Drivers of habitat availability for terrestrial mammals: Unravelling the role of livestock, land conversion and intrinsic traits in the past 50 years.

The global decline of terrestrial species is largely due to the degradation, loss and fragmentation of their habitats. The conversion of natural ecosystems for cropland, rangeland, forest products and human infrastructure are the primary causes of habitat deterioration. Due to the paucity of data on the past distribution of species and the scarcity of fine-scale habitat conversion maps, however, accurate assessment of the recent effects of habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation on the range of mammals has been near impossible.

Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes.

Conservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that must navigate a new relationship between conservation and science. Because conservation is a social and political as well as an ecological project, conservation biologists must practice interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In a comparative study of 7 cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra in Kenya, Beekeeping in Tanzania, Andean cats in Argentina, Jaguars in Mexico, Lobster fishing, and Black bears in Mexico), we examined motivations for collaboration in conservation, who can collaborate in conservation, and how conservation professionals can work well together.

Prognostic Role of Lung Ultrasound in Children with Bronchiolitis: Multicentric Prospective Study.

There is increasing recognition of the role of lung ultrasound (LUS) to assess bronchiolitis severity in children. However, available studies are limited to small, single-center cohorts. We aimed to assess a qualitative and quantitative LUS protocol to evaluate the course of bronchiolitis at diagnosis and during follow-up.

Limited influence of hunting on the activity patterns and habitat use of Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) in agroecosystems of central Argentina.

The Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) has suffered from hunting and human persecution for decades, both for fur trade or due to conflicts with livestock. However, studies assessing the effects of hunting pressure on this canid population ecology are lacking. In this work, we assessed the influence of several hunting-related variables on the daily activity patterns and habitat use of the Pampas fox.

The emerging norms of e-cigarette use among adolescents: A meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence.

While qualitative research has indicated that adolescents' motivation for e-cigarette use is different than adults', this body of literature has not yet been brought together and synthesised. We reviewed qualitative evidence on perceptions and uses of e-cigarettes in order to explore the emerging norms of vaping among adolescents. We searched five databases for qualitative research in October 2019 with no restrictions on date of publication or data collection.

Inequalities, harm reduction and non-combustible nicotine products: a meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence.

Background: We sought to review qualitative evidence on how smokers in different socioeconomic groups engage with non-combustible nicotine products (NCNP), including electronic cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies, in order to provide insight into how these products might impact on smoking inequalities.

Methods: We searched ten electronic databases in February 2017 using terms relating to NCNP and socioeconomic status. We included qualitative studies that were published since 1980 and were available in English.

Spontaneity and serendipity: Space and time in the lives of people with diabetes.

This article considers the relevance of non-representational theory to understanding the lived experience of diabetes. While non-representational theory has gained traction in the social sciences, especially Human Geography, its usefulness in extending our understanding of experiences of health and illness is often restricted to an idea of wellbeing that assumes an able and healthy body. This article draws on qualitative research on the everyday experiences of living with diabetes, to consider how non-representational theory can be applied to understanding the everyday experience of ill bodies.

Potential for non-combustible nicotine products to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in smoking: a systematic review and synthesis of best available evidence.

Background: While some experts have emphasised the potential for e-cigarettes to facilitate cessation among smokers with low socioeconomic status (SES), there is limited evidence of their likely equity impact. We assessed the potential for electronic cigarettes and other non-combustible nicotine-containing products (NCNPs) to reduce inequalities in smoking by systematically reviewing evidence on their use by SES in countries at stage IV of the cigarette epidemic.

Methods: Ten electronic databases were searched in February 2017 using terms relating to e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); and SES.

E-cigarettes, vaping and performativity in the context of tobacco denormalisation.

E-cigarettes are devices through which a nicotine solution is 'vapourised' and inhaled by the user. Unlike cigarettes, the process involves no tobacco combustion. However, the inhalation and exhalation of vapour is reminiscent of smoking and there is debate about the possible harms and benefits of e-cigarette use, including the 'renormalisation' of smoking.

Characterization of puma-livestock conflicts in rangelands of central Argentina.

Livestock predation is one of the major causes of conflicts between humans and pumas (). Using data from interviews with ranchers and kill-site inspections, we characterized puma-livestock conflicts in Villarino and Patagones counties of central Argentinean rangelands. Depredation was considered the major cause of livestock losses, and puma attacks were reported in 46.

"They're thinking, well it's not as bad, I probably won't get addicted to that. But it's still got the nicotine in it, so…": Maturity, Control, and Socializing: Negotiating Identities in Relation to Smoking and Vaping-A Qualitative Study of Young Adults in Scotland.

Objective: To explore the understandings of and engagement with e-cigarettes, of young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, and how these may have an impact on existing smoking identities.

Methods: Twenty-two small group and 11 individual qualitative interviews were conducted in Central Scotland with 72 16-24 year olds between September 2015 and April 2016. Participants were mostly smokers and ex-smokers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Molecular assessment of the phylogeny and biogeography of a recently diversified endemic group of South American canids (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae).

To investigate the evolution and biogeography of an endemic group of South American foxes, we examined mitochondrial DNA control region sequences for 118 individuals belonging to all six extant species of the genus Lycalopex. Phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses supported the inference that this genus has undergone a very recent and rapid radiation, stemming from a common ancestor that lived ca. 1 million years ago.

Species-Specific Responses of Carnivores to Human-Induced Landscape Changes in Central Argentina.

The role that mammalian carnivores play in ecosystems can be deeply altered by human-driven habitat disturbance. While most carnivore species are negatively affected, the impact of habitat changes is expected to depend on their ecological flexibility. We aimed to identify key factors affecting the habitat use by four sympatric carnivore species in landscapes of central Argentina.

Abnormalities of the thyroid in survivors of childhood Hodgkin's disease.

Aim: The progress made in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease (HD) has resulted in long-term survival rates >90%, therefore late sequelae of treatment, especially endocrine diseases, have become more important. Hypothyroidism is the most frequent thyroid disease but hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and cancer are also frequent. Thyroid cancer begins to appear 5-10 years after neck irradiation and risk persists for decades.

Chemical immobilisation of free-ranging Pampas foxes (Pseudalopex gymnocercus): Assessment of ketamine-xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam combinations.

Two protocols to immobilise free-ranging Pampas foxes for ear-tagging or radio-collaring were evaluated. One hundred fifteen foxes were injected with ketamine-xylazine (K-X) and thirteen with tiletamine-zolazepam (T-Z). The use of both T-Z and K-X combinations typically resulted in a smooth induction and recovery.

Field immobilization of Molina's hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga) using ketamine and xylazine.

We injected 27 adult Molina's hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus chinga) intramuscularly by hand with ketamine hydrochloride (KH) and xylazine hydrochloride (XH) in the Pampas grassland of Argentina. Skunks were immobilized with a mean (±SD) dosage of 24.9±6.

Spatially explicit inference for open populations: estimating demographic parameters from camera-trap studies.

We develop a hierarchical capture-recapture model for demographically open populations when auxiliary spatial information about location of capture is obtained. Such spatial capture-recapture data arise from studies based on camera trapping, DNA sampling, and other situations in which a spatial array of devices records encounters of unique individuals. We integrate an individual-based formulation of a Jolly-Seber type model with recently developed spatially explicit capture-recapture models to estimate density and demographic parameters for survival and recruitment.

Influence of ancient glacial periods on the Andean fauna: the case of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo).

Background: While numerous studies revealed the major role of environmental changes of the Quaternary on the evolution of biodiversity, research on the influence of that period on current South-American fauna is scarce and have usually focused on lowland regions. In this study, the genetic structure of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), a widely distributed felid, was determined and linked to ancient climate fluctuations on the Andean region.

Results: Using both mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellites, we inferred the existence of at least four groups of populations in the central Andes, while other three localities, with little sample sizes (n = 3), presented differences in only one of these markers.

Intrinsic neuronal control of the pyloric sphincter of the lamb.

To better understand the local neuronal network of the gastro-duodenal junction in ruminants, we identified the components of the enteric nervous system (ENS) innervating the pyloric sphincter (PS) of the lamb abomasum. The neurons were labelled after injecting the tracer Fast Blue (FB) into the wall of the PS, and the phenotype of the FB-labelled neurons was immunohistochemically investigated using antibodies against nitric oxide synthase (NOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tachykinin (substance P) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The FB-labelled abomasal myenteric plexus (MP) neurons, observed up to 14cm from the PS, were NOS-immunoreactive (IR) (82+/-12%), ChAT-IR (51+/-29%), SP-IR (61+/-33%), and also TH-IR (2%).

Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation.

Background: Adaptive radiation, the evolution of ecological and phenotypic diversity from a common ancestor, is a central concept in evolutionary biology and characterizes the evolutionary histories of many groups of organisms. One such group is the Mustelidae, the most species-rich family within the mammalian order Carnivora, encompassing 59 species classified into 22 genera. Extant mustelids display extensive ecomorphological diversity, with different lineages having evolved into an array of adaptive zones, from fossorial badgers to semi-aquatic otters.

[A modified technique of gallbladder dissection from the liver during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Personal technique].

Background: Gallbladder injures during cholecystectomy happens more frequently when surgical operation is conduced under laparoscopic (16%) rather than laparotomic (8%) access. A modification of the technique of dissection of the gallbladder from the liver is presented, suggesting a progression from the medium to the lateral side. This technique should facilitate the division of the organs and, above all, limit the gallbladder iatrogenic injures.

Habitat richness affects home range size in the red fox Vulpes vulpes.

The spatial behaviour of the red fox Vulpes vulpes shows a great flexibility (Voigt and Macdonald, 1984). Home range size varies from 10 to over 5000 ha (Macdonald, 1987; Voigt, 1987). In carnivores, variations in home range size, weighed for body mass (Gittleman and Harvey, 1982), are largely related to differences in habitat productivity, but the intraspecific local variation in home range size can be only partially explained by differences in productivity.

Histamine H1 receptors in UC-11MG astrocytes and their regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+.

Experiments were carried out on UC-11MG human astrocytoma cells, a continuous cell line that expresses a broad range of the biochemical and electrophysiological properties found in well-differentiated astrocytes. Because of a number of recent reports that astrocytes may express receptors for a variety of neuro-active substances, we measured the effects of 12 different neurotransmitters on intracellular free Ca2+ (Ca2+i) in UC-11MG cells. Of these neurotransmitters only histamine was found to have a significant effect.

Intracholecystic hemorrhage: an atypical complication after liver needle biopsy.

The authors report an unusual case of intracholecystic hemorrhage related to liver biopsy in a 23-year-old man. Echography and computed tomography evidenced changes in density within the gallbladder which were probably caused by hemorrhagic discharge. Although the mechanism by which liver biopsy induced intracholecystic hemorrhage is unclear, the authors believe that this iatrogenic complication was probably the result of microlesions of the gallbladder wall caused by needle puncture: the lesions extended into the submucosa and provoked slow hematic leakage.