Laparoscopic-Assisted Cryptorchidectomy in an Adult Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

A successful laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy is reported in a novel species, the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The procedure was performed in an 8-year-old adult positioned in dorsolateral oblique recumbency, with an open approach midline subumbilical placement of the primary 10 mm optical port and carbon dioxide insufflation at 12 mmHg. Three 5 mm instrument ports were inserted under visualization in the left caudal abdomen as the retained testicle was localized to the internal inguinal ring. A 5 mm flexible organ retractor was used to assist in localizing the retained testicle. This procedure provided a less invasive alternative to open laparotomy. The authors are unaware of any published reports of laparoscopy in reindeer, or of laparoscopic assisted cryptorchidectomy in deer species

Exploring attitudes to technology adoption for cross compliance in Greek and Lithuanian farmers

© The Authors.The fourth agricultural revolution has started with an explosion of online, smart, digital technologies that are now available to support farmers to improve their operations is enabling opportunities for direct integration between agricultural and computer-based systems. However, the wide range of devices and applications available can be overwhelming and the farming community is showing reluctance to adoption of these new technologies. As part of an EU-funded, multi-partner research project we developed, in collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders, a novel on-line system that supports EU farmers and paying agencies to reduce the administrative burden of CAP’s cross compliance record-keeping and inspections. During the co-development phase we interviewed Greek and Lithuanian farmers about their user needs in relation to the novel system and their potential adoption of this new technology. We analysed their qualitative responses and could identify two groups; ‘Optimistic’ and ‘Reluctant’ in relation to their use of novel technologies. In order to achieve up-take of new technologies within the European farming community, we considered these findings using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and concluded that focussing on the ease of adoption and peer usage would encourage the highest adoption rates as opposed to focusing on changing farmer attitudes

Haematology and Serum Biochemistry Parameters and Variations in the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)

Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), between 6 months – 12 years old. Of the population tested in this study, N = 18 Eurasian beavers were from Norway and N = 17 originating from Bavaria but now living extensively in a reserve in England. All blood samples were collected from beavers via the ventral tail vein. All beavers were chemically restrained using inhalant isoflurane in 100% oxygen prior to blood sampling. Results were determined for haematological and serum biochemical parameters for the species and were compared between the two different populations with differences in means estimated and significant differences being noted. Standard blood parameters for the Eurasian beaver were determined and their ranges characterised using percentiles. Whilst the majority of blood parameters between the two populations showed no significant variation, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell counts showed significantly greater values (p< 0.01) in the Bavarian origin population than the Norwegian; neutrophil counts, alpha 2 globulins, cholesterol, sodium: potassium ratios and phosphorus levels showed significantly (p< 0.05) greater values in Bavarian versus Norwegian; and potassium, bile acids, gamma globulins, urea, creatinine and total calcium values levels showed significantly (p< 0.05) greater values in Norwegian versus Bavarian relict populations. No significant differences were noted between male and female beavers or between sexually immature (< 3 years old) and sexually mature (≥ 3 years old) beavers in the animals sampled. With Eurasian beaver reintroduction encouraged by legislation throughout Europe, knowledge of baseline blood values for the species and any variations therein is essential when assessing their health and welfare and the success or failure of any reintroduction program. This is the first study to produce base-line blood values and their variations for the Eurasian beaver

Information and Risk Modification Trial (INFORM): design of a randomised controlled trial of communicating different types of information about coronary heart disease risk, alongside lifestyle advice, to achieve change in health-related behaviour

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally. Primary prevention of CVD requires cost-effective strategies to identify individuals at high risk in order to help target preventive interventions. An integral part of this approach is the use of CVD risk scores. Limitations in previous studies have prevented reliable inference about the potential advantages and the potential harms of using CVD risk scores as part of preventive strategies. We aim to evaluate short-term effects of providing different types of information about coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, alongside lifestyle advice, on health-related behaviours. Methods/Design In a parallel-group, open randomised trial, we are allocating 932 male and female blood donors with no previous history of CVD aged 40–84 years in England to either no intervention (control group) or to one of three active intervention groups: i) lifestyle advice only; ii) lifestyle advice plus information on estimated 10-year CHD risk based on phenotypic characteristics; and iii) lifestyle advice plus information on estimated 10-year CHD risk based on phenotypic and genetic characteristics. The primary outcome is change in objectively measured physical activity. Secondary outcomes include: objectively measured dietary behaviours; cardiovascular risk factors; current medication and healthcare usage; perceived risk; cognitive evaluation of provision of CHD risk scores; and psychological outcomes. The follow-up assessment takes place 12 weeks after randomisation. The experiences, attitudes and concerns of a subset of participants will be also studied using individual interviews and focus groups. Discussion The INFORM study has been designed to provide robust findings about the short-term effects of providing different types of information on estimated 10-year CHD risk and lifestyle advice on health-related behaviours. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN17721237 . Registered 12 January 2015

Urinary estrogens as a non-invasive biomarker of viable pregnancy in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Female giant pandas show complex reproductive traits, being seasonally monoestrus, displaying a variable length embryonic diapause and exhibiting pseudopregnancy. Currently, there is no confirmatory non-invasive biomarker of blastocyst implantation or pregnancy. This study aimed to monitor urinary estrogens across gestation in pregnancy (n = 4), pseudopregnancy (n = 4) and non-birth cycles (n = 5) in the giant panda. A pregnancy-specific profile of estrogens corrected for urinary specific gravity was identified during the gestation period. Pregnant females showed increasing concentrations of estrogens for 29 days until birth, no increase was observed during pseudopregnancy and the two profiles were distinguishable from each other for the final 2 weeks of the cycle suggesting the estrogens are of placental origin. This allowed a nomogram, starting at a known fixed point during the cycle, to be created and tested with cycles of known outcome, and cycles which were inseminated but did not result in a birth. Non-birth profiles showed deviations from that of pregnancy. We believe these deviations indicate the point of failure of the placenta to support a developing cub. Non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of estrogen concentrations therefore has the potential to be developed as a panda pregnancy test to predict viable cub development

Urinary estrogens as a non-invasive biomarker of viable pregnancy in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Female giant pandas show complex reproductive traits, being seasonally monoestrus, displaying a variable length embryonic diapause and exhibiting pseudopregnancy. Currently, there is no confirmatory non-invasive biomarker of blastocyst implantation or pregnancy. This study aimed to monitor urinary estrogens across gestation in pregnancy (n?=?4), pseudopregnancy (n?=?4) and non-birth cycles (n?=?5) in the giant panda. A pregnancy-specific profile of estrogens corrected for urinary specific gravity was identified during the gestation period. Pregnant females showed increasing concentrations of estrogens for 29 days until birth, no increase was observed during pseudopregnancy and the two profiles were distinguishable from each other for the final 2 weeks of the cycle suggesting the estrogens are of placental origin. This allowed a nomogram, starting at a known fixed point during the cycle, to be created and tested with cycles of known outcome, and cycles which were inseminated but did not result in a birth. Non-birth profiles showed deviations from that of pregnancy. We believe these deviations indicate the point of failure of the placenta to support a developing cub. Non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of estrogen concentrations therefore has the potential to be developed as a panda pregnancy test to predict viable cub development

Giving risk management culture a role in strategic planning

WOS: 000413939000023Strategically planned and implemented risk management paves the way for competitive advantage and a decisive edge for global financial institutions. The importance of risk management becomes more evident in financial instability periods. The failure of global financial institutions in the recent financial crisis revealed that firms with strong risk management and culture were more prepared and economically less damaged. As financial institutions have been criticized severely about risk management practices, it also becomes clear that most financial institutions have difficulties in developing a risk management culture. To have a clear understanding of risk management culture, the chapter aims to highlight a need to extend our understanding of risk management culture and how it can find a voice in the strategic planning of global financial institutions

Researching complex interventions in health: the state of the art

CITATION: Craig, P., et al. 2016. Researching complex interventions in health : the state of the art. BMC Health Services Research, 16:101, doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1274-0.The original publication is available at https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.comENGLISH SUMMARY : Keynote presentationsPublishers' Versio