Virulence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brucella abortus</Emphasis> isolated from cattle and water buffalo     

Adesiyun AA  Fosgate GT  Seebaransingh R  Brown G  Stoute S  Stewart-Johnson A 《Tropical animal health and production》2011,43(1):13-16

Brucellosis has been documented in domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) but published literature is limited despite the importance of this species in tropical agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to compare the virulence of Brucella abortus isolates recovered from cattle and water buffalo. Nineteen strains of B. abortus from cattle and domestic water buffalo in Trinidad were intraperitoneally inoculated into BALB/c mice. Spleens were cultured for B. abortus and histopathological severity scores were calculated based on lymphoid depletion, lymphoid necrosis, splenitis, and macrophage accumulation. A general linear model approach was used to estimate the effect of isolate source (cattle versus water buffalo) on virulence. Isolates of water buffalo origin were significantly less virulent in the mouse model based on recovered B. abortus from splenic tissues, spleen/weight ratio, and lymphoid necrosis but not overall histopathological severity scores. Further investigation of isolates recovered from water buffalo might provide the key to the development of procedures for brucellosis control in tropical environments.  相似文献   

The effect of Gypsum amendment on transport of phosphorus in a sandy soil     

B. Zhu  A. K. Alva 《Water, air, and soil pollution》1994,78(3-4):375-382

The effect of gypsum amendment on transport of phosphorus (P) in a Pineda sand (loamy, silicious, hyperthermic Arenic Glossaqualf) was investigated in a leaching column experiment. Phosphorus was either placed on the surface of the soil or mixed with the surface 2 cm depth of soil in the column. Gypsum amendment decreased the transport of P in soil. Compared to the unamended soil, transport of P decreased by 35 and 54% in soils amended with 4.5 and 9.0 M.T./ha gypsum, respectively. The transport of P was further decreased by 74% when P was premixed with the surface 2 cm of soil. The transport of P was not influenced by the SO₄ ion from gypsum amendment. Instead, formation of Ca-P precipitate appeared to be responsible for the decreased transport of P in the gypsum-amended soil.  相似文献   

Effect of pH on growth and uptake of copper by Swingle citrumelo seedlings 1     

B. Zhu  A. K. Alva 《Journal of plant nutrition》2013,36(9):1837-1845

Copper (Cu) phytotoxicity is closely related to pH and Cu activity in solution. The effect of pH on growth and uptake of Cu by Swingle citrumelo rootstock seedlings were investigated in solution culture with varying Cu activities. Copper activities of either 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 10 μM at pH 5 and 6 were maintained by adding copper sulfate (CuSO₄) to the hydroponic solution based on the calculation by GEOCHEM computer program. After 42 days, root and shoot growth decreased significantly in solutions where Cu activities were greater than 0.5 μM. The concentration of Cu in roots are greater and the dry weights of roots and shoots were less in solutions at pH 6 than those at pH 5. A 200‐fold increase in Cu activity in solution resulted in a corresponding increase in concentration of Cu in the root but not in the shoot.  相似文献   

Recovery of amphibian species richness and composition in a chronosequence of secondary forests,northeastern Costa Rica     

Branko Hilje  T. Mitchell Aide 《Biological conservation》2012,146(1):170-176

In some tropical regions, following the abandonment of agriculture and pastures, secondary forests can recover plant species richness and forest structure (e.g. canopy cover, biomass); however, the importance of these secondary forests for fauna is not clear. Secondary forests can benefit fauna by providing suitable habitats, connecting forests fragments, and increasing gene flow. Previous studies of forest regeneration have showed different levels of amphibian recovery. In Puerto Rico, 1–5 years old secondary forests achieved similar amphibian species richness and composition in comparison with old-growth forests, while in Brazil secondary forests from 14 to 19 years of recovery only recovered 60% of the species of old-growth forests. We evaluated amphibian recovery in secondary forests in northeastern Costa Rica, by assessing amphibian recovery in 12 secondary forests that vary in age of recovery and in three old-growth forests using visual and acoustic surveys. Our sites varied in terms of their landscape (e.g. amount of surrounding forest) and forest characteristics (e.g. forest age, aboveground biomass, basal area, number of tree species, number of stems, leaf-litter depth), but there was no relationship between these characteristics and amphibian species richness or species composition. We found that amphibians are recovering rapidly in secondary forests in Costa Rica, and even young forests (10–16 years) had similar species richness and composition in comparison with old-growth forests. These forests are providing suitable microhabitats conditions for amphibians. In addition, this study highlights the importance of landscape characteristics. The abundance of amphibian species sources (e.g. forest patches) and connections between forests appear to be helping the species colonize these sites. Worldwide, the area of secondary forests is increasing, and our results show that these habitats are suitable for a diversity of amphibian species, suggesting that these forests can help reduce amphibian population and species decline.  相似文献   

Observations on the increase of wild gilthead seabream,Sparus aurata abundance,in the eastern Adriatic Sea: problems and opportunities     

Branko Glamuzina  Ana Pešić  Aleksandar Joksimović  Luka Glamuzina  Sanja Matić-Skoko  Alexis Conides  Dimitris Klaoudatos  Paraskevi Zacharaki 《International Aquatic Research》2014,6(3):127-134

The recent increase of the local population of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, in three areas along the southeastern Adriatic Sea: Malostonski Bay (Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina), Neretva Estuary (Croatia) and Boka Kotorska Bay (Montenegro) and its adverse effects on shellfish culture by preying on Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis, are studied. The results from the analysis of the existing information show that the main reason for the recent increase is the escapes from local fish farm which enrich the local population constantly with new gilthead sea bream. The existence of practically endless food in the area of the shellfish farms allows the concentration of the population in the region instead of its dispersion along the Adriatic coast. Moreover, ecological analysis indicates that the gilthead seabream is facing a very low competition from other local species which enhances its capacity to further populate the region. While the impact on the ecosystem is not yet known, the socio-economic impact of the increase of the gilthead seabream population is evident today. Many shellfish farms are closing today in the region since the damages may reach over 90 % of the production.  相似文献   

Fruit nutrient accumulation of four orange varieties during fruit development 1     

S. Paramasivam  A. K. Alva  K. H. Hostler  G. W. Easterwood  J. S. Southwell 《Journal of plant nutrition》2013,36(3):313-327

Evaluation of nutrient accumulation trends in fruit during fruit development and nutrient status in the leaves are important components defining nutrient requirements. Such nutrient demand should be met by nutrient supply in order to develop optimal rate and timing of fertilizer application. In a 3‐year study the citrus (orange) varieties, ‘Valencia’, ‘Parson Brown’, ‘Hamlin’, and ‘Sunburst’ were fertilized with either 168, 224, or 280 kg N ha^‐1 yr^‐1 as a broadcast application of N:P:K dry soluble granular fertilizer. These rates did not significantly affect the fruit nutrient status, juice quality, or nutrients concentrations in the spring flush. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in the fruit decreased with their enlargement during June through November. However, micronutrient concentrations in the fruits increased from June through August or September and then decreased. Fruit dry weight was greatest in ‘Valencia’ followed by ‘Hamlin’, ‘Parson Brown’, and ‘Sunburst’ varieties. Soluble solids concentration (SSC) were higher in ‘Valencia’ and ‘Sunburst’ fruit than in the other two varieties. Other juice quality parameters were not significantly different among the varieties. This study indicated non‐significant influence of fertilizer rates on concentrations of various mineral elements in 6‐month‐old spring flush with most of those concentrations within the optimal ranges.  相似文献   

Efficacy of omeprazole paste for prevention of gastric ulcers in horses in race training     

McClure SR  White GW  Sifferman RL  Bernard W  Doucet MY  Vrins A  Holste JE  Fleishman C  Alva R  Cramer LG 《Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association》2005,226(10):1681-1684

OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimal effective dosage of omeprazole oral paste for the prevention of naturally occurring ulcers in horses starting race training. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 175 horses. PROCEDURE: Horses in the dose selection portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 1 mg (0.45 mg/lb) or 2 mg (0.9 mg/lb) of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days or 4 mg of omeprazole/kg (1.8 mg/lb; loading dose), PO, every 24 hours for 4 days, then 1 or 2 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 24 days. Horses in the dose confirmation portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 1 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days. Gastric ulcer scores at the beginning and end of the study were compared. RESULTS: Sham-dose-treated horses had significantly higher ulcer scores than did horses treated with any of the omeprazole dosages evaluated. Among horses treated with omeprazole, there was no significant interaction of dose (1 or 2 mg/kg) and loading dose; therefore, the lowest effective dose (1 mg/kg) was evaluated in the dose confirmation portion of the study. In the dose confirmation study, 4 of 39 (10%) sham-dose-treated horses remained ulcer free, which was significantly different from the proportion of horses (31/38 [82%]) receiving 1 mg of omeprazole/kg that remained ulcer free. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE; Results indicated that omeprazole administered at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days was effective for prevention of gastric ulcers in horses starting race training.  相似文献   

Efficacy of omeprazole paste for prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses in race training     

McClure SR  White GW  Sifferman RL  Bernard W  Hughes FE  Holste JE  Fleishman C  Alva R  Cramer LG 《Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association》2005,226(10):1685-1688

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether omeprazole oral paste administered at a dosage of 0.5 or 1 mg/kg (0.23 or 0.45 mg/lb), PO, every 24 hours would effectively prevent the recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses in race training. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 135 horses. PROCEDURES: Horses with gastric ulcers were treated with omeprazole at a dosage of 4 mg/kg (1.8 mg/lb), PO, every 24 hours for 28 days. Horses in the dose selection portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 0.5 or 1 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for an additional 28 days. Horses in the dose confirmation portion of the study were sham dose treated or received 1 mg of omeprazole/kg, PO, every 24 hours for an additional 28 days. Gastric ulcers were scored before and after the preventive phase of the study (day 28 to day 56) via gastroscopy, and ulcer scores were compared. RESULTS: Sham-dose-treated horses and horses receiving 0.5 mg of omeprazole/kg had significantly higher ulcer scores than did horses receiving 1 mg of omeprazole/kg. There was a significant difference between the proportion of horses receiving 1 mg of omeprazole/kg (38/48 179%]) that remained ulcer free and the proportion of sham-dose-treated horses (7/44 [16%]) that remained ulcer free. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Omeprazole oral paste administered at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 28 days was effective for prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses in race training.  相似文献   

Embryonic and larval development of garpike from the Adriatic Sea     

Jakov DULČIĆ  Branimir BAŽDARIĆ  Leon GRUBIŠIĆ  Pero TUTMAN  Branko DRAGIČEVIĆ 《Integrative zoology》2009,4(3):272-276

Although information about embryonic and larval development of garpike, Belone belone (Linnaeus, 1761), is present in the published literature, the bulk of research concerns garpike from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. The present work describes the embryonic and larval development of garpike, Belone belone, from the Adriatic Sea, and methods used for incubation of fertilized eggs in aquarium conditions. Because garpike is, as suggested by some authors, divided into subspecies, we conclude that some differences in embryonic development could also be expected. In the present study, eggs were fertilized using the dry fertilization method and were incubated in a tank equipped with aeration and constant sea water flow. Salinity and content of dissolved oxygen were constant, and the temperature varied between 19.4 and 22.3°C. Eggs were spherical, measuring 3071.9 ± 75.73 μm in diameter. Yolk sacs were homogeneous and did not contain oil globules. The first larvae hatched 329 h and 47 min after fertilization. Absorption of the yolk sac occurred 17 h – 48 h after hatching and the total length of newly hatched larvae was 9.78 mm. The peculiarities observed in the embryonic and early larval development are evidence of an exceptional plasticity and adaptive potential, which could be considered as helpful features in extending the natural range of occurrence of this species.  相似文献   

Best Nitrogen and Irrigation Management Practices for Citrus Production in Sandy Soils     

Alva  A. K.  Paramasivam  S.  Graham  W. D.  Wheaton  T. A. 《Water, air, and soil pollution》2003,143(1-4):139-154

Drinking water monitoring data have indicated anincrease in nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) concentration ingroundwater in some parts of the citrus production region ofFlorida. A proactive, incentive-based program of developingcrop-specific best management practices (BMP) began with theFlorida N-BMP legislation passed in 1994. A combination ofcareful irrigation and nitrogen (N) management is needed toimprove N uptake efficiency and to minimize potential leaching ofnitrate (NO₃-N) to the groundwater. An improved Nmanagement practice is considered as a BMP, only if that practiceis proved to decrease NO₃-N leaching into groundwater incommercial groves without adversely impacting the economics ofproduction. Therefore, long-term evaluation of horticulturalresponses as well as monitoring of groundwater NO₃-N wereconducted in five commercial groves representing different soiltypes, citrus variety and rootstock, tree age, and culturalpractices to determine the impact of changes in N managementand/or irrigation scheduling. Groundwater NO₃-N, leafnutrient concentrations, fruit yield and fruit quality weremonitored for 15 months under the growers' routine managementand, subsequently for 48 months, with improved N and irrigationmanagement practices. The N management practices evaluated inthis study included broadcast application of a combination ofwater soluble and slow release granular products, fertigation,and a combination of foliar application and fertigation. Irrigation management was improved by using tensiometer set pointof 10 and 15 cbar. This article presents the fruit yield, andconcentrations of N, P, K in six-month spring flush during thestudy period. The study showed that 5 to 8 yr old Valenciatrees on Volkamar lemon rootstock produced high quality fruit inthe range of 59 to 81 Mg ha^-1 with 168 kg N ha^-1 asfertigation combined with improved irrigation scheduling. Fruityield of 36 yr old Valencia orange trees on Rough lemonrootstock was greater with application of 180 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 as fertigation compared to that of the trees whichreceived a similar rate of N as three broadcast applications ofgranular product. Fertilizer program comprising three foliarapplications of N using low biuret urea to deliver 66 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 and an additional 76 kg N ha^-1yr^-1as fertigation was the most effective for decreasing the surficialgroundwater NO₃-N while maintaining optimal fruit productionand nutritional status of the leaves. This study demonstratedthat economically and technically feasible N-BMPs can bedeveloped for citrus grown on sandy soils with a combination ofimproved N management and irrigation scheduling.  相似文献