Validation of ultrasonography in detecting structural disease of the urogenital tract of the koala,Phascolarctos cinereus

A retrospective review of case records of ultrasonography and necropsy outcomes of 62 koalas was used to investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography in assessing koala urogenital tract structural disease at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The results showed high concordance, supporting ultrasonography as an effective tool for evaluating structural disease of the koala urogenital tract, most commonly seen with chlamydiosis. The study also illustrates the advances benefiting animal welfare that can be made by wildlife carer groups through using a scientific, evidence‐based approach.     

Enhanced and delayed stress-induced alcohol drinking in mice lacking functional CRH1 receptors

There is a relation between stress and alcohol drinking. We show that the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system that mediates endocrine and behavioral responses to stress plays a role in the control of long-term alcohol drinking. In mice lacking a functional CRH1 receptor, stress leads to enhanced and progressively increasing alcohol intake. The effect of repeated stress on alcohol drinking behavior appeared with a delay and persisted throughout life. It was associated with an up-regulation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit NR2B. Alterations in the CRH1 receptor gene and adaptional changes in NR2B subunits may constitute a genetic risk factor for stress-induced alcohol drinking and alcoholism.     

Adipose triglyceride lipase contributes to cancer-associated cachexia

Cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome most common in patients with cancer that is characterized by the uncontrolled loss of adipose and muscle mass. We show that the inhibition of lipolysis through genetic ablation of adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) or hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl) ameliorates certain features of cancer-associated cachexia (CAC). In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, the injection of Lewis lung carcinoma or B16 melanoma cells causes tumor growth, loss of white adipose tissue (WAT), and a marked reduction of gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, Atgl-deficient mice with tumors resisted increased WAT lipolysis, myocyte apoptosis, and proteasomal muscle degradation and maintained normal adipose and gastrocnemius muscle mass. Hsl-deficient mice with tumors were also protected although to a lesser degree. Thus, functional lipolysis is essential in the pathogenesis of CAC. Pharmacological inhibition of metabolic lipases may help prevent cachexia.     

Soil structure amelioration with quicklime and irrigation experiments in earth graves

Purpose

Air supply and soil moisture have significant impact on the decay time necessary for complete decomposition of an interred body. Concerning the general structure and hydraulic as well as pneumatic conditions, in many cases, a permeable refilled soil material surrounded by the undisturbed and less permeable soil outside the grave results in water ponding, less aerated conditions, and lower redox potential values within the grave. This reduces the decomposition speed or even leads to preservation of the entire body.

Materials and methods

In order to ascertain soil structural processes and hydraulic properties in an earth grave within the first year after burial, a monitoring of soil redox and matric potentials was realized in newly refilled artificial (empty) graves. We surveyed four variations: undisturbed reference soil, soil backfill in artificial grave, soil backfill in artificial grave amended with 20 kg CaO m^?3, and grave base and walls strewed with CaO. In the fourth artificial grave (soil backfill only), irrigation experiments were conducted in order to simulate the effects of grave maintenance on soil water budget. Pore size distribution, air conductivity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured on soil core samples from the variations. The monitoring was realized with redox sensors and tensiometers in 50- and 130-cm depth in all four variations.

Results and discussion

Soil structure disruption increased soil porosity but also favored saturation of the soil in context with precipitation events. Compared with the graves without amendment, the addition of quicklime resulted in higher air capacity and air permeability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and a better-aerated (higher redox potentials) and less water-saturated soil. Non-recurring irrigation with 2.2, 4.4, and 8.9 mm did not affect the soil moisture in the 50- and 130-cm depth. Repeated irrigation with 8.9 mm on consecutive days led to persistent water saturation in the soil, especially in the 130-cm depth.

Conclusions

The disturbed soil structure in the cover layer of an earth grave is sensitive to settlement and, together with a tendency to the development of stagnic conditions, this can have negative impact on soil aeration in the grave. Addition of quicklime to the soil enhances crack development in the base and walls of the grave, stabilizes the soil fragments in the backfill, and prevents intensive settlement processes. This reduces water ponding and leads to a better aeration of the soil. Irrigation of earth graves should be reduced to a minimum.

     

Kinematic Motion Patterns of the Cranial and Caudal Canine Cervical Spine

Objective: To define the kinematic motion patterns of the canine cervical spine, with a particular emphasis on identifying differences between the cranial (C₂–C₄) and caudal (C₅–C₇) segments, and to determine the significance of coupled motions (CM) in the canine cervical spine. Study Design: Cadaveric biomechanical study. Sample Population: Cervical spines of 8 Foxhounds. Methods: Spinal specimens were considered free of pathology based on radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. All musculature was removed without damaging ligaments or joint capsules. Spines were mounted in a customized pure‐moment spine testing jig, and data were collected using an optoelectronic motion capture system. Range of motion, neutral zone and CM in flexion/extension, left/right lateral bending and left/right axial rotation were established. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects maximum likelihood regression models. Results: Total flexion/extension did not change across the 4 levels. There was no difference between flexion and extension, and no CM was identified. Lateral bending was not different across levels, but tended to be greater in the cranial spine. Axial rotation was ～2.6 times greater in the caudal segments. Lateral bending and axial rotation were coupled. Conclusions: Kinematics of the cranial and caudal cervical spine differed markedly with greater mobility in the caudal cervical spine.