Clinical observations on changes in concentrations of hormones in plasma of two stallions with thermally-induced testicular degeneration

To investigate effects of thermally-induced testicular degeneration on hormonal and seminal parameters in stallions, the scrotum was insulated for 36 hours in two mature (5-year-old mixed breed and 11-year-old Throughbred) stallions. Semen was collected daily for 10 days (DSO) prior to, and at intervals after, scrotal insulation. When DSO determinations were not being made, semen was collected 3 times weekly. Jugular blood samples were collected at 15-minute intervals for 6 hours from each stallion prior to, and at intervals after, scrotal insulation. A mouse interstitial cell testosterone assay was modified to quantify biologic activity of equine luteinizing hormone (BLH) in plasma samples. Immunoactive luteinizing hormone (ILH) and testosterone (T) concentrations were determined in plasma samples by routine RIA procedures. Percentages of progressively motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa began to decrease by 1 to 2 weeks postinsulation, reached nadir values at 3 to 3-1/2 weeks postinsulation, and returned to preinsulation values by 7 weeks postinsulation. Total number of spermatozoa and total number of progressively motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculates at DSO returned to normal by 8 weeks postinsulation in stallion 2 and 12 weeks postinsulation in stallion 1. Concentrations of BLH and ILH increased, and while T concentrations decreased, immediately postinsulation. The increase in ILH concentrations was greater than the increase in BLH concentrations, resulting in a decrease in the BLH:ILH (B:I) ratio. Following the peak in LH secretion immediately postinsulation, LH concentrations gradually decreased while T concentrations increased. The B:I ratio was elevated from 1 to 13 weeks postinsulation compared to immediately postinsulation. In addition to changes in spermatozoal quality in ejaculates, stallion response to scrotal insulation included increased secretion of luteinizing hormone and impaired Leydig cell function (as determined by reduced testosterone concentration in circulating plasma). The proportion of biologically active LH secreted in response to thermal testicular injury increased during the recovery phase.     

Climate‐induced vulnerability of fisheries in the Coral Triangle: Skipjack Tuna thermal spawning habitats

We investigated projected changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and the associated impacts on spawning habitat for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Coral Triangle region (CT). A multimodel aggregate of SST CMIP5 models for the CT region, based on a comprehensive skill validation assessment, was used to identify the five best performing of 36 models tested for inclusion in a regional multimodel ensemble. Monthly 1° SST multimodel aggregate projections for the CT region under RCP8.5 show that increases in SST, as high as 2.8°C (mean value), will likely occur by the end of this century. Using these estimates of SST change, we applied three parameterizations of skipjack tuna spawning temperatures to assess the potential for change in spawning habitat within the CT region. The three spawning temperature parameterizations were as follows: (a) a square‐wave function derived from catch data with boundaries at 26 and 30°C; (b) a symmetric Gaussian function derived from the SEAPODYM models; and (c) an asymmetric Gaussian function that modifies the SEAPODYM curve in (b) to include the results of relevant physiological experiments. All three parameterizations show similar geographic patterns, with the amount of favourable spawning habitat decreasing throughout the central, equatorial CT region and increasing at higher latitudes. However, the three parameterizations show marked differences in the modelled magnitude of change, with an asymmetric Gaussian function (ASGF) showing a regionwide average of 66.1% decline in favourable spawning habitat between 2015 and 2099. These projected changes in tuna spawning habitats are likely to have important consequences on local and regional fisheries management in the CT region.     

Spawning, early development and first feeding in the gobiid fish Priolepis nocturna

The reproductive behavior, embryonic development and early larvae of Priolepis nocturna are described. Three pairs of P. nocturna began spawning 41 days after acquisition and maintained a 5–10 day spawning cycle lasting beyond several months. Spawning was initiated by the female who signaled her readiness to spawn by displaying to the male. Egg clutch size averaged 1578 ± 51.23 eggs and ranged from 268 to 3121. Egg length averaged 0.82 ± 0.01 mm total length (TL) and ranged from 0.75 to 0.90 mm. Egg width averaged 0.51 ± 0.51 mm total width (TW) and ranged from 0.49 to 0.52 mm. Fertilized eggs were ovoid in shape and attached to the ceiling of provided shelters via adhesive filaments at the proximal end. Hatching rates averaged 97.3 ± 0.51% and ranged from 91.9 to 99.8%. Larvae measuring 1.89 ± 0.04 mm TL hatched 121 ± 0.5 h post fertilization and did not rotate position prior to hatching. Skeletal elements of the chondrocranium were simplistic and dominated by the hyoid, hyomandibulosymplectic cartilage, ethmoid and Meckel's cartilage in first feeding larvae. No elements were added to the cranial architecture by 5 days post hatch (DPH) when larvae measured 2.05 ± 0.04 mm TL. First feeding larvae consumed only dinoflagellates and tintinnids suggesting that feeding was constrained by a poorly developed feeding mechanism. Embryology and larval development are described to 5 DPH.     

Using knowledge of behaviour and optic physiology to improve fish passage through culverts

Culverts reduce connectivity for aquatic animals by being both a hydraulic and physical barrier. However, altered light intensity may also be a behavioural barrier to fish movement, especially for diurnal species that have adapted to moving when it is light. We propose that knowledge of optical physiology and fish behaviour, two important mechanisms underpinning movement, can inform efforts to improve fish movement through culverts. We firstly review the sensory systems of fish with reference to visual sense and explore how this affects fish movement. We then highlight theoretical knowledge that can help us understand fish behaviour and the potential mismatch between the conditions under which fish have evolved and altered conditions within culverts. We describe potential knowledge gaps and directions for future research to improve our understanding of how culverts may affect fish movement. Finally, we explore the potential costs and ecological benefits of different mitigation options to identify those with the most promise for managing the light environment in culverts to facilitate movement. For researchers and managers exploring this subject, we suggest an approach that: (a) identifies light requirements for movement by different species, (b) tests movement under different light conditions and (c) considers an integrative assessment method for testing fish behaviour around culverts. Understanding how optical physiology, fish behaviour and culvert design influence fish movement can improve connectivity for a range of species.     

Multiple watershed alterations influence fish community structure in Great Plains prairie streams

Stream fish distributions are commonly linked to environmental disturbances affecting terrestrial landscapes. In Great Plains prairie streams, the independent and interactive effects of watershed impoundments and land cover changes remain poorly understood despite their prevalence and assumed contribution to declining stream fish diversity. We used structural equation models and fish community samples from third‐order streams in the Kansas River and Arkansas River basins of Kansas, USA to test the simultaneous effects of geographic location, terrestrial landscape alteration, watershed impoundments and local habitat on species richness for stream‐associated and impoundment‐associated habitat guilds. Watershed impoundment density increased from west to east in both basins, while per cent altered terrestrial landscape (urbanisation + row‐crop agriculture) averaged ~50% in the west, declined throughout the Flint Hills ecoregion and increased (Kansas River basin ~80%) or decreased (Arkansas River basin ~30%) to the east. Geographic location had the strongest effect on richness for both guilds across basins, supporting known zoogeography patterns. In addition to location, impoundment species richness was positively correlated with local habitat in both basins; whereas stream‐species richness was negatively correlated with landscape alterations (Kansas River basin) or landscape alterations and watershed impoundments (Arkansas River basin). These findings suggest that convergences in the relative proportions of impoundment and stream species (i.e., community structure) in the eastern extent of both basins are related to positive effects of increased habitat opportunities for impoundment species and negative effects caused by landscape alterations (Kansas River basin) or landscape alterations plus watershed impoundments (Arkansas River basin) for stream species.     

Movement patterns of Brook Trout in a restored coastal stream system in southern Massachusetts

Coastal Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations are found from northern Canada to New England. The extent of anadromy generally decreases with latitude, but the ecology and movements of more southern populations are poorly understood. We conducted a 33‐month acoustic telemetry study of Brook Trout in Red Brook, MA, and adjacent Buttermilk Bay (marine system) using 16 fixed acoustic receivers and surgically implanting acoustic transmitters in 84 individuals. Tagged Brook Trout used the stream, estuary (50% of individuals) and bay (10% of individuals). Movements into full sea water were brief when occurring. GAMM models revealed that transitions between habitat areas occurred most often in spring and fall. Environmental data suggest that use of the saline environment is limited by summer temperatures in the bay. Movements may also be related to moon phase. Compared to more northern coastal populations of Brook Trout, the Red Brook population appears to be less anadromous overall, yet the estuarine segment of the system may have considerable ecological importance as a food resource.     

Baculoviruses as vectors for foreign gene expression in insect cells

Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the expression of a large number of eukaryotic genes in vitro. There has been growing interest in recent years in the development of baculovirus expression vectors as an easily manipulated gene expression system. Both virus and insect cell culture are relatively easy to handle, and biologically active proteins have been produced abundantly from a variety of eukaryotic, prokaryotic and viral genes. This review describes the molecular biology of baculoviruses and some of the current applications of the baculovirus expression system in insect cells. Specific emphasis is placed on those features relevant to the use of this system in pesticide research.     

Reinvestigating adjuvants for the wild oat herbicide,flamprop-M-isopropyl. II: Field performance

A field trials programme was conducted in which the performance of a new emulsifiable concentrate formulation (ECI) of flamprop-M-isopropyl containing the adjuvant, ‘Dobanol’ 25-7, in a ratio of 2:1 (by weight) with the AI, was compared with the current commercial formulation of ‘Commando’, in combination with its recommended adjuvant, ‘Swirl’, for the control of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). A further treatment, in which the ‘Dobanol’ 25-7: AI ratio was increased to 4:1 by the spray tank addition of the former, was also included. The mean results from six trials (five wheat, one barley) showed that the addition of ‘Swirl’ to ‘Commando’ was beneficial, increasing wild oat floret control from a mean value of 80% to 92% at current recommended rates (flamprop-M-isopropyl, 600 g ha^?1; ‘Swirl’, 2.5 litre ha^?1). However, combinations of flamprop-M-isopropyl and ‘Dobanol’ 25-7 gave superior levels of control even at lower AI application rates. For example, a mean level of 96% control of Avena spp. was obtained at 300 g AI ha^?1 with 1200 g ha^?1 ‘Dobanol’ 25–7; with even better control at higher rates of application of both components. This improvement in performance was accompanied by a higher risk of crop phytotoxicity than observed with the ‘Commando’/‘Swirl’ mixtures. Symptoms initially were scorch and subsequently growth depression, particularly of tillers. None of the mean values in the six ‘efficacy’ trials reached commercially unacceptable levels, but in a further six ‘crop effects’ trials (three wheat, three barley), in which double rates were applied, the levels of phytotoxicity did become unacceptable and subsequently reduced grain yields. In contrast, two barley ‘crop effects’ trials gave yields higher than the control plots, possibly through the effects of reducing stem length and lodging thereby enabling more efficient harvesting. Nevertheless, there were rates of application of flamprop-M-isopropyl in the range 300–400 g ha^?1 with ratios of ‘Dobanol’ 25-7 in the range 2:1 to 4:1 that would achieve high levels of control of Avena spp. without undue risk of crop phytotoxicity and further trials are planned to support this new adjuvant system.     

Prophylactic use of decoquinate for infections with Cryptosporidium parvum in experimentally challenged neonatal calves

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of daily oral administration of decoquinate to neonatal calves experimentally challenged with various numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 75 calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were purchased from a commercial dairy during a 5-week period. Calves were housed in individual hutches and fed milk replacer with or without decoquinate (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb per day]). Calves were randomly assigned to treatment and 1 of 5 challenge groups (0, 50, 100, 1000, or 10,000 C. parvum oocysts in 60 mL of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution administered p.o. on the day after arrival). Calves were maintained in the study for as long as 28 days. Calves were clinically assessed for diarrhea and dehydration. Fecal samples were submitted for oocyst enumeration 3 times each week. RESULTS: Treatment did not affect number of days to first watery feces (diarrhea), number of days to first oocyst shedding, or duration of diarrhea or oocyst shedding. Duration of oocyst shedding was significantly associated with challenge dose of oocysts administered to calves and number of days to first oocyst shedding. Duration of diarrhea and number of days to first oocyst shedding were significantly associated with week of arrival and number of days to first watery diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily treatment with decoquinate at the dosage used in this study did not affect oocyst shedding or clinical signs associated with cryptosporidiosis. However, there was an indication that if the number of oocysts calves received could be reduced, then the duration of oocyst shedding and, hence, environmental loading of C. parvum oocysts could be reduced.