Mean Maximum Intensity Research Articles

Genarchopsisdasus and Camallanus anabantis parasites of Channa punctatus from Dinajpur Region of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to identify seasonal infestations of parasites in Channa punctatus of Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Sampling was carried out frequently over a year in selected cultural and natural sources. A total of 120 fish was examined among them 32 fishes were infested and collected parasites were 72. Two parasites were recorded, Genarchopsisdasus and Camallanusanabantis. The prevalence was found 26.67 % and mean intensity 2.41. The maximum prevalence was found in August (50 %) and the lowest in December, January, February (10 %). The maximum mean intensity was January (8) and the lowest was December and June (1). The highest prevalence (40 %) was observed in winter and the lowest (10 %) was in the rainy season. The maximum prevalence (50 %) was recorded in male fish in summer and autumn. However, the mean intensity (6.5), index of infection (3.71), and abundance (1.85) were highest in female fishes. The prevalence (30.23 %), abundance (0.74), and index of infection (0.68) were observed maximum in smaller size group and the lowest in large size group (24.44 %, 0.38 %, and 4.16 respectively). There was a variation of infestation of fish according to length, sex, season, and sources. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 367-376

Marine Heatwaves Characteristics in Spermonde Islands, West Coast of South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have caused devastating impacts on marine communities, especially on coastal ecosystems. A coral reef is a coastal community that is vulnerable to changes in the marine environment, especially sea surface temperature. This study focused on investigating the characteristics of MHWs in the Spermonde Islands (SI), which is home to coral reef communities. The dynamics of MHWs were examined during the cold phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) in recent years (2008–2021) using satellite-observed sea surface temperature data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Statistical methods calculated the characteristics of MHWs such as frequency, intensity, and duration. The analysis results showed that frequency of occurrence, mean maximum intensity, and mean duration of MHWs in the SI were around three times a year, 0.9–1.5 °C, and 8–12 days, respectively. The linear trend of frequency of occurrence of MHWs in the SI showed a decrease of 1 event per decade. In contrast, the linear trend of maximum intensity and duration of MHWs showed an increasing trend in the SI. In addition, this study also showed that the MHWs characteristics in the SI were controlled remotely by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate phenomena. Towards the end of the strong El Niño periods, notably in 2016, the MHWs occurred longer and more intensely.

A Motion Artifact Correction Algorithm for Cone-Beam CT in Patients with Hepatic Malignancies Treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of a motion artifact correction algorithm (MACA) on cone-beam computed tomography (CT) during transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies. Materials and MethodsFrom June 2020 to March 2021, 42 patients with mild-to-severe motion artifacts detected using single cone-beam CT scans were evaluated retrospectively. The image quality of native and motion-corrected data was compared. The maximum intensity, sharpness, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 5 segmental hepatic arteries were quantitatively measured. The overall quality of maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, conspicuity of tumor-supplying arteries, and need for selective angiography to ascertain the vascular anatomy were qualitatively evaluated by multiple readers. Paired t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the parameters. ResultsThe mean maximum intensity and sharpness increased from 2,792.01 HU ± 451.36 to 3,148.40 HU ± 594.46 and from 0.31 ± 0.02/mm to 0.34 ± 0.02/mm, respectively, using the MACA (both P < .001). The MACA decreased the mean FWHM from 2.02 mm ± 0.27 to 1.78 mm ± 0.26 (P < .001). The overall quality of the MIP images and the conspicuity of the tumor-supplying artery were enhanced from 2.5 to 3.0 points and from 3.0 to 4.0 points, respectively (both P < .001). Selective angiography was expected to be omitted in 7 cases (16.7%, 7/42) after using the MACA. ConclusionsThe MACA significantly improved both quantitative and qualitative image quality of cone-beam CT in selected patients with motion artifacts during transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies.

Development of a Monsoon Depression and Its Interaction with the Large-Scale Background: A Case Study

Abstract Structure and time evolution of the large-scale background and an embedded synoptic-scale monsoon depression and their interactions are studied. The depression formation is preceded by a cyclonic circulation around 400 hPa. The Fourier-based scale separation technique is used to isolate large (wavenumbers 0–8) and synoptic-scale (wavenumbers 12–60). The wavelength and depression center is determined objectively. The synoptic-scale depression has an average longitudinal wavelength of around 1900 km and a north–south size of 1100 km; it is most intense with a vorticity of 20.5 × 10 −5 s −1 at 900 hPa. The strongest cold core of −3.0°C below 850 hPa and the above warm core of around 2.0°C are evident. The depression is tilted southwestward in the midtroposphere with no significant vertical tilt in the lower troposphere. The mean maximum intensity and upward motion over the life cycle of depression are in close agreement with the composite values. A strong cyclonic shear zone is developed in the midtroposphere preceding the depression. The necessary condition for barotropic (baroclinic) instability is satisfied in the midtroposphere (boundary layer). Strong northward transport of momentum by the depression against the southward shear is found. The strong growth of the MD in the lower troposphere is due to downward transfer of excess energy gained in the midtroposphere from the barotropic energy conversion and east–west direct thermal circulation as the vertical energy flux. The baroclinic interaction contributes to the maintenance of the cold core in the lower troposphere. The diabatic heating rate is computed and its role in the genesis and growth of MD is investigated.

Tropical Cyclones Downscaled from Simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum

AbstractThe tracks, intensities, and other properties of tropical cyclones downscaled from three models’ simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) are analyzed and compared to those of storms downscaled from simulations of the present climate. Globally, the mean maximum intensity of storms generated from each model is lower at LGM, as is the fraction of all storms that reach intensities of category 4 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. The median day of the storm season shifts earlier by an average of one week in all three models in both hemispheres. Two of the three models’ LGM simulations feature a reduction in storm count and global power dissipation index compared to the current climate, but a third shows no significant difference between the two climates. Although each model is forced by the same global changes, differences in the way sea surface temperatures and other large-scale environmental conditions respond in the North Atlantic impart significant differences in the climatology at LGM between models. Our results from the cold LGM provide a novel opportunity to assess how tropical cyclones respond to climate changes.

How Important Are Post‐Tropical Cyclones for European Windstorm Risk?

AbstractPost‐tropical cyclones (PTCs) extend many hazards associated with tropical cyclones (TCs) to the midlatitudes. Despite recent high‐impact cases affecting Europe such as Ophelia, little research has been done to characterize the risk of PTCs. Here we compare the climatologies and intensity distributions of midlatitude cyclones (MLCs) and PTCs in the North Atlantic and Europe by tracking cyclones in the ERA5 reanalysis. Considering hurricane season cyclones impacting Northern Europe, PTCs show a significantly higher mean maximum intensity than MLCs, but make only a small contribution to total windstorm risk. Our results show that a disproportionately large fraction of high‐intensity cyclones impacting Europe during hurricane season are PTCs. The fraction of PTCs impacting N Europe with storm force (&gt;25 m s−1) winds is ~10 times higher than that for MLCs. Less than 1% of cyclones impacting Northern Europe are identified to be PTCs. This rises to 8.8% when considering cyclones which impact with storm force winds.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in Predicting Wound Healing After Limb Revascularization

Introduction - The most severe form of peripheral arterial disease is chronic limb threatening ischemia with tissue lesion. Assessment of critically ischemic foot is challenging.The conventional assessment methods are pressure measurements from ankle and toe level, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2). Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) a relatively recent imaging method and still developing in many ways. The principle of ICG-FI is to illuminate the tissue of interest with light at the excitation wavelength (about 750 to 800nm) while observing it at longer emission wavelengths (over 800nm). ICG-FI gives a view of foot hemodynamic. After an intravenous injection of ICG, perfusion of the foot can be visualized with infrared camera and recorded for further analysis. Intensity of the fluorescence as a function of time can be analysed from the recorded images allowing a time-intensity curve to be drawn. We have earlier published analysis on the repeatability of ICG-FI and use of ICG-FI in immediate quality control after revascularization. In the current study we have analysed the use of ICG-FI in predicting wound healing after revascularization of CLTI and tissue lesion. Methods - Between January 2015 and February 2016 73 patients with CLTI and tissue lesion underwent either surgical (n=24) or endovascular (EVR) (n=49) revascularization. ICG-FI was done using Spy Elite before the revascularization, immediately after and during the follow-up. Maximum intensity, intensity rate and the relative change in the intensity rate were extracted from the automatic time intensity curve report. Results - During the mean follow-up of 16 months 77% of the wounds healed. 12 patients died and 9 had major amputation of the index leg. 4 mo, 6mo and overall wound healing rates were 51% and 63% respectively. The mean maximum intensity increased in the wound area from 92 (SD 61) AU to 132 (SD62) AU. The three parameters, change in maximum intensity, change in intensity rate and relative change in intensity rate were testes using ROC. The best area under curve was achieved with the absolute change in maximum intensity. 19AU increase predicted overall wound healing with 69% sensitivity and 68% specificity (AUC 0.79). 35 AU increase in intensity predicted wound healing in 4 months with 64% sensitivity and 63% specificity (AUC 0.68), 30 AU increase predicted wound healing in 6 months with 69% sensitivity and 69% specificity (AUC 0.72). In patients who underwent EVR the mean maximum intensity increased from 99.7 (SD 60.9) to 127.1 (SD 62.1) in the wound area. The corresponding increase in patients who underwent bypass was from 79.6 (SD60.1) AU to 140 (SD 62.9) AU (p<0.001). One-year wound healing rate after EVR was 84% and after bypass 92%. Conclusion - ICG-FI shows well the success of revascularization in individual patient. In our analysis the best parameter in predicting wound healing was absolute change in maximum intensity. The higher the change is achieved, the faster is the wound healing.

Study on infestations and biodiversity of metazoan parasites in Channa punctatus (Bloch), Mymensingh region

An investigation was conducted on infestation and reviewed biodiversity of metazoan parasites in Channa punctatus of Mymensingh region from July 2013 to June 2014. A total of 235 fish were examined and 9 species of four groups of parasites were recorded. They were (i) Euclinostomum multicaecum Tubangui and Masilungan, 1935 (ii) Euclinostomum heterostomum (Rudolphi, 1809) (iii) Genarchopsis goppo Ozaki, 1925 (iv) Allocreadium handiai Pandey, 1937 (v) Senga ophiocephalina (Tseng, 1933) (vi) Porrocaecum sp. (vii) Ascaridia sp. (viii) Contracaecum sp. (ix) Pallisentis ophiocephali (Thapar, 1930).The maximum (86.67%) prevalence was found in (86.67%) October and minimum (35.00%) in December whereas the maximum mean intensity (10) was observed in June and the minimum (1.42) was recorded from December. The prevalence was observed higher (68.85%) in smaller size of fish and in case of larger fish the prevalence was lower and the value was (53.62%). On the other hand, the mean intensity (5.45) was higher in smaller fish and lower (3.39) in medium sized fish. Both prevalence and mean intensity was found maximum in female fish than male fish. Among the four groups of parasites, infestation of Digenetic trematode is much higher than Nematoda, Cestoda and Acanthocephala. During the study, a list of parasites reported from Channa punctatus of Indian sub-continent was prepared. It was found that 38 species of Digenea, 4 species of Cestoda, 26 species of Nematoda and 5 species Acanthocephala were recorded. The Biodiversity of parasites seemed to be declined day by day. The responsible factors for this declination may be environmental degradation, entry of exotic fish and modernization of aquaculture etc.&#x0D; J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 409–416, 2019

Estimation of empirical rainfall thresholds for landslide triggering using partial duration series and their relation with climatic cycles. An application in southern Ecuador

Rainfall-induced landslides constitute a major cause of damage and fatalities throughout the intramontane basins of the Andes. The geological and climatic setting plays a key role in the generation of a high number of landslides in this area. For this reason, a greater understanding of the relationship between landslide frequency and climate conditions is necessary to mitigate human and economic losses. Accordingly, this paper presents an analysis of rainfall variables associated with a series of dated landslides (153 in total) in the southern Ecuador basin of Loja. This analysis was performed by applying an affordable empirical method that enables the calculation of critical rainfall threshold (CRT) curves. This calculation is based on an in-depth examination of rainfall parameters, such as cumulative precipitation and mean intensity, linked to a wide range of rainfall duration (from 1 to 90 days). The inspection of these parameters was addressed considering their frequency, which was calculated by using partial duration series (PDS), taking into account the entire rainfall record. This work has revealed that only 24% of landslides were triggered by rainfall conditions with maximum return periods greater than 1 year, whereas the rest did not exceed that return period. After finding the best correlation between the maximum return periods and the maximum mean intensity, a minimum power law function was adjusted to the CRT curve that correlates duration and cumulative rainfall. The values for this CRT function resulted in 5.14 and 0.83 for its scaling constant (α) and shape parameter (β), respectively. In addition, a spectral analysis was conducted to detect climatic cycles on the entire rainfall record. In general, a clear correlation could not be established between climatic frequencies and significant rainfall events inducing landslides, although similarly return periods were found for a critical rainfall event of March 2015 (10.4 years) and the SUNSPOT cycles (10.5-12 years). The results derived from this research are significantly valuable for the prevention of future mass-movements, although additional data will be crucial to update and calibrate CRT curves to study the influence of climate on landslide event frequency and magnitude in Loja.

English

Leaf morphological traits vary along elevational gradients so that plants can adapt to their surrounding habitat. However, the abiotic factors that shape those traits are still debatable, especially for plants at high elevations where the environment can be very harsh. Quercus guyavifolia H. Leveille (Fagaceae) is a woody plant found along the southeastern boundary of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Distribution elevations of the species range from 2000 m to 4500 m approximately, providing an excellent opportunity to explore correlations among leaf traits and environmental factors. We used multiple-regression models to investigate spatial trends in leaf morphology and their environmental determinants. As elevation increased, values for leaf area, length, width, the ratio of leaf length to width, shape factor, and petiole length and width decreased significantly and all were positively correlated with mean annual precipitation. Leaf length, the ratio of leaf length to width, and petiole length were negatively correlated with the daily mean maximum intensity of ultraviolet (UV)-B irradiation during the growing season. Our results indicated that the amounts of both precipitation and UV irradiation largely shape the leaf morphology in Q. guyavifolia along the elevation gradient. This study provides evidence for the adaptive plasticity of leaves in response to environments in regions at high elevations. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Endurance training induces structural and morphoquantitative changes in rat vagus nerve

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many nervous system tissues and cells suffers positive changes when faced to exercise training. However, data on vagus nerve adaptation from exercise-induced study is absent. Objective: To analyze the effect of an endurance training on the vagus nerve morphology of rats. Methods: Wistar rats (6 months of age) were divided into two groups: control group (CG, n=8), and aerobic trained group (AT, n=8). AT was submitted to a treadmill training program of five times per week during 12 weeks. The maximum speed stipulated in the training protocol corresponded to 60% of the mean maximum intensity achieved by the group in the test of maximum effort. Results: Twelve weeks of treadmill training resulted in left ventricular hypertrophy in the AT group com-pared to CG. There was a significant increase in the area of both the myelinated and unmyelinated axons, and in the area of myelin sheath with training. The number of neurotubules and neurofilaments in myelinated fibers of aerobic trained group was significantly greater than CG (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Endurance training promoted significant increase in morphometric parameters of the vagus nerve in the same way it affect somatic nerves.

Contributing Factors to the Recent High Level of Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) and Power Dissipation Index (PDI) in the North Atlantic*

Abstract In recent decades, tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the North Atlantic has shown a marked positive anomaly in genesis number, mean lifespan, number of intense hurricanes, and mean maximum intensity. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), which is defined as the sum of the square of the maximum surface wind velocity throughout the lifetime of a TC, is one of the measures that can be used to synthesize these factors. Similar to the ACE, the power dissipation index (PDI), which is defined as the integrated third power of maximum surface wind velocity, has also been used to describe TC activity. The basin-total ACE and PDI for the North Atlantic have also followed a large positive anomaly during the period 1995–2012; however, the relative importance of factors such as TC genesis number, TC track property (e.g., duration and lifespan), and TC intensity remains unclear in terms of their contribution to the positive anomalies in ACE and PDI. This study uses a new empirical statistical approach to analyze the TC data and finds that the increase in the TC genesis number is primarily responsible for the positive anomalies in ACE and PDI. Other factors, such as TC track property and TC intensity, appear to be minor influences.

External parasite infection of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and big head (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) in fish farms of Mashhad, northeast of Iran

Totally 75 common carp and 100 big head fishes were caught by using net from fish farms in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. In laboratory skin, eye and fin of fishes were inspected by stereomicroscope and in second phase direct smears are prepared from probable lesions. Gills were dissected and its filaments were placed in petri dishes and fixed by Glycerin. In total 50 parasites (consist 19 protozoa and 31 metazoa) were recorded from fishes. The parasites represented in Protozoa (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.) and Monogenea) Dactylogyrus spp.) and Copepoda (Lernea cyprinacea). During this study, infection with Dactylogyrus spp. was recorded on fish in all months. Mean intensity of Dactylogyrus spp. varied significantly among the seasons (P<0.05). The maximum mean intensity was recorded in winter. Also infection with Lernea cyprinicea in spring was significantly higher than other seasons (P<0.05). The results of this study together with the previously recorded prevalence of parasitic infection in fishes support that infection to external parasites (both protozoa and metazoa) is widespread cause for losses in fish farms of Iran.

Caryophyllaeid cestode infestations in Clarias batrachus (Linn., 1758) in Mymensingh region

Investigation was conducted on seasonal infestations of caryophyllaeid cestodes in Clarias batrachus of Mymensingh from August 2010 to July 2011. Host fish were collected for examination from different sources of water bodies and fish markets of Mymensingh. Five different parasite species- Djombangia peretrans, Lytocestus indicus, L. birmanicus, L. parvulus and Bovienia serialis were recorded. Percent of infestations was 85.75 with 7.37 parasites per infested host. The prevalence was (100%) in December, April, June, August and September and the lowest (33%) in July. The maximum mean intensity (25.94) was found in December and the minimum (1.5) in May. The highest prevalence was observed in winter season and the lowest was in rainy season. Index of infection and abundance were the highest in winter and the lowest in rainy season. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i2.11051 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 9(2): 351–357, 2011

Parasitic incidence in a cyprinid fish Labeo rohita (Ham.) at river Song in Doon valley (Uttarakhand)

On examining 144 specimens of Labeo rohita (Ham.) for parasites occurrence; as many as 34 fish were found positive to harbour ciliophorans (Trichodina sp. and Ichthyophthirius multifilis Fouquet, 1876), monogeneans (Haplocleidus vachi Tripathi, 1959 and Dactylogyrus glossogobii Jain, 1960), trematode (Allocreadium mahaseri Pandey, 1939), nematode (Camallanus (Zeylanema) anabantis Pearse, 1933) and acanthocephalan (Sachalinorhynchus sp). Highest prevalence was shown by platyhelminthes (18.75%) followed by ciliophorans (10.41%), nematode (4.16%) and acanthocephalan (2.77%) in succession. Maximum mean intensity and abundance has been shown by C. (Zeylanema) anabantis Pearse, 1933 while the monogenean H. vachi was on the 2nd rank. On the other hand, the least intensity and abundance was shown by Ichthyophthirius multifilis. The prevalence was recorded more in monsoon (52.77%) followed by post-monsoon (22.22%), summer (19.44%) and winter (8.33%) in succession. Further, the unit-wise intensity of parasites was recorded more in males than the females.

Aspects of the ecology of Cichlidogyrus philander collected from Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander from the Padda Dam, Gauteng, South Africa

Cichlidogyrus philander was originally described from Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. Specimens from four fish species were collected during this study over a 14-month period from the Padda Dam, Johannesburg, transported to the laboratory and killed. Following examination, only P. p. philander was found to be infected with C. philander – indicating strict host specificity. Parasite intensity varied from 0 to 184 specimens per fish. Although no significant correlation between season and the infection of specimens of C. philander occurred, a maximum mean intensity of 91.6 occurred in winter. The prevalence was 100% in 10 of the 14 surveys, with no preference for host sex. Mean intensity of infection correlated positively with total length of the host and more parasites were present on fish with a higher condition factor. The distribution on the gill arches shows no significant difference between the number of parasites from gill arches on the left and right sides of fish. More parasites were present on the third and second gill arches, with the majority dorsally, on the distal ends.Water quality variables showed no correlation between prevalence, abundance or mean intensity of this parasite.

Aspects of the Ecology ofCichlidogyrus philanderCollected fromPseudocrenilabrus Philander Philanderfrom the Padda Dam, Gauteng, South Africa

Cichlidogyrus philander was originally described from Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. Specimens from four fish species were collected during this study over a 14-month period from the Padda Dam, Johannesburg, transported to the laboratory and killed. Following examination, only P. p. philander was found to be infected with C. philander indicating strict host specificity. Parasite intensity varied from 0 to 184 specimens per fish. Although no significant correlation between season and the infection of specimens of C. philander occurred, a maximum mean intensity of 91.6 occurred in winter. The prevalence was 100% in 10 of the 14 surveys, with no preference for host sex. Mean intensity of infection correlated positively with total length of the host and more parasites were present on fish with a higher condition factor. The distribution on the gill arches shows no significant difference between the number of parasites from gill arches on the left and right sides of fish. More parasites were present on the third and second gill arches, with the majority dorsally, on the distal ends. Water quality variables showed no correlation between prevalence, abundance or mean intensity of this parasite.

Comparación de dos métodos para la recogida de datos clínicos utilizando el cuestionario de PAINOUT (base de datos europea para la gestión del dolor postoperatorio)

ObjectiveTo compare postoperative pain intensity and incidence of adverse events when the evaluation is performed by a visual numerical scale completed by the patient (PAINOUT), or using a verbal numerical scale completed by ward nurses or the staff of the acute pain unit. MethodsFifty-two postsurgical patients of both sexes (age range 31–80 years) admitted to the general surgery ward were sequentially recruited and evaluated on postoperative day 1. All patients were assessed using both questionnaires, which measure postoperative outcomes using scales of 0 to 10; values≥4 were considered clinically relevant. The test and Cohen coefficient were used for statistical analysis. ResultsUsing the PAINOUT questionnaire, the mean maximum intensity of referred pain was 5.40 (range, 0–10) and the minimum intensity was 1.83 (range, 0–5). Mean values obtained with the verbal numerical scales used by staff on the ward and in the pain clinic were 3.76 (range, 0–10) and 0.97 (range, 0–5), respectively. The differences between the 2 methods of pain assessment were statistically (P=.006) and clinically significant. When evaluating nausea with PAINOUT questionnaire, all patients provided a response; in 88.5% the intensity was less than 4. Six patients reported nausea on the PAINOUT but not in the UDA questionnaire. Moreover, 61% of patients reported drowsiness/sedation in PAINOUT instrument, whereas none reported that effect on the verbal scale. ConclusionsThe intensity of pain and adverse events is significantly higher when the patient evaluates and records its intensity on visual numerical scales compared with verbal numerical scales.

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) farmed in Chile

Between May and November 2007, three marine Atlantic salmon farms around Chiloé Island, Chile, reported mortalities in which affected fish presented with Caligus rogercresseyi infections and gross gill lesions characteristic of amoebic gill disease (AGD). Histological examination of the gills from affected fish confirmed the presence of AGD lesions. Trophozoites possessing one or more endosymbiotic Perkinsela amoeba-like organisms (PLOs) were observed in association with hyperplastic tissue. Further analyses were undertaken using a combination of PCR and in situ hybridization and the trophozoites were identified as Neoparamoeba perurans. Thus, our data indicate that N. perurans is a causal agent of AGD in Chile. However, it is possible that AGD was not the single cause of mortalities in the epizootics investigated here. The exceptionally high level of co-infection with Caligus rogercresseyi (maximum mean intensity 34, prevalence 100%), could have contributed to the production losses.

Endoparasites in calves of beef cattle herds: Management systems dependent and genetic influences

Prevalences and intensities of excretion of faecal stages of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Eimeria spp., Strongyloides papillosus and strongyles were determined in a German upland area in German Angus (GA) and German Simmental (GS) suckler of beef cattle herds covering two winter housing periods and the grazing season between them. Influences of the housing systems applied (maintenance on deep litter with (DL+) and without run-out (DL−), on slatted floor (SF) or by winter run-out yarding (WO)), breed differences and genetic influences by the sire were determined by statistical analyses; levels of IgG antibodies to E. bovis antigen were measured by ELISA. G. duodenalis was observed with a maximum prevalence of 38% in 4 weeks old calves, a cumulative incidence of 58% 9 weeks after birth and with generally low intensities. C. parvum infections were relatively rare with cumulative incidences of 20–25% in week 5 after birth. Highest prevalences were associated with housing system DL− and a long-lasting calving period. Cumulative incidence of Eimeria spp. was almost 100%. E. bovis predominated by far followed by E. ellipsoidalis/ zuernii. Mean maximum intensity of 1000 OpG occurred in week 7 after birth. Up to an age of the calves of 7 weeks >75% of all oocysts belonged to E. bovis. Prevalences and excretion intensities were lowest under the housing conditions SF and WO. Maternal antibodies in calves to E. bovis antigen were directly and inversely correlated with mean OpG values in GA and GS calves, respectively. S. papillosus was common with a cumulative incidence of 53% 9 weeks after birth and occurred independent of the housing system. Mean strongyle egg prevalence was 50% with 50–100 EpG by means throughout the grazing season. Egg excretion intensity in the early months of grazings was correlated with the age of the calves at turnout to pasture. Under the conditions of housing system DL− GA calves could better control S. papillosus infections than GS calves whereas the latter were generally more effective in controlling the protozoa. Results of ANCOVA suggest significant paternal influences on S. papillosus infections in both breeds and on the protozoal infections in GA calves. The former could be disclosed independent of the housing system whereas environmental factors played an important role in the latter cases.