Antioxidant Protection of Edible Oils

The ability of different cooking oils to withstand oxidation was investigated in relation to their native antioxidant capacity [measured as the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) value]. The antiperoxidation effect of the presence of the Chinese herbs, du-zhong (Cortex Eucommia ulmoides) and ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) in corn oil was also investigated over 26 days’ storage at 55°C. Results showed that sesame oil had the highest FRAP value (803 μM), followed by canola oil (400 μM), and sunflower, peanut, corn and olive oils (100–153 μM). Oils with higher intrinsic antioxidant content showed higher resistance to oxidation, although this was not statistically significant. Corn oil to which was added the herbs du-zhong, ginseng or both had increased resistance to oxidation (conjugated diene level and lipid peroxide formation) over 26 days. FRAP values of the oil/herb mixtures decreased during this time, implying utilisation of herbal antioxidants. Results have implications for increasing the shelf-life and usage time of cooking oils by addition of herbs which can increase resistance of the oil to oxidation. Results have implications also for health, as it is possible that ingestion of these herbs could increase resistance of polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes and lipoproteins to oxidation within the body.     

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Prototheca zopfii in a dog with enteric signs

This is a case report of enteric protothecosis caused by Prototheca zopfii in an eight-year-old male mixed breed dog with a history of chronic bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Algae were isolated from rectal scrapings in defibrinated sheep blood agar and dextrose Sabouraud agar. Cytological evaluation showed the presence of globular and cylindrical organisms with a defined capsule and variable number of endospores, characteristic of the genus Prototheca, in the rectum of the animal. Scanning electron microscopy of P. zopfii strains at different development stages confirmed the diagnosis of algal infection. Molecular identification using a conserved 18S rDNA gene sequence determined that the strain belonged to genotype 2. This report describes success on treatment of canine protothecosis, diagnosed based on clinical, cytological, microbiological, scanning electron microscopy and genotypical findings.     

Pelvic flexure enterotomy closure in the horse with a TA-90 stapling device: A retrospective clinical study of 84 cases (2001�C2008)

Our objective was to compare survival and complication rates of horses undergoing pelvic flexure enterotomy closure with a TA-90 stapler to those with hand-sewn closure. Medical records of horses undergoing pelvic flexure enterotomy between 2001 and 2008 were reviewed. History, clinical signs, surgical findings, surgical techniques, and post-operative complications were recorded. Long-term outcome was established by telephone questionnaire. Of 84 pelvic flexure enterotomies performed, 70 were stapled and 14 were hand-sewn. Seventy-seven horses survived to discharge (91.7%). There were no significant associations between survival and closure technique (P = 0.69). Follow-up was available for 54 horses; 50 survived long-term (93.0%). No statistical significance was identified between long-term survival and closure method (P = 0.39). Forty horses went on to athletic performance (80.0%). TA-90 stapled closure of pelvic flexure enterotomies is a safe technique resulting in survival and complication rates equivalent to those of hand-sewn closure.     

Surgical management of compound odontoma in two horses

Two horses were admitted for evaluation of mandibular swelling (horse 1) or maxillary distortion (horse 2). Both horses had radiographic evidence of tumors of dental origin that had the appearance of a compound odontoma. Extensive surgical resection was performed for treatment. Horse 1 was treated with 1-stage surgical resection, but an iatrogenic fracture occurred during surgery, which was managed successfully with a type I external fixator and extraoral alimentation. Horse 2 was treated in multiple stages to remove all portions of the tumor. To manage an extensive orosinal fistula, a custom-designed dental bridge was constructed to occlude the fistula. For both horses, the histopathologic diagnosis was compound odontoma. Compound odontomas are benign, locally expansive tumors of dental origin. Compound odontomas can be treated successfully; however, multiple surgeries may be necessary.     

Outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing cesarean section because of dystocia: 110 cases (1981-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and subsequent fertility of sheep and goats undergoing a cesarean section because of dystocia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 85 sheep and 25 goats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and information was obtained on signalment, history, physical examination findings, anesthesia protocol, surgical technique, number of lambs or kids delivered, pre- and postoperative treatments, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners. RESULTS: The proportion of sheep admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital during the study period that underwent a cesarean section (4.4%) was significantly higher than the proportion of goats that did (2.2%). Pygmy goats were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population. The most common reason for cesarean section was inadequate dilatation of the cervix. The most common surgical approach was via the left paralumbar fossa. Two hundred one lambs and kids were delivered, of which 116 were dead at delivery or died shortly afterward. Forty-two of the 65 dams with 1 or more dead fetuses had been in stage-2 labor for > 6 hours, and fetal death was significantly associated with a prolonged duration of dystocia. The most common complication following surgery was retained placenta (n = 49). Use of antimicrobials was associated with a lower rate of complications. All 16 dams that were rebred became pregnant and had no problems with dystocia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cesarean section is an effective method of resolving dystocia in sheep and goats and does not adversely affect subsequent fertility.     

Assessment of primers designed for the subspecies-specific discrimination among Babesia canis canis, Babesia canis vogeli and Babesia canis rossi by PCR assay

Canine babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by either Babesia gibsoni or Babesia canis protozoans. The latter is also classified under three different phylogenetic groups, referred to as subspecies B. canis canis, B. canis vogeli and B. canis rossi. The objective of the present study was to validate and standardize a PCR assay to discriminate the organisms at the subspecies level. First, the reference sequences of the 18S rRNA, 5.8S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes, including the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and 2 (ITS2) of the most common species and subspecies of the genus Babesia were retrieved from the GenBank database. Subspecies-specific primers (BAB3, BAB4 and BAB5) and one genus-specific primer were designed from the alignment of the sequences. The PCR assays were evaluated in three different combinations of primer pairs in order to assure complete specificity for each reaction. The results of the tests had demonstrated effectiveness of the novel primer pairs BAB1/BAB3, BAB1/BAB4 and BAB1/BAB5 for the amplification of the subspecies-specific target fragments of 746 bp (B. c. canis), 546 bp (B. c. vogeli) and 342 bp (B. c. rossi) by PCR. The original enzymatic amplification assays with novel primers reported in this paper were confirmed to be a reliable tool for the specific discrimination among B. canis subspecies by single-step PCR assays.     

Climate change,migration and human rights in Bangladesh: Perspectives on governance

Bangladesh experiences some of the most severe impacts of climate change, with impacts already evident in the coastal regions. Recent data shows that around 32% of the coastal communities in Bangladesh are affected by climate‐induced hazards each year. In 2011, 64% among them were displaced locally and 27% were displaced to other locations in Bangladesh. It requires comprehensive and viable polices and planning to meet the challenges of managing a large number of displaced people. In this context, this paper reviews and investigates the effectiveness of current governance frameworks to address migration of affected communities. It argues that migration can be an effective way to cope with environmental shocks. Finally, it discusses policy imperatives for effective protection of people displaced by climate risks with a special reference to adopting a human rights‐based approach in law and policy making for climate‐induced migration.     

Botulinum toxin A as a treatment for delayed gastric emptying in a dog

A toy Australian shepherd dog was referred for bile peritonitis following excision of a biliary mucocele. Subsequent delayed gastric emptying was refractory to prokinetic therapy but responded to injection of botulinum toxin A into the muscularis layer of the pylorus; a novel therapy for delayed gastric emptying in dogs.