Antifungal activity of sulfur-containing salts against the development of carrot cavity spot and potato dry rot

In the search for alternatives to synthetic fungicides to control postharvest disease, sulfur-containing salts were evaluated for their effects on the mycelial growth of various fungal or fungus-like pathogens and their ability to control carrot cavity spot (Pythium sulcatum) and potato dry rot (Fusarium sambucinum). Results showed that metabisulfite-containing salts provided strong inhibition of all the tested fungi. Furthermore, some sulfate-containing salts were also directly inhibitory to P. sulcatum (calcium sulfate and ammonium sulfate) and to F. sambucinum (sodium sulfate). The metabisulfite salts also provided 100% inhibition of cavity spot and dry rot at concentrations of 50 and 200 mM, respectively. Calcium sulfate and sodium sulfate also significantly reduced carrot cavity spot lesions at 50 mM and ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate and sodium sulfate reduced potato dry rot lesions at 200 mM. These results indicate that various sulfate and metabisulfite salts could be used to control these postharvest microorganisms.     

Relationships between demographic variables and lead toxicosis in cattle evaluated at North American veterinary teaching hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between age, sex, breed, and month and year of admission and the diagnosis of lead toxicosis in cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. Sample Population-Records of all cattle evaluated at North American veterinary teaching hospitals during the years 1963 to 2002, which were available through the Veterinary Medical Database. PROCEDURES: Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between postulated risk factors and the occurrence of lead toxicosis in cattle and predict the occurrence of the diagnosis of lead toxicosis in cattle. RESULTS: 413 cases of lead intoxication and 202,363 control cattle were identified and met the inclusion criteria. Cattle < 4 years of age were at increased risk for the diagnosis of lead intoxication relative to cattle > or = 4 years of age. Cattle > or = 2 months and < 6 months of age had the greatest risk for lead intoxication (odds ratio, 12.3). Angus cattle were at greater risk for toxicosis (odds ratio, 1.95), compared with other breeds. The risk of lead toxicosis was greater before 1985 (odds ratio, 1.94) than the risk thereafter. The risk of lead toxicosis diagnosis was greatest in the months of May, June, July, and August. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lead toxicosis in cattle was associated with age < 4 years and the Angus breed. A seasonal pattern existed with peak occurrence in the late spring and summer. The occurrence of lead toxicosis has declined over time.     

Surgical approaches for cesarean section in cattle

Bovine practitioners are often presented with dystocias that require a cesarean section. Many practitioners perform this surgery using the same approach each time due to their comfort with one specific approach or lack of familiarity of other available options. The goal of this article is to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and indications for each of the different approaches to aid the practitioner in achieving better surgical success rate.     

Environmental Radioactivity. From Natural,Industrial and Military Sources (M. Eisenbud and T. Gesell)

Water, Air, &; Soil Pollution -     

Tracking the long-term decline and recovery of an isolated population

Effects of small population size and reduced genetic variation on the viability of wild animal populations remain controversial. During a 35-year study of a remnant population of greater prairie chickens, population size decreased from 2000 individuals in 1962 to fewer than 50 by 1994. Concurrently, both fitness, as measured by fertility and hatching rates of eggs, and genetic diversity declined significantly. Conservation measures initiated in 1992 with translocations of birds from large, genetically diverse populations restored egg viability. Thus, sufficient genetic resources appear to be critical for maintaining populations of greater prairie chickens.     

Synthesis of large arrays of well-aligned carbon nanotubes on glass

Free-standing aligned carbon nanotubes have previously been grown above 700 degreesC on mesoporous silica embedded with iron nanoparticles. Here, carbon nanotubes aligned over areas up to several square centimeters were grown on nickel-coated glass below 666 degreesC by plasma-enhanced hot filament chemical vapor deposition. Acetylene gas was used as the carbon source and ammonia gas was used as a catalyst and dilution gas. Nanotubes with controllable diameters from 20 to 400 nanometers and lengths from 0. 1 to 50 micrometers were obtained. Using this method, large panels of aligned carbon nanotubes can be made under conditions that are suitable for device fabrication.     

Colostral immunoglobulin concentrations in Holstein and Guernsey cows.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the concentration of IgG in colostrum between Holstein and Guernsey cows and among cows of various lactations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Colostrum samples from 77 Holstein and 24 Guernsey cows. PROCEDURE: Colostrum samples were obtained from 101 cows. Colostral IgG concentration was determined, using a radial immunodiffusion assay. Regression analysis was used to determine the effect of breed and lactation number on colostral IgG concentration. Survival analysis and t-tests were used to compare the proportion of colostrum samples that would provide 100 g of IgG for various volumes of colostral intake. RESULTS: Guernsey cows produced 36.4 g of IgG/L of colostrum more than that of Holstein cows. Cows in the third or greater lactation produced 19.5 g of IgG/L of colostrum more than that of first-lactation cows. The IgG concentration of colostrum produced by second-lactation cows did not differ significantly from that produced by first-lactation cows. The colostral IgG concentration of these Holstein and Guernsey cows was higher than values that have been reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Volume of colostrum needed to meet IgG intake goals is probably lower for Guernsey cows than Holstein cows. Colostrum from first-lactation cows was adequate in IgG content. The practice of discarding colostrum from first-lactation cows on the basis of inadequate IgG content was not justified in this study.     

Rapid salinity changes affect the survival and physiology of a penaeid prawn: Implications of flood events on recruitment to the fishery

Estuaries act as nurseries for many penaeid prawns, but these habitats are highly susceptible to salinity decline through flooding. The rate of salinity decline and duration of exposure to non‐optimal salinity may affect survival and subsequent recruitment of prawns to the fishery. This study aimed to determine the effect of salinity fluctuations observed in local estuaries during flood events using a novel dilution approach. Mortality of juvenile Melicertus plebejus (Hess) was assessed after 24 hr exposure to 24 rates of salinity decline ranging from 0.01% to 20% per hr. After the salinity decline, prawns were held at the final salinities for five days before again assessing mortality as well as aerobic metabolic rate and prawn water content. Salinity decline from 36 to ~0.8 led to 50% mortality, but continued exposure to low salinity for five days increased mortality at this salinity to 99% and shifted the 50% mortality point to salinity ~5. Aerobic metabolic rate and water content data suggested the cause of mortality due to exposure to salinities < 5 was osmoregulatory failure. Rapid salinity declines over 24 hr and sustained low salinity due to flooding could compromise the survival of juvenile prawns, potentially reducing recruitment to the fishery.