Comparison of cardiopulmonary effects of etorphine and thiafentanil administered as sole agents for immobilization of impala (Aepyceros melampus)

ObjectiveTo compare the cardiopulmonary effects of the opioids etorphine and thiafentanil for immobilization of impala.Study designTwo-way crossover, randomized study.AnimalsA group of eight adult female impala.MethodsImpala were given two treatments: 0.09 mg kg^–1 etorphine or 0.09 mg kg^–1 thiafentanil via remote dart injection. Time to recumbency, quality of immobilization and recovery were assessed. Respiratory rate, heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and arterial blood gases were measured. A linear mixed model was used to analyse the effects of treatments, treatments over time and interactions of treatment and time (p < 0.05).ResultsTime to recumbency was significantly faster with thiafentanil (2.0 ± 0.8 minutes) than with etorphine (3.9 ± 1.6 minutes; p = 0.007). Both treatments produced bradypnoea, which was more severe at 5 minutes with thiafentanil (7 ± 4 breaths minute^–1) than with etorphine (13 ± 12 breaths minute^–1; p = 0.004). HR increased with both treatments but significantly decreased over time when etorphine (132 ± 17 to 82 ± 11 beats minute^–1) was compared with thiafentanil (113 ± 22 to 107 ± 36 beats minute^–1; p < 0.001). Both treatments caused hypertension which was more profound with thiafentanil (mean overall MAP = 140 ± 14 mmHg; p < 0.001). Hypoxaemia occurred with both treatments but was greater with thiafentanil [PaO₂ 37 ± 13 mmHg (4.9 kPa)] than with etorphine [45 ± 16 mmHg (6.0 kPa)] 5 minutes after recumbency (p < 0.001). After 30 minutes, PaO₂ increased to 59 ± 10 mmHg (7.9 kPa) with both treatments (p < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe shorter time to recumbency with thiafentanil may allow easier and faster retrieval in the field. However, thiafentanil caused greater hypertension, and ventilatory effects during the first 10 minutes, after administration.     

Intracranial extension of retrobulbar blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) in a dog

Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) is a fungal disease that is endemic in the southern United States. This case report illustrates the clinical, MRI and histopathologic findings in a dog with invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium. A 5‐year‐old intact female Weimaraner was referred for a 2‐month history of change in behavior and recent onset of visual deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed a large (5.8 × 2.0 × 2.5 cm) mass extending from the left orbit through a circular defect in the left cranioventral aspect of the calvarium caudally to the level of the pituitary fossa and interthalamic adhesion. The mass was heterogeneously iso‐ to hypointense on T2‐W images, slightly hypointense on T1‐W images, did not attenuate on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and did not show evidence of susceptibility artifact on T2*‐W gradient recalled echo (GRE) images. Vasogenic edema and associated mass effect were noted. The mass showed strong homogeneous contrast enhancement with well‐defined margins and had thickening of the adjacent meninges (dural tail sign). Based on MRI findings a malignant neoplastic process was considered most likely and the patient was placed on oral prednisone to decrease peri‐tumoral inflammation. The dog initially improved but was euthanized 3 weeks later for worsening clinical signs. Histopathologic assessment of the mass revealed marked pyogranulomatous optic neuritis with intralesional fungal yeasts consistent with blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis). To our knowledge this is the first report of invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium in a dog.     

Selbst oder Nicht-Selbst �C die Rezeptoren des pflanzlichen Immunsystems

Plants recognize conserved molecular structures from microorganisms, which triggers active immune responses. Successful pathogens have to overcome this level of immunity; however, plants in turn can adapt their immune system, thus plants and pathogens are in an evolutionary arms race. As being sessile organisms, plants need to integrate and adapt to changing environmental conditions such as light, temperature, drought, or microorganisms. Plants protect themselves against diseases through sensitive recognition of potential pathogens and effective defense systems. The first level of the plant immune system provides recognition of a broad spectrum of microorganisms leading to defense activation (Bittel and Robatzek 2007). The second level of the plant immunity allows certain plant cultivars to detect of specific pathogen strains??a phenomenon also referred to as ??gene-for-gene resistance?? (Jones and Dangl 2006). The first level of immunity occurs rapidly and triggers active defenses normally without harm to the plant cell. The second level of plant immunity develops over days and deploys a local cell death, which prevents pathogens from further spread into tissues. In addition to these cell-autonomous defense systems, plants have also evolved strategies of systemic immunity.     

Complement factor H variant increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly whose etiology remains largely unknown. Previous studies identified chromosome 1q32 as harboring a susceptibility locus for AMD. We used single-nucleotide polymorphisms to interrogate this region and identified a strongly associated haplotype in two independent data sets. DNA resequencing of the complement factor H gene within this haplotype revealed a common coding variant, Y402H, that significantly increases the risk for AMD with odds ratios between 2.45 and 5.57. This common variant likely explains approximately 43% of AMD in older adults.     

Phosphorus solubilization in the rhizosphere and its possible importance to determine phosphate plant availability in soil. A review with main emphasis on German results

Limited fertilization adapted to plant demand is of high economical and ecological relevance. This requires a reliable analysis of plant available P, based on knowledge of phosphorus dynamics in soils and P mobilization by plants. On chernozem-like soils, as well as under dry conditions, the double-lactate (DL) phosphate extraction methods apparently do not adequately reflect the P uptake ability of plants. This paper summarizes rhizosphere processes that affect P availability partly by reference of selected own experiments. Root exudates increased the double-lactate (DL) extractable P amount of soils in sterile and non sterile cultures. Microbial colonisation increased both the exudate amount and the specific ability of exudates to solubilize P. In spite of rapid exudate turnover, DL-P solubility was increased. Sugars released from P-deficient plants increased the P solubilizing ability of a bacterial strain (Enterobacter radicincitans), perhaps by changing bacterial acid production. Root exudates solubilized more P from soil than lactate extracts did. An investigation of physiological processes in the rhizosphere could contribute to a better understanding of nutrient availability and perhaps lead to the development of extraction methods that better reflect the availability of soil phosphorus to plants. Connecting field experiments with basic studies offers the opportunity to better understand plant nutritional processes to realize an effective and sustainable agriculture.     

Evaluating the protective efficacy of a trivalent vaccine containing Akabane virus,Aino virus and Chuzan virus against Schmallenberg virus infection

Schmallenberg virus (SBV), an arthropod borne pathogen, spread rapidly throughout the majority of Europe since 2011. It can cause a febrile disease, milk drop, diarrhea, and fetal malformation in ruminants. SBV, a member of the Simbu serogroup within the genus Orthobunyavirus, is closely related to Akabane virus (AKAV) and Aino virus (AINOV) among others. In the present study, 4 Holstein-Friesian calves were immunized twice four weeks apart with a multivalent, inactivated vaccine against AKAV and AINOV. Another 4 calves were kept as unvaccinated controls. All animals were clinically, serologically and virologically examined before and after challenge infection with SBV. AKAV- and AINOV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected one week before challenge infection, while SBV-specific antibodies were detectable only thereafter. SBV genome was detected in all vaccinated animals and 3 out of 4 controls in serum samples taken after challenge infection. In conclusion, the investigated vaccine was not able to prevent an SBV-infection. Thus, vaccines for other related Simbu serogroup viruses can not substitute SBV-specific vaccines as an instrument for disease control.