Consequences of arthropod community structure for an at-risk insectivorous bird.

Global declines in bird and arthropod abundance highlights the importance of understanding the role of food limitation and arthropod community composition for the performance of insectivorous birds. In this study, we link data on nestling diet, arthropod availability and nesting performance for the Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis), an at-risk insectivorous bird native to coastal southern California and Baja Mexico. We used DNA metabarcoding to characterize nestling diets and monitored 8 bird territories over two years to assess the relationship between arthropod and vegetation community composition and bird reproductive success.

Perception of genetically engineered crops in Paraguay.

Paraguay is integrated into the world mainly through its agricultural activity. The population's perception of genetically engineered crops is relevant to design communication strategies that convey the advantages and limitations of the various technologies used in the country. We aimed to know the perception of the population of four Departments of the country where such crops are grown through a survey, which revealed a low level of knowledge about genetically engineered crops in general, and specifically about the effects of genetically engineered crops on production, nutrition, and the environment.

Vascular Forum: collective intelligence in the resolution of vascular clinical cases.

Background: Collective intelligence is extremely important in collective groups that discuss clinical medical cases, assisting professionals in their decision-making processes, and consequently, helping their patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of resolution and characteristics of the clinical discussions carried out in a private instant messaging group and its clinical applicability.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical discussions and events on the Vascular Forum, an open group for specialists accessed with mobile devices.

An advanced case of indium lung disease with progressive emphysema.

Objectives: To report the occurrence of an advanced case of indium lung disease with severely progressive emphysema in an indium-exposed worker.

Case Report: A healthy 42-year-old male smoker was employed to primarily grind indium-tin oxide (ITO) target plates, exposing him to indium for 9 years (1998-2008). In 2004, an epidemiological study was conducted on indium-exposed workers at the factory in which he worked.

Effect of blonanserin on cognitive and social function in acute phase Japanese schizophrenia compared with risperidone.

Background: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of blonanserin (BNS) on the cognitive and social functions of patients with schizophrenia compared with risperidone (RIS) during acute-phase (8-week) treatment.

Methods: A total of 39 schizophrenia inpatients were included in this study. The subjects received either BNS (N=20) or RIS (N=19), and the clinical responses were evaluated periodically.