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A slow release, solid formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-Mosquito Dunks® was evaluated for its effectiveness in controlling of dengue vectors in Sri Lanka. A small-scale simula...

Objective: To assess the influence of soil on the effectiveness of two new slow-release formulations (floating and non-floating) of pyriproxyfen coextruded with low-density polyethylene. Methods: Two slow-release devices were developed using low-density polyethylene, pyriproxyfen as larvicide and calcium carbonate as filler. A factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of soil presence on the performance of each device. Weekly bioassays were performed. Results: Soil presence affected treatment effectiveness, but this effect was associated with device type. The tablets were effective for nearly 3 months. Conclusion: Treatment effectiveness could be reduced because of the loss of pyriproxyfen by several physico-chemical processes such as adsorption into the soil. Fil: Junges, Melania Teresita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones e Ingeniería Ambiental. Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores; Argentina Fil: Harburguer, Laura Vanesa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; Argentina Fil: Lorenzo, Maria Cecilia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina Fil: Eisenberg, Patricia. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial; Argentina Fil: Masuh, Hector Mario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa. Ministerio de Defensa. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa; Argentina Fil: Carbajo, Anibal Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigaciones e Ingeniería Ambiental. Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Frequently used pre-emergent herbicide metazachlor was encapsulated into high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) particles, and its subsequent release and the effectivity of such formulations were investigated. Two sets of polymeric micro- and submicro particles, both with the theoretical metazachlor loading of 20%, 30%, and 40%, were prepared and characterized. Loading efficiency reached 80% for both types of particles. Release profiles were tested in vitro for the individual particle variants and were shown to have a bimodal profile with the initial fast burst release and much slower second phase. Finally, selected formulations were tested in vivo against target plants (field poppy and barnyard grass) and non-targets plants (mustard and rapeseed) and showed improved inhibition of target plants (about 30% higher for barnyard grass) and at the same time lower inhibition of non-target plants (rapeseed) in comparison with the identical dose of metazachlor alone.

Background Some defects, such as the short persistence and lower release stability of methyl salicylate (MeSA), must be resolved before efficient field application. To enhance the utilization efficacy of MeSA, a slow-release MeSA alginate bead was designed and tested to measure its release rate in a laboratory environment and to obtain insights into its ecological effects in wheat fields. Results In laboratory tests, both the 2.5 and 10 mL formulations of MeSA alginate beads (hereafter referred to as MeSA 2.5 and MeSA 10) release stably and continuously for at least 15 days, whereas pure MeSA does so for only ∼ 7 days. In field experiments, both the MeSA 2.5 bead and the MeSA 10 bead reduce the abundance of Sitobion avenae significantly and attract Metasyrphus corollae compared with the control. In addition, the effect of MeSA 10 beads is significantly greater than that of MeSA 2.5. Conclusion The MeSA alginate bead we manufactured could be an efficient slow-release formulation. The MeSA 10 bead had a significantly greater effect on S. avenae population suppression, partly by attracting M. corollae in fields. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The plant viral nanoparticle cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) is shown to be an effective immunotherapy for ovarian cancer when administered as in situ vaccine weekly, directly into the intraperitoneal (IP) space in mice with disseminated tumors. While the antitumor efficacy is promising, the required frequency of administration may pose challenges for clinical implementation. To overcome this, a slow release formulation is developed. CPMV and polyamidoamine generation 4 dendrimer form aggregates (CPMV‐G4) based on electrostatic interactions and as a function of salt concentration, allowing for tailoring of aggregate size and release of CPMV. The antitumor efficacy of a single administration of CPMV‐G4 is compared to weekly administration of soluble CPMV in a mouse model of peritoneal ovarian cancer and found to be as effective at reducing disease burden as more frequent administrations of soluble CPMV; a single injection of soluble CPMV, does not significantly slow cancer development. The ability of CPMV‐G4 to control tumor growth following a single injection is likely due to the continued presence of CPMV in the IP space leading to prolonged immune stimulation. This enhanced retention of CPMV and its antitumor efficacy demonstrates the potential for viral–dendrimer hybrids to be used for delayed release applications.

The incorporation of para-dichlorobenzene into mesoporous silica (with the pore diameter of 1.9 - 3.1 nm) was conducted by a mechanochemical reaction, where mesoporous silica powder and para-dichlorobenzene powder were mixed together using a mortar and a pestle at room temperature. The resulting host-guest complexes exhibited useful controlled release of para-dichlorobenzene into air as evaluated by the change in the sample weight. The release speed was affected by the pore size of the used mesoporous silicas; the release of para-dichlorobenzene was suppressed when the mesoporous silica with the pore size of 3.1 nm was used. The present method for the slow release formulation has such advantages as the materials variation (porous silicas with different pore size and possible pore surface modification) and simple solvent free operation for the sample preparation (mechanochemical encapsulation into the pore).

In the FAIR project "Pheromaize", CT96-1302, the main objective is to provide European growers with a reliable, cost effective and environmentally friendly technology based on pest mating disruption. The project is mainly focused on Mediterranean Corn Borer (MCB), Sesamia nonagroides, the key pest of maize grown under Mediterranean conditions. TNO has developed a sprayable formulation consisting of a biodegradable matrix in which the pheromone is dissolved, together with a UV - stabilizer, an antioxidant, a surfactant and a sticker material. During outdoor exposure experiments release of pheromone was found to be high enough for more than 30 days. This formulation has been tested in large scale field experiments by helicopter spraying on 5 ha maize by field partners in Spain, Greece and France.

A population pharmacokinetic analysis of valproic acid in conventional and slow release formulations was carried out. Three hundred and forty-four points in two hundred and fifteen patients were analyzed. The pharmacokinetic model, which took into account the age of the patients and the absorption lag time of the slow release formula tions, and a pharmacostatistical model with individual and residual variability were evaluated. The influence of the age of the patients and the absorption lag time on the valproic acid pharmacokinetics was significant based on the results of the statistical test. The ka of slow release formulations was 0.230 (1/h), the ka of conventional formulations was 8.14 (1/h), the Vd of the conventional and slow release formulations was 0.212 (L/kg) and the ke of the conventional and slow release formulations was 0.0495 (1/h) in adults (≥12 years) and the lag time of the slow release formulations was 1.25 (h). The ka changed with the patient's age. The ka was different for conventional and slow release formulations. Though conventional formulations did not have a lag time, the slow release formulations had a lag time. The patient age and the lag time are thought to be included in the population pharmacokinetic model using a slow release formulation. The findings suggest that the values obtained for these population pharmacokinetic parameters will be useful in optimizing valproic acid therapy for individual patients.

Some defects, such as the short persistence and lower release stability of methyl salicylate (MeSA), must be resolved before efficient field application. To enhance the utilization efficacy of MeSA, a slow-release MeSA alginate bead was designed and tested to measure its release rate in a laboratory environment and to obtain insights into its ecological effects in wheat fields.In laboratory tests, both the 2.5 and 10 mL formulations of MeSA alginate beads (hereafter referred to as MeSA 2.5 and MeSA 10) release stably and continuously for at least 15 days, whereas pure MeSA does so for only ∼ 7 days. In field experiments, both the MeSA 2.5 bead and the MeSA 10 bead reduce the abundance of Sitobion avenae significantly and attract Metasyrphus corollae compared with the control. In addition, the effect of MeSA 10 beads is significantly greater than that of MeSA 2.5.The MeSA alginate bead we manufactured could be an efficient slow-release formulation. The MeSA 10 bead had a significantly greater effect on S. avenae population suppression, partly by attracting M. corollae in fields. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Introduction: Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease characterized by low back pain is common in both humans and large breed dogs. Inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) play a key role in IVD degeneration, causing structural changes of the IVD and low back pain. The current conservative and surgical treatment modalities do not reverse IVD degeneration and have certain drawbacks. Long term systemic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastro-intestinal side effects. Decompressive surgery is effective in over 80% of the patients, but is rather costly and has a long recovery period. Injectable formulations that enable local sustained release of anti-inflammatory drugs aim at decreasing inflammation and thereby inhibiting degeneration and pain. In vitro, controlled release of celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, from a thermoreversible acetyl-capped PCLA-PEG-PCLA hydrogel inhibited PGE2 production and enhanced matrix production for 28 days in 3D culture of canine nucleus pulposus cells that were subjected to the catabolic effects of TNF-α. In vivo, sustained release of celecoxib by the hydrogel for up to 60 days was shown and safely applied intradiscally in laboratory dogs with naturally occurring IVD degeneration. The aim of the present study is to report the safety and feasibility of intradiscal application in client-owned dogs with low back pain related to IVD degeneration. Material and Methods: Client-owned dogs with low back pain were diagnosed by MRI with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis marked by mild to moderate IVD degeneration and protrusion. The dogs were surgical candidates but were offered intradiscal injection. The PCLA-PEG-PCLA thermogel, loaded with 0.013mg/ml celecoxib, was percutaneously injected into the nucleus pulposus of L7-S1 under fluoroscopy guidance. Follow-up consisted of clinical examination, owner questionnaires, and objective gait analysis by measurement of ground reaction forces (GRFs) using force plate analysis (FPA) at 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. MRI was repeated after 3 months and included T2- and T1-weighted images and T2-mapping. Results: Ten dogs with DLLS were injected with the celecoxib-loaded hydrogel. None of the dogs showed adverse reactions after intradiscal injection. Follow up MRI showed no worsening of the IVD degeneration. Clinical improvement was achieved by reduction of low back pain in 9/10 dogs, as was shown by clinical examination, force plate analysis and owner questionnaires. In 3/10 dogs low back pain recurred at 3 months and they subsequently underwent standard-of-care surgical treatment. Conclusion: This study showed the safety and feasibility of intradiscal injections with a thermoresponsive hydrogel loaded with celecoxib. Ongoing studies concentrate on the long term clinical follow up of these patients. Future studies will determine the optimal loading dose of celecoxib for clinical efficacy. In this setup, the dog can be used as a model for the development of novel treatment modalities in both canine and human patients with chronic low back pain.

E-β-Farnesene, the alarm pheromone of many aphid species, and E-β-caryophyllene are considered as two sesquiterpenes attractive for aphid predators, among which Syrphidae species. Both compounds were formulated in alginate gel beads as slow-release devices in a biological control approach against aphids. Semiochemical diffusion from beads was studied in the laboratory according to abiotic parameters. Efficiency of formulations as hoverfly attractant was demonstrated in field experiments from June to August 2009. The diffusion of semiochemicals from alginate bead formulations was principally limited by high values (>85%) of relative humidity in the air. Temperature also impacts the release of volatile compounds. In field experiments, these two abiotic factors were supposed to highly condition the trapping of hoverflies. These field trappings demonstrated the efficiency of both semiochemical formulations compared to control (formulation without semiochemical) to catch females of Syrphidae during three months. This research proved the efficiency of semiochemical alginate formulations as potential biological control tool to attract aphid predators.