Thyroid imaging in the dog: current status and future directions

This review describes the advantages and disadvantages of radiography, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine in the 2 most frequent thyroid pathologies of the dog: acquired primary hypothyroidism and thyroid neoplasia. Ultrasonography and scintigraphy remain the 2 most indicated imaging modalities for these thyroid abnormalities. However, as in human medicine, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging also have potential indications. This is especially the case in the evaluation of the extent, local invasiveness, and local or distant metastases of thyroid neoplasia. Based on experience with different imaging modalities in people, we suggest future directions in the imaging of the canine thyroid gland.     

黄河流域传统果园发展现状及旅游发展潜力分析

全国重要农业文化遗产系统构成了令人叹为观止的优美人文景观,展现着传统农业生态多样性、生态系统适应性和珍贵的文化遗产。这些世代相传的农业系统构成了当代和未来农业创新和技术的基石。已公布的37个传统果园类全国重要农业文化遗产地,有14个沿黄河流域分布,是我国果业重要的发源地。拟以黄河流域的传统果园为研究对象,系统梳理其发展历史、现状及传统果园农耕系统,同时重点分析黄河流域主要果品的区位发展优劣势,最后结合传统果园的人文价值和区域经济发展因素等,综合探索传统果园的传承和利用途径,为我国果业发展提供传统农业系统和技术创新基础,也为传统果园的保护和传承发展以及农业管理部门挖掘和健全果园文化遗产保护机制提供参考。     

Evaluation of success rate of laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy in 32 mature horses

The surgical success of laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy results from avascular necrosis of the testes. However, failures and subsequent production of testosterone and stallion‐like behaviour have been previously identified. Laparoscopic castration without removal of the testes was performed in 32 horses with 2 normal descended scrotal testes between July 2006 and October 2012. The objectives of our study were to evaluate the success rate of laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy on descended testes in our population and assess complications and recovery time. Endocrine tests were performed after surgery and owners also asked to report on their horse's behaviour and ability to resume exercise. Castration was deemed successful if endocrine test results were in accordance with gelding values. Failed horses were castrated using a conventional technique and histology performed when possible. Basal testosterone levels decreased below 3 nmol/l after surgery in 30/32 cases. However, in 2 horses, stallion behaviour persisted and histological evaluation after inguinal castration showed residual viable tissue. Two horses maintained high testosterone levels after surgery associated with stallion‐like behaviour. Based on these results, 12.5% of horses (4/32 horses) failed to be considered a gelding based on either endocrine tests and/or histology. All horses, with one exception, were able to resume exercise less than a week after the procedure. Laparoscopic castration without orchidectomy appears to be a safe procedure. When assessing the success of laparoscopic castration, our total failure rate was 12.5% (4/32 horses) which is significantly higher than previously reported.