Ultrasonographic assessment of maternal cardiac function and peripheral circulation during normal gestation in dogs

The aim of this study was to describe changes in cardiac morphology, systolic function and some peripheral hemodynamic parameters during normal pregnancy in dogs. Twenty healthy bitches, 10 pregnant (PG) and 10 non-pregnant controls (CG), were evaluated every 10 days using echocardiography from day 0 of the estrus cycle to parturition or to day 65 for the PG and CG groups, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and uterine artery resistance index (RI) were also assessed. Throughout the study, the shortening fraction and cardiac output increased up to 30% vs. 5% (P<0.01) and 45% vs. 2% (P<0.01) in the PG and CG groups, respectively. In contrast, SBP and RI diminished up to 20% vs. 1% (P<0.01) and 29% vs. 0% (P<0.01) in the PG and CG groups, respectively. In conclusion, a decrease in afterload, an increase in cardiac output and cardiac hypertrophy appear to be the result of the hemodynamic modifications occurring during pregnancy in dogs.     

山麻雀命名的考证

山麻雀是一种广布的小型鸣禽,拉丁学名通常为Passer rutilans (Temminck).经作者考证,该种名发表于1836年12月31日,但在此之前,Gould已于1836年4月8日发表了该种并命名为Passer cinnamomeus.因此,根据动物命名法中的优先原则,该种应称作Passer cinnamomeus (Gould,1836).其公认的3个亚种也应分别称作P.cinamomeus rutilans (Temminck,1836),P.cinnamomeus intensior Rothschild,1922及P.cinnamomeus cinnamomeus (Gould,1836).     

A simple and efficient method for isolating small RNAs from different plant species

Background  

Small RNAs emerged over the last decade as key regulators in diverse biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. To identify and study small RNAs, good and efficient protocols are necessary to isolate them, which sometimes may be challenging due to the composition of specific tissues of certain plant species. Here we describe a simple and efficient method to isolate small RNAs from different plant species.     

A new species of Acanthochondria (Copepoda: Chondracanthidae) parasitizing the flounder Xystreurys rasile (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) from Argentina

A new copepod species, Acanthochondria sagitta sp. n., is described based on specimens collected from the flounder Xystreurys rasile (Jordan) (Pleuronectiformes, Paralichthyidae), caught in the coastal waters off Necochea, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of three pairs of cephalic outgrowths; the triangular shape of the trunk with diverging postero-lateral processes; leg 2 of an intermediate shape between Types C and D, which projects laterally from the trunk, and Type B-V antennule bearing two proximal processes (one ventral and one dorsal) on the swollen basal portion.     

Two new species of Clestobothrium (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidea), parasites of Merluccius australis and m. hubbsi (Gadiformes: Merlucciidae) from the Patagonian shelf of Argentina, with comments on Clestobothrium crassiceps (Rudolphi, 1819)

Abstract: Two new species of bothriocephalidean cestodes, Clestobothrium splendidum sp. n. from Merluccius australis (Hutton) and Clestobothrium cristinae sp. n. from Merluccius hubbsi Marini from the Patagonian shelf of Argentina, are described. Clestobothrium splendidum can be typified by the following characteristics: a medium-sized strobila composed of410-528 proglottides that are much wider than long; 49-90 testes per mature proglottis, partially surrounding the ovary posteriorly; a transversely elongated genital pore situated anterior to spurious articulations; presence of a genital atrium; a globular cirrus-sac occupying 4-6% of mature proglottis width; a vagina with sphincter and three pairs of osmoregulatory canals on each side of the proglottis. Clestobothrium cristinae is characterised by its small size; 71-219 proglottides; 39-64 testes per mature proglottis, usually surrounding completely the ovary posteriorly; a rounded genital pore situated at the same level of spurious articulations; an oval cirrus-sac occupying 8-16% of mature proglottis width; and three pairs of osmoregulatory canals on each side of the proglottis. Clestobothrium cristinae shares with C. splendidum the type and distribution of microtriches, except for the central surface delimited by two lips. Additionally, type and voucher materials of Clestobothrium crassiceps (Rudolphi, 1819) from Merluccius merluccius were studied. A key to species is provided.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Erwinia aphidicola</Emphasis> isolated from commercial bean seeds (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris)</Emphasis>

In late 2003, a new disease appeared in protected bean crops in southeastern Spain, causing a decrease of over 50% in production. Several samples of affected plants were collected and analyzed and the agent of this disease was identified as the bacterium Erwinia aphidicola, which had never been described as a pathogen previously. We attempted to determine the possible bacterium transmission through seeds, using 120 commercial bean seeds from the same batch as that used in an affected farm, and 120 seeds from the fruiting plants of the same farm. Seed coats, cotyledons and leaves of plants originating from them, were taken and analyzed. Several of the developed symptoms on plants from commercial and fruiting plant seeds were internervial chlorosis, necrotic pits and rough roots and they coincided with those observed on affected crops. Bacteria present in commercial seed cotyledons were isolated and analyzed by biochemical and molecular tests. Results confirmed the presence of Erwinia aphidicola in four analyzed seeds; moreover, Bacillus simplex/Bacillus muralis, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas putida and Paenibacillus polymyxa were also identified.     

Reduced metribuzin pollution with phosphatidylcholine-clay formulations

BACKGROUND: Metribuzin is a widely used herbicide that has been identified as a groundwater contaminant. In this study, slow‐release formulations of metribuzin were designed by encapsulating the active ingredient in phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles and adsorbing the vesicles onto montmorillonite. RESULTS: The maximum active ingredient content in the slow‐release formulations was 246 g kg^?1. Infrared spectroscopy results revealed that the hydrophobic interactions between metribuzin and the alkyl chains on PC were necessary for encapsulation. In addition, water bridges connecting the herbicide and the PC headgroup enhanced the solubility of metribuzin in PC. Adsorption experiments in soils were performed to evaluate the relationship between sorption and leaching. Funnel experiments in a sandy soil revealed that the herbicide was not irreversibly retained in the formulation matrix. In soil column experiments, PC–clay formulations enhanced herbicide accumulation and biological activity in the top soil layer relative to a commercial formulation. PC–clay formulations also reduced the dissipation of metribuzin by a factor of 1.6–2.5. CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in the recommended dose of metribuzin can be achieved by employing PC–clay formulations, which reduces the environmental risk associated with herbicide applications. Moreover, PC and montmorillonite are non‐toxic and do not negatively affect the environment. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Field trial measuring the compatibility of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid with Orius laevigatus Fieber (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a commercial pepper greenhouse

BACKGROUND: Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are among the most serious pests of sweet peppers in greenhouses. Chemical control is difficult because of their high reproductive rates and insecticide resistance, and seasonal inoculative releases of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) are commonly used to reduce their populations. As chemical treatments are often needed in the crop against other pests, the side effects of methoxyfenozide (an insect growth regulator against lepidopteran pests) and flonicamid (a selective feeding inhibitor against sucking insects) were studied in both beneficial organisms in a commercial greenhouse. RESULTS: Orius laevigatus and A. swirskii were released at commercial rates (4–5 and 100 m^?2), and a strong establishment and a very homogeneous distribution were reached. One pesticide treatment with the maximum field recommended concentration of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid (96 and 100 mg AI L^?1) was done when they were well established, and their population levels were not affected either immediately or up to 30 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: The results are indicative of no impact of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid on the two natural enemies in the field, and both can be considered as potential alternatives to be included in IPM programmes in sweet pepper. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Germinability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia sativa</Emphasis> L. seeds After 10 Years of Storage in a Base Collection

The germinability of the Vicia sativa L. seed samples in the base collection at the Centro de Recursos Fitogenéticos (Spain) was controlled in 1986 and 1996. The mean germination of the collection, assessed by One-Sample T Test, was higher than 85%, suggesting its viability was properly maintained along the period. However, changes in germination along the same period assessed by Paired-Samples T Test showed a slight decrease in its global germinability. More data on the viability of stored seeds worldwide – including communication of unpublished data – are needed. Viability assays should be performed according to standard, internationally coordinated protocols and statistical analysis, within an adequate documentation system that assures the integrity of accession information.     

Effect of dose and type of fertilizer on flowering and fruiting of vanilla plants

Nutritional status affects the processes of flowering and fruiting of plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of fertilizer application on flowering, fruiting, and leaf nutrient content of Vanilla planifolia (Jacks. ex Andr). Treatments consisted of the application of grade 10-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the substratum in annual doses of 20, 50, and 100 g/plant plus a monthly application of foliar fertilizer. Two more treatments were foliar fertilization and no fertilization (control). Treatments increased the number of inflorescences and flower buds per plant, as well as the number and weight of fruits per plant, and decreased the abortion of flowers and immature fruits. These effects depended on the type of fertilizer, the amount applied, and the time of evaluation. The best results were obtained with the 100 g/plant/year treatment with an annual production of 1.5 kg of fruits per plant in the second year. Unfertilized plants produced 0.55 kg/plant/year. Differences were also found in foliar content of N, P, K, and copper (Cu) between vegetative and reproductive branches. Application of fertilizer to the substratum appears to improve reproductive parameters of vanilla plants and the production of beans, while foliar fertilization alone was ineffective in increasing crop productivity. Nutrients also seem to translocate from mature leaves to fruit racemes.