Physiological phenotypes differ among color morphs in introduced common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis).

Many species exhibit color polymorphisms which have distinct physiological and behavioral characteristics. However, the consistency of morph trait covariation patterns across species, time, and ecological contexts remains unclear. This trait covariation is especially relevant in the context of invasion biology and urban adaptation. Specifically, physiological traits pertaining to energy maintenance are crucial to fitness, given their immediate ties to individual reproduction, growth, and population establishment. We investigated the physiological traits of Podarcis muralis, a versatile color polymorphic species that thrives in urban environments (including invasive populations in Ohio, USA). We measured five physiological traits (plasma corticosterone and triglycerides, hematocrit, body condition, and field body temperature), which compose an integrated multivariate phenotype. We then tested variation among co-occurring color morphs in the context of establishment in an urban environment. We found that the traits describing physiological status and strategy shifted across the active season in a morph-dependent manner-the white and yellow morphs exhibited clearly different multivariate physiological phenotypes, characterized primarily by differences in plasma corticosterone. This suggests that morphs have different strategies in physiological regulation, the flexibility of which is crucial to urban adaptation. The white-yellow morph exhibited an intermediate phenotype, suggesting an intermediary energy maintenance strategy. Orange morphs also exhibited distinct phenotypes, but the low prevalence of this morph in our study populations precludes clear interpretation. Our work provides insight into how differences among stable polymorphisms exist across axes of the phenotype and how this variation may aid in establishment within novel environments.

Impact of peer feedback on the performance of lecturers in emergency medicine: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Although it is often criticised, the lecture remains a fundamental part of medical training because it is an economical and efficient method for teaching both factual and experimental knowledge. However, if administered incorrectly, it can be boring and useless. Feedback from peers is increasingly recognized as an effective method of encouraging self-reflection and continuing professional development. The aim of this observational study is to analyse the impact of written peer feedback on the performance of lecturers in an emergency medicine lecture series for undergraduate students. METHODS: In this prospective study, 13 lecturers in 15 lectures on emergency medicine for undergraduate medical students were videotaped and analysed by trained peer reviewers using a 21-item assessment instrument. The lecturers received their written feedback prior to the beginning of the next years' lecture series and were assessed in the same way. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated a significant improvement in the lecturers' scores in the categories 'content and organisation' and 'visualisation' in response to written feedback. The highest and most significant improvements after written peer feedback were detected in the items 'provides a brief outline', 'provides a conclusion for the talk' and 'clearly states goal of the talk'. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the significant impact of a single standardized written peer feedback on a lecturer's performance.

Incidental findings in patients with multiple injuries: how to proceed?

BACKGROUND: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is the diagnostic criterion standard for the initial evaluation of patients with suspected multiple injuries. Besides scanning for injuries directly related to the initial trauma, MSCT scans can reveal pathologies unrelated to the trauma of clinical relevance.The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency and follow-up course of incidental findings in patients with multiple injuries. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 2,242 patients with suspected multiple injuries at a Level I trauma center from 2006 to 2010.The MSCT reports were retrospectively reviewed regarding abnormal findings not related to trauma. These incidental findings were classified on a four-point level scoring system with respect to clinical importance and urgency for further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. RESULTS: During initial trauma center evaluation in the emergency department, 2,246 patients met our inclusion criteria. A total of 2,036 patients (90.7%) underwent MSCT; 1,142 (50.9%) of the patients had one or more incidental findings. A total of 2,844 incidental findings were detected. Overall, 349 tumor findings were noted (12.3% of all incidental findings); 113 findings were suspicious for malignant processes or metastasis. According to our classification, 168 (5.9%) of the incidental findings required urgent follow-up (Level 4), and 527 (18.5%) of the incidental findings required a follow-up before discharge (Level 3). CONCLUSION: MSCT in patients with multiple injuries reveals one or more incidental findings in more than one of two patients. A scoring system classifying for relevance of incidental findings was introduced and could be applied in routine trauma care in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.