Gene expression profiles in the brain predict behavior in individual honey bees

We show that the age-related transition by adult honey bees from hive work to foraging is associated with changes in messenger RNA abundance in the brain for 39% of approximately 5500 genes tested. This result, discovered using a highly replicated experimental design involving 72 microarrays, demonstrates more extensive genomic plasticity in the adult brain than has yet been shown. Experimental manipulations that uncouple behavior and age revealed that messenger RNA changes were primarily associated with behavior. Individual brain messenger RNA profiles correctly predicted the behavior of 57 out of 60 bees, indicating a robust association between brain gene expression in the individual and naturally occurring behavioral plasticity.     

Eleganolone,a Diterpene from the French Marine Alga Bifurcaria bifurcata Inhibits Growth of the Human Pathogens Trypanosoma brucei and Plasmodium falciparum

Organic extracts of 20 species of French seaweed have been screened against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense trypomastigotes, the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness. These extracts have previously shown potent antiprotozoal activities in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani. The selectivity of the extracts was also evaluated by testing cytotoxicity on a mammalian L6 cell line. The ethyl acetate extract of the brown seaweed, Bifurcaria bifurcata, showed strong trypanocidal activity with a mild selectivity index (IC₅₀ = 0.53 µg/mL; selectivity index (SI) = 11.6). Bio-guided fractionation led to the isolation of eleganolone, the main diterpenoid isolated from this species. Eleganolone contributes only mildly to the trypanocidal activity of the ethyl acetate extract (IC₅₀ = 45.0 µM, SI = 4.0). However, a selective activity against P. falciparum erythrocytic stages in vitro has been highlighted (IC₅₀ = 7.9 µM, SI = 21.6).     

Seminal plasma did not influence the presence of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukine-10 and interleukin-6 in porcine follicles shortly after insemination

Background

The effects of seminal plasma on the presence of the cytokines transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 in ovarian follicles and follicular fluid were studied shortly after insemination in gilts.Ovaries from gilts were sampled 5–6 h after insemination with either seminal plasma (SP), fresh semen in extender (Beltsville thawing solution, BTS), spermatozoa in extender (Spz), or only BTS (control).

Results

Immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling of TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-6 was evident in the ovarian oocytes and granulosa cells independent of stage of follicular development (antral follicles). Theca interna cells were labeled to a high degree in mature follicles. No consistent differences between treatment groups could be observed for any of the cytokines.In follicular fluid, high concentrations of TGF-β1 were found while the levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were low. There were no differences between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Our results show a presence of the cytokines TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-10 in oocytes, granulosa and theca cells, as well as in the fluid of mature follicles suggesting a role of these cytokines in intra-ovarian cell communication. However, treatment (SP, fresh semen in BTS, spermatozoa in BTS or BTS) did not influence the IHC-labeling pattern or the levels of these cytokines in follicular fluid shortly after insemination.     

Validation of a Dictyocaulus viviparus MSP-ELISA and cut-off adjustment in a one-year longitudinal field study in dairy cattle herds

A one-year field study analysing lungworm seropositivity by use of the MSP-ELISA was performed (1) to investigate the antibody dynamics in individual milk samples following field (re-)infections of dairy cows with the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus, (2) to investigate the correlation between individual and bulk tank milk (BTM) antibody titres and (3) to review the current individual as well as BTM cut-off value, which was extrapolated from dilution experiments (Fiedor et al., 2009). Over a one-year period individual and BTM samples were collected monthly on 15 dairy farms. Following a critical review of previous cut-off values, individual and BTM samples were subjected to different cut-off thresholds. Following Receiver-Operating-Characteristics (ROC) analysis, individual milk samples were assessed with the cut-off value 0.573, previously shown to be associated with each 100% sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the present study enabled BTM cut-off adjustment based on field data. To ensure reliable detection of herds with an in-herd prevalence of ≥20% the BTM cut-off was lowered from 0.493 to 0.410, corresponding to 100% sensitivity and 97.32% specificity. Regression analysis showed that the percentage of seropositive animals related to the corresponding BTM ODR correlated moderately (r=0.581, P<0.001), whereas a strong correlation (r=0.764, P<0.001) was found between mean individual and BTM ODR per herd and sampling month. Seasonal antibody pattern became obvious in a single-peaked antibody curve in late summer/early autumn for individual milk whilst BTM showed a two-peaked distribution with an additional spring peak besides the late summer/early autumn peak. This leads to the conclusion that the BTM-ELISA could be a useful tool to detect and control pasture contamination in the spring, following sexual maturation of hypobiotic lungworm larvae harboured by clinically asymptomatic carrier animals. In addition to the knowledge gained on antibody patterns in dairy herds and the relationship of individual and BTM, the present study enabled sensitivity and specificity calculations for the obsolete BTM cut-off value 0.493 to be performed.     

Assessment of ultrasonography and computed tomography for the evaluation of unilateral orbital disease in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic (CT) features of confirmed neoplastic and nonneoplastic disease in dogs with unilateral orbital diseases, determine criteria to differentiate between the 2 conditions, and assess the relative value of ultrasonography and CT for the differential diagnosis of these 2 conditions. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 29 dogs with unilateral neoplastic orbital disease and 16 dogs with unilateral nonneoplastic orbital disease. PROCEDURES: Clinical history and results of physical and ophthalmologic examinations were recorded. Ultrasonographic and CT images were evaluated, and discriminating factors were identified to differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic diseases. Diagnostic value of ultrasonography and CT was assessed. RESULTS: Dogs with neoplastic disease were significantly older; had clinical signs for a longer time before initial examination; had more progressive onset of clinical signs; and more frequently had protrusion of the nictitating membrane, fever, and anorexia. The most discriminating factor for both imaging modalities was delineation of the margins (odds ratio was 41.7 for ultrasonography and 45 for CT), with neoplastic lesions clearly delineated more often. Ultrasonographically, neoplastic lesions were more frequently hypoechoic and homogeneous, with indentation of the globe and bone involvement evident more frequently than for nonneoplastic lesions. Mineralization was detected only with neoplasia. Fluctuant fluid was seen more frequently in dogs with nonneoplastic disease. Computed tomography more frequently revealed extraorbital involvement. Diagnostic value was similar for both imaging modalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography and CT are valuable imaging modalities to assist in differentiating neoplastic from nonneoplastic unilateral orbital disease in dogs.     

Comparative analysis of active constituents in Centella asiatica samples from Madagascar: application for ex situ conservation and clonal propagation

A comparative quantitative analysis of the active triterpenoids in Centella asiatica samples collected in different locations in Madagascar was carried out to evaluate the natural variability in triterpenoid content and to select elite samples for further ex situ germplasm conservation and clonal propagation. The highest asiaticoside content (6.42%) was measured in samples collected in Mangoro region. In vitro propagation of C. asiatica was successfully achieved in hormone-free medium. Although lower asiaticoside content was detected in 8-week-old vitro plants, the Mangoro sample still showed the highest content in this triterpenoid constituent (1.78%). Acetoxycentellynol, a C(15)-polyacetylene, was found to be accumulated up to 18 times more in in vitro plants as compared to plant material collected in situ.     

Biomaterials and Bioactive Natural Products from Marine Invertebrates: From Basic Research to Innovative Applications

Aquatic invertebrates are a major source of biomaterials and bioactive natural products that can find applications as pharmaceutics, nutraceutics, cosmetics, antibiotics, antifouling products and biomaterials. Symbiotic microorganisms are often the real producers of many secondary metabolites initially isolated from marine invertebrates; however, a certain number of them are actually synthesized by the macro-organisms. In this review, we analysed the literature of the years 2010–2019 on natural products (bioactive molecules and biomaterials) from the main phyla of marine invertebrates explored so far, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, echinoderms and ascidians, and present relevant examples of natural products of interest to public and private stakeholders. We also describe omics tools that have been more relevant in identifying and understanding mechanisms and processes underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in marine invertebrates. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable large-scale supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of aquatic invertebrate stem cells.     

Correspondence regarding 'Clouded leopards,the secretive top-carnivore of South-East Asian rainforests: their distribution,status and conservation needs in Sabah,Malaysia'

Correspondence regarding Wilting A, Fischer F, Bakar SA, Linsenmair KE: Clouded leopards, the secretive top-carnivore of South-East Asian rainforests: their distribution, status and conservation needs in Sabah, Malaysia. BMC Ecol 2006, 6:16.     

Biological control at work: demonstrating the complementary effects of natural enemies on two contrasting pests and the damage they cause

Journal of Pest Science - Natural pest control is a significant service supporting agricultural production. However, the relative contribution of several functional groups of natural enemies to...