Seasonal deviation effects foliar endophyte assemblage and diversity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asparagus racemosus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemidesmus indicus</Emphasis>

Background

Fungal endophytes are the living symbionts which cause no apparent damage to the host tissue. The distribution pattern of these endophytes within a host plant is mediated by environmental factors. This study was carried out to explore the fungal endophyte community and their distribution pattern in Asparagus racemosus and Hemidesmus indicus growing in the study area.

Results

Foliar endophytes were isolated for 2 years from A. racemosus and H. indicus at four different seasons (June–August, September–November, December–February, March–May). A total of 5400 (675/season/year) leaf segments harbored 38 fungal species belonging to 17 genera, 12 miscellaneous mycelia sterile from 968 isolates and 13 had yeast like growth. In A. racemosus, Acremonium strictum and Phomopsis sp.1, were dominant with overall relative colonization densities (RCD) of 7.11% and 5.44% respectively, followed by Colletotrichum sp.3 and Colletotrichum sp.1 of 4.89% and 4.83% respectively. In H. indicus the dominant species was A. strictum having higher overall RCD of 5.06%, followed by Fusarium moniliforme and Colletotrichum sp.2 with RCD of 3.83% and 3%, respectively. Further the overall colonization and isolation rates were higher during the wet periods (September–November) in both A. racemosus (92.22% and 95.11%) and H. indicus (82% and 77.11%).

Conclusion

Study samples treated with 0.2% HgCl₂ and 75% EtOH for 30 s and 1 min, respectively, confirmed most favorable method of isolation of the endophytes. Owing to high mean isolation and colonization rates, September–November season proved to be the optimal season for endophyte isolation in both the study plants. Assessing the bioactive potential of these endophytes, may lead to the isolation of novel natural products and metabolites.

     

Isolation of Nanocellulose from Water Hyacinth Fiber (WHF) Produced via Digester-Sonication and Its Characterization

The successful isolation and characterization of water hyacinth fiber (Eichornia crassipes) (WHF) nanocellulose is presented in this study. The novelty was in exploring a wider range of properties of highly purified samples of WHF after each stage of production in more depth. The isolation was accomplished by pulping in a digester and sonication. Morphological changes before and after treatment were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lignin and hemicellulose content decreased during chemical treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analyzer (PSA) were used to determine the morphology of WHF after sonication for 1 h. TEM shows that the diameter and length of nanocellulose WHF were 15.61 and 147.4 nm, respectively. The crystallinity index and crystalline domain area significantly increased after chemical treatment. The highest crystallinity index was 84.87 % after an acid hydrolysis process. The increase in crystallinity leads to good thermal stability. Moisture absorption tests of WHF were carried out before and after treatment. The lowest moisture absorption was in the cellulose fiber after sonication (nanocellulose).     

Impregnation of zinc oxide mediated chitosan nano-composites on polyester fabric for performance characteristics

Present study dealt with the fabrication of chitosan/zinc oxide nano-composites (CZNCs) using a facile preparation method. The structural features of nano-composites were investigated by using advanced analytical techniques. The developed nano-composites exhibited hexagonal structural pattern with an average particle size of about 51 nm. The developed CZNCs were dispersed in 2-propanol and applied on polyester by using the pad-dry-cure method. The treated fabric specimens were characterized for surface, functional and textile properties including antibacterial activity and (ultra violet) UV- blocking. The nano-composite treated polyester fabric exhibited durable antibacterial, UV- blocking and textile properties with fair whiteness index.     

Brightness of venous blood in South American camelids: implications for jugular catheterization

Objective  To compare the brightness of South American camelid venous blood to that of Equidae.
Study design  Prospective clinical evaluation.
Animals  Twelve South American camelids (eight llamas, four alpacas), eight horses and ponies (control group).
Methods  Appropriately sized catheters were placed in the jugular vein of each animal under local anaesthesia. The blood spilt before the catheter was capped was caught on a white tile. A sample of blood was drawn for blood-gas analysis. The brightness of the blood (both on the tile and in the syringe) was matched to a colour chart (1 = darkest red, 8 = brightest red) by a single observer under bright light conditions. Packed cell volume (PCV) and partial pressure of oxygen (PvO₂) in the blood were also measured on the syringe blood. Normally distributed data were compared using a two tailed t -test, and non-normally distributed data were compared using a Mann–Whitney U -test. Significance was set at p  < 0.05.
Results  Camelid venous blood was significantly brighter red than that of horses and ponies both on the white tile ( p  = 0.0003) and in the syringe ( p  = 0.0001). PCV was significantly lower in camelids (32 ± 4%) compared with horses (37 ± 5%). Partial pressure of oxygen values were similar between groups.
Conclusions and clinical relevance  Jugular venous blood in alpacas and llamas is significantly brighter red than that of horses. Colour should not be used as a sole determinant of venous or arterial catheterization in this species.     

Lactose Synthase Components in Milk: Concentrations of α-Lactalbumin and β1,4-Galactosyltransferase in Milk of Cows from Several Breeds at Various Stages of Lactation

It is believed that milk production is determined by the number and activity of mammary secretory cells. Secretory activity, as assessed by milk volume, depends on secretion of the major osmole in milk, lactose, which is produced by lactose synthase. The amount of either of the two proteins in lactose synthase may regulate milk production. The objective of this study was to determine whether the concentrations in milk of the two components of lactose synthase, α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) and β1,4‐galactosyltransferase (B4GALT), were related to genetic background, stage of lactation, breed or parity of dairy cows. α‐Lactalbumin and B4GALT concentrations were measured by ELISA and by enzyme assays, respectively, from single milk samples. Two herds with a total of 279 cows were used in the analysis. One herd contained Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cows; the second herd contained two groups of cows; Holsteins selected for high milk production and Holsteins with 1960s genetics. The α‐LA concentration in milk was greater in Jerseys and Ayrshires than in Holsteins and Brown Swiss. However, no difference in α‐LA concentration was observed in milk from high and low genetic merit cows in the Minnesota herd or among different genetic backgrounds in the Illinois herd. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentrations were similar for all groups that were analyzed. α‐Lactalbumin concentrations were positively correlated with milk protein concentration, milk fat concentration and lactose concentration. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentration in milk exhibited a strong positive correlation with number of days in milk. Although the concentration of B4GALT increased as lactation progressed, the values did not show any correlation with persistency of lactation or late lactation milk production. In conclusion, this survey shows that the two components of lactose synthase are each correlated to protein concentration and individually correlated to the concentration of other milk components and stage of lactation.     

Cytopathological and histopathological diagnosis of canine splenic disorders

Objectives To determine (1) the common types of canine splenic disorders, and the breeds affected, that are diagnosed by cytopathological and histopathological examination in Sydney, Australia and (2) the accuracy of cytopathological examination compared with histopathological examination for the diagnosis of canine splenic disorders. Design 69 cytopathological and 51 histopathological diagnoses of canine splenic disorders presented to the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, The University of Sydney during 2006 and 2007 were tabulated and analysed; 17 cases examined both cytopathologically and histopathologically during 2001–07 were also analysed. Results The most common cytopathological diagnoses were benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis (29%), followed by no abnormalities detectable (28%), malignant neoplasms (20%), equivocal diagnoses (20%) and inflammatory disorders (3%). The most common breeds were Kelpie crosses and mixed breeds. The most common histopathological diagnoses were benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis (49%), followed by malignant neoplasms (43%) and inflammatory disorders (8%). The most common breeds were German Shepherd Dogs, Boxers and Maltese Terriers. Cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses were in complete agreement in 59% of cases, partial agreement in 29% and disagreement in 12%. Conclusion Benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis were the most commonly diagnosed canine splenic disorders, both cytopathologically and histopathologically. Kelpie crosses presented most frequently for cytopathological examination. German Shepherd Dogs were the most common breed diagnosed histopathologically with haemangiosarcoma. Although cytopathological and histopathological splenic examinations are complementary for diagnosis, this study has shown a high correlation for complete and partial agreement between the two.     

Rice bran, a potential source of biodiesel production in Indonesia

Biodiesel is a biodegradable, renewable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative fuel. The cost of raw materials comprises 60-88% of the production cost in commercial biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters, FAMEs) production. Therefore, the use of low-cost raw material as a substrate and an in situ process for biodiesel production are being preferred. In this case, rice bran, which contains 13.5% oil, was an interesting substrate. In situ esterification of high-acidity rice bran with methanol and sulfuric acid catalyst was investigated. The individual and interaction effects of methanol to rice bran ratio, sulfuric acid catalyst concentration and reaction time on purity and recovery of biodiesel were discussed. Our results suggest that under the following operation conditions: methanol to rice bran ratio of 5 mL/g, sulfuric acid concentration in methanol of 1.5 vol.%, and reaction time of 60 min, an in situ esterification operated on rice bran could yield FAMEs with a high purity and recovery. By applying an in situ esterification with n-hexane/water extractions, Indonesia will be succesfull in obtaining biodiesel from rice bran up to 96,000 ton per year.     

乌鲁木齐县石人沟地衣物种多样性及群落特征

为了查明新疆乌鲁木齐县石人沟地区的地衣物种多样性及其区系和群落特征,在石人沟地区的不同植被带设立16个样点,对地衣进行了样方调查、标本采集和标本鉴定,并对地衣区系成分和生长型进行了分析。结果表明,石人沟地区地衣共有30种,隶属于17属,10科,5目,其中叶状地衣和壳状地衣种类较丰富。地衣区系成分划分为世界广布成分、环北极成分、温带成分、中亚物种和中国特有物种等5个区系成分;按照该地区地衣生长的现状,把其划分为岩面生、树生、藓丛生和地面生等4个类型;该地区地衣的生长型主要以壳状地衣为主,其次为叶状地衣,缺乏枝状地衣种类。同时基于30种地衣及盖度数据,应用双向指示种分析方法(TWINSPAN)和除趋势对应分析(DCA)将该地区的地衣划分为3个样点组,并计算了物种多样性和均匀度指数。     

Long‐Term Outcome after Arthroscopic Debridement of Distal Phalanx Extensor Process Fragmentation in 13 Horses

Objective— To report long-term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Adult horses (n=13).
Methods— Medical records (2003–2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow-up period of ≥4 years.
Results— Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initially but distal interphalangeal joint pain recurred in 2 (15%) within 1 year of surgery. Three (23%) other horses were retired because of lameness at other sites during the follow-up period resulting in 46% (6/13) being not lame and in full work after 4 years. Substantial changes were identified at surgery in the contralateral joint of 7 horses, even when fragments were only present unilaterally.
Conclusions— Arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the forelimb distal phalanx has a good short-term prognosis for resolution of lameness and return to work but a more guarded prognosis for long-term soundness.
Clinical Relevance— These results allow for more accurate prognostication preoperatively and may support early debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx.