Artificial Lignification of Maize Cell Walls Does Not Affect In Vitro Bile Acid Adsorption

Bile acid adsorption by lignified dietary fiber in the human intestine is proposed as a mechanism for lowering blood cholesterol level and reducing colon cancer risk. In this study, we investigated how the concentration and composition of lignin in fiber influences the in vitro adsorption of primary bile acids (glycocholate, taurocholate, and glycochenodeoxycholate) and a secondary bile acid (deoxycholate). Adsorption studies were performed by incubating nonlignified and artificially lignified maize cell walls (dehydrogenation polymer‐cell walls) with bile acids under conditions imitating the small intestine and distal colon. Artificially lignified cell walls had varying but defined lignin concentrations (4.8–19.0%) and compositions (varying from pure guaiacyl to pure syringyl lignins) but a uniform polysaccharide‐protein matrix. Adsorption of bile acids by cell walls was in a range of 6–31% (4–26 nmol of bile acids/mg of cell walls), with glycochenodeoxycholate showing the highest adsorption rates. Neither lignin concentration nor lignin composition influenced bile acid adsorption, thus disproving a major role of lignin in bile acid adsorption.     

Establishment of a standard operating procedure for predicting the time of calving in cattle

Precise calving monitoring is essential for minimizing the effects of dystocia in cows and calves. We conducted two studies in healthy cows that compared seven clinical signs (broad pelvic ligaments relaxation, vaginal secretion, udder hyperplasia, udder edema, teat filling, tail relaxation, and vulva edema) alone and in combination in order to predict the time of parturition. The relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments combined with teat filling gave the best values for predicting either calving or no calving within 12 h. For the proposed parturition score (PS), a threshold of 4 PS points was identified below which calving within the next 12 h could be ruled out with a probability of 99.3% in cows (95.5% in heifers). Above this threshold, intermitted calving monitoring every 3 h and a progesterone rapid blood test (PRBT) would be recommended. By combining the PS and PRBT (if PS ≥ 4), the prediction of calving within the next 12 h improved from 14.9% to 53.1%, and the probability of ruling out calving was 96.8%. The PRBT was compared to the results of an enzyme immunoassay (sensitivity, 90.2%; specificity, 74.9%). The standard operating procedure developed in this study that combines the PS and PRBT will enable veterinarians to rule out or predict calving within a 12 h period in cows with high accuracy under field conditions.     

Blue mussel meal as feed attractant in rapeseed protein‐based diets for turbot (Psetta maxima L.)

Antinutritional factors in rapeseed products have been identified to reduce feed palatability and growth performance of turbot. Therefore, we evaluated the potential of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) meal as feed attractant in rapeseed protein‐based diets for turbot. Triplicate fish groups received isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets with fish meal (FM) protein replacements of 50% or 75% by rapeseed protein concentrate (RPC 50, RPC 75). These diets were supplemented with 0%, 2%, 4% or 8% of blue mussel meal. In contrast with RPC 50 diets, fish fed with RPC 75/0 showed significantly reduced daily feed intake (DFI) and specific growth rate (SGR). With increasing mussel meal inclusion, RPC 75 diets resulted in increased DFI and SGR, suggesting mussel meal as attractant in rapeseed protein‐based diets for turbot. Feed conversion was unaffected by any treatment. Protein productive value and apparent digestibility coefficients were unaffected by either RPC or mussel meal inclusion. With regard to the whole body composition, no differences in crude protein, crude lipid and ash content could be determined. Haematological characteristics were unaffected among the treatments indicating good nourished and unstressed fish. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the utilization of blue mussel meal improved the palatability of rapeseed protein‐based diets for turbot.     

Monochorial diamniotic dizygotic twins in a German Shepherd Dog: A case report

Case report: A 6.5‐year‐old clinically healthy German Shepherd Dog with regular oestrous cycles of 6 months was presented for pregnancy diagnosis on day 38 after ovulation (p.ov.). Ultrasonography revealed three individual placental sites in progressed resorption and two vital adequately developed foetuses sharing a joint placenta. On days 41 and 48 p.ov., sonographic signs indicated normal development of both foetuses, but on day 52 p.ov., both foetuses were found to be dead. A caesarean section was performed the same day. Examination of the removed uterus confirmed the diagnosis of a “twin” pregnancy with two foetuses sharing the same placental site but separate amniotic membranes. One foetus showed generalized oedema (anasarca). Bacterial culture of swabs taken from inside the placental cavity was negative. At histological examination of the uterus, no signs of inflammation were found. Serum relaxin concentrations (day 38, 41, 48 and 52. p.ov.) were consistent with those of bitches with normal pregnancies. Cytogenetic analysis of the two foetuses revealed dizygotic twins, one male and one female according to SRY‐PCR. By genotyping 17 high‐polymorphic canine microsatellites, it could be demonstrated that the two foetuses developed from two different oocytes.     

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of an iron(V) nitride

Despite being implicated as important intermediates, iron(V) compounds have proven very challenging to isolate and characterize. Here, we report the preparation of the iron(V) nitrido complex, [PhB((t)BuIm)(3)Fe(V)≡N]BAr(F24) (PhB((t)BuIm)(3)(-) = phenyltris(3-tert-butylimidazol-2-ylidene)borato, BAr(F24) = B(3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3))(4)(-)), by one electron oxidation of the iron(IV) nitrido precursor. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction of the iron(V) complex reveals a four-coordinate metal ion with a terminal nitrido ligand. M??bauer and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic characterization, supported by electronic structure calculations, provide evidence for a d(3) iron(V) metal center in a low spin (S = 1/2) electron configuration. Low-temperature reaction of the iron(V) nitrido complex with water under reducing conditions leads to high yields of ammonia with concomitant formation of an iron(II) species.