Treatment of hypernatremia in neonatal calves with diarrhea

Five hypernatremic, diarrheic, neonatal calves were treated mainly by the intravenous administration of 5% dextrose alone or with isotonic sodium bicarbonate. All calves recovered without complications. The average reduction rate of serum sodium concentration was about 4 times that recommended and has not been tried successfully before in hypernatremic scouring calves.     

Fine-scale movement patterns, site fidelity, and habitat selection of ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps)

The fishery for California groundfishes is managed using broad species complexes, although some non-groundfish species are managed similarly due to the perception of shared behavioral characteristics. This study integrates acoustic telemetry and a GIS to quantify movement patterns of one such species, the ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps) in a marine protected area. Seventeen ocean whitefish were tagged and actively tracked over multiple 24-h periods to measure fine-scale movement patterns. Home ranges based on 95% kernel utilization distributions averaged 20,439 ± 28,492 (±S.D.) m². Fish were active during the day, foraging over sand habitat at depths averaging 21 ± 8 m, but were inactive at night, taking refuge near rocky reefs at depths averaging 15 ± 7 m. Seventeen additional fish were tagged with coded acoustic transmitters and passively tracked using automated underwater acoustic receivers for up to 1 year. Approximately 75% of these fish exhibited long-term (1 year) fidelity to home ranges in the study area. Results suggest that MPAs can be an effective means of protecting populations of ocean whitefish and based on their habitat associations, ocean whitefish can be managed separately from other reef associated groundfishes.     

Production of Flours with Reduced Epitope Content Using Milling Technology

Epitopes on the α‐gliadins are known to give rise to immune responses that may lead to the development of celiac disease in genetically predisposed individuals. The reduction of epitope levels in wheat‐based products would likely benefit this group of consumers and also consumers with non‐celiac gluten sensitivity. Conventional breeding of wheats with lowered epitope levels will take time, but in this study we show for the first time that milling technology can be used to produce flour mill streams that are depleted in α‐20 gliadin epitopes. Fifteen mill streams from two New Zealand wheat cultivars, Sapphire (a biscuit wheat) and Monad (a bread wheat), were tested with reversed‐phase HPLC and an α‐20 gliadin epitope ELISA kit. The level of α‐20 epitope measured in Sapphire gliadins was significantly less than that found in Monad gliadins, even taking into account differences in total protein content. For both cultivars, compared with the straight‐run flour, the break flours had similar or significantly higher proportions of α‐20 epitope per unit of protein, whereas most of the reduction streams had significantly lower proportions of α‐20 epitope per unit of protein. Theoretically, combining selected (mainly reduction) flour streams may produce flour with ∼75% of the epitope content of the straight‐run flour.     

Characterizing state-managed and unmanaged fisheries in coastal marine states and territories of the United States

The status of federally managed fisheries in the United States is well monitored, but the condition of other marine fisheries, whether state-managed, territory-managed or unmanaged, is less understood and often unknown. We used expert surveys to characterize the management systems of non-federally managed fisheries in US coastal marine states and overseas territories. For 311 fisheries, we estimated an overall Fisheries Management Index (FMI) and a qualitative stock status score. These measures were positively correlated, and while a wide range of research, management, enforcement and socioeconomic criteria were partially met (FMI ≥ 0.5) for 66% of fisheries, stock status was considered as partially acceptable (score ≥ 0.5) for only 45% of fisheries and acceptable (score = 1) for only 16% of fisheries. Higher FMI was typically observed in fisheries with greater commercial landed weight, value, or greater recreational catches. Fisheries from continental states had higher FMI than those from overseas territories. Invertebrates and diadromous fish species had higher FMI on average compared to those of marine fishes. Extrapolating results for surveyed fisheries to nearly 2000 non-federally managed US fisheries while stratifying by state and importance designation (based on commercial, recreational, cultural or ecological importance), we estimate a mean overall FMI of 0.48, and estimate that only 19% of fisheries have a reliable estimate of stock status available; both measures are lower than similar estimates for federally managed fisheries. Funding or capacity constraints and information or data limitations were identified as common challenges faced by state agencies in managing fisheries under their jurisdiction.     

Fatal sand impaction of the spiral colon in a 1-month-old alpaca

A 1-month-old cria (Lama pacos) was presented because of depression, anorexia, and diarrhea for 3 days. Although treated for enteritis (intravenous fluids and antibiotics), the cria's condition deteriorated. An abdominal radiograph revealed radiodense materials in the 3rd compartment and intestines. The cria died due to sand impaction of the spiral colon.     

Evaluation of traditional instruction versus a self-learning computer module in teaching veterinary students how to pass a nasogastric tube in the horse

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-learning computer module (SLCM) versus traditional instruction in teaching how to pass a nasogastric tube (NG) in the horse. DESIGN: A double-blind, monocentric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 52 third-year students in the DVM program were randomly assigned to two groups: traditional instruction (N = 25) or SLCM instruction (N = 27). PROCEDURE: Traditional instruction consisted of an instructor and live demonstration; SCLM students were given a CD-ROM each. Both sessions lasted one hour. The students were then united in one session to practice passing the NG tube. Their performance was videotaped and evaluated by two evaluators. Students were then given a multiple-choice knowledge quiz. One week later, a second demonstration of the same procedure by the two methods was administered, and students were allowed to choose either method of instruction. A Likert-scale questionnaire about their comfort, their confidence, and the appropriateness of the teaching method was given after the second demonstration. Data were analyzed by non-parametric tests. A focus-group study was conducted to determine students' perception of each teaching method. Nine participants in the experiment volunteered for these focus-group sessions. The sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. RESULTS: Students in the SLCM group performed significantly better on the test of knowledge than traditionally instructed students. The questionnaire found significant perceived benefits to computer-based instruction, including a preference for the computer-based module, better learning, and greater preparedness. In hands-on skill, time to pass the NG tube on the successful attempt was significantly shorter in the SLCM group than in the traditionally instructed group. The data from focus-group sessions suggest that while participants expressed satisfaction with both modes of instruction, the SLCM group reported somewhat higher levels of confidence in their skills prior to performing the procedure. Whereas the traditional group reported a strong preference for continued live demonstrations of the procedure, the SLCM group stated that the computer-assisted module alone provided them with effective instruction. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted learning is an acceptable and effective method of training students to pass an NG tube with potential welfare, proficiency, and knowledge advantages.     

Impact of the 2014–2016 marine heatwave on US and Canada West Coast fisheries: Surprises and lessons from key case studies

Marine heatwaves are increasingly affecting marine ecosystems, with cascading impacts on coastal economies, communities, and food systems. Studies of heatwaves provide crucial insights into potential ecosystem shifts under future climate change and put fisheries social-ecological systems through “stress tests” that expose both vulnerabilities and resilience. The 2014–16 Northeast Pacific heatwave was the strongest and longest marine heatwave on record and resulted in profound ecological changes that impacted fisheries, fisheries management, and human livelihoods. Here, we synthesize the impacts of the 2014–2016 marine heatwave on US and Canada West Coast fisheries and extract key lessons for preparing global fisheries science, management, and industries for the future. We set the stage with a brief review of the impacts of the heatwave on marine ecosystems and the first systematic analysis of the economic impacts of these changes on commercial and recreational fisheries. We then examine ten key case studies that provide instructive examples of the complex and surprising challenges that heatwaves pose to fisheries social-ecological systems. These reveal important insights into improving the resilience of monitoring and management and increasing adaptive capacity to future stressors. Key recommendations include: (1) expanding monitoring to enhance mechanistic understanding, provide early warning signals, and improve predictions of impacts; (2) increasing the flexibility, adaptiveness, and inclusiveness of management where possible; (3) using simulation testing to help guide management decisions; and (4) enhancing the adaptive capacity of fishing communities by promoting engagement, flexibility, experimentation, and failsafes. These advancements are important as global fisheries prepare for a changing ocean.     

Characteristics of the bovine claw associated with the presence of vertical fissures (sandcracks)

Vertical fissures (sandcracks) affect approximately 20% of adult beef cattle in western Canada. The risk factors associated with the formation of these lesions are not well understood. This paper describes a case-control study that identifies the role of increased claw size (claw volume > 390 cm3, odds ratio 7.8) in the formation of the lesion. No connection was found between vertical fissures and horn hydration status. However, horn hydration was found to vary significantly between samples collected in the summer and winter, the latter samples having significantly reduced moisture content. The importance of these findings and the implications for the prevention of fissure formation are discussed.     

Suppression of avian influenza transmission in genetically modified chickens

Infection of chickens with avian influenza virus poses a global threat to both poultry production and human health that is not adequately controlled by vaccination or by biosecurity measures. A novel alternative strategy is to develop chickens that are genetically resistant to infection. We generated transgenic chickens expressing a short-hairpin RNA designed to function as a decoy that inhibits and blocks influenza virus polymerase and hence interferes with virus propagation. Susceptibility to primary challenge with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and onward transmission dynamics were determined. Although the transgenic birds succumbed to the initial experimental challenge, onward transmission to both transgenic and nontransgenic birds was prevented.     

Optic neuropathy in a herd of beef cattle in Alberta associated with consumption of moldy corn

A group of beef cattle in eastern Alberta was investigated due to sudden onset of blindness after grazing on standing corn in mid-winter. Fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. were isolated from the corn. Blindness was due to an optic nerve degeneration suspected to be secondary to fumonisin mycotoxin.