Individual preferences for sound tool design in a parrot.

The rarity of tool manufacture in wild parrots is surprising because they share key life-history traits with advanced tool-using species, including large brains, complex sociality and prolonged parental care. When it does occur, tool manufacture in parrots tends to be innovative, spontaneous and individually variable, but most cases have been in captivity. In the wild, only palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus) have been observed using tools regularly. However, they are unusual because they use tools to enhance their displays rather than for foraging or self-maintenance. Males in northern Australia make two types of tool from sticks and seed pods, which they tap rhythmically against a tree during display. We analysed 256 sound tools retrieved from 70 display trees. Drumsticks (89% of tools) were used more often than seed pod tools; most males manufactured only drumsticks, but some made both types. Individual males differed significantly in the design of their drumsticks including the length, width and mass but we found no evidence that neighbours copied each other. We discuss the highly individualized preferences for sound tool design in context of the behavioural predispositions behind the rarity of tool manufacture in wild parrots.

Comparison of three lymph node staging schemes for predicting outcome in patients with gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several node staging schemes have been proposed for gastric cancer. The optimal system remains controversial. METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and a Chinese patient cohort was used for independent validation. The prognostic performance of three node staging schemes was compared, involving a number-based scheme (pN), ratio-based scheme (rN) and log odds of positive lymph nodes scheme (LODDS). RESULTS: There were 12 443 patients in the SEER database and 866 in the Chinese cohort. LODDS provided better discriminatory capacity and higher predictive accuracy than either pN or rN, for patients with gastric cancer in both the SEER database and the Chinese cohort. The multivariable model using the LODDS classification was significantly more predictive than the pN classification. LODDS suffered much less from stage migration and was able efficiently to discriminate the heterogeneity for patients with no nodes involved or all nodes involved, whereas the pN and rN schemes could not. CONCLUSION: LODDS showed a clear prognostic superiority over both pN and rN schemes. It could serve as an important reference for the tumour node metastasis (TNM) node classification.

Does a prediction model for pregnancy of unknown location developed in the UK validate on a US population?

BACKGROUND: A logistic regression model (M4) was developed in the UK to predict the outcome for women with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) based on the initial two human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) values, 48 h apart. The purpose of this paper was to assess the utility of this model to predict the outcome for a woman (PUL) in a US population. METHODS: Diagnostic variables included log-transformed serum hCG average of two measurements, and linear and quadratic hCG ratios. Outcomes modeled were failing PUL, intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and ectopic pregnancy (EP). This model was applied to a US cohort of 604 women presenting with symptomatic first-trimester pregnancies, who were followed until a definitive diagnosis was made. The model was applied before and after correcting for differences in terminology and diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: When retrospectively applied to the adjusted US population, the M4 model demonstrated lower areas under the curve compared with the UK population, 0.898 versus 0.988 for failing PUL/spontaneous miscarriage, 0.915 versus 0.981 for IUP and 0.831 versus 0.904 for EP. Whereas the model had 80% sensitivity for EP using UK data, this decreased to 49% for the US data, with similar specificities. Performance only improved slightly (55% sensitivity) when the US population was adjusted to better match the UK diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSIONS: A logistic regression model based on two hCG values performed with modest decreases in predictive ability in a US cohort for women at risk for EP compared with the original UK population. However, the sensitivity for EP was too low for the model to be used in clinical practice in its present form. Our data illustrate the difficulties of applying algorithms from one center to another, where the definitions of pathology may differ.

One year clinical performance and post-operative sensitivity of a bioactive dental luting cement--a prospective clinical study.

A one-year clinical study was performed on the efficacy of a bioactive dental cement (Ceramir C&B) with calcium aluminate and glass ionomer components. The study was performed on 38 crown and bridge abutments in 17 patients. Preparation parameters were recorded, as well as working-times, setting-times, and other handling characteristics. Baseline data were also recorded for gingival inflammation (GI) and pre-cementation sensitivity. Post-cementation parameters included sensitivity, gingival tissue reactions, marginal integrity and discolorations. All patients were seen for recall examinations at 30 days, and 6 months. For sixteen patients one-year recall data were collected on retention and subjective sensitivity. Fifteen subjects were available for one year clinical examinations. Three independent examiners found the working and setting time of the cement to be well within expected limits and that cement removal was easy. Four patients reported low-grades of immediate post-cementation sensitivity, however, this disappeared after an occlusal adjustment or without intervention within one month. At 12 months no retentive failures were recorded and no subjective sensitivity reported. All crowns were rated in the "Excellent" quality category for marginal integrity. Both GI-scores and scores for tooth sensitivity decreased during the course of the study. One year recall data yielded no incidence of secondary caries and no visible marginal discoloration. The new cement was thus found to perform favorably as a luting agent for permanent cementation.

Clinical performance of a bioactive dental luting cement--a prospective clinical pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot study determining the clinical efficacy ofa new bioactive dental cement (Ceramir Crown & Bridge) for permanent cementation in fixed prosthodontics. The composition is a hybrid comprised of a calcium aluminate and a glass ionomer. METHODS: This study examined the performance of Ceramir Crown & Bridge after cementation of high-gold alloy and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) single crowns and bridges. A total of 38 crowns and bridge abutments were cemented in 17 patients; 31 were on vital, seven on non-vital teeth. Six were bridges with 14 abutment teeth (12 vital/two non-vital). One fixed splint comprising two abutment teeth was also included in the study. Preparation parameters were recorded, as well as working time, setting time, seating characteristics, and ease of cement removal. Baseline data were collected on dispensing, mixing, and handling of the cement; gingival inflammation index (GI), and a visual analog scale (VAS) and categorical assessment measured pre-cementation sensitivity. Post-cementation parameters were post-cementation sensitivity, categorical and VAS, gingival tissue reaction, marginal integrity, and discoloration. A one-week post-op telephone call recorded subjectively the patients' comfort level. RESULTS: Working time (two minutes) and setting time (four minutes) were well within normal limits. Cement removal was determined to be very easy. Thirteen of 17 patients reported no post-cementation sensitivity after seven days; four reported a low-grade sensitivity. All 17 patients were seen for recall examinations at 30 days and six months. Of the four sensitivity cases, three were related to hyperocclusion, which disappeared spontaneously after adjustment. One case was due to post-cementation pressure from a three-unit bridge, which disappeared without intervention. After six months, no retentive failures were recorded, no sensitivity was subjectively reported, marginal integrity scored 38 alphas, one tooth had a 1 and two teeth a 0.5 GI score. Average VAS score for tooth sensitivity decreased from 7.63 mm at baseline to 0.44 mm at the six-month recall. Average GI score for gingival inflammation decreased from 0.56 at baseline to 0.11 at the six-month recall. CONCLUSION: After six months, Ceramir Crown & Bridge performed favorably as a luting agent for permanent cementation.

Trends and results in tricuspid valve surgery.

Forty-six tricuspid valve operations were performed over 12 years. Operations were conservative (two valvotomies, eight DeVega annuloplasties, seven Carpentier rings) in 17 and valve replacement (17 mechanicals, 12 tissues) in 29. Operative mortality rate was improved with better preoperative functional class, use of cardioplegia, or use of annuloplasty. Heart block occurred less with annuloplasty (6 vs 24 percent). Long-term survival was similar with annuloplasty or porcine valve replacement, but was poorer with mechanical valve replacement. Four of eight DeVega annuloplasties failed during the operative (two) or late (two) period. When the anatomy is suitable, we believe the Carpentier ring annuloplasty to be safe and effective. When valve replacement cannot be avoided, we believe replacement with a tissue valve is preferable.

Anisakiasis: nematode infestation producing small-bowel obstruction.

A case of small-bowel obstruction occurred secondary to an uncommon parasitic disease, anisakiasis. Intestinal obstruction is a rare manifestation of this disease. Anisakiasis may be seen initially with nausea and vomiting or may mimic acute appendicitis or Crohn's disease. The predisposing factor in all cases is the ingestion of raw fish, and the disease is preventable by cooking fish at greater than 60 degrees C for a short time or by freezing at less than -20 degrees C for more than 24 hours. Anisakiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of small-bowel obstruction in patients whose diet includes raw fish.

Colonic neoplasms: tissue estrogen receptor and carcinoembryonic antigen.

Estrogen receptor protein was found in 24% of colonic neoplasms. Presence of estrogen receptor activity was independent of age or sex of the patient, state of differentiation or spread of the tumor, and concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in the tumor. Estrogen receptor activity in colon tumors probably reflects novel protein synthesis resulting from dedifferentiation. Measurement of tumor estrogen receptor protein and carcinoembryonic antigen may have discriminatory value in the patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma and an unknown primary neoplasm.

The so20,w of unsheared DNA from whole cell lysates of Escherichia coli.

We present measurements of the sedimentation coefficients of DNA present in whole cell lysates of E. coli. The method used is a preparative version of the band sedimentation experiment of Bruner and Vinograd. We show that in order to obtain reliable data on the time dependence of sedimentation, it is necessary to accelerate and decelerate the rotor over much longer times than the standard centrifuge allows. We describe the necessary modifications to the preparative centrifuge and use them to determine the So20,W of unsheared E. coli DNA. The value for the fastest moving components in the lysate is 220 S. The molecular weight of the DNA corresponding to this sedimentation coefficient is probably 1.7 X 10(9) g/mole. However, alternative values cannot be ruled out.

The variability of estrogen receptors in metastatic breast cancer.

Estrogen receptor protein (ERP) concentrations were determined by the sucrose diffusion method in primary tumors and one or more metastases in twenty-nine patients with breast cancer. Concurrence of ERP concentrations between primaries and at least some metastases was found in 76 per cent of cases. Multiple metastases were assayed in ten cases, three of which demonstrated highly variable concentrations. It was concluded that clinically significant differences in ERP concentrations often exist between primary breast cancers and their metastases as well as between different metastases from the same tumor, accounting for the lack of responsiveness of some ERP-"positive" tumors and for mixed responses to hormonal or endocrine therapy. Assay of an isolated metastasis may be no more reliable in predicting overall patient benefit from therapy than assay of the primary itself.

Counting losses in multidetector radiation counters.

We examined the reasons for the reduction in response of a multidetector radiation counting system when operated at high count-rates and established a convenient method of correction which is accurate to within +/- 1% up to 0-6 X 10(5) counts per second. In its application the method uses the observed count-rates from each detector at the time of measurement and previously determined values of critical time intervals of the electronic system. The detected signals establish these intervals in which further signals occurring within them are lost from the response. These further signals can also cause the loss of the signals establishing the intervals. The correction is of particular value when high-sensitivity whole-body counters are used to measure the activity of administered isotopes in metabolic studies.

The measurement of transplacental magnesium fluxes in the sheep.

Bi-directional transport rates of magnesium across the placenta of the ewe have been measured towards the end of pregnancy. The results indicated that approximately 0.042 and Mg/h/kg fetal body weight passed from ewe to fetus and that about 0.012 mg Mg/h/kg fetal body weight was transported back to the ewe. There was a significant, although small, positive gradient in plasma magnesium concentration from ewe to fetus.

Investigating incidental remission of subpontic hyperostosis.

Removing a fixed partial denture may be an option as valid as surgery to treat patients who have subpontic osseous hyperplasia.

Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life.

The early experiences of dogs showing signs of avoidance behaviour or aggression were compared with those of dogs from the same clinical population that did not show such behaviour. The occurrence of each behavioural sign was tested for its association with the dog's maternal environment, the environment it experienced between three and six months of age, and the age at which it had been acquired. Non-domestic maternal environments, and a lack of experience of urban environments between three and six months of age, were both significantly associated with aggression towards unfamiliar people and avoidance behaviour. Aggression during a veterinary examination was more likely in dogs from non-domestic maternal environments. There was no significant association with either environment for aggression towards familiar people, or towards dogs.

Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs with clomipramine: results from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial.

The efficacy and tolerability of clomipramine in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs was tested in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, international multicenter clinical trial. For a diagnosis of separation anxiety, dogs had to exhibit at least one of the following signs in the absence of their owner: destruction, defecation, urination and/or vocalization, as well as the behaviour suggestive of "hyper-attachment" to their owner. A total of 95 dogs were randomized to receive one of the three treatments for 2-3 months: "standard-dose" clomipramine (1 to <2 mg/kg, PO, q. 12 h); "low-dose" clomipramine (0.5 to <1 mg/kg, PO, q. 12 h); and placebo (PO, q. 12 h). All dogs received behavioural therapy. Dogs were examined at four time points (days 0, 28, 56 and 84) after the initiation of therapy. Improvement in each dog's behaviour at days 28, 56 and 84 was evaluated in comparison to its behaviour at day 0.The results showed that, compared to placebo, dogs receiving standard-dose clomipramine were rated improved at least three times faster for the signs destruction, defecation and urination. At most time points, more dogs in the standard-dose clomipramine group were rated improved for the signs destruction, defecation and urination, and in an owner's global assessment of the dog's overall behaviour (p<0.05 at certain time points). However, there were no statistically significant differences at any time point between the standard dose and the placebo groups in the sign vocalization. The low-dose clomipramine group produced no statistically significant effect when compared with placebo. Mild and transient vomiting was noted as a side effect of clomipramine in a small number of dogs.It is concluded that addition of standard-dose (1 to <2 mg/kg, PO, q. 12 h) clomipramine to conventional behavioural therapy for 2-3 months ameliorated the signs of separation anxiety in dogs.

Life-threatening clavicular osteomyelitis in two debilitated patients.

Two cases are presented of immunologically compromised patients who developed acute pyogenic clavicular osteomyelitis from direct spread of a contiguous focus. Each patient's condition declined despite antibiotic therapy drainage procedures until survival was in doubt. Both showed striking reversal of their conditions and recovery when an aggressive surgical debridement (total claviculectomy) was performed. Acute pyogenic osteomyelitis of the clavicle is uncommon and rarely reported. The special implications in our patients of this disease of the adapted therapy are discussed.

Alterations in metabolic pathways and networks in Alzheimer's disease.

The pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain largely unknown and clinical trials have not demonstrated significant benefit. Biochemical characterization of AD and its prodromal phase may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic insights. We used targeted metabolomics platform to profile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD (n=40), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=36) and control (n=38) subjects; univariate and multivariate analyses to define between-group differences; and partial least square-discriminant analysis models to classify diagnostic groups using CSF metabolomic profiles. A partial correlation network was built to link metabolic markers, protein markers and disease severity. AD subjects had elevated methionine (MET), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), vanillylmandelic acid, xanthosine and glutathione versus controls. MCI subjects had elevated 5-HIAA, MET, hypoxanthine and other metabolites versus controls. Metabolite ratios revealed changes within tryptophan, MET and purine pathways. Initial pathway analyses identified steps in several pathways that appear altered in AD and MCI. A partial correlation network showed total tau most directly related to norepinephrine and purine pathways; amyloid-ß (Ab42) was related directly to an unidentified metabolite and indirectly to 5-HIAA and MET. These findings indicate that MCI and AD are associated with an overlapping pattern of perturbations in tryptophan, tyrosine, MET and purine pathways, and suggest that profound biochemical alterations are linked to abnormal Ab42 and tau metabolism. Metabolomics provides powerful tools to map interlinked biochemical pathway perturbations and study AD as a disease of network failure.