Extraordinary capture of a Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus in the temperate south-eastern Indian Ocean and its molecular phylogenetic relationship within the Etelinae.

The capture of a rarely encountered Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus (female, 587 mm fork length) from the upper continental slope (c. 350 m) off the south coast of Western Australia (c. 34·5° S; 122·5° E) in January 2014 represents its first record from the temperate Indian Ocean and a southern range extension. This record suggests that spawning of this predominantly tropical species may probably be occurring in the eastern Indian Ocean, considering the extensive, and unlikely, distance the progeny would have otherwise travelled from its typical distribution in the western and central Pacific Ocean.

C-kit expression in canine mucosal melanomas.

The c-kit receptor is responsible for transmission of promigration signals to melanocytes; its downregulation may be involved in malignant progression of human melanocytic neoplasms. Expression of this receptor has not been examined in normal or neoplastic melanocytes from dogs. In this study, 14 benign dermal and 61 malignant mucosal melanocytic tumors were examined for c-kit (KIT) expression. Sites of the mucosal melanomas were gingiva (not further specified; n = 30), buccal gingiva (n = 6), soft palate (n = 4), hard palate (n = 5), tongue (n = 7), lip (n = 6), and conjunctiva (n = 3). Melan A was expressed in all 14 dermal melanocytomas and in 59 of 61 (96.7%) tumors from oral or conjunctival mucosa, confirming melanocytic origin. C-kit receptor expression was strong and diffuse throughout the cytoplasm in all 14 dermal melanocytomas and was identified in basilar mucosal melanocytes over submucosal neoplasms (27 of 61, 44.3%), junctional (neoplastic) melanocytes (17 of 61, 27.9%), and, less commonly, neoplastic melanocytes of the subepithelial tumors (6 of 61, 9.8%). KIT expression anywhere within the resected melanomas correlated with significantly longer survival. These results suggest that c-kit receptor expression may be altered in canine melanomas and may have potential as a prognostic indicator for mucosal melanomas.

Parasites as indicators of movement and population connectivity of a non-diadromous, tropical estuarine teleost: king threadfin Polydactylus macrochir.

Temporal and spatial patterns in parasite assemblages were examined to evaluate the degree of movement and connectivity of post-recruitment life-history stages of a large, non-diadromous tropical estuarine teleost, king threadfin Polydactylus macrochir, collected from 18 locations across northern Australia. Ten parasites types (juvenile stages of two nematodes and seven cestodes, and adults of an acanthocephalan) were deemed to be suitable for use as biological tags, in that they were considered to have a long residence time in the fish, were relatively easy to find and were morphologically very different to each other which aided discrimination. Univariate and discriminant function analysis of these parasites revealed little difference in temporal replicates collected from five locations, suggesting that the parasite communities were stable over the timeframes explored. Univariate, discriminant function, and Bray-Curtis similarity analyses indicated significant spatial heterogeneity, with Bray-Curtis classification accuracies ranging from 55 to 100% for locations in north-western and northern Australia, 24 to 88% in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and 39 to 88% on the east coast of Queensland. Few differences were observed among locations separated by <200 km. The observed patterns of parasite infection are in agreement with concurrent studies of movement and connectivity of P. macrochir in that they indicate a complex population structure across northern Australia. These results should be considered when reviewing the management arrangements for this species.

Renal lesions of nondomestic felids.

To comprehensively evaluate the occurrence of renal lesions in a variety of nondomestic felids, necropsy cases from 1978 to 2008 were reviewed from a municipal zoo and a large cat sanctuary for those in which the kidneys were examined histologically. Seventy exotic felids were identified (25 tigers, 18 lions, 6 cougars, 5 leopards, 3 snow leopards, 3 clouded leopards, 3 Canadian lynx, 2 ocelots, 2 bobcats, 2 cheetahs, 1 jaguar), and their histologic renal lesions were evaluated and compared. The most common lesion was tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN); 36 of 70 (51%) cats were affected to some degree. Lymphocytic interstitial nephritis was the most common lesion in the tigers (9 of 25, 36%) and was rarely seen in other species. Although the renal pelvis was not available for all cats, 28 of 47 (60%) had some degree of lymphocytic pyelitis. There was no significant association between the presence of pyelitis and that of TIN. Only 1 cat had pyelonephritis. Renal papillary necrosis was present in 13 of 70 (19%) cats and was significantly associated with historical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment (odds ratio, 7.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 26.8). Only 1 cat (lion) had amyloid accumulation, and it was restricted to the corticomedullary junction. Primary glomerular lesions were absent in all cats. Intraepithelial pigment was identified in many of the cats but was not correlated with severity of TIN. Despite several previous reports describing primary glomerular disease or renal amyloidosis in exotic felids, these lesions were rare to absent in this population.

Stock structure of blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum across northern Australia, as indicated by parasites.

The parasite fauna of the blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum, collected from 14 sites across northern Australia, was examined to evaluate the degree of movement and subsequent stock structure of the fish. Univariate and multivariate analysis of nine 'permanent' parasite species [the nematodes Anisakis (type I) and Terranova (type II), the cestodes Otobothrium australe, Pterobothrium pearsoni, Pterobothrium sp. A, Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Parotobothrium balli and Nybelinia sp., and the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus sp.] demonstrated little similarity between sites, indicating limited mixing and therefore long-term separation of post-juvenile fish. As such, the effects of fishing are likely to be localized within the current administrative boundaries, implying little need for interstate co-operative management. Within each jurisdiction, management of E. tetradactylum populations, including the establishment of harvest strategies and fishery regulations, should be conducted in a way that recognizes the resident nature of the fish.

Genetic population structure of grey mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus in northern Australia.

This study used mtDNA sequence and microsatellite markers to elucidate the population structure of Scomberomorus semifasciatus collected from 12 widespread sampling locations in Australia. Samples (n = 544) were genotyped with nine microsatellite loci, and 353 were sequenced for the control (384 bp) and ATPase (800 bp) mtDNA gene regions. Combined interpretation of microsatellite and mtDNA data identified four genetic stocks of S. semifasciatus: Western Australia, north-west coast of the Northern Territory, Gulf of Carpentaria and the eastern coast of Queensland. Connectivity among stocks across northern Australia from the Northern Territory to the eastern coast of Queensland was high (mean F(ST) = 0·003 for the microsatellite data and Φ(ST) = 0·033 and 0·009 for control region and ATPase, respectively) leading to some uncertainty about stock boundaries. In contrast, there was a clear genetic break between the stock in Western Australia compared to the rest of northern Australia (mean F(ST) = 0·132 for the microsatellite data and Φ(ST) = 0·135 and 0·188 for control region and ATPase, respectively). This indicates a restriction to gene flow possibly associated with suboptimal habitat along the Kimberley coast (north Western Australia). The appropriate scale of management for this species corresponds to the jurisdictions of the three Australian states, except that authorities in Queensland and Northern Territory should co-ordinate the management of the Gulf of Carpentaria stock.

Uterine lesions in 32 female miniature pet pigs.

Thirty-two 4-month-old to 19-year-old female miniature pet pigs were spayed. Uterine lesions were present in all except 8 pigs. The 24 remaining pigs had diffuse cystic endometrial hyperplasia, of which 14 had smooth muscle tumors, including leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas, in the uterus or broad ligament. Nodular endometrial lesions-including adenocarcinomas, adenomas, and/or adenomyosis-were present in 10 pigs, 3 of which had concurrent smooth muscle tumors. Pyometra was present in 3 pigs. In uterine sections with cystic endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, or adenomas, approximately 70% of epithelial nuclei expressed estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor immunohistochemically; in adenocarcinomas, expression was 20%. Regardless of malignancy, more than 50% of nuclei in smooth muscle tumors expressed estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Aging was associated with the development of uterine lesions in miniature pet pigs.

Maturation and sexual ontogeny in the spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus.

The reproductive development and sexual ontogeny of spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus populations in the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) were investigated to obtain an improved understanding of its evolved reproductive strategy and data for fisheries management. Evidence derived from (1) analyses of histological data and sampled sex ratios with size and age, (2) the identification of residual previtellogenic oocytes in immature and mature testes sampled during the spawning season and (3) observed changes in testis internal structure with increasing fish size and age, demonstrated a non-functional protogynous hermaphroditic strategy (or functional gonochorism). All the smallest and youngest fish sampled were female until they either changed sex to male at a mean 277.5 mm total length (L(T)) and 2.3 years old or remained female and matured at a larger mean L(T) (392.1 mm) and older age (3.5 years). Gonad masses were similar for males and females over the size range sampled and throughout long reproductive lives (up to a maximum estimated age of c. 31 years), which was another correlate of functional gonochorism. That the mean L(T) at sex change and female maturity were below the current minimum legal size (MLS) limit (410 mm) demonstrated that the current MLS limit is effective for preventing recreational fishers in the NMP retaining at least half of the juvenile males and females in their landed catches.

First record of Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus (Perciformes: Lujanidae) from the eastern Indian Ocean (north-western Australia).

The rare Randall's snapper Randallichthys filamentosus is recorded here for the first time in the eastern Indian Ocean from Scott Reef, north-western Australia. A single specimen of R. filamentosus, measuring 495 mm fork length, was captured on 9 July 2006 at a depth of 211 m on the outer reef slopes of Scott Reef. The capture of this specimen indicates that this deepwater fish is more widely distributed than was previously acknowledged and further implies that this species has a dispersal capacity that extends across ocean boundaries.

Canine subcutaneous mast cell tumour: diagnosis and prognosis.

The aim of this study was to characterize the pathology and clinical outcome of the subcutaneous variant of canine mast cell tumour. Fifty-three cases satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected from the pathology archive of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee. Referring veterinarians provided information on outcome. These dogs had a median age of 9 years (range 3-17 years). After characterizing tumours histologically, nuclear expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 (MIB-1 clone) was determined immunohistochemically and mast cell origin was confirmed with c-Kit staining. Counts of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) were determined by silver staining. Nuclear labelling was counted in 100 tumour cells. Margins were recorded as incomplete in 66% of dogs, and metastases occurred in 6% of dogs. The estimated minimum mean survival time from date of diagnosis was 1199 days, ranging from 55 to >1780 days. The median scores from immunohistochemical labelling were PCNA 0.05 and Ki67 0.03 per 100 tumour cells. The median score for AgNOR staining was 1.25 per 100 tumour cells. The patterns of c-Kit expression included membranous labelling in 20 tumours, stippled cytoplasmic labelling in 23 tumours and diffuse cytoplasmic labelling in 10 tumours. Age (r=-0.61, P=0.14) and AgNOR score (r=-0.58, P=0.17) had moderate, but non-significant, negative associations with survival. PCNA (r=-0.32, P=0.47), Ki67 (r=-0.22, P=0.64) and c-Kit immunolabelling was not associated with survival. The subcutaneous variant of canine mast cell tumour is distinct in having features of intermediate histological grade and extended mean survival times, suggesting a slightly better long-term prognosis than for higher grade dermal variants. Expression of nuclear proliferation markers is not associated with outcome.

Effects of L-asparaginase on plasma amino acid profiles and tumor burden in cats with lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: L-Asparaginase (Elspar(a)), is an Escherichia coli-derived enzyme that depletes lymphoma cells of asparagine, inhibiting protein synthesis and resulting in cell death. The single agent response rate in cats with lymphoma and impact of L-asparaginase on plasma amino acid concentrations is unknown. HYPOTHESES: L-Asparaginase significantly reduces plasma asparagine concentrations and has demonstrable efficacy against untreated lymphoma in cats. ANIMALS: Thirteen cats with confirmed lymphoma (LSA) of any anatomic site were given 1 dose 400 IU/kg IM) of L-asparaginase for initial LSA treatment. METHODS: Plasma collected at 0, 2, and 7 days after L-asparaginase therapy was assayed for ammonia, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, and glutamic acid concentrations. Cats were restaged 7 days later to assess tumor response. RESULTS: Eight cats had T-cell LSA, 4 cats had B-cell LSA, and 1 cat's immunophenotype was unknown. Two complete and 2 partial responses to L-asparaginase were seen. Four cats had stable disease, and 5 cats had progressive disease. Ammonia and aspartic acid concentrations were increased from baseline at 2 and 7 days posttreatment. Asparagine concentrations were decreased from baseline at 2 days but not 7 days posttreatment. Glutamic acid concentrations were increased at day 2 compared to day 7 posttreatment but not compared to baseline. Glutamine concentrations were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: L-asparaginase significantly reduced asparagine concentrations within 2 days of treatment, but this effect was lost within 7 days. The apparent overall response rate of feline LSA to L-asparaginase in this study was 30%.

Histologic assessment and grading of the exocrine pancreas in the dog.

Histologic grading schemes for canine inflammatory conditions are sparse, and in the case of the canine pancreas, have not been previously described. In a previous study, we determined that histologic lesions of the exocrine pancreas occurred much more frequently than gross lesions. The intention of the current study was to develop a histologic grading scheme for nonneoplastic lesions following extensive assessment of the exocrine pancreas from dogs presented for necropsy examination. The parameters of the proposed scheme include neutrophilic inflammation, lymphocytic inflammation, pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic fat necrosis, edema, fibrosis, atrophy, and hyperplastic nodules. In this case series, the most common lesion was pancreatic hyperplastic nodules (80.2%), followed by lymphocytic inflammation (52.5%), fibrosis (49.5%), atrophy (46.5%), neutrophilic inflammation (31.7%), pancreatic fat necrosis (25.7%), pancreatic necrosis (16.8%), and edema (9.9%). Only 8 of the 101 animals had no evidence of any of the lesions in any of the sections examined. Fibrosis, atrophy, and/or lymphocytic infiltration most commonly accompanied nodules. Neutrophilic inflammation, when present, was often associated with necrosis (pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic fat necrosis, or both) and occasionally with hyperplastic nodules. The utilization of a grading scheme for exocrine pancreatic lesions will be useful in advancing the classification of exocrine pancreatic disease in the dog, which may lead to multicenter studies of exocrine pancreatic disorders in the dog and in other species.

Tissue distribution of the SALMFamide neuropeptides S1 and S2 in the starfish Asterias rubens using novel monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. I. Nervous and locomotory systems.

The recent isolation and characterization of the SALMFamide neuropeptides (S1 and S2) from the starfish Asterias rubens has initiated a series of single- and double-labelling immunocytochemical studies to ascertain their tissue distribution and cellular localization. Specific novel monoclonal and polyclonal antisera have been raised against these neuropeptides and used in optical immunocytochemistry (ICC). The results of the present study reveal, for the first time, the widespread neuronal distribution of S2 localized to axons and perikarya of the radial nerve cord and tube foot ectoneural nerve plexus. Double labelling revealed a predominantly separate localization for S1 and S2 immunoreactivity. The potential functional roles of S1 and S2 in the radial nerve cord (RNC) and tube feet of Asterias rubens are discussed.

Effect of hormone variations and other factors on symptom severity in women with dystonia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if any relationship exists between the severity of symptoms in women with dystonia and female reproductive hormonal variations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We surveyed 279 women with dystonia seen at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale over a 6-year period (1990-1995), and 204 responded. The women were asked questions regarding their reproductive and menstrual histories and dystonia severity and other questions with an emphasis on possible exacerbating or relieving factors. RESULTS: Although in the majority of women hormonal influences had no consistent effect on dystonia symptom severity, 26 (41.9%) of 62 premenopausal women noted a change in the severity of their dystonic symptoms in relation to the 3 phases of their menstrual cycle. Other factors that exacerbated dystonia included stress and fatigue, while sleep improved symptoms. Pregnancy, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy had no effect on symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Menstrual cycling may result in subjective worsening of dystonia symptoms in some women with dystonia. Further clinical and physiologic evaluation is indicated in such patients, as they may represent an important subgroup of dystonic patients that might yield some clues to the pathophysiology of dystonia and to improved treatment strategies.

A beta 42 is the predominant form of amyloid beta-protein in the brains of short-term survivors of head injury.

Fatal head injury results in the formation of diffuse parenchymal deposits of amyloid beta-protein (A beta) in the brains of approximately 30% of individuals. We used carboxyl terminal-specific antisera to examine the exact nature of these deposits in paraffin sections of neocortex from seven head-injured patients. Immunostaining for A beta 42 was observed in all parenchymal deposits whereas staining for A beta 40, the form of the protein which predominates in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, was seen in only a small proportion of deposits. The relative paucity of A beta 40 suggests that post-traumatic deposits do not arise as a result of passive leakage from damaged cerebral blood vessels but are similar to the early A beta 42 parenchymal deposits seen in Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Neuron-specific localisation of the TR3 death receptor in Alzheimer's disease.

Death receptors are associated with the homeostatic and pathologic induction of cell death. TR3 is a recently characterised member of the death receptor family that is expressed in the adult brain. In order to establish the role of TR3 in acute CNS disease and chronic neurodegeneration, we analysed brain regions from Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke and neurotrauma patients, using a novel anti-peptide antibody generated to an exposed epitope in the extracellular domain of the receptor. We show a statistically significant increase in TR3 protein levels in AD brain samples but not in stroke, neurotrauma or control samples. The increase observed for TR3 was specific to neurons in regions associated with AD pathology. This is the first report describing the neuron-specific regulation of a death receptor in chronic disease and may indicate that a TR3 receptor-mediated signalling pathway is involved in AD-associated neuronal loss.

Adaptations for independent living by older frail households.

This paper examines how well older frail households cope with the requirements of independent living. Three groups of requirements are considered: household operation activities, housing consumption adjustments, and health-related activities. The analysis is based on the Survey of Housing Adjustments conducted by the Census Bureau for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, supplemented by data from the Annual Housing Survey. We find that those lacking financial resources and informal support are less likely to cope with independent living requirements, and that families bear the major burden in helping frail elders meet these requirements.

Housing attributes and serious mental illness: implications for research and practice.

OBJECTIVES: This paper critically reviews studies of the relationship between housing attributes and serious mental illness, highlights important gaps in the research, generates hypotheses to be tested, and suggests a research agenda. METHODS: Studies published between 1975 and March 2000 were identified through computerized searches, previous literature reviews, and consultation with mental health and housing researchers. Criteria for inclusion included the presentation of quantitative evidence, a systematic sample of known generalizability, and systematic analytic techniques. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The 32 studies that met these criteria relied on one or more of three conceptualizations of the role of housing: housing attributes or assessments as an outcome or dependent variable; housing attributes as inputs or independent variables in a model in which the outcome pertains to a nonhousing factor, such as a mental health outcome; or housing as both an input and an outcome. Three studies found no long-term effect of improved housing adequacy on housing satisfaction above and beyond case management. Three studies found better outcomes for settings that have fewer occupants. Another study suggested that persons who live in small-scale, good-quality, noninstitutional environments are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior when a larger proportion of other tenants also have serious mental illness. The strongest finding from the literature on housing as an input and an outcome was that living in independent housing was associated with greater satisfaction with housing and neighborhood. Most of the studies had methodological weaknesses, and few addressed key hypotheses. There is a critical need for a coherent agenda built around key hypotheses and for a uniform set of measures of housing an input and an outcome.

Neighborhood locations of Section 8 housing certificate users with and without mental illness.

OBJECTIVE: The study examined whether participants with mental illness in the federal Section 8 housing subsidy program settle in neighborhoods different from those of Section 8 participants without mental illness. The nature of these differences and the reasons they occur were also examined. METHODS: Data sources included the Section 8 survey for Baltimore and Cincinnati of the national evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Program on Chronic Mental Illness, police records, and 1990 census tract files, supplemented with the addresses of all Section 8 users and mental health services in both cities. Analyses consisted of calculations of dissimilarity indexes, comparisons of means, and multiple regressions. RESULTS: Dissimilarity index scores were .54 for Baltimore and .48 for Cincinnati, indicating that roughly half of all Section 8 users with mental illness would have to move to eliminate neighborhood disparities between them and Section 8 users without mental illness. Section 8 users with mental illness settled in somewhat better neighborhoods than those without mental illness. This finding was largely attributable to the sizable disparities in the racial composition of the two groups of Section 8 users: a greater proportion of users with mental illness were white. CONCLUSIONS: The neighborhood quality of Section 8 users with mental illness was found to be at least as high as that for users without mental illness. It is not clear whether the Section 8 program of the Program on Chronic Mental Illness disproportionately served whites, although the racial composition of the Section 8 program in both cities is disproportionately black.

Congenital cystic disease of the liver and kidney in a pygmy goat.

A 1-month-old pygmy goat was presented with abdominal distension and hematuria. Anemia, leukocytosis, and increased bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen levels suggested renal and hepatic disease. Radiographs revealed bilateral renomegaly, and ultrasound confirmed bilateral hydronephrosis. Necropsy findings determined that the renomegaly was due in part to edema and marked cystic tubular distension. Similarly, intrahepatic bile ducts were ectatic. The character and distribution of the gross and histologic lesions were consistent with a polycystic disorder, presumably congenital, affecting the liver and the kidney.