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Generalized mutualisms, such as seed dispersal by ants (myrmecochory), involve guilds of mutualistic partners that exchange services. Partners within guilds vary in traits that affect the quality of mutualistic services. Research aimed at uncovering within-guild variation in partner quality primarily considers the identity of partner species. However, mutualism-related traits vary within species, especially for populations in states of incomplete speciation where the distinction between intra- and interspecific variation is not well defined. Ants in the genus Aphaenogaster  are mutualists and the major disperser of seeds of understory plants adapted to dispersal by ants (myrmecochores) in eastern North American forests.  A. rudis  and  A. picea  are polyphyletic with overlapping morphological features. We ask if functional variation partitions discretely between named species or along a continuum in this species complex. We collected replicate colonies of three populations, each of the named species. We performed 2D morphometrics on the thorax to quantify complex morphological variation among colonies. We performed lab behavioral trials, measuring behaviors that influence seed dispersal quality such as foraging, seed dispersal rate and preference, and intra- and interspecific aggression. Morphometrics revealed differences between species but also continuous variation in diagnostic features. We found behavioral differences between species, with  A. rudis  being a better disperser and having higher intraspecific aggression and  A. picea  being a more active forager and dominant over  A. rudis . Behavior also varied along a continuum between species corresponding with colony morphometrics, with intermediate phenotypes having intermediate behavior. This work shows that it is important to consider partner identity in species complexes of mutualistic partners at multiple levels of biological organization.

ZnSe layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), after processing by epitaxial lift-off, have been analyzed using fracture mechanics and thin-film interference to determine their adhesion properties on two different substrates, viz. ZnSe and glass, yielding adhesion energy of 270 ± 60 mJ m−2 and 34 ± 4 mJ m−2, respectively. These values are considerably larger than if only van der Waals forces were present and imply that adhesion arises from chemical bonding.

IntroductionPatients with Bronchiectasis generally have a cough, for which suppression is normally not recommended (BTS, 2018)1. In clinical practice we noticed an increased referral from our physiotherapy team to Speech & Language Therapy (SLT), for management of chronic cough and upper airway symptoms.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of the referral databases looking at a period of 20 months (April 2020 to January 2022). A cohort of 274 patients were reviewed, who had been referred with a diagnosis of Bronchiectasis. 28 (10%) were identified who had either been referred to SLT or Physiotherapy by the other specialty, or to both from the Consultant team. All patients had bronchiectasis diagnosed by High Resolution CT scan. Further analysis of this group was carried out.ResultsThe main reasons for referral were isolated. From Physiotherapy this was predominantly an ongoing symptom of globus pharyngeus and dry non-productive cough despite adequate clearance. The referrals from SLT were to ensure adequate secretion management (figure 1).All the 28 patients had developed a dry and less productive cough which originated at the level of the throat, with or without a separate productive cough. All these patients were suspected to have Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO) or Cough Hypersensitivity, 19 (68%) have had this confirmed on diagnostic laryngoscopy. The remaining patients have not had this investigation due to a combination of factors.In general, those referred from Physiotherapy to SLT had a higher BSI (bronchiectasis severity index) median of 5 compared to 2. Infection rates were on average less than 2 per year and all were undertaking effective clearance.On review of all referral cohorts for those who had attended at least two treatment appointments with SLT (N=16), 31% (N=5) have been discharged with resolved symptoms and a further 44% (N= 7) reported improved control of symptoms.Abstract P109 Figure 1Reason for referralConclusionWhat this cohort shows is that within the management of Bronchiectasis, it is appropriate to consider upper airway cough in those that continue to be symptomatic despite good chest clearance and minimal infections.ReferenceBritish Thoracic Society (2018). British Thoracic Society Guideline for Bronchiectasis in adults.

We used a sensitive optical method to study the magnetic phase transition of antiferromagnetic MnS layers. The method is applicable for very small numbers of spins, e.g., thin single layers. We studied the optical and magnetic properties of MnS layers using the internal optical transition of the manganese 3 d -shell. The temperature dependence of the Mn-emission exhibits a pronounced minimum revealing the para- to anti-ferromagnetic phase transition. The MnS layers were grown by molecular beam epitaxy, embedded between diamagnetic ZnSe cladding layers on a (100)-GaAs substrate. It was found that the Néel-temperature itself is influenced by the biaxial strain and can be changed in an external magnetic field in case of quasi 2D MnS-layers. The phase diagram reveals a weak Ising like anisotropic contribution in case of a 1.8 nm thin layer, whereas a 8.6 nm thick layer behaves still like an ideal isotropic Heisenberg system.

IntroductionLaryngeal dysfunction can present as a spectrum of clinical presentations, including Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and/or Chronic Cough (CC). ILO and CC can occur following an initial viral insult (Hull et al). In our Tertiary Airways service, we noted an increase in the numbers of referrals for patients with upper airway and laryngeal symptoms following infection with Covid-19.AimsTo describe the clinical presentations of patients referred to our service with laryngeal and upper airway symptoms following Covid-19 infection.MethodsReferrals received between April 2020 and May 2022 with suspected laryngeal dysfunction (ILO, CC or heightened laryngeal sensitivity) following Covid infection were reviewed. Electronic records were searched for referral information, demographic details, and assessment results.Results66 (18%) referrals out of 362 received within the time period were for symptoms following infection with Covid-19. 57 patients (86%) had no premorbid laryngeal difficulties before Covid-19 infection. Mean age was 53 (range 27–75), and 71% were female. 98% were of White British ethnicity.Reason for referral was categorised into four types, with 34 patients having more than one reason cited.To date, 38 of the 66 patients have had laryngoscopic assessment, which confirmed ILO for 26 patients. 21 of the 26 (80%) did not have ILO before Covid-19 infection. 13 of the 26 patients with ILO had suspected ILO on referral, whilst 13 did not. A binary logistic regression using referral reason as the predictor for ILO was non-significant, indicating that no specific referral reason predicted subsequent ILO diagnosis with laryngoscopy.Abstract P223 Table 1ConclusionsIn line with the literature, viral insult can lead to laryngeal hypersensitivity and hyperresponsiveness, which can manifest as a clinical spectrum, including ILO. New presentation with ILO was common in patients assessed for upper airway symptoms post-Covid-19. Correlation between referral reason and assessment outcome was poor, therefore assessment via laryngoscopy is essential to confirm diagnosis before intervention. Patients from minority ethnic groups were not referred to the service, despite being at higher risk of medical complications following Covid-19.

Five causes for this have been postulated: (1) an evolution in the bacteria away from the vaccine antigen; (2) a decline in vaccine coverage levels; (3) a change in vaccine efficacy and/or duration of protection due to the shift to the acellular vaccine, or a vaccine with lower efficacy; (4) the decline of natural boosting, through reduced exposure to naturally circulating pertussis bacteria; and (5) an increase in disease reporting rates. Can oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen concentration (SpO2/FiO2) ratio be used as an early predictor for adult respiratory distress syndrome?

IntroductionOur tertiary Airways service offers assessment and treatment for Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction (ILO), (breathing difficulties due to inappropriate adduction of the larynx on inspiration). Speech and Language therapy (SLT) is identified as the ‘cornerstone’ of treatment for ILO.During the Covid-19 pandemic, we produced an online information and therapy resource to support as an adjunct to virtual therapy by SLTs. This included educational information about ILO, videos to support understanding and instructions on how to complete the SLT airway control techniques, as well as symptom monitoring measures.This paper summarises patient feedback on the resource.MethodsAn online survey was sent to 312 patients who had received the resource to support their virtual consultations.Survey questions gathered both quantitative and qualitative data based on Kirkpatrick’s (1993) model of training evaluation, focusing on: Reaction, Learning, Behaviour and Results.Results69 patients (49 females, 19 males, median age= 64, age range=26–78) completed the survey (22% response rate).The resource was rated highly by patients for quality, interest and engagement (Reaction), and for learning from it. Diagrams and demonstration videos helped them understand ILO (Learning) and practice therapy techniques outside of therapy sessions (Behaviour) and were rated as the most helpful aspects of the resource. Following use of the resource 76% reported that their ILO symptoms were either ‘better’ or ‘a lot better’ (Results). Having the resource always accessible online was described as very useful, due to offering a reminder of techniques and to help explain ILO to others.ConclusionDigital resources are a useful adjunct to remote ILO therapy, and continue to be used in our service to support face to face, as well as virtual SLT sessions for the treatment of ILO.

Subjects aged 18-60 with a physician diagnosis of asthma for 2 years who were symptomatic for 3 months with one previous admission within the past year, who presented to the ED with an acute exacerbation, once they were stable with a peak flow of 30% of normal, were started on 40 mg/day of prednisolone for 7 days with an inhaled corticosteroid and randomised to placebo or one dose of benralizumab at 0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg. Help in smoking cessation Cytisine a plant-based alkaloid is a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

IntroductionPatients diagnosed with ILO may report clinical respiratory symptoms including dyspnoea, inspiratory wheeze and cough (RCSLT 2021). Symptoms indicative of dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and dysphonia (voice difficulties) have also been reported within this population (Hull et al 2016).In clinical practice, altered laryngeal sensitivity has been seen in association with patient-reported dysphagia symptoms, in the absence of a mechanical swallowing difficulty.Aims and ObjectivesTo explore the incidence of reported dysphagia symptoms in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ILO, and to investigate how many patients were diagnosed with a mechanical oropharyngeal dysphagia. Associated patient co-morbidities were also reviewed.MethodsA retrospective review across a 2 year period (April 2019–2021) was conducted for patients who had been referred through to a Tertiary Airways service, seen for assessment by an SLT and had a confirmed ILO diagnosis via provocation laryngoscopy (N=160).ResultsOf the 160 patients, 52% (N =82) reported symptoms in keeping with oropharyngeal dysphagia. 27% (N= 22) of these patients had a clinical bedside swallow assessment by a dysphagia trained SLT. Of these patients, 50% (N=11) went on to have an instrumental assessment in the form of Videofluoroscopy (VFS) or Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).Mechanical oropharyngeal dysphagia, resulting in diet and/or fluid modification, was identified in only 2 patients. Of those not formally assessed following case history, typical symptoms reported were in keeping with altered laryngeal sensitivity with no indications of aspiration.At initial consultation, 8 patients were self-modifying their diet. Other relevant co-morbidities included reflux (71%) and dysphonia (77%).ConclusionsA high proportion of patients (52%) with diagnosed ILO reported symptoms suggesting oropharyngeal dysphagia. Of these patients only 2.4% (n=2) were found to have oropharyngeal dysphagia on clinical assessment.This preliminary study emphasises the importance of the SLT role within the Multi-Disciplinary Team; to identify whether these symptoms warrant further assessment. This study also highlights the benefits of access to instrumental assessment to prevent patient morbidity and inform diagnostic management.Further prospective studies with larger patient cohorts may help to understand patient-reported symptoms of dysphagia further, and continue to inform clinical decision-making.

Introduction and ObjectivesPatients referred our tertiary airways service are assessed for potential causation of complex breathlessness, including differential diagnosis of asthma and inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO).Newman et al (1995) found associations between particular patient variables when comparing patients with asthma and ILO. Further investigation of these and other variables may aid in differential diagnosis and understanding triggers and characterisation of ILO compared to asthma.MethodsRecords for 70 patients with sole diagnoses of either asthma (n=34) or ILO (n=36) were reviewed to investigate patterns of association between a large range of variables relating to these conditions, including demographics, co-morbidities, hospital utilisation and medical treatment. Non-parametric statistics were used to compare diagnosis against categorical, interval and ratio data relating to these variables.ResultsA number of significant associations were found between diagnosis and patient characteristics, summarised in table 1.Results showed that certain demographic variables, co-morbidities and medical treatments differentiated these two groups.Abstract P51 Table 1Patient characistics according to diagnosisConclusionsBy continuing to characterise common clinical characteristics of ILO in comparison to asthma, it is hoped that differentiation from asthma and index of suspicion for ILO will be highlighted to help further understand this clinical condition that co-exists and can mimic asthma.It is of particular interest in the ILO only group that documented symptoms of anxiety were lower than in the group with only asthma, which may help to dispel a common held belief that people with ILO have high anxiety burden.