Effects of culture conditions on larval growth and survival of stalked barnacles (Pollicipes pollicipes)

Pollicipes pollicipes (Crustacea: Scalpelliformes) is a highly prized food in Portugal and Spain and consequently a species of considerable interest to aquaculture. Surprisingly, however, larval culture conditions for this barnacle have not been optimized. This study investigated the effects of temperature, diet, photoperiod and salinity on the growth and survival of P. pollicipes larvae. Temperature had a significant effect on specific growth rate (2.6–5.9% total width per day, from 11 to 24°C), reducing mean development time to the cyprid from 25 days at 11 °C to 10 days at 24°C, although this was accompanied by a significant increase in mortality to over 90% above 22°C. Mid‐range temperatures (15–20°C) maximized total survival (19–31% respectively). Algal diets of Tetraselmis suecica, T. suecica/Skeletonema marinoi and S. marinoi/Isochrysis galbana did not affect specific growth rate significantly, but survival (on average 39% in 15 days) and the proportion of high‐quality healthy cyprids was significantly higher on the latter two diets (11–15% of initial number of larvae). Photoperiod did not significantly affect the survival, although specific growth rate was significantly higher at 24:0 and 16:8 L:D. Salinity (20–40 g L^?1 range) did not affect growth and survival significantly. The best growth and survival were accomplished using rearing temperatures of 15–20°C, daily feeding with T. suecica/S. marinoi or I. galbana/S. marinoi and a photoperiod of 24:0 L:D.     

Phenotypic and genotypic screening for rust resistance in common bean germplasm in Uganda

Rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers., Pers.) Unger is one of the major foliar diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Uganda. The use of host resistance remains the best option in managing this disease. The objective of this study was to identify sources of broad-spectrum rust resistance in common bean germplasm including landraces, commercial cultivars and introduced genotypes using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic screening with 22 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers located on chromosome Pv04. A total of 138 genotypes were field screened from 2014 and 2015 using an alpha lattice design. The variance and correlation of disease incidence, area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) and total grain yield were computed using GenStat. The polymorphism information content of the genotypes was determined, and the association of the markers and the disease resistance traits were analyzed using PowerMarker and TASSEL respectively. Resistance of each genotype was compared to the presence and absence of amplified markers. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.001) among the genotypes for disease incidence, AUDPC and total grain yield and a strong correlation (P < 0.001) between disease incidence and AUDPC in both years. The SSR markers, BARC_PV_SSR04725, bean_ssr_0778 and bean_ssr_2892 were associated (P ≤ 0.05) with rust resistance. Fifteen 15 genotypes which included the landraces Nabufumbo, and Kapchorwa white, and the commercial cultivar NABE 2 were identified as new sources of rust resistance that would be useful in future bean breeding programmes in Uganda.     

Bile and serum immunoglobulin levels during primary and secondary infections with Eimeria tenella in chickens

Using a radial immunodiffusion assay, total bile and serum IgG, IgM and IgA were measured following primary and secondary exposures to Eimeria tenella. Neither IgG nor IgM could be detected consistently in bile. Biliary IgA peaked at Days 6 and 10 following a primary infection of either 5000 or 10,000 oocysts and remained elevated following a subsequent 10,000-oocyst challenge at Day 10. Serum IgG and IgM levels were not influenced by parasitism and measurable concentrations of serum IgA were not detected.     

The conjugation and accumulation of metabolites of cypermethrin by earthworms

When earthworms are maintained in soil containing [¹⁴C]cypermethrin they accumulate radioactive residues. These residues are not eliminated when the worms are transferred to untreated soil. The accumulated radioactive residue is a complex mixture of conjugates of two metabolites of cypermethrin (3-phenoxybenzoic acid and (1RS)-cis, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid). One major constituent of this mixture of conjugates has been identified as N¹, N¹²-di-(3-phenoxybenzoyl)spermine. Feeding studies with quail and rats have established that the residues accumulated by the earthworms are not further bioaccumulated by earthworm predators.     

Decreased sodium:potassium ratios in cats: 49 cases

BACKGROUND: Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in feline biochemical panels, although the importance of this measurement has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to document the range of feline disease states associated with a decreased Na:K ratio, to determine the prevalence of this biochemical abnormality in a referral hospital population, and to identify any particular disease that was more likely to have a decreased Na:K ratio. METHODS: A group of 49 cats with decreased Na:K ratios was compared with a group of 50 cats with normal Na:K ratios that were randomly selected from the same hospital population. RESULTS: Twelve of the 49 cats (24.5%) had gastrointestinal disease, 10 (20.4%) had urinary disease, 8 (16.3%) had endocrine disease, 8 (16.3%) had cardiorespiratory disease, and 5 (10.0%) had diseases affecting other body systems. Six (12.2%) had artifactually decreased Na:K ratios. No cat was identified with hypoadrenocorticism. Statistical analysis revealed that, although none of these disease states was significantly over- or under-represented in the affected group, a significantly higher proportion of cats with decreased Na:K ratio had body cavity effusions (P = .025). Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher in the affected group (P < .0001), but there was no significant difference in mean sodium concentration between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased Na:K ratios frequently occur in cats with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism, including cats with effusions. These findings should be considered when evaluating cats with this biochemical abnormality.     

Evaluation of ameroid ring constrictors for treatment for single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: 168 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate use of an ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) for treatment for single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSSs) and identify factors associated with postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 168 dogs with a single extrahepatic PSS. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that had a single extrahepatic PSS and were treated with an ARC were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinical signs, results of preoperative blood analyses and portal pressure measurements, PSS location, ARC size, postoperative complications, and postoperative scintigraphy results were recorded. Owners were interviewed 6 months to 6 years after surgery. Results-Postoperative complications developed in 10% of dogs. Postoperative mortality rate was 7.1%. Predictive factors for postoperative death included high preoperative WBC count and postoperative complications. Twenty-one percent of dogs in which portal scintigraphy was performed 6 to 10 weeks after surgery had continued shunting. Predictive factors for persistent shunting included low preoperative plasma albumin concentration, high portal pressure after complete occlusion, and high portal pressure difference (postocclusion minus baseline). Clinical outcome in 108 dogs was classified as excellent (80%), good (14%), or poor (6%). Predictive factors for excellent long-term clinical outcome included high preoperative plasma albumin concentration, low preoperative leukocytosis, low portal pressure after complete occlusion, absence of postoperative seizures, and absence of continued shunting. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of an ARC for treatment for a single extrahepatic PSS resulted in low morbidity and mortality rates. Certain preoperative factors were associated with increased risk of postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome.     

Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: 66 cases (1987-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 67 cats with PPDH. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with a diagnosis of PPDH made from 1987 through 2002 were reviewed. Information regarding long-term outcome was obtained from owners. RESULTS: Prevalences of PPDH in domestic longhair and Himalayan cats were significantly greater and prevalence of PPDH in domestic shorthair cats was significantly lower than prevalence of PPDH in the hospital cat population over the 15-year study period. Historical problems most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was the primary diagnosis in 40 cats and an incidental finding in 27 cats. One cat died prior to arrival at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Thirty-seven of 66 cats were treated surgically, and 29 were treated conservatively. The postoperative mortality rate was 14%. Postoperative complications developed in 29 of 37 cats, the most common of which was hyperthermia. Two of 22 conservatively treated cats had progression of clinical signs necessitating surgical intervention or resulting in death. Owner satisfaction with treatment choice and long-term outcome was rated as very satisfied by 88% of owners of surgically treated cats and 68% of owners of conservatively treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with overt clinical signs attributable to PPDH are good candidates for surgical herniorrhaphy. Postoperative complications may develop but are generally minor and self-limiting. Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically was rated as very good by most owners.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—IMAGING AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A VERTEBRAL HAMARTOMA IN A CAT

A 9‐month‐old domestic shorthair cat had progressive ambulatory paraparesis, proprioceptive ataxia, and thoracolumbar hyperesthesia. An extradural mass affecting the left pedicle and lamina of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) causing marked spinal cord impingement was identified in magnetic resonance (MR) images. The mass was predominantly calcified in computed tomographic (CT) images. A hemilaminectomy was performed to resect the mass. Clinical signs were greatly improved at 12‐month follow‐up. The histopathologic diagnosis was vascular hamartoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the MR characteristics of a vascular hamartoma associated with the vertebral column.     

Boosting silica levels in wheat leaves reduces grazing by rabbits

Systemic application of sodium silicate can significantly enhance the levels of leaf silica in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Mercia), suggesting that this material could reduce the palatability of plants to vertebrate herbivores (e.g. rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus L.). A bioassay was developed using hydroponically grown wheat plants. Plants treated with sodium silicate were significantly more resistant to grazing by wild rabbits than untreated plants, with severe, potentially lethal feeding damage being reduced by over 50%. Further studies were carried out to develop more practical techniques for boosting silica levels in plants using silicon-rich 'fertilisers' including calcium silicate and calcium silicate slag (CSS). Silica levels were elevated in the plant 1.9-2.8 times over the control through the application of various silicon materials, in line with those of the hydroponic treatment. Encouragingly, levels of silica were elevated even in young wheat plants, which are most vulnerable to rabbit damage, and in a range of wheat varieties. The use of CSS is particularly promising because of its lower cost in comparison with calcium silicate, and it has a proven track record in slag fertilisation of rice and sugar cane crops. At the optimum CSS application rate of 3 g silicon L(-1) soil, wheat silica levels were approximately doubled, with no detrimental impacts on long-term growth or yield.