Influence of larval transport and temperature on recruitment dynamics of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua) across spatial scales of observation

The survival of fish eggs and larvae, and therefore recruitment success, can be critically affected by transport in ocean currents. Combining a model of early‐life stage dispersal with statistical stock–recruitment models, we investigated the role of larval transport for recruitment variability across spatial scales for the population complex of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua). By using a coupled physical–biological model, we estimated the egg and larval transport over a 44‐year period. The oceanographic component of the model, capable of capturing the interannual variability of temperature and ocean current patterns, was coupled to the biological component, an individual‐based model (IBM) that simulated the cod eggs and larvae development and mortality. This study proposes a novel method to account for larval transport and success in stock–recruitment models: weighting the spawning stock biomass by retention rate and, in the case of multiple populations, their connectivity. Our method provides an estimate of the stock biomass contributing to recruitment and the effect of larval transport on recruitment variability. Our results indicate an effect, albeit small, in some populations at the local level. Including transport anomaly as an environmental covariate in traditional stock–recruitment models in turn captures recruitment variability at larger scales. Our study aims to quantify the role of larval transport for recruitment across spatial scales, and disentangle the roles of temperature and larval transport on effective connectivity between populations, thus informing about the potential impacts of climate change on the cod population structure in the North Sea.     

Using acoustic telemetry and snorkel surveys to study diel activity and seasonal migration of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in an estuary of the Western Baltic Sea

In just two decades, round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas) has dispersed throughout most of the Baltic and the North American Great Lakes. It thrives in shallow sheltered areas, where it is impacting native fauna. In Denmark, researchers, governmental institutions and fishers have joined in an effort to establish a sustainable round goby fishery. To do so, basic information about the movement of round goby is essential, so the movements of 50 round gobies were tracked using acoustic telemetry. The results revealed that activity took place mainly at night and seasonal migrations were common. The most frequent migration behaviour observed was a seaward return migration during winter, which was further confirmed by a snorkel survey. Tracking data also revealed riverine upstream dispersal. The results demonstrate that the round goby can be mapped using telemetry, and it is suggested that fishing for round goby may improve efficiency by targeting seasonal migration corridors.     

Long-term culture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in submerged cages during winter affects behaviour, growth and condition

In the search for alternative farming methods, we investigated whether large salmon submerged below 10 m in winter conditions behaved normally and performed as well as control fish held in standard surface cages. On average, 2345 salmon of ~ 3.5 kg were kept in each of six 2000 m³ sea-cages for 6 weeks; three of which were submerged to 10–24 m depth and three acted as surface controls (0–14 m). Behaviour during both day and night was studied with echo-sounders, and underwater video cameras fitted with infra-red lamps. A sub-sample of fish from each cage was weighed, measured and assessed for fin and snout condition prior to and after the experimental period. In addition, the vertebral column of 50 fish from the control and submerged treatments were dissected and X-rayed to assess vertebral deformities. The submerged salmon seemed unable to re-fill any gas into the swim bladder, as a linear decrease in echo reflection to < 5% of pre-submergence levels after 22 days of submergence indicated loss of almost all gas from the physostomous swim bladders and negatively buoyant fish. Around day 22, submerged salmon swam at night time with a distinct ‘tail-down, head-up’ tilt (26°) compared to the horizontal swimming position of control fish (− 3°). Average swimming speed (body length per second) of submerged salmon were 1.3–1.4 times faster (day: 0.77 ± 0.02; night: 0.46 ± 0.02, (mean ± SE)) than control fish (day: 0.54 ± 0.01; night: 0.37 ± 0.02) both during day and night. Almost no mortality was seen, and the submerged salmon maintained similar diurnal vertical migrations as the surface fish, indicating that deep submergence did not exhaust the fish. However, submerged fish fed less efficiently, resulting in lower growth and reduced feed utilization. Fins and snouts of the submerged fish had small, but significantly more erosion than the control fish. Vertebrae in the tail region were significantly compressed in the submerged fish compared to control fish. This could be an early symptom of development of vertebral deformities. The results suggest that continuous submergence below 10 m for longer than 2 weeks reduces the welfare and performance of Atlantic salmon.     

Canine mammary gland tumours; a histological continuum from benign to malignant; clinical and histopathological evidence*

This study describes the clinical and histopathological findings in dogs with mammary gland tumours, and compares the histopathological and clinical evidence consistent with progression from benign to malignant to human breast cancer epidemiology. Clinical and histopathological data on 90 female dogs with 236 tumours was included. Dogs with malignant tumours were significantly older than dogs with benign tumours (9.5 versus 8.5 years), P = 0.009. Malignant tumours were significantly larger than benign tumours (4.7 versus 2.1 cm), P = 0.0002. Sixty‐six percent had more than one tumour, and evidence of histological progression was noted with increasing tumour size. Dogs with malignant tumours were significantly more likely to develop new primary tumours than dogs with benign tumours, P = 0.015. These findings suggest that canine mammary tumours progress from benign to malignant; malignant tumours may be the end stage of a histological continuum with clinical and histopathological similarities to human breast carcinogenesis.     

Method comparison in the clinical laboratory

Studies comparing a new method with an established method, to assess whether the new measurements are comparable with existing ones, are frequently conducted in clinical pathology laboratories. Assessment usually involves statistical analysis of paired results from the 2 methods to objectively investigate sources of analytical error (total, random, and systematic). In this review article, the types of errors that can be assessed in performing this task are described, and a general protocol for comparison of quantitative methods is recommended. The typical protocol has 9 steps: 1) state the purpose of the experiment, 2) establish a theoretical basis for the method comparison experiment, 3) become familiar with the new method, 4) obtain estimates of random error for both methods, 5) estimate the number of samples to be included in the method comparison experiment, 6) define acceptable difference between the 2 methods, 7) measure the patient samples, 8) analyze the data, and 9) judge acceptability. The protocol includes the essential investigations and decisions needed to objectively assess the overall analytical performance of a new method compared to a reference or established method. The choice of statistical methods and recommendations of decision criteria within the stages are discussed. Use of the protocol for decision-making is exemplified by the comparison of 2 methods for measuring alanine aminotransferase activity in serum from dogs. Finally, a protocol for comparing simpler semiquantitative methods with established methods that measure on a continuous scale is suggested.     

Tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of a novel benzene‐poly‐carboxylic acids complex with cis‐diammineplatinum (II) dichloride in dogs with malignant mammary tumours

The pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability and efficacy of benzene‐poly‐carboxylic acids complex with cis‐diammineplatinum (II) dichloride (BP‐C1) were studied in dogs with mammary cancer. A three‐level response surface pathway designed trial was performed on seven dogs. At each level BP‐C1 was administered subcutaneously daily for 7 days followed by a 7‐day rest period in a dose escalating manner. Adverse events according to VCOG‐CTCAE, performance status and tumour progression were recorded. The pharmacokinetic profile followed a two‐compartment model with rapid absorption, short distribution, and a slow elimination phase. The overall elimination half‐life was 125 h. The maximum tolerated dose of BP‐C1 was estimated to be above 0.46 mg kg^?1. A significant reduction in VCOG‐CTCAE toxicity which correlated negatively with increasing dose was found. The dogs' general performance status remained unchanged. No decrease in total tumour burden was found, although temporary tumour reduction was seen in some target tumours.     

Breed‐specific variation of hematologic and biochemical analytes in healthy adult Bernese Mountain dogs

Background: Hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals in dogs may be affected by internal factors, such as breed and age, and external factors, such as the environment, diet, and lifestyle. In humans, it is well established that geographic origin and age may have an impact on reference intervals and, therefore, more specific reference intervals are sought for subpopulations. Objective: The objective of this study was to validate and transfer standard laboratory reference intervals for healthy Bernese Mountain dogs and to create new intervals for analytes where the established laboratory reference intervals were rejected. Methods: The procedure was performed using the human Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute‐approved model modified for veterinary use. Thirty‐two dogs were included in the study using a direct a priori method, as recommended. Results: While 23 of the standard laboratory reference intervals were readily validated, 7 of the analytes (eosinophils, MCHC, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], γ‐glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, amylase, and cholesterol) required new reference intervals according to the standard. These were calculated using the robust method. In particular, the new reference range for ALP was wide compared with the established laboratory reference interval. No clinical causes were found for differences in the results of these analytes. Conclusion: We found significant differences in 7 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed‐specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. Breed‐specific reference intervals for Bernese Mountain dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in the diagnostic process.     

Assessing the efficacy and impact of management of an invasive species in a protected area: Poa annua on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island

Plant eradication is difficult, particularly in remote, protected areas. The Southern Ocean Islands are very isolated and highly protected, but the flora contains many alien plants. Small restricted populations have been eradicated, but eradication of established species has proven difficult. A better understanding of the efficacy of control methods at sub‐Antarctic temperatures and their off‐target impacts may increase eradication success. With interest in controlling non‐native Poa annua in the region, we aimed to determine if physical and chemical methods can control P. annua (the sub‐Antarctic biotype) in sub‐Antarctic conditions and examined their impact on native plants. We quantified the effectiveness of physical control methods on P. annua in situ on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island through field‐based experiments and assessed their selectivity on P. annua compared with native grasses. We also quantified the effectiveness of several herbicides on P. annua at sub‐Antarctic temperatures and assessed their selectivity on native grasses. Of the four physical disturbance methods tested, none effectively reduced P. annua cover as one‐off treatments. Of the herbicide treatments, glyphosate and trifloxysulfuron sodium were effective and were less damaging to native grass species, indicating potential selectivity. Physical control was of limited effectiveness, but did not affect native species richness. An integrated weed management programme utilising the strategic use of selective herbicides with follow‐up chemical and physical intervention may balance control and biodiversity outcomes. This research highlights the importance of site‐specific testing of control methods and understanding off‐target impacts of control when managing alien plant species in protected areas.