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Cools T, Wilson KS, Li D, Vancsok C, Mulot B, Leclerc A, Kok J, Haapakoski M, Bertelsen MF, Ochs A, Girling SJ, Zhou Y, Li R, Vanhaecke L, Wauters J. Development and validation of a versatile non-invasive urinary steroidomics method for wildlife biomonitoring. Talanta 2024; 273:125924. [PMID: 38518717 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Wildlife conservation is often challenged by a lack of knowledge about the reproduction biology and adaptability of endangered species. Although monitoring steroids and related molecules can increase this knowledge, the applicability of current techniques (e.g. immunoassays) is hampered by species-specific steroid metabolism and the requisite to avoid invasive sampling. This study presents a validated steroidomics method for the (un)targeted screening of a wide range of sex and stress steroids and related molecules in urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). In total, 50 steroids (conjugated and non-conjugated androgens, estrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids) and 6 prostaglandins could be uniquely detected. A total of 45 out of 56 compounds demonstrated a detection limit below 0.01 ng μL-1. Excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (CV < 20 %), and recovery (80-120 %) were observed for 46, 41, and 39 compounds, respectively. Untargeted screening of pooled giant panda and human samples yielded 9691 and 8366 features with CV < 30 %, from which 84.1 % and 83.0 %, respectively, also demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.90). The biological validity of the method was investigated on male and female giant panda urine (n = 20), as well as pooled human samples (n = 10). A total of 24 different steroids were detected with clear qualitative and quantitative differences between human and giant panda samples. Furthermore, expected differences were revealed between female giant panda samples from different reproductive phases. In contrast to traditional biomonitoring techniques, the developed steroidomics method was able to screen a wide range of compounds and provide information on the putative identities of metabolites potentially important for reproductive monitoring in giant pandas. These results illustrate the advancements steroidomics brings to the field of wildlife biomonitoring in the pursuit to better understand the biology of endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Cools
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten S Wilson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Desheng Li
- Key Laboratory of SFGA on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in The Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Panda (CCRCGP), People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine Vancsok
- Pairi Daiza Foundation - Pairi Daiza, Domaine de Cambron, 7940, Brugelette, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Mulot
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, Avenue du Blanc, 41110, Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Antoine Leclerc
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, Avenue du Blanc, 41110, Saint-Aignan, France
| | - José Kok
- Ouwehands Dierenpark Rhenen, Grebbeweg 111, 3911, AV Rhenen, the Netherlands
| | - Marko Haapakoski
- Ähtärin Eläinpuisto OY, Karhunkierros 150, FI-63700, Ähtäri, Finland; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Konnevesi Research Station, University of Jyväskylä, Sirkkamäentie 220, FI-44300, Konnevesi, Finland
| | | | - Andreas Ochs
- Berlin Zoo, Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon J Girling
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Yingmin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of SFGA on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in The Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Panda (CCRCGP), People's Republic of China
| | - Rengui Li
- Key Laboratory of SFGA on Conservation Biology of Rare Animals in The Giant Panda National Park, China Conservation and Research Centre for Giant Panda (CCRCGP), People's Republic of China
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - Jella Wauters
- Laboratory of Integrative Metabolomics, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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Mota SM, Girling SJ, Cole G, Brown D, Johnson G, Naylor AD. APPLICATION OF A NOVEL ASPERGILLUS LATERAL-FLOW DEVICE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ASPERGILLOSIS IN CAPTIVE GENTOO PENGUINS ( PYGOSCELIS PAPUA PAPUA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:360-366. [PMID: 37428700 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis is the primary fungal disease affecting captive penguins globally. Its diagnosis remains challenging, and currently no tests are both sensitive and specific for the detection of early infection. The present study evaluated a recently developed Aspergillus lateral-flow device (AspLFD) for the detection of Aspergillus spp. antigen in plasma and glottis mucus from captive penguins. In a pilot retrospective study, banked frozen plasma samples from captive penguins were reviewed: samples from 11 gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua) and 4 king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were used in the analysis. Positive plasma AspLFD test results were found in 80% (four of five) of the aspergillosis-positive cases tested. All of the aspergillosis-negative cases tested negative (10 of 10) on the AspLFD test. In a cohort prospective study, paired plasma and glottis swab samples were opportunistically and nonrandomly collected from captive gentoo penguins. In total, 26 penguins were tested. In the negative control group, AspLFD test was negative on plasma and swab in 100% of birds (14 of 14). In the aspergillosis-positive group, AspLFD test was positive on plasma samples from 33% (4 of 12) of birds, on swab samples from 50% (6 of 12) of birds, and on either plasma or swab samples from 75% (9 of 12) of birds. The AspLFD is currently used for the diagnosis of aspergillosis in humans and also shows promise for use in penguins. Larger prospective studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie M Mota
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom,
| | - Simon J Girling
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Cole
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Brown
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Johnson
- OLM Diagnostics, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TF, United Kingdom
| | - Adam D Naylor
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
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Girling SJ, Goodman G, Burr P, Pizzi R, Naylor A, Cole G, Brown D, Fraser M, Rosell FN, Schwab G, Elliott M, Campbell-Palmer R. Evidence of Leptospira species and their significance during reintroduction of Eurasian beavers ( Castor fiber) to Great Britain. Vet Rec 2019; 185:482. [PMID: 31467063 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT) reintroduced the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in 2009 using wild-caught Norwegian beavers. This included a six-month prerelease quarantine in Devon, England. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and government guidelines for health screening were followed, including testing for Leptospira species. Unlicensed beavers, from Germany, were also identified in Scotland (Tayside) and Devon (later forming the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT)) and were health-screened under licence. Due to positive Leptospira species results and lack of prerelease screening in ROBT and Tayside, beavers from Germany and Norway (range sources) were screened. One hundred and fifty-six samples from 151 beavers were analysed by Leptospira species quantitative PCR (qPCR) (n=73 kidney (postmortem)/urine samples (antemortem)) or microscopic agglutination test (MAT, Leptospira pools 1-6) (n=83 serum samples). No beavers from Norway (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0-5.6 per cent, n=52), Tayside or SBT postrelease (95 per cent CI 0-4.6 per cent, n=63) tested positive. Seven beavers from Germany and Devon were positive. This gives an overall 9.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 5.2-15.1 per cent) exposure level, of which 4.6 per cent (95 per cent CI 1.9-9.3 per cent) suggested infection on a positive qPCR (n=1) or MAT titre of at least 1/400 (n=6), although none had abnormal physical, biochemical or haematological changes. This study suggests that Leptospira species infection in wild Eurasian beavers occurs at a low level, has no sex bias and does not appear to cause significant morbidity or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Girling
- Veterinary Department, Living Collections, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gidona Goodman
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Romain Pizzi
- Veterinary Department, Living Collections, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam Naylor
- Veterinary Department, Living Collections, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Georgina Cole
- Veterinary Department, Living Collections, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Donna Brown
- Veterinary Department, Living Collections, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Frank Narve Rosell
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Girling
- Veterinary Department Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 134 Corstorphine Road EdinburghEH12 6TSUK
| | - Adam Naylor
- Veterinary Department Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 134 Corstorphine Road EdinburghEH12 6TSUK
| | - Mary Fraser
- G&F Training and Consultancy PerthshirePH2 9QDUK
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Naylor AD, Girling SJ, Brown D, Crompton CG, Pizzi R. Plasma protein electrophoresis as a prognostic indicator in Aspergillus species-infected Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua). Vet Clin Pathol 2017; 46:605-614. [PMID: 28692132 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian aspergillosis presents a significant threat to captive penguin populations. Currently, a lack of objective prognostic factors limits disease staging, objective reassessment throughout treatment, comparative evaluation of treatment regimes, and appropriate timing of euthanasia. OBJECTIVE The study objective was to investigate absolute and relative plasma protein fractions by agarose gel electrophoresis (EPH) as predictors of survival in Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua) under treatment for aspergillosis. METHODS One hundred and eighty-three EPH profiles from individual clinical cases were examined retrospectively. Animal survival to 90 days post sampling was established from clinical records; birds either survived (n = 146) or died within 90 days (n = 37), and time to death was recorded. RESULTS Fourteen variables showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) between surviving and dying birds. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified total albumin concentration (albumin + prealbumin) and albumin-to-globulin (A:G) ratio as having strongest discriminatory values (95% CI) at 0.788 (0.710-0.866) and 0.784 (0.696-0.871), respectively. Albumin (concentration and percentage of total protein) displayed moderate discriminatory value but additionally a weak positive correlation with time to death (95% CI); r = .353 (0.033-0.608) and .424 (0.116-0.658), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Optimized test cutoffs for total albumins, albumin (concentration and percentage of total protein), and A:G ratio achieved moderate sensitivity and specificity, strong negative predictive values, but weak positive predictive values due to a low prevalence of death. Selection of appropriate test cutoff values may provide valuable adjunctive prognostic tools for clinical decision-making when the prognosis is difficult to assess clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donna Brown
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Romain Pizzi
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
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Fraser M, Girling SJ. An evaluation of the experiences of guide dog owners visiting Scottish veterinary practices. Vet Rec 2016; 179:253. [PMID: 27506536 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Guide dogs and their owners will visit a veterinary practice at least twice a year. The aim of this study was to evaluate what guide dog owners thought about these visits, in order to identify areas of good practice which could be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. Nine guide dog owners volunteered to take part in the study and were interviewed by the primary researcher. Thematic analysis was carried out and several themes were identified: good experiences were highlighted where staff had an understanding of visual impairment and the work of a guide dog; the importance of good communication skills involving the owner in the consultation; the need for veterinary professionals to understand the bond between an owner and guide dog; how medication and information could be provided in a user-friendly format for someone affected by a visual impairment and concerns about costs and decision making for veterinary treatment. This work highlights the importance for veterinary staff to talk to, empathise with and understand the individual circumstances of their clients and identifies areas that should be included in veterinary education to better prepare students for the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fraser
- Vets Now Ltd., Penguin House, Castle Riggs, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 8SG
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Girling SJ. Go to guide to avian medicine. Vet Rec 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.i2794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Girling SJ, Campbell-Palmer R, Pizzi R, Fraser MA, Cracknell J, Arnemo J, Rosell F. Haematology and Serum Biochemistry Parameters and Variations in the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128775. [PMID: 26066344 PMCID: PMC4467035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), between 6 months - 12 years old. Of the population tested in this study, N = 18 Eurasian beavers were from Norway and N = 17 originating from Bavaria but now living extensively in a reserve in England. All blood samples were collected from beavers via the ventral tail vein. All beavers were chemically restrained using inhalant isoflurane in 100% oxygen prior to blood sampling. Results were determined for haematological and serum biochemical parameters for the species and were compared between the two different populations with differences in means estimated and significant differences being noted. Standard blood parameters for the Eurasian beaver were determined and their ranges characterised using percentiles. Whilst the majority of blood parameters between the two populations showed no significant variation, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell counts showed significantly greater values (p<0.01) in the Bavarian origin population than the Norwegian; neutrophil counts, alpha 2 globulins, cholesterol, sodium: potassium ratios and phosphorus levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Bavarian versus Norwegian; and potassium, bile acids, gamma globulins, urea, creatinine and total calcium values levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Norwegian versus Bavarian relict populations. No significant differences were noted between male and female beavers or between sexually immature (<3 years old) and sexually mature (≥3 years old) beavers in the animals sampled. With Eurasian beaver reintroduction encouraged by legislation throughout Europe, knowledge of baseline blood values for the species and any variations therein is essential when assessing their health and welfare and the success or failure of any reintroduction program. This is the first study to produce base-line blood values and their variations for the Eurasian beaver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Girling
- Veterinary Department, Living Collection, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roisin Campbell-Palmer
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental and Health Studies, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway; Conservation Programmes, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Romain Pizzi
- Veterinary Department, Living Collection, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A Fraser
- School of Life, Sport and Social Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cracknell
- Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Hedmark University College, Campus Evenstad, Koppang, Norway; Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Frank Rosell
- Conservation Programmes, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Girling
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS.
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Abstract
This report describes clinical signs and plasma biochemical changes associated with significant cannabis consumption in three Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) which resulted in seizures, cardiovascular and digestive tract aberrations, elevated hepatic enzymes and bile acid concentrations for a number of weeks post recovery. One case required extensive antiseizuring therapy to recover. All Green iguanas eventually made a full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Girling
- Animal Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Girling
- Girling & Fraser, Unit 3, Breadalbane Terrace, Perth PH2 8BY.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fraser
- Napier University, 74 Canaan Lane, Edinburgh EH9 2TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Girling
- Strathmore Veterinary Clinic, Andover, Hampshire sp10 2ph
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Pizzi R, Girling SJ, Chitty JR. Parrots and TVs. Vet Rec 2004; 154:832. [PMID: 15260454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Girling
- 1. Strathmore Veterinary Clinic, 6 London Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 2PH, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A. Fraser
- 2. Veterinary Pathology Department, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Garscube Estate, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, United Kingdom, Current address: Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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