Fine-scale population structure and asymmetrical dispersal in an obligate salt-marsh passerine, the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus Caudacutus)

Understanding the spatial scale of gene flow can yield valuable insight into the ecology of an organism and guide conservation strategies. Fine-scale genetic structure is uncommon in migratory passerines because of their high vagility and presumed high dispersal abilities. Aspects of the behavior and ecology of some migratory species, however, may promote structure on a finer scale in comparison to their mobility. We investigated population genetic structure in the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), a migratory passerine that breeds along the northeastern coast of the United States, where it is restricted exclusively to a narrow strip of patchily distributed tidal marsh habitat. Using genotyping with 10 microsatellite loci, we detected weak but significant population structure among Saltmarsh Sparrows from nine marshes on the breeding grounds between Scarborough, Maine, and Oceanside, New York. Genetic variation among marshes was largely consistent with a pattern of isolation by distance, with some exceptions. One inland marsh was genetically divergent despite its proximity to other sampled marshes, which suggests that mechanisms besides geographic distance influence population genetic structure. Bayesian clustering, multivariate analyses, and assignment tests supported a population structure consisting of five groups. Estimates of migration rates indicated variation in gene flow among marshes, which suggests asymmetrical dispersal and possible source-sink population dynamics. The genetic structure that we found in Saltmarsh Sparrows may result from natal philopatry and breeding-site fidelity, combined with restricted dispersal due to obligate dependence on a patchy habitat. Our findings suggest that fine-scale population structure may be important in some migratory passerines. Received 12 July 2011, accepted 1 February 2012

Introduction of plasmid DNA into Sneathia vaginalis; the first step to genetic manipulation

Many bacterial pathogens are capable of secreting one or more toxins, all of which can be categorized based on their function, target, or mechanism of action. Pore-forming toxins, for instance, are characterized based on their ability to perforate the host membrane. This may result in the delivery of bacterial substances into the host cell, release of compounds from the host cell, and/or death of the host cell. Research from our lab has demonstrated that Sneathia vaginalis, a gram-negative anaerobic bacterial species that is associated with bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth, produces a pore-forming toxin referred to as cytopathogenic toxin A. CptA is capable of lysing human red blood cells and permeabilizing chorionic trophoblasts and other epithelial cells. CptA appears to contribute to the traversal of Sneathia vaginalis across fetal membranes and may therefore contribute towards preterm birth and bacterial vaginosis. In order to confirm its role in fetal membrane traversal, an isogenic mutant of Sneathia vaginalis, in which the cptA gene has been functionally deleted, is needed. To accomplish this, we tested both plasmids and linear PCR products for the ability to insertionally inactivate the cptA gene. If the mutant is no longer able to traverse fetal membranes, then this will confirm that CptA is necessary for the virulence of Sneathia vaginalis.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1405/thumbnail.jp

Trajectories of Alcohol Use and Consequences in College Women with and without Depressed Mood

College students with depressed mood face heightened risk for experiencing drinking-related negative consequences. However, few studies have examined prospective patterns of alcohol consequences among depressed students. In the present investigation, we assessed how first-year college women’s trajectories of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and alcohol consequences differed as a function of depressed mood at college entry. Participants were 233 heavy drinking incoming first-year college females (61% White) at a mid-sized west coast university. Participants completed an online baseline survey, attended a single brief group intervention session, and completed 1- and 6-month post-intervention follow-up surveys. Depressed mood, alcohol consumption, and alcohol consequences were assessed at each time point. We employed latent growth curve analyses. Females with depressed mood, versus without depressed mood, experienced greater levels of alcohol consequences overall, particularly during transitions to college. However, contrary to hypotheses, participants with depressed mood (vs. without) exhibited significantly steeper declining trends in consequences, controlling for treatment condition, age, race, and ethnicity, and despite stable drinking levels, depressed mood, and use of protective behaviors over time. Potential explanations and suggestions for future research are discussed

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, Suicide Planning, and Suicide Attempt Among High-Risk Adolescents Prior to Psychiatric Hospitalization

The purpose of this study was to understand the trajectories of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide plans (SP) in the 90 days prior to inpatient hospitalization, understand the role of NSSI and SP in predicting suicide attempts (SA) on a given day, and to test the interaction between NSSI and SP in predicting same-day SA. Participants included 69 adolescents (77% female, 65% white, 77% Non-Hispanic/Latinx, Mage = 15.77 SDage = 1.00) from an inpatient psychiatric unit. Past 90 day NSSI, SP, and SA were measured using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and Timeline Follow Back. First, mixed effect models were conducted to assess trajectories of NSSI and SP leading up to inpatient hospitalization. The odds of NSSI remained relatively stable prior to hospitalization (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00,1.02]). The odds of SP increased in the 90 days prior to hospitalization (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.02,1.05]) with each day associated with a 4% increase in the odds of making a SP. Second, random effect models were conducted to predict the odds of same-day SA from NSSI and SP. When adolescents endorsed either NSSI (OR = 2.99, p \u3c .001) or a SP (OR = 77.13, p \u3c .001) there was elevated odds of same-day SA. However, the presence of both NSSI and SP on a given day did not increase risk of SA on that same day. For this high-risk clinical sample of suicidal adolescents who drink alcohol, odds of SP increased in the days leading up to psychiatric hospitalization, but NSSI remained stable. On days when adolescents reported NSSI or SP, they had an increased odds of same-day SA. These results underscore the importance of frequent monitoring of NSSI and SP among high-risk adolescents who drink alcohol to prevent suicide attempts

The Highest-Copy Repeats are Methylated in the Small Genome of the Early Divergent Vascular Plant Selaginella moellendorffii

Background The lycophyte Selaginella moellendorffii is a vascular plant that diverged from the fern/seed plant lineage at least 400 million years ago. Although genomic information for S. moellendorffii is starting to be produced, little is known about basic aspects of its molecular biology. In order to provide the first glimpse to the epigenetic landscape of this early divergent vascular plant, we used the methylation filtration technique. Methylation filtration genomic libraries select unmethylated DNA clones due to the presence of the methylation-dependent restriction endonuclease McrBC in the bacterial host. Results We conducted a characterization of the DNA methylation patterns of the S. moellendorffii genome by sequencing a set of S. moellendorffii shotgun genomic clones, along with a set of methylation filtered clones. Chloroplast DNA, which is typically unmethylated, was enriched in the filtered library relative to the shotgun library, showing that there is DNA methylation in the extremely small S. moellendorffii genome. The filtered library also showed enrichment in expressed and gene-like sequences, while the highest-copy repeats were largely under-represented in this library. These results show that genes and repeats are differentially methylated in the S.moellendorffii genome, as occurs in other plants studied. Conclusion Our results shed light on the genome methylation pattern in a member of a relatively unexplored plant lineage. The DNA methylation data reported here will help understanding the involvement of this epigenetic mark in fundamental biological processes, as well as the evolutionary aspects of epigenetics in land plants

Pediatric Emergency Department Nurse’s Knowledge and Attitudes of Pediatric Fluid Resuscitation

Background: Rapid fluid resuscitation is essential to the management of pediatric shock, but there are many barriers to published guideline adherence. Limited evidence describing emergency department (ED) nurse’s knowledge and attitudes of fluid resuscitation exists. This study described pediatric ED nurse’s knowledge and attitudes of fluid resuscitation. Methods: This single-site descriptive study used survey methodology. A 23-question survey was distributed to nurses in the ED at Boston Children’s Hospital. The survey measured nurse’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to fluid resuscitation. Results: Findings suggested gaps found between actual and perceived knowledge consistent with prior evidence. There was a 50.9% response rate to the survey, with the majority of the participants holding a bachelor’s degree and a nursing certification. One of the top concerns nurses considered with each method of fluid resuscitation was the IV gauge. Thematic analysis identified the need for further education, environmental modifications, staffing consistent with patient acuity, and piloting of new devices. Conclusion: Pediatric nurses\u27 knowledge and attitudes varied, and improving knowledge will enhance the provision of safe and effective care. Educational interventions should incorporate a variety of modalities and reassess frequency needed to maintain competency. Education should encourage consideration of all fluid resuscitation options. Demographics provided insight into how perception, years of experience, education level, and certifications related to knowledge. Limitations included that this was a single-center descriptive study with a small convenience sample. Additionally, this study took place during the COVID pandemic and social unrest which may have impacted survey response

Self-Determination Theory and Locus of Control as Antecedents of Voluntary Workplace Behaviors

Antecedents of organizational citizenship behaviors and counterproductive work behaviors have been studied in depth, focusing on both individual differences and environmental variables. However, motivation has been largely overlooked as a contributor to these voluntary behaviors. Self-Determination Theory, a motivational framework, posits that environmental support in the form of fulfilled basic psychological needs leads to activities geared towards growth and development, whereas a lack of environmental supports thwarts these attempts towards self-growth. It is hypothesized that environmental support will account for unique variance above and beyond previously studied antecedents of voluntary workplace behaviors. This was supported using hierarchical regression. It was also hypothesized that locus of control will moderate the effect of environmental support on voluntary behaviors, such that environmental support will play a larger role in people with an external locus of control, compared to those with an internal locus of control. This was not supported using moderated regression, but the trends suggest that future research in this area may be more successful. The implications for research and practice are discussed

The use of stable isotopes to measure interactions between dietary fiber, vitamin D and calcium

An impairment in the ability of humans to absorb calcium (such as that caused by high fiber intakes) may stimulate the rate of 25-hydroxyvitamin D degradation, and lead to vitamin D deficiency. This hypothesis was examined in 7 adult male subjects. Each subject participated in 2, 23-day experimental periods. The experimental periods differed only with respect to the dietary fiber intake (6.5 vs. 31.3 g/d).^ The high fiber diet significantly reduced calcium balance from days 7-12. However, the mean calcium balance remained positive. Because calcium status was not severely impaired, no significant differences were observed in serum total or ultrafilterable calcium, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)\sb2D, or parathyroid hormone, between dietary treatments.^ Despite the lack of change in the above serum parameters, the serum clearance of an oral dose of 1,25(OH)\sb2D, administered on day 20, was significantly longer during the high fiber period. The stimulus for this difference was not determined.^ A thermal ionization mass spectrometry facility was established at the University of Connecticut which is capable of measuring stable calcium isotopes. Using these isotopes fractional calcium absorption was determined not to be significantly different between dietary treatments, although fractional absorption was 6 percent lower during the high fiber period.^ A new technique was developed to followed 25(OH)D kinetics using a tri-deuterated form of the vitamin $\{$6,19,19-\sp2H$\}$ -25-hydroxyvitamin D) and thermospray liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The half-life of 25(OH)D using this technique was substantially faster (11 d) than previously reported values determined using tritiated 25(OH)D (21 d). This was attributed to the fact that other investigators incorporated tritium in reactive positions in the side chain and failed to discriminate between label remaining in 25(OH)D and other metabolites.^ Thus, a new method has been established which is capable of following vitamin D kinetics in humans using deuterated 25(OH)D. Further expansion of this method may allow safe measurement of vitamin D kinetics in all population groups, while avoiding potential isotope effects found in previous vitamin D kinetic studies that used tritiated tracer.

A Stressor-Strain Model of Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Counterproductive Work Behavior

Prior research has attempted to develop a model of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) and counterproductive work behaviors (CWB), but limited testing remains a problem. The purpose of the current study is to examine OCB and CWB from a job stressor-strain approach. The sample consisted of 235 employees throughout the United States and their supervisors. Results of the study suggested OCB and CWB are affected by stressors (including interpersonal conflict, low interactional justice, job demands, and organizational constraints). Additionally, trait emotion and attributional styles affect the amount of stressors perceived. The implications as well as limitations of the study are discussed

Get Loony with Play and Other Positive Interventions: Positive Psychology Recommendations and Interventions for the Great Lake Loons

The Great Lakes Loons nonprofit minor league baseball team is built on high quality connections among its staff and between its staff and fans. But after a year of stress and uncertainty resulting from Covid-19 and its consequences, the organization confronted challenges including workplace stress and lingering negative emotions and cognitions related to employee downsizing. The organization may benefit from recommended interventions at the individual, organizational, and community level. At the individual level, the Loons may benefit from supporting staff to develop coping mechanisms for stress and positive psychology strategies for increasing hope, optimism, and other aspects of wellbeing. At the organizational level, the Loons may benefit from increasing play and humor within their workplace culture to build on their strong foundation of high quality connections. And at the community level, the organization may benefit from hosting an Appreciative Inquiry summit to reconnect with the community and reinvigorate the meaning staff derive from their work. A full intervention, including development of the Get Loony Playbook, to assist the organization with increasing playfulness and fun at work is included. Organizations that seek to increase positive emotions and high quality connections can look to this intervention for inspiration