Genetic architecture and correlations between the gut microbiome and gut gene transcription in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

Population divergence through selection can drive local adaptation in natural populations which has implications for the effective restoration of declining and extirpated populations. However, adaptation to local environmental conditions is complicated when both the host and its associated microbiomes must respond via co-evolutionary change. Nevertheless, for adaptation to occur through selection, variation in both host and microbiome traits should include additive genetic effects. Here we focus on host immune function and quantify factors affecting variation in gut immune gene transcription and gut bacterial community composition in early life-stage Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Specifically, we utilized a replicated factorial breeding design to determine the genetic architecture (sire, dam and sire-by-dam interaction) of gut immune gene transcription and microbiome composition. Furthermore, we explored correlations between host gut gene transcription and microbiota composition. Gene transcription was quantified using nanofluidic qPCR arrays (22 target genes) and microbiota composition using 16 S rRNA gene (V5-V6) amplicon sequencing. We discovered limited but significant genetic architecture in gut microbiota composition and transcriptional profiles. We also identified significant correlations between gut gene transcription and microbiota composition, highlighting potential mechanisms for functional interactions between the two. Overall, this study provides support for the co-evolution of host immune function and their gut microbiota in Chinook salmon, a species recognized as locally adapted. Thus, the inclusion of immune gene transcription profile and gut microbiome composition as factors in the development of conservation and commercial rearing practices may provide new and more effective approaches to captive rearing.

Critical Illness in Migrant Workers in the Windsor-Essex Region: A Descriptive Analysis.

Despite their essential role in Canadian agriculture, migrant workers face numerous healthcare barriers. There is a knowledge gap regarding the healthcare experiences of migrant workers with critical illness in the Windsor-Essex region. Our objective was to collect information on the experiences of migrant workers experiencing a critical illness at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) between 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2021. We conducted a retrospective chart review and interviews with migrant workers. We identified 14 migrant workers who presented to WRH with a critical illness over these 10 years. Despite occasional barriers regarding access to care, the migrant workers received an appropriate standard of care in Canada. Five of the fourteen patients identified were repatriated to their home countries. The migrant worker patients interviewed expressed satisfaction with the care they received in Canada but identified repatriation as a specific concern to receiving continuity of care. The health and financial burden imposed by critical illness on migrant workers and their employers makes critically ill workers vulnerable to medical repatriation as a unique social determinant of health. Considering the critical role of migrant workers in Canada's food security, policy changes should be considered to ensure critically ill workers are able to remain until recovery.