Lysosomal Fragility in Earthworms (Eisenia Veneta) Exposed to Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils from Two Abandoned Pyrite Ore Mines in Southern Norway

In this study we have investigated the toxicity of soils from thetwo abandoned pyrite mines Ertelien and Konnerud in the southernpart of Norway. Soil samples were collected close to the pitheadof the mines, and earthworms were exposed to different concentrations of the contaminated mine soil mixed with commercial plant soil for a period of 14 days. Life-cycle responses such as growth and survival, as well as the biomarkerresponse lysosomal fragility were measured. The body burdens ofthe four heavy metals Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb were detected in the worms, and the body concentration of the metals generally increased with increasing heavy metal concentration in the soil.The growth and mortality of the earthworms were not influenced when exposed to any of the mine soil concentrations used. The lysosomal fragility of the earthworm coelomocytes measured by the neutral red retention time (NRR-time) was found to be markedly reduced in all the exposed earthworms. This assay seemsto be a sensitive and dose dependent endpoint for the toxicity assessment of heavy metal mixtures in pyrite mine soils.     

Increased broiler muscle carnosine and anserine following histidine supplementation of commercial broiler feed concentrate

Abstract

A feeding experiment involving histidine supplementation to broiler feed resulted in increased concentration of the histidine containing dipeptides anserine and carnosine in broiler breast muscle. Supplementation with 1 g histidine per kg feed gave a 64% increase in carnosine, and about 10% increase in anserine in the muscle. The standard broiler feed concentrate now in use in Norway seems to contain less histidine than what may be needed for optimal synthesis of carnosine and anserine. These dipeptides have important roles as antioxidants, pH buffering agents and anti-glycation agents. They may have important roles in meat for increasing its stability, shelf life and antioxidant capacity, and it might be speculated that broiler meat rich in anserine and carnosine in the future will be considered a type of functional food, having possible health-beneficial effects. Histidine supplementation of standard Norwegian broiler feed concentrate should be considered.     

Isolation of Thermophilic Campylobacters from Norwegian Dogs and Cats

A total of 147 dogs and 85 cats was surveyed for faecal carriage of thermophilic Campylobacters. Isolates were obtained from 33 (22.4 %) of the dogs and from 10 (11.8 %) of the cats investigated. The isolation rates recorded for diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic dogs and cats were not significantly different. Likewise, Campylobacters were isolated with about equal frequencies from puppies and mature dogs as well as from bitches and male dogs. Nineteen canine and 7 feline strains were biotyped and serotyped. A large majority (88.5 %) of these 26 strains belonged to serotypes previously recovered from human G. coli and C. laridis constituted 7.7 % and 3.8 %, respectively. Three strains belonged to serotypes previously recovered from human patients in Norway.     

The framework tree species approach to conserve medicinal trees in Uganda

Framework species are indigenous tree species planted in a mixed stand to accelerate natural regeneration of forest and encourage biodiversity regeneration. In this study we used the framework species method to make multipurpose tree gardens to provide traditional healers with woody species used for medicine and other needs like food and firewood. We specifically determined the phenology, germination behaviour, survival and growth after planting 19 indigenous and 8 introduced woody species. The species were planted in a mixed stand together at a density of 3125 ha⁻¹. Field performance was assessed by monitoring survival, height and crown width once every month for 13 months after planting. Eleven species (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Calliandra calothyrsus, Callistemon citrinus, Carica papaya, Carissa spinarum, Leucaena leucocephala, Markhamia lutea, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Senna siamea, S. spectabilis and Terminalia schimperiana) proved to be excellent framework species. Eight species qualified as ‘acceptable’ FWS (Albizia coriaria, Ceiba pentranta, Entada abyssinica, Erythrina abyssinica, Eugenia jambos, Ficus sycomorus, Maesopsis eminii and Milicia excelsa), while seven species were ranked as ‘marginally acceptable’ (Acacia macrothyrsa, Calpurnia aurea, Canarium schweinfurthii, Capparis tomentosa, Ficus natalensis, Senna sp. and Warburgia salutaris). Annona squamosa was the only species rejected since both germination and survival was low. Trees with good reforestation traits could be recommended for planting while the species that were marginally acceptable or rejected require extra research since some of them are important medicinal woody species of conservation concern.     

Occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Norwegian red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Faecal samples from 269 Norwegian wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) shot during the hunting season (October-April) in 2002-2004 were examined for the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from 6 (2.2%) of the foxes, and Giardia cysts in 13 (4.8%) of the foxes. The prevalence of Giardia infection was significantly higher in juvenile male foxes than in adult male foxes, but no other significant differences between age and sex were found. No significant differences in prevalence related to geographical origin of animals were found. Insufficient nucleated Cryptosporidium oocysts were isolated for successful PCR, but genotyping of Giardia duodenalis isolates from seven foxes demonstrated a high degree of heterogeneity amongst them, with all isolates belonging to the zoonotic Assemblages A and B.