Assessment of wildlife value orientations, state agency credibility, and tolerance for mountain lions in Iowa

It is increasingly necessary for state agencies to incorporate the opinions of their constituents in wildlife management decision-making. Shifting demographics of Iowa\u27s human population necessitate gathering information on stakeholders\u27 beliefs and values toward wildlife. This project was implemented to establish baseline information regarding the distribution of WVOs held by Iowa\u27s citizenry, identify areas of dissonance between the public and agency staff, and elucidate issues of state agency credibility. The goal is to provide information that will be helpful in implementation and operationalization of the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP). The public was surveyed through a statewide self-administered mail questionnaire (n = 5,400) and an online questionnaire was used to solicit responses from employees of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources\u27 Conservation and Recreation Division (n = 611). We classified individuals into one of four wildlife value orientations (WVOs) based on their beliefs and attitudes towards wildlife: Utilitarian, Mutualistic, Pluralistic, and Distanced. We found significant differences between state agency staff and the public in the distribution of WVOs and we demonstrated that the public believes the IDNR to be more credible than was predicted by the IDNR employees. We demonstrated the utility of the gathered information by applying our knowledge of the public\u27s WVOs to understand preferred responses to possible conflicts associated with the presence of a potentially recolonizing large predator in Iowa, supporting our assertion that understanding how citizens think of and value wildlife can help state agencies make better informed decisions as to preferred and acceptable management of wildlife

Biomarker Exploration in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells for Monitoring Sulforaphane Treatment Responses in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders with no drugs treating the core symptoms and no validated biomarkers for clinical use. The multi-functional phytochemical sulforaphane affects many of the biochemical abnormalities associated with ASD. We investigated potential molecular markers from three ASD-associated physiological pathways that can be affected by sulforaphane: redox metabolism/oxidative stress; heat shock response; and immune dysregulation/inflammation, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and patients with ASD. We first analyzed the mRNA levels of selected molecular markers in response to sulforaphane ex vivo treatment in PBMCs from healthy donors by real-time quantitative PCR. All of the tested markers showed quantifiability, accuracy and reproducibility. We then compared the expression levels of those markers in PBMCs taken from ASD patients in response to orally-delivered sulforaphane. The mRNA levels of cytoprotective enzymes (NQO1, HO-1, AKR1C1), and heat shock proteins (HSP27 and HSP70), increased. Conversely, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1beta, COX-2 and TNF-alpha) decreased. Individually none is sufficiently specific or sensitive, but when grouped by function as two panels, these biomarkers show promise for monitoring pharmacodynamic responses to sulforaphane in both healthy and autistic humans, and providing guidance for biomedical interventions

Herbivory and inbreeding affect growth, reproduction, and resistance in the rhizomatous offshoots of Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae)

Resource sharing within clonal plant networks can occur via the translocation of water, nutrients, and photoassimilates through rhizomes and stolons. Similar mechanisms may mediate the sharing of information (e.g., about herbivory or other environmental stressors) among ramets via molecular or biochemical signals. The storage of such information in belowground structures could facilitate the transmission of appropriate phenotypic responses across growing seasons in perennial species. However, few previous studies have explored the potential transfer of ecologically relevant information within such networks. This study addresses the effects of foliar herbivory and belowground overwintering on the growth and flowering, physical defenses, and herbivore resistance in the clonally spreading species Solanum carolinense L. (Solanaceae). We used rhizomes from inbred and outbred plants that were repeatedly exposed to feeding damage by Manduca sexta L. (Sphingidae) caterpillars and rhizomes from undamaged control plants. These rhizomes were either planted immediately or exposed to overwintering conditions and allowed to produce new ramets (rhizomatous offshoots). We then assessed offshoot emergence, flowering, physical defense traits, and herbivore performance. Relative to controls, offshoots of herbivore-damaged plants exhibited greater spine and trichome densities, and reduced performance of M. sexta larvae. However, they also emerged and flowered significantly later, and produced fewer flowers than offshoots of undamaged plants. Inbreeding also negatively affected offshoot emergence, flowering, trichome production, and herbivore resistance. These effects of parental herbivory were more pronounced in outbred offshoots, indicating that inbreeding may compromise the trans-seasonal induction of plant defenses. Finally, exposure to overwintering conditions increased trichome production and reduced caterpillar performance on offshoots. Together, these results show that induced defenses can be transmitted through rhizomes and affect offshoot growth, flowering, defensive traits, and herbivore resistance. They also document fitness-related costs associated with defense induction in offshoots and suggest that the transfer of defenses across seasons can be compromised by inbreeding

Mechanosensitive calcium flashes promote sustained RhoA activation during tight junction remodeling

Epithelial cell–cell junctions remodel in response to mechanical stimuli to maintain barrier function. Previously, we found that local leaks in tight junctions (TJs) are rapidly repaired by local, transient RhoA activation, termed “Rho flares,” but how Rho flares are regulated is unknown. Here, we discovered that intracellular calcium flashes and junction elongation are early events in the Rho flare pathway. Both laser-induced and naturally occurring TJ breaks lead to local calcium flashes at the site of leaks. Additionally, junction elongation induced by optogenetics increases Rho flare frequency, suggesting that Rho flares are mechanically triggered. Depletion of intracellular calcium or inhibition of mechanosensitive calcium channels (MSCs) reduces the amplitude of calcium flashes and diminishes the sustained activation of Rho flares. MSC-dependent calcium influx is necessary to maintain global barrier function by regulating reinforcement of local TJ proteins via junction contraction. In all, we uncovered a novel role for MSC-dependent calcium flashes in TJ remodeling, allowing epithelial cells to repair local leaks induced by mechanical stimuli

Using large-scale genomics data to identify driver mutations in lung cancer: methods and challenges

Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in the world and carries a poor prognosis for most patients. While precision targeting of mutated proteins has given some successes for never- and light-smoking patients, there are no proven targeted therapies for the majority of smokers with the disease. Despite sequencing hundreds of lung cancers, known driver mutations are lacking for a majority of tumors. Distinguishing driver mutations from inconsequential passenger mutations in a given lung tumor is extremely challenging due to the high mutational burden of smoking-related cancers. Here we discuss the methods employed to identify driver mutations from these large datasets. We examine different approaches based on bioinformatics, in silico structural modeling and biological dependency screens and discuss the limitations of these approaches

2013-2014 Illinois Trapper Report: Harvest, Effort, and Trapper Education Courses

A random sample of 1,200 persons who purchased a 2013resident Illinois trapping license was generated from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources licensing database.Licensees were mailed a 4-page questionnaire, and we received 748(64%) questionnaires.Trapping license sales increased 23%from 2012(6,320licenses)to 2013(7,782).Trappers set an average of 18.5traps for an average of 27.8days or nights during the 2013-2014season,and they harvested an estimated251,178furbearers (up29% from the 195,360harvested in 2012-2013).An estimated 151,367raccoons (Procyon lotor) were trapped by trappers during the 2013-2014Illinois trapping season, an increase of 44%from the estimated 104,947trapped during the 2012-2013season.Opossum(Didelphis virginiana) harvest was the next highest at34,208opossumstrapped (47% increasefrom previous year).Sightings of bobcat (Lynx rufus) by trappers, and harvest of furbearers by hunting,were also documented.unpublishednot peer reviewe

Hunter Participation, Harvest, and Hunting Behavior During the 2014 Illinois Conservation Order Season

Harvest of light geese(Chen caerulescens, Chen rossii) during the 2014Illinois Light Goose Conservation Order season was estimated at 82,161. An estimated 1,962hunters participated in the 2014 Illinois Light Goose Conservation Order season. Hunters spent an estimated 21,170 days afield during 2014, and the majority (51%) of the light goose harvest occurred during the month of March. Due to changes in sampling of addresses and calculation of estimates, comparisons cannot be made to previous years’ figures. Addresses were sampled from Harvest Information Program (HIP) registrants who indicated they hunted light geese during the 2013 waterfowl hunting season. Electronic calls were used by 81% of hunters, 77% used unplugged shotguns, and 70%indicated hunting between sunset and ½ hour after sunset. Fifty-six percent of light goose hunters indicated an increase in effort over the past five years, and 49% of hunters perceived an increase in light goose abundance during the regular goose seasons.A majority of the hunters(91%) were interested in light goose hunting to extend their hunting season.unpublishednot peer reviewe

An Australian longitudinal pilot study examining health determinants of cardiac outcomes 12 months post percutaneous coronary intervention

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a very common revascularisation procedure for coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac outcomes, health related quality of life (HRQoL), resilience and adherence behaviours in patients who have undergone a PCI at two time points (6 and 12 months) following their procedure. Methods A longitudinal pilot study was conducted to observe the cardiac outcomes across a cohort of patients who had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Participants who had undergone PCI 6 months prior were invited. Those participants who met the inclusion criteria and provided consent then completed a telephone survey (time point 1). These participants were then contacted 6 months later (i.e. 12 months post-intervention, time point 2) and the measures were repeated. Results All patients (n = 51) were recorded as being alive at time point 1. The multiple model indicated that controlling for other factors, gender was significantly associated with a linear combination of outcome measures (p = 0.004). The effect was moderate in magnitude (partial-η2 = 0.303), where males performed significantly better than females 6 months after the PCI procedure physically and with mood. Follow-up univariate ANOVAs indicated that gender differences were grounded in the scale measuring depression (PHQ9) (p = 0.005) and the physical component score of the short form measuring HRQoL (SF12-PCS) (p = 0.003). Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up between time points 1 and 2. One patient was confirmed to have passed away. The pattern of correlations between outcome measures at time point 2 revealed statistically significant negative correlation between the PHQ instrument and the resilience scale (CD-RISC) (r = -0.611; p < 0.001); and the physical component score of the SF-12 instrument (r = -0.437; p = 0.054). Conclusions Men were performing better than women in the 6 months post-PCI, particularly in the areas of mood (depression) and physical health. This pilot results indicate gender-sensitive practices are recommended particularly up to 6 months post-PCI. Any gender differences observed at 6 month appear to disappear at 12 months post-PCI. Further research into the management of mood particularly for women post-PCI is warranted. A more detailed inquiry related to access/attendance to secondary prevention is also warranted

2013-2014 Illinois Hunter Harvest Report

A random sample of 3,000 hunters was selected from 2013 Illinois Habitat Stamp and hunting license purchasers. Of the sample of 3,000 hunters, 72 addresses were removed as undeliverable. We received 1,508 questionnaires; 1,488 (51%) of which were usable. License sales decreased from 2012 (282,698) to the 2013 season (281,399). From the 2012-13 to 2013-14 seasons, harvests for 11 game species increased (dove, snipe, crow, groundhog, fox and gray squirrel, raccoon, red and gray fox, coyote, and opossum), decreased for one game species (woodcock), and did not change for one game species (rail) and could not be compared for four game species (rabbit, wild quail, wild pheasant, and wild gray partridge). Hunters were also asked about their use of the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, applying for Free Upland Game Permits, and the effects of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) on their deer hunting behaviors, as well as their opinions about wild hogs present in Illinois.unpublishednot peer reviewe