High-performance liquid chromatography and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay techniques for detection and quantification of aflatoxin B1 in feed samples: a comparative study.

ObjectiveComparison was done between high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection and quantification of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed samples. The two procedures were standardized and validated before the actual experiment. Five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 ppb) of feed samples were used for both methods. For the HPLC technique, the samples were extracted in acetonitrile/water (90/10) solution, cleaned-up using solid phase extraction (SPE) column, and derivatized by water/trifluoroacetic acid/glacial acetic acid (35/10/5) solution before instrument analysis. The samples were extracted in 70% methanol for the ELISA technique.ResultsThe two tests showed very strong linearity with correlation coefficient value of > 0.99 using standard solutions. The mean recovery rate was 92.42% (with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5.97) and 75.64% (RSD = 34.88) for HPLC and ELISA, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in recovery rate between the two methods. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.84) between them which indicated that the two techniques can be used to detect and quantify aflatoxin B1 in feed samples. However, there were variations among replicates for the ELISA method, which shows that this method is more applicable for screening purposes

Midazolam Efficacy Against Acute Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Mortality and Neurotoxicity.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, highly neurotoxic gas. It is not only an occupational and environmental hazard but also of concern to the Department of Homeland Security for potential nefarious use. Acute high-dose H2S exposure causes death, while survivors may develop neurological sequelae. Currently, there is no suitable antidote for treatment of acute H2S-induced neurotoxicity. Midazolam (MDZ), an anti-convulsant drug recommended for treatment of nerve agent intoxications, could also be of value in treating acute H2S intoxication. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that MDZ is effective in preventing/treating acute H2S-induced neurotoxicity. This proof-of-concept study had two objectives: to determine whether MDZ prevents/reduces H2S-induced mortality and to test whether MDZ prevents H2S-induced neurological sequelae. MDZ (4 mg/kg) was administered IM in mice, 5 min pre-exposure to a high concentration of H2S at 1000 ppm or 12 min post-exposure to 1000 ppm H2S followed by 30 min of continuous exposure. A separate experiment tested whether MDZ pre-treatment prevented neurological sequelae. Endpoints monitored included assessment of clinical signs, mortality, behavioral changes, and brain histopathological changes. MDZ significantly reduced H2S-induced lethality, seizures, knockdown, and behavioral deficits (p < 0.01). MDZ also significantly prevented H2S-induced neurological sequelae, including weight loss, behavior deficits, neuroinflammation, and histopathologic lesions (p < 0.01). Overall, our findings show that MDZ is a promising drug for reducing H2S-induced acute mortality, neurotoxicity, and neurological sequelae

A survey to document toxic hazards in the zone surrounding volcanoes national park, a habitat for mountain gorillas, an endangered wildlife species in Rwanda

IntroductionIn recent years, Volcanoes National Park has seen a rise in its wildlife population, primarily due to the diligent efforts of the Rwandan government in safeguarding endangered species, notably the mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei spp. beringei). This population growth has led to a pressing need for more expansive habitats, ensuring these creatures have ample space, sustenance, and shelter for their wellbeing. Consequently, there are planned park expansion activities on the horizon. However, before initiating this expansion, a critical prelude involves identifying potential threats, particularly toxic substances stemming from agricultural activities in the surrounding environment of Volcanoes National Park.MethodsTo address this concern, a comprehensive study was conducted, aimed at pinpointing potential toxic hazards and assessing the awareness of the local population regarding the harm these hazards pose to wildlife species. Data was collected from individuals with no prior knowledge of the study using a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: socio-demographic issues, potential toxic hazards assessment, and a section to determine awareness and risk of potential toxic hazards to humans, animals, and the environment. Respondents were selected based on specific criteria, which included being 18 years or older and residing within the National Volcano Park (NVP) area.ResultsThe study's findings revealed four main categories of potential toxic hazards, which include household chemicals, pharmaceutical products, agricultural pesticides, and poisonous plants. These hazards could jeopardize the health and survival of wildlife species if they consume or come into contact with them. Furthermore, the study exposed an inadequacy in the knowledge and skills of the local community in preventing these toxic hazards, which can result in death of wildlife species and ecosystem contamination and degradation.ConclusionStudy results also underscored the significance of education and training in enhancing the awareness of local communities concerning these toxic threats. Therefore, it is imperative to implement immediate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these toxic hazards on wildlife species, especially in light of the planned park expansion

Broad spectrum proteomics analysis of the inferior colliculus following acute hydrogen sulfide exposure.

Acute exposure to high concentrations of H2S causes severe brain injury and long-term neurological disorders, but the mechanisms involved are not known. To better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in acute H2S-induced neurodegeneration we used a broad-spectrum proteomic analysis approach to identify key molecules and molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of acute H2S-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Mice were subjected to acute inhalation exposure of up to750 ppm of H2S. H2S induced behavioral deficits and severe lesions including hemorrhage in the inferior colliculus (IC). The IC was microdissected for proteomic analysis. Tandem mass tags (TMT) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based quantitative proteomics was applied for protein identification and quantitation. LC-MS/MS identified 598, 562, and 546 altered proteomic changes at 2 h, and on days 2 and 4 post-H2S exposure, respectively. Of these, 77 proteomic changes were statistically significant at any of the 3 time points. Mass spectrometry data were subjected to Perseus 1.5.5.3 statistical analysis, and gene ontology heat map clustering. Expressions of several key molecules were verified to confirm H2S-dependent proteomics changes. Webgestalt pathway overrepresentation enrichment analysis with Panther engine revealed H2S exposure disrupted several biological processes including metabotropic glutamate receptor group 1 and inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathways among others. Further analysis showed that energy metabolism, integrity of blood-brain barrier, hypoxic, and oxidative stress signaling pathways were also implicated. Collectively, this broad-spectrum proteomics data has provided important clues to follow up in future studies to further elucidate mechanisms of H2S-induced neurotoxicity

A review of episodes of zinc phosphide toxicosis in wild geese (Branta spp.) in Oregon (2004–2011)

Epizootic mortality in several geese species, including cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis), has been recognized in the Willamette Valley of Oregon for over a decade. Birds are generally found dead on a body of water or are occasionally observed displaying neurologic clinical signs such as an inability to raise or control the head prior to death. Investigation of these epizootic mortality events has revealed the etiology to be accidental poisoning with the rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn₃ P₂ ). Gross and histologic changes are restricted to acute pulmonary congestion and edema, sometimes accompanied by distension of the upper alimentary tract by fresh grass. Geese are unusually susceptible to this pesticide; when combined with an epidemiologic confluence of depredation of specific agricultural crops by rodents and seasonal avian migration pathways, epizootic toxicosis may occur. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, appropriate sample collection and handling, plus specific test calibration for this toxicant. Interagency cooperation, education of farmers regarding pesticide use, and enforcement of regulations has been successful in greatly decreasing these mortality events since 2009.Keywords: Neurologic disease, Pulmonary edema, Branta, Toxicosis, Rodenticide, Geese, Zinc phosphide, Epizootic mortalit

Süt, et, idrar ve yemde altı farklı grup antimikrobiyal ilacın biochip array-based ımmunoassay ile aynı anda tespiti

Antimicrobials are widely used for animal health in food-producing animals. Therefore, antimicrobial residues are of food safety concern. Simultaneous detection of different antimicrobial residues in the same matrice is important. Therefore, the objective of this study was to detect six different group antimicrobials in milk, meat, urine, and feed matrices under experimental conditions, and to evaluate its use for routine analysis. Biochip array-based immunoassay is currently used for simultaneous detection and quantitation of different groups of six antimicrobials in milk, urine, meat, honey, and feed. Results showed that of the six target drugs, norfloxacin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, streptomycin, tylosin and tetracycline could be detected in milk, meat, urine, and in feed matrices. In conclusion, this assay can effectively detect all target antibacterials from different groups in milk, meat, urine, and feed matrices, and this assay can be used for routine detection of these antibacterial residues in the stated matrices.Antimikrobiyaller besin üretiminde faydalandığımız hayvanlarda yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu nedenle, bu besinlerde bulunabilen antimikrobiyal kalıntıları insan sağlığı açısından önemlidir. Farklı antimikrobiyal kalıntılarının aynı numunede ve aynı anda birlikte tespiti önemlidir. Bu nedenle, bu çalışmanın amacı Biochip array-based immunoassay yöntemi ile altı farklı grup antibakteriyel ilacın süt, et, idrar ve yemde deneysel şartlarda tespit etmektir. Bu test, aynı anda altı farklı grup antimikrobiyalin süt, idrar, et, bal ve yem numunelerinde miktarlarının belirlenmesinde kullanılmaktadır. Bu metodla hedef ilaçlar olan norfloksasin, seftifor, florfenikol, streptomisin, taylosin ve tetrasiklin süt, et, idrar ve yemde tespit edildi. Sonuç olarak, bu test ile yukarıda belirtilen altı farklı gruptaki hedef antibakteriyel ilaç süt, et, idrar ve yemde etkili bir şekilde tespit edilebilmektedir. Bu metod, belirtilen numunelerde bu antibakteriyel ilaçların kalıntılarının rutin analizinde kullanılabilir

A survey to document toxic hazards in the zone surrounding volcanoes national park, a habitat for mountain gorillas, an endangered wildlife species in Rwanda

IntroductionIn recent years, Volcanoes National Park has seen a rise in its wildlife population, primarily due to the diligent efforts of the Rwandan government in safeguarding endangered species, notably the mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei spp. beringei). This population growth has led to a pressing need for more expansive habitats, ensuring these creatures have ample space, sustenance, and shelter for their wellbeing. Consequently, there are planned park expansion activities on the horizon. However, before initiating this expansion, a critical prelude involves identifying potential threats, particularly toxic substances stemming from agricultural activities in the surrounding environment of Volcanoes National Park.MethodsTo address this concern, a comprehensive study was conducted, aimed at pinpointing potential toxic hazards and assessing the awareness of the local population regarding the harm these hazards pose to wildlife species. Data was collected from individuals with no prior knowledge of the study using a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: socio-demographic issues, potential toxic hazards assessment, and a section to determine awareness and risk of potential toxic hazards to humans, animals, and the environment. Respondents were selected based on specific criteria, which included being 18 years or older and residing within the National Volcano Park (NVP) area.ResultsThe study's findings revealed four main categories of potential toxic hazards, which include household chemicals, pharmaceutical products, agricultural pesticides, and poisonous plants. These hazards could jeopardize the health and survival of wildlife species if they consume or come into contact with them. Furthermore, the study exposed an inadequacy in the knowledge and skills of the local community in preventing these toxic hazards, which can result in death of wildlife species and ecosystem contamination and degradation.ConclusionStudy results also underscored the significance of education and training in enhancing the awareness of local communities concerning these toxic threats. Therefore, it is imperative to implement immediate measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these toxic hazards on wildlife species, especially in light of the planned park expansion

Disrupted brain mitochondrial morphology after in vivo hydrogen sulfide exposure

Abstract Changes in mitochondrial dynamics are often associated with dietary patterns, medical treatments, xenobiotics, and diseases. Toxic exposures to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) harm mitochondria by inhibiting Complex IV and via other mechanisms. However, changes in mitochondrial dynamics, including morphology following acute exposure to H2S, are not yet fully understood. This study followed mitochondrial morphology changes over time after a single acute LCt50 dose of H2S by examining electron microscopy thalami images of surviving mice. Our findings revealed that within the initial 48 h after H2S exposure, mitochondrial morphology was impaired by H2S, supported by the disruption and scarcity of the cristae, which are required to enhance the surface area for ATP production. At the 72-h mark point, a spectrum of morphological cellular changes was observed, and the disordered mitochondrial network, accompanied by the probable disruption of mitophagy, was tied to changes in mitochondrial shape. In summary, this study sheds light on how acute exposure to high levels of H2S triggers alterations in mitochondrial shape and structure as early as 24 h that become more evident at 72 h post-exposure. These findings underscore the impact of H2S on mitochondrial function and overall cellular health

Disrupted brain mitochondrial morphology after in vivo hydrogen sulfide exposure

Changes in mitochondrial dynamics are often associated with dietary patterns, medical treatments, xenobiotics, and diseases. Toxic exposures to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) harm mitochondria by inhibiting Complex IV and via other mechanisms. However, changes in mitochondrial dynamics, including morphology following acute exposure to H2S, are not yet fully understood. This study followed mitochondrial morphology changes over time after a single acute LCt50 dose of H2S by examining electron microscopy thalami images of surviving mice. Our findings revealed that within the initial 48 h after H2S exposure, mitochondrial morphology was impaired by H2S, supported by the disruption and scarcity of the cristae, which are required to enhance the surface area for ATP production. At the 72-h mark point, a spectrum of morphological cellular changes was observed, and the disordered mitochondrial network, accompanied by the probable disruption of mitophagy, was tied to changes in mitochondrial shape. In summary, this study sheds light on how acute exposure to high levels of H2S triggers alterations in mitochondrial shape and structure as early as 24 h that become more evident at 72 h post-exposure. These findings underscore the impact of H2S on mitochondrial function and overall cellular health