Linking vertical movements of large pelagic predators with distribution patterns of biomass in the open ocean.

Many predator species make regular excursions from near-surface waters to the twilight (200 to 1,000 m) and midnight (1,000 to 3,000 m) zones of the deep pelagic ocean. While the occurrence of significant vertical movements into the deep ocean has evolved independently across taxonomic groups, the functional role(s) and ecological significance of these movements remain poorly understood. Here, we integrate results from satellite tagging efforts with model predictions of deep prey layers in the North Atlantic Ocean to determine whether prey distributions are correlated with vertical habitat use across 12 species of predators.

Experimental infection of non-human primates with a human rotavirus isolate.

Several rotavirus candidate vaccines have been developed and are at various stages of evaluation. In order to assess the safety and efficacy of these candidate vaccines, an appropriate non-human primate model is desirable. In earlier studies, we reported the presence of naturally occurring anti-rotavirus antibodies in monkeys and demonstrated that parenteral vaccination of baboons led to production of specific rotavirus antibodies in their milk.

Factors affecting the serological response of dogs and cats to rabies vaccination.

After being vaccinated against rabies some cats and dogs fail to show an antibody titre adequate to meet the requirements of the UK Pet Travel Scheme. To investigate this problem, the data derived from 16,073 serum samples submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for serological testing between 1999 and 2002, 1002 samples submitted to BioBest during March and April 2001, and 1264 samples associated with one make of vaccine submitted to BioBest between June 2001 and January 2003, were analysed. The probability of antibody titre failing to reach at least 0.

Cardiac hydatid disease: report of two cases.

Cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is rare, occurring in less than 2% of cases of hydatid infection. It can occur as part of a widespread systemic infection or as an isolated event. It may be asymptomatic for a long period before presenting with a myriad of non-specific symptoms.

Comparison of capsid sequences from human and animal astroviruses.

We have sequenced the genomic 3'-end, including the structural gene, of human astrovirus (HAstV) serotype 7 and morphologically related viruses infecting pig (PAstV), sheep (OAstV) and turkey (TAstV-1). These sequences were compared with corresponding astrovirus sequences available in the nucleic acid databases, including sequences of the seven other HAstV serotypes, two other avian astroviruses (TAstV-2 and avian nephritis virus) and astrovirus from cat (FAstV). A 35 nt stem-loop motif near the 3'-end of the genome, previously described as being highly conserved, was present in all of the astroviruses except TAstV-2.

Characterisation of the bovine enteric calici-like virus, Newbury agent 1.

The bovine enteric calici-like virus, Newbury agent 1 (NA1) was characterised to determine if it is a member of the Caliciviridae and to establish its antigenic relationship to the established bovine enteric calicivirus Newbury agent 2 (NA2). Solid phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM) allowed quantification of NA1 virions and identification of faecal samples with optimal virus levels. NA1 particles were 36.

Effect of oral rotavirus/iscom vaccines on immune responses in gnotobiotic lambs.

A comparison of the effect on the immune responses in gnotobiotic lambs was made between an iscom vaccine prepared from recombinant rotavirus VP6 protein, an inactivated rotavirus/iscom-matrix vaccine and a vaccine comprising inactivated rotavirus alone. All three vaccines induced immunological priming and some degree of protection was observed after a single oral dose. However, different immune responses were induced in response to a virulent infection.

Characterisation of the primary local and systemic immune response in gnotobiotic lambs against rotavirus infection.

This study characterised the primary immune response in gnotobiotic lambs after infection with a lamb rotavirus (RV). Lambs were infected and killed over a 7 week period together with controls. RV-ELISA and neutralising antibodies were determined in serum, nasal secretions, and intestinal scrapings.

Diagnostic ultrasound of the hand and wrist.

To assess the efficacy, role, and limitations of diagnostic ultrasound in the hand and wrist, the results of 98 examinations performed for a variety of surgical conditions were retrospectively analyzed. Ultrasound was shown to be reliable in evaluating radiolucent foreign body, tendon rupture versus tendon adhesion, tendinitis, peritendinitis, and ganglion cyst (specificity, 1; positive predictive value, 1). A correct suggestion of soft tissue mass histology was offered in six of eight operated cases.

A modified, lingually supported cantilevered Herbst appliance.

This new, fixed-functional appliance/Herbst/Bioprogressive system is designed for patient comfort and mandatory compliance. It also combines the positive clinical effects of four fixed-functional systems. It allows rapid palatal expansion of the upper arch, alveolar uprighting of the lower arch, upper and lower incisor alignment, and sagittal correction of Class II malocclusions to occur simultaneously with one appliance fixed in both arches.

Survey of equine rotaviruses shows conservation of one P genotype in background of two G genotypes.

DIG-labelled ssRNA probes were prepared from variable regions of VP4 and VP7 cognate genes, and used in hybridization assays for P and G genotyping of group A cell culture-adapted equine rotaviruses and fecal samples collected from foals with and without diarrhea. The probes confirmed known P and G serotypes of sixteen cell culture-adapted strains. From one-hundred and twenty-one rotavirus-positive samples, 83 reacted when tested for their P and G genotype specific probes.

Intestinal cellular immunity after primary rotavirus infection.

Infection of neonatal gnotobiotic lambs with a bovine strain of rotavirus was used to characterize the kinetics of the primary cellular intestinal immune response to this agent. At 2-3 days after infection virus was first detected in the faeces and increased numbers of CD45R+ cells were observed in peripheral blood. These cells persisted in significantly increased numbers in the circulation until 7-8 days after infection.

Prevalence of rotavirus antibodies in a non-human primate colony.

A total of 51 monkeys maintained in a colony at the Institute of Primate Research (Kenya) and housed in doors with natural lighting in a group cage were used in this study. Monkeys belonging to 3 species were selected at random and blood samples collected. The serum samples were screened for presence of neutralizing antibodies (VTN) to rhesus rotavirus (RRV) by virus neutralization assay.

Stimulation of rotavirus IgA, IgG and neutralising antibodies in baboon milk by parenteral vaccination.

A rhesus rotavirus vaccine adjuvanted with ISCOMs was injected intramuscularly to 5 pregnant baboons, with repeated doses 1-2 and 14 weeks after delivery. Maternal blood and milk samples and blood samples from their babies were collected at 2-weekly intervals until 26 weeks after parturition. Samples were assayed for rotavirus antibodies by ELISAs and neutralisation tests.

Serological and genomic characterisation of group A rotaviruses from lambs.

Four lamb rotaviruses were characterised serologically by reactions with monoclonal antibodies and genomically by hybridisation assays and sequencing. Each was found to be distinct. Three viruses belonged to the bovine genogroup and were of subgroup I.