Filtration rate (measured as clearance of algal cells) was measured at different temperatures in the sponge Halichondna panicea. An increase in water temperature from 6 to 12 "C caused the mean flltration rate to increase 4.3 * 2.3 tlmes. Thls value was higher than previously found for other marine ciliary suspension-feeding anlmals. Filtration rate at 12 "C was also measured in Haliclona urceolus by means of a n indirect clearance method In addition to a direct technique for measuring pumping rate. It was found that the 2 sponge specles had near-identical flltration rates, with maximum rates of approximately 60 m1 m~n ' (g dry weight).' at 12 T. The normal pump pressure, or operating point 0,, of a standard sponge (based on our own measurements and calculat~ons from l~terature data for a 0.1 g dry weight Haliclona sp.) was estimated as the sum of maln contributions to head losses along the flow path from entry (ostia) to exit (osculum) The head losses were as follows: ostia 0.0373 mm H,O, inhalant canal 0 1205 to 0.013 mm H,O, prosopyles 0.1153 to 0 02321 mm H,O, collar-fllter 0.122 mm H,O; exhalant canals = inhalant canals; and osculum 0.1576 mm H20. The (maximal) 0, was found to be 0 673 mm H,O and the power output P, from the sponge pump was 0.677 pW. The pump work, defined as P,R.' where R is the respiratory output, was 0.85 % The low energy cost of filtration and the temperature effect are discussed and compared w~t h recent data for other ciliary suspension feeders. It is argued that passive current-induced filtration may be of insignificant importance for sponges.

EFSA and EMA have jointly reviewed measures taken in the EU to reduce the need for and use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals, and the resultant impacts on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reduction strategies have been implemented successfully in some Member States. Such strategies include national reduction targets, benchmarking of antimicrobial use, controls on prescribing and restrictions on use of specific critically important antimicrobials, together with improvements to animal husbandry and disease prevention and control measures. Due to the multiplicity of factors contributing to AMR, the impact of any single measure is difficult to quantify, although there is evidence of an association between reduction in antimicrobial use and reduced AMR. To minimise antimicrobial use, a multifaceted integrated approach should be implemented, adapted to local circumstances. Recommended options (non-prioritised) include: development of national strategies; harmonised systems for monitoring antimicrobial use and AMR development; establishing national targets for antimicrobial use reduction; use of on-farm health plans; increasing the responsibility of veterinarians for antimicrobial prescribing; training, education and raising public awareness; increasing the availability of rapid and reliable diagnostics; improving husbandry and management procedures for disease prevention and control; rethinking livestock production systems to reduce inherent disease risk. A limited number of studies provide robust evidence of alternatives to antimicrobials that positively influence health parameters. Possible alternatives include probiotics and prebiotics, competitive exclusion, bacteriophages, immunomodulators, organic acids and teat sealants. Development of a legislative framework that permits the use of specific products as alternatives should be considered. Further research to evaluate the potential of alternative farming systems on reducing AMR is also recommended. Animals suffering from bacterial infections should only be treated with antimicrobials based on veterinary diagnosis and prescription. Options should be reviewed to phase EFSA Journal 2017;15(1):4666 www.efsa.europa.eu/efsajournal out most preventive use of antimicrobials and to reduce and refine metaphylaxis by applying recognised alternative measures.

Earthworms were taken across an environmental gradient of metal contamination for ecotoxicology assessment. Both indigenous (Lumbricus rubellus and L. terrestris) and introduced earthworms (Eisenia andrei, exposed in mesh bags) were studied. Changes in the levels of small molecule metabolites in earthworm tissue extracts were analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy as a means of identifying combination biomarker compounds. Principal components analysis of the NMR spectral data revealed that biochemical changes were induced across the metal contamination gradient. Native worms (L. rubellus) from the most polluted sites were associated with an increase in the relative concentration of maltose; a decrease was also seen in the concentration of an as yet unidentified biomarker compound. Introduced worms (E. andrei) did not show differences to the same extent. Direct integration of the resonances from histidine and 1-methylhistidine showed that relative histidine concentrations were elevated slightly for L. rubellus, confirming the results of earlier mesocosm studies. Conversely, the relative concentrations of both histidine and 1-methylhistidine were greatly reduced by metal contamination in L. terrestris. This study demonstrates the utility of NMR spectroscopy in detecting previously unknown potential biomarkers for ecotoxicity testing and identified maltose as a potential biomarker compound deserving of further study.

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