Post Release Research Articles

Post-release monitoring pathway for the deployment of gene drive-modified mosquitoes for malaria control in Africa

BackgroundGene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have been promoted as one of the innovative technologies that may control and eliminate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Several products are in early stages of development, targeting either population suppression or population modification of the mosquito vector. However, there is no direct experience of conducting risk assessment for environmental releases and subsequent policies regarding conditions for post-release. This study was carried out to gain additional insights on the possible post-release concerns that may arise, as they may inform future risk assessment and planning for deployment.MethodsThis study involved desktop reviews on post release monitoring experiences with previously released biological control products. Stakeholder consultations involving online surveys, and face to face workshop with experts from selected African countries from Eastern, Western, and Southern African regions was then carried out to establish post-release monitoring concerns for GDMMs.ResultsReview of genetic biocontrol technologies showed only limited lessons from post-release monitoring regimes with a focus largely limited to efficacy. For genetically modified organisms general surveillance and case-specific monitoring is expected in some of the regions. A number of post-release monitoring concerns in relation to the protection goals of human and animal health, biodiversity, and water quality were identified.ConclusionBased on established- protection goals, several post-release monitoring concerns have been identified. Subject to a rigorous risk assessment process for future GDMMs products, the concerns may then be prioritized for post-release monitoring.

Brief Report: Precision Language and Deletion of the “S” Word

IntroductionIn 2021, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) published the IASLC Language Guide as guidance on preferred language and phrasing in oral and written communications, including presentations at conferences. This study analyzed presentations from the 2022 IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) one year after implementation of the Language Guide to identify adoption rates of non-stigmatizing language and to determine correlations with presenter characteristics. MethodsWe downloaded 522 slide presentations from the IASLC WCLC 2022 conference attendee portal. We searched each presentation, including images, for discussion of tobacco use and the use of the term “smoker,” which is an indicator of stigmatizing language. We conducted internet searches to gather presenters’ stated home continent, sex, specialty, and professional degree. ResultsOf 177 presentations that discussed smoking status, 77 presenters used non-stigmatizing language, whereas 100 presenters used the stigmatizing term “smoker.” Male MDs and female PhDs and non-medicine subspecialties and advocates were more likely to use non-stigmatizing language. ConclusionsEncouragingly, only after one year post-release of the Language Guide, more than one-third of the presenters at the WCLC used non-stigmatizing language. This finding represents a step toward improving respectful and inclusive language surrounding smoking within the thoracic oncology community.

Prospecting for fine scale establishment of exotic stem borer pupal parasitoid (Xanthopimpla stemmator Thunberg) in Kenya

Lepidopteran stem borers are an important constraint to cereal production in Sub- Saharan Africa. The exotic Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is one of the most economically important stem borer pest causing extensive losses on cereal crops in Kenya. This pest has also displaced indigenous species of stem borers while expanding its range in warm, mid and high altitude areas. In order to exert control on various developmental stages of this pest, both Cotesia flavipes Cameron (larval endoparasitoid) and Xanthopimpla stemmator Thunberg (pupal endoparasitoid) were imported and released in 2002 in the Eastern region of Kenya. This study was conducted to assess the establishment status, spread and impact of X. stemmator on C. partellus following its release in Kenya. Stem borer sampling was done on farms where the biocontrol agents had been released and on transects radiating outwards from them every 15km to assess spread. A total of 100 maize plants were inspected for stem borer infestation and destructive sampling done on 10 maize stems per farm to collect immature stem borer stages. Emerging parasitoids and adult moths were identified, counted and recorded. Results of this study showed that C. partellus was the most dominant stem borer species (constituted 71.2%) followed by Sesemia calamistis and Busseola fusca (26.0 and 2.8% respectively). A decrease in overall stem borer infestation (22.47±7.42%) with no significant difference across distances from parasitoid release points (F=0.4; df=3, 51; p>0.05) was also recorded. Seven parasitoid species were recovered, the most abundant being C. flavipes and this coupled with a significant increase in parasitism (25.27±3.27%) (V=1213, p˂0.05) from pre-release levels. The parasitoid of interest, X. stemmator was not recovered. This suggests a failure to establish though there is need to sample alternative hosts before this is declared. Key words: Classical biological control, lepidoptera, pupal parasitoid, post release survey, Xanthopimpla stemmator, Eastern Kenya

Microvascular development and remodeling

Skeletal fragility is an important complication of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), particularly among older adults. Microvascular disease (MVD) has been linked to worse bone health in T1D, suggesting a potential direct pathophysiologic link between vascular disease and bone deficits. However, bone vascular control has not been explored in the context of T1D. Thus, this preliminary work investigates key mechanisms of regulation of the bone vasculature in older adults with T1D. Myogenic vasoconstriction and reactive hyperemia of tibial blood flow were assessed in older healthy adults (n=9, 65 ± 7 yrs) and older adults with T1D (n=10, 63 ± 6 yrs). Myogenic vasoconstriction was assessed in response to leg dependency (two levels of increased arterial transmural pressure obtained by lowering the leg below heart level) and reactive hyperemia was assessed in response to lower leg arterial occlusion via thigh cuff inflation. The initial peak reactive hyperemic response was considered a surrogate of myogenic vasodilation. For both stimuli, tibial blood flow was assessed via NIRS as total hemoglobin (tHb) and whole leg blood flow velocity (LBF) in the popliteal artery of the same leg was measured via Doppler ultrasound. Data are presented as mean±standard error. In response to leg dependency, with increased perfusion pressure, older adults had a tendency for smaller declines in LBF (L1: -3.85 ± 2.01 cm/s; L2: -6.22 ± 4.19 cm/s) compared to older adults with T1D (L1: -6.14 ±2.24 cm/s; L2: -10.4 ± 1.90 cm/s; group p=0.06, level p=0.07). Tibial tHb did not decline in older adults (L1: 1.16 ± 7.27 M; L2: 9.11 ± 13.8 M), but decreased progressively in those with T1D (L1: - 3.40 ± 2.79 M, L2: -6.14 ± 2.24 M, group p<0.01, group*level p=0.07), indicating pronounced tibial myogenic vasoconstriction. In response to reactive hyperemia, LBF increased rapidly with cuff release in both groups (older adults: 50.8 ±22.7cm/s; T1D: 40.0 ± 13.4cm/s). Despite similar responses in LBF, tibial tHb surpassed baseline values in older adults (1.50 ± 5.35M), whereas tibial tHb did not reach baseline values within 5 min post cuff release in T1D (-2.85 ± 5.09M, p=0.09), indicating impaired tibial myogenic vasodilation. Interestingly, older adults with T1D and MVD (n=5) had a stronger tendency for greater tibial myogenic vasoconstriction at both levels and significantly impaired reactive hyperemic response compared to those with no MVD (n=5). Our preliminary results indicate that older adults with T1D have greater myogenic vasoconstriction and impaired reactive hyperemic responses that appear to be worse in the presence of MVD. Alterations in myogenic control act to compromise blood flow regulation, restricting blood flow to bone, and potentially contributing to diabetes-inducted skeletal fragility. NIH NIDDK R01 DK124710. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effect of the diaphragmatic myofascial release technique on flowmetry results in healthy university students: pilot test

Introduction: post-COVID motor and respiratory sequelae have become a public health problem for rehabilitation teams around the world. Diaphragmatic myofascial release may be a strategy to improve respiratory parameters measured with flowmetry. Objective: to determine the effect of diaphragmatic myofascial release on respiratory function measured with flowmetry in healthy university students.Method: quasi-experimental study of before and after design, 32 healthy subjects, divided into 15 men and 17 women, with an average age of 23,97 years, a basal flowmetry was performed, immediately diaphragmatic myofascial release was performed for 10 minutes in a supine position, and then, perform flowmetry after diaphragmatic release. Results: the flowmetry values pre and post diaphragmatic myofascial release showed different results, PEF (peak expiratory Flow) pre versus post, shows a statistically significant difference (p=0,04). Meanwhile, the FEV1 value (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second) showed a statistically non-significant difference (p=0,37).Conclusions: diaphragmatic myofascial release can be a manual strategy to improve lung capacity

Pediatric Postburn Flexion Contracture Release: Early Outcomes Using 2 Bloodless Techniques.

Postburn flexion contracture of the hand in children constitutes a significant proportion of postburn complications. We compared the early clinical outcomes of reconstruction of pediatric postburn flexion contracture of the digits of the hand using tourniquet or tumescent technique. A prospective randomized study of pediatric patients requiring contracture release and wound resurfacing with full-thickness skin graft between September 2020 and August 2021. Patients were randomized into groups of either tourniquet or tumescent technique for contracture release. The surface area of graft take and total active motion across joints were the outcome measures. Student t test and chi-square test were performed. Twenty-two patients were randomized into either group. The mean age of the participants was 6.09 ± 2.41 years, mostly males 31 (72.1%). A grade 3 flexion contracture was the most common (72.1%). Ninety-four digits and 178 joints were operated on, with the proximal interphalangeal joint being the most common (48.9%). The mean surface area of graft take on postoperative day 10 was significantly higher for the tumescent group than the tourniquet group, P = .001. The total active motion across the joints at 6 and 9 weeks postoperative showed a strong correlation between the total active motion across joints and the technique of release, P = .004 and .001, respectively. Tumescent technique is a feasible alternative to the tourniquet method for postburn flexion contracture release of the digits in the pediatric burned hand.

Serotonin as a biomarker of toxin-induced Parkinsonism

BackgroundLoss of dopaminergic neurons underlies the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However stereotypical PD symptoms only manifest after approximately 80% of dopamine neurons have died making dopamine-related motor phenotypes unreliable markers of the earlier stages of the disease. There are other non-motor symptoms, such as depression, that may present decades before motor symptoms.MethodsBecause serotonin is implicated in depression, here we use niche, fast electrochemistry paired with mathematical modelling and machine learning to, for the first time, robustly evaluate serotonin neurochemistry in vivo in real time in a toxicological model of Parkinsonism, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).ResultsMice treated with acute MPTP had lower concentrations of in vivo, evoked and ambient serotonin in the hippocampus, consistent with the clinical comorbidity of depression with PD. These mice did not chemically respond to SSRI, as strongly as control animals did, following the clinical literature showing that antidepressant success during PD is highly variable. Following L-DOPA administration, using a novel machine learning analysis tool, we observed a dynamic shift from evoked serotonin release in the hippocampus to dopamine release. We hypothesize that this finding shows, in real time, that serotonergic neurons uptake L-DOPA and produce dopamine at the expense of serotonin, supporting the significant clinical correlation between L-DOPA and depression. Finally, we found that this post L-DOPA dopamine release was less regulated, staying in the synapse for longer. This finding is perhaps due to lack of autoreceptor control and may provide a ground from which to study L-DOPA induced dyskinesia.ConclusionsThese results validate key prior hypotheses about the roles of serotonin during PD and open an avenue to study to potentially improve therapeutics for levodopa-induced dyskinesia and depression.

The Mediating Effects of Extended Family Support and Relationship Change on Romantic Bonding and Support in Romantic Relationship Among Incarcerated Men

ABSTRACT Previous studies indicated challenges to maintain the bond between incarcerated men and their non-incarcerated partner during the incarceration period. Thus, this study examined the effect of perceived partner support and plans to support partner post release on perceived romantic bonding, the presence of extended family support as well as romantic relationship changing among incarcerated males. A sample of 1356 participants was drawn from the Multi-site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering data to conduct a mediation path analysis. The findings highlighted the positive association between perceived partner support and romantic bonding and the significant mediating effect of extended family support and relationship changing. Interestingly, plans to support partner post release only showed indirect effect through familial support but not relationship changing. Results suggested opposite roles of familial support and relationship changing in helping incarcerated men preserve the bonds with their partners. Clinical implications and future research directions are provided.

Abstract C015: Bridging the gap: A literature review of cancer mortality and incarcerated individuals

Abstract There is a large and increasing rate of incarcerated individuals that face a risk of cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death among the incarcerated population, resulting in a significantly shortened survival rate amongst said population. Very few studies have been conducted to truly assess the knowledge gap between incarceration and cancer outcomes. But, from the few that have been done, like the population-based study done by UF Radiation Oncology assistant professor, Dr. Oladeru, it was discovered that a higher risk of cancer mortality was prevalent in those who were diagnosed with cancer during their time incarcerated as well as one year post release than the general population. My goal and intent with this literature review is to open the conversation about possible ways to bridge the knowledge gap between cancer health disparities amongst incarcerated patients and contribution factors. Citation Format: Tamia Isaacs, Oluwadamilola Oladeru, Jian Li, Yoshiko Iwai. Bridging the gap: A literature review of cancer mortality and incarcerated individuals [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C015.

Reentry Service Engagement Among a Reentry Population with Co-occurring Mental Health and Opioid Use Disorders in Massachusetts Jails

Aim: Co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders (COD) are common among people with criminal legal involvement. Reentry is a vulnerable period with low treatment engagement, often resulting in relapse, reincarceration, and overdose. While both linkage and multicomponent COD wraparound interventions have supported reentry, little is known about which are most effective for treatment engagement post release.
 Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 293 nonrandomized persons involved in the criminal legal system enrolled in a multicomponent COD intervention (n=173) or a linkage only model (n=120) for treatment. Kaplan Meier Curves and Cox Proportional Hazards were computed to determine differences in engagement.
 Results: Engagement was significantly different between interventions (X2=58.33, P <.0001). We observed a 73.3% reduction in hazard of early discharge for participants receiving the multicomponent COD intervention as compared to the linkage only model (P<.0001) and a higher 12-month engagement rate (51.5%) compared to the linkage only model (20.8%).
 Conclusions: Future research should include a randomized controlled trial to examine factors that influence post-release engagement as well as treatment effects and outcomes. We suggest that programs consider both interventions and assess client reentry needs in advance of release to match to the best suited post-release COD treatment.

“How are we gonna get them off the drugs if they’re allowed to stay on it?” correctional officer perspectives on Overdose prevention sites in prisons

ABSTRACT Despite growing support for Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) in global communities, there is less international support for their implementation in prisons. To interpret the contexts shaping positionalities on and challenges associated with OPS in prisons, in the current study, we analyze interpretations of federal correctional officers (COs) in Canada (n = 134) on OPS in prison and associated harm reduction measures. Data were collected through a longitudinal, semi-structured interview research design. Results indicate how many participants support OPS, especially when caveated as a preference over the Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP). Still, participants described challenges and complications with OPS policy, implementation, and safety concerns; namely, that OPS hinder correctional rehabilitation, recovery from substance misuse, and effective reintegration post release. While some COs express understanding and support for harm reduction initiatives such as OPS, they called for clear directives and policies, which will support hesitant staff in facilitating this public health measure in prison settings. We untangle policy requirements and raise a number of key questions to support the successful implementation of prison OPS from the perspective of officers, specifically around issues related to needle possession, liability of officers, substance confiscation and the prison economy, and the health and rehabilitation of incarcerated people.

Barriers and facilitators to health during prison reentry to Miami, FL.

People face numerous barriers to reentry and community integration following incarceration, and these obstacles manifest themselves as barriers to economic stability, housing security, healthcare, community acceptance, and educational attainment, ultimately leading to poor health. This study aims to understand healthcare needs of reentrants post release within the unique political and service context of Miami Dade County, FL, and seeks to uncover the structural facilitators and barriers to sustaining health during reentry. We report on a subset of data from a larger reentry asset mapping project. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis based on 12 semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders, including reentrants who were released in the past year (n = 5) and with community providers who have provided support services to returning citizens for at least one year (n = 7). Narratives were coded through an iterative process using NVivo software and were analyzed using the general inductive approach. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) social and structural barriers and facilitators to health during reentry, (2) challenges with medical care following release, and (3) long-term impacts of receiving poor healthcare in prison. Reentrants describe the carceral environment as non-conducive to health and cite an urgent need for systemic change within correctional institutions to promote their well-being. Respondents identified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, trauma informed therapy, and chronic disease management as the primary healthcare needs of reentrants, and cite social support, stable housing, education, and employment as the key social and structural needs upon release. This study identifies prevalent resource gaps in Miami Dade County during reentry. Respondents advocate for more inclusive governmental housing programs, Medicaid expansion, and more holistic reentry programs to support reentrants. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to health during reentry can inform future interventions to better support reentrants in their transition post-incarceration.

Evaluation of Wild Peanut Species and Their Allotetraploids for Resistance against Thrips and Thrips-Transmitted Tomato Spotted Wilt Orthotospovirus (TSWV).

Thrips-transmitted tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) causes spotted wilt disease in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and limits yield. Breeding programs have been developing TSWV-resistant cultivars, but availability of sources of resistance against TSWV in cultivated germplasm is extremely limited. Diploid wild Arachis species can serve as important sources of resistance, and despite ploidy barriers (cultivated peanut is tetraploid), their usage in breeding programs is now possible because of the knowledge and development of induced interspecific allotetraploid hybrids. This study screened 10 wild diploid Arachis and six induced allotetraploid genotypes via thrips-mediated TSWV transmission assays and thrips' feeding assays in the greenhouse. Three parameters were evaluated: percent TSWV infection, virus accumulation, and temporal severity of thrips feeding injury. Results indicated that the diploid A. stenosperma accession V10309 and its derivative-induced allotetraploid ValSten1 had the lowest TSWV infection incidences among the evaluated genotypes. Allotetraploid BatDur1 had the lowest thrips-inflicted damage at each week post thrips release, while diploid A. batizocoi accession K9484 and A. duranensis accession V14167 had reduced feeding damage one week post thrips release, and diploids A. valida accession GK30011 and A. batizocoi had reduced feeding damage three weeks post thrips releasethan the others. Overall, plausible TSWV resistance in diploid species and their allotetraploid hybrids was characterized by reduced percent TSWV infection, virus accumulation, and feeding severity. Furthermore, a few diploids and tetraploid hybrids displayed antibiosis against thrips. These results document evidence for resistance against TSWV and thrips in wild diploid Arachis species and peanut-compatible-induced allotetraploids.

Personality traits in captive Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Brazil and perspectives for the release of individuals

Personality refers to an individual feature which is consistent over time and contexts and modulates how animals perceive and interact with the surrounding environment, influencing life history traits such as foraging, dispersion and reproduction. So far, very little is known about the Antillean manatee’s personality. Here we aimed to investigate personality traits of nine captive Antillean manatees, Trichechus manatus manatus, and determine, multidimensionally, which qualitative and quantitative variables can be used to distinguish between bolder and shier individuals. Our results showed that 12 qualitative and five quantitative variables were conspicuous for determining manatee' temperament on a boldness-shyness scale, and provided the data needed for studies to evaluate release success according to an individual’s personality. We suggest that parental care and genetic predisposition may influence offspring temperament. Hence, future studies should consider the impact of personality traits when selecting or monitoring individual manatees pre and post release and how temperament can influence rehabilitations and adaptation in the wild.

Choroidal vascularity index changes in different treatments for vitreomacular traction

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine if choroidal vascularity index (CVI) is different in eyes with unilateral vitreomacular traction (VMT) from their healthy fellow eyes; and whether different treatments affect the CVI. MethodsThe baseline and 8-week post treatment CVIs of 56 unilateral VMT patients that underwent spontaneous resolution (n = 30), vitreoretinal surgery (n = 16) or pneumatic vitreolysis (n = 10) were compared with fellow eyes using paired samples t-test. Partial correlation analyses correcting age and gender was used for calculations between treatment groups. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsThe mean baseline CVI for VMT and control eyes had no statistically significant difference (p = 0.81, r= -0.38). The post traction release follow-up CVI of VMT eyes and contralateral eyes had no significant difference (p = 0.12, r = 0.49). In spontaneous resolution group, vitreoretinal surgery group and pneumatic vitreolysis group the baseline and follow up CVIs of VMT eyes were statistically similar (p = 0.72, p = 0.32 and p = 0.79 respectively).Spontaneous detachment patients’ CVIs showed a 0.57±5.81% increase, vitreoretinal surgery group had a reduction of 1.098±4.76%, and the pneumatic vitreolysis patients showed a CVI reduction of 0.307±4.24%. However, none of these changes was found to be statistically significant when compared between the groups (p = 0.21, r = 0.02). DiscussionPrevious studies have argued that vitreomacular traction might have a role on the choroidal changes seen in the vitreoretinal interface disorders. This study has shown that VMT alone does not cause any significant changes in choroidal vascular index pre or post traction release.

THE ‘ORDINARY’ MEN: AN ANALYSIS OF MASCULINE REPRESENTATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY MALAYALAM CINEMA

Power packed performances of the male lead with the goons flying in the air has become a mundane visual treat for the Malayali audience. It is those heroes with the ‘guy next to door’ image that the audience feels acceptable and relatable. Malayalam film industry, popularly known as Mollywood, witnessed in the year 2022 the release of a couple of brilliant films notable for their scrupulous character portrayals. Such characters narrated and detailed the lives and ways of common men and thus were critically acclaimed post release, as noticeable entries in contemporary popular culture. Culture demands and conditions men and women to act out their gender roles in specific ways, which in turn, put pressures on them to live up to the expectations of the societal and cultural standards. The paper intends to focus on these aspects by analyzing three Malayalam films – Puzhu, Malayankunju, and Nna Thaan Case Kodu, all released in the year 2022. All these three movies have different plot settings and character sketches, but are unique in respect of the portrayal of male protagonists in them. According to Raewyn Connell’s categorization of masculinities, each of the male characters in the film identified belongs to hegemonic, marginalized, and sub-ordinate masculine categories. The main focus of the paper is to analyze the ideologies of masculine representations in the popular media and thereby to point out the cultural nuances in these portrayals.

Age and Synchronization of Daphnia magna Affect Sensitivity to Teflubenzuron in Acute Standardized Toxicity Tests.

The standard Daphnia sp. acute toxicity test for assessing the adverse effects of chemicals on aquatic invertebrates stipulates the use of neonates that are ≤24 h old (hours post release [hpr]) at the start of the exposure. However, when one is assessing acute effects of chemicals interfering with endocrine relevant-processes such as molting, both age synchronization and absolute age can influence the test outcome, because the occurrence of molting and associated mortality is highly time specific. Hence, a 24-h age synchronization window may mask the real effects of these compounds. To explore the influence of age synchronization and absolute age in standard acute toxicity tests, we exposed D. magna from different synchronization windows and absolute ages (≤4, 4-8, 8-12, ≤12, and ≤24 hpr at the beginning of the exposure) to 0.5-12 µg/L of the chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) teflubenzuron (TEF) using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development test guideline 202 (Daphnia sp. 48 h immobilization test). Our results show significant differences in 48-h median lethal concentrations between animals with a synchronization window of ≤4 hpr (2.9 µg/L) and longer synchronization windows such as ≤12 hpr (5.1 µg/L) and ≤24 hpr (16.8 µg/L). A concurrent decreasing trend in molting median effect concentrations was observed for the same synchronization windows: ≤4 hpr (4.0 µg/L), ≤12 hpr (5.9 µg/L), and ≤24 hpr (30.0 µg/L). Together, our results show that both synchronization and absolute age are determinant factors for the sensitivity of D. magna to TEF. A narrow synchronization window (e.g., ≤4 hpr) may provide a more conservative estimate of TEF toxicity and should be considered when one is performing standardized toxicity tests for molting-disrupting compounds such as TEF. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1806-1815. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Transcutaneous measurement of renal function in two rodent models of obstructive nephropathy

ObjectiveGlomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key indicator of renal function. In both clinical practice and pre-clinical research, serum levels of endogenous filtration markers, such as creatinine, are often used to estimate GFR. However, these markers often do not reflect minor changes in renal function. In this study, we therefore set out to evaluate the applicability of transcutaneous GFR (tGFR) measurements to monitor the changes in renal function, as compared to plasma creatinine (pCreatinine), in two models of obstructive nephropathy, namely unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) or bilateral ureteral obstruction followed by release (BUO-R) in male Wistar rats.ResultsUUO animals showed a significant reduction in tGFR compared to baseline; whereas pCreatinine levels were not significantly changed. In BUO animals, tGFR drops 24 h post BUO and remains lower upon release of the obstruction until day 11. Concomitantly, pCreatinine levels were also increased 24 h after obstruction and 24 h post release, however after 4 days, pCreatinine returned to baseline levels. In conclusion, this study revealed that the tGFR method is superior at detecting minor changes in renal function as compared to pCreatinine measurements.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Assisted Full Thickness Graft Aite Wound Dressing to Prevent Surgical Site Infection

Closed incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (CiNPWT) which is a topical application of negative pressure over the wound plays a key role in healing and prevention of surgical site infections. We have used full thickness graft following post burn contracture release. We then applied negative pressure wound therapy over to this flap to assess its efficacy and safety in aiding healing.

Outcomes for an arboreal folivore after rehabilitation and implications for management

Wildlife rehabilitation is a critical part of animal welfare that contributes to species conservation. Despite the resources that go into rehabilitation, how animals fare after release from care is unknown. This is particularly true for cryptic arboreal species where specialist diets in care and low detectability in the wild present challenges for both care and post-release monitoring. We evaluated post-release outcomes for koalas and assessed if koalas were fed appropriately while in care. We monitored 36 koalas that had experienced one of three categories of medical intervention (none, minor, major) during rehabilitation. We examined the drivers of (i) koala survival and (ii) movements post-release, and (iii) evaluated variation between the species of browse fed in care versus browse selected by koalas in-situ. Overall, the post release survival rate of koalas was 58.5%, with only koalas that received medical intervention experiencing mortality. A critical threshold for mortality occurred at two weeks post-release and mortality was related to the measurable indicators of low body condition and poor climbing ability at time of release. In the month following their release, animals translocated furthest from their capture point moved the furthest. There was poor overlap between the tree species that koalas were fed in care and those they utilized post-release. We provide recommendations to address critical gaps in rehabilitation practices, as well as priorities for monitoring animals post-release to improve outcomes for arboreal folivores.