The association between antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle

The relationship between the antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and various indices of reproductive efficiency was studied in a cross-sectional study of 178 dairy cows from three California Dairy Herd Improvement Association herds. Blood samples were collected from the lactating cows during December 1986. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the antibody titres of the cow againstCampylobacter fetus, Haemophilus somnus andLeptospira hardjo and were classified as either negative or positive. The status of a cow as either negative or positive againstCampylobacter fetus andHaemophilus somnus represents serological evidence of natural exposure to the corresponding bacterial agents. However, the status againstLeptospira hardjo was assumed to reflect a vaccinal titre since all the cows studied had been routinely vaccinated against this organism in September 1986. The data on demographic and reproductive parameters pertained only to the current lactation of the cows and were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association individual cow records of December 1986. Five indices of reproductive efficiency were used, namely the recent calving interval, the calving-to-conception interval, the calving-to-last-service interval, the number of services per conception, and the number of services since last calving. The serological status againstHaemophilus somnus, Leptospira hardjo and other covariates suggested by the results of previous studies were included in modelling the relationships of interest. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to study the adjusted relationship ofCampylobacter fetus with each measure of reproductive efficiency.Multivariate analyses revealed that the adjusted relationship forCampylobacter fetus with all five measures of reproductive efficiency was non-significant (p > 0.05). Among the covariates,Leptospira hardjo had a strong and independent relationship with recent calving interval, the unstandardized partial regression coefficient being -0.77. The possible biological mechanisms of these associations are discussed.Abbreviations BMDP biomedical computer programs - DHIA dairy herd improvement association - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - ICR individual cow record - PSS physiological saline solution - SD standard deviation; Other abbreviations are shown in Table I     

IMPACT OF WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF WHEAT

Field experiments were conducted in 2002–03 and 2003–04 growing seasons to determine wheat response to four irrigation regimes applied at different growth stages and four nitrogen levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg nitrogen (N) ha^?1. The experiment was conducted at the research area of the Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Recommended wheat variety “Inqlab-91” was used as the experimental crop. Both irrigation and nitrogen application have positive effects on grain yield increase. The grain crude protein decreased with increasing number of irrigations whereas in contrast, nitrogen application significantly improved grain crude protein at all irrigation levels. Grain phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) percentage increased with the application of irrigation and nitrogen. Grain yield, number of spikes m^?2, grains spike^?1 and grain weight responses were greater at the higher N rates. Mean grain yield in four, three and two irrigation treatments compared with that in one irrigation treatment increased 47, 23, and 9% during 2002–03 and 91, 84, and 23% in 2003–04, respectively. Water deficit reduced spikes m^?2. In both years, the average reduction in spikes m^?2 at maximum irrigation deficit (one irrigation) at all N levels was 24%. Similar reduction occurred in grains spike^?1 where water deficit decreased this component on an average of 36%.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of zerumbone on acute and chronic inflammation models in mice

The anti-inflammatory activity of zerumbone (1), a natural cyclic sesquiterpene isolated from Zingiber zerumbet Smith was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue formation test in mice. It was demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of 1 at a dose of 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg produced significant dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema induced by carrageenan. It was also demonstrated that 1 at similar doses significantly suppressed granulomatous tissue formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma test.     

Utilizing the γ-Irradiated Sodium Alginate as a Plant Growth Promoter for Enhancing the Growth, Physiological Activities, and Alkaloids Production in Catharanthus roseus L.

Sodium alginate is a polysaccharide that is largely obtained from the brown algae (Sargassum sp.).It has been used as a wonderful growth promoting substance in its depolymerized form for various plants.The aim of this study was to find out the effects of various concentrations of γ-irradiated sodium alginate (ISA),viz.,deionized water (control,T0),20 (T1),40 (T2),60 (T3),80 (T4),and 100 ppm (T5) on the agricultural performance of Catharanthus roseus L.(Rosea) in terms of growth attributes,photosynthesis,physiological activities,and alkaloid production.The present work revealed that ISA applied as leaf-sprays at concentrations from 20 to 100 ppm might improve growth,photosynthesis,physiological activities,and alkaloid production in C.roseus L.significantly.Of the various ISA concentrations,80 ppm proved to be the best one compared to other concentrations applied.     

Alterations in serum electrolytes, antioxidative enzymes and haematological parameters of Labeo rohita on short-term exposure to sublethal dose of nitrite

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of short-term exposure to sublethal levels of nitrite on electrolyte regulation, antioxidative enzymes and haematological parameters in Labeo rohita juveniles. The fishes were exposed to graded levels of nitrite (0-15?mg?l(-1)) for different duration (0, 12, 24, 48 and 96?h). The 96-h LC(50) value for L. rohita (avg. wt, 66.5?±?0.5?g) was found to be 11.28?mg?l(-1). Activities of antioxidative enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and methaemoglobin reductase, serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride), haematological parameters and blood glucose level significantly varied (P?相似文献   

Occurrence of a new recombinant begomovirus species infecting tomato in the Al‐Batinah region of Oman

Whitefly‐transmitted begomoviruses are the most important limiting factor for tomato cultivation in Oman, particularly in the Al‐Batinah region, the major agricultural area of the country. Commercial farms in the Al‐Batinah region were surveyed during January–March 2013. Samples of tomato showing leaf curl disease symptoms typical of begomoviruses were collected and analysed. Full‐length sequences of five clones were shown to have relatively low percentage identity values to known begomoviruses, with the highest (88·6%) to isolates of Tomato leaf curl Oman virus (ToLCOMV), a begomovirus previously reported in Oman, indicating that these represent a newly identified species, for which the name Tomato leaf curl Barka virus (ToLCBrV) is proposed. Four isolates of ToLCBrV were found associated with Tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB). The five isolates of ToLCBrV characterized in this study were shown to be recombinants, with ToLCOMV as the major parent, and a fragment of Croton yellow vein virus (CrYVV) spanning the 3′ half of the replication‐associated protein. The significance of these findings is discussed.     

Bovine and Caprine Brucellosis in Bangladesh: Bayesian evaluation of four serological tests,true prevalence,and associated risk factors in household animals

A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate the true prevalence of Brucella spp. and identify allied risk factors/indicators associated with brucellosis in the Dinajpur and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. A total 320 stratified random blood samples were collected and tested in parallel for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal (RBT), slow agglutination (SAT), and indirect and competitive ELISA. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to each household herd owner to gather information regarding potential risk factors. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors or indicators at animal level. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate the true prevalence of brucellosis along with the test performances (Se and Sp). The estimated animal level true prevalence in cattle was 9.70 % (95 % CPI 5.0–16 %) and in goat 6.3 % (95 % CPI 2.8–11.0 %). The highest sensitivity was achieved by SAT ranges from 69.6 to 78.9 %, and iELISA was found to be more specific (97.4 to 98.8 %) in comparison with other tests. On the other hand, a significant level of (P?<?0.05) Brucella seropositivity was found in cattle that breed naturally compared with those that undergo artificial insemination. In goats, exotic breeds were significantly associated (P?<?0.05) with Brucella seroprevalence compared with indigenous breeds. Goats with a previous records of abortion and/or retained placenta were also found to have significant levels (P?<?0.05). Cows with previous abortion records showed higher odds (18 times) of being seropositive. None of the evaluated tests can be recommended to apply alone for the diagnosis of bovine and caprine brucellosis.     

Effect of Enhanced Nickel Levels on Wheat Plant Growth and Physiology under Salt Stress

A pot experiment was conducted to study the response of wheat to concurrent stresses of salinity and nickel (Ni)-toxicity. Soil was spiked with Ni (0, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1) combined with two levels of salinity (control and 10 dS m^?1) using Ni(ii) nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O) and sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively, in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Plants were harvested at the tailoring stage and the results showed that wheat growth was positively affected by Ni at 20 mg kg^?1, and negatively at 40 mg kg^?1 concentration both in control and at 10 dS m^?1. Ni (20 mg kg^?1) had a nonsignificant positive effect on tissue potassium (K⁺) and a significant negative effect on Na⁺ concentration. Moreover, Ni translocation from root to shoot and accumulation decreased by increasing the levels of Ni in both control and salinity treatments. It can be concluded that Ni at 20 mg kg^?1 increased wheat growth by alleviating salinity stress; however, at 40 mg kg^?1 it aggravated the plant stress and decreased the plant growth.