Integrating feral cat (Felis catus) control into landscape-scale introduced predator management to improve conservation prospects for threatened fauna: a case study from the south coast of Western Australia

Abstract ContextFeral cat predation has had a significant impact on native Australian fauna in the past 200 years. In the early 2000s, population monitoring of the western ground parrot showed a dramatic decline from the pre-2000 range, with one of three meta-populations declining to very low levels and a second becoming locally extinct. We review 8 years of integrated introduced predator control, which trialled the incorporation of the feral cat bait Eradicat® into existing fox baiting programs. AimsTo test the efficacy of integrating feral cat control into an existing introduced predator control program in an adaptive management framework conducted in response to the decline of native species. The objective was to protect the remaining western ground parrot populations and other threatened fauna on the south coast of Western Australia. MethodsA landscape-scale feral cat and fox baiting program was delivered across south coast reserves that were occupied by western ground parrots in the early 2000s. Up to 500000ha of national parks and natures reserves were baited per annum. Monitoring was established to evaluate both the efficacy of landscape-scale baiting in management of feral cat populations, and the response of several native fauna species, including the western ground parrot, to an integrated introduced predator control program. Key resultsOn average, 28% of radio-collared feral cats died from Eradicat® baiting each year, over a 5-year period. The results varied from 0% to 62% between years. Changes in site occupancy by feral cats, as measured by detection on camera traps, was also variable, with significant declines detected after baiting in some years and sites. Trends in populations of native fauna, including the western ground parrot and chuditch, showed positive responses to integrated control of foxes and cats. ImplicationsLandscape-scale baiting of feral cats in ecosystems on the south coast of Western Australia had varying success when measured by direct knockdown of cats and site occupancy as determined by camera trapping; however, native species appeared to respond favourably to integrated predator control. For the protection of native species, we recommend ongoing baiting for both foxes and feral cats, complemented by post-bait trapping of feral cats. We advocate monitoring baiting efficacy in a well designed adaptive management framework to deliver long-term recovery of threatened species that have been impacted by cats.

Forearm and biceps circumferential variations in skin tissue dielectric constant and firmness

Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and skin firmness assessed via indentation force (FORCE) help quantify lymphedema and track changes. We sought to determine potential differences in these parameters dependent on arm circumferential locations. Thus, TDC and FORCE were measured in 40 healthy women at medial, anterior and lateral locations on forearm and biceps. In five other women with unilateral lymphedema (68.6±7.6 years), TDC was measured at corresponding circumferential forearm positions. Measurements were done in triplicate using compact noninvasive devices. Results for healthy women (23.8±2.7 years) showed forearm medial TDC values (26.7±2.2) were less than anterior (28.0±2.4) or lateral (28.0±2.5) positions (p<0.001). Lymphedema patients had elevated values but similar medialanterior- lateral patterns (33.7±8.0, 39.8±10.2 and 42.9±10.0). Biceps medial TDC values (24.1±2.2) were also less than either anterior (27.0±2.1) or lateral (28.2±3.3). Contrastingly, medial FORCE values at forearm and biceps were less than at anterior and lateral locations (p<0.001) and increased in the order of medialanterior- lateral on forearm (p<0.001). The present findings provide reference values for both TDC and FORCE of commonly measured arm sites with specificity as to circumferential variations. This observed variation indicates the need for care in locating measurement positions for tracking patients with lymphedema.

P1936Selective inhibition of the Mek1/2-Erk1/2 signalling pathway induces the differentiation of human cardiac pericyte-like cells into contractile vascular smooth muscle cells

Background

Arteriogenesis is key for tissue repair but whether myocardial stromal cells contribute to this phenomenon remains unknown.

Purpose

Investigate if cardiac pericytes are a druggable target for therapeutic arteriogenesis.

Methods and results

The localization of pericyte-like cells (PCs) was assessed in the human and murine heart by immunohistochemistry of typical antigenic markers. CD34+ PCs co-expressing NG2 and PDGFRβ but not endothelial cell (EC) or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) antigens were identified in peri-arterial position in normal hearts. Interestingly, we also found rare PCs co-expressing αSMA in the peri-infarct myocardium, suggesting these cells could represent a transitory phenotype between PCs and VSMCs. Next, we isolated human cardiac PCs by immunosorting for CD31 and CD34 and established the purity of the isolated CD34+CD31- fraction by flow cytometry. Following culture expansion, cardiac PCs maintain the typical antigenic profile except for CD34. Moreover, we confirmed the PCs' ability to promote angiogenesis in-vitro. The withdrawal of EGF and bFGF from the culture media for 10 days induced the differentiation of PCs into mature VSMCs, as documented by a massive upregulation of contractile genes MYH11, CNN1 and ACTA2 (200-, 35- and 15-folds increase versus naïve PCs, p<0.01), which was followed by the induction of SM-MHC, Smoothelin B, αSMA, Calponin and SM22α proteins (p<0.05 versus PCs). In addition, PC-derived cells lost migratory capacity, secreted elastin, and responded to endothelin-1 in a contraction assay, thus phenocopying the behaviour of control coronary artery-derived VSMCs. We excluded contamination of the PC preparation by verifying similar phenomena occur in PCs expanded from single cell clonogeneic assays. Moreover, the process is partially reversible, with PC-derived VSMCs being able to reacquire some intermediate markers following EGF/bFGF re-challenge. ECs secrete EGF and bFGF, with this GF signalling being enhanced by hypoxia, suggesting ECs may control the PC phenotype in a paracrine fashion. Mechanistic studies revealed the Mek1/2-Erk1/2-Elk1 signalling is accountable for the transcriptional repression of VSMC genes in PCs. Accordingly, a selective Mek1/2 inhibitor (PD0325901) was able to switch the definitive VSMC phenotype of PCs maintained in full media. The drug prevented the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and its downstream target Elk1. This likely relieves the complex SRF/MyocD and abolishes the transcriptional repression at the gene promoter.

Conclusions

Cardiac PCs have a VSMC potential which is under the inhibitory control of the Mek1/2-Erk1/2-Elk1 signalling. Mek1/2 inhibitors showed promises for the treatment of melanoma and solid tumours. A novel application of this class of compounds to improve arteriogenesis in myocardial ischemia is fascinating. The caveat about their potential cardiotoxicity could be less relevant with short duration treatments of myocardial ischemia.

Acknowledgement/Funding

British Heart Foundation Centre for Regenerative Medicine Award (II) - “Centre for Vascular Regeneration” (RM/17/3/33381)

The human imperative of stabilizing global climate change at 1.5°C

Increased concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases have led to a global mean surface temperature 1.0°C higher than during the pre-industrial period. We expand on the recent IPCC Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C and review the additional risks associated with higher levels of warming, each having major implications for multiple geographies, climates, and ecosystems. Limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2.0°C would be required to maintain substantial proportions of ecosystems and would have clear benefits for human health and economies. These conclusions are relevant for people everywhere, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the escalation of climate-related risks may prevent the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The human imperative of stabilizing global climate change at 1.5°C

Increased concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases have led to a global mean surface temperature 1.0°C higher than during the pre-industrial period. We expand on the recent IPCC Special Report on global warming of 1.5°C and review the additional risks associated with higher levels of warming, each having major implications for multiple geographies, climates, and ecosystems. Limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2.0°C would be required to maintain substantial proportions of ecosystems and would have clear benefits for human health and economies. These conclusions are relevant for people everywhere, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the escalation of climate-related risks may prevent the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

P14.126 radiation-induced optic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Optic neuropathy is an inflammation of the optic nerve leading to a rapidly progressive visual loss. Most frequent etiologies are multiple sclerosis, vasculitides, and infections. In the context of tumorous pathology, optic neuropathy can occur due to meningeal infiltration, tumoral compression, or antitumor therapeutics (radiation therapy, some targeted cancer therapies, and checkpoint inhibitors). In the current study, we examine radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION), which is the most frequent among optic neuropathies caused by antitumor therapeutics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present the cases of 3 patients who experienced RION. For each patient, we collected data on age, type of tumor, date and modalities of radiation-therapy, starting date of visual loss, ophthalmologic description, MRI images, treatment, and clinical and radiological evolution.

RESULTS

The three patients were aged 57 to 68 years old at the time of NORI. They had irradiation between 2013 and 2018. Two patients had proton therapy and one had whole brain irradiation. The visual loss occurred between seven and twelve months after the end of radiation therapy. In all patients the symptoms were bilateral and the loss of vision was rapidly worsened until culminating in almost total blindness. The MRI abnormalities were consistent with retrobulbar optic neuritis. The visual loss remained severe despite the treatment administered. High dose steroids had no clinical effect. Bevacizumab enabled a discrete subjective visual improvement in one patient, but a worsening of visual loss in another. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy had no clinical effect but was undertaken three months after the starting date of visual loss which is probably too late for efficiency. Interestingly one patient was treated with an anti-IL6 antibody (tocilizumab). It was administered in order to avoid fibrosis formation, which is the ultimate condition of the inflammatory process. The rationale is that radiation-induced opening of the bood-brain-barrier and destruction of endothelial and glial cells lead to reparation process through microglia activation. In-vitro studies showed an increased secretion of IL-6 (and other pro-inflammatory cytokines) by the activated microglia. Our patient could not experience benefit from tocilizumab, but the treatment was administered four months after the starting date of visual loss and fibrosis was probably already formed.

CONCLUSION

These cases are consistent with existing literature. The risk is mostly due to the total dose and dose per fraction of the irradiation and the prognosis is very poor with no efficient treatment at the present time. Anti-IL6 antibody could be an interesting treatment if administered at an early stage, but a future prospective clinical trial would be needed to clinically validate this hypothesis.

Does the gene matter? Genotype-phenotype and genotype-outcome associations in congenital melanocytic naevi

Background

Genotype–phenotype studies can identify subgroups of patients with specific clinical features or differing outcomes, which can help shape management.

Objectives

To characterize the frequency of different causative genotypes in congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN), and to investigate genotype–phenotype and genotype–outcome associations.

Methods

We conducted a large cohort study in which we undertook MC1R genotyping from blood, and high‐sensitivity genotyping of NRAS and BRAF hotspots in 156 naevus biopsies from 134 patients with CMN [male 40%; multiple CMN 76%; projected adult size (PAS) > 20 cm, 59%].

Results

Mosaic NRAS mutations were detected in 68%, mutually exclusive with BRAF mutations in 7%, with double wild‐type in 25%. Two separate naevi were sequenced in five of seven patients with BRAF mutations, confirming clonality. Five of seven patients with BRAF mutations had a dramatic multinodular phenotype, with characteristic histology distinct from classical proliferative nodules. NRAS mutation was the commonest in all sizes of CMN, but was particularly common in naevi with PAS > 60 cm, implying more tolerance to that mutation early in embryogenesis. Facial features were less common in double wild‐type patients. Importantly, the incidence of congenital neurological disease, and apparently of melanoma, was not altered by genotype; no cases of melanoma were seen in BRAF‐mutant multiple CMN, however, this genotype is rare.

Conclusions

CMN of all sizes are most commonly caused by mutations in NRAS. BRAF is confirmed as a much rarer cause of multiple CMN, and appears to be commonly associated with a multinodular phenotype. Genotype in this cohort was not associated with differences in incidence of neurological disease in childhood. However, genotyping should be undertaken in suspected melanoma, for guidance of treatment.

What's already known about this topic?

Multiple congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) have been shown to be caused by NRAS mosaic mutations in 70–80% of cases, by BRAF mosaicism in one case report and by inference in some previous cases.

There has been debate about genotypic association with different sizes of CMN, and no data on genotype–outcome.

What does this study add?

NRAS mosaicism was found in 68%, BRAF in 7% and double wild‐type in 25% of cases of CMN.

NRAS was the commonest mutation in all sizes of CMN, but was nearly universal in projected adult size > 60 cm.

BRAF is often associated with a distinct multinodular clinical/histological phenotype.

Adverse outcomes did not differ between genotypes on current numbers.

https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18747 available online

French cross-cultural adaptation of the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC)

BACKGROUND

Organizational readiness is a factor known to influence the predisposition of individuals within an organization to change. Based on Weiner's organizational theory, the "Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change" (ORIC) questionnaire was developed and validated to measure organizational readiness in healthcare contexts. However, no such tools allow French-speaking organizations to measure this concept. The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct a French cultural adaptation of the ORIC questionnaire, and (2) initiate the study of its psychometric properties.

METHODS

(1) Cross-cultural adaptation and translation processes were first conducted with the methodologies of Beaton, Vallerand and Massoubre. (2) Subsequently, internal consistency was documented by calculating Cronbach's alpha and inter-item and item-to-scale correlations. The study of construct validity was initiated with a confirmatory factor analysis.

RESULTS

A French 10-item scale named the Réceptivité organisationnelle à l'implantation d'un changement (ROIC) was developed and pretested by 125 occupational therapists working in Quebec homecare services. Cronbach's alpha values for the 2 item subscales show satisfactory internal consistency (Commitment: α = 0.84 and Efficacy: α = 0.86). Inter-item correlations revealed that the ROIC's items are moderately related to each other while item-to-total scale correlations pinpoint items that accounts for variance and influence internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis allowed the initiation of a substantial documentation of ROIC's model fit with the original version (CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.85, SRMR = 0.08, and RMSEA = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The ROIC is a new theory-based and translated questionnaire that can be used to rigorously document the organizational readiness of French organizations. The ROIC has the potential to support members of different organizations in the identification of subsequent efforts for the implementation of a change.