Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSM13241 in healthy adult dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate viability of a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus in a dry dog food, determine its ability to survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract and populate the colon, and assess its effects on intestinal and systemic parameters. ANIMALS: 15 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were sequentially fed a dry control food for 2 weeks, the same food supplemented with > 10(9) L. acidophilus for 4 weeks, and the control food again for 2 weeks. Fecal score was assessed daily, and fecal and blood samples were collected for enumeration of bacterial populations and measurement of hematologic variables. RESULTS: Recovery of L. acidophilus from the supplemented food was 71% and 63% at the start and end of the study, respectively, indicating that the bacteria were able to survive manufacture and storage. The probiotic bacterium was detected in feces via ribotyping and RNA gene sequencing during the probiotic administration phase but not 2 weeks after cessation of administration. Administration of the probiotic-supplemented food was associated with increased numbers of fecal lactobacilli and decreased numbers of clostridial organisms. There were significant increases in RBCs, Hct, hemoglobin concentration, neutrophils, monocytes, and serum immunoglobin G concentration and reductions in RBC fragility and serum NO concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data indicate that L. acidophilus can be successfully incorporated into a dry dog food, survive transit through the canine gastrointestinal tract, and populate the colon and are associated with local and systemic changes. This probiotic bacterium may have the potential to enhance intestinal health and improve immune function in dogs.     

Dates for the middle stone age of East Africa

Three potassium-argon age determinations on sanidine from crystalrich pantellerite and volcanic ash in the Main Rift Valley of central Ethiopia indicate that the Middle Stone Age of East Africa began prior to 180,000 years ago. This suggests that the technological developments which characterize the Middle Stone Age have a far greater antiquity than previously estimated.     

Butterfly distribution in fragmented landscapes containing agroforestry practices in Southeastern Brazil

Agroforestry practices, such as Shaded Coffee and Homegardens, may provide habitat for forest butterflies and contribute to their conservation in fragmented agricultural landscapes. To determine the influence of agroforestry practices in an agricultural mosaic, the distribution of fruit-feeding butterflies was studied using a systematic approach that compared butterfly species richness in six land-use practices (Eucalyptus [Eucalyptus spp.], Shaded Coffee, Homegardens, Secondary Growth, Pastures, and monocultures of Cassava [Manihot esculenta] and Sugarcane [Saccharum officinarum]), and in natural habitat (secondary Forest Edge and Interior) in two study areas (agricultural landscapes). In each study area, Van Someren-Rydon butterfly traps were placed as a grid every 150 m, creating quadrants of 2.2 and 2.4 km² that encompassed the different land-use practices. Land-use, plot area, number of traps and distance to the forest were set as covariates to compare species richness values. Butterfly species composition was compared using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). With the exception of Pastures, Cassava and Sugarcane, significant differences were not identified between the rest of the agricultural land-use practices and the forest habitats (edge and interior). The species composition in the agricultural practices was however, different to that found in forest habitats. Overall, Shaded Coffee practices that represent long-term mixed tree and crop stands have a better potential of conserving forest butterfly species compared to monoculture practices.     

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 15 adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 x 10(8) CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period. RESULTS: The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 x 10(8) CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.     

Preliminary studies on the salt tolerance and sodium relations of common ornamental plants

The salinity tolerance of local varieties of five ornamental species Begonia, Chlorophytum, Coleus, Geranium, and Mesembryanthemum was assessed in a medium term pot experiment. The pot grown plants were watered for 50 days with water salinised at 5 dS/m and 15 dS/m and a tap water control. Based on growth parameters and on survival, Begonia was classified as salt sensitive, Coleus, Geranium, and Chlorophtytum as moderately tolerant, and Mesembry‐ anthemum as salt tolerant. Shoot sodium (Na) content was measured at the end of the experiment. It appears that the restriction of Na entry to the shoot is linked to salinity tolerance. Mesembryanthemum seems to be able to control Na entry to the shoot at water salinities above 5 ds/m.