Development of a semi-selective medium and an immunofluorescence colony-staining procedure for the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in cattle manure slurry

Various compounds and basal media were tested for their suitability to create a semi-selective medium for isolation ofClavibacter michiganensis subsp.sepedonicus (Cms) from cattle manure slurry containing c. 10⁸ colony forming units (cfu) per ml.Plating efficiency of Cms in yeast glucose mineral medium (YGM) was 104% compared with yeast peptone glucose medium. Nalidixic acid, polymyxin B sulphate and the experimental disinfectant S-0208 inhibited colony growth of cattle slurry bacteria as compared with Cms in YGM. The optimal concentration of these inhibitors in combination was determined by modified agar diffusion tests and by pour plating in 24-well tissue culture plates. The semi-selective medium YGMI consisted of YGM supplemented with nalidixic acid (2 mg/l), polymyxin B sulphate (30 mg/l) and S-0208 (125 mg/l). Plating efficiency varied for Cms between 50.9 and 69.6%, for cattle slurry bacteria between 1.8 and 2.5% and for saprophytes from potato heel end extracts between 11.5 and 27.4%.Differentiation of Cms colonies from other colonies was based on their small and bluish colony morphology in pour plates and on immunofluorescence colony-staining (IFC). IFC of a pure culture of micro colonies of Cms in YGM was possible after one day incubation (colonies c. 5 cells). Green background fluorescence in the agar gels was prevented by addition of Tween 20 (0.1%) to the washing buffer and the use of 1% agar gels. IFC of macro colonies of Cms in YGMI, visible with 4x objective magnification, was possible after 4 days. The detection level of the target organism in artificially inoculated cattle slurry in YGMI based on colony morphology varied between 1.4×10³ and 2.3×10⁴ cfu per ml of cattle slurry. Miniaturized plating combined with IFC, using wells in tissue culture plates (=16 mm), proved suitable for detection, but was c. 30 times les sensitive. The recovery of Cms was negatively correlated with the number of saprophytic colonies in the agar plates (R ²=0.74).     

Morphology and distribution of wheat and maize roots as affected by tillage systems and soil physical parameters in temperate climates: an overview

Congregated information on maize and wheat root morphology and their distribution as influenced by tillage and soil physical conditions is meager. Root growth under no-tillage (NT) or conventional tillage (CT) is variable: Under NT, higher bulk density slows root elongation and provides shorter roots but simulate root branching; results may be opposite depending on soil texture. Under CT, soil compaction may have negative effects on root growth, with roots exhibiting plasticity. In humid climates, low soil temperatures can reduce root length density (RLD) and increase the diameter of spring cereals under NT. Tillage intensity induces a different distribution of nutrients, a trend which increases with time resulting in higher RLD in the topmost layer of NT. Compared to maize it is difficult to present an overview of the effect on tillage on the RLD of wheat due to inconclusive results. Adequate placements of banded starter fertilizer will effectively build up an early root system of maize, especially at suboptimal growth temperatures. Many studies reported a higher or similar grain yield of maize or wheat under NT compared to CT in temperate climates. However, the limited information or the conflicting results will promote the topic for inclusion in future breeding programs.     

番茄辣椒微型根系形态原位采集系统设计与实现

为实时获取浅根系作物的根系生长形态,设计了一种可用于多点测量的微型根系形态实时原位采集系统。系统主要由微型摄像头和光学放大元件等组成(体积1.5cm3),采集的图像通过无线模块发送至终端。采用基于区域生长的根系图像分析方法,以腐蚀图像为出发点,膨胀图像为终止点,结合相似性准则进行区域生长、区域标记和区域保留,来滤除土壤孔隙和杂质等对图像产生的干扰,从而提取根系轮廓,并通过图像形态学计算得到根长密度、根系平均直径等形态参数。以此系统采集樱桃番茄、辣椒根系形态参数,试验结果表明,根系长度测定值的绝对误差不超过1.5 mm,相对误差不超过5.3%;根系平均直径绝对误差不超过0.09 mm,相对误差不超过6.7%。与土壤采样法测定值相比,在0～10、10～20、20～30和30～40 cm 4个土壤层内2种测定方法根系平均直径决定系数R20.87(P0.01),根长密度在30 cm深度以内的土壤层决定系数R20.81(P0.01)。证明本文设计的微型根系形态实时原位采集系统具有较高的准确性,可用于浅根系作物形态的多点观测。     

鲶卵膜形成的显微和超微结构比较的研究

光学显微镜观察鲶卵膜形成的显微结构,第1时相卵母细胞外具1层质膜。第2时相卵母细胞外可见到滤泡膜,第3时相卵母细胞时,可见到放射膜。第4时相初滤泡层和放射膜较前期更加增厚。第5时相卵母细胞外的滤泡膜已脱去。第6时相放射膜逐渐消解。透射电镜观察鲶卵膜形成的超微结构,在第2时相时,不仅具滤泡层,而且有鞘细胞层、基板和刚发生的放射膜,第3时相基板加厚。第4时相基板逐渐消失。第5时相滤泡细胞解体,放射膜的外层已经消失。对鲶卵母细胞膜发生的显微和超微结构作了比较,对卵膜的划分及分期、滤泡层的来源和构成、放射膜生成的机制等作了描述和探讨。     

河南省农业微观组织的现状调查与创新对策

农业微观组织对农业战略性结构调整和农业现代化建设起重要支撑作用，现状表明，农民家庭经营组织、农业社区性合作经济组织和农业产业化经营组织等微观组织需要在稳定的基础上积极创新。     

微生态营养素对鱼苗池浮游生物的影响

通过在鱼苗培育过程中使用微生态营养素和传统养殖模式进行对比,分析测定养殖环境中的浮游生物种类、数量和生物量以及透明度等理化因子,研究微生态营养素在苗种培育中的使用效果。研究结果表明:微生态营养素能有效促进浮游生物的生长,施放微生态营养素的水体中鱼类喜食且易消化的浮游植物及浮游动物的种类和数量显著增加,总生物量提高了20%~58%,水体透明度降低了30%～52%,培育出来的苗种,较常规培育的个体更大、成活率更高。     

不同生物处理水稻秸秆对肉用绵羊生长性能、屠宰性能及器官发育的影响

本试验研究了不同生物处理水稻秸秆对肉用绵羊生长性能、屠宰性能及器官发育的影响,旨在探索有效的生物制剂处理方法。采用单因素试验设计,选取体重为(24.00±2.42)kg的"杜泊×小尾寒羊"杂交F1代公羔羊80只,随机分为4个组,分别为空白对照组(饲喂水稻秸秆饲粮)、Ⅰ组(饲喂细菌、酶复合青贮制剂处理的水稻秸秆饲粮)、Ⅱ组(饲喂复合酶制剂处理的水稻秸秆饲粮)、羊草对照组(饲喂羊草饲粮),每组5个重复,每个重复4只羊。预试期为8d,正试期为60 d。结果表明:Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和羊草对照组试验羊平均日增重和干物质采食量均显著高于空白对照组(P0.05),料重比显著低于空白对照组(P0.05),但Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和羊草对照组之间差异不显著(P0.05)。各组间试验羊屠宰率无显著差异(P0.05),各组间试验羊头、蹄、皮+毛、肺脏、肾脏、网胃、瓣胃、皱胃、小肠和大肠的重量及其占宰前活重比例无显著差异(P0.05),Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和羊草对照组试验羊肝脏和瘤胃重量显著高于空白对照组(P0.05)。由此可见,细菌、酶复合青贮制剂处理水稻秸秆有显著的改善作用,肉用绵羊的生长性能、屠宰性能及器官发育接近羊草的饲喂效果。     

Assessment of computed tomography derived cricoid cartilage and tracheal dimensions to evaluate degree of cricoid narrowing in brachycephalic dogs

The aims of this observational, analytical, retrospective study were to (i) obtain computed tomographic (CT) cricoid dimensions (height, width, and transverse‐sectional area), (ii) compare the cricoid dimensions between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds, and (iii) compare cricoid cartilage dimensions between dogs without and affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. The study is important to help to further evaluate and understand the anatomical components of brachycephalic airway syndrome. Measurements were performed in 147 brachycephalic and 59 mesaticephalic dogs. The cricoid cartilage was found to be significantly more oval in Pugs and French Bulldogs compared to mesaticephalic breeds. The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area was smallest for the Pug and, after adjusting for weight, significantly smaller for Pugs (P < 0.001), Boston Terriers (P = 0.001), and French Bulldogs (P < 0.001) compared to Jack Russell Terriers. The tracheal transverse‐sectional area at C4 of English Bulldogs was significantly smaller than for Jack Russell Terriers (P = 0.005) and Labradors (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area:weight ratio was significantly lower in brachycephalic breeds compared to mesaticephalic breeds (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage:trachea at C4 transverse‐sectional area for brachycephalic dogs was significantly larger than for mesaticephalic dogs (<0.001), demonstrating that the trachea was the narrowest part of the airway. No significant differences were found for cricoid dimensions between dogs affected with and without brachycephalic airway syndrome. However, large individual variation was found among the brachycephalic breeds and further studies investigating the relationship between cricoid cartilage size, laryngeal collapse, concurrent tracheal hypoplasia, and/or severity of brachycephalic airway syndrome are warranted.     

FORENSIC RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING FOR VETERINARY RADIOLOGISTS

Imaging studies are often of evidentiary value in medicolegal investigations involving animals and the role of the veterinary radiologist is to interpret those images for courts as an expert or opinion witness. With progressing interest in prosecuting animal crimes and strengthening of penalties for crimes against animals, the participation of veterinary radiologists in medicolegal investigations is expected to increase. Veterinary radiologists who are aware of radiographic and imaging signs that result in animal suffering, abuse, or neglect; knowledgeable in ways radiology and imaging may support cause of death determinations; conversant in postmortem imaging; comfortable discussing mechanisms and timing of blunt or sharp force and projectile trauma in imaging; and prepared to identify mimics of abuse can assist court participants in understanding imaging evidence. The goal of this commentary review is to familiarize veterinary radiologists with the forensic radiology and imaging literature and with the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities utilized in forensic investigations. Another goal is to provide background information for future research studies in veterinary forensic radiology and imaging.     

COMPARISONS AMONG COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF ADIPOSE MASSES IN DOGS AND CATS

A better understanding of the CT features of different forms of canine and feline adipose tumors would be valuable for improving patient management and treatment. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to describe and compare the CT features of pathologically confirmed lipomas, infiltrative lipomas, and liposarcomas in a sample of canine and feline patients. A total of 50 animals (46 dogs, four cats) and a total of 60 lesions (23 lipomas, 20 infiltrative lipomas, and 17 liposarcomas) were included in the study. Lipomas appeared as round to oval‐shaped (n = 21), well‐marginated (n = 20) fat‐attenuating lesions. Infiltrative lipomas appeared as homogeneous, fat‐attenuating masses but, unlike lipomas, they were most commonly characterized by an irregular shape (75%; P < 0.001), and linear components, hyperattenuating relative to the surrounding fat (100%; P < 0.05). Liposarcomas were represented exclusively by heterogeneous lesions with soft tissue attenuating components with a multinodular appearance (76.5%; P < 0.05). Regional lymphadenopathy (n = 10) and amorphous mineralization (n = 4) were also observed in association with liposarcomas. Computed tomography can provide useful information regarding disease location, extent, and involvement of the adjacent structures. Tumor definition and shape were the most useful parameters to differentiate between lipomas and infiltrative lipomas. The presence of a heterogeneous mass, with a multinodular soft tissue component and associated regional lymphadenopathy and mineralization, were features favoring a diagnosis of liposarcoma.