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Information on non-native species (NNS) is often scattered among a multitude of sources, such as regional and national databases, peer-reviewed and grey literature, unpublished research projects, institutional datasets and with taxonomic experts. Here we report on the development of a database designed for the collation of information in Britain. The project involved working with volunteer experts to populate a database of NNS (hereafter called “the species register”). Each species occupies a row within the database with information on aspects of the species’ biology such as environment (marine, freshwater, terrestrial etc.), functional type (predator, parasite etc.), habitats occupied in the invaded range (using EUNIS classification), invasion pathways, establishment status in Britain and impacts. The information is delivered through the Great Britain Non-Native Species Information Portal hosted by the Non-Native Species Secretariat. By the end of 2011 there were 1958 established NNS in Britain. There has been a dramatic increase over time in the rate of NNS arriving in Britain and those becoming established. The majority of established NNS are higher plants (1,376 species). Insects are the next most numerous group (344 species) followed by non-insect invertebrates (158 species), vertebrates (50 species), algae (24 species) and lower plants (6 species). Inventories of NNS are seen as an essential tool in the management of biological invasions. The use of such lists is diverse and far-reaching. However, the increasing number of new arrivals highlights both the dynamic nature of invasions and the importance of updating NNS inventories.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of diabetes mellitus (DM) affected the incidence of immediate perioperative complications following joint replacement. From 1988 to 2003, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample recognized 65,769 patients with DM who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States. Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared patients with type 1 (n = 8728) and type 2 (n = 57,041) DM regarding common perioperative complications, mortality, and hospital course alterations. Type 1 DM patients had increased length of stays and inflation-adjusted costs after surgery (p < .001). Type 1 patients also had significant increases in the incidence of myocardial infarction, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, postoperative hemorrhage, wound infection, and death (p < .02). Perhaps because of the differences in the duration of disease and their underlying pathologies, patients with type 1 diabetes carry more significant overall perioperative risks and require more health care resources compared with patients with type 2 diabetes following hip and knee arthroplasty.

Capsule Repeated counts of fledged broods can provide a useful estimate of breeding success for most common woodland birds. Aims To assess the efficacy of comparing fledged-brood survey data with territory mapping using simple mark–recapture analysis techniques to provide an estimate of breeding success for common woodland birds that does not involve finding nests. Methods Three observers undertook territory mapping surveys of adults, followed by counts of fledged broods four times a week during May–July 2007 in two 15 ha woods each, both in southern England. Using known fledging to maturity periods, these counts were used to calculate daily detection probabilities for broods of ubiquitous species. These enabled fledged brood territory occupancy probabilities (i.e. brood to territory ratios) to be estimated that take account of the possibility that broods were present but missed by surveys. Results Of the 19 species found in all six woods, mean daily detection probability estimates for fledged broods of 1...

Background The coracoid cortical ring sign is a radiographical view that targets the coracoid base. We hypothesized that the use of this view to treat acromioclavicular separations would achieve desirable results with a rapid, percutaneous procedure. Methods Percutaneous coracoclavicular screws, guided by the cortical ring sign view, were used to treat acute, Rockwood grade III or greater acromioclavicular separations with instability to cross-body adduction. The anaesthesia database, clinical and radiographical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed for 41 cases (average age 35 years, range 18 years to 78 years). Average follow-up was 4.7 months (range 1 month to 23 months). Results There were six episodes of screw loosening (15%); three of six required an additional surgical procedure. The average residual joint subluxation at final follow-up was approximately 40%, which was significantly improved from the pre-operative displacement ( p < 0.01) and not statistically different from the reduction achieved with the screw in place. All patients had full range of motion and, using the modified UCLA score, 98% (40/41) achieved ‘Good to Excellent’ results. The procedure was rapid (average surgical time: 35 minutes), minimally invasive (average blood loss: 15 mL), and the coracoid cortical ring sign view averaged less than 5 minutes to localize. Conclusion When using the coracoid cortical ring sign to target a coracoclavicular screw, the procedure is rapid, minimally invasive, and clinically predictable. There is, however, a high rate of screw loosening and subluxation.

Injury to the posteromedial corner (PMC) of the knee differs anatomically and biomechanically from isolated injury to the medial collateral ligament. Newer anatomic and biomechanical studies are refining the field’s understanding of the medial side of the knee, as well as its role in multiple ligament injuries. Valgus instability places additional strain on a reconstructed anterior or posterior cruciate ligament, which can contribute to late graft failure. Injuries to the PMC may not heal without surgical repair or reconstruction, particularly when part of a multiple-ligament injury. Identification of PMC injury before cruciate reconstruction is important so that appropriate repair or reconstruction of the PMC and medial collateral ligament can be undertaken at the same time. This article reviews the relevant literature on the PMC, discusses reasons for selective operative management, and illustrates reconstructive strategies for PMC injuries occurring as part of a medial-sided or multiligament injury to the knee.

The medial collateral ligament complex is a primary stabilizer that combines static and dynamic resistance to direct valgus stress while contributing significant restraints to rotatory motion and anterior-posterior translation. Varying opinions exist among investigators regarding injury classification and treatment algorithms. Whereas most agree that the majority of isolated medial collateral ligament complex injuries can be treated nonoperatively, isolated injuries with chronic instability and multiligament injuries may require operative intervention. Substantial confounding factors are present within published reports, making comparative analyses and systematic review challenging. This review focuses on the anatomy and biomechanics of the medial structures of the knee; it discusses the clinical evaluation of complex injuries; and it reviews nonoperative and operative treatment methods.

Background For treatment of acute acromioclavicular separations, we have been using a reproducible radiographic view of the coracoid—the cortical ring sign—that we believe allows for placement of percutaneous coracoclavicular fixation safely and reliably in the center of the coracoid base, while avoiding the coracoid tip. This study evaluates the coracoid anatomy that the cortical ring sign represents, its utility for guiding fixation trajectory, and the proximity of neurovascular structures to this proposed trajectory. Materials and methods Kirschner wires were used to measure the orientation of the fluoroscopic beam in relation to the scapula and the proposed fixation trajectory using this radiographic view. Results The cortical ring sign is achieved by first directing the x-ray beam perpendicular to the medial border of the scapula in the parasagittal plane and 49° off the axis of the scapular spine in the axial plane, then fine-tuning until the coracoid cortical ring becomes evident. The nearest neurovascular structures to the fixation trajectory are the suprascapular artery and nerve ( Conclusion The cortical ring sign view targets the coracoid base and, as such, allows reliable, safe, percutaneous fixation in the center of the coracoid base. Level of Evidence Basic Science.

Bone tunnel widening poses a problem for graft fixation during revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Large variability exists in the utilization of imaging modalities for evaluating bone tunnels in pre-operative planning for revision ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to identify the most reliable imaging modality for identifying bone tunnels and assessing tunnel widening, and specifically, to validate the reliability of radiographs, MRI, and CT using intra- and inter-observer testing. Data was retrospectively collected from twelve patients presenting for revision ACL surgery. Five observers twice measured femoral and tibial tunnels at their widest point using digital calipers in coronal and sagittal planes. Measurements were corrected for magnification. Tunnel identification, diameter measurements, and cross-sectional area (CSA) calculations were recorded. A categorical classification of tunnel measurements was created to apply clinical significance to the measurements. Using kappa statistics, intra- and inter-observer reliability testing was performed. CT demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability for tunnel identification. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was significantly less for MRI and radiographs. CT revealed superior reliability versus either radiographs or MRI for CSA analysis. Intra-observer kappa scores for tibial CSA using CT, radiographs, and MRI were 0.66, 0.5, and 0.37, respectively. Inter-observer kappa scores for tibial CSA using CT, radiographs, and MRI were 0.65, 0.39, and 0.32, respectively. Our results demonstrate CT is the most reliable imaging modality for evaluation of ACL bone tunnels as proven by superior intra- and inter-observer testing results when compared to MRI and radiographs. Radiographs and MRI were not reliable, even for simply identifying the presence of a bone tunnel.

This is the 72nd annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out, and data received, in 2008. Research carried out in 2008 included developing methods to combine ringing data with data from other monitoring schemes to detect the causes of population change. This approach was used for Song Thrush Turdus philomelos data, confirming the findings of previous analyses that the population decline observed over the last thirty years is primarily related to first‐year survival. Constant Effort Site data suggested that low productivity in 2007 contributed to reduced adult numbers during 2008 for many species, including significant decreases in Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. However, there were significant increases in numbers of adult Long‐tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus and Chiffchaffs Phylloscopus collybita. As in 2007, the 2008 breeding season was poor, with 11 of the...

Population trends of some common trans-Saharan migrant birds, mostly passerines, were investigated using data from breeding census schemes in five northern European countries during the periods 1976-89 and 1981-89. Overall, census data for the 14 species censused in all five countries show about equal numbers of increases and decreases. This is not as expected from the work of Berthold et al. (1986) for birds breeding and on migration in central Europe. Comparison of results between national schemes shows no evidence for overall differences in trends. Correlations in census results between the different schemes, species by species, were mainly positive. For all five countries, there were more positive than negative correlations between year-to-year population changes and an appropriate measure of African rainfall.

The purpose of this study was to describe a modified technique for humeral head core decompression using biplanar fluoroscopy and intraosseous pressure monitoring to identify osteonecrotic regions for targeted decompression. A bone marrow biopsy needle and arterial pressure monitoring equipment were used to locate the region of maximum pressure, and then acorn-style reamers decompressed the osteonecrotic bone. In 12 shoulders (11 patients) evaluated, the peak intramedullary lesion pressure was, on average, 6 times higher than the entry pressure. At 6 months, Visual Analog Scale pain scores had decreased in all shoulders by 70.3% (P < 0.0001) on average. Nine of 12 shoulders, with an average follow-up of 44.2 months (range, 12-72.5 months), were evaluated for pain relief, disease progression, and need for arthroplasty. In that group, Visual Analog Scale pain scores had decreased by 56.8% (P < 0.008) on average. Only 1 patient, despite excellent initial results, had progression of symptoms and required arthroplasty at 12 months. Pressure-guided core decompression provides a technique for directly localizing the osteonecrotic bone and potentially improving decompression outcomes.

The BTO's Retrapping Adults for Survival scheme is designed to monitor survival rates of species of conservation concern that are monitored relatively poorly by other forms of ringing. Here we present temporal trends in survival rates for three hirundine species, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, House Martin Delichon urbicum and Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Estimates of apparent survival rate were similar to those found in previous studies and were correlated with rainfall on the African wintering grounds, but not with rainfall in Britain, suggesting that overwinter food resources may be more limiting.

This is the 71st annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out, and data received, in 2007. In partnership with EURING, a web‐based application was developed to map migration routes of waterfowl species identified as being those with the highest potential to carry Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 across Europe. This application used recovery data held in the EURING database. The 25th year of Constant Effort Site (CES) ringing demonstrated how the heavy rainfall during the summer of 2007 had a largely negative effect on breeding success, with productivity of ten species significantly lower than the long‐term average, although that of four species was significantly higher. These contrasting fortunes are likely to be related to the timing of the heaviest rains in relation to breeding stage. For several species, there were also continued declines in adult abundance and there is particular concern for Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Lesser Whitethroat and Lin...

This is the 70th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out, and data received, in 2006. During the year recoveries of ringed birds were used to assess the possibility of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1being spread across Europe and into Britain by wild birds. Recovery reports were vital in understanding this risk and advising government. A study of wader survival using existing data showed that monitoring is possible, but is less effective in sites where there are low encounter rates. Constant Effort Site (CES) data show how widely adult numbers can vary from year to year, with six species showing a significant reversal in trend (with five having fallen) from the previous year. There is particular concern for Bullfinch as adult numbers decreased by 16% in 2006, a continuing downward trend that has seen numbers of the species halve since the 1970s. Five species showed a significant increase in productivity when compared to the previous year, while...

Background Patient-oriented questionnaires are important measures of clinical outcomes in medical practice but require systematic testing of reliability and validity. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form is a patient-oriented questionnaire that assesses symptoms and function in daily living activities. The purpose of this study was to validate the IKDC Subjective Knee Form in a large patient population with various knee disorders. Methods One thousand five hundred and thirty-four knee patients seen at a sports medicine clinic at a large medical center completed the IKDC Subjective Knee Form. Factor structure was determined by exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation, and internal consistencies of the identified subscales were calculated with Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating the IKDC Subjective Knee Form dimensions to the summary scales of the SF-12. Finally, item characteristics were analysed using graded response item response theory (G-IRT). Results Exploratory factor analyses yielded a two-factor solution, and the dimensions were termed as follows: symptom and knee articulation (SKA), and activity level (AL). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the selection of 15 items within the study. Both SKA and AL demonstrated good internal consistency (0.87 for SKA; 0.88 for AL). Both SKA and AL demonstrated statistically significant correlations to the SF-12 total score, more substantively to the physical component summary scale than to the mental component summary scale of the SF-12. Discussion G-IRT analyses revealed that nearly all questionnaire items demonstrated clear response patterns, with higher levels of the latent trait corresponding to more adaptive clinical endpoints concerning pain, symptoms, function, and sport activity. Conclusions The IKDC is a reliable and valid instrument worthy of consideration for use in a broad patient population.

Resume Contexte Les questionnaires centres sur le patient jouent un role important dans la mesure des resultats en pratique medicale, mais leur fiabilite et leur validite doivent etre verifiees de facon systematique. Parmi eux, le questionnaire d'evaluation subjective du genou, mis au point par l'IKDC (Comite international de documentation du genou), permet d'apprehender les symptomes et la fonction lors des activites quotidiennes. La presente etude avait pour objectif de valider cet instrument dans une vaste population de patients porteurs de diverses pathologies du genou. Methodes Mille cinq cent trente-quatre patients suivis pour des pathologies du genou a la consultation de medecine sportive d'un grand centre medical ont rempli le questionnaire IKDC. La structure factorielle a ete determinee grâce a une analyse factorielle exploratoire avec rotation promax. La coherence interne des dimensions ainsi identifiees a ete evaluee par le coefficient alpha de Cronbach. La validite concomitante a ete appreciee en correlant les dimensions du questionnaire IKDC aux sous-echelles du SF-12. Enfin, les caracteristiques des items ont ete analysees grâce au modele de reponse graduee de la theorie des reponses aux items (analyse G-IRT). Resultats L'analyse factorielle exploratoire a permis d'identifier deux dimensions appelees ici « Symptomes et Genou » et « Niveau d'Activite ». L'analyse factorielle confirmatoire a demontre la participation de 15 des 18 items a ces dimensions. La coherence interne etait bonne pour les deux dimensions (alpha de Cronbach : 0,87 pour Symptomes et Genou et 0,88 pour Niveau d'Activite). Les deux dimensions etaient significativement correlees au score SF-12 total ; toutefois, les correlations etaient plus etroites avec la sous-echelle somatique qu'avec la sous-echelle psychocognitive du SF-12. Discussion L'analyse G-IRT a mis en evidence un profil de reponse bien defini pour la plupart des items, des niveaux plus eleves du trait latent (fonction du genou) correspondant a un caractere plus adaptatif des parametres cliniques refletant la douleur, les symptomes, la fonction et l'activite sportive. Conclusion Le questionnaire IKDC est un instrument fiable et valide dont l'utilisation dans une population plus large de patients merite d'etre envisagee.

Studying muscles of extant Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and Bush African elephants (Loxodonta africana) has been essential to learn about origin and insertion of muscles and to evaluate functions in living and extinct species. We present a comparison, focusing mainly on differences between the living species, and make inferences to possible anatomical homologies in the extinct Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). L. africana appears to have more primitive muscle characters than E. maximus; M. primigenius data are incomplete or absent.

This is the 69th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out, and data received, in 2005. Important research on Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus in North Wales showed that survival of adults, recruitment of juveniles and mass of both adults and juveniles were lower during winters when there was mechanised dredging for shellfish. A study of weight changes of House Sparrows Passer domesticus in autumn and winter found that they spread their weight gain through the day, thus potentially decreasing their risk of predation, but increasing their risk of starvation. Data gathered as part of the Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme showed an annual increase in adult numbers for five species (one migrant and four residents) and an annual decrease for five species (four migrants and one resident). Productivity was variable with 11 species having above‐average productivity and 13 below‐average. Work began to develop methods to produce annual survival trends by int...

We report on a late Oligocene proboscidean species from Eritrea, dated to 26.8 ± 1.5 Mya. This “missing link” between early elephantiformes and Elephantimorpha is the oldest known nongomphothere proboscidean to probably display horizontal tooth displacement, typical of elephants [Elephantimorpha consists of Mammutida (mastodons) and Elephantida, and Elephantida includes gomphotheres, stegodons, and elephants]. Together with the newly discovered late Oligocene gomphotheres from Chilga, Ethiopia, the Eritrean taxon points to the importance of East Africa as a major area for the knowledge of the early evolution of Elephantimorpha before the faunal exchange between Eurasia and Africa.

We report morphological data on brains of four African, Loxodonta africana, and three Asian elephants, Elephas maximus, and compare findings to literature. Brains exhibit a gyral pattern more complex and with more numerous gyri than in primates, humans included, and in carnivores, but less complex than in cetaceans. Cerebral frontal, parietal, temporal, limbic, and insular lobes are well developed, whereas the occipital lobe is relatively small. The insula is not as opercularized as in man. The temporal lobe is disproportionately large and expands laterally. Humans and elephants have three parallel temporal gyri: superior, middle, and inferior. Hippocampal sizes in elephants and humans are comparable, but proportionally smaller in elephant. A possible carotid rete was observed at the base of the brain. Brain size appears to be related to body size, ecology, sociality, and longevity. Elephant adult brain averages 4783 g, the largest among living and extinct terrestrial mammals; elephant neonate brain averages 50% of its adult brain weight (25% in humans). Cerebellar weight averages 18.6% of brain (1.8 times larger than in humans). During evolution, encephalization quotient has increased by 10-fold (0.2 for extinct Moeritherium, ∼2.0 for extant elephants). We present 20 figures of the elephant brain, 16 of which contain new material. Similarities between human and elephant brains could be due to convergent evolution; both display mosaic characters and are highly derived mammals. Humans and elephants use and make tools and show a range of complex learning skills and behaviors. In elephants, the large amount of cerebral cortex, especially in the temporal lobe, and the well-developed olfactory system, structures associated with complex learning and behavioral functions in humans, may provide the substrate for such complex skills and behavior.

This is the 68th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out, and data received, in 2004. During the year, changes in bird survival in relation to winter weather were studied. In almost all cases, there was a greater influence of weather on first‐year than adult survival. A paper providing guidelines to help those setting up demographic monitoring schemes for waders was produced, with ringing as a key component. Concern about a reduction in reporting rates of ringed birds led to a study of the changes. Declines were found across nearly all taxonomic groups and may reflect a combination of changes in reporting behaviour, ringing behaviour or bird behaviour. A study of the timing of muirburning used the ringing dates of pulli in conjunction with nest record data to assess its possible effect on breeding birds. There appears to be little reason for differences in cut‐off dates for muirburning in different regions and at different altitudes, but further work ...

A census of Grey Heron Ardea cinerea colonies has been made annually by volunteer observers in England and Wales since a first national survey in 1928. This data set has recently been thoroughly upgraded and here we apply a new method of indexing Heron population changes to produce a new 73-year time-series, the longest time-series describing the abundance of any breeding bird in the world. The indexing methodology is based on the use of weighted ratio estimators, as developed by G.E. Thomas, but with modifications that use reasonable assumptions regarding the likely rates of colony extinction and formation. There is little reliable information about such rates of site turnover, but the results were not sensitive to the assumptions made. The new analytical method, based on counts since 1964, suggests a population estimate of just over 9000 breeding pairs (95% CI 8529-9776) in England and Wales in the year 2000, some 2000 more than suggested in earlier publications. Only minor differences in trend are apparent over the course of the time-series between the new results and those previously published. Regional analysis suggests that the population in southern England and South Wales has remained relatively constant since the 1970s, but those in the North have tended to increase in the 1990s.

Capsule Breeding density on long-term CBC plots fell in proportion to loss of nesting rather than feeding habitat. Aim To investigate the habitat requirements of Turtle Dove and relate changes in breeding density to changes in habitat, at the national scale. Methods Bird and habitat data were extracted from 30 long-term farmland and woodland CBC plots for the period 1965 to 1995. Results Turtle Dove densities declined at an average annual rate of 4.6% on both farmland and woodland plots, equal to a decline of 76% over the period 1965 to 1995. Turtle Dove density on the woodland plots was, on average, 6.5 times greater than on the farmland plots. Overall habitat availability did not change over time, but some finer measures of habitat quality, such as habitat diversity, nesting and feeding habitat availability did change. Changes in Turtle Dove density were positively related to changes in the amount of hedgerow and woodland edge per unit area on the farmland CBC plots, where Turtle Dove territories contai...

In spring 1996, a nationwide census of nesting Rooks was carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology, under contract to the Department of the Environment (now the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions). Volunteers were asked to count Rook nests in 1997 2 × 2-km tetrads selected randomly throughout the UK. Full coverage or a valid nil return was reported for 96% of the sample tetrads, allowing the data to be treated as representative of the UK. Extrapolation from the survey's 3% sample allowed estimation, with confidence limits, of national and regional population sizes. The UK Rook population in 1996 was estimated at 1.27 million nesting pairs. This is about 40% higher than was estimated from a survey in 1975–77, but there were fewer Rooks nesting in Britain than in 1944–46. Both the direction and the scale of recent increase were supported by an analysis of change in 644 tetrads surveyed both in 1975–77 and in 1996. National data and those from local surveys suggested that populat...

1. Widespread declines in the populations of many British farmland birds have occurred since the early 1970s. We must understand the causes of these declines tomake recommendations about conservation and agricultural management, andthis can be approached by investigating the relationships, across species, betweenabundance and agricultural change. We describe novel, quantitative approaches to the interpretation of abundance indices from which reliable inferences about conservation status can be made. 2. We calculated farmland Common Birds Census indices for 42 species, smoothed the series to reveal underlying trends and estimated confidence intervals for the changes in abundance. 3. Between 1968 and 1995, the abundance of 12 species declined significantly andthat of 14 species increased. 4. Specialization was the only significant determinant of changes in abundance (of 10 tests against species characteristics): 13 farmland specialists declined, on average, by 30%, whilst 29 more generalist species underwent an average increase of 23%, confirming that farmland birds should engender conservation concern. 5. Smoothed abundance curves, transformed to emphasize trend direction and timing, were then compared quantitatively to identify whether groups of species had shared common trends. 6. Species tended not to be strongly grouped, but small groups of species with common trends were identified. Similarities in ecology among grouped species clarify the possible environmental causes of their population trends, indicating future research priorities. 7. The groups identified included: one group consisting of three thrush species Turdus and the skylark Alauda arvensis L. which all declined from the mid-1970s after being stable previously; one group comprising three trans-Saharan migrant warblers (Sylvidae), whose abundance fell in the early 1970s and later increased; and a diverse group of six smoothly increasing species. 8. Turning points were identified as where each species’ population trend turned significantly, revealing critical periods during which populations are likely to have been affected by environmental change. 9. Three collections of downward turning points were found, including one in the mid-1970s when many farmland bird declines began. Four other periods each included many upturns. The groups of turning points should facilitate the identification of environmental changes which have had widespread effects. Management prescriptions can then be designed to reverse or to mirror such key changes and thereby focus conservation effort effectively.

Population trends of Jay Garrulus glandarius, Magpie Pica pica, Jackdaw Corvus monedula and Carrion Crow Corvus corone were examined over the period 1964–93 using data from the Common Birds Census. Population growth has been highest in the Magpie and Carrion Crow, although both these have shown a reduction in the rate of growth from the late 1970s. Densities of all 4 corvids have increased on farmland, whereas only Magpie and Carrion Crow have increased in woodland. Population trends were associated with farmland type in all the corvids; the strongest increases were on mixed and grazing farms and the smallest on arable farms. There were strong regional differences in trends within woodland and farmland. Our results are discussed in the context of the long%term changes in corvid populations that have been reported since the start of this century.

We used extensive atlas and census data to assess trends in the distribution and population levels of birds on lowland farmland in Britain between the late 1960s and early 1990s. Many species of farmland birds have become less widespread or have declined in numbers, or both, but few have become more wide-spread or have increased. Of the 28 species classified as farmland birds the distributions of 24 contracted between 1970 and 1990. Of the 18 farmland species for which it was possible to assess population change, 15 were less abundant in 1990 than in 1970. Seven of the species were estimated to have undergone population decreases of at least 50%. Farmland species showing the largest population declines tended also to show substantial range contractions. Farmland species underwent an appreciably larger contraction of distribution than species associated with any other habitat. Furthermore, farmland species tended to decrease in abundance, whereas woodland species tended to increase. Population declines among farmland birds became evident in the mid- to late 1970s, a period when several fundamental changes were taking place in British agricultural practices. These included a great reduction in the spring sowing of cereals, a simplification of crop rotations, increased use of chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, and more-intensive grassland management. We suggest that the declines of farmland bird species have been caused or aggravated by this pervasive intensification of agriculture. Existing research on declining farmland birds, however, indicates that there is no single mechanism underlying the population changes. We identify priorities for research, focusing mainly on relationships between bird populations and agricultural practices, but we also recognize a need for a better understanding of the role of predation. En el presente estudio utilizamos datos extensivos de atlas y censos, para evaluar las tendencias en la distribucion y niveles poblacionales de aves que habitan tierras bajas agricolas, en Gran Bretana a finales de 1960 y principios de 1990. Muchas especies de aves que habitan tierras agricolas han disminuido su extension o han declinado en abundancia, o ambas cosas al mismo tiempo, sin embargo, algunas pocas se han extedido mas o han aumentado en abundancia. De las 28 especies clasificadas como aves que habitan tierras agricolas, la distribucion de 24 se ha contraido entre 1970 y 1990. De las 18 especies de tierras agricolas para las cuales fue posible evaluar cambios poblacionales, 15 fueron menos abundantes en 1990 que en 1970. Se estimo que 7 de las especies han sufrido declinaciones poblacionales de por lo menos un 50%. Las especies de tierras agricolas que muestran las declinaciones poblacionales mas pronunciadas, tendieron a mostrar tambien contracciones substanciales en su area de distribucion. Las especies agricolas han sufrido una contraccion apreciablemente mayor en su distribucion que las especies asociadas con cualquier otro habitat. Mas aun, las especies de tierras agricolas tendieron a decrecer en abundancia mientras que las especies de bosques tendieron a aumentar. La declinacion poblacional entre aves de tierras agricolas se hizo evidente a mediados y fines de la decada de los 70’s, un periodo durante el cual estaban ocurriendo muchos cambios fundamentales en las practicas agricolas britanicas. Estos cambios incluyeron una gran reduccion en la siembra primaveral de cereales, una simplificacion en la rotacion de las cosechas, un aumento en el uso de pesticidas quimicos y fertilizantes inorganicos y un manejo mas intensivo de las pasturas. Sugerimos que la declinacion de las especies de aves de tierras agricolas, ha sido causada o aumentada por esta intensificacion de la agricultura. Sin embargo, las investigaciones existentes sobre las aves de tierras agricolas en declinacion indican que no existe un mecanismo unico responsable estos cambios poblacionales. Identificamos prioridades para la investigacion, enfatizando principalmente las relaciones entre poblaciones de aves y practicas agricolas, pero tambien reconocemos que es necesario una mejor comprension del papel que juega de la predacion.

Since 1989, there has been a major and unprecedented decline in the breeding population of willow warblers ( Phylloscopus trochilus ) in southern Britain. Between 1986 and 1993 the numbers of willow warbler territories counted on monitoring plots declined by 47% in southern Britain, compared to a decline of 7% in northern Britain. Breeding densities of willow warblers are generally higher in the north and west of Britain, than in the south. Data from nest record cards provided evidence of only minor regional differences in breeding performance with a small but significant increase in the loss rate of nests during the nestling stage in 1989-1992 in southern Britain, compared with 1974-1988. Mark-recapture data collected at 18 constant effort sites and from one intensive study were used to estimate apparent survival rates of adults during the period 1987-1993. Program SURGE4 was used to test for differences in survival rates and recapture probabilities between years, sexes, sites and regions. Recapture prob...

The authors report a first case of chronic motor axonal neuropathy involving ENT manifestations, in a 64-year-old male presenting with gait difficulties, effort dyspnoea and dysphonia. Eleven months after the first symptoms, he developed severe hypoventilation, limb weakness and bilateral vocal fold palsy and had to be intubated for respiratory failure. The diagnosis of chronic motor axonal neuropathy was suspected on clinical and electrophysiological grounds. The patient improved dramatically after a five-day course of 0.4 g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin. He is still being treated with methylprednisolone 0.5 mg/kg every other day and remains stable.We conclude the bilateral vocal fold palsy may be associated with chronic motor axonal neuropathy and that the immunosuppressive treatment may be effective in such cases.

Background: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in people over the age of sixty years is expected to increase, the number of diabetic patients who undergo total hip and knee arthroplasty should be expected to increase accordingly. In general, patients with diabetes are at increased risk for adverse events following arthroplasty. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the quality of preoperative glycemic control affected the prevalence of in-hospital peri-operative complications following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty. Methods: From 1988 to 2005, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample recorded over 1 million patients who underwent joint replacement surgery. The present retrospective study compared patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (n = 3973), those with controlled diabetes mellitus (n = 105,485), and those without diabetes mellitus (n = 920,555) with regard to common surgical and systemic complications, mortality, and hospital course alterations. Additional stratification compared the effects of glucose control among patients with Type-I and Type-II diabetes. Glycemic control was determined by physician assessments on the basis of the American Diabetes Association guidelines with use of a combination of patient self-monitoring of blood-glucose levels, the hemoglobin A1c level, and related comorbidities. Results: Compared with patients with controlled diabetes mellitus, patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus had a significantly increased odds of stroke (adjusted odds ratio = 3.42; 95% confidence interval = 1.87 to 6.25; p < 0.001), urinary tract infection (adjusted odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval = 1.61 to 2.42; p < 0.001), ileus (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.67 to 3.64; p < 0.001), postoperative hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99; 95% confidence interval = 1.38 to 2.87; p < 0.001), transfusion (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19; 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.36; p = 0.011), wound infection (adjusted odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.36 to 3.81; p = 0.002), and death (adjusted odds ratio = 3.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.87 to 5.57; p < 0.001). Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus had a significantly increased length of stay (almost a full day) as compared with patients with controlled diabetes (p < 0.0001). All patients with diabetes had significantly increased inflation-adjusted postoperative charges when compared with nondiabetic patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Regardless of diabetes type, patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus exhibited significantly increased odds of surgical and systemic complications, higher mortality, and increased length of stay during the index hospitalization following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

This study examined the mix of presenting problems faced by a large diverse dental service treating low-income Australian adults and provides a basis for communities to understand and manage demand for dental services.A retrospective analysis in a state-wide multi-centre dental health service. Data for all patients (in all public adult dental clinics in the state of Victoria during May-Aug 2005) who used the emergency services in a 12 week period were recorded and analysed. A triage question tree was developed and embedded into a neural network based computer triage tool.Approximately 52% of low income adults presenting for emergency treatment required treatment on the day of triage. The main problem was with natural teeth (89.6%). Of those with natural teeth problems, 41.3% had pain disturbing their sleep patterns and 14.7% had experienced a swelling. Metropolitan patients accessed the services 2.3 times more than rural patients.These data clearly highlight that there is significant opportunity to reduce nearly 48% of on-day demand for emergency dental care through the application of appropriately clinical based triage.

Free vascularized fibula graft surgery has been shown to be successful in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Refinements in the surgical technique have greatly decreased patient morbidity and overall surgical time. Careful placement of the hip incision is one such refinement. Specific bony landmarks to map out the location of the incision and a simple technique for incision placement are described. An accurately placed 10- to 15-cm incision will allow access to both the proximal femur and the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and veins.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher likelihood of immediate, inpatient complications following primary and revision total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than patients without DM. From 1988 to 2003, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample identified 751340 primary or revision THA or TKA patients. 64262 (8.55%) had DM. Comparisons of specific outcome measures between diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts were performed using bivariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression modeling. Diabetic patients had fewer routine discharges and higher inflation-adjusted hospital charges for all procedures. Although complications were not uniformly increased, diabetic patients had significantly increased odds of pneumonia, stroke, and transfusion (P < .001) after primary arthroplasty. This analysis of a large patient database indicates clinically relevant information for patients and surgeons, suggesting that patients undergoing THA and TKA demonstrate more complications and utilize more resources if they have the comorbidity of DM level II evidence.

We report morphological data on brains of four African, Loxodonta africana, and three Asian elephants, Elephas maximus, and compare findings to literature. Brains exhibit a gyral pattern more complex and with more numerous gyri than in primates, humans included, and in carnivores, but less complex than in cetaceans. Cerebral frontal, parietal, temporal, limbic, and insular lobes are well developed, whereas the occipital lobe is relatively small. The insula is not as opercularized as in man. The temporal lobe is disproportionately large and expands laterally. Humans and elephants have three parallel temporal gyri: superior, middle, and inferior. Hippocampal sizes in elephants and humans are comparable, but proportionally smaller in elephant. A possible carotid rete was observed at the base of the brain. Brain size appears to be related to body size, ecology, sociality, and longevity. Elephant adult brain averages 4783 g, the largest among living and extinct terrestrial mammals; elephant neonate brain averages 50% of its adult brain weight (25% in humans). Cerebellar weight averages 18.6% of brain (1.8 times larger than in humans). During evolution, encephalization quotient has increased by 10-fold (0.2 for extinct Moeritherium, approximately 2.0 for extant elephants). We present 20 figures of the elephant brain, 16 of which contain new material. Similarities between human and elephant brains could be due to convergent evolution; both display mosaic characters and are highly derived mammals. Humans and elephants use and make tools and show a range of complex learning skills and behaviors. In elephants, the large amount of cerebral cortex, especially in the temporal lobe, and the well-developed olfactory system, structures associated with complex learning and behavioral functions in humans, may provide the substrate for such complex skills and behavior.

The Liverpool Telescope is a 2.0 metre robotic telescope that is operating unattended at the Observatorio del Roque de Los Muchachos, Spain. This paper gives an overview of the design and implementation of the telescope and its instrumentation and presents a snapshot of the current performance during the commissioning process. Science observations are under way, and we give brief highlights from a number of programmes that have been enabled by the robotic nature of the telescope.

To date serous otitis media is usually treated by surgical setting of ventilating tubes. This technique provides good results on auditory acuity, however, complications such as chronic otorrhea, tympanosclerosis and tympanic perforation are rather frequently encountered. We present the results of our technique for treatment of serous otitis media consisting in a CO2 laser myringotomy. This technique was applied in 20 consecutive adult ears. The operatory microscope was connected with a co-axial CO2 laser device. The 20 myringotomies performed without insertion of ventilating tubes by this technique were all closed after 4 weeks with an average closing time of 17 days with no complications. In 60% of the cases, the serous otitis media was cured after a period of three months. CO2 laser myringotomy is a valuable alternative technique in the treatment of serous otitis media.

An important reason for monitoring populations of birds is that their conservation is important in its own right. It is important to have a sufficient knowledge of underlying population processes to determine the probable causes of any population decline so that steps can be taken to halt or even reverse it. The subsequent success, or otherwise, of any action taken should be monitored.