From Fairies to Giants: Untangling the Effect of Body Size, Phylogeny, and Ecology on Vertebral Bone Microstructure of Xenarthran Mammals.

Trabecular bone is a spongy bone tissue that serves as a scaffolding-like support inside many skeletal elements. Previous research found allometric variation in some aspects of trabecular bone architecture (TBA) and bone microstructure, whereas others scale isometrically. However, most of these studies examined very wide size and phylogenetic ranges or focused exclusively on primates or lab mice. We examined the impact of body size on TBA across a smaller size range in the mammalian clade Xenarthra (sloths, armadillos, and anteaters). We µCT-scanned the last six presacral vertebrae of 23 xenarthran specimens (body mass 120 g-35 kg). We collected ten gross-morphology measurements and seven TBA metrics and analyzed them using phylogenetic and nonphylogenetic methods. Most metrics had similar allometries to previous work. However, because ecology and phylogeny align closely in Xenarthra, the phylogenetic methods likely removed some covariance due to ecology; clarifying the impact of ecology on TBA in xenarthrans requires further work. Regressions for Folivora had high P-values and low R-squared values, indicating that the extant sloth sample either is too limited to determine patterns or that the unique way sloths load their vertebral columns causes unusually high TBA variation. The southern three-banded armadillo sits far below the regression lines, which may be related to its ability to roll into a ball. Body size, phylogeny, and ecology impact xenarthran TBA, but parsing these effects is highly complex.

Authentic Research in the Classroom Increases Appreciation for Plants in Undergraduate Biology Students.

Engaging students in authentic research increases student knowledge, develops STEM skills, such as data analysis and scientific communication, and builds community. Creating authentic research opportunities in plant biology might be particularly crucial in addressing plant awareness disparity (PAD) (formerly known as plant blindness), producing graduates with botanical literacy, and preparing students for plant-focused careers. Our consortium created four CUREs (course-based undergraduate research experiences) focused on dual themes of plant biology and global change, designed to be utilized by early and late-career undergraduates across a variety of educational settings. We implemented these CURES for four semesters, in a total of 15 courses, at four institutions. Pre- and post-course assessments used the Affective Elements of Science Learning Questionnaire and parts of a "plant blindness" instrument to quantify changes in scientific self-efficacy, science values, scientific identity, and plant awareness or knowledge. The qualitative assessment also queried self-efficacy, science values, and scientific identity. Data revealed significant and positive shifts in awareness of and interest in plants across institutions. However, quantitative gains in self-efficacy and scientific identity were only found at two of four institutions tested. This project demonstrates that implementing plant CUREs can produce affective and cognitive gains across institutional types and course levels. Focusing on real-world research questions that capture students' imaginations and connect to their sense of place could create plant awareness while anchoring students in scientific identities. While simple interventions can alleviate PAD, implementing multiple CUREs per course, or focusing more on final CURE products, could promote larger and more consistent gains in student affect across institutions.

Novel microsatellite markers for evaluation of genetic diversity in the tetraploid flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum (Ericaceae).

Microsatellite markers have become a popular and useful tool for investigating evolutionary processes at shallow taxonomic scales such as within a species or between extremely closely related species. Rhododendron sect. Pentanthera is a closely related group of deciduous azaleas that demonstrate both naturally occurring and horticulturally derived hybridization. Two species, flame azalea and Cumberland azalea, represent a particularly recalcitrant evolutionary problem, which will benefit from the development of rapidly evolving molecular markers. Microsatellite markers were specifically developed for Rhododendron calendulaceum, the flame azalea, for use in studies of genetic structure and potential hybridization with its close relative Rhododendron cumberlandense, the Cumberland azalea. Forty-eight primer pairs designed from paired-end Illumina MiSeq data were screened for robust amplification. Sixteen of these pairs were PCR-amplified in the presence of fluorescently labeled primers and genotyped in 66 flame azalea individuals from three geographically dispersed populations. Fifteen primer pairs were both reliable and polymorphic and exhibit ample variability for use in downstream population-level investigations. Cross-amplification in all other members of Rhododendron sect. Pentanthera was highly successful, suggesting broad utility across the entire clade. The novel microsatellite markers presented here functioned well within the target species and amplified with high success in the remaining members of the clade. They represent a significant improvement to the genetic toolkit available for Rhododendron sect. Pentanthera, and particularly for the flame/Cumberland azalea evolutionary problem.

Microsatellite markers for the biogeographically enigmatic sandmyrtle (Kalmia buxifolia, Phyllodoceae: Ericaceae).

PREMISE: Microsatellite markers were developed for sandmyrtle, Kalmia buxifolia (Ericaceae), to facilitate phylogeographic studies in this taxon and possibly many of its close relatives. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight primer pairs designed from paired-end Illumina MiSeq data were screened for robust amplification. Sixteen pairs were amplified again, but with fluorescently labeled primers to facilitate genotyping. Resulting chromatograms were evaluated for variability using three populations from Tennessee, North Carolina, and New Jersey, USA. Eleven primer pairs were reliable and polymorphic (mean 3.92 alleles), one was reliable but monomorphic, and four were not reliable. The markers exhibited lower heterozygosity (mean 0.246) than expected (mean 0.464). Cross-amplification in the remaining nine Kalmia species exhibited a phylogenetic pattern, suggesting broad applicability of the markers across the genus. CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellite markers will be useful in population genetics and species boundaries studies of K. buxifolia, K. procumbens, and likely all other Kalmia species.

Fifteen microsatellite markers for the Appalachian rockcap fern, Polypodium appalachianum (Polypodiaceae), and its relatives.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed for Polypodium appalachianum (Polypodiaceae) to facilitate investigation of species boundaries between P. appalachianum and its putative hybrid, P. virginianum, and potentially among other members of the Miocene-age P. vulgare species complex. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight primer pairs were designed from Illumina data and screened for successful amplification. Sixteen pairs were genotyped and evaluated for variability within and among three populations in North Carolina, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Twelve of these primer pairs were reliable and polymorphic, exhibiting one to 10 alleles per locus. Cross-species amplification experiments were conducted for P. virginianum and four additional close relatives from the P. vulgare complex in order to maximize information about likely utility within a phylogenetic context. CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellite markers will be useful in population genetics and species boundaries studies of P. appalachianum and P. virginianum, and likely in other species within the P. vulgare complex.

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite markers for a widespread limestone endemic, Carex eburnea (Cyperaceae: Carex sect. Albae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for a widespread limestone endemic sedge, Carex eburnea, to facilitate investigation of the genetic diversity and phylogeography of this taxon and its closest relative, C. mckittrickensis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-eight primer pairs were designed from Illumina sequence data and screened for suitability. Fourteen of these primer pairs were polymorphic and generated one to seven alleles per locus. Cross-species amplifications were conducted for all four members of Carex sect. Albae. CONCLUSIONS: These primer pairs can be used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure in future studies of C. eburnea and C. mckittrickensis, and likely in other members of Carex sect. Albae.

Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite markers for a federally threatened species, Hexastylis naniflora (Aristolochiaceae), and co-occurring congeners.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Twenty microsatellite loci were developed for the federally threatened species Hexastylis naniflora (Aristolochiaceae) to examine genetic diversity and to distinguish this species from co-occurring congeners, H. heterophylla and H. minor. METHODS AND RESULTS: Next-generation sequencing approaches were used to identify microsatellite loci and design primers. One hundred fifty-two primer pairs were screened for repeatability, and 20 of these were further characterized for polymorphism. In H. naniflora, the number of alleles identified for polymorphic loci ranged from two to 23 (mean ∼8.8), with a mean heterozygosity of 0.39. CONCLUSIONS: These 16 polymorphic primers for H. naniflora will be useful tools in species identification and quantifying genetic diversity within the genus.

The US Virtual Herbarium: working with individual herbaria to build a national resource.

The goal of the US Virtual Herbarium (USVH) project is to digitize (database, image, georeference) all specimens in all US herbaria, enabling them to be made available through a single portal. Herbaria house specimens of plants, fungi, and algae, so USVH will offer a rich portrait of biodiversity in the US and in the other countries represented in US herbaria. Equally importantly, working towards this goal will engage people with herbaria and the organisms they house, expanding their appreciation of both the power of biodiversity informatics and the demands that it places on data providers while developing improved communication among those working in and with herbaria. The project is not funded but has strong support among those working in herbaria. It works through regional herbarium networks, some of which existed prior to the USVH project, while others are still in gestation. It differs from most digitization projects in its emphasis on helping those involved with herbaria become part of a national enterprise, an aspect that is seen as critical to creating the resources needed to develop and sustain the project. In this paper, we present some of the lessons we have learned and the difficulties we have encountered during the first few years of the project.

Inhibitory effects of ethacrynic acid analogues lacking the α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl unit and para-acylated phenols on human cancer cells.

A series of ethacrynic acid analogues, lacking the α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl unit, was synthesized and subsequently evaluated for their ability to inhibit the migration of human breast cancer cells, Hs578Ts(i)8 as well as of human prostate cancer cells, C4-2B. These cell lines provide a good model system to study migration and invasion, since they represent metastatic cancer. Our studies show that ethacrynic acid analogues with methyl substituents at the aromatic ring demonstrate no inhibitory effect on the migration of both cancer cell lines, whereas a precursor in the synthesis of these ethacrynic acid analogues (II-1, a para-acylated m-cresol) is an excellent inhibitor of the migration of both cancer cell lines.

Ethacrynic acid analogues lacking the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl unit--potential anti-metastatic drugs.

A series of ethacrynic acid analogues, lacking the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl unit, was synthesized and subsequently evaluated for their ability to inhibit the migration of human breast cancer cells, MCF-7/AZ. Several of the analogues were already active in the low micromolar range, whereas ethacrynic acid itself shows no potential to inhibit the migration of these cancer cells. Preliminary studies show that the presence of one or more methoxy groups at the phenyl ring of ethacrynic acid is important in order for the ethacrynic acid analogues to demonstrate an inhibitory effect on the migration.

Exercise and circulating cortisol levels: the intensity threshold effect.

This study examined the influence of exercise intensity upon the cortisol response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Specifically, we examined exercise at intensities of 40, 60, and 80% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in an attempt to determine the intensity necessary to provoke an increase in circulating cortisol. Twelve active moderately trained men performed 30 min of exercise at intensities of 40, 60, and 80% of their VO2max, as well as a 30-min resting-control session involving no exercise on separate days. Confounding factors such as time of day--circadian rhythms, prior diet--activity patterns, psychological stress, and levels of exercise training were controlled. Cortisol and ACTH were assessed in blood collected immediately before (pre-) and after (post-) each experimental session. Statistical analysis involved repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc testing. The percent change in cortisol from pre- to post-sampling at each session was: resting-control, 40, 60, and 80% sessions (mean+/-SD) =-6.6+/-3.5%, +5.7+/-11.0%, +39.9+/-11.8%, and +83.1+/-18.5%, respectively. The 60% and 80% intensity magnitude of change was significantly greater than in the other sessions, as well as from one to another. The ACTH responses mirrored those of cortisol, but only the 80% exercise provoked a significant (p<0.05) increase pre- to post-exercise. The calculated changes in plasma volume for the resting-control, 40%, 60%, and 80% sessions were: +2.2+/-3.0%, -9.9+/-5.0%, -15.6+/-3.5%, and -17.2+/-3.3%, respectively. Collectively, the cortisol findings support the view that moderate to high intensity exercise provokes increases in circulating cortisol levels. These increases seem due to a combination of hemoconcentration and HPA axis stimulus (ACTH). In contrast, low intensity exercise (40%) does not result in significant increases in cortisol levels, but, once corrections for plasma volume reduction occurred and circadian factors were examined, low intensity exercise actually resulted in a reduction in circulating cortisol levels.

Physiological day-to-day variability of select hormones at rest in exercise-trained men.

The purpose was to determine the day-to-day variability of total testosterone (tT), total T4 (tT4), total 3,5,3'-T3 (tT3), and cortisol (C) levels in exercise-trained men [no.=63, 24+/-4 yr (X+/-SD)]. Resting blood samples were collected at the same time of day (morning) over 3 consecutive days, 24 h apart, under controlled conditions. Subjects were instructed to minimize mental stress and physical activity and to maintain a consistent diet, and sleep patterns during the period of blood collections. Radioimmunoassay procedures were used to measure all hormones. Repeated measures analysis of variances were used to test for differences within each hormone across days, and intra-class correlations (ICC) and typical error were used to assess reliability of hormone concentrations across days. Results revealed resting hormonal values were within accepted clinical ranges. No significant mean differences (p>0.05) from day-to-day were found in any of the hormones. Furthermore, each hormone displayed highly significant (p<0.01) ICC values; tT 0.891, tT4 0.861, tT3 0.705, C 0.886, and consistent daily typical errors. These findings suggest resting tT, tT4, tT3, and C concentrations are not highly variable and appear reliable from day-to-day in exercise-trained men. If researchers measure any of these hormones at rest, before and after (ie, 24-48 h later) an experimental exercise treatment, they can presume that any changes seen at the 24-48 h point (that exceed the typical error appropriately) are due to their treatment and not an artifact of day-to-day variability.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: scientific rationale and patient care.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the history of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), review the current scientific literature comparing the benefits and shortcomings of SLNB with traditional axillary lymph node dissection, and describe the nursing role that should be employed when instructing patients who are considering SLNB. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, published research data, and clinical experience. DATA SYNTHESIS: Traditional axillary lymph node dissection has the potential to cause serious complications such as lymphedema, scarring, numbness, pain, and psychological distress. Given that approximately 70% of women with early-stage breast cancer will have no evidence of regional lymph node involvement at the time of surgery, determining who is likely to have negative nodes will spare women these potential complications. SLNB can significantly minimize the morbidity associated with axillary lymph node dissection while providing accurate diagnostic and prognostic information. CONCLUSION: SLNB has been well documented in the scientific literature from multiple phase III clinical trials as an accurate, safe, and fiscally conservative alternative to traditional axillary lymph node dissection for women who present with early-stage breast cancer. Furthermore, future results from multicenter, randomized clinical trials now under way ultimately will determine the role for SLNB in the years to come. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses in the outpatient setting can help to minimize the anxiety and fear that patients have when they are considering SLNB versus the more traditional axillary lymph node dissection. Oncology nurses also serve as resources to other nurses, healthcare professionals, and the public as more information is learned concerning the role of SLNB in early-stage breast cancer.

Triaging seniors in health crisis in the emergency department: a three-year summary.

The "geriatric triage" approach for management of the most complex frail older adult population by geriatric nurses in the emergency department setting was a benefit to the patient/family and the health care system. The patients, through assessment and individualized plans of care, received the right care in the right setting. Seniors were assessed and their care planned by health care professionals who had geriatric knowledge, understood the complexity of their problems, and acted as their advocate. Geriatric triaging resulted in benefits across the health care system. Resources were used effectively. Patients received care in the most appropriate and cost-efficient setting. This new and creative approach served as a catalyst for improvement in services and care for the senior population. Health care workers in the hospitals as well as the community increased their knowledge of geriatrics through consultation with this service. The community and hospitals had a formal linkage, which provided an opportunity for collaboration and continuity of care. The hospital system experienced decreased competition for scarce acute care beds due to diverted admissions. The emergency department had consultants to assist with the decision-making for this high-risk population and decreased the number of patients held in emergency department awaiting an inpatient bed. The community system received patients with a comprehensive plan of care that provided creative and innovative care management strategies. Home care adapted its service to respond with immediate services to assist with health crises in addition to what had been traditionally available. The finding of this study supports a new approach to care of the elderly and chronically ill population who present to the emergency department in health crisis. Creative strategies are required to meet the needs of the aging population in these times of fiscal restraint. The nursing geriatric triage service is one strategy that holds merit.