New histochemical and ultrastructural observations on normal bovine tonsils.

Samples of normal bovine palatine tonsils were examined by light and electron microscopy. Like human tonsils, they were composed of crypts, subepithelial areas, follicles, and T-dependent zones, but their well-developed capsule subdivided the lymphoid tissue by connective septa. B cells formed the major lymphoid component. The follicles and T-dependent zones had morphological and histochemical features typical of peripheral lymph organs. Follicular dendritic cells were isolated and shown to be similar to human follicular dendritic cells.     

Tolerance to Formalin by a Fluidized-Bed Biofilter and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in a Recirculating Culture System

Formalin tolerances of a fluidized-bed sand biofilter and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were tested in a semi-closed freshwater recirculating culture system. Progressively higher formalin levels were tested until fish mortality (±1.9%) occurred. A 1-h exposure to 167 ppm formalin, followed by flushing, was safe for trout (no mortality) at 15.0 C but not at 16.5 C. A 110-ppm indefinite treatment (no flushing) was safe at 17.3 C, but 120 ppm at 17.3 C and 100 ppm at 17.8 C were not. Biofilter nitrification was not impaired by 1-h formdin treatments up to 167 ppm at 16.5 C, and not, usually, by indefinite treatments up to 120 ppm at 17.3 C. However, a find indefinite treatment of 70 ppm was followed by abnormally high nitrite levels for 9 d. Formaldehyde remained detectable in the system for 11 h during indefinite treatment at 120 ppm formalin. Tests on the system's Co₂ stripper did not indicate that it removed formaldehyde.     

Evaluation of Beef Liver, Fruits, and Vegetables as Dietary Supplements for Indoor Nursery Culture of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Frozen beef liver fed at dietary levels of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% (dry weight) to postlarval Mucrobruchium rosenbergii was evaluated as a supplement to Mna Trout Chow No. 2. Final mean wet weights and yields of prawns fed 15, 20, and 25% beef liver were significantly higher than those of prawns that received 5 and 10% levels. Survival rates and food conversion ratios of dry matter fed to wet biomass produced were not significantly different among treatments. The suitability of 47 fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables as dietary supplements was tested. Fourteen fruits and vegetables sank and were readily consumed by prawns, and seven (fresh orange and sweet potato, and frozen banana, carrot tops, butternut squash, yellow squash, and turnip greens) were tested as supplements (10% dry weight of the total ration) to trout chow and 15% beef liver. There were no significant differences ( P < 0.05) in final mean weight, survival, yield, or food conversion ratio. Pigmentation of prams fed carrot tops or turnip greens was enhanced. No significant differences in final mean weight, yield, or survival were found when frozen banana was evaluated at levels of 0, 5,10,15, and 20% as a supplement to trout chow and 15% beef liver. Food conversion ratios for prawns fed 15 and 20% levels of banana were not different from those fed 10%, but were significantly higher than for prawns fed the 0 and 5% levels. Thus, a diet of Purina Trout Chow No. 2 plus 15% beef liver gives good results with postlarval M. rosenbergii in aquaria. Largescale testing and an economic analysis are needed to determine if this diet is practical for commercial prawn nurseries.     

The Non-Timber Forest Products Sector in Nepal: Emerging Policy Issues in Plant Conservation and Utilization for Sustainable Development

The non-timber forest products (NTFPs) sector in Nepal is being promoted with the concept of sustainable development as articulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Traditionally, people have been dependent on NTFPs for subsistence; however, international trade is growing. To promote this sector, Nepal adopted the 2004 Herbs and NTFP Development Policy. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of the policy along with the other forestry and natural resource policies in Nepal concerning the conservation and use of NTFPs. We conducted open-ended semi-structured interviews with 28 key informants in summer 2006 in Nepal and collected relevant documents and publications. Qualitative analyses of data yielded important issues that should be addressed to promote the sector as envisioned by the Government. The most important is the need for inventory and research on NTFP species in widespread use. There are some issues regarding species banned under various other National Acts; the lack of marketing information and capacity building; administrative barriers; royalty rates; and illegal harvesting. The most important immediate need is the development of an NTFP Strategy and Action Plan. Our findings should help further implement the policy and promote the sector along the stated mission of conservation and sustainable development.     

Imported infestations of nasopharyngeal parasites in dogs

In this paper infestations of the nasal cavity with Myxobdella annandalei in a dog after a sojourn in Nepal and with Linguatula serrata in 2 stray dogs from Turkey, which were imported to Germany, are described.