Chemical composition of caneberry (Rubus spp.) seeds and oils and their antioxidant potential

Caneberries (Rubus spp. L.) are grown primarily throughout the Pacific Northwestern United States and Canada. Processing of caneberry fruit typically removes the seed, and the development of a value-added use of seeds could expand the market for caneberries and the profit margins for growers. An initial step toward the use of the seeds is a characterization of seed and oil. Our investigation has described compositional characteristics for seeds of five commonly grown caneberry species: red raspberry, black raspberry, boysenberry, Marion blackberry, and evergreen blackberry. Seeds from all five species had 6-7% protein and 11-18% oil. The oils contained 53-63% linoleic acid, 15-31% linolenic acid, and 3-8% saturated fatty acids. The two smaller seeded raspberry species had higher percentages of oil, the lowest amounts of saturated fatty acid, and the highest amounts of linolenic acid. Antioxidant capacities were detected both for whole seeds and for cold-pressed oils but did not correlate to total phenolics or tocopherols. Ellagitannins and free ellagic acid were the main phenolics detected in all five caneberry species and were approximately 3-fold more abundant in the blackberries and the boysenberry than in the raspberries.     

New insights into the structural characteristics of the arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) fraction of gum arabic

The structural characteristics of the gum exudate of Acacia senegal (gum arabic) have been investigated by monitoring the composition and physicochemical properties before and after treatment with proteolytic enzyme and various alkaline systems. Molecular mass ( M w) and radius of gyration ( R g) measurements were performed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) coupled to refractive index, UV absorbance, and multiangle light scattering detectors and indicated that the macromolecules present have a compact structure. It was found that treatment with proteolytic enzyme caused the arabinogalactan-protein component (AGP) with average molecular mass approximately 2 x 10 (6) Da to degrade, yielding material of molecular mass approximately 4 x 10 (5) Da, whereas the bulk of the material corresponding to the protein-deficient arabinogalactan component (AG) with molecular mass 4 x 10 (5) remained unaffected. Barium hydroxide was found to hydrolyze the polysaccharide component (AG) itself in addition to the proteinaceous component as demonstrated in control experiments using dextran. However, sodium borohydride/sodium hydroxide treatments were unable to hydrolyze dextran and were assumed to hydrolyze only the proteinaceous component of gum arabic. The AGP component was completely degraded, yielding material of molecular mass approximately 4.5 x 10 (4) Da. It has been concluded, therefore, that the enzyme did not fully hydrolyze all of the protein present and that the AGP component of gum arabic consists of carbohydrate blocks of approximately 4.5 x 10 (4) Da linked to a polypeptide chain consistent with the wattle blossom structure. Because the AGP was degraded to differing extents using a mild and more severe sodium borohydride/sodium hydroxide treatment, it was concluded that the polysaccharide moieties were linked through both O-serine and O-hydroxyproline residues. The gum arabic sample was deglycosylated by treatment with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and revealed the presence of two putative core proteins of approximately 3 x 10 (4) and approximately 5 x 10 (3) Da, respectively, which correspond to proteins of approximately 250 and 45 amino acids in length. A new model for the structure of the AGP component has been proposed.     

A PCR diagnostic for cyclodiene insecticide resistance in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum

A molecular diagnostic was used to examine the conservation of cyclodiene resistance associated mutations between different strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.). An improved insecticide bioassay for discrimination between resistant genotypes was developed and seven resistant strains were established from five different continents. In order to develop a molecular diagnostic a partial cDNA of the cyclodiene insecticide resistance gene Rdl, a γ-aminobutyric-acid-gated chloride-ion channel, was cloned and sequenced. This cDNA spans exon 7, the region containing the resistance-associated mutation, and part of exon 8. An ‘allele-specific’ oligonucleotide primer, carrying the resistance-associated mutation at its 3′ end, was used in combination with a flanking ‘allele-independent’ primer in the polymerase chain reaction to selectively amplify a single resistance-associated mutation from all seven strains collected worldwide. The implications of these findings for the population genetics of insecticide resistance and its management in pest insects via quarantine are discussed.     

Use of medetomidine and ketamine for immobilization of free-ranging giraffes

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dosage correlated with shoulder height (SH) in centimeters for effective immobilization of free-ranging giraffes, using a combination of medetomidine (MED) and ketamine (KET) and reversal with atipamezole (ATP). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 23 free-ranging giraffes. PROCEDURE: The drug combination (MED and KET) was administered by use of a projectile dart. Quality of induction, quality of immobilization, and time to recovery following injection of ATP were evaluated. Physiologic variables measured during immobilization included PaO2, PaCO2, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, blood pH, indirect arterial blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature. RESULTS: Sixteen giraffes became recumbent with a dosage (mean +/- SD) of 143 +/- 29 microg of MED and 2.7 +/- 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Initially, giraffes were atactic and progressed to lateral recumbency. Three giraffes required casting with ropes for data collection, with dosages of 166 +/- 5 microg of MED and 3.2 +/- 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Four giraffes required administration of etorphine (n = 2) or were cast with ropes (2) for capture but remained dangerous to personnel once recumbent, precluding data collection. In giraffes successfully immobilized, physiologic monitoring revealed hypoxia and increased respiratory rates. Values for PaCO2, end-tidal CO2, and heart rate remained within reference ranges. All giraffes were hypertensive and had a slight increase in rectal temperature. Atipamezole was administered at 340 +/- 20 microg/cm of SH, resulting in rapid and smooth recoveries. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medetomidine and KET was an effective immobilizing combination for free-ranging giraffes; however, at the dosages used, it does not induce adequate analgesia for major manipulative procedures. Quality of induction and immobilization were enhanced if the giraffe was calm. Reversal was rapid and complete following injection of ATP.     

Plants as de-worming agents of livestock in the Nordic countries: historical perspective, popular beliefs and prospects for the future.

Preparations derived from plants were the original therapeutic interventions used by man to control diseases (including parasites), both within humans and livestock. Development of herbal products depended upon local botanical flora with the result that different remedies tended to develop in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, in some instances, the same or related plants were used over wide geographic regions, which also was the result of communication and/or the importation of plant material of high repute. Thus, the Nordic countries have an ancient, rich and diverse history of plant derived anthelmintic medications for human and animal use. Although some of the more commonly used herbal de-wormers were derived from imported plants, or their products, many are from endemic plants or those that thrive in the Scandinavian environment. With the advent of the modern chemotherapeutic era, and the discovery, development and marketing of a seemingly unlimited variety of highly efficacious, safe synthetic chemicals with very wide spectra of activities, herbal remedies virtually disappeared from the consciousness--at least in the Western world. This attitude is now rapidly changing. There is a widespread resurgence in natural product medication, driven by major threats posed by multi-resistant pest, or disease, organisms and the diminishing public perceptions that synthetic chemicals are the panacea to health and disease control. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive account of the depth of historical Nordic information available on herbal de-wormers, with emphasis on livestock and to provide some insights on potentially rewarding areas of "re-discovery" and scientific evaluation in this field.     

Peripheral neuropathy in a turkey vulture with lead toxicosis

Clinical, electromyographic, and pathologic findings characteristic of lead toxicosis were detected in a turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). The bird had generalized lower motor neuron dysfunction that progressed over 5 days. Electromyography revealed diffuse denervation potentials and a presumed decrement in the sciatic-tibial nerve conduction velocity. Histologic examination of peripheral nerves obtained at necropsy revealed changes that could be compatible with lead-induced neuropathy. Lead toxicosis was confirmed by determination of blood lead concentrations. Lead toxicosis causing neurologic disorders in birds has been described. However, this report emphasizes the effects of lead on the peripheral nervous system and demonstrates the use of electromyography for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in birds.     

Age-related changes in carbohydrate tolerance in healthy neonatal calves

Calves at 3 to 4 days of age had higher plasma glucose concentrations during glucose and lactose tolerance tests (orally administered glucose and lactose) than when the calves were 8 to 9 days old. These observations may be accounted for by decreased insulin secretion and/or insulin sensitivity of the target tissues. Lower hepatic glucokinase activity in neonates also may allow increased passage of splanchnic glucose to the system circulation.