Analysis of fecal nutrients and particle size in captive proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) fed seasonal dietary foliage at a Japanese zoo.

One male and three female captive proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) were used as test animals to compare fecal nutrients after being fed seasonal foliage. Foliage and fecal samples were collected during three seasons (spring, summer, and winter). We analyzed crude ash (CA), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). In addition to the above components, for the fecal samples, we examined total fecal nitrogen (TFN), nitrogen in fecal NDF (NDF-N), metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN), and particle size distribution (MPS). Seasonal differences in foliage components were observed, with NDF and ADF being lowest in spring (p < 0.05). Fecal NDF and ADF also tended to be lowest in spring. Further, the distribution of fecal particle size indicated that MPS tended to increase in winter. The mean fecal NDF content (47.4%) for all three seasons measured in this study was as much as 1.3 times lower than previously reported values in free-ranging specimens. These data provide useful information that can be used to find some suitable food items for the endangered highly folivorous monkeys in captivity.

[Disruption of Matsui-Kitamura Stent-graft Six Years after Treatment for Rupture of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm].

Matsui-Kitamura stent-graft (MKSG) is a home-made device for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) developed in Japan. A 76-year-old man who had been treated by TEVAR (zone 3) with a MKSG for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed as having type Ia endoleak caused by suture disruption and aneurysmal sac expansion 6 years later. He underwent TEVAR (zone 1) with debranching and type Ia endoleak disappeared. MKSG had been the effective device especially for acute aortic emergencies in the descending thoracic aorta until the stent-grafts became commercially available, but careful observation and appropriate re-intervention is mandatory for the continued life-saving contribution.

Analysis of glycosuria in okapi (Okapia johnstoni): examination of urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase.

We analyzed the urinary excretion of glucose and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in six okapis (Okapia johnstoni) in captivity to investigate the cause of their urinary sugar excretion. The urinary glucose-positive okapi had significantly higher urinary NAG indices than the urinary glucose-negative okapi. There was also a positive correlation between urinary glucose levels and urinary NAG indices. These results suggest that the proximal tubular function of the glycosuric okapi may have been obstructed, which impaired glucose reabsorption.

Changes in the milk composition of okapi (Okapia johnstoni) during the first 6 months of lactation.

We collected 17 milk samples at 1 day to 6 months post partum from one captive okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Milks were examined for nutrient composition, including water, fat, crude protein, carbohydrates, ash and five minerals. The average values of the concentrations were 79.2 ± 3.0% SD water, 8.5 ± 3.4% fat, 7.5 ± 1.1% crude protein, 3.6 ± 0.6% carbohydrate, 1.2 ± 0.1% ash, 263.7 ± 47.3 mg/100 g calcium, 183.0 ± 40.0 mg/100 g phosphorus, 95.2 ± 17.6 mg/100 g sodium, 74.4 ± 34.3 mg/100 g potassium and 28.4 ± 4.4 mg/100 g magnesium, respectively. The protein concentration increased at late lactation (P < 0.01). The contents of sodium and potassium were rather high in the early lactation period, while those of calcium and phosphorus were rather low in the early lactation period. During the course of lactation in the first week post partum and the protein concentration was high at 1 day post partum. We compare our findings with the American Association of Zoos & Aquariums's Okapi Species Survival Plan Hand-rearing Protocol, and recommend that nutrient composition of the formula for okapi calves is developed using the present study as a guide.

Efficacy and safety of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric fundal varices in children.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) is an interventional radiologic technique that obliterates gastric fundal varices (GFV) from draining veins under balloon occlusion. Few reports have described the use of B-RTO in children. Here, we report a case of B-RTO in a 2-year-old female patient with isolated huge varices in the gastric fundus associated with portal hypertension after surgery for biliary atresia. There was no complication and thrombosis of the varices was achieved. Our results demonstrate that B-RTO is an efficacious and safe treatment for children with isolated GFV.

Endovascular treatment of aortoureteric fistula.

PURPOSE: To report successful endovascular treatment of massive hemorrhage from an aortoureteric fistula. CASE REPORT: An 82-year-old man who had undergone total cystectomy and bilateral ureterostomy for bladder cancer was transferred with massive hemorrhage from the ureterostomy. Angiography demonstrated an aortoureteric fistula between the terminal aorta and the left ureter. The patient had pancytopenia from unknown causes on admission, so a stent-graft made from a Gianturco Z-stent covered with Dacron graft was implanted; complete hemostasis was obtained immediately. He died of coexistent plasma cell leukemia 42 days after the operation; however, complete hemostasis had been maintained, and infection around the stent-graft was not recognized at autopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft implantation can be a useful therapy for control of massive bleeding from an aortoureteric fistula.