Field testing of different synthetic attractants for mass trapping of common European cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha [L.], Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae) adults

Between 2012 and 2014, we tested the efficacy of different synthetic attractants for the purpose of massive trapping of common European cockchafer adults (Melolontha melolontha). The research took place in three different locations in Slovenia (Otlica, ?rni Vrh nad Idrijo, Cesta nad Ajdov??ino) during flight periods of adult beetles. In the period 2013–2014, we used, on the basis of the preliminary test results (2012), the following chemicals: toluquinone, cis–3–hexen–1-ol, ethyl acetate, toluquinone?+?cis–3 hexen–1-ol, and ethanol as a control. M. melolontha adults were most abundant in the location ?rni Vrh nad Idrijo; the traps in this location caught 18 times more of them than those in the first location and more than six times more than those in the third location. Male insects accounted for 73 to 87% of the trapped specimens. We confirmed the highest efficiency of cis–3–hexen–1-ol in 2013 (43.25?±?0.08 males/trap), as well as in 2014 (15.00?±?0.14 males/trap). On the basis of the trapped adult common European cockchafers and the simple economic analysis of applying different synthetic substances for attracting them, we found that independent application of cis-3-hexen-1-ol is the most efficient and cost-effective option for attracting the studied insect pest. Consequently, we recommend it as an attractant in the traps for massive trapping of adult common European cockchafers.     

First confirmation of rabies in Zamfara State,Nigeria—in a sheep

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Correction to: First confirmation of rabies in Zamfara State,Nigeria—in a sheep

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Unfortunately the Abstract was missing in the original version of this article. The Abstract is published below.     

Synthesis,Structural and Pharmacological Characterizations of CIC,a Novel α-Conotoxin with an Extended N-Terminal Tail

Cone snails are venomous marine predators that rely on fast-acting venom to subdue their prey and defend against aggressors. The conotoxins produced in the venom gland are small disulfide-rich peptides with high affinity and selectivity for their pharmacological targets. A dominant group comprises α-conotoxins, targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Here, we report on the synthesis, structure determination and biological activity of a novel α-conotoxin, CIC, found in the predatory venom of the piscivorous species Conus catus and its truncated mutant Δ-CIC. CIC is a 4/7 α-conotoxin with an unusual extended N-terminal tail. High-resolution NMR spectroscopy shows a major influence of the N-terminal tail on the apparent rigidity of the three-dimensional structure of CIC compared to the more flexible Δ-CIC. Surprisingly, this effect on the structure does not alter the biological activity, since both peptides selectively inhibit α3β2 and α6/α3β2β3 nAChRs with almost identical sub- to low micromolar inhibition constants. Our results suggest that the N-terminal part of α-conotoxins can accommodate chemical modifications without affecting their pharmacology.     

Diagnostic assessment of peritoneal fluid cytology in horses with abdominal neoplasia

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of peritoneal fluid (PF) cytology for clinical diagnosis of abdominal neoplasia in horses. Material and methods: Ten horses with histopathologically confirmed abdominal neoplasia, in which a PF analysis was performed, were included in this retrospective study. PF was analyzed for total protein concentration and a nucleated cell count was performed. Using cytological criteria of malignancy, the PF samples were evaluated regarding their probability of malignancy. Results: Cytologic classification of cells according to criteria of malignancy allowed a positive cytologic diagnosis of neoplasia in 5 out of 10 peritoneal fluid samples. Malignant lymphoma was the most commonly diagnosed neoplasia (3/10) and could be identified by cytology in 2/3 cases. In 1/2 horses with plasma cell myeloma neoplastic cells were similarly found. Malignant melanoma (2/10) was diagnosed using cytology in one case (presence of melanin-containing cells). Cytological diagnosis of malignant neoplasia was established in the only horse with gastric squamous cell carcinoma, but the morphology of the identified tumour cells did not allow a specific diagnosis. Thus, a definitive diagnosis was achieved in 4/5 horses with proven abdominal neoplasia. The horses with adenocarcinoma (1/10) and haemangiosarcoma (1/10) had no evidence of neoplasia based on cytological findings. No relationship between total protein concentration or the nucleated cell count with the histolopathological diagnosis of abdominal neoplasia was found. Abnormal mitotic figures were considered of greater diagnostic value than the overall mitotic rate. Conclusion: The implementation of nuclear criteria of malignancy in the cytologic evaluation of PF samples allows the identification of neoplastic cells to an acceptable degree. For this purpose, the knowledge of the highly variable morphological features of mesothelial cells is essential. The absence of malignant cells does not rule out abdominal neoplasia. Clinical relevance: PF cytology should be considered as a valuable, minimally invasive, simple, and rapid diagnostic technique in horses with suspected abdominal neoplasia.     

Composition and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Seseli annuum wild-growing in Serbia

The essential oil from the aerial parts of Seseli annuum, wild-growing in Serbia, was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC and GC/MS. A total of 43 components were identified representing 96.5% of S. annuum oil. The most abundant compounds were germacrene D (29.8%), sabinene (10.3%), beta-ocimene Z (9.8%) and limonene (8.6%). The essential oil showed antifungal activity against fifteen fungi with MICs between 12.5 to 50 microl/ml.     

Nicotiana tabacum L. as a source of cytoplasmic male sterility in interspecific cross with N. alata Link & Otto

A new source of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in tobacco with interspecific origin is reported. In traditional selection wild tobacco species have been used as donors of cytoplasm. In the present study the cultivated species Nicotiana tabacum L. (n = 24) is a source of CMS. It was used as female parent and N. alata (n = 9) was involved as a pollinator. The F1 hybrid of this cross was completely sterile. Tissue culture method was applied to restore the female fertility. Regenerants obtained from the 5th passage were successfully pollinated with N. tabacum and seed-containing capsules were formed. All BC1P1 plants were male sterile. They possessed normally developed corollas, three-loculed or deformed pistils, and 1–2 stamens modified into secondary pistils. In some plants stamenless flowers were observed. Male sterility of BC1P1 was preserved in BC2P1–BC7P1 progenies confirming its cytoplasmic nature. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.