Isolation and characterisation of two glucosyltransferases from Glycine max associated with bentazone metabolism

Two glucosyltransferases capable of glucosylating the primary major bentazone metabolite, 6-hydroxybentazone, have been isolated from tolerant soybean (Glycine max (L.) Fiskerby V) tissue. A soluble flavonol glucosyltransferase, whose primary substrate was kaempferol, was isolated from 3-week-old light-grown tissue. This enzyme had a relative molecular mass of 44 600, a pH optimum of 6·3 and Michaelis constants for kaempferol and 6-hydroxybentazone of 0·09 and 2·45 mM respectively. A membrane-bound glucosyltransferase whose primary substrate was the intermediate shikimic acid metabolite, p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, was also isolated from 7-day-old etiolated tissue. This enzyme had a relative molecular mass of 53000 (which could be dissociated to approximately 28000), a pH optimum of 7·5 and Michaelis constants for p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid and 6-hydroxybentazone of 0·11 and 1·96 mM respectively. These results suggest that 6-hydroxybentazone, and possibly many other hydroxylated pesticides, may be further detoxified by several glucosyltransferases with overlapping specificity whose primary role involves the storage of endogenous metabolites.     

Using policy goals to evaluate red wolf reintroduction in eastern North Carolina

Despite being politicized in its early stages, the Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Recovery Program (RWRP) existed for 30 years in eastern North Carolina with little attention paid to finding common ground between policy contestants. We situated our data from 62 key informant interviews within Stone’s (2002) policy goals framework to evaluate red wolf recovery in eastern North Carolina, United States. Four goals underpin U.S. political culture and offer common ground with which to begin negotiation among policy contestants. Our results highlight challenges to achieving one definition prescribing how to treat each policy goal. The future of recovery within the red wolf’s historic range could hinge on decision-makers’ willingness to prioritize policy design over policy tool evaluation, developing a process by which to achieve an agreed-upon set of values underscoring red wolf recovery. This process must reconcile disagreements about what is fair or equitable treatment of landowners and include local-level experiences.     

Interglacial hydroclimate in the tropical West Pacific through the Late Pleistocene

Records of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (P(CO(2))) and Antarctic temperature have revealed an intriguing change in the magnitude of interglacial warmth and P(CO(2)) at around 430,000 years ago (430 ka), but the global climate repercussions of this change remain elusive. Here, we present a stalagmite-based reconstruction of tropical West Pacific hydroclimate from 570 to 210 ka. The results suggest similar regional precipitation amounts across the four interglacials contained in the record, implying that tropical hydroclimate was insensitive to interglacial differences in P(CO(2)) and high-latitude temperature. In contrast, during glacial terminations, drying in the tropical West Pacific accompanied cooling events in northern high latitudes. Therefore, the tropical convective heat engine can either stabilize or amplify global climate change, depending on the nature of the climate forcing.     

Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with cetirizine, a second generation antihistamine: A single-blinded, placebo-controlled study

Cetirizine and placebo were administered orally as individual agents to 23 dogs with atopic dermatitis. The pruritus was satisfactorily reduced in 4/22 (18%) dogs that completed the trial with cetirizine. Two dogs vomited after administration of the active drug.     

Suspected botulism in dairy cows and its implications for the safety of human food

A large outbreak of suspected botulism occurred on a dairy farm. The affected animals were listless and showed signs ranging from hindlimb unsteadiness to lateral recumbency, although the most common presentation was sternal recumbency with an apparent hindlimb weakness when stimulated to rise. Postmortem examinations revealed no conclusive gross pathology or histopathology. The affected cattle were found to have neutrophilia and hyperglycaemia with no other consistent haematological or biochemical abnormalities. The combination of clinical signs, disease epidemiology and the ruling out of other differential diagnoses strongly supported a diagnosis of unconfirmed botulism; however, the source of toxin was not demonstrated. Botulism is a severe disease in human beings and there are uncertainties about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Clostridium botulinum toxins. In such circumstances, a precautionary approach to food safety is essential. Restrictions were placed on the movement of livestock and sale of milk from the farm premises until 14 days after the onset of the last clinical case.     

Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with a commercial homeopathic remedy: a single-blinded,placebo-controlled study

A commercial homeopathic remedy and a placebo were administered orally as individual agents to 18 dogs with atopic dermatitis. The pruritus was reduced by less than 50% in only 2/18 dogs; 1 of these dogs was receiving the homeopathic remedy, the other was receiving the placebo. One dog vomited after administration of the homeopathic remedy.