Clinical remission of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in a Rottweiler

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare syndrome for which Rottweilers appear to over-represent the canine cases. A 6-month-old female entire Rottweiler presented with seizures following a traumatic incident. The dog was identified as having a marked, sustained eosinophilia and investigations did not identify an underlying cause. Concurrently, the dog had chronic eosinophilic hepatitis with impaired liver function and mesenteric eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The dog went on to have spontaneous resolution of HES and normal liver function was subsequently documented. To date, the dog is still alive, more than 4 years after initial presentation. The diagnosis of idiopathic HES in Rottweilers may not carry a poor prognosis and the condition may spontaneously resolve, even in cases with documented organ damage.     

INDUCTION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES BY EXCESS COBALT IN MUSTARD

This study focuses on induction of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense mechanism on exposure to excess cobalt (Co) in mustard (Brassica campestris L.; cv. ‘T-59’) plants grown in refined sand. Plants were grown for 40 days at normal (0.1 μM) Co. Additional cobalt was supplied from d 41 at 6 levels, i.e., 0.1 (control), 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 μM as cobalt sulfate. The primary site of Co toxicity was shoots where middle leaves developed interveinal chlorosis after three days of excess cobalt supply (>100 μM). At severity these chlorotic spots became necrotic and affected areas appeared dry and papery, at this stage, growth of the plants were completely checked, the upper part of the stem became dry and hanged down. The toxicity of cobalt at d 46, i.e., six days after metal supply, (DAMS) reduced the dry weight, concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids in leaves and tissue Fe with decreased activity of catalase and lipid peroxidation. Enhancement in proline concentration and elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase were observed in leaves and roots in response to excess Co supply in mustard. Cobalt concentration of mustard in leaves and roots, ranged from 200 to 397 μg g^?1 at excess Co as compared to 1.1 to 2.5 μg Co g^?1 dry matter in control (0.1 μM Co).     

Chromium Alters Iron Nutrition and Water Relations of Spinach

Spinach (Spinacea oleracea L. cv. ‘Banarasi’), known to be responsive to potentially toxic elements, was investigated for chromium (Cr^{6 +}) effect on iron metabolism and water relations. After 40 days growth in sand culture, a set of plants was supplied with 100 and 400 μM Cr^{6 +} (potassium dichromate, K₂Cr₂O₇), superimposed over the complete nutrient solution (control). Excess Cr^{6 +} produced visual symptoms of toxicity and increased accumulation of Cr, more in roots than in leaves. Decreased concentration of chlorophylls and the activities of heme enzymes, catalase and peroxidase in excess Cr^{6 +} may suggest interference of Cr in iron metabolism of plants. These changes associated with decrease in iron (Fe) accumulation in Cr^{6 +} treated plants, indicate that by reducing absorption of Fe, Cr^{6 +} impairs the Fe requiring steps of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis. In spite of lower water saturation deficit, the leaves of Cr^{6 +} treated plants showed a decrease in leaf water potential, associated with increase in diffusive resistance and lowering of transpiration rate along with proline accumulation indicates water stress. The changes observed in water stress parameters in Cr^{6 +} treated plants indicate that excess supply of Cr^{6 +} reduces the physiological availability of water.     

Ecological features of Aconitum balfourii (Bruhl) Muk. — an endangered medicinal plant in the northwest Himalaya

Aconitum balfourii (Bruhl) Muk. (Ranunculaceae) is an endangered medicinal plant. Natural populations were surveyed in the northwest Himalaya for population estimation and evaluation of elite germplasm. Vegetation sampling of quadrats was conducted using the vertical belt transect method in areas supporting A. balfourii. Plant density and relative dominance of A. balfourii were low compared with other alpine species. Threat status was determined on a site-by-site basis as well as for entire western Himalaya. A. balfourii was generally classified as endangered on the basis of geographic distribution and critically endangered on the basis of abundance. We found the natural geographic distribution of A. balfourii to be diminishing due to habitat destruction. Immediate corrective management measures are needed for sustainable utilization and long-term conservation of the species in the wild.     

A comparative study of the anatomy of the omasum in domesticated ruminants

The structure of the omasum was compared in 10 water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), 10 Shorthorn cattle (Bos indicus), 9 Merino sheep (Ovis aries) and 10 cross-bred goats (Capra hircus), and the functional significance of the differences is discussed. The weight of the omasum and area of the internal laminae appeared to be smaller in Brahman cattle than the buffalo and British cattle. When compared in relation to body weight, the omasums of caprid animals were smaller than those of bovids, by a factor of 0.33-0.67 but the omasums of goats were appreciably larger than sheep. The number of laminae ranged from 33 to 35 for the sheep and goats compared with 122 to 169 for the buffalo and cattle. It is suggested that the marked difference in structure of the omasum between the small and large ruminants may influence the food intake of these animals through the effects of this gut compartment on absorption of nutrients and passage of digesta.     

Some possibilities in the economic development of Liberia through the forestry sector

Some possible contributions that could be made to the development of the Liberian economy through the forestry sector are investigated. Emphasis is placed on the establishment of integrated wood-processing facilities comprising sawmilling, veneer and plywood manufacturing and particleboard production. Data for 1974 are used to formulate a simple illustrative linear programming model for determining the minimum investment needs for achieving specified levels of value-added.     

Influence of Cysteamine on In Vitro Maturation, In Vitro and In Vivo Fertilization of Equine Oocytes

The effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of equine oocytes collected by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicular aspiration was assessed. Oocytes were matured in vitro with (cysteamine group) or without (control group) cysteamine. The nuclear stage after DNA Hoechst staining, penetration rates after two different in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques (IVF media with ionophore and Hepes buffer with heparin) and the embryo yield following oocyte intra-oviductal transfer were used as a criterion for assessing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, respectively. Contrary to the data described in other domestic species, there was no effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear maturation, IVF or in vivo embryonic development under our conditions. Ovum pick up yields (52%) and maturation rates (control group: 47% and cysteamine group: 55%) were similar to those previously reported. From 57 oocytes transferred to the oviduct in each group, the number of embryos collected was 10 (17%) in the control group and five in the cysteamine group (9%). Those two percentages were not statistically different (p > 0.05). No effect of IVF technique was seen on the success rate (6%) in each group.     

Factors Affecting the Readiness and Preparation of Replacement Heifers in Tropical Breeding Environments

The future of beef cattle production in tropical regions is uncertain because of land tenure concerns, threatening the survival of extensive management programmes in these areas of the world. The need to intensify production systems will inevitably lead to changes in the management of replacement animals in existing herds. The present review underlines the main constraints, which in the past could be resolved by the sheer numbers of animals present in beef cattle operations, with replacements reliant only on finding enough heifers to substitute the adult females destined for culling. This scenario is rapidly changing as beef cattle units in tropical regions subdivide to share out the land between as many farmers as possible. Consequently, issues such as the efforts needed to manage the pregnant cow, particularly her nutritional status and its effect on the new‐born calf, the future replacement heifer growing in the presence of the dam, weaning management and procedures required before a heifer can be introduced into a breeding programme, need to be adequately and efficiently addressed by farmers in tropical regions.     

Monitoring changes in back fat thickness and its effect on the restoration of ovarian activity and fertility in Bos indicus cows

With the objective of testing the hypothesis if animals with a stable layer of body fat (FAT) during the peripartum have a better chance of becoming pregnant after calving, fifty‐nine multiparous Brahman cows in their last trimester of pregnancy were used. Animals averaged four parturitions and were stocked at a rate of 1.25 animal units per hectare and divided into two groups depending on the time postpartum (dpp) that the intravaginal releasing device CIDR was inserted; Group 1 (<30 dpp; n = 30) received the implant at 25.2 ± 4.21 and withdrawn 9 days later. Group 2 (≥30 dpp; n = 29) received the CIDR at 38.41 ± 5.8. Animals were AI at detected oestrus until 170 dpp and calculated as pregnant at first service or requiring more than one service (1s and >1s), not pregnant but cycling (not pregnant) and those not cycling at all (anestrus). The FAT measurements were taken twice each month from the last trimester of gestation until 96 dpp. The onset of ovarian activity was monitored through blood levels of progesterone (P4) at days 14 and 9 prior to CIDR insertion and days 10, 13, 30 and 33 after CIDR withdrawal. Animals pregnant did not have any major changes in their fat thickness. In contrast, cows pregnant in the group ≥30 dpp had changes in their FAT homoeostasis, and pregnant animals in the 1s and >1s groups did not show differences in dorsal back fat in the last trimester of pregnancy and early postpartum. In contrast, animals not pregnant and in anestrus FAT values decreased considerably after parturition. Overall, fertility was 49%, but 18% of all the animals remained anestrus losing FAT. Thus, animals with adequate metabolic conditions will have a better chance of pregnancy regardless of the time postpartum when the reproductive programme starts.