Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydophila spp. infection in ewes in the northeast of Algeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. antibodies and to investigate risk factors associated with chlamydial infection in 552 ewes between March 2011 and January 2012 in the province of Constantine. Anti-Chlamydophila antibodies were detected using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in 24.5 % of examined sera. Of the herds, 70.4 % had at least one seropositive animal. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered in order to collect information on individual animal health and herd management practices. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors related to Chlamydophila seropositivity. Univariable analysis revealed 17 variables with p?<?0.25 that were offered to the multivariable logistic regression model which in turn identified 12–23 months age group (OR?=?5.903, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.690; 20.618) and not using disinfectants (OR?=?2.099, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.314; 8.065) as risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. seropositivity. Moreover, occurrence of stillbirth problem (OR?=?3.682, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.825; 7.430) and 5–10 % mortality rate in young lambs (OR?=?2.584, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.058; 6.310) were significantly associated with seropositivity to Chlamydophila spp. On the other hand, availability of veterinary service was identified as a protective factor (OR?=?0.161, 95 % CI (OR)?=?0.051; 0.511).     

Epiphytic life is the main characteristic of the life cycle ofPseudomonas syringae pv.pisi,pea bacterial blight agent

Pseudomonas syringae pv.pisi, pea bacterial blight agent, is seed-transmitted. Some aspects of its life cycle and its biology were investigated. The colonization of pea plants obtained from naturally infected seeds was studied in natural conditions while high populations of bacteria developed on plants showing no symptoms. Two streptomycin-resistant mutants were used to study the epiphytic life of the pathogen. Populations were monitored in different host-parasite compatibilities. When race 2 or race 6 of the pathogen was surface-inoculated on susceptible cultivars, a decrease of population size was observed during the following one to three days but was followed by an increase to levels 1000 times greater than the initial number detected, without symptoms for most of the plants. When race 2 was surface-inoculated on resistant genotypes or race 6 on non-host plants, bacteria did not multiply but population levels slightly decreased.Pseudomonas syringae pv.pisi shows a resident phase and its development is race-specific. Weeds collected in naturally contaminated pea fields, diseased or not, often harboured the pathogen but with levels smaller than those observed on peas. Pea crop debris and volunteers kept high levels of bacteria for at least eight months after the harvest of a diseased crop. As long as two pea crops are not grown one after the other in the same field, it is unlikely that debris and volunteers will act as an important inoculum source. The development of this pathogen during the growing season is considered as an important parameter to take into account for controlling the disease through seed health testing.     

Renal cell carcinoma with bone metaplasia in a horse

A case of renal tubular carcinoma with bone metaplasia is reported in a 20-year-old male, mixed breed horse having a history of weight loss and hematuria. This report includes the clinical signs, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, and the immunohistochemical findings of this neoplasm.     

Biodegradation of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A novel enzymatic dehalogenating activity of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) is reported. All bioconversion assays were carried out under aerobic conditions, at 28 degrees C, and the kinetics were monitored. The biodegradation was performed at different pH values (6.2, 7.0, and 8.2), in the presence and absence of glucose, using racemic 3-MCPD at two different concentrations (7.3 micromol/L and 27 mmol/L). Optimal conversion (68%) of racemic (R,S)-3-MCPD at a concentration of 27 mmol/L was achieved after 48 h of reaction time, at pH 8.2, and in the presence of glucose. At a concentration of 7.3 micromol/L, 73% degradation was observed after 72 h, at pH 8.2 and in the absence of glucose. Under the same experimental conditions, the conversion of pure (S)-3-MCPD (85%) was higher than that of the (R)-enantiomer (60%).     

Detection of Neospora caninum in dog organs using real time PCR systems

Neospora caninum is a parasite responsible for paresis in dogs. The dog can harbour enkysted parasites in several organs. The detection of N. caninum was performed using 3 different real time PCR systems all amplifying the NC5 DNA region. One system was based on Sybrgreen, one on Plexor technology and the last on Taqman probe. Comparison of the three methods indicated that the detection limit was 1 equivalent genome on pure DNA but that this detection limit increased in the presence of foreign DNA using the Sybrgreen and Plexor systems. Therefore, the Taqman system was chosen to detect N. caninum in liver and spleen of naturally infected dogs. The overall prevalence was 32.2%. Comparison between PCR results and serological results using IFAT showed that among the 28 PCR positive dogs only 9 were seropositive and that 8 seropositive dogs were PCR negative. Therefore serology can underestimate the real carriage in dogs. However, PCR methods must be improved in terms of sensitivity and inhibition problems.     

Impact of some alternative methods to chemical control in controlling aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) and their side effects on natural enemies on young Moroccan citrus groves

Aphid control in Moroccan citrus orchards is based mainly on carbamate and neonicotinoid sprays, especially methomyl and imidacloprid. The extensive use of these insecticides may have side effects on natural enemies and environment quality and raises human health concerns. This research aimed to assess the control of aphids with insecticidal soap, kaolin and augmentative biological control using the indigenous predator Adalia decempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The insecticides were applied and the predators were released in April 2009 and 2010. Under field experimentation, the methomyl and imidacloprid foliar pulverization were very effective against aphids. In contrast, the insecticidal soap and kaolin application were less efficient while A. decempunctata adults were effective only in the first week after release. The side effects on beneficial insects were also assessed and discussed. The possibility of employing A. decempunctata in an integrated pest management package in citrus groves is discussed in relation to effectiveness and side effects on beneficial arthropods.     

Dynamics of macronutrients in olive leaves

The study aims to track the dynamics of the olive leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for five olive varieties under drip irrigation in farmer's fields in central Morocco. Leaf sampling was done every month from May 2014 to April 2015. Leaf macronutrients contents showed variation over time. Olive leaves have maintained the same N content throughout the study period indicating a continuing olive uptake of nitrogen. Higher leaf P absorption was observed during flowering and fruit magnification periods indicating the important P needs of olive during these periods. Olive leaf K levels were higher from September to December indicating the high K needs of olive. No variety effect was revealed on the leaf N, P and K contents. Very highly significant differences were found between the leaf N and K levels measured at different sampling periods. The leaf P concentration was statistically equal in all measuring periods.     

Hydrolysis of Chicoric and Caftaric Acids with Esterases and Lactobacillus johnsonii in Vitro and in a Gastrointestinal Model

Chicoric acid (ChA) and caftaric acid (CafA) were identified as bioactive components of chicory and have been ascribed a number of health benefits. This study investigated the hydrolysis of ChA and CafA with enzymes and a probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus johnsonii (La1). Esterase from Aspergillus japonicus (24 U/mg) hydrolyzed 100% of ChA (5 mM) and CafA (5 mM) after 3 h, at pH 7.0 and 37 °C. Under the same reaction conditions, 100% hydrolysis of ChA and CafA was achieved with a spray-dried preparation of La1. The addition of La1 (100 mg/mL, 3.3 E9 cfu/g) to CafA solution in a gastrointestinal model (GI model) resulted in 65% hydrolysis of CafA. This model simulates the physicochemical conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. No hydrolysis of CafA was observed after passage through the GI model in the absence of La1. The results of this study support the hypothesis that ChA and CafA are degraded by gut microflora before absorption and metabolization.