Hanna Marie Resvoll-Holmsen: a pioneer in Svalbard

This year is a kind of anniversary for the Norwegian Polar Institute: its establishment can be traced back to Svalbard expeditions sponsored by Prince Albert I of Monaco in 1906 and 1907. In this unreviewed biographical article, biologist Eva Fuglei, who has spent many seasons on Spitsbergen (where her research has focused on Arctic foxes), and the editor describe part of the uncommon life of botanist Hanna Marie Resvoll-Holmsen, who participated in the 1907 expedition

First videos of endemic Zanzibar servaline genet Genetta servalina archeri, African palm civet Nandinia binotata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Viverridae) and other small carnivores on Unguja Island, Tanzania

The faunal diversity of the densely populated island of Unguja, Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania, includes several endemic mammals. Camera-trapping in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve in September 2017 captured the first video footage of the Zanzibar Servaline Genet Genetta servalina archeri, an endemic subspecies first formally described in 1998. Other native small carnivores were also recorded on video for the first time during this survey, including the African Palm Civet Nandinia binotata, which was first documented in print as present in Unguja in 2004. Also camera-trapped in 2017 were the Zanzibar Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus rufescens and the Zanzibar Bushy-tailed Mongoose Bdeogale crassicauda tenuis. Follow-up cameratrapping in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park in August 2018 captured additional video of the Zanzibar Servaline Genet and the African Palm Civet. No images were obtained of the African Civet Civettictis civetta, or of the two introduced species—the Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo and the Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica—in either year. As the remaining natural habitat in Zanzibar shrinks in size and becomes fragmented, it is increasingly urgent to document the archipelago’s carnivores and other fauna, so that sound conservation measures can be implemented

In vivo study of experimental pneumococcal meningitis using magnetic resonance imaging

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods were evaluated as a tool for the study of experimental meningitis. The identification and characterisation of pathophysiological parameters that vary during the course of the disease could be used as markers for future studies of new treatment strategies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rats infected intracisternally with <it>S. pneumoniae </it>(n = 29) or saline (n = 13) were randomized for imaging at 6, 12, 24, 30, 36, 42 or 48 hours after infection. T1W, T2W, quantitative diffusion, and post contrast T1W images were acquired at 4.7 T. Dynamic MRI (dMRI) was used to evaluate blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability and to obtain a measure of cerebral and muscle perfusion. Clinical- and motor scores, bacterial counts in CSF and blood, and WBC counts in CSF were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>MR images and dMRI revealed the development of a highly significant increase in BBB permeability (P < 0.002) and ventricle size (P < 0.0001) among infected rats. Clinical disease severity was closely related to ventricle expansion (P = 0.024).</p> <p>Changes in brain water distribution, assessed by ADC, and categorization of brain 'perfusion' by cortex ΔSI_(bolus)were subject to increased inter-rat variation as the disease progressed, but without overall differences compared to uninfected rats (P > 0.05). Areas of well-'perfused' muscle decreased with the progression of infection indicative of septicaemia (P = 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The evolution of bacterial meningitis was successfully followed <it>in-vivo </it>with MRI. Increasing BBB-breakdown and ventricle size was observed in rats with meningitis whereas changes in brain water distribution were heterogeneous. MRI will be a valuable technique for future studies aiming at evaluating or optimizing adjunctive treatments</p

Review of A complete guide to Arctic wildlife, by Richard Sale

A complete guide to Arctic wildlife is a lavishly illustrated, highly informative and comprehensive volume that will be an important addition to the library of anyone with a deep and abiding interest in Arctic natural history

Review of The North Pole was here: puzzles and perils at the top of the world, by Andrew C. Revkin

Ever wondered what the men&rsquo;s toilet at Camp Borneo, a temporary Russian camp on the ice about 96 km from the North Pole, consists of? In The North Pole was here, Andrew Revkin reveals this&mdash;&ldquo;a waist high igloo-style wall of ice blocks&rdquo; (p. 16)&mdash;and other details of the fi eld conditions experienced by scientists who carry out research near the very top of the world

Foreword

One hundred years ago the union between Norway and Sweden was peacefully dissolved. After centuries of domination - first by the Danish kingdom, then by Swedes - in 1905 Norway stood on its own two feet at last

Polar Research’s referees

It is once again time to thank all the scientists&mdash; not only those whose names are printed on the following pages&mdash;who have kindly served as referees for Polar Research during the last couple of years