Comparative plasma and milk dispositions,faecal excretion and efficacy of per os ivermectin and pour‐on eprinomectin in horses

The horse milk gains increasing interest as a food product for sensitive consumers, such as children with food allergies or elderly people. We investigated the plasma and milk disposition, faecal excretion and efficacy of per os ivermectin (IVM) and pour‐on eprinomectin (EPM) in horses. Ten mares were divided into two groups. The equine paste formulation of IVM and bovine pour‐on formulation of EPM were administered orally and topically at dosage of 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood, milk and faecal samples were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The plasma concentration and persistence of IVM were significantly greater and longer compared with those of EPM. Surprisingly, EPM displayed a much higher disposition rate into milk (AUC_milk/plasma: 0.48) than IVM (AUC_milk/plasma: 0.19). IVM exhibited significantly higher faecal excretion (AUC_faeces: 7148.54 ng·d/g) but shorter faecal persistence (MRT_faeces: 1.17 days) compared with EPM (AUC_faeces: 42.43 ng·d/g and MRT_faeces: 3.29 days). Faecal strongyle egg counts (EPG) were performed before and at weekly intervals after treatment. IVM reduced the EPG by 96–100% for up to 8 weeks, whereas the reduction in the EPM group varied from 78 to 99%. In conclusion, due to the relatively low excretion in milk, EPM and IVM may be used safely in lactating mares if their milk is used for human consumption. Nevertheless, much lower plasma and faecal availabilities of EPM could result in subtherapeutic concentrations, which may increase the risk of drug resistance in nematodes after pour‐on EPM administration compared with per os IVM.     

Effect of temperature and photoperiod on development and fecundity of an acarophagous ladybird beetle,Stethorus gilvifrons

The development, fecundity and survival ofStethorus gilvifrons Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed onTetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval (Acari: Tetranychidae) were recorded at three constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30±1°C) and 50±10% relative humidity, under two photoperiods (16:8 L:D and 8:16 L:D) produced using artificial light (4000 lux). The development rate for the egg stage (r_[Te]) increased linearly with increasing temperature (r_[Te]=0.0132*T ? 0.0955; R²=0.95). The theoretical egg-development threshold was estimated to be 7.24°C; 75.75 degree-days (DD) were required for hatching. The total development time (r_[Tt]) also decreased linearly with increasing temperature (r_[Tt]=0.0039*T ? 0.0325; R²=0.98). The development threshold was estimated to be 8.33°C and full development from egg to adult required 256.41 DD. Higher temperatures resulted in a shorter generation time (T ₀) and decreased net reproductive rate (R ₀). The length of the previposition and postoviposition period, as well as longevity, decreased significantly with increasing temperature under both photoperiods. The oviposition and postoviposition periods, longevity, and total fecundity were not significantly affected by photoperiod. The values of both the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ) andR ₀ were highest under the long-day photoperiod at 25°C. The mortality rate was lowest at 20°C under the short-day photoperiod. Of the conditions tested, the optimum temperature for rearingS. gilvifrons was 25°C and the optimum photoperiod was 16:8 L:D.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of levamisole-oxyclozanide combination in sheep and goats following per os administration

Since there is no registered anthelmintic drug available for use in goats, extra-label use of drugs is a common practice in most countries. The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetic disposition of levamisole (LVM)-oxyclozanide (OXZ) combination in sheep and goats following per os administration. Goats (n = 8) and sheep (n = 8) 12- to 16-months-old were used for this study. The animals received tablet formulation of LVM and OXZ combination orally at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Blood samples were collected by jugular vein at different times between 5 min and 120 h after drug administrations. The plasma concentrations of LVM and OXZ were analyzed by HPLC following liquid-liquid phase extraction procedures. The plasma concentrations and systemic availabilities of both LVM and OXZ in goats were lower and the plasma persistence of LVM was shorter compared with those observed in sheep. Terminal half-lives (t_1/2λz) of both molecules are shorter in goats compared with those in sheep. Goats treated with LVM-OXZ combination at the recommended dose for sheep may result in a reduced efficacy, because of under-dosing, which may increase the risk of drug resistance in parasites. Increased or repeated dose could be a strategy to provide higher plasma concentration and thus to improve the efficacy against the target parasites in goats compared with sheep. However, some adverse reactions may occur since LVM has relatively very narrow therapeutic index due to its nicotine-like structure and effect.     

Plasma dispositions and concentrations of ivermectin in eggs following treatment of laying hens

AIMS: To determine the plasma disposition and concentrations of ivermectin (IVM) in eggs produced by laying hens following S/C, oral and I/V administration.

METHODS: Twenty-four laying hens, aged 37 weeks and weighing 1.73 (SD 0.12) kg were allocated to three groups of eight birds. The injectable formulation of IVM was administered either orally, S/C, or I/V, at a dose of 0.2?mg/kg liveweight, following dilution (1:5, v/v) with propylene glycol. Heparinised blood samples were collected at various times between 0.25 hours and 20 days after drug administration. Eggs produced by hens were also collected daily throughout the study period. Samples of plasma and homogenised egg were analysed using HPLC.

RESULTS: Maximum concentrations of IVM in plasma and mean residence time of IVM were lower after oral (10.2 (SD 7.2) ng/mL and 0.38 (SD 0.14) days, respectively) than after S/C (82.9 (SD 12.4) ng/mL and 1.05 (SD 0.24) days, respectively) administration (p<0.01). The time to maximum concentration and elimination half-life were shorter following oral (0.14 (SD 0.04) and 0.23 (SD 0.11) days, respectively) than S/C (0.25 (SD 0.00) and 1.45 (SD 0.45) days, respectively) administration (p<0.01). IVM was first detected in eggs 2 days after treatment in all groups and was detected until 8 days after oral and I/V administration, and until 15 days after S/C administration. Peak concentrations of IVM were 15.7, 23.3 and 1.9?µg/kg, observed 2, 5 and 4 days after I/V, S/C and oral administration, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The low plasma bioavailability of IVM observed after oral administration in laying hens could result in lower efficacy or subtherapeutic plasma concentrations, which may promote the development of parasitic drug resistance. Due to high IVM residues in eggs compared to the maximum residue limits for other food-producing animal species, a withdrawal period should be necessary for eggs after IVM treatment in laying hens.     

Serum concentration of some acute phase proteins in naturally occurring canine babesiosis: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND: Serum concentrations of acute phase proteins can provide valuable diagnostic information in the detection, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. Information available on the acute phase response in naturally occurring canine babesiosis is limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively evaluate serum concentrations of haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis. METHODS: Haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were measured in serum samples from dogs with uncomplicated (n = 6) and complicated (n = 1) babesiosis and compared with 6 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Serum C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with babesiosis; however, serum haptoglobin concentration was significantly lower compared with control dogs (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study suggest that acute phase protein concentrations could be beneficial in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of babesiosis in dogs.     

基于主导功能的国土空间生态修复分区的原理与方法

国土空间规划是统筹区域资源开发利用和生态保护格局、促进空间治理体系现代化、服务生态文明建设和国家现代化战略的重大举措,国土生态修复是针对区域空间格局失调、资源利用低效、生态功能受损的国土空间进行综合整治与生态修复的活动和过程,是编制和实施国土空间规划的重点内容,生态修复分区则是合理编制国土空间生态修复规划和科学高效开展生态修复的重要前提。通过分析区域国土、生态、经济等主导功能的分区定位与内涵特征,依据"生命共同体理论"、"三生协调理论"、"适宜性管理"等国土空间规划与生态文明建设的基本理论,基于"自上而下"和"自下而上"相结合,提出了基于主导功能型区划的国土空间生态修复分区的思路与方法:1)摸清自然资源本底,完成一级生态功能基础分区;2)评价区域生态功能状况,完成二级生态修复格局分区;3)明确生态修复重点区域,完成三级生态修复模式分区。通过在江西省国土空间生态修复分区进行实践应用,可将江西省生态修复区划分为5个大区,以及24个亚区、70个修复小区,研究可为江西实施生态修复工程和国土空间管治提供决策依据。该方法归纳起来有以下4点特征:一是突出主导功能;二是遵循生态规律;三是适配空间尺度;四是强化上下衔接。研究对于国土空间生态修复规划编制、实施和生态管控具有积极的意义,可为国土空间整体保护、系统修复、综合整治与推进美丽中国建设提供科技支撑。     

Effects of oestradiol-17β or 17α-methyltestosterone administration on gonadal differentiation of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède)

Monosex populations can be a valuable management tool in culture of larger size largemouth bass (>400 g). In this study, we investigated the effective mode and duration of oestrogen and androgen administrations to produce monosex largemouth bass populations. The experiment consisted of nine treatments. In oral administration groups, we fed 40-day-old fry either 200 mg of an oestradiol-17β (E₂) kg⁻¹ diet or 60 mg of a 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) kg⁻¹ diet for 30, 45 or 60 days. In bath treatments, we immersed fry in a 1 mg MT L⁻¹ solution for 5 h a day on three or six occasions. For control treatment, we fed fry an ethanol-treated diet for 45 days. The frequency of females in the control group was 53.1%. Oral administration of E₂ at all durations resulted in slight increases in the frequency of females (59.8–70.5%). Both modes of androgen administration at all durations were ineffective in altering phenotypic sex. The experimental results of our study indicated that male differentiation passed the point of being completely and functionally influenced by exogenous oestrogens, while female differentiation had already taken place and was no longer responsive to exogenous androgens in 40-day-old (33.5 mm) largemouth bass fry.     

Breed-related plasma disposition of ivermectin following subcutaneous administration in Kilis and Damascus goats

Many factors related with drug and animals affect the plasma disposition of endectocides including ivermectin (IVM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the breed differences in pharmacokinetics of IVM in goats following subcutaneous administration. Two different goat breeds (Kilis and Damascus goats) were allocated into two treatment groups with respect to breed. The injectable formulation of IVM was administered subcutaneously at a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at various times between 1 h and 40 days after treatment and the plasma samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection. The results indicated that the plasma disposition of IVM was substantially affected by breed differences following subcutaneous administration in goats. The last detectable plasma concentration (t_last) of IVM was significantly later in Kilis goats (38.33 days) compared with Damascus goats (22.50 days). Although, there were no significant differences on C_max (10.83 ng/ml vs. 10.15 ng/ml) and t_max (2.75 days vs. 2.33 days) values; the area under the concentration–time curve-AUC (110.26 ng.d/ml vs. 73.38 ng.d/ml) the terminal half-life-t_1/2λz (5.65 days vs. 3.81 days) and the mean plasma residence time-MRT (9.31 days vs. 6.35 days) were significantly different in Kilis goats compared with Damascus goats, respectively. The breed-related difference observed on the plasma disposition of IVM between Kilis and Damascus goats could be attributable to different excretion pattern or specific anatomical and/or physiological characteristics such as body fat composition of each breed.     

Antimicrobial,UV-protective and self-cleaning properties of cotton fabrics coated by dip-coating and solvothermal coating methods

Multifunctional textiles have been widely investigated with antimicrobial, self-cleaning, UV-protective properties, etc. Especially sol-gel coating doped with bioactive agents and special agents provides to produce multifunctional textiles. In this study, dip-coating (pad-dry) and solvothermal (exhaustion) sol-gel processes were used for coating of cotton fabric with silica and titania sols to achieve the properties mentioned above. A quaternary ammonium salt and silver salts as antimicrobial doping agent were embedded in titania sols with or without silica. Antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) of the coated fabrics were characterized. The effect of precursors, doping agents and different sol-gel processes were also compared on performance properties of the fabric samples.