Characterization of plant-derived water extractable organic matter by multiple spectroscopic techniques

Water extractable organic matter (WEOM) derived from fresh- or early-stage decomposing soil amendment materials may play an important role in the process of organic matter accumulation. In this study, eight WEOM samples extracted with a 40:1 (v/w) water to sample ratio from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), lupin (Lupinus albus L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and dairy manure were investigated using ultraviolet (UV)–visible, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), solution ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and solid state ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. UV–visible and FT-IR spectra of the plant-derived WEOM samples were typical for natural organic matter, but possessed less humic-like characteristics than dairy manure-derived WEOM. Solution ³¹P NMR spectra indicated that WEOM samples extracted from alfalfa, corn, and soybean shoots contained both orthophosphate and monoester P. Of the monoester P in WEOM from soybean shoot, 70% was phytate P. WEOM from crimson clover, hairy vetch, lupin, and wheat shoots contained orthophosphate only. The solid-state ¹³C NMR spectra of the seven plant-derived WEOM samples indicated that they all were primarily composed of sugars, amino acids or peptides, and low molecular mass carboxylic acids. Carbohydrates were dominant components with very few aromatics present in these samples. In addition, WEOM from crimson clover and lupin, but not other three leguminous plant WEOM samples, contained significant asparagine. On the other hand, WEOM from corn and wheat contained less amino acids or peptides. The spectra of WEOM of dairy manure revealed the presence of significant amounts of nonprotonated carbons and lignin residues, suggesting humification of the manure-derived WEOM. Significant carbohydrates as well as aromatics were present in this WEOM. The P and C bonding information for these WEOM samples may be useful for understanding the effects of WEOM on soil nutrient availability to plants. Trade or manufacturers' names mentioned in the paper are for information only and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or exclusion by the USDA-ARS.     

Diffusion of contrast medium after perineural injection of the palmar nerves: An in vivo and in vitro study

Reasons for performing study: Proximal diffusion of local anaesthetic solution after perineural anaesthesia may lead to the desensitisation of structures other than those intended. However, there is no evidence‐based study demonstrating the potential distribution and diffusion of local anaesthetic solution after perineural analgesia in the distal limb. Objective: To document the potential diffusion of local anaesthetic solution using a radiopaque contrast model and to evaluate the influence of walking compared with confinement in a stable after injection. Methods: Radiopaque contrast medium was injected subcutaneously over one palmar nerve at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones in 6 nonlame mature horses. Horses were assigned randomly to stand still or walk after injection. Radiographs were obtained 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after injection and were analysed to determine the distribution and diffusion of the contrast medium. Results: In 89% of injections an elongated pattern of the contrast medium was observed suggesting distribution along the neurovascular bundle. After 49% of injections a fine radiopaque line extended proximally from the contrast ‘patch’, and in 25% of injections a line extended distally. There was significant proximal and distal diffusion with time when sequential radiographs of each limb were compared. The greatest diffusion occurred in the first 10 min. Walking did not significantly influence the extent of either proximal or distal diffusion. Conclusions and potential relevance: Significant proximal diffusion occurs in the first 10 min after perineural injection in the distal aspect of the limb and should be considered when interpreting nerve blocks. Distribution of local anaesthetic solution outside the fascia surrounding the neurovascular bundle or in lymphatic vessels may explain delayed or decreased effects.     

The alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 ORF 57 encodes a nuclear shuttling protein

Alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) is a γ₂ rhadinovirus associated with Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) in cattle. ORF 57 is well conserved among gammaherpesviruses and it has been shown that the ORF 57 gene products of Herpesvirus Saimiri (HVS), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) play an important role in regulating viral gene expression. The AlHV-1 ORF 57 gene product has not been characterized. In the accompanying paper we have demonstrated that AlHV-1 ORF 57 encodes an immediate early protein that acts as a regulator of gene expression. The ORF 57 gene product has an up-regulatory effect only on another immediate early gene product encoded by ORF 50. Here we show that the ORF 57 gene product is a nuclear protein. When ORF 57 was fused to the gene encoding Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP), the fusion protein exhibited a punctate nuclear distribution that co-localized with the nucleolar phosphoprotein C23. The nuclear localisation signal of ORF 57 gene product was located at the N-terminus. The ORF 57 gene product travels from nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it accumulates during Actinomycin D treatment. The domain involved in nuclear shuttling was also localised at the N-terminal region of the protein. Thus in common with homologues in other herpesviruses the AlHV-1 ORF 57 gene product is a nuclear cytoplasmic shuttling protein which may play a role in export of viral mRNAs from the nucleus of infected cells.     

分子生物学技术在猪瘟诊断中的应用

猪瘟是由猪瘟病毒引起的一种急性、发热性、接触性传染病,可引起各种年龄猪发病.随着对猪瘟病毒研究的深入,猪瘟在一定程度上得到有效的控制.但是近年来,世界各国流行的猪瘟在流行病学、临床症状和病理变化等方面出现了一些新的变化,猪瘟的防控出现了许多新的情况.早已宣布消灭了猪瘟的一些欧洲国家又报道有猪瘟发生.我国猪瘟的发病率亦呈上升趋势,严重威胁着我国养猪业的发展,给养猪业造成极大的经济损失.论文综述了猪瘟分子生物学诊断技术的研究进展,为猪瘟的及时诊断提供参考.     

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征诊断方法与疫苗研究进展

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征(porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome,PRRS)是由猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒引起的一种猪传染性疾病,该病能引起母猪的繁殖障碍和新生仔猪呼吸症状,严重影响养猪业的健康发展,因此对该病的研究具有重要意义。近年来,该病在世界范围内的流行和分布日趋广泛,造成世界养猪业严重经济损失,因此受到国内外学者的高度重视,对该病的研究也日益深入,在疫病的诊断方法及防控机制等方面取得了重要进展。文章就近年来PRRS诊断方法及疫苗的发展两方面进行了综述。     

Bench‐top validation testing of selected immunological and molecular Renibacterium salmoninarum diagnostic assays by comparison with quantitative bacteriological culture

No gold standard assay exhibiting error‐free classification of results has been identified for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of salmonid bacterial kidney disease. Validation of diagnostic assays for R. salmoninarum has been hindered by its unique characteristics and biology, and difficulties in locating suitable populations of reference test animals. Infection status of fish in test populations is often unknown, and it is commonly assumed that the assay yielding the most positive results has the highest diagnostic accuracy, without consideration of misclassification of results. In this research, quantification of R. salmoninarum in samples by bacteriological culture provided a standardized measure of viable bacteria to evaluate analytical performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity and repeatability) of non‐culture assays in three matrices (phosphate‐buffered saline, ovarian fluid and kidney tissue). Non‐culture assays included polyclonal enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), direct smear fluorescent antibody technique (FAT), membrane‐filtration FAT, nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and three real‐time quantitative PCR assays. Injection challenge of specific pathogen‐free Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), with R. salmoninarum was used to estimate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Results did not identify a single assay demonstrating the highest analytical and diagnostic performance characteristics, but revealed strengths and weaknesses of each test.     

基于GIS的气象核应急保障系统设计与实现

采用最新的HYSPLIT污染物扩散模式,通过本地化的WRFV3.1模式数值预报场为背景场及GIS软件建立了气象核应急保障系统。该系统基于地理信息系统（GIS）,利用面向对象的TatukGIS作为开发平台,并采用Delphi语言作为主要的开发工具。通过该系统的建立为省、市应急指挥中心提供连云港及其周边地区风向、风速、降水和温度等探测资料,进一步完善各核电站运行和应急期间的气象信息采集、分析、处理平台,并为事故提供应急指挥、危害评估、公众保护等决策服务的气象核应急保障系统。     

Development of real-time PCR systems based on SYBR? Green I and TaqMan? technologies for specific quantitative detection of Phoma tracheiphila in infected Citrus

Real-time PCR assays based on SYBR? Green I and TaqMan? technologies were developed for in planta detection and quantification of Phoma tracheiphila, the mitosporic fungus causing ‘mal secco’ disease on citrus. Primers and a hybridization probe were designed on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear rRNA genes. The real-time PCR assays were compared with a classic isolation method in two separate experiments carried out on 6 and 24 month-old sour orange seedlings, artificially inoculated with a conidial suspension of the pathogen. Both technologies made it possible to follow the progression of infection by P. tracheiphila, enabling detection and quantification of the target fungus prior to the development of symptoms. The detection limit was 10 copies of the cloned target sequence and 15 pg of genomic DNA extracted from fungal spores. The values of the cycle threshold (Ct) were linearly correlated with the concentration of the target DNA, indicating that the method is suitable as a qualitative and quantitative assay. The presence of non-target fungal DNA had no effect on the specificity of the assay, but resulted in a 10-fold reduction of sensitivity. Total inhibition of the reaction occurred when conidia of the target pathogen were mixed with an organic soil substrate before extracting DNA using the standard protocol, while an alternative purification kit resulted in a significant decrease in sensitivity. Compared to classic methods, real-time PCR proved faster and easier to perform and showed a higher sensitivity. These results suggest that real-time PCR, based on both chemistries, has a great potential for early diagnosis of ‘mal secco’ disease and for quantitative estimation of fungal growth within host tissue.     

湘东第四纪红土母质发育的典型土壤在中国土壤系统分类中的归属

选取湖南省东部地区12个由第四纪红色黏土发育的典型土壤剖面,在对其成土环境、剖面形态特征及其理化性质进行研究的基础上,按照中国土壤系统分类方案,检索出了其诊断层和诊断特性,据此确定了其在中国土壤系统分类中的归属。结果表明,供试土壤剖面包含了淡薄表层、暗瘠表层、低活性富铁层、黏化层、聚铁网纹层等10个诊断层和诊断特性,其在中国系统分类体系中的位置分别为：淋溶土、富铁土和雏形土3个土纲;湿润淋溶土、湿润富铁土和湿润雏形土3个亚纲;简育湿润富铁土、铝质湿润淋溶土和铝质湿润雏形土3个土类;暗红简育湿润富铁土、表蚀简育湿润富铁土、网纹简育湿润富铁土等6个亚类;按照土族和土系划分标准,建立了黏质高岭石型酸性热性-普通铝质湿润淋溶土等9个土族和燕塘系(43-LY01)等12个土系。研究发现：受亚热带气候影响,许多土壤剖面发生了富铁铝化过程,且由于淋溶强烈,孔隙周围形成了聚铁网纹层,而现行的《中国土壤系统分类检索（第三版）》还不能给出一个合适的位置,因此建议在铝质湿润淋溶土亚类中增设一个可以反映相关特性的网纹铝质湿润淋溶土亚类。