Usefulness of Stress Indicators in Forecasting Population Trends in Microtus arvalis (Pallas)1

The appearance of a stress condition in Microtus arvalis (Pallas) populations was established on the basis of histochemical analyses and correlated with population dynamics. It was found that stress appears only during invasions, i.e. when crop damage has already occurred. Commonly, the population crash occurs 30 to 50 days after the appearance of stress. It is concluded that stress indices can neither be used for warnings nor for long-term forecasts of outbreaks.     

Impact of silicon-based quantum dots on the antioxidative system in white muscle of Carassius auratus gibelio

Silicon-based quantum dots were intraperitoneally injected in individuals of Carassius auratus gibelio. Their effects on white muscle were investigated by following their distribution and impact on the antioxidative system. The GSH level significantly increased after 1 and 3?days of exposure by, respectively, 85.3 and 25.4%. Seven days later, GSH levels were similar to control concentrations. MDA concentration rose after three days by 46.9% and remained at the same level after 7?days. Protein thiol levels significantly decreased by 6.7 and 8.1% after 3 and 7?days, whereas advanced oxidation protein products increased by 12.7, respectively, 28.1% in the same time intervals. The protein reactive carbonyl groups were raised only after the first day of exposure and returned to the control level later on. SOD specific activity increased up to 48% after 7?days, while CAT activity increased by 328, 176, and 26% after 1, 3, and 7?days of treatment. GST specific activity was up-regulated by 87, 18, and 9%, while GR activity increased by 68, 34, and 9%. G6PD activity was up-regulated by 12, 22, and 50%, whereas GPx activity raised by 75 and 109% compared to control after, respectively, 1, 3, and 7?days. Our results suggest that oxidative stress induced by silicon-based quantum dots was not strong enough to cause permanent damage in the white muscle of crucian carp.     

The Genome sequence of the SARS-associated coronavirus

We sequenced the 29,751-base genome of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus known as the Tor2 isolate. The genome sequence reveals that this coronavirus is only moderately related to other known coronaviruses, including two human coronaviruses, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted viral proteins indicates that the virus does not closely resemble any of the three previously known groups of coronaviruses. The genome sequence will aid in the diagnosis of SARS virus infection in humans and potential animal hosts (using polymerase chain reaction and immunological tests), in the development of antivirals (including neutralizing antibodies), and in the identification of putative epitopes for vaccine development.     

An investigation of accelerated temperature-induced ageing of four wood species: colour and FTIR

The study investigated and compared the behaviour of four wood species, originating from Europe and China, in terms of temperature-induced artificial ageing. It was conducted at 100 °C for a total period of 288 h. Ageing effects were evaluated by colour measurements in the CIE Lab system and by FTIR analysis. Colour changes were then related to chemical changes in the wood. The investigated wood species were European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), European walnut (Juglans regia), Chinese ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and Chinese walnut (Juglans mandshurica). Colour changes were maximum for European ash and minimum for Chinese ash, while European walnut and Chinese walnut evolved quite similarly. Main chemical changes due to temperature ageing were reduction of hydroxyl groups, increase of the unconjugated carbonyl groups and an apparent slight increase of lignin, more evident for European ash and delayed for European walnut. Formation of aromatic carbonyl conjugated groups as quinoid structures as a result of oxidative reactions was revealed especially for European ash. The different behaviour of the studied wood species may be explained by their different chemical composition, especially hemicelluloses, lignin and extractives content.     

Antioxidant and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of rotenoids, isoflavones and phenolic glycosides from Sarcolobus globosus

From Sarcolobus globosus, two rotenoids (villosinol and 6-oxo-6a,12a-dehydrodeguelin), one isoflavone (genistin) and four phenolic glycosides (vanillic acid 4-O-beta-d-glucoside, glucosyringic acid, tachioside and isotachioside) were identified for the first time from this species. Extracts and compounds from S. globosus were evaluated for their DPPH radical scavenging and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) inhibitory activities. All tested rotenoids were found to inhibit 15-LO, while they lacked DPPH radical scavenging effect.     

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3: an interesting virus for applied and fundamental research

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), a member of the family Alloherpesviridae is the causative agent of a lethal, highly contagious and notifiable disease in common and koi carp. The economic importance of common and koi carp industries together with the rapid spread of CyHV-3 worldwide, explain why this virus became soon after its isolation in the 1990s a subject of applied research. In addition to its economic importance, an increasing number of fundamental studies demonstrated that CyHV-3 is an original and interesting subject for fundamental research. In this review, we summarized recent advances in CyHV-3 research with a special interest for studies related to host-virus interactions.     

An epidemiological and surveillance overview of brucellosis in Romania

This article reports epidemiological investigations on the occurrence of brucellosis in Romania. Like in other former communist countries, data concerning epidemiology of brucellosis and published articles are very few. The epidemiology and control of brucellosis in Romania was analyzed using data made available by the Office International des Epizooties and Veterinary Service of Romania. Romania, like many other developed countries, has eradicated Brucella abortus from cattle since 1969. Brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis has never been reported. The incidence of brucellosis in swine and sheep is very rare but still there are a few outbreaks in some regions. In 2000, the number of cases was 47 in swine and 270 cases in sheep. Vaccination against brucellosis is prohibited in Romania.