Mesopelagic fish larval assemblages during El Niño‐southern oscillation (1997–2001) in the southern part of the California Current

Mesopelagic species are the principal constituents of larval fish assemblages inhabiting the southerly California Current region. Seasonal larval abundance is influenced by circulation of the California Current and subtropical Countercurrent, including regional changes of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics during the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. This study examines the mesopelagic fish larvae distribution and abundance patterns between seasons and years, with the aim of describing the mesopelagic larval assemblages during dynamic environmental changes induced by El Niño (1997–1998) and the rapid transition to La Niña (1998–2000) along the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula (25–31°N). Despite large oceanographic variability, larval assemblages varied principally on a seasonal basis, related to reproductive periods and the north–south gradient influenced by the seasonal pattern of the California Current. An increased diversity, number of species, and abundance of tropical species was noticeable during the northward expansion of warm‐water taxa during El Niño, principally in the northern areas (Ensenada and Punta Baja). After El Niño, population adjustments and rapid recovery occurred during La Niña conditions, which reflected seasonal differences in the mesopelagic community structure that are closely related to the seasonal pattern of oceanic currents.     

Growth and biochemical composition of juvenile green abalone Haliotis fulgens fed rehydrated macroalgae

Under controlled laboratory conditions, juvenile green abalone Haliotis fulgens were fed rehydrated natural feeds to determine the effects on growth, survival, feed efficiency and biochemical composition of the digestive gland and muscle. Five macroalgae, Ulva sp. (Chlorophyta), Eisenia arborea, Macrocystis pyrifera, Egregia menziesii (Phaeophyta) and Porphyra perforata (Rhodophyta) were tested. The macroalgae promoted growth, although, depending on the species, there were considerable differences in growth, feed efficiency and biochemical composition of the digestive gland and muscle. Mean growth rate in length and weight and survival rate varied within the ranges 1.6–15.1 μm day^?1, 1.4–8.1 mg day^?1 and 44–69%, respectively. Significantly, higher growth rates were obtained from Egregia menziesii, M. pyrifera and P. perforata. Feed conversion ratio ranged from 6.5 to 42.4 for P. perforata and Ulva sp. Protein, carbohydrates and lipid contents in the digestive gland ranged from 113 to 180, 98.3 to 448 and 17.2 to 23.3 mg g^?1_, respectively. In muscle, the ranges were 66.9–123, 9.5–23.2 and 2.8–3.9 mg g^?1, respectively. This study shows that rehydrated Egregia menziesii, M. pyrifera and, particularly, P. perforata are more efficient in promoting growth than Ulva sp. and E. arborea which match results reported by other authors when using the same fresh macroalgae.     

Proximate composition,mineral content,and antioxidant properties of 14 Mexican weeds used as fodder

Many wild weeds are used in Mexico as fodder. Due to their economic value, this investigation was undertaken to determine the chemical composition of 14 species. The mineral, crude protein, fiber, and total phenolic content, as well as the antioxidant activity, was determined. There was a significant variation in the mineral content among the 14 weeds, which all had calcium and potassium as the predominant elements. According to the results, some of the weeds might represent possible mineral deficiency sources, making the supplementation of certain minerals advisable. Although five of the species contained a low concentration of magnesium, the overall mineral ratios of the forage weeds were at safe levels, preventing grazing animals suffering from grass tetany, in contrast to the excessive calcium : phosphorus ratios that can affect their normal growth and bone development. The crude fiber and protein content in most of the weeds fell into the recommended range for the maintenance of cattle. The phenolic content of the studied weed extracts was higher than that reported for several Mediterranean forage species. These phenolic profiles correlate well with the radical scavenging activities of the extracts.     

Relating spatial and temporal scales of climate and ocean variability to survival of Pacific Northwest Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Pacific Northwest Chinook, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, have exhibited a high degree of variability in smolt‐to‐adult survival over the past three decades. This variability is summarized for 22 Pacific Northwest stocks and analyzed using generalized linear modeling techniques. Results indicate that survival can be grouped into eight distinct regional clusters: (1) Alaska, Northern BC and North Georgia Strait; (2) Georgia Strait; (3) Lower Fraser River and West Coast Vancouver Island; (4) Puget Sound and Hood Canal; (5) Lower Columbia Tules; (6) Columbia Upriver Brights, Willamette and Cowlitz; (7) Oregon and Washington Coastal; and (8) Klamath River and Columbia River Summers. Further analysis for stocks within each of the eight regions indicates that local ocean conditions following the outmigration of smolts from freshwater to marine areas had a significant effect on survival for the majority of the stock groups analyzed. Our analyses of the data indicate that Pacific Northwest Chinook survival covaries on a spatial scale of 350–450 km. Lagged time series models are presented that link large‐scale tropical Pacific conditions, intermediate‐basin scale northeastern Pacific conditions, and local sea surface temperatures to survival of Pacific Northwest stocks.     

Genetic and morphometric characterization of a local Vietnamese Swamp Buffalo population

The water buffalo plays a key role in the socio-economy of South-East Asia as it is the main draught power for paddy rice cultivation. While in the Indian subcontinent the water buffalo is the riverine type, in South-East Asia the majority of buffaloes are of the swamp type. In the poor remote northern province of Ha Giang in Vietnam, improvement of the swamp buffalo breed may be one of the best ways to increase sustainability of farming systems. Therefore, analysis of the genetic structure of the province buffalo population is a prerequisite to any conservation or improvement project. A total of 1122 animals were described for 11 body and horn measurements for morphometric characterization. From this sample set, 744 animals were genotyped for 17 microsatellite markers. Also 17 animals from southern provinces of Vietnam were genotyped as a comparative sample. The results showed that genetic diversity as well as inbreeding value in the Ha Giang was high. The F _ST values within the province and across Vietnam were low indicating that most of the population variation is explained by individual variability. Bayesian clustering analysis did not highlight the presence of subdivided populations. These results are useful for the implementation of a conservation and improvement strategy of the swamp buffalo in order to guarantee the householders' needs for sustainability of the farming system in the Ha Giang province.     

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis and Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis Associated with Pectineus Myotomy: Short‐Term Outcome in 56 Dysplastic Puppies

Objectives— (1) To compare short‐term outcome of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) in puppies aged 12–17 weeks with lax hips (group JPS1), in puppies aged 18–22 weeks (group JPS2), and control (group C) puppies; and (2) to document outcome of bilateral pectineus myotomy (PM) associated with JPS in 18–22‐week‐old puppies (group JPS–PM). Study Design— Prospective study. Methods— Puppies (12–22 weeks) from large and giant breed dogs with a combination of a positive Ortolani sign, poor acetabular coverage (Norberg angle [NA]≤100°), and a subluxation index (SI) >0.5 for one or both hips were selected. Puppies aged <18 weeks were randomly assigned to group JPS1 or C. Puppies aged 18–22 weeks were randomly assigned to group JPS2, JPS–PM, or C. Three to 4 months later, surgery was considered successful in pain‐free dogs with negative Ortolani sign, normalized acetabular coverage (NA≥105°), and SI>0.5. Success rates were compared using Fisher's exact tests: JPS1 versus JPS2 versus C; JPS2 versus JPS–PM. Significance was set at P<.05. Results— All dysplastic hips from nonoperated (C) groups were dysplastic at follow‐up, meaning that our criteria for case selection were accurate. JPS1 had significantly better success rate than JPS2 (85 versus 17.8%, respectively). JPS–PM dysplastic hips failed to demonstrate a better outcome than JPS2 hips. Clinical Relevance— This study confirms, on a large series of dysplastic hips, the age‐dependent effects of JPS, with better results if performed before 18 weeks of age. There is no benefit of adding PM to the procedure in candidates >18 weeks at surgery.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MEDULLARY TIBIAL INFARCTION IN A HORSE

An Andalusian Stallion with left hind limb lameness had a radiolucent lesion in the medullary cavity of distal tibial metaphysis. After euthanasia for other disease, the tibia was examined with magnetic resonance (MR). The MR imaging sequences were characterized by a double line sign, although showing quite different lesion area intensities. Histologically, the lesion was compatible with medullary infarction being characterized by normal spongy bone, areas of abundant fibrous tissue and numerous necrotic adipocytes in various stages of destruction.     

RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF CONFIRMED PULMONARY LYMPHOMA IN CATS AND DOGS

Herein we describe the thoracic radiographic appearance of confirmed pulmonary lymphoma. Patients with thoracic radiographs and cytologically or histologically confirmed pulmonary lymphoma were sought by contacting American College of Veterinary Radiology members. Seven cats and 16 dogs met the inclusion criteria, ranging in age from 4 to 15 years. Method of diagnosis was via ultrasound‐guided cytology (four), surgical biopsy (two), ultrasound‐guided biopsy (one), and necropsy (16). Radiographic findings varied but ranged from normal (one) to alveolar (six) and/or unstructured interstitial infiltrates (11), nodules and/or masses (eight), and bronchial infiltrates (four). Additional thoracic radiographic findings included pleural effusion and lymphadenopathy. The results of this evaluation indicate a wide variability in thoracic radiographic abnormalities in cats and dogs with pulmonary lymphoma.     

Time course and specificity of lipolysis in Swiss cheese

Controlling lipolysis in cheese is necessary to ensure the formation of desirable flavor. To get a better understanding of the mechanism of lipolysis in Swiss cheese, cheeses were manufactured with and without (control) the addition of Propionibacterium freudenreichii. Products of lipolysis were quantified throughout ripening. Half of the free fatty acids (FFA) released in milk (3.66 mg/g fat), in particular the short-chain FFA, were lost in the whey during curd drainage, whereas diglycerides and monoglycerides were retained within the curd. P. freudenreichii was responsible for the release of most FFA during ripening (10.84 and 0.39 mg/g fat in propionibacteria-containing and control cheeses, respectively). Indices of lipolysis displayed low specificity. All types of FFA were released, but butyric and palmitic acids more significantly, which could be due to a low sn-1,3 regioselectivity. All glycerides were hydrolyzed in the following order: monoglycerides>diglycerides>triglycerides. The results of this study show the quantitative and qualitative contributions of the different lipolytic agents to Swiss cheese lipolysis.