Ultrasonographic diagnosis and surgical management of double intestinal intussusception in 3 dogs

The diagnosis and treatment of double intestinal intussusception in 3 pups with persistent vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, leucocytosis, and electrolyte imbalance are described. Ultrasonography confirmed intussusception and laparotomy revealed double intussusceptions. Intussusceptions were corrected by manual reduction in 1 pup and intestinal resection and anastomosis in 2 pups. Two pups survived and 1 pup died on the 4th day after surgery.     

Phylogenetic studies in Citrus reticulata and related types

Summary Sixteen types of mandarins were screened for their leaf flavonoid patterns with the help of cellulose thin-layer chromatography. In general, Tanaka's classification of mandarins into 36 species is untenable, as was already concluded by Swingle (1948), Hodgson (1965) and Singh (1967). It is likely that a fine loose skinned mandarin was first evolved. Later, it hybridized with wild mandarin to give rise to numerous types and forms.Contribution No. 474 of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-6, India.     

Chemical equilibria and quantity—Intensity relationship of zinc in some acid soils of India

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the nature of chemical equilibria of zinc in some acid soils of Himachal Pradesh (India). The results indicated that one of the chemical reactions controlling zinc ion activity in the ambient soil solution may be represented by the equation:

$\text{Si(OH)}{}_4\text{+ 2H}{}_2\text{O ? Zn(OH)}{}_2\text{(}\text{crys.}\text{) + SiO}{}_2\text{(}\text{amorph.}\text{) + 2H}{}_3\text{O}{}^{\mathrm{+}}$

Sequential extraction of ⁶⁵Zn-equilibrated soils provided a measure of the intensity of its different forms and their relative contribution to the pool of potentially available zinc in such soils. Adsorption-desorption parameters have been derived from a quattitative treatment of these phenomena as defined by the Langmuir equation. A supply parameter, $\text{√}\text{cq}\text{√K}{}_1\text{K}{}_2$, integrating the combined effects of quantity, intensity and buffering capacity has been derived from the adsorption studies. A linear relationship between the supply parameter and cumulative desorption of applied zind in these soils has been noted. The desorption of zinc from these soils is an exponential process. The solubility relationship of zinc is expressed in terms of the theory of simultaneous equilibria of competitive chemical reactions which obviates the necessity of assuming a single physico-chemical model in predicting and relating the activity of zinc in the ambient soil solution and its surface reactivity on solid phases in the immediate vicinity of plant roots to its ultimate transport and uptake by plants.     

Epidemiology and diagnosis of subclinical iodine deficiency in crossbred cattle of Punjab.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency in crossbred cows (taurus x indicus) of Punjab and to assess the diagnostic value of the plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones, total cholesterol and free fatty acids in iodine deficiency. The efficacy of ethiodised oil, as a long-term supplement of iodine, was also evaluated. PROCEDURES: Base-line survey of iodine status was conducted by measuring plasma inorganic iodine (PII) concentration in 48 crossbred cows from 31 dairy units. Concentrations of plasma triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), total cholesterol and free fatty acids were compared between iodine deficient and normal cows. Circulating T4 and T3 concentrations were also determined before and after injection of ethiodised oil in cows with low PII levels. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of iodine deficiency was 35.9% and showed considerable geographical variation from 0 to 86% within Punjab. Cardinal clinical signs of iodine deficiency were absent and basal plasma T3 and T4 concentrations and their ratio did not differ between deficient and control cows. Activity of circulating T4 and T4:T3 ratio increased in response to ethiodised oil injection and persisted beyond 70 days after injection. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic iodine deficiency is prevalent in crossbred cows of Punjab and response to iodine supplementation is the most reliable index of thyroid dysfunction associated with iodine deprivation. The results of this study also support the view that injection of 1 mL of 78% ethiodised oil can prevent iodine deficiency for more than 70 days.     

Profiling of virulence associated genes of Pasteurella multocida isolated from cattle

Pasteurella multocida is a causative agent of many major diseases of which haemorrhagic septiciemia (HS) in cattle & a buffalo is responsible for significant losses to livestock sector in India and south Asia. The disease outcome is affected by various host- and pathogen-specific determinants. Several bacterial species-specific putative virulence factors including the capsular and virulence associated genes have been proposed to play a key role in this interaction. A total of 23 isolates of P. multocida were obtained from 335 cases of various clinically healthy and diseased cattle. These isolates were examined for capsule synthesis genes (capA, B, D, E and F) and eleven virulence associated genes (tbpA, pfhA, toxA, hgbB, hgbA, nanH, nanB, sodA, sodC, oma87 and ptfA) by PCR. A total of 19 P. multocida isolates belonging to capsular type B and 4 of capsular type A were isolated. All isolates of capsular type B harboured the virulence associated genes: tbpA, pfhA, hgbA, sodC and nanH, coding for transferrin binding protein, filamentous hemagglutinin, haemoglobin binding protein, superoxide dismutase and neuraminidases, respectively; while isolates belonging to capsular type A also carried tbpA, pfhA, hgbA and nanH genes. Only 50 % of capsular type A isolates contained sodC gene while 100 % of capsular type B isolates had sodC gene. The gene nanB and toxA were absent in all the 23 isolates. In capsular type A isolates, either sodA or sodC gene was present & these genes did not occur concurrently. The presence of virulence associated gene ptfA revealed a positive association with the disease outcome in cattle and could therefore be an important epidemiological marker gene for characterizing P. multocida isolates.     

Progress in breeding for resistance to Ug99 and other races of the stem rust fungus in CIMMYT wheat germplasm

Races belonging to the Ug99 (TTKSK) lineage of the wheat stem rust fungus, carrying complex virulence combinations, and their migration to countries in Africa, Middle East and Asia continue to pose a significant threat to global wheat production. The rapid spread of additional races, e.g., TKTTF or the Digalu lineage, in several countries causing localized epidemics reminds us of the vulnerability of wheat germplasm to stem rust disease, a formidable foe referenced as early as biblical times. A global rust monitoring system reflecting increased surveillance efforts has identified 13 races within the Ug99 lineage in 13 countries and unrelated lineages are emerging, spreading and posing serious threats to wheat production. Race TKTTF has caused localized epidemics in Ethiopia and its variants have been recently implicated in stem rust outbreaks in Europe. Concerted research efforts have resulted in the identification of several new resistance genes and gene combinations for use in breeding. Combining multiple adult plant resistance (APR) genes in high-yielding backgrounds and discovery of new quantitative trait loci conferring stem rust resistance has progressed in the recent years, enhancing the durability of resistance. Effective gene stewardship and new generation breeding materials and cultivars that combine multiple race-specific or minor to intermediate effect APR genes, complemented by active surveillance and monitoring, have helped to limit major epidemics and increase grain yield potential in key target environments.     

Effect of biotin supplementation on hoof health and ceramide composition in dairy cattle

The effect of biotin supplementation on various foot lesions and hoof ceramide composition of toe (wall) and sole portions of hooves was studied in crossbred dairy cattle. Biotin supplementation was done for five months in 14 cattle at a farm and the other 14 animals kept as control. A significant decline was observed in heel erosions and sole avulsions along with total disappearance of white line fissures and double soles in the biotin supplemented cattle resulting in decrease in the overall disease score. Thin layer chromatographs of the hoof lipids revealed 11 types of ceramides in sole lipids and 6 types of ceramides in toe (wall) lipids. The ceramides were typed and identified according to their Rf values. A qualitative increase in the density of thin layer chromatographs of sole lipids was observed in biotin supplemented cattle whereas a non-significant difference in density of thin layer chromatographs of toe lipids was observed after supplementation of biotin.     

Development of a continuous cell line from larval Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and its use in the study of the microsporidian,Loma morhua

In vitro cell culture methods are crucial for the isolation, purification and mass propagation of intracellular pathogens of aquatic organisms. Cell culture infection models can yield insights into infection mechanisms, aid in developing methods for disease mitigation and prevention, and inform commercial‐scale cultivation approaches. This study details the establishment of a larval cell line (GML‐5) from the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and its use in the study of microsporidia. GML‐5 has survived over 100 passages in 8 years of culture. The line remains active and viable between 8 and 21°C in Leibovitz‐15 (L‐15) media with 10% foetal bovine serum and exhibits a myofibroblast phenotype as indicated by immuno‐positive results for vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I and S‐100 proteins, while being desmin‐negative. GML‐5 supports the infection and development of two microsporidian parasites, an opportunistic generalist (Anncaliia algerae) and cod‐specific Loma morhua. Using GML‐5, spore germination and proliferation of L. morhua was found to require exposure to basic pH and cool incubation temperatures (8°C), in contrast to A. algerae, which required no cultural modifications. Loma morhua‐associated xenoma‐like structures were observed 2 weeks postexposure. This in vitro infection model may serve as a valuable tool for cod parasitology and aquaculture research.