Therapeutic Ultrasound as a Potential Male Dog Contraceptive: Determination of the Most Effective Application Protocol

Ultrasound is one of the most promising forms of non‐invasive contraception and has been studied in several animal models. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the most practical and effective application protocol for dog sterilization. A total of 100 dogs were divided into five equal groups. Group A received 5‐min applications three times performed at 48‐hr intervals and covering the entire testicular area at frequency of 1 MHz; Group B received 5‐min applications three times performed at 48‐hr intervals over the dorso‐cranial area of the testis at frequency of 3 MHz; Group C received three sequential 5‐min applications (at 5‐min intervals between applications) covering the entire testicular area at frequency of 1 MHz; Group D received 15‐min applications two times performed at 48‐hr intervals and covering the entire testicular area at frequency of 1 MHz. The experimental groups' ultrasound had an intensity of 1.5W/cm². The Control Group had the same procedure as Group A, but with the transducer switched‐off. Dogs were surgically castrated 40 days following the treatment for histological examination. Azoospermia, testicular volume reduction and apparently irreversible testicular damage were achieved by Group A. No effects were noticed in the other groups. Testosterone levels remained within physiological range with all application protocols. A regimen of three applications of ultrasound at 1 MHz, and 1.5 W/cm², lasting 5 min with an interval of 48 h was effective as permanent sterilization in the dog without hormonal impact.     

Effects of varying nitrogen fertilization on crop yield and grain quality of emmer grown in a typical Mediterranean environment in central Italy

Experiments were carried out to study the effects of N fertilizer rates and timing of application on the yield and grain quality of a rainfed emmer crop (Triticum dicoccum Shübler) under Mediterranean conditions. The following parameters were analyzed: hulled and net grain yield, hulled index, spikes m^?2, spikelets per spike, kernels m^?2, thousand-kernel weight, biomass, plant height, lodging, grain protein and ash content. In the first experiment, different N rates (30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1 plus a control not fertilized) were split at three phenological stages (seeding 20%, tillering 40% and stem elongation 40%). In the second experiment, three N doses (30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1) were applied to three crop stages (seeding, tillering and stem elongation). In the third experiment, the rate of 90 kg N ha^?1 was distributed in different amounts (90-0-0, 0-90-0, 0-0-90, 45-45-0, 45-0-45, 0-45-45, 30-30-30) at the three mentioned crop stages. Increasing N rates resulted in higher hulled and net grain yield, as well as protein content. Fertilization (from 60 to 90 kg N ha^?1) applied to tillering maximized hulled and net grain yield. Fertilization (90 kg N ha^?1) applied to stem elongation gave the highest grain protein content (%) while splitting application (30 kg N ha^?1 each) at three phenological stages maximized protein yield per hectare. Application of half or one-third of 90 kg N ha^?1 to stem elongation improved grain protein content in comparison with applications at sowing, or at both sowing and tillering. The main factor determining higher yields with increasing N rates in this emmer crop was the number of kernels m^?2. None of the yield components accounted for differences in grain yield when timing and splitting application were varied.     

Effect of grazing and dietary protein on eating quality of Podolian beef

Twenty-four young Podolian bulls were used to evaluate the effect of rearing system (extensive vs. intensive) in relation to postmortem aging (11 and 18 d) on the eating quality of the meat, with the diet of outdoor animals adjusted to the protein content of the indoor system (15% CP) or to the minimum protein content required for satisfactory growth (12% CP). At 415 ± 9.35 (SE) d of age, with a mean BW of 337.5 ± 16.51 (SE) kg, animals were allotted to 3 groups for the finishing period (172 d): 1) indoor group receiving a diet at 15% CP; 2) grazing animals receiving a diet at 15% CP of DM; and 3) grazing animals receiving a diet at 12% CP of DM. Longissimus dorsi lumborum muscle sampled from the right half and divided longitudinally into 2 sections was aged in vacuum packaging at 4°C until 11 and 18 d postmortem, respectively. Rearing system did not affect (P > 0.05) color, Warner-Bratzler shear force, texture profile, water-holding capacity, and most of the sensory attributes of the beef steaks. However, sensory tenderness was less in the meat from outdoor animals receiving a diet with 15% CP than in meat from outdoor animals receiving a diet with 12% CP or from the indoor group (P < 0.05). Meat aged 18 d showed decreased Warner-Bratzler shear force (P < 0.001), hardness (P < 0.001), cohesiveness (P < 0.05), springiness (P < 0.05), gumminess (P < 0.01), chewiness (P < 0.01), and thawing loss (P < 0.01) compared with meat aged for 11 d. Prolonging the aging time up to 18 d significantly increased b* (yellowness; P < 0.05), cooking losses (P < 0.001), and the intensity of all the texture sensory attributes, namely, juiciness and fatness (P < 0.05), chewiness, tenderness, and flavor (P < 0.01). Significant correlations were found between instrumental and sensory variables (range of r = -0.55 to -0.85, P < 0.05 to 0.001). Overall, in the present study, the rearing system did not markedly affect meat sensory and physical properties. Thus, we conclude that an outdoor system, even with reduced protein supplementation, may represent a valid farming system for local breeds in Mediterranean areas characterized by poor-quality pastures. However, an extended aging period is suggested to improve the main factor limiting the quality of this product, namely, reduced tenderness.     

Pathogenic fungi of planthoppers associated with rice crops in Argentina

We conducted a survey of pathogenic fungi of planthoppers associated with rice crops in Los Hornos, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a study of the seasonality and prevalence of these pathogens. Samples were taken in rice for two consecutive years. The plants sampled included rice Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae) and its surrounding weeds. The planthopper Oliarus dimidiatus Berg. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) was the most abundant species associated with rice. Two species of entomophthoralean and one species of hypocrealean fungi infected and killed adults of O. dimidiatus in the rice agroecosystem. The fungi were identified as: Pandora sp. (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae), Conidiobolus coronatus (Costantin) Batko (Entomophthorales: Ancylistaceae), and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Pandora sp. was the most predominant pathogen collected. It was recorded from the middle of February to the middle of April 2005, and not found again until the end of March 2006. The report of Pandora sp., C. coronatus and B. bassiana represents the first records of these fungi as pathogens of hoppers associated with rice crops in Argentina.     

Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Macrophages Cell Cultures in Response to Perthamide C Treatment

Secondary metabolites contained in marine organisms disclose diverse pharmacological activities, due to their intrinsic ability to recognize bio-macromolecules, which alter their expression and modulate their function. Thus, the identification of the cellular pathways affected by marine natural products is crucial to provide important functional information concerning their mechanism of action at the molecular level. Perthamide C, a marine sponge metabolite isolated from the polar extracts of Theonella swinhoei and endowed with a broad and interesting anti-inflammatory profile, was found in a previous study to specifically interact with heat shock protein-90 and glucose regulated protein-94, also disclosing the ability to reduce cisplatin-mediated apoptosis. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of this compound on the whole proteome of murine macrophages cells by two-dimensional DIGE proteomics. Thirty-three spots were found to be altered in expression by at least 1.6-fold and 29 proteins were identified by LC ESI-Q/TOF-MS. These proteins are involved in different processes, such as metabolism, structural stability, protein folding assistance and gene expression. Among them, perthamide C modulates the expression of several chaperones implicated in the folding of proteins correlated to apoptosis, such as Hsp90 and T-complexes, and in this context our data shed more light on the cellular effects and pathways altered by this marine cyclo-peptide.     

Nocardiosis

Two dogs with systemic nocardiosis are presented and the pathobiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nocardial infections are discussed. Both dogs had nonspecific respiratory signs and depression. The diagnosis was made by isolation of the organism only after surgical drainage was established and appropriate tissues were cultured. The response to surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy was dramatic in both dogs, but one dog experienced a drug reaction to trimethoprim-potentiated sulfonamide. Although systemic nocardial infections traditionally have had a grave prognosis, through early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and the use of newer, safer and synergistically acting antimicrobials, the prognosis has improved. This article reviews current human and veterinary literature regarding the microbiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of nocardiosis and reports on the successful treatment of systemic nocardiosis in two dogs.     

Reinke's Crystals in an Interstitial Cell Tumour of a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Contents One case of interstitial cell tumour in the testicle of a New Zealand White rabbit was reported. The rabbit was 9-years old and had monolateral testicular lesion. There was enlargement of left testis and the lesion were seen on the cut surface. Light microscopy revealed intracytoplasmic crystals of Reinke that resembled to the features observed for this tumour in human. Immunohistochemically, this tumour was positive for vimentin.     

Permanent Lateral Deviation and Stenosis of the Cervix in an Infertile Jennet

Congenital abnormalities of the uterus and the cervix are rare in horses, often associated with infertility, despite normal ovarian activity and sexual behaviour. An abnormality of the cervix in a 5‐year‐old jennet with a history of infertility was described. Clinical and ultrasound examination of the genital tract showed a normal development of the uterus with regular cyclic activity in both the ovaries. Vaginoscopy revealed a normal development of the vagina and a cervix deviated on the left side of the vagina by a thick dorsoventral fold. The lateral deviation was permanent in any stage of oestrus cycle. Furthermore, the cervical os was narrow and digital penetration was not realizable. Using a 5‐mm catheter, the full penetration was not possible even during oestrus; moreover, the inoculation of fluid could be revealed in uterus by ultrasound (fluid was not present before inoculation), demonstrating a minimal patency. An abnormal and permanent lateral displacement of a stenotic cervix was suspected as the primary cause of infertility in the jennet.