The Elimination of Foreign Particles Injected into the Coelom of the Holothurian — Cucumaria Stephensoni D. John

The distribution of Gelidium pristoides, a commercially important seaweed in South Africa, was investigated on St Croix Island in Algoa Bay. Total area of the midlittoral G. pristoides belt was 4241 m² and total summer standing crop of this perennial seaweed was 265 kg (dry mass). Monthly numerical composition of G. pristoides epifauna at three sites on St Croix is presented and discussed. Nematodes dominated the epifauna throughout the year with harpacticoids the second most abundant taxon. The presence of nauplius, annelid and Diptera larvae as well as juvenile amphipods and molluscs in the epifauna indicates the role of seaweeds as nursery areas for littoral fauna. G. pristoides epifauna averaged 1,77 x 10⁵ animals m^-2. Total summer standing stock of G. pristoides epifauna on St Croix was determined by two methods which yielded 6,4 x 10⁸ and 7,3 x 10⁸ animals respectively.     

A Comparative Study of the Morphology of the Chondrocranium of Dendroaspis Angusticeps and D. Polylepis Polylepis

The essential features of the chondrocrania of both D. angusticeps and D. polylepis polylepis are very similar and conform closely to the platytrabic ophidian type. Specialized features such as a marked reduction of the solum nasi, as well as of the orbitotemporal region of the chondrocranium are noticeable. The basal plate and the occipital and auditory regions do not differ in important respects from those described in other snakes. Taxonomic justification for the separation of these elapids into two distinct species is adequately confirmed by structural differences between their chondrocrania.     

Administration of L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv as a feed additive improved the growth performance,immune homeostasis,and gut microbiota of chickens

Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms that are administered in an appropriate amount to provide health benefits to the host animal. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. salivarius DJ‐sa‐01 secreting the 3D8 single‐chain variable fragment (3D8 scFv) on the growth performance, cytokine secretion, and intestinal microbial flora of chickens. The experiment was divided into the control group and L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv experimental group. Chicken was fed 10⁹ colony‐forming units (CFUs) of wild‐type (WT) L. salivarius or 3D8 scFv‐secreting L. salivarius daily for 35 days. The administration of L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv significantly improved the body weight of chickens compared with the administration of WT L. salivarius. A 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic analysis showed that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in both experimental groups. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was more abundant (22.82%) in the L. salivarius/3D8 group compared with the WT L. salivarius group. The serum levels of cytokines, such as IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IGF1, were significantly reduced in the L. salivarius/3D8‐treated chickens. In summary, our results suggest that L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv could be considered a feed additive for improving the growth performance, immune function, and disease resistance of poultry.     

Novel polymorphism of the canine dopamine receptor D4 gene intron II region

Various dog breeds are remarkably different from each other not only in their sizes and shapes but also in behavioral traits, suggesting that some of these characteristics are under genetic control. However, little is known about genes related to behavioral traits in canine species. In humans, it has been reported that the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) includes polymorphism at several regions that relate to personality or psychiatric disorders. In an earlier study by the authors of the present study, the polymorphisms in canine DRD4 exon III and exon I regions were reported. In the present study, a novel polymorphism in canine DRD4 intron II was found based on a 17 base pair insertion/deletion, and the two alleles detected were named P (shorter allele) and Q (longer allele). The allelic distribution in 28 breeds of dog, including a total of 1114 unrelated individuals, were then investigated. Both P and Q alleles were detected in most of the breeds investigated; however, the frequencies of P and Q differed greatly between breeds. With respect to classification based on breed origin, P and Q alleles were frequent in Occidental and Oriental breeds, respectively. Furthermore, two subspecies of wolves, the ancestors of dogs, were analyzed for the comparison of allele frequencies with dogs, and the P allele was predominant in both European and Chinese wolves.     

Hypocalcemia and hypovitaminosis D in dogs with induced endotoxemia

Background

Hypocalcemia is a documented electrolyte disturbance in people and animals with sepsis, but its mechanism is poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate mechanisms of hypocalcemia in dogs with experimentally induced endotoxemia.

Animals

Six healthy mixed breed dogs were included in this nonrandomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study.

Methods

Dogs initially were injected with placebo (0.9% NaCl; 1 mL, IV) and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 μg/kg, IV) after a 5‐day washout period. Blood and urine samples were collected for measurement of serum total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), total magnesium (tMg), ionized magnesium (iMg), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), venous blood gases, and fractional excretion (FE) of calcium.

Results

After LPS administration, body temperature increased and blood pressure decreased. Both iCa and tCa decreased (P < .01), but iMg was not significantly different between control and LPS treatments. PTH concentrations increased (P < .01) and vitamin D concentrations decreased (P < .01). Venous pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and blood glucose also decreased (P < .01). Urine tCa concentration was below the limit of detection for all dogs after LPS administration.

Conclusions

Hypocalcemia occurs during endotoxemia in dogs and is associated with hypovitaminosis D. Hypomagnesemia, hypoparathyroidism, alkalosis, and increased calciuresis are not associated with hypocalcemia in endotoxemic dogs.     

Evidence for polymorphism in the cytochrome P450 2D50 gene in horses

Metabolism is an essential factor in the clearance of many drugs and as such plays a major role in the establishment of dosage regimens and withdrawal times. CYP2D6, the human orthologue to equine CYP2D50, is a drug‐metabolizing enzyme that is highly polymorphic in humans leading to widely differing levels of metabolic activity. As CYP2D6 is highly polymorphic, in this study it was hypothesized that the gene coding for the equine orthologue, CYP2D50, may also be prone to polymorphism. Blood samples were collected from 150 horses, the CYP2D50 gene was cloned and sequenced; and full‐length sequences were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), deletions, or insertions. Pharmacokinetic data were collected from a subset of horses following the administration of a single oral dose of tramadol and probit analysis used to calculate metabolic ratios. Prior to drug administration, the ability of recombinant CYP2D50 to metabolize tramadol to O‐desmethyltramadol was confirmed. Sequencing of CYP2D50 identified 126 exonic SNPs, with 31 of those appearing in multiple horses. Oral administration of tramadol to a subset of these horses revealed variable metabolic ratios (tramadol: O‐desmethyltramadol) in individual horses and separation into three metabolic groups. While a limited number of horses of primarily a single breed were studied, the variability in tramadol metabolism to O‐desmethyltramadol between horses and preliminary evidence of what appears to be poor, extensive, and ultra‐rapid metabolizers supports further study of the potential for genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2D50 gene in horses.     

Kinematics of whip spider pedipalps: a 3D comparative morpho-functional approach

Amblypygi are tropical and subtropical ambush predators that use elongated, raptorial pedipalps for different activities. Although pedipalp use in predation and courtship has been explored in videography in vivo analyses, kinematic ex vivo examination of these appendages has not been conducted. Here, we rectify this lack of data by using micro-CT scans to 3D-kinematically model the appendage morphology and the range of motion (ROM) of the joints for Damon medius and Heterophrynus elaphus. We illustrate the successful application of this technique to terrestrial euarthropods in determining the maximum ROM values for each pedipalp joint. We also note that, in life, these values would be lower due to motion restricting structures like tendons, arthrodial membranes, and muscles. We further compare our maximum values obtained here with data from video-based motion analyses. The ROM of each joint shows the greatest flexibility in the femur-tibia joint (140–150°), the lowest in the basitarsus-claw joint (35–40°). ROM in the tibia-basitarsus joint is markedly distinct (D. medius: 44°; H. elaphus: 105°). This disparity reflects how H. elaphus uses the joint in the capture basket, while D. medius uses the femur-tibia joint to form the capture basket. We further illustrate notable vertical motion of the H. elaphus pedipalp compared to D. medius. This difference reflects the retro-ventral trochanter apophysis of H. elaphus. Our study opens the possibility to further whip spider kinematic understanding. Examination of other taxa using this approach will result in a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological significance and ethological implications of this unique arachnid group.     

Detection and Identification of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis by PCR. Based on the16S. rRNA. Gene

A specific PCR assay based on unique sequences of the rrs genes (16S rRNA) of Mycoplasma conjunctivae was developed for direct detection and identification of this pathogen from clinical material. DNA from eye swabs was amplified after a simple lysis step by either a single PCR with the M. conjunctivae specific primer pair McoR1 and McoF1, or by a nested PCR with the Mycoplasma genus specific primer pair MOLIGEN1-L and 16UNI-R in the first step and McoR1 and McoF1 in the second step. The specificity of the primer pair McoR1 and McoF1 was verified with purified DNA from the type strain, from 17 field isolates of M. conjunctivae and from several Mollicutes which are phylogenetically related to M. conjunctivae or which can be isolated from the same host animals. This method identified mycoplasma isolates from goat, sheep, ibex and chamois originating from different countries as M. conjunctivae. No cross amplifications with other mycoplasmas which are related to M. conjunctivae were observed. Eye swab samples containing known numbers of M. conjunctivae cells were analysed after direct lysis of the material. The detection level was estimated to be 20 cells per swab when the nested PCR procedure was used and 2 × 10⁵ by the single PCR method. In an experimental infection model of sheep, the nested PCR method for detection of M. conjunctivae gave results which were comparable to mycoplasmal culture. These are the implications for diagnostic purposes: M. conjunctivae isolates can be identified by the one-step PCR method, whereas for detection and identification of M. conjunctivae in clinical material the two-step method should be used (higher sensitivity).     

Section D: Some Perspectives in Mammal Ecology

We analysed prey remains, particularly hair, in 38 brown hyaena Hyaena brunnea scats from a game ranch in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The brown hyaenas fed on a wide variety of mammals, supplementing their diet with insects and plant material. Artiodactyls were the most important mammalian food source, with hair of common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) being the most frequent food item in the faeces.     

Babesia peircei sp. nov. from the jackass penguin

An avian piroplasm, Babesia peircei sp. nov. is described from the jackass penguin Spheniscus demersus. Morphological differences between Babesia peircei sp. nov. and the other valid Babesia spp. are discussed together with the possible vectors.     

Deformation of the equine pelvis in response to in vitro 3D sacroiliac joint loading

Reasons for performing study: Sacroiliac joint injuries can cause poor performance; however, the interaction between pelvic mechanics and the sacroiliac joint is poorly understood. Objective: To measure pelvic displacement during 3D sacroiliac joint loading. Methods: Nine reflective triads were attached rigidly to bony prominences in sacropelvic specimens harvested from 14 horses for stereophotogrammetric analysis of triad displacements and joint kinematics. The sacrum was coupled to a load cell and mounted vertically within a material testing system (MTS). A pneumatic actuator was used to apply 90 Nm moments to the ischial arch to simulate nutation‐counternutation and left and right lateral bending of the sacroiliac joints. Axial rotation of the sacrum was induced by torsion of the upper MTS fixture. Vectors of marker displacement within orthogonal planes of motion were measured during loading of the sacropelvic specimens. Comparisons in the magnitude and direction of triad displacements were made between paired left‐right markers and paired loading conditions. Results: Nutation‐counternutation of the sacroiliac joint caused vertical displacement of the ischial tuberosities and cranial‐caudal displacement of the wings of the ilium. Lateral bending induced rotational displacement within the horizontal plane of all pelvic landmarks, relative to the sacrum. Axial rotation of the sacrum caused elevation of the wing of the ilium ipsilateral to the direction of sacral rotation and depression of the contralateral ilial wing. Significant paired left‐right differences occurred during most sacroiliac joint loading conditions. Comparable magnitudes of pelvic displacement were measured during nutation‐counternutation, left and right lateral bending, and left and right axial rotation. Conclusions: The equine pelvis is not a rigid structure and asymmetric pelvic deformation occurs during most sacroiliac joint movements. Clinical relevance: Bony pelvic deformation should be considered a normal response to any sacroiliac joint movement.     

Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand. 1. Patterns of seasonal development

Abstract

AIM: To describe the seasonal pattern of development of third-stage infective larvae (L3) from eggs of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: Sheep faeces containing known numbers of eggs of all three nematode species were deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at three sites, viz coastal Manawatu, Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country. Development was measured by recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28–31 days after deposition on 13–18 occasions, between January 2005 and July 2006. Analysis of the number of larvae recovered used a mixed model including number of eggs deposited, weight of faeces recovered (an assumed indicator of earthworm activity), site, contamination date, and position of deposited faeces, i.e. on the surface or buried.

RESULTS: There was a significant effect of contamination date on development of all three species, with maximum numbers ofL3 developing between late spring (November) and early autumn (March), and minimum numbers in June and July. There were large differences between species, with H. contortus exhibiting a long period (April to October) where development was close to zero, whereas T. circumcincta developed to some extent all year round. Development of T. colubriformis was intermediate between the other two species.

Burying faeces containing nematode eggs increased the number of L3 recovered compared with surface deposition (p≤0.001), although there were a small number of exceptions involving only T. colubriformis. The weight of faeces recovered at harvest, which was assumed to be an indication of earthworm activity, was correlated with the number of L3 recovered for all species (p<0.001). In a separate analysis, earthworms were assumed tohave been active if <5 g faeces remained at harvest. Where this occurred, the number of L3 of T. colubriformis and T.circumcincta recovered was reduced by 56% and 58%, respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: A marked seasonal pattern of development was observed for all three species, with the most larvae developing in spring-early autumn and the least in winter. This seasonal pattern was most pronounced in H. contortus and least obvious in T. circumcincta. Burying faeces containing eggs generally resulted in more L3 being recovered, whilst the apparent activity of earthworms resulted in fewer larvae being recovered.     

Inshore small-mesh trawling survey of the Cape south coast. Part 4. Contributions to the biology of some teleostei and Chondrichthyes

The distributions of eight teleosts and four Chondrichthyes trawled off the Cape south coast are given. The teleosts include Pagellus natalensis, Pomadasys olivaceum, Llthognathus mormyrus, Trachums spp., Galeichthys sp., Atractoscion aequidens, Cheimerius nufar and Sphyraena africana. The Chondrichthyes are Squalidae, Myliobatis aquila, Rhinobatos annulatus, Dasyatis pastinacus and Callorhinchus capensis. Incidental observations on the biology of these species are also given. Extensive inshore marine nursery areas for the teleost species were identified. The importance of this with respect to inshore trawling is noted.     

Blood parasites of sheep in the Netherlands. II. Babesia motasi (Sporozoa,Babesiidae)

Summary

A large Babesia species occurs in sheep on the North Sea islands of the Netherlands. The tick Haemaphysalis punctata is a vector. Its pathogenicity appears to be low. It is morphologically similar to a Turkish strain, considered to be B. motasi, which is also transmitted by Haemaphysalis ticks. It differs from the Turkish parasite serologically as well as in cross‐immunity tests and in not being effective to goats.

There may be a group of morphologically similar parasites with serological differences and different infectivity for sheep and goats. As it is impossible to know which one is to be considered as the original B. motasi, we designate the Dutch parasite as B. motasi (Netherlands). Anaplasma mesaeterum was found to occur on the island of Texel as well as on Ameland, where it had been found initially.     

A survey of the fish fauna of Transkei estuaries. Part 1. The Kei River estuary

During the period of survey the 8 km long Kei estuary was subjected to periodic floods which reduced salinities to 0%o and decreased light penetration to a few centimetres. Species composition, and temporal and spatial abundance were determined for fish samples collected by means of gill nets. Twenty-six species of fish were caught with Mugil cephalus, Liza tricuspidens and Argyrosomus hololepidotus predominating, in that order. The family Mugilidae comprised 67,8% of the numbers and 66,6% of the fish biomass caught. Definite seasonal patterns could not be determined for many of the fish although M. cephalus, L. richardsoni and A. hololepidotus were more abundant in summer. The effect of river flooding had unpredictable results on Mugilidae catches which either decreased or increased after floods while catches of P. commersonii and A. hololepidotus usually increased. Largest catches were made in the middle reaches although species diversity was greatest in the lower reaches of the estuary.     

Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand. 2. Weather variables associated with development

Abstract

AIM: To identify weather variables associated with the development of eggs of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus to third-stage infective larvae (L3) under a range of climatic conditions on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: Sheep faeces containing known numbers of eggs of all three nematode species were deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at three sites, viz coastal Manawatu, Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country. Development was measured by recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28–31 days after deposition, on 13–18 occasions between January 2005 until July 2006. Weather data were recorded at each site, and the association between weather variables and number of L3 recovered was analysed using subsets regression to select best-fitting models from several candidate variables, after adjustment for efficiency of recovery of L3. A multiple linear regression model was then developed for each species, to select weather variables that had both significant and substantive effects on the number of L3 recovered.

RESULTS: For all species, mean daily temperature was the bestpredictor of the number of L3 recovered (p=0.001). For T.circumcincta the final model included mean daily temperature and soil temperature (R²=51%), and for T. colubriformis the model only included mean daily temperature (R²=55%). For development of H. contortus, mean daily temperature was the most significant variable, but moisture in the form of rainfall entropy, i.e. the temporal distribution of rainfall, overthe first 14 days was also significant in the final model (R²=34%).

CONCLUSIONS: Temperature was the most important determinant of developmental success of free-living nematodes on pasture at the study sites, and probably also for other parts ofNew Zealand with similar climates. Moisture was not significant in the development of T. circumcincta or T.colubriformis, implying that under the generally moist temperate climate in New Zealand, moisture is seldom limiting for development of these species. Haemonchus contortusappeared to be sensitive to moisture availability and precipitation in the first 14 days after deposition of faeces. The results of this study will be further developed as part of species-specific climate-driven models of parasite development in New Zealand.     

Pseudorhabdosynochus kritskyi n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) on Gag from the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Pseudorhabdosynochus kritskyi n. sp. from gag Mycteroperca microlepis (Perciformes: Serranidae) of the Gulf of Mexico is described and differs from all known species of the genus by the shape of the vagina. It may be further differentiated from P. americanum, P. amplidiscatum, P. caballeroi, P. epinepheli, P. latesi, P. monaensis, and Cycloplectanum magnisquamodiscum in having fewer rows of scales in each squamodisc. This new species is most similar to P. beverleyburtonae, P. bocquetae, P. cupatum, P. lantauensis, P. melanesiensis, P. querni, P. serrani, P. summanae, P. vagampullum, and Cycloplectanum riouxi in having 15 or fewer squamodisc rows, but it may be separated by differences in either squamodisc morphology or differently shaped hamuli or bars.     

The Vegetation of the S. A. Lombard Nature Reserve and its Utilisation by Certain Antelope

We examined phylogenetic relationships of the Pachydactylus rugosus complex using DNA sequence data from segments of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and 16S ribosomal RNA. These molecular data support the contention that members of the rugosus complex, as defined by McLachlan (1979), form a monophyletic group. Further, high levels of sequence divergence observed between currently recognized subspecies (19.1–26.8 % for cytb), even across short geographic distances, support elevation of each member to full specific rank. The pattern of relationship within the P. rugosus complex species is P. rugosus (P. barnardi, P. formosus). Sequence data provide no evidence to support a close relationship between these taxa and P. capensis, to which previous workers had assigned both P. formosus and P. barnardi.     

Studies on Thysanura. III. Some Factors Affecting the Distribution of South African Thysanura

To evaluate the impact of climatic change on rodent sahelian communities, we analysed the contents of over 2500 barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets collected along the Senegal river between 1989 and 2003, and from the Ferlo sahelian area in 2003. These results are compared with data from the 1970s and 1980s in the same zones. Rodents were the most common prey (over 90%). Gerbillinae were most common in dry areas (84 to 96%) whereas in wetlands and rice fields murines were most common (77 to 88%). Nowadays, the genus Gerbillus constitutes the main prey in dry areas (77% to 88%). The genus Taterillus, which was the most abundant rodent in the Ferlo in the 1970s, now represents only 7% of rodents. Gerbils were not present in Senegal before the 1980s: G. tarabuli and G. henleyi were trapped for the first time in 1989 at the northern border of Senegal, and G. nigeriae 10 years later at the same place. The latter is now present a hundred kilometres southwards and as abundant in owl pellets as the two other gerbils.     

Contamination of Salmonella spp. in a pig finishing herd, from the arrival of the animals to the slaughterhouse

The aim of the present study was to investigate the contamination sources and the transmission of Salmonella within a pig finishing herd in Italy. Nine sets of samples were collected during the fattening period from cleaned and disinfected pens, animals at different ages (4 days after arrival, 90, 150, 170 and 240 days of age) and at slaughter. Salmonella was isolated from cleaned pens, individual faecal samples, the truck used to transport the pigs to the abattoir and after slaughter (cecal contents, mesenteric lymph nodes and carcasses). Several serovars were isolated: Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella derby on farm; Salmonella bovismorbificans, Salmonella bredeney, Salmonella blockley, Salmonella hadar and Salmonella corvallis from the truck; S. derby, S. hadar, S. bredeney, S. bovismorbificans and Salmonella infantis at slaughter. Antibiotic resistance of the strains was tested and PFGE was carried out to investigate the on-farm epidemiology of Salmonella. The results showed that the environmental contamination may have represented a major source of infection for the pigs both on farm and during transport to the abattoir.