The Mauve Stinger Pelagia noctiluca (Forssk?l, 1775). Distribution,Ecology, Toxicity and Epidemiology of Stings. A Review

The toxicity of Cnidaria is a subject of concern due to its influence on humans. In particular, jellyfish blooms can highly affect human economical activities, such as bathing, fishery, tourism, etc., as well as the public health. Stinging structures of Cnidaria (nematocysts) produce remarkable effects on human skin, such as erythema, swelling, burning and vesicles, and at times further severe dermonecrotic, cardio- and neurotoxic effects, which are particularly dangerous in sensitive subjects. In several zones the toxicity of jellyfish is a very important health problem, thus it has stimulated the research on these organisms; to date toxicological research on Cnidarian venoms in the Mediterranean region is not well developed due to the weak poisonousness of venoms of jellyfish and anemones living in this area. In spite of this, during last decades several problems were also caused in the Mediterranean by stinging consequent to Cnidarian blooms mainly caused by Pelagia noctiluca (Forsskål, 1775) which is known to be the most venomous Mediterranean jellyfish. This paper reviews the knowledge on this jellyfish species, particularly considering its occurrence and toxicity.     

Hepatic concentration of heat shock protein 70 kD (Hsp70) in broilers subjected to different thermal treatments.

1. The relationship between repeated thermal treatments and hepatic synthesis of Hsp 70 was studied in broiler chickens. 2. Sixty broilers were submitted to 5 different treatments (12 birds each) from day 1 to day 42. Four groups were kept in a thermoneutral environment and subjected to 0, 1, 2 and 3 heat stress episodes at 35 degrees C for 4 h per week (TN-0, TN-1, TN-2 and TN-3, respectively). The last group (HT-35) was reared at a room temperature of 35 degrees C. 3. From 39 to 42 old, the birds experienced acute heat stress at 41 degrees C. Resistance to heat stress was evaluated by the time taken for rectal temperature to increase by 3 degrees C above the pre-treatment value. Livers were collected (before and after heat stress) and Hsp70 was determined using Western Blot analysis with monoclonal anti-Hsp70 antibody. 4. Resistance to heat stress and concentration of Hsp70 were higher in those birds subjected to more heat stress episodes during the experimental period (TN-3) and HT-35. A positive correlation was observed between Hsp70 concentration and the time taken for a 3 degrees C increase in rectal temperature (r = 0.42; P<0.01). 5. Exposing birds to episodes of heat stress (35 degrees C) during rearing may improve their resistance to acute heat stress, but the previous thermal history did not seem to influence the hepatocyte Hsp70 content after exposure to more severe heat stress (41 degrees C).     

Application of in situ detection techniques to determine the systemic condition of lymphocystis disease virus infection in cultured gilt-head seabream, Sparus aurata L

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques have been used for the detection of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from gilt-head seabream, Sparus aurata L. Diseased and recovered fish from the same population were analysed. IHC was performed with a polyclonal antibody against a 60-kDa viral protein. A specific digoxigenin-labelled probe, obtained by PCR amplification of a 270-bp fragment of the gene coding the LCDV major capsid protein, was used for ISH. LCDV was detected in skin dermis and gill lamellae, as well as in several internal organs such as the intestine, liver, spleen and kidney using both techniques. Fibroblasts, hepatocytes and macrophages seem to be target cells for virus replication. The presence of lymphocystis cells in the dermis of the skin and caudal fin, and necrotic changes in the epithelium of proximal renal tubules were the only histological alterations observed in fish showing signs of the disease.     

A rapid latex agglutination test for gender identification in the Atlantic bluefin tuna,Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus)

A rapid, one‐step agglutination assay has been developed, based on latex particles sensitized with antibodies against vitellogenin (Vtg), aimed at Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus) (ABFT), gender identification. The egg‐yolk precursor protein Vtg was used as a gender marker for the assay as it is a female‐specific protein synthesized during reproductive maturation. The presence of Vtg in the plasma was revealed in 60–120 s through an agglutination reaction by mixing small volumes of ABFT plasma and an anti‐Vtg antibody‐latex suspension on a microscope slide. The effectiveness of the present test was restricted to the months of May and June, concomitant with high circulating Vtg levels. Because of its rapidity and ease of performance in the field, the present gender identification assay could be useful for broodstock management in the aquaculture industry as well as in tagging studies on wild populations.     

Reduction of Nitrate and Ammonium Adsorption Using Microscale Iron Particles and Zeolitite

Nitrate contamination of groundwater represents a threat to human health. Many researchers have studied zerovalent iron as a mean to remediate nitrate contamination. However, the application of such method is limited by ammonium production. This work investigates the use of microscale iron particles in association with zeolitite, a natural material containing zeolite, to remove nitrate and ammonium from groundwater. The association of the two materials is shown to lower the nitrate concentration in both deionized water and groundwater under the limit suggested by the European Union and to significantly reduce the ammonium concentration. The method is potentially applicable in water filtration.     

焦磷酸测序鉴别猪线粒体细胞色素b基因单倍型

为了鉴别猪线粒体细胞色素 b(cytochrom e B,cyt b)基因单倍型 ,选择 9个不同品种共 4 15头猪作为试验材料 ,采用实时 DNA测序新方法焦磷酸测序 ,分析了 cyt b单核苷酸多态性 (single nucleotide polymorphism s,SNPs)。分析结果显示 3种不同单倍型 E、A1和 A2。除 1头临高猪属于单倍型 A2外 ,其他 6个中国地方品种猪均属于单倍型A1;瑞典长白猪和大白猪存在单倍型 E和 A1,而皮特兰猪存在单倍型 E和 A2。此外 ,基于焦磷酸测序 ,在通城猪中发现了 1个新的 SNP位点。     

The effect of physical exercise on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation and body temperature in horses

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation and body temperature in horses. Blood samples from 12 Thoroughbred horses, six sedentary animals and six athletes (studied both before and after a period of inactivity) were collected at 4h intervals for 48h via an intravenous cannula inserted into the jugular vein. Body temperature was recorded every 4h for 48h with a rectal probe. Platelet aggregation was measured with an aggregometer. Collagen was used to test the aggregation of the plasma samples. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and by single cosinor method. Cosinor analysis identified the periodic parameters and their acrophases (expressed in hours) during the 2 days of monitoring. On each single day, there was a highly significant effect of time in all the horses, with P values <0.05. Temperature rhythms were unaffected by exercise. Platelet aggregation in exercising horses differed from the sedentary horses, and this difference disappeared after a 2-week period of rest. The results could be interpreted as indicating that physical exercise has an influence on the daily rhythm of platelet aggregation in horses.     

Bispectral index in dogs at three intravenous infusion rates of propofol

ObjectiveTo establish the correlation between the bispectral index (BIS) and different rates of infusion of propofol in dogs.Study designProspective experimental trial.AnimalsEight adult dogs weighing 6–20 kg.MethodsEight animals underwent three treatments at intervals of 20 days. Propofol was used for induction of anesthesia (10 mg kg⁻¹ IV), followed by a continuous rate infusion (CRI) at 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ (P2), 0.4 mg kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ (P4) or 0.8 mg kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ (P8) for 55 minutes. The BIS values were measured at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes (T10, T20, T30, T40, and T50, respectively) after the CRI of propofol was started. Numeric data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey test (p < 0.05).ResultsThe BIS differed significantly among groups at T40, when P8 was lower than P2 and P4. At T50, P8 was lower than P2. The electromyographic activity (EMG) in P2 and P4 was higher than P8 at T40 and T50.ConclusionsAn increase in propofol infusion rates decreases the BIS values and EMG.     

A three-year longitudinal study on the effects of a diet containing genetically modified Bt176 maize on the health status and performance of sheep

This study shows that a diet including insect-resistant Bt176 maize, fed to 53 ewes and their progeny for 3 years, did not have adverse effects on their health or performance and that no horizontal gene transfer to ruminal microorganisms or animal tissues was detected. No differences were observed regarding performance, reproductive traits, haematological parameters, antioxidant defences, lymphocyte proliferative capacity, phagocytosis and intracellular killing of macrophages, and ruminal microbial population characteristics between control and genetically modified (GM) maize-fed animals. Immune response to Salmonella abortus ovis vaccination was more efficient in GM maize fed sheep. No modifications of histological features of tissues were found; however, cytochemical analyses of ruminal epithelium by Ki67 staining provided evidence of proliferative activation of basal cells in all GM maize-fed ewes. Preliminary electron microscopy analyses of the liver and pancreas revealed smaller cell nuclei containing increased amounts of heterochromatin and perichromatin granules in GM maize-fed lambs. Meat protein content and water loss by cooking were slightly affected by the dietary treatment. No transgenic DNA was detected in tissues, blood, and ruminal fluid or ruminal bacteria. Longitudinal studies should be included in evaluation of food safety whenever possible and sheep may be a useful animal model for toxicological assessment.     

Bacterial pneumonia and pleuropneumonia in sport horses: 17 cases (2001–2003)

Seventeen racehorses were referred with a history of poor performance, recurrent fever, coughing and/or nasal discharge. All patients underwent a thorough diagnostic procedure, including physical examination, complete blood count, plasma fibrinogen estimation, arterial blood gas analysis, thoracic radiology and ultrasonography, endoscopy, tracheal aspiration with cytological and cultural evaluation, including sensitivity test. According to these procedures, bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in 14 horses and bacterial pleuropneumonia in 3 horses. Streptococcus spp. were isolated in 11 cases (61.2%), Rhodococcus equi in 3 cases (16.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 3 cases (16.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one case (5.6%).