Movements and home range of a common species of tree–shrew,Tupaia glis,surrounding houses of otoacariasis cases in Kuantan,Pahang, Malaysia

ObjectiveTo document movement patterns, home range, nesting behaviour and social organization of 5 individuals (3 males and 2 females) of a common species of tree-shrew, Tupaia glis (T. glis) surrounding houses of otoacariasis cases.MethodsEach shrew was fitted with a transmitter chip radio-collar which operates between the frequencies of 154.13 MHz to 154.21 MHz. Each transmitter was then tracked with a Portable Telemetry Receiver (Sirtrack, New Zealand) fitted with a 3-element Yagi antenna. Collared shrews were located using standard methods of ground-based triangulation. Each location was taken from at least 2 directional fixes and a minimum of 3 compass bearings. Fixes were taken hourly for each collared individual from the time of emergence from nest (beginning of activity) till time of entry into the nest (end of activity) every day for 5 to 7 continuous days. Three series of radio telemetry observations were carried out. The bearings, time and positions of an observer were recorded and later plotted on a graph paper in order to derive coordinates of the collared animal. [These coordinates then analyzed using Ecological Software Solutions (Biotas Version 1.03)].ResultsNests were found in a jack fruit tree, long bushes, and 2 houses. Daily telemetry detections demonstrated 2 individuals of different sex having nests (or a nest) in the same house. All shrews emerged from and returned to their nests between 0601 to 0659 hours and 1901 to 1959 hours, respectively. Both the time of exit from and entry into nest were the same between sexes (P>0.05). Their average total active period was 4.90 to 7.00 hours with a total daily travel distant of 270 m to 382 m. A male and a female shrew can move as far as 3 285 m and 4 591 m, respectively. Active movements of T. glis were during daytime. They regularly entered some houses in the area during day and night except for one individual which visited during daytime only. The sizes of home range and core area for the shrews were 2.00–3.40 ha and 0.05–0.42 ha, respectively. Generally, the mean home range size of females was 20.8% larger than that of males. Females covered a 15.4% slightly higher daily movement range compared to males.ConclusionsThis is the first radio telemetry study in Malaysia to monitor movements and home range of shrews carrying ticks on their body. It demonstrates that shrews are potential carriers of ticks from wild into the houses and their compounds based on their total active periods spent moving around from fruit orchards, secondary forest, plantations and other vegetations to trees in compound of 4 to 7 houses and vice versa. There are also evidences showing shrews have close contact with humans.     

Characterization of ZK 245186, a novel,selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases

Background and purpose:

Glucocorticoids are highly effective in the therapy of inflammatory diseases. Their value, however, is limited by side effects. The discovery of the molecular mechanisms of the glucocorticoid receptor and the recognition that activation and repression of gene expression could be addressed separately opened the possibility of achieving improved safety profiles by the identification of ligands that predominantly induce repression. Here we report on ZK 245186, a novel, non-steroidal, low-molecular-weight, glucocorticoid receptor-selective agonist for the topical treatment of inflammatory dermatoses.

Experimental approach:

Pharmacological properties of ZK 245186 and reference compounds were studied in terms of their potential anti-inflammatory and side effects in functional bioassays in vitro and in rodent models in vivo.

Key results:

Anti-inflammatory activity of ZK 245186 was demonstrated in in vitro assays for inhibition of cytokine secretion and T cell proliferation. In vivo, using irritant contact dermatitis and T cell-mediated contact allergy models in mice and rats, ZK 245186 showed anti-inflammatory efficacy after topical application similar to the classical glucocorticoids, mometasone furoate and methylprednisolone aceponate. ZK 245186, however, exhibits a better safety profile with regard to growth inhibition and induction of skin atrophy after long-term topical application, thymocyte apoptosis, hyperglycaemia and hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase activity.

Conclusions and implications:

ZK 245186 is a potent anti-inflammatory compound with a lower potential for side effects, compared with classical glucocorticoids. It represents a promising drug candidate and is currently in clinical trials.This article is part of a themed issue on Mediators and Receptors in the Resolution of Inflammation. To view this issue visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009     

IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPIC LOCALIZATION OF GROWTH FACTORS AND OTHER MARKERS IN HUMAN LONG－TERM BONE MARROW CULTURES

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