Distribution of porcine monocytes in different lymphoid tissues and the lungs during experimental Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection and the role of chemokines

Monocytes play an essential role in the defense against bacterial pathogens. Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) monocytes in pigs consist of the main “steady-state” subpopulations: CD14^hi/CD163^-/SLA-DR^- and CD14^low/CD163⁺/SLA-DR⁺. During inflammation, the subpopulation of “inflammatory” monocytes expressing very high levels of CD163, but lacking the SLA-DR molecule (being CD14^low/CD163⁺/SLA-DR^-) appears in the BM and PB and replaces the CD14^low/CD163⁺/SLA-DR⁺ subpopulation. However, current knowledge of monocyte migration into inflamed tissues in pigs is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of “inflammatory” CD14^low/CD163⁺/SLA-DR^- monocytes during experimental inflammation induced by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) and a possible role for chemokines in attracting “inflammatory” CD14^low/CD163⁺/SLA-DR^- monocytes into the tissues. Monocyte subpopulations were detected by flow cytometry. Chemokines and chemokine receptors were detected by RT-qPCR. The “steady-state” monocytes were found in the BM, PB, spleen and lungs of control pigs. After APP-infection, “inflammatory” monocytes replaced the “steady-state” subpopulation in BM, PB, spleen and moreover, they appeared in an unaffected area, demarcation zone and necrotic area of the lungs and in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. They did not appear in mesenteric lymph nodes. Levels of mRNA for various chemokines with their appropriate receptors were found to be elevated in BM (CCL3-CCR1/CCR5, CCL8-CCR2/CCR5, CCL19-CCR7), necrotic area of the lungs (CCL3-CCR1, CCL5-CCR1/CCR3, CCL11-CCR3, CCL22/CCR4) and tracheobronchial lymph nodes (CCL3-CCR1) and therefore they could play a role in attracting monocytes into inflamed tissues. In conclusion, “inflammatory” monocytes appear in different lymphoid tissues and the lungs after APP infection in pigs. Various chemokines could drive this process.     

Large-scale genetic structure and drought-induced effects on European Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings

Seedlings of ten provenances of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from the southwestern to the central part of the species distribution range were investigated in a greenhouse experiment under dry conditions compared to a well-watered control. We conducted an isozyme study and recorded phenology as well as growth traits during the first year of growth. Genetic variability and genetic diversity increased from the westernmost provenances to those central to the distribution. Provenances from the Apennines and Spain revealed the strongest genetic differentiation compared to all others, whereas populations from Germany, Poland and Bulgaria were found to belong to the same gene pool. Seedling development and bud set were faster in northern populations. Shoot length was highest for Polish and German provenances within both regimes, populations from France and Spain had the longest roots. Reduced soil moisture slowed later development stages and delayed bud set for all provenances by about 5 days. Shoot growth decreased considerably under the dry regime for all provenances. German provenances were the most sensitive to drought, whereas Spanish provenances showed adaptation to drought conditions indicated by the lowest reduction in shoot growth relative to optimum conditions. The results of this pilot study show that under more pronounced drought conditions with repeated drought events, the so far established superiority of northeastern provenances compared to southwestern ones could diminish in the future.     

A Novel Pair of HMW Glutenin Subunits from Aegilops searsii Improves Quality of Hexaploid Wheat

This study involved screening of wild species of wheat in search of functionally useful seed storage proteins for improvement of breadmaking quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum). After screening of 177 disomic addition lines (DALs) of wheat belonging to different wild species, Aegilops searsii DALs were selected and studied in detail. These DALs of Ae. searsii were from chromosome 1S^s to 7S^s in the background of cultivated wheat cv. Chinese Spring (CS). By analyzing these addition lines, genetic loci of actively expressed genes for the high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and gliadin were found on the chromosome 1S^s for the first time and have been designated as Glu‐S^s1 and Gli‐S^s1, respectively. Disomic addition line of chromosome 1S^s (DAL1S^s) showed improved dough strength in different generations compared with CS. SDS sedimentation value and specific sedimentation of DAL1S^s were higher than CS. Mixograph peak height and band width were higher, with no difference in mixing peak time from CS. All these factors indicate a positive effect of quantity as well as quality of gluten proteins of Ae. searsii. This was further supported by increased polymer formation in DAL1S^s because the ratio of unextractable polymeric protein to total polymeric protein (UPP/TPP%) of DAL1S^s was significantly higher than CS. Genes for HMW‐GS (major determinant of end‐product quality in wheat) of Ae. searsii were cloned and sequenced from the DAL1S^s. Phylogenetic analysis of deduced amino acid sequences showed that both x and y HMW‐GS were more similar to that of D genome rather than B genome of wheat. Although S genome is structurally more similar to B genome of wheat, functionally it is more similar to the D genome of wheat and possesses good quality HMW‐GS required for improvement of breadmaking quality of wheat.     

Evaluation of the key aroma compounds in beef and pork vegetable gravies a la chef by stable isotope dilution assays and aroma recombination experiments

Although the aroma compounds of meat processed as such have been studied previously, data on complete homemade dishes containing beef and pork meat were scarcely studied. Recently, 38 odor-active compounds were characterized in beef and pork vegetable gravies using GC-olfactometry. In the present investigation, the most odor-active compounds were quantitated in a freshly prepared stewed beef vegetable gravy (BVG) as well as a stewed pork vegetable gravy (PVG) by means of stable isotope dilution assays. Calculation of odor activity values (OAVs; ratio of concentration to odor threshold) revealed 3-mercapto-2-methylpentan-1-ol, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-undecanal, and 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone as the most potent odorants in both gravies. However, significantly different OAVs were found for 12-methyltridecanal, which was much higher in the BVG, whereas (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal showed a clearly higher OAV in the PVG. Aroma recombination experiments performed on the basis of the actual concentrations of the odorants in both gravies revealed a good similarity of the aromas of both model mixtures containing all odorants with OAVs > 1 with those of the original gravies.     

Production of carbon fibers modified with ceramic powders for medical applications

Carbon fibers and precursor polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres that contain either silica or hydroxyapatite particles, imbedded during the spinning process, were studied in this paper. The modified PAN fibers were thermally stabilized using a multi-stage process in the temperature range between 150 to 280 °C in an oxidative environment. Subsequent carbonization leading to obtain carbon fibers was carried on at 1000 °C in an argon atmosphere. The changes of properties of composite precursor fibers taking place during stabilization and carbonization processes were investigated by the combination of Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and ultrasonic methods. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, static Young’s modulus, elongation at fracture were analyzed at each stage of thermal stabilization process. Additionally some traditional measurements like fiber diameter and mass were studied. Ceramic powders added to the spinning solution were present also in composites fibers after stabilization and carbonization process. Such modification allows to avoid the post-treatment operations, for example by coating or covering with films, which were usually necessary in order to obtain bioactive character of implants. Modification of carbon fibers using calcium phosphate or silica can lead to the development of a new materials for the manufacturing of implants which can establish direct chemical bonds with bone tissue after implantation.     

Gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma in a dog

A 15-month-old dachshund was presented for examination because of a cough. Thoracic radiographs revealed the presence of a mass in the upper mediastinum. A diagnosis of γδ T-cell lymphoma was made by biopsy and flow cytometry analysis. The dog was treated with chemotherapy and remains asymptomatic after 24 months.