Restoration of Insular Ecosystems: Control of Feral Goats on Aldabra Atoll, Republic of Seychelles

The control of feral goats (Capra hircus) was studied on Aldabra Atoll, Republic of Seychelles, from October 1993 to May 1994 and November 1994 to May 1995. A total of 832 goats was killed on Aldabra using the Judas goat technique and traditional hunting methods. Twenty-eight goats equipped with radio transmitters (Judas goats) were used to locate and kill other feral goats. The remnant goat populations on Ile Picard (n=13) and Ile Malabar (n=19) were eradicated during the first season. On Grande Terre, a total of 798 (374 M : 424 F) goats were killed. Mean group size was 3.2 with a range of 1–20. Judas goat hunting became increasingly important over time with 18.0% (n=85) of goats killed in the presence of Judas goats in the first season compared to 42.3% (n=126) of goats killed during the second season. The overall kill rate for the project was almost 2 times greater for Judas goat hunting (0.61 goats killed/h) than traditional hunting (0.32 goats killed/h). The home range size of each Judas goat and the number of goats killed in association with it was significantly related. Using the Leslie–Davis removal method of population estimation, 84 goats were estimated to remain on all of Grande Terre at the end of thebreak project. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

First report on the molecular prevalence of Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) in goats the cause of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Balochistan province of Pakistan

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) is a disease of goats which causes high morbidity and mortality and is reported in many countries of the world. There are probably no reports on the molecular prevalence of Mccp, Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum (Mcc) and Mycoplasma putrefaciens (Mp) in Balochistan and any other part of Pakistan. Thirty goats (n = 30) with marked respiratory symptoms were selected and procured from forty goat flocks in Pishin district of Balochistan in 2008. The genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from the lung samples (n = 30) of the slaughtered goats was purified and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the presence of Mycoplasma mycoides cluster members and Mp. The PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) was also used to further confirm the Mccp. Of the thirty lung samples 17 (56.67%) were positive for the molecular prevalence of Mcc, Mccp and Mp. In total the molecular prevalence was observed as 17.65% for Mccp (n = 3), 70.59% for Mcc (n = 12) and 11.76% for Mp (n = 2). The RFLP profile has also validated the PCR results of Mccp by yielding two bands of 190 and 126 bp. The results of PCR-RFLP coupled with the presence of fibrinous pleuropneumonia and pleurisy during postmortem of goats (n = 3) strongly indicated the prevalence of CCPP in this part of world. Moreover the prevalence of Mcc and Mp is also alarming in the study area. We report for the very first time the molecular prevalence of Mcc, Mccp, and Mp in the lung tissues of goats in the Pishin district of Balochistan, Pakistan.     

Important role of carotid afferents in control of breathing

The purpose of the present study was todetermine the effect on breathing in the awake state of carotid bodydenervation (CBD) over 1-2 wk after denervation. Studies werecompleted on adult goats repeatedly before and1) for 15 days after bilateral CBD (n = 8),2) for 7 days after unilateral CBD(n = 5), and3) for 15 days after sham CBD(n = 3). Absence of ventilatorystimulation when NaCN was injected directly into a common carotidartery confirmed CBD. There was a significant(P < 0.01) hypoventilation during the breathing of room air after unilateral and bilateral CBD. Themaximum Pa_CO2 increase (8 Torr forunilateral and 11 Torr for bilateral) occurred ~4 days afterCBD. This maximum was transient because by 7 (unilateral)to 15 (bilateral) days after CBD, Pa_CO2 was only 3-4 Torr above control.CO₂ sensitivity was attenuated from control by 60% on day 4 afterbilateral CBD and by 35% on day 4 after unilateral CBD. This attenuation was transient, because CO₂ sensitivity returned tocontrol temporally similar to the return ofPa_CO2 during the breathing of room air.During mild and moderate treadmill exercise 1-8 days afterbilateral CBD, Pa_CO2 was unchanged fromits elevated level at rest, but, 10-15 days after CBD,Pa_CO2 decreased slightly from restduring exercise. These data indicate that1) carotid afferents are animportant determinant of rest and exercise breathing and ventilatoryCO₂ sensitivity, and2) apparent plasticity within theventilatory control system eventually provides compensation for chronicloss of these afferents.

     

Murine bladder wall biomechanics following partial bladder obstruction

Evaluation of bladder wall mechanical behavior is important in understanding the functional changes that occur in response to pathologic processes such as partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO). In the murine model, the traditional approach of cystometry to describe bladder compliance can prove difficult secondary to small bladder capacity and surgical exposure of the bladder. Here, we explore an alternative technique to characterize murine mechanical properties by applying biaxial mechanical stretch to murine bladders that had undergone pBOO. 5–6 week old female C57/Bl6 mice were ovariectomized and subjected to pBOO via an open surgical urethral ligation and sacrificed after 4 weeks (n=12). Age matched controls (n=6) were also analyzed. Bladders were separated based on phenotype of fibrotic (n=6) or distended (n=6) at the time of harvest. Biaxial testing was performed in modified Kreb's solution at 37 °C. Tissue was preconditioned to 10 cycles and mechanical response was evaluated by comparing axial strain at 50 kPa. The normal murine bladders exhibited anisotropy and were stiffer in the longitudinal direction. All mice showed a loss of anisotropy after 4 weeks of pBOO. The two phenotypes observed after pBOO, fibrotic and distended, exhibited less and more extensibility, respectively. These proof-of-principle data demonstrate that pBOO creates quantifiable changes in the mechanics of the murine bladder that can be effectively quantified with biaxial testing.     

Seasonal changes in blood biochemical and endocrine responses of different indigenous goat breeds of tropical island agro-ecological environment

The objective of the current study was to observe the impact of two seasons viz. summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–August) on the blood biochemical and hormonal responses in different indigenous goats of tropical island agro-ecological environment maintained under extensive management system. Sixty animals of three different indigenous goat breeds were included in the study: Andaman local goat (AL, n = 20), Andaman local?×?Malabari (AL?×?M, n = 20), and Teressa goat (n = 20). Sixty serum samples (n = 10/season/breed) from the three groups of animals were analyzed. Study revealed that there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in serum total protein in Teressa goats during summer than monsoon. Serum albumin showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) between AL and AL?×?M during summer whereas significant variation of albumin (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between AL and Teressa, AL?×?M and Teressa during monsoon season. Significant differences in serum albumin (p ≤ 0.05) were also observed in AL and AL?×?M during summer and monsoon seasons, respectively. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in AL goats during summer than in monsoon season. Thus, the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical and hormonal values of indigenous goat breeds in hot and humid tropical island environment.     

Maternal and direct dietary polyphenol supplementation affect growth,carcass and meat quality of sheep and goats

The beneficial effects of polyphenol intake such as improved nitrogen retention make them interesting feed supplements for ruminants. In contrast, dietary polyphenols may have adverse effects on the bioavailability of nutrients and palatability of the feed which might impair growth performance. The beneficial and adverse effects might differ between different ruminant species as well as between direct intake and intake of polyphenol metabolites via suckling when supplemented to lactating dams. This study investigated the effects of maternal and direct polyphenol supplementation via grape seed extract in sheep and goats on growth, slaughter performance, meat quality and fatty acid profile. The diet of lactating East Friesian Dairy sheep (n = 11) and Saanen goats (n = 9) and of their lambs (n = 16) and kids (n = 13), respectively, was supplemented either with grape seed extract (dams: 7.4% and offspring: 5.6%, P) or without (C). This resulted in four groups per species, namely maternalC/offspringC, maternalC/offspringP, maternalP/offspringC, and maternalP/offspringP. In lambs but not in goats, maternalP increased average daily gain and improved slaughter performance whereas offspringP had no effect. Maternal and offspring diet did not affect physicochemical meat quality in lambs, but direct intake of grape seed extract increased rancid aroma of burger patties. In goat kids, both maternal and offspring diets slightly affected meat colour. While groups of meat fatty acids (FAs) were not affected by diet in both species, maternalP in lambs as well as maternalP and offspringP in goat kids increased the meat n–6 to n–3 FA ratio compared to the respective control groups. In goat kid but not in lamb meat, direct intake of polyphenols affected the proportions of several rumen biohydrogenation intermediates. In conclusion, grape seed extract can be applied in both the maternal and offspring diets in sheep and goats while maintaining or even improving offspring growth performance and carcass quality. Only few species-specific effects of grape seed extract supplementation were observed, and additive effects were scarce. Larger studies are required to confirm the observed species-specific growth response to maternalP during lactation. The underlying reasons for this differential response need to be further evaluated.     

Mechanisms of phosphate uptake into brush-border membrane vesicles from goat jejunum

This study concerns the uptake of inorganic phosphate into brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from jejunal tissues of either control or Ca-and/or P-depleted goats. The brush-border membrane vesicles showed a time-dependent accumulation of inorganic phosphate with a typical overshoot phenomenon in the presence of an inwardly directed Na⁺ gradient. The Na⁺-dependent inorganic phosphate uptake was completely inhibited by application of 5 mmol·l^-1 sodium arsenate. Half-maximal stimulation of inorganic phosphate uptake into brush-border membrane vesicles was found with Na⁺ concentrations in the order of 5 mmol·l^-1. Inorganic phosphate accumulation was not affected by a K⁺ diffusion potential (inside negative), suggesting an electroneutral transport process. Stoichiometry suggested an interaction of two or more Na ions with one inorganic phosphate ion at pH 7.4. Na⁺-dependent inorganic phosphate uptake into jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles from normal goats as a function of inorganic phosphate concentration showed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetic with V _max=0.42±0.08 nmol·mg^-1 protein per 15 s^-1 and K _m=0.03±0.01 mmol·l^-1 (n=4, x ±SEM). Long-term P depletion had no effect on these kinetic parameters. Increased plasma calcitriol concentrations in Ca-depleted goats, however, were associated with significant increases of V _max by 35–80%, irrespective of the level of P intake. In the presence of an inwardly directed Na⁺ gradient inorganic phosphate uptake was significantly stimulated by almost 60% when the external pH was decreased to 5.4 (pH_out/pH_in=5.4/7.4). The proton gradient had no effect on inorganic phosphate uptake in absence of Na⁺. In summary, in goats Na⁺ and calcitriol-dependent mechanisms are involved in inorganic phosphate transport into jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles which can be stimulated by protons.Abbreviations AP activity of alkaline phosphatase - BBMV brush-border membrane vesicles - EGTA ethyleneglycol-triacetic acid - n _app apparent Hill coefficient - P _i inorganic phosphate - PTH parathyroid hormone     

Multi-drug resistant,biofilm-producing high-risk clonal lineage of Klebsiella in companion and household animals

Antimicrobial resistance is a global emergency which needs one health approach to address. The present study was conducted to detect the prevalence of beta-lactamase and biofilm-producing Klebsiella strains in rectal swabs (n = 624) collected from healthy dogs, cats, sheep and goats reared as companion or household animals in India. The dogs and cats were frequently exposed to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins for therapy. The sheep and goats were occasionally exposed to antibiotics and had environmental exposure. Phenotypical ESBL (n = 93) and ACBL (n = 88)-producing Klebsiella were isolated significantly more (P < 0·05) from companion animals than household animals. Majority of the Klebsiella possessed bla_CTX-M-15. The sequences bla_CTX-M-15.2, bla_CTX-M-197 and bla_CTX-M-225 are reported first time from the companion animals. All ACBL-producing isolates possessed bla_AmpC. The present study detected 65·8% of Klebsiella strains as biofilm producers possessing the studied biofilm associated genes. The isolates showed phenotypical resistance against chloramphenicol, tetracycline, doxycycline, co-trimoxazole, ampicillin, cefotaxime/clavulanic acid. The present study showed that companion and household animals (dogs, cats, sheep, goats) may act as a carrier of ESBL/biofilm-producing, multi-drug resistant, high-risk clonal lineage of Klebsiella.     

Effect of switch trimming on udder and teat hygiene of dairy cows

The study objective was to determine the effects of trimming the switch of dairy cows on teat-end bacterial counts and udder hygiene scores. Cows (n = 102) were blocked by days in milk, milk production, and parity and then assigned to (a) treatment (trimming of their tail switch using a commercially available trimmer), or (b) control (unaltered tails). Udder hygiene was recorded for cows on Days 0 (initiation of treatment), 32, and 64. A subset of cows (n = 21) was used to assess Streptococci and coliform bacterial populations on teat ends. Samples were collected by swabbing the left front teat end before milking on Days 0, 32, and 64 and were cultured within 24 hr of sampling. The GLIMMIX and PROC Frequency (SAS Version 9.3) were used to analyze data. There were no treatment effects of switch trimming on hygiene scores or bacterial counts. These findings suggest that udder hygiene may not be driven by tail status. Environmental and management factors, such as cleanliness, stall bedding, and stall design, may be more important contributing factors in maintaining udder health.     

Summer season induced heat stress impact on the expression patterns of different toll-like receptor genes in Malabari goats

The study was conducted with the primary objective of establishing the impact of heat stress on the expression pattern of different toll-like-receptors (TLRs) in Malabari goats. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days using twelve Malabari goats. The goats were randomly allocated into two groups: MC (n = 6; Malabari control) and MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress). At the end of study, all 12 animals were slaughtered and their mesenteric lymph node (MLN) tissues were collected for gene expression. Heat stress significantly (p < 0.05) down regulated TLR1, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR6 and significantly increased (p < 0.05) TLR2 expression pattern. A negative correlation (p < 0.01) was also established between THI and different TLRs except TLR3, TLR7 and TLR10. The study indicated that TLR2 could serve as ideal immunological marker for establishing the superior thermo-tolerance ability of Malabari breed in terms of maintaining the immune status during heat stress challenges.     

Diffuse optical detection of global cerebral ischemia in an adult porcine model

Rapid screening for ischemic strokes in prehospital settings may improve patient outcomes by allowing early deployment of vascular recanalization therapies. However, there are no low-cost and convenient methods that can assess ischemic strokes in such a setting. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is a promising method for continuous, noninvasive transcranial monitoring of cerebral blood flow. In this study, we used a DCS system to detect cerebral hemodynamics before and after acute ischemic stroke in pigs. Seven adult porcines were chosen to establish ischemic stroke models via bilateral common carotid artery ligation (n = 5) or air emboli (n = 2). The results showed a significant difference in blood flow index (BFI) between the normal and ischemic groups. Relative blood flow index (rBFI) exhibited excellent results. Therefore, the diffuse optical method can assess the hemodynamic changes in acute cerebral ischemic stroke onset in pigs, and rBFI may be a promising biomarker for identifying cerebral ischemic stroke.     

Goat Production and Fodder Leaves Offered by Local Villagers in the Mid-Hills of Nepal

More than 50% of Nepal’s population lives in the hill regions, usually with small land holdings, and over 60% are considered below the poverty line. Livestock, and particularly goats, provide these small-scale farmers with about 55% of their on-farm income. We studied goat production in Katteldanda, a mid-hill village of 78 households, mainly Brahmins, in Ghorka District. Subsistence farmers raise six or seven goats and one or two buffalo, and cultivate mainly maize, millet and rice. Tree fodder constituted about 70% of dry matter intake of goats for large parts of the year and was collected by lopping branches from trees on upland, rain-watered, private terraces (bari) near the household compound. Local farmers ranked the fodder trees they considered best and we measured the actual fodder they offered to goats. In addition, we evaluated and ranked 23 fodder species on the basis of laboratory in vitro nutritional and metabolizable energy yields. Using a Mantel test, a significant correlation was found between what the farmers thought was best fodder and fodder offered to goats (Mantel r = 0.398; P = 0.037) but non-significant correlations were found between either what the farmers thought was best fodder or fodder offered to goats and laboratory rankings (Mantel r = −0.027; P = 0.49 and Mantel r = 0.187; P = 0.18, respectively). We concluded that biomass produced and availability throughout the year, in addition to nutritional and energy yield, are important criteria for selecting fodder trees for goat production.     

Dynamic stability of individuals with transtibial amputation walking in destabilizing environments

Lower limb amputation substantially disrupts motor and proprioceptive function. People with lower limb amputation experience considerable impairments in walking ability, including increased fall risk. Understanding the biomechanical aspects of the gait of these patients is crucial in improving their gait function and their quality of life. In the present study, 9 persons with unilateral transtibial amputation and 13 able-bodied controls walked on a large treadmill in a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN). While walking, subjects were either not perturbed, or were perturbed either by continuous mediolateral platform movements or by continuous mediolateral movements of the visual scene. Means and standard deviations of both step lengths and step widths increased significantly during both perturbation conditions (all p<0.001) for both groups. Measures of variability, local and orbital dynamic stability of trunk movements likewise exhibited large and highly significant increases during both perturbation conditions (all p<0.001) for both groups. Patients with amputation exhibited greater step width variability (p=0.01) and greater trunk movement variability (p=0.04) during platform perturbations, but did not exhibit greater local or orbital instability than healthy controls for either perturbation conditions. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of other co-morbidities, patients with unilateral transtibial amputation appear to retain sufficient sensory and motor function to maintain overall upper body stability during walking, even when substantially challenged. Additionally, these patients did not appear to rely more heavily on visual feedback to maintain trunk stability during these walking tasks.     

Role of bilateral chemosensory input in food discrimination by Manduca sexta larvae

The function of bilateral chemosensory input in food discrimination was examined using larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Johan.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), in 2-choice preference tests. Larvae having three different complements of chemosensory organs remaining after microsurgery were tested: unoperated, unilaterally-ablated, and bilaterally-ablated. Discrimination between Solanum pseudocapsicum (L.) and Pelargonium hortorum (Bailey) was reduced after unilateral removal of chemosensory organs. A similar effect was found in tests offering larvae a choice between one plant species or an ethanolic extract of S. pseudocapsicum and wetted filter paper, indicating an impaired food detection. These results demonstrate that both sets of chemosensory organs are required for normal feeding decisions about these plants.Six additional plant species were each tested against wetted filter paper. The function of bilateral chemosensory input in food discrimination varies with the plant species tested. Bilateral chemosensory input is required for discrimination of Vigna sinensis (Savi) and Raphanus sativus (L.), but not for that of Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill.), Datura innoxia (L.), Brassica napus (L.), and Canna generalis (Bailey). Discrimination of V. sinensis, S. pseudocapsicum, and P. hortorum by unoperated larvae is twice as strong as that by unilaterally-ablated larvae, suggesting algebraic addition of unilateral sensory inputs. For R. sativus unilateral input does not mediate discrimination, but bilateral input does, indicating sensory processing which may be more than additive. These results show that information mediated by bilateral chemosensory organs of M. sexta is not redundant in mediating feeding decisions, but provide the necessary sensory input for normal discrimination. This suggests that, for some plant species, feeding decisions are based on both qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemosensory input.No difference in preferences between left-sided and right-sided operated larvae were observed which suggests functional duplication of each set of unilateral chemosensory organs. Possible neural mechanisms underlying feeding decisions mediated by bilateral versus unilateral chemosensory inputs are discussed.     

Karyological studies of Japanese ants (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

The karyotypes of nine Japanese ants in three subfamilies (Ponerinae, Formicinae, and Myrmicinae) were successfully analysed by the improved squash technique. Three ponerine species had 2n=7 and n=4 (Ponera scabra), 2n=22 (Brachyponera sinensis), and 2n=28 and n=14 (Cryptopone sauteri). Four formicine species had 2n=18 and n=9 (Camponotus sp. and C. tokioensis), 2n=26 and n=13 (Camponotus japonicus), and 2n=30 and n=15 (Lasius niger). Two myrmicine species had 2n=18 and n=9 (Leptothorax congruus), and 2n=37, 38, 39, and n=17, 18, 19, 20 (Pheidole nodus). It was found that the variation of chromosome number observed in P. nodus was caused by Robertsonian type polymorphism.     

Nutritional status influences reproductive seasonality in Creole goats: 1. Ovarian activity during seasonal reproductive transitions

The objective was to determine the effect of body energy stores, evaluated by a body mass index (BMI), and food intake (FI), on the length of the anovulatory period and ovarian activity during the seasonal reproductive transitions in Creole goats. Non-pregnant, non-lactating Creole goats (n = 28) were fed to induce two different BMI conditions: Greater (GBMI; n = 15), and Lesser (LBMI; n = 13). Each BMI group was divided into two sub-groups, which were either feed restricted (FR) or non-feed restricted (NFR). Goats in the NFR groups received a diet containing 100% of the daily maintenance requirements (basal diet), while restricted goats were subjected to alternated periods, receiving 100% (11 d) and 60% (10 d) of the basal diet, during the entire experimental period. The experiment started after does were treated to synchronize time of estrus. Serum progesterone was determined in samples obtained twice a week, and used as a criterion for determining ovulations. During the transition to the anovulatory period three transrectal ovarian ultrasonographic scans were performed in a sub-group of 12 goats (n = 3 for each treatment combination). The diameter of the largest follicle (LFD) and the total number of antral follicles ≥2 mm (TAF) were recorded. Ultrasonographic ovarian scans were performed at 21, 42 and 63 days after the beginning of the experiment, concurrently with the end of each feed restriction period. The variables of response associated with ovulation were not influenced by BMI or BMI × FI interaction. However, FI influenced length of anovulatory season, as the anovulatory period was 30 d longer (P < 0.05) in the FR group as compared with the NFR group. Independently of treatments, TAF and LFD decreased from the first to the third ultrasonographic ovarian scan (13.2, 10.8 and 4.4 follicles; 3.7, 2.7 and 2.3 mm). Nevertheless, in PER 1 the number of TAF was greater (P < 0.05) in the FR as compared with NFR group and the GBMI group had a larger LFD (P < 0.05) as compared to the LBMI group. It is concluded, that temporal restriction in feed intake could affect the time of cessation and initiation of ovulations during the periods of transition to seasonal anestrus and return to estrous activity, and increase the length of the anovulatory period. In addition, ovarian follicular development during transition into the anovulatory period is differentially influenced by food intake and the status of body energy stores.     

Description and validation of a novel technique to study the bacterial flora of the teat duct of ewes

We describe a new technique that may be used for studying the bacterial flora of the teat duct in live ewes, and we present evidence regarding its accuracy, safety and repeatability. A sterile, plastic, 20 G catheter is used for sampling. The catheter stylet is taken out and the plastic catheter cut with a sterile blade to a length of 2 mm. In order to ensure accurate and consistent cutting of the catheter at the desired length, a sterilized ruler is placed beside the catheter. The whole procedure is carried out under aseptic conditions, on sterilized surgical screens. Before sampling, a thorough disinfection with povidone iodine scrub solution of the teat apex and the lower (1 cm) part of the teat skin is carried out. The catheter is held by the investigator from the cannula hub; then, it is inserted into the teat, rolled around the internal teat wall, in order to sample the mucosa and then withdrawn. Material collected on the tip of the catheter is plated onto bacteriological media. The sensitivity of the technique compared to a method that detects the bacterial flora of the teat after slaughter of the animals (scratching of the teat mucosa by means of a scalpel blade) was 99.1% for field samples and 100% for experimental samples; specificity of the technique was 90.7 and 100%, respectively, kappa coefficient between results of the two methods was 0.9045. The safety of the technique was assessed in an investigation, where ewes were repeatedly (eight times) sampled by means of this technique, throughout their lactation; in no case was clinical or subclinical mastitis recorded. Finally, the repeatability of the method was assessed in 37 paired samples, obtained 30–40 min apart; a 100% match was recorded between bacteriological results of the two samplings of each pair. We conclude that the method can be useful in research studies, in order to obtain information regarding bacterial ecology and dynamics inside the teat of ewes.     

Relationships among udder characteristics,milk yield and,non-yield traits in Frizarta dairy sheep

In the present study the relationships between five body structural and nine udder morphological traits with milk yield and non-yield traits, i.e. milk contents, somatic cell count and body weight in n = 171 Frizarta ewes were investigated. Positive correlations of moderate to high magnitude were observed among body measurements ranging from 0.25 (body length-chest width) to 0.61 (chest width-chest girth). High correlations were observed between udder width and udder circumference (r = 0.69) as well as between udder circumference at base and middle (r = 0.62). Udder height was found to be positively correlated with cistern depth (r = 0.32), udder width (r = 0.40) and udder circumference (r = 0.42) as well as with teat measurements (0.19 and 0.25 with teat length and teat circumference, respectively). Cistern depth was positively and highly correlated with teat angle (r = 0.64). The correlation between teat length and circumference was also high (r = 0.57). Teat angle was found to be negatively correlated with teat measurements (r = −0.39 and −0.23 for teat length and teat circumference, respectively). Principal components analysis revealed four components that jointly explained 67% of the variance of all the body and the udder morphological traits. The first principal component interpreted as the body dimensions was found to be associated with body weight of ewes. The second component interpreted as global and rear measurements of the udder was significant for milk yield traits. The third and fourth principal components were interpreted as the udder type and teat dimensions, respectively. Ewes’ body weight could be adequately predicted by chest girth, body length, chest width and withers height. Test day milk yields were found to be associated with udder circumference and udder width as well as with udder height and teat length. None of the udder measurements and/or teat characteristics was found to be correlated with milk content(s) and/or somatic cell count. New statistical techniques can be successfully implemented in investigation of relationships between various traits in dairy sheep.     

Local interneurons in the swimmeret system of the crayfish

Summary We describe the structures and physiological properties of thirteen kinds of local interneurons in the swimmeret system of the crayfish,Pacifastacus leniusculus. Eight are unilateral, with processes confined to one side of the midline (Figs. 1, 2); five are bilateral, with processes on both sides of the ganglion (Fig. 6). All have most of their branches in the lateral neuropils. All of the unilateral local interneurons were nonspiking; two of the bilateral interneurons generate action potentials. Three kinds of unilateral interneurons could reset the bursting rhythm or could initiate bursting in quiescent nerve cords. Four others drove tonic firing of motor neurons. Four kinds of bilateral interneurons were premotor, and could affect the period and phase of both pattern generators in their ganglion. One unilateral and one bilateral interneuron were sensory interneurons. At least one bilateral interneuron received input from both pattern generators.Different premotor local interneurons function either in pattern generation, or in hemisegmental coordination of groups of motor neurons, or in bilateral synchronization of the ganglionic pairs of local pattern-generators for the swimmerets.Abbreviations G1. ganglion 1. - LN lateral neuropil - MT miniscule tract     

Inhibition of stretch-activated ion channels on endothelial cells disrupts nitric oxide-mediated arterial outward remodeling

Outward arterial remodeling is a physiological response to accommodate chronically elevated blood flow and requires endothelial cells (ECs) and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). ECs may sense elevated flow via stretch-activated ion channels (SACs). We evaluated the role of SACs in regulation of flow-induced arterial expansion and eNOS expression by ECs. A high-flow environment was created in the common carotid arteries (CCAs) of mice via contralateral common carotid artery (CCA) ligation. Either streptomycin for SAC blockade or saline for placebo was delivered to the mice. CCAs were harvested for morphometric analysis 7 days post procedure. Cultured ECs were exposed to flow with wall shear stresses (WSSs) of 1.5–10 Pa for 24 h in presence or absence of streptomycin. Immunofluorescent staining was used for eNOS quantification. In vivo, CCA expansion in streptomycin-treated mice (n = 7) was significantly less than in the placebo-treated group (n = 8) (p = 0.015). In vitro, streptomycin exposure significantly inhibited eNOS expression at WSS >2.5 Pa (p = 0.001) while not affecting eNOS expression at baseline WSS (1.5–2.5 Pa). Blockade of SACs with streptomycin impairs outward arterial remodeling and eNOS expression at high WSSs. Activation of SACs under elevated WSS may contribute to vessel expansion by upregulating eNOS in ECs.