August 01, 2015 at 02:10AM Kilwin's Quality Confections, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashew in Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Caramels

Kilwin's Quality Confections, Inc., of Petoskey, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling 5 ounce containers of SUGAR FREE Milk Chocolate Caramels because they were incorrectly labeled and may contain undeclared cashew. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashew run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these incorrectly labeled products.

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July 31, 2015 at 11:06PM Whole Foods Market Recalls Coconut Curry Cauliflower Salad in Twenty-one Stores Due to Undeclared Almonds

Whole Foods Market is recalling Coconut Curry Cauliflower Salad sold in twenty-one retail stores in CO, KS, NM, UT, and ID due to undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 31, 2015 at 10:48PM Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Nutrition Resource Services, Inc.'s Whey, Casein, And Colostrum Protein Products

NRS - Nutrition Resource Services, Inc. of Bethlehem, PA is voluntarily recalling products with whey concentrate, whey isolate, casein, and colostrum, which contain milk, an undeclared allergen. We are undertaking this recall as an extra precaution for those consumers unaware of the presence of milk in products of this nature.

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July 31, 2015 at 08:18PM John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Fisher Brand 10 Ounce Chopped Walnuts Because of Possible Health Risk

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Fisher brand chopped walnuts packaged in 10 ounce plastic bags because some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

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July 31, 2015 at 03:25PM FDA Announces FY 2016 Animal Drug User Fee Rates for ADUFA and AGDUFA

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New Target For Rett Syndrome

Drug Development: Inhibiting phosphatase improves disease symptoms in mice

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New Target For Rett Syndrome

Drug Development: Inhibiting phosphatase improves disease symptoms in mice

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Philae Probe Sniffs Out Comet's Chemistry

Astroscience: Researchers analyze the dust and vapor on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and find it contains organic molecules never-before-detected on a comet

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Coinfection with a novel fibropapilloma-associated herpesvirus and a novel Spirorchis sp. in an eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) in Florida

Herpesviruses are important pathogens of chelonians, and include Chelonid herpesvirus 5, which is associated with fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles. Spirorchid trematodes are blood flukes that reside within the cardiovascular system of marine turtles and may be associated with severe disease. An eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) at the South Florida Wildlife Care Center (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) was presented to the facility with papillomatous growths behind both rear legs. Surgical removal resulted in remission for 8 months; however, lesions recurred, prompting a second surgery and acyclovir therapy. Surgical biopsies revealed subacute superficial inflammation associated with the supporting stroma of the cutaneous papillomas and granulomas within the superficial dermis containing fragmented and collapsed brown trematode eggs surrounded by multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid macrophages. Pan-herpesviral and pan-trematode consensus polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were run on tissue samples. Comparative sequence analysis revealed a novel alphaherpesvirus and a novel trematode in the genus Spirorchis. The animal became anorexic and was euthanized due to poor quality of life. While we do not yet have a complete understanding of the effects of herpesvirus and trematode infections in eastern box turtles, the findings thus presented provide initial insights into the disease relationships among these chelonians.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Analytical validation of an immunoassay for the quantification of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in feline blood

The measurement of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a biomarker for heart stress detectable in blood, has been shown to have clinical utility in cats with heart disease. A second-generation feline enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Cardiopet® proBNP, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., Westbrook, Maine) was developed to measure NT-proBNP in routine feline plasma or serum samples with improved analyte stability. Results of the analytical validation for the second-generation assay are presented. Analytic sensitivity was 10 pmol/l. Accuracy of 103.5% was determined via serial dilutions of 6 plasma samples. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay, interassay, and total precision were in the ranges of 1.6–6.3%, 4.3–8.8%, and 10.1–15.1%, respectively. Repeatability across 2 lots for both serum and plasma had an average coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.99 and slope of 1.11. Stability of the analyte was found to be high. In serum samples held at 4°C for 24–72 hr, the mean percent recovery from time zero was ≥99%. In serum samples held at 25°C for 24 hr, the mean percent recovery from time zero was 91.9%, and for 48 hr, 85.6%. A method comparison of the first- and second-generation assays with a clinically characterized population of cats revealed no difference in the tests’ ability to differentiate levels of NT-proBNP between normal cats and cats with occult cardiomyopathy (P < 0.001). Results from our study validate that the second-generation feline Cardiopet proBNP assay can measure NT-proBNP in routine feline plasma and serum samples with accuracy and precision.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM European interlaboratory comparison of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) real-time RT-PCR detection in experimental and field samples: The method of extraction is critical for SBV RNA detection in semen

Molecular methods for the detection of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) RNA were rapidly developed after the emergence of this novel orthobunyavirus in Europe. The SBV epizootic wave has declined, but infectious SBV in SBV RNA–positive semen remains a possible risk for the distribution of SBV. However, the abilities of SBV molecular detection methods used at European laboratories have not yet been assessed, to our knowledge. The performances of extraction and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) methods used at 27 German and 17 other European laboratories for SBV RNA detection in the matrices of whole blood, serum, tissue homogenate, RNA eluates, and bovine semen were evaluated in 2 interlaboratory trials with special emphasis on semen extraction methods. For reliable detection of viral genome in bovine semen samples, highly effective extraction methods are essential to cope with the potential inhibitory effects of semen components on PCR results. All methods used by the 44 laboratories were sufficiently robust to detect SBV RNA with high diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (95.8%) in all matrices, except semen. The trials demonstrated that the published recommended semen extraction methods (Hoffmann et al. 2013) and a combination of TRIzol LS with an alternative extraction kit have a considerably higher diagnostic sensitivity to detect SBV RNA in semen up to a detection limit of Cq ≤35 compared to other extraction methods used. A thorough validation of extraction methods with standardized semen batches is essential before their use for SBV RNA detection in bovine semen.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein and spongiform encephalopathy in the obex of nonsymptomatic and symptomatic Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease

The purpose of our study was to describe the progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein (PrP^CWD) and spongiform degeneration in a single section of brain stem in Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease (CWD). A section of obex from 85 CWD-positive elk was scored using the presence and abundance of PrP^CWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration in 10 nuclear regions and the presence and abundance of PrP^CWD in 10 axonal tracts, the subependymal area of the fourth ventricle, and the thin subpial astrocytic layer (glial limitans). Data was placed in a formula to generate an overall obex score. Data suggests that PrP^CWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration has a unique and relatively consistent pattern of progression throughout a section of obex. This scoring technique utilizing a single section of obex may prove useful in future work for estimating the presence and abundance of PrP^CWD in peripheral tissues and the nervous system in elk with CWD.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Whole genome sequence analysis of circulating Bluetongue virus serotype 11 strains from the United States including two domestic canine isolates

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a vector-transmitted pathogen that typically infects and causes disease in domestic and wild ruminants. BTV is also known to infect domestic canines as discovered when dogs were vaccinated with a BTV-contaminated vaccine. Canine BTV infections have been documented through serological surveys, and natural infection by the Culicoides vector has been suggested. The report of isolation of BTV serotype 11 (BTV-11) from 2 separate domestic canine abortion cases in the states of Texas in 2011 and Kansas in 2012, were apparently unrelated to BTV-contaminated vaccination or consumption of BTV-contaminated raw meat as had been previously speculated. To elucidate the origin and relationship of these 2 domestic canine BTV-11 isolates, whole genome sequencing was performed. Six additional BTV-11 field isolates from Texas, Florida, and Washington, submitted for diagnostic investigation during 2011 and 2013, were also fully sequenced and analyzed. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that the BTV-11 domestic canine isolates are virtually identical, and both share high identity with 2 BTV-11 isolates identified from white-tailed deer in Texas in 2011. The results of the current study further support the hypothesis that a BTV-11 strain circulating in the Midwestern states could have been transmitted to the dogs by the infected Culicoides vector. Our study also expands the short list of available BTV-11 sequences, which may aid BTV surveillance and epidemiology.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Evaluation of an Erns-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to distinguish Classical swine fever virus-infected pigs from pigs vaccinated with CP7_E2alf

Infections with Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) are a major economic threat to pig production. To combat CSF outbreaks and to maintain trade, new marker vaccines were developed that allow differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA principle). The chimeric pestivirus CP7_E2alf was shown to be safe and efficacious. Its DIVA strategy is based on the detection of CSFV E^rns-specific antibodies that are only developed on infection. However, for the new marker vaccine to be considered a valuable control tool, a validated discriminatory assay is needed. One promising candidate is the already commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, PrioCHECK CSFV E^rns ELISA (Prionics BV, Lelystad, The Netherlands). Four laboratories of different European Union member states tested 530 serum samples and country-specific field sera from domestic pigs and wild boar. The ELISA displayed a good robustness. However, based on its reproducibility and repeatability, ranges rather than single values for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were defined. The ELISA displayed a sensitivity of 90–98% with sera from CSFV-infected domestic pigs. A specificity of 89–96% was calculated with sera from domestic pigs vaccinated once with CP7_E2alf. The ELISA detected CSFV infections in vaccinated domestic pigs with a sensitivity of 82–94%. The sensitivity was lower with sera taken ≤21 days post-challenge indicating that the stage of CSFV infection had a considerable influence on testing. Taken together, the PrioCHECK CSFV E^rns ELISA can be used for detection of CSFV infections in CP7_E2alf-vaccinated and nonvaccinated domestic pig populations, but should only be applied on a herd basis by testing a defined number of animals.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Proficiency monitoring of monoclonal antibody cocktail-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E in dogs

The purpose of our study was to document the continued comparative proficiency of different laboratories that perform a monoclonal antibody–based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (macELISA) for detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E in dogs. Replicate samples of 18 different sera pools were independently evaluated in a single blinded fashion by each of 16 different operators functioning in 10 different laboratories. The average intra-assay variance among reactive assay calibrators in all laboratories was 6.0% (range: 2.7–16.1%), while the average intralaboratory interassay variance was 7.5% (range: 3.9–10.9%). The overall interassay interlaboratory variance was consistent among laboratories and averaged 11.4% (range: 8.5–12.5%). All laboratories yielded similar profiles and magnitudes of responses for replicate unknown samples; dose response profiles observed in each of the laboratories were indistinguishable. Considering the positive or negative results, interassay interlaboratory concordance of results exceeded 90%. Correlation of optical density values between and among all laboratories was strong (r > 0.9, P < 0.001). Collectively, the results demonstrated that the macELISA for measuring allergen-specific canine IgE is reproducible, and documents that consistency of results can be achieved not only in an individual laboratory by differing operators but also among laboratories using the same monoclonal-based ELISA.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Causes of mortality in farmed mink in the Intermountain West, North America

The primary causes of mortality were identified in postmortem examination of 339 (90.9%) of 373 farmed mink (Neovison vison; syn. Mustela vison) from January 2009 through June 2014 at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Logan, Utah). Mink were raised under farm conditions in the Intermountain West in North America, except for 1 submission of mink from Wisconsin. In the 339 mink where cause(s) of death were established, 311 (91.7%) died from a single disease or condition, whereas 28 (8.3%) had 2 diseases or conditions contributing to death. Where cause(s) of death were evident, 11 diseases accounted for 321 (94.7%) of the diagnoses: bacterial pneumonia (67, 18.8%), Aleutian mink disease (61, 17.7%), mink viral enteritis (56, 16.2%), hepatic lipidosis (28, 8.1%), nutritional myopathy (24, 7%), bacterial enterocolitis (17, 4.9%), bacterial septicemia (16, 4.6%), starvation (15, 4.3%), epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis of mink (14, 4.1%), pancreatitis (13, 3.8%), and bacterial metritis (10, 2.9%). In 34 (9.1%) animals, a cause of death was not evident. In an additional 16 (4.3%) of the mink, botulism was suspected from clinical history but could not be confirmed by laboratory testing. Control measures for the most common causes of death in farmed mink include testing and removal of positive animals (Aleutian mink disease), vaccination (Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, mink viral enteritis), avoidance of obesity in mink (hepatic lipidosis), and environmental management, including maintaining clean water cups, floors, feed troughs, cages, feed silos, feed truck tires, workers’ shoes, dining areas for farm personnel, leather mink handling gloves, street clothes, and coveralls.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Performance characteristics of polymerase chain reaction and histological methods for the detection of Haplosporidium nelsoni in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Fitness for purpose and validation are increasingly becoming a benchmark in the development of test methods for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in aquatic animals. The design of the evaluation and the analysis of data are critical to demonstrate test method performance characteristics and fitness for purpose, as stated in the World Organization for Animal Health pathway for test validation. Three test methods for the detection of the oyster parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni were selected for the validation study described herein: histology, end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real-time PCR (qPCR). Preliminary work evaluated the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the PCR and qPCR assay in development. The following stage used test results on 100 oysters in 3 different laboratories to assess diagnostic sensitivity (DSe), diagnostic specificity (DSp), repeatability, and reproducibility. Repeatability and reproducibility were within 68–95%. The final part of the project evaluated DSe and DSp using test results on 400 oysters and results from the first 100 oysters tested. In the absence of a 100% gold standard test, latent class modeling methods were explored to characterize the tests (i.e., Bayesian analyses). For both PCR methods, DSe was >90%, and in the 60% range for histology, whereas DSp was >90% for all methods. Based on the results of this validation, a threshold cycle value of 30 for qPCR corresponds to the limit of sensitivity for histology where unreliable detection becomes more frequent, thus providing a threshold helpful in diagnostic settings where both histology and qPCR are used.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Histologic and clinical features of primary and secondary vasculitis: a retrospective study of 42 dogs (2004-2011)

Inflammation of the blood vessel wall has been reported infrequently in dogs, and it may occur without apparent cause (primary vasculitis) or as a pathologic reaction to a range of initiating insults (secondary vasculitis). The aims of our study were to report histologic, clinical, and survival data from a large series of cases with primary and secondary vasculitis, and to compare the clinical parameters and outcome data between groups. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from the medical records of 42 client-owned dogs with a histologic diagnosis of primary or secondary vasculitis, and follow-up information was obtained. Cases were grouped according to clinical and histologic descriptors, and biochemical, hematologic, and survival data was compared between groups. Several forms of primary vasculitis were observed, and vascular inflammation was observed in conjunction with numerous other diseases. Female dogs were more likely to develop primary vasculitis, and serum globulin concentration was greater in dogs with primary vasculitis compared to those with underlying disease. All dogs with primary vasculitis of the central nervous system died or were euthanized shortly after presentation, but other forms of primary vasculitis could be managed effectively. In conclusion, presentation of clinical cases in this series was variable, and there did not appear to be well-defined vasculitic syndromes as described in people.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Coordinate expression of cytokeratins 7 and 14, vimentin, and Bcl-2 in canine cutaneous epithelial tumors and cysts

Forty-seven canine cutaneous epithelial tumors and cysts were examined to determine coordinate expression of cytokeratins 7 (CK7) and 14 (CK14), vimentin, and Bcl-2 using commercially available antibodies. Within non-affected normal skin adjacent to tumors or cysts, CK7 expression was observed in luminal cells in apocrine glands; CK14 expression was observed in the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, basal layer of outer root sheath, sebaceous glands, and myoepithelial cells of apocrine glands; vimentin expression was observed in dermal papilla and scattered non-epithelial cells within the epidermis; and Bcl-2 expression was observed in scattered non-epithelial cells in the epidermis and some apocrine glands. The pattern of expression of CK7 and CK14 in cases of adenocarcinoma of the apocrine gland of the anal sac (CK7+/CK14–) and hepatoid gland tumors (CK7–/CK14+) may prove useful for diagnostic purposes. Loss of expression of CK14 and vimentin, identifying myoepithelial cells, was observed in apocrine and ceruminous adenocarcinomas. Differences in patterns of expression of Bcl-2 were observed between infundibular keratinizing acanthomas compared to trichoepitheliomas.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Analytical validation of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay in horses

Although cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assays have been used to detect myocardial damage in horses, a cTnT assay has not been analytically validated, to our knowledge. The aims of this study were to estimate the precision of a high-sensitivity cTnT assay in horses and determine the effect of hemolysis on the measured cTnT concentration. Serum samples from horses were mixed in 3 different pools. Pool 1 consisted of samples from 3 healthy horses, pool 2 from 6 horses with heart failure or atypical myopathy, and pool 3 from 10 horses with atypical myopathy. The within- and between-run coefficients of variation were determined for each pool. Pools 2 and 3 were diluted to estimate linearity. To study the influence of sample hemolysis, serum was collected from 4 horses with a high cTnT concentration, in which hemolysis was mechanically induced. In addition, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid blood tubes were collected from 3 other horses, from which hemolysate was prepared and added to plasma at different concentrations. The within- and between-run coefficients of variation of all pools were <10%, and a good linearity was found. Three out of 4 hemolyzed serum samples had a decreased serum cTnT concentration. Plasma samples with a high hemolysis index showed a negative interference, resulting in a lower cTnT concentration. Results of the high-sensitivity cTnT assay were highly reproducible. Because samples from horses with musculoskeletal damage were included, further studies should test the possible cross-reactivity between troponin T of musculoskeletal and cardiac origin before the assay can be used in equine clinical practice.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Rapid and sensitive detection of Feline immunodeficiency virus using an insulated isothermal PCR-based assay with a point-of-need PCR detection platform

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important infectious agent of cats. Clinical syndromes resulting from FIV infection include immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, and neoplasia. In our study, a 5' long terminal repeat/gag region–based reverse transcription insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (RT-iiPCR) was developed to amplify all known FIV strains to facilitate point-of-need FIV diagnosis. The RT-iiPCR method was applied in a point-of-need PCR detection platform—a field-deployable device capable of generating automatically interpreted RT-iiPCR results from nucleic acids within 1 hr. Limit of detection 95% of FIV RT-iiPCR was calculated to be 95 copies standard in vitro transcription RNA per reaction. Endpoint dilution studies with serial dilutions of an ATCC FIV type strain showed that the sensitivity of lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent was comparable to that of a reference nested PCR. The established reaction did not amplify any nontargeted feline pathogens, including Felid herpesvirus 1, feline coronavirus, Feline calicivirus, Feline leukemia virus, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Chlamydophila felis. Based on analysis of 76 clinical samples (including blood and bone marrow) with the FIV RT-iiPCR, test sensitivity was 97.78% (44/45), specificity was 100.00% (31/31), and agreement was 98.65% (75/76), determined against a reference nested-PCR assay. A kappa value of 0.97 indicated excellent correlation between these 2 methods. The lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent, deployed on a user-friendly portable device, has potential utility for rapid and easy point-of-need detection of FIV in cats.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Comparative performance of fetal goat tongue cell line ZZ-R 127 and fetal porcine kidney cell line LFBK-{alpha}v{beta}6 for Foot-and-mouth disease virus isolation

The fetal goat tongue cell line ZZ-R 127 and the fetal porcine kidney cell line LFBK-α_vβ₆ have been reported to have high sensitivity to various Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains. The suitability of ZZ-R 127 cells for FMDV isolation not only from epithelial suspensions but also from other clinical samples has already been confirmed in a previous study. However, to our knowledge, the suitability of LFBK-α_vβ₆ cells has not been evaluated using clinical samples other than epithelial materials. In addition, both cell lines have never been compared, in terms of use for FMDV isolation, under the same conditions. Therefore, in the current study, the virus isolation rates of both cell lines were compared using clinical samples collected from animals infected experimentally with FMDV. Viruses were successfully isolated from clinical samples other than epithelial suspensions for both cell lines. The virus isolation rates for the 2 cell lines were not significantly different. The Cohen kappa coefficients between the virus isolation results for both cell lines were significantly high. Taken together, these results confirmed the suitability of LFBK-α_vβ₆ cells for FMDV isolation from clinical samples other than epithelial suspensions. The levels of susceptibility of both cell lines to FMDV isolation were also confirmed to be almost the same.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi infection in cats after exposure to wild-caught adult Ixodes scapularis

Cats are infected by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi when exposed to infected Ixodes scapularis (black-legged ticks). The purpose of our study was to allow wild-caught I. scapularis to feed on healthy research cats (n = 4) and temporally evaluate for A. phagocytophilum DNA in blood by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay as well as for antibody responses to the B. burgdorferi C6 peptide, to the A. phagocytophilum P44 peptide, and to a novel A. phagocytophilum peptide (P44-4). Prior to I. scapularis infestation, all cats were negative for antibodies against both organisms based on a kit optimized for dog serum, and negative for A. phagocytophilum DNA in blood using a conventional PCR assay. Using the pre-infestation samples, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against the P44-4 peptide was optimized. Cats were infested with wild-caught I. scapularis for 7 days. Genomic DNA of A. phagocytophilum was amplified from the blood before antibodies were detected in all 4 cats. Antibodies against the C6 peptide, P44 peptide, and P44-4 peptide were detected in the sera of all 4 cats. Antibodies against P44-4 were detected prior to those against P44 in 3 out of 4 cats. The results suggest that a PCR assay should be considered in acutely ill cats with suspected anaplasmosis that are seronegative.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Antibody responses to Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface proteins C and F in experimentally infected Beagle dogs

Antibody levels to outer surface proteins C and F (OspC and OspF, respectively) in sera collected from laboratory Beagle dogs at 1, 2, and 4 months after challenge with infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) were determined. Each dog was confirmed by culture to harbor Borrelia burgdorferi in the skin (n = 10) or the skin and joints (n = 14). Significant levels of immunoglobulin M (Ig)M or IgG anti-OspC antibodies were detected in single serum samples from only 3 (13%) dogs. Similarly, IgM anti-OspF antibodies were detected in only 1 (4%) serum sample collected from a dog with B. burgdorferi in the skin and joints. In contrast, 4 (29%) dogs with skin and joint infections produced IgG anti-OspF antibodies after 2 months, and the response expanded to include 2 (20%) dogs with skin infection and 4 additional dogs with skin and joint infections (overall sensitivity = 62%) after 4 months. The findings failed to support the utility of OspC-based antibody tests for diagnosing canine Lyme disease, but demonstrated that dogs with B. burgdorferi colonizing joint tissue most often produced significant levels of IgG anti-OspF antibodies. Therefore, additional studies to more thoroughly evaluate the clinical utility of OspF-based antibody tests are warranted.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Prognostic significance of tissue and serum HER2 and MUC1 in canine mammary cancer

The aim of our study was to compare serum levels and protein tissue of human epidermal growth factor receptor–2 proto-oncogene (HER2) and mucin 1 (MUC1) using an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in canine mammary carcinomas and investigate how the 2 markers correlate with dogs with metastasis and without metastasis to a regional lymph node. Forty-eight female dogs were selected, including 14 with non-metastatic cancer, 14 with lymph node metastasis, and 20 healthy animals. Serum samples were collected from all the animals and tissues from 28 dogs with malignant mammary tumor with or without metastasis for evaluated HER2 and MUC1 expression. Tissue sample were evaluated for MUC1 and HER2 immunoexpression by IHC. The results showed measurable serum levels of MUC1 and HER2 in all groups. While serum MUC1 levels were significantly higher in animals with metastasis than the other 2 groups, no increase was observed in HER2 serum levels. The MUC1 IHC results showed that only membrane immunostaining was significantly different between the groups. Statistically, there was an association between immunostaining and the serum HER2 levels. Our results indicate that serum concentrations of HER2 and the IHC staining pattern for HER2 in primary tumor do not correlate with the presence of regional metastasis. However, increased concentrations of MUC1 in the serum of dogs with mammary cancer are associated with the presence of metastasis to regional lymph nodes. A membrane pattern of IHC staining for MUC1 in the primary tumor suggests that metastases to regional lymph node are present.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Ameloblastoma in a wild black rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)

Reports of neoplasia in captive reptiles are becoming more frequent; however, there is still scarce knowledge of the occurrence of neoplasia in wild reptiles. A wild black rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) was presented to the Zoological Medicine service of the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 3 cm in diameter solid mandibular mass that was partially ulcerated. Radiographically, the mass was radiopaque with small bone spicules and partial osteolysis of the adjacent mandible. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a neoplasm composed of cuboidal to polygonal cells arranged in islands, anastomosing cords, and trabeculae of pseudostratified epithelium with a palisading peripheral layer of densely packed columnar cells with cytoplasmic clearing. The neoplastic tissue was separated from the mesenchyme by a prominent band of fine collagen. Neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for smooth muscle actin. Electron microscopy highlighted the presence of tonofilaments and microvilli. These findings led to the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, an odontogenic epithelial tumor known to occur in humans and most veterinary species.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Comparison between available serologic tests for detecting antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in horses in Canada

To investigate the agreement between available serologic tests for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi, 50 serum samples from horses of unknown clinical status and at low risk for infection were tested. In addition to a point-of-care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pocELISA), the evaluated tests included 2 indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and an IFAT, an ELISA confirmed with Western blot, and the Lyme multiplex assay for antibodies against B. burgdorferi. For each pair-wise comparison between serologic tests, the difference in the proportion of seropositive results as well as kappa and the prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa were calculated. The proportion of seropositive results differed significantly in each pairwise comparison of tests for detection of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, and between the pocELISA and IFAT as well as between the pocELISA and Lyme multiplex assay for detection of antibodies against B. burgdorferi. Agreement based on kappa varied from poor to fair while agreement was improved when evaluating prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa. Lack of agreement may be explained by differences in methodology between the evaluated tests, cross-reactivity or false-positive and false-negative tests. In addition to the limitations of serologic test interpretation in the absence of clinical disease, this data suggest that screening of horses for exposure to tick-borne diseases in nonendemic areas may not be warranted.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Coinfection with Clostridium piliforme and Felid herpesvirus 1 in a kitten

A 1-month-old Domestic Shorthair kitten was submitted for autopsy, with a history of upper respiratory tract infection and diarrhea. This was the third kitten from the same litter that had died with similar clinical findings within a period of 1 month. Severe conjunctivitis, rhinitis, tracheitis, and bronchointerstitial pneumonia were present, together with lymphohistiocytic colitis. Respiratory lesions were caused by infection with Felid herpesvirus 1. Colonic lesions were associated with the presence of long filamentous bacteria, identified as Clostridium piliforme, in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Our report describes a case of concurrent C. piliforme infection (Tyzzer’s disease) and feline rhinotracheitis in a kitten.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Long-term survival in a dog with meningoencephalitis and epidural abscessation due to Actinomyces species

A 2-year-old, female spayed Golden Retriever dog was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for evaluation of ataxia, cervical pain, 1 episode of acute collapse, dull mentation, and inappetence. Physical examination revealed an elevated temperature of 39.7°C and severe cervical pain. Blood work revealed a mature neutrophilia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed nondegenerative neutrophilic pleocytosis with no infectious agents. A presumptive diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis–arteritis was made, and corticosteroid therapy was started. The patient improved initially but experienced a vestibular episode characterized by falling and vertical nystagmus. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an epidural abscess in the cervical vertebral canal and diffuse meningeal enhancement in the brain and cranial cervical spine. Abscess drainage revealed degenerate neutrophils and several filamentous, branching organisms. Culture of the initial CSF using an enrichment broth revealed growth of a Gram-positive organism 5 days after fluid collection. The isolate was identified by partial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing as Actinomyces spp. The patient was successfully treated with long-term antibiotics. Our study reports the long-term survival after medical treatment of bacterial meningoencephalitis and epidural abscessation due to Actinomyces sp. infection in a dog. Bacterial meningoencephalitis should be included as a differential diagnosis in patients with cervical pain and fever, even when a nondegenerative neutrophilic pleocytosis is found on CSF analysis. Culture of the CSF with use of an enrichment broth should be considered in all cases of neutrophilic pleocytosis to rule out infections of the central nervous system.

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July 30, 2015 at 10:37PM Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens 1, 4, and 7 in galgos (Spanish Greyhounds)

Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds), in common with other sighthounds, have higher hematocrits, hemoglobin concentrations, and red blood cell counts than other breeds. In addition to these hematological characteristics, the physical characteristics of these dogs (medium to large dogs with an easily accessible jugular vein and a good temperament) make galgos ideal blood donors. However, to date, there are only published reports concerning dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 in this breed. Information on DEAs 4 and 7 would be useful when recruiting blood donors to donation programs, as DEA 1 and 7–negative and DEA 4–positive dogs can be considered universal donors. Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid–anticoagulated jugular blood samples were collected from 205 galgos. Dogs were aged between 1 and 10 years, 102 were female (49.8%) and 103 male (50.2%), and all were living in South Madrid, Spain. All 205 blood samples were tested for DEA 1 by card agglutination, and 150 of these samples were tested for DEA 4 and DEA 7 by gel column agglutination using polyclonal anti-DEA antibodies. Of the 205 galgos blood samples typed, 112 out of 205 (54.6%) were positive for DEA 1. Of the 150 blood samples tested, all (150/150, 100%) were positive for DEA 4, and 12 out of 150 (8%) samples tested positive for DEA 7. Of these samples, 70 out of 150 (46.7%) were positive only for DEA 4. There was no relationship between blood types and sex. In addition to the hematological characteristics previously reported and the physical characteristics of these dogs, the relative prevalence of blood types DEA 1, 4, and 7 make galgos good candidates for blood donation in blood donor programs.

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Body-Motion-Powered Device Could Promote Bone Healing

Materials Science: Implantable energy-scavenging device powers a laser to encourage bone cell growth

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Designer Ribosome Works In Live Cells

Synthetic Biology: Researchers engineer entire protein-making complex for first time

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July 29, 2015 at 05:27PM Pl@ntNet: l’application s’ouvre à la flore de l’Océan indien

L’application mobile de reconnaissance des plantes Pl@ntNet répertorie désormais également une partie de la flore de l’Océan indien. Cette déclinaison est dans un premier temps uniquement accessible sous Android et en ligne, sur le site web du projet. Elle est intégrée dans l’application initiale, la zone géographique pouvant être sélectionnée par défaut via le gps ou manuellement.

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July 28, 2015 at 06:23PM Kroger Recalls Four Seasonings Due to Possible Health Risk

Cincinnati, Ohio - July 25, 2015 - The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Powder, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac’n Buds sold in its retail stores due to possible contamination from Salmonella. A sample of Kroger Garlic Powder from a store in North Augusta, South Carolina was tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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July 28, 2015 at 04:28PM KellBran Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Caramel Popcorn

KellBran Candies of Akron, Ohio is recalling KellBran Caramel Popcorn, because it contains undeclared milk product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 28, 2015 at 02:00PM FDA's MedWatch Safety Alerts for Consumers: June 2015

FDA is warning consumers about the Daytrana patch, ventricular assist systems, and a vascular patch.

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July 25, 2015 at 03:54AM Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy Issues Voluntary Recall of Unexpired Sterile Human and Veterinary Compounded Drugs Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance

Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling human and veterinary sterile compounded drugs which are unexpired to the consumer level due to lack of sterility assurance. The company has not received any reports of product contamination or adverse events to date, and is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution following a recent inspection which identified an issue with sterility assurance.

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Biocompatible Material Contains Sunscreen From The Sea

Materials Science: Attaching ultraviolet-absorbing compounds produced by fish and algae to the naturally derived polymer chitosan produces stable sunscreens

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July 25, 2015 at 03:54AM Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy Issues Voluntary Recall of Unexpired Sterile Human and Veterinary Compounded Drugs Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance

Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling human and veterinary sterile compounded drugs which are unexpired to the consumer level due to lack of sterility assurance. The company has not received any reports of product contamination or adverse events to date, and is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution following a recent inspection which identified an issue with sterility assurance.

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Probe Delivers Fluids, Light To Brain

Neuroscience: Thin, flexible optofluidic device causes minimal tissue inflammation

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First Structure Of Human Sialyltransferase

Biochemistry: Three-dimensional arrangement of protein that coats cells with sialic acid sugars could aid development of cancer drugs

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Ancient Bacteria Still Busy In The Deep

Marine Science: More than a mile below the seafloor, 20-million-year-old bacteria from a terrestrial era make methane from coal

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Patent Picks: Insulin Drug Delivery

A look at recent patenting activity in insulin drug delivery, brought to you by C&EN and CAS

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Scanning Probe Identifies Asphaltenes

Petrochemistry: Chemical structures of heaviest crude oil fractions yield to surface microscopy

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July 25, 2015 at 04:23AM Nature's Variety Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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July 25, 2015 at 04:23AM Nature's Variety Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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July 24, 2015 at 08:49PM Clinical Investigator Status (Biologics)

Clinical Investigator Inspection List updated through 3/11/2010.

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July 24, 2015 at 07:03PM Bravo Recalls Select Chicken Pet Foods Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Bravo Pet Foods of Manchester, CT is recalling select lots of Bravo Chicken pet foods for dogs and cats due to concerns of the possible presence of Salmonella. The recall was initiated after routine testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella spp. Poly A contamination.

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Cholesterol-like Molecule Suggested As Possible Cataract Treatment

Salud: Un estudio afirma que el lanosterol podría revertir la acumulación de proteínas que causa las cataratas en el cristalino, pero algunos expertos no están de acuerdo.

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Chemical Combo Captures And Destroys Micropollutants In Water

Water Treatment: Cyclodextrin polymer selectively traps a flame retardant and antibiotics for degradation

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Prodrug Delivers Estrogen Just To The Brain

Medicinal Chemistry: Compound could lead to estrogen therapies with fewer side effects

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Cholesterol-like Molecule Suggested As Possible Cataract Treatment

Health: Study reports that lanosterol could reverse protein aggregation in human eyes, but some experts disagree

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ACS To Launch New Journal On Sensor Science

Publishing: Justin Gooding of the University of New South Wales will serve as editor-in-chief

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ACS To Launch New Journal On Sensor Science

Publishing: Justin Gooding of the University of New South Wales will serve as editor-in-chief

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Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles Can Strengthen Bacterial Defenses

Nanotoxicity: Low nanoparticle doses can spur bacterial biofilm growth

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July 22, 2015 at 02:23PM Approval History, Letters, Reviews, and Related Documents - TRETTEN

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July 17, 2015 at 11:31AM Bt cotton: seed mixtures are less effective than external refuges as regards resistance

Growing cotton that has been genetically modified to produce insecticidal toxins inevitably leads tpo the development of resistance in the target insects. To slow down the phenomenon, seed firms can now supply farmers with ready-to-use mixtures of modified and non-modified seeds, which are intended to serve as refuges. However, are these refuges, inside crop plots, as effective as the external refuges recommended to date? Researchers from CIRAD and the University of Arizona recently demonstrated that these mixtures carry risks, since they increase the dominance of insect resistance, if the insects are capable of moving from one plant to another.

via CIRAD - Actualités / News http://ift.tt/1DtXKCL

July 21, 2015 at 11:29PM Osamu Corporation Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Tuna Products from Distributors Due To Potential Health Risk

July 20, 2015 -Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling all of its frozen tuna (loin, saku, chunk, slice, and ground market forms) sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia because the Minnesota Department of Health Investigators found samples of this product from one retail location in Minnesota to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.Persons developing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

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July 21, 2015 at 11:29PM Osamu Corporation Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Yellow Fin Tuna Chunk Meat Due to Possible Health Risk

Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling Frozen Yellow Fin Tuna Chunk Meat (Lot #68568) sold to AFC Corporation of Rancho Dominquez, CA sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia because the Minnesota Department of Health Investigators found samples of this product from one retail location in Minnesota to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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July 21, 2015 at 07:27PM The Natural Dog Company, Inc. Recalls 12" Tremenda Sticks Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

The Natural Dog Company, Inc. of Windsor, CO, is recalling its 12oz bags of 12" Tremenda Sticks pet chews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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July 21, 2015 at 07:27PM The Natural Dog Company, Inc. Recalls 12" Tremenda Sticks Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

The Natural Dog Company, Inc. of Windsor, CO, is recalling its 12oz bags of 12" Tremenda Sticks pet chews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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July 20, 2015 at 05:54PM "Climate change and sustainable development: one and the same challenge for research", article by Michel Eddi and Jean-Paul Moatti

As the Addis Abeba summit on development funding draws to a close, Les Echos publishes an article by Michel Eddi, CIRAD President Managing Director, and Jean-Paul Moatti, IRD President. The two authors recall the key role of science in reconciling climate change mitigation and the development of southern countries. In particular, they point out the need for studies and detailed empirical data on the range of local situations locales, which are hidden by overall forecasts of average temperature rises.

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July 21, 2015 at 12:04AM Barrel O' Fun Snack Foods Co. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Vic's Original Popcorn (1-1/8oz)

Barrel O' Fun Snack Foods Co. of Perham, MN is recalling one specific lot of Vic's Original White Popcorn 1-1/8oz size bags (UPC 0-46555-00062-1) because it may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

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A Pocket Test For Melamine-Adulterated Milk

Analytical Chemistry: Chemists adapt the personal glucose meter to test for illegal milk additive

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A Pocket Test For Melamine-Adulterated Milk

Analytical Chemistry: Chemists adapt the personal glucose meter to test for illegal milk additive

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July 20, 2015 at 05:54PM "Changement climatique et développement durable : un même combat pour la recherche", tribune de Michel Eddi et Jean-Paul Moatti

A l'heure où le sommet d'Addis Abeba sur le financement du développement s'achève, Les Echos publient une tribune de Michel Eddi, PDG du Cirad et Jean-Paul Moatti, PDG de l'IRD. Les deux hommes rappellent le rôle clé de la science dans l'objectif de concilier atténuation du changement climatique et développement des pays du Sud. Ils alertent notamment sur le besoin d'études et de données empiriques fines quant à la diversité des situations locales, masquée par les projections globales de la hausse de la température moyenne.

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July 16, 2015 at 11:15AM The threats and assets of viruses for animal health

SAVE THE DATE - From 31 August to 3 September 2015, Montpellier's Corum Centre will be hosting the Xth International Congress for Veterinary Virology, ESVV 2015, organized by CIRAD and supported by a public debate on the topic of viruses: former enemies? new friends?.

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STM And AFM Zoom In On Aryne Structure

Microscopy: Study helps resolve long-standing uncertainty about the primary resonance structure of triple-bonded aromatics

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Buckyballs In Space

Astronomy: Gas-phase C60+ is identified as one of the molecules responsible for producing mysterious diffuse interstellar infrared bands

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Seeking Tiny Vesicles For New Medical Diagnostics

Researchers think harnessing exosomes could lead to more powerful tests in the clinic

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Lignin Nanoparticles Use Silver To Beat The Pulp Out Of Bacteria

Nanotechnology: Chemical engineering helps researchers develop a greener version of nanosilver

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Heartburn Drug Lansoprazole May Fight Tuberculosis Too

Drug Discovery: Researchers find that a metabolite of the FDA-approved medicine kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human cells

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Salicylic Acid Shapes Plant Root Microbiome

Microbiology: Leaf defense hormone also plays a gatekeeping role in formation of root microbe community

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Tau Protein May Drive Neurodegeneration After Brain Injury

Brain Disorders: One form of the phosphorylated protein spreads through the brain after trauma, according to a mouse study

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Seeking Tiny Vesicles For New Medical Diagnostics

Researchers think harnessing exosomes could lead to more powerful tests in the clinic

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July 17, 2015 at 11:58PM It Takes A Village Foods Llc. Dba Veggie Evolution Issues An Allergy Alert On Undeclared Soy In Veggie Evolution Kale Crisps Zen Nori

It Takes a Village Foods LLC of Hailey, ID is recalling “Veggie Evolution Kale Crisps Zen Nori� because it contains undeclared soy. People who have allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Veggie Evolution Kale Crisps Zen Nori was distributed to retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Michigan, Oregon, Utah, and also sold on line at “VeggieEvolution.com�.

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A Close Look At Rat Brains Under Stress

Neuroscience: Rats genetically predisposed for depression- and anxiety-like behaviors responded surprisingly well to a stressful, but controllable, situation

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A Possible Explanation For The Origins Of Peptides On Earth

Chemical Evolution: Researchers link amino and hydroxy acids by simulating wet and dry conditions on ancient Earth

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A Possible Explanation For The Origins Of Peptides On Earth

Chemical Evolution: Researchers link amino and hydroxy acids by simulating wet and dry conditions on ancient Earth

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July 17, 2015 at 11:35AM Les enjeux de la conférence de Paris. Penser autrement la question climatique

À l’occasion de la conférence sur le climat qui se tiendra à Paris en décembre 2015, Natures Sciences Sociétés, revue interdisciplinaire à l’interface des relations sciences/société, coéditée par le Cirad, publie un numéro spécial consacré aux enjeux de cette conférence. Sa réussite ne tiendra pas seulement à la bonne ou mauvaise volonté des 195 États présents, mais aussi à la capacité de changer en profondeur les façons dont à la fois les scientifiques - climatologues et économistes en première ligne - et les responsables politiques ont historiquement « cadré » la problématique climatique. Vingt-trois ans après la signature de la convention de Rio, ce cadre d’action a montré ses limites. Ce numéro, dont les articles sont tous en accès libre, propose différentes voies de son possible dépassement, en mobilisant les recherches les plus récentes.

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July 17, 2015 at 11:31AM Cotonnier Bt : les mélanges de semences moins efficaces que les refuges externes face aux résistances

La culture de cotonniers génétiquement modifiés pour produire des toxines insecticides entraîne inévitablement l’apparition de résistances chez les insectes cibles. Pour retarder ce phénomène, les semenciers proposent aujourd’hui aux agriculteurs des mélanges prêts à l’emploi de semences modifiées et non modifiées, qui doivent servir de refuges. Mais ces refuges intégrés aux champs sont-ils aussi efficaces que les refuges externes préconisés jusque-là ? Des chercheurs du Cirad et de l’université de l’Arizona viennent de démontrer que ces mélanges présentaient des risques en augmentant la dominance de la résistance des insectes, lorsque ceux-ci sont capables de se déplacer d’une plante à une autre.

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Compound Being Tested Against Cancer Also Suppresses HIV In Mice

Drug Discovery: New approach is the first to block transcription of HIV genes

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July 16, 2015 at 11:28PM SUPERVALU ISSUES ALLERGY ALERT ON UNDECLARED MILK IN CUB FOODS AND RAINBOW FOODS DANISH ROLLS 4CT.

SUPERVALU INC. of Eden Prairie, Minn. is recalling 4ct. 13oz packages of Cub Foods and Rainbow Foods Danish Rolls because it may contain undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 16, 2015 at 11:15AM Menaces et atouts des virus en santé animale

SAVE THE DATE - Du 31 août au 3 septembre 2015, au Corum, à Montpellier, se tiendra le 10e Congrès international de virologie vétérinaire ESVV 2015, organisé par le Cirad et assorti d'un débat public sur le thème «les virus : anciens ennemis ? nouveaux amis ?».

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July 16, 2015 at 04:23AM D&D Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Wheat in Hy-Vee American Macaroni Salad

D&D Foods, Inc., based in Omaha, Nebraska, is recalling 3-pound containers of Hy-Vee American Macaroni Salad because they were incorrectly labeled and may contain undeclared milk and wheat (gluten). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and wheat (gluten) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 16, 2015 at 04:23AM D&D Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Wheat in Hy-Vee American Macaroni Salad

D&D Foods, Inc., based in Omaha, Nebraska, is recalling 3-pound containers of Hy-Vee American Macaroni Salad because they were incorrectly labeled and may contain undeclared milk and wheat (gluten). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and wheat (gluten) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 15, 2015 at 03:31AM >Homemade recalls Pickles and Sauces because of possible health risk

Homemade of Leavenworth, Washington is recalling pickle and sauce products because they may have been improperly produced. Washington State Department of Agriculture routine sampling discovered that a bottle of Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles had a pH level high enough to allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Required records were not available to support that safe processing guidelines were followed on all sauce and pickle products produced at Homemade.

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July 13, 2015 at 06:34PM Nectar Foods, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almond in CocoNoNut Cacao-Nectar Bar

Nectar Foods, Inc. of Portland, Oregon is recalling 300 CocoNoNut CACAO-NECTAR BAR’s because it may contain undeclared almonds. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almond run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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Light-Triggered Chemotherapy

Medicinal Chemistry: Chemists aim to curb side effects of chemotherapy with small molecules that isomerize from an inactive form to an active one in the presence of blue light

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Nanoparticles Target Resistant Parasites

Pharmaceuticals: New drug formulation may improve treatment for sleeping sickness

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How Transcription Factors Depart Their Targets In Cells

Molecular Biology: Higher cellular levels promote faster unbinding of transcription factors from genes

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Human Sugar-Binding Protein Exclusively Binds Microbial Sugars

Structural Biology: Human intelectin-1 may play a role in microbial surveillance

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Sperm RNA Marks Male Fertility

Biochemistry: Sequencing the RNA in sperm could help determine appropriate fertility treatments

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The Shrinking Case For Fluorochemicals

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The Shrinking Case For Fluorochemicals

As the long-alkyl-chain fluorocarbons found in many household products are replaced with short-chain ones, debate over safety continues

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Periodic Graphics: The Chemistry Of Barbecue

Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning serves up some chemical facts about how grilling produces smoky flavor

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Plutonium’s Shifty Ground States

Actinide Chemistry: Element fluctuates among three electronic ground states, yielding unique magnetism and solid-phase properties

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Decoding Lithium-ion Conductivity In Solids

Electrochemistry: Understanding ion diffusion in mixed lithium phases may lead to solid electrolytes and safer batteries

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Tomography Maps Aluminum Clusters In Zeolites

Materials: Technique could help improve performance of the industrially critical catalysts

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July 10, 2015 at 09:50PM Maya Overseas Foods Inc. Recalls Cashew Split Because of Possible Health Risk

Maya Overseas Foods Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling approximately 8000 lbs. of Cashew Split because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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July 10, 2015 at 08:17PM Carnivore Meat Company, LLC Voluntarily Issues a Recall Two Batches of Raw Pet Treats

Carnivore Meat Company, LLC is recalling select products and lots of Carnivore Vital Essentials pet foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria monocytogenes. In humans, however, Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems

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July 10, 2015 at 08:17PM Carnivore Meat Company, LLC Voluntarily Issues a Recall Two Batches of Raw Pet Treats

Carnivore Meat Company, LLC is recalling select products and lots of Carnivore Vital Essentials pet foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria monocytogenes. In humans, however, Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems

via Pet Health RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1Hl3VNd

Miniature Device Extracts Ions From A Single Blood Drop

Analytical Chemistry: New tool simplifies blood ion analysis, allowing improved tracking of key ions

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Miniature Device Extracts Ions From A Single Blood Drop

Analytical Chemistry: New tool simplifies blood ion analysis, allowing improved tracking of key ions

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July 10, 2015 at 03:39PM Laurence Tubiana : «La restauration des sols est un sujet majeur pour le climat»

Le 25 juin dernier, à Montpellier, à l’occasion du conseil d’administration, dont elle est membre, Laurence Tubiana, ambassadrice chargée des négociations sur le changement climatique et représentante spéciale de la France pour la conférence Paris Climat 2015, a souligné le rôle de la recherche, du Cirad et de ses partenaires, dans le cadre d’un tel événement. Morceaux choisis.

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July 08, 2015 at 04:43PM Expo Milano 2015 - Tsetse fly eradication in Senegal wins a Best Practice award

In Senegal, tsetse flies have now been almost totally eradicated in the Niayes region. This spectacular result has just been given a Best Practice award at the Milano 2015 universal exposition. Animal trypanosomiasis, which is transmitted by tsetse flies, is a huge threat to livestock farms in sub-Saharan Africa. The project centres on using traps impregnated with insecticides and releasing sterile males in the region. Tsetse flies have now been totally eradicated in 20% of the zone and the number of insects in the rest of the target zone has been cut by more than 95%. In view of its socioeconomic impact, the project could eventually transform the lives of many local livestock farmers.

The project is the fruit of a partnership between CIRAD, the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Senegal, the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) and the Joint FAO/AIEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

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July 09, 2015 at 02:00PM FDA Strengthens Warning of Heart Attack and Stroke Risk for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

FDA is strengthening the existing prescription and Drug Facts labels warning that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – a group of drugs used for the temporary relief of pain and fever – can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, either of which can lead to death.

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Blood Protein Linked To Age-Related Memory Loss

Neuroscience: Finding ways to reduce levels of β2-microglobulin could lead to therapies to combat mental decline

via Chemical & Engineering News: Biological SCENE http://ift.tt/1RmkQGS

Syria's neighbors now host four million of its refugees, UN says - Reuters

Reuters

Syria's neighbors now host four million of its refugees, UN says Reuters GENEVA The number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries has passed 4 million, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday, adding that the total was on course to reach 4.27 million by the end of 2015. "This is the biggest refugee population ... More than 4 million refugees have fled Syria since outbreak of civil war, UN saysFox News More Than 4 Million Refugees Have Now Fled Syria, UN SaysNew York Times The Syrian war has now created more than 4 million refugees, says UNWashington Post (blog) Voice of America -RTE.ie all 29 news articles »

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July 02, 2015 at 11:35PM Boulder Dog Food Company, L.L.C. Voluntarily Recalls Seven Bags of Turkey Sprinkles, 3 oz with A “Best By” Date of “05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016” Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Boulder Dog Food Company, L.L.C. is voluntarily recalling the Turkey Sprinkles (3 oz.) with a “Best By” date of “05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016”, a Lot Number of “743”, and a UPC Code of 899883001224 because the product has the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is risk to humans who handle the product, especially if the handler does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after having contact with the Product or any surfaces exposed to the product.

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July 08, 2015 at 05:15PM Arthur Schuman issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Grated Parmesan Cheese

Arthur Schuman Inc. of Fairfield, NJ is recalling 30,200 lbs. of Bella Rosa Grated Parmesan Cheese (1.25lbs), because it may contain undeclared egg allergen. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to eggs, run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

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July 08, 2015 at 04:43PM Expo Milano 2015 - L’éradication des glossines au Sénégal couronnée Best Practice

Au Sénégal, l’éradication des glossines est en passe d’être achevée dans la région des Niayes. Ce résultat spectaculaire vient de recevoir un des prix Best Practice lancé dans le cadre de l’exposition universelle Milano 2015. La trypanosomose animale, transmise par les glossines, est redoutable pour les élevages d’Afrique subsaharienne. Le projet est fondé sur l’utilisation de pièges imprégnés d’insecticides et la diffusion de mâles stériles dans la région. Il affiche à l’heure actuelle une éradication complète des glossines dans 20% de la zone et une réduction de plus de 95 % du nombre d’insectes présents dans le reste de la zone cible. Il pourrait, à terme, de par ses retombées socio-économiques, changer la vie de nombreux éleveurs locaux.

Le projet est issu d’un partenariat entre le Cirad, la direction des services vétérinaires du Sénégal, l’Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) et la division conjointe FAO/AIEA des techniques nucléaires en alimentation et agriculture.

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July 07, 2015 at 06:04PM Brett Anthony Foods Issues Recall For Undeclared Milk In Whole Foods Market Branded Vegetable Chili Sold From Whole Foods Market Naperville

Brett Anthony Foods is recalling two 8oz cups of Whole Foods Market® brand vegetable chili because they were labeled incorrectly and may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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July 07, 2015 at 03:48PM Stella & Chewy’s Voluntarily Recalls Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Stella & Chewy’s is voluntarily recalling some of its products due to concerns of a possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. The recall was prompted by a positive test confirming Listeria monocytogenes in Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs, 15 ounce, Lot #111–15, during routine surveillance testing by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

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July 07, 2015 at 03:48PM Stella & Chewy’s Voluntarily Recalls Products Due to Possible Health Risk

Stella & Chewy’s is voluntarily recalling some of its products due to concerns of a possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. The recall was prompted by a positive test confirming Listeria monocytogenes in Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs, 15 ounce, Lot #111–15, during routine surveillance testing by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

via FDA Food Safety RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1KPb1vP

July 02, 2015 at 11:38AM Climate and Agriculture on the agenda for a conference: "Our Common Future Under Climate Change"

Agriculture has a major role to play in strategies for adapting to climate change and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This increasingly oft-heard message will be part of the debate at a major international conference: "Our Common Future Under Climate Change". The global scientific community, including CIRAD, is expected at the conference in Paris, from 7 to 10 July 2015, ahead of the upcoming UN talks (COP21).

via CIRAD - Actualités / News http://ift.tt/1HKgrXU

Cattle Feed Yard Dust Can Transport Steroids Into Environment

Environment: Airborne particles kicked up on cattle feed yards can carry steroids miles away

via Chemical & Engineering News: Analytical SCENE http://ift.tt/1JJOIZJ

July 06, 2015 at 12:38PM Initiation à la protection agroécologique du manguier à la Réunion

This book illustrâtes the agro-ecological dynamic that has emerged in recent years in Réunion, enabling the development of organic farming on the island.

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July 06, 2015 at 11:14AM Cocoa agroforests: redistributing vegetation serves to regulate pest and disease attacks

Cocoa agroforests are complex agrosystems similar to natural ecosystems. That complexity is an asset in terms of managing cocoa pests and diseases. But how does it serve to regulate their presence and minimize the intensity of their attacks? Based on studies in Cameroon and Costa Rica, researchers from CIRAD and their partners recently demonstrating the predominant role of the spatial structure of such agroforests in terms of regulation.

via CIRAD - Actualités / News http://ift.tt/1Tgdna3

July 06, 2015 at 12:38PM Initiation à la protection agroécologique du manguier à la Réunion

L'ouvrage illustre la dynamique agroécologique s'est créée depuis quelques années à la Réunion et, par conséquent, le développement de l'Agriculture Biologique sur l'île.

via CIRAD - Actualités / News http://ift.tt/1H34b0V

July 06, 2015 at 11:14AM Agroforêts à cacaoyers : la répartition de la végétation permet de réguler les attaques des bioagresseurs

Les agroforêts à cacaoyers sont des agrosystèmes complexes proches des écosystèmes naturels. Cette complexité est un atout pour la gestion des bioagresseurs du cacaoyer. Mais comment intervient-elle pour réguler leur présence et minimiser l’intensité de leurs attaques ? A partir d’études menées au Cameroun et au Costa Rica, les chercheurs du Cirad et leurs partenaires viennent de démontrer le rôle prépondérant de la structure spatiale de ces agroforêts dans cette régulation.

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Jacob Hooker: The Mind Mapper

Radiochemist makes probes for studying chemical dysfunction in the brain

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