Preening cups in duck housing are associated with an increase in central dopamine activity that suggests a negative affective state.

Preening cups are a form of environmental enrichment that provides Pekin ducks a semi-open water source to express their natural behaviors. We recently observed that preening cups may increase feather pecking behaviors in ducks. Thus, we set out to determine if this form of enrichment can impact the affective state of Pekin ducks. To accomplish this goal, we evaluated the effect of preening cups on serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) turnover via mass spectrometry and their respective synthetic enzyme gene expression via qRT-PCR. Our study investigated the link between aggressive pecking with levels and activity of brain 5-HT and DA. Brain 5-HT and DA levels and activity have been established for decades to be associated with affective states. Grow-out Pekin ducks (n = 260) were housed at Purdue and raised per industry standards. On day 18, brains were collected from ducks in pens before preening cups were placed (PRE, n = 6) and, again on day 43, in pens with (PC, n = 6) and without (CON, n = 6) preening cups. Brains were dissected into right and left halves, then further microdissected into 4 brain areas: caudal mesencephalon (CM), rostral mesencephalon (RM), diencephalon (DI), and forebrain (FB). The right hemisphere was used for mass spectrometry to determine the neurotransmitter concentration (ng/mg of tissue) and those concentrations were applied to neurotransmitter turnover equations. There were no differences across treatments for 5-HT turnover in any brain area. There were differences in DA turnover across age (P = 0.0067) in the CM and across treatments (P = 0.003) in the RM. The left hemisphere of the brain was used to perform qRT-PCR on the genes of 5-HT and DA production enzymes. Within the CM, day 43 duck brains had increased (P = 0.022) tryptophan hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase relative mRNA levels. All other brain areas showed no differences. Our data suggest that ducks housed with preening cups and that showed increased feather pecking are associated with increased brain DA activity. The increased DA in the brain may lead to a predisposition for increased aggression in the form of feather pecking.

Preening cups increase apparent wet preening behaviors, but have no impact on other behaviors, body condition, growth, or body morphometrics of grow-out Pekin ducks.

Preening cups may be a form of open water that would allow ducks to express preening behaviors. We set out to test the hypothesis that preening cups would not have detrimental effects on ducks or their environment. Control pens (N = 6, 65 ducks/pen) had nipple lines while experimental pens (N = 6, 65 ducks/pen) had the same nipple line plus one preening cup (PC). Body weights of 30 ducks per pen, and body condition scores on 50 ducks per pen were recorded weekly. On d 18 and 43, 5 ducks per pen were euthanized and their spleens, Bursas, liver, and uropygial glands were weighed. Behavior data were collected using scan sampling with video being recorded for 72 continuous hours at 4 different ages: 25 d, 30 d, 36 d, and 40 d. Body morphometrics were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Body condition scoring was analyzed by Pearson's chi-square. The GLIMMIX procedure (SAS 9.4) was used for behavioral analyses to examine treatment differences in the proportion of ducks performing dry preening, wet preening, eating, drinking, standing, and laying down. Feather pecking, feather picking, preening conspecifics (also known as allopreening), dunking head, and drinking from preening cup were analyzed using PROC LOGISTIC with the Firth bias correction for quasi-complete separation and odds ratios were calculated. More PC ducks housed with PC performed wet preening compared to control ducks (25 d: F1,26 = 6.90, P = 0.0143; 30, 36, and 40 d; F1,78 = 24.53, P < 0.0001). Ducks in the PC group were also more likely to lay down compared to controls (25 d: F1,33 = 4.95, P = 0.0330). No differences were observed for any other behavior, body condition score, body weight or morphometrics at any age. Although ducks in the preening cup group showed an increase in wet preening, our data suggest that open water is not necessary to maintain feather condition or uropygial gland size.

Chronic heat stress part 1: Decrease in egg quality, increase in cortisol levels in egg albumen, and reduction in fertility of breeder pekin ducks.

Global warming poses detrimental effects on poultry production leading to substantial economic losses. The goal of our experiment was to test the hypothesis that heat stress (HS) would alter welfare and egg quality (EQ) of breeder ducks. Furthermore, we wanted to test if HS would increase cortisol levels in egg albumen. Adult Pekin ducks were randomly assigned to two different rooms at 85% lay with 60 hens and 20 drakes per room. Baseline data including body weight, body condition scores (BCS), and egg production/quality were collected the week preceding heat treatment. Ducks were subjected to cyclic HS of 35°C for 10h/day and 29.5°C for the remaining 14h/day for 3 weeks while the control room was maintained at 22°C. Eggs were collected daily and analyzed weekly for quality assessment, and for albumen glucocorticoid (GCs) levels using mass spectrometry. One week before the exposure to HS, 10 hens and 5 drakes were euthanized and the same number again after 3 weeks and birds necropsied. Data analyses were done by 1- or 2-way ANOVA as appropriate with a Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. BCS were analyzed using a chi-squared test. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Circulating levels of corticosterone were significantly (p < 0.01) elevated at week 1 only in the HS hens. The circulating levels of cortisol increased significantly at week 1 and 2 (p < 0.05), and week 3 (p < 0.01) in the hens and at weeks 2 and 3 only (p < 0.05) in the drakes. Feather quality scores (p < 0.01), feather cleanliness scores (p < 0.001) and footpad quality scores (p < 0.05) increased significantly in the HS group. HS elicited a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in egg production at weeks 1 and 3. Hens in the HS group showed significantly decreased BW (p < 0.001) and number of follicles (p < 0.05). Shell weight decreased significantly at week 1 only (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Yolk weight decreased significantly at week 3 (p < 0.01) compared to controls. HS elicited a significant increase in albumen cortisol levels at week 1 (p < 0.05) and week 3 (p < 0.05). Thus, cortisol may provide critical information to further understand and to improve welfare.

The anatomy of the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap for neophalloplasty.

In transgender surgery, the ideal neophallus is one that: (a) is constructed using a reproducible procedure, (b) possesses tactile and erogenous sensation, (c) is large and rigid enough (naturally, or using a prosthesis) to permit penetrative intercourse, (d) leaves acceptable donor site morbidity, (e) results in esthetically satisfactory appearance, and (f) allows for voiding while standing. The musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap has favorable results in the area of neophalloplasty. Among its advantages are acceptable donor site appearance, stiffness sufficient for intercourse, and esthetically satisfactory genital appearance. The anatomy of the MLD flap supports the creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Herein, we give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, and the anatomical details and surgical steps involved. Novel illustrations were created from standard surgical text descriptions to clarify this topic for surgical training and patient understanding and decision making. A review of the relevant literature regarding the anatomy, procedure development, and outcomes is presented. The MLD flap uses part of the latissimus dorsi muscle with branches of the thoracodorsal vessels and nerve to construct a neophallus. A thin strip of muscle around the pedicle is harvested, resulting in a slightly curvilinear scar. The blood supply is connected to the femoral artery and saphenous vein or the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein, while the nerve is connected to the ilioinguinal nerve or the obturator nerve. The MLD flap for neophalloplasty is a reliable graft with a well concealed scar and low donor site morbidity. Clin. Anat. 31:152-159, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The anatomy of forearm free flap phalloplasty for transgender surgery.

Transgender surgeries are becoming more frequent and visual interpretation of anatomy is essential for both surgeons and patients. Since the forearm free flap phalloplasty was introduced in 1984, it has been known to provide reliable cosmetic and functional results for transitioning men compared with phalloplasty by different flaps. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by the creation of new anatomic illustrations. The forearm free flap consists of the anterior forearm skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia containing the radial artery as the perforator and its venae comitantes, cephalic and basilic veins, and lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves are demonstrated in relation to the surgically derived flap. Song's forearm free flap phalloplasty requires two surgical stages with a three-month interval between the stages: prelamination of a neourethra and construction of a neophallus. The neophallus created by forearm flap phalloplasty is reported to achieve acceptable aesthetical and psychological satisfaction, appropriate size and shape, and satisfying sexual intercourse. Despite increasing experiences in gender confirming surgery with modifications made by many authors, urethral complications including fistula and/or stricture formation are the leading causes of reoperation. The poor esthetic outcome of the forearm donor site and a decrease in rigidity of the neophallus are the main limitations. Illustrations of anatomy help inform surgical choice and understanding of risks and benefits by patients. The anatomy of the free forearm flap phalloplasty supports creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Clin. Anat. 31:145-151, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Kühtai data set: 25 years of lysimetric, snow pillow, and meteorological measurements.

Snow measurements at the Kühtai station in Tirol, Austria, (1920 m.a.s.l.) are described. The data set includes snow water equivalent from a 10 m2 snow pillow, snow melt outflow from a 10 m2 snow lysimeter placed at the same location as the pillow, meteorological data (precipitation, incoming shortwave radiation, reflected shortwave radiation, air temperature, relative air humidity, and wind speed), and other data (snow depths, snow temperatures at seven heights) from the period October 1990 to May 2015. All data have been quality checked, and gaps in the meteorological data have been filled in. The data set is unique in that all data are available at a temporal resolution of 15 min over a period of 25 years with minimal changes in the experimental setup. The data set can therefore be used to analyze snow pack processes over a long-time period, including their extremes and long-term changes, in an Alpine climate. Analyses may benefit from the combined measurement of snow water equivalent, lysimeter outflow, and precipitation at a wind-sheltered alpine site. An example use of data shows the temporal variability of daily and 1 April snow water equivalent observed at the Kühtai site. The results indicate that the snow water equivalent maximum varies between 200 and more than 500 mm w.e., but there is no statistically significant temporal trend in the period 1990-2015.

Saturation of the turbulent dynamo.

The origin of strong magnetic fields in the Universe can be explained by amplifying weak seed fields via turbulent motions on small spatial scales and subsequently transporting the magnetic energy to larger scales. This process is known as the turbulent dynamo and depends on the properties of turbulence, i.e., on the hydrodynamical Reynolds number and the compressibility of the gas, and on the magnetic diffusivity. While we know the growth rate of the magnetic energy in the linear regime, the saturation level, i.e., the ratio of magnetic energy to turbulent kinetic energy that can be reached, is not known from analytical calculations. In this paper we present a scale-dependent saturation model based on an effective turbulent resistivity which is determined by the turnover time scale of turbulent eddies and the magnetic energy density. The magnetic resistivity increases compared to the Spitzer value and the effective scale on which the magnetic energy spectrum is at its maximum moves to larger spatial scales. This process ends when the peak reaches a characteristic wave number k☆ which is determined by the critical magnetic Reynolds number. The saturation level of the dynamo also depends on the type of turbulence and differs for the limits of large and small magnetic Prandtl numbers Pm. With our model we find saturation levels between 43.8% and 1.3% for Pm≫1 and between 2.43% and 0.135% for Pm≪1, where the higher values refer to incompressible turbulence and the lower ones to highly compressible turbulence.

The prevalence of abnormal genital findings, vulvovaginitis, enuresis and encopresis in children who present with allegations of sexual abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of vulvovaginitis, enuresis and encopresis in children who were referred for allegations of sexual abuse. SUBJECTS: A retrospective chart review of 1280 children presenting for non-acute examination after allegations of sexual abuse during a 15-year time span. Interview documentation, physical examination documentation, urinalysis, urine and vaginal cultures were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 1280 children, 73.3% were female and 26.7% male. The ages of the children ranged from 6 months to 18 years (median age was 6 years). Interviews revealed that fondling contact was the most common allegation, followed by oral, vaginal, and anal penetration. Interviews also disclosed lower urinary tract symptoms, UTI, constipation, encopresis and enuresis. Physical examination revealed no abnormal genital findings in 44.7% of cases. Examinations of the vagina noted: erythema (18.1%); hymenal notching (posterior 16.8%, anterior 4.4%); vuvlovaginitis (14.0%); laceration or transection (0.6%); and bruising (0.4%). Examination of the anus noted: anal fissure/tear (14.9%); loss of anal tone (10.6%); reflex anal dilatation (9.2%); venous congestion (3.8%); and proctitis (0.9%). Vulvovaginitis was noted in 14% (131/936) and encopresis in 2.3% (21/936). Enuresis according to age was reported in 13% of 5-9 year olds, 14.7% of 10-16 year olds and 18.2% of 17-18 year olds suspected of being abused. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of vulvovaginitis and enuresis were increased, and encopresis was decreased in children with allegations of sexual abuse when compared to the general pediatric population. Physicians should continue to be aware of the possibility of the presence of these conditions in children who have been sexually abused, and offer appropriate treatment.

Mach number dependence of turbulent magnetic field amplification: solenoidal versus compressive flows.

We study the growth rate and saturation level of the turbulent dynamo in magnetohydrodynamical simulations of turbulence, driven with solenoidal (divergence-free) or compressive (curl-free) forcing. For models with Mach numbers ranging from 0.02 to 20, we find significantly different magnetic field geometries, amplification rates, and saturation levels, decreasing strongly at the transition from subsonic to supersonic flows, due to the development of shocks. Both extreme types of turbulent forcing drive the dynamo, but solenoidal forcing is more efficient, because it produces more vorticity.

The value of intraoperative smear examination of stereotaxic brain specimens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the importance of intraoperative smear examinations for the final diagnosis of intracerebral stereotaxic procedures. 125 consecutive patients with suspect intracerebral lesions underwent stereotaxic frame-based biopsies after acquisition of computer tomographic and magnetic resonance images. After secondary image processing, including multiplanar visualization of the target region and target definition, a serial biopsy was realized using an aspiration Sedan needle. Biopsy taking was repeated as long as pathological tissue samples were obtained according to the visual impression of the neurosurgeon (group I) or to the first neuropathological result of a smear examination (group II). Retrospective analysis of all cases showed that intraoperative microscopic diagnostics could improve the conditions for a definitive neuropathological diagnosis from 91.8% (56/61 patients, group I) to 96.9% (62/64 patients, group II) (t>0.05). The number of biopsy specimens and the rate of CT-detectable small bleedings differed slightly between both groups and were higher in group II. The duration of surgery and anaesthesia as well as the final neurological outcomes were comparable in both groups. In conclusion, intraoperative smear examination as a kind of "bedside" diagnostics confers a better diagnostic safety and improves the reliability of this minimal invasive manoeuvre.

Effect of cellular and receptor activation on the extent of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 internalization.

Previous studies by our laboratory demonstrated that internalization of fibrinogen-bound alphaIIbbeta3 correlated with both a loss of aggregation and a loss of bound fibrinogen from the platelet surface. However, these studies do not address whether cellular activation, receptor activation and/or receptor occupancy are responsible for the observed internalization of alphaIIbbeta3. The present studies were designed to evaluate the roles of cellular and receptor activation states on the alphaIIbbeta3 internalization process. In these studies, washed platelets were allowed to bind FITC-D57, an antialphaIIb monoclonal antibody, and were subsequently treated with ADP, thrombin receptor activation peptide (TRAP) or antiLIBS6 monoclonal antibody. Following flow cytometric analyses for log green fluorescence, rabbit antifluorescein was added, and the samples were re-analyzed for residual/unquenched fluorescence. Because access of the quenching antibody is limited to extracellular/surface-associated fluorescein, protection from quenching by antifluorescein is taken as evidence of internalization. Stimulation of platelets with ADP or TRAP resulted in a significant increase in the percent internalization of alphaIIbbeta3 compared to control (8.7% and 12.8% vs. 2.9%). Addition of cytochalasin E prior to stimulation resulted in a greater than 90% inhibition of both TRAP and ADP-induced internalization, suggesting that activation-dependent internalization is mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. To investigate whether receptor activation increases the extent of alphaIIbbeta3 internalization, platelets were treated with anti-LIBS6, which directly activates alphaIIbbeta3. Stimulation with anti-LIBS6 caused an approximate 8-fold increase in the extent of alphaIIbbeta3 internalization. To evaluate whether the activated pool of alphaIIbbeta3 is preferentially internalized, platelets were incubated with PAC-1, an antibody specific for activated alphaIIbbeta3. Platelets stimulated with TRAP, demonstrated a dose-dependent internalization of PAC-1. However, approximately 29% of total PAC-1 binding was internalized, irrespective of TRAP concentration, suggesting that a constant proportion of activated alphaIIbbeta3 is selectively internalized in platelets. Collectively, these data suggest that alphaIIbbeta3 is internalized to a greater extent in activated platelets in a cytoskeleton-dependent manner. Furthermore, the active conformer of alphaIIbbeta3 is preferentially internalized which may act as a mechanism for downregulating adhesiveness of activated platelets in the circulation.

Congenital atresia of the portal vein and extrahepatic portocaval shunt associated with benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and atrial septal defect.

A rare case of congenital atresia of the portal vein and ductus venosus, extrahepatic portocaval shunt, benign neonatal hemangiomatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and an atrial septal defect is reported. Twenty-two cases of congenital extrahepatic end-to-side shunts have been described before. Although additional anomalies are common in this type of shunt, hemangiomatosis has been described only once. Adrenal hyperplasia has never been reported in this anomaly.

Improving planning procedure in brain biopsy: coupling frame-based stereotaxy with navigational device STP 4.0.

37 consecutive patients with space-occupying intracerebral lesions were operated via frame-based stereotaxy. After CT-localizing of suspect lesions and computer-supported definition of entry and target coordinates a serial stereotactic biopsy was performed. Biopsy specimens allowed a satisfactory neuropathological examination and diagnostic result in 36 cases (97 %). Only three patients (8.1 %) showed an intraoperative bleeding, which was not associated with any postoperative CT-detectable hematoma, neurosurgical intervention nor with any neurological deficits. In summary we described the method of a computerized planning technique for stereotactic biopsy with the use of a special stereotactic planning program. High percentage of satisfactory neuropathological diagnoses and comfortable and accurate definition of target and entry coordinates justify computer support as a routine method.

Sexual behaviors, sexual orientation and gender identity in adult intersexuals: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Sexual preference and adjustment of intersexuals have rarely been investigated. Interview techniques were used to explore these issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten adult intersexuals (average age 34.2 years) were randomly selected from Intersex Society of North America members. Of the 10 subjects 8 had initially been gender assigned as female and 2 as male. A structured telephone interview was used to assess sexual orientation, sexual activity and satisfaction with gender assignment. RESULTS: Sexual debut occurred at age 18.1 years (range 15 to 22). At debut, 4 females and 2 males engaged in heterosexual intercourse, and 4 females engaged in gynephilic (female) sexual contact. Despite female gender assignment of 8 and initial heterosexual activity by 4 subjects, the final choice of a sexual partner was female in all 8. Both males had initial heterosexual contact but only 1 continued to prefer female partners. Current number of sexual partners averaged 0.9 (range 0 to 2) and total number of sexual partners ranged from 1 to 300. Currently, 9 subjects are in a committed sexual relationship and 8 are able to achieve orgasm. Of the subjects 8 preferred being identified as intersexual, 1 male as male and 1 female as female. Two intersexuals with initial female gender assignment were undergoing male reassignment. CONCLUSIONS: Most intersexuals preferred being identified as intersexual and had female partners. Most reported being satisfied with overall physical appearance but satisfaction with genitalia was highly variable. Based on these results, further study of a larger population is warranted.

Quality-of-life studies in patients with ambiguous genitalia.

No published study to date has adequately addressed the quality of life (QOL) of intersexuals, although three studies reviewed some of these aspects. A tool specifically for studies in intersexuality is being developed. A pilot survey tested by this author using questions from a population-specific, standardized QOL survey tool was evaluated by use on a small sampling of an intersexual patient test population. The group comprised ten adult intersexuals with an average age of 34.2 years (range: 22-47 years). Survey results disclosed that all considered themselves healthy and physically active. Family relationships were described as generally good, though in discussion most showed some family problems that centered on gender issues. Six had many friends, three had some, and one had few. Eight of the ten had experienced orgasm. Only two felt they trusted doctors. All but one were partially or completely satisfied with their overall physical appearance. Those who had surgery were distressed by the appearance of their genitals, some expressing complete dissatisfaction. With development of sensitive survey tools reflecting the attitudes and concerns of this special population, important issues relating to intersexuality can be addressed.