Hunting doves on agricultural lands in Missouri (2016)

Many hunters and landowners establish crops and manage habitats to create ideal conditions and locations to hunt mourning doves and provide food and cover for a variety of wildlife. Mourning doves are migratory birds, so they are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which specifically prohibits baiting a field for the purpose of hunting (Figure 1). Planting and managing fields using normal agricultural practices require careful planning and an understanding of the relevant regulations. This publication aims to help landowners understand baiting regulations and particularly the differences between baiting and what constitutes a normal agricultural operation in Missouri. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) are empowered to enforce regulations governing baiting migratory birds. You can find more specific information about these regulations in the Additional information section.New 2/16/Web only

Ecology and management of mourning doves in Missouri (2016)

Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) are among the most popular migratory game birds in Missouri (Figure 1). Though found across the state year-round, most Missouri doves migrate to the southern United States rather than overwinter here. Mourning doves are classified as a federal migratory species, which means the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages hunting regulations at the national level. Doves' quick flight, erratic movements and edible meat make them a popular species among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in Missouri, where the annual harvest of mourning doves is greater than that of other game bird species. Managing habitats for doves can provide hours of enjoyment for homeowners and landowners alike. Doves find food and shelter in a variety of habitat types, including pastures, croplands, open forests and forest edges, and in urban and suburban areas. Establishing and managing fields for dove populations can provide recreational hunting opportunities during fall, which can be a source of income for the landowner. Before undertaking efforts to establish or improve dove habitats on your land, you should understand their life history and biology. With that in mind, you can implement management practices to improve or add habitat components that might be in short supply and improve the overall habitat for doves and other species.Revised 2/16/Web only

Open radial artery harvesting better preserves endothelial function compared to the endoscopic approach

OBJECTIVES: Both the open and endovascular techniques are commonly used for harvesting the radial artery (ORAH and ERAH, respectively), and yet, very little is known about the effects of these 2 techniques on endothelial integrity and function of the radial artery (RA). The aim of this study was to assess the endothelial integrity and function of RA harvested using the 2 approaches. METHODS: Two independent surgical teams working in the same institution routinely use the RA for coronary artery bypass grafting exclusively employing either ORAH or ERAH. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled in this comparative study. Endothelial function after ORAH or ERAH was assessed by using the wire myograph system. The integrity of the RA endothelium was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for erythroblast transformation specific-related gene. RESULTS: The vasodilation in response to acetylcholine was significantly higher in RA harvested with ORAH (P ≤ 0.001 versus ERAH). Endothelial integrity was not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: ORAH is associated with a significantly higher endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Further investigation on the potential implications of these findings in terms of graft spasm and patency as well as clinical outcomes are needed