Global occurrence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the subtype H5N1

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the subtype H5N1 (HPAIV-H5N1) have circulated continuously in Asia, Europe, and Africa since 2003. Investigations on the environmental preference and global spread processes of the virus are needed. We compiled 16 environmental variables to assess their correlation with HPAIV-H5N1 occurrences by using a niche-based model called Maxent. We found the virus had the strongest positive association with the human footprint index, as well as the presence of certain types of wetlands and mild temperature (10-30 C). Outbreaks of HPAIV-H5N1 in poultry or wild birds were also more frequent in certain major habitat types (e.g., tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, and flooded grasslands and savannas) and ecoregions. We conducted trend surface analysis to generate the travelling wave of the virus' global spread from 2003 to 2009, which indicated that high mountains or plateaus did not affect the spread speed and direction.     

Band gap fluorescence from individual single-walled carbon nanotubes

Fluorescence has been observed directly across the band gap of semiconducting carbon nanotubes. We obtained individual nanotubes, each encased in a cylindrical micelle, by ultrasonically agitating an aqueous dispersion of raw single-walled carbon nanotubes in sodium dodecyl sulfate and then centrifuging to remove tube bundles, ropes, and residual catalyst. Aggregation of nanotubes into bundles otherwise quenches the fluorescence through interactions with metallic tubes and substantially broadens the absorption spectra. At pH less than 5, the absorption and emission spectra of individual nanotubes show evidence of band gap-selective protonation of the side walls of the tube. This protonation is readily reversed by treatment with base or ultraviolet light.     

Susceptibility of eliteAcacia mearnsii families to Ceratocystis wilt in south Africa

Ceratocystis albofundus is a recently described pathogen infectingAcacia mearnsii in South Africa, and it causes a disease known as Ceratocystis wilt. Symptoms of the disease include die-back, gummosis and wilting of infected trees. In order to select trees tolerant to this fungus, susceptibility tests were conducted on trees representing fourteen families ofA. mearnsii. A virulent isolate ofC. albofundus was selected and inoculated into the stems of twelve-month-old plants in a plantation. Lesion lengths, in the bark, and disease development were assessed after 6 weeks. All fourteen families ofA. mearnsii were susceptible to infection byC. albofundus. Considerable variation was, however, noticed between individual trees within the same family and the incorporation of disease tolerant trees into breeding programmes is proposed.     

The impact of phages on interspecific competition in experimental populations of bacteria

Background  

Phages are thought to play a crucial role in the maintenance of diversity in natural bacterial communities. Theory suggests that phages impose density dependent regulation on bacterial populations, preventing competitive dominants from excluding less competitive species. To test this, we constructed experimental communities containing two bacterial species (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and their phage parasites. Communities were propagated at two environmental temperatures that reversed the outcome of competition in the absence of phage.     

Theoretical and Empirical Relationships Between Oat Test Weight and Groat Proportion

Test weight and groat proportion are two very important quality characteristics of oat grain. In this study, we pose the hypothesis that these two characteristics are related through characteristics of grain density. Test weight is defined as the product of kernel density and packing proportion. Groat proportion, in theory, is the ratio of the groat mass to the kernel mass. We present two theoretical constructions expressing test weight in terms of groat proportion, packing proportion and kernel density components. To test these, we have applied measurements of test weight, groat proportion, kernel density components, and packing proportion of 18 oat cultivars grown at six environments. Whereas the groat proportion alone accounted for only 34% of the variation in test weight, our theoretical constructions that included groat proportion could account for ≤82% of variation in test weight. Also, we present previously undescribed variation in oat kernel density components across genotypes and environments. Although the kernel density alone could account for most of the variation in test weight across genotypes, packing proportion appeared to be more important in describing variation in test weight of a genotype across different environments. We observed significant variation in both groat and hull density which, together with groat proportion, described most of the variation in kernel density.     

Evaluating a group-based intervention to improve the safety of meat in Bodija Market,Ibadan, Nigeria

We evaluated a group-based, participatory training intervention to improve food safety among meat processors and retailers in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Nigeria. An interactive training workshop was held for Butchers Associations’ representatives who were selected to pass on information and training to their group. Meat hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice was assessed before attending the workshop and afterwards (n = 63). It was also assessed for those who did not attend the workshop (n = 68) but were intended recipients of training through their association. Microbiological quality of meat was assessed before and after the workshop (n = 400 samples). After the workshop, participants significantly improved knowledge, attitude and practice in key food safety aspects; specifically, understanding sources of contamination and food-borne diseases, use of bleach and disinfectant and hand washing. Participants also shared information with an average of 18 other group members and improvements were seen in group members who did not attend the workshop but received training through their Butchers Association. Microbiological quality of meat sold also significantly improved after the intervention. In conclusion, participatory, group-based methods targeted at meat processors and retailers can improve meat hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice as well as the microbiological quality and hence safety of meat.

     

Hypofractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in dogs and cats

This study describes the experience with hypofractionated radiation therapy of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma in dogs and cats. A total dose of 32-48 Gray (Gy) was delivered once a week in 8 Gy fractions. 34 animals in which a complete surgical excision was impossible were treated. There was no tumor detectable macroscopically in 14 patients at the beginning of radiation therapy. In 20 animals the median volume of the tumor was 9.9 cm3. The median survival times and the local tumor control of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral and nasal cavities and of the body are comparable to results which were reached with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday scheme. For the treatment of Melanoma the hypofractionated radiation therapy is first choice. There are no significant side effects. Late side effects did not occur. 88% of the owners are satisfied with this kind of treatment and would choose it again.     

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