Oligonucleotide probes for DNA fingerprinting in dogs

SUMMARY: Ten different oligonucleotide probes were evaluated for DNA fingerprinting in dogs. Seven probes are able to detect polymorphic bands. Probes (GT)(8) , (GTG)(5) and (GGAT)(4) are most informative for individual identification. The probabilities that two individuals from different breeds have the same DNA fingerprint pattern are 1.7 × 10(-7) , 5.5 × 10(-8) and 4.5 × 10(-6) , respectively. Using a combination of the three probes, paternity tests were performed with exclusion probabilities between 0.006% and 3%. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Oligonucleotid Sonden für DNA fingerprinting bei Hunden Zur Darstellung von DNA-Fingerprints beim Hund wurden zehn verschiedene Oligonukleotid-Sonden verglichen. Mit sieben Sonden konnten polymorphe Banden nachgewiesen werden. Die Sonden (GT)(8) , (GTG)(5) und (GGAT)(4) besa?en die gr??te Informativit?t für den Indentit?tsnachweis. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, da? zwei Individuen dieselben Fingerprint-Muster aufweisen, liegt bei 1,7 × 10(-7) , 5,5 × 10(-8) bzw. 4,5 × 10(-6) . Bei Verwendung einer Kombination der drei Sonden wurden Vaterschaftskontrollen mit Ausschlu?wahrscheinlichkeiten zwischen 0,006% und 3 % erreicht.     

Confirmed and presumptive cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy in older horses: a retrospective study (1992-2004)

BACKGROUND: Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) is a common cause of myelopathy in horses aged 6 months to 4 years. Little information is available regarding the types of lesions, treatment, and outcomes in horses with CVCM that are > or =4 years old. ANIMALS: Twenty-two affected horses (10 with a confirmed diagnosis of CVCM and 12 presumptive cases) and 210 contemporaneous control horses. METHODS: Horses > or =4 years old that were diagnosed with CVCM between January 1992 and January 2004 were identified from medical records at Texas A&M University and the University of Florida. Data analyzed included history, signalment, neurologic examination findings, lesion location, treatment, and outcome. Signalment was also recorded in a population of contemporaneous controls. RESULTS: Horses identified had a median age of 8.4 years, and there was a greater percentage of male horses among the cases than among the controls. The most common breeds represented were warmblood (n=6) and quarter horse (n=5) types; warmbloods were significantly (P < .05) overrepresented relative to control horses. The caudal cervical vertebral column was the most common site of CVCM lesions, and the C5-C6 (4/9) and C6-C7 (3/9) articulations were most often identified as abnormal via myelography. The most common lesions seen with radiography and myelography were articular process osteophytes. Of the 22 affected horses, 8 were euthanized and a diagnosis of CVCM was confirmed by necropsy for all; 5 of 8 of these horses had spinal cord compression caused, entirely or in part, by articular process osteophytes. Medical management was the therapy chosen in all horses, and administration of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs resulted in improvement in the greatest number of horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CVCM should be a differential diagnosis in older horses with cervical myelopathy. Articular process osteophytes are the most frequently identified cause of spinal cord compression in this group. Male horses and horses of warmblood or Tennessee Walking Horse breeds may be predisposed to this condition.     

Pain mechanisms and their implication for the management of pain in farm and companion animals

Over the last two decades there has been a dramatic increase in the literature relating to the mechanisms and management of pain in domestic animals. Understanding the mechanisms of pain is crucial for its effective management. This review highlights the current understanding of the neurophysiology of nociception and the plastic changes involved in chronic pain states. Additionally, we describe a range of novel molecules and pathways that offer opportunities for the development of mechanism-based analgesic therapies. Pain management in animals is limited by pain assessment which remains highly subjective, with clinicians relying on indirect measures of pain, using rating scales and (less frequently) quantifiable physiological and behavioural parameters. The need for a systematic approach which would assess different pain components is well justified. Species-specific issues on pain assessment and management in mammalian companion and farm animals are addressed in the later part of this review.     

Seasonal effects of prescribed burning and roller chopping on saw palmetto in flatwoods

Shrub encroachment has become a problem in many rangeland systems across the United States due to a reduction in the disturbances, primarily fire, which historically maintained them. The shrub saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has become abundant in many habitats of the southeastern Coastal Plain, including Florida. When fire regimes are altered or fires are suppressed, this species can proliferate leading to significant changes in the ecosystem, particularly the herbaceous vegetation. Prescribed burning and roller chopping are management activities often used to control saw palmetto. However, little is known about the effects these treatments have on this shrub, particularly when applied in different seasons. We compared the seasonal effects of prescribed burning, roller chopping, and combinations of the two on saw palmetto. The effects of treatments on saw palmetto were assessed using a paired-sample approach, where saw palmetto height, cover, and density were compared between sampling locations randomly located within treated (e.g., burned) and untreated areas. Dormant season burning had no effect on saw palmetto density and height and only temporarily reduced cover, with rapid regrowth occurring the first year post-treatment. Growing season burning also had no effect on saw palmetto density. However, saw palmetto cover was lower on growing season burn compared to control sites the first year post-treatment and height the first and second year post-treatment. The combination of burning and roller chopping, despite having no effect on saw palmetto density, did result in lower saw palmetto height compared to controls the first and second year post-treatment. The effect of roller chopping/burning on saw palmetto cover depended on season and year. Saw palmetto cover and height were lower on dormant and growing season roller chop than control sites the first and second year post-treatment, but only growing season roller chopping had an effect on saw palmetto density. The single application of a dormant or growing season burn is not recommended for control of high-density saw palmetto, however, it may be suitable to maintain areas where saw palmetto levels are low and proliferation of the species is not a threat. Dormant and growing season roller chopping showed the greatest potential for rapid saw palmetto control. Growing season roller chopping is recommended if significant reductions in saw palmetto density are desired.     

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia associated with angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a Jack Russell terrier

A twenty-month-old Jack Russell terrier was presented with a four-day history of thrombocytopenia, echymotic inguinal haemorrhages, coughing and reduced exercise tolerance. Clinical examination revealed several petechial haemorrhages on the gingivae and small echymotic haemorrhages in the inguinal region, along with mild bilateral epistaxis. Haematology confirmed a platelet count of 1.0 × 10/L. Thoracic radiographs revealed a wide-spread mixed alveolar-interstitial lung pattern, apparent throughout the entire lungfield, but particularly marked within the left lung lobes. A presumptive diagnosis of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia was made and the dog was treated with vincristine and immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone. Initially anaemia developed following gastrointestinal haemorrhage; however, after symptomatic treatment the dog showed a marked clinical improvement. Evaluation for an underlying cause of the disease revealed Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 larvae on faecal analysis and treatment with fenbendazole was commenced. The dog made a full clinical recovery with all treatment was withdrawn within five weeks of diagnosis. This is the second report of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection and it is the first to be successfully managed. The report highlights that Angiostrongylus vasorum should be considered in young dogs presented with thrombocytopenia.     

Improving the quality of nutrient-rich Teff (Eragrostis tef) breads by combination of enzymes in straight dough and sourdough breadmaking

The growing interest in the benefits of wholegrain products has resulted in the development of baked products incorporating less utilised and ancient grains such as, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff. However, addition of wholegrains can have detrimental effects on textural and sensory bread product qualities.Enzymes can be utilised to improve breadmaking performance of wholegrain flours, which do not possess the same visco-elastic properties as refined wheat flour, in order to produce a healthy and consumer acceptable cereal product.The effects of Teff grain on dough and bread quality, selected nutritional properties and the impact of enzymes on physical, textural and sensory properties of straight dough and sourdough Teff breads were investigated.Teff breads were prepared with the replacement of white wheat flour with Teff flour at various levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) using straight dough and sourdough breadmaking. Different combinations of enzymes, including xylanase and amylase (X + A), amylase and glucose oxidase (A + GO), glucose oxidase and xylanase (GO + X), lipase and amylase (L + A) were used to improve the quality of the highest level Teff breads. A number of physical, textural and sensory properties of the finished products were studied. The nutritional value of breads was determined by measuring chemical composition for iron, total antioxidant capacity, protein, fibre and fat. The obtained results were used to estimates intakes of nutrients and to compare them with DRIs.The incorporation of Teff significantly (P < 0.05) improved dietary iron levels as 30% Teff breads contained more than double the amount of iron when compared to corresponding wheat bread (6 mg/100 g v 2 mg/100 g). Addition of Teff also significantly (P < 0.05) improved total antioxidant capacity from 1.4 mM TEAC/100 g to 2.4 mM TEAC/100 g. It was estimated that an average daily allowance of 200 g of Teff enriched bread would contribute to DRIs in the range of 42-81% for iron in females, 72-138% for iron in males; 38-39% for protein in males, 46-48% for protein in females; and 47-50% of fibre in adults.The major challenge was encountered in producing the highest level of Teff bread with good textural and sensory attributes. Increasing the level of Teff significantly (P < 0.05) increased dough development time, degree of softening, crumb firmness and bitter flavour whilst decreasing the dough stability, specific loaf volume and overall acceptability of the bread. Teff breads produced with the addition of enzyme combinations showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in terms of loaf volume, crumb firmness, crumb structure, flavour and overall acceptability in both straight dough and sourdough breadmaking.     

New Kunitz-Type HCRG Polypeptides from the Sea Anemone Heteractis crispa

Sea anemones are a rich source of Kunitz-type polypeptides that possess not only protease inhibitor activity, but also Kv channels toxicity, analgesic, antihistamine, and anti-inflammatory activities. Two Kunitz-type inhibitors belonging to a new Heteractis crispa RG (HCRG) polypeptide subfamily have been isolated from the sea anemone Heteractis crispa. The amino acid sequences of HCRG1 and HCRG2 identified using the Edman degradation method share up to 95% of their identity with the representatives of the HCGS polypeptide multigene subfamily derived from H. crispa cDNA. Polypeptides are characterized by positively charged Arg at the N-terminus as well as P1 Lys residue at their canonical binding loop, identical to those of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). These polypeptides are shown by our current evidence to be more potent inhibitors of trypsin than the known representatives of the HCGS subfamily with P1Thr. The kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of the intermolecular interactions between inhibitors and serine proteases were determined by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Residues functionally important for polypeptide binding to trypsin were revealed using molecular modeling methods. Furthermore, HCRG1 and HCRG2 possess anti-inflammatory activity, reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) secretions, as well as proIL-1β expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. However, there was no effect on nitric oxide (NO) generation.     

劳动力转移、化肥过度使用与面源污染

为研究农村劳动力由农业向非农产业转移对环境造成的影响,以当前最主要的农业污染源——化肥为例,基于2004—2013年中国31省的面板数据,运用STIRPAT模型考察了农村劳动力转移与化肥面源污染排放的关系。结果表明:劳动力非农转移促使农户在农业生产中投入更多的化肥,加重了中国化肥施用的面源污染;并且由于化肥面源污染排放增加速度高于劳动力转移速度,未来劳动力转移会继续放大化肥面源污染物排放量的增加。基于此,本研究认为对化肥面源污染进行有效控制,除应用污染防治技术外,还应当充分考虑到农村劳动力转移的影响;政府的农业治污减排政策应适应农业劳动力日益稀缺的现实,以确保政策"落地"。