Chemical and spectroscopic evidence for an FeV-oxo complex

Iron(V)-oxo species have been proposed as key reactive intermediates in the catalysis of oxygen-activating enzymes and synthetic catalysts. Here, we report the synthesis of [Fe(TAML)(O)]- in nearly quantitative yield, where TAML is a macrocyclic tetraamide ligand. Mass spectrometry, M?ssbauer, electron paramagnetic resonance, and x-ray absorption spectroscopies, as well as reactivity studies and density functional theory calculations show that this long-lived (hours at -60 degrees C) intermediate is a spin S = 1/2 iron(V)-oxo complex. Iron-TAML systems have proven to be efficient catalysts in the decomposition of numerous pollutants by hydrogen peroxide, and the species we characterized is a likely reactive intermediate in these reactions.     

Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of Zanthoxylum budrunga

The petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts of the leaves and barks of Zanthoxylum budrunga have been evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic properties.     

Effect of method and time of first colostrum feeding on serum immunoglobulin concentration, health status and body weight gain in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves

The effect of method and time of first colostrum feeding on the concentration of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) was evaluated in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves. The hypotheses were that the variable method and time of first colostrum feeding might affect the level of serum Ig and in turn the growth performance and health status of the claves during the early age. The newborn calves were randomly allotted to one of the four experimental groups - G-1: allowed to suckle the dam at own choice, G-2: separated immediately after birth and allowed to suckle the dam first at 6 h and then at own choice, G-3: bottle fed ad libitum colostrum of its own dam first at 6 h and then at 6-h intervals until 24 h, G-4: bottle fed ad libitum colostrum of its own dam within 1 h, at 6 h and then at 6-h intervals until 24 h. The concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were lowest (p < 0.01) at birth and increased following colostrum feeding irrespective of the experimental group. Highest concentrations of all the Ig classes were observed at 12-24 h after birth. The concentrations then transiently decreased from day 7 to 14, and then steadily increased after day 28. The concentrations of IgG (p < 0.01) and IgA (p < 0.05) were higher in G-1 in relation to the other groups during the first week after birth. Similarly, higher concentration of IgA (p < 0.05) was found in G-1 in relation to the other groups during the rest of the experimental period. The apparent absorption efficiency of colostral IgG was higher (p < 0.05) in G-4 in relation to G-3. Growth rate and health status were not influenced by the method and time of first colostrum feeding. In conclusion, a 6-h delay in the first colostrum feeding reduced the level of serum Ig noticeably.     

Viral infections in cultured fish and shrimps: current status and treatment methods

Aquaculture is growing post-haste in recent years particularly in the fish and shrimp production. The rapid growth of aquaculture and increasing demand for fish have led to a rapid development of the fish and shrimp industry, resulting in increased production of both fish and shrimps. As a result, there is a greater risk of disease outbreaks. Mass mortalities in aquaculture are primarily due to infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Among them, viral diseases are the most devastating, causing huge loss in the production of both cultured fish and shellfishes. There are several effective methods of treatment for these disease outbreaks. This review focuses on various methods of controlling the viral pathogens using various treatment methods like use of medicinal plants and seaweed extracts, bioactive compounds from actinomycetes, vaccines, probiotic microbes, chemicals, nanoparticles, and green synthesis of nanoparticles.

     

Environmental Factors Affecting the Release and Dispersal of Ascospores of Mycosphaerella citri

ABSTRACT Greasy spot, caused by Mycosphaerella citri, produces a leaf spot disease affecting all citrus species in Florida and the Caribbean Basin. M. citri produces pseudothecia and ascospores, which are considered the principal source of inoculum, in decomposing leaves on the grove floor. In studies using a computer-controlled environmental chamber, a single rain event triggered release of most mature ascospores beginning 30 to 60 min after the rain event. Additional rain events did not bring about further release. High relative humidity without rain triggered release of low numbers of ascospores, but vibration and red/infrared irradiation had little or no effect on ascospore release. After three to four cycles of wetting and drying of leaves, all pseudothecia had matured and released their ascospores. In the field, ascospores were detectable starting about 2 h after the beginning of a rain or irrigation and most ascospores were released within 16 h. Ascospore release was greatest following rain events and somewhat less following irrigations, and low numbers of ascospores were detectable on days without precipitation. Ascospore numbers declined linearly with horizontal distance from the source and as a function of the logarithm of ascospore numbers with vertical distance. Low numbers of ascospores were detected 7.5 m above the ground and 90 m downwind from the grove. Ascospore release can be advanced by irrigating frequently during dry, nonconducive conditions to stimulate ascospore release when environmental conditions are unfavorable for infection, but the eventual effects on disease severity are uncertain.     

Effect of Planting Geometry on the Growth and Yield Performance of Maize Intercropped with Rice

A field experiment with maize and rice planted under four planting configurations in an intercropping system was conducted to evaluate the plant competition effects on the performance of component crops. Intercropping substantially reduced grain yields of both rice and maize. Rice yield was generally low giving monocrop yield of 1,084 kg/ha. Intercropped rice ranged between 179 kg/ha and 615 kg/ha depending on maize planting arrangement. Monocrop maize yielded highest in square planting (3,617 kg/ha) and lowest in skip-row (2,600 kg/ha) planting, but planting geometry did not influence intercropped maize yield. Monocrop maize outyielded the combined yield of component crops suggesting no yield advantage through rice-maize intercropping.     

Environmental Factors Affecting Pseudothecial Development and Ascospore Production of Mycosphaerella citri, the Cause of Citrus Greasy Spot

ABSTRACT Mycosphaerella citri, the cause of citrus greasy spot, produces pseudothecia and ascospores in decomposing leaf litter on the grove floor. In laboratory studies, the effect of wetting and drying and temperature on the formation, maturation, and production of pseudothecia and ascospores was evaluated on mature, detached grapefruit leaves. Production of pseudothecia was most rapid when leaves were soaked five times per week for 2 h per day, but pseudothecial density and total ascospore production were greatest when leaves were soaked three times per week for 2 h per day. In duration of wetting studies, 3 h per day, 3 days per week brought about the most rapid production, but 10 to 30 min per day resulted in production of the most pseudothecia and ascospores. Pseudothecia and ascospore production were greatest at 28 degrees C and declined rapidly at lower and higher temperatures. Maturation of pseudothecia was slow at 20 and 24 degrees C, but production was high at 24 degrees C; at 32 degrees C, pseudothecia matured rapidly, but degenerated quickly. No mature pseudothecia were produced on leaves maintained continuously under wet conditions. In field studies, leaves were placed on the grove floor monthly from April 2000 to September 2001. Pseudothecia production was rapid during the summer rainy season from June to September. Pseudothecia produced on leaves placed in the grove from October to May developed and matured more slowly but were produced in much larger numbers than in summer. The number of days to first pseudothecial initials, 50% maturation, first discharge of ascospores, leaf decomposition, as well as pseudothecial density and incidence, were negatively related to average temperature. Total ascospore production was unrelated to temperature.     

Relationship between peripheral plasma inhibin and FSH concentrations in Sahiwal cows (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis>) and Murrah buffaloes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>) during estrous cycle

The present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between circulating inhibin and FSH concentrations during the estrous cycle in buffaloes and Sahiwal cattle. The pattern of inhibin concentrations was similar, with peak concentrations on Day -2 (Day 0 = day of estrus) and minimum concentrations on Days 12 and 11 in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. Circulating FSH concentrations were the highest on Day 0 and lowest on Days 8 and 13 in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. Peripheral plasma inhibin concentrations were negatively correlated to FSH concentrations in buffaloes (r = -0.27, P < 0.01) and cattle (r = -0.35, P < 0.01) indicating that inhibin is involved in negative feedback regulation of FSH in both these species.     

An Update on Reproduction in Yak and Mithun

Yak and mithun are two domesticated herbivores of high economic importance to the farming community living in highlands. Improved yak and mithun production could significantly enhance the living standards of these highlanders. Over the years, their dwindling numbers have been a cause of serious concern. In view of the lack of knowledge on the reproductive physiology of these ruminants, studies have been undertaken to investigate their reproductive endocrinology in recent years. This paper attempts to present the latest information on the endocrine changes associated with their various reproductive processes viz. growth and puberty, oestrous cyclicity and oestrous behaviour, ovulation, and, pregnancy and parturition. The paper also provides the recent developments on research done towards the enhancement of yak and mithun reproductive efficiencies through endocrine and embryo biotechniques.