Morpho-molecular identification of Heterophyes heterophyes encysted metacercariae and its immunological and histopathological effects on farmed Mugil cephalus in Egypt

Aquaculture International - Molecular and immunological aspects of heterophyid infections in mullets are scanty. This study was initiated to identify heterophyid encysted metacercariae infecting...     

Schadinsekten und ihre Bekämpfung an Sojabohne (Glycine max L.) und Sonnenblume (Helianthus annuus L.) in Australien

The major problems caused by insect pests of soybeans and sunflower in Australia are reviewed. The bionomy of pests, the stages at which the crop is affected, the economic significance of the damage, and the difficulties of control are considered. The main methods of control are by the use of insecticides with the emphasis placed on an integrated approach to the problem. Present insecticides available give sufficient control. The most problems arise from the method of application used.     

Evaluation of aqueous Moringa seed extract as a seed treatment biofungicide for groundnuts

In a search for alternatives to currently used fungicides, the potential of aqueous Moringa seed extract (AMSE) as a seed treatment was evaluated. Seeds of groundnut, Arachis hypogea L cv Dakar, were soaked in AMSE at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g litre(-1) for 24 h. Comparison was made with Apron Plus (metalaxyl+carboxin+furathiocarb), until recently a recommended seed-treatment chemical, and distilled water, which was the medium for extraction of Moringa seeds. The results showed that AMSE has potential for use as a biofungicide on groundnut seeds, since all the concentrations used except 1 g litre(-1) brought about significant reduction in the incidence of fungi on the seeds, such reduction increasing as the dosage of AMSE increased. There were no significant differences in control between the highest concentration of AMSE (20 g litre(-1)) and Apron Plus at the manufacturer's recommended level. Water also produced slight reductions in the incidence of fungi, although this was not significant at P = 0.05. The sensitivity to AMSE of the fungi tested varied, Mucor sp being the most sensitive and Aspergillus niger the least, with Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus flavus intermediate.     

Polymerase Chain Reaction Mediated Identification of Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus parauberis Using Species‐specific Sequences of the Genes Encoding Superoxide Dismutase A and Chaperonin 60*

Streptococcus uberis, a well‐known bacterial pathogen associated with bovine mastitis, appears to be biochemically and serologically almost indistinguishable from the closely related species Streptococcus parauberis. In the present study, species‐specific oligonucleotide primers were designed using internal parts of the genes sodA, encoding superoxide dismutase A, and cpn60 encoding chaperonin 60 of S. uberis and S. parauberis, respectively. The two oligonucleotide primer pairs allowed a rapid and reliable PCR‐mediated identification and differentiation of both species. These studies, performed with S. uberis and S. parauberis reference cultures and clinical isolates from routine diagnostics, revealed that the occurrence of S. parauberis as causative agent of bovine mastitis appears to be rare. In addition the sodA and cpn60 sequence data confirmed that both species could taxonomically be classified to the pyogenic group of genus Streptococcus.     

Guar meal ameliorates Eimeria tenella infection in broiler chicks

Guar meal contains relatively high levels of saponins, which are known to have antiprotozoal activity and may be effective against coccidiosis. A 2x2 factorial experiment investigated the impact of guar meal (0 or 5%) corn-soy-based starter broiler diets on chicks unchallenged or challenged with Eimeria tenella. At 1 day of age, 120 unsexed RossxRoss broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four treatment groups. Chicks were challenged with 5x10(3) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella in 0.5ml at 10 days of age by oral gavage. Weekly body weight, body weight gains, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were recorded for chicks fed from 0 to 21 days of age. Oocysts shed per gram feces were recorded from 6 to 10 days post-challenge. Results showed that challenged chicks fed 0% guar meal had significantly higher oocysts per gram shed in feces than the other groups. No significant differences among treatment groups in mortality rate were observed. Body weights of unchallenged and challenged chicks fed 0% guar meal were significantly higher than those fed 5% guar meal at 2 weeks of age. Results indicated that including 5% guar meal in the diet of chicks challenged with E. tenella decreased oocysts shed per gram feces and prevented bloody diarrhea, but without affects on body weight and feed conversion ratio at 11 days post-challenge.     

Comparative effects of copper, iron, vanadium and titanium on low density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro

INTRODUCTION: Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been strongly implicated in the phathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The use of oxidants in dietary food stuff may lead to the production of oxidized LDL and may increase both the development and the progression of atherosclerosis. The present work investigated the effects of some elements including: copper (Cu), iron (Fe), vanadium (V) and titanium (Ti) on in vitro LDL oxidation quantitatively. METHODS: The first LDL fraction was isolated from fresh plasma by single vertical discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. The formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increase in electrophoretic mobility of LDL were monitored as markers of the oxidation of LDL. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that Cu, Fe, V and Ti exhibited strong oxidant activity in this respect (P<0.001). Oxidation of LDL in the presence of Cu was more and appeared to be in this order Cu>Fe>V>Ti. DISCUSSION: Cu, Fe, V and Ti are redox-active transition metals that may cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. We suggest that these elements may also influence the oxidation of LDL in vivo, which could increase both the development and progression of atherosclerosis.