Antibiotic intravenous regional perfusion for successful resolution of distal limb infections: two cases

Intravenous regional perfusion is a common technique for treating infections of the extremities in humans and horses. It has the advantage of achieving very high antibiotic concentrations in affected tissues. This technique was used to clinically resolve deep, mixed infections involving bones and joints in a swamp wallaby and a lesser kudu. Both infections were severe and considered life-threatening, because amputation was not feasible, systemic antibiotic treatment had failed, and both animals were in pain and had evidence of the systemic effects of the infections. In the wallaby, once daily treatments with imipenem for 5 days resulted in a return to normal function within 1 mo. In the kudu, four treatments using both ampicillin/sulbactam followed by enrofloxacin were performed every 2 days, followed by two treatments with ampicillin/sulbactam alone 2 wk later. Resolution of this case was achieved in less than 2 mo. The only adverse effect noted was phlebitis in the kudu, which resolved with conservative therapy. Healing was rapid in both cases and was apparent after two treatments. This report demonstrates the efficacy and flexibility of intravenous regional perfusion for the treatment of severe infections of the digits in nondomestic species.     

Identifying the Research Information Needs of the Racing and Breeding Industries in New Zealand: Results of an Online Survey

The aim of this study was to identify the research-based educational needs and preferred dissemination methods for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing and breeding industries in New Zealand. An online survey was used to collect data from members of the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries who were registered with racing and breeding industry governing bodies. A link to the survey was sent to all members with an e-mail address listed in their contact information. The survey was available online for 1 month (May 1-31, 2012). A total of 602 usable survey responses were included in the analysis. Approximately half the population was from the Thoroughbred sector (53%) of the industry, with most respondents being breeders (45%). Respondents were most interested in research-based information on feeding and nutrition, injuries and lameness, health and exercise, and training. Veterinarians, websites, friends or other horse owners, and printed magazines were used most often for obtaining information on equine research; these sources were also rated as most preferred. Social media and other online sources (videos and forums) were rarely used. The survey identified topics of interest to the members of the racing and breeding industries in New Zealand and highlighted preferred sources that could be used to disseminate information. Survey results also highlighted opportunities to better use and adapt current industry sources of information to ensure that the educational needs are being met for this sector of the equine industry in New Zealand.     

QUANTITATIVE THYROID SCINTIGRAPHY AS A PREDICTOR OF SERUM THYROXIN CONCENTRATION IN NORMAL AND HYPERTHYROID CATS

Quantitative thyroid scintigraphy using pertechnetate was performed in 43 cats with various T4 concentrations and compared to eight normal control cats. Quantitative parameters included percentage dose uptake of the radioisotope by the thyroid, thyroid:salivary ratio and rate of thyroid uptake. All cats were anesthetized for the scan, and images were obtained using both low-energy all purpose (LEAP) and pinhole collimators. All quantitative parameters were significantly correlated to the serum T4 concentration, but the best correlation was obtained using the 20-minute thyroid:salivary ratio using only the most intense of the two thyroid lobes. The thyroid:salivary ratio was a good predictor of the metabolic status of the thyroid.     

Successful ventilatory management of post‐anesthetic airway collapse and hypoxemia in a dog

Abstract Objective: To report a life‐threatening complication (airway collapse) associated with a common procedure (anesthesia) and to describe its successful management. Case Summary: A dog without pre‐existing signs of respiratory disease developed hypoxemia and severe atelectasis in the post‐anesthetic recovery period and was demonstrated, by bronchoscopic examination, to have severe airway collapse. Mechanical ventilation was used to re‐expand collapsed lung units and to prevent re‐collapse. A ventilation strategy designed to minimize airway and alveolar trauma was used. The dog was successfully weaned from the ventilator and made a full recovery. Unique Information Provided: Acute, severe hypoxemia due to airway collapse occurred in the post‐operative period in a dog with no signs of pre‐existing respiratory disease. The dog was successfully managed with short‐term mechanical ventilation. High frequency jet ventilation was used for a diagnostic bronchoscopy.     

Data recording for agroforestry experiments

Examples of typical data-sets from agroforestry trials are considered and difficulties with the recording of such data are discussed. Suggestions for efficient data recording for a number of agroforestry trials are made so that easy data-checking, efficient computer entry and accurate analysis can be produced without the need for excessive data manipulation at each stage. General recommendations for data-recording from agroforestry trials are given.     

Flow and Sediment Connectivity in Semi‐arid Landscapes in SE Spain: Patterns and Controls

Much of the water and sediment fluxes in semi‐arid catchments are found to be highly concentrated in localized pathways. Identifying the location of these pathways in the landscape is important for management and restoration. Measures can then be targeted so as to minimize the potential for erosion and sediment flux along these pathways. A method of repeat field mapping of flow and sediment pathways suitable for Mediterranean catchments is presented. Several small catchments in Cárcavo basin, SE Spain, differing in topographic and land use characteristics, were monitored under several events. Morphometric properties of pathways were analysed and compared with rainfall characteristics. Number and length of pathways varied with rainfall characteristics and also antecedent conditions. In low rainfall events, runoff sources and main pathways were disconnected, but in a larger event, the network of pathways became fully connected. The pathway patterns showed that man‐made lines such as terrace embankments and tracks have a major influence on sediment connectivity. Micro‐topographic factors, soil moisture and the presence of vegetation are highly influential on pathways and the frequency of water and sediment fluxes. Runoff and erosion hotpots for the development of pathways were identified, which should be targeted for mitigation and restoration measures using vegetation. The relevance of local scale factors emphasizes the importance of repeat field observations to understand connectivity and pathways development in the landscape. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estrogen and androgen receptor expression in relation to steroid concentrations in the adult boar epididymis

The steroid hormone regulation of the epididymis in a high estrogen producing animal like the boar is not currently understood. To test the hypothesis that the boar epididymis is an estrogen and androgen responsive tissue, the presence of estrogen and androgen receptors, in conjunction with steroid hormone concentrations were investigated in the boar epididymis. Epididymal (caput, corpus, cauda) and testicular samples of boars (1–2.5 years; n = 5) were collected for immunolocalization of estrogen receptor alpha (ER), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and androgen receptor (AR). Concentrations of testosterone, estradiol and estrogen conjugates (EC) in the tissue were also determined. AR and ERβ were localized in the principal and basal cells of all three epididymal regions. ER was localized in the principal cells of the caput, some cells of the corpus and was not present in the cauda. Testosterone (p < 0.0001), estradiol (p < 0.0001) and EC (p < 0.005) were significantly lower in the epididymis compared with the testis. The epididymal regions were not significantly different from each other for testosterone (p > 0.15) or estradiol (p > 0.09). EC were significantly higher in the corpus than either the caput (p = 0.003) or cauda (p = 0.002). These results suggest that the boar epididymis is responsive to both estrogens and androgens and that both steroid hormones are important for proper epididymal function. Since testosterone and estradiol concentrations are similar throughout the epididymis, regional differences in steroid hormone regulation are likely due to differences in receptor expression.     

Effect of Genotype and Growth Temperature on Sorghum Grain Physical Characteristics,Polyphenol Content,and Antioxidant Activity

This paper reports how genotype and growth temperature affect the physical characteristics and polyphenol content in sorghum grains. Two day/night temperature regimes, 32/21 and 38/21°C, were used to grow six sorghum genotypes (CCH1, CCH2, AQL33/QL36, Ai4, PI563516, and IS 8525). The physical characteristics (hardness, weight, and diameter) of sorghum grain and their free, bound, and total polyphenol contents were determined. Grain antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt and 2‐2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assays. The results indicate that the weight and diameter of the sorghum kernels were significantly increased in all genotypes except for CCH1, under higher temperature, whereas kernel hardness decreased. Genotype had a significant influence polyphenol content (IS 8525 about four times higher than PI563516 under optimum temperature) and antioxidant activity, but temperature did not, with the exception of IS 8525 in which polyphenol content (reduced by about 10%) and antioxidant activity were lower at the high temperature. Polyphenol content was strongly positively correlated with antioxidant activity. This research provides valuable information on the properties of different sorghum genotypes under expected future increased temperatures that may be of value for varietal selection for specific end use.     

Use of national food balance data to estimate the adequacy of zinc in national food supplies: methodology and regional estimates

OBJECTIVES: Adequate zinc nutriture is critically important for human health, but the development of programmes to control zinc deficiency is limited by the lack of reliable information on population zinc status. The present analyses were conducted to: (1) estimate the absorbable zinc content of national food supplies; (2) compare this information with theoretical population requirements for zinc; and (3) use these results to predict national risks of inadequate zinc intake. SETTING AND DESIGN: National food balance data were obtained for 176 countries from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The amount of absorbable zinc in these foods was estimated from food composition data, and zinc absorption was predicted using a model developed by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG). Demographic data were obtained from United Nations estimates, and age- and sex-specific physiological requirements for absorbable zinc were estimated using IZiNCG recommendations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The mean per capita absorbable zinc content of national food supplies ranged from 2.98-3.01 mg day(-1) in Western Europe and USA & Canada to 2.09 mg day(-1) in Southeast Asia. The estimated percentage of individuals at risk of inadequate zinc intake ranged from 9.3-9.5% in the regions of North Africa & Eastern Mediterranean and USA & Canada to 33.1% in Southeast Asia. Overall, approximately 20.5% of the world's population is estimated to be at risk of inadequate zinc intake. Data on the absorbable zinc content of national food supplies can be used to determine whether further assessments of population zinc status and development of intervention programmes are warranted.