Laine, R. A. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

Insecticidal and Feeding Deterrent Effects of Menadione and Menadione Sodium Bisulfite in Wood Treatment against the Formosan Subterranean Termite

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is an invasive species and among the most economically damaging structural pest worldwide. Various insecticides and natural substances have been investigated for their management. Among these, naphthoquinones have demonstrated insecticidal activity against termites and diverse other insect pests. Menadione (vitamin K3), a naphthoquinone derivative, has been examined for its toxicity and repellency against C. formosanus when applied to soil, the tunneling substrate for termites. However, its potential for wood preservation was not investigated. In this study, we tested the water-insoluble menadione and its water-soluble derivative, menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), for their effects on mortality and food consumption in C. formosanus through wood treatment over 28 days. Our results revealed toxicity for both compounds, with significant termite mortality observed between 500 and 1000 ppm in a no-choice assay. In a choice assay where termites were provided with treated and untreated wood, menadione at concentrations [≥] 500 ppm exhibited a strong feeding deterrent effect and reduced wood damage. However, such effects were not consistently detected for MSB ranging from 1 to 1000 ppm. These findings suggest that menadione is more effective than MSB and has potential as a wood preservation agent.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

Preclinical Results: Canine Phase I Safety Study of CM-101, a Tumor Capillary Specific Streptococcal Polysaccharide Toxin, for application in Spontaneous Canine Cancer

BackgroundThe study purpose was to evaluate canine safety of CM101, a polysaccharide Group B Streptococcus agalactiae tumor hemorrhagic toxin therapeutic. HypothesisCM101 specifically targets tumor vasculature as published in a human Phase 1 safety study that showed a wide therapeutic window. The hypothesis is that dogs should display a similar safety profile with low side-effects for CM101 canine cancer therapeutics. AnimalsConsidering the previous human safety trial, and in the interest of conserving purpose-bred dogs, on advice of USDA staff, we only used two healthy males, [~]20 months old. MethodsUSDA advice was to administer 10x the unit dose of 7.5{micro}g/kg to 2 dogs and if no side effects, proceed to a pilot phase II. Given the dose was 10X the effective unit dose in humans, a further dose escalation was not considered necessary. Dogs were given 10 units (75 {micro}g/kg) CM101 in normal saline over 22 minutes intravenously. Blood and Urine were collected before infusion, intervals post infusion, and 2 weeks after. Under anesthesia through recovery, rectal temperature, heart rate and indwelling arterial blood pressure vital signs were monitored electronically. Clinical observations recorded through two weeks after infusion. ResultsTotal WBC (white blood cell) counts dropped below normal range two hours post-infusion, after 6-11 hours rising above the normal range, returning to baseline at 52 hours post-infusion. Creatinine kinase was elevated two hours post infusion returning to baseline in 6-72 hours. Urinalysis remained within normal limits. Conclusions and clinical importanceNo adverse effects were observed when healthy dogs were given 10 units CM101. These finding suggest a wide therapeutic window for investigation in canine cancer.

cancer biology↗