Catchment-scale biogeography of riverine bacterioplankton

Lotic ecosystems such as rivers and streams are unique in that they represent a continuum of both space and time during the transition from headwaters to the river mouth. As microbes have very different controls over their ecology, distribution and dispersion compared with macrobiota, we wished to explore biogeographical patterns within a river catchment and uncover the major drivers structuring bacterioplankton communities. Water samples collected across the River Thames Basin, UK, covering the transition from headwater tributaries to the lower reaches of the main river channel were characterised using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. This approach revealed an ecological succession in the bacterial community composition along the river continuum, moving from a community dominated by Bacteroidetes in the headwaters to Actinobacteria-dominated downstream. Location of the sampling point in the river network (measured as the cumulative water channel distance upstream) was found to be the most predictive spatial feature; inferring that ecological processes pertaining to temporal community succession are of prime importance in driving the assemblages of riverine bacterioplankton communities. A decrease in bacterial activity rates and an increase in the abundance of low nucleic acid bacteria relative to high nucleic acid bacteria were found to correspond with these downstream changes in community structure, suggesting corresponding functional changes. Our findings show that bacterial communities across the Thames basin exhibit an ecological succession along the river continuum, and that this is primarily driven by water residence time rather than the physiochemical status of the river

CfA3: 185 Type Ia Supernova Light Curves from the CfA

We present multi-band photometry of 185 type-Ia supernovae (SN Ia), with over 11500 observations. These were acquired between 2001 and 2008 at the F. L. Whipple Observatory of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). This sample contains the largest number of homogeneously-observed and reduced nearby SN Ia (z < 0.08) published to date. It more than doubles the nearby sample, bringing SN Ia cosmology to the point where systematic uncertainties dominate. Our natural system photometry has a precision of 0.02 mag or better in BVRIr'i' and roughly 0.04 mag in U for points brighter than 17.5 mag. We also estimate a systematic uncertainty of 0.03 mag in our SN Ia standard system BVRIr'i' photometry and 0.07 mag for U. Comparisons of our standard system photometry with published SN Ia light curves and comparison stars, where available for the same SN, reveal agreement at the level of a few hundredths mag in most cases. We find that 1991bg-like SN Ia are sufficiently distinct from other SN Ia in their color and light-curve-shape/luminosity relation that they should be treated separately in light-curve/distance fitter training samples. The CfA3 sample will contribute to the development of better light-curve/distance fitters, particularly in the few dozen cases where near-infrared photometry has been obtained and, together, can help disentangle host-galaxy reddening from intrinsic supernova color, reducing the systematic uncertainty in SN Ia distances due to dust.Comment: Accepted to the Astrophysical Journal. Minor changes from last version. Light curves, comparison star photometry, and passband tables are available at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/supernova/CfA3

New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.

Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways

Computer-assisted image analysis of endometrial edema and follicular wall attributes and transrectal follicular tonometry in estrous male

The ability to determine the final stages of follicular maturation and detect impending ovulation in the mare still eludes veterinarians. The objectives were to characterize endometrial edema, and follicular wall attributes of the dominant follicle during the estrous cycle in mares and determine how hormonal manipulation influenced the outcomes of interest. A computer-assisted image analysis system was used to objectively evaluate the echotexture oftransrectal ultrasonographic images of the endometrium in the uterine body, midpoint, and tip of the right and left uterine horns in the mare. Echotexture was expressed as a computer generated a numeric pixel value (NPV) which reflected the brightness of the pixel elements within the measurement spot. A novel transrectal tonometric device was used to measure follicular pressure of the dominant follicle during estrus. Ten light horse mares were examined during 4 successive estrous periods with varying degrees ofhormonal manipulation (group 1: natural estrus; group 2: prostaglandininduced estrus; group 3: prostaglandin-induced estrus with hCG administrated when the dominant follicle was 35 mm in diameter or greater; and group 4: prostaglandin-induced estrus with hCG administrated when a subjective grade II endometrial edema pattern was attained). General linear models for repeated measures were used to investigate if there were differences (p < 0.05) in mean values over time from ovulation. Data were retrospectively adjusted by hours from ovulation (ovulation = 0 hours). Post-hoc comparisons between time points were made using the Bonferroni method in SPSS. The following attributes were evaluated: the mean NPV of the endometrium, mean NPV of the follicular wall, follicular wall thickness (mean area under the curve) and follicular tonometry (mean pounds per square inch). Mean endometrial NPV in only the uterine body changed over time from ovulation (p< 0.001) in groups 1, 3, and 4. In a114 groups, there was an inverse relationship between the changes in subjective endometrial edema and endometrial mean NPV in the uterine body. Mean(± SEM) follicular antral diameters increased until 24 hours before ovulation in groups 1 (p = 0.01), 2 (p = 0.03) and 4 (p = 0.02). Mean antral diameters at time of ovulation for the 4 groups were 45.2 ± 5.5 mm, 46.9 ± 13.5 mm, 39.2 4.1 mm, and 43.0 ± 7.8 mm, respectively. Mean(± SEM) follicular growth rates for the four groups up to 24 hours before ovulation were: 2.5 ± 0.6 mm/day, 1.9 ± 0.5 mm/day, 1. 7 ± 0.1 mm/day, and 4.0 ± 0.1 mm/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean (± SEM) NPV of the follicular wall increased over time from ovulation for groups 2 (p = 0.05), 3 (p < 0.001), and 4 (p = 0.03). The mean(± SEM) daily change (24 hrs) was 3.1 ± 1.9 NPV for group 2, 11.7 ± 5.3 NPV for group 3 and 10.7 ± 4.3 NPV for group 4. There was a progressive increase in the follicular wall thickness in groups 1 (p = 0.005) and 2 (p = 0.01). The mean(± SEM) daily changes (24 hrs) for groups 1 and 2 were 71.3 ± 24.6 pixels and 127.0 ± 45.3 pixels, respectively. Mean (± SEM) intrafollicular pressures decreased 0.5 to 1.0 PSI between 24 and 12 hrs prior to ovulation (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, p < 0.001, p = 0.03 for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Hormonal treatment shortened the duration of estrus and accelerated the changes in the attributes evaluated. In conclusion, computer-assisted image analysis and transrectal tonometry provided a means to objectively evaluate the normal, morphological changes in the endometrium and the preovulatory follicle of the mare during the estrous cycle

The comparative effect of focus group and telephone interviews on the amount and specificity of the information gained for needs identification

Needs identification is essential to the development of service, training and educational programs. Several methods are used for needs identification. Traditionally, individual methods have been found to yield better data than group methods. However, the assumptions that the focus group interview promotes self-disclosure and provides more information and insight than the face-to-face interview through a non-threatening environment, make it a possible alternative method for needs identification. The objective of this study was to compare a group method, the focus group interview, and an individual method, the telephone interview, for needs identification.The study examined and compared the number of needs identified by the focus group and telephone interviews; the specificity of information provided by both methods; participants perceptions of both methods and; the relationship between participant characteristics and their perceptions of the methods. Three focus groups (21 participants) and 21 telephone interviews were conducted. Information from both methods were rated for three components of specificity--context, history and level. Perception questionnaires were completed by each participant.The study found the following: (1) The focus group interview identified significantly more needs than the telephone interview. (2) The focus group interview provided significantly more contextual information than the telephone interview. (3) There was no significant difference between the historical information provided by the focus group and telephone interviews. (4) There was no significant difference between the level of information provided by the focus group and telephone interviews. (5) There was no significant difference between perceived participant comfort with the focus group and telephone interviews. (6) There was no significant difference between perceived participant satisfaction with the focus group and telephone interviews. (7) There was no significant difference between perceived effectiveness of the focus group and telephone interviews. (8) There was no significant difference between participant desire for future participation in the focus group and telephone interviews. (9) There was no relationship between participant characteristics and participant perception.This detailed and careful analysis has shown that the focus group interview performs as well as and in some aspects better than the telephone interviews for needs identification. In addition, the focus group interview promoted comprehension of the specific problems thus providing insight into participants' needs.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio

Student Competence in Fluid and Electrolyte Management: The Impact of Various Teaching Methods

The goal of this study was to evaluate 1) the competency of junior medical students (M3s) in fluid and electrolyte management upon completion of their pediatric clerkship; 2) the frequency and perceived helpfulness of fluid and electrolyte management–based interactions with the following sources of education: a lecture, first-year residents (PL1s), senior residents (PL3s), and faculty; and 3) the relationship between points 1 and 2. Upon completion of the clerkship, M3 competency was evaluated by a quiz with multiple-choice questions and a clinical vignette concerning the intravenous fluid (IVF) management of a dehydrated child. Junior medical students completed a survey to identify the fluid and electrolyte management case-based practice frequency with PL1s, PL3s, and faculty, and the perceived helpfulness of the lecture, PL1s, PL3s, and faculty, rated on a 10-point Likert scale. One hundred eighty-seven M3s took the quiz and 180 completed surveys. The mean clinical vignette score was 7.0 (range, 0–12). Eighty-one percent of M3s wrote inadequate IVF orders for a dehydrated infant. The median-perceived helpfulness for each source was lecture, 9 points; PL1, 5 points; PL3, 4 points; and faculty, 3 points. In multivariate regression, only a higher perceived helpfulness rating for the lecture was significantly associated with higher clinical vignette scores ( r = 0.43; P < .001). When asked for ideas to improve fluid and electrolyte management education, 47% of M3s recommended more practice problems. Most M3s lacked adequate fluid and electrolyte management competency. Junior medical students rated the lecture the most helpful source of fluid and electrolyte management education. Improvements in fluid and electrolyte management education of M3s may result from providing practice problems with immediate feedback and formal training to increase the fluid and electrolyte management educational skills of PL1s, PL3s, and faculty

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health: a Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, Preparedness, Campus Climate, and Student Recommendations for Change in Four Midwestern Medical Schools

Medical school curricula addressing the unique healthcare needs and disparities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are insufficient. National organizations have recommended curricular and institutional climate changes to address this problem. This study examined students’ perceived attitudes and knowledge regarding LGBT patient care and campus climate at four Midwestern US allopathic medical schools. During 2013, all medical students at the four institutions were invited to participate in the online anonymous survey. We used descriptive statistics for survey item results and qualitative methods to analyze responses to open-ended questions about curricular changes. Survey results were obtained from 34.6% of students and demonstrated that attitudes, knowledge, preparedness, and campus climate across all institutions were generally positive for LGBT patients and students. A negative correlation was found between overall campus climate and discrimination practices. Four themes emerged from students’ recommendations to improve their training, which included more clinical experiences with LGBT patients, more formal curricula on LGBT topics, establishment of safe learning environments, and addition of specific topics related to LGBT health. Due to the low prevalence of LGBT populations, reluctance to disclose sexual orientation or gender identity, and lack of LGBT-specific clinics, required experiences with LGBT patients during clinics or clerkship rotations may be more difficult in smaller urban communities in which some Midwestern medical schools are located. Potential alternatives include using multiple teaching modalities in the pre-clerkship years to expose students to LGBT-identified patients in clinical simulations and settings

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health: a Survey of Attitudes, Knowledge, Preparedness, Campus Climate, and Student Recommendations for Change in Four Midwestern Medical Schools

Medical school curricula addressing the unique healthcare needs and disparities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients are insufficient. National organizations have recommended curricular and institutional climate changes to address this problem. This study examined students’ perceived attitudes and knowledge regarding LGBT patient care and campus climate at four Midwestern US allopathic medical schools. During 2013, all medical students at the four institutions were invited to participate in the online anonymous survey. We used descriptive statistics for survey item results and qualitative methods to analyze responses to open-ended questions about curricular changes. Survey results were obtained from 34.6% of students and demonstrated that attitudes, knowledge, preparedness, and campus climate across all institutions were generally positive for LGBT patients and students. A negative correlation was found between overall campus climate and discrimination practices. Four themes emerged from students’ recommendations to improve their training, which included more clinical experiences with LGBT patients, more formal curricula on LGBT topics, establishment of safe learning environments, and addition of specific topics related to LGBT health. Due to the low prevalence of LGBT populations, reluctance to disclose sexual orientation or gender identity, and lack of LGBT-specific clinics, required experiences with LGBT patients during clinics or clerkship rotations may be more difficult in smaller urban communities in which some Midwestern medical schools are located. Potential alternatives include using multiple teaching modalities in the pre-clerkship years to expose students to LGBT-identified patients in clinical simulations and settings