ABSTRACT

Despite the plethora of irrigation scheduling decision support systems that have been developed over the past decades, there is little evidence of widespread adoption by farmers. This paper investigates the structural, institutional and political rigidities that affect the adoption of irrigation However, inadequate monitoring infrastructure and a lack of political will to impose the new water prices are giving a mixed signal to farmers. An ageing and poorly trained farm population, small farm size and low level of farm investment also impede the uptake of irrigation technologies. Within this context, European-funded research needs to consider these constraints and pay closer attention to the conversion of knowledge and innovation into successful commercial products.

Background: Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production in the airways. Anticholinergic drugs like atropine induce bronchodilatation and rapid improvement in lung function. N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) is an anticholinergic drug used to relieve spasmodic colic in horses, but its effect on airway smooth muscle is unknown.Objective: To evaluate the effect of NBB on clinical signs and lung function of RAO-affected horses. Animals: Nine horses diagnosed with RAO. Methods: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover trial. Horses were challenged with moldy hay until a maximum change in transpulmonary pressure (ΔP Lmax ) > 15 cmH 2 O was achieved. NBB (0.3 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) was administered IV. Clinical scores and lung function were recorded at baseline and then periodically after treatment administration. Horses were allowed a 6-week washout before administration of opposite treatments.Results: Clinical score at 10 and 30 minutes (8.7 ± 2.8 and 8.7 ± 3.2, respectively) after NBB administration was significantly lower than baseline (10.8 ± 2.4). NBB administration resulted in a significant decrease in ΔP Lmax (baseline: 35.1 ± 6.9 cmH 2 O) starting 2 minutes after administration (16.3 ± 6.6 cmH 2 O) with a maximum decline observed at 10 minutes (13.5 ± 7.1 cmH 2 O). ΔP Lmax values between 60 and 120 minutes after NBB administration were not different from placebo.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: N-butylscopolammonium bromide is a potent bronchodilator, reaching maximum effect 10 minutes after intravenous administration. This effect dissipates within 1 hour of drug administration.

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Various developmental aspects of respiratory physiology put infants and young children at an increased risk of respiratory failure, which is associated with a higher rate of critical incidents during anesthesia. The immaturity of control of breathing in infants is reflected by prolonged central apneas and periodic breathing, and an increased risk of apneas after anesthesia. The physiology of the pediatric upper and lower airways is characterized by a higher flow resistance and airway collapsibility. The increased chest wall compliance and reduced gas exchange surface of the lungs reduce the pulmonary oxygen reserve vis-à-vis a higher metabolic oxygen demand, which causes more rapid oxygen desaturation when ventilation is compromised. This review describes the various developmental aspects of respiratory physiology and summarizes anesthetic implications.