Journal articles on the topic 'Two-ringed bit'

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Remarkably high age found in Myotis emarginatus and Myotis brandtii from Slovakia (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). New longevity records of the Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) and Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii) were made in eastern Slovakia with the help of ringing. The minimum age of twenty years and two months was evidenced for a Myotis emarginatus individual re-captured at a small cave near Beňatina in the Východné Beskydy Mts. on 2 September 2016 (first caught and ringed at the same site on 2 August 1996). It is the second highest age found in this bat from Slovakia, where the known longevity maximum is 22 years and eight months. In Myotis brandtii, the minimum age of 28 years was recorded, when a male was netted in a forest near Priekopa in the Vihorlat Mts. on 12 August 2022 that was first caught and ringed at a very close site on 14 August 1994.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Remarkably high age found in Myotis emarginatus and Myotis brandtii from Slovakia (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). New longevity records of the Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) and Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii) were made in eastern Slovakia with the help of ringing. The minimum age of twenty years and two months was evidenced for a Myotis emarginatus individual re-captured at a small cave near Beňatina in the Východné Beskydy Mts. on 2 September 2016 (first caught and ringed at the same site on 2 August 1996). It is the second highest age found in this bat from Slovakia, where the known longevity maximum is 22 years and eight months. In Myotis brandtii, the minimum age of 28 years was recorded, when a male was netted in a forest near Priekopa in the Vihorlat Mts. on 12 August 2022 that was first caught and ringed at a very close site on 14 August 1994.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Remarkably high age found in Myotis emarginatus and Myotis brandtii from Slovakia (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). New longevity records of the Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) and Brandt's bat (Myotis brandtii) were made in eastern Slovakia with the help of ringing. The minimum age of twenty years and two months was evidenced for a Myotis emarginatus individual re-captured at a small cave near Beňatina in the Východné Beskydy Mts. on 2 September 2016 (first caught and ringed at the same site on 2 August 1996). It is the second highest age found in this bat from Slovakia, where the known longevity maximum is 22 years and eight months. In Myotis brandtii, the minimum age of 28 years was recorded, when a male was netted in a forest near Priekopa in the Vihorlat Mts. on 12 August 2022 that was first caught and ringed at a very close site on 14 August 1994.

Remarkably high age found in Myotis emarginatus and Myotis brandtii from Slovakia (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). New longevity records of the Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus) and Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandtii) were made in eastern Slovakia with the help of ringing. The minimum age of twenty years and two months was evidenced for a Myotis emarginatus individual re-captured at a small cave near Beňatina in the Východné Beskydy Mts. on 2 September 2016 (first caught and ringed at the same site on 2 August 1996). It is the second highest age found in this bat from Slovakia, where the known longevity maximum is 22 years and eight months. In Myotis brandtii, the minimum age of 28 years was recorded, when a male was netted in a forest near Priekopa in the Vihorlat Mts. on 12 August 2022 that was first caught and ringed at a very close site on 14 August 1994.

Ringing of birds unveiled many aspects of avian migration and dispersal movements. However, there is even much more to be explored by the use of ringing and other marks. Dispersal is crucial in understanding the initial phase of migration in migrating birds as it is to understand patterns and processes of distribution and gene flow. So far, the analysis of migration was largely based on analysing spatial and temporal patters of recoveries of ringed birds. However, there are considerable biases and pitfalls in using recoveries due to spatial and temporal variation in reporting probabilities. Novel methods are required for future studies separating the confounding effects of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of recovery data and heterogeneity of the landscape as well. These novel approaches should aim a more intensive and novel use of the existing recovery data by taking advantage of, for instance, dynamic and multistate modeling, should elaborate schemes for future studies, and should also include other marks that allow a more rapid data collection, like telemetry, geolocation and global positioning systems, and chemical and molecular markers. The latter appear to be very useful in the delineating origin of birds and connectivity between breeding and non–breeding grounds. Many studies of migration are purely descriptive. However, King and Brooks (King & Brooks, 2004) examine if movement patterns of dolphins change after the introduction of a gillnet ban. Bayesian methods are an interesting approach to this problem as they provide a meaningful measure of the probability that such a change occurred rather than simple yes/no response that is often the result of classical statistical methods. However, the key difficulty of a general implementation of Bayesian methods is the complexity of the modelling —there is no general userfriendly package that is easily accessible to most scientists. Drake and Alisauskas (Drake & Alisauskas, 2004) examine the philopatric movement of geese using a classic multi–state design. Previous studies of philopaty often rely upon simple return rates —however, good mark–recapture studies do not need to assume equal detection probabilities in space and time. This is likely the most important contribution of multi–state modelling to the study of movement. As with many of these studies, the most pressing problem in the analysis is the explosion in the number of parameters and the need to choose parsimonious modelss to get good precision. Drake and Alisauska demonstrate that model choice still remains an art with a great deal of biological insight being very helpful in the task. There is still plenty of scope for novel methods to study migration. Traditionally, there has been a clear cut distinction between birds being labelled as “migrant” or “resident” on the basis of field observations and qualitative interpretations of patterns of ring–recoveries. However, there are intermediate species where only part of the population migrates (partial migrants) or where different components of the population migrate to different extents (differential migrants). Siriwardena, Wernham and Baillie (Siriwardena et al., 2004) develop a novel method that produces a quantitative index of migratory tendency. The method uses distributions of ringing–to–recovery distances to classify individual species’ patterns of movement relative to those of other species. The areas between species’ cumulative distance distributions are used with multi–dimensional scaling to produce a similarity map among species. This map can be used to investigate the factors that affect the migratory strategies that species adopt, such as body size, territoriality and distribution, and in studies of their consequences for demographic parameters such as annual survival and the timing of breeding. The key assumption of the method is the similar recovery effort of species over space and time. It would be interesting to overlay maps of effort to try and remove any induced artefacts in the data. Differences in timing or the route of migration has often been studies separately. Lokki and Saurola (Lokki & Saurola, 2004) develop an omnibus procedure to test if the migration timing and/or route differ among two populations of birds (e.g. males vs females). It uses a randomization test to calibrate the test statistic. However, it makes the key assumptions about equal recovery effort in time and space so that the method may be most applicable to comparison among species with similar migration timing and movement to keep differential sighting/recovery rates from affecting the result. Of course, it is in these cases where it is most difficulty to separate the groups which will require substantial samples to have good performance. Thorup and Rahbek (Thorup & Rahbek, 2004) provide a framework for accounting for unequal spatial recovery probability investigating the geometric influence of ocean and sea on observed migratory patterns. Taking the data set of Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) ringed as nestlings in Scandinavia and recovered en route on their initial migration and using a model based on the clock–and–compass innate navigation hypothesis they are showing that geometric constraints explain quite a bit of the variation in ring–recoveries. The model also shows that ring recovery patterns do reflect the migratory patterns, and that they are suitable for an analysis of the concentration of the migratory route which is important for the general use of ringing data in studies of migration. This is important for the general use of ringing data in studies of migration and dispersal. The new approach has also implications for understanding the migratory orientation program. The compiled papers highlight some novel ideas of how to analyse band recoveries to investigate migration routes and migration behaviour as well as dispersal patterns among birds and dolphins. Multistate modeling appears as a valuable tool as it enables to include various covariates and to analyse patterns of movement that change in time, are influenced by weather, or are different between age classes or sex.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract Knowledge of species distribution and, for migratory species, seasonal occurrence is particularly important for vulnerable and protected animals such as bats. The former European bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus was split into two, Pipistrelus pipistrellus s.s. and Pipistrelus pygmaeus , over 20 years ago. However, their distribution, breeding and winter ranges as well as migratory status in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus remained obscure. In our study, we scrutinised records of both species and assessed the sex ratio during their breeding season in this region. We show that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. has a significantly smaller range than previously assumed, being restricted to the southern part of the study area. On the contrary, Pipistrelus pygmaeus has a broader distribution, covering the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, up to ca. 59° N. Hence, all historical records and long‐distance movements of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato from Eastern Europe within the inferred allopatric occurrence of Pipistrelus pygmaeus should be attributed to Pipistrelus pygmaeus . The high portion of adult males in breeding localities, mass wintering within the breeding range and lacking evidence of long‐distance seasonal movements imply that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. is a sedentary species. In Pipistrelus pygmaeus , the sex ratio among adults during the breeding season varies latitudinally. The female‐biased sex ratio, absence of mass wintering and the historical long‐distance recoveries of ringed individuals suggest that this species is migratory in Eastern Europe. The male‐biased sex ratio during the breeding season, along with late autumn records, suggests that the Caucasus represents its winter range.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract Knowledge of species distribution and, for migratory species, seasonal occurrence is particularly important for vulnerable and protected animals such as bats. The former European bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus was split into two, Pipistrelus pipistrellus s.s. and Pipistrelus pygmaeus , over 20 years ago. However, their distribution, breeding and winter ranges as well as migratory status in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus remained obscure. In our study, we scrutinised records of both species and assessed the sex ratio during their breeding season in this region. We show that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. has a significantly smaller range than previously assumed, being restricted to the southern part of the study area. On the contrary, Pipistrelus pygmaeus has a broader distribution, covering the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, up to ca. 59° N. Hence, all historical records and long‐distance movements of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato from Eastern Europe within the inferred allopatric occurrence of Pipistrelus pygmaeus should be attributed to Pipistrelus pygmaeus . The high portion of adult males in breeding localities, mass wintering within the breeding range and lacking evidence of long‐distance seasonal movements imply that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. is a sedentary species. In Pipistrelus pygmaeus , the sex ratio among adults during the breeding season varies latitudinally. The female‐biased sex ratio, absence of mass wintering and the historical long‐distance recoveries of ringed individuals suggest that this species is migratory in Eastern Europe. The male‐biased sex ratio during the breeding season, along with late autumn records, suggests that the Caucasus represents its winter range.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract Knowledge of species distribution and, for migratory species, seasonal occurrence is particularly important for vulnerable and protected animals such as bats. The former European bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus was split into two, Pipistrelus pipistrellus s.s. and Pipistrelus pygmaeus , over 20 years ago. However, their distribution, breeding and winter ranges as well as migratory status in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus remained obscure. In our study, we scrutinised records of both species and assessed the sex ratio during their breeding season in this region. We show that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. has a significantly smaller range than previously assumed, being restricted to the southern part of the study area. On the contrary, Pipistrelus pygmaeus has a broader distribution, covering the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, up to ca. 59° N. Hence, all historical records and long‐distance movements of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato from Eastern Europe within the inferred allopatric occurrence of Pipistrelus pygmaeus should be attributed to Pipistrelus pygmaeus . The high portion of adult males in breeding localities, mass wintering within the breeding range and lacking evidence of long‐distance seasonal movements imply that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. is a sedentary species. In Pipistrelus pygmaeus , the sex ratio among adults during the breeding season varies latitudinally. The female‐biased sex ratio, absence of mass wintering and the historical long‐distance recoveries of ringed individuals suggest that this species is migratory in Eastern Europe. The male‐biased sex ratio during the breeding season, along with late autumn records, suggests that the Caucasus represents its winter range.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Abstract Knowledge of species distribution and, for migratory species, seasonal occurrence is particularly important for vulnerable and protected animals such as bats. The former European bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus was split into two, Pipistrelus pipistrellus s.s. and Pipistrelus pygmaeus , over 20 years ago. However, their distribution, breeding and winter ranges as well as migratory status in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus remained obscure. In our study, we scrutinised records of both species and assessed the sex ratio during their breeding season in this region. We show that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. has a significantly smaller range than previously assumed, being restricted to the southern part of the study area. On the contrary, Pipistrelus pygmaeus has a broader distribution, covering the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, up to ca. 59° N. Hence, all historical records and long‐distance movements of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato from Eastern Europe within the inferred allopatric occurrence of Pipistrelus pygmaeus should be attributed to Pipistrelus pygmaeus . The high portion of adult males in breeding localities, mass wintering within the breeding range and lacking evidence of long‐distance seasonal movements imply that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. is a sedentary species. In Pipistrelus pygmaeus , the sex ratio among adults during the breeding season varies latitudinally. The female‐biased sex ratio, absence of mass wintering and the historical long‐distance recoveries of ringed individuals suggest that this species is migratory in Eastern Europe. The male‐biased sex ratio during the breeding season, along with late autumn records, suggests that the Caucasus represents its winter range.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Regional migrations are important elements of the biology of bats, but remain poorly understood. We obtained a large dataset of recoveries of ringed Miniopterus schreibersii to study the patterns and drivers of migration of a Mediterranean cave-dwelling bat. In spite of the mildness of Mediterranean winters, in average years bats hibernated, and few movements were recorded during this period. After hibernation, females migrated to spring roosts, and again to maternity roosts just before parturition. This late arrival at nurseries could be a strategy to avoid a harmful build-up of parasites. Soon after the juveniles were weaned, the mothers migrated to the roosts where they spent autumn and sometimes also winter. Juveniles remained in the warm nurseries longer, presumably because high roost temperatures speed up growth. The pattern of migration of males was similar to that of females, but they left hibernacula later and remained more mobile during the maternity season. They also arrived at the hibernacula later, possibly because they needed time to build up fat stores after the energetically costly mating season. Maternity colonies spent the yearly cycle in welldefined home ranges (mean = 19 030 km2), which overlapped greatly. Bats were furthest from the maternity sites during hibernation, but even then 80% remained within 90 km of them. Each hibernaculum attracted bats from multiple nurseries, from within a mean range of 10 770 km2. We tested two potential drivers for migration – temperature in the roosts and at the foraging areas – but our results supported only the first one. Bats migrated to reach the roosts most thermally suited for each phase of their life cycle, indicating that roost temperature and associated metabolic advantages are key drivers for regional migrations of cavedwelling bats.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Regional migrations are important elements of the biology of bats, but remain poorly understood. We obtained a large dataset of recoveries of ringed Miniopterus schreibersii to study the patterns and drivers of migration of a Mediterranean cave-dwelling bat. In spite of the mildness of Mediterranean winters, in average years bats hibernated, and few movements were recorded during this period. After hibernation, females migrated to spring roosts, and again to maternity roosts just before parturition. This late arrival at nurseries could be a strategy to avoid a harmful build-up of parasites. Soon after the juveniles were weaned, the mothers migrated to the roosts where they spent autumn and sometimes also winter. Juveniles remained in the warm nurseries longer, presumably because high roost temperatures speed up growth. The pattern of migration of males was similar to that of females, but they left hibernacula later and remained more mobile during the maternity season. They also arrived at the hibernacula later, possibly because they needed time to build up fat stores after the energetically costly mating season. Maternity colonies spent the yearly cycle in welldefined home ranges (mean = 19 030 km2), which overlapped greatly. Bats were furthest from the maternity sites during hibernation, but even then 80% remained within 90 km of them. Each hibernaculum attracted bats from multiple nurseries, from within a mean range of 10 770 km2. We tested two potential drivers for migration – temperature in the roosts and at the foraging areas – but our results supported only the first one. Bats migrated to reach the roosts most thermally suited for each phase of their life cycle, indicating that roost temperature and associated metabolic advantages are key drivers for regional migrations of cavedwelling bats.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Regional migrations are important elements of the biology of bats, but remain poorly understood. We obtained a large dataset of recoveries of ringed Miniopterus schreibersii to study the patterns and drivers of migration of a Mediterranean cave-dwelling bat. In spite of the mildness of Mediterranean winters, in average years bats hibernated, and few movements were recorded during this period. After hibernation, females migrated to spring roosts, and again to maternity roosts just before parturition. This late arrival at nurseries could be a strategy to avoid a harmful build-up of parasites. Soon after the juveniles were weaned, the mothers migrated to the roosts where they spent autumn and sometimes also winter. Juveniles remained in the warm nurseries longer, presumably because high roost temperatures speed up growth. The pattern of migration of males was similar to that of females, but they left hibernacula later and remained more mobile during the maternity season. They also arrived at the hibernacula later, possibly because they needed time to build up fat stores after the energetically costly mating season. Maternity colonies spent the yearly cycle in welldefined home ranges (mean = 19 030 km2), which overlapped greatly. Bats were furthest from the maternity sites during hibernation, but even then 80% remained within 90 km of them. Each hibernaculum attracted bats from multiple nurseries, from within a mean range of 10 770 km2. We tested two potential drivers for migration – temperature in the roosts and at the foraging areas – but our results supported only the first one. Bats migrated to reach the roosts most thermally suited for each phase of their life cycle, indicating that roost temperature and associated metabolic advantages are key drivers for regional migrations of cavedwelling bats.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Regional migrations are important elements of the biology of bats, but remain poorly understood. We obtained a large dataset of recoveries of ringed Miniopterus schreibersii to study the patterns and drivers of migration of a Mediterranean cave-dwelling bat. In spite of the mildness of Mediterranean winters, in average years bats hibernated, and few movements were recorded during this period. After hibernation, females migrated to spring roosts, and again to maternity roosts just before parturition. This late arrival at nurseries could be a strategy to avoid a harmful build-up of parasites. Soon after the juveniles were weaned, the mothers migrated to the roosts where they spent autumn and sometimes also winter. Juveniles remained in the warm nurseries longer, presumably because high roost temperatures speed up growth. The pattern of migration of males was similar to that of females, but they left hibernacula later and remained more mobile during the maternity season. They also arrived at the hibernacula later, possibly because they needed time to build up fat stores after the energetically costly mating season. Maternity colonies spent the yearly cycle in welldefined home ranges (mean = 19 030 km2), which overlapped greatly. Bats were furthest from the maternity sites during hibernation, but even then 80% remained within 90 km of them. Each hibernaculum attracted bats from multiple nurseries, from within a mean range of 10 770 km2. We tested two potential drivers for migration – temperature in the roosts and at the foraging areas – but our results supported only the first one. Bats migrated to reach the roosts most thermally suited for each phase of their life cycle, indicating that roost temperature and associated metabolic advantages are key drivers for regional migrations of cavedwelling bats.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Based on the results of winter monitoring of bats conducted in 2020–2022 in key wintering sites—limestone mines located within the continental part of the Back Sea area and the steppe area of Ukraine (Mykolayiv and Odesa oblasts)—we have recorded 7 species of bats: Myotis daubentonii, M. dasycneme, M. aurascens, M. mystacinus, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus, and Eptesicus serotinus. Compared to results of monitoring conducted between 2008 and 2011, the number of bats that winter in the mentioned mines has doubled, from 702 to 1421 specimens. One individual of M. aurascens, which was ringed in the mine KVL-K in 2008–2011, was recorded there for the second time. The ring number is VТ 03492, Kyiv, Ukraine. Five species of bats were recorded in each of the three monitored sites. The results of the two monitoring sessions appear to be almost identical both by species composition and abundance. The dominating species in the inspected sites and, apparently, generally for winter aggregations of the same type in the region is M. daubentonii. The species share in the total sample was 77%. In Kovalivka (KVL-K) and Illyinka (ILN-K) mines, the co-dominance of two species—M. daubentonii and M. aurascens—was observed (23.3% and 26.8%, respectively). The species M. mystacinus was recorded only in the Kovalivsky mines (9.6%), whereas P. auritus was found only in the Nova Odesa mines (0.1%). The Nova Odesa mines play a key role in preserving the rare M. dasycneme in Ukraine harbouring the most abundant and widely known accumulation of this species. All investigated caves are particularly important for the preservation of bat populations in the region and their support during critical stages of their life. Granting the Kuyalnik Estuary the status of nature reserve will contribute to the conservation of habitats important for bats. Monitoring of key habitats for conservation of bat species is an important task for the implementation of EUROBATS agreement, which was signed by Ukraine. The obtained data are especially crucial considering the invasion of the russian federation to Ukraine since it is unclear when there will be a chance to continue the monitoring of bats in these key wintering sites and what is their current condition.

Based on the results of winter monitoring of bats conducted in 2020–2022 in key wintering sites—limestone mines located within the continental part of the Back Sea area and the steppe area of Ukraine (Mykolayiv and Odesa ob-lasts)—we have recorded 7 species of bats: Myotis daubentonii, M. dasycneme, M. aurascens, M. mystacinus, Plecotus auritus, P. austriacus, and Eptesicus serotinus. Compared to results of monitoring conducted between 2008 and 2011, the number of bats that winter in the mentioned mines has doubled, from 702 to 1421 spe¬cimens. One individual of M. aurascens, which was ringed in the mine KVL-K in 2008–2011, was recorded there for the sec-ond time. The ring number is VТ 03492, Kyiv, Ukraine. Five species of bats were recorded in each of the three moni-tored sites. The results of the two monitoring sessions appear to be almost identical both by species composition and abundance. The dominating species in the inspected sites and, apparently, generally for winter aggregations of the same type in the region is M. daubentonii. The species share in the total sample was 77%. In Kovalivka (KVL-K) and Illyinka (ILN-K) mines, the co-dominance of two species—M. daubentonii and M. aurascens—was observed (23.3% and 26.8%, respectively). The species M. mystacinus was recorded only in the Kovalivsky mines (9.6%), whereas P. auritus was found only in the Nova Odesa mines (0.1%). The Nova Odesa mines play a key role in pre-serving the rare M. dasycneme in Ukraine harbouring the most abundant and widely known accumulation of this species. All investigated caves are particularly important for the preservation of bat populations in the region and their support during critical stages of their life. Granting the Kuyalnik Estuary the status of nature reserve will con-tribute to the conservation of habitats important for bats. Monitoring of key habitats for conservation of bat species is an important task for the implementation of EUROBATS agreement, which was signed by Ukraine. The obtained data are especially crucial considering the invasion of the russian federation to Ukraine since it is unclear when there will be a chance to continue the monitoring of bats in these key wintering sites and what is their current condition.

Abstract Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by bone marrow dysplasia and ineffective hematopoiesis. Zhou et al. showed that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling was constitutively activated in MDS CD34+ cells and that this over-activation and subsequent myelosuppression was based on reduced expression of SMAD7, the natural inhibitor of TGF-β, in MDS CD34+ cells (Zhou L et al. Cancer Res 2011;71:955-963). Galunisertib specifically inhibited the kinase activity of the TGF-β receptor type I (TGF-βRI) also known as ALK5 and its downstream signaling pathway theoretically replaced the SMAD7 function. Galunisertib reversed hematopoietic suppression in human MDS bone marrow assays, and in a murine model of TGF-β derived bone marrow failure. Based on these preclinical studies that demonstrate hematological improvement (HI) in MDS models following galunisertib treatment, a single-arm phase 2 part of a phase 2/3 proof-of-concept study in very low-, low-, and intermediate-risk patients with MDS was conducted. Methods: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the HI rate based on International Working Group (IWG) 2006 criteria in patients with very low-, low-, and intermediate-risk MDS by Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), treated with galunisertib. Eligible patients were treated with galunisertib 300 mg/day (150 mg BID) orally for 14 days, followed by 14 days off, constituting a cycle of 28 days. Eligibility criteria permitted any prior therapy, all of which were required to be discontinued at least 28 days prior to initiation of galunisertib. Supportive therapies including ongoing transfusions were allowed. Eligibility criteria included confirmed diagnosis of MDS, anemia with hemoglobin ≤10.0 g/dL, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≤2. Safety was assessed and summarized using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0). Descriptive statistics were used to report baseline characteristics and response rates. Results: In this phase 2 study, 41 patients received galunisertib orally (N=39, 150 mg BID and N=2, 80 mg BID for PK comparison). Patients were 62% males. The median age was 71 years (range: 52-84), the majority of patients were classified as refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (66.7%) or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (20.5%) based on WHO MDS classification. ECOG PS was 0/1 in 53.8%/46.2% of patients. Sixty-two percent of the patients received ≥6 cycles of treatment. Among the 39 patients receiving 150 mg BID, a total of 15 (38%) patients discontinued from the study within 6 cycles; one due to AE and 9 due to patient/physician decision. The most common possibly related any grade treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) included fatigue (20.5%), diarrhea (15.4%), pyrexia (10.3%), vomiting (10.3%), anemia (7.7%), nausea (7.7%), urinary tract infection (7.7%), neutrophil count decreased (5.1%), and platelet count decreased (5.1%); 12 (30.8%) patients had grade 3/4 TEAEs, 4 (10.3%) were drug-related. One of the 39 patients was protocol ineligible and was removed from the efficacy analysis. Among the 38 evaluable patients in the ITT population, 14 of whom required fewer than 4 units of transfusion per 8 weeks, 10/38 (26%) patients achieved HI, defined as at least a continuous 8-week response with at least a 4-unit reduction in transfusion requirement from baseline or hemoglobin increase by at least 1.5 g/dL per 8-week period. Of these 10 patients, 4 became transfusion-independent, and 5 had transfusion reduction. In a subgroup of 24/38 patients who had a transfusion requirement of at least 4 units every 8 weeks at baseline, 9 (38%) of these patients achieved a transfusion reduction of at least 4 units. No apparent correlation between cytogenetics or MDS subtype including ringed sideroblasts and response was identified; however, only 14 patients had abnormal cytogenetics. No platelet or neutrophil responses were observed. Conclusion: Galunisertib is well tolerated in this MDS population where this ALK5 inhibitor was investigated for the first time. Patients most commonly discontinued from study treatment due to patient/physician decision and not for toxicity. The clinical endpoint of HI was observed in 26% of the ITT population, and no specific response sub-group was identified. Disclosures Valcarcel: GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; NOVARTIS: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AMGEN: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; CELGENE: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Platzbecker:Boehringer: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Santini:celgene, Janssen, Novartis, Onconova: Honoraria, Research Funding. Díez-Campelo:Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding. Schlenk:Boehringer-Ingelheim: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Arog: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gaidano:MorphoSys; Roche; Novartis; GlaxoSmithKline; Amgen; Janssen; Karyopharm: Honoraria, Other: Advisory boards; Celgene: Research Funding. Perez de Oteyza:Eli Lilly and Company: Research Funding. Cleverly:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chiang:Eli Lilly and Copany: Employment. Lahn:Eli Lilly and Company: Other: Former employee. Desiaih:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment. Guba:Eli Lilly and Company: Employment, Equity Ownership. List:Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding. Komrokji:Pharmacylics: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Abstract Background: In elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), complete remission (CR) rate following intensive chemotherapy is approximately 45%, considerably lower than in younger patients, with a shorter duration of remission and high treatment-related mortality (30-50%), which partially explains a median survival of 7 to 12 months. Several studies have suggested that maintenance therapy may improve CR duration and long-term, disease-free survival (DFS). Grovdal et al (2010) treated 60 elderly patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or AML with cytarabine-based induction therapy resulting in CR in 24 patients who continued on to 5-Azacitidine (5-Aza) maintenance therapy. The median duration of CR was 13.5 months. The median OS for the 5-Azacitidine-treated group was 20 months. Aims: The present phase III, prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial is designed to assess the efficacy of post-remission treatment with 5-Aza versus best supportive care (BSC) in 54 patients > 60 years of age with AML in CR after conventional induction (“3+7”) and consolidation chemotherapy. Primary endpoint is the difference in DFS at 2 and 5 years between; secondary endpoints are the difference in overall survival (OS) at 2 and 5 years, the number and length of hospitalizations and quality of life in the 2 arms in the 2-year post-remission period. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed AML with > 30% myeloid marrow blasts, either "de novo" or evolving from myelodysplastic syndrome without contraindications for intensive chemotherapy and with a performance status < 3 are included. Standard induction chemotherapy consists of two courses of "3+7" (Daunorubicin 40 mg/m2 daily days 1-3 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2 daily continuous IV infusion days 1-7). Patients in CR receive consolidation with cytarabine 800 mg/m2 3 hour infusion bid days 1-3. Patients in CR are randomized 1:1 to recieve best supportive care (BSC) or 5-Aza according to the following schema: 50 mg/m2 s.c. or i.v. for 7 days (5 + weekend off + 2) every 28 days and increase dosing after 1st cycle, if well tolerated, to 75 mg/ m2 for further 5 cycles, followed by cycles every 56 days for 4 years and six months post-remission. Results: At the time of the present interim analysis 88 patients have been included in the study. Median age at diagnosis was 71, interquartile range (IQR) 66-75 years, male/female 45/43. During induction-consolidation chemotherapy, 31 patients were relapsed/refractory, 14 died, 5 refused to continue, 3 were excluded for protocol violation, 1 was lost to follow-up and 6 have not yet reached consolidation treatment. Twenty-eight patients have been randomized and 9 have more than 1 year follow-up (7 5-Aza patients, 2 BSC patients). The characteristics of randomized patients are shown in the table. The median observation time is 42.3 weeks and 12 patients are still in CR. Twelve patients in the BSC arm have experienced AML recurrence versus 4 patients in the 5-Aza arm at 9,17,42,56 weeks, respectively. Median DFS in the BSC arm is shorter (14 weeks, IQR 9-50 weeks) compared to that observed in the 5-Aza arm (median not reached at 2 years, P=0.008; Figure 1). At 2 years post-randomization 10 patients have died: 4 in 5-Aza arm versus 6 in BSC arm. All deaths occurred after AML recurrence. Median OS in 5-Aza arm is not reached at 2 years, versus 57 weeks, IQR 25-NA weeks in the BSC arm (P= 0.219, Figure 2). Grade 3-4 adverse events in the 5-Aza arm included neutropenia in 3 cases and one hospitalization for pericarditis, concomitant to AML recurrence. No serious adverse events were experienced in the BSC arm. Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that in elderly AML patients receiving standard induction-consolidation chemotherapy, 5-Aza post-CR is well-tolerated and significantly prolongs DFS. The trial is ongoing and may provide further insight on the impact of post-remission 5-Aza treatment on OS in this elderly population. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures Oliva: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Off Label Use: Azacitidine is indicated for treatment of patients with the following French-American-British myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes: refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.. Musto:Celgene: Advisory Board Other, Honoraria.

Abstract Ringed (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) inhabit vast and often remote areas in the Arctic, making it difficult to obtain long-term physiological information concerning health and reproduction. These seals are experiencing climate-driven changes in their habitat that could result in physiological stress. Chronic physiological stress can lead to immunosuppression, decreased reproduction and decreased growth. Recently, keratin has become a popular matrix to measure steroid hormones, such as stress-related cortisol and reproduction-related progesterone. We developed and validated methods to extract cortisol and progesterone from the claws of adult female ringed (n = 20) and bearded (n = 3) seals using enzyme immunosorbent assays. As ringed and bearded seal claws grow, a pair of dark- and light-colored bands of keratin is deposited annually providing a guide for sampling. Two processing methods were evaluated, removal of claw material with a grinding bit or grinding followed by mechanical pulverization (102 paired samples from six claws, two each from three seals). Adding the mechanical pulverization step resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in hormone extraction. Progesterone from the proximal claw band was evaluated to biologically validate claw material as a measure of pregnancy in ringed seals (n = 14). Claws from pregnant seals had significantly higher claw progesterone concentrations than from non-pregnant seals. This suggests that the elevated progesterone associated with gestation was reflected in the claws, and that the most proximal claw band was indicative of pregnancy status at time of death. Thus, although the sample size was low and the collection dates unbalanced, this study demonstrates the potential to use claws to examine an extended time series (up to 12 yrs) of cortisol and progesterone concentrations in ringed and bearded seal claws.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Long distance recaptures of banded bats from Eastern European countries (Belarus, Ukraine, European part of Russia) have been lacking for decades. The last transboundary recapture was recorded in the late 1960s. We herewith report a new long-distance recapture of a noctule Nyctalus noctula). The fresh carcass of a ringed adult female noctule was found in South-East Hungary on 22 May 2014. The bat was mist-netted and ringed on 31 May 2011 on the territory of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in North Ukraine. The direct distance between the two locations is 800 km.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Long distance recaptures of banded bats from Eastern European countries (Belarus, Ukraine, European part of Russia) have been lacking for decades. The last transboundary recapture was recorded in the late 1960s. We herewith report a new long-distance recapture of a noctule Nyctalus noctula). The fresh carcass of a ringed adult female noctule was found in South-East Hungary on 22 May 2014. The bat was mist-netted and ringed on 31 May 2011 on the territory of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in North Ukraine. The direct distance between the two locations is 800 km.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Long distance recaptures of banded bats from Eastern European countries (Belarus, Ukraine, European part of Russia) have been lacking for decades. The last transboundary recapture was recorded in the late 1960s. We herewith report a new long-distance recapture of a noctule Nyctalus noctula). The fresh carcass of a ringed adult female noctule was found in South-East Hungary on 22 May 2014. The bat was mist-netted and ringed on 31 May 2011 on the territory of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in North Ukraine. The direct distance between the two locations is 800 km.

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) Long distance recaptures of banded bats from Eastern European countries (Belarus, Ukraine, European part of Russia) have been lacking for decades. The last transboundary recapture was recorded in the late 1960s. We herewith report a new long-distance recapture of a noctule Nyctalus noctula). The fresh carcass of a ringed adult female noctule was found in South-East Hungary on 22 May 2014. The bat was mist-netted and ringed on 31 May 2011 on the territory of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in North Ukraine. The direct distance between the two locations is 800 km.

Abstract Knowledge of species distribution and, for migratory species, seasonal occurrence is particularly important for vulnerable and protected animals such as bats. The former European bat species Pipistrellus pipistrellus was split into two, Pipistrelus pipistrellus s.s. and Pipistrelus pygmaeus, over 20 years ago. However, their distribution, breeding and winter ranges as well as migratory status in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus remained obscure. In our study, we scrutinised records of both species and assessed the sex ratio during their breeding season in this region. We show that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. has a significantly smaller range than previously assumed, being restricted to the southern part of the study area. On the contrary, Pipistrelus pygmaeus has a broader distribution, covering the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, up to ca. 59° N. Hence, all historical records and long‐distance movements of Pipistrellus pipistrellus sensu lato from Eastern Europe within the inferred allopatric occurrence of Pipistrelus pygmaeus should be attributed to Pipistrelus pygmaeus. The high portion of adult males in breeding localities, mass wintering within the breeding range and lacking evidence of long‐distance seasonal movements imply that Pipistrellus pipistrellus s.s. is a sedentary species. In Pipistrelus pygmaeus, the sex ratio among adults during the breeding season varies latitudinally. The female‐biased sex ratio, absence of mass wintering and the historical long‐distance recoveries of ringed individuals suggest that this species is migratory in Eastern Europe. The male‐biased sex ratio during the breeding season, along with late autumn records, suggests that the Caucasus represents its winter range.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Only four previous cases of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia have been reported in association with Turner Syndrome. All of these cases involved young females with a mosaic form of Turner Syndrome involving a ring X chromosome; an abnormality found in just 16% of Turner Syndrome karyotypes. Two of these cases showed responsiveness to diazoxide which stabilized their blood glucose levels and allowed for a longer fasting tolerance. Clinical Case: A 5 day old female who was born at 36 weeks and 1 day with Turner Syndrome was referred to pediatric endocrinology for persistent episodes of hypoglycemia. Patient was started on D10W with electrolytes at an outside hospital due to hypoglycemia and was transferred to the NICU at day of life 3. D10W was discontinued on day of life 5 due to adequate PO feeding and reassuring blood glucose readings. Blood glucose was monitored every 4 hours and infant continued to have episodes of asymptomatic hypoglycemia typically in the mid-low 40’s, with one episode of low blood sugar to 36 mg/dl. Due to a concern for hyperinsulinism, labs were drawn at a serum blood glucose of 46mg/dl. The infant was found to have a beta-hydroxybutyrate of 0.2 (0.0-0.8mmol/L) and insulin of 1.0 (2.0–19.6uIU/mL). Hyperinsulinism was thus confirmed by the presence of inappropriately low ketones and inappropriately normal insulin in the setting of hypoglycemia. We initiated the patient on 7.5mg diazoxide BID (5.9mg/kg/day total) and was highly responsive to diazoxide. After her third dose (36 hours into treatment), her hypoglycemia had resolved and blood sugar readings had normalized. Patient was discharged home with a glucometer and instructions for the mother to call if blood glucose was less than 60. The patient has been stable on diazoxide with no reported episodes of hypoglycemia. Interestingly, her genetic testing demonstrated a complex chromosomal microarray pattern on chromosome X, a mosaicism with 2 cell lines: 1 with monosomy X and 1 cell line with a normal X chromosome with a ringed X chromosome. Conclusion:This is a case demonstrating the efficacy of diazoxide in the management of asymptomatic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a neonate with Turner Syndrome with a ring X chromosome. References: Cappella M, Graziani V, Pragliola A, et al. Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycaemia in a Turner Syndrome with Ring (X). Case Rep Pediatr 2015; 2015:561974.