First report of the lethal activity and synergism between deltamethrin, amitraz and piperonyl butoxide against susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant nymphs of Triatoma infestans.

In South America, Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is the main vector of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease. The main strategy for vector control is to spray domestic structures with pyrethroids. Reports of populations of T. infestans with varying degrees of resistance to pyrethroids have made the search for alternative molecules for vector control necessary. In the first stage of this work we investigated the lethal activity of amitraz and deltamethrin against susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant nymphs of Triatoma infestans. Lethal dose at 50% (LD50) of susceptible nymphs were compared with those recorded in pyrethroid-resistant nymphs and the resistance ratio (RR50) was obtained. The RR50 of deltamethrin was approximately 300. In the case of amitraz, we observed similar triatomicidal activity in the two nymph populations (RR50: 0.7). In a second stage of the work, we determined the synergistic effect of amitraz and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) on the lethal activity of deltamethrin. The strong synergistic effect of PBO on the lethal activity of deltamethrin in resistant nymphs produced a decrease in RR50 to almost one third of the RR50 reported in absence of the synergist. Amitraz plus PBO lethal activity was similarly increased in pyrethroid susceptible and resistant nymphs. Our data indicate that deltamethrin synergism by amitraz was higher against resistant than to susceptible nymphs (Synergist ratio (SR50) of: 7.2- and 4.1-fold, respectively). In pyrethroid resistant nymphs, the highest level of synergism was obtained combining deltamethrin with amitraz and PBO (SR50: 26.7-fold). These results indicate that this combination could be considered an effective alternative for the control of T. infestans.

New forms of induction of apoptosis in aggressive lymphoma using peptides that interrupt the RAS / RAF interaction

Interpretation: RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK is a key pathway for apoptosis regulation in cancer cells. B-Raf-inhibitors such as PLX4032 peptide was developed by Institute Curie-Université Pierre et Marie Curie in order to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Objectives: To demonstrate pro-apoptotic properties and survival outcome of EP2014/064243 peptide in murine aggressive lymphoma. Material and Methodology: BALBc mice with T-lymphoma were randomized assigned either in Group A (peptide+cyclophosphamide-CFM); Group B (peptides), Group C (CFM-control) or Control D (Cl-Na 0.9%-SF control group). Survival probability was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Apoptosis was detected using TUNEL technique. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Committee for Animal Care (CICUAL: T04-01-2015) Results: The median survival was 24 days (21.6-26.4) for placebo, 33 days (28.0-35.4) for the CFM monotherapy group, 33 (27.1-35.8) for the peptide group and 34 days (24,4-40) for CFM-peptide combined treatment (p<0.05). In lymph node tissue the mean TUNEL positive cells per field for each treatment group was 2, 12 and 13 and 35 for SF, CFM, peptide and combined therapy (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that in murine aggressive lymphoma treated by an experimental peptide in addition with CFM, had an exponentially pro-apoptotic effect than CFM alone, suggesting that the peptide potentiated the anti-tumoural effect of CFM.

Correction to: T cell leukemia control via Ras-Raf pathway inhibition with peptides.

[This corrects the article on p. 172 in vol. 10, PMID: 29075346.].

T cell leukemia control via Ras-Raf pathway inhibition with peptides.

RATIONALE: RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway has been considered a promising target for anticancer therapy. However, tumor cells may develop resistance against such drugs via hyperactivation of N-Ras, which explains why novel therapeut-ic approaches. In this sense, the Institute Curie- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6) designed peptides in order to disturb Ras/Raf interaction which showed pro-apoptotic properties. These peptides were patented as WO2015001045 A2 (PCT/EP2014/064243)5. OBJECTIVE: In order to check the anti-tumoral action of WO2015001045 A2 peptides in a very aggressive BALB/c mice spontaneous leukemia called LB, we performed the present study. METHOD & RESULTS: 50 BALB/c mice inoculated with 106 LB tumor cells were randomly assigned either to control (placebo) or treatment group (that daily received 3 mg of peptide per kg of mice) during 30 days. By day 15 only 24% of the control group was alive vs. 100% of the treatment group. The average survival in treated group was 20,27 days while in control group the mean survival was 15,48 days. Either bone marrow, spleen or axillary nodes demonstrated a higher level of malignant T cell presence compare with treated group (89,78% ; 95,64% & 77,68% versus 72,45%, 80,23% & 63.44% respectively for each organ inspected. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrated an improvement in survival curves in mice model affected by spontaneous T lymphoid leukemia when peptides WO2015001045 A2 were used. These peptides might be a valid option to become part of the therapeutic armory for malignant lymphoproliferative diseases control.

Personalised iron supply for prophylaxis and treatment of pregnant women as a way to ensure normal iron levels in their breast milk.

RATIONALE: Because the characteristics of all body fluids depends on patient's health status, is it possible that disadvantaged and socially vulnerable mothers may have lower amounts of iron in their breast milk, and that their babies receive lower content of the mineral for their normal growth and development. Assuring a preventive treatment of the mother might solve this problem. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate breast milk iron content from disadvantaged mothers and impact of personalized iron supplementation program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: cross-sectional study. Breast milk samples were obtained for ferritin analysis. Health's services usually provides free folic acid and iron treatment however, treatment compliance is low. Patients were random in two groups: "A: Controls" that had free iron tablets available from Health Centre; and "B: Intervention" group where patients accepted to be periodically contacted at home by health's team for personalized iron dispensation. RESULTS: 360 patients were included. Profilaxis and treatment compliance were 100% and 97,6% for B group while for "Control" one was 63% and 34%(p0.0001). Higher breast milk iron levels were detected in Intervention's mothers compared with control's patients (p0.007). CONCLUSION: Personalized iron prophylaxis and treatment increased breast milk iron levels. Public health policy must ensure iron dispensation for each underserved mother in order to reduce children problems associate to iron deficiency during the first year of their life.

Effect of 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-piperazine on antimicrobial agent susceptibility in multidrug-resistant isogenic and veterinary Escherichia coli field strains.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction of the efflux pump inhibitor 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-piperazine (NMP) when combined with different families of antimicrobial agents against isogenic strains and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli field strains isolated from animals. Laboratory isogenic strains of E. coli with different levels of expression of efflux pumps were used as quality controls. Ten MDR E. coli strains were collected from healthy animals in a cross-sectional study in four commercial dairy farms. The MICs of florfenicol, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and ampicillin were determined by a serial microdilution method in Luria-Bertani broth in the presence or absence of NMP. NMP used with ampicillin exerted no effect on the isogenic or field strains. In most of the field MDRE. coli strains and in an acrAB-overexpressing (AG112) isogenic strain, the MICs of florfenicol, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline decreased at least fourfold when the antimicrobial was combined with the highest NMP concentrations. In the wild-type strain (AG100), there were no decreases of more than twice the MIC, whilst in strain AG100A, an efflux pump-deficient strain, the MIC did not change, regardless of the concentration of NMP used with these three antimicrobials. Thus, ampicillin was not affected by the efflux pump mechanism, whereas ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and florfenicol were shown to be substrates of efflux pumps, with a consequent significant reduction in MICs. Resistance could not be completely reversed in the E. coli field strains by NMP, probably because other resistance mechanisms were also present. However, in strain AG112, the MIC results demonstrated that NMP expressed an important synergistic activity with florfenicol. The reduction in florfenicol MIC value was sufficient to reverse antimicrobial resistance completely for AG112.

Pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in lactating dairy cows with subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Azithromycin is a time-dependent antimicrobial with long persistence. The main characteristics of azithromycin suggest that it could be useful for treating bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. To investigate this possibility, its pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior was studied. Six Holstein lactating cows with subclinical mastitis were administered two 10 mg/kg intramuscular (i.m.) doses of azithromycin, with a 48-h interval. Milk and plasma concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The MIC(90) was determined in 51 S. aureus isolations to calculate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) parameters. Milk maximal concentration (C(max)) was 7.76 +/- 1.76 microg/mL (16.67 h post-first administration) and 7.82 +/- 2.18 microg/mL (14 h post-2(nd) administration). In plasma C(max) was 0.18 +/- 0.03 microg/mL (2 h post-1(rst) administration) and 0.11 +/- 0.03 microg/mL (14 h post-2(nd) administration). Azithromycin was eliminated from the milk with a half-life (T(1/2)lambda) of 158.26 +/- 137.7 h after 2(nd) administration, meanwhile plasma T(1/2)lambda resulted shorter(13.97 +/- 11.1 h). The mean area under the concentration vs. time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC(0-24h)) was 153.82 +/- 34.66 microg.h/mL in milk secretion and 2.61 +/- 0.59 microgxh/mL in plasma. Infection presence in the quarters had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the area under the concentration vs. time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) and clearance from the mammary gland (Cl(mam)/F). Moreover, it had influence on milk bioavailability (F(milk)), T(1/2)lambda, AUC(0-infinity) and mean residence time (MRT) in milk, which values resulted increased in mastitic quarters. In this study, it was determined that the production level and the mammary health status have an influence on PK parameters of azithromycin treatments in bovine mastitis.

Concentrations of danofloxacin 18% solution in plasma, milk and tissues after subcutaneous injection in dairy cows.

Danofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone developed for use in veterinary medicine. Its concentrations and pharmacokinetic profile in plasma, milk and tissues of lactating dairy cows were determined, and its milk withdrawal time (WT) calculated. Twenty-one dairy cows received a single subcutaneous administration of 18% mesylate danofloxacin salt (6 mgkg(-1)). Plasma and milk samples were obtained at different times until 48 h. Groups of three animals were sacrificed at different post-administration times and tissue samples (mammary gland, uterus, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and mesenteric lymph nodes) obtained. Danofloxacin concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The milk WT was calculated by the Time to Safe Concentration method (Software WTM 1.4, EMEA). Danofloxacin was rapidly absorbed and its distribution from plasma to all sampled tissues and milk was extensive. Milk and tissues concentrations were several times above those found in plasma. Plasma area under the curve (AUCp) was 9.69 microghmL(-1) and its elimination half life (T(beta)(1/2)) was 12.53 h. AUC values for the various tissues and milk greatly exceeded AUCp. T(beta)(1/2) from milk and tissues ranged between 4.57 and 21.91 h and the milk withdrawal time was 73.48 h. The reported results support the potential use of danofloxacin in the treatment of mastitis and other infections in milk cows with 3 days of withdrawal.

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin after single intravenous administration in sheep.

The disposition of enrofloxacin in sheep was investigated after single-dose intravenous administration of 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein at predetermined times after drug administration. Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin were simultaneously determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The data collected were subjected to non-compartmental and compartmental kinetic analysis. Statistical model theory was used to determine non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters. Disposition of enrofloxacin was described by a three-compartment open model with elimination from the central compartment following intravascular administration. The elimination half-life, the volume of distribution, and the area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) were 4.31 h, 1.10 l/kg and 9.24 microg x h/ml, respectively. Enrofloxacin was metabolised to ciprofloxacin and the ratio between the AUCs of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin was 0.26 after intravenous administration. With predictive models of efficacy (maximum plasma concentrations/minimum inhibitory concentrations [Cmax/MIC] and AUC/MIC ratios in plasma) for most of the sheep pathogen microorganisms, enrofloxacin produced scores higher than 15 and 50, respectively. After intravenous administration atthe dose of 2.5 mg/kg, enrofloxacin achieved concentrations several times above the MIC for major pathogen bacteria in plasma, and it may prove useful in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by sensitive pathogens in sheep.

Pharmacokinetic disposition of triclabendazole in cattle and sheep; discrimination of the order and the rate of the absorption process of its active metabolite triclabendazole sulfoxide.

A comparative pharmacokinetic study was conducted to determine the order and the rate of absorption of triclabendazole (TCBZ) in cattle and sheep. A commercial suspension of TCBZ (Biofasiolex, Biogénesis S.A., Argentina) was administered at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg by the oral route to six Holstein female calves and six Corriedale female sheep. The plasma concentration profiles of the metabolites triclabendazole sulfoxide (TCBZ-SO) and triclabendazole sulfone (TCBZ-SO(2)) were analysed by means of the non-compartmental method. The order of the absorption process of the active metabolite, TCBZ-SO, was determined by construction of curves of cumulative absorbed fraction of the drug by means of the Wagner-Nelson method. The appearance of TCBZ-SO in plasma of cattle and sheep resembles the entry of a constant quantity of drug into the organism per unit time. This is explained by the reservoir effect of the rumen, which acts as a biological slow-release system for TCBZ-SO and its precursor TCBZ to the posterior digestive tract where they are absorbed. The plasma concentration profiles of TCBZ-SO in both species were well described by a one-compartment open model with zero-order process of absorption and first-order process of elimination. The values of AUC(0-infinity) and C(max) of TCBZ-SO did not differ between species, while other kinetic parameters except for lambda(z) had higher values in calves than in sheep. In the case of TCBZ-SO(2), t(max) was the only parameter that did not differ between species, while other kinetic parameters except for lambda(z) had higher values in calves than in sheep.

Pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of an oxytetracycline/diclofenac combination in cattle.

Eight male cattle were given a combined dose containing 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline and 0.5 mg/kg diclofenac intramuscularly. Blood samples were drawn at different times until 168 h after administration. Two experimental animals were slaughtered by humane means at weekly intervals up to 28 days after administration. Samples of muscle, injection zone tissue, liver, kidney and fat were obtained. Oxytetracycline and diclofenac concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Kinetic analysis was performed by linear regression using the CSTRIP programme. Plasma oxytetracycline concentration showed a maximum (Cmax) of 3.89 +/- 1.48 microg/ml and a prolonged elimination half-life (T1/2beta: 47.73 +/- 18.33 h). The diclofenac plasma profile showed high Cmax (577.62 +/- 238.40 ng/ml), and its T1/2beta was also prolonged (30.48 +/- 9.42 h). Oxytetracycline concentrations were measurable in liver and adipose tissue until day 21 after administration, but all tissue samples were negative for diclofenac at 21 days. The long elimination half-life of diclofenac was an unexpected finding; its T1/2beta in humans is 1.1 h.

Pharmacokinetics of ricobendazole after its intravenous, intraruminal and subcutaneous administration in sheep.

Ricobendazole (RBZ) was administered in sheep at the dose rate of 5 mg/kg by intravenous (i.v.) route as a 10% experimental solution, by the intraruminal (i.r.) route as a 10% experimental suspension, and by the subcutaneous (s.c.) route as a 10% commercial formulation available in Argentina. Blood samples were drawn during a 60 h period. Plasma concentrations of RBZ and its inactive metabolite albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by compartmental analysis. The fitting of the data was done by weighted least-squares non-linear regression analysis. The pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated for every animal by simultaneous fitting of the plasma concentrations profiles of RBZ obtained after its administration by the three routes. The kinetic analysis of ABZSO2 was performed by a statistical moment approach. Ricobendazole bioavailability was poor after i.r. administration, whereas high and sustained plasma concentrations and higher bioavailability were obtained after s.c. administration. A simple two-compartment open model explains in a mechanical sense the pharmacokinetic behaviour of RBZ in sheep and allows us to estimate the real first-order constant rate of absorption and the loss of drug from the absorption site after its administration by s.c. and i.r. routes.

Pharmacokinetics of ricobendazole in calves.

The pharmacokinetics of ricobendazole (RBZ) and its major metabolite albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2) were studied in six calves, after administration of RBZ (7.5 mg/kg), using a 10% experimental solution by the intravenous (i.v.) route, a 10% commercial solution by the subcutaneous (s.c.) route, and a 10% experimental suspension by the intraruminal (i.r.) route. Blood samples were drawn during a 60-h period. Plasma drug and metabolite concentrations were determined by HPLC. The pharmacokinetic evaluation in each case was prepared by weighted least-squares nonlinear regression analysis. Ricobendazole i.v. data were best fitted by a two-compartment model. The best pharmacokinetic exponents and coefficients were estimated, and the pharmacokinetic variables for RBZ and ABZSO2 were calculated from them. Similar patterns of plasma disposition were found for RBZ after i.r. and s.c. administration, suggesting delayed release from the s.c. site resembling the slow release of the drug from the rumen.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin in normal horses and horses with experimental arthritis.

The serum and synovial pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin (AMX) were studied after i.v. administration at a dosage of 40 mg/kg to normal horses and horses with induced aseptic carpal arthritis. The best estimates of serum and synovial pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by mono or bivariable non-linear regression analysis. A biexponential equation was used to describe the concentration vs. time profiles in both normal and arthritic horses. There were no serum kinetic differences between normal and arthritic horses. There were, however, major synovial kinetic changes between these groups. The rate of penetration from serum to synovial fluid was larger in arthritic animals, indicating better penetration in this case. On the other hand, the rate of disappearance from synovial fluid was larger in normal horses, indicating more persistence of the drug in the diseased joint. Synovial AMX availability increased from 21% in normal horses to 79% in arthritic horses. These findings support the use of AMX for the treatment of infectious synovial joint disease produced by susceptible organisms in horses.

Chloramphenicol pharmacokinetics after intravenous and intramuscular administration in sheep.

The pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol were studied after intravenous and intramuscular administration of 50 mg/kg body weight in Merino sheep. After intravenous administration, the drug was rapidly distributed extravascularly with a half-life of 10.5 +/- 8.83 min. Extensive distribution was confirmed by an apparent volume of distribution at steady state (1.5 +/- 0.43 1/kg). The elimination half-life was 3.24 +/- 0.60 h. After intramuscular injection, the absorption half-life was 44.33 +/- 19.21 min with a bioavailability of 65%. A maximum serum concentration of 15.57 +/- 3.95 micrograms/ml was determined 2 h after administration. Serum concentrations above 5 micrograms/ml were maintained for approximately 12 h with an elimination half-life of 5.75 +/- 1.25 h, longer than the half-life obtained after intravenous administration. In conclusion, the intramuscular administration of chloramphenical at a dose rate of 50 mg/kg permitted the maintenance of inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic for the majority of Salmonella and Pasteurella isolates for at least 12 h.

Comparative persistent efficacy of doramectin, ivermectin and fenbendazole against natural nematode infections in cattle.

A study was conducted in Argentina, to investigate the period of protection of a single injection of doramectin administered subcutaneously (s.c.) at 200 micrograms kg-1 (1 ml/50 kg) compared with single treatments of ivermectin (200 micrograms kg-1 s.c.) and fenbendazole (5 mg kg-1 p.o.), against field infections of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle. Eighty-three animals were selected and ranked on the basis of serial fecal egg counts (e.p.g.'s). From this group, three animals were slaughtered before treatment and their lungs, abomasum, small and large intestines, were processed for parasite counts and identification. The remaining 80 animals were allocated in ranked groups of four to a control or one of three treated groups. Animals of the four groups were grazed together in the same pasture for the duration of the study. Treatments were administered on Day 0. Individual fecal samples were collected at weekly intervals for the first 49 days post-treatment and twice a week from Day 52 to Day 84 (end of study). At each collection day fecal samples were pooled for coprocultures. On Day 28 and 56, two animals from each group, previously identified on Day 0, were killed and their parasite burdens determined. The duration of protection of a single injection of doramectin was longer than ivermectin or fenbendazole treatment. On Day 56, the total number of parasites found in doramectin-treated animals was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than parasite burdens found in either ivermectin- or fenbendazole-treated animals. The longer persistent activity of doramectin was expressed by the lower number of adults and L4 stages of Ostertagia ostertagi. Data from this experiment demonstrated the limitations of using fecal egg counts to evaluate the persistent efficacy of anthelmintics. The duration of activity of doramectin was demonstrated more accurately by parasite counts in cattle from each group since decreasing e.p.g.'s were seen in non-medicated animals without changes in total parasite burdens.