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Objectives The birth process has been studied extensively in many human societies, yet little is known about this essential life history event in other primates. Here, we provide the most detailed account of behaviors surrounding birth for any wild nonhuman primate to date. Materials and Methods Over a recent ∼10-year period, we directly observed 15 diurnal births (13 live births and 2 stillbirths) among geladas ( Theropithecus gelada) at Guassa, Ethiopia. During each birth, we recorded the occurrence (or absence) of 16 periparturitional events, chosen for their potential to provide comparative evolutionary insights into the factors that shaped birth behaviors in humans and other primates. Results We found that several events (e.g., adopting standing crouched positions, delivering infants headfirst) occurred during all births, while other events (e.g., aiding the infant from the birth canal, licking infants following delivery, placentophagy) occurred during, or immediately after, most births. Moreover, multiparas ( n = 9) were more likely than primiparas ( n = 6) to (a) give birth later in the day, (b) isolate themselves from nearby conspecifics while giving birth, (c) aid the infant from the birth canal, and (d) consume the placenta. Discussion Our results suggest that prior maternal experience may contribute to greater competence or efficiency during the birth process. Moreover, face presentations (in which infants are born with their neck extended and their face appearing first, facing the mother) appear to be the norm for geladas. Lastly, malpresentations (in which infants are born in the occiput anterior position more typical of human infants) may be associated with increased mortality in this species. We compare the birth process in geladas to those in other primates (including humans) and discuss several key implications of our study for advancing understanding of obstetrics and the mechanism of labor in humans and nonhuman primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi in the genus Penicillium, particularly P. crustosum, produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, as well as suspected tremorgenic compounds. The accidental intoxication of six dogs with such toxins are reported. The clinical signs included vomiting, convulsions, tremors, ataxia, and tachycardia, all of which are indicators of intoxications affecting the nervous system. This symptomatology caused us to think that the dog poisoning was the result of tremorgenic mycotoxins. One dog was euthanized in the acute phase, while three others recovered completely within a few days. However, neurological symptoms were still observed four months after the poisoning of two of the dogs. One of these recovered completely within the next 2–3 months, while the other still suffers from ataxia three years later. Available samples of feed, stomach content and/or tissues from the intoxications were subjected to mycological and chemical analysis. Penitrem A was found in all reported poisonings and roquefortine C in all cases when this toxin was included in the analysis. The producer of these toxins, Penicillium crustosum, was detected in all cases where material suitable for mycological examinations (feed or vomit) was available. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the presence of penitrems and roquefortine C in organs from poisoned dogs. Furthermore, the report indicates that the recovery period after severe poisonings with P. crustosum may be protracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Obesity is positively associated with hyperinsulinaemia, and it has been suggested that hyperinsulinaemia may contribute to maintain the obese state in insulin-resistant obese individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of inhibition of insulin secretion by diazoxide on weight loss in obese, normoglycaemic (fasting plasma glucose of ≥6.1 mmol/l), hyperinsulinaemic (fasting plasma insulin of ≥100 pmol/l) adults during a 2.5 MJ/day energy-deficient diet. Methods: In an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design, 35 overweight and obese subjects (age: 23–54 years, body mass index: 27–66 kg/m2) were randomized either to 2 mg/kg/day (maximum 200 mg/day) of oral diazoxide or to placebo. Body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured before and after the intervention. Blood samples, and appetite sensations by visual analogue scales, were collected during fasting, during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 4 h postprandially after a test meal. Subsequently, an ad libitum meal was given. Results: Thirty-one subjects completed the protocol. Eight weeks of diazoxide decreased incremental area under the response curve (iAUC) for insulin (iAUCinsulin) and for C-peptide (iAUCC-peptide) and increased iAUC for glucose (iAUCglucose) during the OGTT and the test meal compared with the use of placebo (p < 0.003). No differences in changes between the groups in body weight, body fat, REE or appetite were observed during the 8-week trial. Conclusion: These findings do not suggest that hyperinsulinaemia per se contributes to maintenance of the obese state, and insulin secretion inhibition seems not a promising drug target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study that investigated the capacity of pig gastrointestinal microflora to metabolize the trichothecenes 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. Methods; Results; Discussion.

It is suggested that longitudinal compression waves are propagating parallel to the solar surface from the umbra towards the photosphere. It is shown that the line-absorption coefficient is asymmetrical, when integrated over a wavelength of the compression wave. The effect of the waves on the line profile is discussed, and it is shown that asymmetrical line profiles of the type observed in sunspot penumbrae will be produced. With the Evershed effect interpreted as an acoustical wave phenomenon the propagation (of the waves) may also be perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force, whereas material motion is likely to be restricted to the direction along the lines of force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]