The chacma baboon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papio</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">ursinus</Emphasis>) through time: a model of potential core habitat regions during a glacial–interglacial cycle

The aim of this research is to understand changes in the biogeography of the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) through time, by modelling potential habitat changes through the last glacial–interglacial cycle (last interglacial, glacial maximum and current conditions). An environmental envelope model in a geographic information system is used to produce a range of habitat distribution models for the chacma baboon. Initially it is modelled as a single taxon, following which the data are further divided and explored to model predicted habitats for the chacma clades during different stages of the glacial–interglacial cycle. An area of approximately 1,044,000 km² was identified as potentially having been within the environmental core habitat at some stage of the glacial–interglacial cycle. Of this, 63,700 km² of land was predicted to have been core habitat regardless of the stage of the glacial–interglacial cycle. Additionally, rainfall appears to be the environmental variable with the most limiting effect on habitat size. This is true for the current, last glacial maximum and last interglacial environmental conditions. The largest area that remains within the core habitat throughout the last glacial–interglacial cycle is found in the northern provinces of South Africa. The chacma clades appear to interact in a cyclic pattern of expansion and contraction, each clade being more prominent under different environmental conditions. It appears that grey footed chacma habitat periodically extends northward towards the yellow baboon. These findings suggest dynamic and varied progression of the chacma baboon palaeo-distributions.     

The brachial plexus in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus pygerythrus)

The brachial plexus in ten embalmed, mature vervet monkeys was dissected to document the structure and branching pattern of this nerve plexus in this frequently used research animal. In general, the brachial plexus in the vervet monkey was similar to the plexus of other Old World monkeys. However, several aspects were comparable to those observed in domestic animals. Thus the quadrupedal and bipedal abilities of the vervet monkey was reflected in the structure of its brachial plexus.     

Progressions of adult male chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in the moremi wildlife reserve

It has been suggested that the sociospatial organization of baboon progressions has a protective function in which the most physically powerful troop members, the adult males, play a key role. This theory implies regularities in adult male progression order for different species of savannah baboons with similar social systems. Quantitative progression data are available from two such similar baboon species, olive and yellow, but not from the third, chacma. The order of movement of 15 adult male chacma baboons was determined from 40 progressions observed at the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana. The chacma males were most often found in the front sixth of progressions, next most often in the second sixth, and about equally often from there to the rear. As expected from the protection theory, this frontal positioning is consistent with available quantitative data from other species of savannah baboons.     

Pleistocene Aridification Cycles Shaped the Contemporary Genetic Architecture of Southern African Baboons

Plio-Pleistocene environmental change influenced the evolutionary history of many animal lineages in Africa, highlighting key roles for both climate and tectonics in the evolution of Africa’s faunal diversity. Here, we explore diversification in the southern African chacma baboon Papio ursinus sensu lato and reveal a dominant role for increasingly arid landscapes during past glacial cycles in shaping contemporary genetic structure. Recent work on baboons (Papio spp.) supports complex lineage structuring with a dominant pulse of diversification occurring 1-2Ma, and yet the link to palaeoenvironmental change remains largely untested. Phylogeographic reconstruction based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data supports a scenario where chacma baboon populations were likely restricted to refugia during periods of regional cooling and drying through the Late Pleistocene. The two lineages of chacma baboon, ursinus and griseipes, are strongly geographically structured, and demographic reconstruction together with spatial analysis of genetic variation point to possible climate-driven isolating events where baboons may have retreated to more optimum conditions during cooler, drier periods. Our analysis highlights a period of continuous population growth beginning in the Middle to Late Pleistocene in both the ursinus and the PG2 griseipes lineages. All three clades identified in the study then enter a state of declining population size (Nef) through to the Holocene; this is particularly marked in the last 20,000 years, most likely coincident with the Last Glacial Maximum. The pattern recovered here conforms to expectations based on the dynamic regional climate trends in southern Africa through the Pleistocene and provides further support for complex patterns of diversification in the region’s biodiversity.     

Atrio-ventricular block in a baboon (Papio ursinus)

Atrio-ventricular (A-V) block occurring in an anesthetized chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is analysed. Hemodynamic, 12-lead electrocardiographical (ECG), hematological and biochemical parameters were monitored and data before and after block are compared. Though biochemical and other abnormal values were encountered, no conclusive evidence of the cause of the block was found.     

Baboon (Papio ursinus) model to study deep vein thrombosis using 111-indium-labeled autologous platelets

This study evaluates the chacma baboon as a model for investigations on deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is a good correlation of the baboon and human thrombelastographic parameters (r-time, k-time, ma). Investigation on the diagnostic efficacy of 111 In-labeled platelets as an imaging agent for DVT cast considerable doubt on the procedure, owing to the age of the thrombus.     

三通道电刺激仪的研制及对臂丛神经损伤的临床疗效

目的:研制可用于臂丛神经损伤治疗的三通道电刺激仪,并且将之应用于临床臂丛神经损伤患者,观察该仪器治疗臂丛神经损伤的临床效果。方法:由主控模块、显示模块、键盘模块、三个通道的电刺激发生器模块以及电源模块组成系统,可以连续交替释放脉冲刺激,针对不同神经和肌肉,选择不同的刺激位点。将60例臂丛神经损伤术后的患者随机分成试验组(30例)和对照组(30例),试验组术后第三周使用三通道电刺激仪治疗,对照组不做处理,患者术后随访6-12月后,观察患者上肢肩部、肘部功能恢复情况。结果:试验组治疗后上臂丛、全臂丛、下臂丛的肩部、肘部功能均好于治疗前,差异明显,均有统计学意义(P0.05);试验组上臂丛、全臂丛、下臂丛的肩部、肘部治疗效果均显著优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:三通道电刺激仪可以有效地促进臂丛神经损伤后上肢功能的康复,可以对三组神经和肌肉交替进行电刺激,使用方便,并且便于携带,患者较为满意。     

Structure and homodynamia of the intersegmental connection TI-TII

The reason to consider the second thoracic cerebrospinal nerve (Th2) as one of the sources of the brachial plexus is the fact of the intersegmentary connection between Th1 and Th2 by means of a neural branch situating on the internal surface of the thorax near the vertebral column (the intrathoracic or paravertebral branch). However, not all cases of the intersegmentary connection Th1-Th2 should be regarded only as participation of Th2 in the formation of the brachial plexus, this is conditioned by certain peculiarities of its structure and by the character of interconnections with the I intercostal nerve. The macro-microscopic method demonstrates that the intersegmentary connection Th1-Th2 includes somatic and vegetative components, that to the same extent participate both in formation of the brachial plexus and in the I intercostal nerve. The intersegmentary connection Th1-Th2 is considered as a vegetative neural structure, containing somatic conductors and is considered as a homologue of superficial connective branches. It is the way, by which sympathetic fibers can reach the brachial plexus from the segment situating below, without passing through the superior thoracic nodes of the sympathetic trunk.     

The influence of physical and chemical restraint on the physiology of the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

The chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is extensively used in South Africa for biomedical research. Being a large primate, it is always necessary to apply some measure of chemical or physical restraint. The physiological effects of placing an animal in a restraint chair are compared with the effects of various chemical agents, such as ketamine, halothane, and ketamine/xylazine combination over 90 min. It was found that ketamine and thiopentone infusion were a satisfactory chemical restraint agent that gave a stable physiological state over 90 min.     

Validity of median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials in the diagnosis of supraclavicular brachial plexus lesions

Experience with median nerve SEPs in the diagnosis of brachial plexus lesions is analysed in 49 patients selected from a total material of 264 cases with brachial plexus problems tested by SEP techniques. Median nerve SEPs were always compared with the results of SEPs after stimulation of at least one other nerve relevant to the site of the lesion as suspected clinically and electromyographically. All patients presented with unilateral brachial plexus problems and all root lesions were verified by clinical presentation, EMG studies, myelogram or surgery. There were 19 brachial plexus injuries, 13 cases with cervical spondylopathic rediculopaties without myelopathy and 7 patients presented brachial plexopathy with systemic cancer. It was found that median nerve SEPs were always normal in injuries of upper trunk and root avulsions confined to one or two root levels. Median nerve SEPs were abnormal in multiple trunk lesions and multiple root avulsions. In patients with spondylopathic radiculopathies median nerve SEPs were normal apart from one case where involvement of multiple roots was present. Median nerve SEPs were useful in assessing patients presenting brachial plexus problems in the presence of systematic cancer apart from cases where lower trunk involvement was present.In general, median nerve SEPs are useful if they are combined with SEP testing of other nerves anatomically more closely related to the problem as outlined clinically and electromyographically.     

Angiosomes of the brachial plexus: an anatomical study

This anatomical study analyzed the neurovascular relationships of the brachial plexus. Ten fresh cadaveric brachial plexuses were examined after injection of the arterial system. The vascular anatomical features of the brachial plexus were documented with microdissection after lead oxide/gelatin injection. The specimens were analyzed by using radiography (including digital subtraction techniques) and light-microscopic, macroscopic, and digital photography. Four angiosomes, based on the subclavian, axillary, vertebral, and dorsal scapular arteries, were observed. As noted in previous angiosome studies, connections between angiosome territories lay within tissues, in this case, nerve trunks. Nutrient vessels penetrated nerve trunks at points of branching within the brachial plexus, with a Y-shaped mode of division on entry. The vascular supply was markedly rich, often with true anastomotic connections occurring within the nerves. There was much variation in supply, depending on the vascular anatomical features of the subclavian artery.     

The social interactions of adult conspecifics with an adult XY gonadal dysgenetic chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

Two separate behavioral studies on an XY gonadal dysgenetic chacma baboon were carried out. In the first experiment the focal subject was treated identically as the control females by her adult male test partners. In contrast to the controls in this experiment the dysgenetic animal reciprocated the agonistic behaviors directed by the males toward her. In the second study intact and castrated males as well as ovariectomized females served as controls for the dysgenetic subject in tests with ovariectomized adult females. The stimulus females presented more to both classes of males than either the subject females or the gonadal dysgenetic individual, suggesting that the focal subject was treated by other female conspecifics as a female.     

The glomerular filtration rate,effective renal plasma flow,and renal blood flow in the adult male chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

Abstract: The radionuclide determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) has been validated in man, but not in the primate. GFR, ERPF, and renal blood flow (RBF) were measured in a group of 12 adult male chacma baboons using radiopharmaceuticals. GFR was determined using ^99mtechnetium-labelled diethylenetriamine-pentacetic acid. ERPF was measured with ¹³¹iodine-labelled hippuran. RBF, body surface area, and kidney weights were calculated using standard formulae. GFR was 49 ± 11 ml/min and ERPF was 237.9 ± 54.2 ml/min. Calculated RBF was 430.7 ± 111.9 ml/min and 507.4 ± 138.4 ml/min/100g of renal tissue. The results are in agreement with those obtained using more laborious nonradioisotopic techniques such as para-aminohippurate (PAH) and creatinine clearance and could serve as baseline normal values in the adult male chacma baboon.     

Subtrooping in a chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) population

Subtrooping in two baboon troops at Suikerbosrand, South Africa, was observed during a study of intertroop relations. Individual associations and locations were opportunistically recorded. Subtrooping varied in frequency according to season, being more frequent in the seasons with lower temperatures and food availability. Some subtroops frequented only certain parts of the larger troop range and remained separate from other groups for up to several days. Comparison with reports of subtrooping in other chacma populations reveals the study population to be relatively unique in the seasonality of subtrooping, the consistency of membership and the frequent occurrence of one-male subtroops. Lack of predation coupled with genetic isolation for several generations may have allowed the Suikerbosrand population to increase the efficiency of resource use in the less favorable seasons of the year, especially for less dominant individuals, through subtrooping. Subtrooping appears to be a facultative potential of all baboon species that requires little genetic change to develop.     

Brachial plexus injury.

A 28-year-old man shot himself in the left posterior triangle of the neck with a shotgun. At the initial operation secondary repair of the resultant brachial plexus injury was decided upon in view of the difficulty in assessing lesions in continuity at this point after injury. The patient had total brachial plexus palsy. Nine weeks after the injury sensory and motor function were returning and the only element of the brachial plexus not showing evidence of nerve fibre continuity was the musculocutaneous nerve. Sural nerve autografts were sutured between the trimmed proximal and distal stumps of this nerve. By 4 months after the injury there was further improvement in both sensory and motor function, and by 18 months there was sensation in the autonomous zones of both median and ulnar nerves and good return of muscle power.     

Estradiol benzoate treatment of an XY gonadal dysgenetic chacma baboon

Behavioral studies of an XY gonadal dysgenetic chacma baboon under estradiol benzoate treatment were carried out. The dysgenetic individual and two ovariectomized conspecific control females were given a total of three testing series. The dysgenetic individual showed progressive success in her sexual interactions with her male partners and during her third testing series she was copulated with to ejaculation by five of the eight male partners. This study provides the first supportive evidence from a nonhuman primate for the predicted development of female sexual behavior in a genetic male deprived of testes prior to the sensitive period for sexual differentiation.     

Intertroop relations of chacma baboon (Papio ursinus)

Intertroop relations among four troops of the chacma baboon population on the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, southern Transvaal, South Africa, were studied for 18 months using radiotelemetry. Encounters between troops occurred only rarely and were relatively nonantagonistic in character. Dominance among the four troops was difficult to identify by means of behavior although differences in range quality among the four were marked. The way in which intertroop relations affected the fitness of members of each of the troops was, therefore, unclear. Transfer of individuals from one troop to another was easily accomplished by both males and females and probably negated the effects of differential range quality on individual reproductive fitness.