Song repertoire size varies with HVC volume and is indicative of male quality in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia)

Complex birdsong is a classic example of a sexually selected ornamental trait. In many species, females prefer males with large song repertoires, possibly because repertoire size is limited by the size of song control nuclei which reflect developmental success. We investigated whether song repertoire size was indicative of brain area and male quality in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) by determining if repertoire size was related to the volume of song control nucleus HVC, as well as several morphological, immunological and genetic indices of quality. We found that males with large repertoires had larger HVCs and were in better body condition. They also had lower heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, indicating less physiological stress and a robust immune system as measured by the number of lymphocytes per red blood cell. Song repertoire size also tended to increase with neutral-locus genetic diversity, as assessed by mean d2, but was not related to internal relatedness. Our results suggest several mechanisms that might explain the finding of a recent study that song sparrows with large song repertoires have higher lifetime fitness.

U.S. Army MEDEVAC in the new millennium: a medical perspective

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Evacuation community (MEDEVAC) possesses a long-standing tradition of excellence in the care and transportation of combat casualties. Recent developments in civilian air medical transport and quantitative review of MEDEVAC operations have identified potential areas for improvement, concentrating on enhanced flight medic standards, training, sustainment and medical oversight of the air ambulance system. These proposed changes are discussed in detail, from the perspective of current emergency medicine and aviation medicine standards of practice. If instituted, these changes would facilitate the emergence of a true air medical transport capability comparable with the civilian community standard.

Eye, ear, nose, and throat

Patients present to the emergency department with a number of eye, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems. This article updates some very common problems; identifies a few pearls on nasal foreign body removal, ophthalmologic medication, and epistaxis; and reviews a few pitfalls in identifying malignancies and sore throats.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease are the most common hereditary bleeding disorders. A variety of treatment modalities of these disorders are discussed. Common organ system bleeding and its treatment and disposition are outlined. Finally, potential complications of both the disease and treatment are reviewed.

Chlamydial antigen testing on female patients presenting to the emergency department

We prospectively determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients presenting to an emergency department over a 4-month period who received pelvic exams. We compared the percentage of cases of Chlamydia diagnosed by the Chlamydiazyme immunoassay with the percentage diagnosed clinically by emergency physicians. Over the study period, 326 pelvic exams were performed. Of 36 patients (11%) with positive tests, 16 (44%) were treated clinically for pelvic inflammatory disease. Twenty (56%) received neither appropriate antibiotic treatment nor a gynecology referral based on clinical exam alone. We statistically evaluated the data using the hypothesis test for two proportions from one group. The difference was significant (Z = 4.6, p less than 0.001).

Camphor ingestion

Camphor ingestion is a toxic ingestion that is seen infrequently in the emergency department. It is remarkable for its rapidity of action and toxicity. A case of camphor ingestion that displayed toxic effects is presented. The pharmacology, manifestations, and management of this readily available substance are discussed.