Pig slurry treatment modifies slurry composition,N2O,and CO2 emissions after soil incorporation

The treatment of manures may improve their agricultural value and environmental quality, for instance with regards to greenhouse gases mitigation and enhancement of carbon (C) sequestration. The present study verified whether different pig slurry treatments (i.e. solid/liquid separation and anaerobic digestion) changed slurry composition. The effect of the slurry composition on N₂O and CO₂ emissions, denitrification and soil mineral nitrogen (N), after soil incorporation, was also examined during a 58-day mesocosm study. The treatments included a non-treated pig slurry (NT), the solid fraction (SF), and the liquid fraction (LF) of a pig slurry and the anaerobically digested liquid fraction (DG). Finally, a non-fertilized (N0) and a treatment with urea (UR) were also present.The N₂O emissions measured represented 4.8%, 2.6%, 1.8%, 1.0% and 0.9% of N supplied with slurry/fertilizer for NT, LF, DG, SF and UR, respectively. Cumulative CO₂ emissions ranged from 0.40 g CO₂-C kg^?1 soil (0.38 Mg CO₂-C ha^?1) to 0.80 g CO₂-C kg^?1 soil (0.75 Mg CO₂-C ha^?1). They were highest for SF (56% of C applied), followed by NT (189% of C applied), LF (337% of C applied) and DG (321% of C applied). Ammonium was detected in the soil for all treatments only at day one, while nitrate concentration increased linearly from day 15 to day 58, at a rate independent of the type of slurry/fertilizer applied. The nitrate recovery at day 58 was 39% of the N applied for NT, 19% for SF, 52% for LF, 67% for DG, and 41% for UR. The solid fraction generally produced higher potential denitrification fluxes (75.3 for SF, 56.7 for NT, 53.6 for LF, 47.7 for DG and 39.7 mg N₂O + N₂-N kg^?1 soil for UR). The high variability of actual denitrification results obfuscated any treatment effect.We conclude that treatment strongly affects slurry composition (mainly its C, fibre and NH₄⁺ content), and hence N₂O and CO₂ emission patterns as well as denitrification processes and nitrate availability. In particular, the solid fraction obtained after mechanical separation produced the most pronounced difference, while the liquid fraction and the anaerobically digested liquid fraction did not show significant difference with respect to the original slurry for any of the measured parameters. Combining data from the different fractions we showed that separation of slurry leads to reduced N₂O emissions, irrespective of whether the liquid fraction is digested or not. Furthermore, our results suggested that the default emission factor for N₂O emissions inventory is too low for both the non-treated pig slurry and its liquid fraction (digested or not), and too high for the separated solid fraction and urea.     

Phyllostoxin and phyllostin, bioactive metabolites produced by Phyllosticta cirsii, a potential mycoherbicide for Cirsium arvense biocontrol

Phyllosticta cirsii, a fungal pathogen isolated from diseased Cirsium arvense leaves and evaluated as a biocontrol agent of this noxious perennial weed, produces different phytotoxic metabolites with potential herbicidal activity when grown in liquid cultures. Phyllostictines A-D, four novel oxazatricycloalkenones, were recently isolated from this pathogen and chemically and biologically characterized. Further purification of the same organic extract provided two other metabolites, named phyllostoxin (1) and phyllostin (2), which were characterized by spectroscopic technique (essentially NMR and MS). Phyllostoxin and phyllostin proved to be a new pentasubstituted bicyclo-octatrienyl acetic acid ester and a new pentasubstituted hexahydrobenzodioxine carboxylic acid methyl ester, respectively. When tested on punctured C. arvense leaves, phyllostoxin proved to be highly phytotoxic, causing rapid and large necrosis, whereas phyllostin had no phytotoxicity in this bioassay. This is not surprising, considering the noteworthy structural differences between the two compounds, suggesting the presence of active functional groups in phyllostoxin not present in the other metabolite. These results further support the focused approach of finding novel metabolites with herbicidal properties by looking at the culture extracts of weed fungal pathogens.     

A fish kill at the Aposelemis dam (Crete,Greece) caused by heavy parasitism by Ichthyobodo sp.

A fish kill was recorded at the Aposelemis Dam, which is the main reservoir of drinking water for the island of Crete in Greece. Hundreds of goldfish were found dead at a side stream which provides water to the reservoir. The affected fish had been entrapped in a small pond at the side of the stream with practically zero water renewal as the event occurred in August which is a dry season for the island of Crete. The event was alarming for the local community since anthropogenic pollution was initially suspected which could pose a significant human health threat. Following examination of the fish, the mortality was attributed to heavy infection by the parasitic flagellate, Ichthyobodo sp., whilst no pollutants were detected. The parasite was studied through light and scanning electron microscopy and was identified molecularly.     

Effects of urea on the molecules involved in the olfactory signal transduction: a preliminary study on Danio rerio

Among vertebrates, the physiologically uremic Chondrichthyes are the only class which are not presenting the ciliated olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory neuroepithelium. The only sequenced genome for this class revealed only three olfactory receptor genes and the immunohistochemical detection of G protein alpha subunit typically coupled to the olfactory receptors (Gα_olf) failed in different species. Chronic renal disease can represent a cause of olfactory impairment in human. In this context, our present study focused on investigating potential effects of high urea concentration on the olfactory epithelium of vertebrates. Larvae of the teleost fish Danio rerio were exposed to urea in order to assess the effects on the olfactory signal transduction; in particular on both the olfactory receptors and the Gα_olf. The endocytosis of neutral red dye in the olfactory mucosa was detected in control and urea-exposed larvae. The amount of neutral red dye uptake was used as a marker of binding and internalization of the Gα_olf. The neutral red dye endocytosis was not affected by urea exposure, hence suggesting that the presence of the Gα_olf and their binding to the odorants are not affected by urea treatment, either. The presence and distribution of Gα_olf were investigated in the olfactory epithelium of control and urea-exposed larvae, using a commercial antibody. The immunoreactivity was increased after urea treatment, suggesting an effect of urea on the expression or degradation of this G protein alpha subunit.     

DNA extraction and analysis from processed coffee beans

The authenticity of coffee is an important issue for both producers and consumers. Premium Arabica material is especially prone to being adulterated, and a number of different techniques have been employed to determine the quality of both roasted and instant coffee. Currently, assessment of coffee authenticity relies on chemical methods which can discriminate between coffee species, but not varieties. Several genetic markers are available for assessing coffee origin, but their suitability to testing commercial coffee is limited by the ability to extract DNA from highly processed beans. In this paper, we demonstrate that PCR-grade DNA may be obtained from roasted beans and even instant coffee. This would allow analysis of commercial samples, provided that suitable markers for species/variety identification are found.     

CATASAN Is a New Anti-Biofilm Agent Produced by the Marine Antarctic Bacterium Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020

The development of new approaches to prevent microbial surface adhesion and biofilm formation is an emerging need following the growing understanding of the impact of biofilm-related infections on human health. Staphylococcus epidermidis, with its ability to form biofilm and colonize biomaterials, represents the most frequent causative agent involved in infections of medical devices. In the research of new anti-biofilm agents against S. epidermidis biofilm, Antarctic marine bacteria represent an untapped reservoir of biodiversity. In the present study, the attention was focused on Psychrobacter sp. TAE2020, an Antarctic marine bacterium that produces molecules able to impair the initial attachment of S. epidermidis strains to the polystyrene surface. The setup of suitable purification protocols allowed the identification by NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS analysis of a protein–polysaccharide complex named CATASAN. This complex proved to be a very effective anti-biofilm agent. Indeed, it not only interferes with cell surface attachment, but also prevents biofilm formation and affects the mature biofilm matrix structure of S. epidermidis. Moreover, CATASAN is endowed with a good emulsification activity in a wide range of pH and temperature. Therefore, its use can be easily extended to different biotechnological applications.     

Effect of interstock (M.9 and M.27) on vegetative growth and yield of apple trees (cv “Annurca”)

With the purpose of obtaining apple plants with reduced vigour but deep and expanded root apparatus, more adapted for establishment of apple orchards in dry, windy areas and higher altitudes, different interstem/rootstock combinations were compared, using seedling as rootstock and, alternatively, two weak interstocks (M.9 and M.27). For all treatments the plants were grafted at two height from soil (10 and 20 cm), interposing interstock 10 or 20 cm long. Plants with interstock showed lower vegetative growth in comparison with control plants with a reduction of 80% (M.27) and of 50% (M.9) of canopy growth. Moreover, use of interstock determined, as compared with the control plants, an increase of fruit production and average fruit weight. It was noted that increasing the interstock length, caused reduction of plants vigour and fruit production. The results showed that, the combination “Annurca Rossa del Sud”/M.9 (10 cm long)/seedling rootstock (20 cm high) was the most efficient for productivity, early maturing and plant vigour control.     

Jellyfish as an Alternative Source of Bioactive Antiproliferative Compounds

Jellyfish are commonly considered a nuisance for their negative effects on human activities (e.g., fisheries, power plants and tourism) and human health. However, jellyfish provide several benefits to humans and are commonly eaten in eastern countries. Additionally, recent studies have suggested that jellyfish may become a source of high-value molecules. In this study, we tested the effects of the methanolic extracts and enriched fractions, obtained by solid-phase extraction fractionation, from the scyphomedusae Pelagia noctiluca, Rhizostoma pulmo, Cotylorhiza tuberculata and the cubomedusa Caryddea marsupialis on different human cancer cell lines in order to evaluate a potential antiproliferative activity. Our results indicated that fraction C from Caryddea marsupialis-(CM) and C. tuberculata oral arms (CTOA) were the most active to reduce cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. LC/MS based dereplication analyses highlighted that both bioactive fractions contained mainly fatty acids and derivatives, with CM additionally containing small peptides (0.7–0.8 kDa), which might contribute to its higher biological activity. The mechanism of action behind the most active fraction was investigated using PCR arrays. Results showed that the fraction C of CM can reduce the expression of genes involved in apoptosis inhibition in melanoma-treated cells, which makes jellyfish a potential new source of antiproliferative drugs to be exploited in the future.     

Papular eosinophilic/mastocytic dermatitis (feline urticaria pigmentosa) in Devon Rex cats: A distinct disease entity or a histopathological reaction pattern?

A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously described in Sphinx cats under the name of urticaria pigmentosa is reported in five unrelated Devon Rex cats. Physical examination revealed erythematous, occasionally crusted papules, with a bilaterally symmetrical linear distribution on the latero-ventral trunk in two cases and a diffuse distribution on the ventral thorax in the other three cats. One cat also had a greasy seborrhoea on the head and dorsum. Pruritus and pigmented macules were present only in cats affected by secondary bacterial infection. Histological examination of papules in all cats and of the lesional skin of the cat affected by greasy seborrhoea revealed the presence of a perivascular to diffuse mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. The mean numbers of nondegranulated and degranulated mast cells per mm(2) were 303.2 and 451.6, respectively. The condition waxed and waned in all cats, and exacerbations were controlled with prednisolone or essential fatty acids.     

Transanal pull-through rectal amputation for treatment of colorectal carcinoma in 11 dogs

Objective— To evaluate outcome after transanal rectal pull-through amputation of single colorectal adenocarcinoma and in situ carcinoma (T is ) in dogs.
Study Design— Retrospective case series.
Animals— Dogs (n=11) with colorectal cancer.
Methods— Full-thickness colorectal amputation by either simple transanal (7 dogs) or combined abdominal–transanal (4) pull-through technique.
Results— Adenocarcinoma (8) and T is (2) were removed with 3–6 cm of grossly normal tissue, cranial and caudal to the tumor, or in 1 T is with 2 cm grossly normal tissue, cranial and caudal. Two dogs that had a combined abdominal–transanal approach died within 4 days. In the other dogs, postoperative complications included short-term tenesmus (6 dogs), rectal bleeding (11), rectal stricture (3), and long-term fecal incontinence (1). Postoperative recurrence and metastatic rates for adenocarcinoma were 18.2% and 0%, respectively. Median disease-free interval and survival time were not reached. Mean disease-free and overall survival times were 44.3 and 44.6 months (range, 0–75 months), respectively.
Conclusion— En bloc excision of colorectal T is and adenocarcinoma may be followed by a long survival. Complications of the transanal approach are usually moderate and self-limiting, but complications are more common and severe when more extensive resections are performed through a combined abdominal–transanal approach.
Clinical Relevance— Transanal rectal pull-through amputation is suitable for en bloc resection of colorectal neoplasia. A combined abdominal–transanal approach should be reserved for tumors extending from the mid-cranial region of the rectum to the descending colon.