Bayesian mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling soybean cyst nematode resistant

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is one of the most economically important pathogens of soybean. Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to SCN is a proven useful strategy in order to assist in the development of resistant soybean cultivars. In the present study, a Bayesian modeling approach was performed to map QTL controlling genetic resistance to SCN races 3 and 14. For this purpose, a population of recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross between line Y23 (susceptible) and cv. Hartwig (resistant) was used. A total of 144 microsatellites markers (Simple Sequence Repeats) were selected and synthesized for mapping purpose. Posterior marginal parameter distributions were computed using the Reversible Jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJ-MCMC) algorithm. It was determined the existence of four QTLs on three linkage groups (LG); that is LG A2 for race 3, LG C2 for race 14, and LG G for both races. The estimates of posterior modes of the heritability were 0.038 and 0.53 for the LGs A2 and G respectively (race 3). For the race 14 the posterior modes of the heritability were 0.044 and 0.05 for the LGs C2 and G. The identified QTLs explained about 57 and 9 % of the total phenotypic variance, for the races 3 and 14, respectively. These results confirm the effectiveness of the Bayesian method to map QTL controlling resistance to SCN in soybean. Accordingly, integrating QTL mapping with Bayesian methods will enable response to selection for quantitative traits of interest in soybean to be improved.     

The Effect of Soaking on Protein and Mineral Loss in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Hay

Nonstructural carbohydrates are usually targeted for reduction during hay soaking, however, other essential nutrients may also be lost. The objectives of this research were to determine the impact of water temperature and time of soaking on reduction of protein and minerals from alfalfa and orchardgrass hay. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications (n = 192). Hay types included bud and flowering alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) and vegetative and flowering orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L). Flakes were soaked for 15, 30, and 60 minutes in 25 L of cold (22°C) and warm (39°C) water, and for 12 hours in cold water. Changes in crude protein concentration after soaking had no effect (P > .05) on alfalfa-bud or flowering orchardgrass hay. However, crude protein concentration increased (P = .02) as soaking length increased in vegetative orchardgrass, and decreased as soaking length increased (P < .001) in flowering alfalfa hay. Soaking did not affect (P > .05) calcium (Ca) concentrations in flowering alfalfa and orchardgrass; however, Ca (P < .001) was reduced as soaking length increased in alfalfa-bud and vegetative orchardgrass hay. Reductions in phosphorus (P), potassium, and magnesium concentrations occurred with longer soaking times, resulting in high Ca:P ratios after 12 hours of soaking (P < .001). Soaking for 15-60 minutes did not result in nutrient deficiencies based on the requirements of a 500-kg horse in light work. However, supplementation of P after feeding hay soaked for 12 hours would be necessary to address high Ca:P ratios.     

The Effect of Soaking on Carbohydrate Removal and Dry Matter Loss in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Hays

The objective of this research was to determine the impact of water temperature and soaking length on removal of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) fractions and dry matter (DM) from legume and cool-season grass hays. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications. Hay types included bud and flowering alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and vegetative and flowering orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Flakes were submerged for 15, 30, and 60 minutes in 25 L of cold (22°C) water, warm (39°C) water, and 12 hours in cold water, respectively. Water temperature at each soaking duration did not affect residual NSC fractions in alfalfa hays. Flowering and vegetative orchardgrass hays soaked for 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, in warm water had greater (P < .001) amounts of NSC fraction removal compared with soaking in cold water. Soaking bud and flowering alfalfa and vegetative orchardgrass hays for ≥15 minutes removed more NSC fractions compared with the control (P ≤ .005); however, soaking for 15-60 minutes resulted in similar NSC fraction removal. Conversely, in flowering orchardgrass hay, longer soaking times resulted in greater (P < .001) NSC fraction removal. Fructan removal in orchardgrass hay was greatest (P < .001) after soaking for 12 hours. DM losses were similar among hays after soaking for 15-60 minutes, but were greatest after soaking for 12 hours (P < .001). Soaking grass hay for 15-30 minutes is recommended to remove sufficient NSC fractions while minimizing DM losses.     

Open-label trial of a multi-strain synbiotic in cats with chronic diarrhea

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that in cats with chronic diarrhea the daily administration of a proprietary synbiotic (Proviable-DC) would result in an improvement in stool character, as assessed by the owner. Adult cats with chronic diarrhea were recruited for the study and screened for systemic diseases. Fecal flotation, wet mount, immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Giardia and Cryptosporidium species, and Tritrichomonas species polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were used to screen for intestinal parasitism. The synbiotic was administered for 21 days; otherwise, no changes were made to ongoing treatment(s) or diet. The severity of the diarrhea was assessed using a standardized fecal scoring system and the owner's subjective perception before, and after, supplementation. The mean fecal score for the 53 cats completing the study decreased from 6.0 to 4.4, representing a significantly (P <0.001) firmer stool character. Seventy-two percent of owners perceived an improvement in their cat's diarrhea following a 21-day course of synbiotic supplementation.     

Suspected fibrocartilaginous embolism in a cat

A 12-year-old cat was presented to the University of Queensland's Small Animal Teaching Hospital with a 1-day history of left hemiparesis of acute onset, with no evidence of trauma or toxin exposure. Neurological examination findings were consistent with a lesion in the caudal left cervical spinal cord (C6 to C8), which was non-painful and had not progressed since the onset of clinical signs. No other abnormalities were found, although myelography showed a mild swelling involving the caudal cervical and cranial thoracic spinal segments. A diagnosis of suspected fibrocartilaginous embolism was made on the basis of the history, clinical presentation and diagnostic tests results, making this case the first report of a suspected fibrocartilaginous embolism in a cat that returned to normal function.     

Feline leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

A case of leishmaniasis in a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) is described. The animal showed a single, nodular lesion on the nose and many nodules of different size on the ears and digital regions of all the paws. Diagnosis was made by microscopic detection of amastigotes in Giemsa-stained smears from the lesions. By monoclonal antibodies the aetiological agent was identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, one of the seven species implicated in human leishmaniasis in Brazil. The clinical signs in feline leishmaniasis are unspecific and similar to those observed in other diseases such as cryptococcosis and in sporotrichosis, commonly found in cats. Leishmaniasis should therefore, be added to the differential diagnosis by feline veterinary practitioners and adequate investigations should carried out for dermal leishmaniasis in the area where the feline infection is detected.     

The prevalence of Toxocara cati in domestic cats in Mexico City

The faeces of 520 domestic cats, resident in the 16 municipal authorities of Mexico City, were analysed using the method of centrifuging with zinc sulphate (at 33%). Three hundred and ninety-nine animals lived in houses, 121 in apartments. For the purpose of this study they were divided into seven age groups, of 6 months each. Toxocara cati eggs were found in the faeces of 42.5% of the animals. 20.7% of apartment cats and 49.1% of house cats were infected. This difference in the rate of infection is statistically significant (P<0.002.) for the house cats. T. cati was found in all the age groups although most infection was found in animals less than 1 year old.The fact that infection occurred in the whole age range of the cats and in all the municipal authorities means that the risk of being contaminated with this helminth in Mexico City is high. As a consequence, the possibility of developing illness as a result of becoming a host to larva migrans is also high.     

Hyperkalemia: a quick reference.

This article serves as a quick reference for hyperkalemia. Guidelines for analysis and causes, signs, and a stepwise approach are presented.