This study aimed to assess the effective tissue concentrations of the current standard of care for pain mitigation in calves during castration (injectable lidocaine) and to assess the ability of a lidocaine-loaded elastration band (LLB) to deliver effective concentrations into the scrotal tissue over time. This study comprised two different trials: (1) effective concentrations of injectable lidocaine in the scrotal tissue; and (2) the in vivo delivery of effective concentrations of lidocaine from LLBs placed on the calf scrotums. Sensation in the scrotal tissue was assessed by electrocutaneous stimulation. Injectable lidocaine allowed for short-term anesthesia for up to 60 min, highlighting the importance of finding additional strategies to mitigate long-term pain. An elastomeric ligation band impregnated with lidocaine could provide a suitable alternative, as it yielded tissue levels of lidocaine that approached EC₅₀ and exceeded EC₉₅ at 2 and 72 h following application, respectively, and remained above those levels for at least 28 days after application. Further studies are warranted to compare the use of LLBs to injectable local anesthetics.

The objectives of this study were to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the current standard-of-care for pain mitigation in lambs during castration and tail docking (injectable lidocaine) and assess the ability of Lidocaine-Loaded Bands (LLBs) to deliver therapeutic concentrations into the contacted tissues over time. The study was comprised of four different trials: (1) investigation of in vitro release of lidocaine from LLBs; (2) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of injectable lidocaine in scrotal and tail tissue; (3) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of in vivo delivery of lidocaine with LLBs placed on the tail and scrotum of lambs; and (4) a “proof-of-concept” study comparing the sensation of control- versus LLB-banded tail tissue over time. The use of injectable lidocaine provides effective short-term anesthesia for 120 to 180 min following the injection; however, additional strategies are needed to manage long-term pain. The use of an LLB could provide an alternative where tissue lidocaine concentrations meet or exceed the EC₅₀ for at least 21–28 days and, based on electrostimulation data, provides local anesthesia for at least 3 days when compared to a control band. Further studies are needed to compare the use of an injectable local anesthetic to the LLBs.

Mold growth on textiles during overseas shipping poses significant economic and health risks, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of fungal contamination dynamics. This study evaluated textile susceptibility to fungal contamination during transit by examining growth patterns, onset times, and determining minimum fungal densities for visible mold growth. Inoculations of six fungal strains (individual and pooled) were conducted at inoculum densities ranging from 102 to 106 spores/ml on various textile materials. The study comprised two phases: pilot growth (PG, with glucose) and Simulated Shipping Conditions (SSC, without glucose). PG yielded mycelial mats on textiles for all fungal strains except Penicillium citrinum and Stachybotrys chartarum. SSC exhibited variable susceptibilities, with cotton and suede highly susceptible and polyester, imitation suede, and polyurethane notably resistant to mycelial growth. Minimum fungal densities for visible mold growth were established for each textile based on SSC. The findings reveal distinct fungal susceptibilities among textiles, influenced by material composition and structure. Consistent growth on certain textiles at lower fungal densities highlights the need for targeted preventive measures. This research provides crucial insights for the manufacturing and shipping industries, guiding the development of effective mold prevention strategies and establishment of contamination limits during overseas transport.