Nitrate versus chloride nutrition effects in a soil‐plant system on the growth,nitrate accumulation,and nitrogen,potassium, sodium,calcium, and chloride content of carrot

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of various nitrate/ chloride (NO₃/Cl) ratios on growth, nitrate accumulation, and mineral absorption in carrot, Daucus carota L., plants in a controlled environment. The experiment included two Cl sources [potassium chloride (KC1) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂)] and five NO/Clratios at 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40 with total‐nitrogen (N) concentration of 400 mg NO₃ kg^‐1 soil in 100/0 treatment. Fresh and dry weights of shoots and storage roots, and length and diameter of storage roots increased significantly with mixed NO₃/C1 treatments with both Cl sources as compared to single NO₃ (100/0) treatment. Growth was enhanced up to the 80/20 NO₃/C1 treatments. With Cl present in the treatments, the concentration of total‐N unchanged and NO₃ decreased in plants, and Cl and potassium (K) increased with the Cl sources. In KC1 treatments, Na absorption decreased. Calcium (Ca) content of the plants significantly differed by the treatments. It was concluded that N fertilization provided with combined Cl forms and NO₃/Cl rates can enhance production of better quality carrot and at the same time decrease of the N fertilizer input.     

Prevalence and some risk factors associated with trichinellosis in backyard pig farms in Zaria, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of trichinellosis in backyard-farmed pigs and the risk factors associated with the infection in Zaria, Kaduna State. Serum samples were collected from 120 pigs selected at random from 50 small backyard farms, and the presence of Trichinella spp. antibodies was determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Data on farm management practices from the farms were obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. The overall seroprevalence of Trichinella spp.-specific antibodies was 40 % (48/120) by ELISA. All the extensive farms sampled had at least one Trichinella-positive animal. The age and sex of the animals were not significantly (p?>?0.05) associated with the infection; however, the management systems, presence of rodents, rodent control, and access to dead pigs showed significant (p?<?0.05) association with Trichinella spp.-infected pigs on the farm. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of antibodies to trichinellosis in backyard raised pigs in Zaria, and intensive pig farming with the adoption of proper biosecurity measures is advocated to prevent the transmission and spread of trichinellosis.     

Traditional knowledge and practices on utilisation and marketing of Yeheb (Cordeauxia edulis) in Ethiopia

Cordeauxia edulis (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), commonly called Yeheb, is a small nitrogen-fixing tree/shrub species endemic to Ethiopia and Somalia. The tree produces nuts that are consumed as a staple food by the local people and are sold in local markets. Recent reports indicate that Yeheb has vanished from many locations noted by earlier travellers and, as a result, it is considered threatened (Vulnerable A2cd) by IUCN. The present study was conducted in Boh district, in the Somali region of Ethiopia to assess local people’s knowledge and practices on the use and marketing of the species and its products. A total of 182 households and 32 traders were interviewed from ten villages where the remnant populations of Yeheb are currently found. The results of the study suggest that Yeheb plays a significant role in the livelihoods of the local community. Consumption of nuts as a staple food is the major use of Yeheb. The nuts are also sold, generating a significant household income for the local people. The foliage of Yeheb is a major browse for camels and goats, and 90 % of the houses are built from the wood of Yeheb. It is recommended that conservation measures be put in place to protect this important species from extinction.     

Clinical and serological follow-up in dogs with visceral leishmaniosis treated with allopurinol and sodium stibogluconate

Seven dogs with parasitologically proven clinical visceral leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum infection) were treated with a combination of allopurinol and sodium stibogluconate. The dogs received first orally 15 mg/kg of allopurinol every 12 h until the clinical signs improved, in the following 1 month period allopurinol at same dose and subcutaneously 30 mg/kg of sodium stibogluconate combination were given daily and at the end of the combined treatment, allopurinol was continued alone at the same dose till the end of 8 months. During the treatment period, dogs were supported by additional proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A long acting insecticide (collar or drop) was also used in order to prevent further parasite transmission. Follow-up was maintained by clinical, clinicopathological evaluation, and parasitological examination of lymph node, serology using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Before treatment commenced, the most important clinical signs were exfoliative dermatitis, ulcerations, peripheral lymhadenopathy, pale mucous membranes, weight loss, and ocular lesions. Clinicopathological findings included commonly anaemia, hyperproteinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Before the treatment, amastigotes were seen in six of the seven dogs by examination of lymph node aspiration, and IFAT-titers were positive in all dogs. At the end of 8 months treatment, remission of clinical signs, restoration to normal of clinicopathological abnormalities were noticed. Lymph node aspiration was performed on three out of the seven dogs at the end of the treatment because of the very small sizes of the lymph nodes, and no amastigotes were observed. Although the mean IFAT-titer of the dogs were significantly (P < 0.001) lower compared with pretreatment, IFAT-titers of dogs were still positive. No relapses occurred during treatment period and a 6-24-month duration after the end of therapy. Based on the above results, long-term use of allopurinol combined with sodium stibogluconate together with support treatment concluded to have enough therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of dogs with visceral leishmaniosis. Observations of the cases for possible relapses were still going on and insecticide application was carefully carrying on in order preventing a possible re-infection.     

Biomechanical analysis of suture anchors and suture materials in the canine femur

Objective— Biomechanical analysis of acute load to failure (ALF) of 3 veterinary and 1 human suture anchor and cyclic load to failure with two suture material/suture anchor constructs in canine femoral condyles.
Study Design— Biomechanical in vitro study.
Sample Population— Cadaveric femora from 20–30 kg dogs.
Methods— Three veterinary and 1 human suture anchor were placed in the cranial and caudal aspects of the femoral condyle and subjected to 0° ALF. Anchors were loaded with 5 USP Fiberwire or 27 kg test nylon leader line (NLL) and subjected to 90° cyclic testing for 10,000 cycles followed by ALF at 90°.
Results— No significant difference in ALF for any anchor type was detected in the cranial aspect of the femoral condyle; however all veterinary anchors had higher ALF in the caudal aspect of the femoral condyle. In cyclic testing, the constructs in descending order (most cycles to least) were: (1) FlexiTwist/NLL, (2) Securos/Fiberwire, Securos/NLL, (3) IMEX/Fiberwire, IMEX/NLL, and (4) FlexiTwist/Fiberwire, Fastin/Fiberwire. Fiberwire was significantly stronger than NLL in post-cycling ALF testing.
Conclusions— Veterinary anchors had higher ALF in the caudal versus cranial aspect of the femoral condyle. Except for the FlexiTwist in which NLL performed better, Fiberwire and NLL both had similar cyclic performance with each veterinary anchor type. The veterinary anchors exceeded the human anchor in ALF and cycles to failure.
Clinical Relevance— The tested veterinary suture anchors with Fiberwire or NLL may be used in the femoral condyle, preferably in the caudal aspect, and should withstand estimated loading conditions in appropriately confined postoperative canine patients.     

Yield and Quality Response of Young ‘Gala,Galaxy’ Trees under Different Irrigation Regimes

This study was conducted in 2007–2008 to determine the effects of different irrigation regimes on yield, quality and water-yield relationships of young dwarf ‘Gala, Galaxy’ apple trees in Isparta-Turkey. Irrigation water was applied based on a ratio of class A pan evaporation (rates of 0.0 (k_cp0), 0.25 (k_cp1), 0.50 (k_cp2), 0.75 c (k_cp3), 1.00 (k_cp4) and 1.25 (k_cp5)) with 5-day intervals. The effects of irrigation regimes on yield and fruit weight were statistically significant. Seasonal evapotranspiration was measured as 246.5–608.2 mm and 289.3–631.9 mm in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Water use efficiency lead to a yield ranging from 0.0023 to 0.0055 t ha^?1mm^?1 and from 0.0033 to 0.0111 t ha^?1mm^?1 and irrigation water use efficiency varies from 0.0009 to 0.0073 t ha^?1mm^?1 and from 0.0045 to 0.0186 t ha^?1mm^?1 in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The annual average yield response factor, ky, was 1.22. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the irrigation schedule for the 0.75 k_cp3 treatment, applying 0.75 of evaporation from class A pan, could be used in the irrigation of young dwarf apple trees without evident reduction in yield and that high water use efficiencies could be obtained.     

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a Dietary Supplement on Nonspecific Immune Response and Disease Resistance in Juvenile Common carp,Cyprinos carpio

Effects of diet fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus at 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% on nonspecific immune response and disease resistant common carp juvenile infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophilla were examined. Immune response parameters(the total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine and immunoglobulin), percentage mortality and relative protection level were determined on day 1 and days 14, 28, 42 and 56. Fish fed Lactobacilus acidophilus fortified diet significantly improved nonspecific immune parameters especially group treated with 0.4% inclusion with lower mortality rate indicating a better relative protection level against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas hydrophilla.     

Effect of Microwave Heating of Kafirin on the Functional Properties of Kafirin Films

To improve the functional properties of cast kafirin films, dry kafirin, extracted with an aqueous ethanol‐based solvent at 70°C, was microwave‐heated. No effect on film tensile properties was found. Two strategies were employed to improve the effect of microwaving: extraction of kafirin using an aqueous tert‐butanol‐based solvent at ambient temperature to minimize temperature‐induced denaturation and wetting the kafirin to increase its dielectric properties. Microwave heating this kafirin to 90 or 96°C and holding for 1–2 min more than doubled maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus, and decreased strain by about one‐third compared with films made from nonmicrowaved kafirin. Film water vapor permeability was reduced by at least one‐third. Digestibility of microwaved kafirin and films was also substantially decreased, and film biodegradability was slowed slightly. Microwave heating gave a film microstructure with fewer and smaller size pores. SDS‐PAGE showed microwave‐induced intermolecular cross‐linking of the kafirin monomers, which was possibly responsible for the modification of film properties. Microwave heating of kafirin can be used to modify kafirin film properties, but the kafirin must be microwaved wet and be as close as possible to its native state.     

Estimation of the Colour Properties of Apples Varieties Using Neural Network

The consumer acceptance and the quality standard of agricultural products such as apple are determined mostly by their colour. Colour is measured with a colorimeter and quantified using the C.I.E. L^*, a^*, b^* colour space system. It is used commonly by researchers for the classification and identification of apple fruit. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first study investigating the prediction of some colour properties of six apple varieties through artificial neural networks (ANN). The apple varieties are ‘Amasya’, ‘Starking’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Pink Lady’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Arapk?z?’ and the colour properties are L^* (lightness), a^* (redness), b^* (yellowness), C^* (chroma), h^* (hue angle), CI (chroma index). General Regression Neural Networks (GRNN) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interface System (ANFIS) structures were employed to predict the colour properties. According to the experimental and simulation results, the proposed ANFIS predictor had a superior performance in prediction of these colour parameters.     

Control of the mushroom phorid fly, Megaselia halterata (Wood), with plant extracts

BACKGROUND: The most serious insect pest problems affecting the cultivation of mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach] in Turkey are mushroom flies (sciarids, cecids and phorids). Mushroom phorid fly, Megaselia halterata (Wood), is the most common insect pest species during April‐October. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for eight botanical materials (two commercial neem‐based products and six hot‐water plant extracts) to control M. halterata populations in three successive growing periods. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy was evaluated by assessing adult emergence and sporophore damage rates compared with that of a standard insecticide, chlorpyrifos‐ethyl (positive control). All plant extracts caused significant reductions in the mean number of emerging adults and sporophore damage rates compared with the water‐treated control (negative control). Reduction in adult emergence in both neem treatments, Neemazal and Greeneem oil, was greater than that in the positive control. While Neemazal and Origanum onites L. extract had significantly lower sporophore damage rates than the positive control, there were no significant differences between the chlorpyrifos‐ethyl, Greeneem oil and Pimpinella anisum L. extract treatments. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that both neem products and hot‐water extracts of O. onites and P. anisum may be potential alternatives to conventional pesticides for the control of mushroom phorid fly. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry