Oral Exposure to Silver/Gold Nanoparticles: Status of RatLipid Profile, Serum Metabolites and Tissue Morphology

Study investigated the effect of oral administration of gold-silver nanoparticleson rat biochemical parameters and tissue morphology. Wistar rats weighingapproximately 180±7 g were randomly assigned into four groups. Animals in thecontrol group received distilled water once daily for 30 days while, those in thetreatment groups were administered 10, 50 and 100 mg kgG1 b.wt. gold-silvernanoparticles. The rats were sacrificed under slight anesthesia, 24 h after the lasttreatments. Blood and vital organs including the heart, kidney and liver werecollected and prepared for biochemical and histopathological determinations.Exposure to Ag/Au nanoparticles altered the rat serum lipid profile; lowering theHDL-C while raising the atherogenic index. Exposure of Ag/Au nanoparticles inrats caused significant alteration to the levels of serum albumin, total protein,bilirubin, urea and creatinine. The activities of alanine transaminase, aspartatetransaminase and alkaline phosphatase in rat serum and tissues were alsosignificantly altered by Ag/Au nanoparticles exposure. The histopathologicalexamination revealed inflammation and cellular degeneration caused by exposureto the Ag/Au nanoparticles. We show evidence that Ag/Au nanoparticles elevatedatherogenic index, as well as caused biochemical and morphological alterations,reminiscent of cellular injur

Bioconversion of Aspergillus niger KM treated Rice and Wheat Bran for Experimental Rat Feed Formulation

This study investigated the nutritional value of pre-treated rice and wheat bran wastes as feed formulation in experimental rats. Aspergillus niger KM isolated from decomposing organic matter was tested for cellulase assay. The lignocellulosic agricultural residues (wheat bran and rice bran) were pretreated with ammonia and diluted sulfuric acid after which solid substrate fermentation with Aspergillus niger KM was carried out. Determination of reducing sugar was carried out and the fermented residues were included as components in feed formulation and were fed to different groups of rats for four weeks. The proximate analysis of the feed formulation showed that the NH3 pretreated feeds gave higher protein content of 21.94%, relative to the control or other groups. Growth performances of animals fed with NH3 pretreated wheat bran significantly increased from 158.25 to 201.66 g throughout the feeding periods. Evaluation of the various feeds’ effect on tissue marker enzymes revealed inconsistent alterations relative to the control. Bioconverted wheat or rice bran has nutritive value to support animal growth and could be explored in animal feed preparation

Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos raises serum urea level and causes abnormal sperm morphology in Wistar rats

Chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and cypermethrin (pyrethroid) are insecticides, which are widely used for agricultural as well as for domestic purposes. This study investigated the toxicological effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on selected organs and tissues of male Wistar rats. Nine (9) male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into three and were orally given chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin, while the control group was given distilled water for 28 days. The results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in rat serum AST activity for the chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin groups. Also, there was significant elevation in serum urea following oral exposure to either chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin. Conversely, a reduction in the rat liver ALP activity for treatment with cypermethrin or chlorpyrifos was recorded. Thehistology results revealed that the administration of chlorpyrifos but not cypermethrin for 28 days has no significant effecton the biochemical properties and sperm morphology of the rats. Taken together, findings indicate that cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos exposure in rats predisposes to renal injury, while altering sperm morpholog

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population