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).     

Complexing the Marine Sesquiterpene Euplotin C by Means of Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: A Preliminary Investigation

Euplotin C is a sesquiterpene of marine origin endowed with significant anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties. Despite the promising functional profile, its progress as a novel drug candidate has failed so far, due to its scarce solubility and poor stability in aqueous media, such as biological fluids. Therefore, overcoming these limits is an intriguing challenge for the scientific community. In this work, we synthesized β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges and investigated their use as colloidal carriers for stably complex euplotin C. Results obtained proved the ability of the carrier to include the natural compound, showing remarkable values of both loading efficiency and capacity. Moreover, it also allowed us to preserve the chemical structure of the loaded compound, which was recovered unaltered once extracted from the complex. Therefore, the use of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges represents a viable option to vehiculate euplotin C, thus opening up its possible use as pharmacologically active compound.     

Supercritical CO2 extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum: chemical characterization and antityrosinase activity

The volatile oil of the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was extracted by means of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction in different conditions of pressure and temperature. Its chemical composition was characterized by GC-MS analysis. Nineteen compounds, which in the supercritical extract represented >95% of the oil, were identified. (E)-Cinnamaldehyde (77.1%), (E)-beta-caryophyllene (6.0%), alpha-terpineol (4.4%), and eugenol (3.0%) were found to be the major constituents. The SFE oil of cinnamon was screened for its biological activity about the formation of melanin in vitro. The extract showed antityrosinase activity and was able to reduce the formation of insoluble flakes of melanin from tyrosine. The oil also delayed the browning effect in apple homogenate. (E)-Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were found to be mainly responsible of this inhibition effect.     

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and characterization of Laurus nobilis essential oil

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction allowed essential oil of Laurus nobilis to be obtained. Extraction conditions were as follows: pressure, 90 bar; temperature, 50 degrees C; and carbon dioxide flow, Phi = 1.0 kg/h. Waxes were entrapped in the first separator set at 90 bar and -10 degrees C. The oil was recovered in the second separator working at 15 bar and 10 degrees C. The main components were 1,8-cineole (22.8%), linalool (12.5%), alpha-terpinyl acetate (11.4%), and methyleugenol (8.1%). Comparison with the hydrodistilled oil did not reveal any significant difference. Collection of samples at different extraction times during supercritical extraction allowed the change of the oil composition to be monitored. Lighter compounds such as hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpenes were extracted in shorter times than the heavier hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes.     

Impacts of the nitrogen application on productivity and nutrients concentrations of the corn-Congo grass intercropping system in the dry season

ABSTRACT

The corn-grass intercropping system began to be used in the dry season, as it provides increased straw production for the no-tillage system. However, corn and grass are plants demanding in nitrogen. The corn cultivated in the dry season is called out-of-season corn in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and nutrients concentrations of out-of-season corn and Congo-grass intercropped in the no-tillage system, as a function of the nitrogen rates applied in sidedressing. The treatments were four nitrogen rates, 0, 30, 60 and 90?kg?ha^?1. The experimental design was randomised complete blocks with four replicates. The experimental period corresponded to the harvests of 2015 and 2016. There were evaluated: corn grain yield, dry mass production and nutrient concentration in the shoots of the plants intercropped. The evaluations were carried out at the physiological maturity stage of the corn and at the time of desiccation of the grass. Nitrogen increased grain yield and dry mass production of the plants intercropped. Nitrogen maximised the magnesium concentration in out-of-season corn and the nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and sulphur concentrations in Congo grass. Excess nitrogen promoted reduction of the phosphorus in the Corn-Congo grass intercropping system in the dry season.     

Plasma levels of a low-dose constant-rate-infusion of ketamine and its effect on single and repeated nociceptive stimuli in conscious dogs

This study quantitatively investigated the analgesic action of a low-dose constant-rate-infusion (CRI) of racemic ketamine (as a 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ bolus and at a dose rate of 10 μg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) in conscious dogs using a nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) and with enantioselective measurement of plasma levels of ketamine and norketamine. Withdrawal reflexes evoked by transcutaneous single and repeated electrical stimulation (10 pulses, 5 Hz) of the digital plantar nerve were recorded from the biceps femoris muscle using surface electromyography.Ketamine did not affect NWR thresholds or the recruitment curves after a single nociceptive stimulation. Temporal summation (as evaluated by repeated stimuli) and the evoked behavioural response scores were however reduced compared to baseline demonstrating the antinociceptive activity of ketamine correlated with the peak plasma concentrations. Thereafter the plasma levels at pseudo-steady-state did not modulate temporal summation. Based on these experimental findings low-dose ketamine CRI cannot be recommended for use as a sole analgesic in the dog.     

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.     

Tub gurnard Chelidonichthys lucerna L.: a new fish species suitable for farming? First answers evaluating the growth of juveniles reared at different stocking densities,welfare and fillet quality

A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and survival of Chelidonichthys lucerna. A total of 13 352 180‐days old juveniles (5.5 ± 2 g; 5 ± 1 cm) were reared at two different densities (A‐EXP = 68 fish m^?3; B‐FFA = 15 fish m^?3) in eight tanks (four tanks per group) for 360 days. The welfare status and meat quality of fish were evaluated for the A‐EXP and B‐FFA groups in comparison with wild‐caught fishery gurnard (C‐WID). The survival rate was high for both A‐EXP (79%) and B‐FFA (93.5%). B‐FFA fish had the highest specific growth rate (1.16 vs. 1.07; P < 0.05), and were heavier than A‐EXP fish (321 ± 40 g vs .239 ± 44 g; P < 0.01). Rearing conditions did not affect blood metabolites, except for glucose concentrations, which were higher in C‐WID (P < 0.05). The meat quality traits showed that reared groups were fatter (2.8–3.2%) than C‐WID (0.94%); total n‐3 fatty acids (19.02–19.26%) were lower in reared groups than C‐WID (29.99%); and EPA + DHA were similar in all groups (15.1–16.61% vs. 27.99%). Despite the good growth and survival, the final mean weight was below that requested by the market (400–500 g). Future research efforts should focus on reducing the feed conversion rate (3:1).     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Momordica charantia seed essential oil

The essential oil obtained from the seeds of Momordica charantia was analyzed by GC/MS. Twenty-five components, representing 90.9% of the oil, were identified. The main constituents were trans-nerolidol, apiole, cis-dihydrocarveol and germacrene D. Furthermore, the oil was tested for its antibacterial and antifungal activities. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most sensitive microorganism with MIC values <500 microg/ml.