Vegetable carbohydrates in human food. Preventive,prophylactic and epidemiological aspects

The composition of carbohydrates from 90 Danish vegetable foods has been determined by agronomist H. Englyst in the Institute of Hygiene, University of Aarhus, Denmark. The analyses are based on Southgate's method, modified and supplemented with gas chromatography (D.A.T. Southgate, G.J. Hudson & H. Englyst ‘The analysis of Dietary Fiber—The Choices for the Analyst’, J. Sci. Fd. Agric 1978). Results have been converted to contents per 100 gram food product (P. Helms & H. Englyst ‘Kulhydratsammensaetningen i vegetabilske fødevarer’, Husholdningsraadets Tekn. Medd. 1978/18; 3 p. 14) and transferred to magnetic cards as data-basis for a COMPUCORP^R calculator, which has been used in calculating the food consumption of households. Farmers' organizations in Denmark have made food surveys regularly since 1927, and from their archieves the consumption of vegetable carbohydrates during the years 1927–1977 will be presented. The appended table gives average values from two epochs, one before and one after the world war II. The figures illustrate known facts: that carbohydrate consumption has declined, and that the reduction is most pronounced for fiber-rich natural carbohydrate foods, whole-meal bread and potatoes. The role of carbohydrates, especially the undigestible fractions will be discussed from preventive and prophylactic aspects. Prevention is defined as intervention directed against specified diseases, e.g. constipation. Prophylaxis is used as a designation for measures aimed at an undefinable raising of the general resistance against environmental challenges. Epidemiological experiences will be taken into account, and consequences of possible modifications in processing and comsumption of vegetable carbohydrate foods will be evaluated.     

Use of transesophageal echocardiography for visualization of the patent ductus arteriosus during transcatheter coil embolization

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) enhances our ability to see the patent ductus arteriosus in the dog. The improved visualization may potentially improve our ability to perform transcatheter coil embolization in patients that are more likely to have a successful outcome. This report uses still and video images to detail the specifics of coil embolization as performed with the assistance of TEE and compares the images with those of angiography, surgery and postmortem examination.     

A trial to assess the value of xiphoid cartilage measurements and carcass weight for age determination in sheep

Extract

One of the most important bases for grading a carcass is a knowledge of its age. However, under actual meatworks conditions, the exact date of birth of sheep that are delivered for slaughter is not known. The approved method for estimating the age in this species is by examination of the teeth, but the grader is unable to check the teeth because the head will have already been removed from the carcass as a part of the normal dressing procedure.     

Resection of a Large Intra‐Abdominal Tumor in the Mexican Axolotl: A Case Report

Objective— This case report describes the surgical removal of an intra‐abdominal tumor from a Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). The animal was admitted with left abdominal swelling that had increased over 4 months. Methods— Surgical removal was performed under general anesthesia with MS222 under an operating microscope. Exploratory laparotomy was performed through 2.5 dorsocranial skin incision in the left flank, followed by subcutaneous dissection. Results— The tumor involved the spleen, was adjacent to the descending colon, and supplied by vessels from the spleen, stomach, and colon. The mass was removed by clamping and transecting the spleen and the peritoneum was closed with a continuous suture pattern, while abdominal muscles and skin were closed in layers. After a total duration time of anesthesia of 90 minutes the animal was kept in prophylactic antibiotic baths. Tissue sections revealed characteristics of both lymphangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma with an appearance typical for a malignant tumor. Conclusions— Abdominal surgery was performed in an axolotl and the surgical wound healed without complication.     

Sutured End-to-End and Stapled Side-to-Side Jejunal Anastomoses in the Horse

Hand sutured end-to-end (EE) and stapled side-to-side (SS) small intestinal anastomoses were performed in 10 healthy adult horses. In five SS anastomoses, staple lines on the blind ends of the jejunum were inverted (SSI) and in five they were not (SSNI). Five EE anastomoses were sutured with polydioxanone and five were sutured with polyglyconate. All horses were euthanatized on day 30. Intra-abdominal adhesions were graded (0-4), and stomal areas were calculated from contrast radiographs made with the bowel distended. Histopathology scores for the anastomoses were based on the degree of inflammation (0-3), fibrosis (0-3), and alignment and healing of intestinal layers (0-3). Mean surgery times +/- standard deviations for EE, SSI, and SSNI techniques were 33.9 +/- 5.4, 36.2 +/- 5.6, and 29.6 +/- 5.9 minutes, respectively. Mean and median stomal areas were 9.4 +/- 5.5 and 8.9 cm2 for EE anastomoses and 17.2 +/- 16.5 and 12.1 cm2 for SS anastomoses. Intra-abdominal adhesions developed in three horses, one of which had clinical signs of colic. Mean histopathology scores for EE and SS anastomoses were 4.8 +/- 2.0 (median = 5) and 4.4 +/- 1.8 (median = 4), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in surgery times, intra-abdominal adhesion scores, stomal areas, or histopathology scores between small intestinal EE and SS anastomoses in these horses.     

The Intercarpal Ligaments of the Equine Midcarpal Joint, Part 2: The Role of the Palmar Intercarpal Ligaments in the Restraint of Dorsal Displacement of the Proximal Row of Carpal Bones

Objective— To determine the relative contributions of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the midcarpal joint to the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones.
Study Design— A biomechanical study of cadaver equine carpi.
Animals or Sample Population— Eight equine forelimbs from six thoroughbred horses.
Methods— With joints in full extension, the radius was dorsally displaced while midcarpal joint displacement was measured. The restraining force at a joint displacement of 1.5 mm was determined from the load-displacement curve. A ligament or pair of ligaments was then cut and the testing procedure repeated. Their contribution to restraining force was calculated as the percentage change in restraining force after the ligament was sectioned. Relative cross-sectional areas of the ligaments tested were measured at the level of the midcarpal joint.
Results— The collateral ligaments were the major contributors to the restraint of dorsal displacement ( P <.001). In all joints, the palmar intercarpal ligaments contributed a greater proportion than the palmar carpal ligament (PCL) ( P <.05). The mean percentage (±SEM) contributions to the restraint of dorsal displacement were 62.8 ± 3.4 for the collateral ligaments, 14.5 ±1.4 for the PCL, and 22.7 ± 2.2 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments. Mean cross-sectional area expressed as a percentage (±SEM) of the total ligamentous area were 9.0 ± 0.3 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments, 27.1 ± 3.0 for the PCL, and 63.8 ± 2.8 for the collateral ligaments.
Conclusions— Despite the small size of the palmar intercarpal ligaments, they play an important role in the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones.
Clinical Relevance— Interpretation, as well as prevention and treatment of intercarpal ligament tearing requires an understanding of their function.