ABSTRACT
In this field study, the energetic properties of tropical hibernation were investigated by measuring oxygen consumption and body temperature of the Malagasy primate Cheirogaleus medius in their natural hibernacula. These lemurs use tree holes with extremely varying insulation capacities as hibernacula. In poorly insulated tree holes, tree hole temperature and body temperature fluctuated strongly each day (between 12.8 and 34.4 degrees C). The metabolic rate under these conditions also showed large daily fluctuations between about 29.0 ml O(2)/h and 97.9 ml O(2)/h in parallel with changes in body temperature. In well insulated tree holes in very large trees on the other hand, tree hole temperature and body temperature remained relatively constant at about 25 degrees C. Lemurs hibernating in these tree holes showed a more constant metabolic rate at an intermediate level, but hibernation was interrupted by repeated arousals with peak metabolic rates up to 350 ml O(2)/h. The occurrence of these spontaneous arousals proved that the ability for thermoregulation persists during hibernation. Arousals were energetically costly, but much less so than in temperate and arctic hibernators. Despite the decisive influence of tree hole properties on the pattern of body temperature and metabolic rate during hibernation, the choice of the hibernaculum does not seem to be of energetic importance. The overall energetic savings by tropical hibernation amounted to about 70% as compared to the active season (31.5 vs. 114.3 kJ/d). Therefore, tropical hibernation in C. medius is an effective, well-regulated adaptive response to survive unfavourable seasons.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Biological/physiology , Body Temperature Regulation/physiology , Cheirogaleidae/physiology , Energy Metabolism/physiology , Hibernation/physiology , Animals , Body Temperature , Madagascar , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Telemetry , Tropical ClimateABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to examine how the processes of seed dispersal and seed predation were altered in forest fragments of the dry forest of Madagascar, where the usual seed dispersers and vertebrate seed predators were absent, using a lemur-dispersed tree species (Strychnos madagascariensis; Loganiaceae) as an example. We then assessed how the changes in vertebrate community composition alter the regeneration pattern and establishment of this tree species and thus, ultimately, the species composition of the forest fragments. By using size-selective exclosures, data from forest fragments were compared with results from continuous forest where vertebrate dispersers and predators were abundant. Visits to the exclosures by mammalian seed predators were monitored with hair traps. In the continuous forest up to 100% of the seeds were removed within the 7 days of the experiments. A substantial proportion of them was lost to seed predation by native rodents. In contrast, practically no predation took place in the forest fragments and almost all seeds removed were dispersed into the safety of ant nests by Aphaenogaster swammerdami, which improves chances of seedling establishment. In congruence with these findings, the abundance of S. madagascariensis in the forest fragments exceeded that of the continuous forest. Thus, the lack of vertebrate seed dispersers in these forest fragments did not lead to a decline in regeneration of this animal-dispersed tree species as would have been expected, but rather was counterbalanced by the concomitant demise of vertebrate seed predators and an increased activity of ants taking over the role of seed dispersers, and possibly even out-doing the original candidates. This study provides an example of a native vertebrate-dispersed species apparently profiting from fragmentation due to flexible animal-plant interactions in different facets, possibly resulting in an impoverished tree species community.
Subject(s)
Lemur/physiology , Strychnos/physiology , Trees/physiology , Animals , Ecosystem , Feeding Behavior , Insecta/physiology , Madagascar , Population Dynamics , Reproduction/physiology , Rodentia/classification , Rodentia/physiology , Seeds/microbiology , Seeds/parasitology , Seeds/physiology , Strychnos/microbiology , Strychnos/parasitology , Trees/microbiology , Trees/parasitologyABSTRACT
A case of a girl affected by Landau-Kleffner syndrome (acquired aphasia with convulsive disorder) is reported. The girl showed epileptic seizures and EEG abnormalities. At the age of 7 years 10 months they were followed by onset of aphasic symptoms accompanied with behavioural disturbances. By the age of 9 years she developed a severe verbal auditory agnosia and loss of spoken language expression, but was able to use reading and writing to communicate. This unusual dissociation suggests that spoken or written language can be affected selectively. The girl was followed up to the age of 14 years 6 months and her language recovered well by this age. (Fig. 2, Ref. 42.)
Subject(s)
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome , Child , Electroencephalography , Female , Humans , Landau-Kleffner Syndrome/diagnosis , Neurologic ExaminationABSTRACT
Thirty dyslexic and 30 control boys aged 7-11 years were compared for frequency of immune disorders and handedness as well as for family history of immune disorders and learning disabilities (dyslexia and stuttering). They were also compared for neurological status and for history of speech and language difficulties. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the frequency of immune disorders and in handedness. The results showed significantly more dyslexic boys with soft neurological signs and signs of speech and language disorders. The frequency of dyslexia was significantly higher in the relatives of the dyslexic boys. Also significantly more mothers of the dyslexic boys reported difficulties during pregnancy and complications at delivery. The results are discussed in terms of Geschwind's hypothesis and neuromaturational delay as possible determinants of developmental dyslexia.
Subject(s)
Dyslexia/genetics , Functional Laterality/genetics , Immune System Diseases/genetics , Autoimmune Diseases/genetics , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Brain Damage, Chronic/genetics , Brain Damage, Chronic/immunology , Child , Dyslexia/immunology , Female , Humans , Immune System Diseases/immunology , Language Development Disorders/genetics , Language Development Disorders/immunology , Male , Pregnancy , Risk Factors , Stuttering/genetics , Stuttering/immunologyABSTRACT
Rett syndrome often remains unrecognized. The study deals with a case report with specific symptoms of Rett syndrome. Viennese criteria for the diagnosis of Rett syndrome are considered as sufficient for recognition of the nosologic unit. A theoretical model which would explain the incidence of specific locomotor stereotypies is briefly discussed. (Ref. 20.)
Subject(s)
Rett Syndrome/diagnosis , Child, Preschool , Female , HumansSubject(s)
Aortic Valve Stenosis , Intellectual Disability , Movement Disorders/etiology , Arm , Child , Face/abnormalities , Humans , Male , SyndromeSubject(s)
Movement Disorders/diagnosis , Neurologic Examination , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
It is reported on an attempted suicide of a 21-year old female patient with a lethal dose of 60 to 80 tablets pholedrine longo. A pulmonary oedema could be observed in the patient. This was accompanied by hypotensive crises of blood pressure, which compelled us to use dopamin. Under therapy a stabilization of the behaviour of the patient could be achieved. Pathological liver values were diagnosed. The findings got were discussed and compared with the data of former publications.
