A Comparison of Two Methods of Quantifying Mating Success in Low Density Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Populations

The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a defoliating pest native to Europe and invasive to North America. The gypsy moth is subject to depressed mating success in low density populations, which may restrict spread of the forest pest. Research focusing on gypsy moth density as it relates to mating behavior has often used counts of males caught in pheromone-baited delta traps as a proxy to estimate the probability of female mating success. The purpose of this project was to determine whether pheromone trap counts provide accurate estimates of female mating success probability, by comparing data gathered from pheromone-baited delta traps to data gathered on mating success of tethered females. To determine the relationship between number of males caught in delta traps and the probability of successful mating, male catch counts in traps were compared to mating success of tethered females in a mass male release experiment. The relationship between delta trap catch of males and female mating success was quantified using a Bayesian framework, which explicitly incorporates uncertainties in the model. Vegetative cover in the study plots was reduced to a single measure through principal components analysis and included as an independent factor in the model. The data suggest that delta traps reduce the male’s ability to find a female by 67%; thus, results garnered from delta trap catch counts tend to underestimate the underlying ability of males to locate and mate with females. Thick understory vegetation further reduced the male’s ability to locate a female, and further reduced the effectiveness of delta traps. Future studies that seek to use counts of males in pheromone-baited traps as a proxy for mating success should consider using an adjustment factor to equate the two methods of quantifying reproductive behavior in the gypsy moth.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1271/thumbnail.jp

An investigation into employee exposure to environmental tobacco smoke within designated smoking areas in the hospitality industry, with an analysis of legislative compliance of said designated smoking areas

Background: Occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is still occurring in the hospitality industry and the instance of non-compliant smoking areas required investigation. A designated smoking area covered by a roof where more than 50% of the perimeter of that part is surrounded by one or more walls is deemed a non-compliant smoking area. This study aimed to gather evidence of non-compliances across Dublin, determine current employee exposure whilst also measuring PM2.5 concentrations within smoking areas as well as providing insight into possible immediate health effects of ETS exposure. Methods: Seventy-five smoking areas (41 located in high, 27 in medium and 7 in lower socioeconomic areas) were visited from May 2019 – October 2020. PM2.5 was recorded using a SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor for a period of 45 minutes – 1 hour inside the smoking area. Observational forms recorded physical and contextual variables of the smoking areas including, number of smokers present, roof, perimeter boundary, size, time of day and food service. Ten healthy non-smoking volunteers (5 males, 18 – 53 years old, 5 females, 21 – 58 years old) partook in spirometry assessments pre, during and post exposure to ETS within a smoking area. Results: Sixty per cent of smoking areas were non-compliant, with higher average PM2.5 concentrations than compliant smoking areas (41.1 μg/m3, 17.2 μg/m3, (p \u3c .001)). The overall distribution of venues demonstrated that non-compliance was evenly distributed across the county. Average PM2.5 was significantly higher in smoking areas where a roof of any kind was present (36 μg/m3, no roof = 16.3 μg/m3, (p \u3c .001)). Employees were noted working within 88% of the smoking areas visited and permanent auxiliary bars were present in 21.3% of smoking areas surveyed. When immediate effects of ETS exposure were assessed, peak flow results were suggestive of an effect between both pre exposure and during exposure (p = 0.051) as well as pre exposure and post exposure (p = 0.057). Conclusions: Widespread non-compliance with smoke-free legislation is occurring across Dublin hospitality venues and the presence of auxiliary bars in smoking areas is placing employees at risk

Black Hole Genesis of Dark Matter

We present a purely gravitational infra-red-calculable production mechanism for dark matter (DM). The source of both the DM relic abundance and the hot Standard Model (SM) plasma is a primordial density of micro black holes (BHs), which evaporate via Hawking emission into both the dark and SM sectors. The mechanism has four qualitatively different regimes depending upon whether the BH evaporation is `fast' or `slow' relative to the initial Hubble rate, and whether the mass of the DM particle is `light' or `heavy' compared to the initial BH temperature. For each of these regimes we calculate the DM yield, $Y$, as a function of the initial state and DM mass and spin. In the `slow' regime $Y$ depends on only the initial BH mass over a wide range of initial conditions, including scenarios where the BHs are a small fraction of the initial energy density. The DM is produced with a highly non-thermal energy spectrum, leading in the `light' DM mass regime ($\sim260\,\mathrm{eV}$ and above depending on DM spin) to a strong constraint from free-streaming, but also possible observational signatures in structure formation in the spin 3/2 and 2 cases. The `heavy' regime ($\sim1.2\times 10^8\,\mathrm{GeV}$ to $M_{\mathrm{Pl}}$ depending on spin) is free of these constraints and provides new possibilities for DM detection. In all cases there is a dark radiation component predicted.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures. Fixed typos and added reference

Projecting habitat of the nonbreeding Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) under various climate scenarios

Understanding a species’ range, and how it may change over time, allows researchers to develop more robust species management plans and to identify vital habitat for conservation planning. For migratory bird species, different habitats are utilized during different times of year. While a neotropical migratory species’ breeding grounds may be adequate, its wintering ground or various stopover areas may be under threat. In what is known as a carry over effect, the degradation of wintering grounds can lead to poor quality individuals in the breeding range (Rockwell et al., 2012), thus reduced fitness. The tropics are predicted to experience changes in temperature and precipitation as a result of climate change (Neelin et al., 2006). These changes may result in the decline of food resources required by migratory species wintering in the tropics. Resource rich mangrove ecosystems and riparian habitats are highly threatened by climate-induced sea level rise and storm surges (Şekercioğlu et al., 2012). The Prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a habitat specialist that relies on the endangered mangrove forests of coastal wetlands. The effects of climate change may cause species with narrow environmental niches, such as the Prothonotary warbler, to shift their ranges to less suitable habitat (Şekercioğlu et al., 2008)

“The generation of anti-prostate cancer-specific antibodies for improved disease diagnosis”

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is one of the leading medical issues faced by men worldwide and is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in men in both Europe and the United States. Some prostatic cancers present as an indolent disease with no clinical symptoms during the lifetime of the patient, and in many cases, men die with the disease rather than from it (insignificant PCa). However, for some PCa patients the disease takes a much more aggressive route, spreading into the seminal vesicles, bladder, and rectum and further metastasising to the lymph nodes, bone and other organs. Measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in serum is routinely used for PCa diagnosis and monitoring disease progression (Lilja, H., et al. 1987; J. Clin. Invest 80: 281-285). Conversely, PSA levels can also rise as a result of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and hence this marker provides little or no insight into the biology of an individual’s prostatic disorder. There is no outright test that can distinguish between significant and insignificant disease. There is an unmet need for better biomarkers to stratify patients into the most appropriate treatment option for their individual prostatic disease. The overall aim of this research was to generate PCa-specific antibodies, namely anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and anti-secreted frizzled related protein-2 (SFRP2) antibodies, for application in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to enhance or improve prostate cancer diagnosis. Using a specific targeting strategy, anti-SFRP-2 and anti-PSMA fragment antibodies were successfully produced and characterised. The generation and characterisation approach applied required a combination of the use of a novel antigen expression strategy (for the production of SFRP2), high-throughput assay screening with ‘stateof-the-art’ multiplexed surface-plasmon resonance-based instrumentation and standard analytical techniques. The selected recombinant antibodies were demonstrated to match the performance of current commercially available polyclonal antibodies. In addition, the use of bispecific antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic application was described and the first step in ‘proof-of-concept’ studies establishing a novel bispecific antibody generation approach is presented

Decision aids can support cancer clinical trials decisions: Results of a randomized trial

BACKGROUND. Cancer patients often do not make informed decisions regarding clinical trial participation. This study evaluated whether a web-based decision aid (DA) could support trial decisions compared with our cancer center’s website. METHODS. Adults diagnosed with cancer in the past 6 months who had not previously participated in a cancer clinical trial were eligible. Participants were randomized to view the DA or our cancer center’s website (enhanced usual care [UC]). Controlling for whether participants had heard of cancer clinical trials and educational attainment, multivariable linear regression examined group on knowledge, self-efficacy for finding trial information, decisional conflict (values clarity and uncertainty), intent to participate, decision readiness, and trial perceptions. RESULTS. Two hundred patients (86%) consented between May 2014 and April 2015. One hundred were randomized to each group. Surveys were completed by 87 in the DA group and 90 in the UC group. DA group participants reported clearer values regarding trial participation than UC group participants reported (least squares [LS] mean = 15.8 vs. 32, p < .0001) and less uncertainty (LS mean = 24.3 vs. 36.4, p = .025). The DA group had higher objective knowledge than the UC group’s (LS mean = 69.8 vs. 55.8, p < .0001). There were no differences between groups in intent to participate. CONCLUSIONS. Improvements on key decision outcomes including knowledge, self-efficacy, certainty about choice, and values clarity among participants who viewed the DA suggest web-based DAs can support informed decisions about trial participation among cancer patients facing this preference-sensitive choice. Although better informing patients before trial participation could improve retention, more work is needed to examine DA impact on enrollment and retention. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This paper describes evidence regarding a decision tool to support patients’ decisions about trial participation. By improving knowledge, helping patients clarify preferences for participation, and facilitating conversations about trials, decision aids could lead to decisions about participation that better match patients’ preferences, promoting patient-centered care and the ethical conduct of clinical research

Retroperitoneal abscesses: a diagnostic dilemma – case series, review of the literature and practical guide for the management of iliopsoas abscessess

Retroperitoneal abscesses are uncommon clinical conditions which can pose a notoriously difficult diagnostic dilemma. This paper focuses on the management of secondary iliopsoas abscesses (IPA). We aim to review the literature for the diagnosis and management of IPA, as well as present our IPA pathway, which we believe will reduce the difficulties clinicians may encounter when treating patients with IPA. Our three IPA cases are of colorectal, orthopaedic and urological origin. All patients underwent percutaneous drainage of the IPA, with one proceeding to open drainage. No mortalities were reported. IPA is a condition that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians. The classical triad of IPA comprising of fever, abdominal/back pain and a limp is reported in just 5 – 30% of cases. Computed tomography remains the gold standard for diagnosis and radiologically guided drainage should be attempted in the first instance. The literature emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for IPA, as it can be easily misdiagnosed within a wide range of differentials. Empirical treatment consists of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which should be adjusted when blood/aspirate cultures are available. Open drainage should be reserved for cases where percutaneous attempts are not appropriate, unsuccessful, or a patient clinically deteriorates. In a practical sense there is often confusion as to which specialties should best manage IPA. In recognising these difficulties, an IPA pathway would act as a concise guide for clinicians and ultimately optimise patient care

The SAVI Report: Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland. Executive Summary

The SAVI Report: Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland. Executive Summar

An evidence-based co-occurring disorder intervention in VA homeless programs: outcomes from a hybrid III trial

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based treatment for co-occurring disorders is needed within programs that serve homeless Veterans to assist with increasing engagement in care and to prevent future housing loss. A specialized co-occurring disorders treatment engagement intervention called Maintaining Independence and Sobriety Through Systems Integration, Outreach and Networking - Veterans Edition (MISSION-Vet) was implemented within the Housing and Urban Development - Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Programs with and without an implementation strategy called Getting To Outcomes (GTO). While implementation was modest for the GTO group, no one adopted MISSION in the non-GTO group. This paper reports Veteran level outcome data on treatment engagement and select behavioral health outcomes for Veterans exposed to the MISSION-Vet model compared to Veterans without access to MISSION-Vet. METHODS: This hybrid Type III trial compared 81 Veterans in the GTO group to a similar group of 87 Veterans with mental health and substance use disorders from the caseload of staff in the non-GTO group. Comparisons were made on treatment engagement, negative housing exits, drug and alcohol abuse, inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department visits and income level over time, using mixed-effect or Cox regression models. RESULTS: Treatment engagement, as measured by the overall number of case manager contacts with Veterans and others (e.g. family members, health providers), was significantly higher among Veterans in the GTO group (B = 2.30, p = .04). Supplemental exploratory analyses between Veterans who received higher and lower intensity MISSION-Vet services in the GTO group failed to show differences in alcohol and drug use, inpatient hospitalization and emergency department use. CONCLUSIONS: Despite modest MISSION-Vet fidelity among staff treating Veterans in the GTO group, differences were found in treatment engagement. However, this study failed to show differences in alcohol use, drug use, mental health hospitalizations and negative housing exits over time among those Veterans receiving higher intensity MISSION-Vet services versus low intensity services. This project suggests that MISSION-Vet could be used in HUD-VASH to increase engagement among Veterans struggling with homelessness, a group often disconnected from care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number: NCT01430741 , registered July 26, 2011

Secular trends in child and adult sexual violence--one decreasing and the other increasing: a population survey in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Sexual violence is a worldwide problem affecting children and adults. Knowledge of trends in prevalence is essential to inform the design and evaluation of preventive and intervention programmes. We aimed to assess the prevalence of lifetime sexual violence for both sexes and to document the prevalence of adult and child abuse by birth year in the general population. METHODS: National cluster-randomized telephone interview study of 3120 adults in Ireland was done. RESULTS: Child sexual abuse involving physical contact was reported by 20% of women and 16% of men. In adulthood, figures were 20% and 10% for women and men, respectively. Prevalence of any form of sexual violence across the lifespan was 42% (women) and 38% (men). Analysis by year of birth indicated a curvilinear pattern for child sexual abuse with lower prevalence in the oldest and youngest participants. Sexual violence in young adulthood showed a linear pattern with higher prevalence in the youngest participants. CONCLUSION: The trend of lower rates of experience of child sexual abuse in younger adults in the sample is in keeping with findings from other countries. The trend of higher rates of adult sexual violence in younger adults is worrying, particularly since the same participants reported less experience of child sexual abuse than the preceding generations. There is a paucity of international data addressing the issue of cohort differences in exposure to sexual violence. Within-study analysis, and follow-up studies designed to maximize replicability, are needed to inform discussion about societal trends in different types of sexual violence