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use of dissociative anesthetics for the immobilization of captive bears: blood gas, hematology and biochemistry values.nineteen bears, representing five species (helarctos malayanus, ursus americanus, ursus arctos, tremarctos ornatus, melursus ursinus) were immobilized a total of 52 times using either phencyclidine-promazine or tiletamine-zolazepam. blood gas, hematology, and serum biochemistry values were determined during the immobilizations. immobilizations conducted with tiletamine-zolazepam were characterized by rapid induction and recovery times, good muscle relaxation, and relative freedom from convulsion ...19807463600
ursodeoxycholic acid in the ursidae: biliary bile acids of bears, pandas, and related carnivores.the biliary bile acid composition of gallbladder bile obtained from six species of bears (ursidae), the giant panda, the red panda, and 11 related carnivores were determined by reversed phase liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. bile acids were conjugated solely with taurine (in n-acyl linkage) in all species. ursodeoxycholic acid (3 alpha, 7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholan-24-oic acid) was present in all ursidae, averaging 1-39% of biliary bile acids depending on the spe ...19938263415
a phylogeny of the bears (ursidae) inferred from complete sequences of three mitochondrial genes.complete sequences of dna are described for the cytochrome b trna(thr) and trna(pro) genes of mitochondria of four extant species of ursids and compared to sequences of four other species of ursids previously studied by us. phylogenetic analyses indicate that the giant panda and the spectacled bear are the basal taxa of the ursid radiation. the ursines, a group which includes the sun bear, sloth bear, american black bear, asiatic black bear, brown bear, and polar bear, experienced a rapid radiat ...19968744769
[a molecular phylogeny of shennongjia white bear based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence].the phylogenetic relationship of shennongjia white bear has been an open question. total dna was extracted and sequenced from hair and feces of shennongjia white bear. based on the partial cyt b gene sequence obtained from the samples, the authors aligned them using the clustal w software program. the mega software was used to analyze the divergences and base substitutions of the partial cyt b gene among the 11 species: shennongjia white bear, selenarctos thibetanus, euarctos americanus, helarct ...200617035181
comparative endocrine investigations in three bear species based on urinary steroid metabolites and volatiles.in order to improve breeding of in situ populations of bears, a comprehensive study of reproductive physiology in brown (ursus arctos), spectacled (tremarctos ornatus) and giant panda bears (ailuropoda melanoleuca) was performed. the objective was to perform non-invasive analyses of urinary and fecal steroid metabolites. in addition, we investigated the presence of reproduction-related urinary volatile substances of these bears that might trigger the reproductive behavior. urinary estrogen conce ...200616460790
chromosome evolution in bears: reconstructing phylogenetic relationships by cross-species chromosome painting.genome-wide homology maps among dog (canis familiaris, cfa, 2n = 78), african lion (panthera leo, ple, 2n = 38), clouded leopard (neofelis nebulosa, nne, 2n = 38) and malayan sun bear (helartos malayanus, hma, 2n = 74) have been established by chromosome painting using a complete set of dog probes. in total, chromosome-specific painting probes from the 38 dog autosomes reveal 69, 69 and 73 conserved segments in african lion, clouded leopard and malayan sun bear, respectively. the chromosomal pai ...200414984102
environmental enrichment for the captive spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus).as part a series of investigations of environmental enrichment methods for zoo animals, two spectacled bears (tremarctos ornatus) were observed for 40 h, documenting use of cage space and behaviors, using a detailed ethogram. baseline data showed concentration of activity into limited areas of the enclosure and expression of a relatively restricted subset of the species' behavioral repertoire. introduction of a climbing structure resulted in increased behavioral diversity, both in the use of the ...200212076746
control of reproduction with anti-progestin and oestrogens in captive bears.the aim of this study was to establish new methods for controlling reproduction in bears. anti-progestins were used to interrupt pregnancies. in two consecutive years, the anti-progestin j956 was administered to 11 female bears (nine ursus arctos, one ursus tibethanus, one tremarctos ornatus) living in zoos. the anti-progestin j956 was given orally (n = 4) or parenterally (n = 12). the anti-progestin was administered alone or in combination with ethinyloestradiol, and before or after embryo impl ...200111787158
abnormally phosphorylated protein tau in the cortex of aged individuals of various mammalian orders.aged individuals of mammalian species displaying hyperphosphorylated tau protein may be suitable natural models for investigating neurodegenerative alterations occurring, for example, in alzheimer's disease. therefore, autoptic tissue from the entorhinal, motor and prefrontal cortices of 14 mammalian species was screened using the monoclonal antibody at8, which is directed against a phosphorylated epitope of human tau and applicable to the tissues of aged domestic animals, as shown in previous s ...200010965801
transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the female urogenital tract in nonpregnant and pregnant captive bears (ursidae).the development of reliable methods for monitoring the reproductive cycle of bears is needed to optimise breeding management in captivity. the aim of the present study was to develop non-invasive procedures for obtaining basic data on the reproductive status of nonpregnant and pregnant bears. eight female captive bears (five ursus arctos arctos, two tremarctos ornatus and one melursus ursinus) were examined using transrectal adaptor ultrasonographic imaging. plasma concentrations of progesterone ...19979404299
phylogenetic relationships of bears (the ursidae) inferred from mitochondrial dna sequences.the phylogenetic relationships among some bear species are still open questions. we present here mitochondrial dna sequences of d-loop region, cytochrome b, 12s rrna, trna(pro), and trna(thr) genes from all bear species and the giant panda. a series of evolutionary trees with concordant topology has been derived based on the combined data set of all of the mitochondrial dna sequences, which may have resolved the evolutionary relationships of all bear species: the ancestor of the spectacled bear ...19947697192
phylogeny of the bears (ursidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial genes.the taxomic classification and phylogenetic relationships within the bear family remain argumentative subjects in recent years. prior investigation has been concentrated on the application of different mitochondrial (mt) sequence data, herein we employ two nuclear single-copy gene segments, the partial exon 1 from gene encoding interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (irbp) and the complete intron 1 from transthyretin (ttr) gene, in conjunction with previously published mt data, to clarify t ...200415223031
microsatellite analysis of the spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus) across its range distribution.dna samples of the spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus) from five andean countries, venezuela, colombia, ecuador, peru and bolivia, were analyzed for nine microsatellite loci. seven of them were polymorphic, which led us to investigate several population-genetic parameters. private alleles and significant differences in gene frequencies were found among the populations studied, which demonstrated the extent of genetic differentiation among the spectacled bear populations. the levels of gene dive ...200515824457
functional and comparative study of lingual papillae in four species of bear (ursidae) by scanning electron microscopy.the eight current species of bear (ursidae) are widely distributed throughout europe, asia, and america. they are mainly encountered in the northern hemisphere, except for the spectacled bear and the sun bear, which are also found in the south of the equator. adaptations of the masticatory apparatus (teeth, tongue, and musculature) to diet are one of the factors that imply the greatest structural changes in the cranium. this diet may be carnivorous, herbivorous, melliferous, or insectivorous, wi ...201121936024
molecular genetic-distance estimates among the ursidae as indicated by one- and two-dimensional protein electrophoresis.evolutionary relationships among eight species of ursidae (including the giant panda) relative to two procyonidae species (raccoon and red panda) were estimated based on the extent of electrophoretic variation of 289 radiolabelled fibroblast proteins resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and among 44 isozyme loci resolved by one-dimensional electrophoresis. allelic differences among these species were converted to genetic distances, and phenetic trees were constructed. in addition, the ...198928568545
mitochondrial dna sequence evolution in the arctoidea.some taxa in the superfamily arctoidea, such as the giant panda and the lesser panda, have presented puzzles to taxonomists. in the present study, approximately 397 bases of the cytochrome b gene, 364 bases of the 12s rrna gene, and 74 bases of the trna(thr) and trna(pro) genes from the giant panda, lesser panda, kinkajou, raccoon, coatimundi, and all species of the ursidae were sequenced. the high transition/transversion ratios in cytochrome b and rna genes prior to saturation suggest that the ...19938415740
rapid radiation events in the family ursidae indicated by likelihood phylogenetic estimation from multiple fragments of mtdna.the bear family (ursidae) presents a number of phylogenetic ambiguities as the evolutionary relationships of the six youngest members (ursine bears) are largely unresolved. recent mitochondrial dna analyses have produced conflicting results with respect to the phylogeny of ursine bears. in an attempt to resolve these issues, we obtained 1916 nucleotides of mitochondrial dna sequence data from six gene segments for all eight bear species and conducted maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony anal ...199910508542
unequal rates of y chromosome gene divergence during speciation of the family ursidae.evolution of the bear family ursidae is well investigated in terms of morphological, paleontological, and genetic features. however, several phylogenetic ambiguities occur within the subfamily ursinae (the family ursidae excluding the giant panda and spectacled bear), which may correlate with behavioral traits of female philopatry and male-biased dispersal which form the basis of the observed matriarchal population structure in these species. in the process of bear evolution, we investigate the ...200818400788
feeding ecology and morphology of the upper canines in bears (carnivora: ursidae).the morphology and mechanical strength of the upper canines in all eight extant species of ursids is analyzed, and the findings are discussed in relation to feeding ecology. ursids have proportionally smaller canines than other large carnivores with a specialized feeding ecology, such as large felids, and the upper canine morphology is both canid-like and felid-like. the giant panda is the most divergent species, and its short, blunt, and cone-like canines appear well adapted for tearing into ba ...200818488989
ancient mitochondrial dna reveals convergent evolution of giant short-faced bears (tremarctinae) in north and south america.the tremarctinae are a subfamily of bears endemic to the new world, including two of the largest terrestrial mammalian carnivores that have ever lived: the giant, short-faced bears arctodus simus from north america and arctotherium angustidens from south america (greater than or equal to 1000 kg). arctotherium angustidens became extinct during the early pleistocene, whereas arctodus simus went extinct at the very end of the pleistocene. the only living tremarctine is the spectacled bear (tremarc ...201627095265
the primary structure of the hemoglobin of spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus, carnivora).the complete primary structure of the alpha- and beta-chains of the hemoglobin of spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus) is presented. following cleavage of the heme-protein link and chain separation by rp-hplc, their amino-acid sequences were determined by edman degradation in liquid- and gas-phase sequenators. the hemoglobin of spectacled bear displays only five amino-acid exchanges to that of polar bear (ursus maritimus, ursinae) and asiatic black bear (ursus tibetanus, ursinae) whereas 8 and 1 ...19873663329
dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations of two juvenile female giant pandas (ailuropoda melanoleuca).during a 7 mo exhibit loan, diets of two juvenile female giant pandas (ailuropoda melanoleuca) were monitored. mineral [calcium (ca), copper (cu), phosphorus (p), potassium (k), zinc (zn)] and vitamin (beta-carotene and total tocopherol) concentrations in the diet were quantified as well as in a serum sample obtained from one of these animals. diets consumed by the pandas contained (dry matter basis): 0.82% ca, 0.62% p, 1.05% k, 14.3 mg/kg cu, 31.8 mg/kg zn, 12.2 mg/kg beta-carotene, and 12 mg/k ...19911920677
was the giant short-faced bear a hyper-scavenger? a new approach to the dietary study of ursids using dental microwear textures.dramatic environmental changes associated with global cooling since the late miocene, and the onset of glacial-interglacial cycles in the pleistocene served as a backdrop to the evolutionary radiation of modern bears (family ursidae). these environmental changes likely prompted changes in food availability, and triggered dietary adaptations that served as motive forces in ursid evolution. here, we assess correspondence of dental microwear textures of first and second lower molars with diet in ex ...201324204860
a comparative chromosome banding analysis of the ursidae and their relationship to other carnivores.trypsin g-banded karyotypes of eight species of ursidae were prepared from retrovirus-transformed skin fibroblast cultures. the banding patterns of all bears are highly conserved, even though their diploid numbers range from 42 to 72. a comprehensive analysis of the homologous banding patterns within the ursidae and with a hypothesized ancestral carnivore karyotype permitted the reconstruction of three significant chromosomal reorganization events that occurred during the evolution of the modern ...20133691188
evidence for geographic clusters: molecular genetic differences among strains of pythium insidiosum from asia, australia and the americas are explored.twenty-eight isolates of pythium insidiosum and p. destruens from asia, australia and the americas were compared on the basis of restriction fragment-length polymorphisms of the amplified ribosomal intergenic spacer. comparison of band profiles yielded three distinct clusters and an isolate that did not fall into any of the clusters. cluster i consisted of 16 isolates, all from the americas (costa rica, brazil, haiti, united states). cluster ii consisted of seven isolates from asia (india, thail ...200321156606
dogs, cats, and kin: a molecular species-level phylogeny of carnivora.phylogenies underpin comparative biology as high-utility tools to test evolutionary and biogeographic hypotheses, inform on conservation strategies, and reveal the age and evolutionary histories of traits and lineages. as tools, most powerful are those phylogenies that contain all, or nearly all, of the taxa of a given group. despite their obvious utility, such phylogenies, other than summary 'supertrees', are currently lacking for most mammalian orders, including the order carnivora. carnivora ...201019900567
analysis of complete mitochondrial genome sequences increases phylogenetic resolution of bears (ursidae), a mammalian family that experienced rapid speciation.despite the small number of ursid species, bear phylogeny has long been a focus of study due to their conservation value, as all bear genera have been classified as endangered at either the species or subspecies level. the ursidae family represents a typical example of rapid evolutionary radiation. previous analyses with a single mitochondrial (mt) gene or a small number of mt genes either provide weak support or a large unresolved polytomy for ursids. we revisit the contentious relationships wi ...200717956639
effects of inedible, manipulable objects on captive bears.bears in captivity often show abnormal behaviors such as stereotypies and periods of excessive inactivity. most of the research aimed at reducing abnormal behaviors in bears has focused on feeding enrichment. however, the effects of feeding enrichment only seem to last as long as it takes a bear to consume the food. this study investigated the effects of inedible, manipulable objects on bears. two polar bears (ursus maritimus) received plastic floats. a sloth bear (melursus ursinus) and a specta ...199916363951
serum lipid concentrations in six canid and four ursid species in four zoos.serum lipid levels were measured in healthy captive wild canids and ursids, and the values were compared with previously published data. serum lipid levels were evaluated in blood samples collected from eight african wild dogs (lycaon pictus), three arctic foxes (alopex lagopus), nine gray wolves (canis lupus), four maned wolves (chrysocyon brachyurus), two mexican wolves (canis lupus baleiyi), nine red wolves (canis rufus), two brown bears (ursus arctos), six polar bears (ursus maritimus), six ...200415193071
occurrence and structure of epipharyngeal pouches in bears (ursidae).the infrequent mention of epipharyngeal pouches occurring in some species of bears indicates the scarcity of morphological and functional knowledge about these structures. in order to provide precise morphological data on the structure of these remarkable formations and to verify their taxonomic utility, the pharyngeal regions of 1 spectacled bear and 3 brown bears were examined. all these individuals possessed epipharyngeal pouches, which are tubular, blind-ending outpouchings of the caudodorsa ...200111322723
serum concentrations of vitamin d metabolites, vitamins a and e, and carotenoids in six canid and four ursid species at four zoos.nutritional status for six captive canid species (n=34) and four captive ursid species (n=18) were analyzed. the species analyzed included: african wild dog (lycaon pictus), arctic fox (alopex lagopus), gray wolf (canis lupus), maned wolf (chrysocyon brachyurus), mexican wolf (canis lupus baleiyi), red wolf (canis rufus), brown bear (ursus arctos), polar bear (ursus maritimus), spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus), and sun bear (ursus malayanus). diet information was collected for these animals ...200111137448
molecular population genetic analysis of the spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus) in the northern andean area.eighty-two andean bear samples obtained in three south american andean countries were analyzed using five hypervariable microsatellite markers. neither the overall sample nor the samples coming from each of the countries analyzed were in hardy-weinberg equilibrium. this is attributable to the wahlund effect caused by a fragmentation of the bear populations. the genetic variability levels found were in general low for this kind of molecular markers (h = 0.38 for the global population). the situat ...200312921159
[animal welfare aspects relevant to the design of the spectacled bear facility in the zürich zoo].the swiss animal welfare law and animal welfare regulations determine the conditions how wild animals have to be kept in captivity. the zoo animal working group of the swiss veterinary association for animal welfare has analysed the respective definitions in relation to keeping bears. during the planning and construction of the new clouded forest exhibit for spectacled bears, the zürich zoo has put the conclusions of this analysis into practice. beside the safety precautions for health the reali ...19969045290
[structure of the placenta in bears].it is described the placenta of a bear ( tremarctos ornatus ). the placenta shows a discoidal form (placenta discoidalis ) with a distinct marginal hematoma. histological the placenta is a placenta endotheliochorialis which is characterized by the placental labyrinth and a striking transitional zone.19846721184
review of anesthetic protocols in andean bears (tremarctos ornatus), sloth bears (melursus ursinus), and giant pandas (ailuropoda melanoleuca) at the smithsonian institution's national zoological park, 1995-2016.a review of anesthetic procedures used in andean bears (tremarctos ornatus), sloth bears (melursus ursinus), and giant pandas (ailuropoda melanoleuca) housed at the smithsonian institution's national zoological park (nzp) from 1995 to 2016 was performed. a total of 146 anesthetic procedures (55 procedures on 12 andean bears, 38 procedures on nine sloth bears, and 53 procedures on five giant pandas) occurred at nzp during this time frame. induction protocols involved some combination of ketamine ...202032212548
predictive modelling of current and future potential distribution of the spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus) in amazonas, northeast peru.the spectacled, or andean, bear (tremarctos ornatus) is classified as vulnerable by the iucn due to climate change and human-induced habitat fragmentation. there is an urgent need for the conservation of spectacled bear at real time. however, the lack of knowledge about the distribution of this species is considered as one of the major limitations for decision-making and sustainable conservation. in this study, 92 geo-referenced records of the spectacled bear, 12 environmental variables and the ...202033036157
genetics of the andean bear (tremarctos ornatus; ursidae, carnivora) in ecuador: when the andean cordilleras are not an obstacle.one of the top carnivores in the andean mountains is the andean bear (tremarctos ornatus, ursidae), the only bear in south america. this is a flagship and key umbrella species in ecuador because its conservation has a positive impact on the conservation of many other species in the andes. but to preserve, first one must know the genetic characteristics of a species, among other things. for this, we analyzed six mitochondrial genes and seven nuclear dna microsatellites of 108 andean bear specimen ...202032468901
can a like save the planet? comparing antecedents of and correlations between environmental liking on social media, money donation, and volunteering.due to the societal dissemination of digital technology, people are increasingly experiencing environmental topics through digital media channels such as social networks. several researchers therefore have proposed these channels as a possibility to strengthen sustainable development based on their cost-efficient nature. but while prior studies have investigated isolated factors for understanding environmental social media behavior, there is still scarce understanding of the relevant underlying ...201931555178
the andean bear alopecia syndrome may be caused by social housing.the andean bear alopecia syndrome is a progressive and chronic condition documented in ex situ populations. recent advances focus on treating symptoms, not preventing future cases. we therefore explored the epidemiology of this syndrome through an analysis of husbandry and veterinary conditions of 63 andean bears (26m:37f) housed in north and south american zoos and other ex situ circumstances. we had the most complete information for the north american population and found that 29% of females ( ...201931418481
the highest altitudinal record of the mountain coati nasuella olivacea (gray, 1865) for ecuador.the mountain coati nasuella olivacea is a species of carnivorous mammal, several aspects of its ecology and natural history remain unknown. in ecuador, its presence is reported in high andean forest and paramo between 1,300 and 3,700 m a.s.l., being rare over 3,200 m. in this work, i present the extension of its altitudinal limit for ecuador to 3,862 m a.s.l.; in addition, i report an event of a possible interaction between tremarctos ornatus and n. olivacea.201830588163
mammalian carnivore occupancy is inversely related to presence of domestic dogs in the high andes of ecuador.although the andes have long been occupied by people, habitat loss, fragmentation through deforestation, and other human activities such as introduction of invasive species have increased drastically during the past century. the ecuadorian andes are considered a biodiversity hotspot. however, the fauna and threats to the region are poorly studied, and understanding of factors that shape the distribution of species in habitats disturbed by human activities is needed to identify and mitigate regio ...201829489855
clinical and histopathological aspects of an alopecia syndrome in captive andean bears (tremarctos ornatus).captive andean bears (tremarctos ornatus) develop a distinct alopecic syndrome of unknown aetiology.201829388354
treatment success in three andean bears (tremarctos ornatus) with alopecia syndrome using oclacitinib maleate (apoquel®).andean bear (tremarctos ornatus) alopecia syndrome (abas) commonly affects captive bears, particularly sexually mature females. abas is characterized by bilaterally symmetrical predominantly flank alopecia with or without profound pruritus and secondary bacterial and malassezia infections. there is no effective treatment and severely affected bears have been euthanized. this paper describes the successful management of abas in three female andean bears. skin biopsies and cytology revealed a mixe ...201728920784
major taste loss in carnivorous mammals.mammalian sweet taste is primarily mediated by the type 1 taste receptor tas1r2/tas1r3, whereas tas1r1/tas1r3 act as the principal umami taste receptor. bitter taste is mediated by a different group of g protein-coupled receptors, the tas2rs, numbering 3 to ∼66, depending on the species. we showed previously that the behavioral indifference of cats toward sweet-tasting compounds can be explained by the pseudogenization of the tas1r2 gene, which encodes the tas1r2 receptor. to examine the general ...201222411809
[food habits of puma concolor (carnivora: felidae) in the parque nacional natural puracé, colombia].neotropical puma (puma concolor) diet is scarcely known, in particular that of mountain dwelling individuals from northern south america. this is the first study on pumas from the paramo and the first puma diet analysis for colombia. the puma diet was studied from 2007 to 2009 in the puracé national park in the south colombian andes. paramos are unique neotropical high altitude ecosystems which store and regulate water, and are currently threatened by agricultural expansion and climate change. s ...201122017133
captivity shapes the gut microbiota of andean bears: insights into health surveillance.the andean bear is an endemic species of the tropical andes who has an almost exclusively plant-based diet. since herbivorous mammals do not carry enzymes for fiber degradation, the establishment of symbiosis with cellulolytic microorganisms in their gastrointestinal (gi) tract is necessary to help them fulfill their nutritional needs. furthermore, as described for other mammals, a stable, diverse, and balanced gut microbial composition is an indicator of a healthy status of the host; under dist ...201728751883
photos provide information on age, but not kinship, of andean bear.using photos of captive andean bears of known age and pedigree, and photos of wild andean bear cubs <6 months old, we evaluated the degree to which visual information may be used to estimate bears' ages and assess their kinship. we demonstrate that the ages of andean bear cubs ≤6 months old may be estimated from their size relative to their mothers with an average error of <0.01 ± 13.2 days (sd; n = 14), and that ages of adults ≥10 years old may be estimated from the proportion of their nose tha ...201526213647
a new voluntary blood collection method for the andean bear (tremarctos ornatus) and asiatic black bear (ursus thibetanus).various training methods have been developed for animal husbandry and health care in zoos and one of these trainings is blood collection. one training method, recently widely used for blood collection in ursidae, requires setting up a sleeve outside the cage and gives access to limited blood collection sites. a new voluntary blood collection method without a sleeve was applied to the andean bear (tremarctos ornatus) and asiatic black bear (ursus thibetanus) with access to various veins at the sa ...201526197968
transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatus). 200616517824
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