A vasectomy technique for Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Bats in captivity reproduce well and contraceptive techniques are needed. In initial attempts at vasectomy using a prescrotal approach, it was difficult to identify the mesoductus deferens. The technique described here uses a scrotal approach with exteriorization of the testis, followed by identification and ligation of the mesoductus deferens. Nine Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) underwent vasectomy for this study. No postoperative complications were seen (n = 18 testes), but some of the testes (5/18, 27%), which previously moved freely from the scrotum to the abdominal cavity, were still adhered to the scrotal sac 14 mo postoperatively. This technique appears safe, is fast, and is relatively easy to perform.     

Population pharmacokinetics of methadone hydrochloride after a single intramuscular administration in adult Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon nippon)

ObjectiveTo assess the population pharmacokinetics of methadone in deer.Study designProspective non-randomized experimental trial.AnimalsTwelve healthy adult sika deer (nine males and three females).MethodsDeer received intramuscular administration of racemic methadone hydrochloride at 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ or 1 mg kg⁻¹. Plasma methadone and its metabolite 2-Ethylidene-1,5-Dimethyl-3,3-Diphenyl-Pyrolidine (EDDP) concentrations were determined by validated liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry methods, at times 0, 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours. Population pharmacokinetics analysis was undertaken using a non-linear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM).ResultsA two-compartment linear disposition model best described observed time-concentration profiles of methadone and EDDP. Population parameter estimates of methadone were elimination clearance (17.3 L hour⁻¹), metabolic clearance (34.6 L hour⁻¹), volume of distribution of compartment 1 (216.0 L) and volume of distribution of compartment 2 (384.0 L). Population parameter estimates of EDDP were elimination clearance (121.0 L hour⁻¹), volume of distribution of compartment 3 (1.08 L) and volume of distribution of compartment 4 (499.5 L). The total clearance and total volume of distribution of methadone and EDDP were 51.9 L hour⁻¹, 121.0 L hour ⁻¹, 600.0 L and 500.6 L, respectively. The methadone terminal elimination half-life was 8.19 hours. No adverse effects were observed after methadone administration.Conclusions and Clinical relevanceFollowing intramuscular injection, methadone was characterized by a large total volume of distribution, high systemic clearance and intermediate terminal half-life in sika deer.     

Experimental infection of Mytilus edulis by two Vibrio splendidus-related strains: Determination of pathogenicity level of strains and influence of the origin and annual cycle of mussels on their sensitivity

This study aimed at assessing the pathogenicity of two Vibrio splendidus-related species and evaluating the influence of the origin and annual life cycle of mussels on their sensitivity during a bacterial challenge. Thus, in vivo infection assays were made with Vibrio crassostreae 7T4_12 and Vibrio splendidus 3G1_6, over, respectively, thirteen and 9 months, on adult blue mussels from five recruitment areas in France. Two bacterial concentrations were tested: one consistent with the loads of Vibrio spp. in environment and mussel tissues (~10⁵ CFU/ml) and another one much higher (~10⁸ CFU/ml). The tested environmental concentration has no pathogenic effect whatever the time of year, the strain used and the origin of mussels. However, at the highest concentration, a pathogenic effect was observed only at specific moments, and one of the origins appeared to be more resistant. The physiological state of mussels—depending on the time of year—seemed significant in mussels’ sensitivity, as their recruitment origin. This study is the first to test the pathogenicity of V. splendidus-related strains at concentrations close to what is found in the wild, over the annual cycle of mussels, and considering their origin.     

Chondrite barium, neodymium, and samarium isotopic heterogeneity and early Earth differentiation

Isotopic variability in barium, neodymium, and samarium in carbonaceous chondrites reflects the distinct stellar nucleosynthetic contributions to the early solar system. We used 148Nd/144Nd to correct for the observed s-process deficiency, which produced a chondrite 146Sm-142Nd isochron consistent with previous estimates of the initial solar system abundance of 146Sm and a 142Nd/144Nd at average chondrite Sm/Nd ratio that is lower than that measured in terrestrial rocks by 21 +/- 3 parts per million. This result strengthens the conclusion that the deficiency in 142Nd in chondrites relative to terrestrial rocks reflects 146Sm decayand earlyplanetary differentiation processes.     

Traumatic elbow luxation repair in a common squirrel monkey (Saimiri Sciureus) and a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata).

Traumatic elbow luxation was diagnosed in a common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata). In the common squirrel monkey, the luxation was complicated by an ulnar fracture and would not stay reduced when attempts at closed reduction were made. The luxation was surgically reduced and a transarticular type I external skeletal fixator was placed. In the bonnet macaque, closed reduction was performed and the elbow was stabilized using a cast. Both monkeys regained good function of the injured elbows.     

Isolation and characterisation of equine influenza viruses (H3N8) from Europe and North America from 2008 to 2009

Like other influenza A viruses, equine influenza virus undergoes antigenic drift. It is therefore essential that surveillance is carried out to ensure that recommended strains for inclusion in vaccines are kept up to date. Here we report antigenic and genetic characterisation carried out on equine influenza virus strains isolated in North America and Europe over a 2-year period from 2008 to 2009. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from equines showing acute clinical signs and submitted to diagnostic laboratories for testing and virus isolation in eggs. The sequence of the HA1 portion of the viral haemagglutinin was determined for each strain. Where possible, sequence was determined directly from swab material as well as from virus isolated in eggs. In Europe, 20 viruses were isolated from 15 sporadic outbreaks and 5 viruses were isolated from North America. All of the European and North American viruses were characterised as members of the Florida sublineage, with similarity to A/eq/Lincolnshire/1/07 (clade 1) or A/eq/Richmond/1/07 (clade 2). Antigenic characterisation by haemagglutination inhibition assay indicated that the two clades could be readily distinguished and there were also at least seven amino acid differences between them. The selection of vaccine strains for 2010 by the expert surveillance panel have taken these differences into account and it is now recommended that representatives of both Florida clade 1 and clade 2 are included in vaccines.     

Waxy durum and fat differ in their actions as improvers of bread quality

Fat is commonly added to bakery products to improve eating qualities and extend shelf life. Flour milled from waxy durum grain was incorporated into bread formulations and its effects on crumb softness and loaf volume compared to those of added fat. Low levels of fat (0.1-0.3% of flour weight) softened the bread crumb and increased loaf volume. Most of the softening effects were evident in the crown of the loaves protruding above the tin and a high proportion of the reduction in compression was associated with increased volume. Loaves baked with waxy durum flour were softer than those baked with fat and the softening effects were evident both in the crown of the loaf and at its base where it had been confined within the tin. Waxy durum flour reduces compression independently of increased volume. It is suggested waxy durum flour acts by slowing the migration of water from the gluten phase to the starch phase so maintaining the level of mobile water in the gluten where it acts as a plasticiser. Independent organoleptic assessment of bread quality baked with combinations of waxy durum and fat confirmed the quality enhancing effects of waxy durum flour.     

Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft

A greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) presented for presumed ocular trauma to the left eye, with secondary bacterial infection, resulting in severe and progressive corneal ulceration. Following a poor response to medical therapy, the animal was anesthetized for further examination, and a bulbar conjunctival pedicle graft performed. This graft failed by 48-h postsurgery as a result of self-trauma. The animal was re-anesthetized, and a free island tarsoconjunctival graft performed. This second procedure was successful, resulting in globe preservation, cosmesis, and functional vision in the affected eye.     

Changes in Salt Solubility and Microstructure of Proteins from Herring ( Clupea harengus ) after pH-Shift Processing

Salt solubility of pH-shift isolated herring ( Clupea harengus ) muscle proteins was studied in relation to pH exposure and microstructure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Using protein solubilization at pH 11.2 with subsequent precipitation at pH 5.5, salt solubility of the proteins decreased from 78 to 17%. By precipitating the alkali-solubilized proteins at the pH of native herring muscle, 6.5, salt solubility only decreased to 59%, proving that pH values between 6.5 and 5.5 affected protein salt solubility more than the pH cycle 6.5 → 11.2 → 6.5. Precipitation at pH 5.5 resulted in hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and S-S bridges, whereas precipitation at pH 6.5 resulted only in the formation of hydrophobic interactions. The alkaline pH-shift isolation process severely rearranged the protein microstructure, with precipitation at pH 6.5 forming a finer, more homogeneous network than precipitation at pH 5.5. The former protein isolate also contained less lipid oxidation products and formed more deformable gels, without affecting protein yield.