Channel catfish virus (CCV) causes an acute haemorrhagic disease in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), fry and fingerlings. The present study describes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for detection of CCV DNA in the tissues of acutely infected juvenile catfish. The assay is rapid, sensitive and specifically detects CCV DNA derived from epidemiologically distinct viral isolates. The use of two independent PCR primers sets, each specific for particular CCV genes (open reading frames 8 and 59), provides a means to confirm the results and minimize false-positive results. The method identifies CCV DNA in several tissues of acutely infected fish, including the brain, blood, intestine, kidney and liver. The CCV PCR assay is useful for the diagnosis of acute CCV disease and for studies to investigate the molecular basis of CCV pathogenesis. 相似文献
We present an applied approach to optimal experimental design and estimability analysis for mechanistic models of cardiac electrophysiology, by extending and improving on existing computational and graphical methods. These models are ‘multi-scale’ in the sense that the modeled phenomena occur over multiple spatio-temporal scales (e.g., single cell vs. whole heart). As a consequence, empirical observations of multi-scale phenomena often require multiple distinct experimental procedures. We discuss the use of conventional optimal design criteria (e.g., D-optimality) in combining experimental observations across multiple scales and multiple experimental modalities. In addition, we present an improved ‘sensitivity plot’—a graphical assessment of parameter estimability—that overcomes a well-known limitation in this context. These techniques are demonstrated using a working Hodgkin–Huxley cell model and three simulated experimental procedures: single-cell stimulation, action potential propagation, and voltage clamp. In light of these assessments, we discuss two model modifications that improve parameter estimability, and show that the choice of optimality criterion has a profound effect on the contribution of each experiment. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line. 相似文献
The United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOTs) are globally important for a high diversity of endemic and threatened plant species but are poorly represented in plant ecological literature. This lack of ecological research is compounded by a lack of funding and skills. Cost effective approaches of compiling conservation relevant information are required. Here we present the first examination of a species from the UKOTs presented within the standard framework of a Biological Flora. This framework allows a convenient way to compile ecological information and assess missing data. The account reviews all available information on Euphorbia origanoides L. (Ascension spurge) from Ascension Island (South Atlantic Ocean) relevant to understanding its ecology and conservation, including soil chemistry, climate and plant community data. E. origanoides is an endemic perennial, found in dry, lava plains of Ascension Island with soils comprised of weathered volcanic scoria. E. origanoides has suffered habitat loss through the introduction of invasive species and survival in the wild is currently under threat. We relate the information gathered for this Biological Flora to the conservation of the species in the wild and propose the framework should be used as one way of compiling information relevant for conservation managers. The framework is beneficial as it allows an evidence-based approach to conservation but also permits the prioritisation of research and can help conservation managers to meet targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. 相似文献
A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL. 相似文献
To evaluate three volumes of lidocaine for spermatic cord block to perform castration in cattle.
Study design
Randomized blinded clinical study.
Animals
Thirty mixed-breed Nellore cattle, aged 28–40 months and weighing 395 ± 21 (352–452) kg [mean ± standard deviation (range)].
Methods
Cattle were restrained in a chute and allowed to stand without sedation. Three milliliters of 2% lidocaine without epinephrine were infiltrated subcutaneously at each site of scrotal incision in all animals. The animals were allocated to three groups of 10 animals each. Lidocaine 2% was injected into each spermatic cord using a volume of 2, 3 or 4 mL in groups A, B, or C, respectively. The total volumes of lidocaine used were 10, 12, and 14 mL in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The duration of surgery and the retraction of the testicle (scored as positive or negative according to retraction of the testicle) during the procedure were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way anova followed by Tukey’s and chi-square tests. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05.
Results
The mean surgical time was shorter in group C than in groups A and B (p < 0.001). In groups A, B and C, 90%, 60% and 10% of the animals showed retraction of the testicle, respectively. Fewer animals retracted the spermatic cord in group C than in group A (p = 0.002) and B (p = 0.02).
Conclusions and clinical relevance
Optimal spermatic cord block was achieved by injection of 4 mL of 2% lidocaine 5 minutes before castration and following incisional infiltration of lidocaine, in adult cattle weighing about 400 kg. 相似文献
Common strategies to protect swimmers from unprovoked shark bite incidents on coastal beaches are controversial. We surveyed beach users on two Sydney beaches to gauge their knowledge and attitudes to current and topical shark bite mitigation strategies. Most interviewees (>55%) were aware that shark nets were deployed on each beach, and gave relatively strong (>60%) support for their use. In contrast, beach users were overwhelming against (>80%) the general culling of sharks, and also opposed (>70%) the strategy of catching and killing sharks following a shark bite incident. There was little difference between genders in their attitudes to each strategy, but the oldest age category (51+) surveyed was generally most supportive of the lethal strategies. The results demonstrated the dichotomies in public attitudes to the different mitigation strategies, particularly passive versus active culling, and highlighted the need for greater public education for the development of socially acceptable solutions to shark hazards. 相似文献
The cover image, by M. E. Gray et al., is based on the Original Article Dual targeting of EGFR and ERBB2 pathways produces a synergistic effect on cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro, DOI: 10.1111/vco.12230 .
The trace element selenium is essential to both dogs and cats. Dry diets are formulated with a large range of ingredients, which may vary in selenium concentration and accessibility. This paper reports equations to predict the average in vitro selenium accessibility from dry pet foods based on essential dietary nutrient concentrations, including crude protein, amino acids and crude fat. Predictive equations were made using stepwise linear regression for extruded and pelleted diets. The equations can be used to aid diet formulation to optimize selenium accessibility within the diet and to prevent selenium deficiency or toxicity. 相似文献
The conduct of randomized controlled trials in livestock with production, health, and food-safety outcomes presents unique challenges that might not be adequately reported in trial reports. The objective of this project was to modify the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement to reflect the unique aspects of reporting these livestock trials. A 2-day consensus meeting was held on November 18–19, 2008 in Chicago, IL, to achieve the objective. Before the meeting, a Web-based survey was conducted to identify issues for discussion. The 24 attendees were biostatisticians, epidemiologists, food-safety researchers, livestock production specialists, journal editors, assistant editors, and associate editors. Before the meeting, the attendees completed a Web-based survey indicating which CONSORT statement items would need to be modified to address unique issues for livestock trials. The consensus meeting resulted in the production of the REFLECT (Reporting Guidelines for Randomized Control Trials) statement for livestock and food safety and 22-item checklist. Fourteen items were modified from the CONSORT checklist, and an additional subitem was proposed to address challenge trials. The REFLECT statement proposes new terminology, more consistent with common usage in livestock production, to describe study subjects. Evidence was not always available to support modification to or inclusion of an item. The use of the REFLECT statement, which addresses issues unique to livestock trials, should improve the quality of reporting and design for trials reporting production, health, and food-safety outcomes. 相似文献
