Open space, not reduced herbivory, facilitates invasion of a marine macroalga, implying it is a disturbance-mediated "passenger" of change.

Sargassum horneri, a brown macroalga, recently invaded the California coast, including into critical foundational communities such as kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests. Despite its rapid spread, empirical tests that evaluate mechanisms underlying S. horneri's invasion success are lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted three field experiments on temperate rocky reefs in southern California using growth as a proxy for invasion success. We first tested whether S. horneri success differed with herbivory strength and native diversity by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying site (with different baseline levels of urchin densities and native algal diversity) and urchin access. We found S. horneri growth only differed among urchin treatments and not sites. We then evaluated whether S. horneri could successfully invade established algal canopies as a driver or whether it required open space as a passenger via a 2-factor experiment varying S. horneri size (small, medium, large) and canopy type (S. horneri, kelp, -canopy). We found that all S. horneri sizes grew fastest when canopy was lacking and light was high and slower in both canopy habitats with lower light; overall, small S. horneri grew slowest. Finally, we evaluated whether herbivore consumption for native species could facilitate S. horneri's invasion by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying species (M. pyrifera, S. horneri) and herbivore access. We found uncaged algae were consumed and caged algae grew, but there was no difference between species. Taken together, our results suggest that S. horneri is a "passenger" invader that will take advantage of points in time and space where light is plentiful, such as when M. pyrifera is removed via disturbance. Further, our results suggest that herbivory and native algal diversity are likely not key determining factors of the invasion success of S. horneri.

Growth promoting hormonal implant pellets coated with a polymeric, porous film promote weight gain by grazing beef heifers and steers for up to 200 days.

Two studies evaluated growth promoting effects of implant pellets (IP), each containing 3.5 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and 25 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA), to which a polymeric, porous coating was applied. Trial 1 evaluated performance of heifers (n = 70/treatment, initial BW = 188 ± 2.2 kg) and steers (n = 70/treatment, initial BW = 194 ± 2.2 kg) implanted subcutaneously in the ear with 0 (SC), 2 (2IP), 4 (4IP), or 6 (6IP) pellets that delivered EB/TBA (mg/mg) doses of 0/0, 7/50, 14/100, and 21/150, respectively, over grazing periods of 202 d (heifers) or 203 d (steers). Animals received experimental treatments on d 0 and over the grazing period were managed as single groups by sex in a rotational grazing system. When pasture forage availability became limited, cattle were supplemented with preserved forage but not concentrate supplements. Weight gains by heifers treated with 2IP, 4IP, and 6IP were greater (P < 0.05) than SC heifers but not different from each other. Weight gains by steers treated with 2IP, 4IP, and 6IP were greater than SC steers (P < 0.05), and ADG by steers treated with 6IP was greater (P < 0.05) than steers given 2IP or 4IP. Trial 2 was a multisite grazing study performed with heifers and steers to compare ADG after treatment with one 6-pellet, coated implant delivering 21 mg EB and 150 mg TBA (6IP) to sham treated negative controls (SC) over a grazing period of at least 200 d. A completely random design was used at each site, with the goal to treat 70 cattle per site, treatment, and sex; data were pooled across sites. Heifers (n = 558, initial BW = 229 ± 16 kg) and steers (n = 555, initial BW = 235 ± 20 kg) grazed in rotational programs consistent with regional practices for an average of 202 d. When necessary, cattle were supplemented with preserved forage, but no concentrate supplements were fed. Over 202 d, ADG by heifers treated with 6IP was 11.3% greater (P = 0.0035) than SC heifers (0.64 ± 0.06 kg/d), and ADG by steers treated with 6IP was 17.2% greater (P = 0.0054) than SC steers (0.66 ± 0.08 kg/d). In neither study was there evidence that concurrent therapeutic treatments or abnormal health observations were influenced by experimental treatments. These studies demonstrated that a 6-pellet implant with a polymeric, porous coating that delivers 21 mg EB and 150 mg TBA improved ADG by grazing heifers and steers for at least 200 d compared to sham-implanted negative controls.

Pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of cobalt following a single intravenous administration to horses.

Cobalt has been used by human athletes due to its purported performance-enhancing effects. It has been suggested that cobalt administration results in enhanced erythropoiesis, secondary to increased circulating erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations leading to improvements in athletic performance. Anecdotal reports of illicit administration of cobalt to horses for its suspected performance enhancing effects have led us to investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of this compound when administered in horses, so as to better regulate its use. In the current study, 18 horses were administered a single intravenous dose of cobalt chloride or cobalt gluconate and serum and urine samples collected for up to 10 days post administration. Cobalt concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and pharmacokinetic parameters determined. Additional blood samples were collected for measurement of equine EPO concentrations as well as to assess any effects on red blood cell parameters. Horses were observed for adverse effects and heart rate monitored for the first 4 h post administration. Cobalt was characterized by a large volume of distribution (0.939 L/kg) and a prolonged gamma half-life (156.4 h). Cobalt serum concentrations were still above baseline values at 10 days post administration. A single administration of cobalt had no effect on EPO concentrations, red blood cell parameters or heart rate in any of the horses studied and no adverse effects were noted. Based on the prolonged gamma half-life and prolonged residence time, regulators should be able to detect administration of a single dose of cobalt to horses.

Combination anthelmintics effectively control ML-resistant parasites; a real-world case history.

Routine investigation into an ill-thrift situation with grazing cattle led to the discovery of the first reported case of macrocyclic lactone (ML) resistance in cattle in the USA. Research revealed that resistant parasites were originating on pastures in southeastern USA and were not an anomalous resident population on Wisconsin pastures. Prior to using anthelmintics in combination, ML-resistant Cooperia and Haemonchus spp. were shown to survive treatment with single-active MLs and were being transported in shipped cattle and seeding summer grazing pastures. Treatment and management strategies implemented in 2011 and 2012 suggested that ML-surviving parasites were introduced into the conditioning facility and surviving treatment with ML. Data also demonstrated the use of combination ML+oral levamisole was highly effective in minimizing the transport of ML-surviving parasites from southeastern USA to Wisconsin pastures. The value of fecal egg count monitoring and PCR evaluation of nematode species under production conditions are confirmed.

Persistent efficacy and production benefits following use of extended-release injectable eprinomectin in grazing beef cattle under field conditions.

Seven studies were conducted in commercial grazing operations to confirm anthelmintic efficacy, assess acceptability, and measure the productivity response of cattle to treatment with eprinomectin in an extended-release injectable formulation (ERI) when exposed to nematode infected pastures for 120 days. The studies were conducted under one protocol in the USA in seven locations (Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, and Wisconsin). Each study had 67-68 naturally infected animals for a total of 475 (226 female, 249 male castrate) Angus or beef-cross cattle. The animals weighed 133-335 kg prior to treatment and were approximately 3-12 months of age. The studies were conducted under a randomized block design based on pre-treatment body weights to sequentially form 17 replicates of four animals each within sex in each study. Animals within a replicate were randomly assigned to treatments, one to Eprinomectin ERI vehicle (control) and three to Eprinomectin ERI (5%, w/v eprinomectin). Treatments were administered at 1 mL/50 kg body weight once subcutaneously anterior to the shoulder. All animals in each study grazed one pasture throughout the observation period of 120 days. Cattle were weighed and fecal samples collected pre-treatment and on 28, 56, 84, and 120 days after treatment for fecal egg and lungworm larval counts. Positive fecal samples generally were cultured en masse to determine the nematode genera attributable to the gastrointestinal helminth infection. Bunostomum, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, and Trichostrongylus, when present, were referred to as strongylids. At all post-treatment sampling intervals, Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle had significantly (P<0.05) lower strongylid egg counts than vehicle-treated controls, with ≥95% reduction after 120 days of grazing. Over this same period, Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle gained more weight (43.9 lb/head) than vehicle-treated controls in all studies. This weight gain advantage was significant (P<0.05) in six of the studies with the Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle gaining an average of 42.8% and the control cattle gaining 33.1% of their initial weight. No adverse reactions were observed in the treated animals.

The efficacy of eprinomectin extended-release injection against Hypoderma spp. (Diptera: Oestridae) in cattle.

The efficacy of eprinomectin in an extended-release injection (ERI) formulation was determined in cattle harboring naturally acquired infestations of first- or second- and third-stage larvae of Hypoderma spp. in three studies conducted according to the same protocol in the USA (two studies) and Germany (one study). Thirty cattle sourced from herds with a history of Hypoderma infestation were included in each study. Cattle were formed into replicates of three animals each on the basis of pre-treatment anti-Hypoderma antibody titers. Within replicates each animal was randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: ERI vehicle (control) at 1 mL/50 kg bodyweight, administered once on Day 0; Eprinomectin 5% ERI at 1 mL/50 kg bodyweight (1.0 mg eprinomectin/kg), administered once on Day 0 (when larvae were expected to be first instars); or Eprinomectin 5% ERI at 1 mL/50 kg bodyweight (1.0 mg eprinomectin/kg), administered once when larvae were second or third instars (study dependent, Day 73, 119, or 140). Treatments were administered by subcutaneous injection in front of the shoulder. In all studies, emerging and/or expressed Hypoderma larvae were recovered, speciated, and counted and viability was determined. Eprinomectin LAI treatment was 100% (p<0.05) efficacious against first- and second- or third-stage larvae of Hypoderma bovis (two studies) and Hypoderma lineatum (one study). All animals accepted the treatment well. No adverse reaction to treatments was observed in any animal in any study.

Ergovaline-induced vasoconstriction in an isolated bovine lateral saphenous vein bioassay.

Ergovaline has been proposed as a toxic component of endophyte-infected tall fescue. As many of the symptoms of fescue toxicosis are a result of compromised circulation, the objective of this study was to examine the vasoconstrictive potentials of ergovaline and a more documented ergopeptine, ergotamine, using a bovine, lateral (cranial branch) saphenous vein bioassay. Segments of the cranial branch of the lateral saphenous vein (2 to 3 cm) were collected from healthy, mixed breed cattle (n = 12 and n = 5 for the ergovaline and ergotamine experiments, respectively) at local abattoirs. The veins were trimmed of excess fat and connective tissue, sliced into 2- to 3-mm cross sections, and suspended in a myograph chamber containing 5 mL of a modified Krebs-Henseleit, oxygenated buffer (95% O2 + 5% CO2; pH = 7.4; 37 degrees C). The tissue was allowed to equilibrate at 1 g of tension for 90 min before of the addition of treatments. Increasing doses of ergovaline (1x10(-11) to 1 x10(-4) M) or ergotamine (1 x10(-11) to 1 x 10(-5) M) were administered every 15 min after buffer replacement. Contractile response data were normalized to a percentage induced by a reference dose of norepinephrine (1 x10(-4) M). Contractile responses of saphenous veins were similar for ergovaline and ergotamine. Initial contractile responses began at 1 x10(-8) M for both ergovaline and ergotamine (4.4 +/- 0.8% and 5.6 +/-1.1%, respectively). Vascular tension continued to increase as the alkaloid concentrations increased (maximums: 43.7 +/-7.1% at 1 x10(-5) M ergotamine; 69.6 +/- 5.3% at 1 x10(-4) M ergovaline). Interestingly, ergovaline-induced contractions (1 x10(-4) M) were not reversed by repeated buffer replacement over a 105-min period. As previously shown with ergotamine, these results confirm that ergovaline is a potent vasoconstrictor. The resistance of an ergovaline-induced contraction to relaxation over an extended period of time suggests a potential for bioaccumulation of this ergopeptine alkaloid and may aid in understanding its toxicity within the animal.

Changes in Neutrophil Count; Creatine Kinases and Muscle Soreness after Repeated Bouts of Downhill Running

OBJECTIVE. A primary objective was to examine circulating neutrophil count after repeated bouts of downhill running. An additional aim was to determine creatine kinase (CK)levels during the initial 12 hours; after repeated DHRs. DESIGN. Eleven healthy; untrained Caucasian males performed 2 x 60 min bouts of DHR (-13.5); spaced 14 days apart; at a speed equal to 75VO2max on a level grade. Blood was collected before; after; and every hour for 12 hours; and every 24 hours for 6 days. Absolute neutrophil count; CK; and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed. Result were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (p0.05) with appropriate post hoc tests. RESULT. There were no significant differences in neutrophil count (p

Assessment of vasoconstrictive potential of D-lysergic acid using an isolated bovine lateral saphenous vein bioassay.

Vasoconstriction has been associated with several symptoms of fescue toxicosis thought to be alkaloid induced. Lysergic acid, an ergot alkaloid, has been proposed as a toxic component of endophyte-infected tall fescue. The objective of this study was to examine the vasoconstrictive potential of D-lysergic acid using a bovine lateral (cranial branch) saphenous vein bioassay. Before testing lysergic acid, validation of the bovine lateral saphenous vein bioassay for use with a multimyograph apparatus was conducted using a dose-response to norepinephrine to evaluate the effects of limb of origin (right vs. left) and overnight storage on vessel contractile response. Segments (2 to 3 cm) of the cranial branch of the lateral saphenous vein were collected from healthy mixed breed cattle (n = 12 and n = 7 for the lysergic acid and norepinephrine experiments, respectively) at local abattoirs. Tissue was placed in modified Krebs-Henseleit, oxygenated buffer and kept on ice or stored at 2 to 8 degrees C until used. Veins were trimmed of excess fat and connective tissue, sliced into 2- to 3-mm sections, and suspended in a myograph chamber containing 5 mL of oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (95% O2, 5% CO2; pH = 7.4; 37 degrees C). Tissue was allowed to equilibrate at 1 g of tension for 90 min before initiation of treatment additions. Increasing doses of norepinephrine (1 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-4) M) or lysergic acid (1 x 10(-11) to 1 x 10(-4) M) were administered every 15 min after buffer replacement. Data were normalized as a percentage of the contractile response induced by a reference dose of norepinephrine. Veins from both left and right limbs demonstrated contractions in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01) but did not differ between limbs. There were no differences in dose-response to norepinephrine between tissue tested the day of dissection and tissue tested 24 h later. Exposure of vein segments to increasing concentrations of lysergic acid did not result in an appreciable contractile response until the addition of 1 x 10(-4) M lysergic acid (15.6 +/- 2.3% of the 1 x 10(-4) M norepinephrine response). These data indicate that only highly elevated concentrations of lysergic acid result in vasoconstriction. Thus, in relation to the symptoms associated with vasoconstriction, lysergic acid may only play a minor role in the manifestation of fescue toxicosis.

Immunoglobulin responses to a repeated bout of downhill running.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of downhill running on immunoglobulin responses. METHOD: Eleven untrained men performed 2 x 60 minute bouts of downhill running (-13.5% gradient), at a speed eliciting 75% of their vO2peak on a level grade. Two runs were spaced 14 days apart. Serum samples were collected before, after, and every hour for 12 hours and every 24 hours for six days. Serum total creatine kinase and immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses were measured, and results were analysed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (12 hour period, 2 x 14; 24 hour intervals, 2 x 6, p < or = 0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant interaction effect for creatine kinase (activity lower after run 2 than after run 1, 6-24 h) and exercise effect, with the serum concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, IgG4, and IgE lower, and IgM higher, after run 2. CONCLUSION: Lower concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, and IgE after run 2 may reflect a dampened autoimmune inflammatory response to autoantigens and enhanced autoantigen clearance mediated by the upregulation of IgM.

Changes in mucosal and humoral atopic-related markers and immunoglobulins in elite cyclists participating in the Vuelta a España.

Atopic-related factors, humoral and mucosal immunoglobulins (Ig), and cortisol were measured in 17 professional cyclists competing in the 2003 Vuelta a España (a three-week multi-stage race). Venous blood and saliva samples were obtained the morning before the start of the race (T0), on the first rest day after 10 days of racing (T1), and before the start of the last stage after 21 days of racing (T2). Atopic-related factors, IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophils, were significantly altered during the race. Serum IgE (T1: + 10 %) and ECP (salivary, T1: 113 % and serum, T2: 155 %) were significantly increased, while eosinophils (T1: - 32 %, T2: - 55 %) were significantly lower, than pre-race levels. Salivary sIgA secretion rate was significantly decreased at T2 (- 36 %). Pearson product-moment correlations revealed a modest correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP (T1: r = 0.30; T2: r = 0.48; p < 0.01). Serum IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA levels, at T1 and T2, and cortisol at T2, were significantly lower than pre-race levels. In conclusion, the elevation in IgE and ECP suggests an up-regulation of atopic-related factors in professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a España. The correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP indicates a role for sIgA in mediating mucosal inflammation. The alterations in Ig levels may indicate Ig isotype switching. An increasing state of hormonal fatigue may have influenced the observed immune alterations.

Dose determination of the persistent activity of moxidectin long-acting injectable formulations against various nematode species in cattle.

The effectiveness, safety and production-enhancing benefit (improved weight gains) of moxidectin long-acting injection given subcutaneously in the ear at the rates of 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5mg/kg bw were evaluated in three studies under common protocol. The only adverse reaction to treatment was a mild (<2 tablespoons in volume), and for the most part transient (<28 days for the treatment rate of 1.0mg/kg bw) injection site swelling as noted in a minority of the animals (12.2% of the animals treated at the rate of 1.0mg/kg bw). Regardless of study site, post-treatment interval or dose rate, average daily gains were improved over control cattle by approximately 33%. Reductions in strongyle EPG counts relative to controls were > or = 90% for all dose rates of moxidectin for a post-treatment period of 42 days (Wisconsin), 84 days (Arkansas) and 140 days (Louisiana). In Arkansas and Louisiana, the majority (>80%) of post-treatment strongyle eggs, as determined by coproculture, were Cooperia spp. As determined by sequential necropsies, periods of continuous, post-treatment protection (> or = 90% efficacy in at least two out of three studies) for moxidectin long-acting injection given at the rate of 1.0 mg/kg bw were 90 days (adult Haemonchus spp.), 120 days (Dictyocaulus viviparus and adult Ostertagia and Oesophagostomum) and 150 days (Ostertagia spp. EL4).

Serum concentrations of C reactive protein, alpha1 antitrypsin, and complement (C3, C4, C1 esterase inhibitor) before and during the Vuelta a Espana.

OBJECTIVES: To determine serum concentrations of proinflammatory (C reactive protein, complement C3 and C4) and anti-inflammatory (alpha(1) antitrypsin, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH)) acute phase proteins in elite cyclists before and during a three week cycle tour. METHODS: Seventeen professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a Espana volunteered for the study. Their mean (SD) physical characteristics were: age 28 (1) years; height 1.7 (0.06) m; weight 65 (7) kg; body fat 7.6 (0.8)%; Vo(2)max 75.3 (2.3) ml/kg/min. Venepuncture was performed on each subject 24 hours before the tour began (T0), on day 11 (the first rest day; T1) and day 21 (the second to last stage of the tour; T2). Samples at T1 and T2 were taken about 17 hours after the previous stage. Analysis of variance was used to determine changes over time. Where significance was found, a Tukey post hoc test was performed. RESULTS: C reactive protein concentrations were consistently within the normal range, although there was a 228%, non-significant increase at T1. C3 concentrations fell within the normal range at all times assessed. C4 concentrations before the race were within the normal range and were significantly increased 10 days (T1) into the race. C1-INH concentrations did not change significantly throughout the race. alpha(1) Antitrypsin concentration before the race was at the lower end of the normal range and was only significantly raised at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Although not as pronounced as those reported in marathon/ultramarathon runners, elite cyclists participating in a three week cycle tour experienced increases in selected proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins, indicating an acute phase/inflammatory response. It is tenable that the increase in alpha(1) antitrypsin and C1-INH (anti-inflammatory mediators) at T2 served to attenuate the acute phase/inflammatory response. The lower than normal resting concentrations of the acute phase proteins supports the notion that chronic aerobic exercise induces an anti-inflammatory state.

Clearance of para-aminohippuric acid in wethers consuming locoweed.

AIM: To validate the use of para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) as a marker for measuring blood flow in wethers consuming a mixed diet of locoweed and blue grama hay. METHODS: Fourteen sheep, stratified by bodyweight (BW), were assigned to one of three treatments: 0.8 mg swainsonine (SW)/kg BW (HI), 0.2 mg SW/kg BW (LO), and no SW (Control). Sheep were fed various ratios of locoweed and blue grama hay to deliver SW treatments, for 28 days prior to infusion of PAH. Concentrations of SW and activities of alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were measured to confirm exposure to SW and subclinical intoxication. A single 20-ml injection of 5% PAH was delivered into the jugular vein after subclinical intoxication had been achieved. Blood samples were collected and serum analysed for PAH immediately prior to injection, then every 5 min from 5-30 min, and every 10 min from 30-60 min, following injection of PAH. RESULTS: Effective delivery of SW was evident from the greater concentrations of SW measured in the serum of HI compared with LO animals (p<0.05). No significant differences were detected in the rate of elimination (range 0.097-0.108 L/min), elimination half-life (range 6.62-7.24 min), apparent volume of distribution for the central compartment (range 7.14-9.72 L), and clearance (range 0.73-0.92 L/min) of PAH, between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical intoxication with SW did not affect the pharmacokinetics of PAH. Thus, use of downstream dilution of PAH is a valid method to determine the rate of blood flow in nutrient flux experiments that involve consumption of locoweed.

Influence of ultra-endurance exercise on immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses.

BACKGROUND: Strenuous exercise is associated with tissue damage. This activates the innate immune system and local inflammation. Interaction between innate and adaptive immunity is essential for maintaining health, suggesting that the adaptive immune system may also be altered by exercise. OBJECTIVES: To determine exercise induced changes in the adaptive immune system by measuring the immunoglobulin isotype and subclass response to an ultra-marathon. METHODS: Venepuncture was performed on 11 experienced volunteers (six men, five women; mean (SD) age 43 (9.8) years) 24 hours before the projected finishing time and immediately after and 3, 24, and 72 hours after an ultra-marathon (90 km). Serum was stored at -80 degrees C. IgM, IgD, IgA, IgG, IgG1, 2, 3, and 4, and total IgE were measured. RESULTS: The following immunoglobulins were significantly (p< or =0.05) altered after the race: IgD, immediately (-51%) and 24 hours (-41%) after; IgM 24 hours after (-23%); total IgG immediately after (+12%). There were no reports of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections after the ultra-marathon. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced ultra-endurance runners, alterations in immunoglobulin concentrations after a race suggest an enhanced immune response, including isotype switching, interactions with the innate immune system, and a secondary antibody response. These alterations may have a role in the maintenance of subject health after an ultra-marathon.

Effects of subcutaneous injections of a long acting moxidectin formulation in grazing beef cattle on parasite fecal egg reduction and animal weight gain.

Trials were conducted in Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois and Wisconsin using a common protocol to evaluate effectiveness and safety of a long acting (LA), oil-based injectable formulation of moxidectin in beef cattle grazing spring and/or summer pastures. At each site, 150 cattle (steers and/or heifers) were blocked based on pretreatment fecal strongyle egg counts (EPG) and then randomly assigned to treatments within blocks. Presence of naturally acquired parasitic infections, confirmed by presence of parasite eggs in feces, was a prerequisite for study enrollment. Within each block of three animals, two received moxidectin LA injectable on day 0 at a dosing rate of 1.0 mg moxidectin/kg b.w. into the dorsal aspect of the proximal third of the ear, and one received a placebo control treatment. Cattle were weighed before treatment and on day 55 or 56 (55/56) after treatment. Fecal samples were also collected from 10 randomly selected blocks of animals at each site on days 14, 28 and 55/56 for EPG quantification. Average daily gain (ADG) was computed over the posttreatment period. Data pertaining to ADG and EPG were combined across sites and analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance to assess the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of site, block within site and the treatment by site interaction. Compared to placebo-treated controls, the geometric means of fecal EPG counts from cattle treated with moxidectin LA injectable were reduced 99.8% 14 days after treatment, 99.1% 28 days after treatment and 96.7% 55/56 days after treatment. Rate of weight gain by cattle treated with moxidectin LA injectable was 0.59 kg/day, or 23% (0.11 kg/day) more than placebo-treated controls (P<0.05). None of the cattle treated with moxidectin LA injectable exhibited signs of macrocyclic lactone toxicosis. Summarized across all study sites, proportions of cattle that received concurrent therapeutic treatments were similar among treatment groups. Study results demonstrate that moxidectin cattle LA injectable administered at a dosing rate of 1.0 mg moxidectin/kg b.w. to grazing beef cattle was effective and safe.

Persistent activity of moxidectin long-acting injectable formulations against natural and experimentally enhanced populations of lice infesting cattle.

A study was conducted under a common protocol in Wisconsin and Wyoming, USA, to evaluate therapeutic and persistent efficacy of two long-acting injectable formulations of moxidectin against lice populations infesting cattle. At each site, 30 beef calves were blocked into groups of three based on naturally acquired Linognathus vituli populations, then randomly assigned to treatments within blocks. Treatments, injected subcutaneously into the proximal third of the ear on Day 0, included saline, a long-acting oil-based formulation containing 10% moxidectin given at the rate of 1 mg moxidectin/kg body weight (M10/1.0), or a long-acting oil-based formulation containing 15% moxidectin given at the rate of 0.75 mg moxidectin/kg b.w. (M15/0.75). Species of sucking and chewing lice were quantified on nine predilection sites before treatment, then 28, 63, 98, 133 and 168 days after treatment. During intervals between lice counts after Day 28, study animals from the three treatment groups were commingled for 32 days with two lice-free sentinels plus four to six seeder calves with infestations of both sucking and chewing lice. Following each 32-day commingling interval, seeder and sentinel animals were removed, and principal animals were sorted into pens by treatment. Lice were quantified on sentinel animals on the day of removal, and lice were quantified on principal study animals 3 days after removal of sentinel and seeders. Moxidectin was generally not efficacious against Bovicola bovis in the injectable formulations tested, whereas Haematopinus eurysternus infestations were inadequate to judge product effectiveness. Based on geometric means, both M15/0.75 and M10/1.0 provided statistically significant therapeutic efficacy against existing infestations of L. vituli and Solenopotes capillatus (100% efficacy on Day 28), and provided persistent protection against reinfestation with L. vituli and S. capillatus (efficacy >97%) for at least 133 days following treatment.

Musculoskeletal manifestations of diabetes mellitus.

Rheumatic complaints are common in patients with diabetes. Maintaining good glycaemic control by exercise, diet, and medication improves or prevents the development of rheumatic conditions.