Assessing possible hybridization among managed Nubian ibex in North America.

Hybridization among closely related species is a concern in zoo and aquarium populations where unpedigreed animals are frequently exchanged with the private sector. In this study, we examine possible hybridization in a group of Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) imported into the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP) from a private institution. These individuals appeared smaller in stature than adult SSP Nubian ibex and were excluded from breeding recommendations over the concern that they were hybrids. Twenty-six microsatellites were used to rule out recent hybridization with domestic goats, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We argue that natural phenotypic variation across the large geographic range of Nubian ibex may account for the small stature of the imported ibex, as private institutions may have historically acquired individuals from locations that differed from the SSP founders. However, the imported Nubian ibex appeared genetically differentiated from the SSP Nubian ibex and may represent a source of genetic variation for the managed population.

Fractures in a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Wales.

AIM: To explore associations with fractures reported in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHOD: Babies admitted to NICU from 1998 to 2007 in Cardiff, UK, with fractures during admission were identified. Clinical information was extracted from inpatient records. Results were reported as median (ranges). RESULTS: Seventy-one fractures were recorded in 27 (boys = 16) infants with a gestational age of 28 (23.6-40.4) weeks and birthweight of 920 g (485-4875). Fractures were recognized at 57 (1-128) days of age. Neonates with fractures without clear aetiologies (n = 17) were more preterm (p < 0.001), were born lighter (p < 0.001), required multiple medical interventions, were more commonly osteopenic (p < 0.001), had fractures detected later (p < 0.001) and had more posterior rib fractures (p = 0.009). Rib fractures were detected later than other sites (p = 0.002). Associations with rib fractures included osteopenia (p = 0.04), longer oxygen therapy (p = 0.018), length on total parental nutrition (p = 0.03), later achievement of full enteral feeds (p = 0.038), sepsis (p = 0.038) and surgical procedures (p = 0.004). Posterior rib fractures were more common in babies born more preterm (25.1 vs. 29.4 weeks, p = 0.003) and requiring diuretics (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Fractures in premature infants are associated with a variety of predisposing factors. Clinicians evaluating the cause of rib and multiple fractures in preterm neonates shortly after discharge need to take these factors into consideration.