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Isotopic evidence for contrast diets of early hominins Homo habilis and Australopithecus boisei of Tanzania

Isotopic dietary studies of early hominins have hitherto been confined to specimens from South Africa. We are now able to report isotopic analyses of two species of early hominins from Tanzania : Homo habilis and Australopithecus boisei. The results show that these two species had very different diets. The isotopic analyses of three South African species of early hominins, in contrast, show considerable variation in individual diets, but no marked differences between species

Variants within the MMP3 gene are associated with achilles tendinopathy: possible interaction with the COL5A1 gene

Objectives: Sequence variation within the COL5A1 and TNC genes are known to associate with Achilles tendinopathy. The primary aim of this case-control genetic association study was to investigate whether variants within the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) gene also contributed to both Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon rupture in a Caucasian population. A secondary aim was to establish whether variants within the MMP3 gene interacted with the COL5A1 rs12722 variant to raise risk of these pathologies. Methods: 114 subjects with symptoms of Achilles tendon pathology and 98 healthy controls were genotyped for MMP3 variants rs679620, rs591058 and rs650108. Results: As single markers, significant associations were found between the GG genotype of rs679620 (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.90, p = 0.010), the CC genotype of rs591058 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.50, p = 0.023) and the AA genotype of rs650108 (OR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.0 to 24.1, p = 0.043) and risk of Achilles tendinopathy. The ATG haplotype (rs679620, rs591058, and rs650108) was under-represented in the tendinopathy group when compared to the control group (41% vs 53%, p = 0.038). Finally, the G allele of rs679620 and the T allele of COL5A1 rs12722 significantly interacted to raise risk of AT (p = 0.006). No associations were found between any of the MMP3 markers and Achilles tendon rupture. Conclusion: Variants within the MMP3 gene are associated with Achilles tendinopathy. Furthermore, the MMP3 gene variant rs679620 and the COL5A1 marker rs12722 interact to modify the risk of tendinopathy. These data further support a genetic contribution to a common sports related injur

Use of mixed-type data clustering algorithm for characterizing temporal and spatial distribution of biosecurity border detections of terrestrial non-indigenous species

Appropriate inspection protocols and mitigation strategies are a critical component of effective biosecurity measures, enabling implementation of sound management decisions. Statistical models to analyze biosecurity surveillance data are integral to this decision-making process. Our research focuses on analyzing border interception biosecurity data collected from a Class A Nature Reserve, Barrow Island, in Western Australia and the associated covariates describing both spatial and temporal interception patterns. A clustering analysis approach was adopted using a generalization of the popular k-means algorithm appropriate for mixed-type data. The analysis approach compared the efficiency of clustering using only the numerical data, then subsequently including covariates to the clustering. Based on numerical data only, three clusters gave an acceptable fit and provided information about the underlying data characteristics. Incorporation of covariates into the model suggested four distinct clusters dominated by physical location and type of detection. Clustering increases interpretability of complex models and is useful in data mining to highlight patterns to describe underlying processes in biosecurity and other research areas. Availability of more relevant data would greatly improve the model. Based on outcomes from our research we recommend broader use of cluster models in biosecurity data, with testing of these models on more datasets to validate the model choice and identify important explanatory variables

A Classic Question Revisited in Red-winged Blackbirds: Disentangling Confounding Hypotheses Surrounding Parental Investment Theory and Nest Defense Intensity

The pattern of increased nest-defense effort over the course of a nesting season could result from 3 distinct (albeit non-exclusive) mechanisms: increased value of offspring to parents with progression towards independence (parental-investment theory), decreased opportunity for renesting (renesting-potential hypothesis), or decreased perceived costs of defense after repeated encounters with human observers (positive-reinforcement hypothesis). To gauge relative empirical support for each of these mechanisms, we disentangle these 3 often-confounded hypotheses using multi-model inference with mixed-model ordinal regression applied to an extensive red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) nesting data set (4,518 monitoring visits to 1,330 nests). Parent aggression was rated on an ordinal scale (0-4) during repeated monitoring visits. Additionally, we assessed clutch/brood size, nest density, time of day, and nest concealment effects on aggression. In a preliminary analysis, including all 3 major hypotheses, male and female nest defense was most strongly explained by parental investment (nest age). Positive-reinforcement (visit number) and renesting potential (Julian date), were also well-supported predictors in males. The interactions of decomposed nest age (within- and between individual centered) with Julian date were particularly important in the top male model. Additional factors, such as clutch/brood size, nest density, and nest concealment appeared to have larger predictive roles in explaining female aggression relative to males. These patterns are likely explained by different sexual reproductive roles within a polygynous mating system. Our study highlights the importance of interacting mechanisms involving parental investment theory and the use of within-individual standardization to help disentangle competing, and empirically confounded hypotheses

Evaluations of land cover risk factors for canine leptospirosis: 94 cases (2002–2009)

Associations of land cover/land use variables and the presence of dogs in urban vs. rural address locations were evaluated retrospectively as potential risk factors for canine leptospirosis in Kansas and Nebraska using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The sample included 94 dogs positive for leptospirosis predominantly based on a positive polymerase chain reaction test for leptospires in urine, isolation of leptospires on urine culture, a single reciprocal serum titer of 12,800 or greater, or a four-fold rise in reciprocal serum titers over a 2–4 weeks period; and 185 dogs negative for leptospirosis based on a negative polymerase chain reaction test and reciprocal serum titers less than 400. Land cover features from 2001 National Land Cover Dataset and 2001 Kansas Gap Analysis Program datasets around geocoded addresses of case/control locations were extracted using 2500 m buffers, and the presence of dogs’ address locations within urban vs. rural areas were estimated in GIS. Multivariate logistic models were used to determine the risk of different land cover variables and address locations to dogs. Medium intensity urban areas (OR = 1.805, 95% C.I. = 1.396, 2.334), urban areas in general (OR = 2.021, 95% C.I. = 1.360, 3.003), and having urban address locations (OR = 3.732, 95% C.I. = 1.935, 7.196 entire study region), were significant risk factors for canine leptospirosis. Dogs regardless of age, sex and breed that live in urban areas are at higher risk of leptospirosis and vaccination should be considered

Suicide cases investigated at the state mortuary in Bloemfontein, 2003–2007

Background: Up to 8 000 South Africans commit suicide annually. This study aimed to investigate the profile of suicide cases in Bloemfontein and the southern Free State province.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. Suicides in the Bloemfontein and southern Free State areas (Xhariep and Motheo districts) investigated at the state mortuary in Bloemfontein in 2003 to 2007 were included. Data were collected retrospectively by using a specially designed data-capturing form.Results: A total of 469 suicide cases were included in the study. The estimated suicide rate for this part of the Free State province was 10.9/100 000 of the population per year. The majority (82.1%) of the victims were men. In total, 338 (72.1%) of the victims were black, 122 (26.0%) were white, five (1.1%) were coloured and three (0.6%) were Indian. The most common methods were hanging (262; 55.9%), shooting (99; 21.1%) and overdosing on pills (43; 9.2%). Most cases (57.8%) occurred in victims 21 to 40 years of age. Five (1.1%) victims were children younger than 11 years of age, while 12 (2.6%) were older than 65 years. More than half (267 cases; 56.9%) of the suicide victims were unemployed. The majority(43.1%) of suicides occurred in January to April of each year, with the highest incidence (67 cases; 14.3%) in January. Conclusion: The rate of suicide and the profile of victims with regard to the variables investigated corresponded to findings reported from other studies. The information obtained could make a meaningful contribution to suicide-preventionprogrammes.Keywords: suicide; profile; rate; prevention; Free State Provinc

Secondary polycythaemia with elevated carbon monoxide levels due to hookah pipe smoking: A public health concern.

Hookah pipe (HP) smoking is perceived as a harmless activity, enjoyed by young adults and high school-going children. Awareness of the health impact of recreational habits, and their intersection with new social norms in the COVID-era, requires critical review. We describe a case series of young HP smokers presenting with secondary polycythaemia with significant clinical sequelae necessitating extensive work-up. HP smoking may lead to acute and chronic carbon monoxide intoxication, with resultant secondary polycythaemia and complications including provoked thrombosis