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New protopine alkaloids from Aristolochia constricta reduce morphine withdrawal in vitro.

The present study examines the effect of four new protopine alkaloids (1-4) isolated and purified from the aerial parts of Aristolochia constricta (Aristolichiaceae) on morphine withdrawal in vitro. The results of our experiments indicate that the pure compounds (1-4) significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner reduced the morphine withdrawal. The results of the present study suggest that these new protopine alkaloids may be potential anti-addictive agents.

Acetylcholine↗

A comparison of anthropometric indices of nutritional status in Tukanoan and Achuar Amerindians.

Anthropometric data from a Tukanoan population in the Vaupes region of Colombia and an Achuar population in the Ecuadorian Amazon were compared relative to international references. The Tukanoans exploit an oligotrophic blackwater ecosystem, whereas the Achuar inhabit a resource rich montane ecosystem. Given this ecological distinction, three hypotheses regarding nutritional statuses were proposed: (1) Tukanoans are significantly shorter than the Achuar, indicating a greater degree of stunting; (2) Tukanoans are significantly leaner, indicating a greater degree of wasting; and (3) Tukanaons have significantly lower upper arm muscle area, indicating lower lean body mass. Z-scores for height, weight-for-height, and estimated upper arm muscle area were determined and significant nutritional stress was assumed at z < or = -2.0. Between population differences in z-scores for height-for-age (ZHT), weight-for-height (ZWH), and upper arm muscle area (ZUMA) were examined using analysis of variance with a subsequent Scheffe's test. Between-group differences in the frequencies of individuals with low z-scores (z < or = -2.0) were assessed via chi-squared analysis. Both populations showed stunting in most age groups, but neither showed low ZWH or ZUMA. Significant differences between populations were found only for ZHT in children (females 1.0-4.9 and 5.0-9.9 years, and males 5.0-9.9 years). Tukanoans have significantly higher frequencies of stunting in all age-sex groups except females and males age 30-49.9 years. There were no significant between-population differences in the frequencies of individuals with low ZWH or ZUMA. These differences in nutritional status may reflect differences in resource availability.

Adolescent↗

Scent marking in two western Amazonian populations of woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha).

We describe patterns of scent marking observed in two wild populations of lowland woolly monkeys that were the subjects of long-term studies in the westernmost portion of the Amazon basin. The woolly monkeys engaged primarily in two types of scent marking: chest rubbing and anogenital rubbing. In both study populations, males and females performed both types of scent marking, but males chest-rubbed more commonly than females, while females engaged in more anogenital rubbing. We evaluated two nonexclusive hypotheses for the function of scent marking by woolly monkeys: 1) that scent marking is used in sociosexual contexts, and 2) that scent marking is used to convey information about occupancy of or willingness to defend an area from conspecifics in other social groups. We found no association between the occurrence of scent-marking behavior and location within the home range, but did find that scent marking occurred more commonly than expected on days when copulations, mating solicitations, and intergroup encounters were observed. Additionally, mating activity and chest rubbing were highly correlated across the yearly cycle, even when the potentially confounding variable of ripe fruit availability was controlled for. In woolly monkeys, overt male-male competition is rare and female choice is an important part of the mating system. Our results are most consistent with the idea that scent marking plays a role in advertising male quality or competitive ability, and perhaps in coordinating mating activity.

Animal Communication↗

Multivariate analysis of organismal and habitat parameters in two neotropical primate communities.

This paper investigates the interrelations of some organismal and habitat parameters in two platyrrhine primate communities in French Guiana and Ecuadorian Amazonia. Fifteen habitat and organismal parameters and body weight were retained after a preliminary analysis, on the basis of frequent use and constraints reflected in anatomical specializations. The 16 parameters for 13 platyrrhine species were used for a series of principal components analyses (PCAs). All PCAs on separate or combined communities provided comparable results. The Atelinae, Ateles, Alouatta, and Lagothrix, were clustered together with Pithecia, associated with canopy, mature forest, frugivory, and (to a lesser degree) climb/suspensory locomotion. On the other hand, the three species of Cebus usually formed a loose cluster, located in the center of the cloud of species. Lastly, the Callitrichinae, involving two species of Saguinus and Cebuella, were relatively dispersed and frequently associated with liana forest, lianas, understory, and faunivory. However, Cebuella was consistently isolated and associated with liana forest, lianas, body weight, understory, and vertical supports. In this way, clusters appeared to conform to the major platyrrhine taxonomic groups, supporting the fact that basic ecological and behavioral adaptations have evolved in a phylogenetic context. In addition, the analyses revealed that body weight, forest type and layer, feeding behavior, and locomotion are the most important variables that have apparently shaped or driven the adaptive zones of extant platyrrhines.

Alouatta↗