mrrandallallen - Tumblr blog

[mrrandallallen]

Chiropractors treating children – is it not time to stop these charlatans?

The purpose of this recently published survey was to obtain the demographic profile and educational background of chiropractors with paediatric patients on a multinational scale. A multinational online cross-sectional demographic survey was conducted over a 15-day period in July 2010. The survey was electronically administered via chiropractic associations in 17 countries, using SurveyMonkey for data […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2VmlfRh

[mrrandallallen]

Anolis evermanni in El Yunque, Puerto Rico

Believed to be an A. evermanni, spotted on a tree truck in El Yunque.  Does anyone know what the identifying characteristics of evermanni are?

  from Anole Annals http://bit.ly/2IDH0Gs

[mrrandallallen]

El Yunque Anolis

Hello all!  I’m working on Puerto Rican anole field identification.  Here’s a specimen I photographed on the ruins atop El Yunque on March 4, 2019.  I think it’s a juvenile  A. evermanni, but I’m curious what you guys think!

  from Anole Annals http://bit.ly/2XxUruO

[mrrandallallen]

‘Mom’s Choice Awards’ for a homeopathic product – was it for the maximum number of false claims in one single product?

‘Mom’s Choice Awards’ have just honoured the homeopathic product ‘COLD CALM KIDS’. This remedy has the following ingredients: Allium cepa 3C HPUS Apis mellifica 15C HPUS Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C HPUS Gelsemium sempervirens 6C HPUS Kali bichromicum 6C HPUS Nux vomica 3C HPUS Phytolacca decandra 6C HPUS Pulsatilla 6C HPUS 3C = a dilution of 1:1000000 […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2GmMbGY

[mrrandallallen]

A risk-benefit assessment of (chiropractic) neck manipulation

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), especially hyperextension and rotation. have often been associated with cervical artery dissection (CAD), a tear in the internal carotid or the vertebral artery resulting in an intramural haematoma and/or an aneurysmal dilatation. But is the association causal? This question is often the subject of fierce discussions between chiropractors and the real doctors. […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2IHJgM2

[mrrandallallen]

Scanning Electron Microscopy of an Anolis sagrei egg

Image 1. SEM image of A. sagrei egg at 42X magnification.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technique that utilizes electron beams that interact with and reflect the surface of a viewed specimen. These reflections allow the evaluation of surface topology and ultrastructure and give high-resolution detail about external structures and cellular arrangements (Goldstein et al. 2017). To create a reflection on specimen surfaces, a thin layer of gold is mechanically applied through a process known as “sputter-coating.” Recently, graduate students at Auburn University had the opportunity to view their own collected biological samples with SEM through an Applied and Environmental Microbiology course taught by Dr. Mark Liles.

As a student in this class, I had the opportunity to view a chosen sample under this process. While I highly debated bringing in an anole fecal sample (which would have been gold-coated and placed on my desk for a lifetime), I decided to view a recently dried, fertile A. sagrei egg collected from the lab of my advisor, Dr. Daniel Warner. The microbial communities on the surface of this egg were most likely highly impacted by the influence of drying (see image descriptions below); this is due to sample preparation required by conventional SEM, whereby water vaporization will distort images if the sample is not completely dry. Part of my research within the Warner lab involves investigating the microbial communities on the external surface of eggshells; thus, this class has provided an excellent opportunity to explore how varying environmental factors can influence eggshell microbiomes. The photos taken and attached were observed on 03 April 2019.

In Image 1 at 42X magnification, you can see the influence of drying from the large indentions on the egg as well as horizontal cracking within the surface itself. However, under closer inspection fungal and bacterial structures begin to appear. In Image 2 at 397X magnification, you can view a filamentous structure that we predict to be fungi. One of the limitations of SEM is that while structures can be easily viewed, they may not always be as easily identifiable. At 1,500X and 1,5700X, we can see a magnified image of a fungal root (Image 3) and potential bacterial cells above the spiral filamentous structure (Image 4).

Image 2. SEM image of A. sagrei egg at 397X magnification.

Image 3. SEM image of A. sagrei egg at 1,500X magnification. 

  Image 4. SEM image of A. sagrei egg at 1,5700X magnification.

The images above highlight the interesting use of SEM for reptilian eggs, especially those small enough to be entirely encompassed under a microscope (< 1.5 mm long). SEM observations can also be used to elucidate differences in eggshell structures, thickness, and porosity (Heulin et al. 2002). Additionally, SEM use within the classroom setting has allowed students to gain applicable skills and techniques, as well as their own photographs (Beane 2004).

References:

Beane, Rachel J. 2004. “Using the Scanning Electron Microscope for Discovery Based Learning in Undergraduate Courses.” Journal of Geoscience Education 52 (3): 250–53. http://bit.ly/2GtABtE.

Goldstein, Joseph I., Dale E. Newbury, Joseph R. Michael, Nicholas W. M. Ritchie, John Henry J. Scott, and David C. Joy. 2017. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. Springer.

Heulin, Benoit, Samuele Ghielmi, Nusa Vogrin, Yann Surget‐Groba, and Claude Pierre Guillaume. 2002. “Variation in Eggshell Characteristics and in Intrauterine Egg Retention between Two Oviparous Clades of the Lizard Lacerta Vivipara: Insight into the Oviparity–Viviparity Continuum in Squamates.” Journal of Morphology 252 (3): 255–62. http://bit.ly/2UN1oLz.

from Anole Annals http://bit.ly/2GsIaAR

[mrrandallallen]

Yup’ik Bentwood Bowls

Among the many traditions of bowl carving is the Yup’ik method of bending a separate length of wood that attaches to the hollowed base and serves as a higher rim.  The interaction between material, hands, eyes — and teeth — to create the form and a tight connection is simply wonderful.  I stumbled onto the short video above that features Yup’ik traditional scholars sharing memories of how these objects were made.  The video also includes some close ups of the bowls.

I’m still pretty clueless, but one thing I notice is the thickening of the rims along the straighter portions of the bowl.  Seems to me that the wood has been made thinner where they want a tighter bend and vice versa.  This would facilitate controlling the curvature at various points along the rim while bending without a form.  Much to learn just from the short video and the accompanying information, drawings, and photos at this website through the Smithsonian Institution.

from David Fisher, Carving Explorations http://bit.ly/2XyLBgx

[mrrandallallen]

Some people claim that we can save money with homeopathy – well, they are wrong!

Whenever there are discussions about homeopathy (currently, they have reached fever-pitch both in France and in Germany), one subject is bound to emerge sooner or later: its cost. Some seemingly well-informed person will exclaim that USING MORE HOMEOPATHY WILL SAVE US ALL A LOT OF MONEY. The statement is as predictable as it is wrong. […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2Gyj593

[mrrandallallen]

Anoles and Other Bahamian Reptiles Featured in Children’s Book Series

Read more about Elaine Powers’ books, including her most recent post, “Stop and Meet the Anole Lizards,” on her author’s webpage.

from Anole Annals http://bit.ly/2XrGheU

[mrrandallallen]

Island Lizards are Expert Sunbathers, and It’s Slowing Their Evolution.

Anolis chloris soaks up the sun while displaying.

If you’ve ever spent some time in the Caribbean, you might have noticed that humans are not the only organisms soaking up the sun. Anoles – diminutive little tree lizards – spend much of their day shuttling in and out of shade. But, according to a new study in Evolution led by Dr. Martha Muñoz at Virginia Tech and Jhan Salazar at Universidad Icesi, this behavioral “thermoregulation” isn’t just affecting their body temperature. Surprisingly, it’s also slowing their evolution.

The idea that evolution can be slow on islands is actually somewhat strange. Ever since Darwin’s journey to the Galapagos, islands have been recognized as hotspots of rapid evolution, resulting in many ecologically diverse species. The reason why evolution often goes into overdrive on islands has to do with the ecological opportunity presented by simplified environments. When organisms wash up on remote islands, they find themselves freed of their usual competitors and predators, which frees them to rapidly diversify to fill new niches. This phenomenon of faster evolution is often referred to as the “island effect.”

Yet, the researchers discovered that physiological evolution in Anolis lizards is actually much slower on islands than on the mainland. What is causing evolution to stall? According to Dr. Muñoz, the same ecological opportunity that frees island organisms from predators also facilitates behavioral thermoregulation. “Whereas mainland lizards spend most of their time hiding from predators, island lizards move around more, and are able to spend much of their day precisely shuttling between sun and shade,” she says. If it gets too hot, island lizards simply go find a shady spot. If it gets too cold, they can dash onto a sunny perch. By thermoregulating, island lizards are not just buffering themselves from thermal variation. They are effectively shielding themselves from natural selection. If lizards aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures, then selection on physiology is weakened. The result? Slower rates of physiological evolution. Effectively, island lizards use behavioral thermoregulation like SPF against natural selection!

Jhan Salazar notes that, “Our results show that faster evolution on islands is not a general rule.”  This slower physiological evolution on islands stands in stark contrast to morphology, which has been shown to evolve faster in island anoles. When it comes to morphology and physiology on islands, it seems we are looking at different sides of the same coin. The same ecological release from predators and competition that allowed for the truly impressive amount of morphological diversification that has appeared quickly among island anoles, seems to additionally allow for more behavioral thermoregulation which slows physiological evolution.

“We are discovering that organisms are the architects of their own selective environments,” says Muñoz, “meaning that behavior and evolution are locked together in a delicate dance. This pas de deux tells us something important about how diversity arises in nature.”

Jhan Salazar holds an anole from Colombia.

  from Anole Annals http://bit.ly/2Dl3p70

[mrrandallallen]

Fatal liver failure after long-term intake of a popular and ‘time-tested’ herbal remedy

  Fructus Psoraleae is the seed of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. It is the main ingredient of the herbal mixtures such as Qubaibabuqi, popular in China, India and other countries. It has been used for medicinal purposes for millennia. Thus many proponents would claim that it must be risk-free. A recent case-report  suggests that it might not […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2GvAq2s

[mrrandallallen]

Dragon Orthodontics

I roughed out this cherry ale bowl during the green stage months ago, and now I’ve gotten around to refining it in the dry stage, including carving a set of choppers, a point of pride for any dragon.

After sketching on a zig-zag guideline, I begin to make the triangular chip cuts that create the shadows beneath and between the teeth.  In dry cherry, I typically remove some of the bulk with a v-tool before turning to the knife.

I use the “coping” blade on my pocket knife that is thin and noses down to the straight edge.

Considering the grain direction, I clip the bottom of the triangle first, using my left thumb as a fulcrum and levering the blade along the cut.

Changing grips, I cut the forward walls behind each tooth.

Then the back wall in front of each tooth.  I’m aiming for crisp walls with sharp junctions to catch distinct shadows.

To add some simple form to each tooth, I grab a small gouge with a medium sweep.

I run it from the point of each tooth to the upper lip.

Blurry photo, but I then delicately slice off the chips still attached to each tooth at the upper lip with the pen blade.

I’ve still got a lot of carving to do on this bowl; some surfaces, chamfers, refining junctions, and the teeth that wrap around the front.  In the meantime, he’s at least ready to chew.

from David Fisher, Carving Explorations http://bit.ly/2GmpxPf

[mrrandallallen]

Peter Egan becomes Animal Aid patron

The post Peter Egan becomes Animal Aid patron appeared first on Animal Aid.

from Animal Aid http://bit.ly/2XqytKl

[mrrandallallen]

Chinese acupuncture researchers have finally discovered the obvious (but sadly, without realising it)

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of conventional treatments plus acupuncture versus conventional treatments alone for asthma, using a meta-analysis of all published randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The researchers included all RCTs in which adult and adolescent patients with asthma (age ≥12 years) were divided into conventional treatments plus acupuncture […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2Iq9Qd9

[mrrandallallen]

Another VERY puzzling study of homeopathy

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the out-patient departments of the National Institute of Homoeopathy in India. It evaluated whether individualized homeopathy (IH) could produce significant effects beyond placebo in treatment of insomnia. Sixty patients were randomized to receive either IH or placebo. Patient-administered sleep diary (6 items; 1: latency to fall asleep, 2: […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2IFY0Le

[mrrandallallen]

Another serious complication after chiropractic neck manipulation

A regularly reported complication of chiropractic neck manipulation is a stroke due to arterial dissection. Atlantoaxial dislocation (a dislocations of the first and second vertebra which means that the spinal cord is in danger to be compressed) has not been previously reported, but is just as serious. This new case-report described a 83-year-old man with […] from Edzard Ernst http://bit.ly/2V3wNJ8

[mrrandallallen]

Hot Take on Our Planet: Freshwater Biodiversity

Big-budget nature documentaries are chronically ignoring freshwater biodiversity relative to terrestrial and marine systems... from The Fisheries Blog http://bit.ly/2UFjgIt