Dysautonomia in a cat

Autonomic dysfunction was diagnosed in a 2.5-year-old spayed domestic shorthair cat. The cat had an 8-day history of progressive anorexia, signs of depression, constipation, weight loss, and intermittent regurgitation. Physical examination findings were signs of depression, dehydration, cachexia, bradycardia, bilateral nonresponsive mydriasis, prolapse of both nictitating membranes, dry oral and nasal mucous membranes, and urinary bladder atony. Thoracic radiography revealed megaesophagus. The cat lacked esophageal motility and had a decreased gastric emptying rate. Providing adequate fluid intake, electrolyte balance, and nutrition is a major problem in the management of dysautonomic cats. We were able to provide adequate nutritional support for this patient, using total parenteral feeding and, later, enteral nutrition using a nasogastric tube. Results of an ocular pharmacologic study indicated that the mydriasis and prolapse of the nictitating membrane were attributable to complete autonomic denervation of the eye. Using the method described, topical, autonomic-stimulating agents may assist the clinician in diagnosing dysautonomia in the feline. This report describes a syndrome that is well recognized in the United Kingdom and has the potential to develop in the United States.     

Parasagittal hypothalamic knife cuts in male chicks: advancement of reproductive function and changes in plasma concentrations of luteinising hormone and androgen

Advancement of reproductive function occurred in male domestic chicks after lateral hypothalamic deafferentation (bilateral knife cuts extending from the preoptic to the mamillary region) at 2 weeks of age. Five out of 24 chicks showed sexual precocity as shown by accelerated comb growth after surgery. The 5 chicks had significantly higher concentrations of plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and androgen (A) than 5 sham-operated controls. Maximum concentrations of plasma LH and A were observed 3 and 4 weeks respectively after surgery. It is concluded that in the male domestic chick gonadotropin secretion is inhibited by extrahypothalamic influences.     

A strategic alliance model for economic organisation of small-scale forestry in Australia

Small-scale plantation forestry is likely to have a number of discrete agents contributing endowments to the production function. In this paper it is argued that the traditional methods of economic organisation used in plantation forestry may not be appropriate for achieving the objectives of the venture partners so alternative methods may be required. A strategic alliance model for small-scale plantation ventures in north Queensland is developed, which has multi-nodal features and which incorporate vertical and horizontal alliances. The core alliance is vertical and involves seven potential primary factors of production necessary for a successful forestry venture (namely land, labour, capital, silviculture skills, marketing skills, harvesting and processing skills and government). The strategic alliance model also incorporates horizontal alliances because each partner may participate in a network with other like partners within their field, therefore representing economies of size or scale alliances. The proposed model recognises the importance of minimising transaction costs, building trust, promoting sound corporate governance and ensuring continuing information exchanges between partners are being the factors behind successful alliances.