Human disturbance and shifts in vertebrate community composition in a biodiversity hotspot

Understanding how human modification of the landscape shapes vertebrate community composition is vital to understanding the current status and future trajectory of wildlife. Using a participatory approach, we deployed the largest camera-trap network in Mesoamerica to date to investigate how anthropogenic disturbance shapes the occupancy and co-occurrence of terrestrial vertebrate species in a tropical biodiversity hotspot: the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. We estimated species richness in different categories of land protection with rarefaction analysis and estimated the expected occupancy with a joint species distribution model that included covariates for anthropogenic disturbance, land protection, habitat quality, and habitat availability. Areas with the most stringent land-use protections (e.g., Corcovado National Park, 24 species [95% CI 23-25]) harbored significantly more species than unprotected areas (20 species [19.7-20.3]), mainly due to a reduced presence of large-bodied species of conservation concern in unprotected areas (e.g., jaguar Panthera onca and white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari). Small-bodied generalist species, such as opossums (Didelphidae) and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), in contrast, were more common at disturbed sites, resulting in a significant difference in vertebrate community composition between sites with low and high disturbance. Co-occurrence of species was also mainly associated with response to disturbance. Similar responses to disturbance create two groups of species, those whose site-level occupancy usually increased as anthropogenic disturbance increased and those whose estimated occupancy decreased. The absence of large-bodied species entails an important loss of ecological function in disturbed areas and can hinder forest development and maintenance. Efforts to protect and restore forested landscapes are likely having a positive effect on the abundance of some threatened species. These efforts, however, must be sustained and expanded to increase connectivity and ensure the long-term viability of the wildlife community.

[Cost-minimization analysis of subcutaneous abatacept in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Spain]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the cost of treating rheumatoid arthritis patients that have failed an initial treatment with methotrexate, with subcutaneous abatacept versus other first-line biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

METHOD

Subcutaneous abatacept was considered comparable to intravenous abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab and tocilizumab, based on indirect comparison using mixed treatment analysis. A cost-minimization analysis was therefore considered appropriate. The Spanish Health System perspective and a 3 year time horizon were selected. Pharmaceutical and administration costs (Euros 2013) of all available first-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were considered. Administration costs were obtained from a local costs database. Patients were considered to have a weight of 70 kg. A 3% annual discount rate was applied. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Subcutaneous abatacept proved in the base case to be less costly than all other biologic antirrheumatic drugs (ranging from Euros -831.42 to Euros -9,741.69 versus infliximab and tocilizumab, respectively). Subcutaneous abatacept was associated with a cost of Euros 10,760.41 per patient during the first year of treatment and Euros 10,261.29 in subsequent years. The total 3-year cost of subcutaneous abatacept was Euros 29,953.89 per patient. Sensitivity analyses proved the model to be robust. Subcutaneous abatacept remained cost-saving in 100% of probabilistic sensitivity analysis simulations versus adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept and golimumab, in more than 99.6% versus intravenous abatacept and tocilizumab and in 62.3% versus infliximab.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with subcutaneous abatacept is cost-saving versus intravenous abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab and tocilizumab in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients initiating treatment with biological antirheumatic drugs.

Combined use of aspartate aminotransferase, platelet count and matrix metalloproteinase 2 measurements to predict liver fibrosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients

OBJECTIVE

Noninvasive tests that can be used in place of liver biopsy to diagnose fibrosis have major limitations. They either leave a significant proportion of patients without a definitive diagnosis or produce inaccurate results. Moreover, the performance of these tests is lower in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. Against this background, we examined the utility of serum matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) measurements in combination with routine clinical data to predict fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

METHODS

Patients with a liver biopsy who had not received anti-HCV therapy were included in the study. A model including variables independently associated with fibrosis was constructed. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were included in the study. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), platelet count and MMP-2 were predictors of significant fibrosis (F≥2) and cirrhosis (F4). A score constructed using these variables yielded an AUROC of 0.76 for F≥2 and 0.88 for F4. Score cut-offs detected (value ≥3.5) and excluded (value ≤1.5) F≥2 with a PPV of 87% and an NPV of 88%. Thirty-one patients (34%) were correctly diagnosed using these cut-offs, with four (13%) incorrect classifications. Cirrhosis was excluded with a certainty of 98% and diagnosed with a probability of 83%. Two (17%) of 12 patients were misclassified as having cirrhosis. The AST to platelet count index and MMP-2 levels were sequentially applied to detect F≥2. Forty-one patients (46%) were identified with this approach, with six (15%) misclassifications.

CONCLUSION

MMP-2 levels can be used in combination with AST and platelet count to aid the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Prediction of response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin by IL28B gene variation in patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND

Variation in the IL28B gene is associated with sustained virologic response (SVR) to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-monoinfected patients with genotype 1. Data on other genotypes and on patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV are more limited. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of variations in the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 for SVR in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, regardless of HCV genotype.

METHODS

The rs12979860 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction in 154 patients who had received therapy against HCV with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin.

RESULTS

rs12979860 genotype was TT in 20 patients (13%), TC in 66 patients (43%), and CC in 68 patients (44%). Rates of SVR in patients with genotype CC and in those with genotype TC or TT, according to HCV genotype, were, respectively, 50% and 17% (P < .001) in patients with genotype 1, 80% and 25% (P = .027) in patients with genotype 4, and 93% and 77% (P = .115) in patients with genotype 3. The median (interquartile range) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in patients with rs12979860 CC was 89 mg/dL (73-120 mg/dL) versus 75 mg/dL (55-91 mg/dL) (P = .001) in those with TC or TT. Independent predictors of SVR were HCV genotype 2-3 (odds ratio [OR], 13.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.87-40.1; P < .001), rs12979860 CC (OR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.04-12.5; P < .001), baseline plasma HCV RNA load of < or =600,000 IU/mL (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.18- 3.34; P = .009), and female sex (OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.08-16.96; P = .039).

CONCLUSIONS

IL28B gene variations independently predict SVR in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with HCV genotype 1 and non-genotype 1 HCV infection. The association between rs12979860 and plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol suggests that the system low-density lipoprotein ligand/receptor might be involved in the effect of this genotype.

Correlations of smoothness index and trough-to-peak ratio with left ventricular mass index changes induced by lercanidipine in hypertensive patients. A pilot trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of changes in left ventricular mass, with changes in office blood pressure (BP) and in 24-h ambulatory (ABP), with the trough-to-peak (T/P) ratio and with the smoothness index (SI), as induced by antihypertensive treatment with lercanidipine.

METHODS

This was done through an observational, prospective, open, non-comparative, single centre, pilot study in patients naïve to antihypertensive therapy. All patients were treated with lercanidipine 10-20 mg/day plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5-25 mg/day if treated BP exceeded an arbitrarily defined safety level (>160/100 mmHg) after 1 month on monotherapy. ABP monitoring was repeated after 1 month and after 6 months. Two-dimensional mode echocardiography was performed twice, at the beginning and end of the study. Seventeen patients were included in the final analysis (aged 45.8 +/- 10.7 years, 35% women).

RESULTS

Treatment-induced changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were not found to correlate neither with changes in office BP, with changes in ABP values, nor with T/P. However, a significant correlation was found between LVMI changes and SI at 6 months (r=0.50, P=0.039).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that the SI has a higher predictive value, compared to other BP-derived parameters, for treatment-induced LVMI changes, in hypertensive patients treated with lercanidipine.

Indoor radon levels in buildings in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura (Spain)

Indoor air samples taken in buildings throughout the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain, were analysed for airborne radon concentrations using charcoal canisters. Measurements were made during the years 1998-2000. The geometrical mean indoor concentration was 90 Bq m(-3). An estimated annual effective dose of 1.6 mSv y(-1) was calculated for residents, assuming an equilibrium factor of 0.4 and an occupancy factor of 0.8. The relative importance of the principal variables that condition radon concentrations inside buildings was also delimited experimentally. These were: soil type, construction materials used, the height of the room above ground level, and the degree of ventilation. The temporal evolution of the radon concentration was analysed, as this aspect could be particularly important in a Continental-Mediterranean climate such as that of the two provinces of the study.

Subtype distribution among intravenous drug users with chronic type C hepatitis in southern Spain

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtype distribution among intravenous drug users (IVDU), and patients without this risk of acquiring HCV infection, was evaluated. The patients included in the study were 51 with chronic type C hepatitis (36 IVDU and 25 coinfected by HIV-1), and 31 on haemodialysis. Genotyping was performed on 71 viraemic patients, with the following distribution: 25.4%, 1a; 54.9%, 1b; 8.5%, 3a; 7%, mixed (1a, 1b; 3a, 1a; 3a, 1b; 2 x 3a, 2a); 1.4%, 4; and 2.8%, non-typeable. When subtypes were related to IVDU practice, the statistical significance was p < 0.01 for subtypes 1a (48.5% vs 7.5%, for IVDU and non-IVDU, respectively) and 1b (16.1% vs 85.1%). No relation between HIV-1 coinfection and subtype distribution was observed among IVDU patients. The results suggest that among young IVDU of Southern Spain the emerging HCV subtype is 1a.

Detection of HCV and GBV-CHGV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic type C hepatitis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis G virus (HGV) viraemia were investigated by RT-PCR protocols in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 22 patients with chronic type C hepatitis. Samplings were at basal and 4-8 months after a 12 month period of treatment with interferon-alpha. A plus strand of HCV in PBMC was detected in 8 of 21 patients (38%) (p <0.05; chi2 test) with a lack of response to therapy; a minus strand was detected in 10% of chronic type C hepatitis and 25% of the patients harboured HCV RNA in PBMC. The association with a response was nearly significant (p <0.1; chi2 test). GBV-C/HGV RNA was detected in the serum of 9 of 21 (43%) patients and in PBMC of 20% of the patients viraemic. Genomic sequences of GBVC/HGV in PBMC were found, but further investigation is needed to assess the findings reported for HCV.

Radioactivity measurements on migrating birds (Turdus philomelos) captured in the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain)

The radionuclides 137Cs, 134Cs and 90Sr have been measured in edible tissues and bones of migratory birds (song-thrushes, Turdus philomelos) from central and northern Europe and captured in the Comunidad Valenciana, Spain in the 1994 autumn-winter season. Eight years after the Chernobyl accident, extensive agricultural lands in Europe are still contaminated and this study shows that there was a transfer of radioactive isotopes to the captured migratory song-thrushes. The whole-body dose commitment to humans consuming these birds is estimated.

Automatic analysis of speckle photography fringes

Speckle interferometry is a technique adequate to metrological problems such as the measurement of object deformation. An automatic system of analysis of such measurements is given; it consists of a motorized x-y plate positioner controlled by computer, a CCD video camera, and software for image analysis. A fringe-recognition algorithm determines the spacing and orientation of the fringes and permits the calculation of the magnitude and direction of the displacement of the analyzed object point in images with variable degrees of illumination. For a 256 x 256 pixel image resolution, the procedure allows one to analyze from three fringes to a number of fringes that corresponds to 3 pixels/fringe.

Ultrastructural study of sensory cells of the proboscidial glandular epithelium of Riseriellus occultus (Nemertea, Heteronemertea)

Only one sensory cell type has been observed within the glandular epithelium of the proboscis in the heteronemertine Riseriellus occultus. These bipolar cells are abundant and scattered singly throughout the proboscis length. The apical surface of each dendrite bears a single cilium enclosed by a ring of six to eight prominent microvilli. The cilium has the typical 9×2 + 2 axoneme arrangement and is equipped with a cross-striated vertical rootlet extending from the basal body. No accessory centriole or horizontal rootlet was observed. Large, modified microvilli (stereovilli) surrounding the cilium are joined together by a system of fine filaments derived from the glycocalyx. Each microvillus contains a bundle of actin-like filaments which anchor on the indented inner surface of a dense, apical ring situated beneath the level of the ciliary basal body. The tip of the cilium is expanded and modified to form a bulb-like structure which lies above the level where the surrounding microvilli terminate. In the region where the cilium emerges from the microvillar cone, the membrane of the microvillar apices makes contact with a corresponding portion of the ciliary membrane. At this level microvilli and cilium are apparently firmly linked by junctional systems resembling adherens junctions. The results suggest that these sensory cells may be mechanoreceptors. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis

A comparative study of the prevalence of infection by Toxoplasma gondii in Southern Spain in different population groups was carried out using serological markers. The presence of IgG antitoxoplasma antibodies was investigated in serum samples of several population groups. Infection by T. gondii was very prevalent, especially among intravenous drug users (47.6%). An IgG antibody prevalence of 49.6% was obtained from immunocompetent adults with suspected active toxoplasmosis. In infants IgG antibodies were detected in 12.2%, and in pregnant women there was 30% IgG antitoxoplasma antibodies.

Ultrastructure of the lophophoral tentacles in the genus Phoronis (Phoronida, Lophophorata)

The lophophoral tentacles of two phoronids, Phoronis psammophila and Phoronis hippocrepia, are described from an ultrastructural point of view. The tentacles are hollow structures, with an epidermis exhibiting supporting cells, sensory cells, and four types of gland cells, A, B1, B2, B3. The epidermis rests on a connective tissue layer, tubular in shape, enclosing a coelomic space lined by myoepithelial mesothelium (peritoneum). There is a single blood capillary in the tentacular coelomic cavity, attached to the frontal face of the tentacle, with contractile walls derived from the peritoneum. Both erythrocytes and amoebocyte-like cells occur inside the capillary. Differences between the tentacles of these two species and those of Phoronis australis, whose structure is already known, mainly concern the abundance and distribution of the epidermal gland cell types and are related to the burrowing and tube-building activities of these animals in different substrata.

[Clinical and diagnostic characteristics of Aeromonas strains]

We studied the taxonomic, clinic, microbiological diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of Aeromonas strains. Eleven geno-species have been isolated in human. They can be enterotoxigenic or enteroinvasive. These bacteria can be easily confused with other Gram negative bacilli (the Aeromonas are oxidase positive). They produce diarrhea but can only colonizer. In others localizations they are always diagnostic. Their detection in stools can be realized with the blood agar plus ampicillin or cefsulodin-novobiocin-irgasan agar. The treatment of extraintestinal infection is similar to the Gram negative infections. The Aeromonas are resistant to erythromycin, streptomycin and first generation cephalosporin. The beta-lactamic antimicrobials aren't the election treatment because the are positive beta lactamase. The diarrhea in children and immunocompromised or chronic patients will be treated with cotrimoxazole or fluorquinole.

The epidermis of Phoronis psammophila Cori (Phoronida, Lophophorata): an ultrastructural and histochemical study

The principal cell types of the trunk epidermis of Phoronis psammophila are categorized and described on the basis of their ultrastructural and histochemical properties. There are seven cell types: uniciliated supporting cells with a well-developed microvillar layer, fine-granule-containing cells with distinctive finger-like processes that contain vesicles and extend into the microvillar layer, and five types of generalized gland cells distinguished mainly by the fine structure of their secretory granules. Gland cells lack cilia but possess intact basal body complexes within the cytoplasm in close association with the Golgi complex. This is an unusual feature for gland cells, and suggests that they may have recently evolved from more typical ciliated epithelial cells. The secretory product of the gland cells contains either acidic mucopolysaccharides, which are mostly sulfated, or neutral mucopolysaccharides and protein. The possible functions of these cell types are discussed. The supporting cells are presumably involved in direct uptake of nutrients and (or) the protection and cleaning of the epidermis. The fine-granule-containing cells may help the animal adhere to the tube, whereas the gland cells probably function in the secretion of the tube.