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This paper investigates the interactions between context and professional development of physics instructors in a case study of two physics faculty. A phenomenological-case study approach was used to analyze two physics faculty at different institutions over a year and a half using three semistructured interviews each. The data enabled the identification of relevant context elements; the impact of these elements on physics faculty was explored by adapting a framework that examines instructors' professional development. The analysis shows that both case study subjects used their physics expertise and growing understanding of their context to develop their physics teaching. However, this growth was enacted differently given the nature of their context, highlighting instructors' strengths in navigating their local context to improve their physics teaching. The results show the subtleties of how context has a salient, complex, and evolving role in moderating faculty's professional development. By taking a faculty-centric approach, this paper broadens the community's awareness of the ways physics instructors develop their physics teaching. This work contributes to a relatively new lens by which the physics community views, discusses, and supports the professional development of physics faculty.

High stakes examinations can have profound implications for how science is taught and learned. Limitations of school science such as the 'cookbook problem' can potentially be addressed if high stakes assessments target learning outcomes that are innovative. For example, less mindless procedural engagement and more thoughtful consideration of practical science can potentially improve science learning. In this paper, we investigate how practical work is represented in the assessment frameworks of several countries that demonstrate above average performance in the latest PISA science assessments. The main motivation is the need to understand if there are aspects of high stakes summative assessments in these countries that can provide insight into how best to structure national examinations. Assessment documents from a set of selected countries have been analysed qualitatively guided by questions such as 'what is the construct of practical science' and 'what is the format of assessment?' The examined jurisdictions used different approaches from traditional external pen-and-paper tests to internal teacher assessments that included different formats (e.g. laboratory report). Innovative approaches to the assessment of practical skills (e.g. PISA computer-based tasks) do not seem to be represented in these high-stakes assessments. Implications for innovative assessments for high-stakes purposes are discussed.

Although understandings of scientific inquiry (as opposed to conducting inquiry) are included in science education reform documents around the world, little is known about what students have learned about inquiry during their elementary school years. This is partially due to the lack of any assessment instrument to measure understandings about scientific inquiry. However, a valid and reliable assessment has recently been developed and published, Views About Scientific Inquiry (VASI; Lederman et al. [2014], Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 51, 65-83). The purpose of this large-scale international project was to collect the first baseline data on what beginning middle school students have learned about scientific inquiry during their elementary school years. Eighteen countries/regions spanning six continents including 2,634 students participated in the study. The participating countries/regions were: Australia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Mainland China, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United States. In many countries, science is not formally taught until middle school, which is the rationale for choosing seventh grade students for this investigation. This baseline data will simultaneously provide information on what, if anything, students learn about inquiry in elementary school, as well as their beginning knowledge as they enter secondary school. It is important to note that collecting data from all of the approximately 200 countries globally was not humanly possible, and it was also not possible to collect data from every region of each country. The results overwhelmingly show that students around the world at the beginning of grade seven have very little understandings about scientific inquiry. Some countries do show reasonable understandings in certain aspects but the overall picture of understandings of scientific inquiry is not what is hoped for after completing 6 years of elementary education in any country.

Background and Aims Uncertainty exists over whether multiple arterial grafting has a sex-related association with survival after coronary artery bypass grafting. This study aims to compare the long-term survival of using multiple arterial grafting vs. single arterial grafting in women and men undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods The retrospective study used the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiothoracic Surgical Database with linkage to the National Death Index. Patients from 2001 to 2020 were identified. Sex-stratified, inverse probability weighted Cox proportional hazard model was used to facilitate survival comparisons. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results A total number of 54 275 adult patients receiving at least two grafts in primary isolated bypass operations were analysed. The entire study cohort consisted of 10 693 (19.7%) female patients and 29 711 (54.7%) multiple arterial grafting procedures. At a median (interquartile range) postoperative follow-up of 4.9 (2.3–8.4) years, mortality was significantly lower in male patients undergoing multiarterial than single arterial procedures (adjusted hazard ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.87; P <.001). The survival benefit was also significant for females (adjusted hazard ratio 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.91; P <.001) at a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 5.2 (2.4–8.7) years. The interaction model from Cox regression suggested insignificant subgroup effect from sex (P =.08) on the observed survival advantage. The survival benefits associated with multiple arterial grafting were consistent across all sex-stratified subgroups except for female patients with left main coronary disease. Conclusions Compared to single arterial grafting, multiple arterial revascularization is associated with improved long-term survival for women as well as men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of spirituality and religion on the health and well-being of older adults has gained considerable attention as older adults worldwide continue to live long, active lives. This study explores the influence of spirituality and religion on the health and well-being of older Pacific people living in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Using the principles of a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach and talanoa with 39 Tongan, 42 Cook Island Māori and 23 Samoan elders revealed spirituality is essential to Pacific elders' health and well-being. Participants faith in an omnipotent Christian God and the subsequent influence on their relationships with family and community significantly impacted their experiences of health and well-being. Strong relationships with God, extended family and community enabled Pacific elders to live a harmonious life. Religion and spirituality should be embraced as an integral component of health and social care plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To undertake a survey of the prevalence of tail deviations, trauma and shortening on a representative selection of New Zealand dairy farms, and to assess whether sampling based on milking order could be used instead of random sampling across the herd to estimate prevalence. This was a cross-sectional observational study, with 200 randomly selected farms enrolled across nine regions of New Zealand via selected veterinary practices (one/region). Veterinary clinics enrolled 20–25 farms each depending on region, with 1–2 trained technicians scoring per region. All cows (n = 92,348) present at a milking or pregnancy testing event were tail scored using a modified version of the New Zealand Veterinary Association Industry Scoring System. Palpated lesions were recorded as deviated (i.e. non-linear deformity), shortened (tail shorter than normal) or traumatic (all other lesions). The location of lesions was defined by dividing the tail into three equal zones: upper, middle and lower. A cow could have more than one lesion type and location, and/or multiple lesions of the same type, but for the prevalence calculation, only the presence or absence of a particular lesion was assessed. Prevalence of tail damage calculated using whole herd scoring was compared to random sampling across the herd and sampling from the front and back of the milking order. Bootstrap sampling with replacement was used to generate the sampling distributions across seven sample sizes ranging from 40–435 cows. When scoring all cows, the median prevalence for deviation was 9.5 (min 0.9, max 40.3)%; trauma 0.9 (min 0, max 10.7)%, and shortening was 4.5 (min 1.3, max 10.8)%. Deviation and trauma prevalence varied between regions; the median prevalence of deviations ranged from 6% in the West Coast to 13% in Waikato, and the median prevalence of all tail damage from 7% in the West Coast to 29% in Southland. Sampling based on milking order was less precise than random sampling across the herd. With the latter and using 157 cows, 95% of prevalence estimates were within 5% of the whole herd estimate, but sampling based on milking order needed > 300 cows to achieve the same precision. The proportion of cows identified as having damaged tails was consistent with recent reports from New Zealand and Ireland, but at 11.5%, the proportion of cows with trauma or deviation is below acceptable standards. An industry-wide programme is needed to reduce the proportion of affected cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES It is uncertain if the evidence on improved long-term survival of total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting applies to female patients. This study aims to compare the long-term survival outcomes of using total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus at least 1 saphenous vein graft separately for men and women. METHODS This retrospective analysis of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac-Thoracic Surgical Database had administrative linkage to the National Death Index. We identified all patients undergoing primary isolated coronary bypass from June 2001 to January 2020 inclusive. Following sex stratification, propensity score matching with 36 variables and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to facilitate adjusted comparisons. A Cox interaction-term analysis was performed to investigate the impact of sex on TAR survival benefit. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS Of the 69 624 eligible patients receiving at least 2 grafts, 13 019 (18.7%) were female patients. Matching generated 14 951 male and 3530 female pairs. Compared to vein-dependent procedures, TAR was associated with significantly reduced incidence of long-term all-cause mortality for both male (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.91; P  < 0.001) and female (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–0.91; P  < 0.001) cohorts. Interaction-term analysis indicated no significant subgroup effect from sex (P  = 0.573) on the survival advantage of TAR. The treatment effect provided by TAR remained significant across most sex-stratified disease subgroups. CONCLUSIONS TAR, when compared to the use of at least 1 saphenous vein graft, provides comparable superior long-term survival outcomes in both females and males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear receptors (NRs) constitute a superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors with a paramount role in ubiquitous physiological functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Owing to their physiological role and druggability, NRs are deemed attractive and valid targets for medicinal chemists. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) represent one of the most important phytochemical classes present in higher plants, where oleanolic acid (OA) is the most studied PTs representative owing to its multitude of biological activities against cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and liver injury. PTs possess a lipophilic skeleton that imitates the NRs endogenous ligands. Herein, we report a literature overview on the modulation of metabolic NRs by OA and its semi-synthetic derivatives, highlighting their health benefits and potential therapeutic applications. Indeed, OA exhibited varying pharmacological effects on FXR, PPAR, LXR, RXR, PXR, and ROR in a tissue-specific manner. Owing to these NRs modulation, OA showed prominent hepatoprotective properties comparable to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a bile duct ligation mice model and antiatherosclerosis effect as simvastatin in a model of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. It also demonstrated a great promise in alleviating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, attenuated alpha-naphthol isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury, and controlled blood glucose levels, making it a key player in the therapy of metabolic diseases. We also compiled OA semi-synthetic derivatives and explored their synthetic pathways and pharmacological effects on NRs, showcasing their structure-activity relationship (SAR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article to highlight OA activity in terms of NRs modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the influence of supplementing the rabbit semen extender with various concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and taurine at 24, 48, and 72 h postchilling at 5°C. Semen samples were collected from 20 New Zealand bucks, and ejaculates with standard color, motility (>85%), about 0.5 mL volume, and ∼400 × 106/mL concentration were used and diluted with extenders supplemented with 0.5, 1, and 2 mM of GSH and 1, 5, and 10 mM of taurine and chilled at 5°C. Nonsupplemented samples were used as a control. Sperm's progressive motility, acrosome reaction, and extracellular oxidative stress biomarkers such as MDA contents and GPx, SOD, and CAT concentrations and intracellular transcriptomic levels of SOD and CAT genes were assessed. GSH and taurine supplementation improved the sperm's kinetics by reducing cooling-associated stress, which was ascertained by lowering MDA concentration and increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx concentrations (P < 0.05). Increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the extender was due to the increasing mRNA copies of the SOD and CAT genes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, GSH and taurine maintained the fructose levels in the extender and lowered the GPT levels, which implies sperm membrane stability is maintained through GSH and taurine supplementation. GSH and taurine supplementation to the extender had protective influences on the in vitro rabbit semen quality during chilled storage for up to 72 h, which were remarkable with increasing supplementation dose and cooling time at 5°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On behalf of the International Test Commission and the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations a world-wide survey on the opinions of professional psychologists on testing practices was carried out. The main objective of this study was to collect data for a better understanding of the state of psychological testing worldwide. These data could guide the actions and measures taken by ITC, EFPA, and other stakeholders. A questionnaire was administered to 20,467 professional psychologists from 29 countries. Five scales were constructed relating to: concern over incorrect test use, regulations on tests and testing, internet and computerized testing, appreciation of tests, and knowledge and training relating to test use. Equivalence across countries was evaluated using the alignment method, four scales demonstrated acceptable levels of invariance. Multilevel analysis was used to determine how scores were related to age, gender, and specialization, as well as how scores varied between countries. Although the results show a high appreciation of tests in general, the appreciation of internet and computerized testing is much lower. These scales show low variability over countries, whereas differences between countries on the other reported scales are much greater. This implies the need for some overarching improvements as well as country-specific actions.

In mid-summer (February), 42 of a flock of 68 ram hoggets (approximately 5 months of age) and two of a group of 14 alpacas on a farm in the Manawatū region of New Zealand were found recumbent or dead following a period of persistent rain, strong winds and relatively low temperatures. The hoggets and alpacas had been shorn 4 and 53 days previously, respectively, and were in adequate to good body condition with access to ad libitum pasture. Post-mortem and histological examinations were undertaken on four hoggets and two alpacas. Apart from hypothermic body temperatures from four recumbent hoggets, nothing of significance was identified on clinical or gross pathological examination. Histological changes of vacuolar hepatopathy, renal tubular degeneration and pulmonary congestion were present in all animals examined. Based on the history and clinical and pathological findings, hypothermia was highly probable to have been the cause of the deaths. These cases emphasise the importance of shelter for recently shorn sheep and alpacas regardless of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal vitamin status preconception and during pregnancy has important consequences for pregnancy outcome and offspring development. Changes in vitamin status from preconception through early and late pregnancy and postpartum have been inferred from cross-sectional data, but longitudinal data on vitamin status from preconception throughout pregnancy and postdelivery are sparse. As such, the influence of vitamin supplementation on vitamin status during pregnancy remains uncertain. This study presents one prespecified outcome from the randomized controlled NiPPeR trial, aiming to identify longitudinal patterns of maternal vitamin status from preconception, through early and late pregnancy, to 6 months postdelivery, and determine the influence of vitamin supplementation. Methods and findings: In the NiPPeR trial, 1,729 women (from the United Kingdom, Singapore, and New Zealand) aged 18 to 38 years and planning conception were randomized to receive a standard vitamin supplement (control; n = 859) or an enhanced vitamin supplement (intervention; n = 870) starting in preconception and continued throughout pregnancy, with blinding of participants and research staff. Supplement components common to both treatment groups included folic acid, β-carotene, iron, calcium, and iodine; components additionally included in the intervention group were riboflavin, vitamins B6, B12, and D (in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements), myo-inositol, probiotics, and zinc. The primary outcome of the study was glucose tolerance at 28 weeks' gestation, measured by oral glucose tolerance test. The secondary outcome reported in this study was the reduction in maternal micronutrient insufficiency in riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, before and during pregnancy. We measured maternal plasma concentrations of B-vitamins, vitamin D, and markers of insufficiency/deficiency (homocysteine, hydroxykynurenine-ratio, methylmalonic acid) at recruitment, 1 month after commencing intervention preconception, in early pregnancy (7 to 11 weeks' gestation) and late pregnancy (around 28 weeks' gestation), and postdelivery (6 months after supplement discontinuation). We derived standard deviation scores (SDS) to characterize longitudinal changes among participants in the control group and measured differences between the 2 groups. At recruitment, the proportion of patients with marginal or low plasma status was 29.2% for folate (<13.6 nmol/L), 7.5% and 82.0% for riboflavin (<5 nmol/L and ≤26.5 nmol/L, respectively), 9.1% for vitamin B12 (<221 pmol/L), and 48.7% for vitamin D (<50 nmol/L); these proportions were balanced between the groups. Over 90% of all participants had low or marginal status for one or more of these vitamins at recruitment. Among participants in the control group, plasma concentrations of riboflavin declined through early and late pregnancy, whereas concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were unchanged in early pregnancy, and concentrations of vitamin B6 and B12 declined throughout pregnancy, becoming >1 SDS lower than baseline by 28 weeks gestation. In the control group, 54.2% of participants developed low late-pregnancy vitamin B6 concentrations (pyridoxal 5-phosphate <20 nmol/L). After 1 month of supplementation, plasma concentrations of supplement components were substantially higher among participants in the intervention group than those in the control group: riboflavin by 0.77 SDS (95% CI 0.68 to 0.87, p < 0.0001), vitamin B6 by 1.07 SDS (0.99 to 1.14, p < 0.0001), vitamin B12 by 0.55 SDS (0.46 to 0.64, p < 0.0001), and vitamin D by 0.51 SDS (0.43 to 0.60, p < 0.0001), with higher levels in the intervention group maintained during pregnancy. Markers of vitamin insufficiency/deficiency were reduced in the intervention group, and the proportion of participants with vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) during late pregnancy was lower in the intervention group (35.1% versus 8.5%; p < 0.0001). Plasma vitamin B12 remained higher in the intervention group than in the control group 6 months postdelivery (by 0.30 SDS (0.14, 0.46), p = 0.0003). The main limitation is that generalizability to the global population is limited by the high-resource settings and the lack of African and Amerindian women in particular. Conclusions: Over 90% of the trial participants had marginal or low concentrations of one or more of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12, or vitamin D during preconception, and many developed markers of vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy. Preconception/pregnancy supplementation in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements substantially reduces the prevalence of vitamin deficiency and depletion markers before and during pregnancy, with higher maternal plasma vitamin B12 maintained during the recommended lactational period. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02509988; U1111-1171-8056. In this pre-specified secondary analysis of the NiPPeR double-blind randomized controlled trial, Keith M Godfrey and colleagues investigate maternal B-vitamin and vitamin D status before, during and after pregnancy, and the influence of supplementation preconception and during pregnancy Author summary: Why was this study done?: A mother's vitamin status preconception and during pregnancy are important for healthy pregnancy outcomes and offspring development. Truly longitudinal data on changes in vitamin status from preconception to early and late pregnancy and postpartum are sparse, with changes generally inferred from cross-sectional data and lower pregnancy concentrations often ascribed to plasma volume expansion. Few studies have evaluated the influence of vitamin supplementation preconception and during pregnancy. What did the researchers do and find?: As prespecified secondary outcomes of a randomized trial, this study characterized longitudinal patterns of maternal vitamin status from preconception, through early and late pregnancy, to 6 months postdelivery, and determined the influence of supplementation. Significant proportions of preconception women living in high-income countries had marginal or low status of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, and many developed markers of vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy. In the absence of intervention supplementation, maternal plasma concentrations of different vitamins showed differing longitudinal patterns from preconception to early and late pregnancy, and markers of functional B6 and B12 insufficiency increased during pregnancy. Our trial indicates that preconception and pregnancy supplementation in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements substantially reduced the prevalence of deficiency/depletion markers before and during pregnancy, with a higher maternal plasma vitamin B12 maintained during the recommended lactational period. What do these findings mean?: The study findings are inconsistent with plasma volume expansion wholly accounting for lower gestational vitamin concentrations. In the setting of advocacy for more sustainable diets that are likely to be less nutrient dense, the findings suggest a need to reappraise dietary recommendations for preconception and pregnancy and to consider further the role of multiple micronutrient supplements in women living in higher-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was conducted to assess the effect of diets supplementation to heat-stressed buck rabbits with different zinc (Zn) sources on the thermoregulatory and hematobiochemical parameters, and antioxidant status. A total of 24 mature buck rabbits (32–36 weeks of age) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 each). Group 1, non-heat-stressed control (NHSC), was reared in the absence of heat stress (HS) conditions and received the basal diet only. The other three groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) were kept in HS conditions. Group 2, heat-stressed control (HSC), received the basal diet only. The diet supplemented with 75 mg Zn/kg diet either in the inorganic form (Zn sulfate) or in the organic form (Zn picolinate) for groups 3 and 4, respectively. Zn supplementation to rabbits' diets lowered the heat stress-related increase of serum urea, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. These supplementations also increased the concentration of testosterone under HS conditions. Zn picolinate was more effective than Zn sulfate in restoring serum concentrations of urea, testosterone, and MDA. In conclusion, Zn addition to rabbits' diets from different sources, especially Zn picolinate, exhibits an ameliorative effect against the harmful impact of HS on hematobiochemical parameters and antioxidant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the response of growing rabbits in terms of growth performance, serum biochemical, intestinal morphology, and caecal fermentation parameters to feed restriction and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) supplementation. A total of 60 New Zealand male rabbits were randomly distributed into 6 groups: AL-0 (fed ad libitum + fresh water as control); AL-15 and AL-30 (ad libitum + water supplemented with ZnO-NPs in water, 15 and 30 mg/L, respectively); and R-0, R-15 and R-30 were the same as the first 3 groups but with restricted feeding regime. Rabbits fed ad libitum and supplemented with ZnO-NPs (15 mg/L) showed the highest body weight with no significant difference from AL- fed groups or R-0. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed no difference among the different experimental groups (P > 0.05). ZnONPs supplementation reduced the serum lipid profile parameters, catalase enzyme in R-30, superoxide dismutase in AL-15 and AL-30 while increased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in both ad libitum and restricted rabbits. ZnO-NPs administration resulted in lower caecal ammonia in AL-30 compared to its control (AL-0) as well as the content of individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) (acetate, butyrate and propionate) (P < 0.05). Ileum morphological parameters (mucosal length, villi length, and goblet cell number) were modified in response to the feed restriction and ZnO-NPs addition. In conclusion, feed restriction program applied in this experiment altered rabbit growth performance (final body weight and weight gain with no differences in FCR), improved ileum morphology while had no significant effect on caecal fermentation (VFAs profile) or microbiological parameters. ZnO-NPs supplementation in both levels (15 and 30 mg/L) differently modulated serum lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes and MDA, VFAs profile in cecum and ileal morphology with no differences in rabbit growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week trial to examine the impacts of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, nutrient aspects, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants of 75 New Zealand white male rabbits (initial body weight = 665.93 ± 15.18 g). Herein the study was designed in one-way ANOVA to compare the effects of the two algae species with two levels of supplementations in the feeds of New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into five groups (n = 15/group), where the first group was allocated as the control group (Ctrl) while the second and third groups received A. platensis at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ap300 or Ap500). The fourth and fifth groups fed C. vulgaris at 300 or 500 mg/kg diet (Ch300 or Ch500). The basal diet rabbits exhibited the lowest values of weight, lipase, protease, and the highest feed conversion ratio, which improved noticeably with algae addition, particularly with Ap500, Ch300, and Ch500. All tested groups showed normal intestinal structure. Amylase potency, hematological indicators, and serum biochemistry revealed non-significant variation except for a higher serum total protein and lower total cholesterol in algal groups. The best GPx existed in groups fed algal diets, while favorable SOD and CAT efficiency occurred at the higher level of Arthrospira and both levels of Chlorella. In conclusion, incorporating Arthrospira or Chlorella in the diet of New Zealand white rabbits improved performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants. Arthrospira (Ap500) and Chlorella (Ch300 or Ch500) have almost the same beneficial effect on rabbit performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidate gene is a powerful approach to study gene-trait association and offers valuable information for genetic improvement using marker-assisted selection. The current work aimed to study the polymorphisms of four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) at located growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) genes, and their association with the carcass, and meat quality traits in rabbits. The SNPs were genotyped using RFLP-PCR in New Zealand White and local Baladi rabbits. The results revealed that the heterozygous genotype was the most frequent in all cases, except for the FTO SNP in LB rabbits. There was a significant effect for GH genotypes on meat lightness after slaughter and hind-part weight. While, IGF-II mutation significantly affected slaughter, hot carcass, commercial carcass, and hind-part weights. The FTO SNP was associated with cooking loss and intramuscular fat weight, and the IRS-1 SNP was significantly associated with drip loss and intramuscular fat. Specific-breed effects were obtained for IGF-II SNP on cooking loss, and for the intramuscular fat. Although the results suggested that these mutations are useful candidate genes for selection, more research for detecting more variants associated with carcass and meat quality traits in rabbits are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medication-related problems (MRPs) contribute significantly to preventable patient harm and global healthcare expenditure. Vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Australians (please note that the use of the term 'Indigenous' in this paper includes all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and acknowledges their rich traditions and heterogenous cultures.) and people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), may be at increased risk of MRPs. Pharmacist-led medication reviews can identify MRPs for targeted action. Objective: To characterize MRPs identified and recommendations made by community pharmacists during medication reviews conducted with Indigenous Australians and people living with SPMI. Methods: Participants were recruited through two Australian trials testing the feasibility and/or effectiveness of novel community pharmacist-led interventions, the Indigenous Medication Review Service (IMeRSe) feasibility study (June 2018–July 2019) and Bridging the Gap between Physical and Mental Illness in Community Pharmacy (PharMIbridge) randomized controlled trial (September 2020–December 2021). Trained community pharmacists conducted medication reviews responsive to the cultural and health needs of participants. MRPs, MRP severity and pharmacist recommendations were documented and classified using an established classification system (DOCUMENT). MRP severity was assessed by pharmacists and an independent assessor. Data were analysed descriptively, and paired t-tests were used to compare severity ratings. Results: Pharmacists identified 795 MRPs with 411 participants across both trials (n = 255 IMeRSe, n = 156 PharMIbridge). Non-adherence to medication was the most common (n = 157, 25.1%) and second-most common (n = 25, 14.7%) MRP in IMeRSe and PharMIbridge, respectively. Undertreatment was the second-most common MRP in the sample of Indigenous Australians (n = 139, 22.2%), and reports of toxicity/adverse reactions were most common in people living with SPMI (n = 41, 24.1%). A change in pharmacotherapy was the most frequent recommendation made by pharmacists (40.2% and 55.0% in IMeRSe and PharMIbridge, respectively). Severity ratings varied, with the majority being 'Mild' or 'Moderate' in both groups. Significant differences were found in the severity rating assigned by trial pharmacists and the independent assessor. Conclusions: Community pharmacists identified a range of MRPs experienced by two at-risk populations, most commonly non-adherence and toxicity or adverse reactions, when conducting medication reviews and proposed diverse strategies to manage these, frequently recommending a change in pharmacotherapy. These findings highlight the opportunity for more targeted approaches to identifying and managing MRPs in primary care and tailored community pharmacist-led interventions may be of value in this space. Trail Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry records (IMeRSe ACTRN12618000188235 registered 06/02/2018 & PharMIbridge ACTRN12620000577910 registered 18/05/2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betamethasone, a fluorinated and synthetic steroid, is a commonly used glucocorticoid. To our knowledge, no available studies exist concerning the hyperlipidemic effect of betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) in rabbits. Therefore, the current study was conducted to highlight the effects of intramuscular injection of BDP on lipid profile in rabbits, investigate the possible mechanism underlying the produced effects and evaluate the possible antihyperlipidemic effect of atorvastatin (ATR) and fenofibrate (FFB). For this purpose, twenty male New Zealand rabbits were classified into control, BDP (0.5 ml/kg B.wt/ IM/day/single dose), BDP+ATR; rabbits were IM injected with BDP, then they were orally given ATR (1.9 mg./kg. B.wt./ once/ day/ month) and group IV (BDP+FFB); rabbits were IM injected with BDP then they were orally given FFB (7.5 mg/kg B.wt/ once/ day/ month). The obtained result revealed that single IM injection of BDP produced a significant elevation in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL level with a significant decline in HDL in comparison to control group on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th day of the experiment. On the 30th day of the experiment there was an increase in the ALT, AST, MDA, VCAM-1 as well as a significant decrease in TAC. Furthermore, BDP induced a significant increase in HMG-COA reductase gene expression and a significant decrease in lipoprotein lipase gene expression. Oral administration of ATR or FFB concurrently with BDP for a month succeeded in reducing the hyperlipidemia induced by BDP in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pacific adolescents in New Zealand (NZ) are three to four times more likely than NZ European adolescents to report suicide attempts and have higher rates of suicidal plans. Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, termed suicidality in this study, result from a complex dynamic interplay of factors, which emerging methodologies like network analysis aim to capture. Methods: This study used cross‐sectional network analysis to model the relationships between suicidality, self‐harm, and individual depression symptoms, whilst conditioning on a multi‐dimensional set of variables relevant to suicidality. A series of network models were fitted to data from a community sample of New Zealand‐born Pacific adolescents (n = 550; 51% male; Mean age (SD) = 17 (0.35)). Results: Self‐harm and the depression symptom measuring pessimism had the strongest associations with suicidality, followed by symptoms related to having a negative self‐image about looks and sadness. Nonsymptom risk factors for self‐harm and suicidality differed markedly. Conclusions: Depression symptoms varied widely in terms of their contribution to suicidality, highlighting the valuable information gained from analysing depression at the symptom‐item level. Reducing the sources of pessimism and building self‐esteem presented as potential targets for alleviating suicidality amongst Pacific adolescents in New Zealand. Suicide prevention strategies need to include risk factors for self‐harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow slip events (SSEs) are geophysical phenomena primarily occurring in subduction zones. These events are often associated with seismic activity and can be detected by Global Positioning System (GPS). However, the relationship between SSEs and seismic activity remains unclear. To further investigate SSEs associated with seismic activity, we conducted SSE detection and inversion for the period from 2019 to 2022 on New Zealand's North Island, where both SSEs and seismic activity frequently occur. By modeling daily GPS coordinate time series from 40 GPS stations and applying the Network Inversion Filter (NIF) method, we obtain surface displacements, cumulative slips, and slip rates for eight shallow SSEs. Subsequently, we conduct a statistical analysis of seismic activity concerning its spatial distribution and frequency before, during, and after SSE occurrences. The results indicate that SSE1 and SSE7 exhibited larger cumulative slips, at 14.35 and 7.20 cm, and surface displacements, at 4.97 and 2.53 cm, respectively. During their occurrences, the seismic frequency noticeably increased to 6.5 and 5.6 events per day in the Eastern Coastal Region (ECR) of New Zealand's North Island. However, the other six SSEs, characterized by cumulative slips of less than 6 cm and maximum surface displacements of less than 2 cm, did not lead to a noticeable increase in seismic frequency during their occurrences in the ECR. In the Main Slip Regions (MSR) of these eight SSEs, a significant upward trend in seismic frequency was observed during their occurrences. Therefore, it can be inferred that in the ECR of New Zealand's North Island, all SSEs result in an increased seismic frequency within their respective MSRs, but only significant SSEs impact the seismic frequency of the ECR. Monitoring shallow SSEs may contribute to the identification and recording of seismic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most dangerous and that pollute agricultural products, inducing a variety of toxic effects in humans and animals. The current study explored the protective effect of different concentrations of Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) against OTA (0.3 mg/kg diet) induced renal and cardiac damage by exploring its mechanism of action in 60 New Zealand white male rabbits. Dietary supplementation of A. awamori at the selected doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively, for 2 months significantly improved the rabbit's growth performance; modulated the suppressed immune response and restored the altered hematological parameters; reduced the elevated levels of renal injury biomarkers such as urea, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase; and increased serum total proteins concentrations. Moreover, it also declined enzymatic activities of cardiac injury biomarkers, including AST, LDH, and CK-MB. A. awamori alleviated OTA-induced degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidney and heart of rabbits. Interestingly, A. awamori upregulated Nrf2/OH-1 signaling pathway. Therefore enhanced TAC, CAT, and SOD enzyme activities and reduced OTA-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress by declining iNOS gene expression and consequently lowered MDA and NO levels. In addition to attenuating renal and cardiac inflammation via reducing IL-1β, TNF-α gene expressions in a dose-dependent response. In conclusion,this is the first report to pinpoint that dietary incorporation of A. awamori counteracted OTA-induced renal and cardiac damage by potentiating the rabbit's antioxidant defense system through its potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties in a dose-dependent response. Based on our observations, A. awamori could be utilized as a natural protective agent against ochratoxicosis in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pacific people carry a disproportionate burden of socio‐cultural and economic determinants of health in Aotearoa | New Zealand (NZ), and 61.7% of Pacific children aged 0–14 years are overweight or obese. Yet Pacific children's self‐perception of their body size is unknown. This population‐based study aimed to investigate the concordance between measured and perceived body size in a cohort of Pacific 14‐year‐olds in NZ, and to assess how this relationship is influenced by their cultural orientation, socio‐economic deprivation and degree of recreational internet use. Methods: The Pacific Islands Families Study tracks a cohort of Pacific infants born in the year 2000 at Middlemore Hospital, South Auckland. This study is a nested cross‐section of participants at the 14‐year postpartum measurement wave. Following strict measurement protocols, body mass index was measured and categorised according to the World Health Organization classifications. Agreement and logistic regression analysis methods were employed. Results: Of 834 participants with valid measures, 3 (0.4%) were measured as being underweight, 183 (21.9%) as normal, 235 (28.2%) as overweight and 413 (49.5%) as obese. Overall, 499 (59.8%) perceived their body size to have a lower classification than that when measured. Neither cultural orientation nor deprivation was significantly related to weight misconception but recreational internet use was, with higher use associated with increased misconception. Conclusions: Improving body size awareness together with the risk of higher recreational internet use is likely to be an important component in any population‐based healthy weight intervention formulation for Pacific adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines have oxygenators with integrated filters and unique biocompatible coatings to combat systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and mitigate coagulopathy. Contemporary oxygenators have undergone comparative studies; however, our study aimed to identify the most appropriate oxygenator for our regional Cardiothoracic unit in Australasia. Methods: A prospective audit consecutively recruited one-hundred and fifty patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand between the periods of 29th January 2018 and 31st July 2018. Fifty patients were recruited for each oxygenator arm: Sorin INSPIRE' (Group-S); Terumo CAPIOX'FX (Group-T); and Medtronic Affinity Fusion' (Group-M). The clinical outcomes were transfusions, chest drain output, reoperation and length of hospital stay (LOHS). Routine blood testing protocol included: haemoglobin, protein, albumin, white cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count and coagulations tests including international normalized ratio (INR). Results: Comparing Groups S, T and M there was no statistical difference in chest drain output (650 vs. 500 vs. 595 ml respectively, p = 0.45), transfusions (61 vs. 117 vs. 70 units, p = 0.67), reoperation (6 vs. 8 vs. 12%, p = 0.99) and LOHS (median 7.4 vs. 7.6 vs. 9.5 days, p = 0.42). Group-T had fewer SIRS cases but similar increase in CRP (p = 0.12) and WCC (p = 0.35). Group-M had a significant rise in post-op INR (p = 0.005) but no associated increase in chest drain output (p = 0.62). Group-S and -M required more 4%-albumin and Group-T had more transfusions. Only fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion had a significant relationship with LOHS (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Biochemically, there was slight difference among the oxygenators which did not translate into clinical difference in outcomes. The oxygenator design and perfusionist choice aided in our decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrated field‐level sensor data into the FAO‐56 Penman–Monteith algorithm to provide a site‐specific estimate of crop evapotranspiration. This was carried out at two contrasting sites for pea and bean (Manawatū) and barley (Hawke's Bay) crops managed within two irrigation management zones, at each site, under variable‐rate irrigation systems in New Zealand. Daily crop evapotranspiration estimates were calculated using data from a weather station situated at the field site combined with in‐field crop sensing data (spectral reflectance, canopy temperature, and canopy height). In addition, calibrated soil moisture data were used with a soil water balance model to compare estimations of daily crop evapotranspiration with those estimated using the crop sensing method. The results indicated that variable crop responses to different irrigation strategies and soil types provided a good opportunity to quantify different levels of spectral reflectance, canopy temperature, and consequently the estimation of crop water use. The statistical comparisons revealed that the modified FAO‐56 Penman–Monteith using crop sensor data compared well with the more conventional soil water balance approach using soil moisture data (R2 = 0.70, 0.83, 0.91 for barley, pea, and bean, respectively). Overall, the results from this study indicated that crop sensing approaches combined with the FAO‐56 Penman–Monteith model have potential to provide a more easily determined site‐specific field estimation of crop evapotranspiration than other methods, and it can take into consideration the spatiotemporal variability of crop growth in a field. Core Ideas: Field‐level sensor method was used for water use estimates.The method gave accurate estimates of crop evapotranspiration.The method detected spatial variations in the crop response to irrigation.The method successfully modeled crop coefficients and crop evapotranspiration.The method simulated the benefits of variable rate irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Asparagus officinalis root (AR) contains valuable bioactive compounds that have beneficial health properties. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids in green AR using two novel technologies; pulsed electric field (PEF) and ionic liquids (IL). Further, the antioxidant activity of the obtained extracts was determined. The total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays) were determined. The PEF conditions (PEF strength of 1.6 kV/cm, frequency of 200 Hz and pulse width of 20 µs) resulted in a higher extraction yield as compared to conventional solvent extraction, but had lower antioxidant activities. The optimal conditions for IL extraction were by using 0.5% 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride at a solid: liquid (S:L) ratio of 1:10 for four min. The IL extraction resulted in a total of 122 mg RE/ mL TFC which was 70 to 80 folds more than the TFC obtained by PEF. The IL extracts had higher TFC and antioxidant activity than PEF, but the safety of the ILs need further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the discursive representation of victims of two terrorist attacks that occurred in Egypt and New Zealand. The data include all news reports released by the online version of The Guardian and The Washington Post on the attacks. To this end, we employ Martin and White's (2005) Appraisal Theory, van Leeuwen's (2008) Sociosemantic Inventory and Entman’s (1993) Framing Theory. This article filled a gap in literature as it is the first – to the best of our knowledge - to address Muslim victims of terrorist attacks in two countries, one Muslim, and one Christian. Discussion reinforced the belief that there is disparity in journalistic treatment in favour of victims in a country culturally and linguistically belonging to the west (New Zealand). All the 10 frames devised for this study, side by side with the appraisal resources deployed, reveal a marked difference between the ‘high-profile’ representation of Christchurch social actors and the ‘low-profile’ depiction of the Sinai social actors. All the socio-semantic categorisations of victims also prove such discursive disproportion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit breeds in Egypt are local and adapted foreign breeds that have been imported since the middle of the last century. Stressful environmental conditions including climatic changes, exposure to diseases and breeding selection have an influence on how gene flow has shaped the genetic diversity of the breeds. Mitochondrial DNA D-loop is a genetic marker used to trace the geographic distribution of genetic variation for the investigation of expansions, migrations and other gene flow patterns. The study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop (mtDNA D-loop) in Black Baladi, Red Baladi, Gabali, APRI line and New Zealand breeds to gather the scientific data required to create a proper conservation and sustainable management plan. Blood samples were taken from animals unrelated to each other. A 332-bp of mtDNA D-loop was successfully amplified and alignment sequences were deposited in the GenBank database. The results detected six haplotypes in the five breeds. Haplotype diversity within individual breeds varied from 0 (Red Baladi) to 0.551±0.114 (Gabali). The nucleotide diversity (π) value was relatively low (0.001-0.006), with greater values in APRI and New Zealand. Pairwise distances between breeds yielded varying values ranging from 0 to 0.254, and the values between the Red Baladi and other breeds were comparatively high, with pairwise distances from 0.172 to 0.254. The phylogenetic analysis involved 74 nucleotide sequences of the Egyptian rabbit and thirty-one sequences retrieved from GenBank of the reference samples of different haplogroups. The results of the phylogenetic analysis correlated to the reference mtDNA GenBank database showed that the five Egyptian rabbit breeds were grouped into haplotypes A, B and K. The results of the genetic diversity using mtDNA shed light on the importance of the local breed's genetic diversity information and revealed unique mtDNA haplotypes, which is an important finding for breeding strategies designed to conserve genetic variants and provide sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Legume establishment and persistence in New Zealand hill and high-country soils are largely limited by high soil acidity and associated aluminum (Al) toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of four rates of phosphogypsum (0, 1, 3, and 9 t ha−1) on Al speciation in the soil solution and to examine which species are mostly impacting total dry matter (TDM) yield of lucerne. Methods: Glasshouse and incubation experiments were conducted using three acid soils with different exchangeable Al concentrations: Molesworth, Glenmore, and Lindis Peaks. The distribution of Al species was modeled using visual Minteq. Partial least square (PLS) regression was used to evaluate the relationships between Al3+ and other variables in the soil-soil solution system. Results: In the planted and incubated Molesworth soils, Al3+ and hydroxylated Al (Al–OH) fractions decreased significantly at 1 and 3 t of phosphogypsum ha−1 compared to 0 t ha−1. However, in the planted Glenmore and incubated Lindis Peaks soils, these two fractions remained unchanged. The contribution of variables in Al3+ concentration depended on the soil type. However, the loading plot of the whole soil data set (n = 62) showed that Al–OH, base saturation, soil/soil solution pHw, and exchangeable Al were the main explanatory variables for the variation in Al3+ concentration. The TDM yield of lucerne was better explained by Al3+, Al-F, and Al-DOM than exchangeable Al. Conclusions: Reasonable amounts of phosphogypsum (1 to 3 t ha−1) can help to alleviate Al toxicity in acid soils (pH ≤ 5.3), but higher application rates should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aside from their bioremediation roles, little is known about the food and feed value of earthworms. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition (proximate analysis and profiles of fatty acids and minerals) and techno-functional properties (foaming and emulsion stability and capacity) of earthworm (Eisenia andrei, sourced in New Zealand) powder (EAP) were investigated. Lipid nutritional indices, ω6/ω3, atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio, and health-promoting index of EAP lipids are also reported. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents of EAP were found to be 53.75%, 19.30%, and 23.26% DW, respectively. The mineral profile obtained for the EAP consisted of 11 essential minerals, 23 non-essential minerals, and 4 heavy metals. The most abundant essential minerals were potassium (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), phosphorus (8220 mg·kg−1 DW), magnesium (744.7 mg·kg−1 DW), calcium (2396.7 mg·kg−1 DW), iron (244.7 mg·kg−1 DW), and manganese (25.6 mg·kg−1 DW). Toxic metals such as vanadium (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), lead (0.2 mg·kg−1 DW), cadmium (2.2 mg·kg−1 DW), and arsenic (2.3 mg·kg−1 DW) were found in EAP, which pose safety considerations. Lauric acid (20.3% FA), myristoleic acid (11.20% FA), and linoleic acid (7.96% FA) were the most abundant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The lipid nutritional indices, such as IT and ω-6/ω-3, of E. andrei were within limits considered to enhance human health. A protein extract derived from EAP (EAPPE), obtained by alkaline solubilisation and pH precipitation, exhibited an isoelectric pH of ~5. The total essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of EAPPE were 373.3 mg·g−1 and 1.36 mg·g−1 protein, respectively. Techno-functional analysis of EAPPE indicated a high foaming capacity (83.3%) and emulsion stability (88.8% after 60 min). Heat coagulation of EAPPE was greater at pH 7.0 (12.6%) compared with pH 5.0 (4.83%), corroborating the pH-solubility profile and relatively high surface hydrophobicity (1061.0). These findings demonstrate the potential of EAP and EAPPE as nutrient-rich and functional ingredients suitable as alternative food and feed material. The presence of heavy metals, however, should be carefully considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure symptoms of anxiety, depression and hopelessness in a sample of young Pacific adults living in Auckland, New Zealand during the 2020/2021 COVID-19 pandemic and identify protective factors. Methods: Participants were 267 Pacific adults (58% female) who completed a survey online. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations, linear regression and symptom network analysis. Results: Around 25% of the sample scored in the range for moderate to severe anxiety and 10% for moderate to severe depression on standard measures. Almost 40% indicated that they found the first lockdown very stressful and 55% noted that some members of their family found it stressful. Only 16% worried about COVID-19 and their future quite a bit or constantly, while another 25% worried sometimes. Self-compassion and Pacific Identity had moderate, negative correlations, and Worry about COVID-19 had weak positive correlations, with anxiety, depression, hopelessness and perceived stress. Conclusion: These results suggest that, while the prevalence of depression and anxiety are quite high among this population, fostering ethnic identity and self-compassion in Pacific children and adolescents might protect against developing depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine and assess causes of mortality of kiwi (Apteryx spp.) submitted to Massey University between 2010 and 2020 across the five recognised species according to location, age group and captivity status in New Zealand. Post-mortem reports were obtained from the Massey University/Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa School of Veterinary Science/Wildbase Pathology Register. Inclusion criteria were all species of kiwi with a date of post-mortem examination between August 2010 and August 2020. Data from each report was exported, categorised and compared using Microsoft Excel. Of a total of 1,005 post-mortem reports, there were 766 North Island brown kiwi (NIBK; A. mantelli), 83 tokoeka (A. australis), 73 rowi (A. rowi), 49 great spotted kiwi (A. haastii), and 34 little spotted kiwi (A. owenii). This comprised 19 eggs/embryos, 125 neonatal, 473 juvenile, 153 subadult, and 235 adult kiwi. There were 615 kiwi from wild populations, 148 from sanctuary populations, 238 from captivity, and four from unspecified locations. The leading cause of death was trauma, affecting 322 (32.0 (95% CI = 29.2–35.0)%) kiwi including 289 (37.3 (95% CI = 26.0–31.7)%) NIBK. Nearly half of these died from predation by mustelids, with losses recorded from neonates to adults and clustered in the central to southern North Island. Predation by dogs was the second most common cause of death, killing 84 (8.4 (95% CI = 6.7–10.2)%) kiwi, of which 65.5% came from the northern districts of the North Island. Non-infectious disease killed 214 (21 (95% CI = 18.8–24.0)%) kiwi, and included developmental deformities, gastrointestinal foreign bodies and predator trap injuries. Infectious disease killed 181 (18.0 (95% CI = 15.7–20.5)%) kiwi and the proportion decreased with age, with common diagnoses including coccidiosis, bacterial septicaemia, avian malaria, and fungal respiratory disease. Starvation affected 42 (4.2 (95% CI = 3.0–5.6)%) kiwi, comprised of mainly neonatal or juvenile individuals from wild or sanctuary populations, with a higher percentage seen in tokoeka (11/83; 13.3%) compared to other species (min 0%, max 5.9%). The cause of death was undetermined in 246 (24.5 (95% CI = 21.8–27.3)%) cases, which was most often due to poor preservation of remains. This included 33/73 (46%) rowi and 32/83 (39%) tokoeka, and affected mainly birds from sanctuary and wild populations. This study enhances our understanding of causes of mortality in captive, wild and sanctuary populations of all kiwi species and age groups within contemporary New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment in public transport is on the rise as many cities around the world aim to reduce their carbon footprint and improve population health. One such investment is building or extending Light Rail Transit (LRT). Focusing on studies in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this paper reports the results of a systematic review on the associations between LRT and physical activity. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Twenty studies were identified through a search of five bibliographic databases (Web of Science, Transport Research International Documentation (TRID), Scopus, Medline, and SPORTDiscus) (n=5,866) and a systematic Google search (n=446). At least two reviewers conducted the search and reviewed the titles and abstract of each identified article to include in the review. Standardized data extraction forms were used to document information from each selected article. The forms included a risk of bias assessment tool. Two reviewers completed the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Our findings show that moderate certainty of evidence exists for the relationship between LRT and walking behaviour. Here, all studies, most of which were natural experiments (n = 6), found a positive association between LRT and walking behaviour, with LRT leading to an increase of 7–40% in walking in most studies (n = 7 out of 8). A positive relationship between LRT and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and between LRT and cycling was also often identified; however, results were inconsistent, and certainty of evidence is low for MPVA, and very low for cycling. Further, some studies (n = 3) identify differences in physical activity participation at different LRT stations, suggesting that station design, surrounding land use, and built environment play important roles in promoting physical activity around LRT. Given this, practitioners can be relatively confident that LRT investments will result in increased walking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study histologically compared the effect of TheraCal LC and biodentine on direct pulp capping using a rabbit model. Materials and methods: A direct pulp capping procedure was performed on 40 mandibular central incisors of 20 healthy, male New Zealand white rabbits. TheraCal LC and biodentine were applied to exposed pulp and 10 randomly selected rabbits were euthanized after the first and second week. Incisors were extracted and prepared for histological processing and examination to check the dentine bridge thickness, continuity, and extent of pulp inflammation. A blinded data analysis was performed, and groups were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test while changes across time within each group were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: When comparing the dentine bridge thickness, biodentine showed a significantly thicker dentine bridge in the first and second week (mean 28.16 µm, 33.66 µm), while TheraCal LC showed a dentine bridge in the second week only (mean 15.93 µm). Regarding dentine bridge continuity, biodentine showed a significantly better dentine bridge in the first week. Additionally, there was no difference in the second week. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between each of the materials regarding the extent of inflammation. Conclusions: Biodentine in vivo showed better results concerning thickness and continuity of the dentine bridge after direct pulp capping in rabbit incisors. Both biodentine and TheraCal LC had a similar inflammatory effect on the pulp. Clinical relevance: Biodentine is more successful as a direct pulp capping material compared to TheraCal LC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life heat stress negatively affects rabbit production and well‐being. However, the physiological response to acute heat stress in later life is not clearly defined. The present study aims to investigate the effects of early and late heat stress at 36°C on some blood constituents, antioxidant enzymes activity in the blood, and muscle in New Zealand white and Baladi Black rabbits. A total of sixty post‐weaning rabbits of each breed were randomly divided into two groups; control groups (NZWC and BBC) and early heat‐stressed groups for six hours at 36 ± 1°C and 62% relative humidity (RH) (NZWT and BBT groups). After heat stress, six rabbits from each group were slaughtered for blood and muscle tissue collection. The surviving rabbits were kept at 28 ± 1°C and 40% RH till 13 weeks of age. At the end of 13 weeks, all rabbits were exposed to late heat stress as precious described to perform four groups: single late stressed groups; NZWC2, BBC2, and double stressed groups; NZWT2 and BBT2. After late heat stress, six rabbits from each group were slaughtered for blood and muscle tissue collection. The early and late heat stress caused a significant reduction in the blood creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and high‐density lipoprotein and antioxidant enzymes' activity in blood and muscle of both NZW and BB rabbits compared with the control groups. While, the blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, total lipids levels, and lipid peroxidation activity in blood and muscle were significantly increased due to the early and late heat‐stressed both breeds compared with the control groups. It could be concluded that the early heat stress at 36°C has negative effects on several physiological indicators and antioxidant activities in the blood and muscle of NZW and BB rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine lees are one of the main by-products produced during winemaking. Little is known about the effect of the vinification technique on the phenolic compounds and the biological activity of wine lees extracts. Wine lees collected at varying vinification sources of two grape varieties, Riesling (RL) and Pinot Noir (PN), were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), tannin content (TTC), their anthocyanin and phenolic profile, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of their extracts. The results showed a low TPC and TTC in RL lees, which could be attributed to the varietal characteristic of RL grapes and to less skin contact during vinification. Vinification techniques modified the composition of the phenolic compounds in the lees. The results showed a good linear relationship between the antioxidant activities and the TPC and TTC, indicating that PN lees were better sources of phenolics and antioxidant activity than RL lees. The antimicrobial activity of wine lees was related to the phenolic composition rather than the quantity of total phenolics. Knowing the grape and wine processing conditions can provide some insights into the potential composition of wine lees and, hence, determine the potential economic use of the by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin burns are one of the most difficult medical problems. Recently, studies have been directed towards development of natural products in order to identify effective and safe remedies. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a natural composite (formulated from honey and essential oils) compared with MEBO® (0.25% β-sitosterol) and DERMAZIN® creams (1% silver-sulfadiazine) in the treatment of thermally induced skin burns. For this purpose, four burn-wounds were created on the back of male New Zealand rabbits (n = 10) using a thermal stamp under the effect of general anesthesia. Each wound represents one of the following groups: non-treated, natural composite-cream, MEBO®-cream, and silver-sulfadiazine treated groups, respectively. Treatments were applied once a day topically until one of these wounds appeared to be healed grossly. The non-treated group received no treatment. Grossly, skin burns have been healed after 28 days of the treatment in all groups except of the non-treated group. The healing efficacy of the natural composite, MEBO® and silver-sulfadiazine creams was quite similar macroscopically. However, microscopically, the epidermal layer of the composite-cream treated group was more mature than those of both MEBO® and silver-sulfadiazine creams treated groups. In conclusion, the tested composite may be a promising effective and inexpensive treatment of skin burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of activated carbon/natural zeolite (AC/NZ) as an efficient and reliable nanoadsorbent for enhancing methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. By calcining sugarcane waste at various temperatures between 500 and 900 °C, activated carbons (ACs) are formed. Both XRD and SEM were used for the characterization of the prepared adsorbents. Adsorption measurements for the removal of MB dye were made on the impact of pH, beginning MB concentration, and contact time. The maximum AC500/NZ adsorption capacity for MB dye at 25 °C, pH 7, and an AC500/NZ mass of 50 mg was found to be approximately 51 mg/g at an initial concentration of 30 ppm. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Temkin isotherm model describe the adsorption process. The Temkin model shows that the adsorption energy is 1.0 kcal/mol, indicating that the MB-to-AC500/NZ adsorption process occurs physically. Our Monte Carlo (MC) simulation studies supported our findings and showed that the Van der Waals dispersion force was responsible for the MB molecule's physical adsorption. The AC500/NZ adsorbent is thought to be a strong contender for water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pink grass worm, Tmetolophota atristriga (Walker), is an endemic New Zealand noctuid moth species that is abundant throughout the North and South Islands. The larvae are minor defoliators of agricultural pasture. We investigated the sex pheromone of this species. Analysis of extract of the female sex pheromone gland identified six compounds: two monounsaturated compounds, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), three saturated compounds, hexadecanal (16:Ald), hexadecyl acetate (16:Ac) and octadecan-1-ol (18:OH), and a triene hydrocarbon, (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy). Several field-trapping experiments testing combinations of the six compounds were conducted. Results suggested that males of two different populations of T. atristriga responded differently to different blends of the compounds. Males of one population responded equally to a two-component blend as to other blends, including the one with all six compounds. By contrast, males of the second population responded only to the six-component blend or a ternary blend of Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac and Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy. In experiments testing different doses of Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:Ac in a binary or a six-component blend, a 1 mg dose of the binary blend gave the greatest male catch for both populations. This is the second sex pheromone identification of a New Zealand species of Noctuidae and is the first reported occurrence of Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy as a sex pheromone component of any noctuid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Prionoplus reticularis larvae ('Huhu grubs'), a traditional food in New Zealand, have been grown commercially. However, no information is available on the composition or safety of the larvae as a food. A proximate analysis (58.7–75.2% moisture, 26.2–30.5% protein, 32.1–58.4% fat, and 1.5–3.2% ash dry weight basis) found that Huhu grubs contain substantial amounts of nutrients. Forty minerals were investigated for four different development stages of wild harvested Huhu grubs (small, medium, and large larvae and pupae). ICP‐MS detected 28 minerals, (11 essential, 13 non‐essential, and four heavy metals). The most abundant minerals were manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. The heavy metal content of Huhu grubs was found to be below detection levels for arsenic and vanadium, but cadmium and lead were detectable. The results indicate, on the basis of proximate analysis and mineral content, that moderate consumption of New Zealand wild harvested Huhu is safe and nutritious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the does reproductive hemodynamic changes during the estrous cycle is crucial for improving reproductive competence and fertility potential in this species. The objective of this study is to investigate the hemodynamic variations in ovarian (OA) and uterine (UA) arteries, histological and morphometric changes in ovarian and uterine tissues throughout the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases in rabbits and determine estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distributions using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen adults pluriparous New Zealand rabbits were divided into rabbits at the FP (Day − 1; n = 7) and those at the LP (Day 9; n = 7). Animals were subjected to Doppler, hormonal (estrogen [E2], progesterone [P4], insulin-like growth factor [ILGF], and VEGF), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. In LP, OA Doppler indices were significantly increased, whereas peak systolic velocity (PSV) was decreased compared with that in FP. UA Doppler indices were significantly decreased in the LP, whereas PSV was increased (P < 0.05). E2 levels were increased in the FP, whereas P4 levels were increased in the LP. The morphometric analysis of uterine tissues during the LP revealed an increase in the mean uterine endometrium length, endometrial connective tissue area percentage (%), endometrial glands number, myometrial area (%) and thickness. Furthermore, ovarian follicles and corpus luteum (CL) displayed strong positive immunoreactivity for ER, PR, and VEGF-A during both phases. The ovarian sections displayed a substantial (P < 0.05) increase in the area % of VEGF-A in the ovarian follicles during FP while in the CL during LP. Conversely, area percentage of VEGF-A immunoreactivity in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelia during the FP and LP revealed no differences. However, the number of VEGF-A–stained blood capillaries revealed an increase during LP than FP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the changes in both ovarian and uterine arteries during two different phases of the rabbit cycle in relation to the histo-morphometric analysis and distribution of ER, PR, and VEGF-A, which regulate uterine functions that play a role in reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The development of an ovarian follicle is a complex process at the cellular and molecular level that is mainly regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). To elucidate the contribution of these receptors to ovarian follicle development, it is necessary to determine their expression profiles during this biological process. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between ovarian development pattern and the differential ovarian expression pattern of FSHR and LHR genes as well as proteins at different developmental stages. Ovaries were collected from 30 New Zealand rabbits at day 0 (birth), week 2 (neonate), week 4 (cub), week 16 (maturity), and day 18 pregnancy. Ovarian histology, and gene as well as protein expression were determined using light microscopy, real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The results showed that the expression levels of FSHR mRNA and protein increased coincidently with age and the growth of ovarian follicles. The levels of LHR mRNA and protein remained low from the day of birth until week 4 and became significantly higher by week 16 coinciding with appearance of growing and antral follicles, which have a defined thecal layer. FSHR gene and protein expression decreased with pregnancy, whereas LHR increased, reaching a peak level during pregnancy. It can be concluded that changes in FSHR and LHR gene and protein expression could be related to the growth and development of follicles, indicating the regulatory role for these receptors in rabbit folliculogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]