Spatiotemporal Variability in the Diet of Nonbreeding Brandt\u27s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) in the Monterey Bay Region

Brandt\u27s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) diet composition was investigated using pellets (n = 285) collected on 19 sampling days at 3 locations during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 nonbreeding seasons in the Monterey Bay region. The conventional diet method was used, and the efficacy of the all-structure technique was evaluated. Although 29 species were consumed, Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) dominated the diet and Speckled Sanddab (Citharichthys stigmaeus) also was important. Few rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) and Market Squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) were consumed compared with the number consumed in previous studies in the region during the 1970s. El Niño and La Niña conditions during the study provided a unique opportunity to examine predator response. Greatest prey number and diversity occurred at locations within Monterey Bay during cooler ocean conditions, whereas the outer coast location remained unchanged. Short-term specialization was observed, but mean prey diversity indicated a generalist feeding mode. Patterns of prey number and diversity within a nonbreeding season were not consistent among locations. This study demonstrated the importance of periodic sampling at multiple locations within a region to detect spatiotemporal variability in the diet of this opportunistic generalist

Psychometric Evaluation of Lung Cancer Stigma Among Lung Cancer Survivors in South Carolina

Background: Despite the improved screening and treatment modalities, lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer and accounts for 27% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Survivors of lung cancer experience physical, social, and particularly psychological challenges. Lung cancer stigma is a formidable challenge for survivors of lung cancer that complicates their physical, psychological and social well-being. The Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale is the first instrument adapted to measure lung cancer stigma. This instrument was adapted from Berger’s HIV Stigma Scale. HIV stigma and lung cancer stigma share similarities. These health-related stigmas reflect behaviors that are associated with the development of a debilitating disease and where those who partake in this behavior bear responsibility for the development of the disease. In previous studies, the CLCSS was reported to have very good reliability and construct validity. However, those studies lacked adequate African American representation. African Americans experience a significant disparity in lung cancer incidence and survival rates. In South Carolina, African American men have a higher incidence and lower survival rate in comparison to their Caucasian counterparts, whereas African American women have a lower incidence and lower survival rate compared to Caucasian women. This disparity is concerning and warrants investigation of the possible factors that contribute to the disparate rate. The goal of this research is to enhance existing knowledge of stigma and its effect on individuals in South Carolina living with a lung cancer diagnosis with equal representation of African American and Caucasian survivors of lung cancer. Methods: This multiple-method study evaluated the reliability and construct validity of the CLCSS among a purposive sample of survivors of lung cancer in South Carolina. Secondly, lung cancer stigma, depression, and QOL were evaluated by the calculation and comparison of means among demographic characteristics. Thirdly, the relationship between lung cancer stigma and race was evaluated, adjusting for demographic characteristics. And lastly, the experience of living with lung cancer and the interpretation of the CLCSS were explored among African American participants. Findings: Participants (n = 56) included 30 Caucasian and 26 African American survivors of lung cancer recruited from a cancer registry of an American College of Surgeons–accredited program, a support club for survivors of lung cancer, and a private ambulatory oncology practice, all near Columbia, South Carolina. Among the 26 African American participants, quantitative analysis indicated a moderate level of lung cancer stigma, a moderately high level of depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). Depressive symptoms were positively associated to lung cancer stigma, and QOL was negatively associated to lung cancer stigma. Qualitative analysis revealed social isolation secondary to physical limitations, regrets relative to cigarette smoking, and unfair treatment of insurance providers and employers. Conclusions: Lung cancer stigma adversely impacts overall QOL of survivors of lung cancer. It is imperative that health professionals acknowledge and are aware of the negative influences lung cancer stigma imposes. A holistic clinical evaluation encompassing physical, psychological, and social well-being is needed to identify and address the needs of survivors of lung cancer relative to lung cancer stigma and the impact it may have on overall QOL. Additional research is needed to assist with the development of tailored interventions that will aid in mitigating the harmful effects of lung cancer stigma

Positional cloning of the psrt mutations on mouse chromosome 7

The psrt mutations, 723SJ and 1060SJ, are END-induced, non-complementing mutations that produce identical phenotypes and map to the same p-deletion interval on mouse chromosome 7. psrt stand for profound seizure and runting; animals exhibiting this phenotype are runted and have severe seizures that are first detected at seven to ten days of age. Homozygous and hemizygous mutants typically live 15 to 18 days. A positional cloning strategy was employed to identify the gene responsible for this phenotype. The region of the genome containing psrt was better defined by mapping molecular markers and determining the breakpoints of p3RD3ooH, a p-deletion that does not complement the phenotype. A physical map was constructed in the minimal deletion interval determined to contain the mutation, and a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome from the physical map was sequenced to identify candidate genes. Three genes were identified, two from sequence analysis (Tat-interacting protein (30 kDa), Tip30, and protein arginine N-methyltransferase 3, Prmt3) and one from a search of the genome sequencing databases from the human region of homology (glycine transporter type 2, GLYT2). No mutations were detected in the Tip30 cDNA and G/yt2 was not molecularly characterized. However, the 5\u27 end of the 723SJ Prmt3 transcript could not be amplified, indicating a possible chromosomal rearrangement or deletion, and mutation screening by temperature-gradient capillary electrophoresis was utilized to detect mismatches between the control and both the 723SJ and 1060SJ cDNAs

The impact of avermectin usage on the ecology of dung insect communities and the potential implications for foraging birds

There is concern that the use of avermectin worming products in livestock and the subsequent presence of avermectin residues in dung could negatively affect the survival and development of dung-breeding insects in pastures. Such a reduction in natural populations of dung insects has potential implications for the vertebrate predators that forage in pastures for invertebrate prey. This study compared the abundance, diversity and assemblage structure of adult dung insects (Aphodius, Cercyon and Sphaeridium beetles and yellow dung flies, Scatophaga stercoraria) between pastures grazed either by avermectin-treated or untreated cattle. Sampling was conducted using dung-baited pitfall traps in cattle-grazed pastures in Ayrshire, South West Scotland from April to July of 2002 and 2003. Twelve fields grazed by cattle that were not anthelmintically treated and fourteen grazed by cattle receiving either a doramectin or an ivermectin product were sampled. Six 'untreated' and six 'treated' fields were sampled in both years of the study while all other fields were sampled in only one of the years. Generalized Linear Models were used to investigate the significance of potentially influential factors for the abundance, diversity and assemblage structure of the dung insects under study. Those factors included avermectin treatment, seasonality, pasture management intensity, weather and various habitat variables. A multivariate ordination technique was used to explore differences in the species compositions of dung insect communities in study pastures. In general, the factors found to be consistently significant for patterns of variation in dung insect abundance and diversity were year, seasonality and weather. There was no significant difference in the abundance of adult Cercyon beetles or yellow dung flies between pasture grazed by treated or untreated cattle. Sphaeridium beetles were trapped in mimbers that were not sufficiently high to be modelled. Significantly more Aphodius dung beetles were trapped in fields grazed by treated cattle and evidence from additional fields trials suggested that this phenomenon could have been due to an avoidance of dung from avermectin-treated cattle. Wing length asymmetry was higher in yellow dung fly populations in pastures grazed by avermectin-treated cattle, suggesting that individual flies may have undergone developmental stress in dung from treated animals. However, higher asymmetry in treated fields could not be solely attributed to avemiectin exposure and other potential reasons for the difference in asymmetry are considered. Furthermore, there was no evidence that this possible sublethal effect impaired the overall density of yellow dung fly populations in pastures. Variation in the size stmcture of Aphodius dung beetle assemblages was mainly due to seasonality and there was no effect of avermectin treatment. Therefore, the profitability of prey items for foraging birds is more likely to be a function of seasonal occurrence than due to any difference associated with avermectin treatment. Furthermore, basic observations of the foraging activity of birds in pastures did not show any major differences in the foraging activity of birds between pastures grazed by treated and untreated cattle. Hence, the availability of dung insects for foraging predators is more likely to fluctuate according to variation in season, weather and year than it is with avermectin treatment. However, the unsuitability of dung from avermectin-treated cattle for Aphodius dung beetles could potentially reduce beetle abundance in pastures when an alternative 'untreated' dung resource is not available. A survey of the use of anthelmintics in livestock farms in South West Scotland was conducted to help guide the selection of study sites and to allow any results to be set in a wider context. This study was conducted in a region where dairy fanning is predominant. The questionnaire survey indicated that aspects of livestock management and anthelmintic treatment on dairy farms increase the availability of avermectin-free dung in the landscape. Therefore, it cannot be disregarded that the observed minimal effects of avennectins on dung insects may have been mitigated by the presence of 'untreated' dung for insects to colonise. It is proposed that in areas where avemiectin-free dung is limited, either because of farming type or geographical area, negative effects associated with unsuitability of dung from treated animals on populations could occur. Such effects could be mitigated by management practice. For example, only young animals should be treated and unnecessary treatment of immune adults should be avoided. Where possible, avemiectin-treated cattle should be grazed in pasture adjacent to pasture that is grazed by untreated livestock. On grazed grassland being managed to benefit insectivorous species e.g. waders, a non-avemiectin wormer or one of the less toxic avermectins could be used to worm livestock

Biology and management of wood ducks in Missouri (2017)

GuideWood ducks (Aix sponsa) are one of Missouri's most beautiful water birds and are found throughout the state. Adult males have a large purple and green crested head and a burgundy chest with white flecks. This colorful plumage is most noticeable during the breeding season. Adult females are gray brown with a distinct white, teardrop-shaped eye ring. They are commonly found in forested and woodland habitats near or next to creeks, sloughs, ponds and streams. They also use forested areas that are flooded. Thanks to conservation efforts, the wood duck population has rebounded from low numbers in the early 20th century. Quality wood duck habitats include food sources, water and cover for nesting and brood-rearing in close proximity. These components are typically found in forested wetlands, emergent marshes, shrub swamps and riparian areas next to streams and other water environments. These birds and habitats can exist in urban wetlands and stream areas, too. Whether large or small in acreage, your property can offer quality wood duck habitat

CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY AND UPPER LIMB ROBOTIC THERAPY

Abstract. A major debilitating factor of sustaining a cervical level spinal cord injury is the loss of independence in completing activities of daily living as a result of impaired upper limb function. Early intervention has been hypothesised to preserve upper limb function in this population and enhance capacity to perform functional tasks. The use of robotics as an upper limb therapy modality is increasing in the neurorehabilitation field, however there is limited evidence to support their use in the cervical spinal cord injury population. Despite this, occupational therapists are using them as part of a therapy program. Aim: This study aimed to explore the upper limb outcomes of using a computer assisted robotic device in acute therapy for people who have sustained a cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: A single case pre-post study design was performed with one middle aged male who had who was an inpatient at a public metropolitan hospital in Australia. They undertook a three week therapy program using the Diego by Tyromotion in conjunction with standard occupational therapy interventions. Range of motion, muscular strength, pain, fatigue the Spinal Cord Independence Measure, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were used as outcome measures. Results: Increases were seen in range of motion and muscular strength and functional status; objective and subjectively. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that the Diego may be a useful tool for improving upper limb outcomes when combined with occupational therapy in this population, however greater research and participants are required for definitive data

Addressing ALS Caregiver Needs: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Education Program

This program adds a new component to the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s already established online educational programs. The foundation had a program for people living with ALS but did not have a program for caregivers prior to this project. A needs assessment was completed to determine caregiver needs and materials for caregivers were developed based on the needs found. The materials developed were implemented with ten caregivers to determine effectiveness and outcomes before launching the program to the general public.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstones-spring2022/1004/thumbnail.jp

Systems Integration Model: Combining areas of human health, animal health and economic development

According to the World Health Organization (1999), more than 90% of the estimated 36 million people with HIV/AIDS are living in developing countries with agricultural pursuits as both their primary means of income and food source, suggesting a critical relationship between the three areas of human health, animal health and agricultural economic development in emerging world areas. While there are organizations that provide treatment, intervention or aid in terms of one or more of these areas, a review of the literature did not reveal any which deal with the three in the aggregate. This paper examines the correlations that exist between human health, animal health, and economic development and sets forth a trivariate approach known as the Systems Integration Model (SIM), as the proposed interventional concept. The SIM intervention concept targets all three areas as opposed to being singularly focused on one, which has widespread implications for organizational responses to diseases of poverty, such as HIV/AIDS.Master of Public Healt