The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has one of the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United States (US). We report for the first time the T2D prevalence in persons with HIV (PWH) in the RGV and the interrelationship between T2D, cardiometabolic risk factors, HIV-related indices, and antiretroviral therapies (ART). The PWH in this study received medical care at Valley AIDS Council (VAC) clinic sites located in Harlingen and McAllen, Texas. Henceforth, this cohort will be referred to as Valley AIDS Council Cohort (VACC). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using retrospective data obtained from 1,827 registries. It included demographic and anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic traits, and HIV-related virological and immunological indices. For descriptive statistics, we used mean values of the quantitative variables from unbalanced visits across 20 months. Robust regression methods were used to determine the associations. For comparisons, we used cardiometabolic trait data obtained from HIV-uninfected San Antonio Mexican American Family Studies (SAMAFS; N = 2,498), and the Mexican American population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES; N = 5,989). The prevalence of T2D in VACC was 51% compared to 27% in SAMAFS and 19% in HHANES, respectively. The PWH with T2D in VACC were younger (4.7 years) and had lower BMI (BMI 2.43 units less) when compared to SAMAFS individuals. In contrast, VACC individuals had increased blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The increased T2D prevalence in VACC was independent of BMI. Within the VACC, ART was associated with viral load and CD4+ T cell counts but not with metabolic dysfunction. Notably, we found that individuals with any INSTI combination had higher T2D risk: OR 2.08 (95%CI 1.67, 2.6; p < 0.001). In summary, our results suggest that VACC individuals may develop T2D at younger ages independent of obesity. The high burden of T2D in these individuals necessitates rigorously designed longitudinal studies to draw potential causal inferences and develop better treatment regimens.

This TAG report identified transportation issues impacting the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, including fast-shifting demographics, environmental and economic growth challenges, transit and transportation disconnects, and jurisdictional overlap. These issues, together with the distance between and number of public lands sites, create a complicated transportation situation. This report explores opportunities to improve access to and within the refuge and recommendations for their implementation.

Parameter estimates and robust standard errors of most supported model describing roosting habitat selection by sandhill cranes in the Rio Grande on their primary wintering area, the Middle Rio Grande Valley of central New Mexico.

SWPA_alvbsn is a vector dataset of alluvial-fill basin statistics for the Southwest United States. Statistics for each basin include physical details such as area, landcover, elevation, slope and precipitation. Anthropogenic data for basin include landuse, population, and wateruse.

Unisexual vertebrates typically form through hybridization events between sexual species in which reproductive mode transitions occur in the hybrid offspring. This evolutionary history is thought to have important consequences for the ecology of unisexual lineages and their interactions with congeners in natural communities. However, these consequences have proven challenging to study owing to uncertainty about patterns of population genetic diversity in unisexual lineages. Of particular interest is resolving the contribution of historical hybridization events vs. postformational mutation to patterns of genetic diversity in nature. Here we use restriction site associated DNA genotyping to evaluate genetic diversity and demographic history in Aspidoscelis laredoensis, a diploid unisexual lizard species from the vicinity of the Rio Grande River in southern Texas and northern Mexico. The sexual progenitor species from which one or more lineages are derived also occur in the Rio Grande Valley region, although patterns of distribution across individual sites are quite variable. Results from population genetic and phylogenetic analyses resolved the major axes of genetic variation in this species and highlight how these match predictions based on historical patterns of hybridization. We also found discordance between results of demographic modelling using different statistical approaches with the genomic data. We discuss these insights within the context of the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain lineage diversity in unisexual species. As one of the most dynamic, intriguing, and geographically well investigated groups of whiptail lizards, these species hold substantial promise for future studies on the constraints of diversification in unisexual vertebrates.

We captured 235 Gray Hawks (Buteo plagiatus) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties) of Texas from 6 February 2003 to 8 April 2023. We identified birds in five molt cycles: 115 birds in their first cycle, 16 in their second cycle, 73 in at least their second cycle, 19 in at least their third cycle, and 12 in at least their fourth cycle. Of these, we documented 15 instances of preformative molt, six instances where birds had an incomplete second prebasic molt, resulting in one to three retained juvenile rump feathers and/or wing coverts, and 18 instances where incomplete prebasic molts resulted in birds with multiple generations of flight feathers. We also present morphometric data from 144 Gray Hawks (nestlings and first-cycle birds captured prior to 1 October excluded). These results from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, on both molting strategies and measurements, differed in some respects from other sources based on the entire Gray Hawk population, most notably that birds from this northern and non-migratory population may show lower incidence of Stafflemauser molting patterns, and that they are heavier, which supports Bergmann’s rule. Methods We primarily used bal-chatri traps with 8–10 cm nooses made from 13.6 kg test monofilament fishing line to capture free-flying Gray Hawks (Bub 1991). We also used phai traps, bow net, and mist nets with a mounted Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) lure near nest sites (Bloom et al. 2007). We fit Gray Hawks with individually numbered U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aluminum bands, and birds banded after November 2019 also received an aluminum color band (Acraft Sign and Nameplate Co. Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Anillas Talismán S. L., Madrid, Spain). We recorded hallux claw length, tail length, mass, wing chord, and exposed culmen length for each bird (Hull and Bloom 2001, Pyle 2008). Measurements were obtained using digital scales and calipers, clear plastic rulers, and metal wing rules with a 90-degree stop following the techniques outlined in Pyle (2008). We did not measure tarsus length because this was too difficult to standardize among multiple banders. Measurements on 196 birds were performed by WSC or MTS, with ten banders performing measurements on the remaining 39 birds under their direct supervision. We initially categorized birds as in their first year (juvenile or formative plumage) or as adults (basic plumage) based on the criteria of Pyle (2008). We also categorized birds as actively molting flight feathers or not molting. First-year birds were examined for preformative molt, i.e., newer gray formative body feathers contrasting with juvenile feathers. Preformative molt occurs prior to the onset of the second prebasic molt, as documented and discussed for Gray Hawk and other raptors in Pyle (2005a). Adults were examined for retained, worn, brown juvenile or moderately worn, gray, basic flight feathers. We ensured that our findings were based on molt by examining replacement patterns on both wings, and not adventitious replacement, which is not symmetrical between wings. We categorized molt and plumage cycles using Humphrey-Parkes-Howell terminology, and age classes according to molt cycle (Howell et al. 2003, Clark and Pyle 2015, Pyle et al. 2021). We separated age classes into local (nestlings, unable to fly), first cycle (between fledging and dropping the first primary during the second prebasic molt, or HY/SY in calendar-based terms), second cycle (between this and dropping the first primary during the third prebasic molt, or SY/TY), minimum second cycle (AHY/ASY), minimum third cycle (ASY/ATY) , and minimum fourth cycle (ATY/A4Y). When examining flight feathers, we looked for “sets” of sequentially replaced feathers between distally oriented wavesof molt (Pyle 2006, 2008). Sets are defined by an older, more worn primary distal to an adjacent newer primary, each set showing a cline in freshness from older inner to newer outer feathers, although a cline may not be even due to differing generations or molt suspensions; the number of these sets was used to determine minimum age for birds beyond third cycle (Pyle 2006, 2008). Open-wing images showing front and back of an extended wing were taken for archival purposes and to study molting patterns.

Prior to the arrival of European explorers in the Americas in 1492, it is estimated that the population of the continent was around sixty million people. Over the next two centuries, most scholars agree that the indigenous population fell to just ten percent of its pre-colonization level, primarily due to the Old World diseases (namely smallpox) brought to the New World by Europeans and African slaves, as well as through violence and famine.

Distribution

It is thought that the most densely populated region of the Americas was in the fertile Mexican valley, home to over one third of the entire continent, including several Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztec empire. While the mid-estimate shows a population of over 21 million before European arrival, one estimate suggests that there were just 730,000 people of indigenous descent in Mexico in 1620, just one hundred years after Cortes' arrival. Estimates also suggest that the Andes, home to the Incas, was the second most-populous region in the Americas, while North America (in this case, the region north of the Rio Grande river) may have been the most sparsely populated region. There is some contention as to the size of the pre-Columbian populations in the Caribbean, as the mass genocides, forced relocation, and pandemics that followed in the early stages of Spanish colonization make it difficult to predict these numbers.

Varying estimates Estimating the indigenous populations of the Americas has proven to be a challenge and point of contention for modern historians. Totals from reputable sources range from 8.4 million people to 112.55 million, and while both of these totals were published in the 1930s and 1960s respectively, their continued citation proves the ambiguity surrounding this topic. European settlers' records from the 15th to 17th centuries have also created challenges, due to their unrealistic population predictions and inaccurate methodologies (for example, many early settlers only counted the number of warriors in each civilization). Nonetheless, most modern historians use figures close to those given in the "Middle estimate" shown here, with similar distributions by region.

This dataset includes the magnetotelluric (MT) sounding data collected in 2007 in and near the San Luis Valley, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a series of multidisciplinary studies, including MT surveys, in the San Luis Valley to improve understanding of the hydrogeology of the Santa Fe Group and the nature of the sedimentary deposits comprising the principal groundwater aquifers of the Rio Grande rift. The shallow unconfined and the deeper confined Santa Fe Group aquifers in the San Luis Basin are the main sources of municipal water for the region. The population of the San Luis Valley region is growing rapidly and water shortfalls could have serious consequences. Future growth and land management in the region depend on accurate assessment and protection of the region's groundwater resources.

description: Organochlorine, trace element, and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants were examined in sediment and biota from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The study was designed to monitor organochlorine contaminants and provide baseline information on trace elements and petroleum hydrocarbons. The detection of 15 different organochlorine insecticides in a variety of environmental compartments is indicative of the widespread agricultural development in the valley and of the persistence of the pesticides. DDE and toxaphene residues, in particular, were elevated compared to national baseline data. This continues a trend which has been documented in previous studies. The maximum levels of DDE and toxaphene in fish are much lower than the levels found by White et al. (1983) in a study conducted 8 to 10 years prior to this study. The data indicates that DDE levels are gradually declining. The geometric mean in fish was below the 1.0 ppm level recommended for the protection of aquatic life. Several fish samples still exceeded this level, though. The levels of DDE in spiny softshell turtles, which are highly piscivorous, exceeded the 1.0 ppm levels. The biological significance of these residues in turtles is unknown. The DDE levels in fish are sufficient to cause some degree of eggshell thinning in fish-eating birds, but are not expected to cause bird population declines. Toxaphene was detected in fish at levels that have been associated with reduced growth, reduced fecundity and abnormal bone growth. Examining several years of data from station 16 of the National Contaminants Biomonitoring Program indicated that toxaphene residues have not declined like those of DDE. This may be due to the cancellation of toxaphene by EPA which allowed for the use of existing stocks through 1986. Four locations had some of the highest DDE and toxaphene residues in turtles and fish: 1) Llano Grande on the Arroyo Colorado, 2) Laguna Atascosa and Cayo Atascosa before it flows into Laguna Atascosa, 3) the Rio Grande above Anzalduas Dam, and 4) the Resaca de los Cuates. Three of these four locations are bodies of water that have been impounded. Trace elements were generally low in biota, but some fish samples had elevated chromium and copper levels. Three fish samples exceeded the tissue level of 4.0 ppm dry weight which is considered to be an indication of chromium contamination, and six fish samples exceeded the national baseline 85th percentile for copper. Aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes) were found above detection most frequently in spiny softshell turtles, fish, blue crabs, and cotton rats. The highest alkane residues were detected in fish. Both petroleum hydrocarbon and biogenic sources contributed to the concentrations found in this study. The data indicates that biogenic sources were the major contributors of aliphatic hydrocarbons. PAHs were found in five sediment samples. Two samples containing several PAHs. The sample with the highest levels was from the Turning Basin of the Brownsville Ship Channel. The second highest level sample was from an oxbow within the city limits of Brownsville. The levels of PAHs in sediment are comparable to areas that are considered slightly to moderately contaminated.; abstract: Organochlorine, trace element, and petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants were examined in sediment and biota from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The study was designed to monitor organochlorine contaminants and provide baseline information on trace elements and petroleum hydrocarbons. The detection of 15 different organochlorine insecticides in a variety of environmental compartments is indicative of the widespread agricultural development in the valley and of the persistence of the pesticides. DDE and toxaphene residues, in particular, were elevated compared to national baseline data. This continues a trend which has been documented in previous studies. The maximum levels of DDE and toxaphene in fish are much lower than the levels found by White et al. (1983) in a study conducted 8 to 10 years prior to this study. The data indicates that DDE levels are gradually declining. The geometric mean in fish was below the 1.0 ppm level recommended for the protection of aquatic life. Several fish samples still exceeded this level, though. The levels of DDE in spiny softshell turtles, which are highly piscivorous, exceeded the 1.0 ppm levels. The biological significance of these residues in turtles is unknown. The DDE levels in fish are sufficient to cause some degree of eggshell thinning in fish-eating birds, but are not expected to cause bird population declines. Toxaphene was detected in fish at levels that have been associated with reduced growth, reduced fecundity and abnormal bone growth. Examining several years of data from station 16 of the National Contaminants Biomonitoring Program indicated that toxaphene residues have not declined like those of DDE. This may be due to the cancellation of toxaphene by EPA which allowed for the use of existing stocks through 1986. Four locations had some of the highest DDE and toxaphene residues in turtles and fish: 1) Llano Grande on the Arroyo Colorado, 2) Laguna Atascosa and Cayo Atascosa before it flows into Laguna Atascosa, 3) the Rio Grande above Anzalduas Dam, and 4) the Resaca de los Cuates. Three of these four locations are bodies of water that have been impounded. Trace elements were generally low in biota, but some fish samples had elevated chromium and copper levels. Three fish samples exceeded the tissue level of 4.0 ppm dry weight which is considered to be an indication of chromium contamination, and six fish samples exceeded the national baseline 85th percentile for copper. Aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes) were found above detection most frequently in spiny softshell turtles, fish, blue crabs, and cotton rats. The highest alkane residues were detected in fish. Both petroleum hydrocarbon and biogenic sources contributed to the concentrations found in this study. The data indicates that biogenic sources were the major contributors of aliphatic hydrocarbons. PAHs were found in five sediment samples. Two samples containing several PAHs. The sample with the highest levels was from the Turning Basin of the Brownsville Ship Channel. The second highest level sample was from an oxbow within the city limits of Brownsville. The levels of PAHs in sediment are comparable to areas that are considered slightly to moderately contaminated.

Estimates of Φst underlined in bold indicate population pairs for which Snn indicates significant differentiation (Sidak adjusted α = 0.00038). Row headings indicate sample sizes; column headings, number of haplotypes present in the population.Labels for population samples: BR = Bitterroot Ranges; CR = Cascade Ranges/Klamath River Basin; CRD = Columbia River Drainage; ES = Eastern Sierra Nevada; EB = Escalante Breaks; FR = Front Range; MSI = Madrean Sky Islands; N-CA = Northern California; OH = Ohio; PA = Pennsylvania; NRGV = Northern Rio Grande Valley; SM = Sacramento Mountains; S-CA = Southern California; TN = Tennessee; VA = Virginia; WR = Wasatch Range; W-NM = Western New Mexico.Genetic differentiation among regional populations of Pityophthorus junglandis expressed as the average number of pairwise nucleotide differences (k) in a 627 bp stretch of COI (above the diagonal), and pairwise estimates of Φst (below the diagonal).

This dataset includes the magnetotelluric (MT) sounding data collected in 2007 in and near the San Luis Valley, Colorado. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a series of multidisciplinary studies, including MT surveys, in the San Luis Valley to improve understanding of the hydrogeology of the Santa Fe Group and the nature of the sedimentary deposits comprising the principal groundwater aquifers of the Rio Grande rift. The shallow unconfined and the deeper confined Santa Fe Group aquifers in the San Luis Basin are the main sources of municipal water for the region. The population of the San Luis Valley region is growing rapidly and water shortfalls could have serious consequences. Future growth and land management in the region depend on accurate assessment and protection of the region's groundwater resources.