Morpho‐physical Recording of Bovine Conceptus (Bos indicus) and Placenta from Days 20 to 70 of Pregnancy

The study is based on 141 pregnant Bos indicus cows, from days 20 to 70 post‐insemination. First, special attention was given to the macroscopically observable phenomena of attachment of the conceptus to the uterus, i.e. the implantation, from about days 20 to 30 post‐insemination up to day 70, and placentome development by growth, vascularization and increase in the number of cotyledons opposite to the endometrial caruncles. Secondly, as for the conceptuses, semiquantitative, statistical analyses were performed of the lengths of chorio‐allantois, amnion and yolk sac; and the different parts of the centre and two extremes of the yolk sacs were also analysed. Thirdly, the embryos/foetuses corresponding to their membranes were measured by their greatest length and by weight, and described by the appearance of external developmental phenomena during the investigated period like neurulation, somites, branchial arcs, brain vesicles, limb buds, C‐form, pigmented eye and facial grooves. In conclusion, all the data collected in this study from days 20 to 70 of bovine pregnancy were compared extensively with corresponding data of the literature. This resulted in an ‘embryo/foetal age‐scale’, which has extended the data in the literature by covering the first 8 to 70 days of pregnancy. This age‐scale of early bovine intrauterine development provides model for studies, even when using slaughtered cows without distinct knowledge of insemination or fertilization time, through macroscopic techniques. This distinctly facilitates research into the cow, which is now being widely used as ‘an experimental animal’ for testing new techniques of reproduction like in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer and cloning.     

IMPACT OF SELENIUM FERTILIZATION ON GLUCOSINOLATE CONCENTRATION IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA AND RAPID CYCLING BRASSICA OLERACEA

Brassica vegetables are a significant source of glucosinolates (GSs), which are sulfur (S)-containing phytonutrients exhibiting, upon hydrolysis by endogenous myrosinase, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activity. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in mammalian health exhibiting antioxidant activity by inhibiting experimental carcinogenesis in animal models and reducing cancer incidence in human clinical trials. Selenium is readily accumulated in both Brassica species and Arabidopsis thaliana, a model species with similar S-metabolism. The research objectives for this project were to: 1) compare the impact of Se fertilization on GS concentrations between Arabidopsis thaliana and rapid cycling Brassica oleracea; and 2) determine the level of Se fertilization needed to optimize plant tissue Se concentration to maximize potential human health benefits. Both S and Se concentrations increased in A. thaliana and B. oleracea tissues in response to increasing Se treatments. Concentrations of glucoiberin, glucoraphanin, aliphatic, and total GS differed significantly between A. thaliana and B. oleracea. Data demonstrates that anti-carcinogenic GSs can be modified through changes in Se treatment concentrations, yet high levels of anti-carcinogenic GSs can be maintained while increasing Se concentration to 0.8 mg Se L^-1. Thus, it is feasible to increase Se to beneficial dietary levels without compromising GS concentrations.     

Impact of Supplemental Calcium Chloride on Yield,Quality, Nutrient Status,and Postharvest Attributes of Tomato

Little is known regarding the impact of calcium chloride applications during growth and development on tomato postharvest quality. This trial investigated supplemental calcium chloride applications on yield, nutrient content, texture, and postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Calcium (Ca) nutrient solution concentrations were: 60, 180, and 360 mg·L^?1 calcium, while foliar applications were (0, 1, and 2% calcium chloride w/v). Plants grown with 60 mg·L^?1 Ca had a high incidence of blossom end rot, which was not affected by calcium chloride sprays. Fruit nutrient concentrations were affected by calcium delivered through the nutrient solution. As fruit cluster position increased, fruit nutrient concentrations significantly decreased. Foliar calcium chloride sprays affected fruit soluble solids content and dry weight, but did not affect texture. Pericarp elasticity increased concomitantly with calcium in the nutrient solution. Postharvest disease incidence was not affected by calcium treatment, though weight loss during storage was negatively affected by calcium chloride sprays.     

关于内蒙古大兴安岭林区大径材培育的探讨

文章通过对内蒙古大兴安岭林区培育大径材的目的、意义、必要性及方法等方面的分析,论述了大径级材培育是促进林区生态、经济和社会协调发展的有力措施。     

Bioavailability, disposition kinetics and dosage of sulfadimethoxine in dogs--a correction.

A reevaluation of the disposition kinetics and extent of absorption of sulfadimethoxine in normal dogs following intravenous and oral dosage has been made. The tissue to plasma level ratio at the peak tissue level (k12/k21) was 0.55, while the tissue to plasma level ratio after distribution equilibrium (k12/k21-beta) was 0.926. The systemic availability of sulfadimethoxine from the oral suspension was 48.8% (24.4-86.2) when corrections for intrasubject variability were made.     

In vitro comparison of three fixation methods for humeral fracture repair in adult horses

The stiffness, load to failure, and bending moments of adult intact equine humeri and humeri repaired with 3 fixation techniques were determined in vitro. Bones were tested in axial compression (30 pairs), mediolateral 3-point bending (15 pairs), and caudocranial 3-point bending (15 pairs). An oblique osteotomy of 1 humerus of each pair was performed to simulate the long spiral oblique fractures that occur clinically in horses. Bones were repaired in 3 ways: group 1--nylon band cerclage fixation (20 bones); group 2--multiple intramedullary pinning (20 bones); and group 3--nylon band cerclage fixation and multiple intramedullary pinning (20 bones). Intact bones were significantly (P less than 0.05) stronger than repaired bones in each testing mode. Bones repaired with bands only were significantly less stiff in bending than were bones repaired with pins only or with pins and bands. In compression, only specimens repaired with pins and bands were significantly stiffer than were bones repaired with bands only. Bones repaired with bands only required significantly less load to failure in compression and in caudocranial bending than did bones repaired with pins only or with pins and bands. Bones repaired with pins only deformed through the full displacement of the actuator (5 cm), and pins deformed plastically. Bones repaired with pins and bands were stiffer and had higher bending moments than did bones repaired with pins only, but the differences were not significant.     

RATIO OF CALCIUM TO MAGNESIUM INFLUENCES BIOMASS,ELEMENTAL ACCUMULATIONS,AND PIGMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN KALE

Producers use elemental ratios, such as calcium (Ca): magnesium (Mg), in fertility programs to ensure sufficient nutrient uptake. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) accumulates high levels of carotenoids which can be beneficial for human health. Objectives were to determine the influence of Ca:Mg fertilization on 1) biomass, 2) essential nutrients, and 3) carotenoids in kale leaf tissues. ‘Redbor’ kale was greenhouse-grown in solution culture. Ca:Mg ratio treatments were 9:1, 6:1, 3:1, 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9. Ca:Mg ratio significantly affected biomass, nutrient accumulation, and carotenoids. Plant biomass decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.001) and β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, and antheraxanthin all increased, then decreased quadratically (P ≤ 0.001) as the ratio of Ca:Mg changed from 9:1 to 1:9. Ca:Mg ratio also affected leaf tissue Ca, Mg, potassium (K), sulfur (S), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn). Results indicate that producers wishing to maximize elemental uptake and carotenoid content of kale need to consider the ratio of Ca:Mg in their fertility programs.     

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of bromide following high-dose oral potassium bromide administration in healthy Beagles

The pharmacokinetics of a multidose regimen of potassium bromide (KBr) administration in normal dogs was examined. KBr was administered at 30 mg/kg p.o. q 12 h for a period of 115 days. Serum, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bromide (BR) concentrations were measured at the onset of dosing, during the accumulation phase, at steady-state, and after a subsequent dose adjustment. Median elimination half-life and steady-state serum concentration were 15.2 days and 245 mg/dL, respectively. Apparent total body clearance was 16.4 mL/day/kg and volume of distribution was 0.40 L/kg. The CSF:serum BR ratio at steady-state was 0.77. Dogs showed no neurologic deficits during maintenance dosing but significant latency shifts in waves I and V of the brainstem auditory evoked response were evident. Following a subsequent dose adjustment, serum BR concentrations of approximately 400 mg/dL were associated with caudal paresis in two dogs. Estimated half-life during the accumulation phase was shorter than elimination half-lives reported in other studies and was likely related to dietary chloride content. The range of steady-state concentrations achieved suggests individual differences in clearance and bioavailability between dogs. The described protocol reliably produced serum BR concentrations that are required by many epileptic patients for satisfactory seizure control.