Soil acidity, and the growth, biomass partitioning and leaf mineral composition of honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) seedlings

Honeylocust seedlings (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) were grown in cylinders containing soil adjusted to pH 4, 5 or 6, and harvested every 10 days for 40 days for dry weight and leaf mineral analysis. Total weight of plants grown at pH 4 was less than that of plants grown at pH 5 or 6. Root weight accounted for a greater proportion of total weight in plants grown at pH 4 than in plants grown at pH 5 or 6. Root growth as a function of total plant growth was higher in plants grown at pH 4 than in plants grown at pH 5 or 6, whereas leaf growth as a function of total plant growth was less in plants grown at pH 4 than in plants grown at pH 5 or 6. However, the relationships between root biomass and root length and between leaf biomass and leaf area were the same in all treatments. An analysis of total leaf concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg, Mn and Al indicated that Al accumulation in leaves was significantly related to a decrease in plant growth at pH 5. A leaf tissue aluminum concentration of 35 microg g(-1) was associated with toxicity symptoms and a 25% reduction in total plant weight.     

Cervical intervertebral disc protrusion in two horses

Two horses with ataxia of all four limbs were found to have cervical intervertebral disc protrusion. Severe pelvic limb ataxia, proprioceptive deficits and spasticity were present in both horses with similar but less severe signs in the thoracic limbs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was within normal limits. Metrizamide myelography allowed definitive diagnosis in one case when a compression of the spinal cord was demonstrated at the level of the second intervertebral space. In the second case, an intervertebral disc protrusion between cervical vertebrae 6 and 7 was found at necropsy. Fiber degeneration with poor myelin staining characterized the spinal cords histologically.     

Biotechnology in the marine sciences

Genetic engineering applied to the production of fish, molluscs, algae, algal products, and crustaceans in natural environments and hatchery systems is still at the rudimentary stage. Cloning systems for producing commercially important chemicals, pharmacologically active compounds, and metamorphosis-stimulating substances present in marine organisms are being sought. Attempts are being made to develop useful drugs from the sea, including antineoplastic, antibiotic, growth-promoting (or -inhibiting), analgesic, and antispasmodic agents. Immediate commercial applications can be expected from engineered systems involving polysaccharide and specialty chemical production, with marine microorganisms as the source of genetic material.     

A survey of the causes of mortality in adult mink, with emphasis on the lactation period

A study of the pattern and relative frequency of diseases in adult female mink during the lactation period was undertaken. All adult females that died between parturition (April/May) and July 1, 1990, from 48 farms in southern Ontario were selected for study, and the cause of death was determined by gross necropsy. In addition, the cause of death was determined by gross necropsy for all adults and weaned kits that died on one farm between April 1988 and March 1989.

The mortality rate among farms in the 1990 study, for adult females during the lactation period, ranged from 0.2% to 10.1%, with a median of 1.9%. Nursing disease (56%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by mastitis (11%), metritis (8%), and dystocia (7%). Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequent isolates from the cases of mastitis. In the 1988/1989 study, the mortality rate was highest from May to July, with a large increase in June as a result of nursing disease.