Esters produced by Chalaropsis thielavioides

Chalaropsis thielavioides, a filamnentous fungus. produces a characteristic ester-like aroma on potato dextrose broth. By gas-liquid chromatographic techniques, the major aroma-producing substances have been identified as isobutyl and ethyl acetate. Lesser amounts of isoamyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol were also present.     

The effects of poloxalene on ingestion by cattle grazing Lucerne†

The mechanisms that terminate meals of cattle grazing lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) are not well defined. Sub-acute bloat may lead to cessation of grazing and, consequently, surface active substances used in the treatment and prevention of bloat, such as poloxalene, may extend grazing meals and increase herbage intake. Twelve mature Angus cows (Bos taurus) were offered 0, 12·5 and 25·0 g poloxalene in 0·5 kg of crushed maize (Zea mays L.) kernels each day, immediately before two consecutive 1-h measured parts of a grazing meal on 21- to 24-day-old lucerne swards with a herbage dry matter (DM) mass (> 5 cm) of 2·03 t ha^?1 and herbage DM mass allowance of 3·55 kg hd^?1h^?1. Total herbage DM intake was 2·52 kg hd^?1 during the first hour and 1·54 kg hd^?1 during the second hour of the 2-h grazing meal. Differences in herbage intake were attributable to a cessation of grazing. Mean rates of biting were 26·3 and 14·8 bites min^?1 and mean DM intakes per bite were 1·82 and 4·38 g during the first and second part of meals, respectively. Poloxalene treatments caused a small linear decline in grazing time during the first part of meals and a larger increase in grazing time during the second part of meals. Lower rates of DM intake caused by poloxalene were offset by increases in grazing time. It was concluded that poloxalene moderated ingestive behaviour within grazing meals of immature lucerne and this response may have been at least partly due to the relief of sub-acute bloat.     

IDENTIFICATION OF ARACHNOID CYSTS IN THE QUADRIGEMINAL CISTERN USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY

The ultrasonographic findings in three small breed dogs with intracranial arachnoid cysts are described. Ultrasound images were obtained via the foramen magnum, temporal window and persistent bregmatic fontanelle (when possible). In transverse, dorsal and sagittal transcranial ultrasound images there was marked dilation of the lateral ventricles and a well-defined, oval to triangular-shaped anechoic area between the caudal aspect of the occipital lobes, dorsal to the midbrain, and rostral to the cerebellum. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of concurrent hydrocephalus and an arachnoid cyst within the quadrigeminal cistern.     

Endogenous Benzodiazepine Activity in the Peripheral and Portal Blood of Dogs With Congenital Portosystemic Shunts

Objective- The purpose of this study was to determine whether an endogenous benzodiazepine receptor ligand (EBZ) was present in the arterial and portal blood of dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).
Study Design- The presence or absence of an EBZ was determined by the collection of systemic and portal blood from dogs with CPSS.
Animals- Fifteen client-owned dogs with a confirmed CPSS. All dogs had historical signs compatible with hepatic encephalopathy. Eight healthy dogs were used as controls.
Methods- In all dogs, systemic blood samples were collected after they were anesthetized. Portal blood samples were collected intraoperatively. EBZ was measured by radioreceptor assay.
Results- In 10 of 15 dogs, the portal blood concentration of EBZ was significantly elevated compared with normal dogs (mean, 13.2 ±18.55 ng/mL). Five dogs had elevated systemic blood EBZ levels (mean, 8.2 ±16.08 ng/mL). Eleven of 15 dogs had a higher portal than systemic blood concentration of EBZ. In contrast, control dogs had extremely low EBZ concentrations detected in their portal blood (mean, 0.16 ±0.3 ng/mL) and systemic blood (0 ng/mL). The mean portal and systemic blood concentrations in dogs with CPSS were significantly greater than in control dogs ( P <.05).
Conclusions- Elevated blood levels of EBZ were found in dogs with CPSS. The portosystemic gradient noted in 11 dogs suggests the gastrointestinal tract as a possible source for the endogenous ligand.
Clinical Relevance- Generalized motor seizures have been reported in dogs after surgical correction of CPSS. If the presence of a CPSS results in stimulation of brain receptors for benzodiazepines, post-CPSS ligation seizures may result from a withdrawal of EBZ after ligation of the portosystemic shunt.     

TRUE DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA IN A CAT

A report of a cat with a true diaphragmatic hernia in which only falciform fat had herniated is pressented. The lession was misinterpreted as a pulmonary mass. Additional radiographic studies which may have been of diagnostic benefit are briefly discussed.     

Modelling the potential impact of exotic diseases on regional Australia

SUMMARY: Recent international initiatives for disease control suggest that, in the future, the consequences for trade of an exotic disease outbreak may not be as severe as estimated in the past. If zoning were to be accepted by Australia's trading partners, then the major effects may be felt at the regional rather than the national level. A study, using an integrated epidemiological/economic model, was undertaken to compare the impacts of 3 important exotic diseases (foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever and sheep pox) in 3 different regions of Australia. The study demonstrated that there are significant differences between the size and effect of different disease outbreaks. Regional factors influence not only the way that the disease will spread and manifest itself, but also the effects on local communities. Foot-and-mouth disease caused more economic losses than sheep pox or classical swine fever. The major determinant of differences in the effects of the diseases between regions was the nature of the regional economies. The less diversified the economy, the greater the effect of an exotic disease outbreak in relation to the size of that economy.