Australian propolis ethanol extract exerts antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by mechanisms of disrupting cell structure, reversing resistance, and resisting biofilm.

The antibacterial activity and mechanisms of Australian propolis ethanol extract (APEE) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated herein. The diameter of inhibition zones (DIZ) of APEE was 19.7 mm, while the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of APEE were both 0.9 mg/mL against the tested strain of MRSA. Nucleic acid leakage and propidium iodide (PI) staining assays showed that APEE can stimulate the release of intracellular nucleic acids by disrupting the integrity of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed that APEE could depress cellular activities via damaging the cell structure, including the cell wall and membrane. Western blot analysis and ß-lactamase activity assay showed that APEE could inhibit the expression of PBP2a and reduce the activity of ß-lactamase, suggesting that APEE is able to reverse the drug resistance of MRSA. XTT and crystal violet (CV) assays indicated that APEE had the capacity to prevent the formation of biofilms through decreasing cellular activities and biomass. Bacterial adhesion assay revealed that APEE could reduce the adhesive capacity of the strain, belonging to its antibiofilm mechanisms. Furthermore, nine main compounds of APEE were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD/Q-TOF-MS. The results above all verified that the antibacterial activity of APEE against MRSA was mainly due to disrupting cell structure, reversing resistance, and resisting biofilm formation, which indicates that APEE is expected to be an efficient functional ingredient with great potential application in the field of medicine and food.

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).(AU)

First report of Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) from New Zealand and description of its larva (Coleoptera: Phalacridae)

Abstract The Australian species Austroporus doctus (Blackburn) is reported from New Zealand for the first time. Adults are illustrated and diagnosed, and late-instar larvae are fully described and illustrated. In addition, a summary of prior larval descriptions of Phalacridae is provided. This represents the first description of the morphology and habitat of the larvae within the genus Austroporus Gimmel and the Olibroporus-group of genera. Austroporus doctus is native to eastern Australia, where adults are distinguished from similar species by characters of the male genitalia and by a suite of external morphological features. There are no native members of Phalacridae known from New Zealand, but A. doctus represents the second introduced and established species there. A key is given to differentiate adult and larval A. doctus from the other introduced New Zealand species, Phalacrus uniformis (Blackburn).

An Exploratory Association Analysis of the Insulin Gene Region With Diabetes Mellitus in Two Dog Breeds.

Samoyeds and Australian Terriers are the 2 dog breeds at highest risk (>10-fold) for diabetes mellitus in the United States. It is unknown if the insulin (INS) gene is involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes in Samoyeds and Australian Terriers. It was hypothesized that the INS gene region provides a common genetic causality for diabetes in Samoyeds and Australian Terriers. We conducted a 2-stage genetic association study involving both breeds. In the discovery stage (Stage 1), Samoyeds with and without diabetes were compared in the frequencies of 447 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 2.5 megabases (Mb) up- and downstream of the INS gene on the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip. SNPs yielding a P-value < 0.005 were selected for further follow-up. In the validation stage (Stage 2), Australian Terriers with and without diabetes were compared in the SNPs genotyped by the Affymetrix GeneChip Canine Genome 2.0 Array and within 1 Mb up- and downstream of the selected SNPs from Stage 1. Two SNPs that were in high linkage disequilibrium (LD, r2 = 0.7) were selected from Stage 1. In Stage 2, among the 76 SNPs examined, 5 were significantly associated with diabetes after Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons. Three of these 5 SNPs were in complete LD (r2 = 1 for all associations) and the 2 remaining SNPs were in moderate LD (r2 = 0.4). In conclusion, an association between the INS gene region and diabetes was suggested in 2 dog breeds of different clades. This region could have importance in diabetes in other breeds or in canine diabetes at large.

Four new species of Plumachaetas Salmon (Collembola: Entomobryoidea) from Oceania with comments on the genus and a key to species.

Plumachaetas Salmon is a genus of Entomobryoidea with 11 valid species, all from Oceania. The genus is characterised by the presence of lanceolate scales, the subapical chaeta of the maxillary outer lobe thick and blunt, dental spines absent and a short mucro. In this paper we describe four new species of Plumachaetas from Oceania: P. belae sp. nov., P. loriensis sp. nov., P. mamuensis sp. nov. and P. wanangensis sp. nov. Plumachaetas belae sp. nov. and P. mamuensis sp. nov. are similar to each other, and to P. queenslandica (Schött) and P. yoshii Zhang Deharveng, but are unique in the combination of dorsal and labial chaetotaxy. Plumachaetas loriensis sp. nov. resembles P. halmaherae (Yoshii Suhardjono) and P. sunae Zhang Deharveng but differs in labial, dorsal chaetotaxy and unguiculus shape. Plumachaetas wanangensis sp. nov. is similar to other taxa bearing a mucro with four teeth, but presents a unique combination of macrochaetae on thoracic and abdominal segments. All species are arboreal and were collected in Malaise traps set in humid rainforests. A map of the geographic distribution and ecological remarks on the genus are provided and a key to species with a table summarising the main morphological features of all described taxa in the genus.

Larvae of Huxelhydrus syntheticus Sharp, 1882 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Bidessini).

The three larval instars of Huxelhydrus syntheticus Sharp, 1882, the only species of the New Zealand endemic genus Huxelhydrus Sharp, 1882, are described and illustrated including detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment and urogomphi. Larvae of this species are characterized by the absence of the primary pore ABc, shared with all other known Bidessini larvae and therefore representing a potential synapomorphy of the tribe. Third instars of Huxelhydrus can be separated from those of all other known Bidessini genera by the following combination of characters: larger size, mandibular pore MNa located in a clearly distal position with respect to pore MNb, and presence of secondary setae on dorsal surface of protarsus, on posteroventral surface of all tarsi, and on urogomphus. First instars, on their part, can be distinguished by the presence of: an occipital suture, the primary pore PAk, a ventroapical spinula on antennomere 3, and an anterotransverse carina on meso- and metathorax.

Microscopic sperm head damage and abnormalities as heat stress indicators in Australian Merino rams (Ovis aries) in Northern Patagonia, Argentina / Danos e anormalidades microscópicas das cabeças espermáticas como indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano (Ovis aries) da Patagônia Norte, Argentina

In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.(AU)

Na Patagônia Norte, os ovinos têm sua estação de acasalamento iniciada em 15 de março, portanto, ficam sujeitos às temperaturas do verão. A exposição de carneiros a estresse térmico aumenta a prevalência de danos microscópicos e anomalias morfológicas nos espermatozoides, que implica uma redução na fertilidade. Este trabalho avaliou a capacidade adaptativa de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã (N = 6) e tosquiados (N = 6): metade ficou ao ar livre e outra metade foi mantida em uma câmara climática por oito horas, durante cinco dias, chegando gradualmente a uma temperatura máxima de 40 °C. Foram analisados danos microscópicos, anormalidades e alterações ultramicroscópicas da membrana plasmática e do acrossoma da cabeça dos espermatozoides. Os resultados microscópicos confirmaram a existência de diferença significativa na porcentagem de espermatozoides sem cauda e com gota citoplasmática proximal, entre os ejaculados pós-tratamento. A temperatura afetou os carneiros tosquiados, principalmente a cabeça de seus espermatozoides, durante a espermatogênese. Alterações submicroscópicas foram observados na membrana plasmática quando ela estava presente no segmento anterior: quando não intacta, ficava ondulada ou dilatada. Quando a membrana plasmática estava ausente, o acrossoma podia se apresentar ondulado ou dilatado. Além disso, sob efeito do calor, a membrana acrossomal externa pode perder completamente seu conteúdo ou apresentar núcleo desnudo. A membrana plasmática assume uma forma ondulada pelo efeito da temperatura no epidídimo. Depois de dez semanas, a cabeça dos espermatozoides recuperou sua forma normal. Como demonstrado neste estudo, a cabeça sem cauda, as gotas citoplasmáticas proximais e as categorias ultramicroscópicas estudadas são indicadores do efeito do estresse térmico no sêmen, e os carneiros com maior cobertura de lã se adaptam melhor ao estresse por calor. Alterações de microscopia e de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão têm se mostrado excelentes indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano e podem ser ferramentas úteis para ajudar criadores de ovelhas a escolher quando começar a época de acasalamento, o que irá variar de acordo com as condições ambientais do verão.(AU)

Microscopic sperm head damage and abnormalities as heat stress indicators in Australian Merino rams (Ovis aries) in Northern Patagonia, Argentina / Danos e anormalidades microscópicas das cabeças espermáticas como indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano (Ovis aries) da Patagônia Norte, Argentina

In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.(AU)

Na Patagônia Norte, os ovinos têm sua estação de acasalamento iniciada em 15 de março, portanto, ficam sujeitos às temperaturas do verão. A exposição de carneiros a estresse térmico aumenta a prevalência de danos microscópicos e anomalias morfológicas nos espermatozoides, que implica uma redução na fertilidade. Este trabalho avaliou a capacidade adaptativa de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã (N = 6) e tosquiados (N = 6): metade ficou ao ar livre e outra metade foi mantida em uma câmara climática por oito horas, durante cinco dias, chegando gradualmente a uma temperatura máxima de 40 °C. Foram analisados danos microscópicos, anormalidades e alterações ultramicroscópicas da membrana plasmática e do acrossoma da cabeça dos espermatozoides. Os resultados microscópicos confirmaram a existência de diferença significativa na porcentagem de espermatozoides sem cauda e com gota citoplasmática proximal, entre os ejaculados pós-tratamento. A temperatura afetou os carneiros tosquiados, principalmente a cabeça de seus espermatozoides, durante a espermatogênese. Alterações submicroscópicas foram observados na membrana plasmática quando ela estava presente no segmento anterior: quando não intacta, ficava ondulada ou dilatada. Quando a membrana plasmática estava ausente, o acrossoma podia se apresentar ondulado ou dilatado. Além disso, sob efeito do calor, a membrana acrossomal externa pode perder completamente seu conteúdo ou apresentar núcleo desnudo. A membrana plasmática assume uma forma ondulada pelo efeito da temperatura no epidídimo. Depois de dez semanas, a cabeça dos espermatozoides recuperou sua forma normal. Como demonstrado neste estudo, a cabeça sem cauda, as gotas citoplasmáticas proximais e as categorias ultramicroscópicas estudadas são indicadores do efeito do estresse térmico no sêmen, e os carneiros com maior cobertura de lã se adaptam melhor ao estresse por calor. Alterações de microscopia e de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão têm se mostrado excelentes indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano e podem ser ferramentas úteis para ajudar criadores de ovelhas a escolher quando começar a época de acasalamento, o que irá variar de acordo com as condições ambientais do verão.(AU)

Forma heterozigota da anomalia de Pelger-Huët em cão / A heterozygote form of Pelger-Huët anomaly in dog

Background: The Pelger-Huët anomaly is a congenital alteration in segmented neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil morphology consisting of nuclear hypo-segmentation. It presents in two ways: the homozygote (very rare) presenting granulocytes with rounded nuclei and dense chromatin, where nuclei with more than two lobes are not found; and in the heterozygote form which presents leukocytes with bi-lobulated nuclei, yet leukocytes that seem immature can also be found. Diagnosis is important for preventing WBC interpretation errors. The objective of this study is to report a case of the heterozygote form of Perger-Huët anomaly in an Australian Shepherd bit.Case: A 6-year-old Australian Shepherd bitch, weighing 28 kg, was received to perform tartar cleaning at the Veterinary Hospital (HV) of the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), in Umuarama in Paraná State. In the anamnesis, the owner reported that the animal was healthy, vaccinated, and had not made use of medications recently. Upon physical examination, the animal was overweight, with adequate hydration, alert consciousness level, no exo-parasites present, rectal temperature of 39.3°C (37.5 to 39.2), heart rate of 96 beats per min (60 to 120 beats per min), breathing (18 to 36 movements per min), a two second capillary perfusion time, strong and regular pulse, hyperemic oral mucosa, and otherwise, a normal-colored and popliteal reactive left lymph. Semiological evaluation presented no alteration. Due to the tartar cleaning procedure, a hemogram was requested. Blood smear analysis from the first blood workup showed a large increase in the number of hypo-segmented leukocytes, with a pattern of mature chromatin, in the form of bands and meta-myelocytes, characterizing a deviation to the left, all of which did not correspond to the patients clinical presentation.[...](AU)

Forma heterozigota da anomalia de Pelger-Huët em cão / A heterozygote form of Pelger-Huët anomaly in dog

Background: The Pelger-Huët anomaly is a congenital alteration in segmented neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil morphology consisting of nuclear hypo-segmentation. It presents in two ways: the homozygote (very rare) presenting granulocytes with rounded nuclei and dense chromatin, where nuclei with more than two lobes are not found; and in the heterozygote form which presents leukocytes with bi-lobulated nuclei, yet leukocytes that seem immature can also be found. Diagnosis is important for preventing WBC interpretation errors. The objective of this study is to report a case of the heterozygote form of Perger-Huët anomaly in an Australian Shepherd bit.Case: A 6-year-old Australian Shepherd bitch, weighing 28 kg, was received to perform tartar cleaning at the Veterinary Hospital (HV) of the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), in Umuarama in Paraná State. In the anamnesis, the owner reported that the animal was healthy, vaccinated, and had not made use of medications recently. Upon physical examination, the animal was overweight, with adequate hydration, alert consciousness level, no exo-parasites present, rectal temperature of 39.3°C (37.5 to 39.2), heart rate of 96 beats per min (60 to 120 beats per min), breathing (18 to 36 movements per min), a two second capillary perfusion time, strong and regular pulse, hyperemic oral mucosa, and otherwise, a normal-colored and popliteal reactive left lymph. Semiological evaluation presented no alteration. Due to the tartar cleaning procedure, a hemogram was requested. Blood smear analysis from the first blood workup showed a large increase in the number of hypo-segmented leukocytes, with a pattern of mature chromatin, in the form of bands and meta-myelocytes, characterizing a deviation to the left, all of which did not correspond to the patient’s clinical presentation.[...]

Effect of extreme severe heat stress on respiratory rate in unshorn and shorn Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia / Efeito do estresse por calor extremamente intenso sobre a taxa respiratória de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã e tosquiados da Patagônia Norte, Argentina

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of severe extreme thermal stress on the respiratory rate (panting) of unsheared and sheared rams in standing and lying position, and to analyse two temperature-humidity indices (THIs). Six mature Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia, three unshorn and three shorn, were subjected to 40 hours (8 hours each day for five days) of gradual increase in temperature from 25°C to 40°C, guaranteeing 4h daily at 40°C in a heat chamber. Respiratory rate (RR) was registered continuously by counting flank movements, and the ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded every five minutes inside the heat chamber. From 1413 RR measurements, descriptive and modelling analyses were performed. Panting as a response variable was distributed into five categories, and fixed effects such as THI, wool (unshorn/shorn), and position (standing/lying) were considered. No significant differences were observed between the panting score in the unshorn (standing or lying) and standing (unshorn or shorn) sheep, but significant differences were observed in shorn and lying rams. The explanations could be that heat production from muscle activity was lower and the transfer and heat lost by conduction to the floor was easier in the rams with shorter fleece (at least 0.7 inches long). However, in the unshorn rams, their wool acted as an insulator, both with air as well as the floor. Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia are heat tolerant to an environment between 31.5°C and 42°C, and 32% to 48% humidity for 40 hours over five days. The rams were in the first phase of panting, and the normal rectal temperatures registered daily when leaving the heat chamber confirmed that regulation of body temperature was possible. The LPHSI's THI was adjusted to improve the analysis of the RR more than the National Research Council's THI.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do estresse térmico extremamente severo sobre a frequência respiratória (ofego) em carneiros com lã e tosquiados, em pé ou deitados, e analisar dois índices de temperatura e umidade (ITU). Seis carneiros Merino Australiano da Patagônia Norte, três com lã e três tosquiados, foram expostos durante 40 horas a aumento gradual de temperatura de 25 a 40°C (oito horas durante cinco dias), garantindo quatro horas diárias a 40°C em uma câmara de calor. A frequência respiratória foi registrada continuamente mediante a contagem dos movimentos do flanco. A temperatura e a umidade relativa ambiente foram registradas a cada cinco minutos dentro da câmara. A partir de 1.413 frequências respiratórias registradas, uma análise descritiva foi realizada e um modelo calculado. A variável de resposta do ofego foi dividida em cinco categorias e os efeitos fixos considerados foram: ITU, lã (com lã ou tosquiado) e posição (em pé ou deitado). Não se observaram diferenças significativas nas frequências de ofego nos carneiros com lã (em pé ou deitados) nem entre os carneiros em pé (com lã e tosquiados), mas foram observadas diferenças significativas nos carneiros tosquiados deitados. Essas diferenças podem ser atribuídas à perda de calor com o solo, facilitada nos carneiros com mecha mais curta (pelo menos 1,8 cm), e à baixa produção de calor de atividade de músculo. Nos carneiros lanados, a lã atua como isolante tanto com o ar quanto com o solo. Os carneiros Merino Australianos do Norte da Patagônia foram adaptados a temperaturas ambiente entre 31,5 e 42°C e 32 e 48% de umidade durante 40 horas em cinco dias. Os carneiros permaneceram na primeira fase do ofego e as temperaturas retais diárias, que se registraram ao deixar a câmara de calor, permaneceram dentro da normalidade, o que demonstra que eles puderam regular a temperatura corporal. Além disso, foram analisados comparativamente os ajustes à frequência respiratória dos ITUs: LPHSI e National Research Council.(AU)

Effect of extreme severe heat stress on respiratory rate in unshorn and shorn Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia / Efeito do estresse por calor extremamente intenso sobre a taxa respiratória de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã e tosquiados da Patagônia Norte, Argentina

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of severe extreme thermal stress on the respiratory rate (panting) of unsheared and sheared rams in standing and lying position, and to analyse two temperature-humidity indices (THIs). Six mature Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia, three unshorn and three shorn, were subjected to 40 hours (8 hours each day for five days) of gradual increase in temperature from 25°C to 40°C, guaranteeing 4h daily at 40°C in a heat chamber. Respiratory rate (RR) was registered continuously by counting flank movements, and the ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded every five minutes inside the heat chamber. From 1413 RR measurements, descriptive and modelling analyses were performed. Panting as a response variable was distributed into five categories, and fixed effects such as THI, wool (unshorn/shorn), and position (standing/lying) were considered. No significant differences were observed between the panting score in the unshorn (standing or lying) and standing (unshorn or shorn) sheep, but significant differences were observed in shorn and lying rams. The explanations could be that heat production from muscle activity was lower and the transfer and heat lost by conduction to the floor was easier in the rams with shorter fleece (at least 0.7 inches long). However, in the unshorn rams, their wool acted as an insulator, both with air as well as the floor. Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia are heat tolerant to an environment between 31.5°C and 42°C, and 32% to 48% humidity for 40 hours over five days. The rams were in the first phase of panting, and the normal rectal temperatures registered daily when leaving the heat chamber confirmed that regulation of body temperature was possible. The LPHSI's THI was adjusted to improve the analysis of the RR more than the National Research Council's THI.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito do estresse térmico extremamente severo sobre a frequência respiratória (ofego) em carneiros com lã e tosquiados, em pé ou deitados, e analisar dois índices de temperatura e umidade (ITU). Seis carneiros Merino Australiano da Patagônia Norte, três com lã e três tosquiados, foram expostos durante 40 horas a aumento gradual de temperatura de 25 a 40°C (oito horas durante cinco dias), garantindo quatro horas diárias a 40°C em uma câmara de calor. A frequência respiratória foi registrada continuamente mediante a contagem dos movimentos do flanco. A temperatura e a umidade relativa ambiente foram registradas a cada cinco minutos dentro da câmara. A partir de 1.413 frequências respiratórias registradas, uma análise descritiva foi realizada e um modelo calculado. A variável de resposta do ofego foi dividida em cinco categorias e os efeitos fixos considerados foram: ITU, lã (com lã ou tosquiado) e posição (em pé ou deitado). Não se observaram diferenças significativas nas frequências de ofego nos carneiros com lã (em pé ou deitados) nem entre os carneiros em pé (com lã e tosquiados), mas foram observadas diferenças significativas nos carneiros tosquiados deitados. Essas diferenças podem ser atribuídas à perda de calor com o solo, facilitada nos carneiros com mecha mais curta (pelo menos 1,8 cm), e à baixa produção de calor de atividade de músculo. Nos carneiros lanados, a lã atua como isolante tanto com o ar quanto com o solo. Os carneiros Merino Australianos do Norte da Patagônia foram adaptados a temperaturas ambiente entre 31,5 e 42°C e 32 e 48% de umidade durante 40 horas em cinco dias. Os carneiros permaneceram na primeira fase do ofego e as temperaturas retais diárias, que se registraram ao deixar a câmara de calor, permaneceram dentro da normalidade, o que demonstra que eles puderam regular a temperatura corporal.[...] (AU)

Matrizes ovinas cruzadas são sempre mais eficientes do que as matrizes puras? / Are sheep crosses always more efficient than pure sheep?

Foi estudado o desempenho reprodutivo de 482 ovelhas multíparas (3/4 Texel x 1/4 Corriedale: TXC, 1/2 Romney Marsh x 1/2 Corriedale: RMC, 3/4 Poll Dorset x 1/4 Corriedale: PDC, 1/2 Finnish Landrace x 1/2 Merino Australiano: FLMA e Merino Australiano puras: MA), as características do crescimento de 585 cordeiros provenientes de carneiros Dorper e ovelhas: TXC (n = 68); RMC (n = 64); PDC (n = 68); FLMA (n = 183) e MA (n = 202) e os quilogramas de carne de cordeiros produzidos/kg de ovelha colocadas em cobertura (como indicador de eficiência), pastoreando campo natural e pastagens cultivadas. As ovelhas FLMA e TXC apresentaram as maiores taxas de parição (167,89 e 174,36%, respectivamente) em relação às demais cruzas, as quais não diferiram entre si (121,43 e 125,49%, PDC e RMC, respectivamente; P>0,05), porém foram superiores as MA (88,99%), sendo esse resultado uma consequência da maior quantidade de cordeiros nascidos/ovelha parida, que influenciou mais do que sua maior taxa de fertilidade. O genótipo da ovelha também afetou (P<0,0001) o crescimento dos cordeiros até o momento da sua venda com 41,6 ±6,7kg aos 206±7,25 dias de idade. Os cordeiros filhos das ovelhas TXC, PDC e RMC apresentaram maiores ganhos de peso diário que os filhos de FLMA, e esses maiores do que os MA. No entanto, de todas as cruzas avaliadas, somente a FLMA foi mais eficiente que a MA.

The reproductive performance of 482 multiparous ewes, with growth characteristics of 585 lambs from Dorper rams and ewes: 3/4 Texel x 1/4 Corriedale (TXC, n = 68); 1/2 Romney Marsh x 1/2 Corriedale (RMC, n = 64); 3/4 Poll Dorset x 1/4 Corriedale (PDC, n = 68); 1/2 Finnish Landrace x Australian Merino (FLAM, n = 183) and Australian Merino pure ewes (AM, n = 202) and kg of lamb produced/kg of sheep used in the service (as an indicator of efficiency), grazing natural and sown pastures, were studied. The TXC and FLAM sheep had the highest lambing percentage (167.89 and 174.36%, respectively) compared to the rest of the other crosses, and did not differ from each other (121.43 and 125.49%, PDC and RMC respectively, P>0.05), but were higher than AM (88.99%), due to the greater number of lambs born / ewe calving rather than their higher fertility. The type of ewe also affected (P<0.0001) lamb growth until its sale at 41.6±6.7 kg to 206±7.25 days of age, showing mothers of TXC lambs, PDC and RMC had higher daily gains than the FLAM and these more than those of MA. However, in all crosses tested, only FLAM was more efficient than MA.

Matrizes ovinas cruzadas são sempre mais eficientes do que as matrizes puras? / Are sheep crosses always more efficient than pure sheep?

Foi estudado o desempenho reprodutivo de 482 ovelhas multíparas (3/4 Texel x 1/4 Corriedale: TXC, 1/2 Romney Marsh x 1/2 Corriedale: RMC, 3/4 Poll Dorset x 1/4 Corriedale: PDC, 1/2 Finnish Landrace x 1/2 Merino Australiano: FLMA e Merino Australiano puras: MA), as características do crescimento de 585 cordeiros provenientes de carneiros Dorper e ovelhas: TXC (n = 68); RMC (n = 64); PDC (n = 68); FLMA (n = 183) e MA (n = 202) e os quilogramas de carne de cordeiros produzidos/kg de ovelha colocadas em cobertura (como indicador de eficiência), pastoreando campo natural e pastagens cultivadas. As ovelhas FLMA e TXC apresentaram as maiores taxas de parição (167,89 e 174,36%, respectivamente) em relação às demais cruzas, as quais não diferiram entre si (121,43 e 125,49%, PDC e RMC, respectivamente; P>0,05), porém foram superiores as MA (88,99%), sendo esse resultado uma consequência da maior quantidade de cordeiros nascidos/ovelha parida, que influenciou mais do que sua maior taxa de fertilidade. O genótipo da ovelha também afetou (P<0,0001) o crescimento dos cordeiros até o momento da sua venda com 41,6 ±6,7kg aos 206±7,25 dias de idade. Os cordeiros filhos das ovelhas TXC, PDC e RMC apresentaram maiores ganhos de peso diário que os filhos de FLMA, e esses maiores do que os MA. No entanto, de todas as cruzas avaliadas, somente a FLMA foi mais eficiente que a MA(AU)

The reproductive performance of 482 multiparous ewes, with growth characteristics of 585 lambs from Dorper rams and ewes: 3/4 Texel x 1/4 Corriedale (TXC, n = 68); 1/2 Romney Marsh x 1/2 Corriedale (RMC, n = 64); 3/4 Poll Dorset x 1/4 Corriedale (PDC, n = 68); 1/2 Finnish Landrace x Australian Merino (FLAM, n = 183) and Australian Merino pure ewes (AM, n = 202) and kg of lamb produced/kg of sheep used in the service (as an indicator of efficiency), grazing natural and sown pastures, were studied. The TXC and FLAM sheep had the highest lambing percentage (167.89 and 174.36%, respectively) compared to the rest of the other crosses, and did not differ from each other (121.43 and 125.49%, PDC and RMC respectively, P>0.05), but were higher than AM (88.99%), due to the greater number of lambs born / ewe calving rather than their higher fertility. The type of ewe also affected (P<0.0001) lamb growth until its sale at 41.6±6.7 kg to 206±7.25 days of age, showing mothers of TXC lambs, PDC and RMC had higher daily gains than the FLAM and these more than those of MA. However, in all crosses tested, only FLAM was more efficient than MA(AU)

Evolução clínica e ecocardiográfica em um cão da raça Boiadeiro Australiano, portador de comunicação interventricular congênita: Relato de Caso / Clinical and echocardiographyic evolution in a Australian Cattle dog,carrier Interventricular Congenital Communication: a case report / Clínica y evolución un Vaquero ecocardiográfico raza dei perro Australiano, transportista Interventricular Comunicación Congénita: un caso

A comunicação interventricular (CIV) canina é uma cardiopatia congênita caracterizada pela presença de um orifício no septo interventricular, com predisposição racial para Bulldog Inglês, Maltês e Springer Spaniel Inglês. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar as alterações clínicas e ecocardiográficas de um cão, macho, com oito meses de idade, da raça Boiadeiro Australiano, portador de CIV, acompanhado durante um ano após seu diagnóstico definitivo. No exame físico inicial o cão encontrava-se assintomático, sendo que, durante auscultação cardiopulmonar, foi identificado um sopro sistólico em foco aórtico e tricúspide de grau IVNI. Os exames laboratoriais demonstraram valores normais para a espécie. Na radiografia torácica e eletrocardiograma (ECG) foram evidenciados VHS= 10,5, ritmo sinusal e aumento de amplitude em onda S. A ecocardiografia confirmou a presença da CIV. Neste momento, o estadiamento proposto pelo ACVIM (American Colege Veterinary Internal Medicine) foi B1,com a terapêutica baseada em ração terapêutica para cardiopatias. Após um ano, o cão encontrava-se ainda assintomático. Entretanto, o VHS aumentou para 11,4 vértebras na radiografia e a ecocardiografia demonstrou o aumento no DIVEd/s (diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo na diástole e sístole) e DIVDd(diâmetro interno do ventrículo direito na diástole), com o Doppler espectral e tecidual miocárdio indicando a manutenção da inversão na relação E:TRIV com a pseudo normalização na relação E'/A' no VD. Assim, o estadiamento atual mudou para B2, com a indicação do maleato de enalapril (0,5mg/kgNO-SID) emanutenção da ração terapêutica.(AU)

The septal defect (VSD) is a canine congenital heart disease characterized by the presenceof a hole in the ventricular septum, with racial predisposition to English Bulldog, Maltese and English Springer Spaniel. Thus, this study aims to report the clinical and echocardiographic a male dog with eightmonths of age, Australian Cattle Dog race, CIV bearer, accompanied for a one year after his definitive diagnosis. On physical examination the dog was asymptomatic, and that during cardiopulmonary auscultation, identified a systolic murmur in the aortic and tricuspid grade IV I VI. Laboratory tests showed normal valuesfor the species. On chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) were found VHS = 10.5, sinus rhythm andincreased amplitude wave S. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of the IVC. At this time, staging proposed by ACVIM (American College Veterinary Internal Medicine) was B1, with the therapeutic treatment based on feed diseases. After one year, the dog was still asymptomatic. However, ESR increased to 11.4 vertebrae in the X-ray and echocardiography demonstrated increased DLVd I s (left ventricular internaldiameter in diastole and systole) and DIVDd (inner diameter of the right ventricle in diastole) with spectral Doppler and myocardial tissue indicating the continued inversion of E: IVRT with pseudo normalization in the relationship and E'I A' in the RV.Thus, the current staging moved to B2, indicating the enalapril maleate (0.5mg I kg I VO-SID) and maintenance of therapeutic food.(AU)

El defecto septal (VSD) es una enfermedad congénita dei corazón canino que se caracteriza por la presencia de un orificio en el tabique ventricular, con predisposición racial a Bulldog Inglés, Maltés y el lnglés Springer Spaniel. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo informar de la clinica y ecocardiográfica un perro, macho, con ocho meses de edad, la raza Perro Australiano, CIV portador, acompanados por un ano después de su diagnóstico definitivo. En el examen físico el perro estaba asintomático, y que durante la auscultación cardiopulmonar, identificó un soplo sistólico en el grado aórtica y tricúspide IV I VI. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron valores normales para la especie. En la radiografía de tórax y elelectrocardiograma (ECG) se encontraron VHS = 10,5, ritmo sinusal y el aumento de amplitud de la onda S. Ecocardiografía confirmó la presencia de la IVC. En este momento, de clasificación propuesto por ACVIM (American College Veterinary Medicina Interna) fue B1, con el tratamiento terapéutico basado en enfermedades de alimentación. Después de un ano, el perro seguía asintomática. Sin embargo, ESR aumentó a 11,4 vértebras en la radiografía y la ecocardiografía demostró un aumento DLVdI s (ventrículo izquierdo diámetro interno en diástole y sístole) y DIVDd (diámetro interior dei ventrículo derecho endiástole) con Doppler espectral y tejido miocárdico que indica la inversión continua de e: TRIV conseudo normalización en la relación y E'I A' en la RV.Por 10 tanto, la puesta en escena actual se trasladó a B2,indicando el maleato de enalapril (0,5 mg I kg I VO-SID) Y el mantenimiento de alimentos terapéuticos.(AU)

Evolução clínica e ecocardiográfica em um cão da raça Boiadeiro Australiano, portador de comunicação interventricular congênita: Relato de Caso / Clinical and echocardiographyic evolution in a Australian Cattle dog,carrier Interventricular Congenital Communication: a case report / Clínica y evolución un Vaquero ecocardiográfico raza dei perro Australiano, transportista Interventricular Comunicación Congénita: un caso

A comunicação interventricular (CIV) canina é uma cardiopatia congênita caracterizada pela presença de um orifício no septo interventricular, com predisposição racial para Bulldog Inglês, Maltês e Springer Spaniel Inglês. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar as alterações clínicas e ecocardiográficas de um cão, macho, com oito meses de idade, da raça Boiadeiro Australiano, portador de CIV, acompanhado durante um ano após seu diagnóstico definitivo. No exame físico inicial o cão encontrava-se assintomático, sendo que, durante auscultação cardiopulmonar, foi identificado um sopro sistólico em foco aórtico e tricúspide de grau IVNI. Os exames laboratoriais demonstraram valores normais para a espécie. Na radiografia torácica e eletrocardiograma (ECG) foram evidenciados VHS= 10,5, ritmo sinusal e aumento de amplitude em onda S. A ecocardiografia confirmou a presença da CIV. Neste momento, o estadiamento proposto pelo ACVIM (American Colege Veterinary Internal Medicine) foi B1,com a terapêutica baseada em ração terapêutica para cardiopatias. Após um ano, o cão encontrava-se ainda assintomático. Entretanto, o VHS aumentou para 11,4 vértebras na radiografia e a ecocardiografia demonstrou o aumento no DIVEd/s (diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo na diástole e sístole) e DIVDd(diâmetro interno do ventrículo direito na diástole), com o Doppler espectral e tecidual miocárdio indicando a manutenção da inversão na relação E:TRIV com a pseudo normalização na relação E'/A' no VD. Assim, o estadiamento atual mudou para B2, com a indicação do maleato de enalapril (0,5mg/kgNO-SID) emanutenção da ração terapêutica.

The septal defect (VSD) is a canine congenital heart disease characterized by the presenceof a hole in the ventricular septum, with racial predisposition to English Bulldog, Maltese and English Springer Spaniel. Thus, this study aims to report the clinical and echocardiographic a male dog with eightmonths of age, Australian Cattle Dog race, CIV bearer, accompanied for a one year after his definitive diagnosis. On physical examination the dog was asymptomatic, and that during cardiopulmonary auscultation, identified a systolic murmur in the aortic and tricuspid grade IV I VI. Laboratory tests showed normal valuesfor the species. On chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) were found VHS = 10.5, sinus rhythm andincreased amplitude wave S. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of the IVC. At this time, staging proposed by ACVIM (American College Veterinary Internal Medicine) was B1, with the therapeutic treatment based on feed diseases. After one year, the dog was still asymptomatic. However, ESR increased to 11.4 vertebrae in the X-ray and echocardiography demonstrated increased DLVd I s (left ventricular internaldiameter in diastole and systole) and DIVDd (inner diameter of the right ventricle in diastole) with spectral Doppler and myocardial tissue indicating the continued inversion of E: IVRT with pseudo normalization in the relationship and E'I A' in the RV.Thus, the current staging moved to B2, indicating the enalapril maleate (0.5mg I kg I VO-SID) and maintenance of therapeutic food.

El defecto septal (VSD) es una enfermedad congénita dei corazón canino que se caracteriza por la presencia de un orificio en el tabique ventricular, con predisposición racial a Bulldog Inglés, Maltés y el lnglés Springer Spaniel. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo informar de la clinica y ecocardiográfica un perro, macho, con ocho meses de edad, la raza Perro Australiano, CIV portador, acompanados por un ano después de su diagnóstico definitivo. En el examen físico el perro estaba asintomático, y que durante la auscultación cardiopulmonar, identificó un soplo sistólico en el grado aórtica y tricúspide IV I VI. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron valores normales para la especie. En la radiografía de tórax y elelectrocardiograma (ECG) se encontraron VHS = 10,5, ritmo sinusal y el aumento de amplitud de la onda S. Ecocardiografía confirmó la presencia de la IVC. En este momento, de clasificación propuesto por ACVIM (American College Veterinary Medicina Interna) fue B1, con el tratamiento terapéutico basado en enfermedades de alimentación. Después de un ano, el perro seguía asintomática. Sin embargo, ESR aumentó a 11,4 vértebras en la radiografía y la ecocardiografía demostró un aumento DLVdI s (ventrículo izquierdo diámetro interno en diástole y sístole) y DIVDd (diámetro interior dei ventrículo derecho endiástole) con Doppler espectral y tejido miocárdico que indica la inversión continua de e: TRIV conseudo normalización en la relación y E'I A' en la RV.Por 10 tanto, la puesta en escena actual se trasladó a B2,indicando el maleato de enalapril (0,5 mg I kg I VO-SID) Y el mantenimiento de alimentos terapéuticos.

Risk factors and costs of hospital admissions in first year of life: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the maternal and infant risk factors associated with hospital admission in the first year and estimate the associated costs of infant hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the Perinatal Data Collection for 599753 liveborn infants born in New South Wales, Australia, 2001-2007 were linked to hospital admission data. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between maternal and infant characteristics and admission to hospital once, and more than once in the first year; and average costs for total hospital admissions were calculated. RESULTS: Almost 15% of infants were admitted to hospital once and 4.6% had multiple admissions. Gestational age <37 weeks was most strongly associated with admission to hospital once, and severe neonatal morbidity was most strongly associated with multiple admissions (aOR 2.60; 95% CI 2.47-2.75). Infants born <39 weeks gestational age, to adolescent mothers, mothers who smoke, are not married, or had a planned delivery also have an increased risk of multiple admissions. Infants with severe neonatal morbidity contributed 27% of total infant hospital costs. With each increasing week of gestational age the mean annual cost decreased on average 10% and 27% for infants with and without neonatal morbidity respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infants born with severe neonatal morbidity have increased hospitalizations in the first year; however, the majority of burden on health system is by infants without severe neonatal morbidity. Hospitalizations, and associated costs, increased with decreasing gestational age, even for infants born at 37-38 weeks. Targeted public health strategies may reduce the burden of infant hospitalizations.

The history and development of Australia's Black Dog Institute

OBJECTIVE: To overview the development of the Sydney-based Black Dog Institute. METHODS: The strengths and limitations of the Institute's predecessor (the Mood Disorders Unit) gave way to a more ambitious Black Dog Institute, and this article gives an overview of the Institute's structural and functional components. RESULTS: It is argued that the Institute serves as a model for modern psychiatric service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The Institute's model of linking clinical, research, education and community activities to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of mood disorders is detailed for wider consideration.

Toona ciliata genotype selection with the use of individual BLUP with repeated measures

The increasing demand for raw material for multiple uses of forest products and by-products has attracted the interest for fast growing species, such as the Australian Cedar (Toona ciliata), which presents high productive and economic potential. This study aimed at estimating genotypic parameters and values for the species through the use of the BLUP procedure, at individual level, with repeated measures, by means of the conventional evaluation procedures and the introduction of innovative digitalization of the measurements by digital camera with the images provided by the Imagej software system. The main objective is to subsidize the beginning of a breeding program for the species. The assays were carried out in private properties, in plantations located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The results generated by three evaluations revealed that the image digital analysis is adequate to quantify characteristics of Toona ciliata. It is also an effective and accurate alternative to minimize the costs of data collection in evaluations with the species. There was high accuracy for the characters plant height, diameter at breast height and cylindrical volume. Out of the 90 genotypes evaluated, 38 expressed genotypic values predicted for the diameter at breast height higher than the general average of this character, 33 for the cylindrical volume and 49 for height, allowing gains of up to 24.9 % in average for cylindrical volume. The method of mixed models (REML/BLUP) applied via the SELEGEN software system, using the BLUP procedure at individual level and repeated measures in each individual proved to be adequate to estimate the genetic parameters and predict genotypic values in situations of unbalanced data. Therefore, it is very useful and practical for Toona ciliata genetic breeding programs.