Bilateral Testicular Mixed Germ Cell-sex Cord-stromal Tumours in a Stallion

An 18-year-old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma was effaced by multiple gray-tan nodules of varying consistency interspersed with gray-white bands of tissue. Microscopic analysis revealed multiple pleomorphic neoplastic foci disseminated throughout both testes. Histological and immunohistochemical features were atypical and consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord stromal tumours. Bilateral testicular tumours and testicular mixed cell tumours are extremely rare in stallions and this is the first report of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumours in a stallion. Our findings indicate that certain ultrasonographic characteristics are suggestive of testicular tumour and that immunohistochemistry markers can be used to better characterize testicular neoplasms in stallions.     

Theoretical possibilities of the3H3He method in investigations of groundwater systems

Theoretical possibilities of the³H-³He parent-daughter radiotracer pair in investigations of groundwater systems are discussed. Output curves of the³He to³H ratio have been calculated for systems which can be approximated by the exponential or dispersion models. Calculations were performed for a typical tritium input concentration curve. It has been shown that contrary to the earlier findings of other authors based on the piston flow model, the³He to³H ratio depends not only on the turnover time but also on the input concentration of tritium and on the assumed hydrodynamic model. Calculations also show that the ratio method does not yield unambiguous results. However, more information is available if a given theoretical model is fitted separately to the³He and³H data or to the³He/³H and³H data. Whichever interpretation is chosen, there is no doubt that the³H-³He method is a promising alternative to the tritium method for the nearest several tens of years. This promising alternative results from the fact that in groundwater, the peak concentration of the daughter³He is delayed in respect to the parent tritium peak concentration.     

Role of 1–123 serum amyloid Srotein in the etection of familial amyloidosis in Oriental cats

Oriental cats are subject to familial amyloidosis which primarily involves the liver. Scintigraphic imaging using I-123 serum amyloid P component (SAP) was performed in 23 cats at varying risks of amyloidosis. Scans showed marked tracer accumulation in the liver in 16 of the cats. Histological confirmation of amyloidosis was obtained in all six cats that underwent biopsy. Abnormal hepatic uptake correlated with rapid clearance of tracer from the blood. This non-invasive test has potential value as a screening procedure for the detection of amyloidosis.     

Surgical management of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head in three dogs

Abstract

CASE HISTORIES: Three dogs, aged between 11 and 20 weeks, were presented with unilateral forelimb lameness, with an associated bony prominence on the lateral elbow.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Radiographs revealed a caudolateral luxation of the radial head in all cases, consistent with a diagnosis of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head. Surgical reduction and stabilisation involved open reduction of the radial head, and in two cases the use of a trans articular pin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Congenital luxation of the radial head is an uncommon condition that has conflicting reports in the literature regarding its cause, heritability, breed predisposition, treatment and prognosis. The three cases here occurred in young dogs of English Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. Surgical reduction and stabilisation provided successful outcomes, in all cases. Only six cases of congenital luxation of the radial head managed surgically have previously been reported in the literature.     

Hydrogen mapping of the lunar south pole using the LRO neutron detector experiment LEND

Hydrogen has been inferred to occur in enhanced concentrations within permanently shadowed regions and, hence, the coldest areas of the lunar poles. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission was designed to detect hydrogen-bearing volatiles directly. Neutron flux measurements of the Moon's south polar region from the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft were used to select the optimal impact site for LCROSS. LEND data show several regions where the epithermal neutron flux from the surface is suppressed, which is indicative of enhanced hydrogen content. These regions are not spatially coincident with permanently shadowed regions of the Moon. The LCROSS impact site inside the Cabeus crater demonstrates the highest hydrogen concentration in the lunar south polar region, corresponding to an estimated content of 0.5 to 4.0% water ice by weight, depending on the thickness of any overlying dry regolith layer. The distribution of hydrogen across the region is consistent with buried water ice from cometary impacts, hydrogen implantation from the solar wind, and/or other as yet unknown sources.     

Pain-related cerebral potentials in response to acute painful electrical stimulation in sheep

Objective To examine associations between late event-related cerebral potential amplitudes and behavioural responses to noxious electrical stimulation as an indicator of acute pain in sheep.
Design Analysis of variance for the effects of stimulus intensity on the behaviour and event-related cerebral potential variables.
Procedure Ninety-six brief constant current electrical pulse trains were presented to the front left leg of eight sheep at four intensities (2.5 to 10 mA) in a randomised order. An event-related cerebral potential and a graded flinch response were recorded for each stimulus and the 24 event-related cerebral potentials at each intensity were averaged to produce a mean waveform. Various components of this waveform were analysed and changes in these measures and the sheep's flinch response, as stimulus intensity increased, were determined.
Results Both the flinch response and some event-related cerebral potential components, that is, peak amplitudes 114 {N1}, 187 {P1}, 318 {P2} and 230 {Pm} ms after stimulus onset, were significantly affected as stimulus intensity increased.
Conclusion These corresponding behavioural and event-related cerebral potential changes indicate the usefulness of using changes in the event-related cerebral potential to measure acute pain in sheep.     

Two-way laser link over interplanetary distance

Here we report timed observations with subnanosecond precision of short laser pulses at a distance of nearly 24 million kilometers between the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) aboard the MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft and the NASA Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory (GGAO). Forty MLA downlink observations and 90 uplink observations were obtained during observing sessions on 27 and 31 May 2005. Precise standard ground timing allowed a solution for spacecraft range, range rate, and acceleration, as well as clock bias. This experiment established a new distance record for laser detection and accomplished a two-way laser link at an interplanetary distance.