Obstipation in pet pigs: 24 cases

Clinical features and patient outcomes for pet pigs with obstipation are poorly defined. This retrospective study reports the clinical findings from 24 pet (non-production) pigs with obstipation presented to 2 veterinary teaching hospitals. Clinical features of obstipated pet pigs included anorexia or hyporexia in 24 pigs (100%), pain on abdominal palpation in 22 (90%), lethargy in 21 (88%), tachypnea in 19 (79%), vomiting in 14 (58%), and tachycardia in 13 (54%). Frequently observed hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included leukopenia in 36% (8/22) of the pigs, lymphopenia in 75% (17/22), toxic changes in neutrophils in 63% (14/22), hypokalemia in 50% (9/18), and hypoglycemia in 28% (5/18). Diagnostic imaging via radiography and/or computed tomography frequently identified gastric distention and accumulation of ingesta and gas throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Medical treatments included fluid therapy, anti-emetics, oral administration of carbonated beverages, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and systemic antimicrobials. Surgical intervention was performed in 7/29% of pigs. In this study, obstipation in pet pigs carried a fair to favorable prognosis for survival, with 70% of patients surviving to discharge.     

Papillary architecture of the Leopardus pardalis tongue

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a Felidae of wide geographical distribution and food flexibility; therefore, it is essential to understand the morphology of the species. Thus, we aimed to describe its lingual morphology in order to gain information regarding the anatomy of this carnivore's digestive system. The tongues ??were removed for ex situ macroscopic and morphometric analyses, as well as for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, of fragments of the different lingual regions. The tongue of L. pardalis had an elongated form that was subdivided into the apex, body and root, in which four papillary types were observed: filiform, fungiform, circumvallate and conical. It presented with a stratified, keratinized squamous epithelium, followed by loose and dense connective tissues, as well as a skeletal striated musculature that comprised most of the organ. In addition, in scanning electron microscopy the filiform papillae showed a complex with multiple layers of keratin with triangular shape projected caudally in oral cavity. The fungiform papillae were distributed among the filiform and showed a rounded shape with some gustatory pores, and are keratinized but in a lower intensity if compared with filiform. The vallate papillae, located in lingual root, showed an oval format, had a deep groove surrounded the papillae and some gustatory pores. The conical papillae are located in lingual root and are similar to the filiform. The tongue of L. pardalis resembles other carnivorous species, mainly among felids. However, it differed in relation to the quantity of vallate papillae and the absence of foliate papillae.     

Pleomorphic sarcoma with giant cells infiltrating the infraorbital canal in an aged Thoroughbred mare

A 27-year-old Thoroughbred mare presented for computed tomography (CT) of the head following a 3-month history of facial swelling at the infraorbital foramen, unilateral self-mutilation and head-shaking. Standing CT imaging showed soft tissue attenuation surrounding the infraorbital canal, with extensive bony lysis of the canal and maxillary bone at the infraorbital foramen. The mare was subjected to euthanasia, and post-mortem examination revealed a proliferative tan soft tissue mass overlying the infraorbital nerve. A histopathological diagnosis of pleomorphic sarcoma with giant cells was made. Immunohistochemical analysis failed to fully elucidate the mesenchymal cell of origin of the sarcoma. Pleomorphic sarcoma with giant cells involving the infraorbital canal of the horse has not been previously described. This case highlights chronic subtle behavioural changes attributable to this neoplasm prior to the development of clinical signs and the utility of advanced imaging in the diagnosis.     

Improved insect‐proofing: expressing double‐stranded RNA in chloroplasts

RNA interference (RNAi) was discovered almost 20 years ago and has been exploited worldwide to silence genes in plants and animals. A decade later, it was found that transforming plants with an RNAi construct targeting an insect gene could protect the plant against feeding by that insect. Production of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a plant to affect the viability of a herbivorous animal is termed trans‐kingdom RNAi (TK‐RNAi). Since this pioneering work, there have been many further examples of successful TK‐RNAi, but also reports of failed attempts and unrepeatable experiments. Recently, three laboratories have shown that producing dsRNA in a plant's chloroplast, rather than in its cellular cytoplasm, is a very effective way of delivering TK‐RNAi. Our review examines this potentially game‐changing approach and compares it with other transgenic insect‐proofing schemes. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

RNAi as a management tool for the western corn rootworm,Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is the most important pest of corn in the US Corn Belt. Economic estimates indicate that costs of control and yield loss associated with WCR damage exceed $US 1 billion annually. Historically, corn rootworm management has been extremely difficult because of its ability to evolve resistance to both chemical insecticides and cultural control practices. Since 2003, the only novel commercialized developments in rootworm management have been transgenic plants expressing Bt insecticidal proteins. Four transgenic insecticidal proteins are currently registered for rootworm management, and field resistance to proteins from the Cry3 family highlights the importance of developing traits with new modes of action. One of the newest approaches for controlling rootworm pests involves RNA interference (RNAi). This review describes the current understanding of the RNAi mechanisms in WCR and the use of this technology for WCR management. Further, the review addresses ecological risk assessment of RNAi and insect resistance management of RNAi for corn rootworm. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Free cyclitol, soluble carbohydrate and protein contents in Vigna unguiculata and Phaseolus vulgaris bean sprouts

Seeds sprouts have been used as a good source of basic nutrients and nutraceutical compounds. The high nutritional value of seeds derives from the deposition of compounds during development. However some of these molecules are used in metabolic processes like germination, which leads to a considerable variation in their concentrations once these events are completed. In this work, we investigate the levels of inositols (myo-inositol, D-pinitol and ononitol), soluble carbohydrates and proteins in cotyledons of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata sprouts. Sprouting increased myo-inositol and glucose content and reduction of raffinose and ononitol was observed. The protein levels increased in P. vulgaris and decreased in V. unguiculata sprouting. The level of sucrose was maintained in both sprouts. D-Pinitol was detected only in quiescent seeds. Our results suggested that bean sprout is an important source of proteins, sucrose, glucose and myo-inositol. Additionally, bean sprouts have low levels of raffinose, an antinutritional compound.