Brown bear reintroduction in the Southern Alps: To what extent are expectations being met?

Large carnivores, such as brown bears (Ursus arctos), are flagship species for the conservation of biodiversity and their reintroduction represents a strong challenge. However, the results of reintroductions have only recently been documented in the literature. Given the global decline of large carnivores, documenting the results of such attempts is crucial for future conservation management. Here we examined the reintroduction of brown bears into the Italian Alps. The majority of bears released (10 individuals) adapted well to the release area and this resulted in the increase of the brown bear population. At the end of 2012, the area with a stable presence of females was around 1250 km² (minimum density = 3 bear/100 km²). Between 2002 and 2012, 34 reproductive events occurred and a total of 74 cubs were born, thus reaching a minimum population size of 47 individuals. No less than 21 young males dispersed into adjacent Italian regions or into other countries, such as Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. However, despite a high mortality rate and at least two cases of illegal killing reported in the last 2 years (2013 and 2014), a remarkable population growth rate (current level of 15.6%) has been observed.The damages correlated with bear population size (F = 17.922, p < 0.01) were primarily inflicted on beehives (39%) and livestock (26%), with an economic relevance of € 41,374 per year for compensation and € 23,527 per year for prevention. The only case of injury to humans ever since the beginning of the project was recorded in 2014, when a female defending her two cubs inflicted minor physical injuries to a man. And yet, public opinion changed radically, from a widespread acceptance of bears at the beginning of the project to an opposition to their presence, the increase of their population, and the new translocations aiming at replacing problem bears that had previously been removed. According to the present trend, the population may reach a range of 60–94 individuals in 2017. Therefore, a proper management of problem bears should be considered a key factor for the restoration and improvement of the social acceptance of this species.     

Noninvasive genetic assessment of brown bear population structure in Bulgarian mountain regions

The Balkans are one of the last large refugia for brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations in Europe, and Bulgaria, in particular, contains relatively large areas of suitable brown bear habitat and a potential population of more than 600 individuals. Despite this, the majority of brown bear research remains focused on bear populations in Central and Western Europe. We provide the first assessment of genetic population structure of brown bears in Bulgaria by analysing tissue samples (n = 16) as well as samples collected with noninvasive genetic methods, including hair and faecal samples (n = 189 and n = 163, respectively). Sequence analysis of a 248 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial control region showed that two highly divergent mitochondrial European brown bear lineages form a contact zone in central Bulgaria. Furthermore, the analysis of 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers identified 136 individuals and found substantial genetic variability (H_e = 0.74; N_A = 8.9). The combination of both genetic markers revealed the presence of weak genetic substructure in the study area with considerable degrees of genetic admixture and the likely presence of migration corridors between the two subpopulation in the Rhodope Mountains and Stara Planina as evidenced from the genetic detection of two male long-distance dispersers. A detailed assessment from densely collected samples in the Rhodope Mountains resulted in a population size estimate of 315 (95% CI = 206–334) individuals, indicating that not all available habitat is presently occupied by bears in this region. Efficient management plans should focus on preserving connectivity of suitable habitats in order to maintain gene flow between the two Bulgarian brown bear subpopulations.     

Behavioral and reproductive responses of female opossums to volatile and nonvolatile components of male suprasternal gland secretion

Female gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica) lack an estrous cycle and are induced into estrus by exposure to a pheromone in male scent marks. Behavioral and physiological responses of females to the volatile and nonvolatile components of scent marks were examined in two experiments. Young females (n = 9) were tested prior to and during their first estrus for behavioral responses to scent marks, collected on a 7-ml glass vial rubbed over the suprasternal gland of a mature male. The response to volatile components of the scent mark, recorded when marked and unmarked vials were covered with a perforated shield, was compared to the response to these vials when unshielded. Estrous females nuzzled the shields over marked vials (55.8 ± 8.5 nuzzles/10 min) more than the shielded clean vial (10.9 ± 2.4) (P < 0.05); a similar response was observed in anestrous females. Nuzzling of unshielded, scent-marked vials was higher (P < 0.05) during anestrus than in the same females when in estrus. The role of nonvolatile pheromones in reproductive activation was tested in adult females (n = 11) exposed for up to 14 days to a shielded, marked vial or to an unshielded, marked vial in a crossover design. All females exposed to unshielded vials expressed estrus, and 10 copulated. Only 2 females expressed estrus (significantly fewer, P < 0.05), when exposed to shielded marked vials, and neither copulated. These results demonstrate that females detect and respond behaviorally to both volatile and nonvolatile components of male suprasternal gland secretion, but the estrus-inducing pheromone in these secretions is nonvolatile.     

No association between educational level and pancreatic cancer incidence in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

Introduction: Until now, studies examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and pancreatic cancer incidence have been inconclusive. Aim: To prospectively investigate to what extent pancreatic cancer incidence varies according to educational level within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Methods: In the EPIC study, socioeconomic status at baseline was measured using the highest level of education attained. Hazard ratios by educational level and a summary index, the relative indices of inequality (RII), were estimated using Cox regression models stratified by age, gender, and center and adjusted for known risk factors. In addition, we conducted separate analyses by age, gender and geographical region. Results: Within the source population of 407, 944 individuals at baseline, 490 first incident primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases were identified in 9 European countries. The crude difference in risk of pancreatic cancer according to level of education was small and not statistically significant (RII = 1.14, 95% CI 0.80–1.62). Adjustment for known risk factors reduced the inequality estimates to only a small extent. In addition, no statistically significant associations were observed for age groups (adjusted RII_{≤ 60 years} = 0.85, 95% CI 0.44–1.64, adjusted RII_{>60 years} = 1.18, 95% CI 0.73–1.90), gender (adjusted RII_male = 1.20, 95% CI 0.68–2.10, adjusted RII_female = 0.96, 95% CI 0.56–1.62) or geographical region (adjusted RII_{Northern Europe} = 1.14, 95% CI 0.81–1.61, adjusted RII_{Middle Europe} = 1.72, 95% CI 0.93–3.19, adjusted RII_{Southern Europe} = 0.75, 95% CI 0.32–1.80). Conclusion: Despite large educational inequalities in many risk factors within the EPIC study, we found no evidence for an association between educational level and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in this European cohort.     

Cribra orbitalia as a potential indicator of childhood stress: Evidence from paleopathology,stable C,N, and O isotopes,and trace element concentrations in children from a 17th⿿18th century cemetery in JĿkabpils,Latvia

Cribra orbitalia (CO), or porotic hyperostosis (PH) of the orbital roof, is one of the most common pathological conditions found in archaeological subadult skeletal remains. Reaching frequencies higher than 50% in many prehistoric samples, CO has been generally attributed to a variety of factors including malnutrition (e.g., megaloblastic anemia) and parasitism. In this study, we tested the relationship between CO, trace element concentrations, and stable isotope values (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O) in subadult skeletons from a 17^th to 18^th century cemetery in the historic town of JĿkabpils, Latvia. A total of 28 subadults were examined, seven of which (25%) showed evidence of CO. Bioarchaeological evidence indicated high mortality for children in this cemetery: half of the burials were subadults under the age of 14, while a third were under the age of four. Life expectancy at birth was estimated to have been only 21.6 years. Trace element concentrations measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma ⿿ Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) showed no relationship between presence or absence of CO and levels of manganese, zinc, strontium, barium, copper, cadmium, or lead in the bones (p > 0.05). However, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the presence of CO and decreased levels of iron. The correlations between CO and decreased levels of copper and lead approached significance (p = 0.056 for both elements). Individuals with CO furthermore displayed significantly lower δ¹⁵N isotope values, suggesting greater consumption of lower trophic level food resources than those unaffected by CO; δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values, in contrast, showed no significant differences. These results suggest that the prevalence of CO may be related to dietary deficiencies. In this case, low iron levels may also signify a diet low in other key vitamins (e.g., B₉ and B₁₂), which are known to cause megaloblastic anemia.     

Feeding enrichment in an opportunistic carnivore: The red fox

In captive carnivores, species-specific behaviour is often restricted by inadequate feeding regimens. Feeding live prey is not feasible in most places and food delivery is often highly predictable in space and time which is considerably different from the situation in the wild. As a result, captive carnivores are often inactive, show little behavioural diversity and are prone to behavioural problems such as stereotypic pacing. Using artificial feeding devices to substitute for natural food resources is a way to address these problems. In a group of four red fox (Vulpes vulpes), we compared a conventional feeding method to four different methods through the use of feeding enrichment that were based on natural foraging strategies of opportunistic carnivores. Feeding enrichments consisted of electronic feeders delivering food unpredictable in time which were successively combined with one of the three additional treatments: a self-service food box (allowing control over access to food), manually scattering food (unpredictable in space), and an electronic dispenser delivering food unpredictably both in space and time. The aim of administering feeding enrichment in this study was to stimulate appetitive (food searching) behaviour and to increase time spent in feeding. Compared to conventional feeding, diversity of behaviour and overall activity were significantly enhanced in the presence of electronic feeders in all four foxes (EF > CON1 = CON2, EF + SF > CON1 = CON2, EF + MS > CON1 = CON2, EF + ED > CON1 = CON2). Behavioural diversity was highest when the foxes had control over access to food (EF + SF), while the manual scattering of food (EF + MS) and the electronic dispenser (EF + ED) enhanced food searching behaviour. These results indicate that in opportunistic carnivores natural foraging and feeding behaviour can be stimulated by simple feeding enrichment strategies, and that foraging behaviour is stimulated most when food delivery is unpredictable both in space and time.     

Prevalence and resting behaviour of dengue vectors,Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in dengue high risk urban settings in Colombo,Sri Lanka

Understanding local geographical variation in vector density and bionomics related to virus transmission are critical for planning effective vector control programs to control dengue virus transmission. This study investigated the prevalence and resting behaviour of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in three dengue high-risk areas in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Monthly sampling of resting adult mosquitoes was conducted from August 2019 to February 2020. Thirty-seven percent of the households (289/776) harboured Aedes mosquitoes, and 603 Aedes mosquitoes were collected. The proportion of Ae. aegypti was higher in the overall collection during the collection period (94% [569/603]), and 62% (352/569) were females. Significant monthly variations in Ae. aegypti were observed with respect to the indices: number of females per surveyed house (F/SH; p = 0.001), number of females per Aedes positive house (F/PH; p = 0.029), adult house index (AHI; p = 0.001), adult density (AD; p = 0.005) and resting ratio (RR; p = 0.001). AHI, AD, and RR had statistically significant positive correlations with monthly rainfall (p = 0.001, p = 0.011, and p = 0.002 respectively) and one-month lagged dengue cases (p = 0.002, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001 respectively). A statistically significantly higher proportion of Ae. aegypti females were caught resting indoors (N = 309, 88%) than outdoors (N = 43, 12%; p < 0.001). The most common resting areas were bedrooms (51%) & living/dining rooms (37%), and places were under or on furniture (47%) & hangings (34%) for Ae. aegypti. Conversely, 74% of female Ae. albopictus were collected outdoors. Results of this study could have strong implications to improve vector surveillance and control by early detection of dengue to detect outbreaks and minimization of disease transmission.     

The influence of androgens on hibernation phenology of free-living male arctic ground squirrels

Free-living ground squirrel species are sexually dimorphic in hibernation phenology. The underlying causes of these differences are not yet known. Androgens, testosterone (T) in particular, inhibit hibernation. To determine the influence of endogenous androgens on annual timing of hibernation we first measured circulating levels of T and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal androgen implicated in non-mating season aggression in other species, in free-living male arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii, AGS). We also manipulated endogenous androgen levels by surgical castration, and consequently compared body temperature records from intact (n = 24) and castrated (n = 9) males to elucidate the influence of endogenous androgens on annual body temperature cycles. The highest T levels (0.53 ± 0.10 ng/mL) were in reproductively mature male AGS in spring; whereas, both immature males in spring and all males in late summer had T levels an order of magnitude lower (0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.06 ± 0.00 ng/mL, respectively). DHEA levels were higher in males during the late summer compared to reproductively mature males in spring (120.6 ± 18.9 and 35.9 ± 2.3 pg/mL, respectively). Eliminating gonadal androgens via castration resulted in males delaying euthermy by extending heterothermy significantly in spring (Apr 22 ± 2.9) than reproductive males (Mar 28 ± 3.9) but did not change the timing of hibernation onset (castrate: Oct 12 ± 1.0 vs. intact: Oct 3 ± 3.1). We conclude that while androgens play a significant role in spring hibernation phenology of males, their role in fall hibernation onset is unclear.     

Shape complexity of space used by American black bears influenced by sex and intensity of use

Disentangling the complexities that influence animal space use poses substantial challenges based on decision trade-offs and constraints imposed on animals. Optimal decisions suggest that the spatial complexity of home-range shapes should be inversely related to energy conservation and fitness. Hence, the most beneficial shape should be the circle. We evaluated whether shape complexity (i.e., an index of circularity) of home ranges was influenced by two extrinsic (spatial heterogeneity, preferred habitat [i.e., deciduous forest]), and three intrinsic (sex, season [breeding, non-breeding], intensity of use) factors, with intensity of use indexed as contours containing core and peripheral areas. We estimated utilization distributions of 39 radiomarked adult American black bears (Ursus americanus), a habitat generalist, using fixed-kernel techniques and estimated 50% (core area) and 95% (peripheral area) contours. We fit a set of 47 models using linear modeling and ranked models using small-sample Akaike Information Criterion. Coefficients for the best model were the intrinsic factors intensity of use (reference category = core; 0.118; 95% CL = 0.064–0.173), sex (reference = female; 0.105; 95% CL = 0.043–0.167), and intercept (0.229; 95% CL = 0.186–0.272). Shape complexity was less for core areas than peripheral areas and less for females than males. Considering complex resource selection patterns within a fragmented landscape, both sexes appeared to use energy-maximizing strategies, although the increase in shape complexity for males may be an allometric relationship based on size dimorphism. Our approach supported the phenomenon of optimality as manifested through home-range shape complexity, but we suggest that assessment of this phenomenon for habitat specialists may yield different results, including the potential importance of intrinsic factors based on more restrictive limiting factors.     

Biomorphometric characteristics of different types of sensilla detected on the antenna of Helicoverpa armigera by scanning electron microscopy

A morphometric study on H. armigera antenna showed four styles of sensilla, i.e., styloconica, chaetica, coeloconica, and trichodea, and their numbers were estimated. Sensilla trichodea detect inter and intraspecific communication signals and was the most numerous. They were divided into three types: type I, the longest, with a length of 34.04 ± 3.16 μm and about 2.16 to 2.42 μm in diameter at its base; 2) type II, intermediate, with a length of 22.58 ± 0.77 μm and basal diameter of 1.8–2.52 μm; 3) type III, the shortest sensilla trichodea, with a length of 7.62 ± 0.4 μm and a range in diameter similar to that of type II. The length of the female sensilla trichodea was longer than that of the male. The total number of sensilla trichodea was estimated to be 7520 on the antenna of the female, and 6831 on the male antenna. The lengths of the sensilla trichodea type I and type III were significantly different on male (t = 4.6881, P = 0.0034) and female antenna (t = 18.9852, P = 0.0001). An estimation of the predicted surface area of the most numerous type I on sampled segments between the 12th and 20th segments from a female of H. armigera showed a surface area of 5 × 10³ μm² and a sensillar density of 38 sensilla/10³ μm². The fraction of sensilla-occupied surface area was 0.4 μm².     

Size and density of East Greenland polar bear (Ursus maritimus) skulls: Valuable bio-indicators of environmental changes?

There is an increasing interest in assessing the relationship between climatic oscillations, environmental contaminants and the modelling of animal physiological and morphological responses. We therefore undertook a study of skull condylobasal length (CBL; reflecting body size) and bone mineral density (BMD) in 87 East Greenland male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in the time period of 1892–2010. The purpose of the study was to investigate if these measures are potential candidates as indicators for stress associated with climate change and long-range transported toxic industrial chemicals. The analyses showed that both BMD and CBL in polar bears sampled in period 4 (1999–2010, n = 57) were significantly lower when compared with period 2 (1920–1936, n = 19) (both p < 0.02). Groups of persistent organohalogen contaminants (PCBs [polychlorinated biphenyls], DDT [dichlordiphenyltrichlorethane], HCH [hexachlorocyclohexane], HCB [hexachlorobenzene], chlordanes, dieldrin, PBDEs [polybrominated diphenyl ethers]) were measured in period 4 and multiple regression analyses controlling for age showed that dieldrin had a significant negative effect on BMD (p = 0.03, n = 52) while significant positive correlations with CBL were found for DDT, dieldrin and PBDE (all p < 0.05, n = 52). When testing the correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation climate index no significant relationship was found for BMD (p = 0.97, r = −0.01, n = 27) nor CBL (p = 0.31, r = −0.2, n = 27). We therefore suggest that BMD and body size have decreased in East Greenland polar bear males over the past 120 years and that exposure to organohalogen contaminants may explain the BMD reductions. It is, however, not entirely clear if and how climatic oscillations affected the reductions in body size and BMD mainly because of the limited sample size in period 2 and lower mean age in period 4. Therefore, precautions should be taken towards a final conclusion on BMD and CBL as bioindicators for climate oscillations and exposure to toxic environmental chemicals. It is recommended that the sampling and archiving of East Greenland polar bear skulls continue in order to further explore how CBL and BMD reflect individual and population response upon exposure to environmental stress.     

Protective effect of riboflavin on cisplatin induced toxicities: A gender-dependent study

The toxicity exerted by the anticancer drug, cisplatin in vivo is functional to many factors such as dose, duration, gender and age etc. The present study is aimed to investigate if ameliorative potential of riboflavin on cisplatin induced toxicity is gender dependent. Eighty four adult mice from male and female sex were divided into seven groups (n = 6) for both sexes. They were treated with riboflavin (2 mg/kg), cisplatin (2 mg/kg) and their two different combinations (cisplatin at 2 mg/kg with 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of riboflavin) under photoillumination with their respective controls for the combination groups without photoillumination. After treatment, all groups were sacrificed and their kidney, liver and serum were collected for biochemical estimations, comet assay and histopathology. In the present investigation, it was evident from antioxidant and detoxification studies (SOD, CAT, GSH, GST, MDA and carbonyl level) that the female mice exhibited better tolerance towards cisplatin inducted toxicity and the ameliorative effect of riboflavin against cisplatin toxicity was found stronger in their combination groups as compared to the male groups as the activity of all antioxidant enzymes were found better concomitant with lower level of MDA and carbonyl contents in the female combination groups than their male counterparts. Furthermore, single cell gel electrophoresis and histopathological examination confirmed that restoration of normal nuclear and cellular integrity was more prominent in female with respect to the males after treatment in the combination groups in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, this study reveals that cisplatin is more toxic in male mice and the ameliorative effect of riboflavin against cisplatin toxicity is stronger in female mice.     

The risk of cancer in the offspring and parental length of life

BackgroundWe investigated if cancer onset in offspring is related to having short-lived parents for different cancer types and to see if there was a difference in smoking- and non-smoking related cancers.MethodsOur study included 524,391 individuals born in Norway 1940–1950. All children were followed up for cancer from the age of 20 until they were between 59 and 69 years. Parental longevity was examined by grouping parental age of death into parents dying before 75 years of age and parents dying at 75 years of age or older.ResultsAn increased risk of 1.14 (95%CI = 1.10–1.19) among male offspring and 1.08 (95%CI = 1.04–1.12) among female offspring was observed for total cancer when both parents died before the age of 75 compared to offspring with two long-lived parents. The highest increase was found for cancer in the lungs and trachea for both male (HR = 1.67, 95%CI = 1.50–1.86) and female offspring (HR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.33–1.76). For other smoking-related cancers, the risk was lower. No increased risk was observed for non-smoking-related cancers.ConclusionOffspring of long-lived parents have lower risk of developing cancer compared with offspring of short-lived parents. Intergenerational transmission of risk factors from parents to offspring may play an important role, especially for tobacco-related cancers. However, genetic factors cannot be ruled out, since consistent evidence has implicated genetic factors in smoking behaviour.     

Sex differences in jaw muscle duty factors during exercise in two environments: A pilot study

It is unknown if females and males use jaw muscles similarly during exercise. This pilot study assessed jaw elevator muscle duty factors (DFs = time of muscle activity/total recording time) at repeated sessions to test if DFs are reliable and different between sexes during exercises in two environments. Ten female and seven male subjects recruited from university soccer teams provided informed consent. Surface electromyography was recorded from masseter and temporalis muscles during biting and leg-extension laboratory exercises. Average activities to produce 20 N bite-forces for each muscle and subject determined thresholds (5–80%·T20 N) for subject-specific DF calculations during exercises performed in laboratory and natural environments. Subjects self-recorded via portable electromyography equipment during in-field leg-extension and weight-lifting exercises. Effects of variables on DFs were assessed via ANOVA (α = 0.05) and simple effects testing (Bonferroni-adjusted p ⩽ 0.012). All subjects used jaw muscles during exercises in both environments. DFs between laboratory sessions were reliable (R = 0.84). During laboratory exercises, male temporalis DFs were significantly higher than female DFs from both muscles (p ⩽ 0.001). During in-field exercises females had higher DFs during weight-lifting while males had higher DFs during leg-extensions. In-field sex differences were significant at most thresholds and showed larger effect sizes for leg-extension compared to weight-lifting exercises.     

Cancer incidence in the AGRICAN cohort study (2005–2011)

BackgroundNumerous studies have been conducted among farmers, but very few of them have involved large prospective cohorts, and few have included a significant proportion of women and farm workers. Our aim was to compare cancer incidence in the cohort (overall, by sex, and by work on farm, occupational status and pesticide use) within the general population.MethodsMore than 180,000 participants in the AGRICAN cohort were matched to cancer registries to identify cancer cases diagnosed from enrolment (2005–2007) to 31st December 2011. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).ResultsOver the period, 11,067 incident cancer cases were identified (7304 men and 3763 women). Overall cancer incidence did not differ between the cohort and the general population. Moreover, SIRs were significantly higher for prostate cancer (SIR = 1.07, 95%CI 1.03–1.11) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.01–1.18) among men, skin melanoma among women (SIR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.05–1.43) and multiple myeloma (men: SIR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.18–1.62; women: SIR = 1.26, 95%CI 1.02–1.54). In contrast, SIRs were lower for upper aerodigestive tract and respiratory cancers. Increase in risk was greater in male farm workers for prostate and lip cancer, in female farm workers for skin melanoma, and in male farm owners for multiple myeloma. Moreover, incidence of multiple myeloma and skin melanoma was higher among male and female pesticide users respectively.ConclusionWe found a decreased incidence for tobacco-related cancers and an increased incidence of prostate cancers, skin melanoma and multiple myeloma. Specific subgroups had a higher cancer incidence related to occupational status and pesticide use.     

Efecto metabólico del ejercicio físico regular en la población sana

AimTo assess the effect of moderate regular aerobic physical activity not associated to body weight changes on insulin resistance and the associated metabolic changes in general population.Sujects and methodsA cross-sectional, observational study in an adult population (n=101 sujects aged 30-70 years) with no personal history of disease and with stable weight in the three months prior to the study. The group with regular exercise performed 30-60 minutes of moderate regular physical exercise 5 days per week (7.5-15 hours MET per week), while a control group performed no regular physical excersice and had a sedentary lifestyle. Subjects were age- and sex-matched. Lipids, lipoproteins, and HOMA index were measured using standard methods.ResultsThe group with regular physical activity consisted of 48 subjects (21 male/27 female), while the group with no regular physical activity included 53 subjects (31 male/22 female). No significant differences were found between the groups in age, sex, BMI, waist circunference, and blood presure. Significant differences were found between the groups in fasting serum triglyceride, HDL-C, and apoB levels. Fasting plasma insulin levels (12.1 ± 4.13 vs 14.9 ± 4.8 mU/L, P= .004) and HOMA index (2.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.5±4.1, P= .001) were significantly lower in the group with regular physical activity as compared to the sedentary group. Prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome were 20.7% and 45.8% (P=.01) in the regular physical activity and sedentary groups respectively.ConclusionModerate regular physical activity is associated to higher insulin sensitivity, an improved lipid profile, and a decrease in components of metabolic syndrome with no change in weight or BMI.     

Ovarian fluid influences sperm performance in lake trout,Salvelinus namaycush

The objectives of this study were to determine whether (i) the presence and concentration of ovarian fluid (OF) affects sperm performance traits, and (ii) variation in sperm performance traits is due to male identity, female identity, and/or male × female interactions in lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush. Spermatozoa from four males were activated in river water and OF from four females at two concentrations (10 and 15%). Presence of ovarian fluid influenced sperm traits; no differences were detected between 10 and 15% OF. Sperm traits varied depending on parental identity, such that sperm of some males perform better in the OF of all females and that in OF of some females sperm traits are higher for all males.     

Are baseline and short-term corticosterone stress responses in free-living amphibians repeatable?

Amphibians respond to environmental stressors by secreting corticosterone, a stress hormone which promotes physiological and behavioral responses. Capture handling can be used to stimulate physiological stress response in amphibians. The use of single blood sampling and presentation of mean data often limits the quantification of within and between individual variation in baseline and short-term corticosterone stress responses in amphibians. It is important for studies of amphibian physiological ecology to determine whether baseline and short-term corticosterone stress responses are consistent or not. We quantified repeatability (r), a statistical measure of consistency, in baseline and short-term corticosterone stress responses to a standard capture and handling stress protocol in free-living adult male cane toads (Rhinella marina). Corticosterone metabolite concentrations were measured entirely non-invasively in male toad urine samples via an enzyme-immunoassay. During the first sampling occasion, urine samples were collected manually from individual male toads (n = 20) immediately upon field capture. Toads were handled for 5 min then transferred to plastic bags (constituting a mild stressor), and urine samples were collected hourly over 8 h in the field. The toads were resampled for baseline (0 h) urine corticosterone with hourly urine sampling over 8 h (for quantification of the stress induced corticosterone) at 14 day intervals on three consecutive occasions. Within and between sample variations in urinary corticosterone metabolite concentrations were also quantified. All toads expressed a corticosterone stress response over 8 h to our standard capture and handling stress protocol. Variations both within and between toads was higher for corrected integrated corticosterone concentrations than corticosterone concentrations at baseline, 3 or 6 h. Baseline urinary corticosterone metabolite concentration of the male toads was highly repeatable (r = 0.877) together with high statistical repeatabilities for 3 h (r = 0.695), 6 h (r = 0.428) and 8 h (r = 0.775) corticosterone metabolite concentrations, and for the total and corrected integrated corticosterone responses (r = 0.807; r = 0.743 respectively). This study highlights that baseline and short-term corticosterone stress responses are repeatable in free-living amphibians. Future studies should utilize this non-invasive tool to explore repeatability among seasons and across years, and determine its functional significance in relation to behavioral ecology and reproduction in amphibians generally.     

Unbiased sex-specific survival in Alpine chamois

Many polygynous ungulates show higher mortality of males than of females, because of the intense male–male competition during the rut and the costs associated with the development of sexual-size dimorphism. In the weakly dimorphic Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra the occurrence of differential sex-specific survival strategies is controversial. To date, only two studies investigated the survivorship of males and females in this species, producing conflicting results: these works, based on the use of life tables, require confirmation from researches carried out on living populations. We assessed the survival pattern of a protected Alpine chamois population in the Swiss National Park, where 116 individuals were marked and monitored over 13 years (1996–2008). We tested for sex-, age- and year-dependence of survival by means of capture-mark-resight models. Resighting probabilities were sex-dependent, and survival rates were time-dependent. Females had higher resighting probabilities (0.84) than males (0.74). All over the time periods, sex had a weak influence on survival probability (males = 0.91; females = 0.92) and survival rates remained surprisingly high until late age (1 year = 0.90; 2–7 years = 0.91; 8+ years = 0.92). The growing evidence for a high adult survival and a weak differential mortality of the two sexes, together with the highly seasonal sexual-size dimorphism observed for Alpine chamois, might indicate the occurrence of a unique conservative survival strategy in both sexes and a low-risk mating strategy by males.