BUTTERFLIES AND VERTEBRATE FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF THE AMBULUWAWA BIO·DIVERSITY COMPLEX

The Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex (ABC) was created recently on theAmbuluwawa Hill (elevation: 1071 meters) situated close to the Gampola Town, KandyDistrict. Its habitats include: lowland rainforest patches, grasslands with exposed rocks,a Pinus plantation, newly designed gardens, and several artificial pondsThe present study was carried out in this forest from 23rd January to 20th February of2003, with the objective of surveying the area's faunal diversity. The 'long transectmethod' was applied for faunal observations (both direct and indirect) along nature trailsin the forest patches and the planted forest, whereas random traversing was done in thegrassland. The observations were made once a week both in day and night times duringthe study period. The breadth of the long transect was restricted by the visibilitydetermined by the daylight and night lamps. Binoculars were used to observe birds. Inthe study of herpetofauna, hand nets were used and the animals were released afteridentification. No ichthyofauna could be observed other than the introduced fish found inthe artificial ponds.The results suggest the presence of the following altogether: 11mamalian species,including 01 endemic (within nine families),59 avian species including 07 endemic species (within 31 families),30 reptilian species including 13 endemic species (within eight families),13 amphibian species including 06 endemic species (within three families) and13 butterfly species including 02 endemic ones (within six families).The total number is 126 speciesOut of the above, 29 endemic species, 28 are nationally threatened. Moreover, there arealso two nationally threatened no-endemic species.It appears that since, the recent development of the Bio Diversity Complex the faunathere is highly threatened due to the construction activities such as rock blasting,deforestation and road development etc. Furthermore, the presence of visitors also has anegative effect on the fauna

HERPETO·FAU'NAL SURVEVOFTHE DEENSTON·NAVANAGALA NATURE TRAIL, THE KNUCKLES RANGE

A survey of amphibians and reptiles was carried out along the "Deenston-NavanagalaNature Trail" on the eastern slopes of the Knuckles Range (elevation: 915-1906 m)during the June-Oct period of 2003. The objective was to identify the amphibians andreptiles species in their micro-habitats of the studies area. The survey is important as SriLanka is an amphibian biodiversity hot spotThe survey was done both during day and night using the 'long transect method'. 'Visiblerange' (weather-dependent) determined the transect width. The species were caught foridentification (using hand nets) and released.12 amphibian species were recorded within three families. There were six endemic - allnationally threatened-including one in the endemic genus Lankanectus . Theirdistribution in the micro-habitat is:Litter: 2 spp.• Puddles: 2 spp.• Stream banks: 3 spp.• Tree holes: I sp.• Trunks: 2 spp,Litter and bushes: I sp., Litter and underneath logs: 1 sp.As for the reptiles the number of tetrapod species is 12 within three families. Out of 8endemic spceis 6 are nationally threatened.There were 17 serpentoid species within 4 families. Six are endemic and nationallythreatened. Their micro-habitat break down is:Tetrapod reptiles:Litter: 2 spp.. Trunks: 1 spp.Cardamom & trunks I sp.• Litter & beneath rocks 1 sp.. Trunk & beneath rocks I sp.•Trunk and Bushes 2 sp., Trunk and Rocks 2 sp.Serpentoid reptiles:Grasslands: 4 spp.• Litter: 5 spp., Log cavities; I sp., Puddles: 1 sp.,Sub persorial : 1 sp.• Tree holes: 1 sp.Grass and litter: I sp. Trunks.and bushes: 3 spp

A STUDY ON THE BUTTERFLY FAUNAL DIVERSITY IN VARIOUS FOREST HABITATS IN THE KNUCKLES FOREST RANGE

A butterfly faunal survey was conducted in the Deenston-Nawanagala Nature Trail areaon the eastern flank of the Knuckles Forest Range at a 915-1906m of elevation with theobjective of studying the butterfly faunal of the area in different habitat types.A field survey was carried out one day per month during August 2002 to August 2003period. Data collection was done using the 'long-transect method' containing thetransect width to the 'visible range' that varied according to the atmospheric conditionsThe following five major habitat types (Listed in the descending order of extent) wereidentified: Abandoned Tea Lands with Lime Grass, Lowland Semi-evergreen Forest, SubMontane Forest, Montane Forest and Abandoned Cardamom AreasThe total number of species recorded was 40 in seven familiesThis habitat distribution is as follows: Abandoned Tea Lands with Lime Grass: 27 spp.,Lowland Semi-evergreen Forest; 28, Sub Montane Forest; 18, Montane Forest; 9,Abandoned Cardamom Areas;13.Their distribution in the families is; Nymphalidae 12 spp., Papilionidae 8, Pieridae 6,Satyridae 6, Danaidae 5, Lycaenidae 2 and Riodinidae 1. Only the Family Nymphalidaeis found in all habitat types.Three of these species are endemic and altogether five species (Including the threeendemics) are nationally threatened.In the study area the butterfly fauna facing threats due to human and natural causes. Manmade fires occur in grasslands where 27 species (54%) are found. Cardamom cultivationis another factor. Strong winds in some seasons and forest dieback (especially inNawangala) are natural causes. The need for conserving this butterfly fauna ishighlighted in this paper

Genetic Variants of APOL1 Are Major Determinants of Kidney Failure in People of African Ancestry With HIV

INTRODUCTION: Variants of the APOL1 gene are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people of African ancestry, although evidence for their impact in people with HIV are sparse. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the association between APOL1 renal risk alleles and kidney disease in people of African ancestry with HIV in the UK. The primary outcome was end-stage kidney disease (ESKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of 30 mg/mmol), and biopsy-proven HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between APOL1 high-risk genotypes (G1/G1, G1/G2, G2/G2) and kidney disease outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2864 participants (mean age 48.1 [SD 10.3], 57.3% female) were genotyped, of whom, 354 (12.4%) had APOL1 high-risk genotypes, and 99 (3.5%) had ESKD. After adjusting for demographic, HIV, and renal risk factors, individuals with APOL1 high-risk genotypes were at increased odds of ESKD (odds ratio [OR] 10.58, 95% CI 6.22–17.99), renal impairment (OR 5.50, 95% CI 3.81–7.95), albuminuria (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.00–5.56), and HIVAN (OR 30.16, 95% CI 12.48–72.88). An estimated 49% of ESKD was attributable to APOL1 high-risk genotypes. CONCLUSION: APOL1 high-risk genotypes were strongly associated with kidney disease in people of African ancestry with HIV and accounted for approximately half of ESKD cases in this cohort

Sickle Cell Trait and Kidney Disease in People of African Ancestry With HIV

Introduction: Sickle cell trait (SCT) has been associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in African Americans, although evidence for its impact in Africans and people with HIV is currently lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the association between SCT and kidney disease in people of African ancestry with HIV in the UK. Methods: The primary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 50 mg/mmol), and albuminuria (albumin-to-creatinine ratio >3 mg/mmol). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between SCT and kidney disease outcomes. Results: A total of 2895 participants (mean age 48.1 [SD 10.3], 57.2% female) were included, of whom 335 (11.6%) had SCT and 352 (12.2%) had eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. After adjusting for demographic, HIV, and kidney risk factors including APOL1 high-risk genotype status, individuals with SCT were more likely to have eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (odds ratio 1.62 [95% CI 1.14–2.32]), eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (1.50 [1.14–1.97]), and albuminuria (1.50 [1.09–2.05]). Stratified by APOL1 status, significant associations between SCT and GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, eGFR <90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, proteinuria, and albuminuria were observed for those with APOL1 low-risk genotypes. Conclusion: Our results extend previously reported associations between SCT and kidney disease to people with HIV. In people of African ancestry with HIV, these associations were largely restricted to those with APOL1 low-risk genotypes

Case Reports1. A Late Presentation of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Beware of TGFβ Receptor Mutations in Benign Joint Hypermobility

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissections are not uncommon causes of sudden death in young adults. Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare, recently described, autosomal dominant, connective tissue disease characterized by aggressive arterial aneurysms, resulting from mutations in the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) receptor genes TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. Mean age at death is 26.1 years, most often due to aortic dissection. We report an unusually late presentation of LDS, diagnosed following elective surgery in a female with a long history of joint hypermobility. Methods: A 51-year-old Caucasian lady complained of chest pain and headache following a dural leak from spinal anaesthesia for an elective ankle arthroscopy. CT scan and echocardiography demonstrated a dilated aortic root and significant aortic regurgitation. MRA demonstrated aortic tortuosity, an infrarenal aortic aneurysm and aneurysms in the left renal and right internal mammary arteries. She underwent aortic root repair and aortic valve replacement. She had a background of long-standing joint pains secondary to hypermobility, easy bruising, unusual fracture susceptibility and mild bronchiectasis. She had one healthy child age 32, after which she suffered a uterine prolapse. Examination revealed mild Marfanoid features. Uvula, skin and ophthalmological examination was normal. Results: Fibrillin-1 testing for Marfan syndrome (MFS) was negative. Detection of a c.1270G > C (p.Gly424Arg) TGFBR2 mutation confirmed the diagnosis of LDS. Losartan was started for vascular protection. Conclusions: LDS is a severe inherited vasculopathy that usually presents in childhood. It is characterized by aortic root dilatation and ascending aneurysms. There is a higher risk of aortic dissection compared with MFS. Clinical features overlap with MFS and Ehlers Danlos syndrome Type IV, but differentiating dysmorphogenic features include ocular hypertelorism, bifid uvula and cleft palate. Echocardiography and MRA or CT scanning from head to pelvis is recommended to establish the extent of vascular involvement. Management involves early surgical intervention, including early valve-sparing aortic root replacement, genetic counselling and close monitoring in pregnancy. Despite being caused by loss of function mutations in either TGFβ receptor, paradoxical activation of TGFβ signalling is seen, suggesting that TGFβ antagonism may confer disease modifying effects similar to those observed in MFS. TGFβ antagonism can be achieved with angiotensin antagonists, such as Losartan, which is able to delay aortic aneurysm development in preclinical models and in patients with MFS. Our case emphasizes the importance of timely recognition of vasculopathy syndromes in patients with hypermobility and the need for early surgical intervention. It also highlights their heterogeneity and the potential for late presentation. Disclosures: The authors have declared no conflicts of interes

BIO DIVERSITY IN THE CLOUD FORESTS OF THE KNUCKLES RANGE

The Knuckles Mountain Range is situated in the Intermediate Zone between the latitudes7°181_7°341 and longitudes 80°411_80°551 within a 915-1906m elevation range in theMatalc District. The slopes directly exposed to monsoon winds receive a high amount ofrainfall (2725-4470 mm) per annum. Temperature in the area ranges between 25°C and27°C at lower altitudes and 18°C-20oC at higher altitudes.Data were collected in the two localities Nawanagala and Dcenston Nature trail in the submontaneand montane forests on the west facing slopes from 6 a. m. to 6 p.m. on 17th_18thAugust 2002.The trees are low in stature « 10m), gnarled and covered with lichens, mosses andepiphytic ferns. These plants represent the life forms; trees, shrubs, herbs, creepes/ lianas.Their dominant families arc Myrtaccac (Syzygium sp.), Rutaceac (Toddalia sp.), Clusiaccae(Calophyllum sp.), Orchidaceae (Eria bieolour) and Liliaccac (Asparagus sp.). The totalnumber of species observed exceed 35.The animal life is highly divcrcs too. The total number of species identified in study areawas 124 with 67 bird species (9 endemic), 2 fish (1 endemic), 20 butterflies (2 endemic),16 mammals (4 endemic), amphibians (6 endemic) and 19 reptiles.The Nawanagala and Deenston nature trail arc unique areas of island's bio diversityheritage. There are more plant and animal species, especially amphibians yet to beidentified. The area faces the threat of periodic fires triggered by people. Moreover, theDeenston nature trail experiences the problem of garbage. Therefore, the bio diversity ofthis unique area has to be conserved forfuture generations.

Epidemiology, presentation and outcome of patients with melioidosis in a tertiary care center

No abstract availabl