Fermented vegetables containing benzoic and ascorbic acids as additives: benzene formation during storage and impact of additives on quality parameters

Chemical and sensorial changes related to the use of benzoates and ascorbic acid as additives in packed fermented vegetables were investigated. For this, three selected vegetables (green olives, cucumbers, and caperberries) stored under different conditions (glass or plastic containers, ambient or refrigerated storage) were used. In all cases, benzoic acid remained unchanged (glass bottle) or decreased slightly (plastic pouch) at prolonged storage. Ascorbic acid was partially or totally degraded during storage, the degradation rate depending on the storage conditions and the vegetable matrix. Benzene levels higher than 10 μg/L were found in cucumbers and caperberries containing both additives, but only when packed in plastic pouches and after prolonged storage at room temperature. In these conditions, an appreciable browning of brine, related to AA degradation, was also found. The use of benzoate alone had a significant influence on vegetable color, but flavor was not significantly affected at the benzoate levels tested. On the basis of the present study, benzoates should be removed from fermented vegetable formulations containing ascorbic acid to eliminate possible benzene formation during long-term storage.     

Dormouse injuries predispose beech to infection by Neonectria ditissima

After awaking from winter hibernation, the Edible dormouse begins to feed by stripping the bark and the outer part of the xylem from the branches of both broadleaves and conifers. Natural or artificial wounds are essential for the penetration and colonisation of the tissues by the fungal pathogen Neonectria ditissima. This pathogen creates open cankers on beech branches and other broadleaves, which are frequently later infected by wood‐decaying fungi. Because of the high frequencies of both dormouse injuries and branch cankers in a large monospecific beech forest in northern Italy, field and laboratory investigations were conducted to verify whether rodent‐inflicted injuries on beech were a preferred infection point for the pathogen. These studies also examined the susceptibility to infection of the dormouse‐inflicted wounds over time, and the relationships between dormouse damage, Neonectria infection, and wood decay. The results showed a significant direct correlation between the percentage of infections and their proximity to the wounds, indicating that the parasite localises to sites where there are receptive dormouse injuries. In addition, the susceptibility of the wound was found to diminish with increasing age, disappearing in 120–150 days. The association between dormouse injuries, Neonectria cankers and wood decay was also found to cause approximately half of the frequent beech branch breakages during intense weather events.     

Management of pelvic trauma: neurological damage, urinary tract disruption and pelvic fractures

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Cats commonly present with pelvic trauma following road traffic accidents (RTAs). A logical step-wise approach to diagnostics and subsequent management can significantly improve the prognosis in the majority of cases. This article provides a practical guide to assist decision-making and optimise management of these cats. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Affected cats may have sustained trauma to several body systems and, hence, their management can be complex, requiring good clinical, diagnostic and surgical skills (often both soft tissue and orthopaedic!). PATIENT GROUP: Any cat allowed access to the outdoors is potentially at risk of being involved in an RTA and sustaining pelvic trauma. Young male cats are most commonly affected. EVIDENCE BASE: Many original articles and textbook chapters have been published on aspects of pelvic trauma. However, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive overview of the assessment and management of the feline pelvic trauma case. The review begins by discussing initial triage and neurological examination, and then focuses, in turn, on assessment and management of the 'tail pull' injury, the diagnosis and management of urinary tract rupture, and the approach to managing specific pelvic fractures.     

Suture Materials and Suture Selection for Use in Exotic Pet Surgical Procedures

Exotic animals are becoming increasingly popular and more exotic pet owners are seeking veterinary care. This has led to a demand for properly trained veterinarians who are capable of providing quality, up-to-date medical and surgical treatments. Many surgeries are now performed on exotic pets, and selection of the appropriate suture material is an important part of the treatment protocol. An understanding of different available suture materials, healing times of different tissues, and knowledge of different anatomic and physiologic characteristics in different species is important in the selection of the most appropriate suture material. This review will summarize important aspects of suture selection in exotic animals.     

Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques in Exotic Animals

The term minimally invasive surgery refers to procedures performed using endoscopic guidance to enter a part of the body (e.g., laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy, rhinoscopy, gastroscopy). Endoscope-assisted procedures generally use a rigid endoscope to improve visualization and/or access or permit completion of the procedure extracorporeally to access internal body structures through small openings compared with traditional “open” incision techniques. Endoscope-assisted procedures currently performed in exotics include, but are not limited to, exploratory laparoscopy/coelioscopy/thoracoscopy, procurement of thoracic and abdominal organ biopsies, intestinal foreign body removal, cystotomy, and reproductive sterilization.     

Evaluation of initial plasma lactate values as a predictor of gastric necrosis and initial and subsequent plasma lactate values as a predictor of survival in dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus: 84 dogs (2003–2007)

Objective – To test whether an initial plasma lactate≥6.0 mmol/L is associated with the presence of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis and overall survival in dogs presenting with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV). Additionally, if no association was identified we sought to identify a different predictive initial plasma lactate concentration and to examine whether serial plasma lactate concentrations provide better prediction of survival. Design – Retrospective study over a 5‐year period (2003–2007). Setting – Urban private referral small animal teaching hospital. Animals – Eighty‐four client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of GDV and plasma lactate measurements. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – There was no statistically significant relationship found between survival and the presence of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis with the initial plasma lactate≥6 mmol/L. There was a significant relationship between the initial plasma lactate >2.9 mmol/L for predicting necrosis and <4.1 mmol/L for predicting survival to discharge. Forty dogs that had an increased initial plasma lactate (>2.5 mmol/L) also had a subsequent plasma lactate measured within 12 hours of presentation, with 37/40 dogs surviving and 70% of these surviving dogs having the subsequent lactate decrease by≥50% within 12 hours. The 3/40 that died failed to decrease their plasma lactate by≥50% from the initial blood lactate. Conclusion – The results of this study indicate that an initial presenting plasma lactate concentration≥6.0 mmol/L is not predictive of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis or survival in dogs presenting with GDV. A decrease in plasma lactate concentrations≥50% within 12 hours may be a good indicator for survival. Limitations to the study include its retrospective nature, the small number of patients, and the number of dogs that were euthanized rather than allowed to progress to a natural outcome.