Understanding fatality patterns and sex ratios of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) at wind energy facilities in western California and Texas.

Background: Operation of wind turbines has resulted in collision fatalities for several bat species, and one proven method to reduce these fatalities is to limit wind turbine blade rotation (i.e., curtail turbines) when fatalities are expected to be highest. Implementation of curtailment can potentially be optimized by targeting times when females are most at risk, as the proportion of females limits the growth and stability of many bat populations. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is the most common bat fatality at wind energy facilities in California and Texas, and yet there are few available data on the sex ratios of the carcasses that are found. Understanding the sex ratios of fatalities in California and Texas could aid in planning population conservation strategies such as informed curtailment. Methods: We used PCR to determine the sex of bat carcasses collected from wind energy facilities during post-construction monitoring (PCM) studies in California and Texas. In California, we received samples from two locations within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in Alameda County: Golden Hills (GH) (n = 212) and Golden Hills North (GHN) (n = 312). In Texas, we received samples from three wind energy facilities: Los Mirasoles (LM) (Hidalgo County and Starr County) (n = 252), Los Vientos (LV) (Starr County) (n = 568), and Wind Farm A (WFA) (San Patricio County and Bee County) (n = 393). Results: In California, the sex ratios of fatalities did not differ from 50:50, and the sex ratio remained stable over the survey years, but the seasonal timing of peak fatalities was inconsistent. In 2017 and 2018, fatalities peaked between September and October, whereas in 2019 and 2020 fatalities peaked between May and June. In Texas, sex ratios of fatalities varied between locations, with Los Vientos being female-skewed and Wind Farm A being male-skewed. The sex ratio of fatalities was also inconsistent over time. Lastly, for each location in Texas with multiple years studied, we observed a decrease in the proportion of female fatalities over time. Discussion: We observed unexpected variation in the seasonal timing of peak fatalities in California and differences in the sex ratio of fatalities across time and facility location in Texas. In Texas, proximity to different roost types (bridge or cave) likely influenced the sex ratio of fatalities at wind energy facilities. Due to the inconsistencies in the timing of peak female fatalities, we were unable to determine an optimum curtailment period; however, there may be location-specific trends that warrant future investigation. More research should be done over the entirety of the bat active season to better understand these trends in Texas. In addition, standardization of PCM studies could assist future research efforts, enhance current monitoring efforts, and facilitate research on post-construction monitoring studies.

Thermal refugia and persistence of Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) in small towns.

Vegetation loss is a primary cause of habitat degradation and results in a decline in reptile species abundance due to loss of refuge from predators and hot temperatures, and foraging opportunities. Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) have disappeared from many areas in Texas, especially from urbanized areas, probably in large part due to loss of suitable habitat. This species still occurs in some small towns in Texas that still contain suitable habitat. Long-term data from Kenedy and Karnes City, Texas indicate that when study sites experienced significant shrub and vegetation removal horned lizards declined by 79%. We hypothesize the decline was due to the degradation of the thermal landscape for these lizards. We determined the preferred temperature range (T set25 - T set75) of lizards at our study sites and took field measurements of body temperature (T b). Temperature loggers were also placed in three microhabitats across our study sites. Shrubs and vegetation provided the highest quality thermal environment, especially for about 5 h midday when temperatures in the open and buried under the surface in the open exceeded the lizards' critical maximum temperature (CTmax) or were above their preferred temperature range. Horned lizard density was positively related to the thermal quality of the habitat across our sites. Texas horned lizards in these towns require a heterogeneous mix of closely spaced microhabitats and especially thermal refugia, such as shrubs and vegetation along fence lines and in open fields. Maintaining thermal refugia is one of the most important and practical conservation actions that can be taken to help small ectotherms persist in modified human landscapes and cope with increasing temperatures due to climate change.

Report of the ABAI Task Force on Contingent Electric Skin Shock.

As a task force appointed by the Executive Council of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), we investigated the clinical use of contingent electric skin shock (CESS) in behavior analytic treatments for severe problem behavior. We studied how CESS is used in contemporary behavior analysis, reinforcement-based alternatives to CESS, and current ethical and professional guidelines for applied behavior analysts. We recommended that ABAI uphold clients' right to receive CESS when it is restricted to extreme cases and used under rigorous professional and legal oversight. Our recommendation was rejected by a vote of the full members of ABAI, who instead endorsed an alternative recommendation, developed by members of the Executive Council, that opposed the use of CESS under any condition. Here we present for the record our report and initial recommendations, the formal statement that was rejected by the members of ABAI, and the statement that was endorsed.

Sulfated Lactosyl Archaeol Archaeosome-Adjuvanted Vaccine Formulations Targeting Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Are Immunogenic and Efficacious.

Vaccines play an important role in maintaining human and animal health worldwide. There is continued demand for effective and safe adjuvants capable of enhancing antigen-specific responses to a target pathogen. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious calicivirus that often induces high mortality rates in rabbits. Herein, we evaluated the activity of an experimental sulfated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) archaeosome adjuvant when incorporated in subunit vaccine formulations targeting RHDV. The subunit antigens consisted of RHDV-CRM197 peptide conjugates or recombinant RHDV2 VP60. SLA was able to enhance antigen-specific antibody titers and cellular responses in mice and rabbits. Three weeks following immunization, antigen-specific antibody levels in rabbits vaccinated with RHDV2 VP60 + SLA were significantly higher than those immunized with antigen alone, with geomean titers of 7393 vs. 117. In addition, the SLA-adjuvanted VP60-based formulations were highly efficacious in a rabbit RHDV2 challenge model with up to 87.5% animals surviving the viral challenge. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of SLA adjuvants in veterinary applications and highlight its activity in different types of mammalian species.

Intraspecific trait plasticity to N and P of the wetland invader, Alternanthera philoxeroides under flooded conditions.

Interactions between invaders and resource availability may explain variation in their success or management efficacy. For widespread invaders, regional variation in plant response to nutrients can reflect phenotypic plasticity of the invader, genetic structure of invading populations, or a combination of the two. The wetland weed Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligatorweed) is established throughout the southeastern United States and California and has high genetic diversity despite primarily spreading clonally. Despite its history in the United States, the role of genetic variation for invasion and management success is only now being uncovered. To better understand how nutrients and genotype may influence A. philoxeroides invasion, we measured the response of plants from 26 A. philoxeroides populations (three cp haplotypes) to combinations of nitrogen (4 or 200 mg/L N) and phosphorus (0.4 or 40 mg/L P). We measured productivity (biomass accumulation and allocation), plant architecture (stem diameter and thickness, branching intensity), and foliar traits (toughness, dry matter content, percent N, and percent P). A short-term developmental assay was also conducted by feeding a subset of plants from the nutrient experiment to the biological control agent Agasicles hygrophila, to determine whether increased availability of N or P to its host influenced agent performance, as has been previously suggested. Alternanthera philoxeroides haplotype Ap1 was more plastic than other haplotypes in response to nutrient amendments, producing more than double the biomass from low to high N and 50%-68% higher shoot: root ratio than other haplotypes in the high N treatment. Alternanthera philoxeroides haplotypes differed in seven of 10 variables in response to increased N. We found no differences in short-term A. hygrophila development between haplotypes but mass was 23% greater in high than low N treatments. This study is the first to explore the interplay between nutrient availability, genetic variation, and phenotypic plasticity in invasive characteristics of the global invader, A. philoxeroides.

Uncovering the phylogeography of Schinus terebinthifolia in South Africa to guide biological control.

Schinus terebinthifolia is a problematic invasive alien plant (IAP) in South Africa that is a high priority target for biological control. Biological control has been implemented in the states of Florida and Hawaii (USA), where S. terebinthifolia is also an IAP. Phylogeographic work determined that there have been multiple introductions of two lineages (haplotype A and B) into the USA. Haplotype A was introduced to western Florida and Hawaii, while haplotype B was introduced to eastern Florida. Haplotypes A and B have subsequently hybridized in Florida, resulting in novel plant genotypes. Biological control agents in the USA are known to vary in efficacies on the two different haplotypes and hybrids. This study used molecular techniques to uncover the source populations of S. terebinthifolia in South Africa using chloroplast DNA and microsatellites. Populations from the introduced ranges in Florida (east, west and hybrids) and Hawaii were included (n = 95). All South Africa populations (n = 51) were found to be haplotype A. Microsatellite analysis determined shared alleles with western Florida and Hawaiian populations. The likely source of South African S. terebinthifolia was determined to be western Florida through the horticultural trade. These results will help guide a biological control programme to source agents that perform well on these populations in the USA. Furthermore, the presence of only one haplotype in South Africa highlights the need to ensure no further introductions of other haplotypes of the plant are made, in order to avoid similar hybridization events like those recorded in Florida.

Genome-Scale Data Reveal Deep Lineage Divergence and a Complex Demographic History in the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) throughout the Southwestern and Central United States.

The southwestern and central United States serve as an ideal region to test alternative hypotheses regarding biotic diversification. Genomic data can now be combined with sophisticated computational models to quantify the impacts of paleoclimate change, geographic features, and habitat heterogeneity on spatial patterns of genetic diversity. In this study, we combine thousands of genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) loci with mtDNA sequences (ND1) from the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) to quantify relative support for different catalysts of diversification. Phylogenetic and clustering analyses of the GBS data indicate support for at least three primary populations. The spatial distribution of populations appears concordant with habitat type, with desert populations in AZ and NM showing the largest genetic divergence from the remaining populations. The mtDNA data also support a divergent desert population, but other relationships differ and suggest mtDNA introgression. Genotype-environment association with bioclimatic variables supports divergence along precipitation gradients more than along temperature gradients. Demographic analyses support a complex history, with introgression and gene flow playing an important role during diversification. Bayesian multispecies coalescent analyses with introgression (MSci) analyses also suggest that gene flow occurred between populations. Paleo-species distribution models support two southern refugia that geographically correspond to contemporary lineages. We find that divergence times are underestimated and population sizes are overestimated when introgression occurred and is ignored in coalescent analyses, and furthermore, inference of ancient introgression events and demographic history is sensitive to inclusion of a single recently admixed sample. Our analyses cannot refute the riverine barrier or glacial refugia hypotheses. Results also suggest that populations are continuing to diverge along habitat gradients. Finally, the strong evidence of admixture, gene flow, and mtDNA introgression among populations suggests that P. cornutum should be considered a single widespread species under the General Lineage Species Concept.

Predation release of Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) living in small towns.

Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) have a number of ways to avoid predation, including camouflage, sharp cranial horns, flattening of the body, and the ability to squirt blood from the eyes. These characteristics and their relatively low survival rates in the wild suggest these lizards are under high predation pressure. These lizards have been declining in much of their eastern range due to increased urbanization, agriculture, and loss of prey species. However, they can be still be found in some small south Texas towns where they can reach densities that are much higher (~50 lizards/ha) than in natural areas (~4-10 lizards/ha). We hypothesized that one reason for the high densities observed in these towns may be due to reduced predation pressure. We used model Texas horned lizards to test whether predation levels were lower in two south Texas towns than on a nearby ranch. We constructed models from urethane foam, a material that is ideal for preserving marks left behind by predators. Models (n = 126) and control pieces of foam (n = 21) were left in the field for 9 days in each location in early and late summer and subsequent predation marks were categorized by predator taxa. We observed significantly more predation attempts on the models than on controls and significantly fewer attempts in town (n = 1) compared with the ranch (n = 60). On the ranch, avian predation attempts appear to be common especially when the models did not match the color of the soil. Our results suggest that human-modified environments that have suitable habitat and food resources may provide a refuge for some prey species like horned lizards from predators.

d-Glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose Phosphate 7-O-Modifications.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns activate the immune system via pattern recognition receptors. Recently, newly discovered pathogen-associated molecular patterns, d-glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose phosphate and d-glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose 1,7-biphosphate, were shown to induce a TRAF-interacting protein with a forkhead-associated domain-dependent immune response in human embryonic kidney cells and colonic epithelial cells. Concurrently, ADP-heptose was shown to bind α-kinase 1 and activate TIFA via phosphorylation leading to an immune cascade to ultimately activate NF-κB. These pathogen-associated molecular patterns have raised interest in the pharmaceutical industry for their potential use as immunomodulators. However, little is understood about the host cell uptake of d-glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose phosphate, d-glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose 1,7-biphosphate, and ADP-heptose in vivo and derivatives of these molecules are needed to interrogate this. In this regard, herein we describe 7-O-modifications of d-glycero-ß-d-mannoheptose phosphate to produce molecular probes toward the development of a useful toolbox for biologists. A convergent strategy that involves introduction of a substituent at O-7 before alkene oxidation was investigated and proved successful in the generation of a range of molecular probes.

Assessment of stability of sulphated lactosyl archaeol archaeosomes for use as a vaccine adjuvant.

Archaeosomes, composed of sulphated lactosyl archaeol (SLA) glycolipids, have been proven to be an effective vaccine adjuvant in multiple preclinical models of infectious disease or cancer. In addition to efficacy, the stability of vaccine components including the adjuvant is an important parameter to consider when developing novel vaccine formulations. To properly evaluate the potential of SLA glycolipids to be used as vaccine adjuvants in a clinical setting, a comprehensive evaluation of their stability is required. Herein, we evaluated the long term stability of preformed empty SLA archaeosomes prior to admixing with antigen at 4 °C or 37 °C for up to 6 months. In addition, the stability of adjuvant and antigen was evaluated for up to 1 month following admixing. Multiple analytical parameters evaluating the molecular integrity of SLA and the liposomal profile were assessed. Following incubation at 4 °C or 37 °C, the SLA glycolipid did not show any pattern of degradation as determined by mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). In addition, SLA archaeosome vesicle characteristics, such as size, zeta potential, membrane fluidity and vesicular morphology, were largely consistent throughout the course of the study. Importantly, following storage for 6 months at both 4 °C and 37 °C, the adjuvant properties of empty SLA archaeosomes were unchanged, and following admixing with antigen, the immunogenicity of the vaccine formulations was also unchanged when stored at both 4 °C and 37 °C for up to 1 month. Overall this indicates that SLA archaeosomes are highly stable adjuvants that retain their activity over an extended period of time even when stored at high temperatures.

Genetic diversity, population structure, and effective population size in two yellow bat species in south Texas.

There are increasing concerns regarding bat mortality at wind energy facilities, especially as installed capacity continues to grow. In North America, wind energy development has recently expanded into the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas where bat species had not previously been exposed to wind turbines. Our study sought to characterize genetic diversity, population structure, and effective population size in Dasypterus ega and D. intermedius, two tree-roosting yellow bats native to this region and for which little is known about their population biology and seasonal movements. There was no evidence of population substructure in either species. Genetic diversity at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci was lower in these yellow bat taxa than in previously studied migratory tree bat species in North America, which may be due to the non-migratory nature of these species at our study site, the fact that our study site is located at a geographic range end for both taxa, and possibly weak ascertainment bias at microsatellite loci. Historical effective population size (NEF) was large for both species, while current estimates of Ne had upper 95% confidence limits that encompassed infinity. We found evidence of strong mitochondrial differentiation between the two putative subspecies of D. intermedius (D. i. floridanus and D. i. intermedius) which are sympatric in this region of Texas, yet little differentiation using microsatellite loci. We suggest this pattern is due to secondary contact and hybridization and possibly incomplete lineage sorting at microsatellite loci. We also found evidence of some hybridization between D. ega and D. intermedius in this region of Texas. We recommend that our data serve as a starting point for the long-term genetic monitoring of these species in order to better understand the impacts of wind-related mortality on these populations over time.

Mislabelling and high mercury content hampers the efforts of market-based seafood initiatives in Peru.

Peru is experiencing a "gastronomic boom" that is increasing the demand for seafood. We investigated two implicit assumptions of two popular sustainable seafood consumer-based initiatives: (1) seafood is labelled correctly, and (2) the recommended species are healthy for consumers. We used DNA barcoding to determine the taxonomic identity of 449 seafood samples from markets and restaurants and analysed the concentration of total mercury (THg) in a sub-sample (271 samples) of these. We found that a third of seafood is mislabelled and that over a quarter of all samples had mercury levels above the upper limit recommended by the US EPA (300 ng/g ww). Additionally, 30% of samples were threatened and protected species. Mislabelling often occurred for economic reasons and the lack of unique common names. Mislabelled samples also had significantly higher mercury concentrations than correctly labelled samples. The "best choice" species compiled from two sustainable seafood guides had less mislabelling, and when identified correctly through DNA barcoding, had on average lower mercury than the other species. Nevertheless, some high mercury species are included in these lists. Mislabelling makes the efforts of seafood campaigns less effective as does the inclusion of threatened species and species high in mercury.

Masking terminal neo-epitopes of linear peptides through glycosylation favours immune responses towards core epitopes producing parental protein bound antibodies.

Glycosylation of hydrophobic peptides at one terminus effectively increases their water-solubility, and conjugation through the opposing end to a carrier protein, renders them more immunogenic. Moreover, the glycosylation minimizes antibody responses to potentially deleterious, non-productive terminal neo-epitope regions of the peptides, and consequently shifts peptide immunogenicity towards the core amino acid residues. As proof of concept, glycopeptide-protein conjugates related to influenza hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and the dimerization loop region of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), demonstrated a favorable production of core peptide specific antibodies as determined by ELISA studies. Furthermore, glycosylated Her2 peptide conjugate antisera were also shown to recognize full length Her2 protein by ELISA and at the cell surface through flow cytometry analysis. In contrast, unmasked peptide conjugates generated significant antibody populations that were specific to the terminal neo-epitope of the peptide immunogen that are notably absent in parental proteins. Antibodies generated in this manner to peptides in the dimerization loop of Her2 are also functional as demonstrated by the growth inhibition of Her2 expressing SKBR3 carcinoma cells. This method provides a technique to tailor-make epitope-specific antibodies that may facilitate vaccine, therapeutic and diagnostic antibody development.

In vitro Production and Immunogenicity of a Clostridium Difficile Spore-Specific BclA3 Glycopeptide Conjugate Vaccine.

Abstract: The BclA3 glycoprotein is a major component of the exosporangial layer of Clostridium difficile spores and in this study we demonstrate that this glycoprotein is a major spore surface associated antigen. Here, we confirm the role of SgtA glycosyltransferase (SgtA GT) in BclA3 glycosylation and recapitulate this process by expressing and purifying SgtA GT fused to MalE, the maltose binding protein from Escherichia coli. In vitro assays using the recombinant enzyme and BclA3 synthetic peptides demonstrated that SgtA GT was responsible for the addition of ß-O-linked GlcNAc to threonine residues of each synthetic peptide. These peptide sequences were selected from the central, collagen repeat region of the BclA3 protein. Following optimization of SgtA GT activity, we generated sufficient glycopeptide (10 mg) to allow conjugation to KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) protein. Glycosylated and unglycosylated versions of these conjugates were then used as antigens to immunize rabbits and mice. Immune responses to each of the conjugates were examined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ELISA. Additionally, the BclA3 conjugated peptide and glycopeptide were used as antigens in an ELISA assay with serum raised against formalin-killed spores. Only the glycopeptide was recognized by anti-spore polyclonal immune serum demonstrating that the glycan moiety is a predominant spore-associated surface antigen. To determine whether antibodies to these peptides could modify persistence of spores within the gut, animals immunized intranasally with either the KLH-glycopeptide or KLH-peptide conjugate in the presence of cholera toxin, were challenged with R20291 spores. Although specific antibodies were raised to both antigens, immunization did not provide any protection against acute or recurrent disease.

A new species of gecko of the genus Lygodactylus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from southeastern Kenya.

A new species of gecko, Lygodactylus tsavoensis sp. nov., is described from Tsavo Conservation Area in southeastern Kenya. It is a member of the Lygodactylus picturatus group and is distinguished from other closely related species by its small size (maximum 35 mm SVL), five postpostmental scales, seven precloacal pores, and a distinctive color pattern. A pale Y-shaped mark on the crown continues along the vertebral midline to the tail base and is flanked by a pair of dark stripes. In addition to its morphological differences, the new species is genetically divergent from its most closely related congeners, L. keniensis and L. wojnowskii. The new species is widespread in the southern and southeastern arid lands within the Tsavo Conservation Area, mainly in Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale and Tana River Counties. It is chiefly associated with bushland with short trees, including areas of anthropogenic influence.

Population genetic structure of Texas horned lizards: implications for reintroduction and captive breeding.

The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) inhabits much of the southern Great Plains of North America. Since the 1950s, this species has been extirpated from much of its eastern range and has suffered declines and local extinctions elsewhere, primarily due to habitat loss. Plans are underway to use captive breeding to produce large numbers of Texas horned lizards for reintroduction into areas that were historically occupied by this species and that currently have suitable habitat. We used mitochondrial markers and nuclear microsatellite markers to determine levels of genetic diversity and population structure in 542 Texas horned lizards sampled from across Texas and some neighboring states to help inform these efforts. Texas horned lizards still retain high genetic diversity in many parts of their current range. We found two highly divergent mitochondrial clades (eastern and western) and three major genetic groupings at nuclear microsatellite loci: a west group corresponding to the western mitochondrial clade and north and south groups within the eastern mitochondrial clade. We also found some evidence for human-mediated movement between these genetic clusters that is probably related to the historical importance of this species in the pet trade and as an iconic symbol of the southwestern United States. We do not know, however, if there are fitness costs associated with admixture (especially for the western and eastern clades) or if there are fitness costs to moving these lizards into habitats that are distinctly different from their ancestral areas. If present, either one or both of these fitness costs would decrease the effectiveness of reintroduction efforts. We therefore recommend that reintroduction efforts should maintain current genetic structure by restricting breeding to be between individuals within their respective genetic clusters, and by reintroducing individuals only into those areas that encompass their respective genetic clusters. This cautionary approach is based on the strong divergence between genetic groupings and their correspondence to different ecoregions.

Genetics, morphology and diet of introduced populations of the ant-eating Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum).

Introduced species can diverge from their source population when they become established in a new ecosystem. The Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is native to the western United States (US) and was historically introduced to several locations in the southeastern US. We studied three introduced populations in South Carolina, US to determine if they exhibit dietary, morphological and genetic divergence from the native western US populations. We expected little divergence from western populations because P. cornutum is a specialist whose biology is largely shaped by its diet of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants. We show that the introduced populations have mixed ancestry between south Texas and more northern areas and experienced founder effects and genetic bottlenecks resulting in decreased genetic diversity. South Carolina lizards primarily consume ants (94%), but surprisingly, they did not eat harvester ants. Introduced lizards primarily eat Dorymyrmex ants, but each introduced population complements Dorymyrmex with significantly different amounts of other species of ants, insects and plant matter. Introduced populations have smaller body size and have different limb and head shapes compared to western populations. This study demonstrates successful persistence of an introduced vertebrate that may be attributed to phenotypic change, even in the face of reduced genetic diversity.

Archaeal glycolipid adjuvanted vaccines induce strong influenza-specific immune responses through direct immunization in young and aged mice or through passive maternal immunization.

Vaccine induced responses are often weaker in those individuals most susceptible to infection, namely the very young and the elderly, highlighting the need for safe and effective vaccine adjuvants. Herein we evaluated different archaeosome formulations as an adjuvant to the H1N1 influenza hemagglutinin protein and compared immune responses (anti-HA IgG and hemagglutination inhibition assay titers) as well as protection to an influenza A virus (strainA/PuertoRico/8/1934H1N1)homologous challenge to those generated using a squalene-based oil-in-water nano-emulsion, AddaVax™ in a murine model. The impact of age (young adult vs aged) on vaccine induced immune responses as well as the protection in pups due to the transfer of maternal antibodies was measured. Overall, we show that archaeal lipid based adjuvants can induce potent anti-HA responses in young and aged mice that can also be passed from vaccinated mothers to pups. Furthermore, young and aged mice immunized with archaeal lipid adjuvants as well as pups from immunized mothers were protected from challenge with influenza. In addition, we show that a simple admixed archaeosome formulation composed of a single sulfated glycolipid namely sulfated lactosylarchaeol (SLA; 6'-sulfate-ß-D-Galp-(1,4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1,1)-archaeol) can give equal or better protection compared to AddaVax™ or the traditional antigen-encapsulated archaeosome formulations.

Coil Embolization of Femoral Pseudoaneurysms in Intravenous Drug Users: An Additional Treatment Modality.

BACKGROUND: This report describes our centers' experience of a new approach using coil embolization for femoral pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) in intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Current treatment options for this challenging patient group include femoral/external iliac artery ligation and excision of the PSA, with or without revascularization. Radiological thrombin injection, endoluminal stent grafting, and coil embolization have not been widely studied in this patient group and are most commonly reserved for sterile PSAs. METHODS: A series of 6 patients who presented to the vascular surgical department with IVDU-related PSA were treated with coil embolization. We present here their clinical course and outcomes. Ethical approval was not required. RESULTS: Coil embolization alone did not result in a satisfactory outcome. Thirty-three percent of patients required vessel ligation following their initial treatment with coil embolization. However, all patients initially managed with coil embolization, whether as a definitive treatment or temporizing measure to surgery, were discharged home, mobilizing well, with Doppler signals at the ankle. Postoperative claudication was present in 17% of patients. There were no amputations as a direct result of coil embolization. The amputation in this series resulted from triple-vessel ligation without revascularization in a patient mistaken as having a groin abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization is a potential, less invasive treatment option in selected cases of IVDU PSA. It offers an alternative therapeutic intervention, adding to the armamentarium available to tackle these often challenging patients.