Ambystoma tigrinum

Number of Pages: 4Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Lampropeltis mexicana

Number of Pages: 2Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Suburbanization of a Central Texas Herpetofauna

Reptiles and amphibians were surveyed on the Balcones Escarpment in central Texas as the area was transformed into suburbia. Of four habitats, oak-juniper savanna was totally destroyed and a quarter of the adjacent oak-juniper woodland was eliminated, but two creeks and most deciduous riparian forest remained. Extirpation of 12 of 30 species (40%) included 55% of nine amphibian species, 50% of two turtles, 33% of six lizards, and 30% of 13 snakes. Herpetofaunal richness declined exponentially from 1965 to 1990 with increased house building, then stabilized through 2005 as building slowed and stopped. Species survival was related to use of cultural and remaining natural habitats, secretive behavior, and human interest

Suburbanization of a Central Texas Herpetofauna

Reptiles and amphibians were surveyed on the Balcones Escarpment in central Texas as the area was transformed into suburbia. Of four habitats, oak-juniper savanna was totally destroyed and a quarter of the adjacent oak-juniper woodland was eliminated, but two creeks and most deciduous riparian forest remained. Extirpation of 12 of 30 species (40%) included 55% of nine amphibian species, 50% of two turtles, 33% of six lizards, and 30% of 13 snakes. Herpetofaunal richness declined exponentially from 1965 to 1990 with increased house building, then stabilized through 2005 as building slowed and stopped. Species survival was related to use of cultural and remaining natural habitats, secretive behavior, and human interest

When, where and how osteoporosis-associated fractures occur: An analysis from the global longitudinal study of osteoporosis in women (GLOW)

Objective: To examine when, where and how fractures occur in postmenopausal women. Methods: We analyzed data from the Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW), including women aged ≥55 years from the United States of America, Canada, Australia and seven European countries. Women completed questionnaires including fracture data at baseline and years 1, 2 and 3. Results: Among 60,393 postmenopausal women, 4122 incident fractures were reported (86% non-hip, non-vertebral [NHNV], 8% presumably clinical vertebral and 6% hip). Hip fractures were more likely to occur in spring, with little seasonal variation for NHNV or spine fractures. Hip fractures occurred equally inside or outside the home, whereas 65% of NHNV fractures occurred outside and 61% of vertebral fractures occurred inside the home. Falls preceded 68-86% of NHNV and 68-83% of hip fractures among women aged ≤64 to ≥85 years, increasing with age. About 45% of vertebral fractures were associated with falls in all age groups except those ≥85 years, when only 24% occurred after falling. Conclusion: In this multi-national cohort, fractures occurred throughout the year, with only hip fracture having a seasonal variation, with a higher proportion in spring. Hip fractures occurred equally within and outside the home, spine fractures more often in the home, and NHNV fractures outside the home. Falls were a proximate cause of most hip and NHNV fractures. Postmenopausal women at risk for fracture need counseling about reducing potentially modifiable fracture risk factors, particularly falls both inside and outside the home and during all seasons of the year. © 2013 Costa et al