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Reynaldo P Lazaro,1 Khalid Butt21Neurology and Electroneuromyography Clinic, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA; 2Internal Medicine Clinic, Bainbridge, NY 13733, USABackground: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of Lyme disease. Cranial mononeuropathy, particularly that affecting the facial nerve, can be a presenting symptom, and at times, it can be associated with polyradiculopathies or plexopathies. However, isolated femoral neuropathy has not yet been reported in Lyme disease; therefore, we felt the need to present this case.Case presentation: Laboratory investigations were performed on a 67-year-old man living in a region at high risk for Lyme disease after he developed erythema migrans on his chest, accompanied by the swelling of his left knee joint. A Western blot immunoglobulin assay was performed, including a screening for connective tissue disorders. Positive serological test results led to the administration of oral doxycycline therapy at a dosage of 100 mg twice daily. Shortly afterwards, he developed gait difficulties and frequent falls. The clinical examination and electrodiagnostic studies were consistent with femoral neuropathy. To look for etiologies other than Lyme disease, radiographic studies of his lumbar spine, pelvic cavity, retroperitoneal compartment, and hips were conducted. In addition, he was screened for diabetes. However, no other etiologies were found to explain the femoral neuropathy. Eventually, he recovered, and he was able to return to work.Conclusion: We firmly believe that the femoral neuropathy and Lyme disease seen in this patient were causally related.Keywords: ataxic gait, femoral neuropathy, frequent falls, gait difficulty, Lyme disease, muscle weakness, plexopathy, peripheral neuropathy, radiculopathy

Competitive activities always support improvement in quality. In this study, a repetitive group sampling plan is designed to compare the two process yield indices of respective suppliers. A ratio statistic of two yield indices is proposed for estimated linear profiles under normal assumptions. The operating characteristic function is derived by using the distribution of the ratio statistic. Designed parameters are optimized to minimize the sample size required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hundred fresh water fishes of six species were collected from six different fish farms of Lahore for the prevalence of nematodes. Out of 300 fishes examined, 12 were found to be infected with the helminthes, majority of them were isolated from the stomach and intestines. The following two species of nematodes were recorded; Capillaria spp. and Eustrongylides spp. The overall prevalence of intestinal nematodes was recorded as 4%(12/300). The prevalence of nematodes was recorded on monthly basis which ranged from 0-8%. The highest prevalence of nematodes was 8% (4/50) during March, while the lowest prevalence was noted in June 0%.Singharee (Sperata sawari) showed the maximum infestation of nematodes of 8% (4/50), whereas in Silver Carp (Hypopthaimichthys molitrix) minimum prevalence of nematode (0%) was noted. The prevalence of different nematode in a particular fish specie was also recorded, and it was stated that overall prevalence of capillaria spp. was 6% in Rahu (Labeo rohita) and Saul (Channa marullius). Similarly overall infestation of Eustrongylides sp. was recorded as 4% in Singharee (Sperata sawari) and Silver carp (Hypopthaimichthys molitrix). The nematode intensity might be linked with the genetic makeup, intestinal vigor, and other managemental and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From natural and manipulated experiments at 460 m a.s.l., traps were used to record the dispersal range of Calluna vulgaris seeds on an unvegetated post-wildfire site. Seeds were trapped to 50 m from source, although most (73%) were deposited within one metre of the parent plant. C. vulgaris seeds were not dispersed as far in these experiments as recorded in previous workers' experiments on lowland grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and accurate vegetation monitoring is essential for successful assessment of upland moorland restoration. Working conditions on open moorland may be difficult, and surveying and monitoring of vegetation problematic. Image capture by digital photography, with subsequent computer analysis, was used to monitor Calluna vulgaris post-wildfire. Problems, for example picture warp, associated with close range photography of quadrats, were overcome. Digital imagery measurements of vegetation cover showed no significant difference compared with a traditional point quadrat method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]