Historical Genetic Analysis Of Horned Lark (Eremophila Alpestris) Specimens From The Prairie Pothole Region

The Horned Lark (Eremphila alpestris) is a generalist bird species with a global distribution. A previous phylogeographic study of this species from western North America has been completed and identified three distinct mitochondrial DNA clades. This study aims to genetically characterize Horned Larks from the North Dakota region using the mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Horned Larks were sampled from museum collections, with ages ranging from 13 - 120 years old. 5mm x 1mm feather cuttings were removed using a non-invasive feather sampling method from each specimen for genetic analysis. This sampling method was verified on 15 total museum specimens of Horned Larks, Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Franklin\u27s Gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) from the University of North Dakota Vertebrate Museum Collection. Sampling methodology was investigated by using three mechanisms of DNA isolation: EDTA with proteinase K followed by column-based purification, chelating resin with dithiothreitol, and a Direct PCR method without DNA purification. Three fragments of mitochondrial DNA loci were amplified including control region, cytochrome c oxidase I and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2. Correct sequencing results indicated that this method is viable for amplification of museum DNA, while at the same time limiting physical damage to the museum specimen. Arsenic found in low concentrations from arsenic test strips, was not a factor seriously hindering the success of PCR. Phylogenetic reconstruction of historic Horned Lark genetic information using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood algorithms revealed the existence of a Nearctic South clade, and reclassifies the previously established Pacific Northwest clade as a broader Nearctic North clade. The use of sequences with uneven preservation from museum specimens had no effect on overall tree topology. Horned Larks from the North Dakota region population had higher nucleotide diversity than other populations, and were all part of the Nearctic Northern clade. Five new haplotypes and three new SNPs were identified from museum specimens in this study

Promoting Sustainability through Traveler\u27s Philanthropy

This study, conducted in Monteverde, Costa Rica, examines how best to engage the tourism industry for philanthropic ventures. Our sponsor, the Monteverde Community Fund (MCF), collaborates with local businesses in collecting tourist donations, a strategy known as Traveler’s Philanthropy. However, their ability to support sustainable projects was limited by a lack of visibility to tourists and the community. To strengthen MCF’s approach to the Traveler’s Philanthropy model, we surveyed tourists and conducted interviews with local businesses and grassroots organizations. Using our data, we created various strategies to optimize MCF’s visibility and outreach efforts. We used the investigation to form a plan for MCF to develop as an organization and maximize their impact on the community

CD11d integrin blockade reduces the systemic inflammatory response syndrome after traumatic brain injury in rats

Traumatic CNS injury triggers a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), in which circulating inflammatory cells invade body organs causing local inflammation and tissue damage. We have shown that the SIRS caused by spinal cord injury is greatly reduced by acute intravenous treatment with an antibody against the CD11d subunit of the CD11d/CD18 integrin expressed by neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages, a treatment that reduces their efflux from the circulation. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequently occurring injury after motor vehicle accidents, sporting and military injuries, and falls. Our studies have shown that the anti-CD11d treatment diminishes brain inflammation and oxidative injury after moderate or mild TBI, improving neurological outcomes. Accordingly, we examined the impact of this treatment on the SIRS triggered by TBI. The anti-CD11d treatment was given at 2. h after a single moderate (2.5-3.0. atm) or 2 and 24. h after each of three consecutive mild (1.0-1.5. atm) fluid percussion TBIs. Sham-injured, saline-treated rats served as controls. At 24. h, 72. h, and 4 or 8. weeks after the single TBI and after the third of three TBIs, lungs of rats were examined histochemically, immunocytochemically and biochemically for downstream effects of SIRS including inflammation, tissue damage and expression of oxidative enzymes. Lung sections revealed that both the single moderate and repeated mild TBI caused alveolar disruption, thickening of inter-alveolar tissue, hemorrhage into the parenchyma and increased density of intra-and peri-alveolar macrophages. The anti-CD11d treatment decreased the intrapulmonary influx of neutrophils and the density of activated macrophages and the activity of myeloperoxidase after these TBIs. Moreover, Western blotting studies showed that the treatment decreased lung protein levels of oxidative enzymes gp91phox, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, as well as the apoptotic pathway enzyme caspase-3 and levels of 4-hydroxynonenal-bound proteins (an indicator of lipid peroxidation). Decreased expression of the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2 reflected decreased lung oxidative stress. Anti-CD11d treatment also diminished the lung concentration of free radicals and tissue aldehydes.In conclusion, the substantial lung component of the SIRS after single or repeated TBIs is significantly decreased by a simple, minimally invasive and short-lasting anti-inflammatory treatment

Characteristics of testicular tumors in prepubertal children (age 5–12 years)

Introduction Testicular tumors in children have two peaks with different types of tumors; in the first 4 years of life a third to half are benign with increased risk of malignancy during puberty. The pathology of testicular tumors between these peaks, at the age of 5–12 years, is not known. We hypothesized that because of the low level of testosterone at this time, the incidence of malignant tumors is very low. Objective To compare malignancy risk of primary testicular tumors in children in the prepubertal period (5–12 years) compared with younger (0–4 years) and pubertal (13–18 years) children. Study design We retrospectively (2002–2016) identified patients <18 years with surgery for primary testicular tumor. Patients with testicular tumor risk were excluded. Ultrasound studies were reviewed for contralateral testis volume, tumor morphology, and tumor maximal diameter, for three age groups: 0–4, 5–12, and 13–18 years. The Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher exact probability test was adopted for categorical outcomes, and one-way ANOVA for continuous outcomes. Results Fifty-two patients (mean age 11.0 years, range 6 days–18 years) were identified. Malignant tumor prevalence significantly differed ( p 4 mL (pubertal surge) significantly ( p 4 mL. Discussion We found that preadolescent children between the ages of 5 and 12 years have distinctive characteristics compared with the other age groups. Most importantly, no malignant testicular tumors were found in this age group. About a third of the children presented with an incidental testicular mass. The testicular tumors were significantly smaller (9.3 ± 6.7 mm) compared with those in children aged 13–18 years (29.8 ± 4.4 mm). There were limitations because of the retrospective nature of the study. Conclusion We found no malignant testicular tumors in children aged 5–12 years with no risk factors and prior to pubertal surge. Our study suggests use of more conservative treatment in this group of patients

Purpose of social networking use and victimisation: Are there any differences between university students and those not in HE?

Current literature widely reports successful uses of social media as a source of information, collaborative and learning tool for students in higher education. Although universities increasingly promote the use of Social Network Services (SNS) little is known about how students use them. Also the adverse effects of social media activity, such as cybercrime victimisation in HE, are under explored. Concerns over informal leisure use of SNS by students leading to cyber victimisation may help explain slow adoption of social media in education. This paper shows, however, that students use SNS in a similar way to those users who are not in education, with more that 60% using SNS for both socialising and gathering information. We find that students are less likely to be victims of cybercrime than non-students suggesting that SNS activity is less risky within the university lifespan. The implications of this study are significant for policy and practice for universities and educational authorities

Inflammation Triggers Emergency Granulopoiesis through a Density-Dependent Feedback Mechanism

Normally, neutrophil pools are maintained by homeostatic mechanisms that require the transcription factor C/EBPα. Inflammation, however, induces neutrophilia through a distinct pathway of “emergency” granulopoiesis that is dependent on C/EBPβ. Here, we show in mice that alum triggers emergency granulopoiesis through the IL-1RI-dependent induction of G-CSF. G-CSF/G-CSF-R neutralization impairs proliferative responses of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) to alum, but also abrogates the acute mobilization of BM neutrophils, raising the possibility that HSPC responses to inflammation are an indirect result of the exhaustion of BM neutrophil stores. The induction of neutropenia, via depletion with Gr-1 mAb or myeloid-specific ablation of Mcl-1, elicits G-CSF via an IL-1RI-independent pathway, stimulating granulopoietic responses indistinguishable from those induced by adjuvant. Notably, C/EBPβ, thought to be necessary for enhanced generative capacity of BM, is dispensable for increased proliferation of HSPC to alum or neutropenia, but plays a role in terminal neutrophil differentiation during granulopoietic recovery. We conclude that alum elicits a transient increase in G-CSF production via IL-1RI for the mobilization of BM neutrophils, but density-dependent feedback sustains G-CSF for accelerated granulopoiesis

Extensive Evolutionary Changes in Regulatory Element Activity during Human Origins Are Associated with Altered Gene Expression and Positive Selection

Understanding the molecular basis for phenotypic differences between humans and other primates remains an outstanding challenge. Mutations in non-coding regulatory DNA that alter gene expression have been hypothesized as a key driver of these phenotypic differences. This has been supported by differential gene expression analyses in general, but not by the identification of specific regulatory elements responsible for changes in transcription and phenotype. To identify the genetic source of regulatory differences, we mapped DNaseI hypersensitive (DHS) sites, which mark all types of active gene regulatory elements, genome-wide in the same cell type isolated from human, chimpanzee, and macaque. Most DHS sites were conserved among all three species, as expected based on their central role in regulating transcription. However, we found evidence that several hundred DHS sites were gained or lost on the lineages leading to modern human and chimpanzee. Species-specific DHS site gains are enriched near differentially expressed genes, are positively correlated with increased transcription, show evidence of branch-specific positive selection, and overlap with active chromatin marks. Species-specific sequence differences in transcription factor motifs found within these DHS sites are linked with species-specific changes in chromatin accessibility. Together, these indicate that the regulatory elements identified here are genetic contributors to transcriptional and phenotypic differences among primate species