Novel genomic resources contribute to the systematics of threatened arboreal deer mice of the genus Habromys Hooper & Musser, 1964 (Cricetidae, Neotominae) within a neotomine-peromyscine phylogeny

The Crested-tailed deer mouse, Habromyslophurus, is one of seven arboreal species within the genus Habromys. Species of this genus are monotypic, relatively rare, and occur in low densities. Their geographical distribution is highly fragmented due to being restricted to montane cloud forest in Mesoamerica and they are of conservation concern. All Habromys species are endemic to Mexico, except H.lophurus, which is also distributed in Guatemala and El Salvador. In this study, we obtained and characterized the first mitogenome and several thousand nuclear ultraconserved elements (UCEs) of H.lophurus to determine its phylogenetic position within neotomine-peromyscine mice. Its mitogenome sequence (16,509 bp) is only the second complete mitogenome obtained for this poorly known genus. We also obtained the first nuclear genomic data for H.lophurus, including 3,654 UCE loci, as well as a partial mitogenome of H.simulatus (6,349 bp), and 2,186 UCE for the outgroup Holochilussciureus. Phylogenetic analyses that included our newly generated genomic data coupled with previously published data from other neotomine-peromyscine mice confirm the placement of H.lophurus, H.simulatus, and H.ixtlani within a highly supported clade. The Habromys clade was nested within a clade that also contains members of the genus Peromyscus and provides further support for the hypothesis of the paraphyly of Peromyscus. These genomic resources will contribute to future phylogenomic studies that aim to further elucidate the evolutionary history of this rare and critically endangered genus of rodents.

Using DNA metabarcoding to decipher the diet plant component of mammals from the Eastern Mediterranean region

Longevity of species populations depends largely on interactions among animals and plants in an ecosystem. Predation and seed dispersal are among the most important interactions necessary for species conservation and persistence, and diet analysis is a prerequisite tool to evaluate these interactions. Understanding these processes is crucial for identifying conservation targets and for executing efficient reforestation and ecological restoration. In this study, we applied a scat DNA metabarcoding technique using the P6-loop of the trnL (UAA) chloroplastic marker to describe the seasonal plant diet composition of 15 mammal species from a highly biodiverse Lebanese forest in the Eastern Mediterranean. We also recovered plant seeds, when present, from the scats for identification. The mammal species belong to 10 families from 5 different orders. More than 133 plant species from 54 plant families were detected and identified. Species from the Rosaceae, Poaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae and Berberidaceae families were consumed by the majority of the mammals and should be taken into consideration in future reforestation and conservation projects. Our results showed that the DNA metabarcoding approach provides a promising method for tracking the dietary plant components of a wide diversity of mammals, yielding key insights into plant-animal interactions inside Lebanon’s forests.

An efficient method for simultaneous species, individual, and sex identification via in-solution single nucleotide polymorphism capture from low-quality scat samples

Understanding predator population dynamics is important for conservation management because of the critical roles predators play within ecosystems. Noninvasive genetic sampling methods are useful for the study of predators like canids that can be difficult to capture or directly observe. Here, we introduce the FAECES* method (Fast and Accurate Enrichment of Canid Excrement for Species* and other analyses) which expands the toolbox for canid researchers and conservationists by using in-solution hybridization sequence capture to produce single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes for multiple canid species from scat-derived DNA using a single enrichment. We designed a set of hybridization probes to genotype both coyotes (Canis latrans) and kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) at hundreds of polymorphic SNP loci and we tested the probes on both tissues and field-collected scat samples. We enriched and genotyped by sequencing 52 coyote and 70 kit fox scats collected in and around a conservation easement in the Nevada Mojave Desert. We demonstrate that the FAECES* method produces genotypes capable of differentiating coyotes and kit foxes, identifying individuals and their sex, and estimating genetic diversity and effective population sizes, even using highly degraded, low-quantity DNA extracted from scat. We found that the study area harbours a large and diverse population of kit foxes and a relatively smaller population of coyotes. By replicating our methods in the future, conservationists can assess the impacts of management decisions on canid populations. The method can also be adapted and applied more broadly to enrich and sequence multiple loci from any species of interest using scat or other noninvasive genetic samples.

First mitochondrial genome of the marbled polecat Vormela peregusna (Carnivora, Mustelidae)

The marbled polecat, Vormela peregusna, is one of the least studied species in the Mustelidae family, especially with regard to phylogeography and genetic diversity. In this study, we determined the mitochondrial genome sequence of V. peregusna and investigated its position within the Mustelidae phylogeny. The generated mitogenome is 15,982 bp in length; it consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region.

First mitochondrial genome of the Caucasian squirrel Sciurus anomalus (Rodentia, Sciuridae)

The Caucasian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus, is the only representative of the Sciuridae family in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In this study, the mitochondrial genome of the Sciurus anomalus species was generated, and we investigate its phylogenetic position within the Sciuridae family. The generated mitogenome sequence is 16,234 bp. It is composed of a control region and a conserved set of 37 genes containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes.

First mitochondrial genome of the Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon (Carnivora, Herpestidae)

The Egyptian mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, is the only extant mongoose in Europe, with populations still distributed in Africa and the Middle East. In this study, we present the first mitochondrial genome sequence of Herpestes ichneumon and we investigate its phylogenetic position within Feliformia suborder. The resultant mitogenome sequence is 16,775 bps, composed of a conserved set of 37 genes containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. Our results represent a valuable resource for further phylogeographical studies.

First DNA sequence reference library for mammals and plants of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The Mediterranean region is identified as one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots, with the Earth's most biologically rich yet threatened areas. Lebanon is a hub for Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) biodiversity with 9116 characterized plant and animal species (4486 fauna and 4630 flora). Using DNA barcoding as a tool has become crucial in the accurate identification of species in multiple contexts. It can also complement species morphological descriptions, which will add to our understanding of the biodiversity and richness of ecosystems and benefit conservation projects for endangered and endemic species. In this study, we create the first reference library of standard DNA markers for mammals and plants in the EMR, with a focus on endemic and endangered species. Plant leaves were collected from different nature reserves in Mount Lebanon, and mammal samples were obtained from taxidermized museum specimens or road kills. We generated the 12S rRNA sequences of 18 mammal species from 6 orders and 13 different families. We also obtained the trnL and rbcL barcode sequences of 52 plant species from 24 different families. Twenty-five plant species and two mammal species included in this study were sequenced for the first time using these markers.

Little genetic structure in a Bornean endemic small mammal across a steep ecological gradient

Janzen's influential "mountain passes are higher in the tropics" hypothesis predicts restricted gene flow and genetic isolation among populations spanning elevational gradients in the tropics. Few studies have tested this prediction, and studies that focus on population genetic structure in Southeast Asia are particularly underrepresented in the literature. Here, we test the hypothesis that mountain treeshrews (Tupaia montana) exhibit limited dispersal across their broad elevational range which spans ~2,300 m on two peaks in Kinabalu National Park (KNP) in Borneo: Mt Tambuyukon (MT) and Mt Kinabalu (MK). We sampled 83 individuals across elevations on both peaks and performed population genomics analyses on mitogenomes and single nucleotide polymorphisms from 4,106 ultraconserved element loci. We detected weak genetic structure and infer gene flow both across elevations and between peaks. We found higher genetic differentiation on MT than MK despite its lower elevation and associated environmental variation. This implies that, contrary to our hypothesis, genetic structure in this system is not primarily shaped by elevation. We propose that this pattern may instead be the result of historical processes and limited upslope gene flow on MT. Importantly, our results serve as a foundational estimate of genetic diversity and population structure from which to track potential future effects of climate change on mountain treeshrews in KNP, an important conservation stronghold for the mountain treeshrew and other montane species.

Abundance, density, and social structure of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in a human-modified landscape in southwestern Gabon

Population monitoring is critical to effective conservation, but forest living taxa can be difficult to directly observe. This has been true of African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), for which we have limited information regarding population size and social behavior despite their threatened conservation status. In this study, we estimated demographic parameters using genetic capture-recapture of forest elephants in the southern Industrial Corridor of the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas in southwestern Gabon, which is considered a global stronghold for forest elephants. Additionally, we examined social networks, predicting that we would find matrilineal structure seen in both savanna and forest elephants. Given 95% confidence intervals, we estimate population size in the sampled area to be between 754 and 1,502 individuals and our best density estimate ranges from 0.47 to 0.80 elephants per km². When extrapolated across the entire Industrial Corridor, this estimate suggests an elephant population size of 3,033 to 6,043 based on abundance or 1,684 to 2,832 based on density, approximately 40–80% smaller than previously suggested. Our social network analysis revealed approximately half of network components included females with different mitochondrial haplotypes suggesting a wider range of variation in forest elephant sociality than previously thought. This study emphasizes the threatened status of forest elephants and demonstrates the need to further refine baseline estimates of population size and knowledge on social behavior in this taxon, both of which will aid in determining how population dynamics in this keystone species may be changing through time in relation to increasing conservation threats.

Women's health measures in two North Carolina regions sampled from the Basic Automated Birth Yearbook (BABY) datasets: experimental findings, methodological limits and future directions

PURPOSE

To compare selected characteristics in two North Carolina counties to document women's health services at the geographical extremes of the state.

METHODS

Using aggregated 2004 data obtained from the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, obstetric and perinatal characteristics were experimentally analyzed for the westernmost and easternmost counties in North Carolina (Cherokee and Dare County, respectively).

FINDINGS

During the experiment period, 489 infants were delivered in Dare County (population 33,518), while 259 births were recorded in Cherokee County (population 25,289). Prenatal care was established by most women in both counties by the second gestational month. Women in Cherokee County were younger and less educated at delivery than women in Dare County, and smoking prevalence was higher in Cherokee County than in Dare County (31.3% vs 12.9%; p <0.01). Cherokee County infants required assisted ventilation and other medical interventions more often than babies born in Dare County (p <0.01) yet significantly fewer cesarean deliveries were performed in Cherokee County than Dare County (25.5% vs 35.2%; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study showed a significantly higher rate of tobacco use, and lower maternal education level in Cherokee County was associated with a higher incidence of multiple maternal complications and neonatal interventions compared to Dare County. Interestingly, the cesarean delivery rate was lower in Cherokee County despite these factors. We found < 10% of babies born in the study regions required any neonatal intervention. Early and almost universal access to prenatal care did not appear to be a problem at either site. Our preliminary comparison identified important limitations in this government-sponsored dataset that rendered logistic regression analysis methodologically impossible. Changes in process could improve surveillance based on patient-level data and facilitate multivariate analysis. Specific interventions to optimize women's health services form the basis of future experimental research, including larger regional populations.

Efficacy of moxidectin 2 per cent gel against naturally acquired strongyle infections in horses, with particular reference to larval cyathostomes

The efficacy of moxidectin 2 per cent equine gel against naturally acquired strongyle infections was assessed in 18 ponies which had grazed on contaminated pasture before being housed for eight weeks. Twenty-four hours before the treatment, two randomly selected ponies were euthanased and their worm burdens were determined. Eight of the remaining 16 ponies were treated with moxidectin 2 per cent gel while the other eight were given a placebo gel. Eight weeks later the 16 animals were necropsied and their worm burdens established. A 100 per cent efficacy was recorded against adult and lumenal L4 cyathostomes and adult Strongylus and Triodontophorus species. Digest recoveries of larval cyathostomes indicated a 90.8 per cent (P<0.002) reduction in early L3 and a 99.9 per cent (P<0.001) reduction in developing stages. There was a reduction in faecal egg output of between 96 and 100 per cent in the treated animals compared with the controls.

The use of moxidectin for the prevention and treatment of psoroptic mange (scab) in sheep

The introduction of systemic injectable products, belonging to the avermectin/milbemycin class of antiparasitic compounds, has provided an alternative to dips for sheep scab control. Their main advantages are that they are quicker and safer to use, cause less stress to the sheep (hence can be used in heavily pregnant ewes), do not require any special handling facilities for their use and do not present the same environmental concerns over disposal of spent product. Moxidectin, a second generation milbemycin, has recently been registered as an injectable product for the prevention and treatment of sheep scab. Laboratory and field studies carried out in the UK and Ireland have shown that two injections at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg bwt., 10 days apart, are 100% effective in the treatment of scab. Further studies have shown that a single injection at the same dose rate will protect against infestation or reinfestation for a period of at least 28 days. This long persistent activity has been evaluated in two large-scale field prophylactic trials, one in Ireland and one in the UK, involving over 16,000 sheep, in which it was demonstrated that a single injection of moxidectin is a safe and effective alternative to dips for routine prevention of scab.

An examination of gender and racial differences among Missouri insanity acquittees

This study examines gender and racial differences among Missouri insanity acquittees, which included 42 African American females, 279 African American males, 63 Caucasian females, and 458 Caucasian males. Significant differences across the four groups were not found in age, current marital status, a diagnosis of borderline intellectual functioning/mental retardation, committing crimes of assault and burglary, and whether insanity acquittees ever received conditional releases to reside in the community. Some variations across the four gender/race categories were related to race (diagnoses of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and other Axis I diagnoses), but variations were more frequently related to gender (whether ever married; diagnoses of substance abuse, sexual disorders, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and any personality disorder; committing crimes of murder, sexual offenses, and serious offenses; and current residential status). African American males were identified as being an at-risk population. They were the most likely to have a schizophrenia diagnosis, a substance abuse diagnosis, an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis, and to be hospitalized on the survey date. Implications for treatment and future research are explored.

Older adults' attitudes toward suicide: are there race and gender differences?

Suicide among older persons in the United States is a major problem that has increased dramatically during the past decade. Little is known about older nonsuicidal adults' attitudes toward suicide. The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes of older persons toward suicide and to explore the relationship of race and gender to attitudes toward suicide. The Suicide Attitude Vignette Experiences for the Elderly (SAVE-L) scale, which consists of 16 vignettes, was used to measure empathy toward suicidal people and agreement with suicidal actions as portrayed in 16 vignettes. The sample consisted of 54 low-income, inner city residents, aged 65 or older. Participants reported a moderate level of empathy with suicidal behavior (M = 2.82 on a 5-point scale) and a low level of agreement with suicidal actions (M = 1.31 on a 5-point scale). There were no differences in empathy toward suicidal people nor in agreement with suicidal people's actions based on race (African American or White) or gender; nor was there a significant interactional effect of race and gender on attitudes toward suicide.

Treatment and control of psoroptic mange (sheep scab) with moxidectin

In an investigation into alternative methods for the treatment and control of sheep scab, the efficacy of moxidectin, a second generation milbemycin, was evaluated in a series of laboratory and field studies in Ireland. Initial laboratory trials demonstrated that moxidectin, given as a subcutaneous injection at 200 micrograms/kg bodyweight was effective in the treatment of clinical psoroptic mange. Subsequent work showed that a single injection of clean sheep with moxidectin at the same dose rate provided protection against natural and experimental sheep scab infection for up to 35 days. This residual protective efficacy was tested in a large scale field trial in County Offaly, Ireland, in which more than 6500 sheep on 50 farms received a single prophylactic injection with moxidectin in the autumn and remained free from scab throughout the winter. This was comparable to the preventive effect of the annual compulsory dipping programme applied at that time. In a parallel series of field trials conducted across several counties in Ireland, two injections, 10 days apart, were effective in the treatment of outbreaks of scab. It is concluded that moxidectin is suitable for the treatment and control of sheep scab and has advantages over some existing methods because of its ease of use, safety for the user, the sheep and the environment, and because it also provides worm control owing to its efficacy against the major nematodes of sheep.