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We investigated the distance-decay pattern (an increase in dissimilarity with increasing geographic distance) in regional assemblages of fleas and their small mammalian hosts, as well as their interaction networks, in four biogeographic realms. Dissimilarity of assemblages (βtotal) was partitioned into species richness differences (βrich) and species replacement (βrepl) components. Dissimilarity of networks was assessed using two metrics: (a) whole network dissimilarity (β WN ) partitioned into species replacement (β ST ) and interaction rewiring (β OS ) components and (b) D statistics, measuring dissimilarity in the pure structure of the networks, without using information on species identities and calculated for hosts-shared-by-fleas networks (Dh) and fleas-shared-by-hosts networks (Df). We asked whether the distance-decay pattern (a) occurs among interactor assemblages or their interaction networks; (b) depends on the network dissimilarity metric used; and (c) differs between realms. The βtotal and βrepl of flea and host assemblages increased with distance in all realms except for host assemblages in the Afrotropics. βrich for flea and host assemblages increased with distance in the Nearctic only. In networks, β WN and β ST demonstrated a distance-decay pattern, whereas β OS was mainly spatially invariant except in the Neotropics. Correlations of Dh or Df and geographic distance were mostly non-significant. We conclude that investigations of dissimilarity in interaction networks should include both types of dissimilarity metrics (those that consider partner identities and those that consider the pure structure of networks). This will allow elucidating the predictability of some facets of network dissimilarity and the unpredictability of other facets., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

We created a database of lost and rediscovered tetrapod species, identified patterns in their distribution and factors influencing rediscovery. Tetrapod species are being lost at a faster rate than they are being rediscovered, due to slowing rates of rediscovery for amphibians, birds and mammals, and rapid rates of loss for reptiles. Finding lost species and preventing future losses should therefore be a conservation priority. By comparing the taxonomic and spatial distribution of lost and rediscovered tetrapod species, we have identified regions and taxa with many lost species in comparison to those that have been rediscovered-our results may help to prioritise search effort to find them. By identifying factors that influence rediscovery, we have improved our ability to broadly distinguish the types of species that are likely to be found from those that are not (because they are likely to be extinct). Some lost species, particularly those that are small and perceived to be uncharismatic, may have been neglected in terms of conservation effort, and other lost species may be hard to find due to their intrinsic characteristics and the characteristics of the environments they occupy (e.g. nocturnal species, fossorial species and species occupying habitats that are more difficult to survey such as wetlands). These lost species may genuinely await rediscovery. However, other lost species that possess characteristics associated with rediscovery (e.g. large species) and that are also associated with factors that negatively influence rediscovery (e.g. those occupying small islands) are more likely to be extinct. Our results may foster pragmatic search protocols that prioritise lost species likely to still exist., (© 2024 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia, prenatal prediction is made based on measurements of lung size and the presence of liver herniation into the thorax. A subset of fetuses likely to die in the postnatal period is eligible for fetal intervention that can promote lung growth. Rather than anatomical repair, this is now attempted by temporary fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO). Herein we describe purpose-designed instruments that were developed thanks to a grant from the European Commission. The feasibility and safety of FETO have now been demonstrated in several active fetal surgery programs. The most frequent complication of the procedure is preterm premature rupture of the membranes, which is probably iatrogenic in nature. It does have an impact on gestational age at delivery and complicates balloon removal. FETO is associated with an apparent increase in survival compared with same severity controls, although this needs to be evaluated in a formal trial. The time has come to do so., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: We describe a new technique to achieve permanent umbilical cord occlusion., Methods: A 3 mm in diameter bipolar diathermy forceps was built to house a 1.2 mm fetoscope, emerging between the blades of the forceps. The device can be inserted percutaneously through a 10 Fr Trocar into the amniotic cavity under local analgesia and ultrasound guidance. A monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancy with a twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence at 18 weeks of gestation underwent cord occlusion of the acardiac twin using this new device in 2004., Results: The instrument allowed cord coagulation under direct visual control. The pregnancy continued until 33 weeks of gestation when a male infant of 1980 g was delivered by cesarean section following preterm labor., Conclusion: This new instrument might allow easier access to the cord and reduce operation time by direct visualization of the target and, therefore, improve the outcome after the procedure., ((c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

We present our initial experience with submandibular sialendoscopy, a new therapeutic approach for disorders of Wharton's duct. We review the sialendoscopes used and discuss their respective merits. We evaluated and treated 129 consecutive patients with suspected ductal disorders. Diagnostic sialendoscopy was used for classifying ductal lesions as sialolithiasis, stenosis, sialodochitis, or polyps. Interventional sialendoscopy was used to treat these disorders. The type of endoscope used, the type of sialolith fragmentation and/or extraction device used, the total number of procedures, the type of anesthesia, and the number and size of the sialoliths removed were the dependent variables. The outcome variable was the endoscopic clearing of the ductal tree and resolution of symptoms. Diagnostic sialendoscopy was possible in 131 of 135 glands (97%), with an average (+/-SD) duration of 28 +/- 15 minutes. Interventional sialendoscopy was attempted in 110 cases, with an average duration of 71 +/- 41 minutes, with a success rate of 82%. Multiple sialendoscopies were necessary in 25% of cases. General anesthesia was used in 12% of cases. Submandibular gland resection was performed in 4%. The average size of the stones was 4.9 +/- 2.9 mm. Multiple sialoliths were found in 31 cases (29%). Sialolith fragmentation was required in 26%. Larger and multiple stones often required longer and multiple procedures and general anesthesia, and more often resulted in failures. Semirigid endoscopes had a higher success rate (85%) than flexible sialendoscopes (54%). Complications were mostly minor, but were encountered in 10% of cases. Diagnostic sialendoscopy is a new technique for evaluating salivary duct disorders that is associated with low morbidity. Interventional sialendoscopy allows the extraction of sialoliths in most patients, thus preventing open gland excision.

Background: Currently, amnioinfusion fluids used in operative fetoscopy usually are preheated to body temperature. As the complexity of procedures increases, purposed designed devices should be designed that allow control of pressure and temperature during amnioinfusion or amnioexchange. In the current study, a prototype amnio-irrigator and fluid heater were evaluated., Methods: The medical fluid heater heats fluid by conduction up to 37 degrees C. The maximum irrigation pressure and flow rates can be preset. Actual irrigation pressure (0 to 30 mm Hg) and flow rate (0 to 300 mL/min) can be read on the front panel. A series of ex vivo experiments were set up to determine the relationship between the flow rate (FR) and lumen of the instruments as well as the maximum flow rate (MFR) with and without the pressure control. Further, the relationship between FR and the irrigation pressure (IP) was determined. In an artificial pseudoamniotic sac the relationship between FR and change in temperature was measured, with and without the use of the medical fluid heater., Results: When the IP was limited to 24 mm Hg, FR and pressure were correlated (r = 0.34; P <.001). The larger the functional lumen of the fetoscopic instrumentation, the higher the flow (r = 0.43; P <.001) and the lower the increase in IP (r = -0.47; P <.001). A quadratic relation between flow and temperature was observed both for preheated fluid as when using the fluid heater (r(2) = 0.71 and r(2) = 0.88; P <.001). However, at low flow rates, a thermal decrease of over 3 degrees C was observed when the fluid heater was not used., Conclusions: The current study quantifies an expected relationship between the diameter of the irrigation channel and achievable flow rates. It also shows that a medical fluid heater is needed when strict control of temperature would be desired., (Copyright 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.)

Objective: To present our initial experience with sialendoscopy of the parotid duct., Methods: Diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy procedures were performed in 79 and 55 cases, respectively. Diagnostic sialendoscopy was used to classify ductal lesions into sialolithiasis, stenosis, sialodochitis, and polyps. Interventional sialendoscopy was used to treat these disorders. The type of endoscope used, the type of sialolithiasis fragmentation and/or extraction device used, the total number of procedures, the type of anesthesia, and the number and size of the sialoliths removed were the dependent variables. The outcome variable was the endoscopic clearing of the ductal tree and resolution of symptoms., Results: Diagnostic sialendoscopy was possible in all cases, with an average duration of 26+/-14 minutes and no complications. Interventional sialendoscopy was successful in 85% of cases, with an average duration of 73+/-43 minutes (+/- standard deviation). Multiple procedures were performed in 45% of cases, general anesthesia was used in 24%, and parotidectomy in 2%. Multiple sialoliths were found in 58% of ducts and associated with more procedures under general anesthesia and longer operations. The average size of sialoliths was 3.2+/-1.3 mm; larger stones were associated with more procedures under general anesthesia, longer and multiple procedures, use of fragmentation, and sialendoscopy failures. Sialolithiasis fragmentation was required in 10% of cases, with a success rate of 70%. Semirigid sialendoscopes performed better than flexible ones. Complications were mostly minor but were encountered in 12% of cases., Conclusions: Diagnostic sialendoscopy is a new technique for evaluating salivary duct disease, a technique which is associated with low morbidity. Interventional sialendoscopy allows the extraction of sialoliths in most patients, preventing open gland excision.