Use of Aspergillus flavus to evaluate relative nutritive value of barley cultivars intended for incorporation in animal diets

Thrity-six barley cultivars were analyzed for relative nutritive value, using the fungusAspergillus flavus. The protein content ranged from 7.8 to 14.7% and dye-binding capacity (DBC) ranged between 180 to 260. When additional glucose was not supplied in the medium containing barley samples at equal nitrogen level the biomass was low (76.3 mg average) and the correlation between the biomass and protein % and DBC were r=–0.97** and –0.65** respectively. When additional glucose was provided, theAspergillus biomass increased significantly (114.5 mg average) but the correlation between the biomass and protein % or DBC was reduced. When extra glucose was supplied at the start of the experiment, some native starch was left unutilized and this was avoided by incorporating glucose 43 h after the start of the experiment. In such experiments the biomass improved significantly in some samples and a better correlation between the biomass and protein % and DBC was noticed (r=–0.70** and –0.53**) respectively.

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Zusammenfassung Unter Verwendung des PilzesAspergillus flavus, wurden 36 Kultursorten der Gerste auf ihren relativen Nährwert analysiert. Der Proteingehalt variierte zwischen 7,8 und 14,7%, die Farbbingungs-Kapazität (Dye-binding capacity, DBC), zwischen 180 und 260. Wenn zum Medium keine Glucose zusätzlich gegeben wurde, enthielten die Gerstenproben — auf gleiche Stickstoffbasis bezogen — eine geringere Biomasse (76,3 mg im Durchschnitt). Die Korrelation zwischen Biomasse und Protein in Prozent sowie der DBC war r=0,97** bzw. –0,65**. Wenn zusätzliche Glucose verabfolgt wurde, stieg die Aspergillus-Biomasse signifikant auf 114,5 mg im Durchschnitt an. Jedoch verminderte sich die Korrelation zwischen Biomasse und Protein in Prozent und DBC. Wenn bei Beginn des Versuchs Glucose zusätzlich bereitgestellt wurde, blieb etwas native Stärke ungenutzt zurück. Dies war die Ursache dafür, daß Inkorporierung von Glucose 43 Stunden nach Beginn des Experiments vermieden wurde. In solchen Versuchen vermehrte sich die Biomasse in einigen Proben signifikant. Dabei wurde eine bessere Korrelation zwischen Biomasse und Protein in Prozent sowie DBC beobachtet (r=–0,70** bzw. –0.53**).

     

Field treatment of search dogs: lessons learned from the World Trade Center disaster

Objective: To provide a synthesis of information learned by the veterinary community during the care and treatment of search and rescue dogs in a large‐scale urban disaster. Summary: Disaster medicine requires several stages. The most important stage is the planning stage. To function effectively and safely in a disaster situation, a disaster response plan and prior training in disaster response are essential. The execution of a disaster plan requires coordination and communication with multiple agencies. Treatment of search and rescue dogs involves front line field care for life‐threatening emergencies, a first aid station or MASH unit in close proximity to the disaster and/or base of operations for stabilization and general medical care, and local full service veterinary hospitals for specialty and extended care. New or Unique information provided: This report is a summary of experiences gained in preparing for and implementing veterinary care in a major disaster. Medical conditions that affected search and rescue dogs and were treated by veterinary disaster responders at the World Trade Center are presented.     

Surface phosphatase activity of mycorrhizal roots of beech

Mycorrhizal roots of beech possess active surface acid phosphatases catalysing hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, β-glycerophosphate, inositol hexaphosphate, inositol triphosphate and inorganic pyrophosphate. The products of hydrolysis of inositol hexaphosphate include free inositol, orthophosphate and intermediate esters.These observations are discussed in relation to the utilization of complex phosphates by mycorrhizas in general and to their capacity to exploit marginal habitats.     

Experimental Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo infection of pregnant cattle

Objective To observe the effect upon the foetus of experimental infection of pregnant cattle with Leptospira borg-petersenii serovar hardjo .
Design A disease transmission study using pregnant cattle.
Procedure Fourteen heifers serologically negative to L hardjo were artificially inseminated and later challenged with a north-Queensland isolate of L hardjo by conjunctival inoculation. The heifers were serologically monitored and their urine examined for the presence of leptospires using culture and fluorescent-antibody tests at appropriate intervals. Elective caesarean sections were performed on pregnant heifers at 6.5 weeks after the challenge. Foetuses were examined using serological, histopathological, microbiological and fluorescent-antibody tests.
Results Ten of the heifers became pregnant, but three subsequently aborted before challenge. After challenge, all 14 heifers seroconverted and L hardjo was isolated from the urine of 6 of the 7 pregnant heifers. No evidence of foetal L hardjo infection was detected. Two of the foetuses had histopatho-logical lesions consistent with Neospora s p infection.
Conclusion It is likely that the isolate of L hardjo used in this study does not normally infect the foetus. Neospora s p may be a more significant cause of bovine reproductive wastage.     

Benign cranial mediastinal lesions in three cats

Cranial mediastinal lesions were detected in three cats, associated with respiratory impairment (case one), spontaneous pneumothorax (case two) and myasthenia gravis (case three), respectively. On gross and histological examination, the first case was considered either a lymphangioma or a branchial cystic mass of the thymic region of the mediastinum; a cystic lesion was suggested by sonographic detection of multiple anechoic cavitations within a circumscribed mass, while fine needle aspiration cytology excluded lymphosarcoma. The second case was diagnosed histologically as a cystic thymoma, but the third case was not examined microscopically. The masses were amenable to surgical excision in the first two cats, while this proved unnecessary in the third case because of resolution following treatment with dexamethasone. Corticosteroid responsiveness was unhelpful in distinguishing between these benign lesions and lymphosarcoma, as in two cases there was a partial or complete response to dosing with prednisolone or dexamethasone. These cases are presented to emphasise that conditions other than lymphosarcoma can produce cranial mediastinal lesions in cats, and that the prognosis for surgical treatment of lymphangiomas, multilocular thymic cysts and cystic thymomas can be excellent.     

Cinchonicine-derived alkaloids from the bark of the Peruvian Ladenbergia oblongifolia.

The isolation of cinchonicine-derived alkaloids epicinchonicinol (1), cinchonidicinol (2) and a mixture of dihydrocinchonicinol and dihydrocinchonidicinol (3) from the dried bark of Ladenbergia oblongifolia, is reported along with (1)H and (13)C-NMR data.     

Characterization of carotenoid pigments and their biosynthesis in two yellow flowered lines of Sandersonia aurantiaca (Hook)

The basis of the novel cream/yellow flower color found in two Sandersonia aurantiaca lines was examined as part of a project to develop new colors for this cut flower crop in New Zealand. The original color, bright orange, is due to the accumulation of the carotenoid pigments zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin. The cream/yellow lines have much lower levels of total carotenoid pigments (17% and 21%) in their tepal tissue compared to the wild type progenitor. Microscopic analysis of epidermal cells showed alteration in the pigment cluster bodies of tepal tissue of the cream/yellow lines compared to the orange wild type. HPLC analysis of the pigments showed that one cream/yellow line (Y-H) produced the same pigment profile as the wild type (zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin). In comparison, the other cream/yellow line (Y-S) produced the carotenoid profile normally found in green vegetative tissue (β-carotene and lutein). Analysis of carotenoid biosynthetic gene expression in Sandersonia indicated that the cream/yellow Y-H line showed expression patterns similar to the wild type, and gene expression in the Y-S line is decreased relative to the wild type and the Y-H line. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Floral flavonoids and pH in Dendrobium orchid species and hybrids

Anthocyanidins were identified in 28 Dendrobium species and hybrids selected for analysis based on colour and suitability in cut flower breeding. Flowers designated pink, red, maroon, orange, bronze, and brown in the trade were placed in RHS colour groups red-purple, purple-violet, violet on yellow, greyed-purple on yellow or yellow-orange, and brown. This colour range contained anthocyanins based on cyanidin, with peonidin occurring as a minor pigment. The colours of three blue genotypes, D. gouldii K280-6, D. biggibum ‘blue’, and D. Kultana ‘blue’, were light violet to purple by RHS standards and contained anthocyanins based on cyanidin. Peach-coloured flowers were classified as red or red-purple and included pelargonidin glycosides. Anthocyanin concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 0.18 μmoles/g FW in light lavender and peach, and up to 3.66 μmoles/g FW in brown. Combined cellular and vacuolar pH ranged narrowly from 4.67 to 5.09 among white, peach, lavender, and brown lines. Predominant copigments were flavonol glycosides based on kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and methylated derivatives. Flavonol aglycones and glycosylation sites differed little among two colour forms of D. gouldii and two D. Jaquelyn Thomas hybrids. Accumulation of quercetin, myricetin, and cyanidin indicated flavonoid 3' and 3',5' hydroxylation activities in several Dendrobium. Additional accumulation of isorhamnetin, syringetin, and peonidin indicated active flavonoid 3'- and 3',5'- O-methyltransferase enzymes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Are biologics more effective than corticosteroids for intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis?

Intra-articular corticosteroids are an effective treatment for equine osteoarthritis, however, there is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of other treatments such as biologics. Whilst current evidence does support biologics and their use in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, there remains to be a lack of evidence regarding their long-term outcomes and the efficacy of their use as a treatment, especially when compared to corticosteroids. This paper reviewed the evidence comparing intra-articular corticosteroids and biologics in the treatment of equine osteoarthritis and found that whilst they are both effective treatments, more evidence directly comparing them is required.