Effects of intratesticular zinc gluconate treatment on testicular dimensions, echodensity, histology, sperm production, and testosterone secretion in American black bears (Ursus americanus).

Eight adult American black bears were used to evaluate the effects of chemical castration by intratesticular zinc gluconate treatment on testicular dimensions, echodensity, histology, sperm production, and testosterone secretion. Treatment did not affect testicular dimensions and did not result in decreased resting or GnRH-stimulated testosterone secretion. Multifocal hyperchoic areas in the testicular parenchyma were observed on ultrasound examination, and white foci were observed on gross pathology examination after zinc gluconate treatment.

Sperm ultrastructure, morphometry, and abnormal morphology in American black bears (Ursus americanus).

The objective of this study was to describe sperm ultrastructure, morphometry, and abnormal morphology in American black bears. Electroejaculation was successful in 53.8% (7/13) of the attempts, but urine contamination was common.

Acute stress disorder after burn injury: a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder?

Objectives: The principal goals of this study were to determine whether ASD predicted chronic PTSD and whether dissociation is more characteristic of the acute-trauma period than PTSD symptoms.

Methods: Eighty-three hospitalized adult burn patients were assessed with structured interviews and self-report measures within 2 weeks of injury and again at least 6 months postburn.

Results: Nineteen percent had ASD.

Problems in Maintenance ECT in Bipolar Disorder: Replacement by Lithium and Anticonvulsants.

The authors describe three elderly patients whose electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was characterized by protracted and unsatisfactory courses and frequent relapse. Sustained improvement resulted from the discontinuation of maintenance ECT and continuation of pharmacotherapy with combinations of lithium and carbamazepine or valproic acid. The patients are compared to a more typical patient with bipolar disorder who was successfully treated with long-term maintenance ECT.