Fur loss syndrome and lice infestations observed on arctic foxes in central Nunavut, Canada.

As temperatures in the circumpolar north continue to warm, shifts in species distribution and the breakdown of environmental barriers for arthropods may impact the diversity and distribution of ectoparasites in Arctic ecosystems. In May 2019, fur loss over the neck and shoulders was observed on arctic foxes in a terrestrial arctic ecosystem (Karrak Lake) in central Nunavut, Canada. This was inconsistent with normal patterns of shedding winter fur and had not been observed on arctic foxes in this population over the previous 19 years of live-trapping. Operculated eggs attached to hair shafts were collected from one affected fox. Conventional PCR using universal louse primers targeting conserved regions of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rDNA confirmed that the eggs belonged to the order Phthiraptera. Sequencing results were inconclusive at the species level. Further investigation revealed a single unpublished report of an arctic fox with similar fur loss trapped on mainland Nunavut, in 1997. Adult lice collected from this fox were identified as sucking lice (potentially from the genus Linognathus). Our findings emphasize the need for further monitoring and have significant implications for trappers and wildlife management, as infestations negatively impact the pelt quality of these important furbearers.

Genetic diversity of Dengue virus serotypes circulating among Aedes mosquitoes in selected regions of Nigeria

The DENV mosquito vector is endemic to tropical and subtropical climates, placing ∼40% of the world’s population at direct risk of dengue infection. Currently, in Nigeria the status of DENV serotypes circulating among mosquitoes’ vectors is unknown. Our study was designed to identify and characterize the DENV serotypes circulating in Aedes mosquito populations collected in selected sites in Nigeria. The mosquitoes were collected, identified morphologically to species level using colored identification keys of Rueda. Generally, each species identified was tested in pools of 20 individuals of each Aedes species. RT-PCR and nested PCR were used to detected DENV serotypes in mosquitoes and characterized using Sanger sequencing methods. The results show that DENV serotypes were detected in 58.54% of the pools of mosquitoes screened. This corroborates with our unpublished report on the presence of DENV IgM antibodies in humans in the same study area. All DENV1-4 serotypes were detected in Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. gaillosi with DENV4 serotype being reported for the first time in Nigeria. DENV2 (37.8%) was the most detected serotypes, while double and triple co-infections of serotypes were detected in 24.4% of the pools. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong evolutionary relatedness of DENV serotypes in our study with that of South and Southeast Asia, North America, and other African countries. This is the first reports on the co-infection of natural DENV in Aedes species pools in Nigeria. Thus, our study speculates a possible linkage between DENV serotypes and febrile flu-like disease burden being experienced by host communities in northern Nigeria.

Hermann von Soden, Alfred Schmidtke et les manuscrits de Bérat

Much light has been shed on the history of the manuscripts of Berat (now kept in Tirana) by Didier Lafleur in his recent catalogue of the NT manuscripts of Albania. However, an aspect of the story was left in the shadow: what is the source of von Soden's information about these manuscripts? The sparse data furnished by von Soden himself and an unpublished report by Harnack show that the German scholar made use of information collected in Albania by one of his collaborators, Alfred Schmidtke. Furthermore, the value of this information for the history of the Berat manuscripts is confirmed by the fact that it is somehow linked to a process of inventory done in September 1901 by a priest of the city.

Mihran Herartian’s Unpublished Report on the Aleppo Missionaries

The article presents an extensive and unpublished report, written by Mihran Herartian, on the foreign missionaries based in Aleppo in the post-genocide period who were working among the Armenian refugees. It was prepared in 1932 at the Armenian prelacy’s request. The author knew his topic, given that he collaborated with Karen Jeppe. He was well informed of her activities, as well as being the director, accountant and secretary of the League of Nations’ office for the protection of women and children, run by Karen Jeppe herself. He knew the missionaries’ everyday activities in this regard therefore his information may be considered as trustworthy and correct. Information may be found in the report concerning missionaries like Miss Edith Roberts, Miss Hedwig Büll, Miss Bodil Biørn and Miss Karen Jeppe, as well as others. It is full of interesting evidence about the waste of money and fraud carried out by persons collaborating with the missionaries. Affirmation may also be found in it of how certain people used humanitarian work as a means of convincing the desperate refugees and convert to a new confessional identity, etc. Herartian’s negative stance and sarcastic style towards some missionaries is obvious. The exception is Karen Jeppe, who is mentioned with great love and respect. The publication has a short introduction and appropriate annotations.

Abstract 148: Observational Study of Efficacy of Low-Dose Amiodarone

Importance: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm abnormality of the heart and is projected to double between 2010 and 2030. Many patients with AF remain symptomatic after rate control with medications and hence need anti-arrhythmic medications to maintain sinus rhythm. Among the multiple medications to prevent AF recurrence, amiodarone (AM) is the most effective. AM and dofetilide are the only 2 medications approved to prevent recurrence of AF in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Most papers considered “low dose” AM to be between 200 and 300 mg daily. Even a recent review in a major journal recommended maintaining sinus rhythm (SR) with AM 200 to 300 mg daily. Two very small studies from China showed AM 100 mg to be effective. A recent unpublished report by McGrew demonstrated the impressive effectiveness of 100 mg or less of AM to prevent recurrence of AF. Objective: To determine the known AF free interval after first identification of receiving 100 mg AM or less to prevent recurrence of AF. Methods: An observational retrospective chart review of randomly selected adult patients identified to be taking AM 100 mg for AF recurrence for at least 2 months at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) or community clinics during January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2014. Results: Fifty-one patients who were taking AM ≤ 100 mg were identified. Mean duration of apparent AF free continuous treatment was 25.2 ± 23.3 months. AM was decreased in 4% (2 of 51) patients and stopped in 31% (16 of 51) patients for AF recurrence, perceived side effect or unknown reasons. SR was maintained for 25.7 ± 27.7 months. Conclusion: This small study showed that very low dose AM is commonly used in the community and appears to be an effective option for AF prophylaxis. It is important, the providers selecting medications to prevent recurrence of AF be aware of this option.

Gofmanove predramaturške publikacije i njihov intelektualni kontekst: 1949-1953

Given the status of Erving Goffman in the social sciences, a lot has been written about him but his early and (especially) unpublished publications are not widely known, although they contain few original ideas that were never used in later part of his career and some that were elaborated in better known works. The paper discusses intellectual context, influences and phases of Goffman's sociology, especially predramaturgical phase – his unpublished master's thesis, two early papers, one unpublished report and unpublished PhD thesis. In the context of his later thought, doctoral thesis is especially interesting because it contains Goffman's first exposition of interaction order. At the end of the paper we see how Goffman went into dramaturgical phase.

Do koalas really get the blues? Critique of ‘Aversive behaviour by koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) during the course of a music festival in northern New South Wales, Australia'

It is imperative that the reported results of scientific studies are based on sound data analyses and unbiased interpretation, especially where they may be used to guide government policy and regulation. A recent paper by Phillips (2016) evaluated the behavioural response of radio-collared koalas to an inaugural large music festival held in 2010 in northern New South Wales. The study concluded that six of seven koalas showed an aversive response. However, we regard the paper as misleading because it contains serious errors in the examination of koala home ranges and in the subsequent assessment of ‘aversive behaviour’ during the music festival. We conclude that Phillips’ paper is based on sufficient data to state that three, not six, of the koalas he studied displayed a short-term behavioural response to the music festival. These koalas temporarily moved outside of their estimated ranges during the festival period (10–80 m). Further, Phillips fails to report crucial ecological data regarding the high level of disease and mortality he recorded, which are presented in their entirety in the author’s prior, unpublished report. For the two deaths that are reported, no mention is made that these koalas had pre-existing disease. Rather, the author raises the possibility that the mortalities may have been related to festival-induced stress. The omission of such key data is prejudicial to the interpretation of results. The reported short-term impact of the festival upon some of the study animals is indeed noteworthy; however, it is apparent that the impact has been considerably overstated due to errors of analysis and the omission of critical ecological data. Our critique highlights our concerns by drawing on the author’s unpublished report as well as our own research at the same site over the past five years. Our aim is to ensure that debate over the impact of music festivals on wildlife is based on sound data analyses and unbiased interpretation, to provide guidance to relevant regulators and land managers.

HARRY LONGUEVILLE JONES, FSA, MEDIEVAL PARIS AND THE HERITAGE MEASURES OF THE JULY MONARCHY

This paper explores the hitherto overlooked influence of France on the archaeological interests and approach of Harry Longueville Jones (1806–70), whose best-known contributions to archaeology centred on Wales. Focusing mainly on the period down to his co-founding ofArchaeologia Cambrensis(1846) and the Cambrian Archaeological Association (1847), it analyses Jones’s engagement with both archaeological monuments and heritage measures in France. The discussion assesses the significance of his recording of medieval churches in and around Paris while resident in the city 1835–42, including an unpublished report that he submitted to the Minister of Public Instruction in 1840. Attention is also given to his role as one of the corresponding members for England of the French government’s Comité historique des arts et monuments. Lastly, Jones is placed in the context of other British responses to the institutions established by the July Monarchy to study and safeguard historic monuments in France.