Detection of the saa gene in verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli from ruminants.

A total of 163 verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) strains isolated from diarrheic and healthy cattle, sheep, and goats were analyzed for the presence of the saa gene by polymerase chain reaction. Seventeen (45.9%) and 5 (29.4%) of the VTEC isolated from healthy cattle and diarrheic calves, respectively, had the saa gene. None of the saa-positive strains carried the eae gene, but 20 of the 22 saa positive were ehxA positive. In contrast with cattle VTEC, none of the VTEC isolated from small ruminants were saa positive. These results show that the saa gene is commonly associated with bovine eae-negative VTEC strains but not with ovine or caprine VTEC strains.     

Influence of cultivar and site of cultivation on levels of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants in virgin olive oils (Olea Europea L.) and correlations with oxidative stability

Oxidation stability is an important property of olive oil quality and is affected by different antioxidant compounds whose levels may be influenced by cultivar, year and place of production. Polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, chlorophylls and fatty acids levels were correlated to oxidative stability in olive oils from three experiments: cultivar influence (18 cultivars assessed for 4 years in the same place); environmental influence by mesoclimatic (4 cultivars from 17 sites in a single region for 4 years) and macroclimate conditions (3 cultivars from 3 different regions for 3 years). Total polyphenols and saturated on polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio were shown to be the major factors in oil antioxidant stability, according to multivariate regression models. Among the surveyed cultivars, oils from ‘Leccino’ and from three ‘local’, minor cultivars (‘Miniol’, ‘Regina’ and ‘Rossanello’) resulted in higher oxidative stability and oils from cultivars grown in Tuscany (central Italy) showed the highest oxidative stability by comparison with northern and southern regions.     

Field performance characterization of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) plants derived from cryopreserved apices

This study compares agronomic traits of two cultivars of strawberry in plants derived from conventional propagation, micropropagation and cryopreserved apices. The agronomic traits evaluated were fruit production and fruit quality. Differences were found in some of the fruit production traits studied in the plants post-micropropagation and post-cryopreservation when compared to conventionally propagated plants of the cultivar ‘Andana’; showing the first two groups higher second class yield and smaller fruits. Plants of the cultivar ‘Camarosa’ post-cryopreservation showed differences in traits related to fruit quality when compared to the other two groups of plants (internal colour, firmness and soluble solids). No adverse effect on agronomic traits could be associated with the use of cryopreservation. Plants from in vitro and cryopreservation origin were phenotypically similar to the conventional propagated plants in production field.     

Growth, productivity and quality of Megathyrsus maximus under cover from Gliricidia sepium

The effect of tree canopy on the growth, productivity and forage quality of Megathyrsus maximus and changes in soil properties were evaluated over three seasonal periods. Four adjacent plots (15 m × 17 m each) in a tropical secondary deciduous forest having 12 years of growth and dominated by Gliricidia sepium were randomly assigned to two treatments: removal of trees (SCA) in two of the plots and leaving trees intact (COA) in the other two. In all plots, M. maximus was planted with 50 cm spacing among plants. Tree removal significantly increased the incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, P < 0.001) and grass size (12.5 % in height, P < 0.01, and 16.5 % in clump diameter, P < 0.05), but did not significantly affect any other variable. Season significantly affected grass height (P < 0.003), tiller number (P < 0.001), clump diameter (P < 0.001), net CO₂ assimilation rate (P < 0.001), forage biomass production (P < 0.003), and acid detergent fiber content (P = 0.033). Primary soil changes after 1 year of establishment of the grass were the decline by 3 % in organic carbon (P = 0.03), and qualitative changes in soil structure, regardless of tree presence. Results are consistent with the ability of M. maximus to tolerate shade. We conclude that under the conditions of the study there was no evidence for a negative effect of tree canopy on M. maximus mediated by a reduction in PAR.     

Characterization of ocular gland morphology and tear composition of pinnipeds

Objective The importance of tear film integrity to ocular health in terrestrial mammals is well established, however, in marine mammals, the role of the tear film in protection of the ocular surface is not known. In an effort to better understand the function of tears in maintaining health of the marine mammal eye surface, we examined ocular glands of the California sea lion and began to characterize the biochemical nature of the tear film of pinnipeds. Procedures Glands dissected from California sea lion eyelids and adnexa were examined for gross morphology, sectioned for microscopic analysis, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The tear film was examined using interferometry. Tears were collected from humans and pinnipeds for the analysis of protein and carbohydrate content. Results The sea lion has sebaceous glands in the lid, but these glands are different in size and orientation compared with typical meibomian glands of terrestrial mammals. Two other accessory ocular glands located dorsotemporally and medially appeared to be identical in morphology, with tubulo‐acinar morphology. An outer lipid layer on the ocular surface of the sea lion was not detected using interferometry, consistent with the absence of typical meibomian glands. Similar to human tears, the tears of pinnipeds contain several proteins but the ratio of carbohydrate to protein was greater than that in human tears. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the ocular gland architecture and biochemical nature of the tear film of pinnipeds have evolved to adapt to the challenges of an aquatic environment.     

A retrospective survey of the ocular histopathology of the pinniped eye with emphasis on corneal disease

Objective A retrospective review of globes from 70 pinnipeds submitted to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) describing the type and frequency of ocular disease. Animals studied The study included 50 California sea lions, four animals listed only as ‘sea lion’, nine Northern elephant seals, five harbor seals, 1 Northern fur seal, and 1 Hooded seal. Procedures Globes were classified by microscopic findings. Categories were not mutually exclusive. Results The largest category was corneal disease (63 globes from 40 pinnipeds). The second largest was cataractous changes (35 globes from 23 pinnipeds). Additional ocular diseases included traumatic ocular injuries (nine globes from eight animals), phthisis bulbi (nine globes from eight pinnipeds), neoplasia (nine globes from six adult California sea lions), amyloid deposition in the corneal stroma, ciliary body, or both locations (five globes from four pinnipeds), and fungal disease (three globes from two pinnipeds). Pinnipeds with corneal disease were further categorized: stromal pathology (39 globes from 27 pinnipeds); epithelial pathology (37 globes from 27 pinnipeds); Descemet’s pathology (11 globes from eight pinnipeds); endothelial attenuation or absence (33 globes from 22 pinnipeds); presence of retrocorneal membranes (15 globes from 10 pinnipeds); anterior synechia (eight globes from six animals), and keratitis (seven globes from five pinnipeds). Conclusions This is the first report of ocular amyloid in pinniped eyes. All cases of neoplasia were in a pattern suggesting metastatic disease. In this study, there was a higher prevalence of ocular disease in captive pinnipeds, particularly in the posterior cornea.     

Romifidine and low doses of tiletamine‐zolazepam in dogs

ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical effects of romifidine and low doses of tiletamine‐zolazepam (TZ) in dogs.Study designRandomized “blinded” cross‐over study.AnimalsSix healthy beagle dogs (two males, four females).MethodsIn separate preliminary experiments dogs received intravenous (IV) tiletamine‐zolazepam (TZ) at 1 and 2 mg kg^?1. For the main trial, dogs received romifidine (R) followed 5 minutes later by IV at six dose regimens: R40TZ1, R60TZ1, R80TZ1 (Romifidine at 40, 60, 80 μg kg^?1 and TZ at 1 mg kg^?1), R40TZ2, R60TZ2 and R80TZ2 (Romifidine at 40, 60, 80 μg kg^?1 and TZ at 2 mg kg^?1). Dogs underwent endotracheal intubation, but breathed room air. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured and arterial blood analyzed. Quality of sedation, duration of anaesthesia and time to recovery (TR) were recorded. Data were analysed by anova or Friedman test as relevant.ResultsEndotracheal intubation was possible with all romifidine/TZ combinations but not with TZ alone. Mean times (minutes) from TZ injection to return of pedal reflex were 1–3 minutes for TZ alone, and 9–17 minutes for romifidine combinations. In the main trial (romifidine combinations) mean time (minutes) to standing increased with increasing dosage (R40TZ1 13; R80TZ2 32). Five minutes after TZ administration, when compared with baseline arterial blood pressures and arterial carbon dioxide had increased, and respiratory rate, pH and arterial oxygen tensions decreased, these changes becoming statistically significant with the higher dose rates. One dog in R60TZ2 and three dogs in R80TZ2 became hypoxaemic.Conclusions and clinical relevanceRomifidine improves the quality and lengthens the duration of anaesthesia induced by TZ. The combination provides a suitable protocol for induction of or short‐term anaesthesia in healthy dogs. However, the higher doses cause cardiovascular stimulation and respiratory depression, and precautions should be taken accordingly.     

Onto the sense of smell in macaws,amazons and toucans: can they use volatile cues of fruits to make foraging decisions?

Over the past decades, empirical evidence has been accumulated indicating that olfactory information plays a fundamental role in bird life history. Nonetheless, many aspects of avian olfaction remain poorly understood. Our purpose was to broaden the knowledge about the importance of the sense of smell in some neglected bird groups: psittaciformes and ramphastids, and to compare how the response varied between the species. Because of the lack of information about the use of chemical cues for locating food in fruit-eating species, we also aimed to delve into this question. We conducted a 3-choice (water/vinegar/papaya and banana juice) scent test in 5 Costa Rican native species: scarlet macaw (Ara macao), red-lored amazon (Amazona autumnalis), yellow-naped amazon (Amazona auropalliata), keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), and yellow-throated toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus). Results revealed that macaws and toucans allocated significantly more time to interacting with the fruit scent container, indicating that these species can perceive the volatile chemicals emitted by ripe fruits and that they can use this information to make foraging decisions. However, amazons did not dedicate more time to interact with the fruit treatment. Our research provides the first evidence of the ability to exploit chemical volatile cues in macaws and toucans.     

Long-term sea-level fluctuations driven by ocean basin dynamics

Earth's long-term sea-level history is characterized by widespread continental flooding in the Cretaceous period (approximately 145 to 65 million years ago), followed by gradual regression of inland seas. However, published estimates of the Late Cretaceous sea-level high differ by half an order of magnitude, from approximately 40 to approximately 250 meters above the present level. The low estimate is based on the stratigraphy of the New Jersey margin. By assimilating marine geophysical data into reconstructions of ancient ocean basins, we model a Late Cretaceous sea level that is 170 (85 to 270) meters higher than it is today. We use a mantle convection model to suggest that New Jersey subsided by 105 to 180 meters in the past 70 million years because of North America's westward passage over the subducted Farallon plate. This mechanism reconciles New Jersey margin-based sea-level estimates with ocean basin reconstructions.     

Reproductive hormones monthly variation in free-ranging European wildcats: Lack of association with faecal marking

Integrating ecophysiological and behavioural discoveries in conservation and management plans is essential to preserve scarce and elusive species such as the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). The purpose of this study was to characterize the monthly variation in the steroid reproductive hormone metabolite levels (oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone) in this species and to test its possible association with a monthly pattern of faecal marking. By collecting fresh faecal samples in Montes do Invernadeiro Natural Park (Galicia, Northwest Spain) each month, we obtained a total of 110 samples belonging to 25 different individuals. We conducted enzyme immunoassays which allowed us to track the annual variation in reproductive hormone excretion patterns in wildcat scats. Furthermore, we also evaluated the possible relation between the faeces used as marks and the reproductive hormone levels. We found that oestradiol and progesterone metabolite levels exhibited a distinct pattern, both increasing during the breeding months. Oestradiol metabolite larger peaks were found during March and April, whereas the highest concentration of progesterone metabolites appeared in July. On the contrary, testosterone metabolite levels did not significantly change depending on the month. Moreover, we did not find any evidence that the faecal marking behaviour pattern was associated with reproductive hormone metabolite levels. It seems that other factors related to habitat and food resources could be more important in the performance of this behaviour.