Anatomical features of some bones of the forelimbs of lions (Panthera leo) / Características anatómicas de algunos huesos de los miembros torácicos de leones (Panthera leo)

SUMMARY: We studied the bones of forelimb of four adult lions (Panthera leo) of both sexes to record the gross anatomical and morphometrical features of the scapula, humerus, radius and ulna. We observed some unique anatomical features that will be helpful for radiographic interpretation and forensic investigations. The lateral surface of scapula was unequally divided into supraspinous (fossa supraspinata) and infraspinous fossa (fossa infraspinata) by a well developed spine (spina scapulae). The acromion process was subdivided into suprahamate process (processus suprahamatus)and hamate process (processus hamatus); the later one was over hanged the glenoid cavity (cavitas glenoidalis), but the supraglenoid tubercle (tuberculum supraglenoidalis) was absent. The shaft (diaphysis) of humerus was compressed craniocaudally in proximal part, rounded to oval in middle part and compressed mediolaterally in distal part. A long, narrow supracondyloid foramen was found at distal limb just above the medial epicondyle (epicondylus medialis) which didn't connect the radial fossa (fossa radialis) with the olecranon fossa (fossa olecrani). The radius and ulna were twin bones where radius was articulated craniolateral to the ulna proximally and craniomedial to the ulna distally. However, the ulna was the longest bone in the forelimb of lion. The olecranon tuberosity of this bone had three prominences - two were cranially, whereas the caudal one was the largest and rounded. Distally projected styloid processes (processus styloideus) were found in the distal limb of both radius and ulna.

RESUMEN: Estudiamos los huesos de las miembros torácicos de cuatro leones adultos (Panthera leo) de ambos sexos para registrar las características anatómicas y morfométricas macroscópicas de la escápula, el húmero, el radio y la ulna. Se observaron algunas características anatómicas únicas que serán útiles para la interpretación radiográfica y las investigaciones forenses. La superficie lateral de la escápula se dividió de manera desigual en fosa supraespinosa y fosa infraspinosa por una columna bien desarrollada (espina de la escápula). El proceso del acromion se subdividió en proceso suprahamato (processus suprahamatus) y proceso hamato (processus hamatus); el tubérculo supraglenoideo (tuberculum supraglenoidalis) estaba ausente. La diáfisis (diafisis) del húmero estaba comprimida craneocaudalmente en la parte proximal, redondeada a ovalada en la parte media y comprimida mediolateralmente en la parte distal. Se encontró un foramen supracondileo largo y estrecho en la extremidad distal, por encima del epicóndilo medial (epicondylus medilaris) que no conectaba la fosa radial (fosa radial) con la fosa olecraneana (fossa olecrani). El radio y la ulna eran huesos idénticos en los que el radio se articulaba craneolateral a la ulna proximalmente, y craneomedial a la ulna distalmente. Sin embargo, la ulna era el hueso más largo del miembro torácico del león. La tuberosidad del olécranon de este hueso tenía tres prominencias: dos eran craneales, mientras que la caudal era la más grande y redondeada. Se encontraron procesos estiloides proyectados distalmente (processus styloideus) en la extremidades distales del radio y la ulna.

The Situation of Cancer Treatment in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities

BACKGROUND: Less attention is given to cancer treatment and control in Ethiopia. METHODS: To investigate the challenges and opportunities facing cancer treatment services in Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was applied to recruit the study subjects from Black Lion Specialized Hospital Oncology Department. A semi-structured interview guide was used to investigate challenges and opportunities in oncology service in Ethiopia. Data was transcribed and coded by two independent coders and analyzed thematically in reference to the objectives. RESULTS: Fifteen professionals from four different disciplines were interviewed on opportunities and challenges facing cancer treatment in Ethiopia. Out of these respondents 3 were senior clinical oncologists while 4 individuals were senior oncology residents. The rest were 2 medical Physicists, 2 radiotherapy technologists and 4 oncology nurses. Majority (80%) of the respondents were males. We demonstrate that the challenges of cancer treatment service in Ethiopia emanate from the patients themselves, the administrating body, the professionals, and the technology limitations. In general, the result of this study was grouped under the following five themes: Customer-related challenges, provider-related challenges, facility-related challenges, technology-related challenges and the opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Several assignments are waiting for the policy makers, the professionals, the communities and other concerned bodies to combat the alarmingly growing burden of cancer in Ethiopia. Escalating the awareness of the general population about cancer, expanding well-developed diagnostic and treatment centers, and producing well-trained competent oncology professionals are the forefront challenges in combating cancer in Ethiopia.

Effect of High Myopia on Optic Nerve Head by Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy in Nepalese Eyes

PURPOSE: To compare parameters of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph [HRT] II) in high myopia with age- and sex-matched emmetropes. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Nepalese subjects aged 18 to 35 years at BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu from November 2015 to October 2016. Fifty consecutive subjects with high myopia (spherical equivalent ranging from −6.00 to −12.00 diopters) and age- and sex-matched emmetropic subjects were enrolled for comparison. Correlations between disc area and other HRT parameters, asymmetry between the right and left eyes, and comparisons between male and female subjects in both high myopic and emmetropic groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Disc area was not significantly (p = 0.11) larger in high myopic eyes than in emmetropic eyes. HRT parameters in highly myopic eyes involved smaller cup parameters and greater rim parameters compared with emmetropic eyes. Disc area was found to be significantly positively correlated with inter disc parameters and significantly negatively correlated with rim to disc area ratio in the high myopia group. Disc area and other intra-disc parameters showed significant correlations between right and left eyes in both high myopia and emmetropia, and no significant differences between males and females from a Nepalese population. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of HRT parameters in high myopic eyes involved smaller cup parameters and greater rim parameters compared with emmetropic eyes in a Nepalese population. The effect of disc area on HRT parameters differed significantly only in height variation contour by emmetropic eyes.

Molecular and Morphologic Identification of Spirometra ranarum Found in the Stool of African Lion, Panthera leo in the Serengeti Plain of Tanzania

The present study was performed with morphological and molecular analysis (cox1 and nad1 mitochondrial genes) to identify the proglottids of spirometrid tapeworm found in the stool of an African lion, Panthera leo, in the Serengeti plain of Tanzania. A strand of tapeworm strobila, about 75 cm in length, was obtained in the stool of a male African lion in the Serengeti National Park (34° 50′ E, 02° 30′ S), Tanzania, in February 2012. The morphological features of the adult worm examined exhibited 3 uterine coils with a bow tie appearance and adopted a diagonal direction in the second turn. The posterior uterine coils are larger than terminal uterine ball and the feature of uteri are swirling rather than spirally coiling. The sequence difference between the Spirometra species (Tanzania origin) and S. erinaceieuropaei (GenBank no. KJ599680) was 9.4% while those of S. decipiens (GenBank no. KJ599679) differed by 2.1% in the cox1 and nad1 genes. Phylogenetic tree topologies generated using the 2 analytic methods were identical and presented high level of confidence values for the 3 major branches of the 3 Spirometra species in the cox1 gene. The morphological and molecular findings obtained in this study were nearly coincided with those of S. ranarum. Therefore, we can know for the first time that the African lion, Panthera leo, is to the definitive host of this tapeworm.

Descripción anatómica de la musculatura intrínseca del miembro torácico de león (Panthera leo) / Anatomical description of the intrinsic muscle of thoracic limb of lion (Panthera leo)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo el describir la musculatura intrínseca del miembro torácico del león africano (Panthera leo). Para tal efecto se utilizó un ejemplar hembra, donado por el Zoológico Metropolitano de Santiago-Chile, fijado y conservado. La disección se llevó a cabo, de proximal a distal, considerando las cuatro regiones topográficas de dicho miembro: Cintura Escapular, Brazo, Antebrazo y Mano. Se discuten y comparan los hallazgos anatómicos observados, con lo descrito para el gato doméstico y trabajos realizados por otros autores en Ocelote (Leopardus pardalis), Puma (Puma concolor) y en la propia especie en estudio. La finalidad del presente trabajo fue aportar al conocimiento de la anatomía de especies exóticas, con proyección médico quirúrgica.

The objective of this study was to describe the intrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb of the African lion (Panthera leo). For this purpose a fixed and preserved female specimen donated by the Metropolitan Zoo in Santiago, Chile, was used. The dissection was carried out, from proximal to distal, considering the four topographical regions of that limb: Scapular girdle, arm, forearm and hand. Anatomical findings observed are discusses and compared to those described for the domestic cat and works by other authors in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), puma (Puma concolor) and the species under study. The purpose of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the anatomy of this exotic species, with medical and surgical projections.

Piometra em uma leoa (Panthera leo): relato de caso / Pyometra in a lion (Panthera leo): case report

A piometra é uma infecção aguda ou crônica do útero que ocorre frequentemente em cadelas não castradas, podendo também ocorrer em gatas domésticas e selvagens, sendo poucos os estudos relacionados à piometra em grandes felídeos. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever um caso de piometra em uma leoa (Panthera leo) de cativeiro, as lesões de necropsia e histológicas, bem como os resultados da análise microbiológica. Uma leoa com aproximadamente 23 anos, pertencente a um criadouro conservacionista de Santa Maria-RS, foi encontrada morta pela manhã em seu recinto. Após coleta de dados, procedeu-se à necropsia e à coleta de material para análise histopatológica e bacteriológica. A análise microbiológica revelou predomínio das bactérias Streptococcus sp. e Escherichia coli no conteúdo purulento do útero, caracterizando como piometra, e a bactéria predominante em plasma, fígado e medula óssea foi E. coli. De acordo com o laudo histopatológico, as alterações observadas nessa leoa sugerem um quadro de septicemia grave, sendo a origem do foco infeccioso bacteriano, provavelmente, a piometra. Considera-se importante chamar a atenção dos médicos veterinários de animais selvagens para um diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, que é comum em cadelas, mas que pode acometer também felídeos selvagens e levá-los à morte.

Pyometra is an acute or chronic uterus infection that occurs often in not spayed dogs, but may also occur in wild and domestic cats, and there are few studies related to pyometra in big cats. The aim of this report was to describe a case of pyometra in a lion (Panthera leo) in captivity, the gross and microscopic lesions found at necropsy, and the results of the microbiological analysis. A female with approximately 23 years of age, belonging to a Conservationist Breeding Center located in Santa Maria-RS-Brazil was found dead in her enclosure in the morning. After data collection, we proceeded to the autopsy and collection of material for histopathological and bacteriological analyzes. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of the bacteria Streptococcus sp and Escherichia coli in the uterus content, characterized as pyometra and the predominant bacterium in the plasma, liver and bone marrow was Escherichia coli. According to histopathology, the changes observed in this lioness suggest a framework of severe septicemia, being the source of the bacterial infection, probably, pyometra. It is considered important to draw the attention of zoo and wildlife veterinarians for an early diagnosis of this common disease in dogs, which can also affect large wild cats and lead them to death.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in an African lion cub (Panthera leo) and transmission to a zookeeper / 대한수의학회지

Dermatophytosis was found on the right front leg of a 4-month-old female African lion cub (Panthera leo) kept at a zoo with locally marginal alopecia. For diagnosis, culturing on sabouraud dextrose agar was performed and skin scrapings from the lesion were analyzed. The ones from the culture and skin scrapings were identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes. A zookeeper that had been in contacted with the lion for artificial rearing developed skin lesions with well-defined erythematous plaques on the right arm about 1 month after the lesion in the lion was observed. The ringworm was probably transmitted from the lion through continuous contact.

A Case of Tectonic Lamellar Corneal Patch Graft Using Acellular Cornea in Corneal Ulcer Perforation

PURPOSE: We report a case of tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue (Halo Sterile Cornea; Lions VisionGift, Portland, OR, USA) for treating a large corneal ulcer perforation CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old male previously treated for corneal ulcer was referred after presenting with decreased vision and abrupt tears in the right eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 0.025 (20/800) and slit-lamp examination showed collapsed anterior chamber and 2 x 2 mm corneal perforation with protruded iris at the peripheral cornea. Infiltration in superficial stroma was observed near the perforation. Despite conjunctival flap, the cornea showed leakage due to perforation. To preserve ocular integrity, the patient underwent tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue. After surgery, the corneal patch graft was well attached. Re-epithelialization occurred after 3 days. There was no recurrence of perforation or corneal graft melting. Visual acuity improved to 0.32 (20/63) after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue can be a useful treatment option in large corneal ulcer perforation located at the periphery.

Descripción anatómica de la inervación del miembro pélvico de león africano (Panthera leo) / Anatomical description of pelvic limb innervation of African lion (Panthera leo)

El león africano (Panthera leo) pertenece a la familia felidae del orden carnívora, corresponde a un depredador de gran tamaño, en Chile se encuentra únicamente en estado de cautiverio, sin embargo está presente en numerosos zoológicos. La preocupación e interés por el bienestar de estos animales ha aumentado, por lo cual, cada vez se realizan procedimientos médicos de mayor complejidad. Lo expuesto anteriormente genera la necesidad de profundizar los conocimientos anatómicos que existen de esta especie. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio anatómico detallado de la inervación del miembro pélvico del león y describir sus relaciones topográficas con el sistema músculo esquelético y vascular. Se disecó un cadáver de león hembra, adulta, presentando la descripción según las regiones topográficas: región del cíngulo miembro pélvico, región femoral, región crural y región del pie. Se realizó un registro fotográfico de las disecciones, el cual fue complementada con ilustraciones anatómicas representativas de cada región. Acorde a lo observado, podemos indicar que existe una gran similitud con lo descrito en el gato, destacando el gran desarrollo de los nervios y ramos musculares del león. La presente descripción, permite, ampliar el conocimiento de la anatomía del miembro pélvico del león africano, específicamente su inervación y relaciones musculares y vasculares.

The African Lion (Panthera leo) belongs to the felidae family of the order carnivore, corresponding to large predators. In Chile it is found only in a state of captivity and is present in many zoos. As the concern and interest in these animals has increased, more complex procedures are performed each day. This generates the need for anatomical knowledge of this specie. This anatomical study was performed in order to describe the innervation of the pelvic limb of an African lion and topographical relationship with skeletal muscles and vascular structures. A corpse of an adult female lion, 130 kg, was dissected and described by topographical regions. Proximal to distal: cingulum pelvic limb region, femoral region, crural region and foot region. Descriptions of each region were complemented by photographs and drawings. According to the descriptive study of the innervation of the pelvic limb, it was observed that there is a great similarity with that described in the domestic cat, excepting the great development of their nerves and muscular branches. This study provides information about the innervation of the pelvic limb of the African lion, showing the relation with muscular and vascular structures. The anatomical information provided in this study can be useful for medical procedures in this species and other big cats.

Peste des petits ruminants virus detected in tissues from an Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) belongs to Asian lineage IV

In this study, peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) was detected in frozen pooled tissue samples from a dead Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The samples were negative for canine distemper virus and positive for PPRV nucleic acids when tested with one-step RT-PCR using the appropriate virus-specific primers. Subsequent amplification, cloning, and sequencing of the partial nucleocapsid, matrix, and fusion genes confirmed the presence of PPRV nucleic acid. Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the structural genes of the isolated virus confirmed that the virus belonged to Asian lineage IV and was closely related to PPRV circulating in India.

Cistos peribiliares em leão-africano (Panthera leo) / Peribiliary cysts in an African lion (Panthera leo)

São descritos os achados macroscópicos e histopatológicos de cistos peribiliares em uma fêmea adulta de leão-africano (Panthera leo). Macroscopicamente, todos os lobos hepáticos continham numerosos cistos preenchidos por líquido translúcido. Histologicamente, os cistos estavam localizados no hilo hepático e nos tratos portais. Os cistos eram revestidos internamente por epitélio simples, constituído por células colunares ou cuboidais e não mucinosas, de acordo com avaliação para ácido periódico de Schiff/azul alciano. Na imuno-histiquímica, todas as células desse epitélio foram positivas para citoceratina. O leão morreu de complicações relacionadas a um carcinoma pulmonar e não foram observadas alterações clínicas associadas à lesão hepática, comprovando que cistos peribiliares em leões também ocorrem não associados a sinais clínicos.

The gross and histopathological aspects of peribiliary cysts in an adult African lioness (Panthera leo) are described. Grossly, all hepatic lobes contained numerous cysts filled with translucent fluid. Histologically it was observed that the cysts were located in the hepatic hilum and in the portal triads. Periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue stains, revealed the cysts to be lined by simple, non-mucinous, cuboidal or columnar epithelium. In immunohistochemistry staining all cells comprising this epithelium were positive for cytokeratin. The lioness died due to complications stemming from a pulmonary carcinoma and no clinical signs related to the hepatic lesion were observed, demonstrating that also in lions the peribiliary cysts occur as non-clinical disease associated lesions.

The first case report of Leishmania (leishmania) chagasi in Panthera leo in Brazil

We reported here the first known case of natural infection of a lion (Panthera leo-Linnaeus, 1758) with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi (L. chagasi) in Brazil. The specimen was created by a circus handler in the state of Mato Grosso and was donated to the zoological park of the Federal University of Mato Grosso. Infection by L. chagasi was detected using a PCR-RFLP test. It was known that the domestic felids can act as reservoir of infection of L. chagasi in endemic areas, making it important that studies demonstrate their participation in the epidemiological chain. We demonstrate in this work that wild animals can have an important role in the epidemiological chain and must be considered in order to plan methods of control of this zoonosis.

Carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar em leão-africano (Panthera leo) / Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma in an African lion (Panthera leo)

Um caso de carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar difuso do tipo misto foi diagnosticado em um leão-africano (Panthera leo), hospitalizado com sinais de dispnéia e emagrecimento progressivo. Em todos os lobos pulmonares havia múltiplos nódulos esbranquiçados, macios e homogêneos, de 0,2-0,5cm em diâmetro. Histologicamente, os nódulos eram constituídos por células neoplásicas arranjadas em alvéolos e papilas sustentados por moderado estroma fibrovascular, um padrão que lembrava a estrutura pulmonar pré-existente. Na reação pelo ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) foi observada marcação positiva no citoplasma de numerosas células neoplásicas. Todas as células neoplásicas demonstraram forte e uniforme imunorreatividade citoplasmática para pancitoceratina. A marcação para o fator 1 de transcrição da tireóide (TTF-1) foi observada em focos nos núcleos das células neoplásicas das margens dos nódulos. Nas secções avaliadas para surfactante A, a marcação foi observada em múltiplas áreas focais, tanto no citoplasma como na membrana citoplasmática das células neoplásicas. O diagnóstico de carcinoma bronquíolo-alveolar difuso do tipo misto foi feito com base nos achados histológicos, histoquímicos e imuno-histoquímicos. Essa parece ser a primeira descrição de um neoplasma pulmonar primário maligno em leão-africano.

A case of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of the mixed type was diagnosed in the lung of an adult female African lion (Panthera leo) with presenting signs of progressive dyspnea and weight loss. In all pulmonary lobes there were multiple 0.2-0.5cm in diameter soft and homogenous white nodules. Histologically, these nodules consisted of neoplastic cells with an alveolar and papillary disposition, a pattern reminiscent of the preexistent pulmonary structure. The cytoplasms of numerous neoplastic cells were positive in the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. At immunohistochemistry examination, all neoplastic cells reacted strongly and uniformly to pancytokeratin; focal reactivity for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) was observed in the nucleus of neoplastic cells mainly in those at the margins of the nodules. Positive reaction for surfactant A was observed in multifocal areas, both in the cytoplasm and plasma membranes of neoplastic cells. The diagnosis of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of the mixed type was made based on histological, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry findings. This seems to be the first report of a primary malignant neoplasm in the lung of the African lion.

Molecular detection of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" in a lion (Panthera leo) from a brazilian zoological garden

Although Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" infections have been reported in wild cats from United States, their presence among native and captive wild cats in Brazil is still unknown. A 12 year old healthy male lion (Panthera leo) from the Zoological Garden of Curitiba, Brazil was anesthetized for transportation and dental evaluation. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood cell count (CBC) and PCR analysis. DNA was extracted and fragments of Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" 16S ribosomal RNA gene were amplified in PCR assays. CBC results were within reference intervals. A weak band of 192 pb for "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" was observed, and no band was amplified from Mycoplasma haemofelis reaction. A weak PCR band associated with normal CBC results and without visible parasitemia or clinical signs may suggest a chronic subclinical infection with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum". The lack of clinical signs may also represent the low pathogenicity of this organism; however, it is noteworthy that immune suppression caused by management and/or corticoids treatment may induce parasitemia and anemia in this animal. This detection suggests further studies in captive wild cats in Brazilian Zoological Gardens.

Embora a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" tenha sido reportada em felinos selvagens dos Estados Unidos, sua presença entre felinos selvagens de vida livre e de cativeiro no Brasil ainda é desconhecida. Um leão macho, saudável, com 12 anos de idade, residente no Zoológico de Curitiba, Brasil, foi anestesiado para transporte e avaliação dentária. Uma amostra de sangue foi coletada para a realização do hemograma completo e análise pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). O DNA foi extraído e fragmentos do gene 16SrRNA do Mycoplasma haemofelis e "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" foram submetidos à metodologia da PCR. O hemograma apresentou valores normais. Uma banda de baixa intensidade de aproximadamente 192 pb do "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" foi detectada, e nenhuma banda foi observada pela PCR na detecção de Mycoplasma haemofelis. A banda de baixa intensidade, o hemograma normal e a ausência de parasitemia e sinais clínicos podem sugerir uma infecção crônica subclínica por "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum". A ausência de sinais clínicos pode também indicar a baixa patogenicidade desse microrganismo; entretanto, a imunossupressão por manejo e/ou tratamento com corticóides podem levar a parasitemia e conseqüente anemia neste animal. Este achado sugere novos estudos em felinos selvagens de cativeiro em zoológicos brasileiros.

Avaliação do espermograma de leões africanos (Panthera leo, Linnaeus, 1758), mantidos na Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo / Spermogram of african lions (Panthera leo, Linnaeus, 1758) housed at Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o espermograma de um grupo de leões africanos mantidos em cativeiro na Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo, como um aspecto a ser considerado na avaliação do potencial reprodutivo para a aplicação de técnicas dereprodução assistida. Foram submetidos a eletroejaculação 14 exemplares machos, adultos de Leão Africano, utilizando-se o método da eletroejaculação. Logo após a colheita, cada uma das 13 amostras obtidas foi examinada quanto ao volume, pH e aspecto geral, seguida pela avaliação da motilidade, movimento progressivo, índice demotilidade espermática e concentração. Uma alíquota do ejaculado foi fixada em solução de formol-salina a 10% e analisado em câmara úmida ao microscópio de interferência de fase, para o estudo dos aspectos morfológicos, classificando as alterações dos espermatozóides em defeitos maiores e menores. Os resultados foram: volume 5,83 ±3,35 ml; concentração 11,62 ± 14,51 x 106 espermatozóides/ml; motilidade total 73,85 ± 11,02 %; motilidade progressiva 3,35 ±0,63; índice de motilidade espermática 70,42 %, pH 8,1 ± 0,5; defeitos maiores 38,12 ± 19,41 %; defeitos menores 17,43 ± 10,36 %; defeitos totais 55,55 ± 19,30 %. Os defeitos maiores mais freqüentes foram gota citoplasmática proximal, peça intermediária dobrada com gota citoplasmática e peça intermediária dobrada. A cauda dobrada foi o defeito menor mais encontrado.

The aim of this study was to analyse the spermogram of a group of captive African lions (Panthera leo), housed at the Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo, as a subject to avaluate the reproductive potential of the animals, an important aspect to apply artificial reproductive techniques. After chemical restraining, semen from 14 adult male lions was obtained by electroejaculation and the samples were examined right after the collection. The characteristics analyzed were: volume, pH, general aspect, motility, progressive motility, spermatic motility index and concentration. One aliquot of the samples were fixed in saline-formol solution 10% and examined under Phase Contrast Microscopy for morphological evaluation, classifying in minor and major defects. The results were: volume 5,83+/-3,35 ml; concentration11, 62 +/- 14,51 x 106 sperm cells/ml; total motility 73,85 +/- 11,02 % ; progressive motility 3,35 +/- 0,63; spermatic motility index 70,42 %, pH 8,1 +/- 0,5; major defects 38,12+/- 19,41 %; minor defects 17,43 +/- 10,36 %; total defects 55,55 +/- 19,30 %. The more frequent major defects were: proximal droplet, bent midpiece with cytoplasmic droplet and bent midpiece. Bent tailwas the most frequent minor defect observed.

Estudo da correlação das características citológicas vaginais e os níveis séricos de estradiol e progesterona em leão africano (Panthera leo) mantidos em cativeiro / Vaginal citology, serum estradiol and progesterone: a correlation study on captive African lions (Panthera leo)

Foram estudados 11 exemplares de fêmeas adultas de leões africanos (Panthera leo) mantidas na Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) quanto às características da citologia vaginal, níveis hormonais (estradiol e progesterona) e suas correlações. As características celulares vaginais encontradas nas leoas foram semelhantes às descritas para os felinos domésticos. Adotando-se os padrões hormonais de estradiol (E2) e progesterona (P4) que definem as fases do ciclo estral de felinos domésticos, foi possível caracterizar três fases do ciclo ovariano nas leoas: Diestro, Estro e Interestro. O nível médio de E2 sérico encontrado na fase caracterizada como Estro (23,33 + / - 2,92 pg/ ml;, apresentou-se mais alto do que nas outras fases estudadas e o nível médio de P4 sérico encontrado na fase de Diestro (20,12 + / - 17,55 ng/ ml; apresentou diferença estatística significativa em comparação às outras fases estudadas. Demonstrou-se também, a existência de correlação de intensidade média entre os níveis séricos de P4 e o número de células superficiais corneificadas (r= - 0,603 e p = 0,0496) e entre P4 e células intermediárias (r = 0,637 e p = 0,0350). Também foi demonstrada a existência de correlação negativa de forte intensidade entre os números de células superficiais corneificadas e o de células intermediárias. (r = -0,979 e p < 0,0001). Concluímos que a correlação entre as características celulares vaginais e os níveis séricos de progesterona e estradiol permitiram-nos determinar três diferentes fases do ciclo ovariano da fêmea de leão africano.

Eleven captive adult female African lions (Panthera feo) at the Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo were blood sampled in order to assess the serum hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) and their correlation with the vaginal citology. The morphological and stainning characteristics of vaginal cells were similar to those described for domestic cats. Based on hormonal proflles of estradiol and progesterone described for domestic cats, three different phases for the ovarian cycle of the lionesses were clearly described: diestrus, estrus and interestrus. The mean serum estradiol concentrations in the estrus (23,33 + / - 2,92 pg/ ml) were significantly higher than in diestrus and interestrus. The mean serum progesterone values in diestrus (20,12 + / - 17,55 ng/ml) were significantly higher than in estrus and interestrus. There were correlations between progesterone values and the number of superficial cornifled vaginal cells (r = - 0,603 and p = 0,0496) and between progesterone and intermediate cells (r = 0,637 and p = 0,0350). There were also a strong negative correlation between the number of superficial cornified vaginal cells and intermediate cells (r= -0,979 e p < 0,0001). It concluded that the correlations between vaginal cells and the serum estradiol and progesterone levels allowed us to identify three different phases of the ovarian cycle in female African lion.

Myocardial bridges in Mountain Lion (Puma concolor, Jardine-1834)(Felidae): a case report

In the present study, the myocardial bridges of an adult, female, mountain lion that died of natural causes at the "Parque do Sabiá" Zoo, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil were examined. The heart was fixed in a 10 por cento formalin solution and the coronary arteries were injected with neoprene latex 450(R). The myocardial bridge is a superficial muscular band that crosses a short segment of the coronary arteries on the epicardium various localizations in the heart. Twelve bridges were seen in this heart. Three crossed the first branch, five crossed the second branch and four crossed the fifth branch of the paraconal interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. The average length of the myocardial bridges was 2,08 mm (range 0,80-3,95 mm), the length of the left ventricle was 58.3 mm. Of the bridges examined 58,3 por cento were in the medial third ventricle, 33,3 por cento were in the apical third and 8,3 por cento were basal third.

identificacion de corredores biologicos para jaguar (Panthera onca) y especies menores que conecten el parque nacional Carrasco, parque Nacional Amboro y el Rio Ichilo / sss

Los corredores identificados no lo sirven para el jaguar, sino a todas las especies que se encuentran por debajo de el en la cadena trofica, por lo tanto la conservacion del mismo deriva en la conservacion de otras especies. Se identificaron 21 corredores biologicos en toda la zona de estudio de las cuales se identificaron 3 casos que se deben tomar en cuenta en el momento de determinar que corredores deben tener mayor importancia de conservacion. Se econtraron manchas de bosque aisladas que aparentemente no tienen conexion, sin embargo se recomienda realizar estudios en dichas manchas para verificar si son de utilidad para alguna otra especie o no...

Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

BACKGROUND: The possible role of apolipoprotein E (APOE for gene, apoE for protein) allele in atherosclerotic diseases is not clearly understood. For the putative role of APOE genotypes, we examined APOE polymorphism among patients with stroke. METHODS: A total of 202 ischemic stroke patients were involved in this study. The genotype DNA was isolated from whole blood and the APOE alleles were determined by polynicrase chain reaction. RESULTS: The genotype of APOE epsilon3/3 was the most common allele in the stroke group and the control group. The frequencies of APOE epsilon2, epsilon3, epsilon4 allele in stroke group were 0.052, 0.851, and 0.097, respectively. There was no significant difference in APOE genotypes between the stroke group and the control group. No significant associations lions were found for the APOE genotypes and the serum lipid profiles. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that APOE was not related to the stroke,