Stem mapping and estimating standing volume from stereoscopic hemispherical images

Sustainable forest management requires knowledge of forest structure and dynamics as well as an estimation of growing stock. The forest inventory provides the data for estimating stand variables. The measurement device MU2005-01738, patented by the Center for Forest Research (INIA-CIFOR), provides stereoscopic hemispherical images which can allow the 3D restoration of the stand around the sampling point. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for forest stand mapping as well as tree diameter and height measurement along with volume estimation from the stereoscopic hemispherical images provided by the MU2005-01738. Using the MU2005-01738, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations were sampled. Distance, diameter, height and volume were derived from the stereoscopic hemispherical images of 30 trees located at distances ranging from 0 to 15 m from the device. These variables were then compared with field measurements and the estimation errors analyzed. The (root-mean-squared error) RMSE was 0.23 m (8.95 %) for tree position and 1.51 cm (10.43 %) for diameter at breast height measurement at distances of less than 8 m. In the case of stem height and individual tree volume estimation, the RMSE was 2.59 m (23.05 %) and 0.025 m³ (17.94 %), respectively. The analysis of measurement errors indicated that the measurement precision decreases beyond 8 m from the device as well as for directions close to the baseline (the line between the optical centers of the two images), whereas the precision was highest for directions near to the line which is perpendicular to the base line. Future research should focus on improving measurement accuracy and possible applications in the field of forestry of the techniques presented in this study.     

Investigation of the Effects of Salinity and Dietary Protein Level on Growth and Survival of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

It is presumed that in hypo‐ and hypersaline environments, shrimp’s requirements for some specific nutrients, such as protein, may differ from those known in the marine habitat; however, few investigations have been conducted in this area of study. In the present investigation, the effects of salinity and dietary protein level on the biological performance, tissue protein, and water content of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, were evaluated. In a 3 × 4 factorial experiment, juvenile shrimp with an average initial weight of 0.36 ± 0.02 g were exposed for 32 d to salinities of 2, 35, and 50 ppt and fed experimental diets with crude protein contents of 25, 30, 35, and 40%. A significant effect of salinity on growth of shrimp was detected, with the growth responses (final weight, weight gain) ranked in the order 2 ppt (3.87, 3.50 g) > 35 ppt (3.40, 3.04 g) > 50 ppt (2.84, 2.47 g). No effects of dietary protein level or an interaction between salinity and protein on growth of shrimp were observed under the experimental conditions of this study. Percent survival of shrimp fed the highest protein content (40%, survival of 74%) was, however, significantly lower than those of shrimp fed the other feeds (25, 30 and 35% protein, survival of 99, 91, and 94%, respectively), a result likely associated with the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen, which increased significantly at increasing protein levels. Final water content of whole shrimp was significantly lower in animals exposed to 50 ppt (70.8%) than in shrimp held at 2 (73.7%) and 35 ppt (72.3%). No effect of salinity, protein, or their interaction was observed on the protein content of whole shrimp. The results of the present study are in agreement with reports of superior and inferior growth of L. vannamei reared in hypo‐ and hypersaline environments, respectively, as compared to what is generally observed in seawater.     

Tanjungides A and B: New Antitumoral Bromoindole Derived Compounds from Diazona cf formosa. Isolation and Total Synthesis

Tanjungides A (1) (Z isomer) and B (2) (E isomer), two novel dibrominated indole enamides, have been isolated from the tunicate Diazona cf formosa. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including HRMS, and extensive 1D and 2D NMR. The stereochemistry of the cyclised cystine present in both compounds was determined by Marfey’s analysis after chemical degradation and hydrolysis. We also report the first total synthesis of these compounds using methyl 1H-indole-3-carboxylate as starting material and a linear sequence of 11 chemical steps. Tanjungides A and B exhibit significant cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines.     

Bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin in the presence of phytosterols: in vitro and in vivo studies

Bioactive compounds are used in the design and development of new food products with potential health benefits, although little is known regarding their bioavailability and interactions. This study assessed the stability, in vitro bioaccessibility, and human bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin from β-cryptoxanthin-rich drinks with and without added phytosterols developed for this purpose. The developed drinks showed no difference in the content of β-cryptoxanthin, and they were stable over 6 months. In vitro, hydrolysis of β-cryptoxanthin esters and the amount of free β-cryptoxanthin at duodenal and micellar phases were similar regardless of the presence of phytosterols. In the human study, the daily intake provoked significant increments of β-cryptoxanthin in serum regardless of the type of the drink. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo human studies have shown that the bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin is not significantly affected by the presence of phytosterols when they are simultaneously supplied in a drink.     

Dietary Protein Hydrolysates from Animal By-Products: Digestibility and Enzymatic Activity for Dourado Salminus brasiliensis

Fishmeal (FM) is a high-cost and scarce feedstuff. Notwithstanding, the formulation and processing of diets for carnivorous fish strongly rely on FM as a protein source, given its palatability and biological value. Animal by-product hydrolysates are high-quality feedstuff and can substitute FM in aquafeeds. This study evaluated the digestibility of hydrolysates from tilapia residue (TR), tuna head (TH), swine liver (SL), and poultry liver (PL), and the profile of digestive enzymes in juvenile dourado, Salminus brasiliensis, a carnivorous Characin, fed diets containing graded levels of the hydrolysates. Inclusion of hydrolysates in diet formulations lowered the pH of feed but did not alter feed intake by fish. Higher apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of diets were recorded for fish fed diets containing TR and SL, and lower ADCs were recorded for fish fed diets containing TH. Protease and lipase activities in the animal’s stomach were higher, especially for those fed with diets containing SL. Amylase activity was higher in pyloric caeca, whereas in the intestines, the higher activity was seen in fish fed control and TR diets. Animal by-product hydrolysates were highly digestible for dourado, and the enzymatic profile of fish was influenced by the nutrient contents of diets.     

Distribution of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the spinal cord of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected by symptomatic syringomyelia

The causes of clinical signs associated with syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) are incompletely understood. In this study we compared expression of two pain-related neuropeptides: substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), in the spinal cord dorsal horn of normal dogs with that in CKCS with and without clinical signs of syringomyelia. There was a decrease in expression of both peptides in CKCS with 'symptomatic' syringomyelia that was also associated with significant asymmetry in SP-I and similar, though non-significant, asymmetry in CGRP-I compared with other groups. The asymmetric distribution of these pain-related peptides may be a consequence of syrinx-associated damage to grey matter but may also play a role in generation of pain.     

Dose requirement and cardiopulmonary effects of diluted and undiluted propofol for induction of anaesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo compare the dose, cardiopulmonary effects and quality of anaesthetic induction in dogs using propofol (10 mg mL^–1) and diluted propofol (5 mg mL^–1).Study designRandomized, blinded, clinical study.AnimalsA total of 28 client-owned dogs (12 males/16 females).MethodsFollowing intramuscular acepromazine (0.02 mg kg^–1) and methadone (0.2 mg kg^–1), propofol (UP, 10 mg mL^–1) or diluted propofol (DP, 5 mg mL^–1) was administered intravenously (0.2 mL kg^–1 minute^–1) by an anaesthetist unaware of the allocated group to achieve tracheal intubation. Sedation, intubation and induction quality were scored from 0 to 3. Pre- and post-induction pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (f_R) and systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressure were compared. Time to first breath and induction dose were recorded. Data were analysed for normality and Mann–Whitney U or Student t tests were performed where appropriate. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range).ResultsThe propofol dose administered to achieve induction was lower in the DP group (2.62 ± 0.48 mg kg^–1) than in the UP group (3.48 ± 1.17 mg kg^–1) (p = 0.021). No difference was observed in pre- and post-induction PR, SAP, MAP, DAP and f_R between groups. The differences between post-induction and pre-induction values of these variables were also similar between groups. Time to first breath did not differ between groups. Sedation scores were similar between groups. Quality of tracheal intubation was marginally better with UP 0 (0–1) than with DP 1 (0–2) (p = 0.036), but overall quality of induction was similar between groups [UP 0 (0–1) and DP 0 (0–1), p = 0.549].Conclusion and clinical relevanceDiluting propofol reduced the dose to induce anaesthesia without significantly altering the cardiopulmonary variables.     

Ruminal and morphometric parameters of the rumen and intestines of sheep fed with increasing levels of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck)

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The objective of this study was to evaluate the ruminal parameters (pH, N-NH3, and microbial protein) and morphometry of the rumen and intestine of sheep fed...     

Dietary protein:lipid ratio changes growth,digestive enzyme activity,metabolic profile and haematological parameters in hybrid surubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum × Leiarius marmoratus)

Studies investigating improved protein:lipid ratios based on their effects on growth, nutrient utilization, digestive enzyme activities, blood metabolites and erythogram in tropical carnivorous fish are very scarce. This study evaluated the effect of different protein:lipid ratios on these parameters in the hybrid surubim Pseudoplatystoma corruscans × Leiarius marmoratus. Juvenile fish (8.90 ± 0.94 g initial weight) were fed 3% of total biomass for 60 days using four isoenergetic experimental diets with different protein:lipid ratios (9.00, 4.60, 3.54 and 1.78). Higher growth performance parameters were observed at higher protein:lipid ratios. The activities of intestine total alkaline protease, trypsin and lipase (U/mg protein) were not affected by dietary treatments. Chymotrypsin (U/mg protein) was higher in the 4.60 protein:lipid ratio group. Amylase (U/mg protein) was higher in intermediate groups. Blood glucose, total plasma protein, triglycerides, cholesterol and free amino acids decreased as the protein:lipid ratio decreased. Haematocrit was higher at the 9.00 and 4.60 protein:lipid ratios. Hybrid surubim showed metabolic adaptation to the different protein:lipid ratios tested. These results suggest that the 4.60 protein:lipid ratio showed the best protein‐sparing effect of lipids.