A lufenuron pre-treatment may enhance the effects of enilconazole or griseofulvin in feline dermatophytosis?

The effectiveness of enilconazole (4 weekly rinses with a 0.2% solution) or griseofulvin (50 mg/kg twice daily for 40 days) following a pre-treatment with oral lufenuron (100 mg/kg by-weekly for 8 weeks) was tested on 25 (11 + 14) Microsporum canis infected cats. Control animals were treated with lufenuron, griseofulvin and enilconazole alone. At day 150 pre-treated animals were culturally negative and clinically cured. While lufenuron alone was found to be ineffective against M canis infection, an immunomodulatory effect of the drug can be suggested, as reported in literature. Its use could be reserved to long-lasting infections, unsuccessfully treated with conventional drugs. Further Studies are required to clearly establish the possible adjuvant effect of this molecule when used prior to enilconazole or griseofulvin. (C) 2008 ESFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Cryopreserved Gamete and Embryo Transport: Proposed Protocol and Form Templates-SIERR (Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research)

Introduction: In Italy, the transport of cryopreserved biological material is controlled by several Decrees (Legislative Decree No. 191/2007 and No. 16/2010 and Health Ministry's Decree of October 10, 2012). Given the nature of their applications, the transport of reproductive cells has peculiar quality and safety requirements that must be applied universally, minimizing the chance of error. To standardize the cross-border shipping procedure to meet the quality, traceability, and safety criteria for cells and tissues, it is appropriate to establish a unified process using the same tools, forms, and communication channels. Methods: A working group has been created by SIERR. This "FOCUS Group" was constituted by representatives from Italian-assisted reproductive technology centers and sperm banks who worked together to define joint procedural steps and create specific forms to support the movement of cryopreserved samples. Results: The FOCUS Group identified the critical steps in the communication procedures between Italian centers and created the related forms: patient authorization, request from the recipient center, critical checks carried out by both sending and recipient centers, start of samples transfer, collection, transport and taking responsibility of the biological material, acknowledgment of samples arrival, and acknowledgement of any adverse event that occurred. Discussion: Indications on shipping between tissue institutions and legal responsibilities are important points and a working protocol with shared transport forms has been defined. Standard Operating Procedures are necessary in light of the increasingly widespread movement of biological samples between the various countries, and represent a valid means of support for the patients who could have a higher awareness of safety and traceability during each stage of gamete transport