Structural elucidation of condensed tannin from the bark waste of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia crassicarpa</Emphasis> plantation wood in Indonesia

Recently, Acacia crassicarpa has been planted in peatland areas with acidic soil in Indonesia for use in pulp and paper materials. Its bark is not suitable to produce bleached pulp; hence, it is discarded as waste. Meanwhile, in South Africa and other countries, Acacia mearnsii has been planted for a long time, and its bark extracts have been used as a leather tanning agent. First, the structure of condensed tannin from the bark waste of A. crassicarpa is characterized. The yield of the extracts obtained from A. crassicarpa using a 70% acetone aqueous solution (7% based on bark weight) is less than that obtained from A. mearnsii (34%). A novel flavan dimer from the condensed tannin, specific to A. crassicarpa, is isolated from the bark extracts. To the best of our knowledge, this dimer is a new compound as evidenced from pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses; it corresponds to a gallocatechin–catechin flavan dimer with the absence of one oxygen atom at the 3C of the pyran ring. In addition, 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzoic acid methyl ester is identified as a novel pyrolysis product obtained from the cleavage of the pyran ring.     

Propofol–medetomidine–ketamine total intravenous anaesthesia in thiafentanil–medetomidine-immobilized impala (Aepyceros melampus)

Objective

To characterize a propofol–medetomidine-ketamine total intravenous anaesthetic in impala (Aepyceros melampus).

The activation of triadimefon and its role in the selectivity of fungicide action

The uptake and metabolism of triadimefon by mycelia of fungi, sensitive or resistant to triadimefon, were studied. In the mycelia the triadimefon content accumulated to 20-40-fold of the external concentration, irrespective of the sensitivity of the fungus. In the course of the metabolism a highly fungitoxic product, triadimenol, was formed. In mycelia of sensitive fungi this transformation was at a high rate whereas it could not be demonstrated or only to a low extent in resistant types. The material produced by the sensitive fungi was effective also against fungi basically resistant to triadimefon. Based on these observations, triadimefon has to be regarded as the precursor of triadimenol. In the species investigated, selectivity may be related mainly to the rate of activation. In higher plants the metabolism of triadimefon showed a similar pattern, but was slower than with fungi. As the transformation into triadimenol (activation) begins thus early in the host tissues, the systemic fungitoxic effect is also influenced by the host plant itself. Regarding the speed of activation differences were found between the four plant species investigated.     

First detection of canine parvovirus type 2c in South America

Since its sudden emergence in the early 1970s, canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) has been evolving through the generation of novel genetic and antigenic variants (CPV-2a/b/c and a number of additional mutations) that are unevenly distributed throughout the world. In order to develop strategies to control the spread of these variants and to understand virus evolution is fundamental to genotype field isolates from different geographic locations. In the present paper we have examined 25 isolates of CPV from clinical samples of Uruguayan dogs collected during year 2006. A fragment of the VP2 gene of the virus was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence analysis. Out of the 25 isolates analyzed, only one was characterized as CPV-2a and 24 were characterized as CPV-2c, indicating that this type is currently the prevalent field CPV circulating in Uruguay. This is the first report of CPV-2c in the American continent and it also represents the highest frequency of this type observed in a dog population so far. Its presence in South American supports the assumption that CPV-2c is reaching a worldwide distribution as occurred with 2a/2b antigenic types.     

Harmonised monitoring of Lake Macro Prespa as a basis for Integrated Water Resources Management

In this paper, reliable data and information as an important basis for integrated water resources management (IWRM) is discussed. Such data are especially important in transboundary water bodies, as they can represent a common and transparent knowledge-base that all concerned parties can trust and utilise in the management process. The transboundary Lake Macro Prespa (West Balkan) is used as a case study. The lake is rich in biodiversity but threatened by increased eutrophication. The main focus of the monitoring (2007–2008) was therefore on nutrients and chlorophyll a, as well as oxygen levels, transparency and temperature. The results of the monitoring were used in consultations with water managers and other stakeholders, and the study demonstrated how such data could represent a common and neutral point of departure for discussions across borders on integrated lake management. However, the paper also shows that monitoring may result in inadequate or even erroneous information, thus pointing to the importance of understanding all phases of the practical implementation of harmonised monitoring. The main challenges of the harmonised monitoring included different laboratory methods and performances, as well as a number of practical issues related to logistics and communications across borders. A less ambitious programme during the first year of monitoring (2007) might have saved funds and resulted in more harmonised and reliable data this year. However, in 2008 the project succeeded in producing a set of harmonised data, amongst others by using one common and accredited laboratory for stations in both countries. This paper therefore also presents new monitoring data from this unique large lake, of which there are relatively few published studies. The results of the monitoring give reasons for concern. The eutrophication of the lake seems to be increasing, and this calls for improved integrated management in order to reduce nutrient levels and improve the environmental status.     

An overview of the utilisation of microalgae biomass derived from nutrient recycling of wet market wastewater and slaughterhouse wastewater

International Aquatic Research - Microalgae have high nutritional values for aquatic organisms compared to fish meal, because microalgae cells are rich in proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates....     

Surgical treatment of a double aortic arch in a dog

An 8-month-old spayed female Labrador retriever dog was evaluated for regurgitation 6 months after surgery for a suspected vascular ring anomaly. The dog had a history of regurgitation and slow development as a puppy. An initial left-sided exploratory thoracotomy was unsuccessful in identifying and treating a vascular ring anomaly. The dog was subsequently presented to the PennVet Emergency Service for regurgitation. Thoracic radiography showed cranial thoracic esophageal dilation and an esophageal foreign body that was then removed endoscopically. Subsequent computed tomographic (CT) angiography revealed a double aortic arch. A left 4th intercostal space thoracotomy was performed. The smaller left aortic arch and a left ligamentum arteriosum were ligated and transected. The dog recovered uneventfully and was healthy at the 1-month follow-up visit. This is the 5th reported successful surgical correction of a double aortic arch in a dog. Computed tomographic angiography was essential in diagnosis and surgical planning.Key clinical message:Although uncommon, double aortic arches can occur and present a diagnostic and surgical challenge when a persistent right aortic arch is suspected. Computed tomographic angiography provides an accurate preoperative diagnosis and allows for surgical planning.     

Genomic characterization and distribution of bovine foamy virus in Japan

Bovine foamy virus (BFV) is distributed through worldwide cattle herds. Although the biological features of BFV are not well understood, appearance of clinical manifestation by superinfection with other microorganisms is inferred. In Japan, reports of genomic characterizations and epidemiology of this virus are limited. In this study, we performed whole genomic sequencing of BFV strains Ibaraki and No.43, which were isolated in this country. Additionally, we investigated BFV in geographically distant four daily farms in Japan, to estimate the distribution of BFV and its correlation to bovine leukemia virus (BLV). BFV was distributed throughout Japan; the average positive rate was 12.7%. The nucleotide sequence identities of the isolates were 99.6% when compared with BFV strain isolated in the USA. The phylogenetic tree using env gene sequence showed strains Ibaraki, No.43 and Kagoshima were sorted in the same cluster including the USA and Chinese strains, while Hokkaido strain was in the other cluster including European strains. Although no clear correlation between BFV and BLV could be found, BFV and BLV infections were likely to increase with ages. Our data on epidemiology and characteristics of BFV will provide important information to reveal biological features of BFV.