Efficacy of orally administered fluralaner in dogs against laboratory challenge with Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks

Abstract Background Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks represent an ectoparasitic health threat to dogs. This study evaluated the immediate and persistent efficacy of orally administered fluralaner for control of this tick. Methods Twenty-four dogs were sorted into 4 groups based on their tick carrying capacity measured in a preliminary challenge. Two days before treatment, dogs were challenged with Haemaphysalis longicornis and then at the time of treatment dogs received with oral fluralaner at 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg respectively to 3 of the groups, while the remaining group was sham treated. Ticks were counted and categorized on all dogs 2 days after treatment (4 days after challenge). Tick challenges were repeated at 28, 56, 84 and 112 days following treatment with tick counts 48 hours following each challenge. Tick control efficacy was evaluated by comparing the mean (geometric) total live attached and dead engorged ticks on each fluralaner treated group with the sham treated dogs. Results Oral fluralaner is highly acaricidal for H. longicornis that feed on treated dogs. The mean efficacy rate in dogs treated with fluralaner at the commercial dose range of 25 to 50 mg/kg was greater than 90% at 114 days after treatment, whereas efficacy at this time in dogs treated at 10 mg/kg was 79%. Conclusions Fluralaner administered orally to dogs within the commercial dose range at 25 to 50 mg/kg is effective for up to 114 days against laboratory challenge with H. longicornis ticks

A smartphone-controlled amperometric immunosensor for the detection of Pacific ciguatoxins in fish

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are marine neurotoxins produced by microalgae of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. CTXs may reach humans through food webs and cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). An immunosensor for the detection of Pacific CTXs in fish was developed using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-modified carbon electrodes and a smartphone-controlled potentiostat. The biosensor attained a limit of detection (LOD) and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 6 and 27 pg/mL of CTX1B, respectively, which were 0.001 and 0.005 μg/kg in fish flesh. In the analysis of fish samples from Japan and Fiji, excellent correlations were found with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), a cell-based assay (CBA) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Stability of at least 3 months at −20 °C was predicted. In just over 2 h, the biosensor provides reliable, accurate and precise Pacific CTX contents in fish extracts, being suitable for monitoring and research programs.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Mutation profiles of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma transformation of splenic B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia, unclassifiable on whole‐exome sequencing

Abstract A 58‐year‐old male was diagnosed with splenic B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia, unclassifiable (SPLL‐U). The lymphoma transformed into diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and multidrug chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation achieved complete remission. Two years later, the lymphoma relapsed as SPLL‐U. Serial whole‐exome sequencing indicated that the mutation profiles were similar between the onset and relapsed samples while those in DLBCL were partially distinctive, which was in line with the clinical course. Hierarchical clustering revealed that an IGLL5 mutation was the founder mutation proceeding the development of the diseases and suggested that KRAS and other mutations might contribute to the transformation