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Biomedical subjects

R Verrall

Publications and source records attributed to R Verrall.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of oral dosing with calcium propionate on total calcium and glucose concentrations in the plasma of the cow.

This study aimed to determine the effect of oral drenching with molasses, calcium propionate and MgO on plasma glucose and calcium concentrations of dairy cows. Four trials were undertaken, each using three lactating and three non-lactating Jersey cows. In Trial 1, the effect of drenching with 200 ml molasses was measured. Trial 2 measured the effect of a single treatment with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses. In Trial 3, the effect of 60 g MgO in molasses alone and in combination with calcium propionate was measured. Trial 4 tested the effect of repeating treatments with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses 24 h apart. Dosing with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses increased plasma total calcium (Catot) concentration by 10% in lactating and non-lactating cows for periods less than 7 h, and this was not augmented by simultaneous administration of MgO or treatment 24 h earlier with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses. Treatment with 200 ml molasses alone resulted in increased plasma Catot of 7%. Plasma glucose concentrations were elevated by 11% for less than 3 h after treatment with calcium propionate. For the prevention of subclinical hypocalcaemia and ketosis in early lactation, drenching with calcium propionate solutions is unlikely to be of value due to the short duration of its effects, but the inclusion of calcium propionate in the postpartum ration deserves further investigation.

Administration, Oral↗

Rhodococcus equi--an increasingly recognized opportunistic pathogen. Report of 12 cases and review of 65 cases in the literature.

Rhodococcus equi, a gram-positive, weakly acid-fast coccobacillus, initially isolated from horses, is becoming increasingly recognized as an important pathogen for immunosuppressed human hosts since the first human case was reported in 1967. A review of the English medical literature yielded 53 cases. During the last 11 years, the microbiology laboratories of the authors isolated the organism from 12 patients. Of the total 65 cases, 60 occurred in immunosuppressed patients with HIV infection, malignant neoplasms, or chronic immunosuppressive therapy. The lung is the most common primary site of infection. Typically, the lesion is densely infiltrated by histiocytes with multiple microabscesses. Intracellular gram-positive coccobacilli are easily demonstrated. R equi grows well on routine non-selective media at 35 degrees C. Previously, many cases may have been missed because the organism resembles oropharyngeal commensal diphtheroids. Clinical information with gram and Kinyoun strains on fresh isolates is helpful in recognizing the possibility of R equi infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The Streptococcus milleri group.

The Streptococcus milleri group is newly recognized as a cause of pyogenic infection. It is important that microbiologists and physicians become aware of these organisms. The heterogeneous nature of this group of streptococci does mean that laboratories will have to use a combination of antigenic, physiologic, and hemolytic characteristics to identify these pathogenic streptococci. Physicians need to recognize that these microorganisms as a group are able to cause serious infections that may require prolonged treatment and/or surgical drainage of abscesses.

Female↗

Serratia marcescens.

Serratia marcescens is now recognized as a serious pathogen and of particular importance in nosocomial infections. Both hand-to-hand and point-source transmission can result in outbreaks. The organism is easily grown and identified in the microbiology laboratory. Treatment may be difficult due to plasmid-mediated resistance. Typing systems are available and can be useful for epidemiologic studies.

Bacterial Infections↗