Analysis on prevalence and epidemic risk of animal plague in different ecological plague foci in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region / 中华预防医学杂志

The risk of plague epidemics and relapse of various types of plague foci persists in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. For Marmota sibirica plague foci, the animal plague has not been found but antibody has been detected positive. Nowadays, Marmota sibirica has been increasing in population and distribution in China. In bordering countries Mongolia and Russia, the animal plague has been continuously prevalent. For Spermophilus dauricus plague foci, the animal plague has been taken place now and then. Compared to the above foci, the animal plague is most prevalent in Meriones unguiculatus plague foci and frequently spread to humans. Due to higher strain virulence and historical disaster in Marmota sibirica plague foci and Spermophilus dauricus plague foci, plague prevention and control should be strengthened on these foci. In addition to routine surveillance, epidemic dynamics need to be further monitored in these two foci, in order to prevent their relapse and spread to humans.

Evaluation of Genetic Relationship of some Squirrelfishes through DNA Barcode

Abstract Species of the subfamily Holocentrinae, family Holocentidae, commonly called, squirrelfishes, are widely distributed from tropical to warm temperate waters. In Egypt, no data are available on genetic and evolutionary relationships of the family Holocentridae. Therefore, the study of the genetic relationship among Holocentrids species is crucial for proper management and convenient strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genetic relationship among eight species belonging to the family Holocentridae from the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea in Egypt using DNA barcoding. Based on this molecular marker, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for the studied Holocentrids species. 12S rRNA sequences discovered that Sargocentron caudimaculatum was clustered as closest taxa to Sargocentron spiniferum, being a sister group to each other. Also, Sargocentron punctatissimum and Sargocentron macrosquamis were more related to each other and formed a sister group. Moreover, this study discusses the building of genetic relationship among Sargocentron spinosissimum and Sargocentron macrosquamis for the first time to the other studied Sargocentrons. DNA barcoding using 12S rRNA gene provided efficient DNA barcodes for all of the studied species. The constructed phylogenetic tree based on the employed molecular marker provided the update for the barcoded Holocentridae species evolution.

The Taxonomic Status of Spermophilus in the Plague Area of Dingbian County, Shaanxi Province, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study was conducted to define the taxonomic status of Spermophilus in the plague area of Dingbian County in Shaanxi Province, China, through the two-factor variance analysis of morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, and chromosome karyotype analysis. The Spermophilus samples collected from Dingbian and Zhengxiang Baiqi Counties exhibited significant differences in their morphological measurements. All Spermophilus samples form two distinct branches in neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. One branch included the Spermophilus samples collected from Inner Mongolia, and the other branch included samples collected from the plague foci of Shaanxi Province and the Ningxia Region. The Spermophilus samples collected from Dingbian County had a chromosome number of 2n = 38 in 84.40% of all their cells. The Spermophilus species collected from the plague area of Dingbian County was categorized as Spermophilus alashanicus (S.alashamicus). The findings reported in this study are epidemiologically significant for monitoring plague in this region of west-central China.

Mammary gland morphology in the northern Amazon red squirrel (Sciurus igniventris) / Morfologia da glândula mamária em esquilo do Norte Amazônico (Sciurus igniventris)

Sciurus igniventris is a squirrel with broad distribution in South America. We examined one female adult specimen which was donated after death by trampling. The aim of this work was describe the morphological characteristics of mammary gland of one specimen. The body was fixed using 10% aqueous formaldehyde. Tissues were processed and slides prepared following standard histological protocols. Morphological analysis of the mammary glands revealed similarities to those described in the literature for domestic and wild mammals. As special features in kind, macroscopically identified a pair of thoracic glands, followed by three pairs of abdominal glands. Microscopically the abundant presence of connective tissue dividing the alveolar-tubular glands. Similar to that described for domestic and wild mammals.

Sciurus igniventris é um esquilo com distribuição na América do Sul. Nós examinamos uma fêmea adulta que foi doada após morte por atropelamento. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever as características morfológicas da glândula mamária de um exemplar da espécie. O animal foi fixado utilizando solução aquosa de formoldeído a 10%. Os tecidos foram processados e lâminas foram preparadas seguindo protocolos histológicos padrões. A análise morfológica da glândula mamária revelou similaridades com o que temos descrito na literatura para animais domésticos e selvagens. Como particularidades na espécie, macroscopicamente foi identificado um par de glândulas torácicas, seguidas por três pares de glândulas abdominais. Microscopicamente ocorreu a presença abundante de tecido conectivo dividindo as glândulas túbuloalveolares. Semelhante ao descrito para mamíferos domésticos e selvagens.

Effects of natural environmental conditions on the ovarian histometric dynamics of five striped squirrels (Funambulus pennanti) / Efectos de las condiciones ambientales naturales sobre la dinámica histométrica de ovarios en la ardilla de las palmeras (Funambulus pennanti)

The present study was designed to determine the morphological and histological variations in the female palm squirrel's reproductive organs which inhabit croplands of central Punjab. 16 specimens were collected from 3 different locations of Faisalabad district during different months in order to collect their ovaries samples in order to determine the breeding phenology of this species. Body weight and external body measurements were recorded. Two adult females were autopsied each month and their ovaries were extracted. Tissue were prepared by the tissue paraffin technique and stained by H&E. Seasonal variations in the follicular size and shape were observed. Statistical analysis revealed that values of all parameters of ovaries were significantly (P<0.01) higher during peak folliculogenic phase (January to May) as compared to low folliculogenic phase (November­December). Three reproductive phases were observed according to follicular development i.e., quiescent period (November- December), recrudescence period (January) and peak reproductive phase (February­March). In conclusion of this study, different phases of sexual activities are determined which are controlled by seasonal variations. These variations are in accordance to different physical factors which influences gross anatomical and histological changes of ovaries and folliculogensis of female five-striped northern palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) for adjustments in breeding phenology.

El presente estudio fue diseñado para determinar las variaciones morfológicas e histológicas en los órganos reproductores de la ardilla de las palmeras que habita en las tierras de cultivo del centro de Punjab. Dieciséis muestras fueron recolectadas en 3 lugares diferentes del distrito de Faisalabad durante diferentes meses con el fin de obtener los ovarios y determinar la fenología reproductiva de esta especie. Se registraron el peso corporal y las medidas corporales externas. Se realizaron autopsias de dos hembras adultas cada mes y sus ovarios fueron extraídos. Se prepararon los tejidos por técnica de parafina y tinción H & E y se observaron las variaciones estacionales en el tamaño y forma folicular. El análisis estadístico reveló que los valores de todos los parámetros de los ovarios fueron significativamente más altos durante la fase foliculogénica (enero a mayo), en comparación con la fase baja (noviembre-diciembre) (P <0,01). De acuerdo al desarrollo folicular se observaron tres fases reproductivas, el período de reposo (noviembre-diciembre), el período de recrudecimiento (enero) y la fase peak reproductiva (febrero-marzo). En conclusión las diferentes fases de las actividades sexuales definitivamente están controladas por variaciones estacionales. Estas variaciones se ajustan a diferentes factores físicos que influyen en los cambios anatómicos e histológicos de los ovarios y la folículogénesis de la ardilla hembra de las palmeras (Funambulus pennanti) para realizar ajustes en la fenología de su reproducción.

Distribution Characteristics of Spermophilus dauricus in Manchuria City in China in 2015 through '3S' Technology / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Plague is a virulent infectious disease in China. In this study, '3S' technology was used to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial interpolation analysis for Spermophilus dauricus (S. Dauricus, a species of ground squirrel) captured in Manchuria City in 2015. The results were visually inspected. During the two-month (May to July) plague surveillance in 2015, 198 S. dauricus individuals were captured in the study area in Manchuria City (48 monitoring areas) by using a day-by-day catching method. Spatial autocorrelation was conducted using the ArcGIS software, and the following significantly different results were obtained: Moran's I=0.228472, Z-score=2.889126, and P<0.05. Thus, a spatial aggregation was observed. In 2015, the distribution of S. dauricus diminished from west to east and from north to south of Manchuria. Geo Detector software was used to analyze the habitat factors affecting the spatial distribution of S. dauricus. This highly clustered species mainly exists in suburban communities, construction sites, and areas surrounding factories. In future studies, plague surveillances should be performed in areas around Manchuria and Zhalainuoer.

Catenotaenia dendritica (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae) and Three Ectoparasite Species in the Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju, Korea

Parasites are recorded from the red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju, the Republic of Korea. A total of 5 road-killed squirrels were thoroughly examined for internal and external parasites from November 2011 to May 2014. Total 4 parasite species, including 1 tapeworm and 3 ectoparasite species were recovered. They were morphologically identified as Catenotaenia dendritica (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), Hirstionyssus sciurinus, Leptotrombidium pallidum, and Ceratophyllus (Monopsyllus) indages. Among them, C. dendritica and H. sciurinus are recorded for the first time in the Korean parasite fauna. In addition, the possibility that the red squirrel could act as a reservoir host for a zoonotic disease like tsutsugamushi disease with L. pallidum as its vector has been raised.

Arboviral diseases in the Western Brazilian Amazon: a perspective and analysis from a tertiary health & research center in Manaus, State of Amazonas

The Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), located in Manaus, the capital of the State of Amazonas (Western Brazilian Amazon), is a pioneering institution in this region regarding the syndromic surveillance of acute febrile illness, including arboviral infections. Based on the data from patients at the FMT-HVD, we have detected recurrent outbreaks in Manaus by the four dengue serotypes in the past 15 years, with increasing severity of the disease. This endemicity has culminated in the simultaneous circulation of all four serotypes in 2011, the first time this has been reported in Brazil. Between 1996 and 2009, 42 cases of yellow fever (YF) were registered in the State of Amazonas, and 71.4% (30/42) were fatal. Since 2010, no cases have been reported. Because the introduction of the yellow fever virus into a large city such as Manaus, which is widely infested by Aedes mosquitoes, may pose a real risk of a yellow fever outbreak, efforts to maintain an appropriate immunization policy for the populace are critical. Manaus has also suffered silent outbreaks of Mayaro and Oropouche fevers lately, most of which were misdiagnosed as dengue fever. The tropical conditions of the State of Amazonas favor the existence of other arboviruses capable of producing human disease. Under this real threat, represented by at least 4 arboviruses producing human infections in Manaus and in other neighboring countries, it is important to develop an efficient public health surveillance strategy, including laboratories that are able to make proper diagnoses of arboviruses.

Beach almond (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) seed production and predation by scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) / Producción de semillas y depredación del almendro de playa (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) por lapas rojas (Ara macao) y ardillas chizas (Sciurus variegatoides)

Knowledge of ecological impacts of exotic beach almond (Terminalia catappa) in the central Pacific of Costa Rica are little known, but studies have found this species to be a potentially important food source for endangered scarlet macaws (Ara macao). In this study, reproductive phenology and seed predation by variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) and scarlet macaws were measured during March and April 2011 on beaches of central Pacific coastal Costa Rica. Seed productivity and predation levels were quantified on a weekly basis for 111 beach almond trees to assess the importance of beach almond as a food source for scarlet macaws and the extent of resource partitioning between seed predators. Seed production of the trees was great (about 194 272 seeds) and approximately 67% of seeds were predated by seed predators. Macaws consumed an estimated 49% of seeds while squirrels consumed 18%. Additionally, evidence of resource partitioning between squirrels and macaws was found. Scarlet macaws preferred to feed on the northern side and edge of the canopy while squirrels preferred to feed on the southern and inside parts of the canopy. Both species ate most seeds on the ocean side of the tree. Despite the status of this tree as an exotic species, the beach almond appears to be an important resource for scarlet macaw population recovery. The resource produced by this tree should be taken into account as reforestation efforts continue in Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 929-938. Epub 2014 September 01.

El conocimiento de los impactos ecológicos del almendro de playa exótico (Terminalia catappa) en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica son poco conocidos, pero los estudios han encontrado que esta especie es una fuente de alimento potencialmente importante para la lapa roja (Ara macao), en peligro de extinción. En este estudio, se midieron la fenología reproductiva y la depredación de semillas por las ardillas (Sciurus variegatoides) y lapas rojas durante marzo y abril 2011 en las playas de la costa Pacífica Central de Costa Rica. Los niveles de productividad y depredación de semillas se cuantificaron semanalmente para 111 almendros de playa, para evaluar la importancia del almendro de playa como fuente de alimento para la lapa roja y el grado de repartición de recursos entre los depredadores de semillas. La producción de semillas de los árboles fue alta (cerca de 194 272 semillas) y aproximadamente el 67% de las semillas fueron comidas por los depredadores, las lapas rojas consumen un estimado de 49% de las semillas, mientras que las ardillas consumen el 18%. Adicionalmente, se encontró evidencia de la repartición de recursos entre las ardillas y las lapas. Las lapas rojas prefieren alimentarse en el lado norte y el borde de la copa, mientras que las ardillas prefieren las regiones del sur y el interior de la copa. Ambas especies se comieron la mayoría de las semillas en la parte del árbol con lado al mar. A pesar de la situación de este árbol como una especie exótica, la playa de almendras parece ser un recurso importante para la recuperación de la población de lapas rojas. El recurso que produce este árbol debe tomarse en cuenta para continuar con los esfuerzos de reforestación en Costa Rica.

Diversidade de ixodida em roedores e marsupiais capturados no Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Diversity of ixodida in small rodents and marsupials in the Pedra Branca state park, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Durante 24 meses foram capturados, inspecionados e liberados no mesmo espaço do Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, 96 marsupiais e 64 roedores. Neles foram recolhidos manualmente 105 carrapatos, de 10 espécies em duas famílias. A espécie de carrapato dominante entre os roedores foi Amblyomma longirostre e entre os marsupiais foi Ixodes loricatus. Houve correlação direta significativa entre a temperatura e a intensidade de parasitismo por carrapatos...

During 24 months 96 marsupials and 64 rodents were captured, inspected and set free in the same space of the Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro. From them, 105 ticks from 10 species in two families were manually collected. The dominant tick species on the rodents was Amblyomma longirostre and on the marsupials was Ixodes loricatus. There was a significant correlation of the temperature in relation to intensity of parasitism for ticks, demonstrating that the higher the temperature, greater is the number of ticks...

Mesoamerican tree squirrels evolution (Rodentia: Sciuridae): a molecular phylogenetic analysis / Evolución de las ardillas arborícolas mesoamericanas (Rodentia: Sciuridae): un análisis filogenético molecular

The tribe Sciurini comprehends the genera Sciurus, Syntheosiurus, Microsciurus, Tamiasciurus and Rheinthrosciurus. The phylogenetic relationships within Sciurus have been only partially done, and the relationship between Mesoamerican species remains unsolved. The phylogenetic relationships of the Mesoamerican tree squirrels were examined using molecular data. Sequence data publicly available (12S, 16S, CYTB mitochondrial genes and IRBP nuclear gene) and cytochrome B gene sequences of four previously not sampled Mesoamerican Sciurus species were analyzed under a Bayesian multispecies coalescence model. Phylogenetic analysis of the multilocus data set showed the neotropical tree squirrels as a monophyletic clade. The genus Sciurus was paraphyletic due to the inclusion of Microsciurus species (M. alfari and M. flaviventer). The South American species S. aestuans and S. stramineus showed a sister taxa relationship. Single locus analysis based on the most compact and complete data set (i.e. CYTB gene sequences), supported the monophyly of the South American species and recovered a Mesoamerican clade including S. aureogaster, S. granatensis and S. variegatoides. These results corroborated previous findings based on cladistic analysis of cranial and post-cranial characters. Our data support a close relationship between Mesoamerican Sciurus species and a sister relationship with South American species, and corroborates previous findings in relation to the polyphyly of Microsciurus and Syntheosciurus’ paraphyly. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (2): 649-657. Epub 2014 June 01.

La tribu Sciurini comprende los géneros Sciurus, Syntheosciurus, Microsciurus, Tamiasciurus y Rheinthrosciurus. Las relaciones filogenéticas de Sciurus han sido resueltas parcialmente mientras que las relaciones de las especies Mesoamericanas permanecen sin resolverse. Las relaciones filogenéticas de las ardillas arborícolas mesoamericanas fueron estudiadas empleando datos moleculares. Datos de secuencias disponibles de forma pública (genes mitocondriales CYTB, 12S, 16S y gen nuclear IRBP) en conjunto con secuencias nuevas para el gen del Citocromo B de 4 especies mesoamericanas del genero Sciurus, fueron analizadas empleando un modelo bayesiano de coalescencia multi-especie. Los análisis filogenéticos del conjunto de datos multilocus mostraron que las especies neotropicales forman un clado monofilético. El género Sciurus resulto ser parafilético debido a la inclusión de las especies de Microsciurus (M. alfari y M. flaviventer). Las especies suramericanas S. aestuans y S. stramineus presentaron una relación de especies hermanas. El análisis de un solo locus basado en el conjunto de datos más compacto y completo (secuencias del gen del citocromo B), apoyó la naturaleza monofilética de las especies suramericanas y recuperó un clado mesoamericano que incluye a S. aureogaster, S. granatensis y S. variegatoides. Estos resultados corroboran los descubrimientos previos que emplearon datos morfológicos craneales y pos-craneales. Nuestros datos apoyan la relación cercana entre las especies de Sciurus Mesoamericanas y la relación hermana de estas con las especies de Suramérica, así como también corroboran la relación polifilética de Microsciurus y parafilética de Syntheosciurus previamente reportadas.

The liver micromorphology of the african palm squirrel epixerus ebii / Micromorfología del hígado de la ardilla de palma africana epixerus ebii

The normal liver histology of the African palm squirrel Epixerus ebii was investigated to fill the information gap on its micromorphology from available literature. The liver was covered by a capsule of dense connective tissue- the perivascular fibrous capsule. Beneath this capsule is the liver parenchyma were the hepatocyte were supported by reticular fibres. The hepatocytes in the lobules were hexagonal to polygonal in shape. Some hepatocytes were bi-nucleated. Clear spaces in the parenchyma must be storage sites for lipids in the liver. The classic hepatic lobules presented central vein surrounded by several liver cells. At the portal triad, hepatic vein, hepatic arteries and bile ducts were seen. While the hepatic arteries and veins were lined by endothelium, the bile ducts were lined by simple cuboidal cells. Nerve fibres were also seen in the region of the portal triad. Hepatic sinusoids lined by endothelium were seen in the liver parenchyma between liver lobules. The sinusoids contained macrophages. This report will aid wild life biologists in further investigative research and Veterinarians in diagnosing the hepatic diseases of the African palm squirrel.

Describimos la histología hepática normal de la ardilla de palma africana Epixerus ebii para llenar el vacío sobre su micromorfología en la literatura disponible. El hígado está cubierto por una cápsula de tejido conectivo denso, la cápsula fibrosa perivascular. Debajo de esta cápsula se encuentra el parénquima hepático en el cual fibras reticulares apoyan los hepatocitos. Los hepatocitos en los lóbulos son hexagonales de forma poligonal. Observamos algunos hepatocitos bi-nucleados. Evidentes espacios en el parénquima deben ser emplazamientos de almacenamiento de los lípidos en el hígado. Los lóbulos hepáticos clásicos presentan una vena central rodeada de varias células hepáticas. En la tríada portal, se observó la vena hepática, las arterias hepáticas y los conductos biliares, mientras que las arterias y venas hepáticas estaban revestidas por endotelio, los conductos biliares estaban alineados por células cuboides simples. También se observaron fibras nerviosas en la región de la tríada portal. Sinusoides hepáticos revestidos por endotelio fueron observados entre los lobulillos hepáticos en el parénquima hepático. Los sinusoides contenían macrófagos. El presente estudio ayudará a los biólogos de la fauna silvestre en una investigación más precisa, y a los médicos veterinarios en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades hepáticas en la ardilla de palma africana.

Application of Best Subsets Regression on the risk classification for Spermophilus Dauricus Focus / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the risk classification of animal plague in Spermophilus Dauricus Focus, using the Best Subsets Regression (BSR) model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Matlab, BSR and exponential smoothing were employed to develop and evaluate a model for risk classification as well as to forecast plague epidemics at the Spermophilus Dauricus Focus. Data was based upon the Inner Mongolia surveillance programs. This model involved 7 risk factors, including density of Spermophilus dauricus, percentage of hosts infested, host flea index, percentage of nests infested, nest flea index, percentage of runways infested, and runway flea index.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forecasting values of the classification model(CM)were calculated and grouped into 3 risk levels. Values that over 2/3 of the CM would indicate the existence of potential epidemics while those below 1/3 would indicate that there were no risk for epidemics but when values that were in between would indicate that there exist for high risk. Annually, during the observation period in the Inner Mongolia Spermophilus Dauricus Foci, the detection of Yersinia pestis gave a risk rating value of 1 which stood for existing epidemics, while nil detection rate generated a 'zero' value which representing the situation of non-epidemic. The overall plague epidemics forecasting surveillance programs in 2012 at the Spermophilus Dauricus Foci indicated that no active plague was observed. When the forecasting values became over 2/3, combinations of all the risk factors would achieve the consistency rates of 100%. When the forecasting values were below 1/3, combinations of at least the first 4 factors could also achieve the consistency rates of 100%. However, when the forecasting values fell in between, combinations of at least the first 4 factors would achieve the consistency rates of around 50%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Results from our study showed that plague would not be active to become epidemic, in 2012.</p>

Biochemical adaptations of mammalian hibernation: exploring squirrels as a perspective model for naturally induced reversible insulin resistance

An important disease among human metabolic disorders is type 2 diabetes mellitus. This disorder involves multiple physiological defects that result from high blood glucose content and eventually lead to the onset of insulin resistance. The combination of insulin resistance, increased glucose production, and decreased insulin secretion creates a diabetic metabolic environment that leads to a lifetime of management. Appropriate models are critical for the success of research. As such, a unique model providing insight into the mechanisms of reversible insulin resistance is mammalian hibernation. Hibernators, such as ground squirrels and bats, are excellent examples of animals exhibiting reversible insulin resistance, for which a rapid increase in body weight is required prior to entry into dormancy. Hibernator studies have shown differential regulation of specific molecular pathways involved in reversible resistance to insulin. The present review focuses on this growing area of research and the molecular mechanisms that regulate glucose homeostasis, and explores the roles of the Akt signaling pathway during hibernation. Here, we propose a link between hibernation, a well-documented response to periods of environmental stress, and reversible insulin resistance, potentially facilitated by key alterations in the Akt signaling network, PPAR-γ/PGC-1α regulation, and non-coding RNA expression. Coincidentally, many of the same pathways are frequently found to be dysregulated during insulin resistance in human type 2 diabetes. Hence, the molecular networks that may regulate reversible insulin resistance in hibernating mammals represent a novel approach by providing insight into medical treatment of insulin resistance in humans.

The topography and gross anatomy of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) / La topografía y anatomía macroscópica del tracto gastrointestinal abdominal de la ardilla persa (Sciurus anomalus)

The persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) is the only member of the Sciuridae family found in the Middle East. It is herbivorous, feeding mostly on pine acorns and other seeds and fruits. It is a wild animal nesting in forest trees, although it is frequently found close to city gardens and parks. As Persian squirrels are also found in homes as "companion animals", veterinarian assistance may be sometimes required; this is a good reason to gain more specific knowledge of the anatomical features of this animal. Due to the scantiness of relevant literature, we carried out this study with the aim to provide further information on the topography and gross anatomy of its abdominal gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Seven animals of this species were utilized to measure the length, content weight and area surface of the relative segments of the abdominal GIT. The stomach is unilocular, lined with glandular epithelium; the small intestine is divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The cecum is situated on the right side of the abdominal cavity and lacks the vermiform appendix observed in some rodents. The ascending colon is extensive, consisting of two loops and two straight parts forming a unique topographic arrangement, closely resembling the ascending colon of the horse. The transverse colon connects the ascending and the descending colon located on the left side of the abdominal cavity, and shows a distinct sigmoid flexure before entering the pelvic cavity. Overall, the in situ examination and the relative measurements of the various parts of the abdominal GIT suggest that the ascending colon is the main fermentation chamber in the Persian Squirrel.

La ardilla es el único miembro de la familia de los Sciuridae que se encuentra en el Medio Oriente. Es un herbívoro, come semillas, principalmente de pino, y fruta. Vive mayormente en el bosque en estado salvaje, aunque a veces se puede encontrar en las ciudades, en parques y jardines. Las ardillas persianas tambien se tienen en casas como mascotas y algunas veces es necesaria la atención del veterinario. Esta es una buena razón para conocer más profundamente sus características anatómicas. Teniendo en cuenta la escasa bibliografía existente a cerca de este animal, el objetivo de este estudio fue aportar nueva información sobre la anatomía topográfica y mascroscópica del tracto abdominal gastrointestinal (GIT) de la ardilla. Siete animales de esta especie han sido utilizados para medir el largo, el peso y el área de la superficie de los segmentos del GIT. El estómago es unilocular, alineado con epitelio glandular; el pequeño intestino está dividido en duodeno, jejuno e ileo. El ciego está localizado en la parte derecha de la cavidad abdominal y le falta el apéndice vermiforme que poseen los roedores. El colon ascendente es extenso, constituido de dos partes curvas y dos rectilíneas que forman una única dispoción topográfica cerrada como el colon ascendente en el caballo. El colon trasverso, que conecta el ascendente y el descendente, está localizado en el lado izquierdo de la cavidad abdominal y muestra una clara flexión sigmoide antes de entrar en la cavidad pélvica. En resumen, el examen in situ y las relativas medidas de las varias partes del GIT sugieren que el colon ascendente es la principal "cámara" de fermentación en la ardilla persiana.

GC-MS analysis on volatile components of wild Trogopterus faeces from Laishui county of Hebei province / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analysis the volatile components of Trogopterus faeces.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The volatile components of Trogopterus faeces was extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by GC-MS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Eighty-five volatile components were identified and the main components are cedrol (12.31%) and caryophyllene (7.5%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The volatile components of the samples are originated from the ingredients or other chemical compositions with similar basic structure of the fodders.</p>

The Effect of Human Development on Mammal Populations of the Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

The effect of human development on six diurnal mammal species was studied using transects in the Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Puntarenas, Costa Rica during the dry season months of March and April 2006. Individuals/km was recorded for each species in more developed (MD) (near paved roads, buildings, construction, or deforested trees) and less developed areas (LD) (secondary forest). The white-faced apuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) (n = 233), coatimundi (Nasua narica) (n = 46), and Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) (n = 36) demonstrated a preference for less-developed habitats. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) (n = 4), tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) (n = 2) and variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) (n = 5) were observed infrequently. White-faced monkeys avoided construction areas, but received artificial food daily in developed areas. Coatimundis also received artificial foods daily and showed aggression towards guests. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 441-449. Epub 2009 June 30.

Se estudiaron seis especies de mamíferos mediante transectos durante la estación seca tardía (marzo y abril) de 1996 en el Refugio de Vida Silvestre de Punta Leona, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Se registró la cantidad de animales por km en lugares con mucho efecto humano (cerca del caminos pavimentados, edificios, construcción, y deforestación) y lugares con menos efecto. El mono carablanca (Cebus capucinus) (n = 233), el pizote (Nasua narica) (n = 46), y el mono araña centroamericano (Ateles geoffroyi) (n = 36) prefirieron lugares con menos efecto. Se observó pocos armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) (n = 4), osos hormigueros (Tamandua mexicana) (n = 2), y ardillas (Sciurus variegatoides) (n = 5). Los monos carablancas y pizotes aceptan alimentos artificiales y los pizotes fueron agresivos con los turistas. Los carablancas evitan los lugares con construcciones y los caminos pavimentados.

Hábitos alimenticios de la ardilla Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) en la Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica / Feeding habits of the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Food items consumed by the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides atrirufus were determined in an agricultural setting in the Nicoya Peninsula (9 degrees 47' N, 84 degrees 56' W), Costa Rica, where two life zones (Premontane Moist Forest Basal Belt Transition, and Tropical Dry Forest) predominate. By analyzing the gut contents of 120 squirrels, from February 1987 through January 1988, it was determined that coconut (Cocos nucifera), indian almond (Terminalia catappa) and flamboyant (Delonix regia) were the most common dietary items. There were differences in food consumption according to age: adults preferred coconut, whereas young individuals preferred almond. This finding can be explained in terms of fruit characteristics, as well as tree architecture and accessibility for squirrels; almendro trees provide higher protection and a more accessible food resource, so that it was better used by young individuals.

Se determinaron los componentes de la dieta de la ardilla Sciurus variegatoides atrirufus en un área agrícola de la Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica (9º47’ N, 84º56’ W), correspondiente a las zonas de vida Bosque Húmedo Premontano Transición a Basal y Bosque Seco Tropical. Al analizar el contenido estomacal de 120 ardillas, entre febrero de 1987 y enero de 1988, se determinó que los alimentos más importantes fueron el coco (Cocos nucifera), el almendro (Terminalia catappa) y el malinche (Delonix regia). Hubo diferencias en el tipo de alimento según la edad. Los adultos consumieron más el coco y los jóvenes el almendro, lo cual se explica por las características del fruto, así como por la arquitectura y acceso al árbol; el almendro aporta mejores condiciones de protección y un recurso alimenticio más accesible, por lo que fue mejor aprovechado por los individuos jóvenes.

Study of the morphological characteristics of Schistosoma mansoni in mice, squirrels, and hamsters.

This study attempted to describe mophological characteristics of S. mansoni worms. In the present study, 6 hamsters, 35 squirrels and 141 mice were infected with pooled cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni by intraperitoneal and percutaneous routes. The worm recovery rate was 18.2% (257/1,412) in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus); 10.1% (3,310/32,792) in squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus roberti) and 16.2% (4,328/26,720) in mice (Swiss strain). There were no significant differences between the sizes of 332 adults studied from three kinds of experimental animals. However, the worms collected from the hepatic portal system were usually larger than those from the peritoneal cavity because the latter almost always remained in the immature stage. We found male S. mansoni with tandem (17-22%), non-tandem (80-83%) and unusual/irregular arrangement (3-5%) of testes. The number of S. mansoni testes found were from 3 to 15 in mice, 3 to 11 in hamsters and 4 to 15 in squirrels. Mature worms had a tendency to reduce their size with aging. The number of S. mansoni cecal loops were from 1 to 5 in mice and hamsters and 1 to 4 in squirrels. The location of the first cecal loop was usually in the anterior part of body (1/4 in females and 1/3 in males), but there were some exceptions. The number of eggs in the uterus of each female worm, were 0-3 in mice, 0-1 in squirrels and hamsters. The average number was 0.75. The location of the ovary was usually situated in the anterior part of body of the worm in the three kinds of experimental animals. A few mated male and female worms of S. mansoni being free in the peritoneal cavity were found to develop to sexual maturity, because eggs were observed in their uteri. Their size was usually found to be considerably smaller than the worms seen in the hepatic portal system, and they had no hematin in their intestinal ceca. Encapsulated eggs were found from the peritoneal cavities of a few mice following intraperitoneal and percutaneous methods of infection.