Acidity and conductivity of precipitation on central Long Island,New York in relation to meteorological variables

Three years of hourly sequential precipitation samples from central Long Island, New York were analyzed to determine the relationships between acidity and conductivity and concentrations of sulfate, nitrate plus nitrite, nitrogen in ammonium, sodium, and chloride ions. Relationships between precipitation acidity and meteorological conditions were also studied. Hydrogen ion concentrations are similar to those elsewhere in the northeastern United States. They are best correlated with sulfate concentrations but also correlate with concentrations of nitrogen in nitrate plus nitrite and nitrogen in ammonium ion. Concentrations are highest in the summer, with cold front and squall line precipitation and with rain showers and thundershowers. All ions measured contributed to sample conductivity but hydrogen ion contributed the most with sulfate ion second. Conductivity calculated from concentrations of the separate ions agreed well with measured conductivity. Conductivity showed relationships to meteorological conditions similar to those of hydrogen ion concentration except when sodium and chloride ions predominated in the sample.     

The impact of uptake, translocation and metabolism on the differential selectivity between blackgrass and wheat for the herbicide pyroxsulam

BACKGROUND: Wheat shows selectivity to pyroxsulam, a new broad‐spectrum herbicide with high activity on blackgrass. Studies were performed to establish whether uptake, translocation or metabolism were responsible for the differential activity in wheat compared with blackgrass. In addition, the effect of the safener cloquintocet‐mexyl on metabolism was evaluated in wheat and blackgrass shoots. RESULTS: Root uptake of pyroxsulam in blackgrass was significantly higher than in wheat, suggesting a possible activity enhancement in blackgrass owing to root uptake. Translocation to foliage from root uptake as well as translocation out of treated foliage following foliar applications was low in wheat compared with blackgrass, likely owing to the rapid metabolism of pyroxsulam in wheat. Wheat metabolized pyroxsulam significantly faster than blackgrass to the less active O‐dealkylation product. Wheat shoots metabolized pyroxsulam faster when the safener cloquintocet‐mexyl was present, but cloquintocet‐mexyl did not increase the rate of metabolism in blackgrass. CONCLUSIONS: The selectivity of pyroxsulam to wheat relative to blackgrass was connected primarily with differences in the rate of metabolism and generation of an inactive metabolite. Metabolism in wheat restricted subsequent movement of radioactivity out of the treated leaf. The rapid metabolism in wheat was increased by the addition of cloquintocet‐mexyl. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of three novel azasterols against Toxoplasma gondii

Previous studies from our group have demonstrated the high susceptibility of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to the sterol analogues 22,26-azasterol and 24,25-(R,S)-epiminolanosterol. In this work we present data on testing in vitro three novel azasterols as potential agents for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. The three compounds inhibited parasite growth at micromolar concentrations, in a dose-dependent manner. Electron microscopy analysis of intracellular tachyzoites after treatment with the most effective compound showed drastic mitochondrion swelling associated with the appearance of an electron-lucent matrix and disrupted cristae. Parasite lysis also took place. The appearance of electron dense cytoplasmic structures similar to amylopectin granules distributed throughout the parasite suggests that azasterols might be inducing differentiation of those tachyzoites which were not lysed to the bradyzoite stage.     

Stifle joint osteoarthritis at the time of diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury is higher in Boxers and in dogs weighing more than 35 kilograms

Osteoarthritis is a ubiquitous disease in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to characterize the severity and distribution of osteoarthritis (OA) within the joint and to identify differences among dog breeds in the severity of OA in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)‐deficient stifle joint. Radiographs of 240 stifles from 51 Boxers, 66 German Shepherds, 100 Labrador Retrievers, and 23 Siberian Huskies with confirmed CCL rupture were included. Radiographs of the stifle joint were evaluated and OA severity was graded at 33 sites within and around the joint, and patella alta was graded as present or absent for a potential total stifle OA score of 100. Osteophyte size was correlated to OA severity score. Total OA scores were calculated and compared within and between breeds globally as well as at each joint site. Dogs weighing >35 kg had a higher total OA score than those weighing <35 kg. Osteoarthritis scores were highest at the apical patella, proximolateral tibia, and sesamoid bones, corresponding to the proximal, lateral, and caudal aspects of the joint, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found among the mean OA scores of various stifle joint regions. Boxer dogs had a higher total OA score than other breeds. We concluded that dogs have a consistent distribution pattern of OA within the stifle joint after CCL injury. Radiographic OA is more severe in the proximal, lateral, and caudal aspects of the joint. Boxers had more severe OA than the other breeds evaluated in the study.     

Selection and characterization of Phytophthora parasitica mutants with ultraviolet-induced resistance to dimethomorph or metalaxyl

Mutants of Phytophthora parasitica Dast. more or less resistant to dimethomorph or metalaxyl were obtained by treating mycelium with ultraviolet radiation. Some metalaxyl-resistant mutants exhibited levels of resistance (i.e. the ratio between the EC₅₀ values for the mutant and the wild-type strain) greater than 100, but those observed in the dimethomorph-resistant mutants never exceeded 25. Most mutants retained their resistance after sub-culturing on unamended agar medium. Single zoospore clones derived from a metalaxyl-resistant and a dimethomorph-resistant mutant, selected as amongst the most resistant, had levels of resistance similar to those of the parental strains. The metalaxyl-resistant mutants were also resistant to the related phenylamide fungicides, furalaxyl and benalaxyl, but remained sensitive to dimethomorph. The dimethomorph-resistant mutants were not resistant to phenylamide fungicides. The pathogenicity of some metalaxyl- or dimethomorph-resistant mutants on tobacco leaves was similar to that of the wild-type strains.     

Board-invited review: Peptide absorption and utilization: Implications for animal nutrition and health

Over the last 50 yr, the study of intestinal peptide transport has rapidly evolved into a field with exciting nutritional and biomedical applications. In this review, we describe from a historical and current perspective intestinal peptide transport, the importance of peptides to whole-body nutrition, and the cloning and characterization of the intestinal peptide transporter, PepT1. We focus on the nutritional significance of peptide transport and relate these findings to livestock and poultry. Amino acids are transported into the enterocyte as free AA by a variety of AA transporters that vary in substrate specificity or as di- and tripeptides by the peptide transporter, PepT1. Expression of PepT1 is largely restricted to the small intestine in most species; however, in ruminants, peptide transport and activity is observed in the rumen and omasum. The extent to which peptides are absorbed and utilized is still unclear. In ruminants, peptides make a contribution to the portal-drained visceral flux of total AA and are detected in circulating plasma. Peptides can be utilized by the mammary gland for milk protein synthesis and by a variety of other tissues. We discuss the factors known to regulate expression of PepT1 including development, diet, hormones, diurnal rhythm, and disease. Expression of PepT1 is detected during embryological stages in both birds and mammals and increases with age, a strategic event that allows for the immediate uptake of nutrients after hatch or birth. Both increasing levels of protein in the diet and dietary protein deficiencies are found to upregulate the peptide transporter. We also include in this review a discussion of the use of dietary peptides and potential alternate routes of nutrient delivery to the cell. Our goal is to impart to the reader the nutritional implications of peptide transport and dietary peptides and share discoveries that shed light on various biological processes, including rapid establishment of intestinal function in early neonates and maintenance of intestinal function during fasting, starvation, and disease states.     

A wind density model to quantify the airborne spread of Culicoides species during north-western Europe bluetongue epidemic, 2006

Increased transport and trade as well as climate shifts play an important role in the introduction, establishment and spread of new pathogens. Arguably, the introduction of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8 in Benelux, Germany and France in 2006 is such an example. After its establishment in receptive local vector and host populations the continued spread of such a disease in a suitable environment will mainly depend on movement of infected vectors and animals. In this paper we explore how wind models can contribute to explain the spread of BTV in a temperate eco-climatic setting. Based on previous work in Greece and Bulgaria filtered wind density maps were computed using data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Six hourly forward wind trajectories were computed at pressure levels of 850 hPa for each infected farm as from the recorded onset of symptoms. The trajectories were filtered to remove wind events that do not contribute to possible spread of the vector. The suitable wind events were rastered and aggregated on a weekly basis to obtain weekly wind density maps. Next to this, cumulated wind density maps were also calculated to assess the overall impact of wind dispersal of vectors. A strong positive correlation was established between wind density data and the horizontal asymmetrical spread pattern of the 2006 BTV8 epidemic. It was shown that short (<5 km), medium (5–31 km) and long (>31 km) distance spread had a different impact on disease spread. Computed wind densities were linked to the medium/long-distance spread whilst short range spread was mainly driven by active Culicoides flight. Whilst previous work in the Mediterranean basin showed that wind driven spread of Culicoides over sea occurred over distances of up to 700 km, this phenomenon was not observed over land. Long-distance spread over land followed a hopping pattern, i.e. with intermediary stops and establishment of local virus circulation clusters at distances of 35–85 km. Despite suitable wind densities, no long range spread was recorded over distances of 300–400 km. Factors preventing spread Eastwards to the UK and Northwards to Denmark during the 2006 epidemic are discussed. Towards the east both elevation and terrain roughness, causing air turbulences and drop down of Culicoides, were major factors restricting spread. It is concluded that the proposed approach opens new avenues for understanding the spread of vector-borne viruses in Europe. Future developments should take into consideration both physical and biological factors affecting spread.     

Monitoring changes in back fat thickness and its effect on the restoration of ovarian activity and fertility in Bos indicus cows

With the objective of testing the hypothesis if animals with a stable layer of body fat (FAT) during the peripartum have a better chance of becoming pregnant after calving, fifty‐nine multiparous Brahman cows in their last trimester of pregnancy were used. Animals averaged four parturitions and were stocked at a rate of 1.25 animal units per hectare and divided into two groups depending on the time postpartum (dpp) that the intravaginal releasing device CIDR was inserted; Group 1 (<30 dpp; n = 30) received the implant at 25.2 ± 4.21 and withdrawn 9 days later. Group 2 (≥30 dpp; n = 29) received the CIDR at 38.41 ± 5.8. Animals were AI at detected oestrus until 170 dpp and calculated as pregnant at first service or requiring more than one service (1s and >1s), not pregnant but cycling (not pregnant) and those not cycling at all (anestrus). The FAT measurements were taken twice each month from the last trimester of gestation until 96 dpp. The onset of ovarian activity was monitored through blood levels of progesterone (P4) at days 14 and 9 prior to CIDR insertion and days 10, 13, 30 and 33 after CIDR withdrawal. Animals pregnant did not have any major changes in their fat thickness. In contrast, cows pregnant in the group ≥30 dpp had changes in their FAT homoeostasis, and pregnant animals in the 1s and >1s groups did not show differences in dorsal back fat in the last trimester of pregnancy and early postpartum. In contrast, animals not pregnant and in anestrus FAT values decreased considerably after parturition. Overall, fertility was 49%, but 18% of all the animals remained anestrus losing FAT. Thus, animals with adequate metabolic conditions will have a better chance of pregnancy regardless of the time postpartum when the reproductive programme starts.     

Comparison of the somatotropic axis in free-ranging and rehabilitated harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina)

The somatotropic axis, including growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), is a bridge between growth physiology, developmental age, and nutritional status in domestic animals. However, the importance of the somatotropic axis in nutrition, growth, and development of harbor seals has not been previously explored. Given the difficulty of conducting longitudinal studies in free-ranging harbor seals, this study focused on the potential use of harbor seals in rehabilitation facilities as a model for free-ranging seals. The purpose of this research was to compare concentrations of components of the somatotropic axis in free-ranging versus rehabilitated harbor seal pups. The hypothesis was that measurements of the somatotropic axis will be similar between individuals of comparable age and nutritional status (fasting versus feeding). To investigate this hypothesis, harbor seal pups (n=8) brought to The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California, USA) or Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut, U.S.A.) were initially assessed and determined to be healthy but abandoned. All pups were less than 2 wk of age upon arrival at rehabilitation facilities. Standard length was assessed at the time of arrival and again at release. Body mass was measured every week and blood samples were collected from each pup at 0, 4, and 8 wk of rehabilitation. Blood was collected and morphometrics assessed in free-ranging harbor seal pups (n=8) from the Gulf of Maine. Sera were analyzed for GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP concentrations. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-2 and -3 in rehabilitated pups were within a similar range compared with free-ranging pups when considered in the context of presumed nutrient intake. These data suggest that rehabilitated harbor seals may provide a useful model to investigate the effects of nutrient intake on growth and development of harbor seals, and will provide insight into phocid endocrinology and metabolism.     

Anti-Leukemic Properties of Aplysinopsin Derivative EE-84 Alone and Combined to BH3 Mimetic A-1210477

Aplysinopsins are a class of marine indole alkaloids that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Although both the indole and N-benzyl moieties of aplysinopsins are known to possess antiproliferative activity against cancer cells, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Through in vitro and in vivo proliferation and viability screening of newly synthesized aplysinopsin analogs on myelogenous leukemia cell lines and zebrafish toxicity tests, as well as analysis of differential toxicity in noncancerous RPMI 1788 cells and PBMCs, we identified EE-84 as a promising novel drug candidate against chronic myeloid leukemia. This indole derivative demonstrated drug-likeness in agreement with Lipinski’s rule of five. Furthermore, EE-84 induced a senescent-like phenotype in K562 cells in line with its cytostatic effect. EE-84-treated K562 cells underwent morphological changes in line with mitochondrial dysfunction concomitant with autophagy and ER stress induction. Finally, we demonstrated the synergistic cytotoxic effect of EE-84 with a BH3 mimetic, the Mcl-1 inhibitor A-1210477, against imatinib-sensitive and resistant K562 cells, highlighting the inhibition of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins as a promising novel senolytic approach against chronic myeloid leukemia.