Assessing effects of non-native crayfish on mosquito survival.

Introductions of non-native predators often reduce biodiversity and affect natural predator-prey relationships and may increase the abundance of potential disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) indirectly through competition or predation cascades. The Santa Monica Mountains (California, U.S.A.), situated in a global biodiversity hotspot, is an area of conservation concern due to climate change, urbanization, and the introduction of non-native species. We examined the effect of non-native crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) on an existing native predator, dragonfly nymphs (Aeshna sp.), and their mosquito larvae (Anopheles sp.) prey. We used laboratory experiments to compare the predation efficiency of both predators, separately and together, and field data on counts of dragonfly nymphs and mosquito larvae sampled from 13 local streams. We predicted a lower predation efficiency of crayfish compared with native dragonfly nymphs and a reduced predation efficiency of dragonfly nymphs in the presence of crayfish. Dragonfly nymphs were an order of magnitude more efficient predators than crayfish, and dragonfly nymph predation efficiency was reduced in the presence of crayfish. Field count data showed that populations of dragonfly nymphs and mosquito larvae were strongly correlated with crayfish presence in streams, such that sites with crayfish tended to have fewer dragonfly nymphs and more mosquito larvae. Under natural conditions, it is likely that crayfish reduce the abundance of dragonfly nymphs and their predation efficiency and thereby, directly and indirectly, lead to higher mosquito populations and a loss of ecosystem services related to disease vector control.

Occupational balance: A study of the sociocultural perspective of Iranian occupational therapists.

BACKGROUND: The concept of occupational balance has always been important to occupational therapists and occupational scientists, but it is often interpreted differently by professionals, particularly in relation to practice. PURPOSE: This study focused on the understanding of occupational balance of a group of experienced occupational therapists who held positions at the time in Iran. METHOD: A preliminary qualitative study from within an interpretive paradigm was employed. A focus group was used for data collection, and the data were analyzed using thematic networks analysis in relation to occupational science concepts. FINDINGS: Four organizing themes were uncovered: integrity in being, equilibrium in doing, contentedness in becoming, and harmony in belonging. The global theme of "fluidity" describes the dynamic nature of occupational balance. IMPLICATIONS: The concept of occupational balance needs to be further explored in different communities. Identifying similarities and differences in its meaning and application will inform culturally relevant client-centred education and practice.

A decadal view of biodiversity informatics: challenges and priorities.

Biodiversity informatics plays a central enabling role in the research community's efforts to address scientific conservation and sustainability issues. Great strides have been made in the past decade establishing a framework for sharing data, where taxonomy and systematics has been perceived as the most prominent discipline involved. To some extent this is inevitable, given the use of species names as the pivot around which information is organised. To address the urgent questions around conservation, land-use, environmental change, sustainability, food security and ecosystem services that are facing Governments worldwide, we need to understand how the ecosystem works. So, we need a systems approach to understanding biodiversity that moves significantly beyond taxonomy and species observations. Such an approach needs to look at the whole system to address species interactions, both with their environment and with other species.It is clear that some barriers to progress are sociological, basically persuading people to use the technological solutions that are already available. This is best addressed by developing more effective systems that deliver immediate benefit to the user, hiding the majority of the technology behind simple user interfaces. An infrastructure should be a space in which activities take place and, as such, should be effectively invisible.This community consultation paper positions the role of biodiversity informatics, for the next decade, presenting the actions needed to link the various biodiversity infrastructures invisibly and to facilitate understanding that can support both business and policy-makers. The community considers the goal in biodiversity informatics to be full integration of the biodiversity research community, including citizens' science, through a commonly-shared, sustainable e-infrastructure across all sub-disciplines that reliably serves science and society alike.

Towards mainstreaming of biodiversity data publishing: recommendations of the GBIF Data Publishing Framework Task Group.

BACKGROUND: Data are the evidentiary basis for scientific hypotheses, analyses and publication, for policy formation and for decision-making. They are essential to the evaluation and testing of results by peer scientists both present and future. There is broad consensus in the scientific and conservation communities that data should be freely, openly available in a sustained, persistent and secure way, and thus standards for 'free' and 'open' access to data have become well developed in recent years. The question of effective access to data remains highly problematic. DISCUSSION: Specifically with respect to scientific publishing, the ability to critically evaluate a published scientific hypothesis or scientific report is contingent on the examination, analysis, evaluation - and if feasible - on the re-generation of data on which conclusions are based. It is not coincidental that in the recent 'climategate' controversies, the quality and integrity of data and their analytical treatment were central to the debate. There is recent evidence that even when scientific data are requested for evaluation they may not be available. The history of dissemination of scientific results has been marked by paradigm shifts driven by the emergence of new technologies. In recent decades, the advance of computer-based technology linked to global communications networks has created the potential for broader and more consistent dissemination of scientific information and data. Yet, in this digital era, scientists and conservationists, organizations and institutions have often been slow to make data available. Community studies suggest that the withholding of data can be attributed to a lack of awareness, to a lack of technical capacity, to concerns that data should be withheld for reasons of perceived personal or organizational self interest, or to lack of adequate mechanisms for attribution. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need for institutionalization of a 'data publishing framework' that can address sociocultural, technical-infrastructural, policy, political and legal constraints, as well as addressing issues of sustainability and financial support. To address these aspects of a data publishing framework - a systematic, standard approach to the formal definition and public disclosure of data - in the context of biodiversity data, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF, the single inter-governmental body most clearly mandated to undertake such an effort) convened a Data Publishing Framework Task Group. We conceive this data publishing framework as an environment conducive to ensure free and open access to world's biodiversity data. Here, we present the recommendations of that Task Group, which are intended to encourage free and open access to the worlds' biodiversity data.

Unprevented or prevented dispensing incidents: which outcome to use in dispensing error research?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate, error type, causes and clinical significance of unprevented and prevented dispensing incidents reported by Welsh National Health Service (NHS) hospital pharmacies. METHODS: Details of all unprevented and prevented dispensing incidents occurring over 3 months (September-December 2005) at five district general hospitals across Wales were reported and analysed using a validated method. Rates of unprevented and prevented dispensing incidents were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Reported error types, contributory factors and clinical significance of unprevented and prevented incidents were compared using Fisher's exact test. KEY FINDINGS: Thirty-five unprevented and 291 prevented dispensing incidents were reported amongst 221,670 items. The rate of unprevented (16/100,000 items) and prevented dispensing incidents (131/100,000 items; P = 0.04) was significantly different. There was a significant difference in the proportions of prevented and unprevented dispensing incidents involving the wrong directions/warnings on the label (prevented, n = 100, 29%; unprevented, n = 4, 10%; P = 0.02) and the wrong drug details on the label (prevented, n = 15, 4%; unprevented, n = 6, 14%; P = 0.01). There was a significant difference in the proportions of prevented and unprevented dispensing incidents involving supply of the wrong strength (prevented, n = 46, 14%; unprevented, n = 2, 5%; P = 0.02) and issue of expired medicines (prevented, n = 3, 1%; unprevented, n = 5, 12%; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The use of prevented dispensing incidents as a surrogate marker for unprevented incidents is questionable. There were significant differences between unprevented and prevented dispensing incidents in terms of rate and error types. This is consistent with the medication error iceberg. Care must be exercised when extrapolating prevented dispensing incident data on error types to unprevented dispensing incidents.

Bioprocessing of waste biomass for sustainable product development and minimizing environmental impact.

Growing concerns around the generation of biomass waste have triggered conversation around sustainable utilization of these seemingly waste materials as feedstock towards energy generation and production of chemicals and other value-added products. Thus, biotechniques such as utilization of microbes and enzymes derived thereof have become important avenues for green pretreatment and conversion of biomass wastes. Although the products of these bioconversions are greener at an overall level, their consumption and utilization still impact the environment. Hence it is important to understand the overall impact from cradle to grave through lifecycle assessment (LCA) techniques and find avenues of process optimization and better utilization of all the materials and products involved. Another factor to consider is overall cost optimization to make the process economically feasible, profitable and increase industrial adoption. This review brings forward these critical aspects to provide better understanding for the advancement of bioeconomy.

Evaluation of the uptake and delivery of the NHS Health Check programme in England, using primary care data from 9.5 million people: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the uptake and outputs of the National Health Service Health Check (NHSHC) programme in England. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: National primary care data extracted directly by NHS Digital from 90% of general practices (GP) in England. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 40-74 years, invited to or completing a NHSHC between 2012 and 2017, defined using primary care Read codes. INTERVENTION: The NHSHC, a structured assessment of non-communicable disease risk factors and 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with recommendations for behavioural change support and therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: During the 5-year cycle, 9 694 979 individuals were offered an NHSHC and 5 102 758 (52.6%) took up the offer. There was geographical variation in uptake between local authorities across England ranging from 25.1% to 84.7%. Invitation methods changed over time to incorporate greater digitalisation, opportunistic delivery and delivery by third-party providers.The population offered an NHSHC resembled the English population in ethnicity and deprivation characteristics. Attendees were more likely to be older and women, but were similar in terms of ethnicity and deprivation, compared with non-attendees. Among attendees, risk factor prevalence reflected population survey estimates for England. Where a CVD risk score was documented, 25.9% had a 10-year CVD risk ≥10%, of which 20.3% were prescribed a statin. Advice, information and referrals were coded as delivered to over 2.5 million individuals identified to have risk factors. CONCLUSION: This national analysis of the NHSHC programme, using primary care data from over 9.5 million individuals offered a check, reveals an uptake rate of over 50% and no significant evidence of inequity by ethnicity or deprivation. To maximise the anticipated value of the NHSHC, we suggest continued action is needed to invite more eligible people for a check, reduce geographical variation in uptake, prioritise engagement with non-attendees and promote greater use of evidence-based interventions especially where risk is identified.

Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To identify, review and evaluate the published literature on the incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors in community and hospital pharmacy. METHOD: Electronic databases were searched from 1966 to February 2008. This was supplemented by hand-searching the bibliographies of retrieved articles. Analysis of the findings explored the research methods, operational definitions, incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors. KEY FINDINGS: Sixty papers were identified investigating dispensing errors in the UK, US, Australia, Spain and Brazil. In general, the incidence of dispensing errors varied depending on the study setting, dispensing system, research method and operational definitions. The most common dispensing errors identified by community and hospital pharmacies were dispensing the wrong drug, strength, form or quantity, or labelling medication with the incorrect directions. Factors subjectively reported as contributing to dispensing errors were look-alike, sound-alike drugs, low staffing and computer software. High workload, interruptions, distractions and inadequate lighting were objectively shown to increase the occurrence of dispensing errors. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the reviewed studies was confounded by differences in study setting, research method and operational definitions for dispensing errors, error rate and classification of error types. The World Health Organization is currently developing global patient safety taxonomy. Such a standardized taxonomy for dispensing errors would facilitate consistent data collection and assist the development of error-reduction strategies.

Redescriptions of two marine planktonic ciliates from China, Parastrombidium faurei (Kahl, 1932) Maeda, 1986 and Strombidium capitatum (Leegaard, 1915) Kahl, 1932 (Ciliophora, Oligotrichea).

The morphology and infraciliature of two marine planktonic ciliates, Parastrombidium faurei (Kahl, 1932) Maeda, 1986 and Strombidium capitatum (Leegaard, 1915) Kahl, 1932, from coastal waters near Qingdao (Tsingtao), northern China, were investigated based on live observation and protargol impregnation. This is the first time that these two species are reported from Yellow Sea/North Pacific. Emended diagnoses for the genus Parastrombidium and its single species P. faurei are provided as they were not studied with modern methods before. The ciliary pattern and the stomatogenesis of Parastrombidium indicate that it belongs to the order Choreotrichida Small and Lynn, 1985, family Strombidinopsidae Small and Lynn, 1985. An updated description for the "well-known"Strombidium capitatum is also included based on the Qingdao population.

Cadaveric Spinal Surgery Simulation: A Comparison of Cadaver Types.

Study Design Single-blinded study. Objective To assess the suitability of three types of cadaver for simulating pedicle screw insertion and establish if there is an ideal. Methods Three types of cadaver-Thiel-embalmed, Crosado-embalmed, and formaldehyde-embalmed-were draped and the spines exposed. Experienced surgeons were asked to place pedicle screws in each cadaver and give written questionnaire feedback using a modified Likert scale. Soft tissue and bony properties were assessed, along with the role of simulation in spinal surgery training. Results The Thiel cadaver rated highest for soft tissue feel and appearance with a median score of 6 for both (range 2 to 7). The Crosado cadaver rated highest for bony feel, with a median score of 6 (range 2 to 7). The formaldehyde cadaver rated lowest for all categories with median scores of 2, 2.5, and 3.5, respectively. All surgeons felt pedicle screw insertion should be learned in a simulated setting using human cadavers. Conclusion Thiel and Crosado cadavers both offered lifelike simulation of pedicle screw insertion, with each having advantages depending on whether the focus is on soft tissue approach or technical aspects of bony screw insertion. Both cadaver types offer the advantage of long life span, unlike fresh frozen tissue, which means cadavers can be used multiple times, thus reducing the costs.

Virtual reality and interactive 3D as effective tools for medical training.

CAVE-like displays allow a user to walk in to a virtual environment, and use natural movement to change the viewpoint of virtual objects which they can manipulate with a hand held device. This maps well to many surgical procedures offering strong potential for training and planning. These devices may be networked together allowing geographically remote users to share the interactive experience. This maps to the strong need for distance training and planning of surgeons. Our paper shows how the properties of a CAVE-Like facility can be maximised in order to provide an ideal environment for medical training. The implementation of a large 3D-eye is described. The resulting application is that of an eye that can be manipulated and examined by trainee medics under the guidance of a medical expert. The progression and effects of different ailments can be illustrated and corrective procedures, demonstrated.

Weight training is not harmful for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a systematic review.

QUESTION: Is weight-training exercise intervention harmful to women with or at risk of breast cancer-related lymphoedema? DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised trials. PARTICIPANTS: Women with or at risk of breast cancer-related lymphoedema. INTERVENTION: Progressive weight-training exercise. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were severity (volume difference) and incidence of arm lymphoedema. Secondary outcomes included muscle strength of the upper and lower limbs, quality of life and body mass index. RESULTS: Eleven studies from eight trials involving 1091 women were included. Weight-training exercise of low to moderate intensity with relatively slow progression significantly improved the upper limb strength (SMD 0.93, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.12) and lower limb strength (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.04) without increasing the arm volume (SMD -0.09, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.05) or incidence of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.15). No significant effects were noted for body mass index (SMD -0.10, 95% -0.31 to 0.11). Some aspects of quality of life may improve with weight training. PARTICIPANTS in all trials used pressure garments and received supervision; no trials used high-intensity weight training. CONCLUSIONS: Weight training appears to be safe and beneficial in improving limb strength and physical components of quality of life in women with or at risk of lymphoedema. Pressure garments, supervision and limiting the intensity of the weight training may each be important, but this could not be confirmed with this review. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42012002737.