Inbreeding in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.): effects on testis and sperm traits

Mating between relatives often results in inbreeding depression, and is assumed to have a strong effect on fitness traits such as fertility and gonad/gamete quality. However, data concerning this topic are contradictory and particularly scarce in fishes. Three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) show inbreeding depression in fertilization and hatching success, survival rates, body symmetry and behavioural traits. To date, any knowledge of the impact of inbreeding on males ’ gonads and gametes is lacking in this species. In the present study, testis and sperm traits were quantified in outbred and inbred males. Overall, these traits were not generally impaired by inbreeding, and this result was not changed by a second/third generation of brother–sister matings. However, testes brightness, a potential measure of oxidative stress, was negatively correlated with sperm number. Addi-tionally, inbred males with higher body condition had significantly brighter testes, whereas their sperm number was significantly negatively correlated with sperm quality (as estimated by head volume). Such a trade-off did not appear in outbred males. The comparatively small impact of inbreeding on testis and sperm traits might be explained by the low number of inbred individuals that reached the reproductive phase. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, , ••–••. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: fish – heterozygosity – reproduction – sexual selection – sperm competition – testicular melanization

A 5-day high fat high calorie diet impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy, young, lean male Dutch Surinamese South Asians but not in Dutch Caucasians

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Telehealth and telecommunication in nursing homes during COVID-19 anti-epidemic measures in The Netherlands

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Middle-aged overweight male south Asians exhibit a different metabolic adaptation to short-term caloric restriction compared to Caucasians

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Challenging behavior of nursing home residents during COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands

Objectives: From the perspective of the nursing home (NH) practitioners, to gain understanding of (1) whether challenging behavior in NH residents changed during the COVID-19 measures, (2) whether the practitioners’ involvement in the treatment of challenging behavior changed, (3) what can be learned from the experience of NH staff. Methods: A mixed methods study with a survey in 323 NH practitioners (psychologists, elderly care physicians, nurse practitioners) in the Netherlands, and in-depth interviews in 16 NH practitioners. Nonparametric analyses were used to compare estimated proportions of residents with increased and with decreased challenging behavior. Content analyses were conducted for open-ended questions and in-depth interviews. Results: Participants reported changes in challenging behavior with slightly higher proportions for increased (Q1/Mdn/Q3: 12.5%, 21.7%, 30.8%) than for decreased (8.7%, 14.8%, 27.8%, Z = –2.35, p =.019) challenging behavior. Half of the participants reported that their work load increased and work satisfaction worsened during the measures. Different strategies were described to respond to the effects of COVID-19 measures, such as video calls, providing special areas for residents to meet their loved ones, adjusting activities, and reducing the exposure to negative news. Conclusions: Because COVID-19 measures resulted in both increased and decreased challenging behavior in NH residents, it is important to monitor for their potential long lasting effects. Increased work load and worsened work satisfaction of the NH staff, together with the changes in type of challenging behavior, indicate that the harmful effects of the anti-pandemic measures should be taken seriously

The Course of Quality of Life and Its Predictors in Nursing Home Residents With Young-Onset Dementia

Objective: To explore the course of quality of life (QoL) and possible resident-related predictors associated with this course in institutionalized people with young-onset dementia (YOD). Design: An observational longitudinal study. Setting and Participants: A total of 278 residents with YOD were recruited from 13 YOD special care units in the Netherlands. Methods: Secondary analyses were conducted with longitudinal data from the Behavior and Evolution in Young-ONset Dementia (BEYOND)-II study. QoL was assessed with proxy ratings, using the Quality of Life in Dementia (QUALIDEM) questionnaire at 4 assessment points over 18 months. Predictors included age, gender, dementia subtype, length of stay, dementia severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and psychotropic drug use at baseline. Multilevel modeling was used to adjust for the correlation of measurements within residents and clustering of residents within nursing homes. Results: The total QUALIDEM score (range: 0-111) decreased over 18 months with a small change of 0.65 (95% confidence interval −1.27, −0.04) points per 6 months. An increase in several domains of QoL regarding care relationship, positive self-image, and feeling at home was seen over time, whereas a decline was observed in the subscales positive affect, social relations, and having something to do. Residents with higher levels of QoL and more advanced dementia at baseline showed a more progressive decline in QoL over time. Sensitivity analyses indicated a more progressive decline in QoL for residents who died during the follow-up. Conclusion and Implications: This study shows that although overall QoL in nursing home residents with YOD was relatively stable over 18 months, there were multidirectional changes in the QoL subscales that could be clinically relevant. Higher levels of QoL and more advanced stages of dementia at baseline predicted a more progressive decline in QoL over time. More longitudinal studies are needed to verify factors influencing QoL in YOD