The progression of pesticide induced hematotoxicity and the exact

The progression of pesticide induced hematotoxicity and the exact underlying mechanisms of toxicity that play major role in limiting normal hematopoiesis are not quite well explained. In this present study, we have developed an animal model of hypoplastic bone marrow failure following pesticide exposure to show the deleterious effects of toxic pesticides on mouse hematopoietic system. Here we have presented the results of studying long-term marrow explant culture, IL-2, IL-3 and IL-5 receptors expression profile, fibroblast colony forming unit (CFU-F), hematopoietic progenitor cell colony formation

and caspase-3 expression by the bone marrow cells. We have click here also identified the expression levels of several extracellular apoptosis markers (CD95/Fas) and intracellular apoptosis inducer proteins (pASK1, pJNK, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3) in the bone marrow cells of pesticide exposed mice. The long-term marrow explant culture demonstrated the impairment in proliferation of the stromal cells/stromal fibroblasts in culture. Decreased IL-2, IL-3 and IL-5 receptors expression profile essentially hinted at the suppressed cytokine activity in the pesticide exposed marrow. CFU-F analysis showed the defect in functional maturation of the stromal fibroblasts. The decreased hematopoietic progenitor cell colony formation indicated the toxicity induced inhibition

of cellular proliferation

Cilengitide nmr and functional maturation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in pesticide exposed marrow. We have detected a sharp increase in the expression levels of both the extracellular Fas-antigen and intracellular apoptosis inducer proteins in the bone marrow cells of pesticide exposed mice that explained well, the apoptosis pathway involved following marrow toxicity. The decreased proliferation and functional maturation of marrow stromal cells and hematopoietic progenitors with subsequent increase in marrow cellular apoptosis following pesticide toxicity provided the base necessary for explaining the increased incidence of hypoplastic bone marrow failure GSK2245840 solubility dmso in humans exposed to moderate to high concentrations of pesticides. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.”
“TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is a membrane-bound bile acid receptor in the gastrointestinal tract and immune cells with pleiotropic actions. As shown in the present study, TGR5 is also expressed in astrocytes and neurons. Here, TGR5 may act as a neurosteroid receptor, which is activated by nanomolar concentrations of 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one and micromolar concentrations of 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-17 alpha-21-triol-20-one and 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (allopregnanolone). TGR5 stimulation in astrocytes and neurons is coupled to adenylate cyclase activation, elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) and the generation of reactive oxygen species.

However, the long-term

However, the long-term Selleck PF-03084014 outcome after CPAP treatment is yet to be ascertained. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to investigate the frequency and causes of CPAP treatment discontinuation, and to ascertain the determinations of CPAP treatment duration in Japanese patients diagnosed with probable MSA based upon the consensus diagnostic

criteria, who were admitted to our hospital from 2001 to 2012. Results: Twenty-nine consecutive patients treated with CPAP were analyzed. During the observation period, 19 patients (66%) discontinued CPAP treatment. The median CPAP treatment duration was 13.0 months (range, 1-53 months). The major causes for discontinuation were pulmonary infection, respiratory insufficiency of undetermined origin, and CPAP intolerance. On comparing the clinical characteristics of the groups subjected Apoptosis inhibitor to short- and long-term CPAP treatment, floppy epiglottis was more frequently observed in the

short-term group than in the long-term group (64% vs 15%; P = 0.015). Conclusion: The CPAP treatment duration in MSA patients was not long, and floppy epiglottis may be a determinant of the duration of CPAP treatment. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“An increasing number of experiments have been designed to detect intracellular and intercellular molecular interactions. Based on these molecular interactions (especially protein interactions), molecular networks have been built for using in several typical applications, such as the discovery of new disease genes and the identification of drug targets and molecular complexes. Because the data are incomplete

and a considerable number of false-positive interactions exist, protein interactions from different sources are commonly integrated in network analyses to build a stable molecular network. Although various types of integration strategies are being applied in click here current studies, the topological properties of the networks from these different integration strategies, especially typical applications based on these network integration strategies, have not been rigorously evaluated. In this paper, systematic analyses were performed to evaluate 11 frequently used methods using two types of integration strategies: empirical and machine learning methods. The topological properties of the networks of these different integration strategies were found to significantly differ. Moreover, these networks were found to dramatically affect the outcomes of typical applications, such as disease gene predictions, drug target detections, and molecular complex identifications. The analysis presented in this paper could provide an important basis for future network-based biological researches.”
“This study describes a technical breakthrough in endolymphatic sac research, made possible by the use of the recently generated Prox1-GFP transgenic mouse model.

380 +/- 14 kcal 6 hrs(-1); p = 0 02) No effect was noted for sub

380 +/- 14 kcal.6 hrs(-1); p = 0.02). No effect was noted for substrate utilization (p = 0.39). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001; 1-16 mmHg), as well as heart rate (p = 0.01; 1-9 bpm) were higher for Meltdown (R). No sex x condition x time interactions were noted for any variable (p > 0.05).\n\nConclusion: Ingestion of

Meltdown (R) results in an increase in catecholamine secretion, lipolysis, and metabolic rate in young men and women, Duvelisib Angiogenesis inhibitor with a similar response for both sexes. Meltdown (R) may prove to be an effective intervention strategy for fat loss, assuming individuals are normotensive and their treatment is monitored by a qualified health care professional.”
“Cells within human skin are exposed to mechanical stretching that is considered a trigger stimulus for keratinocyte proliferation, while its effect on keratinocyte migration has been poorly investigate. In order to explore the effect of stretching on keratinocyte migration spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) monolayers seeded onto collagen I-coated silicon sheets were stimulated three times for 1 hour every 24 hours (total time = 72 hours) by mechanical stretching increasing substrate deformations (10%) applied both as static (0 Hz) and cyclic (0.17 Hz) uniaxial stretching. At the end of stimulations selleck screening library monolayer areas measured in both static and cyclic samples

appeared reduced and strongly oriented in a direction perpendicular to the stress direction compared to unstimulated ones. Moreover during the mechanical stimulation period HaCaT monolayers strongly increased the release in the medium of matrix metalloproteinase

9 (MMP-9), a proteolytic enzyme necessary for keratinocyte migration.”
“Irreversible change in resistivity occurs in Gd-5(SixGe1-x)(4) (with 0.41 < x < 0.575) each time the material is cycled through its first order transition temperature. This results in a progressive Autophagy high throughput screening increase in resistivity with no apparent recovery. Results showed that the resistivity does recover if the material is left for an extended period of time at room temperature. We postulate that the recovery time decreases with temperature, and a model has been developed here to explain the recovery in resistivity when the samples are held at elevated temperatures over a period of time, and this has been verified experimentally by holding a Gd5Si2.09Ge1.91 at 360 K. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3355355]“
“BACKGROUND: Lincomycin (LIN) is an antibiotic widely used in veterinary medicine to cure infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens. Although the toxicity of LIN is not serious, it will cause adverse effects in humans, such as pseudomembranous enteritis and bacterial resistance. In this study, for the preparation of a LIN derivative, a novel modification method was adopted. The LIN derivative modified at 2-position with a carboxylic group at the end of the spacer was synthesised and coupled to carrier proteins.

X-ray PC images were able to identify the interface between the p

X-ray PC images were able to identify the interface between the plaque and the medial wall. In addition, lipid-rich and highly vascularized regions were visible in the images as well as features depicting inflammation. This preliminary research shows MIR-CT imaging can reveal details about plaque structure not provided by traditional absorption-based X-ray imaging and appears to identify specific CYT387 manufacturer histological regions within plaques. This is the first study to apply analyser-based X-ray PC imaging to human carotid artery plaques to identify distinct soft-tissue regions.”
“Organ protection is a routine therapy in severe burn/scald injuries, and

damage following early scald injury was not been fully elucidated. Our aim was to verify the beneficial effects of ulinastatin on pancreatic and renal damage associated with scald injury.\n\nLewis rats were subjected to 30% total body surface area (TBSA) scald injury, and were randomly divided into a burn control (S group) and an ulinastatin-treated group (U group). Pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined. Serum amylase, serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were identified and the kidneys were examined histologically with immunohistochemistry (IHC) as well for the MHC class I chain-related antigen A (MICA) and BcI-2 at 0, 1, 6, 12, 18, 24,48 and 72 h after the injury.\n\nUlinastatin

decreased MDA levels and ameliorated the down-regulation of SOD activity. MICA was up-regulated after the scald, and this up-regulation was greatly diminished by ulinastatin. BcI-2 was up-regulated after PRIMA-1MET supplier the scald, especially in the U group. From 24 to 72 h, in comparison with the U group, higher levels of BUN, Scr and serum amylase were observed in the S group which were all lower than the common upper limits.\n\nOur results demonstrated that pancreatic and renal damage associated with autoimmunity and oxidant attack occurred after severe scald. Ulinastatin exhibits significant protective effects on these effects. Selisistat clinical trial Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd and ISBI.

All rights reserved.”
“With the help of ultrasound methods of investigation we carried out comparison of structural-functional and hemodynamic properties of common carotid and brachial arteries in patients with hypertensive disease (11131) including those with concomitant ischemic heart disease (IHD) and in subjects of control group. Patients with HD combined with IHD compared with patients of other groups had more pronounced manifestations of rigidity of carotid arteries walls and statistically significant lowering of velocity of intravascular blood flow.”
“Background: In Brazil, concern with the quality of life of pregnant women is one of the points emphasized in the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care and Childbirth launched in 2000.


“Aortic graft-enteric fistula is a life-threatening compli


“Aortic graft-enteric fistula is a life-threatening complication of aortic AZ 628 ic50 reconstruction surgery. It is a rare condition but its frequency is rising because of an increase of patients

who underwent to aortic aneurysm repairs with prosthetic implants.\n\nWe report a case of a 72 years-old man with a secondary aorto-duodenal fistula. The man presented haematochezia and mild normocytic anaemia; the patient had undergone an aortic-bifemoral bypass 8 years earlier because of subrenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. An urgent upper endoscopy showed the aortic graft crossing the third segment of the eroded duodenal wall with no signs of bleeding from the prosthesis. He underwent an emergent operation to repair the graft-enteric fistula, to have the partial removal of the graft, as well as an aneurysmectomy and implantation of new endoaortic graft. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged two weeks after the operation. He received a regular follow up.\n\nA secondary aorto-duodenal fistula

is rarely diagnosed in an early phase as a herald haemorrhage. A precocious identification of this condition is thus essential to refer the patient to an urgent operation and to reduce the associated mortality.”
“To date, most published echocardiographic methods have assessed left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony (DYS) alone as a predictor for response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We hypothesized that selleck chemicals the response is instead dictated by multiple correctable factors.\n\nA total of 161 patients (66 +/- 10 years, EF 24 +/- 6%, QRS > 120 ms) were investigated pre- and post-CRT (median of 6 months). Reduction in NYHA Class >= 1 or LV reverse remodelling (end-systolic GSK461364 volume reduction >= 10%) defined response. Four different pathological mechanisms were identified.

Group1: LVDYS characterized by a pre-ejection septal flash (SF) (87 patients, 54%). Elimination of SF (77 of 87 patients) resulted in reverse remodelling in 100%. Group 2: short-AV delay (21 patients, 13%) resolution (19 of 21 patients) resulted in reverse remodelling in 16 of 19. Group 3: long-AV delay (16 patients, 10%) resolution (14 of 16 patients) resulted in NYHA Class reduction >= 1 in 11 with reverse remodelling in five patients. Group 4: exaggerated LV-RV interaction (15 patients, 9%) reduced post-CRT. All responded clinically with fall in pulmonary artery pressure (P = 0.003) but did not volume respond. Group 5: patients with none of the above correctable mechanisms (22 patients, 14%). None responded to CRT.\n\nCRT response is dictated by correction of multiple independent mechanisms of which LVDYS is only one. Long-axis DYS measurements alone failed to detect 40% of responders.”
“Prostate cancer is a very common malignancy among Western males. Although most tumors are indolent and grow slowly, some grow and metastasize aggressively.

Risk factors for MRSA colonization

Risk factors for MRSA colonization AZD2014 were determined. The results indicated that the MRSA colonization rate among adults in the community settings in Taiwan was 3.8% (119/3,098). Most MRSA isolates belonged to sequence type 59 (84.0%). Independent risk factors for MRSA colonization included the presence of household members less than 7 years old (P < 0.0001) and the use of antibiotics within the past year (P = 0.0031). Smoking appeared to

be protective against MRSA colonization (P < 0.0001).”
“We have analyzed the interstitial water (ISW) structures in 1500 protein crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank that have greater than 1.5 angstrom resolution with less than 90% sequence similarity with each other. We observed varieties of polygonal water structures composed of three to eight water molecules. These polygons may represent the time-and space-averaged structures of “stable” water oligomers present in liquid water, and their presence as well as relative population may be relevant MCC950 price in understanding physical properties of liquid water at a

given temperature. On an average, 13% of ISWs are localized enough to be visible by X-ray diffraction. Of those, averages of 78% are water molecules in the first water layer on the protein surface. Of the localized ISWs Evofosfamide nmr beyond the first layer, almost half of them form water polygons such as trigons, tetragons, as well as expected pentagons, hexagons, higher polygons, partial dodecahedrons, and disordered networks. Most of the octagons and nanogons are formed by fusion of smaller polygons. The trigons are most commonly observed. We suggest that our observation provides an experimental basis for including these water polygon structures in correlating and predicting various water properties in liquid state.”
“OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and accuracy of real-time 3-dimensional (3D)

echocardiography for quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR), in a head-to-head comparison with velocity-encoded cardiac magnetic resonance (VE-CMR).\n\nBACKGROUND Accurate grading of MR severity is crucial for appropriate patient management but remains challenging. VE-CMR with 3D three-directional acquisition has been recently proposed as the reference method.\n\nMETHODS A total of 64 patients with functional MR were included. A VE-CMR acquisition was applied to quantify mitral regurgitant volume (Rvol). Color Doppler 3D echocardiography was applied for direct measurement, in “en face” view, of mitral effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA); Rvol was subsequently calculated as EROA multiplied by the velocity-time integral of the regurgitant jet on the continuous-wave Doppler.

We illustrate our

approach using two empirical examples

We illustrate our

approach using two empirical examples. In the first example, we use data from a randomized breastfeeding promotion trial to estimate the effect of breastfeeding duration on infant weight at 1year. In the second example, we use data from two prospective cohorts studies to estimate the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on CD4 count in an observational cohort of HIV-infected men and women. The marginal structural model specified should reflect the scientific question being addressed but can also assist in exploration of other plausible and closely related questions. In marginal structural models, as in any regression setting, correct inference depends on correct model specification. Our proposed information criterion provides GSK461364 MK-2206 molecular weight a formal method for comparing model fit for different specifications. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“COX inhibitors reduce colorectal adenoma recurrence

by up to 45% and selenium supplementation may prevent colorectal cancer. Following colonoscopic adenoma resection, 1,600 men and women, ages 40 to 80 years, were randomized to celecoxib (400 mg daily), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and/or selenium (200 mu g daily as selenized yeast), or double placebo. The trial was initiated in November 2001. The primary trial endpoint is adenoma recurrence in each intervention group compared with placebo, as determined by surveillance colonoscopy conducted three to five years after baseline. Randomization was stratified

by use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg) and clinic site. Following reports of cardiovascular toxicity associated LY3023414 nmr with COX-2 inhibitors, the celecoxib arm was discontinued in December 2004 when 824 participants had been randomized. Accrual continued with randomization to selenium alone or placebo. Randomization of the originally planned cohort (n = 1,621) was completed in November 2008. A further 200 patients with one or more advanced adenomas (denoting increased risk for colorectal cancer) were accrued to enhance statistical power for determining intervention efficacy in this higher-risk subgroup. Accrual of the total cohort (n = 1,824) was completed in January 2011. Baseline cohort characteristics include: mean age 62.9 years; 65% male; body mass index (BMI) 29.1 +/- 5.1; 47% taking low-dose aspirin while on trial; 20% with three or more adenomas; and 38% with advanced adenomas. Intervention effects on adenoma recurrence will be determined, and their modification by genetic background and baseline selenium level. The effect of selenium supplementation on risk for type II diabetes will also be reported. Cancer Prev Res; 5(12); 1381-93. (C)2012 AACR.”
“BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) should be the ultimate force driving change in clinical practice.

5 kg/day of intake; floor cooled and free intake The sows mainta

5 kg/day of intake; floor cooled and free intake. The sows maintained in cage with cooled floor and fed ad libitum showed greater feed intake, metabolizable energy and digestible lysine. Mobilization of body reserves were

greater in sows kept on the cooled floor and receiving restricted food, and they also presented longer interval between weaning and estrus. Piglets of sows kept on cooled floor showed greater weight at see more weaning and daily weight gain. Lactating sows kept on the cooled floor presented lower values for respiratory frequency, rectal temperature and superficial temperatures of nape, ham and breast. Cooling the farrowing cage floor favors the dissipation of body heat, improving thermal condition, the capacity of feed intake and the productive performance of lactating sows in the summer.”
“We design a two-dimensional broadband acoustic omnidirectional absorber (AOA) simply comprising homogeneous anisotropic metamaterials to enlarge the absorption cross-section of a smaller core with matched acoustic impedance as the previous AOAs do, which generally involve complicated design of gradient-index or negative-index materials. Furthermore, AOAs with asymmetric/large geometrics can be realized conveniently, which will otherwise require a complex redesign of parameters. The proposed scheme is also extendable to three-dimensional cases. An

GSK2399872A molecular weight implementation using angularly distributed fins was demonstrated experimentally, showing the broadband functionality of the designed absorber. Such metamaterial-based acoustic absorbers may have potential applications in various fields such as acoustic energy concentration, noise control, etc. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.”
“The discovery, approximately 15years ago, that cortical GABAergic interneurons originate outside the pallium has revolutionized our understanding of the development of the cerebral cortex. It is now clear that glutamatergic pyramidal

cells and GABAergic interneurons follow largely BAY 73-4506 concentration distinct development programs, a notion that has challenged our views on how these neurons assemble to form precise neural circuits. In this review, I summarize our current knowledge of the mechanisms that control the migration of neocortical interneurons, a process that can be subdivided into three consecutive phases: migration to the cortex, intracortical dispersion, and layering.”
“Partial and some few cases of complete spontaneous regression have been observed in cutaneous melanoma patients but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. The Melanoblastoma-bearing Libechov Minipig (MeLiM) is a suitable animal model to study the phenomenon of spontaneous regression because MeLiM pigs exhibit naturally occurring melanomas which regress completely 6 months after birth.

Patients with health care proxies who have an understanding of th

Patients with health care proxies who have an understanding of the prognosis and clinical course are likely to receive less aggressive care near the end of life.”
“Objectives The

aim of this study was to determine whether false lumen size predicts in-hospital complications for acute type B aortic dissection. Background The incidence of complications developing in patients with acute type B aortic dissection has been high. However, methods for recognizing high-risk patients have not been well-studied. We used quantitative analysis by computed tomography (CT) to predict the occurrence of in-hospital complications.\n\nMethods Fifty-five consecutive patients with acute type B aortic dissection documented by CT imaging were analyzed. They were divided into groups, with and without in-hospital complications, and compared regarding maximal aortic diameter (MAD), maximal false lumen area (MFLA), minimal true lumen area (MTLA), branch-vessel selleck chemicals involvement (BVI), and longitudinal length (LL) of aortic dissection. Results There were 31 patients with a stable course (group

1) and 24 patients selleck kinase inhibitor who developed complications (group 2). The MFLA of group 2 was significantly larger than that of group 1 (group 1 vs. group 2 = 577.7 +/- 273.2 mm(2) vs. 1,899.3 +/- 1,642.4 mm(2), p < 0.001). The BVI number was also higher in group 2 (group 1 vs. group 2 = 1.0 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.3 +/- 2.0, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only MFLA and BVI number were independent predictors of in-hospital complications. Patients with initial MFLA >= 922 mm(2) or BVI number >= 2 showed a significantly higher incidence of in-hospital complications than the other patients (p < 0.001).\n\nConclusions A large MFLA and a higher BVI number are powerful predictors of in-hospital complications after acute type B aortic dissection.”
“Background: The ICH E7 guideline intends to improve the knowledge about medicines in geriatric patients. As

a legislative document, it might not reflect the needs of healthcare professionals. This study investigated what information healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical industries consider VS-6063 research buy necessary for rational drug prescribing to older individuals.\n\nMethods and Findings: A 29-item-questionnaire was composed, considering the representation in trials, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and convenience of use in older individuals, with space for additions. Forty-three European professionals with an interest in medication for older individuals were included. In order to investigate their relevance, five items were included in a second questionnaire, with 11 control items. Median scores, differences between clinical and non-clinical respondents and response consistency were analysed. Consistency was present in 10 control items. Therefore, all items of the first questionnaire and the five additional items were analysed.

Conclusions: Both self-reported outcomes and physical functio

\n\nConclusions: Both self-reported outcomes and physical function were clearly worse compared with the reference group. Neuromuscular training with an individualized approach and gradual progression showed promise for improving patient-reported outcomes and physical function even in older patients with severe primary OA of the hip or knee.”
“Objective-To assess effects of in vitro meloxicam exposure on metabolism in articular chondrocytes from dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.\n\nSample-Femoral head cartilage from 16 dogs undergoing total hip replacement.\n\nProcedures-Articular cartilage samples were obtained.

BTK signaling pathway inhibitors Tissue sulfated glycosaminoglycan (SGAG), collagen, and DNA concentrations were measured. Collagen, SGAG, chondroitin sulfate 846, NO, prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 concentrations learn more in culture medium were analyzed. Aggrecan, collagen II, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS)-4, ADAMTS-5, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression were evaluated. Comparisons between tissues cultured without (control)

and with meloxicam at concentrations of 0.3, 3.0, and 30.0 mu g/mL for up to 30 days were performed by means of repeated-measures analysis.\n\nResults-Meloxicam SRT2104 molecular weight had no effect on chondrocyte SGAG, collagen, or DNA concentrations. Expression

of ADAMTS-5 was significantly decreased in all groups on all days, compared with the day 0 value. On day 3, culture medium PGE(2) concentrations were significantly lower in all meloxicam-treated groups, compared with values for controls, and values remained low. Culture medium MMP-3 concentrations were significantly lower on day 30 than on day 3 in all meloxicam-treated groups.\n\nConclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that in vitro meloxicam treatment of osteoarthritic canine cartilage for up to 30 days did not induce matrix degradation or stimulate MMP production. Meloxicam lowered PGE(2) release from this tissue, and effects on tissue chondrocyte content and matrix composition were neutral.”
“Influential factors associated with population dynamics of mountain lions Puma concolor include exploitation rates, prey availability, habitat structure and social structure. Throughout most of North America, mountain lion harvest is regulated by state or provincial quotas or is protected by federal laws. In Texas, however, they are not classified as a game or fur-bearing animal so their harvest is not regulated. To better understand the differences between population characteristics of mountain lions in west Texas (WTX) and south Texas (STX), we initiated two ecological studies.