Michigan Population Research Articles

Rapid genetic adaptation to recently colonized environments is driven by genes underlying life history traits

BackgroundUncovering the mechanisms underlying rapid genetic adaptation can provide insight into adaptive evolution and shed light on conservation, invasive species control, and natural resource management. However, it can be difficult to experimentally explore rapid adaptation due to the challenges associated with propagating and maintaining species in captive environments for long periods of time. By contrast, many introduced species have experienced strong selection when colonizing environments that differ substantially from their native range and thus provide a “natural experiment” for studying rapid genetic adaptation. One such example occurred when sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), native to the northern Atlantic, naturally migrated into Lake Champlain and expanded their range into the Great Lakes via man-made shipping canals.ResultsUtilizing 368,886 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we calculated genome-wide levels of genetic diversity (i.e., heterozygosity and π) for sea lamprey collected from native (Connecticut River), native but recently colonized (Lake Champlain), and invasive (Lake Michigan) populations, assessed genetic differentiation between all populations, and identified candidate genes that responded to selection imposed by the novel environments. We observed a 14 and 24% reduction in genetic diversity in Lake Michigan and Lake Champlain populations, respectively, compared to individuals from the Connecticut River, suggesting that sea lamprey populations underwent a genetic bottleneck during colonization. Additionally, we identified 121 and 43 outlier genes in comparisons between Lake Michigan and Connecticut River and between Lake Champlain and Connecticut River, respectively. Six outlier genes that contained synonymous SNPs in their coding regions and two genes that contained nonsynonymous SNPs may underlie the rapid evolution of growth (i.e., GHR), reproduction (i.e., PGR, TTC25, STARD10), and bioenergetics (i.e., OXCT1, PYGL, DIN4, SLC25A15).ConclusionsBy identifying the genomic basis of rapid adaptation to novel environments, we demonstrate that populations of invasive species can be a useful study system for understanding adaptive evolution. Furthermore, the reduction in genome-wide levels of genetic diversity associated with colonization coupled with the identification of outlier genes underlying key life history traits known to have changed in invasive sea lamprey populations (e.g., growth, reproduction) illustrate the utility in applying genomic approaches for the successful management of introduced species.

Survey and Genetic Analysis of Demethylation Inhibitor Fungicide Resistance in Monilinia fructicola From Michigan Orchards.

Resistance to sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides in Monilinia fructicola, causal agent of brown rot of stone fruit, has been reported in the southeastern and eastern United States and in Brazil. DMI resistance of some M. fructicola isolates, in particular those recovered from the southeastern United States, is associated with a sequence element termed "Mona" that causes overexpression of the cytochrome demethylase target gene MfCYP51. In this study, we conducted statewide surveys of Michigan stone fruit orchards from 2009 to 2011 and in 2019, and we determined the sensitivity to propiconazole of a total of 813 isolates of M. fructicola. A total of 80.7% of Michigan isolates were characterized as resistant to propiconazole by relative growth assays, but the Mona insert was not uniformly detected and was present in some isolates that were not characterized as DMI resistant. Gene expression assays indicated that elevated expression of MfCYP51 was only weakly correlated with DMI resistance in M. fructicola isolates from Michigan, and there was no obvious correlation between the presence of the Mona element and elevated expression of MfCYP51. However, sequence analysis of MfCYP51 from 25 DMI-resistant isolates did not reveal any point mutations that could be correlated with resistance. Amplification and sequencing upstream of MfCYP51 resulted in detection of DNA insertions in a wide range of isolates typed by DMI phenotype and the presence of Mona or other unique sequences. The function of these unique sequences or their presence upstream of MfCYP51 cannot be correlated to a DMI-resistant genotype at this time. Our results indicate that DMI resistance was established in Michigan populations of M. fructicola by 2009 to 2011, and that relative resistance levels have continued to increase to the point that practical resistance is present in most orchards. In addition, the presence of the Mona insert is not a marker for identifying DMI-resistant isolates of M. fructicola in Michigan.

Partnering to Reduce Colon Cancer Health Disparities Among the American Indian Population in Michigan

American Indian and Alaska Native people experience higher rates of several cancers, including lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, and kidney cancers, compared to non-Hispanic White people in the United States. Cancer disparities are also prominent among the American Indian population and vary by region. Disproportionately high rates of colon cancer were identified among three tribal communities in Michigan by linking each tribe’s enrollment roster to the state cancer registry. In response, in 2015 the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan received funding from the Office of Minority Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work with the three tribes to develop and implement the Tribal Colon Cancer Collaborative Project. The project used a community-based participatory research approach and a learning collaborative model to implement a multipronged initiative intended to improve colon cancer screening rates and outcomes among the three tribal communities. Local tribal coordinators were trained in the use of evidence-based interventions, including patient navigation and quality improvement processes, and implemented activities within their respective tribal health settings. Preliminary findings indicated increased colon cancer screening rates and improved rates of early stage cancer diagnoses. This paper describes the processes involved in implementing the project in collaboration with local tribal coordinators and the details of their journey toward improved colon cancer health outcomes.

A family‐centered approach to dementia caregiving: The case of Arab Americans

AbstractBackgroundResearch findings increasingly show that the primary caregiver paradigm is not a good fit for many cultures (Gallagher‐Thompson et al., 2000; Dilworth‐Anderson et al., 1999; Aranda & Knight, 1997). In terms of Arab American communities, findings show the need for a family‐centric approach to caring for older adults (Ajrouch, 2017; Ajrouch & Fakhoury, 2013; Sengstock, 1996). The Arab population in Michigan grew 47% between 2000 and 2013, estimated at over 300,000 residents (Arab American Foundation Institute, 2014), and 11% are aged 65+ (American Community Survey, 2013‐2018). We advance a family systems framework by invoking convoys of caregiving (Sherman, Webster & Antonucci, 2013), highlighting that all caregivers, but especially in certain cultures, are surrounded by key others. This paper presents the process by which we developed a culturally congruent Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) caregiver intervention for Arab American families.MethodThree focus groups were organized with Arab Americans caring for a family member with AD. One focus group was organized with professionals who work with Arab Americans. Focus group discussions were held at a local Arab American social service organization, and gathered data on the role of family in caregiving, Arab American needs, and reactions to proposed intervention formats. Inductive analysis identified and refined study themes applied to modify an existing support program from the Alzheimer’s Association.ResultResults identified universal (e.g., burnout,) as well as culturally unique themes around the family caregiving experience. Culturally unique themes included “national origins,” which alerts us to ensure examples and scenarios used are familiar, but also introduces need for ensuring and communicating confidentiality; “family dynamics,” which introduces need to build on strengths, while at same time convey importance of accepting help; and “cultural ideals,” which shape how to introduce formal support options. We illustrate how results were applied to modify program delivery and content.ConclusionThis approach provides direction for addressing cultural needs/preferences within family contexts. Successful modification of an existing intervention includes capturing group ideals, engaging with community partners as equals, and making cultural representations visible. Next steps will involve evaluation of the modified program, program refinement and a final tool kit.

Partnering with Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino Immigrant Communities to Increase Participation in Alzheimer's Disease Research.

Recruitment and retention of US ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in research continues to pose challenges. The Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer's Disease (MCCFAD) engages with two underserved immigrant communities in Michigan - Middle Eastern/Arab Americans in metro-Detroit and Latinos in the Grand Rapids area - to recruit and retain two Participant Resource Pools (PRP). We adapt an existing community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to recruit Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino adults of all ages for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) research. Using American Community Survey (2014-2018) data, we compare socio-demographic characteristics of Middle Eastern/Arab Americans and Latinos living in Michigan to our PRPs. Assessment tools and community advisory board feedback identified missteps and culturally sensitive solutions. In the first year of MCCFAD activities, 100 Middle Eastern/Arab Americans and 117 Latinos joined the MCCFAD PRPs. Comparisons to state-level data showed that PRP participants were on average older and more likely to be female than the Middle Eastern/Arab American and Latino populations in Michigan. Further, Middle Eastern/Arab Americans in the PRP reported higher education levels while Latinos reported lower education levels than their respective statewide populations. Community partnerships/feedback identified the importance of connecting with community leaders, attending to matters of within-group diversity, as well as language and semantics. Partnership with communities to develop culturally targeted and sensitive community health events can fill a significant gap in addressing ADRD health disparities by establishing sustainable relationships to increase participation in ADRD research.

Don't stand so close to me: Microbiota-facilitated enemy release dynamics in introduced Onthophagus taurus dung beetles.

Microbial symbionts can influence their hosts in stunningly diverse ways. Emerging research suggests that an underappreciated facet of these relationships is the influence microbes can have on their host's responses to novel, or stressful, environmental conditions. We sought to address these and related questions in populations resulting from the recent introduction and subsequent rapid range expansion of Onthophagus taurus dung beetles. Specifically, we manipulated both microbial communities and rearing temperature to detect signatures of developmental and life history differentiation in response to the local thermal conditions in two populations derived from the southern most (Florida) and northern most (Michigan) extremes of the exotic Eastern U.S. range of O. taurus. We then sought to determine the contributions, if any, of host‐associated microbiota to this differentiation. We found that when reared under common garden conditions individuals from Florida and Michigan populations differed significantly in developmental performance measures and life history traits, consistent with population divergence. At the same time, and contrary to our predictions, we failed to find support for the hypothesis that animals perform better if reared at temperatures that match their location of origin and that performance differences may be mediated by host‐associated microbiota. Instead, we found that microbiome swapping across host populations improved developmental performance in both populations, consistent with enemy release dynamics. We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the rapid spread of exotic O. taurus through the Eastern United States and the significance of symbiosis in host responses to novel environmental conditions more broadly.

Characteristics and distribution of obesity in the Arab-American population of southeastern Michigan

BackgroundArab-Americans constitute ~ 5% of Michigan’s population. Estimates of obesity in Arab-Americans are not up-to-date. We aim to describe the distribution of and factors associated with obesity in an Arab-American population in Southeastern Michigan (SE MI).MethodsRetrospective medical record review identified n = 2363 Arab-American patients seeking care at an Arab-American serving clinic in SE MI, located in a city which is home to a large proportion of Arab-Americans in the United States (US). Body mass index (BMI) was the primary outcome of interest. Distribution of BMI was described using percentages, and logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between obesity, other comorbid conditions and health behaviors. This cohort was compared to Michigan’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2018 (n = 9589) and to a cohort seeking care between 2013 and 2019 from a free clinic (FC) located in another city in SE MI (n = 1033).ResultsOf the 2363 Arab-American patients, those who were older or with HTN, DM or HLD had a higher prevalence of obesity than patients who were younger or without these comorbidities (all p-value < 0.001). Patients with HTN were 3 times as likely to be obese than those without HTN (95% CI: 2.41–3.93; p < 0.001). Similarly, the odds of being obese were 2.5 times higher if the patient was diabetic (95% CI: 1.92–3.16; p < 0.001) and 2.2 times higher if the patient had HLD (95% CI: 1.75–2.83; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in obesity rates between Arab-Americans (31%) and the BRFSS population (32.6%). Compared to Arab-Americans, patients seen at the FC had a higher obesity rate (52.6%; p < 0.001) as well as significantly higher rates of HTN, DM and HLD (all p < 0.001).ConclusionOverall obesity rates in Arab-Americans were comparable to the population-based BRFSS rates, and lower than the patients seen at the FC. Further studies are required to understand the impact of obesity and the association of comorbidities in Arab-Americans.

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and risk of mortality for older population in North Carolina and Michigan

Background/Aim: Many epidemiological studies have consistently reported positive associations between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and risk of mortality. However, research on which residential environmental and social factors modify the effect of long-term exposure to air pollution on mortality risk is limited. In this study, we evaluated residential greenness and several individual- and community-level factors as effect modifier for long-term exposure to PM2.5 and risk of mortality.Methods: We used data from all Medicare beneficiaries in NC and MI (2001-2016). Annual averages of PM2.5 were estimated using spatio-temporal prediction models to assign zip-code level exposures based on the residence for each enrollee. We estimated the risk of death associated with a 1 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 using a Cox proportional hazards model that controlled for demographic characteristics, Medicaid eligibility, and area-level covariates. We assessed health disparities by residential greenness using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and several individual- and community-level factors (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, urbanicity). We considered combined disparities (e.g., race and SES, urban green vs. rural green) and compared regional characteristics, exposure levels and thus effect estimates between MI and NC.Results: PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with increased risk of non-accidental mortality for NC and MI. The hazard ratio (HR) for death was 1.124 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.117, 1.130) and 1.007 (95% CI 1.001, 1.013) for NC and MI, respectively. Our preliminary analysis showed that higher risk of PM2.5 exposure on non-accidental mortality was associated with some factors such as residential greenness, urbanicity and socioeconomic status. The HR was higher in areas with less green space and in areas with lower SES, with different patterns of effects by urbanicity and region.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the multiple aspects of disparity factors may affect disproportionate mortality burdens from air pollution exposures.

Baseline sensitivity of Fusarium graminearum from wheat, corn, dry bean and soybean to pydiflumetofen in Michigan, USA

Fusarium graminearum is perhaps best known for causing head blight in wheat and ear and stalk rot in corn. However, F. graminearum can also cause seedling diseases and root rot on many field crops including wheat, corn, soybean, and dry bean. In 2019, a new Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide, pydiflumetofen (Syngenta, Switzerland), was registered for management of Fusarium Head Blight of wheat and corn ear rot. Here, we determined the sensitivity of isolates of F. graminearum from wheat, corn, soybean and dry bean from Michigan to this new active ingredient. In vitro sensitivity of 94 isolates was assessed with a poison plate mycelial growth assay, and a subset with 21 isolates was also tested with a spore germination assay. The effective concentration that reduced growth or germination by 50% (EC50) was determined for each isolate. Mycelial growth EC50 values ranged from 0.008 to 0.263 μg/mL, with a mean of 0.060 μg/mL. EC50 values for spore germination assays ranged from 0.167 to 0.538 μg/mL, with a mean of 0.321 μg/mL. This study demonstrates both mycelial growth and spore germination are inhibited by this new chemistry in vitro. This data also establishes baseline sensitivity values of Michigan populations of F. graminearum before widespread application of this chemistry on commercial fields.

Insidious Trauma, Heteronormative Steeping, and Help-seeking: Exploring the Rural Non-Heterosexual Experience

Non-heterosexual (NH) individuals are often exposed to stressors based on their non-heterosexual status and, therefore, may have unique needs related to help-seeking for mental health, especially in rural areas where residents are more likely to identify as religious or conservative, groups that have historically been opposed to NH individuals. This study was completed to explore the lives of 10 non-heterosexual individuals in rural northern Michigan related to their daily encounters with minority stress and their experiences with help-seeking for mental health symptomology. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted, and transcriptions were analyzed to identify the occurrence of traumatic experiences at a systemic/interpersonal level, subsequent internalization of those experiences, how that prompted the need for counseling, and the individual experiences within those therapeutic encounters. Thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) experiences of distal stressors and proximal stress reactions related to environmental and interpersonal interactions, (b) heteronormativity and heterosexism within the help-seeking process, and (c) suggestions for improving the help-seeking process. The results of this study include increasing awareness of, and focus on, the NH population in rural northern Michigan, which may have increased negative experiences based on minimal community acceptance, few affirming and diversity-educated mental health provider options, and negative provider reactions. The knowledge generated from this study could lead to increased awareness of the insidious environmental trauma experienced by NH individuals in rural conservative areas and reduce the disparities for this population by improving provider awareness and services.

Reducing the Risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Reducing the Risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract S09-02: Outcomes by race for cancer patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract Purpose: Disparities in COVID-19 outcomes have been widely reported, with disproportionate negative impacts on the African American (AA) population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of race on COVID-19 outcomes for cancer patients hospitalized in a large Michigan health care system. Methods: A cohort of hospitalized, laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive patients was identified through the Henry Ford Health System Institutional COVID prospective patient registry between March 1st–May 2020. Those with a diagnosis of cancer were identified using our institutional tumor registry and electronic health record (EHR). Patient self-reported race/ethnicity data were extracted from the system’s centralized EHR, as were other demographic and clinical covariates. Racial differences in cumulative incidence of mortality and hospital discharge were tested. To further evaluate the effect of race on the mortality, Fine-Gray competing-risks model was performed with discharge alive as a competing event. A P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 204 COVID+ cancer patients hospitalized in our health care system, 69.6% were AA (N=142). AA patients were slightly younger than non-AA patients (70.35 v. 74.58, p=0.023). No difference in mean BMI was detected (30.33 AA v. 29.87 non-AA, p = 0.68). A smaller proportion of AA patients had active cancer (36.6% v. 40.3%, p = 0.73). Outcomes were generally inferior in the AA cohort, although these differences were not statistically significant. The rate of ICU admission was 41.5% in AA and 37.1% in non-AA (p=0.659). 34.5% of AA patients required intubation compared to 25.8% of non-AA patients (p=0.288). In our model, older age was the only variable that significantly increased the risk of death (standard hazard ratio SHR 1.05, p = 0.002). The risk of death was higher for AA patients (SHR 1.92, p=0.068) and males (SHR 1.62, p = 0.078) but did not meet statistical significance. Discussion: COVID-19 outcomes were worse in the AA cancer population, but these differences did not meet statistical significance. Inferior outcomes for AA cancer patients were seen despite younger age and a smaller proportion of patients with active cancer. Our analysis focused on hospitalized patients, which would tend to select patients with similar disease severity. Notably, AA patients were significantly over-represented in our cohort (70% of hospitalizations compared to 14% of Michigan population). Our results suggest that racial disparities in outcomes for cancer patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection may exist, but further study of larger, less selected populations is needed. Citation Format: Steven S. Chang, Clara Hwang, Mohamed A. Elshaikh, Amy Tang, Christine M. Neslund-Dudas, Albert M. Levin, Laila M. Poisson, Benjamin A. Rybicki. Outcomes by race for cancer patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2020 Jul 20-22. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(18_Suppl):Abstract nr S09-02.

Individual-based modeling highlights the importance of mortality and landscape structure in measures of functional connectivity

Functional landscape connectivity is vital for the conservation of wildlife species. Landscape connectivity models often overlook factors such as mortality and asymmetry in landscape resistance that can have a significant impact on functional connectivity. Individual-based models (IBMs) can be used to explore such factors through the implementation of mechanistic dispersal behavior. Furthermore, population-level patterns of animal dispersal and landscape connectivity resulting from the simulation of alternative landscapes or scenarios of animal behavior can be compared. Use an IBM to evaluate the effects of disperser mortality, asymmetrical dispersal due to landscape structure, and land-use change on the functional landscape connectivity between two populations of reintroduced American martens Martes americana. We applied a previously calibrated IBM of marten dispersal to simulate movement between two reintroduced populations in Wisconsin and Michigan, USA. We used machine learning analyses to determine how each factor affected dispersal between populations (connectivity) across five consecutive generations. Functional landscape connectivity between populations was not always correlated with more traditional dispersal metrics, such as dispersal distance. Mortality had the greatest impact on functional connectivity. Land-use change and landscape configuration affected connectivity mostly when mortality was not incorporated into simulations. These experimental factors had a stronger effect on long-distance dispersal between populations than on more local dispersal. Conservation planning for landscape connectivity may benefit from accounting for mortality risks within matrix habitat. The development of individual-based models that incorporate landscape heterogeneity and complex animal behaviors when investigating long-distance dispersal can provide unique and specific insights into both landscape connectivity and wildlife conservation.

Consumption of Wild‐Harvested Meat in Society

ABSTRACTWild‐harvested meat, defined as meat obtained through legal hunting of free‐ranging wildlife, has been part of the food system for most of human existence. Nonetheless, description and measurement of current roles wild‐harvested meat plays in nonsubsistence communities is lacking. To better understand this system and inform policy choices, we sought to identify characteristics of consumers, their consumption patterns, and how wild‐harvested meat is distributed through society including opportunities and barriers to consumption. As part of a longstanding quarterly telephone survey with standardized protocol aimed at providing statistically robust representations of the Michigan, USA, population, we asked questions about wild‐harvested meat. We estimate a majority of the current Michigan population (75% [95% CI = 71–78%]) and nonhunter population (59% [95% CI = 54–65%]) have consumed wild‐harvested meat at least once in their life. Never having had an opportunity (22% [95% CI = 15–30%]), diet or lifestyle (16% [95% CI = 10–24%]), and taste or smell (14% [95% CI = 9–20%]) were the 3 reasons most frequently reported by nonhunters for never consuming wild‐harvested meat. Thirty‐three wildlife species were reported consumed, of which venison was the most common (96% [95% CI = 94–98%]). Among the general population, frequency of consumption during the 12 months prior to our survey was as follows: 28% (95% CI = 25–32%) never had previously consumed venison; 23% (95% CI = 20–26%) reported having consumed it, but not in the 12 months prior to the survey; 20% (95% CI = 17–23%) had consumed it once or twice in the 12 months prior to the survey; 15% (95% CI = 12–18%) had consumed it 3–10 times in the 12 months prior to the survey; and 14% (95% CI = 12–17%) had consumed it &gt;10 times in the 12 months prior to the survey. Hunters’ social networks played a key role in distribution of wild‐harvested meat. Hunting experience, social network, and race were the only influential predictors of wild‐harvested meat consumption. Hunting experience, social network, and level of urbanization of residence were the only influential predictors of frequency of venison consumption. Results identified pathways for movement of wild‐harvested meat in human food systems and could inform policy that addresses wild‐harvested meat. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Differential habitat use patterns of yellow perch Perca flavescens in eastern Lake Michigan and connected drowned river mouth lakes

Understanding stock structure and habitat use is important for sustainable fisheries management and conservation of genetic and phenotypic diversity. In eastern Lake Michigan, yellow perch Perca flavescens is found in both the nearshore region of Lake Michigan proper and drowned river mouth (DRM) lakes, small estuary-like systems directly connected to Lake Michigan. Recent genetic analyses suggest complex stock structure between these habitats and the potential migration of Lake Michigan yellow perch into the profundal zone of DRM lakes. We quantified carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotope ratios of yellow perch otolith cores to index natal origins, and measured muscle δ13C, nitrogen (δ15N), δ18O, and hydrogen (δ2H) isotope ratios to reflect recent diet and habitat use. Stable isotope ratios of otolith cores and muscle samples support the existence of resident populations in nearshore Lake Michigan and DRM lakes, as well as Lake Michigan migrants using DRM lakes. Most fish caught in DRM lakes that had natal and recent stable isotope values similar to Lake Michigan fish were collected during fall in DRM lake profundal zones. Comparison of otolith core and muscle stable isotope ratios of individual yellow perch suggest that individuals that recently migrated to DRM lakes also spent early life in Lake Michigan. Differential habitat use patterns of yellow perch in eastern Lake Michigan may have important implications for harvest estimates and fishing regulations. Migration by Lake Michigan fish into DRM lakes does not appear to be related to reproduction, and the underlying benefits of these migrations remain unclear.

Spatial variation in diet-microbe associations across populations of a generalist North American carnivore.

Generalist species, by definition, exhibit variation in niche attributes that promote survival in changing environments. Increasingly, phenotypes previously associated with a species, particularly those with wide or expanding ranges, are dissolving and compelling greater emphasis on population-level characteristics. In the present study, we assessed spatial variation in diet characteristics, gut microbiome and associations between these two ecological traits across populations of coyotes Canis latrans. We highlight the influence of the carnivore community in shaping these relationships, as the coyote varied from being an apex predator to a subordinate, mesopredator across sampled populations. We implemented a scat survey across three distinct coyote populations in Michigan, USA. We used carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotopic values to reflect consumption patterns and trophic level, respectively. Corresponding samples were also paired with 16S rRNA sequencing to describe the microbial community and correlate with isotopic values. Although consumption patterns were comparable, we found spatial variation in trophic level among coyote populations. Specifically, δ15 N was highest where coyotes were the apex predator and lowest where coyotes co-occurred with grey wolves Canis lupus. The gut microbial community exhibited marked spatial variation across populations with the lowest operational taxonomic units diversity found where coyotes occurred at their lowest trophic level. Bacteriodes and Fusobacterium dominated the microbiome and were positively correlated across all populations. We found no correlation between δ13 C and microbial community attributes. However, positive associations between δ15 N and specific microbial genera increased as coyotes ascended trophic levels. Coyotes provide a model for exploring implications of niche plasticity because they are a highly adaptable, wide-ranging omnivore. As coyotes continue to vary in trophic position and expand their geographic range, we might expect increased divergence within their microbial community, changes in physiology and alterations in behaviour.

PILOT OUTCOMES OF A COMMUNITY-BASED FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAM TARGETING OLDER ARAB AMERICANS

Arab American (AA) is the 3rd largest ethnic population in the state of Michigan. Previous studies found that Michigan Arabs were less healthy than the general population in Michigan. Older AAs have higher mortality risk than non-Arab and non-Hispanic Whites, particularly due to chronic diseases. Community-based programs are an effective approach to prevent disease and injury, improve health, and enhance quality of life. While evidence for functional gains resulting from Tai Chi exercise is accumulating, there is little research and support for its feasibility and effectiveness that target older AAs, who are not culturally related to Tai Chi. Participants in this report were 8 older female AAs (mean age 62.4±3.2, range 58-66) who sought services at a not-for-profit Arab Community Center, which aims to enable and empower residents and communities to lead informed, productive and culturally sensitive lives. A certified Tai Chi instructor led the classes using Yang-style Tai Chi moves. The participants completed a 12-week twice-weekly 1-hour Tai Chi classes and post-program focus group discussion, held in a classroom of the Community Center. Post-intervention improvement in timed up & go test (p>.05), comfortable & fast gait speed (p>.05), unipedal stance time (p>.05) were observed. Themes identified from focus group supported Tai Chi’s benefits in balance and salient mental health benefits. The pilot data provides preliminary evidence for therapeutic gains resulting from Tai Chi practices. Agencies serving older AAs play important roles by creating and promoting evidence-based health promotion practices to address the growing needs among older adults.

Growth of Hatchery‐Reared Chinook Salmon in Lakes Michigan and Huron Exhibits Limited Spatial Variation but Is Temporally Linked to Alewife Abundance

AbstractChinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were introduced into Lakes Michigan and Huron in the 1960s to diversify recreational fisheries and reduce overabundant, nonnative Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus. Alewife remain the primary prey of Chinook Salmon but have experienced substantial declines in abundance due to reduced food resources and salmonine predation pressure. The movements of Chinook Salmon have been linked to the density and spatial distribution of Alewife, but spatial patterns in Chinook Salmon growth have not been well documented and the temporal relationship between growth and Alewife density has not been evaluated during the current period of low Alewife abundance. We evaluated spatial and temporal variation in growth of Chinook Salmon in Lake Michigan and the U.S. waters of Lake Huron and explored linkages with Alewife density. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were generally similar for recaptured coded‐wire‐tagged Chinook Salmon from different stocking locations and different recovery locations. Only a few small differences among stocking and recovery regions were evident, with regions divided into two subtly different groups with shared growth parameters. The small regional differences may be attributable to unique habitat and/or stocking characteristics of specific regions. In Lake Michigan average Chinook Salmon length at age also varied across years and was tightly coupled with annual lakewide densities of age‐1 and older Alewife, suggesting that Chinook Salmon growth from 2012 to 2016 was constrained by Alewife density. Our findings are consistent with evidence of lakewide movements associated with foraging and support continued management of Chinook Salmon in Lake Michigan as a single population. Furthermore, similar growth in Chinook Salmon from Lakes Michigan and Huron corroborates evidence that Chinook Salmon move from U.S. waters of Lake Huron to Lake Michigan to feed and reinforces the recent decision to include most fish stocked in northwestern Lake Huron in the Lake Michigan population when managing for predator–prey balance.

The Absence of Nosema bombi in Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) on Farms in Michigan

The fungal pathogen Nosema bombi impacts bumblebee fitness and is a factor in population declines throughout North America. Pesticides are also thought to contribute to declines, because they harm the innate immune system of insects, making them more susceptible to disease. A total of 232 bumblebees were collected at nine different farms across Michigan (U.S.A.), including farms that used pesticides and those that did not, in summer 2017. The bees were identified and tested for Nosema bombi. All bees were found to be free from N. bombi infection, suggesting this microsporidian may not yet have a biologically important impact on bumblebee populations in Michigan.

Access to Primary Care Clinics for Patients With Chronic Pain Receiving Opioids

Opioid-prescribing policies and guidelines aimed at reducing inappropriate opioid prescribing may lead physicians to stop prescribing opioids. Patients may thus encounter difficulties finding primary care practitioners willing to care for them if they take opioids. To assess practitioner willingness to accept and continue prescribing opioids to new patients with pain and whether this willingness differs across payer types. This survey study used a simulated patient call audit method. A brief telephone survey was administered to all clinics followed by a call using a patient script simulating an adult patient with chronic pain who was taking long-term opioids. The patient had Medicaid or private insurance. Calls were made between June 22 and October 30, 2018, to 667 primary care clinics that served a general adult population in Michigan. Clinics that accepted both Medicaid and private insurance, took new patient appointments, and were successfully recontacted for the simulated call were eligible for the study. Prevalence of clinics' acceptance of new patients receiving prescription opioids overall and by clinic characteristics and insurance type. Of the 194 eligible clinics, 94 (48.4%) were randomized according to insurance type to receive calls from research assistants posing as children of patients with Medicaid and 100 (51.5%) to receive calls from those with private insurance. Overall, 79 (40.7%) stated that their practitioners would not prescribe opioids to the simulated patient. Thirty-three clinics (17.0%) requested more information before making a decision. Compared with single-practitioner clinics, clinics with more than 3 practitioners were more likely (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; 95% CI, 1.48-6.04) to accept new patients currently taking opioids. No difference was found in access based on insurance status (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.52-1.64) or whether the clinic offered medications for opioid use disorders (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.45-2.69). The findings suggest that access to primary care may be reduced for patients taking prescription opioids, which could lead to unintended consequences, such as conversion to illicit substances or reduced management of other medical comorbidities.