Relationships of seed size,spacing, stem numbers to yield of Russet Burbank potatoes

Studies were conducted in 1970 and 1971 to determine the relationships among seed size, spacing, stem numbers and yield of Russet Burbank potatoes. Cut seed sizes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2 oz whole and a treatment consisting of 14% 0.5 oz seed, 62% 1 oz and 24% 1.5 oz seed were used in combination with seed spacings of 6, 9 and 12 inches. As seed became larger the average number of stems per seed piece increased. Percent stand and plant size rating also increased with larger seed. Total yields increased with an increase of seed size. The highest U.S. No. 1 yield was obtained with 2 oz whole seed spaced 6 inches apart with cut seed of the same size yielding slightly less. Within each spacing, the greater stem numbers per plot resulted in higher yields. However, when combinations of seed size and spacings were used to obtain a given stem number per plot, the higher stem numbers did not result in higher yields. A positive correlation coefficient of +0.982 was obtained between weight of seed piece/stem and total yield.     

A comparison of anesthetic risk factors and outcomes in light and draft horses

As a result of anatomic and physiologic differences, draft breeds may be at greater risk of developing anesthetic complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare anesthetic management of draft (DR) and light (LT) horses. A case‐matched retrospective study of 371 clinical case records of DR (124 cases) and LT (247 cases) horses presented for general anesthesia between 1991 and 1998 was performed. Data were tabulated and comparisons were made using Student's t‐test (significance p < 0.05). Prior to induction, there were significant differences in mean body weight, rectal temperature, PCV, RBC, and serum TP concentration between DR and LT breeds. There were differences in mean doses of pre‐operative butorphanol (LT 21 µg kg^?1; DR 17 µg kg^?1), induction guaifenesin (LT 99 mg kg^?1; DR 88 mg kg^?1), and intraoperative ketamine (LT 0.35 mg kg^?1; DR 0.56 mg kg^?1) required. There were no significant differences in the mean doses of pre‐operative xylazine, detomidine, or induction barbiturate administered. The mean, average, and maximum concentrations of inspired halothane were significantly higher for DR than for LT horses. Draft horses received 33% less intraoperative IV fluids (8.2 mL kg^?1 hour^?1) than LT horses. Mean anesthetic duration, time to extubation, and standing recovery were not significantly different. Induction complications were not reported for either group. Rates of occurrence of intraoperative bradycardia, hypercarbia, hypoxemia, and metabolic acidosis (SBE, TCO₂, and bicarbonate concentration) did not differ significantly. Average MAP was greater in DR horses, but neither the degree nor the mean duration of hypotension differed between DR and LT horses. Mean PaO₂ was significantly lower in DR (246 mm Hg, 32.8 kPa) than in LT (305 mm Hg, 40.7 kPa) breeds. Draft horses were at greater relative risk of hypoventilation than LT horses. The greater MAP and requirement for halothane and intraoperative ketamine may indicate problems in achieving and maintaining a surgical plane of anesthesia. Draft horses may be at a greater risk of ventilation–perfusion mismatching.     

Pneumocephalus in five horses

Pneumocephalus is occasionally encountered in horses but poorly described in the literature. The study aimed to describe historical, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings and outcome in horses to increase the awareness and recognition of the condition amongst equine practitioners, allowing appropriate management of these cases. Cases of pneumocephalus from 4 participating institutions were identified and case details extracted from the medical records. Five cases of pneumocephalus were identified. Head trauma with suspected or confirmed fractures of the sinuses was the underlying cause in 4 cases, while the remaining horse was thought to have developed pneumocephalus secondary to sinusitis or trauma. Diagnosis was established radiographically in 4 cases and by computed tomography in a fifth. Gas was noted between the cranial vault and the brain, in the lateral ventricles, in the brain parenchyma and within the cranial cervical canal. The gas accumulation resolved gradually in all horses and did not appear independently to result in neurological compromise. Long‐term outcome was available for 3 cases, 2 of which were ultimately subjected to euthanasia due to neurological deficits. Pneumocephalus is a possible consequence of head trauma or sinusitis in horses; although the finding is frequently incidental, it has the potential to develop into a life‐threatening complication. Imaging the complete skull and cranial cervical spine is important to allow identification and appropriate management of these cases. The use of computed tomography enables easier identification and localisation of the gas accumulation within the central nervous system.     

美国市民农园的发展、功能及建设模式初探

城市农业的发展日益受到人们关注,市民农园作为其重要形式之一,是由一群人在同一地块上开展耕种的社区活动,已成为协调城市人地关系的一种有效途径。为借鉴国外城市农业发展经验,本文对美国市民农园的发展、功能、类型进行了梳理,对洛杉矶14个市民农园营建模式进行了系统调查。研究得出：美国市民农园已有百年历史,对美国社会、经济和文化的发展影响深远;不仅具有生产、生态和景观功能,而且有较高社会文化价值;有多种营建模式,管理体系较为完善,用地属性多为公有,以种植食用植物为主,重视节约管理和有机种植;同时亦有诸如租约等弊端影响其长远发展。这对中国城市农业发展、绿地规划具有借鉴意义。该文从城市化、老龄化及和谐社区建设等角度,认为市民农园是中国城市农业和城市规划重要的实施方式,具有一定社会需求,并提出了一些建议。     

Regionalisation of the muscle fascicle architecture in the equine longissimus dorsi muscle

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The longissimus dorsi is the largest muscle in the equine back and plays an important role in locomotor ability and performance in the horse. In vivo studies suggest that the mechanical function varies between different muscle segments, in part determined by anatomy. It is possible therefore that variations in function reflect variations in the anatomy of the longissimus dorsi along its length. OBJECTIVES: To identify if there are regional variations in muscle architecture of the longissimus dorsi. METHODS: Computed tomography scans were obtained from 8 cadaver backs to identify the cross-sectional area and volume of the muscle. The 3D orientations of the muscle fascicles were quantified in situ by their direction cosines using a magnetic digitisation system. RESULTS: Mean +/- s.e. volume of the muscle was 2.34 +/- 0.18 l for each side and mean length of the vertebral column from T4 to L6 dorsal spinous processes was 56.57 +/- 2.0 cm. There were significant differences in the cross-sectional area and the moment arm lengths between muscle segments (P<0.05). In the lumbar region, the mediolateral moment arms were 2-3 times greater than the dorsoventral moment arms. There were significant variations in the direction cosines (n = 7129) between muscle segments and between different regions within each segment (P<0.05). POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These observations indicate that the muscle fascicle architecture predisposes the longissimus dorsi to different functions both along its length and between different regions within each segment. Detailed 3D anatomical measures of the structure with in vivo measures of function (back motion and muscle activity) will be investigated in further studies.     

Field trials of a formulation containing moxidectin and 6 in 1 vaccines for sheep

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a formulation containing moxidectin and 6 in 1 vaccine in sheep under field conditions.
Design: Efficacy and safety study.
Animals: Two hundred and five crossbred Merino lambs and two hundred and eight Merino ewes were used in the studies.
Procedure: A formulation was made for the simultaneous treatment of sheep with moxidectin and immunisation against clostridial diseases and caseous lymphadenitis. The efficacy against nematodes, vaccine response and safety were assessed.
Results: Effective control of nematodes and responses to antigens were achieved following subcutaneous administration. The formulation was safe to administer; occasional minor tissue reactions were evident, but no other adverse effects of treatment were observed in either pregnant ewes or lambs, using either the recommended dose, or an overdose of the formulation.
Conclusion: Administration of a formulation containing moxidectin, five clostridial antigens and caseous lymphadenitis antigen proved safe and efficacious under field conditions.     

Cardiopulmonary effects and pharmacokinetics of i.v. dexmedetomidine in ponies

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Currently available sedatives depress cardiopulmonary function considerably; therefore, it is important to search for new, less depressive sedatives. The study was performed to assess duration and intensity of cardiopulmonary side effects of a new sedative, dexmedetomidine (DEX), in horses. OBJECTIVES: To study pharmacokinetics and cardiopulmonary effects of i.v. DEX. METHODS: Pharmacokinetics of 35 microg/kg bwt i.v. DEX were studied in a group of 8 mature (mean age 4.4 years) and 6 old ponies (mean age 20 years). Cardiopulmonary data were recorded in mature ponies before and 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 mins after administration of DEX 3.5 microg/kg bwt i.v. Data were analysed using ANOVA for repeated measures, and where appropriate Dunnett's t test was used to detect differences from resting values (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Within 2 h after DEX administration, plasma levels were beyond limits of quantification (0.05 ng/ml). Mean values for kinetic parameters for mature and old ponies were: Cmax (ng/ml) 4.6 and 3.8, t 1/2 (min) 19.8 and 28.9 and AUC (ng.min/ml) 34.5 and 44.3, respectively. Heart rate, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure did not change significantly compared to presedation values throughout the 60 min observation period. Compared to presedation values, stroke volume and mixed venous PO2 were reduced for the first 5 mins, paralleled by an increase in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. Cardiac index was reduced for the first 10 mins, arterial blood pressures at 20, 30 and 45 mins and respiratory rate throughout the 60 min observation period, but no change in arterial PO2 or PCO2 occurred. CONCLUSIONS: DEX administration i.v. causes similar cardiopulmonary changes to those caused by other alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, but of very short duration. DEX is redistributed particularly rapidly. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: DEX might be safer for sedation of horses because of its very short-lasting cardiopulmonary side effects. For long duration sedation, its kinetics favour its use as a continuous infusion.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF A GIANT CELL TUMOR AFFECTING THE MANDIBLE IN A PYGMY GOAT

A 3‐year‐old male neutered pygmy goat presented for evaluation of a progressive mandibular swelling and inappetence. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and thorax was performed under general anesthesia. Computed tomography revealed an extensive multiloculated, markedly expansile lesion within the right hemimandible, which involved the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The goat was euthanased due to a poor prognosis and postmortem examination confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings. Histopathology was strongly suggestive of a multinucleated giant cell tumor, therefore this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in goats presenting with expansile mandibular mass lesions.