Many animals use olfactory cues to signal information about food resources; however, this particular use of scent has received little attention in primates. Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are exudativores that gouge bark to elicit exudate production and frequently deposit scent marks at gouge holes. We conducted preliminary tests of the hypothesis that common marmosets use olfactory cues to communicate information about exudate value, with more desirable resources targeted for marking. We performed choice experiments on two captive male marmosets. The animals were presented with: (1) a urine scent-marked and unmarked food resource, and (2) a high and low value food resource (i.e., greater/lesser food volumes). Marmosets placed more scent marks on high, compared to low, value food resources. Animals also spent more time gouging, removed more bark and more frequently revisited high versus low value food resources. Lastly, scent-marked foods were gouged more often than unmarked foods. Our findings support the hypothesis that marmosets use scent marking and olfaction to convey information about food resources, although verification in a larger sample is needed. Nonetheless, the demonstrated link between food value and scent marking suggests that olfactory signals may aid marmoset foraging decisions.

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Background Patients undergoing oncologic resection are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), and this can lead to increased morbidity and hospital costs. Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended as extended thromboprophylaxis (ETP) in high-risk patients and has been shown to reduce rates of VTE. Methods This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing resection for oncologic indications at a single institution from May 2016 to May 2019. This study evaluated the use of apixaban as ETP at discharge. The primary outcomes were deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or mesenteric/portal venous thromboembolism at 30, 60, and 90 days postoperatively. Results A total of 600 patients were included; 449 patients received no ETP, and 151 patients received apixaban. PE occurred in 1.1, 1.6, and 2.3% of patients without ETP and 0, 0, and .7% of patients in the apixaban group (at 30, 60, and 90 days; P = .338, P = .201, and P = .306, respectively). DVT occurred in 1.8, 2.1, and 2.8% of patients without ETP and 0, 0, and 1.4% in the apixaban group ( P = .211, P = .121, and P = .535, respectively). The total cost, including ETP and readmission for VTE, per patient was US $5.51 more in the apixaban group. Conclusion Apixaban therapy for ETP did not produce a statistically significant reduction in VTE events in our patients. Future studies should include more patients in a prospective multicenter trial.