Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis

A 5-year-old imported Zangersheide gelding was evaluated for SC swellings over both forelimbs and lameness localized to the distal metacarpus. Ultrasound examination of the SC masses was compatible with verminous granulomas. Linear hyperechoic foci were present within the suspensory ligament branches of both forelimbs, suggestive of ligamentous parasitic infiltrates. A diagnosis of onchocerciasis was confirmed on biopsy of a SC mass. The gelding was treated with ivermectin and a tapering course of PO dexamethasone but was eventually euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of SC eosinophilic granulomas and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, both with intralesional nematodes. Given the location and appearance of the nematode, a diagnosis of Onchocerca sp., most likely O. reticulata, was made. Onchocerciasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for multifocal suspensory ligament desmitis with these sonographic characteristics when paired with SC masses in imported European Warmbloods.     

Solvent effects on the crystallization behavior of milk fat fractions

The high- and medium-melting fractions of milk fat (HMF and MMF, respectively) were crystallized in the presence of various solvents, including the low-melting fraction of milk fat (LMF), canola oil (CO), hexane, and ethyl acetate. Choice of solvent was shown to have a strong influence on phase behavior and crystallization kinetics. Dilution and solubilization effects were observed for all the blends. More solids were formed in the HMF and MMF blends with LMF than with CO, and complexes were formed between the milk fat fractions possibly because of molecular complementarity. Solids were slightly higher for the more polar ethyl acetate than for hexane. Crystallization proceeded more rapidly in the presence of LMF and ethyl acetate than in the presence of CO and hexane, respectively. According to the Hildebrand equation, HMF and MMF were ideally soluble in LMF and CO. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) revealed the existence of liquid-state structure in mixtures of HMF/CO, HMF/LMF, MMF/CO, and MMF/LMF. The observed liquid-state structure was reminiscent of liquid crystals. No differences were observed in the structure of the liquid phase between LMF- and CO-containing mixtures.     

Spatial variability of common carp populations in relation to lake morphology and physicochemical parameters in the upper Midwest United States

Weber MJ, Brown ML, Willis DW. Spatial variability of common carp populations in relation to lake morphology and physicochemical parameters in the upper Midwest United States.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 555–565. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a widespread invasive species that is tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions. Despite the circumpolar distribution of the species, limited information is available describing factors related to spatial variation in population characteristics. Eighty‐four lakes and impoundments in the upper Midwest United States were sampled to investigate the relationships of common carp relative abundance with size structure, condition and growth rates. We also investigated abiotic factors (lake morphology, physical solids and water quality) that may broadly influence common carp populations. Common carp size structure and condition were inversely related to relative abundance. Common carp relative abundance increased and size structure shifted to smaller individuals with increased lake depth, whereas lake surface area, watershed:surface area ratio and physical solids were also important in explaining common carp abundance and size structure. Common carp condition was best explained by water quality parameters and increased with metrics of lake productivity. We conclude that knowledge of factors associated with variation in common carp populations among lakes provides insights into the autecology and broad provisions for management of this generalist invasive species.     

Canine viral infections.

The ophthalmic effects of viral infection are varied. With the added possibility for pathologic effects of attenuated vaccine viruses, the diagnosis of viral diseases can be a challenge. In many cases, ocular manifestations can provide added support to a presumptive diagnosis of viral disease, thereby underscoring the benefit of thorough ophthalmic examination of any animal with nonspecific signs of illness.     

The usefulness of a long-term perspective in assessing current forest conservation management in the Apuseni Natural Park, Romania

The forest ecosystem of the Apuseni National Park (ANP) in NW Romania is recognized for its high species and genetic diversity and is protected through various conservation measures. As ANP is the most populated natural park in Romania, the focus is on the need for communities to manage, sustain and prosper by using, exploring and sustaining the natural resources. But what activities are the most appropriate for the conservation of a highly diverse natural forest? This paper presents results from a long-term ecological study using fossil pollen, microscopic and macroscopic charcoal and AMS¹⁴C dating on a site in the ANP in order to examine how the interaction between climate change, human activities and other disturbances have shaped the present protected landscapes over the last 5700 years in this part of the reserve. Results from this study show that the landscape in this region has been continuously forested over the last 5700 years BP, but the forest composition and structure have been dynamic throughout much of the time. In particular, distinct changes in forest composition have occurred over the last 700 years of the record. Fagus sylvatica was the major taxon between 5200 and 200 years BP and its dominance is associated with the highest forest stability. The formation of the current Picea abies forests started 400 years ago and spruce became the dominant forest species during the last two centuries as a result of selective forest clearance, intensive grazing, and more recently, plantations. This led to a large reduction in forest diversity, decline of F. sylvatica and local extinction of several species including Abies alba, Ulmus, Tilia, and Acer. Our results show the high conservation values of A. alba and F. sylvatica in the ANP. Current management practices that allow the anthropogenic activities of timber production and fast tree regeneration, usually involving the plantation of P. abies in this part of the ANP are not in keeping with the NATURA 2000 objectives of ensuring the persistence of the most vulnerable species and habitats.     

Aggregate stabilization in kaolinitic soils by low rates of anionic polyacrylamide

Abstract. The stability of aggregates can be improved by amending the soil with charged synthetic polymers. We have evaluated the effects of addition of low rates of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on the stability of aggregates from three predominately kaolinitic soils, and investigated whether the applied PAM penetrated into the aggregates or was adsorbed onto exterior surfaces only. Aggregates (6.3–9.5 mm) from the Ap horizons of a Cecil sandy loam and a Cecil loamy sand (Typic Kanhapludult) and from the Bt horizon of a Davidson clay (Rhodic Kandiudult) were treated with a high molecular weight(2 × 10⁷Da), negatively charged (20% hydrolysis) PAM at rates of 0, 10 or 20 kg/ha. The treated aggregate were dried and exposed to 20 mm of high kinetic energy (23.0 kJ/m³) simulated rain. Some of the PAM-treated Cecil loamy sand aggregates (5 or 10 kg/ha) were broken in half to expose untreated aggregate interiors to the rain. Percentage stable aggregates (weight/weight) in the PAM treatments ranged from 52 to 97%, vs. 20-32% in the control. PAM addition significantly increased the percentage of >4 mm sized aggregates compared with the untreated aggregates. PAM was more effective at stabilization in the light to medium textured Cecil soils than in the clayey Davidson. When internal surfaces of PAM treated aggregates were exposed, the percentage of stable aggregates exceeded the amount expected if the polymer was only adsorbed on to external surfaces. This suggested that some PAM had penetrated to some degree into aggregate interiors, thereby stabilizing both external and internal aggregates surfaces. Based on these results it is envisaged that use of PAM could be a viable alternative to the commonly used soil and water conservation practices (e.g. mulching, dyking, contour tillage).