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SUMMARYTo understand renal responses to salinity change in aquatic reptiles, we examined the structure and function of the kidney in three species of snake: a marine species with a salt gland (Laticauda semifasciata), a marine species without a salt gland (Nerodia clarkii clarkii) and a freshwater species without a salt gland (Nerodia fasciata). Both marine species maintained relatively constant plasma ions, even after acclimation to saltwater. By contrast, both plasma Cl -and mortality increased with salinity in the freshwater species. To investigate putative renal ion regulatory mechanisms, we examined the distribution and abundance of Na -cotransporter (NKCC2). In all species, NKA localized to the basolateral membranes of the distal tubule and the connecting segments and collecting ducts only; there was no effect of salinity on the distribution of NKA or on the abundance of NKA mRNA in any species. NKCC2 protein was undetectable in the kidney of any of the species and there was no effect of salinity on NKCC2 mRNA abundance. We also examined the distribution and abundance of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the kidney of these species; although putative AQP3 localized to the basolateral membranes of the connecting segments and collecting ducts of all three species, there was no effect of salinity on the localization of the protein or the abundance of the transcript. Interestingly, we found very few differences across species, suggesting that the snake kidney may play a trivial role in limiting habitat use.

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Suicide occurs at high rates among veterans, underscoring a need for improved identification of veterans at risk of engaging in suicidal behavior. Considering dimensions of psychopathology in the context of an ideation-to-action framework, the present study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form in distinguishing depressed, psychiatrically hospitalized male veterans ( N = 430) at varying levels of suicide risk. Analysis of variance and hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that internalizing scales differentiated depressed ideators ( n = 147) and depressed controls ( n = 143); and in line with expectations, both broad and narrowly focused externalizing scales provided incremental validity in distinguishing depressed attempters ( n = 140) from depressed ideators. Interactions between Suicidal/Death Ideation and externalizing scale scores were found to differentiate only depressed ideators from depressed controls. Clinical implications in the areas of suicide risk assessment and therapeutic interventions with suicidal veterans are discussed.

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The current study aim was to examine mental health characteristics in a sample of returning OEF/OIF/OND veterans initially enrolling in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care (N = 1,307), with a particular focus on a subgroup considered at risk for suicide (N = 445). Methods included examination of mental health screening measures and clinical interview data from a VA postdeployment clinic. Half of the sample met criteria for a mental health disorder, whereas 10% reported current suicidal or death ideation (e.g., thoughts of being better off dead or hurting oneself in some way) and 6% reported a history of suicide attempt. Sixty-eight percent of the at-risk subgroup accepted a referral for mental health treatment and a promising majority (78%) of those individuals attended their initial specialty mental health visit. At-risk veterans who accepted mental health referral were more likely to report current suicidal/death ideation; they were also more likely to have a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Factors associated with mental health appointment attendance included older age, being enrolled in college, and more years of military service. Results highlight the importance of early screening and referral to appropriate mental health follow-up. Implications for clinical practice and increasing engagement in VA mental health services among veterans at risk for suicide are discussed.