Anthropogenic factors and the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1: prospects from a spatial-based model

Beginning in 2003, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus spread across Southeast Asia, causing unprecedented epidemics. Thailand was massively infected in 2004 and 2005 and continues today to experience sporadic outbreaks. While research findings suggest that the spread of HPAI H5N1 is influenced primarily by trade patterns, identifying the anthropogenic risk factors involved remains a challenge. In this study, we investigated which anthropogenic factors played a role in the risk of HPAI in Thailand using outbreak data from the “second wave” of the epidemic (3 July 2004 to 5 May 2005) in the country. We first performed a spatial analysis of the relative risk of HPAI H5N1 at the subdistrict level based on a hierarchical Bayesian model. We observed a strong spatial heterogeneity of the relative risk. We then tested a set of potential risk factors in a multivariable linear model. The results confirmed the role of free-grazing ducks and rice-cropping intensity but showed a weak association with fighting cock density. The results also revealed a set of anthropogenic factors significantly linked with the risk of HPAI. High risk was associated strongly with densely populated areas, short distances to a highway junction, and short distances to large cities. These findings highlight a new explanatory pattern for the risk of HPAI and indicate that, in addition to agro-environmental factors, anthropogenic factors play an important role in the spread of H5N1. To limit the spread of future outbreaks, efforts to control the movement of poultry products must be sustained.     

Phyllosilicate diversity and past aqueous activity revealed at Mawrth Vallis, Mars

Observations by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars in the Mawrth Vallis region show several phyllosilicate species, indicating a wide range of past aqueous activity. Iron/magnesium (Fe/Mg)-smectite is observed in light-toned outcrops that probably formed via aqueous alteration of basalt of the ancient cratered terrain. This unit is overlain by rocks rich in hydrated silica, montmorillonite, and kaolinite that may have formed via subsequent leaching of Fe and Mg through extended aqueous events or a change in aqueous chemistry. A spectral feature attributed to an Fe2+ phase is present in many locations in the Mawrth Vallis region at the transition from Fe/Mg-smectite to aluminum/silicon (Al/Si)-rich units. Fe2+-bearing materials in terrestrial sediments are typically associated with microorganisms or changes in pH or cations and could be explained here by hydrothermal activity. The stratigraphy of Fe/Mg-smectite overlain by a ferrous phase, hydrated silica, and then Al-phyllosilicates implies a complex aqueous history.     

Correlates of diet quality in the Quebec population

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlates of a high-fat diet in urban, suburban and rural areas of Quebec, Canada. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of data collected as part of a 5-year multi-factorial, multi-setting, community-intervention project. SETTING: Urban, suburban and rural settings of the province of Quebec, 1997. SUBJECTS: Data were analysed from a sample of 5214 participants (2227 males, 2987 females). A food-frequency questionnaire was completed and a global index of food quality was calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of a diet high in total fats, saturated fat and cholesterol. RESULTS: In both genders, lower level of education, smoking status, French and English languages compared with other languages spoken at home, and a rural environment were associated with poor diet quality. Having no intention to eat low-fat dairy products more often was associated with a high-fat diet. In men, obesity (body mass index >/=30 kg m(-2)) and absence of reported health problems were correlates of a high-fat diet, while, in women, lower physical activity was a correlate. CONCLUSIONS: Future health interventions in Quebec should target people with low education, smokers and those living in a rural environment. Obese men and sedentary women should have access to specific dietetic resources.     

Evaluation of thyroid function in dogs suffering from recurrent flank alopecia

Thyroid function was assessed in euthyroid dogs (n = 20), dogs suffering from canine recurrent flank alopecia (CRFA, n = 18), and hypothyroid dogs (n = 21). Blood samples obtained from all dogs in each group were assayed for total thyroxine (TT4), thyrotropin (TSH), and thyroglobulin autoantibody (TgAA) serum concentrations. Total T4 and TSH serum concentrations were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the hypothyroid group compared with the other 2 groups. No significant differences in TT4 and TSH serum values were found between the euthyroid and CRFA groups. Thyroglobulin autoantibodies were detected in 10, 11.1, and 61.9% of euthyroid dogs, dogs with CRFA, and hypothyroid dogs, respectively. In conclusion, dogs suffering from CRFA have a normal thyroid function, and the determination of TT4 and TSH serum concentrations allows differentiation of these dogs from dogs with hypothyroidism, in most cases. Occasionally, the 2 diseases can be concomitant.     

Progressive myelopathy due to a spontaneous intramedullary hematoma in a dog: pre- and postoperative clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up

A 4-year-old, male Jack Russell terrier was presented for a 6-month history of progressive right hemiparesis with episodic cervical hyperesthesia. The neurological examination showed a right-sided, upper motoneuron syndrome and partial Horner's syndrome. Two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed 3 months apart and revealed a persistent cervical intramedullary hematoma. A dorsal myelotomy was performed. A subacute hematoma was confirmed histologically without underlying lesions. Eighteen months later, the dog's clinical signs were minimal. Two MRI examinations were performed 2 weeks and 5 months after surgery and revealed regressing signal abnormalities at the surgical site, consistent with a surgical scar.     

Effects of organic amendment on early growth performance of Jatropha curcas L. on a severely degraded site in the Sub-Sahel of Burkina Faso

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic amendment on the germination and growth patterns of Jatropha curcas L. on completely barren and degraded land in the Sahelian area of Burkina Faso. Prior to the field trials, laboratory germination tests were undertaken to explore the impact of different pre-treatments on germination of Jatropha seeds. Seeds soaked in water for 24?h had the highest mean rate of germination (86%) while seeds that were pre-treated with sulphuric acid did not germinate. The results of the field experiment showed that plant growth and biomass development were significantly enhanced by organic amendment compared to the control. With direct seeding, 20% of the plants treated with organic manure survived after 2?years, while all seedlings of the control plot perished. In the plantations, 30% of the untreated seedlings remained alive whereas only 5% of the plants survived with amendment. The trials in unfenced plots were decimated by livestock grazing and trampling 2?months after the beginning of the experiment. This emphasizes the need to protect Jatropha plants at an early stage of their development from roaming animals. Organic amendment attracted humivorous termites, which were destructive to the seedlings. The use of pesticides may be necessary to control this problem. When directly seeded, plants of the control plots demonstrated poor growth and became rapidly diseased, further accelerating their decline. The low survival rates (5–30%) and meagre seedling performance, even for the amended plots, may be an indication that Jatropha is unsuited to severely degraded lands like the zippelé, and cannot be expected to give good yields and the claimed environmental and socio-economic benefits. However, we recommend that the performance of Jatropha on the zippelé should be further tested with other soil and water conservation techniques (half-moon, tillage, etc.) that have been shown to enhance crop production and yield on degraded lands in the Sahelo-Sudanian zone of West Africa. The impact of seed provenance on the outcome of this study is unknown. Therefore, further experiments should embrace seeds from different sources, including genotypes that are more adapted to dry conditions and might therefore show improved performance.     

The variation of microfibril angle in South African grown Pinus patula and its influence on the stiffness of structural lumber

Reduction in the rotation ages of softwood saw-log plantations in South Africa is causing increased proportions of low stiffness sawn lumber at final harvest. It has been shown for some species that the microfibril angle (MFA) of the S2 layer of tracheids is strongly related to the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of wood, even more so than wood density, especially in wood formed during juvenile growth. The objectives of this study were to describe the variation in MFA in young Pinus patula trees and to determine the relationship between MFA and the dynamic MOE of sawn P. patula lumber. Thirty 16- to 20-year-old trees from six compartments from the Mpumalanga escarpment were processed into discs and lumber. The MFA, density and ring width were measured at two height levels using Silviscan 3. The average annual ring MFA varied between 7° and 29°; the pattern of variation depended mainly on height level and the ring number from the pith. The MFA in P. patula followed the same within-tree variation trends as in New Zealand-grown Pinus radiata but the average MFA was lower in absolute terms and differences between height levels were less pronounced. The MFA and density exhibited highly significant Pearson correlations of 0.73 and 0.70, respectively, with board dynamic MOE. A multiple regression model, which included MFA, density and ring width, explained 71% of the variation in the dynamic MOE of boards. A sensitivity analysis on the model showed that MFA and density had approximately similar influences on predicting the dynamic MOE of Pinus patula boards.     

Application de la CCM à l'étude des produits obtenus dans la démucilagination des huiles de germe de maïs

Résumé Lorsque l'on traite des huiles végétales brutes par de l'eau, de la vapeur d'eau, des solutions salines ou des solutions acides, dans des conditions que la technique industrielle précise, il se sépare une phase aqueuse dite phase de démucilagination. Celle-ci contient des substances dotées de propriétés tensioactives comparables, mais de constitutions chimiques très différentes: des polyholosides qui représentent les mucilages proprement dits, mais aussi des phosphoaminolipides de natures diverses. De plus, des lipides simples: glycérides, acides gras libres et matières insaponifiables peuvent être entraînés dans ce milieu doté de propriétés émulsives.La présente étude est consacrée à l'analyse des produits de démucilagination, obtenus au laboratoire par action d'une quantité d'eau limitée sur l'huile brute extraite du germe de maïs.On sépare d'abord les glucides de l'ensemble lipidique en solubilisant celui-ci par un lavage avec de l'hexane. La solution est séchée, évaporée sous pression réduite et soumise à l'analyse chromatographique sur plaque de Kieselgel de Merck. Après les manipulations d'usage, la mise en évidence des taches pouvait être obtenue au moyen de la vapeur d'iode ou par pulvérisation d'acide sulfurique. Nous avons préféré utiliser la rhodamine B qui nous a permis de mettre en évidence, près de la base, une série de quatre tâches correspondant à des lécithines, (ce fait a été vérifié en soumettant la matière première à l'hydrolyse, ce qui a permis de mettre en évidence la seule choline sans trace d'éthanolamine, constituant caractéristique des céphalines), et près de la ligne de front d'autres dépôts, qui repris, ont été identifiés à des stérols. Il a été vérifié que glycérides et acides gras ne migrent pas dans nos conditions expérimentales.En complément de la chromatographie sur plaques, la chromatographie gazeuse a permis de connaître l'identité des acides gras consituant les lécithines et celle des stérols.

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Summary When raw vegetable oils are treated by water, vapour, solutions of salts or acids, in conditions that are defined by industrial technique, an aqueous phase, called de gumming phase is separated. This phase contains substances possessing compared surface-active properties but differing by their chemical constitutions: poly holosides, which are the gums proper, but also phospho aminolipids of various nature. Furthermore, simple lipids: glycerides, free fatty acids, unsaponifiables may be drawn into this medium endowed with emulsifying properties.The present study is concerned with the analysis of the products of degumming obtained in the laboratory by the action of a limited quantity of water on the raw oil extracted from corn germ.First the carbohydrates are separated from by the complex of lipids by solubilizing it with a washing by hexane. The solution is dried, evaporated under reduced pressure, and chromatographically analyzed on aMerck Kieselgel plate. After the usual manipulations the evidencing of the spots could be obtained with the help of iodine vapours or by spraying with sulphuric acid. We preferred to use Rhodamin B which enabled us to show, near the base, a series of four spots corresponding to lecithins (this fact was verified by the hydrolysis of the raw material which enabled us to isolate only the choline, without any trace of ethanolamine, a characteristic constituant of cephalins), and near the front line, other spots, which, when redissolved, were identified as sterols. It was verified that in our experimental conditions the glycerides and fatty acids do not migrate.As a supplement for plate chromatography, gas-chromatography has enabled us to identify the fatty acids constituting the lecithins, and also to identify the sterols.

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Zusammenfassung Wenn man die rohen Pflanzenöle mit Wasser, Wasserdampf, Salzlösungen oder Säurelösungen unter den Bedingungen der präzisen industriellen Technik behandelt, scheidet sich eine wässerige, sogenannte Entschleimungsphase aus. Diese enthält Stoffe, die vergleichbare tensioaktive Eigenschaften haben, aber deren chemische Beschaffenheit sehr verschieden ist: Polykolloide, welche die eigentlichen Schleime bilden, aber auch Phospho-amino-Lipide verschiedener Natur und auch einfache Lipide: Glyceride, freie Fettsäuren und nicht verseifbare Stoffe, die in diesem mit emulgierenden Eigenschaften ausgestattetem Medium weggespült werden können. Diese Arbeit ist der Analyse der Entschleimungsprodukte gewidmet, die im Laboratorium durch Einwirkung einer beschränkten Menge Wassers auf rohes Öl aus Maiskeimen entstanden ist.Man scheidet zuerst die Kohlenhydrate aus der Gesamtheit der Lipide aus, die durch Waschen mit Hexan lösbar gemacht werden. Die Lösung wird getrocknet, unter reduziertem Druck verdampft und der chromatographischen Analyse auf Kieselgel vonMerck unterworfen. Nach den üblichen Behandlungen wurden die Substanzflecken durch Joddampf oder Besprühen mit Schwefelsäure sichtbar gemacht. Wir bevorzugten Rhodamin B weil wir mit diesem Entwicklungsreagenz eine Reihe von vier Flecken in Startnähe erkennen konnten, die den Lecithinen zugeordnet wurden. (Es handelt sich um Lecithin, da bei der Hydrolyse des Rohmaterials nur Cholin und keine Spur Äthanolamin, dem charakteristischen Bestandteil der Kephaline, gefunden wurde.) In der Nähe der Front lagen Substanzflecken, die sich als Sterole identifizieren ließen. Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, daß Glyceride und Fettsäuren unter den Versuchsbedingungen nicht wandern.Als Ergänzung zur Chromatographie auf Platten hat die Gaschromatographie die Identifizierung der Fettsäuren, welche die Lecithine bilden, und der Sterole ermöglicht.

     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF A CEREBRAL HEMANGIOBLASTOMA IN A DOG

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of a cerebral hemangioblastoma in a 9‐year‐old dog are described. Imaging revealed a well‐defined contrast‐enhancing lesion of the rostral forebrain that appeared extraparenchymal. Histopathology of the excised mass showed clusters of small blood vessels interspersed with interstitial cells staining positive for neuronal specific enolase, features consistent with a cerebral hemangioblastoma; the mass also appeared intraparenchymal after further immunohistochemistry study. This neoplasm should be considered a rare differential diagnosis for intracranial masses in dogs.     

精原干细胞及其在转基因技术中的应用

睾丸内生殖细胞分化起源于不断更新的干细胞小池,继而首先引起生精细胞(精原细胞)分化。这些定型细胞然后遵循一个固定的程序进行演化,它们首先同步化地进行六次有丝分裂,然后进入第一次减数分裂期。以形态学和细胞学标准,鉴别精原干细胞,根据注入不育者睾丸的分化活力,进行功能检测。目前干细胞的纯化和鉴定研究取得了日新月异的发展。生殖系生物学基本理论和多个领域中的临床前研究将会从中得益,同时附植前的基因转移为转基因技术开辟一条崭新的途径。细胞特征:①源于初生睾丸生长捕获生殖母细胞的少量精原干细胞(2～3×104/成年睾丸),主要分布在生精小管的周围;②细胞遗传学分析首次鉴定表明,它们是缺乏异染色质的圆形小细胞;③通过移植入缺乏生殖细胞的受体睾丸,在功能上表现为具有重建永久精子发生的能力;④基于α6β1整合素和CD9表达,可以获得较高浓度的精原干细胞,在转基因启动子驱动下异源表面蛋白质得以表达,可进一步纯化产物;⑤逆转录病毒载体能使基因转移先于移植,转基因后代随后即可产生。