Effects of blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris and goldlined rabbitfish Siganus lineatus in mono‐ and polyculture on production and environmental conditions

This study was conducted to compare the effects of shrimp and rabbitfish in mono‐ and polyculture stocked at high biomass on production and environmental conditions in a mesocosm system. Shrimp (14 g) and/or rabbitfish (19 g) were stocked in four treatments with different density but with the same total biomass (236 g m^?2), including shrimp monoculture (SM) (17 shrimp m^?2), shrimp–fish polyculture (SF) (11 shrimp and 4 rabbitfish m^?2), fish–shrimp polyculture (FS) (6 shrimp and 8 rabbitfish m^?2) and fish monoculture (FM) (12 rabbitfish m^?2). After 10 weeks of experiment, shrimp survival and biomass were low in the treatments where shrimp were dominant (SM, SF), while rabbitfish survival and biomass were high in all the treatments. Shrimp mortality was assumed to be related to an excess of the system carrying capacity (CC). Results suggested that CC is linked to shrimp biomass/density rather than the system eutrophication level. The ecosystem became heterotrophic as daily feed supply was beyond 7 g m^?2 per day. This threshold corresponded to the environmental CC of the semi‐intensive shrimp culture system. Under these conditions, the combination of high fish biomass and low shrimp biomass appeared as the most valuable in terms of system performances.     

A neutralizing antibody selected from plasma cells that binds to group 1 and group 2 influenza A hemagglutinins

The isolation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against influenza A viruses has been a long-sought goal for therapeutic approaches and vaccine design. Using a single-cell culture method for screening large numbers of human plasma cells, we isolated a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that recognized the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein of all 16 subtypes and neutralized both group 1 and group 2 influenza A viruses. Passive transfer of this antibody conferred protection to mice and ferrets. Complexes with HAs from the group 1 H1 and the group 2 H3 subtypes analyzed by x-ray crystallography showed that the antibody bound to a conserved epitope in the F subdomain. This antibody may be used for passive protection and to inform vaccine design because of its broad specificity and neutralization potency.     

Counting low-copy number proteins in a single cell

We have designed a microfluidic device in which we can manipulate, lyse, label, separate, and quantify the protein contents of a single cell using single-molecule fluorescence counting. Generic labeling of proteins is achieved through fluorescent-antibody binding. The use of cylindrical optics enables high-efficiency (approximately 60%) counting of molecules in micrometer-sized channels. We used this microfluidic device to quantify beta2 adrenergic receptors expressed in insect cells (SF9). We also analyzed phycobiliprotein contents in individual cyanobacterial cells (Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942) and observed marked differences in the levels of specific complexes in cell populations that were grown under nitrogen-depleted conditions.     

Prolonged gestation in two Holstein cows: transabdominal ultrasonographic findings in late pregnancy and pathologic findings in the fetuses

Prolonged pregnancy in cattle is a rare condition that is commonly accompanied with fetal adenohypophyseal hypoplasia. The final diagnosis is often challenging as breeding date error remains possible in virtually all situations. In this report, fetal wellbeing assessment is depicted in two Holstein cows suffered from prolonged pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasonographic findings were compatible with healthy non-stressed fetuses. The clinical and pathologic findings encountered in both fetuses expelled after corticosteroid induction of parturition consisted of adenohypophyseal aplasia and hydronephrosis. Other nervous system anomalies (hydrocephaly or holocephaly) were observed. Tetralogy of Fallot was also found in one calf.     

Aseptic suppurative meningitis in juvenile boxer dogs: retrospective study of 12 cases

Immune-mediated central nervous system inflammation is described in a series of 12 juvenile boxer dogs. A diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis was made based on the clinical presentation and on diagnostic findings. The boxer breed was at a higher risk for this inflammatory condition than other breeds. Long-term follow-up (>2 years) confirmed a better prognosis in this breed than in the beagle and the Bernese mountain dog. Complete resolution of clinical signs without significant deficits or recurrences was obtained in all cases. Early clinical recognition and immunosuppressive treatment resulted in a better response and complete resolution of the disorder.