Chromosomal hyperdiploidy in a feline sarcoma.

An eight-year-old male cat developed a sarcoma. The cytogenetic evaluation of the tumour cells showed the presence of hyperdiploidy (range 40 to 46 chromosomes). This hyperdiploidy was encountered in all the cells examined. Extra-chromosomes numbers C1, C2, B4, D4 and E3 were mainly responsible for the hyperdiploid chromosomal complements. There was a high incidence of monosomy E3.     

A Robertsonian translocations in the female cells of a bull, co-twin to a freemartin

A case of 1/29 chromosome translocation in a male calf of the Brown Swiss breed is reported. Except for the aggressive behavious, the subject showed clinically nothing peculiar. A post-mortem examination did not reveal any internal macroscopic malformation. Since many reports indicate that such a type of translocation, found in a wide range of breeds of Bos taurus of several countries, seems to be linked with a lowering of fertility, the authors feel that chromosome screening might play an important role in breeding programs in the immediate future.     

A case of trisomy 22 in a live hereford calf.

A case of the rare genetic trisomy 22 in a live calf is described. The calf had low blood thyroxine level and low growth rate. It had several defects including brachygnathia superior, strabismus convergence, aortal cusp insufficiency and hypertrophy of clitoris. Chromosome analysis was performed on cultured blood lymphocytes and fibroblast cells. In all counted metaphases 61 chromosomes were present. The extra chromosome was identified as a chromosome 22 by R-banding. The defects of the calf have similarities with cases of partial trisomy 3p25-pter in human. This section of the human chromosome 3 corresponds to sections of cattle chromosome 22.     

Trisomy 2 in three cases of canine haemangiopericytoma.

Two female (12 and 14 years old) and one male dog (10 years old) developed haemangiopericytomas. Three copies of chromosome 2 were present in the tumours of all three dogs. Additional alterations were an interstitially deleted chromosome 1, centric fusions 3/34 and 8/15, isochromosome 32 and two unidentified marker chromosomes (M1, M2) in one bitch. In the other bitch, the additional alterations were trisomy 37, centric fusions 8/38 and 30/31, and a derivative chromosome 13 (der13). In the male dog, tandem fusion 2/19 was present in addition to two structurally normal chromosomes 2.     

Characterisation of complex karyotype changes in two canine bone tumours

Two dogs developed osteosarcomas. In both cases, the cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of numerically and structurally altered karyotypes. The chromosome ranges were 90 to 99 and 65 to 67, respectively. Centric fusions frequently identified were 1/3, 1/30 and 2/9 in one case, 3/19, 12/18 and 13/17 in the other.     

Surgical correction of a coxofemoral luxation in a European Honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) by incorporating a toggle-pin technique: A case report

A 2-year-old female European Honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) was diagnosed with a coxofemoral luxation (craniodorsal) of the right leg. Modified toggle pin technique was performed to replace the ruptured ligament of head of femur with an artificial ligament. An anchor was tied to a monofilament-type nonabsorbable suture and placed into the buzzard's acetabular hole through the drilled femoral canal. The buzzard gradually regained full activity by 13 weeks following surgery, displaying a slight lameness but otherwise a completely normal range of motion without relapse or complication. In this specific case, the procedure was uneventful and the buzzard recovered over several months without relapse or complications. Further clinical reports including a larger number of animals are needed in order to determine whether this technique is safe and which surgical technique is more effective in birds with coxofemoral luxation.     

Ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening in dogs with histologically confirmed inflammatory bowel disease: 13 cases (2010–2021)

Ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening has not been described as an imaging feature of canine inflammatory bowel disease. In this retrospective case series, patients were identified by searching sonographic reports for “muscularis” and/or “muscular layer.” Patients were included if small intestinal muscularis thickening was reported, and sonographic images and histopathological samples of the small intestine were available for review. Cases with small intestines nodules, masses, or complete loss of wall layering were excluded. Sonographic images were retrospectively evaluated for jejunal muscularis layer thickness, and ratios of intestinal layer measurements were performed. Histological samples were retrospectively reviewed. Thirteen dogs met inclusion criteria: all dogs had sonographic intestinal muscularis thickening relative to the submucosa (>1.0, range of 1.3–2.5), and most dogs had muscular layer thickness above normal published ranges (11/13; all 13/13 above the weight-specific mean). More than half of the patients had overall normal wall thickness (11/13) and several had normal mucosal echogenicity (6/13). Therefore, in some dogs, the only sonographic abnormality in the small intestine was muscularis thickening. No dogs had lymphadenomegaly. Endoscopic partial-thickness (n = 11, duodenum and/or ileum) or surgical full-thickness (n = 2) samples confirmed inflammatory bowel disease. Direct comparison between jejunum sonographic characteristics and histology features was limited due to both partial thickness biopsies and lack of direct comparison between anatomical locations of ultrasonographic assessment and biopsy site. However, no cases that met the inclusion criteria had normal small intestinal histology. Comparable to cats, dogs with ultrasonographic intestinal muscularis thickening may have inflammatory bowel disease, and further workup for enteropathy is indicated.     

Revealing genetic relationships between compounds affecting boar taint and reproduction in pigs

Boar taint is characterized by an unpleasant taste or odor in intact male pigs and is primarily attributed to increased concentrations of androstenone and skatole and to a lesser extent by increased indole. The boar taint compounds skatole and indole are produced by gut bacteria, metabolized in the liver, and stored in the fat tissue. Androstenone, on the other hand, is synthesized in the testis along with testosterone and estrogens, which are known to be important factors affecting fertility. The main goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between genetic factors involved in the primary boar taint compounds in an attempt to discover ways to reduce boar taint without decreasing fertility-related compounds. Heritabilities and genetic correlations between traits were estimated for compounds related to boar taint (androstenone, skatole, indole) and reproduction (testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and estrone sulfate). Heritabilities in the range of 0.47 to 0.67 were detected for androstenone concentrations in both fat and plasma, whereas those for skatole and indole were slightly less (0.27 to 0.41). The genetic correlations between androstenone in plasma and fat were extremely high (0.91 to 0.98) in Duroc and Landrace. In addition, genetic correlations between androstenone (both plasma and fat) and the other sex steroids (estrone sulfate, 17β-estradiol, and testosterone) were very high, in the range of 0.80 to 0.95. Furthermore, a genome-wide association study (GWA) and a combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage analysis (LDLA) were conducted on 1,533 purebred Landrace and 1,027 purebred Duroc to find genome regions involved in genetic control of the boar taint compounds androstenone, skatole, and indole, and sex hormones related to fertility traits. Up to 3,297 informative SNP markers were included for both breeds, including SNP from several boar taint candidate genes. From the GWA study, we found that altogether 27 regions were significant at a genome-wide level (P < 0.05) and an additional 7 regions were significant at a chromosomal level. From the LDLA study, 7 regions were significant on a genome-wide level and an additional 7 regions were significant at a chromosomal level. The most convincing associations were obtained in 6 regions affecting skatole and indole in fat on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 13, and 14, 1 region on chromosome 6 affecting androstenone in plasma only, and 5 regions on chromosomes 3, 4, 13, and 15 affecting androstenone, testosterone, and estrogens.     

Cytogenetic analysis of three oropharyngeal malignant melanomas in dogs.

Three cases of histologically confirmed oropharyngeal malignant melanomas in dogs are presented including clinical examinations and cytogenetic analysis. Case one showed a hyperdiploid karyotype. Case two, a recurrent tumour, had a highly hypodiploid karyotype with supernumerary meta- and submetacentric chromosomes in all metaphases analysed. In the third case, a clonal fusion of chromosome 1 and 25 was observed. Comparing these results with another case of canine cutaneous melanoma as well as with human malignant melanomas reported in the literature, these tumours obviously often show cytogenetic aberrations like aneuploidy and centric fusions.     

Affected homologous chromosome pairing and phosphorylation of testis specific histone, H2AX, in male meiosis under FKBP6 deficiency

A gene for FK506 binding protein 6 (Fkbp6) expresses during a specific stage of male and female meiosis. Disruption of the gene influences male reproduction, i.e. arrests spermatogenesis, but not female reproduction. Using the mouse model (targeted disruption), the role of the gene in homologous chromosome pairing has been demonstrated in a previous study. For further understanding the function of Fkbp6 in chromosome synapsis, we evaluated chromosome pairings during male meiosis in the as/as rat, a spontaneous null mutation, and compared them with those of the mouse model. Electron microscopy of the pachytene nuclei unveiled several types of abnormal chromosome pairing in the rat model, as shown in the mouse previously. The frequencies of aberrant pairings in the knockout mice and mutant rats were 42 of 67 nuclei (62.7%) and 20 out of 74 nuclei (27.0%), respectively. In order to clarify the mechanism of male specific infertility in Fkbp6 deficiency, the localization of gammaH2AX, a marker protein of XY chromosome inactivation during male meiosis, was examined. Immunostaining of gammaH2AX unveiled normal localization of the molecule to XY chromosomes (XY body) in both models, showing the independency of FKBP6 in sex chromosome inactivation. Besides the XY body, focal localization of gammaH2AX was observed in accordance with the unsynapsed chromosomes in both types of null animal. These results indicate the fundamental role of Fkbp6 in homologous chromosome synapsis during male meiosis. In conclusion, male specific infertility under Fkbp6 deficiency remains unsolved.     

Molecular typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cows with mastitis in the east of Poland on the basis of polymorphism of genes coding protein A and coagulase

The aim of this study was to test the diversity of a population of 82 strains of S. aureus isolated from cows with mastitis in the east of Poland. The isolates were typed by analysis of the number of repeats of 24 bp sequences in the X region of protein A (spa) gene and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the coagulase (coa) gene. Twelve different spa types were distinguished. Amplification of region X gave, in 79 cases, one stripe. In a scope of 100-364 bp 10 different products (genotypes) of amplification reaction were defined. For one strain two stripes were obtained and two strains did not contain the spa gene. The most prevalent strains had 10, 11 and 12 repeats of 24 bp sequences, which represented respectively 18%, 30% and 13% of all strains tested. The presence of any strain containing 4 or 9 sequence was not observed. In the case of analysis of the polymorphism of the coagulase gene, 13 different genotypes were identified. The most frequently appearing genotype is genotype C, in which case an amplification product is digested into three DNA fragments: 410, 320 and 160 bp. To this genotype belong 43 strains, which constitute 52% of the examined population. A significant improvement in discriminatory power was observed when results from both genes were analyzed simultaneously. In an analyzed group of 82 strains, 24 genotypes were isolated.     

Genetic mapping of the QTL affecting body weight in chickens using a F2 family

1. To identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth in chickens, we carried out QTL analysis on chicken growth traits using a population of 227 F2 crosses between a Satsumadori (slow-growing, light-weight Japanese native breed used as a meat chicken) male and a White Plymouth Rock (early-maturing, heavy weight broiler). 2. We chose 78 microsatellite loci from 331 publicly available on 14 linkage groups, with respect to their utility and location. 3. Two QTLs affecting body weight at 13 and 16 weeks were mapped at 220 cM on chromosome 1 (LOD scores, 2.8 and 4.5, respectively, at 13 and 16 weeks), and at 60 cM on chromosome 2 (LOD scores, 6.2 and 8.1, respectively, at 13 and 16 weeks). 4. The closest loci to the QTLs were LEI71 on chromosome 1 and LMU13 and MCW184 on chromosome 2. 5. The sites of the QTLs agreed closely with those already reported. Therefore, it seems likely that QTLs affecting growth of chickens are located at these sites.     

Mandibular cheek tooth development and its relationship to age in young Friesian cattle.

The oral and intra-osseous development of each of the six manidibular cheek teeth found in the permanent dentition of cattle was studied. The animals used were all British Friesians, of varying sex, and slaughtered at different weights at ages between 13 and 22 months. The various stages of development observed in each tooth together with the mean age and age range at which they were seen are recorded. Significant differences were found between the ages at which several of the developmental stages were seen in most of the teeth and indicated that tooth formation in the Friesian cattle studied tended to fall within well defined age limits.     

Preliminary observations on reproduction in a female sheep-goat chimaera.

Four oestrous cycles of a female sheep-goat chimaera were monitored by using a vasectomised ram. The mean (+/- se) length of the cycle was 18.5 +/- 0.64 days with a range from 17 to 20 days. The chimaera was superovulated twice, bred to fertile rams, and the embryos recovered by laparotomy 13 or five days after oestrus, so that karyotype analysis could reveal the genotype of the oocyte. After the first superovulation one ovine day-13 embryo was collected; two fragments of another embryo (or embryos) were also collected, but readable chromosome spreads were not obtained from these embryos or from the two four-cell embryos that were collected five days after the second superovulation. Two surgical embryo transfers to the chimaera resulted in pregnancies. The first transfer involved an eight-cell ovine embryo and two caprine morulae and ended in the abortion of an ovine fetus between days 110 and 130. The second pregnancy occurred after the transfer of two ovine and two caprine morulae. A healthy lamb was born on day 147 of pregnancy. Both placentae had small numbers of cotyledons. A histological evaluation of the cotyledons revealed an abnormal placentome structure in the first pregnancy but not in the second.     

家蚕虎斑易位系(ZW·~(⌒Ze))染色体的研究

以家蚕虎斑易位系ＺＷ·Ｚｅ⌒的卵巢为材料,仿今井（１９８０）涂片法制片,Ｇｉｅｍｓａ染色。光学显微镜下观察粗线期染色体,发现末端分开呈不对称的“Ｙ”字形二价染色体或提前分离的二价染色体,其分离较其它二价体显著提前,推测其为性（ＺＷ）染色体,组型分析该特异性二价染色体位于第１３号。这对于利用家蚕丰富的突变材料,进行染色体研究,进而绘制细胞学染色体图具有重要意义。     

Analysis of polymorphisms of cathepsin B and cystatin B impact on economically important traits in pigs raised in Poland

The cathepsins belong to an enzyme family of lysosomal proteinases, which have a wide spectrum of function in a lot of tissues and cell types. Cathepsin B is one of intracellular proteases, whose role is to carboxydipeptidyl activity. In turn, the cystatin B (CSTB) is an intracellular thiol proteinase inhibitor. In pigs, CTSB was mapped on 14 chromosome and linked to loci genes ATP2A2, ACTN2 and ACTA1, in the region where suggestive QTL for fat deposition and meat content were identified. The CSTB gene is localized on telomeric end (1/2) q46–q49 of SSC13 and on this chromosome QTLs for daily gain and birth weight were identified. Our investigation concerned analysis of effects A72C CTSB polymorphism and Asp62Asn CSTB missense mutation on carcass traits in Polish pigs population. The significant results of A72C of CTSB mutation was observed for several growth traits in Pietrain pigs. AC genotype characterized higher carcass yield and weight of ham and loin than in AA pigs (AC — 79.3%, 6.90 kg and 10.2 kg; AA — 77.8, 6.52 and 9.89, P < 0.01). The significant effect of Asp62Asn CSTB was in two traits of Polish Large White pigs: AA animals had higher daily gain and lower number days in test compared to animals with GG genotype (AA — 973 g, 162 days; GG — 882 g, 172 days) with favorable additive genetic effects of allele g173A on LSM. The selection on A allele of CSTB should lead to increasing level of fat. In turn, increasing in population, a C allele of CTSB should affect better meat content parameters in pig population. Overall, these two polymorphisms seem not to be directly association with carcass traits, but probably are linked to unknown QTLs localized on 13 and 14 chromosomes.     

Outbreak of equine herpesvirus type 1 myeloencephalitis: new insights from virus identification by PCR and the application of an EHV-1-specific antibody detection ELISA

Five of 10 pregnant, lactating mares, each with a foal at foot, developed neurological disease. Three of them became recumbent, developed complications and were euthanased; of the two that survived, one aborted an equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1)-positive fetus 68 days after the first signs were observed in the index case and the other gave birth to a healthy foal on day 283 but remained ataxic and incontinent. The diagnosis of EHV-1 myeloencephalitis was supported by postmortem findings, PCR identification of the virus and by serological tests with an EHV-1-specific ELISA. At the time of the index case, the 10 foals all had a heavy mucopurulent nasal discharge, and PCR and the ELISA were used to detect and monitor EHV-1 infection in them. The status of EHV-1 infection in the five in-contact mares was similarly monitored. Sera from three of the affected mares, taken seven days after the index case were negative or had borderline EHV-1-specific antibody titres. In later serum samples there was an increase in the titres of EHV-1-specific antibody in two of the affected mares. In contrast, sera from the five unaffected in-contact mares were all EHV-1-antibody positive when they were first tested seven or 13 days after the index case.     

猪单条13/17罗伯逊易位染色体的显微分离与LA-PCR扩增

以13/17罗伯逊易位纯合子猪［2n=36，XY或XX，rob(13;17)］为试验材料，制备其有丝分裂中期染色体，利用显微分离技术对13/17罗伯逊易位染色体进行分离，并将单条染色体进行LA-PCR扩增，其扩增片段大小主要在200~2800 bp；对LA-PCR扩增产物用猪13、17号染色体近着丝点微卫星标记SWR1941和SWR1120与Southern杂交2种方法进行鉴定，结果表明LA-PCR产物来源于13/17罗伯逊易位染色体。该方法的成功建立为进一步从分子水平上研究家猪13/17罗伯逊易位所引起的表型效应的遗传机制以及筛选猪13和17号染色体上新的分子遗传标记奠定了基础。