bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractionator analysis shows loss of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of macaques infected with neurovirulent simian immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Berman  , Raymond  , Warren  , Raghavan  , Joag  , Narayan  , Cheney
Published: March 2003

N.E.J. Berman, L.A. Raymond, K.A. Warren, R. Raghavan, S.V. Joag, O. Narayan and P.D. Cheney† (1998) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology24, 44–52

Fractionator analysis shows loss of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of macaques infected with neurovirulent simian immunodeficiency virus

Infection of macaques with neurovirulent strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac) is an experimental model for the neurological manifestations of AIDS. Loss of neurons has been reported in the cerebral cortex following immunodeficiency viral infection, but thalamic structures which may contribute to electrophysiological changes and neurological deficits have not been examined. In this study, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of macaques inoculated with macrophage‐tropic, neurovirulent virus SIVmac239 (R71 and 17E) was examined for neuron loss using the optical fractionator method. Estimates of the number of neurons in the P layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus of age‐matched control macaques ranged from 1.0 to 1.3 × 106, while the number of neurons in SIV infected macaques ranged from 0.8 to 1.1 × 106, reflecting neuron loss of up to 28%. Neuron loss was not observed in the magnocellular layers. The total number of glia and glial density were unchanged. Loss of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus was correlated with the pattern of neuropathological changes. Neuron loss was most severe in animals with encephalitis concentrated in the brain stem and subcortical white matter and was less apparent in animals with diffuse encephalitis. Neuron loss in the lateral geniculate nucleus did not explain changes observed in the visual evoked potential, which was severely affected in two animals which showed a loss of 24 and 26%, while it was normal in a third animal which showed neuron loss of 28%.
Constitutive and visna virus induced expression of class I and II major histocompatibility complex antigens in the central nervous system of sheep and their role in the pathogenesis of visna lesions
Authors: Bergsteinsdóttir  , Árnadóttir  , Torsteinsdóttir  , Agnarsdóttir  , Andrésdóttir  , Pétursson  , Georgsson
Published: March 2003

Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens was studied in the brains of 10 healthy sheep 2 months to 5 years old and 13 sheep infected with visna virus by intracerebral inoculation and killed one and 6 months post infection (p.i.). In healthy sheep there was prominent expression of class I, mainly on endothelial cells but also detected on ependyma, choroid plexus and in the leptomeninges. Class II expression was sparse. It was observed on perivascular cells, in choroid plexus, leptomeninges and on microglial cells in the white matter. No definite increase with age in the constitutive expression of class I and II was observed, confirming that we are dealing with a true constitutive expression. In visna‐infected sheep a considerable induction of MHC antigens on microglia was observed, which correlated with severity of lesions and was mainly found in or adjacent to inflammatory infiltrates of the white matter. Increase in class II antigen expression was detected in all sheep but class I only in sheep with the most severe lesions 6 months p.i., an indication of a higher threshold for induction of class I than class II antigens on microglia. Few cells expressed viral antigens, indicating that direct immune‐mediated destruction of infected cells plays a minor role in evolution of lesions. Since the preferential induction of MHC antigens on microglia in the white matter correlated with the lesion pattern, activated microglia may play a considerable role in the pathogenesis of lesions.
Differential expression of transforming growth factor‐β isoforms in human prion diseases
Authors: Tashiro  , Doh‐ura  , Iwaki
Published: March 2003

To examine the involvement of transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) in the pathogenesis of prion diseases, immunohistochemical studies on both TGF‐β isoforms (β1, β2 and β3) and TGF‐β receptor type II (TGF‐βRII) were performed on the cerebral neocortices of 20 cases with human prion diseases, three cases with Alzheimer’s disease, and five control cases. TGF‐β2 immunoreactivity was thus detected in most neurons and astrocytes in all observed cases of prion disease. TGF‐β3 immunoreactivity in the astrocytes and TGF‐βRII in the neurons were also detected in 17 of 20 cases with prion diseases. These immunoreactivities had increased markedly regarding the intensity and the number of positive cells in comparison to the control cases, but they were indistinguishable from those observed in Alzheimer’s disease cases. In contrast, the TGF‐β1 immunostaining did not show any apparent difference. Among the cases with prion diseases, however, no significant correlation was revealed between the immunohistochemical results and the clinical and pathological features. The results showed that TGF‐β isoforms thus appear to be differentially involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases in a similar manner to that of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, two cases of prion disease in which pathological findings were free from astrogliosis and neuronal cell degeneration in the cerebral cortices also showed an increased immunoreactivity for TGF‐β2. Thus, this result suggests that TGF‐β2 may be involved in the early stages of neuronal cell degeneration in prion diseases.
Temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat: consistent protocol for a model of stroke and reperfusion
Authors: Aspey B. S. , Taylor F. L. , Terruli M. , Harrison M. J. G.
Published: March 2003

The intraluminal suture method of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in the rat (the suture model) is a model of stroke which readily lends itself to studying the pathophysiology of post‐ischaemic reperfusion. Unfortunately, variability of outcome has compromised the potential of the model, but systematic studies might characterize a consistent protocol. Therefore, the clinical and neuropathological outcome of temporary MCAO and reperfusion in the suture model were systematically investigated. Two hours or 4 h of MCAO were employed, measuring the extent of infarction at 24 h with triphenyltetrazolium chloride or at 72 h with histopathological techniques. Outcome was compared in three rat strains. Following 2 h of MCAO, motor function improved during reperfusion in Sprague–Dawley, but not in Wistar or Fischer‐344 rats. All Sprague–Dawley and Wistar rats survived the protocol to 72 h, but 33% of Fischer‐344 rats died. The extents of infarction and oedema were greater and less variable in Wistar and Fischer‐344 than Sprague–Dawley rats, and in all three strains, the extent of infarction increased with reperfusion time. Following 4 h of MCAO, there was no improvement in motor function during reperfusion in Sprague–Dawley rats, and mortality was high at 24 h in Wistar (33%) and Fischer‐344 rats (83%). Outcome was only pursued in Sprague–Dawley rats to 72 h, where the extent of infarction was quite variable. It was concluded that the extent and variability of outcome following temporary MCAO in the suture model is strain‐dependent, and a consistent protocol with zero mortality was found in Wistar rats using 2 h of MCAO and 70 h of reperfusion.
Differential expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in chronic murine retroviral encephalitis
Authors: Dallasta L. M. , Wang G. , Bodnar R. J. , Draviam R. , Wiley C. A. , Achim C. L. , Hamilton R. L.
Published: March 2003

The cell adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1, are important mediators of immune interactions within the central nervous system (CNS). A wide variety of pro‐inflammatory insults to the brain, including viral infection, result in upregulation of these molecules on brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. This study investigated the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in chronic encephalitis induced by infection with a temperature sensitive (ts‐1) strain of Moloney murine leukaemia virus (MoMuLV), an ecotropic murine retrovirus. During the late stages of disease, viral antigen was present in both endothelial cells and microglia, but not astrocytes, in regions of spongiform change and gliosis. In these areas, ICAM‐1 staining was detected on activated microglia, but not on endothelial cells or astrocytes. In contrast, no cells showed increased VCAM‐1 expression in the CNS. These findings demonstrate that there is cell‐specific, differential expression of these adhesion molecules in ts‐1 retroviral encephalitis. The lack of endothelial cell expression correlates with the characteristic lack of lymphocytic infiltrate in this chronic retroviral encephalitis and suggests that increased microglial ICAM‐1 expression may play a role in the pathogenesis of MoMuLV (ts‐1)‐mediated neurodegeneration.
CXCR3 expression in human central nervous system diseases
Authors: Goldberg S. H. , Van Der Meer P. , Hesselgesser J. , Jaffer S. , Kolson D. L. , Albright A. V. , González‐Scarano F. , Lavi E.
Published: March 2003

The CXCR3 chemokine receptor, expressed on activated T lymphocytes, is seen within the central nervous system (CNS) in inflammatory conditions where a T‐cell response is prominent. However, the distribution of CXCR3 in parenchymal CNS cells is unknown. Using a monoclonal antibody against CXCR3 and post‐mortem tissue of patients with and without CNS pathology, we have determined its expression pattern. CXCR3 was found in subpopulations of cells morphologically consistent with astrocytes, particularly reactive astrocytes, and in cerebellar Purkinje cells. It was also detected in arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells, particularly in areas associated with atherosclerotic plaques. CXCR3‐positive astrocytes were particularly prominent in the CNS of HIV‐positive patients, in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), in ischaemic infarcts and in astrocytic neoplasms. Immunofluorescence studies of mixed adult primary glial cultures and fetal glial cultures also showed expression of CXCR3 in astrocytes. CXCR3 mRNA was detected in Purkinje cells by in situ hybridization with a CXCR3‐specific probe. Thus, the predominant expression of CXCR3 in reactive astrocytes may indicate that it plays a role in the development of reactive gliosis in a variety of infectious, inflammatory, vascular and neoplastic processes in the CNS. The relationship between CXCR3 expression in astrocytes to its expression in Purkinje cells, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells is yet to be determined.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression in human glioblastomas correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression
Authors: Munaut C. , Boniver J. , Foidart J.‐M. , Deprez M.
Published: March 2003

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a peptide released upon hypothalamo–pituitary stimulation that acts as a potent endogenous antagonist of the glucocorticoid inhibition of acute inflammatory response and subsequent antigen‐specific response. MIF also sustains tumour growth as it promotes angiogenesis, overcomes p53‐mediated cell growth arrest and inhibits tumour‐specific immune responses. Using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry, we studied MIF expression in 35 human glioblastomas and two normal brains. We compared these results with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most potent angiogenic factor in glioblastomas. We detected MIF in normal cortical neurons and glial cells. All glioblastomas were positive for MIF mRNA with expression levels similar to or higher than those of normal brain. MIF immunoreactivity was seen mainly in tumour cells and less frequently in hyperplastic endothelial cells. The expressions of MIF and VEGF mRNA were strongly correlated (P < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate the expression of MIF in human glioblastomas, and indicate a close relationship with VEGF expression. This is of particular interest given the potential modulation of MIF by glucocorticosteroids.
In vivo investigations of presenilin 1: from development to pathology
Authors: Bresciani L. G. , Walsh D. T. , Jen L. S. , Gentleman S. M.
Published: March 2003

Mutations in the presenilin 1 (PS1) gene are responsible for most cases of familial Alzheimer's disease. Although the biological functions of PS1 are not yet fully understood, it appears that the protein plays a role in the processing/trafficking of proteins such as Notch 1, Ire 1 and the amyloid precursor protein. The fact that PS1 knockout mice are not viable and have obvious developmental abnormalities has raised the possibility that the protein has an important role in development and programmed cell death. To investigate a possible role for PS1 in programmed cell death during development, we have studied the expression of this protein in the mammalian retina. During the course of retinal development, there were consistent changes in the distribution of PS1 immunoreactive cells evident at times when processes of lamination and differentiation were under way. There was little correlation between the changes in PS1 expression and the appearance of cells undergoing apoptotic cell death, as visualized using the TUNEL technique. This would suggest that the protein does not play a major role in developmental programmed cell death. In addition, using Western blot analysis, we detected a change in the pattern of PS1 proteolytic fragments, suggestive of an alternative cleavage site in the PS1 molecule that is developmentally regulated. Previous work performed in our laboratory showed that injection of aggregated Aβ into the vitreous body of the rat eye induces apoptotic cell death of specific neuronal populations of the retina. Interestingly, cells that normally express PS1, in the ganglion cell layer, were spared. Using Western blot analysis, we detected an increase in a fragment of PS1 in eyes injected with Aβ. This raises the possibility that, far from being pro‐apoptotic, PS1 acts as a stress response protein and this may account for the resistance of ganglion cells to Aβ neurotoxicity.
The pathology of the spinal cord in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Vitaliani R. , Scaravilli T. , Scaravilli F. , An S. F. , Pramstaller P. P.
Published: March 2003

Introduction:  We describe the results of a study of the spinal cord of five patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Materials and methods:  Routine, immuno‐histochemical and morphometric methods were used.

Results:  Examination of the sixth cervical, seventh thoracic and fifth lumbar segments revealed a variable degree of gliosis and density of neuropil threads (NTs), nerve cell loss and diffuse presence of tau‐positive cytoplasmic staining of neurons, some of which were reminiscent of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and predominated in laminae V–VII and X of the cord. Morphometric study revealed 47, 52 and 32% decrease in cell numbers in the motor area (lamina IX) at the three spinal levels, respectively, and 39% in the intermediolateral column.

Conclusions:  This is the first report describing severe neuronal loss throughout the whole spinal cord in patients with PSP and its results are in keeping with a previous study of the nucleus of Onufrowicz. We analyse the reasons why cell loss fails to produce clinical symptoms, and consider the clinicopathological correlations between anatomical changes and dystonia. On the basis of existing data, we conclude that previous suggestions, implicating spinal interneurons in the pathogenesis of dystonia, should not be supported.
Tau phosphorylation and kinase activation in familial tauopathy linked to deln296 mutation
Authors: Ferrer I. , Pastor P. , Rey M. J. , Muñoz E. , Puig B. , Pastor E. , Oliva R. , Tolosa E.
Published: March 2003

I. Ferrer, P. Pastor, M. J. Rey, E. Muñoz, B. Puig, E. Pastor, R. Oliva and E. Tolosa (2003) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 29, 23–34

 Tau phosphorylation and kinase activation in familial tauopathy linked to deln296 mutation

Tau phosphorylation has been examined by immunohistochemistry in the brain of a patient affected with familial tauopathy with progressive supranuclear palsy‐like phenotype linked to the delN296 mutation in the tau gene. Phospho‐specific tau antibodies Thr181, Ser202, Ser214, Ser396 and Ser422, and antibodies to glycogen synthase kinase‐3α/β (GSK‐3α/β) and to phosphorylated (P) mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK), stress‐activated protein kinase/c‐Jun N ‐terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), p38 kinase (p38) and GSK‐3βSer9 have been used to gain understanding of the identification of phosphorylation sites, as well as of the specific kinases that regulate tau phosphorylation at those specific sites, in a familial tauopathy. The neuropathological examination disclosed atrophy of the right precentral gyrus and the brainstem. Neurone loss and gliosis were observed in the substantia nigra, several nuclei of the brainstem and diencephalon. Hyper‐phosphorylated tau accumulated in neurones with neurofibrillary tangles and in neurones with pretangles in the substantia nigra, locus ceruleus, peri‐aqueductal grey matter, reticular formation, motor nuclei of the brainstem, and thalamus, amygdala and hippocampus. tau ‐immunoreactive astrocytes and, particularly, oligodendrocytes with coiled bodies were widespread in the brainstem, diencephalons, cerebral white matter and cerebral cortex. Increased expression of MAPK/ERK‐P, SAPK/JNK‐P, p‐38‐P and GSK‐3β‐P was observed in select subpopulations of neurones with neurofibrillary tangles and in neurones with pretangles. MAPK/ERK‐P, SAPK/JNK‐P, p38‐P and GSK‐3β‐P were also expressed in tau ‐containing astrocytes and in oligodendrocytes with coiled bodies. These findings show, for the first time, activation of precise kinases that regulate tau phosphorylation at specific sites in familial tauopathy.
Status of the Indus River dolphin Platanista minor
Authors: Reeves Randall R. , Chaudhry Abdul Aleem
Published: March 2003

The endemic freshwater dolphins in the Indus River system of Pakistan, Platanista minor, have been considered endangered since the early 1970s. Measures taken to protect them from deliberate capture seem to have stopped a rapid decline, and combined counts in Sindh and Punjab provinces since the early 1980s suggest a total population of at least a few hundred animals. Severe problems remain, however. In addition to the risks inherent to any species with an effective population size in the low hundreds (at most), these dolphins are subject to long-term threats associated with living in an artificially controlled waterway used intensively by humans. Irrigation barrages partition the aggregate population into discrete subpopulations for much of the year. Dolphins that ‘escape’ during the flood season into irrigation canals or into reaches downstream of barrages where winter water levels are low have little chance of survival. A few dolphins probably die each year after being caught in fishing nets. Pollution by untreated urban sewage, agricultural runoff and industrial effluent threatens the health of the entire Indus system. The future of this dolphin species depends on Pakistan's commitment to protecting biological diversity in the face of escalating human demands on dwindling resources.
Status and conservation of the sun-tailed guenonCercopithecus solatus, Gabon's endemic monkey
Authors: Brugière David , Gautier Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2003

The conservation status of the sun-tailed guenonCercopithecus solatus, which is endemic to central Gabon, is assessed using the most recent information available. The known range of the species covers 11,000–12,000 sq km, an area with a sparse human population but where the logging activity is widespread. There is no evidence of a recent reduction of the population size of this monkey, mainly because trees are extracted at a low rate (1–2 trees/ha), which does not cause a significant change in the forest composition and structure, and because hunting pressure is currently low. Moreover, the species is suspected to be able to thrive in degraded secondary forests. Consequently, the sun-tailed guenon does not appear to be under immediate risk of extinction. The conservation actions undertaken to date are described and the threats that may affect the monkey in the near future are discussed. Commercial bush-meat hunting is considered to be the most serious threat for the species. Recommendations for the conservation of wild populations and habitat are proposed, and emphasis is placed on co-operation with the forestry companies that are the main economic actors in the species's range.
Mortality incident in northern bald ibis Geronticus eremita in Morocco in May 1996
Authors: Touti Jamal , Oumellouk Fatima , Bowden Christopher G. R. , Kirkwood James K. , Smith Ken W.
Published: March 2003

In May 1996 there was an acute and dramatic mortality incident in the last remaining wild population of northern bald ibis Geronticus eremita. This species is Critically Endangered, comprising only about 250 wild individuals, which occur on the Atlantic coast of southern Morocco. Over a period of 10 days a total of 38 adult birds (aged 1 year or more) died or disappeared. Deaths, probably secondary to the loss of one or both parent birds, also occurred subsequently in six estlings and one recent fledgling. The incident appeared to involve no other species. This paper describes the pattern of the incident, and pathological, microbiological and toxicological investigations and findings. Several features point to a toxic aetiology but the cause of the incident has not been established.
The Itombwe Massif, Democratic Republic of Congo: biological surveys and conservation, with an emphasis on Grauer's gorilla and birds endemic to the Albertine Rift
Authors: Omari Ilambu , Hart John A. , Butynski Thomas M. , Birhashirwa N. R. , Upoki Agenonga , M'Keyo Yuma , Bengana Faustin , Bashonga Mugunda , Bagurubumwe Norbert
Published: March 2003

In 1996, the first major biological surveys in the Itombwe Massif in over 30 years revealed that significant areas of natural habitat and remnant faunal populations remain, but that these are subject to ongoing degradation and over-exploitation. At least 10 areas of gorillaGorilla gorilla grauerioccurrence, including eight of 17 areas identified during the first survey of the species in the massif in 1959, were found. Seventy-nine gorilla nest sites were recorded and at least 860 gorillas were estimated to occupy the massif. Fifty-six species of mammals were recorded. Itombwe supports the highest representation, of any area, of bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift highlands. Twenty-two of these species were recorded during the surveys, including the Congo bay owlPhodilus prigoginei, which was previously known from a single specimen collected in Itombwe nearly 50 years ago. No part of Itombwe is officially protected and conservation initiatives are needed urgently. Given the remoteness and continuing political instability of the region, conservation initiatives must collaborate with traditional authorities based in the massif, and should focus at the outset on protecting the gorillas and limiting further degradation of key areas.
Forest loss and fragmentation in the Amazon: implications for wildlife conservation
Authors: Laurance William F. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Lovejoy Thomas E.
Published: March 2003

Amazonian forests are experiencing rapid, unprecedented changes that are having major impacts on wildlife, regional hydrology and the global climate. Rates of deforestation and logging have accelerated in recent years and patterns of forest loss are changing, with extensive new highways providing conduits for settlers and loggers into the heart of the Amazon basin. These myriad changes are causing widespread fragmentation of forests. Fragmented landscapes in the Amazon experience diverse changes in forest dynamics, structure, composition and microclimate, and are highly vulnerable to droughts and fires—alterations that negatively affect a wide variety of animal species. In human-dominated lands intensive hunting may interact synergistically with fragmentation to further threaten wildlife populations.
The present-day Egyptian ivory trade
Authors: Martin Esmond
Published: March 2003

There are probably more illegal ivory items for sale in Egypt than anywhere else in Africa. The author visited the main tourist centres of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan in late 1998 and counted over 21,000 ivory items for sale. Most of the ivory has come from elephants hunted illegally in Central and West Africa. Traders still transport the raw tusks, by truck and on camels, through Sudan across the desert into Egypt. Since the 1990 CITES ban on the international commercial ivory trade, Egypt, a member state, has prohibited not only the import and export of ivory but domestic trade as well. Ivory sales continue openly, however, in the markets and hotels, and new ivory items are still being made. The main buyers are from France, Italy, Spain and Latin America. The Egyptian Government must enforce its legislation against this ivory trade to reduce the serious elephant poaching in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
Population declines of Przewalski's gazelle around Qinghai Lake, China
Authors: Jiang Zhigang , Li Diqiang , Wang Zuwang
Published: March 2003

Przewalski's gazelleProcapra przewalskiiis endemic to China and is classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN—The World Conservation Union. Historically, the species occurred in parts of the provinces of Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Qinghai but now appears to be restricted to three populations around Qinghai Lake. These three populations— Bird Island, Hudong–Ketu and Yuanzhe—have all declined since 1988. The populations have been monitored since 1994 and the smallest, on Bird Island, appears to be on the brink of extinction, with only seven individuals being recorded in 1998. In the same year, the Hudong–Ketu population comprised 56 individuals (29.4 per cent males, 50 per cent females and 21 per cent juveniles) and the Yuanzhe population 51 individuals (29.4 per cent males, 43.1 per cent females and 27.5 per cent juveniles). The causes of the declines vary for each population but include loss of habitat as a result of desertification, poaching and, possibly, wolf predation. Human activity and high juvenile mortality are major threats to the continued survival of the gazelle. Conservation measures proposed are: (i) the establishment of a special reserve for Przewalski's gazelle; (ii) a study of the wolf-gazelle relationship and control of the number of wolves if necessary; (iii) a search for remnant populations of Przewalski's gazelle in other regions in their historical range and the identification of suitable sites for translocation and establishment of new populations.
A survey of bonobos and other large mammals in the Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Van Krunkelsven Ellen , lsia Inogwabini Bila , Draulans Dirk
Published: March 2003

In December 1997 and January 1998 we travelled to the northern section of the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is the largest African rain forest reserve, and was created in 1970 to protect endemic species such as the bonobo Pan paniscus and the Congo peacock Afropavo congensis. However, hardly any data exist on the status of animals in the park. In order to collect basic information, we set up camp at four sites along two rivers, where we followed long trails deep into the forest. A total of 7.5 km line transects were cut from three sites, along which all evidence of large mammals was recorded. Our data indicate that key forest species, including bonobo, bongo Tragelaphus euryceros, black mangabey Lophocebus alterimus and leopard Panthera pardus, are present in reasonable numbers in the part of the park we explored. Bonobo density was calculated at 1.15 animals per sq km, based on nest counts. Some elephants Loxodonta africana survive, despite the enormous hunting pressure. Conservation measures to protect the animals need to be taken urgently.
Status and distribution of the endemic Bali starling Leucopsar rothschildi
Authors: van Balen S. (Bas) , Dirgayusa I Wayan A. , Adi Putra I Made W. , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: March 2003

The Bali starling Leucopsar rothschildi is a passerine endemic to the dry monsoon forest of the island of Bali, Indonesia. Habitat conversion and excessive capture for the pet trade brought the species to the verge of extinction in the 1980s. The species is critically endangered because of 1) an extremely small population size, 2) restriction to a small area, 3) illegal trapping, and 4) diminishing suitable habitat left within its natural range. An intricate web of factors prevents the Bali starling from emerging from this precarious situation.
Distribution and abundance of the Amami rabbit Pentalagus furnessi in the Amami and Tokuno Islands, Japan
Authors: Sugimura Ken , Sato Shigeho , Yamada Fumio , Abe Shintaro , Hirakawa Hirofumi , Handa Yukari
Published: March 2003

The Amami rabbit Pentalagus furnessi is a rare forest-dwelling form endemic to the Amami and Tokuno Islands in Japan. In order to estimate the distribution and abundance of the Amami rabbit we counted their faecal pellets along forest roads and streams as well as within the forests on Amami and Tokuno Islands during January 1993–March 1995. The number of pellets/ km along a stream gave a practical index for measuring relative abundance. The rabbit was estimated to be distributed over about 370 sq km on Amami Island and 33 sq km on Tokuno Island. There was a large variance in faecal abundance among the survey routes. Some populations were completely isolated and thought to be very small. The size of a local population was positively correlated with those of neighbouring populations and the amount of mature forest relative to other serai stages. We compared the results of this survey with those of previous surveys to find that the total population of this species appears to be declining. Some conservation measures are proposed for forest habitat management, designed to avert the decline of the Amami rabbit and to ensure its preservation.
Conservation and management of humpback dolphins: the South African perspective
Authors: Karczmarski Leszek
Published: March 2003

Population biology and socio-ecology of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins Sousa chinensis were investigated during a 3-year study period in the Algoa Bay region, South Africa. The dolphins inhabit a narrow strip of coastal waters, mostly less than 15 m deep. Groups are small (mean = 7 animals) and their daily activities concentrate around shallow rocky reefs—the primary feeding grounds. Dependence on these restricted, shallow-water habitats is evident throughout the year. Site fidelity is generally weak and is subject to seasonal migration, although female site fidelity seems to be related to reproductive stage. Births occur predominantly in summer. The social system is highly fluid, structured to some degree by sex and age, ‘matesearching’ behaviour being the most likely male reproductive strategy. The dolphins inhabiting Algoa Bay are part of a substantially larger population that uses a considerable length of the coastal zone. Estimated population parameters are generally low, as are modelled population growth rates, and an increase in the population size seems unlikely. Humpback dolphins appear to be vulnerable to negative environmental pressure and the alteration/destruction of inshore habitats is probably among the greatest threats to them. Conservation of this species should be given high priority and be seen as an important part of integrated coastal zone management. Establishment of multiple-use management areas with controlled ecotourism and several priority sites declared as strict reserves seems to be the most effective conservation approach. In order to be successful, conservation and management policies need to recognize the needs and lifestyles of the local inhabitants.
Status of the Siamese crocodile in Vietnam
Authors: Platt Steven G. , Van Tri Ngo
Published: March 2003

The Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis, now regarded as one of the world's most endangered crocodilians, was formerly common in the wetlands of southern Vietnam. Populations are thought to have declined in recent years, although quantitative status assessments are unavailable. We surveyed five areas previously believed to harbour the only remaining Siamese crocodile populations in Vietnam, and our results strongly suggest that viable populations are no longer extant. Crocodiles were not observed during spotlight counts of Crocodile Swamp (Nam Cat Tien National Park) or Lac Lake. Crocodiles do not occur in Upper or Lower Krong Pach Reservoirs, and these degraded sites no longer constitute suitable habitat. Remnant populations may exist in the Sere Pok River and Tay Son Lake, but these crocodiles remain subject to persecution. Population declines are attributed to a combination of hunting, habitat destruction, incidental capture in fishing nets and collecting for crocodile farms. Reintroduction to Nam Cat Tien National Park is recommended.
The occurrence of the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps in south-east Sumatra
Authors: Bezuijen Mark R.
Published: March 2003

Three incidental sightings of the flat-headed cat Pnonailurus planiceps, a little-known species, were made in south-east Sumatra. Sightings were on lowland floodplains in two distinct habitats, primary peat swamp forest and secondary lowland forest, the latter suggesting some tolerance to modified habitats. Sightings were along or near waterways. A dead adult male found in Berbak National Park is the first confirmed record for the park. Morphometrics of this individual were consistent with other published measurements for the species. Museum specimens indicate a wide historic distribution in south-east Sumatra. Recent information confirms the species's presence in protected areas of eastern, southern and western Sumatra, although this is mostly limited to presence/absence data, and the conservation status and habitat requirements of the species in south-east Sumatra are unknown. Regional degradation of riparian habitats and the isolation of protected areas warrant concern for the conservation status of the species.
Community attitudes and behaviour towards conservation: an assessment of a community conservation programme around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Authors: Infield Mark , Namara Agrippinah
Published: March 2003

This paper analyses the impact of a community conservation programme (CCP) implemented over a 7-year period around a national park in Uganda. Programme activities included dialogue, conflict reduction, education, community resource access and support for community development. Surveys of attitudes show that communities benefited from the programme were significantly more positive towards the park and wildlife than communities that did not. The community conservation programme built an understanding of conservation objectives amongst communities whose members were more likely to recognize positive aspects of the park and less likely to demand that it be degazetted. Comparison over the 7-year duration of the programme, however, did not show that communities were generally more positive towards conservation. They were more critical of management and demanded more support and resources than they had received. Their behaviour was not greatly changed, and high levels of poaching and illegal grazing continued. Attitudes were influenced by communities receiving development assistance, but improvements were fragile, vulnerable to poor behaviour of park staff and lawenforcement activities. Both were seen as contradicting community approaches. Attitudes were also influenced by land ownership and economic occupation. The CCP was not a panacea for the problems of the park and did not resolve fundamental conflicts of interest between communities and park management. However, it did change the way the protagonists perceive and interact with each other.
If community conservation is the answer in Africa, what is the question?
Authors: Adams W. M. , Hulme D.
Published: March 2003

Proponents of community conservation present it as a means of reconciling conservation and development objectives by ensuring that the interests of local people are taken into account in making trade-offs. Conservation critics see it as a challenge to the state-led, scientific management that is necessary to guarantee the preservation of biodiversity. In this paper, we argue that community conservation is not one thing but many. It is evolving both as a concept and as a practice that must be built on. It is not a project or policy ‘choice’ that can be simply accepted or rejected. The key questions about community conservation are who should set the objectives for conservation policy on the ground and how should trade-offs between the diverse objectives of different interests be negotiated.
Rediscovery of relict populations of the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus in south-eastern Mauritania, with observations on their natural history
Authors: Shine Tara , Böhme Wolfgang , Nickel Hemmo , Thies Dirk F. , Wilms Thomas
Published: March 2003

In 1998 and 1999, relict populations of the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus were rediscovered in south-eastern Mauritania, 70 years after the last reports of their existence and 6 years after the IUCN Species Survival Commission listed them as extirpated in that country. Crocodiles' were found in four different types of wetlands, herein described. Preliminary observations on their natural history and their interactions with humans are provided, and the main threats and the prerequisites for their protection are discussed.
Peat swamp forest and the false gharialTomistoma schlegelii(Crocodilia, Reptilia) in the Merang River, eastern Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Bezuijen Mark R. , Webb Grahame J. W. , Hartoyo Pandu , Samedi
Published: March 2003

Tomistoma schlegeliiis a threatened crocodilian whose current range is restricted to Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan and Sarawak) and Peninsular Malaysia. During surveys undertaken in eastern Sumatra in 1995–1996, 15T. schlegeliinests were located in peat swamp forest along a single tributary, the Merang River. No other areas with equivalent nest densities have yet been described. Although much peat swamp forest has been lost to logging and fire, it remains the dominant habitat in most of the current range ofT. schlegelii. In the Merang River the peat swamp andT. schlegeliiare threatened by a series of ongoing activities and both may be lost unless some form of innovative management programme is introduced. Peat swamp forest supports a range of other rare and threatened species, and would appear to have high conservation value. This paper reviews current information on the role of peat swamp forest in the ecology ofT. schlegeliiand describes the conservation threats toT. schlegeliiin the Merang River.
Health registers as a feasible means of measuring health status in childhood – a 7‐year follow‐up of the 1987 Finnish birth cohort
Authors: Gissler  , Hemminki  , Louhiala  , Järvelin
Published: March 2003

Follow‐up studies on health have usually been based on ad hoc cohort studies in which detailed information is collected specifically for research purposes on a certain group of people. The increasing collection of routine health data provides an alternative method of gathering follow‐up data. In this study, the feasibility of using routinely collected health‐register data and data linkages to follow up children’s health was investigated. Five nationwide registers, 18 regional registers of intellectually disabled children and school administration data in one county were found to be of use for our follow‐up and were combined with the 1987 Finnish Medical Birth Register (n = 60 254 births). In the follow‐up, 62 children were untraced (0.1%), 327 were stillborn (0.5%), 440 died after birth (0.7%) and 287 emigrated (0.5%) before the age of 7 years. The cumulative incidences for all diseases (8.9% of all children living in Finland at the age of 7 years), for diabetes (3.0/1000), for epilepsy (6.8/1000) and for asthma (34.2/1000) correspond to the estim‐ates of other studies, but our estimate for intellectual disabilities (18.0/1000, of whom 18% were reported to have an IQ of 70 or less) seems to be an underestimate. Our data collection did not provide reliable information on institutionalised children or children taken into care. Data collec‐tion conducted by using health registers is a feasible method, and it saves both time and financial resources compared with cohort studies. Poten‐tial problems with data linkage studies are variation in the content of data and in data quality of different registers and data protection issues.
Prenatal risk factors for cryptorchidism: a record linkage study
Authors: Jones  , Swerdlow  , Griffith  , Goldacre
Published: March 2003

Using data from the Oxford Record Linkage Study (ORLS), we conducted a case–control study to examine prenatal risk factors for cryptorchidism. We identified 1449 boys born during 1970–86 for whom there was a record of an orchidopexy during 1970–87. Up to eight controls were matched to each case on year of birth and hospital or place of delivery. For each boy and his mother we extracted abstracts of maternity and general hospital records from the ORLS. Low birthweight (trend P < 0.001), low social class (trend P < 0.001), breech presentation (relative risk 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 2.41), pre‐eclampsia (1.17 [1.00, 1.37]), artificial feeding (1.22 [1.04, 1.45]) and episiotomy (1.13 [1.00, 1.27]) were identified as independent risk factors for cryptorchidism. Gestational age was not independently associated with cryptorchidism after adjusting for birthweight (P = 0.33), and this observation suggested that some cryptorchid boys may have suffered from intra‐uterine growth retardation. Low birthweight, breech presentation and pre‐eclampsia may have in common poor placental function and impaired fetal growth, which may be causes of cryptorchidism.
Validation of caregiver interviews to diagnose common causes of severe neonatal illness
Authors: Kalter  , Hossain  , Burnham  , Khan  , Saha  , Ali  , Black
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to validate retrospective caregiver interviews for diagnosing major causes of severe neonatal illness and death. A convenience sample of 149 infants aged < 28 days with one or more suspected diagnoses of interest (low birthweight/severe malnutrition, preterm birth, birth asphyxia, birth trauma, neonatal tetanus, pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia, diarrhoea, congenital malformation or injury) was taken from patients admitted to two hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Study paediatricians performed a standardised history and physical examination and ordered laboratory and radiographic tests according to study criteria. With a median interval of 64.5 days after death or hospital discharge, caregivers of 118 (79%) infants were interviewed about their child’s illness. Using reference diagnoses based on predefined clinical and laboratory criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of particular combinations of signs (algorithms) reported by the caregivers were ascertained. Sufficient numbers of children with five reference standard diagnoses were studied to validate caregiver reports. Algorithms with sensitivity and specificity > 80% were identified for neonatal tetanus, low birthweight/severe malnutrition and preterm delivery. Algorithms with specificities > 80% for birth asphyxia and pneumonia had sensitivities < 70%, or alternatively had high sensitivity with lower specificity. In settings with limited access to medical care, retrospective caregiver interviews provide a valid means of diagnosing several of the most common causes of severe neonatal illness and death.
Socio‐economic disparities in preterm birth: causal pathways and mechanisms
Authors: Kramer Michael S. , Goulet Lise , Lydon John , Séguin Louise , McNamara Helen , Dassa Clément , Platt Robert W. , Fong Chen Moy , Gauthier Henriette , Genest Jacques , Kahn Susan , Libman Michael , Rozen Rima , Masse André , Miner Louise , Asselin Guylaine , Benjamin Alice , Klein Julia , Koren Gideon
Published: March 2003

Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality in industrialised societies. Its incidence is greatly increased among the socially disadvantaged, but the reasons for this excess are unclear and have been relatively unexplored. We hypothesise two distinct sets of causal pathways and mechanisms that may explain social disparities in preterm birth. The first set involves chronic and acute psychosocial stressors, psychological distress caused by those stressors, increased secretion of placental corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), changes in sexual behaviours or enhanced susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis and chorioamnionitis, cigarette smoking or cocaine use, and decidual vasculopathy. The second hypothesised pathway is a gene–environment interaction based on a highly prevalent mutation in the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), combined with low folate intake from the diet and from prenatal vitamin supplements, consequent hyperhomocysteinemia, and decidual vasculopathy.

We propose to test these hypothesised pathways and mechanisms in a nested case‐control study within a prospectively recruited and followed cohort of pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who deliver at one of four Montreal hospitals that serve an ethnically and socio‐economically diverse population. Following recruitment during the late first or early second trimester, participating women are seen at 24–26 weeks, when a research nurse obtains a detailed medical and obstetric history; administers several scales to assess chronic and acute stressors and psychological function; obtains blood samples for CRH, red blood cell and plasma folate, homocysteine, and DNA for the MTHFR mutation; and performs a digital and speculum examination to measure cervical length and vaginal pH and to obtain swabs for bacterial vaginosis and fetal fibronectin. After delivery, each case (delivery at < 37 completed weeks following spontaneous onset of labour or prelabour rupture of membranes) and two controls are selected for placental pathological examination, hair analysis of cotinine, cocaine, and benzoylecgonine, and analysis of stored blood and vaginal specimens. Statistical analysis will be based on multiple logistic regression and structural equation modelling, with sequential construction of models of potential aetiological determinants and covariates to test the hypothesised causal pathways and mechanisms.

The research we propose should improve understanding of the factors and processes that mediate social disparities in preterm birth. This improved understanding should help not only in developing strategies to reduce the disparities but also in suggesting preventive interventions applicable across the entire