LOW-FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE CANINE MIDDLE AND INNER EAR

A series of low-field magnetic resonance images of the normal canine middle and inner ear are presented to serve as a reference. A completely balanced steady-state gradient echo pulse sequence with a slice thickness of 0.9 mm can be used to acquire images of the relevant structures within and neighboring the inner ear. These were the cochlear duct, semicircular ducts, vestibule, facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, as well as the temporal sinus. Within the middle ear, no applied sequence was able to allow identification of the auditory ossicles or the tympanic membrane.     

Scintigraphic Appearance of the Dorsal Cortex of the Third Metacarpus and Third Metatarsus in the Horse

The lack of "standard uptake pattern" to refer to when interpreting scintigraphic images poses a problem to anyone working with skeletal scintigraphy. An article written by Koblik et al. stated that in the normal scintigraphic image of older horses, the dorsal cortex of the metacarpus and metatarsus is not identifiable, whereas it can be identified in younger horses. In this retrospective study we evaluated the association between the age of a horse and visibility of the dorsal cortex of the metacarpus and metatarsus. We found that dorsal cortical uptake can be seen in the normal adult horse. The population in the study consisted of 139 horses scanned under general anesthesia in lateral recumbency. Scintigraphic images of 202 limbs were examined visually and by using a profile image tool. In almost all limbs the dorsal cortex was identifiable (82%); only 7% of the dorsal cortices were not identifiable; and 11% of the scintigraphic images were not interpretable.     

竹子遗传改良的措施

竹子是一种非常重要的非木质林产品.用途很广泛.它在纸浆造纸工业中用途甚广.竹子的需求增长很快.树木改良技术可填补空白.优良植株可提高竹子产量,来满足不同规模的定植苗,选择丛生可产出多株繁殖.常规的体细胞杂交最初也能诱导理想的基因.采取原地和异地保护的方法,对竹子生物多样性加以保护.     

Studies on trapping of Fall Webworm moth,Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepid., Arctiidae)

With the aim of optimizing the trapping ofHyphantria cunea (Drury) males through pheromones, the activity of various traps, doses of pheromone components and dispensers was investigated. The best degree of activity was obtained by funnel traps (Uni-traps) with high capture ability and satisfactory representation of the flight curve when the population of the moth is high. On the contrary, the sticky traps gave good results in low density population. Comparing the activity ofH. cunea to the pheromones, (3Z, 6Z, 9S 10R)-cis-9,10-epoxy-1,3,6-heneicosatriene (or TEP), (3Z, 6Z, 9S 10R)-cis-9,10-epoxy-3,6-heneicosatriene (or DEP) and linolenic aldehyde (or TAL), the results obtained showed different responses according to the areas considered. Blend 1∶1∶1 of DEP:TAL:TEP revealed better results in the Venezia area (north-east Italy), while the activity of the Japanese dispenser (2∶30∶1) was highest in the Novara area (north-west Italy); on the contrary no significant differences were noted in Bergamo, the middle area considered. These results denote that the Italian population ofH. cunea could be made up of different strains, introduced from different geographical areas, with the presence of pheromone dialects.     

Richtlinien der Verbände des ökologischen Landbaus zum Vorratsschutz

Zusammenfassung Verbände des ökologischen Landbaus wie z. B. Bioland, Gäa, Demeter; Naturland, Ernte für das Leben oder Bio Suisse beschränken ihre Mitglieder bei der Wahl von Vorratsschutzmaßnahmen. Vorrang besitzen Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung von Schädlingen gegenüber Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen. Fallen müssen zur Befallsüberwachung eingesetzt werden, um einen Befall durch Vorratsschädlinge frühzeitig zu erkennen. Diese Maßnahmen sollen den weitgehenden Verzicht auf chemisch-synthetische Mittel ermöglichen. In diesem Beitrag werden die Empfehlungen der Verbände mit den derzeit verfügbaren chemischen Mitteln für den Vorratsschutz abgeglichen. Erfahrung in der praktischen Umsetzung von physikalischen und biologischen Verfahren werden diskutiert und Defizite bei der Befallsüberwachung und Bekämpfung beschrieben.     

Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Generation of Ammonia in Different Bedding Materials Used for Horse Keeping

Bedding material is an important factor in determining stable air quality in terms of ammonia formation. The objective of this study was to analyze different bedding materials used for horse stables under standardized conditions, to determine which material is best suited for improving the climate of a stable. The particular concern was a reduction in gaseous ammonia concentrations. Therefore, the following materials were examined: wheat straw, wood shavings, hemp shives, linen shives, wheat straw pellets, and paper cuttings. Twelve containers were constructed in an environmentally controlled room, and the same material was placed into two containers, with the amount of material used being determined by its carbon content. A defined ratio of horse manure/urine mixture was added daily to each container over a period of 14 days. The concentrations of gaseous ammonia, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and water vapor were measured continuously above the bedding within the containers. Means of gaseous ammonia were found to be 178.0 mg/m³ for wheat straw, 155.2 mg/m³ for wood shavings, 144.6 mg/m³ for hemp, 133.7 mg/m³ for linen, 60.3 mg/m³ for straw pellets, and 162.6 mg/m³ for paper cuttings. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown that straw pellets are suitable for horse stables, not only to improve air quality but also, first and foremost, in relation to ammonia binding and ammonia transformation within the bedding material, respectively. However, straw pellets may also have disadvantages. The high substrate temperatures that were measured in straw pellets could favor the growth of pathologic germs that can adversely affect animals' health.