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Biomaterials, natural or synthetic materials that have been adapted for clinical use, have been a historically important tool in the development of care regimen for many years. In order to be considered successful, the material must be strong, fit to purpose and biocompatible. Calcium sulphate (CS), a naturally occurring compound, has often been used clinically as a bone cement or void filling biomaterial, precisely due to its biocompatibility, rigidity, and capacity to be fully resorbed. A significant danger to the success of biomaterials as biological implants is that of microbial invasion and adhesion to the surface material which drives infection of the surrounding area, and this can require many lengthy and costly procedures to correct. To address this issue, the resorptive properties of calcium sulphate have often been studied to examine their potential for release of antibacterial compounds to help combat local infection. However, there has been little said for those infections driven by fungal organisms. It was hypothesised that antifungal-loaded CS beads would be successful in eluting antifungal agents, consistently, over a period of 7-days, and would significantly inhibit both planktonic and sessile fungal cells of clinically relevant organisms. Firstly, it was the aim to determine what, if any, concentration of drug was eluted from CS beads and if it was sufficient to provide a minimum inhibitory concentration against clinically relevant fungi. Next, it was an aim to investigate how the CS beads might inhibit pre-grown and developing biofilms. Finally, it was an aim to investigate what, if any, effect beads may have on fungal cells incubated alongside host tissue. To close the loop and explore future directions in the field, the literature relating to wound biofilms was interrogated to provide a quantitative analysis of terms relating to the topic, as well as highlight the relevance of this study to the field. A panel of 16 fungal species were selected and challenged, planktonically, over 7 days, through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests to determine eluted dose and longevity from antifungal CS beads. Pre-grown biofilms were incubated alongside CS beads to determine capacity for biofilm inhibition, this was visualised by light and scanning electron micrography (SEM) and quantified through biomass and viability assays, and live/dead quantitative PCR. The inhibition of the developing biofilm was also examined through application of a novel hydrogel model via colony count, live/dead PCR and SEM. Candida auris was examined within a co-culture system alongside antifungal CS beads and analysed via qPCR and for gene expression of inflammatory markers. Finally, key terms and trends relating to wound biofilms were examined via bibliometric analysis using the Bilbioshiny® Shiny app for RStudio® Antifungal CS beads were determined to elute concentrations of antifungal drugs far exceeding MIC level, consistently, over a 7-day period inhibiting several key fungal pathogens. Inhibition of pre-grown fungal biofilms was also successful, with significant reduction of C. albicans cells across all treatments and timepoints (P

Fleas, mainly Ctenocephalides felis on both cats and dogs, are a very basic but continuing and common issue in veterinary practice. Fleas are important for their direct effects on infested pets, particularly when animals develop flea allergic dermatitis, and for their transmission of pathogens that can cause serious disease in cats and/or in humans – such as Bartonella spp. Fleas also bite humans, and negatively affect the pet-human bond. This roundtable discussed flea biology, flea-borne diseases, efficacy of control measures available, and improving compliance and client engagement. Effective control of fleas requires an understanding of their biology, as this affects what strategies will and will not be effective: for example leaving a house empty will not control a flea infestation as the pupae can stay dormant for months. There is now a wide range of products that can be used to control fleas both on the pet and in the environment, including not only sprays but spot-on formulations, collars, oral tablets and injections. Used correctly, these are generally both safe and highly effective, with no signs of resistance developing, thankfully. However, owners often do not use products correctly, whether through inability to do so; lack of understanding of why correct use is important; or simple forgetfulness. A range of measures must be used to engage with clients, educate them and help them to remember to treat their pets against these pernicious parasites

Summary: In this month's Small Animal Review three published papers relating to animal gut health from other veterinary journals are summarised. The papers for this issue focus on the canine microbiome in gastrointestinal disease and the microbiota-related changes that occur as a result of canine diabetes mellitus, as well as a literature review on the impact of exposure to dietary emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health.

Mites are small arthropods with a world-wide distribution. They can be parasitic or free-living. Some burrow into the skin of pet animals or live in their hair follicles, while others can be found on the surface of the skin and/or ear. Clinical signs of infestation in dogs, cats and rabbits are variable. Infestations are typically diagnosed by skin scrapings, coat brushings, hair plucks, and tape strips. Readily available veterinary insecticidal products are often effective but may need to be combined with environmental control procedures.

The reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx to Chad is a multi-disciplinary endeavour, planned and implemented over the past decade, utilizing a wide range of conservation science applications to maximise the chances of long-term population sustainability. The principle of incorporating genetic diversity information into founder selection for species reintroductions is widely recognized; however, in practice, a full assessment of available ex-situ genetic variation is rarely attempted prior to identifying individuals for release.In this study we present the results of over ten years of research analyzing and interpreting the genetic diversity present in the key source populations for the Chad scimitar-horned oryx reintroduction. Three empirical genetic datasets (mitochondrial DNA sequence, nuclear DNA microsatellite and SNP markers) comprising over 500 individuals sampled from public and private institutions were analysed, accompanied by simulation studies to address applied questions relating to management of the reintroduction.The results strongly demonstrate the importance of conservation genetic analysis in ensuring that founders represent the greatest breadth of evolutionary diversity available. The inclusion of both intensively and lightly managed collections allowed us to bridge the gap between studbook and group managed populations, enabling the inclusion of individuals from populations that lack historic data on their origins, but which may hold unique diversity of significant conservation value. Importantly, however, our study also reveals the potential risks of applying standard population genetic approaches to multiple captive populations, for which small founder sizes are likely to strongly bias results, with potentially serious consequences for the genetic management of conservation breeding programmes.

The sand cat, Felis margarita Loche, 1858, is a small desert cat with a fragmented distribution across the Sahara, Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; however, its status in many countries is unknown. Sand cats are generally classified into four subspecies: F. m. margarita (North Africa and Sahara), F. m. harrisoni (Arabia), F. m. thinobia (Central Asia), and F. m. scheffeli (Pakistan). The aim of this study was to determine the validity of these subspecies using genetic analysis. Sequences from the mitochondrial control region, mitochondrial NADH subunit 5, and cytochrome b genes (643 bp) were generated in a sample set of 47 animals of known geographical origin, from across the sand cat’s range over the past 100 years. The results of the analysis suggest some degree of genetic differentiation between the African populations (F. m. margarita) and those of Arabian or Central Asian origin, which merits further investigation with nuclear loci and further sampling of intermediate geographical locations. There is little genetic justification for differentiation of the other proposed subspecies (F. m. harrisoni, F. m. thinobia, and F. m. scheffeli), which differ only by 1–3 bp mutations in their haplotypes. The genetic diversity of a set of 86 captive sand cat samples is also generated and compared to facilitate future conservation management of the species in captivity.

The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is patchily distributed across parts of Africa and Arabia. In Oman, it is one of the few free-ranging wild mammals found in the central and southern regions. Its population is declining due to habitat degradation, human expansion, poaching and fragmentation. Here, we investigated the population's genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop 186 bp and cytochromeb487 bp). We found that the Nubian ibex in the southern region of Oman was more diverse (D-loop HD; 0.838) compared with the central region (0.511) and gene flow between them was restricted. We compared the genetic profiles of wild Nubian ibex from Oman with captive ibex. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that wild Nubian ibex form a distinct clade independent from captive animals. This divergence was supported by high mean distances (D-loop 0.126, cytochromeb0.0528) and highFSTstatistics (D-loop 0.725, cytochromeb0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations.

Pemphigus foliaceus is one of the most frequently occuring auto-immune skin conditions in the dog and cat. It is characterised by a pustular, crusting dermatosis and affects mainly middle-aged-to-older dogs. In this article, veterinary dermatologist Mark Craig presents key ‘disease facts’ for the practicing veterinarian on the most common condition of the pemphigus complex in the dog and cat. Clinical features, diagnostic steps, treatment options and prognosis will be discussed.

Antimicrobial resistance in companion animals is a growing problem, and veterinary practitioners must carefully select antimicrobial treatment. In this article, factors affecting antibiotic selection and common reasons for treatment failure in canine skin disease are discussed. A table of antibiotics licensed for sysemic administration in dogs with skin disease is included ( Table 2 ).

This paper presents a case study that focusses on developing communication and collaboration skills of undergraduate design students studying at a distance, and vocational learners based in a community maker-space. Participants were drawn from these formal and informal educational settings and engaged in a project framed in the context of distributed manufacturing, with designers working at a distance from the makers, whilst communicating using asynchronous online tools. Early analysis of the collected data has identified a diversity of working practice across the participants, and highlighted a disjunction between communication and collaboration. Encouraging learners to communicate is not the same as encouraging collaboration. Instead effective collaboration depends on sharing expertise through dialogue.

This article explores the different formulations of flea-control products available for use on animals with flea-allergy dermatitis, and in the environment. It also considers the importance of constructing a practical flea control programme based on the particular circumstances of the patient, in-contact animals, owner and surrounding environment. Possible reasons for flea control failure are outlined.

This article considers the aims of therapy in the patient with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), and the range of flea-control products, available for use on the animal and in the environment. Removal of the source of antigenic challenge, the flea, from the patient and the patient's environment should be the ultimate aim of therapy. Whilst this is being achieved, symptomatic antipruritic therapy may be indicated to alleviate clinical signs and reduce discomfort. Insecticides are usually required on the animal and in the surrounding environment. Selection of flea-control products is influenced by the biological and therapeutic characteristics of each insecticide and needs to be customised to individual circumstances.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis, is the flea most commonly found on dogs in the UK. The adult flea is a small, wingless, laterally flattened insect. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day. The cat flea life cycle involves the development from egg to adult via three larval stages and one pupal stage. Fleas are associated with a number of medical problems in their canine hosts, including irritation, flea allergy dermatitis, anaemia, tapeworm infestation and transmission of infectious agents. Pruritus is the principal manifestation of flea allergy dermatitis, the most common dermatological condition in dogs.

Culicoides hypersensitivity is a common cause of recurrent seasonal pruritus in horses. It is a hereditary condition, caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the bites of Culicoides midges, presenting typically in a horse's second or third summer and subsequently worsening with age. There is no cure and treatment is aimed at preventing or reducing exposure of the horse to the biting midge and reducing the hypersensitivity reaction.

Although pediculosis in pet animals is less common than flea infestation in most parts of the United Kingdom, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pruritus, erythema, scaling, anaemia and irritability. It is a cause of miliary dermatitis in cats. Lice are easily killed by many commercially available insecticides. Transmission is usually by direct contact but indirect transmission is also possible and brushes, combs, bedding and the general environment should be kept clean.

This article discusses sarcoptic mange in the dog, including transmission and life cycle, general features, clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Aspects of human infestation are considered.

This article discusses otitis externa, inflammation of the external ear canal, the classification of which has been modified to include a combination of causes and factors. Primary and secondary causes, predisposing and perpetuating factors, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are considered.

Dealing with chronic skin conditions can be extremely frustrating for vet, owner and presumably the patient. However, we can actually see and assess skin with our own eyes. Furthermore, we can apply therapeutic agents directly to the skin, avoiding, in some cases, the need for systemic administration of potentially toxic drugs. Constructing a good topical therapeutic strategy requires considerable knowledge and experience along with adetailed assessment of the patient being treated. There is far more to it than just handing the owner a bottle of the nearest shampoo.

Adult mites are 200-400 μm in diameter, oval-shaped and with two pairs of short, stubby legs at the front (Fig. 2). Two pairs of rudimentary hind legs are present but do not extend beyond the edge of the body and are consequently less likely to be seen. Suckers are present on the front legs and the anus is located at the tip of the abdomen (in Notoedres cati the anus is located on the dorsum). The life cycle lasts from 2-3 weeks, with all stages spent on the host. Off-host survival is thought to be 2-6 days at room temperature, longer at lower ambient temperature and higher relative humidity. The incubation period in dogs is unknown.

lesions of the skin.They may involve hair follicles or non-follicular skin and can be found in, or beneath, the epidermis. Pustules are fragile and, therefore, tend to be transient, rupturing to form epidermal collarettes (circular rims of scale) and focal adherent crusts. Although pustules typically contain neutrophils and are infectious in origin, they do not always contain micro-organisms. The differential diagnosis for pustular disease in dogs is large and includes

Skin biopsies are an important diagnostic tool in veterinary dermatology. Used appropriately, they can make or confirm a definitive diagnosis or at least guide the clinician in the right direction (e.g. hypersensitivity, endocrinopathy). Sadly, they are all too often performed because the clinician is unsure what to do next and so chooses what is perceived to be the ‘best’ and ‘most comprehensive’ test. In such cases, the patient should perhaps first be referred to a veterinary dermatologist.

The prevalence of human and canine allergic diseases is commonly perceived to be increasing. Suggested predisposing factors in people and dogs include increased allergen load, increased exposure to pollutants, reduced family size, reduced microbial load and less exposure to infection at a young age, increasingly urbanised environment, and changes in dietary habits. Genetic make‐up may provide a template for phenotypic predisposition which is strongly influenced by our diet and environment leading to constant regulation of gene expression. One way in which diet can alter gene expression is via its effects on the gut flora or microbiota, the collection of microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract. The resident microbiota is important in maintaining structural and functional integrity of the gut and in immune system regulation. It is an important driver of host immunity, helps protect against invading enteropathogens, and provides nutritional benefits to the host. Disruption of the microbiota (dysbiosis) may lead to severe health problems, both in the gastrointestinal tract and extra‐intestinal organ systems. The precise mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota exerts its effects are only beginning to be unravelled but research is demonstrating close links between gut microflora and many factors involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). AD and indeed any other ‘skin disease’, may be seen as a possible manifestation of a more systemic problem involving gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, which may occur even in the absence of gastrointestinal signs. Manipulation of the canine intestinal microbiota as a method for modifying atopy, may be attempted in many ways including avoidance of certain foods, supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, optimising nutrient intake, minimising stress, antimicrobial therapy, correction and prevention of low stomach acid, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

The way in which approaches that employ the concept of risk somewhat differently allow to engage with current responses to terrorism, particularly, by drawing on work from criminologists who have used the governmental formulations of risk to analyse the contemporary responses to crime is explored. It is argued that even though there is much debate about whether acts of terror amount to criminal behaviour or acts of war, consideration of the substantive and legislatively defined nature of the acts that constitute crime and terrorism makes it possible to consider the governance of terrorism as crime.

CLINICAL SIGNS Signs typically vary according to coat type. Shortcoated dogs such as Vizslas and Dachshunds exhibit circular areas of scaling and alopecia which enlarge and eventually coalesce. Surface scale is fine, white and non-adherent and follicular casts (accumulations of keratin and follicular material around the hair shaft) are prominent. Standard Poodles often have marked hyperkeratosis, followed by alopecia (Figs. 1 and 2). They may present with tightly adherent whitish scale initially affecting the face and pinnae and later the neck, dorsal trunk and limbs (Fig. 3). Hairs may be dull and brittle with prominent follicular casts (Figs. 4 and 5).The typical curl of the breed may be lost as the hair straightens out. Hair colour may also change. Longer-coated dogs such as Springer Spaniels often have extensive scaling over

Within Albania and China and their respective diasporas, a history of extreme violence, both official and unofficial, is widely accepted but not easily understood from a Western perspective. Over the course of centuries both societies have experienced turmoil and in the 20th century spent decades under the disastrous communist dictatorships of Enver Hohxa (1944–1985) and Mao Zedong (1949–1976). Acts of organised/collective violence should be interpreted in their historical and cultural contexts. As both Albania and China underwent considerable internecine feuding, and all manners of deprivations and oppressions under the governance and proclamations of their various rulers, it may not be surprising that their subjects became inured to violence. Violence is neither meaningless nor peculiar to China/Albania. One explanation arises from the continuing purchase of ancient codes of ‘extreme violence’. This paper describes two ancient instruments justifying ‘excessive violence’ that have continued to exist even...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and activity of the intratumoral administration of the immune costimulatory molecule, B7.1, encoded by a vector derived from the canarypox virus, ALVAC (ALVAC-B7.1), alone and with the intratumoral injection of ALVAC encoding the immune-stimulatory cytokine, interleukin 12 (ALVAC-IL-12). Fourteen patients with metastatic melanoma who had s.c. nodules received intratumoral injections on days 1, 4, 8, and 11. Nine patients were given escalating doses of up to 25 × 108 plaque-forming units of ALVAC-B7.1. Five patients were given 25 × 108 plaque-forming units of ALVAC-B7.1 combined with ALVAC-IL-12 50% tissue culture infective dose of 2 × 106. Toxicity was mild to moderate and consisted of inflammatory reactions at the injection site and fever, chills, myalgia, and fatigue. Higher levels of B7.1 mRNA were observed in ALVAC-B7.1–injected tumors compared with saline-injected control tumors. Higher levels of intratumoral vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-10, cytokines with immune suppressive activities, were also observed in ALVAC-B7.1– and ALVAC-IL-12–injected tumors compared with saline-injected controls. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor increased at day 18 and returned to baseline at day 43. All patients developed antibody to ALVAC. Intratumoral IL-12 and IFN-γ mRNA decreased. Changes in serum IL-12 and IFN-γ levels were not observed. Tumor regressions were not observed. The intratumoral injections of ALVAC-B7.1 and ALVAC-IL-12 were well tolerated at these dose levels and at this schedule and resulted in measurable biological response. This response included the production of factors that may suppress the antitumor immunologic activity of these vectors.

PYODERMA - bacterial skin infection - is one of the most frequently seen conditions in small animal practice and yet also one of the most frustrating to treat. Around 90 per cent of pyoderma cases in dogs are associated with Staphylococcus species. These bacteria are not especially virulent and infection tends to develop secondarily to an underlying cutaneous, metabolic or immunological abnormality. Allergic, keratinisation and follicular disorders are the most common skin diseases to trigger infection. The principal metabolic causes are hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of superficial pyodermas, namely impetigo and superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Clinical status and plasma phospholipid fatty acids of 33 horses with seasonal pruritus were investigated following fatty acid supplementation. Principal areas affected by pruritus were mane, tail, head and rump. There were no significant differences in clinical status between horses receiving test and placebo capsules. Horses receiving the test preparation showed significant reduction (weeks 0–12) in linoleic acid (P