Photographic database informs management of conflict tigers

The increasing interface between people and wildlife contributes to human–wildlife conflict in many conservation landscapes. In India animals suspected to be involved in conflict are often captured and translocated to different locations or zoological parks. A key concern in the capture of so-called problem animals has been the identification of individuals involved in conflict. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India Program, in collaboration with research partners, has aided government officials in this matter through its research on tigers in the Malenad Tiger Landscape, south-west India. As part of a research programme initiated in 1991, WCS India has formulated a protocol for individual identification of tigers, based on their stripe patterns. Using pattern-matching software that aids quick and reliable identification of tigers from photographs (Hiby et al., 2009, Biology Letters, 5, 383-386, a photographic database has been developed, with > 750 individually identified tigers from 60 protected areas totalling > 38,000 km2, and elsewhere, in India. Ancillary information on home ranges, activity patterns and sociobiology of conflict-tigers provides a unique opportunity for informed management of the species. This long-term, ongoing study is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India, Vision Group on Science & Technology of the Government of Karnataka, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York. Two recent cases of human–tiger conflict in the Malenad Tiger Landscape exemplify the utility of this database and long-term monitoring for conflict mitigation. One incident, on 27 December 2013, involved the loss of human life in Bandipur National Park, and the other, on 1-2 January 2014, involved the killing of cattle in a village adjoining Nagarahole National Park. In the latter incident a dead cow was used as bait to capture the tiger involved. In the incident in Bandipur photographs from camera traps set up in the area of conflict were matched to individuals in the database. One individual was identified in nine of the 15 photographs obtained and, as the location of conflict was well beyond its home range, it was identified as the conflict individual and was subsequently captured. The tigers from both incidents have been transferred to a nearby zoo. The Forest Department debated relocation of the individuals but this was not pursued. Both of the tigers involved in these incidents had been photographed previously multiple times. The tiger in Bandipur had been photographed over the last 5 years and was probably an old individual past its prime. The tiger in Nagarahole was 2–3 years old and had only been photographed in the previous year. The distances between the locations of previous photographs and the location of conflict were 4–8 km for the tiger in Bandipur and 35 km for the tiger in Nagarahole. The observation of the Nagarahole individual with another male in two photographs suggests that this individual was dispersing from its natal home range to establish a breeding territory. Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks have high tiger densities (10-15 tigers per 100 km2 ) with c. 20% of the population lost annually to mortality and emigration. It is likely that the Nagarahole individual was emigrating from the reserve. The infrequency of dispersal events, particularly in human-dominated landscapes such as the Malenad Tiger Landscape, suggests that the removal of the Nagarahole tiger, a potential long-distance disperser, may have detrimental effects on the long-term population viability of tigers in this landscape. In contrast, the removal of the Bandipur tiger will probably have negligible effects on the population, although any relocation into an existing tiger population would be likely to cause further conflict (Athreya et al.,2011, Conservation Biology, 25, 133–141). Mitigation of conflict is frequently ad hoc, with management authorities pressurized into quick but often ineffective action. In these two contrasting examples, alternative actions could have had very different consequences. In areas where data on the age, reproductive status and ranging patterns of conflict animals are available, this information should be used to direct conflict mitigation strategies such that they are maximally effective whilst inflicting least harm on species viability

Vascular Burden Predicts Gait, Mood, and Executive Function Disturbances in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results from the Gait and Brain Study

International audienc

Parental psychosocial aspects and stressors involved in the management of inborn errors of metabolism.

Parents of children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) face numerous psychosocial challenges. An increased understanding and awareness of these stressors can ensure better overall outcomes for the entire family. We conducted semi-structured, in-person interviews with ten parents to identify psychosocial stressors, strategies, and supports they utilized to overcome their challenges. Our interview guide was designed to elicit familial experiences during the pre- and post-diagnosis periods. The themes and sub-themes were identified through qualitative descriptive textual analysis of audio-recorded transcripts. Major themes identified include ambiguity of illness, changing family and spousal dynamics, and navigating the healthcare system. Sub-themes revolved around disease effects, psychological stressors, health systems, support, and facing the disease. Healthcare professionals have an opportunity to minimize the impact of negative emotional outcomes by assisting families as they navigate the experience of having a child with an IEM. Our findings can be used to develop and continue a more well-rounded, family-oriented framework for IEM management

Stereochemistry of gabapentin and several derivatives: solid state conformations and solution equilibria

Gabapentin (1-(aminomethyl)cycloheaxaneacetic acid; Gpn) is a widely used anti-epileptic drug. The target site of action of Gpn remains controversial. Gpn can exist in two isomeric chair forms. The crystal structures of Gpn 1 and eight derivatives, Gpn hydrochloride 2, Gpn lactam 3, Boc-Gpn-OH 4, Ac-Gpn-OH 5, Piv- Gpn-OH 6, Tosyl-Gpn-OH 7, Boc-Gpn-OSu 8 and Boc-Gpn-NHMe 9, are described. The aminomethyl group occupies an axial position in 1, 3, 6 and 7, while it lies in an equatorial orientation in 2, 4, 5 and 8. The structure of Boc-Gpn-NHMe 9 reveals that the crystals contain both chair forms of the derivative in the ratio 0.7:0.3, favouring the aminomethyl group in an axial position. In all cases, the torsional angles about the Cα–Cβ (θ1) and Cβ–Cγ (θ2) bonds of the g-amino acid residue are characteristic of a gauche, gauche (g, g) conformation. In solution, NMR studies establish rapid conformational exchange, as anticipated, at room temperature. Low temperature NMR studies permit conformational freezing and determination of the freeenergy difference between the two 1,1-disubstituted cyclohexane conformers. The largest free-energy difference is observed in the free amino acid (0.38 kcal mol–1), with the most stable conformer having the aminomethyl group in the equatorial position. The free-energy difference between the two forms is significantly reduced in the protected derivatives, with almost equal populations observed in solution for the fully protected neutral derivatives, Boc-Gpn-NHMe and Gpn lactam

Dioxin Exposure Blocks Lactation Through a Direct Effect on Mammary Epithelial Cells Mediated by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Repressor

In mammals, lactation is a rich source of nutrients and antibodies for newborn animals. However, millions of mothers each year experience an inability to breastfeed. Exposure to several environmental toxicants, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), has been strongly implicated in impaired mammary differentiation and lactation. TCDD and related polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are widespread industrial pollutants that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Despite many epidemiological and animal studies, the molecular mechanism through which AHR signaling blocks lactation remains unclear. We employed in vitro models of mammary differentiation to recapitulate lactogenesis in the presence of toxicants. We demonstrate AHR agonists directly block milk production in isolated mammary epithelial cells. Moreover, we define a novel role for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) in mediating this response. Our mechanistic studies suggest AHRR is sufficient to block transcription of the milk gene β-casein. Since TCDD is a prevalent environmental pollutant that affects women worldwide, our results have important public health implications for newborn nutrition

Percussion hemoglobinuria - a novel term for hand trauma-induced mechanical hemolysis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Extracorpuscular hemolysis caused by mechanical trauma has been well described in relation to lower extremity use, such as in soldiers and runners. Terms such as "march hemoglobinuria", "foot strike hemolysis" and "runners hemoglobinuria" have previously been coined and are easily recalled. Newer cases, however, are being identified in individuals vigorously using their upper extremities, such as drum players who use their hands to strike the instrument. Given the increased recognition of upper extremity-related mechanical hemolysis and hemoglobinuria in drummers, and the use of hand drumming worldwide, we would like introduce a novel term for this condition and call it "percussion hemoglobinuria".</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 24-year-old Caucasian man presented with reddish brown discoloration of his urine after playing the djembe drum. Urine examination after a rigorous practice session revealed blood on the dipstick, and 0 to 2 red blood cells per high power field microscopically. The urine sample was negative for myoglobulin. Other causes of hemolysis and hematuria were excluded and cessation of drum playing resulted in resolution of his symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The association of mechanical trauma-induced hemoglobinuria and playing hand percussion instruments is increasingly being recognized. We, however, feel that the true prevalence is higher than what has been previously recorded in the literature. By coining the term "percussion hemoglobinuria" we hope to raise the awareness of screening for upper extremity trauma-induced mechanical hemolysis in the evaluation of a patient with hemoglobinuria.</p

Incidence of Post-ablation Syndrome Following Image-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Study

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of post-ablation syndrome (fever and flu-like symptoms) and impact on the quality of life in the first 10 days following percutaneous image-guided cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all cryoablation procedures with biopsy proven RCC was conducted with institutional review board approval between 08/2012 and 04/2016. Sixty-four patients (43 males and 21 females) underwent cryoablation. Mean age was 68 (range 24–86). A telephone questionnaire survey was conducted on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 following cryoablation, and complications were recorded. Data collected included temperature, degree of flu-like symptoms, severity of pain, percentage of pain relief with analgesics, interference with general activity and with work (graded on a 0–10 Numeric Intensity Scale). Results: Following cryoablation, six patients (9%) out of 64 developed post-ablation syndrome. Thirty-three patients (52%) developed flu-like symptoms only, which completely resolved by day 10 in 25 patients (39%). One patient had pyrexia only, which was self- limiting by day 10. Twenty-four patients (38%) were asymptomatic. Pain (mean score = 2.1) and interference on general activities (mean score = 1.8) and work (mean score = 2) following cryoablation peaked on day 3 and improved subsequently. Forty-six patients (72%) had 90–100% pain relief by day 10. No major complications were observed. Conclusion: The full spectrum of post-ablation syndrome following cryoablation occurs in approximately 9% of patients; however, 61% of patients experience flu-like symptoms in the first 10 days, which are self-limiting

Quantitative estimation and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of macromolecules of Boswellia serrata

The present study was aimed to isolate and perform qualitative analysis of macromolecules present in Boswellia serrata followed by evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity by in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study. The oleo gum resin of B. serrata was pretreated with hexane, methanol and the obtained residue was extracted with water and the final dried powder was taken for macromolecule analysis. The macromolecules which comprise of polysaccharides, mucilages and proteins were quantitatively estimated and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study. From the current study, it was found that the macromolecules present in B. serrata majorly comprise of polysaccharides and mucilages with moderate quantity of proteins. The quantitative analysis of polysaccharides, mucilages and proteins were found 35.91%, 34% and 14.29%. From the in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study, it was found that the macromolecules showed 82.63% inhibition of IL-6. The identified macromolecules from B. serrata showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of IL- 6 and further need to confirm by in vivo study to qualify B. serrata macromolecules as a promising anti-inflammatory agent

Quantitative estimation and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of macromolecules of Boswellia serrata

940-943The present study was aimed to isolate and perform qualitative analysis of macromolecules present in Boswellia serrata followed by evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity by in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study. The oleo gum resin of B. serrata was pretreated with hexane, methanol and the obtained residue was extracted with water and the final dried powder was taken for macromolecule analysis. The macromolecules which comprise of polysaccharides, mucilages and proteins were quantitatively estimated and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study. From the current study, it was found that the macromolecules present in B. serrata majorly comprise of polysaccharides and mucilages with moderate quantity of proteins. The quantitative analysis of polysaccharides, mucilages and proteins were found 35.91%, 34% and 14.29%. From the in-vitro IL-6 ELISA study, it was found that the macromolecules showed 82.63% inhibition of IL-6. The identified macromolecules from B. serrata showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of IL- 6 and further need to confirm by in vivo study to qualify B. serrata macromolecules as a promising anti-inflammatory agent