Diversifying native pinewoods using artificial regeneration

Little is known about broadleaf establishment within the nativepinewoods of Scotland, yet such information is critical to currentrestoration initiatives. A 2-year field trial was set up toassess the growth and performance of seedlings of four broadleavedspecies within different developmental stages of Pinus sylvestris(Scots pine) woodland in the Scottish Highlands. The developmentalstages included stem initiation (establishment stage), stemexclusion (thicket/pole stage) and canopy break up (old-growthcanopy), providing sites of varying shade and resource availability.It was predicted that differences in establishment between siteswould occur due to species-specific differences in ‘tolerance’of shade, low-nutrient availability and poor soil drainage.Analysis of trial results showed high survival but growth rates(relative stem height and basal diameter growth) declined rapidlyin year two. In year two, Ilex aquifolium achieved the highestmean growth rates in the stem exclusion stands (average 15 percent light) where there was a lower percentage of Phytomyzailicis (holly leaf miner) infection and frost damage. Sorbusaucuparia exhibited generalist behaviour with similar growthand performance across all stand treatments. Betula pubescensmaintained similar growth rates across stand types but was moresusceptible to insect damage in deeper shade. Overall, Alnusglutinosa grew more successfully than the other species andachieved highest mean growth rates in canopy break up (average44 per cent light) and stand initiation (average 71 per centlight) stages. Broadleaf establishment within pinewood standsis challenging on account of acidic nutrient-poor soil regimes,and in places, poor drainage, aggressive understorey competitionand canopies that restrict light availability and insect herbivory.Forest restoration techniques, including matching species tosite, accelerating establishment and using framework species(individuals of high field performance that are able to restoresite productivity and nutrient cycles), are discussed.     

Blood smear from a cat: features to "dys"cover

A 4-year-old, spayed female, domestic shorthair cat was presented for lethargy, nonregenerative anemia, and inappetence. Results of a CBC included macrocytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia and a glucocorticoid-associated leukogram. On blood smear examination, neutrophils had abnormal features including hyposegmentation and a diffuse chromatin pattern with nuclear filament formation and nuclear blebbing. Microscopic examination of a roll preparation of bone marrow revealed hypolobulated megakaryocytes with asynchronous maturation of nuclei. The granulocytic to erythrocyte (G:E) ratio was 76. Segmented neutrophils had asynchronous maturation and dysplastic features. The entire erythroid lineage was markedly decreased for the degree of anemia and rare dysplastic features were noted in erythroid precursor cells. The interpretation of bone marrow findings was erythroid hypoplasia, megakaryocytic dysplasia, and granulocytic hyperplasia with dysplasia. Histopathologic examination of a bone marrow core sample also revealed myeloid hyperplasia and erythroid hypoplasia. The result of a direct immunofluorescence assay for FeLV performed on the bone marrow roll preparation was positive. A diagnosis of dysmyelopoiesis associated with FeLV infection was made. This case was unique in that the dysplastic changes occurred in cell lines that did not have associated cytopenias. The dysmyelopoiesis most closely resembled myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory cytopenia (MDS-RC); however, secondary dysmyelopoiesis could not be ruled out.     

A review of student evaluation of teaching: applications to veterinary medical education

Student evaluation of teaching is ubiquitous to teaching in colleges and universities around the world. Since the implementation of student evaluations in the 1970s in the US, considerable research has been devoted to their appropriate use as a means of judging the effectiveness of teaching. The present article aims to (1) examine the evidence for the reliability, validity, and utility of student ratings; (2) provide seven guidelines for ways to identify effective instruction, given that the purpose of student evaluation is to assess effective teaching; and (3) conclude with recommendations for the integration of student ratings into the continuous evaluation of veterinary medical education.     

Evaluation of transcutaneous pulmonoscopy for examination and biopsy of the lungs of ball pythons and determination of preferred biopsy specimen handling and fixation procedures

OBJECTIVE: To establish a safe and effective technique for the endoscopic examination and biopsy of snake lungs by use of a 2.7-mm rigid endoscope system. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 17 adult ball pythons (Python regius). PROCEDURES: The right lung of each anesthetized snake was transcutaneously penetrated at a predetermined site. Endoscopic lung examination was objectively scored, and 3 lung biopsies were performed. Tissue samples were evaluated histologically for diagnostic quality. One year later, 11 of the 17 snakes again underwent pulmonoscopy and biopsy; specimens were placed in various fixatives to compare preservation quality. All 17 snakes were euthanatized and necropsied. RESULTS: No major anesthetic, surgical, or biopsy-associated complications were detected in any snake. In 16 of 17 pythons, ease of right lung entry was satisfactory to excellent, and views of the distal portion of the trachea; primary bronchus; intrapulmonary bronchus; cranial lung lobe; and faveolar, semisaccular, and saccular lung regions were considered excellent. In 1 snake, mild hemorrhage caused minor procedural difficulties. After 1 year, pulmonoscopy revealed healing of the previous transcutaneous lung entry and biopsy sites. Important procedure-induced abnormalities were not detected at necropsy. Diagnostic quality of specimens that were shaken from biopsy forceps into physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution before fixation in 2% glutaraldehyde or neutral-buffered 10% formalin was considered good to excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By use of a 2.7-mm rigid endoscope, lung examination and biopsy can be performed safely, swiftly, and with ease in ball pythons. Biopsy specimens obtained during this procedure are suitable for histologic examination.     

Response of advance lodgepole pine regeneration to overstory removal in eastern Idaho

Twenty-two stands of advance lodgepole pine released with overstory removal were sampled to determine height growth response. Tree and site characteristics correlated with release response were identified, and a mathematical model was developed to predict height growth in years 6 through 10 after release as a function of residual overstory basal area, height at release, percent rock cover, five-year cumulative growth prior to release, logging damage, stand elevation, and habitat type. Lodgepole pine responded to release with increased height growth in 97% of the trees sampled. Growth was similar to that of unsuppressed trees. Height growth is best when the entire overstory is removed and logging damage is avoided. Taller trees generally do not respond as well as shorter trees. However, trees growing fast before harvest continue to grow fast regardless of their height at release. Recommendations for selecting stands of advance lodgepole pine to release are provided.     

Dual ecosystem services of syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae): pollinators and biological control agents

With increasing worldwide pressure on bee pollinator populations and an increase in insecticide resistance amongst pest insects, there is a growing need for diversification of pollinator and pest control systems. Syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) contribute ecosystem services to agroecosystems through their supporting roles as crop pollinators and predators of pests. Adult syrphids are important pollinators with high floral visitation rates and pollen carrying capacity, while predatory syrphid larvae are natural biological control agents, reducing aphid populations in both field and laboratory conditions. The present challenge is to determine whether syrphid flies have the potential for application as pollinators and in integrated pest management schemes as biological control agents. Currently, there are gaps in research that are hindering the use of syrphids as dual service providers. Such gaps include a lack of knowledge of syrphid floral preferences, the role and viability of adult syrphids as pollinators in natural and agro‐ecological pollinator networks, and the predatory efficiency of larvae in field and glasshouse conditions. By reviewing relevant literature, we demonstrate syrphid flies have the potential to be used as pollinators and biological control agents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

IMAGING OF A CAT WITH PERIRENAL PSEUDOCYSTS

A 16-year-old, neutered male, domestic short hair cat had abdominal distension and systemic hypertension. Radiography, ultrasonography, excretory urography, and renal scintigraphy were performed to establish the diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment. Bilateral perirenal pseudocysts were confirmed surgically and histopathologically. Following bilateral renal capsulectomy, systemic hypertension decreased and global glomerular filtration rate improved to normal limits. Multiple imaging modalities helped establish the diagnosis and guided implementation of appropriate treatment.     

Comparative analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of bupivacaine and ropivacaine in the epidural space of the conscious dog

Objective To compare the cardiopulmonary effects and sensory blockade of epidural bupivacaine and ropivacaine. Study Design Prospective randomized study. Animals Six young adult medium‐sized crossbred dogs weighing 25.7 ± 7.1 kg. Method Dogs were chronically implanted with a lumbosacral epidural catheter. Acepromazine sedated dogs received all treatments: 0.5% bupivacaine at 0.14 mL kg^?1 (LB5) or 0.22 mL kg^?1 (HB5); 0.5% ropivacaine at 0.14 mL kg^?1 (LR5) or 0.22 mL kg^?1 (HR5); 0.75% bupivacaine at 0.22 mL kg^?1 (HB7.5) or 0.75% ropivacaine at 0.22 mL kg^?1 (HR7.5). Loss of sensation was tested at the level of the perineum, hind toe webs, flank, and caudodorsal rib areas before injection, and post‐injection (PI) up to 150 minutes PI. Systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before injection, and every 10 minutes PI until 150 minutes PI. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed prior to injection, and at 30, 60 and 150 minutes PI. Results No statistical differences existed between groups for the cardiopulmonary data or time to onset of block. Group HR7.5 had lower systolic (10–70 minutes PI) and diastolic (10–70 minutes PI) blood pressures and group HR5 had lower mean (10–90 minutes PI) and diastolic (10–90 minutes PI) blood pressures compared to baseline. Heart rate was lower compared to baseline in groups LR5 and HB7.5. A significant, but mild metabolic acidosis developed in groups LR5 and HB7.5 (150 minutes PI). No differences were present for the duration of block between groups, but duration of block in the dorsocaudal rib area was shorter in group HR5 compared to HR7.5. Conclusion Epidural ropivacaine and bupivacaine at the doses used have mild effects on the cardiopulmonary system, and extent of block are similar. Clinical Relevance The 0.75% concentration of bupivacaine and ropivacaine at 0.22 mL kg^?1 appeared to contribute to greater success of block (>80%) at dermatomes L₅–L₇.     

A common fold mediates vertebrate defense and bacterial attack

Proteins containing membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domains play important roles in vertebrate immunity, embryonic development, and neural-cell migration. In vertebrates, the ninth component of complement and perforin form oligomeric pores that lyse bacteria and kill virus-infected cells, respectively. However, the mechanism of MACPF function is unknown. We determined the crystal structure of a bacterial MACPF protein, Plu-MACPF from Photorhabdus luminescens, to 2.0 angstrom resolution. The MACPF domain reveals structural similarity with poreforming cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) from Gram-positive bacteria. This suggests that lytic MACPF proteins may use a CDC-like mechanism to form pores and disrupt cell membranes. Sequence similarity between bacterial and vertebrate MACPF domains suggests that the fold of the CDCs, a family of proteins important for bacterial pathogenesis, is probably used by vertebrates for defense against infection.