Silacalix-

The synthesis of polyphosphinine macrocycles, which consist of a 16-membered ring with four phosphorus atoms (P4) and a 12-membered ring with three phosphorus atoms (P3), is described. Their high coordination ability is demonstrated by the quantitative synthesis of the rhodium and iridium cation complexes of the P4 macrocycle and by quantitative synthesis of the W(CO)3 complex of the P3 compound. Unlike the other available macrocyclic ligands bearing oxygen, sulfur, di- or tricoordinate nitrogen, and even tricoordinate phosphorus as ligating atoms, which are all essentially final sigma donors, these dicoordinate phosphorus-based macrocycles have strong pi-acceptor properties. Their use can be envisaged for the stabilization of negative oxidation states of transition metals or in reductive catalysis.     

Follicular,Oocyte and Embryo Features Related to Metabolic Status in Primiparous Lactating does Fed with High‐Fibre Rearing Diets

Fertility of primiparous lactating does in the early postpartum (pp) period is very low mainly due to pronounced deficient energy intake, influencing oocyte and embryo developmental competence. The hypothesis used in this work was that high‐lignin fibre diet supplied during the rearing period could increase feed intake and, consequently, improve the reproductive physiology and metabolic status of primiparous does in the early pp period. Diets with high‐lignin [HL: 15.8% dry matter (DM)] or standard‐lignin content (SL: 4.9% DM) were supplied until parturition time. No diet effects in serum oestradiol, progesterone concentrations and follicle categories were found in the histological study. Metaphase II rate of in vitro‐matured oocytes was significantly higher in the SL vs the HL group (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmically degenerated oocytes (in terms of abnormal distribution of cortical granules) and follicular atresia rate were significantly lower in the SL group than in the HL group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005 respectively). In addition, HL‐fed does showed lower number of viable embryos and higher rate of retarded in vivo‐recovered embryos compared with the SL group (p < 0.05). Neither in vitro embryo development of viable embryos nor conception rate was significantly different between groups. Feed intake increased during the first pregnancy in the HL group (p < 0.05), but not during early lactation. Serum protein, non‐esterified fatty acid and leptin concentrations, as well as estimated body composition were similar in does fed with both diets. In conclusion, the enhancement of reproductive management by using highly lignified products in rearing diets does not seem to report physiological reproductive benefits affecting oocyte maturation rate and embryo viability in primiparous lactating does.     

Development of a toxin-binding agent as a treatment for tunicaminyluracil toxicity: protection against tunicamycin poisoning of sheep

Objective To assess the ability of certain derivatives of beta-cyclodextrin to treat sheep affected by tunicaminyluracil toxicity, using tunicamycin poisoning as a model system.
Design Controlled treatment trial.
Animals One hundred and sixty Merino wethers were used in the studies.
Procedure Groups of sheep were experimentally poisoned with tunicamycin. Derivatives of beta-cyclodextrin, with or without magnesium sulphate and magnesium gluconate, were administered to treatment groups daily for 2 to 3 days. Treatment groups were compared with untreated groups in terms of survival.
Results A significant increase in survival was observed following treatment of tunicamycin-affected sheep with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPb -CD) and magnesium sulphate in solution (P < 0.05). In subsequent trials, formula tion of the cyclodextrin in the form of a magnesium gluconate gel suspension demonstrated significant protection (P < 0.01) and was equally as effective as the cyclodextrin in solution, but required half the frequency of administration, even when the treatment was not commenced until 24 h after the final toxin dose. Beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin copolymer also improved the survival rate. After toxin administration, the sheep lost significantly less weight if treatment with HPb -CD was commenced early (P < 0.001).
Conclusion Protection studies using these two beta-cyclodextrin derivatives suggest that they may be effective in increasing the survival of sheep poisoned by tunicamycin and warrant further testing in field outbreaks of annual ryegrass toxicity.     

Using sodium molybdate to treat chronic copper toxicity in dairy cows: A practical approach

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: A Jersey herd of 350 cows and 70 heifers located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand ceased milking in June 2011. Ten cows died during the subsequent 14 days. For at least 9 months, the cows had received palm kernel expeller (PKE) and molasses supplements. Additional Cu supplementation was provided through the water system. Total Cu intake was calculated to be 400?mg/day/cow.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Half of the cows died suddenly while others presented with anorexia, depression and ataxia, which progressed to recumbency and death after 1 to 3 days. Clinical signs were mild dehydration, cyanosis and firm faeces which were covered in dark blood. Mean concentrations of Cu in liver and kidney in three of the dead cows were 3,900 and 440?µmol/kg fresh weight (FW), respectively. Haemorrhages were observed throughout the alimentary tracts and in muscles, and there were ecchymotic haemorrhages on the epi- and endocardia. The livers were swollen and the gall bladder walls were inflamed.

DIAGNOSIS: High concentrations of Cu in the liver and kidney are characteristic findings of chronic Cu toxicity.

TREATMENT: The remaining herd was fed 200?mg Mo, as sodium molybdate, per cow per day and all Cu supplements were removed including those provided by the water supply. This reduced mean concentrations of Cu in liver from 3,100 to 1,320?µmol/kg FW within 26 days in the five live animals that were biopsied. There were no further deaths.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dairy herds where excessive Cu intakes have resulted in high liver Cu concentrations and caused chronic Cu toxicity, the removal of all Cu supplements and provision of high intakes of Mo (200?mg/cow/day) can markedly reduce liver Cu stores within 4 weeks.     

In Vitro Development of Marmoset Monkey Oocytes by Pre-antral Follicle Culture

A technique for in vitro maturation of oocytes from small ovarian follicles of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) has been developed. We employed a two‐step culture system for primary follicles (45–85 μm) and a one‐step culture technique for secondary follicles (>85 μm). The two‐step technique started with the culture of stromal tissue fragments for 2 days. Thereafter, mechanically isolated follicles were transferred to a culture system where they attached to the culture surface and grew for up to a further 12 days. Significant growth of the small follicles and their oocytes was only achieved with gonadotrophins in the medium. Oocytes with a mean diameter of 39 μm from follicles <85 μm reached a mean diameter of 90 μm by the end of the two‐step culture. After in vitro maturation, 19% of oocytes from these follicles had progressed to the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Follicles between 85 and 170 μm in diameter were isolated from the stroma and placed directly in the culture. Oocytes from these follicles had a mean diameter of 64 μm. The maximum size the oocytes reached in culture was related to the age of the females (pre‐pubertal females: 102 ± 1.3 μm; adults: 96 ± 1.4 μm). Twenty‐seven per cent of oocytes from pre‐pubertal ovaries achieved GVBD and nearly two‐thirds of these progressed to polar body stage. From adult ovaries, only 12% progressed to GVBD and one‐third of these to polar body stage. It is possible to develop mature oocytes in vitro from marmoset secondary pre‐antral follicles (>85 μm). From primary follicles, although near full size oocytes were developed, maturation capacity was incomplete.     

Effect of a single acupuncture treatment on surgical wound healing in dogs: a randomized,single blinded,controlled pilot study

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on wound healing after soft tissue or orthopaedic surgery in dogs.

Methods

29 dogs were submitted to soft tissue and/or orthopaedic surgeries. Five dogs had two surgical wounds each, so there were totally 34 wounds in the study. All owners received instructions for post operative care as well as antibiotic and pain treatment. The dogs were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Treated dogs received one dry needle acupuncture treatment right after surgery and the control group received no such treatment. A veterinary surgeon that was blinded to the treatment, evaluated the wounds at three and seven days after surgery in regard to oedema (scale 0-3), scabs (yes/no), exudate (yes/no), hematoma (yes/no), dermatitis (yes/no), and aspect of the wound (dry/humid).

Results

There was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups in the variables evaluated three and seven days after surgery. However, oedema reduced significantly in the group treated with acupuncture at seven days compared to three days after surgery, possibly due the fact that there was more oedema in the treatment group at day three (although this difference was nor significant between groups).

Conclusions

The use of a single acupuncture treatment right after surgery in dogs did not appear to have any beneficial effects in surgical wound healing.