Stone Tool Use by Black-Horned Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus) in an Urban Park in Londrina, Brazil.

Tool use to crack open palm nuts has been observed extensively in some capuchin monkey species. However, for southern black-horned capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus), there is only one published record of stone tool use from the 1990s, from an urban park in Londrina, Brazil. In the present study, we returned to this urban park to systematically investigate the hammer-and-anvil sites used to crack nuts by this capuchin monkey population.

News and Perspectives: Words matter in primatology.

Postings on social media on Twitter (now X), BioAnthropology News (Facebook), and other venues, as well as recent publications in prominent journals, show that primatologists, ecologists, and other researchers are questioning the terms "Old World" and "New World" due to their colonial implications and history. The terms are offensive if they result in erasing Indigenous voices and history, ignoring the fact that Indigenous peoples were in the Americas long before European colonization. Language use is not without context, but alternative terminology is not always obvious and available.

Phylogeography, genetic diversity, and intraspecific genetic structure of the black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus).

Recent molecular studies have clarified the overarching taxonomy of capuchin monkeys, but intraspecific genetic diversity remains unexplored for most capuchin species. One example is Sapajus nigritus, the southernmost capuchin monkey, found in Brazil and Argentina; its phenotypic diversity has been recognized as two geographic subspecies, but the intraspecific genetic structure of this taxon is poorly known. Here, we sampled across most of this species' geographic distribution, producing a newly sequenced data set for genetic analyses that included 78 individuals from 14 populations.

Pathogenic Leptospira are widespread in the urban wildlife of southern California.

Leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, is broadly understudied in multi-host wildlife systems. Knowledge gaps regarding Leptospira circulation in wildlife, particularly in densely populated areas, contribute to frequent misdiagnoses in humans and domestic animals. We assessed Leptospira prevalence levels and risk factors in five target wildlife species across the greater Los Angeles region: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), coyotes (Canis latrans), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and fox squirrels (Sciurus niger).

A New Assessment of Robust Capuchin Monkey () Evolutionary History Using Genome-Wide SNP Marker Data and a Bayesian Approach to Species Delimitation.

Robust capuchin monkeys, genus, are among the most phenotypically diverse and widespread groups of primates in South America, with one of the most confusing and often shifting taxonomies. We used a ddRADseq approach to generate genome-wide SNP markers for 171 individuals from all putative extant species of to access their evolutionary history. Using maximum likelihood, multispecies coalescent phylogenetic inference, and a Bayes Factor method to test for alternative hypotheses of species delimitation, we inferred the phylogenetic history of the radiation, evaluating the number of discrete species supported.

Productive struggle and failing safely: implications for developing adaptive expertise in communication.

Navigating difficult conversations is a complex task that requires flexible and adaptive approaches. Residents developing this skill may initially struggle or fail, and require support. However, this experience may prepare residents for future learning which is essential to adaptive expertise.

Signatures of adaptive evolution in platyrrhine primate genomes.

The platyrrhine family Cebidae (capuchin and squirrel monkeys) exhibit among the largest primate encephalization quotients. Each cebid lineage is also characterized by notable lineage-specific traits, with capuchins showing striking similarities to Hominidae such as high sensorimotor intelligence with tool use, advanced cognitive abilities, and behavioral flexibility. Here, we take a comparative genomics approach, performing genome-wide tests for positive selection across five cebid branches, to gain insight into major periods of cebid adaptive evolution.

Regulatory Consideration for the Nonclinical Safety Assessment of Gene Therapies.

The nonclinical safety assessments for gene therapies are evolving, leveraging over 20 years of experimental and clinical experience. Despite the growing experience with these therapeutics, there are no approved harmonized global regulatory documents for developing gene therapies with only the ICH (International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) S12 guidance on nonclinical biodistribution currently under discussion. Several health authorities have issued guidance over the last 15 years on the nonclinical safety aspects for gene therapy products, but many of the recommendations are limited to high-level concepts on nonclinical safety aspects or altogether silent on key topics.

A robust tool kit: First report of tool use in captive crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus).

Primate tool use is of great interest but has been reported only in a limited number of species. Here we report tool use in crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus), an almost completely unstudied robust capuchin species. Crested capuchins and their sister species, the yellow-breasted capuchin, diverged from a common ancestor over 2 million years ago, so this study fills a significant gap in understanding of tool use capacity and variation within the robust capuchin monkey radiation.

Diet, activity patterns, and home range use in forest and cultivated areas for one wild group of endangered crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus) in Reserva Natural Vale, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) are distributed widely in the Neotropics and may be able to survive in modified landscapes because of their omnivorous, opportunistic diet. The poorly known and endangered crested capuchin monkey (Sapajus robustus) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Bahia, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states, Brazil.

"-Student Experiences of Maintaining Friendships During COVID-19 Lockdown: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study.

COVID-19 lockdown presented a novel opportunity to study the experiences of people attempting to maintain friendships in the context of worldwide, government-enforced physical distancing and lockdown. Here we report on an experiential, idiographic qualitative project with a purposive sample of Scottish students. Data was collected one-to-one on-line interviews with nine student participants ( = 9).

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-reactive protein (CRP) and other biomarkers in the early identification of disease progression in patients with COVID-19 in the acute NHS setting.

Aims: There is a lack of biomarkers validated for assessing clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19 on presentation to secondary or tertiary care. This evaluation looked at the potential clinical application of C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and white cell count to support prediction of clinical outcomes.

Methods: 135 patients presenting to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between April and June 2020 confirmed to have COVID-19 via reverse-transcription-qPCR were included.

C-reactive protein-guided use of procalcitonin in COVID-19.

Background: A low procalcitonin (PCT) concentration facilitates exclusion of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19, but high costs associated with PCT measurements preclude universal adoption. Changes in inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), can be concordant, and predicting low PCT concentrations may avoid costs of redundant tests and support more cost-effective deployment of this diagnostic biomarker.

Objectives: To explore whether, in COVID-19, low PCT values could be predicted by the presence of low CRP concentrations.

Major histocompatibility complex class II DR and DQ evolution and variation in wild capuchin monkey species (Cebinae).

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important gene complex contributing to adaptive immunity. Studies of platyrrhine MHC have focused on identifying experimental models of immune system function in the equivalent Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). These genes have thus been explored primarily in captive platyrrhine individuals from research colonies.

The use of midazolam as an appetite stimulant and anxiolytic in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: Food avoidance secondary to disease or stress can lead to weight loss and rapid deterioration of clinical condition in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Currently, there are no data supporting the use of any pharmaceuticals as an appetite stimulant in this species; however, benzodiazepines are frequently used for this purpose in other species.

Methods: Six marmosets were used in a crossover study design to evaluate the benzodiazepine midazolam as an appetite stimulant and anxiolytic.

Combination of two analytical techniques improves wine classification by Vineyard, Region, and vintage.

Three important wine parameters: vineyard, region, and vintage year, were evaluated using fifteen Vitis vinifera L. 'Pinot noir' wines derived from the same scion clone (Pinot noir 667). These wines were produced from two vintage years (2015 and 2016) and eight different regions along the Pacific Coast of the United States.

Nonclinical Studies that Support Viral Vector-Delivered Gene Therapies: An EFPIA Gene Therapy Working Group Perspective.

Nonclinical development strategies for gene therapies are unique from other modalities. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associates (EFPIA) Gene Therapy Working Group surveyed EFPIA member and nonmember pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies about their current practices for designing and implementing nonclinical toxicology studies to support the development of viral vector-delivered gene therapies. Compiled responses from 17 companies indicated that these studies had some variability in species selection, study-design elements, biodistribution, immunogenicity or genomic insertion assessments, safety pharmacology, and regulatory interactions.

Needs and preferences for psychological interventions of people with motor neuron disease.

There is a lack of knowledge about what factors may impede or facilitate engagement in psychological interventions in people with motor neuron disease (pwMND) and how such interventions can be adapted to best meet the needs of this population. To explore the needs and preferences of pwMND with respect to psychological interventions, and how best to adapt such interventions for pwMND. A series of semi-structured interviews ( = 22) and workshops ( = 3) were conducted with pwMND ( = 15), informal caregivers of pwMND ( = 10), and MND healthcare professionals ( = 12).

Breast Cancer Diagnostic Efficacy in a Developing South-East Asian Country.

Background: Breast cancer, is increasing in prevalence amongst South East (SE) Asian women, highlighting the need for high quality, early diagnoses. This study investigated radiologists’ detection efficacy in a developing (DC) and developed (DDC) SE Asian country, as compared to Australian radiologists. Methods: Using a test-set of 60 mammographic cases, 20 containing cancer, JAFROC figures of merit (FOM) and ROC area under the curves (AUC) were calculated as well as location sensitivity, sensitivity and specificity.

Carbon dioxide laser treatment in burn-related scarring: A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Aim: To investigate the effect of ablative fractional CO laser (AFCOL) on burns scar appearance and dermal architecture at 6 weeks and up to 3-years post-treatment.

Methods: Twenty adult patients with a burn-related scar were recruited. Inclusion criteria were a minimum scar area of 10 × 10 cm and Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score of >5 and ≥6 months since the time of injury.

Breast Pocket Irrigation with Antibiotic Solution at Implant Insertion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Antibiotic irrigation is routinely used during implant insertion in augmentation mammoplasty procedures. However, the evidence for whether this reduces the incidence of infection or capsular contracture is unclear.

Methods And Materials: Five databases were used to search for all randomized control trials, retrospective cohort and prospective cohort studies containing original data related to the primary outcomes being investigated in this study.

A Subretinal Cell Delivery Method via Suprachoroidal Access in Minipigs: Safety and Surgical Outcomes.

Purpose: This study evaluated a new subretinal method for delivery of human or pig umbilical tissue-derived cells (hUTC or pUTC, respectively) using a novel subretinal injection cannula and suprachoroidal approach in Göttingen minipig eyes. hUTC (palucorcel) are currently under development for treating geographic atrophy in humans.

Methods: Twenty-four Göttingen minipigs (divided into eight groups) were subretinally administered palucorcel, pUTC, or vehicle.

Improving End-of-Life Care: Palliative Care Embedded in an Oncology Clinic Specializing in Targeted and Immune-Based Therapies.

Purpose: Patients with advanced cancer benefit from early involvement of palliative care. The ideal method of palliative care integration remains to be determined, as does its effectiveness for patients treated with targeted and immune-based therapies.

Materials And Methods: We studied the impact of an embedded palliative care team that saw patients in an academic oncology clinic specializing in targeted and immune-based therapies.