Assistive devices, orthotics, and prosthetics.

Deciding on which supportive device, orthotic, or prosthetic is best suited for a given patient is a complex process involving many different factors. The ability to manage biomechanical abnormalities successfully may be enhanced by an understanding of the properties of the various materials that comprise these devices, their effect on functional performance, and other associated patient factors. Veterinary health care providers are faced with the challenge of effectively addressing the physiologic and fiscal needs of the patient in a rapidly changing patient care environment.     

Bovine Staphylococcus aureus: association of virulence genes, genotypes and clinical outcome

Based on our clinical experience on bovine mastitis, we hypothesized that subtypes of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) exist which differ in their contagious and pathogenic properties. In order to investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed strains of S. aureus isolated from spontaneous intramammary infection (IMI) with their virulence gene patterns and genotypes obtained by PCR amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (RS-PCR). The genotypes were then associated with epidemiological and clinical data including 26 herds. The results demonstrated a high association between genotypes and virulence gene patterns as well as between epidemiological and pathogenic properties of S. aureus. In particular, genotype B was related to high contagiosity and increased pathogenicity whereas the other types (C, OG) were found with infection of single cows. Because of the high clinical relevance, our results indicate the need to subtype the IMI-associated strains of S. aureus in the future.     

Experiences with a BVD-free transhumance in the summer of 2006

The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of eliminating persistently infected (PI) animals on BVDV infection during transhumance and to identify possible weak points in the prevention of new infection. An initial blood sample (A) was taken from all the animals until one week before the date of trans-humance (n = 190) and examined for virus by means of real-time RT-PCR or antigen-ELISA and for antibodies by means of ELISA. One PI animal was identified and eliminated. On the day of transhumance (B), serology was performed of the blood samples of all animals that had had a negative or unknown antibody status (n = 93) when blood sample A had been examined. At the end of the transhumance season (C) those animals that had tested seronegative in sample B were re-examined for antibodies (n = 65). The case incidence per animal year amounted to 37.1% up to sample A, 41.8% between sample A and sample B (4 seroconversions). Four cases of seroconversion were diagnosed during the transhumance season, which equalled a case incidence of 17.8% per animal year. A season of transhumance free of PI animals failed to completely prevent BVDV infection, but the new infection rate was significantly diminished. The most possible explanation for new infections are abortions of PI-animals.     

Pollakisuria in a dwarf goat due to pathologic enlargement of the uterus

Pollakisuria in adult goats can be caused by diseases of the urinary tract and by distension of parts of the genital tract leading to irritation of the bladder. Hydrometra is the most common cause of uterine distension in goats and usually can be resolved by prostaglandin injections. But other pathologies of the uterus can generate a similar syndrome. A dwarf goat was presented at the clinic with a history of chronic pollakisuria and tenesm. An initial ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen led to the suspicion of hydrometra, but treatment with injections of prostaglandin were not successful. Blood samples revealed low progesterone and high oestrogen values. A laparotomy was performed and an enlarged uterus with 1.5 L of mucous content and cystic ovaries were found and partially removed. A single solid leiomyoma was diagnosed histologically in the uterine wall. Two months later the goat's condition had deteriorated and therefore she was euthanized. Necropsy and pathohistological examination revealed the presence of a metastasized adenocarcinoma of the uterus. In this case, the pollakisuria provoqued by distension of the uterus was not caused by hydrometra, but by neoplasia. The syndrome and the pathogenesis of the adenocarcinoma in consideration of the hormonal status of the patient is discussed.     

Further characterization of cross-reactive anti-human leukocyte mAbs by use of equine leukocyte cell lines EqT8888 and eCAS

The equine leukocyte cell lines, namely eCAS (bone marrow derived) and EqT8888 (lymphoma derived) were used for further analysis, using 40 commercially available mAbs that showed reactivity with equine PBMC. Most mAbs that were detected in these previous studies to react with PBMC, however, did not react with either of these cell lines. Fifteen mAbs were positive on at least one of the cell lines and indicate opportunities to set up further tests using these cells. Notably, two mAbs directed against human CD34 were detected to react with eCAS.     

Diadema antillarum Was Not a Keystone Predator in Cryptic Reef Environments

The ecological impact of the disappearance of a major predator depends on the responsiveness of the prey. Mass mortality of the most abundant grazer in Caribbean cryptic reef environments, the sea urchin Diadema antilarum, selectively decreased rates of mortality of encrusting organisms by half, yet community composition hardly changed because alternative species failed to become established.     

Deeply inverted electron-hole recombination in a luminescent antibody-stilbene complex

The blue-emissive antibody EP2-19G2 that has been elicited against trans-stilbene has unprecedented ability to produce bright luminescence and has been used as a biosensor in various applications. We show that the prolonged luminescence is not stilbene fluorescence. Instead, the emissive species is a charge-transfer excited complex of an anionic stilbene and a cationic, parallel pi-stacked tryptophan. Upon charge recombination, this complex generates exceptionally bright blue light. Complex formation is enabled by a deeply penetrating ligand-binding pocket, which in turn results from a noncanonical interface between the two variable domains of the antibody.     

Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in Mexico: a theoretic ideal or everyday practice?

Third-party certification (TPC), the most common organic certification system, has faced growing criticism in recent years. This has led to the development of alternative certification systems, most of which can be classed as Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS). PGS have been promoted as a more suitable, cheaper and less bureaucratic alternative to TPC for local markets and are associated with additional benefits such as empowering smallholder farmers, facilitating farmer-to-farmer learning and enhancing food security and sovereignty. PGS have spread rapidly in the past few years, but studies suggest that they are facing numerous challenges that, if not addressed, may jeopardise these benefits. Using the example of three Mexican PGS initiatives, this paper explores the main challenges faced by PGS, specifically those predominantly found in producer-run PGS initiatives. Based on producer and consumer surveys, semi-structured and informal interviews, and participant and non-participant observation, the key challenges that emerged were continuous implementation of the certification process, time constraints, personal conflicts and conflict avoidance. The paper further argues that the requirements for PGS recognition under the Mexican Law for Organic Products may also threaten the continued existence of PGS and suggests that mechanisms for managing conflicts, incentivising PGS participation and mitigating opportunity costs are key if PGS are to continue to develop.