Differential developmental rates and demographics in Red Kangaroo () populations separated by the dingo barrier fence.

Decommissioning the dingo barrier fence has been suggested to reduce destructive dingo control and encourage a free transfer of biota between environments in Australia. Yet the potential impacts that over a century of predator exclusion might have had on the population dynamics and developmental biology of prey populations has not been assessed. We here combine demographic data and both linear and geometric morphometrics to assess differences in populations among 166 red kangaroos ()-a primary prey species of the dingo-from two isolated populations on either side of the fence.

A Review of Dung Beetle Introductions in the Antipodes and North America: Status, Opportunities, and Challenges.

Following the introduction of cattle, exotic dung beetles (Coleoptera: Aphodiidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae) were imported into the Antipodes (Australia and New Zealand) and North America (primarily the United States) to accelerate the degradation of cattle dung on pastures. The history of dung beetle introductions between the two regions is similar but has not previously been assessed: this is important as new introductions are continuing in the regions. Here, we review these introduction programs, report on their current status, and discuss methodological advances.

Dung beetle species introductions: when an ecosystem service provider transforms into an invasive species.

Dung beetle introduction programmes were designed to accelerate exotic livestock dung degradation and to control dung breeding pestiferous flies and livestock parasites. The introduction programmes provided exotic dung beetle species with an opportunity to cross natural barriers and spread beyond their native range. There are no reports that explain what probable adaptation mechanisms enable particular dung beetle species to be the most successful invader.

The removal of lead, copper, zinc and cadmium from aqueous solution by biochar and amended biochars.

The exponential growth in the use of motor vehicles is a key contributor to freshwater degradation. Current remediation techniques require prohibitively expensive contaminant treatment and extraction. Biochar represents an inexpensive option to ameliorate contaminants from motorway runoff.

Use of Rapid Reduced Electric Field Switching to Enhance Compound Specificity for Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry.

The high sensitivity of proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) makes it a suitable analytical tool for detecting trace compounds. Its specificity is primarily determined by the accuracy of identifying the m/ z of the product ions specific to a particular compound. However, specificity can be enhanced by changing the product ions (concentrations and types) through modifying the reduced electric field.

Enhancement of Compound Selectivity Using a Radio Frequency Ion-Funnel Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer: Improved Specificity for Explosive Compounds.

A key issue with any analytical system based on mass spectrometry with no initial separation of compounds is to have a high level of confidence in chemical assignment. This is particularly true for areas of security, such as airports, and recent terrorist attacks have highlighted the need for reliable analytical instrumentation. Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry is a useful technology for these purposes because the chances of false positives are small owing to the use of a mass spectrometric analysis.

Absorption of metals in mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) after ingesting nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks.

Previous research has alluded to the potential of metals being absorbed by fish after ingesting fishing hooks, which may have adverse effects on fish health and the organisms that consume them. Subsequently, this study aimed to quantify the potential of mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) to absorb metals during the decay of ingested nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks. Twenty-five treatment fish were allowed to ingest nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks during angling and then monitored with 25 controls (untreated fish) for up to 42 days for hook ejection and mortality.

A rare case of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome relieved by hot water bathing.

We present here a case of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which is an under-recognised disorder presenting in chronic abusers of cannabis typically as cyclical vomiting relieved by frequent hot baths. Increased awareness of CHS allows for earlier recognition by emergency departments, leading to prompter treatment and the prevention of future recurrence through cannabis cessation.

Hepatotoxicity from anabolic androgenic steroids marketed as dietary supplements: contribution from ATP8B1/ABCB11 mutations?

Background: Though possession of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) is illegal, non-prescription use of AAS persists.

Methods: We describe two Caucasian males (aged 25 and 45 years) with cholestatic hepatitis following ingestion of the dietary supplement Mass-Drol ('Celtic Dragon') containing the AAS 2α-17α-dimethyl-etiocholan-3-one,17β-ol.

Results: Despite substantial hyperbilirubinaemia peak gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) remained normal.

Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in moderate and high risk groups (update from 2002).

The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the Association of Coloproctology for Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) commissioned this update of the 2002 guidance. The aim, as before, is to provide guidance on the appropriateness, method and frequency of screening for people at moderate and high risk from colorectal cancer. This guidance provides some new recommendations for those with inflammatory bowel disease and for those at moderate risk resulting from a family history of colorectal cancer.

Mortality and physical damage of angled-and-released dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus.

We completed 2 experiments to quantify the mortality and physical damage (fin, blood and scale loss) of angled dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus during a live weigh-in tournament (Expt 1) and after being immediately released by anglers (Expt 2). In each experiment, 84 and 79 angled P. fuscus were placed into up to 6 replicate tanks and, along with appropriate numbers of controls, monitored for mortalities over 5 d.