Rectovaginal fistula following colectomy with an end-to-end anastomosis stapler for a colorectal adenocarcinoma

An 11-year-old, female neutered Labrador retriever was presented with a micro-invasive differentiated papillar adenocarcinoma at the colorectal junction. A colorectal end-to-end anastomosis stapler device was used to perform resection and anastomosis using a transanal technique. A rectovaginal fistula was diagnosed two days later. An exploratory laparotomy was conducted and the fistula was identified and closed. Early dehiscence of the colon was also suspected and another colorectal anastomosis was performed using a manual technique. Comparison to a conventional manual technique of intestinal surgery showed that the use of an automatic staple device was quicker and easier. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a rectovaginal fistula occurring after end-to-end anastomosis stapler colorectal resection-anastomosis in the dog. To minimise the risk of this potential complication associated with the limited surgical visibility, adequate tissue retraction and inspection of the anastomosis site are essential.     

Patterns of spread of Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. invasion in a Natural Reserve in southern South America

Pinus species, which have formed the foundation of commercial forestry industry in many countries, are known to be invasive in natural ecosystems, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Pinus contorta is considered one of the most aggressively invasive plantation species. In this paper we aim to: (a) determine patterns of P. contorta invasion in relation to its size and age structure and spatial distribution and (b) determine the effect of vegetation cover on its regeneration. For this purpose, we have chosen the Malalcahuello National Reserve in south-central Chile, which is dominated by Araucaria araucana forests. In the three P. contorta trial plots, attributes were measured in order to describe its current structure. We selected one of the three P. contorta trial plots and set eight 50 m wide and 125 m centrifugal transects starting at the North Azimuth (0°) orientation and then one each 45°. In each transect 25 circular plots of 2.5 m radius were established every 25 m. In each plot, we measured collar diameter (CD) for each P. contorta individual and adjusted a diameter–age function. We recorded the presence of cones for each individual P. contorta within the plots and the total number of P. contorta individuals. In each plot, we measured percent vegetation cover (grass, understory and canopy). The selected parent stand showed a decrease in density from the original plantation spacing, from 2500 to 150 plants ha⁻¹. Of all sampled individuals, only a 38% had cones. We found reproductive structures in trees as young as 5-year-old. Regeneration was found in all transects. Mean density for the area was 1600 plants ha⁻¹, and the greater plant number was found in the West transect, reaching an average of 6600 plants ha⁻¹. Through the interpolation performed with the kriging method, a map of the area with the spatial gradient of plant density was obtained. Naturally regenerated individuals of P. contorta occupied an area of 78 ha where the most distant individual is located in the southeast direction at an average distance of 1200 m from the three study plots. We determined that a positive association exists between P. contorta and the species A. araucana and Nothofagus antarctica. The capacity for early and consistent reproduction and the establishment of individuals dispersed at great distances from the original plots allow us to conclude that P. contorta has great potential as an invasive species in forests of this area of the Andes of southern South America. Invasion of P. contorta has many important implications for the conservation of native forests in our region including diminished regeneration of A. araucana.     

A spatial distribution model of cork oak (Quercus suber) in southwestern Spain: A suitable tool for reforestation

Cork oak (Quercus suber) is an evergreen tree characterized by a thick bark, which grows in Mediterranean schlerophyllous forests. It is most prevalent in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Despite the potential of the province of Huelva (southwestern Spain) to maintain mature forests of cork oak, the tree has been severely depleted and most forests have either disappeared or are seriously threatened. This paper presents a spatial distribution model of cork oak for the province of Huelva with a view to determining the optimal areas for reforestation. The model draws on all available digital cartographic information with respect to cork oak distribution: topographic data (altitude, slope and orientation) were obtained from a Digital Terrain Model (20 m scale); rainfall, temperature and PET models were based on data collected from a network of meteorological stations; litologic data derive from the litologic map of Huelva (1:100,000). The result of this work is a mesh of points at a resolution of 100 m, sufficient to meet the needs of any kind of reforestation or management programmes in the area studied. Each point of this mesh contains the corresponding values for bioclimatic, topographic and litologic variables in a georeferenced data matrix. The independent variables responsible for cork oak distribution (binary dependent variables) were then identified by means of binary logistic regression analysis. North-facing slopes, abundant annual rainfall and litology were the main explaining variables. The spatial distribution model was produced by applying the formula obtained to spatial analysis software. This model is proposed as a basis for future reforestation plans, especially in those areas most affected by forest fires.     

First case of sterility associated with sex chromosomal abnormalities in a jenny

Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the main causes of genetic infertility in horses. Currently, their detection rate is rising due to the use of new diagnostic tools employing molecular markers linked to the sex chromosome pair. Despite genetic similarities, there are no previous reports of sterility associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic donkey (Equus asinus). Hereby, we determined the presence of a chromosomal mosaicism in a female donkey with reproductive problems using molecular methodologies developed for horses. A two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old jenny characterized by morphological abnormalities of the reproductive tract was cytogenetically analysed using conventional and fluorescent techniques and a group of microsatellite markers (short tandem repeat, STR). At the same time, five ultrasound measures of the reproductive tract were taken and compared with eight contemporary jennies of the same breed. After slaughter, morphological examinations showed that the case study had a blind vaginal vestibule defining an empty pouch that covered the entrance of the cervical os. Histopathological studies demonstrated that this abnormal structure was compatible with a remnant hymen. Molecular markers, STR and fluorescent in situ hybridization determinations revealed that the animal was a 62, XX/61,X mosaic and, therefore, the first case of chromosomal abnormalities in the sex pair reported in donkeys.     

Assessment of the effect of surface drip irrigation on Verticillium dahliae propagules differing in persistence in soil and on verticillium wilt of olive

For efficient integrated management of verticillium wilt in olive (VWO), it is important to establish whether irrigation treatments (with Verticillium dahliae‐free water) that mitigate the disease in V. dahliae‐infested soil, also reduce the levels of more and less persistent propagules of the pathogen in the soil. Effects of irrigation on VWO and V. dahliae propagules were evaluated under natural environmental conditions. Potted plants were irrigated (pathogen‐free water) to two ranges of soil water content (RWC; high and low) at three surface drip‐irrigation frequencies (daily, weekly, and daily during some periods and otherwise weekly). VWO and total inoculum density (ID), density of less persistent micropropagules (MpD) and more persistent sclerotia in wet soil (S_wD), and sclerotia density for air‐dried soil (S_dD) were monitored. A logistic model (multiple sigmoid) of disease incidence revealed the lowest parameter values in treatments irrigated daily. Daily frequency of irrigation showed significantly lower disease incidence (39.2%) and disease intensity index (43.9%) and MpD (88.0%) values as areas compared with other frequencies, regardless of the RWC. High RWC significantly reduced (70.8–84.9%) ID, S_wD and S_dD as areas, but significantly increased (18.0%) the incidence of infected plants (IIP), regardless of the irrigation frequency. The disease incidence was not correlated with temperature. Daily irrigation to low RWC mitigated the VWO and the IIP, kept soil to the lowest MpD and resulted in the lowest S_dD level at the end of the trial. Results suggested that less persistent propagules could have played a part in the disease development.     

A tree species range in the face of climate change: cork oak as a study case for the Mediterranean biome

Species distribution models are feasible methods for projecting theoretical responses of living organisms’ occurrence under several future climate change scenarios. The major interest is focused on trees, which regulate the equilibrium within ecosystems and guarantee the survival of many life forms on the Earth. The repercussions of climatic drivers are expected to pose the strongest threats for the Mediterranean biome, an acknowledged hotspot of biodiversity. Here, we focused on cork oak (Quercus suber L.), a keystone species of many landscapes, sustaining a rich biodiversity, ecological processes and economic incomes. Results of 8 combined ecological modelling techniques and two Global Circulation Models highlight a broad contraction of the species potential range over the twenty-first century, both under intermediate and high emissions scenarios. Coupled northward and upward shifts are predicted, mostly pertaining Iberia and North Africa. The potential areas detected at Levantine will likely undergo disappearance. To exacerbate the impacts of climate change, the future of the ecosystems linked to cork oak remains uncertain, because of the expected implications on the phenotypic plasticity or evolutionary responses. A synergy among niche-based, physiological and eco-genetic investigations is strongly needed in the field of applied research, to improve the assessment of conservation and reforestation actions.     

Evaluation of heat damage, sugars, amylases and colour in breads from einkorn, durum and bread wheat flours

To limit nutritional losses and optimise bread processing, heat damage indices (furosine, glucosylisomaltol, hydroxymethylfurfural), sugars, α-amylase, β-amylase and colour were monitored during bread manufacturing from refined flour of three einkorn, three bread and one durum wheat samples. The heat damage indices increased only during the baking step. Furosine was significantly lower in einkorn (on average, 9.3 ± 5.33 and 25.3 ± 10.70 mg/100 g protein in crumb and crust, respectively) than in bread wheat (31.6 ± 3.05 and 115.6 ± 13.53) and durum wheat (36.2 ± 2.82 and 165.0 ± 3.17). Glucosylisomaltol and hydroxymethylfurfural were detected only in the crust, with lower levels in einkorn (on average, 2.3 ± 1.78 and 10.0 ± 7.79 mg/kg DM, respectively) than in bread wheat (13.1 ± 5.57 and 42.8 ± 10.64) and durum wheat (18.9 ± 1.11 and 57.2 ± 0.80). The different behaviour of einkorn was probably related to its moderate β-amylase activity, and thus the low maltose content of its dough. Colour was correlated with heat damage, as einkorn breads were lighter than the others.The results show that einkorn bread undergoes lower heat damage than analogous products from durum and bread wheat, thus probably better preserving its nutritional value.     

Impact of genetic and environmental factors on einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum) polysaccharides

To evaluate the effect of genotype, year and location on 1000 kernel weight, falling number, alpha- and beta-amylase activity, pasting properties, β-glucan, fructan, total starch, amylose, resistant starch and dietary fibre contents of wholemeal flour, four einkorns and one control bread wheat were cropped in Italy for two years in four different locations.     

Phytotoxity of Fusarium subglutinans culture filtrates on in vitro plantlets and calli of resistant and susceptible pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Various concentrations of culture filtrates from Fusarium subglutinans were tested for their effect on in vitro multiplication of plantlets and regeneration from calli of pineapple. The cultivars tested were the resistant Perolera and Spring and the susceptible Perola and Smooth Cayenne. The culture filtrate reduced shoot formation of in vitro plantlets and regeneration of plants from calli derived from the susceptible cultivars but plantlets and calli from resistant plants showed resistance. These results show the potential for culture filtrates of F. subglutinans to provide a method of in vitro screening of pineapple for resistance to the pathogen.     

Blood-to-saliva glucose time lag in sedated healthy dogs

The management of diabetes mellitus mandates measurement of blood glucose. Saliva offers an alternative to blood sampling, but measurement of the salivary glucose concentration is difficult, and the blood-to-saliva glucose time lag is uncertain. We aimed to determine the serum–saliva glucose time lag in the saliva of healthy dogs. The combined duct of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands of 6 dogs was cannulated to collect saliva and prevent glucose degradation by oral bacteria. Following a 0.25 g/kg IV bolus of dextrose, paired serum–saliva samples were collected at baseline and in twelve 5-min blocks over 60 min. Serum and salivary glucose levels were analyzed with a linear mixed model for repeated measures with a compound symmetry error structure. Mean (±SD) saliva production was 10.3 ± 2.9 µL/kg/min, and the area under the curve (AUC_glucose)_saliva/serum ratio was 0.006, which highlights the magnitude of the large difference in glucose concentration between the 2 compartments. The serum–saliva glucose time lag was 30–40 min.