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In this article, we describe practical, usable ways teachers can build rapport with students, particularly students with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. By establishing rapport, teachers can increase the effectiveness of the social and emotional learning curriculum and interventions delivered. Specifically, the warm welcomes, transitions, emotion checks, two by 10, and optimistic closures strategies are described.

Teachers of students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may face obstacles and feel isolated when implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) programming with students. The teacher study group (TSG) offers an effective way to overcome barriers and improve SEL. These groups provide a gathering space for teachers to investigate problems of practice, celebrate points of pride, and strengthen professional learning in a focused area. In this article, we summarize existing research on SEL and TSGs and describe available SEL programs that incorporate TSGs. We provide an example of SEL-focused TSGs in practice, offering guidance and tips for early elementary school teachers—and the administrators who support them—who work with students with or at risk for EBD.

The collection of student data through screening and progress monitoring of social and emotional learning (SEL) skills is just as important as the implementation of curriculum and practices. Monitoring skill acquisition allows teachers to identify effective practices, provide intervention, and intensify support for students who need it. In this article, we provide a practical demonstration of how to make instructional decisions based on screening and progress monitoring of student SEL skill acquisition.

A 9th grade Honors English class creates and publishes original poems, art, fiction, and nonfiction products through an activity called “Type Three – Twenty Time = T4.” The instructional method merges elements from Renzulli’s Type III process with elements from Brookhouser’s 20Time Project-based learning model. Each student researches an interest passion topic and creates a related original product or service for a real audience. Upon reflection on the experience, the author identifies evidence-based practices including compacting ELA course content to create time for the T4 process; enhanced student engagement; active learning versus passive learning; improved writing skills; quality presentation skills; higher level creative and critical thinking; and upgraded 21st Century skills.

Background Several new β-lactam antibiotics were recently developed for treatment of serious infections due to gram-negative bacteria (GNB) with difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR). This multicenter retrospective cohort study examined temporal trends in prevalence of GNB with DTR and the use of new β-lactams in the southeastern United States. Methods The prevalence of GNB with DTR, including Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter species was determined in 9 hospitals geographically spread within the Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) between 2015 to 2020. Antibiotic use (AU) of new β-lactams was also obtained from the 9 hospitals during the study period. New β-lactams included ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, and cefiderocol. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine temporal trends in prevalence of GNB with DTR and cumulative AU of new β-lactams. Results The overall prevalence of GNB with DTR in the 9 hospitals was 0.78% with a numerical increase from 0.67% to 0.97% between 2015 and 2020 (p=0.067) [Figure]. DTR was more prevalent among Acinetobacter spp., followed by P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales (11.8%, 3.5%, and 0.2%, respectively). There was a significant increase in the prevalence of DTR isolates among Acinetobacter spp. from 2.7% to 20.7% (p< 0.001) and Enterobacterales from 0.07% to 2.6% (p=0.025), but not P. aeruginosa (p=0.46) between 2015 and 2020. The cumulative AU of new β-lactams in the 9 hospitals was 2 days of therapy per 1000 patient-days. There was numerical increase in AU of these agents from 0.03 to 2.22 days of therapy per 1000 patient days during the 6-year study period (p=0.096) [Figure]. Conclusion The overall prevalence of GNB with DTR and cumulative use of new β-lactams remain relatively low in the southeastern United States. However, the upward trend in prevalence of DTR isolates, particularly among Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacterales, is concerning and may drive future increased use of β-lactams. Additional efforts to benchmark the use and appropriateness of new β-lactams are crucial to preserve their efficacy against bacteria with DTR. Disclosures P. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, Spero Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS-AQ ID, bioMerieux: Honoraria|bioMerieux: Honoraria|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Vaxart: Stocks/Bonds Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS-AQ ID, bioMerieux: Honoraria|bioMerieux: Honoraria|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Vaxart: Stocks/Bonds Bruce M. Jones, Pharm.D., FIDSA, BCPS, AbbVie: Advisor/Consultant|AbbVie: Honoraria|La Jolla: Honoraria|Melinta: Advisor/Consultant|Paratek: Honoraria|Regeneron: Honoraria.

Background Serology and PCR testing methods have increased ability to diagnose Bartonella spp. invasive infections. Current treatment recommendations are based primarily on case series and aging data published before newly available diagnostic techniques. These recommendations are limited in safety and effectiveness outcomes. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study describes the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of invasive bartonellosis among patients in the U.S. Methods Collaborating sites were selected from SERGE-45 (Southeastern Research Group Endeavor) research network. Data were collected through REDCap. Subjects were screened from adult patients with invasive bartonellosis diagnosis codes, positive Bartonella spp. serologies, PCR, 16/18S tests, cultures, and Karius® tests from blood or tissue between January 1, 2014, and September 1, 2021. Eligible patients had at least one positive test result, evidence of invasive bartonellosis, and received treatment for bartonellosis. Treatment failure was defined as admission or readmission while on treatment, mortality during treatment or within 30 days after end of treatment, required escalation or extended duration of therapy, premature discontinuation of therapy, or necessitated change in regimen. Those not meeting treatment failure criteria were considered treatment success. Results Of the 169 patients screened, 32 were included, with 19 having treatment success. Bartonella henselae was the most common causative pathogen (n = 31, 97%). Endocarditis was the most common invasive manifestation (n = 18, 56%). Treatment regimens are displayed in Table 1. Primary reasons for treatment failure included necessitated escalation of therapy during treatment course (n = 4, 30.8%) and discontinuation of therapy due to adverse effect (n = 4, 30.8%). Conclusion Doxycycline with rifampin was the most common treatment regimen for invasive bartonellosis, with extended durations used compared to often referenced 6-week courses for invasive infections. It is important to consider adverse drug effects, toxicities, and tolerability in patients being treated for invasive bartonellosis. Disclosures P. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, Spero Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant.

Background Several methods are used to account for various hospital characteristics when comparing antimicrobial use (AU) between heterogenous hospitals. Recently, a new antimicrobial stewardship metric that adjusts AU by microbiological burden (a-AU) of the bacteria was proposed (Figure 1). It accounts for the resistant phenotypes observed at a given institution, allowing for a more balanced comparison of AU across hospitals. This multicenter retrospective cohort study examined the use of new β-lactams for Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) with difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) by both AU and adjusted (a-AU) metrics in the southeastern United States. Methods AU of new β-lactams was determined in 9 hospitals within the Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) between 2015 to 2020. New β-lactams included ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, and cefiderocol. AU was adjusted for prevalence of GNB with DTR including Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter species. DTR was defined as nonsusceptibility to all of the following: cefepime or ceftazidime, levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin, meropenem or imipenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam if tested. Hospitals were ranked by AU and a-AU from lowest to highest. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Results The cumulative mean AU and a-AU from 2015 to 2020 were 1.96 (range 0.10 to 6.44) and 2.3 (range 0.20 to 8.05) days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient days, respectively (Figure 2). After adjusting for the prevalence of GNB with DTR, 6 hospitals moved by at least 1 position in ranking (2 hospitals moved up; 4 hospitals moved down) and 1 hospital moved by at least 2 positions in ranking. Conclusion Overall, the AU of new β-lactams increased after adjusting for the local microbiological burden suggests a potential higher use of antibiotics in relationship to the observed prevalence of GNB with DTR. More than half of the hospitals had a shift in ranking after microbiological adjustment reflecting a more balanced comparison of antibiotic use across heterogenous hospitals. Disclosures P. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, Spero Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS-AQ ID, bioMerieux: Honoraria|bioMerieux: Honoraria|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Vaxart: Stocks/Bonds Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS-AQ ID, bioMerieux: Honoraria|bioMerieux: Honoraria|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Entasis Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Merck & Co: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Spero Therapeutics: Honoraria|Vaxart: Stocks/Bonds Bruce M. Jones, Pharm.D., FIDSA, BCPS, AbbVie: Advisor/Consultant|AbbVie: Honoraria|La Jolla: Honoraria|Melinta: Advisor/Consultant|Paratek: Honoraria|Regeneron: Honoraria.

Purpose of Review While reducing unnecessary days present of central venous catheters (CVCs) is part of central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) best practices, there is limited information regarding compliance with this recommendation as well as addressing barriers to compliance. Recent Findings Significant work has been directed towards daily audits of necessity and improving communication between members of the medical team. Other critical interventions include utilization of the electronic health record (EHR), leadership support of CLABSI reduction goals, and avoiding CVC placement over more appropriate vascular access. Summary Institutions have varied approaches to addressing the issue of removing idle CVCs, and more standardized approaches in checklists as well as communication, particularly on multidisciplinary rounds, will be key to CVC removal. Utilization of the EHR for reminders or appropriate documentation of necessity is a factor. Avoidance of placing a CVC or appropriateness of the CVC is also important to consider.

Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is now the standard of care for managing patients who no longer need inpatient care but require prolonged intravenous antimicrobial therapy. OPAT increases patient satisfaction, reduces the lengths of hospital stay, lowers emergency department readmission rates, and decreases total healthcare spending. Objective: To investigate Virginia Commonwealth University Health System’s experience with OPAT and to highlight the obstacles patients and clinicians face when navigating and utilizing this program. Design: We conducted this descriptive study at a large, academic, tertiary-care hospital in Central Virginia. Methods: We performed manual reviews of electronic medical records of 602 patient, and we evaluated the records of those receiving OPAT between 2017 and 2020. Reviews included antimicrobial agents, diagnoses requiring OPAT, adverse effects related to antimicrobials, adverse effects related to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), readmission rate, discharge destination, and death. We evaluated our program with descriptive statistics. Results: Among 602 patients who received OPAT, most were diagnosed with bacteremia or musculoskeletal infections. Patients were either discharged home or to another healthcare facility, with the former comprising most of the rehospitalizations. Ertapenem and vancomycin were associated with the most adverse drug events among our cohort. Elevated transaminase levels were noted in 23% of patients. The rate of PICC-line adverse events in this study population was 0.05%. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the barriers and challenges that patients and providers face when receiving OPAT, and they can inform efforts to improve patient clinical outcomes.

The use of an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system (EHHMS) decreased due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We analyzed dispenser use, hand hygiene (HH) badge use, and HH compliance to determine the effect of COVID-19 on EHHMS use and HH compliance. HH product shortages and other pandemic-induced challenges influenced EHHMS use.

We present a case and provide a review of the literature of all confirmed cases of cutaneous botryomycosis due to Staphylococcus aureus between January 1, 1990 and January 31, 2018. Cutaneous botryomycosis occurs in diverse age groups and more frequently in men. Immunodeficiency increases risk for botryomycosis. Preceding trauma commonly occurs, and after bacterial inoculation, patients develop a variety of chronic skin lesions. Culture and biopsy of lesions aid in diagnosis. Pathology usually displays the Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Culture confirms the identity of the bacterium and provides antimicrobial sensitivities to guide therapy. Antimicrobial therapy should be maintained until lesions resolve; surgery may be needed. Botryomycosis is a rare chronic granulomatous condition that affects the skin and the viscera and is easily misdiagnosed. Treatment is not standardized yet typically requires extended courses of systemic antibiotics. Adjunctive surgery may be required in the presence of a heavy disease burden.

This retrospective cohort study examined the impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial use (AU) in South Carolina hospitals.Antimicrobial use in days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 days-present was evaluated in 17 hospitals in South Carolina. Matched-pairs mean difference was used to compare AU during the pandemic (March-June 2020) with that during the same months in 2019 in hospitals that did and did not admit patients with COVID-19.There was a 6.6% increase in overall AU in the seven hospitals that admitted patients with COVID-19 (from 530.9 to 565.8; mean difference (MD) 34.9 DOT/1000 days-present; 95% CI 4.3, 65.6; P = 0.03). There was no significant change in overall AU in the remaining 10 hospitals that did not admit patients with COVID-19 (MD 6.0 DOT/1000 days-present; 95% CI -55.5, 67.6; P = 0.83). Most of the increase in AU in the seven hospitals that admitted patients with COVID-19 was observed in broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. A 16.4% increase was observed in agents predominantly used for hospital-onset infections (from 122.3 to 142.5; MD 20.1 DOT/1000 days-present; 95% CI 11.1, 29.1; P = 0.002). There was also a 9.9% increase in the use of anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) agents (from 66.7 to 73.3; MD 6.6 DOT/1000 days-present; 95% CI 2.3, 10.8; P = 0.01).The COVID-19 pandemic appears to drive overall and broad-spectrum antimicrobial use in South Carolina hospitals admitting patients with COVID-19. Additional antimicrobial stewardship resources are needed to curtail excessive antimicrobial use in hospitals to prevent subsequent increases in antimicrobial resistance and Clostridioides difficile infection rates, given the continuing nature of the pandemic.

Erigeron lemmonii A. Gray is extremely rare, but not endangered. There are fewer than 1000 individuals, but they compose an apparently stable, heterozygotic, diploid (2n = 18) population. The plants are perennial and endemic to one small location (about 0.5 km2) in Scheelite Canyon, Huachuca Mountains (Cochise County), Fort Huachuca Army Base, part of the Sky Island region, Arizona. Erigeron lemmonii grows from crevices in cliffs, ledges, and rock faces where it can form mats by spreading vegetatively from the roots as they proliferate, especially in microsites where soil accumulates. Our goals were to (1) investigate floral anatomy for reproductive structures (inflorescences, florets, and pollen), (2) record flowering phenology, and (3) determine the species' breeding and mating system. Inflorescence anatomy and development are typical for Erigeron with ray (pistillate) and disc (bisexual) florets. Stigmas of the disc florets do not fully exsert and reflex, though they do present and expose the...

Complex networks of species interactions are integral to the stability of ecological communities. The responses of these networks to extreme environmental fluctuations are key to understanding the evolution of these networks and their roles in stabilizing ecological communities. From 2008 to 2009 we observed the effects of extreme differences in annual precipitation on a network of plants and flower-visiting insects in a xeric grassland. Significant decreases in plant and insect diversity in the dry year were mirrored by decreases in the number of network nodes and links. However, the relative density of network connections increased in the dry year and other important topological features, such as nestedness and modularity, were largely unchanged. The resilience of the network to node (plants or insect species) loss was high in both years. Though bees tend to dominate pollination communities in drier climes, we did not observe a shift in the relative richness of bee species in the dry year. Our results indicate that well-linked, drought-resistant plants are important to community resilience during ecologically challenging periods and that networks of plants and flowering-visiting insects may be robust to extreme climatic change, at least over short periods, as long as those critical, resilient hubs are protected.

Vasculitides are rare manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. They encompass a wide range of different pathologies, both infectious and noninfectious. We present the case of a 68-year-old female with HIV, being treated with antiretrovirals, who presented with a symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm developed within one week. The patient underwent endovascular aneurysm repair, and her aneurysm completely resolved on follow-up computed tomography imaging 16 months later. We also present a review of HIV-associated vascular pathologies.

A 47-year-old man was referred for ongoing workup of an enlarging lung mass. Extensive workup of the mass had been unrevealing for several months until cultures grew Nocardia beijingensis. He was successfully treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and then doxycycline with near-complete resolution of the mass on follow-up. This case presents a rare species of N. beijingensis. It highlights the importance of considering nocardiosis in immunocompetent adults and the challenge in initiating targeted treatment due to delayed culture results.

Background Full compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) is challenging, with multiple barriers noted: adherence to appropriate PPE, lack of knowledge of appropriate PPE, added time to workflow, and appropriate donning/doffing techniques of PPE to avoid self-contamination. Recent studies note that nurses tend to batch care to achieve more while in the room. A hand hygiene technology system alerted MRICU nurses to difficulties performing WHO’s Five Moments of hand hygiene (HH) when in contact precaution PPE. Methods We implemented the ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ (PDSA) framework to address the MRICU team concerns. Six nurses were directly observed while providing bedside care to understand nursing workflow and barriers to HH while in contact precautions. Results All 6 nurses performed hand hygiene prior to entering the room and at the time of exiting the room. Once donning contact precautions, they had variable but low compliance with any additional HH opportunities. The average missed opportunities per encounter was 5.2 (range: 2-11). Moments that would require hand washing or sanitizer if nurse were not gloved were not met with changing gloves. An average of 9.8 tasks were achieved in each room (range: 3-18). On average, each visit was 16 (range: 4-30 minutes) minutes long. Conclusion There is significant opportunity for improved HH while in PPE. Nurses may be more aware of the “Five moments” when not wearing gloves in contact precaution rooms, but lose the trigger once the gloves are on in the contact precaution rooms. An education campaign to improve hand sanitizer usage with gloves is the next step in this PDSA. More prominent placement of glove boxes in the rooms will also serve as a trigger to remind nurses to change gloves after certain tasks. Limitations of this PDSA cycle include Hawthorne effect of the nurses knowing they were observed and potentially changing their workflow. We also only observed morning workflow; nurses on different shifts may have different workflow. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

A novel antimicrobial consumption metric designed to identify the proportion of carbapenem consumption (PoCC) among broad-spectrum antipseudomonal antimicrobials has been shown to vary significantly by US Census Bureau region. This retrospective surveillance study identified significant total PoCC variability (27%; P = .001) across 8 inpatient units from January 2017 through June 2018. This metric may be useful in identifying and comparing inpatient units that may be overusing antipseudomonal carbapenems.

With the increase of anti-Muslim bigotry in the current political and societal climate, ethnic minority children in western nations may experience increased negative attention fueled by Islamophobia. Islamophobia is defined as the dislike of or prejudice against Islam, and individuals who are Muslims. A literature review yielded little research that examines the experience of Muslim children and their experiences with Islamophobia, particularly in the Canadian context. However, studies on the overall issue reveal Islamophobia is a phenomenon that has impacted Muslims around the world. This community-based study explored the dichotomous experiences of Muslim school-aged children who are taught theirs is a faith of peace and yet who regularly experience microaggressions and overt hostility because of their beliefs.

Background Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are common blood culture (BCx) contaminants, but can also be causes of true blood stream infection (BSI). As a result, the clinical interpretation of CoNS positive BCx poses a significant challenge for providers and drives unnecessary antibiotic use, extended lengths of stay, and increased hospital costs. Despite these challenges, little is known about whether the number of positive BCx bottles within a set can be used to predict contamination vs. true BSI. Methods This study was conducted in an 865-bed tertiary care academic medical center in Richmond, VA. A retrospective chart review of CoNS-positive BCx from October to December 2018 was performed. Data collection included patient demographics, number of positive bottles within a set (i.e., were 1 or 2 bottles positive), care setting, antibiotic use, clinical judgement of contamination, and additional workup following the positive BCx result. Polymicrobic BCx were excluded. Results 50 patients (mean age 58.2 years, 60% male) with CoNS-positive BCx were included in this study. Forty (80%) of the cultures had only 1 of 2 BCx bottles positive within a set. 10 (20%) were positive from both bottles in the set. All patients were drawn in the Emergency Department and 90% were subsequently admitted to the hospital. Upon chart review, 47 (94%) and 3 (6%) of cultures were considered to be contaminants and real BSI, respectively. Of those judged to be contaminants, 10 (20%) were positive in both bottles within a set, and thus falsely suggested true BSI. Of the 3 judged to be true BSI, 2 (66%) were positive in 1 out of 2 bottles, and thus falsely suggested contamination. 42 (84%) patients had repeat BCx drawn following the initial positive culture, and 26 (52%) were continued on IV antibiotics. Forty (80%) of the cultures were judged contaminants by the primary medical service, and 77% stopped antibiotics (20/26) when CoNS was identified. Conclusion These data show that reporting the number of bottles which are positive within a set provides misleading information and should not be used to determine whether a culture result represents contamination or true BSI. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

This Engineering With Nature (EWN) Technical Note (TN) is the first in a series concerning the use of vegetation in Dredge Material Placement Areas (DMPA), including Confined Disposal Facilities (CDF), to achieve specific operational, engineering, and ecological benefits. Establishment of native plant communities within DMPA and CDF offers several advantages in terms of sustainability and cost.

Erigeron lemmonii A. Gray, restricted to Scheelite Canyon in the Huachuca Range, Arizona, has previously been proposed for federal listing as an endangered species but basic cytological and reproductive information has been wanting. The first chromosome count for the species is 2n = 18, which is the common diploid number in Erigeron. Analyses of eight plants from five disparate sites within the population show that pollen averages 85.8% staining in cotton blue in lactophenol. Microscopic observation using differential interference contrast optics shows that E. lemmonii combines about equally monosporic and bisporic megagametophyte development within a single capitulum. Despite variability in developmental route, the egg apparatus among mature megagametophytes appears to be nearly uniform in structure. In greenhouse culture, isolated plants fail to set seed indicating that plants are probably self-incompatible. Controlled crosses yield seed, but variation in seed set intimates the possible prese...

Analysis of levels and patterns of genetic variation in a rare species is important for determining whether genetic factors associated with small population size, such as genetic drift or inbreeding, may be negatively affecting a species. In this study, we compared estimates of genetic diversity and patterns of population genetic structure in a rare cliff endemic, Erigeron lemmonii, to those of a widespread congener, E. arisolius. Our goals were to assess whether rarity and small population size have negatively affected levels of genetic diversity in E. lemmonii and to identify genetic threats that may limit the ability of E. lemmonii to persist. Levels of observed and expected heterozygosity and allelic richness in E. lemmonii were approximately 60 % of those found in E. arisolius. After correcting for null alleles, inbreeding coefficients in both species of Erigeron were very small, suggesting that both species are highly outcrossing and may demonstrate self-incompatibility. Patterns of genetic structure in both species revealed almost no population substructuring, indicating that widespread gene flow is occurring within each species. Because we found no evidence for inbreeding or a genetic bottleneck in E. lemmonii, it is likely that the species’ lower genetic diversity may be the result of genetic drift. Because E. lemmoni exists in a single population, no other populations exist to bolster population size or genetic diversity in the event of declines; thus, conservation efforts should focus on seed collection from as many individuals as possible to protect against possible future losses of genetic diversity. We also recommend continued monitoring of both population size and genetic diversity in E. lemmonii to ensure the species’ long-term persistence and viability.

Pollinating insects and pollinator dependent plants are critical components of functioning ecosystems yet, for many U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) installations, the identities and relationships between pollinators and plants are unknown. This study demonstrated methods for compiling and analyzing readily available information for insect pollinators and pollination dependent plants for a single installation, Fort McCoy, WI. Although installation documents identified a total of 1470 insect species and 972 plant species were identified on the installation, this work focused on species of conservation concern (nine pollinator insect species and three pollinator-associated plant species). Published information on insect pollinators and pollination dependent plants was then used to conduct a basic plant-pollinator network analyses using free analytical network software (software package R), which revealed that all the plant species of conservation concern are pollinated by several insect pollinator species. However, many pollinator insect species of conservation concern were associated with a limited number of host plant species. The results of this work suggest that analyses that rely on publicly available information provide a useful starting point in determining basic, binary plant-pollinator relationships. Field-collected data, e.g., frequency of pollinator-plant interactions, would be required for a more detailed, robust network analysis.

We identified eight novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in Erigeron lemmonii and nine novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in Erigeron arisolius. Of these, three loci developed for E. arisolius cross-amplified E. lemmonii DNA and four loci developed for E. lemmonii cross-amplified E. arisolius DNA. This set of 17 loci will be used to analyze patterns of genetic structure in populations of these two Erigeron species in southeastern Arizona with the ultimate goal of comparing patterns of genetic structure within a hyper-rare cliff endemic (E. lemmonii) to those of a more widespread congener (E. arisolius).

Nonnative Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) has invaded large areas of the Southwestern United States, and its impact on native plants is not fully understood. Palmer's agave (Agave palmeri), an important resource for many pollinators, is a key native plant potentially threatened by E. lehmanniana. Understanding potential impacts of E. lehmanniana on A. palmeri is critical for anticipating the future of the desert community where they coexist and for addressing management concerns about associated threatened and endangered species. Our study provides strong indications that E. lehman- niana negatively impacts A. palmeri in several ways. Areas of high E. lehmanniana abundance were associated with significantly lower densities and greater relative frequen- cies of small A. palmeri, suggesting that E. lehmanniana may exclude A. palmeri. There were no significant differences in species richness, abundance, or community composition when comparing flower associates associated with A. palmeri in areas of high and low E. lehmanniana abundance. However, we did find significantly lower connectedness within the pollination network associated with A. palmeri in areas with high E. lehmanniana abundance. Although E. lehmanniana forms thick stands that would presumably increase fire frequency, there was no significant association between E. lehmanniana and fire fre- quency. Interestingly, medium to high densities of A. palmeri were associated with areas of greater fire frequency. The complex ramifications of E. lehmanniana invasion for the long-lived A. palmeri and interlinked desert community warrant continued study, as these