T-2 toxin-enhanced resistance against listeriosis in mice: importance of gastrointestinal lesions

The role of T-2 toxin-induced gastrointestinal lesions in T-2 toxin-enhanced resistance to listeriosis in mice was evaluated. The T-2 toxin-induced lesions did not cause a starvation effect sufficient to enhance resistance to listeriosis. Administration of polymyxin E markedly reduced the gram-negative intestinal microflora and did not eliminate the toxin-induced resistance to listeriosis. The T-2 toxin did not cause an increased expression of Ia surface antigens on peritoneal macrophages. Thus, toxin-induced anorexia and starvation or absorption of gram-negative intestinal bacteria and endotoxins through toxin-induced gastrointestinal lesions did not account for the enhancing effect of T-2 toxin on resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice.     

Bovine metacarpal and metatarsal dimensions: Comparison of aberdeen—Angus and charolais steers slaughtered at three percentages of mature cow weight

Fifty-six Aberdeen—Angus (Angus) and 56 Charolais steers were used in a 2 (diet energy levels) × 4 (slaughter weights) × 2 (breeds) factorial experiment. Live slaughter weight groups within each breed were initial, 86 (light), 100 (middle) or 114% (heavy) of average mature cow weight (Angus dams, 467 kg; Charolais dams, 612 kg). Therefore, Angus were slaughtered at 408, 476 or 544 kg and Charolais at 526, 612 or 699 kg. Live, carcass and metacarpal and metatarsal traits were obtained. There were no important effects of diet (2.72 vs. 2.96 Meal metabolizable energy/kg of dry matter). Breed affected (P < 0.01) live body measurements in each slaughter weight group except in initial groups. Within initial groups, breed affected (P < 0.01) live fore- and rear-cannon lengths and wither height. Mean limb-bone weight, expressed as a percentage of live weight, was greater for Charolais than for Angus in each weight group. Bone length increases ceased within Angus between initial- and light-weight slaughter endpoints, but ceased in Charolais between light and heavy groups. Bone area and circumference increased through most weight increments for both breeds, confirming that appositional bone growth continues after length increases cease. Bone specific gravity was maximized in the middle-weight Angus, but increased (P < 0.01) between middle and heavy Charolais. Generally, these results indicate that bone growth subsides earlier and ossification is more advanced in Angus than in Charolais if both breeds are slaughtered at the same percentages of mature weight.     

Distribution and decomposition pattern of cutin and suberin in forest soils

The composition and decomposition pattern of cutin and suberin in forest soils have been determined by chemical degradation (transesterification) and subsequent gaschromatographic analysis. Cutin and suberin are mainly confined to the forest floor horizons. With increasing soil depth an increasing contribution of suberin due to root litter is observed.     

Hormonal interactions in the rhizosphere of maize (Zea mays L.) and their effects on plant development

The phytohormones indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), isopentenyladenosine (iPA), dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR), and zeatinriboside (ZR) were determined quantitatively using monoclonal antibodies by an enzyme immunoassay in the following samples: a) culture filtrates of known bacterial species, growing naturally in close, loose or without contact with higher plants; b) culture filtrates of heterogeneous populations of microorganisms, isolated from the rhizoplane and rhizosphere of maize as well as from root-free soil; c) sterile and nonsterile maize root exudates; d) in the rhizosphere of field-grown maize plants and in soil fractions distant from the roots (bulk soil). ABA was not detected in the culture filtrates of bacteria and ZR was not found in bulk soil and rhizosphere soil of field-grown maize. All phytohormones were present in the other samples analyzed. Bacterial cultures with cell concentrations roughly equal to those in the rhizosphere of field-grown maize may produce under optimal laboratory conditions phytohormone concentrations comparable to those measured in the rhizosphere of field-grown maize. During the whole vegetation period there was a steep phytohormone gradient in the first centimeter of soil around a maize root in the field. Inoculation of maize seedlings growing in nutrient solution with rhizosphere bacteria resulted in a synergistic increase in phytohormone concentration in comparison to the sum of hormone production by sterile plant roots and by bacteria cultures. Using regression analysis, the relationship between phytohormone concentration changes in the rhizosphere and different morphological characteristics of the maize plant were shown to be highly significant.     

Der Zucker-, Eiweiß- und Vitamingehalt des Beerenzapfensaftes von Juniperus drupacea Labill. („Andiz Pekmezi“)

Zusammenfassung Das von den anatolischen Bergbauern aus den Beerenzapfen vonJuniperus drupacea bereitete Mus (Andiz Pekmezi) enthält außer beträchtlichen Mengen an Zucker (hauptsächlich Glucose, Fructose und Saccharose) und einem ansehnlichen Eiweißgehalt beachtliche Konzentrationen an wasserlöslichen Vitaminen.Besonders hoch ist der (relative) Gehalt an Vitamin B₁, Vitamin C, Nikotinsäure und meso-Inosit, mittel an Vitamin B₂, Pantothensäure und Vitamin B₆, gering an Biotin und vor allem an Folsäure.Insgesamt ist das Andiz Pekmezi hinsichtlich seines Vitamingehaltes den vitaminreichsten Pflanzensäften vergleichbar.

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The jam, which is prepared from the strobiles ofJuniperus drupacea by the farmers in the mountains of Anatolia was analyzed. Besides considerable amounts of sugars (mainly glucose, fructose and sucrose) and protein it contains valuable concentrations of water soluble vitamins.Very high is the (relative) amount of thiamine, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid and inositol, considerable the one of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B₆, low of biotin and folic acid.All together, the vitamine content of Andiz pekmezi is comparable with that of the plant saps most rich in vitamins.

     

Der Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.): Wildobst aus Afrika für Deutschland und Europa?!

In Germany and Europe exotic fruits from distant places are becoming more and more important. In the tropics and subtropics an enormous variety of edible fruits exists. In 2008 the dry fruit pulp of the baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) was approved as novel food for the EU and thus entered the formal food market. Hence, an increasing number of products became available in Europe. The baobab is an impressive tree in the savannas of Africa. Due to its dense and wide spreading root system and its enormous water storing capacity in the stem, the tree can grow under very dry environmental conditions. In many regions of Africa it is a multipurpose indigenous fruit tree species which offers shelter and provides food, fodder and medicine as well as raw material for many purposes. However, even in Europe a wide range of products is now available as shown in the present study, which identified more than 300 baobab products or products with baobab as an ingredient. In Germany, not only the natural baobab pulp but also ready-made foodstuffs such as soft drinks, sandwich spreads, cereal bars, sweets and chocolates are available. Furthermore, a diverse range of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with extracts from the baobab is available in the market. The products range from after shave and perfume to shampoo and shower gel to leg lotion and foot spray. In Germany baobab saplings and seeds are offered for planting and cultivation as an indoor pot plant. Commercially marketed baobab bonsai seedlings for the European market are produced in Senegal. In Africa the baobab fruits are mainly harvested from wild stands. However, the commercial production of baobab fruits in orchards could be an important future opportunity for income generation to many local households. More research on baobab, including the domestication of this wild fruit tree species, and the conservation of its natural stands as important genetic resource are prerequisites for sustainably increased fruit production.     

Computed tomography findings in a 5-year-old Australian Cashmere goat (Capra hircus) suffering leukoencephalomyelitis due to caprine arthritis encephalitis virus

Computed tomography was used to aid in the antemortem diagnosis of leukoencephalomyelitis in a goat infected by caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV). Imaging results were corroborated by histologic examination. This report discusses various methods of imaging the nervous system and their potential for use in the antemortem diagnosis of CAEV neurologic changes.     

Laboratory and environmental decay of wood–plastic composite boards: flexural properties

The flexural properties of wood–plastic composite (WPC) deck boards exposed to 9.5 years of environmental decay in Hilo, Hawaii, were compared to samples exposed to moisture and decay fungi for 12 weeks in the laboratory, to establish a correlation between sample flexural properties and calculated void volume. Specimens were tested for flexural strength and modulus, both wet and dry, at 23°C and 52°C. Some specimens degenerated to only 15% of original flexural strength. UV radiation had no impact on flexural properties of field-exposed boards; loss occurred mainly on the side opposite to the sun-exposed surface. The mechanism of the aging process on colonization of WPC by fungi was examined and is consistent with development of slow crack growth in the polyethylene matrix combined with wood decay by fungi. Wood particle decay, moisture, and elevated temperature were the major factors causing composite degradation, indicated by accumulation of voids and a severe decrease in flexural properties. To simulate long-term field impact (including decay) on WPC flexural properties in the laboratory, conditioning of specimens in hot water for an extended period of time is required. Exposure to water (70°C/5 days) was adequate for simulating long-term composite exposure in Hawaii of 4?×?15?×?86 mm³ specimens.