Prevalence of antibodies to equine viruses in the Netherlands

Summary The prevalence of antibodies to various viruses was investigated in a series of serum samples collected from horses in the Netherlands between 1963 and 1966 and from 1972 onwards. Neutralizing antibodies to equine rhinopneumonitis virus, equine arteritis virus and to equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2 were detected in respectively 76%, 14%, 66% and 59% of the equine serum samples tested. The observed incidence of serum samples positive to equine adenovirus in the complement fixation test was 39%. Precipitating antibodies to equine infectious anaemia virus were detected only in serum samples from two horses imported from abroad. Haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies to Myxovirus influenzae A / equi-1, M. Influenzae A / equi-2, and Reovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were present in respectively 82%, 50%, 10%, 33% and 3.6% of the serum samples tested. The most frequently observed incidence of antibodies to the various equine respiratory viruses occurred in the groups of horses having repeatedly contact with other horses.     

Salvinia plants in trade: what species are we actually talking about?

Incorrect labelling of plants in trade and misidentification are widespread. Likewise, in trade numerous names are being used for the ornamental aquatic plant known as ‘Kariba weed’, but rarely the correct scientific name Salvinia molesta Mitch. For inspection services of EPPO member countries, correct identification of S. molesta has become important since the species was added to the EPPO A2 List and the List of Union concern in accordance with EU regulation 1143/2014 based on an EPPO Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for the species. Inspections and a targetted survey of Salvinia plants in trade in the Netherlands were performed and additional material was obtained from wild sources in South Africa, Hungary and the United States. Specimen identification was verified by comparison with the herbarium collection at Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden and with the sequences available in NCBI GenBank database. This paper provides the tools to correctly identity the relevant Salvinia species.     

Relative abundance and activity of melanized hyphae in different soil ecosystems

Here we report on the frequency of melanized fungal hyphae in 323 soils, covering different land use types. The proportion of total hyphae that was melanized averaged 61%. Arable fields with loamy sand, heathlands and city parks on sandy soils had the highest percentage of melanized hyphae. In addition to the frequency determinations, a microcosm study was performed on the role of melanized hyphae in two different ecosystems: an ex-arable field and a forest. Melanized hyphae appeared to be part of the active hyphae in the forest soil but not in the ex-arable soil. In conclusion, our results indicate that (1) melanized hyphae represent a large proportion of the total fungal biomass in soils and that (2) their function might differ between ecosystems.     

Urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio in cats before and after suppression with salt or fludrocortisone acetate

Background: The endocrine diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in cats currently is based on an increased plasma aldosterone to renin ratio, which has several disadvantages for use in veterinary practice. Objectives: To establish a reference range for the urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UACR) and to determine whether oral administration of either sodium chloride or fludrocortisone acetate is effective for use in a suppression test. Animals: Forty‐two healthy cats from an animal shelter and 1 cat with primary hyperaldosteronism from a veterinary teaching hospital. Methods: Morning urine samples for determination of the basal UACR were collected from 42 healthy cats. For the suppression tests, urine samples for the UACR were collected after twice daily oral administration for 4 consecutive days of either sodium chloride, 0.25 g/kg body weight (n = 22) or fludrocortisone acetate, 0.05 mg/kg body weight (n = 15). Results: The median basal UACR was 7.2 × 10^?9 (range, 1.8–52.3 × 10^?9), with a calculated reference range of <46.5 × 10^?9. Administration of sodium chloride resulted in adequate salt loading in 10 of 22 cats, but without significant reduction in the UACR. Administration of fludrocortisone resulted in a significant decrease in the UACR (median, 78%; range, 44–97%; P < .001) in healthy cats. In the cat with an aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical carcinoma, the basal UACR and the UACR after fludrocortisone administration were 32 × 10^?9 and 36 × 10^?9, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Using the UACR for an oral fludrocortisone suppression test may be useful for the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in cats.     

Plasma renin activity and plasma concentrations of aldosterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in healthy cats

A pathogenetic role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in cats in both systemic arterial hypertension and hypokalemic myopathy. Yet, measurement of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) and plasma renin activity (PRA) has not unequivocally pointed to hyperaldosteronism as a cause of these conditions. To obtain appropriate reference ranges, this study included a large number (130) of healthy house cats of different breeds without a history of recent illness and plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine below the upper limit of the respective reference ranges. In addition, the pituitary-adrenocortical axis was studied by measuring plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and cortisol. Reference ranges for PACs (110-540 pmol/L; 40-195 pg/mL), PRA (60-630 fmol/L/s; 0.3-3 ng/mL/h), and the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) (0.3-3.8) were very similar to those established in the same laboratory for humans in a supine position. No breed differences were found. The ARRs in neutered cats were significantly higher than in intact cats, primarily because of low PRA in neutered cats. The ARRs of cats > or = 5 years of age were significantly higher than those of cats < 5 years of age. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, alpha-MSH, and cortisol did not correlate significantly with PAC. Thus, although blood sampling was performed in cats in nonstandardized positions and was associated with a wide variation of stress responses, the references ranges of PAC, PRA, and ARR were similar to the relatively narrow limits established for humans under standardized conditions. The effects of neutering and aging on PRA and ARR warrant further investigation.     

Uptake and metabolism as mechanisms of selective herbicidal activity of the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidines

In order to identify the factors providing the triazolopyrimidines with a wide range of selectivity amongst agriculturally important plant species, studies were made on the uptake and metabolism of a representative compound, N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine- 2-sulfonamide. This compound is much more phytotoxic to dicots than to monocots. Experiments showed that variations in leaf morphologies and geometries relative to spray applications resulted in different herbicide dosages applied to plant species used in selectivity evaluations. However, this parameter did not have a statistically significant correlation to herbicide selectivity measurements. Characterization of the metabolic pathways showed that the major herbicide metabolites involved methyl hydroxylation or hydroxylation of the aniline ring followed by glucose conjugation. Since these metabolites were not exclusive to either monocots or dicots, herbicide selectivity does not appear dependent on the pathway of metabolism. Studies on the kinetics of metabolism suggest instead that metabolic rate was important. Monocots metabolized the herbicide rapidly and generally were tolerant while the opposite was true of dicots.     

Force plate analysis before and after dorsal decompression for treatment of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: Using force plate analysis (FPA), determine ground reaction forces in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) and evaluate the effects of lumbosacral decompressive surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twelve dogs with DLS. METHODS: DLS was diagnosed by clinical signs, radiography, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging. FPA was performed before surgery, and 3 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. The mean peak braking (Fy+), peak propulsive (Fy-), and peak vertical (Fz+) forces of 8 consecutive strides were determined. The ratio between the total Fy- of the pelvic limbs and the total Fy- of the thoracic limbs (P/TFy-), reflecting the distribution of Fy-, was analyzed to evaluate any changes in locomotion pattern postoperatively. Ground reaction force data for DLS dogs were compared with data derived from 24 healthy dogs (control). RESULTS: In dogs with DLS, the propulsive forces (Fy-) of the pelvic limbs were significantly smaller than those of controls. P/TFy- was significantly smaller in dogs with DLS than in control dogs, and increased during the follow-up period, reaching normal values 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Cauda equina compression in dogs with DLS decreases the propulsive force of the pelvic limbs and surgical treatment restores the propulsive force of the pelvic limbs in a 6-month period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with DLS, FPA is an effective method in evaluating the response to surgical treatment. Normal propulsive force in the pelvic limbs was restored during 6 months after decompressive surgery.     

兽药使用环节存在的问题及对策

经过对兽药生产厂家和经营企业几年的整治,尤其是新<兽药管理条例>和<兽药标签和说明书管理办法>出台后,又经过GMP认证,兽药生产经营市场秩序和经营行为得到了一定的规范.但兽药使用环节中却存在诸多的问题,如:违法使用人用药品;违法使用禁用兽药;不执行休药期规定;未建立台帐等等.这些问题的存在,直接导致了动物产品的安全性问题.对此,笔者分析了兽药使用环节存在问题的原因,并对解决这些问题提出了个人观点.     

Control of Fusarium Wilt of Radish by Combining Pseudomonas putida Strains that have Different Disease-Suppressive Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Biological control of soilborne plant pathogens in the field has given variable results. By combining specific strains of microorganisms, multiple traits antagonizing the pathogen can be combined and this may result in a higher level of protection. Pseudomonas putida WCS358 suppresses Fusarium wilt of radish by effectively competing for iron through the production of its pseudobactin siderophore. However, in some bioassays pseudobactin-negative mutants of WCS358 also suppressed disease to the same extent as WCS358, suggesting that an, as yet unknown, additional mechanism may be operative in this strain. P. putida strain RE8 induced systemic resistance against fusarium wilt. When WCS358 and RE8 were mixed through soil together, disease suppression was significantly enhanced to approximately 50% as compared to the 30% reduction for the single strain treatments. Moreover, when one strain failed to suppress disease in the single application, the combination still resulted in disease control. The enhanced disease suppression by the combination of P. putida strains WCS358 and RE8 is most likely the result of the combination of their different disease-suppressive mechanisms. These results demonstrate that combining biocontrol strains can lead to more effective, or at least, more reliable biocontrol of fusarium wilt of radish.