The effectiveness of the combined treatment of thrombocytic hemorrhagic diathesis of dogs with prednisolone and blood transfusion in the model of an aspirin-produced thrombocytopathy

The administration of 20 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid in 18 clinically healthy dogs resulted in a thrombocytopathy with lengthened capillary bleeding time and irreversible aggregation inhibition. Through the set up of individual dilution series, one could conclude the proportional percentage of aggregation functional transfused thrombocytes. The capillary bleeding time was shortened after the intravenous injection of prednisolone (5 mg/kg) without measurable influence on the thrombocytes. Compared to the singular use of cortisone or blood transfusion alone, the effect on capillary bleeding time became magnified when one combined transfusion and corticosteroids. The fresh blood conserves (12 hours) were, with respect to the haemostyptical properties, superior to blood stored for 5 days. The component of aggregation-functional thrombocytes was, due to the prophylactic cortisone application prior to transfusion, not increased.     

EU regulatory aspects of resistance risk assessment

The EPPO Standard PP 1/213(1) on resistance risk analysis is the basis for risk assessment within the authorisation process in Germany. Data for resistance risk analysis have to be provided by the applicant and risk-mitigation strategies prepared if necessary. The extent of data requirements and the intensity of the evaluation process depend mainly on the type of target organism, crop, mode of action of the active substance and the resistance history of the organism in combination with products of similar mode of action as the one being applied for. Because resistance risk is a very complicated issue during the authorisation of plant-protection products, intensive co-operation between applicants and regulators is essential prior to submission of the dossier, with due consideration of the amount of data necessary and, where required, the proposed resistance-management strategy.     

Oxygen ions observed near Saturn's A ring

Ions were detected in the vicinity of Saturn's A ring by the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) instrument onboard the Cassini Orbiter during the spacecraft's passage over the rings. The INMS saw signatures of molecular and atomic oxygen ions and of protons, thus demonstrating the existence of an ionosphere associated with the A ring. A likely explanation for these ions is photoionization by solar ultraviolet radiation of neutral O2 molecules associated with a tenuous ring atmosphere. INMS neutral measurements made during the ring encounter are dominated by a background signal.     

Possible sex differences in the susceptibility of calves to rotavirus infection.

The agar gel precipitation test was used to detect rotavirus antibodies in the serum of 562 calves and bovine rotavirus antigen in the feces of 347 calves. Significantly more females had rotavirus antibodies in the serum (P less than 0.01) and rotavirus antigen in the feces (P less than 0.1) than did male calves. Female buffalo calves were also found to be more susceptible than male buffalo calves to rotavirus infection.     

Reproductive Biotechnology: Prospects and Applications in the Herd Management of Sows*

Biotechnological procedures are valuable tools for an efficient reproductive management in a commercial pig production. Artificial insemination, puberty induction, estrus synchronization, early pregnancy diagnosis and induction of parturition are routinely used since years already and have significant impact for the herd management of sows. Embryo transfer (ET) can also be efficiently applied. But surgical procedures are required for the recovery and transfer of embryos. ET related biotechniques such as cryopreservation of ova and embryos, in vitro production of embryos, cloning and gene transfer are still at an experimental stage but will most likely gain significance shortly.     

Effects of genotype and environment on seed quality traits variability in interspecific cross-derived <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis> lines

Genotype (G), environment [i.e. year (Y) and location (L)] and their interaction (GYL) play an important role in the final expression of quality attributes. A multi-environment trial in selected interspecific cross-derived Brassica lines was conducted to evaluate the magnitude of G, Y, L and GYL effects on seed quality traits of Brassica genotypes under three locations in Poland, during the 2011–2013 cropping season. The oil, protein, fiber (Acid Detergent Fiber and Neutral Detergent Fiber) as well as glucosinolate contents was determined by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and significant differences were observed between tested Brassica genotypes and across harvesting years and growing locations. Generally, all tested hybrid lines displayed wider genetic variability for studied quality traits than control genotypes. Analysis of variance indicated that the main effects of genotypes, years and locations as well as all interactions were significant for all traits of study (except year?×?location interaction for glucosinolates). However, location had the most significant effect on oil, protein and fiber content while genotype had significant impact on glucosinolates content in Brassica seeds. Moreover, the individual lines having combination of desirable traits were also identified from F₅ to F₇ generations of tested hybrids.     

Nutritive value of some wheat varieties assessed with Aspergillus flavus in comparison to rat feeding experiments

The relative nutritive value of 11 wheat varieties was assessed with the fungusAspergillus flavus. The samples were administered at 3 mg nitrogen level and the mycelial weight, obtained after 72 hours of shaking, was taken as an index of fungal biomass. The fungus graded the samples in the same order as has been done by rat. The biomass was found to be significantly and positively correlated with net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value (BV) determined by rat feeding trials.

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Zusammenfassung Der relative Nährwert von 11 Weizenarten wurde mit dem PilzAspergillus flavus abgeschätzt. Die Proben wurden mit einem Stickstoffgehalt von 3 mg angesetzt. Das Mycelgewicht nach 72 stündigem Schütteln diente als Index der Pilzbiomasse. Der Pilz sortierte die Arten in der gleichen Reihenfolge wie die Ratten. Es wurde gefunden, daß die Biomasse signifikant und positiv korreliert ist mit der netto Proteinverwertung (NPU) und dem biologischen Wert (BV), der durch Rattenfütterungsversuche erhalten wurde.

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Résumé Le valeur nutritif relatif de 11 sortes du blé a été examiné par les champignonsAspergillus flavus. Les chantillons ont été mis à l'expériment avec 3 mg du nitrogène. Le poids mycelial, obtenu après 72 heures d'agitation, a été pris comme l'index de la biomasse des champignons. Ces champignons ont gradué les échantillons au même ordre comme on l'a atteint avec les rats. Cette masse biologique a été positivement conforme à 1 utilisation de proteins propre (NPU) et à la valeur biologique (BV), déterminée par les essais d'engraissement avec les rats.

     

Advances in farm animal transgenesis

The first transgenic livestock were produced in 1985 by microinjection of foreign DNA into zygotic pronuclei. This was the method of choice for more than 20 years, but more efficient protocols are now available, including somatic cell nuclear transfer and lentiviral transgenesis. Typical applications include carcass composition, lactational performance and wool production, as well as enhanced disease resistance and reduced environmental impact. Transgenic farm animal production for biomedical applications has found broad acceptance. In 2006 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved commercialization of the first recombinant pharmaceutical protein, antithrombin, produced in the mammary gland of transgenic goats. As the genome sequencing projects for various farm animal species are completed, it has become feasible to perform precise genetic modifications employing the emerging tools of lentiviral vectors, small interfering ribonucleic acids, meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases and transposons. We anticipate that genetic modification of farm animals will be instrumental in meeting global challenges in agricultural production and will open new horizons in biomedicine.