Evaluation of the interaction between ivermectin and albendazole following their combined use in lambs

Mixtures of drugs from different chemical families have been proposed as a valid strategy to delay the development of anthelmintic resistance. The current work summarizes the outcome of the evaluation of the plasma disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) and ivermectin (IVM) administered either alone or co-administered to lambs infected with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes resistant to both anthelmintic molecules. Thirty six (36) Corriedale lambs naturally infected with multiple resistant GI nematodes were allocated into six treatment groups: (a) ABZ intravenous (ABZ(IV)); (b) IVM(IV); (c) ABZ(IV) + IVM(IV); (d) ABZ intraruminal (IR); (e) IVM subcutaneous (SC) and (f) ABZ(IR) + IVM(SC). Plasma samples were collected over 15 days post-treatment and analysed by HPLC. The estimated pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were statistically compared using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The presence of IVM did not affect the plasma disposition kinetics of ABZ and its metabolites after the i.v. administration. However, the ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO) area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) after the intraruminal (i.r.) administration of ABZ alone compared to that obtained for the combined treatment with IVM [subcutaneous (s.c.) injection]. The IVM plasma AUC obtained after its i.v. co-administration with ABZ was 88% higher (P < 0.05) compared to the treatment with IVM alone. Any marked difference on IVM PK parameters was observed between the treatments ABZ + IVM and IVM alone injected subcutaneously. The data obtained here indicate that the co-administration of ABZ and IVM does not induce an adverse kinetic interaction. This type of pharmacology-based evaluation of drug interactions is becoming highly relevant as drug combinations are now widely used as an alternative to control resistant helminth parasites in livestock.     

Glomerular lesions in renal biopsies of Saimiri boliviensis (primate) examined by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry

In order to determine the existence of glomerular lesions in Saimiri boliviensis, renal biopsies were performed in 20 clinically healthy animals of similar age and both sexes. Biopsies were obtained by laparotomy with a Tru-Cut biopsy needle. Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis characterized by an increased number of mesangial cells and increased mesangial matrix was present in 35% of the animals. Proliferative glomerulonephritis characterized by increased numbers of epithelial and endothelial cells with narrowed capillary lumen, and membranous glomerulonephritis characterized by diffuse thickening, wrinkling, and occasional lamellation of basement membranes, were present in 15% of the samples. Ultrastructural features included increased mesangial matrix, fusion of the visceral epithelial foot processes, thickened glomerular basement membranes, and incipient lamellation. Immunohistochemical examination revealed granular deposits of immunoglobulin M in the cytoplasm of mesangial cells and in the mesangial matrix in 50% of the samples.     

Effects of ethylene on volatile emission and fragrance in cut roses: The relationship between fragrance and vase life

The relationship between fragrance and vase life and the role of ethylene on volatile emission in cut rose flowers was investigated. No relationship was observed between the amounts of volatile compounds emitted and vase life when fragrant and non-fragrant rose cultivars were compared. Neither ethylene production nor respiration rate of flowers was directly related with vase life. Volatile production during vase life was differential and independent among volatiles originating from different biosynthetic groups. Ethylene did not play a role in the regulation of volatile emission in rose flowers. Endogenous ethylene production was very low in most of the cultivars and did not show autocatalytic production trends. Volatile emission patterns during vase life did not parallel endogenous ethylene production. Exogenous ethylene exposure had differential effects among all cultivars, regardless of the fragrance of the flower. Fragrant cultivar ‘Osiana’ was highly sensitive to exogenous ethylene, with petals abscising within 24 h of ethylene (1 μL L^?1) exposure while other fragrant cultivars ‘Erin’ and ‘Lovely Dream’ had low ethylene sensitivity. Volatile production was unaffected by exogenous ethylene. The results of this study indicate that volatile emission in cut roses is not regulated by endogenous or exogenous ethylene and occurs independently of petal senescence and/or abscission. These results provide a better understanding of the complexity of volatile emission in rose flowers.     

Immunoglobulin-A nephropathy with crescentic glomerulonephritis in a pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina)

A 4-year-old female pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), experimentally coinfected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251) and Mycobacterium bovis(bacillus Calmette-Guerin), was euthanatized 1 year after infection because of weight loss and labored breathing. On gross examination, both kidneys were found to be markedly enlarged (right: 54.7 g and left: 51.7 g; normal < 20 g). Renal lesions were evaluated by histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Light microscopy revealed that the glomeruli were diffusely hypercellular with expansion of the mesangial matrix, and crescent formation affected approximately 60% of the glomeruli. By immunohistochemical evaluation, it was found that the crescents were composed principally of macrophages, as seen by CD68 (KP1), MRP8, MAC387, and HAM56 expression. Electron microscopic examination of the glomeruli revealed extensive intramembranous, subendothelial, and mesangial electron-dense deposits and multifocal fusion of the visceral epithelial foot processes. Immunofluorescence, used to determine the composition of the electron-dense deposits, revealed diffuse granular mesangial and capillary staining for immunoglobulin A (IgA). The renal changes described in this case report are most consistent with the findings of crescentic gloerulonephritis with IgA immune complex deposition in the glomerular basement membrane and mesangium as described in humans with IgA nephropathy.     

Water quality,Vibrio density and growth of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) in an integrated biofloc system with red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae (Greville)

An indoor trial was conducted for 42 days to evaluate water quality, Vibrio density and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei in an integrated biofloc system (IBS) with Gracilaria birdiae. Four treatments were used, each in triplicate: Control (monoculture shrimp); IBS 2.5 (L. vannamei and 2.5 kg wet weight seaweed m^?3); IBS 5.0 (L. vannamei and 5.0 kg wet weight seaweed m^?3) and IBS 7.5 (L. vannamei and 7.5 wet weight seaweed m^?3). Shrimp individuals (0.34 ± 0.01 g) were stocked at a density of 500 shrimp m^?3. No water exchange was carried out during the experimental period. Molasses was added once a day as an organic carbon source to maintain the C:N ratio at 12:1. The IBS significantly decreased (P < 0.05) dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) ranging from 19% to 34% (3.12–3.83 mg L^?1), NO₃‐N ranging from 19% to 38% (2.40–3.16 mg L^?1), Vibrio density ranging from by 8–83% (0.40–2.20 log 10³ colony‐forming units mL^?1), and FCR ranging from by 20–30% (1.20–1.37), as compared to the control (4.73 mg L^?1, 3.93 mg L^?1, 2.40 log 10³ colony‐forming units mL^?1, and 1.74 respectively). Moreover, the IBS significantly increased (P < 0.05) crude protein in whole body shrimp, ranging from 8% to 13% (13.2–13.7% wet weight basis); as well as final weight, ranging from 25% to 32% (3.90–4.12 g), weekly growth ranging from 25% to 34% (0.59–0.63 g), and shrimp yield by 22–39% (1.72–1.96 kg m^?3), as compared to control (12.1% wet weight basis, 3.12 g, 0.47 g, and 1.41 kg m^?3 respectively). It can thus be concluded that cultivating Gracilaria birdiae in an IBS with L. vannamei can contribute to DIN and NO₃‐N removal, lower Vibrio density, increased crude protein in whole body shrimp, higher growth and yield parameters in shrimp culture.     

Water quality,phytoplankton composition and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) in an integrated biofloc system with Gracilaria birdiae (Greville) and Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing)

A 28-day indoor trial was conducted to evaluate the water quality, phytoplankton composition and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei in an integrated biofloc system with Gracilaria birdiae and Gracilaria domingensis. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments: control (shrimp monoculture); SB (shrimp and G. birdiae) and SD (shrimp and G. domingensis), all with three replicates. Random sampling was done (6 % of total population per experimental unit) to confirm white spot syndrome Virus (WSSV) infection using nested-PCR analysis due to suspicion of presence of the virus in the experiment (treatment and control groups). Shrimp L. vannamei (2.63 ± 0.10 g) were stocked in experimental tanks at a density of 425 shrimp m^?3, and the Gracilaria was stocked at a biomass of 2.0 kg m^?3. Shrimp mortality began in both the experimental and control groups at 10 days of culture. The integrated biofloc system (shrimp and seaweed) increased settleable solids (by 26–52 %); final weight (by 6–21 %); weekly growth (by 17–43 %); weight gain (by 17–43 %); specific growth rate (by 16–36 %); and yield (by 5–7 %) and decreased feed conversion ratio (by 21–28 %) and Cyanobacteria density about 16 % as compared to the control (shrimp monoculture). The use of red seaweed Gracilaria in an integrated biofloc system can enhance shrimp growth and reduce Cyanobacteria density in the presence of WSSV.     

Effect of agronomic management on risk of suspended solids and phosphorus losses from soil to waters

Purpose  

Fertilisation may cause an accumulation of phosphorus in soil, which may increase risk of P transfer to waters both in colloidal and dissolved forms. This study evaluated the effect of agronomic management on the potential risk of P losses from soil to water bodies in a long-term experimental platform (NW Italy) subjected for 15 years to different maize-based crops and mineral or organic fertilisation based on nitrogen crop requirements.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPIRATORY ASPERGILLOSIS IN JUVENILE WHOOPING CRANES

Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in captivity reared, endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana). Objectives of this retrospective, case series, cross‐sectional study were to describe computed tomography (CT) respiratory anatomy in a juvenile whooping crane without respiratory disease, compare CT characteristics with gross pathologic characteristics in a group of juvenile whooping cranes with respiratory aspergillosis, and test associations between the number of CT tracheal bends and bird sex and age. A total of 10 juvenile whooping cranes (one control, nine affected) were included. Seven affected cranes had CT characteristics of unilateral extrapulmonary bronchial occlusion or wall thickening, and seven cranes had luminal occlusion of the intrapulmonary primary or secondary bronchi. Air sac membrane thickening was observed in three cranes in the cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs, and air sac diverticulum opacification was observed in four cranes. Necropsy lesions consisted of severe, subacute to chronic, focally extensive granulomatous pathology of the trachea, primary bronchi, lungs, or air sacs. No false positive CT scan results were documented. Seven instances of false negative CT scan results occurred; six of these consisted of subtle, mild air sacculitis including membrane opacification or thickening, or the presence of small plaques found at necropsy. The number of CT tracheal bends was associated with bird age but not sex. Findings supported the use of CT as a diagnostic test for avian species with respiratory disease and tracheal coiling or elongated tracheae where endoscopic evaluation is impractical.     

Field measurement of net nitrogen mineralization of manured soil cropped to maize

We evaluated the in situ net nitrogen (N) mineralization in a soil cropped to maize and fertilized for 11 years with cattle slurry or farmyard manure, both common on livestock farms of the Po River valley in Northern Italy. The net N mineralization of the tilled soil layer was measured in six consecutive incubation periods after manure application, for a total of 12 weeks, using the polyethylene buried bags technique. Results showed that net N mineralization was followed by N immobilization and finally, by mineralization whose rate increase until maize flowering. On average, net N mineralization was 70.4 kg N ha⁻¹, with the majority being released during the last measurement period. The time and extent of net N mineralization and plant N uptakes were not affected by fresh manure application. Instead, the effect of past management increased the maximum net N mineralization rate obtained with farmyard manure. The buried bag technique probably underestimates the total amount of mineralized N available for crop growth because it excludes the presence of the plant.