Seaweed is a popular edible source and is associated with many foods and pharmaceutical industries around the world. The current research aims to provide information on the chemical composition of 15 seaweed species, consisted of Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta/Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyta macroalgae, collected from coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Seaweed samples were subjected to the analysis of lipids, proteins, ash and macro, micro, trace and ultra-trace elements. The highest protein content was recorded in the brown algae. Maximum dietary fiber and ash contents were recorded from green algae. The highest predominant fatty acids were observed from green seaweeds (Caulerparacemosa); however, linoleic acid (C18:2n6) is the dominant fatty acid of all macroalgae. Mineral contents were highest in the red macroalga; however, copper, zinc and magnesium were also comparatively higher in green alga Ulvalactuca. In conclusion, 15 seaweed species belonging to the three different classes of seaweeds are investigated in details to obtain their biochemical, mineral and fatty acid compositions for the synthesis of novel therapeutic agents. In order to explore biorefinery processes for these seaweeds, as well as how they can potentially be cultivated, more extensive studies are required. Studying and determining the nutritional values of seaweeds will be beneficial with the potentials for future industrial uses and research.
There is limited information on clinical profiles, treatment, and management aspects of Indian cobra (Naja naja) bite envenoming in dogs in Sri Lanka. Dogs with cobra bites presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Peradeniya, were prospectively studied over a period of 72 months; local and systemic clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities were recorded. We studied 116 cobra bite envenomings in dogs. A grading system was established using a combination of anatomical site of fang marks, as well as local and systemic clinical manifestations. Accordingly, treatment strategies were established using Indian polyvalent antivenom (AVS). Pain and swelling at the bite site were major clinical signs observed, while neurotoxic manifestations (mydriasis, wheezing, and crackles) were detected in most dogs. Leukocytosis was observed in 78% of them. Statistical analysis revealed that the grading scores obtained were compatible to initiate AVS administration according to the severity. The minimum number required was 2 AVS vials (range 2–12). Almost 20% of the dogs developed wheezing, crackles, hypersalivation, restlessness, and dyspnea as adverse reactions to AVS treatment. Necrotic wounds on bitten anatomical sites developed in 19% of the dogs and 2.5% developed acute kidney injuries as a consequence of envenoming crisis. Despite treatment, 3% of dogs died. No dry bites were recorded.
Dogs (Canis familiaris) have several behavioral characteristics that may contribute to snakebites. Dogs generally are inquisitive, lack ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), and may attack a snake in defense of self or a human companion. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 115 dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a 36 month period with bites caused by three venomous snakes namely; Russell's viper, (Daboia russelii: n ¼ 65) cobra (Naja naja: n ¼ 36) and hump nosed viper (Genus Hypnale: n ¼ 14). Adult dogs (2-8 years: 58%) and medium sized breed dogs (60%) were the frequent victims of snakebites and the least number of envenomation were reported from small sized breeds (5%). Despite treatments, the highest number of deaths resulted with D. russelii (n ¼ 8, 7%) bites followed by N. naja (n ¼ 4, 3.5%). Fang marks were multiple (50% of dogs), single (42%), or unidentifiable (8%). Most bites of Russell's viper and hump nosed viper were nocturnal, clustered around dusk and dawn while all cobra bites were reported only at day time.
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