Distribution of ovine hydatidosis in Sardinia, 1987-1988

The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep was examined in Sardinia between June and September 1987-1988. Of the examined sheep 243 were being pastured in fenced fields while 1084 were being pastured in open fields. An infection rate of 1.6% was recorded in the first group of sheep, and 86.7% in the second. The prevalence rate differed in various parts of the region, ranging from 79.4% (Oristano province) to 95% (Nuoro province). Of the parasitized sheep 7.9% harboured only fertile cysts, and 74.1% only sterile cysts. The latest figure is surprising compared to data previously reported in the literature. Most of the sheep examined were infected in both organs (67.4%) but only 27.4% of these showed a massive infection with over 10 hydatid cysts. The variation in prevalence rate and epidemiological implications are discussed.     

Sewall Wright (1889-1988)

The genetic contributions of Sewall Wright is briefly reviewed with special reference to J.B.S. Haldane's work. These include his work in population genetics, statistics, and animal breeding.     

BIOACOUSTIC PUBLICATIONS, 1988

ABSTRACT

We examined vocalisations of a solitary subterranean rodent, the Silvery Mole-rat Heliophobius argenteocinereus (Bathyergidae). Seven true vocalisations and one mechanical vocalisation were identified. The main frequencies of the analysed sounds (0.34–13.17 kHz) match to a great extent the frequency range suitable for transmission in underground burrows. Due to the narrow frequency range of vocalisations, motivation is predominantly expressed by the rate of tonality rather than by frequency changes. The vocal repertoire of the Silvery Mole-rat perfectly matches to Morton's MS rules, i.e. that low-frequency and harsh vocalisations indicate hostility whereas high tonal calls signalise appeasement or fear. In comparison with social species, this solitary bathyergid produces fewer calls. It lacks contact and alarm calls, but has a rich repertoire of mating calls (mating ends with duet vocalization of male and female). Acoustic signals seem to play a major role in lowering natural aggressiveness during the mating period.     

Epidemiology of suicide pacts in England and Wales, 1988-92.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of suicide pacts in England and Wales DESIGN: Analysis of the death certificates and coroners'' records of all people who died in pacts between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 1992. SUBJECTS: 124 people who committed suicide in 62 pacts. RESULTS: Suicide in a pact accounted for 0.6% of all suicides (124/19721), a rate of 0.6 per million people aged 15 and over. Forty eight pacts were between married couples and five were between family members. The mean age was 56 years. 99 of the 124 subjects were of occupational social classes I-III. Poisoning by car exhaust fumes and drugs accounted for 116 deaths, with both members of each pair using the same method. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide pacts are rare and less common than they were 35 years ago, although the epidemiological profile is similar. People who commit suicide in a pact are more likely than those who commit suicide alone to be female, older, married, and of a high social class.     

European Catches of Elver of 1928-1988

Data on quantities of glasseels and elvers caught at 11 stations on the western and northern coast of Europe together with abundance indices for glass eels at Den Oever, Netherlands and for larvae in the Bay of Biscay are presented covering the period 1924 to 1988. Large catches were made in the 1960's and 1970's followed by a sudden and widespread, but not universal, decline in the 1980's. Catches within years between stations showed significant correlations in some cases but not in all.