Brazilian savanna re-establishment in a monoculture forest:diversity and environmental relations of native regenerating understory in Pinus caribaea Morelet. stands

In this paper we analyze and compare natural regeneration in shrub-tree community in three areas below Pinus caribaea stands and a natural area (cerrado sensu stricto). We also analyze the influence of...     

Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in enteric Escherichia coli from domestic pets and assessment of associated risk markers using a generalized linear mixed model

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health problem, which is caused by the use of antimicrobials in both human and animal medical practice. The objectives of the present cross-sectional study were as follows: (1) to determine the prevalence of resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from the feces of pets from the Porto region of Portugal against 19 antimicrobial agents and (2) to assess the individual, clinical and environmental characteristics associated with each pet as risk markers for the AMR of the E. coli isolates.     

Comparison of cardiac output determined by arterial pulse pressure waveform analysis method (FloTrac/Vigileo) versus lithium dilution method in anesthetized dogs

Objective – To compare the determination of cardiac output (CO) via arterial pulse pressure waveform analysis (FloTrac/Vigileo) versus lithium dilution method. Design – Prospective study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Six adult dogs. Interventions – Dogs were instrumented for CO determinations using lithium dilution (LiDCO) and FloTrac/Vigileo methods. Direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and end‐tidal isoflurane (ETIso) and CO₂ concentrations were measured throughout the study while CO was manipulated with different depth of anesthesia and rapid administration of isotonic crystalloids at 60 mL/kg/h. Measurements and Main Results – Baseline CO measurements were obtained at 1.3% ETIso and were lowered by 3% ETIso. Measurements were obtained in duplicate or triplicate with LiDCO and averaged for comparison with corresponding values measured continuously with the FloTrac/Vigileo method. For 30 comparisons between methods, a mean bias of ?100 mL/kg/min and 95% limits of agreement between ?311 and +112 mL/kg/min (212 mL/kg/min) was determined. The mean (mL/kg/min) of the differences of LiDCO?Vigileo=62.0402+?0.8383 × Vigileo, and the correlation coefficient (r) between the 2 methods 0.70 for all CO determinations. The repeatability coefficients for the individual LiDCO and FloTrac/Vigileo methods were 187 and 400 mL/kg/min, respectively. Mean LiDCO and FloTrac/Vigileo values from all measurements were 145 ± 68 mL/kg/min (range, 64–354) and 244 ± 144 mL/kg/min (range, 89–624), respectively. The overall mean relative error was 48 ± 14%. Conclusion – The FloTrac/Vigileo overestimated CO values compared with LiDCO and the relative error was high, which makes this method unreliable for use in dogs.     

Improvement of table grapes quality and safety by the combination of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and eugenol, menthol, or thymol

Table grape is a nonclimacteric fruit that shows a rapid loss of quality during storage and is very susceptible to colonization by fungi, especially Botrytis cinerea, which is considered the most important disease of this commodity. To solve this problem, synthetic fungicides have been used, although legal restrictions and consumer's concern demand the search of other safe means. In the present paper, and as an alternative of synthetic fungicides, an active packaging to improve MAP effectiveness on preserving table grape (cv. Crimson Seedless) quality and safety was developed by the addition of 0.5 mL of eugenol, thymol, or menthol inside the packages. Packages were stored at 1 degree C for 35 days. The final gas composition inside the packages was 1.4-2.0 and 10.0-14.5 kPa of CO(2) and O(2), respectively, with no significant slight differences among treatments. Results showed that the addition of eugenol, thymol, or menthol improved the beneficial effect of MAP in terms of delaying weight loss and color changes, retarding degrees Brix/acidity ratio evolution, and maintaining of firmness. Thereafter, these treatments showed additional benefit in terms of delayed rates of rachis deterioration and berry decay. Finally, the total viable counts for both mesophilic aerobics and especially yeast and molds were significantly reduced in the grapes packaged with the natural antimicrobial compounds. All of the above effects led to maintenance of table grape quality and safety for longer storage periods (3 additional weeks as compared to controls under MAP only).     

Surgical management of a malacic corneal ulcer in a greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) using a free island tarsoconjunctival graft

A greater one-horned Asian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) presented for presumed ocular trauma to the left eye, with secondary bacterial infection, resulting in severe and progressive corneal ulceration. Following a poor response to medical therapy, the animal was anesthetized for further examination, and a bulbar conjunctival pedicle graft performed. This graft failed by 48-h postsurgery as a result of self-trauma. The animal was re-anesthetized, and a free island tarsoconjunctival graft performed. This second procedure was successful, resulting in globe preservation, cosmesis, and functional vision in the affected eye.     

Effects of dobutamine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin on cardiovascular function in anesthetized neonatal foals with induced hypotension

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of dobutamine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin on cardiovascular function and gastric mucosal perfusion in anesthetized foals during isoflurane-induced hypotension. ANIMALS: 6 foals that were 1 to 5 days of age. PROCEDURES: 6 foals received 3 vasoactive drugs with at least 24 hours between treatments. Treatments consisted of dobutamine (4 and 8 Sang/kg/min), norepinephrine (0.3 and 1.0 Sang/kg/min), and vasopressin (0.3 and 1.0 mU/kg/min) administered IV. Foals were maintained at a steady hypotensive state induced by a deep level of isoflurane anesthesia for 30 minutes, and baseline cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. Vasoactive drugs were administered at the low infusion rate for 15 minutes, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. Drugs were then administered at the high infusion rate for 15 minutes, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded a third time. Gastric mucosal perfusion was measured by tonometry at the same time points. RESULTS: Dobutamine and norepinephrine administration improved cardiac index. Vascular resistance was increased by norepinephrine and vasopressin administration but decreased by dobutamine at the high infusion rate. Blood pressure was increased by all treatments but was significantly higher during the high infusion rate of norepinephrine. Oxygen delivery was significantly increased by norepinephrine and dobutamine administration; O2 consumption decreased with dobutamine. The O2 extraction ratio was decreased following norepinephrine and dobutamine treatments. The gastric to arterial CO2 gap was significantly increased during administration of vasopressin at the high infusion rate. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Norepinephrine and dobutamine are better alternatives than vasopressin for restoring cardiovascular function and maintaining splanchnic circulation during isoflurane-induced hypotension in neonatal foals.     

Host range of Erwinia psidii and genetic resistance of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species to this pathogen

Dieback caused by Erwinia psidii is currently one of the most important emerging diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. However, little is known in terms of the host range of this pathogen or the potential sources of resistance against the disease it causes. In this study, we inoculated plants of species from nine families to gain insight into the host range of E. psidii. Plants of all inoculated species of Myrtaceae except Acca sellowiana exhibited disease symptoms and therefore represent potential hosts for the pathogen under natural conditions. In addition, the response of four Corymbia species, 29 Eucalyptus species and three interspecific Eucalyptus hybrids to inoculation with E. psidii was evaluated. All Corymbia henryi, Corymbia maculata, Eucalyptus thozetiana, Eucalyptus cloeziana, Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus dalrympleana and Eucalyptus pilularis plants were highly resistant to the pathogen, whereas differential disease resistance was observed in the other species. This study provides important information on sources of resistance to Erwinia psidii with potential use in the development of clones with enhanced resistance in eucalypt species of economic importance.     

Relationships between reflectance and absorbance chlorophyll indices with RGB (Red,Green, Blue) image components in seedlings of tropical tree species at nursery stage

Methods based on RGB (Red, Green, Blue) image segmentation may emerge as a new and low-cost method for estimation the quality of tree seedlings. However, the vast number of indexes based on the use of the RGB image segmentation and the lack of references in the literature still hinder the widespread use of this technology. Thus, we conducted a study aiming to test the relationships between methods based on absorbance and reflectance, widely used for the estimation of chlorophyll contents and physiological status of trees, and ten indexes based on RGB component analysis. We used leaves of five tropical tree species, belonging to different botanical families. Leaf absorbance was measured using the handheld chlorophyll meter SPAD-502, reflectance was measured using a spectrometer and the RGB indices were obtained from digitalized images of the leaves using a flatbed scanner. Modified linear regression models including all five species were used to relate RGB indices to absorbance and reflectance indices. Data collected from leaves of seedlings of five tropical tree species indicated that digital image processing technology can be a useful and rapid nondestructive method for assessment of physiological status of tree seedlings at nursery stage. Among the RGB indexes tested in this study the R, 2R*(G???B)/(G?+?B) and 2G*(G???B)/(G?+?B) are the most promising for analysis the tropical seedlings physiological status and quality.

     

Reproductive seasonality in Saanen goats kept under tropical conditions

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study aimed to verify the reproductive seasonality in Saanen goats from distinct parity orders (nulliparous, primiparous, and pluriparous) throughout an...     

High feeding and growth rates in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) fed formulated feeds with an improved amino acid profile and mixture of binders

Four semi‐moist formulated feeds were supplied to Octopus vulgaris subadults (664 ± 70 g; 18.4 ± 0.7°C) in two different experiments. In the experiment #1, two diets were prepared with a new mixture of binders (gelatine 150 g kg^?1, starch 100 g kg^?1 and gum 50 g kg^?1). The GEL15‐Squid and GEL15‐Hake feeds included 100 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (Todarodes sagittatus) or hake (Merluccius sp.) respectively. Both feeds showed low water disintegration rates at 24 h (13.6–15.0% dry weight). The specific feeding rate was higher in animals fed GEL15‐Hake (2.7%BW day^?1), but the growth and feed efficiency were significantly better in animals fed GEL15‐Squid (1.4%BW day^?1 and 61.2% respectively; P < 0.05). The proximate composition of the digestive gland, carcass and whole animals was similar. In the experiment #2, the GEL15‐Squid amino acid profile was improved by replacing 50 g kg^?1 gelatine by 50 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (GEL10‐Squid) or freeze‐dried fish (GEL10‐Fish). These feeds showed higher water disintegration rates (31.7–36.3% dry weight). The feeding rates (2.2–2.3%BW day^?1), growth (1.5%BW day^?1) and feed efficiency were similar for both diets. Total lipids were higher in the digestive gland and whole animals fed GEL10‐Fish diet (P < 0.05). Future effort could be directed towards alternative binders that allow improve amino acid balance with a minimum gelatine content or even supplementation trials including essential amino acids.