Assessment of genetic diversity in emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) × durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) derived lines and their parents using mapped and unmapped molecular markers

In the last few years, the renewed interest for emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) in Italy has stimulated breeding programs for this crop releasing improved genotypes obtained not only by selection from landraces, but even by crosses with durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) varieties. The purpose of this work has been to uncover the genetic make-up of some emmer × durum derivatives, specifically by comparing the differences from their parents. Genetic diversity of advanced breeding lines and varieties derived from a durum × emmer cross has been evaluated on the basis of AFLP and SSR markers in comparison with the corresponding emmer and durum wheat parent for addressing the seminal question of how much ‘wild’ variation remains after selection for agronomic type.     

Robust and sensitive monoclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the herbicide molinate

This paper reports on the generation of monoclonal antibodies and the development of a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of molinate (S-ethyl hexahydroazepine-1-carbothioate). Hybridoma cells were generated using spleen and lymph node cells from a mouse immunized with S-2-carboxyethyl hexahydroazepine-1-carbothioate conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. After screening with a competitive ELISA, two monoclonal antibodies, mAbs 16C11 and 14D7, with IC(50) values of 82 +/- 2 and 173 +/- 8 ng/mL, respectively, were selected. MAb 16C11 can detect molinate concentrations of 1 ng/mL with no cross-reactivity to any other thiocarbamate pesticides; however, it was susceptible to the presence of organic solvents and to variation in buffer ionic strength. MAb 14D7 tolerated concentrations up to 5% of propylene glycol and 12.5% of acetonitrile in the assay buffer. The sensitivity of mAb 14D7 was further improved by decreasing the amount of coating antigen in the ELISA; the final inhibition assay showed an IC(50) of 69.2 +/- 1.4 ng/mL. In summary, mAb14D7 provided a more sensitive and robust assay, as compared with previous polyclonal antibody-based assays, with the additional advantage of being based upon a consistent and unlimited source of a defined reagent.     

Retinal neuronal cell is a toxicological target of tributyltin in developing zebrafish

Organotins are among the most common marine pollutants in the world, as they are widely used as antifouling paint on ships and fishing nets. It has been reported that organotin preferentially accumulates in the central nervous system, especially in the retinal neurons of marine organisms including fish. In this study, we investigated the effects of waterborne tributyltin (TBT) on early-stage developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). Below the lethal concentrations, TBT specifically increased the number of apoptotic cells in the retina as well as some cells near trigeminal neurons, detected by terminal transferase-mediated nick-end-labeling staining. Apoptosis peaked at 60 hpf and decreased by 72 hpf, which was associated with macrophage accumulation. Furthermore, the effect of TBT was markedly inhibited by antioxidants, ascorbic acid or trolox. These results suggest that TBT preferentially induces apoptosis in the retinal neuron of developing zebrafish. Oxidative stress may be involved in this toxicological response.     

Pathogenicity of H5N1 influenza A viruses isolated in Vietnam between late 2003 and 2005

Since late 2003, highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A viruses have spread among poultry and wild aquatic birds in Asian countries. Transmission of these viruses to humans can be lethal. Most human cases of infection with H5N1 viruses have occurred in Vietnam. Therefore, to understand the pathogenicity in mammals of these H5N1 viruses, we took viruses isolated from poultry (5 strains) and humans (2 strains) in Vietnam and tested their virulence in mice. The results showed that the H5N1 viruses from humans were pathogenic in mice and that one avian isolate was also pathogenic. These findings suggested that the H5N1 viruses circulating in poultry adapted during replication in humans or that strains pathogenic in mice were transmitted directly to humans.     

Molecular characterization of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of H5N1 influenza A viruses isolated from poultry in Vietnam from 2004 to 2005

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A viruses have been spreading among domestic poultry, wild aquatic birds, and humans in many Asian countries since 2003. The largest number of patients, to date, infected with the H5N1 viruses are in Vietnam, where these viruses continue to cause outbreaks in domestic poultry. Here, we molecularly characterized the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of nine H5N1 viruses isolated between January 2004 and August 2005 from domestic poultry in Vietnam. We found that several groups of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses are circulating among these birds, which suggests that H5N1 viruses of different lineages have been introduced into Vietnam multiple times.     

The new French 2010 Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus causes an RHD-like disease in the Sardinian Cape hare (Lepus capensis mediterraneus)

Lagovirus is an emerging genus of Caliciviridae, which includes the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) of rabbits and the European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) of hares that cause lethal hepatitis. In 2010, a new RHDV related virus (RHDV2) with a unique genetic and antigenic profile and lower virulence was identified in France in rabbits. Here we report the identification of RHDV2 as the cause in Sardinia of several outbreaks of acute hepatitis in rabbits and Cape hare (Lepus capensis mediterraneus). This is the first account of a lagovirus that causes fatal hepatitis in both rabbits and hares.     

Access to land,livestock production and ecosystem conservation in the Brazilian Campos biome: The natural grasslands dilemma

How to improve access to land and livestock production in synergy with ecosystem conservation? The paradigm occurring in natural grasslands of the Southern Brazilian Campos biome is used to illustrate the dilemma. This paper aims to contribute by addressing the technical bases being used by legislations concerning access to land and incentive to production and their consequences for natural grassland systems. Current policies have a production-oriented focus trying to promote livestock productivity by setting minimum stocking rates to be applied in grasslands. The unexpected results are overgrazing and reduction of natural grasslands, so the dilemma production versus conservation emerges. There is a need for adapting access to land legislations to the new environmental functions expected for natural grasslands, which warrant a conservation-oriented approach according to their multifunctional role. Integrated measures are proposed, which could be helpful in resolving the conflicting compromises regarding the inducement of production and the promotion of natural resources conservation.     

Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella Isolated from Tegus (Tupinambis spp.)

In recent years, an increase in human clinical cases of reptile-associated salmonellosis has been identified, and it has been attributed to the increased popularity of these animals as pets. Limited information is available regarding the distribution of Salmonella spp. serotypes in different reptile species and the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella spp. isolated from pet reptiles. This article describes the prevalence of Salmonella spp., distribution of serotypes, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns from isolates cultured from cloacal swabs obtained from 14 tegu lizards (Tupinambis spp.). Eighteen strains of Salmonella belonging to different serotypes were obtained from the 14 tegu lizards. Of the 18 Salmonella spp. isolates, 8 (44.4%) were from Salmonella subspecies I, with a majority of isolates belonging to the Eastbourne serotype (3 strains), Nottingham serotype (2 strains), and Brancaster serotype (2 strains), and only 1 belonging to the Apapa serotype. Less common serotypes were detected in 5 isolates, including 2 each belonging to Salmonella subspecies II and IIIb, respectively, and 1 to Salmonella subspecies IIIa. The serotype of 5 other Salmonella isolates could not be determined. All 18 isolates were resistant to at least 6 of the antimicrobial drugs tested. These results confirm the potential zoonotic risk from handling reptiles, suggesting that measures to educate the reptile-owning public are necessary.     

An alveolar recruitment maneuver followed by positive end-expiratory pressure improves lung function in healthy dogs undergoing laparoscopy

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) followed by 5 cmH₂O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in dogs undergoing laparoscopy.