B-mode ultrasound examination of canine mammary gland neoplastic lesions of small size (diameter < 2 cm)

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for the evaluation of neoplastic lesions in the dog and there is a growing interest in the use of this technique for the stadiation of canine mammary tumours. An accurate assessment of small sized nodules facilitates the stadiation of the mammary lesions and helps the clinician in the choice of the most indicated surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to identify those ultrasound criteria that may be useful in discriminating between benign and malignant lesions of small size (diameter smaller than 2 cm). Sixty-two nodules, < 2 cm in larger diameter, belonging to thirty-five bitches presented between January 2012 and February 2014 were evaluated. Tumours were observed by conventional ultrasound and assessed for: shape (regular-irregular), limit (defined-ill-defined), margins (regular-irregular), echogenicity (hypoechoic-isoechoic-hyperecoic), echotexture (homogeneus-heterogeneus), presence of hyperecoic halo, distal acoustic enhancement or shadowing and surrounding tissue alterations. Among the alterations in surrounding tissues, the disruption of the glandular tissue and the increase in echogenicity of the peritumoral tissues were assessed. Thereafter, bitches were subjected to mastectomy and nodules were evaluated histologically. None of the ultasound criteria considered in the current study showed a statistically significant relation with malignancy, except for the presence of alterations in the tissue surrounding the nodules. According to our results, this characteristic may indicate malignancy, however its subjectivity may affect the applicability in clinical practice. In conclusions, conventional ultrasound in bitches had a limited ability in discriminating benign and malignant mammary gland neoplastic lesions of small size (diameter?<?2 cm).     

Algal Phlorotannins as Novel Antibacterial Agents with Reference to the Antioxidant Modulation: Current Advances and Future Directions

The increasing drug resistance of infectious microorganisms is considered a primary concern of global health care. The screening and identification of natural compounds with antibacterial properties have gained immense popularity in recent times. It has previously been shown that several bioactive compounds derived from marine algae exhibit antibacterial activity. Similarly, polyphenolic compounds are generally known to possess promising antibacterial capacity, among other capacities. Phlorotannins (PTs), an important group of algae-derived polyphenolic compounds, have been considered potent antibacterial agents both as single drug entities and in combination with commercially available antibacterial drugs. In this context, this article reviews the antibacterial properties of polyphenols in brown algae, with particular reference to PTs. Cell death through various molecular modes of action and the specific inhibition of biofilm formation by PTs were the key discussion of this review. The synergy between drugs was also discussed in light of the potential use of PTs as adjuvants in the pharmacological antibacterial treatment.     

Hemodynamic effects of incremental doses of acepromazine in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of incremental doses of acepromazine on hemodynamics in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.Study designProspective, experimental study.AnimalsHealthy, adult, mixed-breed dogs (two male and four female) weighing 16.8 ± 5.1 kg (mean ± standard deviation).MethodsDogs were anesthetized with propofol (7 mg kg^–1) intravenously (IV) and isoflurane. Thermodilution and arterial catheters were placed for hemodynamic monitoring and arterial blood sampling for blood gas analysis. Baseline measurements were performed with stable expired concentration of isoflurane (Fe′Iso) at 1.8%. Each dog was then administered four incremental acepromazine injections (10, 15, 25 and 50 μg kg^–1) IV, and measurements were repeated 20 minutes after each acepromazine injection with Fe′Iso decreased to 1.2%. The four acepromazine injections resulted in cumulative doses of 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg kg^–1 (time points ACP₁₀, ACP₂₅, ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀, respectively).ResultsCompared with baseline, cardiac index (CI) increased significantly by 34%, whereas systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased by 25% at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀. Arterial oxygen content (CaO₂) was significantly lower than baseline after all acepromazine injections (maximum decreases of 11%) and was lower at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀ than at ACP₁₀. No significant change was found in heart rate, stroke index, oxygen delivery index and systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures. Hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg) was observed in one dog at baseline, ACP₁₀, ACP₂₅ and ACP₁₀₀, and in two dogs at ACP₅₀.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCompared with isoflurane alone, anesthesia with acepromazine–isoflurane resulted in increased CI and decreased SVRI and CaO₂ values. These effects were dose-related, being more pronounced at ACP₅₀ and ACP₁₀₀. Under the conditions of this study, acepromazine administration did not change blood pressure.     

The thermal antinociceptive effects of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine alone or followed by hydromorphone in conscious cats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the thermal antinociceptive effects of a high-concentration formulation of buprenorphine alone or followed by hydromorphone in conscious cats.Study designRandomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study design.AnimalsA total of six purpose-bred, adult female ovariohysterectomized Domestic Short Hair cats.MethodsCats were allocated into three treatments each consisting of two injections, subcutaneous then intravenous (IV) administration, 2 hours apart: treatment SS, two injections of 0.9% saline; treatment BS, buprenorphine (0.24 mg kg^–1, 1.8 mg mL^–1) and saline; and treatment BH, buprenorphine (0.24 mg kg^–1) and hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg^–1). Skin temperature (ST) and thermal threshold (TT) were recorded before (baseline) and for 24 hours following first injection. TT data were analyzed using mixed linear models and a Benjamini–Hochberg sequential adjustment procedure (p < 0.05).ResultsThere were no significant differences among treatments for baseline ST and TT values, treatment SS over time and between treatments BS and BH. Compared with baseline, TT was significantly increased at all time points in treatments BH and BS except at 2 hours in treatment BS. TT was significantly higher than SS at 3–18 hours and 4–12 hours for treatments BS and BH, respectively. Maximal increases in TT were 47.5 °C at 2 hours, 53.9 °C at 3 hours and 52.4 °C at 6 hours in treatments SS, BS and BH, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAdministration of IV hydromorphone following high-concentration buprenorphine provided no additional antinociception and decreased the duration of effect when compared with high-concentration buprenorphine alone. Alternative analgesics should be considered if additional analgesia is required after administration of high-concentration buprenorphine.     

Planning wetland protection and restoration for the safeguard of ecosystem service flows to beneficiaries

Landscape Ecology - Human activities have led to the degradation of wetlands, impinging on their capacity to deliver essential ecosystem services to society. Wetland restoration now appears an...     

In vitro ruminal fermentation parameters and methane production of Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha) in a silvopastoral system associated with levels of protein supplementation

The addition of protein supplementation in a silvopastoral system can contribute to improved forage intake and digestibility. Our objective was to evaluate in vitro ruminal parameters, digestibility and gas production of Marandu palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster] in a silvopastoral system and compare this to parameters obtained from diets with protein supplementation. Forage was sampled during the growing season (November to April) in 2016/17 and 2017/18. In vitro incubation treatments consisted of four levels of protein supplement (20% of crude protein; CP) in the diet (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 g/kg of body weight). The neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and indigestible neutral detergent fibre concentrations were highest in the first year. In the second year, CP concentration was 21% greater than in the first year. There was a linear increase for digestion rate, a quadratic effect for lag time and a linear decrease for average digestion time as supplementation levels were increased. The least lag time and digestion time occurred in the second year. There was no supplementation effect on ruminal pH, acetate and butyrate concentrations. Second-year in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was greater than in the first year. Increases in supplementation levels linearly enhanced IVDMD and reduced methane (CH₄) production. The inclusion of a protein supplement contributed to reduced CH₄ and increased volatile fatty acids production; therefore, we recommended the supplement inclusion of >0.28 g/kg of BW for animals grazing in well-managed palisadegrass pastures.     

Genome-wide in silico analysis of SOD genes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are a group of enzymes that play essential roles in catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide radicals to protect cells from...