Effects of Hormonal Supplementation on Nuclear Maturation and Cortical Granules Distribution of Canine Oocytes During Various Reproductive Stages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hCG, progesterone and oestradiol supplementation on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of canine oocytes cultured for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Oocytes obtained from 18 healthy bitches were divided into three groups according to their reproductive status (follicular, luteal and anoestrus stages) and cultured in TCM 199 + 25 UI/ml of hCG + 1 μg/ml of progesterone + 1 μg/ml of 17‐β oestradiol or without hormonal supplementation (control) for different periods. Then, they were stained with FITC‐LCA‐Hoescht for chromatin configuration and cortical granules distribution and evaluated under an epifluorescence microscope. Culture time and the influence of different stages of the oestrous cycle were also evaluated. The present study demonstrated that there was no significant difference among the reproductive stages. With regards to culture medium, only oocytes from the supplemented medium were able to complete meiosis; however, significant difference was only noticed in the percentage of MI stage oocytes (p < 0.05) in the follicular and luteal group at 72 h of culture. Most oocytes in germinal vesicle, germinal vesicle breakdown and metaphase I stage had cortical granules distributed throughout the cytoplasm (immature pattern), irrespective of the culture period (p < 0.05). Cortical granules distributed immediately beneath the plasma membrane (mature) was only observed in metaphase II stage oocytes, but not all of them presented matured cytoplasm. Our results reveal that cortical granules distribution in canine oocytes matured in vitro did not progressed in correspondence with nuclear stage changes and are in accordance with those from other species.     

Sampling and management of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B in Australian cotton

Data on seasonal population abundance of Bemisia tabaci biotype B (silverleaf whitefly (SLW)) in Australian cotton fields collected over four consecutive growing seasons (2002/2003–2005/2006) were used to develop and validate a multiple-threshold-based management and sampling plan. Non-linear growth trajectories estimated from the field sampling data were used as benchmarks to classify adult SLW field populations into six density-based management zones with associated control recommendations in the context of peak flowering and open boll crop growth stages. Control options based on application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) are recommended for high-density populations (>2 adults/leaf) whereas conventional (non-IGR) products are recommended for the control of low to moderate population densities. A computerised re-sampling program was used to develop and test a binomial sampling plan. Binomial models with thresholds of T=1, 2 and 3 adults/leaf were tested using the field abundance data. A binomial plan based on a tally threshold of T=2 adults/leaf and a minimum sample of 20 leaves at nodes 3, 4 or 5 below the terminal is recommended as the most parsimonious and practical sampling protocol for Australian cotton fields. A decision support guide with management zone boundaries expressed as binomial counts and control options appropriate for various SLW density situations is presented. Appropriate use of chemical insecticides and tactics for successful field control of whiteflies are discussed.     

Management of inappetant sheep during export by sea

In the first of 2 experiments, a simulated voyage was conducted to examine the effects of various treatments on bodyweight change and feeding frequency of inappetant sheep at the end of lot-feeding (non-feeders). The treatments, applied during simulated shipping, were: normal quantities of feed and length of troughs; extra trough length; extra feed. Adult Merino wethers (n = 108) were used in each treatment. A voyage to the Middle East was then conducted to establish whether shipboard mortality could be reduced by separating non-feeders (n = 305) from feeders (n = 5,620) late in the feedlot hase and housing the groups separately aboard ship. A control group of non-feeders (n = 215) mixed with feeders (n = 5,732) was used for comparison. Bars (marker bars), containing a coloured dye, were attached to feed troughs to mark sheep that fed. Most non-feeders (82%) began eating when placed in shipping pens in both studies. However, there was no significant difference in percentage of sheep that fed between non-feeders given extra trough length or extra feed compared with non-feeders given standard management at any stage of simulated shipping. There was no significant difference in mean bodyweights between treatment groups on days 1, 8 and 15 of simulated shipping. Differences in bodyweight on d 22 were probably associated with different levels of gut fill. Death rates were not significantly different in separated and control groups (1.1%, 0.9%, P = 0.6) in the voyage of 14 d to the Middle East.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Some Insights into Atmospheric Processes Involving Urban Sulphur and Nitrogen in and around Hong Kong,SAR

The representative mass ratio of the reactive airborne sulphur-to-nitrogen, S/N in the gas and aerosol phases, and in wet and dry deposition over the territory of Hong Kong, SAR,was determined, utilizing available data for the 12 yr period, 1986–1997. Using this information, the representative stoichiometric ratio values for sulphate-to-nitrate in aerosoland in wet and dry depositions were estimated. A limited supplementary data set on various canopy depositions was alsoutilized. This information collectively suggests several basicdifferences in photochemical processes between the urbanatmospheres in and around Hong Kong and the classical, smoggyLos Angeles. This is also supported by the typical diurnal variation of nitrogen oxides in Hong Kong, which suggests a moreefficient photo-oxidation of NO to NO₂ within the territoryand in nearby areas upwind, as compared to further oxidation tothe NO₃ (or nitrate) stage. On the other hand, the relatively low gas-to-particle ratio value estimated for S (～3) relative to N (～26) suggests that the advectedfraction of non-sea salt aerosol sulphate in the territory couldbe considerably greater than the corresponding fraction for nitrate. Finally, significant losses (probably related to sampling) of NH₄-NH₃ in dry deposition could be inferred, while for SO₄ in wet deposition, a moderate enrichment factor of ～2 is observed in relation to SO₄ in aerosol.     

Selection and utilization of solanum phureja clones with high resistance to different strains of pseudomonas solanacearum

Over 250 accessions ofSolanum phureja from Colombia and 300S. phureja—S. tuberosum hybrids were screened in the greenhouse for resistance toPseudomonas solanacearum (isolate K-60). Each plant was inoculated by stem puncture at the pre-bud stage and then held at a constant 28 C for 15 days. Seventeen clones with different levels of resistance to K-60 were inoculated with nine additional isolates representing all three races of the bacterium. The reactions of individual clones varied from resistance to almost all isolates, resistance to only one isolate, or complete susceptibility. Crosses amongS. phureja clones and betweenS. phureja and 24-chromosomeS. tuberosum stocks gave progeny with various percentages of resistant plants. Clones with resistance equal to that inS. phureja were found in theS. phureja × S. tuberosum crosses. Tests conducted in growth chambers showed that resistance was expressed more frequently at high light intensity (2000 ft-c) than at low intensities (1300 ft-c) at 24 C and 28 C. Resistance appears to be relatively simply inherited and the prospects for transferring a high level of resistance into cultivated forms are promising.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of type 1 dermoid sinus in two Rhodesian ridgeback dogs

Two cases of type 1 dermoid sinus in Rhodesian ridgebacks are described, with emphasis on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and delineation of the lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in identifying fluid-filled structures, fibrous capsules, and sinus tracts, but was not able to identify the termination of the tracts.