Comparisons between elastographic stiffness scores for benign versus malignant lymph nodes in dogs and cats

Lymph node evaluation is an important component of oncology staging in dogs and cats, however diagnosis of malignancy currently requires cytology or histopathology. Elastography is an ultrasound technique that allows estimation of tissue stiffness. In people, it has been shown to increase the sensitivity of sonography in detection of metastatic lymph nodes. The objective of this prospective, cross‐sectional study was to determine if elastographic stiffness differs for malignant versus benign canine and feline lymph nodes that were considered abnormal in gray‐scale ultrasound imaging. Animals scheduled for ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates of a lymph node at a single center were prospectively enrolled. Elastography was performed by a board‐certified veterinary radiologist (G.S.) prior to tissue sampling. Softness was scored qualitatively as 1–4 (1 = hard; 4 = soft) on an image depicted by a color scale (blue = hard, red = soft). Quantitative analysis was performed using custom‐made software. Fifty‐one lymph nodes were included in the evaluation, 21 had benign and 30 had neoplastic cytology. Benign lymph nodes were softer (median score of 2.5, range 1–4) than malignant lymph nodes (median = 2, range 1–3), and differences were significant in qualitative and quantitative analyses (P < 0.01). Of the lymph nodes with a score of 2 or below (hard), 19/25 (76%) were malignant, of the lymph nodes with a score over 2 (soft), 24/36 (67%) were benign. Findings indicated that elastographic stiffness scores differed between benign and malignant lymph node groups; however overlapping scores for the two groups limited the use of this technique for routine clinical diagnosis of malignancy.     

Metabolic signature of spent culture media shows lipid metabolism as a determinant of pregnancy outcomes

In the present study, we investigated the spent culture media of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos which did (group Pregnant) or did not (group Non-pregnant) establish pregnancy after transfer. For that purpose, IVP embryos on D5 were transferred to individual droplets for the last 48 h of culture. Embryos at the blastocyst stage were then transferred to synchronized recipients, while respective culture media drops were collected and evaluated individually. The list of metabolites present in spent culture media was obtained by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and analysed with Metaboanalyst® to characterize the metabolic profile of each group. The spectrometric analysis showed that pathways related to lipid metabolism, particularly fatty acids degradation via beta-oxidation, were more present in the Pregnant group whereas no significant pathway was identified in the group Non-pregnant. By using this method, we were able to identify a metabolic signature in culture media that allows for a better comprehension of preferential metabolic routes taken by the most viable embryos. These findings offer great insights into the biochemistry of embryo development and reveal a potential target for the development of better-quality IVP systems, as well as tools to identify bovine embryos with greater chances to establish and maintain pregnancy.     

Studies on phenology and harmfulness of Aceria carvi Nal. (Acari: Eriophyidae) on caraway, Carum carvi L., in the Czech Republic

Caraway (Carum carvi L.) belongs to the traditional crops which have been grown in Bohemia since the end of the 19th century. Depressaria daucella (Denis and Schiffermüller) and Aceria carvi Nal. are two main pests of caraway in the Czech Republic. The latter becomes a serious problem in major caraway-growing areas. So far, no effective method for its control is known. The aim of this paper is to describe the phenology of symptoms of A. carvi infestation and damage caused by this pest. Our observation revealed that although A. carvi overwinters hidden within leaves of young caraway plants, the first symptoms are usually not visible before the start of flowering. Though the initial density of the pest is low, the mite population multiplies during the season when the pest attacks plant tissues and causes development of galls on leaves and flowers. Comparison of healthy plants and plants infested by A. carvi showed that infested plants had significantly more umbels but produced far fewer seeds, and the yield of caraway was thus substantially decreased. Recommendations for crop management methods to suppress the pest are given.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at     

Untersuchungen zur Wirkung eines Kernpolyedervirus ausNeodiprion sertifer (Geoffr.) auf andere Blattwespenarten

A virus strain of the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer [Geoffr.]) NsNPV was tested against 7 species of sawflies. This strain was pathogenic forN. sertifer, M. pallipes andD. pini. After infection, retardation of the growth of the larvae and high mortality were observed. The speciesD. similis, G. laricis, P. abietina andC. abietis didn't show any susceptibility. The virus formed inclusion bodies in the midgut-cells of theN. sertifer-larvae; no polyhedra could be detected in dead larvae ofM. pallipes andD. pini. Extracts of infected larvae of these two species applicated toN. sertifer caused a typical polyhedrosis again.     

Dead wood in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest reserves

Data were analysed on the volume of dead wood in 86 beech forest reserves, covering most of the range of European beech forests. The mean volume was 130 m³/ha and the variation among reserves was high, ranging from almost nil to 550 m³/ha. The volume depended significantly on forest type, age since reserve establishment and volume of living wood. More dead wood was found in montane (rather than lowland/submontane) reserves, longer-established reserves (time since designation) and reserves with higher volumes of living wood.

On average, fallen dead wood contributed more to the total dead wood volume than standing dead wood. The percentage of dead wood that was standing was almost twice as high in montane than in lowland/submontane forest reserves (45% versus 25%). The volume of dead wood at selected sites changed considerably over time. The fluctuations were significantly higher in lowland/submontane than montane reserves, possibly connected with differences in the disturbance regimes and especially damage caused by windstorms. In NW Europe, the blow down of formerly managed, even-aged stands led to extraordinary high volumes of dead wood shortly after reserve establishment.

The implications for forest management and biodiversity conservation are discussed. An increase in dead wood volumes must be carried out in accordance with the local/regional forest type and disturbance regime. Thus, in order to fulfil the requirements of as many wood-depending organisms as possible, it is important to preserve not only larger amounts of dead wood, but also dead wood of different types and dimensions as well as securing a long-term continuity of dead wood.     

In vitro potential antioxidant activity of (1-->3),(1-->6)-beta-D-glucan and protein fractions from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls

(1-->3),(1-->6)-Beta-D-Glucan, a cell wall polysaccharide in many microorganisms, fungi and algae, is a well-known biological response modifier. Recently, it was found that (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae also exhibits antioxidative capabilities. In this study the antioxidative activity of the cell wall fractions of brewer's yeast was investigated. Particular emphasis was put on the question to which extent glucan is responsible for the antioxidative activity of the cell walls and how the other cell wall components might contribute. For the experiments yeast cell walls from brewery fermentations were used. Glucan was isolated by a three-step extraction procedure including a combination of hot water and enzymatic treatment. The level of (1-->3),(1-->6)-beta-D-glucan in the cell walls was analyzed enzymatically. The antioxidant activity was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay. The results show that the antioxidative activity of yeast cell wall proteins exceeds that of beta-glucan greatly. Especially aromatic side chains and free thiols from denatured proteins seem to work as antioxidants.     

New Populations of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from Lettuce in California and Peas and Lentils in Washington

ABSTRACT Four populations of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in North America were inferred previously, based on analyses of both rapidly evolving markers (DNA fingerprint and mycelial compatiblity), and multilocus DNA sequence spanning the range between fast and slow evolution. Each population was defined as an interbreeding unit of conspecific individuals sharing a common recent ancestor and arising in a unique evolutionary event. The present study applies this standard to extend characterization of S. sclerotiorum populations to the Western United States. Isolates of S. sclerotiorum (N = 294) were determined to represent three genetically differentiated populations: California (CA, lettuce), Washington (WA, pea/lentil), and Ontario (ON, lettuce). CA was the most diverse population yet sampled in North America. Clonality was detected in ON and WA. No DNA fingerprints were common among the populations. The index of association (I(A)), based on fingerprint, was closer to zero (0) for CA than it was for the other populations. High diversity and lack of association of markers in California are consistent either with genetic exchange and recombination, or with large population size and high standing genetic variation. Intra- and interlocus conflict among three DNA sequence loci was consistent with recombination. The coalescent IGS genealogy confirmed subdivision and showed CA to be older than WA or ON. The Nearest Neighbor statistic on combined data confirmed subdivision among all present and previously defined populations. All isolates had both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2, consistent with uniform homothallism.     

Effect of the dominant follicle aspiration before or after luteinizing hormone surge on the corpus luteum formation in the cow

Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and follicle rupture act as trigger to start corpus luteum (CL) formation. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether a dominant follicle that has not been exposed to an LH surge can become a functional CL. For this purpose, follicular fluid from the dominant follicles (DF) of cows was aspirated before or after a GnRH-induced LH surge, and subsequent CL formation was observed. Holstein cows were divided into four groups as follows: Luteal phase, a DF was aspirated 7 days after GnRH injection; Pre-LH surge, a DF was aspirated 42 h after PGF(2alpha) injection during the mid luteal phase; Post-LH surge, a DF was aspirated 24 h after GnRH injection following PGF(2alpha); and Intact follicle, ovulation was induced by GnRH injection after PGF(2alpha). Observation of morphological changes in the aspirated follicle using color Doppler ultrasonography and blood sampling was performed on Days 0, 3, 6, and 9 (Day 0 = follicle aspiration). CL formation following DF aspiration was observed only in the Post-LH surge group. In both the Luteal phase and Pre-LH surge groups, however, none of the cows showed local blood flow at the aspirated site or CL formation. Luteal blood flow area, CL volume, and plasma progesterone concentration in the Post-LH surge group were no different from those in the Intact follicle group. The present results clearly demonstrate that rather than follicle rupture, it is the LH surge that is essential for CL formation in cows.     

Three-dimensional reconstruction of partially 3D-digitized peach tree canopies

A simplified method for building three-dimensional (3D) mock-ups of peach trees is presented. The method combines partial digitizing of tree structure with reconstruction rules for non-digitized organs. Reconstruction was applied at two scales: leaves on current-year shoots (CYS) and shoots on 1-year-old shoots (OYOS). Reconstruction rules make use of allometric relationships, random sampling of shoot attribute distribution and additional hypotheses (e.g., constant internode length). The method was quantitatively assessed for two training systems (tight goblet and wide-double-Y), at a range of spatial scales. For this purpose, light interception properties of reference and reconstructed mock-ups were compared. Mock-up quality depended on scale. Foliage reconstruction on CYS was unsuitable for generating a given CYS. Similarly, CYS reconstruction on OYOS was unsuitable for generating a given OYOS. This is because generic rules derived at the population scale do not consider specific foliage or shoot attributes of a given CYS or OYOS. In contrast, foliage reconstruction on CYS was able to generate OYOS mock-ups having light properties similar to the reference mock-ups. The same held for CYS reconstruction on OYOS for light capture properties at the tree scale. The CYS reconstruction on OYOS was also suitable for deriving OYOS distribution as a function of light interception ability. Reconstruction rules were successfully used to build the vegetation neighborhood of a reference shoot. The proposed method could therefore be used to make 3D tree mock-ups usable for a range of some, but not all, light computations. Because the simplified method allows large time savings, it could be used in virtual experiments requiring large numbers of replicates, such as comparative studies of tree genotypes or training systems.     

Sugar fragmentation in the maillard reaction cascade: formation of short-chain carboxylic acids by a new oxidative alpha-dicarbonyl cleavage pathway

The formation of short-chain carboxylic acids was studied in Maillard model systems (90 degrees C, pH 6-10) with emphasis on the role of oxygen and water. The total amount of acetic acid formed did not depend on the reaction atmosphere. In the presence of labeled dioxygen or water (18O2, H2 17O), labeled oxygen was partially incorporated into acetic acid. Thermal treatment of 1-deoxy-d-erythro-2,3-hexodiulose (1) and 3-deoxy-d-erythro-hexos-2-ulose in the presence of 17O-enriched water under alkaline conditions led to acetic and formic acid, respectively, as indicated by 17O NMR spectroscopy. The suggested mechanism involves an oxidative alpha-dicarbonyl cleavage leading to an intermediary mixed acid anhydride that releases the acids, e.g., acetic and erythronic acid, from 1. Similarly, glyceric and lactic acids were formed from 1-deoxy-3,4-hexodiuloses, corroborated by complementary analytical techniques. This paper provides for the first time evidence for the direct formation of acids from C6-alpha-dicarbonyls by an oxidative mechanism and incorporation of a 17OH group into the carboxylic moiety. The experimental data obtained support the coexistence of at least two newly described reaction mechanisms leading to carboxylic acids, i.e., (i) a hydrolytic beta-dicarbonyl cleavage as a major pathway and (ii) an alternative minor pathway via oxidative alpha-dicarbonyl cleavage induced by oxidizing species.