Monensin and the prevention of tryptophan-induced acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema

3-Methylindole, a ruminal fermentation product of tryptophan, induces acute pulmonary edema and emphysema in cattle, and 3-methylindole is present in the ruminal fluid and blood of cows with a natually occurring form of this disease. Monensin, a polyether antibiotic and widely used feed additive for beef cattle, prevented tryptophan-induced acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema. Monensin acted by reducing the ruminal conversion of L-tryptophan to 3-methylindole both in vitro and in vivo. Lasalocid, also a polyether antibiotic, showed similar effects in vitro. These results provide a promising approach to prevention of this major respiratory disease of cattle.     

Response of Russet Burbank potatoes to soil fumigation and nitrogen fertilizers

Two field studies were conducted to determine the effects of soil fumigation on the response of Russet Burbank potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to NH₄-N or NH₄NO₃ fertilizers. In one study fumigation increased yields but N source had no effect. In the other study fumigation had no effect but NH₄-N provided higher yields than NH₄NO₃. Microbial studies indicated that although populations of nitrifying bacteria were initially altered by fumigation, nitrification rates were similar to those in non-fumigated soil. In a controlled environment study in which potatoes were grown in fumigated field soil, neither N source nor fumigation had any effect on growth or yield. These studies indicated that fumigation had no effect on the response of potatoes to NH₄-N or NH₄NO₃ fertilizers.     

Volatile organic nitrogen-containing constituents in ambrette seed Abelmoschus moschatus Medik (Malvaceae)

A detailed investigation of the basic fraction of a CO2 extract of ambrette seeds (Abelmoschus moschatus) revealed a total of 58 nitrogen-containing compounds. The identification of these compounds was carried out by GC-MS and NMR. All the identified nitrogen-containing compounds are reported here for the first time in ambrette seeds. Among these are 27 pyrazine derivatives and 12 pyridines, including the tentative identification of four new natural compounds, 1-(6-ethyl-3-hydroxypyridin-2-yl)ethanone (1), 1-(3-hydroxy-5,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone (2), 1-(3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone (3), and 1-(3-hydroxy-5-methylpyridin-2-yl)ethanone (4). The odor of the basic fraction was assumed to be due to these pyrazines and pyridines and also the presence of seven thiazoles. The odors described suggest that these N-compounds contribute to what is described in perfumery terms as the "natural and rounded" character of the ambrette extract.     

Circumcaval ureter associated with an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog was examined because of shifting hind limb lameness and lethargy of 2 weeks' duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The lameness was attributed to hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Portosystemic shunting was suspected on the basis of low serum albumin concentration and high serum bile acids concentration, and an intrahepatic shunt was identified ultrasono-graphically. Celiotomy was performed, and the shunt was partially closed with a cellophane band. During follow-up ultrasonography 7 months later, dilation of the left renal pelvis and proximal portion of the left ureter was identified. During exploratory celiotomy, the left ureter was found to pass dorsal to the caudal vena cava, and circumcaval ureter was diagnosed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The ureter was transected, repositioned ventral to the vena cava, and anastomosed. Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations revealed gradual resolution of the hydronephrosis and hydroureter. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that circumcaval ureter should be considered in the differential diagnosis for hydronephrosis and hydroureter in dogs. Partial obstruction of the middle segment of the ureter on ultrasonograms or contrast radiographs should increase the index of suspicion for this condition.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF A SKULL BASE CHORDOMA IN A CAT

An 8‐year‐old domestic short‐haired cat was presented with anorexia, lethargy, ataxia and one episode of consciousness loss. A midline vertically orientated, biconcave, extra‐axial mass originating from the basioccipital bone was detected on magnetic resonance images of the head. The mass was T1W iso‐ to hypointense when compared with normal grey matter, T2W hyperintense with small areas of isointensity and heterogeneously enhanced with contrast. Multiple signal voids were observed on T2^* images. Histopathological evaluation confirmed a chordoma. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of the imaging characteristics of a chordoma affecting the skull base in a cat.     

Isolation of Polar Lipid Classes from Wheat Flour Extracts by Preparative High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography

A preparative high‐performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the isolation of polar lipid classes of mono‐ and digalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDG and DGDG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) from wheat flour lipid extracts in relatively large quantities. The method allowed the separation of ≤100 mg/injection of lipid mixture. MGDG, DGDG, and PC were isolated as pure lipid classes, whereas PE was isolated in a mixture with PG, PC, and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). The availability of this methodology will facilitate research aimed at investigating the functional role of such lipids in foods.