Anatomical characterization of the brachial plexus in dog cadavers and comparison of three blind techniques for blockade

Objectives

To describe the ventral spinal nerve rami contribution to the formation of the brachial plexus (BP), and to compare ease of performing and nerve staining between three blind techniques for BP blockade in dogs.

Assessment of distribution of ventilation and regional lung compliance by electrical impedance tomography in anaesthetized horses undergoing alveolar recruitment manoeuvres

Objective

To examine changes in the distribution of ventilation and regional lung compliances in anaesthetized horses during the alveolar recruitment manoeuvre (ARM).

Clinical application of continuous spirometry with a pitot‐based flow meter during equine anaesthesia

This report documents the feasibility and clinical information provided by a new method for spirometric monitoring adapted for equine anaesthesia. Monitoring of ventilatory function was done with continuous spirometry during general anaesthesia of client‐owned horses presented for various diagnostic and surgical procedures. An anaesthetic monitor with a spirometry unit for human anaesthesia was used. To allow the measurement of large tidal volumes, a remodelled larger version of the pitot tube‐ based flow sensor was used. This technology provided reliable spirometric data even during prolonged anaesthesia when water condensation accumulated in the anaesthetic circuit and the sensor. In addition to flow and volume measurement and respiratory gas analysis, the continuous display of flow‐volume and pressure‐volume loops offered visually recognisable information about compliance, airway resistance and integrity of the circuit. Continuous spirometry with this monitoring system was helpful in evaluating the efficacy of spontaneous ventilation, in adjusting intermittent positive pressure ventilation and detecting technical faults in the anaesthetic apparatus and connection with the patient. This adapted spirometry method represents a practical and reliable measuring system for use during equine anaesthesia. The variety of information provides an opportunity to optimise anaesthetic management in this species.     

Effect of spray volume on the deposition, viability and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes in a foliar spray on vegetables

BACKGROUND: Spray volume can influence the amount of free water on the leaf surface and subsequently the ability of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to move. In this study, an investigation was made of the effect of spray volume (548, 730 and 1095 L ha⁻¹) on the deposition, viability and infectivity of EPNs against Galleria mellonella on savoy cabbage, cauliflower and leek. RESULTS: Increasing spray volume decreased nematode deposition on 7.1 cm² leek leaf discs at a 15° angle with the spray nozzle. Although the number of living nematodes observed on leek after 240 min of exposure was not significantly different between the low-volume application (548 L ha⁻¹) and the high-volume application (1095 L ha⁻¹), a greater infectivity was obtained in the latter application. The higher number of droplets deposited on the leek discs in the high-volume application may have stimulated nematode movement. No significant effect of spray volume was observed on the relative deposition of Steinernema carpocapsae on the bottom side of cauliflower and savoy cabbage leaf discs. In spite of the low S. carpocapsae deposition on the bottom side of the savoy cabbage discs, high infectivity was obtained against G. mellonella. Using the lowest spray volume on savoy cabbage, infectivity decreased with increasing exposure time, while infectivity was not affected by exposure time when a spray volume of 730 L ha⁻¹ or more was used. CONCLUSION: Spray volume is an important application parameter, as it affects nematode infectivity. Future research should investigate the effect of spray volume in the field and its influence on the effect of adjuvants. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry