Modified crystal violet pectate medium (CVP) based on a new polypectate source (Slendid) for the detection and isolation of soft rot erwinias

Summary The selective-diagnostic crystal violet pectate (CVP) medium for the detection and isolation of soft rot erwinias was modified and improved to allow the use of a new source of sodium polypectate (Slendid type 440), as the previous polypectate (Bulmer) is no longer available. Two formulations were developed: CVP-S1 medium was less transparent but otherwise similar to the Bulmer polypectate-based CVP medium (CVP-B) except that NaOH was added and CaCl₂ concentration reduced. CVP-S2 medium was prepared by mixing equal volumes of two double strength preparations containing 1) polypectate and NaOH, and 2) all other ingredients, both sterilised separately. Although erwinia cavity formation was slower, it showed a number of advantages over CVP-B and CVP-S1 media, thereby facilitating colony/cavity detection and enumeration. These included the absence of precipitate, greater firmness and a reduced risk of liquefaction in the presence of large erwinia numbers, and a reduction in the number of saprophytic bacteria.     

Patent ductus arteriosus in cats (Felis catus): 50 cases (2000–2015)

Objectives

To describe signalment, clinical characteristics, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data in a large case series of cats with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Coastal land scalding in NSW,Australia: soil chemical characteristics and their implications for remediation of the scalded lands

Scalded lands are common in acid sulphate soil areas on the New South Wales coast, Australia. In this work, chemical characteristics of the scalded acid sulphate soils at nine sites along this coast were investigated. The investigated acid sulphate scalds are characterized by an extremely acidified topsoil layer (0–0.6 m) although they derive from the sediments of varying salinity and the metal sulphides contained in the soils have experienced different degrees of oxidation. Almost all of the investigated scalds occur in the areas that have a lower surface elevation than the surrounding areas. These hollows may act as sinks for acid sulphate materials and salts that are transported from the surrounding areas and the shallower watertables in such locations may enhance upward transport of acid and salt materials from the underlying oxidized sulphidic sediments. In general, the scalded acid sulphate soils have less organic matter and soluble phosphorus, and a greater salinity, soluble acidity, soluble Al, Mn and Zn concentrations, compared to the adjacent non‐scalded acid sulphate soils. These are most likely soil constraints for revegetation of the scalded lands and treatment will need to involve acid neutralization (e.g. application of lime) and addition of P fertilizers to reduce the soluble acidity, immobilize soluble Al, Mn and Zn, and increase P availability. The evidence also shows that the higher soluble Al concentration in the scalded soils, relative to the non‐scalded soils, is related to their lower organic matter content. Hence, rehabilitation of these scalded lands should involve the addition of organic matter to reduce soluble Al concentrations; it may also help reduce Mn and Zn toxicity, and salinity. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.