TGF-β uncouples glycolysis and inflammation in macrophages and controls survival during sepsis

Changes in metabolism of macrophages are required to sustain macrophage activation in response to different stimuli. We showed that the cytokine TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) regulates glycolysis in macrophages independently of inflammatory cytokine production and affects survival in mouse models of sepsis. During macrophage activation, TGF-β increased the expression and activity of the glycolytic enzyme PFKL (phosphofructokinase-1 liver type) and promoted glycolysis but suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The increase in glycolysis was mediated by an mTOR-c-MYC-dependent pathway, whereas the inhibition of cytokine production was due to activation of the transcriptional coactivator SMAD3 and suppression of the activity of the proinflammatory transcription factors AP-1, NF-κB, and STAT1. In mice with LPS-induced endotoxemia and experimentally induced sepsis, the TGF-β-induced enhancement in macrophage glycolysis led to decreased survival, which was associated with increased blood coagulation. Analysis of septic patient cohorts revealed that the expression of PFKL, TGFBRI (which encodes a TGF-β receptor), and F13A1 (which encodes a coagulation factor) in myeloid cells positively correlated with COVID-19 disease. Thus, these results suggest that TGF-β is a critical regulator of macrophage metabolism and could be a therapeutic target in patients with sepsis.

pDC-like cells are pre-DC2 and require KLF4 to control homeostatic CD4 T cells

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) have been shown to play an important role during immune responses, ranging from initial viral control through the production of type I interferons to antigen presentation. However, recent studies uncovered unexpected heterogeneity among pDCs. We identified a previously uncharacterized immune subset, referred to as pDC-like cells, that not only resembles pDCs but also shares conventional DC (cDC) features. We show that this subset is a circulating precursor distinct from common DC progenitors, with prominent cDC2 potential. Our findings from human CD2-iCre and CD300c-iCre lineage tracing mouse models suggest that a substantial fraction of cDC2s originates from pDC-like cells, which can therefore be referred to as pre-DC2. This precursor subset responds to homeostatic cytokines, such as macrophage colony stimulating factor, by expanding and differentiating into cDC2 that efficiently prime T helper 17 (TH17) cells. Development of pre-DC2 into CX3CR1+ ESAM- cDC2b but not CX3CR1- ESAM+ cDC2a requires the transcription factor KLF4. Last, we show that, under homeostatic conditions, this developmental pathway regulates the immune threshold at barrier sites by controlling the pool of TH17 cells within skin-draining lymph nodes.

The importance of minimal residual disease for detection of late relapse in Bprecursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND

The minimal residual disease (MRD) level in patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the strongest independent predictor of relapse and survival. Assessment of MRD plays a crucial role in the treatment of B-ALL.

CASE REPORT

We performed long-term monitoring of a 30-year-old woman with B-ALL of standard risk for MRD using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). After five years of monitoring, molecular relapse of the disease was confirmed.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates that more extended monitoring for MRD, even by only MFC when other newer sophisticated diagnostics are not available, is essential in detecting early relapse in patients with B-ALL of standard risk. HIPPOKRATIA 2022, 26 (1):38-40.

Voxel model of a rabbit: assessment of absorbed doses in organs after CT examination performed by two different protocols

The objective of this work was to assess absorbed doses in organs and tissues of a rabbit, following computed tomography (CT) examinations, using a dedicated 3D voxel model. Absorbed doses in relevant organs were calculated using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo software. Calculations were perfomed for two standard CT protocols, using tube voltages of 110 kVp and 130 kVp. Absorbed doses were calculated in 11 organs and tissues, i.e., skin, bones, brain, muscles, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, testicles, and fat tissue. The doses ranged from 15.3 to 28.3 mGy, and from 40.2 to 74.3 mGy, in the two investigated protocols. The organs that received the highest dose were bones and kidneys. In contrast, brain and spleen were organs that received the smallest doses. Doses in organs which are stretched along the body did not change significantly with distance. On the other hand, doses in organs which are localized in the body showed maximums and minimums. Using the voxel model, it is possible to calculate the dose distribution in the rabbit's body after CT scans, and study the potential biological effects of CT doses in certain organs. The voxel model presented in this work can be used to calculated doses in all radiation experiments in which rabbits are used as experimental animals.

Motivation for change, cornerstone of diabetes self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background

Personal motivation for change plays a fundamental role in creation of sustainable changes regarding diabetes self-management. The aim of this study is to assess the motivation as well as the relation between the level of patient`s motivation in relation to disease characteristics, metabolic control, behavioral determinants and the barriers patients encounter in diabetes self-management.

Methods

The data for this cross-sectional study were obtained by combining anthropometric measurements (body mass index-BMI), biochemical parameters (glycosylated hemoglobin-HbA1c) and by interviewing respondents using certain sub-scale of a structured Personal Diabetes Questionnaire (PDQ).

Results

The sample consisted of 117 respondents with T2DM. The majority (61.06%) was not motivated to make self-management changes. Non-motivated respondents were older than 65 years of age (X^2=8,046; p = 0.005) and had: a lower level of education (X^2=35.320; p = 0.000), diabetes for more than 10 years, poor glyco-regulation (90,14%) and were overweight / obese (81,7%). Motivated respondent were more physically active (X^2=6.439; p = 0.000), more adherent to anti-hyperglucemic therapy (OHAs) (X^2=9.673; p = 0,002), and more adherent to dietary regime. Average barrier scores: in the following healthy diet [t=-7.960; p = 0.000], in therapeutic adherence [t=-4.318; p = 0.000] and physical activity [t=-6.439; p = 0.000] were also statistically significantly different with the high impact in relation to respondents’ motivation.

Conclusions

Assessment of the motivation for changes in diabetes self-management should become an integral part of monitoring patients with T2DM in Primary Health Care (PHC). In this way, individual advisory strategies could be developed, because motivated and not motivated persons have different needs for counseling.

Key messages

Motivated and not motivated persons with T2DM have different needs for counseling. Assessment of the motivation for changes in diabetes self-management should become an integral part of monitoring patients with T2DM.

The transcription factor Duxbl mediates elimination of pre-T cells that fail β-selection

During β-selection, T cells without productive TCRβ rearrangements are eliminated. Klein et al. show that the transcription factor Duxbl regulates this process by inducing apoptosis through activation of the Oas/RNaseL pathway. Successful TCRβ rearrangement rescues cells by pre-TCR–mediated Duxbl suppression.

T cell development is critically dependent on successful rearrangement of antigen-receptor chains. At the β-selection checkpoint, only cells with a functional rearrangement continue in development. However, how nonselected T cells proceed in their dead-end fate is not clear. We identified low CD27 expression to mark pre-T cells that have failed to rearrange their β-chain. Expression profiling and single-cell transcriptome clustering identified a developmental trajectory through β-selection and revealed specific expression of the transcription factor Duxbl at a stage of high recombination activity before β-selection. Conditional transgenic expression of Duxbl resulted in a developmental block at the DN3-to-DN4 transition due to reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, whereas RNA silencing of Duxbl led to a decrease in apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis linked Duxbl to elevated expression of the apoptosis-inducing Oas/RNaseL pathway. RNaseL deficiency or sustained Bcl2 expression led to a partial rescue of cells in Duxbl transgenic mice. These findings identify Duxbl as a regulator of β-selection by inducing apoptosis in cells with a nonfunctional rearrangement.

Accumulation of Multipotent Hematopoietic Progenitors in Peripheral Lymphoid Organs of Mice Over-expressing Interleukin-7 and Flt3-Ligand

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and Flt3-ligand (FL) are two cytokines important for the generation of B cells, as manifested by the impaired B cell development in mice deficient for either cytokine or their respective receptors and by the complete block in B cell differentiation in the absence of both cytokines. IL-7 is an important survival and proliferation factor for B cell progenitors, whereas FL acts on several early developmental stages, prior to B cell commitment. We have generated mice constitutively over-expressing both IL-7 and FL. These double transgenic mice develop splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy characterized by tremendously enlarged lymph nodes even in young animals. Lymphoid, myeloid and dendritic cell numbers are increased compared to mice over-expressing either of the two cytokines alone and the effect on their expansion is synergistic, rather than additive. B cell progenitors, early progenitors with myeloid and lymphoid potential (EPLM), common lymphoid progenitors (CLP) and lineage⁻, Sca1⁺, kit⁺ (LSK) cells are all increased not only in the bone marrow but also in peripheral blood, spleen and even lymph nodes. When transplanted into irradiated wild-type mice, lymph node cells show long-term multilineage reconstitution, further confirming the presence of functional hematopoietic progenitors therein. Our double transgenic mouse model shows that sustained and combined over-expression of IL-7 and FL leads to a massive expansion of most bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors and to their associated presence in peripheral lymphoid organs where they reside and potentially differentiate further, thus leading to the synergistic increase in mature lymphoid and myeloid cell numbers. The present study provides further in vivo evidence for the concerted action of IL-7 and FL on lymphopoiesis and suggests that extramedullary niches, including those in lymph nodes, can support the survival and maintenance of hematopoietic progenitors that under physiological conditions develop exclusively in the bone marrow.

DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES (MULTIPLE CASES REVIEW AND DISCUSSION)

Pregnancy in women with pre-existing diabetes is associated with a doubled, or even up to four-fold increased risk of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and perinatal mortality compared to the risk observed in a background population. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive disease that affects about one third of diabetic patients and is among the most frequent causes of the end stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. In the random population, it is present in up to 7% of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and it represents the most common chronic kidney disease occurring in graviditas, complicating between 2.5% and 5% of T1DM pregnancies. Although maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in the pregnancies complicated with DN have declined over time, pregnancy related health complications are still more common in women with DN compared to those observed among diabetic women without DN. The adequate pre-pregnancy counseling and a tailored approach to the treatment of women with DN during the pregnancy are crucial for an avoidance of the adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This paper is highlighting the impact of DN on maternal and fetal outcomes in women with T1DM, through presentation of the cases from a real-world clinical practice.

'On-demand' romiplostim therapy in immune thrombocytopenia

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Although thrombopoietin receptor agonists are a second-line treatment for refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), we lack guidelines recommending maintenance modality in patients who achieve complete remission (CR).

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient with refractory ITP who achieved CR on romiplostim. Obtaining romiplostim for 6 months of therapy, we decided to try extending this by modifying the standard treatment regimen. Romiplostim was successfully administered 'on-demand', only if the patient's platelet count dropped below 150 × 10⁹ /L, over a period of 12 months.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The strategy of 'on-demand' therapy is a promising procedure for the maintenance of response, lowering costs and improving treatment safety.

The Impact of Generic Substitution on Health and Economic Outcomes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Generic drugs are considered therapeutically equivalent to their original counterparts and lower in acquisition costs. However, the overall impact of generic substitution (GS) on global clinical and economic outcomes has not been conclusively evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether (1) generics and original products yield the same health outcomes, and (2) generic therapies save economic resources versus original therapies.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify original studies that examine clinical or economic outcomes of GS. After standardized data extraction, reported outcomes were categorized as supporting or rejecting the hypotheses. Each reported outcome was assessed and accounted for supporting and opposing GS. One publication could provide multiple outcome comparisons.

RESULTS

We included 40 studies across ten therapeutic areas. Fourteen studies examined patients on de novo therapy; 24 studies investigated maintenance drug therapy, and two studies considered both settings. Overall, 119 outcome comparisons were examined. Of 97 clinical outcome comparisons, 67% reported no significant difference between generic drugs and their off-patent counterparts. Of 22 economic comparisons, 64% suggested that GS increased costs. Consequently, hypothesis (1) was supported but hypothesis (2) was not. We found no major differences among studies that investigated clinical outcomes with de novo or maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSION

The review suggests that clinical effects are similar after GS. However, economic savings are not guaranteed. More systematic research comparing clinical and economic outcomes with or without GS is needed to inform policy on the use of generic substitution.

Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor. Case report and review of literature

A uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex cord tumor (UTROSCT) shows a poly phenotypic immunophenotype with coexpression of epithelial, myoid, and sex cord markers, as well as hormone receptors. The authors present a case of a 59-year-old multiparous woman admitted to the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Centre of Serbia in January 2010 due to prolonged vaginal bleeding and abdominal discomfort. The vaginal ultrasound showed an enlarged uterus size of 100 x 74 x 81 mm, with extended cavity with an unhomogenic content and myomas sized 54 x 69 mm located in fundus with secondary changes. She underwent abdominal hysterectomy with adnexectomy. Microscopic examination revealed submucosal uterine tumor with variabile histological organization that had anastomotic trabeculae with solid cellular grupations. Rare mitotic figures (2/10 HPF) were found. Additional imunohistochemistry showed immunophenotype: the sex cord areas were positive for vimentin(++), aSMA(++), AE1/AE3(+), PR(+), and ER(+). The poly phenotypic immunophenotype can be useful in differential diagnosis from other neoplasms but also suggests an origin of UTROSCT from uncommitted stem cell enabling for multidirectional differentiation.

Perinatal outcome of singleton pregnancies following in vitro fertilization

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To determine whether in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) singleton pregnancies are at increased risk for maternal and fetal complications than spontaneous singleton conceptions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The pregnancy outcome of 634 singleton pregnancies after IVF/ICSI delivered at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics during the period January 2006 to January 2010 were compared to 634 matched singleton controls, matched one by one by age, parity, education, and body mass index (BMI). Differences in pregnancy outcomes between the groups were assessed using Student's t-test with Yates correction for continuous variables and Chi-squared test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age at delivery of the IVF group was 38.13 +/- 1.72 weeks, slightly shorter than spontaneously conceived singletons at 38.65 +/- 1.79 weeks. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was frequently made in the IVF group (11.82% vs 8.35%, t = 2.052, p < 0.05). Total preterm delivery rate of IVF pregnancies was 9.30%, significantly higher than the controls 5.85% (t = 2.33, p < 0.05), especially at the 30-32 weeks gestation period. The predominant mode of delivery after IVF pregnancy was cesarean section (80.75% vs 31.38% at spontaneously conceived, t = 17.71, p < 0.001), while vaginal route was the choice for naturally originated pregnancies 68.6% vs 19.24% (p < 0.01). No differences were found in the average birth weights, LBW, VLBW, SGA, and LGA regarding the pregnancy origin. Perinatal mortality rates were comparable among singletons with different pregnancy origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Singletons from IVF/ICSI pregnancies have poorer perinatal outcome associated with higher rates of cesarean sections, preterm birth and prematurity, fetal malpresentation (breech presentation), and the occurrence of maternal GDM in pregnancy.

Trees as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in three European cities

Concentrations of four heavy metals were determined in tree leaves and bark collected from polluted and non-polluted areas of three European cities (Salzburg, Belgrade and Thessaloniki) for a comparative study. Platanus orientalis L. and Pinus nigra Arn., widespread in urban northern and southern Europe, were tested for their suitability for air quality biomonitoring. Leaves and barks were collected uniformly of an initial quantity of about 30 g of each sample. Analysis was accomplished by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after total digestion. Site-dependent variations were found with the highest concentration level measured in Belgrade, followed by Thessaloniki and Salzburg. A higher accumulation of heavy metals was found in bark compared to leaves. Pine tree bark, accumulating higher concentrations of trace metals compared to plane tree bark, shows a higher efficiency as bioindicator for urban pollution. Both indicator species are suitable for comparative studies on bioindication of urban air pollution.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress associated with caspases-4 and -2 mediates korbazol-induced B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell apoptosis

PURPOSE

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is an incurable disease that rapidly develops drug resistance. Therefore there is a need for identifying new agents that will improve the therapeutic outcome. Korbazol is a natural product known to exert cytotoxic effect on the in vitro survival of leukemic cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of korbazol-induced apoptosis in B-CLL leukemic cells.

METHODS

peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 B-CLL patients were used for assessing the effect of caspase inhibitors and chelator of intracellular Ca(2)+.

RESULTS

cell death rate induced by the tested compound was decreased with the caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO, and the inhibitors of caspase-2 (Z-VDVAD-FMK) and -4 (ZYVAD- FMK), but not with the caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEHD-FMK and caspase-8 inhibitor z-IETD-FMK. No significant release of cytochrome C (cyt C) from mitochondria to the cytosol of B-CLL cells treated with korbazol was observed. Moreover, chelating of intracellular Ca(2)+ with BAPTA-AM almost completely abolished the cytotoxic effect of korbazol.

CONCLUSION

engagement of caspases-2 and -4 and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2)+ indicate involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in apoptosis induced by korbazol.

Vinorelbine (NVB) oral (NVBo) in combination with carboplatin (CBDCA) followed by maintenance therapy with single agent vinorelbine oral in stage III/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Final results of a multicenter international phase II trial

7126

Background: NVB i.v. day 1 (25 mg/ m2) & NVBo day 8 (60 mg/ m2) and CBDCA AUC 5 have been previously studied in chemonaive NSCLC patients (pts) (O’Brien et al, Ann Oncol 2004; 15: 921). We investigated the efficacy and safety of NVBo weekly with CBDCA AUC 5 q3w for 4 cycles(Cy) followed by maintenance therapy with single agent NVBo in non progressive pts. Methods: Inoperable NSCLC stage IIIB, stage IV or delayed relapse of any stage becoming unresectable, KPS ≥ 80%, treated with combination therapy every 3 weeks for 4 Cy: NVBo 60 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 (Cy1), 80 mg/m2 (Cy2–4) in absence of neutropenia NCI CTC V2 G3/4; CBDCA AUC 5 day 1, administered over 1 hour. Maintenance therapy if pts did not have a PD: NVBo 60 mg/m2 for the first three weekly administrations, followed by NVBo at 80 mg/m2/week until PD. Results: from December 2003 to January 2005 57/56 pts have been registered/treated: median age 61 yrs (37–71); median KPS 90%; male 71.4%; Squamous cell 30%, Adenocarcinoma 50%; Stage III/IV 32.1/62.5% ; median dose intensity NVBo (% RDI) : combination, 50.1 mg/m2/w (67.3%), maintenance 56.2 mg/m2/w (70.2%); pts with NVBo dose escalation from 60 to 80 mg/m2 during combination : 36/52 (69.2%). Tolerance (% of pts with G3/4 NCI CTC V2) : Neutropenia 23.2/44.6; Platelets 16.1/1.8; Hb 19.6/3.6; Nausea 7.1/0; Vomiting 7.1/0; Diarrhea 5.4/0. No G3/4 toxicity was reported for Infection, Bilirubin, Creatinine, Stomatitis, and motor/sensory Neuropathy. Febrile Neutropenia was reported in 5 patients (8.9%). Efficacy: (RECIST) Percent Overall Response rates (n =56 pts) PR 17.9, SD 53.6, PD 23.2, NE 5.4; Progression-Free Survival 4.3 (95% CI [3.1–5.1]) months; Overall Survival 9.7 (95% CI [7.7–11.9]) months. Conclusions: NVBo on a weekly schedule and CBDCA AUC5 in combination therapy for 4 Cy followed by NVBo in maintenance therapy is an effective and safe treatment regimen for advanced NSCLC. The avoidance of further CBDCA administrations after 4 Cy and the use of NVBo as a maintenance therapy until PD has promise as an alternative to the 6 Cy option and calls for further comparative studies.

[Table: see text]

Phase II trial of oral vinorelbine in combination with cisplatin followed by consolidation therapy with oral vinorelbine in advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND

Among the cytotoxic agents commonly combined with cisplatin in the treatment of advanced NSCLC, vinorelbine has led to significant outcome improvements. Adding more than four cycles of the combination regimen increase toxicities. The availability of an oral form of vinorelbine appeared as a particularly convenient way to provide a consolidation treatment to patients who have achieved an objective response or stable disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multi-centre phase II open-label, non-comparative study was designed to evaluate the treatment with four cycles of the combination chemotherapy with oral vinorelbine at the dose of 60 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 for the first cycle and then 80 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks followed for patients with objective response or stable disease by consolidation therapy with oral vinorelbine at 80 mg/m2 weekly on patients with unresectable localised or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary endpoint was tumor response. The secondary objectives were progression free-survival, overall survival and toxicity assessment. Visual analogue scales (VAS) filled by the patients were also used to evaluate subjective changes under treatment, reflecting patients' clinical benefit.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients enrolled into the study from April 2001 to April 2002 received the combination regimen. Twenty-five patients (43.9%) also received the subsequent consolidation treatment. Partial tumor responses were obtained in 13 patients (26.5%, 95% CI 15.0-41.1) of 49 evaluable patients. Stable disease was observed in 22 (44.9%) of patients. The median duration of response was 6 months (95% CI 4.3-8.2). The median progression free-survival was 4.2 months (95% CI 2.8-6). The median overall survival time was 10 months (95% CI 7.4-14) and the 1 year survival was 42.6%. The main toxicities recorded were haematological. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia were observed in 16 patients (29.1%). Nausea, vomiting and fatigue were the major non-haematological toxicities reported. Among the symptoms recorded by the patients on VAS scales (appetite, fatigue, pain, cough, dyspnea, haemoptysis), except anorexia, all symptoms were improved during the combination therapy and in the consolidation phase.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that the efficacy of the cisplatin/oral vinorelbine combination in NSCLC is comparable to cisplatin/I.V. vinorelbine. This study also suggests that consolidation therapy with vinorelbine alone may probably prolong the efficacy of the combination regimen. The convenience offered to patients by an oral form of vinorelbine is a definite asset for consolidation therapy.

Rofenaid in the control of Pasteurella anatipestifer and Escherichia coli infections in ducklings

In a series of controlled battery trials, Rofenaid (at doses ranging from 0.02 to 0.12% active drug in feed) was administered to ducklings infected experimentally with Pasteurella anatipestifer and Escherichia coli strains. Against P. anatipestifer, Rofenaid at 0.02 to 0.12% levels in feed either prevented or reduced mortality, gross lesions, and bacterial isolations. Furthermore, the weight gain and feed conversion of infected Rofenaid-medicated ducklings were superior to those of uninfected unmedicated controls in two out of three trials. Against E. coli, Rofenaid at 0.02 to 0.08% levels in feed either prevented or reduced mortality, gross lesions, and bacterial isolations. Weight gain and feed conversion of infected Rofenaid-medicated ducklings were also superior to those of uninfected unmedicated controls in two out of three trials. It appears that Rofenaid, at a 0.02-0.08% level, controls infections in ducklings caused by P. anatipestifer and E. coli strains sensitive to this compound.

Compatibility and anticoccidial activity of lasalocid in combination with roxarsone and antibiotics against Eimeria mixed infection in chicks

Lasalocid at the concentration of .0075% (68 g/ton) with and without roxarsone 45.4 g/ton was fed in combination with the growth promotants bacitracin methylene disalicylate 200 g/ton, bambermycins 2 g/ton, lincomycin 4 g/ton, nosiheptide 2.5 g/ton, zinc bacitracin 200 g/ton g/ton, and virginiamycin 20 g/ton exhibited a high degree of anticoccidial activity against mixed Eimeria infection in chickens in 9 day challenged battery trials. In these short term challenge trials chicks fed lasalocid, and the lasalocid growth promotant combinations, performed significantly better (P < .05) for growth and anticoccidial efficacy than those fed the growth promotants alone, and the infected, unmedicated controls. In almost all instances, the lasalocid-roxarsone-antibiotic combinations allowed for numerical increases in gains, improvement in feed conversion, and numerical decreases in lesions (in some cases, statistically significant (P < .05) over chicks fed lasalocid alone and/or the lasalocid antibiotic combination. The growth promotants did not interfere with the anticoccidial activity of lasalocid. The growth promotants fed alone exhibited no anticoccidial activity. However, when roxarsone was combined with the antibiotics, the combination resulted in numerically improved performance, reduced mortality, and in most instances, statistically significant decreases in lesions (P .05) over the infected, unmedicated control.

Lasalocid in prevention of turkey coccidiosis

Lasalocid was tested at graded feed concentrations in controlled battery experiments against single and mixed Eimeria species infections in 2-week-old turykey poults. Eimeria meleagrimitis, E. gallopavonis, E. adenoeides, and E. dispersa infected poults medicated with lasalocid at concentrations of 0.15, .0125, .01, .0075, and .005% were heavier, converted feed more efficiently, showed lower lesion scores (ADI), shed fewer oocysts, and showed reduced or no mortality as compared to the infected, unmedicated controls. Lasalocid activity was similar against the few field isolates tested. Lasalocid responses were dose related, the higher the concentration, the greater the effect. The optimum dose level in these battery studies was approximately .0125%. Lasalocid fed at two times the optimum dose level to poults for a four week period did not have any adverse effect on growth or feed conversion performance.

Prophylactic and therapeutic activity of Rofenaid-40A in an experimental Escherichia coli airsac infection in chickens

Rofenaid at a 0.02% dose level in feed was effective prophylactically and therapeutically against an experimentally induced Escherichia coli airsac infection in chickens. The activity of Rofenaid compared very favorably with that of the approved dose level of NF-180. Furthermore, the prophylactic use of Rofenaid did not interfere with the therapeutic efficacy of NF-180.

Antibiotic X-5108. IX. Chemical conversion of mocimycin to aurodox and derivatives of aurodox, goldinamine and mocimycin

Mocimycin was converted to the acylesters by selective acylation of the hydroxyl group of the 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)pyridinone moiety. Subsequent N-methylation at the nuclear nitrogen and removal of the protective group from the resulting reaction products afforded aurodox. Mono-O-acetylmocimycin and several analogous aurodox esters thus prepared possess antibacterial activity in vitro and growth-promotion properties in poultry. Esters of aurodox involving the hydroxyl group of the 4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2(1H)pyridinone moiety are activated. Accordingly, acetic acid treatment of the aurodox esters generates O-acylgoldinamines which undergo transacylation furnishing N-acylgoldinamines. Alternatively, N-acylgoldinamines can be prepared by selective mono--o-arylsulfonylation of aurodox, liberating o-arylsulfonylgoldinamine by treatment with acetic acid followed by N-acylation and removal of the protective arylsulfonyl group. A third approach to N-acylgoldinamines consists in direct N-acylation of goldinamine itself which is prepared by acetic acid treatment of aurodox. None of these derivatives prepared, however, exhibited significant antimicrobial or growth-promoting properties, suggesting that goldinonic acid moiety, or a closely related derivative thereof, is required for biological activity.

The fasciolicidal activity of a halogenated benzenesulfonanilide

Halogenated benzenesulfonanilides have potent fasciolicidal activity. The efficacy of 1 such compound in mice, sheep, and cattle is reported.

Effects of lasalocid and monensin in combination with roxarsone on lesion reduction and oocyst suppression in chicks infected with Eimeria tenella field isolates

The anticoccidial activity of lasalocid, monensin, and roxarsone, alone and in combination, was evaluated against eleven Eimeria tenella recent field isolates. Lasalocid was used at 0.0075. 0.01, and 0.0125% activity drug in feed; monensin at 0.0099 and 0.0121%; and roxarsone at 0.005%. Further studies with lasalocid 0.0075%, monensin 0.0099% and roxarsone 0.005 and 0.0025% combinations were carried out against three E. tenella field isolates selected from the aforementioned strains. Lasalocid and monensin each exhibited a high degree of anticoccidial activity at all concentrations tested. Lasalocid and monensin fed in combination with roxarsone showed, in addition to high anticoccidial activity a further reduction in gross lesions and oocysts production, more pronounced at 0.005% level of roxarsone than at 0.0025%, compared to either medication alone or the roxarsone combinations. These positive effects were noted with all strains tested. The practical aspects of these findings are discussed.

Acquired immunity to Fasciola hepatica in splenectomised rats

Significant resistance to a second infection with Fasciola hepatica was obtained in splenectomised and sham operated rats (P less than 0.001, 78 and 76 per cent respectively) when compared with singly infected splenectomised or sham operated control groups. For both the stimulating and challenge infections, there were no significant differences in the number of flukes recovered from rats that had been splenectomised as compared to those receiving the sham operation. Thus, splenectomy did not significantly affect the ability of rats to develop an acquired immunity to F hepatica, nor were fluke recoveries from a particular schedule of infection significantly affected by the presence of absence of a spleen. It is concluded that the presence of a spleen is not necessary for the development of acquired immunity to F hepatica in the rat.