COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS. TIMOTHY AND MEADOW FESCUE.

Hays made, mainly in May, from pure swards of perennial ryegrass, timothy and meadow fescue were fed to 8-month old steers in 1963 and to yearling steers in 1964. High-quality hay was obtained, but no significant differences in growth rate were observed between calves fed on hays from the 3 species. In 1963, barley (1.5 kg DM/ head per day) was fed, in addition to the hays, to half the animals and resulted in a significant increase in live weight gain. The productivity, in terms of liveweight gain/ unit area, of each species when managed for hay and‘zero grazing', or hay and grazing, was calculated. On this calculation perennial ryegrass was the most productive species.     

Quelques aspects de la chimie de l'acide ascorbique

Résumé D'après les résultats obtenus in vivo et in vitro concernant l'acide ascorbique, nous essayons d'éclaircir son rôle depuis sa génèse à sa répartition dans les végétaux. L'acide ascorbique est simple d'après sa structure et son action biologique est considérable. In vivo: l'acide ascorbique atteint son taux maximum dans les organes végétaux dans les phases déterminées de chaque période de végétation, mais les valeurs numériques de ce maximum dépendent des conditions écologiques de la période de végétation. La composition chimique des matières non azotées de ces organes est formée, dans la phase initiale de leur croissance et de leur développement, presqu'entièrement des combinaisons labiles comme ène-diols et matières fortement réductrices, et dans la phase finale des saccharides, de cellulose, des pentosanes etc. La formation la plus intense des combinaisons stables se fait dans les phases quand les fruits atteignent leur poids maximum au moment où la matière organique remplace l'eau.In vitro: le pH des solutions aqueuses et tamponnées de l'acide ascorbique et de son produit d'oxydation (l'acide déhydroascorbique) est un des facteurs qui déterminent sa propriété chimique et physique. Ainsi la solution équimoléculaire de ces deux acides, aqueuse et tamponnée, de valeurs différentes du pH se comporte de manière qu'on pourrait supposer, qu'il s'agit de l'interaction entre eux. Ensuite les valeurs du pouvoir rotatoire, calculées et trouvées pour les solutions aqueuses et tamponnées du mélange de ces acides, sont différentes, en dépendance du pH. Le pH du suc des végétaux pourrait être, donc, un des facteurs conditionnant la transformation, la dégradation et l'isomérisation de l'acide ascorbique et de l'acide déhydroascorbique in vivo par les voies différentes.La question se pose, si ce comportement de l'acide ascorbique mène à la synthèse d'autres composés nécessaires pour le développement de la plante.

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Summary On the basis of the results obtained in vivo and in vitro concerning ascorbic acid, we are attempting to clarify its role from its genesis to its distribution in the plants. Ascorbic acid is simple in its structure, and its biological action is considerable.In vivo: the maximum content of ascorbic acid occurs in plant organs in determined phases of each vegetation period, but the numerical values of these maxima are dependent on the ecological conditions of the vegetation period. The chemical composition of the non-nitrogen components of these organs is formed, in the initial phases of their growth and development, almost entirely of labile compounds, such as ene-diols and strongly reducing substances, and in the final phases of saccharides, of cellulose, of pentosans, etc. The most intensive formation of these stable combinations is effected during the phases when the fruits attain their maximum weight at the moment when water is replaced by organic substances. In vitro: the pH of aqueous and buffered solutions of ascorbic acid and of the product of its oxydation (dehydroascorbic acid) is one of the factors that determine its chemical and physical properties. Thus the equimolecular solution, aqueous and buffered, of different pH values of these two acids, behaves as one would suppose when it comes to an interaction between them. Furthermore the rotatory power values, calculated and found for aqueous and buffered solutions of these acids, differ, depending on the pH. The pH of the vegetable sap could then be one of the factors conditioning the transformation, the degradation, and the isomerization in vivo of ascorbic acid and of dehydroascorbic acid by different pathways.The question remains, whether or not this behaviour of ascorbic acid leads to the synthesis of other compounds that are necessary to the development of the plant.

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Zusammenfassung Auf Grund der Ergebnisse von Versuchen in vivo und in vitro, betreffend Askorbin-Säure, probieren wir ihre Rolle zu erklären, vom Anfang ihrer Entstehung bis zu ihrer Verteilung in den Pflanzen. Die Askorbin-Säure ist einfach, ihrer Struktur nach, und ihre biologische Wirkung ist bedeutend.In vivo: Die Maxima der Ascorbinsäure-Gehalte treten in pflanzlichen Organen in bestimmten Phasen jeder Vegetationsperiode auf. Die absolute Höhe ist jedoch von den ökologischen Bedingungen der Wachstumsperiode abhängig. Die stickstofffreien Substanzen dieser Organe setzen sich in der Anfangsphase des Wachstums und während der Entwicklung fast ausschließich aus labilen Verbindungen, wie Endiolen und stark reduzierenden Verbindungen, zusammen und in der Endphase aus Sacchariden, Cellulose, Pentosanen usw. Die stärkste Bildung dieser stabilen Verbindungen erfolgt in der Phase, in der die Früchte bei Ersatz des Wassers durch organische Substanzen ihr höchstes Gewicht erreichen.In vitro: Der pH-Wert der wäßrigen und gepufferten Lösungen von Ascorbinsäure und ihres Oxydationsproduktes — Dehydroascorbinsäure — ist einer der Faktoren, der die chemische Reaktionsfähigkeit bestimmt. So verhält sich die äquimolare wäßrige und gepufferte Lösung dieser beiden Säuren bei verschiedenen pH-Werten so, daß man eine gegenseitige Beeinflussung annehmen kann. Auch die optische Drehung der wäßrigen und gepufferten Lösungen von Mischungen dieser Säuren variiert in Abhängigkeit von pH-Wert. Der pH-Wert des Pflanzensaftes könnte somit einer der die Umwandlung, den Abbau und die Isomerisierung der Ascorbinsäure und der Dehydroascorbinsäure in vivo bedingenden Faktoren sein.

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Gamma-lactone de l'acide 2-céto L(+)-gulonique. Vitamine C.     

Molecular evidence for cosmopolitan distribution of platyhelminth parasites of tunas (Thunnus spp.)

Global distribution of platyhelminth parasites and their host specificities are not well known. Our hypothesis was that platyhelminth parasites of large pelagic fishes are common around the world. We analysed molecular variation in three different taxa of platyhelminth parasites infecting four species of tunas: yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares, Scombridae) from Western Australia, southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii, Scombridae) from South Australia, Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis, Scombridae) from Pacific Mexico and northern bluefin tuna (T. thynnus, Scombridae) from two localities in the Mediterranean (Spain and Croatia). Comparisons of ITS2 and partial 28S rDNA demonstrated two congeneric species of blood flukes (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) from multiple hosts and localities: Cardicola forsteri from southern bluefin and northern bluefin tunas, and Cardicola sp. from Pacific bluefin and northern bluefin tunas; and a gill fluke, Hexostoma thynni (Polyopisthocotylea: Hexostomatidae), from yellowfin, southern bluefin and northern bluefin tunas. Partial 28S rDNA indicates that a second type of fluke on the gills, Capsala sp. (Monopisthocotylea: Capsalidae), occurs on both southern bluefin and Pacific bluefin tunas. This appears to be the first report of conspecific platyhelminth parasites of teleosts with a wide‐ranging geographical distribution that has been confirmed through molecular approaches. Given the brevity of the free‐living larval stage of both taxa of flukes on the gills (H. thynni and Capsala sp.), we conclude that the only feasible hypothesis for the cosmopolitan distribution of these flatworms is migrations of host tunas. Host migration also seems likely to be responsible for the widespread occurrence of the two species of blood flukes (Cardicola spp.), although it is also possible that these were translocated recently by the spread of infected intermediate hosts.     

In vitro interactions between Neoparamoeba sp. and Atlantic salmon epithelial cells

Neoparamoeba sp., including the putative aetiological agent of amoebic gill disease in cultured fish (N. pemaquidensis), were incubated in vitro with an Atlantic salmon gill epithelium (RGE-2) cell line. Proliferation by the amoeba population was dependent upon culture osmolarity; no growth occurred at 330 mm x kg(-1) but a sixfold increase was observed at 1000 mm x kg(-1). At 780 mm x kg(-1) there was a fourfold increase in the amoeba population but a concurrent decrease in RGE-2 cell density that was significantly greater than that caused by the high culture osmolarity alone. This apparent cytopathic effect (CPE) developed rapidly and resulted in complete cytolysis of the monolayer in 5 days. CPE occurred in multiple foci and presented as cell vacuolation, rounding and clumping, and the rapid clearance of large areas of the cell monolayer. The possibility that CPE is because of the presence of Neoparamoeba sp. derived cytolytic products is discussed in the context of the pathology of the disease in vivo and the occurrence of secreted cytopathogenic compounds in other amoeba species.     

Pre-exposure to infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus or to inactivated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) confers protection against WSSV in Penaeus vannamei (Boone) post-larvae

Larvae and post-larvae of Penaeus vannamei (Boone) were submitted to primary challenge with infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) or formalin-inactivated white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Survival rate and viral load were evaluated after secondary per os challenge with WSSV at post-larval stage 45 (PL45). Only shrimp treated with inactivated WSSV at PL35 or with IHHNV infection at nauplius 5, zoea 1 and PL22 were alive (4.7% and 4%, respectively) at 10 days post-infection (p.i.). Moreover, at 9 days p.i. there was 100% mortality in all remaining treatments, while there was 94% mortality in shrimp treated with inactivated WSSV at PL35 and 95% mortality in shrimp previously treated with IHHNV at N5, Z1 and PL22. Based on viral genome copy quantification by real-time PCR, surviving shrimp previously challenged with IHHNV at PL22 contained the lowest load of WSSV (0-1x10(3) copies microg-1 of DNA). In addition, surviving shrimp previously exposed to inactivated WSSV at PL35 also contained few WSSV (0-2x10(3) copies microg-1 of DNA). Consequently, pre-exposure to either IHHNV or inactivated WSSV resulted in slower WSSV replication and delayed mortality. This evidence suggests a protective role of IHHNV as an interfering virus, while protection obtained by inactivated WSSV might result from non-specific antiviral immune response.     

Selected pathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes associated with an infection by Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Nitzsch, 1824) (Cestoda) plerocercoids in Coregonus lavaretus (L.) (Coregonidae)

The pathological changes induced by an infection of Diphyllobothrium dendriticum (Nitzsch, 1824) plerocercoids in powan, Coregonus lavaretus (L.), from Loch Lomond, Scotland, were assessed using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. In a sample of 26 powan, the occurrence of encysted plerocercoids of D. dendriticum on the outer surface of the stomach was 38.5% (n = 10) with the number of cysts ranging from 4 to 15 and measuring 4.2 +/- 1.0 mm x 3.4 +/- 0.9 mm (mean +/- SD). Histological examination of intestinal samples also revealed plerocercoids (2-21) encapsulated within a proliferation of mesenteric fibrous tissues of the gastric wall and, occasionally, by the gut lamina propria-submucosa and lamina muscularis. In section, cysts were tri-layered and were formed from a series of concentric whorls of fibroblast and collagen fibre-based connective elements. The extent of necrosis within each muscle layer and the serosa of the stomach differed, notably within the latter that was marked by a chronic inflammatory reaction and fibrosis. Within the cyst and around it, a large number of degranulating mast cell/eosinophilic granule cells were seen, in addition to melano-macrophage centres. Immunohistochemical staining of sections of infected stomach revealed a high density of elements, in close proximity to plerocercoids, staining positive for serotonin, bombesin, substance P and galanin. Uninfected material did not present the same levels of activity. Sections through both infected and uninfected tissue were also tested for elements containing vasoactive intestinal peptide, met-enkephalin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide synthase, but these were absent.     

Maturity and reproduction of goneplacid crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carcinoplax vestita</Emphasis> (Decapoda,Brachyura) in Tokyo Bay

ABSTRACT:     Sexual maturity, morphological sexual dimorphism, and reproduction of the goneplacid crab Carcinoplax vestita were investigated in Tokyo Bay, Japan, from November 2002 to October 2003. The puberty molt in males was evidenced by changes in the relative size of the chelipeds and merus of the walking legs, and was estimated to occur at a size range of 13.20–18.85 mm carapace length. Post-pubertal females were identified by the relative size of the abdomen and puberty was estimated to occur at a size range of 12.81–15.46 mm carapace length. Sexual dimorphism in C. vestita was observed in all features that showed secondary sexual characteristics. Monthly changes of gonad index in males, and of seminal receptacle index and occurrence of sperm plugs in females were synchronized, and indicated that mating was intense in spring. Ovaries began developing in March. Ovigerous females were found in all months except December, but were clearly more abundant between August and October. Fecundity ranged from 7800 to 57 000 mature oocytes per female per batch and was highly correlated with body size. The results suggest that some females may spawn more than one batch per year.     

Survival rate and growth performance of Cyprinus carpio L. in intensively cultivated rice fields

In the freshwater area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, Barbodes gonionotus (Bleeker), Cyprinus carpio L. and Oreochromis niloticus (L.) are often reared together in rice fields. The survival rate and specific growth rate (SGR) of C. carpio showed a large variance. To understand the underlying reasons for this variation, we used multiple regressions for the variables SGR and survival rate, using the results of eight experiments in such polycultures at the Co Do rice–fish experimental station. The SGR of C. carpio declined with increasing rice density. Interspecific competition with O. niloticus also had a negative effect on C. carpio SGR. When fertilizer or manure is added to the trench of the rice–fish field or when extra food can be given to the fish, O. niloticus seems more appropriate than C. carpio. The survival rate of C. carpio depended on season, C. carpio stocking weight and density and the biomass of wild fish species. To obtain higher survival rates, one should stock fewer fish but of a larger size, after thorough eradication of wild fish species.     

Diplodus spp. assemblages on artificial reefs: importance for near shore fisheries

Abstract  Artificial reefs have been deployed along the southern coast of Portugal (Algarve) since 1990 to enhance artisanal fisheries. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the colonisation process; (2) assess the role of the artificial reefs in terms of juvenile recruitment and growth and as mating/spawning areas and (3) evaluate the potential of artificial reefs as near shore artisanal fishing grounds for three economically important fish species, Diplodus bellottii (Steindachner), Diplodus sargus (L.) and Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire). The fish assemblages were monitored after the deployment of a large artificial reef (Faro/Ancão) in 2002. Colonisation rates for the three species were fast. Artificial reefs play a multiple role for Diplodus spp., acting as recruitment, growth and nursery areas for juveniles, and spawning/mating areas for adults, and can thus be considered essential fish habitat. Three months after deployment of the artificial reefs, exploitable biomass was 16, 29 and 8 kg per reef group, respectively, for D. bellotti , D. sargus and D. vulgaris . These results indicate that artificial reefs quickly become good fishing grounds, where suitable financial yields may be obtained by fisher. Moreover, the artificial reefs became new and alternative fishing grounds, allowing reduction of fishing effort over traditional rocky areas that are scarce along the Algarve coast. Management measures for artificial reefs, in terms of fishing strategies, are discussed.