Spawning patterns provide further evidence for multiple stocks of sardine (Sardinops sagax) off eastern Australia

Previous studies have suggested that sardine, Sardinops sagax, off eastern Australia spawns across its entire range when habitat conditions are suitable. However, recent studies have suggested that separate sub‐populations and spawning groups may occur in the region. Spawning patterns off eastern Australia were investigated using data collected during nine ichthyoplankton surveys conducted between 1997–2015, and adult reproductive data obtained from ad hoc commercial sampling off New South Wales (NSW). The egg surveys covered the known distribution of sardine off eastern Australia and included year‐round sampling in the northern and southern parts of this range. Egg distributions and analysis of gonadosomatic indices identified two spatio‐temporally separate spawning groups; one occurring off southern Queensland to northern NSW during late winter and early spring, and a smaller group off eastern Tasmania to southern NSW during summer. Most eggs were collected from waters 50–90 m deep, with sea surface temperatures of 18–23°C. Additive modelling indicated depth was the most significant factor driving selection of spawning habitat, followed by the interaction of month and latitude. Low egg densities were recorded in waters between 34–37°S, despite conditions within the ranges suitable for spawning. The presence of two spawning groups of sardine off eastern Australia supports recent findings that two sub‐populations occur in the region. Findings of this study will help to optimise the spatio‐temporal extent of future egg surveys and further confirm the need to coordinate future management of each sub‐population among relevant jurisdictions.     

Immunostimulatory effects of human recombinant interleukin-12 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal dogs

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular immune responses involving autoimmunity, infectious disease, and cancer. Human recombinant (hr) IL-12 is being evaluated for therapy of human cancer. We investigated the potential of hrIL-12 to activate canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using proliferation and cytotoxicity as readouts. Human rIL-12 caused increased proliferation of PBMC, and enhanced lysis of allogeneic canine tumor targets mediated by PBMC from normal dogs in vitro. In addition, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by canine PBMC was enhanced by hrIL-12. These results indicate that hrIL-12 is recognized by canine immune cells, triggering a number of immune responses in canine PBMC, that may be important for immunotherapy of canine cancer. Information from this investigation provides impetus for evaluation of the effects of hrIL-12 on PBMC from tumor-bearing dogs and should be helpful in the development of hrIL-12 as an immune cell activator in vivo in the dog.     

Prevalence of oocysts of Isospora suis and Eimeria spp from sows on farms with and without a history of neonatal coccidiosis

Oocysts of Isospora suis were not found in any of 77 fecal samples from sows on farms with a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Isospora suis were found in 1 of 172 fecal samples from farms without a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Eimeria spp were found in 81.8% of the sows from farms with a history of neonatal coccidiosis and in 94.8% of the sows from farms without a history of neonatal coccidiosis. Oocysts of Isospora spp from birds were encountered as a pseudoparasite in several fecal samples.     

Pituitary-ovarian relationships during the estrous cycle and the influence of parity in an inbred strain of miniature swine

Pituitary-ovarian function was analyzed in a strain of miniature swine previously shown to produce a low ovulation rate resulting in the formation of only 8.6 corpora lutea (CL)/animal. Five multiparous (M) and four nulliparous (N) miniature pigs with a mean inbreeding coefficient of .39 were monitored for estrous behavior through four consecutive estrous cycles. Daily blood samples were collected from 5 d before to 5 d after the onset of the second, third and fourth estrus and at 48-h intervals during the remainder of the second and third estrous cycle. Laparoscopy was used to examine the ovaries 1 and 5 d after onset of the third estrus and 2 d after the beginning of the fourth estrus. For the entire group, temporal fluctuations among serum estradiol-17 beta, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations and sexual behavior were similar to previously published data in standard swine breeds. Although the mean lengths of the estrous cycle were not different (P greater than .05) between parity subgroups (M, 23 +/- 1.3 vs N, 22 +/- .7 d), multiparous pigs were in estrus longer (P less than .05) than nulliparous females (M, 3.7 +/- .2 vs N, 2.2 +/- .4 d). Parity subgroups were similar with respect to the mean number of follicles forming CL (M, 8.8 +/- .7 vs N, 9.2 +/- .2). Although an average of 6.2 +/- 2.1 CL had formed by 24-h after onset of estrus in the nulliparous subgroup, no CL were detected in the multiparous subgroup at this time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The first-year veterinary student and mental health: the role of common stressors

The present study evaluated the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on depression levels in a longitudinal investigation of 78 first-year veterinary medical students enrolled at Kansas State University (KSU). Students completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale during their first and second semesters to evaluate the dependent variable, depression. Students provided information about specific stressors and relevant demographic variables that yielded independent variables. One-third of veterinary medical students surveyed in their first and second semesters reported depression levels above the clinical cut-off; 15% of the sample experienced an increase in depression of at least one standard deviation, despite the apparent stability of the proportion of students experiencing significant depressive symptoms. Students whose depression scores increased by one standard deviation or who maintained scores above the clinical cut-off score were identified as struggling. Struggling students reported more first-semester homesickness and academic concerns, along with difficulty fitting in with peers and poorer perceived physical health during the second semester. This study helped to identify those students most prone to develop or maintain concerning depression scores. The discussion section addresses specific suggestions for intervening with struggling students.     

Maxillomandibular Circular External Skeletal Fixation for Repair of Bilateral Fractures of the Caudal Aspect of the Mandible in a Dog

Objective: To describe the novel use of circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) for repair of bilateral fractures of the caudal aspect of the mandibles. Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: A 5‐month‐old female Newfoundland. Methods: A 2‐ring CESF was used to immobilize the mandible relative to the maxillae. Results: Anatomic dental occlusion and reduction of the right hemimandible were achieved with mild malalignment of the left hemimandible. Fracture healing occurred within 20 days. Transient epistaxis and reduced temporomandibular joint range of motion occurred at the time of fixator removal but normal use of the mandible was reported 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions: CESF effectively immobilized the mandible permitting rapid fracture healing with minimal morbidity. Clinical Relevance: Maxillomandibular CESF may represent a simple, effective option for the management of challenging fractures involving the caudal aspect of the mandible.