Short-term effects of GPS collars on the activity, behavior, and adrenal response of scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah).

GPS collars have revolutionized the field of animal ecology, providing detailed information on animal movement and the habitats necessary for species survival. GPS collars also have the potential to cause adverse effects ranging from mild irritation to severe tissue damage, reduced fitness, and death. The impact of GPS collars on the behavior, stress, or activity, however, have rarely been tested on study species prior to release. The objective of our study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the short-term effects of GPS collars fitted on scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), an extinct-in-the-wild antelope once widely distributed across Sahelian grasslands in North Africa. We conducted behavioral observations, assessed fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), and evaluated high-resolution data from tri-axial accelerometers. Using a series of datasets and methodologies, we illustrate clear but short-term effects to animals fitted with GPS collars from two separate manufacturers (Advanced Telemetry Systems-G2110E; Vectronic Aerospace-Vertex Plus). Behavioral observations highlighted a significant increase in the amount of headshaking from pre-treatment levels, returning below baseline levels during the post-treatment period (>3 days post-collaring). Similarly, FGM concentrations increased after GPS collars were fitted on animals but returned to pre-collaring levels within 5 days of collaring. Lastly, tri-axial accelerometers, collecting data at eight positions per second, indicated a > 480 percent increase in the amount of hourly headshaking immediately after collaring. This post-collaring increase in headshaking was estimated to decline in magnitude within 4 hours after GPS collar fitting. These effects constitute a handling and/or habituation response (model dependent), with animals showing short-term responses in activity, behavior, and stress that dissipated within several hours to several days of being fitted with GPS collars. Importantly, none of our analyses indicated any long-term effects that would have more pressing animal welfare concerns.

Splitting or lumping? A conservation dilemma exemplified by the critically endangered dama gazelle (Nanger dama).

Managers of threatened species often face the dilemma of whether to keep populations separate to conserve local adaptations and minimize the risk of outbreeding, or whether to manage populations jointly to reduce loss of genetic diversity and minimise inbreeding. In this study we examine genetic relatedness and diversity in three of the five last remaining wild populations of dama gazelle and a number of captive populations, using mtDNA control region and cytochrome b data. Despite the sampled populations belonging to the three putative subspecies, which are delineated according to phenotypes and geographical location, we find limited evidence for phylogeographical structure within the data and no genetic support for the putative subspecies. In the light of these data we discuss the relevance of inbreeding depression, outbreeding depression, adaptive variation, genetic drift, and phenotypic variation to the conservation of the dama gazelle and make some recommendations for its future conservation management. The genetic data suggest that the best conservation approach is to view the dama gazelle as a single species without subspecific divisions.

Fieldable flow injection analysis system with chemiluminescence detection capable of quantifying.

We developed a highly sensitive biosensor for quantifying acetylcholine (ACh) using flow injection analysis system with 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole chemiluminescence (ODI-CL) detection designed based on the principle of liquid core waveguide. ACh in Tris-HCl (pH 8.5) was incubated with the mixture of 1.0 U/ml acetylcholinesterase, 0.5 U/ml choline oxidase, 0.04 U/ml horseradish peroxidase, and 1.0 µM Amplex Red in PBS (pH 7.4) for 15 min at room temperature. The concentration of resorufin formed from the consecutive enzyme reactions was proportional to the concentration of ACh in analytical sample. The dynamic range of linear calibration curve (y = 12444x + 11617, R2 = 0.998) for the quantification of ACh using the biosensor with ODI CL detection was 0.7∼11.3 µM. The limit of detection (LOD = background noise + 3σ) of the biosensor was as low as 0.14 µM. Based on the results of recovery test and linearity study, finally, we confirmed that FIA system with ODI CL detection is accurate, precise, and reproducible.

Advent of innovative chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Using 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) chemiluminescence detection, a new chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) was developed to quantify prostate specific antigen (PSA) in human serum. The results observed in ODI CLEIA were compared with those obtained in commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), and luminol CLEIA. PSA complex-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was formed from one-step sandwich immunoreaction of PSA, PSA primary antibody and PSA secondary antibody-conjugated HRP for 15 min in a strip-well at 36.5°C. CL substrate solution (Amplex Red and H2O2 in PBS buffer, pH 7.4) was added in the washed strip-well and incubated for 10 min at room temperature. When resorufin formed in this process was mixed with 1,1'-oxalyldi-4-methylimidazole and H2O2 in a testing tube, rapid and bright CL was observed. Detection limit (0.035 ng/ml) of PSA in ODI CLEIA was much lower than those (0.50 and 0.25 ng/ml) in commercially available ELISA and luminol CLEIA even though total incubation time of the former (25 min) was shorter than those of the latter (45 and 35 min). Also, the dynamic range (0-100 ng/ml, R2=0.9996) of ODI CLEIA was wider than those of other EIAs. In conclusion, the excellent correlation (r=0.9767) between ODI CLEIA and Advia Centaur XP Immunoassay System indicates that the accurate, precise, and rapid ODI CLEIA can be applied as a novel CLEIA capable of diagnosing and monitoring various diseases.

Deployment and the probability of spousal aggression by U.S. Army soldiers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between length of soldier deployment and self-reports of moderate and severe spousal violence. METHODS: The Conflict Tactics Scale was used to measure self-reports of behaviors exhibited in marital conflict. Surveys were administered to a 15% random sample of 26,835 deployed and nondeployed married active duty U.S. Army men and women in the 50 United States during the period 1990 to 1994. Multinomial logistic regression and ordered probit analysis were used to estimate the probabilities of moderate and severe violence by length of deployment. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic variables, the probability of severe aggression was significantly greater for soldiers who had deployed in the past year compared with soldiers who had not deployed. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment contributes a significant but small increase to the probability of self-reported spousal aggression during a 1-year period. Although deployment is a military operation, similar effects may be observed in certain civilian occupations.

Prostate-specific antigen levels and subsequent prostate cancer: potential for screening.

Prostate-specific antigen levels are increased in men with prostatic disease, including prostate cancer, and have been used clinically to monitor the response of prostate cancer to therapy. More recently, prostate-specific antigen levels, usually in combination with digital rectal examination or transrectal prostatic ultrasonography, have been suggested to be useful for the detection of prostate cancer. To evaluate the association between a single serum prostate-specific antigen level and the subsequent development of prostate cancer, we measured serum levels in 35 men who donated blood to a community-based serum bank in 1974 and who subsequently developed prostate cancer and in 35 matched controls from the same group of volunteers. Levels of prostate-specific antigen were significantly higher in men who went on to develop prostate cancer, up to 6 years prior to the time of diagnosis in the cases. The level of prostate-specific antigen decreased with increasing time to diagnosis. The mean level for prostate cancer cases diagnosed within the first 3 years of follow-up was 16.2 mug/liter compared to 2.4 mug/liter for controls (P = 0.002). The mean level for cancer cases diagnosed in years 4 through 6 following blood sampling was 9.6 mug/liter compared to 1.3 mug/liter for controls (p = 0.0002). The sensitivity and specificity of a prostate-specific antigen level >/= 4mug/liter up to 3 years prior to the time of clinical diagnosis were both 75% and up to 6 years were 67% and 85%, respectively. Because prostate-specific antigen levels are reasonably sensitive and specific in detecting prostate cancer up to 6 years prior to the time of usual diagnosis, their use in screening for the prevention of prostate cancer mortality should be evaluated in a controlled clinical trial.

Correlation of near infrared absorption and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy scattering with tissue neovascularization and collagen concentration in a diabetic rat wound healing model.

The objective of this paper was to correlate optical changes of tissue during wound healing measured by near infrared (NIR) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) with histologic changes in an animal model. Amplitude and phase of scattered light were obtained in a diabetic rat and control model and biopsies were taken for blood vessel ingrowth and collagen concentration. NIR absorption coefficient correlated with blood vessel ingrowth over time, in both the control and diabetic animals. DRS data correlated with collagen concentration. Previous publications by this group documented only the NIR changes during the wound healing process but this is the first reported correlation with histology data. The ability to correlate DRS scattering with collagen concentration during healing is another important and novel finding. This technology may play an important role clinically in assessing the efficacy of wound healing agents in diabetics.

Postdeployment domestic violence by U.S. Army soldiers.

The objective of this study was to determine whether a military deployment of 6 months predicted domestic violence against the wives of deployed and nondeployed soldiers during the postdeployment period. The method involved the completion of an anonymous questionnaire by a sample of the spouses of soldiers deployed from a large U.S. Army post. The Conflict Tactics Scale identified incidents of domestic violence by the soldier husbands, and a logistic regression model predicted domestic violence during the postdeployment period. The results indicate that deployment was not a significant predictor of domestic violence during the first 10 months of the postdeployment period. Younger wives and those who were victims of predeployment domestic violence were more likely to report postdeployment domestic violence. The conclusion was that interventions for domestic violence in the U.S. Army should address risks among younger couples and those with a previous incident of domestic violence.

Positive and negative consequences of a military deployment.

This study determined the perception by 951 U.S. Army soldiers of positive and negative consequences of a peacekeeping deployment to Bosnia. Seventy-seven percent reported some positive consequences, 63% reported a negative consequence, and 47% reported both. Written comments were also provided. Of the 951 soldiers, 478 wrote at least one positive comment and 403 at least one negative comment. Single soldiers were more likely than married soldiers to report positive consequences (82% vs. 72%). Married soldiers were more likely than single soldiers to report negative consequences (70% vs. 55%). Positive consequences included making additional money, self-improvement, and time to think. Negative consequences included the military chain of command, being away from home, and deterioration of marital/significant other relationships.

Patterns of spouse and child maltreatment by discharged U.S. Army soldiers.

The transitional compensation (TC) program of the U.S. Army provides financial and other benefits to the families of service members discharged for child or spouse maltreatment. We analyzed the TC records of the 347 offenders, 337 spouses (160 victims and 177 nonvictims) who were applicants for benefits, and 820 children (244 victims and 576 nonvictims). One hundred fifty-two spouses were physically abused and eight were sexually abused. One hundred eighty-two children were sexually abused, 61 were physically abused, and one was emotionally abused. The Army Central Registry (ACR) of child and spouse maltreatment cases was examined to determine whether the TC offenders and victims had a history of prior maltreatment and to assess its severity. Ninety percent of the TC offenders had an ACR history as child or spouse maltreatment offenders. Seventy-four percent of the TC child abuse victims had an ACR history as victims, and 81 percent of the TC spouse abuse victims had such a history. The severity of maltreatment in the ACR of TC child and spouse victims was greater than the overall severity of maltreatment for those in the ACR database who were not in the TC database. Other children in the family who had not been identified as TC victims also had an ACR history that was more severe. Health and social service agencies should be aware of the TC program and be knowledgeable about its benefits for family members of soldiers discharged for abuse-related offenses.

Classification of the severity of U.S. Army and civilian reports of child maltreatment.

This study compares reports of the severity of child maltreatment for the U.S. Army and a civilian jurisdiction, Washington State (WS). Such comparisons can provide important information on risk and protective factors in designing prevention programs. An understanding of the differences facilitates the tailoring of interventions to better fit the characteristics of each community. The ages of the children in the WS cases were significantly older than the cases of the Army children. In both populations, neglect was the most prevalent form of maltreatment, followed in order by physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. The percentages of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect were not statistically different, but the Army classified three times the number of emotional abuse cases as WS. The Army also classified more cases of physical abuse as severe (11%) compared with WS (5%). However, 16% of WS neglect cases were classified severe compared with 3% of Army cases.

Comparison of U.S. Army and civilian substantiated reports of child maltreatment.

Little is known about the similarities and differences between civilian and military child maltreatment cases and no recent study has compared them directly. Understanding the nature of the problems in each could lead to identifying strengths and weaknesses for the development of more helpful prevention and treatment programs. The overall rates of child maltreatment in the U.S. civilian population (14.7 to 11.8 per 1,000) were about double the Army rates (7.6 to 6.0 per 1,000) from 1995 to 1999. These differences were largely because of the higher rate of neglect in the U.S. data--about three times that of the Army--and may be because of factors that are largely controlled in the Army such as poverty, severe substance abuse, homelessness, and other social variables. For 1999 only, we examined the type of maltreatment by age and sex, the victim rates by race/ethnicity, and the relationship of perpetrator to victim.

Patterns of mutual and nonmutual spouse abuse in the U.S. Army (1998-2002).

The pattern and severity of substantiated mutual and nonmutual spouse abuse between U.S. Army enlisted personnel and their spouses was determined for 1998 to 2002. The number of nonmutual and mutual abuse victims was equal in 1998, but by 2002 there were about twice as many non mutual as mutual victims. The rate per thousand of mutual abuse decreased by 58% while that of nonmutual abuse decreased by 13%. The rate per thousand of female victims was always greater than male victims for non-mutual abuse and the severity of abuse of female victims was always more severe than male victims. The active duty female had the highest risk of becoming a victim. These patterns of mutual and nonmutual domestic abuse in the U.S. Army suggest that prevention and educational approaches could be developed that would be useful to prevention specialists and to clinicians as the Army pursues avenues to reduce domestic violence.

Spousal aggression by U.S. Army female soldiers toward employed and unemployed civilian husbands.

Aggression by a random sample of female soldiers (N = 1,185) toward their employed (n = 840) and unemployed (n = 345) civilian husbands was measured by the Conflict Tactics Scale. When age, race, rank, years married, and the number of previous marriages were held constant, severe aggression toward unemployed male spouses was significantly greater than toward employed spouses.

Domestic violence and deployment in US Army soldiers.

Although military deployment has been suggested as a possible cause of increases in domestic violence, little is known about it. The purpose of this study was to determine if deployment of 6 months to Bosnia predicted early postdeployment domestic violence. Active duty recently deployed (N = 313) and nondeployed (N = 712) male soldiers volunteered to take an anonymous questionnaire. Deployment was not a significant predictor of postdeployment domestic violence. However, younger soldiers, those with predeployment domestic violence, nonwhite race, and off-post residence also were more likely to report postdeployment domestic violence. The predicted probability of postdeployment domestic violence for a deployed 20-year-old, nonwhite soldier with a history of predeployment domestic violence and who lives on-post was.20. For the soldier without a history of predeployment domestic violence, it was.05. Prevention and intervention programs for postdeployment domestic violence shortly after return should target age and persons with a domestic violence history rather than deployment per se.