Effects of changing spatial scale on acoustic observations of patchiness in the Gulf Stream

We examine the influence of spatial scale on studies of nektonic patchiness at the north edge of the Gulf Stream by altering the grain size of acoustic cross sections and applying a patch-finding algorithm. From original pictures of 180 pixels deep by 540–1260 pixels long, we averaged depth and length, to give 9 scales ranging from fine grain (1 m vertical × 25 m horizontal sized pixels) to coarse grain (12 m × 300 m sized pixels). Measures of overall echo intensity within patches were the most predictable and showed little change with scale. Measures of variability of the echo within patches showed simple negative trends with scale and were best measured at fine spatial scales. Patch size and shape related variables have a more complex relationship with scale with differences between day and night transects more pronounced at intermediate scales. This suggests behavioral patch forming mechanisms within the nekton occur at a specific grain size (4 m vertical × 100 m horizontal) within the Gulf Stream front.     

Caprine toxoplasmosis in Southern Brazil: a comparative seroepidemiological study between the indirect immunofluorescence assay,the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the modified agglutination test

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study investigated the prevalence of caprine toxoplasmosis in goat herds from Southern Brazil by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and...     

Characterization of primary pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma‐associated pleural effusion

A 10‐year‐old, female spayed Shih Tzu was presented due to weight loss, increased respiratory effort and lethargy, determined to be secondary to a congenital para‐esophageal diaphragmatic defect with partial herniation of the stomach and spleen. Four days following reduction surgery of the displaced abdominal organs thoracic effusion developed. Thoracic fluid evaluation revealed a cell‐rich, protein‐poor modified transudate with neutrophils, reactive mesothelial cells, and atypical epitheloid cells which occasionally appeared to be keratinizing, consistent with neoplastic exfoliation. Thoracic effusion recurred 2 days later, with similar characteristics as the initial sample. Computed tomography (CT) indicated consolidation and displacement of the right middle and accessory lung lobes. Exploratory thoracic surgery demonstrated a thickened, hyperemic right middle lung lobe, and thickened pericardial diaphragmatic ligament. Histologic evaluation of these tissues identified a primary pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma with intravascular and pleural invasion. Based on these cytologic, histologic, and clinical findings, we conclude that primary pulmonary carcinomas may involve superficial thoracic structures and exfoliate into a thoracic effusion.     

Erythema multiforme in a spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

A 10.5-yr-old male spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) developed acute, severe erythematous and ulcerative dermatitis of the hindquarters, feet, face, and ears 19 days after receiving a recombinant canary pox vectored canine distemper vaccine. Biopsies of the lesions supported a diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM), which is an immune-mediated disorder that can occur days to months after exposure to antigenic stimuli. During the lengthy recovery, esophageal regurgitation and ulceration developed either as complications of the disease or secondary to therapy. The esophageal disease was managed with metoclopramide, sulcrafate, omeprazole, and frequent feedings. The distemper vaccine is postulated to have been the inciting cause of EM in this animal.     

The Role of the Bark Beetle, Hylastes ater (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), as a Sapstain Fungi Vector to Pinus radiata Seedlings: A Crisis for the New Zealand Forestry Industry?

The role of the bark beetle Hylastes ater in the re-establishment of Pinus radiata forest in New Zealand is discussed. H. ater was found to be a dominant factor in seedlings mortality in the first year following planting. However, seedling mortality is usually relatively low. In contrast, it was found the large numbers of seedlings were sub-lethally damaged by H. ater feeding attempts, particularly in high risk sites. High risk sites were identified as sites that were harvested during March and April (autumn) when the peak flight activity of H. ater occurred, and subsequently planted with P. radiata seedlings the following winter. H. ater was found to vector sapstain fungi to seedlings during feeding attempts, and a strong relationship between the severity of damage and presence of sapstain fungi was identified. The role of H. ater as a vector of these fungi and the potential implications to the New Zealand forest industry are discussed.     

Population-based study of fecal shedding of Clostridium perfringens in broodmares and foals

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of broodmares and foals that shed Clostridium perfringens in their feces and classify the genotypes of those isolates. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 128 broodmares and their foals on 6 equine premises. PROCEDURES: Anaerobic and aerobic bacteriologic cultures were performed on feces collected 3 times from broodmares and foals. All isolates of C. perfringens were genotyped. RESULTS: Clostridium perfringens was isolated from the feces of 90% of 3-day-old foals and 64% of foals at 8 to 12 hours of age. A lower percentage of broodmares and 1- to 2-month-old foals shed C. perfringens in their feces, compared with neonatal foals. Among samples with positive results, C. perfringens type A was the most common genotype identified (85%); C. perfringens type A with the beta2 toxin gene was identified in 12% of samples, C. perfringens type A with the enterotoxin gene was identified in 2.1% of samples, and C. perfringens type C was identified in < 1% of samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clostridium perfringens was identified from the feces of all but 6 foals by 3 days of age and is likely part of the normal microflora of neonatal foals. Most isolates from broodmares and foals are C. perfringens type A; thus, the clinical relevance of culture results alone is questionable. Clostridium perfringens type C, which has been associated with neonatal enterocolitis, is rarely found in the feces of horses.     

Canine circovirus and Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2 in dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Veterinary Research Communications - Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the most relevant pathogens associated with enteritis in dogs and is frequently reported in association with the...