An equine joint friction test model using a cartilage-on-cartilage arrangement

This study describes an equine joint friction test using a cartilage-on-cartilage arrangement and investigates the influence of age and load on the frictional response. Osteochondral plugs were extracted from equine shoulder joints (2–5 years, n = 12; 10–14 years, n = 15), and mounted in a pin-on-disc tribometer. The frictional response was then measured under constant conditions (2 N; 20 °C; 5 mm/s), and with increasing load (2 N, 5 N, 10 N). In all experiments, the friction coefficient of young cartilage was significantly (P < 0.001) smaller than obtained from old cartilage, while the application of a greater load resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in friction coefficient only in old cartilage. It was concluded that cartilage ageing was responsible for an increase in friction coefficient under these experimental conditions. Moreover, where young cartilage lubrication remained stable, cartilage ageing may have been responsible for lubrication regime change. The cartilage-on-cartilage model could be used to better understand lubrication regime disturbances in healthy and diseased equine joints, and to test the efficacy of various bio-lubricant treatments.     

Canine paediatric oncology: retrospective assessment of 9522 tumours in dogs up to 12 months (1993-2008)

Little information is available on the occurrence of neoplasms in dogs up to the age of 12 months. This is a retrospective review of histopathological diagnoses of neoplasia in dogs up to the age of 12 months based on biopsy specimens submitted to a commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the United Kingdom between 1993 and 2008. In 20 280 histological submissions, 9522 neoplasms were identified. Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (n = 8465; 89%) was the most common histological type. Neoplasms other than histiocytoma (n = 1057; 11%) were grouped as benign epithelial (n = 375; 4%), haematopoietic (n = 229; 2%), benign mesenchymal (n = 145; 2%), miscellaneous (n = 118; 1%), non-hematopoietic malignant mesenchymal (n = 118; 1%) or malignant epithelial tumours (n = 72; <1%). Excluding canine cutaneous histiocytoma, 52% of tumours (n = 547) were benign, and 66% were from the skin or soft tissues. These data provide valuable epidemiological information on neoplasms occurring in juvenile dogs in the United Kingdom.     

Assessment of Mobile Phone Usage Among Farmers in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State,Nigeria

This study assessed the usage of mobile phones among farmers in the Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty-eight respondents were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Primary data were used, and collected using a structured questionnaire. Research revealed that a majority of the respondents (60.1%) had a medium level of use of mobile phones. The mobile phone network preferred by respondents was MTN (32.3%). The major factor affecting the use of mobile phones is poor network coverage (22.1%). Possession of formal education, income, and sex of the respondents significantly affected their level of use of mobile phones. It is therefore recommended that network providers be supervised by the Government to ensure quality service delivery, and other network providers encouraged to improve on their services.     

Fusarium mangiferae localization in planta during initiation and development of mango malformation disease

Mango malformation disease (MMD), caused by Fusarium mangiferae, is a major constraint to mango production, causing significant yield reduction resulting in severe economic impact. The present study characterizes fungal localization in planta during initiation and development of vegetative and floral malformation. Young mango trees were artificially inoculated with a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing strain of F. mangiferae. Shoots and buds were sampled periodically over a period of more than a year and localization of the GFP‐expressing fungi was determined using confocal microscopy. Fungal localization appears to be epiphytic: mycelia remained in close contact with the plant surface but did not penetrate the tissue. In vegetative malformation and in young inflorescences, the fungus was confined to protected regions between scales, young leaf bases and buds. Fungal colonization was only very rarely detected on open leaves or on exposed shoot sections. In developed flowers, mycelia were localized mainly to protected regions at the base of the flower organs. Upon development of the inner flower organs, specific mycelial growth occurred around the anthers and the style. Mycelial penetration through the stylar tract into aborting carpels was observed. For several months, mycelia were confined to the surface of the organs and were not detected within plant tissues. Only at later stages, transient saprophytic growth of the fungus was detected causing the malformed inflorescences to senesce and collapse, concurrent with dispersion of conidia. Implications of the present study on MMD in natural field infections are discussed.     

The role of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euwallacea</Emphasis> nr. <Emphasis Type="Italic">fornicatus</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in the wilt syndrome of avocado trees in Israel

The polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera; Scolytinae) has become a serious threat to the avocado industry and several shade tree species in Israel. Branch wilting and tree mortality is the outcome of PSHB galleries. Understanding the relationship between avocado trees and the PSHB is required for considering management strategies. In Israel, 52 tree species from 26 botanical families were attacked by the PSHB, but only 12 species were suitable for beetle reproduction. All examined avocado cultivars were attacked, but ‘Hass’ most severely. Large and medium diameter avocado branches were more resistant to PSHB, compared to thin branches. Effectively, gallery density increased as branch diameter decreased. Concomitantly, in large and medium diameter branches, extensive sugar exudation occurred and beetle attack rarely progressed to the formation of natal galleries, whereas minimal sugar exudation was observed in thin branches. This was more evident in those that were weakened by repeated attacks followed by successful beetle colonization. PSHB prefers and successfully colonized branches that had been previously attacked by its conspecifics, and reproduction was much higher in these branches, as opposed to initial attacks. Lesion frequencies increased from late spring (April) until late summer (September). Avocado branches at the early stages of beetle colonization may be identified by sugar exudation at the base of the thin branches. The main approach for reducing damage caused by the PSHB is sanitation, achieved by the removal of colonized branches and intact infested pruned slash.