Abstract

Since its identification in the vitreous humour of the eye and laboratory biosynthesis, hyaluronic acid (HA) has been a vital component in several pharmaceutical, nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. However, little is known about its potential toxicological impacts on aquatic inhabitants. Herein, we investigated the hematological response of Clarias gariepinus to nominal doses of HA. To achieve this objective, 72 adult fish were randomly and evenly distributed into four groups: control, low-dose (0.5 mg/l HA), medium-dose (10 mg/l HA), and high-dose (100 mg/l HA) groups for two weeks each during both the exposure and recovery periods. The findings confirmed presence of anemia, neutrophilia, leucopoenia, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia at the end of exposure to HA. In addition, poikilocytosis and a variety of cytomorphological disturbances were observed. Dose-dependent histological alterations in spleen morphology were observed in the exposed groups. After HA removal from the aquarium for 2 weeks, the groups exposed to the two highest doses still exhibited a notable decline in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and an increase in mean corpuscular volume. Additionally, there was a significant rise in neutrophils, eosinophils, cell alterations, and nuclear abnormalities percentages, along with a decrease in monocytes, coupled with a dose-dependent decrease in lymphocytes. Furthermore, only the highest dose of HA in the recovered groups continued to cause a significant increase in white blood cells. White blood cells remained lower, and the proportion of apoptotic RBCs remained higher in the high-dose group. The persistence of most of the haematological and histological disorders even after recovery period indicates a failure of physiological compensatory mechanisms to overcome the HA-associated problems or insufficient duration of recovery. Thus, these findings encourage the inclusion of this new hazardous agent in the biomonitoring program and provide a specific pattern of hematological profile in HA-challenged fish. Further experiments are highly warranted to explore other toxicological hazards of HA using dose/time window protocols.

Abstract

The joint impact of tadalafil (Cilais) as a pharmaceutical residue and microplastics on fish is not well comprehended. The current study examined haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters, along with immunohistochemical and histological indications in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after being exposed to tadalafil, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), and their mixtures for 15 days. The fish were distributed into 1st group control group (The fish was maintained in untreated water without any supplements); 2nd group exposed to 10 mg/L PE-MPs;3rd group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais); 4th group exposed to 20 mg/l tadalafil (Cilais) + 10 mg/LPE-MPs (in triplicate). The levels of creatinine, uric acid, glucose, AST, ALT, and albumin in fish treated with tadalafil alone or in combination with PE-MPs were significantly higher than those in the control group. Fish exposed to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil plus PE-MPs showed significantly lower levels of RBCs, Hb, Ht, neutrophils, and lymphocytes compared to the control group. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) were notably lowered in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations in comparison to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were notably elevated in fish groups subjected to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combinations compared to the control group. The most severe impact was observed in the tadalafil + PE-MPs combination group. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly increased in liver tissues following exposure to both tadalafil and microplastics compared to tissues exposed to only one substance or the control group. Changes in the gills, liver, and renal tissues were seen following exposure to PE-MPs, tadalafil, and tadalafil + PE-MPs combination in comparison to the control group of fish. Ultimately, the mixture of tadalafil and PE-MPs resulted in the most detrimental outcomes. Tadalafil and PE-MPs exhibited showed greater adverse effects, likely due to tadalafil being absorbed onto PE-MPs.

Background

Commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution is frequently used empirically to treat ocular disorders in equines, despite being primarily formulated for use in humans. It has been noted that tobramycin MIC90 concentration (minimal inhibitory concentration to 90% of microbial growth) rapidly declined following topical administration. It is hypothesized that adjustment of the pH of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution -prepared for human use- with the pH of the tears of donkeys, could increase the bioavailability of the drug and subsequently improve its penetration to the aqueous humor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of pH adjustment of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution on MIC90 concentration in tears and aqueous humor of donkeys (Equus asinus). The study was conducted on six (n = 6) clinically healthy donkeys. In each donkey, one eye was randomly selected to receive 210 µg tobramycin of the commercial tobramycin (CT) and used as a positive control (C group, n = 6). The other eye (treated eye) received 210 µg of the modified tobramycin ophthalmic solution (MT) (T group, n = 6). Tears and aqueous humor samples were collected 5-, 10-, 15-, 30- min, and 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6 h post-instillation.

Results

Modifying the pH of the empirically used commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution in donkeys at a pH of 8.26 enhanced the drug’s bioavailability. The MIC90 of the most hazardous bacteria isolated from equines’ eyes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC90 = 128 µg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC90 = 256 µg/ml) was covered early (5 min post-instillation) and over a longer period in donkey tears (239–342 min) and aqueous humor (238–330 min) with the modified tobramycin solution.

Conclusions

Adjustment of the pH of the commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution, empirically used by veterinarians to treat donkeys’ ophthalmic infections at a pH of 8.26, isotonic with the donkeys’ tears pH, resulting in higher concentrations of tobramycin in tears and aqueous humor for a longer time.

Hospitalized patients often develop acute renal failure (ARF), which causes severe morbidity and death. This research investigates the potential renoprotective benefits of sildenafil and furosemide in glycerol-induced ARF, and measures kidney function metrics in response to nanoparticle versions of these medications. Inducing ARF is commonly done by injecting 50% glycerol intramuscularly. Rats underwent a 24-h period of dehydration and starvation before slaughter for renal function testing. We investigated urine analysis, markers of oxidative stress, histology of kidney tissue, immunohistochemistry analysis of caspase-3 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL), which are specific indicators of kidney tissue damage. The results of our study showed that the combination of sildenafil and furosemide, using both traditional and nanoparticle formulations, had a greater protective effect on the kidneys compared to using either drug alone. The recovery of renal tissue indicators, serum markers, and urine markers, which are indicative of organ damage, provides evidence of improvement. This was also indicated by the reduction in KIM-1 and NGAL tubular expression. The immunohistochemistry tests showed that the combination therapy, especially with the nanoforms, greatly improved the damaged cellular changes in the kidneys, as shown by higher levels of caspase-3 and IL-1β. According to the findings, a glycerol-induced rat model demonstrates that sildenafil and furosemide, either alone or in combination, in conventional or nanoparticulate forms, improve ARF dysfunction. The synergistic nanoparticulate compositions show remarkable effectiveness. This observation highlights the possible therapeutic implications for ARF treatment.

Abstract

Background

Hepatocyte death and a systemic inflammatory response are the outcome of a complex chain of events mediated by numerous inflammatory cells and chemical mediators. The point of this study was to find out if tadalafil and/or Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) could help people who have been exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) and are experiencing acute moderate liver failure. This was especially true when the two were used together.

Method and materials

To cause mild liver failure 24 h before sacrifice, a single oral dosage of CCL₄ (2.5 mL/kg b.w.) (50% in olive oil) was utilized. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as well as histological abnormalities were performed on liver tissue.

Results

The results showed that tadalafil and/or L. sativum, especially in combination, performed well to cure acute mild liver failure caused by CCL₄. This was demonstrated by a decrease in NF-κB expression in the liver tissue and an improvement in organ damage markers observed in the blood and liver tissues. Furthermore, such therapy reduced interleukin1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissue. It’s worth noting that the tested combination resulted in greater liver improvement.

Conclusions

According to the findings, tadalafil and L. sativum, particularly in combination, have the ability to protect the liver from the negative effects of CCL₄ exposure. Because of its capacity to improve liver function, restore redox equilibrium, and decrease inflammatory mediators, it is a prospective option for mitigating the negative effects of common environmental pollutants such as CCL₄.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a dietary probiotic supplement on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress. Two hundred and ten 1-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were divided among 21 floor pens (10 chicks per pen). The pens were randomly distributed to 1 of 3 dietary treatments containing a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, at 0 (control), 0.25 (0.25×), and 0.5 (0.5×) g/kg (n = 7). At the end of the experiment (d 35), birds were transported for a journey of 80 km to the abattoir, each crate contained 5 pen mates, 2 birds of them (2 bird per crate, total 14 birds per treatment) were randomly selected for testing. Struggling behavior measurements began after the birds had arrived at the abattoir. Serum and muscle samples (right leg and breast) were collected for immune response and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that probiotic supplemented broilers had lower breast muscle protein carbonyls and serum levels of IgM but higher breast muscle total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to those of controls. In addition, probiotic supplemented broilers’ leg and breast muscle had higher color lightness and greater water holding capacity (WHC%) with lower cooking loss (CL) and lower pH values (P < 0.05). Probiotic supplemented broilers’ breast and leg meat was also tastier (P < 0.05) compared to controls. There were no treatment effects on other measured parameters including struggling behavior, serum IgA and IgG concentrations, and breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the probiotic supplement could be an alternative management tool for promoting broiler health and welfare by modifying immune response and meat quality.

Membrane technology emerges as a transformative solution for global challenges, excelling in water treatment, gas purification, and waste recycling. This comprehensive review navigates the principles, advantages, challenges, and prospects of membrane technology, emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing contemporary environmental and sustainability issues. The goal is to contribute to environmental objectives by exploring the principles, mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of membrane technology. Noteworthy features include energy efficiency, selectivity, and minimal environmental footprint, distinguishing it from conventional methods. Advances in nanomembranes, organic porous membranes, and metal‐organic frameworks‐based membranes highlight their potential for energy‐efficient contaminant removal. The review underscores the integration of renewable energy sources for eco‐friendly 

This study investigated antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) survival during mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy cow manure with cefazolin (CEZ) antibiotic. Comparing single- and two-stage AD systems, we assessed ARB removal rates, biogas yield, volatile fatty acid concentration, and microbial populations. The results revealed that in the two-stage AD system, the methanogenic phase (MP) exhibited the highest removal rates of CEZ-resistant (CEZ-r) and oxytetracycline-resistant (OTC-r) bacteria at 9–16 % and 69–72 %, respectively. However, the MP had a higher proportion of ARB among the total culturable bacteria (24–30 %) compared to the acidogenic phase (AP) and single-stage AD. CEZ negatively impacted ARB removal rates and biogas production in both systems, with a more pronounced effect in single-stage AD. Biogas yield in the two-stage AD ranged from 337.7–385.6 mL/gVS, which was 10–20 % higher than that of the single-stage AD, regardless of CEZ addition. The reduction in biogas production due to CEZ was primarily attributed to the suppression of VFA production. As for microbial populations, the changes in the percentages of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were likely related to the variations in ARB numbers, and the abundance of Methanosaetaceae significantly influenced biogas production.
 

This study examined the impact of different biochar (BC) as an anaerobic digestion (AD) additive on antibioticresistant bacteria (ARB) survival and AD performance using dairy cow manure. Bamboo BC and Olive BC with different particle sizes were added into the mesophilic AD at 15 g/L and 30 g/L dosages (Bamboo-15, Bamboo- 30, Olive-15, and Olive-30). The study provides a detailed analysis of biogas production, organic metabolism, and ARB and microbial dynamics, elucidating the mechanisms by which BC influences AD. Findings reveal significant reductions in CEZ-resistant bacteria (CEZ-r) across all reactors, ranging from 12.88 % to 76.47 %. Both Bamboo and Olive BC increased CEZ-r removal by 3.08–5.94 times compared to the control. Additionally, BC supplementation prevented the rise in CEZ-r percentage within the total bacteria count observed in the control reactor. Bamboo BC outperformed Olive BC in enhancing biogas yield, with Bamboo-15 and Bamboo-30 showing significant increases of 43.2 % and 48.0 %, respectively, compared to the control. Adding BC in AD regulates ARB by decreasing potential ARG hosts and impeding the transmission of resistance. It also enhances biogas production by improving the efficiency of methanogenic bacteria and optimizing the methanogenic pathway. This research provides insights into how BC can be used to enhance AD performance and mitigate ARB proliferation, offering a sustainable approach to waste management and energy production.
 

The urgent need for sustainable waste management has led to the exploration of upcycling waste plastics and biomass as viable solutions. In 2018, global plastic production reached 359 million tonnes, with an estimated 12000 million tonnes projected to be delivered and disposed of in landfills by 2050. Unfortunately, current waste management practices result in only 19.5% of plastics being recycled, while the rest is either landfilled (55%) or incinerated (25.5%). The improper disposal of plastics contributes to issues such as soil and groundwater contamination, air pollution, and wildlife disturbance. On the other hand, biomass has the potential to deliver around 240 exajoules of energy per year by 2060. However, its current utilization remains relatively small, with only approximately 9% of biomass-derived energy being consumed in Europe in 2017. This review explores various upcycling methods for waste plastics and biomass, including mechanical, chemical, biological, and thermal approaches. It also highlights the applications of upcycled plastics and biomass in sectors such as construction, packaging, energy generation, and chemicals. The environmental and economic benefits of upcycling are emphasized, including the reduction of plastic pollution, preservation of natural resources, carbon footprint reduction, and circular economy advancement.