Pre- and post-COVID-19 gender trends in authorship for paediatric radiology articles worldwide: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Gender inequalities in academic medicine persist despite progress over the past decade. Evidence-based targeted interventions are needed to reduce gender inequalities. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on gender trends in authorship of paediatric radiology research worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospectively registered, PRISMA-compliant systematic review searched the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 1, 2018, to May 29, 2023, with no restrictions on country of origin. Screening and data extraction occurred independently and in duplicate. Gender of first, last, and corresponding authors were determined using an artificial intelligence-powered, validated, multinational database ( www.genderize.io ). Two time periods were categorised according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering: pre-COVID (prior to March 2020) and peak and post-COVID (March 2020 onwards). One-sample binomial testing was used to analyse proportion of authorship based on gender. Categorical variables were described as frequencies and percentages, and compared using testing chi-square or Fisher exact testing, with a threshold of P<0.05 representing statistical significance. RESULTS: In total, 922 articles were included with 39 countries represented. A statistically significant difference in authorship based on gender persisted during the peak and post-COVID time period (March 2020 onwards) where women represented a statistically significant lower proportion of last (35.5%) and corresponding (42.7%) authors (P<0.001, P=0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences for first authors were not found in either period (P=0.08 and P=0.48). CONCLUSION: This study identifies differences in gender trends for authorship in paediatric radiology research worldwide. Future efforts to increase authorship by women are needed.

Menstrual health inequities and "period poverty" in Canada.

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, sexual and reproductive health education, safe waste management, and adequate facilities. Despite its being a public health issue and a significant concern for numerous Canadians, there is a lack of peer-reviewed research on period poverty in Canada. Existing Canadian research has primarily been conducted by non-profit organizations/charities or industry leaders for menstrual products, resulting in incomplete data. More research is needed to explore the menstrual inequities in Canada and their impact on the well-being of Canadians. This is a critical step to ensure the menstrual needs of Canadians are appropriately addressed.

RéSUMé: La précarité menstruelle est le manque d'accès aux produits pour la menstruation, à l'éducation à la santé sexuelle et reproductive, à la gestion sûre des déchets et à des installations adéquates. Bien que ce soit un problème de santé publique et une préoccupation importante pour bon nombre de Canadiennes et de Canadiens, il n'y a pas assez de recherche évaluée par les pairs sur la précarité menstruelle au pays. La recherche canadienne existante a principalement été menée par des organismes caritatifs/à but non lucratif ou par les grandes entreprises de produits pour la menstruation, ce qui explique que les données sont incomplètes. Il faut pousser la recherche pour explorer l'iniquité menstruelle au Canada et ses effets sur le bien-être des Canadiennes et des Canadiens. C'est une étape essentielle pour pouvoir aborder convenablement les besoins menstruels de la population.

Assessing Behavioral Risk Factors Driving Zoonotic Spillover Among High-risk Populations in Myanmar.

The increasing global emergence of zoonoses warrants improved awareness of activities that predispose vulnerable communities to greater risk of disease. Zoonotic disease outbreaks regularly occur within Myanmar and at its borders partly due to insufficient knowledge of behavioral risks, hindering participatory surveillance and reporting. This study employed a behavioral surveillance strategy among high-risk populations to understand the behavioral risks for zoonotic disease transmission in an effort to identify risk factors for pathogen spillover. To explore behavioral mechanisms of spillover in Myanmar, we aimed to: (1) evaluate the details around animal contact and types of interaction, (2) assess the association between self-reported unusual symptoms (i.e., any illness or sickness that is not known or recognized in the community or diagnosed by medical providers) and animal contact activities and (3) identify the potential risk factors including behavioral practices of self-reported illness. Participants were enrolled at two community sites: Hpa-An and Hmawbi in Southern Myanmar. A behavioral questionnaire was administered to understand participants' animal exposures, behaviors and self-reported illnesses. From these responses, associations between (1) animal contact activities and self-reported unusual illnesses, and (2) potential risk factors and self-reported unusual illness were tested. Contact with poultry seemed to be very frequent (91.1%) and many participants reported raising, handling and having poultry in their houses as well as slaughtering or being scratched/bitten by them, followed by contact with rodents (57.8%) and swine (17.9%). Compared to participants who did not have any unusual symptoms, participants who had unusual symptoms in the past year were more likely to have sold dead animals (OR = 13.6, 95% CI 6.8-27.2), slaughtered (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.7-3.3), raised (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.3-5.0) or handled animals (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.6), and had eaten sick (OR = 4.4, 95% CI 3.0-6.4) and/or dead animals (OR = 6.0, 95% CI 4.1-8.8) in the same year. Odds of having reported unusual symptoms was higher among those involved in animal production business (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.9-6.2) and animal-involved livelihoods (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.2) compared to other livelihoods. The results suggest that there is a high level of interaction between humans, livestock and wild animals in communities we investigated in Myanmar. The study highlights the specific high-risk behaviors as they relate to animal contact and demographic risk factors for zoonotic spillover. Our findings contribute to human behavioral data needed to develop targeted interventions to prevent zoonotic disease transmission at human-animal interfaces.

CHANGES IN SERUM CARDIAC TROPONIN I IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) WITH ELEPHANT ENDOTHELIOTROPIC HERPESVIRUS INFECTION.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most important causes of mortality in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). The unusual tropism of EEHV for endothelial cells of capillaries can lead to catastrophic vascular dysfunction, hemorrhage, cardiac damage, and death. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is an intracellular protein of cardiomyocytes that is released into circulation in levels directly correlated to the severity of cardiomyocyte damage. The purpose of this study was to assess if cTnI could be used to distinguish when EEHV viremia leads to clinical disease versus subclinical infection. Thirty-seven individual Asian elephants contributed 53 blood samples that were evaluated for EEHV viremia using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and analyzed for cTnI using a high-sensitivity assay. Viremia was categorized as none (24/53), low (< 20,000 vge/ml, 12/53) and high (≥20,000 vge/ml, 17/53). Seven of the nonviremic samples had detectable cTnI. Nine low-viremia samples were positive for EEHV1 (1A and 1B combined) and lacked a detectable cTnI. Fourteen high-viremia samples were positive for EEHV1 and had detectable cTnI. There was statistical significance between having viremia and having a detectable cTnI value (P = 0.0001), and animals with EEHV1 viremia were more likely to have a positive cTnI value (P = 0.04). The presence of cTnI was associated with the presence of clinical signs, with higher values of cTnI in the presence of clinical signs versus subclinical viremia (P = 0.0001). In addition, four elephants contributed multiple samples from a single viremic event and results displayed a trend of elevation in troponin values with progression of EEHV viremia. The association of EEHV viremia with cTnI suggests these markers might be used in conjunction to help predict when EEHV viremia is likely to progress to EEHV-HD for an individual.

COMPARISON OF SUBCARAPACIAL SINUS AND BRACHIAL VEIN PHLEBOTOMY SITES FOR BLOOD COLLECTION IN FREE-RANGING GOPHER TORTOISES (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS).

Paired blood samples were collected from the brachial vein and subcarapacial sinus of 42 wild gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) for comparison of hematological and plasma biochemical, vitamin, mineral, and protein electrophoresis parameters with general linear models with repeated measures designs. Comparisons revealed higher brachial vein mean values for 38 of 42 parameters with significance (P ≤ 0.05) for 21 parameters. Significantly lower brachial vein means were noted for two parameters. Coefficients of variation for brachial vein samples were lower for 30 out of 42 parameters with significantly lower values for 11 parameters. Of the 12 parameters with lower coefficients of variation for subcarapacial sinus samples, significant differences were noted for four parameters. Both the lower coefficient of variation and the higher mean values for most parameters from brachial vein samples are attributed to greater hemodilution of subcarpacial samples with lymph compared to the paired brachial vein samples. To address the clinical relevance and reliability of the parameter ranges obtained from both paired phlebotomy sites, we compared these values to those obtained from other selected investigations of gopher tortoise and desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) clinicopathology. Although statistically significant differences were detected, available data demonstrated that most mean ± standard deviation values and/or ranges for both phlebotomy sites of our study are similar to those reported for the selected studies. Based on these results, utilization of either set of our study values in the assessment of a gopher tortoise population or individual gopher tortoises would be acceptable for clinical or management decisions. It is also advisable that investigators develop institutional blood parameter ranges for healthy individuals by phlebotomy site when possible in addition to maintaining standardized sample collection and handling protocols.

SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY AND SELECT MINERAL PARAMETERS OF PRE-RELEASE SUNDA PANGOLINS (MANIS JAVANICA) FOLLOWING REHABILITATION IN VIETNAM.

Native to Southeast Asia, the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is critically endangered largely because of poorly regulated wildlife trade, consumptive practices, and use in traditional Chinese medicine. Efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals confiscated from the illegal trade are complicated by a general lack of knowledge surrounding the normal health and disease processes unique to the species. To provide clinical reference intervals for normal health states of Sunda pangolins, biochemical parameters were determined from rescued individuals in Vietnam that had undergone a 14-day observation period and met a set of criteria for release back into the wild. Blood samples were collected from 42 apparently healthy Sunda pangolins while anesthetized or awake. Packed cell volume (PCV) and total solids (TS) were determined manually, and serum biochemistry values were determined in-house with a benchtop analyzer. Additional biochemical and mineral parameters not included in the primary panel were determined from a subset of 10 pangolins through an external diagnostic laboratory. Overall reference intervals were calculated for PCV and TS (n = 29) and for standard serum biochemistry parameters (n = 42). Females and males demonstrated significant variation with respect to body mass, potassium (K+), and phosphorus, whereas age was a significant source of variation in alkaline phosphatase. Seasonal variation in glucose (GLU), creatinine (CRE), total proteins, sodium, calcium, and K+ was also observed. Comparisons between anesthetized and awake pangolins demonstrated significant variation in GLU, CRE, and K+. The parameters determined in this study can serve as a clinical reference for ex situ Sunda pangolin conservation efforts. In the context of wildlife rehabilitation, serial bloodwork allows for continued monitoring of patient health and should inform decision making regarding release readiness and timing.

Use of a Portable Analyzer for Venous Blood Gas and Biochemistry Analysis in Free-Ranging Indian Flying Foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in Myanmar.

We determined venous blood gas, acid-base, and biochemical parameters for thirteen free-ranging Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in Myanmar, using a handheld i-STAT analyzer with CG8+ and CHEM8 cartridges. For field-based projects, portable blood analyzers enable identification and management of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances and collection of physiologic data, but present logistical challenges.

Glomerular filtration rate determined by measuring serum clearance of a single dose of inulin and serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration in clinically normal cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

OBJECTIVE: To establish a reference interval for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined by measuring serum clearance of a single IV dose of inulin in clinically normal cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and compare serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration in cheetahs with GFR. ANIMALS: 33 cheetahs housed at 3 institutions. PROCEDURES: A single bolus of inulin (3,000 mg/m2) was administered IV, and 5 serial blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum inulin concentration with the anthrone technique. The GFR was estimated with a modified slope-intercept method for the slow component of the serum concentration-versus-time curve. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations were measured in samples obtained immediately prior to inulin administration, and serum SDMA concentration was measured in stored samples. RESULTS: Mean ± SD measured GFR was 1.58 ± 0.39 mL/min/kg, and the calculated reference interval was 0.84 to 2.37 mL/min/kg. There were significant negative correlations between GFR and serum creatinine concentration (r = -0.499), BUN concentration (r = -0.592), and age (r = -0.463). Serum SDMA concentration was not significantly correlated with GFR (r = 0.385), BUN concentration (r = -0.281), or serum creatinine concentration (r = 0.165). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A reference interval for GFR in clinically normal cheetahs was obtained. Further evaluation of animals with renal disease is needed to determine whether measuring serum clearance of a single IV dose of inulin is a reliable diagnostic test for early detection of renal disease in cheetahs.

REVIEW OF ANESTHETIC PROTOCOLS IN ANDEAN BEARS (TREMARCTOS ORNATUS), SLOTH BEARS (MELURSUS URSINUS), AND GIANT PANDAS (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA) AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION'S NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK, 1995-2016.

A review of anesthetic procedures used in Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), and giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) housed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park (NZP) from 1995 to 2016 was performed. A total of 146 anesthetic procedures (55 procedures on 12 Andean bears, 38 procedures on nine sloth bears, and 53 procedures on five giant pandas) occurred at NZP during this time frame. Induction protocols involved some combination of ketamine (K; n = 121), tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ; n = 91), medetomidine (M; n = 67), xylazine (X; n = 42), midazolam (Mid; n = 9), and butorphanol (B; n = 1). The most commonly used protocols were TZKM for both Andean bears (n = 29) and sloth bears (n = 12), and KX in giant pandas (n = 17). Supplemental injections of K, TZ, Mid, or M were required to complete inductions in 66 cases (45%). Anesthetic maintenance was most often completed with isoflurane, ketamine, or propofol. The most commonly reported complications included perianesthetic emesis (n = 47), ptyalism (n = 16), and seizure-like activity (n = 11). The most frequent physiologic findings included low pulse oximetry values (n = 95), bradycardia (n = 95), hypothermia (n = 74), and hypertension (n = 55). Dose ranges, induction, and recovery times, supplementation and complication rates, and physiologic values are reported for each protocol by species.

Site-Specific Fluorogenic Protein Labelling Agent for Bioconjugation.

Many clinically relevant therapeutic agents are formed from the conjugation of small molecules to biomolecules through conjugating linkers. In this study, two novel conjugating linkers were prepared, comprising a central coumarin core, functionalized with a dimaleimide moiety at one end and a terminal alkyne at the other. In our first design, we developed a protein labelling method that site-specifically introduces an alkyne functional group to a dicysteine target peptide tag that was genetically fused to a protein of interest. This method allows for the subsequent attachment of azide-functionalized cargo in the facile synthesis of novel protein-cargo conjugates. However, the fluorogenic aspect of the reaction between the linker and the target peptide was less than we desired. To address this shortcoming, a second linker reagent was prepared. This new design also allowed for the site-specific introduction of an alkyne functional group onto the target peptide, but in a highly fluorogenic and rapid manner. The site-specific addition of an alkyne group to a protein of interest was thus monitored in situ by fluorescence increase, prior to the attachment of azide-functionalized cargo. Finally, we also demonstrated that the cargo can also be attached first, in an azide/alkyne cycloaddition reaction, prior to fluorogenic conjugation with the target peptide-fused protein.

Challenges to HIV treatment adherence amongst adolescents in a low socio-economic setting in Cape Town.

BACKGROUND: Despite the successful rollout of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and steep declines in HIV incidence in South Africa, this has not been the case for adolescents (10-19 years). Adolescents on HIV treatment have lower rates of viral load suppression and adherence compared to adults and children. OBJECTIVES: This article reports on the adherence challenges faced by adolescents receiving ART in a primary health care clinic in a low socio-economic urban setting in Cape Town. METHOD: An exploratory qualitative design was employed where data were collected through four focus group discussions with adolescents (n = 15) who received ART at a primary health care clinic in a low socio-economic urban setting in Cape Town and followed up with eight individual, semi-structured interviews with two adolescents from each focus group. Two key informant interviews were conducted with health workers at the clinic. Audio data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: School commitments, strained teacher-learner relationships, negative household dynamics and ill treatment by non-biological caregivers were reported as major barriers to adherence. In addition, poor service delivery, missing or misplaced files and long waiting times came under major criticism. Fear of unintended disclosure of HIV status, stigma and discrimination, treatment fatigue and having unstructured lives negatively influenced adherence. Having a strong social support system and having life goals and ambitions were motivators to remain adherent. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the complexity of ART adherence in the midst of juggling school, home life and personal life goals and aspirations. Interventions to improve adherence should address psychosocial factors such as treatment fatigue, disclosure and family and household dynamics, in addition to streamlining service delivery between the school and clinic.

Diagnosing cardiovascular disease in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) with brain natriuretic peptide.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in zoo-housed great apes, accounting for 41% of adult gorilla death in North American zoological institutions. Obtaining a timely and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in gorillas is challenging, relying on echocardiography which generally requires anesthetic medications that may confound findings and can cause severe side effects in cardiovascularly compromised animals. The measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has emerged as a modality of interest in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human patients with heart failure. This study evaluated records for 116 zoo-housed gorillas to determine relationships of BNP with cardiovascular disease. Elevations of BNP levels correlated with the presence of visible echocardiographic abnormalities, as well as reported clinical signs in affected gorillas. Levels of BNP greater 150 pb/mL should alert the clinician to the presence of myocardial strain and volume overload, warranting medical evaluation and intervention.

COMPARISON OF ISOFLURANE GAS VERSUS A GUAIFENESIN, KETAMINE, AND MEDETOMIDINE CONSTANT-RATE INFUSION FOR MAINTENANCE ANESTHESIA IN AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS).

Published anesthetic protocols for captive and free-ranging bears are limited to injectable inductions with maintenance via inhalants or additional injectable boluses. Though common in other species, intravenous (IV) continuous-rate infusions (CRI) using guaifenesin combinations have not been evaluated in ursids. This study evaluated the use of a CRI compared to an inhalant for maintenance anesthesia. Seven healthy American black bears (Ursus americanus) were anesthetized in a crossover design with two different anesthetic maintenance protocols. Bears were immobilized with ketamine (2.02 ± 0.14 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.04 ± 0.003 mg/kg) for both protocols. The anesthetic maintenance control protocol consisted of isoflurane gas (ISO) started at 2% delivered by endotracheal tube; the experimental protocol consisted of guaifenesin, medetomidine, ketamine (GMK) IV CRI started at 50 mg/kg/hr guaifenesin, 0.01 mg/kg/hr medetomidine, and 1 mg/kg/hr ketamine. Induction and recovery parameters including time to first effect, recumbency, and hands on; duration of maintenance protocol; and time from reversals administered to head up, standing on all four feet, no ataxia, and to fully recovered were recorded and compared between protocols. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, blood pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation were recorded at 5-min intervals and compared between protocols. Venous blood gases were obtained at the start, middle, and end of the maintenance anesthesia and compared between protocols. All bears exhibited hypertension with mild respiratory acidosis throughout procedures. Measured physiologic parameters did not differ significantly between the isoflurane and the GMK CRI maintenance protocols, with the exception of higher endpoint (ISO) pCO2 measurements. No adverse events were recorded with either protocol, and adequate depth of anesthesia was maintained with both protocols. GMK CRI provides a safe, effective, and more portable alternative to inhalant anesthetics for maintenance anesthesia in bears in captivity or in the field.

CARDIORESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE-BUTORPHANOL-MIDAZOLAM (DBM): A FULLY REVERSIBLE ANESTHETIC PROTOCOL IN CAPTIVE AND SEMI-FREE-RANGING CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS).

Multiple anesthesia protocols have been used in the cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ). Twenty healthy, captive cheetahs were immobilized with dexmedetomidine (15.8 ± 1.9 µg/kg), butorphanol (0.22 ± 0.03 mg/kg), and midazolam (0.18 ± 0.03 mg/kg) by intramuscular injection. Induction, recumbency, and recovery times were recorded, and physiologic parameters were monitored. Anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (0.125 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.1 ± 0.014 mg/kg) intramuscularly. All cheetahs were safely anesthetized with this protocol. Cheetahs were laterally recumbent by 8 ± 3.5 min. Cardiorespiratory values were stable throughout the length of anesthesia. Moderate hypertension, with systolic blood pressure ranging from 178 ± 19.8 mm Hg, was initially observed but decreased over time. There was a statistical decreasing trend in temperature; SpO2; and systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressure, but not in heart rate and end-tidal CO2. Recoveries were rapid, with cheetahs standing by 11.3 ± 5.7 min postreversal administration. This is the first report of a dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam anesthetic combination in cheetahs. Overall, this anesthetic protocol proved to be safe and effective.

COMPARISON OF TWO α2-ADRENERGIC AGONISTS ON URINE CONTAMINATION OF SEMEN COLLECTED BY ELECTROEJACULATION IN CAPTIVE AND SEMI-FREE-RANGING CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS).

Alpha2-adrenergic agonists are used to immobilize many veterinary species, but use has been infrequently linked to urine contamination of semen collected via electroejaculation. The objective of the study was to compare the α2-agonists medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on urine contamination of semen in anesthetized cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) during electroejaculation procedures. From 2009-2012, a retrospective medical record review revealed 21 anesthesia events in 12 adult male cheetahs. Animals were immobilized with combinations of Telazol® (2.33±0.43 mg/kg) and ketamine (2.38±1 mg/kg); Telazol (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), ketamine (1.17±0.14 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.012±0.0017 mg/kg); or Telazol (1.59±0.1 mg/kg), ketamine (1.59±0.1 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.01±0.001 mg/kg). Semen was successfully collected in all animals; four animals anesthetized with medetomidine had urine contamination (P=0.037). Medetomidine may contribute to urine contamination; however, further investigation is needed to determine significance in cheetahs.

Comparison of antibody response to a non-adjuvanted, live canarypox-vectored recombinant rabies vaccine and a killed, adjuvanted rabies vaccine in Eld's deer (Rucervus eldi thamin).

Captive Eld's deer (Rucervus eldi thamin) were evaluated for the presence of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies using a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition after vaccination with either a live canarypox-vectored recombinant rabies vaccine or a killed monovalent rabies vaccine. Twelve deer were vaccinated with 1.0 ml of killed, adjuvanted, monovalent rabies vaccine at 5-33 mo of age then annually thereafter, and 14 deer were vaccinated with 1.0 ml nonadjuvanted, live canarypox-vectored rabies vaccine at 3-15 mo of age then annually thereafter. Banked serum was available or collected prospectively from deer at 6 mo and 1 yr after initial vaccination, then collected annually. Rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies considered adequate (>0.5 IU/ml) were present in 20/34 samples vaccinated with canarypox-vectored rabies vaccine and in 12/14 samples vaccinated with killed adjuvanted rabies vaccine. Poor seroconversion was noted in deer less than 6 mo of age vaccinated with the canarypox-vectored rabies vaccine.

Quantifying assemblage turnover and species contributions at ecologic boundaries.

Not all boundaries, whether stratigraphical or geographical, are marked by species-level changes in community composition. For example, paleodata for some sites do not show readily discernible glacial-interglacial contrasts. Rather, the proportional abundances of species can vary subtly between glacials and interglacials. This paper presents a simple quantitative measure of assemblage turnover (assemblage turnover index, ATI) that uses changes in species' proportional abundances to identify intervals of community change. A second, functionally-related index (conditioned-on-boundary index, CoBI) identifies species contributions to the total assemblage turnover. With these measures we examine benthonic foraminiferal assemblages to assess glacial/interglacial contrasts at abyssal depths. Our results indicate that these measures, ATI and CoBI, have potential as sequence stratigraphic tools in abyssal depth deposits. Many peaks in the set of values of ATI coincide with terminations at the end of glaciations and delineate peak-bounded ATI intervals (PATIs) separated by boundaries that approximate to glacial terminations and to transgressions at neritic depths. These measures, however, can be used to evaluate the assemblage turnover and composition at any defined ecological or paleoecological boundary. The section used is from Ocean Drilling Program (OPD) Hole 994C, drilled on the Blake Ridge, offshore SE USA.

Blood mineral concentrations in manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris and Trichechus manatus manatus).

Limited information is available regarding the role of minerals and heavy metals in the morbidity and mortality of manatees. Whole-blood and serum mineral concentrations were evaluated in apparently healthy, free-ranging Florida (Trichechus manatus latirostris, n = 31) and Belize (Trichechus manatus manatus, n = 14) manatees. Toxicologic statuses of the animals and of their environment had not been previously determined. Mean mineral whole-blood (WB) and serum values in Florida (FL) and Belize (BZ) manatees were determined, and evaluated for differences with respect to geographic location, relative age, and sex. Mean WB and serum silver, boron, cobalt, magnesium, molybdenum, and WB cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in BZ versus FL manatees (P < 0.05). Mean WB aluminum, calcium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, vanadium, and serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower in BZ versus FL manatees. Adult manatees had significant and higher mean WB aluminum, manganese, sodium, antimony, vanadium, and serum manganese and zinc concentrations compared to juvenile animals. Significant and lower mean WB and serum silver, boron, cobalt, and serum copper and strontium concentrations were present in adults compared to juveniles (P < or = 0.05). Females had significant and higher mean WB nickel and serum barium compared to males (P < or = 0.05). Mean WB arsenic and zinc, and mean serum iron, magnesium, and zinc concentrations fell within toxic ranges reported for domestic species. Results reveal manatee blood mineral concentrations differ with location, age, and sex. Influence from diet, sediment, water, and anthropogenic sources on manatee mineral concentration warrant further investigation.

Algal turf scrubber (ATS) floways on the Great Wicomico River, Chesapeake Bay: productivity, algal community structure, substrate and chemistry(1).

Two Algal Turf Scrubber (ATS) units were deployed on the Great Wicomico River (GWR) for 22 months to examine the role of substrate in increasing algal productivity and nutrient removal. The yearly mean productivity of flat ATS screens was 15.4 g · m(-2)  · d(-1) . This was elevated to 39.6 g · m(-2)  · d(-1) with a three-dimensional (3-D) screen, and to 47.7 g · m(-2)  · d(-1) by avoiding high summer harvest temperatures. These methods enhanced nutrient removal (N, P) in algal biomass by 3.5 times. Eighty-six algal taxa (Ochrophyta [diatoms], Chlorophyta [green algae], and Cyan-obacteria [blue-green algae]) self-seeded from the GWR and demonstrated yearly cycling. Silica (SiO2 ) content of the algal biomass ranged from 30% to 50% of total biomass; phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon content of the total algal biomass ranged from 0.15% to 0.21%, 2.13% to 2.89%, and 20.0% to 25.7%, respectively. Carbohydrate content (at 10%-25% of AFDM) was dominated by glucose. Lipids (fatty acid methyl ester; FAMEs) ranged widely from 0.5% to 9% AFDM, with Omega-3 fatty acids a consistent component. Mathematical modeling of algal produ-ctivity as a function of temperature, light, and substrate showed a proportionality of 4:3:3, resp-ectively. Under landscape ATS operation, substrate manipulation provides a considerable opportunity to increase ATS productivity, water quality amelioration, and biomass coproduction for fertilizers, fermentation energy, and omega-3 products. Based on the 3-D prod-uctivity and algal chemical composition demonstrated, ATS systems used for nonpoint source water treat-ment can produce ethanol (butanol) at 5.8× per unit area of corn, and biodiesel at 12.0× per unit area of soy beans (agricultural production US).

Effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine on ovarian cyclicity and uterine morphology of an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

This report describes the successful use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine to suppress ovarian steroidogenic activity and to treat hemorrhage and anemia associated with reproductive tract pathology in a 59-year-old Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). The Repro-BLOC GnRH vaccine was administered subcutaneously as a series of 4 boosters of increasing dose from 3 to 30 mg of recombinant ovalbumin-GnRH fusion protein given at variable intervals after initial vaccination with 3 mg protein. Efficacy was confirmed over a year after initial vaccination based on complete ovarian cycle suppression determined by serum progestagen analyses. Estrous cycle suppression was associated with a significant increase in GnRH antibody binding and subsequent decrease in serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. Ultrasonographic examinations of the reproductive tract documented a reduction in uterine size and vascularity after immunization. The hematocrit level normalized soon after the initial intrauterine hemorrhage, and no recurrence of anemia has been detected. No substantive adverse effects were associated with GnRH vaccination. The results indicate that GnRH vaccination in elephants shows potential for contraception and management of uterine pathology in older elephants.