The Potential of High-Oil Oats under Cool Temperate Conditions

Abstract

Genetic and growth temperature effects on the oil content of oats have been studied. A line with high oil content was crossed to a line with low oil content, and the progenies from parental and F₂ plants were studied in two replicated experiments, one in the field, the other combined field/greenhouse. Interactions between greenhouse and field were found for oil content as well as for other characters. High heritability estimates and additive gene action were found for oil content. Insignificant genetic correlations were found between oil content and grain yield. F₃ families which on average had the same oil content as the highest parent were recovered. The results from two independent phytotron experiments indicate that genes conferring high oil content and low temperatures during grain filling seem to work additively towards higher oil content.     

Clinical usefulness of fructosamine measurements in diagnosing and monitoring feline diabetes mellitus

Fructosamines are glycated serum proteins that reflect long-term serum glucose concentrations in humans and several animal species. In the present study, blood samples were drawn from three populations of diabetic cats: untreated diabetic cats with clinical symptoms prevailing only a few days (n = 1), untreated diabetic cats with symptoms lasting more than two weeks (n = 6) and clinically well stabilised diabetic cats receiving insulin twice daily which showed no signs of disease (n = 4). All untreated diabetic cats showed elevated fructosamine measurements. Based on fructosamine measurements, clinically well stabilised diabetic cats could be subdivided further according to the degree of glycaemic control. Diabetic cats with satisfactory glycaemic control revealed fructosamine concentrations within or close to the reference range (146 to 271 umol/litre), whereas fructosamine concentrations above 400 umol/litre indicated insufficient glycaemic control. This study suggests that the fructosamine assay reflects persistently elevated serum glucose concentrations in cats and is a useful parameter for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus in cats.     

Effects of storage time on chemistry results from canine whole blood,heparinized whole blood,serum and heparinized plasma

The stability and storage characteristics of 24 blood constituents from dogs including nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Conditions studied included storing of nonanticoagulated and heparinized whole blood for 3 days (Part A), and storing of serum and heparinized plasma for 3 days (Part B). The storage temperature for both studies was +4 degrees C from day 0 to day 1, and +20 degrees C, from day 1 to day 2 and 3. Eight of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for three days in whole blood. However, the stability of all 24 analytes greatly improved by storing serum or heparinized plasma compared to nonanticoagulated or heparinized whole blood. In stored serum or heparinized plasma, 20 of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) for 3 days. Nine of 24 analytes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between serum and heparinized plasma, where CK, LDH, GGT, and potassium showed differences of possible clinical importance. This study strongly supports the practice of separating serum/plasma from clot/cells as promptly as possible to achieve improved stability for most analytes under test.     

Pancreatic insulin-secreting carcinoma in a dog: Fructosamine for determining persistent hypoglycaemia

A five-year-old intact male rottweiler was presented with a history of episodic weakness and mild generalised seizures. A tentative diagnosis of an insulin-secreting tumour in the pancreas was made based on fasting hypoglycaemia with concomitant hyperinsulinaemia and a subnormal fructosamine value. The diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory coeliotomy, intravenous infusion of methylene blue, histopathology and immuno-histochemical analysis of suspected neoplastic tissue. Fructosamine assays are traditionally used for monitoring the metabolic status of diabetics where a single elevated measurement reflects persistent hyperglycaemia. This report suggests that a single low measurement of fructosamine may indicate persistent hypoglycaemia and may be helpful, in conjunction with an insulin measurement, in the diagnosis of insulin-secreting tumours.     

Establishment of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) and the current status of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe

After 5 years of development, the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) was formally recognized and approved on July 4, 2007 by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS), the European regulatory body that oversees specialization in veterinary medicine and which has approved 23 colleges. The objectives, committees, basis for membership, constitution, bylaws, information brochure and certifying examination of the ECVCP have remained unchanged during this time except as directed by EBVS. The ECVCP declared full functionality based on the following criteria: 1) a critical mass of 65 members: 15 original diplomates approved by the EBVS to establish the ECVCP, 37 de facto diplomates, 7 diplomates certified by examination, and 5 elected honorary members; 2) the development and certification of training programs, laboratories, and qualified supervisors for residents; currently there are 18 resident training programs in Europe; 3) administration of 3 annual board-certifying examinations thus far, with an overall pass rate of 70%; 4) European consensus criteria for assessing the continuing education of specialists every 5 years; 5) organization of 8 annual scientific congresses and a joint journal (with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology) for communication of scientific research and information; the College also maintains a website, a joint listserv, and a newsletter; 6) collaboration in training and continuing education with relevant colleges in medicine and pathology; 7) development and strict adherence to a constitution and bylaws compliant with the EBVS; and 8) demonstration of compelling rationale, supporting data, and the support of members and other colleges for independence as a specialty college. Formal EBVS recognition of ECVCP as the regulatory body for the science and practice of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe will facilitate growth and development of the discipline and compliance of academic, commercial diagnostic, and industry laboratories in veterinary clinical pathology. Future needs are in developing sponsorship for resident positions, increasing employment opportunities, increasing compliance with laboratory, training, and continuing education standards, and advancing relevant science and technology.     

Diabetes mellitus and bilateral cataracts in a kitten

An 18-week-old male domestic long-hair kitten was presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia for several weeks. The general condition was unremarkable, but the kitten was considerably smaller than expected for the age and showed cataracts in both eyes. Serum glucose concentrations were persistently elevated and based on clinical findings and an elevated serum fructosamine concentration, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established. Diabetes mellitus is not commonly diagnosed in young kittens, nor are cataracts recognised as a frequent feature of this disease in cats. The cataracts progressed in spite of the insulin therapy and the kitten was euthanised 10 weeks after referral. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed few and small islets of Langerhans compared to the examination of pancreas from a healthy kitten of the same age. Histopathological changes in the eyes included cataracts affecting both cortex and nucleus.     

Diagnosis,treatment, and long-term follow-up of bilateral,upper urinary tract infection (UTI) in a cat

A case of bilateral, upper urinary tract infection caused by haemolytic E coli in a female Birman cat is presented. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys documented changes in size, outline, echogenicity and architecture. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of fluid from the renal pelvis was used to make the diagnosis. Fluid was submitted for culture and sensitivity and based on the results, antimicrobial therapy was initiated. The treatment was monitored over a 406-day follow-up period. Despite extensive treatment with specific antibiotics and supportive therapy, recurrence of urinary tract infection occurred.     

Hematology and serum clinical chemistry reference intervals for free‐ranging Scandinavian gray wolves (Canis lupus)

Background: Scandinavian free‐ranging wolves (Canis lupus) are endangered, such that laboratory data to assess their health status is increasingly important. Although wolves have been studied for decades, most biological information comes from captive animals. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to establish reference intervals for 30 clinical chemical and 8 hematologic analytes in Scandinavian free‐ranging wolves. Methods: All wolves were tracked and chemically immobilized from a helicopter before examination and blood sampling in the winter of 7 consecutive years (1998–2004). Seventy‐nine blood samples were collected from 57 gray wolves, including 24 juveniles (24 samples), 17 adult females (25 samples), and 16 adult males (30 samples). Whole blood and serum samples were stored at refrigeration temperature for 1–3 days before hematologic analyses and for 1–5 days before serum biochemical analyses. Reference intervals were calculated as 95% confidence intervals except for juveniles where the minimum and maximum values were used. Results: Significant differences were observed between adult and juvenile wolves for RBC parameters, alkaline phosphatase and amylase activities, and total protein, albumin, γ‐globulins, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, and sodium concentrations. Conclusion: Compared with published reference values for captive wolves, reference intervals for free‐ranging wolves reflected exercise activity associated with capture (higher creatine kinase activity, higher glucose concentration), and differences in nutritional status (higher urea concentration).     

Evaluation of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor for use in anesthetized sheep

ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of an oscillometric blood pressure monitor in anesthetized sheep.Study designProspective study.AnimalsTwenty healthy adult sheep, 11 males and nine females, weighing 63.6 ± 8.6 kg.MethodsAfter premedication with buprenorphine or transdermal fentanyl, anesthesia was induced with ketamine‐midazolam and maintained with isoflurane and ketamine, 1.2 mg kg^?1 hour^?1, ± lidocaine, 3 mg kg^?1 hour^?1. Invasive blood pressure measurements were obtained from an auricular arterial catheter and noninvasive measurements were from a cuff on the metatarsus or antebrachium. Simultaneous invasive and noninvasive measurements were recorded over a range (55–111 mmHg) of mean arterial pressures (MAP). Isoflurane concentration was increased to decrease MAP and decreasing the isoflurane concentration and infusing dobutamine achieved higher pressures. Invasive and noninvasive measurements were compared.ResultsCorrelation (R²) was good between the two methods of measurement (average of three consecutive readings) for systolic (SAP) (0.87), diastolic (DAP) (0.86), and mean (0.90) arterial pressures (p < 0.001). Bias ± SD between noninvasive and invasive measurements for SAP was 3 ± 8 mmHg, for DAP was ?10 ± 7 mmHg, and MAP was ?7 ± 6 mmHg. There was no significant difference between the average of three measurements and use of the first measurement. Correlations using the first measurement were SAP (0.82), DAP (0.84), and MAP (0.89). Bias ± SD for SAP was 3 ±10 mmHg, for DAP was ?11 ± 7 mmHg, and MAP was ?7 ± 6 mmHg. The oscillometric monitor slightly overestimated SAP and underestimated DAP and MAP for both average values and the first reading.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis oscillometric model provided MAP measurements that were acceptable by ACVIM standards. MAP measurements with this monitor were lower than those found with the invasive technique so a clinical diagnosis of hypotension may be made in sheep that are not hypotensive.