信阳地区杂交水稻高产高效益栽培模式的研究与应用

河南信阳地区提出了该地区杂交水稻大面积亩产６００公斤以上的最佳栽培模式为：适栽组合应以汕优６３为主;苗栽１．８～２万穴,两段育秧,亩施纯氮１０～１８公斤;钙镁磷肥５０公斤,多效唑１６０克左右;普及一喷三防技术．１９９２年在固始县,罗山县、满川县共推广７．１３万亩,增产１２６３．３６万公斤,增收８８４．３５万元．     

Measurement of cardiac output by transesophageal Doppler ultrasonography in anesthetized dogs: comparison with thermodilution

Thermodilution (TD) is the standard method for cardiac output (CO) monitoring in human medicine. Although called the ‘gold standard’, TD is related to numerous complications and data misinterpretations. Recently, a noninvasive, continuous, ultrasound‐based technique for CO measurement has been developed (Hemosonic 100, Arrow Intl). This study compared transesophageal Doppler ultrasonography (TED) for measuring CO with TD in anesthetized dogs. In this study, ten dogs were used to simultaneously measure CO by TED and TD. All dogs were pre‐medicated with acepromazine at 0.1 mg kg^?1 IM, induced with thiopental at 10 mg kg^?1 IV, and maintained on isoflurane at end‐tidal concentrations of 1.3%. Baseline and four different levels of CO were used for comparison. Low CO levels were induced by caudal vena cava occlusion. High CO levels were induced by the constant IV infusion of dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine. Each level of CO allowed one comparison between TED and TD. Forty‐nine paired comparisons of CO were determined ranging from 0.73 to 10.9 L minute^?1. Simple linear regression was used to determine the correlation between the two techniques. Correlation coefficient (r²) was 0.53. Bland and Altman statistical method was used for assessing agreement between the two methods. The difference between the TD and TED when all data were included was 0.82 (bias) ± 1.63 L minute^?1 (mean ± SD). At low CO levels (baseline and caudal vena cava occlusion), the correlation coefficient was 0.77, bias was 0.35 ± 0.64 L minute^?1. At high CO levels (dopamine, dobutamine, or norepinephrine), the correlation coefficient was 0.39. It was concluded that TED was not a reliable monitoring method in determining CO when positive inotropes were used. TED might have importance in situations of low CO values; however, further investigation is warranted.     

A comparison of anesthetic risk factors and outcomes in light and draft horses

As a result of anatomic and physiologic differences, draft breeds may be at greater risk of developing anesthetic complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare anesthetic management of draft (DR) and light (LT) horses. A case‐matched retrospective study of 371 clinical case records of DR (124 cases) and LT (247 cases) horses presented for general anesthesia between 1991 and 1998 was performed. Data were tabulated and comparisons were made using Student's t‐test (significance p < 0.05). Prior to induction, there were significant differences in mean body weight, rectal temperature, PCV, RBC, and serum TP concentration between DR and LT breeds. There were differences in mean doses of pre‐operative butorphanol (LT 21 µg kg^?1; DR 17 µg kg^?1), induction guaifenesin (LT 99 mg kg^?1; DR 88 mg kg^?1), and intraoperative ketamine (LT 0.35 mg kg^?1; DR 0.56 mg kg^?1) required. There were no significant differences in the mean doses of pre‐operative xylazine, detomidine, or induction barbiturate administered. The mean, average, and maximum concentrations of inspired halothane were significantly higher for DR than for LT horses. Draft horses received 33% less intraoperative IV fluids (8.2 mL kg^?1 hour^?1) than LT horses. Mean anesthetic duration, time to extubation, and standing recovery were not significantly different. Induction complications were not reported for either group. Rates of occurrence of intraoperative bradycardia, hypercarbia, hypoxemia, and metabolic acidosis (SBE, TCO₂, and bicarbonate concentration) did not differ significantly. Average MAP was greater in DR horses, but neither the degree nor the mean duration of hypotension differed between DR and LT horses. Mean PaO₂ was significantly lower in DR (246 mm Hg, 32.8 kPa) than in LT (305 mm Hg, 40.7 kPa) breeds. Draft horses were at greater relative risk of hypoventilation than LT horses. The greater MAP and requirement for halothane and intraoperative ketamine may indicate problems in achieving and maintaining a surgical plane of anesthesia. Draft horses may be at a greater risk of ventilation–perfusion mismatching.     

Numerical Methods in Marine Ecology 2. Gradient Analysis of Rocky Shore Samples from False Bay

The ability of small mammals to select Protea neriifolia seeds containing embryos (full seeds) was examined. Full and empty seeds were glued to wooden boards and placed at three sites in young fynbos. Small mammals were able to select and remove significantly more full seeds than expected. Seed removal rates varied between the study sites but this was not related to the density of small mammals trapped at those sites. Selective feeding greatly increases the feeding efficiency of small mammals because 90% or more of the seed dispersed after fires may be empty.     

Effect of soy oil containing stearidonic acid on growth performance and fillet fatty acid composition of Atlantic salmon

The effects of stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4n‐3) derived from SDA‐enhanced, genetically modified soybeans (Monsanto Company, St Louis, MO, USA) on growth performance and fatty acid (FA) composition of large Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar; 2.1 kg initial weight) were evaluated. There was a stepwise decrease in feed intake and subsequent weight gain of immature Atlantic salmon with increased replacement of fish oil by SDA soy oil from 0%, 50% to 100% added oil. SDA increased and n‐3 highly unsaturated FA (n‐3 HUFA; eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid) decreased in the diet and corresponding fillet with increased SDA oil inclusion. Salmon with the same weight gain fed SDA oil compared with rapeseed oil at 50% fish oil replacement had similar n‐3 HUFA fillet levels indicating little or no increased synthesis of n‐3 HUFA from SDA for deposition in the fillet. However, elongation of dietary SDA to 20:4n‐3 for deposition in the fillet of SDA oil fed fish was indicated. The increased SDA and 20:4n‐3 in the fillet of Atlantic salmon fed SDA oil compared with rapeseed oil at 50% fish oil replacement may be more effective as precursors for EPA in humans than 18:3n‐3 which was in the fillet at similar levels.     

Toll‐like receptor and related cytokine mRNA expression in bovine corpora lutea during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy

Improving our understanding of the mechanisms controlling the corpus luteum (CL) and its role in regulating the reproductive cycle should lead to improvements in the sustainability of today's global animal industry. The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine organ composed of a heterogeneous mixture steroidogenic, endothelial and immune cells, and it is becoming clear that immune mechanisms play a key role in CL regulation especially in luteolysis. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) mediate innate immune mechanisms via the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, especially within various tissues, although the role of TLR within CL remains unknown. Thus, the objectives of this study were to characterize TLR mRNA expression in the CL during the oestrous cycle and in pregnancy (day 30–50), and to examine the role of TLR signalling in luteal cells. Corpora lutea were collected at various stages of the cycle and pregnancy and analysed for TLR and cytokine mRNA expression. In addition, luteal cells were cultured with the TLR4 ligand (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) for 24 h to evaluate the role of TLR4 in regulating luteal function. Toll‐like receptors 1, 2, 4, 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN‐G), and interleukin (IL)‐12, mRNA expressions were greatest in regressing CL compared with earlier stages (p < .05), whereas no change was observed for IL‐6 mRNA expression. Cytokine mRNA expression in cultured luteal cells was not altered by LPS. Based on these data, one or more of the TLRs found within the CL may play a role in luteolysis, perhaps via pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression.     

Inter-annual variation in prevalence and intensity of mite parasitism relates to appearance and expression of damselfly resistance

Background  

Insects can resist parasites using the costly process of melanotic encapsulation. This form of physiological resistance has been studied under laboratory conditions, but the abiotic and biotic factors affecting resistance in natural insect populations are not well understood. Mite parasitism of damselflies was studied in a temperate damselfly population over seven seasons to determine if melanotic encapsulation of mite feeding tubes was related to degree of parasitism, host sex, host size, emergence timing, duration of the emergence period, and average daily air temperature.     

Effect of terbufos poisoning on the blood cholinesterase and hematological values in a dairy herd

This report describes the effects of a sublethal dose of terbufos (counter 15G formulation) in a dairy herd. Ingestion of terbufos depressed whole blood cholinesterase activity. No recovery of this enzyme was evident until 30 days after ingestion after which a constant rate (0.65%/day) increase was observed.

There was a good correlation between blood cholinesterase levels and clinical signs. Normal cholinesterase levels were reached at approximately 150 days after exposure. Cholinesterase levels in animals, ill prior to exposure, were slow to recover, while levels of healthy cattle surpassed those of control animals. Anemia was observed in some cows at approximately 30 days after exposure. The degree of anemia paralleled the severity of poisoning. The increase in packed cell volume paralleled the return of blood cholinesterase activity.

     

Workplace bullying and relationships with health and performance among a sample of New Zealand veterinarians

AIM: To examine the relationships between workplace bullying, destructive leadership and team conflict, and physical health, strain, self-reported performance and intentions to quit among veterinarians in New Zealand, and how these relationships could be moderated by psychological capital and perceived organisational support.

METHODS: Data were collected by means of an online survey, distributed to members of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Participation was voluntary and all responses were anonymous and confidential. Scores for the variables measured were based on responses to questions or statements with responses categorised on a linear scale. A series of regression analyses were used to assess mediation or moderation by intermediate variables on the relationships between predictor variables and dependent variables.

RESULTS: Completed surveys were provided by 197 veterinarians, of which 32 (16.2%) had been bullied at work, i.e. they had experienced two or more negative acts at least weekly over the previous 6 months, and nine (4.6%) had experienced cyber-bullying. Mean scores for workplace bullying were higher for female than male respondents, and for non-managers than managers (p<0.01). Scores for workplace bullying were positively associated with scores for destructive leadership and team conflict, physical health, strain, and intentions to quit (p<0.001). Workplace bullying and team conflict mediated the relationship between destructive leadership and strain, physical health and intentions to quit. Perceived organisational support moderated the effects of workplace bullying on strain and self-reported job performance (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Relatively high rates of negative behaviour were reported by veterinarians in this study, with 16% of participants meeting an established criterion for having been bullied. The negative effects of destructive leadership on strain, physical health and intentions to quit were mediated by team conflict and workplace bullying. It should be noted that the findings of this study were based on a survey of self-selected participants and the findings may not represent the wider population of New Zealand veterinarians.