Correcting behavior by insects on vertical and horizontal mazes

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1962 A3

Morphology of alimentary and reproductive tracts of the rodent bot fly, Cuterebra tenebrosa (Diptera: Cuterebridae)

The internal reproductive and alimentary structures of <i>Cuterebra tenebrosa</i> Coquillett were studied and compared to other calypterate flies. Well defined mouth parts are present. Paired lingual salivary glands extend horizontally almost to the abdomen: however, labial salivary glands were not found. The alimentary canal is complete in female flies, whereas males lack a crop. Females have three spherical spermathecae opening in to the upper portion of the genital chamber. Male reproductive structures are similar to those in other flies. Tracheal air sacs fill one-third to one-half of the abdomen

A rare case of symptomatic bilateral pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma with reported incidence of 2-8 per million, is a rare and special tumor with its own unique clinical and pathological features, originating from the amazingly intelligent neuroendocrine cells of chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. It may behave as ‘great masquerader’ and be sweet and predictable as a child, while at times act as a ‘treacherous murderer’ crashing and tearing everything in its path with fierce rage, the main cornerstone of the disease being surgical excision. Here, we report a rare case of middle aged female presenting with hypertensive crisis which necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) management where she responded well to anti-hypertensives and radiological investigations were suggestive of bilateral pheochromocytoma. The course of treatment consisted of array of investigations to ascertain the diagnosis before embarking on bilateral adrenalectomy keeping in mind the consequences of absence of adrenal and subsequent possibility of Nelsons syndrome, which we were able to treat successfully. Here we want to highlight the consideration of bilateral adrenal tumors as a differential diagnosis for suprarenal growths, subsequent surgical course and post-operative medical treatment highlighting the importance of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids for day to day functioning

Milk sharing: from private practice to public pursuit

After only six months, a commerce-free internet-based milk-sharing model is operating in nearly 50 countries, connecting mothers who are able to donate breast milk with the caregivers of babies who need breast milk. Some public health authorities have condemned this initiative out of hand. Although women have always shared their milk, in many settings infant formula has become the "obvious" alternative to a mother's own milk. Yet an internationally endorsed recommendation supports mother-to-mother milk sharing as the best option in place of a birth mother's milk. Why then this rejection? Several possibilities come to mind: 1) ignorance and prejudice surrounding shared breast milk; 2) a perceived challenge to the medical establishment of a system where mothers exercise independent control; and 3) concern that mother-to-mother milk sharing threatens donor milk banks. We are not saying that milk sharing is risk-free or that the internet is an ideal platform for promoting it. Rather, we are encouraging health authorities to examine this initiative closely, determine what is happening, and provide resources to make mother-to-mother milk sharing as safe as possible. Health authorities readily concede that life is fraught with risk; accordingly, they promote risk-reduction and harm-minimisation strategies. Why should it be any different for babies lacking their own mothers' milk? The more that is known about the risks of substituting for breast milk, the more reasonable parental choice to use donor milk becomes. We believe that the level of intrinsic risk is manageable through informed sharing. If undertaken, managed and evaluated appropriately, this made-by-mothers model shows considerable potential for expanding the world's supply of human milk and improving the health of children

Youths and poor emotional wellbeing: is it just a matter of stress? A longitudinal survey.

To date, research on emotional wellbeing among youths has been mostly based on cross-sectional studies, and little is known about its evolution over time. Our study adds a longitudinal approach to emotional wellbeing and defines different groups of youths according to their evolution over a two-year period. Stress and perceived health status seem to be the most important factors related to emotional wellbeing. Our research shows the importance of health care professionals exploring psychological health, especially when a youth has atypical somatic complaints. This could allow the early detection of psychological problems and the provision of proper timely treatment. To assess how emotional wellbeing evolves over a two-year period among youths in Switzerland, and to assess their characteristics. Data were obtained from the first and third waves of the GenerationFRee study (n = 1311, aged 15–24 at baseline). The sample was divided into four groups according to the evolution of their emotional wellbeing (WB): good at both waves (GoodWB: 67.9%), poor at T1 and good at T3 (BetterWB: 8.4%), good at T1 and poor at T3 (WorseWB: 13.2%), or poor at both waves (PoorWB: 10.4%). Significant variables at the bivariate level were included in a multinomial regression analysis using GoodWB as the reference category. Results are given as relative risk ratios (RRRs). The BetterWB group reported more stress at T1 (RRR 1.34), as did the WorseWB group at T3 (1.43). Those in the WorseWB group were more likely to report poorer health status at T3 (6.51). Finally, the PoorWB group reported more stress at T1 (1.33) and T3 (1.44), and poorer health status at T1 (9.39) and T3 (5.75). Other variables not significant in all groups were perceived onset of puberty, having a chronic condition, area of residence and relationships with parents. Using a longitudinal approach, stress and perceived health status seem to be the main factors that change with emotional wellbeing among youths. Inquiring about stress could be a good proxy for emotional wellbeing, especially among males, who tend to underestimate their emotional worries

In era of gold standard laparoscopic surgery, a study profile of open Nissen’s fundoplication for drug refractory endoscopically diagnosed and manometrically confirmed hiatus hernia in a tertiary care hospital

Hiatus hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus, a hole in the diaphragm. The condition is often asymptomatic but can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia, chest pain, and other complications in some cases. The diagnosis of hiatus hernia is typically made using imaging tests such as endoscopy or radiography and confirmation done using esophageal motility studies. Management of hiatus hernia depends on the severity and symptoms of the condition. Mild cases may be managed with lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, dietary changes, and avoiding certain trigger foods. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists may also be used to control GERD symptoms in maximum number of cases. Surgical intervention will be necessary for more severe cases or cases that do not respond to conservative management. The two main types of surgery for hiatus hernia are conventional/open Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic fundoplication. These procedures aim to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Overall, the management of hiatus hernia requires a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care providers. The optimal management will be an individualized approach addressing severity of symptoms and responses to drugs. This study aims to review the drug refractory cases of hiatus hernia in a select group of adult patients not eligible for standard laparoscopic approach diagnosed endoscopically and managed by open Nissen’s fundoplication

Morphology of Myrmecophila manni, a myrmecophilous cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Scanning electron microscopy showed that the myrmecophilous cricket, Myrmecophila manni Schimmer, retains many structural features common to typical gryllids and has few of the morphological features often associated with myrmecophily. However, the mouth parts, particularly the labrum and epipharynx, are highly modified for strigilation and trophallaxis. The structure of the ovipositor is unique in that it can expand greatly to permit the passage of large eggs. This cricket also differs from typical gryllids in having stemmata instead of compound eyes, a feature probably related to its life inside dark ant nests where it does not need good vision. Behavioral, rather than morphological, attributes are probably more important in adapting the crickets for life with ants

Early life exposure to oestrogen and testicular cancer risk: evidence against an aetiological hypothesis

British Journal of Cancer (2002) 86, 1363–1364. DOI: 10.1038/sj/bjc/6600246 www.bjcancer.co

Does regretting first vaginal intercourse have an effect on young adults' sexual behaviour?

Background The aims of this research were to determine personal differences depending on the reason for regretting or not first vaginal intercourse and its effects on sexual behaviour later on among young adults, and to assess the association between reasons for engaging in first vaginal intercourse and regretting it. Data were drawn from the 2017 Swiss national survey on youth sexual behaviours among young adults (mean age 26 years) living in Switzerland. Out of the 7142 participants, 4793 (51% females) answered the question 'Looking back now to the first time you had vaginal intercourse, do you think that…' with five possible answers: (1) I should not have done it (6.7%); (2) I should have waited longer (7.7%); (3) I should have done it earlier (7.4%); (4) It was about the right time (67.9%); and (5) I don't know (10.3%). The five groups were compared on sociodemographic and sex behaviour-related variables, analysed separately by gender. One-third of participants regretted their first experience. In the multivariate analysis, compared with the 'right time' group, all other groups were more likely to find their first experience unpleasant and to have done it with a casual partner. Those in the 'I should not have done it' and 'I should have waited longer' groups were also more likely to have done it because of external pressure, especially among females. The study results underline the significance to choose the right time and the right partner for first vaginal intercourse and the importance of including partner respect and avoiding external pressure as part of sexual education