Toxicity of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) to adult females of the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)     

Wright C  Brooks A  Wall R 《Pest management science》2004,60(7):639-644

The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) is a natural component of soil flora world-wide and is a causal agent of the green muscardine diseases of insects. The use of this pathogen as a potential biocontrol agent against adult females of the blowfly, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was considered. The blowfly L sericata is an economically important agent of cutaneous myiasis of sheep, particularly in northern Europe. Exposure of flies to suspensions of fungal spores by immersion, topical application or tarsal contact with treated surfaces all resulted in high levels of fatal infection. Spores suspended in silicone oil resulted in higher levels of infection (50-70%) than those formulated in a 0.3 glitre(-1) solution of the detergent Tween 80 (10-20%). Spore concentration had a significant effect on levels of infection of flies, with the highest levels of mortality (64%) resulting from a suspension of 1 x 10(7) conidia ml(-1). The duration of tarsal contact had a significant effect on levels of infection. Mean infection levels of 30% were observed following exposure of free-flying adults to a single spore-treated, 5 x 15 cm2 cloth surface suspended from the roof of a cage (30 cm cube). The implications of the results for the potential use of M anisopliae in the biocontrol of blowflies are discussed.  相似文献   

Morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy     

Pigatto JA  Andrade MC  Laus JL  Santos JM  Brooks DE  Guedes PM  Barros PS 《Veterinary ophthalmology》2004,7(3):205-208

The objective of this study was to examine the endothelial surface morphology and to perform morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis with regard to polygonality, mean cell area, cell density and coefficient of variation of mean cell area was performed. Cell areas were measured using image analysis software. The normal corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman consisted of polygonal cells of uniform size and shape with interdigitations of the cell borders. Microvilli appeared as protrusions on the cellular surface. The average cell area was 270 +/- 24 microm(2) and the endothelial cell density was 3704 +/- 324 cells/mm(2). The coefficient of variation of cell area was 0.22. This study demonstrates that the Yacare caiman corneal endothelium is similar to those described in other vertebrates.  相似文献   

Time-specific intraocular pressure curves in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) with laser-induced ocular hypertension   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

Ollivier FJ  Brooks DE  Kallberg ME  Sapp HL  Komáromy AM  Stevens GR  Dawson WW  Sherwood MB  Lambrou GN 《Veterinary ophthalmology》2004,7(1):23-27

Objective To detect and categorize time‐specific variations in daytime intraocular pressure (IOP) found in Rhesus monkeys with laser‐induced ocular hypertension. Procedures Ten male monkeys with argon laser‐induced ocular hypertension in one eye were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride, and the IOP measured in both eyes at 7 a.m., 7.30 a.m., and then hourly until 1 p.m. with a Tonopen? XL applanation tonometer. Intraocular pressure time profiles for both eyes in each animal were developed. The means ± SD of the IOPs for both eyes were calculated for the whole 6‐h study period, and the values compared statistically. The difference between the lasered eye mean IOP standard deviation and the normal eye mean IOP standard deviation for each animal during the 6‐h follow‐up was also calculated and compared. Results Mean IOP (± SD) in the glaucoma and normal eyes for the 10 animals during the 6‐h study was 32.6 ± 2.5 and 14.9 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively. The IOP was significantly higher in the experimental eye than in the normal eye (P = 0.0008). The mean IOP in the lasered eye did not significantly change during the study period, whereas a slight but significant increase in IOP of the normal eye over the study period was recorded (P = 0.003). The variance in IOP in the hypertensive eyes was considerably greater than that in the untreated control eyes. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. the IOP declined in five eyes and increased in the other five eyes with laser‐induced ocular hypertension. Conclusions The time‐specific IOP variation pattern in the daytime in the laser treated eyes is significantly greater than the variation in the normotensive eyes. This shows that in order to detect statistical differences between IOP variations induced by an IOP‐reducing drug, and the exaggerated spontaneous IOP variations present in the laser‐induced hypertensive eye, sufficient animals should be included in any study. Understanding the time‐specific IOP variation present in a group of monkeys with laser‐induced ocular hypertension is essential prior to using the model for the evaluation of IOP‐reducing drugs.  相似文献   

Evaluation of platelet aggregation using a point-of-care instrument in retired racing Greyhounds     

Couto CG  Lara A  Iazbik MC  Brooks MB 《Journal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine》2006,20(2):365-370

Veterinarians involved in Greyhound rescue have anecdotally observed that 10-15% of Greyhounds bleed profusely after simple surgical procedures. In most patients, platelet counts and hemostasis profiles are normal; therefore, it is possible that these dogs have platelet dysfunction. The PFA-100 is a novel point-of-care platelet function analyzer that has recently been evaluated as a rapid method to assess platelet function in dogs. The objectives of this study were to characterize platelet function in a group of healthy Greyhounds by means of the PFA-100. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from 30 healthy Greyhounds. CBC, biochemical profile, PFA-100 assay with collagen/epinephrine (COL-EPI) and collagen/ adenosindiphosphate (COL-ADP), plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWF:Ag), and vWF collagen-binding assay (vWF:CBA) were performed. PFA-100 closure times (CTs) with COL/ADP ranged from 63 to 92 seconds (mean +/- SD, 74.7 +/- 7.9 seconds) and with COL/EPI from 87 to 238 seconds (138 +/- 41 seconds); vWF: Ag ranged from 22 to 120% (87.52 +/- 25.5%) and vWF: CBA ranged from 36 to 102% (77.4 +/- 17.3%); and platelet counts ranged from 147 to 265 x 10(9)/L (194.6 +/- 31.64 x 10(9)/L). Greyhound CTs were significantly shorter than CTs in a mixed population of 50 healthy non-Greyhound dogs, in which the COL/ADP CTs ranged from 61 to 172 seconds (mean +/- SD, 87 +/- 21.6 seconds), and the COL/ EPI CTs ranged from 81 to 300 seconds (mean +/- SD, 183 +/- 67.6 seconds; P = 0.005 for COL/ADP CT; P = 0.001 for COL/ EPI CT). Also, platelet counts were significantly lower (P = 0.001) and packed cell volume was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the Greyhound than in the non-Greyhound group. The PFA-100 is a reproducible method that can be used in the clinical setting to assess platelet function in Greyhounds; however, normal CTs in healthy Greyhounds are shorter than in other breeds. The results obtained in this study will be used to screen for abnormal platelet function in Greyhounds with postoperative bleeding.  相似文献   

Suspected ivermectin toxicosis in a miniature mule foal causing blindness   总被引：1，自引：1，他引：0  

Plummer CE  Kallberg ME  Ollivier FJ  Brooks DE  Gelatt KN 《Veterinary ophthalmology》2006,9(1):29-32

A 9-week-old miniature mule foal presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for acute blindness, ataxia, and depression following an overdose of an over-the-counter ivermectin-based de-worming medication. Ophthalmic examination and electrodiagnostic evaluation eliminated outer retinal abnormalities as the primary cause of the bilateral blindness, implicating instead a central neurologic effect of the drug. With symptomatic and supportive care, the foal recovered fully and regained its vision.  相似文献   

Global biodiversity conservation priorities     

Brooks TM  Mittermeier RA  da Fonseca GA  Gerlach J  Hoffmann M  Lamoreux JF  Mittermeier CG  Pilgrim JD  Rodrigues AS 《Science (New York, N.Y.)》2006,313(5783):58-61

The location of and threats to biodiversity are distributed unevenly, so prioritization is essential to minimize biodiversity loss. To address this need, biodiversity conservation organizations have proposed nine templates of global priorities over the past decade. Here, we review the concepts, methods, results, impacts, and challenges of these prioritizations of conservation practice within the theoretical irreplaceability/vulnerability framework of systematic conservation planning. Most of the templates prioritize highly irreplaceable regions; some are reactive (prioritizing high vulnerability), and others are proactive (prioritizing low vulnerability). We hope this synthesis improves understanding of these prioritization approaches and that it results in more efficient allocation of geographically flexible conservation funding.  相似文献   

Evaluation of clinical characteristics and bacterial isolates in dogs with bacterial keratitis: 97 cases (1993-2003)     

Tolar EL  Hendrix DV  Rohrbach BW  Plummer CE  Brooks DE  Gelatt KN 《Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association》2006,228(1):80-85

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics and breeds affected with bacterial keratitis and compare patterns of resistance in bacterial isolates over time in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 97 dogs with bacterial keratitis. PROCEDURE: Dogs with bacterial keratitis were identified from teaching hospital medical records at the Universities of Tennessee and Florida during the years 1993 to 2003. Data were collected pertaining to breed, Schirmer tear test results, treatments administered at the time of initial examination, bacterial species isolated, and resistance to selected antimicrobials. RESULTS: 66% of the dogs were brachycephalic, 54% had tear production < 15 mm/min, and 29% were receiving a corticosteroid at the time of initial examination. The most common bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius (29%), beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp (17%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21%). Staphylococcus intermedius isolates had limited resistance to certain antimicrobials. More than 80% of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp isolates were resistant to neomycin, polymyxin B, and tobramycin. Isolates of P aeruginosa were susceptible to tobramycin and gentamicin and had limited resistance to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. Among bacterial species isolated, there was no evidence of development of antimicrobial resistance over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data suggested that administration of ciprofloxacin or a combination of a first-generation cephalosporin and tobramycin may be used in the treatment of bacterial keratitis while awaiting results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Evidence suggests that current methods of medical management of bacterial keratitis are not associated with increased antimicrobial resistance.  相似文献   

Genetic effects on carcass quantity, quality, and palatability traits in straightbred and crossbred Romosinuano steers     

DG Riley  CC Chase  SW Coleman  WA Phillips  MF Miller  JC Brooks  DD Johnson  TA Olson 《Journal of animal science》2012,90(7):2159-2166

The objectives of this work were to estimate heterosis and breed genetic effects for carcass quantity, quality, and palatability traits of steers (Bos spp.) produced from matings of Romosinuano, Brahman, and Angus cattle. Steers (n = 464) were weaned at 7 mo of age and transported to the Southern Great Plains where they grazed winter wheat for 6 mo and were then fed a finishing diet until serial slaughter after different days on feed (average 130 d). Carcass quality and quantity traits were measured; steaks (aged 7 d) were obtained for palatability evaluation. Heterosis was detected for BW, HCW, dressing percentage, LM area, and yield grade for all pairs of breeds. Generally, Romosinuano-Angus heterosis estimates were smallest, Romosinuano-Brahman estimates were intermediate, and Brahman-Angus heterosis estimates were largest. The direct Romosinuano effect was to decrease (P < 0.05) BW (-67 ± 16 kg), HCW (-48 ± 10 kg), dressing percentage (-1.4 ± 0.5 units), 12th rib fat thickness (-5.2 ± 0.8 mm), and yield grade (-0.9 ± 0.1), and to increase LM area per 100 kg HCW (3.6 ± 0.3 cm(2)/100 kg). Significant Brahman direct effects were detected for BW (34 ± 17 kg), HCW (29 ± 10 kg), dressing percentage (1.6 ± 0.6 %), LM area per 100 kg HCW (-3.3 ± 0.4 cm(2)/100 kg), and yield grade (0.6 ± 0.1). Significant Angus direct effects were to increase 12th rib fat thickness (3.8 ± 1 mm). Among sire breed means, Romosinuano had reduced (P = 0.002) marbling score (393 ± 9) than Angus, but greater mean sensory tenderness scores (5.8 ± 0.1), and reduced percentage Standard carcasses (10 ± 2%) than Brahman (P < 0.002). Angus sire breed means for marbling score (475 ± 10), overall tenderness (5.8 ± 0.1), and percentage Choice carcasses (75 ± 5%) were greater (P < 0.05) than Brahman sire breed means (360 ± 11, 5.4 ± 0.1, 31 ± 5%). From consideration only of characteristics of the end product of beef production, Romosinuano did not provide a clearly superior alternative to Brahman for U.S. producers, as they had some quality and palatability advantages relative to Brahman, but at lighter HCW.  相似文献   

Modulation of equine neutrophil adherence and migration by the annexin-1 derived N-terminal peptide, Ac2-26     

Brooks AC  Rickards KJ  Cunningham FM 《Veterinary immunology and immunopathology》2012,145(1-2):214-222

Neutrophil activation, whilst a key component of host defence, must be tightly regulated in order to avoid an inappropriate cellular response. Annexin-1, which is present in large amounts in neutrophils, and its N-terminal peptides, reduce neutrophil accumulation but annexin peptides have also been shown to exhibit neutrophil activating properties. We have recently shown annexin-1 to be present in equine neutrophils and demonstrated that the annexin-1-derived peptide, Ac2-26, can both reduce superoxide production by these cells in response to other stimuli and directly induce free radical production at a higher concentration. In the present study, we have further characterised the effects of Ac2-26 on equine neutrophil function. In addition, as anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids are known to up-regulate annexin-1, we have examined the effects of dexamethasone on annexin-1 expression in equine leukocytes. The effects of Ac2-26 alone and on agonist (CXCL8, leukotriene (LT)B(4) and PAF)-induced adherence and migration were examined by measuring adhesion of neutrophils to serum-coated plastic and by use of a ChemoTx migration assay. The role of formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) in mediating the effects of Ac2-26 was examined using the pan-FPR antagonist, BOC-2. Flow cytometry was used to measure the effects of dexamethasone on annexin-1 expression. Pre-incubation with Ac2-26 (10(-5)M) significantly inhibited neutrophil adhesion and migration in response to other agonists but when used alone could also induce these responses. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of Ac2-26 were reduced by BOC-2, indicating a dependency on FPR activation. Dexamethasone increased the percentage of annexin-1 positive neutrophils and mononuclear cells by 1h post treatment (from 45±5% to 93±1% and 62±14% to 87±9% for neutrophils and monocytes, respectively) but by 4h there was no difference from control cells. No difference was seen between the percentages of annexin-1 positive cells pre- and post-treatment in animals that had undergone a dexamethasone suppression test. The attenuation of agonist-induced adherence and migration by Ac2-26 may play a part in regulating recruitment of equine neutrophils in inflammatory conditions of the horse. However, if high concentrations are produced in vivo following release of annexin-1 from activated cells, direct stimulatory effects may occur which could be either beneficial or detrimental. The therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammatory steroids in the horse may be mediated in part by increasing annexin-1 expression although this effect appears to be short-lived.  相似文献   

Topographic placement of management practices in riparian zones to reduce water quality impacts from pastures     

Denise A. Piechnik  Sarah C. Goslee  Tamie L. Veith  Joseph A. Bishop  Robert P. Brooks 《Landscape Ecology》2012,27(9):1307-1319

Riparian buffers, a best management practice (BMP), lessen environmental impacts caused by pasture-based agriculture by excluding livestock from streams and removing sediment and nutrients from overland flow before they enter the watercourse. Geospatial data analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs) can improve BMP placement by ensuring that BMPs intercept flow paths. Livestock heavy use areas and riparian buffers within 100?m of the stream were digitized using aerial photography of Spring Creek watershed (Pennsylvania, USA). Flow path lengths and stream entry points from heavy use areas, from all agricultural land uses, and from a random sample of points were calculated using 1, 10, and 30?m DEM resolutions. Euclidean distances identified the nearest stream entry point regardless of topography. Drainage areas for each streambank cell were evaluated using each DEM resolution. Topographic calculations differed significantly from Euclidean, with median differences of 14.3?m for flow path length and 24.1?m between stream entry points for the 10?m DEM. Existing buffers intercepted runoff from only 23?% of heavy use areas. Drainage areas ranged from one to hundreds of DEM cells. Any DEM is an arbitrary representation of a continuous surface; both resolution and processing method affect the suitability of such a representation for any given purpose. We found that 30?m DEMs did not provide reasonable flow path estimates at the scale of grazing agriculture in this region, while Pennsylvania 1?m DEMs were minimally smoothed during DEM preparation, resulting in erratic flow paths. The 10?m DEMs were the most suitable available DEM product, and should be used in conjunction with site visits for planning pasture BMP placement.  相似文献