Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in dogs undergoing MRI for a thoracolumbar vertebral column pathology

Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence and extent of gastroesophageal reflux, and the prevalence of regurgitation in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging, and to explore possible associations of reflux and regurgitation with signalment (breed, age, sex, neuter status), bodyweight, body condition score and drugs used in the anaesthetic protocol. Materials and Methods: The thoracic part of the oesophagus was retrospectively assessed for presence and quantification of fluid on two T2 weighted sequences. Patient breed, age, sex, neuter status, weight and body condition score were recorded. Anaesthetic records were reviewed for the presence of regurgitation and detailed anaesthetic protocols. Results: Fifty percent [95% confidence interval (44.99, 56.81)] of included dogs had evidence of gastroesophageal reflux. Reflux was not associated with the individual breed, age, sex, neuter status or body weight. Brachycephalic dogs did not demonstrate significantly higher rates of reflux compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. A larger volume of reflux was associated with a higher chance of regurgitation. Clinical Significance: Gastroesophageal reflux is a common finding in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging. Dogs which regurgitated had higher volumes of reflux. Early detection and quantification of the volume of reflux is helpful as it may allow the anaesthetist to take measures which may reduce the risk of associated complications

A genome-wide library of CB4856/N2 introgression lines of Caenorhabditis elegans

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Caenorhabditis elegans wild-type N2 and CB4856 are increasingly being used for mapping genes underlying complex traits. To speed up mapping and gene discovery, introgression lines (ILs) offer a powerful tool for more efficient QTL identification. We constructed a library of 90 ILs, each carrying a single homozygous CB4856 genomic segment introgressed into the genetic background of N2. The ILs were genotyped by 123 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The proportion of the CB4856 segments in most lines does not exceed 3%, and together the introgressions cover 96% of the CB4856 genome. The value of the IL library was demonstrated by identifying novel loci underlying natural variation in two ageing-related traits, i.e. lifespan and pharyngeal pumping rate. Bin mapping of lifespan resulted in six QTLs, which all have a lifespan-shortening effect on the CB4856 allele. We found five QTLs for the decrease in pumping rate, of which four colocated with QTLs found for average lifespan. This suggests pleiotropic or closely linked QTL associated with lifespan and pumping rate. Overall, the presented IL library provides a versatile resource toward easier and efficient fine mapping and functional analyses of loci and genes underlying complex traits in C. elegans

Les agendas 21 locaux : un difficile passage du savoir à l'action

International audienceLes Agendas 21 locaux sont l'instrument politique visant à traduire, à l'échelle locale, les grandes lignes de l'Agenda 21 établit au Sommet de Rio en 1992 par la mise en place de processus participatifs et multi-sectoriels appropriés. Même si l'on peut identifier des initiatives en matière d'Agendas 21 locaux au Canada, notamment celles de l'ICLEI1, elles demeurent relativement marginales, en tout cas absentes au Québec. Par ailleurs, quand on fait le tour des colloques et ateliers relatifs au développement durable en Amérique du nord, et ce depuis les 4 dernières années, rares sont ceux qui traitent spécifiquement des enjeux relatifs aux Agendas 21 locaux. Pourtant le questionnement soulevé par l'élaboration d'un Agenda 21 local commence à faire émerger des préoccupations spécifiques : diversification des usages du territoire, développement des capacités humaines, territoire de projets, processus participatif, méthodologie décisionnelle, qualité de vie. À notre connaissance, aucun événement canadien de courte durée, à la fois de nature scientifique et professionnelle, n'a traité spécifiquement de la dimension décisionnelle (processus de prise de décision et aide à la décision) impliquée dans la mise en application du développement durable du territoire

Morphological assessment of the temporomandibular joint in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs using computed tomography

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) incongruity and morphological variations can result in clinical signs but have also been reported in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess TMJ morphology in a group of brachycephalic dogs using computed tomography (CT). French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were retrospectively enrolled. The severity of the TMJ morphological changes was determined using a modified 5-grade classification system. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. One hundred fifty-three dogs were included. When evaluating the medial aspect of the TMJ in the sagittal plane, there was a spectrum of variations in the shape of the head of the condylar process of the mandible, the mandibular fossa and the retroarticular process ranging from a rounded concave TMJ with a long retroarticular process to a flattened TMJ with an absent process. Variations in the articular surface of the head of the condyle in the transverse plane ranged from flat, through curved and trapezoid to sigmoid. The prevalence of severe TMJ dysplasia (grades B3 and C) in the CKCS and French Bulldog was high (69.2% and 53.8%, respectively). The intra- and inter-observer agreements were moderate. Variations in TMJ morphology exist in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. Marked changes seem to be highly prevalent in the French Bulldog and CKCS and should be considered a breed variation. The TMJ classification described in this study could be used to standardize assessment of canine TMJ morphology. However, further research is needed to determine its clinical application

Bacterial diversity on an abandoned, industrial wasteland contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans and trace metals

International audienceMost former industrial sites are contaminated by mixtures of trace elements and organic pollutants. Levels of pollutants do not provide information regarding their biological impact, bioavailability and possible interactions between substances. There is genuine interest in combining chemical analyses with biological investigations. We studied a brownfield where several industrial activities were carried out starting in the 1970s, (incineration of pyralene transformers, recovery of copper by burning cables in the open air). Four representative plots showing different levels of polychlorobiphenyls were selected. Organic and trace metal levels were measured together with soil pedological characteristics. The bacterial community structure and functional diversity were assessed by 16S metagenomics with deep sequencing and community-level physiological profiling. Additionally, a vegetation survey was performed. Polychlorobiphenyls (8 mg.kg−1 to 1500 mg.kg−1) were from 2.4 × 103-fold to 6 × 105-fold higher than the European background level of 2.5 μg.kg−1. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans ranged from 0.5 to 8.0 μg.kg−1. The soil was also contaminated with trace metals, i.e., Cu > 187, Zn > 217 and Pb > 372 mg.kg−1. Location within the study area, trace metal content and soil humidity were stronger determinants than organic pollutants of bacterial community structures and activities. Thus, the highest biological activity and the greatest bacteriological richness were observed in the plot that was less contaminated with trace metals, despite the high level of organic pollutants in the plot. Moreover, trace element pollution was associated with a relatively low presence of Actinobacteria and Rhizobia. The plot with the highest metal contamination was rich in metal-resistant bacteria such as Sphingomonadales, Geodermatophilaceae and KD4–96 (Chloroflexi phylum). Acidobacteria and Sphingomonadales, capable of resisting trace metals and degrading persistent organic pollutants, were dominant in the plots that had accumulated metal and organic contamination, but bacterial activity was lower in these plots than in the other plots