Defective Movement of Viruses in the Family Bromoviridae Is Differentially Complemented in Nicotiana benthamiana Expressing Tobamovirus or Dianthovirus Movement Proteins

ABSTRACT Taxonomically distinct tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV), red clover necrotic mosaic dianthovirus (RCNMV), cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV), brome mosaic bromovirus (BMV), and cowpea chlorotic mottle bromovirus (CCMV) exhibit differences in their host range. Each of these viruses encodes a functionally similar nonstructural movement protein (MP) that is essential for cell-to-cell movement of a progeny virus. Despite the lack of significant amino acid identity among the MPs of CMV, TMV, and RCNMV, movement-defective CMV (CMVFnyDeltaMP-DeltaKPN) was able to move locally and systemically in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana expressing either TMV MP (NB-TMV-MP(+)) or RCNMV MP (NB-RCNMV-MP(+)). These observations contrast with those of previous studies in which transgenic N. tabacum cv. Xanthi plants expressing TMV MP supported only the cell-to-cell movement of CMVFnyDeltaMP-DeltaKPN. To verify whether similar complementation could be observed for movement-defective bromoviruses, NB-TMV-MP(+) and NB-RCNMV-MP(+) plants were inoculated independently with movement-defective variants of BMV (B3DeltaMP) and CCMV (CC3DeltaMP). Neither NB-TMV-MP(+) nor NB-RCNMV-MP(+) was able to rescue the defective cell-to-cell and long-distance movement of B3DeltaMP. In contrast, NB-RCNMV-MP(+) complemented the cell-to-cell, but not the long-distance, movement of CC3DeltaMP. Taken together, these studies suggest that virus movement is a complex process and that, in some cases, the host species plays a major role in determining the long-distance movement function of a virus.     

Factors associated with failure in breeding soundness examination of Western USA rams

Breeding-soundness examination (BSE) and eradication of Brucella ovis infection in rams are critical components of flock-health programs. The aims of this retrospective, cross-sectional study were to describe the results of BSE in a large sample of rams in the Western USA and to determine the association between BSE outcome and the semen collection method (penis manually extended vs. retained in the preputial cavity), ram body-condition score (BCS), the presence of ulcerative posthitis, and the size of the flock of origin. We evaluated the first BSE in a given year for rams from Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, USA, from 2000 through 2007. Breeding-soundness examination consisted of physical examination, scrotal circumference and BCS measurement, semen collection by electroejaculation, and microscopic examination of semen motility, morphology, and leukocyte concentration. We assigned a reason for failure to each failed BSE and used multivariable logistic and Poisson regressions to measure associations between ram and flock variables and the risk or reason for failure on BSE. A non-random, owner-selected subset of rams was tested for antibodies to B. ovis by serum indirect ELISA (iELISA). The Rogan-Gladen corrected B. ovis seroprevalence was measured. Of the 14,667 BSEs performed on 11,804 rams, 29.0% were classified as "failed;" the most common reason for failure was substandard semen parameters (43.8%). Breeding-soundness examinations were more likely to have been categorized as failure for inflammatory causes when performed on rams from medium-sized flocks (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1, 2.3) and large flocks (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0, 1.9) (P=0.02), suggesting that larger flocks are at higher risk of contagious diseases. The adjusted seroprevalence of B. ovis antibodies among tested rams in this study was 10.0%. Of 233 rams seropositive to B. ovis, 125 (53.6%) were subclinical, a finding that supports the importance of this test in ram BSE. We found that emaciation in rams was associated with an increased risk of BSE failure from substandard semen parameters (P<0.001), but ulcerative posthitis and the semen collection method were not (P=0.09 and 0.34, respectively). However, collection of semen with the penis retained in the preputial cavity resulted in greater odds of leukospermia relative to semen collection with the penis extended (OR 4.1; 95% CI 2.9, 5.9; P<0.001), presumably from contamination of the semen sample with preputial leukocytes. For ram BSE, therefore, semen collection with the penis manually extended from the sheath is recommended to limit leukocyte contamination of the sample.     

利用质量控制图监控不同实验条件对布鲁氏菌试管凝集实验结果的影响

运用建立的质量控制图,监控不同实验条件对布鲁氏菌试管凝集实验结果可能造成的影响。在每次日常检测时对标准阳性血清进行试管凝集实验并使用浊度仪测量其上清液的光密度(OD值),在收集足够有效数据后,绘制当前条件下的质量控制图。通过模拟日常实验条件下孵育温度、时间等容易产生偏离的条件,记录不同实验条件下标准阳性血清试管凝集实验后上清液的OD值,绘制控制用控制图。运用绘制的质量控制图对不同实验条件进行监控,发现孵育温度和孵育时间均对实验结果产生较大影响,从而导致失控。采用质量控制图对布鲁氏菌试管凝集实验进行监控,可提高质量监控的有效性、科学性。严格控制实验条件是保证实验结果的重要前提。     

Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin and Its Metabolite Ciprofloxacin after Intramuscular Administration of Enrofloxacin in Goats

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin were investigated in goats after a single intramuscular administration of enrofloxacin at 2.5 mg/kg body weight. The plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined simultaneously by a HPLC method. The peak concentrations (C _max) of enrofloxacin (1.13 g/ml) and ciprofloxacin (0.24 g/ml) were observed at 0.8 and 1.2 h, respectively. The elimination half-life (t _1/2), volume of distribution (V _d(area)), total body clearance (Cl_B) and mean residence time (MRT) of enrofloxacin were 0.74 h, 1.42 L/kg, 1329 ml/h per kg and 1.54 h, respectively. The t _1/2, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and the MRT of ciprofloxacin were 1.38 h, 0.74 g h/ml and 2.73 h, respectively. The metabolic conversion of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin was appreciable (36%) and the sum of the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was maintained at or above 0.1 g/ml for up to 4 h. Enrofloxacin appears to be useful for the treatment of goat diseases associated with pathogens sensitive to this drug.     

不同基因型香蕉对钾高效吸收的根系形态学和生理学特征

利用Hoagland营养液培养,设计0.25 mmol/L(低钾)、2.5 mmol/L(高钾)2种水平,初步探讨4个不同基因型香蕉对低钾适应性。结果表明:钾高效品种在根系活跃吸收面积,总吸收面积,比表面积、及根系活力大于钾低效品种。钾高效香蕉品种根系吸收钾的Km值、Cmin都小于钾低效品种,而Imax和a值普遍大于钾低效品种,钾高效品种在低钾胁迫下通过提高丙二醛、可溶性蛋白含量和SOD酶活性实现钾素利用的保护性反应,具有较强的自我保护能力。     

Molecular genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with loaf volume in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Major efforts in wheat research are being made to improve the yield and quality of wheat. Loaf volume (Lv) is the main quality parameter deciding the bread making potential of wheat. To genetically dissect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Lv, a Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population (F₈) was developed from a cross between two Indian wheat varieties “HI 977” and “HD 2329”. A total of 914 SSR and 100 ISSR primers were used for molecular analysis and the genetic map comprising 19 chromosomes was constructed with 202 SSR markers and 2 HMW glutenin subunit loci: Glu-B1 and Glu-D1. The phenotypic data were collected from six environments including three different agro-climatic zones for 2 consecutive years. Dissection of Lv through AMMI model revealed significant G×E variance for the trait. QTL analysis was performed using composite interval mapping. A total of 30 QTLs for Lv were detected and significant QTLs were identified on 6B and 6D chromosomes; 1B, 1D, 2A, 3A, 5B and 5D also contributed genetically to Lv. Association between 6B and 6D QTLs and variable expression of gliadins on group 6 chromosomes were discussed. QTLs detected in this study were compared with other QTL analysis in wheat.     

Campylobacter

Species within the genus, Campylobacter, have emerged over the last three decades as significant clinical pathogens, particularly of human public health concern, where the majority of acute bacterial enteritis in the Western world is due to these organisms. Of particular concern are the species, C. jejuni and C. coli, which are responsible for most of these gastrointestinal-related infections. Although these organisms have already emerged as causative agents of zoonoses, several aspects of their epidemiology and pathophysiology are only beginning to emerge. Trends in increasing antibiotic resistance are beginning to emerge with oral antibiotics, which may be the drug of choice for when it is necessary to intervene chemotherapeutically. This review wishes to examine (i) emerging clinical aspects of the disease, such as Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS), (ii) the association between these organisms and poultry as a natural host, (iii) environmental aspects of Campylobacter epidemiology, (iv) the emergence of atypical campylobacters (v) emerging trends in antibiotic resistance, (vi) adoption of modern methods for the detection of campylobacters.     

日本水稻核放射性污染现状及去污措施综述

2011年3月日本福岛核电站发生核泄漏事故,释放出大量放射性物质,使周边农田受到直接污染。其中对水稻影响最为严重的放射性核素为放射性铯。分析表明:水稻对铯的吸收是存在差异的,钾肥能有效降低水稻中铯含量,而氮肥会增加其铯含量;距离福岛核电站距离越远其受污染程度越低;土壤中铯的浓度、含钾量、固定铯的能力和耕作表土的厚度都影响着铯的转移;此外,水稻本身的品种也影响着对铯的吸收。水稻去污染的方法包括:利用蓝藻除去表土中放射性铯、对土壤进行深耕及防止水田二次污染等方式来降低土壤本身铯含量;另一方面通过改变土壤粒度分布,向土壤中加入施威特曼石、沸石和蛭石及控制肥料比例等方式来抑制土壤中铯的转移。以上除污染方法的综合应用效果十分显著,福岛县水稻含铯量于2014年已全部低于25 Bq/kg。该研究为中国构建农作物放射性污染特征数据库及相关应急管理提供参考。     

广西本地水牛垂体的形态学与组织学观察

本研究采用HE染色和Masson特殊染色方法对广西本地水牛垂体的形态学和组织学结构特征进行了观察分析,结果表明:广西本地水牛垂体呈卵圆形,重约1.19g,大小约为1.43cm×1.07cm×0.74cm。广西本地水牛的神经部在正中矢状面所占比例约为10%～15%。嗜酸性细胞、嗜碱性细胞的比例分别为42%和9.3%;母牛的嗜酸性细胞比例比公牛的高。观察结果揭示广西本地水牛垂体的结构与形态特征与其长期繁衍进化所处生态环境变化相适应,并与其生长、生产规律相一致。这些结果将为改良广西本地水牛提供形态学和组织学的理论依据。