Protective role of murine norovirus against Pseudomonas aeruginosa acute pneumonia

The murine norovirus (MNV) is a recently discovered mouse pathogen, representing the most common contaminant in laboratory mouse colonies. Nevertheless, the effects of MNV infection on biomedical research are still unclear. We tested the hypothesis that MNV infection could alter immune response in mice with acute lung infection. Here we report that co-infection with MNV increases survival of mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa acute lung injury and decreases in vivo production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our results suggest that MNV infection can deeply modify the parameters studied in conventional models of infection and lead to false conclusions in experimental models.     

Prolonged anesthesia using sevoflurane,remifentanil and dexmedetomidine in a horse

HistoryA 10–year old Arabian mare had a slow–growing mass on the lower right mandible and required a large partial mandibulectomy.Physical examinationNo abnormalities were detected apart from the mass.ManagementA temporary tracheostomy was performed pre–operatively. Anesthesia was induced with xylazine followed by ketamine and diazepam. For 13 hours, anesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions, with the exception of surgical preparation time. Intra–operatively, ventilation was delivered through the cuffed tracheotomy tube. Heart and respiratory rates, ECG, arterial pressures, inspired and expired gases, pulse oximetry values and body temperature were monitored. Dobutamine and whole blood were necessary, and romifidine was used to control recovery. Post–operatively, phenylbutazone and buprenorphine given systemically and bupivacaine administered through a wound soaker catheter were used to provide analgesia. Head–shaking from buprenorphine was controlled with acepromazine and detomidine once standing after 87 minutes in recovery. For 3 days after surgery, analgesia was provided with butorphanol, phenylbutazone and bupivacaine. The mare recovered well, appeared comfortable and started eating the following day with no signs of ileus.Follow–upSeven months later, the mare was doing well.ConclusionsSevoflurane, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusions were suitable for a long and invasive procedure.     

Chemical and functional characterization of Italian propolis obtained by different harvesting methods

The composition and antioxidant activity of Italian poplar propolis obtained using three harvesting methods and extracted with different solvents were evaluated. Waxes, balsams, and resins contents were determined. Flavones and flavonols, flavanones and dihydroflavonols, and total phenolics were also analyzed. To characterize the phenolic composition, the presence of 15 compounds was verified through HPLC-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and reducing power assays. The ability of propolis to inhibit lipid oxidation was monitored by analyzing hydroperoxide and TBARS formation in lipids incorporated into an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. Acetone shows the highest extraction capacity. Wedge propolis has the highest concentration of active phenolic compounds (TP = 359.1 ± 16.3 GAEs/g; TFF = 5.83 ± 0.42%; TFD = 7.34 ± 1.8%) and seems to be the most promising for obtaining high-value propolis more suitable to prepare high-quality dietary supplements (TBARS = 0.012 ± 0.009 mmol std/g; RP = 0.77 ± 0.07 TEs/g).     

Regional priority setting for rare species based on a method combining three criteria

We propose a method to establish regional-level priorities for plant species that is based on three criteria. These involve two main criteria associated with species rarity, (a) small range size and thus regional responsibility and (b) low population numbers and thus local rarity, and a third criteria associated with habitat vulnerability to distinguish species currently threatened by human activities. Application of the method shows how the three criteria can be objectively and readily quantified (using a system of equal numbers of ranks) and combined into a hierarchy of priorities. We show how this can be done by using regional responsibility as a first order priority followed successively by local rarity and habitat vulnerability. Since the criteria are closely associated with rarity, this method is easily understandable for decision makers. We illustrate the application of the method to plants (a species rich group) at two regional scales where the objectives are different. If adapted to the availability of different types of data, the three criteria could be used to produce comparable lists in different countries and regions.     

Effects of organic amendments on plant-parasitic nematode populations,root damage,and banana plant growth

Nematodes are major pests for crops, including banana. Environmentally friendly methods for managing plant-parasitic nematodes have to be developed, such as organic material application. Our study focuses on the impacts of several organic amendments on banana plants, considering mainly their effect on soil nitrogen supply and soil microbial biomass, and the consequences on plant-parasitic nematode impacts on the plants. A microcosm experiment for 13 weeks was conducted to evaluate four organic materials: sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane sludge, plant residues, and sewage sludge, compared to a control without organic amendment. Input of organic materials led to an important change on nitrogen resource, and plants grew better when the N availability was the highest, but better growth conditions did not necessarily reduce parasitic nematodes impacts on the roots. Damage on the roots depended on plant-parasitic nematode abundance. Three of four tested amendments exhibited a regulator effect on plant-parasitic nematode populations (bagasse, sugarcane sludge, and plant residues). Root growth was not the explanatory factor for this regulation. Only sugarcane sludge led to an overall positive effect on the plant, increasing its growth and reducing its parasitism pressure. The other organic materials exhibited an antagonism between the promoted plant growth and the reduced nematode populations.