Experimental evaluation of four airway devices in anaesthetized New Zealand White rabbits

Objective

To compare airway management during induction of anaesthesia, spontaneous ventilation (SV) and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), using an endotracheal tube (ETT), laryngeal mask (LM), rabbit-specific supraglottic airway device (v-gel) or facemask (FM).

Response of stevia to nitrogen fertilization and harvesting regime in northeastern Portugal

The adaptation of stevia to the growing conditions of NE Portugal is assessed, including the tolerance of this species to cold temperatures, and the potential to produce biomass when grown as an annual crop and when subjected to various nitrogen (N) rates and two harvesting regimes. Almost all the plants died during the winter of 2014 (minimum temperatures peaked at ?8.0°C), making it necessary to replant the crop the following spring. With the best cutting regime (double cut) and N rate (150 kg N ha^?1), 1514.4 and 2390.0 kg ha^?1 of dry leaves were produced, respectively, in 2014 and 2015. Leaf chlorophyll concentrations estimated by the SPAD (Soil and Plant Analysis Development)-502 chlorophyll meter and a NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) carried out by the Field Scout CM 1000 spectroradiometer showed significant differences among N rates, proving to be good indicators of plant N nutritional status. Based on the leaf analysis, provisional sufficiency ranges for N are proposed, namely 25–35 g kg^?1 for mid-summer and 15–25 g kg^?1 for early autumn. The fluorescence of chlorophyll a and the transient fluorescence intensity performed by the OS-30p+ fluorometer failed to show any stress induced by no-N control treatments in comparison to N-treated plants.     

Monitoring neonicotinoid resistance in biotype B of Bemisia tabaci in Florida

BACKGROUND: Biotype B of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), is a worldwide pest that has developed resistance to many insecticides, including the neonicotinoid class. Florida field populations were monitored for susceptibility to the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam using a cut leaf petiole bioassay method. RESULTS: Average RR₅₀ values for imidacloprid increased from 3.7 in 2000 to 12.0 in 2003; decreased to 5.0 and 2.5 in 2004 and 2005, respectively; and then increased to 26.3 and 23.9 in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Populations with RR₅₀ values of about 50 to 60 during generation one reverted to RR₅₀ values of ?4 in six generations, when reared without further exposure to imidacloprid. Average RR₅₀ values for thiamethoxam increased from 2.0 in 2003 to 24.7 in 2006 and decreased to 10.4 in 2007. Populations with RR₅₀ values of about 22, 32 and 53 during generation one declined to 8, 5 and 6, respectively, after being reared for five generations without exposure to thiamethoxam. The correlation coefficient from the 26 populations that were bioassayed both with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam showed a significant positive correlation (R² = 0.58) between these populations. CONCLUSION: The high level of RR₅₀ values to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam suggest an unstable decline in the susceptibility of B. tabaci to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, with possible cross‐resistance or predisposition for dual resistance selection. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Seed quality attributes of food-grade soybeans from the U.S. and Asia

Diversity of food-grade soybeans is critical for utilization of genetic resources in cultivar development, germplasm enhancement, and end-product commercialization. The objective of this study was to assess seed quality attributes and phenotypic variability among 54 U.S. and 51 Asian food-grade cultivars and breeding lines. The results showed greater genetic diversity of protein content, calcium content, seed hardness, and seed size uniformity than other quality traits in both small- and large-seeded genotypes evaluated in this study. Among the small-seeded soybeans, the U.S. genotypes were more diverse and exhibited higher swell ratio and oil content but lower stone seed ratio and protein content than Asian accessions. Among the large-seeded accessions, U.S. genotypes had higher stone seed ratio and oil content but lower swell ratio and protein content, and were less diverse than Asian genotypes. The characterization of diverse food-grade soybeans will facilitate parent selection in specialty soybean breeding.     

Cutaneous pythiosis in a dog from Brazil

This report describes a case of cutaneous pythiosis in a 6‐year‐old female mixed breed dog, from the central west region of São Paulo State, Brazil. The cytological and histopathological analyses showed an intense inflammatory infiltrate with presence of numerous hyphal elements, suggesting infection due to Pythium insidiosum. The diagnosis was confirmed by nested‐PCR, which was carried out with specific primers derived from the ribosomal DNA region. The pathogen occurs in Brazil and veterinarians should be aware of the importance of correctly diagnosing this disease and differentiating it from other fungal diseases.     

Zoonotic poxviruses

Poxviruses compromise a group of long known important pathogens including some zoonotic members affecting lifestock animals and humans. While whole genome sequence analysis started to shed light into the molecular mechanisms underlying host cell infection, viral replication as well as virulence, our understanding of poxvirus maintenance in nature and their transmission to humans is still poor. During the last two decades, reports on emerging human monkeypox outbreaks in Africa and North America, the increasing number of cowpox virus infections in cats, exotic animals and humans and cases of vaccinia virus infections in humans in South America and India reminded us that – beside the eradicated smallpox virus – there are other poxviruses that can cause harm to men. We start to learn that the host range of some poxviruses is way broader than initially thought and that mainly rodents seem to function as virus reservoir. The following review is aiming to provide an up-to-date overview on the epidemiology of zoonotic poxviruses, emphasizing orthopoxviruses. By outlining the current knowledge of poxvirus transmission, we hope to raise the awareness about modes of acquisition of infections and their proper diagnosis.     

Effect of protein supplementation on reproductive and productive performance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus</Emphasis> heifers raised in the humid tropics of Costa Rica

In order to evaluate the effect of protein supplementation on the productive and reproductive performance of heifers, 45 Bos indicus × Bos taurus heifers, 673 ± 146 days of age and weighing about 340 kg, were divided into two groups. The control group (n = 23) continued without supplementation, but the supplemented group (SG; n = 22) received concentrate at a rate of 1% BW kg per day. Animals were adapted to the concentrate over a 15-day period and then supplemented for 30 days, after which estrus was synchronized using a progesterone implant. Back fat thickness (BFT) was assessed by ultrasound. The SG had better average daily weight gain than the nonsupplemented group (0.63 ± 0.16 vs. 0.51 ± 0.13 kg/day, P < 0.05) and tended to show a better percentage ovulation (P < 0.10, 77% vs. 57%, respectively). However, this tendency was not reflected in the final pregnancy rates. No differences were observed between groups in dry matter intake and body condition scores. SG with a high BFT (>0.70 cm) showed a better ovulation percentage than those with low BFT (<0.69 cm; P < 0.01). Additionally, the pregnancy rate of supplemented heifers with high BFT tended to be better than heifers with low BFT in this same group (67% vs. 30%, respectively, P < 0.10). It is concluded that protein supplementation improved reproductive performance and that ultrasonography to measure BFT may be used to estimate reproductive performance.     

Evaluation of butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam as a reversible narcotic combination in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsThirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81-210 kg.MethodsLions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg^?1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg^?1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg^?1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10-15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45-60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg^?1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg^?1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg^?1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously.ResultsThe BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1-2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute^?1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 °C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO₂ of 33 mmHg and PaO₂ of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1-2).Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising free-ranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes.     

A lack of large-diameter logs and snags characterises dead wood patterns in Irish forests

Dead wood is an important component of forest ecosystems and volumes vary depending on forest age, management intensity and productivity. This is the first large-scale study to quantify dead wood in Irish forests and to compare them to forests in other locations. We measured the volume and size distribution of logs, the density and size distribution of snags and the volume of dead wood contained in stumps in Oak (Quercus spp.) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) forests and in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) plantations throughout Ireland. We also assigned each log, snag and stump to one of three decay classes (intact, part-rotted and well-rotted). We found no significant difference in log volume between any of the forest types. The majority (>90%) of logs were less than 20 cm in diameter, and large logs (>40 cm diameter) were scarce. We found a relatively high density of snags in all forest types but, as in the case of logs, over 90% of snags were <20 cm DBH and large snags (>40 cm DBH) were rare. The volume of dead wood contained in stumps was significantly higher in plantations than in Oak or Ash forests as a result of thinning and harvesting. Most logs and snags were moderately decayed but, in plantations, most stumps were intact. Log volume and the size of logs and snags were considerably lower than in old-growth forests in other regions. These patterns may reflect historical use of Irish forests for coppice and timber production. Management for biodiversity should aim to accelerate dead wood accumulation to increase the frequency of large-diameter logs and snags. Although management seeking to replicate the dead wood volumes of old-growth forests is ideal, it may be unrealistic in the short term.     

Characterization of the genetic variation and fungicide resistance in Botrytis cinerea populations on rooibos seedlings in the Western Cape of South Africa

Botrytis cinerea causes severe losses of rooibos seedlings in the Clanwilliam region of the Western Cape of South Africa. A total of 207 isolates were collected from diseased seedlings representing five nurseries. The cryptic species status of these isolates was determined with restriction enzyme analysis of the Bc-hch gene with 206 of the isolates identified as B. cinerea and one isolate as B. pseudocinerea. Analysis of the B. cinerea populations using seven microsatellite loci revealed a high total gene diversity (H), with a mean of 0.67. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 97 % of the total genetic variation is distributed within subpopulations. Genotype flow was evident between nurseries indicated by shared occurrence of clonal lineages, in agreement with the relatively low but significant population differentiation between nurseries (mean F _ST?=?0.030, P?=?0.001). The distribution of the mating type alleles MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 differed significantly from the ratio of 1:1 for the total population and in two of the five nursery subpopulations. Together with significant linkage disequilibrium found, populations appear to mainly reproduce asexually. Fungicide resistance frequency against iprodione for 198 of the genotyped isolates, showed highly varying levels of resistance between the nurseries. The mean incidence of resistance towards iprodione was 44 % in total, ranging from 0 % to 81 % for the five nurseries. This study has shown an adaptive capacity to overcome current chemical means of control in the studied B. cinerea population.