Meloxicam pharmacokinetics using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling in ferrets after single subcutaneous administration

This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam, an oxicam class, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), in ferrets. We determined the pharmacokinetic properties of a single subcutaneous dose of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) in nine male and nine female ferrets. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the cranial vena cava into heparinized syringes. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling to take advantage of the population‐based sampling scheme and to minimize sample volume collected per animal. Maximum plasma concentration, volume of distribution per absorption, and elimination half‐life were 0.663 μg/mL, 0.21 L, and 11.4 h, respectively, for females and 0.920 μg/mL, 0.35 L, and 17.8 h, respectively, for males. Significant differences were found in each of the above parameters between male and female ferrets. Systemic clearance per absorption was not affected by gender and was 13.4 mL/h. Analgesic efficacy was not evaluated, but plasma meloxicam concentrations achieved in these animals are considered effective in other species. Sex differences in the pharmacokinetic behavior of meloxicam should be taken into consideration when treating ferrets.     

Influence of fat crystallization on the stability of flocculated emulsions

Various degrees of flocculation were induced in a 20 wt % n-hexadecane and confectionery-coating fat emulsion by adding xanthan gum (0-0.3 wt %). The emulsions were temperature cycled (40 to -10 to 40 to -10 degrees C) in a differential scanning calorimeter. The emulsified and de-emulsified fat crystallized at different temperatures, and the ratio of the two enthalpies was used to calculate the proportion of de-emulsified fat and hence the extent of breakdown of the emulsion. The n-hexadecane droplets were stable to temperature cycling, whereas the confectionery-coating fat destabilized to a greater or lesser extent. The maximum destabilization of the confectionery-coating fat occurred at those concentrations of xanthan required to induce creaming.     

Novel and simple approach using synthesized nickel nanoparticles to control blood-sucking parasites

The present study was on assessment of the anti-parasitic activities of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) against the larvae of cattle ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum (a.) anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae), fourth instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex gelidus (Diptera: Culicidae). The metallic Ni NPs were synthesized by polyol process from Ni-hydrazine as precursor and Tween 80 as both the medium and the stabilizing reagent. The synthesized Ni NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis which indicated the presence of Ni NPs. Synthesized Ni NPs showed the X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at 42.76°, 53.40°, and 76.44°, identified as 1 1 1, 2 2 0, and 2 0 0 reflections, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the synthesized Ni NPs clearly showed that the Ni NPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 150 nm. The Ni NPs showed maximum activity against the larvae of R. (B.) microplus, H. a. anatolicum, A. subpictus, C. quinquefasciatus and C. gelidus with LC₅₀ values of 10.17, 10.81, 4.93, 5.56 and 4.94 mg/L; r² values of 0.990, 0.993, 0.992, 0.950 and 0.988 and the efficacy of Ni-hydrazine complexes showed the LC₅₀ values of 20.35, 22.72, 8.29, 9.69 and 7.83 mg/L; r² values of 0.988, 0.986, 0.989, 0.944 and 0.978, respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized Ni NPs possess excellent larvicidal parasitic activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on larvicidal activity of blood feeding parasites using synthesized Ni NPs.     

Secondary amyloidosis and renal failure in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

A 16-yr-old, captive-born, female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) was evaluated for intermittent lethargy, partial anorexia, and polydipsia of 2 wk duration. The animal was immobilized for physical examination. It was in thin body condition, with multifocal mucosal ulcerations over the caudal and ventral tongue. Blood was collected for hematology, serum chemistry, and leptospirosis serology. Serum chemistry revealed severe azotemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperphosphatemia. The animal went into cardiac arrest during recovery from anesthesia and died. On histopathology, abundant amorphous, finely fibrillar, eosinophilic material was deposited in the kidneys, and smaller amounts of the same material were found in the splenic and pancreatic vessels; these findings are consistent with systemic secondary amyloidosis. The animal also had chronic nephritis, which, coupled with renal amyloidosis, resulted in renal failure and death. Systemic amyloidosis should be considered as an additional differential diagnosis for renal failure in California sea lions.     

Expression of kit ligand and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 during in vivo or in vitro development of ovarian follicles in sheep

Expression of Kit ligand (KL) and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) genes was studied at different in vivo and corresponding in vitro stages of development of the ovarian follicles in sheep. The expression of both KL and IGFBP3 was significantly higher in the primordial follicles relative to any other stage of development. Compared to the other stages, the KL expression in the cumulus cells from in vivo grown large antral follicles and that of IGFBP3 in COCs’ isolated from large antral follicles matured in vitro for 24 hr were significantly higher. In the oocytes from in vivo grown ovarian follicles, the expression of KL was the same at all the stages of development. Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 expression was also the same in the oocytes at all the stages of the development except for a significantly lower expression in those from antral follicles. The expression of KL in the cumulus cells decreased significantly in the in vitro grown early antral follicles but did not change further as the development progressed. The expression of IGFBP3 in the cumulus cells from in vitro grown ovarian follicles appeared to increase as the development progressed although the increase was not significant between any two consecutive stages of development. In the oocytes in in vitro grown ovarian follicles, the expression levels of KL and IGFBP3 genes did not change with development. It is concluded that (i) KL and IGFBP3 genes follow specific patterns of expression during ovarian folliculogenesis and (ii) in vitro culture of preantral follicles compromises the development potential through alterations in the stage‐specific patterns of expression of these and other developmentally important genes.     

RESEARCH PAPER: Comparison of an implantable telemetry device and an oscillometric monitor for measurement of blood pressure in anaesthetized and unrestrained green iguanas (Iguana iguana)

Objective The objective of this study was to compare an implanted direct blood pressure monitor and a non‐invasive oscillometric unit for use in anesthetized and awake green iguanas. Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Four male and four female adult green iguanas (Iguana iguana) weighing 1833 ± 534 g. Methods For each animal, the carotid artery was surgically exposed and the catheter tip of the pressure transducer was placed in the aortic arch. Non‐invasive blood pressure was measured using a cuff over the left femoral region. Pulse rate, respiratory rate and arterial blood pressure (ABP) measurements were taken every 5 minutes. Direct ABP measurements consisted of recording numerical values and graphic output. Simultaneous direct and indirect measurements were repeated in awake animals. Results The oscillometric device failed to provide a reading in over 80% of attempts, and failed to provide readings that correlated with direct measurements. The implanted direct transducer was capable of detecting blood pressures throughout all ABP ranges examined. Conclusions The implantable transducer was a reliable means of determining blood pressure in this study, while the oscillometric device was unreliable and often failed to provide any reading. Clinical relevance We do not recommend using the oscillometric device as described in a research or clinical setting for green iguanas. The advantages of an implantable device include the ability to monitor awake and anesthetized subjects remotely and continuously. These monitors are small, biocompatible and function across a wide range of ABP.     

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): Genetics,genomics and breeding

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), is an important grain legume grown in the tropics where it constitutes a valuable source of protein in the diets of millions of people. Some abiotic and biotic stresses adversely affect its productivity. A review of the genetics, genomics and breeding of cowpea is presented in this article. Cowpea breeding programmes have studied intensively qualitative and quantitative genetics of the crop to better enhance its improvement. A number of initiatives including Tropical Legumes projects have contributed to the development of cowpea genomic resources. Recent progress in the development of consensus genetic map containing 37,372 SNPs mapped to 3,280 bins will strengthen cowpea trait discovery pipeline. Several informative markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to desirable attributes of cowpea were generated. Cowpea genetic improvement activities aim at the development of drought tolerant, phosphorus use efficient, bacterial blight and virus resistant lines through exploiting available genetic resources as well as deployment of modern breeding tools that will enhance genetic gain when grown by sub‐Saharan Africa farmers.     

Pharmacokinetics of orally administered tramadol in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domestica)

This study documents the pharmacokinetics of oral tramadol in Muscovy ducks. Six ducks received a single 30 mg/kg dose of tramadol, orally by stomach tube, with blood collection prior to and up to 24 hr after tramadol administration. Plasma tramadol, and metabolites O‐desmethyltramadol (M1), and N,O‐didesmethyltramadol (M5) concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence (FL) detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a one‐compartment model with first‐order input. No adverse effects were noted after oral administration. All ducks achieved plasma concentrations of tramadol above 0.10 μg/ml and maintained those concentrations for at least 12 hr. Elimination half‐life was 3.95 hr for tramadol in ducks, which is similar to other avian species. All ducks in this study produced the M1 metabolite and maintained plasma concentrations above 0.1 μg/ml for at least 24 hr.     

Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time using a point‐of‐care analyser (Abaxis VSpro®) in Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus)

There are few reports of coagulation times in marsupial species. Blood samples collected from 14 Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) under anaesthesia during routine health assessments were analysed for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using a point‐of‐care analyser (POC) (Abaxis VSPro®). The wallabies had an aPTT mean of 78.09 s and median of 78.1 s. The PT for all wallabies was greater than 35 s, exceeding the longest time measured on the POC. Although PT was significantly longer, aPTT was similar to the manufacturer's domestic canine reference range.