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Machine learning tools capable of identifying animals by sound have proliferated, making the challenge of interpreting their outputs much more prevalent. These tools, like their predecessors, quantify prediction uncertainty with scores that tend to resemble probabilities but are actually unitless scores that are (generally) positively related to prediction accuracy in species-specific ways. BirdNET is one such tool, a freely available animal sound identification algorithm capable of identifying > 6,000 species, most of them birds. We describe two ways in which BirdNET "confidence scores"—and the output scores of other detector tools—can be used appropriately to interpret BirdNET results (reviewing them down to a user-defined threshold or converting them to probabilities), and provide a step-by-step tutorial to follow these suggestions. These suggestions are complementary to common performance metrics like precision, recall, and receiver operating characteristic. BirdNET can be a powerful tool for acoustic-based biodiversity research, but its utility depends on the careful use and interpretation of its outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive acoustic monitoring has proven effective for broad-scale population surveys of acoustically active species, making it a valuable tool for conserving threatened species. However, successful automated classification of anuran vocalisations in large audio datasets has been limited. We deployed five autonomous recording units at three known breeding areas of the Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus), which is threatened and relatively uncommon, and the sympatric Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla), which is widespread and more common, to test the viability of bioacoustics as a means of supplementing ongoing, human survey efforts. We analysed the audio data with the BirdNET algorithm, which was originally developed for birds but has been expanded to include both species. We achieved efficient and accurate identification of both species in 2,756 h of audio, which yielded high-resolution phenological data about seasonal and daily vocal activity as well as daily detection counts. These findings demonstrate that a newly expanded machine learning detector, BirdNET, can effectively process passive acoustic surveys for these species. Further exploration of how passive acoustic monitoring may complement existing survey techniques for these and other Anurans is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BirdNET App, a free bird sound identification app for Android and iOS that includes over 3,000 bird species, reduces barriers to citizen science while generating tens of millions of bird observations globally that can be used to replicate known patterns in avian ecology. Involving the general public in research through free bird sound identification apps such as BirdNET can generate tens of millions of bird observations globally, helping citizen science to power avian ecology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Individual movement behaviour governs several routine processes, and may scale up to important ecological processes, including dispersal. However, movement is affected by a wealth of factors, including abiotic conditions, flight performance, and behavioural traits. Although it has been historically assumed that insect flight is in the first place ruled by physiology and morphology, researchers have only recently begun to understand the potentially important role of behavioural traits. 2. This study aims to disentangle the relative importance of thermal conditions during development, and especially flight performance (capacity), versus behaviour (intrinsic motivation) in relation to movement attributes (i.e. time until take‐off, number of positions visited) under controlled laboratory conditions in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana. 3. As predicted, links were found between flight performance (forced flight) and morphological traits (body size). However, this link was less pronounced for movement and exploratory behaviour, suggesting a more pronounced role of intrinsic motivation on the actual decision to move, or not. Thus, flight performance and movement may not be intimately associated. 4. Flight behaviour was mainly determined by sexual differences, with males showing better flight performance, higher mobility, and enhanced exploration than females. 5. Lower developmental temperatures increased thorax–abdomen ratio, thorax mass, and exploratory behaviour, and decreased wing loading. This may potentially aid flight capacity under thermally challenging conditions. 6. This study adds to the growing evidence that behavioural traits should not be neglected when investigating movement and dispersal, as they may well play a crucially important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological disturbances are becoming more extensive and intensive globally, a trend exemplified by 'megafires' and industrial deforestation, which cause widespread losses of forest cover. Yet the hypothesis that contemporary environmental disturbances are affecting biodiversity has been difficult to test directly.The novel combination of landscape‐scale passive acoustic monitoring, a new machine learning algorithm, BirdNET and improved Bayesian model‐fitting engines enables cohesive, community‐level before‐after, control‐impact studies of disturbances. We conducted such a study of a 2020 megafire in the Sierra Nevada, USA. We used a bespoke dynamic multi‐species occupancy modelling approach, which enabled us to account for imperfect detection, misclassifications, and to share information among species.There was no community‐level difference in colonization between burned and unburned forest. In contrast, the probability of site extinction in burned forest, 0.36, was significantly higher than in unburned forest, 0.12. Of the 67 species in our study, 6 (9%) displayed a positive colonization response to the fire, while 28 (41%) displayed a significant extinction response.We observed a 12% decrease in avian biodiversity 1 year post‐fire, and a substantial shift in community composition. However, in this ecosystem, many species display time‐dependent responses to the fire that are unobservable after just 1 year.Synthesis and applications. We have shown that three emerging conservation technologies, passive acoustic monitoring, machine learning animal sound identification algorithms, and advances in Bayesian statistical tools, can provide previously unattainable information about biodiversity responses to ecological change. Critically, our approach is transferrable and scalable, as the workflow is agnostic to species or ecosystem and each component is either freely available (all relevant software) or relatively inexpensive (recording hardware). Environmental change is unfolding rapidly, but new analytical techniques may help our understanding and—thus interventions—keep pace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population declines and range contractions due to habitat loss are pervasive among nonhuman primates, with 60% of species threatened with extinction. However, the extensive vocal activity displayed by many primates makes them excellent candidates for passive acoustic surveys. Passive acoustic survey data is increasingly being used to support occupancy models, which have proven to be an efficient means of estimating both population trends and distributions. Passive acoustic surveys can be conducted relatively quickly and at broad scales, but efficient audio data processing has long proven elusive. The machine learning algorithm BirdNET was originally developed for birds but was recently expanded to include nonavian taxa. We demonstrate that BirdNET can accurately and efficiently identify an endangered primate, the Yucatán black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra), by sound in passive acoustic survey data (collected in southeastern Chiapas, Mexico), enabling us to use a single‐season occupancy model to inform further survey efforts. Importantly, we also generated data on up to 286 co‐occurring bird species, demonstrating the value of integrated animal sound classification tools for biodiversity surveys. BirdNET is freely available, requires no computer science expertise to use, and can readily be expanded to include more species (e.g., its species list recently tripled to >3000), suggesting that passive acoustic surveys, and thus occupancy modeling, for primate conservation could rapidly become much more accessible. Importantly, the long history of bioacoustics in primate research has yielded a wealth of information about their vocal behavior, which can facilitate appropriate survey design and data interpretation. Highlights: The BirdNET algorithm was developed to identify birds by sound but was recently expanded to include non‐avian taxa; we demonstrate that it can identify an endangered primate, the Yucatán black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra).BirdNET‐based howler monkey detections enabled us to use an occupancy model to inform further survey efforts—and to generate data on up to 286 co‐occurring bird species, illustrating the value of multispecies classifiers for biodiversity surveys.Combining free and easy‐to‐use tools like BirdNET, passive acoustic surveys, and occupancy modeling can facilitate rapid, broad‐scale assessments of primate population trends and distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biosynthesis is well elucidated for 5-hydroxyflavonoids (phloroglucinol type), but for 5-deoxyflavonoids (resorcinol type) the knowledge is still limited. We provide detailed and optimized protocols for the synthesis of (14C)-labeled 6′-deoxychalcones, 5-deoxyflavanones, 5-deoxydihydroflavonols and 5-deoxyleucoanthocyanidins. With the exception of the formation of 6′-deoxychalcones, all steps were performed enzymatically using enzymes normally involved in the formation of 5-hydroxyflavonoids. The availability of (14C)-labeled substrates will facilitate future work on the hitherto largely unknown biosynthesis of 5-deoxyflavonoids. In particular, the 5-deoxyleucoanthocyanidins, which are more stable than the corresponding 5-hydroxy compounds, may provide excellent tools for investigating enzymes, which use the unstable 5-hydroxyleucoanthocyanidins as natural substrates. As a first example, the conversion of (14C)-labeled 5-deoxyleucoanthocyanidins to dihydroflavonols in the presence of NADP+ was shown. Studies with defined genotypes of Matthiola incana possessing or lacking dihydroflavonol 4-reductase activity and genetically modified yeast expressing the Matthiola enzyme confirmed that the reaction is catalyzed by the well-known dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, which catalyzes the conversion of dihydroflavonols to leucoanthocyanidins (forward reaction). Thus, the reverse reaction of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase could be demonstrated for the first time. The forward reaction shows an optimum at pH 6.25, the reverse reaction at pH 7.75. The impact of the results on the regulation of flavonoid accumulation is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) produces disabling symptoms and requires major clinical interventions over a number of years. There is consensus that quality-of-life (QoL) assessment should be part of assessing the treatment and outcome of CP. These symptoms and treatments resemble those of pancreatic cancer, for which there are validated QoL assessment instruments. The aim of our study was to assess the appropriateness of using the EORTC QoL assessment system for pancreatic cancer (the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26) for patients with CP, and to document important issues that affect QoL in these patients.METHODS: A structured literature review was undertaken to determine current approaches to QoL in pancreatic disease. Sixty-six patients with newly diagnosed or treated CP were asked to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 in four countries (Germany, Italy, South Africa, and United Kingdom). Patients were asked to review the appropriateness of the content and structure of the instruments, during a directed interview. Standard psychometric tests were used to assess the reliability and validity of the instruments. Peer review was undertaken to review findings and adapt the QLQ-PAN26 on the basis of the responses obtained.RESULTS: The literature review highlighted the potential value of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and identified the lack of a CP-specific instrument, which had been appropriately developed. There was overwhelming consensus among experts that the EORTC assessment system appeared suitable for use in CP patients. This was endorsed by all patients. Patients identified additional issues related to guilt about the use of alcohol and the burden of trying to abstain. All but one scale (jaundice) exhibited adequate internal consistency (r>0.70) Construct validity of the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 showed strong associations between conceptually related scales (r>0.6,p<0.001) and significantly discriminated between patients on the basis of performance status and requirement for opiate analgesia. Significant issues affecting QoL in CP patients, in addition to recognized symptoms of the disease, were fear of future health problems, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue.CONCLUSION: The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 appear to be an appropriate assessment system for CP, with the addition of items to cover guilt about alcohol consumption, and the burden of abstention. Patients' QoL is adversely affected by the fear of future health problems, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue.(Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:918–926) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several analgesics are in use for pain control in patients with acute pancreatitis. Procaine hydrochloride (procaine) has a long tradition and is recommended by the German Society of Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases for pain treatment in patients with acute pancreatitis. There is no controlled trial showing that procaine could be effective for pain treatment. Methods: In an open, randomized, controlled trial, 107 patients (76 male, 31 female; mean age 45 ± 12 years) were included and randomized either to receive procaine (n = 55) or pentazocine (n = 52) for pain relief. Procaine 2 g/ 24 h was administered by continuous intravenous infusion, pentazocine 30 mg was administered every 6 h as a bolus intravenous injection. Pentazocine was additionally administered on demand whenever required in patients of both treatment groups and its total consumption was recorded. Pain scores were assessed twice daily on a visual analogue scale. Results: Patients receiving procaine were significantly more likely to request additional analgesics compared to patients treated with pentazocine alone, 98 vs. 44%, respectively (p < 0.001). Procaine did not reduce the amount of pentazocine required for pain control. The amount of pentazocine given in both groups was not statistically significantly different. Recorded pain scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients in the pentazocine group during the first 3 days of analgesic treatment. From day 4 on there was no significant difference in pain scores among the two groups. Conclusion: Thus, intravenous procaine treatment is not effective for pain control in patients with acute pancreatitis. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the value of interventional endoscopy in patients with strictures of the common bile duct (CBD) caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP), and to define the subset of patients who may be at risk for failure of endoscopic intervention, in a prospective follow-up study.: MethodsA total of 61 patients with symptomatic CBD strictures caused by alcoholic CP were treated by endoscopic stent insertion for 1 yr with scheduled stent changes every 3 months. After the treatment period, all patients entered a follow-up program.: ResultsInitial endoscopic drainage was successful in all cases, with complete resolution of obstructive jaundice. After 1 yr from the initial stent insertion, in 19 patients (31.1%) the obstruction was resolved, and stents were removed without any need of additional procedures. During a median follow-up of 40 months (range 18–66 months), 16 patients had no recurrence of symptomatic CBD stricture (long term success rate 26.2%). Of 45 patients who needed definitive therapy, 12 patients (19.7%) were treated with repeated plastic stent insertion and three (4.9%) with insertion of a metal stent, and 30 patients (49.2%) underwent surgery. Among the variables tested, calcification of the pancreatic head was the only factor that was found to be of prognostic value. Of 39 patients with calcification of the pancreatic head, only three (7.7%) were successfully treated by a 1-yr period of plastic stent therapy, whereas in 13 of 22 patients (59.1%) without calcification, this treatment was successful (p < 0.001).: ConclusionsEndoscopic drainage of biliary obstruction provides excellent short term but only moderate long term results. Patients without calcifications of the pancreatic head benefit from biliary stenting. Patients with calcifications were identified to have a 17-fold (95% CI = 4–74) increased risk of failure of a 12 month course of endoscopic stenting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cytosolic and plastidic L-glutamine synthetase (EC 6.3.1.2) isoenzymes from Sphagnum fallax Klinggr. (Klinggr. clone 1) were separated by size-exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. The cytosolic enzyme (GS1) was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity. The native enzyme had a molecular mass of 390 ± 20 kDa as estimated by gel filtration and was apparently composed of 8 subunits with molecular masses of 48 kDa. GS1 activity could be measured from pH 6.8 to 8.6 in 50mM imidazole buffer, with a broad optimum between pH 7.2 and 8.0. The Km values were 2.5 mM, 0.5 mM and 0.5 mM for L-glutamate, ammonium and ATP, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by more than 10 mM ammonium or glutamate. The incorporation of 15NH4+ into amino acids was observed in vivo using 15N NMR. Label from ammonium was first detected in the amide N of glutamine, and only subsequently in the amino N of glutamate. Moreover, no assimilation was detected in the presence of the specific GS inhibitor methionine sulfoximine. These observations are consistent with a dominant role for GS in the assimilation of ammonium in Sphagnum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) is an older‐forest associated species that resides at the center of forest management planning in the Sierra Nevada and Southern California, USA, which are experiencing increasingly large and severe wildfires and drought‐related tree mortality. We leveraged advances in passive acoustic survey technologies to develop an acoustically assisted survey design that could increase the efficiency and effectiveness of project‐level surveys for spotted owls, allowing surveys to be completed in a single year instead of in multiple years. We deployed an array of autonomous recording units (ARUs) across a landscape and identified spotted owl vocalizations in the resulting audio using BirdNET. We then evaluated spatio‐temporal patterns in spotted owl vocalizations near occupied territories and the ability of a crew naïve to the location of occupied territories to locate spotted owls based on patterns of acoustic detections. After only 3 weeks of acoustic surveys, ≥1 ARU within 750 m of all 17 occupied territories obtained spotted owl detections across ≥2 nights. When active surveys using broadcast calling were conducted near ARUs with spotted owl detections by surveyors naïve to territory occupancy status and locations, surveyors located owls in 93% to 100% of occupied territories with ≤3 surveys. To further improve the efficiency of spotted owl surveys, we developed a statistical model to identify and prioritize areas across the Sierra Nevada for different survey methods (active only, acoustically assisted, no surveys) based on the expected probability of occupancy predicted from remotely sensed measurements of tree height and historical occupancy. Depending on managers' tolerance for false negatives, this model could help identify large areas that might not benefit from surveys based on low expected occupancy probabilities and areas where acoustically assisted surveys might enhance survey effectiveness and efficiency. Collectively, these findings can help managers streamline the survey process and thus increase the pace of forest restoration while minimizing potential near‐term adverse effects on California spotted owls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) continues to rise in Europe with a shift of the primary cause towards alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolic factors like diabetes mellitus and overweight have been identified as significant risk factors for HCC development. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis in a large single-center cohort of 650 patients diagnosed with HCC was performed. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, tumor stage at diagnosis and survival were evaluated. Results: Among 650 patients (aged 17-87 years, with a male: female ratio of 4:1), 80.8% had underlying liver cirrhosis. Alcohol abuse was identified as the only risk factor for liver cirrhosis in 52.2% of patients. Viral infection with hepatitis C and hepatitis B was present in 13.7 and 3.6% of patients, respectively. 66.1% of patients with HCC were overweight with a body mass index exceeding 25, 25.5% even exceeding 30; 52% of patients had diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Strategies aiming at prevention and surveillance of patients at risk to develop HCC in the future need to widen the focus from patients with chronic viral hepatitis and a history of alcohol abuse to patients with metabolic risk factors. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is only little information about the spontaneous course of large pancreatic serous tumours. We followed up a white woman with a giant serous microcystic adenoma over more than 20 years. At first clinical presentation, in 1986, the tumour measured 4.5 cm in diameter. Two years later, it measured 6 cm and was considered as non-resectable at laparotomy. A biopsy was obtained, and the tumour was diagnosed as lymphangioma, based on hematoxylin and eosin-staining. During the follow-up, the tumour progressively increased in size, measuring 12 cm in diameter in 1993 and 17 cm in 2000. Thus, an average growth rate of 0.83 cm per year was calculated. Unspecific abdominal discomfort and pain were the leading clinical symptoms. A colonic resection was necessary because of compression by the tumour in 1993. Portal hypertension was detected at laparotomy. Finally, the initial biopsy specimen was re-evaluated, using immunohistochemistry, and the final diagnosis of a serous microcystic adenoma was made. This unique case demonstrates that the spontaneous course of serous microcystic adenoma of the pancreas may be favourable even with huge tumour size and that immunohistochemistry may prove a valuable tool for differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions. Due to their size and progressive, space-occupying growth, these biologically benign tumours may cause injury to adjacent organs and thus clinical symptoms. For this reason, curative surgical resection is the treatment of choice for this tumour entity except for small, asymptomatic lesions, which do not require intervention. When radical resection is impossible, palliative surgery may improve the quality of life for several years. The risk of malignant transformation seems to be low even in the long-term course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) using the pull-technique is the standard method for enteral feeding in patients with swallowing disorders. A different introducer technique with endoscopically controlled gastropexy is available avoiding oropharyngeal passage with the internal bumper. The aim of the study was to assess long-term safety of this technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and November 2001, 684 patients received a PEG in our prospective cohort trial. In 92.5% of cases a PEG was applied using the pull-through technique. In 6.7% of the patients (40 males, 6 females, mean age 60.6 yr) primary PEG application using the pull-through technique was not possible and an endoscopical controlled introducer PEG (Cliny PEG 13 CH (= 13 F), AP Nenno, Germany) with two gastropexies was placed. Data collection criteria included application success, infectious complications (within 180 days), other complications (within 180 days), and mortality (within 180 days). Procedure, catheter change, and follow-up were standardized. RESULTS: PEG placement was successful in all patients. During initial follow-up we saw a low rate of minor problems. In one case a peristomal peritonitis was seen due to detachment of two gastropexy sutures. During long-term follow-up only one local infection requiring antibiotic treatment occurred on day 14. We observed no treatment related mortality. In most of the patients the primary catheter was changed into a secondary system as scheduled. The average observation period was 131.8 days (range: 15–180 days). CONCLUSION: The Cliny PEG 13 CH can be placed safely in an endoscopically controlled introducer procedure with dual gastropexy. Long-term follow-up of the patients revealed only minor complications. Primary indication is given in patients in whom PEG placement using the pull-through technique is not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cancer chemotherapy is often limited by patient''s toxicity and tumor drug resistance indicating that new drug development and modification of existing drugs is critical for improving the therapeutic response. Traditional Chinese medicine is a rich source of potential anticancer agents. In particular, cantharidin (CAN), the active principle ingredient from the blister beetle, Mylabris, has anti-tumor activity, but the cytotoxic mechanism is unknown. In leukemia cells, cantharidin induces apoptosis by a p53-dependent mechanism. Cantharidin causes both DNA single- and double-strand breaks. Colony-forming assays with knockout and transfectant cells lines showed that DNA polymerase β, but not ERCC1, conferred increased cell survival after cantharidin treatment, indicating that base excision repair (BER), rather than nucleotide excision repair (NER), is important for CAN-induced DNA lesions. Oxidative stress-resistant thymic lymphoma-derived WEHI7.2 variants are also more resistant to cantharidin. These data suggest that cantharidin treatment causes oxidative stress that provokes DNA damage and p53-dependent apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Bioacoustics methods enable ecosystem-scale survey coverage for species of concern. • Population detail afforded by local-scale surveys can be challenging to obtain. • Integrating ecosystem and local scale surveys yields estimates of population size. • Spotted owls are rare but well distributed across the Sierra Nevada. • Landscape-scale experimental removal of barred owl successful after two years. Monitoring population size at ecosystem scales is difficult for most species of conservation concern. While assessing site occupancy at broad scales has proven feasible, rigorous tracking of changes in population size over time has not – even though it can provide a stronger basis for assessing population status and conservation-decision making. Therefore, we demonstrate how relatively low-intensity, ecosystem-scale passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can be linked to local-density monitoring to estimate the population size of native California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) and invasive barred owls (S. varia) across the western Sierra Nevada, California. Based on a PAM sampling grid with 400 ha cells (the approximate home range size of these species), we estimated site occupancy to be between 0.42 (SE = 0.02) and 0.30 (SE = 0.02) for California spotted owls using relatively liberal and strict criteria, respectively, for considering a cell occupied. PAM-based site occupancy estimates within local-scale density monitoring study areas (range = 0.41–0.78 and 0.28–0.76 for liberal and strict criteria, respectively) were strongly and positively correlated with local density (range = 0.08–0.31 owl/km2) for this species. In contrast, ecosystem-wide site occupancy of barred owls was very low based on PAM (0.034, SE < 0.01), as were densities within local monitoring studies (range = 0–0.005 owls/km2). By scaling ecosystem-wide site occupancy estimates to densities estimated with local monitoring studies, we estimated that, depending on occupancy criteria, 2,218 (SE = 278) or 2,328 (SE = 489) California spotted owls occurred in the Sierra Nevada ecosystem in 2021. Thus, while California spotted owls are a rare subspecies, they were well-distributed across the Sierra Nevada. Because there were so few barred owl detections, we could not estimate ecosystem-scale abundance, which reflects the success of prior experimental removals in the region. In conclusion, our study provides a generalizable framework for estimating population size for territorial species with PAM at ecosystem scales when local-scale estimates of density are available. Thus, we demonstrate that this approach can provide novel and valuable insights into monitoring populations to aid species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light pollution, especially artificial light at night, has been repeatedly found to affect bird behaviour, resulting in an earlier start of morning activities. However, as thus far only a limited number of species has been investigated, the generality of the effects of light pollution on animal behaviour is difficult to assess. As such effects may be less pronounced in species starting their activity at rather high light intensities,we here investigated the effects of artificial light on themorning activity of a late-active non-passerine, theWood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), within the breeding period in north-eastern Germany. Additionally, we scored prevailingweather conditions,which typically also affectmorning activity. Despite pronounced differences in the distance to the nearest artificial light source and inmean radiance between urban and ruralWood Pigeons, the onset ofmorning activity did not differ between the two habitat types. Instead, it was affected by prevailing weather conditions (temperature, cloud cover).We conclude that responses to light pollution are likely species-specific, and that species starting their activity late in the day may be in general less affected. For such species prevailingweather conditions are likelymore important for daily activity patterns than light pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Quisqualis indica is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancer and related syndromes and also known for its anthelminthic effects. Aim of the study Soft tissue sarcomas represent a rare group of malignant tumors that frequently exhibit chemotherapeutic resistance and increased metastatic potential. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic, apoptosis inducing and cell cycle arresting effects of 25-O-acetyl-23,24-dihydro-cucurbitacin F which has been isolated from leaves and twigs of Q. indica . Material and methods The present study investigates the effects of 25-O-acetyl-23,24-dihydro-cucurbitacin F ( 1 ) on cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and apoptotic induction of three human sarcoma cell lines of various origins by using the CellTiter 96 ® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay, flow cytometrical experiments, real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and the Caspase-Glo ® 3/7 Assay Results We could show that 1 reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and arrested the cells at the G2/M interface. The accumulation of cells at the G2/M phase resulted in a significant decrease of the cell cycle checkpoint regulators cyclin B1, cyclin A, CDK1, and CDK2. Interestingly, 1 inhibited survivin expression significantly, which functions as a key regulator of mitosis and programmed cell death, and is overexpressed in many tumor types including sarcomas. Moreover, 1 induced apoptosis in liposarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells caspase-3 dependently. Conclusion Our data strongly support 1 as a very interesting target for further investigation and development of novel therapeutics in sarcoma research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an extensive screening, the antiviral, antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties of extracts from 82 plants used in traditional Chinese medicine and European phytomedicine were determined. Several promising plants that were highly effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV)-a flavivirus used here as a surrogate in vitro model of hepatitis C virus, trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) and several cancer cell lines were identified. Six aqueous extracts from Celosia cristata, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Houttuynia cordata, Selaginella tamariscina, Alpinia galanga and Alpinia oxyphylla showed significant antiviral effects against BVDV without toxic effects on host embryonic bovine trachea (EBTr) cells, while Evodia lepta, Hedyotis diffusa and Glycyrrhiza spp. demonstrated promising activities against the HBV without toxic effects on host human hepatoblastoma cells transfected with HBV-DNA (HepG2 2.2.15) cells. Seven organic extracts from Alpinia oxyphylla, Coptis chinensis, Kadsura longipedunculata, Arctium lappa, Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Saposhnikovia divaricata inhibited T. b. brucei. Moreover, among fifteen water extracts that combined high antiproliferative activity (IC50 0.5-20 μg/mL) and low acute in vitro toxicity (0-10% reduction in cell viability at IC50), Coptis chinensis presented the best beneficial characteristics. In conclusion, traditional herbal medicine from Europe and China still has a potential for new therapeutic targets and therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Transabdominal ultrasound (US) is the most frequently used imaging method for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution US in the diagnosis of common bile duct stones depending on the operator's experience and in comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) as the gold standard. Material and methods. From April 2003 through November 2004, 126 patients referred because of clinically and biochemically suspected common bile duct stones were included in the study. Two patients were excluded because they refused to undergo ERC. Consequently, the study comprised 124 patients (86 F, 38 M, mean age 63.2 years, range 21–91 years). High-resolution US was performed (2–5 MHz sector scanner; Siemens Elegra, Erlangen, Germany) by operators who were unaware of the results of other imaging procedures. The definitive diagnosis was established by means of ERC. Results. Thirty-five out of 124 patients were investigated by experienced examiners. Twenty-seven of 35 patients (77%) were found to have stones at ERC. Bile duct stones were correctly found by US in 22 out of 27 patients (sensitivity 82%, 95% CI: 63–92). Of the 8 patients without stones at ERC, one false-positive diagnosis was made with US (specificity 88%, 95% CI: 53–98). Correct diagnoses were made in 29 out of 35 (accuracy 83%, 95% CI: 67–92) patients investigated by experienced examiners. Eighty-nine out of 124 patients were investigated by less-experienced examiners. Fifty-four of 89 patients (61%) were found to have stones at ERC. Choledocholithiasis was found correctly in only 25 out of 54 patients (sensitivity 46%, 95% CI: 34–59). Of the 35 patients without stones at ERC, three false-positive diagnoses were made with US (specificity 91%, 95% CI: 78–97). In conclusion, correct diagnoses were observed in 57 of 89 patients (accuracy 64%, 95% CI: 54–73) investigated by less-experienced examiners ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Imatinib targets KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) and is highly effective in the treatment of CML and GIST patients. Pancreatic cancers express KIT and PDGFRs. Therefore, 26 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer were randomized to either gemcitabine (1000mg/m2 weekly) or imatinib (2×400mg po) treatment daily. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was confirmed histologically and expression of KIT and PDGFRβ was determined immunohistochemically in the biopsy specimens. Quality of life was assessed with two standard questionnaires. No objective responses were seen in either group. Median time to progression was 77 and 29 days (P=0.411) and median survival time was 140 and 60 days (P=0.517) for gemcitabine and imatinib, respectively. Survival and treatment responses were independent of KIT and PDGFRβ expression in patients treated with imatinib. Grade 3/4 toxicities of imatinib treatment were anemia, elevated liver enzymes, vomiting, and dyspnea. Patients treated with imatinib reported diarrhoea and/or altered bowel function more frequently, which were treatable symptomatically. Quality of life was similar in both groups. In this small series of pancreatic cancer patients, treatment with imatinib was not associated with a significant control of cancer progression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis of Barrett's mucosa is incompletely understood. Acidic gastro-esophageal reflux is considered an essential causative factor. The aim of this study was to detect esophageal columnar metaplasia after total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy, a condition of enteric, but nonacidic reflux. METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with a history of total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy were investigated for the presence of columnar metaplasia in the remnant esophagus. Patients with such history, who were now referred for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, were included during a 2-yr period. Biopsies for histopathology were taken from the anastomosis and any columnar metaplasia of the esophagus. RESULTS: In 8 of 25 patients (32%) with a history of gastrectomy, columnar metaplasia was found in the remnant esophagus, mostly in shape of tongues, partly associated with erosive reflux esophagitis. Histopathology showed a typical small-bowel mucosa, but with some villous atrophy. In a resection specimen, a double-layered muscularis mucosa was present, which proved the metaplastic nature of the intestinal mucosa. Length of the columnar metaplasia correlated with the time interval since surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal mucosa, if exposed long term to an enteric, but nongastric refluxate, can evolve into a highly differentiated intestinal metaplasia, which resembles small-bowel mucosa. This proves that complete-type intestinal metaplasia may arise not only in the stomach, but also in the esophagus. Esophageal intestinalization seems to reflect adaptation to enteric reflux. (Am J Gastroenterol 2005;100:1–9) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]