Density estimates of two endangered nocturnal lemur species from northern Madagascar: new results and a comparison of commonly used methods

Very little information is known of the recently described Microcebus tavaratra and Lepilemur milanoii in the Daraina region, a restricted area in far northern Madagascar. Since their forest habitat is highly fragmented and expected to undergo significant changes in the future, rapid surveys are essential to determine conservation priorities. Using both distance sampling and capture-recapture methods, we estimated population densities in two forest fragments. Our results are the first known density and population size estimates for both nocturnal species. In parallel, we compare density results from four different approaches, which are widely used to estimate lemur densities and population sizes throughout Madagascar. Four approaches (King, Kelker, Muller and Buckland) are based on transect surveys and distance sampling, and they differ from each other by the way the effective strip width is estimated. The fifth method relies on a capture-mark-recapture (CMR) approach. Overall, we found that the King method produced density estimates that were significantly higher than other methods, suggesting that it generates overestimates and hence overly optimistic estimates of population sizes in endangered species. The other three distance sampling methods provided similar estimates. These estimates were similar to those obtained with the CMR approach when enough recapture data were available. Given that Microcebus species are often trapped for genetic or behavioral studies, our results suggest that existing data can be used to provide estimates of population density for that species across Madagascar.     

Baseline,diurnal variations,and stress-induced changes of stress hormones in three captive beluga whales,Delphinapterus leucas

Concentrations of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and aldosterone were investigated in three adult beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), held in a large outdoor public aquarium exhibit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resting concentrations of these hormones and associated diurnal variations with routine interactions and medical procedures. Resting blood samples were collected voluntarily from the ventral fluke veins at predetermined times of the day to evaluate diurnal changes in analyte concentrations. In addition, hematology and serum chemistry analyses were performed to monitor health status and evaluate changes related to physical exam procedures. Analogous sampling was conducted during out-of-water physical examinations and before and after wading-contact sessions (WCS). Baseline stress hormone concentrations (± SD) were as follows: plasma ACTH (8.41 ± 5.8 pg/mL), serum cortisol (1.80 ± 0.71 g/dL), and serum aldosterone (11.42 ± 5.5 pg/mL). Plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations were consistently higher in early morning than evening, while aldosterone was higher in the evening. All stress-related hormones were significantly elevated during physical examination. Plasma ACTH concentrations were most increased, 5–10-fold, during physical examination, whereas cortisol and aldosterone showed 2–4-fold elevations. Stress response analytes measured during the WCS did not differ significantly from baseline concentrations.     

The Effects of as-Needed Nalmefene on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Quality of Life in Relation to a Reduction in Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol-Dependent Patients

Background

The objective of this article was to investigate the effect of as-needed nalmefene on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with alcohol dependence, and to relate changes in drinking behavior and status to HRQoL outcomes.

Methods

This post hoc analysis was conducted on a pooled subgroup of patients with at least a high drinking risk level (men: >60 g/day; women: >40 g/day) who participated in one of two randomized controlled 6-month studies, ESENSE 1 and ESENSE 2. Patients received nalmefene 18 mg or placebo on an as-needed basis, in addition to a motivational and adherence-enhancing intervention (BRENDA). At baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks questionnaires for the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), European Quality of life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DrInC-2R) were completed.

Results

The pooled population consisted of 667 patients (nalmefene: 335; placebo: 332), with no notable between-group differences in baseline patient demographics/characteristics. At week 24, nalmefene had a superior effect compared to placebo in improving SF-36 mental component summary scores (mean difference [95% CI], p-value: 3.09 [1.29, 4.89]; p=0.0008), SF-36 physical component summary scores (1.23 [0.15, 2.31]; p=0.026), EQ-5D utility index scores (0.03 [0.00, 0.06]; p=0.045), EQ-5D health state scores (3.46 [0.75, 6.17]; p=0.012), and DrInC-2R scores (-3.22 [-6.12, 0.33]; p=0.029). The improvements in SF-36 mental component summary scores at week 24, and the DrInC-2R total score change from baseline to week 24, were significantly correlated to reductions in heavy drinking days and total alcohol consumption at week 24.

Conclusions

As-needed nalmefene significantly improved almost all patient-reported HRQoL measures included in SF-36 and EQ-5D compared with placebo. These HRQoL gains were significantly correlated to reduced drinking behavior, as determined by reductions in heavy drinking days and total alcohol consumption.     

CRMP2 is necessary for Neurofibromatosis type 1 related pain

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic diseases, affecting roughly 1 in 3000 individuals. As a multisystem disorder, it affects cognitive development, as well as bone, nerve and muscle constitution. Peripheral neuropathy in NF1 constitutes a potentially severe clinical complication and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The discovery of effective therapies for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) pain depends on mechanistic understanding that has been limited, in part, by the relative lack of availability of animal models relevant to NF1 pain. We have used intrathecal targeted editing of Nf1 in rats to provide direct evidence of a causal relationship between neurofibromin and pain responses. We demonstrated that editing of neurofibromin results in functional remodeling of peripheral nociceptors characterized by enhancement of interactions of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) Na⁺ voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV1.7) and the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). Collectively, these peripheral adaptations increase sensory neuron excitability and release of excitatory transmitters to the spinal dorsal horn to establish and maintain a state of central sensitization reflected by hyperalgesia to mechanical stimulation of the hindpaw. The data presented here shows that CRMP2 inhibition is sufficient to reverse the dysregulations of voltage-gated ion channels and neurotransmitter release observed after Nf1 gene editing. The concordance in normalization of ion channel dysregulation by a CRMP2-directed strategy and of hyperalgesia supports the translational targeting of CRMP2 to curb NF1-related pain.     

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta on normal clonal bone cell populations.

Although transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been implicated in the local regulation of bone growth and remodelling, its specific effects on different subpopulations of bone cells have not been elucidated. Cells derived from bone are known to be heterogeneous and include both cells of different lineages and osteoblastic populations with different levels of expression of osteoblast-associated properties. Consequently, we have isolated clonal populations of bone cells to examine more precisely the effects of TGF-beta on individual subpopulations. Several clonal populations were isolated by limiting dilution from cells derived from 21-day-old fetal rat calvaria. Two of these clones, RCA 11 and RCB 2, were used here. While the two clones responded similarly to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and isoproterenol (ISP) with increases in intracellular cAMP, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) elicited a 10-fold higher response in RCB 2 cells compared with RCA 11. RCB 2 cells expressed a 10-fold higher alkaline phosphatase activity compared with RCA 11. Both clones synthesized a variety of bone matrix associated proteins, but only RCA 11 synthesized SPP-1 (osteopontin) constitutively. TGF-beta stimulated growth of RCB 2 cells after 24 and 48 h of treatment, but had no effect on growth of RCA 11. TGF-beta supported anchorage-independent growth of RCB 2 cells, but not that of RCA 11. A 24-h exposure to TGF-beta decreased cAMP responsiveness to PTH and ISP slightly in both clones, but had no effect on PGE2 responses. Significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase activity were seen in both clones after 24- and 48-h treatments with TGF-beta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Acoustic communication in a king penguin colony: importance of bird location within the colony and of the body position of the listener

This study focuses on the propagation of the display call used for individual recognition between penguin partners. Transmission of acoustic information in a noisy environment such as a king penguin colony is very difficult. Conditions of propagation were examined for two areas of the colony (hatching and courtship areas) and reception at three heights from the ground (10, 45 and 90 cm). Signal modification was assessed in terms of attenuation of signal, amplitude modulation and spectral content. The acoustic recognition of the mate, which is decisive for breeding success, took place in the hatching area where signal degradation was less great for all parameters studied. When the receiver was located 10 cm above the ground, degradation of the signal was much more pronounced than when it was located 45 or 90 cm above ground. The characteristic incubating attitude of the king penguin (i.e. standing with the head at 45 cm above the ground) enables it to receive the main part of the signal in spite of the noisy environment. Accepted: 19 October 1998     

Effects of parasites on marine mammals

This report examines the broad range of organisms which can parasitize marine mammals, and identifies those which we feel have the greatest impact on individuals and populations.Many parasites colonize and damage the integument in some way. Only the sucking lice of seals are associated with debilitating disease. In addition, at least one species, E. horridus can serve as intermediate host of the seal heartworm, D. spirocauda.Of the few protozoa, the one deserving most attention is Sarcocystis sp. Its ubiquitous distribution challenges our understanding of coccidian life cycles as currently perceived.Acanthocephalans and cestodes are rarely associated with clinically significant illness. It is intriguing that cetaceans and pinnipeds serve as mammalian intermediate hosts for larval tetraphyllidians destined to mature in elasmobranchs.Digeneans occupy the gastrointestinal tract and severely damage liver and pancreas of cetaceans. Nasitrema sp. infects cranial sinuses of small odontocetes, and enters the brain, thereby leading to stranding and death in selected populations.Nematodes represent the broadest group of parasites. Pseudaliids often infect the respiratory system, causing sufficient damage to affect survival. There is no evidence that Stenums sp., a pseudaliid inhabiting the cranial sinuses of some whales and dolphins, plays any role in mass strandings, as has been popularly suggested. Filarioids are highly pathogenic in pinnipeds and are probably responsible for significant mortality, especially in young animals. Anisakine nematodes in the stomach are of little consequence to the host. The role of marine mammals in transmitting the parasites to commercially exploited fish stocks is a public health issue. The only other parasite which represents a threat to humans is Trichinella spiralis, which is widespread in Arctic mammals.The Crassicaudinae are the largest nematodes in cetaceans. Evidence is accumulating that the damage they cause in cranial bone, mammary tissue and the urinary tract may influence productivity and survival among certain groups.Most of our understanding of the parasites of marine mammals derives from studies on specimens which come ashore. The information is fragmentary, and suffers from our inability to follow the progress of infection and the overall condition of the parasitized animal. Yet we might conclude that the parasitism we see is as advanced as can be tolerated by the host. Weak animals retreat from the protection of the herd, become vulnerable to predators, and probably cannot survive in an environment which places heavy demands on thermoregulation, respiration and mobility.