Candida albicans‐associated sepsis in a pre‐term neonatal rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

Invasive Candida infections (ICI) have been associated with neurodevelopmental impairment or death in human pre‐term neonates. Candidiasis in nonhuman primates is seen mostly in immunosuppressed animals, and ICI is not commonly reported. Here, we report a case of Candida albicans‐associated ICI in a pre‐term neonatal rhesus macaque.     

Spontaneous pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma in a free‐living black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus)

Pulmonary neoplasia is rare among wild New World primates. We report the gross, microscopical, and immunohistochemical features of a primary multicentric pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma in a free‐living black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus). Herein, the spectrum of pulmonary neoplasms in non‐human primates is widened and briefly reviewed.     

Why Aye‐Ayes See Blue

The capacity for cone‐mediated color vision varies among nocturnal primates. Some species are colorblind, having lost the functionality of their short‐wavelength‐sensitive‐1 (SWS1) opsin pigment gene. In other species, such as the aye‐aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), the SWS1 gene remains intact. Recent studies focused on aye‐ayes indicate that this gene has been maintained by natural selection and that the pigment has a peak sensitivity (λ_max) of 406 nm, which is ～20 nm closer to the ultraviolet region of the spectrum than in most primates. The functional significance behind the retention and unusual λ_max of this opsin pigment is unknown, and it is perplexing given that all mammals are presumed to be colorblind in the dark. Here we comment on this puzzle and discuss recent findings on the color vision intensity thresholds of terrestrial vertebrates with comparable optics to aye‐ayes. We draw attention to the twilight activities of aye‐ayes and report that twilight is enriched in short‐wavelength (bluish) light. We also show that the intensity of twilight and full moonlight is probably sufficient to support cone‐mediated color vision. We speculate that the intact SWS1 opsin pigment gene of aye‐ayes is a crepuscular adaptation and we report on the blueness of potential visual targets, such as scent marks and the brilliant blue arils of Ravenala madagascariensis.     

Spontaneous meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in an infant golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

Non‐human primates are susceptible to many bacteria, some of which bear zoonotic potential. We report the pathologic features of spontaneous fulminating meningoencephalitis by Staphylococcus aureus in a captive infant golden‐headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) from Brazil.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma in a free‐living marmoset (Callithrix sp.) with concomitant biliary trematodiasis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare in New World primates. We report the gross, microscopical, and immunocytochemical features of a spontaneous HCC in a free‐living marmoset (Callithrix sp.). Hepatitis B and C virus and aflatoxin immunohistochemistry were negative; however, concomitant intra‐ and extrahepatic biliary trematodiasis could have played a role.     

Multicentric cutaneous keratoacanthomas in a free‐living marmoset (Callithrix sp.)

Cutaneous neoplasia is common in non‐human primates. We describe the gross and microscopic features of multicentric cutaneous keratoacanthomas in a free‐living marmoset (Callithrix sp.). Immunohistochemistry for human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus type I and simplex virus type II was negative. Keratoacanthomas should be included in the differential diagnosis for cutaneous masses in non‐human primates.     

Primate surveys in Côte d'Ivoire's Sassandra–Bandama interfluvial region with notes on a remnant population of black‐and‐white colobus

We conducted surveys in Côte d'Ivoire's Bandama–Sassandra interfluvial region to assess the abundance of primates and investigate further a population of black‐and‐white colobus monkey whose taxonomic position has been debated. Primates were encountered in five of eight forests surveyed. The most common primates were Campbell's guenons and lesser spot nosed monkeys. Roloway monkeys were located in one reserve (Dassioko FR), sooty mangabeys in two (Dassioko and Port Gauthier FR) and olive colobus in three reserves (Dassioko, Port Gauthier, Bakadou) as well as one forest patch was considered a sacred grove (Grébouo I FG). Red colobus and chimpanzees were never observed. The only black‐and‐white colobus encountered were located in a forest adjacent to the Grébouo I village. The coat of this population is similar to that of Colobus vellerosus; however, vocal data are more complex. In one vocal attribute, the Grébouo I colobus is similar to Colobus polykomos while in another it is similar to C. vellerosus. We hope that by investigating the taxonomy of the Grébouo 1 colobus population, highlighting the conservation value of sacred forests and advocating for more active law enforcement in protected reserves, we can prevent the extirpation of all primates within the Bandama–Sassandra interfluvial zone region.     

Sterile pyuria in a population of wild white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar)

Urinalysis is an emerging method for monitoring the health and energy balance of wild primates. Here, we report the first urinalysis of wild gibbons. We used multi‐reagent test strips to monitor the health status of 52 individual white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) inhabiting Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Most urinary reference values were within normal ranges; however, regardless of age‐ and sex‐class or monthly fruit productivity, we found unexpectedly high rates of urinary leukocytes (50% and 90% of individuals in 2001–2003 and 2006, respectively). In contrast to previous studies of African apes, this finding is coupled with the near absence of urinary nitrites, demonstrating pervasive levels of sterile pyuria. This result is the first reported case of sterile pyuria in a population of wild primates. The etiology of human sterile pyuria is diverse, but in all cases it is diagnostic of systemic inflammation. We discuss the potential causes of sterile pyuria in the gibbons of Khao Yai. Am. J. Primatol. 71:880–883, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Brief communication: Captive gorillas are right‐handed for bimanual feeding

Predominance of right‐handedness has historically been considered as a hallmark of human evolution. Whether nonhuman primates exhibit population‐level manual bias remains a controversial topic. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that bimanual coordinated activities may be a key‐behavior in our ancestors for the emergence and evolution of human population‐level right‐handedness. To this end, we collected data on hand preferences in 35 captive gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) during simple unimanual reaching and for bimanual coordinated feeding. Unimanual reaching consisted of grasping food on the ground, while bimanual feeding consisted of using one hand for holding a food and processing the food item by the opposite hand. No population‐level manual bias was found for unimanual actions but, in contrast, gorillas exhibited a significant population‐level right‐handedness for the bimanual actions. Moreover, the degree of right‐handedness for bimanual feeding exceeds any other known reports of hand use in primates, suggesting that lateralization for bimanual feeding is robust in captive gorillas. The collective evidence is discussed in the context of potential continuity of handedness between human and nonhuman primates. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A case report of ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT‐DSD) in a baboon (Papio spp.) and a brief review of the non‐human primate literature

Disorders of sexual development are rare in non‐human primates. We report a case of true hermaphroditism in a 19‐year‐old, nulliparous, female baboon (Papio spp.). At necropsy, the animal was obese with adequate muscle mass and hydration. Reproductive organs appeared normal with the exception of 2 firm nodular structures in the myometrium (1‐1.5 cm diameter) and a thickened, dark endocervical mucosa. Histologically, both gonads were ovotestes and contained discrete areas of ovarian and testicular tissue. There were follicles in various stages of development surrounded by ovarian stroma. Other areas contained hypoplastic seminiferous tubules lined by Sertoli cells, but lacked germ cells and spermatozoa. The uterine lesions were consistent with adenomyosis and cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Cervical lesions were consistent with atypical glandular hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia with dysplasia. We report the first case of ovotesticular disorder of sexual development (OT‐DSD), or true hermaphroditism in a baboon.     

Nutritional status of free‐ranging Mexican howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) in Veracruz,Mexico: Serum chemistry; lipoprotein profile; vitamins D,A, and E; carotenoids; and minerals

The purpose of this work was to measure important nutritional status parameters for a group of free‐ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys (A. palliata mexicana) and compare those data to published data for primates. The nutritional status of six free‐ranging Mexican mantled howler monkeys was examined using biochemical analysis. Blood samples were analyzed for serum chemistry; lipids; vitamins D, A, and E; carotenoids; and minerals. Serum chemistries were somewhat different from published values, but did not indicate clear abnormalities. Circulating lipids were not different from those in captive primates. Circulating vitamin D metabolites (83±16.3 for 25(OH)D ng/mL; 563±53.8 for 1,25(OH)₂D pg/mL) were similar to those in wild‐caught tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), lower than some published data for captive Cebidae and Callitrichidae, and higher than for Old World primates. Serum concentrations of retinol (16.5±1.64 μg/dl) were similar to those in captive spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Retinyl palmitate and retinyl stearate was present in howler samples and may have reflected recent dietary intake. Circulating α‐tocopherol (997±97.6 μg/dl) was similar to published values for other primates. Carotenoid levels in howlers were within the ranges reported for many primates. A significant finding was the presence of cadmium in samples that should be further studied. The number of individuals sampled was limited, and further investigation into the effects of seasonality is needed. However, this information provides new data for howler monkeys and for free‐ranging primates in general. Zoo Biol 22:239–251, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Natural mutations in IFITM3 modulate post‐translational regulation and toggle antiviral specificity

The interferon‐induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins protect host cells from diverse virus infections. IFITM proteins also incorporate into HIV‐1 virions and inhibit virus fusion and cell‐to‐cell spread, with IFITM3 showing the greatest potency. Here, we report that amino‐terminal mutants of IFITM3 preventing ubiquitination and endocytosis are more abundantly incorporated into virions and exhibit enhanced inhibition of HIV‐1 fusion. An analysis of primate genomes revealed that IFITM3 is the most ancient antiviral family member of the IFITM locus and has undergone a repeated duplication in independent host lineages. Some IFITM3 genes in nonhuman primates, including those that arose following gene duplication, carry amino‐terminal mutations that modify protein localization and function. This suggests that “runaway” IFITM3 variants could be selected for altered antiviral activity. Furthermore, we show that adaptations in IFITM3 result in a trade‐off in antiviral specificity, as variants exhibiting enhanced activity against HIV‐1 poorly restrict influenza A virus. Overall, we provide the first experimental evidence that diversification of IFITM3 genes may boost the antiviral coverage of host cells and provide selective functional advantages.     

Interferon‐Gamma test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in Macaca mulatta and other non‐human primates

We have formatted an assay to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infections of non‐human primates. Commercially available reagents were used to elicit a specific immune response that was measured by interferon‐gamma release. Initial evaluation using blood samples from Rhesus macaques experimentally infected with M tuberculosis distinguished infected versus uninfected animals.     

Within‐group vigilance in red colobus and redtail monkeys

In theory, animals are expected to relax vigilance in the safety of large groups. Four controlled studies of primates have failed to detect relaxed vigilance as group size increases. The counter‐intuitive behavior of primates might arise if another component of vigilance increases with group size, masking any decrease in outward, anti‐predator vigilance. Surveillance of associates is a major component of primate vigilance and might be expected to increase with group size due to an increase in competitive interactions. The present analysis uses data on glances toward associates to determine if within‐group surveillance is related to group size in wild red colobus and redtail monkeys of Uganda. Although males glance at associates more frequently during mating periods and females glance at associates more often when infants are young or out of contact, there was no evidence of a group‐size effect on within‐group surveillance. As with previous studies, primate vigilance patterns reflect reproductive strategies such as infant protection and mate defense. This study joins several others that indicate that primate vigilance is unresponsive to group size. New models that take into account association patterns below the level of the group may be needed. Am. J. Primatol. 48:113–126, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Sequences from the 5′ flanking region of the ϵ‐globin gene support the relationship of Callicebus with the pitheciins

The purpose of this study was to determine nucleotide sequences from the 5′ flanking region of the ϵ‐globin gene of selected platyrrhine primates and to analyze the data for phylogenetic information and estimated times of divergence. We report new sequence data for two species of New World monkeys, Callicebus torquatus and Pithecia irrorata. We analyzed these data in conjunction with homologous sequences from other primate species. The data support the hypothesis that the titi monkeys (Callicebus) and seed predators (Tribe Pitheciini) form a clade (Subfamily Pitheciinae), and also provide limited support for that subfamily being allied with the atelines. We also present estimated dates of divergence for the Callicebus and pitheciin lineages. Am. J. Primatol. 48:69–75, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Mixed‐species Groups of Marmosets and Tamarins Across a Gradient of Agroforestry Intensification

Polyspecific associations are commonly observed in social animals, including primates, and have been interpreted as adaptations either to improve access to resources or to provide protection against predators. Mixed‐species associations between Wied's marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) and golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) have been documented, and are unique among Atlantic forest primates. Both species are endemic to southern Bahia where part of the forest has been converted into cacao agroforests, which have been subjected to management intensification. Tree density and canopy connectivity decrease in more intensively managed agroforests, potentially increasing predation risk and the frequency of mixed‐species groups between these primates. Here, we test this hypothesis using a standardized, large spatial‐scale data set obtained from camera‐trapping in 30 sites across an agroforestry landscape mosaic. As expected, the frequency of mixed‐species groups increased in more intensively managed agroforests, but only relative to the total number of records of tamarins. Our results highlight that the benefits of mixed‐species groups can be asymmetrical among species and variable across the landscape. They corroborate that predation avoidance is an important advantage of mixed‐species groups in callitrichids, especially for conspicuous species living in smaller groups, such as the tamarin. Despite the importance of agroforests to conservation, our results indicate that management intensification can increase predation risk for species of conservation concern. To maintain the conservation value of agroforests, management practices should be planned to avoid any loss of canopy connectivity, taking into account the biodiversity vs. productivity trade‐off associated with shade management.     

Enhanced detection of in‐gel released N‐glycans by MALDI‐TOF‐MS

Many biologically relevant glycoproteins need to be separated on 1D‐ or 2D‐gels prior to analysis and are available in picomole amounts. Therefore, it is important to have optimized methods to unravel the glycome that combine in‐gel digestions with MALDI‐TOF‐MS. In this technical report, we investigated how the detection of in‐gel released N‐glycans could be improved by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. First, an AnchorChip target was tested and compared to ground steel target using several reference oligosaccharides. The highest signals were obtained with an AnchorChip target and D‐arabinosazone as the matrix; a LOD of 1.3 to 10 fmol was attained. Then, the effect of octyl‐β‐glucopyranoside, a nonionic detergent, was studied during in‐gel peptide‐N⁴‐(acetyl‐ß‐glucosaminyl) asparagine amidase F digestion of standard glycoproteins and during glycan extraction. Octyl‐β‐glucopyranoside increased the intensity and the amount of detected neutral as well as acidic N‐glycans. A LOD of under 7 pmol glycoprotein could be achieved.