Stress-induced changes in the aged-rat adrenal cortex. Histological and histomorphometric study

Background: Stress exposure exerts direct effects on the morphology and functionality of the adrenal cortex. In addition, ageing effects growth, differentiation, apoptosis and cellularity of the cortex. The missing data is the combined effect of stress and ageing on the adrenal cortex. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the structural changes in the adrenal cortex following the exposure to stress in the adult and aged albino rats.   Materials and methods: Forty rats were divided into groups I and II (adult and senile). Each group was further subdivided into subgroups a and b (control and stressed). Light and electron microscopic studies were done. Area per cent of collagen fibres (Masson’s trichrome-stained sections), number of proliferating cells (optical density immunoreactivity in the Ki67 stained sections) and thickness of the three adrenal zones were also measured.   Results: Lamellar separation of the capsule with subcapsular spindle cell hyperplasia and areas of ghost cells were observed in zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) in group I-b. Separation and indentation of the capsule with its lamellar separation were observed in group II-a with the existence of multiple scattered degenerative foci in ZF and zona reticularis (ZR). Similar and aggressive was the architectural pattern of ZF in group II-b with the presence of areas of homogenous degeneration. The nuclei of ZG had marginated chromatin in group I-b and were pyknotic with deformed irregular outlines in group II-b. Multiple lysosomes and vacuolar degeneration mitochondria were also seen in group I-b. The nuclei of ZF were irregular with condensed marginated heterochromatin in group I-b, irregular with scattered chromatin in group II-a and indented with areas of chromatin destruction in group II-b. Mitochondria with disrupted cristae and cristolysis were also detected in group I-b. Numerous lipofuscin granules and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were revealed in group II-b. The mean collagen fibre area per cent and the mean number of the proliferating cells in group II-b were significantly higher by 39% and 23%. The thickness of ZG decreased significantly by 20% in group I-b. Contrary, the thickness of both ZF and ZR increased significantly by 10% in group I-b.   Conclusions: Histological alterations occurred in the adrenal cortex in response to stress, especially when coupled with the advance of age. This was accompanied by increase in the area per cent of collagen fibres and increase in the mean number of the proliferating cells in the adrenal cortex

EFFECT OF ANAEROBIC PROBIOTIC AND/OR BIOLOGICAL ANTITOXIN SUPPLEMENTATIONS ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING COWS

Forty-eight lactating Holstein Friesian cows were utilized to assess impact of supplementing probiotic ZAD (mixture of live bacterial cells and enzymes) compared with T5X (antitoxins product) on some productive, reproductive and antitoxins activity parameters. we have divided the animals to three experimental categories (16 each). The first category, control treatment, was fed basal diet without any supplements. The second category, ZAD treatment, was fed basal diet supplemented with ZAD probiotic (1.1 L/ton). The third category, T5X treatment, was fed basal diet supplemented with T5X antitoxins product (1.1 Kg/ton). Milk yield was recorded. we have collected and analyzed milk samples, blood samples and feed samples in order to constitutes. Time-interval between calving and fertilizing artificial insemination and pregnancy rate were recorded. The gained outcomes demonstrated that milk yield was significantly raised by ZAD treatment than other treatment. Milk components yield were significantly raised by ZAD probiotic and T5X treatments than control. Blood serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea and total lipids were not significantly influenced by treatments. Total aflatoxins in concentrate mixture and aflatoxin M1 in milk were significantly diminished by ZAD and T5X than control. Number of days between calving and fertilized artificial insemination were diminished by treatments than control. Pregnancy rate was significantly raised by ZAD  probiotic than T5X and control treatments, respectively. The overall conclusion of this study illustrated that Probiotic ZAD, potentially, has antitoxins activity leading to reinforcing the productive and reproductive performance of lactating cows

A comparison of the population pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide between hospitalized and non-hospitalized tuberculosis patients with or without HIV

Background. Early mortality among hospitalized HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB/HIV) patients is high despite treatment. The pharmacokinetics of rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide were investigated in hospitalized TB/HIV patients and a cohort of outpatients with TB (with or without HIV) to determine whether drug exposures differed between groups. Methods. Standard first-line TB treatment was given daily as per national guidelines, which consisted of oral 4-drug fixed-dose combination tablets containing 150 mg rifampicin, 75 mg isoniazid, 400 mg pyrazinamide, and 275 mg ethambutol. Plasma samples were drawn on the 3rd day of treatment over eight hours post-dose. Rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide in plasma were quantified and NONMEM® was used to analyze the data. Results. Data from 60 hospitalized patients (11 of whom died within 12 weeks of starting treatment) and 48 outpatients were available. Median (range) weight and age were 56 (35 - 88) kg, and 37 (19 - 77) years, respectively. Bioavailability and clearance of the three drugs were similar between TB/HIV hospitalized and TB outpatients. However, rifampicin’s absorption was slower in hospitalized patients than in outpatients; mean absorption time was 49.9% and 154% more in hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than in outpatients. Higher levels of conjugated bilirubin correlated with lower rifampicin clearance. Isoniazid’s clearance estimates were 25.5 L/h for fast metabolizers and 9.76 L/h for slow metabolizers. Pyrazinamide’s clearance was more variable among hospitalized patients. The variability in clearance among patients was 1.70 and 3.56 times more for hospitalized survivors and hospitalized deaths, respectively, than outpatients. Conclusion. We showed that the pharmacokinetics of first-line TB drugs are not substantially different between hospitalized TB/HIV patients and TB (with or without HIV) outpatients. Hospitalized patients do not seem to be underexposed compared to their outpatient counterparts

Extending the shelf-life of fresh-cut green bean pods by ethanol, ascorbic acid, and essential oils

Green beans are a perishable crop, which deteriorate rapidly after harvest, particularly when minimally processed into ready-to-eat fresh-cut green beans. This study investigated the effectiveness of ethanol, ascorbic acid (AsA), tea tree essential oil (TTO), and peppermint essential oil (PMO) on the quality and storability of fresh-cut green bean pods samples stored at 5 °C for 15 days. Our results indicated that samples treated with ethanol, AsA, TTO, and PMO preserved appearance, firmness (except ethanol), chlorophyll content, and moisture compared with the samples without any treatment (control). Additionally, higher vitamin C, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were observed in samples treated with ethanol, AsA, TTO, and PMO compared with the control. The most effective treatments for controlling microbial growth were ethanol followed by either TTO or PMO. All the treatments had positive effects on shelf life, maintained quality, and reducing microbial growth during 15 days of cold storage. A particular treatment can be selected based on the economic feasibility and critical control point in the value chain

Trimethoxylated halogenated chalcones as dual inhibitors of mao-b and bace-1 for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders

Six halogenated trimethoxy chalcone derivatives (CH1–CH6) were synthesized and spec-trally characterized. The compounds were further evaluated for their inhibitory potential against monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and β-secretase (BACE-1). Six compounds inhibited MAO-B more effectively than MAO-A, and the 2′,3′,4′-methoxy moiety in CH4–CH6 was more effective for MAO-B inhibition than the 2′,4′,6′-methoxy moiety in CH1–CH3. Compound CH5 most potently inhibited MAO-B, with an IC50 value of 0.46 µM, followed by CH4 (IC50 = 0.84 µM). In 2′,3′,4′-methoxy derivatives (CH4-CH6), the order of inhibition was –Br in CH5 >-Cl in CH4 >-F in CH6 at the para-position in ring B of chalcone. CH4 and CH5 were selective for MAO-B, with selectivity index (SI) values of 15.1 and 31.3, respectively, over MAO-A. CH4 and CH5 moderately inhibited BACE-1 with IC50 values of 13.6 and 19.8 µM, respectively. When CH4 and CH5 were assessed for their cell viability studies on the normal African Green Monkey kidney cell line (VERO) using MTT assays, it was noted that both compounds were found to be safe, and only a slightly toxic effect was observed in concentrations above 200 µg/mL. CH4 and CH5 decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of VERO cells treated with H2 O2, indicating both compounds retained protective effects on the cells by antioxidant activities. All compounds showed high blood brain barrier permeabilities analyzed by a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Molecular docking and ADME prediction of the lead compounds provided more insights into the rationale behind the binding and the CNS drug likeness. From non-test mutagenicity and cardiotoxicity studies, CH4 and CH5 were non-mutagenic and non-/weak-cardiotoxic. These results suggest that CH4 and CH5 could be considered candidates for the cure of neurological dysfunctions

Glycopolymer-based materials : Synthesis, properties, and biosensing applications

Glycopolymer materials have emerged as a significant biopolymer class that has piqued the scientific community's attention due to their potential applications. Recently, they have been found to be a unique synthetic biomaterial; glycopolymer materials have also been used for various applications, including direct therapeutic methods, medical adhesives, drug/gene delivery systems, and biosensor applications. Therefore, for the next stage of biomaterial research, it is essential to understand current breakthroughs in glycopolymer-based materials research. This review discusses the most widely utilized synthetic methodologies for glycopolymer-based materials, their properties based on structure–function interactions, and the significance of these materials in biosensing applications, among other topics. When creating glycopolymer materials, contemporary polymerization methods allow precise control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, chemical activity, and polymer architecture. This review concludes with a discussion of the challenges and complexities of glycopolymer-based biosensors, in addition to their potential applications in the future. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Increasing the storability of fresh-cut Green beans by using chitosan as a carrier for tea tree and peppermint essential oils and ascorbic acid

The quality of fresh-cut green beans deteriorates rapidly in storage, which contributes to increased food waste and lower perceived customer value. However, chitosan (Cs) and certain plant essential oils show promise in reducing postharvest quality loss during storage. Here, the effect of Cs and the combinations of Cs + tea tree oil (TTO), Cs +x peppermint oil (PMO), and Cs + ascorbic acid (AsA) on the quality of fresh-cut green bean pods (FC-GB) is studied over a 15-d storage period at 5 °C. All four FC-GB treatments reduced weight loss and maintained firmness during storage when compared to uncoated FC-GB. Furthermore, all treatments showed higher total chlorophyll content, AsA, total phenolic compounds, and total sugars compared to the control. The best treatment for reducing microbial growth was a combination of Cs + AsA. Additionally, the combination of Cs with TTO, PMO, or AsA showed a significant reduction in the browning index and increased the antioxidant capacity of FC-GB up to 15 d postharvest

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ENCAPSULATED PROBIOTIC BACTERIA SUPPLEMENTATION TO RUMINANT RATIONS

The aim of this study was to in vitro evaluate encapsulated probiotic supplementation to ruminant rationson degradation and fermentation parameters. The ration consisted of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% concentrate feed mixture. Encapsulated and not encapsulated probiotic were supplemented with level of 106cfu/kg of the total dry matter of ration (DM) and compared with encapsulation media (Sodium Alginate, SA) and control (not supplemented ration). DM and OM degradation and total gas production as well as fermentation parameters of the incubated samples were determined after 24 h of fermentation. Significant (P<0.01) increases in in-vitro DM degradability was observed for the experimental ration supplemented with encapsulated or not encapsulated probiotics at levels (106 CFU/ kg DM) and SA treatment compared to control ration. Also, significant (P<0.05) improvement in OM degradability was recorded for the ration supplemented with not encapsulated probiotics bacteria compared to the other treatments. Moreover no significant differences were observed between the control ration and the rations supplemented with encapsulated probiotics or SA only, as well as no significant difference was recorded between the ration supplemented with encapsulated probiotics and the ration supplemented with SA only. Probiotics bacteria supple mentation in the form of not encapsulated probiotic resulted significant increases in in vitro total gas production per sample and per g DM, OM, dDM, NDF and ADF after 24 hours incubation period compared to the other experimental rations (control, encapsulated probiotic and SA). While significant increase in total gas production per g dOM was observed for not encapsulated probiotic compared to encapsulated probiotic only. It could be concluded that, using encapsulated probiotics bacteria had no significant effect on DM degradability and may be induce decrease in gas production and fermentation parameters

IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIA SUPPLEMENTATION TO RUMINANT RATIONS

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of different level of probiotic supplementation to ruminant rations, using in-vitro batch culture technique to determine degradation and fermentation parameters. In vitro experimental ration was formulated, the ration consisted of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% concentrate feed mixture. Three level of probiotic supplementation (106, 108, 1010 cfu/kg DM) were evaluated. DM and total gas production as well as fermentation parameters of the incubated samples were determined after 24 hrs. of fermentation. Slightly increases (P>0.05) in in-vitro dry matter degradability were observed for the ration supplemented with probiotics bacteria at different levels (106,108 and 1010 cfu/ kg DM) compared to control ration. Probiotics bacteria supplementation with different level (106,108 and 1010 cfu/ kg DM) led to significant (P<0.001) increases in organic matter degradability and total gas production per sample and per g DM, OM, NDF and ADF compared to the not supplemented ration (control ration), and no significant differences were observed among the different levels of probiotics supplementation. Significant increase in total volatile fatty acid concentration after 24 hours' incubation period compared to the not supplemented ration. On the other hand, the treatment supplemented with probiotic recorded lower ammonia concentration compared to the control group. It could be concluded that, adding  probiotics bacteria supplementation to experimental ration resulted increase DM and OM degradability and using dose 106 CFU/kg DM feed is sufficient to induce improvement in degradability and fermentation parameter