Variation in blubber cortisol levels in a recovering humpback whale population inhabiting a rapidly changing environment

Glucocorticoids are regularly used as biomarkers of relative health for individuals and populations. Around the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), baleen whales have and continue to experience threats, including commercial harvest, prey limitations and habitat change driven by rapid warming, and increased human presence via ecotourism. Here, we measured demographic variation and differences across the foraging season in blubber cortisol levels of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) over two years around the WAP. Cortisol concentrations were determined from 305 biopsy samples of unique individuals. We found no significant difference in the cortisol concentration between male and female whales. However, we observed significant differences across demographic groups of females and a significant decrease in the population across the feeding season. We also assessed whether COVID-19-related reductions in tourism in 2021 along the WAP correlated with lower cortisol levels across the population. The decline in vessel presence in 2021 was associated with a significant decrease in humpback whale blubber cortisol concentrations at the population level. Our findings provide critical contextual data on how these hormones vary naturally in a population over time, show direct associations between cortisol levels and human presence, and will enable comparisons among species experiencing different levels of human disturbance.

Demography of an ice-obligate mysticete in a region of rapid environmental change

Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis, AMW) are an abundant, ice-dependent species susceptible to rapid climatic changes occurring in parts of the Antarctic. Here, we used remote biopsy samples and estimates of length derived from unoccupied aircraft system (UAS) to characterize for the first time the sex ratio, maturity, and pregnancy rates of AMWs around the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). DNA profiling of 82 biopsy samples (2013-2020) identified 29 individual males and 40 individual females. Blubber progesterone levels indicated 59% of all sampled females were pregnant, irrespective of maturity. When corrected for sexual maturity, the median pregnancy rate was 92.3%, indicating that most mature females become pregnant each year. We measured 68 individuals by UAS (mean = 8.04 m) and estimated that 66.5% of females were mature. This study provides the first data on the demography of AMWs along the WAP and represents the first use of non-lethal approaches to studying this species. Furthermore, these results provide baselines against which future changes in population status can be assessed in this rapidly changing marine ecosystem.

Brain Abnormalities in Patients with Germline Variants in H3F3: Novel Imaging Findings and Neurologic Symptoms Beyond Somatic Variants and Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pathogenic somatic variants affecting the genes Histone 3 Family 3A and 3B (H3F3) are extensively linked to the process of oncogenesis, in particular related to central nervous system tumors in children. Recently, H3F3 germline missense variants were described as the cause of a novel pediatric neurodevelopmental disorder. We aimed to investigate patterns of brain MR imaging of individuals carrying H3F3 germline variants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included individuals with proved H3F3 causative genetic variants and available brain MR imaging scans. Clinical and demographic data were retrieved from available medical records. Molecular genetic testing results were classified using the American College of Medical Genetics criteria for variant curation. Brain MR imaging abnormalities were analyzed according to their location, signal intensity, and associated clinical symptoms. Numeric variables were described according to their distribution, with median and interquartile range.

RESULTS

Eighteen individuals (10 males, 56%) with H3F3 germline variants were included. Thirteen of 18 individuals (72%) presented with a small posterior fossa. Six individuals (33%) presented with reduced size and an internal rotational appearance of the heads of the caudate nuclei along with an enlarged and squared appearance of the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. Five individuals (28%) presented with dysgenesis of the splenium of the corpus callosum. Cortical developmental abnormalities were noted in 8 individuals (44%), with dysgyria and hypoplastic temporal poles being the most frequent presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging phenotypes in germline H3F3-affected individuals are related to brain features, including a small posterior fossa as well as dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, cortical developmental abnormalities, and deformity of lateral ventricles.

Searching for humpback whales in a historical whaling hotspot of the Coral Sea, South Pacific

Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae were severely depleted by commercial whaling. Understanding key factors in their recovery is a crucial step for their conservation worldwide. In Oceania, the Chesterfield-Bellona archipelago was a primary whaling site in the 19th century, yet has been left almost unaffected by anthropogenic activities since. We present the results of the first multidisciplinary dedicated surveys in the archipelago assessing humpback whale populations 2 centuries post-whaling. We encountered 57 groups during 24 survey days (2016-2017), among which 35 whales were identified using photographs of natural markings (photo-ID), 38 using genotyping and 22 using both. Humpback whales were sparsely distributed (0.041 whales km-1): most sightings concentrated in shallow inner-reef waters and neighbouring offshore shallow banks. The recently created marine protected area covers most of the areas of high predicted habitat suitability and high residence time from satellite-tracked whales. Surprisingly for a breeding area, sex ratios skewed towards females (1:2.4), and 45% of females were with calf. Connectivity was established with the New Caledonia breeding area to the east (mtDNA FST = 0.001, p > 0.05, 12 photo-ID and 10 genotype matches) and with the Australian Great Barrier Reef breeding area to the west (mtDNA FST = 0.006, p > 0.05). Movement of satellite-tracked whales and photo-ID matches also suggest connections with the east Australian migratory corridor. This study confirms that humpback whales still inhabit the Chesterfield-Bellona archipelago 2 centuries post whaling, and that this pristine area potentially plays a role in facilitating migratory interchange among breeding grounds of the western South Pacific.

Clinical Use of IDegLira: Initiation to Titration After Basal Insulin

Delayed treatment intensification is common in U.S. patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin. Concerns about weight gain, hypoglycemia, increased regimen complexity, and additional copayments may lead to reluctance to initiate prandial insulin. IDegLira is a titratable, fixed-ratio coformulation that combines the advantages of insulin degludec and the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide in a single once-daily injection and mitigates the side effects associated with each component. Clinical trials have demonstrated that IDegLira improves glycemic control without the increased risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain observed with basal insulin up-titration and the addition of prandial insulin, and this is achieved using twice-weekly titration. Clinical trials and real-world studies have also shown that IDegLira has the potential to reduce therapeutic and titration inertia. However, better outcomes could be achieved with IDegLira initiation in suitable patients with timely titration and by providers sharing their experience with this combination product. This review describes considerations for initiation, titration, and intensification of IDegLira in patients previously receiving basal insulin.

Characteristics, socioeconomic status and ethnic variations of primary idiopathic macular hole repair in vitreoretinal centers in the United Kingdom

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this multicentre retrospective study was to investigate the characteristics and role of ethnicity and socioeconomic status amongst patients with idiopathic macular holes (IMH) and the surgical outcome.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

Consecutive patients undergoing primary IMH surgery at three vitreoretinal units in the UK (King's College Hospital, London, UK, Western Eye Hospital, London, UK, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, UK) between January 2007 and May 2017 were included. The main outcome measure was anatomical closure of IMH.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty three primary IMH surgeries were included. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade. 69.10% of patients were European Caucasian, 6.44% were Asian, and 24.46% were Afro-Caribbean. The mean base macular hole diameter (BD) was 475.5mcm. Mean BD was 432.2mcm in European Caucasian patients, 481.3mcm in Asians (P=0.005), and 505.61mcm in Afro-Caribbeans (P=0.006). Regression analysis demonstrated that BD and Afro-Caribbean ethnicity were independent significant risk factors for surgical failure. Those who have longer duration of symptoms (Afro-Caribbeans) and leave in more deprived places (Afro-Caribbeans) in England where found to have lower success rate on macular hole closure.

CONCLUSION

Asian and Afro-Caribbean patients present with larger IMH than European Caucasians. In addition to IMH base diameter, black origin and lower socioeconomic status are independent risk factors for surgical failure. This study presents a large population-based data analysis on ethnic variation in macular holes and may assist in the management and predicting the surgical outcome.

Accounting for female reproductive cycles in a superpopulation capture-recapture framework

Superpopulation capture-recapture models are useful for estimating the abundance of long-lived, migratory species because they are able to account for the fluid nature of annual residency at migratory destinations. Here we extend the superpopulation POPAN model to explicitly account for heterogeneity in capture probability linked to reproductive cycles (POPAN-tau). This extension has potential application to a range of species that have temporally variable life stages (e.g., non-annual breeders such as albatrosses and baleen whales) and results in a significant reduction in bias over the standard POPAN model. We demonstrate the utility of this model in simultaneously estimating abundance and annual population growth rate (lamda) in the New Zealand (NZ) southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) from 1995 to 2009. DNA profiles were constructed for the individual identification of more than 700 whales, sampled during two sets of winter expeditions in 1995-1998 and 2006-2009. Due to differences in recapture rates between sexes, only sex-specific models were considered. The POPAN-tau models, which explicitly account for a decrease in capture probability in non-calving years, fit the female data set significantly better than do standard superpopulation models (deltaAIC > 25). The best POPAN-tau model (AIC) gave a super-population estimate of 1162 females for 1995-2009 (95% CL 921, 1467) and an estimated annual increase of 5% (95% CL--2%, 13%). The best model (AIC) gave a superpopulation estimate of 1007 males (95% CL 794, 1276) and an estimated annual increase of 7% (95% CL 5%, 9%) for 1995-2009. Combined, the total superpopulation estimate for 1995-2009 was 2169 whales (95% CL 1836, 2563). Simulations suggest that failure to account for the effect of reproductive status on the capture probability would result in a substantial positive bias (+19%) in female abundance estimates.

Managing 'suspicious glaucomatous discs' identified during digital-photography-based diabetic retinopathy screening

PURPOSE

An audit to demonstrate the outcome of patients identified with suspicious glaucomatous discs within a digital-photography-based diabetic retinopathy screening programme.

METHODS

Primary care based digital photographic screening was performed utilising mydriasis and two-field digital photography for all patients with diabetes. Patients identified with discs suspicious of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) were initially referred to an accredited community-based optometrist for further assessment. Some patients were then referred to secondary care where appropriate.

RESULTS

From 1st April 2002 to 31st March 2003 a total of 3868 patients were screened for diabetic retinopathy. This audit revealed that 55 subjects were identified by retinal screeners as having discs suspicious of glaucoma. A total of 29 were already under glaucoma clinic review. A total of 23/26 remaining were referred for an assessment by an accredited optometrist. Of these 13 were normal, 6 were referred to secondary care and 4 failed to attend. The three remaining were referred directly to secondary care.

CONCLUSIONS

All nine referrals to secondary care were deemed appropriate by a glaucoma specialist. This suggests that the system described does not lead to over-referral of suspicious discs - although the issue of how many glaucomatous discs are missed during screening (false negatives) will only be answered in the longer term.

Central scotoma associated with intraocular silicone oil tamponade develops before oil removal

BACKGROUND

Unexplained sudden visual loss after removal of silicone oil from the eye has recently been described. We report the occurrence and features of unexplained central scotoma developing with silicone oil in situ in the vitreous cavity.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of five patients (from two centres) who reported a central scotoma commencing during silicone oil tamponade was studied. All patients had vitrectomy for macula-on retinal detachment, with ultra-purified silicone oil tamponade (four out of five had giant retinal tear). Investigations included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, visual fields and electrophysiology.

RESULTS

All patients reported a central scotoma that appeared during oil tamponade. Visual acuity fell by a mean of 0.93 LogMAR units after onset of the scotoma. After cataract extraction and oil removal, vision remained reduced by a mean of 0.8 units. The mean duration of oil in the eye was 2.7 months when the scotoma was noted by the patient. Investigations were performed after removal of oil. Fluorescein angiography (FFA) was performed in two cases and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in five patients. No abnormality was demonstrated. Electrophysiology was performed in five patients with pattern electroretinography suggestive of macular dysfunction in four patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case series describing central scotoma associated with silicone oil in situ. Electrophysiology indicated macular dysfunction in most cases. We suggest that early removal of oil in cases with good visual potential should be considered to avoid this sight-threatening complication.

Abundance and mtDNA differentiation of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Shumagin Islands, Alaska

Despite extensive research on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)) in parts of the North Pacific, little research has focused on the whales feeding in coastal waters west of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. To extend research westward in the North Pacific, small-boat surveys were conducted near the Shumagin Islands during the summers of 1999–2002. Photographs of the natural markings of humpback whales were collected, representing 413 sightings of 171 individual whales. Small samples of skin tissue were collected from 20 individuals, including two mother–calf pairs, for sex identification and comparison of mtDNA haplogroups with previously published results from surveys in other regions of the North Pacific. Individual identification photographs were used in mark–recapture analysis to estimate abundance for the Shumagin Island region. The best estimate was given by a modified Jolly–Seber method: N = 410 (95% CI: 241–683) for 2002. Comparison of photographs with archived photographs from throughout the North Pacific revealed four migratory destinations for 13 of the Shumagin Islands whales: Hawai'i, Japan, offshore Mexico, and coastal Mexico. The frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups differed significantly from those in three other sampled feeding grounds: California, southeastern Alaska, and Prince William Sound. The haplogroup frequencies and migratory destinations of individuals suggested an affinity with the Hawaiian wintering ground but data are insufficient to associate whales off the Shumagin Islands with any surveyed breeding ground.

Restricted quasi-score estimating functions for sample survey data

This paper applies the theory of the quasi-likelihood method to model-based inference for sample surveys. Currently, much of the theory related to sample surveys is based on the theory of maximum likelihood. The maximum likelihood approach is available only when the full probability structure of the survey data is known. However, this knowledge is rarely available in practice. Based on central limit theory, statisticians are often willing to accept the assumption that data have, say, a normal probability structure. However, such an assumption may not be reasonable in many situations in which sample surveys are used. We establish a framework for sample surveys which is less dependent on the exact underlying probability structure using the quasi-likelihood method.

The T-superfamily of conotoxins

We report the discovery and initial characterization of the T-superfamily of conotoxins. Eight different T-superfamily peptides from five Conus species were identified; they share a consensus signal sequence, and a conserved arrangement of cysteine residues (- -CC- -CC-). T-superfamily peptides were found expressed in venom ducts of all major feeding types of Conus; the results suggest that the T-superfamily will be a large and diverse group of peptides, widely distributed in the 500 different Conus species. These peptides are likely to be functionally diverse; although the peptides are small (11-17 amino acids), their sequences are strikingly divergent, with different peptides of the superfamily exhibiting varying extents of post-translational modification. Of the three peptides tested for in vivo biological activity, only one was active on mice but all three had effects on fish. The peptides that have been extensively characterized are as follows: p5a, GCCPKQMRCCTL*; tx5a, gammaCCgammaDGW(+)CCT( section sign)AAO; and au5a, FCCPFIRYCCW (where gamma = gamma-carboxyglutamate, W(+) = bromotryptophan, O = hydroxyproline, T( section sign) = glycosylated threonine, and * = COOH-terminal amidation). We also demonstrate that the precursor of tx5a contains a functional gamma-carboxylation recognition signal in the -1 to -20 propeptide region, consistent with the presence of gamma-carboxyglutamate residues in this peptide.

Patient perceptions of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is rarely seen as a serious public health issue, yet it is the single largest cause of disability in the UK (Badley and Tennant 1993). In this qualitative study patients were interviewed about the physical and social effects of the disease.

Comparison of the time-resolved absorption and phosphorescence from the tryptophan triplet state in proteins in solution

Measurement of the room temperature Trp triplet state lifetime in proteins by time-resolved phosphorescence can provide valuable information on the structure and dynamics of proteins in solution. Our time-resolved absorption measurements on the long-lived states resulting from electronic excitation of the chromophore demonstrate the presence of more complex behavior than revealed by time-resolved phosphorescence. To provide additional insight into this behavior, a comparative study of time-resolved transient absorption and time-resolved phosphorescence of proteins in solution was carried out. The results show that the time evolution of the long-lived states observed through transient absorption often differs considerably from that observed in time-resolved phosphorescence. In some proteins, the presence of competing reactions complicates the interpretation of the transient absorption measurements (which may affect the phosphorescence yield). A more complete characterization of these processes will likely prove useful in the study of protein structure and dynamics in solution.

Messenger RNA deadenylylation precedes decapping in mammalian cells

In yeast, the major mRNA degradation pathway is initiated by poly(A) tail shortening that triggers mRNA decapping. The mRNA is then degraded by 5'-to-3' exonucleolysis. In mammalian cells, even though poly(A) tail shortening also precedes mRNA degradation, the degradation pathway has not been elucidated. We have used a reverse transcription-PCR approach that relies on mRNA circularization to measure the poly(A) tail length of four mammalian mRNAs. This approach allows for the simultaneous analysis of the 5' and 3' ends of the same mRNA molecule. For all four mRNAs analyzed, this strategy permitted us to demonstrate the existence of small amounts of decapped mRNA species which have a shorter poly(A) tail than their capped counterparts. Kinetic analysis of one of these mRNAs indicates that the decapped species with a short poly(A) tail are mRNA degradation products. Therefore, our results indicate that decapping is preceded by a shortening of the poly(A) tail in mammalian cells, as it is in yeast, suggesting that this mRNA degradation pathway is conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution.

Anterior subcapsular plaque cataract in hyperornithinaemia gyrate atrophy--a case report

Hyperornithinaemia gyrate atrophy (HOGA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which chorioretinal degeneration occurs with cataracts, myopia, and hyperornithinaemia. We report the case of an 18-year-old female who presented with the typical features of HOGA, including posterior subcapsular cataracts and elevated plasma ornithine. She later developed distorted vision in both eyes owing to wrinkling of the anterior lens capsules. Histological examination following lens extraction showed the wrinkling was caused by focal distortion from capsular fibrosis (anterior subcapsular plaque cataract). This specific lens change has not been linked previously with HOGA.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. A family study

The authors report a comprehensive evaluation of the hemostatic system in eight related patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Unlike in previous reports, they could find no evidence for abnormalities in platelet aggregation or for qualitative abnormalities of the Factor VIII complex. The authors did identify a subgroup of the more severely affected patients in whom Factor VIIIc levels were increased, with shortened activated partial thromboplastin times (APTTs) associated with mild elevations of antithrombin III.

Antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) evoked increases in cerebellar cGMP and striatal ACh release by phencyclidine (PCP) receptor agonists: evidence for possible allosteric coupling of NMDA and PCP receptors

A comparison was made of the actions of phencyclidine receptor agonists and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists in two well-defined neurochemical test systems. These included (i) [3H]acetylcholine release from striatal cholinergic interneurons in vitro, a system known to be positively modulated by corticostriatal excitatory amino acid inputs in vivo; and (ii) cerebellar cGMP levels in vivo, an indicator of cerebellar Purkinje cell activity, which is also modulated by excitatory amino acid inputs. Using these neuronal systems, we report that phencyclidine receptor agonists demonstrated a noncompetitive antagonism of NMDA receptor agonist actions.

Analysis of incision depth following experimental radial keratotomy

Eight-incision radial keratotomy was performed on a series of cadaver eyes using ultrasonic pachymetry and both metal and diamond blades. There were no statistically significant differences in mean corneal flattening (approximately 9.5 diopters) obtained with either the diamond or metal blades. Short diamond knife incisions produced less flattening that was statistically significant (5.8 diopters). Histologic analysis of incision depth revealed similar results with both the diamond (84%) and metal (86%) blades.

Effects of the Shearing posterior chamber intraocular lens on the corneal endothelium

A consecutive group of 67 patients (70 eyes) with senile cataract underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a Shearing posterior chamber intraocular lens. After two years of follow-up, there was an 11% +/- 2% decrease in central cell density (P less than .001), a 20% +/- 2% decrease in superior cell density (P less than .001), and a 5% +/- 3% decrease in inferior cell density (P less than .005). Complications included corneal edema requiring a corneal transplant (one patient), a sterile nonhealing ulcer that required a conjunctival flap (one patient), and secondary glaucoma (one patient). Nine patients had visual acuities poorer than 20/40 but none had cystoid macular edema. Primary or secondary capsulotomy did not significantly increase endothelial cell loss. Central endothelial cell loss from extracapsular cataract extraction with Shearing posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was correlated with age, as well as with preoperative superior endothelial cell density (P less than .05).

Preliminary study of keratomileusis in primates (Macaca speciosa)

Keratomileusis was investigated in five stumptail monkey eyes (Macaca speciosa). An arbitrary flattening of six diopters was selected and programmed in the computer for each eye. The actual flattening achieved two weeks after surgery ranged from -4.00 D to -6.00 diopters (D). One to 5 diopters of the initial effect was lost during the six-month observation period. Histopathology of two eyes demonstrated attenuation and/or loss of Bowman's membrane with overlying epithelial defects.

Radial keratotomy in fresh human cadaver eyes

Radial keratotomy in fresh human cadaver eyes produced corneal flattening varying from 6 to 11 diopters (D). There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the incisions to the incisions to the limbus compared to incisions through the limbus. Eighty to ninety percent of the flattening effect was obtained after the first eight incisions. The preoperative keratotomy reading was not helpful in predicting the final result. Histopathology of the incised corneas revealed considerable variation in incision depth and demonstrates the difficulty in achieving deep incisions safely.

Modification of corneal curvature following radial keratotomy in primates

Radial keratotomy was performed on six stumptail monkey eyes (Macaca speciosa) and 22 owl monkey eyes (Aotus trivirgotus). Changes in keratometry, specular microscopy, and tonometry have been studied postoperatively for three to six months. Sixteen radial incisions in stumptail monkey eyes resulted in a significant mean corneal flattening of 2.75 diopters (P less than 0.005). This effect was stable with a mean 2.50 diopters flattening remaining six months after surgery. Sixteen radial incisions in ten owl monkey eyes resulted in a much greater short-term effect, with a mean 10.50 diopters of flattening present at two weeks postoperatively. This flattening deteriorated over the observation period, and no significant effect was noted three months after surgery. A comparison of 8 vs 16 incisions on owl monkey eyes demonstrated that these two procedures are equally effective in initially flattening the cornea. Complications and side effects encountered included perforations, irregular astigmatism, corneal neovascularization, transitory increase in pachometry, and decrease in central corneal endothelial cell density in isolated cases.

Radial keratotomy in non-human primate eyes

We performed a prospective study of the effects of radial keratotomy in the owl monkey. We compared a 16-incision and an eight-incision radial keratotomy, and followed the changes in corneal curvature, corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure. We compared the results of the changes in these clinical factors with a histopathologic and ultrastructural analysis of the time-related changes after radial keratotomy in another group of animals. We found that the loss of initial corneal flattening following radial keratotomy corresponded with the contracture of the wound as demonstrated by histopathologic and ultrastructural study. This procedure results in a significant endothelial cell loss (14% to 15%), which is a result of the postsurgical inflammation associated with this surgery. Additionally, examination of the histopathologic structure of these corneas showed a high level of variability in the surgical incision depth, which we believe is responsible for the marked variations in the response to the surgical procedure.

Dermopathic changes in hypozincemia

In seven patients with chronic debilitating gastrointestinal disease who were being given total parenteral nutrition using L-amino acids and concentrated dextrose solution, severe hypozincemia (less than 60 micrograms/dL) developed with characteristic skin lesions and alopecia. The lesions were similar to seborrheic dermatitis, and they occurred in areas of high sebaceous gland concentration. Hyperkeratotic lesions were also seen on the extensor surfaces of large joints. The skin lesions and alopecia disappeared when serum zinc values were raised to levels above 60 micrograms/dL, with appropriate zinc sulfate replacement. A hypothesis on the etiology and clinical manifestations is presented.