Using traditional ecological knowledge to protect wetlands: the Swinomish Tribe\u27s Wetlands Cultural Assessment Project

“Traditional” wetland physical assessment modules do not adequately identify Tribal cultural values of wetlands and thus wetlands may not be adequately protected for cultural uses. This Swinomish Wetlands Cultural Assessment Project has developed a cultural resource scoring module that can be incorporated into wetland assessments to better inform wetland protections. Local native knowledge was gathered about the traditional uses of 99 native wetland plant species. A cultural scoring matrix was developed based on the presence of traditionally used plants in several use categories including: construction, ceremonial, subsistence, medicinal, common use, plant rarity, and place of value for each wetland. The combined score of the cultural and physical modules provides an overall wetland score that relates to proscribed buffer protection widths. With this local native knowledge incorporated into wetland assessments, we are protecting and preserving Swinomish Reservation wetlands for both cultural uses and ecological functionality through the Tribe’s wetland protection law

Examining the Potential of Vitamin C Supplementation in Tissue-Engineered Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Constructs

Because equine tendinopathies are slow to heal and often recur, therapeutic strategies are being considered that aid tendon repair. Given the success of utilizing vitamin C to promote tenogenesis in other species, we hypothesized that vitamin C supplementation would produce dose-dependent improvements in the tenogenic properties of tendon proper (TP) and peritenon (PERI) cells of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Equine TP- and PERI-progenitor-cell-seeded fibrin three-dimensional constructs were supplemented with four concentrations of vitamin C. The gene expression profiles of the constructs were assessed with 3\u27-Tag-Seq and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); collagen content and fibril ultrastructure were also analyzed. Moreover, cells were challenged with dexamethasone to determine the levels of cytoprotection afforded by vitamin C. Expression profiling demonstrated that vitamin C had an anti-inflammatory effect on TP and PERI cell constructs. Moreover, vitamin C supplementation mitigated the degenerative pathways seen in tendinopathy and increased collagen content in tendon constructs. When challenged with dexamethasone in two-dimensional culture, vitamin C had a cytoprotective effect for TP cells but not necessarily for PERI cells. Future studies will explore the effects of vitamin C on these cells during inflammation and within the tendon niche in vivo

Western Diet in Adulthood, Timing of Menarche, and Economic Status Among Northeast Ohioans

I studied the age at first menstruation as a predictor of Western diet consumption among adults at The University of Akron and in Cleveland. I used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of human hair, as well as surveyed consumption of foods important to a Western diet (red meat, sugar, and dairy), to understand whether participants aligned with a Western dietary pattern. Age at survey and adult economic status were investigated as potential confounding variables. My data analysis and conclusions for this project has been completed and approved by my advisor and committee. To maintain collaborators\u27 ability to publish a comprehensive analysis of this dataset, I am not at liberty to publish my results here. Broader analyses of diet composition across lifetime, age at menarche, and economic status represent interesting avenues for future study

Developmental differences in affective representation between prefrontal and subcortical structures

Developmental studies have identified differences in prefrontal and subcortical affective structures between children and adults, which correspond with observed cognitive and behavioral maturations from relatively simplistic emotional experiences and expressions to more nuanced, complex ones. However, developmental changes in the neural representation of emotions have not yet been well explored. It stands to reason that adults and children may demonstrate observable differences in the representation of affect within key neurological structures implicated in affective cognition. Forty-five participants (25 children; 20 adults) passively viewed positive, negative, and neutral clips from popular films while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using representational similarity analysis (RSA) to measure variability in neural pattern similarity, we found developmental differences between children and adults in the amygdala, nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), such that children generated less pattern similarity within subcortical structures relative to the vmPFC; a phenomenon not replicated among their older counterparts. Furthermore, children generated valence-specific differences in representational patterns across regions; these valence-specific patterns were not found in adults. These results may suggest that affective representations grow increasingly dissimilar over development as individuals mature from visceral affective responses to more evaluative analyses

Soil conductivity study and implications for fish and farming compatibility in the Swinomish agricultural area

The Swinomish agricultural area, along the Swinomish Channel, is part of the Skagit River Delta, a major agrarian region in Puget Sound. Historically a complex system of tidal channels serving as salmon habitat, the tidelands have since been diked and drained. In 2005, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) began restoration to demonstrate compatibility of fish habitat and agriculture. Muted tidal regulators (MTRs) operated to optimize tidal inundation and fish passage, replaced traditional tidegates, and prompted a study to evaluate soil conductivity impacts on agriculture. Objectives included electromagnetic (EM) surveying of soil conductivity, qualitatively assessing EM results utilizing two additional methods, and assessing local crop suitability and restoration effectiveness for fish habitat and agriculture compatibility. All methods showed low conductivity throughout the majority of the area with isolated elevated levels adjacent to drainage ditches, the main Channel dike, and in low-lying depressional areas. Designed for periodic inundation, a restoration area yielded some of the highest conductivity levels. Using conversion formulas applicable to each conductivity measurement method, conductivity values were converted to salinity classes to evaluate potential adverse crop effects. The areas described above ranged from primarily ‘slightly saline’ and ‘moderately saline’ (many crop yields restricted), to ‘strongly saline’, with marginal ‘very strongly saline’ areas along the main dike and in the restoration area. However, the vast majority of the agricultural area could be categorized as ‘non-saline’, with negligible crop effects. These results indicate that the restoration designed to enhance fish habitat resulted in limited salinity intrusion to the adjacent cropland. This study, along with concurrent projects in the Swinomish agricultural area, suggests that fish and farming, two economically and culturally significant symbols of the region, may not only survive, but thrive in the same space

Safety and physiological effects of two different doses of elosulfase alfa in patients with morquio a syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, pilot study.

The primary treatment outcomes of a phase 2, randomized, double-blind, pilot study evaluating safety, physiological, and pharmacological effects of elosulfase alfa in patients with Morquio A syndrome are herewith presented. Patients aged ≥7 years and able to walk ≥200 m in the 6-min walk test (6MWT) were randomized to elosulfase alfa 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg/week for 27 weeks. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of both doses. Secondary objectives were to evaluate effects on endurance (6MWT and 3-min stair climb test [3MSCT]), exercise capacity (cardio-pulmonary exercise test [CPET]), respiratory function, muscle strength, cardiac function, pain, and urine keratan sulfate (uKS) levels, and to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Twenty-five patients were enrolled (15 randomized to 2.0 mg/kg/week and 10 to 4.0 mg/kg/week). No new or unexpected safety signals were observed. After 24 weeks, there were no improvements versus baseline in the 6MWT, yet numerical improvements were seen in the 3MSCT with 4.0 mg/kg/week. uKS and pharmacokinetic data suggested no linear relationship over the 2.0-4.0 mg/kg dose range. Overall, an abnormal exercise capacity (evaluated in 10 and 5 patients in the 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg/week groups, respectively), impaired muscle strength, and considerable pain were observed at baseline, and there were trends towards improvements in all domains after treatment. In conclusion, preliminary data of this small study in a Morquio A population with relatively good endurance confirmed the acceptable safety profile of elosulfase alfa and showed a trend of increased exercise capacity and muscle strength and decreased pain

Naturecultures guidance: steps in our journey

The emergence of cultural landscapes concepts heralded important mindset shifts in heritage practices. These have underpinned development of landscape approaches that recognise larger-scale interactions and the relationships between natural and cultural elements and processes. However, it has become apparent that an enduring nature-culture binary in heritage practices can result in adverse outcomes ‘on the ground’. The ISCCL has provided a forum and a source of global leadership for these issues, including the exploration of the implications of working with naturecultures to achieve conservation outcomes that are effective and inclusive. Naturecultures was coined by Donna Haraway in 2003 to recognise that natural and human environments, including non-human and more-than-human beings (such as spirits, creation ancestors, divinities) are intimately bound or entangled within different places. There is a now a growing desire to move beyond a curious consideration of the conceptual possibilities of naturecultures to implement its meanings in a wide array of everyday heritage management practices. Physically separated by the global pandemic, we are a small group of natural and cultural heritage practitioners and ISCCL members who decided to step briefly away from our organisational and institutional affiliations to connect with each other, reflect on our experiences, and offer guidance to others. This presentation will be our first opportunity to communicate what we’ve been up to, and to share some thoughts that our journey together has afforded. We argue that applying naturecultures in our practices is beneficial for people and places, and can support more effective conservation outcomes. Please join us to think further about these ideas. Français : L\u27émergence des concepts de paysages culturels a annoncé d\u27importants changements de mentalité dans les pratiques patrimoniales. Ceux-ci ont soutenu le développement d\u27approches paysagères qui reconnaissent les interactions à plus grande échelle et les relations entre les éléments et les processus naturels et culturels. Cependant, il est devenu évident qu\u27un binaire nature-culture durable dans les pratiques patrimoniales peut entraîner des résultats négatifs « sur le terrain ». L\u27ISCCL a fourni un forum et une source de leadership mondial pour ces questions, y compris l\u27exploration des implications du travail avec les cultures de la nature pour obtenir des résultats de conservation efficaces et inclusifs. Naturecultures a été inventé par Donna Haraway en 2003 pour reconnaître que les environnements naturels et humains, y compris les êtres non humains et plus qu\u27humains (tels que les esprits, les ancêtres de la création, les divinités) sont intimement liés ou enchevêtrés dans différents endroits. Il y a maintenant un désir croissant d\u27aller au-delà d\u27une curieuse considération des possibilités conceptuelles des cultures de la nature pour mettre en œuvre ses significations dans un large éventail de pratiques quotidiennes de gestion du patrimoine. Physiquement séparés par la pandémie mondiale, nous sommes un petit groupe de praticiens du patrimoine naturel et culturel et de membres de l\u27ISCCL qui ont décidé de s\u27éloigner brièvement de nos affiliations organisationnelles et institutionnelles pour se connecter les uns aux autres, réfléchir à nos expériences et offrir des conseils aux autres. Cette présentation sera notre première occasion de communiquer ce que nous avons fait et de partager quelques réflexions que notre voyage ensemble a permis. Nous soutenons que l\u27application des cultures de la nature dans nos pratiques est bénéfique pour les personnes et les lieux, et peut favoriser des résultats de conservation plus efficaces. Veuillez vous joindre à nous pour approfondir ces idées. Español: La aparición de conceptos de paisajes culturales anunció importantes cambios de mentalidad en las prácticas patrimoniales. Estos han apuntalado el desarrollo de enfoques de paisaje que reconocen interacciones a mayor escala y las relaciones entre elementos y procesos naturales y culturales. Sin embargo, se ha hecho evidente que un binario duradero entre naturaleza y cultura en las prácticas patrimoniales puede dar lugar a resultados adversos sobre el terreno . El ISCCL ha proporcionado un foro y una fuente de liderazgo global para estos temas, incluida la exploración de las implicaciones de trabajar con las culturas de la naturaleza para lograr resultados de conservación que sean efectivos e inclusivos. Naturecultures fue acuñada por Donna Haraway en 2003 para reconocer que los entornos naturales y humanos, incluidos los seres no humanos y más que humanos (como espíritus, antepasados de la creación, divinidades) están íntimamente ligados o enredados en diferentes lugares. Existe ahora un creciente deseo de ir más allá de una consideración curiosa de las posibilidades conceptuales de las culturas de la naturaleza para implementar sus significados en una amplia gama de prácticas cotidianas de gestión del patrimonio. Físicamente separados por la pandemia global, somos un pequeño grupo de practicantes del patrimonio natural y cultural y miembros de ISCCL que decidieron alejarse brevemente de nuestras afiliaciones organizacionales e institucionales para conectarnos unos con otros, reflexionar sobre nuestras experiencias y ofrecer orientación a los demás. Esta presentación será nuestra primera oportunidad para comunicar lo que hemos estado haciendo y compartir algunos pensamientos que nos ha brindado nuestro viaje juntos. Argumentamos que la aplicación de las culturas de la naturaleza en nuestras prácticas es beneficiosa para las personas y los lugares, y puede respaldar resultados de conservación más efectivos. Únase a nosotros para pensar más en estas ideas

Multi-platform Approach for Microbial Biomarker Identification Using Borrelia burgdorferi as a Model

The identification of microbial biomarkers is critical for the diagnosis of a disease early during infection. However, the identification of reliable biomarkers is often hampered by a low concentration of microbes or biomarkers within host fluids or tissues. We have outlined a multi-platform strategy to assess microbial biomarkers that can be consistently detected in host samples, using Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as an example. Key aspects of the strategy include the selection of a macaque model of human disease, in vivo Microbial Antigen Discovery (InMAD), and proteomic methods that include microbial biomarker enrichment within samples to identify secreted proteins circulating during infection. Using the described strategy, we have identified 6 biomarkers from multiple samples. In addition, the temporal antibody response to select bacterial antigens was mapped. By integrating biomarkers identified from early infection with temporal patterns of expression, the described platform allows for the data driven selection of diagnostic targets

Peer Influence and Nonsuicidal Self Injury: Longitudinal Results in Community and Clinically-Referred Adolescent Samples

Research suggests that adolescents' engagement in nonsuicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors may be increasing over time, yet little is known regarding distal longitudinal factors that may promote engagement in these behaviors. Data from two longitudinal studies are presented to examine whether NSSI may be associated with peer influence processes. Study 1 included 377 adolescents from a community-based sample; Study 2 included 140 clinically-referred adolescents recruited from a psychiatric inpatient facility. In Study 1, adolescents' NSSI was examined at baseline and one year later. Adolescents' nominated best friend reported their own levels of NSSI. In Study 2, adolescents' NSSI was examined at baseline as well as 9 and 18-months post-baseline. Adolescents' perceptions of their friends' engagement in self-injurious behavior (including suicidality) and depressed mood also were examined at all three time points. Baseline depressive symptoms were measured in both studies; gender and age were examined as moderators of peer influence effects. Results from both studies supported longitudinal peer socialization effects of friends' self-injurious behavior on adolescents' own NSSI for girls, but not for boys, even after controlling for depressive symptoms as a predictor. Study 1 suggested socialization effects mostly for younger youth. Results from Study 2 also suggested longitudinal socialization effects, as well as peer selection effects; adolescents' NSSI was associated with increasing perceptions of their friends' engagement in depressive/self-injurious thoughts and behavior. Findings contribute to the nascent literature on longitudinal predictors of NSSI and to work on peer influence