From Mexico to Michigan and back: An international collaboration investigating primate behavior, ecology, and evolution from multiple perspectives

Evolutionary research benefits form the integration of laboratory and field components to determine factors and processes that affect the evolutionary trajectories of species. Our shared interest in understanding hybridization with genetic admixture as a process that may impact social, behavioral, and ecological features of primates, brought us together in a collaborative project aimed at addressing how vocal variation in two species of howler monkeys in Mexico affects and is affected by hybridization. To achieve this goal, we joined our academic expertise in studying primate genetics, ecology, and behavior under different natural and experimental conditions. We took advantage of decades of experience studying and handing wild howler monkeys for translocation projects to safely sample and study wild populations for this project. Here, we describe the history of our collaboration highlighting how our different perspectives, academic realities, and individual strengths built the foundation for our successful collaboration. We also share our perspectives on how this collaboration opened up new academic venues, broadened our individual perspectives on the integration of different research approaches to address a complex topic, and allowed us to recognize the strength of international collaboration.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149745/1/ajp22992_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/149745/2/ajp22992.pd

Social correlates of variation in urinary oxytocin concentrations of mantled howler monkeys Alouatta palliata (Gray, 1849) (Primates: Atelidae): A preliminary assessment

There is growing evidence that non-human primate sociality is linked to proximate neuroendocrine mechanisms. Arginine vasopressin, endorphins, and oxytocin may be involved in such mechanisms. Here, we perform a preliminary analysis of the social correlates of variation in urinary oxytocin concentrations in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). From January to December 2017, we studied 13 adult mantled howler monkeys belonging to two groups. We recorded the occurrence of social interactions (547.5 observation hours); assessed proximity among group members (2,194 instantaneous recordings); and collected 172 urine samples. Urine samples were assayed (ELISA) for oxytocin concentrations, which were corrected for specific gravity, resulting in 54 analyzed samples. Hormone concentrations increased by approximately 62% when individuals were involved in affiliative interactions. With respect to when no affiliative interactions occurred, urinary oxytocin concentrations were higher when dyads with a low-quality social relationship affiliated. These results agree with previous contentions that this hormone is linked to participation in affiliative interactions. Convergence between these and results from other taxa supports the hypothesis that the biological mechanisms that allow for primate sociality are shared among species.Existe una creciente evidencia de que la sociabilidad en primates no humanos está relacionada con mecanismos neuroendocrinos. La arginina vasopresina, las endorfinas y la oxitocina pueden estar involucradas en tales mecanismos. Aquí, realizamos un análisis preliminar de los correlatos sociales de la variación en las concentraciones de oxitocina urinaria en monos aulladores de manto (Alouatta palliata). De enero a diciembre de 2017, estudiamos 13 monos aulladores de manto adultos pertenecientes a dos grupos. Registramos la ocurrencia de interacciones sociales (547.5 horas de observación); evaluamos la proximidad entre los miembros del grupo (2.194 registros instantáneos); y recolectamos 172 muestras de orina. Analizamos las muestras de orina (ELISA) para determinar las concentraciones de oxitocina, las cuales corregimos por la gravedad específica, lo que resultó en 54 muestras analizadas. Con respecto a cuando no ocurrieron interacciones afiliativas, las concentraciones de oxitocina aumentaron aproximadamente un 62% cuando los individuos participaron en interacciones afiliativas, y las concentraciones de oxitocina fueron mayores cuando díadas con una relación social de baja calidad se afiliaron. Estos resultados convergen con propuestas previas de que la oxitocina está vinculada a la participación en interacciones afiliativas. La convergencia entre estos resultados y los reportados para otros taxa apoya la hipótesis de que los mecanismos biológicos que permiten la sociabilidad de los primates se comparten entre las especies

Isotopic niche partitioning in two sympatric howler monkey species

ObjectivesEcological similarity between species can lead to interspecific trophic competition. However, when ecologically similar species coexist, they may differ in foraging strategies and habitat use, which can lead to niche partitioning. As the body tissues of consumers contain a stable isotope signature that reflects the isotopic composition of their diet, stable isotope analysis is a useful tool to study feeding behavior. We measured the isotopic niche width, which is a proxy for trophic niche width, of mantled (Alouatta palliata) and black (A. pigra) howler monkeys. Specifically, studied populations in allopatry and sympatry to assess whether these species showed niche partitioning.Materials and MethodsBetween 2008 and 2012, we collected hair samples from 200 subjects (113 black and 87 mantled howler monkeys) and used continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry to estimate δ13C and δ15N. We described the isotopic niche width of each species in allopatry and sympatry with the Bayesian estimation of the standard ellipse areas.ResultsIn allopatry, isotopic niche width and isotopic variation were similar in both species. In sympatry, black howler monkeys had a significantly broader isotopic niche, which was mainly determined by high δ15N values, and included the majority of mantled howler monkeys’ isotopic niche. The isotopic niche of mantled howler monkeys did not differ between sympatry and allopatry.ConclusionsThe coexistence of these ecologically similar species may be linked to trophic niche adjustments by one species, although the particular features of such adjustments (e.g., dietary, spatial, or sensory partitioning) remain to be addressed.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155926/1/ajpa24028.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155926/2/ajpa24028_am.pd

Variation in the Extraction Efficiency of Estradiol and Progesterone in Moist and Lyophilized Feces of the Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra): Alternative Methods

Several fecal steroid extraction techniques have been developed to measure the ovary function in different species of mammals. However, regardless of the method of extraction and the sample type chosen, it has been observed that they can yield results with different percentages of recuperation. The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of substratum, solvent and extraction method used have any influence on the extraction efficiency in the feces of Alouatta pigra (black howler monkey). For this purpose we used two methods: agitation and ebullition. With each method, we utilized moist and lyophilized feces. The validation of radioimmunoassay method was accurate and precise for quantify estradiol and progesterone in lyophilized feces of A. pigra. To both of which ethanol and methanol, absolute and at 80%, were added, besides the hormones 125I-Estradiol and 125I-Progesterone. The extraction efficiency for 125I-Estradiol was from 87.72 ± 3.97 to 41.24 ± 2.67%, and for 125I-Progesterone from 71.15 ± 4.24 to 42.30 ± 1.19% when we used the agitation method. Whereas with the ebullition method, the extraction efficiency for 125I-Estradiol ranged from 86.89 ± 2.66 to 71.68 ± 3.02% and for 125I-Progesterone from 98.31 ± 1.26 to 85.40 ± 1.98%. Due to the differences found in these assays, which depend on the method used, the type of feces employed and the type of solvent added to them, we recommend the ebullition method and the lyophilized feces of A. pigra for extracting the hormones, since in moist feces there may exist variables which might interfere in the quantification of 125I-Estradiol and 125I-Progesterone

Alouatta pigra males ignore A. palliata loud calls: A case of failed rival recognition?

ObjectivesWhen closely related species overlap geographically, selection may favor speciesâ specific mate recognition traits to avoid hybridization costs. Conversely, the need to recognize potential sameâ sex rivals may select for lower specificity, creating the possibility that selection in one domain constrains evolution in the other. Despite a wealth of data on mate recognition, studies addressing rival recognition between hybridizing species are limited to a few bird species. Using naïve populations, we examine the extent to which failed rival recognition might have affected hybridization patterns when two species of howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra and A. palliata) first met after diverging in allopatry.MethodsWe simulated first contact between naïve subjects using playback experiments in allopatric populations of the two purebred species. Using linear mixed models, we compared their look, move, and vocal responses to conspecific and heterospecific loud calls.ResultsAlthough not different in overall response strength to playbacks, the two species differed in reaction to heterospecific callers. Male A. pigra ignored calls from male A. palliata, but the reverse was not true.DiscussionDespite striking differences in vocalizations, A. palliata respond equally to calls from both species whereas A. pigra respond only to conspecifics. This apparent failure of A. pigra males to recognize interspecific rivals might have biased hybridization (F1 hybridsâ =â male A. palliata x female A. pigra), a pattern previously hypothesized based on genetic analysis of hybrids. Given that A. pigra males could be losing reproductive opportunities to heterospecific males, our findings add to growing evidence of potential costs for overly specific species recognition.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144221/1/ajpa23443.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144221/2/ajpa23443_am.pd

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

Contains fulltext : 172380.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat