Comparison of two immunochromatographic assays and the indirect immunofluorscence antibody test for diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs in south central Louisiana

Two rapid tests evaluated in dogs considered to be of high risk of infection with the Chagas parasite Trypanosoma cruzi using two immunochromatographic assays: Trypanosoma Detect™ for canine, InBios, Seattle, WA and CHAGAS STAT-PAK™ assay, Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Medford, NY, in south central Louisiana. For this purpose a serological survey was carried out in a total of 122 dogs and a serum bank was created. These 122 animals were first tested by IFAT that was used as the standard test. From the serum bank 50 samples were tested using the two rapid Chagas assays and results compared to the standard test IFAT. The serological survey using IFAT showed a prevalence of T. cruzi infection in 22.1% of the tested dogs. In the immunochromatographic assays, 13 and 11 animals were positive on rapid assay: Trypanosoma Detect™ for canine, InBios and CHAGAS STAT-PAK™, Chembio Diagnostic Systems, respectively compared to 11 positive by IFAT. These two immunochromatographic tests have shown high susceptibility and specificity compared to our standard method IFAT. The rapid, easy and accurate screening assays used in conjunction with confirmatory tests, would be an excellent tool for veterinarians to diagnose T. cruzi infection. Early detection of T. cruzi infection may prevent complications through an effective treatment. Greater awareness by veterinarians of the risk, clinical findings, history along with diagnostic methods will contribute greatly to an understanding of the true prevalence of Chagas disease in dogs in Louisiana.     

Ceroid pigment formation and irreversible sterility in vitamin E deficiency

Female rats maintained on a diet deficient in vitamin E for a prolonged period of 100 to 135 days, starting from birth, failed to conceive in spite of repeated matings. Dietary vitamin E supplementation for a period of 60 days following prolonged deficiency was ineffective in reversing the sterility, although a definite growth response was observed. These observations suggest that the tissue damage caused by lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by distinct brown ceroid pigment in the uterus and fallopian tubes, may be responsible for the irreversible loss of fertility observed in the vitamin E-deficient female rats.     

Effect of seed dressing sunnhemp for the prevention of tobacco mosaic virus infection

Abstract

Seed soak treatment of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) with the systemic pesticides, benomyl, methomyl, phorate and carbofuran, gave protection against infection with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). These chemicals significantly inhibited infection on sunnhemp plants and reduced virus infectivity, as well as delaying the appearance of systemic symptoms. Benomyl was found to be the most effective chemical.     

Seed Pathology and Plant Quarantine in India

The present situation regarding problems and achievements in seed pathology and domestic and international quarantine in India is described. Emphasis is placed upon the need for resolving present inadequacies in this country's quarantine legislation and for international alignment in seed health testing methods, in addition to a general information exchange on plant pathogens.     

Impact of crop and nutrient management on crop growth and yield,nutrient uptake and content in rice

Paddy and Water Environment - System of rice intensification (SRI) together with appropriate nutrient management holds promise in increasing rice productivity with micronutrient enriched grains....     

Sandal spike disease and its possible control

The symptoms and economic background of Sandal spike, a dieback of mycoplasmal origin of Santalum album, are described. Successful trials of various chemicals to control the disease are reported.     

The immunological synapse balances T cell receptor signaling and degradation

The immunological synapse is a specialized cell-cell junction between T cell and antigen-presenting cell surfaces. It is characterized by a central cluster of antigen receptors, a ring of integrin family adhesion molecules, and temporal stability over hours. The role of this specific organization in signaling for T cell activation has been controversial. We use in vitro and in silico experiments to determine that the immunological synapse acts as a type of adaptive controller that both boosts T cell receptor triggering and attenuates strong signals.