A moderate aseptic local inflammation does not induce a significant systemic inflammatory response

The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the response of the coagulation system to a defined sterile localized inflammatory process.Tissue cages were implanted subcutaneously in five healthy Beagles. After 9–10 weeks, local inflammation was induced by an injection of 0.5 ml 1% carrageenan. Serial samples of tissue cage fluid (TCF) and blood were collected at 10 time points (0–168 h). Nucleated cells (NC) of TCF were counted automatically to characterize local inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes and coagulation variables (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, factor VIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and d-dimers) were determined in blood samples.Carrageenan induced a significant 32-fold increase of NCs in TCF (P < 0.0001). A slight increase in leukocytes (P < 0.0001) was observed. There was a significant 1.3- to 1.5-fold increase in protein C (P = 0.0001) and protein S (P = 0.0028). CRP, secondary hemostasis and fibrinolysis did not change.The mild increase from baseline in PC/PS, may reflect a physiological counter reaction.     

Identification of differentially expressed protective genes in liver of two rainbow trout strains

Since 1975, the rainbow trout strain BORN (Germany) has been bred in brackish water from a coastal form imported from Denmark. Accompanying phenotypic monitoring of the adapted BORN trout until now revealed that this selection strain manifested a generally elevated resistance towards high stress and pathogenic challenge including lower susceptibility towards Aeromonas salmonicida infections in comparison to other trout strains in local aqua farms. We focus on the elucidation of both, genetic background and immunological basis for the increased survivorship to infections. A first comparison of gene expression profiles in liver tissue of healthy rainbow trout from the local selection strain BORN and imported trout using a GRASP 16K cDNA microarray revealed six differentially expressed genes evoking pathogen and wounding responses, LEAP2A (encoding for liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide), SERPINA1 (alpha-1 antitrypsin), FTH1 (middle subunit of ferritin), FGL2 (fibroleukin), CLEC4E (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin), and SERPINF2 (alpha-2 antiplasmin). Since the latter gene is not described in salmonid species so far, our first aim was to characterize the respective sequence in rainbow trout. Two trout SERPINF2 genes were identified, which share only 48% identical amino acid residues and a characteristic SERPIN domain. Second, we aimed to analyse the expression of those genes after temperature challenge (8 °C and 23 °C). Only FTH1 was upregulated in BORN and import trout after increase of temperature, while SERPINA1 and FGL2 were only elevated in import trout. Third, the expression of all named genes was analyzed after pathogen challenge with A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida. As a main finding, we detected a comparably faster regeneration of LEAP2A mRNA abundance in BORN trout following bacterial infection. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis suggested a functional interplay among the mentioned factors and the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF, whose stronger expression was validated in liver of BORN trout. This data indicate that the examined genes contribute to an improved first barrier against invading pathogens in BORN trout.     

Use of Artemisia annua as a natural coccidiostat in free-range broilers and its effects on infection dynamics and performance

This work investigated the preventive effect of Artemisia annua L. dried leaves supplied as a botanical coccidiostat to two broiler genotypes reared in a Danish free-range system in a factorial experiment (two genotypes and ± supplement of dried A. annua leaves). The genotypes White Bresse L40, a pure slow-growing line, and Kosmos 8 Ross, a hybrid genotype with medium growing characteristics, were used. Broilers were raised indoor until 29-days-old and kept free of parasites. Twelve groups of 30 randomly selected broilers were placed in the range forming three replicates for each treatment combination. The paddocks were cultivated with a mix of grass and clover. A separate group of broilers was naturally infected with Eimeria spp. oocysts and five animals nominated as "seeders" were introduced to the above mentioned 12 groups, 10 days after its formation, with each group consisting of 35 animals per plot. This infection strategy was meant to imitate the transmission pathway observed at farm level. Ten individual birds from each of the 12 groups, in total 120 animals of mixed sex, were monitored twice weekly for 30 days for oocysts excretion. PCR of pooled faecal samples, oocyst morphology and localization upon necropsy were used to identify the Eimeria species involved in the infection. In general, broilers from both genotypes in the range coped well with a coccidia infection caused by Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima as no clinical symptoms, or deaths, were reported during the experiment. In general, broilers supplemented with A. annua dried leaves showed a significantly (p<0.05) reduced number of excreted oocysts during the infection with no interaction to genotype. Females generally had a significantly higher shedding of oocysts than males (p<0.05). The overall body weight gain and the daily weight gain when infection was subdued showed a three-way interaction among genotype, sex and treatment - accounted mainly for the fact that Kosmos females responded positively to the Artemisia treatment while Kosmos males responded negatively, and only minor differences were found between sexes for the White Bresse genotype. In conclusion, supply of A. annua dried leaves as a botanical coccidiostat significantly reduced oocyst output in free ranged broilers and thus may form part of a strategy to prevent commercial losses.     

Gibberelline,ihre Derivate und Abbauprodukte Eine tabellarische Übersicht

Zusammenfassung Die 9 bisher bekannten natürlichen Gibberelline, ihre Derivate sowie die durch Abbau oder Synthese gewonnenen Gibban-, Isogibban- und Fluorenverbindungen wurden nach strukturellen Gesichtspunkten geordnet tabellarisch zusammengestellt. Die Tabellen enthalten neben der chemisch-systematischen Bezeichnung der Verbindungen deren Summen- und Strukturformeln, die in der Literatur angeführten Schmelzpunkte, optischen Drehwerte, spektroskopischen Angaben (IR, UV, ORD, NMR) sowie Hinweise, auf welchem Wege die Substanzen gewonnen wurden. In einer weiteren Tabelle sind alle genannten Verbindungen nach ihren Schmelzpunkten geordnet.

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Summary A tabulated compilation has been given for the 9 till yet known natural gibberellins, their derivatives as well as the compounds with gibbane, isogibbane and fluorene skeleton obtained by degradation or synthesis. The tables contain in addition to the systematic designation of the compounds the molecular and structural formulae, the melting points, optical rotation values and the spectroscopic data (IR, UV, ORD, NMR), given in the literature. In a further table the mentioned substances are listed according to their melting points.

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¶rt;u 9 ( ) , , , , , . . - : , , , ( , , - ), , . .

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Die Isolierung der Gibberelline A₁₀–A₁₃ wurde kürzlich beschrieben (vgl. S. 340).     

Über die Sterine und Triterpenoide vonSolanum demissum Lindl. undSolanum polyadenium Greenm.

Zusammenfassung In Blättern der mexikanischen WildkartoffelnSolanum demissum Lindl. undSolanum polyadenium Greenm. wurden insbesondere mit Hilfe der Molekül-Massenspektrographie (negative Ionisierung) folgende Triterpenoide und Sterine nachgewiesen: Cycloartenol (I), 24-Methylen-cycloartanol (II) (?), -Sitosterin (VIII), Stigmasterin (IX), Campesterin (VII) und Cholesterin (VI), inS. demissum außerdem geringe Mengen Lophenol (III), 24-Methylen- (VI) und 24-Äthyliden-lophenol (V). Als nichtsteroide Begleitstoffe konnten in der Rohsterinfraktion ausS. demissum höhere aliphatische Ketone, vor allem Hentriacontanon und Tritriacontanon, sowie Alkohole, speziell Hexacosanol und Octacosanol, festgestellt werden. Die entsprechende Fraktion ausS. polyadenium enthielt stattdessen neben geringen Mengen der genannten Ketone und Alkohole die homologen Paraffine Octacosan bis Hentriacontan, insbesondere jedoch Nonacosan.

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Summary Leaves of the Mexican wild potatoesSolanum demissum Lindl. andSolanum polyadenium Greenm. have been shown particularly by molecular mass spectrographic analysis employing negative ionization to contain the following triterpenoids and sterols: cycloartenol (I), 24-methylene-cycloartanol (II) (?), -sitosterol (VIII), stigmasterol (IX), campesterol (VII), and cholesterol (VI),S. demissum furthermore little amounts of lophenol (III), 24-methylene- (IV) and 24-ethylidene-lophenol (V). The non-steroidal constituents of the crude sterol fraction fromS. demissum were higher aliphatic ketones especially hentriacontanone and tritriacontanone, as well as alcohols, particularly hexacosanol and octacosanol. The corresponding fraction fromS. polyadenium contains of that the homologous alkanes octacosane to hentriacontane, but especially nonacosane.

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am ¶rt;au Solanum demissum Lindl. Solanum polyadenium Greenm. , « -» ( ) : (I), 24-- (II) (?), - (VIII), (IX), (VII) (VI); S. demissum (III), 24-- (IV) 24-- (V). « » S. demissum , , , , . S. polyadenium , , , .

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VIII. Mitteilung: von Ardenne und Mitarb. (1965c).

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Zugleich V. Mitteilung der Reihe Molekül-Massenspektrographie von Naturstoffen. — IV. Mitteilung: von Ardenne und Mitarb. (1965c).

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Forschungsinstitut Manfred von Ardenne, Dresden-Weißer Hirsch.

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Teil der Dissertation von G. Osske, Univ. Halle, 1963.     

Intestinal and serum antibody response in gnotobiotic piglets to oral immunization with Escherichia coli

The local and systemic immune response to a formolized E. coli oral vaccine was investigated in 13 gnotobiotic piglets. Beginning at ten days of age animals received a daily dose of 10¹⁰ or 10¹¹ bacteria, on ten consecutive days. Intestinal loop tests with one animal of each group on day 26 showed protection which was more pronounced in the animal dosed 10¹⁰ bacteria compared with the other immunized piglet. Immunoglobulin class-specific antibodies to O and K antigens were determined by ELISA technique. In serum no IgG or IgA antibodies were found, whereas IgM-anti O149 antibodies in both immunized groups reached their highest level at day 4 of dosing and decreased thereafter. IgM-anti K88 antibodies were first detected at day 10 of dosing. Both immunized groups had comparable serum levels at days 20 and 30. Also in gut secretion the IgM antibody response was predominant, and higher levels were found in the 10¹⁰ group than in the 10¹¹ group. IgG and IgA antibody response were also detected in secretion.     

Metabolic Diversity of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola, Causal Agent of Cowpea Bacterial Blight and Pustule

Fifty-five strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola, isolated from blight and pustule symptoms of cowpea leaves, originating from 11 countries, were characterized for their carbon-source metabolization pattern using the Biolog GN microplate system. Great variation was found between strains according to origin. Dextrin, glycogen and succinamic acid were not used by strains from Benin, Uganda or Thailand, but by all the other strains (excluding two strains from Mozambique), whereas N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and malonic acid were used by the strains from Benin, Uganda and Thailand, but generally not by the other strains. The strains from Benin, Uganda and Thailand, as well as strains from Venezuela, Brazil and Mozambique, clustered separately from the others in multivariate analysis. Nineteen substrates were used by all the strains, 47 not by any strain and 29 only by some strains. No considerable differences were found between strains isolated from blight symptoms and from pustules. Virulence of strains was not related to the metabolic pattern. The Biolog database was not representative of the diversity of X. axonopodis pv. vignicola, since all strains were identified as Xanthomonas campestris, although belonging to eight pathovars, while only eight of nine strains from Benin and both strains from Thailand were identified as X. campestris pv. vignicola. The Biolog system appeared to be useful for characterizing the diversity of X. axonopodis pv. vignicola strains. A set of representative strains based on metabolic and molecular diversity, virulence and geographic origin is suggested for screening for resistant cowpea cultivars.     

Time stability of soil water storage measured by neutron probe and the effects of calibration procedures in a small watershed

The knowledge of soil water storage (SWS) of soil profiles is crucial for the adoption of vegetation restoration practices. With the aim of identifying representative sites to obtain the mean SWS of a watershed, a time stability analysis of neutron probe evaluations of SWS was performed by the means of relative differences and Spearman rank correlation coefficients. At the same time, the effects of different neutron probe calibration procedures were explored on time stability analysis, mean SWS estimation, and preservation of the spatial variability of SWS. The selected watershed, with deep gullies and undulating slopes which cover an area of 20 ha, is characterized by an Ust-Sandiic Entisol and an Aeolian sandy soil. The dominant vegetation species are bunge needlegrass (Stipa bungeana Trin.) and korshinsk peashrub (Caragana Korshinskii kom.). From June 11, 2007 to July 23, 2008, SWS of the top1 m soil layer was evaluated for 20 dates, based on neutron probe data of 12 sampling sites. Three calibration procedures were employed: type I, most complete, with each site having its own linear calibration equation (TrE); type II, with TrE equations extended over the whole field; and type III, with one single linear calibration curve for the whole field (UnE) and also correcting its intercept based on site specific relative difference analysis (RdE) and on linear fitting of data (RcE), both maintaining the same slope. A strong time stability of SWS estimated by TrE equations was identified. Soil particle size and soil organic matter content were recognized as the influencing factors for spatial variability of SWS. Land use influenced neither the spatial variability nor the time stability of SWS. Time stability analysis identified one site to represent the mean SWS of the whole watershed with mean absolute percentage errors of less than 10%, therefore, this site can be used as a predictor for the mean SWS of the watershed. Some equations of type II were found to be unsatisfactory to yield reliable mean SWS values or in preserving the associated soil spatial variability. Hence, it is recommended to be cautious in extending calibration equations to other sites since they might not consider the field variability. For the equations with corrected intercept (type III) , which consider the spatial variability of calibration in a different way in relation to TrE, it was found that they can yield satisfactory means and standard deviation of SWS, except for the RdE equations, which largely leveled off the SWS values in the watershed. Correlation analysis showed that the neutron probe calibration was linked to soil bulk density and to organic matter content. Therefore, spatial variability of soil properties should be taken into account during the process of neutron probe calibration. This study provides useful information on the mean SWS observation with a time stable site and on distinct neutron probe calibration procedures, and it should be extended to soil water management studies with neutron probes, e.g., the process of vegetation restoration in wider area and soil types of the Loess Plateau in China.