Significant Population Differences Research Articles

渭北塬区不同龄苹果园土壤微生物空间分布特征

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 渭北塬区不同龄苹果园土壤微生物空间分布特征 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201402160268 作者: 作者单位: 宝鸡文理学院、陕西省灾害监测与机理模拟重点实验室,宝鸡文理学院、陕西省灾害监测与机理模拟重点实验室,宝鸡文理学院、陕西省灾害监测与机理模拟重点实验室,宝鸡文理学院、陕西省灾害监测与机理模拟重点实验室,宝鸡文理学院、陕西省灾害监测与机理模拟重点实验室 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家“十一五”科技支撑计划资助项目（2006BAD09B09）；陕西省教育厅自然科学专项（2010JK402）；宝鸡文理学院重点项目（ZK1041，ZK0846） Spatial distribution of soil microorganisms in apple orchards of different ages on the Weibei rainfed tableland of the Loess Plateau, China Author: Affiliation: Key Laboratory of Disaster Survey and Mechanism Simulation of Shaanxi Province / Baoji University of Arts and Sciences,Key Laboratory of Disaster Survey and Mechanism Simulation of Shaanxi Province / Baoji University of Arts and Sciences,Key Laboratory of Disaster Survey and Mechanism Simulation of Shaanxi Province / Baoji University of Arts and Sciences,Key Laboratory of Disaster Survey and Mechanism Simulation of Shaanxi Province / Baoji University of Arts and Sciences,Key Laboratory of Disaster Survey and Mechanism Simulation of Shaanxi Province / Baoji University of Arts and Sciences Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:以渭北塬区塬面5、10、15和20龄苹果园为对象,距树干1.0、1.5、2.0 m处用土钻法分层采集0-30 cm土样,稀释平板法测定土壤微生物数量,平行测定土壤有机碳、总氮和总磷,分析不同龄果园土壤微生物的空间分布状况及其与土壤碳、氮、磷的关系。结果表明:土壤真菌数量随树龄增大而增加,龄间差异显著(P<0.05);与对照农田相比,各龄果园放线菌数量及5龄和20龄果园细菌数量偏低,10龄和15龄果园细菌数量偏高;各龄果园土壤真菌、细菌和放线菌数量均随深度增加而减小。就相同深度土层而言,真菌数量随果园年限增大而增加,细菌则以10龄和15龄果园较多,同深度土层的放线菌龄间差异随深度增加而减小。在沿树干向外的径向水平方向上,真菌数量随果园年限的增加相应增多;10龄和15龄果园土壤细菌和放线菌高于5龄果园和20龄果园。5龄果园土壤总氮有沿树干向外、沿表层向下逐步降低的趋势,果园从5龄经10龄到15龄,其"高氮点"则逐步向外、向下移动。塬区果园土壤C : N比偏低。 Abstract:Soil microorganisms are vital for orchard ecosystems, as they determine and promote the material cycle and energy flow. The Weibei Loess Plateau is one of the main regions producing high-quality apples since the 1980s. The planting structure of apple orchards has following characteristics: simple and long-term fertilizer, high quality management, and "double high" (high investment and high harvest) production, which results in different soil fertility and quality in orchards of different ages, leading to different habitat conditions for microorganisms. Consequently, different aged orchards have different soil microbial species composition, quality, and spatial distributions. Yet, differences in soil microorganism parameters affect apple yield and quality, because of their involvement in maintaining and improving the feedback effect on soil properties and fertility in orchards. To maintain sustainable development, prevent soil quality degradation, and reform orchard degradation, it is essential to understand the long-term dynamics and trends of microorganisms in orchards. This work investigated the spatial distribution of soil microorganisms in different apple orchards of different ages (5, 10, 15, and 20 years old) on the Weibei rainfed tableland of the Loess Plateau. Soil samples were first collected from the 0-30cm soil layer at root radial distances of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m away from the main tree trunk using a soil coring method. Soil total nitrogen (TN), soil total phosphorus (TP), and soil organic carbon (SOC) were then determined using the Flowsys III and Liqui TOC II analyzer. Relationships between soil microorganisms and soil nutrients (i.e., TN, TP, and SOC) were also analyzed. The results showed that the soil fungal population increased with increasing apple orchard age. There were significant differences in soil fungal population among orchard ages, at the P=0.05 level. The soil actinomycete population in orchards of all ages and soil bacterial population in 5-year and 20-year old apple orchards was lower than that in agricultural fields (control check). In comparison, the soil bacterial population in 10-year and 15-year old apple orchards was higher than that in the agricultural field. Fungal, actinomycete and bacterial populations decreased with increasing soil depth. At the same soil depth, the soil fungal population increased with increasing orchards age, with the soil bacterial population in 10-year and 15-year old apple orchards being higher than that in 5-year and 20-year old orchards. Soil actinomycete populations declined with the increasing in soil depth in all ages of apple orchards. In the radial horizontal direction, the soil fungal population in all apple orchards increased with age, while the soil bacterial population during the full fruit bearing period (10 and 15-years old) was higher than that in 5-year and 20-year old orchards, with soil actinomycetes exhibiting the same trend. The TP in 5-year old apple orchards declined outward from the apple trunk and downward from the topsoil. The "High spot of TN" moved outward from the apple trunk and downward from the topsoil for 5-year to 15-year old apple orchards. The soil C : N ratio was low in apple orchards on the Weibei rainfed tableland of the Loess Plateau. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Peptidic and lipidic fraction’s effect of a melanoma cells lysate on clinically effective DCs against melanoma

Peptidic and lipidic fraction’s effect of a melanoma cells lysate on clinically effective DCs against melanoma

Epiphytic and endophytic bacteria that promote growth of ethnomedicinal plants in the subtropical forests of Meghalaya, India.

The present study was aimed to investigate the endophytic and epiphytic bacteria associated with selected ethnomedicinal plants from the pristine subtropical forests of Meghalaya and analyse them for plant growth promotion and antagonistic ability. This study is an attempt to explore plant associated bacteria which are beneficial to host plants, and thus aid in the conservation of ethnomedicinal plants of the studied subtropical forests, which are dwindling due to exploitation. The plant growth promotion parameters like indole acetic acid (IAA) production, mineral phosphate solubilisation, acid phosphatase activity, presence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC) gene, nitrogen fixation, cellulose digestion, chitin and pectin degrada- tion were screened among the isolates. The study revealed significant differences in bacterial population not only between the epiphytic and endophytic microhabitats, but also amongst the host plants. Out of the 70 isolated plant associated bacteria, Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Pantoea sp., and Lysinibacillus sp. showed potent plant growth promotion properties. Bacillus siamensis C53 and B. subtilis cenB showed significant antagonistic activity against the tested pathogens. This study indicated the isolates inhabiting the plants prevalent in the subtropical sacred forests could be explored for use as plant growth promoters while practising the cultiva- tion and conservation of ethnomedicinal plants.

Effect of Sowing Date and Cultivars on Aphid Infestation in Wheat with Climate Change Adaptation Perspective

Four field experiments, two experiments each during winter season of 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, were conducted to evaluate effect of sowing time and four wheat cultivars on population of wheat aphids. Wheat crop was found infested with Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae in various proportions in different experiments. During vegetative crop phase, December (late) sown crop had in general higher aphid population than November (timely) sown crop, while during reproductive crop stage, timely sown crop harboured more aphids on ear heads than late planted one. October (early) and January (very late) sown crop evaded aphid attack on ear heads. Significant differences in peak aphid populations among different plantings indicated that alteration of sowing time might disturb phenological synchrony between aphids and wheat crop, affecting pest population. Aphid population was positively influenced by the temperature. Sowing dates were also found to significantly affect the crop yield. Among varieties, WR-544 was observed to have lower number of aphids than other cultivars during vegetative crop stage. Because alteration in sowing time is deemed to be one of the adaptation strategies to sustain agricultural productivity under climate change, effect of sowing time on aphid population is the need to be heeded while formulating such strategy for effective crop management.

Otitis media in sperm-associated antigen 6 (Spag6)-deficient mice.

Mammalian SPAG6 protein is localized to the axoneme central apparatus, and it is required for normal flagella and cilia motility. Recent studies demonstrated that the protein also regulates ciliogenesis and cilia polarity in the epithelial cells of brain ventricles and trachea. Motile cilia are also present in the epithelial cells of the middle ear and Eustachian tubes, where the ciliary system participates in the movement of serous fluid and mucus in the middle ear. Cilia defects are associated with otitis media (OM), presumably due to an inability to efficiently transport fluid, mucus and particles including microorganisms. We investigated the potential role of SPAG6 in the middle ear and Eustachian tubes by studying mice with a targeted mutation in the Spag6 gene. SPAG6 is expressed in the ciliated cells of middle ear epithelial cells. The orientation of the ciliary basal feet was random in the middle ear epithelial cells of Spag6-deficient mice, and there was an associated disrupted localization of the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein, FZD6. These features are associated with disordered cilia orientation, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, which leads to uncoordinated cilia beating. The Spag6 mutant mice were also prone to develop OM. However, there were no significant differences in bacterial populations, epithelial goblet cell density, mucin expression and Eustachian tube angle between the mutant and wild-type mice, suggesting that OM was due to accumulation of fluid and mucus secondary to the ciliary dysfunction. Our studies demonstrate a role for Spag6 in the pathogenesis of OM in mice, possibly through its role in the regulation of cilia/basal body polarity through the PCP-dependent mechanisms in the middle ear and Eustachian tubes.

Effect of thiamine dilaurylsulfate against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus spores in custard cream

This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial effect of thiamine dilaurylsulfate (TDS), known as a vitamin B1 derivative, on custard cream. The inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus spores in custard cream over a 5 day storage period and the influence of storage temperature at 4 and 25 °C were investigated. Samples were inoculated with a cocktail of these pathogens and subjected to addition of TDS at concentrations ranging from 0 to 2%. As the concentration of TDS and storage time increased, the inactivation effect increased among all tested pathogens except for B. cereus. The addition of 2% TDS achieved 2.43-, 2.37-, and 0.93-log reductions in inoculated E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, during 5 day storage at 25 °C. Gram-negative bacteria were more susceptible to TDS than Gram-positive bacteria, and TDS was more effective at 25 °C than 4 °C. However, regardless of TDS concentration during storage at 4 and 25 °C, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in populations of B. cereus spores between untreated control and TDS-treated samples. These results suggest that TDS has potential for preventing spoilage of dairy products by improving microbiological safety.

A stereological study of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in Down syndrome

The total number of neurons and glial cells in the mediodorsal thalamic (MDT) nucleus of four aged females with Down syndrome (DS; mean age 69years) was estimated and compared to six age- and sex-matched controls. The MDT nucleus was delineated on coronal sections, and cell numbers (large and small neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes) were estimated using the optical fractionator technique. The DS brains had an average of 3.41×106 total neurons in the MDT nucleus in contrast to 5.97×106 in the controls, with no overlap (2p=0.004), affecting large (projecting) and small (local inhibitory) neurons nearly equally. In contrast, we observed no significant differences in either glial cell population. The cortical structures of the same four DS brains were previously estimated to be half the normal size of controls with a reduction in cell numbers whereas the basal ganglia were unaffected. As DS brains are affected by developmental delay, premature aging, and Alzheimer-like pathology, the finite cause of the reduced number of cells in MDT nucleus cannot be determined; however, these findings provide stereological evidence for a local reduction in neuron numbers in the MDT nucleus, which could affect the cognitive capacity of patients with DS.

A post hoc analysis of subgroup outcomes and creatinine in the phase III clinical trial (EMPOWER) of dexpramipexole in ALS

Our objective was to compare the phase II and phase III (EMPOWER) studies of dexpramipexole in ALS and evaluate potential EMPOWER responder subgroups and biomarkers based on significant inter-study population differences. In a post hoc analysis, we compared the baseline population characteristics of both dexpramipexole studies and analyzed EMPOWER efficacy outcomes and laboratory measures in subgroups defined by significant inter-study differences. Results showed that, compared with phase II, the proportion of El Escorial criteria (EEC) definite participants decreased (p = 0.005), riluzole use increased (p = 0.002), and mean symptom duration increased (p = 0.037) significantly in EMPOWER. Baseline creatinine (p < 0.001) and on-study creatinine change (p < 0.001) correlated significantly with ALSFRS-R in EMPOWER. In the EMPOWER subgroup defined by EEC-definite ALS, riluzole use, and < median symptom duration (15.3 months), dexpramipexole-treated participants had reduced ALSFRS-R slope decline (p = 0.015), decreased mortality (p = 0.011), and reduced creatinine loss (p = 0.003). In conclusion, significant differences existed between the phase II and EMPOWER study populations in ALS clinical trials of dexpramipexole. In a post hoc analysis of EMPOWER subgroups defined by these differences, potential clinical benefits of dexpramipexole were identified in the subgroup of riluzole-treated, short-symptom duration, EEC-definite ALS participants. Creatinine loss correlated with disease progression and was reduced in dexpramipexole-treated participants, suggesting it as a candidate biomarker.

Biological control of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) through banker plant system in protected crops

Banker plants with Aphidius colemani were tested in greenhouse for control of Myzus persicae on arugula and sweet pepper crops and compared to inoculative releases of parasitoids. Banker plants system consisted of pots of oat (non-crop plant) infested with Rhopalosiphum padi (non-pest herbivore). The non-pest herbivore serves as an alternative host for A. colemani (parasitoid of the target crop pest). In the arugula crop significant differences in the pest population between the two strategies of biological control showed the lowest densities of the pest when introducing the banker plant system. In the sweet pepper crop, there was no difference in the pest population between the two strategies of biological control.

Geometric morphometrics of leaves of Anacardium microcarpum Ducke and A. occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) from the coastal region of Piauí, Brazil

Anacardium microcarpum (cajui) differs from A. occidentale (cashew) by its smaller drupe and hypocarp and more restricted range in cerrados and coastal plateaux of Brazil’s Para, Maranhao, Piaui, Ceara and Rio Grande do Norte states. Taxonomists treat A. microcarpum as conspecific with A. occidentale, but many agronomists treat it as distinct. This study used geometric morphometrics to investigate leaf shape differences between the two taxa in ten populations from coastal Piaui state, Brazil with samples of 300–380 leaves. Configurations of two landmarks and 14 semilandmarks were digitized along the leaf outline from standardized images and subjected to multivariate analysis after Procrustes alignment. Principal component analysis produced four significant principal component shape variables accounting for 79.5 % total variance. These were visualized using thin-plate spline analysis. Discriminant analysis showed a significant difference between the taxon means (P = 0.003). Jackknife cross-validation correctly classified only 61.3 % of A. occidentale individuals and 56.7 % of A. microcarpum. Non-Parametric MANOVA of the ten populations showed significant population differences (P = 0.0001). The most isolated population (Cocal da Estacao)—the only one from the interior of the state—differed most. A Mantel test found no significant correlation between morphological dissimilarity and geographical distance. Although leaf shape differences both between taxa and populations were statistically significant, overlap made leaf shape difference alone ineffective for separating A. microcarpum from A. occidentale.

Survival of the biological control agent Candida sake CPA-1 on grapes under the influence of abiotic factors.

As reliability of preharvest applications of biological control agents (BCAs) to control fruit pathogens is highly dependent on the survival of the selected organism, this study aimed to describe the population dynamics of the yeast-BCA Candida sake (Saito & Ota) CPA-1 on grape berries under the effect of abiotic factors such as temperature, relative humidity, sunlight and rainfall. Candida sake (5 × 10(7) CFU ml(-1)), combined with different concentrations of the food additive Fungicover(®), was applied on grape berry clusters. Treated clusters were then exposed to abiotic factors in field or laboratory conditions, recovering populations to describe C. sake population dynamics. The addition of Fungicover significantly increased C. sake multiplication under optimal growth conditions and improved survival under fluctuating abiotic factors. After field applications, significant differences in populations on grape bunches exposed or covered by fine foliage were detected. Simulated rainfall washed off C. sake populations by 0·6-0·9 log units after 20 mm of rain volume. Allowing populations to establish for 24 h or more, prior to a rain event, persistence on grape berries significantly increased and the effect of rain intensity was not observable. Candida sake demonstrated high survival ability under unfavourable environmental conditions and persistence under intense rain. The study evidenced the importance of the first period just after application for C. sake survival on grape tissues and also the protective effect of the additive Fungicover. This research provides new information on the survival of C. sake under field conditions and its practical implications for recommending timing of spray with this antagonist. Our results could be useful for other yeast antagonists applied before harvest. This work, for the first time, defines population dynamics of a yeast BCA using simulated rainfall.

Molecular line mapping of the giant molecular cloud associated with RCW 106 – IV. Ammonia towards dust emission

Here we report observations of the two lowest inversion transitions of ammonia with the 70-m Tidbinbilla radio telescope. They were conducted to determine the kinetic temperatures in the dense clumps of the G333 giant molecular cloud associated with RCW 106 and to examine the effect that accurate temperatures have on the calculation of derived quantities such as mass. This project is part of a larger investigation to understand the timescales and evolutionary sequence associated with high-mass star formation, particularly its earliest stages. Assuming that the initial chemical composition of a giant molecular cloud is uniform, any abundance variations within will be due to evolutionary state. We have identified 63 clumps using SIMBA 1.2-mm dust continuum maps and have calculated gas temperatures for most (78 per cent) of these dense clumps. After using Spitzer GLIMPSE 8.0 $\mu$m emission to separate the sample into IR-bright and IR-faint clumps, we use statistical tests to examine whether our classification shows different populations in terms of mass and temperature. We find that clump mass and column density show no significant population difference, and that kinetic temperature is the best parameter to distinguish between the gravitationally bound state of each clump. The kinetic temperature was the only parameter found to have a significantly low probability of being drawn from the same population. This suggests that clump radii does not have a large effect on the temperature of a clump, so clumps of similar radii may have different internal heating mechanisms. We also find that while the IR-bright clumps have a higher median virial mass, both samples have a similar range for both virial mass and FWHM. There are 87 per cent (40 of 46) of the clumps with masses larger than the virial mass, suggesting that they will form stars or are already undergoing star formation.

CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in chronic rhinosinusitis mucosa.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) mucosal inflammation is characterized by an accumulation of effector-memory T cells, but their immune regulatory potential has not been adequately examined. Coexpression of transcription factor, forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), and interleukin-2 receptor, CD25, in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is linked with regulatory function in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory T cell (Treg) phenotype of CD4+ (CD4Treg) and CD8+ (CD8Treg) T cells in peripheral blood (PB) and sinus mucosa of CRS patients. Prospective study was performed involving 32 CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP), 14 CRS without nasal polyp (CRSsNP), and 8 control patients. Sinus and PB T lymphocytes were stained with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, and Foxp3 and analyzed using flow cytometry. Relevant clinical characteristics, sinus bacterial culture results, and eosinophilic mucus were examined. Sinus mucosa had a higher percentage of CD4Treg (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) population compared with PB in all patients. The percentage of PB CD4Treg and CD8Treg (CD3+CD8+CD25+Foxp3+) was not significantly different between the study groups. CRS mucosal tissue had a higher percentage of CD4Treg and activated T-helper cells than controls. There was no significant difference in PB and mucosal CD4Treg populations in CRS patients based on the presence of allergy, sinus culture results, or eosinophilic mucus. In controls, increased mucosal CD4Treg correlated with coexisting allergy. Although overall CD4Treg numbers were higher, the regulatory potential of activated CD4+ T cells (CD4Treg/activated T-helper cell ratio) was significantly lower in CRS mucosa compared with controls. The CD8Treg subset was also significantly reduced in CRSwNP mucosa compared with controls. A higher percentage of CD4Treg and activated T-helper cells in CRS mucosa suggests increased inflammation in CRS, independent of the presence of allergy, microbial culture results, or eosinophilic mucus. However, the decreased ratio of CD4Treg versus activated T-helper cells in CRS and reduced CD8Treg population in CRSwNPs indicates an inflammatory bias and the inability to control mucosal disease.

Characterization of the oral microbiota of healthy cats using next-generation sequencing

The healthy feline oral cavity harbours a rich assemblage of microorganisms, which have not previously been well characterized using modern sequencing technology. The goal of this study was to accurately describe the oral microbiota of 11 healthy cats using next-generation sequencing.Sequencing generated a total of 10,177 operational taxonomic units, representing 273 genera from 18 bacterial phyla. Eight bacterial phyla made up 97.6% of sequences: Proteobacteria (75.2%), Bacteroidetes (9.3%), Firmicutes (6.7%), SR1 (2.7%), Spirochaetes (1.8%), Fusobacteria (1.3%), and Actinobacteria (0.6%). The most prevalent genus-level phylotypes were: an unclassified Pasteurellaceae (18.7%), Moraxella (10.9%), Thermomonas (6.9%), an unclassified Comamonadaceae (5.6%), Neisseria (4.9%), an unclassified Moraxellaceae (4.4%), and Pasteurella (4.3%). Results suggest that the feline oral microbiota are largely conserved between cats at the phylum level, and that the population is highly diverse, rich and even. A strong core microbiome was evident among all cats, yet significant differences in oral bacterial populations were observed across cats in each household.

Persistence in the desert: ephemeral waterways and small‐scale gene flow in the desert spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae

Summary The springs of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) in central Australia support a unique, but threatened ecosystem adapted to permanent fresh water in a desert landscape. Taxa within these springs are short‐range endemics, with very limited distributions, making them highly susceptible to extinction. Knowledge of fine‐scale dispersal mechanisms will help to develop conservation management plans that maintain gene flow and, by extension, the genetic diversity of these populations. This study focused on determining dispersal capabilities of the endemic GAB spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae, in an area &lt;4 km2. Using 11 microsatellite loci, 288 individuals were genotyped from 14 springs. Despite the very small area, low levels of gene flow and significant population differences were found among individual spring populations. Microgeographical genetic structure is clearly evident, and fine‐scale dispersal is significantly correlated with temporary waterways between springs. This pattern of genetic divergence supports the stream hierarchy model of population structure and suggests that connectivity between springs is critical for gene flow, although the precise mechanism of dispersal is still open for interpretation.

Religious tradition of conservation associated with greater abundance of a keystone tree species in rural Western Rajasthan, India

Land-use and land-cover change in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan threatens the persistence of many ecologically and economically important species. The Bishnoi people of Rajasthan have religiously protected a keystone tree species, Prosopis cineraria, locally known as the Khejeri tree, for over five centuries. We conducted the first comparative study that tests the widely held assumption that Bishnoi presence is positively associated with P. cineraria abundance in nineteen villages in rural Rajasthan. We also evaluated the influence of land area type, human and livestock population, and income on measured Khejeri tree abundance. Villages with Bishnoi had significantly more P. cineraria and had significantly higher incomes than villages without Bishnoi despite no significant differences in land area, human population, or livestock population between village classes. We found no direct associations between Khejeri tree abundance and village demographics suggesting P. cineraria abundance is a function of environmental and socio-economic factors. Within this context we discuss the role of Bishnoi protection of Khejeri trees in maintaining important ecosystem functions and supporting human prosperity.

Effect of Montanide™ IMS 1312 VG adjuvant on efficacy of Yersinia ruckeri vaccine in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The efficacy of immersion vaccination Yersinia ruckeri bacterin containing Montanide™ IMS 1312 VG was evaluated in 100–120 g rainbow trout against yersiniosis. Healthy fish were vaccinated by immersion vaccination with inactivated whole cells (1 × 108 cells/ml) of a virulent strain of Y. ruckeri biotype I with and without Montanide (1:1; Montanide/antigen) for 2 min at 12–14 °C. Control group was immersed in sterile PBS. Leukocyte counts, serum lysozyme assay, alternative hemolytic complement (ACH50) assay, antibody titration and relative percent survival (RPS) were measured on 2–10 weeks post-immunization. No significant difference was seen in leucocyte population of trout immunized either with Y. ruckeri antigen or Y. ruckeri antigen containing Montanide (P > 0.05), while leucocyte and heterophil populations in control group were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than both immunized groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in lymphocyte population of trout immunized either with Y. ruckeri antigen or Y. ruckeri antigen containing Montanide (P > 0.05), while lymphocyte population in control group was significantly lower than both immunized groups (P < 0.05). Lysozyme activity in immunized fish with Y. ruckeri containing Montanide was higher than the immunized fish with Y. ruckeri antigen alone during 8 weeks post-immunization ((P < 0.05). Also, level of lysozyme in control fish was generally lower than both immunized groups (P < 0.05). The level of ACH50 between both immunized groups was insignificant (P > 0.05) but these were significantly higher than control group through the experiment (P < 0.05). The lowest anti-Y. ruckeri antibody titers in both immersion vaccination groups were significantly higher through 2–8 weeks post-vaccination compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In the group immersion vaccinated with Y. ruckeri bacterin plus Montanide the titers 2–8 weeks post-vaccination were significantly higher the titer in the immersion vaccinated with Y. ruckeri bacterin (P < 0.05). Fish vaccinated with antigen without Montanide resulted in RPS of 80–82% on 2–10 weeks post-vaccination, while those for antigen containing montanide gave RPSs of 93.8–100% 2–10 weeks post-immunization (P < 0.05).

Genetic diversity of native Turkish cattle breeds: Mantel, AMOVA and bottleneck analysis

Objective of this study was to evaluate potential extinction risk of Turkish native cattle breeds using Mantel and AMOVA tests and Bottleneck analysis. A total of 271 DNA samples were isolated from Anatolian Black, Anatolian Grey, South Anatolian Red, Native Southern Anatolian Yellow, East Anatolian Red and Zavot cattle. Genotypes of twenty microsatellites were determined by capillary electrophoresis and fragment analysis. In this study, a total of 269 different alleles were detected. The maximum and minimum numbers of total alleles were observed in TGLA122 (26 allele) and INRA005 (7 allele) loci, respectively. The highest average observed and expected heterozygosity values were determined as 0.619–0.852 and 0.669–0.877, respectively. The average FIS value was 0.068. Results of AMOVA and Mantel tests illustrated statistically significant differences in populations (p

Splenectomy for patients with β-thalassemia major: long-term outcomes

Background/aim The use of splenectomy for thalassemia major is restricted over concerns of its long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of splenectomy for patients with β-thalassemia major. Patients and methods This study included 70 patients with β-thalassemia major. Patients were classified into two groups: 35 patients underwent splenectomy (S group) and 35 patients did not undergo splenectomy (NS group). Patients were assessed by review of medical records, assessment of medical history, and a clinical examination. In addition to complete blood count, liver function tests and serum ferritin were performed. Assessment of lymphocyte populations was carried out by flow cytometry. These investigations were performed at least 2 years after splenectomy in the S group. Results The mean age of the patients who underwent splenectomy was 6.68 ± 2.54 years and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 6.26 ± 3.03 years. Splenectomy improves anemia, but does not reduce iron burden; more patients were found to be on regular iron chelation after splenectomy. Hematocrit and red blood cell indices were significantly increased after splenectomy. Platelet count increased significantly in the S group (644.700 ± 299.400/mm 3 ). There were no significant differences in T-lymphocyte populations between both groups. IgM memory B lymphocytes were lower in the S group compared with the NS group. No overwhelming postsplenectomy infection was reported in this series. Postsplenectomy portal vein thrombosis was reported in one (2.9%) case. Conclusion With long-term follow-up after splenectomy for treatment of thalassemia major, thrombocytosis and the risk of thromboembolic persist. Splenectomy improves anemia, but does not reduce iron burden or the requirement for blood transfusion. Proper preoperative vaccination can reduce the risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection.

Use of potassium fertilizer in garlic (Allium sativum) for managing pest and improving yield

Field trials were conducted during 2009 to 2012 at farmers'fields in Anta (Baran) and Bhilwara district of Rajasthan to investigate the effect of potash on incidence of major pests of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and yield at 4 dose i.e. 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha−1 either singly as a basal dose or in two installments i.e. 50% as a basal dose and remaining 50% up to the 60 days age of the crop. The application of 100 kg K2O ha−1 in two splits up to 60 days of the crop age had lowest infested plants by thrips(7.9%) and mites (3.75%). Use of potash from 50 to 100 kg ha−1 either singly or in two splits did not have significant difference in thrips and mites population. Higher dose of potash either singly or in two splits also resulted in minimum sprouting (2.31%). Maximum yield (11.63 t ha−1) was also obtained with maximum dose of potash applied in two splits.