Escherichia coli O115 forms fewer attaching and effacing lesions in the ovine colon in the presence of E. coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O115 has been isolated from healthy sheep and was shown to be associated with attaching-effacing (AE) lesions in the large intestine. Following previous observations of interactions between E. coli O157 and O26, the aim of the present study was to assess what influence an O115 AE E. coli (AEEC) would have on E. coli O157 colonisation in vitro and in vivo. We report that E. coli O115- and O157-associated AE lesions were observed on HEp-2 cells and on the mucosa of ligated ovine spiral colon. In single strain inoculum, E. coli O115 associated intimately with HEp-2 cells and the spiral colon in greater numbers than E. coli O157:H7. However, in mixed inoculum studies, the number of E. coli O115 AE lesions was significantly reduced suggesting negative interference by E. coli O157. Use of the ligated colon model in the present work has allowed in vitro observations to be extended and confirmed whilst using a minimum of experimental animals. The findings support a hypothesis that some AEEC can inhibit adhesion of other AEEC in vivo. The mechanisms involved may prove to be of utility in the control of AE pathovars.     

Indications and implications for testing of milk urea in dairy cattle: a quantitative review. Part 1. Dietary protein sources and metabolism

MILK UREA CONCENTRATIONS IN DAIRY CATTLE: There has been increased use of milk urea concentration as an indicator of dietary protein intake and protein metabolism in dairy cattle over recent years. The value of milk urea content data in predicting dietary composition, particularly for pasture-fed cattle, has not been well described. PROTEIN METABOLISM AND UREA SYNTHESIS: Many factors influence the degradation of dietary proteins in the rumen, post-ruminal protein metabolism and urea synthesis in cattle. Strong positive correlations between nitrogenous fertiliser use and the crude protein content of pastures were identified by use of meta-analysis. Similar strong positive correlations were noted between dietary protein intake, rumen ammonia and plasma urea concentrations. The costs of urea synthesis include energy losses, and importantly, the loss of endogenous amino acids, which are deaminated in the synthesis of urea. MILK UREA AS AN INDICATOR OF PROTEIN METABOLISM: Urea concentrations in blood, plasma and milk are strongly correlated. Milk is an adequate indicator of blood and plasma urea content, but non-nutritional factors may significantly influence milk urea concentrations. Recommendations for dietary protein management based on milk urea concentrations must be undertaken with care.     

Effects of chlorpyrifos in freshwater model ecosystems: the influence of experimental conditions on ecotoxicological thresholds

Three experiments were conducted to determine the impact of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (single applications of 0.01 to 10 microg AI litre(-1)) in plankton-dominated nutrient-rich microcosms. The microcosms (water volume approximately 14 litres) were established in the laboratory under temperature, light regimes and nutrient levels that simulated cool 'temperate' and warm 'Mediterranean' environmental conditions. The fate of chlorpyrifos in the water column was monitored and the effects on zooplankton, phytoplankton and community metabolism were followed for 4 or 5 weeks. The mean half-life (t1/2) of chlorpyrifos in the water of the test systems was 45 h under 'temperate' conditions and about 30 h under 'Mediterranean' environmental conditions. Microcrustaceans (cladocerans and copepod nauplii) were amongst the most sensitive organisms. All three experiments yielded community NOEC (no observed effect concentrations) of 0.1 microg AI litre(-1), similar to those derived from more complex outdoor studies. Above this threshold level, responses and effect chains, and time spans for recovery, differed between the experiments. For example, algal blooms as an indirect effect from the impact of exposure on grazing organisms were only observed under the 'Mediterranean' experimental conditions. The relatively simple indoor test system seems to be sufficient to provide estimates of safe threshold levels for the acute insecticidal effects of low-persistence compounds such as chlorpyrifos. The robustness of the community NOEC indicates that this threshold level is likely to be representative for many freshwater systems.     

Effect of soil moisture during stratification on dormancy release in seeds of five common weed species

Although the effects of cold stratification on the release of physiological dormancy in seeds have been studied extensively, knowledge of the role of soil moisture content on seed dormancy release during cold stratification is limited. Our study determined seed dormancy characteristics and the effect of soil moisture content on seed dormancy breakage during cold stratification in the five common weed species Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Plantago lanceolata and Setaria glauca. Seeds of all five species were dormant at the time of harvest and their germination response to light and temperature varied. Soil moisture content had a significant effect on seed dormancy release of all species except P. lanceolata. Germination percentage of A. retroflexus, C. album, C. hybridum increased and then decreased as soil moisture content increased, regardless of germination test temperature. The optimal soil moisture content and seed moisture content for dormancy breakage of A. retroflexus, C. album, C. hybridum were 8%, 12%, 8% and 22.0%, 37.7%, 25.7% respectively. Dry storage (after‐ripening) significantly increased germination of S. glauca. Moreover, increasing soil moisture content first slowed and then increased dormancy breakage in S. glauca. These results suggest that data on soil moisture content should be incorporated into models that predict weed seed dormancy breakage and timing of seedling emergence as well as those for weed management.     

Accessory nictitating membrane in a Lipizzaner colt

A 2‐year‐old Lipizzaner colt presented for removal of a mass over the left eye. The colt had no blepharospasm or significant ocular discharge, but the cornea underlying the mass was mildly oedematous. The mass protruded from the conjunctiva at the dorsotemporal aspect of the globe and was covered in normal conjunctiva. It had a gross appearance similar to the cartilaginous flap of a nictitating membrane, but in an aberrant location. It was moveable to cover the dorsal aspect of the cornea when the globe was retropulsed. Excision of the mass under general anaesthesia was elected. Histopathology supported a diagnosis of an accessory nictitating membrane, consisting of a cartilaginous band surrounded by glandular epithelium. The colt recovered from surgery without complication and no problems were reported by the owner at 8.5 months post‐operatively. To the author's knowledge, there have not been previous reports of accessory or ectopic nictitating membranes in equine or other species.     

Retrospective evaluation of toceranib phosphate (Palladia®) toxicity in cats

The purpose of this study was to describe the toxicity profile of toceranib phosphate in tumour bearing cats. Medical records were reviewed from seven institutions. Patients with incomplete medical records and those receiving concurrent chemotherapy or NSAIDs (non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory) were excluded. Fifty‐five cats met the inclusion criteria. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 55% of cases. Median oral toceranib dose was 2.7 mg kg^?1 and was most commonly administered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thrombocytopenia (16.3%) and neutropenia (9.1%) were the most common haematologic toxicities. Azotemia (14.5%) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (7.2%) were the most frequently encountered biochemical alterations. Gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was seen in 21.8% of cats, and was lower than previously reported in dogs. The results of this study showed that treatment of cats with toceranib is well‐tolerated and toxicity is uncommon. Additional studies to define a more structured dosing schedule and to evaluate the efficacy of toceranib in the treatment of feline cancers are needed.