The toxic effects of Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)isocyanurate(TBC)on genes expression of bmp2b and bmp4 of zebrafish embryos

We exposed zebrafish embryos to Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)isocyanurate(TBC) at the concentration of 20 ppb, 100 ppb, 400 ppb,1000ppb for 120 h and 0.1%DMSO was set as the control group. Bmp2 b and bmp4 were chosen perform RT-PCR to determine their genes expression level. The results showed that, TBC influenced their genes expression level in some extent and it significantly raised the genes expression level at the concentration of 20 ppb.     

Effects of latex from "Amapazeiro"Parahancornia amapa (Apocynaceae) on blowfly Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) post-embryonic development

Nowadays, insect control is usually carried out using chemical insecticides, but insect resistance and other negative side effects have prompted the search for alternatives. Biopesticides provide a positive alternative to synthetic pesticides because they have low impact on the environmental, low toxicity to humans and low costs among other advantages. This research was carried out to evaluate the activity of Parahancornia amapa (Huber) Ducke (Apocynaceae) lyophilized latex on the post embryonic development of Chrysomya megacephala (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Larvae treated with 1.0% latex showed a shorter post embryonic development period (larval, pupal and newly hatched larvae to adult); whereas larvae treated with 3.0% latex provoked a prolongation of these periods. Viability (53%) was also very low at the newly hatched larvae to adult period for larvae treated with 3.0% latex, indicating that latex from P. amapa at high concentrations could change C. megacephala post embryonic development.     

Immunotherapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum (L) in bovine subclinical mastitis

Immunotherapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) leaf in bovine sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was investigated. Somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), milk differential leukocyte count (DLC), phagocytic activity and Phagocytic index and leukocyte lysosomal enzymes like myeloperoxidase and acid phosphatase content were evaluated after intramammary infusion of aqueous leaf extract of O. sanctum. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of O. sanctum treatment reduced the TBC and increased neutrophil and lymphocyte counts with enhanced phagocytic activity and phagocytic index. Similarly, the lysosomal enzymes contents of the milk polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) were also enhanced significantly in animals treated with the extract. The results suggest that the crude aqueous extract of O. sanctum (leaf) possesses some biologically active principles that are antibacterial and immunomodulatory in nature. As such, the present wok substantiates the therapeutic use of medicinal herb and also emphasizes on the potential of the commonly available non-toxic substances to enhance the mammary immunity.     

Direct embryotoxicity of chromium (III) exposure during preimplantation development

Chromium in its trivalent form (chromium (III)) is an essential component of a balanced diet, and its deficiency disturbs glucose and lipid metabolism in humans and animals. The prevailing view is that chromium (III) is notably less toxic than chromium (VI), which is genotoxic and carcinogenic. Thus, the biotransformation of environmental chromium (VI) to chromium (III) is a promising and environmentally friendly detoxification method. However, increasing evidence suggests that chromium (III) induces considerable cytotoxicity. However, the toxicity of chromium (III) to early embryos remains largely unknown. In the present study, we used in vitro fertilization (IVF) to produce mouse embryos and identified the direct embryotoxicity of chromium (III). On exposure to high concentrations of CrCl₃, blastocyst formation almost completely failed and a large proportion of embryos were arrested at the 2- to 4-cell stage. At low concentrations of CrCl₃, IVF embryos showed a significant decrease in blastocyst formation, reduced total cell numbers, aberrant lineage differentiation, increased oxidative stress, and apoptosis. We also found that chromium (III) exposure during the preimplantation stage, even at low concentrations, led to impaired post-implantation development. Thus, our study substantiates the direct embryotoxicity of chromium (III) during preimplantation development and prolonged impairment of development potential. The results further highlight the potential adverse effects of chromium (III) on public reproductive health with respect to increased environmental enrichment of and dietary supplementation with chromium (III) complexes.     

Ultrastructure of goat testes: tubulobulbar complexes between spermatids and Sertoli cells

The fine structure of tubulobulbar complex (TBC) of goat seminiferous epithelium was studied using testicular samples fixed by perfusion. During the maturation phase of the spermatid, the TBC appeared on the periphery of the head before spermiation, dorsal and ventral parts of the head, both sides of the acrosome and on the postnuclear sheath region. At an early stage of the development of the TBC, a partial loss of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the ectoplasmic specialization of a neighboring Sertoli cell was observed; filament bundles disappeared and a small fragmented smooth endoplasmic reticulum was left. Subsequently, a spermatid vesicle (coated vesicle) expanded to be in contact with the Sertoli cytoplasm by a small channel. These tubular projections extended to form a bulbous balloon-like structure forming sometimes a bi-balloon appearance, until torn off from the spermatid into the Sertoli cytoplasm and probably digested by the Sertoli cell. The significance of this structural development was morphologically discussed.     

Blood lead levels of wild Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) and black scoters (Melanitta nigra) in Alaska using a portable blood lead analyzer.

Sea duck populations are declining in Alaska. The reasons for the decline are not known; environmental lead exposure is one suspected cause. Thirty wild Steller's eider ducks (Polysticta stelleri) and 40 wild black scoter ducks (Melanitta nigra) were tested for blood lead levels using a portable blood lead analyzer (LeadCare; ESA, Inc., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824, USA). Sixty-seven and one-tenth percent of the sea ducks had undetectable blood lead levels, 30.0% had values indicating normal or background lead exposure, and 2.9% had values indicating lead exposure. None of the birds had values indicating lead toxicity, and no birds demonstrated clinical signs of toxicity. Birds in areas with higher human population density had higher blood lead levels than those in less densely populated areas. This is the first time a portable blood lead analyzer has been utilized with sea ducks in a field setting. Because it provides immediate results, it is valuable as a screening tool for investigators carrying out surgical procedures on birds in the field as well as establishing baseline blood lead data on sea ducks. Lead exposure does occur in wild sea ducks, and the study indicates that additional research is needed in order to determine the role environmental lead plays in declining sea duck populations.     

杀虫剂蚊蝇醚对家蚕的毒性评价

蚊蝇醚属于昆虫生长调节剂类新型杀虫剂,具有广谱、高效、低毒等特点。为明确蚊蝇醚应用于农业害虫防治可能造成的环境污染是否对家蚕产生慢性毒性,采用食下毒叶法研究蚊蝇醚对家蚕生长发育的影响。结果表明:蚊蝇醚对家蚕2龄幼虫的急性毒性较小,96 h的LC50值大于1 000 mg/L,幼虫急性中毒症状主要表现为吐液、头胸部肿大以及身体扭曲呈"S"形等;蚊蝇醚对家蚕2龄幼虫的慢性毒性较大,对幼虫的生长发育具有显著影响,主要表现为体色变黄、不食不动、生长缓慢;添食75～1 000 mg/L蚊蝇醚药液处理的桑叶,均可导致幼虫龄期延长,眠期体质量增加,发育不齐,最终无法正常结茧、化蛹。依据试验结果认为:蚊蝇醚对家蚕的毒性缓慢而持久,在推广应用于防治农业害虫时应远离桑园。     

Farm management factors associated with bulk tank total bacterial count in Irish dairy herds during 2006/07

Research has shown that total bacterial count (TBC), which is the bacterial growth per ml of milk over a fixed period of time, can be decreased by good hygiene and farm management practices. The objective of the current study was to quantify the associations between herd management factors and bulk tank TBC in Irish spring calving, grass-based dairy herds. The relationship between bulk tank TBC and farm management and infrastructure was examined using data from 400 randomly selected Irish dairy farms where the basal diet was grazed grass. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC were identified using linear models with herd annual total bacterial score (i.e., arithmetic mean of the natural logarithm of bulk tank TBC) included as the dependent variable. All herd management factors were individually analysed in a separate regression model, that included an adjustment for geographical location of the farm. A multiple stepwise regression model was subsequently developed. Median bulk tank TBC for the sample herds was 18,483 cells/ml ranging from 10,441 to 130,458 cells/ml. Results from the multivariate analysis indicated that the following management practices were associated with low TBC; use of heated water in the milking parlour; participation in a milk recording scheme; and tail clipping of cows at a frequency greater than once per year. Increased level of hygiene of the parlour and cubicles were also associated with lower TBC. Herd management factors associated with bulk tank TBC in Irish grazing herds were generally in agreement with most previous studies from confinement systems of milk production.     

牛奶质量安全主要风险因子分析Ⅶ.体细胞数和菌落总数

体细胞数和菌落总数是衡量奶牛乳房健康状况和乳品质量的一项重要指标。作者对主要国家牛乳中体细胞数和菌落总数的限量进行了比较,分析了中国与主要国家限量的异同及原因,介绍了体细胞数和菌落总数的检测方法,对体细胞数的变化规律、风险评估进行综合分析阐述。     

A selectin inhibitor decreases neutrophil infiltration during acute Mannheimia haemolytica pneumonia

The degree to which the selectin inhibitor TBC1269 reduces neutrophil infiltration in specific microscopic locations of the lung during acute pneumonia of neonates was determined. Neonatal calves were inoculated intrabronchially with Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica or saline, and lung tissue was collected at 2 and 6 hours postinoculation (PI). One 6-hour group inoculated with M. haemolytica received TBC1269 intravenously before and after inoculation with M. haemolytica. Infiltrates of neutrophils were significantly higher in the alveolar lumen and septae but lower in the bronchial lumen and epithelium at 6 hours PI than at 2 hours PI. Significantly fewer neutrophils (P < 0.05) were present in the alveolar lumen and septae, and the bronchiolar lumen and lamina propria in the lungs of TBC1269-treated calves compared with untreated calves at 6 hours PI. TBC1269 did not alter the infiltration into bronchi and blood vessels or the expression of the selectin-independent adhesion molecule, ICAM-1. This work suggests that during acute pneumonia of neonates 1) neutrophil infiltrates progressively increase in the alveolar lumens and septae but decrease in the bronchial lumen and epithelium with time, 2) TBC1269 reduces neutrophil infiltration into specific regions of alveoli and bronchioles rather than uniformly throughout the lung, and 3) selectin inhibition does not affect the location and intensity of ICAM-1 expression.     

毒死蜱对家蚕的急性毒性研究

在室内不同条件下进行了桑园杀虫剂毒死蜱对家蚕的急性毒性试验,结果表明:毒死蜱对2~5龄家蚕幼虫的摄入LC50值(48 h,25℃)分别为1.11、1.73、3.48与4.12 mg/L;在20、25、30、35℃下,毒死蜱对3龄家蚕的LC50值(48 h)分别为1.70、1.80、0.49与0.40 mg/L;桑叶浸药时间为1 s、10 s、1 m in、10 m in与1 h时,毒死蜱对4龄家蚕幼虫的LC50值(48 h,25℃)分别为5.55、3.64、3.15、2.12与1.54 mg/L;家蚕幼虫在毒死蜱药膜上爬行1、10、30与60 m in后,毒死蜱对3龄家蚕的接触LD50值(48 h,25℃)分别为3.59、0.28、0.20、0.12μg/cm2。     

高粱-苏丹草杂交种研究与利用前景

高粱、苏丹草杂种优势非常明显，杂交种产量高、品质好、抗逆性强、具有较好的适应性、在畜牧、水产养殖业及资源利用与环境保护上有着广阔的开发利用前景，大力发展高粱－苏丹草杂交种生产顺序经济发展大趋势，对21世纪我国农业的可持续发展具有深远的意义。     

重组蓖麻毒素A链表达及其与天然蓖麻毒素毒性比较研究

本试验旨在制备有高生物活性的重组蓖麻毒素A链(r-RTA)并与天然蓖麻毒素(n-RT)进行毒性比较.根据NCBI公布的RTA序列合成基因片段,并将其克隆于pET-28a载体后,利用大肠杆菌进行原核表达,镍柱亲和层析纯化上清,500 mmol/L咪唑溶液洗脱获得可溶性r-RTA蛋白,通过SDS-PAGE及Western blotting对其进行鉴定并用ELISA测定其免疫原性后,对r-RTA与n-RT进行动物和细胞试验毒性比较研究.结果显示,该r-RTA在上清中表达率为31.2%;每升细菌培养物纯化后可得20 mg目的蛋白,纯度≥90%,大小为32 ku.其免疫原性约为n-RT的1.27倍;通过获取的n-RT细胞半抑制浓度(IC₅₀为0.01 μg/mL)及动物半数致死量(LD₅₀为(3.27±0.44) μg/kg),以相同浓度进行细胞感染和动物攻毒试验,结果显示,同等剂量下,在细胞试验中,n-RT毒力是r-RTA的2 700倍;在动物试验中,n-RT组对动物致死率为40%,r-RTA组动物无死亡.结果表明,单独RTA,在没有RTB协助下,具有一定的毒性作用,但毒力将显著降低.该结果将为开发基于RTA的蓖麻毒素疫苗提供重要数据和理论支撑.     

Comparison of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from Mannheimia haemolytica-inoculated calves with and without prior treatment with the selectin inhibitor TBC1269

OBJECTIVES: To determine effects of selectin inhibitor TBC1269 on neutrophil infiltration, and neutrophil-associated injury during pneumonia induced by Mannheimia haemolytica and concentration of antimicrobial anionic peptide (AAP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as antimicrobial activity of BALF from healthy (control) neonatal calves, neonatal calves with M haemolytica-induced pneumonia, neonatal calves with prior treatment with TBC1269, and adult cattle. ANIMALS: Eighteen 1- to 3-day-old calves and 9 adult cattle. PROCEDURE: Calves were inoculated with M haemolytica or pyrogen-free saline (0.14M NaCl) solution into the right cranial lung lobe, and BALF was collected 2 or 6 hours after inoculation. Thirty minutes before and 2 hours after inoculation, 4 calves received TBC1269. The BALF collected from 9 adult cattle was used for comparison of BALF AAP concentration and antimicrobial activity. Protein concentration and neutrophil differential percentage and degeneration in BALF were determined. An ELISA and killing assay were used to determine BALF AAP concentration and antimicrobial activity, respectively. RESULTS: Total protein concentration was significantly decreased in BALF from calves receiving TBC1269. Similar concentrations of AAP were detected in BALF from all calves, which were 3-fold higher than those in BALF from adult cattle. However, BALF from neonates had little or no anti-M haemolytica activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results suggest that TBC1269 decreases pulmonary tissue injury in neonatal calves infected with M haemolytica. Although AAP is detectable in neonatal BALF at 3 times the concentration detected in adult BALF, neonatal BALF lacks antimicrobial activity for M haemolytica.     

微量菊酯类农药对家蚕毒性的调查初报

本文初步调查了微量菊酯类农药对家蚕的毒性，发现低剂量（10ng/L)的菊酯类农药连续添食家蚕可影响家蚕的生产发育和茧质。     

Effect of farm characteristics and practices on hygienic quality of ovine raw milk used for artisan cheese production in central Italy

A survey on ovine dairy farms directly transforming own‐produced milk, in the Italian Marche region, was carried out to assess flock and milking practices that may influence milk hygienic‐sanitary conditions. A census survey established that 24 dairy farms were located in this region. Bulk milk samples were collected throughout the milking period in each dairy farm in 2013. Analyzed variables were: (i) chemical parameters such as fat, protein and lactose content, dry matter and pH; and (ii) total bacterial (TBC) and somatic cell counts (SCC). Chemical parameter values were in agreement with published data while, geometric mean (GM) log₁₀ SCC was 5.91 and TBC GM was 57 978 colony forming units/mL, in compliance with Eropean Union criteria. A positive correlation was found between SCC and TBC when GMs of all farm data were considered (Spearman's rho = 0.7925; P = 0.0001). Statistical analysis did not show significant correlation between SCC or TBC GM and dairy farm principal characteristics. Although SCC levels detected in the present study should suggest the need to implement mastitis control programs, Marche's dairy sheep flocks revealed a good hygienic condition level. This is an important aspect in implementing safety for end users of the final product.     

CCNU (lomustine) toxicity in dogs: a retrospective study (2002-07)

Objective To describe the incidence of haematological, renal, hepatic and gastrointestinal toxicities in tumour‐bearing dogs receiving 1‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐3‐cyclohexyl‐1‐nitrosourea (CCNU). Design The medical records of 206 dogs that were treated with CCNU at the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre between February 2002 and December 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Of the 206 dogs treated with CCNU, 185 met the inclusion criteria for at least one class of toxicity. CCNU was used most commonly in the treatment of lymphoma, mast cell tumour, brain tumour, histiocytic tumours and epitheliotropic lymphoma. Throughout treatment, 56.9% of dogs experienced neutropenia, 34.2% experienced anaemia and 14.2% experienced thrombocytopenia. Gastrointestinal toxicosis was detected in 37.8% of dogs, the most common sign of which was vomiting (24.3%). Potential renal toxicity and elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration were reported in 12.2% and 48.8% of dogs, respectively. The incidence of hepatic failure was 1.2%. Conclusions CCNU‐associated toxicity in dogs is common, but is usually not life threatening.     

Evaluation of the hygienic quality and associated public health hazards of raw milk marketed by smallholder dairy producers in the Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine three parameters of the quality of the raw milk marketed by milk selling points (MSPs) in Dar es Salaam region. Total bacterial count (TBC) was used as an indicator of the microbial quality of the milk; antimicrobial residues were determined; and the California mastitis test (CMT) was used to screen for milk somatic cells as an indication of the mastitis level in the cows that provided the milk. Moreover, a water sample at each MSP was taken for bacteriological culturing. Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted with the milk sellers at the MSPs to identify risk factors for poor milk hygiene. A total of 128 milk samples and corresponding water samples were collected from randomly selected milk selling points in Dar es Salaam region. The mean TBC was (8.2± 1.9) × 10⁶ cfu/ml, and major bacterial isolates from the milk samples were Escherichia coli (6.3%), Bacillus cereus (6.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.3%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (6.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes (5.6%) and Enterococcus faecalis (4.7%). In most cases, the organisms identified in milk corresponded to those isolated from the corresponding water samples. Of milk samples, 79.0% were positive to the CMT and 7.0% were positive for antimicrobial residues. TBC was normalized by log-transformation, and the possible predictors of TBC were identified by fitting two linear regression models. In a random effect model, water microbial quality, frequency of cleaning the milk containers, frequency of milk supply, milk storage time and the type of containers, and mixing of fresh and previous milk were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the mean log TBC. In a fixed effect model, in addition to these indicators, water shortage, water source and the refrigerator condition were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) associated with log TBC. It was concluded that the milk sold in Dar es Salaam region is of poor quality and is of public health significance.     

Sertoli Cell - Spermatid Tubulobulbar Complexes in the Ram

The fine structure of the tubulobulbar complex (TBC) of the ram seminiferous epithelium was studied in immersion-fixed testicular samples obtained in autumn (sheep's mating period). The TBC was visible during the last two stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. It originated as a tubular invagination of the Sertoli cytoplasm harbouring a complementary evagination from the spermatid head. Later, it expanded into a bulbous structure, finally becoming detached from the spermatid and apparently phagocytosed by the Sertoli cell. The significance of this transient structure is discussed and compared with previous reports for other eutherian mammals.