Human GM-CSF: molecular cloning of the complementary DNA and purification of the natural and recombinant proteins

Clones of complementary DNA encoding the human lymphokine known as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were isolated by means of a mammalian cell (monkey COS cell) expression screening system. One of these clones was used to produce recombinant GM-CSF in mammalian cells. The recombinant hematopoietin was similar to the natural product that was purified to apparent homogeneity from medium conditioned by a human T-cell line. The human T-cell GM-CSF was found to be 60 percent homologous with the GM-CSF recently cloned from murine lung messenger RNA.     

Occurrence of reproductive disorders in pig herds with and without Chlamydia suis infection – statistical analysis of breeding parameters

Chlamydiae are frequently encountered Gram‐negative intracellular eubacteria that can cause clear manifestations or clinically asymptomatic disorders. C. suis and other chlamydia are primarily isolated in cases of reproductive disorders. This study was performed to estimate the impact of Chlamydia suis infection on reproduction in sows by analyzing reproduction rates and breeding parameters. The test was conducted on first generation (F1) pigs from Polish Landrace (PL) × Polish Large White (PLW). Sixty‐four herds were investigated and 500 vaginal swabs were collected. Isolation of DNA was carried out directly from the swabs. All samples were analyzed for Chlamydia suis by real‐time PCR with a locked nucleic acid (LNA)‐containing probe. To analyze the impact of chlamydia infection on reproductive parameters, evaluation questionnaires were used. Reproductive problems were found in 77.3% of the farms tested. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that in the farms with 10 up to 120 sows, there were higher reproductive problems with chlamydia infection than in smaller and bigger pig farms. The most common problems were estrus repetition, which was reported by 57.81% of the surveyed farms, and the birth of dead piglets, which was reported by 31.25% of the investigated pig farms. Abortions, which were reported by 28.12% of the surveyed farms, were the least common reproductive disorders.     

Dirofilaria repens—An etiological factor or an incidental finding in cytologic and histopathologic biopsies from dogs

Dirofilaria repens is an endemic, zoonotic parasite of carnivores, causing subcutaneous dirofilariasis, which is mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to describe 22 cases of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis. The cytologic and histopathologic samples were collected from dogs, which presented with various clinical signs such as cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules, hydropericardium, ascites, and lymphadenomegaly. The cytologic or histopathologic examination revealed purulent, pyogranulomatous, granulomatous or eosinophilic dermatitis/panniculitis, and the presence of D repens microfilariae or adults. The microfilariae or adults were also found incidentally in neoplastic cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors and in a sialocele. For the first time, microfilariae were also detected and described in pericardial and abdominal effusions and in enlarged reactive lymph nodes. Although it is well known that D repens can cause dermatitis and panniculitis in dogs, no previous reports of D repens microfilariae in body cavity fluids were found. The role of this parasite in the accumulation of body cavity fluid or in reactive lymphadenomegaly requires further investigation. Due to its zoonotic potential, and apparently underestimated pathogenicity, each case of canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis should be treated.     

Physicochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Activity of Bee Honey Enriched With Herbs

Three groups of products enriched with herbs were studied: (1) commercial herb honeys (n?=?5) produced by bees fed a syrup with an herbal extract, (2) natural herbal honey (n?=?3) produced by bees from the nectar of herbs, and (3) creamed multifloral honey with added dried herbs (n?=?5). As a control, multifloral honey (n?=?5) was used. The physicochemical parameters (i.e., sugar extract, water content, specific rotation, conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, pH and acidity), sugar profiles (HPLC analysis), antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds content of the studied samples were compared. Although great diversity in the basic properties of the studied products was observed, they were comparable to multifloral honey and complied with honey regulations. Significant differences in sugar composition were observed, and adversely positive rotation (excluding nettle herb honey) was detected in group 1, likely resulting from the change in bee feeding. The best antioxidant activity for creamed honeys with dried herbs (group 2) was investigated, whereas herb honeys (group 1) exhibited similar antioxidant properties as multifloral honey. The use of controlled feeding of bees appears to be an effective method of enriching honey with desirable plant bioactive components to create innovative bee products.     

Does Toxoplasma gondii infection affect cognitive function? A case control study

According to studies, latent Toxoplasma gondii infection may affect several functions of the human brain. Here we search for the association between latent toxoplasmosis and cognitive performance. We tested 70 individuals for latent T. gondii infection. There were 26 Toxoplasma-infected subjects and 44 Toxoplasma-free subjects. Within these two groups we assessed cognitive performance using a set of standardized, widely recognized neuropsychological tests: Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Digit Span Test and N-back test. The relationship between chronic toxoplasmosis and cognitive performance was assessed, with adjustment for age and sex. Patients with latent toxoplasmosis performed worse on one neuropsychological test, N-back Test--percentage of correct answers (beta -8.08; 95% CI - 15.64 to -0.53; p < 0.05) compared to seronegative patients. However, after adjustment for age and sex, no statistically significant associations between latent toxoplasmosis and the scores on any cognitive tests were noticed. As statistically significant relationship was not observed, this study does not confirm that chronic latent T. gondii infection affects cognition.     

Synthesis and herbicidal activity of isoxazole-substituted 1-aminoethylphosphonates and 1-hydroxyethylphosphonates

Isoxazole-substituted 1-aminoethyl- and 1-hydroxyethyiphosphonates were synthesized by a multi-step procedure and were screened for herbicidal activity against Lepidium sativum L. and Cucumis sativus L. All the synthesized compounds exhibited notable herbicidal activity.     

Detection and characterization of potentially zoonotic viruses in faeces of pigs at slaughter in Germany

Pigs can harbour a variety of viruses in their gastrointestinal tract. Some of them are closely related to human viruses and are therefore suspected to have a zoonotic potential. Only little is known about the presence of those viruses in pigs at slaughter. However, by contamination of meat with zoonotic viruses during the slaughtering process, food-borne transmission to humans may be possible. Here we analyzed 120 faecal samples of pigs at slaughter from 3 different geographical regions of Germany for the presence of astrovirus (AstV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII) and group A rotavirus (GARV). Using real-time RT-PCR, the most frequently detected virus was AstV, which was present in 20.8% of the samples, followed by NoV GII with a detection rate of 14.2%. EMCV, HEV and GARV were found only occasionally with detection rates of 4.2%, 2.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Analyses of partial genome sequences of the viruses indicated that the detected AstV and NoV GII mainly represented typical pig virus strains, which have not been detected in humans so far. However, the GARV and HEV strains were more closely related to human strains. The results indicate that enteric viruses, some of them with zoonotic potential, are present in pig faeces at slaughter. Application of good hygiene practice is necessary to minimize the risk of introducing these viruses into the food and to prevent virus transmission to highly exposed persons such as slaughterers and veterinarians.     

Optimal isotherm model and explanatory characteristics associated with metal ion adsorption on humic acids isolated from forest soils

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Understanding the mechanisms of interaction between humic acids (HAs) and metal ions in soil media is essential for integrated environmental and agricultural...