Nocturnal line transect sampling of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in a Mediterranean forest: long-term comparison with capture–mark–resight population estimates

Although accurate estimates of wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are crucial for any effective resource management or pest control programme, this species is well-known to be difficult to monitor. We conducted a 10-year study in a fenced Mediterranean forest (Rome, Italy) to evaluate nocturnal line transect sampling performances. We focused on its accuracy in monitoring changes in density, which was independently estimated by capture–mark–resight (CMR) performed on counts at feeding sites. We carried out night surveys in the autumn of 2001–2010, using portable infrared cameras to detect animals. We sampled on foot to cover the whole study area and the different habitat types evenly. However, to ensure safe working conditions during night and to limit disturbance, we placed transects along paths and forest roads. Therefore, we investigated the potential impact of our convenience sampling on the detection process, using radiolocations of wild boars to assess their distribution with respect to selected transects. We found that our survey design should not have biased our estimates and that densities and coefficients of variations from line transect sampling were consistent with CMR results. Although labour-intensive, we believe that our approach can improve wild boar monitoring effectively, even in concealing habitats, providing decision makers with accurate estimates (and quantified confidence limits) which can help to develop the most appropriate management programme. Moreover, the current low price of new-generation infrared cameras can also increase strongly the cost-effectiveness of this method.     

Assessing the Default Assumption That Children Are Always at Risk

This paper establishes that non-elderly healthy adult animal models commonly display greater susceptibility than young animals to both acute and a wide range of chronic toxic effects from agents representing numerous chemical classes, including pharmaceutical agents and agents typically regulated as environmental/occupational pollutants. While the general belief that the young are likely to be at enhanced risk compared to adults remains the predominant perspective, the not-infrequent occurrence of greater susceptibility in adults raises questions about the utility of a generic default uncertainty factor (UF) for the young and suggests consideration of categorical UFs.     

A Model of a Segmental Oscillator in the Leech Heartbeat Neuronal Network

We modeled a segmental oscillator of the timing network that paces the heartbeat of the leech. This model represents a network of six heart interneurons that comprise the basic rhythm-generating network within a single ganglion. This model builds on a previous two cell model (Nadim et al., 1995) by incorporating modifications of intrinsic and synaptic currents based on the results of a realistic waveform voltage-clamp study (Olsen and Calabrese, 1996). Due to these modifications, the new model behaves more similarly to the biological system than the previous model. For example, the slow-wave oscillation of membrane potential that underlies bursting is similar in form and amplitude to that of the biological system. Furthermore, the new model with its expanded architecture demonstrates how coordinating interneurons contribute to the oscillations within a single ganglion, in addition to their role of intersegmental coordination.     

Small cardioactive peptide-like immunoreactivity and its colocalization with FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis

Summary The distributions of small cardioactive peptide (SCP)- and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities in the central nervous system of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis were studied. A subset of neurons in the segmental ganglia and brains was immunoreactive to an antibody directed against SCP_B. Immunoreactive cell bodies were regionally distributed throughout the nerve cord, and occurred both as bilaterally paired and unpaired neurons. The majority of the unpaired cells displayed a tendency to alternate from side to side in adjacent ganglia. A small number of neurons were immunoreactive only in a minority of nerve cords investigated. Intracellular injections of Lucifer yellow dye and subsequent processing for immunocytochemistry revealed SCP-like immunoreactivity in heart modulatory neurons but not in heart motor neurons. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was also detected in cell bodies throughout the central nervous system. A subset of neurons contained both SCP- and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivities; others stained for only one or the other antigen. These data suggest that an antigen distinct from FMRFamide is responsible for at least part of the SCP-like immunoreactivity. This antigen likely bears some homology to the carboxyl terminal of SCP_A and SCP_B.     

Reexamination of spectroscopic properties of ceruloplasmin freshly isolated with a novel very rapid single-step procedure

A novel, single-step, chromatographic procedure for the purification of ceruloplasmin is described. The procedure consists of a single chromatographic step, leading in approximately 5 hours from 2 liters of plasma to an electrophoretically homogeneous ceruloplasmin preparation which exhibits different spectroscopic properties with respect to the protein obtained with more lengthy, currently available procedures. The method is suitable for either small or large scale purification from various vertebrate plasma.     

Separation methods for anthraquinone related anti-cancer drugs

The quinoid anthracycline-related anti-cancer agents represent an important group of anti-tumour drugs with a wide spectrum of activity. We review here some of the separation techniques used for the analysis of anthracyclines and related compounds. In this review we have covered a range of compounds from the early anthracycline antibiotics such as doxorubicin to the more recent anthracenediones and anthrapyrazoles such as mitoxantrone and losoxantrone, respectively. We also include novel compounds such as AQ4N and C1311, both awaiting clinical trial. Separations of the anthraquinone related anti-cancer agents are predominantly by HPLC. These separation techniques have been used for a variety of applications including drug stability, protein binding and therapeutic drug monitoring as well as detailed pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies. Pharmacokinetics, and therefore drug analysis, plays a central role in both the development of new agents and also leads to a better understanding of clinically established agents in this class. Sample preparation and extraction methods including solid-phase and liquid–liquid extraction have also been highlighted. Many anthraquinone related compounds are highly coloured and fluoresce. They are suitable for a range of detection methods including UV–Vis, electrochemical and fluorescence. The methods described are used for sometimes complex separations that are needed for the evaluation of such compounds in biological samples.     

The increase of hydroxyproline-containing proteins in Jerusalem artichoke mitochondria during the development of cyanide-insensitive respiration

Mitochondria purified from freshly cut and from aged slices of Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain hydroxyproline proteins. These proteins are present in much higher amounts in mitochondria with KCN-insensitive respiration, i.e. in those from aged slices. It is suggested that the dependence of KCN-insensitive respiration on Vit. C is due to the fact that the development of this alternate oxidase requires the ascorbic acid-dependent synthesis of a hydroxyproline-containing mitochondrial protein.