Clinicians' Use of Intravaginal Boric Acid Maintenance Therapy for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Bacterial Vaginosis.

A retrospective chart review characterized clinicians' use of maintenance intravaginal boric acid for women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. Average length of use was 13 months with high patient satisfaction and few adverse events. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of maintenance boric acid for these conditions.

A pilot study of the in vitro antimicrobial activity and in vivo residual activity of chlorhexidine and acetic acid/boric acid impregnated cleansing wipes.

BACKGROUND: Topical antimicrobials are recommended for first line treatment of surface and superficial infections in dogs. This is especially important given the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant infections. Antimicrobial wipes have become popular, but there are a lack of controlled studies assessing their in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo residual activity. We aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of two commercial antimicrobial wipes against frequently isolated pathogens. Ten clinical and one reference isolate each of meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP), meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), Escherichia coli (EC), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli (ESBL-EC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Malassezia pachydermatis (MP) were tested using a modified Kirby-Bauer technique. Each isolate was tested against 6 mm discs of chlorhexidine (CHX) and acetic acid/boric acid (AABA) wipes, and positive and negative controls either overnight (bacteria) or for 3 days (Malassezia). Healthy dogs were treated with the wipes and distilled water on a randomised flank (n = 5 each). Hair samples (1 cm; 0.1 g) taken at days 0, 1 and 3 were inoculated with an isolate of each organism. Zones of inhibition (ZI) were measured. RESULTS: All isolates produced confluent growth with AABA and control wipes, except for the cleansing wipes and MP (median ZI 12 mm; 95% CI 8.2-15.8). The median (95% CI) CHX wipe ZIs (mm) were: MP 48.0 (47.0-49.0), MSSP 15.6 (14.2-17.0), MRSP 14.0 (13.6-14.4), EC 13.6 (12.0-15.2) and ESBL-EC 10.0 (9.4-10.6). PA showed confluent growth. The differences between the bacterial isolates was significant (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.0001; post-tests MSSP = MRSP = EC > EBSL-EC > PA). Confluent growth was visible with all the hair samples. CONCLUSION: CHX but not AABA showed in vitro efficacy against MSSP, MRSP, EC and MP. ESBL-EC were less susceptible and there was no activity against PA. There was no residual activity on hair. Additional studies are required to determine efficacy of these products in clinically affected patients.

Treatment of cows with parturient paresis using intravenous calcium and oral sodium phosphate.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate whether intravenous infusion of 1000 ml 40% calcium borogluconate combined with the oral adminstration of 500 g sodium phosphate leads to a better cure rate and longer-lasting normocalcaemia and normophosphataemia than standard intravenous treatment with 500 ml calcium borogluconate in cows with parturient paresis. Forty recumbent cows with hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia were alternately allocated to group A or B. Cows of both groups were treated intravenously with 500 ml 40% calcium borogluconate, and cows of group B additionally received another 500 ml calcium borogluconate via slow intravenous infusion and 500 g sodium phosphate administered via an orogastric tube. Thirty-two cows stood within 8 hours after the start of treatment and 8 did not; of the 32 cows that stood, 18 belonged to group A and 14 to group B (90% of group A vs. 70% of group B; P = 0.23). Seven cows relapsed; of these and the 8 that did not respond to initial treatment, 10 stood after two standard intravenous treatments. Downer cow syndrome occurred in 5 cows, 3 of which recovered after aggressive therapy. The overall cure rate did not differ significantly between groups A and B. Twelve (60%) cows of group A and 14 (70%) cows of group B were cured after a single treatment and of the remaining 14, 11 were cured after two or more treatments. Two downer cows were euthanized and one other died of heart failure during treatment. Serum calcium concentrations during the first eight hours after the start of treatment were significantly higher in group B than in group A, and oral sodium phosphate caused a significant and lasting increase in inorganic phosphate. More cows of group B than group A were cured after a single treatment (P > 0.05). These findings, although not statistically significant, are promising and should be verified using a larger number of cows.

INTRODUCTION: On a étudié si on pouvait obtenir plus souvent, chez les vaches souffrant de parésie post-partum auxquelles on administrait par voie intraveineuse 1000 ml d'une solution à 40% de borogluconate de calcium et par voie orale 500 g de phosphate de sodium, une normo-calcémie et normo-phosphatémie durable et un meilleur résultat thérapeutique que chez les animaux recevant uniquement 500 ml de la solution de borogluconate de calcium. Les essais ont été faits sur 40 vaches laitières souffrant de parésie post-partum qui présentaient toutes initialement une hypocalcémie et une hypophosphatémie. Les animaux ont été répartis alternativement en deux groupes de traitement A et B, comprenant chacun 20 vaches. Les animaux des deux groupes ont été traités avec 500 ml d'une solution à 40% de borogluconate de calcium par voie intraveineuse. Ceux du groupe B ont reçu en outre 500 ml de borogluconate de calcium en perfusion continue et 500 g de phosphate de sodium par sonde naso-oesophagienne. En l'espace de 8 heures, 32 vaches se sont levées et 8 pas. Parmi les 32 vaches qui se sont levées, 18 appartenaient au groupe B (90%) et 14 au groupe A (70%) (P = 0.23). Chez 7 des 32 vaches qui se sont levées, on a observé une récidive. Parmi les 7 cas de récidive et les 8 vaches qui ne s'étaient pas levées après 8 heures, 10 animaux se sont levés après une deuxième perfusion de calcium. Cinq vaches ont développé un Downer-Cow-Syndrom, dont trois purent être guéries après un traitement intensif. Le succès thérapeutique global ne diffère pas significativement d'un groupe à l'autre. Dans le groupe A, 12 animaux (60%) ont été guéris après un seul traitement et, dans le groupe B 14 (70%). Sur le solde de 14 vaches, 11 se sont relevées après deux ou plusieurs traitements. Deux vaches ont dû être euthanasiées pour un Downer-Cow-Syndrom et une a péri d'une insuffisance cardiaque. Le traitement à conduit, chez les vaches du groupe B à des concentrations sanguines de calcium significativement plus élevées dans les premières 8 heures que chez celles du groupe A. D'autre part, l'administration, dans le groupe B, de phosphate de sodium a amené une élévation significative et durable de la concentration de phosphate inorganique. Le pourcentage des animaux qui se sont levés dans les 8 heures et étaient guéris après un seul traitement était plus élevé dans le groupe B que dans le groupe A (P > 0.05). D'autres études, avec des nombres d'animaux plus importants, sont nécessaires pour conforter ces résultats.

Dermatitis toxica faciei after boric acid.

An adverse toxic reaction to the topical application of a 2% boric acid solution is described in a 2-year-old girl. Topical boric acid is licensed for use in children above the age of 10 in the Czech Republic. However, it can be bought over the counter and it is very often used in younger children. Due to its fast absorption and slow elimination, there is a high risk of systemic side effects. On the other hand, topical side effects are not reported in the present literature.

Boric acid ovicidal trap for the management of Aedes species.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The use of low concentrations of boric acid as a potential and effective control agent for the eggs and immature stages of Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) is found to be safe and effective as compared to synthetic chemical insecticides. The study aims to determine the ovicidal concentration of boric acid, its effective concentration for oviposition attraction and the larval mortality concentration for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. METHODS: The ovicidal concentration of boric acid was determined by incubating the eggs in different concentrations of boric acid (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%). Different dilutions of boric acid were taken in the oviposition cup and the ovicidal concentration, effective concentration for oviposition attraction and the mean survival/mortality rate of III and IV instar Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae were determined. RESULTS: The ovicidal concentration of boric acid for 100% mortality in Aedes sp eggs is 1%. Effective concentration for the oviposition attraction is 0.5%. At 1% concentration, larvae of both the species died within 24 h. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Boric acid is less toxic compared to different pesticides, and in low concentrations, it attracts the ovipositing female Aedes sp as well as fertile males. Dilute boric acid solution is an effective ovitrap since the eggs laid by mosquitoes either die or the larvae that hatch out from them do not survive in boric acid. Boric acid kills the males that come in contact with the solution, which are attracted to the trap by the females hovering around.

The antimicrobial effect of boric acid on Trichomonas vaginalis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment options for trichomoniasis are largely limited to nitroimidazole compounds (metronidazole and tinidazole). Few alternatives exist in cases of recalcitrant infections or in cases of nitroimidazole hypersensitivity. Recently, the intravaginal administration of boric acid has been advocated as an alternative treatment of trichomoniasis. However, no in vitro studies are available that directly assess the sensitivity of Trichomonas vaginalis to boric acid. METHODS: We examined the sensitivity of common laboratory strains and recent clinical isolates of T. vaginalis to boric acid. The effect of increasing concentrations of boric acid on parasite growth and viability was determined, and a minimal lethal concentration was reported. The effect of pH on boric acid toxicity was assessed and compared with that of lactic and acetic acid. RESULTS: Boric acid is microbicidal to T. vaginalis, and its antitrichomonal activity is independent of environmental acidification. Unlike acetic acid and lactic acid, boric acid exposure results in growth suppression and lethality over a wide range of pH (5-7) and under conditions that are normally permissible for growth in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The microbicidal effect of boric acid on T. vaginalis, coupled with its previous clinical use in treating vaginal candidiasis, supports the continued inclusion of boric acid in the therapeutic arsenal for treating trichomoniasis.

Boric acid inhibits alveolar bone loss in rats by affecting RANKL and osteoprotegerin expression.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of systemic boric acid on the levels of expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and on histopathologic and histometric changes in a rat periodontitis model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into three groups of eight animals each: nonligated (NL); ligature only (LO); and ligature plus treatment with boric acid (BA) (3 mg/kg per day for 11 d). A 4/0 silk suture was placed in a subgingival position around the mandibular right first molars; after 11 d the rats were killed, and alveolar bone loss in the first molars was histometrically determined. Periodontal tissues were examined histopathologically to assess the differences among the study groups. RANKL and OPG were detected immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the LO group than in the BA and NL groups (p < 0.05). The number of inflammatory infiltrate and osteoclasts in the LO group was significantly higher than that in the NL and BA groups (p < 0.05). The numbers of osteoblasts in LO and BA groups were significantly higher compared with NL group (p < 0.05). There were significantly more RANKL-positive cells in the LO group than in the BA and NL groups (p < 0.05). There was a higher number of OPG-positive cells in the BA group than in the LO and NL groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that systemic administration of boric acid may reduce alveolar bone loss by affecting the RANKL/OPG balance in periodontal disease in rats.

Protective effect of boric acid on lead- and cadmium-induced genotoxicity in V79 cells.

The toxic heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are important environmental pollutants which can cause serious damage to human health. As the metal ions (Cd(2+) and Pb(2+)) accumulate in the organism, there is special concern regarding chronic toxicity and damage to the genetic material. Metal-induced genotoxicity has been attributed to indirect mechanisms, such as induction of oxidative stress and interference with DNA repair. Boron is a naturally occurring element and considered to be an essential micronutrient, although the cellular activities of boron compounds remain largely unexplored. The present study has been conducted to evaluate potential protective effects of boric acid (BA) against genotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and lead chloride (PbCl2) in V79 cell cultures. Cytotoxicity assays (neutral red uptake and cell titer blue assay) served to determine suitable concentrations for subsequent genotoxicity assays. Chromosomal damage and DNA strand breaks were assessed by micronucleus tests and comet assays. Both PbCl2 and CdCl2 (at 3, 5 and 10 µM) were shown to induce concentration-dependent increases in micronucleus frequencies and DNA strand breaks in V79 cells. BA itself was not cytotoxic (up to 300 µM) and showed no genotoxic effects. Pretreatment of cells with low levels of BA (2.5 and 10 µM) was found to strongly reduce the genotoxic effects of the tested metals. Based on the findings of this in vitro study, it can be suggested that boron provides an efficient protection against the induction of DNA strand breaks and micronuclei by lead and cadmium. Further studies on the underlying mechanisms for the protective effect of boron are needed.

The histopathological and morphometric investigation of the effects of systemically administered boric acid on alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administered boric acid on alveolar bone loss, histopathological changes and oxidant/antioxidant status in ligature-induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: (1) non-ligated (NL, n = 6) group, (2) ligature only (LO, n = 6) group, (3) Streptozotocin only (STZ, n = 8) group, (4) STZ and ligature (STZ+LO, n = 8) group, (5) STZ, ligature and systemic administration of 15 mg/kg/day boric acid for 15 days (BA15, n = 8) group and (6) STZ, ligature and systemic administration of 30 mg/kg/day boric acid for 15 days (BA30, n = 8) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of lower first molars of the mandibular quadrant. The study duration was 15 days after diabetes induction and the animals were sacrificed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured and tissues were histopathologically examined. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated. Primary outcome was alveolar bone loss. Seconder outcome (osteoblast number) was also measured. RESULTS: At the end of 15 days, the alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the STZ+LO group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in alveolar bone loss between the STZ+LO 15 mg/kg boric acid and STZ+LO 30 mg/kg boric acid groups (p > 0.05). Systemically administered boric acid significantly decreased alveolar bone loss compared to the STZ+LO group (p < 0.05). The osteoblast number in the BA30 group was significantly higher than those of the NL, STZ and STZ+LO groups (p < 0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in the STZ+LO group the other groups (p < 0.05). Serum TAS levels were significantly higher in the NL and LO groups than the other groups (p < 0.05). The differences in TOS levels were not found to be significant among all the groups (p > 0.05). The OSI values of the BA30 group were significantly lower than the STZ+LO group (p < 0.05). Also, the differences in serum calcium and magnesium levels were insignificant among the all groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be suggested that BA, when administered systemically, may reduce alveolar bone loss in the diabetic rat model.

FLUCONAZOLE AND BORIC ACID FOR TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS--NEW WORDS ABOUT OLD ISSUE.

OBJECTIVE: To compare boric acid as an effective treatment for VVC compared to fluconazole. We also studied the efficiency of these drugs in preventing recurrence of VVC. DESIGN: A cross sectional, randomized, double-blind study. SETTINGS: Gynaecology clinic of Imam Reza hospital, Tehran - Iran SUBJECTS: Women with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis. RESULTS: Seventy five patients out of total 150 patients with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis were treatedwith boric acidpowder everynight for a week and the remaining 75 patients received Fluconazole. The cure rate in first group was 46.7% but the cure rate in second group was 37.3%. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.3). Difference between the efficacy of the two drugs was not significant either (P=0.47). The recurrence rate among patients in first group was 35% while it was 32% in second group. Their difference was not statistically significant (P=0.54). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, treatment of vaginal candidiasis with boric acid is as effective as fluconazole. The availability of boric acid and its relatively low cost suggests it as a safe and effective drug for treatment of candidiasis.

Protective effect of boric acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

The protective effect of boric acid against liver damage was evaluated by its attenuation of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Male albino mice were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with boric acid (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or silymarin daily for 7 days and received 0.2% CCl(4) in olive oil (10 mL/kg, i.p.) on day 7. Results showed that administration of boric acid significantly reduced the elevation in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and the level of malondialdehyde in the liver that were induced by CCl(4) in mice. Boric acid treatment significantly increased glutathione content, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver. Boric acid treatment improved the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 and maintained activation of nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cell gene expression, with no effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in the livers of mice. Histopathologically, clear decreases in the severity of CCl(4)-induced lesions were observed, particularly at high boric acid concentrations. Results suggest that boric acid exhibits potent hepatoprotective effects on CCl(4)-induced liver damage in mice, likely the result of both the increase in antioxidant-defense system activity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

A randomised controlled trial of active chronic otitis media comparing courses of eardrops versus one-off topical treatments suitable for primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare settings.

OBJECTIVE: Primary: to compare one-off administration of boric acid powder with courses of 1% acetic acid and ciprofloxacin eardrops in treating active chronic otitis media. Secondary: to evaluate the effectiveness of Quadriderm® cream in resistant active chronic otitis media; and to document side effects of these treatments, especially hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient department of a tertiary ENT unit. PARTICIPANTS: Hundred and fifty-nine patients over 6 years old with active chronic mucosal (without cholesteatoma) otitis media randomised to receive one of the three primary agents. METHOD: All techniques employed were suitable for primary healthcare givers as well as specialists. After confirming eligibility, patients were randomly allocated to treatment. All ears underwent toilet with irrigation using clean water, a syringe and ambient light, with or without dry mopping, until the perforation was visible. The randomised solution was flushed through the middle ear and eustachian tube using a 'tragal pump' technique: saline was used as the solution for flushing in the boric acid powder arm. Patients allocated topical ear medication were given a bottle of eardrops to administer (six drops twice daily, 'pumped in') until finished. Those allocated boric acid powder had the external ear canals filled as a one-off treatment. Patients were followed up monthly thereafter. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: Dry (inactive) middle ears as assessed by the doctor. Secondary: Patient assessment of success; microbiologic culture and sensitivity; audiologic changes because of treatment; complications of treatment; costs of therapies. RESULTS: Ciprofloxacin eardrops and boric acid powder were statistically superior to 1% acetic acid eardrops in rendering active chronic otitis media inactive (73% dry ears for ciprofloxacin; 67% for boric acid powder; and 24% for acetic acid). There was no difference between the success rates of ciprofloxacin eardrops and boric acid powder. Quadriderm cream was effective in 85% of patients failing first-line therapy. No agent caused significant complications and specifically no hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a single application of boric acid powder following external auditory canal irrigation until the perforation was visible to be as effective as the current best practice of topical quinolone eardrops in active chronic otitis media. Boric acid powder is inexpensive and does not require patient compliance. Boric acid powder is a viable, less costly alternative to topical antibiotic/steroid ear drops in the developing world for active chronic otitis media. Acetic acid eardrops 1% are ineffective. Quadriderm cream, given as a one-off therapy, also appears to be effective.

Aggravation of cyclophosphamide-induced acute neurological disorders under conditions of artificial acidification of chyme in rats.

The effect of artificial acidification of the intestinal content on neurological manifestations of acute severe cyclophosphamide intoxication was studied in rats. The animals were gavaged with 20 ml/kg sulfuric (0.05 M), hydrochloric, boric, or lactic acids (0.1 M) 3 h before intraperitoneal injections of the cytostatic in doses of 0, 200, 600, or 1000 mg/kg. The decrease in pH (by.0) and ammonia-producing activity of the cecal chyme developed within 3 h after administration of acids. Cyclophosphamide caused hyperammonemia; glutamine/ammonia and urea/ammonia ratios in the blood decreased. These changes augmented after administration of acids (boric acid produced maximum and lactic acid minimum effects). Acid treatment resulted in greatest elevation of ammonia level in the portal venous blood and a lesser elevation in the vena cava posterior blood. Acid treatment promoted manifestation of cyclophosphamide neurotoxic effect and animal death. Hence, acidification of the chyme inhibited the formation of ammonia in it, while ammonia release from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood increased; the treatment augmented hyperammonemia and aggravated the neurological manifestations of cyclophosphamide intoxication.

[The experience with the topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of otitis media].

The objective of the present study was to estimate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the topically applied otinum ear drops. The authors present the results of the combined treatment of acute catarrhal otitis in the children with the use of choline salicilate (otinum). The study included 50 patients randomized into two identical groups. The children of group 1 received systemic therapy supplemented by the topical application of otinum, those in group 2 were prescribed a 3% alcoholic solution of boric acid. The study has demonstrated a significantly more pronounced positive dynamics of clinical conditions in the patients of group 1 compared with those of the control group. The total duration of therapy in the first group was 37.5% shorter than in the second. The results of the study confirmed the strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of choline salicilate. The pain was relieved within 7 minutes on the average after the application of this agent. It is concluded that otinum can be recommended for the introduction into combined therapy of acute catarrhal otitis media as an efficacious anti-inflammatory and analgetic drug.

Body weight reducing effect of oral boric acid intake.

BACKGROUND: Boric acid is widely used in biology, but its body weight reducing effect is not researched. METHODS: Twenty mice were divided into two equal groups. Control group mice drank standard tap water, but study group mice drank 0.28mg/250ml boric acid added tap water over five days. Total body weight changes, major organ histopathology, blood biochemistry, urine and feces analyses were compared. RESULTS: Study group mice lost body weight mean 28.1% but in control group no weight loss and also weight gained mean 0.09% (p<0.001). Total drinking water and urine outputs were not statistically different. Cholesterol, LDL, AST, ALT, LDH, amylase and urobilinogen levels were statistically significantly high in the study group. Other variables were not statistically different. No histopathologic differences were detected in evaluations of all resected major organs. CONCLUSION: Low dose oral boric acid intake cause serious body weight reduction. Blood and urine analyses support high glucose, lipid and middle protein catabolisms, but the mechanism is unclear.

Reproductive toxicity parameters and biological monitoring in occupationally and environmentally boron-exposed persons in Bandirma, Turkey.

Boric acid and sodium borates have been considered as being "toxic to reproduction and development", following results of animal studies with high doses. Experimentally, a NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of 17.5 mg B/kg-bw/day has been identified for the (male) reproductive effects of boron in a multigeneration study of rats, and a NOAEL for the developmental effects in rats was identified at 9.6 mg B/kg-bw/day. These values are being taken as the basis of current EU safety assessments. The present study was conducted to investigate the reproductive effects of boron exposure in workers employed in boric acid production plant in Bandirma, Turkey. In order to characterize the external and internal boron exposures, boron was determined in biological samples (blood, urine, semen), in workplace air, in food, and in water sources. Unfavorable effects of boron exposure on the reproductive toxicity indicators (concentration, motility, morphology of the sperm cells and blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total testosterone) were not observed. The mean calculated daily boron exposure (DBE) of the highly exposed group was 14.45 ± 6.57 (3.32-35.62) mg/day. These human exposures represent worst-case exposure conditions to boric acid/borates in Turkey. These exposure levels are considerably lower than exposures, which have previously led to reproductive effects in experimental animals. In conclusion, this means that dose levels of boron associated with developmental and reproductive toxic effects in animals are by far not reachable for humans under conditions of normal handling and use.

Dystocia in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A 4-year-old female dwarf lop rabbit was presented with dystocia after mis-mating. Abdominal palpation, vaginal examination, and radiography confirmed that the doe was carrying 3 kits. Treatment for the dystocia consisted of gentle manual extraction of the fetuses and fetal membranes, and administration of oxytocin and calcium borogluconate.

Clinical Efficacy of Tacrolimus Ointment + 3% Boric Acid Lotion Joint Chinese Angelica Decoction in Chronic Perianal Eczema.

OBJECTIVE: To unearth the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion joint Chinese angelica decoction in chronic perianal eczema. METHODS: Patients with chronic perianal eczema admitted to hospital from June 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the control group (n = 38) underwent basic therapy with tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, whereas those in the observation group (n = 38) were given oral Chinese angelica decoction on the basis of the above therapy. Patient's baseline information before therapy and clinical symptoms after therapy were observed and compared, including pruritus ani score, anus drainage and damp score, skin lesion score, skin lesion area score, life quality index score, and IL-2, IL-4, and IgE levels in serum. Overall efficacy in the two groups was also evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the baseline information between the observation group and control group before therapy. After therapy, pruritus ani score (P = 0.023), anus drainage and damp score (P = 0.041), skin lesion score (P = 0.025), and skin lesion area score (P = 0.035) of patients in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group. Significantly higher release levels of clinical symptoms of patients in the observation group were indicated. With respect to the control group, the life quality score (P = 0.020) and IgE level in serum (P = 0.003) of patients in the observation group were significantly lower, while IL-4 level in serum was significantly higher (P = 0.129). The therapy in the observation group achieved better clinical efficacy. Overall efficacy in the observation group was markedly favorable with respect to the control group. CONCLUSION: With respect to tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, patients with chronic perianal eczema displayed better clinical efficacy after jointly being treated by Chinese angelica decoction.

Effects of boric acid supplementation on bone health in crossbred calves under tropical condition.

INTRODUCTION: Boron (B) is thought to play key role in proper bone growth and development as well as have some role in regulation of minerals such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) which act synergistically with vitamin D. OBJECTIVE: Present study was planned in two phases to assess the effect of optimum and supranutritional levels of (B) in the form of boric acid (BA) supplementation on bone health of growing cross bred calves. METHOD: During Phase-1, twenty four male crossbred calves were blocked into four groups (n = 6) on the basis of their body weight (154.83 ±â€¯8.5 kg), age (7-9 months) and were supplemented with 0 (C), 2.6 (T-1), 5.4 (T-2) and 10.7 (T-3) g BA for appropriate B (0.175 adjustment factor to calculate B form BA) consumption i.e. 0, 100, 200 and 400 ppm in each group respectively, for 90 days. During phase 2, twenty-one male crossbred calves were divided into 3 groups (n = 7) on the basis of their body weight (103.76 ±â€¯4.34 kg) and age (5-8 months). All the groups were on similar dietary regimen with additional supplementation of boric acid as 0 g (control); 3.6 g (200 ppm B; T-1) and 10.8 g (600 ppm B; T-2), respectively for a period of 120 d. RESULTS: From the first experiment it is reported that plasma levels of bovine alkaline phosphatase (BALP), type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) and Ca were significantly (P < 0.05) affected in T-2 and T-3 groups as compared to T-1 and control groups. Whereas, plasma osteocalcin (OCN) concentration was found to be higher in T-2 and T-3 groups as compared to control group. However, plasma concentrations (ng/mL) of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) remained unaltered due to dietary treatments. Based on the results, another experiment was conducted to validate the above findings and further to determine the effect of still higher i.e supranutritional levels of BA supplementation on bone health of calves. Results revealed that supplementation of BA in T-2 group had no beneficial effect on bone health as the plasma concentration of BALP, OCN, NTx, 25 (OH) vitamin D and Ca as compared to T-1 group in phase 2. Other possible attributes of bone health i.e. plasma concentration of Mg, P, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin were not affected by BA supplementation at any levels. CONCLUSION: Overall from present study it can be concluded that supplementation of boric acid 3.6 g/d (equivalent to 200 ppm B) in the diet of growing animals has positive effect on bone health related biomarkers (OCN, NTx and BALP) and supplementation of supranutritional level of BA i.e. 10.8 g (equivalent to 600 ppm B) level had neither additional beneficial nor harmful effect on bone health of calves.