Activity Patterns of the Endangered Amargosa Vole (Microtus californicus scripensis)

Examining the activity patterns of wildlife is an important aspect of understanding the ecology of a species and may be especially important for species of conservation concern. We used remotely triggered cameras to describe the daily and seasonal activity patterns and examine ecological factors that influence the activity of the Amargosa Vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis), a California endemic listed federally and by the state as Endangered, and is a marsh habitatspecialist in the Mojave Desert. We found that vole activity was greatest during crepuscular periods, followed by nocturnal and diurnal periods. We saw strong seasonal effects, with the highest activity occurring in spring (March-May). Daily activity patterns varied at different times of the year, with lower activity during periods of seasonal temperature extremes. Daily high temperatures, however, were only weakly related to activity, and precipitation was not associated with changes in activity patterns. Of the factors we examined, marsh area was the most important factor in predicting vole activity, with larger marshes having higher vole activity than smaller marshes. Predation seemed to be strong driver of vole activity, with higher activity during periods of lower potential predation risk (crepuscular and new-moon periods), suggesting that voles may decrease their activity to avoid predators during periods when predators may more easily detect them (e.g., full moon). By highlighting factors that influence vole activity, we show the importance of understanding activity patterns relative to the ecology and conservation of this species

The Klingon batbugs : Morphological adaptations in the primitive bat bugs, Bucimex chilensis and Primicimex cavernis, including updated phylogeny of Cimicidae

The Cimicidae is a family of blood-dependent ectoparasites in which dispersion capacity is greatly associated with host movements. Bats are the ancestral and most prevalent hosts for cimicids. Cimicids have a worldwide distribution matching that of their hosts, but the global classification is incomplete, especially for species outside the most common Cimicidae taxa. In this study, we place a little-studied cimicid species, Bucimex chilensis, within a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cimicidae by sequencing the genomic regions of this and other closely related species. For this study, we collected B. chilensis females from Myotis chiloensis in Tierra del Fuego, 1300 km further south than previously known southernmost distribution boundary. We also sequenced COI regions from Primicimex cavernis, a species which together with B. chilensis comprise the entire subfamily Primiciminae. Using Bayesian posterior probability and maximum-likelihood approaches, we found that B. chilensis and P. cavernis clustered close to each other in the molecular analyses, receiving support from similar morphological features, agreeing with the morphology-based taxonomic placement of the two species within the subfamily Primiciminae. We also describe a previously unrecognized morphological adaptation of the tarsal structure, which allows the austral bat ectoparasite, B. chilensis, to cling on to the pelage of its known host, the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis). Through a morphological study and behavioural observation, we elucidate how this tarsal structure operates, and we hypothesize that by clinging in the host pelage, B. chilensis is able to disperse effectively to new areas despite low host density. This is a unique feature shared by P. cavernis, the only other species in Primiciminae.The Cimicidae is a family of blood-dependent ectoparasites in which dispersion capacity is greatly associated with host movements. Bats are the ancestral and most prevalent hosts for cimicids. Cimicids have a worldwide distribution matching that of their hosts, but the global classification is incomplete, especially for species outside the most common Cimicidae taxa. In this study, we place a little-studied cimicid species, Bucimex chilensis, within a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cimicidae by sequencing the genomic regions of this and other closely related species. For this study, we collected B.chilensis females from Myotis chiloensis in Tierra del Fuego, 1,300km further south than previously known southernmost distribution boundary. We also sequenced COI regions from Primicimex cavernis, a species which together with B. chilensis comprise the entire subfamily Primiciminae. Using Bayesian posterior probability and maximum-likelihood approaches, we found that B.chilensis and P.cavernis clustered close to each other in the molecular analyses, receiving support from similar morphological features, agreeing with the morphology-based taxonomic placement of the two species within the subfamily Primiciminae. We also describe a previously unrecognized morphological adaptation of the tarsal structure, which allows the austral bat ectoparasite, B.chilensis, to cling on to the pelage of its known host, the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis). Through a morphological study and behavioral observation, we elucidate how this tarsal structure operates, and we hypothesize that by clinging in the host pelage, B.chilensis is able to disperse effectively to new areas despite low host density. This is a unique feature shared by P.cavernis, the only other species in Primiciminae.Peer reviewe

Healthâ Related Quality of Life Components in Children With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundCurrently, no published, validated patientâ reported outcome (PRO) measures of healthâ related quality of life (HRQOL) exist for use with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). NBPP is a debilitating condition that occurs during the perinatal period, resulting in paralysis/paresis and loss of sensation in the affected arm. Commonly used NBPP measures are not comprehensive and do not fully account for clinically meaningful changes in function or progression of the disorder.ObjectiveTo evaluate important components of HRQOL for children with NBPP and identify where new PRO measures are needed.DesignEleven focus groups comprising children with NBPP (4), family members (6), and professional providers (1) to assess HRQOL.SettingBrachial plexus clinic.ParticipantsChildren with NBPP, their parents, and professional providers.Inclusion CriteriaChildren 7â 17 years old with NBPP; parents/caregivers at least 18 years of age; professionals with â ¥2 years’ experience providing NBPP clinical care; ability to read and speak English fluently.MethodsFocus group sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and deidentified. Qualitative frequency analysis identified different aspects of HRQOL relevant to NBPP. This analysis expands on the groundedâ theory approach to qualitative analysis, including development of a domain framework, open and axial coding, selective coding, and descriptive analysis. The resulting HRQOL domain framework (and frequency analysis) was then compared to the domain framework for existing PRO measures (PROMIS and Neuroâ QoL) to identify components of HRQOL where new PRO measures are needed for NBPP.Main Outcome MeasuresNot applicable.ResultsAlthough many physical, social, and emotional health domains were captured by existing PRO measures, some significant NBPPâ specific topics emerged from qualitative analysisâ functionality, sensory, physical appearance, arm/hand compensation and preference, explaining functionality/appearance to others, and selfâ esteem and body image concerns.ConclusionsDevelopment of sensitive and specific measures capturing arm/hand function and body image would improve the clinical care of patients with NBPP.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146831/1/pmr2383.pd

Pre-Prandial Vinegar Ingestion Improves Two-Hour Glucose Control in Older, Type II Diabetics More Than Post-Prandial Walking

Background: Exercise engagement benefits diabetic patients through an insulin-like effect on muscle. Literature indicates that vinegar consumption may lower blood glucose levels. It is not currently clarified whether a relative amount of vinegar ingestion or a walking bout is more effective at controlling glucose in older, Type II diabetics during the acute phase following a meal. Purpose: The aim was to directly compare the impact of preferred-pace walking (15 min, postprandial) versus ingestion of a relative quantity of vinegar (0.3 g/kg) on two-hour glucose control. Methods: The two arms of the trial were completed in a randomized, crossover manner. Six Type II diabetic patients (Females = 5; Males = 1; Age = 70.5 ± 9.0 yrs.) enrolled and underwent baseline finger pricks to establish glucose levels. The test meal consisted of an 85 g bagel, 13 g of butter, and 237 mL of orange juice. On the respective days, the vinegar was diluted into 59 mL of orange juice and ingested before the meal or the subject completed a 15-min walk at 15 min post-meal. For both trials, glucose was checked every 30 min following the test meal. Results: One subject was removed from all present analysis due to medication-related non-compliance. For the vinegar trial, the resting heart rate was 72.0 (± 9.5) and baseline, 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-min average blood glucose levels were: 117 (±12), 149 (±39), 172 (±49), 185 (±49), and 180 (±44) mg/dl. For the preferred walking speed phase, the resting heart rate was 75.5 (±15.6) and baseline, 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-min average glucose levels were: 113 (±10), 147 (±53), 180 (±53), 208 (±72), and 206 (±71) mg/dl. Preferred walking speed was found to average 3.1 (± 1.5) kph and total steps averaged 1418 (±376). The between-arm comparison of glucose at 120-min trended towards significance (p = 0.081). Conclusions: Compared with a bout of walking, a relative quantity of vinegar may serve as a more suitable mechanism for older Type II diabetics to control acute spikes in glucose after a high carbohydrate meal. With an adequately-powered analysis, between-arm comparisons at multiple time-points would likely have achieved statistical significance. Nevertheless, the meaningfulness of the glucose control exhibited should not be lost due to the lack of statistical significance. Finally, the slow absolute preferred walking pace of many older adults may undermine the ability for walking to result in sufficient energy expenditure capable of subsequent glucose control

Malonyl coenzymeA decarboxylase regulates lipid and glucose metabolism in human skeletal muscle

Objective: malonyl coenzyme A (CoA) decarboxylase (MCD) is a key enzyme responsible for malonyl-CoA turnover and functions in the control of the balance between lipid and glucose metabolism. We utilized RNA interference (siRNA)-based gene silencing to determine the direct role of MCD on metabolic responses in primary human skeletal muscle. Research design and methods: we used siRNA to silence MCD gene expression in cultured human myotubes from healthy volunteers (seven male and seven female) with no known metabolic disorders. Thereafter, we determined lipid and glucose metabolism and signal transduction under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions. Results: RNA interference-based silencing of MCD expression (75% reduction) increased malonyl-CoA levels twofold and shifted substrate utilization from lipid to glucose oxidation. RNA interference-based depletion of MCD reduced basal palmitate oxidation. In parallel with this reduction, palmitate uptake was decreased under basal (40%) and insulin-stimulated (49%) conditions compared with myotubes transfected with a scrambled sequence. MCD silencing increased basal and insulin-mediated glucose oxidation 1.4- and 2.6-fold, respectively, compared with myotubes transfected with a scrambled sequence. In addition, glucose transport and cell-surface GLUT4 content was increased. In contrast, insulin action on IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, tyrosine-associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) phosphorylation was unaltered between myotubes transfected with siRNA against MCD versus a scrambled sequence. Conclusions: these results provide evidence that MCD silencing suppresses lipid uptake and enhances glucose uptake in primary human myotubes. In conclusion, MCD expression plays a key reciprocal role in the balance between lipid and glucose metabolism

Racial and ethnic differences and COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in drug overdose deaths in North Carolina

Purpose To examine racial/ethnic differences and COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in key characteristics of drug overdose deaths in North Carolina. Methods We used North Carolina State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (NC-SUDORS) data to describe specific drug-involvement, bystander presence, and naloxone administration for drug overdose deaths by race/ethnicity during pre-COVID-19 (May 2019–February 2020) and COVID-19 periods (March 2020–December 2020). Results For all racial/ethnic groups, drug overdose death rates and the percentage with fentanyl and alcohol involvement increased from the pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 period, with fentanyl involvement highest among American Indian/Alaska Native (82.2%) and Hispanic (81.4%) individuals and alcohol involvement highest among Hispanic individuals (41.2%) during the COVID-19 period. Cocaine involvement remained high among Black non-Hispanic individuals (60.2%) and increased among American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (50.6%). There was an increase in the percentage of deaths with a bystander present from the pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 period for all racial/ethnic groups, with more than half having a bystander present during the COVID-19 period. There was a decrease in the percentage with naloxone administered for most racial/ethnic groups, with the lowest percentage among Black non-Hispanic individuals (22.7%). Conclusions Efforts to address increasing inequities in drug overdose deaths, including expanded community naloxone access, are needed

Research Note: Comparison of chicken blood chemistry and electrolyte parameters between the portable i-STAT1 clinical analyzer and VetScan VS2 serum biochemistry panel using Hy-Line commercial white-egg laying hens

The i-STAT1 clinical analyzer has become an increasingly popular tool in clinical production animal medicine as it can provide pen-side results in a cost effective and timely manner when compared to standard benchtop serum biochemistry blood gas and chemistry analyses. This study compares the results of the portable Abbott i-STAT1 analyzer and the Abaxis VetScan VS2 for glucose (Glu, mg/dL), ionized Ca (mmol/L), Na (mmol/L), and K (mmol/L) values. Three genetically distinct commercial varieties (CV) of Hy-Line white-egg laying hens are used in this study (Hy-Line W-36, Hy-Line W-80, and Hy-Line W-80+). Thirty blood samples (n = 10 per CV) were obtained in the production house from the brachial vein and concurrently analyzed by the i-STAT1 portable device. Serum from 22 of these same samples was analyzed via VetScan VS2, a benchtop serum clinical biochemistry analyzer, using VetScan Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus reagent rotors. A paired T-test was used to test for statistical differences in means between the 2 instruments for each of the parameters. Parameters with significant mean differences were then subject to correlation and regression analysis to further evaluate relationships between the results from the 2 methods. Significant differences between means were found for Glu, Na, and K levels. Ca levels were found to be not directly comparable by the 2 analysis instruments. This comparison elucidates the importance of clinical analyzer validations when applying different strategies of diagnostic medicine in poultry

BMPR2 expression is suppressed by signaling through the estrogen receptor

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies in multiple organ systems have shown cross-talk between signaling through the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) and estrogen pathways. In humans, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has a female predominance, and is associated with decreased BMPR2 expression. The goal of this study was to determine if estrogens suppress BMPR2 expression.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A variety of techniques were utilized across several model platforms to evaluate the relationship between estrogens and BMPR2 gene expression. We used quantitative RT-PCR, gel mobility shift, and luciferase activity assays in human samples, live mice, and cell culture.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>BMPR2 expression is reduced in lymphocytes from female patients compared with male patients, and in whole lungs from female mice compared with male mice. There is an evolutionarily conserved estrogen receptor binding site in the BMPR2 promoter, which binds estrogen receptor by gel-shift assay. Increased exogenous estrogen decreases BMPR2 expression in cell culture, particularly when induced to proliferate. Transfection of increasing quantities of estrogen receptor alpha correlates strongly with decreasing expression of BMPR2.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>BMPR2 gene expression is reduced in females compared to males in live humans and in mice, likely through direct estrogen receptor alpha binding to the BMPR2 promoter. This reduced BMPR2 expression may contribute to the increased prevalence of PAH in females.</p

Establishment of Hy-Line commercial laying hen whole blood gas and biochemistry reference intervals utilizing portable i-STAT1 clinical analyzer

Blood gas and biochemistry reference intervals were established for 3 genetically distinct commercial varieties (CVs) of Hy-Line laying hens: 2 brown-egg layers (Hy-Line Brown, Hy-Line Silver Brown) and a tint-egg layer (Hy-Line Sonia) utilizing the i-STAT1 analyzer. Each respective variety of laying hen was sampled on a replicate cycle of 2 wk for a total of 6 replicates (35 to 46 wk of age). Blood samples were obtained in the production house from the brachial vein, and subsequently analyzed by the i-STAT1 portable device. i-STAT1 clinical analyzer reports blood gas and biochemistry values for the following parameters: pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pvCO2, mm Hg), partial pressure of oxygen (pvO2, mm Hg), bicarbonate (HCO3, mmol/L), base excess (BE, mmol/L), saturation of oxygen on hemoglobin (sO2%), glucose (Glu, mg/dL), sodium (Na, mmol/L), potassium (K, mmol/L), total concentration of carbon dioxide (TCO2, mmol/L), ionized calcium (iCa, mmol/L), hematocrit (Hct % packed cell volume [PCV]), hemoglobin (Hb, g/dL). A total of 1,800 individual hen i-STAT1 records were utilized in the establishment of reference interval values for the 13 parameters between the 3 CVs. Statistical analysis via ANOVA and Tukey\u27s test revealed significant line differences for all 13 blood gas and chemistry parameters measured, with particularly interesting results in iCa. The blood gas and chemistry parameters collected in this study will serve as reference intervals to set the framework for potential future correlations to genetic markers, physiological abnormalities, and production performance

R|S Atlas: Identifying Existing Cohort Study Data Resources to Accelerate Epidemiological Research on the Influence of Religion and Spirituality on Human Health

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have documented significant associations between religion and spirituality (R/S) and health, but relatively few prospective analyses exist that can support causal inferences. To date, there has been no systematic analysis of R/S survey items collected in US cohort studies. We conducted a systematic content analysis of all surveys ever fielded in 20 diverse US cohort studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to identify all R/S-related items collected from each cohort\u27s baseline survey through 2014. DESIGN: An R|S Ontology was developed from our systematic content analysis to categorise all R/S survey items identified into key conceptual categories. A systematic literature review was completed for each R/S item to identify any cohort publications involving these items through 2018. RESULTS: Our content analysis identified 319 R/S survey items, reflecting 213 unique R/S constructs and 50 R|S Ontology categories. 193 of the 319 extant R/S survey items had been analysed in at least one published paper. Using these data, we created the R|S Atlas (https://atlas.mgh.harvard.edu/), a publicly available, online relational database that allows investigators to identify R/S survey items that have been collected by US cohorts, and to further refine searches by other key data available in cohorts that may be necessary for a given study (eg, race/ethnicity, availability of DNA or geocoded data). CONCLUSIONS: R|S Atlas not only allows researchers to identify available sources of R/S data in cohort studies but will also assist in identifying novel research questions that have yet to be explored within the context of US cohort studies