Comparison of egg yolk and serum for the detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Egg yolk was evaluated in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as an alternative source of antibodies for detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) infections in chickens. There was no statistically significant difference (P greater than 0.05) between the ELISA geometric mean titers (GMTs) of saline-diluted egg yolk and chloroform-extracted egg yolk, and both preparations had a high correlation coefficient (0.87 for MG; 0.97 for MS). The saline-diluted and chloroform-extracted yolk had a relative sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 98% in the MG ELISA; in MS ELISA they were 100% and 96%, respectively. Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) results with chloroform-extracted samples were satisfactory, but those with saline-diluted samples were not. Neither preparation was satisfactory for use in the rapid plate agglutination (RPA) test. A 1-ml sample of yolk was compared with the whole-yolk method. The chloroform-extracted whole yolk yielded a significantly higher (P less than 0.05) GMT in the MG ELISA; however, there was no statistically significant difference (P greater than 0.05) between GMTs yielded by the two procedures in the MS ELISA. The correlation coefficients for the two sampling methods were 0.73 for MG ELISA and 0.63 for MS ELISA. ELISA detected no statistically significant difference (P greater than 0.05) between GMTs of serum and chloroform-extracted yolk from individual birds. Results with the HI test were comparable to those with ELISA on the same samples. The RPA test yielded comparable results on the serum samples. No statistically significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were observed in HI or ELISA antibody levels between egg-yolk samples and sera on random samples collected from nine flocks that were MG- and MS-free or were infected with MG, MS, or both; however, egg-yolk samples tended to have slightly higher titers than sera in both tests. The optimum screening dilution of chloroform-extracted yolk for detecting MG and MS antibodies by ELISA was 1:800.     

Expression of CD3 and CD11b antigens on blood and mammary gland leukocytes and bacterial survival in milk of cows with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus mastitis.

OBJECTIVES: To differentiate early (1 to 8 days) from late (9 to 14 days) inflammatory phases and assess relationships between leukocyte phenotype and bacterial recovery in cows with Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis. ANIMALS: 10 first-lactation Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Blood and milk samples were collected from 4 or 6 cows before and after intramammary infusion of sterile broth or S. aureus, respectively. Flow cytometric expression of CD3 and CD11b antigens on blood and milk leukocytes, leukocyte differential counts, bacterial counts in milk, and somatic cell counts were determined longitudinally. RESULTS: Density of CD3 molecules decreased on blood lymphocytes and increased on milk lymphocytes after infusion of bacteria. Density of CD11b molecules on lymphocytes and phagocytes and percentage of CD11b+ lymphocytes in milk increased significantly after infusion; maximum values were achieved during the early inflammatory phase. Density of CD3 and CD11b molecules on milk lymphocytes and macrophages, respectively, 1 day after inoculation were negatively correlated with bacterial recovery on day 1 and days 9 to 14, respectively. Density of CD11b molecules on milk macrophages and the ratios of phagocyte to lymphocyte percentages and polymorphonuclear cell to macrophage percentages in milk differentiated the early from the late inflammatory phase. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Activation of bovine mammary gland macrophages and T cells in response to intramammary infusion of S. aureus was associated with an inability to culture this bacterium from milk. Identification of specific inflammatory phases of S. aureus-induced mastitis in cows may allow for the design of more efficacious treatment and control programs.     

The acute phase reaction detected in dogs by concanavalin A binding

Using a kinetic turbidimetric assay based on the binding of serum glycoprotein to concanavalin A the acute phase reaction has been detected in dogs. Raised levels of glycoprotein were found in dogs which had undergone surgery, had been treated with bacterial endotoxin and had various inflammatory conditions.     

Host resistance to ticks (ACARI: Ixodidae) in different breeds of cattle at Bako,Ethiopia

Summary European cattle breeds are being introduced into Ethiopia in an effort to improve the productivity of indigenous breeds. The Ethiopian cattle breeds Horro and Boran were compared for tick burdens with their crosses with Friesian, Jersey and Simmental. Horro animals had the lowest tick burdens and the Horro × Friesian the highest. Adaptation to their environment and long-term natural selection for tick resistance in Horro cattle is the most likely explanation.Repeatability of tick burdens in all animals considered as one herd were only statistically significant forBoophilus decoloratus, the most abundant tick species. Statistically significant correlations between burdens of femaleB. decoloratus, Amblyomma cohaerens andRhipicephalus praetextatus were observed and the addition of the males resulted in all inter-species correlations becoming significant.Care should be taken when crossing Ethiopian with more productive European cattle breeds in order not to lower their tick and disease resistance.

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Resistencia En Diferentes Razas De Ganado Vacuno A Garrapatas (ACARI: Ixodidae) En Bako Ethiopia

Resumen Ganado de raza europea estan siendo introducidos en Etiopia en un esfuerzo de mejorar la produccion de las razas indigenas. Las razas etiopes Horro y Boran fueron comparadas por sus cargas de garrapatas con sus cruzas con Friesian, Jersey y Simmental. El ganado Horro mostró las cargas mas bajas y las cruzas con Friesian las mas altas. La adaptacion al medio ambiente y la seleccion a largo plazo de este tipo de ganado es la explicacion mas probable de los resultados.La repitabilidad de las cargas de garrapatas en todos los animales agrupados en un rebaño fueron estadistícamente significativas paraB. decoloratus, la garrapata mas abundante. Correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las cargas de hembras deBoophilus decoloratus, Amblyomma cohaerens y Rhipicephalus praetextatus fueron observadas y la adicion de los machos resulto en que todas las correlaciones entre especies se volvieron significativas.Se debe tener cuidado cuando las razas de ganado etiopes se cruzan con las mas productivas razas europeas para no reducir su resistencia a las garrapatas y enfermedades.

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Resistance De L'hote Aux Tiques (ACARI: Ixodidae) Chez Differentes Races De Betail A Bako, Ethiopie

Résumé Des races bovines européennes sont actuellement introduites en Éthiopie dans le but d'accroître la productivité des races indigènes. Ainsi, les races Horro et Boran ont été comparées du point de vue du taux d'infestation par les tiques avec les produits de levi croisement avec les races Frisonne, Jersiaise et Simmenthal. Les animaux de race Horro avaient le taux d'infestation le plus bas et le croisement Horro × Frisonne le taux le plus elevé. L'explication la plus vraisemblable de ces résultats est l'adaptation du bétail Horro à son environnement en meme temps qu'une sélection naturelle de longue date à la résistance aux tiques. La répétabilité de la pression ixodienne chez tous les animaux considérés comme formant un troupeau unique, n'a été statistiquement significative que pourBoophilus decoloratus, espèce la plus abondante. Les auteurs ont observé des corrélations statistiquement significatives entre les taux de charge relatifs aux femelles deBoophilus decoloratus, Amblyomma cohaerens etRhipicephalus praetextatus. La prise en compte des mâles a eu pour effet de rendre significative toutes les corrélations inter-espèces. Il faut donc prendre des précautions lors de croisement du bétail éthiopien avec des races européennes plus productives afin de ne pas diminuer leur résistance aux tiques et aux maladies.

     

Landscape analysis of plant diversity

Studies to identify gaps in the protection of habitat for speciesof concern have been inconclusive and hampered by single-scale orpoor multi-scale sampling methods, large minimum mapping units(MMU's of 2 ha to 100 ha), limited and subjectively selected fieldobservations, and poor mathematical and ecological models. Weovercome these obstacles with improved multi-scale samplingtechniques, smaller MMU's (< 0.02 ha), an unbiased sampling designbased on double sampling, improved mathematical models includingspecies-area curves corrected for habitat heterogeneity, andgeographic information system-based ecological models. We applythis landscape analysis approach to address resource issues inRocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Specifically, we quantifythe effects of elk grazing on plant diversity, identify areas ofhigh or unique plant diversity needing increased protection, andevaluate the patterns of non-native plant species on thelandscape.Double sampling techniques use satellite imagery,aerial photography, and field data to stratify homogeneous andheterogeneous units and keystone ecosystems (ecosystems thatcontain or support a high number of species or have distinctivespecies compositions). We show how a multi-scale vegetationsampling design, species-area curves, analyses of within- andbetween-vegetation type species overlap, and geographic informationsystem (GIS) models can be used to quantify landscape-scalepatterns of vascular plant diversity in the Park.The new multi-scale vegetation plot techniques quickly differentiated plantspecies differences in paired study sites. Three plots in the OuzelBurn area (burned in 1978) contained 75 plant species, while only17 plant species were found in paired plots outside the burn.Riparian areas contained 109 plant species, compared to just 55species in paired plots in adjacent forests. However, plant speciesrichness patterns inside and outside elk exclosures were morecomplex. One elk exclosure contained more species than its adjacentopen range (52 species inside and 48 species outside). Two elkexclosures contained fewer species inside than outside (105 and 41species inside and 112 and 74 species outside, respectively).However, there was only 26% to 48% overlap (using Jaccard'sCoefficient) of plant species composition inside and outside theexclosures. One elk exclosure had 13% cover of non-indigenousspecies inside the exclosure compared to 4% outside, butnon-indigenous species cover varied by location.We compared plantdiversity patterns from vegetation maps made with 100 ha, 50 ha, 2ha, and 0.02 ha MMU's in the 754 ha Beaver Meadows study area usingfour 0.025 ha and twenty-one 0.1 ha multi-scale vegetation plots.Preliminary data suggested that the 2 ha MMU provided an accurateestimate of the number of plant species (–14%) for a study area,but the number of habitats (polygons) was reduced by 67%, andaspen, a unique and important habitat type, was missed entirely. Wedescribe a hypothesis-driven approach to the design andimplementation of geospatial databases for local resourcemonitoring and ecosystem management.     

Calving outcomes for cows diagnosed pregnant or nonpregnant by per rectum examination at various intervals after insemination

Early pregnancy diagnosis could be associated with decreased diagnostic accuracy or increased fetal loss, which might lead to increased culling. We determined the relationship between pregnancy diagnosis at various intervals after artificial insemination and subsequent calving for cows from five dairy herds in California. Palpations were done by either of two experienced veterinarians. Cows diagnosed pregnant at a first pregnancy examination 41 days or less after insemination were significantly less likely to subsequently have a calf than were cows diagnosed later.     

Tenoscopic examination and proximal annular ligament desmotomy for treatment of equine "complex" digital sheath tenosynovitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of horses with "complex" digital tenosynovitis treated by tenoscopic proximal annular ligament desmotomy and resection of synovial masses or adhesions, or both, within the digital sheath. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-five horses with a clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of palmar or plantar proximal annular ligament constriction and ultrasonographic evidence of synovial masses or adhesions within the digital tendon sheath. METHODS: Each horse had tenoscopic surgery for annular ligament desmotomy combined with adhesiolysis and/or synovial mass resection. Mean follow-up time was 3.4 years. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the relationship between functional outcome or cosmetic results and preoperative variables including duration of clinical signs, digital sheath synovial fluid total protein concentration and nucleated cell count, thickness of the palmar or plantar proximal annular ligament (PAL), severity of adhesions, severity of synovial masses, degree of synovial distention, or limb affected. RESULTS: A total of 18 (72%) horses returned to athletic soundness, 4 were improved but not sound, and 3 were not improved. Cosmetic outcome was normal in 10 horses, improved but not normal in 12, and not improved in 3 horses. Cosmetic and functional outcome were significantly adversely affected by the duration of clinical signs and the severity of synovial masses. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate tenoscopic surgical attention, horses with complex tenosynovitis syndrome characterized by synovial masses, adhesions, or both adhesions and masses, and PAL constriction, have a good prognosis for return to athletic soundness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses with PAL constriction and additional digital tendon sheath pathology such as adhesions and synovial masses have a 72% chance of returning to sound athletic performance, however 60% of horses retain some degree of cosmetic blemish in the affected limb. There is an inverse relationship between the duration of clinical signs and outcome, and therefore, prompt surgical attention is advised.     

Marine Sulfated Polysaccharides as Promising Antiviral Agents: A Comprehensive Report and Modeling Study Focusing on SARS CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) is a novel coronavirus strain that emerged at the end of 2019, causing millions of deaths so far. Despite enormous efforts being made through various drug discovery campaigns, there is still a desperate need for treatments with high efficacy and selectivity. Recently, marine sulfated polysaccharides (MSPs) have earned significant attention and are widely examined against many viral infections. This article attempted to produce a comprehensive report about MSPs from different marine sources alongside their antiviral effects against various viral species covering the last 25 years of research articles. Additionally, these reported MSPs were subjected to molecular docking and dynamic simulation experiments to ascertain potential interactions with both the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS CoV-2’s spike protein (S-protein) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). The possible binding sites on both S-protein’s RBD and ACE2 were determined based on how they bind to heparin, which has been reported to exhibit significant antiviral activity against SARS CoV-2 through binding to RBD, preventing the virus from affecting ACE2. Moreover, our modeling results illustrate that heparin can also bind to and block ACE2, acting as a competitor and protective agent against SARS CoV-2 infection. Nine of the investigated MSPs candidates exhibited promising results, taking into consideration the newly emerged SARS CoV-2 variants, of which five were not previously reported to exert antiviral activity against SARS CoV-2, including sulfated galactofucan (1), sulfated polymannuroguluronate (SPMG) (2), sulfated mannan (3), sulfated heterorhamnan (8), and chondroitin sulfate E (CS-E) (9). These results shed light on the importance of sulfated polysaccharides as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.     

Natural regeneration of Pinus brutia Ten. in a recreational public forest in Zawita-Kurdistan region,Iraq

Zawita natural forest has recently has been subject to mass recreational activities during spring that have denuded large areas of the forest.It was thus essential to assess regeneration before designing optimizing strategies.To this end,we studied the overstory canopy and microhabitat conditions for recruitment of Pinus brutia Ten in 10 plots(20×25 m)on the southern aspects where the Zawita natural forest is still present.In total,1540 regenerating P.brutia were recorded,854 seedlings,597 saplings,and 89 trees.Seedlings and saplings were more frequent beyond the canopy than under the canopy of the parent trees.Regeneration requirements differed between seedlings and saplings.The probability of the occurrence of seedlings was negatively correlated with increasing litter depth and increasing soil compaction.The density of saplings only showed a positive significant correlation with increasing slope.The nearest neighbor index showed a trend toward a positive spatial association between understory shrubs with their neighboring seedlings at a mean distance of 1.6 m.Overall,the study highlighted the requirements for seedling regeneration as a relatively open canopy cover,a light understory litter layer,and noncompacted soils.These results are a step towards designing effective management and restoration programs.     

Wood‐rotting basidiomycetes are a minor component of fungal communities associated with Acacia hybrid trees grown for sawlogs in South Vietnam

Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis) clones are widely planted in Vietnam with a total of approximately 400,000 ha to meet the demand for pulpwood, sawn timber and wood chip exports. Silvicultural techniques such as pruning and thinning have been applied to improve productivity and sawlog quality of Acacia hybrid plantations. However, those techniques may also create opportunities for wood decay fungi to enter the Acacia hybrid stems through wounds and cause stem defects that reduce sawlog quality and the value of the plantation. The presence of fungal decay agents in Acacia hybrid trees was examined in two Vietnamese plantations. In July 2011, just prior to a second thinning, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for the isolation of fungi. In July 2012, approximately 18 months after pruning and thinning treatments, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Nghia Trung for the isolation of fungi. DNA sequencing of the rDNA ITS identified the isolates. In May 2015, approximately 4 years after thinning and fertilizer treatments, discoloured and decayed wood samples were taken from the above (7‐year‐old) Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for fungal identification. DNA was extracted directly from discoloured and decayed wood samples and fungal rDNA ITS amplicons sequenced on a Roche 454 sequencer. The results showed that silvicultural treatments did not affect the fungal communities associated with discoloured and decayed wood of Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai. A total of 135 fungal species or OTUs (operational taxonomic units) were identified, including 82 members of Ascomycota and 52 Basidiomycota.