Efficacy Of Different Formulations Research Articles

Preventing Microbial Growth in Game Meat by Applying Polyphenolic Extracts from Olive Mill Vegetation Water.

We studied the efficacy of different formulations of polyphenol extracts (mainly containing hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) from olive mill vegetation water on the microflora on the surfaces of game meat cuts with high or low initial bacterial loads. Meat with a high microbial load (>5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 6.83 ± 0.45 standard deviation) was immersed for 10 or 60 sec into 25% and 10% solutions of microencapsulated freeze-dried and non-encapsulated polyphenolic extracts. Aerobic colony, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and lactic acid bacteria counts were determined on treated samples compared to controls after 7 days of storage (in vacuum-packed conditions at +3 °C). Significant differences were registered only for aerobic colony count for a 10% liquid extract treatment (0.64 log reduction). In contrast, the dipping or immersion of game meat with low initial microbial loads (<5 Log cfu/g; mean value = 3.58 ± 0.72 standard deviation) in 10% solutions of the polyphenol extracts effectuated significant reductions in all bacteria counts (p < 0.002) at 7 and 14 days of storage for different extracts, independently from the application methods. The use of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth in game meat should only be considered if a good hygienic baseline is guaranteed.

Assessing the efficacy of different formulations of organic granules immobilizing Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus subtilis on productivity and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at different water regimes

Microbial biofertilizers can be effective alternatives to fulfil plants' nutritional requirements as chemical fertilisers are considered unsustainable and a threat to environmental and health concerns. However, farmers hardly adopt these bioinoculants due to the uncertainty of their effectiveness in field conditions. In this study, we used porous dry organic materials obtained from biodegradable nontoxic agro-waste and process byproducts from agro-based industries which can act as a suitable carriers and protect the microbes during storage, marketing and field application. In this study, we created various formulations for Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus subtilis by combination presmud, cow dung manure as the organic matrix and jaggery, molasses, and serous gum as the binder and clay as the stabilizer. Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus subtilis increased straw and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) over the unimmobilized biofertilizers and other used matrixes and binders in irrigated as well as water stressed cropping conditions. The immobilized biofertilizers significantly increased soil fertility and nutrient availability compared to the unimmobilized PGPRs. The formulation IBF-VI showed a 35.9 and a 61.21% increase in grain and straw yields, respectively, over unimmobilized PGPRs. Interestingly, the biofertilizers immobilized in the organic matrix have supported similar grain and straw yield recorded for the synthetic chemical fertilizer’s urea and DAP. The performance of selected immobilized biofertilizers was further examined at various water regimes to measure their efficacy in wheat growing under water stress. The studies show that immobilizing microbial biofertilizers in sugar mill waste press mud and molasses for granule production improves the performance of the microbial biofertilizers. These compounds are abundant and inexpensive locally, and small-scale entrepreneurs can supply them on a small scale. The findings provide a new potential for producing and marketing customised effective microbial bio-fertiliser formulations in rural areas using small industrial setups.

(009) Testosterone Management in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Who Have Reduced 5α-Reductase Activity: A Unique Population

Abstract Introduction According to the Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women, testosterone can significantly improve desire in menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Based on safety and efficacy of different formulations, the recommended treatment is 1/10th of a man’s dose, using a government approved topical testosterone gel or solution, or AndroFeme which is approved for use in menopausal women in Australia. There are, however, a subset of women without significant improvement in desire with this dose who experience improvement using higher doses of testosterone. These women have low or lower tertile dihydrotestosterone blood test values despite their total testosterone being above normal range or even in the upper tertile. The enzyme 5α-reductase converts testosterone to the more active form, dihydrotestosterone, that has a higher affinity for the androgen receptor than testosterone. 5α-reductase activity varies in different individuals. It is postulated that there are menopausal women with HSDD who have reduced 5α- reductase activity and therefore require a higher dose of testosterone from the gel or solution, or need a different testosterone formulation to realize clinical benefit. This subset of women do not appear to experience the usual adverse side effects of elevated testosterone (acne, thinning scalp hair, facial hair, aggressive behavior), in part because of low levels of dihydrotestosterone. Objectives This study examines the efficacy and safety of higher doses of testosterone using products government approved for men. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of menopausal women who were provided menopause management at our clinic focusing on women for whom 1/10th of a man’s dose of gel or solution did not provide symptom relief. Options included increasing the dose of gel or solution, or administration of an alternative delivery system of FDA approved (for men) testosterone including insertion of one or two 75 mg testosterone pellets (Testopel) or weekly intramuscular injection of testosterone cypionate (100 mg/ml – 0.1 ml or 10 mg). Results A total of 11 women (mean age 58 +/− 6 years) failed the usual 1/10th dose of topical testosterone gel for treatment of HSDD. Using testosterone pellet therapy, with 1-2 pellets implanted every 4-6 months, 6 patients had excellent desire as well as energy and self-confidence; 4 patients had excellent clinical response to weekly IM testosterone administration; 1 had improved symptoms by increasing the gel to 1 tube/4 days. While these treatments resulted in systemic levels of total testosterone outside the normal range for women (100 – 200 ng/dl), dihydrotestosterone values remained low or in the lower tertile (mean value 36 +/− 8 ng/dl; normal range 30 – 80 ng/dl). In general, side effects to be expected with higher doses of testosterone were not experienced despite elevated testosterone values. No patient complained of side effects consistent with excess testosterone other than mild facial hair. Conclusions In some women with reduced 5α-reductase activity, higher testosterone levels result in improved quality of life without expected negative side effects from higher physiologic levels of testosterone. Disclosure No.

Hemostatic Efficacy of Algan Hemostatic Agent in Renal Vein Incision Model in Rats

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute hemostatic effects of liquid and powder forms of AHA in severe bleeding model of rat renal vein. Materials and Methods: 10-12 weeks old, 24 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight animals each as the control, AHA liquid, AHA powder. The left renal artery and vein were revealed with a 3 cm vertical incision and the tip of the injector was used to puncture renal vein, causing bleeding. In all animals, regular gauze patch was pressed over the incised area for 10 seconds as soon as the bleeding began. Immediately after removing the sponge; physiological saline, AHA liquid and powder were applied with compress to injured site of relevant groups for 2 minutes, respectively. The time was recorded by chronometer and the area was checked after two minutes. Hemostasis that was not achieved after three applications was accepted as failure. Results: Cessation of the bleeding failed in all rats after three successive 2-minute physiological saline impregnated gauze applications in control group. Among AHA-treated groups, significant hemostasis efficacy was obtained from the liquid form than that of powder. Within first two minutes, bleeding in renal veins of five rats was controlled successfully in liquid group whereas powder group achieved hemostatic success in four rats. Conclusions: The vessel incision model in our study revealed fast-acting physical hemostatic properties of the liquid and powder formulations of AHA in the renal vein. This natural applicable product could be used to induce hemostasis in rat models of bleeding caused by various renal damages or trauma, and it could also prevent local bleeding in humans. More studies are needed to compare the efficacy of different formulations of the polysaccharide-based herbal product in various organs and surgical models.

Immunomodulation options and frequency of respiratory infections in children

Frequent respiratory tract infections in the paediatric population are associated mainly with immune system immaturity. A child aged up to 5 years can have up to 8 respiratory infections in a year. Immunomodulation through the elimination of negative environmental factors is of limited efficacy in the paediatric population. For this reason, in certain cases there is a need for pharmacological stimulation of immune response mechanisms in order to limit the number of infections. Modulators include medication, vitamins and trace elements, probiotics and plant formulations. Unfortunately, there are insufficient scientific data which confirm the efficacy of many such agents. Bacterial lysates are an exception: their effects have been confirmed in well-designed studies. Such formulations consist of killed bacterial cells or fragments of their organelles. Bacterial lysates contain antigens of the most common human respiratory pathogens. The efficacy of a bacterial lysate is the resultant of two components: patient-specific (individual immune reactivity) and formulation-specific (composition, dosing regime). To date, no reliable studies comparing the efficacy of different formulations have been conducted. One of the most thoroughly studied products is the one containing OM-85 lyophilisate (BV, Broncho-Vaxom®).

Immunization with recombinant protein Ag43::UpaH with alum and 1,25(OH)2D3 adjuvants significantly protects Balb/C mice against urinary tract infection caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli

The majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Designing a vaccine will certainly reduce the occurrence of infection and antibiotic resistance of the isolates. Antigen 43 (Ag43) and autotransporter H (UpaH) have been associated with the virulence of UPEC. In the present study, the efficacy of different formulations of a hybrid protein composed of Ag43 and UpaH with and without alum and 1,25(OH)2D3 (Vitamin D3) adjuvants were evaluated in mice model. A significant increase in IgG and cellular responses was developed against Ag43::UpaH as compared to the control mice. The addition of alum or a mixture of alum and Vitamin D3 to the protein significantly enhanced the serum IgG responses and tended to remain in a steady state until 6 months. In addition, the mentioned formulations produced significant amounts of IgG1, IL-4, and IL-17 as compared to the fusion protein alone. In addition to the mentioned formulations, the combination of protein with Vitamin D3 also resulted in significantly higher serum IgA and IFN-γ levels as compared to the fusion protein alone. Mice immunized with fusion plus alum and formulation protein admixed with both alum and Vitamin D3 significantly reduced the bacterial load in the bladders and kidneys of mice as compared to the control. In this study, for the first time, the ability of a novel hybrid protein in combination with adjuvants alum and Vitamin D3 was evaluated against UPEC. Our results indicated that fusion Ag43::UpaH admixed with alum and Vitamin D3 could be a promising candidate against UTIs.

Virucidal efficacy of different formulations for hand and surface disinfection targeting SARS CoV-2

In the ongoing SARS CoV-2 pandemic, effective disinfection measures are needed, and guidance based on the methodological framework of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) may enable the choice of effective disinfectants on an immediate basis. This study aimed to elucidate whether disinfectants claiming ‘virucidal activity against enveloped viruses’ as specified in the European Standard EN 14476 as well as in the German Association for the Control of Viral Diseases/Robert Koch Institute (DVV/RKI) guideline are effectively inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Two commercially available formulations for surface disinfection and one formulation for hand disinfection were studied regarding their virucidal activity. Based on the data of this study the enveloped SARS-CoV-2 is at least equally susceptible compared to the standard test virus vaccinia used in the EN 14476 and DVV/RKI guidelines. Thus, chemical disinfectants claiming ‘virucidal activity against enveloped viruses’ based on the EN 14476 and DVV/RKI guidelines will be an effective choice to target enveloped SARS-CoV-2 as a preventive measure.

Update on the treatment and prevention of ocular thelaziosis (Thelazia callipaeda) in naturally infected dogs from Spain

This study examines the therapeutic and year-round prophylactic efficacy of different formulations used in dogs in three Spanish areas where canine thelaziosis is endemic. The study was conducted as a Good Clinical Practice, multicentre, randomised field study in privately owned outdoor dogs naturally infected with Thelazia callipaeda. The active pharmaceutical ingredients tested were: an oral formulation of milbemycin oxime 12.5 mg combined with praziquantel 125 mg (A), a subcutaneous sustained-release formulation of moxidectin 10 g (B), a moxidectin 2.5% weight/volume (w/v) spot-on formulation combined with imidacloprid 10% w/v (C), and an eye drop formulation (6 µg) of ivermectin 10 mg/ml diluted 10% in propylene glycol (D). Infected dogs were randomly allocated to treatment Groups A, B, C and D. Dogs testing negative for T. callipaeda inspection in two visits (Day 7/Day 14 and D30) were enrolled in the prophylaxis trial and reallocated to the corresponding study group (A, B, C or D). Treatment efficacy ranged from 70.4% recorded in Group A 1 week after treatment, to 100% recorded in Group C on Day 30 and in Group B on Day 60. Treatment was more efficacious in Group D (85.7% 1 week after treatment) than A, but was never 100% efficacious as in Groups B and C. Year-round prophylactic efficacy was 83.3% in Group A, 100% in Group B, 93.5% in Group C and 87.5% in Group D. In conclusion, products containing moxidectin were highly efficacious both in treating and preventing canine thelaziosis. Milbemycin also emerged as a good option. However, the off-label use of topical or subcutaneous ivermectin should be avoided due to possible adverse reactions such as pruritus, irritation or redness. In endemic areas, monthly prophylaxis to limit the spread of T. callipaeda to new areas across Europe and reduce zoonotic risks is essential.

Efficacy of different formulations of nystatin in an experimental model of oral candidiasis in sialoadenectomized rats

Background/purposeOral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the oral cavity and has become a focus of attention in recent years because of its association with highly topical immunosuppressive conditions. The aims of this study were to determine the value of microbiological, clinical and histological parameters of Candida albicans colonisation of the dorsal tongue surface as indicators of disease severity, and to evaluate therapeutic response to different formulations of nystatin.Materials and methodsWe used 84 males, 2-month-old Sprague–Dawley sialoadenectomized rats. Different formulations of nystatin were used to evaluate the therapeutic response. The animals were randomized to 2 groups with each of 42 animals and received the experimental treatments from day 17–22.Results100% of the rats showed evidence of infection. At 5 and 10 days of starting treatment with nystatin + chitosan, and at 10 days of starting nystatin + orabase, the number of animals with positive dorsal tongue culture decreased significantly (p < 0.05), acting the Nystatin + chitosan more rapidly against Candida. In the control group, the percentage of normal papillae on day 22 and 27 was 83.33% (SD = 1.50) and 79.08% (SD = 2.30), respectively. Significant differences were observed in the mean O'Grady score at 5 and 10 days (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe model has been shown to be effective in inducing infection, and that the combination of nystatin and chitosan yielded the best therapeutic outcomes at both 5 and 10 days after infection.

Target specific intracellular quantification of etoposide by quadrupole-time of flight based mass spectrometric method

Etoposide (ETP), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent has an intracellular target site of action. Unfortunately, the concentration of ETP in plasma does not properly reflect the concentration in its intracellular site of action. As per our knowledge, no reported bioanalytical method is available for intracellular quantification of ETP. In this research, we developed an LC-MS/MS method to quantitate ETP in intracellular compartments of MCF-7 cells. The Abcam nuclear extraction kit was used for extracting the nuclear and cytosolic protein from MCF-7 cells. The method showed excellent linearity in the 20–1000 ng/mL range. The intra and inter-day precision (%CV) including LLOQ were found to be in the range of 2.19–16.96% and 6.71–11.21%, respectively, with an accuracy of 86.87 to 110.37% and 93.03 to 100.50%, respectively. The concentration of ETP in nuclear and cytosolic fraction was successfully quantitated using the developed method. The developed method can be applied to understand the efficacy of different formulations based on the intracellular ETP concentration in vitro. It can be considered as a model method for quantification of other similar categories of drugs in their actual intracellular site of action after required optimization in the methodology.

Analysis of efficacy of different formulations of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Analysis of efficacy of different formulations of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Sublingual Immunotherapy Tablets Relieve Symptoms in Adults with Allergic Rhinitis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background:Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been proven to be effective against house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis. However, the efficacy in adults with allergic rhinitis has never been reported on SLIT tablets. The current meta-analysis aimed to illustrate the differentiated efficacy of SLIT tablets on allergic rhinitis.Methods:Our systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on allergic rhinitis patients and aimed to summarize those randomized controlled studies (RCTs). PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and MEDLINE were screened for associated articles. We included RCTs on allergic rhinitis patients undergoing SLIT therapy and reporting outcomes on symptom relief and serum-specific IgE levels. The effect of SLIT tablets on the Rhinitis Quality Life Questionnaire Score (RQLQ), Rhinitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS), and serum-specific IgE levels was evaluated using RevMan 5.3.Results:Seven studies were included, with 2723 patients identified. All of the studies were RCT. The included seven studies were all conducted on adults. Among the included seven articles, five researches administered patients with SLIT tablets and were eligible for meta-analysis of RTSS, consisting of 1490 patients. Overall, RTSS was significantly reduced in the SLIT tablet group compared with that in the placebo group (standard mean difference = −0.33, 95% confidence interval [−0.54, −0.13], P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in specific IgE levels between SLIT and placebo patients.Conclusions:SLIT tablets effectively relieve rhinitis symptoms in adults with allergic rhinitis. Nevertheless, the current evidence may be limited due to sample size and the heterogeneity between studies. Large sample size and multiple center RCTs on the efficacy of different formulations of SLIT drugs are still needed to provide further evidence and a more precise recommendation.

Control efficacy of different pesticide formulations and fan-nozzle model on wheat aphids by UAVs

Abstract: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been significantly increased in wheat pest control inChina. The formulation of pesticide and the type of nozzle are the important parameters in UAVs spraying application. The droplet density, deposition and control efficacy on wheat aphids of four formulation of imidacloprid (20% imidacloprid SL, 25% imidacloprid WP, 5% imidacloprid EC, 70% imidacloprid WDG) and three models of fan-nozzle (teejet11001vs, teejet110015vs, teejet11002vs) applied by UAVs were determined in this paper. The droplet density and deposition of four imidacloprid formulation was not significantly different. However, the control efficacy of different formulation was 5% imidacloprid EC (7DAT=97.7%) > 20% imidacloprid SL (7DAT=95.7%) > 70% imidacloprid WDG (7DAT=93.2%) > 25% imidacloprid WP (7DAT=85.1%). With regard to the factor of fan-nozzle, teejet11001vs treatment performed better in droplet density and deposition than the other two nozzles, and the control efficacy of teejet11001vs was higher than teejet110015vs, teejet11002vs with the margin of 10.7%, 9.9% respectively. The deposition uniformity on wheat plant from top to bottom of three nozzles was teejet11001vs (CV=22.8%) > teejet11002vs (CV=27.1%) > teejet110015vs (CV=57.4%). Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicles, pesticide formulation, fan nozzle model, wheat aphids, droplet density, deposition, control efficacy DOI:  10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200302.74  Citation: Yan X J, Yuan H Z, Zhou X X, Wang M, Shi X, Y, Chen Y X, Yang D B. Control efficacy of different pesticide formulations and fan-nozzle model on wheat aphids by UAVs.  Int J Precis Agric Aviat, 2020; 3(2): 35–39.

Intranasal naloxone and related strategies for opioid overdose intervention by nonmedical personnel: a review.

Deaths due to prescription and illicit opioid overdose have been rising at an alarming rate, particularly in the USA. Although naloxone injection is a safe and effective treatment for opioid overdose, it is frequently unavailable in a timely manner due to legal and practical restrictions on its use by laypeople. As a result, an effort spanning decades has resulted in the development of strategies to make naloxone available for layperson or “take-home” use. This has included the development of naloxone formulations that are easier to administer for nonmedical users, such as intranasal and autoinjector intramuscular delivery systems, efforts to distribute naloxone to potentially high-impact categories of nonmedical users, as well as efforts to reduce regulatory barriers to more widespread distribution and use. Here we review the historical and current literature on the efficacy and safety of naloxone for use by nonmedical persons, provide an evidence-based discussion of the controversies regarding the safety and efficacy of different formulations of take-home naloxone, and assess the status of current efforts to increase its public distribution. Take-home naloxone is safe and effective for the treatment of opioid overdose when administered by laypeople in a community setting, shortening the time to reversal of opioid toxicity and reducing opioid-related deaths. Complementary strategies have together shown promise for increased dissemination of take-home naloxone, including 1) provision of education and training; 2) distribution to critical populations such as persons with opioid addiction, family members, and first responders; 3) reduction of prescribing barriers to access; and 4) reduction of legal recrimination fears as barriers to use. Although there has been considerable progress in decreasing the regulatory and legal barriers to effective implementation of community naloxone programs, significant barriers still exist, and much work remains to be done to integrate these programs into efforts to provide effective treatment of opioid use disorders.

A comparison study between lycobetaine-loaded nanoemulsion and liposome using nRGD as therapeutic adjuvant for lung cancer therapy

To achieve tumor-selective drug delivery, various nanocarriers have been explored using either passive or active targeting strategies. Despite the great number of studies published annually in the field, only nanocarriers using approved excipients reach the clinical stage. In our study, two classic nanoscale formulations, nanoemulsion (NE) and liposome (Lipo) were selected for the encapsulation of lycobetaine (LBT). To improve the lipid solubility of LBT, oleic acid (OA) was used to complex (LBT-OA) with lycobetaine (LBT). Besides, PEGylated lecithin was used to enhance the circulation time. The release behaviors of LBT from non-PEGylated and PEGylated NE and Lipo were compared. PEGylated LBT-OA loaded Lipo (LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo) exhibited a sustained release rate pattern, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles showed the extended circulation compared nanoemlusions. Besides, LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo showed an enhanced anti-tumor effect in the mice xenograft lung carcinoma model. Moreover, a multi-target peptide nRGD was co-administered as a therapeutic adjuvant with LBT-OA loaded formulations, which demonstrated improved tumor penetration and enhanced extravasation of formulations. Also, co-administration of nRGD significantly improved the in vivo antitumor efficacy of different formulations, likely due to the depletion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Thus, LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo+nRGD may represent a promising strategy for cancer chemotherapy against lung carcinoma.

Tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates UV-induced inflammaging: A bench to bedside study.

UV radiation from the sun is the most common environmental stressor to damage the skin. It is now well established that photodamaged skin manifests signs of mild but chronic inflammation, termed as "inflammaging." Thus, there is an urgent need for anti-inflammatory regimes that can limit the damage caused by inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the possible palliative effects of a new topical nanoemulsion formulation containing tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on UV-induced inflammation (erythema) of human skin. An invitro model was used to demonstrate the ability of TRF to alleviate photodamage via attenuation of UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Two exvivo models (skin antioxidative potential and radical sun protection factor) were used to determine the efficacy of different formulations of TRF on the skin. A UV-induced erythema protection test in 20 subjects was conducted. In vitro studies involving HaCaT keratinocytes revealed that TRF possesses marked anti-inflammatory properties, as indicated by the attenuation of UV-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A 1% TRF formulation was found to be more effective in enhancing the endogenous antioxidative protection of skin compared to 1% TRF in medium chain triglycerides because of its higher penetration kinetic profile. The clinical study showed that formulated TRF was effective in reducing skin redness after UV irradiation as early as after 6hours of application. A significant depigmentation was also observed in TRF treatment subjects. TRF may serve as an anti-inflammatory compound that is safe to be applied daily to protect the skin from UV-induced inflammaging.

Comparative investigation of methionine and novel formulation Metovitan protective effects in Wistar rats with testicular and epididymal toxicity induced by anti-tuberculosis drugs co-administration

Despite clear beneficial effects, studies on the efficacy of different formulations of micronutrients and vitamins in the treatment of male infertility are still very limited. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of methionine and novel formulation Metovitan based on the combination of methionine, thiamine, nicotinamide, α-tocopherol acetate and zinc salt as remedies for prevention of anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATD) anti-fertility effects in male rats. ATD co-administration resulted in testicular CYP2E1, CYP2C23 and CYP3A2 transcriptional activation. Methionine and Metovitan regulated the level of CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 mRNA expression. Methionine unaffected CYP2C23 mRNA level, while Metovitan effectively normalized this parameter. The use of methionine did not allow normalizing of DNA fragmentation processes in testes, while Metovitan provided decrease in the number of DNA fragments to the control level. Both substances significantly decreased p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity and prevented pro/antioxidant parameters imbalance in testes of ATD-treated rats. The end results of methionine and Metovitan application were partial or complete restoration of altered spermatogenesis parameters with subsequent increase in sperm count and fertility. Ameliorating effects may be attributed to antioxidant properties and modulating effects on testicular CYPs. More pronounced beneficial Metovitan effects might be due to synergic effects of its components.

Co-Delivery of Epirubicin and siRNA Using Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhances In vitro and In vivo Drug Efficacy.

Development of drug resistance to anticancer drugs is an important challenge for cancer treatment. Recent studies focus on co-delivery of anticancer drugs and siRNA to overcome this challenge. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are one of the promising nanoparticles that enable the delivery of drugs and siRNA simultaneously. MSNs coated with copolymer capable of co-delivery of drug and siRNA were prepared and characterized. In the present study, MSNs functionalized with polyethylenimine-polyethylene glycol (PEI-PEG) copolymer were prepared. MSNs were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and elemental analysis. Nanoparticles were loaded with epirubicin hydrochloride (EPI) and anti B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) siRNA. The in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo efficacy of different formulations were evaluated. Mean size of MSNs ranged from 98 to 247 nm. EPI release from MSNs was pH-dependent. MSNs loaded with EPI and siRNA showed better in vitro cytotoxicity with 1 μg/mL EPI and 50-400 ng/mL siRNA, besides MSNs loaded with 9 mg/kg EPI and 1.2 mg/kg siRNA resulted in improved in vivo effects compared to EPI or MSNs containing EPI or siRNA alone. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated the synergistic effect of EPI and anti BCL-2 siRNA. This formulation could be a promising nanoparticle for codelivery of drug and siRNA in cancer cells.

Efficacy of Thiamethoxam Seed Treatments to Control Cabbage Root Maggot in Broccoli, 2014: Table 1

Because the feeding by cabbage root maggot (CRM) larvae causes stunting and collapse of cultivated brassicas, stands of spring transplants may be reduced and damage to root crops may occur in the spring and fall. Seed treatments offer a simpler way for growers to apply insecticides compared to soil drenches which require much time and water to apply. We evaluated efficacy of different formulations and rates of thiamethoxam seed treatments compared to imidacloprid applied as a soil drench banded over the row post-transplant. The experiment was conducted at the University of Massachusetts Research and Education Farm in Deerfield, MA in a field with soil classified as Hadley silt loam. Soil was amended with 50 lb urea (46-0-0) (N-P-K) and was further amended with 20 tons/acre of a manure-based compost to increase attractiveness of the site to CRM flies for oviposition. A RCB design was used with 4 replications of 5 insecticide treatments and an untreated check, with 60 broccoli plants per replicate …

Gastric juice pH measurement in horses: Three‐quarters of a century of history!

SummaryInhibition of gastric acid and increased stomach pH&gt;4.0 is currently accepted as the mainstay of treatment for gastric ulcers in horses. Measurement of gastric pH is complicated and requires placement of a cannula and collection of gastric juice or placement of pH electrodes in the stomach. Since the distance from the nares to the stomach is approximately 200 cm, finding a system with a pH electrode with this length is difficult, not to mention difficult to maintain. There has been a fascination with the measurement of gastric juice pH in horses that has covered three‐quarters of a century starting with a fistula model in 1933 and culminating in a recent technique described in this issue. Placement of gastric cannulas and various pH electrodes have been used to measure gastric juice pH in horses in the past and present, but the future may require more sophisticated methods as we look at the efficacy of different formulations of acid suppressive drugs for treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome.