Skeletal development and deformities in cultured larval and juvenile seven-band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg)

The seven‐band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg), is currently recognized as a potential new species for aquaculture in Japan. This study describes normal and abnormal skeletal development of the jaw and vertebrae in cultured larvae and early juveniles of E. septemfasciatus. The ontogenetic stages at which skeletal deformities of jaw and vertebra developed were also described for this species. Osteological observations were made using a clearing and staining method for larvae and soft X‐ray photographs for juveniles. A high incidence of skeletal deformities was observed in the jaws and vertebral column during the larval and juvenile stages. Most of the jaw deformities were explained by an abnormal maxilla curvature. Jaw deformities were visually evident from flexion stage after ossification of the deformed elements. Deformities in the vertebral column (mostly lordosis) were observed from the post‐larval stage and became more evident as growth proceeded. The lordosis generally occurred on the positions of the 8–11th vertebra. These types of deformities are compared with those of other species, and possible causative factors of the skeletal deformities are discussed.
     

Vertebral deformities in cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major, Temminck and Schlegel

Vertebral deformities were investigated in cultured red sea bream, Pagrus major. In the field, deformities in seedlings were categorized and their incidence was calculated. In the laboratory, the symptoms of major vertebral deformities were examined morphologically using radiographs and by making transparent skeletal specimens. The internal structure of deformed vertebrae was examined histologically. The shortened body condition had the highest incidence (0.9–8.3%) of all deformities in the seedlings. In individuals with the shortened body condition, the ratio of trunk and caudal part length to body height was smaller. These fish had skeletal anomalies in the vertebrae, mainly centrum defects (64.3%) or undersized centrums (25.2%). The specimens with centrum defects had a characteristic anomaly in the vertebrae, with plural pairs of neural and haemal spines on a single centrum. This anomaly was frequently observed in the posterior abdominal vertebrae. The internal skeletal structure of such abnormal centrums was basically the same as that of normal centrums. In all the specimens with undersized centrums, both the centrum length and diameter were shorter than normal except for the first and second centrum, and urostyle.     

Microbial decomposition of skeletal muscle tissue (Ovis aries) in a sandy loam soil at different temperatures

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effect of temperature (2, 12, 22 °C) on the rate of aerobic decomposition of skeletal muscle tissue (Ovis aries) in a sandy loam soil incubated for a period of 42 days. Measurements of decomposition processes included skeletal muscle tissue mass loss, carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution, microbial biomass, soil pH, skeletal muscle tissue carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and the calculation of metabolic quotient (qCO₂). Incubation temperature and skeletal muscle tissue quality had a significant effect on all of the measured process rates with 2 °C usually much lower than 12 and 22 °C. Cumulative CO₂ evolution at 2, 12 and 22 °C equaled 252, 619 and 905 mg CO₂, respectively. A significant correlation (P<0.001) was detected between cumulative CO₂ evolution and tissue mass loss at all temperatures. Q₁₀s for mass loss and CO₂ evolution, which ranged from 1.19 to 3.95, were higher for the lower temperature range (Q₁₀(2-12 °C)>Q₁₀(12-22 °C)) in the Ovis samples and lower for the low temperature range (Q₁₀(2-12 °C)<Q₁₀(12-22 °C)) in the control samples. Metabolic quotient and the positive relationship between skeletal muscle tissue mass loss and cumulative CO₂ evolution suggest that tissue decomposition was most efficient at 2 °C. These phenomena may be due to lower microbial catabolic requirements at lower temperature.     

Bilateral distal radial epiphysectomy and pancarpal arthrodesis for correction of complex carpal deformities in an American Miniature horse

A 9‐day‐old American Miniature horse was referred for evaluation and treatment of congenital bilateral carpal deformities. Clinical examination revealed a combination of flexural, angular and rotational deformities affecting both carpi. Radiographic evaluation of both forelimbs revealed malformation of the distal radial epiphysis accompanied by flexural contracture and external rotation of the limb distal to the antebrachial carpal joint. Conservative therapy was attempted with splints and bandages and failed to result in improvement. Surgical intervention was elected and a bilateral distal radial epiphysectomy and pancarpal arthrodesis performed. Fourteen months later the mare was turned out to pasture and ambulating well.     

家兔骨骼肌肌球蛋白重链构成的电泳

[目的]探究家兔骨骼肌肌球蛋白重链构成的电泳的作用机制。[方法]应用十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE)检测成年家兔后肢肌胫前肌、腓肠肌和比目鱼肌的肌球蛋白重链异构体(MyHCs),采用大体解剖法依次取出家兔的每块骨骼肌,分别与样品缓冲液一起研磨成肌细胞匀浆,经高速冷冻离心后取出上清液,按照不连续SDS-聚丙烯酰胺小孔梯度凝胶电泳操作程序依次试验。[结论]该研究进一步证实3种快纤维型在成年啮齿动物肢体肌肉中的作用,但同源结构是否有这些肌纤维值得继续深入探索。     

槟榔不同部位水提液对小鼠生理指标的影响

本试验旨在探索槟榔鲜果不同部位水提液对小鼠生理指标的影响,试验分别选用4周龄和7周龄SPF级KM小鼠,体重分别为（18±2）g和（35±2）g,将48只4周龄小鼠随机分成4组,雌雄各半,4组分别采用槟榔鲜果果皮、果仁和全槟榔水提液及蒸馏水（对照组,CK）对小鼠灌胃,每天1次,连续14 d,测定小鼠的存活率、采食量、饮水量和体温。将36只7周龄雄鼠随机分为4组,灌胃方法同上,测定小鼠精子畸形率。结果表明,果仁处理组的小鼠在试验的第6天全部死亡,其它处理组均无死亡;与CK组相比,各槟榔处理组小鼠的采食量和饮水量均减少,其中果仁处理组最低且与其它处理组差异显著（P<0.05）,全槟榔组次之;各槟榔处理组小鼠的体温均低于CK组,其中果皮处理组体温变化最小并与CK组相似（P>0.05）,果仁处理组小鼠体温最低且与其它处理组差异显著（P<0.05）;与CK组相比,各槟榔处理组的小鼠精子畸形率均提高,其中果仁处理组的精子畸形率最高（P<0.01）,其次是全槟榔处理组（P<0.01）,然后是果皮处理组（P<0.05）,同时3个槟榔处理组间差异亦达极显著（P<0.01）。本试验结果说明槟榔鲜果果仁水提液对小鼠产生的影响最大,其次是全槟榔水提液,果皮水提液对小鼠影响较小。     

灰胸竹鸡骨骼系统的解剖研究

[目的]为研究灰胸竹鸡的生物学特性及其开发和利用奠定基础。[方法]对灰胸竹鸡骨骼系统的形态学进行研究,并分析其结构特征。[结果]灰胸竹鸡的骨骼系统是由头骨、躯干骨、前肢骨和后肢骨组成。躯干骨包括脊柱骨、肋和胸骨。前肢骨包括肩带骨和游离前肢骨。后肢骨包括盆带骨和游离后肢骨。所测骨骼参数在雌雄灰胸竹鸡之间均存在显著差异。与其他雉科鸟类相比,灰胸竹鸡属于较小型的种类。[结论]灰胸竹鸡灵活好动,与其体型较小有关。     

Intravenous Administration of Azumolene to Reverse Malignant Hyperthermia in Swine

Background: The efficacy of intravenous (IV) administration of azumolene (Az), an analogue 30‐fold more soluble than dantrolene, on pigs susceptible to malignant hyperthermia (MH) is incompletely understood. Objective: To evaluate efficacy of Az on MH crisis in pigs. Animals: Eight normal (MHN) and 7 susceptible to MH (MHS) pigs (Landrace × Large White × Pietran). Methods: Prospective, laboratory trial. Hypermetabolic crisis was observed in MHS pigs, but not in MHN pigs, after a combined administration of inhaled halothane (1.5%) and IV injection of succinylcholine (SCh; 2.5 mg/kg). Susceptibility was confirmed using a caffeine and halothane contracture test. Az was administered 15 minutes after administration of SCh. Results: Respiratory acidosis (pH 7.16 ± 0.02; Pco ₂, 46.2 ± 9.1 mmHg, HCO₃, 22.5 ± 2.3 mmol/L), fever (38.2 ± 1.1°C), cardiac arrhythmias, and muscle contracture were observed in MHS pigs. MHS pigs (n = 5) treated with Az (2 mg/kg IV) survived the crisis with attenuation of signs (pH 7.30 ± 0.10; Pco ₂, 36.3 ± 4.5 mmHg; HCO₃, 22.9 ± 2.3 mmol/L) and recovery of normal muscle tone and cardiac rhythm. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Az represents a possible substitute for dantrolene to reverse MH crisis in susceptible pigs.