Isolation and Assessment of the in Vitro Anti-Tumor Activity of Smenothiazole A and B,Chlorinated Thiazole-Containing Peptide/Polyketides from the Caribbean Sponge,Smenospongia aurea

The study of the secondary metabolites contained in the organic extract of Caribbean sponge Smenospongia aurea led to the isolation of smenothiazole A (3) and B (4), hybrid peptide/polyketide compounds. Assays performed using four solid tumor cell lines showed that smenothiazoles exert a potent cytotoxic activity at nanomolar levels, with selectivity over ovarian cancer cells and a pro-apoptotic mechanism.     

Endometrial Population of Oestrogen Receptors Alpha and Beta and Progesterone Receptors A and B During the Different Phases of the Follicular Wave of Llamas (Lama glama)

The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of oestrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ as well as both progesterone receptors isoforms progesterone receptor (PR) A and PRB in the luminal and glandular epithelia and stroma of the endometrium during the different phases of the follicular wave in llamas. Six llamas were examined by transrectal ultrasonography, and a transcervical biopsy was obtained when a follicle at the growing, plateau and regressing phase was recorded. Blood samples were collected at the time of biopsy for hormone determinations. An immunohistochemical technique was used to study receptor populations. Total positive area was evaluated in the different cell types by Image Analysis. Mean diameter measurements of the largest follicle were 6.9, 8.5 and 5.1 mm (p < 0.001) and mean plasma oestradiol‐17β concentrations were 27.9 ± 3.26; 30.0 ± 2.79 and 24.0 ± 1.78 pmol/l (p = 0.32) during the growing, plateau and regressing phases, respectively. Immunostaining of ERα was higher in the luminal epithelium during the plateau and regressing phases (p < 0.05) than during the growing phase. More positive cells to ERβ were observed in the glandular epithelium of the growing and plateau phases (p < 0.05) than during the regressing phase. A higher percentage of cells positive to PRB was recorded in the luminal and glandular epithelia during the plateau phase (p < 0.05), while the PRA immunostaining was similar among phases. In brief, this study showed an increased population of ERα and PRB in the luminal epithelium, and only of PRB in the glandular epithelium at the time when an ovulatory follicle is present. The physiological importance of these changes in llamas remains to be elucidated.     

Synthesis of Osmotically Active Substances in Winter Wheat Leaves as Related to Drought Resistance of Different Genotypes1)

Water stress increased mono-saccharides and decreased di-saccharides concentration in four field grown genotypes, regardless of their different drought susceptibility. Sandy, a USA genotype known for giving satisfying yields in droughty environments, outstood the other cultivars in terms of betaine and proline concentration in leaf tissues; these aminoacids are therefore considered responsible for the most negative Ψs perceived in this cultivar. PV-curve technique revealed for Tullio, the drought susceptible Italian genotype, an osmotic adjustment of –0.63 MPa, four times greater than in Pandas, though this drought resistant cultivar showed a similar content in osmotically active substances; the authors therefore hypothesize an alternative mechanism in the response to water shortage in Tullio.     

Chloride Ion in Small Animal Practice: The Forgotten Ion

The Physiology of chioride ion and its relationship to clinical disorders in small animall practice is reviewed. Chioride is the major anion in the extracellular fluid and is important in the metabolic regulation of acid-base balance. A new clinical approach is used to assess chloride ion changes after accounting for changes in free water. Using this approach chloride disorders can be divided into corrected and artifactual. Changes in free water are solely responsible for the chioride ion changes in artifactual disorders, whereas in corrected chloride disorders, chloride ion itself changes. Corrected hypochioremia is associated with increases in the strong ion differece (SID) and metabolic alkalosis and is caused by administration of solution containing a high concentration of sodium relative to chioride (e.g., Sodium bicarbonate) or the excessive loss chioride relative to sodium (e.g., vomiting of stomach contents). Administration of chioride is correction of hypochioremic metabolic alkalosis. Corrected hyperchioremia is associated with a decreased SID and metabolic acidosis and is usually the result of excessive loss of sodium relative to chloride (e.g., diarrhea), chioride retention (e.g., renal tubular acidosis), or therapy with solutions containing a high concentration of chioride relative to sodium (e.g.,0.9% sodium chloride;3–24% hypertonic saline). Treatment with sodium bicarbonate should be attempted in patients with corrected hyperchioremia and a plasma pH beiow 7.2.     

Detection of the Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in Llama (Lama glama) Oviduct

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte–spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNAs were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events.     

Survey of Feeding Practices, Supplement Use, and Knowledge of Equine Nutrition among a Subpopulation of Horse Owners in New England

Nutrition is a critical component of equine health. Horse owners' knowledge of nutrition is likely to affect their feeding practices. The aim of this study was to survey feeding practices, dietary supplement use, and knowledge about equine nutrition in New England by surveying a subpopulation of horse owners (67/337 or 19.8%) who brought their horses to the Large Animal Hospital at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University between July and September 2008. All owners reported feeding hay, with the majority feeding grass or timothy hay. Most owners (96%) reported feeding a concentrate in addition to hay. Approximately 84% of owners reported including at least one dietary supplement in their horse's daily feeding. The most commonly used supplements were chondroprotectives, electrolytes, and multivitamins. Survey questions designed to assess the owner's knowledge of nutrition suggested that many owners may not have a basic understanding of principles of equine nutrition; less than 50% knew the daily water and hay requirements for a horse, and 69% lacked knowledge about the proper use of concentrates in a diet. Most of the surveyed owners consulted multiple sources of information concerning equine nutrition, including veterinarians (n = 36), trainers (n = 27), feed stores (n = 10), and the internet (n = 7). Although the major source of information was the veterinarian, it appears that the communication between horse owners and their veterinarian about optimal feeding practices could be enhanced. This survey demonstrated areas in the veterinarian–client dialog that need to be addressed when evaluating the health and well-being of the horse.     

Hypolipidemic effects of Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau juice in rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet

Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau fruits have been traditionally utilized, in Calabria (Italy), as a popular remedy for their hypolipidemic properties. C. bergamia juice total phenol content (2474.35+/-38 microg/mL) was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method; moreover, HPLC analysis led to the identification of naringin (520 ppm), neoeriocitrin (370 ppm), and neohesperidin (310 ppm). The present study was designed to investigate the hypolipidemic effects of C. bergamia juice and its protective effect on liver of hyperlipidemic rats. Chronic administration of C. bergamia (1 mL/rat/day) provoked a significant reduction in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels; moreover, histopathological observations showed, in rats submitted to C. bergamia treatment, a protection of hepatic parenchyma. In addition, fecal neutral sterols and fecal bile acid excretion was found to be increased after C. bergamia treatment. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect of C. bergamia may be mediated by the increase in fecal neutral sterols and total bile acids excretion. In addition to the hypolipidemic effect, the juice shows radical scavenging activity in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test; probably the two effects are related. These observations suggest that the positive intake of C. bergamia may reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases through its radical scavenging function and hypocholesterolemic action.