A review of the pest management situation in mango agroecosystems

Integrated pest management programs for mango must be based on sampling and on economic thresholds, and must take into account the effects of cultural practices, horticultural sprays and disease control on pest and natural enemy interactions. An analysis of the mass of information available on the different mango pests,viz., fruit flies(Bactrocera sp.,Ceratitis sp.,Anastrepha sp.), mango seed weevil(Sternochetus mangiferae), thrips(Frankliniella spp.), gall midges(Procontarinia sp.), scales, mites and mealybugs is given, as well as different examples for future entomological research.     

Phenotypic variability in different strains of Pseudomonas syringae subsp. savastanoi isolated from different hosts

One hundred and sixty strains of Pseudomonas syringae subsp. savastanoi from Olea europaea, Olea europaea var. sylvestris, Nerium oleander, Fraxinus angustifolia and Retama sphaerocarpa, and four type strains of other pathovars were studied, investigating 102 phenotypic traits, among which we include biochemical characteristics, assimilation of different carbon sources, sensitivity or resistance to antibiotics and indoleacetic acid (IAA) production. Results were analysed with an affinity dendrogram via the Jaccard coefficient. They indicate an influence of environmental factors on the formation of the 15 phenons obtained, since isolated (knot) strains from the same species but different geographical areas are segregated. Segregation, also detected in strains from different hosts within the same area, added to the pathogenicity test helps to characterise these strains as different pathovars.     

Examination of the thoracic cavity and lung lobectomy by means of thoracoscopy in dogs.

The feasibility of thoracoscopy for viewing the chest cavity and performing pulmonary lobectomy was assessed in 8 mongrel dogs. Previously, selective intubation had been performed in another group of dogs (n = 8) in order to monitor respiratory physiology and assess its safety. Each hemithorax was intubated using a double-barrelled endotracheal tube with one barrel placed in the left main bronchus and the other in the bifurcation of the trachea. The thoracoscope was introduced through a cannula inserted through a 2-cm incision at the ventral third of the left 5th intercostal space. The cranial, dorsal, and caudal surfaces of the pleura, lobes of the left lung, and the mediastinum were examined. A 2nd cannula was located in the dorsal 3rd of the 5th intercostal space with a prior incision and used for the introduction of forceps to separate the viscera. To biopsy, a 3rd cannula was inserted at the dorsal third of the 8th intercostal space with a prior incision, through which a 12-mm diameter stapler was introduced. Should a lobectomy be necessary, a 4th cannula is located in the middle third of the 4th intercostal space. Excision of the left caudal pulmonary lobe was performed through the incision made for the 12-mm diameter cannula (8th intercostal space); a twisting movement facilitated removal. Thoracoscopy is a procedure that can be used in dogs and is particularly suitable for examination, collection of biopsy specimens, and even lung lobectomies.     

Purification and characterization of a protease from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1, an antigen common to all the serotypes.

A high molecular-mass proteolytic enzyme of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 1, was purified from culture supernatants (CSN) by using DEAE-cellulose and sepharose-4B-gelatin chromatography. In 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gels copolymerized with porcine gelatin, the protease showed a single band of activity of > 200 kDa. However, minor molecular-mass proteolytic bands were observed when the protease was electrophoresed in the presence of either 5% beta-mercaptoethanol, 50 mM dithiothreitol, or 0.25 M urea. Furthermore, when the > 200-kDa purified protein was passed through a sucrose gradient, several bands with proteolytic activity were found: 62, 90, 190, and 540 kDa. The proteolytic activity was increased in the presence of calcium or zinc and was not affected after being heated at 90 degrees C for 5 min. Proteolytic activities were also observed in CSN from all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes and biotypes. The purified protease hydrolyzed porcine IgA and IgG in vitro. In addition, by immunoblot the protease was recognized by serum of naturally infected pigs with serotypes 1 and 5, and by serum of pigs experimentally infected with serotypes 1, 2, 8, or 9. Serum of a pig vaccinated with CSN of a serotype 3 strain also recognized the protease, but not sera of pigs vaccinated with a bacterin (serotype 1). Proteins from CSN of all the serotypes, which were precipitated with 70% (NH4)2SO4, were recognized by a polyclonal antibody raised against the purified protease. Taken together these results indicate that an antigenic protease is produced in vivo by all the serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae. The results indicate that proteases could have a role in the disease and in the immune response of pigs infected with A. pleuropneumoniae.     

Detection of Leishmania spp. and associated inflammation in ocular‐associated smooth and striated muscles in dogs with patent leishmaniosis

Objective Canine leishmaniosis is a disease characterized by the wide distribution of the parasite throughout the tissues of the host. The purpose of this study was to describe the presence of Leishmania spp. and associated inflammation in ocular‐associated muscles of dogs with patent leishmaniosis. Procedures Smooth muscles (iris dilator muscle, iris sphincter muscle, ciliary muscle, Müller muscle, smooth muscle of the periorbita and smooth muscle of the nictitating membrane) and striated muscles (orbicularis oculi muscle, obliquus dorsalis muscle and dorsal rectus muscle) were evaluated. Routine staining with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry to detect Leishmania spp. were performed on tissue sections. Results Granulomatous inflammation was seen surrounding muscular fibers and was composed mainly of macrophages with scattered lymphocytes and plasma cells. This infiltrate could be seen in 52/473 (10.99%) samples of smooth muscle and 36/142 (25.35%) samples of striated muscle. Parasites were detected in 43/473 (9.09%) samples of smooth muscle and in 28/142 (19.71%) samples of striated muscle. Conclusions To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report assessing the presence of Leishmania spp. and associated infiltrate in intraocular, extraocular and adnexal smooth and striated muscles. The inflammation present in those muscles could contribute to clinical signs already described, such as blepharitis, uveitis, and orbital cellulitis.     

Isocyanate curing of novolac-type ligno-phenol–formaldehyde resins

This work proposes the use of a diisocyanate as curing agent for novolac-type lignin–phenol–formaldehyde (LPF) resins, instead of typical hexamethylene–tetraamine (HMTA), with the aim of overcoming the loss of reactivity of lignophenolic resins resulting from the introduction of lignin. Curing LPF resins with methylene–diisocyanate (MDI) and HMTA has been investigated through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheological analysis. The analysis of experimental results shows that the proposed curing reaction with MDI gives similar results to those for HMTA-cured systems. However, MDI curing is faster than HMTA one and proceeds easier at lower temperatures.     

Three new homoisoflavanones from the bulbs of Ledebouria floribunda

Three new homoisoflavanones, namely ledebourin A (1), ledebourin B (2) and ledebourin C (3) were isolated from the bulbs of Ledebouria floribunda. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detail spectroscopic analyses. This is the first report of this type of homoisoflavanones. Ledebourin B (2) and ledebourin C (3) exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging compared to the positive controls, the well-known antioxidant BHT and BHA.     

Pharmacokinetics and cardiopulmonary effects of guaifenesin in donkeys

Five donkeys and three horses were given guaifenesin, intravenously, by gravity administration, until recumbency was produced. The time and dose required to produce recumbency, recovery time to sternal and standing were recorded. Blood samples were collected for guaifenesin assay at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min, and 2, 3, 4 and 6 h after guaifenesin administration. Serum was analysed for guaifenesin using HPLC and pharmacokinetic values were calculated using a computer software package (RSTRIP). In donkeys, heart and respiratory rates and blood pressures were recorded before and at 5-min intervals during recumbency. Arterial blood samples were collected before and at 5 and 15 min intervals during recumbency for analysis of pH, CO₂, and O₂. anova was used to evaluate dynamic data, while t -tests were used for kinetic values.
Respiratory rate was decreased significantly during recumbency, but no other significant changes from baseline occurred. The mean (±SD) recumbency dose of guaifenesin was 131 mg/kg (27) for donkeys and 211 mg/kg (8) for horses. Recovery time to sternal (min) was 15 (SD, 11) for donkeys and 34 (SD, 1.4) for horses. Time to standing was 32 min for donkeys and 36 min for horses. Calculation of AUC (area under the concentration–time curve) (μg.h/mL) (dose-dependent variable) was 231 (SD, 33) for donkeys and 688 (SD, 110) for horses. The clearance ( CL ) (mL/h.kg) was 546 (SD, 73) for donkeys, which was significantly different from 313 (SD, 62) for horses. Mean residence time ( MRT ) (h) was 1.2 (SD, 0.1) for donkeys and 2.6 (SD, 0.5) for horses. Volume of distribution V _d(area) (mL/kg) was 678 (SD, 92) for donkeys and 794 (SD, 25) for horses. At the rate of administration used in this study, donkeys required less guaifenesin than horses to produce recumbency, but cleared it more rapidly.     

Influence of the stage of ripeness on phenolic metabolism and antioxidant activity in table grapes exposed to different CO2 treatments

We have analyzed the influence of the stage of ripeness on L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene expression, accumulation of anthocyanins and total phenolics, and on antioxidant activity in the skin of table grapes treated with 20% CO₂ + 20% O₂ + 60 % N₂ for 3 or 6 d at low temperature (0 °C). The residual effect of high CO₂ treatment after transfer to air was also studied. In early harvested grapes, neither the anthocyanin content nor the accumulation of VcPAL mRNA was affected by any of the CO₂ treatments applied. However, in late harvested grapes, the duration of high CO₂ treatment determined its effect and a 6 d treatment with CO₂ sustained higher levels of total phenolics and anthocyanin accumulation, and VcPAL expression than observed in untreated late harvested grapes. The increased antioxidant capacity was correlated with the total amount of phenolics and anthocyanins. Conversely, in grapes treated for 3 d with CO₂ the phenylpropanoid pathway did not appear to be induced and a relationship between antioxidant activity and anthocyanins was not observed. Thus, further studies are needed to identify the most important antioxidants in these treated fruit.