Efficient computation of genotype probabilities for loci with many alleles: I. Allelic peeling

Genetic marker data are likely to be obtained from a relatively small proportion of the individuals in many livestock populations. Information from genetic markers can be extrapolated to related individuals without marker data by computing genotype probabilities using an algorithm referred to as peeling. However, genetic markers may have many alleles and the number of computations in traditional peeling algorithms is proportional to the number of alleles raised to the sixth or eighth power, depending on pedigree structure. An alternative algorithm for computing genotype probabilities of marker loci with many alleles in large, nonlooped pedigrees with incomplete marker data is presented. The algorithm is based on recursive computations depending on alleles instead of genotypes, as in traditional peeling algorithms. The number of computations in the allelic peeling algorithm presented here is proportional to the square of the number of alleles, which makes this algorithm more computationally efficient than traditional peeling for loci with many alleles. Memory requirements are roughly proportional to the number of individuals in the pedigree and the number of alleles. The recursive allelic peeling algorithm cannot be applied to pedigrees that include full sibs or loops. However, it is a preliminary step toward a more complex and encompassing iterative approach to be described in a companion paper.     

Status of wildlife health monitoring in the United Kingdom

There is a clear need to monitor the health of wildlife in the UK, to help to understand the population dynamics of endangered species and to detect any harm to the welfare of wild animals caused by human beings. Despite previous proposals, there has been little progress in the development of a national programme of monitoring. With notable exceptions, the current schemes for investigating the morbidity and mortality of wild animals cover only limited groups of animals and are fragmented and uncoordinated. They consist of statutory schemes of restricted scope, and studies in universities, institutes and wildlife rehabilitation centres with limited funding. As a result, significant disease incidents may remain undetected and others may not be investigated fully, posing risks to the welfare and conservation of wildlife, the welfare of domestic animals, and in some cases to human health. Coordinated national schemes for the surveillance of the health of wildlife are already established in France, the USA and Canada and their best characteristics could be used to develop a scheme for the UK.     

抗稻瘿蚊品种多抗1的抗性遗传分析及抗性基因定位

稻瘿蚊是亚洲稻区主要害虫,采用抗虫品种进行防治是最理想的方法。1993～1995年,广东省农科院与国际水稻研究所有关专家紧密合作,对能抗华南4个稻瘿蚊生物型的品种多抗1作进一步抗性遗传分析,确认多抗1对中国稻瘿蚊生物型1和4的抗性受显性单基因控制,这个基因暂定名为GM—6(t)。以多抗1×丰银占1组合的F3代160个家系作基因标记,据DNA库分离个体分析(BSA)原理,用随机扩增多态性DNA(RAPD)标记物OPM6(1.4kb),首次成功地标记了这个抗性基因。随后多态性扩增产物经~(32)p标记,用作探针,检测另一个参考作图群体IR64×Azucena,将这个抗性基因定位在水稻第4条染色体上,位于RG214和RG163两个DNA限制性片段长度多态性(RFLP)标记之间。应用这些分子标记辅助选择有可能不必通过稻瘿蚊的直接筛选,快速准确地选育抗稻瘿蚊品种或进行抗性基因累加。     

Peripheral neuropathy in a turkey vulture with lead toxicosis

Clinical, electromyographic, and pathologic findings characteristic of lead toxicosis were detected in a turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). The bird had generalized lower motor neuron dysfunction that progressed over 5 days. Electromyography revealed diffuse denervation potentials and a presumed decrement in the sciatic-tibial nerve conduction velocity. Histologic examination of peripheral nerves obtained at necropsy revealed changes that could be compatible with lead-induced neuropathy. Lead toxicosis was confirmed by determination of blood lead concentrations. Lead toxicosis causing neurologic disorders in birds has been described. However, this report emphasizes the effects of lead on the peripheral nervous system and demonstrates the use of electromyography for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in birds.     

Surgical management of bifid sternum in two African grey parrots

Transposition of the pectoral muscles for treatment of caudal bifid (cleft) sternum in 2 unrelated African Grey Parrots is described. The birds did not have clinical signs of ventilatory compromise prior to surgery; however, both had cutaneous ulcers over the defects. The pectoral muscles provided a thick pad over the heart, minimizing the risk of trauma to the heart.     

Immunocytochemical demonstration of lymphocyte subsets and MHC class II antigen expression in synovial membranes from dogs with rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease

The study describes the distribution of canine leucocyte antigens in synovial membrane biopsies from six dogs with canine rheumatoid arthritis (CRA) and from eight dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to spontaneous rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) (n = 5) or patellar luxation (n = 3). Synovial membranes from five dogs without evidence of joint lesions were used as control tissues. In the subsynovium of dogs with normal joints CD5+, CD4+, CD8+ and alpha beta TCR+ lymphocytes were present only in low numbers. With monoclonal antibody (mAb) to MHC class II antigen, either none or up to 20-30% of synovial lining cells were immunoreactive. Furthermore, scattered MHCII+ stromal cells were seen in the deeper subsynovial layer. In synovial membrane biopsies from dogs with CRA numerous diffusely and perivascularly distributed CD5+ lymphocytes were found in the subsynovium. CD4+ cells outnumbered CD8+ cells and were more numerous in the perivascular areas. In all the CRA cases examined, there were markedly higher numbers of alpha beta TCR+ cells compared with gamma delta TCR+ cells. With mAb to CD21, low numbers of immunoreactive lymphocytes were demonstrated. In all the CRA cases, a marked increase of MHC class II antigen expression was noted. In the majority of samples, 50% or more than 90% of the synovial lining cells were strongly MHC class II+. Throughout the subsynovial layer there were numerous MHC class II+ cells and included those with dendritic morphology and inflammatory mononuclear cells. Furthermore, marked perivascular immunoreactivity for MHC class II antigen was found. In biopsies from dogs with OA, there were markedly lower numbers of subsynovial CD5+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. T-cells were mainly diffusely distributed. In three of the eight OA dogs examined, there was an increased percentage of synovial lining cells expressing MHC class II. The majority of OA cases had subsynovial major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ cells with a dendritic morphology.     

Fracture of the proximal tibial epiphysis and tuberosity in 10 dogs

Ten dogs were presented with fractures of the proximal tibial epiphysis and tuberosity. All dogs had a cranioproximal-caudodistal angulation of the tibial plateau. Six dogs had marked caudal displacement of the proximal tibial epiphysis, five of which had also sustained fractures of the proximal fibula. The estimated mean angle of inclination of the tibial plateau of affected limbs was 45.8 +/- 9.6 degrees, which was significantly greater (P<0.0005) than the estimated mean angle of the normal contralateral limb 26.2 +/- 6.6 degrees. The mean angle of inclination of the tibial plateau of dogs with fibular fractures (n=5) was not significantly different from dogs without fibular fractures (n=5) (P>0.25). Five dogs were treated conservatively and five were treated by three different methods of surgical repair. Surgically treated dogs had significantly greater preoperative tibial plateau angles (P<0.05). All dogs regained full limb usage, regardless of the method of treatment chosen.