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Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) peg strength and associated pod yield and digging loss were documented for nine cultivars and two breeding genotypes across three harvest dates (early, mid, and late season) at two Southwest Georgia locations during 2010 and 2011. Cultivars selected were Georgia Green, Georgia Greener, Georgia-02C, Georgia-06G, Georgia-07W, Georgia-09B, Georgia-10T, Florida-07, Tifguard, and advanced breeding lines EXP27-1516 and TifGP-2. Prior to digging, a minimum of three peanut plants from each plot were selected and excess stems and leaves were removed with scissors leaving individual peanut pegs and pods with about 5-cm of stem. Each peanut pod was placed in a “U” shaped metal bracket attached to an electronic force gauge and the stem was pulled manually until the pod detached. After digging and combining, a tractor-mounted scavenger machine was used to collect pods remaining in the soil. Peg strength was greater at Dawson (6.14 N) compared to Tifton (5.28 N) in 2010 but were similar in 2011 (4.51 and 4.39 N, respectively). Dawson had consistently higher yields (5326 kg/ha) and lower pod loss (562 kg/ha) compared with Tifton (3803 kg/ha and 936 kg/ha, respectively). Peanut cultivars with greater peg strength across locations were Georgia-06G, Florida-07, and Georiga-02C. Cultivar Georiga-06G showed the greatest yield across locations and years. Other cultivars may have had stronger peg strength, greater pod yield, or lower pod loss but none were more consistent than these three cultivars across years, locations, and harvest dates.

Objective To determine the influence of a dual tourniquet technique and limb exsanguination on amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) after low volume, cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP). Study design Randomized cross-over design. Animals Six healthy adult horses. Methods One gram of amikacin in 6 mL of 0.9% NaCl was infused via cephalic IVRLP in 6 standing, sedated horses using 4 techniques: proximal pneumatic tourniquet (P), proximal pneumatic tourniquet with exsanguination (PE), proximal pneumatic and distal Esmarch tourniquet (PD), and proximal pneumatic with distal Esmarch tourniquet and exsanguination (PDE). Amikacin concentrations were measured in RCJ and DIPJ synovial fluid samples, collected just before perfusion (time 0), and at 15 and 30 minutes (before tourniquet release) after perfusion. Results Synovial fluid amikacin concentrations achieved in the RCJ were higher with techniques PD and PDE than those achieved with techniques P and PE 15 and 30 minutes after perfusion (P

Drought can be a critical limitation on peanut yield. A physiological trait that may help to ameliorate drought is limited transpiration (TRlim), defined as a limitation on further increases in transpiration rate (TR) under high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. The advantage of the TRlim trait is that it allows plant water conservation to increase soil water availability for use during late-season drought. While this trait has been identified in peanut, there is no information of how readily the trait may be transfer to progeny lines. The objective of this study was to obtain preliminary information on the expression of the TRlim trait in two peanut progeny populations. One population was runner type of 88 RILs derived from the mating of Tifrunner × NC 3033. The second set was selected for the virginia-type phenotype of large pods obtained from mating of PI 585005 (ICGV 86015) and N0808olJCT, both of which expressed the TRlim trait. A two-tier screen was applied to both populations. The initial screen was based on exposure of de-rooted shoots to silver ions. Fifteen runner type and 12 virginia type were selected for direct measures of transpiration response to varying VPD. The results from each of the two populations showed that an effective expression of the TRlim trait occurred in about 30% of the progeny in each population. While these results do not offer a definitive index of inheritance, they do indicate that there appears to be a strong possibility of transferring the TRlim trait to progeny genotypes.

The specificity of antibodies (Abs) generated against influenza A virus (IAV) infection can significantly alter protection and viral clearance. At present, the impact of age upon this process is relatively unexplored. Here, we evaluated the Ab response in newborn and adult African green monkeys following infection with IAV using a strain that enables us to determine the immunodominance (ID) hierarchy of the Ab response to hemagglutinin (HA), the principal target of protective Abs. This revealed altered ID patterns in the early IgM anti-HA response in newborns versus adults that converged over time. While the IgG ID profiles for HA in newborn and adult monkeys were similar, this was not the case for IgA. Importantly, HA stem-specific Abs were generated robustly and similarly in newborns and adults in terms of quality and quantity. Together, these results demonstrate that newborns and adults can differ in the Ab ID pattern established following infection and that the ID pattern can vary across isotypes. In addition, newborns have the ability to generate potent HA stem-specific Ab responses. Our findings further the understanding of the newborn response to IAV antigens and inform the development of improved vaccines for this at-risk population.

Objective To determine the effect of volume of amikacin perfusate for intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) via the cephalic vein in standing, sedated horses on (1) amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and, (2) amikacin concentration in the systemic circulation, and (3) regional intravenous pressure. Study Design Randomized cross-over design. Animals Six adult horses. Methods Each horse received IVRLP using 4 perfusate volumes (10, 30, 60 & 120 ml) in random order, after a minimum of 1 week washout. After application of a pneumatic tourniquet, IVRLP with 1 g of amikacin in 0.9% NaCl was performed. Synovial fluid from the RCJ and DIPJ, and systemic and regional venous blood were sampled, and regional blood pressure was measured, immediately before perfusion (time 0), and 15 and 30 minutes after perfusion but before tourniquet release. Results No difference was observed in the mean amikacin concentration of synovial fluid for the 4 perfusate volumes (P>.09). For all volumes, mean amikacin concentration for DIPJ synovial fluid was higher than for RCJ (P

Modern farming is dependent on continual development of improved cultivars and efficient cultural management practice. In addition, dissecting genetic components of heritable traits also relies on the development of large mapping populations. Artificial hybridization is the critical initial step in these processes. Peanut is a self-pollinating crop with a typical yield of less than three seeds per flower; therefore, significant effort is required to produce sufficient hybrid seeds for subsequent trait selection and/or establishment of mapping populations. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multiple factors on the success rate of artificial hybridization assessed by transmission of molecular markers unique to the paternal parent. Multiple peanut genotypes were crossed with a breeding line homozygous for both high oleic acid and nematode resistance. The impacts of operator, pollination time, flower integrity, genotype and environment on hybridization were evaluated. Data indicated that operator, pollination time and environment significantly affected the success rate of peanut hybridization. Pods from runner type parental plants that contain hybrid seeds were more likely to contain single seeds than those derived from self-pollination. Hybrid seed loss due to seed rot and peg damage reduced yield. Improving hybridization success rate by increasing humidity, decreasing temperature, personnel training and greenhouse management is recommended.

Strong host resistance to root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne arenaria) introgressed from a wild diploid species to cultivated peanut was previously shown to be located on a large chromosomal region of linkage group A09. Little to no recombination in mapping populations has hindered fine mapping of the resistance genes. In order to further delineate the introgressed region, additional polymorphic markers were added to the linkage group A09 using a recombinant inbred line population developed from Gregory x Tifguard in which Gregory is the susceptible parent and Tifguard is the resistant parent harboring the alien introgression. Map distance within the introgressed region based on this population increased to 8 cM compared with zero recombination in an earlier generation. Lines with rare recombination within this introgressed region were phenotyped and it was demonstrated that one portion of the introgressed region confers moderate resistance while a smaller, distal portion confers strong resistance to RKN. Molecular markers associated with the introgressed region conferring strong resistance can be deployed in peanut breeding programs to improve selection for RKN resistance.

Waiting times for organs in the United States are long and vary widely across regions. Donor registration can increase the number of potential donors, but its effect on the actual number of organ transplants depends upon several factors. First among these factors is that deceased donor organ donation requires both that death occur in a way making recovery possible and that authorization to recover organs is obtained. We estimate the potential donor death rate and donor authorization rate conditional on potential donor death by donor registration status for each state and for key demographic groups. With this information, we then develop a simple measure of the value of a new donor registration. This combined measure using information on donor authorization rates and potential death rates varies widely across states and groups, suggesting that focusing registration efforts on high-value groups and locations can significantly increase the overall number of donors. Targeting high-value states raises 26.7 percent more donors than a uniform, nationwide registration effort. Our estimates can also be used to assess alternative, but complementary, policies such as protocols to improve authorization rates for non-registered potential donors.

Objective To determine the influence of location and movement on subtourniquet pressure (STP) generated by application of a wide-rubber tourniquet (WRT) on equine limbs. Study design Randomized experimental cross-over design. Animals Six standing, sedated horses. Methods Horses were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.2 μg/kg IV), and 4 investigators applied WRTs to the antebrachium (AB), gaskin (GK), and midmetacarpus (MC) of each horse in a predetermined, randomized order. Subtourniquet pressure was consequently measured at 10-minute intervals (T0, T10, T20, T30) for 30 minutes. Indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured presedation, postsedation, and throughout the tourniquet application period. Target STP was established as SBP + 100 mm Hg. Limb movements at each location were classified as none, low, moderate, or high, on the basis of counts and magnitude. Results Mean STP did not change with time (P = .93) and exceeded SBP by 163 mm Hg (95% CI 122-205), 185 mm Hg (95% CI 156-214), and 402 mm Hg (95% CI 351-454) at the AB, GK, and MC, respectively. Mean STP at each location exceeded the target STP in 59 of 70 (81%) of the trials. Limb movements affected STP generated by tourniquets at the AB (P = .04) and MC (P Conclusion Wide-rubber tourniquets applied at the AB, GK, and MC generated STP >100 mm Hg above SBP for 30 minutes in standing, sedated horses. Clinical significance Wide-rubber tourniquets as applied in this study can achieve and maintain the current recommended STP (SBP + 100 mm Hg) for equine IV regional limb perfusion. Number and magnitude of limb movement can decrease STP over time, potentially reducing the efficacy of a WRT.

Background Three flaviviruses (equine pegivirus [EPgV]; Theiler's disease-associated virus [TDAV]; non-primate hepacivirus [NPHV]) and equine parvovirus (EqPV-H) are present in equine blood products; the TDAV, NPHV, and EqPV-H have been suggested as potential causes of serum hepatitis. Objective To determine the prevalence of these viruses in horses with equine serum hepatitis. Animals Eighteen horses diagnosed with serum hepatitis, enrolled from US referral hospitals. Methods In the prospective case study, liver, serum, or both samples were tested for EPgV, TDAV, NPHV, and EqPV-H by PCR. Results Both liver tissue and serum were tested for 6 cases, serum only for 8 cases, and liver only for 4 cases. Twelve horses received tetanus antitoxin (TAT) 4-12.7 weeks (median = 8 weeks), 3 horses received commercial equine plasma 6-8.6 weeks, and 3 horses received allogenic stem cells 6.4-7.6 weeks before the onset of hepatic failure. All samples were TDAV negative. Two of 14 serum samples were NPHV-positive. Six of 14 serum samples were EPgV-positive. All liver samples were NPHV-negative and EPgV-negative. EqPV-H was detected in the serum (N = 8), liver (N = 4), or both samples (N = 6) of all 18 cases. The TAT of the same lot number was available for virologic testing in 10 of 12 TAT-associated cases, and all 10 samples were EqPV-H positive. Conclusions and clinical importance We demonstrated EqPV-H in 18 consecutive cases of serum hepatitis. EPgV, TDAV, and NPHV were not consistently present. This information should encourage blood product manufacturers to test for EqPV-H and eliminate EqPV-H-infected horses from their donor herds.

Respiratory infection of young infants results in increased morbidity and mortality compared to infection of adults. In spite of the significance of this health issue, our understanding of the immune response elicited in infants, especially in the respiratory tract is highly limited. We developed a nonhuman primate model to probe the virus-specific antibody response in infants following infection with influenza virus. Infection of infants resulted in more pulmonary damage and higher viral loads compared to adults. While the systemic IgG antibody response was similar in infant and adult animals, the response in the upper respiratory tract of the infant was compromised. This lower response was associated with an increased prevalence of Treg cells and low levels of BALT. These data suggest a defect in the ability to produce effective virus-specific antibody responses at the local infection site is a contributor to increased pulmonary damage in the at-risk infant population.

Background Caley Pea (Lathyrus hirsutus) is potentially toxic to horses, but large case series are not reported. Objectives To describe the clinical signs of horses intoxicated with Lathyrus hirsutus and speculate on the neuroanatomical lesion localization and pathogenesis based upon the observed clinical signs. Animals Twenty-two of 25 horses ranging in age from 6 to 34 months were affected. Five affected horses were presented to the OSUCHVS for evaluation and treatment after having been attended at the ranch by a local veterinarian (ALA). An additional horse that had been euthanized was also presented for necropsy. Methods A case series is presented. Diagnostic evaluation included: physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, CSF analysis, EMG, ERG, upper airway endoscopy, muscle biopsy, and serum vitamin E analysis. The grain ration consumed by the affected horses was analyzed for ionophores and cultured for fungi: the hay was examined for toxic plants. Results Bermuda grass hay consumed by the horses contained large quantities of mature Lathyrus hirsutus. Acute clinical signs conform to earlier descriptions of Lathyrus hirsutus intoxication in cattle. Residual neurologic signs were characterized by incoordination in the rhythmicity of multiple gaits. Evidence of mild neurogenic muscle atrophy was recognized in 1 of 5 horses biopsied. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Caley Pea intoxication may occur within days of seed pod consumption. The neurologic signs are unique and suggest involvement of the upper motor neuron system and regions of the spinal cord influencing voluntary motor movement. Drought conditions during plant growth may increase the risk of toxicosis.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether prophylactic administration of valacyclovir hydrochloride versus initiation of treatment at the onset of fever would differentially protect horses from viral replication and clinical disease attributable to equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) infection. ANIMALS 18 aged mares. PROCEDURES Horses were randomly assigned to receive an oral placebo (control), treatment at detection of fever, or prophylactic treatment (initiated 1 day prior to viral challenge) and then inoculated intranasally with a neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1. Placebo or valacyclovir was administered orally for 7 or 14 days after EHV-1 inoculation or detection of fever (3 horses/group). Effects of treatment on viral replication and clinical disease were evaluated. Plasma acyclovir concentrations and viremia were assessed to determine inhibitory concentrations of valacyclovir. RESULTS Valacyclovir administration decreased shedding of virus and viremia, compared with findings for control horses. Rectal temperatures and clinical disease scores in horses that received valacyclovir prophylactically for 2 weeks were lower than those in control horses. The severity of but not the risk for ataxia was decreased by valacyclovir administration. Viremia was decreased when steady-state trough plasma acyclovir concentrations were > 0.8 μg/mL, supporting the time-dependent activity of acyclovir. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Valacyclovir treatment significantly decreased viral replication and signs of disease in EHV-1–infected horses; effects were greatest when treatment was initiated before viral inoculation, but treatment was also effective when initiated as late as 2 days after inoculation. During an outbreak of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, antiviral treatment may be initiated in horses at various stages of infection, including horses that have not yet developed signs of viral disease.

Generation of a potent antibody response that can be sustained over time is highly challenging in young infants. Our previous studies using a nursery-reared nonhuman primate model identified R848 conjugated to inactivated influenza virus as a highly immunogenic vaccine for neonates. Here we determined the effectiveness of this vaccine in mother-reared infants as well as its ability to promote improved responses at 6 months compared to vaccination in the absence of R848. In agreement with our nursery study, R848 conjugated to influenza virus induced a higher antibody response in neonates compared to the non-adjuvanted vaccine. Further, the increase in the response relative to that induced by the non-adjuvanted vaccine was maintained at 6 months suggesting the increased antibody secreting cells that resulted from inclusion of conjugated R848 production were capable of surviving long term. There was no significant difference in quality of antibody (i.e. neutralization or affinity), suggesting the beneficial effect of conjugated R848 during vaccination of neonates with inactivated influenza virus is likely manifest during the early generation of antibody secreting cells.

Infection with influenza A virus can lead to increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infection, often with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Given the substantial modification of the lung environment that occurs following pathogen infection, there is significant potential for modulation of immune responses. In this study, we show that infection of mice with influenza virus, followed by the noninvasive EF3030 strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae, leads to a significant decrease in the virus-specific CD8+ T cell response in the lung. Adoptive-transfer studies suggest that this reduction contributes to disease in coinfected animals. The reduced number of lung effector cells in coinfected animals was associated with increased death, as well as a reduction in cytokine production in surviving cells. Further, cells that retained the ability to produce IFN-γ exhibited a decreased potential for coproduction of TNF-α. Reduced cytokine production was directly correlated with a decrease in the level of mRNA. Negative regulation of cells in the mediastinal lymph node was minimal compared with that present in the lung, supporting a model of selective regulation in the tissue harboring high pathogen burden. These results show that entry of a coinfecting pathogen can have profound immunoregulatory effects on an ongoing immune response. Together, these findings reveal a novel dynamic interplay between concurrently infecting pathogens and the adaptive immune system.

Objective—To determine whether echocardiographic variables differed between successful (elite) and less successful (nonelite) Arabian endurance horses. Animals—34 Arabian horses that competed in endurance racing. Procedures—Horses were assigned to either an elite or nonelite group on the basis of results of a previous competition, and a standardized echocardiographic examination was performed on each horse within 1 to 4 weeks after that competition. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise elimination was used to create a prediction model for the determination of horse status (elite or nonelite) as a function of the measured echocardiographic variables. Results—The elite and nonelite groups consisted of 23 and 11 horses, respectively. One horse in the nonelite group had a frequent ventricular dysrhythmia that could have negatively affected its performance and rider's safety, whereas none of the horses in the elite group had remarkable cardiac abnormalities. The left ventricular internal diameter during systole and diastole and left ventricular mass and stroke volume were significantly greater for horses in the elite group, compared with those for horses in the nonelite group. The final logistic regression model correctly predicted the horse status for all of the horses in the elite group and 8 of 11 horses in the nonelite group. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that heart size was significantly associated with performance for Arabian endurance horses in a manner similar to findings for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses in active competition.

Generation of effective antibody responses following virus infection is challenging in neonates as a result of impairments in the innate and adaptive immune systems that characterize early life. This leaves them particularly susceptible to severe disease following virus infection, e.g. influenza A virus. A potential contributor to the efficacy of the immune response generated following infection is the epitope specificity of the elicited antibodies. Previous studies in adult mice have reported a defined and reproducible pattern of immunodominance among antibodies directed to the neutralizing epitopes on the head of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) molecule. The impact of age on the immunodominance pattern of HA-specific antibodies has not been explored. To address this, epitope recognition was quantified in plasma collected from newborn and adult African Green monkeys on d14 following PR8 influenza virus infection. For these analyses we used HA molecules engineered to singly express each of the neutralizing epitopes identified on the HA head. In addition, we used a construct that restricts recognition to the stem region of PR8 HA. Our analyses revealed a similar pattern of recognition by HA-specific IgG between infants and adults in the 14 day period following infection. In contrast, the HA-specific IgM pools exhibited distinct binding patterns in these two groups. The most striking of these differences was in the production of antibodies capable of recognizing the stem portion of HA. These data suggest antibody immunodominance patterns may be modulated with age and sheds new light on the regulation of potentially broadly protective stem responses to influenza virus.

Ticks are common on horses, but there is a dearth of contemporary data on infestation prevalence, predominant species, and tick-borne disease agents important in this host. To determine the species of ticks most common on horses and the prevalence of equine exposure to and infection with tick-borne disease agents, ticks and blood samples were collected from 73 horses during May, June, and July of 2010. Adult ticks were identified to species, and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi were identified using indirect fluorescence antibody assay, a commercial point-of-care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or both. In total, 1,721 ticks were recovered at the majority (85%) of equid examinations. Amblyomma americanum (L.) was the most common tick collected (1,598 out of 1,721; 92.9%) followed by Dermacentor variabilis (Say, 1821) (85 out of 1,721; 4.9%) and Amblyomma maculatum Koch, 1844 (36 out of 1,721; 2.1%); single specimens of Ixodes scapularis Say, 1821 and Dermacentor albipictus (Packard, 1869) were also identified. Antibodies reactive to Ehrlichia spp. were found in 18 out of 73 (24.7%) of horses tested, and were more commonly identified in horses with moderate or high tick infestations than those with low tick infestations (P < 0.001). These data support A. americanum as the most common tick species infesting horses in central Oklahoma from May through July and suggest horses are also commonly exposed to an Ehrlichia sp.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a critical role for T cell avidity in predicting in vivo efficacy. Even though the measurement of avidity is now a routine assessment for the analysis of effector and memory T cell populations, our understanding of how this property is controlled in vivo at both the population and individual cell levels is limited. Our previous studies have identified high avidity as a property of the initial effector population generated in mice following respiratory virus infection. As the response progresses, lower avidity cells appear in the effector pool. The studies described here investigate the mechanistic basis of this in vivo regulation of avidity. We present data supporting in vivo avidity modulation within the early high avidity responders that results in a population of lower avidity effector cells. Changes in avidity were correlated with decreased lck expression and increased sensitivity to lck inhibitors in effector cells present at late versus early times postinfection. The possibility of tuning within select individual effectors is a previously unappreciated mechanism for the control of avidity in vivo.

Rattlesnake bites in horses are not uncommon and the clinical outcomes are widely variable. Treatment of horses with anti-venom is often cost prohibitive and could have negative consequences; therefore, the development of a quantitative test to determine if anti-venom therapy is indicated would be valuable. The objective of this study was to develop an ELISA to detect rattlesnake venom in biological samples from clinically bitten horses. Nineteen horses were enrolled in the study. Urine was available from 19 horses and bite site samples were available from 9 horses. A double sandwich fluorescent ELISA was developed and venom was detected in 5 of 9 bite site samples and 12 of 19 urine samples. In order to determine if this assay is useful as a guide for treatment, a correlation between venom concentration and clinical outcome needs to be established. For this, first peak venom concentration needs to be determined. More frequent, consistent sample collection will be required to define a venom elimination pattern in horses and determine the ideal sample collection time to best estimate the maximum venom dose. This report describes development of an assay with the ability to detect rattlesnake venom in the urine and at the bite site of horses with a clinical diagnosis of rattlesnake bite.

Drought at pod filling can severely reduce yield of peanut. Better root systems can reduce yield loss from drought. However, the relationship of root characters with yield under terminal drought is not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the responses of peanut genotypes with different yield responses to terminal drought stress for root dry weight and the percent root length density (% RLD) in deeper soil layers and their relationships with biological and economic yield. A field experiment was conducted at Khon Kaen University's Agronomy Farm in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. A split plot design with four replications was used in this study. Five peanut genotypes: ICGV 98308, ICGV 98324, ICGV 98348, Tainan 9 and Tifton 8 were assigned as subplots and two soil moisture levels [field capacity (FC) and 1/3 available water (1/3 AW) at R7 growth stage through harvest] were assigned as main plots. Data for root dry weight, % root length density (% RLD), stomatal conductance, water use efficiency (WUE), pod yield, biomass, harvest index (HI), were recorded at harvest. Drought significantly reduced pod yield, biomass and HI. Overall genotypes, yield responses to terminal drought were not correlated with root dry weight and % RLD. However for some genotypes, yield under terminal drought did seem to be related to root dry weight and % RLD. The genotypes with large root system and high stomatal conductance, WUE and biomass and maintained higher pod yield under terminal drought. For example, Tifton 8 had high root dry weight and high stomatal conductance, WUE and biomass, maintained higher pod yield under drought conditions. Peanut genotypes that have high % RLD at deeper layers and high stomatal conductance, WUE and HI might also maintain pod yield under terminal drought. ICGV 98324 and ICGV 98348 increased % RLD at deeper layers and also had high stomatal conductance, WUE and HI and maintained higher pod yield under terminal drought. Percent RLD could be useful as a selection criterion for improving resistance to drought. However, selection of RLD alone can be confounded because some genotypes with high RLD under terminal drought had low pod yield, and selection of RLD as a supplement for pod yield under drought would be more effective.

The identification of molecular markers for economically significant traits should greatly improve the speed and efficiency of all peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding programs. Development and phenotypic evaluation of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of peanut, along with molecular genotyping, will be essential for association of markers with traits. The primary objectives of this research were to develop 16 structured RIL populations that can be used by the peanut research community, and to begin high-resolution phenotyping of these populations. Crosses were made using a 2 by 8 (common by unique) factorial nested association mapping design. Parents were selected to attempt to maximize genetic diversity while meeting practical breeding objectives. First, two modern runner cultivars (Tifrunner and Florida-07) were selected as common parents because runner cultivars account for about 80% of the production in the U.S. Second, the eight unique parents were selected to supply diversity across market classes and botanical varieties and are donors of favorable alleles for enhancing drought tolerance and resistance to most important disease of peanut in the U.S. The eight unique parents are N08082olJCT (a Bailey derived high oleic breeding line), C76-16, NC 3033, SPT 06-06, SSD 6 (PI 576638), OLin, New Mexico Valencia A, and Florunner. The 16 populations were advanced using summer and winter nurseries. Input from multiple disciplines has resulted in a prioritized list of populations and traits that should be examined, and seed increase has begun to provide the community with material for extensive phenotyping. In-depth phenotyping and genotyping of these populations should result in markers that can be deployed by breeding programs for the development of improved cultivars.

Generating and maintaining a robust CD8+ T cell response in the face of high viral burden is vital for host survival. Further, balancing the differentiation of effectors along the memory precursor effector cell pathway versus the short-lived effector cell (SLEC) pathway may be critical in controlling the outcome of virus infection with regard to clearance and establishing protection. Although recent studies have identified several factors that have the capacity to regulate effector CD8+ T cell differentiation—for example, inflammatory cytokines—we are far from a complete understanding of how cells choose the memory precursor effector cell versus SLEC fate following infection. In this study, we have modulated the infectious dose of the poxvirus vaccinia virus as an approach to modulate the environment present during activation and expansion of virus-specific effector cells. Surprisingly, in the face of a high virus burden, the number of SLECs was decreased. This decrease was the result of increased natural regulatory T cells (Tregs) generated by high viral burden, as depletion of these cells restored SLECs. Our data suggest Treg modulation of differentiation occurs via competition for IL-2 during the late expansion period, as opposed to the time of T cell priming. These findings support a novel model wherein modulation of the Treg response as a result of high viral burden regulates late-stage SLEC number.

Antivenom antibody titers following administration of rattlesnake venom for antivenom production in horses are well documented; however, antivenom antibody titers following natural rattlesnake envenomation in horses are not. Antibody titers produced in response to the commercially available rattlesnake venom vaccine are also not published. Our study objectives were to measure antivenom antibody titers in rattlesnake-bitten horses and compare them to titers in horses vaccinated with the rattlesnake venom vaccine. Additionally, titers were compared in pregnant versus nonpregnant horses to assess the affect of pregnancy on vaccine response and were measured pre- and postsuckle in foals of vaccinated mares to detect passive transfer of vaccine immunoglobulins. Blood samples were collected from16 rattlesnake-bitten horses. Thirty-six horses (11 pregnant mares, 12 nonpregnant mares, 13 geldings) were vaccinated using aCrotalus atroxvenom toxoid vaccine. Blood was collected before administering each vaccination and 30 days following the third vaccination. Blood was collected from foals of vaccinated mares pre- and postsuckle. All serum was assayed for anti-Crotalus atroxvenom antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rattlesnake-bitten horses had higher (P= 0.001) titers than vaccinated horses. There was no significant difference between titers in vaccinated pregnant versus nonpregnant horses. One mare had a positive titer at foaling, and the foals had positive postsuckle titers. Antivenom antibody titer development was variable following natural envenomation and vaccination, and vaccine-induced titers were lower than natural envenomation titers. Further studies are required to determine if natural or vaccine antivenom antibody titers reduce the effects of envenomation.

Peanut kernels are susceptible to colonization by some species of Aspergillus which, under conditions of drought and high temperatures, can produce aflatoxins prior to harvest. The objective of this research was to determine the mechanism by which the peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria) increases aflatoxin contamination in peanut. Research determined 1) the role of nematode infection of roots vs. pods in increased aflatoxin contamination and 2) whether increased aflatoxin production in nematode-infected peanut is due to a greater percentage of small or immature kernels. An additional objective was to determine whether a peanut cultivar with resistance to M. arenaria would reduce the risk of preharvest aflatoxin contamination. In the greenhouse, researchers physically separated root growth from pod set and inoculated each location with M. arenaria or a water control in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 12–15 replications. Of the six trials conducted, data indicated that pod and root infection by M. arenaria was associated with elevated aflatoxin concentrations in one and three trials, respectively. This suggests that root infection by the nematode can increase aflatoxin concentrations in the peanut kernel. Another 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted with two peanut genotypes (Tifguard and TifGP-2) and two nematode treatments (with and without M. arenaria) with six replications. The cultivar Tifguard is resistant to M. arenaria and TifGP-2 is susceptible. The experiment was carried out in 24 field microplots equipped with a rainout shelter. The experiment was conducted five times from 2006 to 2010. Infection of TifGP-2 by M. arenaria did not lead to greater percentages of small kernels. In only one year (2007), nematodes appeared to increase the percentage of damaged kernels, though aflatoxin concentrations were not affected by nematodes in that year. In the rainout shelter experiment, 2006 was the only year where nematode infection of peanut increased aflatoxin concentrations. In that year, there were lower aflatoxin concentrations in the nematode-resistant cultivar Tifguard than the susceptible germplasm TifGP-2 (12 vs. 136 ng/g).

Young infants are at significantly increased risk of developing severe disease following infection with influenza virus. At present there is no approved vaccine for individuals below the age of six months given previous studies showing a failure of these individuals to efficiently seroconvert. Given the major impact of influenza on infant health, it is critical that we develop vaccines that will be safe and effective in this population. Using a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, we have evaluated the ability of an inactivated influenza virus vaccine adjuvanted with flagellin to result in long term immune responses in neonates. To evaluate this critical attribute, neonate NHP were vaccinated and boosted with inactivated influenza virus in combination with either flagellin or a mutant inactive flagellin control. Our studies show that inclusion of flagellin resulted in a significant increase (5-fold, p=0.04) in influenza virus-specific IgG antibody at 6 months post-vaccination. In addition, the antibody present at this late time was of higher affinity (2.4-fold, p=0.02). Finally a greater percentage of infants had detectable neutralizing antibody. These results support the use of flagellin in neonates as an adjuvant that promotes long-lived, high affinity antibody responses.

Local (skeletal muscle and adipose) and systemic inflammation are implicated in the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance in humans. In horses, obesity is neither strongly nor consistently associated with systemic inflammation. The role of skeletal muscle inflammation in the development of insulin dysregulation (insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia) remains to be determined. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle inflammation is related to obesity-associated hyperinsulinemia in horses. Thirty-five light-breed horses with body condition scores (BCSs) of 3/9 to 9/9 were studied, including 7 obese, normoinsulinemic (BCS ≥ 7, resting serum insulin30 μIU/mL) and 6 obese, hyperinsulinemic (resting serum insulin ≥ 30 μIU/mL) horses. Inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated in skeletal muscle biopsies and plasma. Relationships between markers of inflammation and BCS were evaluated. To assess the role of inflammation in obesity-associated hyperinsulinemia, markers of inflammation were compared among lean or ideal, normoinsulinemic (L-NI); obese, normoinsulinemic (O-NI); and obese, hyperinsulinemic (O-HI) horses. Skeletal muscle and plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) concentrations were negatively correlated with BCS. When comparing inflammatory markers among groups, skeletal muscle TNFα was lower in the O-HI group than in the O-NI or L-NI groups. In horses, neither skeletal muscle nor systemic inflammation appears to be positively related to obesity or obesity-associated hyperinsulinemia.L’inflammation locale (muscle squelettique et tissu adipeux) et systémique sont impliquées dans le développement de la résistance à l’insuline associée à l’obésité chez l’humain. Chez les chevaux, l’obésité n’est pas fortement ou de manière constante associée avec l’inflammation systémique. Le rôle de l’inflammation des muscles squelettiques dans le développement de la dérégulation de l’insuline (résistance à l’insuline ou hyper-insulinémie) reste à être déterminé. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que chez les chevaux l’inflammation des muscles squelettiques est reliée à l’hyper-insulinémie associée à l’obésité. Trente-cinq chevaux de race légère avec des pointages de condition corporelle (PCCs) variant de 3/9 à 9/9 ont été étudiés, incluant sept chevaux obèses, normo-insulinémique (PCC ≥ 7, insuline sérique au repos30 μUI/mL) et six chevaux obèses, hyper-insulinémique (insuline sérique au repos ≥ 30 μUI/mL). Les biomarqueurs de l’inflammation ont été évalués dans des biopsies de muscles squelettiques et le plasma. Les relations entre les marqueurs de l’inflammation et le PCC ont été évaluées. Pour apprécier le rôle de l’inflammation dans l’hyper-insulinémie associée à l’obésité, les marqueurs de l’inflammation ont été comparés parmi les chevaux élancés ou idéal, normo-insulinémique (L-NI); les chevaux obèses, normo-insulinémique (O-NI); et les chevaux obèses, hyperinsulinémique (O-HI). Les concentrations du facteur nécrosant des tumeurs alpha (TNFα) étaient corrélées négativement avec le PCC. Lors de la comparaison des marqueurs de l’inflammation entre les groupes, la concentration de TNFα dans les muscles squelettiques était plus basse dans le groupe O-HI que dans les groupes O-NI ou L-NI. Chez les chevaux, ni l’inflammation systémique ou celle des muscles squelettiques ne semblent reliées positivement à l’obésité ou à l’hyper-insulinémie associée à l’obésité.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Influenza virus infection of neonates poses a major health concern, often resulting in severe disease and hospitalization. At present, vaccines for this at-risk population are lacking. Thus, development of an effective vaccine is an urgent need. In this study, we have used an innovative nonhuman primate neonate challenge model to test the efficacy of a novel TLR 7/8 agonist R848-conjugated influenza virus vaccine. The use of the intact virus represents a step forward in conjugate vaccine design because it provides multiple antigenic targets allowing for elicitation of a broad immune response. Our results show that this vaccine induces high-level virus-specific Ab- and cell-mediated responses in neonates that result in increased virus clearance and reduced lung pathology postchallenge compared with the nonadjuvanted virus vaccine. Surprisingly, the addition of a second TLR agonist (flagellin) did not enhance vaccine protection, suggesting that combinations of TLR that provide increased efficacy must be determined empirically. These data support further exploration of this new conjugate influenza vaccine approach as a platform for use in the at-risk neonate population.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of 2 tiludronate administration protocols on measures of lameness in horses with navicular syndrome (NS). ANIMALS 12 horses with bilateral forelimb NS. PROCEDURES Horses were randomly assigned to receive tiludronate (1 mg/kg), diluted in 5 L of isotonic electrolyte solution and delivered through a jugular vein catheter (systemic treatment group; n = 6), or tiludronate (0.1 mg/kg), diluted with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution to a total volume of 35 mL and delivered into the lateral digital vein of each forelimb with an IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) technique (IVRLP group; 6). Mean peak vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF) measured with a stationary force plate and subjective lameness scores (SLSs) were recorded before (day −1) and at predetermined time points after tiludronate administration on day 0. Mean pVGRFs (standardized as percentage body weight of force) and mean SLSs for the most lame forelimb and for both forelimbs of horses in each group were compared with day −1 values to determine treatment effect. RESULTS Mean pVGRF for both forelimbs and for the most lame forelimbs of systemically treated horses were significantly increased on days 120 and 200, compared with day −1 results. No significant difference in mean pVGRF was observed for IVRLP-treated horses. The SLSs were not improved at any time point following systemic treatment and were improved only on day 120 following IVRLP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Tiludronate (1 mg/kg, IV) as a single systemic treatment appeared to be beneficial for horses with NS, but no horses were judged as sound during the study period. Additional research on IVRLP with tiludronate is needed before this method can be recommended. (Am J Vet Res 2016;77:167–173)

To determine reference intervals and the effect of sample agitation and rest time on Sonoclot analysis in healthy adult horses.Original prospective study.University veterinary medical teaching hospital.Sixty healthy adult horses.Blood was collected for assessment of complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and Sonoclot analysis.Horses were determined to be healthy based upon physical examination, CBC, and serum biochemistry analysis. Blood was analyzed in a glass bead-containing cuvette using the Sienco Sonoclot analyzer following 2 rest periods (30 mins and 240 min) and with 2 sample handling interventions (agitated and nonagitated), to obtain values for clot rate, time-to-peak, activated clotting time, and platelet function. This study failed to detect a significant difference when a rest time of 30 minutes was compared with 240 minutes, but based on wide limits of agreement the 2 rest times were not considered interchangeable. Agitation at both rest times significantly affected all Sonoclot analyses leading to changes indicative of hypercoagulability.Sample agitation and rest time should be taken into consideration when developing preanalytical guidelines for Sonoclot analysis in horses. Calculated reference intervals were relatively wide. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical utility of Sonoclot analysis in horses.

Transcription factors play key roles in the regulation of genes involved in normal development as well as tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Specific transcription factors that are induced in peanut under drought conditions have not been identified. The objectives of this study were to compare gene-expression patterns of various transcription factors of a drought tolerant versus a susceptible peanut genotype under drought conditions and to identify transcripts that were regulated in a drought dependent manner. Twelve putative transcription factors were identified and real-time PCR analysis was performed which resulted in the identification of three unique transcripts in which ahERF1 was highly induced in the recovery stage; ahERF7 and ahERF8 were also highly induced by drought and returned to nominal levels after recovery. These sequences contain DNA binding domains that are present in the APETALA2/Ethelene Responsive Factors (AP2/ERF) family of transcription factors which have been shown to be induced by stress. Induction levels and patterns of gene-expression of ahERF1, ahERF7 and ahERF8 may be used to select plants that may have higher drought tolerance.

Case Description—13 equids (10 horses, 2 donkeys, and 1 pony) were examined for signs of colic (n = 7), weight loss (6), anorexia (3), and diarrhea (2). Ten equids were evaluated in the fall (September to November). Seven equids had a history of persimmon ingestion. Clinical Findings—A diagnosis of phytobezoar caused by persimmon ingestion was made for all equids. Eight equids had gastric persimmon phytobezoars; 5 had enteric persimmon phytobezoars. Gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy revealed evidence of persimmon ingestion in 8 of 10 equids in which these procedures were performed. Treatment and Outcome—2 of 13 equids were euthanatized prior to treatment. Supportive care was instituted in 11 of 13 equids, including IV administration of fluids (n = 8) and treatment with antimicrobials (5), NSAIDs (5), and gastric acid suppressants (4). Persimmon phytobezoar–specific treatments included dietary modification to a pelleted feed (n = 8); oral or nasogastric administration of cola or diet cola (4), cellulase (2), or mineral oil (2); surgery (4); and intrapersimmon phytobezoar injections with acetylcysteine (1). Medical treatment in 5 of 7 equids resulted in resolution of gastric persimmon phytobezoars. Seven of 8 equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars and 1 of 5 equids with enteric persimmon phytobezoars survived > 1 year after hospital discharge. Clinical Relevance—Historical knowledge of persimmon ingestion in equids with gastrointestinal disease warrants gastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of the presence of persimmon phytobezoars. In equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars, medical management (including administration of cola or diet cola and dietary modification to a pelleted feed) may allow for persimmon phytobezoar dissolution.

To review our experience of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and hemi-nephroureterectomy over a 10-year period.Forty patients had surgery between December 2000 and April 2010. Case notes were reviewed for clinical data, intraoperative time, complications, postoperative management, outcome and follow-up.Mean age was 5.2 years. Thirty patients underwent nephroureterectomy. There were complications in five. Four required conversion. Two had bleeding from an adherent upper pole. One had adhesions from previous pyeloplasty. The fourth had a staghorn calculus secondary to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. There were extensive inflammatory adhesions and despite early conversion, operating time was 9 h. Excluding this, mean operating time was 159 min. Nine patients underwent hemi-nephroureterectomy. There were complications in two; a hilar bleed and a peritoneal tear (neither required conversion). Mean operating time was 177 min. One patient with MCDK was for nephroureterectomy, but no renal tissue was found at laparoscopy and the procedure was abandoned.Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy/hemi-nephroureterectomy is well tolerated in children and should be the preferred option. Operative time is acceptable. There are few complications. Patients with MCDK should have an ultrasound before surgery to confirm ongoing presence of renal tissue. In patients with xanthogranulomatous disease, laparoscopy should be avoided.

Summary Reasons for performing study: The inflammatory and neuroendocrine response to endurance exercise and relationship of these parameters to performance is not well documented in horses. Hypotheses or objectives: Evidence of systemic inflammation is associated with poor performance in horses competing in endurance events. Methods: Blood was collected prior to and at the finish or elimination point from horses competing in both the 80 and 160 km American Endurance Ride National Championship competitions in 2006. Immunoreactive alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified utilising radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, respectively. The concentration of total thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured fluorometrically. Results: Thirty horses were included in the study. Endurance exercise was associated with a significant increase in TBARS in the 80 km group but not the 160 km group. TNF-α and α-MSH did not significantly change as a result of exercise in either distance group. Precompetition TBARS was significantly higher in horses that failed to finish the 80 km race, as well as when distances were combined. In addition, precompetition α-MSH was significantly lower in nonfinishers in the 160 km group. Furthermore, competition speed was positively correlated with precompetition α-MSH in the 80 km and negatively correlated with precompetition TNF-α when distances were combined. Conclusions: Our results suggest that basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones appear to correlate with endurance performance in horses. Potential relevance: Basal oxidative stress markers, circulating cytokines and anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine hormones may be predictive of athletic performance in endurance horses. Future studies evaluating the effect of training on these markers in endurance horses are warranted.

Twelve peanut genotypes were tested under three water regimes in two greenhouses to investigate the effects of drought on biomass production and N2 fixation. Drought reduced biomass production from 36.5 to 56.0% and reduced nitrogen fixation from 26.8 to 68.8%. Most genotypes with high biomass production under Field Capacity (FC) had high reduction in biomass production under drought conditions, but fewer genotypes with high N2 fixed under FC showed high reduction in N2 fixed. Biomass production under FC in general gave more contribution to biomass production under drought conditions than did the reduction. N2 fixed under FC and the reduction in N2 fixed contributed similarly to N2 fixed under drought conditions. Positive and significant correlations between N2 fixed and biomass production were found at FC and 2/3 available soil water (AW), but the correlation was not significant at 1/3 AW. Tifton-8 was the best genotype for high N2 fixed under FC and KK 60-3 was the best genotype for low reduction. Correlations between N2 fixed and nodule dry weight and shoot dry weight were high and consistent across water regimes. This information is important for breeders to develop peanut cultivars with reasonably high nitrogen fixation under drought conditions

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), one of the main oil and cash crops in the world, is easily susceptible to Aspergillus flavus, resulting huge loss in its quality, so Aspergillus flavus infection greatly limits peanut production and industry in China. Therefore, it is imperative to develop new peanut germplasm with resistance to Aspergillus flavus in breeding program. The core collection is well accepted as a useful way to improve the efficiency of crop germplasm evaluation and utilization, which contains a subset of accessions from the entire collection that covers the most of available genetic information. In the present study, a total of 561 accessions of Chinese peanut core collection and 155 accessions of ICRISAT mini core collection were identified. Eight varieties with resistance to Aspergillus flavus invasion and aflatoxin production each were developed, including one (51002-6) with elite agronomic traits. The peanut germplasm with resistance to Aspergillus flavus invasion and aflatoxin production in ICRISAT mini core were more than those in Chinese peanut core collection. In addition, the percentages of accessions with resistance to Aspergillus flavus invasion in var. hypogaea, and accessions resistant to aflatoxin production in var. hirsuta were relatively high in comparison with others. Genetic diversity in the resistant peanut selections was evaluated based on morphological traits and SSR approach. ICG12625 with resistance to aflatoxin production and ICG4750 with resistance to aflatoxin invasion were evaluated by SSR, the genetic distance of them with high-yielding cultivars such as Zhonghua 5, Zhonghua 6 and Zhonghua 12 and Yuanza 9102 was larger. The primers were designed based on the conserved NBS-LRR domains of the disease resistance genes sequence, one RGA (Resistance gene analog) from genomic DNA of six different peanuts with resistance to Aspergillus flavus was obtained through PCR.

With 1 figure and 4 tables Abstract Terminal drought induces preharvest aflatoxin contamination (PAC) in peanut. Drought resistance traits are promising as indirect selection tools for improving resistance to PAC. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of terminal drought on PAC and to investigate the associations between surrogate traits for drought tolerance and PAC. Field tests under rainout shelters were conducted in the dry seasons 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. Eleven peanut genotypes were evaluated under irrigated and terminal drought conditions. Data were recorded for physiological traits, total biomass, pod yield, Aspergillus flavus colonization and PAC. ICGV 98305, ICGV 98330, ICGV 98348, ICGV 98353 and Tifton-8 had low aflatoxin contamination in both years. Traits related to drought resistance were associated well with those related to PAC under drought conditions. Specific leaf area, relative water content, chlorophyll density and drought stress ratings are the best traits for use as indirect selection tools for lower PAC. Breeding for drought tolerance using these traits as selection criteria may help to accelerate progress in developing resistance to PAC.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Electrolyte supplementation is common in horses during endurance competitions, but the effect on the gastric mucosa is unknown. Hypothesis: Repeated oral administration of hypertonic electrolyte solution is associated with exacerbation of gastric ulcers in mature horses. Methods: The study design was a randomised, blinded, crossover trial. Fourteen horses were divided randomly into equal groups and administered either 60 ml water (placebo) or 56.7 g commercial electrolyte supplement mixed with 60 ml water by dose syringe orally once an hour for 8 h. The minimum concentration of individual constituent electrolytes/28.35 g dry commercial product used was: sodium (5528 mg); chloride (11,886 mg); potassium (3657 mg); calcium (754 mg); and magnesium (153 mg). Gastric lesions were scored prior to and after oral treatments, and analysis of variance procedures were then performed. Results: Administration of hypertonic electrolytes resulted in a significant increase in mean ulcer number (P = 0.0174) and severity (P = 0.0006) scores in the nonglandular stomach. Mean ulcer number score was 3.6 and mean ulcer severity score 2.7 after hypertonic electrolyte treatment. Conclusions: Oral hypertonic electrolyte administration to horses in this model was associated with exacerbation of gastric ulcers. Potential relevance: Our findings suggest that one schedule of electrolyte supplementation used commonly in endurance horses may be harmful to the gastric mucosa.

In 2001, entries from the peanut core collection, a subset of the USDA peanut germplasm collection, were planted in non-replicated plots in a field with a history of Sclerotinia blight caused by Sclerotinia minor. Variability existed among entries for reaction to Sclerotinia blight. Of the 744 entries evaluated, 11% had no disease, nearly 30% had

A large root system can be an important character for drought tolerance. Measuring root characteristics in soil medium is tedious, time consuming, and labor intensive. The objective of this study was to determine the association between root characteristics of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in hydroponics and in pot experiments. Twelve peanut genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a hydroponics study, a small pot, and a large pot experiment. The studies were conducted in two years during 2004–2005. Shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root-to-shoot ratio, root length, root surface, average diameter of roots, and root volume were measured. Tifton-8 and ‘KK 60-3’ had consistently higher values for all root characteristics compared to the other genotypes. Root characteristics of peanut genotypes grown in hydroponics were positively correlated with those of peanut genotypes grown in pot conditions. The results suggested that assessment of root characteristics of peanut in hydroponics for possible drought tolerance could replace the assessment in soil medium conditions.

The usefulness of core collections of germplasm collections has been well established. The U.S. germplasm collection for peanuts was selectively reduced based on morphological characteristics to a mini core or “Core of the Core” collection composed of 112 of the 7432 accessions in the whole collection to make it more efficient for study. Of these samples, 108 were available from one location in the same year and were therefore exposed to one set of environmental conditions wherein genetic variability could also be examined. These samples were analyzed for total and individual amino acid content, fatty acid content, tocopherols, and folic acid content. These data provide a starting point for establishing nutrient composition within these accessions and provide an early indication of currently important characteristics in these lines which might be suited for use in random breeding initiatives.

Drought is the major abiotic constraint affecting peanut productivity and quality worldwide. There is a pressing need to improve the water use efficiency (WUE) of rain-fed peanut production. Breeding varieties with higher water use efficiency is seen as providing part of the solution. The objectives of this work were to (i) evaluate genetic variation in WUE, harvest index, root dry weight, specific leaf area (SLA) and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) among peanut genotypes in response to different available soil water levels and (ii) assess the relevance of root dry weight, SLA and SCMR to WUE in peanut under receding soil moisture levels. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in the dry and rainy seasons in 2002/2003. The 11 peanut genotypes (ICGV 98300, ICGV 98303, ICGV 98305, ICGV 98308, ICGV 98324, ICGV 98330, ICGV 98348, ICGV 98353, Tainan 9, KK 60-3 and Tifton-8) and three soil moisture levels [field capacity (FC), 2/3 available soil water (AW) and 1/3 AW] were laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications. At 37, 67, and 97 day after sowing (DAS), data were recorded for SLA and SCMR. Root dry weight, harvest index (HI) and WUE were recorded at harvest. Drought reduced WUE, root dry weight and HI. Across both seasons, Tifton-8 and ICGV 98300 had high WUE and also had large root systems under drought conditions. ICGV 98324 and Tifton-8 had low SLA and high SCMR under stressed and non-stressed condition. Under drought conditions, ICGV 98324 had high HI and Tifton-8 had low HI. Root dry weight had a greater contribution to WUE under well-watered and mild drought (2/3 AW). Under severe drought (1/3 AW), SLA showed a more important contribution to WUE than the other traits. Traits that were associated to high WUE under drought conditions were different among different peanut genotypes. ICGV 98300 maintained high root dry weight under 2/3 AW and ICGV 98324 maintained low SLA and high SCMR under 1/3 AW. Tifton-8 had both large root systems and low SLA associated with high WUE.

Drought stress reduces growth and yield in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and also reduces nitrogen fixation (NF). Peanut production in drought prone areas should be enhanced by the development of cultivars that can fix more nitrogen (N) under drought conditions. The aims of this study were to estimate heritability for NF and to estimate phenotypic and genotypic correlations among traits related to NF with drought-resistance traits and yield under well-watered and drought conditions. A total of 140 lines in the F 4:7 and F4 :8 generations derived from four crosses, parental lines, and a non-nodulating line as a non-N 2 -fixing reference plant were evaluated in the dry seasons 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. These lines were evaluated in rhizobium inoculated soil without N fertilizer under field capacity (FC) and 2/3 available soil water (AW). Data were recorded for specific leaf area (SLA), SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), nodule number (NN), nodule dry weight (NDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), pod dry weight (PDW), total dry weight (TDW), harvest index (HI), and NF. Broad-sense heritability (h 2 b ) and narrow-sense heritability (h 2 n ) estimates for NF under FC and 2/3 AW were in the same ranges (h 2 b = 0.84 to 0.98 and h 2 n = 0.29 to 0.39). Positive relationships between NF under FC and 2/3 AW (r = 0.73, P≤ 0.01) indicated that selection for the lines that fixed high N under well-watered conditions should produce lines that fixed high N under drought conditions. Selection for NF under drought conditions might be more effective in improving yield because of a higher correlation between NF and PDW (r G = 0.43, P ≤ 0.01) under drought conditions than under FC (r G = 0.13). The use of SCMR and SLA as surrogate traits for NF would be less effective than direct selection because of weak correlations between these traits and NF.

Objective – To describe the clinical and pathological findings in 2 adult horses with documented increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and to describe the direct puncture technique used to measure this pressure. Series Summary – Two adult horses developed increases in IAP secondary to large-volume abdominal effusion. A 9-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding was presented for evaluation of urinary and neurologic signs. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a hepatic abscess along with abdominal effusion. A 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented for evaluation of castration complications. A castration site infection extended into surrounding tissues, resulting in peritonitis, abdominal effusion, and severe cellulitis of the limbs. IAP measured in both horses was increased relative to reported equine reference values. Changes in hemodynamic parameters in both horses, notably increased central venous pressure, were consistent with those seen in other species in which intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and its sequellae have been documented. New or Unique Information Provided – Extensive research and clinical literature guides management of humans with IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome. Knowledge of these conditions in companion animal and large domestic species is less well developed. Recent research has established reference values for standing, sedated and recumbent, anesthetized horses. Detailed reports of equine clinical cases of IAH have not been reported in the literature. This report provides information on the clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic characteristics of 2 horses with measured increases in IAP, and describes the direct puncture technique used to perform these measurements.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging veterinary and zoonotic pathogen, associated with increasing reports of disease in horses. Objectives: To provide an overview of the characteristics of clinical MRSA infections in horses. Methods: A retrospective case study was performed on 115 horses admitted to 6 participating veterinary teaching hospitals in Canada and the United States between 2000 and 2006, and diagnosed with clinical MRSA infection. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable analyses for community- (CA) vs. hospital-associated (HA) MRSA infections, and survival vs. nonsurvival at discharge were performed. Results: The age range of MRSA-infected horses was zero (born in hospital) to 31 years. HA (58/114, 50.9%) and CA infections (56/114, 49.1%) were equally common. Infection of surgical incisions was most frequently reported (44/115, 38.0%). Overall 93/111 (83.8%) cases survived to discharge. Previous hospitalisation and treatment with gentamicin were associated significantly with CA-MRSA, whereas infected incision sites were associated significantly with HA-MRSA. Factors significantly associated with nonsurvival included i.v. catheterisation, CA-MRSA infection and dissemination of infection to other body sites. Conclusions: Equine MRSA infections have a broad range of clinical presentations, appear to be primarily opportunistic and the overall prognosis for survival to discharge is good. Potential relevance: These results should help direct future research with regard to investigation of risk factors for equine MRSA infection in community and hospital populations.

Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR), caused by Cylindrocladium parasiticum , and root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria , both infect and cause damage to the roots of peanut. Greenhouse and microplot experiments were conducted with the runner type peanut genotypes C724-19-15, C724-19-25 and Georgia-02C with different levels of resistance to nematode and CBR to better understand the interactions between the two pathogens. In the greenhouse, inoculation of 500‐3000 eggs per plant of M. arenaria did not affect the level of root rot induced by 1·0 to 5·0 microsclerotia of C. parasiticum per g soil. In microplots, the root rot ratings from Georgia-02C and C724-19-25 were higher in plots infested with M. arenaria (0·4‐2·0 eggs per cm 3 soil) and C. parasiticum than in plots with C. parasiticum alone; however, M. arenaria did not increase the root rot ratings on the nematode resistant C724-19-15. This was inconsistent with results in the greenhouse. Gall indices were not affected by C. parasiticum inoculations in the greenhouse or microplots. In both 2006 and 2007, a significant interaction between C. parasiticum inoculum densities and nematode level was observed on plant mortality. CBR inoculum greatly increased mortality on C724-19-25 and Georgia-02C, but not on C724-1915, in the presence of M. arenaria . The mortality increase was more apparent at lower inoculum levels of both pathogens, but on the nematode-susceptible cultivars plant mortality was more with co-inoculations of the two pathogens than from either alone. Simultaneous inoculation with the two pathogens decreased yield of C724-19-25 and Georgia-02C as C. parasiticum inoculum levels increased, but even the largest inoculum of M. arenaria (2·0 eggs per cm 3 soil) did not decrease yield of C724-19-15.

Genomic spcience offers new research tools to explore the function of genes and their effects on plants and animals. Arachis hypogaea is a polyploid species of relatively recent origin and molecular analyses with technologies available in the 1980s and 1990s resulted in little progress in the cultivated species because of apparent lack of molecular variation. Large numbers of polymorphisms existing in wild Arachis species led to evolutionary and gene introgression studies. High throughput genomic sequencing technologies have greatly expanded the possibilities for investigating gene function, but techniques are sufficiently expensive that most federal funding has been directed toward model species and ‘major’ crops. Peanut has lagged behind many other crops, but the number of researchers working on the species in the U.S. and internationally has greatly increased during recent years. In an effort to bring researchers who work with a number of legume crops together to discuss common goals, a national strategic planning workshop was held in 2001 which led to the U.S. Legume Crops Genomics Initiative. A second workshop was held in 2004 to develop a plan with specific objectives for cross-legume genomics research and to outline milestones for accomplishments. Specifically for peanut, a genomics strategic planning workshop was organized at Atlanta in 2004 by the American Peanut Council. A broad view of genomic science was adopted and goals were set by participants to include (a) improving the utility of genetic tools for peanut genomics research, (b) improving the efficacy of technology for gene manipulation in genomics, (c) developing a framework for assembling the peanut genetic blueprint, (d) improving knowledge of gene identification and regulation, and (e) providing bioinformatic management of peanut biological information. Teams of researchers, including molecular biologists, plant breeders, pathologists, and many other disciplines need to be developed to fully utilize the potential of genomics for peanut improvement.

A 14-year-old spayed American Paint mare was evaluated for mild colic, anorexia, pyrexia, and pancytopenia. Physical examination revealed mild tachycardia, tachypnea, and pale mucous membranes. Serial laboratory analyses revealed progressive pancytopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and hyperglobulinemia. A few large atypical cells were observed in peripheral blood smears. Results of tests for equine infectious anemia and antipenicillin antibody were negative. Serum protein electrophoresis indicated a polyclonal gammopathy. Smears of bone marrow aspirates contained hypercellular particles, but cell lines could not be identified because the cells were karyolytic, with pale basophilic smudged nuclei and lack of cellular detail. A diagnosis of bone marrow necrosis was made. Treatment consisted of antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. The pyrexia resolved; however, the pancytopenia progressively worsened and petechiation and epistaxis developed. The horse was humanely euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a diffuse round cell neoplasm infiltrating the kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, and bone marrow. Immunophenotyping results (CD3+, CD79alpha-) indicated the neoplastic cells were of T-cell lineage. Infiltration of lymphoma cells into the bone marrow appeared to have resulted in severe myelophthisis and bone marrow necrosis. Bone marrow necrosis has been associated previously with lymphoma in humans and dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lymphoma resulting in bone marrow necrosis in a horse.

Inheritance of traits is important for developing effective breeding schemes for improving desired traits. The aims of this study were to estimate the heritabilities (h 2 ) of drought resistance traits and the genotypic (r G ) and phenotypic (r P ) correlations between drought resistance traits and agronomic traits, and to examine the relationships between drought resistance traits under stressed and nonstressed conditions. The 140 lines in the F 4:7 and F 4:8 generations from four peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crosses were tested under fi eld capacity (FC) and twothirds available soil water (2/3 AW) in two fi eld experiments. Data were recorded for specifi c leaf area (SLA), SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), and biomass, pod yield, harvest index, number of mature pods per plant, seed per pod, and seed size. The h 2 for biomass, pod yield, DTI (drought tolerance index) (pod yield), DTI (biomass), HI, SLA, and SCMR were high for all tested crosses (0.54–0.98). The r G (−0.61 and −0.66) and r P (−0.61 and −0.66) between SLA and SCMR were strong and negative under 2/3 AW and FC. Under 2/3 AW conditions, SCMR was positively correlated with pod yield and seed size. Compared to SLA, SCMR had higher r G and r P with pod yield, biomass, and other agronomics traits. Signifi cant correlations between FC and 2/3 AW conditions were found for pod yield, biomass, SCMR, and SLA, indicating that these traits could be selected under FC or 2/3 AW conditions. SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, which is easy to measure, is potentially useful as a selection trait for drought resistance because of high h 2 and positive correlation with pod yield and agronomic traits.