Greater Number Of Females Research Articles

Reproductive payoffs of territoriality are snow‐dependent in a mountain ungulate, the Alpine chamois

AbstractFemale density and distribution are dependent on resource phenology and female availability strongly influences male mating behaviour and success. When a male adopts a ‘resource defence’ tactic, his reproductive success depends on the location and attractiveness of his territory. Environmental factors associated with territory quality are expected to influence mating success, for example, through territory features or male–male competition. In a protected population of a mountain‐dwelling polygynous herbivore, the Alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra, we investigated the relationships among mating opportunities, some environmental variables (snow depth, topographic features and size of territories) and male intra‐sexual competition for mating. We recorded the mating behaviour and territory size of 15 GPS‐GSM radio‐tagged territorial males, during five rutting seasons (early November to early December: N = 8 individuals in 2011, N = 9 in 2012, N = 8 in 2015, N = 11 in 2016, N = 7 in 2017; 80% of them were observed for more than one mating season) and related them to snow depth and topography of territories. In ruts with deep snow cover, territorial males had smaller territories and higher number of mating opportunities than in ruts with lower snow cover. Smaller territories showed the highest values of terrain roughness, in turn with little or no snow cover in the mating season, and were visited by a greater number of females, than larger territories. Number of wins was positively influenced by snow depth and negatively related to the frequency of aggressions. The frequency of male–male aggressive interactions was greater during ruts with deep snow cover and for males with territories at higher elevations; additionally, it was negatively related to interactions won. Thus, snow depth, which influences resource distribution and female movements, is confirmed as a strong determinant of male mating opportunities and mating behaviour.

Ideação suicida e risco de depressão entre idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência

Objective: to identify the depressive state and ideation among elderly people in long-stay institutions in the cities of the region of Seridó/RN. Method: cross-sectional and descriptive study, developed between the months of August and November 2020, in Long-stay Institutions for the Elderly. Results: of the 45 elderly in the group, there was a greater number of females, 64.4% aged 80 years or more. As for the depressive state, there is a quantity of 46.7% of elderly people with mild or moderate depression, 20% of elderly people with severe depression, and 33.3% of elderly people without depression. a total of 16 seniors. Conclusion/Final Considerations: the findings show a high prevalence of mild to moderate and severe depressive symptoms, possibly due to the length of institutionalization and marital status. As this is a cross-sectional study, there is no causal relationship between the factors studied and an actual clinical diagnosis. Descriptors: Long-stay Institution for the Elderly. Aging. Suicidal Ideation.

Male Embryos Produced in vitro Deviate From Their in vivo Counterparts in Placental Gene Expression on Day 32 of Pregnancy

This study compared the gene expression of extraembryonic membranes (EEM) from in vitro produced (IVP) and in vivo (AI) derived pregnancies. A piece of conceptus (day 18) or chorioallantois (day 32) was used for DNA and RNA isolation and sex determination. Male and female ratios were analyzed by Chi-square. A total of three samples per sex and group (AI and IVP, days 18 and 32) were used for transcriptome analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using edgeR-robust. A false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 was used for statistical significance. Sex ratio was similar on day 18 for AI and IVP groups. On day 32, the IVP group had a greater number of females than males (75 vs. 25%, P = 0.004). When comparing AI and IVP males vs. females, in both groups, genes upregulated in females on day 18 were related to placental function such as PAGs and TKDPs. On males on day 18, IFNT-related genes were upregulated. Comparing the techniques within sex, on day 18 female conceptuses, 50 genes were upregulated in IVP, and 21 in AI. IGF2, which is involved in placenta development, and APOA2, APOB, and APOE, involved in lipid metabolism, were upregulated in IVP conceptuses. On day 18, males had 15 upregulated genes in AI and 7 in IVP. On day 32, females had 21 upregulated genes in AI and 53 in IVP. Genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism were increased in the IVP group. Males on day 32 presented 899 DEGs, 564 upregulated in AI and 335 in IVP. Embryos from IVP had decreased expression of genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Interestingly, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) 7, 9, 10, and 19, were downregulated in IVP male. In conclusion, IVP-derived male embryos were more susceptible to alterations in gene expression and these effects extend to the peri-implantation period including genes associated with placental development and markers of placental function.

Changing concept in Burns Management- An Analytical study of Epidemiology, Morbidity, Mortality and Treatment in a period of forty years in the Indian state of Assam

There is an improvement in the morbidity and mortality in burns in the recent past due to better fluid resuscitation, use of better burn wound covers and early excision and skin grafting for full thickness burns. Burn care in the North Eastern Indian state of Assam was disorganized in the eighties, but individual efforts by some surgeons of the state, have improved outcome. This is a retrospective analysis of 8569 cases of burn injuries treated in three hospitals of Assam over a period of 40 years. The study intends to analyze the epidemiological pattern of burn injuries in order to plan preventive strategies and also to compare the results of treatment with and without an organized burn care unit. There were 7071 (82.3%) minor burns and 1518(17.7%) major burns in the series. The period of study was divided into three blocks - Block I- first 14 years of disorganized management, before establishment of Burns Unit, Block II -next 16 years of organized management after establishment of Burns Unit and Block III - last 10 years of advanced care with introduction of newer burn wound covers and early excision of burns. The data were analyzed and compared. The overall incidence of burns was more in males, but a greater number of females were the victims of major burns.77.2% of patients were below 40 years of age. The number of accidental burns remaining constant in the three blocks, there was a significant increase in the suicidal burns in the last two blocks. Flame burns (56.7%) constituted the majority of injuries, while scald (31.3%) and electrical burns (9.3%) followed. Domestic burns (73.1%) were of most common occurrence, followed by Industrial (10.8%), Diwali related (9.6%) and Traffic burns (6.4%). Though the overall mortality in the three blocks were almost same (Block I- 9.4%, Block II- 7.8% Block III-9.4%), mortality in major burns were reduced significantly after introduction of modern methods of management (Block I- 79.7%, Block II-52.0% Block III-38.4%). The quality of wound healing showed improvement in the subsequent years as evident by increase in number of patients with no scar (Block I -10%. Block II-20%, Block III- 37%) and decrease in number of patients with extensive scar (BlockI-18%, Block II- 15%, Block III-5%), measured by Vancouver Scar Scale. This analytical study has given us an understanding of the magnitude of the problem of burns in the region, which will help to plan treatment and preventive strategies. It also concludes that, dedicated individual care and introduction of newer methods of treatment have improved results of burn management. Key words: Epidemiology, treatment, morbidity and mortality

Long-Term Demographic and Spatio-Temporal Trends of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Bycatch in Bather Protection Nets off KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Bather protection nets have been in place off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, since the 1950’s. Besides sharks, they also catch a number of other marine vertebrates, including dolphins, the majority of which are Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphinsTursiops aduncus. Previous analyses of dolphin bycatch in the nets indicated the potential impacts on the local populations, but a lack of information on population structure has to-date hindered a more detailed assessment. A recent re-assessment of the status and population delineations ofT. aduncusoff South Africa prompted a re-examination of demographic, spatial, and temporal patterns of its catches in bather protection nets over a 36-year period (January 1980 to December 2015). In total, 1169 dolphins were caught, including a slightly greater number of females and juveniles than other sex-classes, raising concern about the potential long-term effects on population demographics. More dolphins were caught off the North than the South coast. Temporal trends indicate that the bycatch during June and July every year (peak Sardine Run period) as a percentage of overall dolphin bycatch has been steadily decreasing from 39.8% in 1980 to 13% in 2015. A large inter-annual fluctuation can be seen, probably as a result of the inter-annual intensity of the Sardine Run. Although our results do not indicate a long-term decline of the individual populations as previously predicted, revised abundance estimates and data on the demographics and movement patterns of the animals are urgently required to accurately assess the impact of bycatch on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin populations off KZN and to advise conservation and management decisions going forward.

Gender Specific Distribution Of different patterns of Diabetic Retinopathy In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A Cross-Sectional Study From a tertiary care specialized center in Lahore, Pakistan

BACKGROUND:The patients of diabetic retinopathy are not aware of early retinal vascular dysfunction, which is a feature of diabetic retinopathy.
 AIM:This study aimed to detect the different patterns of diabetic retinopathy and distribution in different genders, at a tertiary care specialized center.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS:Consecutive patients attending the Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Center (DEMC) were consented and examined for a period of six months. Direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes were used by an ophthalmologist for fundus examination .Grading of the retinopathy patterns was done by International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ICDRDSS). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.
 RESULTS: A total number of 250 patients were examined during the six months period of study. The frequency of diabetic retinopathy was more in females as compared to males. The incidence of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy was more in males as compared to females, and the prevalence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy was same in both genders. Greater number of females had clinically significant macular edema and advance diabetic retinopathy was observed in only males.
 CONCLUSION: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is common in our setup, with different genders having different prevalence of eye problems. A screening strategy system is needed to develop for the early detection and treatment of preventable cause of blindness in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus.

Use of microhabitat, shelter preference, activity patterns, population structure and sexual dimorphism of the Andean lizard Riama striata (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) in a high-altitude urban area of Colombia

Gymnophthalmidae is a family of Neotropical lizards from which its ecology has been widely studied in the lowlands. However, the life history of Andean species is still unknown, being most of these species apparently tolerant of anthropic habitats. The objective of this study is to describe some aspects of the ecology of one of the species of this family, Riama striata, a lizard found in a highly urbanized area in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. I describe microhabitat use, shelter preference, activity patterns, population structure and sexual dimorphism of the species. Riama striata uses both artificial and natural substrates that are mainly microhabitats of rock and concrete, and males prefer bricks even though this is the least frequent refuge available. The species has a bimodal diurnal activity, particularly on sunny days. It is sexually dimorphic in the size of the head; males have larger heads. There is a high abundance of individuals, with a greater number of females and juveniles than males. These results, together with those of other Andean species contrast sharply with the studies in gymnophthalmids and alopoglosids of the lowlands and raise new hypotheses about the ecology and life history of these lizards and how they respond to the effects of anthropic impact.

Female Circumcision and the Construction of Female Sexuality: A Study on Madurese in Indonesia

This study explores the existing practice of female circumcision among the ethnic Madurese in the East Java province of Indonesia. The practice has long been believed to be part of the Islamization process as well as protecting the cultural traditions of the ethnic society in Madura. This study aimed to investigate two major issues: the prevalence of female circumcision in three districts on Madura Island, using a quantitative survey; and the cultural construction of female sexuality, using a qualitative method focused on observations and in-depth interviews with women, community leaders, and religious teachers. The findings of this study show that a greater number of females have been circumcised from as early as infants (under the age of one) to those in adolescence. The traditional views on the female body and sexuality have strongly influenced the continuity of the cultural practice. Moreover, observational analysis showed that Madurese society continues to believe that women who identify as Muslims are required to be circumcised. Women who are not circumcised are considered to have betrayed their religious, ethnic, and cultural identities. Furthermore, women cannot refuse or ask not to be circumcised, as many traditional families and religious leaders believe that the practice is required to purify the woman’s body and her sexuality.

Potential Use of Trichogramma pintoi as a Biocontrol Agent Against Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Heortia vitessoides Moore is the most serious insect defoliator of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, an endangered and economically important plant that produces highly prized agarwood. Samples from recently identified indigenous natural populations of Trichogramma pintoi Voegele were collected from H. vitessoides eggs in A. sinensis forests in Yunnan Province, China. To assess the potential capacity of this parasitoid for use as a biological control agent, its functional response, female reproductive potential, and male insemination capacity were investigated in this study. Females successfully parasitized 1- to 4-d-old eggs of H. vitessoides but failed to parasitize 5- to 8-d-old eggs. The parasitoid exhibited a Holling type II functional response, and the estimated maximum numbers of 1- to 4-d-old H. vitessoides eggs parasitized by a single T. pintoi female were 38.1, 29.8, 26.0, and 22.2 eggs over a 24-h period, respectively. Additionally, the parasitoid's average lifetime fecundity was 89.8 ± 2.5 eggs, of which 66.26% were laid within the first 2 d. The average number of total females that mated with a male in his lifetime (4.70 ± 0.13 d) was 10.4, and the average number of total daughters of a male was 292.1. On day 1 of male adult life, the greatest number of females were inseminated by males, and the most daughters were produced; however, the number of copulations and insemination ability decreased rapidly with male age. These results suggest that T. pintoi is a promising candidate for inundative release against H. vitessoides in China, and these findings will guide efforts in achieving mass production of this parasitoid.

Factors associated with atypical radiological findings of pulmonary tuberculosis.

BackgroundUnusual radiological images may delay diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for an atypical radiological image in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients admitted to one hospital from January 2013 to December 2016 for sputum smear-positive lung tuberculosis who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) on admission. Patients whose sputum cultures were positive for general bacteria were excluded. Patient characteristics and laboratory data were compared between patients with cavity and those without and between patients with upper predominant lung involvement and those without.ResultsThis study included 94 (93%) of 101 patients who underwent chest CT. The non-cavity group was older, had a greater number of females, had a lower C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and had a lower glomerular filtration rate. Multivariate analysis showed that a low CRP level (OR 0.808; 95% CI 0.674–0.967; p = 0.020) significantly predicted non-cavity pulmonary tuberculosis. The non-upper predominant lung involvement group was older and had a greater number of females, poorer performance status, a higher CRP level, and a lower serum albumin level. A poor performance status (OR 2.155; 95% CI 1.257–3.693; p = 0.005) was found to significantly predict pulmonary tuberculosis with non-upper predominant lung distributions.ConclusionsA low CRP level and poor performance status were associated with non-cavity and non-upper predominant lung distribution, respectively, in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis patients with these characteristics may present unusual chest images.

Evaluation of nutritional deficits among adolescents in Tando Muhammad Khan district via anthropometric measures

Background: Researchers have long struggled to devise adequate measures that can be used to assess nutritional status. Apart from the ongoing debate, the most recommended indicator for identification of nutritional imbalances is anthropometry. The aim of the study was to assess the association of anthropometric measures with nutritional status among the children.
 Methodology: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from February to September 2018 upon the children from grade 5-8. A total of 264 children were selected via non-probability; consecutive sampling technique from a welfare school of Tando Muhammad Khan District. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire inquiring the nutritional status and anthropometric measurements in addition to the demographic details. Informed consent was obtained from the guardians/parents of the respondents. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Microsoft (MS) Excel 2013.
 Results: According to the results, 158 out of 264 subjects were males with the mean caloric intake of 1560±1120 calories while 106 females with a mean caloric intake of 1410±1340 calories. Furthermore, a greater number of females were observed having nutritional deficiencies. The anthropometric indices were found associated with nutritional status i.e. among the deficient group, children with deranged BMI, mid-arm, waist, hip and mid-thigh circumference were common.
 Conclusion: It is apparent through the study results that the association of anthropometric measures and nutritional status is well established and it proves to be a remarkable indicator of nutritional status.

The transcriptome analysis of males musk gland in Moschus berezovskii (Artiodactyla: Moschidae)

The dwarf musk deer, or Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is an endangered artiodactyl species native to a narrow region in southern and central China as well as northernmost Vietnam. This species is well known for the habit of male musk deer to secrete musk from the musk gland. Unmated male forest musk deer secrete a greater amount of musk than mated males, which probably allows them to attract a greater number of females. However, transcriptome data for this species are deficient, and the potential transcriptional pathways of musk production remain unknown. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to perform an in-depth survey of transcriptome data from musk gland and to compare the transcriptome differences between mated- and unmated sexually mature Chinese forest musk deer. There were 13,009 and 12,995 genes were expressed in unmated and mated musk glands tissue. In addition to analyzing these genes, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes in musk gland tissue between mated and unmated Chinese forest musk deer males. One hundred and thirty seven genes were found differentially expressed. We found that some genes in “PPAR signaling pathway”, “PI3K-Akt signaling pathway” and “Thyroid hormone synthesis” pathways may be associated with musk production and the secretion of the musk deer. The annotated genes and differentially expressed genes in this study can be applied in conservation or utilization study of musk deer in the future.

113 Analyzing conflicts between biological and economic efficiencies of beef production without mature cows.

Confounding interests between biological and economic efficiencies of the All Heifer, No Cow (AHNC) beef production system makes system evaluation difficult. In a conventional cow/calf system, emphasis is placed on reproduction, longevity, and maternal behavior with the goal of achieving a cow that successfully breeds back and consistently weans a healthy calf each year. With AHNC, calving ease and carcass quality are emphasized. In the AHNC system, yearling heifers are inseminated with sexed semen to produce primarily females; calves are weaned 3 months after parturition; heifers are finished on a high concentrate diet; and are harvested before 30 months of age. By eliminating the mature cowherd, every animal in the enterprise is growing, offering improved biological efficiency. However, the reduction in feed use does not necessarily equate with economic efficiency. The carcasses produced are high marbling, but payment does not always reflect quality due to premature bone ossification caused by increased hormone concentrations during pregnancy. A model was developed using system dynamics methodology to simulate an AHNC production system. The objective was to increase understanding of interactions and trade-offs between biological and economic efficiencies in the AHNC system. Biological efficiency was considered as lifetime kg of TDN (input) per kg of hot carcass weight produced (output). Profitability was evaluated using net income. The model was calibrated using data from the period 2013 to 2017 collected from the management of an AHNC herd. Efficiency was evaluated by changing the age at harvest and adjusting diet type. Profit leverage points were identified by changing selected variables ±10 % from the observed values while all other variables were held constant. Net income was sensitive to the percent female calves born; a greater number of females coincide with greater profitability. Results suggested AHNC could be managed to balance biological and economic efficiency.

Sex change in scallop Patinopecten yessoensis: response to population composition?

Sex structure is very labile between populations and specific for each population because it is a result of genetic, ontogenetic and biocenotic influences on the mollusks. In this study, the age frequency distribution, age-sex structure, and sex ratio were assessed in the wild populations of the Yeso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay) observed at fifteen sites in the northwestern Sea of Japan (=East Sea). The sex ratio varied between the populations from 0.83:1 to 1.52:1 (males/females), with the mean sex ratio being 1.03 ± 0.05:1. Within a population, the proportions of males and females in term of number differed between age classes. Males were more numerous than females in the younger age classes, and females prevailed over males in the older age classes. It was found that in different scallop populations the sex change occurred at different ages. In the populations that predominantly consisted of young (two- to four-year-old) individuals, males prevailed over females in the age class 2 yr.; the equal male/female proportion was found in the age class 3 yr.; and in older age classes, females prevailed over males. Another pattern was observed in the populations that consisted mainly of middle-aged (five- to six-year-old) individuals. Here, the age-sex ratio became equal at an age of 4–6 years. In the old populations (mainly 6–12-year-olds) the equal male/female proportion was observed at an age of 8–10 years. Thus, the age of sex change was not uniform for the scallop populations. It depended on the age structure of the population and, thus, was socially controlled. The greater number of females in the older age classes suggests a protandric sex change.

Characteristics of Cats Admitted to Czech Shelters

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to describe the numbers and characteristics of cats entering Czech shelters. Records of sheltered cats were collected from three cat shelters situated in different regions of the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2015. A total of 2170 cat admissions were analyzed in this study. Significantly (p < .001) greater numbers of females (56%) were admitted. Most cats (60%) were admitted when they were aged younger than six months. Cats with dark coat colors prevailed (73%), cats with medium-shade colors followed (20%), and light-colored cats were the rarest (7%). The greatest numbers of cats were admitted in summer (36%), followed by autumn (33%). The fewest cats were admitted in winter (14%). Adoption was the most common outcome for admitted cats (65%), followed by unassisted death (22%) and euthanasia (11%) due to health reasons. Only 2% of cats were reclaimed from the shelters by their original caretakers. The length of stay ranged from 0 days to 1736 days with a median of 45 days. These findings may help shelter operators define optimal strategies and operational plans.

Pain in adolescents and its risk factors: A case-control study.

The most common painful syndromes (headache, abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pain) develop or worsen during adolescence and are a common reason for consultation. Evaluate the association of age, sex, obesity, pubertal development, schooling level, employment and family structure with consultation for pain in adolescents. Case-control study conducted between February 1st, 2014 and June 30th, 2015. ages 10 to 20 years, both sexes, consultation for pain (cases), or a checkup and/or school physical (controls). χ2 test and Student" s tests were used. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to independently assess each pain-related variable. A total of 4224 medical records were evaluated; 237 cases and 468 controls were included. Adolescents with pain exhibited: greater age (p < 0.0001; OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.63.2); greater number of females (p < 0.0001; OR 2.24; 95% CI: 1.61-3.12); greater pubertal development (p < 0.0035; OR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.33.6); greater school dropout level (p < 0.0001; OR 13.4; 95% CI: 3.9-42.9); greater employment levels (p < 0.0001; OR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.7-5.3). Only age, female sex and school dropout were independently associated with consultation for pain. There were no significant differences with obesity and family structure. Older age, female sex and school dropout were independent risk factors in consultation for pain in adolescents. Puberty and employment were associated, but were not found to be independent risk factors.

Sexual Practices and Perceptions of Risk among Undergraduate Students Attending a Tertiary Institution in Jamaica: A Pilot Study

This paper describes the sexual practices and perceptions of risk among undergraduate students attending a tertiary institution in Jamaica. The study was guided by six research questions. To answer these research questions, a descriptive survey design was used for the study. A total of 63 undergraduate students were selected using the stratified random method. Data for the study were collected through the use of a questionnaire and focus group discussion. The data were coded and entered into SPSS version 20. Simple descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage, cross-tabulation and t-test) were used to analyze the data. The results showed that over two-thirds (85%) of the students were sexually active and that the male students initiated their sexual activities earlier than the female students. It was revealed that 12.6% of the respondents had their first sexual encounter when they were less than ten years old. The findings of this study showed that a greater number of females (41.0%) reported using a condom on their first sexual encounter when compared to 20.6% of the male undergraduate students. Although 88.8% of the respondents reported seeing the promotional advertisement about safe sex, 11.2% stated that the advertisements were not convincing, for example they stated: “it did not convince me, and needed to show more than the risk”, and “not doing enough to scare young people about STD”. This has serious implications for how prevention messages are fashioned. The study indicates the need for partnerships to improve the STI/HIV risk reduction interventions in Jamaica. Based on the sexual practices identified in this study, undergraduates at this particular university are at risk of contracting STIs making them susceptible to cervical cancers, infertility and unwanted pregnancies. Based on the findings and their implications, six recommendations were made on how to use the platforms that will appeal to this group of undergraduate students in practicing safe sex.

Comparative study of morbidity and mortality between ileal conduit and ureterosigmoidostomy after radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm

ObjectivesDespite the growing trend in the development of orthotopic neobladders, the procedure cannot be performed in many cases, thereby retaining the validity of other techniques. We propose a comparative analysis between patients with radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm and reconstruction using the ileal conduit (IC) or ureterosigmoidostomy (USG). Patients and methodObservational retrospective study on 255 patients with radical cystectomy between 1985 and 2009, selecting group assignments by the use of IC and USG. Analysis of the demographic and preoperative characteristics, perioperative complications, pathology and medium to long-term complications. Comparison of groups using T-Student, U-Mann–Whitney and chi square tests, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Preparation of survival tables according to Kaplan–Meier, establishing comparisons using the log-rank test. ResultsThere were 41 cases of IC and 55 cases of USG, with a mean patient age of approximately 61 years. USGs were performed on a greater number of females than ICs. There were no differences in the need for transfusion, with similar results as other series. There was a greater trend toward the appearance of intestinal fistulae and greater morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period in USG, although it was not significant. There was a greater long-term presence of eventrations in IC, and of pyelonephritis and the need for taking alkalinizing agents in USG. The appearance of peristomal hernias in IC was less than in previous series. With a mean follow-up greater than 50 months, the overall survival was 40% at 5 years, with no differences according to urinary diversion. ConclusionsIC and USG are two applicable urinary diversions in the event that orthotopic neobladder surgery cannot be performed. They have a similar long-term complication and survival profile in our series, although with a higher morbidity in postoperative complications for USG.

Social networks, long-term associations and age-related sociability of wild giraffes

Long-term studies of sociality in wild animals are rare, despite being critical for determining the benefits of social relationships and testing how long such relationships last and whether they change as individuals age. Knowledge about social relationships in animal species that exhibit fission–fusion dynamics can enhance our understanding of the evolution of close social bonds in humans, who also have a fission–fusion social system. We analysed the social network of wild giraffes, Giraffa camelopardalis , in Etosha National Park, Namibia, from 1102 records of group compositions, including 625 individually identified individuals, spanning 6 years. We found that giraffes, which exhibit fission–fusion sociality, formed a cohesive society with short path lengths across the network that may facilitate passive information sharing about resource availability. Male and female giraffes appeared to contribute equally to the network structure, based on similarities between the sexes for five network metrics. However, using lagged association rates, we found that long-term relationships spanning 6 years were evident among female giraffes, but not males, which may be explained by sex differences in ranging patterns and reproductive priorities. Five network metrics of females were compared between two adult age cohorts to investigate whether females' ages influenced sociability. As younger females reached adulthood, they associated with greater numbers of females and increased their network strength and social connectivity, perhaps because of dispersal. Our study reinforces the value of network analysis and long-term studies for examining the social systems of wild animals.

Estudio comparativo de morbimortalidad entre conducto ileal y ureterosigmoidostomía tras cistectomía radical por neoplasia vesical

ObjectivesDespite the growing trend in the development of orthotopic neobladders, the procedure cannot be performed in many cases, thereby retaining the validity of other techniques. We propose a comparative analysis between patients with radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm and reconstruction using the ileal conduit (IC) or ureterosigmoidostomy (USG). Patients and methodObservational retrospective study on 255 patients with radical cystectomy between 1985 and 2009, selecting group assignments by the use of IC and USG. Analysis of the demographic and preoperative characteristics, perioperative complications, pathology and medium to long-term complications. Comparison of groups using T-Student, U-Mann-Whitney and chi square tests, with P<.05 indicating statistical significance. Preparation of survival tables according to Kaplan-Meier, establishing comparisons using the log-rank test. ResultsThere were 41 cases of IC and 55 cases of USG, with a mean patient age of approximately 61 years. USGs were performed on a greater number of females than ICs. There were no differences in the need for transfusion, with similar results as other series. There was a greater trend towards the appearance of intestinal fistulae and greater morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period in USG, although it was not significant. There was a greater long-term presence of eventrations in IC, and of pyelonephritis and the need for taking alkalinizing agents in USG. The appearance of peristomal hernias in IC was less than in previous series. With a mean follow-up greater than 50 months, the overall survival was 40% at 5 years, with no differences according to urinary diversion. ConclusionsIC and USG are two applicable urinary diversions in the event that orthotopic neobladder surgery cannot be performed. They have a similar long-term complication and survival profile in our series, although with a higher morbidity in postoperative complications for USG.