Postimport methylation of the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase in chloroplasts.

Electron impact mass spectronomy analysis of the amino-terminal amino acid of the small subunit (SSU) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) showed that the amino-terminal methionine residue is post-translationally modified to N-methyl-methionine. Modification of the amino-terminal methionine residue was found in mature SSU proteins from the dicotyledonous plants pea and spinach as well as the monocotyledonous plants barley and corn. SSU methyltransferase is a soluble protein in the chloroplast stroma and accepts heterologously expressed non-methylated SSU as a substrate using S-adenosylmethionine as methyl-group donor. We show that this modification occurs after post-translational uptake of the precursor form of SSU into chloroplasts and processing to its mature size. This reaction represents a new step in the import and assembly pathway of Rubisco holoenzyme.

Low molecular thymic peptides stimulate human blood dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells are considered to be the most potent antigen-presenting cells and are thus promising new tools for the immunotherapy of cancer. They respond to various stimuli by differentiation (expression of CD83) and up-regulation of costimulatory surface molecules. Thymic peptides have immunostimulatory and immunomodulating properties. Their therapeutic potential in immunotherapy of cancer has been discussed. To test whether thymic peptides act on dendritic cells, we examined the effects of a standardized thymic peptide preparation on cultured human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Addition of thymic peptides resulted in enhanced expression of the specific differentiation marker CD83 in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, thymic peptides induced the up-regulation of costimulatory molecules including CD86, CD80, HLA-DR and HLA-ABC. After priming with thymic peptides dendritic cells showed an enhanced expression of IL-8 and TNF-alpha mRNA and protein release. Dendritic cells stimulated with thymic peptides were able to induce proliferation of autologous T cells as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation in mixed Lymphocyte reaction. In combination with a low dosage of keyhole limpet hemocyanin, thymic peptides showed additive effects in the up-regulation of CD83 and costimulatory surface markers. Our findings indicate that thymic peptides per se act on professional antigen-presenting cells in a stimulatory manner and were presented by these cells. Furthermore, thymic peptides enhance the response of dendritic cells to low dosages of a standard nominal antigen. Therefore, thymic peptides could improve the immunological activity especially against low amounts of endogenous antigens.

The recombinant human histones H1 zero and H1.2 cause different toxicity profiles on the human leukemia cell line K562.

The human histones H1 zero and H1.2 were expressed in E. coli and purified to homogenity. Their cytotoxicity on the human leukemia cell line K562 and on PBMC from healthy volunteers was compared with the cytotoxic effect of a bovine histone H1 preparation. In this preparation, histone H1.2 was identified as the main compound. All three histone preparations induced a significant dose-dependent toxicity on the leukemia cell line. Compared with the recombinant histone H1 zero, the bovine preparation and recombinant H1.2 showed stronger cytotoxicities. Cytotoxic effects on K562 cells were observed immediately after addition of the histones, whereas the histone preparations failed to induce significant cytotoxicity on PBMC during the first hour of incubation. However, after 24 hours all three histone preparations induced toxic effects on PBMC which were comparable to those observed on the leukemia cell line.

Experimental transplantation of vascularized autologous and allogenic bone grafts for mandibular defects. Anatomical, immunological and surgical basis for vascularized bone transfer in the Göttingen minipig.

The Göttingen minipig serves as a suitable animal model for studying microsurgically reanastomosed iliac crest grafts for reconstruction of bone defects of the mandible. Because of the vascularization pattern of the hip bones of the Göttingen minipig, the cranioventral region of the ilium is especially suitable as a donor site. The separate vascularization of this area allows the excision of a bone block with sufficient volume, mechanical strength and a reliable vascular pedicle. The high degree of immunological variability of the minipigs demonstrated by isoelectric focusing and subsequent immunoblotting of lymphocyte membrane proteins offers possibilities for allogenic transplantation models. The surgical technique of harvesting and transplantation of the bone graft is described in detail.

[Hunting with traps with regard to animal welfare, species protection and safety]. / Die Jagd mit Fallen unter den Aspekten des Tierschutzes, Artenschutzes und der Sicherheit.

The present paper critically examines the subject of huntsmanlike hunting with traps as it is practiced in the Federal Republic of Germany. In this context, consideration is given to the aspects of protection of animals, protection of species and safety for people and domestic animals. Hunting with traps is regarded a necessary element within the legal duties of game preservation. Basically, the focus is placed on efficient hunting of predatory animals that are mainly active at night such as foxes, raccoons and martenlike beasts. Trapping instruments and catching methods that respect the above mentioned aspects are presented. The legislator is requested to set up binding quality standards for the traps to be used. Special training for all trappers with a final examination in theory and practice is considered inevitable.

[Wild animals as transmitters of infectious diseases]. / Wildtiere als Uberträger von Infektionen.

The present contribution contains a summarized overview of current literature dealing with the most important zoonoses that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from indigenous wildlife to man. Following Weber (1994) the diseases are classified according to the species of pathogen. Ways of infection are shown and the importance of these zoonoses is discussed with regard to the frequency of occurrence, the degree of sickness and the risk for man.

[The lymph nodes of the fallow deer (Dama dama L., 1758)]. / Die Körperlymphknoten beim Damtier (Dama dama L., 1758).

In the present study the topographic anatomy of the lymph nodes of fallow deer is described in detail. The Nl. axillaris proprius is absent. This, however, is the only apparent difference when comparing fallow deer with cattle, sheep, goat and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) in respect to the existence of the lymph nodes. Minor topographic deviations are of little importance for locating the lymph nodes.

[The arterial vessels and their intraosseous course in the leg bones of foals. II. Humerus]. / Die arteriellen Versorgungsfefässe und deren intraosseärer Verlauf in den Extremitätenknochen beim Fohlen.

The arterial blood vessels in 24 humeri of equine fetusses and foals are described. The relation between the age and the distribution of these arteries are explained and completely discussed.

[Veterinary tasks in nature and species protection]. / Tierärztliche Aufgaben in Natur- und Artenschutz.

The present paper is designed to give examples of possible fields of activities for veterinary surgeons in the areas of nature conservation and the protection of species. The committed veterinary surgeon, who is eager to extend his/her specialized knowledge obtained at the university will certainly find a sensible and satisfying occupation in the fields of nature conservation, the protection of species and the environment. Creating the optimum prerequisites for these professional opportunities is yet another reason why public funding of the Institute for Game Research and Ecology is indispensable.

[Requirements of raising game pheasants (Phasianus colchicus sp.) in respect to animal welfare laws]. / Anforderungen an eine tierschutzgerechte Aufzucht von Jagdfasanen (Phasianus colchicus spec.).

The present study works for a list of requirements of animal protection on the commercial rearing of common pheasant. Therefore universally valid tags and requirements are evolved for feeding, illumination regiment in the rearing compartments and housing densities and for pheasants freedom from injury. The duty of the veterinary authorities for powerful checkups is pointed out.

[The lymph vessel system of fallow deer (Dama dama L. 1758)]. / Untersuchungen zum Lymphgefässsystem des Damtieres (Dama dama L. 1758).

In the present study the main lymph vessels of important lymph centres of fallow deer are described in detail and represented radiologically. The lymph flow from the periphery (Ear conch, distal extremity) to the entry into the venous angle is proved by means of simultaneous indirect lymphography (SIL). The vasa afferentia do not lead from the lateral ear conch to the NI. parotideus, as usually described with domestic animals, but run dorsally along the cervical vertebra to the NI. cervicalis superficialis. Therefore the Truncus jugularis does not drain the entire head. Furthermore, in view of the findings obtained with fallow deer, the general formation of a superficial and a deep lymphatic system in the distal zones of the extremities is questionable at least as far as domestic ruminants of comparable size are concerned.

[Comparative studies of the release and ability to survive of game pheasants (Phasianus colchicus sp.) from intensive and extensive husbandry]. / Vergleichende Untersuchung zur Auswilderung und Uberlebensfähigkeit von Jagdfasanen (Phasianus colchicus spec.) aus Intensiv- und Extensivhaltung.

Artificially reared pheasants had been released at an age of 10 weeks on two stands in a suitable habitat with a wild pheasant population in Lower Saxony, Germany. Two groups (200 pheasants reared in large fly-aviaries, 200 pheasants reared in dark stables) were bought from commercial breeders who offer pheasants for restocking wild populations. Some of the released pheasants were marked with radio-transmitters. There was no significant difference in survival rate between the two rearing groups. Moreover a significant difference in survival rate between the two releasing points could be find out. Within 32 days 114 (30%) of the 380 released pheasants died mainly by predators e.g. fox/martens (44%) and goshawk (12%). 59% of these refound dead pheasants died already within the first week. 20 pheasants died in the releasing-aviary. Most of the released pheasants alive were re-observed within a diameter of 1000 metres from the releasing points. Only some pheasants dispersed more than 2000 metres. No pheasant released could be observed longer than 5 weeks. We suppose that most of pheasants released died within short time.

[Prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis and other metacestodes and cestodes in the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus LINK 1795) in Lower Saxony]. / Zur Prävalenz von Echinococcus multilocularis und anderen Metazestoden und Zestoden des Bisams (Ondatra zibethicus LINK 1795) in Niedersachsen.

Aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and regional distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis and other metacestodes and cestodes in muskrats in Lower Saxony, Germany. A total of 991 muskrats with similar numbers from all districts of the country were examined between January and December 1995. E. multilocularis metacestodes were found in 4.1% of the muskrats in the liver and other organs of the abdominal cavity. The majority of the E. multilocularis positive animals came from the south of Lower Saxony, where E. multilocularis is endemic, and single animals from the middle or the northern part of the country. All metacestodes found were fertile. Additionally, metacestodes from T. taeniaeformis were found in the livers of 42.3% of the muskrats, metacestodes from T. crassiceps were present in the abdominal cavity of 2.7%, T. polyacantha in 0.4% and T. martis in 3.4% of the animals. Adult cestodes of the family of the Anoplocephalidae were found in the small intestine of 1.5% of the muskrats. Due to autolysis a species differentiation of the latter was not possible.

[Comparative studies of commercial breeding methods for game pheasants (Phasianus colchicus spec.) with regard to the animal welfare aspects of extensive and intensive husbandry]. / Vergleichende Untersuchungen kommerzieller Aufzuchtmethoden von Jagdfasanen (Phasianus colchicus spec.) unter Berücksichtigung tierschutzrelevanter Aspekte der Extensiv- und Intensivhaltung.

The study presents the effects that different rearing methods of commercial pheasantries have on pheasants. The techniques applied by 17 commercial pheasantries in Northern Germany are specified. These techniques were exemplarily simulated on pheasants reared under defined conditions in special aviaries. The results illustrate the impact of the different rearing methods on the condition and constitution on the birds seen from the point of view of animal welfare. Only about 35% (20,400) of all pheasants reared (85,000) in commercial pheasantries were kept under conditions which allowed a physical and behavioural development that nearly complied with the stipulation of the animal protection laws. In approximately 65% of all the pheasants were not enabled to adapt themselves to the food or climate of the habitat they would have to live in after their release. The study proves that most of the currently applied rearing techniques as well as the methods for preventing feather picking are not compatible with the law on the protection of animals.

[The total efficiency of stunning traps for the capture of stone martens and red foxes in hunting situations]. / Die Tötungseffizienz von Schlageisen beim Fang von Steinmarder und Rotfuchs in der jagdlichen Praxis.

The actual paper represents the pathomorphologic changes on martens and foxes hunted in instant killing traps under huntsmanlike conditions. The results are critically discussed concerning the manner of death, the moment of death of the killed animals regarding the relevant legislation.

[Nematode and trematode fauna of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus LINK, 1795) in Lower Saxony]. / Ein Beitrag zur Nematoden- und Trematodenfauna des Bisams (Ondatra zibethicus LINK, 1795) in Niedersachsen.

From January 1995 to December 1995, 991 muskrats were examined for the occurrence and the regional prevalence of nematodes and trematodes. The muskrats were trapped in all parts of Lower Saxony. 77.2% of the studied population were less than one year old, 22.8% were older. The male to female ratio was 54.5% to 45.5%. One genus of nematodes, Trichuris spp., was found in the colon in 1.9% of the animals in the south of the investigated area. A species differentiation was not possible, as exclusively female parasites had been found. Additionally, two genera of trematodes (Echinostoma spp. and Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis) belonging to two different families were detected in 2.5% of the muskrats. In the north of the investigated area the prevalence was significantly higher than in the south. As to the echinostomatides, no species-differentiation was made because, according to KANEV (1985), many echinostomatides have not been described correctly in the past. Some echinostomatides cannot be differentiated until today. There was no statistically significant correlation between parasite infections and sex of the animals. Concerning Echinostoma spp. and Quinqueserialis quinqueserialis, a highly significant correlation was found between the age of the muskrats and the trematode-infections. Young animals were infected more often than older animals, none of the younger animals was infected with Trichuris spp.