Variation in the decay resistance of larch to fungi

? Decay resistance of larch (Larix sp.) to fungi was evaluated on heartwood samples belonging to 3 species (L. decidua, L. kaempferi and their hybrid), 3 races of European larch (polonica, sudetica and alpine), 13 wood lots (populations) and 313 trees.

? Larch wood appeared, on average, as moderately durable although a high variability was observed. At the sample level as well as at the mean individual tree level, durability ranged from class 1 to 5 according to EN 350-1 standard. At the population level, larch wood varied from ‘durable’ to ‘slightly durable’. Genetics played a major role in decay resistance at the species, provenance and tree levels. Environmental factors such as the position of heartwood samples and the age of trees were also identified as a source of variability.

? The most durable wood was not necessarily from old native alpine stands of European larch: some young larches from faster growing lowland origins also produced durable wood.

? Genetic improvement of larch wood durability appeared therefore likely by the selection of the best populations for decay resistance as well as from the selection of individuals.

     

Lleida Bat Lyssavirus isolation in Miniopterus schreibersii in France

Bat rabies cases are attributed in Europe to five different Lyssavirus species of 16 recognized Lyssavirus species causing rabies. One of the most genetically divergent Lyssavirus spp. has been detected in a dead Miniopterus schreibersii bat in France. Brain samples were found positive for the presence of antigen, infectious virus and viral RNA by classical virological methods and molecular methods respectively. The complete genome sequence was determined by next‐generation sequencing. The analysis of the complete genome sequence confirmed the presence of Lleida bat lyssavirus (LLEBV) in bats in France with 99.7% of nucleotide identity with the Spanish LLEBV strain (KY006983).     

A methodological approach for ecotoxicological characterization of non-hazardous sediments for their beneficial reuse

Purpose

In France, the beneficial reuse of sediments is conditioned upon a demonstration of environmental acceptability for each scenario. Such evidence has to be provided in application of the NF EN 12920 +A1 standard methodologies. Before the application of risk assessment methodology, the HP14 hazard property must be measured using specific bioassays. However, sediments may have ecotoxicological impacts despite a non-hazardous classification. The application of a battery of bioassays sensitive to non-hazardous sediments could allow to select sediments before choosing the beneficial reuse option.

Materials and methods

First, HP14 methodologies were applied on the studied sediments. These sediments had to be managed on shore according to French legislation. Then, following recommendations from a previous study, other ecotoxicological tests and modified ecotoxicological tests from HP14 methodology were selected. Ostracods mortality and growth tests were selected as a complement because its sensitivity to sediment ecotoxicity is known. To take into account the effects of extraction method and liquid/solid ratio on ecotoxicological impact of sediments, ecotoxicological tests have been applied to percolates. They have been obtained from up-flow percolation tests following the standard NF EN 14405. For each percolate, the rotifer clones reproduction test and the ostracod mortality and growth tests were performed.

Results and discussion

Contaminant analyses of sediments studied reveal differences in contamination between non-hazardous sediments. The majority of ecotoxicological tests carried out in the HP14 test batteries do not differentiate between non-hazardous sediments with low ecotoxicity. However, inhibition of rotifer reproduction and inhibition of plant germination and growth tests can be used. Among the complementary bioassays performed, the ostracods growth inhibition and multigenerational Daphnia reproduction inhibition tests are especially sensitive. Bioassays performed on percolates reveal low ecotoxicities that were not detected with conventional bioassays. For these tests, maximum ecotoxicities are observed on the first percolates for most of the tested sediments, and ecotoxicity effects decrease with the increase in the liquid/solid ratio.

Conclusions

The results enable us to propose a bioassay battery able to highlight the intrinsic toxicity of non-hazardous sediments. This is achieved through bioassays and using up-flow percolation columns to detect low ecotoxicity. This battery can be integrated into the SEDIMATERIAUX approach to ensure the choice of the beneficial reuse option for such sediment. As some of the proposed bioassays remain unsuitable for marine sediments, future studies will adapt the methodology to the presence of marine salts.

     

Identification of apolipoprotein A‐I in the α‐globulin fraction of avian plasma

Background: Plasma protein electrophoresis is frequently used in birds as a tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Identification of proteins in individual peaks can help improve our understanding of changes in protein concentration in physiologic and pathologic conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the presence and identity the protein(s) in the prominent α‐globulin peak of orange‐winged parrots (Amazona amazonica), black kites (Milvus migrans), and rock pigeons (Columba livia). Methods: Heparinized plasma samples were obtained from 12 birds of each species. Agarose gel electrophoresis and total protein concentration were determined using standard techniques. One plasma sample from each species was then electrophoresed using high‐resolution agarose gels to isolate the α‐globulin band. Gel strips were digested in trypsin and peptides were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. De novo sequencing was used to identify the protein based on homology scoring against a protein database. Results: Electrophoresis verified the presence of a single prominent α‐globulin peak, usually in the α₁‐region, that had a median concentration of 9.4 g/L (range, 2.1–11.7 g/L, 21.6% of total protein) in parrots, 12.2 g/L (10.4–13.2 g/L, 35.9%) in kites, and 10.7 g/L (9.0–11.5 g/L, 40.0%) in pigeons. Mass spectrometry and sequencing analysis unequivocally identified the protein as a mature circulating form of apolipoprotein A‐I (apo A‐I) in all 3 species. Conclusions: Apo A‐I accounts for the prominent α‐globulin peak and comprises a major proportion of total protein concentration in diverse avian species. As a high‐density lipoprotein and negative acute phase protein with a pivotal role in cholesterol homeostasis, further study is warranted to determine the significance of changes in apo A‐I concentration in avian electrophoretograms.