Tagging and mapping a second resistance gene for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> wilt race 0 in chickpea

A second gene conferring resistance to the chickpea wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceris race 0, has been mapped to linkage group 2 (LG2) of the chickpea genetic map. Resistance to race 0 is controlled by two genes which segregate independently; one present in accession JG62 (Foc0 ₁ /foc0 ₁ ) and mapping to LG5 and the second present in accession CA2139 (Foc0 ₂ /foc0 ₂ ) but remaining unmapped. Both genes separately confer complete resistance to race 0 of the wilt pathogen. Using a Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population that segregated for both genes (CA2139 × JG62) and the genotypic information provided by two markers flanking Foc0 ₁ /foc0 ₁ ten resistant lines containing the resistant allele Foc0 ₂ /foc0 ₂ were selected. Genotypic analysis using these ten resistant lines paired with ten susceptible RILs, selected in the same population, revealed that sequence tagged microsatellite sites (STMS) markers sited on LG2 were strongly associated with Foc0 ₂ /foc0 ₂ . Linkage analysis, using data from two mapping populations (CA2139/JG62 and CA2156/JG62), located Foc0 ₂ /foc0 ₂ in a region where genes for resistance to wilt races 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 have previously been reported and which is highly saturated with tightly-linked STMS markers that could be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS).     

The Impact of Animal Disease on Human Health and Welfare

Animal diseases are of considerable importance to human welfare both as a cause of illness in man and as a factor in reducing the food potential of the world. Perhaps the most important factor affecting the less developed areas is malnutrition and, while explosive epidemics among animals are of great importance, the most important sources of losses are the chronic, sub-acute or sub-clinical infections, especially those caused by the parasitic worms.     

Factors Associated with Survival in Septicemic Foals: 65 Cases (1988–1995)

In order to identify variables obtained at admission that could be used to predict survival in septicemic foals, medical records of 65 foals diagnosed with septicemia were reviewed. Initially, variables were analyzed independently (univariate analysis) for association with survival. Of the physical examination and historical data examined using univariate analysis, the ability to stand at admission, respiratory rate ≥ 60 breaths per minute (bpm), and normal-appearing mucous membranes were significantly associated with survival. Foals with history of induced parturition were significantly less likely to survive. The following hematologic and serum biochemical variables determined at admission were significantly associated with survival: white blood cell count a 6,000 cells/μL, neutrophil count <4,000 cells/μL, serum albumin concentration <2.2 g/dL, serum glucose concentration <120 mg/ dL, blood pH ≥ 7.35, and positive base excess. The administration of plasma at admission was significantly associated with survival. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between survival and variables identified as significantly associated with survival in bivariate analysis. The final multivariate model selected included the variables standing, duration of clinical signs (24-hour intervals) prior to admission, respiratory rate a 60 bpm, neutropenia (> 4,000 cells/μL), and neonatal age category. The probability of survival was significantly increased for foals that were standing, had a respiratory rate a 60 bpm, and that had a neutrophil count <4,000 cells/μL at admission. Probability of survival was significantly decreased for foals that had a longer duration of clinical signs prior to admission. For each 24 hours of duration, the estimated risk of death was increased by 5.8-fold.     

Influence of Disease Process and Duration on Acute Phase Proteins in Serum and Peritoneal Fluid of Horses with Colic

Background

The acute phase proteins (APP) serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, and fibrinogen are valuable blood biomarkers in equine inflammatory diseases, but knowledge of factors influencing their concentrations in blood and peritoneal fluid (PF) of horses with colic is needed.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of demographics (age, sex, breed), disease process (simple obstruction, strangulating obstruction, inflammatory), disease location, disease duration, hypovolemia, and admission hospital on concentrations of APP, lactate and white blood cell counts (WBC) in horses with colic admitted to 2 referral hospitals.

Animals

The study included 367 horses with colic admitted at 2 referral hospitals.

Methods

Prospective multicenter observational study of clinical data, as well as blood and PF biomarkers. Associations between biomarker concentrations and clinical variables were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Increasing pre‐admission duration of colic was associated with increased concentrations of APP in blood and PF. Blood concentrations of SAA and fibrinogen were associated with disease process (inflammatory, strangulations, simple obstructions) in more colic duration groups (5–12 and >24 hours) than any of the other biomarkers. No relevant associations between demographic factors, hospital, or hydration status and the measured biomarkers were found.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In horses with colic, concentrations of APP are associated mainly with disease process and duration of colic and may thus be used for assessment of disease independently of demographic or geographic factors. Serum amyloid A may be a diagnostic marker for use in colic differential diagnosis, but further evaluation is needed.     

Toxicity in Doberman Pinchers with Ventricular Arrhythmias Treated with Amiodarone (1996–2005)

Background: Asymptomatic Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often die suddenly owing to ventricular tachycardia that degenerates into ventricular fibrillation. A safe and effective antiarrhythmic drug treatment is needed. This will require a large, well-controlled, prospective study.
Hypothesis: Amiodarone toxicity is common in Dobermans with occult DCM and ventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to antiarrhythmia therapy. Infrequent monitoring of hepatic function is inadequate. Frequent monitoring may be useful to determine dogs in which the dosage should be decreased or the drug withdrawn.
Methods: Medical records from the University of Georgia and Cornell University were searched for Doberman Pinschers diagnosed with preclinical DCM that received amiodarone for severe ventricular arrhythmias refractory to other antiarrhythmic agents. Echocardiographic data, Holter recording data, hepatic enzyme serum activity, and serum amiodarone concentrations were recorded. The presence of clinical signs of toxicity was recorded. Serum amiodarone concentrations were obtained in some dogs.
Results: Reversible toxicity was identified in 10 of 22 (45%) dogs.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Adverse effects from amiodarone were common and were, in part, dosage related. Patients should be monitored for signs of toxicity and liver enzyme activity should be measured at least monthly.