Houses near Cotton Tree Housing Estate, Maroochydore

This pilot project at Cotton Tree, Maroochydore, on two adjacent, linear parcels of land has one of the properties privately owned while the other is owned by the public housing authority. Both owners commissioned Lindsay and Kerry Clare to design housing for their separate needs which enabled the two projects to be governed by a single planning and design strategy. This entailed the realignment of the dividing boundary to form two approximately square blocks which made possible the retention of an important stand of mature paperbark trees and gave each block a more useful street frontage. The scheme provides seven two-bedroom units and one single-bedroom unit as the private component, with six single-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units forming the public housing. The dwellings are deployed as an interlaced mat of freestanding blocks, car courts, courtyard gardens, patios and decks. The key distinction between the public and private parts of the scheme is the pooling of the car parking spaces in the public housing to create a shared courtyard. The housing climbs to three storeys on its southern edge and falls to a single storey on the north-western corner. This enables all units and the principal private outdoor spaces to have a northern orientation. The interiors of both the public and private units are skilfully arranged to take full advantage of views, light and breeze.

A Future for the Past: Rethinking the Garden Suburb

In the quest for sustainability in affluent urban societies we could do much worse than to look again at what the garden suburb attempted to do. Brentham garden suburb in West London, which has recently celebrated its centenary, is a case in point.

Effects of azadirachtin on Ctenocephalides felis in the dog and the cat

Azadirachtin-containing neem seed extract is a powerful insect growth regulator, a feeding deterrent and repellent with low toxicity. Unfortunately, azadirachtin degrades rapidly in light, excessive heat or alkalinity. Evaluations of azadirachtin on ectoparasites on animals have been scarce. The purpose of this work was to describe the effects of normal and potentiated azadirachtin on Ctenocephalides felis in the dog or cat. Groups of kennelled greyhounds and domestic cats infested with C. felis were sprayed once with azadirachtin containing neem seed extract with or without diethyltoluamide (Deer) and/or citronella. Methanolic extracts with 200, 1000 or 2400 ppm azadirachtin reduced fleas in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with fleas counted on treated dogs just before treatment and untreated infested dogs, 1000-2400 ppm azadirachtin reduced fleas 93-53% for 19 days. However, combined with 500 ppm Deet and 33% w/v citronella, only 500 ppm azadirachtin reduced fleas 95-62% for 20 days. On cats inoculated with 50 fleas 2 days before treatment, the combination reduced fleas and eggs 100% to day 6 and 83-51% from days 7 to 9. On petri dishes, the combination achieved 100% egg mortality up to day 7 and 80% to day 14 and 38-52% to to days 21-28. Deet, with or without neem seed extract or citronella, and citronella, with or without neem, did not reduce fleas significantly. The results show that azadirachtin reduced fleas in a dose-dependent manner in flea-contaminated environments. In cats, the combination killed most fleas within 24 h, providing effective flea control for 7 days. The results suggest that Deet with citronella potentiated the effect of azadirachtin on C. felis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Snakes and kittens in the grass: No evidence for preferential processing of fear-relevant animals in visual search

Ohman and colleagues provided evidence for preferential processing of pictures depicting fear-relevant animals by showing that pictures of snakes and spiders are found faster among pictures of fiowers and mushrooms than vice versa and that the speed of detecting fear-relevant animals was not affected by set size whereas the speed of detecting fiowers/mushrooms was. Experiment 1 replicated this finding. Experiment 2, however, found similar search advantages when pictures of cats and horses or of wolves and big cats were to be found among pictures of flowers and mushrooms. Moreover, Experiment 3, in a within subject comparison, failed to find faster identification of snakes and spiders than of cats and horses among flowers and mushrooms. The present findings seem to indicate that previous reports of preferential processing of pictures of snakes and spiders in a visual search task may reflect a processing advantage for animal pictures in general rather than fear-relevance.

The effects of air pollution on hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease in elderly people in Australian and New Zealand cities

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to estimate the associations between outdoor air pollution and cardiovascular hospital admissions for the elderly. DESIGN: Associations were assessed using the case-crossover method for seven cities: Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand; and Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney Australia. Results were combined across cities using a random-effects meta-analysis and stratified for two adult age groups: 15-64 years and >= 65 years of age (elderly). Pollutants considered were nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, daily measures of particulate matter (PM) and ozone. Where multiple pollutant associations were found, a matched case-control analysis was used to identify the most consistent association. RESULTS: In the elderly, all pollutants except 03 were significantly associated with five categories or cardiovascular disease admissions. No associations were found for arrhythmia and stroke. For a 0.9-ppm increase in CO, there were significant increases in elderly hospital admissions for total cardiovascular disease (2.2%), all cardiac disease (2.8%), cardiac failure (6.0%), ischemic heart disease (2.3%), and myocardial infarction (2.9%). There was some heterogeneity between cities, possibly due to differences in humidity and the percentage of elderly people. In matched analyses, CO had the most consistent association. CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that air pollution arising from common emission sources for CO, NO2, and PM (e.g., motor vehicle exhausts) has significant associations with adult cardiovascular hospital admissions, especially in the elderly, at air pollution concentrations below normal health guidelines. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Elderly populations in Australia need to be protected from air pollution arising from outdoor sources to reduce cardiovascular disease.

The association between air pollution and blood pressure in traffic controllers in Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Background: Urban air pollutants are associated with cardiovascular events. Traffic controllers are at high risk for pollution exposure during outdoor work shifts. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and systemic blood pressure in traffic controllers during their work shifts. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 19 male traffic controllers from Santo Andre city (Sao Paulo, Brazil) who were 30-60 years old and exposed to ambient air during outdoor work shifts. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were measured every 15 min by an Ambulatory Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring device. Hourly measurements (lags of 0-5 h) and the moving averages (2-5 h) of particulate matter (PM(10)), ozone (O(3)) ambient concentrations and the acquired daily minimum temperature and humidity means from the Sao Paulo State Environmental Agency were correlated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis and linear mixed effect models adjusted for temperature, humidity, work periods and time of day. Results: Interquartile increases of PM(10) (33 mu g/m(3)) and O(3) (49 mu g/m(3)) levels were associated with increases in all arterial pressure parameters, ranging from 1.06 to 2.53 mmHg. PM(10) concentration was associated with early effects (lag 0), mainly on systolic blood pressure. However, O(3) was weakly associated most consistently with diastolic blood pressure and with late cumulative effects. Conclusions: Santo Andre traffic controllers presented higher blood pressure readings while working their outdoor shifts during periods of exposure to ambient pollutant fluctuations. However, PM(10) and O(3) induced cardiovascular effects demonstrated different time courses and end-point behaviors and probably acted through different mechanisms. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increased elastic microfibrils and thickening of fibroblastic nuclear lamina in canine cutaneous asthenia

Cutaneous asthenia is a hereditary connective tissue disease, primarily of dogs and cats, resembling Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in man. Collagen dysplasia results in skin hyperextensibility, skin and vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. The purpose of this study was to describe the histological findings in a dog with a collagenopathy consistent with cutaneous asthenia. An 8-month-old crossbreed female dog presented with lacerations and numerous atrophic and irregular scars. The skin was hyperextensible and easily torn by the slightest trauma. Ultrastructurally, the dermis was comprised of elaunin and oxytalan microfibrils. These are immature fibres in which the fibrillar component is increased but elastin is reduced. Collagen fibres were profoundly disorganized. The fibrils had a highly irregular outline and a corroded appearance when viewed in cross-section, and were spiralled and fragmented in a longitudinal view. Dermal fibroblasts displayed a conspicuous thickening of the nuclear lamina. Nuclear lamins form a fibrous nucleoskeletal network of intermediate-sized filaments underlying the inner nuclear membrane. Mutations in lamins or lamin-associated proteins cause a myriad of genetic diseases collectively called laminopathies. Disruption of the nuclear lamina seems to affect chromatin organization and transcriptional regulation of gene expression. A common link among all laminopathies may be a failure of stem cells to regenerate mesenchymal tissue. This could contribute to the connective tissue dysplasia seen in cutaneous asthenia.

Effects of different nutritional support on lung mechanics and remodelling in undernourished rats

This study investigated the impact of three different oral nutritional support regimens on lung mechanics and remodelling in young undernourished Wistar rats. In the nutritionally deprived group, rats received one-third of their usual daily food consumption for 4 weeks. Undernourished rats were divided into three groups receiving a balanced, glutamine-supplemented, or long-chain triglyceride-supplemented diet for 4 weeks. In the two control groups, rats received food ad libitum for 4 (C4) or 8 weeks. Lung viscoelastic pressure and static elastance were higher in undernourished compared to C4 rats. After refeeding, lung mechanical data remained altered except for the glutamine-supplemented group. Undernutrition led to a reduced amount of elastic and collagen fibres in the alveolar septa. Elastic fibre content returned to control with balanced and glutamine-supplemented diets, but increased with long-chain triglyceride-supplemented diet. The amount of collagen fibre augmented independent of nutritional support. In conclusion, glutamine-supplemented diet is better at reducing morphofunctional changes than other diets after 4 weeks of refeeding. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bupivacaine 0.25% and methylene blue spread with epidural anesthesia in dog

Objective To evaluate the extent sensory and motor blocks produced by the epidural injection of different volumes of 0.25% bupivacaine (Bu) with methylene blue (MB), in dogs. Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Twenty healthy adult mongrel dogs, weighing 9.9 +/- 1.9 kg. Methods Dogs were randomly allocated into one of four groups that received 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 mL kg-1 of an epidural solution containing 0.25% Bu and MB. Sensory block was evaluated against time by pinching the tail, hind limb interdigital web, toenail bases and the skin over the vertebral dermatomes. Motor block was assessed by ataxia, hind limb weight-bearing ability and by loss of muscle tone of the tail and pelvic limbs. Data were collected at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes after the end of epidural injection. After the final time point, dogs were euthanatized and laminectomies were conducted to expose the extent of the dural dye staining. Results The volumes 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mL kg-1 of 0.25% Bu and MB blocked a mean of 5, 14.2, 20.2 and 21 dermatomes, respectively. The extent of the senory block increased up to a volume of 0.6 mL kg-1. Motor block was longer-lasting and more intense than sensory block. Complete dyeing of the spinal cord with MB was achieved in some dogs at 0.4 mL kg-1 and all dogs at 0.6 mL kg-1. Conclusions The volume of anesthetic injected into the epidural space plays an important role in the quality of the epidural anesthesia. At 0.25%, bupivacaine provided an efficient sensory block at 0.6 mL kg-1. Clinical relevance Relatively high volumes (0.6 mL kg-1) of 0.25%, BU and MB were needed to produce an effective sensory and motor block caudal to the umbilicus, but all spinal cord segments were reached by MB at this dose.

The use of different doses of metamizol for post-operative analgesia in dogs

Objective To evaluate the post-operative analgesic effect of metamizol (dipyrone) administered intravenously at three different doses (15 mg kg(-1), 25 mg kg(-1) and 35 mg kg(-1)) compared to placebo in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Study design Prospective, comparative, randomized. blinded trial. Animals Forty healthy bitches, aged 1-6 years, weighing 10-35 kg Methods The animals were randomly divided into four groups and received their respective treatments immediately after surgery: placebo group (0.9% saline solution), D15 group (metamizol 15 mg kg(-1) IV), D25 group (metamizol 25 mg kg(-1) IV), D35 group (metamizol 35 mg kg(-1) IV). The following variables were measured: sedation, pulse rate (PR). respiratory rate (f(R)). arterial blood pressure (ABP), plasma catecholamines. serum cortisol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine metabolites. albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP). hemogram. platelet counts and level of analgesia which was assessed by visual analog (VAS). descriptive and behavioral scales. Patients were monitored for 48 hours after the administration of the analgesic agent. Rescue analgesia (tramadol, 2 mg kg(-1), intramuscularly) was provided for animals with pain scores >= 4, as determined by the VAS or descriptive scale. Results The D25 and D35 groups showed equivalent post-operative analgesia, as shown by decreased pain scores, according to the three different pain scales, and fewer animals that required rescue analgesia. Significantly lower serum cortisol concentrations were observed in the D25 and D35 groups when compared to the placebo and D15 groups. No hematologic, renal, hepatic or clinical adverse effects were observed during the treatment. Conclusions and clinical relevance Metamizol administered intravenously at 25 or 35 mg kg(-1) can provide adequate post-operative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Feline injection-site sarcoma

The feline injection-site sarcoma (FIS) is a challenge for the veterinarian and the affected cat`s owner. The injectable applications (vaccines, medications) seems to be the reason for that neoplasia, more specifically, the inflammation caused by injury of given drugs or antigens to the health tissue. Generally the FIS presents a more aggressive behavior when compared to sarcoma not associated to application. The most effective treatment his not been established yet, but it is believed that a multimodality of therapies, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy would be the most indicated option. The knowledge of the illness in all of its aspects will Supply to professionals colleges subsidies in relation to the best way to approach its diagnosis and treatment.

Multiple imaging radiography at LNLS

An analyzer-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging (ABI) setup has been mounted at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) for multiple imaging radiography (MIR) purposes. The algorithm employed for treating the MIR data collected at LNLS is described, and its reliability in extracting the distinct types of contrast that can be obtained with MIR is demonstrated by analyzing a test sample (thin polyamide wire). As a practical application, the possibility of studying ophthalmic tissues, corneal sequestra in this case, via MIR is investigated. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effects of tramadol, codeine, and ketoprofen alone or in combination on postoperative pain and on concentrations of blood glucose, serum cortisol, and serum interleukin-6 in dogs undergoing maxillectomy or mandibulectomy

Objective-To compare analgesic effects of tramadol, codeine, and ketoprofen administered alone and in combination and their effects on concentrations of blood glucose, serum cortisol, and serum interleukin (IL)-6 in dogs undergoing maxillectomy or mandibulectomy. Animals-42 dogs with oral neoplasms. Procedures-30 minutes before the end of surgery, dogs received SC injections of tramadol (2 mg/kg), codeine (2 mg/kg), ketoprofen (2 mg/kg), tramadol + ketoprofen, or codeine + ketoprofen (at the aforementioned dosages). Physiologic variables, analgesia, and sedation were measured before (baseline) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 24 hours after surgery. Blood glucose, serum cortisol, and serum IL-6 concentrations were measured 1, 3, 5, and 24 hours after administration of analgesics. Results-All treatments provided adequate postoperative analgesia. Significant increases in mean +/- SD blood glucose concentrations were detected in dogs receiving tramadol (96 +/- 14 mg/dL), codeine (120 +/- 66 mg/dL and 96 +/- 21 mg/dL), ketoprofen (105 +/- 22 mg/dL), and codeine + ketoprofen (104 +/- 16 mg/dL) at 5, 1 and 3, 5, and 3 hours after analgesic administration, respectively, compared with preoperative (baseline) values. There were no significant changes in physiologic variables, serum IL-6 concentrations, or serum cortisol concentrations. Dogs administered codeine + ketoprofen had light but significant sedation at 4, 5, and 24 hours. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Opioids alone or in combination with an NSAID promoted analgesia without adverse effects during the 24-hour postoperative period in dogs undergoing maxillectomy or mandibulectomy for removal of oral neoplasms. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1019-1026)

THE SENSIBILITY AND USE OF ENROFLOXACIN IN THE TREATMENT OF FELINE CHRONIC GINGIVITIS

Daniel, A.G.T; Reche Junior, A. & Santos, K.B. [The sensibility and use of enrofloxacin in the treatment of feline chronic gingivitis.] Sensibilidade e aplicabilidade da enrofloxacina no tratamento das gengivites cronicas em felinos domesticos. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 30(1):36-39, 2008. Medicoveterinario Residente na area de clinica e cirurgia de pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinario, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Cidade Universitaria, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-240. E-mail: alegtd@yahoo.com.br The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro sensitivity to enrofloxacin of bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of cats with chronic gingivitis. Twenty five cats male and famale with variable degrees of gingivitis were included in this study. The samples were colected by culturette swabs and submitted to bacterial culture and sensitivity. The results showed that 91% of the bacteria isolated from the culture were sensitive to enrofloxacin, demonstrating that this antibiotic is a good option in the clinical treatment or post-operative treatment of feline chronic gingivitis.

Transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in reinfected pregnant female canines

Twelve pregnant female canines, naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii, were reinfected with T. gondii: three (GI) received tachyzoites subcutaneously (1.0 x 107), three (GII) were orally inoculated with oocysts (1.5 x 104), and six (GIII) were kept as a nonreinfected control group. All the reinfected female canines (GI and GII) miscarried or presented fetal death, while only one GIII female presented a stillborn in a litter of four pups (P < 0.01). Fever, lymphoadenopathy, miscarriage, and fetal death were the main clinical alterations observed. The highest serological titers detected through the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were 1,024 (GI) and 4,096 (GII). In group III, the titers ranged between 64 and 256. By bioassays in mice, T. gondii was isolated in 17 organs of the reinfected adult canines, in 11 of the control group, and in 20 of the neonates. Positive immunostaining of cysts and/or tachyzoites were observed in 26 canine tissues (14 from GI and GII and ten from GIII). The agent was detected by immunohistochemistry in the encephalon of a neonate and in the spinal cord of a stillborn, thus, confirming that T. gondii infected canine fetuses, provoking miscarriages, even in bitches that presented primoinfection.