Potential effects of GPS collars on the behaviour of two red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in Rotterdam Zoo

GPS collars are frequently used to study the (behavioural) ecology of species. However, such collars can cause behavioural changes and can have negative physiological effects on the individuals wearing them. A pilot study to obtain data on behavioural and physiological effects of GPS collars on the target species would therefore be recommended, especially when it concerns rare or endangered species. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small carnivore endemic to the mountains of Central Asia that is currently classified as endangered. There is a lack in knowledge on the species ecology which could be enhanced by a study using GPS-technology. As a pilot study, the two adult red pandas in Rotterdam Zoo were observed before and after fitting a GPS-collar, to determine possible behavioural effects of wearing a collar. Although the study did not take place under ideal circumstances, indications of both behavioural, e.g. increased shaking behaviour, and physical, e.g. abrasions, effects of the collar were found. Even though our results were only based on two individuals, our findings stress the need for pilot studies in controlled environments before GPS collars to ensure safety of the study species and validity of the collected data.

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A pilot study on the effect of ulipristal acetate on myoma angiogenesis, measured by 2D ultrasound and VEGF serum levels

10.36811/ojgor.2020.110015 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 19-29

Author(s):

Patricia Diaz Ortega ◽

Manuel García Manero

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Power Doppler ◽

Uterine Fibroids ◽

Premenopausal Women ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Ulipristal Acetate ◽

Before And After ◽

Angiogenesis Process ◽

2D Ultrasound ◽

Average Size

Introduction: Symptomatic uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that can be disabling. There are many treatments, including ulipristal acetate, whose role in reducing symptoms and decreasing the size of the fibroid is well known. With this preliminary study, we also try to evaluate the correlation between myoma vascularization measured by ultrasound (Power Doppler 2D) and serum VEGF levels, before and after treatment with ulipristal acetate; in patients diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: A preliminary, prospective observational pilot study was designed. Twenty-four premenopausal women, diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, were included and all of them completed the study. Four cycles of ulipristal acetate were administered according to the dose and indications specified in the data sheet. In order to assess the influence of this treatment on the angiogenesis process of the fibroids, measurements of VEGF serum levels were made and their vascularization was assessed by means of 2D power doppler ultrasound; at the beginning and the end of treatment. In addition, several determinations of the same parameters were made throughout the successive visits. Endpoints were defined as the decrease in VEGF levels from previous levels, the decrease in myoma vascularization on ultrasound, and the reduction in myoma size. Result: 24 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled (n=24). The average size of myomas was reduced from 45,08 ? 24,02mm to 29?16,96mm after treatment. The average VEGF serum level significantly decreased after the first treatment cycle (from 147,17 ? 153,51 pg/ml to 102,04 ? 186,08pg/ml). Vascularization of myomas after treatment with ulipristal acetate was analyzed, and a significantly decrease was achieved in 83,3% of cases. Conclusion: There is a correlation between myoma vascularization and treatment with Ulipristal acetate. SPRMs may provide effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids by two ways: supports selective progesterone receptor modulators and reduced angiogenesis. Keywords: Angiogenesis; Ulipristal Acetate; Uterine fibroids; VEGF

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THU0642-HPR EVOLUTION OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF RA PATIENTS AFTER EDUCATION PATIENT SESSION TEACHING METHOTREXATE SELF-INJECTION A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.5505 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 566.1-566

Author(s):

S. Afilal ◽

H. Rkain ◽

B. Berchane ◽

J. Moulay Berkchi ◽

S. Fellous ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Patient Education ◽

Median Duration ◽

Large Scale ◽

Education Session ◽

Prospective Pilot Study ◽

Mean Delay ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Level Of Satisfaction ◽

Before And After

Background:Methotrexate is a gold standard for treatment of RA. In our context, RA patients prefer to be injected by paramedics rather than self-injecting. This can be explained by patients’ bad perceptions of self-injection or lack of information. Appropriate self-injection education can therefore be an important element in overcoming these obstacles and improving disease self-management.Objectives:Compare the RA patients’ perceptions on methotrexate self-injection before and after a patient education session.Methods:Prospective pilot study that included 27 consecutive patients (81.5% female, mean age 44.4 years, illiteracy rate 40.7%) with RA (median duration of progression of 4 years, mean delay in referral for specialist of 6 months, median duration of methotrexate use of 1 year). The patients benefited from an individual patient education session to learn how to self-inject with methotrexate subcutaneously. The patient education session was supervised by a nurse and a rheumatologist with a control a week later. Perceptions of the reluctance to self-inject and the difficulties encountered by patients were assessed before the patient education session, after the 1st and 2nd self-injection of methotrexate using a 10 mm visual analog scale. Patients also reported their level of satisfaction (10 mm VAS) after the 1st and 2nd self-injection.Results:The mean duration of patient education session is 13 min.Table I compares the evolution of the degrees of reluctance to self-injection, the difficulties encountered, and the satisfaction experienced by the patients.Table 1.Evolution of RA patients’ perceptions on the methotrexate self-injection. (N = 27)BeforeAfter the 1stself-injectionAfter the 2end self-injectionpVAS reluctance (0-10mm)6,5 ± 3,62,2 ± 2,91,0 ± 2,3<0,0001VAS difficulty (0-10mm)7,5 ± 2,62,5 ± 2,71,0 ± 1,9<0,0001VAS satisfaction (0-10mm)-8,9 ± 1,89,5 ± 1,50,002Conclusion:This study suggests the effectiveness of a methotrexate self-injection patient education session in RA patients. It also highlights the value of patient education in rheumatologic care. A large-scale study is necessary to better interpret and complete these preliminary results from this pilot study.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Plasma Exosomal miRNA Levels after Radiotherapy Are Associated with Early Progression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer: A Pilot Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2110

Author(s):

Oyeon Cho ◽

Do-Wan Kim ◽

Jae-Youn Cheong

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Biological Functions ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Initial Stage ◽

Exosomal Mirnas ◽

Early Progression ◽

Before And After ◽

Microenvironmental Factors ◽

Exosomal Mirna

Plasma exosomal miRNAs are key regulators of cell-cell interactions associated with several biological functions in patients with cancer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the log2 fold change (log2FC) of the expression of exosomal miRNAs and related mRNAs in the blood of patients with cervical cancer to identify prognostic markers better than those currently available. We sequenced plasma exosomal RNA from 56 blood samples collected from 28 patients with cervical cancer, who had been treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Changes in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs before and after CCRT were represented as log2FC. Their biological functions were studied by miRNA-mRNA network analysis, using ingenuity pathway analysis, after the selection of two groups of miRNAs, each associated with early progression (EP) and metastasis, also described as initial stage. Seven patients experienced EP, three of whom died within four months after progression. Reduced levels of miR-1228-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3200-3p, and miR-6815-5p and increased levels of miR-146a-3p in patients with EP revealed unresolved inflammation, with accompanying increased expression of PCK1 and decreased expression of FCGR1A. Increased levels of miR-605-5p, miR-6791-5p, miR-6780a-5p, and miR-6826-5p and decreased levels of miR-16-1-3p (or 15a-3p) were associated with the degree of metastasis and led to the systemic activation of myeloid, endothelial, and epithelial cells, as well as neurons, phagocytes, and platelets. Log2FCs in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs from plasma exosomes after CCRT are associated with EP and metastasis, reflecting unresolved inflammation and systemic microenvironmental factors, respectively. However, this study, supported by preliminary data insufficient to reach clear conclusions, should be verified in larger prospective cohorts.

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Gamma entrainment frequency affects mood, memory and cognition: an exploratory pilot study

Brain Informatics ◽

10.1186/s40708-020-00119-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ryan L. S. Sharpe ◽

Mufti Mahmud ◽

M. Shamim Kaiser ◽

Jianhui Chen

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Correlation Analysis ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Assessment Scores ◽

Frequency Group ◽

Before And After ◽

Mood Score ◽

40 Hz

AbstractHere we provide evidence with an exploratory pilot study that through the use of a Gamma 40 Hz entrainment frequency, mood, memory and cognition can be improved with respect to a 9-participant cohort. Participants constituted towards three binaural entrainment frequency groups: the 40 Hz, 25 Hz and 100 Hz. Participants attended a total of eight entrainment frequency sessions twice over the duration of a 4-week period. Additionally, participants were assessed based on their cognitive abilities, mood as well as memory, where the cognitive and memory assessments occurred before and after a 5-min binaural beat stimulation. The mood assessment scores were collected from sessions 1, 4 and 8, respectively. With respect to the Gamma 40 Hz entrainment frequency population, we observed a mean improvement in cognitive scores, elevating from 75% average to 85% average upon conclusion of the experimentation at weak statistical significance ($$\alpha$$ α = 0.10, p = 0.076). Similarly, memory score improvements at a greater significance ($$\alpha$$ α = 0.05, p = 0.0027) were noted, elevating from an average of 87% to 95%. In pertinence to the mood scores, a negative correlation across all populations were noted, inferring an overall increase in mood due to lower scores correlating with elevated mood. Finally, correlation analysis revealed a stronger R$$^2$$ 2 value (0.9838) within the 40 Hz group between sessions as well as mood score when compared across the entire frequency group cohort.

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Angiostrongylus-associated pneumonia in a red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Veterinary Record Case Reports ◽

10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000305 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000305

Author(s):

Marie Kubiak ◽

Mark Frederick Stidworthy ◽

Sam Sharpe

Keyword(s):

Red Panda ◽

Ailurus Fulgens

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Improved Trapping and Handling of an Arboreal, Montane Mammal: Red Panda Ailurus fulgens

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11040921 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 921

Author(s):

Damber Bista ◽

Sonam Tashi Lama ◽

Janno Weerman ◽

Ang Phuri Sherpa ◽

Purushotam Pandey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Success Rate ◽

Body Length ◽

Tail Length ◽

Morphometric Data ◽

Field Identification ◽

Red Panda ◽

In The Wild ◽

Chest Girth ◽

Ailurus Fulgens

It is sometimes essential to have an animal in the hand to study some of their ecological and biological characteristics. However, capturing a solitary, cryptic, elusive arboreal species such as the red panda in the wild is challenging. We developed and successfully tested a protocol for tracking, trapping, immobilization, and handling of red pandas in the wild in eastern Nepal. We established a red panda sighting rate of 0.89 panda/day with a capture success rate of 0.6. We trapped and collared one animal in 3.7 days. On average, we took nearly 136 (range 50–317) min to capture an animal after spotting it. Further processing was completed in 38.5 (21–70) min. Before capture, we found it difficult to recognize the sex of the red panda and to differentiate sub-adults above six months from adults. However, body weight, body length, tail length, shoulder height, and chest girth can be used for diagnosis, as these attributes are smaller in sub-adults. Our method is a welfare-friendly way of trapping and handling wild red pandas. We report new morphometric data that could serve as a guide for field identification.

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Serum testosterone and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-COV-2 (pilot study)

Urologiia ◽

10.18565/urology.2021.5.5-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5_2021 ◽

pp. 5-9

Author(s):

Kh.S. Ibishev Ibishev ◽

E.A. Mamedov Mamedov ◽

Z.R. Gusova Gusova ◽

A.I. Palenyy Palenyy ◽

Y.O. Prokop Prokop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Serum Testosterone ◽

Before And After

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Sarcocystis spp. Infection in two Red Panda Cubs (Ailurus fulgens)

Journal of Comparative Pathology ◽

10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.04.009 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 153 (2-3) ◽

pp. 185-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

W.M. Zoll ◽

D.B. Needle ◽

S.J. French ◽

A. Lim ◽

S. Bolin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sarcocystis Spp ◽

Red Panda ◽

Ailurus Fulgens

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Sleep Quality and Levodopa Intestinal Gel Infusion in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1155/2018/8691495 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Oriol De Fabregues ◽

Alex Ferré ◽

Odile Romero ◽

Manuel Quintana ◽

José Álvarez-Sabin

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Rem Sleep ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Periodic Leg Movements ◽

Before And After ◽

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Background. Sleep problems in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) have a deleterious impact on quality of life. Objective. To assess the effect of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion on sleep quality in advanced PD patients. Methods. Seven patients participated in a prospective pilot study. Before and after 6 months of LCIG infusion, an overnight polysomnography was performed and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, fatigue scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were administered. Results. PSG showed low sleep efficiency. REM sleep without atony was found in 5 patients. After 6 months of LCIG infusion, the percentage of REM sleep decreased as well as the number of arousals especially due to reduction of spontaneous arousals and periodic leg movements during REM sleep, but differences were not statistically significant. Also, scores of all study questionnaires showed a tendency to improve. Conclusion. The results show a trend toward an improvement of sleep quality after 6 months of LCIG infusion, although differences as compared to pretreatment values were not statistically significant. The sleep architecture was not modified by LCIG. Further studies with larger study samples are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

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