Genetic characterization of a captive marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colony using genotype-by-sequencing.

The marmoset is a fundamental nonhuman primate model for the study of aging, neurobiology, and many other topics. Genetic management of captive marmoset colonies is complicated by frequent chimerism in the blood and other tissues, a lack of tools to enable cost-effective, genome-wide interrogation of variation, and historic mergers and migrations of animals between colonies. We implemented genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) of hair follicle derived DNA (a minimally chimeric DNA source) of 82 marmosets housed at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC).

Metagenomic analyses reveal previously unrecognized variation in the diets of sympatric Old World monkey species.

Insectivory, or the consumption of insects and other arthropods, is a significant yet cryptic component of omnivorous primate diets. Here, we used high-throughput DNA sequencing to identify arthropods from fecal DNA and assess variation in insectivory by closely-related sympatric primates. We identified arthropod prey taxa and tested the hypothesis that variation in insectivory facilitates niche differentiation and coexistence among closely-related species with high dietary overlap.

A molecular analysis of African lion (Panthera leo) mating structure and extra-group paternity in Etosha National Park.

The recent incorporation of molecular methods into analyses of social and mating systems has provided evidence that mating patterns often differ from those predicted by group social organization. Based on field studies and paternity analyses at a limited number of sites, African lions are predicted to exhibit a strict within-pride mating system. Extra-group paternity has not been previously reported in African lions; however, observations of extra-group associations among lions inhabiting Etosha National Park in Namibia suggest deviation from the predicted within-pride mating pattern.

Pharmacist improves timely administration of medications to boarded patients in the emergency department.

Purpose: Our purpose was to assess the variations in timely administration of medications based on differences in nursing staff (ED nurses who are responsible for emergency and boarded patients vs inpatient nurses who are responsible for only boarded patients) and to determine whether a pharmacist's interventions can improve the timely administration of medications to boarded patients in the emergency department.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients were included in the study if they were aged 18 years or older, were physically located in the emergency department but had already been admitted to the medical center, and had medication orders.