bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Natural Infection of Garlic with Iris yellow spot virus in the United States
Authors: Bag S. , Rogers P. , Watson R. , Pappu H. R.
Published: July 2009

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV; family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus) is an important constraint to onion bulb and seed production in several onion-growing regions of the United States (1,3). While garlic (Allium sativum) was reported to be infected with IYSV in Réunion Island (4), there have been no confirmed reports of natural infection of garlic in the United States. Garlic plants showing near-diamond-shaped lesions were found in August of 2008 in Marion County, Oregon. The 0.4046-ha (1-acre) field plot consisted of various true-seeded garlic varieties and was adjacent to three onion fields that showed IYSV symptoms. Symptoms were observed on 5% of the garlic plants with most of the symptomatic plants displaying small and diffuse straw-colored spots. Seven of these symptomatic plants were selected for testing. Of these, two showed characteristic diamond-shaped, elongated, straw-colored lesions on garlic scapes. However, the lesions were more diffuse with less-defined edges compared with the characteristic diamond-shaped lesions that are often associated with IYSV infection (1). All symptomatic plants were positive for IYSV by double-antibody sandwich-ELISA with a commercially available kit (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). To verify IYSV infection, total nucleic acid extracts from the symptomatic parts of the leaves were prepared and tested for the presence of IYSV by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with primers 5′-TAAAACAAACATTCAAACAA-3′ and 5′-CTCTTAAACACATTTAACAAGCAC-3′, which flank the nucleocapsid (N) gene coded by the small RNA of IYSV (2). An approximate 1.1-kb amplicon was obtained from all symptomatic plants and cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence comparisons using BLAST showed that a consensus of three clones derived from the amplicon from garlic (No. FJ514257) was 85 to 99% identical with IYSV sequences available in GenBank (Nos. AF001387, AB180918, and AB286063), confirming the identity of IYSV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural infection of IYSV infection of garlic in the United States. Additional surveys and testing are needed to obtain a better understanding of IYSV incidence in garlic to evaluate its impact on garlic production.

References: (1) D. Gent et al. Plant Dis. 90:1468, 2006. (2) H. R. Pappu et al. Arch. Virol. 151:1015, 2006. (3) H. R. Pappu et al. Virus Res. 141:219, 2009. (4) I. Robène-Soustrade et al. Plant Pathol. 55:288, 2006.
Hop Downy Mildew Caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli in Argentina
Authors: Pérez B. A. , Martínez E. , Noetinger F. , Wright E. R.
Published: July 2009

In Argentina, hop downy mildew disease caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli first appeared in Alto Valle of Rio Negro and Neuquen (1957), Mar del Plata (1962), and El Bolson (1963) (1). The disease occurred in the hop (Humulus lupulus L.) planting areas of El Bolson (Rio Negro) and Lago Pueblo (Chubut) in 2002 and 2003. Surveys were conducted in 30 commercial hop fields from December 2002 to March 2003 to estimate disease incidence and susceptibility of cultivars planted in these fields. Hop fields were divided into five sections and 100 plants were randomly selected and assessed for the presence of disease. Symptoms that were observed in early spring included dark brown rootstocks and primary basal spikes (stunted plants with pale and curled leaves), which are characteristic of systemic infection. Later in the season, secondary infections were characterized by dark purple-to-black lesions on leaves, flowers, cones, and lateral and terminal spikes. Plant symptoms and fungal morphological markers (dichotomously branched sporangiophores; ellipsoid and papillate sporangia) agreed with hop downy mildew disease and the fungus P. humuli. Yield loss was estimated as the reduction in yield compared with the 2001–2002 season observed from five hop growers. On December 10, 70% of the hop fields had greater than 50% disease incidence and seven fields reached 100% incidence. The reduction in cone yield varied between 20 and 34% in fields without a rootstock fungicide treatment. One field with a rootstock fungicide treatment (mefenoxam, copper oxiclorure, phosphorous acid, copper sulfate, and fosetyl-Al) and regular fungicide applications had a 30% increase in cone yield compared with 2001–2002. Systemically infected plants were recorded for hop cvs. Bullion, Cascade, CEZ, GS-19, Hallertauer Mfr., Nugget, Spalt, and Traful. Previously, Cascade was rated as a resistant cultivar to the root systemic infection (1). To our knowledge, this is the first record of a hop downy mildew outbreak in Argentina during the last 30 years.

Reference: (1) L. Leskovar. El Lúpulo: Su Cultivo y Procesamiento. Hemisferio Sur. Buenos Aires, 1978.
First Report of Phytophthora nicotianae on German Statice in Bulgaria
Authors: Bobev S. G. , Van Poucke K. , Maes M.
Published: July 2009

In June of 2008, rapidly developing necrotic symptoms were observed on 2-month-old seedlings of German statice (Goniolimon tataricum, synonym Limonium tataricum) that were started from field-collected seeds and grown in plastic pots under greenhouse conditions in the region of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Initial symptoms were slight yellowing and wilting of single, lower leaves. Subsequently, necrosis affected several petioles and stem bases, which led to complete plant collapse. Isolations from symptomatic petioles, stem bases, and main roots were performed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and corn meal agar (CMA). When incubated at 24 to 25°C, white, round, arachnoid colonies with fluffy aerial mycelium developed on the PDA isolation plates, whereas the mycelium was less dense on CMA. Sporangia were formed sporadically when cultures were maintained on V8 medium and formed abundantly in nonsterile soil extract after 1 to 2 days of incubation at 20°C. Sporangia were noncaducous, ovoid to spherical, semipapillate (sometimes with two papilla), measured 47.5 to 65 μm (average 53.6 μm) × 35 to 53.5 μm (average 42.9 μm) with an average length/width ratio of 1.25:1. Terminal and intercalary chlamydospores (25 to 48 μm in diameter; average 37 μm) and hyphal swellings were also present. Maximum temperature for growth was 36°C. Pathogenicity of the presumable Phytophthora nicotianae (1) isolate was proved by placing 5-mm-diameter mycelial plugs of 7-day-old cultures grown on V8 medium onto the petiole bases of three 3-month-old G. tataricum plantlets. Each inoculation site was first wiped with 70% ethanol and then scalpel wounded. Sterile V8 plugs were used as controls and all inoculated sites were wrapped with Parafilm. The plantlets were incubated at room temperature (22 to 26°C) and the first necrotic lesions around the mycelial plugs appeared 5 to 7 days after inoculation. Plantlets collapsed approximately 2 weeks later. Additionally, three plantlets were inoculated under the same conditions by watering their stem bases with a 15-ml suspension of mycelium and spores obtained by washing 2-week-old V8 cultures with sterile distilled water. Within a 4-week period, the plantlets died due to a stem base and petiole necrosis. Simultaneously, the pathogen was reisolated from all inoculated samples but not from any control plants that were symptomless. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of mycelial DNA was amplified (ITS6 and ITS4 primers) and the PCR product was sequenced (GenBank Accession No. FJ410333). BLAST analysis showed 100% homology with P. nicotianae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. nicotianae on G. tataricum in Bulgaria and one of the few reports from Europe of Phytophthora invasion of related Limonium species (2,3).

References: (1) D. C. Erwin and O. K. Ribeiro. Phytophthora Diseases Worldwide. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1996. (2) E. Ilieva et al. Plant Dis. 85:445, 2001. (3) A. Pane et al. J. Plant Pathol. 87:301, 2005.
First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot Caused by Pseudomonas cichorii on Schefflera arboricola in Turkey
Authors: Aysan Y. , Mirik M. , Sahin F.
Published: July 2009

In late winter and spring of 2006 and 2008, leaf spots with yellow halos were observed on dwarf schefflera (Schefflera arboricola cvs. Gold Capella, Trinette, and Green Gold) that were grown as potted plants in two commercial ornamental greenhouses in Adana and Mersin, Turkey. Average disease incidence was assessed as 10% during the term of the study. Isolations were made from leaf spots symptoms on King's medium B. Bacteria consistently isolated from diseased tissues formed green fluorescent colonies on the medium. Ten representative bacterial strains were examined and found to be gram negative, rod shaped, and aerobic, levan, pectolytic, and arginine dihydrolase negative, and oxidase positive. They all induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun). All strains were identified as Pseudomonas cichorii with similarity indices of 79 to 99% based on fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles determined by Sherlock Microbial Identification System software (TSBA 6 v. 6.00; Microbial ID, Newark, DE). Pathogenicity of the strains was confirmed on five dwarf schefflera plants by leaf tissue infiltration with bacterial suspensions (107 CFU ml–1) in sterile distilled water. P. cichorii NCPPB 3802 and sterile water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The same symptoms as those observed in the commercial greenhouses were observed on dwarf schefflera leaves within 12 to 15 days after inoculation. The bacteria were reisolated from the inoculated plants and identified as the same as the original strain by conventional tests and FAME analysis. Negative control plants remained disease free. Occurrence of bacterial leaf spot caused by P. cichorii on vegetable crops in Turkey (1,3) and dwarf schefflera in other countries (2) has been reported previously, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of the observation of P. cichorii on dwarf schefflera in Turkey.

References: (1) Y. Aysan et al. Plant Pathol. 52:782. 2003. (2) A. R. Chase and D. D. Brunk. Plant Dis. 68:73, 1984. (3) F. Sahin et al. Acta Hortic. 695:93, 2005.
Conductivity of a two-dimensional composite containing elliptical inclusions
Authors: Mityushev Vladimir
Published: July 2009

We develop a method of functional equations to derive analytical approximate formulae for the effective conductivity tensor of the two-dimensional composites with elliptical inclusions. The sizes, the locations and the orientations of the ellipses can be arbitrary. The analytical formulae contain all the above geometrical parameters in symbolic form.
Sex-biased dispersal patterns depend on the spatial scale in a social rodent
Authors: Gauffre B. , Petit E. , Brodier S. , Bretagnolle V. , Cosson J. F.
Published: July 2009

Dispersal is a fundamental process in ecology because it influences the dynamics, genetic structure and persistence of populations. Furthermore, understanding the evolutionary causes of dispersal pattern, particularly when they differ between genders, is still a major question in evolutionary ecology. Using a panel of 10 microsatellite loci, we investigated at different spatial scales the genetic structure and the sex-specific dispersal patterns in the common voleMicrotus arvalis, a small colonial mammal. This study was conducted in an intensive agricultural area of western France. HierarchicalFSTanalyses, relatedness and assignment tests suggested (i) that females are strongly kin-clustered within colonies; (ii) that dispersal is strongly male-biased at a local scale; and (iii) long-distance dispersal is not rare and more balanced between genders. We conclude that males migrate continuously from colony to colony to reproduce, whereas females may disperse just once and would be mainly involved in new colony foundation.
Ageing in a variable habitat: environmental stress affects senescence in parasite resistance in St Kilda Soay sheep
Authors: Hayward Adam D. , Wilson Alastair J. , Pilkington Jill G. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Kruuk Loeske E. B.
Published: July 2009

Despite widespread empirical evidence for a general deterioration in the majority of traits with advancing age, it is unclear whether the progress of senescence is chronologically determined, or whether factors such as environmental conditions experienced over the lifespan are more important. We explored the relative importance of ‘chronological’ and ‘environmental’ measures of age to changes in parasite resistance across the lifespan of free-living Soay sheep. Our results show that individuals experience an increase in parasite burden, as indicated by gastrointestinal helminth faecal egg count (FEC) with chronological age. However, chronological age fails to fully explain changes in FEC because a measure of environmental age, cumulative environmental stress, predicts an additional increase in FEC once chronological age has been accounted for. Additionally, we show that in females age-specific changes are dependent upon the environmental conditions experienced across individuals' life histories: increases in FEC with age were greatest among individuals that had experienced the highest degree of stress. Our results illustrate that chronological age alone may not always correspond to biological age, particularly in variable environments. In these circumstances, measures of age that capture the cumulative stresses experienced by an individual may be useful for understanding the process of senescence.
VIEWS ON POLICY
Authors: Anderson‐Levitt Kathryn
Published: July 2009

Views on Policy, sponsored by the AAA Committee on Public Policy (COPP), provides perspectives on policy issues based on anthropological research and keeps members informed about COPP initiatives. COPP currently is focusing on the following policy arenas: environment, health, education, information technology, globalization and poverty/welfare. We encourage AAA members to submit short (800‐word) contributions addressing ways in which anthropology informs policy or reports on experiences within the policy process. Please send contributions to Melissa Checker, Dept of Anthropology, 316 Manning Hall, U of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38157; mchecker@memphis.edu.
Thyromental distance measurement – fingers don’t rule
Authors: Baker P. A. , Depuydt A. , Thompson J. M. D.
Published: July 2009

Thyromental distance (TMD) measurement is commonly used to predict difficult intubation. We surveyed anaesthetists to determine how this test was being performed. Comparative accuracy of ruler measurement and other forms of measurement were also assessed in a meta‐analysis of published literature. Of respondents, 72% used fingers for TMD measurement and also considered three finger widths the minimum acceptable TMD. In terms of distance, the minimum acceptable TMD was felt to be 6.5 cm by 55% of respondents. However, the actual width of three fingers was (range) 4.6–7.0 cm (mean 5.9 cm), with significant differences between genders and between proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. The meta‐analysis showed ruler measurement increased test sensitivity (48% (95% CI 43–53) vs 16% (95% CI 14–19) without a ruler), when predicting difficult intubation.
Advances in the management and monitoring of extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Liang Raymond
Published: July 2009

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type, has a unique geographic distribution. Its pathology is characterized by marked angio‐invasion and tissue necrosis. A typical NK‐cell phenotype is usually present: CD2+, CD3 epsilon+, CD56+, cytotoxic molecules+ and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)+. Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps to clearly define the local involvement. Positron Emission Tomography helps to demonstrate system spread. Various prognostic variables (International Prognostic Index or the Korean Prognostic Index) should be documented. This may include quantification of plasma EBV DNA. For localized nasal disease, radiotherapy is important, although chemotherapy is often added. Sustainable remission is observed in over half of these patients. For extra‐nasal or disseminated disease, systemic chemotherapy becomes the mainstay and the prognosis is usually poor. Doxorubicin‐containing regimens are not entirely satisfactory and l‐asparaginase containing regimens are being investigated. Patients with poor prognostic features may be considered for an early autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Allogenetic transplantation is efficacious but is associated with high transplant‐related mortality.
Postpolycythaemic myelofibrosis: frequency and risk factors for this complication in 116 patients
Authors: Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Bellosillo Beatriz , Martínez‐Avilés Luz , Saumell Silvia , Salar Antonio , Abella Eugenia , Gimeno Eva , Serrano Sergi , Florensa Lourdes , Sánchez Blanca , Pedro Carmen , Besses Carles
Published: July 2009

Postpolycythaemic myelofibrosis (PPMF) is a known complication of polycythaemia vera (PV) but information regarding its incidence and predisposing factors is not well defined. In 116 subjects consecutively diagnosed with PV in a single institution (median age 62 years, range: 20–88), the probability of PPMF was analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method, followed by the log‐rank test. With a mean follow‐up of 8 years (95% confidence interval: 6·6–9), 17 patients had evolved into PPMF (15%). The probability of evolution to PPMF was 16% at 10 years and 34% at 15 years. Age, gender, spleen size, leucocytosis, thrombocytosis or cytoreductive treatment were not associated with an increased risk of PPMF. The actuarial probability of PPMF at 15 years was higher in those patients presenting at diagnosis with endogenous megakaryocytic colony formation (59% when present versus 10% when absent, P = 0·03), an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level (69% vs. 23% in patients with normal LDH, P = 0·04), and in those who were heterozygous for the JAK2 V617F mutation (55% vs. 17% in heterozygotes, P = 0·04). In conclusion, PPMF is a frequent complication in PV patients at 15 years with the risk being higher in patients with increased LDH, endogenous megakaryocytic colony formation or a high JAK2 V617F allele burden.
An Experimental Model to Study Resistance Index and Systolic/Diastolic Ratio of Uterine Arteries in Adverse Canine Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Blanco PG , Arias D , Rube A , Barrena JP , Corrada Y , Gobello C
Published: July 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in the resistance index (RI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) of the uterine arteries during mid‐pregnancy abortion induction in the dog. Sixteen 30–35 day pregnant bitches were randomly assigned to either a pharmacological protocol to interrupt gestation (n = 8) or were used as untreated control group (n = 8). Doppler assessments of uterine arteries blood flow were carried out before the initiation of the protocol and then every other day up to abortion (treated group) or parturition (control group). All treated bitches aborted 6 ± 1.2 days after initiation of the treatment (while none of the non‐treated bitches aborted). Pre‐treatment RI and S/D did not differ between groups (p > 0.2) while average post‐treatment indexes were (mean ± SD): 0.62 ± 0.1 vs 0.53 ± 0.1 (p < 0.01) and 2.96 ± 0.9 vs 2.23 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01), for the treated and non‐treated group respectively. Correlations between days to abortion and RI or S/D were 0.75 (p < 0.01) and 0.79 (p < 0.01) and, −0.78 (p < 0.01) and −0.73 (p < 0.01) for the treated and non‐treated groups respectively. In the treated group, correlations between serum progesterone (P4) concentrations and RI and S/D were −0.76 (p < 0.01) and −0.59 (p < 0.01) respectively. It is concluded that, during induction of abortion, RI and S/D of uterine arteries progressively increased while P4 decreased.
Genomic Imprinting in Canis familiaris
Authors: Nolan CM , O’Sullivan FM , Brabazon DC , Callanan JJ
Published: July 2009

Contents

For the vast majority of mammalian genes, maternally‐ and paternally‐derived alleles behave identically and are either expressed or repressed, regardless of whether they were inherited from egg or sperm. For imprinted genes, however, this is not the case. The alleles of imprinted genes are epigenetically modified in a parent‐of‐origin‐specific manner and, as a consequence, maternally‐ and paternally‐derived alleles behave differently. Typically one allele is expressed while the other is silent. Although relatively few in number, imprinted genes are the focus of intensive study, as they have important roles in embryonic development. Abnormal expression of imprinted genes results in growth disorders and is implicated in several clinical conditions. Most studies of imprinted genes have been performed in rodents or primates, with limited studies in other mammals such as bovine and opossum. We have recently demonstrated the existence of imprinted genes in the canine, by showing that the canine insulin‐like growth factor 2 receptor gene (IGF2R) is monoallelically expressed, with predominant expression of the maternally‐derived allele and repression of the paternally‐inherited allele. Our ultimate goal is to characterize all imprinted genes in the canine, and to understand how they contribute to canine reproduction, development and disease. Such knowledge will be vital for optimizing the success of most reproductive strategies in the canine.
Localization of Oestrogen Receptors in the Epididymis During Sexual Maturation of the Domestic Cat
Authors: Schön J , Neumann S , Wildt DE , Pukazhenthi BS , Jewgenow K
Published: July 2009

Content

Oestrogens are involved in regulation of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation and are essential for male fertility. To study the role of oestrogens on epididymal function in the domestic cat, we analyzed the localization patterns of oestrogen receptors (ERs) within the epididymis of juvenile, pubertal and adults using immunohistochemistry. Cat epididymal tissues obtained during routine castrations were fixed in chilled Bouin’s solution and processed for immunohistochemistry with ER‐specific antibodies. For a certain receptor type, ER localization was influenced by donor age. In the juvenile epididymis, ERα was localized in the nuclei of epithelial cells of efferent ducts and undifferentiated epithelium of the ductus epididymis. During puberty, ERα localization in the undifferentiated epithelium of the epididymis shifted from the nuclei to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Oestrogen receptor‐α level was highest in the pubertal and adult epididymis, especially within the cytoplasm and in plasma membranes of caput epithelial cells. This finding was suggestive of a role in fluid reabsorption within the efferent ducts and the epididymis. In corpus and cauda regions, ERα was less abundant, suggesting a minor role for oestrogens in sperm storage areas. Interestingly, localization of ERβ was neither influenced by age nor location within the epididymis and was ubiquitous throughout. Results demonstrate that oestrogen actions within the epididymis may be predominantly mediated through ERα during sexual maturation in the domestic cat.
Neonatal Clinical Evaluation, Blood Gas and Radiographic Assessment After Normal Birth, Vaginal Dystocia or Caesarean Section in Dogs
Authors: Silva LCG , Lúcio CF , Veiga GAL , Rodrigues JA , Vannucchi CI
Published: July 2009

Contents

This study aimed to standardize signs and diagnostic criteria of respiratory function in newborn puppies delivered normally or after dystocia and caesarean operation. A total of 48 neonates were allocated into groups: eutocia (n = 20), dystocia (n = 8), caesarean (c)‐section (n = 20). Neonatal health was assessed using the Apgar score and body temperature was determined at 0, 5 and 60 min after delivery. Venous blood gases (pO2 and SO2) was measured immediately and 60 min after delivery, and a thoracic radiograph was made between 0 and 5 min of life. The c‐section group had significantly lower Apgar scores at birth and 5 min. Hypothermia was present at 5 min in the eutocia and c‐section groups, and at 60 min in all groups. The eutocia group had an irregular respiratory pattern in 78% of puppies at birth, 27.7% at 5 min and 21% at 60 min compared with 87.5%, 62.5% and 12.5% of the pups in the dystocia group where there was irregular respiratory rhythm, moderate to intense respiratory sounds with agonic episodes. The c‐section group had respiratory alterations in 70%, 45% and 16% of puppies at 0, 5 and 60 min, respectively. Radiographic abnormalities were present in 17% of the pups in the eutocia group, 25% of the pups in the dystocia group and 30% of the pups in the c‐section group, respectively. The c‐section group had significantly lower SO2 values at 60 min than at birth. All puppies had hypoxaemia, but a significant decrease was observed in the c‐section group. Newborn puppies had tissue hypoxia and irregular respiratory pattern at birth. Caesarean‐section puppies had lower vitality; however, all developed satisfactory Apgar scores at 5 min of life, regardless of the obstetric condition.
Development of New Stem Cell‐based Technologies for Carnivore Reproduction Research
Authors: Travis AJ , Kim Y , Meyers‐Wallen V
Published: July 2009

Contents

New reproductive technologies based on stem cells offer several potential benefits to carnivore species. For example, development of lines of embryonic stem cells in cats and dogs would allow for the generation of transgenic animal models, which could be used to advance both veterinary and human health. Techniques such as spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) and testis xenografting offer new approaches to propagate genetically valuable individual males, even if they should die before producing sperm. These techniques might therefore have application to the conservation of endangered species of carnivores, as well as to biomedical research. Recently, our laboratory has successfully performed SSCT in the dog, with a recipient dog producing sperm of donor genetic origin. Testis xenografting has been used to produce sperm from pre‐pubertal testis tissue from both cats and ferrets. These early steps reinforce the need not only for research on stem cell technologies, but also for additional research into complementary technologies of assisted reproduction in carnivores, so that the widest array of research and clinical benefits can be realized.
Gonadal Activity in Male and Female Captive Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) During the Mating Season
Authors: Vogler BR , Blevins B , Goeritz F , Hildebrandt TB , Dehnhard M
Published: July 2009

Contents

The fossa is an endangered, mongoose‐like carnivore species endemic to Madagascar with a breeding season (BS) in the southern hemisphere spring. For the present study, faecal samples of captive fossas were collected for over 1 year for five males and four non‐pregnant females, and for two pregnant animals during the reproductive period. The goal was to assess gonadal activity using non‐invasive hormone measurements of faecal testosterone (T) and gestagen metabolites using assays previously established in our laboratory and further validated in this study. All study animals were housed in northern hemisphere zoos. In males, the seasonal T metabolite profile revealed a peak in spring (March). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to characterize the faecal hormone metabolite composition. The highest immunoreactivity was detected in the position of dihydrotestosterone, whereas native T was not detected. In the two pregnant females, gestagen metabolite concentrations increased 4–9 days after the initial matings and remained elevated throughout gestation with concentrations dramatically higher than those of the non‐pregnant females during the BS. In these females, gestagen metabolite analyses did not reveal a seasonal pattern similar to the males. The HPLC‐analysis revealed that the major proportion of immunoreactivity was associated with an unknown metabolite, whereas native progesterone was undetectable. The seasonal hormone pattern of male fossas gives proof of the reproductive seasonality of this species.

The elevated 5α‐pregnan‐3β‐ol‐20‐one levels in pregnant animals allows for the characterization of pregnancy in the fossa based on analysis of faecal steroid metabolite concentrations.
Survival of Frozen‐Thawed Cat Spermatozoa Pre‐Cooled in the Epididymides
Authors: Chatdarong K , Thuwanut P , Suksamai P , Patanatiradaj S , Sangwornrachasup A
Published: July 2009

Contents

Sperm recovery from epididymides and their cryo‐preservation require particular media and equipment not always available in the field. This study aimed to compare the quality of frozen‐thawed epididymal cat spermatozoa pre‐cooled in an extender vs. cooled in the epididymides. Testes with attached epididymides from 23 cats subjected to routine orchidectomy were allocated into two groups; 2‐day (n = 10) and 4‐day cold storage (n = 13). Spermatozoa from one epididymis of each pair were recovered, evaluated, extended in a Tris egg yolk extender, cooled to 5°C and stored for either 2 or 4 days prior to freezing (Treatment 1). The remaining testis attached with the epididymis was stored at 5°C in a Tris‐buffered solution for either 2 or 4 days, before the spermatozoa were harvested, evaluated and frozen (Treatment 2). The spermatozoa were evaluated for percentage of motility, viability, intact acrosomal integrity and morphology. Sperm evaluations were performed prior to freezing and after freezing‐thawing. The spermatozoa maintained in the epididymes yielded similar quality after cold storage and after freeze–thawing in comparison to that maintained in the extender at both storage times (p > 0.05). However, cold storage of spermatozoa for 4 days resulted in a reduction in motility compared to that cold stored for 2 days (p < 0.05). Similarly, freezing of spermatozoa pre‐cooled for 4 days resulted in lower percentages of motility, viability and intact acrosome than that pre‐cooled for 2 days (p < 0.05). A higher number of spermatozoa with simple bent tail and coiled tail were found in the samples maintained in the epididymides than in the extender after 4‐day storage. The results indicated that cat spermatozoa can be cold stored in the epididymides prior to being harvested and cryopreserved in a distant laboratory. This technology is an alternative to rescue male gamete when animals are castrated or unexpectedly die under field conditions.
Effect of Different Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid on Motility, Membrane Integrity and Chromatin Status of Frozen‐Thawed Canine Spermatozoa Within Six Hours of Storage at 37°C
Authors: Eulenberger K , Schäfer‐Somi S , Aurich C
Published: July 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to examine comprehensively the effect of ascorbic acid (Asc) on frozen‐thawed canine semen. Pooled ejaculates (n = 10) were assessed for quality with a computer‐assisted sperm analyser (CASA). After centrifugation, the semen was divided into four aliquots (A–D) of which three were diluted with Uppsala 1 extender (v/v) containing different concentrations of Asc (B: 6.8 mmol/l; C: 13 mmol/l; D: 27 mmol/l). One group without Asc served as control (A). Subsequently, dilution samples were treated and cryopreserved as described previously (Theriogenology 66, 2006, 173). After thawing, samples were stored at 37°C for 1, 3 and 6 h, then examined for quality (CASA, flow cytometry, sperm chromatin structure assay; SCSA). Staining for flow cytometry was performed with FITC‐PNA and propidium iodide (Reproduction 128, 2004, 829). The SCSA was performed with both Tris‐NACL‐EDT buffer (TNE)‐ and Tris‐fructose‐citrate buffer (TFC). In the Asc‐supplemented groups, percentages of progressively motile sperm (P) were significantly lower than in the control group (A 1 h: 56.6 ± 9.8, 6 h: 18 ± 4.5; B 1 h: 51.2 ± 11.8, 6 h: 13.6 ± 5; C 1 h: 41 ± 16.2, 6 h: 11.2 ± 6.1; D 1 h: 37 ± 15.2, 6 h: 8.6 ± 5; p < 0.01), whereas, the percentages of intact cells without acrosome reactions did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between TNE‐ and TFC‐samples, for αT, for SD of αT or for comp αT [comp αT: TCF‐A: 2.5 ± 1.7%, TNE‐A: 3.4 ± 3.2%; TCF‐D: 2.5 ± 2%, TNE‐D: 3.3 ± 4.3%; p > 0.05]. However, samples diluted with both extenders correlated concerning αT, but not comp αT. We therefore recommend using TNE‐buffer for SCSA with cryopreserved canine semen. In addition, the average αT values did not differ significantly between the controls and all other groups (TNE‐A: 380.2 ± 89.1; TNE‐D: 338.1 ± 137.4; p > 0.05). It can be concluded that addition of Asc to cryoextender does not increase quality of frozen‐thawed canine semen.
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Aglepristone Associated with Oxytocin to Induce Parturition in Bitch
Authors: Fieni F , Gogny A
Published: July 2009

Contents

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aglepristone 15 mg kg−1 for induction of parturition in bitches, 22 pregnant beagle bitches were injected subcutaneously on day 60 post‐estimated LH surge, and again 24 h later with aglepristone and subsequently were given 0.15 IU kg−1 oxytocin at hourly intervals until delivery of the last puppy. Six pregnant beagle bitches were used as a non‐treated control group. In the control group, parturition occurred at 63.2 ± 0.5 days, 29 pups were born and the average expulsion time per puppy was 1.0 ± 0.6 h. In the treated group, parturition was obtained on average 29.7 ± 5.6 h after aglepristone administration, 121 pups were born and average expulsion time per pup was 1.1 ± 0.4 h. The percentage of live puppies, 7 weeks after birth, was 86.1% (25/29) and 86.8% (105/121) for the control and treated groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the control and treated groups for the average expulsion time per live puppy and for the percentage of live puppies at birth, 48 h, 7 days or 7 weeks after birth (p > 0.05). This study confirms previous results and demonstrates that the combination of aglépristone and oxytocin can be safely and reliably used to induce parturition in beagle bitches, at 60 days post‐estimated LH surge.
Morphological Examination of the Corpora Lutea from Pregnant Bitches Treated with Different Abortifacient Regimes
Authors: Martin N , Höftmann T , Politt E , Hoppen HO , Sohr M , Günzel‐Apel AR , Einspanier A
Published: July 2009

Contents

Different abortifacient regimes in dogs were analysed for their effect on the pregnancy corpora lutea (CL), namely, prostaglandin F2a analogue cloprostenol (CLO) combined with dopamine agonist cabergoline (CAB), or progesterone (P4) receptor antagonist aglepristone (AGL). Ovaries were collected after 6‐10 days of treatment during first trimester. The CL of the control‐group showed strong expression of relaxin (RLX), its receptor RXFP1 and enzymes of steroid biosynthesis (HSD) with high peripheral P4‐levels. Whereas RXL, RXFP1 and HSD were lowest expressed in the CLO/CAB‐group with a massive degeneration of CL and their blood vessels combined with low peripheral P4‐level. The AGL‐group showed less extensive CL degeneration and more intensive staining of the examined factors than CLO/CAB. In summary, all examined factors are associated with normal luteal function and are useful tools to stage luteolysis. Although both treatments have the same abortive action, their sequence of events on the CL is different.
Incubation of Post‐Thaw Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa with Seminal Plasma
Authors: Thuwanut P , Chatdarong K
Published: July 2009

Contents

In domestic cats, epididymal spermatozoa have lower initial motility and viability than ejaculated spermatozoa and it is possible that seminal plasma compounds are behind these effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether co‐incubation of post‐thaw epididymal cat spermatozoa with seminal plasma was able to improve sperm quality. Epididymal cat spermatozoa from 11 cats were cryopreserved. After thawing, each sperm sample was divided into two aliquots, centrifuged and incubated with two different media; Tris buffer (control) or pooled seminal plasma (treatment). Sperm quality was observed at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after incubation. The results demonstrated that all of the sperm parameters except acrosome integrity were lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.05); the percentages of motility (46.4 ± 15.4 vs 40.0 ± 9.4), the scores of progressive motility (3.1 ± 0.4 vs 2.8 ± 0.5), the percentages of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (46.3 ± 9.7 vs 39.6 ± 8.9) and intact acrosome (36.5 ± 16.2 vs 32.9 ± 15.1), as well as at all time points. In conclusion, the seminal plasma seems less beneficial to the post‐thaw epididymal cat spermatozoa than the Tris buffer.
Prolonged Duration of Fertility of Dog Ova
Authors: Tsutsui T , Takahashi F , Hori T , Kawakami E , Concannon PW
Published: July 2009

Contents

The fertile period for natural mating in dogs extends from before ovulation until day 5 post ovulation (PO) and involves a delay in oocyte maturation until 2–3 days PO and viability of secondary oocytes for 48–60 h or more. Spermatozoa do not enter the uterus after vaginal insemination in late oestrus. Cervical closure appears to occur on average 5 days PO, but conception may occur following intrauterine artificial insemination (IUAI) up to 8 days PO. Therefore, the present study was conducted to clarify the duration of fertility of canine ova. Using IUAI at 6, 7, 8 and 9 days PO (n = 5 bitches each) conception rates were 100%, 71.4%, 37.5% and 0%, respectively, with an average litter resorption rate of 30.8%, and with mean litter sizes and times to delivery PO being 4.3 ± 1.6 and 64.3 ± 0.3 days, 4.0 ± 1.4 and 66.3 ± 0.4 days, and 2.5 and 68 days for IUAI at 6, 7 and 8 days, respectively. The high pregnancy rates with IUAI at 6 and 7 days PO confirm that many canine oocytes are fertile at 4–5 days after maturation. The high rate of resorption was presumably because of aging of ova or asynchrony between embryonic development and the intrauterine environment.
Concentrations of Prolactin, LH, Testosterone, TSH and Thyroxine in Normospermic Dogs of Different Breeds
Authors: Urhausen C , Seefeldt A , Eschricht FM , Koch A , Hoppen HO , Beyerbach M , Möhrke C , Dieleman SJ , Günzel‐Apel AR
Published: July 2009

Contents

Concentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone (T), TSH and thyroxine (T4) were determined before and at 20, 120 and 180 min after a single iv injection of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) in eight Beagles, eight Fox Terriers, six Labrador Retrievers and five Great Danes that were normospermic. Mean basal PRL concentrations were lower in the Fox Terriers compared with the Great Danes (p < 0.05). Mean LH concentrations were higher in the Fox Terriers than in the Beagles, and T was lower in the Fox Terriers at some times but not others (p < 0.05). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations did not differ among breeds, while mean basal T4 values were lower in Fox Terriers compared with Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes (p < 0.05). Stimulation of T4 secretion 120 and 180 min after iv TRH injection was most pronounced in the Beagles and less in the Fox Terriers (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that potential breed differences in circulating concentrations of PRL, LH, T, TSH and T4 in male dogs with apparently normal fertility can be encountered, but further studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are typical features of these breeds, reflect subsets of dogs within breeds, or are in part because of possible uncontrolled parameters such as sample timing, ambient photoperiod, housing conditions or diet.
Dose‐dependent effect of isoflurane on neurovascular coupling in rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Masamoto Kazuto , Fukuda Mitsuhiro , Vazquez Alberto , Kim Seong‐Gi
Published: July 2009

Neurovascular coupling studies are widely conducted in anesthetized animals using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In this study, the dose‐dependent effects of isoflurane on neurovascular coupling were examined with concurrent recordings of the local field potential (FP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the rat somatosensory cortex. Electrical forepaw stimulation was used, and consisted of either a single pulse or 10 pulses at various frequencies. We observed that the FP response to single‐pulse stimulation remained unaffected across the different levels of isoflurane tested (1.1–2.1%), whereas the CBF response to single‐pulse stimulation increased dose‐dependently (7 ± 3% to 17 ± 4%). The isoflurane dose did not affect the vascular reactivity induced by a hypercapnic challenge. These findings suggest that the action of isoflurane affects the neurovascular mechanisms. For 10‐pulse stimulation, the summation of the evoked FP responses monotonically decreased with an increase in the isoflurane dose, possibly due to enhancement of the neural adaptation. In contrast, the dose‐dependent effect on the CBF response varied with the stimulus frequency; a dose‐dependent decrease in the CBF response was observed for high‐frequency stimulation, whereas a dose‐dependent increase was observed for low‐frequency stimulation. Furthermore, a linear time‐invariant model consisting of the single‐pulse hemodynamic impulse response convoluted with 10‐pulse FP recordings showed that the neurovascular transfer function was altered by the isoflurane dose for high‐frequency stimulation. These results indicate that careful and consistent maintenance of the depth of anesthesia is required when comparing fMRI data obtained from different animals or physiological and pharmacological manipulations.
Afferent‐induced facilitation of primary motor cortex excitability in the region controlling hand muscles in humans
Authors: Devanne H. , Degardin A. , Tyvaert L. , Bocquillon P. , Houdayer E. , Manceaux A. , Derambure P. , Cassim F.
Published: July 2009

Sensory inputs from cutaneous and limb receptors are known to influence motor cortex network excitability. Although most recent studies have focused on the inhibitory influences of afferent inputs on arm motor responses evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), facilitatory effects are rarely considered. In the present work, we sought to establish how proprioceptive sensory inputs modulate the excitability of the primary motor cortex region controlling certain hand and wrist muscles. Suprathreshold TMS pulses were preceded either by median nerve stimulation (MNS) or index finger stimulation with interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 20 to 200 ms (with particular focus on 40–80 ms). Motor‐evoked potentials recorded in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), first dorsalis interosseus and extensor carpi radialis muscles were strongly facilitated (by up to 150%) by MNS with ISIs of around 60 ms, whereas digit stimulation had only a weak effect. When MNS was delivered at the interval that evoked the optimal facilitatory effect, the H‐reflex amplitude remained unchanged and APB motor responses evoked with transcranial electric stimulation were not increased as compared with TMS. Afferent‐induced facilitation and short‐latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) mechanisms are likely to interact in cortical circuits, as suggested by the strong facilitation observed when MNS was delivered concurrently with ICF and the reduction of SICI following MNS. We conclude that afferent‐induced facilitation is a mechanism which probably involves muscle spindle afferents and should be considered when studying sensorimotor integration mechanisms in healthy and disease situations.
Instillation of liposomes vs dimethyl sulphoxide or pentosan polysulphate for reducing bladder hyperactivity
Authors: Tyagi Pradeep , Hsieh Vincent C. , Yoshimura Naoki , Kaufman Jonathan , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of intravesical liposomes against dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and pentosan polysulphate (PPS) in reducing chemically induced bladder hyperactivity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bladder reflex activity of female Sprague‐Dawley rats was evaluated by continuous cystometry under urethane anaesthesia (1.0 g/kg). After obtaining a control cystometrogram (CMG) with normal saline (0.04 mL/min) for 2 h, bladder hyperactivity was then induced by 1 h infusion of protamine sulphate (10 mg/mL) followed by a 1‐h infusion of KCl (500 mm). Six rats each were then infused with KCl‐based preparations containing either 50% DMSO, PPS (6 mg/mL), or liposomes (2 mg/mL) for 2 h. The variables measured included the intercontraction interval (ICI), pressure threshold (PT) and baseline pressure (BP).

RESULTS

Sequential infusion of protamine sulphate/KCl induced hyperactive bladder with no significant difference in ICI, PT or BP among groups before initiating treatment. ICI was significantly increased after infusion of PPS (58.1% increase) and liposomes (156.8% increase) but there was no increase with DMSO. PT was not significantly affected by liposome infusion but slightly increased with PPS (12.4% increase). There was a large and significant increase in PT and BP with DMSO (116.5% increase) and BP largely remained unchanged after instillation with liposomes or PPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical liposomes and PPS have a beneficial effect in a bladder hyperactivity rat model, while acute instillation of DMSO does not. Intravesical liposomes were effective in doubling the ICI compared with PPS, and might be a new treatment option for bladder hyperactivity.
Circumcision is not mandatory in penile surgery
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Sacca Antonino , Christopher A. Nim , Ralph David J.
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of not circumcising patients having surgery to correct a congenital or acquired curvature, through a subcoronal approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a series of 251 consecutive patients (mean age 46 years, range 17–74) that had their penis straightened by either a Lue (86), or a Nesbit procedure (162) or a combination of both (three) between 2000 and 2008, a subcoronal circumferential incision was used for the degloving in 241. Among the 183 patients who had not been previously circumcised, 22 presented with a tight foreskin and were offered a circumcision; six of them refused to be circumcised. Of the remaining 161 patients, 115, including two who had previous penile surgery, opted not to be circumcised.

RESULTS

After a median (range) follow‐up of 5.5  (1–50) months, secondary circumcision was performed in three of the six patients with a tight foreskin, in one of the 113 (0.8%) with a normal retractable foreskin and in one of the two who had had previous penile surgery and had a normal foreskin.

CONCLUSIONS

Circumcision should not be considered as a routine part of penile surgery unless a significant phimosis is present or revisional surgery is contemplated.