The effects of ice-water storage on blood gas and acid–base measurements

Objective: To determine the effects of storage of arterial and venous blood samples in ice water on blood gas and acid–base measurements. Design: Prospective, in vitro, laboratory study. Setting: School of veterinary medicine. Subjects: Six healthy dogs. Measurements and main results: Baseline measurements of partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂), pH, hemoglobin concentration (tHb), oxyhemoglobin saturation, and oxygen content (ContO₂) were made. Bicarbonate (HCO₃) and standard base excess (SBE) were calculated. Arterial and venous blood samples were separated into 1 and 3 mL samples, anaerobically transferred into 3 mL plastic syringes, and stored in ice water for 6 hours. Measurements were repeated at 15, 30 minutes, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after baseline measurements. Arterial (a) PO₂ increased significantly from baseline after 30 minutes of storage in the 1 mL samples and after 2 hours in the 3 mL samples. Venous (v) PO₂ was significantly increased from baseline after 4 hours in the 1 mL samples and after 6 hours in the 3 mL samples. The pHa significantly decreased after 2 hours of storage in the 1 mL samples and after 4 hours in the 3 mL samples. In both the 1 and 3 mL samples, pHv decreased significantly only after 6 hours. Neither the arterial nor the venous PCO₂ values changed significantly in the 1 mL samples and increased only after 6 hours in the 3 mL samples. No significant changes in tHb, ContO₂, SBE, or HCO₃ were detected. Conclusions: The PO₂ of arterial and venous blood increased significantly when samples were stored in plastic syringes in ice water. These increases are attributable to the diffusion of oxygen from and through the plastic of the syringe into the blood, which occurred at a rate that exceeded metabolic consumption of oxygen by the nucleated cells.     

Hypoglycemic and Vasorelaxant Effect of Passiflora edulis Fruit Peel By-Product

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa (Passifloraceae) is popularly known as yellow passion fruit and its fruit peels are considered a rich by-product in bioactive...     

Genotype-environment interaction for productive traits of Holstein cows in Brazil described by reaction norms

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Brazil is the world’s fourth largest milk producer; this activity extends throughout the national territory, with productions of approximate 34 billion...     

Clinical safety of intratesticular transplantation of allogeneic bone marrow multipotent stromal cells in stallions

Although stem cell therapy is a promising alternative for treatment of degenerative diseases, there are just few reports on the use of stem cells therapy in horse's reproductive system. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intratesticular injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in healthy stallions, and its outcome on seminal parameters and fertility. In Experiment 1, 24 stallions were divided into treatment group (TG) and control group (CG). In the TG, an intratesticular application of MSC was performed, and in the CG, only PBS was used. Measurements of testicular volume, surface temperature and Doppler ultrasonography were performed 24 and 48 hr after treatments. Fifteen days after application, the testicles were removed and submitted to histological analysis. In Experiment 2, 3 fertile stallions received similarly treatment with MSCs. Physical examination and sperm analysis were performed weekly during 60 days after treatment, and at the end, semen from one of them was used for artificial inseminations of 6 healthy mares. In Experiment 1, clinical examinations showed no signals of acute inflammation on both groups according to the analysed variables (p > .05). Also, no signal of chronic inflammation was observed on histological evaluation. In Experiment 2, stallions presented no physical alterations or changes in sperm parameters, and a satisfactory fertility rate (83%; 5/6) was observed after AI. The results support the hypothesis that intratesticular application of bone marrow MSCs is a safe procedure, and this could be a promising alternative to treat testicular degenerative conditions.     

Effects of fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg) and a combination of fluazuron (3.0 mg/kg) + abamectin (0.5 mg/kg) on the reproductive parameters of a field population of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus on experimentally infested cattle

The current study assessed the deleterious effects of two formulations of fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg fluazuron and a combination of 3.0 mg/kg fluazuron + 0.5 mg/kg abamectin) on the reproductive parameters of engorged Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females that naturally detached from experimentally infested cattle in two experiments. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that fluazuron (2.5 mg/kg) showed deleterious effects only on the hatchability percentage in the period of 2–7 post-treatment days of this ectoparasite's engorged females. On the other hand, the fluazuron (3.0 mg/kg) + abamectin (0.5 mg/kg) combination presented harmful effects over reproductive parameters of this tick species. Further studies should be performed with a known tick population (reference susceptible strain) to determine the effect of these formulations on the reproductive parameters and to elucidate if this field population is fluazuron resistant.     

Spatio-temporal distribution of mutton snapper and dog snapper spawning aggregations in the South-west Atlantic

1. Sites and periods of spawning aggregations of two important fishery resources, the mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, and the dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu, were identified and validated along the Brazilian north-east coast (latitude 8–15°S) using exploratory analysis of catch per unit effort (CPUE) data, gonadosomatic index analysis, and gonad histology.
2. The CPUE analysis for both species allowed the identification of outliers and far outliers, representing fisheries with exceptional catches, which were used as proxies of possible aggregation.
3. The presence of pre-spawning and recent spawning signs (hydrated oocytes and post-ovulatory follicles) in the ovary of females caught at sites with recurrent records of high CPUE allowed the validation of spawning activity at those specific sites for each species. All aggregation sites identified in this study were located on the outer shelf, close to the shelf break, a region that has been declared an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area.
4. Comparison of two subregions showed significant differences in size structure of the fish sampled during landings, suggesting a fishing depletion effect in the north region.
5. For both species, reproduction peaked twice in all regions studied, with a more marked peak during summer. However, spawning activity was observed in almost every month of the year, suggesting that seasonal closures could be more effective if combined with spatial measures.
6. In the northern part of the study range, spawning grounds were found to lie just outside the boundaries of one of Brazil's largest marine protected areas. Inclusion of those grounds in the marine protected area would increase protection of these species and also mean increased protection of an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area, encompassing mesophotic reefs.
7. The identification of these spawning aggregations sites on the north-east coast of Brazil was conducted in collaboration with local fishers that traditionally use bottom handline. Co-management approaches are suggested in view of the importance of these fishing sites for traditional fishing communities that may also face threats due to encroachment of mobile fleets.

     

Quinone and Hydroquinone Metabolites from the Ascidians of the Genus Aplidium

Ascidians of the genus Aplidium are recognized as an important source of chemical diversity and bioactive natural products. Among the compounds produced by this genus are non-nitrogenous metabolites, mainly prenylated quinones and hydroquinones. This review discusses the isolation, structural elucidation, and biological activities of quinones, hydroquinones, rossinones, longithorones, longithorols, floresolides, scabellones, conicaquinones, aplidinones, thiaplidiaquinones, and conithiaquinones. A compilation of the ¹³C-NMR spectral data of these compounds is also presented.     

Effects of levomepromazine and different desflurane concentrations upon electrocardiographic variables in dogs

Objectives To investigate the effects of levomepromazine and different desflurane concentrations upon electrocardiographic variables. Animals Twenty adult mongrel dogs of both sexes weighing 6–28 kg. Methods Dogs were divided into two groups of 10 animals. Group 1 received 1 mg kg^?1 IV of levomepromazine and 15 minutes later anesthesia was induced with propofol (3 mg kg^?1 IV). Desflurane end‐tidal concentration was set at 1.6 MAC. After 30 minutes at this concentration, measurements were taken and the end‐tidal concentration was reduced to 1.4 MAC. Thereafter, it was reduced to 1.2 and then 1.0 MAC at 15‐minute intervals. The same procedure was followed for group 2, except that levomepromazine was replaced with 0.2 mL kg^?1 of 0.9% saline solution and more propofol was needed for induction (7 mg kg^?1). The animals' body temperature was maintained between 38.3 and 39 °C using a heating pad. The electrocardiographic tracing was obtained from lead II throughout the experimental period. The measurements were taken immediately before the administration of levomepromazine or placebo (T₁), 15 minutes after pre‐medication (T₂) and 30 minutes after the establishment of 1.6 MAC (T₃). The other measurements were made at the concentrations of 1.4, 1.2, and 1.0 MAC, respectively (T_4?6). The numerical data were submitted to analysis of variance plus F‐test (p < 0.05). Results The dogs that received levomepromazine had a decrease in heart rate. However, in both groups it increased with desflurane administration. Levomepromazine, in association with desflurane, did not induce significant electrocardiographic changes, and all mean values (except P‐wave duration) were within the reference range for this species. Conclusions and clinical relevance This study documented that levomepromazine, in association with desflurane, does not induce significant changes in electrocardiographic variables, suggesting that this drug combination has minimal effect on myocardial conduction.     

Heat tolerance in Brazilian sheep: Physiological and blood parameters

Thirty Santa Ines adult, non-lactating, non-pregnant ewes, ten with a brown coat, ten black coated and ten white coated, as well as ten Bergamasca and ten of mixed breed were used to evaluate the effect of climate on physiological and blood parameters in sheep. Two sample collections were taken (6 am and 2 pm) on six days. Sweating rate (SR), heart (HR) and breathing rates (BR), complete hemogram, rectal (RT) and skin temperatures (ST) were measured. Variance analyses were carried out using SAS®. In general, there were significant differences between animals due to skin type, time and day of collection. White coated animals showed lower HR, BR and RT, with afternoon parameters higher than morning. Correlations between HR, BR, RT, SR and ST were medium and positive. Correlations between physiological and blood traits were in general negative and medium. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total plasma proteins, red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration had high positive correlations between each other. The first two autovectors explained 49% of variation between traits. White coated Santa Ines animals were shown to be better adapted to climatic conditions in Central Brazil and wool sheep more affected by heat.     

Serological and molecular evidence of hepatitis E virus in swine in Brazil

Active hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in two Brazilian swine herds were investigated. In study 1, 26 piglets born to five anti-HEV positive sows were monitored from birth to post-partum week 22. Serum samples were screened for the detection of anti-HEV antibodies and a nested RT-PCR used to examine the HEV genome. Passive transfer of immunity was confirmed. At week 22, 23/26 (88.4%) of the piglets had seroconverted. Genome amplification was achieved in a feces pool from one holding pen and in one serum sample, both from 13-week-old animals. Histology was suggestive of a potential HEV infection. In the second study, 47 piglets born to six anti-HEV-positive sows were monitored after weaning. Seroconversion was determined in eight animals at 6-8 weeks of age. HEV RNA was detected in two pools from a holding pen for 12-16-week-old animals. Brazilian isolates were classified as genotype 3. This is the first molecular evidence of HEV infection in Brazilian pig herds.