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David W Macdonald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A non-invasive method to assess the reproductive status of the European badger (Meles meles) from urinary sex-steroid metabolites
    General and comparative endocrinology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Martin Dehnhard, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Due to their unique reproductive physiology and behaviour, European badgers (Meles meles) are often used as a model to study mammalian reproduction. For reproductive endocrinology, circulating hormone levels are conventionally measured directly from blood samples. However, routine blood sampling is often not practical for wild animals and may induce stress affecting measurement accuracy. Non-invasive alternatives are thus of interest. Circulating hormones are metabolized through different routes, either by the kidneys, to be excreted through urine, or by the liver, to be excreted through faeces. These metabolites can thus be used as a proxy of hormone measurements, provided the species-specific metabolic characteristics are known. Here we tested the suitability of measuring urinary metabolites of circulating plasma sex-steroid hormones (testosterone in males and oestrogen in females) with enzyme immunoassays to assess the reproductive status of the European badger (Meles meles). Biological validation evidenced that urinary testosterone metabolite (UTM) and urinary total oestrogen metabolite (UEM) excretion patterns both corresponded with seasonal badger reproductive patterns on a population level, signaling correlation over a broad time frame. On an individual level, concurrent sampling of urine and plasma showed that male plasma testosterone and UTM levels correlated significantly across seasons, but no short term correlation was evident for total oestrogen and UEM in females. Thus, in badgers, urinary sex-steroid metabolites can be used reliably in the short term to assess male reproductive status at the individual level, but only at the broader population level for females.

  • effects of mustelid gammaherpesvirus 1 musghv 1 reactivation in european badger meles meles genital tracts on reproductive fitness
    Pathogenetics, 2020
    Co-Authors: Mingshan Tsai, Chris Newman, David W Macdonald, Andrew W. Byrne, Ursula Fogarty, James Okeeffe, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Reactivation of latent Gammaherpesvirus in the genital tract can lead to reproductive failure in domestic animals. Nevertheless, this pathophysiology has not received formal study in wild mammals. High prevalence of Mustelid gammaherpesvirus 1 (MusGHV-1) DNA detected in the genital tracts of European badgers (Meles meles) implies that this common pathogen may be a sexual transmitted infection. Here we used PCR to test MusGHV-1 DNA prevalence in genital swabs collected from 144 wild badgers in Ireland (71 males, 73 females) to investigate impacts on male fertility indicators (sperm abundance and testes weight) and female fecundity (current reproductive output). MusGHV-1 reactivation had a negative effect on female reproduction, but not on male fertility; however males had a higher risk of MusGHV-1 reactivation than females, especially during the late-winter mating season, and genital MusGHV-1 reactivation differed between age classes, where 3–5 year old adults had significantly lower reactivation rates than younger or older ones. Negative results in foetal tissues from MusGHV-1 positive mothers indicated that cross-placental transmission was unlikely. This study has broader implications for how wide-spread gammaherpesvirus infections could affect reproductive performance in wild Carnivora species.

  • reproductive and somatic senescence in the european badger meles meles evidence from lifetime sex steroid profiles
    Zoology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Among the Carnivora, there is sparse evidence for any substantive fitness benefits of post reproductive lifespan (PRLS, survival after reproductive cessation, RC). Using the European badger (Meles meles) as a model species, we analyzed sex-specific cross-sectional endocrinological and morphological data to investigate: 1) age-dependent reproductive decline in sex-steroid levels versus prime reproductive age; 2) age-dependent declines in somatic condition and reproductive advertisement (from subcaudal scent gland secretion); 3) changes in reproductive success with age due to somatic and endocrinological decline; 4) occurrence of RC, PRLS, and post reproductive representation (PrR) in the population with reference to pre-pubescent hormone levels and evidenced by fewer cub assignments from pedigree. We provide strong evidence for a gradual, not abrupt, decline in sex-steroid levels with age, with both sexes following a concave (down) quadratic trend. For both sexes, the onset of decline in somatic condition commenced at the age of 3 years. In contrast, decline in reproductive hormones started at age ca. 5.5 years in females and 6 years in males, with similar rates of decline thereafter. Subcaudal gland secretion volume also decreased in both sexes, especially after age 5, suggesting less investment in reproductive advertisement. After age 3, fewer (surviving) females were assigned cubs. This coincided with the onset of somatic decline but came earlier than hormonal decline (5.5 years onwards). The decrease in offspring assignments commenced later in males at age 5-6 years; concomitant with onset of testosterone decline at 6 years. This suggests that, contrary to females, in males declining body condition does not preclude reproductive success (no ‘restraint’) in advance of hormonal senescence (‘constraint’). There was evidence of female PRLS, with very old adults living up to 2.59 ± 1.29 years after RC; although in males this evidence was weaker. We discuss the implications of these findings for RC and PRLS in the context of adaptive and non-adaptive hypotheses. There was evidence of over 2 years of Post Reproductive Life Span in both sexes.

  • Male European badger churrs: insights into call function and motivational basis
    Mammalian Biology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Benjamin D. Charlton, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Determining the contexts of emission and information content of vocal signals can yield insights into the function of different call types, and remains an important step towards understanding the diversification of mammalian vocal repertoires. In this study, we used infra-red video cameras and remote audio recorders to document seasonal and contextual variation in male European badger ( Meles meles ) churr production over a 24-month period, and acoustic analysis based on source-filter theory to examine whether churr acoustic structure varies according to the caller’s arousal state and identity. Our behavioural observations revealed that male churrs are produced almost exclusively during the breeding season. Further contextual analysis showed that males emit churrs during close-range interactions with female conspecifics, often during copulation attempts, and churr directly into sett entrances. In addition, males involved in close-range social interactions delivered churrs with more call units per second than those vocalising without other conspecifics in close proximity. Discriminant function analysis also revealed that male churrs are individually distinctive, and confirmed that the formants (vocal tract resonances) contribute the most to caller identity. These findings indicate that badger churrs are sexual calls with the potential to signal male arousal state and identity in reproductive contexts. They also add to an increasing body of literature on the importance of formants for identity cueing in nonhuman mammals.

  • extrinsic factors affecting cub development contribute to sexual size dimorphism in the european badger meles meles
    Zoology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common among mammals, with males typically being larger than females, as a product of sex-specific differences in growth rate and growth duration. The Musteloidea, however, exhibit a hypo-allometric reduction in SSD with increasing body size (contrary to Rensch’s rule). A variety of extrinsic factors can affect juvenile growth rates and end body size, where one sex may demonstrate greater vulnerability than the other towards a specific factor, moderating patterns and degrees of SSD. Here, we analyse how male and female European badgers (Meles meles) differ in their somatic growth patterns. We compare the sex-specific growth curves across a range of somatic parameters and investigate what extrinsic (social and environmental) factors affect cub growth rates during the first 2 years of life leading to their sexual-dimorphic adult sizes. We found that average male final size of all measurements was significantly larger than those of females. Although male and female weanling cubs had similar body sizes, growth curves diverged significantly from ca. 11 months onwards due to continuous rapid growth of males versus slowing female growth. Consequently, females always concluded growth earlier than did males. In both sexes, extremities ceased to grow at an earlier age than did body length and zygomatic arch width. All badger cubs were impacted by their social environment as well as by weather conditions; however, male cubs were more sensitive to social factors, remaining smaller in social groups with more adult males present, whereas female final size was predominantly affected by weather and associated food availability. We discuss how extrinsic parameters can moderate patterns of SSD in the context of the differential equilibrium model.

Christina D Buesching - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A non-invasive method to assess the reproductive status of the European badger (Meles meles) from urinary sex-steroid metabolites
    General and comparative endocrinology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Martin Dehnhard, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Due to their unique reproductive physiology and behaviour, European badgers (Meles meles) are often used as a model to study mammalian reproduction. For reproductive endocrinology, circulating hormone levels are conventionally measured directly from blood samples. However, routine blood sampling is often not practical for wild animals and may induce stress affecting measurement accuracy. Non-invasive alternatives are thus of interest. Circulating hormones are metabolized through different routes, either by the kidneys, to be excreted through urine, or by the liver, to be excreted through faeces. These metabolites can thus be used as a proxy of hormone measurements, provided the species-specific metabolic characteristics are known. Here we tested the suitability of measuring urinary metabolites of circulating plasma sex-steroid hormones (testosterone in males and oestrogen in females) with enzyme immunoassays to assess the reproductive status of the European badger (Meles meles). Biological validation evidenced that urinary testosterone metabolite (UTM) and urinary total oestrogen metabolite (UEM) excretion patterns both corresponded with seasonal badger reproductive patterns on a population level, signaling correlation over a broad time frame. On an individual level, concurrent sampling of urine and plasma showed that male plasma testosterone and UTM levels correlated significantly across seasons, but no short term correlation was evident for total oestrogen and UEM in females. Thus, in badgers, urinary sex-steroid metabolites can be used reliably in the short term to assess male reproductive status at the individual level, but only at the broader population level for females.

  • effects of mustelid gammaherpesvirus 1 musghv 1 reactivation in european badger meles meles genital tracts on reproductive fitness
    Pathogenetics, 2020
    Co-Authors: Mingshan Tsai, Chris Newman, David W Macdonald, Andrew W. Byrne, Ursula Fogarty, James Okeeffe, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Reactivation of latent Gammaherpesvirus in the genital tract can lead to reproductive failure in domestic animals. Nevertheless, this pathophysiology has not received formal study in wild mammals. High prevalence of Mustelid gammaherpesvirus 1 (MusGHV-1) DNA detected in the genital tracts of European badgers (Meles meles) implies that this common pathogen may be a sexual transmitted infection. Here we used PCR to test MusGHV-1 DNA prevalence in genital swabs collected from 144 wild badgers in Ireland (71 males, 73 females) to investigate impacts on male fertility indicators (sperm abundance and testes weight) and female fecundity (current reproductive output). MusGHV-1 reactivation had a negative effect on female reproduction, but not on male fertility; however males had a higher risk of MusGHV-1 reactivation than females, especially during the late-winter mating season, and genital MusGHV-1 reactivation differed between age classes, where 3–5 year old adults had significantly lower reactivation rates than younger or older ones. Negative results in foetal tissues from MusGHV-1 positive mothers indicated that cross-placental transmission was unlikely. This study has broader implications for how wide-spread gammaherpesvirus infections could affect reproductive performance in wild Carnivora species.

  • reproductive and somatic senescence in the european badger meles meles evidence from lifetime sex steroid profiles
    Zoology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Among the Carnivora, there is sparse evidence for any substantive fitness benefits of post reproductive lifespan (PRLS, survival after reproductive cessation, RC). Using the European badger (Meles meles) as a model species, we analyzed sex-specific cross-sectional endocrinological and morphological data to investigate: 1) age-dependent reproductive decline in sex-steroid levels versus prime reproductive age; 2) age-dependent declines in somatic condition and reproductive advertisement (from subcaudal scent gland secretion); 3) changes in reproductive success with age due to somatic and endocrinological decline; 4) occurrence of RC, PRLS, and post reproductive representation (PrR) in the population with reference to pre-pubescent hormone levels and evidenced by fewer cub assignments from pedigree. We provide strong evidence for a gradual, not abrupt, decline in sex-steroid levels with age, with both sexes following a concave (down) quadratic trend. For both sexes, the onset of decline in somatic condition commenced at the age of 3 years. In contrast, decline in reproductive hormones started at age ca. 5.5 years in females and 6 years in males, with similar rates of decline thereafter. Subcaudal gland secretion volume also decreased in both sexes, especially after age 5, suggesting less investment in reproductive advertisement. After age 3, fewer (surviving) females were assigned cubs. This coincided with the onset of somatic decline but came earlier than hormonal decline (5.5 years onwards). The decrease in offspring assignments commenced later in males at age 5-6 years; concomitant with onset of testosterone decline at 6 years. This suggests that, contrary to females, in males declining body condition does not preclude reproductive success (no ‘restraint’) in advance of hormonal senescence (‘constraint’). There was evidence of female PRLS, with very old adults living up to 2.59 ± 1.29 years after RC; although in males this evidence was weaker. We discuss the implications of these findings for RC and PRLS in the context of adaptive and non-adaptive hypotheses. There was evidence of over 2 years of Post Reproductive Life Span in both sexes.

  • Male European badger churrs: insights into call function and motivational basis
    Mammalian Biology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Benjamin D. Charlton, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Determining the contexts of emission and information content of vocal signals can yield insights into the function of different call types, and remains an important step towards understanding the diversification of mammalian vocal repertoires. In this study, we used infra-red video cameras and remote audio recorders to document seasonal and contextual variation in male European badger ( Meles meles ) churr production over a 24-month period, and acoustic analysis based on source-filter theory to examine whether churr acoustic structure varies according to the caller’s arousal state and identity. Our behavioural observations revealed that male churrs are produced almost exclusively during the breeding season. Further contextual analysis showed that males emit churrs during close-range interactions with female conspecifics, often during copulation attempts, and churr directly into sett entrances. In addition, males involved in close-range social interactions delivered churrs with more call units per second than those vocalising without other conspecifics in close proximity. Discriminant function analysis also revealed that male churrs are individually distinctive, and confirmed that the formants (vocal tract resonances) contribute the most to caller identity. These findings indicate that badger churrs are sexual calls with the potential to signal male arousal state and identity in reproductive contexts. They also add to an increasing body of literature on the importance of formants for identity cueing in nonhuman mammals.

  • extrinsic factors affecting cub development contribute to sexual size dimorphism in the european badger meles meles
    Zoology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Nadine Adrianna Sugianto, David W Macdonald, Chris Newman, Christina D Buesching
    Abstract:

    Abstract Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common among mammals, with males typically being larger than females, as a product of sex-specific differences in growth rate and growth duration. The Musteloidea, however, exhibit a hypo-allometric reduction in SSD with increasing body size (contrary to Rensch’s rule). A variety of extrinsic factors can affect juvenile growth rates and end body size, where one sex may demonstrate greater vulnerability than the other towards a specific factor, moderating patterns and degrees of SSD. Here, we analyse how male and female European badgers (Meles meles) differ in their somatic growth patterns. We compare the sex-specific growth curves across a range of somatic parameters and investigate what extrinsic (social and environmental) factors affect cub growth rates during the first 2 years of life leading to their sexual-dimorphic adult sizes. We found that average male final size of all measurements was significantly larger than those of females. Although male and female weanling cubs had similar body sizes, growth curves diverged significantly from ca. 11 months onwards due to continuous rapid growth of males versus slowing female growth. Consequently, females always concluded growth earlier than did males. In both sexes, extremities ceased to grow at an earlier age than did body length and zygomatic arch width. All badger cubs were impacted by their social environment as well as by weather conditions; however, male cubs were more sensitive to social factors, remaining smaller in social groups with more adult males present, whereas female final size was predominantly affected by weather and associated food availability. We discuss how extrinsic parameters can moderate patterns of SSD in the context of the differential equilibrium model.

John Ross Rizzo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the sun test of vision investigation in healthy volunteers and comparison to the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Natalie Dahan, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Janet C Rucker, Steven L Galetta, Rachel Nolankenney, Liliana Serrano, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, Laura J Balcer
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective Tests of rapid automatized naming (RAN) have been used for decades to evaluate neurological conditions. RAN tests require extensive brain pathways involving visual perception, memory, eye movements and language. To the extent that different naming tasks capture varied visual pathways and related networks, we developed the Staggered Uneven Number (SUN) test of rapid number naming to complement existing RAN tests, such as the Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules). The purpose of this investigation was to determine values for time scores for SUN, and to compare test characteristics between SUN and Mules. Methods We administered the SUN and Mules tests to healthy adult volunteers in a research office setting. Mules consists of 54 color photographs; the SUN includes 145 single- and multi-digit numbers. Participants are asked to name each number or picture aloud. Results Among 54 healthy participants, aged 33 ± 13 years (range 20–66), the average SUN time score was 45.2 ± 8.3 s (range 30–66). Mules test times were 37.4 ± 9.9 s (range 20–68). SUN and Mules time scores did not differ by gender, but were greater (worse) among older participants for Mules (rs = 0.43, P = .001). Learning effects between first and second trials were greater for the Mules; participants improved (reduced) their time scores between trials by 5% on SUN and 16% for Mules (P  Conclusion The SUN is a new vision-based test that complements presently available picture- and number-based RAN tests. These assessments may require different brain pathways and networks for visual processing, visual memory, language and eye movements.

  • rapid picture naming in parkinson s disease using the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Lisena Hasanaj, Liliana Serrano, Marissa Ilardi, Caroline Gonzalez, Natalie Dahan, Samuel Fallon, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, John Ross Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that captures extensive brain networks, including cognitive, language and afferent/efferent visual pathways. Mules performance is slower in concussion and multiple sclerosis, conditions in which vision dysfunction is common. Visual aspects captured by the Mules may be impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD) including color discrimination, object recognition, visual processing speed, and convergence. The purpose of this study was to compare Mules time scores for a cohort of PD patients with those for a control group of participants of similar age. We also sought to examine learning effects for the Mules by comparing scores for two consecutive trials within the patient and control groups. Methods Mules consists of 54 colored pictures (fruits, animals, random objects). The test was administered in a cohort of PD patients and in a group of similar aged controls. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to determine statistical significance for differences in Mules time scores between PD patients and controls. Spearman rank-correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relation between Mules time scores and PD motor symptom severity (UPDRS). Learning effects were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results Among 51 patients with PD (median age 70 years, range 52–82) and 20 disease-free control participants (median age 67 years, range 51–90), Mules scores were significantly slower (worse performance) in PD patients (median 63.2 s, range 37.3–296.3) vs. controls (median 53.9 s, range 37.5–128.6, P = .03, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Slower Mules times were associated with increased motor symptom severity as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Section III (rs = 0.37, P = .02). Learning effects were greater among patients with PD (median improvement of 14.8 s between two Mules trials) compared to controls (median 7.4 s, P = .004). Conclusion The Mules is a complex test of rapid picture naming that captures numerous brain pathways including an extensive visual network. Mules performance is slower in patients with PD and our study suggests an association with the degree of motor impairment. Future studies will determine the relation of Mules time scores to other modalities that test visual function and structure in PD.

  • Mules on the sidelines a vision based assessment tool for sports related concussion
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2019
    Co-Authors: Samuel Fallo, Lisena Hasanaj, Matthew S Galetta, Nikki Webb, Julia Drattell, Prin Amorapanth, Oma Akhand, Christophe Hernandez, Joh Martone, John Ross Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming under investigation. Measures of rapid automatic naming (RAN) have been used for over 50 years to capture aspects of vision and cognition. Mules was designed as a series of 54 grouped color photographs (fruits, random objects, animals) that integrates saccades, color perception and contextual object identification. We examined Mules performance in youth, collegiate and professional athletes at pre-season baseline and at the sidelines following concussion. Methods Our study teams administered the Mules to youth, collegiate and professional athletes during pre-season baseline testing. Sideline post-concussion time scores were compared to pre-season baseline scores among athletes with concussion to determine degrees and directions of change. Results Among 681 athletes (age 17 ± 4 years, range 6–37, 38% female), average test times at baseline were 41.2 ± 11.2 s. The group included 280 youth, 357 collegiate and 44 professional athletes; the most common sports were ice hockey (23%), soccer (17%) and football (11%). Age was a predictor of Mules test times, with longer times noted for younger participants (P  Conclusions Concussed athletes demonstrate worsening performance on the Mules test compared to their baseline time scores. This test samples a wide network of brain pathways and complements other vision-based measures for sideline concussion assessment. The Mules test demonstrates capacity to identify athletes with sports-related concussion.

  • mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules in ms evaluation of a new visual test of rapid picture naming
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2018
    Co-Authors: Meagan D Seay, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Omar Akhand, Liliana Serrano, Matthew S Galetta, Lucy Cobbs, Prin Amorapanth, Rachel Nolan, Janet C Rucker
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that is under investigation for concussion. Mules captures an extensive visual network, including pathways for eye movements, color perception, memory and object recognition. The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mules to visual assessment of patients with MS, and to examine associations with other tests of afferent and efferent visual function. Methods We administered the Mules in addition to binocular measures of low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA), high-contrast visual acuity (VA) and the King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid number naming in an MS cohort and in a group of disease-free controls. Results Among 24 patients with MS (median age 36 years, range 20–72, 64% female) and 22 disease-free controls (median age 34 years, range 19–59, 57% female), Mules test times were greater (worse) among the patients (60.0 vs. 40.0 s). Accounting for age, MS vs. control status was a predictor of Mules test times (P = .01, logistic regression). Faster testing times were noted among patients with MS who had greater (better) performance on binocular LCLA at 2.5% contrast (P  Conclusion The Mules test, a complex task of rapid picture naming involves an extensive visual network that captures eye movements, color perception and the characterization of objects. Color recognition, a key component of this novel assessment, is early in object processing and requires area V4 and the inferior temporal projections. Mules scores reflect performance of LCLA, a widely-used measure of visual function in MS clinical trials. These results provide evidence that the Mules test can add efficient visual screening to the assessment of patients with MS.

  • the new mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules a test of rapid picture naming for concussion sized for the sidelines
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2018
    Co-Authors: Omar Akhand, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Matthew S Galetta, Lucy Cobbs, Nikki Webb, Julia Drattell, Prin Amorapanth, Rachel Nolan, Liliana Serrano
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective Measures of rapid automatized naming (RAN) have been used for over 50 years to capture vision-based aspects of cognition. The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming under investigation for detection of concussion and other neurological disorders. Mules was designed as a series of 54 grouped color photographs (fruits, random objects, animals) that integrates saccades, color perception and contextual object identification. Recent changes to the Mules test have been made to improve ease of use on the athletic sidelines. Originally an 11 × 17-inch single-sided paper, the test has been reduced to a laminated 8.5 × 11-inch double-sided version. We identified performance changes associated with transition to the new, Mules, now sized for the sidelines, and examined Mules on the sideline for sports-related concussion. Methods We administered the new laminated Mules to a group of adult office volunteers as well as youth and collegiate athletes during pre-season baseline testing. Athletes with concussion underwent sideline testing after injury. Time scores for the new laminated Mules were compared to those for the larger version (big Mules). Results Among 501 athletes and office volunteers (age 16 ± 7 years, range 6–59, 29% female), average test times at baseline were 44.4 ± 14.4 s for the new laminated Mules (n = 196) and 46.5 ± 16.3 s for big Mules (n = 248). Both versions were completed by 57 participants, with excellent agreement (p  Conclusion The Mules test has been converted to an 11 × 8.5-inch laminated version, with excellent agreement between versions across age groups. Feasibly administered at pre-season and in an office setting, the Mules test shows preliminary evidence of capacity to identify athletes with sports-related concussion.

Lisena Hasanaj - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the sun test of vision investigation in healthy volunteers and comparison to the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Natalie Dahan, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Janet C Rucker, Steven L Galetta, Rachel Nolankenney, Liliana Serrano, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, Laura J Balcer
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective Tests of rapid automatized naming (RAN) have been used for decades to evaluate neurological conditions. RAN tests require extensive brain pathways involving visual perception, memory, eye movements and language. To the extent that different naming tasks capture varied visual pathways and related networks, we developed the Staggered Uneven Number (SUN) test of rapid number naming to complement existing RAN tests, such as the Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules). The purpose of this investigation was to determine values for time scores for SUN, and to compare test characteristics between SUN and Mules. Methods We administered the SUN and Mules tests to healthy adult volunteers in a research office setting. Mules consists of 54 color photographs; the SUN includes 145 single- and multi-digit numbers. Participants are asked to name each number or picture aloud. Results Among 54 healthy participants, aged 33 ± 13 years (range 20–66), the average SUN time score was 45.2 ± 8.3 s (range 30–66). Mules test times were 37.4 ± 9.9 s (range 20–68). SUN and Mules time scores did not differ by gender, but were greater (worse) among older participants for Mules (rs = 0.43, P = .001). Learning effects between first and second trials were greater for the Mules; participants improved (reduced) their time scores between trials by 5% on SUN and 16% for Mules (P  Conclusion The SUN is a new vision-based test that complements presently available picture- and number-based RAN tests. These assessments may require different brain pathways and networks for visual processing, visual memory, language and eye movements.

  • rapid picture naming in parkinson s disease using the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Lisena Hasanaj, Liliana Serrano, Marissa Ilardi, Caroline Gonzalez, Natalie Dahan, Samuel Fallon, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, John Ross Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that captures extensive brain networks, including cognitive, language and afferent/efferent visual pathways. Mules performance is slower in concussion and multiple sclerosis, conditions in which vision dysfunction is common. Visual aspects captured by the Mules may be impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD) including color discrimination, object recognition, visual processing speed, and convergence. The purpose of this study was to compare Mules time scores for a cohort of PD patients with those for a control group of participants of similar age. We also sought to examine learning effects for the Mules by comparing scores for two consecutive trials within the patient and control groups. Methods Mules consists of 54 colored pictures (fruits, animals, random objects). The test was administered in a cohort of PD patients and in a group of similar aged controls. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to determine statistical significance for differences in Mules time scores between PD patients and controls. Spearman rank-correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relation between Mules time scores and PD motor symptom severity (UPDRS). Learning effects were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results Among 51 patients with PD (median age 70 years, range 52–82) and 20 disease-free control participants (median age 67 years, range 51–90), Mules scores were significantly slower (worse performance) in PD patients (median 63.2 s, range 37.3–296.3) vs. controls (median 53.9 s, range 37.5–128.6, P = .03, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Slower Mules times were associated with increased motor symptom severity as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Section III (rs = 0.37, P = .02). Learning effects were greater among patients with PD (median improvement of 14.8 s between two Mules trials) compared to controls (median 7.4 s, P = .004). Conclusion The Mules is a complex test of rapid picture naming that captures numerous brain pathways including an extensive visual network. Mules performance is slower in patients with PD and our study suggests an association with the degree of motor impairment. Future studies will determine the relation of Mules time scores to other modalities that test visual function and structure in PD.

  • Mules on the sidelines a vision based assessment tool for sports related concussion
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2019
    Co-Authors: Samuel Fallo, Lisena Hasanaj, Matthew S Galetta, Nikki Webb, Julia Drattell, Prin Amorapanth, Oma Akhand, Christophe Hernandez, Joh Martone, John Ross Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming under investigation. Measures of rapid automatic naming (RAN) have been used for over 50 years to capture aspects of vision and cognition. Mules was designed as a series of 54 grouped color photographs (fruits, random objects, animals) that integrates saccades, color perception and contextual object identification. We examined Mules performance in youth, collegiate and professional athletes at pre-season baseline and at the sidelines following concussion. Methods Our study teams administered the Mules to youth, collegiate and professional athletes during pre-season baseline testing. Sideline post-concussion time scores were compared to pre-season baseline scores among athletes with concussion to determine degrees and directions of change. Results Among 681 athletes (age 17 ± 4 years, range 6–37, 38% female), average test times at baseline were 41.2 ± 11.2 s. The group included 280 youth, 357 collegiate and 44 professional athletes; the most common sports were ice hockey (23%), soccer (17%) and football (11%). Age was a predictor of Mules test times, with longer times noted for younger participants (P  Conclusions Concussed athletes demonstrate worsening performance on the Mules test compared to their baseline time scores. This test samples a wide network of brain pathways and complements other vision-based measures for sideline concussion assessment. The Mules test demonstrates capacity to identify athletes with sports-related concussion.

  • Rapid Picture Naming in Parkinson's Disease Using the Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) Test
    Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library University of Utah, 2019
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Lisena Hasanaj, Liliana Serrano, Caroline Gonzalez, Samuel Fallon, John Martone, Abbey Lepor, Janet Rucker, Steven Galetta, Steven Frucht
    Abstract:

    The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that captures an extensive visual network involving afferent/efferent visual and cognitive pathways. Mules performance is impaired in concussion and multiple sclerosis in which visual impairment is common. Similarly, visual deficits also occur in Parkinson's Disease (PD). These visual deficits influence overall motor function and are a risk factor for developing visual hallucinations. Since many of the visual factors captured by Mules may be abnormal in PD (e.g., visual acuity, color discrimination, object recognition, visual processing speed, and saccadic eye movements), Mules may serve as a useful screening tool for visual dysfunction in PD. The purpose of this study was to introduce Mules to visual assessment in PD

  • mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules in ms evaluation of a new visual test of rapid picture naming
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2018
    Co-Authors: Meagan D Seay, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Omar Akhand, Liliana Serrano, Matthew S Galetta, Lucy Cobbs, Prin Amorapanth, Rachel Nolan, Janet C Rucker
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that is under investigation for concussion. Mules captures an extensive visual network, including pathways for eye movements, color perception, memory and object recognition. The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mules to visual assessment of patients with MS, and to examine associations with other tests of afferent and efferent visual function. Methods We administered the Mules in addition to binocular measures of low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA), high-contrast visual acuity (VA) and the King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid number naming in an MS cohort and in a group of disease-free controls. Results Among 24 patients with MS (median age 36 years, range 20–72, 64% female) and 22 disease-free controls (median age 34 years, range 19–59, 57% female), Mules test times were greater (worse) among the patients (60.0 vs. 40.0 s). Accounting for age, MS vs. control status was a predictor of Mules test times (P = .01, logistic regression). Faster testing times were noted among patients with MS who had greater (better) performance on binocular LCLA at 2.5% contrast (P  Conclusion The Mules test, a complex task of rapid picture naming involves an extensive visual network that captures eye movements, color perception and the characterization of objects. Color recognition, a key component of this novel assessment, is early in object processing and requires area V4 and the inferior temporal projections. Mules scores reflect performance of LCLA, a widely-used measure of visual function in MS clinical trials. These results provide evidence that the Mules test can add efficient visual screening to the assessment of patients with MS.

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  • sleep deprived residents and rapid picture naming performance using the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules test
    eNeurologicalSci, 2021
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Janet C Rucker, Steven L Galetta, Luke Moretti, Rachel Nolankenney, Omar Akhand, Liliana Serrano, Arielle Kurzweil, Laura J Balcer
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a rapid picture naming task that captures extensive brain networks involving neurocognitive, afferent/efferent visual, and language pathways. Many of the factors captured by Mules may be abnormal in sleep-deprived residents. This study investigates the effect of sleep deprivation in post-call residents on Mules performance. Methods Mules, consisting of 54 color photographs, was administered to a cohort of neurology residents taking 24-hour in-hospital call (n = 18) and a group of similar-aged controls not taking call (n = 18). Differences in times between baseline and follow-up Mules scores were compared between the two groups. Results Mules time change in call residents was significantly worse (slower) from baseline (mean 1.2 s slower) compared to non-call controls (mean 11.2 s faster) (P  Conclusion The Mules is a novel test for effects of sleep deprivation on neurocognition and vision pathways. Sleep deprivation significantly worsens Mules performance. Subjective sleepiness may also affect Mules performance. Mules may serve as a useful performance assessment tool for sleep deprivation in residents.

  • the sun test of vision investigation in healthy volunteers and comparison to the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Natalie Dahan, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Janet C Rucker, Steven L Galetta, Rachel Nolankenney, Liliana Serrano, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, Laura J Balcer
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective Tests of rapid automatized naming (RAN) have been used for decades to evaluate neurological conditions. RAN tests require extensive brain pathways involving visual perception, memory, eye movements and language. To the extent that different naming tasks capture varied visual pathways and related networks, we developed the Staggered Uneven Number (SUN) test of rapid number naming to complement existing RAN tests, such as the Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules). The purpose of this investigation was to determine values for time scores for SUN, and to compare test characteristics between SUN and Mules. Methods We administered the SUN and Mules tests to healthy adult volunteers in a research office setting. Mules consists of 54 color photographs; the SUN includes 145 single- and multi-digit numbers. Participants are asked to name each number or picture aloud. Results Among 54 healthy participants, aged 33 ± 13 years (range 20–66), the average SUN time score was 45.2 ± 8.3 s (range 30–66). Mules test times were 37.4 ± 9.9 s (range 20–68). SUN and Mules time scores did not differ by gender, but were greater (worse) among older participants for Mules (rs = 0.43, P = .001). Learning effects between first and second trials were greater for the Mules; participants improved (reduced) their time scores between trials by 5% on SUN and 16% for Mules (P  Conclusion The SUN is a new vision-based test that complements presently available picture- and number-based RAN tests. These assessments may require different brain pathways and networks for visual processing, visual memory, language and eye movements.

  • rapid picture naming in parkinson s disease using the mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2020
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Lisena Hasanaj, Liliana Serrano, Marissa Ilardi, Caroline Gonzalez, Natalie Dahan, Samuel Fallon, Nicholas Moehringer, Binu Joseph, John Ross Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that captures extensive brain networks, including cognitive, language and afferent/efferent visual pathways. Mules performance is slower in concussion and multiple sclerosis, conditions in which vision dysfunction is common. Visual aspects captured by the Mules may be impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD) including color discrimination, object recognition, visual processing speed, and convergence. The purpose of this study was to compare Mules time scores for a cohort of PD patients with those for a control group of participants of similar age. We also sought to examine learning effects for the Mules by comparing scores for two consecutive trials within the patient and control groups. Methods Mules consists of 54 colored pictures (fruits, animals, random objects). The test was administered in a cohort of PD patients and in a group of similar aged controls. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to determine statistical significance for differences in Mules time scores between PD patients and controls. Spearman rank-correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relation between Mules time scores and PD motor symptom severity (UPDRS). Learning effects were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results Among 51 patients with PD (median age 70 years, range 52–82) and 20 disease-free control participants (median age 67 years, range 51–90), Mules scores were significantly slower (worse performance) in PD patients (median 63.2 s, range 37.3–296.3) vs. controls (median 53.9 s, range 37.5–128.6, P = .03, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Slower Mules times were associated with increased motor symptom severity as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Section III (rs = 0.37, P = .02). Learning effects were greater among patients with PD (median improvement of 14.8 s between two Mules trials) compared to controls (median 7.4 s, P = .004). Conclusion The Mules is a complex test of rapid picture naming that captures numerous brain pathways including an extensive visual network. Mules performance is slower in patients with PD and our study suggests an association with the degree of motor impairment. Future studies will determine the relation of Mules time scores to other modalities that test visual function and structure in PD.

  • Rapid Picture Naming in Parkinson's Disease Using the Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) Test
    Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library University of Utah, 2019
    Co-Authors: Jenna Conway, Lisena Hasanaj, Liliana Serrano, Caroline Gonzalez, Samuel Fallon, John Martone, Abbey Lepor, Janet Rucker, Steven Galetta, Steven Frucht
    Abstract:

    The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that captures an extensive visual network involving afferent/efferent visual and cognitive pathways. Mules performance is impaired in concussion and multiple sclerosis in which visual impairment is common. Similarly, visual deficits also occur in Parkinson's Disease (PD). These visual deficits influence overall motor function and are a risk factor for developing visual hallucinations. Since many of the visual factors captured by Mules may be abnormal in PD (e.g., visual acuity, color discrimination, object recognition, visual processing speed, and saccadic eye movements), Mules may serve as a useful screening tool for visual dysfunction in PD. The purpose of this study was to introduce Mules to visual assessment in PD

  • mobile universal lexicon evaluation system Mules in ms evaluation of a new visual test of rapid picture naming
    Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2018
    Co-Authors: Meagan D Seay, Lisena Hasanaj, John Ross Rizzo, Omar Akhand, Liliana Serrano, Matthew S Galetta, Lucy Cobbs, Prin Amorapanth, Rachel Nolan, Janet C Rucker
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective The Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System (Mules) is a test of rapid picture naming that is under investigation for concussion. Mules captures an extensive visual network, including pathways for eye movements, color perception, memory and object recognition. The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mules to visual assessment of patients with MS, and to examine associations with other tests of afferent and efferent visual function. Methods We administered the Mules in addition to binocular measures of low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA), high-contrast visual acuity (VA) and the King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid number naming in an MS cohort and in a group of disease-free controls. Results Among 24 patients with MS (median age 36 years, range 20–72, 64% female) and 22 disease-free controls (median age 34 years, range 19–59, 57% female), Mules test times were greater (worse) among the patients (60.0 vs. 40.0 s). Accounting for age, MS vs. control status was a predictor of Mules test times (P = .01, logistic regression). Faster testing times were noted among patients with MS who had greater (better) performance on binocular LCLA at 2.5% contrast (P  Conclusion The Mules test, a complex task of rapid picture naming involves an extensive visual network that captures eye movements, color perception and the characterization of objects. Color recognition, a key component of this novel assessment, is early in object processing and requires area V4 and the inferior temporal projections. Mules scores reflect performance of LCLA, a widely-used measure of visual function in MS clinical trials. These results provide evidence that the Mules test can add efficient visual screening to the assessment of patients with MS.