A comparison of methods to evaluate the susceptibility of potato cultivars to blackleg (caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica) in the field at different sites

Potato seed tubers were inoculated either using a needle or using a high-pressure jet injector at a number of sites in the United Kingdom. Over 2 years, different cultivars showed different trends in blackleg symptoms. Comparisons with inoculation by infiltration of tubers under vacuum were made at two sites, and by damaging followed by dipping tubers in inoculum at one site. The relationship between plant vigour in July and yield was closer than that between blackleg symptoms and yield.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—BACTERIAL DISKOSPONDYLITIS IN A GOAT

A 3-year-old intact male Boer goat was evaluated for paraplegia. Computed tomography (CT) indicated the presence of diskospondylitis, which had previously not been reported in this species, and significant compressive myelopathy. Chronic bacterial pneumonia, epididymitis, nephritis, and soft-tissue abscesses were believed to result in hematogenous spread of bacteria to the affected disk spaces. Staphylococcus spp. and Archanobacterium pyogenes were both identified from postmortem cultures of the vertebral column.     

NAFTA or Nada? Trade's Impact on U.S. Border Retailers

The extensive debate over trade liberalization policies in the United States holds a general consensus that some industries will benefit while others will not. This paper explores the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on U.S. retailers in states located along the border with Mexico. Overall, the impact of trade on U.S. border retailers has been beneficial. However, the results demonstrate that retailers in the region are vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations and other macroeconomic influences that change the relative price ratio between the United States and Mexico. Furthermore, retailers in metropolitan statistical areas that have a relatively high concentration of retail sector employment are more susceptible to these changes.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL CORD HEMANGIOMA IN TWO DOGS

Intramedullary masses are a dilemma due to the limited access for a nonsurgical biopsy, thus, accurate imaging characterization is crucial. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of two confirmed canine thoracic intramedullary hemangiomas are described. A capillary hemangioma was of mixed intensity but predominantly T2‐hyperintense and mildly T1‐hyperintense to spinal cord with strong contrast enhancement. A cavernous hemangioma had a target‐like appearance in both T1‐weighted (T1w) and T2‐weighted (T2w) images. In T2w images there was a small isointense center surrounded by a relatively large hyperintense area. In T1w images, there was a large isointense centre with a relatively small hyperintense periphery. Such characteristics should prioritize hemangioma as a consideration in a progressive myelopathy due to an intramedullary mass.     

Eluvial/illuvial coefficients of major elements and the corresponding losses and gains in three soil profiles

The major element compositions of three soil profiles from the north-east of Scotland have been determined and from them losses and gains of major elements have been calculated. Eluvial/illuvial coefficients are also calculated and used to measure the intensities of soil processes. This information forms the basis of a discussion on the development of the profiles. The main process involves the decomposition of minerals, especially in the upper horizons, the loss of constituents to drainage and the translocation ofa few to the lower horizons.     

Development of a Free Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap in Cats

Anatomic and experimental evaluation of the feline latissimus dorsi muscle was performed to assess its potential use as a free muscle flap. In the anatomic study, nonselective angiography of the subscapular artery was performed in nine heparinized feline cadavers. The muscle dimensions and vascular anatomy of the dissected latissimus dorsi muscle were recorded. In the experimental study four cats underwent heterotopic transplantation of a partial latissimus dorsi flap, and three cats underwent orthotopic transplantation of a complete latissimus dorsi flap. The mean length and width of the latissimus dorsi muscle was 19.0 and 5.4 cm, respectively. The dominant vascular pedicle was the thoracodorsal artery and vein. The average length and diameter of the thoracodorsal artery was 2.7 cm and 0.6 mm, respectively. Minor vascular pedicles were provided by branches of the intercostal arteries. Numerous choke anastomoses existed between the two pedicle systems. Viability of muscle flaps based on subjective evaluation, angiography, and histopathology, was 66% and 100% in the heterotopic and orthotopic studies, respectively. Flap failure seemed to be caused by both arterial and venous thrombosis. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap met criteria required for application in microvascular reconstruction. The vascular pattern was appropriate and consistent. Donor site morbidity was low, whereas surgical accessibility was high. The muscle satisfied the physical criteria of a free flap. Long-term anastomotic patency and flap viability was shown.     

Modified Lateral Orbitotomy for Removal of Orbital Neoplasms in Two Dogs

A simplified lateral orbitotomy is described that decreases surgical time and lessens tissue dissection, yet maintains the exposure to the orbit provided by other orbitotomy techniques. The approach involves cutting the orbital ligament, incising the temporalis aponeurosis from the dorsal zygomatic arch, making parallel zygomatic arch osteotomies, and reflecting the zygomatic arch ventrally. Closure of the wound involves wiring the zygomatic arch back into place. This orbitotomy procedure provides excellent exposure for removal or biopsy of orbital masses. The use of this technique for surgical excision of orbital masses in two dogs, one with an adenoma of the third eyelid gland and one with an orbital fibrosarcoma, and their subsequent management is described.