Evaluation of the cationic trypsinogen gene for potential mutations in miniature schnauzers with pancreatitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cationic trypsinogen gene in miniature schnauzers for possible mutations. Genetic mutations have been linked with hereditary pancreatitis in humans. Four miniature schnauzers were selected on the basis of a clinical history of pancreatitis. One healthy miniature schnauzer and 1 healthy mixed breed canine were enrolled as controls. DNA was extracted from these canines using a commercial kit. Primers were designed to amplify the entire canine cationic trypsinogen cDNA sequence. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed and products were purified and sequenced. All sequences were then compared. The healthy control canine, a healthy miniature schnauzer, and the 4 miniature schnauzers with pancreatitis showed identical sequences of the cationic trypsinogen gene to the published sequence. We conclude that, in contrast to humans with hereditary pancreatitis, mutations of the cationic trypsinogen gene do not play a major role in the genesis of pancreatitis in the miniature schnauzer.     

An inexpensive sedimentation chamber for the preparation of cytologic specimens of cerebrospinal fluid.

An inexpensive sedimentation chamber to obtain cytologic specimens of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is described. The device, which has a total cost of about $5.00 can be built in few minutes. The device permits the cytologic study of specimens of CSF in clinics, where because of economic constraints, a cytocentrifuge is not available. The device permits the study of the CSF cells on either air-dried or wet smears even under field conditions, and the results obtained are consistent. Also, the device permits to retrieve the cell-free fluid for its use in chemical or immunologic procedures.     

Effects of surgical implantation of temperature dataloggers on reproduction of captive striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis).

A total of 20 (14 females, six males) captive striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) with miniature temperature dataloggers implanted free in the abdominal cavity were examined for reproductive performance and pathology because of implants. Eleven of 12 female skunks reproduced successfully 45.9+/-3.7 days after surgery to remove implanted dataloggers. The pregnancy rate of 91.7% (11/12) was much higher than other captive studies and was comparable with that of wild skunks. Eight striped skunks (six males, two females) that were euthanatized and necropsied after having implants in the abdominal cavity for 5 mo showed no apparent pathology associated with the implant. Implantation of the intraperitoneal devices did not lead to complications in abdominal tissues. Neither implant nor surgery affected reproduction. We conclude that implanted dataloggers can safely be used in physiologic studies of striped skunks or possibly other small carnivores in captive or field studies.     

Adherence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 to swine buccal epithelial cells involves fibronectin

The swine pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 was investigated for its ability to adhere to swine, rat, and human buccal epithelial cells (BEC). The highest number of bacteria adhered was to swine BEC. This binding ability was affected by heating, extreme pH, treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate, ethylenediamine tetraacetate, or periodate, and proteolysis, suggesting that cell-surface glycoproteins participate in adherence and that adherence is based mostly on ionic interactions. Mannose and swine fibronectin may play a direct role in this interaction. Convalescent-phase serum from naturally infected pigs inhibited the adhesion. There was a correlation between bacterial pathogenicity as well as host specificity and the capacity for adherence to swine BEC. Adhesion to swine BEC provides a convenient method to study in vitro the adherence of A. pleuropneumoniae and other pathogens of the pig respiratory tract.     

DC polarography of cephradine and its application to capsules.

A polarographic method has been developed for the quantitative analysis of cephradine and its dosage forms. Direct determinations on capsules are carried out; excipients and coloring matter do not interfere in the determination. The electroactive product is formed by acidic hydrolysis with 5.0N HCl and heating at 80 degrees C for 60 min. Two polarographic waves are obtained: I = -0.46 V and II = -0.78 v vs. SCE. Both reduction waves are diffusion controlled. Wave I is preferred for analytical purposes. The precise chemical identity of the electroactive product has not been determined, but UV spectral data and the TLC Rf value are reported. A linear relation is established for levels of cephradine between 10(-2) and 10(-5)M in 5.0N HCl.     

Confirmation of nitrogen fixation in two tropical grasses by 15N2 incorporation

Intact soil cores containing plants of Paspalum notatum or Digitaria decumbens were selected with the acetylene reduction method, and then exposed to ¹⁵N₁₅ to confirm nitrogen fixation in tropical grass-bacteria associations. In a preliminary experiment with P. notatum¹⁵N₂ incorporation was slow but progressive during 24 h in roots but translocation to rhizomes and leaves ceased after 17h. With improved assay chambers, enrichments of 0.151 and 0.563 ¹⁵N atom % excess were obtained in roots of D. decumbens cv transvala and P. notatum systems respectively, after 3 days. Enrichments in rhizomes were similar to those of roots; however in the leaves only 8% of root enrichment was observed. The addition of sucrose to the soil doubled N₂-fixation in roots in both grass species studied, but did not result in increased incorporation into the leaves of P. notatum.     

Spread of levan-positive populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas savastanoi</Emphasis> pv. <Emphasis Type="Italic">savastanoi</Emphasis>, the causal agent of olive knot,in central Italy

Mixtures of wet vegetable wastes (Brassica, carrot or onion) and dry onion waste were composted at 50 °C for 7 days. The incorporation of the raw or composted vegetable waste mixtures into sandy loam, silt and peat soils reduced the viability of sclerotia of S. cepivorum in glasshouse pot bioassays. The reduction in viability was dependent on waste type, rate of incorporation, duration of exposure and soil type. Onion waste was the most effective waste type in reducing sclerotia viability in all three soils. The Brassica and carrot wastes were as effective as the onion waste in silt soil but less effective in sandy loam and peat soil. A 50% w/w incorporation rate of the wastes gave the largest reduction in viability, with an increase in reduction over time. Composted onion waste reduced sclerotia viability under glasshouse and field conditions although the effect was smaller in the field. Composted onion waste incorporated into soil at 50% w/w reduced the incidence of Allium white rot on onion seedlings in glasshouse pot tests. Incidence and control of the disease differed with soil type. The most consistent control was achieved in peat soil whereas no control was observed in silt soil. Incorporation of the waste 2 months prior to sowing or transplanting reduced seedling emergence in sandy loam soil and growth in all three soil types. The potential for field application of composted vegetable wastes as a sustainable method for control of Allium white rot and waste disposal is discussed.