Polymorphism at the avpr1a locus in male prairie voles correlated with genetic but not social monogamy in field populations.

Integrative studies of genetics, neurobiology and behaviour indicate that polymorphism in specific genes contributes to variation observed in some complex social behaviours. The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of social behaviours, including social attachment of males to females, through its action on the vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR). In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), polymorphism in the length of microsatellite DNA within the regulatory region of the gene (avpr1a) encoding the V1aR predicts differences among males in neural expression of V1aRs and partner preference under laboratory conditions. However, understanding the extent to which V1aR mediates variation in prairie vole social and reproductive behaviour observed in nature requires investigating the consequences of avpr1a polymorphism and environmental influences under ecologically relevant conditions. We examined the relationship between avpr1a length polymorphism and monogamy among male prairie voles living in 0.1 ha enclosures during a time similar to their natural lifespan. We found no evidence that avpr1a genotype of males predicts variation in social monogamy measured in the field but some indices of social monogamy were affected by population density. Parentage data indicated that a male's avpr1a genotype significantly influenced the number of females with which he sired offspring and the total number of offspring sired. Total brain concentrations of V1aR mRNA were not associated with either male behaviour or avpr1a genotype. These data show that melding ecological field studies with neurogenetics can substantially augment our understanding of the effects of genes and environment on social behaviours.

Malingering on the RAVLT. Part I. Deterrence strategies.

The effect of warning regarding detection of malingering on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) was examined in this study. Sixty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: malingerers, malingerers-with-warnings, warning-only, and control. An incentive that appeared differential, but was an actual constant reward, was offered to participants who could fake in a believable manner (for those in malingering conditions), or to those who performed to the best of their ability (non-malingering conditions). It was predicted that warning participants about the possibility that faking could be detected would modify the behaviour of malingerers, but not those instructed to perform to the best of their ability. Warning had no effect on behaviour in either condition, which was consistent with expectations for the warning-only group, but not for the malingering group. Results are discussed in terms of the ethical and legal issues associated with malingering in neuropsychological practice.

Metal content of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves in relation to soil contamination and airborne particulate matter.

The global distribution of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber, sensu lato; Asteraceae), along with its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, make this 'species' a particularly attractive candidate to evaluate for its value as a biological monitor of environmental metal contamination. To examine the metal content of dandelion leaves in relation to environmental metal levels, the concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in leaf and soil samples collected at 29 sites in the mid-western United States differentially impacted by pollution. Sites were chosen primarily to cover a range of annual mean 24-h airborne particulate matter < or = 10 microm (hereafter, PM10) exposure, with PM10 levels varying from those found in isolated rural areas to levels typical of the most industrialized urban locations in the mid-western United States. A positive. significant correlation was detected between soil concentrations of each metal and measures of PM10 at a site, signifying that airborne particulate matter is a good indicator of soil metal contamination. Leaf concentrations of four of the eight metals (Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn) examined were found to increase significantly as the soil levels of these metals increased, but the percentage of the total variation explained by the relationship in these cases was generally low. This latter finding, along with the lack of a significant relationship between leaf and soil concentrations for the four other metals, indicate that the factors affecting metal absorption from the soil by dandelions are complex and that, aside from soil metal concentrations, other soil, plant and/or other environmental factors affect metal uptake. There was also no evidence that leaf metal concentrations were positively correlated with PM10. In addition, the concentrations of some metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) were significantly higher in leaves collected in the fall compared to those collected at the same sites in the spring. These findings suggest that dandelions may not be a particularly effective tool for quantifying levels of environmental metal contamination, at least on the scale of pollution typifying industrialized urban areas of the mid-western United States.

Maternal syndrome associated with hydrops fetalis: case report.

A case of maternal fluid retention syndrome associated with fetal hydrops due to rhesus isoimmunisation is reported. The aetiology and clinical features are discussed. Prophylactic anti-Rh immunoglobin should reduce the incidence of such cases in the future.

Endometrioma of the rectum: case report.

A case of endometrioma of the rectum is reported. This was clinically indistinguishable from a carcinoma. The difficulties of diagnosis and management are emphasised.

The severity of kettle burns and the dangers of the dangling cord.

Kettle scalds are a major cause of paediatric burn injury. Whilst preventative measures have been advocated for years, the incidence of this type of injury is increasing. Information is lacking regarding severity and mechanism of injury. We prospectively analysed all paediatric scald injuries that warranted referral to a tertiary burn centre to quantify severity, outcome, look into how these burns occurred with a view to providing information for preventative strategies and audited the safety features of 19 top selling kettles. A total of 119 kettle burns were included in the study. Mean age at time of injury was 2 years 1 month (5 months to 12 years). Mean TBSA was 11.8% (2-30) and 62% sustained TBSA >10%. Mean length of stay was 10.4 (1-120) days and a surgical procedure was required in 62% of all kettle scalds. Grafting was undertaken in 52% of patients. Mean number of surgical procedures was 1.7 (median 1, range 1-9). Pulling the kettle cord was the main mechanism of injury (74% vs. 37%). "Cord-pullers" were also significantly younger (mean 20 months vs. 51 months, p<0.05) and underwent significantly more grafting in "cosmetically sensitive" areas (69% vs. 23%, p<0.05). 4 cases of inhalational injury occurred as a result of pulling the kettle cord. Mean kettle cord length was 66 cm (range 45-80) with only 30% employing a coil tidy feature. In view of these findings we discuss current legislative policy on kettle cord length and report on the current safety of today's kettles. Areas for future prevention are discussed.