Disappearances of individuals from social groups have implications for understanding natal dispersal in monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarai)

The socially monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) live in small groups of two to five individuals. We used monthly demographic data collected from 16 social groups between 1997-2001 to estimate the age of disappearance from their natal groups and the timing of those disappearances in a population of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) in Formosa, Argentina. We applied survival analysis techniques to 48 months of observations of 47 individuals to construct age-specific probabilities of disappearance. Two-thirds of the individuals (eight of 12), for which disappearance could be well timed, disappeared at around 2 years of age. The average age at disappearance for these individuals was 29 months (+/-8), whereas the mean age of disappearance obtained from the survival analysis of censored and uncensored data was almost 3 years (mean+/-SD, 35+/-3 months). Ninety-two percent of all disappearances of adult size individuals (11 of 12) occurred around the birth season. Our data suggest that at least some individuals disperse soon after sexual maturation while others remain for up to 4 years in their natal groups.     

缺血预处理通过激活自噬保护肾缺血-再灌注损伤

目的:探讨缺血预处理对缺血-再灌注所致急性肾损伤的保护作用与可能机制。方法:将健康雄性SD大鼠18只随机分为三组:假手术组(Sham组)、肾缺血组(I/R组)、实验组,Sham组大鼠开腹后游离左侧肾蒂血管,不夹闭,观察60 min关闭腹部。I/R组大鼠开腹后切除右肾,左肾蒂血管分离,观察15 min后用无损伤动脉夹持续夹闭左肾蒂血管45 min后,关闭腹部,恢复左肾血流。实验组开腹后切除切除右肾,左肾蒂血管分离,行4个循环夹闭左肾蒂血管1 min/再灌注4 min预处理后,无损伤动脉持续夹闭45 min,关闭腹部,恢复左肾血流。比较各组大鼠术后尿素氮值(Burea nitrogen,BUN)与肌酐值(Serum creatinine,SCR)水平,肾组织病理学评分及微管相关蛋白轻链3(Microtubule-associated protein l light chain 3,LC3)和自噬基因Beclin-1的表达。结果:所有大鼠在实验过程无死亡。I/R组、实验组再灌注后4 h、24 h的BUN与SCr值显著高于Sham组(P0.05),肾脏组织病理学评分显著高于Sham组(P0.05),实验组以上指标均显著低于I/R组(P0.05);I/R组LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ比值、Beclin-1相对表达量显著高于Sham组(P0.05),实验组以上指标均显著低于I/R组(P0.05)。实验组大鼠再灌注后24h LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ比值、Beclin-1相对表达量与肾组织病理学评分、BUN、SCr值呈显著相关性(P0.05)。结论:缺血预处理可能通过激活自噬,减轻缺血-再灌注所致急性肾损伤,并改善肾功能。     

Development of survival skills in captive-raised Siberian polecats (Mustela eversmanni) II: Predator avoidance

We exposed naive Siberain polecats (Mustela eversmanni) (aged 2, 3, and 4 months) to a swooping stuffed great horned owl (Buho virginianus) and a stuffed badger (Taxidae taxus) mounted on a remote control toy automobile frame. The first introduction to each was harmless, the second was accompanied by a mild aversive stimulus, the third (1 day after attack) was harmless, and the fourth (30 days after attack) was harmless. Alert behavior increased after a single attack by either predator model. Escape responses of naive polecats did not differ between ages when exposed to the badger, but 4 month old polecats reduced their escape times after a single badger attack. When exposed to the swooping owl, naive 4 month old polecats redponded more quickly than the other two age groups, and 3 and 4 month old polecats reduced escape times after a single owl attack. This indicates an innate escape response to the owl model at 4 months of age, and a short-tert ability to remember a single mild aversive encounter with the badger and owl models at 3 or 4 months of age.     

Severe anemia affects both splenectomized and non-splenectomized Plasmodium falciparum-infected Aotus infulatus monkeys

Severe anemia is the earliest and a frequently fatal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Here we describe Aotus infulatus as a primate model suitable to study this malaria complication. Both non-splenectomized and splenectomized monkeys receiving different inocula of P. falciparum FVO strain presented large (> 50%) decreases in hematocrit values during infection. Non-splenectomized animals were able to control parasite growth (parasitemia did not exceed 4%), but they had to be treated because of severe anemia. Three of 4 splenectomized monkeys did not control parasitemia and were treated, but developed severe anemia after treatment when presenting a negative blood film. Destruction of parasitized red blood cells alone cannot account for the degree of anemia. Non-splenectomized monkeys repeatedly infected with homologous parasites became rapidly and progressively resistant to reinfection and to the development of severe anemia. The data presented here point to A. infulatus as a suitable model for studying the pathogenesis of severe malarial infection.     

Thyroid activity in a hypometabolic primate, the owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus).

Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) were significantly lower in owl monkeys than in long-tailed macaques. These observations were considered to be consistent with the lower metabolic rate of the owl monkey. However, the absence of a significant difference in the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) between the two species suggested a lower thyroid sensitivity to TSH in the owl monkeys. There was an inverse relation between levels of T3 and TSH in the owl monkeys at night and during the day.     

The normal and abnormal owl monkey (Aotus sp.) heart: looking at cardiomyopathy changes with echocardiography and electrocardiography

Background Cardiovascular disease, especially cardiomyopathy, was the major cause of death among owl monkeys (Aotus sp.) at a major colony and threatened colony sustainability. For this study, echocardiography (echo) and electrocardiography (ECG) normal values were established, and cardiomyopathy animals identified. Methods Forty‐eight owl monkeys were studied, 30 older than 10 years of age (‘aged’) and 8 of age 5 years (‘young’). Eight aged owl monkeys had cardiomyopathy. Results and Conclusions Aged Aotus had increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness over young animals. Left ventricular diameter and ejection fraction appeared to be the best identifying measurements for cardiomyopathy. There were no differences in the ECG.     

慢性肾脏病患者血清GDF-15的水平及临床意义

目的:探讨慢性肾脏病(Chronic Kidney Disease,CKD)患者血清生长分化因子-15(Growth Differentiation Factor-15,GDF-15)的表达及与其他肾功能相关临床指标的相关性。方法:选取西南医科大学附属医院2017年3月至2017年7月健康体检中心30例健康体检者对照组及肾病内科、内分泌科、心内科住院病房各期CKD患者150例,采用ELISA法测试验检其血清GDF-15水平。结果:除去CKD1期外,各期CKD患者eGFR及血清SCr、BUN、GDF-15水平均明显高于健康对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);随着CKD分期的增加,患者血清SCr、BUN、GDF-15浓度逐渐增加,且各组之间差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。CKD3组患者血清UA浓度明显高于健康对照组、CKD1组(P0.05),CKD4组、CKD5组血清UA浓度明显高于健康对照组、CKD1组及CKD2组(P0.05)。GDF-15水平与eGFR水平呈负相关(r=-0.768,P0.01),与SCr水平呈正相关(r=0.751,P0.01),与BUN水平呈正相关(r=0.764,P0.01),与UA水平呈正相关(r=0.470,P0.01)。结论:GDF-15与慢性肾脏病的发生与发展密切相关。     

Age-related hormonal differences in cycling squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis)

This study was planned to evaluate the poor reproductive performance of aged squirrel monkeys in a self-sustaining breeding colony. Two groups of monkeys aged 6–8 years (Group 1), and >12 years (Group 2) were evaluated. During the midbreeding season, daily blood samples were obtained for a period of 35 days from 10 animals in each group. Blood samples were assayed for serum estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and bioassayable luteinizing hormone (bio-LH) concentrations and the data were analyzed by ANOVA (analysis of variance). Bio-LH surges were less frequent in the aged breeders (Group 2). Total P output during periovulatory period (day ?;3 to day + 3) and the total P output during the luteal phases of the estrus cycles were significantly lower in aged squirrel monkeys (Group 2, P < 0.003). Although E peaks occurred less frequently in Group 2, they had higher concentrations as compared to Group 1 (P < 0.003). Cumulative periovulatory and luteal phase E levels did not differ between the two groups. The reduction in P output in aged squirrel monkeys may interfere with proper implantation, thus contributing to the lower pregnancy rate observed in this age group. The decreased frequency of bio-LH surges indicated less frequent ovulations in the aged animals which may further impair reproduction with aging. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Do Forest Composition and Fruit Availability Predict Demographic Differences Among Groups of Territorial Owl Monkeys (Aotus azarai)?

Small-scale ecological variables, such as forest structure and resource availability, may affect primate groups at the scale of group home ranges, thereby influencing group demography and life-history traits. We evaluated the complete territories of 4 groups of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai), measuring and identifying all trees and lianas with a diameter at breast height ≥10 cm (n = 7485). We aimed to determine all food sources available to each of those groups and to relate food availability to group demographics. For analyses, we considered the core areas of the home range separately from the 80% home range. Our results showed that groups occupy territories that differ in size, species evenness, stem density, and food species’ stem abundances. The territories differed in the availability of fruits, flowers, and leaves, and most fruit sources were unevenly distributed in space. Differences among territories were more pronounced for the whole range than they were for the core areas. Despite marked differences among territories in structure and food availability, the number of births and age at natal dispersal were quite similar, but 1 group had a consistently lower group size. Our results suggest that owl monkey groups occupy territories of different structure and composition and food availability, yet ones that contain similar quantities of, mostly, dry season fruit sources. We propose that groups inhabit these territories to overcome food shortages safely during limiting periods, specifically the dry season, in this markedly seasonal forest. The occupancy and defense of territories with strict boundaries may therefore be associated with food resources available during limiting seasons that may be the ones influencing life history patterns and demographics.     

葛根素对2型糖尿病大鼠的治疗作用*

目的:观察葛根素对2型糖尿病(T2DM)大鼠的治疗作用。方法:采用高糖高脂饲料喂养加一次性腹腔注射60 mg/kg链脲佐菌素的方法建立T2DM 大鼠模型,随机分为正常组,模型组,二甲双胍(40 mg/kg)组,葛根素低、中、高剂量(40,80,160 mg/kg)组,每组10只大鼠;造模成功后,灌胃给药4周,每周测量大鼠体重和空腹血糖(FBG),末次给药24 h后取血,收集血清,检测各组大鼠的血糖、血清甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC) 、低密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(LDL-C)水平、高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(HDL-C),血清天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)活性,血清尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(SCr)、尿酸(UA)水平。结果:干预4周后,与正常组比较,模型组大鼠体重显著降低(P＜0.01),FBG,TC,TG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,BUN,SCr,UA均显著升高(P＜0.01),而HDL-C 显著降低(P＜0.01);与模型组比较,二甲双胍组和葛根素各剂量组大鼠体重均显著增加(P＜0.01),FBG,TC,TG,LDL-C,ALT,AST,BUN,SCr,UA均显著降低(P＜0.01),而HDL-C显著升高(P＜0.01)。结论:葛根素能够减少T2DM大鼠体重降低幅度,降低血脂、血糖水平,可用于T2DM的治疗。     

Growth and Development in Wild Owl Monkeys (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aotus azarai</Emphasis>) of Argentina

Life history predicts that in sexually dimorphic species in which males are the larger sex, males should reach sexual maturity later than females (or vice versa if females are the larger sex). The corresponding prediction that in sexually monomorphic species maturational rates will differ little between the sexes has rarely been tested. We report here sex differences in growth and development to adulthood for 70 female and 69 male wild owl monkeys (Aotus azarai). In addition, using evidence from natal dispersal and first reproduction (mean: 74 mo) for 7 individuals of known age, we assigned ages to categories: infant, 0–6 mo; juvenile, 6.1–24 mo; subadult, 24.1–48 mo; adult >48 mo. We compared von Bertalanffy growth curves and growth rates derived from linear piecewise regressions for juvenile and subadult females and males. Growth rates did not differ between the sexes, although juvenile females were slightly longer than males. Females reached maximum maxillary canine height at ca. 2 yr, about a year earlier than males, and females’ maxillary canines were shorter than males’. Thus apart from canine eruption and possibly crown–rump length, the development of Azara’s owl monkeys conforms to the prediction by life history that in monomorphic species the sexes should develop at similar paces.     

Sleep Profile and Longevity in Three Generations of a Family of Captive Bolivian Aotus

The daily total sleep time (TST) of the only nocturnal simian primate, Aotus spp., remains little studied under controlled conditions. We conducted 3 experiments in 4 owl monkeys (Aotus sp.), aged 1–27+ yr, to determine the daily TST. We housed 3 their—a nuclear family—in 1 cage and the remaining senescent female in an adjacent separate cage. We monitored their activity-sleep pattern longitudinally for 15–20 d via actigraphy: by tagging an acclerometer-type miniature transmitter (Actiwatch-MINIMITTER) sensitive to omnidirectional movement, to the owl monkey's neck. The TST (9.5–12.5 h) was ca. 4.5–7 h less than the 17 h Perachio reported for owl monkeys in 1971 by polysomnography, under similar 12-h-light; 12-h dark conditions. Our finding corroborates well with the TST for other nonhuman primates. Four members of the Aotus colony at our facility reached 20 yr in captivity; the oldest (wild-born female) is still living at >27 yr, and the second oldest (captive-born male), is 23 years now.     

Female tawny-bellied seedeaters do not prefer more colorful males in choice experiments

Plumage coloration has long been studied as a sexually selected character. The tawny-bellied seedeater, Sporophila hypoxantha, is a sexually dichromatic species, with adult males the more colorful sex and juvenile males indistinguishable from females. We did choice experiments to evaluate female preferences for males that differ in age or plumage coloration. Females were evaluated in three experiments: (1) choice between males with similar breast brightness that differed in age, (2) choice between males of 2 years of age that differed in breast brightness, and (3) choice between males of 3 or more years of age that differed in breast brightness. We also repeated the latter experiment with estradiol-treated females. We did not find a clear female preference for brighter or older males, as females spent the same proportion of time with males of similar breast brightness that differed in age or with males of similar age that differed in breast brightness. Our results do not support the hypothesis that breast brightness is a cue used by female tawny-bellied seedeaters at the time of choosing males. We propose that, in this species, male plumage coloration might play a role in intrasexual competition.     

Age-related increased susceptibility of male Fischer 344 rats to acetaminophen nephrotoxicity

Male Fischer 344 rats classified as young (2-4 months), middle-aged (12-14 months) and aged (22-25 months) received 300, 600 or 800 mg/kg acetaminophen (APAP) intraperitoneally and were sacrificed 24 hr later. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and urinary glucose and osmolality were determined. In addition, kidneys were evaluated for histopathological changes. APAP did not affect osmolality or BUN concentrations and failed to produce lesions after any dose in young rats. Osmolality was decreased 40% and 50% in middle-aged and aged rats, respectively, after 800 mg/kg APAP. Glucosuria was prominent in aged rats after the 600 and 800 mg/kg doses were administered, while middle-aged rats showed little glucosuria after these doses. BUN concentrations were elevated 89% and 183% in middle-aged and aged rats, respectively, given 600 mg/kg APAP; after 800 mg/kg, BUN concentrations were elevated approximately four-fold in both age groups. Pathological evaluations showed a greater incidence of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in aged kidneys compared to kidneys of middle-aged rats after 600 mg/kg, while the two older groups exhibited similar, more severe ATN after 800 mg/kg APAP. These data suggest an age-related increased susceptibility of male Fisher 344 rats to APAP nephrotoxicity.     

Evaluation of a timed and repeated perianal tape test for the detection of pinworms (Trypanoxyuris microon) in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae)

The purpose of this project was to determine if the detection of pinworm infections in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae) could be improved by performing perianal tape testing at specific times of the day and/or by performing repeated sampling. Eight Aotus known to be infected with pinworms were sampled at four selected time points (06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00 hours) over the course of a 3-week period. Samples were examined microscopically and oxyurid eggs were quantified. Results revealed no significant differences in time points, but did indicate that repeated sampling significantly improved pinworm egg detection. Results also determined that Aotus housed with an infected cage mate are at an approximately 14-times greater risk of being infected than animals housed without an infected cage mate. Lastly, results indicated no significant difference between peripheral eosinophil and basophil numbers from infected and clean animals.     

姜黄素类似物L6H4对2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用

目的：探讨姜黄素类似物L6H4对2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用及机制。方法：24只SPF级雄性SD大鼠,随机分成3组（n=8）：对照组（NC组）、糖尿病组（DM组）和糖尿病治疗组（DT组）,采用高脂饮食加腹腔注射低剂量链脲佐菌素诱导2型糖尿病大鼠模型。DT组按0.2 mg/kg·d剂量的L6H4灌胃8周。治疗结束后测24 h尿蛋白、空腹血糖（FBG）、甘油三酯（TG）、血肌酐（Scr）、血尿素氮（BUN）、尿酸（UA）。采用光镜和透射电镜观察大鼠肾脏的形态学改变;用免疫组化法测定大鼠肾脏组织转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）、纤维粘连蛋白（FN）、四型胶原（Col-IV）的表达水平。结果：DM组大鼠24 h尿蛋白、FBG、TG、Scr、BUN均明显升高（P<0.01）,肾小球体积增大、不规则,弥漫性系膜基质增多,伴基底膜不同程度的增生肥厚及足突融合现象;肾组织的TGF-β1、FN、Col-IV表达水平明显增加（P<0.05）。经L6H4治疗后,DT组的24 h尿蛋白、FBG、TG、Scr、BUN水平明显下降（P<0.01）,大鼠肾小球形态较规则,系膜区基质明显减少,足细胞肿胀、融合现象减轻;肾组织的TGF-β1、FN、Col-IV表达明显减少（P<0.05）。结论：L6H4可能通过下调TGF-β1的表达,抑制FN、Col-IV的大量分泌,减轻细胞外基质的沉积,从而起到保护2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的作用。     

Epitope expression on primate lymphocyte surface antigens

The cross-reactivity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 28 nonhuman primates was investigated with ten kinds of Leu series of monoclonal antibodies specific to human T-, natural killer/killer-, and B-cells. The chimpanzees possessed all ten epitopes examined but the orangutan lacked Leu4 and Leu7 epitopes and the gibbons lacked Leu4, Leu7, and Leu12 epitopes. In addition to the above epitopes, the Old World monkeys lacked Leu1 and Leu10 epitopes. The Leu3a/Leu2a cell ratios varied from 0 to 1.56 among the 12 macaque species and this enabled classification of these species into three groups. In the New World monkeys, Leu2a epitope was absent, whereas Leu11a epitope was detected in several species and Leu3a epitope was found only in the owl monkeys. The prosimians expressed only HLA-DR epitope.     

STZ诱导糖尿病肾病大鼠模型的建立

目的建立糖尿病大鼠动物模型,探讨其肾脏损害规律。方法用STZ65mg/kg一次性腹腔内注射方式制作糖尿病大鼠模型,设立空白对照组,饲养14周,期间观察大鼠血糖、尿糖及一般情况变化,实验结束时测定血肌酐、尿素氮、尿蛋白、尿白蛋白排泄率,取肾作病理及超微病理检查。结果模型组大鼠出现血肌酐、尿素氮、尿蛋白、尿白蛋白明显升高,出现肾脏肥大,病理显示明显的肾小球、肾小管病变。结论STZ诱导糖尿病大鼠肾脏表现肾小球及小管间质损害,可以用作糖尿病肾病研究的动物模型。     

DNA flow-cytometric analysis of testicular germ cell populations of the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) as a function of sexual maturity

Testicular germ cell populations of biopsies from 32 male bonnet monkeys in 5 different age groups were quantitated in a flow cytometer after labelling of germ cell DNA with the specific fluorochrome, 4,6-diamidino phenyl indole. The 5 quantifiable populations were spermatogonia (2C), preleptotene spermatocytes (S phase), primary spermatocytes (4C), round spermatids (1C) and elongate spermatids (HC). The seminiferous tubules of immature 3-4-year-old monkey had only Sertoli cells and spermatogonia (2C). At 5-6 years, germ cells in S-phase (9.5%), 4C (11.1%), 1C (41.8%) and HC (17.1%) stages of maturation appeared for the first time but at 7-8 years of age and beyond all cell types except HC decreased while 1C remained relatively constant. Histometric analysis correlated well with the flow-cytometric data. The decrease in cells of 2C, S-phase and 4C stages was associated with an increase in mitotic index, signifying acceleration in the kinetics of germ cell transformation into subsequent cell types. The total turnover in cell transformation (1C:2C) was significantly (P less than 0.01) increased at and beyond 7-8 years. Maximum transition from 2C to 4C occurred at 5-6 years (4C:2C ratio 0.8 at 5-6 years and 0.6 at 7-8 years). The ratio HC:1C (kinetics of cell transformation during spermiogenesis) attained near total efficiency only by 10 years of age (1.08 at 10-14 years; 0.9 at 18-20 years). Also, the cell associations within the seminiferous tubules of monkeys greater than or equal to 10 years of age were better defined than those of younger animals. The changes in germ cell ratios correlated well with alterations in testicular volume, sperm numbers in the ejaculate and surges of testosterone and increments in FSH in the serum, characteristic of development of sexual maturity. It is apparent from this study that DNA flow cytometry of testicular germ cell populations reveals subtle changes in spermatogenic status of bonnet monkeys with a high degree of sensitivity.     

Variation in age at puberty in monkeys.

5 female and 3 male patas monkeys and 6 female and 3 male talapoin monkeys matured in a captive breeding colony. Age at puberty is given, and some variation discussed. The talapoin, a very small monkey, becomes adult at 4 1/2 years for females, 1 or 2 years later for males. The patas, a rather large monkey, becomes adult at 2 1/2 years, for females, and 1 or 2 years later for males. Both these ages for puberty differ from data for the rhesus monkey which has been accepted as generalizable to all Old World monkeys. Possible causes of differences between species in average age at puberty are discussed, including nutrition, environmental inconstancy, and relative size of infant and mother. It is suggested that age at first conception, a biologically more relevant index than menarche, should be considered as a potentially important adaptive variable when describing primate species.