Quantitative multiresidue method for about 100 veterinary drugs in different meat matrices by sub 2-mum particulate high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry.

J Chromatogr A. 2008 Apr 9;

Authors: Kaufmann A, Butcher P, Maden K, Widmer M

A quantitative multiresidue method covering more than 100 veterinary drugs, belonging to different drug families, has been developed. The proposed approach uses an liquid-liquid-solid extraction technique (bi-polarity extraction) which is capable in recovering polar, medium polar and apolar compounds. A thorough generic reversed phase solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up removes interfering proteins and provides clean and stable extracts. Dedicated rinsing steps are proposed to reduce analyte adsorption on glass walls and on precipitating proteins. The resulting extract is analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (TOF). The method was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EEC. Validation coved the relevant meat matrices (muscle, kidney and liver).

PMID: 18485352 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Seasonal occurrence of canine babesiosis is influenced by local climate conditions.

Int J Med Microbiol. 2008 May 20;

Authors: Leschnik M, Kirtz G, Tichy A, Leidinger E

Global warming and its effect on local climate conditions is one of the presumed underlying causes for changes in temporal and spatial distribution of vector-borne diseases. In Europe, canine babesiosis is transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus. This hard tick species is observed to spread to new endemic areas. Within these new areas, specific local climate conditions may be responsible for sudden seasonal onset and termination of occurrence of this disease in dogs. From 2000 to 2006, 343 confirmed cases of canine babesiosis were documented at the Veterinary University of Vienna and in the Laboratory for Veterinary Diagnostic (INVITRO, Vienna). Estimated week of infection was analysed for mean air and soil temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation for each case. For seasonal start in spring, a sudden rise of air temperature up to 12 degrees C and defrosting of soil were essential. In autumn, the seasonal start was associated with a drop of temperature below 17 degrees C. Termination of occurrence of canine babesiosis, independent of season, correlated either with a sudden drop of temperature (DeltaT>9 degrees C) with concurrent heavy rain, persistent drought, or with air temperature above 20 degrees C (spring/summer) or below 5 degrees C (autumn/winter). Relative humidity and precipitation did not have a major influence on the incidence of canine babesiosis at all. Global climate changes and adaptation of ticks to new environmental conditions introduce vector-borne diseases into new areas.

PMID: 18499519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Obstetrics in elephants.

Theriogenology. 2008 May 20;

Authors: Hermes R, Saragusty J, Schaftenaar W, Göritz F, Schmitt DL, Hildebrandt TB

Obstetrics, one of the oldest fields in veterinary medicine, is well described and practiced in domestic and exotic animals. However, when providing care during elephant birth or dystocia, veterinary intervention options differ greatly from any domestic species, and are far more limited due to the dimensions and specific anatomy of the elephant reproductive tract. In addition, aging of captive elephant populations and advanced age of primiparous females make active birth management increasingly important. Intrauterine infection, uterine inertia and urogenital tract pathologies are emerging as major causes for dystocia, often leading to foetal and dam death. This paper reviews the current knowledge on elephant birth and the factors associated with dystocia. It then summarises recommendations for birth and dystocia management. As Caesarean section, the most common ultima ratio in domestic animal obstetrics, is lethal and therefore not an option in the elephant, non-invasive medical treatment, induction of the Fergusson reflex or the conscious decision to leave a retained foetus until it is expelled voluntarily, are key elements in elephant obstetrics. Surgical strategies such as episiotomy and foetotomy are sometimes inevitable in order to try to save the life of the dam, however, these interventions result in chronic post-surgical complications or even fatal outcome. Limited reliable data on serum calcium concentrations, and pharmacokinetics and effect of exogenous oestrogen, oxytocin, and prostaglandins during birth provide the scope of future research, necessary to advance scientific knowledge on obstetrics in elephants.

PMID: 18499243 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Ethnopharmacological survey of Samburu District, Kenya.

J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2008 May 23;4(1):14

Authors: Nanyingi MO, Mbaria JM, Lanyasunya AL, Wagate CG, Koros KB, Kaburia HF, Munenge RW, Ogara WO

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Ethnobotanical pharmacopoeia is confidently used in disease intervention and there is need for documentation and preservation of traditional medical knowledge to bolster the discovery of novel drugs. The objective of the present study was to document the indigenous medicinal plant utilization, management and their extinction threats in Samburu District, Kenya. METHODS: Field research was conducted in six divisions of Samburu District in Kenya. We randomly sampled 100 consented interviewees stratified by age, gender, occupation and level of education. We collected plant use data through semi-structured questionnaires; transect walks, oral interviews and focus groups discussions. Voucher specimens of all cited botanic species were collected and deposited at University of Nairobi's botany herbarium. RESULTS: Data on plant use from the informants yielded 990 citations on 56 medicinal plant species, which are used to treat 54 different animal and human diseases including; malaria, digestive disorders, respiratory syndromes and ectoparasites. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnomedicinal use of plant species was documented in the study area for treatment of both human and veterinary diseases. The local population has high ethnobotanical knowledge and has adopted sound management conservation practices. The major threatening factors reported were anthropogenic and natural. Ethnomedical documentation and sustainable plant utilization can support drug discovery efforts in developing countries.

PMID: 18498665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]