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Establishing alternatives to lifelong chemotherapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer has been proposed to address chemotherapy resistance and cumulative toxicity. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown efficacy in this setting, and concurrent immune checkpoint blockade could offer synergistic tumour control. The aim of this study was to test the safety and antitumour activity of maintenance with PARP inhibition combined with immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who had a stable response to platinum-based chemotherapy.We conducted an open-label, randomised, phase 1b/2 study of niraparib plus anti-PD-1 (nivolumab) or anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) therapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer whose cancer had not progressed after at least 16 weeks of platinum-based therapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via permuted block randomisation (block sizes 2 and 4) to niraparib 200 mg orally per day plus either nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks (later changed to 480 mg intravenously every 4 weeks based on manufacturer update) or ipilimumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for four doses. The primary endpoints were safety and progression-free survival at 6 months. Treatment groups were not compared for activity, which was assessed in each group against a clinically meaningful progression-free survival at 6 months of 44% (null hypothesis). Superiority of a treatment regimen could be declared if 6-month progression-free survival was 60%, and inferiority if 6-month progression-free survival was 27%. All patients who received at least one dose of study treatment and had at least one post-treatment assessment of response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1 were included in the efficacy population. The safety population consisted of all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03404960, and enrolment is completed and follow-up is ongoing.91 patients were enrolled between Feb 7, 2018, and Oct 5, 2021 and were randomly assigned to niraparib plus nivolumab (n=46) or niraparib plus ipilimumab (n=45). Of these patients, 84 were evaluable for the progression-free survival endpoint (niraparib plus nivolumab=44; niraparib plus ipilimumab=40). Median follow-up was 23·0 months (IQR 15·0-31·5). 6-month progression-free survival was 20·6% (95% CI 8·3-32·9; p=0·0002 vs the null hypothesis of 44%) in the niraparib plus nivolumab group; and 59·6% (44·3-74·9; p=0·045) in the niraparib plus ipilimumab group. Ten (22%) of 46 patients in the niraparib plus nivolumab group and 23 (50%) of 45 patients in the niraparib plus ipilimumab group had a grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse event. The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events in the niraparib plus nivolumab group were hypertension (in four [8%] patients), anaemia (two [4%]), and thrombocytopenia (two [4%]) whereas in the niraparib plus ipilimumab group these were fatigue (in six [14%]), anaemia (five [11%]), and hypertension (four [9%]). There were no treatment-related deaths.The primary endpoint of 6-month progression-free survival was met in the niraparib plus ipilimumab maintenance group, whereas niraparib plus nivolumab yielded inferior progression-free survival. These findings highlight the potential for non-cytotoxic maintenance therapies in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, the Basser Center Young Leadership Council, The Konner Foundation, The Pearl and Philip Basser Innovation Research Award, the Anonymous Foundation, and the US National Institutes of Health.

Supplementary Table 2 from Global Gene Expression Profiling of Circulating Endothelial Cells in Patients with Metastatic Carcinomas

Metastases from primary tumors are responsible for most cancer deaths. It has been shown that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients with a variety of metastatic cancers and that the presence of these cells is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Characterization of CTCs in metastatic cancer patients could provide additional information to augment management of the disease. Here, we describe a novel approach for the identification of molecular markers to detect and characterize CTCs in peripheral blood. Using an integrated platform to immunomagnetically isolate and immunofluorescently detect CTCs, we obtained blood containing ≥100 CTCs from one metastatic colorectal, one metastatic prostate, and one metastatic breast cancer patient. Using the RNA extracted from the CTC-enriched portion of the sample and comparing it with the RNA extracted from the corresponding CTC-depleted portion, for the first time, global gene expression profiles from CTCs were generated and a list of cancer-specific, CTC-specific genes was obtained. Subsequently, samples immunomagnetically enriched for CTCs from 74 metastatic cancer patients and 50 normal donors were used to confirm by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR CTC-specific expression of selected genes and to show that gene expression profiles for CTCs may be used to distinguish normal donors from advanced cancer patients as well as to differentiate among the three different metastatic cancers. Genes such as AGR2, S100A14, S100A16, FABP1, and others were found useful for detection of CTCs in peripheral blood of advanced cancer patients.

Increased numbers of endothelial cells are observed in peripheral blood of cancer patients. These circulating endothelial cells (CECs) may contribute to the formation of blood vessels in the tumor or reflect vascular damage caused by treatment or tumor growth. Characterization of these cells may aid in the understanding of the angiogenic process and may provide biomarkers for treatment efficacy of angiogenesis inhibitors. To identify markers typical for CECs in cancer patients, we assessed global gene expression profiles of CD146 immunomagnetically enriched CECs from healthy donors and patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and renal cancer. From the generated gene profiles, a list of 61 marker genes for CEC detection was generated, and their expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR in blood samples from 81 metastatic cancer patients and 55 healthy donors that were immunomagnetically enriched for CECs. A set of 34 genes, among which novel CEC-associated genes, such as THBD, BST1, TIE1, POSTN1, SELE, SORT1, and DTR, were identified that were expressed at higher levels in cancer patients compared with healthy donors. Expression of the VWF, DTR, CDH5, TIE, and IGFBP7 genes were found to discriminate between cancer patients and “healthy” donors with a receiver operating characteristic curve accuracy of 0.93. Assessment of the expression of these genes may provide biomarkers to evaluate treatment efficacy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(6): 2918-22)

Supplementary Table 1 from Global Gene Expression Profiling of Circulating Endothelial Cells in Patients with Metastatic Carcinomas

Supplementary Table S1 from Global Gene Expression Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells

Supplementary Figure S1 from Global Gene Expression Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells

The Tanimbar Corella (Cacatua goffiniana) is a protected bird species endemic to the Tanimbar Islands (Yamdena and its satellite islands) in the Maluku province of Indonesia. The major threats identified to this species are hunting, illegal trade, and habitat loss. Therefore, this study aims to classify the land cover, distribution, and habitat types occupied by C. goffiniana on the Tanimbar Islands. Classification of land cover was analyzed using a supervised classification method of the Erdas Imagine 2014 software. Direct field observations were conducted to identify the distribution of Tanimbar Corella and its habitat use. The land cover was classified into six classes: forest (54.26 %), open area (20.76%), plantation (14.81%), mangrove (6.89%), settlement (1.85%), and wetland (1.43%). C. goffiniana is distributed on five islands, Yamdena, Selaru, Larat, Sera, and Molu. Furthermore, this species was observed in forest, plantation, and open land habitats. The results identified seventeen nest trees of six species: Canarium Indicum, Pometia pinnata, Instia bijuga, Sterculita foetida, Maranther corymbosa, and Alstonia scholaris, with a range diameter of 40.00-136.71 cm and nest cavity heights of 9.00-34.22 m (n = 17). This research brings new data in three areas: 1) a reassessment of the distribution of C. goffiniana on the Tanimbar Islands; 2) a detailed classification of the land cover concerning habitat types of the Tanimbar Islands; 3) an identification of the tree species utilized by nesting Tanimbar Corellas. Information on preferred habitats and nesting trees is crucial for selecting release sites of confiscated birds to ensure post-release survival.

Raptor cognition has received limited research attention, despite the importance of comparative investigations for reconstructing the evolution of complex cognition. Field studies provide essential ecological context for cognition in the natural habitat, although this approach is often challenging due to extensive procedures involved in cognitive testing. One predisposition suggested to contribute to problem-solving behaviour is the response to novel stimuli. In this pilot study, a novel object test was conducted on an outdoor feeding platform to assess the neotic responses of a single wild free-ranging Common Buzzard ( Buteo buteo), a generalist/opportunist diurnal predator species. Additionally, data on its daily activity were collected. As predicted, the subject expressed low neophobia and some exploratory behaviours. Interestingly, it repeatedly arrived on the platform in low light conditions. This study highlights the influence of foraging ecology on cognitive predispositions and offers a field method for research on raptor cognition.

Universities are facing a difficult challenge in supporting good mental health whilst striving to enhance academic performance. The present study aimed to specifically investigate the relationship between attitudinal and personality constructs that are associated with wellbeing and to explore their association with student academic outcomes. Two-hundred and six undergraduate students were recruited and were given questionnaires measuring mindfulness, self-compassion, resiliency, procrastination, consideration of future consequences, self-criticism and social comparison. At the end of the academic year, the researchers accessed their academic records and documented their academic performance. Results indicated that there are strong, clear associations between better academic performance and higher resiliency, mindfulness, self-compassion and consideration of future consequences, and negative associations to procrastination. We concluded that there is a clear gain to be had in academic performance through enhancing these elements using appropriate interventions which are user friendly, affordable and can be embedded into existing student learning and support to reinforce adaptive coping and life skills.

Goffin’s cockatoos, a parrot species endemic to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia, demonstrate remarkable cognitive skills across various technical tasks. These neophilic extractive foragers explore objects with their beak and feet, and are skilled in several modes of tool use. In this study, we confronted the animals for the first time with a vertical string-pulling setup, including a set of classic and novel controls. Nine of the 12 subjects, two of which were subadults, immediately interacted with the single-string task, with seven individuals successfully obtaining the reward on their very first attempt. Four different double string discrimination tests with varying spatial relations were used to assess the Goffin’s cockatoos’ apprehension of basic physical task properties. We found significant differences in performance between the respective experimental conditions, as well as the development of side biases. The results suggest that while the birds seem to consider simple cause–effect relationships, there is no evidence for a mental representation of the causal mechanisms underlying the string-pulling tasks, as subjects failed the crossed strings condition out of immediate sight. Finally, we provide suggestions on improving the methodology, and discuss our findings in regard to the Goffin’s cockatoo’s ecology.

Problem-solving tasks are commonly used to investigate technical, innovative behavior but a comparison of this ability across a broad range of species is a challenging undertaking. Specific predispositions, such as the morphological toolkit of a species or exploration techniques, can substantially influence performance in such tasks, which makes direct comparisons difficult. The method presented here was developed to be more robust with regard to such species-specific differences: the Innovation Arena presents 20 different problem-solving tasks. All tasks are presented simultaneously. Subjects are confronted with the apparatus repeatedly, which allows a measurement of the emergence of innovations over time - an important next step for investigating how animals can adapt to changing environmental conditions through innovative behavior. Each individual was tested with the apparatus until it ceased to discover solutions. After testing was concluded, we analyzed the video recordings and coded successful retrieval of rewards and multiple apparatus-directed behaviors. The latter were analyzed using a Principal Component Analysis and the resulting components were then included in a Generalized Linear Mixed Model together with session number and the group comparison of interest to predict the probability of success. We used this approach in a first study to target the question of whether long-term captivity influences the problem-solving ability of a parrot species known for its innovative behavior: the Goffin´s cockatoo. We found an effect in degree of motivation but no difference in the problem-solving ability between short- and long-term captive groups.

Complex novel tasks are often used in animal cognition research to allow discrimination between various learning mechanisms. Successful performance relies on the capacity to identify informational cues from features in the environment. Additionally, observational learning is often considered more beneficial for survival than individual learning. Despite the importance of controlling task complexity, it can often be challenging to operationalize. This study investigated whether jackdaws, a highly social corvid species, can learn to drop stones inside a tube to release a reward after observing a trained conspecific. Additionally, it aimed to identify the underlying learning mechanisms and to detect the informational cues triggering learning. A research design was developed to highlight different aspects of the required action sequence. Experimental conditions included a conspecific model demonstrating the full sequence, parts of the sequence, consuming the reward without solving the task, and consuming the reward after the solution was demonstrated without a visible model. None of the 12 naïve jackdaws solved the task in pretests. Two subjects started solving in test sessions and they developed modified versions of the demonstrated action. Observing the full action sequence performed by a conspecific seemed to trigger learning. The majority of the subjects exhibited changes in their stone-oriented behavior, most likely due to stimulus and/or local enhancement. As predicted, jackdaws were influenced by conspecific model demonstrations when manipulating a complex novel foraging task. Factors contributing to the apparent task difficulty and directions for future studies are discussed within a tri-dimensional framework including the task, setup, and individuals.

Germline mutations in the homologous recombination genesThirty-two individuals with pathogenic germline mutations inPatients in the mutation-positive group had a median OS (mOS) of 46.6 months; those in the mutation-negative group had an mOS of 23.2 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.88). With platinum exposure in the perioperative setting, mOS in the mutation-positive group had not yet been met versus a mOS of 23.1 months in the mutation-negative group (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01 to 1.00). When neither group was treated with platinum, there was no significant OS difference between groups (HR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.12 to 2.24). Patients in the mutation-positive group who received perioperative treatment with platinum had a trend toward improved mOS compared with those who did not (HR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02 to 1.23;Platinum-based chemotherapy may confer a survival benefit in patients with resected PDAC and a pathogenic germline

PURPOSE Germline mutations in the homologous recombination genes BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 confer an increased risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Tumors associated with mutations in homologous recombination genes are sensitive to DNA-damaging agents. We retrospectively studied patients with resected PDAC and a pathogenic germline mutation in one of these three genes. The planned analyses included overall survival (OS) and changes therein when platinum chemotherapy was used in the perioperative setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two individuals with pathogenic germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 and resected PDAC (mutation positive) were matched in a 1:2 fashion to patients who were noncarriers or untested (mutation negative) by age, year of diagnosis, stage, and sex. Patients were identified via one of two available databases at University of Pennsylvania: the Basser Center for BRCA Registry or the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was OS. RESULTS Patients in the mutation-positive group had a median OS (mOS) of 46.6 months; those in the mutation-negative group had an mOS of 23.2 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.88). With platinum exposure in the perioperative setting, mOS in the mutation-positive group had not yet been met versus a mOS of 23.1 months in the mutation-negative group (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01 to 1.00). When neither group was treated with platinum, there was no significant OS difference between groups (HR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.12 to 2.24). Patients in the mutation-positive group who received perioperative treatment with platinum had a trend toward improved mOS compared with those who did not (HR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02 to 1.23; P = .07). CONCLUSION Platinum-based chemotherapy may confer a survival benefit in patients with resected PDAC and a pathogenic germline BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutation. Knowledge of a germline mutation may be important to determine best choice of perioperative chemotherapy.

Experimental work on captive Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) has highlighted the remarkable cognitive abilities of this species. However, little is known about its behavior in the natural habitat on the Tanimbar Archipelago in Indonesia. In order to fully understand the evolutionary roots leading to cognitively advanced skills, such as multi-step problem solving or flexible tool use and manufacture, it is crucial to study the ecological challenges faced by the respective species in the wild. The three-month expedition presented here aimed at gaining first insights into the cockatoos’ feeding ecology and breeding behavior. We could confirm previous predictions that Goffin’s cockatoos are opportunistic foragers and consume a variety of resources (seeds, fruit, inflorescence, roots). Their breeding season may be estimated to start between June and early July and they face potential predation from ground and aerial predators. Additionally, the observational data provide indications that Goffin’s cockatoos are extractive foragers, which together with relying on multiple food sources might be considered a prerequisite of tool use.

High levels of stress, anxiety, negative thoughts and emotions are being increasingly reported amongst university students and all impact negatively upon academic performance and student satisfacti...

When tested under laboratory conditions, Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) demonstrate numerous sophisticated cognitive skills. Most importantly, this species has shown the ability to manufacture and use tools. However, little is known about the ecology of these cockatoos, endemic to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. Here we provide first insights into the feeding- and socio-ecology of the wild Goffin’s cockatoos and propose potential links between their behaviour in natural settings and their advanced problem-solving capacities shown in captivity. Observational data suggests that Goffin’s cockatoos rely on a large variety of partially seasonal resources. Furthermore, several food types require different extraction techniques. These ecological and behavioural characteristics fall in line with current hypotheses regarding the evolution of complex cognition and innovativeness. We discuss how the efficiency of (extractive) foraging may preclude tool use in wild Goffin’s cockatoos, even though the corresponding cognitive and ecological prerequisites seem to be present.

Background: The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is often limited by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) and novel combination therapies are required to overcome resistance. NG-350A is a novel T-SIGn (Tumor-Specific Immuno Gene) adenoviral vector that expresses a fully human agonistic IgG anti-CD40 antibody to promote innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, NG-350A selectively replicates in tumor cells, allowing IV dosing to be coupled with local transgene expression in the TME, thereby targeting all tumor lesions while limiting systemic exposure. Through these immunostimulatory effects the vector is designed to re-program ‘cold’ TMEs to allow functional anti-cancer immune responses. Data from an ongoing study with IV NG-350A monotherapy have shown promising tolerability, as well as prominent and sustained elevations in inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IFNγ, IL-17A, IL-2 and IFNα2) consistent with the mechanism of action of anti-CD40 in stimulating TME re-programming [Naing 2021]. Based on these promising initial data, we designed a study to further assess the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of NG-350A + pembrolizumab. Methods: FORTIFY (NCT05165433) is an open-label, dose-escalating, phase 1a/b study of NG-350A + pembrolizumab. Eligible patients have advanced/metastatic epithelial tumors that have progressed after ≥1 line of systemic therapy and are incurable by local therapy. Patients eligible for phase 1a must have experienced failure of prior PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition as part of any prior line of therapy; patients eligible for phase 1b must have primary resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. During phase 1a, up to 30 patients will receive escalating doses of IV NG-350A (Bayesian Optimal Interval design) to a maximum of 1 × 1012 viral particles (vp) on Day 1 and 1 × 1013 vp on Days 3 and 5 (1 cycle). Patients will receive a fixed-dose of pembrolizumab (200 mg IV) on Day 15 and then every 3 weeks thereafter for up to 35 cycles. Phase 1b will further investigate the efficacy/safety of the selected regimen in up to 3 tumor-specific cohorts using a Simon 2-stage design. Co-primary objectives are to characterize the safety and tolerability of NG-350A + pembrolizumab and to identify a recommended dose. Preliminary efficacy and immunogenicity are secondary endpoints. Pharmacodynamic outcomes will be assessed using tumor tissues and blood. Analyses of tumor tissue (serial biopsies at baseline and Day 15 of cycles 1-3 [cycles 1-2 only in Phase 1b]) will explore virus replication, transgene expression and immune/inflammatory responses. Analyses of serial blood samples will explore cytokine production and changes in peripheral immune cell subsets. Recruitment is expected to begin in Q1 2022. Citation Format: Tom Lillie, Mark O'Hara, Christian Ottensmeier, Eileen Parkes, Lee Rosen, David Krige, Marya Chaney, Jo Carter, Vladimir Evilevitch, Matthew Thomas, Aung Naing. A multicenter phase 1a/b study of NG-350A, a tumor-selective anti-CD40-antibody expressing adenoviral vector, and pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic or advanced epithelial tumors (FORTIFY) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT213.

Students from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background are more likely to withdraw from their undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom (UK). It is therefore important to explore withdrawal experiences and perspectives that relate to this population of students to increase both student retention and success. Thirteen UK-domiciled, full-time undergraduate, first-degree entrants from a BAME background, who had withdrawn from a post-1992 university in the West Midlands, took part in a semi-structured interview. The present study explored BAME student experiences of withdrawal which covered personal, academic and social concerns. Using a thematic analysis approach, five themes were developed: (a) academic issues, (b) does anybody even care? (c) balancing part-time employment alongside HE, (d) family perception and pressure and (e) the importance of social integration. Participants often discussed withdrawal as a holistic experience whereby although certain aspects were more prominently spoken about, generally withdrawal was a materialisation of more than one problematic area. There is a need for institutions to further understand the challenges faced by BAME students in order to provide more localised support and intervention to improve BAME retention, success and experiences within higher education (HE).

Summary The use of different tools to achieve a single goal is considered unique to human and primate technology. To unravel the origins of such complex behaviors, it is crucial to investigate tool use that is not necessary for a species’ survival. These cases can be assumed to have emerged innovatively and be applied flexibly, thus emphasizing creativity and intelligence. However, it is intrinsically challenging to record tool innovations in natural settings that do not occur species-wide. Here, we report the discovery of two distinct tool manufacture methods and the use of tool sets in wild Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana). Up to three types of wooden tools, differing in their physical properties and each serving a different function, were manufactured and employed to extract embedded seed matter of Cerbera manghas. While Goffin’s cockatoos do not depend on tool-obtained resources, repeated observations of two temporarily captive wild birds and indications from free-ranging individuals suggest this behavior occurs in the wild, albeit not species-wide. The use of a tool set in a non-primate implies convergent evolution of advanced tool use. Furthermore, these observations demonstrate how a species without hands can achieve dexterity in a high-precision task. The presence of flexible use and manufacture of tool sets in animals distantly related to humans significantly diversifies the phylogenetic landscape of technology and opens multiple avenues for future research. Video abstract Download : Download video (42MB)

Novel problems often partially overlap with familiar ones. Some features match the qualities of previous situations stored in long-term memory and therefore trigger their retrieval. Using relevant, while inhibiting irrelevant, memories to solve novel problems is a hallmark of behavioral flexibility in humans and has recently been demonstrated in great apes. This capacity has been proposed to promote technical innovativeness and thus warrants investigations of such a mechanism in other innovative species. Here, we show that proficient tool—users among Goffin's cockatoos—an innovative tool—using species—could use a relevant previous experience to solve a novel, partially overlapping problem, even despite a conflicting, potentially misleading, experience. This suggests that selecting relevant experiences over irrelevant experiences guides problem solving at least in some Goffin's cockatoos. Our result supports the hypothesis that flexible memory functions may promote technical innovations.

Haryoko T, O’Hara M, Mioduszewska B, Sutrisno H, Prasetyo LB, Mardiastuti A. 2021. Implementation of species protection act for the conservation of Tanimbar corella, Cacatua goffiniana (Roselaar & Michels, 2004). Biodiversitas 22: 1733-1740. Birds are among the most favored pet animals and are nurtured because of their melodious voice, intelligence, and beautiful feathers. Therefore, these animals are usually traded in both local and international markets. Wild bird trades are dominated by species from the order Passeriformes/songbirds and Psittaciformes/parrots. Furthermore, one of the Psittaciformes groups that are in high demand as a pet is the cockatoos. The Goffin’s cockatoo or Tanimbar corella/Cacatua goffiniana (Roselaar & Michels,2004)is one of seven species of parrots native to Indonesia and has been traded for decades. This endemic bird from the Tanimbar Islands (Maluku Province) has been protected by the Indonesian government since 1990 and has been on the CITES Appendix I since 1992. Therefore, this study aims to review the harvesting of C. goffiniana and the effect the bird's protection status has on its trade. It was conducted by investigating the legal trade data for 1981-2018, information on illegal trade, and ex-situ conservation of this species. The review on the trade of C. goffiniana was assessed using descriptive analysis. Furthermore, Independent Samples T-Test was used to determine the differences between the number of C. goffiniana traded before and after the bird was listed in Appendix I CITES and protected by Indonesia's law. The results showed that the number of exported Cacatua goffiniana for 38 years to 34 countries was 151,684. Furthermore, the United States of America was the largest importer with a total of 118,356/78.03%. It was discovered that the number of birds legally exported by Indonesia has decreased dramatically since 1990 because these animals are protected by Indonesian law. Consequently, there was a significant difference between the number traded before and after their designation as protected species. The nonparametric correlation between protection status and Appendix I CITES listing to the number of these animals traded was statistically significant. Finally, existing conservation practices involve efforts to restock the population by means of captive breeding programs. However, as conservation agencies have shown little success in breeding these species, the efforts are not sufficient to fulfill the demand. Therefore, illegal trade is still a major threat to the natural populations.

A recent article by Fayet et al. (1) reports two observations of wild puffins ( Fratercula arctica ) from two geographical locations touching different body parts with a stick. The behaviors are interpreted as unprecedented evidence of tool use in a seabird. However, there is another existing report of tool use in a wild seabird in a self-directed context as also pointed out in a commentary (2). From close by, Meyerriecks (3) observed a cormorant brushing its wings repeatedly with a loose feather. Each motion was preceded by dipping the feather’s tip to its preen gland. Due to its anecdotal nature, this remains a short note in an ornithological bulletin … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: alice.auersperg{at}vetmeduni.ac.at. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1

The ability to innovate, i.e., to exhibit new or modified learned behaviours, can facilitate adaptation to environmental changes or exploiting novel resources. We hereby introduce a comparative approach for studying innovation rate, the ‘Innovation Arena’ (IA), featuring the simultaneous presentation of 20 interchangeable tasks, which subjects encounter repeatedly. The new design allows for the experimental study of innovation per time unit and for uncovering group-specific problem-solving abilities – an important feature for comparing animals with different predispositions and life histories. We applied the IA for the first time to investigate how long-term captivity affects innovative capacities in the Goffin’s cockatoo, an avian model species for animal innovation. We found that fewer temporarily-captive wild birds are inclined to consistently interact with the apparatus in comparison to laboratory-raised birds. However, those that are interested solve a similar number of tasks at a similar rate, indicating no difference in the cognitive ability to solve technical problems. Our findings thus provide a contrast to previous literature, which suggested enhanced cognitive abilities and technical problem-solving skills in long-term captive animals. We discuss the impact and discrepancy between motivation and cognitive ability on innovation rate. Our findings contribute to the debate on how captivity affects innovation in animals.

Aim To evaluate currently available methods for assessing and monitoring tooth wear in a general dental practice environment. Method A questionnaire was developed and used to obtain data. Models were used to test the dentists' assessment of tooth wear. Ethical permission was obtained. Results Twenty general dental practitioners were interviewed and 100% were aware of the use of study models, 50% about the use of photographs and 45% of the BEWE. Methods used to assess and monitor tooth wear were study models (75%), photographs (65%), BEWE (10%), Smith & Knight index (0%) and no method (15%). Sixty-five percent of dentists were unaware of any guidelines on monitoring tooth wear. In comparing serial photographs, no participant correctly identified all the wear changes and 25% thought a change had occurred when one hadn't. Statistical analysis showed a sensitivity of only 73% with a specificity of 75%. In comparing serial study models (same cases as used in the photographs), 55% of participants identified a change when no change occurred and 50-60% of participants were able to correctly identify if wear had or had not occurred. Participants graded the models according to BEWE. Statistical analysis of these results shows a sensitivity of just 69% with a specificity of only 55%. The inter-operator agreement (Fliess' Kappa) showed an even lower degree of agreement was found with only 0.12, which suggests only a slight level of agreement, less than that with photographs. Conclusion Dentists do not seem to be aware of the current guidelines but do make reasonable attempts to monitor tooth wear. None of the currently available methods are ideal and even the use of serial study models is open to much inter-operator variability.

Play behaviour may be subdivided into social play, locomotor play and object play. Object play has been proposed to constitute an important factor in developing skills concerned with physical problem solving. Especially tool using species seem to benefit from object play during their ontogeny. However, object play is not easily distinguished from exploration as both behaviours seem to serve no immediate benefit. Here we try to discuss proposed definitional differentiations and their implications. Further, we provide examples of how object play might be adaptive for problem solving proficiency in some bird species, indicating similar ecological factors driving the evolution of object play in primates and birds.

Tool use in animals can be costly as foraging tools need to be actively searched for or manufactured. Consequently, some habitually tool-using species keep their tools safe and ‘recycle’ them for further use. We tested the Indonesian Goffin's cockatoo, a parrot with the capacity but no apparent adaptive specialization for tool use to investigate how tool safekeeping can arise innovatively. In this case, we further intended to test whether and how such safekeeping changes in different feeding contexts. We demonstrate that, in a set-up allowing for tool losses, the birds quickly started to keep their tools safe in between tool-using events. They used different individual strategies, suggesting that the behaviour was a product of innovation rather than inherited predispositions. The frequency of safekeeping improved over time indicating individual learning. Furthermore, the birds flexibly adjusted their performance depending on different contexts: paralleling previous results in the habitually tool-using New Caledonian crow, Corvus moneduloides, the cockatoos saved their tools more often when the foraging site was elevated and when the food item was easy rather than difficult to process. Furthermore, when feeding at heights, the birds tended to use a different safekeeping mode than when the foraging site was low.