Morphological indices for canine spermatozoa based on the World Health Organization laboratory manual for human semen

Attempting to contribute to the development of a more objective morphological evaluation of dog spermatozoa, in this study the indices of multiple sperm defects (multiple abnormalities index [MAI]; teratozoospermic index [TZI]; sperm deformity index [SDI]) were calculated following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. In Experiment I, the concordance of MAI, TZI and SDI with the proportions of morphologically normal spermatozoa (MNS) was evaluated in fresh ejaculated spermatozoa (dogs = 47). In Experiment II, the potential role of indices as prognostic values was assessed in spermatozoa of different origin and treatment (fresh ejaculated: n = 6; fresh epididymal: n = 6; frozen‐thawed ejaculated: n = 6) by their correlation with different semen parameters (motility, membrane integrity and acrosome status) and with an in vitro sperm function test. Samples with different proportions of MNS showed different values of SDI, the index that better represented the decline of sperm morphology in both fresh and frozen‐thawed samples (Exp. I and II; p < 0.05). No correlations between indices and semen parameters were observed (Exp. II), but when samples were evaluated collectively, negative correlations (SDI‐motility, p = 0.01; SDI‐acrosome integrity, p = 0.002) were found. Including all the defects of each spermatozoon, SDI might be a useful index during morphological analysis and better discriminates the increase in multiple defects. A more objective morphological evaluation for dog spermatozoa was achieved by the WHO method, and in vitro tests allowed to elucidate the validity of SDI as prognostic indicator of in vitro fertilizing potential.     

Insignificant change in Antarctic snowfall since the International Geophysical Year

Antarctic snowfall exhibits substantial variability over a range of time scales, with consequent impacts on global sea level and the mass balance of the ice sheets. To assess how snowfall has affected the thickness of the ice sheets in Antarctica and to provide an extended perspective, we derived a 50-year time series of snowfall accumulation over the continent by combining model simulations and observations primarily from ice cores. There has been no statistically significant change in snowfall since the 1950s, indicating that Antarctic precipitation is not mitigating global sea level rise as expected, despite recent winter warming of the overlying atmosphere.     

Effects of Competing Anions and Iron Bioreduction on Arsenic Desorption

Dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria play a fundamental role in catalysing the redox transformations that ultimately control the mobility of As in anoxic environments, a process also controlled by the presence of competing anions. In this study, we investigated the decoupling of As from loaded Al and Fe (hydr)oxides by competing anions in the presence of iron-reducing bacteria. Hematite, goethite, ferrihydrite, gibbsite and three aluminium-substituted goethites (AlGts) were synthesised and loaded with arsenate, followed by anaerobic incubation with different phosphate or carbonate-containing media in the presence of catalytic iron-reducing bacteria. Soluble Al, As, Fe and P contents were measured in aliquots by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry following periodical sampling. Shewanella putrefaciens cells were able to utilise both non-crystalline and crystalline Fe (hydr)oxides as electron acceptors, releasing Fe and As into solution. Phosphate and carbonate affected the Fe bioreduction, probably due to the precipitation of metastable mineral phases and also to phosphate-induced stabilisation on the hydroxide surfaces. Phosphate precipitation acted as a sink for As, thus limiting its mobilisation. The highest fraction of desorbed As by phosphate was observed for gibbsite, followed by AlGts. Similarly, gibbsite showed significant amounts of arsenate displaced by carbonate. In spite of its low crystallinity, ferrihydrite was the most efficient compound in retaining arsenate, possibly due to As co-precipitation. This study provides new insight into the management of As-contaminated soils and sediments containing Al-goethites and gibbsite, where the Fe activity may be too low to co-precipitate As-bearing vivianite. Thus, the dynamics of As(V) in flooded soils are significant in agriculture and environmental management.     

Trapping wood boring beetles in Italian ports: a pilot study

Invasive alien species cost forestry billions of euros every year and their early detection is becoming of utmost importance. The aim of this study is to improve some of the techniques available for trapping alien wood boring beetles (Scolytinae, Cerambycidae, and Buprestidae) arriving at high-risk sites, such as ports. During 2009–2011, trapping carried out in four Italian seaports tested the comparative efficiency of different luring (single-lure vs. multi-lure traps) and trap designs (cross-vane vs. multi-funnel). In addition, trap captures within the ports were compared with those obtained in surrounding areas. Six out of 49 species trapped in 3 years of investigation were of alien origin: four Scolytinae and two Cerambycidae. The number of species trapped in multi-lure traps was as high as that resulting from the sum of the single-lure traps. The two trap designs performed equally well, but multi-funnel traps were more robust and easier to use in ports. In 2011, the number of species trapped in ports and surrounding areas was similar, although differently distributed. On a total of 26 species trapped in this experiment, nine were exclusive to ports, of which three aliens, eight were exclusive to surrounding areas, of which one alien, and nine were common to both habitats, of which one alien. In conclusion, we suggest the use of multi-funnel traps baited with different lures for monitoring alien wood boring beetles in ports. Using traps outside the port is also recommended to validate the surveillance program.     

Strategies for reduced antibiotic usage in dairy cattle farms

The need for antibiotic treatments in dairy cattle farms can be reduced by a combined intervention scheme based on: (1) timely clinical inspections, (2) the assessment of animal-based welfare parameters, and (3) the use of predictive laboratory tests. These can provide greater insight into environmental adaptation of dairy cows and define animals at risk of contracting disease. In the long-term, an improved disease control justifies the adoption of such a combined strategy. Many antibiotic treatments for chronic disease cases are often not justified with a cost/benefit analysis, because the repeated drug administration does not give rise to the expected outcome in terms of animal health. In particular, compared with untreated cases, antibiotics may not lead to greater cure rates for some forms of mastitis. Lastly, a substantial reduction of antibiotic usage in dairy farms can be achieved through the proper use of immunomodulators, aimed at increasing immunocompetence and disease resistance of cows.     

The Effect of Temperature,Rainfall, and Light Conditions on Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Newborn Foals

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and light conditions on hair cortisol concentrations in foals during the perinatal period. The study, performed during three consecutive foaling seasons from January to July, enrolled 219 foals from one farm. Hair samples were collected from each foal immediately after birth and at 30 days of age, and the samples were analyzed by radioimmunoassay to measure the cortisol concentrations. The mean cortisol concentration of hair collected at 30 days of age was significantly (P < .01) lower than that found at birth, but none of the evaluated environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, or day length) influenced the hair cortisol concentrations.     

Evaluation of interleukin-2 treatment for prevention of intramammary infections in cows after calving

A low-dose treatment based on interleukin-2 (IL-2) was investigated for preventing mastitis in dairy cows. The treatment consisted of a single dose of IL-2 injected into the skin region drained by the supramammary lymph node 3-5 days after calving. The study included 45 cows (23 treated and 22 controls) from three commercial dairy herds. The results showed that the treatment had no side effects. The treatment with IL-2 induced the significant increase of several milk markers related to leukocyte and epithelial cell functions, i.e. SCC (somatic cell counts), serum amyloid A (SAA), lactoferrin and NAGase. The increased concentration of milk markers suggested also an activity of IL-2 on epithelial cells, resulting in a higher resistance to invading pathogens. Indeed, the increased efficiency of cells in the udder is supported by the higher frequency of healthy quarters observed in the treated group until day 17-19 after calving, in comparison with the control one.     

Hoxa2- and rhombomere-dependent development of the mouse facial somatosensory map

In the mouse trigeminal pathway, sensory inputs from distinct facial structures, such as whiskers or lower jaw and lip, are topographically mapped onto the somatosensory cortex through relay stations in the thalamus and hindbrain. In the developing hindbrain, the mechanisms generating such maps remain elusive. We found that in the principal sensory nucleus, the whisker-related map is contributed by rhombomere 3-derived neurons, whereas the rhombomere 2-derived progeny supply the lower jaw and lip representation. Moreover, early Hoxa2 expression in neuroepithelium prevents the trigeminal nerve from ectopically projecting to the cerebellum, whereas late expression in the principal sensory nucleus promotes selective arborization of whisker-related afferents and topographic connectivity to the thalamus. Hoxa2 inactivation further results in the absence of whisker-related maps in the postnatal brain. Thus, Hoxa2- and rhombomere 3-dependent cues determine the whisker area map and are required for the assembly of the whisker-to-barrel somatosensory circuit.     

Late onset cerebellar degeneration in a middle-aged cat

Cerebellar degeneration (abiotrophy) (CD) is a spontaneous and accelerated degeneration of one or several mature cerebellar neuronal cell populations and has been described in many domestic animals, especially in dogs, with numerous breed-related cases. In cats, CD is mentioned as a rare sporadic entity. Late onset CDs are exceptionally uncommon and only two cases are reported in young adults, both aged 18 months. This report describes clinical and pathological findings of a late onset feline CD in a 9-year-old male Persian cat. The cat was presented with a history of progressive ataxia lasting 2 years. Neurological examination revealed severe neurological deficits such as generalised and severe ataxia, hypermetria in all four limbs, and bilateral absence of menace response. The lesion was diffusely localised in cerebellum. On gross pathology, the cerebellum appeared of normal size and shape and kidneys were characterised by mild hyperaemia. Histologically, lesions were limited to the cerebellum and kidneys. In the cerebellum, all cerebellar folia of both hemispheres and the vermis were affected. Changes were characterised by severe and diffuse loss of Purkinje cells, loss of cellularity in the granular layer, mild astrogliosis associated with moderate hypertrophy of Bergmann's glia. Immunohistochemistry for feline parvovirus antigen revealed a negative result. Renal lesions consisted of chronic fibrosis associated with chronic interstitial nephritis. CD is a rare disease and occurs commonly in puppies or young animals, who are clinically normal at birth and usually develop neurological signs within a few weeks or months after birth. This report represents the first case of CD in a middle-aged cat.