Observed flow compensation associated with the MOC at 26.5 degrees N in the Atlantic

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC), which provides one-quarter of the global meridional heat transport, is composed of a number of separate flow components. How changes in the strength of each of those components may affect that of the others has been unclear because of a lack of adequate data. We continuously observed the MOC at 26.5 degrees N for 1 year using end-point measurements of density, bottom pressure, and ocean currents; cable measurements across the Straits of Florida; and wind stress. The different transport components largely compensate for each other, thus confirming the validity of our monitoring approach. The MOC varied over the period of observation by +/-5.7 x 10(6) cubic meters per second, with density-inferred and wind-driven transports contributing equally to it. We find evidence for depth-independent compensation for the wind-driven surface flow.     

Diagnosis,treatment and outcome of spinal lymphoma in a pony

This report describes the diagnostic approach to, and treatment of, a case of severe pelvic limb ataxia in a Miniature Shetland pony. Diagnosis of an intradural‐extramedullary lesion at the level of T11–12 was made using CT myelography. Dorsolateral hemilaminectomy allowed surgical debulking of an intradural mass, diagnosed histopathologically as T cell rich B cell lymphoma. Post operative treatment with prednisolone, cytarabine and cyclophosphamide was tolerated well and the degree of ataxia reduced markedly, allowing the pony to return to normal management.     

Intracranial botryomycosis in a mature horse

This case report describes an unusual diagnosis of central nervous system botryomycosis in a horse. A 16‐year‐old Welsh Section D gelding was evaluated for acute onset of hypermetric ataxia, leaning to the left and head tilt to the right. Based on the neurological signs, a cerebellar lesion with accompanying vestibular disease was suspected and supportive therapy consisting of antimicrobial and glucocorticosteroid drugs and hypertonic saline was instituted. This resulted in marked clinical improvement over a 48 h period. Computed tomography performed in the standing, sedated horse following initial stabilisation identified extensive sclerosis and lysis of the right temporal and occipital bones, consistent with an infectious or neoplastic process. Based on the grave prognosis for survival despite the clinical improvement, euthanasia was undertaken. Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging identified a mass lesion impinging on the right cerebellar hemisphere, sclerosis of the temporal and occipital bones lateral and ventral to the mass, as well as destruction of the temporal bone between the inner ear and the cerebellum. These changes corresponded to the presence of a mass within the right dorsal temporal bone, extending into the right lateral temporal bone. The mass extended to compress and adhere to the right lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum. A histopathological diagnosis of botryomycosis was made, affecting the temporal and occipital bones and compressing the cerebellum.     

Effects of oxygen supersaturation and temperature on juvenile greenlip, Haliotis laevigata Donovan, and blacklip, Haliotis rubra Leach, abalone

Growth and survival of juvenile greenlip (39.03 (SD 3.80) mm (n=524)) and blacklip (31.92 (SD 4.19) mm (n=531) abalone were investigated at high dissolved oxygen levels (95–120% saturation) between 17 and 19°C. Abalone were fed the same artificial diet and each species was contained in groups of approximately 30 individuals within triplicate tanks for each of six treatments and were exposed to flow through water adjusted to give experimental conditions for up to 75 days. Blacklip abalone held at 16.9°C and 97% oxygen saturation grew in shell length significantly faster than all other treatments of blacklip abalone held at 19°C, and significantly faster than blacklip abalone maintained at 111% oxygen saturation and 17.5°C. Both temperature and oxygen saturation significantly affected the survival of this species. Blacklip abalone held at 19°C had significantly lower survival for both 96% oxygen saturation and 120% oxygen saturation, compared with blacklip abalone maintained at either 110% oxygen saturation and 19°C, or for any 17°C treatment. No significant differences were noted for greenlip abalone within the range tested in terms of growth rate, food consumption rate or survival, indicating that greenlip abalone tolerated these conditions better than did blacklip abalone.     

Chlamydiosis in workers at a duck farm and processing plant

SUMMARY An outbreak of chlamydiosis was Investigated in workers at a duck farm and processing plant during winter 1989. Chlamydia psittaci was isolated from ducks, but there was little evidence of clinical chlamydiosis in the ducks. Serological tests showed that 76% of workers had been exposed to Infection, 12% recently, 16% had not been exposed and 8% had inconclusive test results. There was a strong association (P < 0.05) between years of employment and exposure to Infection. Infection appeared to be contracted during the first year of employment. Measures were Implemented to reduce shed contamination and control rodents and wild birds. At the same time, ducks were medicated, the processing plant was modified, work practices were altered and workers were advised about chlamydiosis to reduce the risk of human infection.