A novel herpesvirus associated with chronic superficial keratitis and proliferative conjunctivitis in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)

An adult great‐horned owl (Bubo virginianus; GHOW) presented with a history of recurrent corneal ulceration of the right eye (OD). Findings included ulcerative superficial keratitis, proliferative conjunctivitis, and iris pigmentary changes. The ulcer was initially nonresponsive to medical therapy, but showed rapid and appropriate healing following diamond burr debridement. Proliferative conjunctivitis markedly improved following topical antiviral therapy with cidofovir 1%, interferon alpha 2B ophthalmic solutions, and oral l ‐lysine. Histopathologic evaluation of a conjunctival biopsy revealed epithelial features suspicious for viral cytopathic changes and intranuclear structures suspicious for viral inclusions, suggestive of a possible viral‐induced papillomatous conjunctivitis. A novel alphaherpesvirus, referred to as Strigid Herpesvirus 1 (StrHV1), was identified using PCR and gene sequencing. This case represents a new clinical manifestation of a previously unreported herpesvirus in the GHOW. Identification of the herpes virus was critical to administration of appropriate therapy and resolution of the conjunctivitis, and corneal epithelial debridement promoted resolution of the chronic corneal epithelial defect.     

Butterfly dispersal in farmland: a replicated landscape genetics study on the meadow brown butterfly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maniola jurtina</Emphasis>)

Context

Anthropogenic activities readily result in the fragmentation of habitats such that species persistence increasingly depends on their ability to disperse. However, landscape features that enhance or limit individual dispersal are often poorly understood. Landscape genetics has recently provided innovative solutions to evaluate landscape resistance to dispersal.

Objectives

We studied the dispersal of the common meadow brown butterfly, Maniola jurtina, in agricultural landscapes, using a replicated study design and rigorous statistical analyses. Based on existing behavioral and life history research, we hypothesized that the meadow brown would preferentially disperse through its preferred grassy habitats (meadows and road verges) and avoid dispersing through woodlands and the agricultural matrix.

Methods

Samples were collected in 18 study landscapes of 5 × 5 km in three contrasting agricultural French regions. Using circuit theory, least cost path and transect-based methods, we analyzed the effect of the landscape on gene flow separately for each sex.

Results

Analysis of 1681 samples with 6 microsatellites loci revealed that landscape features weakly influence meadow brown butterfly gene flow. Gene flow in both sexes appeared to be weakly limited by forests and arable lands, whereas grasslands and grassy linear elements (road verges) were more likely to enhance gene flow.

Conclusion

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of greater dispersal through landscape elements that are most similar to suitable habitat. Our spatially replicated landscape genetics study allowed us to detect subtle landscape effects on butterfly gene flow, and these findings were reinforced by consistent results across analytical methods.

     

Chemical and organoleptic changes in poultry meat resulting from the growth of psychrophylic spoilage bacteria at 1 degree C. I. Introduction and changes in free amino acids

Changes in pH and in the free amino acid content of chicken breast and leg muscle inoculated with micro‐organisms in pure or mixed culture and stored at 1° C have been measured. Control experiments with aseptically prepared antibiotic‐treated samples separated the effects of autolysis from those attributable to the bacteria. A pigmented strain of Pseudomonas and Pseudomonas putrefaciens at counts up to 10⁸ organisms/g produced smaller effects than autolysis, but somewhat larger changes resulted from the growth to 10⁹/g of the pigmented Pseudomonas and, particularly, of a mixed culture of the two bacteria with three others normally present on chill‐stored chicken. The possible effects of these changes on flavour are discussed.     

Fertility-mycorrhizal-isolate interactions in production of containerized pin oak seedlings

Slow-release fertilizer rates (0, 1.1 and 4.5 kg/m³ of 14 N-6 P-11.6 K Osmocote) and isolates of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch affected growth and mycorrhizal development on pin oak (Quercus palustris Meunchh.) seedlings. Mycorrhizae developed on all inoculated seedlings after 8 weeks regardless of fertility regime. Through the first 14 weeks, the best mycorrhizal development occurred on all inoculated seedlings fertilized at the lower fertilizer rate. The higher fertilizer rate delayed mycorrhizal development. However, after 18 weeks there were no significant differences in mycorrhizae on inoculated seedlings receiving fertilizer. Inoculated, non-fertilized seedlings had significantly less mycorrhizae than fertilized seedlings throughout the experiment. Only one isolate increased seedling growth, and only at the higher fertilizer rate. No differences in plant height were found among non-inoculated control and inoculated seedlings at the low fertilizer rate.