An international inter-laboratory ring trial to evaluate a real-time PCR assay for the detection of bovine herpesvirus 1 in extended bovine semen

Six laboratories participated in a ring trial to evaluate the reliability of a real-time PCR assay for the detection of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) from extended bovine semen. Sets of coded samples were prepared and distributed to each of the laboratories. The sample panel contained semen from naturally and artificially infected bulls, serial dilutions of positive semen with negative semen, semen from uninfected seronegative bulls, negative semen spiked with virus, as well as serial dilutions of reference virus. The samples were tested using a previously validated real-time PCR assay for the detection of BoHV-1 in each participating laboratory. The PCR tests were conducted with four different real-time PCR amplification platforms, including RotorGene 3000, Stratagene MX 3000/4000, ABI 7900, and Roche LightCycler 2.0. Virus isolation using one set of samples was performed in one laboratory. The results of the laboratories were compared with one another, and with those of virus isolation. It was found that the sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCR test was greater than those of virus isolation (82.7% versus 53.6% and 93.6% versus 84.6%, respectively). A high level of agreement on PCR testing results between the laboratories was achieved (kappa value 0.59-0.95). The results of this study indicate that the real-time PCR assay is suitable for the detection of BoHV-1 in extended semen, and would be a good substitute for the slow and laborious virus isolation, for the screening testing at artificial insemination centres and for international trade.     

Stress rehabilitation through garden therapy: A caregiver perspective on factors considered most essential to the recovery process

At the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden in Sweden, people suffering from stress-related illness are rehabilitated through garden therapy. Empirical data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus-group interviews with the rehabilitation team. The present article is based on team members’ understandings of significant factors to the stress recovery process. On-site observations were conducted to achieve a broader comprehension of the empirical data. The article is based on the caregivers’ points of view, as they are presumed to be close to the course of events occurring in the garden therapy programme as a whole. The results reveal a generally complex picture of the rehabilitation form, but at the same time indicate three factors that are of primary importance: (1) sensory impressions, (2) self-chosen places in the garden, and (3) interactions between concrete and symbolic activities. The garden environment tends to “prepare, receive and open up” the participants before and after therapeutic elements, which is thought to be especially appropriate for this group. The results provide important knowledge about what kinds of factors contribute to relief and recovery from stress-related ill-health in the context of stress rehabilitation through garden therapy.     

DDT in Biota of Paranagu�� Bay, Southern Brazil: Recent Input and Rapid Degradation

The presence of recent dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) inputs is established for Paranaguá Bay biota, i.e. bivalves, fish and one sponge. Values ranged from 6.9 to 156.2 ng ??DDT/g dry weight. Three fish species analysed showed ??DDT values from 36.8 to 92.1 ng/g dry weight. The highest contents (up to 156.2 ng ??DDT/g dry weight) were found for mangrove oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) at locations affected by sewage discharge from Paranaguá City. Turtles as herbivores were not affected by this input with values of 0.7 and 2.2 ng ??DDT/g dry weight. The areal distribution of samples suggests that usage of DDT is widespread around the bay. Fresh DDT input is degraded to DDE and DDD within approximately 5 months.     

Equine Breeding-Induced Endometritis: A Review

Although endometritis is a normal occurrence after breeding, persistent inflammation threatens the success of the pregnancy. Persistent endometritis has been cited as a leading reproductive health concern in the mare. A variety of factors contribute to susceptibility to persistent breeding induced endometritis, including age, endometrial quality, and reproductive history. Seminal plasma mediates the immune response to breeding, as it has protective properties for viable spermatozoa, while aiding in the recognition and targeting of dead spermatozoa by the mare's immune response. Although the adaptive immune response has been implicated in the response to breeding, the innate immune response along with mechanical clearance are the primary mechanisms suggested to act to clear endometritis. Mares susceptible to persistent breeding induced endometritis have an altered innate immune response after breeding compared to resistant mares. There are multiple tools and strategies utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent endometritis. This review of the literature summarizes research investigating the causes, pathogenesis, and treatments of persistent breeding induced endometritis.     

DOC leaching from a coniferous forest floor: modeling a manipulation experiment

The DyDOC model simulates the C dynamics of forest soils, including the production and transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM), on the basis of soil hydrology, metabolic processes, and sorption reactions. The model recognizes three main pools of soil C: litter, substrate (an intermediate transformation product), and humic substances. The model was used to simulate the behavior of C in the O horizon of soil under a Norway spruce stand at Asa, Sweden, that had been subjected to experimental manipulations (addition and removal) of above‐ground litter inputs and to removal of the Oi and Oe layers. Initially, the model was calibrated using results for the control plots and was able to reproduce the observed total soil C pool and ¹⁴C content, DOC flux and DO¹⁴C content, and the pool of litter C, together with the assumed content of C in humic substances (20% of the total soil C), and the assumed distribution of DOC between hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions. The constant describing DOC exchange between micro‐ and macropores was estimated from short‐term variations in DOC concentration. When the calibrated model was used to predict the effects of litter and soil manipulations, it underestimated the additional DOC export (up to 33%) caused by litter addition, and underestimated the 22% reduction in DOC export caused by litter withdrawal. Therefore, an additional metabolic process, the direct conversion of litter to DOC, was added to the model. The addition of this process permitted reasonably accurate simulation of the results of the manipulation experiments, without affecting the goodness‐of‐fit in the model calibration. The results suggest that, under normal conditions, DOC exported from the Asa forest floor is a mixture of compounds derived from soil C pools with a range of residence times. Approximately equal amounts come from the litter pool (turnover time 4.6 yr), the substrate pool (26 yr), and the humic‐substances pool (36 yr).     

Effects of Experimental Plant Density Reductions on Plant Choice and Foraging Behaviour of Bees (Hymenoptera:Apoidea)

This investigation tested how a reduction in plant density affected the willingness of bees to visit a number of palaearctic plant species. Pairwise comparisons were made between the first bee visits to control and manipulated plots. The results showed that bees still chose and utilized plant species with a small number of open flowers in the density-reduced plots. In plant species with a larger number of flowers, bees often chose the dense plots or did not visit as many flowers on plants in the density-reduced plots. Multiflowered plants may produce only small amounts of nectar in order to discourage pollinators from foraging too long in the inflorescences. This would result in a decrease in the number of self-pollination events and an increase in pollen export.     

In-Pack Surface Pasteurization of Capture-Based,Pre-Rigor Filleted Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)

In this study, we targeted the surface bacteria of high quality vacuum-packed cod loins to investigate how this affected the shelf life. After heat processing, the storage temperature was kept at 4°C in order to mimic supermarket shelf conditions. Samples that had undergone minimal heating regimes were compared with control samples as well with samples that were heated into the core. Shelf life was assessed based on the findings of a sensory analysis and on microbial growth data and supported by measurements of liquid loss and pH. Surface pasteurization of these samples seems to prolong shelf life only to a limited degree, even for samples with a low initial contamination level. Transportation of some bacteria into the filet, possibly during the intense rigor mortis progress triggered by the heat process, may have created a general flux of water in the samples. Underneath the surface, these bacteria are exposed to a limited thermal load and very little microbial competition. Surface pasteurization is an efficient method to reduce microbial contamination of many foodstuffs. In the case of fresh fish, however, surface pasteurization seems to have a limited effect due to the structure of the muscle and the subsequent storage condition.     

Experiments with Two Methods of Forming Pins for Transfixing Fractures of the Long Bones in Large Animals

The immobilization of fractures of the long bones in large animals after transfixation with fibre-glass re-inforced plastic bandages depends to a large extent on the method of forming the pins used to transfix the bones. The experiments described show a significant decrease in the displacement of bone fragments when parallel bent pins are used compared to that noted when parallel straight pins are used. The necessity of securely anchoring the pins in the bandage is also demonstrated. No damage to the bones was seen in any of the experiments. The bandage material showed complete firmness at all loads tested. The quality of the pins was such that no breakages occurred. Two 3 mm pins could be used in each fragment with complete safety and reliability.     

Management of hydrops amnion in a mare resulting in birth of a live foal

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated at 265 days of gestation with a markedly distended abdomen and edema of the ventral portion of the abdomen. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The uterus was distended over the pelvic rim, making transrectal palpation of the fetus impossible. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed excessive amounts of fetal fluid. Results of analysis of fluid obtained via amnio- and allantocentesis confirmed that the amniotic cavity was large. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The mare was monitored for signs of weakness of the prepubic tendon and abdominal wall. The fetus and placenta were monitored for signs of stress and pending abortion. Flunixin meglumine and altrenogest were administered to the mare. Parturition was attended and occurred at 321 days' gestation. Postpartum complications in the mare included hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrhythmias. Both conditions were treated, and the mare recovered. The foal was considered small, had bilateral angular limb deformities, and was unable to nurse. The foal was given plasma for failure of passive transfer of immunity. Ten months later, the foal underwent procedures to correct limb deformities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hydrops conditions are rare in horses, with hydrops allantois occurring more frequently than hydrops amnion; reportedly result in fetal or neonatal death; and may result in death of or injury to the mare. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal health in combination with supportive treatment of the mare can result in the safe progression of a hydrops pregnancy and the birth of a live foal.