Measuring fluctuating asymmetry of the terrestrial isopod Trachelipus rathkii (Crustacea: Isopoda, Oniscidea)

Studies on fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in soil invertebrates, particularly in isopods, are almost absent so far. As a result, methodology of measuring FA in isopods is little known. However, the ecological importance of these animals in decomposition processes and the fact that FA in soil invertebrates might serve as an indicator of environmental stress, e.g. soil pollution, make the topic worth for investigation. Our results revealed that woodlice are potentially able to signal environmental stresses via FA. We compared six traits (length of three segments of antennae, two segments of the seventh legs and the number of ocelli) between two populations (Hungary: Hajós, Blaskovics-puszta) and genders of the species Trachelipus rathkii living under different environmental stresses (i.e. changing humidity). Asymmetry was significantly higher in the Hajós population, where the soil moisture has changed dramatically for the last years. Asymmetry was lower in Blaskovics-puszta, where the habitat has remained constant during the last centuries and the population had time to adapt to seasonally changing environments. Gender did not have an effect on FA. Traits differed significantly from each other, thus it is advisable to use several traits simultaneously to detect FA. FA was higher in the a1 segment of the antennal flagellae than in the ischium of the pereiopod and ocelli. We also studied the effect of regeneration of lost body parts on the FA values. Asymmetry in the treated groups was significantly higher than in the control ones. This calls the attention to the problem of outliers, which may be caused by physical harm and can lead to artificial results.     

Site fidelity and along-shore range in Hector's dolphin, an endangered marine dolphin from New Zealand

To document site fidelity and the alongshore range of individual Hector's dolphins we analysed sightings of 32 photographically identified dolphins, each seen ?10 times at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, between 1985 and 1997. The furthest two sightings of an individual were 106 km apart. All other individuals ranged over less than 60 km (x?=31.0 km, SE=2.43) of coastline. Gender did not significantly influence alongshore range (female x?=30.4 km, SE =3.21, n=18; male x?=27.4 km, SE=5.68, n=5). Site fidelity was high: for example, on average, individuals were seen in Akaroa Harbour for about two thirds of the years they were known to be alive. These data suggest that impacts on Hector's dolphins are most appropriately managed on a small spatial scale.     

The decline of fauna in small streams in the Swedish mountain range

Investigations in the southern part of the Scandinavian mountain range have shown a direct correlation between snowpack pH and the lowest pH in small streams. In streams with catchments <100>² a snowpack pH below 4.8 resulted in a stream pH below 5.5. As the snowpack pH in the southern mountain range is 4.0–4.6, lower values to the south and at high altitudes, large areas are affected by acid deposition. The acidity of the snowpack is released almost directly into the streams during thaw, due to the large snowpack, rapid thaw, steep terrain and thin soils. The acidification of the snow has lead to an extensive fauna depletion, especially in smaller streams without upstream lakes. The abundance of benthos in acidified streams in the municipality of Härjedalen (11.000 km²) is today only one tenth of the abundance before acidification. Fish populations have declined to the same extent, and several acid-sensitive species have been lost. It is concluded that mountain streams and fauna are extremely sensitive to acidification, and that even large reductions of emissions will be insufficient.     

Feeding oxidized chicken byproduct meal impacts digestibility more than performance and oxidative status in nursery pigs

Rendered products from the meat industry provide quality proteins in diets for companion animals. These proteins are exposed to extreme temperatures during processing leading to the potential for decreased diet digestibility and subsequent growth performance. While this would impact production efficiency in livestock species, oxidized ingredients in companion animal diets may impact health and longevity. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which a feedstuff containing oxidized protein and lipid affect diet digestibility, growth performance, and oxidative stress in nursery pigs. A total of 56 male pigs (21 d of age, initial body weight 5.51 ± 0.65 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of heat and two levels of antioxidant (AOX). Diets were fed for 35 d and growth performance was measured, while total tract digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance was determined during the trial on day 18–20. Blood plasma was collected on day 34 and jejunum, colon, and liver tissues were collected on day 35 to analyze for markers of oxidative stress. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was reduced in pigs fed diets without AOXs (P = 0.02). Additionally, pigs consuming diets containing heated chicken byproduct (CBP) meal had decreased gain:feed (GF; P = 0.02). There was an interaction between heat and AOX (P = 0.02) where heating CBP reduced N digestibility in the presence of an AOX but did not have an impact when AOX was not present. The removal of AOX resulted in reduced GE digestibility (P < 0.01). Dry matter (P < 0.01), ash (P < 0.01), and protein (P < 0.01) digestibility were reduced (P < 0.01) as a result of heating. Furthermore, heating (P =0.01) as well as absence of AOX (P =0.01) resulted in reduced digestible energy. No difference was detected in N retention suggesting that oxidation reduces digestibility but has no impact on N utilization. This is supported by the fact that systemic oxidative stress was not consistently affected by heating or AOX inclusion. These results suggest that feeding pigs CBP containing oxidized proteins and lipids did not induce oxidative stress. However, feeding young pigs CBP containing oxidized proteins and lipids did result in reduced energy and nutrient digestibility as well as negatively affected feed efficiency. Because CBP is commonly used in companion animal diets, it is reasonable to revisit their impacts on those species.     

Targeted fibre-optical intrabronchial lipopolysaccharide administration in pigs – a methodical refinement for improved accuracy in respiratory research

ObjectiveTo establish and evaluate a standardized method of targeted, intrabronchial drug delivery in pigs.Study designRandomized controlled trial.AnimalsA total of 16 German Landrace pigs (Sus scrofa), age range 12?16 weeks, and weighing 28?35 kg.MethodsThe animals were anaesthetized, intubated, and instrumented with extended cardiovascular monitoring. Lung injury was induced by administering via a flexible fibre-optic endoscope using 100 mL saline solution containing either 20 mg of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E. coli LPS) (n = 8) or no additive (sham, n = 8) into the two distal mainstem bronchi. The animals were monitored for 8 hours and arterial oxygenation, inspiratory pressure and arterial blood pressure were measured repeatedly. Post-mortem, lung tissue was prepared for histologic damage scoring and determination of proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Statistical analyses were performed using inter-group analysis of variance and Student’s t tests. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe targeted application of LPS led to significant deterioration of oxygenation consistent with mild-to-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hypotension (Horowitz ratio: sham 2 hour, 300 ± 39; LPS 2 hour, 193.7 ± 52; p < 0.001). Histologic analyses identified increased inflammation and oedema in the tissues of the animals in the LPS group IL-6 sham: 6.4 ± 4.4 × 10^–5 pg mL^–1; IL-6 LPS: 2.8 ± 2.4 × 10^–4 pg mL^–1, p = 0.015.ConclusionsThe targeted application of agents via flexible fibre-optic endoscopy is a valid, reliable method of causing controlled lung damage in a porcine model. The data presented suggest the feasibility and possible advantages of controlled application and could expand the array of techniques used to help understand the critical condition of ARDS. In addition, a targeted approach could help reduce animal numbers used for this purpose.     

Zur Methodik der Resistenzprüfung von Kartoffelknollen gegen den Erreger der Braunfäule,Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary

Zusammenfassung Es werden verschiedene Methoden zur Resistenzprüfung von Kartoffelknollen gegen den Erreger der Braunf?ule (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) miteinander verglichen. Drei Prüfungen werden mit Knollenscheiben durchgeführt; bei einem Test werden Knollenh?lften verwendet. Am besten geeignet erscheint ein modifizierter Test nach Lapwood, der auch die Wundreaktion der Knollen in die Prüfung mit einbezieht.     

Interactions between beta-lactoglobulin and aroma compounds: different binding behaviors as a function of ligand structure

Interactions between beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) in its monomeric form and a wide range of aroma compounds were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. A screening of the ligands was carried out by FT-IR through the amide I region changes of BLG upon binding. The location of two binding sites was determined by 2D NMR from the study of 10 selected ligands with different structures. All of the data suggest at least two binding behaviors as a function of the chemical class, the hydrophobicity, or the structure of the ligands. The binding of the elongated aroma compounds, such as 2-nonanone or ethyl pentanoate, within the central cavity involves residues located at the entrance of the calyx and Trp19. The binding onto the protein surface of aroma compounds that have or adopt a compact structure occurs in a site located between strand beta-G, alpha helix, and strand beta-I.