Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase expression in four pineapple varieties (Ananas comosus L.) after a chilling injury

Pineapple internal browning (IB) is a chilling injury that produces enzymatic browning associated with flesh translucency. Pineapple biodiversity allowed the investigation of how polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities with their different isoforms are involved in the IB mechanism. Fruits of four varieties that expressed IB symptoms differently, Smooth Cayenne (SCay) and the hybrids MD2, Flhoran 41 (Flh 41), and Flhoran 53 (Flh 53), were stressed by cold. The susceptible varieties showed classical brown spots but different patterns of IB, whereas MD2 and controls showed no IB. Enzymatic activities were measured on fruit protein extracts and PPO and POD isoforms separated on mini-gels (PhastSystem). Only PPO activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of IB. Up to six PPO isoforms were identified in the susceptible varieties. PPO was barely detectable in the nonsusceptible variety MD2 and in controls. The number of PPO isoforms and the total PPO activity after chilling are varietal characteristics.     

Identification and synthesis of new volatile molecules found in extracts obtained from distinct parts of cooked chicken

Several chicken parts (skin, fat, juice) were cooked in different ways (roasting, simmering) and investigated separately for their volatile composition. In-depth GC/MS analysis of the separate fractions revealed several unknown molecules. Mass spectra interpretation allowed us to identify nine molecules for the first time in chicken, including cyclic aldehydes, cyclic ketones, and new δ-lactones containing an unsaturated linear chain. Identification was confirmed by chemical synthesis followed by comparison of the mass spectra and linear retention indices. The natural occurrence of five of these molecules is reported here for the first time in a natural product.     

Skin mucus of Cyprinus carpio inhibits cyprinid herpesvirus 3 binding to epidermal cells

ABSTRACT: Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is the aetiological agent of a mortal and highly contagious disease in common and koi carp. The skin is the major portal of entry of CyHV-3 in carp after immersion in water containing the virus. In the present study, we used in vivo bioluminescence imaging to investigate the effect of skin mucus removal and skin epidermis lesion on CyHV-3 entry. Physical treatments inducing removal of the mucus up to complete erosion of the epidermis were applied on a defined area of carp skin just before inoculation by immersion in infectious water. CyHV-3 entry in carp was drastically enhanced on the area of the skin where the mucus was removed with or without associated epidermal lesion. To investigate whether skin mucus inhibits CyHV-3 binding to epidermal cells, tail fins with an intact mucus layer or without mucus were inoculated ex vivo. While electron microscopy examination revealed numerous viral particles bound on the fins inoculated after mucus removal, no particle could be detected after infection of mucus-covered fins. Finally, anti-CyHV-3 neutralising activity of mucus extract was tested in vitro. Incubation of CyHV-3 with mucus extract reduced its infectivity in a dose dependent manner. The present study demonstrates that skin mucus removal and epidermal lesions enhance CyHV-3 entry in carp. It highlights the role of fish skin mucus as an innate immune protection against viral epidermal entry.     

Malignant catarrhal fever induced by Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 is characterized by an expansion of activated CD3+CD8+CD4- T cells expressing a cytotoxic phenotype in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues

ABSTRACT: Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) is carried by wildebeest asymptomatically. It causes a fatal lymphoproliferative disease named wildebeest-derived malignant catarrhal fever (WD-MCF) when cross-species transmitted to a variety of susceptible species of the Artiodactyla order. WD-MCF can be reproduced experimentally in rabbits. In a previous report, we demonstrated that WD-MCF induced by AlHV-1 is associated with a severe proliferation of CD8+ T cells in the lymphoid tissues. Here, we further studied the mononuclear leukocytic populations in both the lymphoid (throughout the infection and at time of euthanasia) and non-lymphoid (at time of euthanasia) organs during WD-MCF induced experimentally in rabbits. To reach that goal, we performed multi-colour flow cytometry stainings. The results obtained demonstrate that the development of WD-MCF correlates in peripheral blood with a severe increase of CD8+ cell percentages; and that CD3+CD8+CD4- T cells were the predominant cell type in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs at time of euthanasia. Further characterization of the mononuclear leukocytes isolated from both lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues revealed that the CD8+ T cells express high levels of the activation markers CD25 and CD44, produce high amount of gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) and perforin, and showed a reduction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene expression. These data demonstrate that the development of WD-MCF is associated with the expansion and infiltration of activated and cytotoxic CD3+CD8+CD4- T cells secreting high amount of IFN-γ but low IL-2.     

Epizootiology on Mink Enteritis: II. Musca Domestica L as a Possible Vector of Virus

The significance of the house fly M. domestica L as a vector of ME was studied. MEV was transmitted from infected to susceptible mink by flies having unlimited contact with both. Disease was also induced by feeding infected flies to susceptible mink.     

Long-term outcome associated with intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin for cutaneous tumors in equidae: 573 cases (1995-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome associated with cutaneous tumors treated via intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin and identify risk factors affecting local tumor control and complications in equidae. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 573 equidae with 630 cutaneous tumors. PROCEDURES: Medical records of horses, mules, donkeys, and ponies with cutaneous tumors treated via intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin were analyzed. RESULTS: 549 horses, 13 mules, 8 donkeys, and 3 ponies with 630 histologically confirmed cutaneous tumors were included. Tumors included sarcoids (n = 409), squamous cell carcinomas (151), soft tissue sarcomas (28), cutaneous lymphomas (26), and melanomas (16). Overall cure rate, defined as local control at 4 years, was 93.3%. For all tumor stages combined, cure rates after 1 course of treatment were 96.3% for sarcoids, 96% for lymphomas, 88% for squamous cell carcinomas, 85% for soft tissue sarcomas, and 81% for melanomas. Treatment protocol, tumor stage, and prior treatment were significant prognostic factors for tumor control. Treatment efficacy was lower for large tumors, those with gross postoperative residual disease, and those that had been treated previously with other modalities. Treatment was well tolerated. Local reactions were more likely to occur and to be more severe after the third and fourth treatment sessions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results confirmed the value of intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin for treatment of cutaneous tumors in equidae.The results cannot be extrapolated to other formulations of cisplatin or other protocols that might be used.     

Evaluation of strontium Sr 90 for the treatment of superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum in cats: 49 cases (1990-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine progression-free and overall survival times of cats with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal planum following treatment with a single fraction of strontium Sr 90 ((90)Sr). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 49 cats with SCC of the nasal planum. PROCEDURES: Information including FIV infection status, diagnosis of SCC vs SCC in situ (ie, evidence that the tumor did or did not penetrate the epidermal basement membrane, respectively), (90)Sr dose and number of probe applications, treatment-related response and complications, and recurrence of SCC and new lesion development was obtained from medical records. The relationships of these variables with calculated progression-free and overall survival times were assessed. RESULTS: Of 49 cats that underwent (90)Sr plesiotherapy (median dose, 128 Gy), 48 (98%) had a response to treatment and 43 (88%) had a complete response. Median progression-free and overall survival times were 1,710 and 3,076 days, respectively. Treatment complications were infrequent (4 [8%] cats) and mild. Following treatment, the SCC recurrence rate was 20% (10/49 cats); 16 (33%) cats developed new lesions in other locations. Overall survival time was significantly longer for cats with a complete response to treatment than for those with a partial response. None of the other variables evaluated had a significant effect on progression-free or overall survival time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment of cats with SCC of the nasal planum with a single fraction of (90)Sr appeared to be effective and well tolerated. Initial response to treatment was predictive of overall survival time.     

Reduction in milk yield associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) infection in dairy cows

To assess the profitability of control schemes for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map)-infection implemented in dairy herds, accurate estimates of its production effects are needed. This study aimed at quantifying the variation in milk yield of dairy cows according to their Map-infection status. The cow-status was determined by combining (i) its testing(s)-result(s) (serum ELISA, faecal culture (FC), PCR, Ziehl staining), (ii) the Map-status of its herd, and (iii) its possible vaccination against Map. A total of 15 490 cows in 569 herds located in western France was considered. The effect on test-day milk yield (TDMY) of the cow-status to Map was assessed separately in parity 1, 2 and 3 or more, using mixed linear models, after adjustment for herd-season (random), days in milk and breed. Average TDMY was significantly lower in cows from herds with at least one Map-infected cow (defined as positive herds). Individual TDMY showed a reduction ranging from 1.58 to 3.30, 2.03 to 2.51, 5.36 to 7.20 kg/day (P < 0.001) depending on parity for unvaccinated cows and testing ELISA-positive, PCR- or FC-positive, and Ziehl-positive, respectively, compared to cows in Map-free herds. The loss in milk yield increased with increased parity in ELISA-positive and Ziehl-positive cows. Cows that were both tested ELISA-positive and vaccinated had a smaller loss in TDMY than those that were unvaccinated. The estimates from this study can be used to further assess the economic impact associated with Map-infection in dairy herds or to help in the culling decisions regarding infected cows.     

A pmp genes-based PCR as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis

In a previous study we described the use of a new set of PCR primers (CpsiA/CpsiB) specific of the conserved pmp-family genes of Chlamydophila abortus as an efficient tool for the detection of these bacteria in ruminants including also preliminary results on avian strains. In this work, the use of this set of primers was extended to representative strains of the six major avian serovars (serovars A-F) and to field isolates of C. psittaci. For all the studied representative strains, using purified genomic DNA as a template, CpsiA/CpsiB primers allowed, as observed for C. abortus, a minimal 10-fold PCR signal increase compared to the one observed with ompA specific primers. In comparison to primers targeting the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer, similar or increased sensitivity was observed depending on the strain. All the field isolates were amplified with CpsiA/CpsiB primers. On clinical samples, our primers are the best among those tested for detection of C. psittaci by simple conventional PCR. RFLP experiments performed using PCR fragments amplified with the CpsiA/CpsiB primers gave promising results demonstrating that these primers may provide an interesting tool for molecular typing when the bacterium cannot be grown from pathological samples.