Spatial and temporal distribution of geminiviruses in leafhoppers of the genus cicadulina monitored by conventional and quantitative polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT Spatial and temporal distribution of Maize streak virus (MSV, family Geminiviridae, genus Mastrevirus) was monitored in the vector species Cicadulina mbila and the nonvector species C. china? using conventional and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sustained feeding on MSV-infected plants showed that virus accumulation reaches a maximum in C. china?, but not in C. mbila. After a 3-day acquisition access feeding period (AAP), MSV was detected in the gut, the hemolymph, and the head of C. mbila, but only in the gut of C. china?. Similarly, Digitaria streak virus (genus Mastrevirus), which is not transmitted by either of the two species, was only detected in the gut. MSV was detected in the hemolymph of C. mbila 3 h after the beginning of the AAP. Although viral DNA progressively decreases in the vector and nonvector species after a 3-day AAP, MSV DNA remained stable in the salivary glands of C. mbila.     

Role of intestinal epithelial cells in the innate immune defence of the pig intestine

The intestinal epithelium serves as a dynamic barrier, which in the course of its normal function, maintains regulated uptake of nutrients and water while excluding potential pathogens. Over the past decade many studies have also revealed the immunological importance of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). IEC have developed a variety of mechanisms to reduce the risk of infection by invasive pathogens or damage by toxic compounds. The effective maintenance of a physical barrier function is dependent on the establishment of well-organised intercellular junctions and a constant state of regeneration/renewal of the epithelium. IEC also participate in the innate immune responsiveness of the intestine by their ability to secrete mucus and antimicrobial peptides. IEC are also able to secrete cytokines and to respond to exogenous chemokines. This review summarises the current knowledge of the innate immune mechanisms developed by porcine IEC.     

The extradural pressure profile in goats following extradural injection

ObjectiveTo measure the extradural pressures in goats before and after extradural injection, and to investigate the occurrence of extradural pressure waves.Study designProspective experimental trial.AnimalsNine healthy adult goats weighing 59.4 ± 6.4 kg, scheduled for stifle arthroscopy.MethodsThe goats were pre–medicated with midazolam and anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. The goats were placed in lateral recumbency and extradural puncture was performed via the lumbosacral space. Correct placement of the needle was assessed by lack of resistance to the injection of saline. The needle was connected to an electronic pressure transducer to record extradural pressure. Measurements were taken before and after extradural injection of methadone (0.1 mg kg^?1, diluted to a total volume of 0.2 mL kg^?1) and 10 minutes later. Contrast medium was injected and correct extradural needle placement confirmed by radiography.ResultsLack of resistance to injection of saline occurred in all goats, but there were no pressure waves observed before injection in any animal. Radiography indicated incorrect needle placement in four animals and one had pressure waves synchronous with the arterial pulse after methadone injection. Correct needle placement was confirmed in the remaining five animals which exhibited pressure waves after extradural methadone injection. In the five goats with successful needle placement the baseline extradural pressure ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 kPa (3–19 mmHg), increasing to 4.4–39.9 kPa (33–300 mmHg) after injection. Ten minutes after injection, extradural pressure remained elevated and ranged from 2.5 to 17.3 kPa (19–130 mmHg).Conclusions and clinical relevanceExtradural pressure waves were not useful to confirm correct extradural needle placement in laterally recumbent goats. The presence of such waves after injection of 0.2 mL kg^?1 may be indicative of correct placement but even here we saw one of nine animals with extradural pressure waves where we failed to confirm correct needle placement. Extradural pressure increases after extradural injection.     

Seasonal and Diurnal Changes in Starch Content and Sugar Profiles of Bermudagrass in the Piedmont Region of the United States

Seasonal and diurnal patterns of sugar accumulation in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures were monitored to evaluate risk factors for pasture-associated laminitis of ponies and horses. Bermudagrass was collected from four plots in the morning and afternoon on a weekly basis, from mid-July until late August. Tissue was air-dried to simulate hay, or frozen to retain the sugar profiles of fresh pasture. Samples were analyzed colorimetrically for total water-soluble and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates, and electrochemically for starch. In addition, sugars were separated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to pulsed amperometric detection. The dominant sugars in extracts were glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Some minor peaks, corresponding to tri- and tetrasaccharides, were also detected in some extracts. Starch increased over time in fresh and dried tissue, and concentrations varied diurnally in fresh, but not in dried tissue (P = .021). Sucrose in dried tissue decreased and then increased, with higher concentrations than in fresh tissue on all sampling dates (P = .024). Glucose and fructose exhibited diurnal variation on one and two dates, respectively (P = .034 and .0028, respectively). These results reveal trends in carbohydrate concentrations and profiles that may help to evaluate the likelihood of equine laminitis outbreaks on bermudagrass.