The concept of vector in parasitology, ecology of agents, epidemiology and epizootology

The concepts of "host" and "vector" are compared in application to arthropods which are capable to transmit pathogens to man and animals. The paper shows that these concepts are not identical. The function of such arthropods as hosts of microorganisms, as well as their possible importance in population ecology, epidemiology and epizootology are discussed. The system of different concepts corresponding to the tasks of these scientific disciplines is also considered.     

Ocular absorption and toxicity of methotrexate in the dog

The ocular absorption, elimination and toxicity of 12.5 mg of methotrexate in 0.5 cc administered subconjunctivally was studied in the dog. The purpose of this study was to establish ocular pharmacokinetics for treatment of intraocular tumours in dogs. Drug levels were measured in ocular compartments, and serum at 1,2,4,6,8 and 12 hours respectively. Tumoricidal concentrations of the drug were attained in the anterior chambers of the injected eyes up to and including six hours postinjection. Consistent signs of toxicity were anorexia, vomiting, weight loss and leukopenia. Local ocular toxicity following subconjunctival injection was minimal conjunctival hyperemia lasting up to 48 hours.     

Sources of variation and prospects for improvement of productive efficiency in the dairy cow: a review

In this review, "productive efficiency" in dairy cows is defined as the yield of milk obtained in ratio to the nutritional costs associated with maintenance, milk synthesis and loss of body condition during lactation. Improvements in efficiency could occur as a result of changes in digestion and nutrient absorption, maintenance requirement, utilization of metabolizable energy for production or nutrient partitioning. Digestibility can be greatly enhanced by appropriate dietary manipulation. Likewise, it may be possible to reduce maintenance requirements and improve the efficiency with which metabolizable energy is used for milk synthesis by manipulation of the pattern of nutrients presented to tissues. However, these factors apparently do not respond to selection for increased milk yield, and little variation is observed among cows. In contrast, individual cows differ substantially in feed intake and in the partitioning of nutrients among body tissues. Techniques associated with genetic engineering and the early prediction of genetic merit have the potential to improve productive efficiency by manipulation of these processes. However, changes in nutrient partitioning and feed intake during lactation are coordinated by a complex network of controls that accommodate the nutrient requirements of each tissue while maintaining homeostatic balance. Future improvements in productive efficiency will therefore depend on our ability to understand the manner in which these controls operate.     

A note on the structure and iron‐binding properties of egg‐shell membranes

1. When a solution of ferric ammonium sulphate was added to shell membranes of the domestic fowl, iron infiltrated the mantle (cortex) surrounding the cores of the individual fibres of the membranes.

2. Contraction of warm eggs in ice‐cold colloidal iron caused flooding of pore canals and contamination of the underlying shell membranes with this element.

3. Appreciable contamination of the inner shell membrane with iron persisted for 25 d in infertile eggs stored at 37.5 °C.