Avoiding medical error during electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: Prevention of unsynchronized shock delivery

Electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation is now commonly performed in veterinary medicine. Successful timing of the delivery of energy is important in order to avoid ventricular fibrillation. This brief communication describes how to ensure that proper energy delivery is performed.     

Aortoseptal angle and pressure gradient reduction following balloon valvuloplasty in dogs with severe subaortic stenosis

Introduction

To determine the relationship between aortoseptal angle (AoSA) and the short- and long-term systolic pressure gradient (PG) reduction following combined cutting and high-pressure balloon valvuloplasty (CB/HPBV) in dogs with severe subaortic stenosis.

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.     

The relative impact of forest patch and landscape attributes on black howler monkey populations in the fragmented Lacandona rainforest, Mexico

Land-use change is forcing many animal populations to inhabit forest patches in which different processes can threaten their survival. Some threatening processes are mainly related to forest patch characteristics, but others depend principally on the landscape spatial context. Thus, the impact of both patch and landscape spatial attributes needs to be assessed to have a better understanding of the habitat spatial attributes that constraint the maintenance of populations in fragmented landscapes. Here, we evaluated the relative effect of three patch-scale (i.e., patch size, shape, and isolation) and five landscape-scale metrics (i.e., forest cover, fragmentation, edge density, mean inter-patch isolation distance, and matrix permeability) on population composition and structure of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in the Lacandona rainforest, Mexico. We measured the landscape-scale metrics at two spatial scales: within 100 and 500 ha landscapes. Our findings revealed that howler monkeys were more strongly affected by local-scale metrics. Smaller and more isolated forest patches showed a lower number of individuals but at higher densities. Population density also tended to be positively associated to matrices with higher proportion of secondary forests and arboreal crops (i.e. with greater permeability), most probably because these matrices can offer supplementary foods. The immature-to-female ratio also increased with matrix permeability, shape complexity, and edge density; habitat characteristics that can increase landscape connectivity and sources availability. The prevention of habitat loss and isolation, and the increment of matrix permeability are therefore needed for the conservation of this endangered Neotropical mammal.     

Frost resistant potato hybrids viaSolanum acaule,Bitt. Diploid-Tetraploid crosses

Solanum juzepczukii Buk. andSolanum curtilobum Juz. et Buk. are two important primitive cultivated species of potato which are planted in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. Little natural variation exists within these species. Crosses were made to artificially recreate these species using tetraploid cultivated potatoes as female parents and triploids derived from acaule-diploid crosses as males. The new hybrids were tetraploid (2n = 48) with a high degree of heterosis and variability, and several potential cultivated clones possessing valuable characters such as yield, earliness, frost tolerance and good tuber type were selected.     

Chilean hazelnut butter,a new alternative for consumers

Four formulations of Chilean hazelnut butter were prepared containing Chilean hazelnut paste and 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% margarine. As the level of margarine was increased to 20%, the protein and crude fiber content decreased markedly, while those of moisture, crude fat and calories increased. After 90 days of storage, neither the samples stored at 5°C nor those stored at 15°C showed any objectionable effects both from the bacteriological and chemical point of view. Sensory analyses, including quality and acceptability studies, were performed on the various blends. Flavor, color and taste were improved by the addition of margarine to the butter formulas. It is concluded, therefore, that Chilean hazelnut butter represents a new and interesting alternative for human nourishment.