Ingestion of plastics by terrestrial small mammals.

The exposure of wildlife to waste plastic is widely recognised as an issue for aquatic ecosystems but very little is known about terrestrial systems. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that UK small mammals are ingesting plastics by examining faecal samples for the presence of plastic using micro Fourier Transform infrared microscopy. Plastic polymers were detected in four out of the seven species examined (European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus); field vole (Microtus agrestis); brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)). Ingestion occurred across species of differing dietary habits (herbivorous, insectivorous and omnivorous) and locations (urban versus non-urban). Densities excreted were comparable with those reported in human studies. The prevalence of confirmed plastics in the 261 faecal samples was 16.5 % (95 % CI 13 %, 22 %). Most (70 %) of the 60 plastic fragments were <1 mm (microplastics). Polyester, likely to be derived from textiles, accounted for 27 % of the fragments and was found in all plastic-positive species except for the wood mouse. The high prevalence of polyester in terrestrial ecosystems was unexpected and suggests that evaluation is needed of practices likely to transfer this plastic into the environment (such as sewage sludge application to farmland). Polynorbornene, which is likely to be derived from tyre wear, and polyethylene were also commonly detected polymers. 'Biodegradable' plastics formed 27 % (n = 12) of the particles found in wild mammal faeces, warranting further research to assess their persistence in the environment.

Stimulated Brillouin scatter in a magnetized ionospheric plasma.

High power electromagnetic waves transmitted from the HAARP facility in Alaska can excite low-frequency electrostatic waves by magnetized stimulated Brillouin scatter. Either an ion-acoustic wave with a frequency less than the ion cyclotron frequency (f(CI)) or an electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) wave just above f(CI) can be produced. The coupled equations describing the magnetized stimulated Brillouin scatter instability show that the production of both ion-acoustic and EIC waves is strongly influenced by the wave propagation relative to the background magnetic field. Experimental observations of stimulated electromagnetic emissions using the HAARP transmitter have confirmed that only ion-acoustic waves are excited for propagation along the magnetic zenith and that EIC waves can only be detected with oblique propagation angles. The ion composition can be obtained from the measured EIC frequency.

Effects of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on European Hedgehog Activity at Supplementary Feeding Stations.

: Artificial light at night (ALAN) can have negative consequences for a wide range of taxa. However, the effects on nocturnal mammals other than bats are poorly understood. A citizen science camera trapping experiment was therefore used to assess the effect of ALAN on the activity of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at supplementary feeding stations in UK gardens. A crossover design was implemented at 33 gardens with two treatments-artificial light and darkness-each of which lasted for one week. The order of treatment depended on the existing lighting regime at the feeding station: dark treatments were applied first at dark feeding stations, whereas light treatments were used first where the station was already illuminated. Although temporal changes in activity patterns in response to the treatments were noted in some individuals, the direction of the effects was not consistent. Similarly, there was no overall impact of ALAN on the presence or feeding activities of hedgehogs in gardens where supplementary feeding stations were present. These findings are somewhat reassuring insofar as they demonstrate no net negative effect on a species thought to be in decline, in scenarios where the animals are already habituated to supplementary feeding. However, further research is needed to examine long-term effects and the effects of lighting on hedgehog prey, reproductive success and predation risk.

Predicting hedgehog mortality risks on British roads using habitat suitability modelling.

Road vehicle collisions are likely to be an important contributory factor in the decline of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Britain. Here, a collaborative roadkill dataset collected from multiple projects across Britain was used to assess when, where and why hedgehog roadkill are more likely to occur. Seasonal trends were assessed using a Generalized Additive Model. There were few casualties in winter-the hibernation season for hedgehogs-with a gradual increase from February that reached a peak in July before declining thereafter. A sequential multi-level Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) framework was then used to identify areas showing a high probability of hedgehog roadkill occurrence throughout the entire British road network (∼400,000 km) based on multi-scale environmental determinants. The HSM predicted that grassland and urban habitat coverage were important in predicting the probability of roadkill at a national scale. Probabilities peaked at approximately 50% urban cover at a one km scale and increased linearly with grassland cover (improved and rough grassland). Areas predicted to experience high probabilities of hedgehog roadkill occurrence were therefore in urban and suburban environments, that is, where a mix of urban and grassland habitats occur. These areas covered 9% of the total British road network. In combination with information on the frequency with which particular locations have hedgehog road casualties, the framework can help to identify priority areas for mitigation measures.

Increased arterial stiffness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a mechanism for increased cardiovascular risk.

RATIONALE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a 2-3-fold increase in the risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke and sudden death. The mechanisms responsible for this association are not clear and appear to be independent of smoking history. OBJECTIVE: We test the hypothesis that patients with COPD have increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure in comparison with age and smoking matched controls. METHODS: In a prospective case control study, we recruited 102 patients with COPD and 103 healthy controls matched for age and smoking status. Patients were assessed by clinical history and spirometry, with arterial stiffness and blood pressure determined using radial artery applanation tonometry and sphygmomanometry. RESULTS: Patients with COPD had increased arterial stiffness compared with matched controls, with elevated augmentation pressure (17 (1) vs 14 (1) mm Hg; p = 0.005) and a reduced time to wave reflection (131 (1) vs 137 (2) ms; p = 0.004). These differences were associated with increases in both diastolic (82 (1) vs 78 (1) mm Hg; p = 0.005) and systolic blood pressure (147 (2) vs 132 (2) mm Hg; p<0.001). Serum C reactive protein concentrations were threefold higher in patients (6.1 (0.9) vs 2.3 (0.4) mg/l; p = 0.001). Data are presented as mean (SEM). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD have increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure in comparison with controls matched for age and smoking status. We speculate that increased systemic inflammation and vascular dysfunction could potentially explain the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with COPD.

Identification of cyclophilin as the erythrocyte ciclosporin-binding protein.

Previous studies on the distribution of circulating ciclosporin have shown that the majority of the drug is associated with erythrocytes. In order to investigate the nature of ciclosporin-erythrocyte binding, binding studies were performed on isolated erythrocytes. At therapeutic concentrations (approx. 0.5 microgram/ml in whole blood) greater than 90% of the erythrocyte associated ciclosporin was found in the cytosol. The cytosolic binding capacity was approximately (2-2.5).10(5) molecules of ciclosporin per cell. A lower affinity binding of the drug to the plasma membrane occurred only at higher ciclosporin concentrations. The ciclosporin-binding species was purified from erythrocyte cytosol using ciclosporin-Affigel affinity chromatography. This revealed a 16 kDa protein, similar in size to the ciclosporin-binding protein, cyclophilin, previously identified in lymphocyte cytosol. Immunochemical analysis using rabbit anti-bovine spleen cyclophilin antisera revealed that the erythrocyte ciclosporin-binding protein was either cyclophilin or a closely related protein. It is concluded that intracellular ciclosporin-binding within erythrocytes is mostly attributable to the presence of a single protein or protein family represented by cyclophilin. The presence of (2-2.5).10(5) copies of this binding protein within each erythrocyte is responsible for the ciclosporin found associated with erythrocytes.

Local cerebral glucose metabolism after global ischemia: treatment by ventriculocisternal perfusion with a fluorocarbon emulsion.

The local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (LCMRg) was measured in cats subjected to global cerebral ischemia (GCI). Control (nonperfused) cats showed decreased LCMRg (P less than 0.01) in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortex 9.5 hours after a 10-minute exposure to GCI. Cats perfused ventriculocisternally with oxygenated nutrient solution (ONS) for 8 hours showed significant increases in the LCMRg (p less than 0.05) at 9.5 hours postischemia in the parietal and occipital areas over the levels found in untreated ischemic cats. Supplementing the ONS perfusion medium with fluorocarbon (OFNS) increased the LCMRg (P less than 0.05) in the frontal, as well as the parietal and occipital areas, over that seen in untreated ischemic brains. The increase of LCMRg in three (rather than only two) cortical areas may be a result of the ability of the fluorocarbon in OFNS to deliver greater quantities of oxygen to the brain than ONS without fluorocarbon. Perfusion with OFNS without glucose, or with low (50 mg%) glucose, was more effective than OFNS with high (200 mg%) glucose in restoring LCMRg to normal in all four cortical areas affected by GCI. In five brain areas not affected by GCI, perfusion with OFNS having no glucose significantly increased LCMRg as compared to normal animals. This study demonstrates that OFNS perfused by the ventriculocisternal route can restore toward normal the LCMRg following GCI and that different concentrations of glucose in the perfusing fluid will have variable effects on LCMRg in certain brain areas.

Severe cerebral ischemia treatment by ventriculosubarachnoid perfusion with an oxygenated fluorocarbon emulsion.

Global hemispheric ischemia was produced in cats by bilateral carotid ligation and bleeding to a mean arterial pressure of 30 +/- 2 (SE) mm Hg. Total electrocerebral silence, as determined by computer-based power analysis, was obtained and maintained for 15 minutes. After this severe cerebral ischemic episode, the heparinized blood was reinfused and the carotid clamps were removed. After the cerebral ischemia, the ventriculosubarachnoid space was perfused with an oxygenated fluorocarbon nutrient solution (OFNS) or modified Elliott's B solution (ES) (control perfusion). The OFNS perfusate contained 400 to 640 mm Hg pO2 (produced by means of a bubble oxygenator pump system) as well as electrolytes, glucose, and amino acids, all of which are known to be important in cerebral metabolism. Flow rates of the perfusion were maintained at either 3 or 6 ml/minute and intracranial pressures were never permitted to exceed 10 mm Hg. During passage through the ventriculosubarachnoid space, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and electrolytes were exchanged between the brain and the OFNS perfusate. In addition, the OFNS perfusate was capable of picking up pCO2, lactate, and pyruvate. This produced a significant return of electrocerebral activity (P less than 0.01) and oxidative metabolism (P less than 0.01), as evidenced by a decline in the lactate/pyruvate ratio in the OFNS-treated cats, but not in nonperfused animals or those perfused with ES. In this study the ventriculosubarachnoid system served as an alternate vascular tree and enabled the perfusate to accomplish many of the functions of blood. Substantial penetration of the perfusate products into the brain occurred, enabling oxidative metabolism, removal of waste products, and electrocerebral activity to be reestablished.

Reproductive performance in Ohio dairy herds in the 1990s.

The objective of this study was to evaluate trends in reproductive performance in Ohio dairy herds during the 1990s. Stringent criteria for herd inclusion were applied to DHI records to ensure high quality and reliability of the data. The final data set contained 44,425 monthly herd summary records from 1772 herds from years 1992, 1994, 1996 and 1998. Outcomes of interest were calving interval length, calving-to-conception interval, days to first breeding, services per conception and first service conception rate. PROC MIXED in SAS (version 8.1) was used and the monthly records were treated as repeated measures nested within years and herds. First-order autoregressive covariance structure was used to model the covariance between the repeated measures within herds. The data were analyzed for the entire herd as well as for the first lactation cows separately. During the 1990s reproductive performance declined in Ohio dairy herds. Herd average calving interval lengthened from 13.6 to 14.1 months and calving-to-conception interval increased from 136 to 150 days between 1992 and 1998, respectively. Days to first service and number of services increased while first service conception rate declined on a herd level. The reproductive performance of first lactation cows, however, remained constant during this same period. Overall herd reproductive performance was associated with herd size and fat-corrected rolling herd average milk production (FCM). As milk yield increased, first service conception rate decreased and services per conception increased. Larger herds had lower first service conception rate and needed more services per conception, but they started breeding their cows earlier resulting in a slightly shorter calving interval and calving-to-conception interval compared to smaller herds.

SDS-PAGE characterization of the proteins in equine seminal plasma.

The aims of this project were to document the protein profile of equine seminal plasma and determine the variability between stallions in the relative composition of proteins in the ejaculate. A single ejaculate was obtained from 14 stallions of varying breed and age. The gel fraction was removed by an in-line filter. The semen was centrifuged and the supernatant seminal plasma aspirated without disturbing the sperm pellet. The seminal plasma was recentrifuged and stored in cryovials at -70 degrees C. Samples were thawed, recentrifuged, assayed for protein concentration (BCA protein assay), divided into aliquots, then stored at -70 degrees C. A standard protein concentration of 50 microg was loaded in each 10 microl sample. SDS-PAGE was performed using 15% polyacrylamide and a mixture of molecular weight standards. The electrophoresed gel was stained for proteins with Coomassie blue, air-dried, then scanned by a megapixel camera interfaced to a computer. Image analysis software calculated integrated optical density (IOD) values for each lane, and bands within a lane. Each band IOD was expressed as a percentage of the total lane IOD, thus reflecting the relative concentration of each protein within the ejaculate. A total of 14 bands were identified, ranging from a large 120 kDa protein down to a small 14 kDa protein. No sample contained all 14 protein bands. Seven protein bands (101 kDa, 32 kDa, 26 kDa, 22 kDa, 18 kDa, 16 kDa, 14 kDa) were present in all samples, however the relative concentrations of protein within those bands varied between stallions. We demonstrated that although there is a characteristic equine seminal plasma protein profile on SDS-PAGE gels, there is between stallion variability in the relative amounts of each protein.

Ovarian remnant syndrome in a Toy Poodle: a case report.

Ovarian remnant syndrome was diagnosed in a 3-yr-old, female Toy Poodle presented with signs of estrus. The diagnosis was based on the clinical and laboratory changes in response to injection with hCG. The remnant of ovarian tissue was removed surgically under general anesthesia and the animal recovered uneventfully.

Testicular prosthesis in a Quarterhorse stallion: a case report.

A testicular prosthesis was surgically removed from the scrotum of a Quarterhorse stallion presented for evaluation of a large, firm, unilateral scrotal mass. The prosthesis was constructed from methyl methacrylate moulded around a roll of fiberglass casting tape. The prosthesis had been surgically implanted in the scrotum approximately 4 yr prior to presentation in order to give the appearance of 2 testicles in the scrotum for showing and breeding purposes. The horse had been used to successfully breed mares prior to presentation and produced 4.046 x 10(9) progressively motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa in an ejaculate collected 4 mo after surgery to remove the prosthesis. Ethical issues raised by this case are discussed.

Bovine uterine torsion: 164 hospital referral cases.

Uterine torsion is more common in the cow than any other domestic species. The etiopathogenesis of the condition remains open to speculation. Available hospital referral records of bovine uterine torsions (n = 164) were collated, and additional comparisons for season, age and breed were made using the VDMP data base of 24 North American veterinary schools. There was no effect of season. Brown Swiss cows were at a significantly higher risk (P = 0.0001), while Hereford, Angus, and Jersey cows were at a lower risk for uterine torsion when compared with Holstein-Friesian cows, the largest breed population (P = 0.01). Most cows (81%) were at term. Clinical signs of torsion included fever (23%), tachycardia (93%), tachypnea (94%), straining (23%), anorexia (18%) and vaginal discharge (13%). In 34% of the cases the torsion was precervical, with no vaginal involvement being noted. The severity of the torsion was predominately 180 to 270 degrees (57%) and 271 to 360 degrees (22%). Counter-clockwise torsion was present in 63% of the cases. Vaginal delivery was possible after manual correction (20%) or rolling of the cow (18%). Cesarean section was performed immediately in 35% of the cases, after failed detorsion attempts in 7%, and due to failure of the cervix to dilate following successful correction of the torsion in 20%. Calf birth weights exceeded breed means in 89% of the cases, and a significantly greater proportion (63%) of the fetuses were male. Fetal survival rate was 24% (14% of dead fetuses were emphysematous), and the cow survival rate was 78% (10% were euthanized). The fetal membrane retention rate was 57%. It was found that large term fetuses appear to predispose a cow to uterine torsion.

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of bovine semen after cryopreservation in half-milliliter straws.

One of the problems encountered with two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) is the streaking of proteins so that individual spot identification is compromised. This study was conducted to determine whether a low loading dose (50 microg) of protein would permit resolution of more discrete protein spots using megapixel camera technology, and if so, to present a nomenclature for future comparisons of the identified proteins. If the major proteins could be identified in a 50-microg sample we aimed to determine whether they could be identified in the supernatant (seminal plasma plus extender) of cryopreserved semen. Two ejaculates were obtained from each of 6 bulls and bovine seminal plasma (BSP) protein concentration was standardized to 50 microg/10 microl. Isoelectric points (pI) and molecular weights (MWt) of BSP proteins were determined by measuring spot mobility on 2-D PAGE (15% polyacrylamide). Three distinct protein spot constellations (a,b,c) could be readily seen by the naked eye and a faintly stained constellation "d" was identified by the megapixel camera. The image analysis software located 6 protein spots in both constellation "a" (MWt 26 kDa; pI 4.2 to 4.8) and "b" ( MWt 27 kDa; pI 6.6 to 8.0). Constellation "c" contained 13 protein spots distributed in a right-angled triangle with its base towards the acidic end of the gel (MWt 14.7 to 18.8 kDa; pI 5.3 to 7.4). Only spots c(2), c(3), c(5), c(8), and c(13) were present in all 12 samples. Streaking can be eliminated by using 50 microg protein for 2-D PAGE, and the major protein spots are readily identified by megapixel camera technology. Protein spots c(3), c(5), c(13) and constellation "a" appear to correspond with Manjunath's proteins (BSP-A(1), -A(2); -A(3); -30 kDa). Killian's 2 low fertility proteins may lie in the "c" constellation, and 1 of the high fertility proteins may lie in the "b" constellation. The 3 major BSP proteins can be visualized in the supernatant of cryopreserved semen. We believe that the technique may prove useful for retrospective analysis of processed semen batches that achieve less than satisfactory results in the field.

Effect of serial intrauterine dimethyl sulfoxide infusions on the incidence of periglandular fibrosis in category II horse endometria.

High concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been shown to cause gross structural changes in collagen fibers in vitro. As endometrial fibrosis is a major cause of infertility in mares, the effect of serial DMSO infusions on periglandular fibrosis of Category II endometria was investigated. Initially, six mares with Category I endometria were serially infused with DMSO to determine whether such therapy would incite fibrosis. Four mares, serially infused with saline, served as controls in each experiment. One hundred milliliters of 75% DMSO was infused initially, followed by the same volume of 25% DMSO daily for 6 d. Endometrial biopsies obtained 21 d after the last infusion displayed no significant difference in the incidence of periglandular fibrosis when compared with the Day 0 biopsies. Examination of treated uteri at necropsy showed no gross evidence of adhesions or ulcerations.

The effects of parturition and peripartum complications on the peritoneal fluid composition of mares.

Abnormalities in peritoneal fluid are diagnostically useful for managing equine colic; however, their significance in post-dystocia mares is not known. This study was to determine what changes, if any, occurred following obstetrical manipulations. Peritoneal fluid samples were collected from 2 groups of foaling mares to establish control values, and from a third group that had developed clinical abnormalities (CAb,n = 14) or had made an uneventful recovery (CN,n = 36) following fetal extraction. In Group 1 mares, samples were collected before and after induced parturitions (n = 7), and although the total nucleated cell count was increased (P < 0.02) the median values for peritoneal fluid composition remained within the normal reference range. In Group 2 mares, samples were collected after unassisted foalings (n = 10) on postpartum Days 1, 3, 5 and 7, and the peritoneal fluid values remained within the normal reference range. In the Group 3 (CN) mares neither assisted vaginal delivery or fetotomy caused median peritoneal fluid values to rise above the normal reference range. Although remaining within normal limits, the total nucleated cell count was increased (P < 0.01) on Day 2. The median peritoneal fluid total protein value for Group 3 (CAb) mares was greater than the median value for Group 3 (CN) mares on Day 1 (P < 0.05) and Day 2 (P < 0.001). The peritoneal fluid total nucleated cell count in Group 3 (CAb) mares with a uterine tear, vaginal laceration involving the peritoneal cavity, or a ruptured mesocolon was greater than in Group 3 (CN) mares (P < 0.02). The median peritoneal fluid percentage of neutrophils value for Group 3 (CAb) mares was higher than for Group 3 (CN) mares on both Days 1 and 2 (P < 0.02). Elevation of a single peritoneal fluid value in the postpartum mare may be incidental; however, increases in 2 or more of these (total protein > 3.0 g/dl; total nucleated cell count > 15,000 cells/microl; percentage of neutrophils > 80%) is clinically significant.

Prevalence of fetal maldispositions in equine referral hospital dystocias.

A retrospective investigation was performed to determine the population characteristics of horses presented for dystocia at 2 equine referral hospitals and the types of fetal maldispositions among these horses. The study population consisted of a similar number of Thoroughbreds (25%), Standardbreds (24%) and draft horses (22%). Most of the current literature pertaining to equine obstetrics is based on a predominately draft horse population (63%). The latter population appeared to have more transverse presentations (P = 0.06), possibly because of the higher number of draft mares. In our study, 43% (6/14) of the transverse presentations occurred in draft breeds. Furthermore, 18% of the draft mare dystocias (6/33) were transverse presentations whereas only 8% (6/73) of the 2 major light breeds (Thoroughbred n = 3; Standardbred n = 3) had transverse presentation dystocias. Despite the significant breed differences between the 2 populations (P < 0.001), the prevalence of all other fetal maldispositions was not different from those previously reported. Severe dystocia was often multifactorial, with 86% of cases involving malposture and over half (58%) of these involving more than one extremity. Head and/or neck deviation were a major reason for referral. In 30% of cases malposition was a factor, and abnormal presentation was involved in 24% of referrals.

Histopathologic effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on equine endometrium.

Endometrial fibrosis is a major cause of infertility in broodmares. Because of the proven anti-inflammatory effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and its influence on collagen, the effect of DMSO on the endometrium was investigated in mares. Solutions of DMSO (25%, 50%, or 75%) were infused into the uterus of clinically normal mares. Examination of serially obtained biopsy specimens revealed epithelial ulceration and stromal inflammation that were proportional to the DMSO concentration infused, but vasodilatation was not observed. In all mares, the endometrium had returned to normal by day 21 after DMSO infusion.

Teratocarcinoma of the ovary in a mare.

A 5-year-old Appaloosa mare had a history of mild intermittent abdominal discomfort and clinical signs that were suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Palpation per rectum revealed a large mass attached to the left uterine horn, with smaller masses extending dorsally and cranially and causing constriction of the rectum. At necropsy, numerous multilobulated masses were observed in the abdominal cavity and several nodules were seen in the lungs. The left ovary was large and contained both cartilage and hairlike material. Sections from all masses had similar histologic features and confirmed the tentative diagnosis of teratocarcinoma.

Serous cystadenoma in a normally cyclic mare with high plasma testosterone values.

Serous cystadenoma was diagnosed by histologic examination of a large ovary removed from a 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare with normal estrous cycles. Palpation and ultrasound examination per rectum had revealed an excessive number of follicles in the right ovary. The ovulation fossa was palpable on the right ovary, and the left ovary appeared to have normal activity. Plasma testosterone values were high at the time of examination (0.15 ng/ml), but decreased to normal values (0.09 ng/ml) after removal of the cystadenoma.