Penetration and establishment of Phakopsora pachyrhizi in soybean leaves as observed by transmission electron microscopy

For over 30 years, it has been known that Phakopsora pachyrhizi is unusual in that it penetrates from urediniospores directly through the leaf cuticle without entering stomates. This unusual mode of penetration suggests that disease resistance mechanisms might exist for soybean rust that do not exist for most rust diseases. As a result, we decided to conduct a histological study using transmission electron microscopy to further elucidate the mechanisms of penetration and early establishment of P. pachyrhizi in soybean leaves. Based on our study, it was concluded that P. pachyrhizi utilizes primarily mechanical force, perhaps with the aid of digestive enzymes, to penetrate the cuticle on the leaf surface. However, the lack of deformation lines in micrographs indicated that digestive enzymes, without mechanical force, are used by the penetration hypha to penetrate the outer and inner epidermal cell walls. Digestive enzymes, again indicated by the lack of deformation lines, are used by haustorial mother cells to breach the walls of mesophyll cells to form haustoria. The possibility exists for eventual determination of the precise roles of pressure and digestive enzymes in the development of soybean rust and elucidation of some of the determinants of resistance and susceptibility to this important plant disease.     

Arginine ammonification assay as a rapid index of gross N mineralization in agricultural soils

Seasonal dynamics of in situ gross nitrogen (N) mineralization rates were measured using the ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺ isotope dilution method in a Danish soil subjected to four different agricultural practices (set aside, barley, winter wheat and clover). Results were compared to arginine ammonification in the soil samples measured as NH₄⁺ production following addition of excess (1 mM) arginine. In the set aside, barley, winter wheat and clover soils the average annual rates of gross N mineralization (0.29, 0.60, 1.34 and 1.75 µg NH₄⁺-N g^-1 day^-1, respectively) and arginine ammonification activity (0.21, 0.55, 0.88, and 1.33 µg NH₄⁺-N g^-1 h^-1, respectively) were well correlated. Furthermore, the seasonal variations of gross N mineralization and arginine ammonification activities were very similar, showing rapid responses to rainfall and generally higher activities in wetted soils. As tested in the laboratory, the arginine ammonification activity correlated well with heterotrophic microbial respiration activity (CO₂ production) in soil samples and further displayed a simple, one-component Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a high affinity for arginine (K_m value of 48 µM LJ µM) as determined from non-linear parameter estimation. This indicated that arginine ammonification activity was primarily due to microorganisms, and the activity was also shown to be at a minimum in sterile soil samples. All evidence thus supported that our standard assay of arginine ammonification activity provides a good index of gross N mineralization rates by the microorganisms in soil under in situ conditions.     

Herd and sow-related risk factors for mortality in sows in group-housed systems

Mortality of sows is a major problem for pig production worldwide. In this study, we used hierarchical multivariable logistic analyses to investigate different risk factors for mortality at the sow and herd level in herds with group-housed pregnant sows. Data included 3652 pregnant and 1266 lactating sows from 34 sow herds. A clinical examination for 16 clinical signs was carried out for each sow, and information about 16 herd related factors was obtained by interviews. Farm records were used to obtain information about whether or not sows died suddenly or were euthanized within 3 months after the clinical examination. Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the gestation unit were solid pen floors (OR = 1.87), presence of vulva bites (OR = 1.73) and unwillingness to stand when approached (OR = 1.62). Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the lactation unit were pale vulva color (OR = 12.69), body leanness (OR = 4.11), and presence of shoulder ulcers (OR = 2.89). The estimated between herd variation was small. Thus, the findings for the sow level variables may be generally applicable for sows in herds with group housed systems.     

Squamous cell carcinoma in a tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

CASE HISTORY: A mature male tuatara was presented with a history of recurrent cloacal prolapse.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The prolapsed tissue included a 12 mm diameter mass, which histologically showed cords and nodules of neoplastic epithelial cells.

DIAGNOSIS: The mass was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma with ulceration of the overlying stratified squamous epithelium and diffuse inflammation of the surrounding dermis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case presented a rare opportunity to investigate squamous cell carcinoma in a long-lived lower vertebrate species. Future recurrence or metastasis of the mass may add useful information to the current base of knowledge of the behaviour of malignant neoplasms in reptiles.     

Bacterial sinusitis as a cause of beak deformity in an Antipodes Island parakeet (Cyanoramphus unicolor)

CASE HISTORY: From 26 days of age, an Antipodes Island parakeet (Cyanoramphus unicolor) was noted to have a severe beak deformity and reduced bodyweight gain compared to its nest mate. The bird was euthanised at 43 days of age.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The beak abnormality consisted of distortion of the right nares and severe shortening resulting in deviation of the upper maxilla to the right and cranially. On sectioning the head, copious mucoid material was found in the infraorbital sinus and the bony sinus architecture was disrupted. Histopathological examination of the infraorbital sinuses revealed a large focus of chronic but active inflammation, bony lysis on the right side and pockets of a mixed population of bacteria.

DIAGNOSIS: Severe beak deformity, likely secondary to bacterial sinusitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The case illustrates the need to look for underlying aetiologies to beak malformation, particularly in young parrots.     

Disseminated mycosis in a Jackson's Chameleon (Chamaeloeo jacksonii)

Extract

An adult male Jackson's chameleon died with a history of intermittent periorbital swelling, anorexia and abnormal posture. On post mortem examination, there were multiple granulomas in the tongue, liver and soft palate. Histopathology revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with yeast-like organisms and non-septate branching hyphae. Fungal cultures resulted in the growth of a Penicillium spp that could not be speciated further. The peri-orbital tissues contained a mix of necrotic bone and muscle. Sections of the brain showed three large adjacent focal areas of infarction. The kidneys showed acute nephritis and sclerotic glomeruli. The cytoplasm of some renal tubular epithelial cells contained highly eosinophilic granules. This ‘sexual segment granulation’ is normal in sexually active males of some lizard species.     

Heat stress as a manageable risk factor to mitigate pneumonia in lambs

Abstract

Extract

The paper by Goodwin et al (2004 Goodwin, KA, Jackson, R, Brown, C, Davies, PR, Morris, RS and Perkins, NR. 2004. Pneumonic lesions in lambs in New Zealand: patterns of prevalence and effects on production. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 52: 175–9. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) which appeared in the August 2004 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal highlighted the prevalence and costs to the sheep industry of pneumonia in lambs. The costs are considerable, and the article begs the question, “what can sheep farmers do to reduce the effects of pneumonia in lambs?”