Isobutylidene-di-urea as a new NPN source for ruminants. 2. Metabolism of 14C-15N-isobutylidene-di-urea in sheep

2 male sheep (weighing 45 kg and 44 kg) were fitted with a ruminal fistula and a jugular vein catheter and received isobutylidendi-urea for a 42-day period of adjustment. The diet contained 25% starch, 23.8% glucose, 29.0% cellulose, 10.0% straw, 1.7% sunflower seed oil, 4.3% isobutylidendi-urea, 5.6% minerals and vitamins. Each animal received 60 g of isobutylidendi-urea in daily amounts of 1.4 kg of the ration-4.4% of the total dietary N came from the straw. At the begin of the trial each sheep received 30 g of 14C15N isobutylidendi-urea (C1-siobutyl labelling) administered as a suspension. The animals were then placedin respiration cages. The peak of specific 14C activity in the expired air (including ruminal gas) was observed 2 hrs after the beginning of the trial. 18--30 hrs after the beginning of the trial the highest level of 15N incorporation into the TCE (trichloroacetic acid) soluble fraction of the ruminal fluid was noted resulting from the reflow of urea via the rumeno-hepatic circulatory system in the rumen. A high concentration of 15N was shown to be present, for prolonged period, in the TCE soluble fraction of the ruminal fluid (up to the 30 hr of experiment). The 15N concentration in the blood plasma (TCE soluble portion) was found to increase reaching a peak value 23 hrs after administration of the isotope. The highest level of 14C activity in this fraction appeared 1 hr after isotope administration. The 15N incorporation into the protein fraction of blood plasma reached a constant high level between the 29th and 47th hr of experiment. The highest 15N concentrations in urine were noted after 1 day. 3.5% of the administered dose of 14C activity and 23% of the supplied amount of N were excreted in the urine. 20% of the total amount of 15N excreted in the urine could be detected as 14C isobutyl residues. An excess of between 0.05 and 0.17 atom% of the isotopes were found in muscular tissue and in different organs of the sheep when these were slaughtered on the 7th day of experiment (liver: 0.17%, kidneys: 0.14%, muscle: 0.05%, heart: 0.08%). The results obtained in the present trial clearly indicate that ruminants are able to utilize nitrogen from isobutyldi-urea.     

Effect of condensed tannins extracted from four forages on the viability of the larvae of deer lungworms and gastrointestinal nematodes

The inhibitory activity of condensed tannins extracted from four forage legume plants were evaluated by using a larval migration inhibition assay. The first (L1) and third (L3) stages of deer lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus), and the third stage (L3) of deer gastrointestinal nematodes were incubated with tannins extracted from Lotus pedunculatus, Lotus corniculatus, sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) and sainfoin (Onobrychus viciifolia). The tannins extracted from all the forages had inhibitory activity as measured by their ability to paralyse the larvae and inhibit them from passing through sieves. At the highest concentration used (1200 microg/ml) the tannins extracted from sainfoin had the highest activity against ensheathed L1 lungworm larvae (58 per cent), followed by L. pedunculatus (45 per cent), sulla (42 per cent) and L. comiculatus (35 per cent) when the larvae were incubated at 37 degrees C. The same trend, but with lower activities, was observed when the larvae were incubated at 22 degrees C. Anthelmintic activity against L3 lungworm larvae was evaluated by measuring the death rate of ensheathed L3 larvae after incubation with condensed tannins for two, 24 and 48 hours at room temperature (22 degrees C). The death rate was significantly higher (P<0.001) after 48 hours incubation than after two hours or 24 hours, and significantly higher (P<0.001) after 24 hours than after two hours incubation. Condensed tannins from sainfoin had the highest inhibitory activity followed by L. pedunculatus, sulla and L. comiculatus. The tannins from sainfoin also had the highest activity against L3 larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes, followed by L. pedunculatus, sulla and L. comiculatus. Exsheathed larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes were significantly more susceptible to the action of the tannins than ensheathed larvae.     

Control of an exotic tick (Aponomma komodoense) infestation in a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) exhibit at a zoo in Florida.

A protocol was developed to control an exotic tick (Aponomma komodoense) infestation on three Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) at a Florida zoo without direct application of acaricides to the lizards. With the Komodo dragons secured within their indoor pens, their outdoor enclosures and the exhibition area were sprayed with a formulation of permethrin prepared specifically for use with reptiles. Once the acaricide had dried, the Komodo dragons were allowed to return to their outdoor enclosures, whereupon the indoor pens were closed and sprayed with the same formulation. After this initial treatment, the outdoor and indoor areas were retreated every 2 wk and 8-10 wk, respectively, for 6 mo. The initial on-host and off-host tick count of 301 ticks fell to 0 ticks after 6 mo. No adverse effects of the acaricide treatment were observed on the lizards during daily monitoring.     

产纤维素酶真菌的筛选与鉴定

为从秸秆中分离出能够降解纤维的菌株,试验采取秸秆样品接种马铃薯琼脂培养基,在室温环境下培养,取分离菌接种纤维素刚果红琼脂培养基,筛选能形成较大降解圈的细菌,并进行形态学和分子生物学鉴定,测定其纤维素酶性质。结果表明,经分子生物学鉴定,筛选菌为黑曲霉菌,该菌在室温环境能够生长,菌株降解圈直径(H)与菌落直径(C)的比值(H/C)为7.64。筛选菌在20 ℃环境下培养5 d酶活达到最高值,为42.18 U/mL。纤维素酶最适pH为7.0,最适反应温度为20 ℃,在20~40 ℃或pH 6.0~8.0环境下作用1 h,相对酶活力仍保持在90%以上。综上所述,本试验分离的黑曲霉菌株是低温产纤维素酶菌株,产酶能力较强,具有潜在的开发价值。     

Screening and Identification of the Cellulase-producing Fungus

In order to isolate the strains which could degrade fiber from the straw,the straw samples were inoculated on the potato agar medium and cultured at room temperature.The isolating strains were inoculated on the cellulose-congo red agar medium,the strains were screened that could produce bigger cellulose-decomposing zone.It was identified by morphological characteristics and molecular biological methods,and characterization of cellulase was analyzed preliminarily.The results showed that the fungus was Aspergillus niger,it could grow at room temperature,and the H/C was 7.64.The highest cellulase activity reached 42.18 U/mL when cultivated at 20 ℃ for 5 days.The optimum pH was 7.0 and the optimum reaction temperature was 20 ℃,the relative cellulase activity still retained above 90% at 20 to 40 ℃ or pH 6.0 to 8.0 for 1 h.The Aspergillus niger was a cold-adapted cellulaseproducing strain,it had strongger producing cellulase ability,and was tremendous potential valuable for microbial development.     

Estrus, ovulation, and serum progesterone, estradiol, and LH concentrations in mares after an increased photoperiod during winter

On December 11, 1974, 15 seasonally anestrous mares were assigned at random to 1 of 3 experimental groups: outdoor-control, indoor-control, or indoor light-treated (a 16-hour photo-period). This experiment was terminated on April 21, 1975. The five mares in the indoor light-treated group ovulated 59.0+/-6.9 days later, which was 74 days earlier (P less than 0.01) than 2 of the 5 outdoor-controls (the other 3 ovulated after April 21 during a subsequent experiment) and 50 days earlier (P less than 0.05) than the indoor-controls. Durations of the 1st estrus for the 3 groups of mares were 13.3+/-3.6, 8.4+/-2.0, and 6.0+/-1.0 days for the indoor light-treated, indoor-control, and outdoor-control groups, respectively. The indoor light-treated mares averaged 4.2 estrous cycles before April 21, the indoor-control mares averaged 1.4 estrous cycles, and 2 of 5 outdoor-control mares ovulated 1 time during the experiment. The peripheral blood luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone concentrations were minimal during winter anestrous. The hormone changes normally associated with estrous cycle activity in mares--maximal estradiol and luteinizing hormone concentrations near ovulation and maximal progesterone concentration during diestrus--were observed in all mares beginning at the 1st estrus. Hair loss was observed earlier in the light-treated mares, than in either of the other groups. In conclusion, a 16-hour photo-period initiated in early December for anestrous brood mares caused endocrinologically normal estrous cycles to begin within 2 months. This may allow breeding and foaling considerably earlier than normally expected.     

A surge-like increase in luteinizing hormone preceding musth in a captive bull African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between reproductive hormones and musth in a male African elephant. Changes in circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin and the degree of musth were evaluated for 4 years. LH increased 4 weeks before musth began. The highest concentrations of testosterone and ir-inhibin were observed from April to October. There were positive correlations among testosterone, ir-inhibin and musth behavior. These findings suggested that the surge-like LH in the pre-musth period might stimulate secretion of testosterone and ir-inhibin and thus initiate the musth behavior. This study also suggested that the high LH level before musth might be a useful biomarker for the beginning of the musth season.     

Studies on the 14C-15N-acetamide turnover in sheep. 1. Studies on the 14C turnover]

4 male sheep (average weight: 53.5 kgs) were fed a semisynthetic diet containing acetamide as sole source of nitrogen. At the beginning of the trial twin-labelled 15N-14C-acetamide was administered by way of a ruminal fistula. The curve pattern of 14C activity in the TCE-soluble fraction of the ruminal fluid showed a synchronous behaviour in all animals beginning at 3 hours after the beginning of the trial. A half-life of 2 1/2 hours for the rate of absorption of 14C acetamide and deaminated 14C acetate was established from the decline in 14C activity observed in the TCE-soluble fraction of the ruminal fluid. The peak level of 14C labelling in ruminal proteins was reached after 6 hrs. The specific 14CO2 activity in respiratory air reached its maximum level after 4 hrs, and was then found to decline continuously. 56% of the administered amount of 14C was excreted over a period of up to 50 hrs after beginning of the trial. The very fact that the peak level of 14C activity was observed to appear in the TCE-soluble fraction of the blood plasma as early as after 1 hr seems to indicate that acetamide is also absorbed through the ruminal wall. The half-life of decline in the 14C activity of this fraction was 5.7 hrs. Analysis by thin layer chromatography showed that 75% of this amount of activity is present in 14C acetamide. The rate of 14C incorporation into blood plasma proteins reached a plateau region after 21 hrs, which was also maintained on the 2nd day of the experiment. 6.5% of the administered amount of 14C activity was excreted in the urine until the 7th day of experiment. 76.6% of the amount of urinary 14C activity excreted within a period of 48 hrs were voided as 14C acetamide. 3.8% of the administered amount of 14C activity was excreted with the faeces within the first 6 days of experiment.     

Changes of platelet function and blood coagulation during short-term storage of CPDA-1-stabilised ovine blood

The objective of this study was to detect the influence of short-term storage on the haemostatic function in whole citrated ovine blood at different storage temperatures. Ovine blood was collected in a commercial transfer bag system containing CPDA-1 and stored on a wobbler at room (20-25 °C; n = 5) or refrigerator temperature (4 °C; n = 5). The following analyses were performed initially and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of storage: platelet count and (spontaneous) aggregates, agonist-induced platelet aggregation with two methods (impedance aggregometry, turbidimetric method), prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen concentration and resonance thrombography.Platelet count remained stable at room temperature, whereas a significant decrease was detected after 48 h storage at 4 °C. The latter was associated with the formation of a high percentage of platelet aggregates (50-60%) after 5 h storage. Decrease in platelet aggregation was significantly more pronounced when blood was stored at 4 °C. The plasmatic coagulation tests were stable within the observation period.Results indicate that platelet count and aggregability of CPDA-1-stabilised ovine blood is better preserved at room temperature and provides adequate haemostatic function for ex vivo experiments for one working day. Functional loss and high percentage of platelets within aggregates which were observed in ovine blood stored at refrigerator temperature have to be considered in blood transfusion in sheep.     

虚拟现实数字化手段在展示设计中的应用

进入21世纪以来,随着数字化时代的科技发展,赋予展示设计全新的构成理念。中国展示因国家的国际化行为发生了巨大的技术变化,现代数字化手段对设计创意的表达起到了越来越重要的作用,它几乎颠覆了全部传统设计概念。在短短二十年里,数字化手段的创新发展几乎涉猎了应用美术的各个领域。数字艺术设计既表现了数字化技术对传统方式的冲击,也是科技与艺术的完美结合的体现。科技的发展为艺术创作提供了新的载体,同时也带来了全新的艺术创作手法和艺术语言。     

华南象草原生质体分离及基因瞬时表达研究

以华南象草(Pennisetum purpureum)幼叶鞘为材料,采用L₁₆(4⁵)正交试验设计,对分离原生质体过程中的纤维素酶浓度、离析酶浓度、酶解液pH、甘露醇浓度、酶解时间5个因素进行筛选,建立了高效的象草叶鞘原生质体分离体系,并进行目标基因的瞬时转化,以期为象草基因功能研究奠定基础。结果表明:叶鞘在含有1.5%纤维素酶R-10,0.75%离析酶R-10,0.5 mol·L^-1 甘露醇,pH为5.8的酶解液中酶解4 h,原生质体产量达5.11×10⁶个·g FW^-1,活力达91.08%,酶解时间对象草原生质体产量和活力的影响最大。用PEG介导法将2个分别带有绿色荧光蛋白和红色荧光蛋白的载体转入原生质体中,转化效率最高可达77.47%,共转化效率为8.79%。所分离的原生质体可用于基因的瞬时表达研究。     

Studies on the stability of a human adenovirus-rabies recombinant vaccine.

Human adenovirus type 5 containing the rabies virus glycoprotein gene (rHAd-RG1) has potential for the oral vaccination of animals. The stability of this recombinant was tested indoors and outdoors by measuring the loss in virus infectivity. Under indoor conditions the stability of the recombinant virus was studied in an egg yolk-containing commercial stabilizer and a simple buffered salt solution (EBSS; Earle's balanced salt solution) at 4 degrees C and room temperature (24-25 degrees C). Over 16 days, there was a more rapid loss in virus titer at room temperature than at 4 degrees C in both suspending media; however, these differences were slight and may be significant when the overall stability of the vaccine is considered. When the virus was mixed with either 10% (w/v) fox or skunk feces or EBSS, placed on stainless steel disks and the disks kept under ambient conditions (air temperature 24-25 degrees C; relative humidity 45-50%), there was a more rapid decline in virus titer in the fecal suspensions (3% remained after 72 h) than in EBSS (26% remained after 72 h). When bait-coated blister packs of the vaccine were placed in an outdoor location in the fall (October) season, there was a larger drop in the virus titer for vaccines placed in the sun (54% over 32 days) than for those in the shade (40% over 32 days). Incorporating proteinaceous stabilizers in the vaccine samples for outdoor study showed virus stability was not enhanced in their presence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Biological and environmental factors associated with the detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is one of the most common diseases in young elephants, causing severe fatal hemorrhagic disease. Subclinical infection was previously described; however, information about the factors associated with virus shedding and reactivation were scarce. To identify the biological and environmental factors related with EEHV detection, blood and oral swab samples were collected from nine captive Asian elephants in Thailand for one year and tested for EEHV presence using real-time PCR. Data including hematological values, management, environmental temperature, and serum cortisol levels were also recorded and analyzed. Results showed that the viral detection frequency ranged from 0–25%. The highest detection frequency was found in the two youngest elephants, aged less than 15 years. Three types of viruses, EEHV1, EEHV4, and EEHV5, were found in this study, which also detected mixed infection in five elephants. Additionally, the study found that sample type, changes in hematological values, management and health issues, and serum cortisol levels were not associated with herpesvirus detection in the elephants. However, EEHV detection percentage was significantly increased in the summer (mid-Feb to mid-May), possibly due to body fitness reduction from food source limitation and low nutrient content. To obtain a broad aspect of EEHV management, long-term EEHV monitoring is highly recommended in every captive elephant herd.     

Effect of temperature,storage time,and sample type on sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in llama serum and plasma

Abstract: Serum and heparinized plasma samples were collected from 11 adult, clinically healthy llamas. Aliquots were assayed for sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity after storage at room temperature (20°C), 4°C, or −20°C for defined time intervals up to 1 week postcollection. Sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in all samples was within reference intervals for our laboratory. No difference was found between serum and plasma SDH activity when measured immediately (within 1 hour) after collection. Sorbitol dehydrogenase activity decreased to 79% of initial activity by 24 hours in serum stored at room temperature; plasma had 94% of initial SDH activity under the same conditions. Sorbitol dehydrogenase activity was stable in both plasma and serum stored for up to 1 week at 4°C or −20°C. With the exception of serum stored at 20°C for > 8 hours, in vitro stability of llama SDH was adequate for its use in diagnostic testing.     

Recombinant bovine interleukin-12 stimulates a gut immune response but does not provide resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum infection in neonatal calves

This study was undertaken to determine if administration of recombinant bovine interleukin-12 (rBoIL-12) could stimulate a cellular immune response that protected calves from an oral challenge inoculation with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. In a first experiment, rBoIL-12 intraperitoneally administered as a single dose 1 day before challenge inoculation, did not alter the course of infection. The percentage of immune competent cells and levels of cytokine gene expression in the ileo-cecal mucosa and in the draining lymph nodes of treated calves were similar to those of untreated control calves. However, when rBoIL-12 was subcutaneously administered daily from 2 days before infection to 2 days after infection, a consistent increase of T lymphocytes and an higher expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was detected. Again, treatment did not alter the course of infection. Similar results were obtained when rBoIL-12 was administered daily for 4 days beginning 2 days after oral inoculation. These data indicate that although rBoIL-12 stimulated a strong immune response in the gut of neonatal calves, the response was not able to provide protection from challenge inoculation with C. parvum oocysts.     

Selection responses in duration of fertility and its consequences on hatchability in the intergeneric crossbreeding of ducks

1. From 1992 to 2003, selected (S) and control lines (C) of the laying Brown Tsaiya duck (Anas platyrhynchos) were simultaneously maintained under the same standardised conditions of feeding and management. 2. The selection objective was to increase the number of fertile eggs after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. From generations G1 to G11, 2452 and 2022 female ducks, in S and C lines, respectively, were measured and recorded. In the S line, the percentage selected varied between 20.2 and 34.3% in females and between 7.2 and 20.8% in males. 3. Selection for number of fertile eggs had a correlated effect of increasing the parameter tau of the logistic curves which fitted the daily variations (d 2 to 15) in fertility or hatchability on the basis of eggs set. The differences S-C for the estimates of the times of half maximal fertility and hatchability increased by 0.41 and 0.37 d per generation between G1 and G11, respectively. 4. The highest increases of fertility per day rates after a single AI were observed between d 5 and 11. Moreover, in the selected line, fertility rate was higher than, or equal to, 90% in d 2 from G8. The same tendencies were observed for the changes in the evolution of hatchability on the basis of eggs set. 5. Selection increased fertility and hatchability according to the egg set rates, especially for d 2 to 8 after AI. Hatchability of fertile eggs was not impaired, confirming that selection for one AI per week was possible in this strain of laying ducks.     

高产蛋白酶酵母菌固态发酵豆粕的工艺优化

本试验研究了高产蛋白酶酵母菌在不同条件下对发酵豆粕品质的影响。以蛋白酶活性为指标,对豆粕发酵的时间、含水量、菌液接种量和葡萄糖添加量进行优化,根据单因素试验结果设计正交试验,探究高产蛋白酶酵母菌发酵对豆粕中蛋白酶、纤维素酶、植酸酶、果胶酶活性和粗蛋白质、小分子多肽、胰蛋白酶抑制剂含量的影响。结果表明,单因素试验条件下,分别在含水量50%、菌液添加量4%、葡萄糖添加量1.5%时发酵豆粕具有最高的蛋白酶活性。以单因素试验结果设计正交试验,与对照组相比,9个试验组蛋白酶活性增长100.56%~380.13%、纤维素酶活性增长2.67%~81.77%、植酸酶活性增长53.89%~252.81%、果胶酶活性增长13.84%~70.83%、小分子多肽增长574.67%~1 981.08%、粗蛋白质含量增长9.24%~16.49%、胰蛋白抑制剂含量降低7.36%~67.39%。高产蛋白酶酵母菌发酵豆粕可以显著提升其营养价值,降低抗营养因子含量。使用高产蛋白酶酵母菌对豆粕进行发酵,若需要发酵豆粕中水解酶活性最高,发酵条件为葡萄糖1%、混合菌液2%,含水量45%,在室温下发酵5 d;需要粗蛋白质、多肽含量以及胰蛋白酶抑制剂降低率最高时,发酵条件为葡萄糖2%、混合菌液4%,含水量55%,在室温下发酵5 d。     

Distribution of tissue enzymes in three species of pinnipeds.

In domestic animal medicine, changes in serum enzyme levels are routinely used as diagnostic tools to detect liver disease. Hepatic disease occurs in pinnipeds, but limited data are available on the tissue distribution of serum enzymes in marine mammals. The objectives of this study were to determine the tissue distribution of seven serum enzymes in three pinniped species. Enzymes evaluated were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in tissues from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) (n = 5), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (n = 5), and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) (n = 5) that stranded and then died at a rehabilitation center. Samples were evaluated in duplicate from liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, kidney, adrenal, spleen, pancreas, lung, lymph node, and intestine. Patterns of tissue enzyme distribution were similar in all species, with SDH activity highest in liver and kidney, CK activity highest in skeletal and cardiac muscle, ALP activity highest in adrenal, and GGT activity highest in the kidney. Aspartate aminotransferase and LDH activities were less specific, with high activity in multiple tissues. Tissue ALT activity was high in the liver of all species, but was also high in cardiac muscle (California sea lions), skeletal muscle (harbor seals), and kidney (elephant seals). These results suggest that concurrent analysis of SDH, ALT, and CK would provide high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of hepatic lesions, and allow differentiation of liver from skeletal muscle lesions in pinniped species.     

Lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of dogs--a flow cytometric study

Slight differences in the results of papers describing lymphocyte subsets distribution in the peripheral blood of healthy dogs may be explained by differences in monoclonal antibody clones and sources, breed and age of animals examined, methods of sample treatment, or methods of result analysis. In this paper, we described the effect of sample processing and of sample storage as well as the effect of age, breed, and gender of dogs on lymphocyte subset distribution. No significant differences were found between samples processed following a whole-blood lysis method and samples processed after density gradient separation. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between samples processed within 2h after collection and those stored at 4 degrees C for 12-16 h before processing. Age-related changes were evident in lymphocyte subset distribution in the peripheral blood of 38 Beagles divided according to their age into the six groups: (1) 5-6 days; (2) 2 months; (3) 6 months; (4) 1-2 years; (5) 3-5 years; and (6) >5 years. The percentage of B-lymphocytes (CD21-like positive cells) in the peripheral blood of newborn pups was 39.5+/-5.7 and decreased with advancing age. The percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes was 7.7+/-3.4 after birth and increased with advancing age. No age-related changes were observed in the percentages of CD4+ lymphocytes. The CD4+:CD8+ ratio decreased with advancing age. No significant age-related change was observed for lymphocytes bearing the gammadelta-TCR. Some breed differences were evident. Adult (1-5-year-old) Beagles, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and Dachshunds were examined. The percentages of lymphocytes were higher in Beagles and Dachshunds than in Dalmatians and German Shepherds. The highest and the lowest absolute lymphocyte counts were found in Beagles and German Shepherds, respectively. As a consequence, German Shepherds showed the lowest absolute counts of the individual lymphocyte subpopulations and the widest neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. Dalmatians showed the lowest percentage of CD3+ cells, the highest percentage of CD21+ cells, and the lowest CD4+:CD8+ ratio. German Shepherds showed the lowest percentage of CD21+ cells and the highest CD4+:CD8+ ratio. Females in Beagles and Dachshuns had nonsignificantly higher percentages of total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, and nonsignificantly lower percentages of CD21+ lymphocytes. We concluded that there are age-, breed-, and perhaps also gender-related differences in lymphocyte subset distribution in the peripheral blood of dogs. Therefore, there is need to use appropriate control group in the experimental protocols. Among-breed differences could explain, at least partly, breed predisposition for some diseases.     

Examining Human Perception of Elephants and Large Trees for Insights Into Conservation of an African Savanna Ecosystem

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and large trees have ecological and human value, but elephant impact on large trees may influence conservation strategies. We used a self-administered questionnaire to examine perceptions of elephants, large trees, and elephant management endeavors among tourists and residents in the Associated Private Nature Reserves, South Africa to inform management approaches. The questionnaire included photographs of different elephant types and of vegetation with varying degrees of elephant-impact. Respondents reported high attractiveness rankings for all elephant types, but they scored non-impacted trees higher than photos of trees with visible elephant impact. Results also revealed a significant positive correlation between elephant types known to cause high tree impact and attractiveness of non-impacted trees. Residents favored more intrusive elephant management methods, with environmental manipulation representing the most supported and balanced option for both interest groups. Respondents advocated management that focuses on ecosystem functioning more so than elephant population control.