Local adaptation (mostly) remains local: reassessing environmental associations of climate-related candidate SNPs in Arabidopsis halleri.

Numerous landscape genomic studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes potentially involved in local adaptation. Rarely, it has been explicitly evaluated whether these environmental associations also hold true beyond the populations studied. We tested whether putatively adaptive SNPs in Arabidopsis halleri (Brassicaceae), characterized in a previous study investigating local adaptation to a highly heterogeneous environment, show the same environmental associations in an independent, geographically enlarged set of 18 populations. We analysed new SNP data of 444 plants with the same methodology (partial Mantel tests, PMTs) as in the original study and additionally with a latent factor mixed model (LFMM) approach. Of the 74 candidate SNPs, 41% (PMTs) and 51% (LFMM) were associated with environmental factors in the independent data set. However, only 5% (PMTs) and 15% (LFMM) of the associations showed the same environment-allele relationships as in the original study. In total, we found 11 genes (31%) containing the same association in the original and independent data set. These can be considered prime candidate genes for environmental adaptation at a broader geographical scale. Our results suggest that selection pressures in highly heterogeneous alpine environments vary locally and signatures of selection are likely to be population-specific. Thus, genotype-by-environment interactions underlying adaptation are more heterogeneous and complex than is often assumed, which might represent a problem when testing for adaptation at specific loci.

Autologous corneal graft for the treatment of deep corneal defects in dogs: 15 cases (2014-2017).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of corneal autografts for repair of deep corneal defects in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs that received autologous corneal grafts. RESULTS: Fifteen dogs (16 eyes) of different breed, age and gender were included. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (10/15 dogs). Defects were unilateral in 14 dogs and bilateral in one dog, extended to at least 80% of the stromal thickness in all eyes, with descemetoceles in four eyes and corneal perforations in five eyes. Most ulcers (13/16 eyes) were located centrally. Corneal autografts were harvested from healthy peripheral cornea of the ipsilateral eye. The thickness of the autograft was limited to a set depth of 0.3 mm. The autograft was sutured into a previously debrided ulcer bed with a continuous or simple interrupted suture pattern using absorbable or non-absorbable suture material. Additional interventions included a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy and bandage contact lenses. Postoperatively patients received topical antibiotics and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and 12/15 dogs also received systemic antibiotics. Mean follow-up time was 54 days (2 to 462). In all eyes the donor site healed uneventfully with mild, persistent corneal fibrosis. Postoperative complications included autograft keratomalacia, graft dehiscence and corneal pigmentation. No patient required additional surgery. Good structural and functional outcome was accomplished in 14 of 16 eyes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Autologous corneal grafts provide tectonic support and result in good corneal transparency in selected cases of dogs with deep to perforated corneal ulcerations.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with orbital inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: To describe MRI features of canine retrobulbar inflammation, their association with clinical findings and outcome and to assess the value of MRI in detecting orbital foreign bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of dogs with confirmed (23 of 31) and suspected (eight of 31) retrobulbar inflammation that underwent low field MRI studies were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 31 dogs included in the study there was abscessation in 19. Extraocular myositis (27 of 31) was concurrent with strabismus in three cases. Of 25 patients with exophthalmos, 14 had concurrent optic nerve swelling and, of these, five had permanent loss of vision. There was no vision loss in patients without nerve swelling. One case of suspected retinal detachment on MRI was confirmed clinically. Extensive abnormal contrast enhancement in the temporalis, masseter and pterygoideus muscles was associated with facial (n=3) and trigeminal nerve deficits (n=1). Three patients with inflammation extending into the nasal cavity and frontal sinus (one of 31) or meningeal contrast enhancement (two of 31), showed optic and oculomotor nerve deficits. On MRI a foreign body was not visible in 20 of 31 case or "appeared likely" in 11 of 31 dogs. A foreign body was found at surgery in one case. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MRI outlines the extent of retrobulbar inflammation. Clinical findings were associated with imaging findings. MRI overestimated the presence of foreign bodies.

Progression and complications of canine cataracts for different stages of development and aetiologies.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate progression and complications of various cataract aetiologies and stages of development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 447 eyes of 250 dogs with cataracts were monitored between 2012 and 2015. Breed, gender, age, vision, types of cataract, stage of cataract development (incipient, immature, mature and hypermature), complications of cataracts, ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography findings were recorded. Re-examinations were performed after a minimum of 1, 6 and 12 months. A relative rate of progression within 1 month was determined and progression was categorised as stationary, slow, moderate or rapid. RESULTS: Overall, 44∙7% cataracts progressed and 55∙3% remained stationary. Incipient, immature, mature and hypermature cataracts progressed in 34∙1, 72∙7, 66∙7 and 44∙6% of cases, respectively. Hereditary, congenital, diabetic, contusive trauma-related, perforating trauma-related, radiation-related, senile cataracts and cataracts secondary to concurrent ocular diseases progressed in 47∙1, 66∙7, 66∙7, 50, 44∙4, 0, 29∙9 and 48∙9% of cases, respectively. Rapid progression was identified in 13∙3% of diabetic and 4∙3% of hereditary cataracts. Complications were diagnosed in 43∙5% and occurred at any stage but more frequently the further the cataract had developed. Lens-induced uveitis was the most common complication. Diabetic, traumatic, secondary and hereditary cataracts were associated with more complications than senile cataracts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stage of development and cataract aetiology are associated with different rates of progression and complications.

Retrobulbar cellulitis and abscessation: focus on short- and long-term concurrent ophthalmic diseases in 41 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe concurrent ophthalmic diseases in dogs with retrobulbar cellulitis and abscessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs with retrobulbar inflammation. RESULTS: Forty-one dogs were diagnosed with retrobulbar inflammation; of these, 23 presented with abscessation and two with zygomatic sialoadenitis. Diagnosis was based on orbital ultrasound, MRI, CT and cytological and microbiological examination of fluid or tissue samples. Management involved evacuation of fluid contents using ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration via the pterygopalatine fossa or orbitotomy. Patients received systemic antibiotics (except for one with sialoadenitis), glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and fluid therapy. At initial presentation one or more ophthalmic complications were reported in 19 dogs (46%) including internal ophthalmoplegia (n=5), blindness due to optic nerve damage (n=5), facial nerve paralysis (n=3), prolapse of the third eyelid gland (n=3), corneal ulceration (n=8), anterior uveitis (n=4), chorioretinitis (n=3), retinal detachment (n=2) and increased intraocular pressure (n=7). Information on ophthalmic complications after cessation of active inflammation was available for 33 patients. One or more concurrent disease was found in 10 cases (30%): in addition to persistent neurological deficits and third eyelid gland prolapse reported at initial presentation, visual deficits after retinal re-attachment (n=2), loss of corneal sensation (n=1), corneal oedema (n=1), corneal fibrosis (n=4), corneal lipidosis (n=1) and strabismus after suspected fibrosis (n=2) were diagnosed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ophthalmic complications are common in patients with retrobulbar inflammation indicating that these patients should undergo ophthalmic assessment and follow-up.

Effects of two-stage weaning with nose flap devices applied to calves on cow body condition, calf performance, and calf humoral immune response.

The effects of nose flap devices in calves before dam separation on cow BCS, pre- and postseparation calf performance, and humoral immune response were compared with traditional weaning. Primiparous and multiparous Angus and Hereford cows ( = 113) and their Angus, Hereford, and Angus × Hereford calves (179.4 ± 3.92 kg and 161 ± 22.7 d of age) were used. Cow-calf pairs were allocated to 1 of 2 treatments in a completely randomized design: 1) nose flap for 21 d before separation from the dam (NF) or 2) no nose flap for 21 d before separation from the dam (CON). Calves were separated from dams on d 0, and calves were placed in group feed-yard pens for 28 d. A subset ( = 75) of weaned calves were placed into 1 of 8 pens to evaluate DMI. Cow BCS was measured on d -21 and 56, and calves were given modified live vaccinations (d -21 and 1), challenged with ovalbumin (OVA; d 1), and weighed (d -21, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28). In addition, blood samples were collected (d -21, 1, 14, and 28) to measure primary humoral immune response. Control calves tended to have greater BW on d 14 ( = 0.09) and 21 ( = 0.07) than NF calves, and CON calves had greater ( < 0.05) ADG from d -21 to 1 vs. NF calves. Treatments did not differ ( ≥ 0.27) for postweaning DMI, G:F, or morbidity. Serum neutralization tests for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) were used to measure humoral response to a viral vaccination. Serum antibody titers to BVDV-1 for CON calves tended ( = 0.08) to be greater on d 1 and were greater ( < 0.05) by d 28 vs. NF calves. By d 28, a greater percentage ( < 0.05) of CON calves seroconverted for BVDV-1 than NF calves (82.1 vs. 66.7%, respectively). Serum antibody titers for BHV-1 were greater ( < 0.05) on d 1 and 28 for CON vs. NF calves. Humoral immune response to OVA during the 28-d postseparation period from the dam was evaluated in a subset ( = 57) of calves. There was no difference ( = 0.92) in OVA-specific IgG between treatments on d 14 or 28 ( = 0.76); however, OVA-specific IgM was greater ( < 0.05) in CON vs. NF calves on d 28. Results indicate that nose flap devices did not influence feed intake, feed efficiency, or morbidity during the initial postseparation period from the dam. However, preweaning ADG, serum BVDV-1 and BHV-1 titers, and humoral immune response to OVA were decreased in calves that received the nose flap treatment.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone increased pregnancy risk in suckled beef cows not detected in estrus and subjected to a split-time artificial insemination program.

We hypothesized that GnRH would increase pregnancy risk (PR) in a split-time AI program for cows in which estrus was not detected. A total of 1,236 suckled beef cows at 12 locations in 3 states (Colorado, Kansas, and North Dakota) were enrolled. Before applying the fixed-time AI program, BCS was assessed. Cows were treated on d -7 with a progesterone insert concurrent with 100 µg GnRH and on d 0 with 25 mg PGF plus removal of the insert. Estrus-detection patches were affixed to cows at insert removal. Estrus was defined to have occurred when an estrus-detection patch was >50% colored (activated). Cows in estrus by 65 h ( = 758; 61.3% of all cows) were randomly allocated to 2 treatments: 1) 100 µg GnRH and early + GnRH (E+G; = 373) or 2) AI only at 65 h (early - no GnRH [E-G]; = 385). The remaining cows were randomly allocated to 2 treatments: 1) 5(L+G; = 252) or 2) AI only at 84 h (late no GnRH [L-G]; = 226). Pregnancy was determined 35 d after AI via transrectal ultrasound. Pregnancy risk did not differ ( = 0.68) between E+G and E-G cows (61.9 vs. 60.4%, respectively). Conversely, for cows inseminated at 84 h, PR was greater ( = 0.01) in cows that received GnRH (L+G) compared with their herd mates not receiving GnRH (L- G; 41.7 vs. 30.8%, respectively). Of those cows not detected in estrus by 65 h, 42.1% were detected by 84 h, for a total expression of estrus by all cows of 77.6%. Administration of GnRH increased ( < 0.01) PR in cows not detected in estrus by 84 h (+GnRH = 33.4% [ = 146] vs. no GnRH = 15.0% [ = 128]) but had no effect in cows expressing estrus by 84 h (+GnRH = 65.3% [ = 103] vs. no GnRH = 61.7% [ = 97]). Neither estrus expression by 65 or 84 h nor PR was influenced by BCS, parity, or days postpartum at AI. Cows had greater PR when they had been detected in estrus before AI, and PR was improved by administration of GnRH at 65 h after insert removal in cows that were not detected in estrus and inseminated at 84 h.

Using estrus detection patches to optimally time insemination improved pregnancy risk in suckled beef cows enrolled in a fixed-time artificial insemination program.

A multilocation study examined pregnancy risk (PR) after delaying AI in suckled beef cows from 60 to 75 h when estrus had not been detected by 60 h in response to a 7-d CO-Synch + progesterone insert (CIDR) timed AI (TAI) program (d -7: CIDR insert concurrent with an injection of GnRH; d 0: PGF injection and removal of CIDR insert; and GnRH injection at TAI [60 or 75 h after CIDR removal]). A total of 1,611 suckled beef cows at 15 locations in 9 states (CO, IL, KS, MN, MS, MT, ND, SD, and VA) were enrolled. Before applying the fixed-time AI program, BCS was assessed, and blood samples were collected. Estrus was defined to have occurred when an estrus detection patch was >50% colored (activated). Pregnancy was determined 35 d after AI via transrectal ultrasound. Cows ( = 746) detected in estrus by 60 h (46.3%) after CIDR removal were inseminated and treated with GnRH at AI (Control). Remaining nonestrous cows were allocated within location to 3 treatments on the basis of parity and days postpartum: 1) GnRH injection and AI at 60 h (early-early = EE; = 292), 2) GnRH injection at 60 h and AI at 75 h (early-delayed = ED; = 282), or 3) GnRH injection and AI at 75 h (delayed-delayed = DD; = 291). Control cows had a greater ( < 0.01) PR (64.2%) than other treatments (EE = 41.7%, ED = 52.8%, DD = 50.0%). Use of estrus detection patches to delay AI in cows not in estrus by 60 h after CIDR insert removal (ED and DD treatments) increased ( < 0.05) PR to TAI when compared with cows in the EE treatment. More ( < 0.001) cows that showed estrus by 60 h conceived to AI at 60 h than those not showing estrus (64.2% vs. 48.1%). Approximately half (49.2%) of the cows not in estrus by 60 h had activated patches by 75 h, resulting in a greater ( < 0.05) PR than their nonestrous herd mates in the EE (46.1% vs. 34.5%), ED (64.2% vs. 39.2%), and DD (64.8% vs. 31.5%) treatments, respectively. Overall, cows showing estrus by 75 h (72.7%) had greater ( < 0.001) PR to AI (61.3% vs. 37.9%) than cows not showing estrus. Use of estrus detection patches to allow for a delayed AI in cows not in estrus by 60 h after removal of the CIDR insert improved PR to TAI by optimizing the timing of the AI in those cows.

A small animal model of regional alveolar ventilation using HP 3He MRI1.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish a standardized procedure for the measurement of regional fractional ventilation in a healthy rat model as a baseline for further studies of pulmonary disorder models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lungs of five healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were imaged using hyperpolarized helium-3 magnetic resonance imaging. From these images, regional fractional ventilation was calculated and maps generated detailing the distribution of fractional ventilation in the lung. The 1.56 mm x 1.56 mm x 4 mm regions of interest were assigned on 5 cm x 5 cm field of view lung maps. Histograms were also generated showing the frequency distribution of fractional ventilation values. To compare fractional ventilation values between animals, the ventilation procedure was standardized to results from individual pulmonary function tests. Each animal's spontaneous tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiration percentage (percent of total respiratory cycle in inspiration) were used in their mechanical ventilation settings. RESULTS: Results were similar among all five healthy rats based on examination of ventilation distribution maps and frequency distribution histograms. Mean (0.13) and standard deviation (0.07) were calculated for fractional ventilation in each animal. However, these values were determined to be influenced by slice selection, and therefore the maps and histograms were favored in analysis of results. CONCLUSION: This study shows consistent results in healthy rat lungs and will serve as a baseline study for future measurements in emphysematous rat lungs.

[Cataracts in dogs--overview and guideline for decision making in treatment]. / Katarakt bei Hunden--Überblick und Orientierungshilfe für die Therapieentscheidung.

Cataract is the leading cause of impaired vision and vision loss in dogs. Because of the considerable progress in cataract surgery in recent decades, lens opacities can now be operated on with very good short-term success (90-95%), taking into account that proper patient selection is essential to maximize the probability of a successful surgical outcome. Following a description of anatomical and physiological lens characteristics, the etiology and complications of untreated cataracts are discussed. Furthermore, specific criteria for patient selection are addressed while delineating essential steps of the examination. This article aims to aid decision making in cataract therapy on the basis of diagnostic guidance and to facilitate the selection of an appropriate point of time for surgery.

Quantitative assessment of emphysema using hyperpolarized 3He magnetic resonance imaging.

In this experiment, Sprague-Dawley rats with elastase-induced emphysema were imaged using hyperpolarized (3)He MRI. Regional fractional ventilation r, the fraction of gas replaced with a single tidal breath, was calculated from a series of images in a wash-in study of hyperpolarized gas. We compared the regional fractional ventilation in these emphysematous rats to the regional fractional ventilations we calculated from a previous baseline study in healthy Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that there were differences in the maps of fractional ventilation and its associated frequency distribution between the healthy and emphysematous rat lungs. Fractional ventilation tended to be much lower in emphysematous rats than in normal rats. With this information, we can use data on fractional ventilation to regionally distinguish between healthy and emphysematous portions of the lung. The successful implementation of such a technique on a rat model could lead to work toward the future implementation of this technique in human patients.

Cryptosporidiosis.

In the United States, the four groups at high risk of cryptosporidiosis are animal handlers, foreign travelers, children in day care centers and immunocompromised patients, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In immunocompetent patients, the sporadic diarrheal illness is self-limited. Diagnosis is made by the identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool specimens, but these parasites are easily overlooked and may be confused with yeast. At present, there is no specific therapy for this infection.

Observation of the quantum zeno and anti-zeno effects in an unstable system.

We report the first observation of the quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in an unstable system. Cold sodium atoms are trapped in a far-detuned standing wave of light that is accelerated for a controlled duration. For a large acceleration the atoms can escape the trapping potential via tunneling. Initially the number of trapped atoms shows strong nonexponential decay features, evolving into the characteristic exponential decay behavior. We repeatedly measure the number of atoms remaining trapped during the initial period of nonexponential decay. Depending on the frequency of measurements we observe a decay that is suppressed or enhanced as compared to the unperturbed system.

Single-acquisition sequence for the measurement of oxygen partial pressure by hyperpolarized gas MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with hyperpolarized 3-helium gas (HP 3He) offers the possibility of studying functional lung parameters such as the alveolar oxygen concentration and oxygen depletion rate. Until now, a double-acquisition technique has been utilized to extract these parameters. A complicated single-acquisition technique was previously developed to avoid the necessity of performing two identical breathing maneuvers. The results obtained with this technique were significantly less accurate than the results obtained with the double-acquisition method. In this work, a novel, easily implemented single-acquisition sequence is presented that provides results comparable to those obtained with the established double-acquisition method. This method is demonstrated in a phantom and a pig model on a 1.5 T scanner using a 2D fast low-angle shot (FLASH) gradient-echo sequence. Numerical simulations of the time evolution of the oxygen concentration were performed. Simulation results are presented to support the experimental data. Various parameter regimes were experimentally and numerically investigated.