Effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol in eagles and condors

The effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol was determined in 12 eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and in 6 Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). In all raptors, the concentration of plasma corticosterone was substantially greater than that of cortisol. After ACTH administration, the eagles had a marked increase (P less than 0.001) in plasma corticosterone concentrations, but not in plasma cortisol. Administration of saline solution did not induce increased plasma corticosterone concentrations in the eagles. The condors had a smaller increase (P less than 0.002) in plasma corticosterone concentrations after ACTH administration, as compared with that of the eagles. However, administration of saline solution in 2 condors resulted in an increase in corticosterone similar to the increase after ACTH administration. In the condor, a stress-related release of endogenous ACTH may have an effect similar to that induced by exogenously administered ACTH. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not increase significantly after administration of ACTH or saline solution in either raptor species.     

Cardiorespiratory responses to electrical stimulation of the buccal mucosa in ponies

The cardiovascular and respiratory responses to electrical stimulation of the buccal mucosa under general anaesthesia in ponies were measured in order to provide some insight into the cardiorespiratory effects of anaesthesia in equidae. This knowledge may be useful for reducing morbidity during clinical anaesthesia in horses. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous thiopentone and maintained with 1.3 per cent inspired halothane in oxygen. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, minute volume, tidal volume, respiratory rate, arterial blood gas tensions and clinical signs of anaesthetic depth were recorded while the buccal mucous membrane was stimulated electrically. A rise in arterial blood pressure was the most consistent response detected along with clinical signs. The response of individual animals varied considerably. Alterations of respiratory pattern sometimes occurred during stimulation but there was no consistent pattern of change in any animal.     

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of pinosylvin, a constituent of pine

The antibacterial and antifungal activities of pinosylvin (3,5-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a constituent of pine, were studied and compared with those of resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene). Pinosylvin exhibited more potent growth inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.     

Slow viscous flow and the organization of the cell wall in conifer tracheids

Summary In view of the known orientation of microfibrils about pits in conifer tracheids a model is presented which is consistent with the assumption that this pattern derives from the slow viscous flow of a fluid about a cylindrical obstacle.At present at the Botany Department, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3083, Victoria, AustraliaThe authors wish to thank Dr. W. B. Thompson and Professor A. B. Wardrop for their constructive criticism.     

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NUTRIENT CYCLING IN BIRCH STANDS WITH DIFFERENT AGE STAGES

SuccessionisthedynanucdeveloPInentofecosystemswhichcanbecharactetindbyenergyandndneralcyclings.Eachsuccessionstagehasitscharaceristicsofelementcycling.SomeschOlarshaveStatedbutbrieflawsofnutrienCyclinginsuccessionstagesI"3I.InthespaPer,thenutrientcyclingcharacterishcsofbirchsuccessionseriesinXiaokinganlingwerediscussed.SwrYAasAroarernoDSThestUdyareaislocatedinLiangshniNatUralReservesinthendddieofXiaox-ing'anlilg(l28"53,2o'rE,47olo'5O"N).Theclimat6belongstocontinentalmonsoonclimate,W…     

Study on dynamics of stem form of Korean pine trees in natural forest stand

INTRODUCTIONThcstcmfonl1ofnaturalKorcanpincforcst.ot\ingtothcsupprcsscdandshadcd,isvcry'difTcrcntt`iththatofplantation.Itis\'cry't'aluabIctostud}'thcstcmfonnforn1orcac-knot`lcdgcabouttl1ctrccd)-nan1icsofnaturalKorcanpinc.n1crcl1asbccnconsidcrabIcrescarchontl1cstc111for111cquationsasatoolforforcstmanagcmcnt,butitalmostbasnorclationshipt`-iththcbiologicalgrowthproccss.soitisx'ery'dimcuIttouscthccquationtoanalxrsisthcd\'amicsofstclllform.Hcrcthcdct'clopmcntofstcmformt"ascxPCctcdfornotonI\…     

Impact of Buckwheat Flavonoids on In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Noodle‐Making Properties

The effects of various buckwheat materials (buckwheat flour [BF], dietary fiber extract [DE], flavonoids extract [FE], and rutin‐enhanced flavonoids extract [REFE]) on starch digestibility and noodle‐making properties were evaluated. When FE and REFE were incorporated into noodles, the amount of rapidly digestible starch and the predicted glycemic index (pGI) were reduced. However, BF and DE did not significantly decrease the pGI value of noodles. When assessing noodle properties, hardness was increased with increasing content of buckwheat materials, whereas other texture parameters were not significantly affected by buckwheat addition. All noodles were similar in regard to water absorption and swelling index, but cooking loss was slightly increased in FE and REFE noodles. FE and REFE demonstrated higher flavonoid stability during noodle making and, additionally, were more effective at reducing starch digestibility than BF and DE. REFE, specifically, does not generate quercetin (the cause of a bitter taste), and, therefore, REFE was effective in suppressing the hydrolysis of starch in the noodles, lowering the pGI.     

New approaches to wood bonding A base-activated lignin adhesive system

Current knowledge of wood surface characteristics and surface modification are briefly reviewed and the postulated effects of chemical activation are summarized. It was found that aqueous sodium hydroxide can effectively activate wood surfaces to give strong dry autohesive bonds, but only low wet strength was obtained. However, excellent dry and wet wood bond strengths, equivalent to phenol-formaldehyde bonded samples, were obtained when methylolated lignin was used in combination with 3N sodium hydroxide activation. Several mechanisms of base activation are suggested, including enhanced wood surface contact and reactivity.     

A VALENTINE‐SHAPED CARDIAC SILHOUETTE IN FELINE THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS IS PRIMARILY DUE TO LEFT ATRIAL ENLARGEMENT

Conflicting information has been published regarding the cause of a valentine‐shaped cardiac silhouette in dorsoventral or ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs in cats. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to test the hypothesis that the valentine shape is primarily due to left atrial enlargement. Images for cats with a radiographic valentine‐shaped cardiac silhouette and full echocardiography examination were retrieved and independently reviewed. A subjective scoring system was used to record severity of radiographic valentine shape. Subjective radiographic evidence of left atrial enlargement in a radiographic lateral projection and a final diagnosis based on medical records were also recorded. A total of 81 cats met inclusion criteria. There was a strong positive correlation (P < 0.001) between echocardiographic left atrial size and severity of radiographic valentine shape. There was no effect of echocardiographic right atrial size on the severity of valentine shape, except when concurrent with severe left atrial enlargement. In this situation, right atrial enlargement increased the likelihood of observing a severe valentine shape. There was no effect of right atrial enlargement on the shape of the cardiac silhouette when left atrial enlargement was absent or only mild to moderate. There was no correlation between the category of final diagnosis of cardiac disease and the severity of valentine shape. Findings from this study supported the hypothesis that a valentine‐shaped cardiac silhouette in radiographs is due primarily to left atrial enlargement in cats, with right atrial enlargement only impacting the shape if concurrent with severe left atrial enlargement.