Synthesis of β‐Cyclodextrin Containing Copolymer via “Click” Chemistry and Its Self‐Assembly in the Presence of Guest Compounds

We report the synthesis of a hydrophilic copolymer with one polyethylene glycol (PEG) block and one β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) containing block by a “click” reaction between azido‐substituted β‐CD and propargyl flanking copolymer. 1 H NMR study suggested a highly efficient conjugation of β‐CD units by this approach. The obtained copolymer was used as a host macromolecule to construct assemblies in the presence of hydrophobic guests. For assemblies containing a hydrophobic polymer, their size can be simply adjusted by simply changing the content of hydrophobic component. By serving as a guest molecule, hydrophobic drugs can also be loaded accompanying the formation of nanoparticles, and the drug payload is releasable. Therefore, the copolymer synthesized herein can be employed as a carrier for drug delivery. The synthesis of β‐cyclodextrin containing block copolymer via a “click” reaction is reported. The self‐assembly of this newly synthesized copolymer in the presence of guest compounds can lead to the formation of core–shell structured nanoparticles. These assemblies can be employed as novel delivery vehicles for therapeutics.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91173/1/marc_201100814_sm_suppl.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91173/2/664_ftp.pd

Recurrent tongue tip constriction in a captive giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

A male giant anteater (Myrmecophage tridactyla) was treated twice for tongue tip constrictions. Clinical signs were partial anorexia, soft stool, bleeding from the mouth, and intermittent lingual discomfort. In the first presentation, wood fibers constricting the distal part of the tongue were detected by endoscopy and were removed. In the second presentation, bands of collagenous fibers were identified and resected. Dietary elements were responsible for both cases: elongated wood fibers were present in peat, which was included as a supplement to improve stool consistency, and collagenous fibers originated from fascias of lean meat, which served as a protein source in this diet. Preventive measures included sieving of the peat to eliminate long fibers and grinding of the meat, respectively, prior to diet presentation. A homogenous diet, utilizing cellulose rather than peat and dry cat food rather than meat, will avoid tongue tip constriction as described in these cases

Salmonellosis in Hedgehogs

African pygmy hedgehogs are popular pets worldwide. Our knowledge and understanding of pet hedgehog common veterinary conditions is increasing as new information and research is published, however there is still much to learn about this fascinating animal. Salmonella is one of the most common zoonoses worldwide and is naturally isolated from the intestinal tract of many animal species, including hedgehogs. Recent outbreaks of salmonellosis in humans in the USA have identified pet African Pygmy hedgehogs as the source of infection. This chapter discusses the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of salmonella infection in hedgehogs, primarily focusing on African pygmy hedgehogs, with some reference to European hedgehogs