Changes in amine concentrations during aging of red wine in oak barrels

This investigation studied the evolution of amines in red wines made with Merlot variety, during aging in American oak barrels (Quercus alba) and in French oak barrels (Quercus sessilis) from the Allier and Nevers regions. From the results obtained it was observed that the evolutions of the amines were similar in all three types of oak woods. Histamine and tyramine were produced at the beginning of the aging process, although they were not accumulated in the wines, probably due to their degradation. Putrescine was the most abundant amine in the wines; its concentration increased to an important extent during aging as it did not undergo degradation. The concentration of cadaverine increased slightly at the first stage of aging and, like putrescine, did not degrade at all. The volatile amines showed slight variations during aging, although in no cases were high accumulations observed in the wines. Dimethylamine and isobutylamine were degraded during storage in the barrels.     

Nutritional utilization by the rat of diets based on lentil (Lens culinaris) seed meal or its fractions

The nutritional effects in the rat of raw lentil meal or its fractions have been evaluated in three feeding trials. Growth, gain/feed ratio, apparent N digestibility, and N retention were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by the inclusion of whole lentil meal, dehulled lentil meal, or ethanol-extracted lentil meal as the sole source of protein in the diet. Pure lentil lectin and lectin-depleted albumin proteins had no significant negative effect on nutritional performance. In contrast, growth, gain/feed ratio, protein conversion efficiency, N digestibility, and N retention were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by diets containing lentil globulins or lentil hulls. The poor nutritional quality of raw lentil meal for rats is therefore likely to be primarily due to the combined effects of these two components.     

Usefulness of Stress Indicators in Forecasting Population Trends in Microtus arvalis (Pallas)1

The appearance of a stress condition in Microtus arvalis (Pallas) populations was established on the basis of histochemical analyses and correlated with population dynamics. It was found that stress appears only during invasions, i.e. when crop damage has already occurred. Commonly, the population crash occurs 30 to 50 days after the appearance of stress. It is concluded that stress indices can neither be used for warnings nor for long-term forecasts of outbreaks.     

Technique and postoperative management for successful cardiopulmonary bypass and open-heart surgery in dogs

Twenty-six healthy mixed-breed dogs (25 to 35 kg) underwent hypothermic (27 C) cardiopulmonary bypass. The heart was arrested with cold (4 C) cardioplegic solution, and left ventriculostomy performed. Postoperative mortality was 11.5% (3/26). Two deaths were attributable to ventricular fibrillation the night after surgery, and one death 2 weeks later was the result of pulmonary embolization. All other dogs recovered promptly and were well at follow-up evaluation 6 weeks later. The most important considerations were (1) the surgical approach, ie, combining left lateral thoracotomy with cannulation of the right atrium and left femoral artery for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (avoiding median sternotomy and aortic arch perfusion), (2) the adherence to strict criteria for CPB perfusion, consisting of blood flow of at least 2.2 L/m2/min, PCV no less than 25%, gas flow through the oxygenator (97% O2, 3% CO2) of at least 3.5 L/min, maintenance of a mean arterial blood pressure greater than 60 mm of Hg, and heparinization to maintain activated clotting time over 480 seconds, (3) the use of dipyridamole infusion to preserve platelets during CPB, resulting in decreased postoperative blood loss and (4) the monitoring of cardiac, respiratory, renal, and neurologic functions before, during, and after the operation, with particular emphasis on fluid balance and electrolytes. We concluded that a high success rate is possible for open-heart surgery in the dog requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, but only through meticulous surgical technique and the combined application of many monitoring techniques, with timely intervention to correct serious departures from homeostasis.     

A case study of capture-recapture methodology using scrapie surveillance data in Great Britain

We applied capture–recapture methodology (CRC) to data from three surveillance sources (statutory notification, abattoir survey (AS) and fallen stock (FS) survey) to estimate the number of holdings infected with scrapie in Great Britain and to assess the sensitivity of the surveillance network. Between January 1, 2002 and March 31, 2003, 144 holdings were identified by the three sources. Using CRC modelling techniques, we estimated a minimum lower bound for the total number of holdings infected as 642. A biologically plausible positive dependence between the statutory reporting and the fallen stock survey was found statistically significant. The sensitivity of the three sources combined was very low. The integration of the three overlapping sources provided a better understanding of the interactions within the surveillance network. However, the scarcity of the data and reduced overlapping among sources only allowed for very cautious inferences to be drawn about the true proportion of scrapie affected holdings in the national population. Future surveys and surveillance activities should be planned such that the resulting data can be used more effectively as part of CRC modelling approaches.     

Clinical evaluation of random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus secured with sutures or sutures and cyanoacrylate adhesive for reconstructive surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of subdermal plexus skin flaps for closing defects after excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and to compare outcome of flaps secured with sutures and those secured with butyl-cyanoacrylate and intermittent sutures. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Fifteen dogs. METHODS: After excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors the skin defect was reconstructed by random flaps based on the subdermal plexus. Flap skin edges were apposed with simple interrupted 4-0 monofilament nylon sutures (group 1; 5 dogs) or nylon sutures alternated with butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive (group 2; 10 dogs). Flaps were evaluated every 48 hours when bandages were changed, until complete healing. RESULTS: Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus were effectively used to close wound defects; mean flap survival was 89%. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 4 dogs. Wound margins apposed with butyl-cyanoacrylate had thinner and more esthetic scars than sutured margins. CONCLUSION: Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus proved to be versatile for covering limb wounds after excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors. Mean survival rate was comparable to that reported for axial pattern flaps. Butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive was easy to apply, allowed accurate margin apposition with good cosmetic outcome and reduced sutures needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cyanoacrylate adhesive should be considered in lieu of suture closure to secure random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus in dogs.     

Migration and growth of Neostrongylus linearis (Marotel, 1913) Gebauer, 1932 in sheep

In order to establish the mammalian parasitic cycle of the nematode Neostrongylus linearis 18 lambs were infected with 5000 third-stage larvae obtained from the snail Cernuella (Xeromagna) cespitum arigonis. In the subsequent days, larvae were found in the walls of the caecum and colon, in the liver and the lungs, suggesting that the bloodstream is the main migratory route. The presence of low numbers of migrating larvae in the mesenteric lymph nodes indicates that this route is probably secondary. The first still sexually undifferentiated, fourth-stage larvae were found in the lungs on the 8th day post-infection (p.i.) and the first sexually differentiated fifth-stage larvae, on the 10th day. Also described are the macroscopic changes of the parasitized organs.     

In vitro susceptibility of field isolates of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica recovered in Spain to several antimicrobial agents

Forty-two recent (1997-1999) Spanish isolates of Francisella tularensis subsp.holarctica were tested in a broth microdilution method for their susceptibilities to 29 antimicrobial agents, including penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamicins, monobactams, penems, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, chloramphenicol and fosfomycin. The isolates were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and susceptible to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin.     

Use of the scrotum as a transposition flap for closure of surgical wounds in three dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe use of the scrotum as a pedicle flap to cover defects created by tumor excision in the perineum or caudal and medial aspect of the thigh. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Three dogs. METHODS: After tumor excision and prescrotal castration, an incision was made around the base of the scrotum, leaving a pedicle on the side opposite the skin defect. After removal of the tunica dartos and abdominal fascia, the scrotal skin was stretched and shaped to the defect, then sutured in position with a simple interrupted pattern. Bandages that were changed every 48 hours compressed the flaps, and healing was observed until sutures were removed. RESULTS: Two dogs had first intention healing in 15 days, whereas 1 dog developed necrosis of 10% of the flap, and this area healed by second intention. CONCLUSION: In male dogs, the scrotal skin can be used as a pedicle flap for reconstructive surgery of wounds in the perineum and the proximomedial and caudal aspect of the thigh. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The perineal region remains a surgical challenge because of the lack of the available skin for reconstruction of surgical wounds. The scrotal skin should be considered for use as a transposition flap to cover skin defects in this region.