Vascular system associated with the sidewall of the braincase and the prootic canals of cynodonts,including mammals

The terminology of the cranial vascular system of cynodonts and early mammals is confusing and this confusion extends to certain associated features of the bones of the braincase. In the present paper it is attempted to clear up some of this confusion and to demonstrate that previous authors have unwittingly used the term ‘prootic canal’ to denote two entirely different structures. New evidence from the Tritylodontoidea allows useful speculation regarding the developmental origin of these ‘prootic canals‘, as well as the phylogeneticorigin of mammals.     

Geographical clines in the size of the herb field mouse (Apodemus uralensis)

Patterns of body size variation along geographical gradients have long been searched for and generalized into eco‐geographical rules. However, no rodent species has yet been analyzed in relation to the 3 dimensions of latitude, longitude and altitude. We analyzed geographical clines and dimorphism of body and skull size in the herb field mouse (Apodemus uralensis) across the species range, based on field data and on data from the literature. Sexual dimorphism in adult A. uralensis was not expressed at a large scale, while local patterns were inconsistent. Age‐dependent size changes were most expressed in adult individuals: most characters of adults exceeded in size those of subadults, while subadult–juvenile size differences were only significant in body weight and length, zygomatic skull width, length of cranial diastema and breadth of braincase. Despite central morphological niches along the clines being separated, A. uralensis populations showed a high degree of size overlap in morphological space. We found the species to be characterized by high size variability, with the largest individuals inhabiting the eastern and southern edges of the distribution range. Tail, hind foot and ear lengths were largest in the southern part of the range, in agreement with Allen's rule. The main measurements that we analyzed, namely body mass, zygomatic skull width and condylobasal skull length, show the presence of 3 clines in the size of adult A. uralensis: (i) a decreasing south–north cline, opposing Bergmann's rule; (ii) an increasing west–east cline, in accordance with Murphy's rule; and (iii) an increasing altitudinal cline.     

A morphological analysis of the skull size and shape of Kerivoulinae (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Vietnam

Southeast Asia is a region of high biodiversity, containing species of plants and animals that are yet to be discovered. In this region, bats of the subfamily Kerivoulinae are widespread and diverse with six species recorded in Vietnam. However, the taxonomy of the Kerivoulinae in Asia is complicated. In our study, we used diagnostic characters and multivariate analysis to determine morphological differences between the genera Kerivoula and Phoniscus. We showed that the two genera are distinguishable by the size of second upper incisors, the shape of skull, nasal sinus, canines, second upper and lower premolars. In addition, the two genera can be osteometrically separated by measurements of the braincase height, interorbital width and shape of anterior palatal emargination. Our data clearly revealed the morphological variations in the skull shape of Kerivoula hardwickii in Vietnam. This suggests a possible separation into three morphotypes, representing cryptic species supported by statistical differences with wide variation in skull shape, size and teeth. These results demonstrated Kerivoula hardwickii can be separated three subspecies, and the result will serve as the basis for the future assessment and classification of this group in Southeast Asia.     

Comparative Characterization of the External Genitalia and Reproductive Tubular Organs of Three Species of the Genus Saimiri Voigt, 1831 (Primates: Cebidae)

Morphological information on the reproductive system allows the understanding of ecological and behavioural aspects of different species as well as supports the development of conservational strategies. Unfortunately, for many species, not enough relevant and precise information is available. In the present study, we describe for the first time the macroscopic and histological aspects of female genital organs and external female genitalia of Saimiri macrodon, Saimiri cassiquiarensis and Saimiri vanzolinii. We perform a comparison between these three peripatric species and investigate the possibility of their reproductive morphology to act as a factor of reproductive isolation. We have found that these species share many similarities in most of the analysed organs. Although some important differences were identified that may play an important role in the evolution of the components of the reproductive system of these species, those differences are not enough to compose a mechanism of reproductive isolation for these three species of Saimiri. The results of this study may be used to support the development of biotechnological approaches of reproduction and strategies for conservation programmes and management of threatened species of this genus, particularly S. vanzolinii, considered to be a vulnerable species to extinction.     

The exploitation of the genome in the search for determinants of virulence in Streptococcus uberis

Despite much success in the control of mastitis in dairy cattle, intramammary infection with Streptococcus uberis remains a threat to herd health. This organism is a frequent cause of mastitis worldwide. Recent advances in the ability to genetically manipulate this bacterium, coupled to the determination of a representative genome sequence have already enabled the investigation of certain aspects of disease pathogenesis. Further use of such technology coupled to reliable models of disease and post-genomic analysis will permit the elucidation of further interactions between pathogen and host. This additional information can be usefully targeted at identification of candidates for inclusion in effective vaccines. This communication reviews the current, reported progress using this technology for S. uberis.     

Sonography during the pregnancy of sheep. I. Fetometry for the determination of the stage of gestation and prediction of the time of parturition]

Transrectal and transcutaneous ultrasonography was performed on 187 pregnant Merino ewes to measure the growth of fetal parameters (fetometry) such as the diameters of the eye, braincase and trunk, the width of one rib with its intercostal space and the crown-rump-length (CRL). In the ewes, cross and longitudinal diameters of the intrauterine lumen around the embryo and fetus were determined. Trunk diameter and crown-rump-length of embryos and fetuses were sonographically determined from Day 26 and size of eyes, braincase and ribs were measured from Day 52 to 66 of gestation. Embryonic resp. fetal parameters and uterine diameters showed almost linear growth rate. Relationship between the measured parameters and days of pregnancy is described by regressions and correlation coefficients. Correlation coefficient between gestational stage and the diameter of the trunk was very narrow (r = 0.98) and between gestational stage and the crown-rump-length resp. eye diameter equalled 89% (r = 0.89). These fetal parameters are appropriate to assess gestational age and growth of ovine fetuses. It can be concluded that sonographic fetometry in the ovine can be valuable for the evaluation of fetal development, the estimation of gestational age and the prediction of parturition dates.     

Review of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses

Outbreaks of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses can occur when surveillance and infection control protocols are not in place, or not well structured and enforced. The aim of this article is to present a review of published studies that have contributed to the literature of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses. The review highlights important elements that must be taken into consideration during the formulation, implementation and evaluation of a hospital surveillance and infection control programme designed to reduce the risk of an outbreak of nosocomial Salmonella infection in hospitalised horses.     

Immunology of infective preterm delivery in the mare

Placentitis is reported to be the cause of 9.8–33.5% of abortions, stillbirths and perinatal losses in horses. Bacterial infections are responsible for 53% of placentitis cases with Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus being isolated in 28% of these cases. Clinically, mares may have a vaginal discharge, show udder development, lactate prenatally and deliver a premature or dead foal. Major aspects of the pathogenesis of infectious preterm delivery that may require more effective therapeutic targeting are myometrial contraction, immunological aspects of preterm delivery, and the effects of proinflammatory cytokine signalling on activation of the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. This article focuses on current knowledge of inflammatory signalling secondary to equine placentitis, and the interplay among inflammation, loss of myometrial quiescence and activation of the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.     

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in dairy goats: First report of the disease in the Netherlands

Summary

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in which three herds of goats were involved is described. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was shown to be the causative organism. The outbreak was associated with imported goats. As this first report of C. pseudotuberculosis causing caseous lymphadenitis as a clinical entity in small ruminants in the Netherlands, clinical and epizootiological aspects as well as possible methods of control are discussed.     

Sequence and structural analysis of the presumed downstream promoter of the canine mdr1 gene

The product of the canine mdr1 gene, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), plays an important role in chemotherapeutic drug resistance of several canine tumours. Increased expression of P‐gp by tumour cells is associated with the multidrug‐resistant phenotype. Because of its importance in cancer chemotherapy, a great deal is known about the regulation of mdr1 gene expression in human cancer patients and rodent cancer models. In contrast, there is no information regarding the regulation of P‐gp expression in dogs. Initial information regarding the regulation of mdr1 gene expression can be gained by evaluating the mdr1 promoter. The downstream promoter of the canine mdr1 gene was sequenced. Several regulatory elements were identified, including an AP‐1 site, AP‐2 site and SP‐1 site. The presumed canine mdr1 promoter was similar to that of other species; however, low overall sequence homology may suggest that aspects of P‐gp regulation are distinctive in dogs.     

Evaluation of reproductive parameters in male Neotropical bats during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive aspects of male bats of three common species of the Phyllostomidae family: Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus and Sturnira lilium, during dry and rainy months in a specific area of the Cerrado biome. Body weight was significantly higher during the dry months for S. lilium. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and testicular weight were not significantly different between dry and rainy periods. The tubular parameters were significantly bigger in A. lituratus than in the other two species during both periods. No difference in the tubular/interstitial ratio was observed in any of the species during both periods. In both periods, all sperm cells and germ cell developmental stages were visible on seminiferous tubules whereas sperm cells were observed in epididymides of all sampled animals. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was low (35%–60%), with no difference between periods. Spermatozoa from A. lituratus presented a leaf-shaped head, while the head was round-shaped in the other two species. In conclusion, our data suggest that males from the three studied species did not present reproductive latency during the most critical weather periods (dry and rainy months) in the metropolitan region of Brasilia, Brazil.     

Microclimate and activity of the lizard Angolosaurus skoogi on a dune slipface

The lizard Angolosaurus skoogi inhabits the surface and subsurface environments of sand dunes of the northern Namib Desert. We have related posture, locomotion, and other aspects of surface activity to the microclimate prevailing above and below the surface. Globe temperature was the best microclimatic correlate of surface activity. From our analysis, we concluded that surface thermoregulatory behaviour of A. skoogi is facultative, and aimed at maintaining a body temperature compatible with foraging and other obligatory surface activities.     

The life-cycle and seasonal abundance of Echinoparyphium montgomeriana n. sp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) in Natal,South Africa

A new species of Echinoparyphium, E. montgomeriana, is described from Durban, South Africa. Certain unusual aspects of its morphology are discussed. The adult fluke is a parasite of the alimentary tract of birds. Its larval stages are common parasites of freshwater snails belonging to the family Planor-bidae including Buiinus africanus,the intermediate host ofSchistosoma haematobium and S. mattheei in the area. These intra-molluscan stages are shown to have a seasonal transmission cycle.     

A bibliography on ticks and tick‐borne diseases in the countries of the Benelux (1567–1978)

Summary

Information published between 1567 and 1978 on this subject contains at least 223 titles. They cover medical and veterinary as well as biological aspects. Full bibliographical details of the publications are given. A subject index (to tick species, host species, and diseases transmitted) increases the availability of the data included. Some of the more interesting results of the study are discussed in a short introduction.     

Fluctuating fine-scale spatial genetic structure in the common shrews (Eulipotyphla,Mammalia)

The spatial genetic structure is a topical issue in the studies of various aspects of ecology and evolution. Using the multilocus autocorrelation method with hypervariable microsatellite genetic markers, we investigated a fine-scale pattern of genetic structure in 5 local populations of the common shrew Sorex araneus separated by distances of 300–1000 m (the Moscow chromosomal race). Spatial genetic autocorrelation analysis based on 5 microsatellite loci (expected heterozygosity >0.79) with 90 alleles revealed a consistent pattern of significant positive genetic structure. By testing the autocorrelation at multiple scales from 25 to 500 m, we found that positive spatial genetic structure is detectable in distance classes of <500 m. The weaker spatial genetic structure positively correlated with a higher ratio of nonresident individuals to residents’ activity (number of captures). In contrast to nonresident animals, the residents demonstrated prominent genetic structure. Genetic difference (F_ST) between the populations was significant (0.016–0.051) and comparable with that between populations of different races analyzed previously (0.016–0.038). F_ST was not associated with geographic distance. These demographic patterns allowed us to propose a scheme of genetic-structure dynamics involving periodic appearance of more related local groups and renewal of allelic profiles from а common pool where the alleles are mixed. The scheme predicts fluctuating genetic structure and random similar differences among local populations.     

Cranial features of the spotted seal, Phoca largha, in the Nemuro Strait, considering age effects

Cranial features (development, individual variation, and sexual dimorphism) were examined from the 23 metrical characters and 2 nonmetrical characters (the degree of closure of the 9 cranial sutures and the presence of sagittal crest) in the two spotted seal specimen groups at the Nemuro Strait, Hokkaido. One specimen group was incidentally taken in the salmon trap nets between 1982 and 1983 (n = 70), and the other was randomly sampled by damage control kill between 1997 and 1998 (n = 82). The development of morphometrical characters of skulls ceased at 5.6, 10.7, 7.9, and 11.9 yr. old, for 1982-83 male, 1982-83 female, 1997-98 male and 1997-98 female, respectively. The sutures were half ankylosed till approximately 10 yr. old in both sexes. The sagittal crest began from about 5 yr. old in male. Individual variation of skull was large in the feeding, breathing, and facial-expression apparatus. On the other hand, the variation of braincase, and skull concerning to the movement of head/neck tended to be small. Only 1997-98 specimens exhibited a sexual dimorphism in skull characters except for the braincase, whereas the dimorphism was not found in 1982-83 specimens. We could not detect the significant difference between two specimen groups, although there were a few differences in characters related to the rostrum and mandible.     

Observations on demodectic mange in dogs

Abstract— A brief review of the literature on various aspects of demodicosis in dogs is followed by a suggested pathogenesis. Some of the effects of Demodex on hosts other than dogs are then mentioned. Reasons why Demodex canis is easily destroyed in vitro but not in vivo are put forward. Finally it is proposed that demodicosis is capable of eradication in pedigree dogs.     

Blue sheep in the Annapurna Conservation Area,Nepal: habitat use,population biomass and their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopards

The Himalaya region of Nepal provides a habitat for the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its principal prey species, the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). The aim of this study was to describe the habitat, the distribution and the population structure of blue sheep, and to estimate their contribution to the carrying capacity of snow leopard in the upper Mustang region of Nepal. Blue sheep were recorded at altitudes from 3209–5498 m on slopes with gradients of 16–60° and aspects of 40°NE to 140°SE. A total of 939 blue sheep were counted in the upper Mustang region, and 98 were counted in the Yak Kharka region of Manang district; however, upper Mustang had the lowest population density of blue sheep recorded within their distribution range in Nepal (0.86 blue sheep/km²). The results of the study show that a higher density of blue sheep is associated with greater plant species diversity. The most important species present in the blue sheep habitat were Kobresia pygmaea, Artemesia spp., Lonicera spp., Lancea tibetica, Poa spp., Astragalus spp. and Ephedra gerardiana. It is estimated that the existing blue sheep population biomass of approximately 38 925 kg in the upper Mustang region could support approximately 19 snow leopards (1.6 snow leopards/100 km²).     

Anatomopathological aspects of avian aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, in particular A. fumigatus and A. flavus. This paper focuses on anatomopathological aspects resulting from a chronic infection from Aspergillus spp in the chicken (Gallus domesticus), in the herring gull (Larus cachinnans micaelli) and in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa). Microscopically, we observed some histological lesions that are related to the two typical forms of Aspergillosis: a deep nodular form, typical of organs with a non-aerated parenchyma, and a non-encapsulated superficial diffuse form typical of the serosae and the lung. The observed forms of aspergillosis have been found in animals raised in poor hygienic environmental conditions or malnourished animals (chicken); in wild birds from wildlife recovery centres (herring gull), which underwent some forms of stress, such as traumas, detention, starvation, extended antibiotic treatments; in game birds (red-legged partridge) used for restocking natural areas that had been negatively affected by such stressors as captivity in aviaries, containment and transport in cages, release in unsuitable environments and malnutrition. The observed anatomopathological and istopathological aspects can therefore be regarded as the outcome of a number of factors that have reduced the typical resistance of the species and impaired the efficiency of their immune systems.     

Shape differences of the Carina sterni in birds of various locomotion types

The anatomy of the sternum in birds varies according to their habitats and type of locomotion. In particular, the carina sterni manifest different shape variations. In this study, the shape of the carina sterni was investigated by means of geometric morphometrics. Birds of different types of locomotion were used in the study: flying, swimming, and terrestrial. Ducks and chickens show a wider variety of shapes. Pigeons are the species with the least differences. The margo cranialis carinae in a turkey is the flattest compared to other species. In chickens, the apex carinae is more caudally than the base of the carina sterni. The margo cranialis of the carina sterni in ducks is concave. The differences in centroid size and shape differences between species collectively are statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The most distinct shape contrast is between the duck and turkey (p: 0.0003). Form differences between the ducks and geese as well as between the chicken and turkey are statistically insignificant. There is less variation in the shape of the carina sterni among avian species representing the same type of locomotion. Although there are many comparative morphological and morphometric studies of birds, shape analysis studies revealing the interspecific differences and similarities of the sternum are very limited. Morphology of the carina sterni can be useful in taxonomic investigations.