A prior systematic review on the efficacy of halofuginone (HFG) treatment to prevent or treat cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves was inconclusive. We undertook an updated synthesis and meta-analyses on key outcomes for the treatment of calves with HFG. Evaluated outcomes were oocyst shedding, diarrhoea, mortality and weight gain. Experiments had to describe results for same age animals in contemporary arms. Most doses were 100–150 mcg kg−1 day−1. Results were subgrouped by study design, experiments with the lowest risk of bias and lack of industry funding. Eighteen articles were found that described 25 experiments. Most evidence came from randomized controlled trials in Europe. Significantly lower incidence of oocyst shedding, diarrhoea burden and mortality was reported when treatment started before calves were 5 days old. Most studies reported on outcomes for animals up to at least 28 days old. Publication bias was possible in all outcomes and seemed especially likely for diarrhoea outcomes. Beneficial results when HFG treatment was initiated in calves older than 5 days were also found. Prophylactic treatment to prevent cryptosporidiosis is effective in preventing multiple negative outcomes and is beneficial to calf health and will result in a reduction of environmental contamination by Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Clinical and environmental isolates of pathogens are often unique and may be unculturable, yielding a very limited amount of DNA for genetic studies. Cryptosporidium in particular are difficult to propagate. Whole genome amplification (WGA) is a valuable technique for amplifying genomic material. In this study, we tested 5 WGA commercial kits using Cryptosporidium clinical isolates. DNA of 5 C. hominis and 5 C. parvum clinical isolates and C. parvum IOWA reference strain were used. The majority of the samples were amplified by all of the kits tested. The integrity and fidelity of the amplified genomic DNA were assessed by sequence analysis of several PCR products of varying length. We found evidence that one kit in particular may be more error prone while another seemed the more suitable kit for Cryptosporidium clinical samples, generating high molecular weight DNA from all the samples with high fidelity. Thus WGA was found to be a useful technique for producing amplified DNA suitable for downstream genotyping techniques and archiving of Cryptosporidium clinical isolates.

Layered smectite nanoclays are being developed for incorporation into a variety of host polymer systems. Nanoscopic phase distribution can impart enhanced stiffness at low addition levels and improve barrier and flame-retardant properties. When combined with other inorganic and organic modifiers, nanoclays can provide synergies to generate the desired formulation properties and cost/per form ance characteristics. Developments with existing nanoclay products using conventional amine chemistries are described for thermoplastic, thermoset, and rubber formulations. Nanoclays are demonstrating unique, multidimensional per form ance and proc essing capabilities. Commercial applications are emerging in a variety of diverse markets ranging from automotive to packaging.