Capercaillie habitat, diet and management in a Sitka spruce plantation in central Scotland

The ancestral habitat of capercaillie in most of its range isScots pine forest with an understorey of blaeberry. Keillourforest in Perthshire is dominated by Sitka spruce, has littleblaeberry, yet had a high density of capercaillie. Food andhabitat use by capercaillie were studied there from 1991 to1994. Seven cocks and two hens were caught, and marked withsmall radio transmitters. The habitats they occupied and foodremains in their droppings provided information on home range,habitat utilization and diet through the year. Sitka sprucewas the main food in autumn, winter and spring but was equalledby the fruiting heads of sedge in summer. Larch was the secondmost abundant item in spring and autumn diets. Sedge was plentifulon the wet restocks associated with the gleyed soils at Keillourand may provide a partial substitute for blaeberry in summer.Capercaillie showed a clear preference for the oldest blocksof trees, especially in winter. Sitka spruce, Norway spruceand Scots pine were used roughly in proportion to their availabilityin the birds' home range, but larch stands were used more thanexpected from availability. In summer, all birds used restocksto some extent. Management recommendations to encourage capercailliein commercial plantations largely comprising exotics are thatmature stands over 45 years and well-vegetated restocks shouldeach occupy at least 20 per cent of the forest, larch and blocksof mixed conifers each at least 15 per cent of the ground. Blaeberryshould be encouraged and, if possible, patches of windthrowinvolving living trees with the main root intact should be retained.     

The Effects on Song-Bird Populations of Upland Afforestation with Spruce

1. Large coniferous plantations have been established widely inuplands previously used for rearing sheep and cattle, causingfundamental changes in the wild life of these areas.
2. Breedingsong-birds were censused in south-west Scotland onupland moorlandgrazed by sheep and in spruce plantations atdifferent stagesof growth.
3. The commonest song-bird species were meadow pipitand skylarkon unplanted areas, meadow pipit in establishmentplantation,willow warbler and wren in thicket, and goldcrest,chaffinchand wren in polestage and thinned plantations.
4. Totalsong-bird densities were 40–70 pairs km^–2on unplantedheather, 70–130 pairs km^–2 on unplantedgrass, 125–200pairs km^–2 on 6 year old trees, 230–290pairs km^–2on 12–14 year old trees, and 300–440pairs km^–2on trees over 20 years old. Bird species diversitywas alsogreatest in trees over 20 years old, with one exception.
5. Manybird species depend on unafforested moorland, but werenot censusedsince they are too sparsely distributed. Theirloss is to beset against the gain in numbers of smaller songbirds followingafforestation which was inferred from the studyplots. Fromthe standpoint of bird conservation, diverse foreststructureand the retention of some large unafforested uplandareas isadvocated.

     

Canine Subcutaneous Zygomycosis Caused by Conidiobolus sp.: A Case Report and Review of Conidiobolus Infections in other Species

Résumé— Un chien, jeune adulte, a été présenté pour une masse sous-cutanée évoluant depuis un mois sur la partie droite du thorax et une masse ulcérée sous-cutanée sur la cuisse droite. L'examen histo-pathologique a révélé une inflammation pyogranulomateuse du derme et du tissu sous-cutané avec de larges hyphes fongiques. De nouvelles lésions sont apparues. Un traitement à base d'itraconazole pendant 2 semaines a été inefficace. L'euthanasie a été pratiquée 10 semaines après la première consultation. La culture fongique faite à partir de prélèvements chirurgicaux a permis d'isoler un Conidiobolus sp. Des infections àConidiobolus sp. ont été rapportées chez l'homme, le cheval, le mouton et le lama. Histologiquement, les hyphes sont difficiles à différencier de ceux d'autres zygomycètes ou de Pythium insidiosum. La culture est nécessaire pour une identification définitive. Une discussion sur les aspects comparés des infections cutanées àConidiobolus sp. est développée. [Hiller, A., Kunkle, G. A., Ginn, P. E., Padhye, A. A. Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and review of Conidibolus infections in other species. (Zygomycose sous-cutanée àConidiobolus sp. chez un chien: cas clinique et revue des infections àConidiobolus dans les autres espèces). Resumen— Un perro adulto joven presentaba una masa subcutánea en la región torácica derecha y otra ulcerada en la parte proximal de la extremidad posterior derecha, ambas de un mes de duración. El exámen histopatológico mostró una inflamación piogranulomatosa de la dermis y del tejido subcutáneo con grandes hifas füngicas. A pesar de que la enfermedad cutánea presentó un curso oscilante, aparecieron nuevas lesiones. Un tratamiento de dos semanas con itraconazol no alteró el curso de la enfermedad. El animal fue eutanasiado a las 10 semanas de la primera visita. Se ais lóConidiobolus sp. a partir de las muestras quirúrjicas. Las infecciones por Conidiobolus sp. estan descritas en la especie humana, la equina, la ovina y en las llamas. Las hifas no se diferencian fácilmente a nivel histológico de otros cigomicetales o de Pythium insidiosum y es necesaria la identificatión mediante un cultivo fúngico para establecer un diagnóstico definitive Se discuten las caracteristicas de la infección cutánea por Conidiobolus sp. y se describen las caracteristicas de la pitiosis cutánea. [Hillier, A., Kunkle, G. A., Ginn, P. E. and Padhye, A. A. Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and review of Conidibolus infections in other species (Cigomcosis subcutánea canina causada por Conidibolus sp.: un caso clinico y revisién de las infecciones por Conidibolus sp. en otras especies). Zusammenfassung— Ein junger ausgewachsener Hund wurde vorgestellt, der seit einem Monat an der rechten Thoraxwand ein subkutanes Gebilde und proximal an der rechten Hintergliedmaße eine ulzer-ierende, subkutane Masse aufwies. Bei der histopathologischen Untersuchung wurde eine pyogranulomatöse Entzündung der Dermis und Subkutis mit breiten Pilzhyphen entdeckt. Trotz des “Auf und Ab” der Hautkrankheit erschionon laufend neue Hautveränderungen. Eine zweiwöchige Behandlung mit Itrakonazol veränderte den Verlauf der Krankheit nicht. 10 Wochen nach der Erstvorstellung des Patienten wurde en euthenesiert. In der Kultur von chrirugischen Proben wurde Conidiobolus sp. isoliert. Conidiobolus sp.-Infektionen sind bei Menschen, Pferden, Schafen und Lamas beschrieben. Die Hyphen können histologisch schlecht von denen anderen Zygomyzeten oder von Pythium insidiosum unterschieden werden. Für die endgültige Diagnose ist eine Identifizierung mittels Pilzkultur notwendig. Die Erscheinungsbilder von kutanen Conidiobolus sp.-Infektionen werdon diskutiert und mit denen kutaner Phytiosis verglichen. [Canine subcutaneous zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus sp.: a case report and reviews of Conidiobolus infections in other species (Subkutane Zygomykose des Hundes durch Conidiobolus sp.: Fallbericht und übersicht über Conidioblus-Infektionen bie anderen Tierarten). Abstract— A young adult dog was presented with a 1-month history of a subcutaneous mass on the right thoracic wall and an ulcerative, subcutaneous mass of the proximal right hindlimb. Pyogranulomatous inflammation of the dermis and subcutis with broad fungal hyphae were found on histopathologic examination. Despite some waxing and waning of the skin disease, new lesions continued to appear. A 2-week course of itraconazole did not alter the course of the disease. Euthanasia was performed 10 weeks after initial presentation. Conidiobolus sp. was isolated in culture from surgical specimens. Conidiobolus sp. infection has been reported in humans, horses, sheep and llamas. The hyphae cannot be easily distinguished histologically from those of some other zygomycetes or Pythium insidiosum and fungal culture identification of the organism is required for definitive diagnosis. A discussion of the features of cutaneous Conidiobolus sp. infection is given and comparative features of cutaneous pythiosis are presented.     

The Pathological Changes and Polymorphonuclear and Mast Cell Responses in the Skin of Specific Pathogen-free Lambs Following Primary and Secondary Challenge with Orf Virus

Abstract— The primary and secondary responses in the skin of specific pathogen free (SPF) lambs to scarification and orf virus infection were studied and the temporal changes in numbers of dermal polymorphonuclear and mast cells were examined. The clinical and histopathological changes after primary infection were similar to those previously described after secondary infection although there was a more severe reaction and an increased timescale. It is concluded that relevant data on the cellular processes involved in the host response to orf virus can be obtained from previously infected animals. Two stages of cutaneous response were identified histologically; (i) repair of the injury and (ii) reaction to virus replication, which, as determined by antigen location, initially seemed to occur within the newly repaired epidermis. The second stage comprised a localised inflammatory response and epidermal proliferation beneath it, resulting in isolation of the infected zone. The response involved neutrophils, basophils and possibly mast cells but not eosinophils. Résumé— Les résponses primaires et secondaires dans la peau d'agneaux SPF à la scarification et à l'infection par le virus de l'ecthyma contagieux ont étéétudiées, ainsi que les modifications dans le temps du nombre de leucocytes et de mastocytes dermiques. Les modifications cliniques et histologiques après une primoinfection étaient similaires à celles que l'on à décrites précédemment lors d'infection secondaire, encore que la réaction soit plus sévère et plus durable. Il a été conclu que des données fiables concernant les processus cellulaires impliqués dans la réponse de l'hôte au virus de l'ecthyma contagieux pouvaient être obtenues à partir d'animaux qui avaient déjàété infectés. Deux étapes ont été identifiées histologiquement dans la réponse cutanée: (i) réparation du traumatisme et (ii) réaction à la réplication virale, qui, comme le démontre la localisation de l'antigène, semble initialement se faire dans l'épiderme cicatriciel. La seconde étape comprend une réponse inflammatoire localisée et une prolifération épidermique sous-jacente, aboutissant à une excision de la zone infectée. La réponse implique une participation des neutrophiles, des basophiles, des mastocytes mais, pas des éosinophiles. Zusammenfassung— Die primären und sekundären Reaktionen in der Haut von spezifisch-pathogen-freíen (SPF) Lämmern nach Skarifikation und Infektion mit ORF-Viren wurden untersucht und Daten über die temporafen Veränderungen in der Zahl der dermalen polymorphonukleären Zellen und Mastzellen erhoben. Die klinischen und histopathologischen Veränderungen nach der primären Infektion ähnelten denen die nach sekundärer Infektion beschrieben wurden. Die Reaktion war jedoch schwerer und die Dauer länger. Man schließt daraus, daß relevante daten über die zellulären Prozesse, die bei der Reaktion des Wirtsorganismus auf ORF-Viren beteilligt sind, von schon früher intizierten Individuen erhalten werden können. Histologisch lassen sich zwei Stadien unterscheiden: (I) Reparation des Defekts und (II) Reaktion auf die Virusreplikation, die—auch Antigenlokalisierung bestimmt—anfangs zeitlich mit der neu hergestellt Epidermis zusammenfällt. Das zweite Stadium umfaßt eine lokalisierte Entzündungsreaktion mit einer darunterliegenden, epidermalen Proliferation, wodurch der infizierte Bereich abgestoßen wird. An der Reaktion sind neutrophile und basophile Granulozyten, möglicherweise auch Mastzellen beteiligt, nicht aber eosinophile Granulozyten. Resumen En este trabajo se describen las respuestas primarias y secundarias en la piel de corderos SPF (specific pathogen free) después de una escarificación y aplicación de virus del ectima; así como los cambios que se producen en los polimorfonucleares y las células cebadas de la dermis. Los cambios clínicos e histopatológicos después de la infección primaria fueron semejantes a los observados después de la infección secundaria, aunque la infección fue más intensa y más duradera. Se concluye que se pueden obtener datos relevantes sobre los procesos celulares que participan en la respuesta del hospedador contra el virus del ectima a partir de animales infectados previamente. Histológicamente se identificaron dos etapas en la respuesta cutánea; (1) preparación de la agresión y (2) reacción a la replicación viral, que, de acuerdo con la localización del antígeno, parece ocurrir inicialmente en la epidermis recientemente regenerada. La segunda etapa consistía fundamentalmente en una respuesta inflamatoria localizada y en una regeneración epidérmica junto a la misma, que resultaba en una escisión de la zona infectada. En la respuesta participaban neutrófilos, basófilos y probablemente células cebadas aunque no eosinófilos.     

Double-Outlet Right Ventricle for Relief of Pulmonic Stenosis in Dogs An Experimental Study

Relief of right ventricular outflow obstruction with a valveless Dacron conduit from the right ventricle to pulmonary artery was accomplished in 12 normal dogs. The procedure involved the development of a surgical technique without cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia, and/or venous occlusion; the development of a ventricular coring instrument; the fabrication of a wire supported Dacron conduit; the development of a basketed insert cannula; and the creation of an experimental model of pulmonic stenosis. Of the 12 dogs operated, two died intraoperatively, three died postoperatively, and seven were electively euthanized postoperatively. Relief of the right ventricular outflow obstruction was documented in all cases by a reduction in mean peak right ventricular pressure, improvement of mean arterial pressure, decrease in mean right atrial pressure, and an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure. The pulmonary insufficiency created was considered a tolerable although not benign condition. The technique would be of particular value in dogs with severe right ventricular hypertrophy.     

The Polymorphonuclear and Mast Cell Responses in Ovine Skin Infected with Orf Virus

Abstract— Histological examination and quantification of some of the cell types during the first 120h of orf virus infection of scarified skin indicated that the main polymorphonuclear cell involved during early viral replication is the neutrophil, although the accumulation of this cell type also occurred in response to the initial trauma. Orf virus infection had no appreciable influence on the relatively low eosinophil population in the dermis but induced a basophil response which followed the appearance of viral antigen in the epidermis and was greatest at the periphery of the lesion. The number of cutaneous mast cells was not significantly affected by scarification and infection. Résumé— L'examen histologique et la numération de certains types de cellules pendant les 120 heures suivant la scarification de la peau avec du virus de l'ecthyma contagieux, ont montré que le polynucléaire le plus impliqué pendant le début de la réplication virale était le polynucléaire neutrophile, prenant en compte que l'accumulation de ce type de cellule intervient aussi en réponse au traumatisme initial. L'infection par le virus de l'ecthyma contagieux n'a pas eu d'influence appréciable sur la population relativement faible des éosinophiles dans le derme mais, a induit, à la suite de l'apparition de l'antigène viral dans l'épiderme, une résponse des basophiles, surtout observée à la périphérie de la lésion. Le nombre des mastocytes cutanés n'a pas été sensiblement modifié par la scarification ni par l'infection. Zusammenfassung— Durch histologische Untersuchung und Quantifizierung verschiedener Zelltypen während der ersten 120 Stunden einer ORF-Infektion von skarifizierter Haut konnte der neutrophile Granulozyt als hauptsächliche polymorphkernige Zelle der frühen viralen Replikationsphase bestimmt werden. Allerdings kommt es auch zu einer Vermehrung dieser Zellen als Reaktion auf das initiale Trauma. Die ORF-Virusinfektion hatte keinen bemerkens-werten Einfluß auf die relativ geringe Eosinophilenpopulation in der Dermis, induzierte jedoch eine basophile Reaktion nach dem Erscheinen des virus-Antigens in der Epidermis vor allem im peripheren Bereich der Läsion. Die Zahl der Hautmastzellen änderte sich durch die Skarifizierung und Infektion nicht statistisch signifikant. Resumen El examen histológico y la cuantificación de las células presentes en la piel durante las 120 h. siguientes a la infectión por virus del ectima contagiosos en pieles escarificadas indicó que la principal célula polimorfonuclear que participa en la replicatión viral temprana es el neutrófilo, aunque el acúmulo de este tipo celular también se presenta como respuesta al trauma inicial. La infectión con el virus del ectima no tuvo una influencia apreciable sobre la población relativamente baja de eosinófilos de la dermis, pero indujo una respuesta de basófilos a continuación de la aparición de la presencia de antígeno viral en la epidermis y que fue de mayor intensidad en la periferia de la lesión. El número de mastocitos no se vió influenciado significativamente por la escarificación e infectión.     

EVALUATION OF A HEAD-REPOSITIONER AND Z-PLATE SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED ACCURACY OF DOSE DELIVERY

Radiation therapy requires accurate dose delivery to targets often identifiable only on computed tomography (CT) images. Translation between the isocenter localized on CT and laser setup for radiation treatment, and interfractional head repositioning are frequent sources of positioning error. The objective was to design a simple, accurate apparatus to eliminate these sources of error. System accuracy was confirmed with phantom and in vivo measurements. A head repositioner that fixates the maxilla via dental mold with fiducial marker Z-plates attached was fabricated to facilitate the connection between the isocenter on CT and laser treatment setup. A phantom study targeting steel balls randomly located within the head repositioner was performed. The center of each ball was marked on a transverse CT slice on which six points of the Z-plate were also visible. Based on the relative position of the six Z-plate points and the ball center, the laser setup position on each Z-plate and a top plate was calculated. Based on these setup marks, orthogonal port films, directed toward each target, were evaluated for accuracy without regard to visual setup. A similar procedure was followed to confirm accuracy of in vivo treatment setups in four dogs using implanted gold seeds. Sequential port films of three dogs were made to confirm interfractional accuracy. Phantom and in vivo measurements confirmed accuracy of 2 mm between isocenter on CT and the center of the treatment dose distribution. Port films confirmed similar accuracy for interfractional treatments. The system reliably connects CT target localization to accurate initial and interfractional radiation treatment setup.     

The resistance to chemotherapeutic agents of Escherichia coli from domestic dogs and cats

The prevalence of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in the rectal flora of 168 healthy dogs and 93 cats in the Brisbane area was investigated. Rectal swabs were plated on MacConkey agar with and without antibiotics, and 690 isolates confirmed as faecal E. coli were tested for resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, neomycin, furazolidone and sulphanilamide. Resistant isolates were obtained from 101 (60%) of the dogs and 24 (26%) of the cats sampled. A high percentage of the isolates was resistant to tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin and sulphanilamide. Multiple resistance to 3 or more of the drugs was exhibited by the majority of isolates and a total of 31 different multiple resistance patterns was demonstrated. Of the 50 strains tested for transfer of resistance, 30 (60%) transferred some or all of their resistance determinants to an E. coli K12F - recipient.     

Splanchnic Surface Oximetry during Experimental Portal Hypertension and Surgical Manipulation of Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

Surface oxygen tension (PSO2) was measured in dogs during experimental manipulation of the portal vein and hepatic artery, and during surgery to correct portosystemic shunting. There was no alteration in PSO2 of liver, pancreas, duodenum, or jejunum during partial (50%) or complete reduction of hepatic artery flow. After 100% reduction in portal vein blood flow, PSO2 was lower in jejunum, duodenum, and liver. With 50% reduction in portal flow, PSO2 was significantly decreased only in jejunum. In six dogs with single extrahepatic shunts, there was a significant correlation between portal pressure and jejunal PSO2. It was concluded that measurement of visceral organ PSO2 represents an accurate noninvasive means of obtaining objective data on the effect of reduction in hepatic blood flow on perfusion of other select splanchnic organs.