ADAMTS17 mutation associated with primary lens luxation is widespread among breeds

Primary lens luxation (PLL) is a well-recognized, painful and potentially blinding inherited ocular condition in dogs. We screened PLL-affected dogs of 30 different breeds, to identify those which carried a previously described c.1473+1 G>A mutation in ADAMTS17 that is associated with PLL in Miniature Bull terriers, Lancashire Heelers, and Jack Russell terriers. This ADAMTS17 mutation was identified in PLL-affected dogs from 14 additional breeds. PLL-affected dogs from some breeds (most notably the Shar pei and the Brittany spaniel) did not carry the G1473+1A ADAMTS17 mutation, indicating they must suffer from a genetically distinct form of the condition. We also estimated the frequency of this ADAMTS17 mutation in some of the breeds. Our findings indicate the mutation segregates in a large number of different breeds of dog, many of which are terriers or breeds with terrier co-ancestry, but some of which have more diverse origins. Our results also indicate that the mutation is present at high frequency within most of the breeds in which it segregates. In the miniature bull terrier breed estimates of mutation frequency ranged from 0.27 to 0.39, corresponding to 7.3-15.2% PLL-affected dogs in this breed. We also identified an increased risk of PLL associated with heterozygosity at ADAMTS17, suggesting that carriers carry a low risk of developing PLL.     

Keto-aldehydes and cell division

Many problems are left open in this article. Its publication may be excused by the suffering cancer causes, which urges the researcher to publish as soon as he thinks he may have found a new trail, which also may be taken by others. What emerges clearly is that SH groups, with their specific reactivities, offer a hopeful target in the search for cancerostatic substances, among which the natural repressor of cell division may hold out the most promise. The glyoxal derivatives also have antiviral properties (7, 16) and may be in the center of a hitherto unknown system of equilibria which deserves a thorough study. The low molecular weight of the glyoxal derivative reported justifies the hope of an early clarification of its structure, as well as its synthesis (17).     

LABORATORY AND TEACHING DEVICES MADE FROM PLASTER OF PARIS

A method has been described whereby models of septic tanks for teaching public health and oncometers for physiological demonstration and research may be constructed by employing a wire frame and covering it with plaster of Paris These models should prove especially useful to teachers in rural and suburban communities and to extension workers whose task it is to keep a vast number of our population informed as to the best measures of protecting their health These models may be rendered impervious to air and water by means of paraffin, varnish or brushing lacquer.     

Autogenous lamellar corneal grafting in dogs

Lamellar, autogenous, corneal grafts were performed on 9 clinically normal dogs (1 eye in each of 2 dogs and both eyes in each of 7 dogs) and 7 dogs with corneal disease (1 eye in each dog). Nylon, polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910, and polydioxanone suture materials were used in 8-0 to 10-0 sizes. The eyes of the normal dogs were examined weekly for up to 16 weeks; corneal endothelium was reestablished in all eyes by 6 weeks after surgery. The eyes of the dogs with corneal disease were reexamined periodically for up to 9 months. Twenty-two of 23 (95.7%) grafts were considered successful in that they were translucent, and the dogs were able to see after surgery. The suture materials that caused the least tissue reaction were nylon and polyglactin 910. This procedure is indicated for chronic descemetoceles and other perforating corneal disease. It has the advantage of rapidly resolving severe corneal disease, with a high degree of success.     

Hemolysis in gel test for detection of bovine antibodies to Brucella abortus: comparison of antigens and test modifications

Killed Brucella abortus strain 1119-3 cells were treated with hot phenol/water or dimethyl sulfoxide to extract soluble crude lipopolysaccharide antigen. Antigen preparations were characterized with respect to protein and lipopolysaccharide content and were compared for efficacy in the hemolysis-in-gel test (HIGT) for detecting anti-Brucella antibodies. All antigens were equally effective in sensitizing bovine RBC in the HIGT and in detecting the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies. A slide modification of the HIGT was developed and compared with the plate HIGT. Seemingly, both tests were comparable.     

Prevalence and distribution of Trypanosoma evansi in camels in Somaliland

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The prevalence and distribution of Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) infection on camels in Somaliland were studied using the card agglutination test (CATT/T....     

Detection and characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus tristeza virus</Emphasis> stem pitting isolates in Jamaica

An island wide survey for Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in citrus orchards across Jamaica (13 regions) was conducted over 2 years. Trees (1, 885) showing virus-like symptoms as well as asymptomatic trees were randomly sampled for testing by ELISA and 55 samples from the 6 major citrus growing regions were graft inoculated on indicator plants. Most samples (74%) reacted to polyclonal antibodies against CTV in ELISA, while 20% were positive in tests using monoclonal antibodies specific to severe CTV strains. Samples collected from the 6 major citrus growing regions produced vein clearing and stem pitting symptoms on Mexican lime indicator plants (87%). In addition, stem pitting symptoms were induced on Duncan grapefruit, sweet orange, sour orange or sweet orange grafted on sour orange. Nucleotide sequencing of the coat protein gene sequences isolated from these samples indicated high identities (88 to 95.5%) among the Jamaican isolates and previously reported stem pitting strains from Central and North America and Eurasia (88 to 100%). The results suggest a shared ancestry with isolates from other geographical locations, rather than geographical speciation, and presumably separate CTV introductions into Jamaica.     

Pyometra and unilateral uterine horn torsion in a sheep

A 13‐year‐old Romanov sheep presented for evaluation of vaginal discharge, depression and anorexia. Blood work demonstrated mature neutrophilia and marked hyperlactatemia. Transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound revealed echogenic fluid (pus) within the uterus. Purulent uterine fluid culture yield Escherichia coli. A diagnosis of pyometra was made. After medical treatment without clinical improvement, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a 360‐degree uterine left horn torsion was identified with the pyometra and multiple corpora lutea on both ovaries. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and the ewe recovered uneventfully.     

Histologic comparison of canine skin biopsies collected using monopolar electrosurgery, CO2 laser, radiowave radiosurgery, skin biopsy punch, and scalpel

OBJECTIVE: To compare the histologic appearance of canine skin biopsies collected by use of a scalpel, skin biopsy punch, monopolar electrosurgery, CO2 laser, and radio wave radiosurgery in fully rectified wave form (RWRS). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized design. ANIMALS: Healthy adult grayhounds (n=4). METHODS: Skin biopsies were collected using 5 techniques. Cut margins of biopsy specimens and adjacent peripheral skin were evaluated using light microscopy to compare penetration of the dermis by tissue carbonization (char). RESULTS: No char occurred in skin specimens collected by biopsy punch and scalpel. Char penetration occurred in all specimens collected by electrosurgery, CO2 laser, and RWRS. Mean char penetration in skin biopsies collected by RWRS (0.158 mm) was significantly less than for monopolar electrosurgery (0.223 mm) and CO2 laser (0.215 mm). Mean char penetration in adjacent peripheral skin surrounding biopsies collected by RWRS (0.171 mm) was significantly less than monopolar electrosurgery (0.255 mm) but not less than CO2 laser (0.215 mm, P<.07). CONCLUSIONS: RWRS (blended waves in cut-coagulate mode) caused less lateral thermal damage to canine skin biopsies than monopolar electrosurgery and CO2 laser and less lateral thermal injury to peripheral skin than monopolar electrosurgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Excision of canine skin biopsies with heat-generating devices may not allow reliable histologic interpretation, particularly when assessing margins of small biopsy specimens. RWRS may be less traumatic to canine skin than monopolar electrosurgery and CO2 laser when used to make incisions.