Mortality in Patients with Obesity and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Multicenter ECMObesity Study.

Rationale: Patients with obesity are at increased risk for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some centers consider obesity a relative contraindication to receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, despite growing implementation of ECMO for ARDS in the general population. Objectives: To investigate the association between obesity and mortality in patients with ARDS receiving ECMO. Methods: In this large, international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the association of obesity, defined as body mass index ⩾ 30 kg/m2, with ICU mortality in patients receiving ECMO for ARDS by performing adjusted multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching. Measurements and Main Results: Of 790 patients with ARDS receiving ECMO in our study, 320 had obesity. Of those, 24.1% died in the ICU, compared with 35.3% of patients without obesity (P < 0.001). In adjusted models, obesity was associated with lower ICU mortality (odds ratio, 0.63 [95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.93]; P = 0.018). Examined as a continuous variable, higher body mass index was associated with decreased ICU mortality in multivariable regression (odds ratio, 0.97 [95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.00]; P = 0.023). In propensity score matching of 199 patients with obesity to 199 patients without, patients with obesity had a lower probability of ICU death than those without (22.6% vs. 35.2%; P = 0.007). Conclusions: Among patients receiving ECMO for ARDS, those with obesity had lower ICU mortality than patients without obesity in multivariable and propensity score matching analyses. Our findings support the notion that obesity should not be considered a general contraindication to ECMO.

Thermoregulation of the bovine scrotum 2: simulated acute and chronic heat waves reduces the scrotal thermoregulatory capability of Wagyu bulls.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic heat load events on scrotal temperature (ST), body temperature (BT) and bull behaviour, and to examine the interrelationship between these parameters; the underlying hypothesis was that adverse heat treatments delivered in a temperature controlled environment will lead to thermoregulatory dysfunction of the bull scrotum. Six sexually mature Wagyu bulls were used in this study with data loggers surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity and scrotum. Body temperate and ST were recorded at 30-min intervals for the duration of the study. There were two housing locations used throughout the study, outdoor pens and climate control rooms. The study was designed as a four-phase crossover design with two heat treatments: (1) a 5-day acute challenge, and (2) a 14-day chronic challenge. The study was also blocked by phase to control for systematic change between phases with a thermoneutral (TN) phase in outdoor pens between each heat challenge. Observations within the climate rooms were conducted at 1-h intervals and data on panting scores (PS), respiration rate (RR), posture (standing or lying) and general behaviours (feeding, drinking, ruminating) recorded. Ambient temperature (AT, °C) and relative humidity (RH, %) were obtained at 10-min intervals and used to calculate the temperature humidity index (THI). Multiple models were conducted using a linear mixed effects model that contained different permutations of date and time factors and interactions as well as inclusion of an autoregressive parameter. The strongest model based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was selected and further analysed. Ambient conditions during heat treatments were consistent with heat load and bulls showed typical physiological symptoms of the same. Maximum ST for acute and chronic treatments occurred once AT had exceeded 34 °C for at least 3 h (acute 35.59 °C at 1500 h; chronic 35.18 °C at 1400 h), whereas during TN conditions, maximum ST was at 2100 h. All phases showed variation in ST throughout the day. There were strong cross correlations between ST and RR during the heat treatments (acute r = 0.918, P < 0.0001; chronic r = 0.916, P < 0.0001), but not during TN (r = 0.411, P < 0.05). Our results confirmed that the ST of the bulls used in this study was not held at a constant temperature and that there was a possible connection between ST and RR. We have shown that during a period of heat load, the thermoregulatory mechanisms thought responsible for maintaining bovine ST appear to breakdown.

A 24-Year-Old Woman Presenting With Altered Mental Status and Multiorgan Failure.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old previously healthy woman was brought to the hospital for acute altered mental status. One week prior to presentation, she had developed a sore throat, nausea, and vomiting. At that time, SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction and rapid streptococcal pharyngitis test results were both negative. On the day prior to presentation, the patient had developed an erythematous painful rash on her left arm. The following day she was noted to be agitated, combative, and having trouble communicating, prompting ED evaluation. In the ED, the patient was tachycardic to 108 beats/min and tachypneic to 30 breaths/min but normotensive and afebrile. Her initial workup was notable for leukocytosis with bandemia, acute liver injury with coagulopathy, and acute renal failure. She was intubated, transferred to our hospital, and admitted to the MICU. The patient's medical history was notable for obesity and oral contraceptive use. She had no family history of autoimmune, rheumatologic, or hematologic disorders. She was a student and worked part time in retail. She had no recent travel or outdoor exposure. The patient's family was unaware of any tobacco or drug use but did report that she drank socially.

Self-Management in Persons with Limb Loss: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Self-management is an integral component of managing long-term conditions and diseases. For a person with limb loss, this self-management process involves caring for the residual limb, the prosthesis, and the prosthetic socket-residual limb interface. Failure to properly self-manage can result in unwanted secondary complications such as skin breakdown, falls, or non-use of the prosthesis. However, there is little evidence on what self-management interventions are effective at preventing secondary complications. To understand the impact of self-management after the loss of a limb, it is necessary to determine what the current evidence base supports. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to examine the available literature on self-management interventions and/or outcomes for persons with limb loss and describe how it may impact residual limb health or prosthesis use. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of multiple databases was carried out using a variety of search terms associated with self-management. The results were reviewed and selected based on the inclusion criteria: self-management interventions or direct outcomes related to self-management, which includes the skin integrity of the residual limb, problem-solving the fit of the prosthesis, and education in the prevention of secondary complications associated with prosthesis use. The Cincinnati Childrens' LEGEND (Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision) appraisal forms were used to analyze the articles and assign grades. FINDINGS: Out of the 40 articles identified for possible inclusion in this study, 33 were excluded resulting in seven articles being selected for this review. Three out of the seven articles focused on silicone liner management while the other four articles focused on skin issues. CONCLUSIONS: Self-management for a person with limb loss is a key component of preventing complications associated with loss of limb and prosthesis use. There is a lack of high-quality experimental studies exploring the most appropriate intervention for teaching self-management when compared to other conditions, specifically diabetes. Further research in the area of self-management is necessary to understand how to best prevent unwanted secondary complications.

Body temperature of free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in south-east Queensland.

The distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Queensland is predicted to contract as a result of climate change, driven by the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves and drought. However, little is known about the physiological responses of this species to environmental extremes under field conditions. This study aimed to establish the efficacy of surgically implanted thermal radio transmitters and data loggers to measure the body temperature of free-ranging koalas across a range of environmental conditions and ambient temperatures. Five free-ranging koalas in southeast Queensland were implanted with thermal transmitters and data loggers waxed together as a single package. Body temperatures were recorded for variable periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. Diurnal rhythms in body temperature were detected irrespective of season. The long-term diurnal body temperature peak for all koalas occurred between 16:00 and 17:00 h and body temperature was 36.7-36.9 °C, the long-term nadir occurred between 07:00 and 08:00 h and body temperature was 35.4-35.7 °C. Koala body temperatures as low as 34.2 °C and as high as 39.0 °C were recorded. Thermolability became apparent when ambient temperatures were outside the deduced thermal neutral zone for koalas (14.5-24.5 °C): heat was accumulated during the day and dissipated during the cool of the night. While this study is the first to report on body temperature of free-ranging koalas in their normal behavioural context, further investigations are necessary to determine the physiological boundaries of the thermal niche for this species, in order to better equip models that will more accurately predict the impacts of climate change on koalas.

Evaluating rumen temperature as an estimate of core body temperature in Angus feedlot cattle during summer.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between rectal temperature (TREC) and rumen temperature (TRUM) and to assess if TRUM could be used as a proxy measure of core body temperature (TCORE) in feedlot cattle. Eighty Angus steers (388.8 ± 2.1 kg) were orally administered with rumen temperature boluses. Rumen temperatures were recorded at 10-min intervals over 128 days from all 80 steers. To define the suitability of TRUM as an estimation of TCORE, TREC were obtained from all steers at 7-day intervals (n = 16). Eight feedlot pens were used where there were 10 steers per pen (162 m2). Shade was available in each pen (1.8 m2/animal; 90% solar block). Climatic data were recorded at 30-min intervals, including ambient temperature (TA; °C); relative humidity (RH; %); wind speed (WS; m/s) and direction; solar radiation (SR; W/m2); and black globe temperature (BGT; °C). Rainfall (mm) was recorded daily at 0900 h. From these data, temperature humidity index (THI), heat load index (HLI) and accumulated heat load (AHL) were calculated. Individual 10-min TRUM data were converted to an individual hourly average. Pooled mean hourly TRUM data from the 128-day data were used to establish the diurnal rhythm of TRUM where the mean minimum (39.19 ± 0.01 °C) and mean maximum (40.04 ± 0.01 °C) were observed at 0800 h and 2000 h respectively. A partial correlation coefficient indicated that there were moderate to strong relationships between TRUM and TREC using both real-time (r = 0.55; P < 0.001) and hourly mean (r = 0.51; P < 0.001) TRUM data. The mean difference between TREC and TRUM was small using both real-time (0.16 ± 0.02 °C) and hourly mean TRUM (0.13 ± 0.02 °C) data. Data from this study supports the hypothesis that TRUM can be used as an estimate of TCORE, suggesting that TRUM can be used to measure and quantify heat load in feedlot cattle.

Obesity-associated Breast Inflammation among Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast white adipose tissue inflammation (BWATi) is associated with obesity and higher breast cancer risk among non-Hispanic white women. Obesity is prevalent in Hispanic/Latina patients with breast cancer, and the occurrence of BWATi in this population is not well-characterized. The association between BWATi and body mass index (BMI) was evaluated in Hispanic/Latina patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy. BWATi was defined as the presence of crown-like structures of the breast (CLS-B), detected by CD68 IHC in nontumor breast tissue. BWATi severity was quantified as number of CLS-B/cm2 Adipocyte diameter was measured using hematoxylin and eosin-stained breast tissue sections. Preoperative BMI (within 1 week prior to mastectomy) was categorized as normal (18.5-<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-<30.0 kg/m2), class I obesity (30.0-<35.0 kg/m2), and class II-III obesity (35.0 kg/m2 or above). Patient charts were abstracted to record clinicopathologic features and liver function tests <90 days before mastectomy. The study included 91 women (mean age 69 years; range 36-96 years). Prevalence of BWATi increased with BMI (24% in normal weight, 34% in overweight, 57% in class I obesity, and 65% in class II-III obesity; P trend <0.01). Severe BWATi (>0.27 CLS-B/cm2) was associated with higher BMI (P trend = 0.046) and greater adipocyte diameter (P = 0.04). Adjusting for BMI, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and elevated alanine aminotransferase were associated with severe BWATi, and current smoking was associated with mild BWATi (all P < 0.05). BWATi was associated with higher BMI in Hispanic/Latina patients with breast cancer, consistent with previously described associations in other populations.

Recording body temperature in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus): a comparison of techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the use of four techniques to measure body temperature in koalas: intraperitoneal (thermal data logger and temperature sensitive radio transmitter), rectal (certified thermometer), tympanic (infrared thermometer), and hind foot (infrared camera). METHODS: The body temperature data collected concurrently from the intraperitoneal loggers were used as the benchmark in the analyses. RESULTS: The rectal, foot and tympanic methods consistently recorded lower body temperature when compared with the benchmark. There was a strong positive relationship (R2 = 0.79) between logger and rectal measurements, but no significant relationship between logger and foot or logger and tympanic measurements. CONCLUSION: Rectal measurements can be used to record internal body temperature, with the caveat that such measurements will generally register a temperature approximately 0.25°C lower than the actual intraperitoneal temperature.

Behavioral and endocrine responses to season and social dynamics of captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons).

Although southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHN wombats; Lasiorhinus latifrons) rarely breed in captivity, further knowledge of their reproductive physiology and behavior is likely to improve their breeding potential. This study examined the effect of seasonal variation and changes in social dynamics on the physiology and behavior of a captive population of male SHN wombats (n = 6). Seasonal changes in urinary testosterone metabolites (UTM), urinary cortisol metabolites (UCM), qualitative estimates of spermatorrhoea (QS), aggressive behavior and reproductive behavior were measured over an 11-month period. While there was no effect of month on QS (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.27), reproductive behavior (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.19) or aggressive behavior (Tukey pairwise comparisons), the secretion of UTM (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.051) was only marginally affected by season, compared to that reported for wild male SHN wombats. Mean UCM concentrations of July and August 2016 were significantly higher than those between October 2015 and January 2016 (Tukey pairwise comparisons). To examine social dynamics, two trials of animal positioning exchange with the enclosure system were implemented and behavioral data were examined for each trial over a six week period; UTM, UCM and general behaviors (n = 27) were measured for each trial. Neither UTM nor UCM concentration varied significantly (P ≥ 0.45) before and after the exchanges. "Scratching" decreased at the group level following the animal exchange in both trials, suggesting reduction in self-grooming may be a behavioral response to novel stimuli. UCM and UTM concentrations were both positively correlated with "standing still" and "body rub" behaviors. This may be evidence of a hormonal control of a "freezing behavioral response" to external stimuli and marking behavior, respectively. As there was no evidence that changing the social dynamics affected reproductive or agonistic behavior or hormone concentrations, it was concluded that captive male wombats in this study showed reduced reproductive seasonality compared to wild wombats and that animal exchange resulted in a behavioral response to novel stimuli but was not sufficient to affect testosterone or cortisol secretion, within the context of our study.

Effect of heat stress on rumen temperature of three breeds of cattle.

Thirty-six steers (12 of each Angus, Charolais, and Brahman) with an initial BW of 318.5 ± 6.7 kg were used in a 130-day study. Two treatments were imposed: un-shaded and shaded (3 m2/animal; 90% solar block shade cloth). On day 1, steers were administered with rumen temperature boluses. Rumen temperatures (T RUM) were obtained at 10 min intervals over the duration of the study to determine differences in T RUM between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle. Six feedlot pens (162 m2) were used with six steers (2/breed) per pen with three pens/treatment. Ambient dry bulb temperature (T A; °C), relative humidity (RH; %), wind speed (WS; m/s) and direction, and solar radiation (SR; W/m2) were recorded at 10 min intervals. Rainfall (mm) was collected daily at 0900 h. From these data, black globe temperature (BGT; °C), temperature humidity index (THI), heat load index (HLI), and accumulated heat load (AHL) were calculated. Individual T RUM were converted to an hourly average and then mean hourly T RUM were converted to a mean within hour T RUM across the 130 days. Rumen temperatures were analyzed using an autoregressive repeated measures model. The model analyzed the effect of breed (P < 0.0002), treatment (P = 0.3543), time of day (hour, h; P < 0.0001), breed × treatment (P < 0.3683), breed × h (P < 0.0001), treatment × h (P < 0.0001), breed × treatment × h (P = 0.0029), pen within treatment (P = 0.0195), and animal × breed × treatment within pen (P = 0.1041). Furthermore, there were breed × treatment × hour differences in T RUM (P = 0.0036), indicating that Bos indicus and Bos taurus regulate T RUM differently.

Adiposity, Inflammation, and Breast Cancer Pathogenesis in Asian Women.

Obesity is associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation in the breast, elevated levels of the estrogen biosynthetic enzyme, aromatase, and systemic changes that predispose to breast cancer development. We examined whether WAT inflammation and its associated systemic effects correlate with body fat levels in an Asian population where body mass index (BMI) is not an accurate assessment of obesity and cancer risk. We also investigated whether biologic differences could account for the greater proportion of premenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in Asian versus Western countries. Breast WAT and fasting blood were prospectively collected from Taiwanese women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Body composition was measured in a subgroup using bioelectrical impedance analysis. WAT inflammation was defined by the presence of crown-like structures of the breast, which are composed of dead or dying adipocytes surrounded by macrophages. Findings were compared with U.S. Caucasian women. In the Taiwanese cohort (n = 72), breast WAT inflammation was present in 31 (43%) women and was associated with elevated BMI (P < 0.01) and increased levels of body fat (P < 0.01), C-reactive protein (P = 0.02), triglycerides (P < 0.01), insulin resistance scores (P = 0.04), and lower HDL cholesterol (P < 0.01). ER+ tumors were associated with greater body fat versus other subtypes (P = 0.03). Compared with U.S. Caucasians (n = 267), Taiwanese women had larger breast adipocytes despite lower BMI after adjusting for BMI and menopausal status (P = 0.01). A subclinical inflammatory state associated with increased adiposity and metabolic dysfunction could contribute to breast cancer pathogenesis in Asian women. Cancer Prev Res; 11(4); 227-36. ©2017 AACR.

Thermoregulation of the bovine scrotum 1: measurements of free-range animals in a paddock and pen.

The bull's scrotum and scrotal cord vasculature has traditionally been regarded as a thermoregulatory device for maintaining optimal testicular temperature for normal spermatogenesis. This assumption has mostly been derived from discrete measurements using thermocouples with limited data correlating continuous scrotal temperature (ST) to body temperature (BT). From mid-summer to early autumn, four Wagyu bulls (9-18 months) were surgically implanted with two data loggers (DL) logging at 30 min intervals: one on the right hand side flank and the other was attached to the visceral vaginal tunic of the mid-testis. Bulls were firstly housed in a paddock (PK) for 13 days and then moved to individual pens (IP), again for 13 days. Repeated measures analysis modelled the long-term and diurnal trends in BT and ST. While both day and time of day (TOD) were significant effects for ST at both housing locations (P < 0.005), only TOD showed significance for BT at both locations (P < 0.0001). Significant effects were seen between bulls with ST (F = 167.2, P < 0.001) but not BT (F = 0.03, P = 0.863), suggestive of variation in individual bull thermoregulatory capacity. Dual peaks were observed in ST at 0500 and 2130 h when housed in PK but not IP, suggesting ST may be influenced by external stimuli such as postural or behavioural changes. Reporting concurrent and continuous BT and ST will allow further investigation into factors influencing bovine ST and should be useful in selecting bulls with high degrees of thermoregulation capacity.

Menopause Is a Determinant of Breast Aromatase Expression and Its Associations With BMI, Inflammation, and Systemic Markers.

Context: Most estrogen-dependent breast cancers occur after menopause, despite low levels of circulating estrogens. Breast expression of the estrogen-biosynthetic enzyme, aromatase, is proposed to drive breast cancer development after menopause. However, the effects of menopause on breast aromatase expression are unknown. Objective: To determine the effect of menopause on breast aromatase expression in relation to body mass index (BMI), white adipose tissue inflammation (WATi), and systemic markers of metabolic dysfunction. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study of 102 premenopausal (age 27 to 56) and 59 postmenopausal (age 45 to 74) women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer treatment/prevention. Outcome: Breast tissue was assessed for the presence of crown-like structures and the expression and activity of aromatase. Systemic markers examined include interleukin (IL)-6, insulin, glucose, leptin, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cholesterol, and triglycerides. Multivariable analysis was performed for aromatase messenger RNA (mRNA) in relation to BMI, WATi, and blood markers. Results: Postmenopausal women had higher BMI and more breast WATi than premenopausal women. Fasting levels of IL-6, glucose, leptin, hsCRP, and homeostatic model assessment 2 insulin resistance score were higher in the postmenopausal group. BMI was positively correlated with aromatase mRNA in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Aromatase levels were higher in breast tissue of postmenopausal women, with levels being higher in inflamed vs noninflamed, independent of BMI. Adipocyte diameter and levels of leptin, hsCRP, adiponectin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were more strongly correlated with aromatase in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Conclusions: Elevated aromatase in the setting of adipose dysfunction provides a possible mechanism for the higher incidence of hormone-dependent breast cancer in obese women after menopause.

Measurement of bovine body and scrotal temperature using implanted temperature sensitive radio transmitters, data loggers and infrared thermography.

Synchronous and continuous measurement of body (BT) and scrotal temperature (ST) without adverse welfare or behavioural interference is essential for understanding thermoregulation of the bull testis. This study compared three technologies for their efficacy for long-term measurement of the relationship between BT and ST by means of (1) temperature sensitive radio transmitters (RT), (2) data loggers (DL) and (3) infrared imaging (IRI). After an initial pilot study on two bulls to establish a surgical protocol, RTs and DLs were implanted into the flank and mid-scrotum of six Wagyu bulls for between 29 and 49 days. RT frequencies were scanned every 15 min, whilst DLs logged every 30 min. Infrared imaging of the body (flank) and scrotum of each bull was recorded hourly for one 24-h period and compared to RT and DL data. After a series of subsequent heat stress studies, bulls were castrated and testicular tissue samples processed for evidence of histopathology. Radio transmitters were less reliable than DLs; RTs lost >11 % of data, whilst 11 of the 12 DLs had 0 % data loss. IRI was only interpretable in 35.8 % of images recorded. Pearson correlations between DL and RT were strong for both BT (r > 0.94, P < 0.001) and ST (r > 0.80, P < 0.001). Surgery produced temporary minor inflammation and scrotal hematoma in two animals post-surgery. Whilst scar tissue was observed at all surgical sutured sites when bulls were castrated, there was no evidence of testicular adhesion and normal active spermatogenesis was observed in six of the eight implanted testicles. There was no significant correlation of IRI with either DL or RT. We conclude that DLs provided to be a reliable continuous source of data for synchronous measurement of BT and ST.

Surgical implantation of temperature-sensitive transmitters and data-loggers to record body temperature in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).

BACKGROUND: Under predicted climate change scenarios, koala distribution in Australia is expected to be adversely affected. Recent studies have attempted to identify suitable habitat, based on models of bioclimatic regions, but to more accurately reflect the thermal tolerance and behavioural adaptations of the various regional populations, the koala's response to periods of heat stress will need to be investigated at the individual animal level. OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and suitability of temperature-sensitive intra-abdominal implants for monitoring core body temperature in the koala. METHODS: A temperature-sensitive radio transmitter and thermal iButton data-logger, waxed together as a package, were surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity of four captive koalas. In one animal the implant was tethered and in the other three, it was left free-floating. RESULTS: After 3 months, the implants were removed and all four koalas recovered without complications. The tethering of the package in the one koala resulted in minor inflammation and adhesion, so this practice was subsequently abandoned. The free-floating deployments were complication-free and revealed a diurnal body temperature rhythm, with daily ranges of 0.4-2.8°C. The minimum recorded body temperature was 34.2°C and the maximum was 37.7°C. The difference in the readings obtained from the transmitters and iButtons never exceeded 0.3°C. CONCLUSIONS: The suitability of the surgical approach was confirmed, from both the animal welfare and data collection points of view.

Diversity and Community Composition of Vertebrates in Desert River Habitats.

Animal species are seldom distributed evenly at either local or larger spatial scales, and instead tend to aggregate in sites that meet their resource requirements and maximise fitness. This tendency is likely to be especially marked in arid regions where species could be expected to concentrate at resource-rich oases. In this study, we first test the hypothesis that productive riparian sites in arid Australia support higher vertebrate diversity than other desert habitats, and then elucidate the habitats selected by different species. We addressed the first aim by examining the diversity and composition of vertebrate assemblages inhabiting the Field River and adjacent sand dunes in the Simpson Desert, western Queensland, over a period of two and a half years. The second aim was addressed by examining species composition in riparian and sand dune habitats in dry and wet years. Vertebrate species richness was estimated to be highest (54 species) in the riverine habitats and lowest on the surrounding dune habitats (45 species). The riverine habitats had different species pools compared to the dune habitats. Several species, including the agamid Gowidon longirostris and tree frog Litoria rubella, inhabited the riverine habitats exclusively, while others such as the skinks Ctenotus ariadnae and C. dux were captured only in the dune habitats. The results suggest that, on a local scale, diversity is higher along riparian corridors and that riparian woodland is important for tree-dependent species. Further, the distribution of some species, such as Mus musculus, may be governed by environmental variables (e.g. soil moisture) associated with riparian corridors that are not available in the surrounding desert environment. We conclude that inland river systems may be often of high conservation value, and that management should be initiated where possible to alleviate threats to their continued functioning.

Use of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist azaline B to control the oestrous cycle in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

The present study examined the effectiveness of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist azaline B to suppress plasma LH and 17ß-oestradiol concentrations in koalas and its potential application for oestrous synchronisation. In Experiment 1, single subcutaneous injections of azaline B successfully blocked the LH response to exogenous mammalian (m) GnRH in a dose-dependent manner; specifically, 0 mg (n = 4) did not suppress the LH response, 1 mg azaline B (n = 6) suppressed the LH response for 24 h (P < 0.05), 3.3 mg azaline B (n = 8) suppressed the LH response significantly in all animals only for 3 h (P < 0.05), although in half the animals LH remained suppressed for up to 3 days, and 10 mg azaline B (n = 4) suppressed the LH response for 7 days (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, daily 1 mg, s.c., injections of azaline B over a 10-day period during seasonal anoestrus (June-July; n = 6) suppressed (P < 0.01) the LH response to mGnRH consecutively over the 10-day treatment period and, 4 days after cessation of treatment, the LH response had not recovered. Experiment 3 was designed to test the efficacy of daily 1 mg, s.c., azaline B over 10 days to suppress plasma LH and 17ß-oestradiol concentrations and ultimately synchronise timed return to oestrus during the breeding season. Although azaline B treatment did not suppress basal LH or 17ß-oestradiol, oestrus was delayed in all treated females by 24.2 days, but with high variability (range 9-39 days). Overall, the present study demonstrates that the GnRH antagonist azaline B is able to inhibit the LH response in koalas to exogenous mGnRH and successfully delay the return to oestrus. However, although azaline B clearly disrupts folliculogenesis, it has not been able to effectively synchronise return to oestrus in the koala.

The use of a synthetic progesterone, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control the oestrous cycle in the koala.

This study investigated the efficacy of a synthetic progestogen, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control koala ovarian activity for the purposes of oestrous synchronisation. Captive koalas were administered either saline control or a 70-mg LNG implant on Day 2 of oestrus. Urogenital cytology, oestrous behaviour and plasma oestradiol-17ß and LH concentrations were monitored over a 6-week period. After LNG implant removal females were monitored to determine if the return to oestrus was synchronised. LNG-treated koalas immediately ceased displaying oestrous behaviour, showed no evidence of cornified epithelial cells in smears of urogenital cytology and exhibited low plasma oestradiol-17ß concentrations throughout the implantation period. In contrast, oestradiol-17ß levels in control koalas showed evidence of continued cyclic activity associated with behavioural oestrus and increased cornified epithelial cells in urogenital smears on Days 33 to 35 after saline injection. After implant removal, LNG-treated koalas exhibited oestrus at 13, 14, 17 and 30 days after implant removal. Plasma LH concentrations varied throughout the study period with no significant time (P = 0.49) or treatment (P = 0.13) effect. Overall results from this study suggest that LNG implants in koalas can inhibit oestrous behaviour and reduce circulating oestradiol-17ß levels before oestrus, most likely by preventing development of the pre-ovulatory follicle. However, there was no evidence of LH suppression by the LNG implants. Removal of LNG implants resulted in the synchronous return to oestrus in three of the four treated koalas. Further studies on a larger population are required to validate these findings.

Comparison of the measurement of heart rate in adult free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) by auscultation and electrocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the heart rates of adult free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) measured by auscultation with a stethoscope with those measured simultaneously using electrocardiography (ECG). METHODS: With each bird in a standing position, estimation of the heart rate was performed by placing a mark on paper for every 4 beats for roosters and 8 beats for hens as detected by auscultation over 30 s, while simultaneous ECG was performed. RESULTS: Heart rates measured by auscultation showed a high correlation (r = 0.97) with those measured by ECG. CONCLUSION: There was a high correlation between the heart rates of adult free-range chickens measured by auscultation with a stethoscope and those measured simultaneously using ECG.