Genetics of equine bleeding disorders

Genetic bleeding disorders can have a profound impact on a horse's health and athletic career. As such, it is important to understand the mechanisms of these diseases and how they are diagnosed. These diseases include haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease, prekallikrein deficiency, Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia and Atypical Equine Thrombasthenia. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage also has a proposed genetic component. Genetic mutations have been identified for haemophilia A and Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia in the horse. Mutations are known for von Willebrand disease and prekallikrein deficiency in other species. In the absence of genetic tests, bleeding disorders are typically diagnosed by measuring platelet function, von Willebrand factor, and other coagulation protein levels and activities. For autosomal recessive diseases, genetic testing can prevent the breeding of two carriers.     

Mesh-like vascular changes in copper deficiency-induced rat cardiomyopathy

The pathological effects of copper deficiency (COD) are well known. However, the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy resulting from COD remains unclear. In this study, aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of COD-induced cardiomyopathy by examining the morphology of the cardiovascular system in copper-deficient rats using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Changes detected in the myocardium and interstitium were consistent with those reported for COD. Morphological changes included mesh-like changes in the capillary endothelial cells that appear to be a novel finding in COD-induced cardiomyopathy. These changes are hypothesized to result from abnormal vascular remodeling following damage to the basement membrane and due to the mechanical effects of myocardial contractions. Although cardiomyopathy may be associated with microcirculatory disorders arising from these lesions, further investigations are necessary to demonstrate a causal relationship between the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy and the contribution of these lesions to disease progression.     

Relationship between a plant-based ‘vegan’ pet food and clinical manifestation of multiple nutrient deficiencies in two cats

A topical subject in human nutrition is the steadily growing number of people choosing to limit or completely avoid all animal-derived food products either for moral dilemma, health concerns or both. To meet people's will of applying their dietary choices to their domestic animals, the pet food industry answered by launching on the market some plant-based diets. This leads to concerns about whether these diets are adequately formulated to satisfy the target species nutritional requirements, especially for cats which are still considered strict carnivores. This case report follows a 2-year-old male neutered Main Coon and a 1-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat, presented to the nutrition service of the University of Toulouse, France. Reason for consultation was lethargy with in anamnesis a recent dietary transition to a plant-based pet food. Dysorexia, lethargy and muscle waste were present at first consultation. Progressive weight loss developed during follow-ups. A macrocytic, non-regenerative anaemia with serum folates below reference were the main clinical features. Analysis of pet food showed multiple nutrients below minimum recommendation at the average daily intake of both cats. Folic acid supplementation improved dysorexia, and subsequent reintroduction of animal-derived ingredients in the diet restored appetite, weight and a normal mentation in both cases.     

计算机视觉描述缺素番茄叶片颜色变化的研究

利用计算机视觉系统代替人眼对番茄缺素进行自动识别的方法，通过对缺素番茄叶片彩色图像的分析研究，利用图像处理技术中的颜色分析方法，分析缺N和正常叶片的特征量随着缺素时间的变化规律．提出用G体均值、H色调均值来定量描述缺N叶片随时间的变化。结果表明：利用计算机视觉能定量描述缺N叶片颜色随缺素时间的变化。     

玉米“3414”不完全施肥研究

采用"3414"不完全施肥试验方案设计,研究单种玉米在淡灰钙土条件下的土壤供肥量、作物吸收养分量、土壤养分丰缺指标等参数,提出相应的推荐施肥量。结果表明:在该土壤类型条件下单种玉米施纯N 330 kg/hm2、P2O590 kg/hm2、K2O 90 kg/hm2,玉米可获得较好的经济产量。     

Germination-enhancing and zinc-sparing roles for selenium in broccoli

Large areas of China have soils low in both available selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). In order to investigate whether Se supplied as either selenate or selenite can increase germination and growth compared with low-Se controls we used broccoli, an important vegetable with anticancer effects, especially when biofortified with Se. Broccoli was grown under both Zn adequacy and Zn deficiency to determine whether interactions between these minerals affect plant growth. Selenite and selenate at a wide range of doses increased the speed and extent of germination. Both inorganic Se forms increased early root and shoot growth at low concentrations, with selenite having a stronger effect than selenate. A sand culture trial showed a similar growth increase due to low-dose Se under Zn deficiency but not under Zn adequacy. Conversely, at high Se levels, the results provided evidence from biomass, water use, photosynthesis and gas exchange that broccoli growth was inhibited at high Se levels, with selenite being more toxic than selenate. In this broccoli trial, the two Se forms were equally effective in increasing leaf Se concentration, whereas in most plants selenite is largely converted to organic Se forms and stored in the roots. This study suggests that Se, supplied either as selenate or selenite, may improve germination and growth in broccoli, especially on Zn-deficient soils. Field trials conducted on soils which are very low in both plant-available Se and Zn are needed.     

硒的生物学特性与奶牛营养需要的研究进展

对硒的生物学特性,硒对奶牛健康的影响以及奶牛对硒的需要量作了比较全面的综述,为奶牛饲养过程提供科学的参考依据。