Molecular detection of norovirus in sheep and pigs in New Zealand farms

Human norovirus (NoV) is reportedly the major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide and is commonly associated with water- and food-borne transmission via the faecal-oral route. Aside from humans, norovirus has been detected in pigs, cattle and mice. The close relatedness of some human and animal noroviruses has raised concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. Our laboratory recently reported the development of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR for the detection and genotyping of norovirus of genogroups I-III. Here we report a study of 56 faecal specimens from pigs and sheep that were collected and screened for noroviruses using this assay. Norovirus was found in 2/23 (9%) of porcine specimens (all were genogroup II) and in 8/33 (24%) of ovine specimens (all were genogroup III). Samples tested positive for norovirus were verified by conventional RT-PCR with different primer sets. Genomes of representative porcine and ovine norovirus strains underwent partial sequence analysis (343 and 2045 bases, respectively). This is the first report describing norovirus in sheep.     

Effects of forest vegetation on spatial variability of surface mineral soil pH,soluble aluminum and carbon

The purpose of this study was to examine spatial variability in forest soils at several levels including variability due to soil structure, to the presence of individual trees and to populations of different species of trees. Both classic statistical and geostatistical methods were used. Soil chemical properties measured include pH and Al and C in solution which was in equilibrium with the surface mineral soil. Results indicated that soil cores 1.8 cm in diameter were as effective as larger cores in incorporating variability in surface mineral soil pH. There was no spatial correlation in soil pH in samples separated by a distance of 20 to 360 cm. The presence of individual Norway spruce and red pine trees affected soil in their vicinity. Soil pH was depressed and soluble Al elevated. in soil near the base of the tree compared to soil 120 cm from the tree, independent of direction. In addition, in soil sampled at least 100 cm from the base of trees, pH was lower in Norway spruce compared to sugar maple plantations and soluble C was greater in red pine compared to Norway spruce plantations. It is concluded that in less than 50 yr the presence of individual trees and populations of different tree species can affect chemical properties of surface mineral soils. These effects should be considered in the design and interpretation of experiments.     

Glyphosate applied preharvest induces shikimic acid accumulation in hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide used as a harvest aid in a variety of crops. Glyphosate is absorbed into the foliage and translocated to metabolically active regions in the plant where it interferes with the shikimic acid pathway. Experiments were conducted to determine the accumulation and distribution of shikimic acid in wheat treated with glyphosate at soft and hard dough stages of kernel development and to determine the fate of shikimic acid during milling and bread making. Elevated levels of shikimic acid were detected throughout the wheat plant. Shikimic acid concentrations peaked 3-7 days after treatment and then declined until harvest. Shikimic acid content was 3-fold greater in flour and 2-fold greater in the bread derived from treated wheat than nontreated wheat. Similarly, elevated levels of shikimic acid were found in the crumbs and crust of bread made with flour from glyphosate treated wheat. Glyphosate applied preharvest resulted in shikimic acid accumulation in hard red spring wheat and subsequent end-use products.     

Failure of spring turnover in Onondaga Lake,NY, U.S.A.

Onondaga Lake, N.Y., failed to turnover in the spring of 1986 because of the strong chemical stratification under the ice that developed as a result of ionic discharges from an alkali plant. This stratification had a negative impact on the O₂ resources of the lake, as the lower depleted layers of the lake were not replenished with O₂. Anoxia and anaerobiesis in the bottom water expanded following ‘ice-out’. Comparison of characteristics observed for the winter through spring interval of 1986 with historic data indicates Onandaga Lake has failed to experience spring turnover in a number of years (approximately 7 of the last 18 yr) because of the ionic discharges from the alkali plant.     

Evaluation of supraglottic airway device use during inhalation anesthesia in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

ObjectiveTo evaluate a supraglottic airway device (SGAD) designed for rabbits in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) during inhalation anesthesia.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded experimental study.AnimalsA total of 12 adult African pygmy hedgehogs (seven male, five female).MethodsHedgehogs were placed in a chamber and anesthesia was induced using isoflurane in oxygen. Oropharyngeal endoscopy was performed and video recorded. The SGAD (v-gel R1) was inserted and connected to a Mapleson D circuit. Capnography, pulse oximetry and physiologic variables were measured during anesthesia, and lung inflation was tested at 10 and 20 cmH₂O. With the SGAD temporarily disconnected, anesthetized hedgehogs were randomly positioned into right and left lateral, dorsal and sternal recumbency to evaluate the effect of a change in body position on SGAD placement. Oropharyngeal endoscopy was repeated at the end of anesthesia, and recovery time was recorded. Pre- and post-SGAD placement endoscopy videos were retrospectively reviewed and scored for gross trauma.ResultsThe median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to successful SGAD placement was 38 (16–68) seconds. The time to SGAD placement decreased as the study progressed. SGAD required repositioning in six hedgehogs, median 2.5 (IQR, 1–3.5) adjustments each, to successfully perform lung inflation or maintain capnography readings. Lung inflation at 10 cmH₂O was successfully performed without leakage in nine animals, and in the other three animals after adjusting the SGAD at 1–2 time points. Inflation at 20 cmH₂O was rarely achieved without an air leak. Changes in heart and respiratory rates during anesthesia were not clinically relevant. Median endoscopic scores were 0 (no lesions) for both pre-and postplacement.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe SGAD was relatively quickly and easily placed, permitted lung inflation and caused no significant oropharyngeal damage. The SGAD is a practical option for airway management in African pygmy hedgehogs.     

Estimation of additive, maternal and non-additive genetic effects of preweaning growth traits in a multibreed beef cattle project

Data from purebred and crossbred calves, consisting of Afrikaner (AF), Charolais (CH), Simmental (ST) and Hereford and Aberdeen Angus combined (HA), were analyzed to estimate breed additive effects, breed maternal effects, average individual heterosis and average maternal heterosis. The traits studied were birthweight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and preweaning average daily gain (ADG) (kg). A multiple regression procedure was used for the estimation of these genetic effects and for predictions for breed crosses that were not included in the data set. Crosses containing higher proportions of CH or ST were heavier at birth and weaning than the other crosses and purebreds. The direct effects of BW were negative and significant (P < 0.05), except that of the CH, which was the highest. The regression coefficients were ?24.87, ?18.16, ?22.80 and ?27.02 for AF, CH, ST and HA, respectively. The maternal effects were not significant. Both average individual and average maternal heterosis regression coefficients were also not significant for BW. Regression coefficients of both direct and maternal effects for WW were not significant and were characterized by large standard errors. Average individual heterosis and average maternal heterosis regression coefficients were, however, significant (P < 0.01) and the values were 5.34 and 2.19, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for ADG, except for the regression coefficients of the maternal effects, which were significant, with larger estimates for AF and ST reflecting their superior mothering ability. The values were 0.01, 0.13, 0.13, 0.03; ?0.82, ?0.85, ?0.85, ?0.81; 0.03 and 0.01 for direct effects and maternal effects of AF, CH, ST and HA; and average individual heterosis and average maternal heterosis, respectively. Means and standard errors of purebreds and their F₁ crosses not included in the dataset were predicted.     

A glycine-dependent riboswitch that uses cooperative binding to control gene expression

We identified a previously unknown riboswitch class in bacteria that is selectively triggered by glycine. A representative of these glycine-sensing RNAs from Bacillus subtilis operates as a rare genetic on switch for the gcvT operon, which codes for proteins that form the glycine cleavage system. Most glycine riboswitches integrate two ligand-binding domains that function cooperatively to more closely approximate a two-state genetic switch. This advanced form of riboswitch may have evolved to ensure that excess glycine is efficiently used to provide carbon flux through the citric acid cycle and maintain adequate amounts of the amino acid for protein synthesis. Thus, riboswitches perform key regulatory roles and exhibit complex performance characteristics that previously had been observed only with protein factors.     

Late Pliocene Homo and hominid land use from Western Olduvai Gorge,Tanzania

Excavation in the previously little-explored western portion of Olduvai Gorge indicates that hominid land use of the eastern paleobasin extended at least episodically to the west. Finds included a dentally complete Homo maxilla (OH 65) with lower face, Oldowan stone artifacts, and butchery-marked bones dated to be between 1.84 and 1.79 million years old. The hominid shows strong affinities to the KNM ER 1470 cranium from Kenya (Homo rudolfensis), a morphotype previously unrecognized at Olduvai. ER 1470 and OH 65 can be accommodated in the H. habilis holotype, casting doubt on H. rudolfensis as a biologically valid taxon.