Optimizing the size of the area surveyed for monitoring a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population in the Swiss Alps by means of photographic capture–recapture

We studied the influence of surveyed area size on density estimates by means of camera‐trapping in a low‐density felid population (1–2 individuals/100 km²). We applied non‐spatial capture–recapture (CR) and spatial CR (SCR) models for Eurasian lynx during winter 2005/2006 in the northwestern Swiss Alps by sampling an area divided into 5 nested plots ranging from 65 to 760 km². CR model density estimates (95% CI) for models M₀ and M_h decreased from 2.61 (1.55–3.68) and 3.6 (1.62–5.57) independent lynx/100 km², respectively, in the smallest to 1.20 (1.04–1.35) and 1.26 (0.89–1.63) independent lynx/100 km², respectively, in the largest area surveyed. SCR model density estimates also decreased with increasing sampling area but not significantly. High individual range overlaps in relatively small areas (the edge effect) is the most plausible reason for this positive bias in the CR models. Our results confirm that SCR models are much more robust to changes in trap array size than CR models, thus avoiding overestimation of density in smaller areas. However, when a study is concerned with monitoring population changes, large spatial efforts (area surveyed ≥760 km²) are required to obtain reliable and precise density estimates with these population densities and recapture rates.     

Factors affecting seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Wild felids are considered important in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. Although, T. gondii antibodies have been reported in several species of wild felids, little is known of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in wild cats. The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid species in the world. In the present study, seroprevalence and associated risk factors for T. gondii infection in a large population of Iberian lynx in Spain were determined. Serum samples from 129 Iberian lynx collected from 2005 to 2009 and 85 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), sharing the habitat with the Iberian lynx, were tested for antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using a cut-off value of 1:25. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 81 of 129 (62.8%) Iberian lynx. Seroprevalence to T. gondii in Iberian lynx significantly increased with age (P < 0.001). T. gondii seroprevalences were similar in free-ranging (66.7% of 93) and wild-caught captive lynx (69% of 84) but significantly lower in captive-born lynx (22.5% of 40). Seroprevalence was higher in lynx with concurrent Cytauxzoonfelis (88% of 25) but not with concurrent Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infection (53.8% of 13). There were no significant differences in seroprevalence between sexes, geographic region and year of sample collection (2005–2009). Oocysts of T. gondii were not detected microscopically in fecal samples from 58 lynx. Wild rabbits are considered the most important food for the lynx. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 14 (11.9%) of 85 rabbits tested. The present results indicate that T. gondii infection is widespread in the two areas where Iberian lynx survive in Spain. The fact that four captive-born lynx seroconverted was indication of contact with T. gondii also in the Captive Breeding Centers, hence, control measures to prevent T. gondii infection would be necessary in these centers.     

Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in lymphoid tissues of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most threatened wild feline in the world. Little is known about the diseases and pathology that affect this animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological status of the peripheral lymphoid tissues and thymus of Iberian lynxes necropsied between 1998 and 2003. Seventeen animals including females (n=8) and males (n=9), age range of 10 months to 16 years, with different causes of death were histopathologically and immunohistochemically (anti-CD3, CD79, MAC387, CD68) studied. Feline immunosuppressive virus laboratorial tests were negative. Five individuals presented neoplasia and/or tuberculosis. All animals presented some degree of both B and T cells depletion in peripheral lymphoid tissues and follicular hyalinosis in the center of depleted follicles. A viral origin of the lymphoid depletion is postulated although other causes (inbreeding, stress, toxic) are not ruled out. The loss of the effectiveness of the immune system increases the vulnerability of the critically endangered Iberian lynx to pathogens.     

Use of local and axial pattern flaps for reconstruction of the hard and soft palate

There are numerous conditions that may result in defects of the hard and soft palate. Reconstruction of these defects may be difficult due to anatomical limitations and limited tissue availability. The majority of palate defects, even when large, may be closed using local and/or axial pattern flaps, while other more advanced techniques such as free tissue transfer and prosthetic implants are required in a smaller number of cases. This article describes the use of local and axial pattern flaps in the reconstruction of the hard and soft palate.     

Morphology of the Air Sacs (Sacci Pneumatici) in the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)

The aim of the study was to describe the air sacs of the rock partridge. The sacs of 15 adult birds were cast by injection of latex via the trachea and then corroded with 30% KOH at 40 degrees C. The morphology of the sacs was in general similar to that of other avian species described in the literature. There were, however, significant characteristics such as an additional subcutaneous diverticulum of the cranial thoracic sac and a caudally pointing diverticulum of the cervical sac located between the lungs.     

马鹿精子形态与超微结构研究

文中对马鹿(Cervus elaphus)精子形态与超微结构进行了研究。马鹿精子经固定、脱水、置换、包埋和聚合,用超薄切片机切片,再用醋酸双氧铀、柠檬酸铅染片,最后于透射电镜下观察其超微结构的变化。观察结果表明:马鹿精子全长(58.75±2.35)μm,由头部(8.93±0.24)μm、颈部(1.00±0.16)μm和尾部(48.18±1.18)μm三部分组成;头部呈扁卵圆状,绝大部分被浓缩且电子密度较高的精核所占据,顶体似帽状扣在精核之上,约占头部的2/3,其前部较为膨大;颈部位于头部和尾部之间,这个区域较短;尾部可分为中段、主段和终段。马鹿尾部轴丝的结构类型为"9+2";微管结构类型为"9+9+2"。     

Sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 102 thoroughbred racehorses

Objective— To compare racing performance before and after sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty in Thoroughbred racehorses with intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP).
Study Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Thoroughbred racehorses (n=102) with DDSP.
Methods— Retrieved data included signalment, primary complaint, and upper respiratory tract endoscopic finding. Lifetime race records were compared for earnings per start before and after surgery, days to 1st start, and races won postoperatively.
Results— Comparing mean earnings per start for 3 races before ($2792) and after ($3806) surgery, racing performance improved significantly after surgery in 63% (46/73) of horses that competed in at least 1 race before and after surgery ( P =.02). Mean and median days to 1st start after surgery were 109 and 69 days, respectively. Of horses that raced postoperatively 65% (60/92) won at least 1 race, and 77% (71/92) raced in >5 races after surgery.
Conclusions— Sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty significantly improved racing performance in experienced Thoroughbred racehorses with performance limiting DDSP, and overall had a similar outcome to other reported surgical techniques for treatment of DDSP.
Clinical Relevance— Sternothyroideus myotomy, staphylectomy, and oral caudal soft palate photothermoplasty should be considered as a surgical approach to correction of DDSP in Thoroughbred racehorses; however, it is possible that staphylectomy may not be necessary to achieve a desirable outcome.     

Immunolocalization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptors (IGF-IR) in the equine epididymis

Insulin-like growth factor plays a paracrine/autocrine role in regulating testicular function in the stallion, but its presence in the equine epididymis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) are localized in the caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis in an age-dependent manner. Immediately after castration, epididymal tissue was fixed, paraffin-embedded, and processed for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot was also performed using equine epididymal extracts to verify the specificity of the antibodies against IGF-I and IGF-IR. Immunolabeling of IGF-I was observed in the cytoplasm of principal and basal cells in the caput, corpus, and cauda at the pre-pubertal (3–7 months), pubertal (12–18 months), post-pubertal (2–4 years), and adult stages (4.5–8 years). Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was observed in the cytoplasm of principal cells in all regions of the epididymis in each age group. Immunolabeling of IGF-IR was also detected in the cytoplasm of basal cells from animals of all ages. Bands observed by Western blot corresponded to the molecular weights of IGF-I and IGF-IR, ~23 kDa and 95 kDa, respectively. These results suggest that IGF-I might function as an autocrine and/or paracrine factor during the development, maintenance and/or secretions of the stallion epididymis.     

Blood supply and arteriography of the pelvic limb of the Southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba)

The aim of this study was to compare the arterial vascularization of the pelvic limb between southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba) by dissection and radiographic examinations. Five specimens of caracaras (three males and two females), and seven great egrets (five males and two females) were used. Barium sulphate and latex suspension were injected into the left ventricle of the birds. The radiographs were taken with the pelvic limbs in the ventrodorsal, dorsoplantar, mediolateral and lateromedial recumbency. Thereafter, the material was fixed in a 10% solution of formaldehyde and dissected. The pelvic limb received its arterial supply from two main vessels, the ischiatic and external iliac arteries. The ischiatic artery presented to be the principal artery of pelvic limb in the caracara and great egret. Several branches arised from the ischiatic and external iliac arteries were described. No gender differences were observed in both species. The caracara and great egret showed arteries similar to those reported for the ostrich and domestic fowl. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the caracara has a pelvic limb with more arterial branches and larger arterial diameter than the great egret, which is probably related to the specific behaviour of these birds, since the caracara is a bird that exercise more their pelvic limbs to capture its prey when compared with the great egret.     

Morphology of the tongue and laryngeal entrance in the Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus); a light and scanning electron microscopic study

The present work was carried out to describe morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasantPhasianus colchicus, using light and scanning electron microscopy. The lingual apex was taper-shaped with a shallow median sulcus. A V-shaped papillary crest with 15–20 caudally directed conical papillae was located between the radix and corpus linguae. The second row of papillae consisting of three caudolaterally directed conical papillae was arranged caudal to the main papillary crest. The mons laryngealis was equipped caudally with a double-layer of large conical papillae as pharyngeal crest, and few small conical papillae were seen around the glottis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the apex linguae and corpus were covered with compact filiform papillae, while the radix linguae were free of papillae. Numerous openings of salivary gland can be seen on the radix linguae and mons laryngealis at higher magnification. On histological sections, all parts of the tongue and mons laryngealis were covered with a keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. The keratinised layer became thinner rostro-caudally. The simple alveolar salivary glands were distributed in the submucosa from the apex linguae to the radix linguae as well as the mons laryngealis. PAS staining revealed mucin-secreting activity of this glands. According to the findings, although the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasant is characteristics of a galliform bird, it has some features similar to passeriformes and falconiformes.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the coelomic cavity organs in healthy veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis)

Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) are the most popular chameleons over the world, and consequently, two of the most frequent species presenting to veterinary practices. However, published studies on normal ultrasonographic anatomy for these lizards are currently lacking. The objectives of this prospective anatomic study were to develop an ultrasound protocol for evaluation of the coelomic cavity in these species and describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the coelomic organs. Seventeen healthy veiled chameleons and 15 healthy panther chameleons were included. A linear 18 MHz transducer was used. Chameleons were sedated and restrained in right lateral recumbency by an assistant. Longitudinal and transverse images were acquired, and authors recorded qualitative and quantitative ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic structures. The kidneys, liver, caudal vena cava, hepatic veins, portal vein, gallbladder, wall of the stomach and intestine, gonads and, when distended, urinary bladder could be visualized during ultrasonography of the coelomic cavity in both species. The spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands could not be identified. Findings from the current study supported the use of ultrasonography for veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) with suspected intracoelomic diseases and provided normal reference information for future studies of these chameleon species.     

谷氨酰胺对黄颡鱼幼鱼生长性能、肠道形态及非特异性免疫相关基因表达的影响

本试验旨在探讨谷氨酰胺对黄颡鱼幼鱼生长性能、肠道形态及非特异性免疫相关基因表达的影响。选用体重为(2.49±0.04)g的黄颡鱼幼鱼240尾,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复20尾。配制含0(对照)、0.10%、0.20%和0.40%谷氨酰胺的4种试验饲料,每种试验饲料随机饲喂1组试验鱼,饲养周期为70 d。结果发现:饲料中添加谷氨酰胺对黄颡鱼幼鱼的生长性能指标无显著影响(P0.05)。相比对照组,饲料中添加谷氨酰胺后促进了肠道绒毛的发育,绒毛高度与皱褶深度有所增加,但肌层厚度有所下降,其中0.20%和0.40%组肠道绒毛高度、皱褶深度显著增加(P0.05),肌层厚度显著降低(P0.05)。在0.10%~0.20%谷氨酰胺添加范围内,金属硫蛋白(MT)mRNA相对表达量在肌肉中变化最明显,各添加组均较对照组显著升高(P0.05);谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)mRNA相对表达量在肠道中变化最明显,其中0.20%组较对照组显著升高(P0.05);抗菌肽(Hepc)和组成型热休克蛋白70(Hsc70)mRNA相对表达量在肝脏中变化最明显,其中0.10%组的Hepc mRNA相对表达量达到对照组的73倍之多(P0.05),0.20%组的Hsc70 mRNA相对表达量达到对照组的3倍之多(P0.05)。由此得出,在基础饲料中添加一定量的谷氨酰胺能增强黄颡鱼幼鱼的非特异性免疫和抗氧化能力。     

人雄激素受体的雄激素结合区cDNA在E.coli中的高效表达

将编码人雄激素受体（ｈＡＲ）的雄素结合区（ＬＢＤ）的ｃＤＮＡ片段（１００５ｂｐ）克隆到由Ｐ１启动子控制的硫氧还蛋白表达载体ｐＴｒｘＦｕｓ上,构建了表达质粒ｐＴｒｘＡＲ,并转化到大肠杆菌Ｇ１７２４中,经色氨酸诱导表达后,ＳＤＳ－ＰＡＧＥ分析,可观察到一高效表达的融合蛋白产物,此融合蛋白 分子了量与理论值相吻合,氨基酸组分分析证明了ＬＢＤ目的基因的表达。     

Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II ‐ V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).     

Complement Receptor Type 3 (CR3)- and Fc Receptor (FcR)-Mediated Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) Secretion and Their Intracellular Signalling of Bovine Neutrophils

Complement receptor type 3 (CR3)- and Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion and their intracellular signalling of bovine neutrophils were evaluated. Relative density of MMP-9 secreted by neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan (OPZ, stimulant for CR3) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased when the OPZ concentration was increased from 0 to 0.4 mg/ml. Similar results were obtained for neutrophils stimulated with heat-aggregated IgG (Agg-IgG, stimulant for Fc receptor) at concentrations from 0 to 0.40 mg/ml. Preincubation of neutrophils with 1–30 nmol/L wortmannin (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor) resulted in inhibition of MMP-9 secretion induced by stimulation with OPZ and Agg-IgG in a concentration-dependent manner, 30 nmol/L wortmannin causing complete inhibition. Similarly, preincubation of neutrophils with 0–100 μmol/L genistein (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) also resulted in inhibition of OPZ- and Agg-IgG-induced MMP-9 secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, with 100 μmol/L genistein causing complete inhibition. Significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations were found between MMP-9 and luminal-dependent chemiluminescent response (LDCL) in the case of stimulation with OPZ (r = 0.754) and in the case of stimulation with Agg-IgG (r = 0.728). Our findings suggested that CR3 and FcR play a critical role in production of MMP-9 and may be regulated by intracellular signal transduction, including that by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and tyrosine kinase (TK).     

乳胶凝集试验与血清中和试验检测猪伪狂犬病血清抗体的 …

应用血清中和试验（ＳＮＴ）和伪狂犬病乳胶凝集试验（ＬＡＴ）诊断试剂盒对两种伪狂犬病是性血清、伪狂犬病病毒（ＰＲＶ）高兔血甭及６０份被检猪血清进行了ＰＲＶ抗体效价测定和相关性分析,两种方法测得的抗体效价之间呈强相关性（ｒ＝０．９６）,且ＬＡＴ效价比ＳＮＴ一般高出一个滴度;能干为自３５个猪场的４１４份猪血清进行了ＰＲＶ抗体检测,并与ＳＮＴ检测结果进行了对比,结果在ＳＮＴ检测为阳笥的１７１份血清中,ＬＡ     

紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混贮发酵品质和营养成分分析

以新鲜及晾晒后的紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦为原料,分别设计紫花苜蓿单贮、裸燕麦单贮、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶1、裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1及裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=1∶2混贮等5个处理,青贮60 d后,对其感官评分、发酵品质和营养成分等进行分析。结果表明,鲜贮苜蓿在感官评定、V-Score及Kaiser评价体系中表现一般,而晾晒及混合青贮各处理组均能不同程度提高青贮评分。晾晒和混合青贮对发酵品质产生影响,两者显著或极显著降低pH值、 PA(丙酸)、AA(乙酸)、BA(丁酸)和AN/TN(氨态氮/总氮)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),显著或极显著升高LA(乳酸)含量(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),其中以裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1降低或升高最明显。晾晒对青贮饲料的干物质、可溶性碳水化合物及粗灰分含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分含量影响不大(P>0.05)。混合比例对青贮饲料的所有发酵项目均有极显著影响(P＜0.01),对粗蛋白质、可溶性碳水化合物及中性洗涤纤维含量具有显著或极显著影响(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),对其他养分指标影响不显著(P>0.05)。晾晒和混合青贮的交互作用可显著提高青贮饲料的发酵品质,但对养分含量影响不明显。因此,从青贮后感官评价、发酵品质及养分含量来看,紫花苜蓿和裸燕麦混合青贮品质优于单独青贮,且晾晒相对于鲜贮更易于青贮,而无论晾晒和鲜贮,当裸燕麦∶紫花苜蓿=2∶1时,青贮品质均优于其他各组。     

牛朊蛋白(bPrPc)基因的克隆和序列分析

分别从9头牛(3头牦牛、3头荷斯坦牛和3头秦川黄牛)全血中提取基因组总DNA，用所设计引物以聚合酶链式反应扩增出细胞型朊蛋白(PrP^c)基因，并克隆到pMD18-T载体。序列分析表明所克隆的牛PrP。的片段大小为795bp，包含了牛朊蛋白基因的完整编码区序列，为含单一外显子的完整开放阅读框，与国内外报道的已知序列基本相同。本次所报道的牛PrP(bPrP^c)基因含6个短而富含G-C的元件，可编码八肽Pro-His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp-Gly-Gln／Arg或九肽Pro-Gin／His-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Trp／Arg-Gly-Gin。这些bPrPC基因序列相比较，其核苷酸和氨基酸同源性分别在99．0％～100．0％和99．2％～100．0％之间。在整个18个碱基替换中，多数替换是保守的，为同义突变，仅有5个替换引起氨基酸突变，分别为HN200302的W60R、HN200303的S154N、MN200301的A129V、NN200302的Q234R和NN200303的Q94R突变。发现牦牛朊粒基因在126(A-G)、234(G-A)和678(T-C)位的特征性核苷酸替换，但均为同义码替换。