Acknowledging Animals: A Memorial Service for Teaching and Research Animals

Abstract

A campus-wide memorial service was held to acknowledge the contribution of animals to excellence in research and teaching at the University of Guelph. The conception, rationale behind, and execution of this project are described, including the actual text of the service, as a model for other animal-using institutions. Such rituals can play an important role in reflecting and encouraging an attitude of respect for the animals. There is a tendency for employees of animal-using facilities to develop mechanical or compartmentalized attitudes toward their work. Rituals of acknowledgment, such as the one described here, promote active awareness as well as discussion of the issues and emotions raised by animal use. We believe this can only result in improved animal care.     

A Systematic Review of Research on Pet Ownership and Animal Interactions among Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Research on the impact of companion animals in the lives of older adults is considered from two perspectives: pet ownership and in animal-assisted interventions (AAI). This paper first presents a discussion of potential theoretical explanations of the impact of animals on human health and wellbeing among older adults, and then provides a systematic review and evaluation of existing research on the topics of human–animal interaction (HAI) and physical health and exercise, depression and anxiety, and loneliness and social functioning. Each of the studies in this review (n = 145) are rated according to modified Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine (OCEBM) levels and the role of theory, in conceptualizing the study or interpreting outcomes, is discussed. The quality of evidence for each topical area of HAI and aging research is summarized, and recommendations are made for future research directions that will increase our knowledge of the relationship between HAI and health outcomes for older adults in different settings.     

Vecteurs et instrumentation,pour l’imagerie peroperatoire (V2iP)

ObjectiveThe meaning of this work was to develop a new medical imaging technique aimed to assist the surgical act during the resection of cancerous tumors.MethodThis technique is based on both the specificity of anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies or anti-neovessels peptides and the sensitivity of fluorescent detection. The objective was to develop and offer to surgeons the most effective vector-fluorophore-detection probe association in order to help them to significantly improve the patient's recovery. The development of a fluorescent detection probe fulfils two requirements: avoiding the injection of radioactive molecules which calls for difficult protection procedures and offering such detection to abdominal surgery, for which the background noise caused by the use of radioisotopes makes this technique hardly efficient. The experimental part of the project had the aim of comparing, within animals, the sensitivity and specificity of these techniques. Preclinical study has also been realized for fluorescent markers. Such studies had to show the benefits of the optical method compared to the radioisotopic method for oncology surgeons.ResultsAn industrial prototype of the probe has been developed and tested on animals after injection of the tumor specific molecule conjugated to a fluorescent dye developed within the frame of the project. The digestive tumors could perfectly be visualised.ConclusionThis surgical imaging technique should have a major impact on the practices of oncology surgeons and should lead to less complementary therapies and therefore more comfort for the patients.     

α-Amylase,Limit Dextrinase,and α-Glucosidase Enzymes in Barley and Malt

Abstract

A parallel discussion is presented of recent developments in fermentation monitoring and control in both research institutes and in industry. The discussion is based around the areas of measurement (on-line and off-line), data conditioning and analysis, modeling, fault analysis, and control. Recent progress in industrial fermentation monitoring and control is used as a guide to identify potential areas of research that might have a most rapid and direct impact on industrial fermentation operation.     

Componentes de la valoración geriátrica y adherencia terapéutica en el paciente anciano con infarto agudo de miocardio

Background and objectivePoor therapeutic adherence after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can lead to early serious complications. Information on the impact of geriatric assessment on adherence is scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze, in older patients with AMI, the impact of geriatric assessment on therapeutic adherence 12 months after admission.Materials and methodsA previous study randomized patients aged >75 years who had presented an AMI to a nursing health education program versus conventional management, evaluating the impact of this intervention on therapeutic adherence after 12 months. In-hospital geriatric assessment was performed. For this substudy, the adherence predictors were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Those patients who obtained adherence in the 4 tools were considered adherent: the Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett test, attendance at visits and correct withdrawal of drugs from the pharmacy.ResultsA total of 119 patients with a mean age of 82.2 years were included. At one year, a total of 42 patients (35.3%) were adherent. The predictors of poor adherence in the final model were male sex, worse glomerular filtration rate, cognitive impairment, nutritional risk, not living alone and not belonging to the intervention group.ConclusionsThe data of this series show a low therapeutic adherence in the elderly after an AMI. Cognitive impairment or nutritional risk was significantly associated with poorer adherence, contrary to a nursing intervention, which highlights the importance of health education and supervision in high-risk patients.     

Expert Roundtable on Continuous Glucose Monitoring

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to define an expert opinion on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including its advantages, barriers, and best clinical practices for initiation, patient-clinician communication, and data management.MethodsA series of virtual discussions was held to recommend improvements to clinical practice and design clinical tools for primary care clinicians. Participants included endocrinologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and diabetes care and education specialists.ResultsThe expert panels recommended CGM as a supplement to blood glucose monitoring and hemoglobin A1c for managing diabetes in persons with diabetes (PWDs). CGM can help predict potential pitfalls in glycemic management, including hypo and hyperglycemic excursions, which directly influence lifestyle changes, medication initiation, and dosing decisions. A toolkit was designed with practical guidance on the integration of CGM into clinical practice, interpretation of results, clinical guidelines, a patient action plan, and other useful management tools.ConclusionThis review summarizes the findings from a roundtable discussion with endocrinology and primary care clinicians, a discussion of the advantages and challenges of CGM, and clinical approaches to improving the care of PWDs. CGM offers more detailed tracking of glucose levels than blood glucose monitoring or hemoglobin A1c, and it can detect asymptomatic hypoglycemia. Specialized education of providers, the cost to patients and providers, and data management are barriers to the widespread adoption of CGM for PWDs.     

Qualitative study of evidence based leaflets in maternity care

ObjectiveTo examine the use of evidence based leaflets on informed choice in maternity services.DesignNon-participant observation of 886 antenatal consultations. 383 in depth interviews with women using maternity services and health professionals providing antenatal care.SettingWomen''s homes; antenatal and ultrasound clinics in 13 maternity units in Wales.ParticipantsChildbearing women and health professionals who provide antenatal care.InterventionProvision of 10 pairs of Informed Choice leaflets for service users and staff and a training session in their use.ResultsHealth professionals were positive about the leaflets and their potential to assist women in making informed choices, but competing demands within the clinical environment undermined their effective use. Time pressures limited discussion, and choice was often not available in practice. A widespread belief that technological intervention would be viewed positively in the event of litigation reinforced notions of “right” and “wrong” choices rather than “informed” choices. Hierarchical power structures resulted in obstetricians defining the norms of clinical practice and hence which choices were possible. Women''s trust in health professionals ensured their compliance with professionally defined choices, and only rarely were they observed asking questions or making alternative requests. Midwives rarely discussed the contents of the leaflets or distinguished them from other literature related to pregnancy. The visibility and potential of the leaflets as evidence based decision aids was thus greatly reduced.ConclusionsThe way in which the leaflets were disseminated affected promotion of informed choice in maternity care. The culture into which the leaflets were introduced supported existing normative patterns of care and this ensured informed compliance rather than informed choice.

What is already known on this topic

Informed Choice leaflets are widely used in maternity care but little is known about their ability to influence informed choice and decision makingHigh quality information is essential for promoting informed choice but is insufficient by itself

What this study adds

Time constraints and other pressures on health professionals resulted in a lack of discussion of the content of the leafletsFear of litigation, power hierarchies, and the technological imperative in maternity care limited the choices availableHealth professionals promoted normative practices rather than choice, and as women valued their opinions this led to the promotion of informed compliance rather than informed choice     

Committee for the study of the Scottish Flora

Background: Damage to alpine plant communities is likely to occur when hikers and pack animals trample vegetation. Currently, there is limited research that quantifies and compares impacts from these activities.

Aims: A manipulative experimental protocol was used to assess damage to alpine meadows by pack animals and hikers in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, Andes, Argentina.

Methods: Vegetation height, overall cover, cover of dominant species and species richness were measured immediately after, and 2 weeks after different numbers of passes (0, 25, 100 and 300) by hikers or pack animals in an experiment, using a randomised block design.

Results: Pack animals had two to three times the impact of hiking on the meadows, with greater reductions in plant height, the cover of one of the dominant sedges and declines in overall vegetation cover after 300 passes. Impacts of pack animals were also apparent at lower levels of use than for hikers. These differences occurred despite the meadow community having relatively high resistance to trampling due to the traits of one of the dominant sedges (Carex gayana).

Conclusions: Pack animals caused more damage than hikers to the alpine meadow, but the scale of the difference in short-term impacts depends on the characteristics of the plant community, the amount of use and the vegetation parameters measured. Use of the meadows by hikers and pack animals should be minimised as these meadows are scarce, and have high conservation values.     

A School Health Project Can Uplift the Health Status of School Children in Nepal

BackgroundSchool health is effective in helping students achieve health literacy, enhance their health-related behaviors, and thereby improve their health status. However, in resource-limited countries, evidence is limited to show the impact of school health. We determined the association of the school health and nutrition (SHN) project activities on students’ a) health knowledge, b) hygiene practices, and c) health outcomes, one year after the project completion.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted among the schools with the SHN project and without the project in four districts of Nepal. We recruited 604 students from six schools in the project group and 648 students from other six schools in the comparison group. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data, and analyzed them using regression models and a structural equation model (SEM).ResultsStudents from the SHN project group reported the decreased odds of worm infestation (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.75) and diarrhea/ dysentery infection (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.97) compared to those in the comparison group. Furthermore, the SEM analysis also showed that the students in the project group were more likely to have better health outcomes (β = 0.03, p< 0.05).ConclusionStudents in the SHN project group were more likely to have better health outcomes compared to those in the comparison group, even after one year of the project completion. As it can bring about sustainable changes for students, it should be scaled up in other parts of the country.     

SOUND PROPAGATION IN SHALLOW WATER: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION BY AQUATIC ANIMALS

ABSTRACT

Measurements of sound propagation were made in a shallow, sloping bottomed freshwater pond. The frequency responses of the pond had a highpass characteristic with a sharp cutoff frequency. Cut-off frequency of the response was inversely related to the depth of water at the shallowest transducer (either projector or receiver) and was the same whether propagating downslope or upslope (reciprocity). The relationship between cut-off frequency and depth was significantly different from that expected for propagation in a channel with either a rigid or pressure release (gas) bottom. The highpass characteristic is due to modal propagation in the ‘waveguide’, and the effect of this environmental filtering is 30–60 dB between frequencies that propagate and those that do not. Thus, the physical constraints of this shallow-water environment on acoustic communication by aquatic animals are much greater than those measured in terrestrial environments. These constraints are discussed relative to selection for behavioural adaptations of acoustically signalling aquatic animals and are compared to similar adaptations found in terrestrial systems.     

Book Reviews

Abstract

A study of the attitudes and actions of 281 dog owners towards neutering their animals is reported from New Providence, The Bahamas. Owner attitudes towards neutering are associated with different sterilization rates of dogs. While owners' gender is associated with differences in attitudes, these differences are not necessarily associated with owner behavior with respect to neutering their animals. Men, more than women, want to have animals for long-term breeding. No evidence is found to support the belief that men are less likely to neuter their dogs than women, but younger owners are less likely than older owners to neuter their dogs. A comparison with a study from Australia suggests that Bahamians are more likely to project human traits on to their animals and so appear more reluctant to have their dogs neutered.     

河北省医院卫生技术人员继续医学教育费用负担研究

目的 分析河北省二甲、三甲医院卫生技术人员参加继续医学教育项目学习的状况和经费负担特点。方法 采用分层抽样方法对45所二甲、三甲医院6 013名卫生技术人员问卷调查和描述性研究方法分析。结果 三甲医院人员各类项目参加率均高于二甲医院。两级医院人员参加率高的项目有收益率低,参加率与有收益率背离。教育费用负担有单位全部负担、单位和个人共同负担和个人全部负担3种形式。二甲医院3种负担的课程次数构成比分别为22.23%、16.03%、61.74%,单位全部负担和个人全部负担是主要的负担形式;三甲医院为19.50%、29.56%、50.94%,单位和个人共同负担是主要的负担形式。结论 投入不足和制度落实不到位是二甲医院滞后的主要原因,单位和个人共同负担是较为合理的负担形式。     

Patient education-level affects treatment allocation and prognosis in esophageal- and gastroesophageal junctional cancer in Sweden

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status and poor education elevate the risk of developing esophageal- and junctional cancer. High education level also increases survival after curative surgery. The present study aimed to investigate associations, if any, between patient education-level and treatment allocation after diagnosis of esophageal- and junctional cancer and its subsequent impact on survival.MethodsA nation-wide cohort study was undertaken. Data from a Swedish national quality register for esophageal cancer (NREV) was linked to the National Cancer Register, National Patient Register, Prescribed Drug Register, Cause of Death Register and educational data from Statistics Sweden. The effect of education level (low; ≤9 years, intermediate; 10–12 years and high >12 years) on the probability of allocation to curative treatment was analyzed with logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier-method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of education on survival.ResultsA total of 4112 patients were included. In a multivariate logistic regression model, high education level was associated with greater probability of allocation to curative treatment (adjusted OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08–2.03, p = 0,014) as was adherence to a multidisciplinary treatment-conference (adjusted OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.40–4.08, p < 0,001). High education level was associated with improved survival in the patients allocated to curative treatment (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99, p = 0,036).DiscussionIn this nation-wide cohort of esophageal- and junctional cancer patients, including data regarding many confounders, high education level was associated with greater probability of being offered curative treatment and improved survival.     

Evaluating the Impact of a Humane Education Summer-Camp Program on School-Aged Children's Relationships with Companion Animals

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the impact of children's participation in a five-day humane education summer-camp program on the quality of their relationships with and treatment of companion animals. We measured changes from pre- to post-program in 77 children (50 girls, 27 boys) aged 6–12 years. The program promoted positive interactions between children and animals in natural settings, with a focus on either companion animals or farm/forest animals. The Companion Animal Bonding Scale, the Pet Friendship Scale, the Comfort from Companion Animal Scale, the Children's Treatment of Animal Questionnaire, and a drawing task were administered to children prior to the beginning of the camp on day one and again at the end of day five. Overall, the results showed that after five days of humane education in summer camp, children reported sharing significantly closer bonds and friendships with their companion animals. These results were more pronounced for girls versus boys, among younger (aged 6 to 8 years) versus older (aged 9 to 12 years) children, and among children receiving the companion-animal versus farm/forest-animal curriculum. Older boys reported significantly lower scores on the humane treatment of their companion animals, compared with younger boys, and both older and younger girls. Comparisons by type of curriculum also suggested that the humane education curriculum that focused on farm/forest animals resonated more with the girls versus the boys. The implications for camp- and classroom- based humane education programs are discussed.     

Improving Ambulatory Diabetes Care In High-Risk Racial Minorities:Use Of Culture-Specific Education And Close Follow-Up

ObjectiveTo describe a project aimed at improving diabetes care in the ambulatory setting among 2 high-risk racial minorities (African American and Hispanic patients) by using culture-specific education provided by trained diabetes educators from the same racial groups as the targeted patients.MethodsTwo nurse educators, 1 Hispanic and 1 African American, completed a standardized chronic disease management program, as did 2 patients with diabetes from each of the aforementioned ethnic groups in preparation for training other patients. The study patients participated in group classes or one-on-one sessions to learn about appropriate management of their diabetes, related complications, and improved lifestyle habits. Close follow-up by telephone and regular appointments ensured that appropriate glucose monitoring and laboratory tests were performed. Outcome measures before and after the intervention were recorded, with final project follow-up at 24 months. A control group was identified during the same period, which received standard care (follow-up with a physician every 3 to 6 months).ResultsAn improvement in control of diabetes occurred, as determined by a significant decline in hemoglobin A1c levels in both minority study groups. Emergency department visits also decreased significantly.Lipid profiles and microalbumin showed improvement as well. More than 90% of patients kept appointments and had all laboratory studies performed.Conclusion: The project intervention had a notable effect, physically and psychologically, on the 2 ethnic sample populations studied. These results have major implications, both clinically and financially, for public health policy planning for diabetes care in minority populations. (Endocr Pract 2010;16:171-177)     

Learning from deep revolutionary time

ABSTRACT

This reflection on Seizing Freedom focuses on three different aspects of Roediger's book. The first considers the phenomenon of ‘revolutionary time’ and what might be gained from revisiting other literary accounts that vividly convey the possibilities entailed in breaking through all social and political constraints in the cause of freedom. The second section discusses Roediger's inquiry into the breakdown of revolutionary solidarity following the splits over suffrage at the end of the Civil War. Taking a more detailed genealogical approach to the history of struggles for women's rights and for black freedoms suggests a need for more complex understanding of intersectionality. The third section takes up Roediger's discussion of disability as an analytical lens, particularly in relation to the racialized body of the war veteran. War and violent conflict can open up less familiar angles of analysis that both complement and complicate a conventionally intersectional approach. We need a much longer and more detailed analysis of the links between the work of soldiering, the racialized body and the gendered politics of emancipation from white supremacist rule. For this project, the canvas must be stretched across the Atlantic to include Africa, at the very least.     

Gene transfer in fish: Potential and practice

Abstract

During the past decade, developments in genetic engineering technology have led to the production of transgenic fish. In this paper, the impact of this novel strategy for genetic improvement of fish is examined in the context of possible benefits, probable limitations, and actual results. The role of gene transfer in improving fish growth rates, combatting disease, and altering other specific aspects of fish production is reviewed. Practical considerations, particularly in relation to the selection of a gene construct and its subsequent transfer, are outlined. A detailed discussion of the fate of transferred genes and the efficiency of transgenic fish production is also included. Finally, we review some of the practical precautions which must be observed if this novel technology is to safely complement conventional fish production strategies.     

A life cycle model for high-speed rail infrastructure: environmental inventories and assessment of the Tours-Bordeaux railway in France

Purpose

The objective of the study is to progress towards a comprehensive component-based Life Cycle Assessment model with clear and reusable Life Cycle Inventories (LCIs) for high-speed rail (HSR) infrastructure components, and to assess the main environmental impacts of HSR infrastructure over its lifespan, to finally determine environmental hotpots and good practices.

Methods

A process-based LCA compliant with ISO 14040 and 14044 is performed. Construction-stage LCIs rely on data collection conducted with the concessionaire of the HSR line combined with EcoInvent 3.1 inventories. Use and End-of-Life stages LCIs rest on expert feedback scenarios and field data. A set of 13 midpoint indicators is proposed to capture the diversity of the environmental damage: climate change, consumptions of primary energy and non-renewable resources, human toxicity and ecotoxicities, eutrophication, acidification, radioactive and bulk wastes, stratospheric ozone depletion, and summer smog. Three characterization methods are used: the “Cumulative Energy Demand” method to quantify energy demand, the EDIP method for waste productions, and the CML method for the rest.

Results and discussion

The study shows major contributions to environmental impact from rails (10–71%), roadbed (3–48%), and civil engineering structures (4–28%). More limited impact is noted from ballast (1–22%), building machines (0–17%), sleepers (4–11%), and power supply system (2–12%). The two last components, chairs and fasteners, have negligible impact (max. 1 and 3% of total contributions, respectively). Direct transportation can contribute up to 18% of total impact. The production and maintenance stages contribute roughly equally to environmental deterioration (respectively average of 62 and 59%). Because the End-of-Life (EoL) mainly includes recycling with environmental credit accounted for in our 100:100 approach, this stage has globally a positive impact (??9 to ??98%) on all the impact categories except terrestrial ecotoxicity (58%), radioactive waste (11%), and ozone depletion (8%). Contribution analyses show that if concrete production is one of the important contributing processes over the construction stage, primary steel production is unquestionably the most important process on all the impact categories over the entire life cycle.

Conclusions

These results are of interest for public authorities and the rail industry, in order to consider the full life cycle impacts of transportation infrastructure in a decision-making process with better understanding and inclusion of the environmental constraints. Suggestions are provided in this way for life cycle good practices—for instance as regards gravel recycling choices—and additional research to reduce the impact of current major contributors.

     

The coastal upwelling ecosystems analysis program as an experience in international cooperation

Abstract

The Coastal Upwelling Ecosystems Analysis CUEA) Project, the major effort in the Living Resources part of the United States Program for the International Decade of Ocean Exploration (IDOE), included a variety of approaches to international involvement. Escalating cost, expanded geographical scope, and increasing insistence on coastal state participation in research projects off foreign shores heighten the likelihood that similar large‐scale, long‐term research efforts will require particular attention to international cooperation and collaboration. A look at the international aspects of CUEA is timely and instructive. This discussion reviews the background to the upwelling project, the nature of international involvement, and closes with some observations about the requirements for similar projects in the future.