Virulence and aggressiveness of single-zoospore isolates of Phytophthora fragariae

A system for scoring the virulence of isolates of Phytophthora fragariae based on a scale of root rot from 0 ( no symptoms ) to 5 (76-100% roots roiled) on a series of strawberry cultivars is described. Thirty-two single-zoospore isolates from one field site were compared by subjecting their root rot scores to cluster analysis and this grouped them into two major clusters equivalent to physiologic races B66–3 and B66-11, Different sub-clusters of isolates of race B66-11 produced different degrees of rotting on the same hosts. Apart from differences in virulence between the sub-clusters there was some evidence for differences in aggressiveness between isolates within sub-clusters.
Increasing inoculum concentration by over 300-fold increased rotting by c . 25% but did not alter the rankings of different isolate/host combinations. Repeated passage of isolates through cultivars of differing susceptibilities did not affect their pathogenicity.     

A garlic (Allium sativum) leaf blight caused by Stemphylium vesicarium in Brazil

The causal agent of a fohar disease of garlic ( Allium sutivum ) was identified as Stemphylium resicarium (Wallr) Simm Disease symptoms were reproduced on garlic leases 8 to 10 days after inoculation in a greenhouse (temperature range 22-26 C) Onion and tomato, two previously reported hosts of S, testcarnon. were also artificially infected with the isolate from garlic. This is believed to be the first report of S. testcarnom causing a severe leaf blight of garlic in the New World area.     

Brain thelohanellosis due to Thelohanellus oculileucisci (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) in Gobio gobio

The first case of a Thelohanellus infection in the brain of gudgeons (Gobio gobio) is described. The infection was found on three localities in southern Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. The spores measured 13.2-14.4 x 6.3-7.1 micron. The reasons are discussed for which the species was identified as T. oculileucisci Trojan, 1909.     

Identification of amino acids in wines by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Amino acids are minor compounds in wines, but they have a profound influence on wine quality, and amino acids composition can be used to differentiate wines according to the vine variety, geographical origin, and year of production. The NMR signals of amino acids in NMR spectra are overlapped by the signals of other compounds present and especially by the signals of dominant compounds such as water, ethanol, and glycerol. In this work we used 1D (1)H and (13)C, 2D homonuclear COSY, TOCSY, and 2D heteronuclear HSQC and HMQC pulse sequences, also with an incorporated WET pulse sequence element that allows the simultaneous suppression of several frequencies. Complete (1)H and (13)C NMR assignments for 17 amino acids commonly present in wine and of gamma-aminobutyric acid at pH 3 have been achieved in wine sample of Sauvignon from the Coastal wine-growing region of Slovenia, vintage 1994.     

Development. Endothelium--chicken soup for the endoderm

Endothelial cells in blood vessels are known to be important during the later stages of organ development in the embryo. However, their involvement at the induction stage of organ formation has not been previously documented. As Bahary and Zon explain in their Perspective, new work demonstrates that endothelial cells secrete factors early in development that induce embryonic endoderm to become liver or pancreas (Matsumoto et al., Lammert et al.).     

Effect of mammary secretions on functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of porcine mammary secretions on polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte function and to relate concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol in mammary secretions to PMN cell function. SAMPLE POPULATION: Mammary secretions from 10 healthy sows and blood PMN leukocytes from 27 healthy sows. PROCEDURE: Mammary secretions were collected within 24 hours after parturition (colostrum) and 12 to 13 days later (milk). Chemoattractant properties were assessed by use of a cell migration assay. Phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum and milk was assessed by recording chemiluminescence following phagocytosis of Escherichia coli or zymosan. Estradiol-17beta and cortisol concentrations were determined by use of radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk were significantly greater than that of zymosan-activated serum. However, chemoattractant properties did not differ significantly between the 2 types of secretions. The capacity of PMN cells in colostrum to phagocytose either zymosan or E. coli was less, compared with cells in milk, and the ability of cells in either type of mammary secretion to phagocytose E. coli was greater than the ability to phagocytose zymosan. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol were greater in colostrum, compared with milk. No clear relation was evident between PMN cell activity and hormone concentrations in mammary secretions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk did not differ, the phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum was significantly less than that of cells in milk. This may predispose sows to coliform mastitis during the early postparturient period.     

A retrospective study of the success of medical and surgical treatment of wild Australian raptors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of medical and surgical regimens utilised to treat injured and diseased wild Australian raptors presented at our practice, and to determine if the time, effort and cost of treating the birds was justified in terms of the outcomes achieved. PROCEDURE: All the practice's clinical records relating to the examination and treatment of wild raptors were reviewed for the period April 1994 to December 1998. The species of birds, the aetiology of their injuries or diseases, the treatment protocols and the outcomes of those treatments were correlated and tabulated for evaluation. RESULTS: Fifteen Australian species of raptor were examined and treated. Complete records were available for 104 birds of prey, 73 being Accipitriformes and 31 Strigiformes. The poorest prognosis was for birds involved in motor vehicle impacts, while birds suffering malnutrition or starvation had higher survival rates. The overall rate of survival was 50%. CONCLUSION: Based on the severity of diseases and injuries at the time of presentation, the survival rate was considered acceptable. Veterinary involvement in the treatment of the wild raptors was necessary for the maintenance of the birds' welfare, and to determine appropriate treatments. Intangible benefits included increased practice staff satisfaction, and improving the veterinary professions' public image by providing pro bono treatment for Australian wildlife.