Correlates of bushmeat in markets and depletion of wildlife.

We used data on number of carcasses of wildlife species sold in 79 bushmeat markets in a region of Nigeria and Cameroon to assess whether species composition of a market could be explained by anthropogenic pressures and environmental variables around each market. More than 45 mammal species from 9 orders were traded across all markets; mostly ungulates and rodents. For each market, we determined median body mass, species diversity (game diversity), and taxa that were principal contributors to the total number of carcasses for sale (game dominance). Human population density in surrounding areas was significantly and negatively related to the percentage ungulates and primates sold in markets and significantly and positively related to the proportion of rodents. The proportion of carnivores sold was higher in markets with high human population densities. Proportion of small-bodied mammals (<1 kg) sold in markets increased as human population density increased, but proportion of large-bodied mammals (>10 kg) decreased as human population density increased. We calculated an index of game depletion (GDI) for each market from the sum of the total number of carcasses traded per annum and species, weighted by the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rmax ) of each species, divided by individuals traded in a market. The GDI of a market increased as the proportion of fast-reproducing species (highest rmax ) increased and as the representation of species with lowest rmax (slow-reproducing) decreased. The best explanatory factor for a market's GDI was anthropogenic pressure-road density, human settlements with >3000 inhabitants, and nonforest vegetation. High and low GDI were significantly differentiated by human density and human settlements with >3000 inhabitants. Our results provided empirical evidence that human activity is correlated with more depleted bushmeat faunas and can be used as a proxy to determine areas in need of conservation action.

Mapping hotspots of threatened species traded in bushmeat markets in the Cross-Sanaga rivers region.

Bushmeat markets exist in many countries in West and Central Africa, and data on species sold can be used to detect patterns of wildlife trade in a region. We surveyed 89 markets within the Cross-Sanaga rivers region, West Africa. In each market, we counted the number of carcasses of each taxon sold. During a 6-month period (7594 market days), 44 mammal species were traded. Thirteen species were on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or protected under national legislation, and at least 1 threatened species was traded in 88 of the 89 markets. We used these data to identify market groups that traded similar species assemblages. Using cluster analyses, we detected 8 market groups that were also geographically distinct. Market groups differed in the diversity of species, evenness of species, and dominant, prevalent, and characteristic species traded. We mapped the distribution of number of threatened species traded across the study region. Most threatened species were sold in markets nearest 2 national parks, Korup National Park in Cameroon and Cross River in Nigeria. To assess whether the threatened-species trade hotspots coincided with the known ranges of these species, we mapped the overlap of all threatened species traded. Markets selling more threatened species overlapped with those regions that had higher numbers of these. Our study can provide wildlife managers in the region with better tools to discern zones within which to focus policing efforts and reduce threats to species that are threatened by the bushmeat trade.

Contrasts in livelihoods and protein intake between commercial and subsistence bushmeat hunters in two villages on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.

Across West and Central Africa, wildlife provides a source of food and income. We investigated the relation between bushmeat hunting and household wealth and protein consumption in 2 rural communities in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. One village was dedicated to commercial hunting, the other trapped game primarily for food. We tested whether commercial-hunter households were nutritionally advantaged over subsistence-hunter households due to their higher income from the bushmeat trade and greater access to wild-animal protein. We conducted bushmeat-offtake surveys in both villages (captures by hunters and carcasses arriving to each village). Mammals (including threatened primates: black colobus [Colobus satanas], Preussi's guenon [Allochrocebus preussi], and russet-eared guenon [Cercopithecus erythrotis]), birds, and reptiles were hunted. The blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), giant pouched rat (Cricetomys emini), and brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) contributed almost all the animal biomass hunted, consumed, or sold in both villages. Monkeys and Ogilbyi's duikers (Cephalophus ogilbyi) were hunted only by commercial hunters. Commercial hunters generated a mean of US$2000/year from bushmeat sales. Households with commercial hunters were on average wealthier, generated more income, spent more money on nonessential goods, and bought more products they did not grow. By contrast, households with subsistence hunters spent less on market items, spent more on essential products, and grew more of their own food. Despite these differences, average consumption of vegetable protein and domestic meat and bushmeat protein did not differ between villages. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the socioeconomic and nutritional context of commercial and subsistence bushmeat hunting to correctly interpret ways of reducing their effects on threatened species and to enable the sustainable offtake of more productive taxa.

Source Areas as a Key Factor Contributing to the Recovery Time of Controlled Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica) Colonies in Low-Density Urban Locations.

Today, governments and administrations strive to minimise issues associated with Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica) colonies in urban areas. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that control measures are ineffective in the long term, and colonies recover rapidly. Most scientific research has occurred under high-density circumstances, primarily in large city centres. Moreover, very few studies have been conducted in residential zones or suburban areas where colony densities are lower, but where Feral Pigeons generate the same issues. In this study, we analysed the recovery time of Feral Pigeon colonies in 11 buildings in low-density urban areas where control campaigns were previously conducted to reduce their abundance. Recovery times were highly variable among the buildings (50−3072 days). Distance to the nearest uncontrolled colony of Feral Pigeons, i.e., a source area, was the primary factor that contributed to recovery time, which significantly increased with increasing distance to source colonies. Thus, buildings closest to the Pigeons' source areas (<500 m) were recolonised more rapidly than were buildings that were >500 m away from source areas. Our findings highlight the relevance of identifying an effective management unit for the implementation of control programmes to reduce immigration rates and increase long-term effects.

Implications for conservation and game management of the roadkill levels of the endemic Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis).

The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is an important small game species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula for which the incidence of roadkill is unknown. We surveyed Iberian hare-vehicle accidents on road networks in southern Spain, focusing on roads that mainly run through favorable habitats for this species: Mediterranean landscapes with plots of arable crops, olive groves, and vineyards. We recorded roadkills over a 5-month period, estimated hare accident densities on roads, and compared these numbers to hare hunting yields in adjoining hunting estates. We also analyzed the spatial patterns of and potential factors influencing hare roadkills. We detected the existence of black spots for hare roadkills in areas with high landscape heterogeneity that also included embankments and nearby crossroads and had high traffic intensity. Hare roadkill levels ranged from 5 to 25% of the annual harvest of hares killed on neighboring hunting estates. We suggest that road collisions should be considered in Iberian hare conservation in addition to hunting, since they may represent an additive source of mortality. Game managers should address the issue of hare roadkill in harvest planning to compensate for hare accidents, adjusting hunting quotas to account for this unnatural source of mortality. Our results suggest future directions for applied research in road ecology, including further work on demographic compensation and roadkill mitigation.

Lack of maintenance of motorway fences works against their intended purpose with potential negative impacts on protected species.

Linear infrastructure intrusions into natural ecosystems, such as motorways and high-speed railways, causes direct loss of habitat but also impacts fauna through collisions. Wildlife road mortality is well documented and extensive conservation legislation exists in many countries to minimise the negative impact of these infrastructures. However, although these measures are implemented because of legislation, these structures are often not adequately maintained. Here we present data on the functionality of perimeter fences along two motorways in Malaga province (southern Spain) erected to prevent collisions with the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). We sampled the fences along the 14 km of the two motorways included in the 17 1 × 1 km squares of the study area. Our results show that the reptile fence is permeable throughout at those points where the metal sheeting was absent and where the vegetation had overgrown around the fence, hence allowing chameleons to cross. Given our results, we conclude that this situation is likely to be similar in other regions of Spain and in other countries. This is because construction/concessionary companies do not consider the environmental impact of construction projects in the medium and long term, and environmental authorities do not ensure that companies comply with the legislation.

An evaluation of patients' preferences for osteoporosis medications and their attributes: the PREFER-International study.

BACKGROUND: Patients' preferences for medications may be important in determining their compliance with therapy, particularly in the case of an asymptomatic chronic disease such as osteoporosis. Although preferences for certain attributes of osteoporosis medications, including dosing frequency and tolerability, can be evaluated in short-term clinical trials, years of use may be necessary for differences in effectiveness in reducing fracture risk to emerge. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the relative importance of various attributes in determining patients' preferences for osteoporosis medications. Its secondary aim was to investigate patients' preferences for either of 2 hypothetical osteoporosis medications with different profiles. METHODS: The Preference for Effective Regimens (PREFER)-International study was a cross-sectional survey of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited by their physicians in the 4 European countries and were identified by trained interviewers going door to door in Mexico. Participants were administered a questionnaire in which they were asked to rate and rank the importance of 7 medication attributes in determining their preferences for prescription osteoporosis medications. The attributes were side effects, out-of-pocket costs, effectiveness in improving bone health and preventing fractures, dosing frequency, formulation, administration procedure, and length of time on the market. They were also asked to indicate their preference for 2 hypothetical osteoporosis medications whose profiles differed in terms of efficacy (medication A reduced the risk of spine and hip fracture; medication B reduced spine fracture only), time on the market (10 years vs recently introduced), dosing frequency (weekly vs monthly), and dosing procedure (30- vs 60-minute wait after dosing). RESULTS: Of 3000 patients interviewed, 1500 were receiving prescription treatment for osteoporosis. Across the rankings and ratings, effectiveness in reducing the risk of fracture emerged as the most important factor in determining patients' preferences for prescription osteoporosis medications, followed by side effects. Out-of-pocket costs, dosing frequency, formulation, time on the market, and dosing procedure were less important considerations among respondents from most countries. The majority (78%) of patients indicated a preference for medication A over medication B. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness in reducing fracture risk was cited as the primary reason for patients' preference for prescription osteoporosis medications among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis from 4 European countries and Mexico.

Differences between Pygmy and Non-Pygmy Hunting in Congo Basin Forests.

We use data on game harvest from 60 Pygmy and non-Pygmy settlements in the Congo Basin forests to examine whether hunting patterns and prey profiles differ between the two hunter groups. For each group, we calculate hunted animal numbers and biomass available per inhabitant, P, per year (harvest rates) and killed per hunter, H, per year (extraction rates). We assess the impact of hunting of both hunter groups from estimates of numbers and biomass of prey species killed per square kilometre, and by examining the proportion of hunted taxa of low, medium and high population growth rates as a measure of their vulnerability to overhunting. We then map harvested biomass (kg-1P-1Yr-1) of bushmeat by Pygmies and non-Pygmies throughout the Congo Basin. Hunting patterns differ between Pygmies and non-Pygmies; Pygmies take larger and different prey and non-Pygmies sell more for profit. We show that non-Pygmies have a potentially more severe impact on prey populations than Pygmies. This is because non-Pygmies hunt a wider range of species, and twice as many animals are taken per square kilometre. Moreover, in non-Pygmy settlements there was a larger proportion of game taken of low population growth rate. Our harvest map shows that the non-Pygmy population may be responsible for 27 times more animals harvested than the Pygmy population. Such differences indicate that the intense competition that may arise from the more widespread commercial hunting by non-Pygmies is a far more important constraint and source of conflict than are protected areas.

Presence of the leech Placobdella costata in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

Placobdella costata is a leech specific to freshwater turtle Emys orbicularis. Both genera are native to North America and have co-evolved and undergone dispersion through the Palearctic. The leech is present throughout the Mediterranean area, always associated with E. orbicularis. Their only known presence in the Iberian Peninsula is in the north and center of the peninsula. Here we present the first description of the leech in southern Spain (Andalusia) in association with a small fragmented population of fresh-water turtles in which E. orbicularis and Mauremys leprosa coexist. Unusually, the leech was found attached to the carapace of a male M. leprosa.

Características epidemiológicas de las onicomicosis en la consulta dermatológica / Epidemiological characteristics of onychomycosis in dermatological consultation

Introducción: la onicomicosis es la infección del aparato ungueal causada por hongos dermatofitos, no dermatofitos o levaduras. Constituye una enfermedad frecuente en la práctica médica, con impacto considerable en lo emocional, social, laboral y económico. Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas de la onicomicosis en pacientes que consultaron en un servicio dermatológico. Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo de corte transverso, donde se analizaron fichas epidemiológicas de pacientes que acudieron al servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá y el Centro de Especialidades Dermatológicas en el periodo comprendido entre julio del 2016 a agosto del 2019. Resultados: se analizaron 464 pacientes con onicomicosis. El cultivo fue positivo en el 83 % (385/464) de los casos. Se observó preferentemente en mujeres 72 % (276/385), franja etaria entre los 31 y 65 años 70,1 % (270/385), de procedencia urbana 76 % (292/385) y actividad quehaceres domésticos 41 % (157/385). El 23 % (87/385) presentó una o más comorbilidades asociadas a la aparición de onicomicosis, siendo la diabetes en el 70 % (61/385) de éstas. La localización fue en uñas de pies en 58,2 % (259/ 400), uña de manos en 31,2 % (141/400) y en el 10,1 % (45/400) de los casos se observó onicomicosis en ambas localizaciones. Los géneros aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron Trichophyton y Candida, y las especies fueron T. rubrum y Candida parapsilosis. En las onicomicosis de uñas de los pies se aislaron dermatofitos en un 63,7 % (165/259), mientras que en uñas de las manos se aislaron Candida spp. en el 77,3 % (107/141). Conclusión: la onicomicosis produce una afectación que se observa mayoritariamente en pacientes adultos, generalmente mujeres que se dedican a los quehaceres domésticos, procedentes de áreas urbanas, con afectación principal de las uñas de los pies, siendo los agentes causales más frecuentes, T. rubrum y C. parapsilosis.

Introduction: onychomycosis is an infection of nails caused by dermatophyte fungi, not dermatophytes or yeasts. It constitutes a frequent disease in medical practice, with considerable emotional, social, labor and economic impact. Objective: to describe the epidemiological characteristics of onychomycosis in patients who attended in a dermatological service. Materials and Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study, where epidemiological records of patients who attended the Dermatology service of the Itauguá National Hospital and the Dermatological Specialties Center in the period from july 2016 to august 2019 were analyzed. Results: 464 patients with onychomycosis were analyzed. The culture was positive in 83 % (385/464) of the cases. It was mainly observed in women 72 % (276/385), age group was between 31 and 65 years 70.1 % (270/385), of urban areas 76 % (292/385) their activities were house as and household chores activity 41 % (157 / 385). 23 % (87/385) presented one or more comorbidities associated with onychomycosis, with diabetes in 70 % (61/385) of these. The location was in toenails in 58.2 % (259/400), fingernail in 31.2 % (141/400) and in 10.1 % (45/400) of the cases onychomycosis were observed in Both locations. The most frequently isolated genera were Trichophyton and Candida, and the species were T. rubrum and Candida parapsilosis. In the onychomycosis of the toenails, dermatophytes were isolated in 63.7 % (165/259), while in the fingernails, Candida spp. in 77.3 % (107/141). Conclusion: onychomycosis produces an affectation that is mostly adult patients, usually women who are engaged in household activities, from urban areas, the main involvement were toenails, being the most frequent agent isolated were, T. rubrum and C. parapsilosis.

Mucormicosis rinocerebral - Reporte de 4 casos / Mucormicosis rhinocerebral - Communication of 4 cases

La Mucormicosis es una infección poco frecuente, de elevada morbi-mortalidad producida por hongos oportunistas del orden Mucorales, pertenecientes a varias familias y especies. Presenta varias formas clínicas, siendo la más frecuente la rinocerebral y, los factores predisponentes son muchos, pero los principales son la diabetes mellitus descompensada y la leucemia. Se reporta 4 casos de mucormicosis de la forma rinocerebral, relacionados con diabetes mellitus, 3 de ellos con evolución fatal. En todos los casos se observaron en el estudio micológico y, en la anatomía patológica las características hifas hialinas cenocíticas con ramificaciones en ángulo recto y en 2 de los casos, el cultivo identificó al Rhizopus spp y al Mycoclades spp como los responsables.

The mucormycosis is a rare infection, with high morbidity and mortality; produced by opportunistic fungi of the order Mucorales belonging to several families and species. This infection presents several clinical forms. The most common is the rhino-cerebral. Predisposing factors are many but the principals are decompensated diabetes mellitus and leukemia. We report four cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis related to diabetes mellitus; three of them with fatal evolution. In all cases, we found both in the mycological study and in the pathological anatomy the characteristics of hyaline hyphae with right-angled branches. Particularly, in two cases, the culture identified Rhizopus spp and Mycoclades spp as responsible.

Esporotricosis trasmitida por gato doméstico. Reporte de un caso familiar / Sporotrichosis transmitted by domestic cat. A family case report

La esporotricosis es una micosis subcutánea causada por especies del grupo Sporothrix schenckii complex. Relativamente frecuente en Paraguay, en algunos casos puede considerarse como una zoonosis. Se presenta un caso familiar de esporotricosis, un padre y su hijo que consultaron en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional, por lesiones en piel relacionadas al contacto con un gato doméstico enfermo, que presentaba lesiones en el rostro. Clínicamente correspondía a la forma linfangítica el primer caso y a placa fija en el segundo. El diagnóstico se confirmó con el cultivo micológico. Recibieron yoduro de potasio con muy buena respuesta luego de 5 meses de tratamiento. La importancia de esta comunicación es advertir que el gato doméstico al padecer y contagiar la esporotricosis, es importante en la epidemiología de la enfermedad, situación observada en otras regiones.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by species of the group Sporothrix schenckii complex. Relatively frequent in Paraguay, in some cases it can be considered as a zoonosis. We present a family case of sporotrichosis, a father and his son who consulted in the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital, for skin lesions related to contact with a sick domestic cat, which presented lesions on the face. Clinically, the first case and a fixed plate corresponded to the lymphangitic form in the second. The diagnosis was confirmed with mycological culture. They received potassium iodide with a very good response after 5 months of treatment. The importance of this communication is to warn that the domestic cat suffering from and spreading sporotrichosis is important in the epidemiology of the disease, a situation observed in other regions.

Perfil lipídico en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2: en la consulta de medicina interna: Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo III Dr. Daniel Camejo Acosta (abril-junio 1996) / Lipidic profile in diabetic patients type 2: in the consult of internal medicine: Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo III

La diabetes, en especial la del tipo 2, es una de la enfermedades metabólicas que con más frecuencia afecta la salud de millones de personas en el mundo entero, por lo que ha sido considerada como problema de salud pública, especialmente por sus complicaciones como son: nefropatías, neuropatías, retinopatías, pie diabético, y otras entre las que se destacan por sus complicaciones cardiovasculares, los desórdenes del metabolismo lipídico por la deficiencia de insulina, que por intermediación de su efecto estimulante a la lipasa hormona sensible provoca alteraciones en la producción y catabolismo de los lípidos y sus lipoproteínas. Es así como ante la ausencia de un registro de las alteraciones del perfil lipídico en nuestra población, se diseñó el presente trabajo de investigación, que buscó recabar la información entre la población diabética tipo 2, de 40 a 69 años que acudió entre los meses de abril y junio de 1996 a la consulta de medicina interna del ambulatorio urbano tipo III "Dr. Daniel Camejo Acosta" de la ciudad de Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, fue un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, con una muestra de 40 pacientes a conveniencia, a quienes se les practicó una toma de muestra de sangre y se midieron los niveles séricos de colesterol total triglicéridos y las lipoproteinas HDL y LDL. Los resultados de esta investigación, fueron similares a los descritos en estudios internacionales encontrándose un perfil lipídico en el que la hipertrigliceridemia y los niveles de riesgo para colesterol HDL, fueron los hallazgos más característicos en mayor porcentaje de pacientes independientemente de su edad y sexo que coincide con el perfil clásico del paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, igualmente niveles de colesterol total y LDL colesterol en niveles deseables se desprenden del posible control metabólico que aún presentaba la mayor parte de la muestra estudiada. La presente investigación señala un perfil lipídico de riesgo para el mayor porcentaje de los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 estudiados, que se traduce en la necesidad de un control más estricto de la población diabética venezolana, en lo que se respecta a alteraciones de su metabolismo lípidico y la instauración inmediata a estos pacientes de regímenes dietéticos especiales, haciendo énfasis en lo que respecta al consumo de grasas y el control farmacológico si es necesario