The hindgut microbiota of coconut rhinoceros beetles () in relation to their geographical populations.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB, ) is a palm tree pest capable of rapidly expanding its population in new territories. Previous studies identified a digestive symbiosis between CRB and its gut microbes. However, no research compared the genetic variation of CRBs with their hindgut microbiota on a global scale.

Differences between fast and slow explorers in short-term tail temperature responses to handling in a rodent of wild origin.

Animals of different behavioral types typically show associated differences in their physiological stress response, including differential reactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Infrared thermography offers the possibility to explore this link in a non-invasive way via the quantification of fine-scale changes in peripheral body temperature due to changes in cutaneous blood flow. We used this technique to investigate the association between exploration tendency, a behavioral trait frequently used to phenotype mammals and birds, and short-term thermal responses to challenge in a small rodent of wild origin, the mound-building mouse (Mus spicilegus).

Role of geriatric intervention in the treatment of older patients with cancer: rationale and design of a phase III multicenter trial.

Background: In the general geriatric population, programs linking geriatric evaluation with interventions are effective for improving functional status and survival of the patients. Whether or not these interventions improve health related quality of life (HRQoL) or overall survival (OS) in older patients with cancer is not yet clear. Indeed, randomized data on the effect of such interventions on survival and HRQoL are rare and conflicting.

Tracer methodology: an appropriate tool for assessing compliance with accreditation standards?

Objectives: Tracer methodology has been used by Accreditation Canada since 2008 to collect evidence on the quality and safety of care and services, and to assess compliance with accreditation standards. Given the importance of this methodology in the accreditation program, the objective of this study is to assess the quality of the methodology and identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Method: A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted to evaluate consistency, appropriateness, effectiveness and stakeholder synergy in applying the methodology.

Screening for vulnerability in older cancer patients: the ONCODAGE Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: Geriatric Assessment is an appropriate method for identifying older cancer patients at risk of life-threatening events during therapy. Yet, it is underused in practice, mainly because it is time- and resource-consuming. This study aims to identify the best screening tool to identify older cancer patients requiring geriatric assessment by comparing the performance of two short assessment tools the G8 and the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13).