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Especially in the temperate zone, female bats are exposed to increased energy demands during gestation. In addition, abiotic factors, such as ambient temperature and pathogen load, can significantly affect reproduction success. Bats are considered natural reservoirs for a wide variety of pathogenic agents, and have developed strong immune systems to cope. Nevertheless, very little is known about the influence of these pathogenic microorganisms on bat health as most infections are asymptomatic. In this study, we monitored presence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in female common noctule bats Nyctalus noctula during gestation. Eight NTM species, subspecies or complexes (Risk Group 1: Mycobacterium hiberniae and M. terrae complex; Risk Group 2: M. arupense, M. avium ssp. hominissuis, M. fortuitum, M. interjectum, M. peregrinum, M. septicum) were confirmed as part of the female gut microbiome during gestation, with representation changing during foetal development. Following hibernation, most females were infected, though infection load and severity were relatively low. Just prior to parturition, however, a high proportion of females were infected with a high, often pathogenic, NTM load. Females who gave birth to twins had a higher (though non-significant) proportion of positive samples after hibernation and before parturition. Negative correlations between two consecutive measurements suggest that female N. noctula can cope with NTM loading, even during energy-demanding pregnancies. Bat faeces appear to be a source of numerous NTM species and, as such, bats can be considered as vectors for NTM spread in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition has been confirmed to play an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression via the gut microenvironment. However, the characteristics of the gut microbiota or its potential biological mechanism in CRC remain inconclusive. In this work, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool and 16sRNA sequencing were prepared to detect the variation in gut microbiota and the association between nutrition status and gut microbiota. RDA/CCA analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between faecal microbiota from malnourished CRC and clinical nutrition indicators. To investigate the mechanism of the gut microbiota in CRC, faecal samples from malnourished CRC patients were transplanted into C57BL/6J and DSS/AOM mouse models. Moreover, FACS and IHC were prepared to detect the infiltration of B cells and macrophages. qPCR and Elisa assays were performed to explore the expression of cytokines. We found dramatic variation in the faecal microbiota among patients with different nutritional statuses, discovering that specific microbiota species, namely, Atopobium vaginae , Selenomonas sputigena and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , may be considered diagnostic biomarkers in malnutrition and indicate poor prognosis. High expression level of A. vaginae in CRC tissues revealed the poorer overall survival compared with low expression level (Mean survival: 23.0 months vs 29.0 months). Faecal from malnourished colorectal cancer were found to be protumorigenic. More importantly, our evidence suggests that after faecal microbiota transplantation, B cells and macrophages are recruited to activate specific tumour immunity in CRC. Depletion of B cells significantly suppressed faecal microbiota-induced M2b polarization as well as the protumorigenic activity of tumour-associated macrophages in vivo. Faecal microbiota in CRC under malnutrition conditions exhibits specific characteristics that accelerate CRC progression and regulate B cells and macrophages. The use of specific faecal microbial species could be a feasible approach for identifying the malnutrition status of patients and demonstrating the poor prognosis of CRC. • This research has made tentative exploration on the specific gut microbiota in CRC with malnutrition, which also has been verified as the biomarker in gut microbiota. • This research has illuminated B cells and macrophage regulated by fecal microbiota participate in malnourished colorectal cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In low-resource settings, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is detected by traditional culture-based methods and ensuring the quality of such services is a challenge. The AMR Scorecard provides laboratories with a technical assessment tool for strengthening the quality of bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial testing procedures. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the AMR Scorecard in 11 pilot laboratory evaluations in three countries also assessed with the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist. Methods: Pilot laboratory evaluations were conducted in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya between February 2019 and March 2019. Assessors with previous SLIPTA and microbiology experience were trained. Assessors performed the laboratory assessments using the SLIPTA and AMR Scorecard tools. Results: Weaknesses in technical procedures and the quality management systems were identified in all areas and all laboratories. Safety had the highest mean performance score (SLIPTA: 68%; AMR Scorecard: 73%) while management review had the lowest (SLIPTA: 32%; AMR Scorecard: 8%) across all laboratories. The AMR Scorecard scores were generally consistent with SLIPTA scores. The AMR Scorecard identified technical weaknesses in AMR testing, and SLIPTA identified weaknesses in the quality management systems in the laboratories. Conclusion: Since the AMR Scorecard identified important gaps in AMR testing not detected by SLIPTA, it is recommended that microbiology laboratories use SLIPTA and the AMR Scorecard in parallel when preparing for accreditation. Expanding the use of the AMR Scorecard is a priority to address the need for quality clinical microbiology laboratory services in support of optimal patient care and AMR surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between Zn concentrations in serum and those in milk or faeces, and to assess the ability of the Zn concentrations in milk, serum and faeces to predict intake of ZnO in dairy cattle. Seventy cows from one commercial farm in the Waikato region of New Zealand received one of seven dose rates (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 g/100 kg bodyweight (BW)) of ZnO given by oral drench, every morning, for 7 consecutive days. Every afternoon, milk and blood samples were collected from all cows. Free-catch faecal samples were collected during the afternoon milking on 3 days throughout the trial. Linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between the concentration of Zn in serum and that in milk, and in faeces, respectively, and the relationship between dose rate of ZnO and concentrations of Zn in serum, faeces and milk, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the ability of the Zn concentration in serum, milk and faeces to predict that a cow had been treated with a dose of ZnO ≥2.5 g/100 kg, the industry-recommended dose rate needed to protect against facial eczema. A 1-µmol/L increase in Zn concentration in milk was associated with a 0.14 (95% CI = 0.11–0.17) µmol/L increase in Zn concentration in serum. Zn concentration in faeces was scaled by its SD; a 1 SD increase was associated with a 1.83 (95% CI = 0.54–3.12) µmol/L increase in zinc concentration in serum. Zn concentrations in serum and faeces increased with increasing dose rates of ZnO. No differences in Zn concentrations in milk were noted between animals dosed with 1.5–3.5 g ZnO/100 kg BW, inclusive. At the optimal threshold of Zn concentration in serum to predict protective ZnO intake (22 µmol/L), the sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.69–0.82) and specificity 0.85 (95% CI = 0.80–0.89). For the concentration of Zn in faeces, the optimal threshold was 17.36 mmol/kg, with a corresponding sensitivity of 0.84 (95% CI = 0.84–0.85) and specificity of 0.85 (95% CI = 0.73–0.94). At the optimal threshold for the Zn concentration in milk (76.6 µmol/L), the sensitivity was lower than the other two sample types at 0.59 (95% CI = 0.52–0.67), but with a similar specificity of 0.84 (95% CI = 0.79–0.88). The concentration of Zn in milk shows promise as an initial screening test to identify dairy farms that do not provide adequate zinc to provide protection against FE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults who suffer from incontinence are at substantial risk of developing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). In healthcare settings, several interventions have been implemented to prevent or manage IAD, and several absorbent products have been developed for incontinent patients; however, there is no systematic review that has reported on which absorbent products are effective for the prevention or management of incontinence-associated dermatitis. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of absorbent products in the prevention and management of IAD. MEDLINE (1946–August 31, 2020), CINAHL (1982–August 31, 2020), and Cochrane Library (August 31, 2020) were searched for relevant articles. Results: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, including two randomized controlled trials that were designed to evaluate the efficacy of absorbent products on the prevention or management of incontinence-associated dermatitis. Quality of evidence was assessed as low or very low. The findings revealed that some outcomes related to IAD prevention or improvement of IAD can be positively affected by the introduction of a new absorbent product or a difference in the frequency of pad changing, which can control the overhydration of the skin. The studies included in this review indicated that the problem of control of overhydration of the skin associated with urine and/or faeces can be controlled by absorbent products and these products may be effective for the prevention or management of incontinence-associated dermatitis. Future research with high-quality studies is required. • Effective management of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is also important as well as prevention of IAD. • This systematic review consolidates current knowledge about which absorbent products can prevent and manage IAD. • Eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. • Included studies suggest that limiting overhydration of the skin is critical for the prevention and management of IAD. • Quality of evidence of each study was assessed as low or very low. • Further high-quality studies related to this review question are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis is one of the most frequently detected protozoa in the human large intestine. One of the most effective and cheap methods for detecting Blastocystis in faeces is culture on a special medium in anaerobic conditions. Sampling faeces using traditional containers and their transport to the laboratory has certain limitations: a sample taken in this way should reach the laboratory relatively quickly, moreover, some patients are uncomfortable during sampling and protection of material in this way. We propose utilizing a swab for sampling and transportation of the faeces samples to be examined for Blastocystis instead of using traditional containers. We believe this is an excellent method allowing the material to be transported over longer distances without additional, and sometimes expensive, safety measures, and at the same time permitting the possibility of obtaining living cells after a relatively long period of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, its underlying pathophysiology is not completely established because IR is triggered by a complex interconnection of numerous factors impairing metabolism, promoting metabolome changes. We used a metabolomics approach to identify plasma and faecal metabolites related to IR and obesity. We explored a cohort of 44 subjects at baseline, with 30 of them followed two years thereafter in a longitudinal study after an hypocaloric diet in the obese subjects. In all individuals as a whole, 11 plasma metabolites positively associated with BMI (acetoacetate, creatinine, glycerol, glycerol of lipids, VLDL, fatty esters, myo-inositol, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine and valine) and one negatively (phosphocholine), with similar associations at baseline and follow-up. Four of these metabolites (myo-inositol, valine, acetoacetate and phosphocholine) remained significant within obese and non-obese groups. Thirteen faecal metabolites positively associated with BMI at baseline and one negatively (glutamine). However, these correlations did not remain significant at follow-up. The correlations were not always consistent at baseline and at follow-up and the metabolites that showed significant correlations were different for the obese group compared with the control group. The percent change in plasma Δethanolamine, Δglucose, Δuracil and Δhypoxanthine were positively associated with ΔBMI. The percent change in plasma Δphosphocholine and of faecal Δhydroxyphenylacetate, and Δ2-hydroxyphenylacetate were associated with ΔHOMA-IR in those patients that lost weight. Faecal branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) in faeces were associated with IR, following a similar pattern to that described for plasma BCAAs. Choline derivates had an opposite behaviour. The integration of plasma and faecal metabolites represents a valuable fingerprint that could help in the identification of patients at risk for IR and in the design of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent IR and the development of overt T2DM in the context of obesity. The results are coherent with diet having a much greater impact on faecal metabolomic profile than on plasma metabolome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine if an ELISA for measurement of IgA in equine serum could be used to measure concentrations of IgA in foal faeces and to determine correlations with concentrations in the milk of the dam. Methods: Faeces from 20 Welsh Cob and Welsh Pony foals and milk from their dams were collected within 12 hours (Day 0) and at 6 days after parturition (Day 6). On Day 6, faeces could not be collected from 2/20 foals, and milk samples could not be collected from 3/20 mares. An equine IgA ELISA validated for serum and plasma was used to measure concentrations of IgA in all samples in triplicate. The precision of the assay for each sample type was determined using modified CV. Results: IgA was not detectable in 7/20 Day 0 faecal samples and in 2/18 Day 6 faecal samples. For samples with detectable IgA, the mean modified CV was 10.5 (95% CI = 6.0–15.0)% for Day 0 faecal samples, and was 6.8 (95% CI = 4.3–9.4)% for Day 6 faecal samples. Median concentrations of IgA in faeces on Day 0 were lower than concentrations on Day 6 (0.7 mg/g vs. 37 mg/g dry matter; p = 0.003). Concentrations of IgA in milk and faeces on Day 6 were statistically correlated (r = 0.59; p = 0.006). Conclusions and clinical relevance: The IgA ELISA showed acceptable precision when used to estimate concentrations of IgA in foal faeces during the first week of life, but IgA could not be detected in 37% of meconium samples collected on Day 0. This assay may be useful for investigation of the role of maternal milk IgA in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal foals, but further assessment of both accuracy and precision of the ELISA is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetracycline- resistant bacteria have emerged due to the selective pressure of antimicrobial use. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oxytetracycline resistance of Escherichia coli from pigeon faecal samples. All strains were examined for the presence and types of oxytetracycline resistance determinants using disc diffusion and polymerase chain reaction methods. Of 50 faecal E. coli isolates, 30 (60%) were resistant to oxytetracycline. Polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated that the most common genes found in these isolates were tetB (43.3%) and tetA (30%). Only 10% and 3.3% of the isolates contained otrA and otrB , respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that oxytetracycline-resistant strains of E. coli are disseminated in pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Antibiotics change the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The magnitude of the effect of antibiotics on the microbiota and whether the effects are short-term or persist long-term remain uncertain. In this review, we summarise studies that have investigated the effect of antibiotics on the composition of the human intestinal microbiota.Methods: A systematic search was done to identify original studies that have investigated the effect of systemic antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota in humans.Results: We identified 129 studies investigating 2076 participants and 301 controls. Many studies reported a decrease in bacterial diversity with antibiotic treatment. Penicillin only had minor effects on the intestinal microbiota. Amoxicillin, amoxcillin/clavulanate, cephalosporins, lipopolyglycopeptides, macrolides, ketolides, clindamycin, tigecycline, quinolones and fosfomycin all increased abundance of Enterobacteriaea other than E. coli (mainly Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp.). Amoxcillin, cephalosporins, macrolides, clindamycin, quinolones and sulphonamides decreased abundance of E. coli, while amoxcillin/clavulante, in contrast to other penicillins, increased abundance of E. coli. Amoxicllin, piperacillin and ticarcillin, cephalosporins (except fifth generation cephalosporins), carbapenems and lipoglycopeptides were associated with increased abundance of Enterococcus spp., while macrolides and doxycycline decreased its abundance. Piperacillin and ticarcillin, carbapenems, macrolides, clindamycin and quinolones strongly decreased the abundance of anaerobic bacteria. In the studies that investigated persistence, the longest duration of changes was reported after treatment with ciprofloxacin (one year), clindamycin (two years) and clarithromycin plus metronidazole (four years). Many antibiotics were associated with a decrease in butyrate or butryrate-producing bacteria.Conclusion: Antibiotics have profound and sometimes persisting effects on the intestinal microbiota, characterised by diminished abundance of beneficial commensals and increased abundance of potentially detrimental microorganisms. Understanding these effects will help tailor antibiotic treatment and the use of probiotics to minimise this 'collateral damage'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective. It is easier and non-invasive to obtain faecal samples compared with blood samples. Molecular techniques may enable detection of parasites even in tiny amounts of blood-containing faeces. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of detection of three Babesia species and Hepatozoon canis in blood and faecal samples, including samples derived from naturally infected hosts. Materials and method. Three groups were involved: 1) Nine BALB/c mice infected with Babesia microti sampled during acute (n=3), post-acute (n=3) and chronic phases of infection (n=3); 2) Eight dogs with symptoms of babesiosis; 3) Six red foxes infected with B. vulpes, one fox infected with B. canis, four foxes infected with H. canis. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and faeces by use of commercial kits and amplified with genus-specific primers in one-step or nested PCR reactions. Selected PCR products were sequenced. Results. No positive results for faecal samples were obtained from H. canis-positive foxes in contrast to Babesia spp. infections. Positive results from PCRs were obtained for all BALB/c mice (100%), five dogs (62.5%) and four of seven foxes (57.1%). Successful sequencing was obtained for six selected murine samples (B. microti), four canine samples (B. canis) and for one fox sample (B. vulpes). The success of B. microti detection in murine faecal samples from acute, post-acute and chronic phases was identical (100%). Conclusions. Detectability of Babesia spp. infections was lower in naturally infected dogs and foxes, compared to experimentally infected mice. Detection of DNA in faecal samples can be useful in the detection of Babesia infection in populations from which blood samples are hard to obtain, but due regard must be given to the possibility that prevalence of infection may be severely underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, hyper-xylanase producing novel bacterial strains were isolated from faeces of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus). Considering the qualitative assay, off 27 bacterial isolates, three strains were observed to be the hyper producers of xylanase. The potent isolates were identified using biochemical as well as molecular characterization tools, and were categorized under Bacillus spp. Further, the production of extracellular xylanase was quantified up to 72 h using standard methodology. The hyper production of xylanase was observed in the order of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain LAA64 (998.32 ± 17.6 U/mL) > B. methylotrophicus strain DLA64 (937.89 ± 16.1 U/mL) and > B. velezensis strain DLLA28 (910.46 ± 14.5 U/mL) at 48 h of incubation period. Evidently, these novel strains were identified as promising source for xylanase yield. Xylanase represents one of the most important groups of industrial enzymes and thus xylanases obtained from Bacillus spp. suggest their wide applications in diversified industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of coat length and faecal hair removal on measured nutrient digestibility in longhair and shorthair cats. Methods A total of 14 adult domestic cats, with a mean ± SD body weight of 4.5 ± 1.21 kg and a mean ± SD age of 3.3 ± 1.38 years, were used for a nutrient digestibility trial. The nutrient digestibility of cats was measured by hair-included faeces and hair-removed faeces. Food was provided twice daily (09:00 h and 16:00 h) and water was provided ad libitum. Cats were adapted to a steel cage and diet for 16 days before a 10 day collection period. During the collection period, food offered, food refused and faecal output were measured daily and used for digestibility analysis. Results The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of longhair cats was underestimated by 8% (P = 0.02), 9% (P = 0.04) and 14% (P = 0.04), respectively. In shorthair cats, the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude ash increased by 4% (P = 0.01), 5% (P = 0.02) and 15% (P <0.01), respectively, with hair-removed faeces. The nutrient digestibility between longhair and shorthair cats showed no difference when hair-included faeces were used. However, when using hair-removed faeces, the digestibility of NDF and amino acids in longhair cats were about 4–8% higher than in shorthair cats (P <0.05). Conclusions and relevance This study showed that the nutrient digestibility values were affected by whether the hair in faeces was removed or not. Removing hair from faeces is a more precise method with which to evaluate the apparent nutrient digestibility of domestic cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ivermectin (IVM), a macrocylic lactone from the avermectin family, is a potent broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug widely used in veterinary as well as human medicine. Although the health benefits of IVM treatment are particularly important, this drug also represents an environmental pollutant with potentially negative effects on many non-target species. To evaluate the ecotoxicological risk of IVM administration to livestock, information evaluating achievable environment-reaching concentration is needed. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the excretion profile of subcutaneously administered IVM in sheep. The standard recommended dose of IVM (0.2 mg kg−1 b.w.) was used. UHPLC/MS/MS was used for the analysis of IVM faecal concentration. In addition, the effect of IVM on seed germination and early roots growth of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) was evaluated in order to estimate the potential phytotoxic effect of IVM. Based on the obtained results, the parameters of IVM pharmacokinetics (maximum concentration (c max), time to achieve maximum concentration (t max), mean residence time (MRT), area under the curve (AUC)) were calculated. IVM elimination in sheep was slow, but faster than the elimination reported previously in cattle. Great interindividual differences were also observed. A two-peak profile of concentration curves indicate the importance of the active efflux of IVM via enterocytes. A "seed germination and early roots growth" test revealed significant IVM phytotoxicity (20% inhibition of root growth) even at 50 nM concentration, a level which may be found in the environment. This newly demonstrated phytotoxicity of IVM together with its well-known toxicity to invertebrates should be taken into account, and thus animals treated with IVM should not be kept in pastures, especially not in sites with high ecological value. Highlights • Ivermectin has significant phytotoxicity effect. • Sheep excrete ivermectin for 13–17 days. • Treated sheep should not be kept in pastures. • Faeces from treated animals should not be used to fertilize the fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic debris, including plastics, has recently been identified as a major threat for marine mammals and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims to achieve the good environmental status of European waters by addressing among other criteria, the effects of marine litter on biota. This study implemented for the first time a non-invasive technique for collecting monk seal samples to assess microdebris ingestion in combination with identifying plastic additives and porphyrins biomarkers. A total of 12 samples of monk seal faeces were collected from marine caves in Zakynthos Island, Greece. A total of 166 microplastic particles were identified; 75 % of the particles were smaller than 3 mm. Nine phthalates and three porphyrins were detected. A strong correlation was found between the number of microplastics and the concentration of phthalates. The values of both phthalates and porphyrins were found lower than in other marine mammal tissues, suggesting that seals might not be impacted by them yet. [Display omitted] • Monk seal is used as a top predator indicator of microplastic incidence. • Concentration of phthalates were found related to microplastic incidence. • Porphyrins were studied to find effects of plastic pollutants. • Faeces is a non-invasive technique suggested for the MSFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of selected oocysts concentration methods, DNA extraction protocols and PCR assays targeting the B1 gene, for the development of procedures which would be effective and useful in laboratory practice for the detection of T. gondii in faecal samples from cats. Materials and method. In order to compare the influence of the flotation fluids on microscopy and PCR detection of T. gondii, saturated solutions of saccharose, MgSO4, ZnSO4 and NaNO3 were used. To determine the sensitivity of PCR tests used: Real time PCR (RT) and nested PCR, water samples spiked with T. gondii tachyzoites and oocysts were tested. DNA was extracted using DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen) (K1). The same PCR tests were used to assess the efficacy of T. gondii DNA detection in samples of cat faeces spiked with oocysts, using DNA extraction by a K1 set and a K2 set (QIamp DNA Stool Mini Kit, (Qiagen). Results. The initial results showed that NaNO3 was most useful as a flotation fluid due to the lack negative effect on the oocysts and amplification efficacy in PCR. The level of detection for water samples (100 µl) was determined as 100 tachyzoites and 1-50 oocysts in RT, and 2-20 oocysts in nested PCR. The limit of detection (LD) for stool samples (250 mg) spiked with oocysts, where the K1 set was used, determined as 250 and 5 oocysts in RT and nested PCR, respectively. For samples extracted with the K2 set, LD in RT was determined as 1-50 oocysts (depending on the variant) and 50 oocysts in nested PCR. Conclusions. The most effective methods for detection of T. gondii in cat faeces seem to be centrifugal flotation with NaNO3, followed by DNA extraction with removing of inhibitors (K2 set) and Real Time PCR targeting B1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a large literature on the impacts of micro-plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, very little research has focused on these pollutants in freshwater ecosystems. Recently, however, a few studies have demonstrated that micro-plastic pollutants are ingested by freshwater taxa, including birds. To explore this potential environmental threat in African freshwater systems we quantified micro-plastic pollutants in the faeces and feather brushings of seven southern African duck species. We analysed 283 faecal samples and 408 feather brushings, and found that 5% of faecal samples and 10% of feather samples contained micro-plastic fibres. The presence and abundance of micro-fibres differed between sampling sites, with significantly higher amounts recorded for the site that received effluent from a sewage treatment facility. Additionally, micro-fibre presence differed across duck species, indicating that foraging behaviour affects plastic ingestion. Our study confirms that African freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support are under threat from micro-plastic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibernation is an extraordinary phenomenon evolved in many animals including some mammals, allowing them to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. This period represents a phase of fasting, which is known to affect the gut microflora in nonhibernating mammals. Since during hibernation the physiological parameters (e.g., body temperature) differ from values in nonhibernating individuals, the food starvation is not the only parameter affecting the gut microflora. However, little is known about gut microflora in hibernating mammals. This study is focused on the examination of the gut microflora of Mediterranean horseshoe bat ( Rhinolophus euryale) during hibernation. Faecal samples were collected during the winter from November 2014 to March 2015 and subsequently subjected to cultivation, non-cultivation analyses and morphological examination. Cultivation analysis revealed that the numbers of total cultivable bacteria, enterobacteria and enterococci in the faecal samples decreased during the hibernation and restored to pre-hibernation numbers at the end of hibernation. Results of non-cultivation analysis showed time-dependent (but surprisingly almost not individual-specific) changes in the gut microflora and decrease in bacterial variability dependent on hibernation stage. Changes in microflora were accompanied by changes in faecal content identified by morphological analysis. Our results demonstrate that hibernation affects the gut microflora of bats in significant degree in both quantitative and qualitative scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic intake by marine vertebrates has been widely reported, but information about its presence in continental waterfowl is scarce. Here we analyzed faeces of waterbirds species (European coot, Fulica atra , mallard, Anas platyrhynchos and shelduck, Tadorna tadorna ) for plastic debris in five wetlands in Central Spain. We collected 89 faeces of shelduck distributed in four lakes, 43.8% of them presented plastic remnants. Sixty percent of 10 faeces of European coot and 45% of 40 faeces of mallard contained plastic debris. Plastic debris found was of two types, threads and fragments, and were identified as remnants of plastic objects used in agricultural fields surrounding the lakes. Differences in prevalence of plastic in faeces, number of plastic pieces per excrement and size of the plastic pieces were not statistically significant between waterfowl species. Thus, our results suggest that plastic may also be frequently ingested by waterfowl in continental waters, at least in our study area. Future studies should address this potential problem for waterbird conservation in other wetlands to evaluate the real impact of this pollutant on waterbirds living in inland water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognised threat to global health. Obtaining data on the prevalence of AMR in environmental bacteria is key to understanding drivers and routes of transmission. Here, 325 Shiga toxin negative deer faecal samples—gathered from across the Scottish mainland—were screened for the presence of AMR Escherichia coli and investigated for potential risk factors associated with AMR occurrence. E. coli with resistance to antimicrobials of clinical health concern, including carbapenems and 3rd generation cephalosporins, were targeted. Ninety-nine percent of samples yielded E. coli , and the prevalence of resistant E. coli at the level of faecal samples was 21.8% (n = 71) for tetracycline, 6.5% (n = 21) for cefpodoxime, 0.3% for ciprofloxacin (n = 1), with no recorded resistance to meropenem. Potential risk factors for tetracycline and cefpodoxime resistance were investigated. The presence of broadleaved woodlands was significantly associated with both AMR phenotypes, which may relate to land use within or around such woodlands. Associated risk factors varied across resistance phenotype and deer species, with proximity or density of horses an indicator of significantly decreased and increased risk, respectively, or tetracycline and cefpodoxime resistance in E. coli from roe deer, but not from red deer. Distance from wastewater treatment plants was a significant risk factor for tetracycline resistance in E. coli from red deer but not from roe deer. Data indicated that AMR E. coli can occur in wild deer populations that are not directly exposed to the selective pressure exerted by antimicrobial treatment. Overall, resistance to critically important antimicrobials was found to be low in the studied population, suggesting no immediate cause for concern regarding human health. Utilising existing culling frameworks, wild deer in Scotland could function well as a sentinel species for the surveillance of AMR in the Scottish environment. [Display omitted] • Baseline of antimicrobial resistance in Scottish wild deer was established. • Whole faecal sample screening of wild deer faeces for resistant E. coli. • Low or no detectable levels of resistance to critically important antimicrobials. • Resistance associated with broadleaved woodlands, but varies by deer species. • Existing culling framework could facilitate nationwide surveillance of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: To investigate the plasma disposition and faecal excretion of eprinomectin (EPM) in non-lactating dairy cattle following topical and S/C administration. METHODS: Holstein dairy cows, 3.5–5 years-old, were selected 20–25 days after being dried off and were randomly allocated to receive EPM either topically (n=5) or S/C (n=5) at dose rates of 0.5 and 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight, respectively. Heparinised blood and faecal samples were collected at various times between 1 hour and 30 days after treatment, and were analysed for concentrations of EPM using high performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. RESULTS: The maximum concentration of EPM in plasma (Cmax) and the time to reachCmaxwere both greater after S/C administration (59.70 (SD 12.90) ng/mL and 1.30 (SD 0.27) days, respectively) than after topical administration (20.73 (SD 4.04) ng/mL and 4.40 (SD 0.89) days, respectively) (p<0.001). In addition, S/C administration resulted in greater plasma availability (area under the curve; AUC), and a shorter terminal half-life and mean residence time (295.9 (SD 61.47) ng.day/mL; 2.95 (SD 0.74) days and 4.69 (SD 1.01) days, respectively) compared with topical administration (168.2 (SD15.67) ng.day/mL; 4.63 (SD 0.32) days, and 8.23 (SD 0.57) days, respectively) (p<0.01). EPM was detected in faeces between 0.80 (SD 0.45) and 13.6 (SD 4.16) days following S/C administration, and between 1 (SD 0.5) and 20.0 (SD 3.54) days following topical administration. Subcutaneous administration resulted in greater faecal excretion than topical administration, expressed as AUC adjusted for dose (1188.9 (SD 491.64)vs.311.5 (SD 46.90) ng.day/g; p<0.05). Maximum concentration in faeces was also higher following S/C than topical administration (223.0 (SD 63.96)vs. 99.47 (SD 43.24) ng/g; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous administration of EPM generated higher plasma concentrations and greater plasma availability compared with topical administration in non-lactating cattle. Although the S/C route provides higher faecal concentrations, the longer faecal persistence of EPM following topical administration may result in more persistent efficacy preventing establishment of incoming nematode larvae in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Veterinary Archives / Veterinarski Arhiv is the property of University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: To explore risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis at the individual and household level in children in tropical Darwin, where animal faeces contaminated with Salmonella is thought to be common.Methods: A 2-year community based case-control study of children aged 0-4 years residing in Darwin and Palmerston from June 2006. Variables included behaviour, health, food, family and housing characteristics. Environmental samples were taken from houses of case and control children.Results: Of children whose parents were contacted, 59/131 cases and 95/222 controls were included. Salmonella was isolated from 41/56 (73%) case houses and 18/29 (62%) control houses (p = 0.29). Multivariate analyses showed breastfeeding 0.16 (p = 0.02), increasing age (months) 0.89 (p = 0.00) and daily vacuuming 0.18 (p = 0.06) were protective; consuming powdered formula milk 4.88 (p = 0.02), pet ownership 4.86 (p = 0.02), oral contact with animals 7.85 (p = 0.05), recent antibiotic use 10.01 (p = 0.03) and sweeping in the presence of children 3.73 (p = 0.04) were associated with sporadic salmonellosis.Conclusions: Salmonellosis in children under 5 years of age is associated with potentially modifiable risk factors other than food. Breastfeeding beyond 6 months, careful hygiene when preparing formula milk and around pets, frequent cleaning of infant play areas especially quick removal of animal faeces are behaviours likely to reduce childhood sporadic salmonellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Salmonella in the environment of case and control houses, and compare serovars isolated from cases and their houses.Methods: From 2005 to 2008, we tested samples from houses of 0-4 year old cases and community controls in Darwin and Palmerston for Salmonella. Case isolates were compared with environmental isolates. S. Ball and S. Urbana isolates were compared using Multiple Amplification of Phage Locus Typing (MAPLT) and Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA).Results: Salmonella were found in 47/65 (72%) case houses and 18/29 (62%) control houses; these proportions were not significantly different. In 21/47 (45%) houses, case and environmental isolates (from animal faeces, soil and vacuums) were indistinguishable. Multiple serovars were isolated from 20 (31%) case and 6 (21%) control houses. All but one environmental isolate are known human pathogens in the Northern Territory (NT). Each of the four pairs of S. Ball and S. Urbana were indistinguishable.Conclusions: Animal faeces were the most likely source of salmonellosis in cases. The similar prevalence of house isolates suggests that Salmonella is ubiquitous in this environment. The distinction of S. Ball and S. Urbana subtypes enabled linkage of human illness to environmental exposure. Environmental contamination with Salmonella is an important source of sporadic infection in children in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article compares the efficiency of a modified DNA stool Mini Kit of Qiagen with another DNA extraction method which features a modified silica with a guanidinium thiocianate (GuSCN) in terms of studying avian DNA in bat feces. Topics discussed include the features of the DNA extraction methods, the reason for the need to pulverize the stool before extraction and the improvements done on common methods of studying the avian diet composition of Nyctalus lasiopterus.

The article discusses the role of dogs as possible sources of transmission of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7 to humans. A Nigerian study was done on the faeces of diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic dogs for presence of the organism. Results showed that infected dogs resisted various antibiotics including ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. This multi-drug resistance of the isolates showed that dogs may serve as potential sources of VTEC O157:H7 to humans.

Abstract: Background: Infliximab is effective in human and murine IBD, but its pharmacodynamic is still poorly known. The aim of this study was to assess the affinity of infliximab to murine TNF-α, its role in murine colitis when administered intra-rectally and its levels in the blood, gut mucosa and stool of healthy and sick mice. Methods: An ELISA kit was built in order to assess the affinity of infliximab to human or murine-TNF-α. Human IgG were used as controls. DSS model of colitis on C57BL/6 mice was used to assess clinical efficacy of infliximab administered intravenously or by enema. Stool, serum and colon samples were collected to assess infliximab levels and histology for Rachmilewitz score. Results: Infliximab showed a good affinity both for human-TNF-α and murine-TNF-α. In DSS colitic mice infliximab ameliorated the severity of colitis, regardless of the administration route. In comparison with colitic mice, healthy mice displayed higher serum and mucosal infliximab levels, while detectable levels of infliximab were found in faeces, particularly in colitic mice. Conclusion: Our data support murine models to study infliximab pharmacokinetics and dynamics. Measurable levels of infliximab can be found at different concentrations in blood, intestinal mucosa and stool from healthy and sick mice, thus infliximab pharmacokinetics could have a major impact in human IBD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Increasing dietary zinc decreased the richness of the equine faecal microbiota • Zinc supplementation also decreased the fermentative activity of the microbiota • Effects were partly more pronounced for zinc chloride hydroxide than for zinc methionine Zinc supplements are often used in equine nutrition to support skin and hoof quality or the immune function. However, no data on the effects of dietary zinc on the intestinal microbiota of horses and ponies are available so far. In the present study, varying dietary zinc concentrations (maintenance (4 mg/kg BW0.75/day), 120 mg/kg dry matter (DM)/day and 240 mg/kg DM/day) were achieved by the supplementation of either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine (six treatment periods of 4 weeks each). Eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were included, and faecal samples were collected at the end of each treatment period to analyse the microbiota (16S rDNA sequencing) and microbial metabolites. With increasing dietary zinc concentrations, the richness of the faecal microbiota decreased, independently of the zinc compound used. In addition, a decrease of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres as well as of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of the animals was observed at high zinc intakes. Effects on the bacterial order, family and genus level were also detected, which were partly more pronounced for zinc chloride hydroxide. It can be concluded that high dietary zinc levels decrease the richness and fermentative activity of the faecal microbiota of horses and ponies. Although all animals were healthy throughout the study, the effects could be critical for gut health, and deserve more research. The detected differences between the zinc compounds used indicate differences in the bioavailability of organic and inorganic zinc sources in equines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: To determine whether systematic testing of faecal samples with a broad range multiplex PCR increases the diagnostic yield in patients with diarrhoea compared with conventional methods and a clinician initiated testing strategy. Methods: 1758 faecal samples from 1516 patients with diarrhoea submitted to two diagnostic laboratories were tested for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens by Fast-Track Diagnostics multiplex real-time PCR kits and conventional diagnostic tests. Results: Multiplex PCR detected pathogens in 530 samples (30%): adenovirus (51, 3%), astrovirus (95, 5%), norovirus (172, 10%), rotavirus (3, 0.2%), Campylobacter jejuni/coli (85, 5%), Salmonella spp. (22, 1%), Clostridium difficile (72, 4%), entero-haemorrhagic Escherichia coli (21, 1%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3, 0.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (1, 0.1%), and Giardia lamblia (59, 3%). In contrast, conventional testing detected a pathogen in 324 (18%) samples. Conclusions: Using a systematic approach to the diagnosis of gastroenteritis improved diagnostic yield. This enhanced detection with PCR was achieved by a combination of improved detection of individual pathogens and detection of pathogens not requested or unable to be tested by conventional tests. This approach also allowed earlier identification for most pathogens and created a workflow which is likely to adapt well for many diagnostic laboratories. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article examines the application of non-invasive population genetics (NIPG) to compare the DNA quality of tissue and faecal samples taken from the bat species, Myotis nattereri and Myotis mystacinus. It discusses the occurrence of errors in genotyping from faecal DNA and the comparable results of the extractions using frequency-based population genetics analysis. It offers information on the use of NIPG analysis as an alternative to tissue sampling and its viability when specimens are difficult to capture and belong to an endangered or rare species.

The article discusses two experiments which determined the effects of oral treatment of ewe lambs with a single high or multiple low doses of ground meadow-fescue seed with a high concentration of loline alkaloid on the excretion of loline alkaloids in urine and faeces. It notes the appearance of loline alkaloids and the loline base in urine within 15 minutes. The quantity of lolines excreted and the clinical chemistry parameters in blood and urine in both experiments are also reported.

The article discusses a study which determined faecal excretion and tissue localization of a low pathogenic avian influenza virus of subtype H5N2 by experimentally inoculating 4-week old Pekin ducks. Virus shedding in faeces quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the humoral immune response using a haemagglutination inhibition assay were monitored for 24 days. The study found that the low pathogenic avian influenza virus focus in the intestinal tract and lead to a delayed humoral response and to a faecal shedding in ducks.

Summary: Clostridium difficile causes a serious, occasionally fatal, hospital-acquired infection. The laboratory diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI) needs to be accurate to ensure optimal patient management, infection control and reliable surveillance. Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for C. difficile toxins have poor sensitivity when compared with cell culture cytotoxin assay (CTA) and toxigenic culture (TC). We performed a meta-analysis of the role of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in diagnosis of CDI. We analysed 21 papers, of which eight were excluded. We included publications of original research that used a ‘gold standard’ reference test (either CTA or TC). We also included publications that used culture without toxin testing of the isolate as a reference test even though this is not recognised as a gold standard. Exclusion criteria were failure to use a gold standard reference test and where the index test was used as the gold standard. Significant heterogeneity between study results justified the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy of GDH for the presence of C. difficile in faeces; when compared with culture it achieved a sensitivity and specificity of >90%. The SROC plot confirmed this finding. As a surrogate for toxigenic strains the GDH yields a specificity of 80–100% with a false positivity rate of ∼20%, as it detects toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains of the organism. However, GDH test has high sensitivity and negative predictive value and would be a powerful test in a dual testing algorithm when combined with a test to detect toxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Fungal fruiting bodies, which are organs that bear and disperse spores, are consumed by numerous invertebrates, including the collembolan Ceratophysella denisana. To examine the potential role of C. denisana in spore dispersal via gut passage, we conducted a laboratory study of spore resistance and gut-passage time of fungi during feeding by C. denisana. For most species examined, spores experienced nearly 100% damage through feeding. The gut-passage time was much shorter than the duration of feeding, indicating that most faeces are deposited on the fruit body without contributing to dispersal. Our results suggest that C. denisana potentially reduces fungal fitness by damaging spores and/or reducing the number of wind-dispersed spores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which investigated the incidence of Salmonella Typhimurium infection in dogs to asses the possible transmission of the diases from dogs to humans. Diarrhea was observed in a Nigerian local breed and in the Alsatian breed. It was recorded that both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic dogs were all resistant to erythromycin and Cloxacillin.

This aim of this paper is to evaluate the presence of Coronavirus in cat faeces and blood samples in order to establish the carriers and eliminators of this virus. The great importance of this carrier state consists in the fact that the cats, specially the ones from the holdhouses and from the owners that have at list two cats in the same house, because the coronavirus is highly contagious, but also can suffer mutations and transformation in feline infectious peritonitis virus which is lethal. We analysed samples from 30 healthy and with clinical signs cats and we observed that the virus was identified only in 4 faces samples using molecular methods like viral ARN extraction and amplification using RT- PCR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that compared qualitative examination of Fasciola gigantica eggs in faeces and bile with the detection of precipitating antibodies in sera by agar gel precipitation test (AGPT) in 1,000 cattle slaughtered at the Bodija municipal abattoir in Ibadan, Nigeria. Results of faecal and bile examination detected 33.5% and 38.9% of the animals as positive for fasciolosis, while 47.4% were positive by AGPT. In conclusion, the AGPT is found to become a better test for the herd diagnosis of bovine fasciolosis for veterinarians and other investigators in Nigeria.

Abstract: The incidence of browsing to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) saplings by red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Caledonian pinewoods has been shown to be correlated to faecal counts. However, on a seasonal basis, the relationships are weak and vary between habitats, and are therefore of low predictive power. This may in part be because faecal counts provide an index of habitat use integrated over many months, whereas browsing events are of much shorter duration. To examine the relationships between habitat use by deer and browsing further, we use 10 years’ dung counts from a Scottish estate to identify which habitats are used most heavily by deer, whether their preferences remain consistent over time and whether local browsing impact is more closely related to faecal deposition when integrated over a period of many years. Spring dung counts along permanent transects were modelled against a range of explanatory variables including habitat type. Indices of long-term browsing pressure were derived from measurements of pine saplings, but showed no clear relationship to habitat use. The two deer species showed broadly similar patterns in relation to habitat and location, but they differed in terms of which habitats showed the strongest changes in use as population levels changed. Model residuals were spatially aggregated and inter-correlated, suggesting that both species responded similarly to unrecorded factors influencing their winter distribution, such as disturbance, use of neighbouring habitats or local variation in forage quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ecological studies indicate that most Lactobacillus species found in the human gastrointestinal tract are likely to be transient (allochthonous), originating from either the oral cavity or food. In order to investigate if oral lactobacilli constitute a part of the faecal Lactobacillus biota, the Lactobacillus biota of saliva and faeces of three human subjects were investigated and compared at two time-points in a 3-months interval. Bacteriological culture, performed by incubation under standard (37°C, anaerobic) and alternative (30°C, microaerobic) conditions, as well as PCR-DGGE with group-specific primers were used to characterize the predominant lactobacilli. Cell counts varied among the subjects and over time, reaching up to 107 CFU/ml in saliva and 5×106 CFU/g in faecal samples. The species composition of the Lactobacillus biota of human saliva and faeces was found to be subject-specific and fluctuated to some degree, but the species Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus vaginalis were detected at both time-points in saliva and faecal samples of individual subjects. RAPD-PCR analysis indicated that several strains of these species were present both in the oral cavity and in the faecal samples of the same subject. Oral isolates of the species L. gasseri and L. vaginalis showing identical RAPD types were found to persist over time, suggesting that these species are autochthonous to the oral cavity. Our results together with recent published data give strong evidence that some lactobacilli found in human faeces are allochthonous to the intestine and originate from the oral cavity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Archipelagos often harbour taxa that are endemic and vulnerable to disturbance. Conservation planning and research for these areas depend fundamentally on accurate and current taxonomic inventories. Although basic ecological information is in its infancy, the temperate rainforest islands of coastal British Columbia are undergoing rapid human-caused modification, particularly logging. We report herein new mammal records for these islands as determined by prey remains in the faeces of Wolves (Canis Iupus), the area's apex mammalian terrestrial predator. Of particular interest is our detection of Marten (Martes americana) on islands previously inventoried and island occupancy by Moose (Alces alces), which have apparently migrated recently to coastal British Columbia. Remains in faeces provided valuable new species occurrence information, but more extensive and focused inventories are required to generate predictions of island occupancy by mammals based on biotic and abiotic landscape features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Seven obligately anaerobic, gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming organisms isolated from human sources were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the strains were genetically highly related to each other (displaying >99% sequence similarity) and represent a previously unknown sub-line within the Clostridium coccoides rRNA group of organisms. Strains of the unidentified bacterium used carbohydrate as fermentable substrates, producing acetic acid and lactic acid as the major products of glucose metabolism. The closest described species to the novel bacterium corresponded to Clostridium clostridioforme, although a 16S rRNA sequence divergence of 3% demonstrated they represent different species. Genomic DNA-DNA pairing studies confirmed the separateness of the unknown species and Clostridium clostridioforme. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is therefore proposed that the unknown bacterium, be classified as Clostridium bolteae sp. nov. The type strain of Clostridium bolteae is WAL 16351T(= ATCCT = BAA-613T, CCUGT= 46953T). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of browsing by deer on the regeneration of native Caledonian pinewoods were studied at two contrasting sites in the Highlands of Scotland: one with high winter use by red deer (Cervus elaphus), where regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) had been prevented by browsing, and one with lower use by red deer all year and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) also present, where regeneration had been suppressed. The principal aims were to examine the effects of habitat characteristics on the level of use by deer, and to test whether browsing of pine saplings and ground vegetation was related to habitat use by deer.Use of the sites by deer was estimated from dung pellet group density. A novel method for estimating the accumulation period of dung was developed, in which pellet group counts on paired plots, one of which was cleared, were compared. Habitat use by deer during winter and summer was related to topographical characteristics and ground vegetation cover. During winter at the high use site, red deer made greater use of lower altitude, more sheltered plots with a higher cover of heather (Calluna vulgaris) and blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), and less use of open, higher altitude plots dominated by wet heath. Habitat use by both deer species in summer and winter was much more evenly distributed across the lower use site, although there was an indication that roe deer might have favoured areas with greatest availability of pine sapling browse and blaeberry during summer.Seasonal differences in the incidence of browsing to pine saplings were observed at both sites. At the high use site, browsing incidence during winter could not be related to herbivore use at the plot scale. Browsing of the much larger pine saplings at the lower use site was heavier in summer than in winter. Leading shoots of saplings about 1 m tall were likely to be damaged in summer. Spatial variation in the annual utilisation of heather was related to deer use at both sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In eight fecal samples of 5 herbivorous animals from Fuzhou Zoo and Fuzhou Panda Center were found eight Bacillus thuringiensis isolates. Obtained isolates were characterized by crystal microscopy, cry identification, and assay against the development of Eimeria tenella oocyst in chicken embryo. Bt WCB1, WCB2, WCB3 and WCB8, originated from horse, spotted deer, giant panda and lesser panda, respectively, all exhibited bipyramidal and cuboidal crystal and harbored the same cry genes, which were cry1Cb, cry1Db, cry1Fa, cry1Ib and cry2Ab. WCB7, a Bt isolate with bipyramidal crystal from zebra, showed a different cry pattern, cry1Cb, cry1Db, cry1Fa and cry1Ia. Bt WCB6, the third Bt isolate from giant panda, also contained bipyramidal crystal, however, harbored cry1Ib only. It was noted that Bt isolate WCB5 contained cuboidal crystal and harbored an unknown cry3 gene. It was very interesting that no cry genes were detected from Bt isolate WCB4 with dot-like crystal. Parasporal crystal proteins of WCB3, WCB4 and WCB7 obviously inhibited the development of E. tenella oocyst in chicken embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine an influence of multicomponent preservative added to complete mixtures with lowered protein level for pregnant and lactating sows on nitrogen emission with faeces and physiological indices. The research material were 42 sows divided into 3 nutritional groups. The level of protein and amino acids in the control group was in accordance with recommendations included in Polish standards. The level of protein in experimental groups was lowered of 10 and 20%, and level of lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan was complemented to the level of the control group. The preservative in friable form was added to all mixtures for pregnant and lactating sows in amount of 0.8%. All sows during pregnancy and lactation were fed individually. Samples of faeces and urine from 8 sows from each group were collected at 60[sup th] and 105[sup th] day of pregnancy. The content of dry matter, nitrogen, fibre and ash was determined in faeces samples and nitrogen content was determined in urine. Blood from the jugular vein was collected from 24 sows (8 from each group) on 14[sup th] day of lactation, and protein and fat transformation indices and minerals content were determined in serum. The obtained results of faeces and urine analysis prove that sows from the experimental groups released lower amount of nitrogen by 4 and 7% in faeces at day 60[sup th], and of 10 and 12% in urine. During high pregnancy period (105[sup th] day) they released less nitrogen of 4 and 8% in faeces, and of 13 and 30% in urine. A decrease in total protein level and urea, and an increase in cholesterol level was observed in blood serum of both experimental groups sows. Protein level in mixtures fed did not influence neither the content of minerals in blood serum nor haematological indices of blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]