Genome and rye chromosome distribution in tricepiro “Don René INTA”, a synthetic forage

The tricepiro “Don René INTA” is an artificial hybrid with 2n?=?42 chromosomes, including 14 rye (RR) and 28 wheat (AABB) chromosomes, with introgression of Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkw. et Dewey on chromosome 6A. The aim of this work was to study the spatial distribution of the genomes and chromosomes of rye and wheat in metaphase cells from the root tip of this hybrid. The rye chromosomes were recognized by genome in situ hybridization using total genomic DNA as a probe of rye and wheat DNA as the blocking agent. Two points were determined in each cell: one representing the genomic mean distance of rye chromosomes (G_RMD) and the other the genomic mean distance of wheat chromosomes (G_WMD). The distance between the rye chromosomes and G_RMD and G_WMD showed no statistically significant difference, thus indicating that there would be no differential spatial domains for both genomes. The fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of rye chromosomes using the pSc119.2 probe suggested that all chromosome pairs present somatic association in mitotic metaphase.     

Comparison of results of clinicians' assessments, cytologic examination of fine-needle lymph node aspirates, and flow cytometry for determination of remission status of lymphoma in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine interclinician agreement when assessing remission of lymphoma in dogs and the association among results of clinicians' assessments via lymph node palpation, cytologic examination of fine-needle lymph node aspirates, and flow cytometry as determinants of remission. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 23 dogs with untreated lymphoma. PROCEDURE; Two clinicians independently measured large lymph nodes and cytologic examination and flow cytometry of cells from a mandibular or popliteal lymph node were performed 1 week prior to initiating treatment. Lymph node measurements with clinicians' remission assessments and cytologic examination were repeated at weeks 2, 3, and 5; flow cytometry was repeated at week 5. RESULTS: Significant correlation was identified between clinicians' remission assessments. Significant correlation between lymph node palpation and cytologic examination was identified at week 5, but not at weeks 2 and 3. Lymphoma was diagnosed in 16 of 23 (70%) dogs at initial evaluation by use of flow cytometry, although it was of limited use at subsequent evaluations and results were not diagnostic of lymphoma in any dog at week 5, including 1 dog in which lymphoma was diagnosed cytologically. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that physical examination and measurement of lymph node volume may not be sufficient for accurately determining remission, that flow cytometry alone should not be relied on as a means for diagnosis, and that cytologic examination of fine-needle lymph node aspirates should be considered as the most accurate means of determining remission status at times in which treatment modifications are considered.     

Osteolytic osteomyelitis associated with visceral leishmaniasis in a dog

A dog was examined with a history of weight loss and lameness of the left hind limb. A painful response to examination of the left hip joint, and lymphadenopathy were noted. Amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. were observed by cytology in samples from the popliteus lymph node, and anti-Leishmania sp. antibodies at a titer of 1:640 were detected in serum by indirect immunofluorescence. Radiological changes included osteolysis and a periosteal proliferative reaction in the left femoral greater trochanter. These changes were histologically characterized as an osteolytic granulomatous osteomyelitis associated with amastigotes within macrophages. Non-decalcified fragments of the periosteum were processed for immunohistochemistry, observed with prominent immunolabelling of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. within macrophages. The diagnosis was further confirmed by positive PCR for Leishmania sp., belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex.     

The reused progesterone device has the same effect on short or long estrus synchronization protocols in tropical sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progesterone (P4) device reutilization in long and short protocols for transcervical timed artificial insemination (TAI) in Santa Inês ewes. A total of 275 multiparous lactating ewes were blocked according to body weight (BW, 49.1?±?7.3 means ± SE), body condition score (BCS, 2.9?±?0.4; scale of 1–5), and days postpartum (50?±?8.2 days), and allocated to one of the treatments. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design, in which the factor 1 was the P4 device type (new or a device of 0.3 g of P4 previously used by 11 days), and the factor 2 was the short or long TAI protocol (P4 device remained by 7 or 11 days, respectively). At device removal, all ewes received 300 IU eCG and 6.70 mg of Dinoprost tromethamine. After TAI protocol, ewes remained with ram by 21 days. There was no interaction between factors in any variables. Ewes that received a new P4 device delayed (P?=?0.05) to show estrus compared with ewes receiving a previously used P4 device, but it did not affect pregnancy rate. The long protocol tended to increase pregnancy rate compared with short protocol (33% vs. 24%, respectively; P?=?0.07). However, the pregnancy rate at the end of reproductive period was similar in both groups (about 84%). Thus, the use of long protocols tended to improve reproductive performance, and the reused P4 device did not affect pregnancy rate.

     

Transrectal ultrasound evaluation in tropical dairy goats: an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders

In Brazil, great milk productivity was achieved after the implementation of a genetic improvement program. However, reproductive efficiency is still far from optimal, possibly due to the high number of undiagnosed disorders that may affect fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate occurrences of the main reproductive disorders in dairy goats in southeastern Brazil. Data were collected between January 2015 and May 2017 from 23 commercial herds of different breeds, with goats ranging from 8 months to 12 years of age. Transrectal ultrasound exams were performed in 2680 goats. A total of 14.8% of the does showed a disorder in the reproductive tract: hydrometra (10.0%), ovarian follicular cysts (2.3%), gestational loss (1.5%), and hydrosalpinx (1.1%). This was the first study evaluating reproductive disorders in live animals that used a high number of Brazilian dairy goats. Considering that all these diseases affect fertility to different degrees, the performance of transrectal ultrasonography exams twice a year is strongly suggested, in order to guide precocious treatment or discard the animal as soon as possible, thus reducing economic losses in dairy goat farming.     

Mineral and vegetable oils as effective dormancy release agents for sustainable viticulture in a sub-tropical region

Increasing restrictions on the use of agrochemicals in agriculture is a major limiting factor for grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) growers, especially with respect to the use of hydrogen cyanamide as a bud dormancy-releasing compound, which is usually necessary in sub-tropical regions. In this context, a trial of the cultivar ‘Carmem’ was carried out in a commercial vineyard located in Paraná State, Southern Brazil, with the aim of developing an environmentally friendly and economically viable bud-break treatment. The following treatments were applied over two consecutive years: (i) control (water); (ii) 2% (v/v) vegetable oil (VO); (iii) 2% (v/v) mineral oil (MO); (iv) 2% (v/v) VO + 2% (v/v) MO; or (v) 3% (v/v) hydrogen cyanamide (HC). In both years, treatments (iv) and (v) increased bud-break percentages by a similar extent, from 24–25.0% to 60–95%. Both treatments also increased the number of berry clusters and yield, from 0.9–1.3 kg to 3.3–4.6 kg per vine, and decreased catalase activity in buds until 24 h after treatment. It appears that treatment (iv) could provide a substitute for the use of 3% (v/v) hydrogen cyanamide in viticulture in the sub-tropics, and could be a sustainable alternative based on lower cost and environmental impact.     

Nodular trombiculinosis caused by Apolonia tigipioensis, Torres and Braga (1938), in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) and a house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Nodular trombiculinosis has been reported in Brazil in chickens [Torres, S., Braga, W., 1939. Apolonia tigipioensis, g. e sp. n. (Trombiculinae) parasito de Gallus gallus dom. Chave para determinação de gêneros. Boletim da S.A.I.C. 4, 37–44] and humans [Carneiro, L.S., 1952. Uma nova acaríase humana—Contribuição ao seu estudo. Imprensa Industrial, Recife. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Recife, Tese Livre Docência, p. 56]. In this report, a juvenile ostrich and a house sparrow, both originating from a riverside property in the town of Petrolina in the state of Pernambuco, presented 87 and eight nodules, respectively, on various locations of their bodies. Physical expression of the nodules liberated parasites that were morphologically identified as mites from the family Trombiculidae. The mites were further identified as Apolonia tigipioensis by the presence of an elongated body form and transversely striated, three pairs of long legs each with seven segments, primary coxae with a single seta, each tarsus terminating with three claws, and a scutum with an anteromedian projection and paired anteromedian setae. Histopathologic examination of skin biopsies from these birds, stained with hematoxilin–eosin, revealed acute parasitic cystic lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis.     

A Muscodor strain isolated from Citrus sinensis and its production of volatile organic compounds inhibiting Phyllosticta citricarpa growth

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The citrus industry is among the most important worldwide, but citrus plants are affected by a large number of diseases, such as Citrus Black Spot (CBS),...     

Degradation of the herbicide sulfentrazone in a Brazilian Typic Hapludox soil

The herbicide sulfentrazone is classified as highly mobile and persistent and this study aimed to examine degradation of this compound on a Typic Hapludox soil that is representative of regions where sulfentrazone is used in Brazil. Soil samples were supplemented with sulfentrazone (0.7 μg active ingredient (a.i.) g^?1 soil), and maintained at 27 °C. Soil moisture was corrected to 30%, 70%, or 100% water-holding capacity (WHC) and maintained constant until the end of the experimental period. Soils without added herbicide were used as controls. Aliquots were taken after 14, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 255 days of incubation for quantitative analysis of sulfentrazone residues by gas chromatography. Another experiment was conducted in soil samples, with and without the herbicide, at different temperatures (15, 30, and 40 °C), with moisture kept constant at 70% of WHC. The sulfentrazone residues were quantified by gas chromatography after 14, 30, 60, and 120 days of incubation. Sulfentrazone degradation was not affected by soil moisture. A significant effect was observed for the temperature factor after 120 days on herbicide degradation, which was higher at 30 °C. A half-life of 146.5 days was recorded. It was observed that the herbicide stimulated growth of actinomycetes, whereas bacterial and fungal growth was not affected. The microorganisms selected as potential sulfentrazone degraders were Rhizobium radiobacter, Ralstonia pickettii, Methylobacterium radiotolerans, Cladosporium sp., Eupenicillium sp., and Paecilomyces sp.