The occurrence of antibodies to Brucella canis in domestic dogs in the Federal Republic of Germany

1000 random serum samples of pet dogs were examined in the serum tube agglutination test for antibodies to Brucella canis. Agglutinating antibodies to Br. canis antigen were detected in 18 cases in a serum dilution of 1 : 50, in 29 cases in a serum dilution of 1 : 100, in 13 cases in a serum dilution of 1 : 200 and in a serum dilution 1 : 400. But the positive results of the agglutination tests were confirmed by complement fixation, agargel-precipitation and indirect immunofluorescence only in 2 cases (0,2%) with titers of 1 :200 and 1 :400. These serological findings indicate that in the Federal Republic of Germany Br. canis infections are rarely in pet dogs as compared with dogs (Beagles) held in research kennels.     

Geographic variation in tree growth and wood density of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Guazuma crinita</Emphasis> Mart. in the Peruvian Amazon

Guazuma crinita Mart. is a fast-growing timber tree in the Peruvian Amazon. A trial of 11 Peruvian provenances was established in three planting zones. Tree growth at 6, 12, 18 and 30 months and wood density at 32 months were analyzed across and within zones. Zones accounted for more variation than provenances. Density varied significantly due to provenances in the analysis across zones, whereas growth exhibited strong provenance by zone interactions. The local provenance grew well and produced relatively dense wood in all zones. The relative magnitude of variation due to provenances depended on the planting zone. Density was greater in the lower than in the upper stem. Density increased with longitude from the more humid to the drier part of the sample region. In general, correlations indicated that larger trees had lower density and a larger difference in density between the lower and upper stem, but the strength of these relationships depended on the provenance and zone. Results suggest that fast-growing provenances can be selected at an early age without significantly reducing wood density. The local provenance is recommended for reforestation pending future research demonstrating the superiority of foreign provenances. Some practical implications for tree-improvement programs are discussed.     

Evidence for interstitial carbon in nitrogenase FeMo cofactor

The identity of the interstitial light atom in the center of the FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase has been enigmatic since its discovery. Atomic-resolution x-ray diffraction data and an electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) analysis now provide direct evidence that the ligand is a carbon species.     

The distribution of sequentially extracted Cu,Pb, and Zn fractions in Podzol profiles under dwarf pine of different stages of degradation in subalpine zone of Karkonosze Mts (central Europe)

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Here, we aimed to assess the contamination of Podzol soils in a subalpine zone of the Karkonosze Mountains. Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the soil and the...     

Molecular cloning and phylogenetic analysis of a cDNA encoding the cat (Felis domesticus) Ig epsilon constant region

A feline splenic cDNA library was screened with a (32)P-labelled cDNA probe encoding the canine IgE epsilon heavy chain subunit. A cDNA sequence of 1614 nucleotides encoding the complete feline IgE heavy chain, as well as a portion of a variable region, was identified. A search of the GenBank database revealed an identity of 82% at the nucleotide level and 76% at the amino acid level between the feline epsilon heavy chain sequence and the canine homologue. In a separate study, feline genomic DNA, isolated from whole feline embryo cells, was subjected to PCR amplification using primers based on known partial genomic DNA sequences for the feline C epsilon gene. Following removal of an intron from the 683 bp PCR product, the coding sequence yielded an ORF of 506 bp. The DNA sequence of this PCR clone differed by a single nucleotide from the cDNA clone. This difference is silent, and therefore the proteins encoded by the two sequences are identical over the regions cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the constant regions of nine immunoglobulin epsilon genes revealed that the feline cDNA is most similar to the canine homologue.     

Status of Sensitivity of Northern German Botrytis Populations to the New Sdhi Fungicide Fluopyram Prior to its Release as a Commercial Fungicide

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - In a survey of Botrytis populations in Northern Germany in 2012-2014, an average of 67.7% and 73.8% of isolates from strawberry and raspberry fields...     

Evaluation of antiviral activity and toxicity of recombinant human interferon alfa-2a in calves persistently infected with type 1 bovine viral diarrhea virus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antiviral activity and toxicity of recombinant human interferon alfa-2a in calves persistently infected with noncytopathic type 1 bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). ANIMALS: 5 Holstein heifers, 4 to 12 months of age. PROCEDURES: Calves persistently infected with noncytopathic type 1 BVDV were treated with recombinant human interferon alfa-2a every other day for 12 weeks. Viral loads were measured during the treatment period and compared with pre- and post-treatment values. Complete physical examinations were performed weekly, and calves were observed daily for signs of systemic illness. Complete blood counts and serum biochemical analyses were performed before, during, and after the treatment period. Because calves developed anemia during the treatment period, bone marrow biopsy specimens were collected. Antirecombinant human interferon alfa-2a antibody concentrations in serum samples obtained before, during, and after the treatment period were measured by use of an ELISA. RESULTS: Recombinant human interferon alfa-2a had no antiviral activity against noncytopathic type 1 BVDV in persistently infected calves. All calves developed microcytic anemia during the treatment period that persisted for up to 13 weeks after cessation of treatment. Anti-interferon antibodies were detected during the treatment period and persisted for at least 2 weeks after cessation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because of lack of in vivo antiviral activity against BVDV, recombinant human interferon alfa-2a has little promise as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of BVDV infection, at least in persistently infected cattle. Furthermore, treatment was associated with adverse immunologic and hematologic effects.     

Phosphorus bioavailability of biochars produced by thermo‐chemical conversion

Recycling of P is a common strategy in efficient use of P. The aims of our investigation were to study the P extractability of biochars produced by low temperature conversion and to determine the effect of soda application on low‐temperature conversion of organic compounds and the bioavailability of P to rye grass (Lolium perenne L., cv. Grazer). In this study canola cake, dried distillers grains with solubles, and meat‐and‐bone meal were converted to biochars with thermo‐chemical conversion at 400°C. The P availability was measured in terms of solubility in water, 2% citric, and 2% formic acid, and in a pot experiment with rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) which was cut three times. Application of 8% (w/w) soda to the process of thermo‐chemical conversion of canola cake, dried distillers grains with soluble and meat‐and‐bone meal resulted in an increase of water‐, 2% citric‐, and 2% formic‐acid‐extractable P in the biochars. In contrast to the application of soda, addition of 12% wood ash (w/w) to the conversion of dried distillers grains with solubles resulted in a lower increase of water‐soluble P in the corresponding biochar compared to processing biochar without additives. Addition of biochar P (100 mg P [kg soil]^–1) to a Luvisol resulted in an increase of CAL‐extractable soil P. The P uptake of rye grass from biochars produced with the addition of soda was as effective as basic slag and MgNH₄ phosphate fertilizers and even better than rock phosphate.