The effect of dietary protein levels before turnout on subsequent faecal nematode egg output of grazing sheep in the Joannina region of Greece

The effect of dietary protein levels before turnout on the subsequent faecal egg output of gastrointestinal nematodes was examined in two genotypes of grazing sheep, with or without anthelmintic treatment. Lambs were given a low protein (LP) or a high protein (HP) diet for three months (December to March) until grazing started. Half of the animals in each diet group were given anthelmintic treatment (AT) in March and June. The four groups (LP-AT, LP-NT, HP-AT and HP-NT) each consisted of pure-bred Butsiko and cross-bred Butsiko/Karamaniko lambs and grazed separate plots that were initially parasitologically and nutritionally similar. Faecal egg counts were recorded monthly until the experiment ended in July. Mean faecal counts for strongyle-type eggs were higher in the LP-NT group than all the other groups and higher in the LP than the HP groups indicating that faecal egg counts during grazing were influenced by levels of dietary protein before turnout. This effect was intensified in the absence of anthelmintic treatment. No genotype differences were detected.     

Spatio-temporal variability in human and natural sounds in a rural landscape

The study of landscape structure and functions, including the underlying ecological and anthropogenic processes has traditionally relied on visual aspects without considering information of non-visionary cues, e.g. auditory. In this work we applied a complementary approach for the study of landscapes using qualitative information for the sonic environment. In particular we studied the qualitative linkages between landscape structure and functions and daily sound patterns. The main objectives were the investigation of the spatial and temporal variability in sound perception, and the identification of the dominant sound categories (anthropogenic, biological, geophysical originated sounds) in relation to landscape characteristics. Our results showed significant spatio-temporal variability in the intensity of different sound categories, which reflects distinct soundscape patterns. Temporal sound variability reflected the daily cycle of anthropogenic activities and biological processes, whereas the spatial sound viability was mainly shaped by landscape attributes. The combination of the visual landscape information and its emergent acoustic profile enhances our perception and understanding of nature and this integrated approach may have many practical applications in landscape management, monitoring and planning.     

Effects of Maternal Undernutrition on the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis Function in Female Sheep Offspring

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in female sheep offspring. Pregnant ewes were fed to 100% throughout pregnancy (Control) or to 50% from 0 to 30 (R1) or from 31 to 100 days of gestation (R2). Female lambs were selected and fed to appetite throughout the study. At 2, 5.5 and 10 months of age a GnRH challenge was conducted. At the age of 10 months lambs were synchronized and blood samples were collected at 3 h intervals for 72 h following sponge removal. At slaughter (10 months) ovaries were removed and examined macroscopically. Maternal undernutrition did not affect the time of the onset of puberty, defined as the first increase in plasma progesterone concentrations ≥1 ng/ml. The magnitude of the pre-ovulatory gonadotrophin surge and the time to surge were unaffected by treatment. The LH and FSH response to GnRH challenge did not differ between groups at 2 and 5.5 months but at 10 months of age a higher (p < 0.05) FSH response was found in R1 group. Although the total number of visible follicles and corpora lutea did not differ between groups, a significant higher (p < 0.05) number of small (2–3 mm diameter) follicles in R1 group and a significant lower number (p < 0.05) of corpora lutea with diameter 8–11 mm and not even one with diameter >12 mm were detected in the ovaries of R2 lambs. In conclusion, maternal undernutrition during the first month of pregnancy resulted in increased pituitary sensitivity to GnRH and increased number of small follicles in the ovary, while during mid to late gestation resulted in a reduction of large corpora lutea in female offspring.     

Successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest associated with extradural lidocaine in a dog

BACKGROUND: Extradural lidocaine exerts several adverse effects which are seldom fatal. While cardiac arrest following extradural lidocaine injection has been reported in human beings, it has not hitherto been reported in dogs. OBSERVATIONS: The emergency management of a dog with complete urethral obstruction is described. We intended to perform vaginoscopy and cystostomy under extradural lidocaine anaesthesia, but cardiac asystole occurred a few minutes after injection. Resuscitation was successful. About 20 minutes later cardiac arrest recurred, and was treated successfully. The dog remained hypothermic for approximately 7 hours. Complete recovery without neurological deficit occurred the next day and the dog remained normal for at least 3 months. The probable cause of the problem was cranial lidocaine dispersion causing a drop in cardiac preload and cardiac arrest. The successful neurological outcome was attributed to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Hypothermia may have conferred cerebral protection during ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Extradural local anaesthetic administration is not without risk and the technique should be tailored to individual animals. Constant monitoring is required to detect potentially fatal complications and increase the likelihood of successful outcome.     

Understorey fuel load estimation along two post-fire chronosequences of Pinus halepensis Mill. forests in Central Greece

Pinus halepensis forests are among the forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin most affected by fire. Their distribution across lowland areas, in particular along the wildland–urban interface, increases the need to understand their ecology and responses to fire regime for their effective management. Apart from the extremely flammable tree layer, in several stands of these forests there is an increased fuel load attributed to the well-developed understorey of evergreen sclerophyllous shrubs. Taking into consideration that, in contrast with the long period required for full development of post-fire-regenerating pines, these shrubs resprout vigorously within the first post-fire weeks, it is important to explore the temporal trend of fuel accumulation to determine the risk of a second fire across a burned landscape. Two post-fire chronosequences of, in total, 12 P. halepensis stands were considered for sampling in Central Greece. The first chronosequence corresponds to pine stands characterized by the dominance of evergreen sclerophyllous shrubs in the understorey (Type 1) whereas the second chronosequence corresponds to pine stands where the cover of such shrubs was lower (Type 2). This study helps in understanding the fuel dynamics according to the type of P. halepensis forest stand and to anticipate future biomass growth. The proposed equations are simple tools, enabling land managers to estimate understorey total fuel load easily by visually recording the cover and height of the evergreen sclerophyllous shrub component, to justify understorey fuel reduction measures.     

Remifentanil/isoflurane anesthesia in five dogs with liver disease undergoing liver biopsy

Remifentanil is a synthetic opioid with direct action on μ opioid receptors. It has an ultrashort duration of action, and its elimination is independent of hepatic or renal function. The anesthetic management of five dogs with nonuniform liver disease and requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy is described. Remifentanil and isoflurane were used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Intraoperative analgesia was provided by a constant rate infusion of remifentanil. Remifentanil, in combination with isoflurane, was safely and successfully used in five cases for the balanced anesthesia of dogs with hepatic diseases requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy.     

A Laboratory Method to Investigate Gaseous Emissions And Solids Decomposition During Composting Of Municipal Solid Wastes

A laboratory method was developed to quantify CO₂, NH₃ and VOC yields and to follow solids decomposition during composting of MSW or its components. All organic substrates were shredded, water and nutrients were added to near optimum levels prior to composting, and composting was continued until feed materials reached approximately the full extent of decomposition. Twenty five L stainless steel digesters were used and aluminum packing was mixed with the wastes to facilitate airflow. Thermophilic temperatures were maintained and air supplied in excess. Nutrients were added to reach an initial C/N ratio of approximately 30. CO₂ and NH₃ gases in the exit air stream were captured in alkaline and acidic solutions, respectively, and quantified through titration on a cumulative basis. VOC traps, prior to the gas traps, captured emitted volatile organic compounds, which were quantified on a cumulative basis. Solids were analyzed for hot water soluble matter, fats and lipids, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin/humus. Food wastes, yard wastes and mixed paper produced approximately 368, 220 and 153 g C-CO₂/dry kg and approximately 40.5, 4.6 and 2.0 g N NH₃/dry kg of starting material, respectively. VOC volatilization profiles had a decreasing trend with composting. Partially composted MSW produced 8.2 mg/dry kg of 8 selected VOCs. CO₂, NH₃ and VOC recovery tests resulted in efficiencies of 98.6%, 97.6% and 94.6% respectively. Reproducibility of the solids decomposition and gaseous emissions measurements was observed. Carbon and nitrogen mass balance closures ranged from 85.5% to 117.1% and 32.2% to 175% respectively.     

The Effect of Prior Frozen Storage (−20°C) on the Quality of Oven-Baked Sardines (Sardina pilchardus)

ABSTRACT

The effect of frozen storage for 3, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days on the quality of sardines baked for 15, 30, and 45 min was studied. The combination of frozen storage with the baking time in linear reduction of yield and moisture led to less juicy products, as well as significant changes in proteins and lipids. A linear increase of C16:0 followed by a linear reduction of C22:6ω-3 was detected due to frozen storage, indicating lipid oxidation. This was also confirmed by the C22:6ω-3/C16:0 and C20:5ω-3/ C16:0 ratios, which were reduced by 36.8 and 32.7%, respectively. The fatty acid profiles of sardine samples were not significantly altered due to oven-baking. A gradual reduction of eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) of the baked products was observed mainly due to frozen storage. Cholesterol and squalene content increased with increasing the time of baking. A gradual decrease of cholesterol and squalene was observed due to frozen storage.