Nutritional depletion of total mixed rations by European starlings: Projected effects on dairy cow performance and potential intervention strategies to mitigate damage.

European starlings are an invasive bird species in North America that are known to cause damage to commercial dairies through the consumption of total mixed rations (TMR) destined for dairy cows. We hypothesized that large foraging flocks of starlings alter the physical composition of TMR, and that this change may be significant enough to affect milk production. To better determine if production losses could potentially occur in commercial dairies as a consequence of feed consumption by foraging flocks of starlings, we conducted controlled feeding experiments using a TMR sourced from a commercial dairy that is chronically plagued with seasonal starling damage. European starlings selected the high-energy fraction of the TMR and reduced starch and crude fat availability. Using the dairy National Research Council production model equations, the nutritional changes measured in the controlled feeding experiments could potentially reduce the productivity of dairies. Model output suggests that for Holsteins producing 32 kg of milk/d, total required net energy intake (NEI) was 31.5 Mcal/d. Within the reference TMR, NEI supplied was 29.3 Mcal/d, whereas within the starling-consumed TMR NEI supplied was 27.7 Mcal/d. Following our nutrition experiments, we assessed the efficacy of pelleted feed as a deterrent strategy for bird damage management in commercial dairies. Six different pelleted feed treatments of differing diameter were offered to starlings. All pellets of 0.95 cm diameter or larger inhibited starling consumption by ≥79%.

Quantification of heterosubtypic immunity between avian influenza subtypes H3N8 and H4N6 in multiple avian host species.

Low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) can lead to epizootics that cause economic losses in poultry or the emergence of human-infectious strains. LPAIVs experience a complex immunity landscape as they are endemic in numerous host species, and many antigenically distinct strains co-circulate. Prevention and control of emergence of detrimental strains requires an understanding of infection/transmission characteristics of the various subtypes in different hosts, including interactions between subtypes. In order to develop analytical frameworks for examining control efficacy, quantification of heterosubtypic immunity interactions is fundamental. However, these data are scarce, especially for wild avian subtypes in natural hosts. Consequently, in this study, three host species (mallards, quail and pheasants) were infected with two LPAIV subtypes isolated from wild birds: H3N8 and H4N6. The recovered hosts were also reinfected with the alternate subtype to measure the effects of heterosubtypic immunity. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected and viral RNA load was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. For secondary infections in recovered hosts, peak viral load was up to four orders of magnitude lower and shedding length was up to 4 days shorter. However, both the magnitude and presence of heterosubtypic immunity varied across specific host species/subtype combinations. Using a mathematical model of virus replication, the variation in virus replication dynamics due to host individuals was quantified. It was found that accounting for individual heterogeneity is important for drawing accurate conclusions about treatment effects. These results are relevant for developing epidemiological models to inform control practices and for analysing virus replication data.

Comparison of two shampoos for treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in basset hounds.

A randomised-double-blind parallel study compared the clinical and antimicrobial efficacies of a miconazole-chlorhexidine shampoo with a selenium sulphide shampoo for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with Malassezia pachydermatis in 33 basset hounds. All 16 miconazole-chlorhexidine treated hounds and 11 of 17 selenium sulphide treated hounds improved when shampooed at three-day intervals for three weeks. The miconazole-chlorhexidine treated hounds showed significantly greater reductions in pruritus (P < 0.01), erythema (P < 0.001), exudation (P < 0.01) and overall severity (P < 0.001), and in counts of M pachydermatis (P < 0.001), total bacteria (P < 0.001) and coagulase-positive staphylococci (P < 0.001), when compared to the selenium sulphide treated group. Improvements in scaling and coat condition did not vary significantly between the two groups. These results indicate that seborrhoeic dermatitis in basset hounds is often associated with elevated cutaneous populations of M pachydermatis and bacteria, and that the miconazole-chlorhexidine shampoo is more effective than the selenium sulphide product for the treatment for this disease.

Bayesian derived predictions for twice daily theophylline under outpatient conditions and an assessment of optimal sampling times.

1. The accuracy of a computerised method of pharmacokinetic interpretation of a single serum theophylline concentration, employing the statistical technique of Bayesian analysis, has been evaluated for an oral slow release form of theophylline using twice daily dosing. 2. Twenty-four hour steady state serum theophylline concentration-time profiles of one Uniphyllin Continus 400 mg tablet (Napp Laboratories) every 12 h were measured in 15 patients. These profiles demonstrated a diurnal variation of theophylline absorption which was faster during the day. 3. Revised predictions of the profiles were generated by Bayesian analysis using a single serum theophylline concentration taken during a previous outpatient appointment. Comparing the predicted and measured profiles, the accuracy of the Bayesian method is considered more than adequate for clinical purposes. 4. The predictions produced by the revised estimates were statistically less biased and more precise than those derived by a theophylline algorithm using population data. 5. The mean prediction errors of the revised estimates of the day and night-peak drug concentrations were -0.55 mg l-1 and -0.21 mg l-1 whilst those of the evening and morning troughs were 1.17 mg l-1 and 0.41 mg l-1, respectively. 6. Analysis of the predictive and relative performance of the samples drawn during the profile revealed that the sample taken prior to a morning dose produced the most accurate predictions. 7. There was no statistical difference in the relative predictive performance of samples drawn up to 4 h before or 2 h after the morning dose. It is, therefore, recommended that all serum theophylline concentrations to be used in Bayesian analysis, should be drawn within this period.

The accuracy and stability of Bayesian theophylline predictions.

Pharmacokinetic parameters for theophylline were determined in 33 patients (3 women), mean age 61.2 years and weight 74.6 kg using the following three methods: (a) standard one-compartmental model calculations, assuming 100% bioavailability, after a single dose of theophylline syrup (mean dose 413 mg); (b) drug nomogram; and (c) Bayesian analysis. Patients entered a randomised study of three two-monthly dosage regimens using low, medium, and high theophylline twice daily doses. These doses produced mean (+/- SE) steady-state serum theophylline concentrations of 6.3 (+/- 0.4), 12.1 (+/- 0.3) and 18.3 (+/- 0.5) mg/L, respectively. A fourth period of placebo (2-month duration) was also included. At the end of each treatment period the measured serum theophylline concentration of each patient was compared with those predicted by each of the above three methods. The revised estimates derived from Bayesian analysis produced the least biased [mean prediction error (ME)] and most precise (mean squared prediction error) predictions for all three dosage periods. Statistical analysis of relative performance demonstrated that the difference in precision between the revised estimates and those of the other two methods was significant (p less than 0.05) with the magnitude of the difference increasing with dose. The revised estimates were also found to be less biased (p less than 0.05) than those of the nomogram. The ME (+/- SE) of the revised estimates for the low, medium, and high dosage periods was 0.34 (+/- 0.30), -0.02 (+/- 0.22) and -0.48 (+/- 0.31) mg/L, respectively.

Multiphasic oral contraceptives. Efficacy and metabolic impact.

The new multiphasic oral contraceptives represent an attempt to maximize contraceptive efficacy while minimizing physical and metabolic side effects. By varying the dose of progestin during the cycle, the total steroid dose per month has been reduced as compared to most fixed-dose preparations. Lowering the progestin dose appears to reduce the incidence of certain cardiovascular complications. Different oral contraceptive formulations may selectively alter lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Norethindrone-containing multiphasics appear to have the greatest efficacy and the smallest metabolic impact.

Fluidized bed boiler at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown.

A fluidized bed boiler has been installed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, N.S.W. This paper describes the reasons for developing a project to demonstrate that a fluidized bed coal fire combustor can be incorporated with a modern packaged steam boiler. The boiler and combustor are of Australian design as suitable proven designs from overseas were not available.

Cerebral accident subsequent to G-force loading: a case report.

A case review of a CVA in a 57-year-old general officer due to positive G-force loading is presented, which is apparently the first such documented episode recorded in the literature. This case reflects the concern about high G-force loading seen in newer high-performance aircraft and has significance in the assignment of older individuals to high G-force environments.