Prolonged latency of pupillary light reflex in confined sows: Possible stress-related symptom?

This study aimed to compare pupillary light reflex (PLR) of stall-housed sows with group-housed sows because PLR is a sensitive indicator reflecting psychological state in humans and animals. Six hundred thirty-seven pregnant sows confined in gestation stalls were examined and PLR times (PLRTs) were measured. The results of the chi-square test showed that no significant difference was found in the pupils with PLRT ≥10 seconds between the left and the right pupils (χ2 = 0.03, P > 0.05), and the right-sided pupils with PLRT ≥10 seconds was significantly correlated to left-sided ones (χ2 = 181.85, P < 0.01). Among the 637 individuals, only 38 individuals were found whose PLRT showed >10 seconds on both pupils, accounting for 5.5% of the total. With the treatment of 0.125% of pilocarpine, neither 64 pupils with PLRT ≥10 seconds on the left nor 66 pupils with PRT ≥10 seconds on the right showed sensitivity to pilocarpine. The results also showed that the confined sows had longer PLRT than that of the grouped sows on both the left (13.97 ± 2.96 vs. 8.15 ± 0.97, P < 0.001) and the right (14.01 ± 2.87 vs. 8.19 ± 0.82, P < 0.001) pupils. However, the difference in ratio of the initial pupil size to maximally constricted size was not significant between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the prolonged latency of PLR or increased PLRT found in the confined sows appeared to be a stressful response to chronic stress. PLRT has the potential to be an indicator used to measure stressed animals.     

Artificial light at night decreases the pupillary light response of dark-adapted toads to bright light

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is expanding worldwide. Many physiological effects have been reported in animals, but we still know little about the consequences for the visual system. The pupil contributes to control incoming light onto the retina. Sudden increases in light intensity evokes the pupil light reflex (PLR). Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC) affect PLR and melatonin expression, which largely regulate circadian rhythms and PLR itself. IpRCG receive inputs from various photoreptors with different peak sensitivities implying that PLR could be altered by a broad range of light sources. We predicted ALAN to enhance PLR. Contrary to our prediction, dark-adapted cane toads Rhinella marina, exposed to ALAN (5 lx) for 12 days, exhibited a lower PLR than controls and individuals exposed to 0.04 lx, even after 1 h in bright light. We cannot conclude whether ALAN induced a larger pupil size in dark-adapted toads or a slower initial contraction. Nevertheless, the response was triggered by a light source with an emission peak (590 nm) well above the sensitivity peak of melanopsin, the main photoreceptor involved in PLR. Therefore, ALAN alters the capacity of toads to regulate the incoming light in the eye at night, which may reduce the performance of visually guided behaviors, and increase mortality by predators or road kills at night. This first study emphasizes the need to focus on the effect of ALAN on the vision of nocturnal organisms to better understand how this sensory system is altered and anticipate the consequences for organisms.     

Quantitative assessment of pupillary light reflex in normal and anesthetized dogs: a preliminary study

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in normal and anesthetized dogs using a pupillometer. Eleven dogs (20 eyes) of various breeds were included. PLRs were measured with a handheld pupillometer in dim light before and during anesthesia. Anesthesia was conducted with atropine, xylazine and ketamine. Parameters of pupillometry included neurological pupil index (NPi), pupil size, percent of change (%CH), latency (LAT), constriction velocity (CV), maximum constriction velocity (MCV) and dilation velocity (DV). NPi,%CH, CV and MCV were significantly decreased during anesthesia compared with the pre-anesthesia data. The results suggest that atropine-xylazine-ketamine combination anesthesia depresses the PLR. Additionally, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the use of a pupillometer in dogs.     

The pupillary light reflex and menace response in neonatal calves: the role of environmental isolation on development of the menace response

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of the pupillary light reflex in neonatal calves and the effect on the development of the menace response of keeping them in individual stalls. Seventy-three Holstein calves were divided into test (n = 44) and control (n = 29) groups and the animals were kept in individual stalls for the first 32 ± 4 and 73 ± 5 days post partum, respectively. They were then moved to group pens. All calves in both groups were observed daily from the first day after birth until the pupillary light reflex and menace response had become well established.All 73 calves had a positive pupillary light reflex on the first day post partum. None of the animals developed a menace response during the time they were housed in individual stalls. Over 14 days (test group) and 12 days (control group) after the calves had been moved to the group pens they became positive to the menace response at ages 41 ± 4 and 81 ± 5 days, respectively. The Mann–Whitney test revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the ages of the calves with positive menace responses between groups. Group rearing may produce more visual threats to the eyes and the calves learn the menace response by closing the lids in response to sudden alarming movements.     

Effects of hereditary retinal degeneration due to a CEP290 mutation on the feline pupillary light reflex

Objective To understand how progressive rod cone degeneration due to a mutation in CEP290 affects the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in domestic cats. Animals studied Domestic cats identified as either normal wildtype (WT; n = 6), or homozygous for the rdAc mutation in CEP290 and having early stage retinal degeneration (stage 2, S2; n = 4), or advanced retinal degeneration (S4; n = 6). Methods The effect of light on pupil size was measured over a series of 10‐s pulses of white and chromatic light in cats lightly sedated with medetomidine. Results In WT cats, the PLR was characterized by a pronounced initial constriction that rapidly re‐dilated during the stimulus (pupil escape), to a stable or sustained constriction. There was then a marked constriction at stimulus offset. Each component of the PLR was retained in affected cats, but with progressively reduced irradiance sensitivity from early to advanced retinal disease. Conclusions The PLR of cats had multiple phases, with a remarkably high‐amplitude ‘paradoxical’ off‐constriction even in the absence of retinal disease. In rdAc cats, reduced irradiance sensitivity was consistent with progressive loss of rod and cone function. Based on previously characterized retinal pathology, this suggests the visual streak of the retina has a proportionally large contribution to PLR input. These findings support the hypothesis that the efficacy of planned therapeutic trials can be determined by careful evaluation of the PLR in cats.     

The development of the pupillary light reflex and menace response in neonatal lambs and kids

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of the pupillary light reflex and menace response in neonatal lambs and goat kids. Thirty lambs and 33 kids were assessed daily from birth until the pupillary light reflex and menace response had become established. All animals had a controlled pupillary light reflex within 20 h of birth. Lambs and kids had developed menace responses by 8 ± 3 and 14 ± 2 days, respectively. The Mann–Whitney test revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the ages at which lambs and kids developed a menace response. Male kids developed this response significantly (P = 0.006) later than females. There was no sex difference in the menace response in the lambs. Overall, the findings indicated that lambs develop a menace response earlier than kids, and female kids develop this response more rapidly than their male counterparts.     

5个热带禾本科牧草品种的光合-光响应特性研究

在桂林地区采用Li-6400便携式光合测定系统测定5个热带禾本科牧草品种的净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、气孔导度(Gs)、水分利用效率(WUE)等生理特性指标。结果显示:1)5个牧草品种的Pn、Tr和Gs均随PAR增强而增大,WUE随PAR增强先增大后减小,除桂牧一号[(Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott)×(P.americanum×P.purureum)]cv. Guimu No.1在PAR为1 500μmol/(m2.s)时达到最大值外,其余均在PAR为600μmol/(m2.s)时达到最大值。2)3个杂交品种的最大光合速率(Amax)与光饱和点(LSP)均显著高于2个雀稗品种(P0.05),最大Pn和Tr均高于2个雀稗属品种。研究表明:5个热带牧草品种均能很好的适应当地的环境。     

滴灌模式下旱后复水对甜菜叶丛期光合光响应特性的影响

为探索甜菜叶丛期叶片光合生理特性及光响应特征参数对旱后复水的响应机制,以旱敏感型品种‘XJT9907’和耐旱型品种‘XJT9916’为材料,在甜菜叶丛期控水为45%~50%田间持水量持续7 d时,复水达70%~75%田间持水量(对照,CK)48 h后,测定其叶片光合生理指标,采用非直角双曲线模型进行叶片净光合速率(P_n)与光强非线性拟合,并计算其光响应特征参数。结果表明,甜菜叶丛期干旱胁迫显著降低甜菜叶片的叶绿素相对含量(SPAD)、净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)和蒸腾速率(T_r)。复水后,两种品种的叶片SPAD值、P_n、G_s、C_i和T_r虽均有所提高,但XJT9916品种光合生理参数值明显高于XJT9907,且均未超过正常供水水平,表现出一定的补偿效应。旱后复水处理下,XJT9907和XJT9916品种叶片光响应特征参数最大净光合速率(P_nmax)分别比CK低17.1%和6.2%,表观量子效率(AQY)分别比CK低12.2%和6.5%,暗呼吸速率(Rd)分别比CK低14.9%和19.1%,光饱和点(LSP)分别比CK低14.1%和19.6%,而光补偿点(LCP)显著高于CK,分别高17.6%和15.4%,其光能利用区间较窄,光能利用效率降低。综合来看,当甜菜叶丛期土壤含水量为田间持水量的45%~50%时对其叶片光合潜能的发挥不利,其叶片光合能力减弱,复水后光合能力仍无法恢复到正常水平。耐旱型甜菜XJT9916品种光合作用旱后复水恢复能力更强。     

4种蒿属植物的光合光响应曲线及其拟合模型

利用直角和非直角双曲线两种拟合模型,对毛莲蒿（Artemisia vestita）、牡蒿（A.japonica）、蒙古蒿（A.mongolica）和灰苞蒿（A.roxburghiana）4种蒿属植物的光合光响应曲线进行拟合。结果表明,1)直角双曲线拟合的α、Rd以及Lsp数值均高于非直角双曲线拟合结果,而α在两种拟合方式间表现出显著的差异性,更是直接反映出两种拟合方式在预测植物光利用策略,特别是对低光的利用策略上存在差异;2)毛莲蒿和牡蒿随着光照强度的上升表现出较大的净光合能力,同时牡蒿具有最高的表观量子效率,对光能的利用效率高于其余3个种;蒙古蒿和灰苞蒿具有较小的最大净光合能力和较低的光补偿和光饱和点。因此,在引种过程中,因考虑当地的实际情况,选取适宜的植物。     

不同光强下4种鸭跖草科植物的生物量分配、水分生理及光响应特征

以紫鸭跖草、‘花叶’水竹草、吊竹梅和‘绿叶’水竹草为试验材料,利用遮光网人工模拟5个光强梯度,研究不同光强对4种鸭跖草科植物生物量分配、水分生理以及光响应曲线特征的影响。结果表明：随光强的降低,4种植物的地上生物量均呈先升后降的趋势,并在遮光度25%至75%期间显著升高（P<0.05）,除紫鸭跖草的总生物量无显著变化外,其他3种植物的总生物量也呈先升后降趋势;不同光强对4种植物的物质分配规律及冠根比的影响不同,但4种植物的茎贡献率均呈上升趋势;正午水势随光强的降低而增加,且与失水速率的变化趋势具有较高的一致性,其中紫鸭跖草和吊竹梅的失水速率较低;在不同光强处理下,4种植物的光响应曲线均呈现出随着光合有效辐射（PAR）的增加而先增加后趋于平缓的趋势;随着光强的降低,4种植物的最大净光合速率、表观量子效率和光饱和点均呈现出先升后降的趋势;紫鸭跖草和吊竹梅具有较高的最大净光合速率、表观量子效率、光饱和点以及较低的暗呼吸速率,且水分利用效率在不同处理间无显著差异,均表现出较高的水平。综上所述,4种植物在适当的弱光环境中（遮光度25%~75%）,可以通过调整形态、物质分配规律及光响应特征的方式去更有效的利用弱光资源,但不同种植物的应对能力呈现出一定的差异性,其中紫鸭跖草和吊竹梅的光适应性较强。     

地果的光能利用特性及叶面积指数对土壤营养的响应

研究了地果Ficus tikoua的光能利用特点和地果叶面积指数对土壤营养的响应。结果表明:1)地果光饱和点为1 124 μmol/(m2·s),光补偿点接近0,因此地果具有较宽的光强适应范围;2)地果水分利用效率为1.45～15.8,在光合有效辐射达500 μmol/（m2·s）时达到最大;3)地果斑块的叶面积指数处于0.662.67 m2/m2,平均为1.51 m2/m2,与其它园林绿化植物相比较低;4)叶面积指数能对土壤营养中的水分和全N含量变化作出响应,对有机C、有机P、有机K的含量变化不敏感。     

河南小尾寒羊体尺与体重的相关性分析

为探讨河南小尾寒羊体尺指标与体重的相关性,更好的服务于选种、选育工作,作者运用SPSS软件对98只河南小尾寒羊的体尺、体重进行了相关分析和通径分析,并建立了最优回归方程。结果表明,河南小尾寒羊的体重（〖AKY-〗）与体高（X1）、体长（X2）、胸围（X3）、胸宽（X4）、胸深（X5）、尾宽（X6）、尾长（X7）呈极显著正相关（P＜0.01）;体长、胸围、胸宽和胸深4个指标对体重的直接作用和间接作用都极大;得到最优回归方程为：〖AKY-〗=0.226X2＋0.535X3＋0.200X4。     

Effects of nitrous oxide on IOP and pupillary diameter in dogs anesthetized with varying concentrations of desflurane

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nitrous oxide on IOP and pupillary diameter (PD) of dogs anesthetized with varying desflurane concentrations. Animals studied Twenty adult Mongrel dogs were used. Methods They were anesthetized with propofol (10 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with varying concentrations of desflurane (1.6, 1.4, and 1.2 MAC) diluted in 100% oxygen (G1) or in 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen (G2) (30 mL/kg/min). IOP was measured by applanation tonometry and horizontal PD was taken with a caliper adjacent to the cornea. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and end‐tidal CO₂ (etCO₂) were also measured. All parameters were measured at T0, T30, T45, and T60 time points. One‐way repeated measures anova and the t‐test were used to assess statistical differences (P < 0.05). Results T30, T45, and T60 IOP measures were within normal limits for both groups and IOP did not differ between groups at any time. There was a significant decrease in PD in G1 between T0 and T30, T45 and T60, and also between T30 and T60. PD did not differ between groups. All vital parameters were within normal limits throughout anesthesia. Conclusions Administration of nitrous oxide with desflurane results in maintenance of normal IOP and prevents a decrease in horizontal PD during anesthesia. Therefore, this may be a suitable protocol in dogs undergoing intraocular surgeries that require mydriasis and maintenance of normal IOP.     

盐胁迫对裸果木幼苗光合特性的影响

本研究以一年生裸果木幼苗为材料,采用盆栽育苗方式,设计7个不同浓度NaCl溶液（CK、0.2%、0.4%、0.6%、0.8%、1.0% 和1.2%）模拟盐分胁迫,测定分析了其叶片气体交换参数、光响应曲线及叶绿素荧光参数的变化规律。结果表明：随着盐浓度的增加,叶片净光合速率（P_n）、气孔导度（G_s）和蒸腾速率（T_r）均呈下降趋势,NaCl浓度≥0.4%时,各处理P_n、G_s和T_r均显著低于CK;气孔限制值（L_s）和瞬时水分利用效率（WUE）随盐浓度增加呈先升后降趋势,胞间CO₂浓度（C_i）呈相反趋势,NaCl浓度为0.4%时,L_s达到最大值,而C_i达到最小值,说明P_n下降以气孔限制因素为主,而当NaCl浓度≥0.6%时,以非气孔限制为主要因素。随着盐胁迫程度的增大,最大净光合速率（P_nmax）、暗呼吸速率（R_d）、光饱和点（L_SP）、表观量子效率（A_QY）逐渐降低,光补偿点（L_CP）逐渐增加,表明盐分抑制了幼苗对光的吸收、利用和转换能力。叶片PSII潜在活性（F_v/F₀）、原初光能转化效率（F_v/F_m）、实际光化学效率（Φ_PSII）、电子传递速率（ETR）和光化学猝灭系数（q_p）随着盐浓度的增加呈下降趋势;非光化学猝灭系数（NPQ）在≤0.4%NaCl处理下较CK显著增加,盐浓度≥0.8%时,NPQ显著下降。基质的NaCl浓度在0.2%和0.4%时,裸果木叶片P_n、F_v/F₀、F_v/F_m下降不显著,WUE有所提高,PSII系统可以通过耗散过剩的光能保护光合机构,表现出一定的耐盐性;但盐浓度超过0.6%时,光合生态幅变窄,光合机构受到明显破坏,显著抑制了光合作用能力。     

ACVIM consensus statement on the diagnosis of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats

Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. IMHA also occurs in cats, although less commonly. IMHA is considered secondary when it can be attributed to an underlying disease, and as primary (idiopathic) if no cause is found. Eliminating diseases that cause IMHA may attenuate or stop immune‐mediated erythrocyte destruction, and adverse consequences of long‐term immunosuppressive treatment can be avoided. Infections, cancer, drugs, vaccines, and inflammatory processes may be underlying causes of IMHA. Evidence for these comorbidities has not been systematically evaluated, rendering evidence‐based decisions difficult. We identified and extracted data from studies published in the veterinary literature and developed a novel tool for evaluation of evidence quality, using it to assess study design, diagnostic criteria for IMHA, comorbidities, and causality. Succinct evidence summary statements were written, along with screening recommendations. Statements were refined by conducting 3 iterations of Delphi review with panel and task force members. Commentary was solicited from several professional bodies to maximize clinical applicability before the recommendations were submitted. The resulting document is intended to provide clinical guidelines for diagnosis of, and underlying disease screening for, IMHA in dogs and cats. These should be implemented with consideration of animal, owner, and geographical factors.     

干旱对假俭草光响应曲线的影响

以假俭草2个品系——Yaan和Common为试验材料,研究了中度干旱(土壤含水量为田间最大持水量的50%)和重度干旱(土壤含水量为田间最大持水量的35%)对光响应曲线的影响。结果表明,同一干旱水平下,在一定的光照范围内,净光合效率和气孔导度随着光强的增加而增大;随着干旱程度的加剧则发生显著降低,在Common品系中最大光合速率和光饱和点分别由22.3降到11.2μmol/(m²·s),578降到350μmol/(m²·s),在Yaan品系中则由24.5降到13.0μmol/(m²·s),694降到474μmol/(m²·s)。在同一光强下,Yaan的净光合速率、气孔导度值均大于Common。从光响应曲线来看,Yaan品系受到干旱的影响较小,对光强的利用能力高于Common。     

赤霉素对凤梨释迦番荔枝生长和叶绿素荧光特性的影响

在设施大棚内,研究不同浓度赤霉素对凤梨释迦番荔枝生长和叶绿素荧光特性的影响。结果表明,不同浓度赤霉素对凤梨释迦番荔枝枝梢生长的影响较小,对花的生长的影响较大。花的生长以8.0mg·L-1赤霉素处理的效果最好,6.0mg·L-1赤霉素处理的效果次之。赤霉素显著影响凤梨释迦番荔枝的叶绿素荧光特性,4.0mg·L-1赤霉素处理Yield和qP最高,qN和NPQ最低。叶片的光响应曲线的变化规律一致,同一光照强度下,各个处理的ETR和Yield接近,白天的ETR和Yield高于晚上,且各个处理之间的ETR和Yield差异大于晚上。在凤梨释迦番荔枝生产上,4.0~8.0mg·L-1赤霉素为比较适宜的浓度。     

Lack of influence of nursery temperature on the response of weanling pigs to supplemental vitamins C and E

Three trials using 240 weanling pigs were conducted during winter months to determine the influence of nursery temperature ("comfortable" vs "cold") on the response of weanling pigs to added vitamin C (700 ppm) or E (55 IU/kg) to a corn-soybean meal diet. A "comfortable" temperature schedule (27 C initially with a weekly 2 C drop) was maintained in one nursery, with the temperature schedule in the "cold" nursery about 8 C lower. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin E were elevated when the respective vitamins were added to the diet, but were not consistently influenced by nursery temperatures. Daily gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not improved with the added C or E. Daily feed intake was increased and feed-to-gain ratios were larger for pigs housed in the "cold" nursery compared with pigs housed in the "comfortable" nursery; however, daily gains were similar in the two environments. Pigs housed in the "cold" nursery were slightly stressed, as indicated by heavier adrenal glands, but the antibody response and serum glucocorticoid concentrations were not significantly affected by either diet or temperature.