A comparison of the uterine proteome of mares in oestrus and dioestrus

Proteomic analysis of mare uterine flush fluid provides a minimally invasive technique for studying protein changes associated with the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to identify differentially abundant proteins in the uterine flush fluid of mares in oestrus and dioestrus. In this study, uterine flush fluid samples were collected from eight reproductively healthy mares in either oestrus (n = 5) or dioestrus (n = 3). Proteomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Of 172 proteins identified, six proteins (immunoglobulin lambda‐like polypeptide 1, haemoglobin subunit alpha, alpha‐1B‐glycoprotein, serotransferrin, apolipoprotein A‐1, and haemoglobin subunit beta) were significantly more abundant in oestrus. These proteins may contribute to the endometrial defence system through roles in inflammation, immunity or antimicrobial activity. In other species, some of these proteins have been described as immunoglobulins, negative acute phase proteins or defence agents against micro‐organisms. During dioestrus, immunoglobulin alpha‐1 chain C region‐related, complement factor I, CD 109 antigen and uterocalin, were significantly more abundant. Research in other species suggests that these four proteins contribute to the immune response through proposed immunoregulatory characteristics, complement system involvement or roles in B cell–T cell interactions. In conclusion, ten differentially abundant proteins were identified in the uterine flush fluid of mares in oestrus and dioestrus. Targeted studies on these proteins could elucidate their role in uterine defence mechanisms during the oestrous cycle in the mare.     

Indicators of success for smart law enforcement in protected areas: A case study for Russian Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) reserves

Although considerable conservation resources have been committed to develop and use law enforcement monitoring and management tools such as SMART, measures of success are ill‐defined and, to date, few reports detail results post‐implementation. Here, we present 4 case studies from protected areas with Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in Russia, in which indicators of success were defined and evaluated at each. The ultimate goal was an increase in tiger numbers to 1 individual/100 km² at each site. We predicted that improvements in law enforcement effectiveness would be followed by increases in prey numbers and, subsequently, tiger numbers. We used short‐term and long‐term indicators of success, including: (i) patrol team effort and effectiveness; (ii) catch per unit effort indicators (to measure reductions in threats); and (iii) changes in target species numbers. In addition to implementing a monitoring system, we focused on improving law enforcement management using an adaptive management process. Over 4 years, we noted clear increases in patrol effort and a partial reduction in threats. Although we did not detect clear trends in ungulate numbers, tiger populations remained stable or increased, suggesting that poaching of tigers may be more limiting than prey depletion. Increased effectiveness is needed before a clear reduction in threats can be noted, and more time is needed before detecting responses in target populations. Nonetheless, delineation of concrete goals and indicators of success provide a means of evaluating progress and weaknesses. Such monitoring should be a central component of law enforcement strategies for protected areas.     

Bilateral Successive Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture Treated by Extracapsular Stabilization Surgery in a Pet Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 4.1 kg, 4-month-old female pet rabbit was presented twice within a 4 month period for cranial cruciate ligament rupture of its right, then left stifle joint. Stifle joint stabilization was performed with an extracapsular technique after both events. Immediately after stabilization, the rabbit regained normal use of the injured limbs. The animal underwent a 3 month rehabilitation program intended to increase muscle strength. Twenty-four months after the procedures were performed the rabbit shows no signs of discomfort and has normal use of both rear legs.     

Local and regional environmental variation influences the growth of tropical trees in selection trials in the Republic of Panama

Native Neotropical trees are being increasingly planted for restoration purposes and timber production, but we lack species-specific data on growth responses to different regional climates and local environmental variation. We used regression trees and variance components to quantify the effects of within- and among-site environmental variation on the basal area (BA) of 21 Neotropical and two exotic tree species at three selection trials in the Republic of Panama. Sites represented distinct regional climates in which annual rainfall varied from 1100 to 2226 mm, with dry seasons of 4.1–6.7 months. Local environmental variables included measures of slope steepness and position, soil texture, soil color, and indicators of soil condition, such as subsoil rockiness.     

Risk based culling for highly infectious diseases of livestock

ABSTRACT: The control of highly infectious diseases of livestock such as classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and avian influenza is fraught with ethical, economic, and public health dilemmas. Attempts to control outbreaks of these pathogens rely on massive culling of infected farms, and farms deemed to be at risk of infection. Conventional approaches usually involve the preventive culling of all farms within a certain radius of an infected farm. Here we propose a novel culling strategy that is based on the idea that farms that have the highest expected number of secondary infections should be culled first. We show that, in comparison with conventional approaches (ring culling), our new method of risk based culling can reduce the total number of farms that need to be culled, the number of culled infected farms (and thus the expected number of human infections in case of a zoonosis), and the duration of the epidemic. Our novel risk based culling strategy requires three pieces of information, viz. the location of all farms in the area at risk, the moments when infected farms are detected, and an estimate of the distance-dependent probability of transmission.     

Different drivers create spatial vegetation cover and vertical structure in semi-arid African savannas

Important drivers of woody cover in African savannas are rainfall, soil and nutrients, and disturbance factors, such as fire and herbivory. However, very little is known about how these drivers influence woody cover at specific height classes. The main aim of this study was to identify which of these drivers are the best predictors of woody cover at three height classes: shrub (0.75–2.5 m), brush (2.5–5.5 m) and tree (>5.5 m). Percent woody cover estimates were collected using a rapid monitoring technique over 1 700 sites in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Geology (basalt and granite), mean annual rainfall, fire frequency and elephant density were analysed as potential drivers of woody cover. Results indicate that mean annual rainfall was negatively associated with shrub cover, fire frequency was negatively associated with brush cover, and elephant density was negatively associated with tree cover. Patterns of woody cover show that while geology influences the spatial distribution of horizontal woody cover, variation in vertical vegetation structure is created and maintained by top-down disturbance. This provides the first documentation of drivers associated with structurally differentiated woody cover at regional scales. Future studies on woody cover in disturbance-driven environments should not ignore vegetation structure.     

Partial aneurysmectomy and autologous patch venoplasty in a horse diagnosed with pseudoaneurysm of the jugular vein

Experience with vascular pathology and vascular surgery, especially with the use of grafts, is limited in horses. Only one case of a venous aneurysm has been described in the horse, but without successful surgical correction. This case report describes the treatment of a 3-year-old female pony presented with an intermittent localised swelling of the left jugular vein after a previous thrombophlebitis. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a large jugular vein pseudoaneurysm. Treatment consisted of a partial aneurysmectomy preserving the healthy medial wall of the jugular vein. An autologous saphenous vein patch technique was used to reconstruct the vein with the largest possible lumen to minimise thrombus formation. Anticoagulants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered pre- and post-operatively. Follow-up ultrasound examinations initially showed local narrowing of the graft. At 2 and 8 months post-operatively, no external deformation of the jugular vein was visible and ultrasonography revealed patent blood flow with only a slight difference in lumen diameter. The patch venoplasty proved a viable surgical technique for jugular vein reconstruction resulting in a sufficient lumen, no thrombus formation and a good cosmetic and functional outcome.     

Strength properties of thermally modified softwoods and its relation to polymeric structural wood constituents

Thermal modification at relatively high temperatures (ranging from 150 to 260 °C) is an effective method to improve the dimensional stability and resistance against fungal attack. This study was performed to investigate the impact of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of wood. An industrially-used two-stage heat treatment method under relative mild conditions (< 200 °C) was used to treat the boards. Heat treatment revealed a clear effect on the mechanical properties of softwood species. The tensile strength parallel to the grain showed a rather large decrease, whereas the compressive strength parallel to the fibre increased after heat treatment. The bending strength, which is a combination of the tensile stress, compressive stress and shear stress, was lower after heat treatment. This decrease was less than the decrease of only the tensile strength. The impact strength showed a rather large decrease after heat treatment. An increase of the modulus of elasticity during the bending test has been noticed after heat treatment. Changes and/or modifications of the main wood components appear to be involved in the effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties. The possible effect of degradation and modification of hemicelluloses, degradation and/or crystallization of amorphous cellulose, and polycondensation reactions of lignin on the mechanical properties of heat treated wood have been discussed. The effect of natural defects, such as knots, resin pockets, abnormal slope of grain and reaction wood, on the strength properties of wood appeared to be affected by heat treatment. Nevertheless, heat treated timber shows potential for use in constructions, but it is important to carefully consider the stresses that occur in a construction and some practical consequences when heat treated timber is used.     

Effect of a 10 day postpartum administration of a PGF2 alpha analog at different concentrations on the course of the puerperium and fertility in dairy cows

In this double-blind Study 72 dairy cows were treated with injections of Luprostiol (Reprodin). 32 cows served as control. Gynaecological examinations in 10-day intervals up to day 40 post partum and determination of progesterone levels in milk samples taken in 3-day intervals up to day 73 p. p. were performed. The administration of PGF2 alpha did not improve the early onset of ovarian activity in cows with uncomplicated or complicated delivery. Ovaries without detectable function up to day 73 p. p. only occurred in the placebo group, representing a significant (p < 0.05) difference to the control group. In cows after uncomplicated as well as in animals after complicated delivery involution of the uterus up to day 20 p. p. progressed faster in the verum group compared to the control group. Cervical diameters were highest in the placebo group up to day 20 p. p. Until day 40 p. p. the cervical diameters of the probands equaled those of the control animals. In contrary to cows after uncomplicated delivery the injection of PGF2 alpha after complicated parturition lead to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of puerperal endometritis. Neither in cows with uncomplicated nor complicated delivery the administration of PGF2 alpha resulted in an improved conception rate. There were no significant positive effects on fertility parameters to be detected in general. Partial results observed were not dose dependent.