Effect of stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth,survival, and larval development of Japanese flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus,using live feeds

This research examined the effect of initial stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth and survival of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Larval rearing trials were conducted in nine 50‐L tanks with different initial stocking densities combined with different feed rations (20 larvae/L with standard feed ration [LD], 80 larvae/L with standard feed ration [HD], and 80 larvae/L with four times the standard feed ration [HD+]). Larvae were stocked on 0 days posthatch (DPH) following hatching of the fertilized embryos. Larval total length (TL), survival rates, and final densities were observed on larval settlement (32 DPH) to evaluate larval rearing performance. At 32 DPH, there were no significant differences (p > .05) in TL or survival rates between the LD (46.5 ± 17.0%) and HD+ (40.3 ± 9.4%). The TL and survival rate of HD (23.1 ± 3.5%) were significantly lower than that of LD and HD+ (p < .05). However, the larval density of HD was significantly higher than that of LD (p < .05). HD+ achieved the best larvae production (32.27 ± 7.51 larvae/L), supported by sufficient food source, high water exchange, and proper water quality management (routine siphoning, surface skimming). The larval‐rearing protocols and larval development from hatching to metamorphosis is described in detail, with corresponding photographs taken during the experiment.     

The relationship between limb function and radiographic osteoarthrosis in dogs with stifle osteoarthrosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between limb function and radiographic evidence of stifle osteoarthrosis (OA) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: The relationship between force platform data and radiographic OA score was evaluated on 2 separate days using regression analysis. Interday variation was also assessed. ANIMALS: Forty-one dogs with visible lameness and radiographic evidence of stifle OA. METHODS: Force platform data were collected at a velocity of 1.7 to 2.0 m/s for 5 trials on day 1 and day 8. Radiographs taken on day 1 were scored using a previously reported OA scoring system. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between force platform data and OA score. No significant differences were found between any day 1 and day 8 force platform values. CONCLUSIONS: Although radiographic evidence of stifle OA provides evidence of pathology, it does a poor job of representing limb function. In addition, the absence of significant differences between day 1 and day 8 values in this population of dogs supports use of only a single force platform evaluation before measuring a treatment effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of OA in the stifle joint does not correlate with clinical function; radiographic outcome should be used cautiously as a predictor of clinical outcome.     

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus is Internalized by Clathrin‐dependent Receptor‐mediated Endocytosis

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. In contrast to the members of the genus flavivirus, nothing is known about the viral entry route for pestiviruses. In this study, the process of BVDV infection following attachment to the cell surface was examined. BVDV clearly co‐localizes with clathrin, with early endosome antigen‐1 (EEA‐1), an early endosome marker, and also with lysosomal‐associated membrane protein‐2 (LAMP‐2), a lysosomal marker. BVDV internalization is inhibited by compounds that block clathrin‐ but not caveolae‐dependent endocytosis. These findings demonstrate that BVDV enters the cells via the clathrin‐coated pit pathway.     

Intranasal peptide-induced peripheral tolerance: the role of IL-10 in regulatory T cell function within the context of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease commonly employed as a model for multiple sclerosis. Extensive studies have demonstrated that EAE may be prevented or ameliorated by the intranasal administration of soluble peptides representing encephalitogenic epitopes. There is increasing evidence that this peptide administration may function via the generation of regulatory cells. The mechanism of action of these cells remains controversial and it seems likely that it may vary between experimental models. At present the majority of work on regulatory cells has centred on characterising naturally occurring regulators, or those generated artificially ex vivo, and less is known about induced regulatory cells produced following peptide administration. This report aims to briefly outline the evidence for the existence of natural regulatory T cells and to introduce the sub-types of induced regulatory T cells now recognised.In several of these regulatory cell systems investigated to date, interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been shown to be important in cell function. This has not been directly investigated in a model employing peptide therapy to induce peripheral tolerance, hence the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of IL-10 in the generation of these regulatory cells. This work has employed both a TCR transgenic mouse system, for predominantly in vitro studies of cell function, and an IL-10 knock-out mouse strain to investigate in vivo disease protection. The results summarised in this report demonstrate that IL-10 is fundamentally important in the generation of disease protection following intranasal peptide therapy.     

Effect of hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation in foals with experimentally induced angular limb deformities

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation (HCPTE) in foals with, experimentally induced angular limb deformities. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy foals. PROCEDURE: When foals were 30 days old, transphyseal bridge implants were placed on the lateral aspects of both distal radial physes. At 90 days of age (or when 15 degrees of angulation had developed), implants were removed, and HCPTE was performed on 1 limb. Foals were confined in small pens after surgery; the front feet of the foals were rasped weekly to maintain medial-to-lateral hoof wall balance. Dorsopalmar radiographic projections of the carpi were obtained before HCPTE and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 48 weeks later. RESULTS: At the time of transphyseal bridge removal and HCPTE, both treated and control limbs were observed to have a significantly greater carpal valgus, compared with the initial degree of angulation at 30 days of age. Following HCPTE or sham surgery, all limbs straightened over the subsequent 2 months of the study. Median angulation was not significantly different between treated and control limbs at any time during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in foals with experimentally induced limb deformities, HCPTE was no more effective than stall confinement and hoof trimming alone for correction of the deformity.     

Comparison of tibial plateau angle between clinically normal Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers with and without rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament

OBJECTIVE: To compare tibial plateau angle (TPA) between Greyhounds without damage to the cranial cruciate ligaments and Labrador Retrievers with and without damage to the cranial cruciate ligaments. DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: 87 client-owned dogs and 15 research colony Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Standing position, horizontal-beam radiography was performed on Greyhounds and unaffected Labrador Retrievers to determine standing TPA. Lateral radiography of the stifle joint was performed on all dogs to determine traditional TPA. Age and body weight were recorded for unaffected and affected Labrador Retrievers. RESULTS: Greyhounds had mean standing TPA of 1.56 degrees and mean traditional TPA of 22.50 degrees. Unaffected Labrador Retrievers had mean standing TPA of 3.52 degrees and traditional TPA of 27.97 degrees. Affected Labrador Retrievers had mean traditional TPA of 25.55 degrees. No significant difference was found in mean standing TPA between Greyhounds and unaffected Labrador Retrievers. Standing TPAs in Greyhounds and unaffected Labrador Retrievers were not significantly different from a plane drawn parallel to the ground. Significant differences in traditional TPAs were detected among all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Greyhounds had mean traditional TPA of 22.50 degrees; similar angles should be considered normal for dogs. Although affected Labrador Retrievers had mean traditional TPA that was significantly greater than that of Greyhounds, the steepest TPA was found in unaffected Labrador Retrievers. Because Greyhounds and unaffected Labrador Retrievers had similar standing TPAs, we conclude that although TPA may be associated with damage to the cruciate ligaments, many dogs with a steep TPA do not develop cruciate ligament disease.