Extraction, processing, and storage effects on curcuminoids and oleoresin yields from Curcuma longa L. grown in Jamaica

Aromatic diarylheptanoid compounds from Curcuma longa Linn grown in Jamaica were quantified by UV-vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analyses. The oleoresin yields from ethanolic extracts were quantified and evaluated with regard to the effects of the type of postharvesting process and the type of extraction method conducted on the plant material. Fresh samples that were hot solvent extracted provided the highest oleoresin yields of 15.7% +/- 0.4 ( n = 3), and the lowest oleoresin yields of 7.8% +/- 0.2 ( n = 3) were from the dried milled samples that were cold solvent extracted. Data from the ASTA spectrophotometer assay confirmed that dried samples contained the highest curcuminoid content of 55.5% +/- 2.2 ( n = 6) at the fifth month of storage, and the fresh samples showed a curcuminoid content of 47.1% +/- 6.4 ( n = 6) at the third month of storage. A modified HPLC analysis was used to quantify curcumin content. Data from the HPLC analysis confirmed that the dried treated, hot extracted, room temperature stored samples had the highest curcumin content of 24.3%. A novel high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method provided a chemical fingerprint of the C. longa with the use of a commercial curcumin standard.     

Using estradiol and progesterone concentrations to assess individual variability in the reproductive cyclicity of captive female little skates, Leucoraja erinacea, from the western Gulf of Maine

In the current study, plasma steroid hormones were used to assess the individual variability of Leucoraja erinacea over the course of 12 months, in hopes of further defining its reproductive cycle. No statistical differences in hormone concentrations were observed between the isolated and non-isolated female skates. Monthly E₂ concentrations ranged from 1,430 pg ml^?1 in August to 3,940 pg ml^?1 in March, indicating the presence of mature ovarian follicles and supporting the conclusions from previous studies that L. erinacea is capable of reproducing year-round. Concentrations of E₂ were significantly elevated or depressed during some months (February, March, June, July, August, and September) of the year, suggesting that reproductive activity may vary over the annual cycle. Even though monthly P₄ concentrations were highly variable, ranging from 82 pg ml^?1 in November to 816 pg ml^?1 in September, no significant reproductive peaks were observed. In addition, a persistently large variation in E₂ and P₄ concentrations, indicative of reproductive asynchrony within (mean CV 62 % and CV 69 %, respectively) and between (mean range CV 78 and 125 %, respectively) individual skates, was observed throughout the study. Collectively, the continually high E₂ concentrations and variability in both hormones observed in the current study are indicative of an oviparous species that reproduces actively throughout the year. However, the weekly sampling frequency revealed that plasma E₂ concentrations, not P₄, were more useful to assess reproductive status in asynchronous continuously breeding oviparous elasmobranchs.     

Biology and pathology of interactions between fungi and invertebrates.

Having started this review with Di Bassi's work on a fungus destroying the French silkworm industry 160 years ago, the article finishes with a fungus being rendered more pathogenic through genetic engineering to kill an invertebrate. Yet, even while using a fungus as a biological weapon, one needs to be careful not to gun down innocent civilian targets alongside the enemy! It may be argued that this article will have little or no immediate clinical significance for the veterinarian involved in exotic species. And yet it is hoped that it will have provided an interesting and informative (not to say exotic!) introduction to the important area of mycotic disease in exotic species.     

Comparison of three radiographic methods for diagnosis of hip dysplasia in eight-month-old dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of the extended-hip radiographic (EHR) score, the distraction index (DI), and the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score for identifying hip dysplasia in dogs at 8 months of age. DESIGN: Cohort study ANIMALS: 129 Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retriever-Greyhound crossbreds. PROCEDURE: Radiography was performed when dogs were 8 months of age. Dogs were euthanatized at 8 to 36 months of age; hip dysplasia was diagnosed at the time of necropsy on the basis of results of a gross examination of the articular cartilage of the hip joints for signs of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: The EHR score, DI, and DLS score at 8 months of age were all significantly correlated with degree of cartilage degeneration at necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity of using EHR score at 8 months of age to diagnose hip dysplasia (scores > 3 were considered abnormal) were 38 and 96%, respectively; sensitivity and specificity of using DI (values > 0.7 were considered abnormal) were 50 and 89%; and sensitivity and specificity of using DLS score (scores < 55% were considered abnormal) were 83 and 84%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that specificities of the 3 methods for diagnosing hip dysplasia in dogs at 8 months of age were similar. However, the DLS score had higher sensitivity, indicating that there were fewer false-negative results.     

Density-Dependent Growth and Survival of Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus vannamei in a Semi-Closed Recirculating System

Abstract.— Two growth trials utilizing Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus setiferus were conducted at densities of 28.4, 56.8, 85.2, 113.6, 170.4, 227.3 and 284.1/ m² in an indoor recirculating system. There was an inverse linear relationship between stocking density and growth among both species. The relationship between final weight and stocking density is described by the following linear equation: P. setiferus , Y =−0.00619X ± 4.46, adj. r²= 0.8572;. P. vannamei, Y =−0.00717X ± 7.39, adj. r²= 0.6230. Although the responses in terms of growth depressions were similar, P. setiferus growth was lower than that of P. vannamei . There was an inverse relationship between stocking density and survival for P. setiferus . Survival of P. vannamei was highly variable but was negatively correlated with density. Based on the results of the present study, P. setiferus has a similar tolerance of high density as that of P. vannamei and hence may be suitable for intensive culture systems. However, depressed growth rates of P. setiferus , which do not appear to be due to effects of water quality or density, must be solved if growth rates similar to P. vannamei are to be realized.     

Radical Lateral Body-Wall Resection for Fibrosarcoma With Reconstruction Using Polypropylene Mesh and a Caudal Superficial Epigastric Axial Pattern Flap: A Prospective Clinical Study of the Technique and Results in 6 Cats

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the lateral body wall for treatment of fibrosarcoma with reconstruction using polypropylene mesh and a caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Six client-owned cats with fibrosarcoma. METHODS: Six cats with histologically confirmed fibrosarcoma of the lateral body wall were staged using radiography and/or computer tomography scanning. Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 3 cats. All cats had the lateral abdominal wall resected and reconstructed with polypropylene mesh. A caudal superficial epigastric flap was mobilized and rotated to close the skin deficit. The animals were evaluated after surgery for wound complications, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Outcome was assessed by patient examination and client consultation. RESULTS: Minor dehiscence of the skin flaps occurred in 2 cats, and 1 other cat was successfully resuscitated from respiratory and cardiac arrest after surgery. All tissue specimens were tumor-free at the surgical margins. Follow-up times ranged from 12 to 21 months, with a mean time of 17.2 months. None of the cats had evidence of local tumor recurrence or metastasis; outcome was judged good to excellent in all cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radical lateral body-wall resection and reconstruction is an effective technique for achieving local tumor control with acceptable patient morbidity. Further studies are needed to assess whether the technique will result in improved tumor-free intervals and survival times.     

Oral biology and disease in invertebrates.

It is hoped that this article has shown some of the amazing breadth of research into invertebrate mouthpart anatomy, development and pathology, and its relation to important disease processes that impinge on fields as diverse as environmental toxicology and antimalarial therapeutics, while also highlighting the need for further study in this field.     

A tracheoscopic technique for obtaining uncontaminated lower airway secretions for bacterial culture in the horse

Transtracheal aspirate (TTA) aerobic microbiology culture results from 30 ponies were compared to protected catheter brush (PCB) culture results obtained from the same ponies. The PCB procedure resulted in significantly fewer (P less than 0.05) isolates than those obtained by the TTA procedure and the PCB procedure resulted in significantly more samples with no bacteria growth than the TTA procedure. To address the possibility that the volume of tracheobronchial secretion obtained by PCB was insufficient as a microbiological sample, a sterile, double-sheathed, protected aspiration catheter (PAC) was developed. Comparisons were made between TTA and PAC aerobic microbiology culture results from 18 pneumonic foals and weanlings. There were no significant differences between the PAC and TTA procedures with respect to the number of bacteria isolates. It was concluded that the PAC technique may be used as an alternative to TTA for isolation of equine pulmonary bacteria and may be the preferred procedure because of the reduced risk of complications associated with the TTA.     

The effects of undernutrition of suckled pigs on subsequent growth and body composition after nutritional rehabilitation

The effect of nutritional restriction and rehabilitation imposed between 5 and 35 d and 35 and 166 d of age, respectively, on body and tissue growth were investigated in 96 Yorkshire pigs from 12 litters. One-half of the pigs were allowed to suckle continuously until weaning (fully fed, FF); the remainder were removed from the sow for 16 h of each 24 h period (1600 to 0800 h), during which time they received only water (restricted feeding, RF). All pigs were fed ad libitum from 35 d of age. Although significantly lower body and tissue (liver, kidney and gastrocnemius muscle) weights were observed in the RF pigs at 35 and 70 d of age, by 166 d, because of compensatory growth between 35 and 166 d, the difference in body and muscle weights between the two groups of pigs (RF and FF) was reduced to 5%, but the difference in kidney and liver weight remained as high as 15 and 9%, respectively. Total DNA, RNA and protein in the tissues examined were also lower in the RF pigs at 35 and 70 d of age, but increased after ad libitum feeding to more than 90% of the corresponding value in the FF pigs by the time they reached 166 d of age. The results of these measurements and the comparison of the protein: DNA ratios of the tissues indicated that growth retardation in the RF pigs was associated with reduced cell proliferation in liver and kidney and nuclear proliferation in muscle rather than any decrease in cell (or fiber) volume. Percentage of fat was lower while percentage of protein was higher (on a dry matter basis) in the RF pigs than in the FF pigs at 35 d of age. No significant difference in fat and protein content in the carcasses between the RF and FF pigs at 70 or 166 d of age or 90 kg body weight was noted. The carcass of intact males had more protein and less fat than that of females.     

The effects of bumetanide on renal function and blood composition in sheep.

Respones to bumetanide were studied in five ewes. During ADH infusion urine flow increased from less than 1-0 to approximately 11-5 cm3 min-1 within 30 min of intravenous injection of 0-02 mg kg-1 bumetanide and returned to approximately 2-0 cm3 min-1 within 3 h of dosing. The diuresis was accompanied by large increases in sodium and chloride excretion and smaller increases in potassium and free hydrogen ion excretion. Bicarbonate excretion and TCH20 were reduced. Plasma potassium and chloride concentrations decreased slightly while arterial bicarbonate pH and pCO2 slightly increased. A transient increase in GFR and RPF was followed by a small reduction in GFR. No change in CH20 was observed after bumetanide injection during water diuresis. Increasing the dose of bumetanide over the range 0-002 to 0-20 mg kg-1 resulted in more pronounced and prolonged responses. The results show that bumetanide is a potent diuretic in sheep with its main site of action on the ascending limb of Henle's loop.