Control de la fertilidad en la vida salvaje: un nuevo paradigma para el tratamiento humano de los animales

A unique application of immunocontraception is the wildlife populations. While there are limitations to this technology, the PZP vaccine can successfully manage certain wildlife populations, humanely, and without lethal control

lmmunocontraception in White-Tailed Deer

lmmunocontraception may have management application for white-tailed deer populations in parks and preserves. where hunting 1s illegal or impractical. This study examines physiological aspects of immunocontraception with porcine zonae pellucidae in 53 fertile white-tailed does. In separate studies, we employed protocols of three and two porcine zonae pellucidae (PZP) injections as well as two different protocols using one injection. Each one-injection vaccination consisted of one dose of porcine zonae pellucidae as in other protocols plus a second controlled-release dose of the material delivered via an osmotic minipump implant or injected, biodegradable polymer microspheres. We monitored fawn production for 1 to 3 years in all does and measured serum PZP antibody titers at various times after treatment in 15 randomly selected PZP does and in 2 control does. All three-injection PZP does were give a single PZP booster inoculation after 1 year. None of the two- or three-injection does and none of the one-injection does with a minipump produced fawns the first year after treatment, whereas two of seven does given a single injection with controlled-release microspheres produced fawns. In 49 control-doe breeding seasons, the pooled incidence of fawn production was 93.8 percent. Regarding reversibility of infertility, the incidence of fawn production was 75 % within 2 years after treatment was discontinued. Serum anti-PZP antibody titers were present only after PZP treatment, and highest titers occurred in does given two or three separate PZP injections. PZP-treated does showing \u3e50% of maximal antibody titers at the onset of a breeding season did not produce fawns; those showing \u3c33% of maximal titers did. These data demonstrate in white-tailed does that (1)multiple-injection PZP vaccination can produce complete contraception for at least one breeding season, (2) the contraceptive effect is reversible within 2 years in most does, (3) an elevated anti-PZP antibody titer occurs after PZP vaccination, and (4) multiple-injection PZP vaccination produces a sustained antibody response through at least one breeding season. In separate field studies of wild, free-roaming deer in three locations, we successfully lured does to within darting range using bait stations. In two locations, we attempted and achieved remote delivery PZP vaccination of 60-9- percent of does. In the one location for which we have data on fawn production, the fawning incidence was 0/10, 6/9, and 8/9 for two- and one-injection porcine zonae pellucidae and untreated controls, respectively. In the same location, we monitored seasonal aspects of activity, behavior, and physical condition. We also determined that there is a good potential for remote assessment of pregnancy in does using measurement of pregnancy-specific elevations of steroid metabolites in fecal samples

lmmunocontraception in White-Tailed Deer

lmmunocontraception may have management application for white-tailed deer populations in parks and preserves. where hunting 1s illegal or impractical. This study examines physiological aspects of immunocontraception with porcine zonae pellucidae in 53 fertile white-tailed does. In separate studies, we employed protocols of three and two porcine zonae pellucidae (PZP) injections as well as two different protocols using one injection. Each one-injection vaccination consisted of one dose of porcine zonae pellucidae as in other protocols plus a second controlled-release dose of the material delivered via an osmotic minipump implant or injected, biodegradable polymer microspheres. We monitored fawn production for 1 to 3 years in all does and measured serum PZP antibody titers at various times after treatment in 15 randomly selected PZP does and in 2 control does. All three-injection PZP does were give a single PZP booster inoculation after 1 year. None of the two- or three-injection does and none of the one-injection does with a minipump produced fawns the first year after treatment, whereas two of seven does given a single injection with controlled-release microspheres produced fawns. In 49 control-doe breeding seasons, the pooled incidence of fawn production was 93.8 percent. Regarding reversibility of infertility, the incidence of fawn production was 75 % within 2 years after treatment was discontinued. Serum anti-PZP antibody titers were present only after PZP treatment, and highest titers occurred in does given two or three separate PZP injections. PZP-treated does showing \u3e50% of maximal antibody titers at the onset of a breeding season did not produce fawns; those showing \u3c33% of maximal titers did. These data demonstrate in white-tailed does that (1)multiple-injection PZP vaccination can produce complete contraception for at least one breeding season, (2) the contraceptive effect is reversible within 2 years in most does, (3) an elevated anti-PZP antibody titer occurs after PZP vaccination, and (4) multiple-injection PZP vaccination produces a sustained antibody response through at least one breeding season. In separate field studies of wild, free-roaming deer in three locations, we successfully lured does to within darting range using bait stations. In two locations, we attempted and achieved remote delivery PZP vaccination of 60-9- percent of does. In the one location for which we have data on fawn production, the fawning incidence was 0/10, 6/9, and 8/9 for two- and one-injection porcine zonae pellucidae and untreated controls, respectively. In the same location, we monitored seasonal aspects of activity, behavior, and physical condition. We also determined that there is a good potential for remote assessment of pregnancy in does using measurement of pregnancy-specific elevations of steroid metabolites in fecal samples

Porcine zona pellucida vaccine immunocontraception of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) cows : a review of 22 years of research

BACKGROUND : The native porcine zona pellucida (pZP) vaccine has been successfully used for immunocontraception of wild horses, white-tailed deer and approximately 90 zoo species for more than 25 years. OBJECTIVES : To provide proof of concept and test contraceptive efficacy of pZP in African elephants. Once completed, test the population and behavioural effects on cows in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve (GMPGR). Following the GMPGR, test efficacy, population effects, safety and reversibility in 25 reserves with populations ranging from 9 to 700 elephants. METHOD : Histological sections were reacted with anti-pZP antibodies to provide proof of concept. From 1996 to 2000, 21 and 10 cows were treated with pZP vaccine in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and monitored for pregnancy. Population effects of pZP with Freund’s adjuvants (three vaccinations in Year 1 with one annual booster) were studied on 18 cows in the GMPGR. Another six game reserves with a total of 90 cows were added to the project. The project was then expanded to include another 18 reserves. RESULTS : Binding of anti-pZP antibodies to elephant zona proteins was demonstrated in vitro. The KNP provided efficacy results of 56% and 80%, respectively. The contraceptive efficacy in the GMPGR and additional six reserves was 100% following calving of pregnant cows. Safety and lack of impact on social behaviour were demonstrated. In larger populations, efficacy was > 95%. CONCLUSION : Contraceptive efficacy and safety of pZP vaccine could be demonstrated in small to large populations. The methodology is now being implemented in approximately 800 cows on 26 reserves across South Arica.http://www.abcjournal.orgam2018Production Animal Studie

Lack of spatial and behavioral responses to immunocontraception application in African elephants (Loxodonta Africana)

Opinions are divided as to whether human intervention to control elephant (Loxodonta africana) population growth is desirable, partly because of elephant welfare concerns. Female contraception through immunization with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) proteins is viable. The effects of sustained use and application of the PZP vaccine on elephant behavioral and spatial responses were examined by evaluating herd ranging, fission–fusion dynamics, association patterns, and reproductive and sexual behaviors. Minimal change was anticipated as a result of long calf dependence on and association with cows, a reduced but not indefinite 0% growth rate and the known mechanism of action of PZP vaccines, and minimal expected change in resource requirements necessitating behavioral or spatial use adaptations. Although behavioral effects identified in previous hormonal contraceptive trials were evident, it was demonstrated that immunocontraception caused no prolonged behavioral, social, or spatial changes over the 11-yr study period. Individually identified elephants were monitored from 1999 to 2011. Minimal, short-term social disruption, with temporary changes to the herds’ core ranges, was observed during the annual treatment events, particularly in the first three treatment years, when vaccinations were conducted exclusively from the ground. Thereafter, when vaccinations were conducted aerially, minor disruptions were confined to the morning of administration only. Despite sustained treatments resulting in demographic changes of fewer calves being born, treatments did not alter spatial range use, and no adverse interherd–intraherd relations were observed. Similarly, resource requirements did not change as calving still occurred, although in fewer numbers. It was concluded that PZP immunocontraception has no detectable behavioral or social consequences in elephants over the course of 11 yr, providing a convincing argument for the use of sustained immunocontraception in the medium to long term as an important tool for elephant management. Behavioral consequences of alternative management approaches should all receive similar scrutiny to enable managers to make informed decisions when weighing management interventions.The Humane Society International. Ms. Delsink received a National Research Foundation Bursary through National Research Foundation Grants (reference numbers: 205623 and FA2006032300024) to Robert Slotow.http://zoowildlifejournal.com/am201

The Origin of a New Sex Chromosome by Introgression between Two Stickleback Fishes.

Introgression is increasingly recognized as a source of genetic diversity that fuels adaptation. Its role in the evolution of sex chromosomes, however, is not well known. Here, we confirm the hypothesis that the Y chromosome in the ninespine stickleback, Pungitius pungitius, was established by introgression from the Amur stickleback, P. sinensis. Using whole genome resequencing, we identified a large region of Chr 12 in P. pungitius that is diverged between males and females. Within but not outside of this region, several lines of evidence show that the Y chromosome of P. pungitius shares a most recent common ancestor not with the X chromosome, but with the homologous chromosome in P. sinensis. Accumulation of repetitive elements and gene expression changes on the new Y are consistent with a young sex chromosome in early stages of degeneration, but other hallmarks of Y chromosomes have not yet appeared. Our findings indicate that porous species boundaries can trigger rapid sex chromosome evolution

Detection of brown dwarf-like objects in the core of NGC3603

We use near-infrared data obtained with the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble Space Telescope to identify objects having the colors of brown dwarfs (BDs) in the field of the massive galactic cluster NGC 3603. These are identified through use of a combination of narrow and medium band filters spanning the J and H bands, and which are particularly sensitive to the presence of the 1.3-1.5{\mu}m H2O molecular band - unique to BDs. We provide a calibration of the relationship between effective temperature and color for both field stars and for BDs. This photometric method provides effective temperatures for BDs to an accuracy of {\pm}350K relative to spectroscopic techniques. This accuracy is shown to be not significantly affected by either stellar surface gravity or uncertainties in the interstellar extinction. We identify nine objects having effective temperature between 1700 and 2200 K, typical of BDs, observed J-band magnitudes in the range 19.5-21.5, and that are strongly clustered towards the luminous core of NGC 3603. However, if these are located at the distance of the cluster, they are far too luminous to be normal BDs. We argue that it is unlikely that these objects are either artifacts of our dataset, normal field BDs/M-type giants or extra-galactic contaminants and, therefore, might represent a new class of stars having the effective temperatures of BDs but with luminosities of more massive stars. We explore the interesting scenario in which these objects would be normal stars that have recently tidally ingested a Hot Jupiter, the remnants of which are providing a short-lived extended photosphere to the central star. In this case, we would expect them to show the signature of fast rotation.Comment: 26 Pages, 8 Figures, Accepted for publication on Ap

Early childhood epilepsies:epidemiology, classification, aetiology, and socio-economic determinants

Epilepsies of early childhood are frequently resistant to therapy and often associated with cognitive and behavioural comorbidity. Aetiology focused precision medicine, notably gene-based therapies, may prevent seizures and comorbidities. Epidemiological data utilizing modern diagnostic techniques including whole genome sequencing and neuroimaging can inform diagnostic strategies and therapeutic trials. We present a 3-year, multicentre prospective cohort study, involving all children under 3 years of age in Scotland presenting with epilepsies. We used two independent sources for case identification: clinical reporting and EEG record review. Capture-recapture methodology was then used to improve the accuracy of incidence estimates. Socio-demographic and clinical details were obtained at presentation, and 24 months later. Children were extensively investigated for aetiology. Whole genome sequencing was offered for all patients with drug-resistant epilepsy for whom no aetiology could yet be identified. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was used to determine associations between clinical features, aetiology, and outcome. Three hundred and ninety children were recruited over 3 years. The adjusted incidence of epilepsies presenting in the first 3 years of life was 239 per 100 000 live births [95% confidence interval (CI) 216–263]. There was a socio-economic gradient to incidence, with a significantly higher incidence in the most deprived quintile (301 per 100 000 live births, 95% CI 251–357) compared with the least deprived quintile (182 per 100 000 live births, 95% CI 139–233), χ2 odds ratio = 1.7 (95% CI 1.3–2.2). The relationship between deprivation and incidence was only observed in the group without identified aetiology, suggesting that populations living in higher deprivation areas have greater multifactorial risk for epilepsy. Aetiology was determined in 54% of children, and epilepsy syndrome was classified in 54%. Thirty-one per cent had an identified genetic cause for their epilepsy. We present novel data on the aetiological spectrum of the most commonly presenting epilepsies of early childhood. Twenty-four months after presentation, 36% of children had drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and 49% had global developmental delay (GDD). Identification of an aetiology was the strongest determinant of both DRE and GDD. Aetiology was determined in 82% of those with DRE, and 75% of those with GDD. In young children with epilepsy, genetic testing should be prioritized as it has the highest yield of any investigation and is most likely to inform precision therapy and prognosis. Epilepsies in early childhood are 30% more common than previously reported. Epilepsies of undetermined aetiology present more frequently in deprived communities. This likely reflects increased multifactorial risk within these populations

Incidence and phenotypes of childhood-onset genetic epilepsies:a prospective population-based national cohort

Epilepsy is common in early childhood. In this age group it is associated with high rates of therapy-resistance, and with cognitive, motor, and behavioural comorbidity. A large number of genes, with wide ranging functions, are implicated in its aetiology, especially in those with therapy-resistant seizures. Identifying the more common single-gene epilepsies will aid in targeting resources, the prioritization of diagnostic testing and development of precision therapy. Previous studies of genetic testing in epilepsy have not been prospective and population-based. Therefore, the population-incidence of common genetic epilepsies remains unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and phenotypic spectrum of the most common single-gene epilepsies in young children, and to calculate what proportion are amenable to precision therapy. This was a prospective national epidemiological cohort study. All children presenting with epilepsy before 36 months of age were eligible. Children presenting with recurrent prolonged (>10 min) febrile seizures; febrile or afebrile status epilepticus (>30 min); or with clusters of two or more febrile or afebrile seizures within a 24-h period were also eligible. Participants were recruited from all 20 regional paediatric departments and four tertiary children’s hospitals in Scotland over a 3-year period. DNA samples were tested on a custom-designed 104-gene epilepsy panel. Detailed clinical information was systematically gathered at initial presentation and during follow-up. Clinical and genetic data were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and genetic scientists. The pathogenic significance of the genetic variants was assessed in accordance with the guidelines of UK Association of Clinical Genetic Science (ACGS). Of the 343 patients who met inclusion criteria, 333 completed genetic testing, and 80/333 (24%) had a diagnostic genetic finding. The overall estimated annual incidence of single-gene epilepsies in this well-defined population was 1 per 2120 live births (47.2/100 000; 95% confidence interval 36.9–57.5). PRRT2 was the most common single-gene epilepsy with an incidence of 1 per 9970 live births (10.0/100 000; 95% confidence interval 5.26–14.8) followed by SCN1A: 1 per 12 200 (8.26/100 000; 95% confidence interval 3.93–12.6); KCNQ2: 1 per 17 000 (5.89/100 000; 95% confidence interval 2.24–9.56) and SLC2A1: 1 per 24 300 (4.13/100 000; 95% confidence interval 1.07–7.19). Presentation before the age of 6 months, and presentation with afebrile focal seizures were significantly associated with genetic diagnosis. Single-gene disorders accounted for a quarter of the seizure disorders in this cohort. Genetic testing is recommended to identify children who may benefit from precision treatment and should be mainstream practice in early childhood onset epilepsy

The James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Twenty-six years ago a small committee report, building on earlier studies, expounded a compelling and poetic vision for the future of astronomy, calling for an infrared-optimized space telescope with an aperture of at least $4m$. With the support of their governments in the US, Europe, and Canada, 20,000 people realized that vision as the $6.5m$ James Webb Space Telescope. A generation of astronomers will celebrate their accomplishments for the life of the mission, potentially as long as 20 years, and beyond. This report and the scientific discoveries that follow are extended thank-you notes to the 20,000 team members. The telescope is working perfectly, with much better image quality than expected. In this and accompanying papers, we give a brief history, describe the observatory, outline its objectives and current observing program, and discuss the inventions and people who made it possible. We cite detailed reports on the design and the measured performance on orbit.Comment: Accepted by PASP for the special issue on The James Webb Space Telescope Overview, 29 pages, 4 figure