Climate change alters slug abundance but not herbivory in a temperate grassland.

Climate change will significantly impact the world's ecosystems, in part by altering species interactions and ecological processes, such as herbivory and plant community dynamics, which may impact forage quality and ecosystem production. Yet relatively few field experimental manipulations assessing all of these parameters have been performed to date. To help fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the effects of increased temperature (+3°C day and night, year-round) and precipitation (+30% of mean annual rainfall) on slug herbivory and abundance and plant community dynamics biweekly in a pasture located in central Kentucky, U.S.A. Warming increased slug abundance once during the winter, likely due to improving conditions for foraging, whereas warming reduced slug abundance at times in late spring, mid-summer, and early fall (from 62-95% reduction depending on month). We found that warming and increased precipitation did not significantly modify slug herbivory at our site, despite altering slug abundance and affecting plant community composition and forage quality. Climate change will alter seasonal patterns of slug abundance through both direct effects on slug biology and indirect effects mediated by changes in the plant community, suggesting that pasture management practices may have to adapt.

Society of Family Planning clinical recommendations: Pain control in surgical abortion part 2 - Moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Analgesic options for surgical abortion (also called procedural abortion) beyond local anesthesia and minimal sedation include moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia. These clinical recommendations review the effectiveness of various moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia regimens for pain control during abortion; medication regimens used to induce analgesia and anesthesia; patient factors affecting anesthesia safety; preoperative and intraoperative protocols to reduce anesthesia risks; personnel qualifications for administration; recommended patient monitoring protocols; and general risks of anesthesia in the context of abortion care. The scope of these recommendations is based on limited available evidence and considerably relies on existing professional society guidelines and recommendations developed by content experts and reviewers. Further research to compare the efficacy and safety of different regimens is needed.

Tall Fescue and E. coenophiala Genetics Influence Root-Associated Soil Fungi in a Temperate Grassland.

A constitutive, host-specific symbiosis exists between the aboveground fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala (Morgan-Jones & W. Gams) and the cool-season grass tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.), which is a common forage grass in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and temperate European grasslands. New cultivars of tall fescue are continually developed to improve pasture productivity and animal health by manipulating both grass and E. coenophiala genetics, yet how these selected grass-endophyte combinations impact other microbial symbionts such as mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi remains unclear. Without better characterizing how genetically distinct grass-endophyte combinations interact with belowground microorganisms, we cannot determine how adoption of new E. coenophiala-symbiotic cultivars in pasture systems will influence long-term soil characteristics and ecosystem function. Here, we examined how E. coenophiala presence and host × endophyte genetic combinations control root colonization by belowground symbiotic fungi and associated plant nutrient concentrations and soil properties in a 2-year manipulative field experiment. We used four vegetative clone pairs of tall fescue that consisted of one endophyte-free (E-) and one E. coenophiala-symbiotic (E+) clone each, where E+ clones within each pair contained one of four endophyte genotypes: CTE14, CTE45, NTE16, or NTE19. After 2 years of growth in field plots, we measured root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE), extraradical AMF hyphae in soil, total C, N, and P in root and shoot samples, as well as C and N in associated soils. Although we observed no effects of E. coenophiala presence or symbiotic genotype on total AMF or DSE colonization rates in roots, different grass-endophyte combinations altered AMF arbuscule presence and extraradical hyphal length in soil. The CTE45 genotype hosted the fewest AMF arbuscules regardless of endophyte presence, and E+ clones within NTE19 supported significantly greater soil extraradical hyphae compared to E- clones. Because AMF are often associated with improved soil physical characteristics and C sequestration, our results suggest that development and use of unique grass-endophyte combinations may cause divergent effects on long-term ecosystem properties.

Bridging disciplines to advance elasmobranch conservation: applications of physiological ecology.

A strength of physiological ecology is its incorporation of aspects of both species' ecology and physiology; this holistic approach is needed to address current and future anthropogenic stressors affecting elasmobranch fishes that range from overexploitation to the effects of climate change. For example, physiology is one of several key determinants of an organism's ecological niche (along with evolutionary constraints and ecological interactions). The fundamental role of physiology in niche determination led to the development of the field of physiological ecology. This approach considers physiological mechanisms in the context of the environment to understand mechanistic variations that beget ecological trends. Physiological ecology, as an integrative discipline, has recently experienced a resurgence with respect to conservation applications, largely in conjunction with technological advances that extended physiological work from the lab into the natural world. This is of critical importance for species such as elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays), which are an especially understudied and threatened group of vertebrates. In 2017, at the American Elasmobranch Society meeting in Austin, Texas, the symposium entitled `Applications of Physiological Ecology in Elasmobranch Research' provided a platform for researchers to showcase work in which ecological questions were examined through a physiological lens. Here, we highlight the research presented at this symposium, which emphasized the strength of linking physiological tools with ecological questions. We also demonstrate the applicability of using physiological ecology research as a method to approach conservation issues, and advocate for a more available framework whereby results are more easily accessible for their implementation into management practices.

Safety of Deep Sedation Without Intubation for Second-Trimester Dilation and Evacuation.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of pulmonary aspiration and other anesthesia-related adverse events in women undergoing dilation and evacuation (D&E) under intravenous deep sedation without tracheal intubation in an outpatient setting. METHODS: We reviewed all D&Es done under anesthesiologist-administered intravenous deep sedation without tracheal intubation between February 2009 and April 2013. The study's primary outcome was pulmonary aspiration; secondary outcomes included other anesthesia-related complications. We calculated the incidence of anesthesia-related adverse events as well as a 95% CI around the point estimate. RESULTS: During the 51-month study period, 4,481 second-trimester abortions were completed. Of these, 2,523 (56%) were done under deep sedation without tracheal intubation, 652 (26%) between 14 and 19 6/7 weeks of gestation, and 1,871 (74%) between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. Seven cases of anesthesia-related complications were identified: two cases of pulmonary aspiration (0.08%, 95% CI 0.01-0.29%), four cases of upper airway obstruction (0.016%, 95% CI 0.04-0.41%), and one case of lingual nerve injury (0.04%, 95% CI 0.001-0.22%). CONCLUSION: Deep sedation without tracheal intubation for women undergoing D&E has a low incidence of anesthesia-related complications.

A novel application of multi-event modeling to estimate class segregation in a highly migratory oceanic vertebrate.

Spatial segregation of animals by class (i.e., maturity or sex) within a population due to differential rates of temporary emigration (TE) from study sites can be an important life history feature to consider in population assessment and management. However, such rates are poorly known; new quantitative approaches to address these knowledge gaps are needed. We present a novel application of multi-event models that takes advantage of two sources of detections to differentiate temporary emigration from apparent absence to quantify class segregation within a study population of double-marked (photo-identified and tagged with coded acoustic transmitters) white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in central California. We use this model to test if sex-specific patterns in TE result in disparate apparent capture probabilities (po ) between male and female white sharks, which can affect the observed sex ratio. The best-supported model showed a contrasting pattern of Pr(TE) from coastal aggregation sites between sexes (for males Pr[TE] = 0.015 [95% CI = 0.00, 0.31] and Pr[TE]= 0.57 [0.40, 0.72] for females), but not maturity classes. Additionally, by accounting for Pr(TE) and imperfect detection, we were able to estimate class-specific values of true capture probability (p* ) for tagged and untagged sharks. The best-supported model identified differences between maturity classes but no difference between sexes or tagging impacts (tagged mature sharks p*  = 0.55 (0.46-0.63) and sub-adult sharks p*  = 0.36 (0.25, 0.50); and untagged mature sharks p*  = 0.50 (0.39-0.61) and sub-adults p*  = 0.18 (0.10, 0.31). Estimated sex-based differences in po were linked to sex-specific differences in Pr(TE) but not in p* ; once the Pr(TE) is accounted for, the p* between sexes was not different. These results indicate that the observed sex ratio is not a consequence of unequal detectability and sex-specific values of Pr(TE) are important drivers of the observed male-dominated sex ratio. Our modeling approach reveals complex class-specific patterns in Pr(TE) and p* in a mark-recapture data set, and highlights challenges for the population modeling and conservation of white sharks in central California. The model we develop here can be used to estimate rates of temporary emigration and class segregation when two detection methods are used.

Exercise and outdoor ambient air pollution.

OBJECTIVES: To establish by literature survey: (a) levels at which air pollutants are considered damaging to human health and to exercisers in particular; (b) the current ambient levels experienced in the United Kingdom; (c) whether athletes are especially at risk. METHODS: Six major urban air pollutants were examined: carbon monoxide (CO); nitrogen oxides (NO(X)); ozone (O(3)); particulate matter (PM(10)); sulphur dioxide (SO(2)); volatile organic compounds (VOCs). RESULTS: CO is detrimental to athletic performance. NO(2) is of concern to human health, but outdoor levels are low. O(3) poses a potentially serious risk to exercising athletes. Decrements in lung function result from exposure, and there is evidence that athletic performance may be affected. Detrimental effects may occur at low ambient levels, but there is no scientific consensus on this matter. PM(10) is causing concern in the scientific community. Blood lead accumulation during exercise indicates that personal exposure to toxic compounds associated with PM(10) may be magnified. Generally, outdoor ambient levels of SO(2) are too low to cause a problem to the athlete, except the asthmatic athlete. The few studies on exposure of exercisers to VOCs are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes and exercisers should avoid exercising by the road side even though levels of the more noxious air pollutants have been controlled in the United Kingdom. O(3) is particularly damaging to athletes; it reaches its highest concentrations on hot bright days in rural areas.

Effects of differing heat and humidity on the performance and recovery from multiple high intensity, intermittent exercise bouts.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different conditions of heat and humidity on two multiple bouts of high intensity cycling with 60 min recovery between each bout. Eight males (age: 25.5+/-1.8 yr, height: 179.0+/-3.7 cm; weight: 72.3+/-4.0 kg; VO2peak: 51.5+/-2.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), Peak Aerobic Power: 366+/-13 W) volunteered for this study. After undertaking VO2peak testing, all participated randomly, in three consecutive 30 s Wingate tests in three different environmental conditions being: Normal (22 degrees C/30% RH), Wet (30 degrees C/85% RH), and Hot (40 degrees C/40% RH). Subjects were then monitored for the 60 min post-exercise period after which time they repeated the Wingate tests and were again monitored for 60 min. Blood samples were taken pre, immediately post exercise, and at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min into each of the recovery periods and analysed for lactate, pH, and hematocrit. Heart rate was monitored continuously throughout exercise (5 s average) and recovery (60 s average). Weight was measured pre exercise and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min post-exercise. Urine samples were collected at the same time and analysed for osmolality. The results of the experiment indicated that environmental conditions had no effect on the performance of either series 1 or 2 Wingate tests. Neither were there any changes in weight throughout the three conditions or across the condition. Post exercise pH levels were lower than pre exercise values (p < 0.0001) and the reverse was true for blood lactate levels (p < 0.0003). We conclude that anaerobic exercise is not unduly affected by hot or humid conditions when subjects can re-hydrate according to decreases in body weight.

Management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Since cardiopulmonary resuscitation was first described in 1960, it has become a standardized medical intervention. Separate guidelines have been developed for the neonatal and pediatric population, but none exist for the elderly population. This review will discuss recent available outcome data on resuscitation of the elderly and the known physiologic changes with aging that may affect decisions made during resuscitation.

Development of a prostate cDNA microarray and statistical gene expression analysis package.

A cDNA microarray comprising 5184 different cDNAs spotted onto nylon membrane filters was developed for prostate gene expression studies. The clones used for arraying were identified by cluster analysis of > 35 000 prostate cDNA library-derived expressed sequence tags (ESTs) present in the dbEST database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Total RNA from two cell lines, prostate line 8.4 and melanoma line UACC903, was used to make radiolabeled probe for filter hybridizations. The absolute intensity of each individual cDNA spot was determined by phosphorimager scanning and evaluated by a bioinformatics package developed specifically for analysis of cDNA microarray experimentation. Results indicated 89% of the genes showed intensity levels above background in prostate cells compared with only 28% in melanoma cells. Replicate probe preparations yielded results with correlation values ranging from r = 0.90 to 0.93 and coefficient of variation ranging from 16 to 28%. Findings indicate that among others, the keratin 5 and vimentin genes were differentially expressed between these two divergent cell lines. Follow-up northern blot analysis verified these two expression changes, thereby demonstrating the reliability of this system. We report the development of a cDNA microarray system that is sensitive and reliable, demonstrates a low degree of variability, and is capable of determining verifiable gene expression differences between two distinct human cell lines. This system will prove useful for differential gene expression analysis in prostate-derived cells and tissue.

Skeletal muscle damage following halothane anaesthesia in the domestic fowl: plasma biochemical responses.

The effects of a short period (10 minutes) of halothane anaesthesia upon skeletal muscle have been examined in broiler chickens. Integrity of the muscle membrane was assessed by measurement of plasma activities of intracellular enzymes. Creatine kinase activity was greatly increased during the first 12 hours post-anaesthesia and remained elevated for at least 48 hours. Lactate dehydrogenase activity exhibited a similar pattern which was less pronounced. Halothane anaesthesia induced transient hypercapnic acidosis and hypokalemia and increased corticosterone secretion but there was no significant effect upon deep body temperature. It is proposed that halothane may act directly upon skeletal muscle, perhaps influencing intracellular calcium homeostasis, to alter membrane permeability and increase enzyme efflux reflecting a degree of post-anaesthetic muscle damage. The transient changes in electrolyte and acid-base balance may contribute to these effects. Precautions should be taken to minimise the incidence or extent of halothane induced myopathy in birds particularly in rapidly growing broiler chickens where susceptibility may be increased.

An improved method for construction of directionally cloned cDNA libraries from microdissected cells.

Here, we developed an improved method for constructing microdissected cDNA libraries, based on strand-switching properties of reverse transcriptase, followed by PCR amplification with primers to mediate unidirectional insert cloning. Using RNA from microdissected ovarian carcinoma cells, we constructed a cDNA library consisting of 1.3 x 10(6) unidirectional recombinants with an average insert size of 500 bp. Single-pass sequencing of 100 clones with the T7 primer revealed 89 inserts derived from known genes, anonymous expressed sequence tags (ESTs), or novel sequences. Among these clones were known genes and ESTs previously found in cDNA libraries from bulk ovarian tissue RNA, sequences seen for the first time in an ovarian-derived library, and novel sequences not previously seen in any cDNA library. These results demonstrate a methodology for constructing quality cDNA libraries that are cloned in a unidirectional fashion, are complex and diverse, and reflect the tissue of origin.

The effects of chronic exposure to elevated environmental temperature on intestinal morphology and nutrient absorption in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

1. Exposure of growing broiler chickens to elevated environmental temperature (35 degrees C) for two weeks, markedly reduced food intake (29%) and growth rate (37%) compared to birds maintained at 22 degrees C. 2. These changes in growth were accompanied by increased in vivo jejunal uptakes of galactose (36%) and methionine (50%) measured per unit intestinal dry weight. 3. Both the electrogenic (phloridzin sensitive) and non-electrogenic (phloridzin insensitive) components of galactose absorption were increased by 24 and 52% respectively during the chronic heat stress. 4. The size of the absorptive compartment may be reduced by the heat stress as reflected by decreased villus heights (19%) and wet (26%) and dry (31%) weights per unit length of jejunum. 5. It is suggested that the changes in hexose and amino acid during chronic exposure to elevated ambient temperature may reflect adaptations to optimise nutrient absorption in the face of reduced nutrition and decreases in the size of the absorptive compartment. A functional hypothyroidism (plasma luminal T3 decreased by 66%) associated with heat stress may contribute to the observed alterations in jejunal structure and function.

Plasma zinc as an index of vitellogenin production and reproductive status in the domestic fowl.

1. A technique is described for the accurate determination of circulating vitellogenin concentrations by measurement of plasma zinc concentrations before and after selective precipitation of lipoproteins in the domestic fowl. 2. Vitellogenin zinc concentrations exhibit a high degree of correlation with those of another major egg yolk precursor, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in immature female birds, during developing and maximum egg production in mature birds and following cessation of egg laying. 3. Mature female patterns of plasma vitellogenin and VLDL were induced by injection of oestradiol 17 beta (5 mg/kg body weight per day for 3 days) into adult cockerels. 4. It is suggested that measurement of plasma zinc provides a simple and accurate technique for the estimation of vitellogenin production and reproductive status in the domestic fowl and that this may be applied to other oviparous vertebrates.

Comparison of the stressfulness of harvesting broiler chickens by machine and by hand.

The procedures of manual and machine catching acted as short-term stressors, and induced a state of fear in 8-week-old broiler chickens. The heart rate of birds caught by both methods rose to similar high values but that of birds caught by machine returned to near normal rates more quickly, suggesting that they were less stressed. The duration of tonic immobility, a response which increases with fearfulness, was much longer in manually-caught birds. These results suggest that stress could be reduced and welfare improved by catching and picking up broiler chickens by a carefully designed machine, rather than by hand.