Metschnikowia pulcherrima strain MACH1 outcompetes Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata and Penicillium expansum in apples through iron depletion

A new strain of Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MACH1) was studied for its efficacy as a biocontrol agent against Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum and Alternaria alternata on apples stored for 8 months at 1 °C. The results of two semi-commercial trials demonstrated the efficacy of the biocontrol strain MACH1. In order to understand the mechanism of action involved, the yeast strain was investigated for its competitive ability for iron against postharvest pathogens of apple. M. pulcherrima strain MACH1 was cultivated on PDA with different concentrations of iron (supplemented as FeCl₃) against A. alternata and B. cinerea. The yeast strain MACH1 produced a wider pigmented inhibition zone against both pathogens in low iron amendments while less inhibition was measured with increased iron concentrations. At the coloured inhibition zone, B. cinerea and A. alternata conidia did not germinate and mycelial degeneration was observed. In addition, a high reduction in infection by both pathogens was recorded in apples treated with M. pulcherrima strain MACH1 supplemented with low iron amendments compared to higher iron concentrations. The same experiments were carried out in vivo and in vitro against P. expansum. M. pulcherrima strain MACH1 amended with low iron concentration (5 μg mL⁻¹ FeCl₃), showing modest lesion diameter reduction and no effect on P. expansum under increased iron and without iron amendments. This study illustrated that iron depletion by the yeast strain MACH1 under low iron conditions could reduce the growth of some postharvest pathogens in vitro and in vivo. Although, iron depletion seems to be a primary mode of action against the postharvest pathogens studied, other mechanisms of action cannot be excluded in the biocontrol employed by M. pulcherrima strain MACH1.     

Genetic and morphological characterization of Acroceras macrum Stapf

Acroceras macrum is a warm‐season grass used for pastures, and it has high nutritive value. The scarce genetic and reproductive information about this grass is limiting its breeding for forage. The objective of this research was to determine the number of genotypes and cytotypes present in a collection established in Argentina, and to estimate the diversity of this species based on molecular markers, and morphological and agronomic characteristics. The number of genotypes among forty‐seven accessions was determined using ISSR markers. The identified genotypes were further characterized for ploidy levels. In addition, the genetic distances among them were estimated with ISSR markers. They were also propagated and planted into the field following a randomized complete block design with four replications, and a group of sixteen morphological and agronomic variables were evaluated. A total of twenty‐seven genotypes were identified in this collection; twenty‐two genotypes were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) and five were hexaploid (2n = 6x = 54). These two cytotypes were found clearly separated by both genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Above‐ground biomass, internode length, initial growth and number of spikelets per inflorescence were the most variable traits. The high diversity present in this collection will allow for the initiation of a breeding programme for A. macrum.     

Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of intravenous and extradural tramadol in dogs

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid agonist used extensively in human and, to a lesser extent, veterinary medicine throughout the world. The clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous (IV) and extradural (ED) tramadol (2 mg/kg) and its o-desmethyl metabolite were studied in dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Intra-operative cardiorespiratory variables were monitored and post-operative pain was assessed using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. A rapid (<5 min) and effective production of o-desmethyl tramadol was recorded. The pharmacokinetic profile was similar for tramadol and its metabolite irrespective of the route of administration. ED tramadol provided sufficient intra- and post-operative analgesia without significant clinical side-effects, but the post-operative analgesia was comparable to that following IV administration and the ED route could therefore not be considered a practical alternative to the IV route.     

Extraction and HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in leaves, stalks, and textile fibers of Urtica dioica L

In the present study the phenolic composition of leaves, stalks, and textile fiber extracts from Urtica dioica L. is described. Taking into account the increasing demand for textile products made from natural fibers and the necessity to create sustainable "local" processing chains, an Italian project was funded to evaluate the cultivation of nettle fibers in the region of Tuscany. The leaves of two nettle samples, cultivated and wild (C and W), contain large amounts of chlorogenic and 2- O-caffeoylmalic acid, which represent 71.5 and 76.5% of total phenolics, respectively. Flavonoids are the main class in the stalks: 54.4% of total phenolics in C and 31.2% in W samples. Anthocyanins are second in quantitative importance and are present only in nettle stalks: 28.6% of total phenolics in C and 24.4% in W extracts. Characterization of phenolic compounds in nettle extracts is an important result with regard to the biological properties (antioxidant and antiradical) of these metabolites for their possible applications in various industrial activities, such as food/feed, cosmetics, phytomedicine, and textiles.     

Toxocara canis infection induces antigen-specific IL-10 and IFNgamma production in pregnant dogs and their puppies

Toxocara canis (T. canis) is originally a parasite of canine bitches and their pups. The pathogenicity of T. canis infection is enhanced during pregnancy and puppyhood. The aim of this study was to investigate if modification of IFNgamma and IL-10 secretion occurs during infection in pregnant dogs and puppies. Analysis of cytokines secreted could let us hypothesize a role for IL-10 and/or IFNgamma in T. canis infection. We tested T. canis-specific production of IFNgamma and IL-10 by lymphocytes of pregnant dogs and their puppies after in vitro re-exposure to purified excretory/secretory antigen (ESAg) from T. canis. Blood mononuclear cells (BMC) isolated from pregnant dogs and their puppies were cultured in the presence of ESAg. Cultures' supernatants were tested for cytokine levels by ELISA. Results obtained showed that IL-10 concentrations increased during pregnancy in infected animals and in the meantime IFNgamma production decreased. In puppyhood, we observed that, IL-10 concentration decreased with the age of puppies mainly in infected animals while IFNgamma increased. In conclusion, our data suggests that BMC of infected dogs have a particular modification of IL-10 and IFNgamma synthesis. These data could be the basis to design immunotherapeutic approaches.     

Kisspeptin in the early post–partum of the dairy cow

Recently, a new molecule, kisspeptin (Kp), and in particular Kisspeptin 10 (Kp10), was implicated in stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating Kp10 levels in the early post–partum period of the dairy cow. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows, at 10 (T10), 12 (T12), 14 (T14) and 16 (T16) days after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated using ELISA, and levels of oestrogens (E2) and Kp were evaluated using a radio‐immunologic method. After an initial plateau, Kp10 significantly increased at T14 and decreased at T16. The P4 and E2 mean serum values remained in the physiological range. It is likely that Kp10 enhanced hypothalamic GnRH release as well as pituitary gonadotropin secretion, thus promoting follicular growth and the increase in E2 levels, which might have further enhanced Kp10 release through a positive feedback loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the range of Kp10 blood concentration during the early post–partum period in the dairy cow. The results of our study will increase our current understanding of the complex neuro‐endocrine crosstalk underlying the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the dairy cow.     

First Description of Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect in a Rabbit

Congenital heart diseases have rarely been described in rabbits. The purpose of the present case report is to describe the clinical, radiographic, echocardiographic, and pathological features of a partial atrioventricular septal defect in a pet rabbit. A 3-month-old, 380-g male vaccinated pet rabbit was presented for decreased activity, increased respiratory rate and effort, anorexia, and decreased fecal output of 2 days duration. Total body radiographic images revealed severe cardiomegaly associated with enlarged caudal pulmonary vessels and increased interstitial to alveolar lung pattern. Echocardiographic imaging showed evidence of distended heart chambers, abnormal flow through the atria, and mitral valve regurgitation. The rabbit was treated with furosemide and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor but rapidly deteriorated and died. Necropsy confirmed the dilation of both ventricles and the presence of a partial atrioventricular septal defect associated with an ostium primum atrial septal defect just over the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve.