Wildlife disease. Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders.

Emerging infectious diseases are reducing biodiversity on a global scale. Recently, the emergence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans resulted in rapid declines in populations of European fire salamanders. Here, we screened more than 5000 amphibians from across four continents and combined experimental assessment of pathogenicity with phylogenetic methods to estimate the threat that this infection poses to amphibian diversity. Results show that B. salamandrivorans is restricted to, but highly pathogenic for, salamanders and newts (Urodela). The pathogen likely originated and remained in coexistence with a clade of salamander hosts for millions of years in Asia. As a result of globalization and lack of biosecurity, it has recently been introduced into naïve European amphibian populations, where it is currently causing biodiversity loss.

Effects of serum and serum heat-inactivation on human bone derived osteoblast progenitor cells.

Generally, heat inactivated foetal calf serum (FCS) containing media are used for the cultivation of animal and human cells. The role of serum source and serum treatment on the behaviour of cells has long been neglected. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of serum heat inactivation and serum source on trabecular bone derived progenitor cells (HBC). Furthermore, it was investigated in how far these reactions differed from those seen in bone marrow derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (HBMC) cultures. We found that HBC cultures performed differently in the presence of FCS and HS with or without heat inactivation. The reactions similar to some degree those observed in HBMC cultures. The implications of the results on cell-implant surface interaction studies are discussed.