Determining Mhc-DRB profiles in wild populations of three congeneric true lemur species by noninvasive methods.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a highly polymorphic and polygenic genomic region that plays a crucial role in immune-related diseases. Given the need for comparative studies on the variability of immunologically important genes among wild populations and species, we investigated the allelic variation of MHC class II DRB among three congeneric true lemur species: the red-fronted lemur (Eulemur rufifrons), red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer), and black lemur (Eulemur macaco). We noninvasively collected hair and faecal samples from these species across different regions in Madagascar. We assessed DRB exon 2 polymorphism with a newly developed primer set, amplifying nearly all non-synonymous codons of the antigen-binding sites. We defined 26 DRB alleles from 45 individuals (17 alleles from E. rufifrons (N = 18); 5 from E. rubriventer (N = 7); and 4 from E. macaco (N = 20). All detected alleles are novel and show high levels of nucleotide (26.8%) and non-synonymous codon polymorphism (39.4%). In these lemur species, we found neither evidence of a duplication of DRB genes nor a sharing of alleles among sympatric groups or allopatric populations of the same species. The non-sharing of alleles may be the result of a geographical separation over a long time span and/or different pathogen selection pressures. We found dN/dS rates > 1 in the functionally important antigen recognition sites, providing evidence for balancing selection. Especially for small and isolated populations, quantifying and monitoring DRB variation are recommended to establish successful conservation plans that mitigate the possible loss of immunogenetic diversity in lemurs.

Adenoviruses of the most ancient primate lineages support the theory on virus-host co-evolution.

The scarcity or complete lack of information on the adenoviruses (AdVs) occurring in the most ancient non-human primates resulted in the initiation of a study for exploring their abundance and diversity in prosimians and New World monkeys (NWMs). In order to assess the variability of these AdVs and the possible signs of the hypothesised virus-host co-evolution, samples from almost every family of NWMs and prosimians were screened for the presence of AdVs. A PCRscreening of 171 faecal or organ samples from live or dead, captive or wild-living prosimians and NWMs was performed. The PCR products from the gene of the IVa2 protein were sequenced and used in phylogeny calculations. The presence of 10 and 15 new AdVs in seven and ten different species of prosimians and NWMs was revealed, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the tentative novel AdVs cluster into two separate groups, which form the most basal branches among the primate AdVs, and therefore support the theory on the co-evolution of primate AdVs with their hosts. This is the first report that provides a comprehensive overview of the AdVs occurring in prosimians and NWMs, and the first insight into the evolutionary relationships among AdVs from all major primate groups.

Occupancy strongly influences faecal microbial composition of wild lemurs.

The microbiota of the mammalian gut is a complex ecosystem, the composition of which is greatly influenced by host genetics and environmental factors. In this study, we aim to investigate the influence of occupancy (a geographical area of habitation), species, age and sex on intestinal microbiota composition of the three lemur species: Eulemur fulvus, E. rubriventer and E. rufifrons. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 138 wild lemurs across Madagascar, and microbial composition was determined using next-generation sequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. Consistent with reports from other primate species, the predominant phyla were Firmicutes (43 ± 6.4% [s.d.]) and Bacteroidetes (30.3 ± 5.3%). The microbial composition was strongly associated with occupancy in the E. fulvus population, with up to 19.9% of the total variation in microbial composition being explained by this factor. In turn, geographical differences observed in faecal microbiota of sympatric lemur species were less pronounced, as was the impact of the factors sex and age. Our findings showed that among the studied factors occupancy had the strongest influence on intestinal microbiota of congeneric lemur species. This suggests adaptation of microbiota to differences in forest composition, climate variations and correspondingly available diet in different geographical locations of Madagascar.

Nd:YAG Laser Hyaloidotomy for the Treatment of Acute Subhyaloid Hemorrhage: A Comparison of Two Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Subhyaloid hemorrhage, whether spontaneous or in the context of a Valsalva maneuver, can lead to an acute decrease in vision when located in the premacular region. Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy (NYLH) is a minimally invasive treatment option. METHODS: We examined two different clinical courses based on two case reports of NYLH. One case report described a 52-year-old female patient who presented with a painless decrease of vision to 20/200. The fundoscopy verified a subhyaloid premacular hemorrhage. The precipitating event for the hemorrhage could not be determined, and a NYLH was performed 5 days after the event. The other patient was a 48-year-old man who suffered an acute visual decrease (hand motion) after developing a migraine with vomiting. Fundoscopy showed a dense subhyaloid premacular hemorrhage. NYLH was performed 1 day after the hemorrhage. These clinical courses were documented based on fundus photographs, ultrasounds, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RESULTS: In both cases, there was an effect with approximately 2.2 mJ of laser energy. In the female patient, we observed a gradual but constant increase in vision. After 4 weeks, her vision improved to 20/20. In the male patient, the vision increased to 25/20 1 day after treatment. However, his vision returned to hand motion as he developed a diffuse vitreous opacification. Because of delayed reabsorption, vitrectomy was considered. Since the optical axis was clear with good vision, we decided against this surgery. Complete reabsorption took more than 3 months. CONCLUSION: After NYLH for subhyaloid hemorrhage, pronounced vitreous body opacification could develop despite a rapid increase in vision, and requires close monitoring by the surgeon. Fundus photography and SD-OCT are suitable means for clinical course evaluations.

Pressure-Lowering Effect of Fistula Occlusion in a Patient with Secondary Glaucoma Due to an Intracranial Arteriovenous Fistula.

INTRODUCTION: This case report presents the pressure-lowering effect of transluminal fistula occlusion in a patient suffering from secondary glaucoma due to carotid cavernous fistula (CCF). CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old Caucasian woman presented with dilated epibulbar vessels with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP, >30 mmHg) as well as glaucomatous excavations of the optic disc in both eyes. Cerebral digital subtraction angiography revealed a CCF with bilateral orbital communication. Preoperative diurnal pressure profiling showed an average IOP of 25.8 mmHg (right eye) and 26.6 mmHg (left eye). Transluminal intervention and fistula occlusion led to a decrease in IOP of about 9 mmHg. A post-operative oculomotor nerve palsy regressed spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Secondary glaucoma due to CCF might be affected by fistula occlusion. Therefore, it should be considered before any surgical glaucoma interventions are performed. Diurnal pressure profiling is an effective tool for monitoring therapeutic success.

Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Tuberculosis in New York City.

CONTEXT: Treatment completion for tuberculosis (TB) is one of the essential components of TB prevention and control. Delays in treatment completion and incomplete treatment can result in increased transmission, development of drug resistance, and increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the reasons for poor treatment outcomes may help improve TB control efforts. OBJECTIVE: To identify those at highest risk and determine the reasons for poor treatment outcomes among TB cases (January 2009-June 2010). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: New York City TB patients eligible to complete treatment within 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Poisson regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with delayed completion and incomplete treatment compared with completion within 12 months of initiating treatment (timely completion). Reasons for delayed completion and incomplete treatment were summarized. RESULTS: Of 1008 cases eligible to complete treatment within 12 months, 921 (91%) had timely completion, 48 (5%) had delayed completion, and 39 (4%) had incomplete treatment. Cases with delayed completion and incomplete treatment were more likely to have extrapulmonary TB (adjusted risk ratio = 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-6.14; and adjusted risk ratio = 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-6.44, respectively). Primary reasons for delayed completion were a physician's decision to extend treatment (35%) and interrupted treatment (31%), whereas those for incomplete treatment included lost to care (38%), moved (28%), and refusal to continue treatment (26%). CONCLUSION: Overall, treatment completion in New York City was high. Patients with delayed completion and incomplete treatment had extrapulmonary disease in common. However, specific reasons suggest that delayed completion may be clinically motivated whereas incomplete treatment may result from social conditions.