The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of neurological disease

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were correlated with clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in one cat and two dogs with brain lesions. In all three cases, localization of the lesions, as determined clinically, was confirmed using MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging also helped us to define the full extent of the lesion(s) in each case. In one case, the lesion would have been diagnosed as purely inflammatory based on the abnormalities in the CSF. The MRI study, however, showed a homogeneous mass with circumferential changes characteristic of peritumoral edema or inflammation. In two cases, the MRI findings were confirmed at necropsy. An MRI study was also done on a normal dog, demonstrating the variable contrast and anatomical detail possible using this technique. We also discuss difficulties in identifying tumor type using MRI.     

Efficacy of two dichlorvos formulations against larval and adult Hyostrongylus rubidus in swine.

Coated (V-13) and uncoated (V-22) formulations of dichlorvos were used to treat experimentally established Hyostrongylus rubidus infections of pigs at intervals after exposure to infective larvae. Both dichlorvos formulations were efficacious against the adult stomach worm H rubidus, but showed little or no activity against 5- or 15-day-old worms. Neither formulation was as effective against H rubidus in sows as in barrows and gilts.     

The re-emergence of indigenous forest in an urban environment, Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand is a planned city on a coastal plain on the east coast of the South Island. The birth of the city and the subsequent century of development was characterised by colonial values and tree and garden planting with familiar European species along with those from Australia, North America, and eventually all other continents. The image of an “English garden city” with classical parks of oaks and willow-lined rivers became the accepted norm and the way in which the city has been promoted to potential tourists. Gardening is one of the top two recreational activities and exotic species greatly outnumber native species in the flora and in gardens. This has had serious consequences for the highly fragmented and degraded indigenous vegetation and its co-adapted wildlife. A few hardy indigenous species continued to regenerate through this period, but since the 1970s, there has been a progressive change of attitude and interest in reclaiming the natural heritage of the city, manifest in widespread private and public planting of indigenous species and active habitat restoration. In this article we examine the indigenous and exotic shrub and tree components of the Christchurch flora as planted street trees, in domestic gardens, and in parks. We also present data on shrub and tree regeneration in parks and domestic gardens in the city. Indications are that the more sensitive, less intrusive management of urban environments, combined with the greater density of indigenous seed sources, has allowed regeneration of a wide range of indigenous species across a broad spectrum of habitats – from neglected gardens to pavement cracks to exotic plantations. This is despite the competition from the prodigious seed banks and density of exotic trees, shrubs, and ground covers and albeit minimal impacts of introduced browsing and seed eating mammals. If the present trends continue through appropriate management and facilitation, these tentative signs of native forest regeneration should eventually proliferate into a sustainable mixed origin urban forest that resurrects and preserves the natural character of the region.     

Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: current understanding and recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand Equine Endocrine Group

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the current knowledge and opinions about the epidemiology, clinical findings (including sequelae), diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, particularly in the Australian context. This information and the recommendations provided will assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of this disorder.     

Effect on Rendement Napole genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed different levels of fat

We investigated effects of Rendement Napole (RN ) genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed diets with different levels of dietary fat. Thirty‐two pigs, belonging to either the wild‐type (WT , rn⁺/rn⁺) or carrier (CAR , RN ^?/rn⁺) genotypes (n  = 16/genotype), were divided into two dietary groups, (high fat [HF ] or low fat [LF ]) diets, for 12 weeks (n  = 8 pigs/genotype/diet) after which pigs were killed for gene expression analysis by RT ‐PCR . Feeding HF diet caused increased daily gain (ADG , p  <  .05) and final body weight (BW ) (p  <  .05) in comparison with the LF diet (p  <  .05). Feed efficiency (gain:feed) was higher (p  <  .05) in pigs on the HF and was higher (p  <  .05) in CAR pigs compared to WT . There was genotype × diet interaction (p  =  .05) on final BW such that CAR animals on LF diet had the same final BW as animals of both genotypes on HF diet. Carrier pigs on LF diet had higher (p  <  .05) average daily gain and gain:feed than WT pigs. There was a trend (p  <  .08) for a higher feed consumption in pigs on the LF diet. Backfat thickness was higher (p  <  .01) in pigs on the HF diet. Serum triglyceride was higher (0.62 vs. 0.33 mg/dl, p  <  .01) in pigs on HF diet. Serum insulin was higher (p  <  .05) in CAR versus WT pigs (0.40 vs. 0.015 μg/ml). Pigs on the HF diet had a higher (p  <  .05) serum insulin compared to those on the LF diet (0.032 vs. 0.023 μg/ml). Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1‐alpha was higher (p  <  .05) in the longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscles of pigs on HF diet. Acyl‐CoA oxidase I was elevated (p  <  .05) in the liver of pigs on HF diet. Fatty acid synthase was lower in the longissimus dorsi muscle, liver and mesenteric fat (p  <  .05) of carrier pigs. The RN gene regulates specific metabolic markers in the Ossabaw pigs.     

Phytophthora urerae sp. nov., a new clade 1c relative of the Irish famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans from South America

An unknown Phytophthora species was discovered in the central Peruvian Andes on blighted foliage of the native South American plant species Urera lacineata. Urera is a genus of native flowering shrubs in the nettle family Urticaceae. This new taxon Phytophthora urerae sp. nov. is herewith formally described based on extensive morphological analysis, phylogenetic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial loci, and AFLP analysis. Phytophthora urerae sp. nov. is a close relative of the Irish famine pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, and only the third clade 1c taxon described from South America to date. In contrast to the clade 1c taxon Phytophthora andina, first described in South America as a hybrid, P. urerae does not appear to be a hybrid based on cloning and sequencing nuclear loci. Findings of new species in South America may provide novel insights into the origin and evolutionary history of clade 1c Phytophthora species.     

Simulating forest cover change in the northeastern U.S.: decreasing forest area and increasing fragmentation

Landscape Ecology - Understanding how the Northern Forest landscape has changed and is likely to change, both in terms of forest extent and forest configuration, has important implications for...