The behaviour of the microalgae Tetraselmis chuii in cadmium-contaminated solutions

The accumulation of cadmium by living and dead cells of the green microalgae Tetraselmis chuii was studied both in cell suspensions and in growing conditions. Microalgal cell suspensions accumulated a maximum of 292.60 (23.09) and 210.54 (16.05) mg Cd (g biomass)-1 when living and dried cells were used, respectively. After biosorption, the total cadmium accumulated was efficiently desorbed with concentrated EDTA solution, indicating that cadmium accumulation took place through surface structural components. During cell growth in cadmium-contaminated medium, the toxic effect of the metal proved to be higher for increasing metal concentrations in the medium. This increasing toxicity had a marked influence upon cell productivity. Cadmium was not incorporated during growth of T. chuii cells.     

Winter Culture of Yellowleg Shrimp Penaeus californiensis in Aerated Ponds with Low Water Exchange

Abstract— This study was conducted in the semiarid region of Bahia Kino, Sonora, Northwestern Mexico to determine the feasibility of farming yellowleg shrimp Penaeus californiensis during the winter season in ponds with less than 5% daily water exchange and aeration. Four aeration rates (0, 6, 12, and 24 h/d) were used in the study. Mean growth rates ranged from 0.41 to 0.53 g/wk with the highest growth rate in ponds with 12 h of aeration ( P × 0.05). Survival ranged from 50 to 52% and did not differ among treatments. Shrimp yield ranged from 1,012 to 1,208 kg/ha, with the highest yields from ponds with 6 and 12 h of aeration ( P × 0.05). Feed conversion ratios ranged from 2.3 to 2.8, with lower values in ponds with 12 and 6 h of aeration ( P × 0.05). Results suggest that winter culture of yellowleg shrimp is possible and that 6 h of aeration is sufficient to maintain good water quality conditions.     

Growth,tissue metabolites and digestive functionality in Sparus aurata juveniles fed different levels of macroalgae,Gracilaria cornea and Ulva rigida

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of two macroalgae as dietary ingredients on growth, body composition, intermediate metabolism, intestinal enzymes and gut histology of Sparus aurata juveniles. Six isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets incorporating 5%, 15% or 25% of Gracilaria cornea or Ulva rigida meal were tested against a control diet. Duplicate groups of fifteen fish (14 g) were fed the experimental diets for 70 days. Growth performance showed an inverse linear relationship with the inclusion level of Gracilaria. Feed conversion ratio increased significantly in fish fed 25% Gracilaria. Ulva presented a quadratic relationship with the lowest SGR at 15% of inclusion. Fish fed 25% Ulva exhibited significantly lower lipid content than those fed control diet. Overall, metabolites did not show differences with specimens fed control diet, except for plasmatic glucose and muscle lactate. Intestinal proteolytic activity was reduced with the macroalgae inclusion level, but all fish showed the same enzyme pattern. The histological study revealed no negative effect on liver and intestine structure by the macroalgae inclusion. The present work demonstrated that these ingredients can be used in practical diets for sea bream, but a more comprehensive research is needed to determine the optimum dietary level in a longer feeding trial.     

CRETINISM IN A NORTH AMERICAN BLACK BEAR(URSUS AMERICANUS)

Congenital hyperplastic goiter and cretinism were documented in a 16 month-old male North American black bear (Ursus americanus). The cub was captured at approximately 8 months of age and maintained for an additional 8 months in captivity. Clinical signs included growth retardation, clumsiness, and facial dysmorphism. Hypothyroidism was documented by determining serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Lysosomal storage disease was ruled out by measuring various lysosomal enzyme activities. Serologic, radiographic, computed tomographic, necropsy, and histopathologic findings were consistent with congenital hypothyroidism and cretinism.     

Systemic and Local Effects Associated With Long-Term Epidural Catheterization and Morphine-Detomidine Administration in Horses

Objective — The purpose of this study was to determine the systemic and local effects associated with long-term epidural catheterization and epidural morphine-detomidine administration in horses. Study Design — Development of systemic or local effects was assessed by placing caudal epidural catheters in study horses and administering injections through the catheters every 12 hours for 14 days. Animals — Ten horses with epidural catheters that received daily injections; six uncatheterized horses presented for euthanasia. Methods — Horses received either 0.2 mg/kg morphine sulfate and 30 μg/kg detomidine hydrochloride or an equivalent volume of physiologic saline solution through epidural catheters. Systemic effects were compared between control and treatment horses by measuring physical parameters and hay and water consumption, as well as by evaluating major organs after euthanasia. Local effects were studied by examining cerebrospinal fluid and by grading representative samples of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues histologically for inflammation and fibrosis. Local effects were compared between control and treatment horses, as well as between catheter-ized (control plus treatment) horses and uncatheterized horses. Results — No significant difference was identified in daily variables or hay and water consumption between control and treatment horses. No growth was obtained from cerebrospinal fluid cultures. No significant difference in cerebrospinal fluid values or spinal tissue inflammation or fibrosis grades was shown between control and treatment horses. However, when compared with uncatheterized horses, cerebrospinal fluid red blood cell values were marginally higher and protein concentrations were significantly higher in the catheterized group. Lumbosacral and sacral spinal tissue segment inflammation grades, and sacral segment fibrosis grades were significantly higher in catheterized horses. Conclusions — Long-term epidural administration of a morphine-detomidine combination is not associated with apparent adverse systemic effects in horses. Localized inflammation and fibrosis seem to be catheter-related. Clinical Relevance — Potential systemic and local effects are important considerations with long-term administration of a morphine-detomidine combination through indwelling epidural catheters for alleviation of chronic musculoskeletal pain in horses.     

Effect of Episodic and Regular Sewage Discharges on the Water Chemistry and Macroinvertebrate Fauna of a Mediterranean Stream

Physical, chemical and biological parameters were used to investigate the effects of regular and episodic sewage inputs,either domestic or industrial, on the water quality of a smallMediterranean stream (River Magro, eastern Spain). Although results from chemical analyses were useful for monitoring waterquality in areas where sewage discharge was regular, episodic andlocalised discharges from industries or farms were not detected by chemical analyses because sampling was performed seasonally. An adequately small number of macroinvertebrate taxa were foundto indicate water quality changes within R. Magro, and the presence/absence and relative abundance of these taxa can be usedas a simple, rapid, low cost method for detecting changes in water quality. Macroinvertebrates are highly sensitive to episodic sewage discharges, which are difficult to detect by classical physical and chemical monitoring.     

Exposure and Postoperative Stability of Three Medial Surgical Approaches to the Canine Elbow

Articular cartilage exposure and immediate postoperative stability provided by three medial surgical approaches in canine cadaver elbows were compared. The approaches evaluated were a desmotomy of the medial collateral ligament (DMCL) that included a tenotomy of the pronator teres muscle, a longitudinal myotomy of the flexor carpi radialis (MFCR), and an osteotomy of the medial epicondyle (OME). Nondestructive biomechanical testing was performed before the surgical approach and repeated after surgery. The stiffness at 13 valgus deviation of the elbow and energy absorption up to 13 valgus deviation of the elbow were determined from the pre-operative and postoperative torque-rotation curves. The perimeters of the ulnar and humeral articular cartilage that were visualized through the approach were scored with a dental pick. Latex casts were made of articular surfaces of the elbow. The humeral and ulnar articular exposures were determined by computerized planimetric analysis of latex cast photocopies. The humeral cartilage exposure of the OME approach was significantly greater than either the MFCR or DMCL approaches. The DMCL approach provided a significantly greater humeral cartilage exposure than the MFCR approach. All three approaches provided statistically similar percentages of ulnar cartilage exposure. The stiffness and energy absorption of the OME and MFCR approaches were similar and significantly greater than the DMCL approach. The OME approach provided the best combination of exposure and immediate postoperative stability.