The mouse model is suitable for the study of viral factors governing transmission and pathogenesis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in mammals

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5 and H7 subtype pose a major public health threat due to their capacity to cross the species barrier and infect mammals, for example dogs, cats and humans. In the present study we tested the capacity of selected H7 and H5 HPAI viruses to infect and to be transmitted from infected BALB/c mice to contact sentinels. Previous experiments have shown that viruses belonging to both H5 and H7 subtypes replicate in the respiratory tract and central nervous system of experimentally infected mice. In this study we show that selected H7N1 and H5N1 HPAI viruses can be transmitted from mouse-to-mouse by direct contact, and that in experimentally infected animals they exhibit a different pattern of replication and transmission. Our results can be considered as a starting point for transmission experiments involving other influenza A viruses with α 2-3 receptor affinity in order to better understand the viral factors influencing transmissibility of these viruses in selected mammalian species.     

Blood lipids, fecal fat and chymotrypsin excretion in the dog: influence of age, body weight and sex

Effects of physiological variables (age, body weight and sex) on lipemia (total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides and NEFA), fecal fat and chymotrypsin excretion were examined in dogs. On comparing various ages and body weights, they found statistically significant differences, while only total lipids showed a statistically significant difference between the two sexes. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between body weight and fecal fat and chymotrypsin excretion. The results obtained contribute to the evaluation of small intestine functionality, especially in relation to some diseases, as malabsorption, maldigestion and steatorrhea in the dog.     

Changes in gas composition and acid-base values of venous blood samples stored under different conditions in 4 domestic species

BACKGROUND: The effect of storage temperature and time on blood gas and acid-base values has been investigated intensively in cattle and dogs; however, data are lacking in other species. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in gas composition and acid-base values in venous blood stored at different temperatures and for different times in 4 domestic species in Italy. METHODS: Blood samples from Comisana sheep (n = 10), Maltese goats (n = 10), Ragusana donkeys (n = 10), and Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were analyzed after storage at 23 degrees C (room temperature) for 15 minutes (group I), 23 degrees C for 1 hour (group II), 37 degrees C for 8 hours (group III), and 4 degrees C for 24 hours (group IV). Results were analyzed using a 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: In all species no statistically significant differences in pH values were present in samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. This also was true for PCO2 in all species except the horse. Except for HCO3- concentration in the horse, significant changes in PO2, HCO3- concentration, base excess, and the standard bicarbonate concentration were observed for all species in samples stored at 4 degrees C. In samples stored for only 1 hour at room temperature, significant changes in most analytes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underline the need for rapid assessment of acid-base samples, because any delay, even for 1 hour, may affect the results.     

Retrospective comparison of first‐line adjuvant anthracycline vs metronomic‐based chemotherapy protocols in the treatment of stage I and II canine splenic haemangiosarcoma

Splenectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is commonly used to treat canine splenic haemangiosarcoma (HSA), although it is unclear if different treatment protocols may have a similar efficacy. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess outcome in dogs with stage I and II splenic HSA treated with either first‐line adjuvant anthracycline (AC) or metronomic (MC)‐based chemotherapy protocols, by comparing median time to progression (TTP) and median survival time (MST). Medical records of nine institutions were searched for dogs diagnosed with stage I and II splenic HSA that underwent adjuvant treatment with AC‐ or MC‐based protocols following splenectomy. Patients treated with MC following AC were included in an additional group (AMC). Ninety‐three dogs were included: 50 in the AC group, 23 in the AMC group and 20 in the MC group. The overall MST was 200 days (range 47‐3352) and the overall median TTP was 185 days (range 37‐1236). The median TTP of stage I dogs was significantly longer compared to stage II dogs (338 vs 151 days, respectively, P = .028). When adjusting for treatment type, the MST was 154 days for the AC group (range 47‐3352 days), 338 days for the AMC group (range 79‐1623 days) and 225 days for the MC group (range 57‐911 days). The difference in MST and median TTP was not found to be statistically significant between treatment groups. This study suggests that adjuvant MC in canine splenic HSA may result in a similar outcome when compared to other treatment protocols. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.     

Sequence analysis of rDNA intergenic spacer region (IGS) as a tool for phylogenetic studies in Trichoderma spp.

Different from ribosomal genes, which contain highly conserved sequences that are detected in all organisms, the intergenic spacer of rDNA (IGS) appears to be the most rapidly-evolving spacer region. For this reason we tested this region for phylogenetic studies. This report focuses on the study of IGS sequences of isolates belonging to Trichoderma section (T. viride, T. koningii, T. hamatum, T. erinaceus, T. asperellum) and Pachybasium section (T. harzianum, T. crassum, T. fascicu…     

Comparative evaluation of compost humic acids and their effects on the germination of switchgrass (Panicum vigatum L.)

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate comparatively the main chemical and physico-chemical properties of the humic acid (HA) fraction of three different composts and to evaluate the bioactive effects of these HAs on the germination and early growth of four populations of switchgrass.

Materials and methods

Three compost HAs isolated from a green compost (HA_GC), a mixed compost (HA_MC), and a coffee compost (HA_CC) were characterized for some chemical and physico-chemical properties, such as ash content, elemental composition, total acidity, carboxylic and phenolic OH group contents, E₄/E₆ ratio, Fourier Transform infrared (FT IR), and fluorescence spectroscopies. In subsequent experiments conducted in vitro in a climatic chamber under controlled conditions, the bioactive effects of the three HAs at concentrations of 10, 50, and 200 mg?L^?1 were tested on the germination and early growth of four switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) populations, the octaploids Shelter, Shawnee and Dacotah, and the tetraploid Alamo.

Results and discussion

The ash content and the E₄/E₆ ratio were, respectively, much higher or slightly higher for HA_CC than for the other two HAs. HA_MC showed the lowest C and H contents and the highest O content, whereas HA_GC had the highest N content. The total acidity and phenolic OH group content followed the order: HA_MC?>?HA_CC?>?HA_GC. The fluorescence analysis of the three HAs evidenced a common fluorophore unit possibly associated to simple aromatic structures, such as phenolic-like, hydroxy-substituted benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives. The FT IR spectra of all HA samples indicated the presence of aromatic phenolic structures. Significant beneficial effects were produced by any HA on switchgrass germination and early growth as a function of the population tested and the HA dose.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrated that the addition of compost HAs to the germination medium of four switchgrass populations positively influenced the germination process and the growth of primary root and shoot. Significant correlations were found between HA bioactivity and some HA properties. These results suggest a possible use of compost as soil amendment in areas where switchgrass grows naturally or is cultivated.