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Over the last few years, a broad panel of carbon materials was proposed for sensing applications. Among these materials, nanoporous carbon (np-C) is of particular interest due to its high specific surface area and low fabrication cost. In this contribution, the synthesis of np-C thin films using an approach combining the growth of copper/carbon nanocomposite thin films by co-sputtering followed by a selective wet etching of copper in nitric acid is studied. By adjusting the deposition conditions (e.g., powers applied to the sputtering targets, deposition temperature) of the nanocomposite thin films, it is shown that the pore size and the structure of the carbon skeleton can be modified. Furthermore, the possibility of integrating such nanoporous materials in field effect transistors for sensing application is also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent papers have demonstrated that the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was possible using nanocomposite nickel/carbon (nc-Ni/C) thin films as catalysts. In this study, the growth of CNTs by PECVD in H 2 /C 2 H 4 atmosphere was achieved using nc-Ni/C thin films deposited by a hybrid plasma process combining the sputtering of a nickel target and the deposition of hydrocarbon by PECVD using Ar/CH 4 atmosphere. In order to identify the most favorable conditions to obtain dense CNTs arrays using nc-Ni/C thin films, the Ni content in the catalyst as well as the growth conditions of the CNTs were varied. Films containing 40, 55 and 65 at.% of Ni were selected for this study. The growth temperature of the CNTs was varied between 500 and 700 °C whereas the electrical power applied to the PECVD source was tuned from 30 to 50 W. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were employed to probe the morphology and the structure of the CNT's. Depending on the chemical composition of the nc-Ni/C thin films, different trends were observed. No CNTs were obtained neither for the highest nickel content (i.e. %Ni = 65 at.%) nor for the lowest growth temperature (i.e. 500 °C). On the other hand, for temperatures exceeding 500 °C, while a high power on the PECVD source (i.e. 50 W) was found to be necessary to obtain CNTs in the case of films with a moderate Ni content (i.e. %Ni = 55 at.%), a lower power (i.e. 30 W) was sufficient for the film with the lowest Ni content (i.e. %Ni = 40 at.%). This difference in behavior was attributed to the differences in microstructure of nc-Ni/C thin films which is directly related to their chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the microstructure and the electrical behavior of nickel/carbon nanocomposite (nc-Ni/C) thin films is reported. A particular attention was accorded to the role of the chemical composition and the nature of the amorphous carbon matrix on the electrical behavior of the material. The nc-Ni/C thin films were synthesized using two different cold plasma processes both allowing to finely control the chemical composition, structure and morphology of the films. The first process combines magnetron sputtering of a nickel target and the deposition of hydrogenated carbon by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using methane as a precursor. The second process consists in the co-sputtering of a nickel and a graphite target in pure argon plasma. For the two deposition processes, a similar increase in the electrical conductivity with the Ni content was observed and attributed to the percolation of the Ni nanograins through the carbon matrix. The percolation threshold was evaluated around 41 at.% of Ni for the two deposition processes. For lower Ni concentrations, the microstructural study indicated that the electrical conductivity is governed by the nature of the amorphous carbon phase which is found to be dependent on the deposition process as revealed by μ-Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine potential genetic relationships between migraine and the two distinct phenotypes posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCiS) and anterior circulation ischemic stroke (ACiS), we generated migraine polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and compared these between PCiS and ACiS, and separately vs. non-stroke control subjects.Methods: Acute ischemic stroke cases were classified as PCiS or ACiS based on lesion location on diffusion-weighted MRI. Exclusion criteria were lesions in both vascular territories or uncertain territory; supratentorial PCiS with ipsilateral fetal posterior cerebral artery; and cases with atrial fibrillation. We generated migraine PRS for three migraine phenotypes (any migraine; migraine without aura; migraine with aura) using publicly available GWAS data and compared mean PRSs separately for PCiS and ACiS vs. non-stroke control subjects, and between each stroke phenotype.Results: Our primary analyses included 464 PCiS and 1079 ACiS patients with genetic European ancestry. Compared to non-stroke control subjects (n=15396), PRSs of any migraine were associated with increased risk of PCiS (p=0.01-0.03) and decreased risk of ACiS (p=0.010-0.039). Migraine without aura PRSs were significantly associated with PCiS (p=0.008-0.028), but not with ACiS. When comparing PCiS vs. ACiS directly, migraine PRSs were higher in PCiS vs. ACiS for any migraine (p=0.001-0.010) and migraine without aura (p=0.032-0.048). Migraine with aura PRS did not show a differential association in our analyses.Conclusions: Our results suggest a stronger genetic overlap between unspecified migraine and migraine without aura with PCiS compared to ACiS. Possible shared mechanisms include dysregulation of cerebral vessel endothelial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous carbon thin films are prepared by means of a selective etching process in nitric acid applied to nanocomposite copper/carbon (nc-Cu/C) thin films grown by magnetron co-sputtering process. Laying on the electrical percolation theory, we demonstrate that to achieve a full etching of the copper phase present within the nc-Cu/C films, the Cu nanoparticles must be percolated. We further show that by adjusting the initial copper content within the nc-Cu/C films (between 61 and 85 at.%), the pore size can be tuned accurately between 2 and 11 nm. Contrary to what one may expect, increasing the pore size from 2 to 11 nm induces an increase in the electrical conductivity of the nanoporous films from 82 to 308 S cm −1 . This unexpected electrical behavior is attributed to the structural modification of the carbon skeleton forming the porous material during the etching process. We further show that the transparency of such nanoporous films can be also controlled by tuning the pore size. The fact that the films with the highest electrical conductivity show the lowest optical absorption coefficient makes such material a very promising candidate for transparent electrode applications. This low temperature (less than 100 °C) synthesis approach will pave the way for the direct integration of conductive nanoporous carbon materials in thin film-based flexible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Endurance athletes may suffer from intermittent claudication. A subgroup of 16% has severe iliac artery stenosis due to endofibrosis. In this study we report the short- and mid-term results of endarterectomy with venous patching. Patients/methods: Athletes with claudication-like complaints were analysed using a protocol including cycling test and provocative echo-Doppler. Thirty-six athletes were diagnosed with serious iliac flow limitation (one bilateral), confirmed by additional magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Endarterectomy with venous patching was performed for 32 iliac artery stenosis and five occlusions. Postoperative (mean 15.6 months) 33 legs were evaluated using the same diagnostic protocol. A complete follow-up after mean 29 months was obtained by questionnaire. Results: Twenty-eight athletes were symptom free or could perform on a desired level with minor remaining complaints. Two athletes were satisfied though minor complaints prohibited high competition performance. Two athletes developed a re-stenosis and became symptom free after an additional operation. Three athletes had objective improvement but limited decrease in symptoms. One was unsatisfied but refused postoperative tests. The only major surgical complication was a postoperative bleeding necessitating re-operation. Postoperative tests showed significant increase in maximal workload and post-exercise ankle–brachial index. No aneurysm formation was detected. Conclusions: Precise diagnosis and meticulously performed endarterectomy with vein patching have satisfactory results in mid-term follow-up with acceptable risk in endurance athletes complaining of intermittent claudication due to iliac artery stenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

History Medical knowledge of pygmy hippopotami is limited. Anaesthesia has been considered a challenge because of the anatomy, semi-aquatic life style and aggressive behaviour. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has been described and can contribute to active kidney disease potentially affecting anaesthesia. Physical examination and Management Fourteen pygmy hippopotami were anaesthetized for general health assessment and reproductive procedures. Animals (estimated bodyweight 250 kg) were darted intramuscularly with 0.08 mg kg−1 medetomidine and 1.2 mg kg−1 ketamine. After endotracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane delivered either by circle system (100% oxygen) or by Triservice apparatus (air or air/oxygen admixture). Heart rate (HR) respiratory rate (fR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end tidal CO2 were recorded at 5-minute intervals. Atipamezole was administered intramuscularly (0.4 mg kg−1) at the end of the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using anova ( p < 0.05). Most animals rapidly became recumbent although five hippopotami needed additional drugs to assure acceptable immobilization. There were no statistical differences in mean HR between animals with or without PKD (PKD: 34 ± 8 beats minutes−1; no PKD: 33 ± 6 beats minutes−1), fR (PKD: 15 ± 7 breaths minutes−1; no PKD; 12 ± 5 breaths minutes−1) and end tidal CO2 (PKD: 7.1 ± 1.3 kPa; no PKD: 7.8 ± 1.4 kPa). SpO2 was higher in animals receiving 100% oxygen or air with oxygen (92 ± 8% and 91 ± 9% respectively) compared with animals receiving air only (77 ± 5%) ( p = 0.003). Recovery was uneventful after atipamezole administration. Follow-up There were no apparent adverse effects after anaesthesia during a 24-hour follow-up period. Discussion and conclusions Medetomidine-ketamine-isoflurane induced satisfactory anaesthesia in this species. Incremental induction doses were related to remote injection and the animals' thick skin. There were no differences in anaesthetic parameters in animals with or without PKD. Supplemental oxygen should be mandatory during anaesthesia in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate physiological and sedative/immobilization effects of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine combined with ketamine in free-ranging Chinese water deer (CWD). Prospective clinical trial. 10 free-ranging adult Chinese water deer (11.0 ± 2.6 kg). Animals were darted intramuscularly with 0.08 ± 0.004 mg kg medetomidine and 3.2 ± 0.2 mg kg ketamine (MK) or 0.04 ± 0.01 mg kg dexmedetomidine and 2.9 ± 0.1 mg kg ketamine (DMK) If the animal was still laterally recumbent after 60 minutes of immobilization, atipamezole was administered intravenously (MK: 0.4 ± 0.02 mg kg, DMK: 0.2 ± 0.03 mg kg). Heart rate (HR) respiratory rate (f) and temperature were recorded at 5-minute intervals. Arterial blood was taken 15 and 45 minutes after initial injection. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test or . p < 0.05 was considered significant. Animals became recumbent rapidly in both groups. Most had involuntary ear twitches, but there was no response to external stimuli. There were no statistical differences in mean HR (MK: 75 ± 14 beats minute; DMK: 85 ± 21 beats minute), f (MK: 51 ± 35 breaths minute; DMK; 36 ± 9 breaths minute), temperature (MK: 38.1 ± 0.7 °C; DMK: 38.4 ± 0.5 °C), blood gas values (MK: PaO 63 ± 6 mmHg, PaCO 49.6 ± 2.6 mmHg, HCO 30.8 ± 4.5 mmol L; DMK: PaO 77 ± 35 mmHg, PaCO 45.9 ± 11.5 mmHg, HCO 31.0 ± 4.5 mmol L) and biochemical values between groups but temperature decreased in both groups. All animals needed antagonism of immobilization after 60 minutes. Recovery was quick and uneventful. There were no adverse effects after recovery. Both anaesthetic protocols provided satisfactory immobilisation. There was no clear preference for either protocol and both appear suitable for CWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Investigate physiological and sedative/anaesthetic effects of xylazine, medetomidine or dexmedetomidine combined with ketamine in free-ranging Bennett’s wallabies. Study design Prospective clinical trial. Animals Twenty-six adult free-ranging Bennett’s wallabies. Methods Animals were darted intramuscularly with one of three treatments: xylazine and ketamine, 2.0 and 15.0 mg kg−1, respectively (XK): medetomidine and ketamine 0.1 and 5.0 mg kg−1 (MK) and dexmedetomidine and ketamine 0.05 and 5.0 mg kg−1 (DMK). Body weights were estimated. If the animal was still laterally recumbent after 45 minutes of anaesthesia, then an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole, was administered (XK: 0.4 mg kg−1, MK: 5 mg kg−1, DMK: 2.5 mg kg−1). Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (fR) were recorded at 5-minute intervals and temperature at 10-minute intervals. Venous blood was taken 30 minutes after initial injection. Statistical analysis utilizedanova. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Animals became recumbent rapidly in all groups. XK animals had muscle twitches, responded to external stimuli, and three animals required additional dosing; this was not observed in the MK and DMK groups. HR (mean ± SD beats minute−1) in XK (81 ± 4) was significantly higher than MK (74 ± 2) and DMK (67 ± 4). There were no differences in fR, temperature, blood-gas and biochemical values between groups. More animals in MK (9/10) and DMK (5/6) needed antagonism of anaesthesia compared with XK (1/10). There were no adverse effects after anaesthesia. Conclusion and clinical relevance Cardio-respiratory effects were similar in all groups. There were fewer muscle twitches and reactions to external stimuli in MK and DMK. Duration of anaesthesia was shorter in XK; most animals in MK and DMK needed atipamezole to assist recovery. All three treatments provided satisfactory sedation/anaesthesia and are suitable for use in Bennett’s wallabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney transplant in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with a poor outcome because of recurrent disease, especially in patients known to have a factor H mutation. Long-term prophylactic plasma exchange and combined liver-kidney transplant have prevented graft loss caused by recurrence. However, the mortality associated with liver transplant is not negligible, and prophylactic plasma exchange requires permanent vascular access and regular hospitalization and exposes the patient to potential allergic reactions to plasma. Eculizumab is a high-affinity humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to C5 and thus prevents generation of C5a and the membrane attack complex. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl with aHUS associated with a mutation in the gene for complement factor H (CFH; c.3572C>T, Ser1191Leu) who was highly dependent on plasma exchange. Because of severe allergic reactions to plasma after the third renal graft, eculizumab was introduced in place of plasma exchange without problems. This and other reports suggest that the promise of complement inhibitors in the management of aHUS is going to be fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two proteins from the eggshell of Rhodnius prolixus were isolated, characterized and named Rp30 and Rp45 according to their molecular masses. Purified proteins were used to obtain specific antiserum which was later used for immunolocalization. The antiserum against Rp30 and Rp45 detected their presence inside the follicle cells, their secretion and their association with oocyte microvilli. Both proteins are expressed during the final stage of vitellogenesis, preserved during embryogenesis and discarded together with the eggshell. The amino terminals were sequenced and both proteins were further cloned using degenerated primers. The amino acid sequences appear to have a tripartite arrangement with a highly conserved central domain which presents a repetitive motif of valine–proline–valine (VPV) at intervals of 15 amino acid residues. Their amino acid sequence showed no similarity to any known eggshell protein. The expression of these proteins was also investigated; the results demonstrated that this occurred strictly in choriogenic follicles. Antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger was found to be associated with Rp45 but not with Rp30. A. niger exposed to Rp45 protein induced growth inhibition and several morphological changes such as large vacuoles, swollen mitochondria, multi-lamellar structures and a disorganized cell wall as demonstrated by electron microscopy analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Immunoglobulins in chronic renal failure of childhood: Effects of dialysis modalities. Background. It is not clear whether low serum levels of IgG (subclasses), previously demonstrated in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD), are related to the PD procedure or to factors associated with chronic renal failure (CRF). The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of PD on serum and PD effluent (PDE) IgG and subclass levels in children with end-stage renal failure. Methods. We measured albumin, IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG subclasses in serum and PDE from children on PD (N = 40) and compared the serum values with those of children treated with hemodialysis (HD, N = 23) or presenting with CRF but not yet dialyzed (CRF; N = 63), and with a group of healthy controls (HCs; N = 67). Sixteen PD children could be followed sequentially from before starting PD and eight during a peritonitis episode. Results. Forty percent of the PD children showed reduced serum IgG2 levels (P = 0.0003) compared with 35% in HD (P = 0.006), 33% in CRF (P = 0.001), and 9% in HC children. IgG1 deficiencies were observed in 25% of PD patients (P < 0.0001), 4% of HD (P = NS), 16% of CRF (P = 0.0005), and 0% of HC children. IgG3 and IgG4 deficiencies were observed less frequently. Peritoneal clearances were similar for total IgG, IgG1 , IgG2 , and IgG4 , but were lower for IgG3 (P < 0.05). No relationships were found between clearances and age or duration of PD treatment. Total IgG (P = 0.003) and IgG1 (P = 0.002) levels declined just after starting PD. Peritonitis was associated with temporarily increased peritoneal loss of Ig, while the serum concentrations were unaffected. No significant relationship was found between the peritonitis incidence and reduced IgG or subclasses. However, all children with two or more peritonitis episodes per year had a reduced Ig level. Conclusions. Although the mean serum... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As age and Parkinson's disease (PD) both play a role in the degeneration of brain white matter, we aimed to investigate a possible interaction effect of age and disease presence on white matter integrity in patients with PD. We studied white matter hyperintensity volume, global fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and mean magnetization transfer ratio of normal appearing white matter in 163 patients with PD and 218 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. We investigated the relationship between age and these parameters in both groups, and interaction between age and disease presence. Patients with PD had a higher load of white matter hyperintensities with a preferential periventricular and anterior distribution as compared with healthy control subjects. Visuospatial functioning was related to total and postural instability and gait difficulty was related to periventricular white matter hyperintensity volume in patients with PD. The age-related decline of white matter integrity was similar for both groups. Global microstructural integrity of the normal appearing white matter did not differ between patients and healthy control subjects, suggesting that PD-specific changes do not exceed normal age-associated change in white matter without lesions. • Patients with PD had more white matter hyperintensities as compared with control subjects. • White matter hyperintensities had a preferential periventricular and anterior distribution in patients with PD. • The age-related decline of white matter integrity was similar for both groups. • Global microstructural integrity was relatively normal in patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In genetic frontotemporal dementia, cross-sectional studies have identified profiles of presymptomatic neuroanatomical loss for C9orf72 repeat expansion, MAPT , and GRN mutations. In this study, we characterize longitudinal gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) brain changes in presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia. We included healthy carriers of C9orf72 repeat expansion (n = 12), MAPT (n = 15), GRN (n = 33) mutations, and related noncarriers (n = 53), that underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 2-year follow-up. We analyzed cross-sectional baseline, follow-up, and longitudinal GM and WM changes using voxel-based morphometry and cortical thickness analysis in SPM and tract-based spatial statistics in FSL. Compared with noncarriers, C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers showed lower GM volume in the cerebellum and insula, and WM differences in the anterior thalamic radiation, at baseline and follow-up. MAPT mutation carriers showed emerging GM temporal lobe changes and longitudinal WM degeneration of the uncinate fasciculus. GRN mutation carriers did not show presymptomatic neurodegeneration. This study shows distinct presymptomatic cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns of GM and WM changes across C9orf72 repeat expansion, MAPT, and GRN mutation carriers compared with noncarriers. Highlights • Presymptomatic brain changes differ across FTD mutations compared to non-carriers. • In presymptomatic C9orf72 carriers, cross-sectional brain change is stable over time. • In presymptomatic MAPT carriers, longitudinal changes occur in the temporal lobes. • GRN carriers show no cross-sectional or longitudinal gray or white matter changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares romifidine-ketamine-midazolam and romifidine-tiletamine-zolazepam total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in horses referred for castration. Research methodology; Indication that both protocols induced an acceptable induction and short lasting anesthesia with moderate bradycardia and hypertension; Longer and poor recovery from the tiletamine/zolazepam anesthesia.

Variation in seclusion rates between psychiatric facilities cannot be adequately explained by patient characteristics alone and there is a growing awareness of the influence of ‘cultural’ and staff factors on the use of seclusion. In this study, staff variables as well as seclusion parameters were investigated during the implementation of an innovation project, against the background of an institutional program to reduce the use of coercive measures. The results demonstrate the impact of confidence within the team, staffing level and communication with the patient on nurses' decisions on seclusion. The importance of the organizational context is further illustrated by the negative effects of organizational instability on nurses' attitudes and decision making with respect to seclusion, and on seclusion rates. A reduction in the use of seclusion was achieved after the implementation of the innovation project; however, during a period of organizational turmoil, the work engagement scores of staff decreased and the use of seclusion increased. The results of this study show the vulnerability of innovations within the continuously changing organizational context of mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Knowledge about the reproduction of the endangered pygmy hippopotamus is almost non-existent. This study takes the first step toward changing this by devising a protocol for the collection, evaluation, and short-term preservation of semen of this endangered species. Semen was collected successfully from seven bulls by electroejaculation, using a specially designed rectal probe. Mean ± SEM values of native sperm parameters from combined best fractions were: motility—80.0 ± 4.1%, concentration—2421 ± 1530 × 106 cells/mL, total collected cell number—759 ± 261 × 106 cells, intact acrosome—87.8 ± 1.2%, intact morphology—52.7 ± 4.3%, and, for some, hypoosmotic swelling test—79.3 ± 4.4% and seminal plasma osmolarity—297.5 ± 3.3 mOsm. Seven different extenders were tested for sperm storage under chilling conditions: Berliner Cryomedium (BC), Biladyl®, modification of Kenney modified Tyrode’s medium (KMT), MES medium, Androhep®, boar M III™ extender and Human Sperm Refrigeration Medium. While differences between males were apparent, the BC was consistently superior to all other extenders in sperm motility and facilitated storage for 7 d with up to 30% motility and some motility even after 3 weeks. With this knowledge in hand, the obvious two directions for future research are to conduct artificial insemination and to develop a technique for sperm cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are at risk for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and disruptive behavior. This pilot study explores temporal characteristics of EDS and severe disruptive behavior across time of day and day of week in seven individuals with PWS (aged between 33 and 49 years) of whom five were matched to controls. Direct care staff and/or parents used a scatter plot (i.e., 2-h partial interval recording) to collect data during 28 successive days. Overall frequency of EDS and severe disruptive behavior was low in both groups. Individuals with PWS generally showed more EDS when there were no scheduled activities compared to when activities were scheduled, specifically in the afternoon and in the evening and during the weekend. Scatter plot methodology may be useful in identifying situations that evoke excessive sleepiness and severe disruptive behaviors in people with PWS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In captive rhinoceros stillbirth and perinatal death are recorded at a rate of 6–17% in the various species. At the same time there is a substantial lack of knowledge on rhinoceros parturition. Yet, predicting parameters for birth and progress of parturition are fundamental for the recognition of dystocia and perinatal problems. Therefore, we here intended to pay close attention to the Achilles heel of the 1.5–2.5 year reproduction cycle in rhinoceros, the parturition. For the prediction of parturition we recorded timelines for pre-birth udder development, genital swelling, milk production, behavioral unrest, and decrease of serum progesterone concentration and the gestational length in 19 white rhinoceros. First, second and third labour stage, foetal presentation and events in perinatal period were recorded to describe normal parturition and establish a guideline for better birth management in rhinoceros. Udder development and genital swelling were observed 3 and 2 weeks prior birth, respectively. Milk production was observed to start up to 3 weeks prior birth and increased significantly in the last week with most significant increase one day before parturition to 50.6 ± 45.4 mL (p < 0.006). Serum progesterone concentration started to decrease 7 days prior parturition and more significantly 48 h before parturition. While behavioral unrest and first stage labour was not observed reliably in all females the break of foetal waters and thus the start of second stage labour was unmistakably observed. Second stage labour, when foetal membranes had ruptured until the foetus was born, took 1:50 ± 0:20 h:min. Eighty-four percent of fetuses were born in anterior presentation (n = 16/19) and the final expulsion took <25 min suggesting that this is the normal presentation in white rhinoceros. In the less frequent posterior presentation final expulsion took up to 47 min. Overall, 95% of calves were born alive. Calves were standing and nursing in 0:55 ± 0:12 min and 3:32 ± 0:53 h:min, respectively. In 10.5% of births (n = 2/19) in anterior presentation perinatal complications occurred. Stillbirth occurred once (5.3% n = 1/19) when the foetus was born in posterior presentation. The recorded gestational length was 506 ± 2d. Delivering live offspring is of key importance to establish a new generation and secure long-term survival of a species. Various pre-birth changes, significant decrease of serum progesterone 48 h prior birth, different labour stages, foetal presentation and perinatal events described here add substantial knowledge on the understanding of normal rhinoceros parturition and may help diagnose dystocia and perinatal complications. • Parturition in captive rhinoceros is hard to predict and duration of different labour stages have yet not been described. • Gestational length and serum progesterone decline reliably predict parturition in rhinoceros. • Here, labour stages, foetal presentation and perinatal events describe the chronology of parturition in rhinoceros. • Data on parturition provides valuable information for obstetrical care and may reduce the stillbirth rate in captive rhinoceros. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children is often complicated by one or more relapses, as manifested by the appearance of proteinuria. Besides health-related triggers, psychological stress might be related to relapse. This longitudinal study examined the link between perceived stress, emotional valence (feeling happy vs. unhappy) and daily reported proteinuria, and investigated the temporal relation between stressful events and proteinuria.Method: Sixteen children (4-13 years) diagnosed with SSNS were included. Patients kept an online diary for an average of 124 days, wherein they reported proteinuria (n = 1985 urine samples), perceived stress, emotional valence, medication use and health complaints. Stressful days were determined at the start of the study. Using multilevel analysis, the following associations were tested: (1) the relation between perceived stress, emotional valence and proteinuria, and (2) the temporal relation between stressful days and proteinuria.Results: Appearance of proteinuria was reported in 410/1985 urine samples. Perceived stress and not emotional valence significantly predicted proteinuria (95% CI [0.11, 0.27]), even five days later. There was a significant temporal association between stressful days and proteinuria (95% CI [0.22, 1.14]). The effect sizes of these associations were small, f = 0.04 and f = 0.12, respectively.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that psychological stress may trigger proteinuria in children with SSNS. Future research in larger samples is needed to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter and Campylobacter species (spp.) colonize the gastrointestinal tract of various domesticated animals. Apart from their pathogenic significance in animals, several species are of zoonotic importance as well. For most non-domesticated animal spp., however, little is known on the presence and importance of these agents. Therefore, we investigated the presence of Helicobacter and Campylobacter spp. in marine and terrestrial zoo mammals. Faecal samples of various marine and terrestrial zoo mammals were collected from 6 different zoos in Belgium. These samples were tested for the presence of Helicobacter and Campylobacter spp. by isolation and direct demonstration of DNA using genus-specific PCRs, followed by sequencing of the obtained amplicons. Helicobacter spp. were detected in 12 and Campylobacter spp. in 5 of the 22 faecal samples from marine mammals. In 4 of 5 dolphins, H. cetorum was demonstrated, a well-known pathogen associated with gastritis and gastric ulceration in marine mammals. C. insulaenigrae was isolated from 4 of 6 sea lions and from 1 of 11 seals. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the presence of C. insulaenigrae on the European mainland. Helicobacter spp. were detected in 5 and Campylobacter spp. (mainly C. jejuni subsp. jejuni and C. coli ) in 9 of the 26 faecal samples from terrestrial mammals. Potential novel enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. were detected in both marine and terrestrial zoo mammals. For the first time, the presence of several known and unknown Campylobacter and Helicobacter spp. was demonstrated in the gastrointestinal tract of various marine and terrestrial zoo mammals. Further investigation is needed on the pathogenic and zoonotic importance of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal metabolic rates in mammals are mainly determined by body mass, but also by ecological factors. Some mammalian species inhabiting hot, dry environments were found to have lower metabolic rates compared to temperate species. We studied energy metabolism in Phillip's dikdik (Madoqua saltiana phillipsi), a small antelope inhabiting xeric shrubland habitats in the Eastern ‘horn’ of Africa, and compared results to literature data. We measured body mass (BM) changes and digestibility in 12 adults kept on different food intake levels to determine, by extrapolation to zero BM change, maintenance energy requirements (MEm) for metabolizable energy (ME). The MEm averaged at 404±20kJMEkgBM−0.75 d−1. In addition we conducted 24h-chamber respirometry with seven fed (non-fasted) individuals. Their mean metabolic rate as calculated from oxygen consumption was 403±51kJkgBM−0.75 d−1, corroborating the results of the feeding experiments. Selecting the 20 lowest values of the respiration measurement period to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR) resulted in a mean RMR of 244±39kJkgBM−0.75 d−1, which was not significantly lower than the expected basal metabolic rate of 293kJkgBM−0.75 d−1. Therefore, resting metabolism was similar to the expected average basal metabolism of a mammal of this size, which suggests a comparatively low metabolic rate in dikdiks. Compared to literature data Phillip's dikdiks have a MEm similar to measurements reported for small domestic ruminants, but considerably lower than those reported for other wild ruminant species inhabiting temperate and cold climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]