A comparison of soil- and canopy temperature-based methods for the early detection of water stress in a simulated patch of pasture

This paper evaluates the sensitivity of two different methods of water stress detection in a simulated patch of pasture grown in a greenhouse. The performance of two indices, based respectively on canopy temperature and soil water content values — the latter gauged by means of a time domain reflectometry (TDR) system, was assessed against actual evapotranspiration, measured by a very accurate weighing system. Both methods were able to detect water shortage by the time transpiration was reduced to some 80% of its potential value. The soil-based index, however, relied on the estimate of root water extraction rate, which may not be known. It is concluded that detection of water shortage by means of a canopy temperature-based stress index is to be preferred to measuring soil water deficits by time domain reflectometry, despite the accuracy of the TDR-based soil water content estimate.     

Sorghum Pasta and Noodles: Technological and Nutritional Aspects

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Sorghum is a major cereal crop with various agronomic advantages, contains health-promoting compounds and is gluten-free. There is a growing tendency to use...     

Fluorescence of Extracts from Argentine Hake (Merluccius hubbsi) Muscle and Its Correlation with Quality Indices During Chilled Storage

Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) was stored chilled for 8 days. The evolution of fluorescence of the aqueous and organic extracts of muscle during storage at 4°C was studied and correlated with common damage indices; pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, free fatty acids, and the fluorescence intensity of the aqueous phase showed a good correlation with storage time. The excitation-emission matrices of the aqueous extracts were also obtained. A fluorescence landscape that could be attributed to tryptophan decreased with storage time, meanwhile a peak (around 340 and 400 nm for excitation and emission wavelengths, respectively) is developed during chilled storage.     

Camel Streptococcus agalactiae populations are associated with specific disease complexes and acquired the tetracycline resistance gene tetM via a Tn916-like element

Camels are the most valuable livestock species in the Horn of Africa and play a pivotal role in the nutritional sustainability for millions of people. Their health status is therefore of utmost importance for the people living in this region. Streptococcus agalactiae, a Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is an important camel pathogen. Here we present the first epidemiological study based on genetic and phenotypic data from African camel derived GBS. Ninety-two GBS were characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), capsular polysaccharide typing and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We analysed the GBS using Bayesian linkage, phylogenetic and minimum spanning tree analyses and compared them with human GBS from East Africa in order to investigate the level of genetic exchange between GBS populations in the region. Camel GBS sequence types (STs) were distinct from other STs reported so far. We mapped specific STs and capsular types to major disease complexes caused by GBS. Widespread resistance (34%) to tetracycline was associated with acquisition of the tetM gene that is carried on a Tn916-like element, and observed primarily among GBS isolated from mastitis. The presence of tetM within different MLST clades suggests acquisition on multiple occasions. Wound infections and mastitis in camels associated with GBS are widespread and should ideally be treated with antimicrobials other than tetracycline in East Africa.     

Occurrence of Equine Coital Exanthema in Mares from an Embryo Transfer Center

Equine coital exanthema (ECE) is an acute, venereal disease caused by equid herpesvirus 3 (EHV-3), characterized by the formation of papules, vesicles, pustules, and ulcers on the vaginal and vestibular mucosa as well as on the skin of the penis, prepuce, and perineal region of mares and stallions. The present work describes an outbreak of ECE characterized by typical lesions around the anus and on the perineal skin, discomfort, and anorectal lymphadenopathy, which occurred in a large number of donor and recipient mares at an embryo transfer center in Argentina. We found that the horses' movement pattern, the environmental conditions, and the management procedures could have favored the introduction and/or reactivation from latency and spread of EHV-3. Although this is the first report of an outbreak of ECE in an embryo transfer facility, it reinforces the need to introduce additional hygienic and preventive measures to avoid EHV-3 spread and future ECE outbreaks.     

Argentinian potato leafroll virus P0 protein: Novel activities for a previously known suppressor

The potato leafroll virus (PLRV) P0 protein (P0^PL) is a suppressor of RNA silencing. In this study, we showed that P0 protein from an Argentinian isolate of PLRV (P0^PL-Ar) has an additional activity not described for other PLRV or P0 proteins from poleroviruses. Besides reporting that P0^PL-Ar displays both local and systemic silencing suppressor activity, we demonstrated, for the first time, that P0^PL-Ar impedes accumulation of dsRNA-derived siRNAs. We also showed that P0^PL-Ar interacts with Solanum tuberosum SKP1 orthologue (StSKP1) and triggers destabilization of ARGONAUTE 1 (AGO1) and that these actions are mediated by the F-box-like domain. A mutant in the GW/WG motif within the P0^PL-Ar F-box-like motif lost the suppression activity, the interaction with StSKP1 and abolished AGO1 decay. Interestingly, a mutant in the L76/P77 residues within the P0^PL-Ar F-box-like motif, which lost the suppression activity and the interaction with StSKP1, retained the capacity to enable AGO1 decay. Thus, unlike other P0 proteins of previously characterized poleroviruses, P0^PL-Ar seems to have a dual activity, according to the findings of this study. This protein would act at both an upstream and a downstream step of the RNA silencing pathway: upstream of Dicer-like enzyme (DCL)-mediated primary siRNA production and downstream at the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) complex level. Our results contribute to the understanding of the different ways PLRV P0 proteins function as silencing suppressors.     

Isolation of equine herpesvirus-2 from the lung of an aborted fetus.

This study describes the isolation of equine herpesvirus-2 (EHV-2) from the lung of an aborted equine fetus in Argentina. The isolated virus was confirmed as EHV-2 by indirect immunofluorescence using a rabbit anti-EHV-2 polyclonal antiserum and by virus-neutralization test using an equine polyclonal antibody against EHV-2. Restriction endonuclease DNA fingerprinting with BamHI also confirmed the identity of the virus as EHV-2. Furthermore, viral nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction from the original lung sample and from the DNA obtained from cells infected with the virus isolate. This work constitutes the first reported isolation of EHV-2 from an aborted equine fetus. The presence of EHV-2 in the lung of the aborted fetus would indicate that this virus is capable of crossing the placental barrier. However, no cause-effect relationship was established between the EHV-2 isolate and the abortion.     

First report of Cryptosporidium deer-like genotype in Kenyan cattle

The objective of the study was to identify Cryptosporidium genotypes from feces collected from urban and peri-urban dairy cattle in Nairobi, Kenya, in order to determine their zoonotic potential. DNA was extracted from 34 samples that were diagnosed positive by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Two Cryptosporidium isolates examined at the 18S rRNA locus were identified as the deer-like genotype by DNA sequencing. As public health officials are facing the difficult decision whether to allow urban livestock production because of its economic benefits and a livelihood asset to the urban communities, or to ban it for its public health risks, the finding of non-zoonotic genotypes in a smallholder dairy system has significant public health as well as economic implications that merit further investigation.     

A KCNJ10 mutation previously identified in the Russell group of terriers also occurs in Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and in related breeds

Background

Hereditary ataxias with similar phenotypes were reported in the Smooth-Haired Fox Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier. However, segregation analyses showed differing inheritance modes in these breeds. Recently, molecular genetic studies on the Russell group of terriers found independent mutations in KCNJ10 and CAPN1, each associated with a specific clinical subtype of inherited ataxia. The aim of this study was to clarify whether or not Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and dogs of other related breeds harbor either of the same mutations. A sub goal was to update the results of KCNJ10 genotyping in Russell group terriers.

Findings

Three Smooth-Haired Fox Terriers with hereditary ataxia and two Toy Fox Terriers with a similar phenotype were all homozygous for the KCNJ10 mutation. The same mutation was also found in a heterozygous state in clinically unaffected Tenterfield Terriers (n = 5) and, in agreement with previous studies, in Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Russell Terriers.

Conclusions

A KCNJ10 mutation, previously associated with an autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia in Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Russell Terriers segregates in at least three more breeds descended from British hunting terriers. Ataxic members of two of these breeds, the Smooth-Haired Fox Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier, were homozygous for the mutation, strengthening the likelihood that this genetic defect is indeed the causative mutation for the disease known as “hereditary ataxia” in Fox Terriers and “spinocerebellar ataxia with myokymia, seizures or both” in the Russell group of terriers.     

Cervical thymoma originating in ectopic thymic tissue in a cat

Abstract: An 11‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was referred to The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (OSU‐VTH) for evaluation of a 6 × 4 × 3.5 cm mass in the left midcervical region causing increased respiratory sounds and lateral deviation of the trachea. A fine needle aspirate of the mass was obtained before referral and the cytology results were compatible with a reactive lymph node. Immunocytochemistry showed increased numbers of CD3+ T lymphocytes and small numbers of CD20+ and CD79a+ medium to large lymphocytes. Differential diagnoses from the referral pathologist were T‐cell‐rich B‐cell lymphoma and feline Hodgkin's‐like lymphoma. A subsequent fine needle aspirate performed at the OSU‐VTH showed similar results. On flow cytometry the majority of cells were CD3+ T lymphocytes that were double positive for CD4 and CD8 (73%), compatible with either a double‐positive (CD4+CD8+) T‐cell lymphoma or lymphocytes from ectopic thymic tissue. The mass was surgically removed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the mass revealed a predominant population of CD3+ small lymphocytes and small numbers of medium to large lymphocytes with moderate anisocytosis and anysokaryosis. A population of cytokeratin‐positive epithelial cells surrounded small microcystic structures filled with eosinophilic material and structures interpreted as Hassall's corpuscles. These findings were consistent with thymic tissue and a diagnosis of ectopic thymoma was made. PCR results for lymphocyte antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) were negative. The cat had no evidence of disease 16 months after removal of the mass. To our knowledge this is the first report of an ectopic cervical thymoma in a cat. The clinical and diagnostic features of this unusual case will be useful in helping veterinarians and pathologists obtain a presurgical diagnosis and establish a prognosis for similar lesions.