Assessment of Phthalate Esters and Physiological Biomarkers in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Killer Whales (Orcinus orca).

There is growing concern about the potential adverse health effects of phthalates (PAEs) on human health and the environment due to their extensive use as plasticizers and additives in commercial and consumer products. In this study, we assessed PAE concentrations in serum samples from aquarium-based delphinids (Tursiops truncatus, n = 36; Orcinus orca, n = 42) from California, Florida, and Texas, USA. To better understand the physiological effects of phthalates on delphinids, we also explored potential correlations between phthalates and the biomarkers aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde while accounting for sex, age, and reproductive stage. All PAEs were detected in at least one of the individuals. ΣPAE ranges were 5.995-2743 ng·mL-1 in bottlenose dolphins and 5.372-88,675 ng·mL-1 in killer whales. Both species displayed higher mean concentrations of DEP and DEHP. PAEs were detected in newborn delphinids, indicating transference via placenta and/or lactation. Linear mixed model results indicated significant correlations between aldosterone, month, location, status, and ΣPAEs in killer whales, suggesting that aldosterone concentrations are likely affected by the cumulative effects of these variables. This study expands on the knowledge of delphinid physiological responses to PAEs and may influence management and conservation decisions on contamination discharge regulations near these species.

Editorial: Impact of Special Issue "The Microbial Population of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Animals: Impacts on Host Physiology".

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in the number of papers that have investigated the microbiome of animals and humans [...].

The effect of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) fruit supplementation on the rumen microbiota and its correlation with rumen fermentation in dairy cows.

Introduction: Medicinal plants, rich in phytochemicals like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, offer potential benefits in enhancing productivity, quality, and animal health. Amla fruit (Phyllanthus emblica) is one such plant with promising attributes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of fresh Amla fruit (FAF) supplementation on ruminal microbial composition and its correlation with rumen fermentation in lactating dairy cows. Methods: The study employed a repeated crossover design involving eight ruminally cannulated mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows. Animals received varying levels of fresh Amla fruit supplementation (0, 200, 400, and 600 g/d). Results: When 400 g/d of FAF was added to the diet, there was a significant increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.02). However, at 200 g/d, the relative abundance of ruminal Bacteroidota was higher than the 0 and 400 g/d FAF supplementation (p < 0.01). LEfSe analysis identified distinct taxa, such as Clostridia vadinBB60 in the 200 g/d group, Oscillospiraceae in the 400 g/d group, and Elusimicrobium in the 600 g/d group. Notably, the random forest species abundance statistics identified Oscillospiraceae V9D2013 as a biomarker related to milk yield. Oscillospiraceae, Bacilli RF39, norank_f Prevotellaceae, and Bifidobacterium were positively correlated with ruminal total VFA and molar proportion of propionate, while Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group and Clostridia vadinBB60 were negatively correlated. Discussion: FAF supplementation affects the abundance of beneficial microbes in a dose-dependent manner, which can improve milk yield, efficiency, rumen health, desirable fatty acids, and animal health.

Dentists' Perspective and Experiences Relative to the Accidental Dropping of Implant Drivers and Components Intraorally: A Survey of Practicing Clinicians.

Ingestion or aspiration of dental implant screwdrivers or implant components is potentially life-threatening. There are no reports on the frequency at which dentists drop these devices within the mouth or which components are most problematic. There are few reports on what protective measures clinicians take, where risks exist, and how this problem is managed. A 9-part questionnaire was provided to dentists. Data collected included clinicians' roles, implant surgeons, restorative clinicians, or both-the frequency of dropping implant screwdrivers or components, items considered most problematic. Patient protection and management were also requested. Finally, questions related to how much of a problem clinicians considered this to be and if further solutions and a standardized management protocol should be developed. One hundred twelve dentists voluntarily completed the survey. Of the dentists, 54% restored, 37% restored and surgically placed, and 9% solely placed implants. Twenty-nine percent claimed never to drop components, with 56% dropping an instrument less than 10% of the time. Less than half would suggest patients seek medical advice if a screwdriver or component was accidentally dropped intraorally and was not recovered. Thirty percent never tied floss tethers to screwdrivers, and a similar percentage reported they only sometimes did so. Throat pack protection was reported 51% of the time. Ninety percent considered dropping components an issue, with screwdrivers most problematic. Aspiration or ingestion of implant screwdrivers and components is problematic, with dentists varying their use of protection devices. There is a need to standardize and implement patient protection procedures and management and develop methods to reduce the risk of these potentially life-threatening issues.

A National 20-year Analysis of Weight Lifting-related Injuries and Fractures Among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Increasing strength through weightlifting has become a core component of competitive sports training, recreational exercise programs, and school physical education classes. Although many health benefits exist, there is concern for injury, especially with improper supervision and accelerated progression of training loads. Though organizations have advocated safe training practices, trends in the national health burden of injuries, specifically fractures, associated with weightlifting in the adolescent population have not been investigated. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried between 2002 and 2021 for patients aged 11 to 21 years presenting to US Emergency Departments with weight lifting-related injuries. The narrative component of each case identified was analyzed to include only patients noted to be using weightlifting equipment or free weights at the time of injury. Estimates and analyses were performed with 95% CIs. RESULTS: Although there has been some variability in weight lifting-related injuries, the incidence remained roughly constant over the 20 years (R2=0.0364). 14,497 cases were identified, reflecting a national estimate of 540,986 total injuries and an annual estimate of 27,049 injuries. Most injuries occurred among 15-to-18-year olds (44.1%±1.6%) and 19-to-21-year olds (38.3%±2.0%). The most common injuries were sprain/strain (36.7%±1.3%), contusion/abrasion (15.7%±0.7%), and fracture (9.9%±0.3%). There were 53,813 estimated fractures, giving an annual incidence of 2,691 fractures. As a portion of all injuries, the number of fractures decreased significantly as patients got older, accounting for 26.8%±3.3% at age 11 and only 8.3%±0.9% at age 21 (R2=0.6626). Fingers (37.1%±1.8%) and toes (27.9%±1.4%) were the most fractured body parts. Overall, fractures mainly occurred either at school (25.3%±2.0%) or places of recreation (24.7%±2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the guidelines to improve safety, the national health burden of weight lifting-related injuries among adolescents has remained constant over the past 20 years. Given that most of the fractures occur in the distal extremities, such as toes and fingers, at school and places of recreation, there may be an opportunity to promote safer weightlifting practices and the development of weightlifting equipment with in-built safety mechanisms, especially at gyms and schools. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prognostic.

Order From Chaos: The Benefits of Standardized Nomenclature in Radiation Oncology.

Although standardization has been shown to improve patient safety and improve the efficiency of workflows, implementation of standards can take considerable effort and requires the engagement of all clinical stakeholders. Engaging team members includes increasing awareness of the proposed benefit of the standard, a clear implementation plan, monitoring for improvements, and open communication to support successful implementation. The benefits of standardization often focus on large institutions to improve research endeavors, yet all clinics can benefit from standardization to increase quality and implement more efficient or automated workflow. The benefits of nomenclature standardization for all team members and institution sizes, including success stories, are discussed with practical implementation guides to facilitate the adoption of standardized nomenclature in radiation oncology.

Structural insight into an Arl1-ArfGEF complex involved in Golgi recruitment of a GRIP-domain golgin.

Arl1 is an Arf-like (Arl) GTP-binding protein that interacts with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Gea2 to recruit the golgin Imh1 to the Golgi. The Arl1-Gea2 complex also binds and activates the phosphatidylserine flippase Drs2 and these functions may be related, although the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Here we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the full-length Gea2 and the Arl1-Gea2 complex. Gea2 is a large protein with 1459 residues and is composed of six domains (DCB, HUS, SEC7, HDS1-3). We show that Gea2 assembles a stable dimer via an extensive interface involving hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in the DCB and HUS region. Contrary to the previous report on a Gea2 homolog in which Arl1 binds to the dimerization surface of the DCB domain, implying a disrupted dimer upon Arl1 binding, we find that Arl1 binds to the outside surface of the Gea2 DCB domain, leaving the Gea2 dimer intact. The interaction between Arl1 and Gea2 involves the classic FWY aromatic residue triad as well as two Arl1-specific residues. We show that key mutations that disrupt the Arl1-Gea2 interaction abrogate Imh1 Golgi association. This work clarifies the Arl1-Gea2 interaction and improves our understanding of molecular events in the membrane trafficking.

Psychological reactance, misinformation, and distrust: A mixed methods analysis of COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Background: Assessing perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccines is essential for understanding vaccine hesitancy and for improving uptake during public health emergencies. In the complicated landscape of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and rampant misinformation, many individuals faced challenges during vaccination decision-making. The purpose of our mixed methods study is to elucidate factors affecting vaccine decision-making and to highlight the discourse surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines in diverse and underserved communities. Methods: This mixed methods study was conducted in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin between March and November 2021, combining a cross-sectional survey (n = 3593) and focus groups (n = 47). Results: The groups least likely to report receiving a vaccination were non-Hispanic Whites, Indigenous people, males, and those with moderate socioeconomic status (SES). Those indicating high and low SES reported similar vaccination uptake. Focus group data highlighted resistance to mandates, distrust, misinformation, and concerns about the rapid development surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. Psychological reactance theory posits that strongly persuasive messaging and social pressure can be perceived as a threat to freedom, encouraging an individual to take action to restore that freedom. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a subsection of participants felt pressured to get the vaccine, which led to weaker intentions to vaccinate. These results suggest that vaccine rollout strategies should be reevaluated to improve and facilitate informed decision-making.

Ruminal Microbiome Differences in Angus Steers with Differing Feed Efficiencies during the Feedlot Finishing Phase.

The catabolic activity of the ruminal microbial community of cattle enables the conversion of low-quality feedstuffs into meat and milk. The rate at which this conversion occurs is termed feed efficiency, which is of crucial importance given that feed expenses account for up to 70% of the cost of animal production. The present study assessed the relationship between cattle feed efficiency and the composition of their ruminal microbial communities during the feedlot finishing period. Angus steers (n = 65) were fed a feedlot finishing diet for 82 days and their growth performance metrics were evaluated. These included the dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI). Steers were rank-ordered based upon their RFI, and the five lowest RFI (most efficient) and five highest RFI (least efficient) steers were selected for evaluations. Ruminal fluid samples were collected on days 0 and 82 of the finishing period. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) were quantified, and microbial DNA was extracted and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. The results showed that the ADG was not different (p = 0.82) between efficiency groups during the 82-day feedlot period; however, the efficient steers had lower (p = 0.03) DMI and RFI (p = 0.003). Less-efficient (high RFI) steers developed higher (p = 0.01) ruminal Methanobrevibacter relative abundances (p = 0.01) and tended (p = 0.09) to have more Methanosphaera. In high-efficiency steers (low RFI), the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae increased (p = 0.04) over the 82-day period. The molar proportions of VFA were not different between the two efficiency groups, but some changes in the concentration of specific VFA were observed over time. The results indicated that the ruminal microbial populations of the less-efficient steers contained a greater relative abundance of methanogens compared to the high-efficiency steers during the feedlot phase, likely resulting in more energetic waste in the form or methane and less dietary energy being harvested by the less-efficient animals.

Steps toward developing a comprehensive fatigue monitoring and mitigation solution: perspectives from a cohort of United States Naval Surface Force officers.

Study Objectives: This study analyzed fatigue and its management in US Naval Surface Force warships, focusing on understanding current practices and barriers, and examining the influence of organizational and individual factors on managing chronic fatigue. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of organizational and individual factors on fatigue management. Methods: As part of a larger study, 154 naval officers (mean ±â€…standard deviation; 31.5 ±â€…7.0 years; 8.8 ±â€…6.8 years of service; 125 male, and 29 female) completed a fatigue survey. The survey addressed (1) self-reported fatigue, (2) fatigue observed in others, (3) fatigue monitoring strategies, (4) fatigue mitigation strategies, and (5) barriers to fatigue mitigation. Logistic and ordinal regressions were performed to examine the effect of individual (i.e. sleep quality and years in military service) and organizational (i.e. ship-class) factors on fatigue outcomes. Results: Fatigue was frequently experienced and observed by 23% and 54% of officers, respectively. Of note, officers often monitored fatigue reactively (i.e. 65% observed others nodding off and 55% observed behavioral impairments). Still, officers did not frequently implement fatigue mitigation strategies, citing few operationally feasible mitigation strategies (62.3%), being too busy (61.7%), and not having clear thresholds for action (48.7%). Fatigue management varies across organizational factors, which must be considered when further developing fatigue management strategies. Conclusions: Fatigue remains a critical concern aboard surface force ships and it may be better addressed through development of objective sleep and fatigue monitoring tools that could inform leadership decision-making.

Flipping the script: Advances in understanding how and why P4-ATPases flip lipid across membranes.

Type IV P-type ATPases (P4-ATPases) are a family of transmembrane enzymes that translocate lipid substrates from the outer to the inner leaflet of biological membranes and thus create an asymmetrical distribution of lipids within membranes. On the cellular level, this asymmetry is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of biological membranes, creating platforms for signaling events and facilitating vesicular trafficking. On the organismal level, this asymmetry has been shown to be important in maintaining blood homeostasis, liver metabolism, neural development, and the immune response. Indeed, dysregulation of P4-ATPases has been linked to several diseases; including anemia, cholestasis, neurological disease, and several cancers. This review will discuss the evolutionary transition of P4-ATPases from cation pumps to lipid flippases, the new lipid substrates that have been discovered, the significant advances that have been achieved in recent years regarding the structural mechanisms underlying the recognition and flipping of specific lipids across biological membranes, and the consequences of P4-ATPase dysfunction on cellular and physiological functions. Additionally, we emphasize the requirement for additional research to comprehensively understand the involvement of flippases in cellular physiology and disease and to explore their potential as targets for therapeutics in treating a variety of illnesses. The discussion in this review will primarily focus on the budding yeast, C. elegans, and mammalian P4-ATPases.

ATP10A deficiency results in male-specific infertility in mice.

Over 8% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility and nearly half of these cases are due to male-specific issues where the underlying cause is often unknown. Therefore, discovery of new genetic factors contributing to male-specific infertility in model organisms can enhance our understanding of the etiology of this disorder. Here we show that murine ATP10A, a phospholipid flippase, is highly expressed in male reproductive organs, specifically the testes and vas deferens. Therefore, we tested the influence of ATP10A on reproduction by examining fertility of Atp10A knockout mice. Our findings reveal that Atp10A deficiency leads to male-specific infertility, but does not perturb fertility in the females. The Atp10A deficient male mice exhibit smaller testes, reduced sperm count (oligozoospermia) and lower sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Additionally, Atp10A deficient mice display testes and vas deferens histopathological abnormalities, as well as altered total and relative amounts of hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, circulating testosterone is elevated 2-fold in the Atp10A knockout mice while luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and inhibin B levels were not significantly different from WT littermates. The knockout mice also exhibit elevated levels of gonadotropin receptors and alterations to ERK, p38 MAPK, Akt, and cPLA2-dependent signaling in the testes. Atp10A was knocked out in the C57BL/6J background, which also carries an inactivating nonsense mutation in the closely related lipid flippase, Atp10D. We have corrected the Atp10D nonsense mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 and determined that loss of Atp10A alone is sufficient to cause infertility in male mice. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of ATP10A in male fertility in mice and provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

The natural and human-mediated expansion of a human-commensal lizard into the fringes of Southeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: Human-commensal species often display deep ancestral genetic structure within their native range and founder-effects and/or evidence of multiple introductions and admixture in newly established areas. We investigated the phylogeography of Eutropis multifasciata, an abundant human-commensal scincid lizard that occurs across Southeast Asia, to determine the extent of its native range and to assess the sources and signatures of human introduction outside of the native range. We sequenced over 350 samples of E. multifasciata for the mitochondrial ND2 gene and reanalyzed a previous RADseq population genetic dataset in a phylogenetic framework. RESULTS: Nuclear and mitochondrial trees are concordant and show that E. multifasciata has retained high levels of genetic structure across Southeast Asia despite being frequently moved by humans. Lineage boundaries in the native range roughly correspond to several major biogeographic barriers, including Wallace's Line and the Isthmus of Kra. Islands at the outer fringe of the range show evidence of founder-effects and multiple introductions. CONCLUSIONS: Most of enormous range of E. multifasciata across Southeast Asia is native and it only displays signs of human-introduction or recent expansion along the eastern and northern fringe of its range. There were at least three events of human-introductions to Taiwan and offshore islands, and several oceanic islands in eastern Indonesia show a similar pattern. In Myanmar and Hainan, there is a founder-effect consistent with post-warming expansion after the last glacial maxima or human introduction.

Priming agents transiently reduce the clearance of cell-free DNA to improve liquid biopsies.

Liquid biopsies enable early detection and monitoring of diseases such as cancer, but their sensitivity remains limited by the scarcity of analytes such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood. Improvements to sensitivity have primarily relied on enhancing sequencing technology ex vivo. We sought to transiently augment the level of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a blood draw by attenuating its clearance in vivo. We report two intravenous priming agents given 1 to 2 hours before a blood draw to recover more ctDNA. Our priming agents consist of nanoparticles that act on the cells responsible for cfDNA clearance and DNA-binding antibodies that protect cfDNA. In tumor-bearing mice, they greatly increase the recovery of ctDNA and improve the sensitivity for detecting small tumors.

Laparoscopic Evaluation of the Reproductive Tract in Two Female Polar Bears (Three Procedures) (Ursus maritimus).

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) face a number of challenges that threaten the survival of the species. Captive breeding represents one essential facet of species conservation, but aspects of the polar bear's reproductive physiology, such as follicle maturation, coitus-induced ovulation, and pseudopregnancy, are poorly characterized and present challenges for enhancing natural reproductive success and the application of advanced reproductive techniques. Due to the absence of a reliable transrectal or transabdominal ultrasound method for ovarian examination in the species, the ovaries of two adult female polar bears were examined laparoscopically to evaluate the feasibility of surgical access to the ovaries, oviduct, and uterus. The minimally invasive procedure was easily and rapidly performed in both bears and all procedures. Direct visual assessment of the ovary was possible after dissection of a fatty bursal sac, which completely enclosed the ovaries. In the second bear, laparoscopic manipulation of the ovary to draw it closer to the body wall enabled transcutaneous ultrasound. Laparoscopy may be a valuable tool to aid in the application of advanced reproductive technologies in polar bears.

Translation of non-canonical open reading frames as a cancer cell survival mechanism in childhood medulloblastoma.

A hallmark of high-risk childhood medulloblastoma is the dysregulation of RNA translation. Currently, it is unknown whether medulloblastoma dysregulates the translation of putatively oncogenic non-canonical open reading frames (ORFs). To address this question, we performed ribosome profiling of 32 medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines and observed widespread non-canonical ORF translation. We then developed a stepwise approach using multiple CRISPR-Cas9 screens to elucidate non-canonical ORFs and putative microproteins implicated in medulloblastoma cell survival. We determined that multiple lncRNA-ORFs and upstream ORFs (uORFs) exhibited selective functionality independent of main coding sequences. A microprotein encoded by one of these ORFs, ASNSD1-uORF or ASDURF, was upregulated, associated with MYC-family oncogenes, and promoted medulloblastoma cell survival through engagement with the prefoldin-like chaperone complex. Our findings underscore the fundamental importance of non-canonical ORF translation in medulloblastoma and provide a rationale to include these ORFs in future studies seeking to define new cancer targets.

Deficiency of the lipid flippase ATP10A causes diet-induced dyslipidemia in female mice.

Genetic association studies have linked ATP10A and closely related type IV P-type ATPases (P4-ATPases) to insulin resistance and vascular complications, such as atherosclerosis. ATP10A translocates phosphatidylcholine and glucosylceramide across cell membranes, and these lipids or their metabolites play important roles in signal transduction pathways regulating metabolism. However, the influence of ATP10A on lipid metabolism in mice has not been explored. Here, we generated gene-specific Atp10A knockout mice and show that Atp10A-/- mice fed a high-fat diet did not gain excess weight relative to wild-type littermates. However, Atp10A-/- mice displayed female-specific dyslipidemia characterized by elevated plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids and cholesterol, as well as altered VLDL and HDL properties. We also observed increased circulating levels of several sphingolipid species along with reduced levels of eicosanoids and bile acids. The Atp10A-/- mice also displayed hepatic insulin resistance without perturbations to whole-body glucose homeostasis. Thus, ATP10A has a sex-specific role in regulating plasma lipid composition and maintaining hepatic liver insulin sensitivity in mice.

An expert-based system to predict population survival rate from health data.

Timely detection and understanding of causes for population decline are essential for effective wildlife management and conservation. Assessing trends in population size has been the standard approach, but we propose that monitoring population health could prove more effective. We collated data from 7 bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations in the southeastern United States to develop a method for estimating survival probability based on a suite of health measures identified by experts as indices for inflammatory, metabolic, pulmonary, and neuroendocrine systems. We used logistic regression to implement the veterinary expert system for outcome prediction (VESOP) within a Bayesian analysis framework. We fitted parameters with records from 5 of the sites that had a robust network of responders to marine mammal strandings and frequent photographic identification surveys that documented definitive survival outcomes. We also conducted capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analyses of photographic identification data to obtain separate estimates of population survival rates for comparison with VESOP survival estimates. The VESOP analyses showed that multiple measures of health, particularly markers of inflammation, were predictive of 1- and 2-year individual survival. The highest mortality risk 1 year following health assessment related to low alkaline phosphatase (odds ratio [OR] = 10.2 [95% CI: 3.41-26.8]), whereas 2-year mortality was most influenced by elevated globulin (OR = 9.60 [95% CI: 3.88-22.4]); both are markers of inflammation. The VESOP model predicted population-level survival rates that correlated with estimated survival rates from CMR analyses for the same populations (1-year Pearson's r = 0.99, p = 1.52 × 10-5 ; 2-year r = 0.94, p = 0.001). Although our proposed approach will not detect acute mortality threats that are largely independent of animal health, such as harmful algal blooms, it can be used to detect chronic health conditions that increase mortality risk. Random sampling of the population is important and advancement in remote sampling methods could facilitate more random selection of subjects, obtainment of larger sample sizes, and extension of the approach to other wildlife species.

Un sistema basado en conocimiento experto para predecir la tasa de supervivencia a partir de datos de salud Resumen La detección y el entendimiento oportunos de la declinación poblacional son esenciales para que el manejo y la conservación de fauna tengan efectividad. La evaluación de las tendencias en el tamaño poblacional ha sido la estrategia estándar, pero proponemos que el monitoreo de la salud poblacional podría ser más efectivo. Recopilamos datos de siete poblaciones de delfines (Tursiops truncatus) en el sureste de Estados Unidos para desarrollar un método de estimación de la probabilidad de supervivencia con base en un conjunto de medidas sanitarias identificadas por expertos como índices para los sistemas inflamatorio, metabólico, pulmonar y neuroendocrino. Usamos la regresión logística para implementar el sistema de expertos veterinarios para la predicción de resultados (SEVPR) en un análisis bayesiano. Ajustamos los parámetros con los registros de cinco sitios que contaban con una buena red de respondientes a los varamientos de mamíferos marinos y censos de identificación fotográfica (foto-ID) que documentaron los resultados de supervivencia definitivos. También realizamos análisis de marcaje-recaptura (MR) en los datos de identificación fotográfica para obtener estimados separados de las tasas de supervivencia poblacional para compararlos con los estimados del SEVPR. Los análisis del SEVPR mostraron que varias medidas sanitarias, particularmente los marcadores de inflamación son buenos predictores de la supervivencia individual para uno y dos años. El riesgo de mortalidad más alto un año después de la valoración sanitaria se relacionó con una fosfatasa alcalina baja (cociente de probabilidades de 10.2 [95% CI 3.41-26.8]), mientras que la mortalidad a los dos años estuvo más influenciada por una globulina elevada (9.60 [95% CI 3.88-22.4]); ambas son marcadores de la inflamación. El modelo del SEVPR predijo las tasas de supervivencia a nivel poblacional en correlación con las tasas estimadas de supervivencia de los análisis de MR para las mismas poblaciones (Pearson de un año r = 0.99, p = 1.52e-05; dos años r = 0.94, p = 0.001). Aunque nuestra propuesta no detecta las amenazas agudas de mortalidad que en su mayoría son independientes de la salud animal, como la proliferación de algas nocivas, puede usarse para detectar las condiciones crónicas de salud que incrementan el riesgo de mortalidad. Es importante el muestreo aleatorio de la población y los avances en los métodos de muestreo remoto podrían facilitar una selección más aleatoria de los sujetos, la obtención de muestras de mayor tamaño y la expansión de la estrategia a otras especies de fauna.

Environmental Conditions and Vehicle Disturbance Influence Stress Behaviors in a Working Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus).

Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) is used for pest control, as their presence can deter wild birds such as gulls. Working Harris's hawk on UK waste sites is permitted in accordance with regulations and legislation. This study investigated the general environment of a waste site compound yard where a single Harris's hawk was flown for pest control. The hawk's behaviors were evaluated in an ethogram, alongside environmental measures, and disturbance levels. Data was analyzed using Generalised Linear Latent Variable Models (GLLVM) to elucidate the effects of disturbance and environment on hawk behaviors. Results suggested cloudy conditions encouraged grooming responses that were normal and relaxed in their nature. Rain, sun and wind conditions increased recognized stress behaviors. Frequency of disturbance by construction vehicles inside the compound increased stress behaviors, such that keepers are recommended to revise welfare conditions. Increased stress behaviors by birds worked in dynamic environments like waste recycling yards could potentially elicit damaging illness such as feather breaking behavior. Reducing stress factors for Harris's hawk in industrial working yards combined with amending husbandry practices will improve welfare for the species.

Predictors and benefits of multiagent chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Timing matters.

INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant (A) multiagent chemotherapy (MC) is the standard of care for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Tolerating MC following a morbid operation may be difficult, thus neoadjuvant (NA) treatment is preferable. This study examined how the timing of chemotherapy was related to the regimen given and ultimately the overall survival (OS). METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried from 2006 to 2017 for nonmetastatic PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection and received MC or single-agent chemotherapy (SC) pre- or postresection. Predictors of receiving MC were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Five-year OS was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 12,440 patients (NA SC, n = 663; NA MC, n = 2313; A SC, n = 6152; A MC, n = 3312) were included. MC utilization increased from 2006-2010 to 2011-2017 (33.1%-49.7%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.59; p < 0.001). Younger age, fewer comorbidities, higher clinical stage, and larger tumor size were all associated with receipt of MC (all p < 0.001), but NA treatment was the greatest predictor (OR 5.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.63-5.80; p < 0.001). MC was associated with increased median 5-year OS (26.0 vs. 23.9 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88-0.96) and NA MC was associated with the highest survival (28.2 months) compared to NA SC (23.3 months), A SC (24.0 months), and A MC (24.6 months; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Use and timing of MC contribute to OS in PDAC with an improved 5-year OS compared to SC. The greatest predictor of receiving MC was being given as NA therapy and the greatest survival benefit was the NA MC subgroup. Randomized studies evaluating the timing of effective MC in PDAC are needed.