A peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor with generalized bone metastases in a puppy

A peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET), most consistent with a human Ewing's sarcoma, is described in a 5-month-old male Australian Shepherd puppy. The first tumor site detected was in the left frontal bone of the skull with apparent subsequent rapid metastases to multiple sites in the axial and appendicular skeleton and bone marrow, kidneys, and perihyphophyseal meninges. Radiographically, all bone lesions were lytic and there was also a humeral bone fracture. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a small round blue cell tumor. At this stage, the differential diagnosis included a lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and a PNET of the peripheral nervous system. However, the cells had positive expression of triple neurofilament antigens as detected immunocytochemically. The cells were negative for a broad panel of canine-specific leucocyte cell marker antigens for desmin, smooth muscle actin, synaptophysin, and CD99. Ultrastructurally, the cells contained occasional dense core neurosecretory granules and intermediate filaments with intercellular desmosomal-like junctions and abundant glycogen clusters. Based on the age of the dog, the clinical history, the distribution of gross lesions, histologic characteristics of a small round blue cell tumor, and immunocytochemical and ultrastructural evidence of neuroectodermal differentiation, a diagnosis of a pPNET similar to a human Ewing's sarcoma was made.     

Disseminated infection with Balamuthia mandrillaris in a dog

Bilateral chronic granulomatous nephritis and meningoencephalitis were diagnosed on necropsy of a 2-year-old male Great Dane dog. The causative agent was identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris, based on morphologic features, immunohistochemical staining, and deoxyribonucleic acid detection using the polymerase chain reaction with newly designed primer pairs. Trophozoite and cystic forms of the amoeba were evident within the kidneys and brain parenchyma. This is the first report on a B. mandrillaris infection in a dog.     

Comparison of the nutrient analysis and caloric density of 30 commercial seed mixtures (in toto and dehulled) with 27 commercial diets for parrots

In this paper, an overview is given of the composition of 30 commercially available parrot seed mixtures. As parrots dehull the seeds, the analysis of the total seed mixture tends to differ from that of the ingested feed. Statistical evaluation and comparison of the dehulled seeds vs. the whole seeds indicates that most parrot species are fed a diet rich in fat (31.7 +/- 13.1% crude fat) and energy (22.4 +/- 2.9 MJ ME/kg). As the analysis of the total seed mixtures underestimates fat and energy content of the ingested feed, it is suggested that researchers, bird nutritionists and bird food producers should calculate diets based on the analysis of the dehulled seeds. Finally, the calculated data were compared with the composition of formulated pelleted/extruded diets on the market. These data indicate that the energy density of most diets (15.6 +/- 1.4 MJ ME/kg) is far below the energy density of common seed mixtures.     

Evaluation of ameroid ring constrictors for treatment for single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: 168 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate use of an ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) for treatment for single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSSs) and identify factors associated with postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 168 dogs with a single extrahepatic PSS. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs that had a single extrahepatic PSS and were treated with an ARC were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinical signs, results of preoperative blood analyses and portal pressure measurements, PSS location, ARC size, postoperative complications, and postoperative scintigraphy results were recorded. Owners were interviewed 6 months to 6 years after surgery. Results-Postoperative complications developed in 10% of dogs. Postoperative mortality rate was 7.1%. Predictive factors for postoperative death included high preoperative WBC count and postoperative complications. Twenty-one percent of dogs in which portal scintigraphy was performed 6 to 10 weeks after surgery had continued shunting. Predictive factors for persistent shunting included low preoperative plasma albumin concentration, high portal pressure after complete occlusion, and high portal pressure difference (postocclusion minus baseline). Clinical outcome in 108 dogs was classified as excellent (80%), good (14%), or poor (6%). Predictive factors for excellent long-term clinical outcome included high preoperative plasma albumin concentration, low preoperative leukocytosis, low portal pressure after complete occlusion, absence of postoperative seizures, and absence of continued shunting. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of an ARC for treatment for a single extrahepatic PSS resulted in low morbidity and mortality rates. Certain preoperative factors were associated with increased risk of postoperative death, continued portosystemic shunting, and long-term outcome.     

Identification of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars by the surface relief of the kernel pericarp

Summary The relief of the outer surface of the kernel pericarp of 17 cultivars was examined to determine if relief characteristics could be used to describe and distinguish cultivars. Distinct differences in pattern, cell relief height and cell width were found among the cultivars. Over all cultivars, the means ranged from 1.00 to 2.98 m for cell relief height and from 15.3 to 27.6 m for cell width. Comparisons of single cross hybrids having all possible combinations of C103 and Oh43 as the female parent and Ag13 and R177 as the male parent indicated that the differences involving only one parent could be readily detected. The results indicated that relief patterns are quite cultivar-specific and could be used to describe and distinguish cultivars.Journal Series No. 5381, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Biometrical analysis of phosphorus use efficiency in lettuce cultivars adapted to high temperatures

With the objective of selecting phosphorus efficient lettuce cultivars adapted to high temperatures, one hundred and thirteen lettuce genotypes from the vegetable germplasm bank at CCTA-UENF, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were initially selected for resistance to bolting under greenhouse temperature ranging from 20 to 32 ^°C. Nineteen greater longevity genotypes were further selected and evaluated for efficiency and responsiveness to phosphorus in soils with 10 and 60 mg dm^-3 of P. The estimated genetic parameters indicated that genetic gains from selection should be expected for all traits. Based on leaf and root dry weight, Mimosa and Regina genotypes were identified as efficient users of phosphorus in soils with low P content, while BGH 292 was inefficient. The genotype graphic dispersion based on the first three canonic variables confirmed Mimosa and Regina as efficient cultivars in soil with 10 mg dm^-3 of P. Their efficiency seemed to be linked to greater capacity for phosphorus use by the plant top as well as greater root growth. Similarly, the poor performance of BGH 292 in the low P soil seemed to be associated with its low capacity of phosphorus use in the plant top and its small root growth. The α parameter identified the Mimosa genotype as efficient user but not responsive to high P levels and the Regina and BGH4064 genotypes as efficient and responsive. Mimosa is, therefore, best suited for low P-input production systems, while Regina and BGH 4064 are indicated for production systems that use P-fertilization. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Modelling farm-level economic potential for conversion to organic farming

This paper discusses linear programming simulations at individual farm-level of potential income changes that may result from conversion to organic farming. The model is based on both conventional farm accountancy data and additional conventional and organic farm data from sector expertise and literature. The model is applied for Belgian agriculture. Simulations show that economic potential for conversion is higher than generally perceived, provided that farmers are willing to change farm management practices. However, the economic conversion potential (ECP) is not positive for all farms, not even when an optimal conversion process is assumed and it depends on farm type and farm characteristics. Additionally, due to higher risk and liquidity problems during the transition period, the positive results need to be put into perspective. Nevertheless, the differentiated ECP calculations can give new insights supporting farm-level policy choices with respect to conversion to organic farming.     

An assessment of tile effects of silicate application on rice by a simulation method

The importance of leaf angle in photosynthesis of a crop canopy is well recognized (1,2,3,4,5). Erect leaves are considered to be desirable for a high yielding rice variety (6,7). However, leaf erectness can be changed by the nitrogen and silicon nutrition of the plant. Application of nitrogen tends to cause leaves to the more droopy; application of silicon tends to maintain erect leaves (8).