RAPD variation within and among populations of globe artichoke cultivar 'Spinoso sardo'

Globe artichoke is a vegetable native to the Mediterranean basin. Its commercial production is mainly based on perennial cultivation of vegetatively propagated clones, which are highly heterozygous and segregate widely when progeny‐tested. The aim of this study was to measure genetic variation using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in five populations of ‘Spinoso sardo’, the most widely grown and economically important cultivar in Sardinia (Italy). Analysis of molecular variance (amova ) gave highly significant differences between populations (28.1% of the total genetic diversity); substantial within‐population variation was detected (71.8% of total genetic diversity). The RAPD results show the need to apply clonal selection to narrow the broad genetic variability within the cultivar and to address important questions on the most suitable strategies for germplasm preservation.     

A molecular basis for natural selection at the timeless locus in Drosophila melanogaster

Diapause is a protective response to unfavorable environments that results in a suspension of insect development and is most often associated with the onset of winter. The ls-tim mutation in the Drosophila melanogaster clock gene timeless has spread in Europe over the past 10,000 years, possibly because it enhances diapause. We show that the mutant allele attenuates the photosensitivity of the circadian clock and causes decreased dimerization of the mutant TIMELESS protein isoform to CRYPTOCHROME, the circadian photoreceptor. This interaction results in a more stable TIMELESS product. These findings reveal a molecular link between diapause and circadian photoreception.     

Efficacy of a long-acting formulation of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid for the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) administered into the posterior aspect of an ear for treatment of corneal ulceration associated with naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). ANIMALS: 78 beef calves located at Sierra Foothills Field Station (SFS) and 52 calves located at a commercial dairy (CD). All calves were from 3 to 9 months old. PROCEDURE: At each site, calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups by use of a block design determined by corneal ulcer size. A single dose of CCFA (6.6 mg of ceftiofur equivalents/kg, s.c.) was administered into the posterior aspect of a pinna. A second group of calves received a single dose of vehicle (0.03 mL/kg, s.c.; controls). Corneal ulcers were photographed, and clinical signs were assessed in calves every 3 to 4 days for 21 days. RESULTS: A positive treatment effect was detected at SFS. Results at the CD were inconclusive because ulcer healing occurred rapidly in control and CCFA-treated calves. At SFS, treatment with CCFA resulted in shorter mean healing times, smaller corneal ulcer surface area measurements, amelioration of ocular discharge and photophobia, and a 50% increase in the percentage of calves healed by day 14. After adjustment for initial corneal ulcer size, treatment with CCFA resulted in a 4-fold increase in the odds of corneal ulcer healing by day 14, compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A single dose of CCFA administered into the posterior aspect of a pinna had a positive treatment effect against naturally occurring IBK in calves with corneal ulcerations.     

Prion-induced amyloid heart disease with high blood infectivity in transgenic mice

We investigated extraneural manifestations in scrapie-infected transgenic mice expressing prion protein lacking the glycophosphatydylinositol membrane anchor. In the brain, blood, and heart, both abnormal protease-resistant prion protein (PrPres) and prion infectivity were readily detected by immunoblot and by inoculation into nontransgenic recipients. The titer of infectious scrapie in blood plasma exceeded 10(7) 50% infectious doses per milliliter. The hearts of these transgenic mice contained PrPres-positive amyloid deposits that led to myocardial stiffness and cardiac disease.     

Morphology and SSR fingerprinting of newly developed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cynara cardunculus</Emphasis> genotypes exploitable as ornamentals

The species Cynara cardunculus includes the globe artichoke (var. scolymus), the cultivated cardoon (var. altilis) and the wild cardoon (var. sylvestris). The three taxa are sexually compatible and originate fertile F ₁ progenies, which, given the high heterozygosity of the species, are highly segregating. We report the characterization of two F ₁ populations, one bred from a cross between globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon, and the other between globe artichoke and wild cardoon. Both populations featured a wide array of phenotypes in relation to several traits, and some of the newly developed genotypes are of interest for the ornamental market. The two populations were genotyped at 50 microsatellite (SSR) loci: in the globe artichoke × wild cardoon and globe artichoke × cultivated cardoon progenies 116 and 97 alleles were respectively detected. SSR pattern scores were used to produce an UPGMA dendrogram and a PCoA plot. A set of nine SSR loci, evenly dispersed across the genome, was shown to be sufficient to unambiguously identify each segregant. The molecular fingerprinting is useful for establishing the true to type correspondence of propagative materials in nurseries and ensures the effective correspondence between the real and the declared identity of a clone.     

Prevalence of the polycystic kidney disease and renal and urinary bladder ultrasonographic abnormalities in Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats in Italy

The ultrasonographic findings of kidneys, liver and urinary bladder of 288 Persian and 44 Exotic Shorthair clinically normal cats that underwent screening for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) between July 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Cats were divided into two groups, one including cats aged <9 months (group 1) and one cats aged >/=9 months (group 2). Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was found. One hundred and thirty-six cats (41.0%) had more than one cyst in at least one kidney. The prevalence of PKD was similar in both groups. Eight PKD-positive cats had cystic livers (5.9%). Other renal abnormalities included a pelvic calculus and a medullary rim sign (MRS). The difference in prevalence of an MRS in group 2 compared to group 1 and the difference between PKD-positive and -negative cats in group 2 were not significant. There was no difference in mean kidney length between PKD-positive and -negative cats in group 2. Urinary bladder anomalies were principally represented by urinary sediment, with prevalence significantly higher in group 2. No difference was detected in group 2 between PKD-positive and -negative cats. In conclusion feline PKD is common in Italy. The ultrasonographic findings of MRS and urinary bladder sediment did not correlate with feline PKD. Urinary bladder sediment is common in Persians and Exotic Shorthairs and more likely in adults.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF SKELETAL MUSCLE METASTASES IN A DOG WITH HEMANGIOSARCOMA

A 13‐year‐old spayed female German shepherd dog was presented for acute onset of lethargy, anorexia, and disseminated erythematous skin lesions. Thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasonographic findings were consistent with metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Multiple, ill‐defined, irregularly shaped hypoechoic nodules were also detected within the thoracic and abdominal wall. Hemangiosarcoma metastases to the skeletal muscle were confirmed based on histopathological examination. Multivisceral involvement was also confirmed by necropsy. Metastatic neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with ill‐defined, irregular, hypoechoic, intramuscular nodules.     

An AFLP-based assessment of the genetic diversity within Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and its place within the Hibiscus genus complex

Species within the genus Hibiscus (Malvaceae) are herbaceous or woody plants, annuals or perennials. Within the genus, most of the domesticated species are grown as ornamentals, and the most widely exploited is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which is particularly variable with respect to flower colour and shape. H. rosa-sinensis is thought to have originated following hybridization between two species complexes endemic to different geographic locations.     

Assessment of synthetic chemicals for disruption of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus response to attractant-baited traps in an urban environment

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is one of the most severe pests of ornamental palm species in urban areas of Mediterranean countries. Aiming to discover inhibitory semiochemicals for RPW population management in urban environments, we conducted electroantennographic (EAG) screenings of 17 commercially available synthetic compounds, representing three groups of plant volatiles (isoprenoids, phenyl propanoid derivatives and fatty acid derivatives) known for their repellent effects toward insects. These tests were followed by trap-based screenings of EAG-active menthone, α-pinene and methyl salicylate, singly and in combination, under urban conditions. In EAG bioassays, RPW antennae of both sexes showed positive dose-dependent responses to 13 of the 17 synthetic chemicals with significant differences among them. In field trapping experiments, conducted in the city of Palermo, Italy, from weeks 31 to 38 in 2010 and 2011, α-pinene, tested singly or in combination with methyl salicylate (2010) or menthone (2011), reduced trap catches by about 30% to 40%. Methyl salicylate and menthone alone were inactive. In conclusion, RPW is significantly affected by α-pinene. This isoprenoid is a promising disruptant for semiochemical-based management of this pest. In addition, identification of a large number of EAG-active chemicals could serve as a database for future design of active repellents or attractants of RPW adults.     

Susceptibility to vancomycin and other antibiotics of 165 Enterococcus strains isolated from dogs in Italy

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance, with special attention to vancomycin, in 165 Enterococcus strains isolated from dogs subjected or not to previous antibiotics treatment(s) was determined. For each strain, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to 9 antibiotics was assessed. All strains were sensible to vancomycin. High frequencies of resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, and enrofloxacin were detected. E. faecium strains isolated from dogs subjected to antibiotic treatment were more resistant to tetracycline with respect to control dogs. Although enterococci from dog show a high degree of antibiotic resistance, they are sensitive to vancomycin. Therefore, the risk of transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal strains from dogs to man is close to zero.