Comparative cytological study of Solanum aethiopicum Gilo group,Solanum aethiopicum Shum group and Solanum anguivi

Summary Comparative cytological studies were carried out on Gilo and Shum cultivar groups of Solanum aethiopicum (scarlet eggplant) and their ancestor-Solanum anguivi, in order to elucidate the evolutionary relationships between them. Results indicated preferential pairing of chromosomes in S. anguivi and non-preferential pairing of chromosomes in Gilo and Shum cultivar groups of S. aethiopicum during early stages of meiosis. The low degree of pairing in Gilo and Shum cultivar groups of S. aethiopicum and higher percentage of chromosomal abnormalities (12.50 and 10.58% respectively showed cases of translocation heterozygotes and suggest that the two taxa have hybrid origin. Conversely, the high degree of pairing and very low percentage of chromosomal abnormalities (2.50%) tend to suggest that S. anguivi is more ancient than either the Gilo and Shum cultivar groups of S. aethiopicum. It had already been proved that the Gilo and Shum cultivar groups of S. aethiopicum together with the Kumba and Aculeatum groups originated from S. anguivi (Lester & Niakan, 1986). Also studies on external morphology and cytological studies have shown the Gilo cultivar group to be more complex morphologically and having higher percentage of chromosomal aberrations (12.50% as against 10.58% observed in Shum cultivar group). It is suggested that the Gilo cultivar group might have evolved from the Shum cultivar group through hybridization and selection, while the S. anguivi was already stabilized as their ancestor.     

Genital Abnormalities of the Female Dromedary (Camelus dromedurius). An Abattoir Survey

Contents: Post-mortem examination of 1048 nonpregnant genital organs of female camels revealed gross abnormalities in 22 (2.1%). Ovarian abnormalities included bilateral hypoplasia (0.1%), ovarian teratomas (0.4%) and follicular cysts (0.9%). Segmental aplasia of the cervix with cystic dilation of the uterine horns was noted in 8 specimens (0.8%). Out of 467 pregnant genital organs examined left hydrosalpinx was observed in one organ .
Inhalt: Genitale Anomalien beim weiblichen Dromedar (camelus dromedarius). Eine Schlachthofstudie
Bei einer Untersuchung von 1048 Genitalorganen von nichttrachtigen, geschlachteten, weiblichen Kamelen wurden in 22 Fällen (2,1%) morphologische Anomalien festgestellt. Ovaranomalien bestanden in bilateraler Hypoplasie (0,1%), Teratome (0,4%) und Follikelzysten (0,9%). Segmentale Aplasie der Cervix mit zystischer Veergräβerung der Uterushörner wurden in 8 Fällen (0,s%) gefunden. Von 467 trächtigen Genitalorganen wurde nur in einem Fall eine linksseitige Hydrosalpinx beobachtet .     

CRETINISM IN A NORTH AMERICAN BLACK BEAR(URSUS AMERICANUS)

Congenital hyperplastic goiter and cretinism were documented in a 16 month-old male North American black bear (Ursus americanus). The cub was captured at approximately 8 months of age and maintained for an additional 8 months in captivity. Clinical signs included growth retardation, clumsiness, and facial dysmorphism. Hypothyroidism was documented by determining serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Lysosomal storage disease was ruled out by measuring various lysosomal enzyme activities. Serologic, radiographic, computed tomographic, necropsy, and histopathologic findings were consistent with congenital hypothyroidism and cretinism.     

快长、少畸形香鱼新品种“浙闽1号”的选育

香鱼(Plecoglossus altivelis)“浙闽1号”是以2002年采捕自浙江宁海凫溪的野生香鱼为基础群体,采用群体选育技术,以生长速度和体形特征为选育指标,经7代连续选育而获得的水产新品种.该品种在相同养殖条件下,9月龄时体长生长要比当地商品苗快11.36％以上,体重生长快25.92％.2012～2014年在浙江宁海和福建南靖两处进行中试,工厂化养殖面积达4.5万m2,9月龄鱼存活率比当地商品苗提高30％以上,畸形率接近于零,平均增收38.98％.本文介绍了“浙闽1号”选育过程、品种特征和中试情况,为该品种的进一步推广养殖以及其他水产新品种的选育提供信息和资料借鉴.     

First case of sterility associated with sex chromosomal abnormalities in a jenny

Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the main causes of genetic infertility in horses. Currently, their detection rate is rising due to the use of new diagnostic tools employing molecular markers linked to the sex chromosome pair. Despite genetic similarities, there are no previous reports of sterility associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic donkey (Equus asinus). Hereby, we determined the presence of a chromosomal mosaicism in a female donkey with reproductive problems using molecular methodologies developed for horses. A two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old jenny characterized by morphological abnormalities of the reproductive tract was cytogenetically analysed using conventional and fluorescent techniques and a group of microsatellite markers (short tandem repeat, STR). At the same time, five ultrasound measures of the reproductive tract were taken and compared with eight contemporary jennies of the same breed. After slaughter, morphological examinations showed that the case study had a blind vaginal vestibule defining an empty pouch that covered the entrance of the cervical os. Histopathological studies demonstrated that this abnormal structure was compatible with a remnant hymen. Molecular markers, STR and fluorescent in situ hybridization determinations revealed that the animal was a 62, XX/61,X mosaic and, therefore, the first case of chromosomal abnormalities in the sex pair reported in donkeys.     

Hollow sperm syndrome during spermatogenesis in the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius 1798) from eastern Australia

During spermatogenesis, giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) from Queensland, eastern Australia had a high proportion of testicular spermatids that appeared ‘hollow’ because their nuclei were not visible with the haematoxylin and eosin stain. When examined by transmission electron microscopy, the nuclei of hollow spermatids contained highly decondensed chromatin, with large areas missing fibrillar chromatin. Together with hollow spermatids, testicular pale enlarged (PE) spermatids with weakly staining and marginated chromatin were observed. Degenerate‐eosinophilic‐clumped (DEC) spermatids that appeared as aggregated clumps were also present in testes tubules. Among 171 sub‐adult and adult P. monodon examined from several origins, 43% displayed evidence of hollow spermatids in the testes, 33% displayed PE spermatids and 15% displayed DEC spermatids. These abnormal sperm were also found at lower prevalence in the vas deferens and spermatophore. We propose ‘Hollow Sperm Syndrome (HSS)’ to describe this abnormal sperm condition as these morphological aberrations have yet to be described in penaeid shrimp. No specific cause of HSS was confirmed by examining either tank or pond cultured shrimp exposed to various stocking densities, temperatures, salinities, dietary and seasonal factors. Compared with wild broodstock, HSS occurred at higher prevalence and severity among sub‐adults originating from farms, research ponds and tanks. Further studies are required to establish what physiological, hormonal or metabolic processes may cause HSS and whether it compromises the fertility of male P. monodon.     

On the Etiology of “Scotty Cramp” and “Splay” — Two Motoring Disorders Common in the Scottish Terrier Breed

The skull-cap, the meninges, and the dorsal surface of the cerebral cortex were inspected in 20 Scottish Terriers subjected to euthanasia because of severe Scotty Cramp, and in 1 Cocker Spaniel and 2 Scottish Terrier puppies sacrificed because of Splay (inability to stand on the hind legs).Apparent abnormalities observed in the 12 younger (6 weeks to 18 months old) Scotty Cramp animals were firm medial adhesion of the dura to the skull-cap (all animals), meningeal hemorrhage (10 animals), and bony jags on the inner side of the skull-cap making impressions in the underlying dura and cerebral cortex (8 animals).Similar bony irregularities causing durai and cortical impressions were observed in 5 out of 8 Scotty Cramp dogs belonging to a senior age group (3 to 11 years old). Meningeal hemorrhage was observed only in 1 animal belonging to this group, but consistent observations were scarified appearance of the dura along the midline and induration around superior cerebral veins medially in the cruciate sulcus.Meningeal hemorrhage and firm medial adhesion of the dura to the skull-cap were consistent observations in the Splay puppies (6 weeks to 3 months old).The possibility is discussed that the ultimate cause of Scotty Cramp and Splay may be abnormalities in the development of the parietal and frontal bones, of their interconnection, and of their relation to the underlying meninges. This in turn may exert mechanical, circulatory or other influences causing dysfunction of the cerebral motor cortex.     

Cytogenetic Studies on Five Egyptian Breeds of Domestic Goats

Contents: Blood samples were collected from 50 normal male and female goats belonging to five Egyptian breeds, and also from 22 sterile females. Leukocyte cultures were set up and chromosomal preparations were made. The karyotype of the goats examined was identical with that reported in the literature for foreign breeds, consisting of 58 acrocentric autosomes, a large, acro centric X and a small, metacentric Y chromosome. All acrocentric chromosomes had well defined C-bands, while the Y chromosome was uniformly dark. Chromosomal aberrations were infrequent in the normal animals, except in one male which had a high rate of polyploidy. There were no significant differences in cytological aberrations between breeds and sexes, except for polyploidy, which was caused by the one aberrant male with high polyploidy. The 22 sterile females were composed of 14 individuals which displayed XX/XY mosaicism and eight animals with only XX leukocytes. Among the 14 mosaics, 10 animals were intersexes, one displayed blind halves of the udder, and three were morphologically normal females. The eight sterile XX females were morphologically normal. Chromosomal aberrations were higher in sterile females than in fertile females. Sterile XX females had more aberrations than XX/XY mosaics. The aberrations consisted of chromatid breaks, centric fusion, chromosome and chromatid gaps and peridiploidy, in that order of significance. Concluding, the present study adds evidence for a link between sterility and chromosomal aberration. The high incidence of intersexuality associated with XX/XY mosaicism in polled goats warrants further study. Inhalt: ZTtogenetische Studien an fünf ägyptischen Ziegenrassen Von 50 normalen Ziegen fünf ägyptischer Rassen und von 22 unfruchtbaren Tieren wurden Blutproben gewonnen und Leukozytenkulturen und Chromosompräparationen angefertigt. Der untersuchte Karyotyp der Ziegen entsprach dem in der Literatur von ausländischen Rassen berichteten und besteht aus 58 akrozentrischen Autosomen, einem groβen akrozentrischen X- und einem kleinen metazentrischen Y-Chromosom. Alle akroxentrischen Chromosomen haben klar definierte C-Bänderung, während das Y-Chromosom einheitlich dunkel ist. Chromosomale Abweichungen sind in normalen Tieren selten, nur ein Bock hatte eine hohe Polyploidierate. Signifikante Unterschiede in zytologischen Abweichungen konnten zwischen Rassen und Geschlechtem nicht festgestellt werden, mit Ausnahme der Polyploidie des genannten Bockes. Unter 22 sterilen Ziegen waren 14 mit XX/XY-Mosaik und 8 XX-Tiere. Unter den 14 Mosaiken waren 10 Intersexe, ein Tier hatte eine blinde Euterhälfte und drei waren morphologisch normal. Die 8 unfruchtbaren XX-Ziegen waren morphologisch normal. Chromosomale Aberrationen waren in sterilen Ziegen höher als in fruchtbaren Tieren, die sterilen XX-Ziegen hatten mehr Abweichungen als die Ziegen mit XX/XY-Mosaiken. Die Aberrationen bestanden in Chromatidbrüchen, zentrischen Fusionen, Chromosom- und Chromatidlücken und Peridiploidie, und zwar in dieser Reihenfolge. Zusammenfassend kann festgestellt werden, daß die gegenwärtigen Untersuchungen Hinweise für eine Verbindung zwischen Sterilität und chromosomalen Abweichungen liefert. Die gesteigerte Häufigkeit der Intersexualität in Verbindung mit XX/XY-Mosaiken in hornlosen Ziegen macht weitere Untersuchungen wünschenswert.     

Preliminary analysis of genomic abnormalities in canine meningiomas

Cytogenetic detection of unbalanced genomic aberrations in tumours is a strategy for the identification of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. When considered in concert with clinical data, the approach also represents a means of identifying markers of prognosis. In a preliminary investigation of the molecular basis of canine meningioma tumorigenesis, we profiled three tumours by comparative genomic hybridization. Distinct patterns of sub-chromosomal deletions were identified suggesting alternative mechanisms of tumour initiation. The deleted chromosomal segments encompass two regions (10q23.1 and 17q22-q23) that are syntenic to the chromosomes (22 and 1p) most often deleted in human meningiomas. A number of genes associated with DNA repair, cell cycle progression and apoptosis are located on both the deleted canine chromosomal segments and the syntenic regions deleted in human meningiomas. This study represents the first report of chromosomal copy number abnormalities in non-cultured canine brain tumour tissue.     

A comprehensive study of disorder of sex development in Staffordshire bull terrier dog

An 8‐month‐old female Staffordshire bull terrier was clinically examined because of external sexual organs abnormality—clitoral hypertrophy. As stated by the owner, the female dog had not been in heat yet. Serum profile of testosterone (3.39 ng/ml), as well as an anti‐M?llerian hormone (24.0 ng/ml), suggested the presence of testicular tissue. On the contrary, the estimated level of 17β‐oestradiol (24.6 pg/ml) was approximately two times higher when compared with the normal anoestrus values (5–10 pg/ml). A midline laparotomy was performed to detect the cranial parts of the genital system. Gonads resembling testicle or ovotestis (left) and hypoplastic testicle (right) was visible. Cranial portion of gonads was attached to structures indicative of bilateral epididymidis. The next tubular structures—oviducts were resected along with adherent parts of a hypoplastic uterus. Histological evaluation confirmed that the examined gonad samples were testicles with modified interstitial testicular tissue. Hypertrophy of interstitial space was predominantly formed by Leydig cells. Examination of a cross‐section through the head of suspected epididymidis confirmed their characteristic structures. In addition, the characteristic configuration of the oviducts was presented. The uterus consisted of three walls, in which the endometrium was hypoplastic with the presence of endometrial glands. No Y chromosome was detected by chromosomal analysis using CFA Y probe and the amplification of SRY‐gene coding region (813 bp) indicated genotype 78, XX; SRY‐negative. Sequencing of SOX9 gene exons 1–3 did not reveal any differences in exon 1 and 3. On the contrary, a few changes were determined in the SOX9 exon 2 sequences: G instead of A at position 103; C instead of reference T at position 115; GCG instead of reference CGC at position 138–140; T instead of reference C at positions 161, 164 and 167.