Effect of a standardized extract of red orange juice on proliferation of human prostate cells in vitro

A standardized extract of red orange juice (ROE) was shown to inhibit proliferation of fibroblast and epithelial prostate cells. These data suggest that the antiproliferative properties of ROE cannot be ascribed to cytotoxic effect and highlight its potential usefulness in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.     

Effects of selenate addition on selenium accumulation and plant growth of two Prunus rootstock genotypes

A pot experiment was conducted with two Prunus genotypes (GF 677 and Mr.S.2/5, commercial rootstocks for peach), which are widely used in Italy and other European countries. Selenium (Se) was added as sodium selenate to 3‐month‐old micropropagated plants at a rate of 0 (control), 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg Se (kg soil)^–1. Plant growth, gas exchange, and Se accumulation were studied. Selenium added at a rate of 2.5 and 5.0 mg Se kg^–1 appeared to be highly toxic for the two young peach rootstocks. Thirty‐three days after the treatment, the plants showed a high mortality rate. The fast growing rootstock, GF 677, appeared to be more sensitive to Se toxicity, the mortality rate reaching 52%. The higher the Se concentration in the soil, the higher it also was in the plant. In general, both genotypes were able to take up Se and to translocate high amounts from root to leaf. After selenate addition to the soil, both GF 677 and Mr.S.2/5 plants showed reduced plant growth with the highest Se treatments. Furthermore, Se induced a partial stomatal closure, as evidenced by the values of stomatal conductance, resulting in a reduction in net assimilation, and thus a decrease in dry‐matter production. Selenate applied at a low rate (1 mg Se kg^–1) stimulated plant growth in GF 677. One year after the Se treatment, a remobilization of Se from the storage organs to the young shoots was detected. This study demonstrates genotypic variation in Se uptake and accumulation in peach rootstocks.     

Using distribution models to test alternative hypotheses about a species’ environmental limits and recovery prospects

Distribution models are commonly used to generalise across species distributions, to project future potential range changes, and to identify potential areas for species reintroductions and recovery plans. Building several models that incorporate different potential causal factors is a useful way of formalising alternative hypotheses. We developed a series of models to test hypotheses about the factors influencing the distribution of a species of conservation importance - the hen harrier Circus cyaneus.A climate-based model using continental distribution data was consistent with the continental distribution and observational studies in Britain. According to the climate-model the parts of Britain occupied by the hen harrier are the least climatically suitable.Habitat-based models using detailed distribution data from seven Scottish areas explained the recent British distribution well, with birds largely confined to heather dominated areas. These patterns were inconsistent with historical data on the species’ distribution, its habitat use in other parts of its range and with the climate-based model.Our burn intensity index of gamekeeper activity was highly correlated with climatic suitability within the best 25% of 10 km squares by modelled habitat suitability, negatively associated with the productivity data and associated with a decrease in abundances between 1998 and 2004. Gamekeeper activity may be keeping hen harriers out of the most climatically suitable areas with habitat similar to that which they currently occupy within Britain and or keeping the population numbers too low and isolated for the natural re-expansion of the species into parts of the range where it was historically extirpated.     

Monitoring the reverse to normal of clinico-pathological findings and the disease free interval time using four different treatment protocols for canine leishmaniosis in an endemic area

Twenty-four dogs naturally infected by Leishmania spp. were treated with four different protocols using meglumine antimoniate (aNm) and allopurinol in combination or in monotherapy. Aiming to compare the efficacy of the different treatments the reverse to normal of clinico-pathological findings and the disease free interval time (DFIT) were evaluated. Treated dogs were monitored for 1 year and, in absence of relapses, the DFIT was postponed to the last available follow-up. Seven dogs treated with aNm alone showed relapses during the year of observation. In the group of dogs treated with the combination of aNm (50 mg/kg/SC 12 hourly up to clinico-pathological recovery) and allopurinol (15 mg/kg/PO 12 hourly administered for 6months) no relapses were registered in the year of monitoring and the DFIT reached up to 65 months. Our results showed that this combination represents the best choice to treat canine leishmaniosis compared to other protocols.     

An Open‐label Phase 1 Dose‐escalation Clinical Trial of a Single Intravenous Administration of Gemcitabine in Dogs with Advanced Solid Tumors

Background

A broad range of gemcitabine dosages have been used in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine maximally tolerated dose (MTD), dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT), and preliminary antitumor activity of intravenous administration of gemcitabine in dogs with advanced solid tumors.

Animals

Twenty‐two client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs with advanced cancer were prospectively enrolled in an open‐label Phase 1 study of gemcitabine. Gemcitabine was administered as a 30‐minute intravenous bolus starting at 800 mg/m², using escalation of 50 mg/m² increments with 3 dogs per dose level. MTD was established based on the number of dogs experiencing DLT assessed after 1 cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicosis. Additional dogs were enrolled at MTD to better characterize tolerability, and to assess the extent and duration of gemcitabine excretion.

Results

Twenty‐two dogs were treated at 4 dose levels, ranging from 800 to 950 mg/m². Neutropenia was identified as DLT. MTD was 900 mg/m². DLT consisting of grade 4 febrile neutropenia was observed at 950 mg/m² in 2 dogs. There were no nonhematologic DLTs. Twenty dogs received multiple doses, and none had evidence of severe toxicosis from any of their subsequent treatments. At 900 mg/m², 2 complete and 5 partial responses were observed in dogs with measurable tumors. The amount of gemcitabine excreted in urine decreased over time, and was undetectable after the first 24 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The recommended dose of gemcitabine for future Phase 2 studies is weekly 900 mg/m². In chemotherapy‐naïve dogs with advanced solid tumor this dose level merits further evaluation.     

Comment on "A common genetic variant is associated with adult and childhood obesity"

Contrary to the findings of Herbert et al. (Reports, 14 April 2006, p. 279), homozygous carriers of the C allele of the rs7566605 variant near the INSIG2 gene did not exhibit a significantly increased risk for obesity in a large population-based cross-sectional German study. A subgroup analysis, however, revealed that this allele significantly increased the risk for obesity in already overweight individuals.     

Synthesis and antifungal action of new tricyclazole analogues

Melanins are very important pigments for the survival and longevity of fungi, so their biosynthesis inhibition is a new biochemical target aiming at the discovery of selective fungicides. In this work is described the synthesis of new pyrazolo-thiazolo-triazole compounds, analogues of tricyclazole (a commercial antifungal product that acts by inhibiting melanin synthesis), and their biological activity was studied on some dermatophytes and phytopathogens. The compounds poorly inhibited the growth and pigmentation of fungi tested and were less efficient than tricyclazole. Electron microscopy on Botrytis cinerea showed that treatment with the most active compound caused abnormally thickened and stratified walls in fungi, whose ultrastructure was, in contrast, generally normal. The fungus treated with tricyclazole, on the other hand, appeared to be drastically altered, so as to become completely disorganized. These results suggest that the new azole compounds employ an action mechanism similar to that of other azoles, but dissimilar to that of tricyclazole.     

Assessing six Austrian potato cultivars for resistance toErwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica

Summary The susceptibility of six new Austrian cultivars to soft rot, stem rot and blackleg caused byErwinia carotovora subsp.atroseptica was assessed over 2 years in two locations. Soft rot susceptibility was assessed by whole tuber and half tuber tests, stem rot by stem inoculation and blackleg by planting inoculated tubers in the glasshouse. The susceptibility of the cultivars tested with the tuber and blackleg test methods were in general agreement. The half tuber test was more precise in differentiating intermediate levels of susceptibility than the whole tuber test. The reaction of the cultivars to soft rot could be classified as susceptible (Gina and Romina), moderately susceptible (Ditta, Sonja and Bintje), or slightly susceptible (Treff, Komet and Désirée). Results from the stem rot test did not agree with this classification and also depended upon the physiological state of plants as influenced by growing season and glasshouse conditions.