Function of Trunk-Mediated “Greeting” Behaviours between Male African Elephants: Insights from Choice of Partners

A common behavioural interaction between male African elephants is for an actor to direct his trunk to contact a same sex conspecific’s mouth, temporal gland, or genital region. Such behaviours are often referred to as “greetings”. Along with its inherent tactile element, these behaviours also likely provide olfactory information to actors concerning aspects of the target’s phenotype, including sexual status, feeding history, individual identity, and emotional state. Here, we explore whether the age and novelty of potential interactors affect the choice of individuals targeted by male African elephants for these trunks to scent emitting organ (SEO) behaviours at social hotspots in a male-dominated area. Male elephants of all ages, except older adolescents aged 16–20 years, preferentially targeted elephants of the same age class for trunk-to-SEO behaviours. Elephants younger than 26 years did not direct trunk-to-SEO behaviours to mature bulls (26+ years) more than expected by chance, suggesting these behaviours are not primarily used for younger males to establish contact with, or obtain information from or about older, more experienced individuals. We also found no evidence that males directed these behaviours preferentially to new individuals they encountered at male aggregations (compared to those they arrived in groups with), suggesting these behaviours are not primarily employed by males as a reunion display to establish relationships between new individuals or update relationships between familiar individuals separated over time. Age-mates may be preferentially targeted with these behaviours as a means to facilitate further interaction with partners (e.g., for sparring activity), or as a safe way to assess relative dominance rank in similarly aged and hence, size and strength, matched dyads. Our results suggest male African elephants use close contact trunk-to-SEO behaviours continuously over time, to facilitate positive relationships, test willingness to interact, and assess aspects of phenotype, between males occupying the same ecological space.

Lesions on the soft palate caused by oral sexual intercourse: A case report

Background/Aim: Oral sex is a common practice in sexually active people of all ages, including teenagers and can be accompanied by sexually transmitted infections and trauma of the oral or genital region. The aim of this study was to present the lesions on the soft palate that occurred after receptive oral sexual intercourse. Case report: We present a 17-year-old student with fellatio-associated purpuric lesions on the soft palate, which disappeared spontaneously within ten days. Conclusion: Dental care professionals should be aware that petechial oral lesions may result from sexual intercourse and data on oral sex practice should always be taken.

Diagnosis of Tvt with Cell Cytology and Efficacy of Treatment with Vincristine Sulfate in Non- Descriptive Indian Canine Breeds

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) is a commonly occurring contagious reproductive tumor of dogs affecting both sexes. Methods: Six female mongrel dogs were brought to Veterinary clinical complex, WBUAFS, Belgachia, Kolkata with the history of inappetence, mass swelling on genitalia and blood tinged urine with dysuria for the past two weeks. Following Physical examination, protruded mass was noticed on external genital region. Impression smear was collected from protruded mass for confirmation of vacuole cell. Chemotherapy was applied with Vincristine @ 0.025 mg/kg b.wt; slow IV once a week for 4 weeks along with supportive treatment. Result: After the end of the 4th week of Chemotherapy animals were showed uneventful recovery.

A RARE CASE OF GENITAL POROKERATOSIS

Porokeratosis is a keratinization disorder of unknownetiology. It is characterized by well defined annular plaques with central scarring or pigmentation and raised keratotic border. Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, linear porokeratosis, porokeratosispalmaris et plantaris ,punctateporokeratosis are different clinical variants. Keratotic border is microscopically characterized by a column of parakeratotic cells invaginating the epidermis known as cornoid lamella which is a characteristic finding. Porokeratosis localized to the genital region is very rare. These lesions are mostly asymptomatic but there can be occasional pruritus. It mostly occurs on the scrotum followed by penis however adjoining areas like thighs, buttocks, natal cleft can also be involved. There are very few reports in Indian literature of porokeratsis limited to the genital region.

SUN-600 Presence of LMNA p.R582H Pathogenic Variant in Homozygous State Demonstrates Gene Dosage Effect on the Severity of Fat Loss in Lipodystrophy

Background Classical heterozygous pathogenic variants of the lamin A/C (LMNA) gene cause familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2). However, recent reports indicate phenotypic heterogeneity among carriers of LMNA pathogenic variants, and a few patients have been associated with generalized fat loss. Clinical Case Here, we report a patient with lamin A specific pathogenic variant at exon 11 LMNA p.R582H present in homozygous state. Fat distribution was compared radiographically to a heterozygote LMNA p.R582H patient from another pedigree, female healthy control, a series of adult female subjects with congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 1 (CGL1, n = 9) and typical FPLD2 (n = 8). The whole body MRI of the index case confirmed near-total loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue with well-preserved fat in the retroorbital area, palms and soles, mons pubis, and external genital region. This pattern resembled the fat loss pattern observed in CGL1 with only one difference: strikingly more fat was observed around mons pubis and the genital region. Also, homozygous p.R582H LMNA variant was associated with lower leptin level and earlier onset of metabolic abnormalities compared to heterozygous p.R582H variant and typical FPLD2 cases. On the other hand, heterozygous LMNA p.R582H variant was associated with partial fat loss which was similar to typical FPLD2 but less severe than the patients with the hot-spot variants at position 482. Conclusions Our observations and radiological comparisons demonstrate a gene dosage effect of LMNA variants on the severity of fat loss and add to the body of evidence that there may be complex genotype-phenotype relationships in this interesting disease known as FPLD2. Although the pathological basis for fat loss is not well understood in patients harboring pathogenic variants in the LMNA gene, our observation suggests that genetic factors modulate the extent of fat loss in LMNA associated lipodystrophy.

LEVANTAMENTO EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DOS REGISTROS DE TUMOR VENÉREO TRANSMISSÍVEL (TVT) ATENDIDOS NO HOSPITAL VETERINÁRIO DA FACULDADES INTEGRADAS APARÍCIO CARVALHO – FIMCA EM PORTO VELHO, RONDÔNIA NO ANO DE 2017

Introdução: O Tumor Venéreo Transmissível (TVT) é uma patogenia contagiosa, descrita pela primeira vez em 1905 por Sticker com a denominação de linfossarcoma transmissível com localização predominante na região genital. O TVT é um tumor histiocitário e que pode ser transmitido entre cães através do coito, se lambendo, mordendo e cheirando nódulos tumorais nas áreas afetadas. Podendo ser transmitido a outras espécies de caninos, tais como raposas e cachorro do mato. Objetivo: Quantificar os casos remanescente de TVT (tumor venéreo transmissível) encontrados no Hospital Veterinário da Faculdades Integradas Aparício Carvalho- FIMCA de Porto Velho-RO, para que posso beneficiar os Médicos Veterinários e tutores em relação a ocorrência dessa patologia. Material e métodos: O método de coleta das informações foi feito através do livro de registro, no qual havia dados sobre a data de entrada e saída do animal no hospital, nome do animal e do tutor, sexo, raça, diagnóstico ou suspeita clínica e o médico veterinário responsável pelo atendimento, sendo que, destes dados, foram recolhidos apenas, sexo, raça e diagnóstico positivo para TVT. Resultados: Quanto ao comportamento populacional da TVT nos cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário, a prevalência foi de 0,82% (16/1948). Dos animais avaliados, 31,25% são fêmeas e 68,75% são machos, e considerando as raças foram encontrados tais valores de 68,75% sem raça definida; 12,5% PitBull; 12,5% Pinscher; 6,25% Rottweiler. Conclusão: Neste estudo foi encontrada uma baixa frequência desta doença, porém mesmo com valores obtidos ainda há perigo e possibilidade dos animais de estimação contrair está patologia. Introduction: Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) is a contagious pathogenesis, first described in 1905 by Sticker with the name of transmissible lymphosarcoma with predominant location in the genital region. TVT is a histiocytic tumor and can be transmitted between dogs through intercourse, licking, biting and smelling tumoral nodules in the affected areas. It can be transmitted to other species of canines, such as foxes and wild dog. Objective: To quantify the remaining cases of TST (transmissible venereal tumor) found in the Veterinary Hospital of Faculdades Integradas Aparício Carvalho-FIMCA in Porto Velho-RO, so that I can benefit Veterinarians and tutors in relation to the occurrence of this pathology. Material and methods: The method of collecting the information was done through the log book, which had data on the date of entry and exit of the animal into the hospital, animal and guardian name, gender, race, diagnosis or clinical suspicion and the veterinarian responsible for the care, and, from data, were collected only, sex, race and positive diagnosis for TVT. Results: Regarding the TVT population behavior in dogs attended at the Veterinary Hospital, the prevalence was 0.82% (16/1948). Of the animals evaluated, 31.25% are females and 68.75% are males, and considering the races were found such values of 68.75% without defined race; 12.5% PitBull; 12.5% Pinscher; 6.25% Rottweiler. Conclusion: This study a low frequency of this disease was found, but even with values obtained there is still danger and the possibility of the animals to contract this pathology.

Superficial Genital Infantile Hemangiomas

Introduction. Superficial infantile hemangiomas (IH) are rarely localized in the genital region. Case Report. We present 8 infants with IHs in the genital region (3 boys and 5 girls). Our patients had only superficial IHs, their internal organs were not affected and there were no associated anomalies. In the boys, IHs were localized on the scrotum and the foreskin in 2 cases and 1 case, respectively. In the girls, IHs were on the labia majora and near the vaginal introitus. None of the IHs showed any IH-related complications. No therapy for IHs was administered in any of the presented infants, either because IHs were small and non-aggressive, or because their parents rejected the proposed therapy. Conclusion. Genital IHs have increased tendency for ulceration, so thorough examination and follow-up are of outmost importance. If therapy is indicated, oral propranolol is the treatment of choice for genital IHs.

Two new species of the family Cunaxidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from Madagascar

Two new mite species from Madagascar, based on female specimens, viz. Armascirus skvarlai sp. nov. and Cunaxa corpuzrarosae sp. nov. (Acari: Prostigmata: Cunaxidae), are described and figured. Armascirus skvarlai sp. nov. differs from the related species A. gimpeli Smiley, 1992 by having long hysterosomal platelets, thin and long lateromedial sts on the palpal genu, and from A. ozarkensis Skvarla & Dowling, 2012 by having a cone-shaped proterosomal shield with straight lateral edges, and by its nearly triangular hysterosomal shield. Cunaxa corpuzrarosae sp. nov. differs from the related species C. potchensis Den Heyer, 1979 by having 4 pairs of sts between coxae IV and the genital region, and by having a short stout palpal femoral apophysis; and from C. mageei Smiley, 1992 and C. neogazella Smiley, 1992 by having much shorter hysterodorsal and palpal tibiotarsal setae.