of the six species were of similar shape, with best hearing at lower frequencies between 100 and 300 Hz. Strong within-species differences were found in hearing sensitivity both among the coral reef species and among the pelagic species. Larvae of the coral reef species had significantly more sensitive hearing than the larvae of the pelagic species. The results suggest that settlement-stage larval reef fishes may be able to detect reef sounds at distances of a few 100 m. If true hearing thresholds are lower than ABR estimates, as indicated in some comparisons of ABR and behavioural methods, the detection distances would be much larger.

To improve the quality of how Santiago's Primary Care Department manages complaints through two specific objectives: 1) Address patients' claims within a month or less; 2) Use an automated and data management tool to detect and record issues and activities of the health care centers. RESOURCES AND METHODS: The work consisted of improvements implemented in various phases: a) Quantifying the initial situation; b) Analyzing possible issues; c) Implementing corrective measures; d) Evaluating the implementation and monitoring; period of study 2007-2008.In 2008, 83% of claims were addressed in a month or less (79.36% in 2007), taking into account that the number of complaints received in 2008 increased 49.5% from 2007 levels. In 2008, it took 19.46 days to respond to a complaint (22.82 days in 2007). The implementation of the new complaints management protocol in the health care centers allowed 67.9% of all claims in 2008 to be received with all pertinent facts (31.1% in 2007).The application of new protocols and simple corrective measures to the identified issues allowed for a statistically significant improvement in the response rate to the user. The optimization of the automated tool for managing the claims facilitated the identification of breakdowns in the system and prospectively will help undertake improvement actions.

Review dei programmi di miglioramento genetico del melo in Italia

International audience; The global decline in coral reefs demands urgent management strategies to protect resilience. Protecting ecological connectivity, within and among reefs, and between reefs and other ecosystems is critical to resilience. However, connectivity science is not yet able to clearly identify the specific measures for effective protection of connectivity. This article aims to provide a set of principles or practical guidelines that can be applied currently to protect connectivity. These 'rules of thumb' are based on current knowledge and expert opinion, and on the philosophy that, given the urgency, it is better to act with incomplete knowledge than to wait for detailed understanding that may come too late. The principles, many of which are not unique to connectivity, include: (1) allow margins of error in extent and nature of protection, as insurance against unforeseen or incompletely understood threats or critical processes; (2) spread risks among areas; (3) aim for networks of protected areas which are: (a) comprehensive and spread-protect all biotypes, habitats and processes, etc., to capture as many possible connections, known and unknown; (b) adequate-maximise extent of protection for each habitat type, and for the entire region; (c) representative-maximise likelihood of protecting the full range of processes and spatial requirements; (d) replicated-multiple examples of biotypes or processes enhances risk spreading; (4) protect entire biological units where possible (e.g. whole reefs), including buffers around core areas. Otherwise, choose bigger rather than smaller areas; (5) provide for connectivity at a wide range of dispersal distances (within and between patches), emphasising distances < 20-30 km; and (6) use a portfolio of approaches, including but not limited to MPAs. Three case studies illustrating the application of these principles to coral reef management in the Bohol Sea (Philippines), the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) and Kimbe Bay (Papua New Guinea) are described.

Plankton hauls captured 682 milkfish larvae (2.1–12.3 mm) in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon and Coral Sea during 1979–1986. Larvae were present from November to March, and absent in April, July and October. We analyzed concentration, abundance and size-frequency data and concluded that spawning took place in the Coral Sea or at the outer edge of the continental shelf, apparently following an adult spawning migration of at least 50 km. Larvae then moved inshore to at least our most inshore routine sampling site near midshelf. Some larvae may have remained for a period in the lee of reefs along the shelf edge. Larvae apparently occupied the upper few metres of the water column, thereby becoming susceptible to shoreward movement in the wind-driven surface layer. Movement from spawning sites to midshelf probably required active maintenance of vertical position by larvae which enabled passive movement with favourable currents, and perhaps horizontal swimming. By the time larvae reach midshelf, continued inshore movement by horizontal swimming alone is possible.

The vertical distribution of shorefish — primarily reef fish — larvae in the upper 20 m in relatively shallow (

Auditory and olfactory abilities of settlement-stage larvae of the coral trout Plectropomus leopardus (Pisces: Serranidae) were tested electrophysiologically to determine if these senses are sufficiently developed to aid larvae in detection of settlement habitats on coral reefs. Plectropomus leopardus larvae detected sounds from 100 to 2000 Hz with hearing most sensitive at the frequencies of 100, 200 and 600 Hz. The olfactory response of P. leopardus was similar for the two amino acids tested and for the water conditioned by conspecifics. Auditory and olfactory abilities of P. leopardus are well developed at settlement-stage, and apparently sufficient to detect auditory and olfactory cues from reefs.

A pelagic larval stage is found in nearly all demersal marine teleost fishes, and it is during this pelagic stage that the geographic scale of dispersal is determined. Marine biologists have long made a simplifying assumption that behaviour of larvae--with the possible exception of vertical distribution--has negligible influence on larval dispersal. Because advection by currents can take place over huge scales during a pelagic larval stage that typically lasts for several days to several weeks, this simplifying assumption leads to the conclusion that populations of marine demersal fishes operate over, and are connected over, similar huge scales. This conclusion has major implications for our perception of how marine fish populations operate and for our management of them. Recent (and some older) behavioural research-reviewed here-reveals that for a substantial portion of the pelagic larval stage of perciform fishes, the simplifying assumption is invalid. Near settlement, and for a considerable portion of the pelagic stage prior to that, larvae of many fish species are capable of swimming at speeds faster than mean ambient currents over long periods, travelling tens of kilometres. Only the smallest larvae of perciform fishes swim in an energetically costly viscous hydrodynamic environment (i.e., low Reynolds number). Vertical distribution is under strong behavioural control from the time of hatching, if not before, and can have a decisive, if indirect, influence on dispersal trajectories. Larvae of some species avoid currents by occupying the epibenthic boundary layer. Larvae are able to swim directionally in the pelagic environment, with some species apparently orientating relative to the sun and others to settlement sites. These abilities develop relatively early, and ontogenetic changes in orientation are seemingly common. Larvae of some species can use sound to navigate, and others can use odour to find settlement habitat, at least over small scales. Other senses may also be important to orientation. Larvae are highly aware of their environment and of potential predators, and some school during the pelagic larval stage. Larvae are selective about where they settle at both meso and micro scales, and settlement is strongly influenced by interactions with resident fishes. Most of these behaviours are flexible; for example, swimming speeds and depth may vary among locations, and speed may vary with swimming direction. In direct tests, these behaviours result in dispersal different from that predicted by currents alone. Work with both tropical and temperate species shows that these behaviours begin to be significant relatively early in larval development, but much more needs to be learned about the ontogeny of behaviour and sensory abilities in larvae of marine fishes. As a preliminary rule of thumb, behaviour must be taken into account in considerations of dispersal after the preflexion stage, and vertical distribution behaviour can influence dispersal from hatching. Larvae of perciform fishes are close to being planktonic at the start of the pelagic period and are clearly nektonic at its end, and for a substantial period prior to that. All these things differ among species. Larvae of clupeiform, gadiform and pleuronectiform fishes may be less capable behaviourally than perciform fishes, but this remains to be confirmed. Clearly, these behaviours, along with hydrography, must be included in modelling dispersal and retention and may provide explanations for recent demonstrations of self-recruitment in marine fish populations. Current work is directed at understanding the ontogeny of the gradual transition from planktonic to nektonic behaviour. Although it is clear that larvae of perciform fishes have the ability to strongly influence their dispersal trajectories, it is less clear whether or how these abilities are applied.

A pelagic larval stage is found in nearly all demersal marine teleost fishes, and it is during this pelagic stage that the geographic scale of dispersal is determined. Marine biologists have long made a simplifying assumption that behaviour of larvae--with the possible exception of vertical distribution--has negligible influence on larval dispersal. Because advection by currents can take place over huge scales during a pelagic larval stage that typically lasts for several days to several weeks, this simplifying assumption leads to the conclusion that populations of marine demersal fishes operate over, and are connected over, similar huge scales. This conclusion has major implications for our perception of how marine fish populations operate and for our management of them. Recent (and some older) behavioural research-reviewed here-reveals that for a substantial portion of the pelagic larval stage of perciform fishes, the simplifying assumption is invalid. Near settlement, and for a considerable portion of the pelagic stage prior to that, larvae of many fish species are capable of swimming at speeds faster than mean ambient currents over long periods, travelling tens of kilometres. Only the smallest larvae of perciform fishes swim in an energetically costly viscous hydrodynamic environment (i.e., low Reynolds number). Vertical distribution is under strong behavioural control from the time of hatching, if not before, and can have a decisive, if indirect, influence on dispersal trajectories. Larvae of some species avoid currents by occupying the epibenthic boundary layer. Larvae are able to swim directionally in the pelagic environment, with some species apparently orientating relative to the sun and others to settlement sites. These abilities develop relatively early, and ontogenetic changes in orientation are seemingly common. Larvae of some species can use sound to navigate, and others can use odour to find settlement habitat, at least over small scales. Other senses may also be important to orientation. Larvae are highly aware of their environment and of potential predators, and some school during the pelagic larval stage. Larvae are selective about where they settle at both meso and micro scales, and settlement is strongly influenced by interactions with resident fishes. Most of these behaviours are flexible; for example, swimming speeds and depth may vary among locations, and speed may vary with swimming direction. In direct tests, these behaviours result in dispersal different from that predicted by currents alone. Work with both tropical and temperate species shows that these behaviours begin to be significant relatively early in larval development, but much more needs to be learned about the ontogeny of behaviour and sensory abilities in larvae of marine fishes. As a preliminary rule of thumb, behaviour must be taken into account in considerations of dispersal after the preflexion stage, and vertical distribution behaviour can influence dispersal from hatching. Larvae of perciform fishes are close to being planktonic at the start of the pelagic period and are clearly nektonic at its end, and for a substantial period prior to that. All these things differ among species. Larvae of clupeiform, gadiform and pleuronectiform fishes may be less capable behaviourally than perciform fishes, but this remains to be confirmed. Clearly, these behaviours, along with hydrography, must be included in modelling dispersal and retention and may provide explanations for recent demonstrations of self-recruitment in marine fish populations. Current work is directed at understanding the ontogeny of the gradual transition from planktonic to nektonic behaviour. Although it is clear that larvae of perciform fishes have the ability to strongly influence their dispersal trajectories, it is less clear whether or how these abilities are applied.

The propagules of most species of reef fish are advected from the reef, necessitating a return to reef habitats at the end of the pelagic stage. There is increasing evidence of active attraction to the reef but the sensory abilities of reef fish larvae have not been characterized well enough to fully identify cues. The electrophysiological methods of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and electroolfactogram (EOG) were used to investigate auditory and olfactory abilities of pre- and post-settlement stages of a damselfish, Pomacentrus nagasakiensis (Pisces, Pomacentridae). Audiograms of the two ontogenetic stages were similar. Pre-settlement larvae heard as well as their post-settlement counterparts at all but two of the tested frequencies between 100 Hz and 2,000 Hz. At 100 and 600 Hz, pre-settlement larvae had ABR thresholds 8 dB higher than those of post-settlement juveniles. Both stages were able to detect locally recorded reef sounds. Similarly, no difference in olfactory ability was found between the two ontogenetic stages. Both stages showed olfactory responses to conspecifics as well as L-alanine. Therefore, the auditory and olfactory senses have similar capabilities in both ontogenetic stages. Settlement stage larvae of P. nagasakiensis can hear and smell reef cues but it is unclear as to what extent larvae use these sounds or smells, or both, as cues for locating settlement sites.

The only known larva of Randallichthys filamentosus, a 9.7 mm specimen, is characterized by finray counts of D X,11, A III, 9, ~50 lateral-line scales, an extremely long and whip-like spine 2 of the dorsal fin (80% body length), and very long first ray of the pelvic fin (74% body length). Like all eteline larvae, it is fully scaled at a small size. Within the Lutjanidae, this larva shares the otherwise unique morphological features of very elongate whiplike dorsal-fin spine and very elongate pelvic-fin ray with some species of the apsiline genus Paracaesio. Evidence from larvae supports Johnson’s hypothesis, based on adult morphology, that the Etelinae and Apsilinae are basal lutjanids. The morphology of lutjanid larvae, however, suggests several hypotheses of relationships within basal lutjanids that differ from those based on adult morphology: that the lutjanid subfamilies Etelinae and Apsilinae form a monophyletic group, that Paracaesio is polyphyletic, that Randallichthys and some Paracaesio spp. are closely related, and that Aphareus is closely related to Pristipomoides, not Randallichthys.

Reactive oxygen radicals are involved in many respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carbocysteine lysine salt monohydrate (CLS) is a mucoactive drug effective in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases characterized by mucus alterations, including COPD. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of CLS was studied in vitro in three different oxygen radical producing systems, i.e. bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) from patients affected by COPD, ultrasound treated human serum and cultured human lung endothelial cells challenged with elastase.BAL, exposed or not to different concentrations of CLS (1.5-30 mM), was assayed for free radical content by fluorometric analysis of DNA unwinding (FADU) or by cytochrome c reduction kinetics. Human serum was treated with ultrasound in the presence or absence of CLS (1.5, 2.5 mM) or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; 4, 5 mM) and assayed for free radical content by FADU. Human endothelial cells cultured in vitro from pulmonary artery were incubated with elastase (0.3 IU/mL), in the presence or absence of glutathione (GSH; 0.65 mM) or CLS (0.16 mM). The supernatant was tested for cytochrome c reduction kinetics whereas cell homogenates were assessed for xanthine oxidase (XO) content by SDS-PAGE.Results showed that CLS is more effective as an in vitro scavenger in comparison to GSH and NAC. CLS reduced the damage of DNA from healthy donors exposed to COPD-BAL and was able to quench clastogenic activity induced in human serum by exposure to ultrasound at concentrations as low as 2.5 mM. NAC protect DNA from radical damage, starting from 5 mM. In human lung endothelial cells cultured in presence of elastase, CLS (0.16 mM) decreased xanthine oxidase activity.These results suggest that CLS could act by interfering with the conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase into superoxide-producing xanthine oxidase. The antioxidant activity of CLS could contribute to its therapeutic activity by reducing radical damage to different lung structures.

Dural tears are a well-recognized complication of spinal surgery.1,2⇓ When the dura is torn, CSF may be forced through the tear to form an encysted fluid collection (pseudomeningocele) that can displace paravertebral soft tissues and occupy subcutaneous space.3 The major symptom is a severe postural headache that develops minutes after arising from a recumbent position and is relieved minutes after lying down. The pseudomeningocele may also entrap nerve roots,4 become infected5 or ossified,6 or lead to vertebral bone erosion.7 The standard of treatment for persistent CSF leak is open revision surgery for suturing of the dura.1,3⇓ Conservative measures alone, including hydration, prolonged bed rest, and analgesics, are generally not considered adequate to control large CSF leaks with pseudomeningocele formation. Mechanical compression has rarely been used to treat lumbar dural tears. We present a case in which focal compression immediately controlled the …

PURPOSE:The surgery department at our institution has become the primary provider of colonoscopy. We sought to determine which risk factors, if any, were most predictive of positive findings on colonoscopy.Between March and December 1999, 202 consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy were identified. Each patient was interviewed and a standard questionnaire completed before colonoscopy to establish possible risk factors for the presence of colorectal cancer or polyps. The colonoscopy findings, including pathology reports, were correlated with the questionnaire and subjected to chi-square analysis to determine statistical significance.The risk factors most likely to be associated with a finding of colorectal cancer or polyp were family history of colorectal cancer (65%), bleeding (65%), fecal occult blood positive (64%), abdominal pain (60%), and alteration of bowel habits (53%).No risk factor by history or presenting symptoms reached statistical significance as an independent predictor of a positive colonoscopy finding. However, most frequently associated with positive colonoscopy findings were a family history of colorectal cancer, bleeding, positive fecal occult blood test, presence of abdominal pain, and alteration of bowel habits. A history to include these risk factors can serve to prioritize the need for a colonoscopic examination.

The Hind III satellite DNA family, isolated from the Acipenser naccarii genome, was used as a probe for fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) on the karyotype of seven sturgeon species, six belonging to the genus Acipenser and one to Huso. All species except one (A. sturio) exhibit from 8 to 80 chromosome hybridization signals, mainly localized at the pericentromeric regions. Eight chromosomes with weak hybridization signals are present in H. huso and A. ruthenus, which are characterized by a karyotype with about 120 chromosomes. The species with 240-260 chromosomes, A. transmontanus, A. naccarii, A. gueldenstaedtii, and A. baerii, show from 50 to 80 signals, prevalently localized around centromeres. Moreover, A. transmontanus and A. gueldenstaedtii show from 4 to 8 chromosomes with a double signal. The phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships among sturgeon species are discussed on the basis of number and morphology of signal-bearing chromosomes and on the localization of signals.

Background. Reactive oxygen radicals are involved in many respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carbocysteine lysine salt monohydrate (CLS) is a mucoactive drug effective in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases characterized by mucus alterations, including COPD. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of CLS was studied in vitro in three different oxygen radical producing systems, i.e. bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) from patients affected by COPD, ultrasound treated human serum and cultured human lung endothelial cells challenged with elastase. Methods. BAL, exposed or not to different concentrations of CLS (1.5-30 mM), was assayed for free radical content by fluorometric analysis of DNA unwinding (FADU) or by cytochrome c reduction kinetics. Human serum was treated with ultrasound in the presence or absence of CLS (1.5, 2.5 mM) or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; 4,5 mM) and assayed for free radical content by FADU. Human endothelial cells cultured in vitro from pulmonary artery were incubated with elastase (0.3 I.U./mL), in the presence or absence of glutathione (GSH; 0.65 mM) or CLS (0.16 mM). The supernatant was tested for cytochrome c reduction kinetics whereas cell homogenates were assessed for xanthine oxidase (XO) content by SDS-PAGE. Results. Results showed that CLS is more effective as an in vitro scavenger in comparison to GSH and NAC. CLS reduced the damage of DNA from healthy donors exposed to COPD-BAL and was able to quench clastogenic activity induced in human serum by exposure to ultrasound at concentrations as low as 2.5 mM. NAC protect DNA from radical damage, starting from 5 mM. In human lung endothelial cells cultured in presence of elastase, CLS (0.16 mM) decreased xanthine oxidase activity. Conclusions. These results suggest that CLS could act by interfering with the conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase into superoxide-producing xanthine oxidase. The antioxidant activity of CLS could contribute to its therapeutic activity by reducing radical damage to different lung structures.

This article reviews the published literature related to families of palliative care patients with cancer within the context of the Cancer Control Framework of the National Cancer Institute of Canada. Three themes emerged: 1) the impact of terminal cancer on the family; 2) family functioning--responses to terminal cancer; and 3) quality of palliative care from the family perspective. The most substantial body of research describes family needs, family caregiving burdens, caregiving costs and the impact of the patient's terminal cancer on the health of family members. Small samples, high nonresponse rates, selection biases and a lack of standardized outcome measures have impeded the advancement of knowledge. Method development studies are warranted, including the development of instruments to measure family care constructs. Longitudinal studies to examine the long-term impact of the patient's functional status, mood, symptom distress and quality of life on family members are needed. Research should also explore the effects of family composition, socioeconomic factors, culture and spirituality on families' experiences with terminal illness. Identification of families at risk as well as development and rigorous testing of appropriate interventions should become priorities.

This paper offers a critique of the National Cancer Institute of Canada's (NCIC) framework for cancer control. The critique has been prepared by researchers who used the framework to review the literature in 5 substantive areas. These reviews, published in the current and previous issues of CPC, were designed to begin to outline a research agenda for the Sociobehavioural Cancer Research Network. In this paper, the authors reflect on the strengths and limitations of the framework. Perceived strengths are that the framework (a) facilitates systematic thinking about research options and priorities, (b) helps foster clear communication, (c) links science and practice, (d) may assist grant review panels to place proposed studies in context and (e) emphasizes important values. Perceived concerns include the following: (a) potential users are not familiar with the framework, (b) lack of clarity of definitions and classification criteria, (c) the utility of the framework is not immediately self-evident to potential users, (d) the framework lacks emphasis on environmental and policy interventions and (e) it is not clear how the values espoused are to be integrated with other dimensions of the framework. The concerns were seen as remediable. In short, the framework was seen to be valuable in its current form; refinement may enhance its value.

In preparation for forthcoming chapters, the reader is offered a clear and thorough discussion of the anatomy of the hand, with important tips for examination and diagnosis.

Several factors lead to expectations that the scale of larval dispersal and population connectivity of marine animals differs with latitude. We examine this expectation for demersal shorefishes, including relevant mechanisms, assumptions and evidence. We explore latitudinal differences in (i) biological (e.g. species composition, spawning mode, pelagic larval duration, PLD), (ii) physical (e.g. water movement, habitat fragmentation), and (iii) biophysical factors (primarily temperature, which could strongly affect development, swimming ability or feeding). Latitudinal differences exist in taxonomic composition, habitat fragmentation, temperature and larval swimming, and each difference could influence larval dispersal. Nevertheless, clear evidence for latitudinal differences in larval dispersal at the level of broad faunas is lacking. For example, PLD is strongly influenced by taxon, habitat and geographical region, but no independent latitudinal trend is present in published PLD values. Any trends in larval dispersal may be obscured by a lack of appropriate information, or use of ‘off the shelf’ information that is biased with regard to the species assemblages in areas of concern. Biases may also be introduced from latitudinal differences in taxa or spawning modes as well as limited latitudinal sampling. We suggest research to make progress on the question of latitudinal trends in larval dispersal.

A retrospective chart review of 516 patients with 719 trigger fingers was undertaken to determine the relationship between trigger finger and occupation. Of the 516 patients, 361 were employed. One hundred seventy-eight (34.5%) of the employed patients had trigger fingers related to heavy lifting and/or high force gripping activities. The decision of causation is arbitrary and not based on science.

A method for the quantitative measurement of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen in human plasma and urine is presented. The assay is based on gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The preparation of stable isotope-labelled ketoprofen for use as an internal standard is described. After solvent extraction from the acidified matrix, urine samples were analysed as pentafluorobenzyl esters, whereas plasma samples required further derivatization to the hydroxylamine-trimethylsilyl derivatives. The detection limit was found to be 5 pg in both cases. The method was applied to the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen in man after epidermal application.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is all too frequently believed to be strictly a work related disease. A retrospective analysis of 1,884 carpal tunnel patients examined by one hand surgeon between 1977 and 1992 were evaluated for their rate of employment. Twenty-five percent of these CTS patients were not employed at the time their symptoms developed. We conclude that a significant rate of CTS illness exists in the nonemployed population.

Nearly all teleost reef fishes are pelagic during the larval stage, returning at the end of this stage to settle in a reefal habitat. Little is known about their sensory capabilities or how larvae detect and locate a reef. Sound is the most likely cue, particularly since reef shrimp and fish choruses are audible at considerable distances. Playback experiments off Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, broadcast nocturnal reef sounds and artificial sounds (pure tones) in the presence of settlement stage larvae of the coral‐reef damselfish Chromis atripectoralis, released during the day within 100 m of the underwater speaker 500–1000 m from the nearest reef. Larvae consistently swam to the south in the absence of playback and during playback of artificial sounds. During playback of reef sounds, they showed no overall swimming direction, indicating that they can hear and can distinguish between a sound with potential biological significance and one without. Light traps with and without playback of reef sounds on 33 paired (playback: nonplayback) trap nights resulted in higher catches for 14 of 17 families for which >10 individuals were trapped. This suggests that not only can larvae hear, but they also have some aural localization capability.

T he differential diagnosis of elbow pain should not be limited to local conditions. The more common causes are lateral epicondylitis, radial tunnel syndrome, medial epicondylitis, and degenerative joint disease, but other etiologic possibilities should not be disregarded. ‘. ’ Left upper extremity chest pain is a well-known symptom of ischemic heart disease.3* 4 The symptoms can be difficult to differentiate. This was particularly true in the case presented here, in which the early symptoms of myocardial infarction mimicked a straining injury of the elbow.

In demersal marine fishes, the dispersal of larvae determines the geographical scale of population connectivity, and larval behaviour may influence dispersal. Yet, little is known of the ontogeny of behaviours that can influence dispersal. The present study examined the development of these behaviours in pelagic larvae of tropical marine fishes (4–21 mm) that occupy non-reef habitats as adults: Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Polynemidae) and Leiognathus equulus (Leiognathidae). In the laboratory, critical speed (Ucrit) increased from 3 to 34 cm s–1 at 1.3–1.7 cm s–1 per mm of size, with the fastest larvae up to 50% faster. In situ speed increased from 4 to 25 cm s–1 at 0.7–2.2 cm s–1 per mm, and was 10–14 body length s–1 (60–90% of Ucrit). Endurance increased from 0 to >40 km at 2.4–4.7 km per mm. In the sea, orientation precision did not change ontogenetically, both species tended to swim in loops, and neither significant overall directionality nor ontogenetic change in orientation was present. Larval orientation of these non-reef species was less precise than that of reef fishes. The two species differed in depth distribution, and one ascended ontogenetically. These behaviours can potentially influence dispersal outcomes over the full size range of these larvae.

The larvae of the two species of Pinjalo are described for the first time based on seven specimens of P. pinjalo (4.3–7.5 mm) and 23 specimens of P. lewisi (5.6–15.0 mm) captured in plankton tows and midwater trawls in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Identification was confirmed by fin meristics. These deep-bodied, compressed larvae share all the characteristics of lutjanid larvae, and have some of the most well-developed head spination and fin spines of any lutjanids. The robust spines of the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins bear strong serrations. The preopercular spines are particularly enlarged, some bear fine serrations, and the anterior end of the maxilla also has fine serrations: these fine serrations are rare in lutjanine lutjanids. The two species of Pinjalo can be distinguished by the meristics of dorsal and anal fins, the relative lengths of the first spine of the dorsal fin and the spine of the pelvic fin. The larvae have distinctive pigment on the dorsal fin, head and caudal peduncle. The body shape, pigment pattern, fin-spine morphology, and the fine serrations on the head spines of the two Pinjalo species are very similar to the larvae of Lutjanus erythropterus and L. malabaricus, and may indicate a close relationship among these four species.