Viral protein 1 sequence analysis of three infectious bursal disease virus strains: a very virulent virus, its attenuated form, and an attenuated vaccine

Comparisons between sequences of very virulent, virulent, and attenuated strains of the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) may indicate sites on the genome co-inciding with virulence. In an attempt to detect if such sites exist on the coding region of segment B, viral protein 1 (VP1) (encoded for by segment B) of a very virulent Israeli virus, IL3; its attenuated strain, IL4; and the attenuated Winterfield vaccine 2512 were cloned and sequenced. A comparison was made among them and with six other published sequences of segment B. Six nucleic acids distinguished between IL3 and IL4, three of which were predicted to be expressed as amino acids. A striking similarity between the VP1 sequences of 2512 and P2 (an attenuated German strain) was discovered. Although conclusions could not be drawn concerning attenuation sites on VP1, the analysis performed on the VP1 sequences of the two Israeli strains and the Winterfield 2512 strain sheds light on the phylogeny of IBDV and contributes to the accumulating information that may lead to the identification of virulence-related sites of this virus.     

Evaluation of scratches as an essential element in the development of avian cellulitis in broiler chickens.

Currently, the published cellulitis models do not adequately address the actual pathogenesis as seen in the commercial broiler industry. In this model, small dermal scratches were made on the skin of broiler chickens, which were then placed on litter seeded with avian cellulitis-associated Escherichia coli. The research confirms scratches are required for the induction of avian cellulitis. The research also confirms that "type I" cellulitis lesions or those previously thought to be due to hatchery-borne infections can be induced with scratches. The described methods provide a realistic model for cellulitis development that will improve the reliability of prophylactic and therapeutic-regimen efficacy testing data, thereby providing information more directly useful to the commercial broiler industry.     

UNUSUAL DISC HERNIATION IN A DOG

Unusual disc herniation was identified in a dog. Disc herniation was considered unusual because of its displacement into the vertebral endplate of the adjoining vertebra. Unusual disc herniation in this dog was compared with Schmorl's node in humans.     

Mitotic instability in Aspergillus nidulans caused by the fungicides iprodione,procymidone and vinclozolin

The fungicides iprodione, procymidone and vinclozolin were found to increase greatly the frequency of mitotic recombination in diploid colonies of Aspergillus niduluns. Although generally more potent, these fungicides do not appear to differ in their activity from members of a previously suggested ?aromatic hydrocarbon group’? with which they should be classified in this context.     

Effect of growth inhibitors on three ornamental species

Foliar sprays of the growth inhibitors sodium 2, 3:4, 6-di-O-isopropylidine-α L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonate (dikegulac-sodium), N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-] [tri-fluromethyl) sulfonyl] amino] phenyl] acetamide (mefluidide); methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate (chlorflurenol) and 2,3 dihydro-5-6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin (UBI-P293) were applied to Ligustrum japonicum, Pyracantha coccinea and Osmanthus heterophylla. Results indicate that growth inhibitors differ in their capacity to inhibit vegetative growth, and the level of inhibition and plant phytotoxicity depend on both the chemical and the rate of concentration.