Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013

Abstract Background Despite its Gallic name, the French Bulldog is a breed of both British and French origin that was first recognised by The Kennel Club in 1906. The French Bulldog has demonstrated recent rapid rises in Kennel Club registrations and is now (2017) the second most commonly registered pedigree breed in the UK. However, the breed has been reported to be predisposed to several disorders including ocular, respiratory, neurological and dermatological problems. The VetCompass™ Programme collates de-identified clinical data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research. Using VetCompass™ clinical data, this study aimed to characterise the demography and common disorders of the general population of French Bulldogs under veterinary care in the UK. Results French Bulldogs comprised 2228 (0.49%) of 445,557 study dogs under veterinary care during 2013. Annual proportional birth rates showed that the proportional ownership of French Bulldog puppies rose steeply from 0.02% of the annual birth cohort attending VetCompass™ practices in 2003 to 1.46% in 2013. The median age of the French Bulldogs overall was 1.3 years (IQR 0.6–2.5, range 0.0–13.0). The most common colours of French Bulldogs were brindle (solid or main) (32.36%) and fawn (solid or main) (29.9%). Of the 2228 French Bulldogs under veterinary care during 2013, 1612 (72.4%) had at least one disorder recorded. The most prevalent fine-level precision disorders recorded were otitis externa (14.0%, 95% CI: 12.6–15.5), diarrhoea (7.5%, 95% CI: 6.4–8.7), conjunctivitis (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.5–4.0), nails overlong (3.1%, 95% CI% 2.4–3.9) and skin fold dermatitis (3.0%, 95% CI% 2.3–3.8). The most prevalent disorder groups were cutaneous (17.9%, 95% CI: 16.3–19.6), enteropathy (16.7%, 95% CI: 15.2–18.3), aural (16.3%, 95% CI: 14.8–17.9), upper respiratory tract (12.7%, 95% CI: 11.3–14.1) and ophthalmological (10.5%, 95% CI: 9.3–11.9). Conclusions Ownership of French Bulldogs in the UK is rising steeply. This means that the disorder profiles reported in this study reflect a current young UK population and are likely to shift as this cohort ages. Otitis externa, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis were the most common disorders in French Bulldogs. Identification of health priorities based on VetCompass™ data can support evidence–based reforms to improve health and welfare within the breed

A molecular biology and phase II trial of lapatinib in children with refractory CNS malignancies: a pediatric brain tumor consortium study.

High expression of ERBB2 has been reported in medulloblastoma and ependymoma; EGFR is amplified and over-expressed in brainstem glioma suggesting these proteins as potential therapeutic targets. We conducted a molecular biology (MB) and phase II study to estimate inhibition of tumor ERBB signaling and sustained responses by lapatinib in children with recurrent CNS malignancies. In the MB study, patients with recurrent medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and high-grade glioma (HGG) undergoing resection were stratified and randomized to pre-resection treatment with lapatinib 900 mg/m(2) dose bid for 7-14 days or no treatment. Western blot analysis of ERBB expression and pathway activity in fresh tumor obtained at surgery estimated ERBB receptor signaling inhibition in vivo. Drug concentration was simultaneously assessed in tumor and plasma. In the phase II study, patients, stratified by histology, received lapatinib continuously, to assess sustained response. Eight patients, on the MB trial (four medulloblastomas, four ependymomas), received a median of two courses (range 1-6+). No intratumoral target inhibition by lapatinib was noted in any patient. Tumor-to-plasma ratios of lapatinib were 10-20 %. In the 34 patients (14 MB, 10 HGG, 10 ependymoma) in the phase II study, lapatinib was well-tolerated at 900 mg/m(2) dose bid. The median number of courses in the phase II trial was two (range 1-12). Seven patients (three medulloblastoma, four ependymoma) remained on therapy for at least four courses range (4-26). Lapatinib was well-tolerated in children with recurrent or CNS malignancies, but did not inhibit target in tumor and had little single agent activity.Fil: Fouladi, Maryam. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Stewart, Clinton F.. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Blaney, Susan M.. Baylor College of Medicine. Texas Children’s Cancer Center; Estados UnidosFil: Onar Thomas, Arzu. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Schaiquevich, Paula Susana. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Packer, Roger J.. Children’s National Medical Center; Estados UnidosFil: Goldman, Stewart. Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Estados UnidosFil: Geyer, J. Rusell. Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center; Estados UnidosFil: Gajjar, Amar. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Kun, Larry E.. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Boyett, James M.. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados UnidosFil: Gilbertson, Richard J.. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Estados Unido

Some non genetic effects on pre and pos-weaning weights of Canchim calves.

Some non genetic effects on pre and pos-weaning weights of Canchim calves

Causas de variação de pesos e ganhos de peso em fêmeas da Raça Canchim

Causas de variação e estimativas dos coeficientes de herdabilidade e correlações genética relativos aos pesos ao nascer, aos 205 aos 12, 18 e 24 meses

Manutenção em campo de níveis variados de palhada de cana-de-açúcar: efeitos sobre o acúmulo de nitrogênio nas plantas.

Resumo: O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a contribuição de diferentes níveis de palhada sobre o acumulo de nitrogênio na cana-de-açúcar. O ensaio foi instalado em Araras-SP, durante as safras de 2011-12 e 2012-13 (variedade RB-845210). Foram aplicados cinco tratamentos, com níveis de 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% (0 - 2,8- 5,7- 8,5 -11,3 t ha-1 safra 2011-12) (0 - 3 - 6,2 - 9,4 - 12,8 t ha-1 safra 2012-13) dispostos em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Para acompanhar o acumulo de N nos diferentes compartimentos da planta (folhas verdes, folhas secas e colmo) de cana-de-açúcar foram utilizados os dados de massa seca (kg ha-1) e concentrações de N (g kg-1) de cada um destes componentes, obtidos em biometrias realizadas ao longo dos dois ciclos de cultivos estudados. Utilizou-se a análise de variância e regressão para o tratamento estatístico dos resultados. Foi possível concluir que: a manutenção de quantidades de palhada entre 5-12 t ha-1 promovem o mesmo acúmulo de nitrogênio no colmo em relação à ausência deste resíduo (sem palhada) somente após dois ciclos de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar; sendo que no primeiro ciclo há superioridade do tratamento sem palhada apenas sobre o maior nível deste resíduo; não há uma tendência consistente para o acúmulo de nitrogênio para as folhas verdes e secas em função de diferentes aportes de palhada sobre o solo. Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of different levels of straw on the accumulation of nitrogen in sugarcane. The trial was conducted at the harvests of 2011-12 and 2012-13 in Araras-SP, using the RB-845210 variety. There were tested five levels of straw (0% - 25% - 50% - 75% - 100%), related with 2,8 - 5,7 - 8,5 -11,3 t ha -1 ( 2011-12) and 3,0 ? 6,2 ? 9,4 ? 12,8 t ha -1 (2012-13), that were arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. To determine N accumulation in sugarcane there was used dry mass (kg ha -1 ) and N concentrations (g kg -1 ) of stalk, green and dry leaves, obtained by biometry evaluations realized during the two ratoons. Variance analyses and regressions were used as statistic tool. It is possible to conclude that after two cycles of sugarcane the inputs of 5-12 t ha -1 of straw by harvest has the same contribution for nitrogen stalk accumulation than traits without straw; although in the first cycle the trait without straw is superior than the higher level of this residue. About green and dry leaves there is no tendency for the nitrogen accumulation for the input of different levels of straw in soil

Inter-observer agreement of canine and feline paroxysmal event semiology and classification by veterinary neurology specialists and non-specialists

Background: Advances in mobile technology mean vets are now commonly presented with videos of paroxysmal events by clients, but the consistency of the interpretation of these videos has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of agreement between vets (both neurology specialists and non-specialists) on the description and classification of videos depicting paroxysmal events, without knowing any results of diagnostic workup. An online questionnaire study was conducted, where participants watched 100 videos of dogs and cats exhibiting paroxysmal events and answered questions regarding: epileptic seizure presence (yes/ no), seizure type, consciousness status, and the presence of motor, autonomic and neurobehavioural signs. Agreement statistics (percentage agreement and kappa) calculated for each variable, with prevalence indices calculated to aid their interpretation. Results: Only a fair level of agreement (kappa = 0.40) was found for epileptic seizure presence. Overall agreement of seizure type was moderate (kappa = 0.44), with primary generalised seizures showing the highest level of agreement (kappa = 0.60), and focal the lowest (kappa = 0.31). Fair agreement was found for consciousness status and the presence of autonomic signs (kappa = 0.21-0.40), but poor agreement for neurobehavioral signs (kappa = 0.16). Agreement for motor signs ranged from poor (kappa = <= 0.20) to moderate (kappa = 0.41-0.60). Differences between specialists and non-specialists were identified. Conclusions: The relatively low levels of agreement described here highlight the need for further discussions between neurology experts regarding classifying and describing epileptic seizures, and additional training of non-specialists to facilitate accurate diagnosis. There is a need for diagnostic tools (e.g. electroencephalogram) able to differentiate between epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysms

Germinação in vitro de grãos de pólen de Vriesea spp. (Bromeliaceae).

Estudos de viabilidade polínica são fundamentais como suporte ao melhoramento genético de bromeliáceas e para tal o ajuste de meios de germinação de pólen é determinante. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a germinação de grãos de pólen in vitro e o subsequente crescimento do tubo polínico em Vriesea carinata, V. friburgensis, V. michaelii, V. paraibica e V. simplex. Grãos de pólen coletados na antese foram inoculados em quatro meios de cultura: BM, BKM, MBKM e SM, solidificados com agar (0,8%); pH ajustado a 6,5 e mantidos a uma temperatura de 27 ± 1 ºC. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5 x 4 (genótipo x meios de cultura), com 12 repetições, avaliando-se 300 grãos de pólen quanto à viabilidade e o comprimento de 25 tubos polínicos, aleatoriamente, por tratamento. Após 8 horas em cultura, verificou-se que os meios BKM e SM resultaram em maior germinação e comprimento do tubo polínico. Para as espécies V. carinata (80,33 %), V. paraibica (88,73 %), V. simplex (90,46 %) e V. michaelii (90,03 %) o melhor meio de cultura foi SM e para V. friburgensis, BKM (90,43 %) foi o melhor

On twisted Fourier analysis and convergence of Fourier series on discrete groups

We study norm convergence and summability of Fourier series in the setting of reduced twisted group $C^*$-algebras of discrete groups. For amenable groups, F{\o}lner nets give the key to Fej\'er summation. We show that Abel-Poisson summation holds for a large class of groups, including e.g. all Coxeter groups and all Gromov hyperbolic groups. As a tool in our presentation, we introduce notions of polynomial and subexponential H-growth for countable groups w.r.t. proper scale functions, usually chosen as length functions. These coincide with the classical notions of growth in the case of amenable groups.Comment: 35 pages; abridged, revised and update

Renal effects and associated outcomes during angiotensin-neprilysin inhibition in heart failure

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the renal effects of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Background: Renal function is frequently impaired in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and may deteriorate further after blockade of the renin–angiotensin system. Methods: In the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACE inhibition to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) trial, 8,399 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were randomized to treatment with sacubitril/valsartan or enalapril. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was available for all patients, and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) was available in 1872 patients, at screening, randomization, and at fixed time intervals during follow-up. We evaluated the effect of study treatment on change in eGFR and UACR, and on renal and cardiovascular outcomes, according to eGFR and UACR. Results: At screening, the eGFR was 70 ± 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 2,745 patients (33%) had chronic kidney disease; the median UACR was 1.0 mg/mmol (interquartile range: 0.4 to 3.2 mg/mmol) and 24% had an increased UACR. The decrease in eGFR during follow-up was less with sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril (−1.61 ml/min/1.73 m2/year; [95% confidence interval: −1.77 to −1.44 ml/min/1.73 m2/year] vs. −2.04 ml/min/1.73 m2/year [95% CI: −2.21 to −1.88 ml/min/1.73 m2/year ]; p &lt; 0.001) despite a greater increase in UACR with sacubitril/valsartan than with enalapril (1.20 mg/mmol [95% CI: 1.04 to 1.36 mg/mmol] vs. 0.90 mg/mmol [95% CI: 0.77 to 1.03 mg/mmol]; p &lt; 0.001). The effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization was not modified by eGFR, UACR (p interaction = 0.70 and 0.34, respectively), or by change in UACR (p interaction = 0.38). Conclusions: Compared with enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan led to a slower rate of decrease in the eGFR and improved cardiovascular outcomes, even in patients with chronic kidney disease, despite causing a modest increase in UACR