Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors Shape the Skin Bacterial Communities of a Semi-Arid Amphibian Species.

The amphibian skin microbiome is important in maintaining host health, but is vulnerable to perturbation from changes in biotic and abiotic conditions. Anthropogenic habitat disturbance and emerging infectious diseases are both potential disrupters of the skin microbiome, in addition to being major drivers of amphibian decline globally. We investigated how host environment (hydrology, habitat disturbance), pathogen presence, and host biology (life stage) impact the skin microbiome of wild Dhofar toads (Duttaphrynus dhufarensis) in Oman. We detected ranavirus (but not Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) across all sampling sites, constituting the first report of this pathogen in Oman, with reduced prevalence in disturbed sites. We show that skin microbiome beta diversity is driven by host life stage, water source, and habitat disturbance, but not ranavirus infection. Finally, although trends in bacterial diversity and differential abundance were evident in disturbed versus undisturbed sites, bacterial co-occurrence patterns determined through network analyses revealed high site specificity. Our results therefore provide support for amphibian skin microbiome diversity and taxa abundance being associated with habitat disturbance, with bacterial co-occurrence (and likely broader aspects of microbial community ecology) being largely site specific.

Parenting interventions in tic disorders: an exploration of parents' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with tic disorders (e.g. Tourette syndrome) experience multiple challenges and stresses, which can impact on family functioning, children's well-being and could indirectly affect tic severity. Parenting interventions have been recommended for tic disorder populations; however, little is known about parents' views. METHOD: The views of parents of children with tic disorders were sought. Using Q-methodology, 23 parents provided their opinions regarding the acceptability, effectiveness, feasibility and utility of parenting interventions. RESULTS: Four factors emerged, representing four groups of parents with similar opinions. Although all factors evidenced support for parenting interventions, subtle differences emerged between factors regarding the endorsed content, barriers and delivery of interventions. CONCLUSION: Results indicate a perceived clinical need for parenting interventions and provide guidance to further develop and implement such interventions.

Psychopathy among condemned capital murderers.

Psychopathy is an important forensic mental health construct. Despite this importance, the research base of psychopathy among individuals convicted of capital murder is limited. Archival data were collected from a sample of 636 persons convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in the State of California. Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist - Revised (PCL-R) instrument. Data on criminal careers and other behavioral disorders were also extracted. The sample mean PCL-R total score was 23.31 (SD = 9.92) and one-third of individuals in this sample were considered clinically psychopathic with PCL-R total scores of 30 or greater. Factor analytic examination yielded support for four facets: affective, interpersonal, lifestyle, and antisocial. Criterion validity findings revealed positive correlations of psychopathy scores with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ρ = 0.72), Conduct Disorder (ρ = 0.46), sexual sadism (ρ = 0.24), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ρ = 0.20), ADHD (ρ = 0.15), arrest charges (r = 0.56), prison sentences (r = 0.53), and age of arrest onset (r = -0.57). Individuals convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death reflect heterogeneity in psychopathy with some individuals exhibiting pronounced psychopathic features.

High-density SNP association study and copy number variation analysis of the AUTS1 and AUTS5 loci implicate the IMMP2L-DOCK4 gene region in autism susceptibility.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders with a complex genetic etiology. The International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium previously identified linkage loci on chromosomes 7 and 2, termed AUTS1 and AUTS5, respectively. In this study, we performed a high-density association analysis in AUTS1 and AUTS5, testing more than 3000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all known genes in each region, as well as SNPs in non-genic highly conserved sequences. SNP genotype data were also used to investigate copy number variation within these regions. The study sample consisted of 127 and 126 families, showing linkage to the AUTS1 and AUTS5 regions, respectively, and 188 gender-matched controls. Further investigation of the strongest association results was conducted in an independent European family sample containing 390 affected individuals. Association and copy number variant analysis highlighted several genes that warrant further investigation, including IMMP2L and DOCK4 on chromosome 7. Evidence for the involvement of DOCK4 in autism susceptibility was supported by independent replication of association at rs2217262 and the finding of a deletion segregating in a sib-pair family.

Breeding systems in Cyrtanthus (Amaryllidaceae): variation in self-sterility and potential for ovule discounting.

Breeding systems of plants determine their reliance on pollinators and ability to produce seeds following self-pollination. Self-sterility, where ovules that are penetrated by self-pollen tubes that do not develop into seeds, is usually considered to represent either a system of late-acting self-incompatibility or strong early inbreeding depression. Importantly, it can lead to impaired female function through ovule or seed discounting when stigmas receive mixtures of self and cross pollen, unless cross pollen is able to reach the ovary ahead of self pollen ('prepotency'). Self-sterility associated with ovule penetration by self-pollen tubes appears to be widespread among the Amaryllidaceae. We tested for self-sterility in three Cyrtanthus species - C. contractus, C. ventricosus and C. mackenii - by means of controlled hand-pollination experiments. To determine the growth rates and frequency of ovule penetration by self- versus cross-pollen tubes, we used fluorescence microscopy to examine flowers of C. contractus harvested 24, 48 and 72 h after pollination, in conjunction with a novel method of processing these images digitally. To test the potential for ovule discounting (loss of cross-fertilisation opportunities when ovules are disabled by self-pollination), we pollinated flowers of C. contractus and C. mackenii with mixtures of self- and cross pollen. We recorded full self-sterility for C. contractus and C. ventricosus, and partial self-sterility for C. mackenii. In C. contractus, we found no differences in the growth rates of self- and cross-pollen tubes, nor in the proportions of ovules penetrated by self- and cross-pollen tubes. In this species, seed set was depressed (relative to cross-pollinated controls) when flowers received a mixture of self and cross pollen, but this was not the case for C. mackenii. These results reveal variation in breeding systems among Cyrtanthus species and highlight the potential for gender conflict in self-sterile species in which ovules are penetrated and disabled by pollen tubes from self pollen.

A site-specific standard for comparing dynamic solar ultraviolet protection characteristics of established tree canopies.

A standardised procedure for making fair and comparable assessments of the ultraviolet protection of an established tree canopy that takes into account canopy movement and the changing position of the sun is presented for use by government, planning, and environmental health authorities. The technique utilises video image capture and replaces the need for measurement by ultraviolet radiometers for surveying shade quality characteristics of trees growing in public parks, playgrounds and urban settings. The technique improves upon tree shade assessments that may be based upon single measurements of the ultraviolet irradiance observed from a fixed point of view. The presented technique demonstrates how intelligent shade audits can be conducted without the need for specialist equipment, enabling the calculation of the Shade Protection Index (SPI) and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) for any discreet time interval and over a full calendar year. •Tree shade UPF measurements are presented using video capture analysis of moving canopies•A standard method for making accurate assessments of tree shade has been developed•Tree shade comparisons are made without the need for specialist equipment.

The Impact of Inmate and Prison Characteristics on Prisoner Victimization.

A considerable amount of research has been directed at understanding the sources of inmate misconduct (offending within prison), whereas few studies have focused on identifying the causes and correlates of prisoner victimization. The sources of inmate victimization should be distinguished from those of offending, however, because the policy implications of each focus differ to some extent. In order to determine the predictors of inmate victimization and stimulate further research on the topic, we systematically reviewed studies of the causes/correlates of prisoner victimization published between 1980 and 2014. Our findings revealed that predictor variables reflecting inmates' background characteristics (e.g., history of victimization), their institutional routines and experiences (e.g., history of misconduct), and prison characteristics (e.g., population size) all influence victimization.

Role of delta-like ligand-4 in chemoresistance against docetaxel in MCF-7 cells.

As Notch receptors have been shown to induce chemoresistance, we hypothesized that delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4), a central Notch signalling ligand, might also participate in chemoresistance in breast cancer. To investigate this issue, overexpression of DLL4 was induced by transfection with expression vectors for DLL4 in the human breast cancer cell line Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7). It was found that DLL4 could be adaptively upregulated by docetaxel (DOC) treatment in a dose-dependent manner, but Notch1 was unaffected. Overexpression of DLL4 could significantly attenuate the cytotoxic effects of DOC by increasing Bcl-2 expression, while decreasing Bax expression, apoptosis rate and DNA damage. The protective effects of DLL4 made cells acquire chemoresistance against DOC and resulted in cancer cell survival. DLL4 is normally regarded as a regulator of vascular development. Our results expanded the understanding of DLL4. Since DLL4 may play an important role in the process of acquiring chemoresistance, it may be a promising target in overcoming chemoresistance in breast cancer.

Hepatozoon species infection in wild red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) on the Isle of Wight.

Postmortem examinations of 49 red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) found dead on the Isle of Wight revealed the presence of a Hepatozoon species in 18 of them (37 per cent). The prevalence of infection was highest in subadult animals and no juveniles were infected. The prevalence was higher in the squirrels dying from natural causes (nine of 12) than in squirrels killed in road accidents (seven of 27). The weight of infection varied, and there were heavy infections in squirrels dying from toxoplasmosis and bacterial pneumonia. A PCR-based assay was used to identify the presence of Hepatozoon species DNA in the lungs, and immunoperoxidase staining was used to confirm the identity of schizonts observed in histological sections. The nucleotide base sequence of the PCR products indicated that the organism was a novel species closely related to, but distinct from, Hepatozoon erhardovae of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus).

Protistan communities in aquifers: a review.

Eukaryotic microorganisms (protists) are a very important component of microbial communities inhabiting groundwater aquifers. This is not unexpected when one considers that many protists feed heterotrophically, by means of either phagotrophy (bacterivory) or osmotrophy. Protistan numbers are usually low (< 10(2) per g dw of aquifer material) in pristine, uncontaminated aquifers but may increase by several orders of magnitude in aquifers subject to organic pollution. Small flagellates (typically 2-3(5) microns in size in situ) are by far the dominant protists in aquifers, although amoebae and occasionally ciliates may also be present in much lower numbers. Although a wealth of new taxonomic information is waiting to be brought to light, interest in the identity of aquifer protists is not exclusively academic. If verified, the following hypotheses may prove to be important towards our understanding of the functioning of microbial communities in aquifers: (1) Differences in swimming behavior between species of flagellates lead to feeding heterogeneity and niche differentiation, implying that bacterivorous flagellates graze on different subsets of the bacterial community, and therefore play different roles in controlling bacterial densities. (2) Bacterivorous flagellates grazing on bacteria capable of degrading organic compounds have an indirect effect on the overall rates of biodegradation.

Map position and expression of the genes in the 38 region of Drosophila.

With the completion of the Drosophila genome sequence, an important next step is to extract its biological information by systematic functional analysis of genes. We have produced a high-resolution genetic map of cytological region 38 of Drosophila using 41 deficiency stocks that provide a total of 54 breakpoints within the region. Of a total of 45 independent P-element lines that mapped by in situ hybridization to the region, 14 targeted 7 complementation groups within the 38 region. Additional EMS, X-ray, and spontaneous mutations define a total of 17 complementation groups. Because these two pools partially overlap, the completed analysis revealed 21 distinct complementation groups defined by point mutations. Seven additional functions were defined by trans-heterozygous combinations of deficiencies, resulting in a total of 28 distinct functions. We further produced a developmental expression profile for the 760 kb from 38B to 38E. Of 135 transcription units predicted by GENSCAN, 22 have at least partial homology to mobile genetic elements such as transposons and retroviruses and 17 correspond to previously characterized genes. We analyzed the developmental expression pattern of the remaining genes using poly(A)(+) RNA from ovaries, early and late embryos, larvae, males, and females. We discuss the correlation between GENSCAN predictions and experimentally confirmed transcription units, the high number of male-specific transcripts, and the alignment of the genetic and physical maps in cytological region 38.

Bronchial endometriosis and bronchiectasis. A possible relationship.

A 60-year-old patient with cyclic hemoptysis for 30 years was found to have bronchiectasis that was not present when hemoptysis began. Thoracic endometriosis and its possible relationship to bronchiectasis are discussed.

Depressed neutrophil chemotaxis in infants with cow's milk and/or soy protein intolerance.

Neutrophil chemotaxis and random migration were studied in 11 infants with active cow's milk and/or soy protein intolerance and in an additional four infants following clinical recovery. Results were compared to 15 age-matched control subjects. Infants with active intolerance exhibited depressed chemotaxis and enhanced random migration. The four recovered infants had values similar to those of control subjects.

Association of the androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism with Alzheimer's disease in men.

We examined the CAG repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) in an Oxford cohort of 150 cases (101 men) of definite or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 190 elderly controls (140 men). We found that short alleles (< or = 20 CAG repeats) were associated with AD (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence intervals: 1.2-5.0) in men, but not in women. This association appeared stronger in early-onset AD (< 65 years). We conclude that this AR polymorphism is of potential relevance to the risk of AD in men.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the genitourinary tract.

MRI is in its infancy as a clinical imaging tool. It is undergoing intensive investigation in various areas of the body. Evaluation of the brain and spine is superb, and in some areas of the brain, like the posterior fossa, it is thought to be superior to CT. Evolving indications for body scanning include staging of pelvic malignancies, evaluation of liver malignancy, evaluation and staging of musculoskeletal problems, and, to a lesser degree, staging of renal malignancies and evaluation of vascular disease. The main problem in body imaging stems from image degradation because of respiratory motion that is transmitted to upper abdominal organs. Respiratory gating of image acquisition or utilization of short heavily T1-weighted pulse sequences will likely overcome this problem in due time. Minimizing motion artifact will make MR images comparable to, if not better than, CT images with regard to transverse anatomic display, and MR images have the added advantage of multiplanar scanning, which can be done directly, without need of additional computer reconstruction time and without having to move the patient. The second major problem in MRI is the lack of understanding of equipment potential. Unlike conventional radiography and CT, in which the behavior of the X-ray beam is understood with regard to image formation, in MRI new parameters are used to generate images. As stated earlier, MR signal intensity is due to hydrogen concentration, T1 and T2 relaxation times of the tissue, and flow of protons through the imaged volume. How these factors are weighted depends on pulse sequence selection, and thus image contrast and information content of the scans change. On the surface, these images display anatomic information as do other imaging modalities, but manipulation of pulse sequences may ultimately lead to the ability to demonstrate physiologic and chemical parameters previously unavailable in imaging. Current research is geared to help extract this data by testing new pulse sequences, using different types of receiver RF coils, and using MR-specific contrast materials. Minor MRI problems such as long scan times are being dealt with to decrease time to an acceptable length. The nonvisualization of soft tissue calcifications will probably remain a problem that may have to be weighed against other known advantages. At this time further research and clinical experience are the key to what is needed in MRI, to gain further knowledge with regard to imaging physiologic phenomena, such as flow and spectroscopy, and possibly to monitor the chemical basis of disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very promising modality for evaluation of the pelvis. Its major role appears likely to be the staging of known malignancies. In this article, the appearance of normal pelvic anatomy on MR scans is presented, as well as a discussion of the use of MRI in the detection and evaluation of pathologic conditions and a comparison of MRI with CT.

Vascular access for chronic hemodialysis: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) versus bovine heterograft.

Between May 1975 and March 1977, 193 bovine heterografts and 184 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts (Impragrafts) have been placed for hemodialysis access. A comparison of these materials demonstrates that Impragrafts have significantly fewer late thromboses, increased resistance to infection, and comparable longevity, and they are easier to repair.

Building capacity for system-level change in schools: lessons from the Gatehouse Project.

The Gatehouse Project is an innovative, comprehensive approach to mental health promotion in secondary schools. It sets out to promote student engagement and school connectedness as the way to improve emotional well-being and learning outcomes. The key elements of the whole-school intervention are the establishment and support of a school-based adolescent health team; the identification of risk and protective factors in each school's social and leaning environment from student surveys; and, through the use of these data, the identification and implementation of effective strategies to address these issues. The project evaluation used a cluster-randomized controlled trial design involving 26 schools with initial results demonstrating considerable success in reducing smoking rates among Year 8 children. This article describes and accounts for how system-level changes have been made in schools through a process of capacity building. This encourages teachers, parents, and students to view the core business of education differently.

Further validation of a multiplex STR system for use in routine forensic identity testing.

A polymerase chain reaction- (PCR) based short tandem repeat (STR) system has recently been developed for use in routine forensic identity testing. The methodology involves the simultaneous amplification of alleles at four loci on different chromosomes, followed by the fluorescent detection of products using an automated DNA sequencer. The adoption of this technology into operational casework offers several advantages over systems currently in use, particularly the ability to obtain results from very old or small samples, reduced operator time when compared with conventional DNA (single locus probe) analysis and the potential for automation. Validation studies were incorporated into the development work on this system. The scope of these studies has been extended by further investigation carried out in this laboratory to test the reliability of the system under normal operational procedures. It was demonstrated that the precision of size determination was sufficient for the discrimination of alleles and size windows for allelic designation were established. A collaborative exercise carried out in conjunction with two independent laboratories demonstrated the robustness of allelic designation. Having tested both the DNA quantification and amplification techniques against DNA samples from a wide range of animal and microbial species, it was confirmed that results are only obtained from higher primate DNA. The PCR methodology was tested with both simulated and real casework samples (over 250 in total). Reportable results were obtained from most items yielding extracted DNA. Approximately 20% of the casework items from which no grouping (ABO, PGM) nor SLP results were obtained, gave reportable STR results. A method for the routine purification of DNA extracts which failed to amplify was established and validated for use in forensic casework. The STR multiplex system developed by Kimpton et al. proved robust and reliable when tested under the operational procedures in place in this laboratory.