Serum 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and corticosterone concentrations in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and corticosterone concentrations in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and dogs being screened for hyperadrenocorticism. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 16 clinically normal dogs, 35 dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia, and 127 dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURE: ACTH stimulation tests were performed in all dogs. Baseline serum cortisol and corticosterone concentrations were measured in the healthy dogs; baseline serum cortisol concentration and ACTH-stimulated cortisol, corticosterone, and 17OHP concentrations were measured in all dogs. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentration was also measured before administration of ACTH in dogs with neoplasia. RESULTS: In 35 dogs with neoplasia, 31.4% had high serum 17OHP concentration and 22.9% had high serum corticosterone concentration. Of the 127 dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism, 59 (46.5%) had high ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations; of those, 42 of 59 (71.2%) and 32 of 53 (60.4%) had high serum 17OHP and corticosterone concentrations, respectively. Of dogs with serum cortisol concentration within reference range after ACTH administration, 9 of 68 (13.2%) and 7 of 67 (10.4%) had high serum 17OHP and corticosterone concentrations, respectively. In the dogs with neoplasia and dogs suspected of having hyperadrenocorticism, post-ACTH serum hormone concentrations were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum concentrations of 17OHP or corticosterone after administration of ACTH may be high in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and no evidence of hyperadrenocorticism. Changes in serum 17OHP or corticosterone concentrations after administration of ACTH are proportionate with changes in cortisol concentration.     

Stability of co‐composted hydrochar and biochar under field conditions in a temperate soil

Hydrothermally converted biomass (hydrochar) is evaluated as a carbon‐rich soil amendment in addition to pyrogenic biochar. After assessing the suitability of hydrochar for use in agriculture, its environmental safety and comparing its chemistry with that of biochar, we describe a field trial established at Halle (Germany) under natural conditions for a temperate climate and without further external management practices. The main objective of our study was to analyse the stability and hence the C sequestration potential of composted chars over a period of 2 years. Four treatments (no amendment control, compost, co‐composted hydrochar and co‐composted biochar) in fourfold field replication were chosen to make a direct comparison of biochar and hydrochar under field conditions. The total organic carbon and total N increased in all treatments in comparison with the control but only in biochar‐amended treatments were N concentrations more stable. Composted biochar showed significantly more black carbon content in topsoil, sampled some months after application, compared with all other treatments. We show that hydrochar is less suitable for long‐term C sequestration in comparison with biochar but has potential for soil amelioration because it delivers essential nutrients. On the other hand, biochar is richer in polyaromatic C than hydrochar and therefore is more stable in the long term. We assessed biochar stability using the black carbon analysis of the different soil samples.     

Einflu? von Jahrringbreite und Alter auf den mikroskopischen Bua von Trauben- und Stieleichenholz

Ohne ZusammenfassungÜberarbeiteter Teil einer Ingenieur-Abschlußarbeit an der Staatlichen Ingenieurschule für Holztechnik in Rosenheim des letztgenannten Verfassers.     

Studies on the excretion of estrogen in cows following oral and percutaneous (pour-on) administration of chlormadinone acetate]

The oestrogen levels were assessed in 180 urine samples taken from 20 cows. The animals had received over 15 days 40 mg one-per-cent oily solution of chloromadinone acetate. The solution had been applied orally or by pour-on methods. The curves of oestrogen excretion were identical for both methods of application, both during and after completed administration. In other words, the effect obtainable from pour-on application is just as good as that obtainable from oral administration.