PI3Kgamma is a key regulator of inflammatory responses and cardiovascular homeostasis

Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways regulate several important cellular functions, including cellular growth, division, survival, and movement. Class IB PI3K (also known as PI3Kgamma) links heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors to these pathways. Activation of class IB PI3K results in the rapid synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] and its dephosphorylation product PtdIns(3,4)P2 in the plasma membrane. These two lipid messengers bind to pleckstrin homology domain-containing effectors that regulate a complex signaling web downstream of receptor activation. Characteristic features of this pathway are the regulation of protein kinases and the regulation of small guanosine triphosphatases that control cellular movement, adhesion, contraction, and secretion. Most of the ligands that activate class IB PI3K are involved in coordinating the body's response to injury and infection, and recent studies suggest that small molecule inhibitors of this enzyme may represent a novel class of anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.     

Genetic structure of the purebred domestic dog

We used molecular markers to study genetic relationships in a diverse collection of 85 domestic dog breeds. Differences among breeds accounted for approximately 30% of genetic variation. Microsatellite genotypes were used to correctly assign 99% of individual dogs to breeds. Phylogenetic analysis separated several breeds with ancient origins from the remaining breeds with modern European origins. We identified four genetic clusters, which predominantly contained breeds with similar geographic origin, morphology, or role in human activities. These results provide a genetic classification of dog breeds and will aid studies of the genetics of phenotypic breed differences.     

Assessment of infectious salmon anaemia virus prevalence for different groups of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in New Brunswick

Abstract Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) virus (ISAV) has been causing disease in New Brunswick since 1996. As a control measure, all fish in an outbreak cage are killed. The objective of this study was to compare ISAV prevalence in cages experiencing an outbreak with healthy cages from the same farm, neighbouring farms and distant farms. Atlantic salmon from five different groups were tested using an RT-PCR test. Groups included moribund fish from a cage experiencing an outbreak (A), healthy fish from an outbreak cage (B), healthy fish from a negative cage from a farm experiencing an outbreak in a different cage (C), healthy fish from a negative farm near an outbreak farm (D), and healthy fish sampled at a negative farm located in an area with only negative farms (E). Apparent prevalences (standard error) for the different groups (A-E) were 0.94 (+/-0.026), 0.41 (+/-0.062), 0.29 (+/-0.040), 0.08 (+/-0.037) and 0.08 (+/-0.037), respectively. All groups were significantly different (P < 0.002) from each other except for groups B and C and groups D and E. Because the prevalence of the virus was significantly higher in the outbreak cage (B) compared with other sites, early harvest of outbreak cages will remove one source of virus. However, ISA negative cages (C) that remain on the positive farm may potentially act as a viral reservoir.     

Redeveloped docks as artificial lagoons: The development of brackish-water communities and potential for conservation of lagoonal species

• 1 The use of redeveloped docks for the conservation of lagoonal communities is considered with particular reference to the South Docks in Liverpool.
• 2 Redevelopment of the previously derelict South Docks since 1981 has created a semi-enclosed, brackish body of water by dredging of dock basins that were filled with silt. The development of biological communities on the walls and in the sediments of these docks has been studied.
• 3 A reasonably diverse flora and fauna was established on the walls within approximately six years, but a persistent sediment-dwelling community has not yet developed.
• 4 Over 90 species of macroflora and macrofauna have been recorded from the South Docks to date. Three of these species are considered to be lagoonal specialists.
• 5 Considerations for the management of docks as a resource in the conservation of lagoonal communities are discussed.

     

Effects of disease control by fungicides on greenhouse gas emissions by UK arable crop production

BACKGROUND: The UK government has published plans to reduce UK agriculture's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, the goal of global food security requires an increase in arable crop yields. Foliar disease control measures such as fungicides have an important role in meeting both objectives. RESULTS: It is estimated that UK winter barley production is associated with GHG emissions of 2770 kg CO₂ eq. ha^?1 of crop and 355 kg CO₂ eq. t^?1 of grain. Foliar disease control by fungicides is associated with decreases in GHG emissions of 42–60 kg CO₂ eq. t^?1 in UK winter barley and 29–39 kg CO₂ eq. t^?1 in UK spring barley. The sensitivity of these results to the impact of disease control on yield and to variant GHG emissions assumptions is presented. Fungicide treatment of the major UK arable crops is estimated to have directly decreased UK GHG emissions by over 1.5 Mt CO₂ eq. in 2009. CONCLUSION: Crop disease control measures such as fungicide treatment reduce the GHG emissions associated with producing a tonne of grain. As national demand for food increases, greater yields as a result of disease control also decrease the need to convert land from non‐arable to arable use, which further mitigates GHG emissions. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of increasing amount of glucogenic precursors on reproductive performance in young postpartum range cows

Supplementing CP and propionate salts (PS) may improve economic returns in young range beef cows by increasing the dietary supply of glucogenic precursors. A 3-yr study conducted at Corona Range and Livestock Research Center (Corona, NM) from February to mid-July in 2005 (n = 80), 2006 (n = 81), and 2007 (n = 80) evaluated days to first estrus, calf weaning weight, BW change, and metabolic responses in 2- and 3-yr-old postpartum cows grazing native range. Cows were individually fed one of three 36% CP supplement treatments after parturition, with increasing glucogenic potential (GP) supplied by RUP and PS. Supplements were isoenergetic and fed at a rate of 908 g/cow per day twice weekly. Supplementation was initiated 7 d after calving and continued for an average of 95 d. Supplement treatments provided 1) 328 g of CP, 110 g of RUP and 0 g of PS (PS0); 2) 328 g of CP, 157 g of RUP, and 40 g of PS (PS40); or 3) 329 g of CP, 158 g of RUP, and 80 g of PS (PS80). Ultimately, PS0, PS40, and PS80 provided 44, 93, and 124 g of GP, respectively. Body weight was recorded weekly and serum was collected twice weekly for progesterone analysis to estimate days to first estrus. Cows were exposed to bulls for 60 d or less beginning in mid-May. Days to first estrus exhibited a quadratic (P = 0.06) response to GP resulting from the fewest days to first estrus with the consumption of PS40. Pregnancy rates were 88, 96, and 94% for cows fed PS0, PS40, and PS80, respectively (P = 0.11). Total kilograms of calf weaned per cow exposed to bulls for the supplementation and following year increased quadratically (P = 0.09). However, supplement did not affect milk composition or yield (P ≥ 0.53). Serum acetate half-life decreased linearly (P = 0.08) with increasing GP in 2007. Predicted margins were the greatest (quadratic; P = 0.03) for cows fed PS40. Even though supplement costs were greater for PS40 and PS80, cows fed PS40 had increased profits ($33.47/cow) compared with cows fed PS0 and PS80. This study implies that young postpartum cows fed additional glucogenic precursors may have improved reproductive efficiency and may wean more calf weight per cow exposed to breeding.