Sustained endocrine and exocrine function in the pancreas of the Pacific spiny dogfish post-feeding

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - Secretions of the exocrine pancreas contain digestive enzymes integral to the digestive process. The Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) has a discrete...     

Metabolism of anthocyanins by human gut microflora and their influence on gut bacterial growth

Consumption of anthocyanins has been related with beneficial health effects. However, bioavailability studies have shown low concentration of anthocyanins in plasma and urine. In this study, we have investigated the bacterial-dependent metabolism of malvidin-3-glucoside, gallic acid and a mixture of anthocyanins using a pH-controlled, stirred, batch-culture fermentation system reflective of the distal human large intestine conditions. Most anthocyanins have disappeared after 5 h incubation while gallic acid remained constant through the first 5 h and was almost completely degraded following 24 h of fermentation. Incubation of malvidin-3-glucoside with fecal bacteria mainly resulted in the formation of syringic acid, while the mixture of anthocyanins resulted in formation of gallic, syringic and p-coumaric acids. All the anthocyanins tested enhanced significantly the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus-Enterococcus spp. These results suggest that anthocyanins and their metabolites may exert a positive modulation of the intestinal bacterial population.     

Storage-induced changes in einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) and breadwheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum) flours

To assess the effect of ageing on alpha-amylase activity, falling number, pasting properties and SDS sedimentation volume, whole meal and white flours of einkorn (cv Monlis) and bread wheat (cv Serio) were stored in darkness at different temperatures and analysed several times up to 374 days. Pregerminated bread wheat flours (cv Blasco) were also evaluated.     

Hepatic lesions in cetaceans stranded in the Canary Islands

This article describes the gross, histopathologic, and ultrastructural findings of the livers of cetaceans stranded on the coast of the Canary Islands between 1992 and 2000. A total of 135 cetaceans were included in the study, among which 25 were common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), 23 Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), 19 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), and 15 other species of dolphins and whales. The most common lesion observed in these animals was a nonspecific chronic reactive hepatitis (47/135), followed by hyaline intracytoplasmic inclusions in hepatocytes (33/135). Parasitic cholangitis was detected in 8/135 animals, whereas hepatic lipidosis was presented in 7/135 animals. The ultrastructure of hyaline hepatocytic cytoplasmic inclusions is described, and possible causes of these inclusions are discussed.     

One stage functional end-to-end stapled intestinal anastomosis and resection performed by nonexpert surgeons for the treatment of small intestinal obstruction in 30 dogs

Objectives: To describe stapled 1‐stage functional end‐to‐end intestinal anastomosis for treatment of small intestinal obstruction in dogs and evaluate outcome when the technique is performed by nonexpert surgeons after limited training in the technique. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=30) with intestinal lesions requiring an enterectomy. Methods: Stapled 1‐stage functional end‐to‐end anastomosis and resection using a GIA‐60 and a TA‐55 stapling devices were performed under supervision of senior residents and faculty surgeons by junior surgeons previously trained in the technique on pigs. Procedure duration and technical problems were recorded. Short‐term results were collected during hospitalization and at suture removal. Long‐term outcome was established by clinical and ultrasonographic examinations at least 2 months after surgery and from written questionnaires, completed by owners. Results: Mean±SD procedure duration was 15±12 minutes. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in 25 dogs. One dog had anastomotic leakage, 1 had a localized abscess at the transverse staple line, and 3 dogs developed an incisional abdominal wall abscess. No long‐term complications occurred (follow‐up, 2–32 months). Conclusion: Stapled 1‐stage functional end‐to‐end anastomosis and resection is a fast and safe procedure in the hand of nonexpert but trained surgeons.     

Metformin blocks mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibits sperm motility in fresh and refrigerated boar spermatozoa

Metformin is clinically used to treat diabetes. Given its role‐impacting metabolism, metformin has been also added to semen cryopreservation media showing specie‐dependent effects. We aimed to investigate metformin effects in both fresh (38.5°C for 2, 24 hr) and refrigerated (17°C for 10 days) boar spermatozoa. Metformin (2 hr) does not affect fresh sperm viability, membrane lipid organization nor acrosome integrity. However, metformin (24 hr) blocks sperm ΔΨm and significantly reduces % motile spermatozoa (65%), % progressive spermatozoa (50%), % rapid (100%), velocities VCL (69%), VSL (86%), VAP (78%) and motility coefficients. Metformin‐including extender does not modify sperm viability, membrane lipid organization or acrosome integrity. Furthermore, it significantly reduces high ΔΨ‐population spermatozoa at refrigeration day 4. Metformin also significantly reduces sperm motility during refrigeration. Summarizing, metformin inhibits both boar sperm ΔΨ and motility in any sperm condition studied: fresh and refrigerated. These findings dissuade metformin as an additive to improve boar sperm quality.     

Functional expression of the free fatty acids receptor-1 and -4 (FFA1/GPR40 and FFA4/GPR120) in bovine endometrial cells

Veterinary Research Communications - Endometrial epithelial cells play a key defensive role as part of the innate immune response of cow uterus. An association between risk of acquiring infectious...