A first case of hepatocellular carcinoma in the baboon (Papio spp.) placenta.

We present a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the placenta of healthy baboon (Papio spp.). Grossly, the fetal, maternal, and placental tissues were unremarkable. Histologically, the placenta contained an unencapsulated, poorly demarcated, infiltrative, solidly cellular neoplasm composed of cells that resembled hepatocytes. The neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for vimentin and focally positive for Ae1/Ae3, Arginase -1, glutamine synthetase, and CD10, and negative for ER, vascular markers (CD31 and D240), S100, glypican, C-reactive protein, FABP, desmin, and beta-catenin; INI1 positivity was similar to non-neoplastic tissues. The case likely represents a unique subtype of HCC.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia-like syndrome in 24 baboons (Papio spp.).

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) has not been reported in baboons, but this condition is well described in humans. An internal database was searched for all cases of concurrent endocrine hyperplasia and neoplasia in baboons. Twenty-four baboons (Papio spp.) with concurrent endocrine hyperplasia and neoplasia were identified. Twenty-one baboons had lesions in two endocrine organs, two baboons had lesions in three organs, and one baboon had lesions in four organs. Ten baboons aligned with the MEN1 classification; 14 baboons did not match any current human MEN classification. We report 24 cases of MEN-like syndrome in baboons. MEN1-like lesions accounted for nearly half (41%) of the affected animals. Genetic analysis of baboons with MEN-like syndrome could further elucidate the mechanisms of MEN and support the use of baboons as animal models for human MEN.

Diagnoses and Treatment of Dental Disorders in a Research Colony of Macaca fascicularis: A Case Series.

During daily routine oral examinations in a research colony of nonhuman primates (NHPs, Macaca fascicularis), a variety of oral-dental lesions were identified. A dental care program was established based on these findings. Based on the presence of dental clinical signs and their severity, 31 animals were triaged to be examined and treated by a veterinarian. Clinical examination consisted of visual inspection using a periodontal probe/explorer and full or partial mouth dental radiographs. Treatment was performed during the same procedure. Some animals had a follow-up examination including radiographs months later. Four common dental diseases were diagnosed: periodontal disease, caries, tooth fracture, and tooth attrition. Less frequent were dental abscess, enamel hypomineralization, gingival hyperplasia, hypercementosis, tooth luxation, tooth dysplasia, root resorption, abrasion. Less severe periodontal disease was treated conservatively. If severely affected, teeth were extracted. Well-circumscribed caries without endodontic involvement were treated by composite restoration. Teeth with extensive caries and pulp involvement were extracted. Teeth with exposed pulp were treated via extraction or orthograde root canal treatment. In this case series, 27 (87%) of 31 NHPs exhibited at least 1 moderate to severe dental lesion that required treatment. The presumable improvement in welfare and weight of oral/dental lesions for the overall health status in research NHPs encourages us to continue this program prospectively.

Ophthalmic diseases and disorders in free-ranging rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) of Shivalik hill area of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India.

BACKGROUND: The studies on ophthalmic diseases and disorders in a population of rhesus macaques, in particular with free-ranging macaques, are limited mainly by the difficulty in capturing animals and obtaining samples. METHODS: From October 2011 to 2013, prevalence of various ophthalmic affections was recorded and analyzed on the basis of sex, age-group, and disease condition both in urban and peri-urban free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) from various locations in Shivalik hill areas of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, as a part of clinical health examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic diseases were more prevalent in macaques captured from urban settings than those from peri-urban, and difference between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Further classification of ophthalmic diseases revealed that traumatic injuries, corneal opacity, and cataract were significantly higher in urban than those in peri-urban macaque (P < 0.01). Similarly, the ophthalmic disorders among different age-groups were also found statistically significant (P < 0.01). The effect of sex on ophthalmic disorders was not found significant. Overviewing these results, disturbances in environment, close proximity to humans, and increasing age may lead to ophthalmic occurrences in these free-range macaques.

Plasmodium cynomolgi genome sequences provide insight into Plasmodium vivax and the monkey malaria clade.

P. cynomolgi, a malaria-causing parasite of Asian Old World monkeys, is the sister taxon of P. vivax, the most prevalent malaria-causing species in humans outside of Africa. Because P. cynomolgi shares many phenotypic, biological and genetic characteristics with P. vivax, we generated draft genome sequences for three P. cynomolgi strains and performed genomic analysis comparing them with the P. vivax genome, as well as with the genome of a third previously sequenced simian parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi. Here, we show that genomes of the monkey malaria clade can be characterized by copy-number variants (CNVs) in multigene families involved in evasion of the human immune system and invasion of host erythrocytes. We identify genome-wide SNPs, microsatellites and CNVs in the P. cynomolgi genome, providing a map of genetic variation that can be used to map parasite traits and study parasite populations. The sequencing of the P. cynomolgi genome is a critical step in developing a model system for P. vivax research and in counteracting the neglect of P. vivax.

Clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of an undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma in a juvenile olive baboon (Papio anubis).

An undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma was diagnosed in a juvenile male olive baboon (Papio anubis). The animal suddenly appeared depressed and refused to eat. During physical examination, a firm, palpable mass in the left abdominal area and flank pain were detected. Clinical pathology findings included mild anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and mildly increased serum creatinine and urea concentrations. Radiographs revealed a large mass in the left abdominal area. Exploratory laparotomy disclosed a 10 cmx15 cm multilobulated mass involving the left kidney and adjacent organs. Because of a poor prognosis, the animal was humanely euthanized, and necropsy was performed. Tissue samples of the neoplasm were taken for histopathological examination. Immunohistochemical staining was done using vimentin, cytokeratin, S-100 protein, Ki-67, alpha-actin, and desmin-specific primary antibodies. Microscopically, elongated and irregular tubules were lined by 2 or more layers of atypical epithelial cells. Anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, and frequent mitotic figures were also observed. Following immunohistochemical staining, the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells was positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, and S-100 protein and negative for alpha-actin and desmin. Positive nuclear staining for Ki-67 was observed. The neoplasm was diagnosed as an undifferentiated renal tubular carcinoma.

Pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma in the hind leg of a Taiwanese macaque (Macaca cyclopis).

An adult, captive Taiwanese monkey (Macaca cyclopis) presented clinically with a large, rapidly growing mass located in the crus of the left hind leg. The overlying skin was severely ulcerated and necrotic. Radiographs suggested an invasive neoplasm in soft tissue with no bone involvement. The animal's clinical condition progressively worsened over the next 3 months until it died. Necropsy revealed that the mass infiltrated the surrounding skeletal muscle with no evidence of distant metastasis. Microscopically, the mass was highly cellular and composed of round to spindle cells with frequent rhabdoid cells characterized by abundant eosinophilic glassy cytoplasmic inclusions and large, bizarre nuclei. Phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin staining failed to reveal distinct cross-striations within the neoplastic cells. Neoplastic cells were strongly positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin but were negative for sarcomeric actin, myoglobin, desmin, cytokeratin, S100, and lysozyme. The gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings supported the diagnosis of pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma.