Do Computer‐Assisted,Morphometric‐Derived Sperm Characteristics Reflect DNA Status in Canine Spermatozoa?

It is widely accepted that sperm morphology is a strong indicator of semen quality. As the sperm head mainly comprises the sperm DNA, it is have been proposed that subtle changes in sperm morphology may be related to abnormal DNA content. Semen from four mongrel dogs was used to investigate DNA quality by means of the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), and for computerized sperm morphometry (CASMA). Each sperm head was measured for nine primary parameters [head area (A), head perimeter (P), head length (L), head width (W), midpiece width (w), midpiece area (a), distance (d) between the major axes of the head and midpiece, angle (theta) of divergence of the midpiece from the head axis] and four parameters of head shape [FUN1, L/W; FUN2, 4piA/P(2); FUN3, (L - W)/(L + W); FUN4, piLW/4A]. Significant differences were found in all CASMA-derived parameters among dogs (p < 0.001). Linear regression models including sperm head shape factors 1, 3 and 4 predicted the extent of DNA denaturation (p < 0.001). We conclude that the CASMA analysis can be considered a powerful tool to improve the spermiogram.     

Dexmedetomidine and midazolam interaction is synergistic with isoflurane and additive with halothane in terms of MAC reduction

Dexmedetomidine and midazolam have synergistic interaction for the sedative/hypnotic and analgesic effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the type of interaction between dexmedetomidine and midazolam for the immobilizing effect in terms of MAC reduction of either halothane (HAL) or isoflurane (ISO). Fifty‐six rats were randomly allocated into one of eight groups (n = 7): SAL + HAL group received saline solution and halothane, SAL + ISO group received saline solution and isoflurane, DEX + HAL group received an intravenous continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.25 μg kg^–1minute^–1) and halothane, DEX + ISO group received an intravenous continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.25 μg kg^–1 minute^–1) and isoflurane, MID + HAL group received an intravenous bolus of midazolam (1 mg kg^–1) and halothane, MID + ISO group received an intravenous bolus of midazolam (1 mg kg^–1) and isoflurane, DEX +MID + HAL group received dexmedetomidine (0.25 μg kg^–1 minute^–1), midazolam (1 mg kg^–1) and halothane and DEX + MID + ISO group received dexmedetomidine (0.25 μg kg^–1 minute^–1), midazolam (1 mg kg^–1) and isoflurane. The tail clamp method was used for MAC determination. Heart rate, invasive arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were continuously monitored. Arterial blood gases were analyzed at the end of each experiment. Data were analyzed using a one‐way anova and a Tukey‐Kramer test for multiple comparisons. A p < 0.01 value was considered statistically significant. MAC values were adjusted to the barometric pressure at sea level. Control MAC_bar values expressed as mean ± SD were 1.31 ± 0.11% for HAL and 1.46 ± 0.05% for ISO. Percentages of MAC reduction were 72 ± 17% for HAL and 43 ± 14% for ISO in DEX groups, 26 ± 11% for HAL and 20 ± 9% for ISO in MID groups, and 90 ± 5% for HAL and 78 ± 5% for ISO in DEX + MID groups. The interaction between dexmedetomidine and midazolam in terms of MAC reduction can be described as additive with halothane and synergistic with isoflurane.     

Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of felines, canines and bovines in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The objective of this study was to obtain information of epidemiological nature through genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium isolates from dogs, cats and bovines from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The extraction of DNA from oocysts was carried out and polymerase chain reaction was accomplished using specific primers to 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were directed sequenced. Seven cat samples, nine dog samples and nine bovine samples were analysed. From the seven cat samples the genotypic analyses revealed Cryptosporidium felis in all. These were the first genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium from domestic felines in Brazil. In nine sequenced samples from dogs, genotypic identities compatible with Cryptosporidium canis were revealed in all samples. The genotypic analyses in bovines revealed Cryptosporidium parvum in eight samples and Cryptosporidium bovis in another sample, the last one being a non-zoonotic species, not related to clinical symptoms and described for the first time in Brazil.     

Assessment of pesticide residues in honey samples from portugal and Spain

Fifty samples of honey collected from local markets of Portugal and Spain during year 2002 were analyzed for 42 organochlorine, carbamate, and organophosphorus pesticide residues. An analytical procedure based on solid-phase extraction with octadecyl sorbent followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for organochlorines, and by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS), for organophosphorus and carbamates, has been developed. Recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 73 to 98%, except for dimethoate (40%), with relative standard deviations from 3 to16% in terms of repeatability, and from 6 to 19% in terms of reproducibility. Limits of quantification were from 0.003 to 0.1 mg kg(-)(1). Most of the pesticides found in honey were organochlorines. Among them, gamma-HCH was the most frequently detected in 50% of the samples, followed by HCB in 32% of the samples and the other isomers of HCH (alpha-HCH and beta-HCH) in 28 and 26% of the samples, respectively. Residues of DDT and their metabolites were detected in 20% of the samples. Of the studied carbamates, both methiocarb and carbofuran were detected in 10% of the samples, pirimicarb in 4% and carbaryl in 2%. The only organophosphorus pesticides found were heptenophos in 16%, methidathion in 4%, and parathion methyl in 2% of honey samples. Results indicate that Portuguese honeys were more contaminated than Spanish ones. However, honey consumers of both countries should not be concerned about the amounts of pesticide residues found in honeys available on the market.     

Farmers' knowledge,attitudes and practices of rice crop and pest management at Ifugao Rice Terraces,Philippines

A survey of 150 rice farmers in three municipalities of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines, carried out in June 1998, aimed to assess the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rice crop and pest management. The survey revealed that: 54% of the farmers fall within a narrow age range (31-50 years), the majority having 11-30 years of rice farming experience; they are of average literacy; and they have large households. Non-farm activity such as woodcarving was the most common source of additional income. The majority of farmers planted a single crop of rice per year and followed traditional cultivation practices. Major rice crop production constraints were drought due to the El Nino phenomenon and insufficient irrigation infrastructure. Zinc deficiency was widespread. Major, non-insect pests known to farmers were earthworms, rats, golden apple snails, and house sparrows. These pests damage either the rice plant or the terrace wall. Earthworm damage to the terrace wall is most obvious. Farmers had very little exposure to integrated pest management and new rice technologies.     

Strategic use of Iranian bread wheat landrace accessions for genetic improvement: Core set formulation and validation

Iranian wheat landrace accessions (IWAs) were collected from country‐wide farm fields and market places in 1935 by a professor at the University of Tehran and shared with University of California at Davis, California. IWAs were further submitted to the genebank of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico. 2,403 IWAs from CIMMYT’s genebank were assayed by DArT‐seq technology to assess genetic diversity. No apparent ecogeographic patterns related to genetic diversity were detected, probably due to long‐term transport and frequent interchange of landraces among farmers. A multivariate clustering procedure combining genotypic and phenotypic information was used in selecting a core‐set, which represented 15% of the hexaploid wheat accessions included in this study. This subset captured an estimated 93% of rare (frequency <0.05) alleles. Multisite phenotypic data (India, Mexico) validated the ability of the core‐set in detecting useful variants. Potential donor accessions for multiple traits (disease resistance, zinc concentration) were identified from the core‐set for wheat‐breeding. This report illustrates a breeder friendly robust core‐set formulation strategy for harnessing the useful genetic variation stored in the genebanks.     

Recharge in Volcanic Systems: Evidence from Isotope Profiles of Phenocrysts

Strontium isotope ratios measured from core to rim across plagioclase feldspar crystals can be used to monitor changes in the isotope composition of the magma from which they grew. In samples from three magma systems from convergent margin volcanoes, sudden changes in major element composition, petrographic features, and strontium isotope composition were found to correspond to discrete magmatic events, most likely repeated recharge of more mafic magma with lower ratios of strontium-87 to strontium-86 into a crustally contaminated magma.     

Ochratoxin A in feed of food-producing animals: an undesirable mycotoxin with health and performance effects

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites, whose presence in feed- and foodstuffs is unavoidable. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the known mycotoxins with greatest public health and agro-economic significance. Several toxic effects have been ascribed following exposure, namely nephrotoxicity, as well negative impacts in the performance of farm animals, resulting in major economic implications. Of no less importance for the route of human exposure that can also embody the carry-over of OTA from feed into animal-derived products is also a concern. For all these reasons the present article updates the worldwide occurrence of OTA in different raw ingredients and finished feed destined to food-producing animals. After that a brief characterization of specie susceptibility and the major rationales is made. An historical overview of field outbreaks linked to OTA exposure in farm animals, concerning the implicated feeds, contamination levels and major clinical and productivity effects is presented. Finally a review of the major animal health and performance potential impacts of animals being reared on contaminated feed is made allied to a perspective regarding its co-occurrence with other mycotoxins, and simultaneous parasitic and bacterial infections. Ultimately, this article aims to be instructive and draw attention to a mycotoxin so often neglected and elapsed from the list of differential diagnosis in farm practice. For the unpredictability and unavoidability of occurrence, OTA will definitely be an enduring problem in animal production.