Control of introduced mammalian predators improves kaka Nestor meridionalis breeding success: reversing the decline of a threatened New Zealand parrot

The kaka (Nestor meridionalis) is a threatened, endemic New Zealand parrot that is declining primarily because of predation by introduced mammals. Numbers of female kaka surviving to sexual maturity more than compensated for adult female mortality at three sites with predator control but not at three unmanaged sites. Nesting success at the sites with predator control was significantly greater (?80%) than at unmanaged sites (?38%) while predation on adult females was significantly less (5% c.f. 65%). Predation was the most common cause of nesting failure at all sites. Stoats (Mustela erminea) appeared to be the main predator, although evidence of possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) predation on eggs, nestlings and nesting females was also found. These results suggest that control of stoats and possums can potentially reverse the decline of the kaka on the main islands of New Zealand.     

Nutritional degenerative myopathy in a population of captive bred Uroplatus phantasticus (satanic leaf-tailed geckoes).

Severe generalized degenerative myopathy was diagnosed in a population of captive bred satanic leaf-tailed geckoes (Uroplatus phantasticus). The diagnosis was based on characteristic histological changes and response to dietary therapy. This is the first reported case of nutritional myopathy in the satanic leaf-tailed gecko.     

Comparison of mean bone densities of three preparations of the distal portion of the equine third metacarpal bone measured by use of quantitative computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether cutting equine subchondral bone to demarcate specific regions of interest (ROIs) influences the mean density for that bone as measured via quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Sample population-2 metacarpophalangeal joints from equine cadavers. PROCEDURES: The distal portion of the third metacarpal bone of each intact metacarpophalangeal joint was scanned via CT to simulate in vivo conditions. Each joint was subsequently disarticulated and dissected, and the distal portion of the dissected third metacarpal bone in air was scanned. Then, six 1-cm(2) areas representing ROIs were cut into the distal condylar surfaces to depths of approximately 1 cm, and the bone was scanned again. Three-dimensional CT models of the 3 bone preparations were generated for each third metacarpal bone on the basis of data from each set of scan images, and densities of the 6 ROIs were measured. Mean bone densities for the 6 ROIs were compared among models of intact, dissected, and cut third metacarpal bone scans. RESULTS: Mean bone density was significantly lower in cut bone preparations, compared with that in intact or dissected bone. Differences between mean bone densities for intact and dissected bone preparations were not significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cutting subchondral bone to demarcate specific ROIs prior to CT imaging significantly lowered mean bone density as measured via QCT and thus introduced substantial artifacts. These findings have direct implications on techniques for CT modeling of equine subchondral bone in the characterization of joint diseases in horses.     

Towards complete and accurate reporting of studies of diagnostic accuracy: the STARD initiative

Background:  To comprehend the results of diagnostic accuracy studies, readers must understand the design, conduct, analysis, and results of such studies. That goal can be achieved only through complete transparency from authors.  Objective:  To improve the accuracy and completeness of reporting of studies of diagnostic accuracy to allow readers to assess the potential for bias in the study and to evaluate its generalisability.  Methods:  The Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) steering committee searched the literature to identify publications on the appropriate conduct and reporting of diagnostic studies and extracted potential items into an extensive list. Researchers, editors, and members of professional organisations shortened this list during a 2-day consensus meeting with the goal of developing a checklist and a generic flow diagram for studies of diagnostic accuracy.  Results:  The search for published guidelines on diagnostic research yielded 33 previously published checklists, from which we extracted a list of 75 potential items. The consensus meeting shortened the list to 25 items, using evidence on bias whenever available. A prototypical flow diagram provides information about the method of patient recruitment, the order of test execution and the numbers of patients undergoing the test under evaluation, the reference standard or both.  Conclusions:  Evaluation of research depends on complete and accurate reporting. If medical journals adopt the checklist and the flow diagram, the quality of reporting of studies of diagnostic accuracy should improve to the advantage of clinicians, researchers, reviewers, journals, and the public.     

Effect of Storage on Fat Acidity and Pasting Characteristics of Wheat Flour

Two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Sunco and Sunsoft, were used to study the influence of storage time and temperature on the formation of starch-lipid complexes in flour pastes. Untreated and fat-reduced whole meal flours were stored separately for up to 12 months at 4, 20, and 30°C. The stored samples were analyzed for fat acidity, pasting properties, and iodine binding values. Fat acidity increased significantly in the untreated flour samples stored at 30 and 20°C compared with 4°C. Starch pasting properties, as measured using a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) indicated that the final viscosity of untreated flour samples of both cultivars increased significantly with storage time and elevated temperature, and correlated positively with increased fat acidity. Iodine binding values of the RVA pastes decreased with storage time and elevated temperature, and correlated negatively with fat acidity and final viscosity. The fat-reduced Sunco and Sunsoft flours showed less pronounced changes compared with untreated flours, whereas small changes in the RVA parameters were noted in grains stored over 12 months. The results indicate that free fatty acids are released during storage and that they increase the potential for starch-lipid complex formation when stored whole meal wheat flours are pasted in the RVA. These changes were evident after two to three months of storage at 20 and 30°C.     

Tools for indigenous agricultural development in Latin America: An anthropologist's perspective

The project of indigenous agricultural development is now widely perceived as valid, given the technological limitations of and the social problems exacerbated by the Green Revolution. Different authors have presented critiques of the Green Revolution based upon their studies of indigenous agricultural practices and their attendant knowledge systems. Such analyses provide important foundations for the promotion of indigenous agricultural development, but do not adequately address the socio-historical dimension. In Latin America, promoting such development must rely upon the reassessment of indigenous culture and ethnic survival by the scientific community.     

Manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves: preparation, characterization, and applications

A thermally stable 3 x 3 octahedral molecular sieve corresponding to natural todorokite (OMS-1) has been synthesized by autoclaving layer-structure manganese oxides, which are prepared by reactions of MnO(4)(-) and Mn(2+) under markedly alkaline conditions. The nature and thermal stability of products depend strongly on preparation parameters, such as the MnO(4)(-)/Mn(2+) ratio, pH, aging, and autoclave conditions. The purest and the most thermally stable todorokite is obtained at a ratio of 0.30 to 0.40. Autoclave treatments at about 150 degrees to 180 degrees C for more than 2 days yield OMS-1, which is as thermally stable (500 degrees C) as natural todorokite minerals. Adsorption data give a tunnel size of 6.9 angstroms and an increase of cyclohexane or carbon tetrachloride uptake with dehydration temperature up to 500 degrees C. At 600 degrees C, the tunnel structure collapses. Both Lewis and Br?nsted acid sites have been observed in OMS-1. Particular applications of these materials include adsorption, electrochemical sensors, and oxidation catalysis.