亚洲黑熊(Ursusthibetanus)血型检测

本试验旨在分析亚洲黑熊（Ursusthibetanus）是否具有不同血型。采集中国福建省的40只亚洲黑熊全血样本,使用试管法检测黑熊的血型抗原及血型抗体,抗体的同种型使用2-巯基乙醇鉴定,并对黑熊血浆进行质谱分析。4只黑熊的血浆中检出抗体,该抗体可能是IgM型,可凝集30只亚洲黑熊的红细胞。10只亚洲黑熊血液使用人类血型试剂检测,4只黑熊具有类似人类O型血型,6只具有类似人类B型血型。质谱结果显示,黑熊血清蛋白与大熊猫（Ailuropodamelanoleuca）血清类白蛋白同型异构体1（serum albumin-like isoform 1）有很高同源性。上述结果提示,亚洲黑熊具有至少1个血型系统,该系统至少具有2种血型。如果患病黑熊需要接受输血治疗,交叉配血试验是必需的。此外,在紧急情况下,大熊猫可接受亚洲黑熊血液。     

亚洲黑熊主要组织相容性复合体DQA及DRB基因外显子2多态性分析

试验旨在分析亚洲黑熊主要组织相容性复合体(major histocompatibility complex,MHC) DQA和DRB基因外显子2多态性。采用PCR扩增和克隆测序等方法对来自云南地区的40只亚洲黑熊DNA样本进行研究。结果发现,在40只亚洲黑熊样本中检测出了9个DQA外显子2等位基因和13个DRB外显子2等位基因,和大熊猫相比,亚洲黑熊在DQA和DRB基因外显子2位点上有较高的多态性。通过对推导出的氨基酸序列抗原结合位点的同义替换和非同义替换的比较,证明了DQA和DRB位点的平衡选择作用。     

我国犬瘟热病毒的生态学调查研究

本研究应用电子显微镜技术检查了１７个毛皮动物和野生动物的６７６份材料,从犬,貂,貉,狐熊,小熊猫,大熊猫,狼,狮,虎,猞狮、金猫等１２种动物病料中,检出含有ＣＤＶ材料４８７份。应用间接ＥＬＩＳＡ、免疫荧光和中和试验等技术检测了８种动物１５８份血清,其中从犬,狐,小熊猫、虎、金猫,狼等６种动物的１０６份血清中检出了抗ＣＤＶ抗体。应用ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ和基因探针检查了４种动物的３７份材料,其中有２９份阳性。     

Comparative anatomy of the radial sesamoid bone in the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

Since we have clarified the manipulation mechanism using the radial sesamoid (RS) in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), our aim in this study is to examine the position, shape and function of the RS morphologically, and to observe the attachment to the RS of the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in the other Ursidae species. So, we focused on the carpus and manus of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in this study. The RS was tightly articulated to the radial carpal, and could not adduct-abduct independently of the radial carpal. The M. abductor pollicis longus tendon and the M. opponens pollicis belly were attached to the RS, independently. In the polar bear, the deep concave and the flat surface were confirmed in attachment area for these two muscles. The morphological relationship between the RS and the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in the two species of bears were essentially consistent with that in the giant panda. It also demonstrated that the manipulation mechanism of the giant panda has been completely based on the functional relationship between the small RS, and the M. abductor pollicis longus and the M. opponens pollicis in Ursidae species.     

Mobility of the forearm skeleton in the Asiatic black (Ursus thibetanus), brown (U. arctos) and polar (U. maritimus) bears

In several primates and carnivores, pronation/supination angles of the forearm skeleton were examined, and it is thought that a larger angle is useful to acquire dexterous behaviors in feeding and/or life style, including climbing. In this study, the pronation/supination angles in Asiatic black, brown and polar bears were nondestructively examined. These specimens were classified as adult or non-adult. Three or four carcasses of each group of Asiatic black and brown bears were used for CT analysis, whereas only one adult polar bear was used. The forearms were positioned within the gantry of a CT scanner in both maximally supinated and pronated states. Extracted cross-sectional CT images of two positions were superimposed by overlapping the outlines of each ulna. The centroids of the radii were detected, and then the centroid of each radius and the midpoint of a line which connects between both ends of the surface of each radius facing the ulna, were connected by lines to measure the angle of rotation as an index of pronation/supination. In adult brown and polar bears, the angles were smaller as compared with the other groups (Asiatic black and non-adult brown bears). Asiatic black and non-adult brown bears can climb trees, whereas adult brown bears and polar bears cannot. This suggests that the pronation/supination angle is related to arboreal activity in Ursidae.     

Assessing the Illegal Bear Trade in Myanmar Through Conversations With Poachers: Topology,Perceptions, and Trade Links to China

Myanmar is home to Asiatic black bears and sun bears. We gained insight into illegal hunting and trade of these species in and out of Myanmar through conversations with 40 self-declared bear poachers. All respondents were males who typically killed or caught one to three bears a year, mostly by setting snares. There was a preference for Asiatic black bear. Perceptions were that bears were less abundant now than 5 years ago, but it was not more arduous to obtain one. Most poachers (75%) consumed less valuable parts and sold the remainder, whereas others trapped only to sell. Preferred tradable parts were gall bladder, meat, and paws. Chinese nationals or Burmese of Chinese descent were mentioned as playing key roles (ordering, buying, selling) in trade. Instead of focusing on poachers, we recommend that authorities focus on disrupting trade networks and markets. Cooperation with neighboring countries, especially China, is needed to stem the flow of bear parts.     

Serial Transrectal Ultrasonography for Monitoring the Reproductive Activity of the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus ussuricus)

This study evaluated the structural changes in the reproductive tract of Asiatic black bears using serial transrectal ultrasonography. In addition, the ultrasonographic observations were compared with the results of vaginal cytology and hormonal analyses. The collection of blood for hormonal analysis, vaginal cytology and transrectal ultrasonography was performed in two bears (Bears 1 and 2) from June 2011 to August 2013 without mating and in a third bear (Bear 3) from April to December 2012, allowing natural mating. Serial ultrasonographic observations showed cyclic changes in ovarian structures (e.g. emergence of small follicles, growth and ovulation of dominant follicles and corpus luteum (CL) formation) during the reproductive cycles of the three bears. The diameter of the uterine horns remained similar throughout the reproductive cycle in Bears 1 and 2, and it remained similar from April until October, but an enlargement containing foetuses was observed in Bear 3 in December. The ultrasonographic observations were consistent with the data obtained through vaginal cytology and progesterone analysis during the reproductive cycle. An average of 4.0 (±0.4) dominant follicles was observed during the oestrous stage (May‐August), during which the superficial cells accounted for >90% of the total vaginal cells. In addition, the detection of an average of 2.6 (±0.2) CL was associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations (3.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml) between June and December (near hibernation). In conclusion, serial transrectal ultrasonography demonstrated yearly oestrous (ovulation) cycles via follicular dynamics and CL formation on ovaries, accordingly with vaginal cytology and hormonal level in the Asiatic black bear.     

Trypanosoma evansi infections in Himalayan black bears (Selenarctos thibetanus).

The Asiatic or Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) is an endangered species. In South Asian countries, captive tamed Himalayan bears are commonly used by roving bear-charmers to entertain the people in rural and urban areas. In captivity, this species confronts several psychophysical traumas and communicable diseases, which are prevalent in other domestic species. The present report describes four cases of Trypanosoma evansi infection in live Himalayan charming bears, which originated from the Faisalabad and Jhang districts of Pakistan. The condition was characterized by pyrexia, accelerated pulse, tachypnea, depression, anemic mucous membranes, and ataxia (n = 3). Microscopic examination of peripheral blood films revealed moderate (n = 2) or high (n = 2) numbers of T. evansi. All four bears were treated twice at 3-day intervals with suramin sodium by using almost twice the dosage recommended for common domestic animals (10 mg/kg). The treated bears were found aparasitemic on repeat blood testing on days 5, 7, and 10 post-treatment. No adverse effects were noted and all four cases recovered in 3-7 days after completion of the second round of treatment. One bear died 8 days after the second treatment (day 11). This is the first report of T. evansi in bears.     

Quantifying landscape linkages among giant panda subpopulations in regional scale conservation

Understanding habitat requirements and identifying landscape linkages are essential for the survival of isolated populations of endangered species. Currently, some of the giant panda populations are isolated, which threatens their long-term survival, particularly in the Xiaoxiangling mountains. In the present study, we quantified niche requirements and then identified potential linkages of giant panda subpopulations in the most isolated region, using ecological niche factor analysis and a least-cost path model. Giant pandas preferred habitat with conifer forest and gentle slopes (>20 to ≤30°). Based on spatial distribution of suitable habitat, linkages were identified for the Yele subpopulation to 4 other subpopulations (Liziping, Matou, Xinmin and Wanba). Their lengths ranged from 15 to 54 km. The accumulated cost ranged from 693 to 3166 and conifer forest covered over 31%. However, a variety of features (e.g. major roads, human settlements and large unforested areas) might act as barriers along the linkages for giant panda dispersal. Our analysis quantified giant panda subpopulation connectivity to ensure long-term survival.     

大熊猫蛔虫ITS及5.8SrDNA序列的克隆与分析

基于核糖体DNA第一与第二转录间隔序列以及5.8S序列,以分离自广州动物园大熊猫体内的蛔虫为研究对象,用保守引物NC_5和NC_2对核糖体DNA（rDNA）的内转录间隔区ITS-1,ITS-2及5.8S序列进行PCR扩增,扩增后的片段纯化后克隆至pGEM-Teasy载体,重组质粒通过菌液PCR鉴定后,对阳性菌落进行序列测定及分析,鉴定大熊猫蛔虫的种类。结果显示,目的片段总长为910 bp,2个不同样品之间的ITS及5.8S序列没有差异,与GenBank~（TM）中的拜林蛔线虫（Baylisascaris transfuga）、猪蛔虫（Ascaris suum）和人蛔虫（Ascaris lumbricoides）的ITS序列相似性分别为96.6%、82.9%和82.7%。结果表明,此次分离的大熊猫蛔线虫可能为拜林蛔线虫。     

大熊猫犬冠状病毒的分离与鉴定

以犬肾传代细胞(MDCK)从1只病死大熊猫肝脏中分离到1株病毒,命名为DXMV。电镜观察磷钨酸负染的病毒细胞培养物，发现冠状病毒样粒子，超薄切片上可见细胞浆内病毒包涵体。理化学和生物学鉴定结果表明，DXMV核酸类型为RNA，对氯仿、乙醚敏感，可耐受1％胰蛋白酶的作用，具有一定的耐酸性和耐热性，可在MDCK、FCWF、F81细胞中增殖，无血凝性和血吸附特性。血清中和试验结果表明，DXMV可被犬冠状病毒阳性血清中和。采用犬冠状病毒间接荧光抗体法染色DXMV细胞飞片，可在细胞浆内见到特异性荧光。以冠状病毒通用引物和犬冠状病毒特异性引物，可从大熊猫肝脏和不同代次的病毒细胞培养物中扩增出与预期值251bp和515bp大小相同的核苷酸片段。由此说明，该病毒为犬冠状病毒，大熊猫可被犬冠状病毒感染。     

Effects of nutritional status on hormone concentrations of the somatotropin axis and metabolites in plasma and colostrum of Japanese Black cows

We aimed to determine the effects of nutritional status on concentrations of somatotropic axis hormones (growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)), insulin and metabolites (glucose, total protein and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA)) in the plasma and colostrum in late antepartum cows. Eight pregnant Japanese Black cows were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n = 4 per group). Control cows (CON) received 100% of their nutritional requirements until parturition, whereas restricted group cows (RES) received 60% of their nutritional requirements. Blood samples were taken during the antepartum period, and blood and colostrum samples were collected on days 0, 1, and 3 after calving. Compared to the CON group, the RES group had higher concentrations of GH and NEFA in plasma, but significantly lower concentrations of glucose and insulin in plasma. The concentrations of GH in plasma after calving were significantly higher, but total plasma protein was significantly lower in RES than in CON cows. Compared to the CON group, the RES group had significantly higher concentrations of GH in colostrum, but significantly lower total concentrations of protein in colostrum. Concentrations of IGF‐1 were not different between the two groups. These findings suggest that maternal nutritional status during late gestation influences concentrations of GH and total protein in the blood and colostrum of Japanese Black cows.     

Exposure as an Intervention to Address Human Fear of Bears

People who live in brown bear areas often fear encounters with these animals. This article evaluated the potential effect of exposure to bears and their habitats on human fear of brown bears using the modeling of appropriate behavior when close to bears. In a within-subject design, 25 persons who reported to be fearful of brown bears participated in a guided walk approaching approximately 50 m of a brown bear in its daybed and in a guided forest walk in bear habitat. The presentation order was reversed for half of the group. The participants reported significantly reduced feelings of fear after the bear walk, but not after the forest walk. There were no corresponding significant effects for the experimental measures of fear-related responses. The results partially support the notion that exposure to the object of fear, such as a bear habitat with presence of a bear, might be a feasible intervention to reduce peoples’ feeling of fear, but the design of the intervention must be developed further before it can be used in practice.     

大熊猫白内障手术临床研究

目的探讨大熊猫白内障摘除合并人工晶体植入手术技术。结果发现大熊猫白内障的晶体核硬度大,超声乳化吸除有困难;由于人与大熊猫眼球解剖结构有差异,人用人工晶体不适合大熊猫。结论需要对较大量的大熊猫进行无创性眼球检测,了解其眼睛的屈光状态和晶状体的屈光度,才能为研制大熊猫专用的人工晶体提供科学的依据。     

Aujeszky's disease in captive bears

Five of eight bears died during an outbreak of Aujeszky's disease in a travelling circus in the north of Spain. The bears had been fed on a diet which included raw pigs' heads. One of three Himalayan bears and a Kodiak bear died acutely with signs of the disease. One of four polar bears died acutely without signs, another died with signs of Aujeszky's disease while it was being treated, and a third died with enteritis and disseminated intestinal coagulation some time later without showing signs of the disease. A fourth polar bear recovered from the same gastrointestinal problem without showing signs of the disease. Although one of the two surviving Himalayan bears showed some signs referrable to Aujeszky's disease, the results of tests for neutralising antibodies were negative. Two of the polar bears, the Himalayan bear and the Kodiak bear were examined postmortem and three of them were examined histologically. No lesions referable to Aujeszky's disease were found. The tissues from one female polar bear were examined and shown to be positive for Aujeszky's disease virus by virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction, electron microscopy and fluorescent antibody tests. The DNA of the isolate was shown to be similar to that of the strains of the virus circulating in pigs in northern Spain some years earlier.     

Corridor connecting giant panda habitats from north to south in the Min Mountains,Sichuan, China

The giant panda faces severe threats from habitat fragmentation and isolation. Currently, giant panda populations have been fragmented into 30 habitat patches. The disappearance of isolated small populations and studies on the genetic diversity of various populations have shown that small isolated panda populations are at a high risk of dying out completely. Habitat fragmentation has seriously impaired the ability of the giant panda to resist climate changes and other natural disasters, such as large‐scale, synchronous bamboo blooming. The Min Mountains have the largest population of pandas in China, numbering 581 individuals and accounting for 52% of the total (1114) in China. Geographic isolation means that giant pandas in the Min Mountains are divided into two populations (population A in the north and population B in the south). Population B, which had only 42 individuals in 1989, is severely threatened by high‐density human populations and the loss of genetic diversity. However, we have identified an important corridor connecting the two populations. This paper explains the importance and the feasibility of reestablishing this corridor. Due to the special geographic locations of these two populations (two rivers block the migration of giant pandas between south and north), the corridor is the only passage for giant pandas in the region. Recent studies have also shown an increase of giant panda activity in the area of the corridor. However, vegetation in the corridor has been severely degraded. Bamboo forest must be restored in this area to provide food for the pandas during migration. The effects of human activities must be reduced in order to maintain panda habitat. We believe that a restored corridor will be of great benefit to the survival of giant pandas in the Min Mountains, especially for population B. Successful re‐establishment of a corridor will be a valuable model for corridor construction in the future.     

大熊猫医疗管理培训

大熊猫的医疗管理培训是培训大熊猫完成一些配合医疗行为的动作,以减少大熊猫的紧张感、降低大熊猫的麻醉风险、增加人员与动物的安全以及增进饲养员与大熊猫之间的感情,并依照大熊猫的特殊习性和能力设计的课程。大熊猫医疗管理培训是以大熊猫医学检查为目的,选择响板作为确认信号,以正面奖赏的方式进行确认训练,抓住培训时机,培训大熊猫在非麻醉状态下进行采血、徒手肌肉注射、腹部超声波等医学检查,做到及时性和累积性奖赏,确保人和大熊猫的安全,该培训在中国保护大熊猫研究中心取得了良好的效果。     

秦岭亚成体大熊猫在野化培训基地适应期的行为观察

采用聚焦动物取样法和扫描取样法记录观察3只秦岭亚成体大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)在秦岭佛坪野化培训基地早期适应过程中的行为,依据拟定的行为类型在观察数据中随机筛选出有效记录并进行相关统计,结果表明:3只大熊猫白天的活动时间远远大于其在圈养环境下的活动时间,行为的多样性明显增大,食物期待、刻板行为大大减少;它们对集体的依赖程度随着时间的推移也越来越小,并且有分开的趋势;3只大熊猫在对环境逐渐熟悉适应之后,休息地点从圈舍周围、栖架向山坡及山坡顶部逐渐转移,各自的休息地点也相对固定。     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under field conditions in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) rescued from illegal bile farming in Vietnam

Nine adult Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) previously rescued from illegal bile farming in Vietnam were examined via abdominal ultrasound and exploratory laparoscopy for liver and gall bladder pathology. Three bears demonstrated notable gall bladder pathology, and minimally invasive cholecystectomies were performed using an open laparoscopic access approach, standard 10 to 12 mmHg carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and a four-port technique. A single bear required insertion of an additional 5 mm port and use of a flexible liver retractor due to the presence of extensive adhesions between the gall bladder and quadrate and left and right medial liver lobes. The cystic duct was dissected free and this and the cystic artery were ligated by means of extracorporeal tied Meltzer knot sutures. The gall bladder was dissected free of the liver by blunt and sharp dissection, aided by 3.8 MHz monopolar radiosurgery. Bears that have had open abdominal cholecystectomies are reported as taking four to six weeks before a return to normal activity postoperatively. In contrast, these bears demonstrated rapid unremarkable healing, and were allowed unrestricted access to outside enclosures to climb trees, swim and interact normally with other bears within seven days of surgery.     

Insulin-like growth factor-I as a follicular growth promoter during early pregnancy in thoroughbred mares

To elucidate the physiological role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during early pregnancy in mares, number of ovarian follicles was monitored ultrasonically during different stages of the first trimester of pregnancy in 36 thoroughbred mares. From 9 of 36 mares, blood samples were collected weekly from the mating day till the end of the first trimester of pregnancy and plasma IGF-I profiles were examined with other hormones, like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), ir-inhibin, progesterone and estradiol-17beta. Plasma IGF-I level fluctuated throughout the studied period with four peaks on the 7th, 28th, 49th and 84th days of pregnancy. Plasma IGF-I showed a positive correlation with plasma FSH (P<0.05), whereas no correlation was found with other hormones during the studied period. Plasma IGF-I had no correlation with the foetal size, but positive correlation with the number of large (> 30 mm) and medium (10-30 mm) follicles. These results suggested that IGF-I might produce from the medium and large follicles during early pregnancy and promote to develop their growth via pituitary FSH mediated effects in the mares.