Palmerston North Research Articles

A retrospective analysis of post-mortem findings in New Zealand weka (Gallirallus australis), 1995–2022

ABSTRACT Aims To determine the major causes of mortality in weka (Gallirallus australis), and to investigate associations between causes of mortality and captivity status, age, sex, decade of submission, and season. Methods Necropsy records were obtained from the Massey University School of Veterinary Science/Wildbase Pathology database (Palmerston North, NZ) for weka submitted between 1 January 1995 and 22 March 2022. Causes of mortality were classified into categories based on aetiology. Frequency of diagnosis was tested for association with region of submission, captivity status, age, sex, decade, and season of death. Results A total of 156 necropsy reports were included in this study, of which 96 (61%) were from wild weka, 57 (36.5%) were captive, and three (1.9%) were of an unspecified captivity status. Weka were submitted from 12 regions across New Zealand. There were 65 (41.7%) adults, 16 (10.3%) juveniles, and 75 (48.1%) weka of an undetermined age among the 156 submissions. Of the weka with a known sex, there was a similar distribution between sexes with 27 (17.3%) males and 29 (18.6%) females. A cause of death was determined in 132/156 (84.6%) cases, with 24/156 (15.4%) cases having an unknown diagnosis. The leading cause of mortality in weka was traumatic injury, which occurred in 65/156 (41.7%), followed by infectious and/or inflammatory diseases in 26/156 (16.7%), and degenerative and/or nutritional conditions affecting 20/156 (12.8%) cases. The distribution of the primary causes of death was found to be dependent on captivity status (p < 0.001). Traumatic and toxic causes of death were more frequent in wild than captive weka. The cause of death was also dependent on season (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in cause of death between summer and all other seasons (spring p = 0.008; autumn p < 0.001; winter p < 0.001) and between autumn and winter (p = 0.008). Conclusion Trauma was identified as the most significant cause of mortality in the free-living weka necropsied. The inherent and uncertain submissions biases, and low case numbers over a long period of time, means that temporal patterns and the effect of captivity status on causes of mortality should be interpreted with caution.

Intravitreal therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration-adapting to increasing demand and changing times.

To report the outcomes of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) at Palmerston North Eye Clinic (PNEC) during 2020 and 2021, comparing time to treatment initiation based on nurse-injector availability and during COVID-19 restrictions. Data were recorded from a prospective database for patients with nAMD at PNEC. Each patient's electronic health record was reviewed to ensure the accuracy of the database and to fill in missing data points. Statistics were done using Microsoft Excel and R. One hundred and fifty-six eyes were diagnosed with nAMD during the study. Mean time from referral triage to first injection was 13.08 days across the study period. Time to treatment initiation was not statistically different by level of COVID-19 restriction but there was a significant difference in first specialist appointment to injection interval when three nurse-injectors were available compared to four. The effect seemed most evident in subsequent months after reduced nurse-injector availability began. Despite an increase in nAMD diagnoses each year, PNEC continues to meet national guidelines for interval from referral to treatment initiation through innovations in practice. As demand for intravitreal injections continues to increase, further resourcing and research into newer agents will be required to keep wait times compliant with guidelines.

Prevalence of cardiomyopathy and cardiac mortality in a colony of non-purebred cats in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To evaluate the prevalence of subclinical cardiomyopathy and cardiac mortality in a research colony of non-purebred cats, established as a model of the wider cat population in New Zealand. Methods All apparently healthy, compliant, non-pregnant, non-neonatal cats in the colony at the Centre for Feline Nutrition (Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ) underwent physical examination and echocardiography using a 4.4–6.2-MHz probe by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. Cardiac phenotype was classified following current guidelines. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype was defined as an end-diastolic left ventricular wall thickness ≥ 6 mm. Colony mortality data from February 2012 to February 2022 was reviewed to determine cardiac mortality. Results Cats (n = 132; 65 females and 67 males) included in the study had a median age of 4.1 (IQR 3.0–8.0) years. Thirty-two (24%) cats had a heart murmur, and three (2%) cats had an arrhythmia. Echocardiography revealed heart disease in 24 (18.2%) cats, including 23 with an HCM phenotype and one with a restrictive cardiomyopathy phenotype. Of the cats with the HCM phenotype, 3/23 had systemic hypertension or hyperthyroidism or both, and these cats were excluded from the final diagnosis of HCM (20/132; 15.2 (95% CI = 9.5–22.4)%). Between 2012 and 2022, 168 colony cats died, with 132 undergoing post-mortem examination. Heart disease was considered the cause of death in 7/132 (5.3%; 95% CI = 2.2–10.6%) cats; five had HCM, one a congenital heart defect, and one myocarditis. The overall prevalence of death related to HCM in the colony during this period was 3.8% (95% CI = 1.2–8.6%). Three cats with HCM and the cat with a congenital heart defect died unexpectedly without prior clinical signs, while congestive heart failure was observed prior to death in two cats with HCM and the cat with myocarditis. Additionally, 30/132 (22.7%) cats had cardiac abnormalities but died for non-cardiac reasons. Conclusions Subclinical cardiomyopathy, specifically HCM, was common in cats in the colony. Given that the colony originated as a convenience selection of non-purebred cats in New Zealand, the true prevalence of HCM in the wider New Zealand population is likely to fall within the 95% CI (9.5–22%). The proportion of deaths of colony cats due to HCM was lower (3.8%) supporting the conclusion that subclinical cardiomyopathy may not progress to clinical disease causing death. Clinical relevance Veterinarians should be aware of the high prevalence of subclinical HCM when treating cats. Abbreviations CAM: Systolic anterior motion of the chordae tendineae; CFN: Centre for Feline Nutrition; HCM: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; LA/Ao: Left atrial to aortic ratio; LV FS: Left ventricular fractional shortening; LVIDd: Left ventricular internal diameters in end-diastole; LVIDs: Left ventricular internal diameter in end-systole; LVWT: Max Maximum left ventricular wall thickness; SAM: Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve; 2D: Two-dimensional

276 Use of triaxial accelerometers and a machine learning algorithm for behavioral identification to assess the effectiveness of a joint supplement in old domestic cats (Felis catus)

Abstract Degenerative joint disease (DJD) has a 90% prevalence in older cats and adversely affects quality of life1. Long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually required but can have adverse effects2. Nutraceuticals have been shown to relieve joint pain in cats without such side effects; however, due to differences in dose rates and formulations there is no consensus as to their efficacy. Most studies have utilized subjective insensitive measures such as veterinary or owner-assessed changes in activity. Accelerometers can provide objective data on cat activity and can identify specific behaviors3.Triaxial accelerometers (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) were fitted to the collars of 16 cats (aged 11 to 16 yr; Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ) for 20 wk to assess their activity and behavior. The cats were fed the same diet (Chef: Kraft Heinz Wattie’s Ltd., Hastings, NZ) for 4 wk to collect baseline acceleration data, before being divided into two groups balanced for physical activity. After 4 wk, a blood sample were taken from all of the cats to establish their baseline levels of a range of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, INF- γ, SDF-1). The test group (n = 8) then received a joint supplement added to the baseline diet while the control group (n = 8) were fed the diet unsupplemented for 16 wk. The commercial joint supplement contained glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and green-lipped mussel (Tandem, Wellington, NZ), at daily doses shown previously to be effective in cats4,5,6. The aim of the work was to assess the efficacy of the joint supplement in maintaining or promoting activity and specific behaviors in the cats. At the end of the period of supplementation a second blood sample was taken and assessed for the same range of inflammatory markers. Overall physical activity was not different between groups at baseline but was greater over the study in the test group compared with the control (P &amp;lt; 0.03). Grooming, as identified by the algorithm, showed a tendency (P = 0.051) to be greater in the test group than the control. These results suggest that the supplement had a positive effect on both overall activity and more specifically on grooming behavior in old cats. However, no differences in the range of inflammatory markers were seen before or after supplementation. While the behavioral measures could indicate the supplement reduced the effects of DJD, further research is required to confirm this.1Cunningham et al (2022) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 24, 962-974. 2Lemetayer and Taylor (2014) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 16, 547-562; 3Smit et al., (2023) Sensors 23, 7165; 4Corbee (2022) Veterinary Medicine and Science 8, 1025–1035; 5Corbee et al. (2013) Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 97, 846–853; 6Lascelles et al. (2010) Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24, 487–495.

#2435 Calciphylaxis: patient demographics, risk factors and outcomes in a single regional centre in New Zealand

Abstract Background and Aims Calciphylaxis, a condition associated with microvascular calcification and subsequent formation of non-healing tender skin lesions, has previously been estimated to affect only approximately 1% of patients with ESRD each year. However, clinicians practicing in a regional renal unit in the North Island of New Zealand have noted an increase in the frequency of clinical diagnoses of this condition over recent years. The aim of this review was to analyze patient demographics and risk factors and attempt to identify any correlation with subsequent outcomes. Method A cross sectional retrospective review of dialysis patients from Palmerston North Hospital's Renal Unit who were found to have diagnoses of calciphylaxis, was performed. The following factors were assessed: gender, ethnicity, smoking status, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dialysis modality, prescription of phosphate binders, vitamin D analogues, and sodium thiosulphate (STS). We included patients with both histologically proven calciphylaxis and clinical diagnosis only. Levels of serum PTH, calcium and phosphate at the time of diagnosis were reviewed, though only PTH levels were included in the final analysis. Results A total of nineteen patients were identified having calciphylaxis as a diagnosis in the period studied. Findings were limited due to the small patient cohort size, but of those identified and reviewed some commonalities were found. Included were 9 NZ European people and 8 NZ Māori people. There were 8 females. One patient was a current smoker at time of diagnosis and five were documented as ex-smokers. Fourteen patients (74%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Twelve patients (63%) were obese. Eighteen patients (95%) had hyperparathyroidism. Warfarin use was seen in 10 of the patients studied (52%) and twelve (63%) had used phosphate binders. Nine patients (47%) were diagnosed in the period between 2011 and 2021, with the remaining ten (53%) diagnoses occurring in 2022 or 2023. The majority (90%) were treated with STS, however 84% died. Dialysis modality at time of diagnosis and throughout disease span was also reviewed. Eight patients (42%) used only haemodialysis (HD), six patients (32%) used both modalities and five patients (26%) used only peritoneal dialysis. The majority (63%) of patients were on haemodialysis at time of diagnosis. Conclusion Calciphylaxis appears to be increasing dramatically in the single center studied in this review. Positive correlations were identified between high levels of PTH, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and use of warfarin. Unfortunately, due to small case numbers, and poor historical documentation, further conclusions could not be drawn easily. A further RCT would be required to investigate the efficacy of STS as a treatment for calciphylaxis.

Comparing vegetative growth patterns of cultivated (Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus) and wild carrots (Daucus carota L. subsp. carota) to eliminate genetic contamination from weed to crop

Wild carrot is a problematic weed that can threaten the genetic purity of cultivated carrots by hybridization. Wild carrots must be controlled before flowering to avoid the undesirable crossing with cultivated carrots. Understanding wild carrot's vegetative growth pattern helps formulate sustainable weed management practices. However, little is known about the vegetative growth patterns of wild and cultivated carrots. A pot experiment was carried out to compare and model the vegetative growth pattern of different morphological traits in both wild and cultivated carrots. This study was executed in a glasshouse located in Palmerston North, New Zealand. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and four replications was used. The first factor was assigned to the carrot genotype (cultivated and wild) and the second factor to length of juvenile stages (12-weeks, 8-weeks, and 4-weeks). Plant height, leaf number, shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, root diameter and root length were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and regression analysis. At the 8-week juvenile stage (9–11 leaves stage), wild carrot's shoot and root characteristics exhibited rapid growth. Correlation analysis indicated positive and significant (p < 0.05) correlations between above and below-ground morphological traits. PCA showed that morphological characteristics, except plant height, can be used to distinguish wild and cultivated carrots. To predict the vegetative growth pattern of most of the morphological traits of wild and cultivated carrots, power regression models were selected based on higher R2 and adj-R2 values and lower values of RMSE, AIC and BIC. The study showed wild carrots grew more quickly than cultivated carrots during the vegetative phase. It is recommended that appropriate weed management practices, such as hoeing, tilling, hand pulling, or herbicide spraying, be implemented before wild carrot leaf stages 9–11.

Retrofitting solar air heaters in New Zealand schools – A randomized crossover intervention study

Most New Zealand (NZ) schools rely on natural ventilation and are often inadequately ventilated in winter. NZ school hours typically span from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are well aligned with optimum solar radiation. Existing classrooms could therefore be heated and ventilated using retrofitted solar energy applications. To investigate the suitability of a commercially available solar air heater (SAH) to improve ventilation, a randomized crossover intervention study was conducted in 12 classrooms from six primary schools in Palmerston North, NZ, during the winter of 2014. Typical performance results showed a mean (standard deviation, SD) SAH outlet air temperature of 29.2 (10.4) °C at a mean (SD) velocity of 0.7 (0.3) m·s-1. During most school periods (64–99%) classrooms maintained required thermal comfort. The concurrent use of the extant heaters was reduced, and carbon dioxide levels were improved, lowering exposure for occupants. This study confirmed that retrofitting SAHs contributed to improved classroom ventilation, increased thermal comfort and reduced energy use. Optimising performance would require design improvements to improve airflow in order to comply with NZ ventilation and indoor air quality requirements for schools.

Comparative assessment of N2O emissions from a New Zealand hypereutrophic lake against an oligotrophic reservoir

ABSTRACT To establish if highly eutrophic lakes generate higher N2O emissions than non-eutrophic aquatic environments in New Zealand, we monitored N2O emissions from hypereutrophic Lake Horowhenua, near Levin, and the oligotrophic Turitea dam reservoir, near Palmerston North, used as control. Based on more than 12 months of monitoring data, N2O emissions from Lake Horowhenua were estimated to −0.05–6.93 mg-N2O·m−2·d−1 (n = 66), with a median of 0.30 mg-N2O·m−2·d−1. At the Turitea reservoir, N2O emissions ranged from −0.02–1.51 mg-N2O·m−2·d−1 with a median of 0.15 mg-N2O·m−2·d−1 (n = 53). No correlation was found between N2O emissions and the water temperature, sunlight, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentration or chlorophyll a. When extrapolating the emission data to NZ, we estimated NZ lakes could release 83 kt of N2O as CO2eq each year, which is low in comparison to other sectors such as agriculture. Following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodology, the N2O emission factor for Lake Horowhenua was estimated at 0.0019 kg N2O-N per kg of N-NO3 − input into the lake.

Non-destructive firmness assessment of ‘SunGold’ kiwifruit a three-year study

ABSTRACT Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis) firmness is routinely measured in a destructive manner for decision-making purposes. Thus, a population’s quality is inferred by measuring a sample from that population. Consequently, studies have investigated non-destructive techniques for measuring fruit firmness. However, most of these studies have been restricted to a single season or focused on performance over long-term storage. This work compared non-destructive compression (1 mm deformation) and acoustic stiffness with flesh firmness measured with a penetrometer across three seasons. ‘SunGold’ kiwifruit were harvested from 11, 9 and 3 orchards on multiple occasions in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Kiwifruit was freighted to Palmerston North and assessed on arrival. Thirty fruit per orchard were measured on lab arrival, whilst 24 fruit per orchard were stored for two weeks at 0°C prior to assessment. The non-destructive methods had a strong (r 2 > 0.89–0.92) segmented correlation with flesh firmness (0.52–10 kgf). Flesh firmness could be adequately estimated with the non-destructive methods within a season. However, segmented regression performance was reduced when predicting for a season outside of the training population. Nonetheless, these non-destructive methods may be useful for estimating flesh firmness at harvest and after short-term storage (2 weeks at 0 °C).

The Protein Composition of Bovine Milk from Once-a-Day and Twice-a-Day Milking Production Systems in New Zealand

An increasing number of dairy farmers in New Zealand (NZ) have adopted a once-a-day (OAD) milking production system, and little is known about the impact of this production system on milk protein composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of OAD milking on the protein composition in milk from individual cows. Milk was sampled in early, mid-, and late lactation from cows kept at Massey University farms Dairy No. 1 (OAD milking) and Dairy No. 4 (TAD milking) in Palmerston North, NZ. The yields of total milk and milk solids, the proximate composition, and the protein composition were determined. Results showed that OAD milking yielded less milk and milk solids than TAD milking. However, no significant differences in protein, fat, and lactose contents were found. While the proportions of total casein (CN), total whey proteins, αs1-CN, β-CN, and β-lactoglobulin were not affected by the milking frequency, milk from a OAD milking system contained higher proportions of αs2-CN and κ-CN and lower proportions of α-lactalbumin. These proteins also changed differently throughout the milking season in a OAD milking system than in a TAD milking system. These changes in the protein composition of the milk observed in a OAD milking system could have implications for its processing properties and product quality.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) content within plantain/ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pastures may be limited by livestock treading damage

TThere is evidence that plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) persistence within perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dominant dairy pastures is usually poor. One factor potentially limiting plantain content and persistence is treading damage, caused by cows grazingpasture while the soil moisture content is high. The impact of treading damage on plantain regrowth and survival was investigated in two field experiments at Massey University, Palmerston North. In a small-plot study, cow treading damage was simulated on separateplantain and perennial ryegrass pastures using a novel treading device. Subsequently, a larger-scale experiment investigated the impact of treading damage by grazing dairy cows on plantain regrowth and survival within a mixed plantain/perennial ryegrass pasture. Damage by the treading device, in late spring, immediately reduced the growth rate of both plantain and perennial ryegrasspastures by 30%, however neither plantain content nor density were reduced. In experiment 2, treading damage reduced the growth rate of the mixed pasture by 50% in early spring but it recovered during late spring. Plantain content and density were both initially reduced by the treading damage treatment but recovered to pretreading levels by autumn. These results suggest that treading damage from cows may be an important cause of reduced plantain content in dairy pastures during spring, however there was no evidence that treading damage reduced plantain persistence.

Enzootic calcinosis in Toggenburg goats in New Zealand

ABSTRACTCase historyNecropsies on Toggenburg goats culled from a small farm in the Manawatū district of New Zealand, performed at Massey University (Palmerston North, NZ) over a period of 29 years (1991–2019), revealed soft tissue mineralisation, particularly of cardiovascular tissues. The farm spans 10 acres and runs between 15 and 30 Toggenburg goats. The goats are predominantly on pasture comprising a variety of types.Pathological findingsNecropsies were performed on all adult goats (n = 45) that died or were euthanised. Histopathology was performed on 42 goats (93%), of which 33 (73%) included sufficient tissues diagnostically relevant to soft tissue mineralisation. The most significant gross findings were in various arteries, with the aorta most commonly affected, followed by the heart and lungs. The aortic intima showed prominent, multifocal to coalescing, raised, wrinkled, white plaques. Microscopically there were multiphasic lesions of mineralisation, chondroid, and osseous metaplasia in the elastic arteries, aorta, heart and lungs. A lumbar vertebra from one goat had prominent, basophilic, fibrillar, tangled matrix lining Haversian canals and lamellae.Laboratory findingsBlood samples were collected from 15 adult goats in the affected herd and from 10 adult Toggenburg goats from an unaffected herd. Samples were collected by jugular venipuncture at 2-month intervals for 12 months (April 2018–March 2019). Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 (25OHD2, 25OHD3) in serum were analysed. The concentration of total 25OHD in serum was 34.2 (95% CI = 18.9–49.4) nmol/L (p < 0.001) higher in goats from the affected herd than in goats from the unaffected herd. Serum 25OHD2 concentration was 46.2 (95% CI = 39.2–53.2) nmol/L higher (p < 0.001) in goats from the affected herd compared to the unaffected herd. Serum Ca concentrations in affected goats were 0.101 (95% CI = 0.005–0.196) mmol/L higher (p = 0.039) than unaffected goats, but remained within the reference range. There was no evidence of a difference in serum 25OHD3 and P concentration between the herds.Vegetation surveyAll paddocks on the property were surveyed every 2 months along evenly spaced line transects, and then further traversed perpendicularly to form a grid. No known calcinogenic species were identified. Known plant sources of vitamin D identified on the farm included mushrooms (species not defined), Dactylis glomerata, lichen, pine pollen, and algae.DiagnosisSoft tissue mineralisation and enzootic calcinosis.Clinical relevanceVeterinarians are alerted to the possibility of either enzootic calcinosis in goats and the potential occurrence of calcinogenic plants in New Zealand; or chronic vitamin D toxicosis of non-plant origin.

Assessment of frailty and quality of life and their correlation in the haemodialysis population at Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasingly becoming a healthcare concern in New Zealand and haemodialysis remains the most common modality of treatment. Frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are established predictors of prognosis and have already been shown to be poor in the dialyzing population. Existing data show correlation between these measures in the ESKD population, however there is little evidence for those on haemodialysis specifically. Our study aimed to assess for a correlation between frailty and HRQOL in the haemodialysis population at Palmerston North Hospital, and to assess for any differences in frailty and HRQOL scores between indigenous Māori and non-Māori subgroups. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 93 in-centre haemodialysis patients from Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand. Baseline demographic data was measured alongside frailty and HRQOL scores, which were measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life tool (KDQOL-36) and the Edmonton Frail Scale. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between frailty and all aspects of HRQOL (p < .05), with the strongest correlation observed between frailty and the physical component (r = -.64, p = <.001). Independent samples t-test showed no statistically significant difference between scores for Māori and non-Māori in frailty (M = 7.4, SD = 3.3 vs. M = 6.8, SD = 3.2; t (91) = -0.92, p = .80), or HRQOL (p values > .05 in all components). A negative correlation was observed between frailty and HRQOL. This information can be beneficial in guiding discussions around treatment modality and for future patients and useful in enabling better predictions of prognosis. No statistically significant differences in frailty and HRQOL scores were observed between Māori and non-Māori groups, however the generalizability of this finding is limited due to the insufficient size of the study population.

Correction of ICESat-2 terrain within urban areas using a water pump deployment criterion with the vertical contour of the terrain

Previous studies have shown that the terrain elevation of the ICESat-2's ATL08 product is of good accuracy, overall, but in urban areas under complex surface conditions, the terrain elevation is vulnerable to the influence of the effect of dense buildings, resulting in deviations and even outliers. However, the previous studies have not effectively corrected these deviations and outliers. To this end, we propose a method for correcting the terrain elevation of the ATL08 product in urban areas, which is an auto-refinement method for the terrain elevation. Based on the data characteristics of this type of terrain elevation data and the distribution characteristics of urban buildings, the proposed method innovatively corrects the deviated part of the terrain elevation by a water pump deployment criterion with the vertical contour of the terrain. To increase its applicability, the proposed method uses a strategy of mixing the terrain elevation data that are from the strong- and weak-beam observations, allowing the deviated terrain in one beam with a higher missing data rate to be corrected with the aid of the other beam with a lower missing data rate. We used airborne LiDAR data from several areas (New York, Amsterdam, and Palmerston North) with different city sizes to validate the corrected results. The results show that the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the terrain elevation in urban areas is reduced from ∼4 m to ∼1 m after correction. The correction results also show that the proposed method can correct the deviated terrain elevation, while ensuring that the high-quality terrain elevation can be effectively retained.

Seed Desiccation Sensitivity Varies with Geographic Distribution in Two New Zealand Native Pittosporum Species

Ex situ conservation involves the maintenance and reproduction of species in areas outside their natural habitats. Seed banking is a well-established ex situ approach used for plant conservation. Seed banking consists of collecting, drying, and storing seeds to preserve genetic diversity. The main limitation of this technique is that the seed must be desiccation tolerant. Seed storage behaviour can vary among species, and for some species, drying without loss of viability is not possible, meaning storage under conventional seed banking conditions (sub-zero temperatures and low relative humidity) is not possible. Understanding seed storage behaviour is an essential prerequisite for establishing whether conventional seed banking is an option for seed conservation. This study investigated the desiccation tolerance and sensitivity of mature seeds of two native New Zealand species of Pittosporum (P. eugenioides and P. crassifolium) from two geographic locations (Palmerston North and Wellington), with the aim of understanding their seed storage behaviour and thereby improving conservation outcomes. The variables measured were seed moisture content, viability, germination, and desiccation responses. We developed sorption isotherm for both species to support the future development of storage protocols. Our results show that both P. eugenioides and P. crassifolium display non-orthodox behaviour, i.e., are desiccation sensitive and cannot be stored under conventional seed banking conditions, but also suggest that seed desiccation responses vary with the geographical origin of the seeds. This study highlights the importance of exploring seed storage behaviour using different populations to optimize ex situ conservation strategies aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of New Zealand’s threatened and endangered species.

Field performance of a solar air heater used for space heating and ventilation – A case study in New Zealand primary schools

New Zealand (NZ) primary schools are often inadequately ventilated in winter. The majority of NZ schools do not have mechanical ventilation systems. Surveys conducted prior to COVID-19 pandemic showed that only 30% of teachers were regularly opening windows in winter. Therefore there is a need to study an affordable alternative ventilation method. This research was conducted to investigate the space heating and ventilation performance of a roof-mounted solar air heater (SAH) in NZ primary schools in winter. Field experiments over two winters were carried out in Palmerston North, NZ. A SAH was installed on the sun-facing roof of four schools in winter 2013 and six schools in winter 2014. During the experiment, the air temperature and air velocity were measured inside the classroom at the SAH outlet. Ambient weather conditions were measured by a local climate monitoring station. Across all schools and two winters, when the SAH was operated at 75% of the maximum fan speed, a mean (standard deviation, SD) level of the air temperature difference between the SAH outlet and inlet was 16.6 (10.4) °C, the mean (SD) volumetric flow rate of the outlet air was 34.0 (12.9) m3·h-1, and the mean (SD) level of thermal efficiency was 16 (11)%. Results showed that operating a roof-mounted SAH increased the indoor temperature and was useful to supplement the natural ventilation flow rate. This is the first study to investigate the field performance of a roof-mounted SAH in NZ primary schools. Results of this study provide insights for the use of solar energy without need for energy storage to heat and ventilate the classrooms.

Taking the ridge: Anzacs and Germans at the Battle of Messines 1917, JeffreyMcNeill, Palmerston North: Titipounamu Publishing. 2022. 376 pp. ISBN: 978‐0‐473‐58461‐0

New Zealand GeographerEarly View BOOK REVIEW Taking the ridge: Anzacs and Germans at the Battle of Messines 1917, Jeffrey McNeill, Palmerston North: Titipounamu Publishing. 2022. 376 pp. ISBN: 978-0-473-58461-0 Stephen A. Royle, Corresponding Author Stephen A. Royle [email protected] School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK Correspondence Stephen A. Royle, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author Stephen A. Royle, Corresponding Author Stephen A. Royle [email protected] School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK Correspondence Stephen A. Royle, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 26 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/nzg.12355Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation

Policy implications for gaps in traditional plastic waste material flow analysis: Palmerston North, New Zealand

The Basel Plastic Waste Amendments reflect growing global concern about the illegal plastic waste trade as waste colonialism. Comprehensive analyses of plastic waste material sources, pathways, and fates are needed for effective plastic waste trade policy. Plastics waste flows from Palmerston North, New Zealand to Malaysia highlight potential gaps in plastic waste trade policies. The authors recommend strengthening New Zealand's national waste policy framework and the Basel Convention's Plastics Amendments by basing policy responses on critical transboundary plastic waste material flow analyses, establishing harmonized definitions including “recyclable” and “environmentally sound recycling”; regulating contamination thresholds and container inspections; and waste trade traceability, transparency, compliance, enforcement, and remediation; reclassifying fluorinated polymers and thermosets as “hazardous”; and prioritizing principles of prevention, proximity and precaution over future investments in the management of plastic waste.

NEW ZEALAND PROVINCIAL ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA STUDY (NZPOTS): THE EFFECTS OF INCREASING TRAUMA ON ELECTIVE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY IN PROVINCIAL NEW ZEALAND

Trauma and elective orthopaedic demands in New Zealand are increasing. In this study, prospective and retrospective data has been collected at Nelson Hospital and across New Zealand to identify the percentage of elective theatre time lost due to cancellation for acute patient care. Data has been collected from theatre management systems, hospital data systems and logged against secretarial case bookings, to calculate a percentage of elective theatre time lost to acute operating or insufficient bed capacity.Data was collected over a five-month period at Nelson Hospital, with a total of 215 elective and 226 acute orthopaedic procedures completed. A total of 95 primary hip or knee arthroplasties were completed during this trial while 53 were cancelled. The total number of elective operative sessions (one session is the equivalent of a half day operating theatre time) lost to acute workload was 47.9. Thirty-three percent of allocated elective theatre time was cancelled - an equivalent of approximately one-full day elective operating per week.Over a five-week period data was collected across all provincial hospitals in New Zealand, with an average of 18% of elective operating time per week lost due to acute workload. Elective cancellations were due to acute operating 40% of the time and bed shortages 60% of the time. The worst effected centre was Palmerston North which had an average of 33% of elective operating cancelled per week to accommodate acute surgery or due to bed shortages.New Zealand's provincial orthopaedic surgeons are under immense pressure from acute operating that impedes provision of elective surgery. The New Zealand government definition of an ‘acute case’ does not reflect the nature of today's orthopaedic burden. Increasing and aging populations along with staff and infrastructure shortages have financial and societal impacts beyond medicine and require better definitions, further research, and funding from governance.

Improving access to dermatology specialist care: review of a dermatologist- and general practitioner-integrated clinic model.

Introduction This study presents an innovative model of integrated dermatology service delivery. Kauri HealthCare (KHC) is a general practice serving around 19 000 patients in Palmerston North, New Zealand. A 'mini clinic' is provided by an on-site dermatologist that is available for patients of KHC. Referring practitioners are required to attend with the patient to present their case and seek dermatologist input. This allows for patients to receive a specialist opinion, as well as for the referrer to receive practical and academic teaching, record findings, and arrange any further investigations, follow-up, or management. Aim To describe the nature of patient presentations and clinical outcomes of a novel dermatologist-general practitioner integrated clinic based in a provincial healthcare practice. Methods Descriptive analysis of all referrals to the Kauri HealthCare dermatology mini clinic from April 2017 to December 2022. Results During the study period, 964 diagnoses were recorded across 806 patients booked into the mini clinic. The most common presenting conditions were: (1) eczema; (2) psoriasis; (3) actinic keratoses; (4) naevi; and (5) seborrheic keratosis. Practitioners sought dermatology opinion on the diagnosis and/or management of skin conditions. Further referral to secondary care was not required for 86% of patients. Discussion Improvements could be made to better serve those of Māori and Pacific ethnicity, or living in high socioeconomic deprivation. Results indicate where teaching could be prioritised for practitioners, postgraduates, and medical students. Overall, this is an innovative clinic model, which seeks to provide equitable care, medical education, and collaboration between primary and secondary services.