This study aims to develop novel gelatin derivatives through the incorporation of phloretin and 2-Acetylphloroglucinol to enhance its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the resulting phloretin-gelatin (Gel-Phl) and 2-Acetylphloroglucinol-gelatin (Gel-AP) conjugates, thereby verifying the successful modification of gelatin. Furthermore, the modified gelatin exhibited enhanced thermal stability and altered morphological features, which may contribute to its improved functionality in various applications. Antioxidant assays using ABTS & sdot;+ radical cation decolorization tests were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the modified gelatin compounds. Notably, the Gel-Phl and Gel-AP demonstrated significant enhancement of antioxidant activity compared to the native gelatin, implying the successful imparting of polyphenolic properties into the biopolymer matrix. Furthermore, the antibacterial evaluation of the formulated compounds against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) demonstrated that both gelatin derivatives exhibited antibacterial properties against S. aureus. By contrast, GelPhl showed antibacterial performance against E. coli, while Gel-AP exhibited no inhibitory effect on E. coli. Altogether, these findings suggest that the developed gelatin derivatives could serve as promising multifunctional biopolymers for applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Viral infections such as human papillomavirus, rotavirus, and cytomegalovirus continue to pose significant global health challenges, causing persistent and widespread disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate the preliminary in vitro antiviral and cytotoxicity profile of zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, which were synthesized through a green approach using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, against these viruses. Regarding antiviral effects, ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated potent antiviral activity against HPV, CMV, and rotavirus, with high selectivity indices and lower cytotoxicity compared with copper oxide nanoparticles. For HPV and CMV, ZnO showed markedly higher CC50 and SI values (HPV: SI = 10.67; CMV: SI = 10.57) than copper oxide nanoparticles, which exhibited lower selectivity and greater cytotoxicity. Against rotavirus, ZnO nanoparticles also exhibited superior safety and antiviral efficacy (CC50 = 798.42 µg/mL; SI = 11.49), whereas copper oxide nanoparticles showed relatively higher toxicity and lower selectivity. In parallel, quercetin, the major flavonoid of Moringa oleifera, was evaluated in silico as a potential inhibitor of rotavirus VP5*, CMV UL44, and HPV E6 using molecular docking and 150 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Quercetin exhibited favorable binding affinity, stable interaction profiles, and low RMSD fluctuations across all viral targets. Overall, green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated promising preliminary antiviral activity with an improved safety profile compared with CuO nanoparticles, while the computational findings support quercetin as a potential multi-target antiviral candidate. Further studies using direct virological assays and in vivo models are required to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying antiviral mechanisms.

Nanoparticles have emerged as innovative tools for combating bacterial infections, offering a potential solution to antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional antimicrobials. Nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress induction, metal ion release, direct membrane damage, disruption of DNA and proteins, and indirect immune system enhancement. Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, and R. conorii subsp. raoultii are tick-borne pathogens transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, and D. marginatus ticks across Europe causing spotted fever rickettsiosis. While rickettsioses are successfully treated with antibiotics, resistance of rickettsiae to antimicrobial therapy has been reported. Here, we evaluated the anti-rickettsial activity of silver (AgNPs), selenium (SeNPs), and chitosan (CSNPs) nanoparticles against R. conorii subsp. caspia, a tick-borne bacterial pathogen, in African green monkey kidney cell line (Vero). At their highest non-cytotoxic concentrations, CSNPs exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect (87%). SeNPs also significantly reduced bacterial load (76%), although their efficacy was constrained by cytotoxicity at higher doses. In contrast, AgNPs did not show significant activity under the tested conditions. The differences observed among nanoparticles reflect both the antimicrobial properties and host cell tolerance limits. These findings highlight CSNPs and SeNPs as promising candidates for further development of nanoparticle-based strategies to combat intracellular, tick-borne pathogens.

Background: Coccidial intestinal infection induces significant economic losses in the production of birds. It also constitutes a major hazard of drug residues to meat consumers if the coccidia is controlled using anticoccidial drugs. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary garlic as a natural alternative with or without probiotics compared to the anticoccidial drug against Eimeria infection of broilers. Methods: Growth rate, carcass dressing, blood metabolites, meat quality, intestinal histomorphology, oocyst shedding, and gene expression were assessed. A total of 150 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks were divided into five groups: NC, negative control; PC, positive control; AC, anticoccidial drug; GR, garlic; GR-P, garlic plus probiotics. The Coccidia challenge was conducted for all experimental groups except NC. Results: PC birds showed a significantly lower weight gain and worse feed conversion ratio compared to the NC birds. The GR-P and AC groups revealed comparable results regarding WG and were significantly higher than the GR and PC groups. In comparison to the PC, AC, and GR-P groups, the GR group exhibited significantly decreased cecal lesion score, mortality rate, and oocyst shedding. GR-P improved carcass traits compared to other groups. GR-P and GR-P showed the highest scores for appearance, juiciness, tenderness, and the overall acceptability of breast meat. GR-P, GR, and AC reduced breast meat PH, TBARS, fat, and ash compared to PC. AC, GR, and GR-P significantly increased jejunal and cecal villus length and crypt depth. Improvements in blood parameters were seen in the AC, GR, and GR-P groups rather than in the PC group. Coccidia challenge significantly induced changes in gene expression levels, while the three additives mainly reversed their expression. Conclusion: The present study reported a promising role of garlic-probiotics dietary supplements in broiler chickens’ growth performance during coccidiosis due to their antioxidant, anticoccidial, and antimicrobial activities.

Metronidazole (MTZ), a widely used antiamoebic and antibacterial drug, has been linked to male reproductive damage. The aim of this study was to investigate Olea europaea L. and Equisetum arvense L. ethanol extracts for the protection against testicular toxicity and male infertility caused by MTZ, and to characterize the underlying mechanisms. Forty-two male rats were divided into six groups. The animals in group 1 served as the controls and received a daily oral dose (1 mL) of the vehicle. The animals in group 2 received metronidazole at doses of 400 mg/kg. Group 3 was treated with E. arvense extract at doses of 100 mg/kg. Group 4 was treated with O. europaea leaf extract at doses of 400 mg/kg. Group 5 was treated with metronidazole and E. arvense extract at doses of 400 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Group 6 was treated with metronidazole with O. europaea leaf extract at doses of 400 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were given a daily oral dose of different treatments for 60 days, after which the animals were euthanized to study the histopathological and molecular changes in the testis and the sperm count in the epididymis. The testosterone levels, MDA levels, and GSH contents were also assessed in the rats in all groups. The findings revealed that the MTZ treatment caused a substantial increase in MDA levels and upregulated the NBN gene expression relative to the control. Moreover, the MTZ treatment produced significant reductions in the sperm count and viability, testosterone levels, and GSH content, and downregulated the INSL-3, STAR, HSD-3β, and CYP11A1 gene expression compared to the control. The adverse effects in testicular tissue were significantly reduced in rats given the O. europaea leaves and E. arvense treatment. The findings may show that MTZ can enhance testicular toxicity and infertility, but both plant extracts can prevent these harmful consequences.

Amphiphilic gradient copolymers based on poly(2-oxazolines) represent an exciting class of polymers that can be prepared with single-step synthesis and exhibit self-assembly similar to their block analogues. Peptidomimetic structure of poly(2-oxazolines) makes it a promising candidate for biomedical applications. Herein, the digradient copolymers are prepared in the living cationic ring-opening copolymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and 2-(4-butyloxyphenyl)-2-oxazoline using 1, 3-bis(tosyloxy)propane as a bifunctional initiator. The composition of the prepared copolymers was close to feeding ratios as determined from 1H NMR spectroscopy. Molar masses determined by gel permeation chromatography range from 7,800 to 11,000 g mol-1, which corresponds to theoretical molar masses. Aggregation behaviour and interfacial properties are studied using dynamic light scattering and Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Results support aggregates stability over a period of 60 days with a higher percentage of drug encapsulation, loading and sustained release. Such digradient copolymers are used for the encapsulation of rifampicin, which is an efficient antibiotic for the treatment of latent or active tuberculosis, leprosies, and staphylococcus or streptococcus infections, respectively. The docking simulation is carried out for the rifampicin inside the active site of RNA polymerase (PDB: 6N62) to explore the binding mode, probable conformation, and different types of interactions inside the pocket.

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the major virulent zoonotic bacterial diseases that adversely affect the health of farmed fish, inducing higher mortalities. The current study focused on comparing the resistance of the Common carp, Cyprinus carpio, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to Aeromonas hydrophila infection by investigating the antioxidant responses and histopathological alterations. Juveniles of C. carpio and O. niloticus were randomly alienated into a control group (uninfected) and a challenged group infected with 100 mu L of A. hydrophila. Samples of liver, kidney, and spleen were collected post-infection for 7 days to monitor antioxidant response, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and the assessment of the histopathological alteration in the vital organs. The antioxidant indicators showed significant alterations post-exposure to A. hydrophila. Meanwhile, O. niloticus has significantly regulated an active antioxidant response than C. carpio. Histological architecture showed that the liver is the most affected organ compared to the kidney and spleen and revealed severe aggregation of melanophores and macular degeneration. Based on the study outcomes, A. hydrophila is a highly virulent bacterium that induces noticeable alterations in the antioxidant mechanism and histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen of C. carpio and O. niloticus. However, O. niloticus experiences an improved antioxidant response against A. hydrophila infection compared with C. carpio.

The current study is a pioneer trial to verify the effectiveness of Petroselinum crispum (parsley) nanoparticles (PNPs) for fortifying physiological and biochemical biomarkers in female African catfish postexposure to bisphenol A (BPA) toxicity. The aim of this experiment is to verify the influence of PNPs for mitigating serum hemato-biochemical alterations as well as antioxidant enzyme, and hormonal changes induced by BPA toxicity in the hepatic and ovarian tissues. Fish were equally allocated into four groups: group I as a control without any treatments, group II received a commercial diet + PNPs (4 g/kg diet). In group III, fish were subjected to 1/10 LC50 (BPA) (1.43 mu g/L), while in group IV, fish got 1/10 LC50 BPA (1.43 mu g/L) + PNPs (4 g/kg diet) for 60 consecutive days. Exposure to BPA showed macrocytic hypochromic anemia and leukopenia, and a noticeable elevation in glucose, alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALP, urea, creatinine, cortisol, cholesterol, and testosterone (T) hormone. Furthermore, serum AchE, estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), globulin, albumin, and total proteins were significantly decreased in a BPA-exposed group. Alternatively, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and catalase (CAT) were notably augmented in the hepatic tissue and ovaries of the BPA-supplemented fish. While total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in the equal tissues of exposed fish. PNPs-supplemented diets in combination with BPA alleviated its destructive effects on the tested parameters. In conclusion, the results proved that BPA is an endocrine hormonal disruptor that induces imbalances in blood profile, hepato-renal indicators, and stress parameters, besides the occurrence of oxidative damage and reproductive dysfunction. Interestingly, PNPs have a protective role in attenuating BPA toxicity and modulating all the measured biomarkers, as well as improving the fertility of female Clarias gariepinus.

Globally, the contamination of aquatic bodies by improper application of pesticides, particularly fungicides, endangered aquatic life and hampered sustainable aquaculture. Exploring innovative strategies to mitigate this difficult issue as eco-friendly and cost-effective is indispensable. Herein, the potential of dietary Egyptian mallow (Malva parviflora) leaves (EML) as a powder form to mitigate the toxicological implications of metiram (MET) exposure in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) was assessed in this attempt. The investigation featured growth, physiological, immune/antioxidant responses, splenic cytokines expression, and histopathological concepts. In light of this, fish (N = 200; 32.80 ± 0.92 g) were eventually assigned into four groups with five sets (control, EML, MET, and EML + MET) for 63 days. The control and EML groups were given basal diets that had 0 and 15 g EML/kg diet, respectively, without MET exposure. Furthermore, MET and EML + MET groups were received the identical diets as control and EML groups, respectively, and exposed to 0.38 mg/L MET. The findings highlighted a significant (P < 0.001) growth retardation (declining in weight gain and specific growth rate) and higher fish mortality (32

The potential use of feed supplements as immune-stimulant and growth-promoting agents in fish diets has drawn a lot of attention. The current research investigated the effects of feeding Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on white poplar (Populus alba L.) leaves powder (WP) as a dietary supplement on the growth, digestive functions, and immne-antioxidant parameters. In addition, the fish resistance against Aeromonas sobria challenge was investigated. For 60 days, fish (n = 160; 34.61 ± 0.16 g) were divided equally into four groups, each had four replicates. Fish were fed on diets supplemented with varying levels of WP; 0 g/kg (WP0), 2 g/kg (WP2), 4 g/kg (WP4), and 6 g/kg (WP6), where WP0 was the control diet. The results revealed that WP diets (2–6 g/kg level) substantially boosted the growth (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate %, with improvement of the feed conversion ratio) of Nile tilapia. WP diets improved the amylase (4–6 g/kg level) and lipase (2–6 g/kg level) activity and the intestinal morphometric measures (2–6 g/kg level). WP diets increased the growth hormone (4–6 g/kg level) and reduced leptin hormone and glucose levels (2–6 g/kg level). The immune-antioxidant indices (total protein, albumin, globulin, complement 3, lysozymes, nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) were significantly improved by WP diets (2–6 g/kg level). The survival % of fish was improved in a level dependent manner (2–6 g/kg level) compared to the control (WP0) during the A. sobria challenge. Noteworthy, WP diets especially at a level of 6g/kg could be used as a feed supplement for improving the health, growth, immune-antioxidant functions, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia.

The current study had aimed to assess the long-term dietary supplementation with Melaleucae aetheroleum, tea tree essential oil (TTO). The impact on growth performance, biochemical indices, immune function, oxidant/antioxidant activity, gene expression, histopathology, and resistance against Aeromonas sobria in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated. Four groups (with five replicates; G1 (control group, G2, G3, and G4) of Nile tilapia received diets enriched with TTO (doses of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL/kg diet) for 60 days, then fish were challenged by A. sobria. Outcomes indicated an extensive elevation in growth metrics (final body weight, weight gain, SGR, feed intake and fish body protein). Similarly, the total blood protein, albumin, total globulin levels, Serum complement-3 levels, lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin M (IgM), nitric oxide, and phagocytic activity were significantly enhanced in all treatments, notably in the 2.0 mL TTO/kg fed groups compared to the control. Lower levels of urea, creatinine, AST, ALP, ALT, cortisol, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and body crude lipids were observed in the fish that were fed a 2.0 mL TTO/kg diet. Supplementing TTO at 2.0-mL /kg diet revealed the best results for elevating CAT, SOD, and GSH activities plus declining MDA value in hepatic homogenate. Additionally, dietary 2.0-mL TTO/kg showed the best outcomes for the intestinal morphometry plus maintaining the histological picture in spleen and liver. Concurrently, fish that were fed a 2.0 mL TTO/kg diet exhibited a substantial upregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, TFG-β, IFN-γ and BCL-2 genes in the liver, while, caspase-3, and BAX were downregulated. Furthermore, TTO-enriched diets enhanced the relative percentage survival post-A. sobria challenge plus enhanced the clinical picture in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, the findings revealed that long-term exposure to dietary TTO fortified the physiological performance, oxidant/anti-oxidant stability, immune function, gene expression, histological picture, and resistance of Nile tilapia against A. sobria.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a significant global disease. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential protective effects of Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) ethanol extract and Olea europaea L. (olive leaves) aqueous extract against metronidazole (MTZ)-induced pancreatic damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group I (control) received saline; Group II (Metronidazole) received only MTZ (400 mg/kg). Group III (Equisetum arvense group) received E. arvense 100 mg/kg. Group IV (Olea europaea) received 400 mg/kg of O. europaea. Group V (MTZ + E. arvense) received both MTZ (400 mg/kg) and E. arvense (100 mg/kg). Group VI (MTZ + O. europaea) received MTZ (400 mg/kg) and O. europaea (400 mg/kg). All treatments were delivered daily via the oral route. After 60 days, serum amylase, lipase, protease, and glucose levels, oxidative parameters “malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), mRNA relative expression of pancreatic Pik3ca (phosphatidylinosi-tol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha), AKT (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1), Nrf-2 (Nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2), TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta genes, an apoptotic marker “caspase-3,” and histopathological changes were estimated. Results: HPLC analysis revealed that horsetail extract contained caffeic acid, catechin, rutin, and kaempferol, while olive leaf extract was dominated by oleuropein. MTZ administration significantly elevated serum levels of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) and glucose and increased oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, while reducing catalase (CAT) activity. Co-treatment with MTZ and horsetail, or MTZ and olive extracts, mitigated these effects, especially horsetail, which restored CAT levels and reduced MDA concentrations. qPCR analysis showed MTZ upregulated inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL-1β) and downregulated antioxidant and survival-related genes (Pik3ca, AKT, Nrf-2). Horsetail co-treatment significantly reversed these gene expression patterns. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed MTZ-induced pancreatic tissue degeneration and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, both of which were notably alleviated by horsetail extract. Conclusions: These findings highlight the superior protective efficacy of Equisetum arvense over Olea europaea in ameliorating MTZ-induced pancreatic toxicity, potentially through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Background members of the genus Sarcocystis are intracellular obligate protozoan parasites classified within the phylum Apicomplexa and have an obligate heteroxenous life cycle involving two hosts. A more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and geographic range of different Sarcocystis species in marine ecosystems is needed globally and nationally. Hence, the objective of this study was to document the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in sharks within the aquarium ecosystem of Egypt and to identify the species through the characterization of the SSU rDNA gene. Methods All organs of the mako shark specimen underwent macroscopic screening to detect the existence of a Sarcocystis cyst. Ten cysts were collected from the intestine and processed separately to extract the genomic DNA. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was accomplished by amplifying a specific 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragment. Subsequently, the resulting amplicons were subjected to purification and sequencing processes. Results Macroscopic examination of the mako shark intestinal wall sample revealed the presence of Sarcocysti s cysts of various sizes and shapes, and sequencing of the amplicons from Sarcocystis DNA revealed a 100% nucleotide identity with the sequence of Sarcocystis tenella recorded from sheep in Iran; The mako shark sequence has been deposited in the GeneBank with the accession number OQ721979. This study presents the first scientific evidence demonstrating the presence of the Sarcocystis parasite in sharks, thereby documenting this specific marine species as a novel intermediate host in the Sarcocystis life cycle. Conclusions This is the first identification of Sarcocystis infection in sharks, and we anticipate it will be an essential study for future screenings and establishing effective management measures for this disease in aquatic ecosystems.

3D printing provides a lot of varieties for the manufacturing of personalized biomedical devices. Incorporation of the nanoparticles with potential antibacterial activity to the printed materials is another added value. One example of such nanoparticles are hydrophobic carbon quantum dots (hCQDs), which are zero-dimensional redox-active materials with high chemical stability and low production costs. They produce singlet oxygen only when activated by a specific wavelength of visible blue light which allows for controlled antibacterial action and minimizes the chances of bacterial resistance emergence. We prepared and characterized polymer composites based on thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) doped with hCQDs (TPE/hCQDs). The composites were 3D printed using fused deposition modeling method. In the first set of samples, a filament of pure TPE was immersed in a solution of hCQDs (0.5 mg/mL), then 3D printed, and compared with unmodified TPE filament. The mechanical properties, swelling behavior, hardness, and thermal stability of TPE/hCQDs were compared with the pure TPE printed samples. The production of singlet oxygen was confirmed by the electron paramagnetic resonance method. The antibacterial activity of the samples was tested according to ISO 22196 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after one hour of exposure to blue light, which completely inhibited bacterial growth. Besides, the cytotoxicity of samples was evaluated by MTT assay, and no significant effect of the materials on cell viability was observed. 3D printed materials with antibacterial activity represent a perspective for the future, especially in the field of personalized medicine, as well as in products for other industries.

BACKGROUND:Pseudomonas putida is a pathogenic bacterium that induces great losses in fishes, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Currently, the application of nanomaterials in aquaculture practices has gained more success as it endows promising results in therapies compared to traditional protocols.OBJECTIVE:Therefore, the current perspective is considered the first report to assess the anti-bacterial efficacy of titanium dioxide nanogel (TDNG) against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) in Nile tilapia.METHODS:The fish (n = 200; average body weight: 47.50±1.32 g) were allocated into four random groups (control, TDNG, P. putida, and TDNG + P. putida), where 0.9 mg/L of TDNG was applied as bath treatment for ten days.RESULTS:Outcomes revealed that P. putida infection caused ethological alterations (surfacing, abnormal movement, and aggression) and depression of immune-antioxidant variables (complement 3, lysozyme activity, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione content). Additionally, a substantial elevation in hepatorenal biomarkers (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and creatinine) with clear histopathological changes and immuno-histochemical alterations (very weak BCL-2 and potent caspase-3 immuno-expressions) were seen. Surprisingly, treating P. putida-infected fish with TDNG improved these variables and obvious restoration of the tissue architectures.CONCLUSION:Overall, this report encompasses the key role of TDNG as an anti-bacterial agent for controlling P. putida infection and improving the health status of Nile tilapia.

Studying scute and fin morphology are advantageous approaches for phylogenetic identification and provide information on biological linkages and evolutionary history that are essential for deciphering the fossil record. Despite this, no prior research has precisely characterized the histological structures of scutes in the common pleco. Therefore, this research investigated the microstructure and organization of bone tissue within the dermal skeleton, including the scutes and fins, in the common pleco, using light microscopy, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The dermal scutes were organized in a pentagonal shape with denticular coverage and were obliquely aligned with the caudal portion pointing dorsally. The dermal scutes consisted of three distinct portions: the central, preterminal, and terminal portions. Each portion comprised three layers: a superficial bony plate, a basal bony plate, and a mid-plate. Both the superficial and basal bony plates were composed of lamellar bone and lamellar zonal bone, whilst the mid-plate consisted of secondary osteons and woven bone. In the terminal portion, the superficial and basal bony plates became thinner. The pectoral fin consists of spines and rays composed of lepidotrichium (two symmetrical hemi-rays). The spine contained centrifugal and centripetal lamellar and trabecular bones. A centripetal fibrous bone was implanted between the lamellar bones. Besides being oriented in a V shape, the hemi-rays were also composed of thin centrifugal and centripetal lamellar bones and trabecular bones. A fibrous bone was identified between the centrifugal and centripetal bones. The trabecular bone and lamellar bone were made up of bone spicules.

Abstract Background The inappropriate use of pesticides including fungicides creates severe biological hazards that can endanger fish health and impede sustainable aquaculture. Objective This study investigated the negative impacts of metiram (MET), a fungicide on the health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for a 96-hour duration as an acute exposure in a static renewal system. Methods Three hundred fish (average body weight: 37.50 ± 0.22 g) were assigned into six groups (50 fish/group) with five replicates (10 fish/replicate). Fish were exposed to various six concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/L) of MET as a water exposure to for 96-hour without water exchange. The fish’s behavior, clinical signs, and mortalities were documented every day of the exposure period. Additionally, MET’s impact on blood profile, stress biomarkers, hepato-renal functions, immune-antioxidant status, and brain biomarker were closely monitored. Results The lethal concentration (LC50) of MET estimated using Finney’s probit technique was 3.77 mg/L. The fish’s behavior was severely impacted by acute MET exposure, as clear by an increase in surfacing, loss of equilibrium, unusual swimming, laterality, abnormal movement, and a decline in aggressive behaviors. The survivability and hematological indices (white and red blood cell count, differential white blood cell count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin) were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner following MET exposure. Acute exposure to MET (1.5–7.5 mg/L) incrementally increased stress biomarkers (nor-epinephrine, cortisol, and glucose), lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde), and brain oxidative DNA damage biomarker (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine). A hepato-renal dysfunction by MET exposure (4.5–7.5 mg/L) was evidenced by the significant increase in the alanine and aspartate aminotransferases and creatinine values. Moreover, a substantial decline in the immune parameters (lysozyme, complement 3, serum bactericidal activity, and antiprotease activity) and antioxidant variables (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) resulted from acute MET exposure. Conclusion According to these findings, the 96-hour LC50 of MET in Nile tilapia was 3.77 mg/L. MET exposure triggered toxicity in Nile tilapia, as seen by alterations in fish neuro-behaviors, immune-antioxidant status, hepato-renal functioning, and signifying physiological disturbances. This study emphasizes the potential ecological dangers provoked by MET as an environmental contaminant to aquatic systems. However, the long-term MET exposure is still needed to be investigated.

Various kinds of pets have been known to contract the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei. Current acaricides are becoming less effective because of the resistance developed by the mite besides their adverse effects on the general activity and reproductive performance of domestic pets. For this reason, the present study aims to discover a novel and safe approach using silver and gold nanoparticles to fight Sarcoptic mange in rabbits as well as to explain their mechanism of action. 15 pet rabbits with clinical signs of Sarcoptic mange that were confirmed by the microscopic examination were used in our study. All rabbits used in this study were assessed positive for the presence of different developing stages of S. scabiei. Three groups of rabbits (n = 5) were used as follows: group (1) didn’t receive any treatment, and group (2 and 3) was treated with either AgNPs or GNPs, respectively. Both nanoparticles were applied daily on the affected skin areas via a dressing and injected subcutaneously once a week for 2 weeks at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg bwt. Our results revealed that all rabbits were severely infested and took a mean score = 3. The skin lesions in rabbits that didn’t receive any treatments progressed extensively and took a mean score = of 4. On the other hand, all nanoparticle-treated groups displayed marked improvement in the skin lesion and took an average score of 0–1. All NPs treated groups showed remarkable improvement in the microscopic pictures along with mild iNOS, TNF-α, and Cox-2 expression. Both nanoparticles could downregulate the m-RNA levels of IL-6 and IFγ and upregulate IL-10 and TGF-1β genes to promote skin healing. Dressing rabbits with both NPs didn’t affect either liver and kidney biomarkers or serum Ig levels indicating their safety. Our residual analysis detected AgNPs in the liver of rabbits but did not detect any residues of GNPs in such organs. We recommend using GNPs as an alternative acaricide to fight rabbit mange.

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFN) are employed in data storage, imaging, medication administration, and catalysis due to their superparamagnetic characteristics. The widespread use of CFN led to significantly increased exposure to people and the environment to these nanoparticles. Until now, there is not any published paper describing the adverse effect of repeated oral intake of this nanoformulation on rats' lungs. So, the current research aims to elucidate the pulmonary toxicity prompted by different concentrations of CFN in rats as well as to explore the mechanistic way of such toxicity. We used 28 rats that were divided equally into 4 groups. The control group received normal saline, and the experimental groups received CFN at dosage levels 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg bwt. Our findings revealed that CFN enhanced dose-dependent oxidative stress manifested by raising in the MDA levels and declining in the GSH content. The histopathological examination revealed interstitial pulmonary inflammation along with bronchial and alveolar damage in both 0.5 and 5 mg CFN given groups. All these lesions were confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining that demonstrated strong iNOS and Cox-2 protein expression. There was also a significant upregulation of TNFα, Cox-2, and IL-1β genes with downregulation of IL-10 and TGF-β genes. Additionally, the group receiving 0.05 mg CFN did not exhibit any considerable toxicity in all measurable parameters. We concluded that the daily oral intake of either 0.5 or 5 mg CFN, but not 0.05 mg, could induce pulmonary toxicity via NPs and/or its leached components (cobalt and iron)-mediated oxido-inflammatory stress. Our findings may help to clarify the mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity generated by these nanoparticles through outlining the standards for risk assessment in rats as a human model.