Texas Population Research Articles

Histopathological Analysis of Quails in the Trans-Pecos Ecoregion of Texas

Quail populations in Texas, USA, have declined over the past few decades due primarily to habitat loss. The role that parasites may play in such declines has been a recent topic of concern. To help address this question, we collected 12 scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), 8 Gambel’s quail (Callipepla gambelii), and 3 Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) from across the Trans-Pecos ecoregion of Texas via hunter harvest, funnel traps, and night netting. Quail samples were necropsied to determine the abundance of eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi). Histopathological analyses were conducted on quail eyeballs and periocular tissues to gain information on parasite-related tissue damage and document other pathogenic factors. We calculated mean abundances of Oxyspirura petrowi for sampled scaled (x̄ = 5.5, standard deviation [SD] = 2.5, x̃ = 3, n = 12), Gambel’s (x̄ = 6.4, SD = 4.2, x̃ = 1.5, n = 8), and Montezuma quail (x̄ = 13, SD = 1.5, x̃ = 13, n = 3). Host tissues exhibited immune responses (i.e., lymphocytic conjunctivitis and plasmacytic adenitis) to O. petrowi. The observed immune responses indicated relatively mild irritation within the ocular tissues. It has been speculated that such irritation to ocular tissues could negatively impact quail vision. This potential impact is worth noting because quails rely on keen vision to detect predators. Future research should focus on measuring the effects of O. petrowi infections on quail survival.

Exploring a Plant-Diversity Hypothesis to Explain Helminth Prevalence in Northern Bobwhite in Texas

Helminths, in particular eyeworms (Oxyspirura petrowi), may be a factor influencing northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) populations in Texas, USA. Mean eyeworm prevalence in Texas appears to be greater in the Rolling Plains (55.1%) than the Rio Grande Plains (16.4%), a pattern generally attributed to possible differences in the occurrence of insects, the intermediate hosts of eyeworms. We explored an alternative hypothesis centered on plant diversity. Many plants possess phytochemicals with anthelmintic properties. Because wild animals suffering from parasitic infestations are capable of self-medicating via diet selection, organisms foraging in diverse communities may be expected to possess lower parasite levels. We predicted that plant diversity would be greater and bobwhite diet more diverse in the Rio Grande Plains than the Rolling Plains, which in turn would potentially expose bobwhites to more plants with anthelmintic properties and therefore result in lower parasite prevalence. We conducted a literature review of plant diversity, anthelmintic plants, and bobwhite diet in Texas to explore this hypothesis. Our results indicated that 1) plant diversity was higher (24–96%), 2) the number of anthelmintic plants greater (33%), and 3) bobwhite diet more diverse (120%) in the Rio Grande Plains compared to the Rolling Plains. We documented a mean (± standard error) eyeworm prevalence of 16.4 ± 7.27% in the Rio Grande Plains (n = 4 sites) and 55.05 ± 2.93% in the Rolling Plains (n = 20 sites). The mean cecal-worm prevalence was documented at 74.8 ± 18.21% in the Rio Grande Plains (n = 5 sites) and 79.79 ± 2.12% in the Rolling Plains (n = 19 sites). Regarding plant diversity, the Rio Grande Plains contained more potential anthelmintic plants (n = 96 species) than the Rolling Plains (n = 72 species). In cross-referencing these plants with the bobwhite diet, we found that 23 plants with possible anthelmintic properties had been documented in the bobwhite diet in the Rio Grande Plains, whereas only 17 such plants were documented in the bobwhite diet in the Rolling Plains. Our study provides circumstantial evidence for the plant-diversity hypothesis and warrants experimental testing.

Exploring the Relationships between South Texas Northern Bobwhite Populations and Cecal Worms via System Dynamics

Community ecology historically focused on plants and free-living organisms; however, problems such as defining habitat boundaries and obtaining adequate sample sizes arise when evaluating such communities. The unique nature of host-helminth systems allows parasite community ecologists to avoid these problems when testing ecological hypotheses. Unlike free-living communities that have artificially constructed boundaries, parasite communities have well-defined unambiguous boundaries within host individuals. Due to the inherently complex and dynamic nature of ecological systems, traditional experimental methods often require expensive, long-term trials beyond investigators’ time and resource budgets. Conversely, a system dynamics approach facilitates learning about such systems via simulation of ecosystem processes integrated with historical data (both quantitative and qualitative). Relatively few studies focus on parasites in South Texas, USA, although research on avian host-parasite systems has shown that parasites can potentially regulate host populations. The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) is a game species of ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational importance in Texas that has been experiencing a long-term, widespread decline. To holistically examine the bobwhite-helminth system in South Texas, we created a system dynamics model capturing the feedback relationships between a South Texas bobwhite population, a grasshopper (family Acrididae) population, and the corresponding cecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) populations on a hypothetical 1,000-acre ranch in South Texas. The model structure, constructed in Vensim® PLE 7.2 software (Ventana Systems, Inc.), integrates the hypothesized biotic and abiotic drivers (precipitation, parasite load, insect abundance, and quail density) unique to the host-helminth system over 7 years (2012–2019). Our specific objectives were to 1) develop a working baseline model to replicate the synergistic population dynamics among bobwhite, grasshopper, and cecal worm populations and then 2) test hypotheses about each population’s boom-and-bust cycles resulting from environmental stressors (e.g., drought). Applications of the model can provide landowners and natural resource managers with a better understanding of the complex dynamics occurring among bobwhite, grasshopper, and cecal worm populations in South Texas.

Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis) Home Range and Habitat Use in Late Winter and Early Breeding Season in Coastal Texas, USA

Habitat use by the Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis) in coastal Texas, USA is poorly understood. To provide data for effective management of the subspecies in Texas, home range size was estimated and habitat use was examined. From February-May of 2017 and 2018, regular locations of 13 radio-transmitted Eastern Black Rails were obtained at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. The mean fixed kernel home range for birds with ≥ 24 relocations was 2.3 ha, with a mean core area of 0.43 ha. Average 95% MCP home range was 0.98 ha with a mean core area of 0.12 ha. During radio tracking, an Eastern Black Rail nest was found on 19 March 2018, the earliest on record for the state. Birds used the Salt and Brackish High Tidal Marsh, Salty Prairie, and Baccharis (Baccharis spp.) Shrubland, and avoided Salt and Brackish Low Tidal Marsh. Home ranges contained a gently sloping elevation gradient suggesting the importance of on-foot access to higher ground. Protection and restoration of Salty Prairie, and Salt and Brackish High Tidal Marsh is recommended for maintaining Eastern Black Rail populations in coastal Texas.

Understanding Oncological Disparities in Mycosis Fungoides within Hispanic Enriched Communities

Understanding Oncological Disparities in Mycosis Fungoides within Hispanic Enriched Communities

Ethnicity, Nativity and Outcomes in Burkitt Lymphoma Among US Hispanics: Texas and Florida State Database Study

Background:Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL) is a highly aggressive mature B-cell neoplasm with multiple subtypes differing in their demographic and geographic presentations. Prompt diagnosis and referral of BL patients is key towards its prognostic advantage and hence its outcomes could be vulnerable to social and healthcare inequities.National data on the epidemiology of cancer are commonly reported by broad racial/ethnic categories, such as “Hispanic.” However, few studies have disaggregated Hispanic (HI) groups and explored mortality differentials in this heterogeneous population. (J Immigr Minor Health. PMID: 18506623)The HI population in Florida (FL) is primarily of Cuban ancestry, as opposed to the primarily Mexican background of Texas (TX) (Front Public Health. PMID: 30234082). Both the FL and TX populations have similar stress factors, such as immigration and education/job opportunities that may affect patients, but because the two areas are demographically and culturally unique and have different genetic admixtures, it's possible their outcomes in certain cancers could be different. The present study aimed to use data from two large population datasets that comprise majority of HI with different ancestry, to provide an update on the incidence and mortality differentials in patients with BL when compared to Non-Hispanics (NH) over the past decade, between 2006 and 2017.Method:This is a retrospective study of patients >18 years diagnosed with BL from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) and the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) from 2006-2017. Patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology Third Edition (ICD-O-3) code list. All patient data was obtained de-identified and standard demographics, variables and treatment effect were analyzed. The significance of variation in the distribution of categorical outcomes within ethnicity (HI, NH) was assessed with Fisher's Exact tests or Pearson's Chi-square tests as appropriate; age was assessed with T-tests or Wilcoxon tests as appropriate. Survival distributions were described with Kaplan-Meier curves and significance of variation in median survival with ethnicity was assessed with log rank testing. All statistical testing was two-sided with a significance level of 5%.Results:A total of 1543 patients (794 from TX and 749 from FL) were included in our analysis. HI comprised of 29% (n=229) of TX registry and 20% (n=147) of FL database. Consistent with known age and gender epidemiology of BL, younger males were commonly affected in both ethnic groups regardless of the geographic region, except for slightly younger age at diagnosis in HI in FL (49 years(y)) when compared to NH (55 y, p = <0.001).While TCR reports ancestry, FCDS does not report it. Majority of HI in TX are of Mexican origin (20%) with larger population grouped under “Spanish, NOS/Hispanic group”(73%). HI in TX and FL suffered from higher percentage of poverty when compared to NH (20-100%: 55% vs 23% in TX and 32% vs 22% in FL respectively). In terms of health insurance coverage, HI in TX were under-insured when compared to NH (65% vs 81%) but HI and NH had equal health coverage in FL. (82% vs 82%) (Table 1)The median survival time was longer for HI in FL (5.4 y vs 1.6 y) but shorter in Texas (1.2 y vs 3.4 y) when compared to NH. The 2, 5, 10 year survival trends in HI and NH residing in TX and FL are shown in Table 2. The 10 y Overall Survival (OS) of HI from FL was statistically better when compared to NH (p=0.046) whereas HI had inferior survival to NH in TX (p=0.014) (Figure 1 & 2).Conclusion:Outcomes of BL in HI population in FL appears unique when compared to TX. HI in FL were younger with longer median survival and superior OS when compared to NH. However, HI in TX had an inferior OS when compared to NH. Whether these disparities are a reflection of higher rates of poverty and lack of insurance among H in TX compared to H in FL or if related to national origin and/or age and environmental factors remains to be determined. This study illustrates that outcomes of cancer could vary by HI subgroups. Examining HI by nativity and country of origin may help identify risks specific to individual subpopulations and is needed if health disparities are to be adequately identified, understood and addressed. [Display omitted] DisclosuresDiaz Duque: Incyte: Consultancy; Morphosys: Speakers Bureau; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Hutchinson Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Epizyme: Consultancy; ADCT: Consultancy.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study of the Population of Texas and Florida with an Emphasis on Survival Outcomes on Hispanics Vs Non-Hispanics

IntroductionPrimary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a devastating subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that accounts for ~4% of newly diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) tumors. (NeuroOncol PMID: 21915121) The age-adjusted incidence of PCNSL in the U.S. has increased since the 1970s. (ACS PMID: 19273630) despite advances in the treatment of lymphoma, and clinical outcomes remain poor with an estimated 5- year survival for immunocompetent patients at 30%. (NCBI PMID:31424729) Trends in outcomes of PCNSL have been reported, but sub-analyses for minorities like Hispanics (HI), have not been widely studied. Understanding ethnic disparities on outcomes and patterns of care in PCNSL are crucial given the rapid growth of HI in the U.S. This study aims to examine the demographics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of PCNSL in HI compared to Non-Hispanics (NH) in Texas (TX) and Florida (FL).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of a cohort of patients diagnosed with lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) from the TX Cancer Registry (TCR) and the FL Cancer Data System (FCDS) from 2006-2017. Patients with PCNSL were identified by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology Third Edition (ICD-O-3) code list. Standard demographic variables collected include gender, ethnicity, dates at diagnosis and death, primary payer at diagnosis, type of treatment and poverty index (PI). The significance of variation in the distribution of categorical outcomes with ethnicity (HI and NH) was assessed with Fisher's Exact tests or Pearson's Chi-square tests as appropriate; age was assessed with T-tests or Wilcoxon tests as appropriate. Survival distributions were described with Kaplan-Meier curves and significance of variation in median survival with ethnicity was assessed with log rank testing. All statistical testing was two-sided with a significance level of 5%.ResultsThe study included 1969 patients (TX: n=297 HI, n= 708 NH; FL: n=149 HI, n=415 NH). PCNSL was diagnosed at younger median age in HI (TX: 59,FL:59) compared to NH (TX: 62, FL:63),with a significant difference noted within each state (TX: p= 0.005; FL: p=0.007). HI in TX were identified primarily as Mexican, Spanish or NOS/Hispanic. There was a significant predominance of overall males (M) in TX (p=0.009). There was a non-significant predominance of M in FL. Regarding poverty index (PI), there were more HI (TX:51% and FL: 35%) in the 20-100% bracket than NH (TX: 25%; FL: 22%). Conversely there were more NH in all other PI in TX and FL. Government sponsored insurance was the most common insurance in all subgroups. This reached a significant predominance in HI (54%) and NH (54%) in TX (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in insurance types between HI and NH in FL(p=0.772). Regarding chemotherapy there was a trend to either use multiple agents [(TX: 34% in HI vs 32% in NH; p=0.68); (FL: 33% in HI vs 67% in NH; p=0.042)] or to not offer chemotherapy at all [(TX: 26% in HI vs 29% in NH; p= 0.68); (FL: 44% in HI vs 33% in NH; p=0.042)] with significant differences noted in FL only. (Table 1) The median survival (MS) for HI and NH in TX was similar in years (y) at 0.8 while the MS time in FL for HI vs NH was higher (1.3 vs 0.6 respectfully) Thus, the MS for HI in FL was higher compared to NH in FL and HI and NH in both TX and FL. (Table 2) The survival probability for HI was shorter at 2 and 5 years compared to NH in TX with a non-significant overall survival (OS) probability (p-value=0.19) seen in Figure 1. Significantly, the survival probability of HI in FL at 2, 5 and 10 years was higher compared to NH with an OS probability (p-value=0.0063) seen in Figure 2.ConclusionThis retrospective study showed a statistically significant difference in OS probabilities at all years between HI and NH in FL with PCNSL. The OS probability also remained higher in HI in FL compared to both HI and NH in TX. In addition, the study demonstrated a longer MS in HI in FL compared to not only HI in TX, but also both NH in TX and FL. Sociodemographic differences like gender and insurance types were noted between HI in TX and FL. HI origin groups are also a subject of interest. The primary HI origin group in TX were Mexican and not otherwise specified (NOS). This data was missing for FL HI. Future studies should be conducted to uncover any further disparities between these two HI populations to explore the impact of access to care and disease biology on PCNSL survival outcomes. [Display omitted] DisclosuresDiaz Duque: Incyte: Consultancy; Morphosys: Speakers Bureau; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; Hutchinson Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Epizyme: Consultancy; ADCT: Consultancy.

The Identification of Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Genes Involved in Pheromone Production and Pheromone Biosynthesis.

Simple SummaryThe boll weevil is a destructive pest of commercial cotton throughout the Americas. An eradication program in the United States has removed the boll weevil from most of its range. However, weevil populations in South Texas remain a threat to eradicated areas. Pheromone traps are used to monitor boll weevil activity, and when a weevil is captured, eradication programs rely on malathion for control. However, the effectiveness of pheromone traps in detecting incipient boll weevil populations is reduced during certain times of the year. Additionally, human safety and environmental concerns, as well as the potential development of malathion-resistant populations, have prompted program managers to seek alternative control methods. We sequenced and compared pheromone-producing and non-pheromone-producing weevils to identify genes involved in pheromone production, which, in turn, could be an environmentally friendly way to target gene-level pest control that is specific to the boll weevil. Our results revealed genes involved in pheromone production, as well as insect development and immunity, which may be targeted for boll weevil suppression.Eradication programs for the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), rely almost exclusively on pheromone traps to indicate the need for insecticide applications. However, the effectiveness of traps in detecting weevil populations is reduced during certain times of the year, particularly when cotton is actively fruiting. Consequently, this could result in fields becoming heavily infested with weevils. It is widely speculated that the lack of weevil captures in traps during this period is largely due to the overwhelming amount of pheromone released by weevils in the field, which outcompete the pheromone released from traps. Thus, this work sought to identify genes involved in pheromone production so that new control methods that target these genes can be explored. We conducted an RNA-seq experiment that revealed 2479 differentially expressed genes between pheromone-producing and non-pheromone-producing boll weevils. Of those genes, 1234 were up-regulated, and 1515 were down-regulated, and most had gene annotations associated with pheromone production, development, or immunity. This work advances our understanding of boll weevil pheromone production and brings us one step closer to developing gene-level control strategies for this cotton pest.

Phylogeography of the Rough Greensnake, Opheodrys aestivus (Squamata: Colubridae), Using Multilocus Sanger Sequence and Genomic ddRADseq Data

The Rough Greensnake, Opheodrys aestivus, is a moderately sized, semi-arboreal snake broadly distributed throughout eastern North America. Although numerous taxa with similar distributions have been shown to comprise multiple species, O. aestivus has not been examined in a detailed phylogeographic context. Here, we use Sanger-sequence data (one mitochondrial, three nuclear loci) for samples from throughout the distribution of O. aestivus to elucidate phylogeographic patterns in this species. We combine this with ddRADseq data for a subset of samples to test patterns on a more genomically comprehensive scale. In both data sets, we find strong support for three deeply divergent clades within O. aestivus: peninsular Florida, central Texas, and a Main clade comprising the rest of the distribution. Estimates of divergence time suggest that the central Texas and Main clades diverged ∼1.3 million years ago (mya), while the peninsular Florida clade diverged from other lineages ∼2.9 mya, and these lineages diverged from the sister taxon, O. vernalis, ∼6.4 mya. The divergence of peninsular Florida or central Texas populations is not unique among squamates, nor is low levels of divergence from the Atlantic coast to eastern Texas, but this combination of patterns is unusual and yields important insight into the biogeography of North American biota. Further, our approach helps illustrate how dense geographic sampling with limited genomic sequencing can be used as a guide for the selection of samples to test phylogeographic patterns comprehensively. We conclude that elevating O. a. carinatus to species status may better describe the diversity of this genus.

Itching for Recognition: Dermatophytosis Identified in an Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) Population in Texas

The diversity, clinical manifestations, and impact on overall health of pathogenic fungi in Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk [ESS]) have been poorly investigated. Herein, we describe the first reported cases of fungal dermatitis in ESS from a population in southeastern Texas. In 2016, two of 3 ESS live-trapped in Harris County, TX, exhibited symptoms consistent with dermatophytosis. We isolated fungus from 1 of 2 cultures grown from scraped samples of infected ESS skin and morphologically identified it as Microsporum canis. Reviewing local wildlife rehabilitation records, we were able to confirm the prevalence of dermatophytosis within local mephitid populations. We examine the implications of the discovery of a zoonotic fungal pathogen in ESS in light of its importance in wildlife medicine as well as its ramifications for the health of domestic animals and humans.

Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Pachysentis canicola Meyer, 1931 (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) from the Maned Wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) in Texas.

The original description of Pachysentis canicola Meyer, 1931 was based on an unknown number of specimens from an undetermined species of Canis in Brazil from the Berlin Museum. It has since been reported from other carnivores in South and North America. Our specimens from the maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), in Texas, represent a new host record, and has shed more light on morphometric characteristics missing from the original description, and expanded the range of variations in characters that remained fixed since 1931 and that have been repeated in other taxonomic accounts. We have found additional specimens in striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis Schreber, also in Texas. We have performed metal analysis on hooks using EDXA (energy dispersive X-ray analysis). Sequences for the 18S gene and ITS1-5.8-ITS2 region of rDNA were generated to molecularly characterize the species for the first time. Worms with a massive trunk and a globular proboscis with prominent dome-like apical organ and 12 irregular spiral rows of 4-5 hooks deeply embedded in cuticular folds each, totaling 48-60 hooks. We have included line drawings of the male and female reproductive systems, among other structures, also missing from the original and subsequent descriptions. We describe a new population of P. canicola from Texas and report on the metal analysis of its hooks using EDXA. We also assess the phylogenetic position of P. canicola supporting its independent status in the family Oligacanthorhynchidae, inferred from the two molecular markers. This is the foremost molecular characterization of any species of Pachysentis and will provide significant insights and reference for future molecular study of species of Pachysentis, especially from this newly described Texas population.

Radiocarbon data may support a Malthus-Boserup model of hunter-gatherer population expansion

Describing and explaining the population growth trajectories of prehistoric hunter-gatherers is an important research problem. Large radiocarbon data sets provide one empirical starting point for describing these trajectories; however, explaining trajectories of growth must always take place within the context of theory. In this paper, we formalize a ratchet model of long-term, mean population growth among hunter-gatherers and evaluate the plausibility of that model using two extensive radiocarbon data sets from Central Texas and the Texas Coastal Plain. Our analysis suggests that hunter-gatherer populations in these regions displayed waves of population growth separated by periods of population saturation and competition for resources. Our model and results suggest that hunter-gatherer populations in Texas may have experienced multiple demographic transitions to successively higher levels of population saturation (carrying capacity). Our results derive from a general model, a set of methods applicable across archaeological regions, and provide a basis for hypotheses that may explain changes in the socioecology of hunter-gatherers.

The Care Children Deserve

The Care Children Deserve

Estuary‐Level Genomic Variation Confirms Demographic and Life History Differences among Black Drum Populations in Texas

AbstractThe Black Drum Pogonias cromis is a year‐round resident in estuarine and nearshore habitats throughout the Gulf of Mexico and is common in Texas. Multiple studies have highlighted life history and demographic variation in this species among estuaries, and tagging studies conducted in Texas suggest limited migration between adjacent estuaries. While these findings raise the potential for genetic heterogeneity among estuaries via accumulation of genetic drift, such an effect has never been tested. We used 5,340 genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms from a reduced‐representation genomic library to assess the magnitude and geographic pattern of genetic heterogeneity in Black Drum sampled from multiple estuaries in Texas. We found significant genetic heterogeneity that could be partitioned into three regional groupings: northern (Sabine Lake to San Antonio Bay), central (upper Laguna Madre and its secondary bays) and southern (lower Laguna Madre). These regional groupings roughly coincide with significant differences in life history strategies noted in previous studies and suggest a regional stock structure that is anchored by two independently collected lines of evidence. There was also evidence for weak but significant genetic structure among adjacent secondary estuaries within the Baffin Bay complex. Finally, outliers from the genomic data set correlated weakly (but significantly) with differences in residual growth among individuals. These findings imply genetic heterogeneity of Black Drum among and within estuaries, correlation of growth phenotypes with a small partition of outlier loci, and correlation between genomic patterns and complex regional differences in life history phenotypes described previously. Stock assessments for this species should carefully consider regional stock definitions and model parameters because such inputs may vary significantly above and below the scale of estuaries.

Temporal Genetic Diversity and Effective Population Size of the Reintroduced Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) Population in Coastal South Texas

Reintroductions are an important tool in conservation for preserving and enhancing biodiversity and preventing extinction, and post-release monitoring is essential to evaluate and inform conservation management and maximize recovery success. By quantifying genetic diversity levels and effective population size (Ne) over time, managers can gauge to what degree additional efforts are needed to increase the likelihood of population persistence. The endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) population in South Texas was reestablished and supplemented with captive-bred individuals originating from 27 founders collected in eastern Mexico (San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Chiapas). A total of 927 Aplomado Falcons were released at 23 locations along the southern coast of Texas between 1985 and 2004, and in 2012 and 2013. To assess the species' reintroduction and recovery, we applied a genetic monitoring approach using sampled nestlings (n = 267) from a total of 108 nests in 2004–2005 and 2012–2016. Based on ten microsatellite loci, levels of genetic diversity (i.e., allelic richness and heterozygosity) remained stable over the sampled time period, with no indication of inbreeding. Diversity levels were comparable to a subset of samples collected from the captive population founders (n = 11). Similarly, individuals from the South Texas population showed strong admixture with the founding population, and levels of both Ne and of effective breeding (Nb) showed no signs of decline over the sampled time period. To what degree overlapping generations and the release of additional Aplomado Falcons during the sampled time period limited our assessment of the South Texas population is not fully known. Continued monitoring across multiple generations is advisable to assess the population's ability to persist.

Ten-year projection of white-nose syndrome disease dynamics at the southern leading-edge of infection in North America.

Predicting the emergence and spread of infectious diseases is critical for the effective conservation of biodiversity. White-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging infectious disease of bats, has resulted in high mortality in eastern North America. Because the fungal causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans is constrained by temperature and humidity, spread dynamics may vary by geography. Environmental conditions in the southern part of the continent are different than the northeast, where disease dynamics are typically studied, making it difficult to predict how the disease will manifest. Herein, we modelled WNS pathogen spread in Texas based on cave densities and average dispersal distances of hosts, projecting these results out to 10 years. We parameterized a predictive model of WNS epidemiology and its effects on bat populations with observed cave environmental data. Our model suggests that bat populations in northern Texas will be more affected by WNS mortality than southern Texas. As such, we recommend prioritizing the preservation of large overwintering colonies of bats in north Texas through management actions. Our model illustrates that infectious disease spread and infectious disease severity can become uncoupled over a gradient of environmental variation and highlight the importance of understanding host, pathogen and environmental conditions across a breadth of environments.

Survivorship and Spatial Patterns of an Urban Population of Texas Horned Lizards

ABSTRACTHabitat fragmentation has negative consequences on threatened and endangered species by creating isolated populations. The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is experiencing population declines and localized extirpations throughout its range and has been classified as a species of greatest conservation need in Oklahoma, USA. Younger age classes have been poorly studied but may be vital to the stability of remaining populations. To address gaps in knowledge concerning subadult (hatchling and juvenile) morphometrics, survivorship, and home range sizes, we studied 2 cohorts of subadults, for 2 years each, covering their hatching and juvenile years (2016–2019). We used a combination of radio‐telemetry and novel harmonic radar methodology to study a closed population of Texas horned lizards in 15 ha of native grassland at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Population abundance for adults and juveniles was estimated as 56.5 ± 5.5 lizards and density as 7.96 lizards/ha. Our lowest estimates of survival indicated an average survival probability for the hatchling life stage of 0.285 (95% CI = 0.15–0.44), which is lower than for adults on the site. Average home range size increased from hatchling to adult life stages. Our results will have an immediate effect on the planning and assessment of ongoing headstart and management programs for Texas horned lizards. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.

Clinical outcomes and lipid-laden macrophages in Electronic cigarette/Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) in a South Texas population

Objective: To describe the clinical features, proportion of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and short-term and 6-month to 12-month outcomes of patients with Electronic cigarette/Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).Methods: Retrospective review of clinical characteristics, radiographs, and BAL samples for all patients with a history of vaping who presented with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure to the University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas from 9/2019 to 6/2020 was performed.Results: We report 16 cases (15 men; median age, 30 years [range 19-75]) of EVALI with a history of vaping Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), nicotine, or both. The most common presenting symptoms were tachycardia, dyspnea, cough, and fever. All patients required supplemental oxygen, including two who required noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, and five who required mechanical ventilation. All 16 patients had bilateral ground-glass opacities (GGO) with peripheral sparing on chest computerizedtomography (CT). Cultures were negative, except for one patient who tested positive for rhinovirus. COVID-19 PCR was done in one individual which was negative. Cytology demonstrated lipid-laden macrophages on Oil-Red-O stain on fresh (i.e., without fixative) BAL in the majority of patients (N = 12) with a mean lipid-saturation percentage of 78% [range, 44%-100%] and the mean Colombo count of 194 [range, 101-359]. Fifteen patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days. At discharge, three patients required supplemental oxygen. Eight of those who had follow-up imaging showed resolution of GGO. One patient had a relapse of symptoms and was again treated with systemic corticosteroids and mycophenolate, with resolution of symptoms. Fourteen patients who were evaluated after discharge denied vaping post-discharge (two patients were not able to be contacted and did not keep follow-up appointments).Conclusions: Successful diagnosis and management of EVALI requires a high clinical suspicion, thorough evaluation to rule out infectious etiologies, and aggressive treatment with systemic corticosteroids, along with sustained abstinence from vaping.

Genetic basis and cross-resistance of Vip3Aa resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (lepidoptera: Noctuidae) derived from Texas, USA

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an economically important crop pest and a major target of transgenic crops expressing Cry and/or Vip3Aa proteins. Widespread adoption of Bt crops has placed a strong selection pressure on the insect populations. Till now, seven lepidopteran and two coleopteran insect species have developed the field-evolved resistance to a Bt crop with practical consequences. Understanding the genetic basis of insect resistance to a Bt protein is essential for designing appropriate resistance management strategies. In this study, we firstly characterized the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance in S. frugiperda derived from Texas. Then, we compared the genetic basis of Vip3Aa resistance of this Texas population with a known Vip3Aa resistant population of S. frugiperda collected from Louisiana to determine whether the genetic basis of the resistance in these two resistant populations was the same. Finally, we evaluated the responses of the Vip3Aa-resistant population of S. frugiperda collected from Texas against Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 purified proteins. The results showed that the resistance to Vip3Aa protein in S. frugiperda collected from Texas was likely controlled by a single, functionally recessive and autosomal gene. In addition, the resistance to Vip3Aa in the Texas population of S. frugiperda was not cross-resistant to Cry1F and Cry2Ab2 proteins. The interstrain complementation tests between the Texas and Louisiana resistant populations indicated the genetic basis of the resistance to Vip3Aa in these two populations are different. Considering the rapid invasion of S. frugiperda and the adoption of Vip3Aa Bt crops in the United States and other countries, results generated from this study should provide important information for management of Vip3Aa resistance in S. frugiperda worldwide.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Incidental Sarcocystis spp. in Endangered Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) of South Texas, USA.

The federally endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population of south Texas, USA is declining; fewer than an estimated 80 ocelots remain. South Texas has robust transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease in humans and various mammals. This parasite's impact in ocelots is unknown. Blood from live-trapped ocelots was collected by US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel in an annual monitoring program; additionally, tissues were obtained from carcasses collected from 2010 to 2017 around Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas and placed in scientific collections. Variable samples were available from 21 ocelots: skeletal muscle (n=15), heart tissue (n=5), lung (n=1), kidney (n=1), spleen (n=1), liver (n=1), blood clot (n=9), and serum (n=3). Overall, 3/21 (14.3%) ocelots showed evidence of T. cruzi infection or exposure, with T. cruzi PCR-positive samples of skeletal muscle, heart, and blood clot, respectively. All three were infected with the T. cruzi discrete taxonomic unit "TcI"; one of these ocelots also had anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was noted in the PCR-positive heart tissue and in some PCR-negative tissues from this and other individuals. Incidentally, Sarcocystis spp. were noted histologically in five ocelots. Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated cardiac lesions suggest that this parasite should be further investigated in vulnerable populations.