Rectal Feces Research Articles

Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) by measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites

The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) is a near-threatened species. Wild populations are affected by human activities, such as illegal hunting, egg harvesting and conversion of natural habitats to croplands. An indicator of disturbances is the increase of the glucocorticoid corticosterone, a stress hormone that helps to cope with life-threatening situations. Here, we evaluate and characterize adrenocortical function in the Greater Rhea by validating the use of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) to assess fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, and by comparing the time course of plasma corticosterone and fecal immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolite excretion. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge was performed and serial blood and fecal (cecal and rectal) samples were collected and analyzed by a corticosterone RIA. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to characterize fecal immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of two immunoreactive glucocorticoid metabolites in rectal and cecal Rhea feces. Greater Rheas responded to the ACTH challenge with a 30-fold increase in plasma corticosterone concentration 2 h post-injection, and a 30- to 40-fold increase in concentrations of glucocorticoid metabolites from rectal feces 4–6 h post-injection. In cecal feces, ACTH challenge produced an 11-fold increase. Therefore, collection of rectal feces would be more appropriated to ensure detection of minor increases in adrenocortical activity in this species. The adrenocortical response to ACTH found in Rhea was higher than what is usually observed in other birds and might be associated with their flightless condition and the use of running as an antipredator strategy.

Diet of the European badger ( Meles meles) in the Republic of Ireland: A comparison of results from an analysis of stomach contents and rectal faeces

The diets of mammals have been investigated primarily through the analysis of faecal samples. In our study we analysed both stomach contents, and rectal faeces from European badgers. This approach enabled a direct comparison of the information derived from these two sources. The dietary components found from each source were the same. However, it was found that, compared to stomach contents, the contribution to the diet, by volume, of plant litter, earthworms, Tipulid larvae and adult Carabid beetles were significantly overestimated by faecal analysis, while those of Noctuid larvae and Carabid beetle larvae were significantly underestimated. The analysis of stomach contents showed clear evidence of seasonality in the consumption of earthworms, Carabid beetle larvae, Tipulid larvae and Noctuid larvae. This seasonality was not as evident when the diet was inferred by the analysis of faeces. We propose that an analysis of stomach contents rather than of faeces, more accurately reflects the relative proportions of ingested food types, and the seasonality of the diet.

Comparison of Feces versus Rectal Swabs for the Molecular Detection of Lawsonia Intracellularis in Foals with Equine Proliferative Enteropathy

The purpose of the current study was to compare the molecular detection rate of Lawsonia intracellularis between feces and rectal swabs collected from 42 foals with suspected equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Fecal samples and rectal swabs were processed for DNA purification by using an automated extraction system. The purified DNA was then analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the aspartate ammonia lyase (aspA) gene of L. intracellularis. Absolute quantitation was calculated by using a standard curve for L. intracellularis and expressed as copy numbers of the aspA gene of L. intracellularis per microliter of purified DNA. The combined PCR detection rate for L. intracellularis was 90%, with 38 foals testing PCR positive in feces (33 samples), rectal swabs (32), or both (27). Six foals tested PCR positive only in feces, whereas 5 tested positive only in rectal swabs. Feces yielded a significantly higher aspA gene copy number of L. intracellularis than rectal swabs. Feces and rectal swabs tested PCR negative from 4 foals. In conclusion, the results showed that feces yielded similar numbers of PCR-positive results, with a higher L. intracellularis aspA gene load than rectal swabs. By analyzing dual samples, the PCR detection rate for L. intracellularis increased from 76% and 79% for rectal swabs and feces, respectively, to 90%. Rectal swabs should be considered as an alternative sample type for EPE-suspected patients with decreased or no fecal output.

Assessing Gut Microbial Diversity from Feces and Rectal Mucosa

Gut microbiota is the most complex bacterial community in the human body and its study may give important clues to the etiology of different intestinal diseases. Most studies carried out so far have used fecal samples, assuming that these samples have a similar distribution to the communities present throughout the colon. The present study was designed to test this assumption by comparing samples from the rectal mucosa and feces of nine healthy volunteers by sequencing libraries of 16S rRNA genes. At the family taxonomic level, where rarefaction curves indicate that the observed number of taxa is close to the expected one, we observe under different statistical analyses that fecal and mucosal samples cluster separately. The same is found at the level of species considering phylogenetic information. Consequently, it cannot be stated that both samples from a given individual are of similar composition. We believe that the evidence in support of this statement is strong and that it would not change by increasing the number of individuals and/or performing massive sequencing. We do not expect clinicians to stop using feces for research, but we think it is important to caution them on their potential lack of representativeness with respect to the bacterial biofilm on the rectal mucosa.

Polyclonal antibody based coproantigen detection immunoassay for diagnosis of Oesophagostomum columbianum infection in goats

A polyclonal antibody based coproantigen detection enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cAg-ELISA) for diagnosis of experimental and natural Oesophagostomum columbianum infection in goats was developed and evaluated. Adult O. columbianum worms, collected from the caecum and colon of slaughtered goats, were triturated and cultured for obtaining infective third stage larvae (L 3) and also used for preparation of excretory–secretory antigen (ESAg). Experimental goats were orally infected each with 600 L 3/kg of the body weight. Filter sterilized faecal supernatant, i.e. the coproantigen (cAg) was harvested from the rectal faeces of all the infected goats, on alternate days from day-5 till day-31 after the infection. Hyperimmune serum (HIS) against ESAg of O. columbianum was raised in rabbits. Molecular and antigenic characterization of ES products of O. columbianum by HIS revealed that 50 and 39 kDa polypeptides were immuno-dominant. Coproantigen detection ELISA was standardized by using the cAg as coating antigen and its subsequent binding with the HIS against ESAg of O. columbianum. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the standardized assay were determined by evaluating the assay on the faecal supernatant of 96 slaughtered goats taking into consideration their recorded parasitological status in respect of the abomasal and the intestinal parasites. The cAg-ELISA detected the prepatent oesophagostomosis on 20–24-day-post-infection with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 88, 89.13 and 88.54%, respectively. The assay is relatively easy to perform and would serve as a reliable tool for detection of caprine nodular oesophagostomosis.

Effect of N,N-dimethylglycine supplementation in parturition feed for sows on metabolism, nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance

The current pilot study assessed the influence of N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) on insulin sensitivity, glucose and fat metabolism, nutrient digestibility and reproductive performance of sows in the peripartal period. At day 105 of gestation, 25 sows were randomly assigned to the control (n = 13) or the DMG group (n = 12). Sows from the DMG group were supplemented with 1 g DMG/kg feed until day 3 of lactation. After an overnight fast 1 day after farrowing, a blood sample of each sow was drawn. The plasma was analyzed for insulin, glucose, fructosamine, leptin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglycerides (TG) and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. A rectal feces sample was collected and the apparent fecal digestibility (AFD) of crude fat (CFAT), crude protein (CP) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) was calculated after proximate analyses. Finally, a colostrum sample was collected from each sow and analyzed for the presence of DMG. Reproductive performance parameters were recorded. The results showed an improvement in the AFD of CFAT, CP and NFE when DMG was supplemented. This beneficial effect confirms the hypothesis that DMG acts as an emulsifying agent. The improvement in digestibility in the DMG group was accompanied by a numerical increase in plasma TG (P = 0.067). Plasma NEFA concentrations were not different between treatment groups. DMG supplementation neither affected glucose clearance nor influenced plasma insulin, glucose, fructosamine or leptin levels. TBARS and FRAP also remained unaffected, despite previously reported anti-oxidative properties of DMG. Furthermore, no significant impact on reproductive performance could be recorded. In conclusion, DMG supplementation significantly improved nutrient digestibility. Possible beneficial effects on energy metabolism and reproductive performance of sows should be tested when DMG is supplemented for a longer period of time or at a higher dose.

ULTRASONOGRAFIA TRANSRETAL PARA DETERMINAÇÃO DE GESTAÇÃO PRECOCE EM BORREGAS DA RAÇA SARDA

Exames ultrasonográficos transretais em série foram realizados para determinar o primeiro dia no qual a gestação poderia ser diagnosticada após acasalamento e para determinar a praticidade do uso do método, em condições normais de manejo dos animais sem prévio jejum e restrição de água. A ultrasonografia transretal foi feita diariamente desde o 12º até o 25º dias e uma vez no 35º dia após acasalamento, em borregas de um ano de idade da raça sarda. Os parâmetros utilizados para verificar a praticidade do método foram a necessidade ou não de remover as fezes do reto durante os exames, a possibilidade de fazer o exame devido às condições retais (gases, edema, etc.), a possibilidade de visualizar estruturas uterinas e ovarianas, e a possibilidade de fazer acurado diagnóstico de gestação com base em achados uterinos. O experimento mostrou que o exame ultrasonográfico transretal pode ser usado com sucesso no diagnóstico precoce da gestação em borregas de 1 ano de idade, sem a necessidade de prévio jejum alimentar, sem elevação do abdômen durante o exame e sem a necessidade de manter as borregas em decúbito dorsal. Verificou-se que o método é prático e pode ser utilizado durante o manejo diário do rebanho, em termos de alimentação e de disponibilidade de pessoal auxiliar.

Antimicrobial-resistant faecalEscherichia coliin wild mammals in central Europe: multiresistantEscherichia coliproducing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in wild boars

To determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant faecal Escherichia coli in populations of wild mammals in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Rectal swabs or faeces collected during 2006-2008 from wild mammals were spread on MacConkey agar and MacConkey agar containing 2 mg l(-1) of cefotaxime. From plates with positive growth, one isolate was recovered and identified as E. coli. Susceptibility to 12 antibiotics was tested using the disk diffusion method. Resistance genes, class 1 and 2 integrons and gene cassettes were detected in resistant isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were further characterized by DNA sequencing, macrorestriction profiling and determination of plasmid sizes. Plasmid DNA was subjected to EcoRV digestion, transferability by conjugation and incompatibility grouping by multiplex PCR. The prevalence of resistant isolates was 2% in small terrestrial mammals (rodents and insectivores, n(E. coli) = 242), 12% in wild ruminants and foxes (n(E. coli) = 42), while no resistant isolates were detected in brown bears (n(E. coli) = 16). In wild boars (Sus scrofa) (n(E. coli) = 290), the prevalence of resistant isolates was 6%. Class 1 and 2 integrons with various gene cassettes were recorded in resistant isolates. From wild boars, five (2%, n(rectal smears) = 293) multiresistant isolates producing ESBL were recovered: one isolate with bla(CTX-M-1) + bla(TEM-1), three with bla(CTX-M-1) and one with bla(TEM-52b). The bla(CTX-M-1) genes were carried on approx. 90 kb IncI1 conjugative plasmids. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli occurred in populations of wild mammals in various prevalences. Wild mammals are reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant E. coli including ESBL-producing strains which were found in wild boars.

A human, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplementation: effects on luminal, inflammatory, epigenetic, and epithelial biomarkers of colorectal cancer

BackgroundDiet is an important factor in colorectal carcinogenesis; thus, dietary supplements may have a role in colorectal cancer prevention. ObjectiveThe objective was to establish the relative luminal, epithelial, and epigenetic consequences of prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic dietary supplementation in humans. DesignThis was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-wk crossover trial of resistant starch and Bifidobacterium lactis, either alone or as a combined synbiotic preparation, in 20 human volunteers. Rectal biopsy, feces, and serum samples were collected. The rectal mucosal endpoints were DNA methylation at 16 CpG island loci and LINE-1, epithelial proliferation (Ki67 immunohistochemistry), and crypt cellularity. The fecal endpoints were short-chain fatty acid concentrations, pH, ammonia, and microbiological profiles (by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing). Serum endpoints were a panel of cytokines and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. ResultsSeventeen subjects completed the entire study. The synbiotic intervention fostered a significantly different fecal stream bacterial community than did either the prebiotic (P = 0.032) or the probiotic (P = 0.001) intervention alone, in part because of a greater proportion of patients harboring fecal Lachnospiraceae spp. These changes developed in the absence of any significant differences in fecal chemistry. There were no differences in epithelial kinetics. ConclusionsThis synbiotic supplementation with B. lactis and resistant starch, in the doses used, induced unique changes in fecal microflora but did not significantly alter any other fecal, serum, or epithelial variables. This trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN012606000115538.

Ruminal ecology of swamp buffalo as influenced by dietary sources

Four, 3-year old, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to received four dietary treatments; factor A = 2 sources of energy (cassava chip and corn cobs), factor B = 2 levels of urea in concentrate mixture (15 and 30 g/kg). During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 5 g/kg BW while 50 g/kg urea-treated rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. Feeds, rumen fluid and rectal feces were collected for chemical analyses during each experimental period (21 days). In addition, rumen fluid was analyzed for, pH, temperature and NH 3-N concentration and microbial population and diversity by using direct count technique, roll-tube technique and molecular techniques including PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR technique. It was found that energy sources and urea levels had no effects on rumen pH, temperature, NH 3-N and total VFA concentrations as well as proportion of individual VFA. Energy sources especially cassava chip had a higher protozoal population than those of corn cob while urea had no effect. The two factors, energy sources and urea levels resulted in similar rumen bacterial and fungal zoospore population. Similarly with nutrient digestion coefficients, there were no differences among treatments, while cassava chip gave a slightly higher intake of urea-treated rice straw than corn cob fed group. Methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria were variable among treatments and were highest in corn cob with 15 g/kg urea fed group which were higher than those in other groups. In addition, the use of PCR-DGGE has found diversity of rumen microorganisms particularly methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria. Moreover, using of real-time PCR technique provided that population of Fibrobacter succinogenes had relatively higher than those Ruminococus flavefacieus and Ruminococus albus. Based on this study, corn cob and urea at 15 g/kg could be efficiently utilized in the rumen and thus, could provide good fermentation end-products and improve rumen ecology for the host swamp buffaloes.

Escherichia coliO157 in the Rectoanal Mucosal Region of Cattle

The rectoanal junction mucosal region is the site of colonization of Escherichia coli O157 in cattle. Our objective was to determine the genetic relatedness of E. coli O157 in the mucosa of the rectoanal junction to isolates from colon contents and feces. Colon contents and rectums were collected from cattle at harvest. Rectums were opened and feces were sampled with a cotton swab. The mucosa of the rectum was cleansed free of visible feces with water and saline. The region, 2 to 5 cm proximal to the rectoanal junction, was swabbed with a foam-tipped applicator and then incisions were made in this region and the submucosa was swabbed with an applicator. Isolation and identification of E. coli O157 was performed in accordance with well-documented methods. Prevalence of E. coli O157 in the colon contents, feces, rectal mucosa, and rectal submucosa was 21%, 29%, 54%, and 34%, respectively. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to compare clonal similarity among isolates from different sampling regions. Sixty-seven cattle had E. coli O157 isolated from the rectal mucosa swab and feces of which 82% were clonally similar (dice similarity >95%) within animal. Escherichia coli O157 isolates from feces and colon contents were similar in 76% of cattle, but E. coli O157 isolates from the rectoanal mucosal swab and colon contents were only similar in 61.4% of cattle. Our results suggest that E. coli O157 in the feces may be from two sources, colonized in the rectoanal mucosa or transient in the gastrointestinal tract.

Genetic analysis of faecal worm egg count in South African Merinos under natural challenge

Sheep from a Merino selection experiment at the Tygerhoek research farm in the Southern Cape provided material for this study. The selection lines involved included a line selected for clean fleece weight, a “Wet and Dry” line, a fine wool line and an unselected Control line. Rectal faeces samples were obtained from individual animals at 13 to 16 months of age, after drenching was withheld for at least 10 weeks. Nematode eggs in these samples were counted. Fitting the appropriate fixed effects, the heritability of untransformed, cube root transformed and log transformed faecal nematode egg count (FEC) was obtained from single-trait analyses. The effects of sex and birth year were involved in a significant interaction. Means for FEC were generally higher in ram progeny than in ewes, but the magnitude of the sex difference was not consistent. Multiple lambs had a slightly lower mean for FEC than singles, while FEC was unaffected by dam age. The heritability of FEC was estimated at between 0.14 for untransformed data and 0.18 for log transformed FEC. Genetic correlations of log transformed FEC with two-tooth staple strength (-0.49) and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (0.30) were favourable. Clean fleece weight was unfavourably related to FEC on a genetic level (0.19). Selection for resistance to parasitic nematodes after natural challenge should thus be feasible in the Merino lines studied. Keywords : Fleece weight; genetic correlation; heritability; live weight; resistance South African Journal of Animal Science Vol. 37 (4) 2007: pp.237-247

Dietary specific antibodies in spray-dried immune plasma prevent enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC) post weaning diarrhoea in piglets

In order to establish the mechanism of spray dried plasma powder (SDPP) in improving pig health and performance, a diet containing either 8% SDPP, spray dried immune plasma powder (SDIPP), or control protein (soybean and whey) ration was fed to piglets in an experimental model of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC) post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD). SDIPP was obtained from pigs immunized with a vaccine containing ETEC fimbrial subunit F4 and heat-labile toxin (LT), and SDPP from non-immunized controls. Average daily growth (ADG) was determined, and daily samples of rectal faeces were assessed for diarrhoea (as percentage of dry matter), and ETEC excretion (in CFU/g). SDPP and SDIPP significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced diarrhoea, and SDIPP significantly reduced ETEC excretion. ADG was not significantly ( p > 0.05) affected. After the experiment, 30% of piglets tested F4 receptor positive (F4R+). A significant correlation between F4R status and morbidity was found. In F4R+ animals, SDIPP significantly improved diarrhoea and ADG, and decreased ETEC excretion, and SDPP significantly improved diarrhoea and ADG. Surprisingly, SDPP reduced diarrhoea in F4R+ animals without significant reduction of ETEC excretion, which is most likely related to the presence of anti-LT antibodies in SDPP. The results show that oral protection against ETEC by SDPP is attributable to spontaneous antibodies, in this case anti-LT antibodies. Furthermore, the results indicate that the combination of anti-LT and anti-F4 antibodies as in SDIPP is most effective in ETEC prevention. Finally, the F4R distribution in the herd should be taken into account to correctly assess efficacy.

Fecal Shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in North Dakota Feedlot Cattle in the Fall and Spring

Cattle are an important reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7, which can lead to contamination of food and water, and subsequent human disease. E. coli O157:H7 shedding in cattle has been reported as seasonal, with more animals shedding during summer and early fall than during winter. North Dakota has relatively cold weather, especially in winter and early spring, compared with many other regions of the United States. The objective was to assess fecal shedding of E. coli O157: H7 in North Dakota feedlot cattle over the fall, winter, and early spring. One hundred forty-four steers were assigned randomly to 24 pens on arrival at the feedlot. Samples of rectal feces were obtained from each steer four times (October and November 2003, and March and April 2004) during finishing. On arrival (October 2003), 2 (1.4%) of 144 cattle were shedding E. coli O157:H7. The shedding increased significantly to 10 (6.9%) of 144 after 28 days (November 2003), to 76 (53%) of 143 at the third sampling (March 2004), and dropped significantly to 30 (21%) of 143 at the fourth (last) sampling (March 2004) before slaughter. Unfortunately, we were unable to sample the cattle during winter because of the extreme weather conditions. Sampling time significantly (P < 0.0001) influenced variability in E. coli O157:H7 shedding, whereas herd (P = 0.08) did not. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 shedding in North Dakota steers in fall and early spring was comparable to what has been reported in other parts of the United States with relatively warmer weather. Further research into E. coli O157:H7 shedding patterns during extreme weather such as North Dakota winters is warranted in order to fully assess the seasonal effect on the risk level of this organism.

Cranial helminths of Mustela vison Schreber, 1777 in Spain

A survey was carried out to investigate the presence of cranial helminths in 337 American minks ( Mustela vison) from Spain. This information was obtained partly in order to evaluate potential conservation problems and sanitary risks to the congeneric European mink ( Mustela lutreola), one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. Skulls and rectal faeces of each specimen were simultaneously analysed. Troglotrema acutum and Skrjabingylus nasicola were found in 5.6% of the M. vison analysed. No cranial lesions were seen in any of the examined skulls. The finding of both helminths in Spanish free-living M. vison specimens enlarges their natural definitive host spectrum in Western Europe. One relatively important focus of T. acutum in M. vison was detected (30.4%) in the Spanish Álava province while S. nasicola was found to be very infrequent. The suitability of both analytical methods was assessed in order to know to what degree coprological analysis reflects the real prevalence of cranial helminths in this host. It is possible to conclude that coprological analysis can be used instead of necropsies to analyse the possible incidence of pathogenic cranial helminths in mustelids. This aspect is very important and useful when trying to analyse the helminthological status of endangered species such as the native mink ( M. lutreola) particularly in areas where both congeneric species are present and strict competition occurs.

Neoformation of boldenone and related steroids in faeces of veal calves

Conflicting findings regarding the boldenone content of bovine faeces suggest it may be synthesized de novo in emitted faeces. We tested this hypothesis by analysing uncontaminated urine, fresh and various forms of dried faeces from 10 calves (not given boldenone) by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for 17α- and 17β-boldenone (α and β BOL); 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD); 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AED), testosterone (T) and epitestosterone (ET). Urine contained no α BOL, β BOL or ADD. The analysed substances were variably present in the rectal faeces, and at generally higher levels in faeces scraped from skin or stall floor. In pooled rectal faeces naturally dried for 13 days, α BOL, ADD, AED and ET levels were extremely high (much higher than accounted for by increases due to drying), and β BOL and T were absent. It is concluded that de novo synthesis of α BOL and metabolites occurs naturally in bovine faeces and only uncontaminated urine should be analysed for illegal boldenone.

A case of infant botulism with a possible link to infant formula milk powder: evidence for the presence of more than one strain of Clostridium botulinum in clinical specimens and food

Infant botulism was confirmed in a 5-month-old female by both isolation of Clostridium botulinum type B and by detection of type B botulinum neurotoxin in rectal washout and faeces. DNA fingerprinting of nine isolates from faeces yielded two different amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) patterns. C. botulinum was isolated from two of 14 food and drink items from the patient's home: C. botulinum type A was recovered from an opened container of dried rice pudding and C. botulinum type B from opened infant formula milk powder. Ten C. botulinum type B isolates from the opened infant formula yielded four AFLP patterns, two of which were indistinguishable from the clinical isolates. Fifteen unopened foods were tested and C. botulinum type B of a unique AFLP pattern was recovered from one unopened infant formula of the same batch as the opened container. It is suggested that multiple C. botulinum were present in both food and the intestine during infant botulism.

Potential Impact of Nutritional Strategy on Noninvasive Measurements of Hormones in Birds

The dietary preferences, gastrointestinal anatomy, digestive physiology, biochemical capabilities, and commensal microflora of a bird are collectively known as its nutritional strategy. Measurement of hormones in droppings requires an appreciation of an animal's nutritional strategy in order to optimize collection protocols, validate techniques, interpret results, and minimize variability and artifacts. Foods of animal origin, nectar, and seeds are highly digestible by relatively simple digestive tracts and result in low rates of feces production. Most frugivorous species also have simple digestive tracts, and they digest the fruit's simple sugars and proteins, but not the fiber in its pulp. Consequently, retention time of food in the digestive tract is short, and their droppings are voluminous. Herbivorous species possess enlarged ceca that house microorganisms that aid in the digestion of fibrous components of their food. Part of the digesta enters the ceca and is subjected to lengthy microbial fermentation. The rest is excluded and quickly passes through the rectum, and is quickly defecated. For measurement of hormones in droppings it appears prudent to collect only rectal feces and to avoid cecal feces. One-third of the avian families are omnivorous and consume a wide variety of foods. Their digestive strategies are highly variable and change with diet, as does the amount and composition of feces and the rate of passage.

Diffusion-weighted Single Shot Echo Planar Imaging of Colorectal Cancer Using a Sensitivity-encoding Technique

We wanted to determine the feasibility of diffusion-weighted single shot echo planar imaging using a sensitivity-encoding technique (SENSE-DWI) in depicting colorectal cancer. Forty-two patients with sigmoid colon cancer and rectal cancer, all proven pathologically, were examined on T2-turbo spin echo (TSE) and SENSE-DWI. No bowel preparation was performed before examination. The b-factors used in SENSE-DWI were zero and 1000 s/mm(2). In 10 randomly selected cases, the images whose b-factors were 250 and 500 s/mm(2) were also obtained. The reduction factor of SENSE was 2.0 in all sequences. Two radiologists evaluated the obtained images from the viewpoints of tumor detectability, image distortion and misregistration of the tumors. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the tumors and urine in the urinary bladders in each patient were measured to evaluate the correlation between ADC and pathological classification of each tumor. All tumors were depicted hyperintensely on SENSE-DWI. Even though single shot echo planar imaging (EPI) was used, the image distortion and misregistration was quite pronounced because of simultaneous use of SENSE. On SENSE-DWI whose b-factor was 1000 s/mm(2), the normal colon wall and feces were always hypointense and easily differentiated from the tumors. The mean ADC value of each tumor was 1.02 +/- 0.1 (x 10(-3)) mm(2)/s. No overt correlation can be pointed out between ADC and pathological classification of each tumor. SENSE-DWI is a feasible method for depicting colorectal cancer. SENSE-DWI provides strong contrast among colorectal cancers, normal rectal wall and feces.

National survey for Salmonella in pigs, cattle and sheep at slaughter in Great Britain (1999-2000)

The objective of these surveys was to estimate the prevalence of faecal carriage of Salmonella in healthy pigs, cattle and sheep at slaughter, and of pig carcase contamination with Salmonella. These data can be used as a baseline against which future change in Salmonella prevalence in these species at slaughter can be monitored. In this first randomized National Survey for faecal carriage of Salmonella in slaughter pigs, cattle and sheep in Great Britain, 2509 pigs, 891 cattle and 973 sheep were sampled in 34 pig abattoirs and 117 red meat abattoirs in England, Scotland and Wales. Carriage of Salmonella in 25 g caecal contents was identified in 578 (23.0% pigs) but in only 134 (5.3%) of carcase swabs. The predominant Salmonella serovars found in both types of sample were S. Typhimurium (11.1% caeca, 2.1% carcases) and S. Derby (6.3% caeca, 1.6% carcases). The main definitive phage types (DT) of S. Typhimurium found were DT104 (21.9% of caecal S. Typhimurium isolates), DT193 (18.7%), untypable strains (17.6%), DT208 (13.3%) and U302 (13.3%). Three isolates of S. Enteritidis (PTs 13A and 4) and one enrofloxacin-resistant S. Choleraesuis were also isolated. A positive 'meat-juice ELISA' was obtained from 15.2% of pigs at 40% optical density (O.D.) cut-off level and 35.7% at 10% cut-off. There was poor correlation between positive ELISA results or carcase contamination and the caecal carriage of Salmonella. The ratio of carcase contamination to caecal carriage rates was highest in abattoirs from the midland region of England and in smaller abattoirs. In cattle and sheep 1 g samples of rectal faeces were tested. Two isolates (i.e. 0.2%) were recovered from cattle, one each of S. Typhimurium, DT193 and DT12. One sheep sample (0.1%) contained a Salmonella, S. Typhimurium DT41. In a small subsidiary validation exercise using 25 g of rectal faeces from 174 cattle samples, three (1.7%) isolates of Salmonella (S. Typhimurium DT104, S. Agama, S. Derby) were found. The carriage rate of Salmonella in prime slaughter cattle and sheep in Great Britain was very low compared with pigs. This suggests that future control measures should be focused on reduction of Salmonella infection on pig farms and minimizing contamination of carcases at slaughter. This work has set baseline figures for Salmonella carriage in these species slaughtered for human consumption in Great Britain. These figures were collected in a representative way, which enables them to be used for monitoring trends and setting control targets.