A novel approach to studying the effects of temperature on soil biogeochemistry using a thermal gradient bar

The temperature dependence of chemical reaction rates and microbial metabolism mean that temperature is a key factor regulating soil trace gas emissions and hydrochemistry. Here we evaluated a novel approach for studying the thermal response of soils, by examining the effects of temperature on gas emissions and hydrochemistry in (a) peat and (b) soil from a Sitka spruce plantation. A thermal gradient was applied along an aluminium bar, allowing soil to be incubated contemporaneously from 2 to 18 °C. The approach demonstrated clear differences in the biogeochemical responses of the two soil types to warming. The peat showed no significant emission of CH₄ at temperatures below 6 °C, while above 6 °C, a marked increase in the rate of release was apparent up to 15 °C (Q₁₀ = 2.5) with emissions being similar between 15 and 18 °C. Conversely, CH₄ emissions from the forest soil did not respond to warming. Nitrate availability in the peat decreased by 90% between 2 and 18 °C (P < 0.01), whereas concentrations in the forest soil did not respond. Sulphate availability in the peat decreased significantly with warming (60%, P < 0.01), while the forest soil showed the opposite response (a 30% increase, P < 0.01). Conventionally, thermal responses are studied by incubating individual soil samples at different temperatures, involving lengthy preparation and facilities to incubate samples at different temperatures simultaneously. Data collected on a given thermal response is usually limited and thus interpolated or extrapolated. The thermal gradient method overcomes these problems, is simple and flexible, and can be adapted for a wide range of sample types (not confined to soil). Such apparatus may prove useful in the optimization of management practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, as thermal responses will differ depending on land use and soil type.     

Development of Immune Response to Experimental Bovine Trichophyton vervucosum Infection

Abstract— Cell mediated and humoral immune responses to experimental Trichophyton verrucosum infection were assessed by sequential cutaneous biopsies, antibody assessments and microscopic monitoring of fungal presence. Histopathologic examination showed the accrual of lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells in the dermis of infected sites. Immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections with monoclonal antibody preparations revealed an influx of macrophages, BoCD4+ and B0CD8+ lymphocytes and γδ T cells from the 5th day to the 33rd day of infection. A moderate influx of B cells was observed. Protein G-colloidal gold staining revealed the presence of immunoglobulins in the dermis and superficial epidermal layers. Trichophyton specific serum antibodies appeared between days 33 and 55. Microscopic assessment of infected tissues revealed an increase in T, verrucosum elements (mycelium and ectothrix spores) from days 19 to 55. Fungal elements in infected areas did not decrease until after both humoral and cell mediated elements of the immune response were established. These responses imply a combination of cell mediated and humoral events were associated with T. verrucosum immunity and clearance in the calf. Résumé— Le réponse immunitaire humorale et cellulaire a une infection expérimentale àT. verrucosum a été appréciée par des biospsies cutanées successives, des dosages d'anticorps et la recherche microscopique de champignons. L'examen histopathologique a montré un afflux de lymphocytes et d'autres cellules inflammatoires dane le derme des sites infectés. Les marquages en immunopéroxydase par un anticorps monoclonal de coupes congelées a montré un influx de macrophages, lymphocytes BoCD4+ et BoCD8+ et des cellules T γδ, du 5e au 33e jour de l'infection. Un marquage par une protéine G—or colloidal a révélé d'immunogolglobulines dans le derme et les couches supéerficielles de l'épiderme. Les anticorps spécifiques de Trichophyton sont apparus entre 33 et 55 jours. L'examen microscopique des tissus infectés a révélé une augmentation du nombre d'éléments de T. verrucosum (mycelium et spores ectothrix) du 19e au 55e jours. Les éléments fongiques dans les zones infectées n'ont pas diminué avant que les réponses humorales et cellulaires ne solent établies. Ces résponses impliquent qu'une coopération des réponses humorales et cellulaires étaient associées dans l'immunité et la défense contre T. verrucosum. Zusammenfassung— Die zellvermittelten und humoralen Immunantworten auf die experimentelle Infektion mit T. verrucosum wurden durch eine Serie von Hautbiopsien, Antikörperuntersuchungen und mikroskopischer Untersuchung auf das Vorhandensein von Pilzen ausgewertet. Die histopathologische Untersuchung zeigte eine Ansammlung von Lymphozyten und anderen Entzündungszellen in der Dermis der infizierten Stellen. Die Immunperoxidasefärbung der Gefrierschnitte mit monoklonalen Antikörperzubereitungen zeigte einen Influx von Makrophagen, BoCd4-und BoCD8-Lymphozyten und gamma-delta-T-Zellen vom 5. bis zum 33. Tag der Infektion. Es wurde auch ein mäßiger Influx von B-Zellen beobachtet. Die Protein-G-kolloidale Goldfärbung zeigte die Anwesenheit von Immunglobulinen in der Dermis und den oberflächlichen epidermalen Schichten. Trichophyton-spezifische Serumantikörper traten zwischen Tag 33 und 55 auf. Die mikroskopische Untersuchung infizierter Gewebe zeigte eine Zunahme von T. verrucosum-Bestandteilen (Myzel und exktothrixe Sporen) vom Tag 19 bis 55. Pilzteile in infizierten Bereichen verminderten sich weder, nachdem humorale, noch nachdem zellvermittelte Elemente der Immunantwort auftraten. Diese Reaktionen deuten an, daß eine Kombination von zellvermittelten und humoralen Vorgängen im Zusammenhang mit T. verrucosum-Immumtät und Abheilung beim Kalb vorliegt. Resumen Por medio de biposias cutáneas secuenciales, medida de anticuerpos y exámen microscópico de presencia de hongos, se estudió la respuesta inmunitaria de tipo humoral y celular producida por la infección experimental con T. verrucosum. El exámen histopatológico reveló la presencia de agregación de linfocitos y otras células inflamatorias procedentes de la dermis de los puntos infectados. La tintura por medio de inmunoperoxidasa de las secciones congeladas, con preparaciones monoclonales de anticuerpos, demostró un aflujo de macrófagos BoCD4 + y BoCD8 + linfocitos y linfocitos, Tαδ, desde el quinto hasta el día 33 la infección. También se observó un aflugo moderado de linfocitos B. La tintura aúrica de proteina coloidal G reveló la presencia de inmunoglobulinas en al dermis y capas superficiales de la epidermis. Los anticuerpos específicos para la especie Trichophyton aparecieron entre los días 33 y 55. El exámen microscópico de los tejidos afectados demostró un incremento, de los elementos füngicos T. verrucosum (micelio y esporas exótricas) desde los días 19 al 55. Los elementos fúngicos en áreas infectadas no disminuyeron hasta después del establecimiento de ambos tipos de respuesta inmunitaria, humoral y celular. Estas respuestas implican que la combinación de ciertos fenómenos de inmunidad celular y humoral, están relacionados con la desaparición y la inmunidad de la infección producia por T. verrucosum en el ternero.     

Correlated Responses in Two Traits when Selection is Practised on their Ratio

In many fields of application in plant breeding and crop science, ratios of two component traits X and Y are of interest (harvest index in cereals, leaf-to-stem ratio in forage legumes, height-to-diameter ratio in forest trees etc.). When selection is practised on the ratio X/Y of two traits X and Y, the experimenter may be interested in the resulting changes of both trait means. Based on improved approximations for the covariances between X and X/Y and between Y and X/Y and for the variance of X/Y the changes in the means of X and Y can be predicted by applying the regression approach from conventional selection theory. Explicit expressions for these correlated responses in X and Y when selection is practised on their ratio X/Y are derived and discussed. The different outcomes (decrease, zero change or increase) for the selection pressures on X and Y are characterized by phenotypic coefficients of variation of X and Y, phenotypic and genotypic correlations between X and Y and heritabilities of X and Y.     

破壁蜂花粉对蛋鸡免疫功能及肠道菌群的影响

试验将槐花蜂花粉进行振动磨超微粉碎破壁,分别按1 g/kg、5 g/kg、10 g/kg三个不同剂量混到蛋鸡饲料中,从7日龄开始饲喂至50日龄,每个剂量分两个试验,试验一用新城疫Ⅳ系疫苗免疫雏鸡,利用β-微量法监测血清中的血凝抑制抗体效价的动态变化;试验二用大肠杆菌油乳苗免疫雏鸡,利用间接血凝法监测血清中大肠杆菌抗体效价的动态变化。分别定期称重捕杀取脾、胸腺、法氏囊,计算免疫器官指数,取肠道内容物计数大肠杆菌和乳酸菌,测定肠道内pH值。结果表明,不同剂量的破壁蜂花粉均能不同程度地提高病毒抗原性抗体效价和菌体抗原性抗体效价,对雏鸡免疫器官的发育以及肠道内环境、菌群的平衡也有一定影响。     

Analysis of blood biochemistry and arterial blood gas of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in the early time after trauma

AIM: To explore the variation of blood biochemistry and arterial blood gas of patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the early time after trauma and improve the diagnosis and first aid. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with trauma from August 2003 to February 2004 were divided into two groups by their AIS-ISS90 score. The data of temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, white blood cell counts, Hb, blood glucose and arterial blood gas (PaO₂, PaCO₂, HCO₃^-, AG) were collected and compared with each group by statistic methods. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients, 49 underwent SIRS, 12 in light trauma group (ISS≥16) and 37 in severe trauma group (ISS<16). Compared with light trauma group, the data of pulse, respiratory rate, white blood cell counts, blood glucose, AG and rate of SIRS of severe trauma group were higher, PaO₂ and HCO₃^- were lower and the cases of PaCO₂>45 mmHg or <35 mmHg were more (P<0.01). The data of temperature and Hb had not significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). 13 patients had MODS in severe trauma group and 2 died while none had MODS or died in light trauma group. CONCLUSION: Application of AIS-ISS90 and SIRS-related blood biochemistry and arterial blood gas is beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the early time after trauma.     

番茄匍柄霉叶斑病拮抗细菌的筛选与鉴定

应用平板对峙法从连作多年的番茄根际土样中筛选得到对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病具有较强拮抗活性的细菌菌株ZF161,该菌株对番茄匍柄霉的平板抑制率达到70.51%。离体叶片试验显示,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病防治效果达到69.83%。通过菌落形态观察、生理生化特性、Biolog测定和多基因系统发育树综合分析,鉴定菌株ZF161为枯草芽孢杆菌(Bacillussubtilis)。番茄盆栽试验结果表明,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病的防治效果达到63.27%。进一步平板对峙抑菌谱试验结果显示,菌株ZF161对其他7种病原真菌也具有较好的抑制效果。上述结果说明,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病具有良好的防治效果,且对多种病原真菌也具有抑制作用,具有开发应用的潜力。     

植物寄生线虫效应蛋白调控寄主防卫反应分子机制研究进展

在植物寄生线虫与寄主互作过程中,线虫分泌器官如食道腺细胞分泌的效应蛋白在寄主细胞壁修饰和调控寄主免疫反应以及取食位点形成和维护中发挥着关键作用。解析植物寄生线虫关键效应蛋白的功能及其与寄主互作机制将为探索植物寄生线虫防控新策略提供重要的理论基础。本文从效应蛋白降解寄主细胞壁、调控寄主基础免疫反应、诱导免疫反应机制和介导翻译后修饰调控寄主免疫反应以及植物激素代谢途径的调控机制等方面进行了概述。     

几种经济红藻中茉莉酸合成途径的关键物质

为研究几种经济红藻中茉莉酸合成途径的关键物质,实验采用液相色谱—质谱联用技术(LC-MS)对茉莉酸生物合成途径相关物质建立检测方法,并对龙须菜、坛紫菜受到机械损伤时各物质的变化情况进行检测。以100%甲醇提取茉莉酸(JA)、茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)、12-氧-植物二烯酸(12-OPDA)和13-氢过氧化亚麻酸(13-HpOTE),利用XBridge TM C18色谱柱,以甲醇/水为流动相分离4种物质。优化条件下4种物质得到良好分离,加标回收率为81.23%～90.25%,检测限为0.04～0.56 ng/mL,灵敏度高。坛紫菜、龙须菜和真江蓠3种红藻中,坛紫菜中未检测到JA和13-HpOTE,4种物质均在另外2种藻中检测到。龙须菜受机械损伤胁迫后,4种物质在短时间内得到积累,其中13-HpOTE响应迅速。研究表明,红藻中可能存在类似于植物的茉莉酸合成途径,并参与对损伤的胁迫响应。     

鱼类组蛋白核苷酸的多态性及其在杀鱼爱德华氏菌感染中的作用

组蛋白是染色体核小体的重要组分,在调控染色质结构、基因转录、个体发育等不同生物学过程中起着重要作用。为了研究鱼类组蛋白基因是否存在核苷酸的多态性以及组蛋白核苷酸多态性是否会影响鱼类的抗病力,本实验以斑马鱼和草鱼为研究对象,通过PCR扩增克隆了组蛋白H2A的全长开放阅读框;利用过表达技术、菌落平板计数、感染存活分析以及荧光定量PCR技术,研究了斑马鱼和草鱼组蛋白H2A核苷酸多态性不同变异体在杀鱼爱德华氏菌感染中的作用。在本研究中,实验发现鱼类组蛋白H2A存在着丰富的核苷酸多态性。序列分析结果显示斑马鱼和草鱼组蛋白H2A核苷酸多态性的变异体核苷酸序列相似性为90%～100%;而两两H2A核苷酸多态性变异体氨基酸序列之间最多只有3个位点存在差异。通过体内和体外抗菌实验可知,斑马鱼和草鱼组蛋白H2A核苷酸的多态性显著影响H2A的抗菌活性。此外,筛选出的抗菌组蛋白H2A核苷酸多态性的变异体在斑马鱼体内的过表达,不仅具有免疫增强的作用,还能显著增强斑马鱼对杀鱼爱德华氏菌感染的抗病力。本研究为筛选具有抗病作用的组蛋白H2A免疫保护原奠定了重要基础。