Sex identification in juvenile and adult Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) through cystoscopy and accuracy of contrast radiography

OBJECTIVE

To describe a nonsurgical endoscopic technique for sex identification in Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) and to assess accuracy of contrast radiography of the hemipenile/hemiclitoral pouches.

ANIMALS

42 clinically healthy Indonesian blue-tongued skinks between 6 months and 3 years old and weighing between 22 and 550 g.

METHODS

Cystoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. Gonads were visualized through the transparency of the urinary bladder, and their gross morphology was described. Contrast was applied in the tail pouches before obtaining full-body radiographs. Two radiologists, blinded to the sex of the skink, evaluated the radiographs.

RESULTS

Cystoscopy was achieved in all 42 skinks. Visualization of the gonads through the urinary bladder was possible in 41 (98%; 95% CI, 87% to 99%) of the skinks, with 18 of them identified as males and 23 identified as females. Median procedure time was 60 seconds (range, 25 to 180 seconds) and was not associated with procedure order (-0.69; 95% CI, -1.83 to 0.45) or with the weight (0.02 g; 95% CI, -0.07 to 1.0) or the identified sex (11.7; 95% CI, -15.07 to 38.45) of the skink. Radiographs had a sensitivity of 69.6% (95% CI, 47.1% to 86.8%) and a specificity of 75.0% (47.6% to 92.7%) to identify female skinks. All the skinks recovered uneventfully.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cystoscopic sex identification is feasible in Indonesian blue-tongued skinks of various age and size. Considering the difficulty in identifying their sex otherwise, this technique could provide a significant improvement in the veterinary care of this species. In this population, contrast radiographs showed limited accuracy for sex identification.

First case of systemic fatal mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium goodii in a pet Kenyan sand boa (Eryx colubrinus loveridgei)

Background

Environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria species that are not members of the M. tuberculosis complex, are ordinary inhabitants of a wide variety of environmental reservoirs and their role in human and animal diseases has been fully recognized. Even if spontaneous mycobacterial infections have been reported in a wide variety of reptiles, this is the first report of systemic fatal mycobacteriosis sustained by Mycobacterium goodii in a pet reptile. 

Case presentation

An adult, wild caught (WC), male Kenyan sand boa (Eryx colubrinus loveridgei) age unknown, was presented for clinical examination due to decreased activity level, decreased appetite and diarrhea. Blood tests showed unreliable results. Coprologic exam showed a moderate to severe presence of flagellates. X rays and ultrasound showed moderate presence of air and faeces in the large intestine. The snake was hospitalized and oral metronidazole was chosen as antiprotozoal agent in association with subcutaneous warm fluids. The snake was discharged after 2 weeks therapy in good clinical condition. Faecal exam resulted negative. One month after, the snake was quickly hospitalized again because of a recrudescence of symptoms. Biochemistry showed severe increase of AST, ALT and biliary acids. Severe leucocytosis and moderate to severe anemia were highlighted. Ultrasound examination revealed a severe diffused alteration of the liver parenchyma and a fine needle aspiration was performed. The cytological diagnosis was mixed inflammation, with a numerous of unstained rod-shaped bacteria both inside macrophages and free in the sample. The snake’s condition rapidly deteriorated and euthanasia was performed. The histology of the coelomic organs confirmed a systemic mycobacteriosis. Real-time PCR identified the mycobacteria as Mycobacterium goodii.

Conclusions

Species from the genus Mycobacterium are among the most important micro-organism including the causative agents of tuberculosis. Even if the general incidence of disease in reptiles due to mycobacteria is comparatively low, they can serve as reservoirs of many ubiquitous mycobacteria species. Mycobacterium goodii is a rapidly growing non‐tuberculous mycobacterium that has recently been associated with severe infections in animals and humans. Although in this case the pathogenesis was not completely clear, we highlight the zoonotic risk of mycobacteriosis in exotic animals especially in WC specimens.

Clinical, surgical, and pathological findings in client-owned rabbits with histologically confirmed appendicitis: 19 cases (2015-2019)

OBJECTIVE

To report clinical, surgical, and pathological findings in client-owned rabbits with histologically confirmed appendicitis.

ANIMALS

19 rabbits.

PROCEDURES

Medical records for client-owned rabbits that had a histologic diagnosis of appendicitis were reviewed.

RESULTS

Median age of the rabbits at presentation was 24.0 months (range, 4 to 84 months). Seventeen cases occurred during the summer and fall seasons. Decreased appetite (17/19 rabbits), abnormal rectal temperature (hyperthermia, 9/16 rabbits; hypothermia, 4/16 rabbits), hypocalcemia (8/11 rabbits), and hypoglycemia (7/15 rabbits) were common signs. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT findings were suggestive of appendicitis in 6 of 8 rabbits and in 1 of 2 rabbits, respectively. Of the 6 rabbits that received medical treatment, 3 died at 48 hours, 1 died at 24 hours after hospitalization, and 1 died at 10 days after presentation; 1 rabbit was alive at 1,030 days after presentation. Of the 8 rabbits that underwent appendectomy, 3 died before discharge from the hospital and 1 died 113 days after surgery; 4 rabbits were alive at 315, 334, 1,433, and 1,473 days after presentation. The remaining 5 rabbits either died or were euthanized before treatment could be instituted. In each of the 19 rabbits, the appendix had evidence of severe inflammation with mucosal ulceration, heterophilic inflammation, and necrotic debris.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

For rabbits with decreased appetite and an apparently painful abdomen, hyperthermia, hypocalcemia, or hypoglycemia, appendicitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Further comparisons of medical and surgical treatments are required to establish treatment recommendations for rabbits with appendicitis.

Evaluation of point-of-care analysers for blood gas and clinical chemistry in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the agreement between point-of-care and laboratory analysers in measuring biochemical and blood gas analytes in venous samples from tortoises and to define preliminary reference intervals for venous blood gas analysis in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Jugular venous blood samples from 47 Hermann's tortoises underwent paired analysis with a portable gas analyser (i-STAT 1, Abaxis), a portable chemical analyser (VetScan VS2, Abaxis), and with the respective reference analysers. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to determine albumin concentrations on 12 specimens. Agreement was evaluated with Bland-Altman plots and regression analysis using the Passing-Bablok method.

RESULTS

Point-of-care analysers had variable agreement with the reference analysers, presenting constant or proportional bias depending on the analyte. Relevant analytes in reptiles, such as ionised and total calcium, had acceptable agreement. The method for determining albumin concentration currently available in both point-of-care and laboratory analysers significantly overestimated albumin concentrations as compared to protein electrophoresis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

While the use of POC analysers is extremely advantageous in small animal primary care facilities, agreement between point-of-care and laboratory analysers varies depending on the analyte. For certain analytes, interchangeability of results is limited and specific reference intervals for point-of-care analysers are required. Veterinarians should be aware of the size and the direction of the bias of each analyte.

Lack of detection of West Nile virus in an islander population of chelonians during a West Nile virus outbreak

In 2011, several outbreaks of West Nile disease occurred in Sardinia (Italy). The region hosts several chelonian species. Because of the increasing concern on the potential role that ectotherms may play in the ecology of West Nile virus (WNV), in October 2011 blood samples were collected from 41 endemic Sardinian chelonians and tested for the presence of active WNV infection or neutralizing antibodies by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serumneutralisation, respectively. Neither WNV neutralising antibodies (0%; 95% CI: 0‑8.4%) nor WNV RNA (0%; 95% CI: 0‑6.8%) were found in the tested samples. According to the results of this screening survey, it is unlikely that chelonians are involved in the epidemiology of the 2011 WNV outbreaks in Sardinia.

Use of Cystoscopy to Visualize Morphological Alteration of the Liver in a Posthatchling Turtle ( Cuora trifasciata )

A 55 g, 7 mo old Chinese three-striped box turtle ( Cuora trifasciata ) was presented with a 2 wk history of lethargy and anorexia. The owner attempted various antibiotic treatments without clinical improvement. A cystoscopic evaluation of the coelom was performed. The liver appeared dark red-to-brown presenting multifocal irregularly shaped white-to-tan and roughly round areas of discoloration on the capsular surface. An adult keeled box turtle (Pyxidea mouhotii), which died in the same facility at the same time, had similar hepatic lesions detected upon necropsy. From hepatic lesions, an antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli was isolated. Antibiotic treatment based on sensitivity testing led to a rapid resolution of the clinical signs in the Cuora trifasciata , with gain of appetite 4 days after the first antibiotic administration. A recheck cystoscopy demonstrated macroscopic resolution of hepatic lesions. This report demonstrates, to the best of the authors' knowledge, for the first time the clinical usefulness of cystoscopy for the diagnostic evaluation of the coelom of small chelonians. This minimally invasive technique is a valuable clinical tool in the medical approach to posthatchling chelonians.

Hematological values for adult eastern Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) in semi-natural conditions

Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is considered near threatened in the wild but, by contrast, it is one of the most popular pet tortoises in Europe. Scant data is reported in the veterinary literature on hematological values for T. hermanni and, to our knowledge, none focused on the subspecies boettgeri (eastern Hermann's tortoise). Published reports are based on small sample populations, and confusion arises when comparing the sampling sites, the anticoagulants, and the counting methods used. The purpose of the current study was to establish the normal mean values and reference intervals for the main hematological parameters for captive adult T. hermanni boettgeri and to evaluate the reliability of a semiautomated blood analyzer for red blood cell count and hematocrit determination. Blood values were determined in 23 adult tortoises using a Neubauer chamber with Natt and Herrick solution; red blood cells and hematocrit were also measured using a semiautomated blood analyzer. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, differences between sexes, and agreement between the counting methods. Reference intervals were calculated with the robust method. Wilcoxon signed rank test with continuity correction was used to investigate differences between sexes, and Bland-Altman analysis was performed to compare manual versus semiautomated values. Red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin determinations were significantly higher in males than in females. White blood cell counts did not show any sex variability. The agreement of manual versus semiautomated determination was considered acceptable for clinical use.

Measured anatomical distributions of solar UVR on strawberry production workers in Italy

The exposure of outdoor workers to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been known for some time. Measurements of erythemally weighted UVR are usually related to days of exposure and to the anatomical distribution of UVR on the human body. The aim of this research is to describe the UVR exposure of workers during a strawberry production cycle in order to assess the UVR hazard and to identify the highest exposure in the anatomical distribution of UVR on the body during an entire agricultural production cycle. This research was carried out on the experimental farm (Azienda Agraria Didattico-Sperimentale) of Università Politecnica delle Marche in Agugliano, Italy. A spectrometer was used to measure UVR, and electronic dosimeters were used to record UVR exposure. The measurements were carried out on all working days of the strawberry production cycle in 2012 during daily peak UVR levels. The daily UVR exposure geometric mean and the percentage ambient UVR in the strawberry production cycle were calculated and analyzed to assess the hazard for workers during the entire production cycle. The nape of the neck was the anatomical site most exposed to UVR. The mean daily UVR exposure on the nape of the neck was higher than 1.50 SED, the minimum value required to produce perceptible erythema in unacclimatized white skin, and a maximum value of 2.29 SED was measured. Real-time exposure data suggest that it may be useful to remind workers of the risks associated with UVR exposure.

Evaluation of liver parenchyma and perfusion using dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) under general anesthesia

Background

Contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging techniques are considered useful in veterinary and human medicine to evaluate liver perfusion and focal hepatic lesions. Although hepatic diseases are a common occurrence in reptile medicine, there is no reference to the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to evaluate the liver in lizards. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of change in echogenicity and attenuation of the liver in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) after administration of specific contrast media.

Results

An increase in liver echogenicity and density was evident during CEUS and CECT, respectively. In CEUS, the mean ± SD (median; range) peak enhancement was 19.9% ± 7.5 (18.3; 11.7-34.6). Time to peak enhancement was 134.0 ± 125.1 (68.4; 59.6-364.5) seconds. During CECT, first visualization of the contrast medium was at 3.6 ± 0.5 (4; 3-4) seconds in the aorta, 10.7 ± 2.2 (10.5; 7-14) seconds in the hepatic arteries, and 15 ± 4.5 (14.5; 10-24) seconds in the liver parenchyma. Time to peak was 14.1 ± 3.4 (13; 11-21) and 31 ± 9.6 (29; 23-45) seconds in the aorta and the liver parenchyma, respectively.

Conclusion

CEUS and dynamic CECT are practical means to determine liver hemodynamics in green iguanas. Distribution of contrast medium in iguana differed from mammals. Specific reference ranges of hepatic perfusion for diagnostic evaluation of the liver in iguanas are necessary since the use of mammalian references may lead the clinician to formulate incorrect diagnostic suspicions.

Clinical hematology in reptilian species

The presence of nucleated erythrocytes and thrombocytes in reptile blood limits the use of electronic cell-counting devices for leukocytes so that manual counting techniques and evaluation of blood smears are necessary, resulting in time-consuming procedures requiring good training and experience. The evaluation of most hematologic values is complicated by the many physiologic adaptations occurring in reptiles, making references values very difficult to interpret. This article brings together most of the bibliography about hemochrome evaluation in reptiles, with schematic instruction about sample collection, handling, and evaluation. Information about evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of reptile hematology are also given.

Cutaneous progressive angiomatosis on the muzzle of a dog, treated by laser photocoagulation therapy

A 10-year old, female, cocker spaniel was presented with a bleeding lesion on the muzzle and nasal planum observed initially as a small raised nodule at 1 year of age. This became clinically more pronounced at 5 years of age, progressively enlarged thereafter and was diagnosed initially as a vascular tumour. On clinical examination, multiple confluent nodules of variable diameter (0.5-1.5 cm) deformed the outline of the nose. Histological examination revealed a progressive angiomatosis with multifocal infiltrative growth of increased dermal vascularization with different sized and type of anastomosing vessels lined by a monolayer of reactive endothelium, often arranged as papillary projections into the lumina. Partial nosectomy, the first therapeutic approach, was unsuccessful and the lesion relapsed within 6 months. However, subsequent laser photocoagulation therapy provided a good cosmetic outcome, no relapse 1 year later, and appeared to provide an effective alternative to ablation surgery.

Long-term psychometric outcomes of facial lipoatrophy therapy: forty-eight-week observational, nonrandomized study

The aim of this observational, prospective, nonrandomized study was to assess long-term psychometric outcomes of surgical treatment of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy. Two hundred ninety-nine participants (70.8% male) consecutively attending the Metabolic Clinic of Modena and Reggio Emilia University from November 2005 to July 2006, undergoing surgical interventions for HIV-related facial lipoatrophy were enrolled. Fifty-four (18.1%) underwent facial lipofilling, which consists of the harvesting of a small, intact parcel of fatty tissue with processing that removes the nonviable components and of the transport of fatty parcels through a small cannula to implant the graft in a manner that provides nutrition and anchors the fat to the host tissue. After an initial lipofilling, 24 (8%) needed polylactic acid injections to correct cheek asymmetry, 91 (30.4%) received only polylactic acid infiltrations, and 130 (43.5%) polyacrylamide infiltrations only. Subjective outcome measures were face aesthetic satisfaction, body image perception, depression evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Assessment of Body Change and Distress questionnaire (ABCD), and by the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire, respectively. Objective measure was cheek thickness evaluated by a 7.5-MHz frequency ultrasound probe perpendicular to the skin surface at the nasolabial fold, the corner of the mouth, the zygomatic arch, and centrally between these points in the buccal fat pad area. Both subjective and objective variables were evaluated at baseline and 48 weeks after end of surgical treatment. All 299 participants had significant improvement of the aesthetic satisfaction for the face (VAS from 2.9 +/- 2.1 to 6.2 +/- 2.1, p < 0.0001), of body image satisfaction (ABCD question 7 from 3.8 +/- 1 to 3.1 +/- 1 p < 0.0001 and ABCD question 8 from 70.7 +/- 16.7 to 77.2 +/- 17.2 p < 0.0001), of depression score (Beck score from 11.4 +/- 8.3 to 9.4 +/- 7.8 p = 0.001). Participants experienced a significant augmentation of both cheeks' thickness (right cheek from 4.3 +/- 1.9 mm to 9.5 +/- 3 mm p < 0.0001, left cheek from 4.4 +/- 2 mm to 9.6 +/- 3.1 mm, p < 0.0001). Our data suggest that facial surgery is an important option in the treatment of HIV-related lipoatrophy as an integral part of the management of HIV infection, because of the important and lasting psychological benefits.

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease) in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus)--a case report

Osteitis deformans (Paget's disease of bone) is a chronic focal disorder of bone remodelling characterized by an initial increase in osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, with subsequent compensatory increase in new bone formation, resulting in a disorganized mosaic of woven and lamellar bone. In the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) of this report, multifocal gross swellings involving the proximal third of the vertebral spine were observed and associated with anorexia, a relative inability to move or to fully extend the body, and to strike at prey. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated alkaline-phosphatase activity. Radiographic changes (irregular bone proliferation along the vertebral margins), computed tomography scan results (abnormal mineral density), and histopathological features (generalized thickening of the bony trabeculae at the expense of the intertrabecular spaces and irregular patches of lamellar bone with a characteristic "mosaic" pattern) indicated osteitis deformans.

Quality of Life and Body Image in the Assessment of Psychological Impact of Lipodystrophy: Validation of the Italian Version of Assessment of Body Change and Distress Questionnaire

Lipodystrophy (LD) includes morphologic changes that are distressing to patients with HIV. We tested the validity of an Italian version of the Assessment of Body Change and Distress (ABCD) questionnaire and analysed its relationship to physical and mental aspects of Health-Related Quality of Life. Two hundred and fifty-two patients completed the questionnaires. Construct validity of the ABCD was tested against the MOS-HIV Health Survey, body mass-index (BMI) and CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts. Cronbach's alpha for the ABCD total score was 0.94. The ABCD showed the hypothesized moderate correlations to MOS-HIV scales and clinical variables. Preliminary evidence supports the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the ABCD in people with HIV and LD. This questionnaire may be useful to identify people experiencing greater impact of LD, or to evaluate the impact of interventions to treat LD such as plastic surgery.

Analysis of an accident at a solvent recovery plant

An accident in a plant for solvent recovery from solvent-contaminated wastes was examined. An experimental investigation of the accident was carried out using calorimetric and thermogravimetric techniques. The immediate cause of the accident was an unforeseen exothermic decomposition reaction. The main underlying cause of the accident was the absence of safety culture in the plant management, that resulted in the lack of a testing procedure to evaluate the thermal stability of the process feed. A simplified screening procedure based on differential scanning calorimetry was used in order to test the thermal stability of the nonvolatile fraction of the solvent-contaminated wastes present on the plant in order to be processed. More than 75% of the samples examined showed exothermal decomposition phenomena starting at temperatures higher than 100 degrees C. These phenomena were common to solvent wastes that originated from a number of different industrial activities. Thus, the thermal instability of the process feed is one of the main problems in solvent recovery operations. Our analysis of the accident suggested that the safe operation of waste solvent recovery processes requires an accurate characterization of the thermal stability of the process feed. Process safety is also increased by an adequate emergency vent and an accurate control of operating temperature, that may be reduced operating under vacuum. Safety devices may also include a water supply for emergency quench.

Effects of home environment on respiratory symptoms and lung function in a general population sample in north Italy

Effects of indoor pollution exposure were evaluated in a general population sample (n = 3,289) living in the Po River Delta area. Prevalence rates of chronic cough in men and dyspnoea in women were significantly higher in association with the use of bottled gas (propane) for cooking instead of natural gas (methane). Chronic cough and phlegm in men and dyspnoea in women were significantly associated with the use of a stove for heating. When combining type of heating and fuel used, in men a trend toward higher prevalence rates of chronic cough and phlegm was shown in those with stove or fan heating (regardless of the fuel); in women the trend reached statistical significance for dyspnoea. The relationship between stove (regardless of fuel) and decrease in forced expirograms was statistically significant only in women. In multiple logistic models, accounting for independent effects of age, smoking, pack-years, parents' smoking, socio-economic status, body mass index, significantly increased odds ratios were found in males for the associations of: bottled gas for cooking with cough (1.66) and dyspnoea (1.81); stove for heating with cough (1.44) and phlegm (1.39); stove fuelled by natural gas and fan or stove fuelled other than by natural gas with cough (1.54 and 1.66). In females, significantly increased odds ratios were found only for dyspnoea when associated with bottled gas for cooking (1.45), stove for heating (1.46), stove fuelled by natural gas (1.58), stove or fan fuelled other than by natural gas (1.73).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of home environment on respiratory symptoms and lung function in a general population sample in north Italy

Effects of indoor pollution exposure were evaluated in a general population sample (n = 3,289) living in the Po River Delta area. Prevalence rates of chronic cough in men and dyspnoea in women were significantly higher in association with the use of bottled gas (propane) for cooking instead of natural gas (methane). Chronic cough and phlegm in men and dyspnoea in women were significantly associated with the use of a stove for heating. When combining type of heating and fuel used, in men a trend toward higher prevalence rates of chronic cough and phlegm was shown in those with stove or fan heating (regardless of the fuel); in women the trend reached statistical significance for dyspnoea. The relationship between stove (regardless of fuel) and decrease in forced expirograms was statistically significant only in women. In multiple logistic models, accounting for independent effects of age, smoking, pack-years, parents' smoking, socio-economic status, body mass index, significantly increased odds ratios were found in males for the associations of: bottled gas for cooking with cough (1.66) and dyspnoea (1.81); stove for heating with cough (1.44) and phlegm (1.39); stove fuelled by natural gas and fan or stove fuelled other than by natural gas with cough (1.54 and 1.66). In females, significantly increased odds ratios were found only for dyspnoea when associated with bottled gas for cooking (1.45), stove for heating (1.46), stove fuelled by natural gas (1.58), stove or fan fuelled other than by natural gas (1.73).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of caffeine and chlor-desmethyldiazepam on fighting behavior of mice with different reactivity baselines

The effects of various doses of caffeine and of chlor-desmethyldiazepam on footshock-induced aggressive behavior were examined in mice with different baselines of aggressiveness. Caffeine significantly increased the number of fighting episodes with all the doses tested. This was more evident in mice with low rather than in those with high basal rates of agonistic response. Caffeine caused the appearance of minimal convulsive signs in mice subjected to a threshold electroshock which did not produce any seizure in the controls; it also increased metrazol toxicity. Chlor-desmethyldiazepam enhanced fighting behavior at doses of 0.04 and 0.08 mg/kg, but decreased it at 1.25 mg/kg. The first two doses produced the same effects as caffeine on electroshock test, but did not influence metrazol toxicity.

Interaction of caffeine with benzodiazepines: behavioral effects in mice

Three series of behavioral experiments, i.e. hole-board, open-field and spontaneous motor activity test, were carried out on mice with the goal of determining the effects of the interaction between caffeine and two peculiar benzodiazepines (BDZ). The drugs, desmethyldiazepam (DMDZ) and chlor-desmethyldiazepam (Cl-DMDZ), were administered acutely by the intraperitoneal route. In preliminary experiments, the effects of several doses of caffeine were examined in the three in order to obtain some indication of the doses to use for interaction experiments. Therefore, stimulant doses of caffeine (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) were associated with the two benzodiazepines. It was found that BDZ counteracted the effect of caffeine in the hole-board and in the spontaneous motor activity tests. By contrast, in the open-field situation, the association always gave rise to an increase in exploration activity. Furthermore, the present investigations showed, once again, that chlor-desmethyldiazepam is more active than the other benzodiazepine.