Effects of Refined Handling on Reproductive Indices of BALB/cJ and CD-1 IGS Mice.

Current mouse handling methods during cage change procedures can cause stress and potentially compromise animal welfare. Our previous study of breeding C57BL/6J mice found modest increases in pup production and a significant reduction in preweaning litter losses when mice were handled using a tunnel as compared with a tail-lift with padded forceps. The current study evaluated how these 2 handling methods affected reproduction by 2 additional mouse strains, BALB/cJ (a low- to intermediate-fecundity strain) and CD-1 IGS (a high-fecundity stock).

Effects of non-aversive versus tail-lift handling on breeding productivity in a C57BL/6J mouse colony.

Non-aversive handling is a well-documented refinement measure for improving rodent welfare. Because maternal stress is related to reduced productivity, we hypothesized that welfare benefits associated with non-aversive handling would translate to higher production and fewer litters lost in a laboratory mouse breeding colony. We performed a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a standard method of handling (tail-lift with forceps) versus non-aversive handling with transfer tunnels ('tunnel-handled') on breeding performance in 59 C57BL/6J mouse pairs.

Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis): A new amphibian embryo for developmental biology.

The large size and rapid development of amphibian embryos has facilitated ground-breaking discoveries in developmental biology. Here, we describe the embryogenesis of the Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis), an unusual species with eggs that are over twice the diameter of laboratory Xenopus, and embryos that can tolerate higher temperatures to develop into a tadpole four times more rapidly. In addition to detailing their early development, we demonstrate that, like Xenopus, these embryos are amenable to explant culture assays and can express exogenous transcripts in a tissue-specific manner.

Preschool speech error patterns predict articulation and phonological awareness outcomes in children with histories of speech sound disorders.

Purpose: To determine if speech error patterns in preschoolers with speech sound disorders (SSDs) predict articulation and phonological awareness (PA) outcomes almost 4 years later.

Method: Twenty-five children with histories of preschool SSDs (and normal receptive language) were tested at an average age of 4;6 (years;months) and were followed up at age 8;3. The frequency of occurrence of preschool distortion errors, typical substitution and syllable structure errors, and atypical substitution and syllable structure errors was used to predict later speech sound production, PA, and literacy outcomes.

Randomized trial comparing 2 fiber regimens for the reduction of symptoms of constipation.

Objective: : This study aimed to compare the effects of a special bowel recipe with psyllium on symptoms of constipation.

Methods: : Women with symptoms of constipation were randomized to 6 weeks of either psyllium or a special bowel recipe. Patients completed a constipation scoring questionnaire and recorded characteristics of each bowel movement.

Experiences of nausea in persons with HIV/AIDS: implications for nurses in staff development.

The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore and describe patients with HIV/AIDS experiences with nausea as it affects their abilities to take medications, to eat, and to engage in life activities. Forty-five men and 21 women with a mean age of 42.33 years (SD = 8.

Evaluation of the levator ani and pelvic wall muscles in levator ani syndrome.

Chronic pelvic pain is a difficult problem to evaluate and treat. Knowledge of the pelvic floor and pelvic wall muscles may enable the provider to identify levator ani spasm syndrome, a possible cause of chronic pelvic pain.

Long-term evaluation of required coursework in palliative and end-of-life care for medical students.

Background: In response to the nationwide need for improved care of patients at end of life, our medical school implemented approximately 20 hours of mandatory coursework on the care of dying patients for all students, with satisfactory completion required for graduation.

Objective: We now report a long-term evaluation of this coursework. DESIGN/SUBJECTS/MEASUREMENTS: A 74-item questionnaire concerning attainment of palliative care and other medical school course objectives, postgraduate practice encounters with patients at end of life, and postgraduate behaviors in palliative care was mailed to all students who graduated from our medical school in 2000, 2001, and 2002.