CT features of pleural masses and nodules

Pleural space masses and nodules are rarely described on computed tomography (CT) in veterinary medicine and have only been described in patients with neoplasia. Our purpose was to describe the CT findings and diagnoses in seven patients with pleural masses and nodules. Two patients had broad-based, plaque-like pleural masses, both of which were due to neoplasia (primary pleural carcinoma, metastatic thymoma). Two patients had well-defined pleural nodules and nodular pleural thickening, one of which had mesothelial hypertrophy, and another of which had metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Three patients had ill-defined pleural nodules to nodular pleural thickening, one of which had metastatic pulmonary carcinoma, while the other two had bacterial infection with mesothelial proliferation (n = 2), fibrinous pleuritis (n = 1), and severe mediastinal pleuritis/mediastinitis (n = 2). Five of the seven patients had focal, multifocal or diffuse smooth, and/or irregular pleural thickening. Five of seven patients had pleural effusion, and postcontrast CT was useful in several patients for delineating the pleural lesions from the effusion. All patients except one had additional lesions identified on CT besides those in the pleural space. CT is useful in identifying and characterizing pleural space lesions and could be used to guide further diagnostic procedures such as thoracoscopy or exploratory thoracotomy. Both neoplastic and nonneoplastic diseases should be considered in the differential diagnoses for pleural space masses and nodules found on CT.     

Replicate effects and test–retest reliability of quantitative sensory threshold testing in dogs with and without chronic pain

Objective

To evaluate replicate effects and test–retest reliability of mechanical and thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) in normal dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis (OA)-associated pain.

Chemical and mineral control of soil carbon turnover in abandoned tropical pastures

We investigated changes in soil carbon (C) cycling with reforestation across a long-term, replicated chronosequence of tropical secondary forests regrowing on abandoned pastures. We applied CP MAS ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and radiocarbon modeling to soil density fractions from the top 10 cm to track changes in C chemistry and turnover during secondary forest establishment on former pastures. Our results showed that inter-aggregate, unattached, particulate organic C (free light fraction) and particulate C located inside soil aggregates (occluded light fraction) represent distinct soil C pools with different chemical composition and turnover rates. The signal intensity of the O-alkyl region, primarily representing carbohydrates, decreased, and alkyl C, attributed to recalcitrant waxy compounds and microbially resynthesized lipids, increased from plant litter to soil organic matter and with incorporation into soil aggregates. The alkyl/O-alkyl ratio, a common index of humification, was higher in the occluded than in the free light fraction. Greater variability in the chemical makeup of the occluded light fraction suggests that it represents material in varied stages of decomposition. Mean residence times (¹⁴C-based) of the free light fraction were significantly shorter (4 ± 1 years) than for the heavy fraction. We report two scenarios for the occluded light fraction, one fast-cycling in which the occluded and free light fractions have similar turnover rates, and one slow-cycling, in which the occluded light fraction resembles the heavy fraction. Mean residence times of the occluded light fraction and heavy fraction in active pastures and 10-year old secondary forests in the earliest stage of succession were longer than in older secondary forests and primary forests. This is likely due to a preferential loss of physically unprotected C of more labile composition in the pastures and in the youngest successional forests, resulting in an increase in the dominance of slow-cycling C pools. Soil carbon turnover rates of the mineral-associated C in secondary forests recovering from abandoned pasture resembled those of primary forests in as little as 20 years of succession.     

Chili pepper fruits: presumed precursors of fatty acids characteristic for capsaicinoids

Capsaicin is a molecule unique to fruits from the genus Capsicum. It is responsible for the pungent sensation and displays valuable pharmacological properties. Despite the fruits' economic importance and decades of research, the regulation of the content of capsaicinoids in individual fruits is not completely elucidated, and no agricultural cultivation of chili of defined pungency is assured. Precursor candidates of the fatty acid moiety of the capsaicinoids, especially for the unique 8-methyl- trans-6-nonenoic acid, were examined. Thioesters, acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA, were isolated from the placenta of Capsicum fruits by means of DEAE-Sepharose chromatography, selectively converted to the corresponding N-butylamides, and analyzed by GC-MS. Fatty acid moieties characteristic for capsaicinoids were identified. In two different varieties ( Capsicum chinense var. Habanero orange and Capsicum annuum var. Jalapeno) it was shown that the fatty acid pattern corresponds to the distribution pattern of the capsaicinoids formed up to this time. The acyl-thioester fractions contained already the 8-methyl- trans-6-nonenoic acid.     

Formation of alpha-dicarbonyl compounds in beer during storage of Pilsner

With the aim of determining the formation of alpha-dicarbonyl intermediates during beer aging on the shelf, alpha-dicarbonyls were identified and quantified after derivatization with 1,2-diaminobenze to generate quinoxalines. The sensory effects of alpha-dicarbonyls were evaluated by the quantification of key Strecker aldehydes and by GC-olfactometry (GCO)analysis of beer headspace using solid phase microextraction. Four alpha-dicarbonyls, reported here for the first time, were detected in fresh and aged beers, three were derived from the 2,3-enolization pathway of mono- and disaccharides, and the fourth was derived from the epimerization of 3-deoxy-2-hexosulose. Ten alpha-dicarbonyls were quantified during beer processing and during different periods of beer aging at 28 degrees C. The aging periods were from 15 to 105 days. During beer aging, 1-deoxydiuloses were produced and degraded, while 1,4-dideoxydiuloses were produced at the highest rates. The GCO analysis indicated that forced beer aging increased the amounts of furaneol, trans-2-nonenal, and phenylacetaldehyde. The blockage of alpha-dicarbonyls inhibited the accumulation of sensory-active aldehydes in the beer headspace.     

Intestinal permeability and absorption in dogs with traumatic injury

The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of using urinary recovery of sugars to evaluate intestinal permeability and absorption in dogs with traumatic injury and to determine if intestinal permeability and absorption are altered in dogs with traumatic injury. After a 6-hour fast, a sugar solution containing lactulose, rhamnose, 3-0-methyl-D-glucose, and xylose was administered via nasoesophageal tube. Urine was collected and quantitated over the 6-hour study period via closed collection urinary catheters. Urinary sugar recoveries were measured by high-pressure anion exchange liquid chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection. Urinary sugar recoveries in the trauma group at 24, 48, and 72 hours after trauma were compared to normal controls. In addition, severity of trauma was compared to urinary sugar recoveries. Twelve client-owned dogs with traumatic injury and 6 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Lactulose recovery and the lactulose:rhamnose recovery ratio were significantly higher in the trauma group at 48 hours but were no longer different from controls by 72 hours. Xylose recovery was significantly higher in the trauma group when compared to controls at 72 hours, whereas 3-O-methyl-D-glucose recovery was significantly lower in the trauma group at 24 hours. The xylose: 3-O-methyl-D-glucose ratio was higher in the trauma group at all time points. Significant correlation was found between severity of trauma and xylose and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose recoveries 24 hours after injury. Results of this study support the hypothesis that intestinal permeability and absorption are altered in dogs with traumatic injury.     

Experimental harvesting of the non-timber forest product Ischnosiphon polyphyllus in central Amazonia

The harvesting of non-timber forest products has been proposed as an alternative to timber harvesting that can increase rural income while having a reduced impact on forest structure. However, surprisingly little is known about the biological consequences of harvesting these products. We conducted a 3-year experiment in which we simulated the stem harvesting of the Amazonian plant Ischnosiphon polyphyllus, which is used by traditional and indigenous populations in the Amazon for the construction of baskets, mats, and other handicrafts used in manioc cultivation. We found that plant mortality is limited in all except the most extreme harvesting treatments. However, we also found that plants recuperate extremely slowly from experimental harvesting. These results suggest that current harvesting strategies may not be conservative enough to ensure long-term population survival.     

In vitro plantlet regeneration from Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata,Meliaceae)

In vitro regeneration of complete plants from nodal single-bud segments of 2-year-old Australian Cedar (Toona ciliata) trees were obtained under defined nutritional and environmental conditions. Explants were dissected from plants obtained by germination of seeds and growth in pots in a greenhouse. The best medium for shoot regeneration was that of Murashige and Skoog at 1/4 strength with 3% sucrose (1/4 MS), supplemented with 0.1 mg/l IBA and 0.5 mg/l BAP. Rooting of regenerated shoots was observed in MS medium with 0.1 mg/l IBA. Using mature tree material was more difficult. Forced flushing was used to induce shoot development on branches of a 10-year-old tree. Nodal segments of these epicormic shoots formed shoots in vitro on 1/4 MS + 0.01 mg/l IBA + 5 mg/l BAP, but rooting was never observed.     

Stakeholder perceptions,management and impacts of forestry conflicts in southern Sweden

ABSTRACT

Forests are under increasing pressure with increasing risk of conflicts between stakeholder groups with different interests in sustainable forest management (SFM). This study investigated the different dimensions of conflict as perceived by private forest owners and other stakeholders, and the likely impact of these pressures on SFM in a southern Swedish context. Data were collected through a mixed methods approach using qualitative in-depth individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a quantitative survey (n?=?6–161), with questions on present and past conflicts, actors, drivers, acting, management and solutions. Stakeholders felt that in the past the conflicts were more about technical dimensions of forestry practice, and today more about the political and cultural dimensions of forestry issues. The most frequently mentioned reason for forest conflict was forest protection, especially woodland key habitats. In all conflicts, forest owners emphasised the importance of knowledge, responsibility and emotions. Other stakeholders did too, but with emotions less emphasised. In managing conflict, meetings, adaptation and education were stressed by stakeholders. Dialogue arenas on different levels are needed for all stakeholders. Governing bodies also need to realise the implication different approaches and strategies have on forest owners management.