In vitro Elution of Amikacin and Vancomycin from Impregnated Plaster of Paris Beads

Objective: To describe in vitro elution characteristics of amikacin and vancomycin from calcium sulfate hemihydrate 98% (plaster of Paris, POP) beads and characterize eluent inhibition of Staphylococcus spp. Study Design: Experimental study. Methods: POP beads were impregnated with amikacin or vancomycin alone or in combination and then incubated alone or in combination for 84 days at 37°C in plastic tubes containing sterile phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Beads containing no antimicrobial served as negative control. Beads were intermittently moved to a new tube containing drug‐free PBS. Antimicrobial was measured in the eluent using a polarized fluorescent immunoassay. Eluent inhibition of Staphylococcus spp. was determined at each time point. Results: Antimicrobial release from beads was characterized by an initial rapid phase then a slower phase. Although antimicrobial release from beads occurred throughout the 84 days, most was in the first 24 hours, except for vancomycin alone. Duration of eluent inhibition of Staphylococcus spp. growth ranged from 0.5 (amikacin alone) to 56 days (vancomycin alone). Control eluent did not inhibit bacterial growth. Conclusions: Amikacin elution from POP beads was rapid, inhibiting growth for <24 hours with or without vancomycin. Vancomycin elution was slower and inhibited growth for 56 days alone or for 5 days with amikacin. Clinical Relevance: Vancomycin‐impregnated beads appear to be reasonable as a therapeutic option whereas amikacin‐impregnated POP beads and amikacin and vancomycin combinations may require further study before considering as a therapeutic option.     

Hyperactivity and alopecia associated with ingestion of valproic acid in a cat

A 1-year-old castrated male cat was evaluated because of alopecia of approximately 4 to 5 months' duration as well as hyperactive behavior. It was later determined that the cat was ingesting valproic acid by eating food to which it had been added for daily administration to a child in the household who had cerebral palsy. The clinical signs slowly resolved after the source of valproic acid was removed. This emphasizes the sensitivity of cats to drugs that are commonly used in humans. It was not determined whether the clinical signs that developed in this cat were caused by an adverse reaction or from toxicosis as a result of prolonged hepatic elimination of valproic acid, which requires glucuronide metabolism for disposition. However, the cat recovered completely following removal of the drug and prevention of further exposure. This report emphasizes the importance of obtaining a careful and complete history from the owner regarding an animal and its environment. In the cat of this report, the owner had not considered the impact of the presence of the drug in the child's food.     

两种饲喂方式对哺乳母猪生产性能的影响研究

选取年龄、胎次、品种基本一致的哺乳母猪20头,随机分成对照组和试验组,试验分两批进行,每批10头。在相同的环境条件下,母猪自由饮水,饲喂同一哺乳母猪料。母猪分娩后4d内,采用原场饲养制度,逐步增加哺乳母猪采食量,第5天开始,对照组采用不限量饲喂,试验组采用限量和添加哺乳母猪补充料的饲喂方式,仔猪21日龄断奶。结果显示:两组仔猪21日龄的断奶窝重、母猪断奶后再发情时间和母猪哺乳失重等差异均不显著(P>0.05)。     

Principles of antimicrobial therapy.

The most compelling reason for practicing judicious antimicrobial use is to facilitate therapeutic success. The definition of therapeutic success has changed in recent years, however; not only does success include eradication of infection, but it must now include avoidance of resistance. If the goal of antimicrobial therapy is to achieve sufficient concentrations at the site of infection such that the infecting organism is killed, therapy should be successful.