A case-series study to explore the efficacy of foot orthoses in treating first metatarsophalangeal joint pain

Background: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pain is a common foot complaint which is often considered to be a consequence of altered mechanics. Foot orthoses are often prescribed to reduce 1 stMTP joint pain with the aim of altering dorsiflexion at propulsion. This study explores changes in 1 stMTP joint pain and kinematics following the use of foot orthoses.Methods: The effect of modified, pre-fabricated foot orthoses (X-line ®) were evaluated in thirty-two patients with 1 stMTP joint pain of mechanical origin. The primary outcome was pain measured at baseline and 24 weeks using the pain subscale of the foot function index (FFI). In a small sub-group of patients (n = 9), the relationship between pain and kinematic variables was explored with and without their orthoses, using an electromagnetic motion tracking (EMT) system.Results: A significant reduction in pain was observed between baseline (median = 48 mm) and the 24 week endpoint (median = 14.50 mm, z = -4.88, p < 0.001). In the sub-group analysis, we found no relationship between pain reduction and 1 stMTP joint motion, and no significant differences were found between the 1 stMTP joint maximum dorsiflexion or ankle/subtalar complex maximum eversion, with and without the orthoses.Conclusions: This observational study demonstrated a significant decrease in 1 stMTP joint pain associated with the use of foot orthoses. Change in pain was not shown to be associated with 1 stMTP joint dorsiflexion nor with altered ankle/subtalar complex eversion. Further research into the effect of foot orthoses on foot function is indicated. © 2010 Welsh et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Priority research needs to inform amphibian conservation in the Anthropocene

The problem of global amphibian declines has prompted extensive research over the last three decades. Initially, the focus was on identifying and characterizing the extent of the problem, but more recently efforts have shifted to evidence‐based research designed to identify best solutions and to improve conservation outcomes. Despite extensive accumulation of knowledge on amphibian declines, there remain knowledge gaps and disconnects between science and action that hamper our ability to advance conservation efforts. Using input from participants at the ninth World Congress of Herpetology, a U.S. Geological Survey Powell Center symposium, amphibian on‐line forums for discussion, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Gamete Biobanking group, and respondents to a survey, we developed a list of 25 priority research questions for amphibian conservation at this stage of the Anthropocene. We identified amphibian conservation research priorities while accounting for expected tradeoffs in geographic scope, costs, and the taxonomic breadth of research needs. We aimed to solicit views from individuals rather than organizations while acknowledging inequities in participation. Emerging research priorities (i.e., those under‐represented in recently published amphibian conservation literature) were identified, and included the effects of climate change, community‐level (rather than single species‐level) drivers of declines, methodological improvements for research and monitoring, genomics, and effects of land‐use change. Improved inclusion of under‐represented members of the amphibian conservation community was also identified as a priority. These research needs represent critical knowledge gaps for amphibian conservation although filling these gaps may not be necessary for many conservation actions

Predator Behavior and Prey Demography in Patchy Habitats

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the greatest threats to biodiversity, and these threats can be exacerbated or alleviated by the presence of interacting species. The effect of habitat loss and fragmentation on predator-prey systems has received extensive theoretical attention, but empirical studies of these systems yield few clear patterns. I examined the influence of prey abundance and spatial distribution on the foraging ecology and spatial ecology of Masticophis flagellum (Coachwhip) using capture-mark-recapture and radio telemetry techniques. I also examined the influence of saurophagous snake abundance on the survival rate of Sceloporus woodi (Florida Scrub Lizard) populations. Masticophis flagellum positively selected lizard and mammal prey, but within these categories it consumed prey species in proportion to their availability. Masticophis flagellum was vagile and constrained its movements within large home ranges. At all spatial scales examined, M. flagellum strongly selected Florida scrub habitat and avoided wetland habitats. The negative effect of saurophagous snake abundance best explained differences in S. woodi survival rates among patches of Florida scrub. Further loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub habitat will likely have a strong negative impact upon M. flagellum. Because it is precinctive to Florida scrub, Sceloporus woodi will also be negatively affected by the loss of this unique habitat. The potential positive effects of reduced predation pressure from M. flagellum that may accompany loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub is likely to be offset by increased predation rates by habitat and dietary generalist predators that incidentally prey upon S. woodi. Despite the sensitivity of these species to loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub, the prognosis is good for both M. flagellum and S. woodi on relatively large protected sites containing xeric habitats managed with prescribed fire

Predator Behavior and Prey Demography in Patchy Habitats

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the greatest threats to biodiversity, and these threats can be exacerbated or alleviated by the presence of interacting species. The effect of habitat loss and fragmentation on predator-prey systems has received extensive theoretical attention, but empirical studies of these systems yield few clear patterns. I examined the influence of prey abundance and spatial distribution on the foraging ecology and spatial ecology of Masticophis flagellum (Coachwhip) using capture-mark-recapture and radio telemetry techniques. I also examined the influence of saurophagous snake abundance on the survival rate of Sceloporus woodi (Florida Scrub Lizard) populations. Masticophis flagellum positively selected lizard and mammal prey, but within these categories it consumed prey species in proportion to their availability. Masticophis flagellum was vagile and constrained its movements within large home ranges. At all spatial scales examined, M. flagellum strongly selected Florida scrub habitat and avoided wetland habitats. The negative effect of saurophagous snake abundance best explained differences in S. woodi survival rates among patches of Florida scrub. Further loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub habitat will likely have a strong negative impact upon M. flagellum. Because it is precinctive to Florida scrub, Sceloporus woodi will also be negatively affected by the loss of this unique habitat. The potential positive effects of reduced predation pressure from M. flagellum that may accompany loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub is likely to be offset by increased predation rates by habitat and dietary generalist predators that incidentally prey upon S. woodi. Despite the sensitivity of these species to loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub, the prognosis is good for both M. flagellum and S. woodi on relatively large protected sites containing xeric habitats managed with prescribed fire

Effect of translocation on home range and movements of giant gartersnakes

Conservation translocations are often used to connect disjunct populations or reintroduce them to otherwise suitable areas from which they have become locally extinct. Translocations, however, can alter wildlife movements and increase their exposure to hazards such as predation, thus increasing their risk of mortality. The giant gartersnake, Thamnophis gigas, is a wetland-dependent threatened species that has lost > 90% of its historical habitat. Certain species recovery may depend on the success of translocations in restoring populations. We translocated snakes from two donor sites—one managed wetland and one rice agriculture site—to a third restored wetland in Sacramento County, California, USA, to evaluate the impact of translocations on home ranges and movements. Translocated snakes had smaller home ranges after translocation for the 95% and 100% MCP estimation, had smaller net displacements, but had similar measures of sinuosity (index that measures the curvature of a movement path), total distance moved, and start-to-end distance compared to their individual measurements before translocation. Landscape type, however, had the greatest effect on home range estimates and movement measures, with resident snakes from the rice agriculture site having greater home ranges and net displacements, and greater, less sinuous seasonal movement paths than snakes from both the donor and recipient wetland sites. Results varied depending on the specific metric, but overall, translocated snakes tended to have intermediate values for home range size, movement distances, and sinuosity compared to the two resident groups. Our results suggest that although translocation did affect movement and space use relative to resident snakes, its effect depended on the donor habitat from which translocated snakes were removed. Because irregular movements are often linked to low survival after translocation, it is encouraging that translocated snakes did not move more than snakes from a donor rice agriculture site, a landscape that represents much habitat for remaining populations

Sympatric \u3cem\u3eMasticophis flagellum\u3c/em\u3e and \u3cem\u3eColuber Constrictor\u3c/em\u3e Select Prey at Different Levels of Taxonomy

Masticophis flagellum (Coachwhip) and Coluber constrictor (Eastern Racer) are widespread North American snakes with similar foraging modes and habits. Little is known about the selection of prey by either species, and despite their apparently similar foraging habits, comparative studies of the foraging ecology of sympatric M. flagellum and C. constrictor are lacking. We examined the foraging ecology and prey selection of these actively foraging snakes in xeric, open-canopied Florida scrub habitat by defining prey availability separately for each snake to elucidate mechanisms underlying geographic, temporal, and interspecific variation in predator diets. Nineteen percent of M. flagellumand 28% of C. constrictor contained stomach contents, and most snakes contained only one prey item. Mean relative prey mass for both species was less than 10%. Larger C. constrictor consumed larger prey than small individuals, but this relationship disappeared when prey size was scaled to snake size. Masticophis flagellum was selective at the prey category level, and positively selected lizards and mammals; however, within these categories it consumed prey species in proportion to their availability. In contrast, C. constrictor preyed upon prey categories opportunistically, but was selective with regard to species. Specifically, C. constrictor positively selected Hyla femoralis (Pine Woods Treefrog) and negatively selected Bufo quercicus (Oak Toad), B. terrestris (Southern Toad), and Gastrophryne carolinensis (Eastern Narrowmouth Toad). Thus, despite their similar foraging habits, M. flagellum and C. constrictor select different prey and are selective of prey at different levels of taxonomy

Masticophis Flagellum Selects Florida Scrub Habitat at Multiple Spatial Scales

The use of space by individual animals strongly influences the spatial extent, abundance, and growth rates of their populations. We analyzed the spatial ecology and habitat selection of Masticophis flagellum (the coachwhip) at three different scales to determine which habitats are most important to this species. Home ranges and mean daily displacements of M. flagellum in Florida were large compared to individuals in other populations of this species. Home ranges contained a greater proportion of Florida scrub habitat than did the study site as a whole, and individuals selected Florida scrub habitat within their home ranges. For both selection of the home range within the study site and selection of habitats within the home range, mesic cutthroat and hydric swamp habitats were avoided. Standardized selection ratios of Florida scrub patches were positively correlated with lizard abundance. Several non-mutually exclusive mechanisms, including foraging success (prey abundance, prey vulnerability, and foraging efficiency), abundance of refugia, and thermoregulatory opportunity may underlie the selection of Florida scrub by M. flagellum. Historic rarity and anthropogenic loss and fragmentation of Florida scrub habitat, coupled with the long-distance movements, large home ranges, and selection of Florida scrub by M. flagellum, indicate that large contiguous tracts of land containing Florida scrub will be essential for the persistence of M. flagellumin central Florida

Data from: Thermal quality influences habitat use of two anole species

Regeneration of secondary forests on previously deforested or degraded land is one of the most dominant forms of land-use change in the tropics. However, the response of animal communities to forest regeneration is poorly understood. To evaluate support for thermal quality as a mechanism driving reptile species distributions during secondary forest succession, we measured operative temperatures and occupancy in three successional forest stages (pasture, secondary forest, and old growth forest) for two anole species common in the landscape (Norops humilis and Norops limifrons). We then measured thermal preference in laboratory experiments and used operative temperature and temperature preference measurements to determine how thermal quality of habitat changes over the course of secondary forest succession, and if occupancy varies as a function of thermal quality. We found that thermal quality was lowest in pasture habitat because of a large frequency of temperatures above the thermal preference range. However, in low thermal quality pasture sites, riparian habitats and remnant trees provided a thermal refuge for both lizard species. Our results support thermal quality as a mechanism for reptile species distributions in altered landscapes and highlight the importance of the maintenance of riparian corridors

Comparing reintroduction strategies for the endangered San Francisco gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) using demographic models.

For endangered species persisting in a few populations, reintroductions to unoccupied habitat are a popular conservation action to increase viability in the long term. Identifying the reintroduction strategy that is most likely to result in viable founder and donor populations is essential to optimally use resources available for conservation. The San Francisco gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is an endangered sub-species that persists in a small number of populations in a highly urbanized region of California. Most of the extant populations of San Francisco gartersnakes have low adult abundance and effective population size, heightening the need for establishment of more populations for insurance against the risk of extinction. We used simulations from demographic models to project the probability of quasi-extinction for reintroduced populations of San Francisco gartersnakes based on the release of neonate, juvenile, adult, or mixed-age propagules. Our simulation results indicated that the release of head-started juveniles resulted in the greatest viability of reintroduced populations, and that releases would need to continue for at least 15 years to ensure a low probability of quasi-extinction. Releasing captive-bred juvenile snakes would also have less effect on the viability of the donor population, compared to strategies that require more adult snakes to be removed from the donor population for translocation. Our models focus on snake demography, but the genetic makeup of donor, captive, and reintroduced populations will also be a major concern for any proposed reintroduction plan. This study demonstrates how modeling can be used to inform reintroduction strategies for highly imperiled species