Influence of the position of the foot on MRI signal in the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the standing horse

Reasons for performing study: Hyperintense signal is sometimes observed in ligaments and tendons of the equine foot on standing magnetic resonance examination without associated changes in size and shape. In such cases, the presence of a true lesion or an artifact should be considered. A change in position of a ligament or tendon relative to the magnetic field can induce increased signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. Objectives: To assess if positional rotation of the foot in the solar plane could be responsible for artifactual changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and in the deep digital flexor tendon. Methods: Six isolated equine feet were imaged with a standing equine magnetic resonance system in 9 different positions with different degrees of rotation in the solar plane. Results: Rotation of the limb induced a linear hyperintense signal on all feet at the palmar aspect of one of the lobes of the deep digital flexor tendon and at the dorsal aspect of the other lobe. Changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with rotation of the limb only in those feet where mediolateral hoof imbalance was present. Conclusions: The position and conformation of the foot influence the signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. Potential relevance: The significance of increased signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint should be interpreted with regard to the position and the conformation of the foot.     

Response of soil microbial biomass to straw incorporation

The response of the soil microbial biomass to cereal straw incorporation was assessed for three sites in Eastern Scotland. Increases in the C:N ratio of the biomass, due to straw inputs, were greater for soil with a history of straw incorporation than soil with no previous incorporation history. The biomass C:N ratio response to straw inputs was associated with increases in the fungal component of soil microbial respiration, fungal plate count (total and cellulolytic) and FDA-active lengths of fungal hyphae.     

豇豆退绿斑驳病毒(CCMV)突变体的混合侵染研究

 本研究采用PCR点突变的方法,对豇豆退绿斑驳病毒(CCMV) RNA3的cDNA克隆进行突变,突变体TP7是在外壳蛋白基因之前突变形成一个独特的Sal I酶切点;TP8是在3a基因之前突变形成一个独特的Bam H I酶切点;AG 1是在外壳蛋白基因之后突变形成一个独特的Not I酶切点。TP7、TP8、AG1体外转录产物分别与CCMV RNA1、RNA2的c DNA克隆的体外转录产物混和后接种豇豆,结果表明,接种后第6 d TP7植株首先表现出症状,9d后TP8、AG1和野生型CCMV接种的植株表现出症状,TP7的症状发展最快。
采用TP7、TP8、AG1接种20 d的毒源植株,按TP7+TP8、TP7+AG1、TP8+AG1等量混合汁液接种豇豆,接种20 d,通过RT-PCR分析接种植物,在TP7+TP8和TP7+AG1混合侵染中,TP7在混合侵染中占优势,在TP8+AG1的混合侵染中,TP8和AG1的种群十分接近。     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE PHARYNX IN A CLOSED VS. OPEN MOUTH POSITION

The pharynx is anatomically complex and evaluation can be difficult even with cross‐sectional imaging. Eight animals had computed tomography (CT) studies of the head performed with the mouth open and closed. The studies were anonymized and evaluated by four radiologists for visibility of six anatomic regions (dorsal wall of nasopharynx, lumen of nasopharynx, dorsal margin of the soft palate, ventral margin of the soft palate, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx) and for certainty of a normal or abnormal diagnosis of four different anatomic regions (nasopharynx, soft palate, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx). Mean visual scores differed significantly between mouth positions and were improved when the mouth was open. The ability of radiologists to classify anatomic regions as normal or abnormal vs. unsure also varied between mouth positions, and there was greater uncertainty when the mouth was closed. In addition, estimated volume of the air‐filled nasopharynx differed significantly as a function of mouth position and was greater when the mouth was open (mean=1.187 cm³, SE=0.177) vs. closed (mean=0.584 cm³, SE=0.116). Computed tomographic evaluation of the pharynx can be improved with the mouth open.     

Modified Tenoscopic Method for Carpal Flexor Retinaculum Release in a Horse

Objective— To report the use of a proximolateral endoscopic portal with a distolateral instrument portal for carpal retinaculum release in a horse clinically affected with carpal canal syndrome. Study Design— Clinical report. Animals— A 4‐year‐old Thoroughbred female. Methods— Carpal canal syndrome secondary to traumatic suppurative tenosynovitis was treated by accessory carpal bone debridement and carpal retinaculum release using a tenoscopic approach to the carpal flexor synovial sheath through a proximolateral endoscope portal and a distolateral instrument portal. Results— Resolution of carpal sheath effusion and lameness occurred allowing racing 14 months later. Use of a distolateral instrument portal was not associated with complications or iatrogenic damage to neurovascular structures and reduced endoscope and instrument interference and offered easier access to the distal aspect of the carpal sheath. Conclusions— Carpal retinaculum release may be safely accomplished with a distolateral instrument portal when access to the distal aspect of the carpal sheath is needed. Clinical Relevance— The distolateral instrument portal described may be a useful alternative to a proximolateral portal when distal carpal sheath instrument access is necessary or advantageous.     

DIAGNOSIS OF ARTERIOPORTAL FISTULAE IN FOUR DOGS USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY

Arterioportal fistulae are rare congenital anomalies of the hepatic vasculature. Diagnosis is conventionally made by selective angiography or ultrasonography. This report describes use of a dual-phase computed tomographic (CT) angiographic technique to diagnose arterioportal fistulae in four dogs. Advantages of this method include a noninvasive peripheral injection of contrast medium, ability to diagnose multiple acquired extrahepatic shunts, and observation of hemodynamic changes such as hepatofugal blood flow and reduced circulation to the caudal abdomen. The hepatic vasculature including arteries, veins, and portal veins can be completely evaluated. Dual-phase CT angiography is a safe and minimally invasive method of diagnosing arterioportal fistulae in dogs.