Pinna Edge Biopsy of 7 and 21 Day Old C57BL/6 Mice as a Method for Identification and Genotyping.

Identifying and genotyping mice prior to weaning can be useful for mouse colony management. Mice of an undesired genotype can be identified prior to weaning and removed from further study, resulting in a reduction of housing costs, and labor time. We hypothesized that a pinna edge biopsy (PEB) performed by removing a portion of its edge with scissors is a reliable method for identifying and genotyping mice on postnatal day (PND) 7 consistent with PND 21, weaned mice.

Increased mortality in a colony of zebra finches exposed to continuous light.

Over a 1-mo period, increased morbidity and mortality occurred in a flock of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Complete postmortem examination was performed on 6 of the affected birds, 4 of which subsequently were diagnosed with the avian gastric yeast previously known as megabacteriosis (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster). The remaining 2 birds were diagnosed with a cloacal abscess and with large bowel perforation and peritonitis.

Sanitization of an automatic reverse-osmosis watering system: removal of a clinically significant biofilm.

During environmental monitoring of our institution's rodent watering systems, one vivarium was found to have high bacterial loads in the reverse-osmosis (RO) automatic water system. These findings prompted evaluation of the entire RO water production and distribution system. Investigation revealed insufficient rack and RO system sanitization, leading to heavy biofilm accumulation within the system.