A follow-up study of neurologic and radiographic findings in working German Shepherd Dogs with and without degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To identify radiographic abnormalities associated with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) in German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) and determine whether specific radiographic abnormalities could be used to identify dogs at risk of developing DLSS. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 33 GSDs working as police dogs. PROCEDURES: Results of physical, neurologic, and orthopedic examinations were used to identify dogs with DLSS. Survey radiography of the lumbosacral junction was performed, and radiographs were compared with radiographs obtained 3 years earlier. RESULTS: DLSS was diagnosed in 15 of the 33 (45%) dogs. Thirteen of the 15 dogs with DLSS and 14 of the 18 dogs without DLSS had radiographic abnormalities of the lumbosacral junction. Twenty-two (67%) dogs were able to perform unrestricted duties, including 3 dogs with suspected DLSS. Six (18%) dogs had been excluded from active duty during the period of surveillance because of DLSS. Significant progression in specific clinical and radiographic signs was detected, but multiple logistic regression analysis did not identify any radiographic signs that could be used to predict the development of DLSS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that survey radiography cannot be used to predict development of DLSS in working GSDs.     

Reisböden aus Kolluvium basaltischen Ursprungs im Hochland von Madagaskar

Paddy soils from basaltic colluvium in the Highland of Madagascar Three soils under lowland rice cultivation, found on the Highland of Madagascar, in the Vakinankaratra region, were investigated, in order to help understanding their ecology and to assess their fertility. The parent material of the three soils consists of basaltic colluvium. According to the FAO-UNESCO (1988), these soils have been classified as Ferralic Cambisol (D2) and Dystric Gleysol (D3 et D4). They are very poor in alkali cations, and rich in aluminium, iron and clay. The clay is mainly composed of gibbsite, kaolinite as well as of little amounts of goethite and quartz. This composition underlines the high degree of intensive soil weathering. The low fertility of the investigated soils is due to very low contents of available P, Ca, Mg, K and N, as well as to the high content of iron and manganese, which are toxic for rice plants under the anaerobic conditions of the soils during flooding. We therefore recommend to add to the soil beside NPK fertilizers, limestone powder in order to obtain a pH-value between 6 and 7. This will lead to an increase of Ca, Mg, and K as well as to a better plant availability of phosphorus and a decrease of the toxic effects of iron and manganese.     

A spatially explicit approach to prioritize protection areas for endangered freshwater mussels

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Hydro-/Biochar application to sandy soils: impact on yield components and nutrients of spring wheat in pots

From hydro-/biochar application to soils positive effects on soil characteristics and as a consequence on yield of crops were expected. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of maize biochar and maize hydrochar (HTC-char) amendments treated with or without digestate, as well as a wood biochar, mixed with or without digestate and mineral nitrogen fertilizer on yield, yield components, nutrient contents and quality of spring wheat. Therefore, a pot experiment was set up. Yield, yield components and quality were mainly influenced by nitrogen fertilizer. The application of HTC-char could have negative effects on yield and yield components of spring wheat. Hydrochar treated with digestate had no negative effects on yield of spring wheat.     

Ramularia leaf spot disease of barley is highly host genotype-dependent and suppressed by continuous drought stress in the field

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Since the 1980s, Ramularia leaf spot (RLS) is an emerging barley disease worldwide. The control of RLS is increasingly aggravated by a recent decline in...     

The development of stocked eels (Anguilla anguilla) in previously eel‐free Austrian Alpine lakes

Over a period of 34 years (1954–1987), a total of 11.9 million glass eels were stocked all over Austria to improve the yields of commercial fishermen and to make the lakes more attractive for anglers. Nearly half (48%) of the imported glass eels were introduced into natural, previously eel‐free Alpine lakes until stocking ceased in 1988. Twenty‐five years later, their occurrence could be verified in 56% (N = 22) of the Austrian Alpine lakes larger than 50 ha and mean body length had increased to 66 cm. Eels from seven selected Austrian Alpine lakes exhibited a yearly mean increase in length between 0.6 and 1.5 cm, indicating a comparatively poor growth compared with the majority of eel populations from within their natural distribution range. At the same time, high expectations in developing a flourishing eel fishery were not met. In all but one lake, the harvest remained below 3% of the total yearly catch and salmonids remained the dominant target species. During peak harvest in the 1980s, it exceeded 8% in mesotrophic Wallersee (2600 kg). Simulations of stock development indicated that the yield could have been improved, but contrary to earlier expectations eels never became important for local cuisine and catches remained too low for the development of a profitable export business. On the other hand, eels may have contributed to the loss of small‐bodied fish taxa.     

Professional antigen-presentation function by human gammadelta T Cells

Human gammadelta T cells are considered to play a vital role in protective immunity through cytokine secretion and cytotoxic activity. We report that cells expressing the Vgamma2Vdelta2+-T cell receptor (Vdelta2+ T cells) also display principal characteristics of professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. Thus, when activated, these cells efficiently processed and displayed antigens and provided co-stimulatory signals sufficient for strong induction of na?ve alphabeta T cell proliferation and differentiation. We suggest that, upon microbial activation, Vdelta2+ T cells participate in the induction of adaptive immune responses and that these cells may be a useful tool in vaccine development and immunotherapy.     

Qualitative study of factors associated with antimicrobial usage in seven small animal veterinary practices in the UK

Responsible use of antimicrobials by veterinarians is essential to contain antimicrobial resistance in pathogens relevant to public health. Inappropriate antimicrobial use has been previously described in practice. However, there is scarce information on factors influencing antimicrobial usage in dogs and cats. We investigated intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing decision-making of antimicrobial usage in first opinion small animal practices in the UK through the application of qualitative research methods.