Seasonal dynamics of direct and indirect condition indices in relation to energy allocation in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacèpede)

Abstract  – We investigated several indices (relative weight, mesentery fat, hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, muscle index and visceral somatic index) of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacèpede) as a function of season, gender and length to determine how these indices changed with energy content. Length was a significant influence in all comparisons of monthly index measurements, with the exception of the muscle index. All indices, except for the gonadosomatic index, showed few significant differences between sexes for all length groups. Generally, index values were associated with seasonal changes in prey relative abundance and temperature, and the reproductive cycle in mature fish. Total body energy was most influenced by muscle energy stores. Hepatic and gonadal energy of large, sexually mature females decreased considerably with the onset of spawning. Muscle and hepatic energy, to a lesser extent, supported gonadal development. Muscle index values closely tracked seasonal changes in muscle energy, thus providing a useful tool for evaluating seasonal growth and energy patterns. The hepatosomatic index responded to changes in body condition of small and medium fish until June, after which further increases in plumpness caused the utility of this index to decrease. The mesentery fat index provided a useful measure of stored energy available for long-term needs, relative to other energy depots. Seasonal dynamics of invasive condition indices must be considered in light of rapid increases or decreases in body weight (e.g., spawning loss of gametes).     

Regulation of postharvest flower senescence in Zinnia elegans Jacq.

Postharvest decorative life of Zinnia elegans flowers was prolonged by holding-solutions containing 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) and sucrose. Flowers lasted longest in a solution of 200 mg l^?1 8-HQC and 1% sucrose. Flowers held in 2 or 3% sucrose and 200 mg l^?1 8-HQC developed necrotic lesions on ray florets and foliage. The decorative life of flowers held in 0.25 or 0.5% sucrose and 200 mg l^?1 8-HQC was extended beyond those in de-ionized water, but this extension was less than, or equal to, the postharvest life of those in 1% sucrose and 8-HQC (200 mg l^?1), depending on the cultivar. Postharvest life of flowers produced in May — June under natural photoperiod was significantly longer than that of flowers produced during February to April under a 14-h day provided by incandescent light.     

The control of rotting and browning of litchi fruit by hot benomyl and plastic film

Browning, weight loss and rotting of litchis (Litchi chinensis Sonn) were studied in 3 seasons with fruit from several growing-areas in Australia. Post-harvest wastage was reduced when the fruit were dipped in hot benomyl and packed in plastic film. A benomyl dip (0.05% at 52°C for 2 min) followed by packing the fruit in punnets and over-wrapping with a “cling” pvc film (0.01 mm thickness) is suggested for controlling rotting, browning and loss in weight at temperatures of 20–30°C.     

Infiltrative urethral disease in female dogs: 41 cases (1980-1987)

Forty-one cases of infiltrative urethral disease in female dogs were reviewed. The cause was epithelial neoplasia in 29 dogs, granulomatous (chronic active) urethritis in 10 dogs, and leiomyoma in 2 dogs. Clinical signs of disease were similar in dogs with neoplastic and inflammatory disease and included strangury (36/41), hematuria (30/41), pollakiuria (20/41), vaginal discharge (16/41), and complete urinary obstruction (7/41). Results of aspiration biopsy of the urethra correlated with those of surgical biopsy in 11 of 15 dogs. In 4 of 15 dogs, results of cytologic and histologic examinations differed. Granulomatous (chronic active) urethritis is an infiltrative urethral disease in female dogs. Clinical findings are similar, but the prognosis is more favorable than that in dogs with urethral epithelial neoplasia.     

Plate fixation of iliac shaft fractures in the dog.

In a series of 20 dogs, 23 fractured ilia were reduced and stabilized with a variety of bone plates. The results indicated that fixation was rigid enough for fracture healing and for the patient to be ambulatory soon after surgery. Plate fixation can therefore be recommended as a reliable method of repair in selected fractures of the canine ilium.