European field study of the efficacy and safety of the novel anthelmintic monepantel in sheep

During 2007, a large-scale controlled, multicentre, blinded and randomised field study was conducted in Scotland, England and France to assess the efficacy and safety of monepantel, the first molecule to be developed from the recently discovered amino-acetonitrile derivatives class of anthelmintics, in sheep. Monepantel was administered orally, at a minimum dose of 2.5 mg/kg bodyweight, for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep maintained at pasture in a range of commercial production systems. Efficacy was measured by faecal egg count (FEC) reduction tests seven days after treatment and was demonstrated to be over 98 per cent against mixed-genus infections. The reduction in FEC of monepantel-treated sheep was statistically significantly greater than in untreated control sheep (P<0.0001). The efficacy of monepantel against mixed-genus natural field infections of the major gastrointestinal nematodes was in agreement with similar studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand. There were no treatment-related adverse events during the study, which included the use of a range of concomitant treatments.

A High-Temperature Electrical Conduction Mechanism in the Lower Mantle Phase (Mg,Fe)1-xO

Measurements of electrical conductivity at high pressure and temperature were taken on the lower mantle phase magnesiowustite with varying Fe3+ content. Although previous measurements at atmospheric pressure suggest Fe2+-Fe3+ hopping (small polaron) as the dominant conductivity mechanism, the present experiments show a change in charge transport mechanism with temperature. The lower temperature measurements are consistent with small polaron conduction, but at higher temperatures, which are more applicable to the lower mantle, a large polaron mechanism is suggested. Because these mechanisms have different temperature and compositional dependencies, this transition has important implications for extrapolation to mantle conditions.

Use of a uterine pessary to prevent infection of the uterus of the cow after parturition

A uterine pessary containing penicillin, streptomycin, formosulphathiazole and ethinyloestradiol, was assessed for its efficacy in reducing the frequency and severity of uterine infections in cows after parturition. Fifteen pluriparous Holstein Friesian cows had pessaries inserted into the uterus within 24 hours after calving. Compared with 14 similar untreated cows there were significant reductions in the number infected by Actinomyces pyogenes and in the number exhibiting abnormal uterine discharges.