Invasive Widow Spiders Perform Differently at Low Temperatures from Conspecifics from the Native Range.

Temperature challenges are one of the leading abiotic causes of success or failure of non-native species in a novel environment, and this is particularly true for low temperatures. Establishing and reproducing in a novel thermal environment can alter survival, behavior, and traits related to fitness. It has been proposed that plasticity or adaptation of thermal tolerance may allow an introduced species to thrive, or that successful invaders may be those with a thermal breadth in their native habitat that encompasses their new environment. Here, we tested these hypotheses using native and invasive populations of Australian redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti). We measured how exposure to temperatures common to invasive and native range habitats (exposure to 15 and 25°C, respectively) affected behavioral and life-history traits and trade-offs that may underlie fitness in an invasive population detected in 1995 in Japan and a native population from Australia. We found that the critical thermal minimum (CTmin) was higher in the invasive population from Japan than in the native population, but critical thermal maximum (CTmax) did not differ between populations. Compared to the invasive population, eggs from the native population had a longer development time and lower hatching success at 15°C. Both populations performed equally well at 25°C, as measured by egg development time and hatching success. Invasive juveniles tested at 15°C were faster to explore a novel environment and bolder compared to those tested at 25°C. In comparison, the native population showed faster average exploration, with no differences in boldness or exploration at the two development or testing temperatures. Overall, L. hasselti from Japan maintained hatching success and development across a wider temperature range than the native population, indicating greater thermal breadth and higher behavioral plasticity. These results support the importance of plasticity in thermal tolerance and behavior for a successful invasion under novel environmental temperatures.

Metabolomic Biomarkers in Blood Samples Identify Cancers in a Mixed Population of Patients with Nonspecific Symptoms.

PURPOSE: Early diagnosis of cancer is critical for improving patient outcomes, but cancers may be hard to diagnose if patients present with nonspecific signs and symptoms. We have previously shown that nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics analysis can detect cancer in animal models and distinguish between differing metastatic disease burdens. Here, we hypothesized that biomarkers within the blood metabolome could identify cancers within a mixed population of patients referred from primary care with nonspecific symptoms, the so-called "low-risk, but not no-risk" patient group, as well as distinguishing between those with and without metastatic disease. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients (n = 304 comprising modeling, n = 192, and test, n = 92) were recruited from 2017 to 2018 from the Oxfordshire Suspected CANcer (SCAN) pathway, a multidisciplinary diagnostic center (MDC) referral pathway for patients with nonspecific signs and symptoms. Blood was collected and analyzed by NMR metabolomics. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminatory analysis (OPLS-DA) models separated patients, based upon diagnoses received from the MDC assessment, within 62 days of initial appointment. RESULTS: Area under the ROC curve for identifying patients with solid tumors in the independent test set was 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72-0.95]. Maximum sensitivity and specificity were 94% (95% CI: 73-99) and 82% (95% CI: 75-87), respectively. We could also identify patients with metastatic disease in the cohort of patients with cancer with sensitivity and specificity of 94% (95% CI: 72-99) and 88% (95% CI: 53-98), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For a mixed group of patients referred from primary care with nonspecific signs and symptoms, NMR-based metabolomics can assist their diagnosis, and may differentiate both those with malignancies and those with and without metastatic disease. See related commentary by Van Tine and Lyssiotis, p. 1477.

Thermal acclimation has limited effect on the thermal tolerances of summer-collected Arctic and sub-Arctic wolf spiders.

High-latitude ectotherms contend with large daily and seasonal temperature variation. Summer-collected wolf spiders (Araneae; Lycosidae) from sub-Arctic and Arctic habitats have been previously documented as having low temperature tolerance insufficient for surviving year-round in their habitat. We tested two competing hypotheses: that they would have broad thermal breadth, or that they would use plasticity to extend the range of their thermal performance. We collected Pardosa moesta and P. lapponica from the Yukon Territory, Canada, P. furcifera, P. groenlandica, and P. hyperborea from southern Greenland, and P. hyperborea from sub-Arctic Norway, and acclimated them to warm (12 or 20 °C) or cool (4 °C) conditions under constant light for one week. We measured critical thermal minimum (CTmin) or supercooling point (SCP) as a measure of lower thermal limit, and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) as a measure of upper thermal limit. We found relatively little impact of acclimation on thermal limits, and some counterintuitive responses; for example, warm acclimation decreased the SCP and/or cool acclimation increased the CTmax in several cases. Together, this meant that acclimation did not appear to modify the thermal breadth, which supports our first hypothesis, but allows us to reject the hypothesis that spiders use plasticity to fine-tune their thermal physiology, at least in the summer. We note that we still cannot explain how these spiders withstand the very cold winters, and speculate that there are acclimatisation cues or processes that we were unable to capture in our study.

Overwintering Red Velvet Mites Are Freeze Tolerant.

Although many arthropods are freeze tolerant (able to withstand internal ice), small-bodied terrestrial arthropods such as mites are thought to be constrained to freeze avoidance. We field-collected active adult red velvet mites, Allothrombium sp. (Trombidiidae), in winter in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, where temperatures drop below -20°C. These mites froze between -3.6° and -9.2°C and survived internal ice formation. All late-winter mites survived being frozen for 24 h at -9°C, and 50% survived 1 wk. The lower lethal temperature (LLT50; low temperature that kills 50% of mites) was ca. -20°C in midwinter. Hemolymph osmolality and glycerol concentration increased in midwinter, accompanied by decreased water content. Thus, this species is freeze tolerant, demonstrating that there is neither phylogenetic nor size constraint to evolving this cold tolerance strategy.

Safety and effectiveness of the different types of embolic materials for the treatment of testicular varicoceles: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the current evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of the various embolic materials used in varicoceles embolization. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Databases were searched for clinical studies that investigated the clinical outcomes of embolization treatment for the management of testicular varicoceles. Study methodological quality was analyzed. RESULTS: 23 retrospective and 7 prospective clinical studies were identified with a total of 3505 patients. Technical success rates appear to be above 90% for all embolic materials without any significant differences. In terms of recurrence rates, glue (N = 251) appeared to have the lowest and sclerosants alone (N = 728) the highest recurrence rates which were 4.2% (11-3.08%, SD: 5.9) and 11.03% (18.8-5.15%, SD: 6.06) within an average follow up (f/u) of 16.13 and 25.48 months respectively. Coils alone (N = 898) had an average recurrence rate of 9.1% (17.8-1.4%; SD: 5.79) and a mean f/u of 39.3 months. After an average of 12 months of f/u, the addition of sclerosants (N = 1628) as an adjunct to coils did not improve recurrence rates (8.44%, 16.5-5.1%; SD: 3.4). No differences were reported regarding the safety profile of the various embolic materials. CONCLUSION: Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies, preliminary evidence supports the safe and effective use of the various embolic materials currently used for the management of varicoceles. At 1 year, glue appears to be the most effective in preventing recurrence with coils being the second most effective. The addition of sclerosants to the coil embolization did not appear to have an impact on recurrence rates. Further research is required to elucidate the cost-effectiveness of these approaches. Advances in knowledge: Varicocele embolization appears to be a safe and effective technique regardless of the embolic agent. Addition of a sclerosant agent to coil embolization does not appear to improve outcomes.

The role of intravascular ultrasound in lower limb revascularization in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this review is to explore the safety and effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during lower limb endovascular interventions in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies evaluating IVUS as an adjunct to angiography during revascularization procedures in patients with PAD were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Thirteen studies were identified, with a total number of 2258 patients having had IVUS for PAD intervention. Seven investigated the role of IVUS for angioplasty and stenting, with the majority being retrospective cohorts. Technical success and patency rates ranged from 90-100% and 45-100%, respectively, with a follow-up that ranged from 4.3-63 months. Three of these studies compared IVUS and non-IVUS guided angioplasty and demonstrated a significant difference in the events of amputations or re-interventions in favor of the IVUS group. Furthermore, five studies evaluated IVUS use in true-lumen re-entry, with the technical success ranging between 97-100%. In one study, where IVUS was used for atherectomy, the technical success was 100% and the long-term patency was 90% during a 12-month follow-up. Overall, no significant peri/postoperative IVUS related complications were reported, whereas, 2 studies suggested an IVUS-associated increase in procedure costs that ranged from $1080-$1333. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited and heterogeneous evidence regarding the use of IVUS for the management of PAD. Further research is required to elucidate the optimal role of IVUS in PAD as well as the cost effectiveness of this approach for routine use in the management of PAD.

Closure Devices for Iatrogenic Thoraco-Cervical Vascular Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: The unintentional arterial placement of a central venous line can have catastrophic complications. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess and analyse the available evidence regarding the use of the various vascular closure devices (VCDs) for the management of iatrogenic thoraco-cervical arterial injuries (ITCAI). METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-two relevant case series and case reports were identified with a total of 69 patients having being studied. In the majority of the studies, plug-based VCDs were used (81%) followed by suture-based devices (19%). The majority of studies reported successful outcomes from the use of VCDs in terms of achieving immediate haemostasis without any acute complications. Long-term follow-up data were only available in nine studies with only one case of carotid pseudoaneurysm being reported after 1-month post-procedure. All other cases had no reported long-term complications. Five studies performed direct or indirect comparisons between VCDs and other treatments (open surgery or stent grafting) suggesting no significant differences in safety or effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Although there is limited evidence, VCDs appear to be safe and effective for the management of ITCAIs. Further research is warranted regarding the effectiveness of this approach in comparison to surgery and in order to identify those patients who are more likely to benefit from this minimally invasive approach.

Efficacy and Safety of Augmenting the Preclose Technique with a Collagen-Based Closure Device for Percutaneous Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: To report our experience of selectively augmenting the preclose technique for percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (p-EVAR) with an Angio-Seal device as a haemostatic adjunct in cases of significant bleeding after tensioning the sutures of the suture-mediated closure devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data for p-EVAR patients at our institute were analysed. Outcomes included technical success and access site complications. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the effects of sheath size, CFA features and stent graft type on primary failure of the preclose technique necessitating augmentation and also on the development of complications. RESULTS: p-EVAR was attempted via 122 CFA access sites with a median sheath size of 18-French (range 12- to 28-French). Primary success of the preclose technique was 75.4% (92/122). Angio-Seal augmentation was utilised as an adjunct to the preclose technique in 20.5% (25/122). The overall p-EVAR success rate was 95.1% (116/122). There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0093) between depth of CFA and primary failure of preclose technique. CFA diameter, calcification, type of stent graft and sheath size did not have significant effects on primary preclose technique failure. Overall 4.9% (6/122) required surgical conversion but otherwise there were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Augmentation with an Angio-Seal device is a safe and effective adjunct to increase the success rate of the preclose technique in p-EVAR.

Surveillance after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Surveillance after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is widely considered mandatory. The purpose of surveillance is to detect asymptomatic complications, so that early secondary intervention can prevent late aneurysm rupture. CT angiography has been taken as the reference standard imaging test, but there is increasing interest in using other modalities to reduce the use of ionising radiation and iodinated contrast. As a result, there is wide heterogeneity in surveillance strategies used among EVAR centres. We reviewed the current evidence available on the outcomes of different imaging modalities and surveillance strategies following EVAR.

Is there a role for empiric gastroduodenal artery embolization in the management of patients with active upper GI hemorrhage?

PURPOSE: To assess the relative efficacy of empiric gastroduodenal artery (GDA) embolization in reducing recurrent hemorrhage compared to image-guided targeted embolization. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected for consecutive patients who had catheter angiography for major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from May 2008 to November 2010 (n = 40). The total number of cases were divided into two main groups according to angiographic findings: those that demonstrated a site of hemorrhage on catheter angiography (group 1, n = 13), and those where the site of hemorrhage was not identified on catheter angiography (group 2, n = 27). Group 2 was then further divided into patients who received empiric embolization (group 2a, n = 20) and those who had no embolization performed after angiography (group 2b, n = 7). RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates for embolization in groups 1 and 2a were, respectively, 100 vs. 95%, and 85 vs. 80%. There was no statistical significance in the recurrent hemorrhage rate, reintervention rate, or 30 day mortality between targeted and empiric embolization groups. There were no complications attributed to embolization within this study cohort. CONCLUSION: Cases of duodenal-related major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage where no embolization is performed have poor outcome. Empiric embolization of the GDA in patients with major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage refractory to endoscopic treatment appears to be a safe and effective treatment, with low reintervention rates and good clinical outcome comparable to patients where the site of hemorrhage is localized and embolized with computed tomographic angiography or catheter angiography and embolized.

Successful fibroid embolization of pelvic and inferior mesenteric artery collaterals after previous uterine artery embolization.

A 47-year-old woman with a history of myomectomies and uterine artery embolization 15 years previously presented with increasing menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multiple enhancing fibroids, extensive uterine supply from what appeared to be patent uterine arteries, and significant supply from what appeared to be the left ovarian artery. Aortography demonstrated no ovarian supply, but extensive collateral supply from distal branches of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), with further collateral supply from the anterior division of both internal iliac arteries. There was no filling of the uterine arteries distal to the coils. Embolization was performed with technical and clinical success. This case highlights the potential for recruitment of collateral vessels following coil embolization and is the first reported case of successful fibroid embolization from distal IMA branches.

Results of a seven-year, single-centre experience of the long-term outcomes of bovine ureter grafts used as novel conduits for haemodialysis fistulas.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term outcomes of bovine ureter grafts as novel conduits for haemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients underwent placement of a total of 40 SynerGraft 100 (SG100; CryoLife Europa(®), Guildford, UK) bovine ureter grafts between April 2002 and February 2009. Prospective data were collected on all patients, including active surveillance with blood flow studies and 6-monthly duplex ultrasound studies. Main outcome measures were primary and secondary patency rates. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 97 weeks (range 4-270). Thirteen patients died from unrelated causes during the study period; 12 of these patients had a functioning graft at the time of death. Five patients underwent transplantation, and all had a functioning graft at transplantation. Twelve patients had a functioning graft at the end of the study period. One hundred and ten stenoses were detected, and 97 venoplasty procedures were performed. Of the stenoses, 41.8% were located at the venous anastomosis, 12.7% within the graft, 17.3% in the outflow veins, and 28.1% in central veins. No arterial stenoses were detected. Primary patency rates were 53% at 6 months and 14% at 1 year. Secondary patency rates were 81% at 6 months, 75% at 1 year, and 56% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance and intervention was able to achieve satisfactory long-term secondary patency for these novel conduits compared with those made of PTFE seen in other studies [1].

Endovascular repair of a secondary aorto-appendiceal fistula.

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon but serious complication occurring after aortic surgery and may occur at any site in the gastrointestinal tract, with the duodenum being the most common. Conventional surgical repair of secondary AEF has high mortality, whereas endovascular repair has emerged as an alternative treatment despite concerns about persistent or recurrent infection. We report the case of a 91-year old man who was admitted with rectal bleeding from an aorto-appendiceal fistula 9 years after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. This rare site for AEF was diagnosed on computed tomography, and we present the first case of endovascular treatment of this uncommon complication.

Embolization of the internal iliac artery with glubran 2 acrylic glue: initial experience with an adjunctive outflow occlusive agent.

The authors describe their initial experience with the adjunctive use of Glubran 2, a cyanoacrylate glue, in the embolization of the internal iliac artery (IIA). Glubran 2 was used in five patients as an adjunct to traditional techniques in the repair of isolated IIA aneurysms and to prevent retrograde perfusion of the aneurysm sac in the endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms.

Evolution of Canadian nursing curricula: a critical retrospective analysis of power and caring.

The evolution of Canadian nursing curricula has mutually influenced and reflected nursing's historical course: nursing practice and education are inextricably linked. This paper is a critical retrospective analysis of the evolution of nursing curricula in Canada from the 20th century to the present. Falk Rafael's (1996) dialectic exploration of power and caring in nursing guides the analysis. An ordered, assimilated, and empowered curriculum development framework results. Foucault's (1980) work in the sociology of knowledge and Belenky, Clinchy, Goldberger, and Tarule's (1986) epistemological conceptualization of women's knowledge development are incorporated. The intricacies of the relationship between nursing curriculum development and Canadian history, the navigation of societal paradoxes that mutually drive and inform education and practice, and the instrumental need for nursing education research are considered. A fourth and new dialectic layer is suggested that places nursing on the inter-professional team of architects of a co-constructed emancipatory curriculum.

Qualitative case study methodology in nursing research: an integrative review.

AIM: This paper is a report of an integrative review conducted to critically analyse the contemporary use of qualitative case study methodology in nursing research. BACKGROUND: Increasing complexity in health care and increasing use of case study in nursing research support the need for current examination of this methodology. DATA SOURCES: In 2007, a search for case study research (published 2005-2007) indexed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts and SCOPUS databases was conducted. A sample of 42 case study research papers met the inclusion criteria. METHODS: Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method guided the analysis. RESULTS: Confusion exists about the name, nature and use of case study. This methodology, including terminology and concepts, is often invisible in qualitative study titles and abstracts. Case study is an exclusive methodology and an adjunct to exploring particular aspects of phenomena under investigation in larger or mixed-methods studies. A high quality of case study exists in nursing research. CONCLUSION: Judicious selection and diligent application of literature review methods promote the development of nursing science. Case study is becoming entrenched in the nursing research lexicon as a well-accepted methodology for studying phenomena in health and social care, and its growing use warrants continued appraisal to promote nursing knowledge development. Attention to all case study elements, process and publication is important in promoting authenticity, methodological quality and visibility.

Dr. Herbert j. Hall: originator of honest work for occupational therapy 1904-1923 [part I].

Within his cultural environment, as a physician, Herbert J. Hall (1870-1923) incorporated the Arts and Crafts movement ideology with medicine. He studied neurasthenia and the rest cure, which was the current treatment. He envisioned a better way and opened a sanatorium that incorporated work cure theories and employed craftsmen as guides. With success, Hall expanded, trained apprentices, and made occupational therapy equipment and kits for hospitals and asylums. He also published textbooks and essays and articles in scientific journals. Although the occupational therapy field has recognized some of his innovative ideas, the information presented here is a comprehensive review of his contributions that may not be recorded elsewhere.