COMPARISON OF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF CANINE PROSTATE DIMENSIONS

The purposes of this study were to: 1) compare prostatic dimensions measured on radiographic and ultrasonographic images and 2) compare a subjective radiographic assessment of prostate size with a previously-described objective method. Thirty-four male dogs undergoing investigation of prostatic disorders were used. Prostate length and depth were measured from ultrasonographic and radiographic images. A subjective assessment of prostate size ('small', 'normal', or 'enlarged') was made in 29 animals by one of the authors who was unaware of radiographic or ultrasonographic measurements. In addition, the distance from sacral promontory to the pubic brim was also measured. A prostate length or depth of >70% of this distance was defined as 'enlarged' and <70% as 'normal'. After the effects of magnification on radiographic measurements were eliminated, there were no significant differences between prostatic length measured by the two methods. However, a significant difference was obtained between prostatic depth measurements. The subjective assessment agreed with a previously described objective assessment of prostatic size in 21/29 dogs for prostate length but in only 12/29 for depth. Prostatic length varied from 46.6 to 116.4% (mean 75.7%) of the distance from the pubic brim to the sacral promontory. Prostatic depth varied from 33.0% to 94.6% (mean 59.7%) of the same distance. It is recommended that prostate length, rather than depth, be used when evaluating prostate size from lateral abdominal radiographs.     

Effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits of white and coloured dwarf dam lines

1. The effect of soybean meal substitution by different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits of white and coloured dwarf dam lines was investigated.

2. A total of 144 dwarf hens (38 weeks of age) from the same hatch were randomly divided into 12 groups of 12 birds (4 dietary treatments × 3 replicates).

3. A 2 × 4 factorial design was used to study the effect of 2 lines (Factor A) and substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with 4 concentrations (0, 10, 15 and 20%) of sunflower meal (SFM) [Factor B] on egg quality traits of dwarf dam line hens.

4. All the diets were designed to be isocaloric (11?3 MJ ME/kg) and isonitrogenous (180 g/kg crude protein) The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks.

5. Analysis of variance indicated a highly significant line effect. There were non-significant effects of substitution of soybean meal with different concentrations of sunflower meal on egg quality traits except for Haugh unit.

6. White plumaged dwarf broiler breeder dam line produced significantly fewer, but larger, eggs than coloured dwarf dam line hens.     

Arsenbefund in amerikanischen Äpfeln

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Pflanzenschutz - Bienenschutz - Insektenschutz

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Gesunde Pflanzen unter zukünftigem Klima

Predicted changes in average values of global climate variables (increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased concentrations of atmospheric CO₂) and changes in the frequency, duration, and degree of extremes (frost, heat, drought, hail, storms, floods, etc.) will affect agricultural crops, agroecosystems, and agricultural productivity. Although forecasts of regional climate changes are still imprecise, mean temperature increases in Europe are expected to be greater in the north (2.5–4.5°C) than in the south (1.5–4.5°C). Regional forecasts for precipitation changes are also very far from precise; however, problems with drought are expected to increase, especially in Mediterranean countries. Overall, shortage of water will be the predominant factor affecting plant growth. As higher temperatures are known to enhance plant development and especially the grain-filling duration of cereals, grain yield losses are possible in a warmer climate. On the other hand, elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are known to stimulate photosynthesis and enhance growth and yield (“CO₂ fertilization”); concomitantly, leaf transpiration is reduced, resulting in improved water use efficiency. Total biomass and yield were enhanced by 20–30% in experiments with elevated CO₂ exposure (550–700 ppm) under more or less ideal growth conditions. Elucidating the interactions between positive and negative effects of climate change is of crucial importance for any prediction of future crop yields. The present paper is a brief summary mainly of the potential effects of elevated temperatures and atmospheric CO₂ on crop growth, quality, and yield. Also, adaptation measures, possible interactive effects of different climate variables, and interactions of climate change components with other growth variables (pathogens, air pollutants) are briefly described.     

Die Breitadrigkeit des Salats — ein Komplex aus zwei Viren

Since many years lettuce big-vein disease (LBVD) occurring in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and endivia (Cichorium endivia) is a well known disease. It is widely spread all over the world and can cause important economical losses. For more than 20 years the lettuce big-vein virus (LBVV) was thought to be the causal agent. New results indicate that another virus, named “Mirafiori lettuce big-vein ophiovirus” (MLBVV), is responsible for the typical symptoms. Mostly both viruses are detected together in diseased plants. But also the presence of only one virus can be observed as shown in a sample which was sent to the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture (LfL), Freising, in the spring of 2005. In further investigations at the German Federal Authority and Federal Research Centre (BBA), Braunschweig, only the MLBVV was found. Like any other virus disease LBVD cannot be controlled directly. Therefore prevention is of utmost importance. If LBVD is already present integrated disease management strategies combining cultural and phytosanitary measures as well as growing tolerant lettuce cultivars are the only way to minimize economical damage.     

Giftpulver und Trägerstaub in der Flugzeugstäubung zur Malariabekämpfung

Zusammenfassung In der Flugzeugstäubung zur Brutplatzsanierung in der Malariamückenbekämpfung setzt sich das Streugemisch aus zwei Komponenten zusammen: Gift und Verteilerstoff. Die Giftpartikelchen sollen möglichst lange auf dem Wasser liegenbleiben, damit sie recht lange als Fraß- oder Berührungsgift wirken können. Der Verteilerstoff (in der Praxis am besten Straßenstaub) soll das gleichmäßige Ausstreuen des Giftes ermöglichen, er soll jedoch nicht auf der Wasseroberfläche liegenbleiben, sondern alsbald absinken. Erfahrungen mit der Einführung einer dritten Komponente in Gestalt verölter Staubpartikelchen, die dann als eigentlicher Trägerstoff für die Giftpartikelchen dienen, versprechen durch diese Methodik sowohl eine Giftersparnis infolge höherer Wirkung wie auch gleichzeitig längere Wirkungsdauer, d. h. Vergrö ßerung der zeitlichen Abstände der Wiederholungen der Streuflüge.     

Computed tomography of the lungs of Indian pythons (Python molurus)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) for detection of pneumonia in snakes. ANIMALS: 8 clinically normal Indian pythons (Python molurus) and 5 pythons with evidence of respiratory tract disease. PROCEDURES: Preliminary examinations (clinical examination, conventional radiography, and microbiologic examination of a transtracheal wash sample) were performed. The lungs of each snake were then examined by use of CT performed in accordance with a standardized protocol. Structures of the lungs were assessed, and thickness and attenuation of the parenchyma were determined. RESULTS: It was possible to assess lung parenchyma in all pythons. Mean +/- SD attenuation in healthy pythons was -744.4 +/- 47.1 Hounsfield units. Significant differences were not evident between the right and left lungs or among measurement areas within a lung. In all Indian pythons with clinical signs of dyspnea and microbiologic detection of pathogens, hyperattenuation of the alveolar tissue was evident. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the results revealed the benefit of CT for use in the diagnosis of pneumonia in snakes. A standardized protocol and reference values were established as a basis for CT assessment of the lungs of snakes.