Nutritional Differences Between a Gluten-free Diet and a Diet Containing Equivalent Products with Gluten

The gluten-free (GF) products market represents one of the most prosperous markets in the field of food and beverages in the immediate future. Historically, counselling for celiac disease has focused on the absence of gluten in foods, however the nutritional quality of GF foodstuffs is an important aspect to consider. The aim of the present work was to compare the nutritional composition of the 206 GF rendered products most consumed in Spain, against the composition of 289 equivalent foods with gluten, and to make a comparison between the diet including GF products and the same diet with equivalent products with gluten in a 58 adult celiac population. The results of the present collaborative study pointed out differences in calorie, macronutrient, fiber, sodium, salt and cholesterol content between GF rendered and gluten-containing foodstuffs. Thus, calorie and nutrient intake in a GF diet is different when compared to its equivalent diet with gluten. Following a diet based on GF products could suppose a nutritional imbalance for celiac patients as well as for non-celiacs who follow a diet that includes many GF rendered foodstuffs.     

Diploid potato germplasm derived from wild and land race genetic resources

Diploid cultivated species, haploids derived from tetraploid cultivars, and their wildSolanum relatives were used to generate various diploid potato genetic stocks. These stocks have significant value in potato breeding because: 1) genetic diversity in the potato population can be kept variable with the diploid germplasm which confers genetic variation from wild and cultivated species; 2) crossability of this diploid germplasm is facilitated by the function of 2n gametes; and 3) high levels of pest resistances originating from the process of introgression of the wild and cultivated genetic resources can be used to improve the tetraploid cultivated potato genepool.     

Risk factors associated with increased mortality of farmed Pacific oysters in Ireland during 2011

The Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, plays a significant role in the aquaculture industry in Ireland. Episodes of increased mortality in C. gigas have been described in many countries, and in Ireland since 2008. The cause of mortality events in C. gigas spat and larvae is suspected to be multifactorial, with ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1, in particular OsHV-1 μvar) considered a necessary, but not sufficient, cause. The objectives of the current study were to describe mortality events that occurred in C. gigas in Ireland during the summer of 2011 and to identify any associated environmental, husbandry and oyster endogenous factors. A prospective cohort study was conducted during 2010–2012, involving 80 study batches, located at 24 sites within 17 bays. All 17 bays had previously tested positive for OsHV-1 μvar. All study farmers were initially surveyed to gather relevant data on each study batch, which was then tracked from placement in the bay to first grading. The outcome of interest was cumulative batch-level mortality (%). Environmental data at high and low mortality sites were compared, and a risk factor analysis, using a multiple linear regression mixed effects model, was conducted. Cumulative batch mortality ranged from 2% to 100% (median = 16%, interquartile range: 10–34%). The final multivariable risk factor model indicated that batches imported from French hatcheries had significantly lower mortalities than non-French hatcheries; sites which tested negative for OsHV-1 μvar during the study had significantly lower mortalities than sites which tested positive and mortalities increased with temperature until a peak was reached. There were several differences between the seed stocks from French and non-French hatcheries, including prior OsHV-1 μvar exposure and ploidy. A range of risk factors relating to farm management were also considered, but were not found significant. The relative importance of prior OsHV-1 μvar infection and ploidy will become clearer with ongoing selection towards OsHV-1 μvar resistant oysters. Work is currently underway in Ireland to investigate these factors further, by tracking seed from various hatchery sources which were put to sea in 2012 under similar husbandry and environmental conditions.     

Ergot alkaloid intoxication in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne): an emerging animal health concern in Ireland?

Four primary mycotoxicosis have been reported in livestock caused by fungal infections of grasses or cereals by members of the Clavicipitaceae family. Ergotism (generally associated with grasses, rye, triticale and other grains) and fescue toxicosis (associated with tall fescue grass, Festuca arundinacea) are both caused by ergot alkaloids, and referred to as ‘ergot alkaloid intoxication’. Ryegrass staggers (associated with perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne) is due to intoxication with an indole-diperpene, Lolitrem B, and metabolites. Fescue-associated oedema, recently described in Australia, may be associated with a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, N-acetyl norloline.Ergotism, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, is visible and infects the outside of the plant seed. Fescue toxicosis and ryegrass staggers are caused by Neotyphodium coenophalium and N. lolii, respectively. Fescue-associated oedema has been associated with tall fescue varieties infected with a specific strain of N. coenophialum (AR542, Max P or Max Q). The name Neotyphodium refers to asexual derivatives of Epichloë spp., which have collectively been termed the epichloë fungi. These fungi exist symbiotically within the grass and are invisible to the naked eye.The primary toxicological effect of ergot alkaloid involves vasoconstriction and/or hypoprolactinaemia. Ingestion of ergot alkaloid by livestock can cause a range of effects, including poor weight gain, reduced fertility, hyperthermia, convulsions, gangrene of the extremities, and death. To date there are no published reports, either internationally or nationally, reporting ergot alkaloid intoxication specifically associated with perennial ryegrass endophytes. However, unpublished reports from the Irish Equine Centre have identified a potential emerging problem of ergot alkaloid intoxication with respect to equines and bovines, on primarily perennial ryegrass-based diets. Ergovaline has been isolated in varying concentrations in the herbage of a small number of equine and bovine farms where poor animal health and performance had been reported. Additionally, in some circumstances changes to the diet, where animals were fed primarily herbage, were sufficient to reverse adverse effects. Pending additional information, these results suggest that Irish farm advisors and veterinarians should be aware of the potential adverse role on animal health and performance of ergot alkaloids from perennial ryegrass infected with endophytic fungi.     

Median sternotomy closure in dogs: a mechanical comparison of technique stability

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanical properties of canine median sternotomy closure using double-loop cerclage compared with other commonly used cerclage sternotomy closure patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Forty canine cadaveric sternal segments. METHODS: Median sternotomy-wire constructs were loaded to failure in a materials testing machine. Each construct was radiographed before and after testing. Specific wire configurations tested were: 2 single twist cerclage centered on the sternebrae, single twist figure of 8 pattern centered on the sternal synchondrosis, double twist figure of 8 pattern centered on the sternal synchondrosis, 2 double-loop cerclage centered on the sternebrae, and 1 double-loop cerclage centered on the sternal synchondrosis. Wire configurations were compared by craniocaudal translation of sternabrae on pre-test radiographs, and displacement during loading, and mode of failure, based on analysis of test video, and post-test radiographs. RESULTS: Double-loop cerclage did not provide superior mechanical stabilization of median sternotomy. Both figure of 8 patterns had the least displacement at higher loads. Two single twists that were centered on sternebrae were least able to prevent displacement at higher loads, caused the most craniocaudal translation before testing, and fractured more often at loads < or = 200 N compared with other configurations. CONCLUSION: Sternal wiring techniques stabilizing sternal synchondroses had the least displacement. Overall, figure of 8 cerclage appeared most suitable because they minimized displacement at high loads and facilitated accurate reduction during tensioning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In closing canine sternotomy, figure of 8 cerclage may be most suitable. Double-loop cerclage centered on the sternal synchondrosis should be avoided because of wire failure at high loads.     

Influence of a xylanase feed additive on Lactobacillus species in the jejunum of piglets

rRNA extracts from the jejunum of rearing piglets fed a wheat/rye based diet with or without a xylanase feed additive were hybridized against eight Lactobacillus spp. specific digoxigenin labelled oligonucleotide probes. Known concentrations of sample- or culture RNA extracts were used to calibrate and quantify hybridization signals from different sample extracts and hybridizations. The xylanase feed additive tended to increase total eubacterial rRNA in the terminal jejunum, probably a result of increased Lactobacillus spp. rRNA in the central and terminal jejunum. However, individual animal variations were high. L. reuteri was the major Lactobacillus species followed by L. acidophilus and L. mucosae. L. amylophilus and L. crispatus were not detected in all RNA extracts.The results of this study show that the xylanase feed additive modifies Lactobacillus spp. populations on the species level in piglets in addition to their well known effects on digesta viscosity and nutrient digestibility.The implications of these effects for the intestinal microbiota require further analysis.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of bovine P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1

Human P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a dimeric membrane mucin expressed on leukocytes that binds selectins. Here, we report that the open reading frame (ORF) of bovine PSGL-1 (bPSGL-1) cDNA is 1284 base pairs in length, predicting a protein of 427 amino acids including an 18-amino-acid signal peptide, an extracellular region with a mucin-like domain, and transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The amino acid sequence of bPSGL-1 demonstrated 52, 49 and 40% overall homology to equine, human and mouse, respectively. A single extracellular cysteine, at the transmembrane and extracellular domain junction, suggests a disulfide-bonding pattern. Alignment of bovine with equine, human and mouse PSGL-1 demonstrates high conservation of transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, but diversity of the extracellular domain, especially in the anionic NH(2)-terminal of PSGL-1, the putative P-selectin binding domain. In the NH(2)-terminal of bPSGL-1, there are three potential tyrosine sulfation sites and three potential threonine O-glycosylation sites, all of which are required for P-selectin binding in human PSGL-1 (hPSGL-1). bPSGL-1 shares only 57% homology in amino acid sequence with the corresponding epitope region which binds the monoclonal antibody PL1 for hPSGL-1, and no cross-reactivity was found in bovine leukocytes. In summary, bPSGL-1 shares homology with hPSGl-1, but has differences in the putative extracellular P-selectin binding domain.     

Mechanical comparison of two knots and two crimp systems for securing nylon line used for extra-articular stabilization of the canine stifle

OBJECTIVE: To compare mechanical properties of knotted and crimped nylon loops. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical evaluation. SAMPLE POPULATION: Loops of 27 kg-test nylon leader. Single strand-clamped square knot compared with 2 crimp systems. Two strand--self-locking knot compared with 2 crimped loops. METHODS: (a) Single pull to failure (n = 10) at 500 mm/min. Initial loop tension (N), peak load (N), peak elongation (mm), stiffness of the linear portion of the curve (N/mm), and failure mode were recorded. (b) Incremental cyclic loading to failure (n = 5)--each loop was cycled 5 times to 100 N at a loading rate of 200 mm/min. Cycling was repeated, with the load increased by 50 N after each set. Elongation (mm), tension remaining (N), and after permanent deformation was present, elongation at 10 N (mm) were measured. RESULTS: Initial tension and stiffness were greater for crimped loops when compared with knotted loops. There were no differences between crimped loops. The self-locking knot elongated more, and was less stiff, when compared with 2 crimped loops. With incremental loading, knotted loops elongated more than crimped loops. The tension remaining in the loop fell below 10 N more quickly for knotted loops compared with crimped loops. CONCLUSION: Crimped loops are stiffer, and resist both static and cyclic load more effectively before becoming permanently elongated, when compared with knotted loops. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stifle stability will be maintained more effectively by crimped nylon loops when compared with knotted loops.