Polymorphism of the acetylcholine receptor in the horse

A cDNA probe to the alpha subunit of the murine acetylcholine receptor was used to demonstrate restriction fragment length polymorphism in an acetylcholine receptor gene in the horse. Three different patterns of polymorphism have been observed with fragment sizes of 4.3 and 2.9 kilobases (kb) (pattern 1), 4.3 and 2.5 kb (pattern 2) and 4.3, 2.9 and 2.5 kb (pattern 1,2). Analysis of a three generation pedigree has suggested that patterns 1 and 2 represent two allelic forms of the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. These data provide a basis for the examination of the genetic control of neuromuscular function in the horse.     

Rapid identification of Pasteurella multocida organisms responsible for haemorrhagic septicaemia using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is caused by specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida and is one of the major economic diseases of cattle and buffalo in South East Asia. Definitive diagnosis of the disease-causing organism with the available methods is labour intensive and not totally reliable, consequently, an ELISA system to identify P multocida organisms which cause HS was developed. One hundred and twenty-four P multocida isolates were tested, 58 were type strains and 66 were field isolates. Analysis of these strains indicated the assay had a specificity of 99 per cent and sensitivity of at least 86 per cent. The sensitivity could be an underestimate, as five isolates assumed to be false negative reactions may not all be HS-causing strains. The HS ELISA provides a rapid, simple, accurate and inexpensive diagnostic assay for identification of HS causing organisms but does not represent a new typing system for P multocida. This assay will also enable countries to assess the impact of HS more accurately.     

Variations in stolon length and in incidence of tuber roots among eight potato cultivars

The stolon length and percentage of tubers with tuber roots were compared for eight cultivars ofSolanum tuberosum L. over two growing seasons. Although stolon lengths varied considerably within cultivars, there were significant differences in the average stolon lengths among cultivars. The cultivars Norchip and Monona had the shortest stolons whereas Norland had the longest average stolons. The length of the stolon did not appear to be related to color type or time of tuber maturity. Since there was no significant difference in stolon length between years, stolon length appears to be a consistent genetic trait. There was no significant correlation between the stolon length and tuber size. The incidence of tuber roots also showed variation among cultivars, although there was significant variability between times of sampling. Recent studies have demonstrated that to maximize calcium uptake by tubers, the calcium must be placed around the tubers and stolons. Since stolon length determines the location of the tubers in the hill, the stolon length of different cultivars may need to be considered for fertilizer application, cultivation or hilling procedures. Thus, to get maximum benefit from supplemental calcium for Norchip and Monona, application would need to be made close to the main stem. However, in the other cultivars, the majority of the hill would have to be enriched in calcium to effectively supply calcium to the various tubers in the hill.     

Content of total and free amino acids in zooplanktonic food of fish larvae

The content of total and free amino acids in freshwater planktonic rotifers (Brachionus sp.), copepods (Eudiaptomus zachariasi) and groups of Daphnia pulex, Ceriodaphnia sp. and copepodites (Cyclops strenuus) of different sizes was determined. The amino acid content of Artemia salina nauplii on hatching and during fasting was also determined.

Amino acid content was lowest in rotifers and highest in stage III–IV copepodites. The major free amino acids in Cyclops strenuus dry matter were 1.43% arginine, 0.22% histidine, 0.20% alanine, 0.15% glutamic acid and 0.11% lysine. Free arginine content decreased in the daphnids as they increased in size. The content of all free amino acids in fasting Artemia nauplii was lower than in the freshwater zooplankters. The major free amino acids in nauplii were 0.55% proline, 0.41% alanine, 0.34% glycine and 0.37% serine. The content of most free amino acids in nauplii decreased during fasting. The significance of the results are discussed in relation to essential amino acid requirements of fish, and nutrition of fish larvae without fully developed gastrointestinal systems.     

Seasonal variation in resistance of chrysanthemum cultivars to Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Seasonal variation in the level of host plant resistance can have important consequences for the repeatability of tests to measure host plant resistance to insect pests. In the present study, the levels of resistance to Frankliniella occidentalis of a susceptible and a partially resistant cultivar of chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora, were determined throughout the year. Thrips damage, reproduction and adult female survival were determined on excised leaves in Petri dishes under uniform conditions. Strong seasonal fluctuations were observed in these three characteristics. On leaves from plants grown in winter, damage, reproduction, and survival were higher than on leaves from plants grown in summer. Clear differences in resistance were observed between the susceptible and the partially resistant cultivar on leaves from plants grown in winter, while differences disappeared in summer. Damage on both cultivars and survival on the susceptible cultivar were negatively correlated with mean daily solar radiation during plant growth, suggesting that the level of resistance depends on light intensity during plant growth. This was confirmed in an experiment carried out in summertime with shaded and unshaded plants. Leaves from control plants, grown under high light intensity had a higher level of resistance than leaves from shaded plants grown under reduced light intensity. There were clear differences in resistance between the cultivars under shaded conditions (low light intensity), but not under unshaded control conditions (high light intensity). This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Acid phosphomonoesterase (E.C. 3.1.3.2) location in soil

Acid phosphomonoesterase (APM) (E.C. 3.1.3.2) in soil is either of plant‐root or microbial origin. Each of these sources may be dominant in certain ecosystems. Generally, extracellular APM in soil has been reported. However, the lack of suitable methods limits investigations of APM in soil. Root‐derived APM comes from intact plant roots, root exudates, root apoplastic sap, root extracts, or mycorrhizal fungi. The significance of these sources of APM is discussed in this review being the highest in intact roots or root extracts, and within wall‐ and membrane‐bound fraction of mycorrhizal fungi. Evaluation of the location of APM has been based on extraction of fractions of APM with different types of extractants. The suitability of individual extractants and lack of these procedures as well as the need to search for other suitable solutions to increase extraction efficiency, minimalize extraction of inhibitors and solubilization of organic compounds are discussed. As APM derived from roots and soil microorganisms show different kinetic properties, and differ in their response to environmental factors, determination of the significance of root and microbial APM within ecosystems requires further research aimed at evaluating the response of P transformation to climatic and other environmental changes.     

Biocontrol of Pythium root rot on lisianthus using a new dark septate endophytic fungus Hyaloscypha variabilis J1PC1

European Journal of Plant Pathology - Pythium root rot is one of the most destructive diseases on lisianthus in Japan. Current management strategies against Pythium root rot are insufficient in...     

Plasma micronutrients are associated with dietary intake and environmental tobacco smoke exposure in a paediatric population

BACKGROUND: While adult populations have been well described in terms of nutritional status, such as the concentration of nutrient biomarkers, little work has been done in healthy paediatric populations. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this analysis was to explore the determinants of plasma micronutrients in a group of healthy infants and children. DESIGN: The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) has enrolled 1433 newborns at increased risk for type 1 diabetes in Denver, Colorado. A representative random sample of 257 children from the DAISY cohort between the ages of 9 months and 8 years with a total of 815 clinic visits over time was used in this analysis. Annual dietary intake was assessed over time with Willett food-frequency questionnaires that were validated in this population. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was assessed using a validated survey. Plasma samples were tested for vitamins, carotenoids and total lipids. Predictors of plasma micronutrients were evaluated using mixed models for longitudinal data, while adjusting for age, human leukocyte antigen genotype, type 1 diabetes family history and other potential confounders and covariates. RESULTS: Increased micronutrient intake was associated with increased levels of their respective plasma nutrient, with the exception of gamma-tocopherol. Independent of dietary intake, levels of alpha- and beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were significantly lower, and gamma-tocopherol was significantly higher, in children who were exposed to ETS. CONCLUSION: Dietary intake predicts plasma micronutrient levels. Exposure to ETS potentially could have negative health effects in this young population.