The Role of Preventative Medicine Programs in Animal Welfare and Wellbeing in Zoological Institutions

The overarching goal of a preventative medicine program is to minimize the chances of health problems developing and to maximize the chances of detecting health problems early, in a manner that best benefits the animals and the organization. The traditional paradigms of animal welfare, stemming from the five freedoms and being progressively fleshed out to five domains, the 24/7 approach and so forth do not apply perfectly to zoological collections and less so to animals undergoing veterinary treatments. The physiology and behaviour of animals undergoing veterinary treatments, including therapeutic, quarantine and preventative medicine, are derailed from their normal states and their choices and comfort are de facto limited. A paradigm separating animal wellbeing from animal welfare is necessary to instil clarity of thought and to guide actions in regard to the welfare of animals under human care. Using such a model, preventative medicine programs emerge as a cornerstone of zoo and aquarium animal welfare, all the more if it incorporates modern veterinary and husbandry techniques, including operant conditioning.

Evaluation of Vaccination Strategy Against Rabies in Hong Kong Macaques

The objectives of this study were to assess the serological response to rabies vaccination in Hong Kong macaques and provide evidence-based recommendations for the vaccination interval implemented by the Government of Hong Kong. An inactivated rabies vaccine was administered subcutaneously to captured macaques under a mass sterilization program in Hong Kong. Blood samples from the animals were collected in a 2015 field survey and stored in −80°C freezer. In 2021, the frozen sera from vaccinated animals were prepared and tested for antibodies against the rabies virus using a commercial blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Sixty-five samples were available from the vaccinated macaques that had received at least one dose of the vaccine between 2008 and 2015. The interval between the first vaccination and blood sampling ranged from 21 to 2,779 days (median: 990). Only five macaques had a second vaccination record at the sampling time, all with high antibody levels. Among the remaining macaques, 77% (46/60) were positive for rabies antibodies. No specific association was observed between the post-vaccination period and the antibody titer of these macaques, and no adverse reactions were reported. Although the precise level of protection against a potential challenge with the rabies virus cannot be ascertained, the vaccination elicited rabies antibodies in 87% (21/24) of the macaques tested within 2.5 years of their first vaccination. Our findings indicate the potential benefits of the current vaccination strategy to protect the population from rabies and consequential mandatory culling of all macaques if a natural infection occurs.

One-Pot Synthesis of Tetra Substituted Imidazoles Catalyzed by Fly Ash Supported Bi2O3-ZnO

A simple and efficient one pot synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra substituted imidazoles is achieved by condensation-cyclization reaction of benzil, aromatic aldehyde, 2-amino ethyl pyrrolidine, ammonium acetate using fly ash loaded Bi₂O₃-ZnO. Different substituted aldehydes have been used in this reaction. The process is operationally simple, environmentally safe and has magnificent yield. Furthermore this catalyst can be recycled at least four times without any loss of activity.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of 3'-Benzoyl-5'-(Furan-2-yl)-4'-Phenylspiro[Indoline-3,2'-Pyrrolidin]-2-One Derivatives and its Molecular Docking Studies

A series of new spirooxindole derivatives were synthesized via 1,3 –dipolar cycloaddition. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. In antibacterial studies compound 4d demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activity (MIC = 12.5 lg/mL for K.pneumonia, B.cereus and S.typhi), which was compared with the positive control streptomycin. In antifungal studies compound 4e demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activity (MIC = 3.125 lg/mL for C.albicans and A.niger), which was related with the standard drug ketaconazole. In addition, molecular modeling studies were also performed to disclose the binding modes of the most active inhibitors to the amino acid residues that compose the active site of the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase and crystal structure of human lanosterol 14-alpha dimethylase in complex with ketaconazole enzyme.

Synthesis, computational and spectroscopic analysis on (E)-(4-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)-3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidine-1-yl)(phenyl)methanone using DFT approach

(E)-(4-(2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)-3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-1-yl)(phenyl)methanone [EPHDPM] and its derivatives were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and elemental analysis. The target compound [EPHDPM] was computed using density functional theory (DFT) method. The ground-state molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies were calculated by using B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) level of theory. The experimentally observed FT-IR and FT-Raman bands were assigned to different normal modes of the molecule. The stability and charge delocalization of the molecule were also studied by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The HOMO-LUMO energies describe the charge transfer takes place within the molecule. Molecular electrostatic potential has been analyzed. The reported EPHDPM molecule used as a potential NLO material since it has high μβ0 value. Thermodynamic parameter like entropy and enthalpy are calculated and these values are increased with increasing the temperature due to the enhancement of vibrational intensities.

Synthesis, characterization, computational calculation and biological studies of some 2,6-diaryl-1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)piperidin-4-one oxime derivatives

A new series of 2,6-diaryl-1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)piperidin-4-one oximes (17-24) were designed and synthesized from 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one oximes (9-16) with propargyl bromide. Unambiguous structural elucidation has been carried out by investigating IR, NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (1)H-(1)H COSY and HSQC), mass spectral techniques and theoretical (DFT) calculations. Further, crystal structure of compound 17 was evaluated by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis of compound 17 evidenced that the configuration about CN double bond is syn to C-5 carbon (E-form). The existence of chair conformation was further confirmed by theoretical DFT calculation. All the synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against a panel of selected bacterial and fungal strains using Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole as standards. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) results revealed that most of the 2,6-diaryl-1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)piperidin-4-one oximes (17, 19, 20 and 23) exhibited better activity against the selected bacterial and fungal strains.

Crystal structure of 1-cyclo-propane-carbon-yl-3-methyl-2,6-di-p-tolyl-piperidin-4-one

The title compound, C24H27NO2, crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The two mol-ecules have very similar conformations and each exhibits an intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-action. The central piperidine rings adopt boat conformations and the p-tolyl rings are inclined to the mean plane of the piperidine ring by 71.21 (11) and 89.86 (12)° in mol-ecule A and by 68.01 (12) and 89.33 (12)° in mol-ecule B. The cyclopropanecarbonyl group is oriented at an angle of 68.5 (2)° with respect to the mean plane of the piperidine ring in mol-ecule A and 66.2 (2)° in mol-ecule B. In the crystal, the A and B mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, enclosing R 2 (1)(6) ring motifs, forming ribbons running along the a-axis direction.

Crystal structure of methyl 2-[2,4-bis-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-yl-idene]hydrazine-carboxyl-ate

In the title compound, C22H23F2N3O2, the bicyclic ring system exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial disposition of the 4-fluoro-phenyl groups on the heterocycle. These aromatic rings are inclined to one another by 19.4 (1)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers, incorporating R 1 (2)(7) and R 2 (2)(8) ring motifs; the same O atom accepts both hydrogen bonds. These dimers are further linked by a pair of C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds, enclosing R 2 (2)(28) ring motifs, forming supra-molecular chains along [010]. The NH group of the pyridine ring is not involved in hydrogen bonding, probably due to the steric hindrance of the fluoro-phenyl groups.

2,4-Bis(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C₂₂H₂₃F₂NO, contains two independent mol­ecules, A and B. The bicyclic system adopts a twin-chair conformation in both mol­ecules. The dihedral angles between the fluoro­phenyl rings are 55.27 (8) and 56.37 (7)° in mol­ecules A and B, respectively. The NH groups are not involved in hydrogen bonding due to the steric hindrance of fluoro­phenyl groups. The crystal structure features weak C—H⋯O inter­actions.

2,4-Bis(furan-2-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-one

In the title compound, C18H21NO3, the bicyclic ring system adopts a twin-chair conformation. The two methyl groups attached to the bicycle are in an equatorial orientation for both rings. One of the furan rings is disordered over two orientations with an occupancy ratio of 0.686 (6):0.314 (6). In the crystal, very long N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules into a chain perpendicular to the ac plane.

rac-7-Methyl-3-[(7-methyl-4-oxo-chro-man-3-yl)meth-yl]-4H-chromen-4-one

In the racemic title compound, C₂₁H₁₈O₄, the chromone ring is essentially planar [maximum deviation from the least-squares plane = 0.026 (3) Å], with a dihedral angle of 78.18 (12)° between the benzene rings of the chromanone and chromenone moieties. In the crystal, there are weak π–π stacking inter­actions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.9286 (17) Å].

Extrinsic Notch ligand Delta-like 1 regulates tip cell selection and vascular branching morphogenesis

RATIONALE

In developing blood vessels, single endothelial cells (ECs) specialize into tip cells that sense vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and contribute to vessel sprouting and branch formation. Tip cell differentiation is inhibited through lateral Notch signaling between ECs, which is controlled by Notch ligands expressed in vessel sprouts. The contribution of the Notch ligand Delta-like (Dll) 1 herein is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of Dll1 in vascular morphogenesis and tip cell formation in the mouse retina.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice with heterozygous deletion of Dll1 had fewer tip cells during angiogenic sprouting of the superficial vascular plexus but also showed impaired vessel branching into deeper retinal layers and impaired deep plexus angiogenesis. Interestingly, the formation of vertical branches was also guided by filopodia-extending ECs located at the tip of branches, consistent with tip cells, which emerged from established vessels to form a secondary plexus within the deeper neuronal cell layers. During both phases of vascular patterning, Dll1 was not expressed in ECs but in the superficial neuronal layer in close contact with expanding vessels, where Dll1 expression coincided with tip cell formation in a spatiotemporal manner. In vitro, culture of ECs on DLL1 induced essential tip cell genes, including Dll4, VEGF receptor 3, and ephrin-B2, and stimulated VEGF responsiveness and vascular network formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dll1 acts as an extrinsic cue involved in tip cell selection, which directs vessel sprouting and branch formation.

Hydroponic system for the treatment of anaerobic liquid

The effluent from anaerobic digestion process has high concentrations of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, essential for plant growth but is not suitable for direct disposal or application due to high chemical oxygen demand (COD), low dissolved oxygen (DO), odour issues and is potentially phytotoxic. This research explored the optimum conditions of anaerobic effluent for application and dilutions of the effluent required to obtain better plant growth. A small-scale hydroponic system was constructed in a glasshouse to test different concentrations of anaerobic effluent against a commercial hydroponic medium as the control for the growth of silverbeet. It was found that the survival of silverbeet was negatively affected at 50% concentration due to low DO and NH(4) toxicity. The concentration of 20% anaerobic liquid was found to be the most efficient with highest foliage yield and plant growth. The hydroponic system with 20% concentrated effluent had better utilisation of nutrients for plant growth and a COD reduction of 95% was achieved during the 50-day growth period. This preliminary evaluation revealed that the growth and development of silverbeet was significantly lower in anaerobic effluent compared with a commercial hydroponic plant growth solution. The nutrient quality of anaerobic effluent could be highly variable with the process and the waste material used and dilution may depend on the nutrient content of the effluent. It is recommended that, a pre-treatment of the effluent to increase DO and reduce ammonium content is required before plant application, and simple dilution by itself is not suitable for optimum plant growth in a hydroponic system.

A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus

The predatory ecology of Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) has been a subject of long-standing interest and considerable conjecture. Here, we investigate the roles and potential interplay between cranial mechanics, toxic bacteria, and venom. Our analyses point to the presence of a sophisticated combined-arsenal killing apparatus. We find that the lightweight skull is relatively poorly adapted to generate high bite forces but better adapted to resist high pulling loads. We reject the popular notion regarding toxic bacteria utilization. Instead, we demonstrate that the effects of deep wounds inflicted are potentiated through venom with toxic activities including anticoagulation and shock induction. Anatomical comparisons of V. komodoensis with V. (Megalania) priscus fossils suggest that the closely related extinct giant was the largest venomous animal to have ever lived.

Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes AIDS in the domestic cat (Felis catus) but has not been explicitly associated with AIDS pathology in any of the eight free-ranging species of Felidae that are endemic with circulating FIV strains. African lion (Panthera leo) populations are infected with lion-specific FIV strains (FIVple), yet there remains uncertainty about the degree to which FIV infection impacts their health. Reported CD4+ T-lymphocyte depletion in FIVple-infected lions and anecdotal reports of lion morbidity associated with FIV seroprevalence emphasize the concern as to whether FIVple is innocuous or pathogenic. Here we monitored clinical, biochemical, histological and serological parameters among FIVple-positive (N=47) as compared to FIVple-negative (N=17) lions anesthetized and sampled on multiple occasions between 1999 and 2006 in Botswana. Relative to uninfected lions, FIVple-infected lions displayed a significant elevation in the prevalence of AIDS-defining conditions: lymphadenopathy, gingivitis, tongue papillomas, dehydration, and poor coat condition, as well as displaying abnormal red blood cell parameters, depressed serum albumin, and elevated liver enzymes and gamma globulin. Spleen and lymph node biopsies from free-ranging FIVple-infected lions (N=9) revealed evidence of lymphoid depletion, the hallmark pathology documented in immunodeficiency virus infections of humans (HIV-1), macaques, and domestic cats. We conclude that over time FIVple infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals that parallel sequelae caused by lentivirus infection in humans (HIV), Asian macaques (SIV) and domestic cats (FIVfca).