FATAL GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS IN THREE CAPTIVE JUVENILE LINNAEUS'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS (CHOLOEPUS DIDACTYLUS).

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) is one of two extant neotropical species of the family Megalonychidae. Despite their being commonly kept under managed care, the digestive physiology of sloths remains poorly understood. Gastrointestinal disease has been reported as a primary or contributing cause of morbidity and mortality in captive two-toed and three-toed (Bradypus spp.) sloths. Gastric dilatation due to gas accumulation ("bloat") has been reported in sloths; however, a literature search failed to yield any published mention of gastric volvulus in any sloth species. Following an inquiry sent to the electronic mailing lists of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, and the LatinVets community, three cases of fatal gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) were identified in one male and two female Linnaeus's two-toed sloths from institutions in the United States, Canada, and Germany. All cases occurred in juvenile sloths <1 yr of age. Two animals were primarily hand reared, whereas one was reared primarily by its dam. Two animals were found dead with no overt premonitory signs, whereas one animal died following a 3-wk course of waxing and waning clinical signs consistent with gastric gas accumulation. In all cases, GDV was diagnosed on postmortem examination. Similar to other species, the condition is likely subsequent to a combination of host- and husbandry-related contributing factors. Further research into sloth husbandry is required in order to take an evidence-based approach to their management.

The ApiAP2 factor PfAP2-HC is an integral component of heterochromatin in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Malaria parasites undergo a complex life cycle in the human host and the mosquito vector. The ApiAP2 family of DNA-binding proteins plays a dominant role in parasite development and life cycle progression. Most ApiAP2 factors studied to date act as transcription factors regulating stage-specific gene expression. Here, we characterized an ApiAP2 factor in Plasmodium falciparum that we termed PfAP2-HC. We demonstrate that PfAP2-HC specifically binds to heterochromatin throughout the genome. Intriguingly, PfAP2-HC does not bind DNA in vivo and recruitment of PfAP2-HC to heterochromatin is independent of its DNA-binding domain but strictly dependent on heterochromatin protein 1. Furthermore, our results suggest that PfAP2-HC functions neither in the regulation of gene expression nor in heterochromatin formation or maintenance. In summary, our findings reveal PfAP2-HC as a core component of heterochromatin in malaria parasites and identify unexpected properties and substantial functional divergence among the members of the ApiAP2 family of regulatory proteins.

Performance of a real-time PCR approach for diagnosing Schistosoma haematobium infections of different intensity in urine samples from Zanzibar.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to control and eliminate schistosomiasis have accelerated over the past decade. As parasite burden, associated morbidity and egg excretion decrease, diagnosis with standard parasitological methods becomes harder. We assessed the robustness and performance of a real-time PCR (qPCR) approach in comparison with urine filtration microscopy and reagent strip testing for the diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium infections of different intensities. METHODS: The robustness of DNA isolation and qPCR was validated in eight laboratories from Europe and Africa. Subsequently, 792 urine samples collected during cross-sectional surveys of the Zanzibar Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission (ZEST) project in 2012-2017 were examined with qPCR in 2018. Diagnostic sensitivity of the qPCR was calculated at different infection intensity categories, using urine filtration microscopy as reference test. Spearman's rank correlation between Ct-values and S. haematobium egg counts was assessed and Ct-value percentiles for infection intensity categories determined. RESULTS: S. haematobium Dra1 DNA-positive samples were identified correctly in all eight laboratories. Examination of urine samples from Zanzibar revealed Dra1 DNA in 26.8% (212/792) by qPCR, S. haematobium eggs in 13.3% (105/792) by urine filtration, and microhaematuria in 13.8% (109/792) by reagent strips. Sensitivity of the qPCR increased with augmenting egg counts: 80.6% (29/36) for counts between 1 and 4 eggs, 83.3% (15/18) for counts between 5 and 9 eggs, 100% (23/23) for counts between 10 and 49 eggs, and 96.4% (27/28) for counts of 50+ eggs. There was a significant negative correlation between Ct-values and egg counts (Spearman's rho = - 0.49, P < 0.001). Seventy-five percent of the Ct-values were ≥ 33 in the egg-negative category, < 31 in the light intensity category, and < 24 in the heavy intensity category. CONCLUSIONS: While the sensitivity of the qPCR was ~ 80% for very light intensity infections (egg counts < 10), in general, the Dra1 based qPCR assay detected twice as many S. haematobium infections compared with classical parasitological tests. The qPCR is hence a sensitive, urine-based approach for S. haematobium diagnosis that can be used for impact assessment of schistosomiasis elimination programmes, individual diagnosis, and in improved format also for verification and certification of elimination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN48837681 . Registered 05 September 2012 - Retrospectively registered.

EVALUATION OF TWO ANESTHETIC COMBINATIONS IN LOWLAND NYALA (TRAGELAPHUS ANGASII).

Fourteen lowland nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) in managed care were successfully anesthetized for a total of 17 anesthetic events using either a combination of butorphanol (0.75 ± 0.15 mg/kg), azaperone (0.25 ± 0.05 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.30 ± 0.06 mg/kg) (BAM) or medetomidine (0.17 ± 0.01 mg/kg), azaperone (0.22 ± 0.02 mg/kg), and alfaxalone (0.52 ± 0.08 mg/kg) (MAA) delivered intramuscularly via dart. Mean time to initial effect, sternal recumbency, lateral recumbency, handling, and intubation were recorded. The nyala were maintained in sternal recumbency with supplemental oxygenation until 60 min after initial injection. Cardiopulmonary effects were recorded every 5 min after handling until reversal. Arterial blood samples were collected every 15 min for analysis. Level of sedation and quality of recovery were scored. Anesthesia was antagonized with atipamezole (at 5 mg per mg of medetomidine) for both protocols and naltrexone (at 2 mg per mg of butorphanol) for the BAM protocol delivered intramuscularly via hand injection. Mean time to extubation, head control, and standing post reversal were recorded. No hyperthermia, acidemia, apnea, or tachycardia occurred; however, animals did display hypoxemia. Two animals in the BAM cohort required supplementation to facilitate handling. These drug combinations provided satisfactory levels of sedation in most cases for safe handling and minor procedures in lowland nyala under managed care.

RENAL EVALUATION IN CHOLOEPUS SPECIES.

Two species of sloths in the family Megalonychidae, Hoffmann's (Choloepus hoffmanni) and Linnaeus's (Choloepus didactylus) two-toed sloths, are commonly held in zoological institutions. Despite frequent published reports of urinary tract disease in these species, reports of diagnostics are mostly limited to descriptions of hematology and serum chemistry. In this study, repeated urinalysis, urinary chemistry, serum chemistry, and radiographs were collected opportunistically from six Hoffmann's and five Linnaeus's sloths. Proteinuria, bacteriuria, low urine specific gravity, and crystalluria were common in the absence of other signs of urinary tract pathology.

Spontaneous point mutations in the capsule synthesis locus leading to structural and functional changes of the capsule in serogroup A meningococcal populations.

Whole genome sequencing analysis of 100 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A isolates has revealed that the csaABCD-ctrABCD-ctrEF capsule polysaccharide synthesis locus represents a spontaneous point mutation hotspot. Structural and functional properties of the capsule of 11 carriage and two disease isolates with non-synonymous point mutations or stop codons in capsule synthesis genes were analyzed for their capsular polysaccharide expression, recognition by antibodies and sensitivity to bactericidal killing. Eight of eleven carriage isolates presenting capsule locus mutations expressed no or reduced amounts of capsule. One isolate with a stop codon in the O-acetyltransferase gene expressed non-O-acetylated polysaccharide, and was not recognized by anti-capsule antibodies. Capsule and O-acetylation deficient mutants were resistant to complement deposition and killing mediated by anti-capsular antibodies, but not by anti-lipopolysaccharide antibodies. Two capsule polymerase mutants, one carriage and one case isolate, showed capsule over-expression and increased resistance against bactericidal activity of both capsule- and lipopolysaccharide-specific antibodies. Meningococci have developed multiple strategies for changing capsule expression and structure, which is relevant both for colonization and virulence. Here we show that point mutations in the capsule synthesis genes substantially contribute to the repertoire of genetic mechanisms in natural populations leading to variability in capsule expression.

A survey of bonobo (Pan paniscus) oral contraceptive pill use in North American zoos.

Contraception is an essential tool in reproductive management of captive species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Reproductive Management Center (RMC) gathers data on contraception use and provides recommendations. Although apes have been given oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for at least 30 years, there have been no published reports with basic information on why the pill is administered, formulations and brands used, and effects on physiology and behavior. Here, we report survey results characterizing OCP use in bonobos (Pan paniscus) housed in North American zoos, as well as information accumulated in the RMC's Contraception Database. Of 26 females treated, there have been no failures and nine reversals. The most commonly administered OCP formulation in bonobos contained ethinyl estradiol (EE) 35 µg/norethindrone 1 mg. Few females on combined oral contraceptives (COCs) were given a continuous active pill regimen; a hormone-free interval of at least 5 days was allowed in most. Crushing the pill and mixing with juice or food was common. Females on COCs seldom experienced breakthrough estrus or bleeding, while these conditions were sometimes observed for females on continuous COCs. All females on COCs exhibited some degree of perineal swelling, with a mean score of 3 or 3+ most commonly reported. Behavioral changes included less sexual behavior, dominant females becoming subordinate, and a negative effect on mood. No appreciable change in weight was noted. Taken together, these results indicate that OCPs are an effective and reversible contraceptive option for bonobos that can be used by zoos and sanctuaries to limit reproduction. Zoo Biol. 35:444-453, 2016. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reintroduction medicine: whooping cranes in Wisconsin.

This paper presents veterinary management strategies and diagnostic findings in the reintroduction of the endangered whooping crane (Grus americana). Between 2005 and 2010, 63 (27 male, 36 female) hatchling whooping cranes were assigned to a reintroduction project involving autumn release of costume-reared chicks in Wisconsin. Veterinary care included preventive measures and comprehensive pre-release evaluations to improve fitness and reduce translocation of potential disease agents to native habitats. A total of 44 clinically normal birds were released (70% of assigned individuals). Cases of morbidity were classified according to primary body system affected. Musculoskeletal disorders were described in 57 birds (90%); five birds were removed from the project prior to release (8%), all for abnormalities that prevented normal function. Fourteen birds died or were euthanized prior to release (22%); pre-release mortality was attributed to developmental abnormality, predation, trauma or infectious disease. Chronic respiratory aspergillosis, diagnosed in seven birds (11%), was the most common infectious disease of concern. Predation and trauma were primary causes of post-release mortality; no evidence of infectious disease of captive origin was detected in the study population by the end of 2010. The assessment of data accumulated by this project helped to outline successful health management strategies, as well as identify and mitigate ongoing risks to captive whooping cranes that impede reintroduction efforts and achieving management goals for species recovery.

Imaging diagnosis-pulmonary-tracheobronchial prolapse in a new Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus).

A 3-year-old male New Caledonian giant gecko, or Leach's gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) presented with acute lethargy and coelomic distention. Findings from survey radiographs and an upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study were consistent with severe aerophagia, a collapsed left lung, and hyperinflation of the right lung due to suspected bronchial obstruction. The gecko was treated with conservative medical management, but was found dead 5 days after presentation. Necropsy findings showed intussusception of the proximal left lung into the left mainstem bronchus and trachea.

Accessory carpal bone luxation in two gray wolves (Canis lupus).

Two sibling male castrated gray wolves (Canis lupus) developed acute onset right forelimb lameness, one at 8 and the other at 11 yr of age. In both cases, the right carpus was swollen, carpal hyperextension was notable, and the wolves exhibited significant intermittent lameness of the affected limb. Radiographs revealed right accessory carpal bone luxation in both cases, with type III fracture of the accessory carpal bone in one wolf. Although carpal bone luxation in domestic dogs is frequently treated surgically, conservative medical management resolved the lameness in both wolves with no further complications.

Intramedullary lumbosacral teratoma in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

An 18-month-old, female, spayed domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented for progressive hind limb paresis of 1 week duration. The ferret was mentally appropriate but cachexic and ataxic with neurological deficits, which localized the lesion to the lumbosacral region. A depression in the lumbosacral spine was associated with discomfort on palpation. Results of whole body radiographs were consistent with an abnormal angle between vertebrae L6 and S1, which resulted in hyperflexion of the spine. The ferret was euthanized, and histopathological examination revealed an intramedullary lumbosacral teratoma effacing much of the spine in the region of the mass.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris).

Disseminated infection with Histoplasma capsulatum was diagnosed in a 7-yr-old female Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). Clinical signs were nonspecific with the exception of brief periods of tachypnea for 5 days prior to death. H. capsulatum organisms were found in the lungs, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and liver. Diagnosis was confirmed by tracheal wash, urine H. capsulatum enzyme immunoassay, and necropsy results. This report represents the first published account of disseminated histoplasmosis in a tiger.

Pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine hydrochloride after intravenous and intramuscular administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine HCl after IV and IM administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots of unknown sex. PROCEDURES: Nalbuphine HCl (12.5 mg/kg) was administered IV and IM to all birds in a complete randomized crossover study design; there was a washout period of 21 days between subsequent administrations. Plasma samples were obtained from blood collected at predetermined time points for measurement of nalbuphine concentration by use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by use of computer software. RESULTS: Nalbuphine was rapidly eliminated with a terminal half-life of 0.33 hours and clearance of 69.95 mL/min/kg after IV administration and a half-life of 0.35 hours after IM administration. Volume of distribution was 2.01 L/kg after IV administration. The fraction of the dose absorbed was high (1.03) after IM administration. No adverse effects were detected in the parrots during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In Hispaniolan Amazon parrots, nalbuphine appeared to have good bioavailability after IM administration and was rapidly cleared after IV and IM administration. Safety and analgesic efficacy of various nalbuphine treatment regimens in this species require further investigation to determine the potential for clinical palliation of signs of pain in psittacine species.

Proventricular dilatation disease associated with Avian bornavirus in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao).

A case of proventricular dilatation disease is described in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao) from clinical presentation to diagnosis with molecular methods. The initial clinical signs were depression progressing to head pressing over several days. A leukocytosis with toxic heterophil changes, hypoalbuminemia, and increased serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were present. Lead and zinc assays were within reference ranges, and results from Chlamydophila and polyomavirus testing were negative. Contrast-enhanced fluoroscopy revealed normal gastrointestinal transit times and motility as well as the presence of 2 small metallic foreign bodies in the ventriculus. The macaw was treated with antimicrobials, analgesics, vitamins E and B complex, force-feeding, and fluid administration with little improvement. Euthanasia was elected, and histologic examination of brain tissue revealed a perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, while the lungs had evidence of a fungal pneumonia. Tissue samples from the brain and proventriculus tested positive for the presence of Avian bornavirus genotype 2, while serology confirmed Avian bornavirus infection.

Physiologic effects of directional changes in intermittent exercise in soccer players.

The aim of the present study was to compare the physiologic impact of intermittent exercise in specific shuttle running (IS), which requires 180° directional changes, and traditional in-line (IL) running. Ten elite male adult soccer players performed different intermittent exercises according to their maximal aerobic velocity (ν&OV0312;O2max): 30-30 seconds at 100% (30 s of runs at 100% of ν&OV0312;O2max alternated with 30-s recovery period), 105%, and 110% of ν&OV0312;O2max with active recovery, 15-15 seconds at 105%, 110%, and 115% of ν&OV0312;O2max, and 10-10 seconds at 110%, 115%, and 120% of ν&OV0312;O2max with passive recovery. Each exercise was performed in the IL and IS format in a randomized order. Heart rate (HR) expressed in percentage of HR reserve (HRres), postexercise blood lactate concentration [La], and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. The different 30-30 seconds showed significantly higher HRres responses in IS compared with IL (p < 0.01). The [La] and RPE results indicated higher values in IS. In conclusion, the physiologic impact of specific IS is substantially higher than in traditional IL. The changes of direction induce an increase in the anaerobic metabolism solicitation and consequently create different responses compared with traditional IL running. This information can aid coaches in the design of intermittent training programs using classical (IL) or a specific form (IS) of running to induce different physiologic responses.

Sensorimotor specificities in balance control of expert fencers and pistol shooters.

Motor skills during sport activity are influenced by practice-related constraints and leads to the development of appropriate postural sensorimotor strategies. Fencing is highly requiring visual monitoring and high-speed motor skills while retaining efficient balance control. Conversely, pistol shooting is a static activity requiring a high control of body sway. This study aimed to evaluate balance control and the related neurosensory organisation through reproducible postural tasks with and without sensory conflict. Twelve expert fencers, 10 expert shooters and 10 sedentary controls have performed a static posturographic test and a sensory organisation test (in 6 different sensory situations based upon sway-referenced vision and support surface, C1 to C6). Shooters yielded a better balance control during C1 (eyes open) and C2 (eyes closed) than fencers and controls. Fencers showed a better balance control in C5 (eyes closed with sway-referenced support surface) than shooters and controls. While this study confirms the beneficial effects of physical activities on balance control, a differential effect on balance characteristics due to the acquired specific motor skills was also noted. In addition to high proprioceptive sensitivity in sportsmen, dynamic constraints in fencing force fencers to permanently select the most relevant information to manage better sensory conflicting situations.

Heart rate responses during small-sided games and short intermittent running training in elite soccer players: a comparative study.

The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate (HR) responses within and between physical controlled (short-duration intermittent running) and physical integrated (sided games) training methods in elite soccer players. Ten adult male elite soccer players (age, 26 +/- 2.9 years; body mass, 78.3 +/- 4.4 kg; maximum HR [HRmax], 195.4 +/- 4.9 b x min(-1) and velocity at maximal aerobic speed (MAS), 17.1 +/- 0.8 km x h(-1)) performed different short-duration intermittent runs, e.g., 30-30 (30 seconds of exercise interspersed with 30 seconds of recovery) with active recovery, and 30-30, 15-15, 10-10, and 5-20 seconds with passive recovery, and different sided games (1 versus 1, 2 versus 2, 4 versus 4, 8 versus 8 with and without a goalkeeper, and 10 versus 10). In both training methods, HR was measured and expressed as a mean percentage of HR reserve (%HRres). The %HRres in the 30-30-second intermittent run at 100% MAS with active recovery (at 9 km.h with corresponding distance) was significantly higher than that with passive recovery (85.7% versus 77.2% HRres, respectively, p < 0.001) but also higher than the 1 versus 1 (p < 0.01), 4 versus 4 (p

Mourning parents: considering safeguards and their relation to health.

This study investigated the emotional consequences for parents following the death of their child. Bereaved parents and age and gender-matched peers completed measures of physical health, depression, post-traumatic stress, and personal coping resources. To investigate the regulation of emotional reactions, the authors used a new instrument consisting of 4 scales: adaptive emotion regulation, confiding in others as a means to feeling better, avoiding and hiding emotions, and controlling the emotional impact by distorting awareness and communication. The bereaved parents were severely affected by the loss; they reported high distress levels. However, parents both in the bereavement group as well as in a comparison group who had experienced human loss showed better ability to control emotions adaptively compared with those who did not report such losses. The result is discussed in terms of lifespan development and personal growth.