Urbanization-associated range expansion genetically homogenizes a butterfly species.

Human-induced environmental change and globalization facilitate biological invasions, which can lead to the displacement of native species by non-native ones. Analogously, biodiversity loss may occur within species when habitat modifications facilitate the expansion of a specific population's range, leading to genetic admixture with native local populations. We demonstrate such intraspecific loss in population-level diversity in the Southern Small White (Pieris mannii), an originally sedentary butterfly that recently expanded its range across Central Europe due to urbanization.

Anti-TNF therapy impairs both short- and long-term IgG responses after repeated vaccination.

Background: Recently, it has been questioned whether vaccination of patients with inflammatory (auto)immune diseases under anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment leads to impaired vaccine-induced immune responses and protection against breakthrough infections. However, the effects of TNF blockade on short- and long-term immune responses after repeated vaccination remain unclear. Vaccination studies have shown that initial short-term IgG antibodies (Abs) carry highly galactosylated and sialylated Fc glycans, whilst long-term IgG Abs have low levels of galactosylation and sialylation and are most likely generated by long-lived plasma cells (PCs) derived primarily from the germinal center (GC) response.

The difference in radiographic findings in the distal limbs of working Lipizzan horses, used for dressage or driving.

Introduction: Lameness originating from the distal limb is common in sport horses and can vary depending on the dynamics of movement and the surface, with differences in shoeing exacerbating this variability. Driving horses work primarily on hard surfaces (pavement), whereas dressage horses work primarily on soft surfaces (riding arenas with sand). Driving horses are traditionally shod with small fixed studs made of hard metal, which are attached to the horseshoe at 4 points, while dressage horses are shod with a simple horseshoe.

Quality assurance within the context of genome diagnostics (a german perspective).

The rapid and dynamic implementation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based assays has revolutionized genetic testing, and in the near future, nearly all molecular alterations of the human genome will be diagnosable via massive parallel sequencing. While this progress will further corroborate the central role of human genetics in the multidisciplinary management of patients with genetic disorders, it must be accompanied by quality assurance measures in order to allow the safe and optimal use of knowledge ascertained from genome diagnostics. To achieve this, several valuable tools and guidelines have been developed to support the quality of genome diagnostics.

Surgical treatment of headshaking by removal of a paracondylar process fragment via modified hyovertebrotomy approach: A detailed anatomical and surgical description in an adult horse.

Objective: To describe, in detail, the relevant anatomy and surgical approach to access the paracondylar process (PCP) and report its application in a clinical case of headshaking.

Animal: A seven-year-old, mixed breed mare.

Study Design: Experimental study/case report.