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In March 2017, a captive male juvenile (ca. 6 months old) olive baboon (Papio anubis) was brought to a primate rescue center in Benin with multiple subcutaneous swellings of unknown aetiology. At the general inspection of the body, around 15 partially mobile masses of variable sizes were found in different locations across the body. Following two surgical procedures, several cyst-like structures were removed and placed either in 10% formalin or in absolute ethanol. The cysts had a typical coenurus-like morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from one cyst using a commercially available kit. The molecular characterization was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of a region of the nuclear ITS-2 rDNA and a fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rDNA gene, revealing its identity as T. serialis , with 88%–98% similarity to T. serialis isolates from USA, Japan and Germany This study reports a new host for the larval form of T. serialis and confirms the role of primates as intermediate host, highlighting also the risk for human infection. Further genetic studies from multiple geographic isolates are needed to clarify the taxonomic status of this group. Image 1 • The present study reports a the olive baboon as new host for the larval form of Taenia serialis. • This is the first report of T. serialis in Benin. • The relevance and risk for the health and welfare of primates in rescues centers is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mechanical properties of the tympanic membrane (TM) are important for studying the transfer function of the auditory system. However, nearly all reported human data are limited to adults because of the unavailability of temporal bones from children. In this study, we used the baboon (Papio anubis), a genetically close human relative, as a model to address the occurrence of age-dependent changes of the human TM. Forty-five baboon TMs were characterized in five age groups: <1 year, 1 to <2 years, 2 to <3 years, 3 to <5, and >5 years of age, comparable to human ages ranging from newborn to adult. The elastic properties of the baboon TMs were characterized by a micro-fringe projection technique. Volume displacement of the TM under quasi-static pressure was first determined from its micro-fringe pattern. Subsequently, these displacement values were used in a finite element model to derive mechanical properties. The Young's modulus of the baboon TM exhibited a modest decrease from 29.1 MPa to 26.0 MPa over the age groups. The average Young's modulus was ∼1.4 times higher than that of the adult human TM. This is the first time that age-related TM mechanical properties of high primate are reported. These new findings may help to explore the potential value of the baboon as a new primate model for future age-related hearing research on the normal and diseased ear. Highlights • Mechanical properties of baboon tympanic membrane (TM) are determined with micro-fringe projection method. • The age of baboons ranges from new born to adult (<1 years to >5 years old). • Young's modulus of the baboon TMs exhibits a modest decrease as age increases. • Average Young's modulus of baboon TM is about 2.4 times of that of human TM.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial position within a group affects the value of group-living benefits such as reduced predation risk and improved foraging. The threat of predation, poor nutrition or increased competition from conspecifics can all cause stress. In many species, central positions are known to be more beneficial than peripheral positions in terms of reduced predation, vigilance and foraging. In this study, we examine whether spatial position within a group is associated with stress and anxiety in a troop of olive baboons ( Papio anubis ). We predicted that the benefits of occupying central positions would be reflected by a reduction in stress and anxiety for animals who spent the most time in the centre of the group. The study subjects appeared to compete actively for the centre of the group. Physiological stress measures (faecal glucocorticoid concentrations) were positively correlated with time spent in central positions. Time spent in central positions was positively correlated with proximity but negatively correlated with vigilance behaviours (alarm barks). Vigilance rates were positively correlated with measures of anxiety (self-scratch frequency). It is suggested that individuals experience chronic stress due to proximity to conspecifics in central positions, whilst perceived predation risk causes anxiety, with perceived predation risk experienced more by individuals on the periphery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite near universal vaccine coverage, the bacterial pathogen Bordetella pertussis has re-emerged as a major public health concern. We recently developed a baboon (Papio anubis) model of pertussis that provides an excellent model of human pertussis. Using this model, the immune response to pertussis was characterized by measuring cytokines in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of infected baboons. Notably, we observed mucosal expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17) as well as IL-6, IL-23, and several cytokines and chemokines that are orchestrated by IL-17 immune responses. We also found substantial populations of circulating B. pertussis-specific Th17 and Th1 cells in convalescent animals >2 years post-infection consistent with a role in immunological memory to pertussis. Collectively, these data shed important light on the innate and adaptive immune responses to pertussis in a primate infection model and suggest that Th17 and Th1 immune responses contribute to the immunity conferred by natural pertussis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In our previous study, we screened a candidate new microRNA (miRNA) based on the deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In this paper, we evaluated the novel miRNA in the following experiment: 1) the secondary structure of the precursor of novel-miR has the characteristic of a stem-loop hairpin structure, and mature miRNA is far from loops and bulges. 2) we used BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) to compare the novel-miR sequence to that found in the GenBank. Novel-miR sequence existed in Mus musculus, Drosophila grimshawi, Rattus norvegicus, Xenopus laevis, Spodoptera frugiperda, Papio anubis, Salmo salar and so on. Then multiple sequence alignment (MSA) showed that sequence from 5 to 11bp and 13 to 17bp exhibited 100% similarity, where there is significant sequence conservation. Novel-miR showed similarity in the seed region with the known miR-3675-3p, indicating that these miRNAs are likely to belong to the same family and thus may share common biology. 3) novel-miR from MCF-7 and MB-MDA-231 was validated by Northern blot and detected in the serum and tissue samples of BC patients, respectively, by real-time PCR. The data showed that novel-miR was downregulated in the BC cancerous tissues and serum of breast cancer patients (P<0.05). 4) transfection of novel-miR mimics into MCF-7 cell significantly inhibited cell growth detected by CCK-8 assay (P<0.05). 5) to identify the mRNA targets of novel-miR, we performed a computational screen for genes with novel-miR complementary sites in their 3′-UTR using several open access databases. In addition, we used the CapitalBio® Molecule Annotation System V3.0 to perform gene ontology (GO) analysis on the target genes of novel-miR and specific biological process categories were enriched. 7 genes (CUL3, KRAS, ETS1, MNT, CNTN3, CCNK and FOXO3) which have a high prediction score and are associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were chosen. 3′-UTR luciferase report assay suggested that miR-BS1 negatively regulated CNTN3. In the conclusion, novel-miR, named miR-3675b, is a true, functional and novel miRNA. Candidate novel miRNA from deep sequencing which will be qualified as a “real” miRNA must be validated by a series of functional experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: N-(4-fluorobut-2-yn-1-yl)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4′-tolyl)nortropane (PR04.MZ, 1) is a PET radioligand for the non-invasive exploration of the function of the cerebral dopamine transporter (DAT). A reliable automated process for routine production of the carbon-11 labelled analogue [11C]PR04.MZ ([11C]-1) has been developed using GMP compliant equipment. An adult female Papio anubis baboon was studied using a test–retest protocol with [11C]-1 in order to assess test–retest reliability, metabolism and CNS distribution profile of the tracer in non-human primates. Blood sampling was performed throughout the studies for determination of the free fraction in plasma (f P), plasma input functions and metabolic degradation of the radiotracer [11C]-1. Time–activity curves were derived for the putamen, the caudate nucleus, the ventral striatum, the midbrain and the cerebellum. Distribution volumes (V T) and non-displaceable binding potentials (BPND) for various brain regions and the blood were obtained from kinetic modelling. [11C]-1 shows promising results as a selective marker of the presynaptic dopamine transporter. With the reliable visualisation of the extra-striatal dopaminergic neurons and no indication on labelled metabolites, the tracer provides excellent potential for translation into man. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As non-human primates are phylogenetically close to humans, they are ideal models to investigate the precursors of human brain hemispheric specialisation. However, in spite of hundreds of reports investigating hand preference, empirically based theories generating valuable predictions are still lacking, mainly because of a disappointing deficiency in comparability between studies and even more so between species. Therefore, we propose here to adapt, for the first time, the Quantifying Hand Preference (QHP) task, devised for humans, to non-human primates. This test could be a very useful standard measure of hand preference for simple reaching in non-human primates because of its simplicity to set up and of the parameters (e.g., subject''s posture; position of the item) it can control. Our test subjects were 42 baboons of various ages and both sexes. Our results highlight the crucial influence of item position on hand preference for simple reaching, even when the item is positioned close to the subjects’ body midline. Both sex and age influence baboons’ handedness index but this effect varies according to the position of the item to be grasped. We discuss our results within the theoretical framework concerning hemispheric specialisation for object manipulation and with the perspective of replicating this experiment with other non-human primate species and genera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) modulate the cytotoxic effects of Natural Killer cells. KIR genes are encoded in the Leucocyte Receptor Complex and are characterized by their high haplotypic diversity and polymorphism. The KIR system has been studied in only three species of Old World monkeys, the rhesus macaque, the cynomolgus macaque, and the sabaeus monkey, displaying a complexity rivaling that of hominids (human and apes). Here we analyzed bacterial artificial chromosome draft sequences spanning the KIR haplotype of three other Old World monkeys, the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), the olive baboon (Papio anubis) and the colobus monkey (Colobus guereza). A total of 25 KIR gene models were identified in these species, predicted to encode receptors with 1, 2, and 3 extracellular Ig domains, all of them with long cytoplasmic domains having two putative ITIMs, although three had a positively charged residue in the transmembrane domain. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that most Old World monkeys shared five classes of KIR loci: i) KIR2DL5/3DL20 in the most centromeric region, followed by ii) the single Ig domain-encoding locus KIR1D, iii) the pseudogene KIR2DP, iv) the conserved KIR2DL4, and v) the highly diversified KIR3DL/H loci in the telomeric half of the cluster. An exception to this pattern was the KIR haplotype of the colobus monkey that lacked the KIR1D, KIR2DP, and KIR2DL4 loci of the central region of the cluster. Thus, Old World monkeys display a broad spectrum of KIR haplotype variation that has been generated upon an ancestral haplotype architecture by gene duplication, gene deletion, and non-homologous recombination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To synchronize the baboon menstrual cycle and to compare different methods of ovarian stimulation for IVF in baboons. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya. Animal(s): Ten female baboons were treated with an oral contraceptive (33 ± 8 days) and randomized for ovarian stimulation in two cycles. Intervention(s): In cycle 1 (C1), baboons were stimulated as follows: clomiphene citrate (CC) for 5 days followed by antagonist (group CC-1, n = 3); recombinant gonadotropins (rGn: rFSH and rLH) with antagonist (group antagon-1, n = 3); and long GnRH agonist protocol (group LP-1, n = 4). After 1- month rest, in cycle 2 (C2), the baboons were stimulated as follows: CC for 8 days without antagonist (group CC-2, n = 2); short GnRH agonist protocol (group SP-2, n = 4); long GnRH agonist protocol (group LP-2, n = 4). Oocyte aspiration was performed 34–36 hours after injecting 5000 IU recombinant hCG; the oocytes were then fertilized. Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocytes retrieved and fertilization rate. Result(s): Withdrawal bleeding occurred 4 ± 1 days after the cessation of the contraceptive. Ovarian stimulation using the different protocols resulted in the following mean numbers of retrieved oocytes: LP-1, n = 19; LP-2, n = 19; CC-1, n = 4; CC-2, n = 4; antagon-1, n = 9; and SP-2, n = 14. Fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection varied (23%–54%). Conclusion(s): The baboon menstrual cycle can be synchronized using an oral contraceptive. A long GnRH agonist protocol for ovarian stimulation may be suitable for ovarian stimulation in baboons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of UniPron as a reversible contraceptive. Methods: Vaginal swabs were obtained before and after UniPron administration, cultured onto appropriate culture media and bacteria identification was done based on type of media used, Gram stain reactions, colony morphology and biochemical tests. Vaginal biopsy tissues were processed using paraffin wax method, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscopy to determine the effect of the product on vaginal tissues. The effect of UniPron on sperm was examined by mixing the product with electroejaculated spermatozoa in vitro at different concentrations. For efficacy studies, male baboons of proven fertility were mated with UniPron treated or untreated females of proven fertility during the fertile stages. Results: All the five females (100%) that were treated with UniPron did not conceive and they regained total fertility when the treatment was stopped while all the controls conceived. At a concentration of 40%, UniPron completely immobilized spermatozoa in an in-vitro system. UniPron mechanism of action was by lowering the vaginal pH and on application in baboon, the pH was lowered for at least 3 h after which it went back to normal. Conclusion: As we plan for a study to test UniPron as a microbicide to prevent STIs including HIV, our current study has established that this novel product is effective in contraception and harmless to vaginal tissues and vaginal microbial flora in a baboon model (Papio anubis). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This case report demonstrates the application of an allergy test to an adult female olive baboon with presumed environmental allergies, most likely to cedar and/or pine. Although antihistamine therapy adequately controlled symptoms, allergy testing was desired as the first step toward possible hyposensitivity therapy and the ability to discontinue daily administration of medications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Treatment with the DNA demethylating drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (Dacogen; DAC) increased fetal hemoglobin and F cells to therapeutically significant levels in patients with sickle cell disease. To gain more insight into the mechanism of action of this drug and to increase our understanding of the relationship between DNA methylation and chromatin structure, we have determined the effect of DAC on covalent histone modifications of chromatin associated with the ɛ, γ-, and β-globin promoters in purified bone marrow erythroid cells of four baboons (P. anubis) pre- and posttreatment. Results: Fetal hemoglobin increased from 6.45% ± 1.75% in pretreatment samples to 62.1% ± 7.94% following DAC. DNA methylation of three CpG sites within the ɛ-globin promoter and 5 CpG sites within the γ-globin promoter decreased more than 50% following DAC treatment. Levels of RNA polymerase II, acetyl-histone H3, acetyl-histone H4, dimethyl-histone H3 (lys4), dimethyl-histone H3 (lys36), and dimethyl-histone H3 (lys79) associated with the ɛ-, γ-, and β-globin promoters were determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation of formaldehyde-fixed chromatin followed by real-time PCR. Dacogen treatment increased the association of RNA polymerase II, acetyl-histone H3, and acetyl-histone H4 with the γ-globin promoter but did not significantly affect the association of dimethyl-histone H3 (lys4), dimethyl-histone H3 (lys36), and dimethyl-histone H3 (lys79) with the ɛ-, γ-, and β-globin gene promoters. Conclusion: These experiments illustrate the usefulness of the baboon model to investigate the mechanism of pharmacologic reactivation of fetal hemoglobin synthesis at the molecular level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examined the endoparasite load of a group of olive baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) that share their habitat with a population of mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla berengei) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. During a 2-week period in June 2002, shared habitat was substantiated by noting the ranging patterns of both species and recording observations and trail remains with a global positioning system (GPS). Parasite load was determined by collecting fecal samples preserved in 10% formalin and analyzed by sedimentation techniques and immunofluorescent antibodies (IFA). Bwindi baboons were infected with Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Eimeria, Ascaris spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp., and Ternidens diminuta. Of these, the Bwindi mountain gorillas had previously been found to carry Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Strongyloides spp., and Trichuris spp., but not Eimeria, Ascaris, Hymenolepis, or T. diminuta. This study is the first to record Giardia in olive baboons and demonstrates that at least three parasite species in Bwindi baboons have yet to be found in Bwindi gorillas. Early monitoring is essential to the health and well being of both of these sympatric primate species, especially as they continue to interact more often and over a larger area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A total of 59 faecal samples from ranging Papio anubis (baboons) and another 41 from Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) from the Rift Valley areas of Ethiopia were microscopically examined to determine the prevalence and species of major gastro-intestinal parasites of zoonotic importance. Faecal smears were prepared from fresh faecal samples, stained using modified Ziehl–Neelsen method and microscopically examined. About 3 gm of the dropping was also preserved separately in clean and properly labelled containers containing 10% formalin. The specimens were microscopically examined after formalin-ether concentration for ova, larvae, cysts and oocyst of intestinal parasites. The results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of baboons demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (27.1%), Strongyloides sp. (37.3%), Trichostrongylus sp. (8.5%), Oesophagostomum sp. (10.2%), Schistosoma mansoni (20.3%), Entamoeba coli (83.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.9%), Blastocystis hominis (3.3%), Cyclospora sp. (13.3%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (11.9%). Likewise, the results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of vervets demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (36.6%), Oesophagostomum sp. (4.9%), E. coli (61.0%), E. histolytica/dispar (24.4%), B. hominis (34.2%), Cyclospora sp. (22.0%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (29.3%). The presence of parasitic protozoa and helminths in baboons and vervets in the study areas is a high risk to human welfare because these non-human primates use the same water sources as humans and range freely in human habitats. An implication of such parasitic infection for the control programme is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To assess the presence of irregular xenoantibodies against human red blood cells (RBCs) in 6 primate species used in xenotransplantation and other experimental procedures. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 109 baboons of 4 different species (olive, chacma, sacred, and Guinea), 38 rhesus macaques, and 30 squirrel monkeys were tested for irregular xenoantibodies using an agglutination test using human RBCs of known phenotype for Rh, Kell, Kidd, Lewis, Lutheran, P1, and Duffy antigens, commercially available as RBC I, II, and III. Results: We found hemagglutination for RBC I in 49%, 22%, 100%, 57%, 32%, and 33% of olive, chacma, sacred, and Guinea baboons, rhesus macaques, and squirrel monkey, respectively. The frequency for RBC II was 49%, 50%, 100%, 57%, 37%, and 33%, respectively, and for RBC III was 56%, 37%, 100%, 79%, 34%, and 33%, respectively. There were differences in frequency depending on the sex of the rhesus macaques; all 3 RBCs tested were higher in the females: 44% vs 0%, P = .008; 48% vs 1%, P = .02, and 44% vs 9.1%, P = .04 for RBC I, II, and III, respectively. There were differences due to age in only olive baboons, and a higher frequency in younger animals compared with juvenile, subadult, and adult animals for all 3 human RBCs. Conclusions: Assessment of irregular antibodies in the presence of primate serum should be taken into account during any experimental xenotransplantation protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: About 24 million pregnantwomenin sub-Saharan Africa are exposed to malaria in pregnancy, a condition referred to as placental malaria. This condition affects both the mother and infant causing adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, abortion, still birth, anaemia, mortality, just to mention a few. Comprehensive studies of placental malaria cannot be done in humans due to confounding variables that include mother's health status, inaccurate estimation of infection, inadequate tissue for analysis, patient compliance, socioeconomic conditions and moral, ethical and financial limitations. Reproducible animal models are required to overcome these challenges. The human-like structure of the baboon placenta and the cyto-adherent property of Plasmodium knowlesi have informed the choice for baboon-P. knowlesi model. Work in our malaria laboratory at the Institute of Primate Research in Nairobi, Kenya, has demonstrated that baboons are susceptible to placental malaria due to experimental infection by P. knowlesi. The baboon model of placental malaria is therefore useful in understanding pathophysiology of the disease in humans. Methods & Materials: This study sought to validate and apply baboon-P.knowlesi model of placental malaria. Pregnant baboons were experimentally infected by P. knowlesi blood stage parasites in their first, second and third trimesters. The animals were sampled and analyzed for clinical and haematological changes, pathological changes, parasitaemia profile, immunological profile, and infant characteristics. Results: Data generated from this study demonstrates for the first time the infiltration of infected P. knowlesi parasitized red blood cells and inflammatory cells in the placenta of non-immune baboons and their association with the underlying pathology of placental malaria. In addition, this study reveals that protective immunity against placental malaria in baboons involves both antibody dependent and cytokine dependent immune mechanisms. Maternal immunoglobulin G is important in infant survival against P. knowlesi malaria while a balanced type-1 and type-2 cytokine responses are displayed at the peripheral and placental maternal levels respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, these findings validate the baboon-P. knowlesi model of placental malaria for the characterization of malaria during pregnancy and for further exploration in the field of reproductive immunology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: This study evaluated the use of a non-human primate, the olive baboon (Papio anubis), as a model of dengue infection. Olive baboons closely resemble humans genetically and physiologically and have been used extensively for assessing novel vaccine formulations. Methods: Two doses of dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) were tested in baboons: 103 and 104 pfu. Similarly, African green monkeys received the same quantity of virus and acted as positive controls. Results: Following exposure, high levels of viremia were detected in both animal species. There was a trend to detect more days of viremia and more homogeneous viral titers in animals receiving the low viral dose. In addition, baboons infected with the virus generally exhibited positive virus isolation 1 day later than African green monkeys. Humoral responses consisting of antiviral and neutralizing antibodies were detected in all animals after infection. Conclusions: We conclude that baboons provide an alternative non-human primate species for experimental DENV-2 infection and we recommend their use for further tests of vaccines, administering the lowest dose assayed: 103 pfu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The mechanism responsible for increased fetal hemoglobin levels following decitabine treatment remains controversial. These experiments were performed to evaluate the role of transcriptional vs. translational mechanisms in the ability of decitabine to increase fetal hemoglobin levels in vivo. Materials and Methods: Three normal, nonanemic baboons were treated with decitabine subcutaneously (0.5 mg/kg/d) for 10 days. The effect of decitabine on globin chain synthesis and globin messenger RNA levels was measured in pre- and posttreatment bone marrow aspirates by biosynthetic radiolabeling with [3H] leucine followed by separation of globin chains by high-performance liquid chromatography, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The effect on DNA methylation of the ɛ- and γ-globin gene promoters was determined by bisulfite sequence analysis. Results: Decitabine treatment of normal, nonanemic baboons induced similar increases in the γ/γ+β chain synthetic ratio and the γ/total β-like globin RNA ratio and also increased expression of ɛ-globin transcripts. Increased expression of ɛ- and γ-globin was associated with decreased DNA methylation of the ɛ- and γ-globin gene promoters. Conclusions: Decitabine increases fetal hemoglobin in vivo by transcriptional activation of the γ-globin gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]