Long-term nutritional effects on the primary liver and kidney metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). II. Adaptive response of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity to high-carbohydrate/low-protein and high-fat/non-carbohydrate diets

The influence of long-term administration of high-carbohydrate/low-protein and high-fat/non-carbohydrate diets were studied in relation to kinetic behaviour of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in liver and kidney of rainbow trout. In all cases studied, the saturation curves of these enzyme showed typical hyperbolic kinetics without evidence of sigmoidicity. After 30 days of feeding with a high-fat diet (170 g kg^?1), there was a significant decrease in V_max and specific activity (45%) as well as catalytic efficiency (39%) without changes in K_m or activity ratio of hepatic glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. These changes agree more with a clearly decreased cell concentration than with an inhibition of the pre-existing enzyme. The administration of a high-carbohydrate diet (60 g kg^?1), contrary to what was previously thought, decreased V_max by 21% and specific activity and catalytic efficiency by 30%, without significant changes in the other kinetic parameters of the hepatic enzyme. The kinetic behaviour under these nutritional conditons was due to the rejection of this diet by the fish and thus could be considered a low-feeding situation. On the other hand, no variations in the kinetics of renal glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found, clearly demonstrating that in this organ, the pentosephosphate pathway showed no adaptive response related to fattyacid and other lipid synthesis. The activity of the renal enzyme was consistently half that of the hepatic enzyme.     

Assessment of impact of the introduction of exotic fish species in north-east Thailand

Abstract. Within the framework of a fisheries project in north-east Thailand, project MK/FSPC/069 entitled ‘The Fish Seed Production Centre, North East Thailand’, an assessment was carried out of the ecological impact of introducing exotic fish species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and Chinese and Indian carps). For the assessment, the protocol of Kohler & Stanley (1984) was followed, covering feasibility of introduction, acclimatization potential, potential impact, and control potentials. Regarding the (ongoing) use of the proposed exotic species in aquaculture, it was concluded that so far no clear ecological impact has been reported from escapes to open water; the use of the exotic species has shown to be highly beneficial from a 9 socio-economic point of view. Regarding the proposed introduction of the exotic species into public waters (natural lakes and man-made reservoirs), it was concluded that earlier releases of these species in north-east Thailand did not provoke severe ecological impact in terms of deterioration of aquatic ecosystems. Incidental cases of minor ecological impact were reported for common carp and nile tilapia. Indications were obtained for niche competition between Chinese and Indian carps and indigenous carps, while similar niche competition was concluded for bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis (Richardson), and indigenous pelagic zooplankton feeders. Observing the prolific development of the Nile tilapia in a number of reported cases, it was recommended not to include this species in stocking programmes for public water bodies, until more risk assessments are available.     

Oral vaccination of chickens against Newcastle disease with V4 vaccine delivered on processed rice grains

An international effort (sponsored by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) is being made to develop oral vaccines that will protect village chickens against Newcastle disease. The vaccines being used are derivatives of the avirulent Australian V4 strain that have been selected for enhanced heat resistance. The present study, undertaken in Sri Lanka, used local processed (parboiled) rice as a vehicle for the vaccine. Chickens receiving two doses of vaccine on cooked, parboiled rice were completely protected against contact challenge with the virulent SL 88/1 Sri Lankan strain of Newcastle disease virus Chickens kept in contact with these vaccinated chickens were similarly protected. Lower levels of protection were achieved with vaccine given on uncooked parboiled rice. V4 vaccine administered intranasally also gave complete protection. Serums from vaccinated chickens that survived challenge were tested for haemagglutination-inhibition antibodies, using both vaccine virus and challenge virus as antigens. Titres were higher against vaccine virus.     

Comparative Earth History and Late Permian Mass Extinction

The repeated association during the late Neoproterozoic Era of large carbon-isotopic excursions, continental glaciation, and stratigraphically anomalous carbonate precipitation provides a framework for interpreting the reprise of these conditions on the Late Permian Earth. A paleoceanographic model that was developed to explain these stratigraphically linked phenomena suggests that the overturn of anoxic deep oceans during the Late Permian introduced high concentrations of carbon dioxide into surficial environments. The predicted physiological and climatic consequences for marine and terrestrial organisms are in good accord with the observed timing and selectivity of Late Permian mass extinction.     

Magnetotactic bacteria at the geomagnetic equator

Magnetotactic bacteria are present in fresh water and marine sediments of Fortaleza, Brazil, situated close to the geomagnetic equator. Both South-seeking and North-seeking bacteria are present in roughly equal numbers in the same samples. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that the vertical component of the geomagnetic field selects the predominant polarity type among magnetotactic bacteria in natural environments.