bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Sensitivity in Foraging Jack Dempsey Cichlids (Cichlasoma octofasciatum)
Authors: Roche John P. , Dravet Susan M. , Bolyard Kimberly , Rowland William
Published: May 2010

Studies have documented that animals with positive energy budgets tend to prefer feeding sites offering constant amounts of food over those offering variable amounts of food. The present study tested whether Jack Dempsey cichlids (Cichlasoma octofasciatum) in a two‐patch environment preferred the patch offering a constant amount of food over the one offering a variable amount of food. The study also examined (1) whether fish displayed shifts in risk sensitivity when they were allowed only one choice per trial (discrete‐choice treatment), as opposed to when they could freely sample both alternatives (free‐choice treatment), and (2) whether or not fish displayed shifts in risk sensitivity between the first trial of the day, when they were hungrier, and the final trial of the day, when they were more satiated. Two of six fish significantly preferred the constant alternative and one showed a numerical preference for the constant alternative that approached significance. The mean proportion of first choices to the constant side did not differ significantly between the discrete‐choice treatment and the free‐choice treatment. In the discrete‐choice treatment, however, fish were significantly more risk averse in the first trial of daily sessions than in the final trial — a shift in risk sensitivity opposite to that seen in a number of other studies. This suggests that animals may pass through more than one threshold in risk sensitivity on different points along an energy budget continuum.
Habitat Manipulation Modifies Lek Use in Fallow Deer
Authors: Apollonio Marco , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Mari Franco , Bruno Elisabetta , Locati Maurizio
Published: May 2010

Fallow deer leks and single territories often persist in specific locations over many years. In our study area in Tuscany, one site (Lek 1) was used as a lek by fallow deer for at least 30 years. Females passed through the lek year‐round while travelling between sheltering and foraging sites. In 1987–89, forestry operations affected areas near the lek that were used by females as travel routes, but the lek site itself was not affected. After the logging operations, very few females traversed the lek site. Over the next 2 years the lek decreased in size (both in terms of number of territories defended and number of territorial males) until it became a single territory, and after two more years it was abandoned. Another lek (Lek 2) whose access routes were unaffected by forest cuts, continued to exist. Territorial males abandoned Lek 1 and moved to Lek 2 when female visits to Lek 1 became rare. Our results suggest that female movement patterns can be affected by habitat manipulations, and that females will not return to traditional mating sites that become external to their home ranges. Male fallow deer may form leks along female movement routes, where they experience a high female encounter rate as predicted by the hotspot model.
Male Song Stimulation of Female Reproduction in Canaries: Features Relevant to Sexual Displays are not Relevant to Nest‐building or Egg‐laying
Authors: Leboucher Gérard , Depraz Violaine , Kreutzer Michel , Nagle Laurent
Published: May 2010

Recent studies conducted in our laboratory have demonstrated that a special type of song phrase (‘sexy’ phrases) containing bipartite syllables composed of abrupt frequency falls and short silences stimulate female canaries to solicit for copulation. The study was undertaken to determine whether sexy phrases also facilitated other aspects of the reproductive activity of the female canary, namely, nest‐building and egg‐laying. During the first experiment, we studied the effect of sexy and non‐sexy songs on copulation solicitation displays in 1‐year‐old females without reproductive experience and in mature females with previous reproductive experience. We confirmed that sexy songs elicited more sexual responses than did non‐sexy songs in yearlings and in mature females. During the second experiment, we studied the effect of male songs on nest‐building activities and egg‐laying in 1‐year‐old inexperienced females, and in mature, experienced females. The songs of conspecific males significantly triggered and increased nest‐building behaviour in female canaries whatever their age or reproductive experience. In contrast, song effects on egg‐laying were only found in young females. One‐year‐old inexperienced females exposed to sexy or non‐sexy songs laid more eggs and laid earlier than did 1‐year‐old inexperienced controls; no such differences were observed in mature, experienced females. The efficiency of songs in promoting nest‐building or egg‐laying appeared to be unrelated to their efficiency in eliciting sexual responses. No difference was found between females exposed to sexy songs and females exposed to non‐sexy songs; differences were only found between control and the two groups of song‐exposed females. This result demands further experiments in order to determine whether other song phrase types may account for the stimulating effects of male song on female nest‐building and egg‐laying.
Diel Calling Activity and Field Survival of the Bushcricket, Sciarasaga quadrata (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): A Role for Sound‐locating Parasitic Flies?
Authors: Allen Geoff R.
Published: May 2010

In this study I examine the variability in calling activity of Sciarasaga quadrata over both the short (4 d) and long term (life span), and the temporal pattern to host searching by its most significant natural enemy, the ormiine fly Homotrixa alleni. Indeed, few male S. quadrata survive the entire calling season as this acoustically orienting parasitoid fly continually ‘culls’ calling males out of the population. I found that male S. quadrata commence calling over 1 h before sunset, cease around midnight and call, on average, for over 3 h within this period (range 0–11 h 09 min). There was significant concordance and repeatability in calling activity over both the short and long term, enabling me to conclude that relative differences in calling activity among males persist throughout a male's life span. There was a distinct peak to host searching by gravid female flies, with 82 % of all flies collected at acoustic traps between sunset and midnight. A positive association between call duration (time spent calling) and fly attraction was evident from multiple collections of flies at single traps. Counter to expectation, there was no significant decline in average call duration across successive collections of males, indicating that long‐call‐duration males were not being selectively culled by flies from the calling population. Males at the end of the calling season, when their remaining reproductive potential is low, allocate the majority of their calling time between sunset and midnight despite the high risk of fly attack. The distribution of call durations within the population was not skewed, which if heritable, indicates a lack of history of directional selection acting on call duration. Limited evidence suggests that encounters with females are rare in S. quadrata so that males may be selected, irrespective of natural selection pressure, to call for long periods of time to optimize their chance of attracting mates. The above findings are further discussed in relation to parasitoid foraging and acoustic reproductive strategies.
Effects of Predation Risk and Food Availability on the Activity, Habitat Use, Feeding Behavior and Mating Behavior of a Pond Water Strider, Gerris marginatus (Hemiptera)
Authors: Moses Jennifer L. , Sih Andrew
Published: May 2010

By experimentally manipulating predation risk and food availability, we explored the effects of these factors on refuge use, general activity, feeding activity, and mating activity of adults of the pond water strider Gerris marginatus. Predation risk (from adult backswimmers Notonecta undulata) profoundly influenced the behavior of G. marginatus, reducing mating activity, general activity in males and females, decreasing feeding activity in females and increasing the use of refuge by both sexes. Surprisingly, variations in food availability failed to produce significant effects on any of these behavior patterns. Risk x food interactions were also not statistically significant for any gerrid behavior. The significant responses to predators all changed in directions that should decrease the risk of predation for G. marginatus.
Male‐biased Adult Sex Ratios and their Significance for Cooperative Breeding in Dhole, Cuon alpinus, Packs
Authors: Venkataraman Arun B.
Published: May 2010

Two free‐ranging packs of dholes (Asiatic wild dog, Cuon alpinus) were monitored for a period of 6 yr (Sep. 1990‐Sep. 1996) in the Mudumalai sanctuary, southern India. Demographic data on age structure, litter‐size, sex ratio and age and sex specific dispersal were collected. Behavioural data on social interactions and reproductive behaviour among pack members were obtained to determine the frequencies of dominant and subordinate behaviours shown by male and female pack members and a measure of each male's reproductive access to females. Behaviours displayed by pack members at dens were recorded to determine whether any age‐ or sex‐specific role specialization existed during pup care. Tenures for dominant males and females within the pack were calculated to ascertain the rate of breeding vacancies occurring within packs. Approximate levels of genetic relatedness within packs were determined by studying pedigrees.

In most years one study pack had a male‐biased adult sex ratio. This was caused by almost two‐fold higher dispersal of adult females over adult males. A considerable variance existed in the percentage of sub‐adults dispersing from the two packs. Differences existed in the frequencies of dominant and subordinate behaviours shown by males. For males, dominance ranks and ranks based on submissive behaviours were not correlated with frequencies of reproductive behaviours. Subordinate males also displayed reproductive behaviours. In packs, dominant males had lower tenures than dominant females indicating that among males breeding vacancies arose more quickly. The litter size was found to be negatively correlated with the age of the breeding female. There were no significant differences across individuals of varying age or sex classes in the display of pup care behaviours. Significant differences did exist among individual adults. Genetic relatedness among packs tended to vary temporally as a consequence of possible mating by subordinate animals and immigration of new males into the pack.

In conclusion, it appears that males delay dispersal and cooperate within their natal packs because of the variety of reproductive strategies they could pursue within. A combination of ecological constraints and the difficulties of achieving breeding status within non‐natal packs may make early dispersal and independent breeding less beneficial.
Influenza Infection Neutralizes the Attractiveness of Male Odour to Female Mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Penn Dustin , Schneider Greg , White Krislea , Slev Patricia , Potts Wayne
Published: May 2010

This study aimed to determine if female house mice,Mus musculus domesticus, are able to assess a male's infection status from odour cues. We collected urine from male mice before, during, and after they were experimentally infected with influenza, a respiratory virus. Females spent more time investigating urine collected from males while they were uninfected than when they were infected. Also 70 % of females released into a large enclosure preferred to nest in boxes containing urine collected from uninfected rather than infected males. This is the first evidence that mice can discriminate virally infected individuals through chemical signals and the first evidence that infection causes odour changes in the urine. To determine if the odour of infected males is repulsive, we presented females with urine samples and neutral water blanks. Normal urine collected from uninfected males was more attractive, whereas urine collected during infection was as attractive as water. This indicates that rather than being aversive, influenza infection abolishes the attractiveness of a male's odour. A similar effect also occurs when male mice are infected with coccidian gut parasites (Kavaliers & Colwell 1995, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. 261B, 31–35). One proximate reason for the neutralization of the attractiveness of a male's odour may be a decrease in serum androgen concentrations during infection.
Threat‐sensitive Nest Preferences in Male Upland Bullies, Gobiomorphus breviceps
Authors: Hamilton William J.
Published: May 2010

A male's ability to acquire and defend a nest site against competitors is an important requirement for successful breeding in many fish species. In the upland bully Gobiomorphus breviceps (Eleotridae), not all males are successful in gaining ownership of nesting rocks; therefore, male‐male competition may be important in nest acquisition. Although larger nests have the potential to hold more eggs, in nature there is a preferred nest size well below the maximum available. I found that in over 88% of dyadic contests, the larger male was successful in acquiring the single nesting site provided. When males were individually given a choice of two artificial nest rocks, they consistently preferred the larger nest. These results suggest that larger males have the ability to occupy the largest nests. In the presence of a trout predator, males preferred nests with three closed sides 93% of the time. This preference disappeared when the threat was a conspecific. This shows that while males were choosing the larger nests their decisions were also threat‐sensitive.
Ranging Movements of Female Roe Deer: Do Home‐loving Does Roam to Mate?
Authors: José Cristina San , Lovari Sandro
Published: May 2010

Bimonthly changes in home range size of seven mature roe deer Capreolus capreolus L. females were analysed over one year. Great stability of home range size and high site fidelity was common to all females, which remained bimonthly within areas of 6.1–20.8 ha. Two groups of females could be identified on the basis of bimonthly variations in their home range sizes: females with larger areas (LHR females), who decreased their ranges in the birth season only, and females with smaller home ranges (SHR females), who increased significantly their home ranges during the rut. The most likely explanation is that the areas inhabited by SHR females included high‐quality food resources allowing survival even in small home ranges. In the rut, SHR females may have expanded their ranges to increase mating opportunities.
Individuality but not Stability in Marmoset Long Calls
Authors: Jorgensen Dan D. , French Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2010

Individually distinct communication signals (‘signatures’) have been documented in a variety of taxa across signal modalities and they serve a host of important functions. However, studies have rarely examined the temporal stability of these signals. Cooperatively breeding species, such as marmosets and tamarins, are characterized by long‐term group membership, complex social organization, and high levels of interindividual coordination of behaviour. These social attributes may promote complex, individually distinct and stable acoustic signals to facilitate the expression of cooperative behaviour. In this study, the long calls of socially housed individual Wied's black tufted‐ear marmosets,Callithrix kuhli, were examined for a ‘signature system’ potentially important in such interactions. Vocalizations were recorded at three different times (1993, 1995, 1996), digitized, and then measured by spectrographic analysis. Acoustic and temporal features of the calls were examined, including number of syllables, length of syllables, intersyllable interval, frequency range, start/stop frequency, peak frequency, and total call duration. A number of significant intra‐individual changes in acoustic parameters were identified across the recording periods. Discriminant analysis revealed that many variables contributed to differentiation among individuals, and average classification accuracy for calls within a given year was high, ranging from 91.7% to 93.5%. However, reclassification accuracy for calls between‐years was much poorer, averaging less than 50%. In addition, classification confidence was higher for within‐year scores in contrast to the between‐year values. Thus, tufted‐ear marmosets have an individually distinct vocalization which is acoustically modified across time. Our finding suggests that to the extent that the vocalization is used for individual recognition, recognition mechanisms must be modified over time as well.
Variable Social Mating System in the Sedge Warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Authors: Hasselquist Dennis , Langefors Åsa
Published: May 2010

We studied the mating system in a local population of colour‐ringed sedge warblers in south Central Sweden in 1990–92. Of 58 territorial males, 59% were socially monogamous, 14% socially polygynous and 27% unpaired. Socially polygynous males in general paired with two females: the only exception was one male that formed pair bonds with three females. Among the males that formed a pair bond, 38% resumed singing after their first female had started egg‐laying or incubation and 50% of the paired males that resumed singing succeeded in attracting a second female. Hence, despite a consistently male‐biased sex ratio in the population a large proportion of the males tried to become polygynous and they were often successful. The frequency of extra‐pair matings did not differ between monogamous and polygynous males. Of 47 breeding females, 6.4% were sequentially socially polyandrous. In two out of three cases, the females fed the young of their first broods until independence before initiating the second brood. In the third case the female deserted her newly fledged young and these were instead cared for by a neighbouring male. DNA fingerprinting revealed that this male had not sired any of these young. Each of the sequentially polyandrous females successfully raised both their broods, and their annual reproductive success was slightly higher than the average for the polygynous males. When the sequentially socially polyandrous females initiated their second brood, their primary male (in all cases polygynous males), cared for young in their secondary female's nest. In all cases, the sequentially polyandrous females formed second pair bonds with unpaired males that were close neighbors. This suggests that females switched pair male for their second brood to obtain a mate that was more likely to provide them with direct benefits (e.g. parental care).
Mate Choice by Chemical Cues in Western Redback (Plethodon vehiculum) and Dunn's (P. dunni) Salamanders
Authors: Marco Adolfo , Chivers Douglas P. , Kiesecker Joseph M. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: May 2010

Western redback and Dunn's salamanders (Plethodon vehiculum and Plethodon dunni, respectively) can distinguish between potential mates by using chemical cues. In laboratory choice tests, adult males of both species showed significant discrimination between chemical cues of gravid females over non‐gravid females of equal body size. Furthermore, males of both species differentiated the odour of paired gravid females that differed by ≅ 5 mm snout‐vent length (SVL). Given that clutch size is related to female body size in these species, adult males may be able to distinguish between females via cues that signal potentially high female reproductive success. In choice tests, P. vehiculum females did not discriminate between two relatively large males that differed by ≅ 5 mm SVL. However, females of P. vehiculum did discriminate between two relatively small males that differed by the same amount. Apparently, P. vehiculum females ranked males by both absolute and relative body size using chemical cues. This pattern could reflect a female preference for large males or that females avoid mating with the smallest males.
Fighting Tactics of Fallow Bucks (Dama dama, Cervidae): Reducing the Risks of Serious Conflict
Authors: McElligott Alan G. , Mattiangeli Valeria , Mattiello Silvana , Verga Marina , Reynolds Catherine A. , Hayden Thomas J.
Published: May 2010

Competition between male fallow deer (Dama dama), during the breeding season was studied to determine if conflict strategies were consistent with the reduction of risk. Agonistic interactions between males were analysed in relation to age, dominance rank and availability of mating opportunities. The breeding season was divided into two main periods: the pre‐rut began when all males had cleaned the velvet from their antlers and ended on the last day before matings were first observed, while the rut refers to the period between the first and last matings. Overall, socially mature males (≥4yr old) were involved in more interactions than immature (≤3yr old) males. Males established dominance rank largely by non‐contact agonistic interactions during the pre‐rut and there was substantial carry‐over of rank to the rut, when it was correlated with mating success. The mating success of males was skewed; mature males achieved 99.4% of the matings and immature males accounted for 0.6%. A mature male was 13 times more likely to fight than an immature male; the mature males that fought most often did so between 0.4 and 0.5 times per hour. During the rut, the number of fights was positively correlated across days with the number of matings. The majority of agonistic interactions (79%) comprising dyads of immature males, involved antler contact. In contrast, mature males engaged antlers in only 42% of their interactions. Fights between mature males lasted more than twice as long as those between immature males and were more likely to occur between opponents with similar dominance ranks. However, towards the end of the rut formerly mismatched opponents were more likely to fight. Thus males operated conditional competitive strategies to decide when to interact and fight. The persistence of rank order from the pre‐rut period to the rut and the tendency for mature males to resolve disputes without antler contact, served to reduce the frequency of fights and therefore the risk of serious injury.
Polarized Light Microscopy in Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Caamaño JN , Muñoz M , Diez C , Gómez E
Published: May 2010

Contents

The meiotic spindle structure plays a key role in normal chromosome alignment and segregation during meiosis. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) allows non‐invasive evaluation of the meiotic spindle of metaphase oocytes from different animal species. The purpose of this article is to review the use of PLM in animal reproduction, mainly in the assessment of the meiotic spindle in oocytes. A brief overview of the methods to assess the meiotic spindle is presented as well as the principles behind the PLM. The use of PLM to evaluate oocyte quality and spindle morphology is discussed and the results on the viability of the oocytes after being exposed to PLM are presented. Several researchers showed that PLM could be successfully implemented on cryopreservation, nuclear transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedures as a tool to improve the outcome of these procedures. In addition, PLM can be used to develop studies on oocyte maturation and spindle dynamics. However, the information on the practical use of this technology in farm animals is very limited and further studies are needed to assess the importance of PLM in animal reproduction.
Techniques for the Insemination of Low Doses of Stallion Sperm
Authors: Samper JC , Plough T
Published: May 2010

Contents

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the quality and commercial use of frozen equine semen. The emergence of new reproductive technologies, coupled with the high prices for an insemination dose from some stallions, the increasing costs of import and export and the marketing policies of stallion agents or owners in the sport horse industry has stimulated the fractionation of doses for insemination. Consequently, the sperm number and the volume of an insemination dose are significantly reduced. To deliver lower doses of sperm in lower volumes compared to the standard dose, two techniques are used in clinical practice. Semen can be delivered hysteroscopically (HI) or by rectally guiding a flexible pipette to the tip of the desired uterine horn (RI). Both techniques have been described with good success and have triggered an incentive to further reduce the number of spermatozoa without having a negative effect on fertility. This article will review the expected success of both techniques in clinical settings and will highlight their advantages and disadvantages both for the mare and stallion. In addition, some of the implications of reducing sperm numbers on the industry will be discussed. From the available information, it is evident that lower sperm numbers deposited by RI or HI to deliver the inseminate can result in acceptable pregnancy rates with fresh or frozen semen in commercial settings. These methods of insemination could have major implications in the implementation and commercialization of new and emerging technologies in the equine industry.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Infectious and Post–Mating‐Induced Endometritis in the Mare
Authors: LeBlanc MM
Published: May 2010

Contents

Rapid physical uterine clearance is paramount for fertility. Mares that are unable to clear the by‐products of insemination or foaling quickly may develop post–mating‐induced or acute endometritis. If endometritis is not promptly resolved, the infection can become chronic. Endometritis can be difficult to identify because clinical signs, ultrasonographic and laboratory findings can vary between uterine pathogens. Some micro‐organisms are associated with an influx of neutrophils and fluid into the uterine lumen while others are associated with only heavy debris on cytological specimens. Identifying the inciting cause may require more than swabbing the endometrium. Culturing endometrial biopsy tissue or uterine fluids are more sensitive methods for identifyingEscherichia colithan culture swab while endometrial cytology identifies twice as many mares with acute inflammation than uterine culture swab. While post–mating‐induced endometritis is classically treated with uterine irrigation and ecbolics and acute endometritis is treated with either systemic or intra‐uterine antibiotics, these therapies are not always effective in resolving chronic uterine inflammation or infections. Mucolytics can be used to break up mucus produced by an irritated endometrium, steroids can modulate the inflammatory response associated with insemination and buffered chelating agents can remove biofilm, a protective mechanism used primarily by gram‐negative organisms and yeast to evade the host immune response.
Ultrasonographic Imaging in Small Ruminant Reproduction
Authors: Gonzalez‐Bulnes A. , Pallares P , Vazquez MI
Published: May 2010

Contents

Ultrasonography is a simple, reliable and non‐invasive imaging technique without secondary effects. Application of ultrasonography in veterinary practice, and specifically in small ruminants, has developed to become the most efficient diagnostic tool for managing reproduction. The objectives of current revision are to offer an overview, after a short reminder of equipment and techniques for imaging genitalia in small ruminants, of the uses and utility of ultrasonography for the evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions in males and females and for the application of assisted reproductive technologies.
Effect of dominant hemispheric stroke on detrusor function in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Kim Tae Gu , Yoo Koo Han , Jeon Seung Hyun , Lee Hyung‐Lae , Chang Sung‐Goo
Published: May 2010

Objectives:  To determine the effect of unilateral hemispheric lesion on voiding dysfunction by comparing urodynamic parameters in dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric stroke patients.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients from a magnetic resonance imaging and urodynamic study. We identified 69 cases among 192 stroke patients who had undergone urodynamic study due to lower urinary tract symptoms from June 2003 to December 2008.

Results:  Among the analyzed variables in the urodynamic study, total bladder capacity, voided volume, postvoid residual urine volume, maximum flow rate, average flow rate, detrusor pressure at the maximum flow rate, and bladder compliance did not show statistically significant differences among dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric stroke patients groups (P > 0.05). The dominant hemispheric stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 64.2% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 35.8%; the non‐dominant hemispheric stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 66.7% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 33.3%; and the bilateral stroke group had detrusor overactivity in 60.0% of cases and detrusor underactivity in 40.0% (P = 0.946).

Conclusion:  Urodynamic findings cannot be characterized by the laterality of the unilateral hemispheric ischemic lesion. There are no significant differences in lower urinary tract symptoms between dominant, non‐dominant and bilateral hemispheric ischemic stroke patients.
Age‐related driving disorders: Screening in hospitals and outpatients settings
Authors: Baird Sara , Hill Linda , Rybar Jill , Concha‐Garcia Susanna , Coimbra Raul , Patrick Kevin
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Older drivers are increasing in number and they often have health conditions that place them at high risk for motor vehicle crashes. The aims of this study were to: (i) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of screening inpatients and outpatients over the age of 60 years for age‐related driving disorders; and (ii) determine the patient characteristics associated with screening outcomes.

Methods:  A convenience sample of 397 participants completed age‐related driving disorders screening at University of California, San Diego, inpatient and outpatient settings. Eligibility criteria included California‐licensed drivers over the age of 60 years who were English or Spanish speaking. Baseline screening included driving habits, restrictions, history of crashes, and medical history, including medications. Screening included visual acuity, visual fields, three strength frailty tests and two cognitive tests.

Results:  The average age of participants was 72 years; 59% were male and 12% Hispanic. Almost 20% of older adults failed at least one test, and were labeled ‘high risk’ for age‐related driving disorders. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors of high‐risk status were age, male sex, self‐restrictions of driving and use of larger amounts of prescription drugs. Screening took approximately 15 min and participant satisfaction was high.

Conclusion:  A brief screening evaluation identified one in five adults to be ‘high risk’ for age‐related driving disorders. Screening was effective in both outpatient and inpatient settings, was well received and simple to administer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 288–294.
Adenofibroma and ectopic pregnancy of left fallopian tube: A rare coexistence
Authors: Mondal Santosh Kumar
Published: May 2010

A rare coexistence of an adenofibroma and ectopic pregnancy in the left fallopian tube is reported. Adenofibroma is a rare benign neoplasm of the fallopian tube, and the fallopian tube is the most common site of ectopic pregnancies. However, coexistence of such rare tumor and ectopic pregnancy is extremely rare. Review of literature has not revealed another case of such coexistence in English literature. In the present case, the adenofibroma was found at the fimbrial end. Placental tissue, consisting of chorionic villi and trophoblastic cells was present in the ampulla of fallopian tube.
Risk factors for complications in patients undergoing myomectomy at the time of cesarean section
Authors: Kim Yun‐Sook , Choi Seung‐Do , Bae Dong‐Han
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for complications of myomectomy at cesarean section (CS).

Methods:  The subjects were a non‐complicated group (n = 100) and a complicated group (n = 10) of patients aged between 20 and 43 years who underwent CS and simultaneous myomectomy at our institution from January 2006 until December 2008. Complications were defined as blood transfusion greater than three packed red blood cells, postoperative ileus, and two days longer than average hospitalization.

Results:  The complicated group (n = 10) had (i) a myoma larger than 10 cm and no secondary change; and (ii) intramural myoma type.

Conclusion:  Myomectomy during CS can be performed in selected cases, but some patients had significant complications like ileus and postoperative atonic bleeding.
Liver focal fatty changes at ultrasound after islet transplantation: an early sign of altered graft function?
Authors: Venturini M. , Angeli E. , Maffi P. , Losio C. , Pozzi P. , Paties C. , Cellina M. , De Cobelli F. , Fiorina P. , Secchi A. , Del Maschio A.
Published: May 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 960–964 (2010)

Aims  Few longitudinal imaging studies of liver‐engrafted islets after islet transplantation are available for islet‐transplant‐alone (ITA) and islet‐after‐kidney (IAK) transplanted patients. Particularly controversial is the link between islet function and the appearance of islet‐induced liver focal fatty changes. Aims of this study were to assess liver focal fatty changes at ultrasound after islet transplantation and their relationship with islet function.

Methods  The timing of first ultrasound detection of liver focal fatty changes and the prevalence and duration of these changes were assessed in 30 IAK transplanted patients, in five ITA patients and, retrospectively, in full‐, partial‐ and no‐function groups, according to islet function evaluated 1 year after transplantation. Patients with persistent ultrasound detected liver focal fatty changes underwent liver biopsy. Ultrasound positive and negative patients with functioning islets were compared for islet‐function and C‐peptide‐levels during the follow‐up. Variations of cholesterol/triglycerides and other metabolic parameters were also recorded at 1 year.

Results  Liver focal fatty changes at ultrasound were found in 12 patients (10/30 IAK, 2/5 ITA). First detection was at 6 months in eight cases and at 12 months in four cases. Liver ultrasound changes were of more than 1 year duration in eight cases. Steatosis was found histologically in 8/8 patients. At 12 months, liver ultrasound changes were detected to a greater extent in patients with partial islet function (10/12, eight IAK, two ITA) compared with patients with full islet function. C‐peptide‐levels were significantly lower in ultrasound‐positive than in ultrasound‐negative patients. At 18 months, ultrasound‐ positive patients were more prone to worsening of their function (9/12) compared with ultrasound‐negative patients (3/18). No statistically significant differences of cholesterol/triglycerides levels were found in either the total number of patients or the IAK and ITA patients.

Conclusions  Liver focal fatty changes at ultrasound (steatosis) after islet transplantation in IAK and ITA patients may represent an early sign of altered graft function.
Safe and rapid resolution of severe hypertriglyceridaemia in two patients with intravenous insulin
Authors: Triay J. M. , Day A. , Singhal P.
Published: May 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1080–1083 (2010)

Aim  To rapidly reduce serum triglyceride to a safe serum level. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with uncontrolled diabetes, obesity and poor physical activity. Even moderate increases in triglyceride levels (> 5mmol/L) confer an increased risk of pancreatitis and coronary artery disease. We present two patients with diabetes and serum triglyceride levels of greater than 85mmol/L despite polypharmacy intervention.

Method  72‐hour intravenous insulin infusion was administered.

Results  Serum triglyceride levels fell to 9.4 and 4.6 mmol/L respectively, without adverse events and sustained effect over several months.

Conclusion  We suggest the use of intravenous insulin infusion where lifestyle and oral drug therapies have failed can impact on severe hypertriglyceridaemia.
Collaborative nursing leadership project in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Spicer J.G. , Guo Y. , Liu H. , Hirsch J. , Zhao H. , Ma W. , Holzemer W.
Published: May 2010

SPICER, J.G., GUO, Y., LIU, H., HIRSCH, J., ZHAO, H., MA, W. & HOLZEMER, W. (2010) Collaborative nursing leadership project in the People's Republic of China. International Nursing Review57, 180–187

Background:  A nursing leadership project for directors of nursing (DONs) in China was implemented by the Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College, School of Nursing; Chinese Nurses' Association and University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing.

Aims:  The aims were: (1) to establish a leadership project, (2) to survey DONs on the perceived importance of role competencies, and (3) to develop an education program.

Methods:  A survey was completed by the DONs on the importance of role competencies related to the forces of magnetism. The DONs rated their job satisfaction. Four leadership educational modules were developed.

Findings:  The 28‐item survey was completed by 208 (68%) DONs from public tertiary hospitals who rated each item on a six‐point Likert scale. The mean scores of the items ranged from 4.29 [standard deviation (SD) 1.21] to 5.66 (SD 0.70), suggesting they felt that most were very important. DONs who reported higher job satisfaction perceived two dimensions of the forces (structural empowerment and exemplary professional practice) as significantly more important than those with lower job satisfaction. The greatest work challenge reported was shortage of nurses. The four educational modules were pilot tested with ten DONs in Beijing and they provided positive feedback.

Conclusion:  The DONs perceived that the forces of magnetism competencies were important to their work settings in China. The modules were positively received and plans are underway to develop a train‐the‐trainer program.

Study limitations:  While the instrument was developed for this study, the validity and reliability were demonstrated.
Growing together: a qualitative study of leading nurse scholars in Thailand
Authors: Turale S. , Klunklin A. , Chontawan R.
Published: May 2010

TURALE S., KLUNKLIN A. & CHONTAWAN R. (2010) Growing together: a qualitative study of leading nurse scholars in Thailand. International Nursing Review57, 202–210

Background:  Asia‐Pacific nursing education and research is growing but little is known about the nature and development of nursing scholarship in the region.

Aim:  This qualitative study explored the perspectives of 14 leading Thai scholars about the development, facilitators and barriers relating to Thailand's nursing scholarship.

Method:  In‐depth interviews were digitally recorded, and data were subjected to content analysis.

Findings:  Five themes arose: (1) growing together, (2) visionary leadership, (3) external support to grow nurse scholars, (4) developing nursing through research, and (5) barriers to scholarship. A history of visionary nursing leadership was revealed, underpinned by leaders' values of growing nursing together. Resource sharing among universities, and a significant number of scholarships for study abroad were major facilitators of scholarship growth. Barriers to scholarship included high teaching loads, especially for newly graduated faculty; a low rate of research publications; not enough mentorship for research and changes to teaching practice; and a wide range of different agencies providing courses for entry to practice.

Conclusions:  Scholarship development in Thailand is a role model for a number of South‐East Asian countries, with inclusiveness and collaboration to facilitate the growth of nursing education inside and outside of the country as a hallmark of its character. However, against a backdrop of nursing shortages, Thai scholars are challenged, in the future, to produce meaningful research outcomes, including publications of studies; to collaborate with other health professionals; change practices to overcome high teaching loads; and provide the much needed mentorship for young scholars.
Life experiences after stroke among Iranian stroke survivors
Authors: Dalvandi A. , Heikkilä K. , Maddah S.S.B. , Khankeh H.R. , Ekman S.L.
Published: May 2010

DALVANDI A., HEIKKILÄ K., MADDAH S.S.B., KHANKEH H.R. & EKMAN S.L. (2010) Life experiences after stroke among Iranian stroke survivors. International Nursing Review57, 247–253

Background:  Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide. It is a life‐threatening and life‐altering event, which leaves many physical and mental disabilities, thus creating major social and economic burdens. Experiencing a stroke and its aftermath can be devastating for patients and their families. In Iran, many services are not available for those who lack property; this may result in many difficulties and long‐term problems for stroke survivors and their family members who are usually the main caregivers in Iranian cultural. Despite its effect on their lives, little is known about how the survivors perceive stroke in the Iranian context, therefore, knowing more about this process may enhance problem identification and problem solving.

Aim:  To illuminate how stroke survivors experience and perceive life after stroke.

Method:  A grounded theory approach was recruited using semi‐structured interviews with 10 stroke survivors.

Findings:  The survivors perceived that inadequate social and financial support, lack of an educational plan, lack of access to rehabilitative services, physical and psychological problems led them to functional disturbances, poor socio‐economical situation and life disintegration. The core concept of life after stroke was functional disturbances.

Conclusions:  The study shows the need to support the stroke survivors in their coping process with their new situation by providing appropriate discharge plans, social and financial support, social insurances and training programmes for the stroke survivors and their families.
Development of community nursing in Zhejiang Province, China: a report of the driving measures
Authors: Fu W. , Bao J. , Meng J.
Published: May 2010

FU W., BAO J. & MENG J. (2010) Development of community nursing in Zhejiang Province, China: a report of the driving measures. International Nursing Review57, 265–268

Background:  Community nursing is playing an important role in health care worldwide.

Methods:  We reviewed recent developments in community nursing in the Zhejiang province of China and reported that the locally tailored practical guidelines, education programmes and management models are the driving measures for promoting local community nursing.

Results:  In 2008, Zhejiang had 1200 community primary health‐care service centres, an increase of 56% and 6789 service stations, a twofold increase, compared with 2004. At present, 27 000 community nurses, together with the same number of family doctors, are working in community health‐care service centres and stations. Community nursing in Zhejiang has grown not only by numbers but also by the greatly improved infrastructures and functions of its community primary health care.

Conclusion:  It is the multi‐pronged approach that has led to the change being successful in a local health‐care system.
Behaviours used by HIV‐positive adolescents to prevent stigmatization in Botswana
Authors: Thupayagale‐Tshweneagae G.
Published: May 2010

THUPAYAGALE‐TSHWENEAGAE G. (2010) Behaviours used by HIV‐positive adolescents to prevent stigmatization in Botswana. International Nursing Review57, 260–264

Background:  The increasing numbers of adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a compelling public health issue, and interventions are more likely to be effective if developed from the perspective of those adolescents. Despite the prevalence of HIV in Botswana, stigmatization is a common occurrence.

Aim:  The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a study undertaken to describe adolescents' perceptions in Botswana on the behaviours that HIV‐positive adolescents use in dealing with stigmatization.

Method:  Four focus group discussions were held with 18 adolescents.

Findings:  Adhering to AIDS therapies, seeking early treatment for common conditions and keeping silent about their diagnosis were the major findings of the study.

Conclusion:  The findings have implications for both policy makers and health care practitioners.
LITERATURE, HISTORY AND THE HUMANIZATION OF BIOETHICS
Authors: EMMERICH NATHAN
Published: May 2010

This paper considers the disciplines of literature and history and the contributions each makes to the discourse of bioethics. In each case I note the pedagogic ends that can be enacted though the appropriate use of the each of these disciplines in the sphere of medical education, particularly in the medical ethics classroom.1 I then explore the contribution that both these disciplines and their respective methodologies can and do bring to the academic field of bioethics. I conclude with a brief consideration of the relations between literature and history with particular attention to the possibilities for a future bioethics informed by history and literature after the empirical turn.
UNINFORMED CONSENT: MASS SCREENING FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Authors: JUSTMAN STEWART
Published: May 2010

While medicine may agree in principle that cancer screening requires informed consent, such consent is not, in fact, common practice. In the case of prostate‐cancer screening this means that men in large numbers undergo PSA testing with little understanding of its liabilities – in particular, that it may or may not decrease mortality, often detects cancer of questionable significance, and may lead to unnecessary surgery. Given that prostate cancer is known to be overtreated and that family history is a risk factor, it follows that a man diagnosed with prostate cancer, even if it is of no clinical significance, automatically promotes his son into the high‐risk category; and given that those so categorized are subject to heightened medical surveillance and that the more diligently medicine searches for prostate cancer the more likely it is to find it, it follows that the sons of men diagnosed as a result of PSA testing are at risk of being overdiagnosed (and overtreated) precisely because their father was. Twenty years into the PSA revolution, its generational consequences have not been discussed in the medical literature.
Institutions and the Management of Human Resources: Incentive Pay Systems in France and Great Britain
Authors: Marsden David , Belfield Richard
Published: May 2010

Using data from large‐scale establishment surveys in Britain and France, we show that incentive pay for non‐managers is more widespread in France than in Britain. We explain this finding in terms of the ‘beneficial constraint’ arising from stronger employment protection in France, which provides an impulse to develop incentive pay; employer networking activities in France, which facilitate joint learning about its development and operation; and government fiscal incentives for profit‐sharing, which reduce the cost of its operation.