Mineral and heavy metals content in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from the River Nile in Damietta governorate, Egypt and evaluation of health risk from tilapia consumption

This study was conducted to determine heavy metals and trace elements content in tilapia fish collected from three sources in Damietta governorate, Egypt and to evaluate the human health risk due to tilapia consumption. Tilapia samples were collected from two locations in the River Nile stream, tow fish farms and two sluiceways. Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the consumption habits of adult human. The results revealed that all samples vary in elements concentrations. The calculation of human health risk revealed that the consumption of tilapia in the three tested area does not pose any health risk except for Selenium. It could be concluded that consumption of such fish may be a risk for consumers who eat fish more than one time per week. Consequently, precautions should be taken and warning against eating tilapia fish caught from these regions should be announced.This study was conducted to determine heavy metals and trace elements content in tilapia fish collected from three sources in Damietta governorate, Egypt and to evaluate the human health risk due to tilapia consumption. Tilapia samples were collected from two locations in the River Nile stream, tow fish farms and two sluiceways. Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the consumption habits of adult human. The results revealed that all samples vary in elements concentrations. The calculation of human health risk revealed that the consumption of tilapia in the three tested area does not pose any health risk except for Selenium. It could be concluded that consumption of such fish may be a risk for consumers who eat fish more than one time per week. Consequently, precautions should be taken and warning against eating tilapia fish caught from these regions should be announced

Antifungal efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles against phytopathogenic fungi and inhibition of zearalenone production by Fusarium graminearum

Chitosan (COS) is a natural safe biopolymer that received great attention in agriculture, food, biomedical, pharmaceutical and environmental industries because their biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-allergenic natures. The aims of the current study were to synthesize and characterize chitosan nanoparticles (COS-NPs), to evaluate their antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi and inhibition of zearalenone (ZEN) production by Fusarium graminearum. The results revealed that the deacetylation degree of COS was 86.9 0.44 %, the average of molar mass was 171.41 ± 0.29 g/mol, molecular weight was 244 ± 7 kDa and the concentration of free amino groups was 0.05 ± 0.019 mol L-1. COS-NPs showed the nanorod form with rough nature and particle size was around 180 nm. COS-NPs showed an excellent antifungal activity against Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Baeuvaria bassiana, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp. and Sclerotium rolfsii in dose dependent manner. At a concentration of 800 ppm, it inhibits ZEN production by Fusarium graminearum. It could be concluded that COS-NPs are promise candidate as safe antifungal capable for the prevention of ZEN production.Chitosan (COS) is a natural safe biopolymer that received great attention in agriculture, food, biomedical, pharmaceutical and environmental industries because their biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-allergenic natures. The aims of the current study were to synthesize and characterize chitosan nanoparticles (COS-NPs), to evaluate their antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi and inhibition of zearalenone (ZEN) production by Fusarium graminearum. The results revealed that the deacetylation degree of COS was 86.9 0.44 %, the average of molar mass was 171.41 ± 0.29 g/mol, molecular weight was 244 ± 7 kDa and the concentration of free amino groups was 0.05 ± 0.019 mol L-1. COS-NPs showed the nanorod form with rough nature and particle size was around 180 nm. COS-NPs showed an excellent antifungal activity against Alternaria tenuis, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Baeuvaria bassiana, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp. and Sclerotium rolfsii in dose dependent manner. At a concentration of 800 ppm, it inhibits ZEN production by Fusarium graminearum. It could be concluded that COS-NPs are promise candidate as safe antifungal capable for the prevention of ZEN production

Isoflavones-Enriched Soy Protein Prevents CCL4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The burden of liver disease in Egypt is exceptionally high due to the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) resulting in rising rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the current study was to determine the isoflavones in soy and to evaluate the protective role of soy against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Four experimental groups were treated for 8 weeks and included the control group, soy-supplemented diet (20% w/w) group, the group treated orally with CCl4 (100 mg/kg bw) twice a week, and the group fed soy-supplemented diet and treated with CCl4. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical analyses and histological examination. The results indicated that protein content was 45.8% and the total isoflavones recorded 167.3 mg/100 g soy. Treatment with CCl4 resulted in a significant biochemical changes in serum liver tissue accompanied with severe oxidative stress and histological changes. Supplementation with soy succeeded to restore the elevation of liver enzymes activities and improved serum biochemical parameters. Moreover, soy supplementation improved the antioxidant enzymes, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved the histological picture of the liver tissue. It could be concluded that soy-protein-enriched isoflavones may be a promising agent against liver diseases

SPIRONOLACTONE IN BIOFEEDBACK SESSIONS IN THE LOOP OF PACED BREATHING AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

In 7 conditionally healthy volunteers, aged from 19 to 21 years (average age is 19,53 ± 1,55 years), influence of spironolactone on alterations of regulatory systems state of the organism combined with biofeedback (BFB) sessions in the loop of paced breathing (PB) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters was evaluated. All volunteers were conducted 2 series of everyday BFB sessions in analyzed loop for 5 days with a 3 months interval between them, 2nd series of sessions were conducted 6 hours after oral application of 25 mg spironolactone. The data was analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. Optimization of regulatory systems state under influence of BFB sessions in the loop of PB and HRV parameters was found. Spironolactone in studied dose had no significant effect on optimization of regulatory systems state

Phytic Acid Exposure Alters AflatoxinB1-induced Reproductive and Oxidative Toxicity in Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The increased use of feed in Egypt's aquaculture and animal industries raises concerns about the possible presence of mycotoxins in feedstuffs. The use of alternative medicine, such as botanicals and nutritional supplements, has become popular with inflammatory cases. The present study aimed to testify the role played by phytic acid (IP6) in enhancing the reproductive and oxidative toxicity induced in aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) treated white male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) throughout treatment and withdrawal periods. One hundred and twenty white male albino rats were grouped into four groups. Group 1, was injected with 300 μg kg−1 body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and left uninjected for another 15 days to study the withdrawal effect. Group 2, was injected with 300 μg kg−1 body wt of AFB1 once every 3 days for 15 days and treated simultaneously with IP6 daily for another 15 days. Group 3, was treated daily with IP6 (40 mg kg−1 body wt) for 15 days and with no treatment for other 15 days. Group 4, injected with equivalent volume of sterile phosphate buffer saline solution as a control group. Sera were taken at the experimental intervals and assayed for testosterone hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to determine the toxicological impact of AFB1 and the possibility of amelioration by phytic acid on the reproductive performance of the studied animal. The effects of AFB1 treatment on the absolute and relative weight of testis as well as its histopathologic effect on the testis and the possibility of amelioration by IP6 treatment were evaluated. The activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidants, in addition to lipid peroxidation were measured in the testis’ homogenate of AFB1-treated rats. A decrease in sex hormone levels, an increase in testicular lipid peroxidation product levels and a significant decrease in testicular glutathione content, catalase and total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. The histopathologic alterations revealed a degeneration and highly mitotic division within the spermatogenic nuclei, in addition to some karyomegaly and nuclear pyknosis. It is concluded that the reduction in the toxicity of free radicals by phytic acid might be responsible for the protective influence observed

Hormonal and inflammatory modulatory effects of hesperidin in hyperthyroidism-modeled rats

The goal of the current study was to investigate the hormonal modulatory efficiency of hesperidin, through its regulatory potential of immunological, inflammatory, and/or antioxidant changes in on hyperthyroidism modeled adult female albino rats. Both normal and hyperthyroidism modeled rats (140-160g) were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals each) as follows: 1) healthy animals were daily ingested with saline for six weeks, and served as control group, 2) healthy animals were intraperitoneally injected with hesperidin (50 mg/kg/day) for a similar period, 3) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals without any treatment acted as positive control, and 4) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals were treated intraperitoneally with hesperidin for a similar period. The findings showed that hesperidin significantly modulated hyperthyroidism deteriorations, this was evidenced by a remarkable decline in serum T4, FT4, T3, FT3, TNF-α, IL1β-, IL4-, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, with a minor increase in TSH and significant raise in CD4+ level. Similarly, valuable improvement was observed in the oxidative status; serum SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH levels were dramatically enhanced, associated with remarkable drop in MDA and NO levels. Also, hesperidin demonstrated nephro-hepatoprotective and anti-atherogenic potential, this was achieved from the notable reduction in ALAT and ASAT activities as well as urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride close to the corresponding values of healthy group. These findings were supported by histological and immunohistochemical ones that showed a notable decrease in the expression of the calcitonin antibody. In conclusion, hesperidin possesses anti-hyperthyroidism, immunoinflammatory regulatory, and antioxidant activities that evidenced from the improvement of physio-architecture of the thyroid gland, reduction of inflammation and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress. This effect might be mechanized through immunological, inflammatory, apoptotic, and/or antioxidant modulatory pathways

Effect of ochratoxin A on the intestinal mucosa and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in broiler chickens

The immunotoxic effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and its cytotoxic action on the intestinal epithelium were studied in broiler chickens experimentally treated with the toxin. From the 7th day of life, 80 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups of 20 birds each. The three experimental groups (E1-3) were treated with OTA for 28 days (E1: 50 μg/kg body weight [bw]/day; E2: 20 μg/kg bw/day; E3: 1 μg/kg bw/day) and the fourth group served as control. Histological examination of the intestinal mucosa and immunohistochemical staining for identification of CD4+, CD8+, TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocytes in the duodenum, jejunum and ileocaecal junction were performed, and CD4+/CD8+ and TCR1/TCR2 ratios were calculated. OTA toxicity resulted in decreased body weight gain, poorer feed conversion ratio, lower leukocyte and lymphocyte count, and altered intestinal mucosa architecture. After 14 days of exposure to OTA, immunohistochemistry showed a significant reduction of the lymphocyte population in the intestinal epithelium and the lamina propria. After 28 days of exposure, an increase in the CD4+ and CD8+ values in both the duodenum and jejunum of chickens in Groups E1 and E2 was observed, but the TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocyte counts showed a significant reduction. No significant changes were observed in Group E3. The results indicate that OTA induced a decrease in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and was cytotoxic to the intestinal epithelium and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, altering the intestinal barrier and increasing susceptibility to various associated diseases

Optimization of self-nanoemulsifying formulations for weakly basic lipophilic drugs: role of acidification and experimental design

ABSTRACT Formulators face great challenges in adopting systematic approaches for designing self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEFs) for different drug categories. In this study, we aimed to build-up an advanced SNEF development framework for weakly basic lipophilic drugs, such as cinnarizine (CN). First, the influence of formulation acidification on CN solubility was investigated. Second, formulation self-emulsification in media with different pH was assessed. Experimentally designed phase diagrams were also utilized for advanced optimization of CN-SNEF. Finally, the optimized formulation was examined using cross polarizing light microscopy for the presence of liquid crystals. CN solubility was significantly enhanced upon external and internal acidification. Among the various fatty acids, oleic acid-based formulations showed superior self-emulsification in all the tested media. Surprisingly, formulation turbidity and droplet size significantly decreased upon equilibration with CN. The design was validated using oleic acid/Imwitor308/Cremophor El (25/25/50), which showed excellent self-nanoemulsification, 43-nm droplet size (for CN-equilibrated formulations), and 88 mg/g CN solubility. In contrast to CN-free formulations, CN-loaded SNEF presented lamellar liquid crystals upon 50% aqueous dilution. These findings confirmed that CN-SNEF efficiency was greatly enhanced upon drug incorporation. The adopted strategy offers fast and accurate development of SNEFs and could be extrapolated for other weakly basic lipophilic drugs

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication