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Managers of protected areas need to balance how they use or preserve their resources, especially regarding 'road ecology'. This study focuses on Kruger National Park's (KNP) common ungulates' response to tourist vehicles. We answered the following questions for impala, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, greater kudu and steenbok: What mediates animal flight and flight distance from a vehicle? How much of KNP is affected by roads? Are ungulates using or avoiding roads? We sampled 55.9% of KNP's tourist roads, where we approached animals and determined whether and how far they fled. We georeferenced sightings and estimated the amount of land area along KNP's tourist roads where animals would be expected to flee from vehicles. Of 517 animal sightings, Impala were sighted most (263) and steenbok least (32). Impala had the highest flight propensity (42.6%) and wildebeest lowest (13%). Steenbok were found closest to the road (22.13 m) and wildebeest furthest (77.6 m). Impala had the closest tolerance distance (16.63 m), with zebra furthest (44.74 m). Impala fled the least distance (9.93 m) and zebra fled furthest (24.52 m). Binary logistic regressions (BLRs) showed that all species fled more consistently when closer to the road. The amount of KNP affected by animal flight based on BLRs was largest for zebra (2.32% of the park) and smallest for kudu (0.84%). Impala used the first 10 m of the roadside more than expected and 10–20 m from the road less. KNP's ungulates are habituated to vehicles since flight propensity was low, distribution analysis showed no‐road avoidance, flight distance was short, and animals > 50 m from the road generally do not flee. Given the amount of KNP that is already affected by vehicle traffic, as tourism increases, the land solely devoted to wildlife will necessarily decrease. This study aims to provide information for the best management of roads and traffic in KNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African animal fur patterns were part of the flapper's wardrobe. Fur trade publications and the fashion press specifically linked leopard to flapper fashion. Wearing leopard fur connected the modern woman to the wilds of jazz dance and sexual promiscuity for which she was known. Celebrity flappers like Nancy Cunard wore leopard. Illustrators like John Held Jr. made giraffe fur patterns part of this flapper look, though giraffe was short-lived and had more aristocratic and graceful connotations than leopard. African leopard, giraffe, gazelle and zebra were all linked to the new clothing category called sportswear. These furs were sometimes called jungle furs to exoticize their origins in Africa and connect them to the popularity of jazz, 'jungle' music. The fur patterns eventually became part of the exotic pyjama, thus promoting an early form of sportswear pant being worn outside the home for the beach by the end of the twenties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study evaluates the remote chemical immobilization protocol for a reproductive surgical procedure of a freeranging male Plains Zebra (Equus Quagga), 11 years old, 400 kg body weight. The zebra was darted twice in the gluteal muscles (first from a distance of 30 meters, succeeded after 25 minutes by the second dart, from 15 meters), as the first dart was not fully discharged. Each syringe contained a 5 ml total volume of the combination: 1000 mg Ketamine, 50 mg Medetomidine, 10 mg Butorphanol, and 5 mg Midazolam. The induction time calculated from the last dart until the animal gained lateral recumbency was 8 minutes. A bilateral locoregional intratesticular block was performed using a total dose of 2mg/kg Lidocaine. The maintenance phase lasted 54 minutes ensuring optimal anesthesia and analgesia, necessary for the procedure. Atipamezole 0,15mg/kg was used for antagonization, intravenously and was effective in 1 minute. The patient was classified with a final recovery score of 1 and assisted into a standing position, presenting stable coordination and reduced ataxia. During anesthesia clinical monitoring was continuous, without any complications recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factor dysregulation is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Peptide‐based molecules are increasingly recognised as important modulators of difficult intracellular protein–protein interaction targets, with peptide library screening consequently proven to be a viable strategy in developing inhibitors against a wide range of transcription factors (TFs). However, current strategies simply select the highest affinity of binding to a target TF rather than the ability to inhibit TF function. Here, we utilise our Transcription Block Survival (TBS) screening platform to enable high‐throughput identification of peptides that inhibit TFs from binding to cognate DNA sites, hence inhibiting functionality. In this study, we explore whether the TBS can be expanded to derive a potent and functional peptide inhibitor of the BZLF1 transcription factor. The library‐derived peptide, AcidicW, is shown to form a more stable dimer with BZLF1 than the BZLF1 homodimer, with a thermal denaturation temperature exceeding 80°C. AcidicW can also functionally inhibit the BZLF1:TRE DNA interaction with high potency and an IC50 of 612 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for clean, renewable energy has driven the expansion of renewable energy generators, such as wind and solar. However, to achieve a robust and responsive electrical grid based on such inherently intermittent renewable energy sources, grid-scale energy storage is essential. The unmet need for this critical component has motivated extensive grid-scale battery research, especially exploring chemistries "beyond Li-ion". Among others, molten sodium (Na) batteries, which date back to the 1960s with Na-S, have seen a strong revival, owing mostly to raw material abundance and the excellent electrochemical properties of Na metal. Recently, many groups have demonstrated important advances in battery chemistries, electrolytes, and interfaces to lower material and operating costs, enhance cyclability, and understand key mechanisms that drive failure in molten Na batteries. For widespread implementation of molten Na batteries, though, further optimization, cost reduction, and mechanistic insight is necessary. In this light, this work provides a brief history of mature molten Na technologies, a comprehensive review of recent progress, and explores possibilities for future advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On February 9–10, 2022, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and Washington State University hosted a workshop to establish research priorities that support the implementation of action items listed in a current invasive species management plan, the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) 2.0, that are intended to limit the establishment and spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States. The workshop focus was on developing research priorities for the thematic areas that are addressed in QZAP 2.0: 1) early detection monitoring, 2) prevention and containment, 3) control and management, and 4) rapid response. In addition, research priorities were developed for a fifth thematic area that addressed dreissenid mussel biology. Forty scientists participated in the two-day workshop. Prior to the workshop, participants were asked to review and rank research priorities that were established for a previous version of the QZAP and to offer suggestions on emerging research priorities. During the workshop, subject matter experts presented information describing current knowledge of research and information associated with the thematic areas of early detection monitoring, prevention and containment, rapid response, control and management, and biology in the context of strategies and actions listed in QZAP 2.0. The rankings of previous research priorities and suggestions of emerging priorities were then reviewed, and a revised list of research priorities was formed. The list of research priorities is presented by thematic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for collecting animal behaviour data in natural environments, such as direct observation and biologging, are typically limited in spatiotemporal resolution, the number of animals that can be observed and information about animals' social and physical environments.Video imagery can capture rich information about animals and their environments, but image‐based approaches are often impractical due to the challenges of processing large and complex multi‐image datasets and transforming resulting data, such as animals' locations, into geographical coordinates.We demonstrate a new system for studying behaviour in the wild that uses drone‐recorded videos and computer vision approaches to automatically track the location and body posture of free‐roaming animals in georeferenced coordinates with high spatiotemporal resolution embedded in contemporaneous 3D landscape models of the surrounding area.We provide two worked examples in which we apply this approach to videos of gelada monkeys and multiple species of group‐living African ungulates. We demonstrate how to track multiple animals simultaneously, classify individuals by species and age–sex class, estimate individuals' body postures (poses) and extract environmental features, including topography of the landscape and animal trails.By quantifying animal movement and posture while reconstructing a detailed 3D model of the landscape, our approach opens the door to studying the sensory ecology and decision‐making of animals within their natural physical and social environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to systematic genetic review of the literature on the cresty neck in Spanish Purebred horses. An exhaustive literature review was carried out using databases PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed), Publons (https://publons.com/), SciELO: Scientific Electronic Library Online (https://scielo.org/) and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/). The search was carried out on October 21, 2020. The results of the systematic genetic review of the literature on cresty neck in Spanish Purebred horses identified 633 potential articles in the aforementioned databases, of these a total of 49 articles discuss 8 potentially genetic defects in the Spanish Purebred horse and a total of 15 articles specifically related to cresty neck in Spanish Purebred horses, few disorders were specifically linked to conformation or phenotype. The genetic bases of fat metabolism are associated with cresty neck, in Spanish Purebred horses where obesity and equine metabolic syndrome is a polygenic trait with specific risk alleles of the race. Reports in the literature indicate a high incidence, with a moderate heritability. Morphological and pathological studies describe this defect as a pathological condition given the degree of fat infiltration associated with lipomatosis in the muscles of the dorsal region of the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 7‐year‐old plains zebra (Equus quagga) mare was presented to the Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Germany as an emergency. The owner reported that the mare was unable to stand after a suspected traumatic episode at the home yard. The mare was transported in lateral recumbency in a trailer. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia (up to 102 beats/min), tachypnoea (28 breaths/min), mild fever (38.7°C) and clinical dehydration with elastic skin and dry and red mucous membranes. Neurological examination showed paraplegia with complete loss of nociception of the mid‐thoracic region and caudal to it. In contrast, examination of the thoracic limbs revealed marked extensor rigidity and hyperaesthesia resulting in an enhanced acute response to minimal touch of the neck and shoulder region. Lateral radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column led to the diagnosis of a complete fracture of the vertebral body of the 7th thoracic (T) vertebra with suspected traumatic compression of the spinal cord. Post‐mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis. Gross pathology revealed a complete comminuted fracture of T7 with marked compression of the spinal cord. This is the first report describing the clinical, radiological and pathological findings of a fracture of a thoracic vertebra leading to a Schiff‐Sherrington syndrome in a zebra (Equus quagga). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Equine species are not a common protein source in South Africa, despite being popular in European countries. Horses are known for producing highly nutrient-dense, lean meat, with high dressing percentages. An African equine species with promising production potential is the Plains zebra, which has received very little attention in this regard. The Plains zebra is known to produce nutritious lean meat, but little is known about the carcass composition. Due to its natural resistance to foot-and-mouth disease and the lack of current meat export restrictions for African Horse Sickness, Plains zebra meat is a game meat that can thus be exported from South Africa. This makes it an ideal species for meat production, with the game meat industry being heavily focused on growth, expansion, and formalization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the meat production potential of the Plains zebra by investigating carcass characteristics as well as meat and offal contributions. Dressing percentages were favourably comparable to equine, game, and livestock species. The considerable contribution of the edible by-products and the high muscle yield, indicate that the Plains zebra can potentially be used as a valuable protein source, thereby contributing to food security in especially rural areas of South Africa. This study presents descriptive data on the meat and offal production of Plains zebras harvested in the winter (n = 8) and summer (n = 12) seasons, at different respective locations in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The cold dressing percentages were numerically higher for the winter (58.0 ± 0.60%) than for the summer-harvested animals (56.60 ± 0.70%). Heavier internal offal yields were reported for the winter-harvested group (70.76 ± 21.8 kg) compared to the summer-harvested animals (66.13 ± 3.78 kg). As harvest season had no influence, pooled data of the percentage contribution of each muscle to cold carcass weight indicated that the Longissimus et lumborum (3.5 ± 0.18%), semimembranosus (1.6 ± 0.04%), biceps femoris (2.7 ± 0.05%) and semitendinosus (0.9 ± 0.02%) muscles differed significantly in their respective contributions to cold carcass weight. No significant differences were recorded between the contribution of the infraspinatus (0.6 ± 0.02%), supraspinatus (0.4 ± 0.03%) and psoas major (0.6 ± 0.02%) muscles. Carcass and muscle yields, as well as low-cost protein offal yields from this study indicate that the Plains zebra has the potential to be used and distributed as an alternative protein source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas most studies on overmarking in mammals analysed the rate of overmarking, that those investigate time between exploration of an olfactory stimulus and the response to it remain less common, with inconsistent results. We examined the latency in time between elimination by the sender and sniffing by the receiver, and from sniffing and overmarking, in four captive African equid species to explore differences among species, and among age and sex classes. We investigated these latency time periods in light of three potential hypotheses explaining overmarking behaviour in equids: social bonds, group cohesion, and intrasexual competition. Analysing 1684 events of sniffing and 719 of overmarking among 130 individuals, we found that (i) the time from elimination to overmarking was shorter among female friends and in parent–offspring dyads, proving support to the social bond hypothesis; (ii) intraspecific differences in time periods do not reflect the social organisation of species, thus not supporting the group cohesion hypothesis; (iii) males were more attracted to elimination of conspecifics than females, and female's eliminations were inspected longer, in line with the sexual competition hypothesis and/or reproductive behaviour. In addition, we found that the younger foals came to sniff eliminations faster than older ones, and in larger groups foals devoted longer time to sniffing the elimination before overmarking. We concluded that examination of the elimination could be driven by motivations other than the decision to overmark. Whereas overmarking serves to express bonds to a familiar individual, the latency of overmarking reflects more reproductive interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A man attacked by a pet zebra suffers multiple bite wounds to his right arm and generalized trauma after being dragged to the ground and pinned by the animal. He was transported to the emergency department (ED) by the local emergency medical service (EMS) with a tourniquet in place for nearly 60 min. The man's injuries included extensive soft tissue damage, an open fracture and dislocation of his right elbow, and a soft tissue injury to his right ear. His clinical course was complicated by severe necrosis of the soft tissue of the right forearm requiring transhumeral amputation just above the condyles. Ongoing infection and the development of phantom limb pain complicated his recovery., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: In this report, we describe the clinical, macro- and microscopic findings of a newborn zebra victim of a fatal trauma and its possible causes are discussed in detail. Case Description: A plains zebra (E. quagga) born in a Portuguese zoo was found in hypothermia and unable to get up. The animal was admitted to the hospital 36h later and, after the first hour of treatment and no attempts to get up, it began to convulse and died. At necropsy, subdural hematoma and atlanto-axial dislocation were the main findings. Conclusion: The inability to pinpoint the exact moment of the lesions’ onset determines the importance of a thorough surveillance of the periparturient period and parturition of captive animals. Furthermore, literature concerning zebras, their reproduction and neonatal period is scarce, reinforcing the need to report these cases.

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) is developed; its fundamental inspiration is the behavior of zebras in nature. ZOA simulates the foraging behavior of zebras and their defense strategy against predators’ attacks. The ZOA steps are described and then mathematically modeled. ZOA performance in optimization is evaluated on sixty-eight benchmark functions, including unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, fixed-dimensional multimodal, CEC2015, and CEC2017. The results obtained from ZOA are compared with the performance of nine well-known algorithms. The simulation results show that ZOA can solve optimization problems by creating a suitable balance between exploration and exploitation and has a superior performance compared to nine competitor algorithms. ZOA’s ability to solve real-world problems has been tested on four engineering design problems, namely, tension/compression spring, welded beam, speed reducer, and pressure vessel. The optimization results show that ZOA is an effective optimizer in determining the values of the design variables of these problems compared to the nine competitor algorithms.

The intestinal flora has a variety of physiological functions involved in the regulation of host metabolism, immunity and endocrinology, and plays an important role in maintaining the health of the host. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the intestinal bacterial diversity and their gene functions in three equine species of the genus Shetland Pony (SP), Mongolian Wild Ass (MA), and Plain Zebra (PZ) in captivity in two wildlife parks in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. The results showed that only the SP intestinal bacterial abundance index (Chao1) was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the same species in the two wildlife parks, but neither the intestinal bacterial diversity index (Shannon) nor the community composition were significantly different (P > 0.05). The bacterial abundance index (Chao1) was significantly higher in MA than SP (P < 0.05) and highly significantly higher than PZ (P < 0.01); the bacterial diversity index (Shannon) was higher in MA than PZ, but there was no significant difference, but both MA and PZ were significantly higher than SP (P < 0.05). Moreover, the intestinal bacterial community composition was significantly different among the three equine species (P D 0.001). The dominant bacterial phyla for SP, MA, and PZ were Firmicutes and Bacteroidota; among them, the bacterial family with the highest relative abundance was Lachnospiraceae and the bacterial genus was Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. Analysis of the metabolic gene functions of intestinal bacteria revealed that the highest relative abundance at Pathway level 2 was for global and overview maps; at Pathway level 3, the highest relative abundance was for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In sum, the intestinal bacterial community composition and diversity of the above three equine species differed significantly, but their metabolic gene functions were similar. Moreover, the results of this manuscript fill the gap in the study of intestinal bacterial diversity in SP, MA, and PZ. It also provides a reference for the study of the dominant bacteria in the intestinal microorganisms of these three equine species and the discovery of novel functional genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herpesviruses establish latency to ensure permanent residence in their hosts. Upon entry into a cell, these viruses are rapidly silenced by the host, thereby limiting the destructive viral lytic phase while allowing the virus to hide from the immune system. Notably, although the establishment of latency by the oncogenic herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) requires the expression of viral latency genes, latency can be maintained with a negligible expression of viral genes. Indeed, in several herpesviruses, the host DNA sensor IFI16 facilitated latency via H3K9me3 heterochromatinization. This silencing mark is typically imposed by the constitutive heterochromatin machinery (HCM). The HCM, in an antiviral role, also silences the lytic phase of EBV and other herpes viruses. We investigated if IFI16 restricted EBV lytic activation by partnering with the HCM and found that IFI16 interacted with core components of the HCM, including the KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP1) and the site-specific DNA binding KRAB-ZFP SZF1. This partnership silenced the EBV lytic switch protein ZEBRA, encoded by the BZLF1 gene, thereby favoring viral latency. Indeed, IFI16 contributed to H3K9 trimethylation at lytic genes of all kinetic classes. In defining topology, we found that IFI16 coenriched with KAP1 at the BZLF1 promoter, and while IFI16 and SZF1 were each adjacent to KAP1 in latent cells, IFI16 and SZF1 were not. Importantly, we also found that disruption of latency involved rapid downregulation of IFI16 transcription. These findings revealed a previously unknown partnership between IFI16 and the core HCM that supports EBV latency via antiviral heterochromatic silencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several epidemiological studies have suggested that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lytic infection is essential for the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), as the elevation of antibody titers against EBV lytic proteins is a common feature of NPC. Although ZEBRA protein is a key trigger for the initiation of lytic infection, whether its expression affects the prognosis and pathogenesis of NPC remains unclear. In this study, 64 NPC biopsy specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. We found that ZEBRA was significantly associated with a worsening of progression‐free survival in NPC (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–11.87; p = 0.037). Moreover, ZEBRA expression positively correlated with key endocrinological proteins, estrogen receptor α, and aromatase. The transcriptional level of ZEBRA is activated by estrogen in an estrogen receptor α‐dependent manner, resulting in an increase in structural gene expression levels and extracellular virus DNA copy number in NPC cell lines, reminiscent of lytic infection. Interestingly, it did not suppress cellular proliferation or increase apoptosis, in contrast with cells treated with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate and sodium butyrate, indicating that viral production induced by estrogen is not a cell lytic phenomenon. Our results suggest that intratumoral estrogen overproduced by aromatase could induce ZEBRA expression and EBV reactivation, contributing to the progression of NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the percentage of positive samples of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017. Results A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 22), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall percentage of positive samples in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6–37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5–71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an important chromatin protein and a pro-inflammatory molecule. Though shown to enhance target DNA binding by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic switch protein ZEBRA, whether HMGB1 actually contributes to gammaherpesvirus biology is not known. In investigating the contribution of HMGB1 to the lytic phase of EBV, important for development of EBV-mediated diseases, we find that compared to latently-infected cells, lytic phase Burkitt lymphoma-derived cells and peripheral blood lytic cells during primary EBV infection express high levels of HMGB1. Our experiments place HMGB1 upstream of ZEBRA and reveal that HMGB1, through the NLRP3 inflammasome, sustains the expression of ZEBRA. These findings indicate that in addition to the NLRP3 inflammasome's recently discovered role in turning the EBV lytic switch on, NLRP3 cooperates with the danger molecule HMGB1 to also maintain ZEBRA expression, thereby sustaining the lytic signal. • HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory DAMP, sustains the EBV latent-to-lytic switch. • HMGB1 sustains EBV ZEBRA expression via the NLRP3 inflammasome. • These findings link a pro-inflammatory molecule to EBV reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild equids can harbour multi-host infectious agents that are able to affect other wildlife species, but also domestic animals and humans. The direct and indirect contact between wild and domestic equids is constantly increasing due to global movement of horses and equine products, the depletion of natural areas and climate and land-usage changes, which could result in burdensome epidemics. Nevertheless, currently there is a lack of adequate epidemiological data from zebra. Three electronic databases were searched from 10 to 20 March 2021 for publications reporting bacterial, viral and protozoan infections in zebra. Data for a total of 12 relevant variables were extracted from reviewed papers to undergo a qualitative analysis. Prevalence-reporting studies were subjected to meta-analysis for estimating the pooled prevalence and seroprevalence of microbials in wild zebra populations. We identified 30 pathogen species and the most represented were equine Herpesvirus 1 and 9, Bacillus anthracis, African horse sickness virus and Theileria equi. They were reported from all the three zebra species, both in captivity and wilderness. Pooled seroprevalences were estimated for the equine Orbiviruses AHSV (70%; 95% CI: 35-96%) and EEV (21%; 95% CI: 8-38%) and for the equine a-Herpesviruses EHV-1 (72%; 95% CI: 43-93%), EHV-4 (40%; 95% CI: 0-100%) and EHV-9 (58%; 95% CI: 9-98%), and pooled prevalences for the equine piroplasms T. equi (100%; 95% CI: 94-100%) and B. caballi (8%; 95% CI: 0-28%). Zebra is most probably a component of the reservoir from which AHSV, EHV-1 and T. equi can be directly or indirectly transmitted to horse populations, potentially causing disastrous epidemics. Zebra can also harbour zoonotic pathogens like B. anthracis, Brucella spp., A. phagocytophylum, CCHFV and T. brucei. Other agents like EHV-9, BPV-1 and BPV-2 have the potential to spread from zebra to other wild endangered animal species. We conclude that zebra is an important host of multiple and dangerous pathogens for both animals and humans. Comprehensive studies focused on the prevalence of infectious agents present in zebra populations and the associated risk factors are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this report, we describe the clinical, macro-, and microscopic findings of a newborn zebra victim of a fatal trauma and its possible causes are discussed in detail. Case Description: A plains zebra (Equus quagga) born in a Portuguese zoo was found in hypothermia and unable to get up. The animal was admitted to the hospital 36 hours later and, after the first hour of treatment and no attempts to get up, it began to convulse and died. At necropsy, subdural hematoma and atlantoaxial dislocation were the main findings. Conclusion: The inability to pinpoint the exact moment of the lesions' onset determines the importance of a thorough surveillance of the periparturient period and parturition of captive animals. Furthermore, literature concerning zebras, their reproduction, and neonatal period is scarce, reinforcing the need to report these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The adaptive significance of zebra stripes has thus far eluded understanding. Many explanations have been suggested, including social cohesion, thermoregulation, predation evasion and avoidance of biting flies. Identifying the associations between phenotypic and environmental factors is essential for testing these hypotheses and substantiating existing experimental evidence. Plains zebra striping pattern varies regionally, from heavy black and white striping over the entire body in some areas to reduced stripe coverage with thinner and lighter stripes in others. We examined how well 29 environmental variables predict the variation in stripe characteristics of plains zebra across their range in Africa. In contrast to recent findings, we found no evidence that striping may have evolved to escape predators or avoid biting flies. Instead, we found that temperature successfully predicts a substantial amount of the stripe pattern variation observed in plains zebra. As this association between striping and temperature may be indicative of multiple biological processes, we suggest that the selective agents driving zebra striping are probably multifarious and complex.

Pathogen evasion of the host immune system is a key force driving extreme polymorphism in genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although this gene family is well characterized in structure and function, there is still much debate surrounding the mechanisms by which MHC diversity is selectively maintained. Many studies have investigated relationships between MHC variation and specific pathogens, and have found mixed support for and against the hypotheses of heterozygote advantage, frequency-dependent or fluctuating selection. Few, however, have focused on the selective effects of multiple parasite types on host immunogenetic patterns. Here, we examined relationships between variation in the equine MHC gene, ELA-DRA, and both gastrointestinal (GI) and ectoparasitism in plains zebras (Equus quagga). Specific alleles present at opposing population frequencies had antagonistic effects, with rare alleles associated with increased GI parasitism and common alleles with increased tick burdens. These results support a frequency-dependent mechanism, but are also consistent with fluctuating selection. Maladaptive GI parasite susceptibility alleles were reduced in frequency, suggesting that these parasites may play a greater selective role at this locus. Heterozygote advantage, in terms of allele mutational divergence, also predicted decreased GI parasite burden in genotypes with a common allele. We conclude that an immunogenetic trade-off affects resistance/susceptibility to parasites in this system. Because GI and ectoparasites do not directly interact within hosts, our results uniquely show that antagonistic parasite interactions can be indirectly modulated through the host immune system. This study highlights the importance of investigating the role of multiple parasites in shaping patterns of host immunogenetic variation.

Pathogen evasion of the host immune system is a key force driving extreme polymorphism in genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although this gene family is well characterized in structure and function, there is still much debate surrounding the mechanisms by which MHC diversity is selectively maintained. Many studies have investigated relationships between MHC variation and specific pathogens, and have found mixed support for and against the hypotheses of heterozygote advantage, frequency-dependent or fluctuating selection. Few, however, have focused on the selective effects of multiple parasite types on host immunogenetic patterns. Here, we examined relationships between variation in the equine MHC gene, ELA-DRA, and both gastrointestinal (GI) and ectoparasitism in plains zebras (Equus quagga). Specific alleles present at opposing population frequencies had antagonistic effects, with rare alleles associated with increased GI parasitism and common alleles with increased tick burdens. These results support a frequency-dependent mechanism, but are also consistent with fluctuating selection. Maladaptive GI parasite 'susceptibility alleles' were reduced in frequency, suggesting that these parasites may play a greater selective role at this locus. Heterozygote advantage, in terms of allele mutational divergence, also predicted decreased GI parasite burden in genotypes with a common allele. We conclude that an immunogenetic trade-off affects resistance/susceptibility to parasites in this system. Because GI and ectoparasites do not directly interact within hosts, our results uniquely show that antagonistic parasite interactions can be indirectly modulated through the host immune system. This study highlights the importance of investigating the role of multiple parasites in shaping patterns of host immunogenetic variation.

Abstract Aim In Africa, reintroduction of wild animal species to conservation areas is a common practice, for the recovery or restoration of populations. Effective monitoring of reintroduced species requires understanding of basic ecological requirements such as habitat selection of these species in the new environment. Therefore, the present study investigated the habitat selection of zebra and wildebeest following their reintroduction into Maputo Special Reserve, south Mozambique, and we use binary logistic analyses to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors in determining the habitat use. Location Maputo Special Reserve, south Mozambique. Methods We conducted the study from July 2016 to June 2017. The data were collected by direct observation, driving the vehicle along the reserve's roads that covered the vegetation communities where zebras and wildebeest are known to commonly occur. Habitat selection was calculated using selection indices (Manly's alpha), and binary logistic analyses were used to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors in determining the habitat use. Results The arboreal savanna was the preferred habitat by both herbivore species. Habitat use of zebra appeared to be strongly determined by characteristics such as high grass cover, high grass greenness, and distance to water, while the habitat use by wildebeest, was strongly affected by grass height. Main conclusions Both zebra and wildebeest prefer arboreal savanna, forage selection likely drove preference of this habitat. Greater grass cover and greater percentage greenness of the grass both significantly increased the odds of zebra use of habitat, whereas the odds of use decreased with increases in distance to water, meaning an opportunity to ingest large amounts of grass biomass with higher quality, and this opportunity decreases with increasing in distance to water. Grass height was in the highest‐ranking model predicting habitat use by wildebeest, and during the dry season the use of habitat increased with increasing grass height, suggesting that selecting areas with tall grasses by wildebeest equated to choosing areas with higher grass quantity, as the food intake rate increases with grass height.

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the percentage of positive samples of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017. Results: A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 22), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall percentage of positive samples in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6–37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5–71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p < 0.05). Lions had significantly higher percentage of positive samples at 66.7% (4/6) than African buffalo at 48.6% (53/109, p < 0.0001). There were no antibodies for Brucella spp. detected in African elephant and bushbuck. Conclusion: This study shows variations in percentage of positive samples with Brucella spp. between species and across national parks and notably a high percentage with Brucella spp. in wildlife in Uganda than that recorded elsewhere in sub-Saharan region of Africa. Potential for transmission to other wildlife and spill over to livestock is high especially in national parks with high livestock-wildlife interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available.

One of the most iconic wild equids, the plains zebra occupies a broad region of sub‐Saharan Africa and exhibits a wide range of phenotypic diversity in stripe patterns that have been used to classify multiple subspecies. After decades of relative stability, albeit with a loss of at least one recognized subspecies, the total population of plains zebras has undergone an approximate 25% decline since 2002. Individuals with abnormal stripe patterns have been recognized in recent years but the extent to which their appearance is related to demography and/or genetics is unclear. Investigating population genetic health and genetic structure are essential for developing effective strategies for plains zebra conservation. We collected DNA from 140 plains zebra, including seven with abnormal stripe patterns, from nine locations across the range of plains zebra, and analyzed data from restriction site‐associated and whole genome sequencing (RAD‐seq, WGS) libraries to better understand the relationships between population structure, genetic diversity, inbreeding, and abnormal phenotypes. We found that genetic structure did not coincide with described subspecific variation, but did distinguish geographic regions in which anthropogenic habitat fragmentation is associated with reduced gene flow and increased evidence of inbreeding, especially in certain parts of East Africa. Further, zebras with abnormal striping exhibited increased levels of inbreeding relative to normally striped individuals from the same populations. Our results point to a genetic cause of stripe pattern abnormalities, and dramatic evidence of the consequences of habitat fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reintroduction of wild animal species into conservations areas is widely used to restore populations of species endangered with extinction. The assessment of the quality of the diet and the nutritional status of the animals is crucial to the success of herbivore reintroduction programs, given that adequate nutrition is essential to ensure the survival and fertility of ungulates. Given this, the present study investigated the quality of the diet and nutritional status of Burchell's zebra (Equus burchelli, Smuts 1832) and blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus, Burchell 1823) reintroduced into Maputo Special Reserve (MSR), in southern Mozambique. The study was conducted between July 2016 and June 2017, and the data were collected through direct observation, by driving a vehicle along the roads within the reserve that pass through the vegetation cover where zebra and wildebeest are known to occur most frequently. The composition of the diet and specific feature of the grass grazed by the two species, such as greenness (an indication of food quality) were assessed. Crude fecal protein and phosphorus were determined to evaluate the nutritional status of the two herbivore species. Both herbivores were pure grazers, consuming a diet composed entirely (100%) of grass. Aristida barbicollis was the principal component of the diets of both zebra and wildebeest and both species grazed almost entirely on green grass (91–100% of greenness). However, wildebeest consumed significantly more green grass (which has a better nutrient content) than zebra, which tolerated a considerably larger proportion of browner grass in both seasons. The levels of crude protein and phosphorus in the zebra and wildebeest fecal samples were not below threshold of nutritional stress recommended for large southern African herbivores, which indicates that neither the zebra nor the wildebeest populations in MSR are undernourished at the present time and that the quality of the forage found in the study area is not a factor limiting the persistence of the reintroduced populations of either species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prey anti-predator behaviours are influenced by perceived predation risk in a landscape and social information gleaned from herd mates regarding predation risk. It is well documented that high-quality social information about risk can come from heterospecific herd mates. Here, we integrate social information with the landscape of fear to quantify how these landscapes are modified by mixed-species herding. To do this, we investigated zebra vigilance in single- and mixed-species herds across different levels of predation risk (lion versus no lion), and assessed how they manage herd size and the competition–information trade-off associated with grouping behaviour. Overall, zebra performed higher vigilance in high-risk areas. However, mixed-species herding reduced vigilance levels. We estimate that zebra in single-species herds would have to feed for approximately 35 min more per day in low-risk areas and approximately 51 min more in high-risk areas to compensate for the cost of higher vigilance. Furthermore, zebra benefitted from the competition–information trade-off by increasing the number of heterospecifics while keeping the number of zebra in a herd constant. Ultimately, we show that mixed-species herding reduces the effects of predation risk, whereby zebra in mixed-species herds, under high predation risk, perform similar levels of vigilance compared with zebra in low-risk scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery powered electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. It is hard to decide which battery meets all the most important characteristics from different perspectives such as energy storage efficiency, construction characteristics, cost price, safety and service life of today’s Electric Vehicles. Investigation on different types of batteries are discussed in this paper. Among the most important components of a car is the battery. Only the stored electrical energy in the battery provides the power for BEVs which is the unique source of energy. Various types of batteries are used in electric cars depending on their systems. The lithium-ion battery is the most common electric car battery. A battery which is considered zero emission is abbreviated as ZEBRA. In this paper, we can gain knowledge over the different types of battery options available for electric vehicles, along with their characteristics.

In fenced protected areas with limited opportunities to disperse, resources and constraints vary in space and time, affecting herbivore behaviour. The distribution, availability and quality of resources, burnt areas, and potential inter-specific competition all play a role in sustaining populations of large sympatric African herbivores. We investigated the role of resources, constraints and interspecific relationships on habitat use by three ruminants -- black and blue wildebeest ( Connochaetes gnou, C. taurinus) and red hartebeest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus), and a non-ruminant, plains zebra ( Equus quagga), across seasons and in different landscape types in a South African reserve. Black wildebeest, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest preferred the open grassland landscape, with homogeneous vegetation, while zebra favoured the wooded grassland landscape, with more heterogeneous vegetation. Burnt areas and vegetation greenness were important for all species, while elevation represented a constraint for black wildebeest only. The presence/absence of other species was important in shaping landscape use for black and blue wildebeest, and this suggests the possibility of competition. Our findings confirm the importance of heterogeneity and, in particular, the important role of a planned burning regime in maintaining such heterogeneity to sustain multi-species herbivore assemblages in small fenced nature reserves, where competition might arise between species using similar resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overmarking remains an unstudied topic in juvenile mammals. We have previously documented a very high rate of overmarking by foals in four captive African equid species: mountain zebra (Equus zebra), plains zebra (Equus quagga), Grévy's zebra (Equus grevyi), and African wild ass (Equus africanus). African equids vary interspecifically in their social organisation. Since differences in social organisation affect many mammalian behaviours, in this study we investigated interspecific differences in overmarking behaviour of foals, analysing only cases where elimination of any other individual was explored by a foal. We hypothesised that the pattern of overmarking by foals should reflect either differences in social organisation of the species or phylogenetic relations among them. We found that in all species very young foals explored mostly maternal eliminations, and this preference declined with increasing age of the foal and reflected the social organisation of the species; the highest overmarking rate was in species with high intragroup aggression (mountain zebra) and lowest in species with low intragroup aggression and which form crèches (African wild ass). Similarly, the rate of overmarking of the mother, as opposed to other herdmates, was associated with social organisation of the respective species. Thus, we found interspecific differences in overmarking by foals, which were associated with variability in social organisation. Since we also revealed differences between African wild ass and zebra behaviour in early stages of ontogeny, we cannot refute the effect of phylogeny on overmarking behaviour. Additionally, our results supported the identity sharing hypothesis as an explanation of overmarking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five free-ranging male (subadults, n = 3; adults, n = 2) plains zebras (Equus quagga) were immobilized using a combination of etorphine (0.017 mg/kg), medetomidine (0.017 mg/kg), and azaperone (0.24 mg/kg) by means of a blank cartridge-fired projector. Time to recumbency was recorded and a descriptive score used to assess the quality of immobilization, manipulation, maintenance, and recovery. Physiological parameters were recorded at 5-min intervals for 20 min. At the end of the procedure, naltrexone (0.23 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly and time to standing documented. The combination evaluated in this study allowed for successful immobilization and safe recovery of all animals, including during the subsequent 15 days. Despite the good outcome in this pilot study, as a result of the periodic apneic events and hypercapnia documented in the zebras, the authors suggest that physiological parameters be thoroughly monitored when using this protocol. Further studies are needed to improve upon chemical immobilization protocols in free-ranging plains zebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare immobilization efficacy of a nonpotent opioid drug combination, ketamine–butorphanol–medetomidine (KBM) to the preferred etorphine–azaperone (EA) combination in zebras. Randomized crossover trial. A group of ten adult zebra (six females and four male). KBM and EA were administered once to the zebras in random order by dart, 3 weeks apart. Once a zebra was recumbent and instrumented, physiological parameters were measured and recorded at 5-minute intervals until 20 minutes. Antagonist drugs were administered at 25 minutes. KBM was antagonised using atipamezole (7.5 mg mg−1 medetomidine dose) and naltrexone (2 mg mg−1 butorphanol dose). EA was antagonized using naltrexone (20 mg mg−1 etorphine dose). Induction and recovery (following antagonist administration) times were recorded. Physiological parameters, including invasive blood pressure and blood gas analysis, were compared between combinations using a general linear mixed model. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range). The doses of KBM and EA administered were 3.30 ± 0.18, 0.40 ± 0.02 and 0.16 ± 0.01 mg kg−1; and 0.02 ± 0.001 and 0.20 ± 0.01 mg kg−1, respectively. KBM and EA induction times were 420 (282–564) and 240 (204–294) seconds, respectively (p = 0.03). Zebras remained recumbent throughout the study procedures. Systolic blood pressure (226 ± 42 and 167 ± 42 mmHg) and oxygen partial pressure (64 ± 12 and 47 ± 13 mmHg) were higher for KBM compared to EA (p < 0.01). Recovery time, after administering antagonists, was 92 (34–1337) and 26 (22–32) seconds for KBM and EA, respectively (p = 0.03). Compared to EA, KBM also immobilized zebras effectively. Systemic hypertension and moderate hypoxaemia are clinical concerns of KBM and severe hypoxaemia is a concern of EA. This occurrence of hypoxaemia highlights the importance of oxygen administration during immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literary periodicals promoting young writers played a major role in the formation of a distinct generational consciousness during the occupation and in the post-war period. They included Sztuka i Naród [ Art and the Nation] (1942-1944), Walka [Combat] and Inaczej [Contrarily] (1945), Pokolenie [ The Generation] (1946- 1947), Nurt [The Current] (1947), Po prostu [ Plain and Simple] (1949-1955), Wyboje [ Bumps] (1956-1957), Zebra (1957-1958), Orientacja (1965-1971) and Nowy Wyraz [New Expression] (1972-1981). The young writers' literary magazines were the product of the shifting political environment and generational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the selection of habitat and specific dietary items support resource partitioning and coexistence of sympatric African grazing herbivores, such as zebra and wildebeest. In Maputo Special Reserve (MSR), southern Mozambique, these two species were extirpated during the civil war (1977–1992); since 2010, they have been reintroduced into the Reserve. Identifying the resource selection by reintroduced species and how these species coexist, while utilising the same resources, is both of ecological interest and important for the management of wildlife communities and parks. This is a key application of our research. Therefore, the present study investigated resource partitioning between Burchell's zebra (Equus burchelli, Smuts 1832) and blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus, Burchell 1823) in the MSR. We conducted the study from July 2016 to June 2017. The data were collected by direct observation, driving the vehicle along the reserve's roads that covered the vegetation communities where zebras and wildebeest are known to commonly occur. The composition of the diet and specific features of the grass grazed by the two species, including greenness, height, and the number of stems, were assessed. The widely available grass, Aristida barbicollis, contributed most to the diet of both herbivores. The dietary overlap between the two herbivores was higher during the dry season (95%) than wet season (86%). Resources partitioning appears to be determined, principally, by the height and greenness of the grass, with the zebra grazing taller grass, which may facilitate the access of the wildebeest to the greener, lower proportion of the forage. That results follow the expectation that, among native herbivores, overlap in resource use is not expected based on evolutionary segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In Africa, reintroduction of wild animal species to conservation areas is a common practice, for the recovery or restoration of populations. Effective monitoring of reintroduced species requires understanding of basic ecological requirements such as habitat selection of these species in the new environment. Therefore, the present study investigated the habitat selection of zebra and wildebeest following their reintroduction into Maputo Special Reserve, south Mozambique, and we use binary logistic analyses to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors in determining the habitat use. Location: Maputo Special Reserve, south Mozambique. Methods: We conducted the study from July 2016 to June 2017. The data were collected by direct observation, driving the vehicle along the reserve's roads that covered the vegetation communities where zebras and wildebeest are known to commonly occur. Habitat selection was calculated using selection indices (Manly's alpha), and binary logistic analyses were used to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors in determining the habitat use. Results: The arboreal savanna was the preferred habitat by both herbivore species. Habitat use of zebra appeared to be strongly determined by characteristics such as high grass cover, high grass greenness, and distance to water, while the habitat use by wildebeest, was strongly affected by grass height. Main conclusions: Both zebra and wildebeest prefer arboreal savanna, forage selection likely drove preference of this habitat. Greater grass cover and greater percentage greenness of the grass both significantly increased the odds of zebra use of habitat, whereas the odds of use decreased with increases in distance to water, meaning an opportunity to ingest large amounts of grass biomass with higher quality, and this opportunity decreases with increasing in distance to water. Grass height was in the highest‐ranking model predicting habitat use by wildebeest, and during the dry season the use of habitat increased with increasing grass height, suggesting that selecting areas with tall grasses by wildebeest equated to choosing areas with higher grass quantity, as the food intake rate increases with grass height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow water carbonate rocks of the Lower Cretaceous Qamchuqa Formation host a significant reserve of oil in the NNE Arabian plate-Southwestern Zagros Sutured Belt in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Such carbonates consist of several dolostone bodies with unique and complex arrays of saddle and zebra dolomite textures especially in fractured intervals. Integration of field, core description, microstructural analysis, petrographic, stable C, O and Sr isotopes, and fluid inclusion analyses reveals two main phases of multiple fluxes of hydrothermal fluid circulation during the Zagros Orogeny at the end of Cretaceous and Cenozoic times. An early regional non-focused hydrothermal dolomitization and a subsequent fault- and fracture- controlled hydrothermal fluid flow, which led to replacement and cementation by a range of saddle dolomite and zebra textures. Several generations of matrix dolomite, saddle dolomite and calcite cement were identified. The host dolostone has been affected by shortening, folding, fracturing, and thrust faulting. Saddle dolomite pipes, in particular, were found to be associated with en-échelon folding. The morphology and areal extent of the zebra dolomite are controlled by the pore geometry of the host dolostone in relationship to fracturing and faulting. Both matrix and saddle dolomite cements have comparable, overlapping stable isotopic values ranging from 0.39‰ to 3.57‰ and −0.12 to 3.11‰ VPDB, respectively for δ13C and δ18O values range from −10.53‰ to −4.47‰ and −12.87 to −7.79‰ VPDB, respectively. 87Sr/86Sr ratios of pervasive matrix dolomite range from 0.707702 to 0.707839, fall close to late Cretaceous seawater values. Slightly more radiogenic values of saddle dolomites ranging from 0.707759 to 0.708024 resulted from mixing of basinal brines with connate waters. Isotopic signatures of later calcite cements show more radiogenic Sr ratios from 0.707755 to 0.708198 and negative δ13C values 1.76 to −7.45‰, possibly related to late diagenetic processes due to incursion of meteoric waters during subaerial exposure. Fluid inclusion data of pervasive matrix dolomite and saddle dolomites show homogenization temperatures (T h) with a wide range from 71.3 to 169.7 °C and 82.3 to 188.2 °C, and salinity between 14.4 to 25.4 and 15.6 to 27.9 wt% NaCl eq., respectively. These values demonstrate the effect of hydrothermal fluid flow of the alteration of host dolomite and formation of saddle dolomite in fractures and faults. • Fold and fractures controlled fluid circulation during the Zagros Orogeny, late Cretaceous to early Neogene. • Two main phases of multiple fluxes of hydrothermal fluid circulation • Regional non-focused dolomitization, and fault- and fracture- controlled hydrothermal fluid flow. • Replacement and cementation of a range of saddle dolomite and zebra textures • Enhanced reservoir characteristics are associated with hydrothermally affected zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]