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BackgroundIdentifying prediagnostic neurodegenerative disease is a critical issue in neurodegenerative disease research, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in particular, to identify populations suitable for preventive and early disease-modifying trials. Evidence from genetic and other studies suggests the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease measured by brain atrophy starts many years before diagnosis, but it is unclear whether these changes can be used to reliably detect prediagnostic sporadic disease.MethodsWe trained a Bayesian machine learning neural network model to generate a neuroimaging phenotype and AD score representing the probability of AD using structural MRI data in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Cohort (cut-off 0.5, AUC 0.92, PPV 0.90, NPV 0.93). We go on to validate the model in an independent real-world dataset of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Centre (AUC 0.74, PPV 0.65, NPV 0.80) and demonstrate the correlation of the AD-score with cognitive scores in those with an AD-score above 0.5. We then apply the model to a healthy population in the UK Biobank study to identify a cohort at risk for Alzheimer's disease.ResultsWe show that the cohort with a neuroimaging Alzheimer's phenotype has a cognitive profile in keeping with Alzheimer's disease, with strong evidence for poorer fluid intelligence, and some evidence of poorer numeric memory, reaction time, working memory, and prospective memory. We found some evidence in the AD-score positive cohort for modifiable risk factors of hypertension and smoking.ConclusionsThis approach demonstrates the feasibility of using AI methods to identify a potentially prediagnostic population at high risk for developing sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Résumé : Les disparités linguistiques et culturelles sont des achoppements considérables dans la recherce d’équivalence en traduction en général et en traduction communautaire appliquée au domaine médical en particulier. Cette recherche d’équivalence est d’autant mise à l’épreuve lorsque les traductions proposées par le traducteur communautaire sont évaluées par la communauté cible. Cette article a pour objectif principal de montrer les contraintes de traduction des concepts de la relation thérapeutique du français vers l’Ewondo qui surviennent au cours du processus de traduction et mettre en exergue l’effet produit sur la communauté cible lorsque lesdites contrainte sont résolues à la convenance de la culture cible par le traducteur. Cet article se fonde sur l’hypothèse selon laquelle l’équivalence recherchée en traduction communautaire ne peut être trouvée si et seulement si le traducteur communaitaire adopte la domestiquation comme la méthode de traduction appropriée pour contourner ces contraintes. À cet effet, cinquante (50) concepts de la relation thérapeutique ont été traduits du français vers l’Ewondo à l’aide dune grille d’analyse relatant le processus de traduction soutenu par des théories adéquates puis soumis à un commité d’évaluation et enfin les versions française et Ewondo desdits concepts ont été exposées aux patients. Sur la base des statistiques obtenues par cette analyse, nous avons vérifié l’hypothèse de départ. Les résutats démontrent que, losque les contraintes de traduction en traduction communautaire médicale sont contournées de manière appropriée à travers la domestication, la recherche de l’équivalence dans la culture cible n’est plus un obstacle considérable. Mots-clés : Traduction communautaire médicale, contraintes de traduction, Ewondo, concepts de la relation thérapeutique

Abstract Background Identifying prediagnostic neurodegenerative disease is a critical issue in neurodegenerative disease research, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in particular, to identify populations suitable for preventive and early disease-modifying trials. Evidence from genetic and other studies suggests the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s disease measured by brain atrophy starts many years before diagnosis, but it is unclear whether these changes can be used to reliably detect prediagnostic sporadic disease. Methods We trained a Bayesian machine learning neural network model to generate a neuroimaging phenotype and AD score representing the probability of AD using structural MRI data in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Cohort (cut-off 0.5, AUC 0.92, PPV 0.90, NPV 0.93). We go on to validate the model in an independent real-world dataset of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Centre (AUC 0.74, PPV 0.65, NPV 0.80) and demonstrate the correlation of the AD-score with cognitive scores in those with an AD-score above 0.5. We then apply the model to a healthy population in the UK Biobank study to identify a cohort at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Results We show that the cohort with a neuroimaging Alzheimer’s phenotype has a cognitive profile in keeping with Alzheimer’s disease, with strong evidence for poorer fluid intelligence, and some evidence of poorer numeric memory, reaction time, working memory, and prospective memory. We found some evidence in the AD-score positive cohort for modifiable risk factors of hypertension and smoking. Conclusions This approach demonstrates the feasibility of using AI methods to identify a potentially prediagnostic population at high risk for developing sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

The topic of Arab migration during the medieval period has occupied many modern historians. The evidence for migration in chronicles and geographies, however, is quite thin. This article looks at these texts as well as at contemporary “archaeological texts” (inscriptions and papyri documents) and archaeology. Each of these sources provides different information under different limitations which sometimes correlates with another. One main focus of the article is the ability of archaeology to answer – alone – the question about Arab migration. For that purpose, two archaeological models are proposed. One model highlights the link between the material culture of two regions (origin and destination) in two sequent times and its evolvement in the destination. The other model points to continuous links between origin and destination and the evolvement of material culture in the origin. The models are compared to a number of case studies from the early Islamic period (seventh to tenth century AD) in the Levant, Spain, and additional regions. The case studies present innovations which might reflect migrants: irrigation methods, specific forms of architecture, production techniques of portable artifacts, and evidence for a new confession – Islam. While the archaeological records of early Islam are often too limited to answer most of the models’ criteria, two case studies seem promising: soapstone pots/bowls and early Muslim burials. Both cases imply the migration of people from the Arabian Peninsula elsewhere in the eighth or even the seventh century.

With a view to integration into the European Union, the efficiency and competitiveness of the Kosovo' different sectors (including agriculture) must be improved. This paper assesses the technical efficiency (TE) of horticultural farms through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) applying output orientation. It was found that the TE of these farms is positively affected by their size, with large-size farms presenting overall higher technical efficiency. The research findings indicate that the degree of agricultural education does not have a significant impact on TE, whereas public assistance through subsidies and grants has a substantial and negative impact on TE, as confirmed by statistical analysis.

Catechol dehydroxylation is a central chemical transformation in the gut microbial metabolism of plant- and host-derived small molecules. However, the molecular basis for this transformation and its distribution among gut microorganisms are poorly understood. Here, we characterize a molybdenum-dependent enzyme from the human gut bacterium Eggerthella lenta that dehydroxylates catecholamine neurotransmitters. Our findings suggest that this activity enables E. lenta to use dopamine as an electron acceptor. We also identify candidate dehydroxylases that metabolize additional host- and plant-derived catechols. These dehydroxylases belong to a distinct group of largely uncharacterized molybdenum-dependent enzymes that likely mediate primary and secondary metabolism in multiple environments. Finally, we observe catechol dehydroxylation in the gut microbiotas of diverse mammals, confirming the presence of this chemistry in habitats beyond the human gut. These results suggest that the chemical strategies that mediate metabolism and interactions in the human gut are relevant to a broad range of species and habitats.

Catechol dehydroxylation is a central chemical transformation in the gut microbial metabolism of plant- and host-derived small molecules. However, the molecular basis for this transformation and its distribution among gut microorganisms are poorly understood. Here, we characterize a molybdenum-dependent enzyme from the human gut bacterium Eggerthella lenta that dehydroxylates catecholamine neurotransmitters. Our findings suggest that this activity enables E. lenta to use dopamine as an electron acceptor. We also identify candidate dehydroxylases that metabolize additional host- and plant-derived catechols. These dehydroxylases belong to a distinct group of largely uncharacterized molybdenum-dependent enzymes that likely mediate primary and secondary metabolism in multiple environments. Finally, we observe catechol dehydroxylation in the gut microbiotas of diverse mammals, confirming the presence of this chemistry in habitats beyond the human gut. These results suggest that the chemical strategies that mediate metabolism and interactions in the human gut are relevant to a broad range of species and habitats.

Objective: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in elderly men, and some of them are suffering from its complications. Early detection and management of complications of BPH will lead to optimal results of treatment. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a disease and symptom-specific scoring system used for initial evaluations of BPH patients. This study aims to determine the correlation between initial IPSS and complications resulting from BPH. Material and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled all male patients, aged 60 years and above having complained of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), at the outpatient clinic. Patients’ demographic data (age), IPSS, and history of complications from BPH; including urinary tract infection (UTI), hematuria, urinary retention and prostate related surgery were collected. Results: In total, 301 patients were recruited in this study, with a mean age of 70.1 years old. There was significant correlation between age and IPSS (p-value 0.034), by using correlation coefficients. Sub-group analysis demonstrates a significant correlation of IPSS (both mean and severity group classifications) and complications from BPH (UTI, hematuria, urinary retention, and prostate surgery due to BPH) (p-value

Mycobacteriophages Deby, LaterM, LilPharaoh, Paola, SgtBeansprout, and Sulley were isolated from soil using Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. Genomic analysis indicated that they belong to subclusters K1 and K5. Their genomic architectures are typical of cluster K mycobacteriophages, with most variability occurring on the right end of the genome sequence.

Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of eHealth in palliative care is scarce. Oncokompas, a fully automated behavioral intervention technology, aims to support self-management in cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the cost-utility of the eHealth application Oncokompas among incurably ill cancer patients, compared to care as usual. In this randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized into the intervention group (access to Oncokompas) or the waiting-list control group (access after three months). Healthcare costs, productivity losses, and health status were measured at baseline and three months. Intervention costs were also taken into account. Non-parametric bootstrapping with 5000 replications was used to obtain 95% confidence intervals around the incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). A probabilistic approach was used because of the skewness of cost data. Altogether, 138 patients completed the baseline questionnaire and were randomly assigned to the intervention group (69) or the control group (69). In the base case analysis, mean total costs and mean total effects were non-significantly lower in the intervention group (−€806 and −0.01 QALYs). The probability that the intervention was more effective and less costly was 4%, whereas the probability of being less effective and less costly was 74%. Among patients with incurable cancer, Oncokompas does not impact incremental costs and seems slightly less effective in terms of QALYs, compared to care as usual. Future research on the costs of eHealth in palliative cancer care is warranted to assess the generalizability of the findings of this study.

Reliable estimates of adult survival for many shorebird species are lacking. We used Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) methods to provide an estimate of apparent, or local, survival (φ) of a population of whimbrels, Numenius phaeopus, breeding in the subarctic Churchill, Manitoba region. We used data collected in two time‐periods: 1973–1976 and 2010–2014. We also quantified nest‐site fidelity in 2010–2014 to provide context to our apparent survival estimates because mark‐recapture analyses cannot distinguish between mortality and permanent emigration. The most parsimonious CJS model did not include effects of sex or time on apparent adult survival in either period (φ = 0.76 ± 0.13 SE; φ = 0.75 ± 0.04 SE, 1973–1976 and 2010–2014, respectively). Additionally, observations of marked whimbrels between 2010 and 2019 (n = 124) showed that 61 of the 105 marked individuals (58.1%) were resighted. These estimates of return rates are, as expected, much lower than estimates of apparent survival. The median year‐to‐year distance between nests (n = 139) in 2010 to 2014 was 198 m ± 88 SE and did not differ significantly (p = 0.84) between females (x̄ = 721.9 m ± 119.8 SE) and males (x̄ = 720.3 m ± 83.1 SE). If our apparent survival estimate is indicative of true survivorship, then adult mortality during the non‐breeding season has remained constant over the last five decades, implying that the recent decline in whimbrel populations may stem largely from reduced fecundity, including egg or juvenile survival, rather than primarily from reduced adult survival.

Abstract Many populations of long‐distance migrant shorebirds are declining rapidly. Since the 1970s, the lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) has experienced a pronounced reduction in abundance of ~63%. The potential causes of the species' decline are complex and interrelated. Understanding the timing of migration, seasonal routes, and important stopover and non‐breeding locations used by this species will aid in directing conservation planning to address potential threats. During 2018–2022, we tracked 118 adult lesser yellowlegs using GPS satellite tags deployed on birds from five breeding and two migratory stopover locations spanning the boreal forest of North America from Alaska to Eastern Canada. Our objectives were to identify migratory routes, quantify migratory connectivity, and describe key stopover and non‐breeding locations. We also evaluated predictors of southbound migratory departure date and migration distance. Individuals tagged in Alaska and Central Canada followed similar southbound migratory routes, stopping to refuel in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, whereas birds tagged in Eastern Canada completed multi‐day transoceanic flights covering distances of >4000 km across the Atlantic between North and South America. Upon reaching their non‐breeding locations, lesser yellowlegs populations overlapped, resulting in weak migratory connectivity. Sex and population origin were significantly associated with the timing of migratory departure from breeding locations, and body mass at the time of GPS‐tag deployment was the best predictor of southbound migratory distance. Our findings suggest that lesser yellowlegs travel long distances and traverse numerous political boundaries each year, and breeding location likely has the greatest influence on migratory routes and therefore the threats birds experience during migration. Further, the species' dependence on wetlands in agricultural landscapes during migration and the non‐breeding period may make them vulnerable to threats related to agricultural practices, such as pesticide exposure.

The agri SMEs in Kosovo are facing challenges that are reducing competitiveness and preventing it from fulfilling their production potential. The main constraints in increasing productivity and improving competitiveness are the low use of modern techniques and technologies in both production and management of enterprises, lack of funds, the low use of inputs, and the limited ability to meet international standards of food safety. This paper is focused on the analysis of the impact of agricultural SMEs in the rural economy of the country and the problems related to the impact. The data used for this analysis are the data conducted for the Farm Structure Survey (FSS) which includes the farmers’ list from Agricultural Records compiled by the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) in 2014, as well as the lists of beneficiaries for both direct payments/subsidies and for grants for the period of 2014 to 2017 received by the Agency for Agriculture Development. From the research results, significant factors having an effect on the annual income of agris SMEs are the following: income from the sale of agricultural products, income from subsidies, income from non-agricultural activities, income from salaries, remittances, and income from other activities.

Summary: Background: Many patients with incurable cancer have symptoms affecting their health-related quality of life. The eHealth application ‘Oncokompas’ supports patients to take an active role in managing their palliative care needs, to reduce symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of Oncokompas compared to care as usual among incurably ill cancer patients with a life expectancy of more than three months. Methods: Patients were recruited in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (direct access to Oncokompas) or the control group (access to Oncokompas after three months). The primary outcome measure was patient activation (i.e., patients’ knowledge, skills and confidence for self-management). Secondary outcomes were general self-efficacy and HRQOL. Measures were assessed at baseline, two weeks after randomization, and three months after the baseline measurement. Linear mixed models were used to compare longitudinal changes between both groups from baseline to the three-month follow-up. Findings: In total, 219 patients were eligible of which 138 patients completed the baseline questionnaire (response rate 63%), and were randomized to the intervention (69) or control group (69). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control group over time in patient activation (estimated difference in change T0-T2; 1·8 (90% CI: -1·0 to 4·7)), neither in general self-efficacy and HRQOL. Of the patients in the intervention group who activated their account, 74% used Oncokompas as intended. The course of patient activation, general self-efficacy, and HRQOL was not significantly different between patients who used Oncokompas as intended versus those who did not. Interpretation: Among incurably ill cancer patients with a life expectancy of more than three months and recruited in the hospital setting, Oncokompas did not significantly improve patient activation, self-efficacy, or HRQOL. Funding: ZonMw, Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (844001105).

Integrating tracking technology and molecular approaches provides a comprehensive picture of contemporary and evolutionary mechanisms promoting connectivity. We used mitochondrial DNA and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing combined with satellite telemetry to investigate the connectivity of geographically disparate breeding populations of a declining boreal shorebird, the lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes). We were able to track 33 individuals on their round-trip migrations to Central and South America and back to the boreal wetlands of North America. Nearly all (93%) adults captured on the breeding grounds returned to within 5 km of the original capture site, with a median dispersal distance of 629 m. While our telemetry data revealed limited breeding dispersal in adults, genetic data uncovered significant interconnectedness across the species’ range. Very little genetic structure was estimated at ddRAD autosomal (ΦST = 0.001), Z-linked (ΦST = 0.001), and mtDNA loci (ΦST = 0.020), and maximum likelihood-based clustering methods placed all individuals in a single cluster regardless of capture location, indicating the species is panmictic. Our data indicate that large-scale juvenile dispersal is the main mechanism maintaining connectivity in this species, resulting in the absence of genomic structure.

Abstract Background Mycoplasma bovis causes mastitis, otitis, pneumonia and arthritis in cattle and is a major contributor to bovine respiratory disease complex. Around the year 2000, it emerged as a significant threat to the health of North American bison. Whether healthy bison are carriers of M. bovis and when they were first exposed is not known. To investigate these questions we used a commercially available ELISA that detects antibodies to M. bovis to test 3295 sera collected from 1984 through 2019 from bison in the United States and Canada. Results We identified moderately to strongly seropositive bison from as long ago as the late 1980s. Average seroprevalence over the past 36 years is similar in the United States and Canada, but country-specific differences are evident when data are sorted by the era of collection. Seroprevalence in the United States during the pre-disease era (1999 and prior) was significantly higher than in Canada, but was significantly lower than in Canada during the years 2000–2019. Considering individual countries, seroprevalence in the United States since the year 2000 dropped significantly as compared to the years 1985–1999. In Canada the trend is reversed, with seroprevalence increasing significantly since the year 2000. ELISA scores for sera collected from free-ranging bison do not differ significantly from scores for sera from more intensively managed animals, regardless of the era in which they were collected. However, seroprevalence among intensively raised Canadian bison has nearly doubled since the year 2000 and average ELISA scores rose significantly. Conclusions Our data provide the first evidence that North American bison were exposed to M. bovis many years prior to the emergence of M. bovis-related disease. Patterns of exposure inferred from these results differ in the United States and Canada, depending on the era under consideration. Our data further suggest that M. bovis may colonize healthy bison at a level sufficient to trigger antibody responses but without causing overt disease. These findings provide novel insights as to the history of M. bovis in bison and will be of value in formulating strategies to minimize the impact of mycoplasmosis on bison health and production.

“Maakt het uit of je wordt geboren in Amsterdam of in Delfzijl? Heeft een tiener in het zuiden van Limburg dezelfde kansen als een leeftijdsgenoot in de Randstad? Ook in Nederland groeit de kloof tussen kansarm en kansrijk, tussen centrum en periferie, tussen macht en onmacht. Banen, kapitaal en hoogopgeleiden concentreren zich in een aantal grote steden. Op andere plekken krimpt de bevolking en moeten ziekenhuizen en scholen hun deuren sluiten.” Dit is een citaat van de achterflap van het bijzonder leesbare boek ‘Een klein land met verre uithoeken; ongelijke kansen in een veranderend Nederland’ geschreven door Floor Milikowski. Als journalist voor de Groene Amsterdammer bezocht zij verscheidene regio’s in Nederland en beschreef ze hoe deze reageerden op de twee grote transformaties van de samenleving gedurende de afgelopen decennia, te weten de overgang van een industriële naar een kenniseconomie, en de globalisering van internationale (markt)verhoudingen

BackgroundThe focus on laboratory-based diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) warrants alternative public health tools such as rapid antigen tests. While there are a number of commercially available antigen tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), all cross-react with the genetically similar SARS-CoV-1 or require an instrument for results interpretation.Methodology/principal findingsWe developed and validated rapid antigen tests that use pairs of murine-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), along with gold nanoparticles, to detect SARS-CoV-2 with or without cross-reaction to SARS-CoV-1 and other coronaviruses. In this development, we demonstrate a robust antibody screening methodology for the selection of mAb pairs that can recognize SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. Linear epitope mapping of the mAbs helped elucidate SARS-CoV-2 S and N interactions in lateral flow chromatography. A candidate rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 N was validated using nasal swab specimens that were confirmed positive or negative by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Test results were image-captured using a mobile phone and normalized signal pixel intensities were calculated; signal intensities were inversely correlated to RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value.Conclusion/significanceOverall, our results suggest that the rapid antigen test is optimized to detect SARS-CoV-2 N during the acute phase of COVID-19. The rapid antigen tests developed in this study are alternative tools for wide scale public health surveillance of COVID-19.

Subject and purpose of work: Agriculture has historically been an important sector in Kosovo’s economy however the biggest challenges are migration, land fragmentation, and access to market and finance. Support from the Government of Kosovo for the agriculture and rural development sector is based on the ARDP 2007-13 and includes direct support measures that strongly correspond to Pillar I measures under CAP and rural development support measures similar to CAP Pillar II. The objective of this paper is to assess three measures (101,103,302) under the national plan of agriculture and rural development of Kosovo.

Over the last 60 years, Arctic goose populations have increased while many sympatric tundra nesting bird populations have declined. Hyperabundant geese have well-documented effects on tundra habitats, which can alter habitat use by sympatric bird species. These habitat changes may also alter invertebrate communities and abundances, with potentially important, but as of yet, undocumented effects on insectivorous birds such as shorebirds. Here, we determined the effects of goose-induced habitat alteration on invertebrate communities and relate the observed changes to shorebird diet. At sites and habitat types representing a gradient of goose influence, we identified goose-related changes in ground cover and linked these factors to variation in invertebrate communities. We then used DNA metabarcoding to characterize the diet of six shorebird species across sites and identify inter-site variation in abundance, biomass, and timing of emergence of dominant shorebird prey items. Invertebrate diversity and richness did not vary either among sites or habitat types. However, for prey items identified as part of the shorebird diet, we found significantly higher abundances and biomasses at a moderately goose-influenced site than at either low or high goose-influenced sites. Biomass of Tipulidae, the dominant prey taxon for shorebirds at the study sites, was 7.5 times higher at the moderately goose-influenced site compared to the site where goose influence was minor. We attribute this enhancement of prey biomass to both the fertilizing effect of goose fecal pellets and the moderate grazing pressure. Many studies have documented adverse effects of overabundant geese, but here we show that a moderate degree of goose grazing can lead to enhanced biomass of invertebrates, with the potential for improved shorebird foraging success and chick growth. These benefits, however, might be outweighed by negative effects of goose-induced habitat alteration and predation pressure.

Long-distance migrants are under strong selection to arrive on their breeding grounds at a time that maximizes fitness. Many arctic birds start nesting shortly after snow recedes from their breeding sites and timing of snowmelt can vary substantially over the breeding range of widespread species. We tested the hypothesis that migration schedules of individuals co-occurring at the same non-breeding areas are adapted to average local environmental conditions encountered at their specific and distant Arctic breeding locations. We predicted that timing of breeding site availability (measured here as the average snow-free date) should explain individual variation in departure time from shared non-breeding areas. We tested our prediction by tracking American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) nesting across the North-American Arctic. These plovers use a non-breeding (wintering) area in South America and share a spring stopover area in the nearctic temperate grasslands, located >1,800 km away from their nesting locations. As plovers co-occur at the same non-breeding areas but use breeding sites segregated by latitude and longitude, we could disentangle the potential confounding effects of migration distance and timing of breeding site availability on individual migration schedule. As predicted, departure date of individuals stopping-over in sympatry was positively related to the average snow-free date at their respective breeding location, which was also related to individual onset of incubation. Departure date from the shared stopover area was not explained by the distance between the stopover and the breeding location, nor by the stopover duration of individuals. This strongly suggests that plover migration schedule is adapted to and driven by the timing of breeding site availability per se. The proximate mechanism underlying the variable migration schedule of individuals is unknown and may result from genetic differences or individual learning. Temperatures are currently changing at different speeds across the Arctic and this likely generates substantial heterogeneity in the strength of selection pressure on migratory schedule of arctic birds migrating sympatrically.

Bison (Bison bison) heifer calves (n = 32) were randomly assigned to control or vaccination with 1010 colony-forming units of Brucella abortus strain RB51 (RB51) vaccine by single or boostered parenteral delivery, or by surgical implantation of a dry dart formulation (n = 8/trt). Serum and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained at 0, 4, 8, 13, 16, 21, and 24 wks after initial vaccination and at 0, 4, 8, 12, 15, 22, and 27 wks after booster vaccination to characterize humoral and cellular immune responses to RB51. Bison in both RB51 vaccination treatments demonstrated greater (P < 0.0001) serum humoral responses when compared to non-vaccinates, with parenteral vaccinates demonstrating greater (P < 0.01) responses when compared to mean responses of bison inoculated with the dry dart. Only the booster vaccinated treatment demonstrated greater (P < 0.0001) humoral responses than control bison in samples collected after re-inoculation. At 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 wks after initial vaccination, PBMC from parenteral RB51 vaccinates demonstrated greater proliferative responses to RB51 when compared to responses of control animals. In comparison, bison inoculated with the RB51 dry dart did not demonstrate greater (P > 0.05) proliferative responses when compared to responses of non-vaccinates. Bison were pasture bred and pregnant animals experimentally challenged in mid-gestation with 107 CFU of B. abortus strain 2,308. Bison in parenteral vaccination treatments had reduced (P < 0.05) abortions and infection in uterine and fetal samples as compared to non-vaccinated bison, with booster vaccinates tending to have the lowest colonization (CFU/gm) in tissues. In comparison, the dry dart formulation did reduce abortion (P < 0.05) but not infection (P > 0.05) in most tissues when compared to non-vaccinated bison. The results of this study reaffirm the efficacy of boostered parenteral vaccination of bison with RB51 in preventing brucellosis. Our data also suggests that the novel dry dart RB51 formulation does not induce sufficient efficacy in bison after a single inoculation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the number of pregnancies in naturally infected Brucella abortus–positive bison (Bison bison) cows would be reduced over a period of 5 yr after one treatment with 3000 mg gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunocontraceptive (GonaCon) compared to a similar group of naturally infected B. abortus–positive bison cows not treated with GonaCon. In each of the 5 yr, GonaCon-treated cows produced fewer offspring in relation to number of cows than the nontreated cows. Fisher's Exact test comparing offspring produced during the first reproductive season showed a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.0028). Differences in number of calves produced in GonaCon-treated and control groups were also noted in remaining years, but statistics were not applied because of data constraints. These data indicate that one treatment with GonaCon in brucellosis-seropositive female bison reduced pregnancies over five reproductive years. Thus, immunocontraception could potentially be used to manage brucellosis in affected herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Products of parturition are the predominant source of Brucella abortus for transmission in bison (Bison bison). Our objective was to assess whether preventing pregnancy in Brucella-seropositive bison reduced B. abortus shedding. Brucella-seropositive and -seronegative bison from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA were used in a replicated experiment. Each of two replicates (rep1, rep2) included a group of seropositive females treated with a single dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-based immunocontraceptive (Treatment rep1, n=15; Treatment rep2, n=20) and an untreated group (Control rep1, n=14; Control rep2, n=16) housed separately. Seronegative sentinel females were placed in each group to monitor horizontal transmission. Seronegative males were co-mingled for breeding each year. Pregnant females were removed from treatment groups in the first year, but not thereafter. Each January–June we monitored for B. abortus shedding events—any parturition associated with culture-positive fluids or tissues. We analyzed probability of shedding events using a negative binomial generalized linear mixed model fit by maximum likelihood using Laplace approximation. Over 5 yr, we observed zero shedding events in Treatment rep1 vs. 12 in Control rep1. All five Control rep1 sentinels but zero (0/5) Treatment rep1 sentinels seroconverted. In the second replicate, Treatment rep2 had two shedding events over 3 yr and Control rep2 had five events over 2 yr. Sentinels in both Control rep2 (3/6) and Treatment rep2 (5/6) seroconverted by trial endpoint. Treatment rep1 showed a reduced shedding probability relative to Control rep1, Treatment rep2, and Control rep2 (log odds value –25.36 vs. –1.71, –1.39, and –0.23, respectively). Fixed effect predictor covariates, year and age, had no explanatory value. These data suggest that successful contraception of brucellosis-seropositive female bison prevents shedding of B. abortus by individual animals. However, contraceptive treatment may or may not sufficiently reduce disease transmission to reduce brucellosis prevalence in an affected herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism in bill size can lead to sex-specific foraging strategies. All 12 extant species of oystercatchers (Haematopus spp.) have sexually dimorphic bills, and most oystercatcher species show intersexual niche partitioning in diet, where males and females eat different prey species in different proportions. Intersexual niche partitioning in diet has not been examined in American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus). This study tested for intersexual niche partitioning in diet in a population of American Oystercatchers breeding on two barrier islands in coastal Virginia, U.S.A. in 2022 and 2023. Diet composition, prey size selection, and foraging areas were compared between the sexes (n = 31 males and n = 28 females). Unlike other oystercatcher species, male and female American Oystercatcher diets overlapped by 99%. Both sexes took similar-sized prey across the seven prey species and shared use of 59% of feeding areas. Previous studies on other oystercatcher species may have found intersexual niche partitioning in diet because of highly competitive environments due to high population density or low prey availability. In contrast, the present study in the Virginia barrier islands that found diet overlap between the sexes may be due to a low competitive environment from low breeding densities and sufficient prey abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixture of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine (BAM) is frequently used for immobilization of North American hoofstock. Common adverse effects include respiratory depression, hypoxemia, and bradycardia. In this nonblinded crossover study the efficacy of two a-2 adrenergic antagonists, tolazoline and vatinoxan, were evaluated in alleviating adverse effects of BAM in Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis). Early administration of these antagonists was hypothesized to cause an increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), as well as reduction in mean arterial blood pressure without affecting sedation levels. Eight captive adult female elk were immobilized on three separate occasions at least 14 d apart with 0.15 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.05 mg/kg azaperone, and 0.06 mg/kg medetomidine. Tolazoline (2 mg/kg IM), vatinoxan (3 mg/mg medetomidine IV) or sterile saline (2 ml IM) were administered 20 min postinduction. The BAM caused hypoxemia, bradycardia, and moderate hypertension, and because of the severe hypoxemia observed, all animals received intratracheal oxygen throughout immobilization. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, SpO2, PaO2, and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were monitored every 5 min throughout the immobilization. Intramuscular tolazoline caused a brief but significant drop in mean arterial pressure compared with controls and a brief but nonsignificant increase in heart rate. Vatinoxan caused a significant drop in blood pressure and a brief significant increase in heart rate. Changes in respiratory rates and PaO2 were not observed with either antagonist; however, all animals received oxygen, which may have influenced this result. The depth of sedation was unchanged after administration of either drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keteladanan orang tua, adab siswa, dan seberapa besar keteladanan orang tua berkorelasi dengan adab siswa. Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah angket yang hanya disebarkan kepada 400 siswa yang tersebar di SDN Bantarjati 8, SDIT Anak Shalih, MI Matla’ul Anwar, Home Schooling Group Khoiru Ummah 1. Setelah peneliti menguji hipotesis penelitian, peneliti mendapatkan hasil penelitian sebagai berikut: (1) Keteladanan orang tua di SDN Bantarjati 8, SDIT Anak Shalih, MI Matla’ul Anwar, Home Schooling Group Khoiru Ummah 1 dalam kategori tinggi dengan nilai rata-rata sebanyak 246 (61,5%). (2) Adab siswa di SDN Bantarjati 8, SDIT Anak Shalih Cimahfar, MI Matla’ul Anwar, Home Schooling Group Khoiru Ummah 1 dalam kategori tinggi dengan nilai rata-rata sebanyak 227 (56,75%). (3) Ada korelasi 0,551 antara keteladanan orang tua dengan adab siswa yang dapat diinterpretasikan bahwa hubungan kedua variabel tersebut ada di kategori sedang.

Developing effective species conservation strategies relies on our ability to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of birds across their annual cycle. Assessing the connectivity between breeding and non-breeding areas remains challenging in migratory species that may exhibit intraspecific variation in migration strategies. Here we use light-level geolocation to test for sex-specific differences in the migration strategies (i.e. migration routes, stopovers, and wintering sites) of a population of Dunlin (Calidris alpina hudsonia) that breeds in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Churchill Dunlin exhibited relatively weak connectivity, as birds spread out evenly across the Atlantic Coast south of New Jersey, U.S.A, and the Gulf Coast from Mexico to Florida, U.S.A., the entire known non-breeding range of the species. We did identify important concentrated stopovers in James Bay, ON, Canada and along the coast of Delaware, U.S.A. Overall migration and stopover durations were significantly shorter during spring (northward) compared to fall (southward) migration. During spring migration, males followed a more direct migration route than females. In fall, male Dunlin departed breeding grounds earlier and spent more time on migration than females, likely driven by a trend of longer stopover durations. These sex-specific differences suggest that in spring, males deploy an energy minimization strategy to reach breeding grounds quickly and select the highest quality mating territories, whereas in fall, males take a much more relaxed migration. This research sheds light on the least understood period of the avian life cycle and informs our ability to target conservation initiatives to locations most important for this species.

After extirpation from most of the Great Lakes by the 1980s, the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus circumcinctus) did not nest again outside Michigan until 1998. The number of Plovers breeding in the region has gradually increased, with nesting locations expanding from Michigan. We studied the pattern of dispersers recolonizing their historical range after near extirpation using data from individually identifiable banded birds. Objectives were to determine if: (1) the origin of the first recolonizing individuals was Michigan; (2) dispersers remained within the Great Lakes population boundaries; (3) colonizing individuals were mainly natal dispersers; and (4) dispersal distances differed between the sexes and between natal and breeding dispersers. Finally, we tested the effects of time (year), yearly average Great Lakes water-level anomalies, and number of breeding pairs per year in Michigan on the rate of colonization outside Michigan. Plovers recolonized the Great Lakes primarily via recruits from Michigan. Additionally, six individuals were recorded leaving the Great Lakes and colonizing locations within Northern Great Plains and Atlantic Coast population boundaries. Colonizers dispersed on average 489.0 ± 55.0 km with no significant differences in distances between males and females or between natal and breeding dispersal events. No significant effect was found of water-level anomalies or number of breeding pairs in Michigan on the number of colonizers, but there was a positive effect of year. Our findings demonstrate that birds will return to sites unused for decades if the habitat is still suitable. The results also identify key locations that can support the continued growth of the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover population as it increases toward recovery goals.

BackgroundDengue virus (DENV) infections pose one of the largest global barriers to human health. The four serotypes (DENV 1-4) present different symptoms and influence immune response to subsequent DENV infections, rendering surveillance, risk assessments, and disease control particularly challenging. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management is critical and can be achieved by detecting DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) in serum during the acute phase. However, few NS1-based tests have been developed that are capable of differentiating DENV serotypes and none are currently commercially available.Methodology/principle findingsWe developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to distinguish DENV-1-4 NS1 using serotype-specific pairs of monoclonal antibodies. A total of 1,046 antibodies were harvested from DENV-immunized mice and screened for antigen binding affinity. ELISA clinical performance was evaluated using 408 polymerase chain reaction-confirmed dengue samples obtained from patients in Brazil, Honduras, and India. The overall sensitivity of the test for pan-DENV was 79.66% (325/408), and the sensitivities for DENV-1-4 serotyping were 79.1% (38/48), 80.41% (78/97), 100% (45/45), and 79.6% (98/123), respectively. Specificity reached 94.07-100%.SignificanceOur study demonstrates a robust antibody screening strategy that enabled the development of a serotype NS1-based ELISA with maximized specific and sensitive antigen binding. This sensitive and specific assay also utilized the most expansive cohort to date, and of which about half are from Latin America, a geographic region severely underrepresented in previous similar studies. This ELISA test offers potential enhanced diagnostics during the acute phase of infection to help guide patient care and disease control. These results indicate that this ELISA is a promising aid in early DENV-1-4 diagnosis and surveillance in regions of endemicity in addition to offer convenient monitoring for future vaccine interventions.

Contact repulsion of growing axons is an essential mechanism for spinal nerve patterning. In birds and mammals the embryonic somites generate a linear series of impenetrable barriers, forcing axon growth cones to traverse one half of each somite as they extend towards their body targets. This study shows that protein disulphide isomerase provides a key component of these barriers, mediating contact repulsion at the cell surface in chick half-somites. Repulsion is reduced both in vivo and in vitro by a range of methods that inhibit enzyme activity. The activity is critical in initiating a nitric oxide/S-nitrosylation-dependent signal transduction pathway that regulates the growth cone cytoskeleton. Rat forebrain grey matter extracts contain a similar activity, and the enzyme is expressed at the surface of cultured human astrocytic cells and rat cortical astrocytes. We suggest this system is co-opted in the brain to counteract and regulate aberrant nerve terminal growth.

Catechol dehydroxylation is a central chemical transformation in the gut microbial metabolism of plant- and host-derived small molecules. However, the molecular basis for this transformation and its distribution among gut microorganisms are poorly understood. Here, we characterize a molybdenum-dependent enzyme from the human gut bacterium Eggerthella lenta that dehydroxylates catecholamine neurotransmitters. Our findings suggest that this activity enables E. lenta to use dopamine as an electron acceptor. We also identify candidate dehydroxylases that metabolize additional host- and plant-derived catechols. These dehydroxylases belong to a distinct group of largely uncharacterized molybdenum-dependent enzymes that likely mediate primary and secondary metabolism in multiple environments. Finally, we observe catechol dehydroxylation in the gut microbiotas of diverse mammals, confirming the presence of this chemistry in habitats beyond the human gut. These results suggest that the chemical strategies that mediate metabolism and interactions in the human gut are relevant to a broad range of species and habitats.

Human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and emergent variants of concern continue to occur globally, despite mass vaccination campaigns. Public health strategies to reduce virus spread should therefore rely, in part, on frequent screening with rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive tests. We evaluated two digitally integrated rapid tests and assessed their performance using stored nasal swab specimens collected from individuals with or without COVID-19. An isothermal amplification assay combined with a lateral flow test had a limit of detection of 10 RNA copies per reaction, and a positive percent agreement (PPA)/negative percent agreement (NPA) during the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of 100%/100% and 95.83/100%, respectively. Comparatively, an antigen-based lateral flow test had a limit of detection of 30,000 copies and a PPA/NPA during the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of 82.86%/98.68% and 91.67/100%, respectively. Both the isothermal amplification and antigen-based lateral flow tests had optimized detection of SARS-CoV-2 during the peak period of transmission; however, the antigen-based test had reduced sensitivity in clinical samples with qPCR Ct values greater than 29.8. Low-cost, high-throughput screening enabled by isothermal amplification or antigen-based techniques have value for outbreak control.

Conservation of migratory species depends on an understanding of the drivers causing population declines across the annual cycle. Since it is difficult to track the entire annual cycle for long-distance migrants, measurements from part of the cycle may provide insights into overall drivers. Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in Canada have undergone steep and long-term population declines. Using Breeding Bird Survey data and breeding performance data collected at field sites in three regions across Canada, we examined long- and short-term Barn Swallow population trends in Canada, differences in breeding performance across regions, if average breeding performance measures or colony size predicted regional population growth rates and if local breeding performance is driven by density dependence and/or recruitment. We found that long-term negative population trends were generally stronger in the east and west, and weaker in central Canada. Short-term population trends were generally weakly negative or neutral. Average breeding performance and colony size were poor predictors of regional growth rates observed in the subsequent year. We found little support for density dependence affecting local breeding performance; however, local breeding success, presumably through subsequent recruitment of young, was positively correlated to changes in local colony size in the following year. Since we found juveniles recruited into colonies located in the same region, but no link between average breeding performance and estimated regional population trajectories, our results suggest that extrapolating from local-scale studies to broader populations is challenging, and other demographic rates (i.e., survival) may need to be considered. Overall, our study suggests that contemporary Barn Swallow populations are below carrying capacity in Canada, further suggesting that food limitation is not currently regulating populations. Further study is needed to understand what factors are limiting and regulating Barn Swallow populations in Canada, across the annual cycle.

In Memoriam Prof. dr. Geert van der LaanEditorial

Technological constraints have limited our ability to compare and determine the proximate and ultimate drivers of migratory behavior in small-bodied birds. Small VHF transmitters (9,000 km; pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos, and white-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis) would be more likely to migrate with characteristics of a time-minimizing migration strategy compared to species migrating intermediate distances (5,000–7,500 km; semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla; and lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes) or shorter distances (~5,000 km; least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla; semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus), which would migrate with more characteristics of an energy-minimizing strategy. Our results indicate that migration and stopover behaviors for adults matched this prediction; longer distance migrants had longer stopover lengths, departed with higher relative fuel loads, flew with faster ground and airspeeds, and had a lower probability of stopover in North America after departing the subarctic. The predicted relationship between migration distance and migratory strategy was not as clear for juveniles. Despite our prediction that longer distance migrants would be less wind selective at departure and fly into headwinds en route, all species and age classes departed and migrated with supportive winds. Birds with higher estimated fuel loads at departure were less likely to stop in North America after departing the subarctic, indicating that some birds attempted non-stop flights from the subarctic to the Caribbean or South America. Additionally, within species, adults with higher relative fuel loads at departure had a higher detection probability after departing the subarctic, which we interpret as evidence of higher survival compared to juveniles. This study shows that migratory behavior of shorebirds has predictable patterns based on migration distance that are moderated by body condition of individuals, with potential implications for fitness.

Abstract Environmental changes can propagate through food webs in complex ways via trophic cascades. In the North American Arctic, hyperabundant populations of geese are causing significant habitat change and the resulting trophic cascades are known to impact plant and invertebrate communities. However, the potential impacts on other tundra‐nesting birds are not fully understood. Here, we evaluate the impacts of light geese (Snow Geese, Chen caerulescens, and Ross’ Goose, Chen rossii) populations on other tundra‐nesting birds, using count data collected during bird surveys conducted at varying distances from light goose colonies across the Canadian Arctic. From a dataset of 920 12–16 ha plots distributed across the Canadian Arctic, we identified 527 that were within 200 km of the mapped extent of known light goose colonies. After accounting for regional variation, we demonstrate that densities of most Cover‐Nesting Shorebirds and passerines are depressed in the vicinity of light goose colonies. We suggest that these trends are the results of the combined effects of goose‐induced changes in habitat and predator–prey interactions. These direct and indirect effects of light geese could be contributing to the declines experienced by some tundra‐nesting bird populations in parts of their range. Ongoing climate‐related changes to habitat, predators, and arthropods could interact with this effect of geese to further alter the suitability of tundra habitats for Arctic‐breeding birds, in additive or even unanticipated ways.

The Arctic is undergoing rapid changes, with anthropogenic shifts in climate having important and well-documented impacts on habitat. Populations of predators and their prey are affected by changing climate and other anthropogenic factors, and these changing trophic interactions could have profound effects on breeding populations of Arctic birds. Variable abundance of lemmings (a primary prey of generalist Arctic predators) and increasing abundance of light geese (Lesser Snow and Ross' Geese; a secondary prey) could have negative consequences for numerous sympatric shorebirds (an incidental prey). Using 16 years of predator-prey observations and 13-years of shorebird nest survival data at a site near a goose colony we identify relationships among geese, lemmings, and their shared predators and then relate predator indices to shorebird risk of nest predation. During two years, we also placed time-lapse cameras and artificial shorebird nests at increasing distances from a goose colony to document spatial trends in predators and their effect on risk of predation. In the long-term data, yearly indices of light geese positively influenced indices of gulls and jaegers, and shorebird nest predation rate was negatively correlated with jaeger and fox indices. All three predator indices were highest near the goose colony and artificial nest predation probability was negatively correlated with distance from goose colony, but these effects were less apparent during the second year. Combined, these results highlight the variation in predator-mediated interactions between geese and shorebirds and outline one mechanism by which hyperabundant geese may be contributing to local or regional declines in Arctic-nesting shorebird populations.

A recent study demonstrated that semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) wing lengths have shortened from the 1980s to the present-day. We examined alternative and untested hypotheses for this change at an important stopover site, James Bay, Ontario, Canada. We evaluated morphometric patterns in wing length and bill length by age and sex, when possible, and assessed if wing shape has also changed during this time-period. We investigated patterns of morphological change in two additional Calidridine sandpipers, white-rumped sandpipers (Calidris fuscicollis) and least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), to determine if shorter wing lengths are a widespread pattern in small sandpipers. We also examined allometric changes in wing and bill lengths to clarify if wing length declines were consistent with historical scaling relationships and indicative of a change in body size instead of only wing length change. We found that including sex and wing shape in analyses revealed important patterns in morphometric change for semipalmated sandpipers. Wing lengths declined for both sexes, but the magnitude of decline was smaller and not significant for males. Additionally, semipalmated sandpiper wings have become more convex, a shape that increases maneuverability in flight. Wing lengths, but not bill lengths, declined for most species and age classes, a pattern that was inconsistent with historical allometric scaling relationships. For juvenile semipalmated sandpipers, however, both bill and wing lengths declined according to historical scaling relationships, which could be a consequence of nutritional stress during development or a shift in the proportion of birds from smaller-sized, western breeding populations. Except for juvenile semipalmated sandpipers, we did not find evidence for an increase in the proportion of birds from different breeding populations at the stopover site. Given the wide, hemispheric distribution of these sandpipers throughout their annual cycles, our results, paired with those from a previous study, provide evidence for wide-spread reduction in wing lengths of Calidridine sandpipers since the 1980s. The shorter wing lengths and more convex wing shapes found in this study support the hypothesis that selection has favored more maneuverable wing morphology in small sandpipers.

More effective methods to detect bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, in wildlife, is of paramount importance for preventing disease spread to other wild animals, livestock, and human beings. In this study, we analyzed the volatile organic compounds emitted by fecal samples collected from free-ranging wild boar captured in Doñana National Park, Spain, with an electronic nose system based on organically-functionalized gold nanoparticles. The animals were separated by the age group for performing the analysis. Adult (>24 months) and sub-adult (12–24 months) animals were anesthetized before sample collection, whereas the juvenile (

Grassland birds, including Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), have experienced steep population declines across their breeding range in North America. Because of these declines, Bobolinks were listed as threatened by the Ontario and Canadian governments. We assessed nest survival across land-cover types and uses to identify pertinent factors important for conservation of this species-at-risk. We analyzed nest survival for 463 Bobolink nests monitored over 6 years from 3 regions across southern and eastern Ontario, Canada. We used RMark to analyze daily survival rate of nests by assessing 53 models that incorporated temporal, local, and landscape variables. Daily survival rate of Bobolink nests was strongly associated with cattle (Bos taurus) stocking rate (cattle-days/ha) and date. Daily survival rate decreased across the nesting season from 0.98 (CI 95% = 0.97-0.99) to 0.92 (CI 95% = 0.87-0.95). Stocking rate was the only important local variable and was negatively associated with daily survival rate, which decreased from 0.96 (CI 95% = 0.96-0.97) to 0.69 (CI 95% = 0.51-0.82) as stocking rate increased from 0 to 243 cattle-days/ha. Landscape variables, including region, percent forest, cropland, and grassland within 2, 5, and 10 km, were not in competitive models. Our results suggest that all field uses we studied have potential for conservation actions because daily survival rate of nests did not vary significantly across late-cut hayfields, fallow fields, restored grasslands, or pastures; however, stocking rate is important in pastures. In grazed pastures where Bobolink conservation is a priority, we recommend keeping stocking rates low (≤ 40 cattle-days/ha) when most Bobolink nests are active, e.g., 21 May (earliest date of incubation) through 30 June (one week after median date of fledging for first nesting attempts) in our study area.