Test Animals Research Articles

Nanoliposomes Permeability in a Microfluidic Drug Delivery Platform across a 3D Hydrogel.

Nanoliposomes are nano-sized vesicles that can be used as drug delivery carriers with the ability to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds. Moreover, their lipid compositions facilitate their internalization by cells. However, the interaction between nanoliposomes and the membrane barrier of the human body is not well-known. If cellular tests and animal testing offer a solution, their lack of physiological relevance and ethical concerns make them unsuitable to properly mimic human body complexity. Microfluidics, which allows the environment of the human body to be imitated in a controlled way, can fulfil this role. However, existing models are missing the presence of something that would mimic a basal membrane, often consisting of a simple cell layer on a polymer membrane. In this study, we investigated the diffusion of nanoliposomes in a microfluidic system and found the optimal parameters to maximize their diffusion. Then, we incorporated a custom made GelMA with a controlled degree of substitution and studied the passage of fluorescently labeled nanoliposomes through this barrier. Our results show that highly substituted GelMA was more porous than lower substitution GelMA. Overall, our work lays the foundation for the incorporation of a hydrogel mimicking a basal membrane on a drug delivery microfluidic platform.

Lambda-Cyhalothrin induced behavioural, neurotoxic and oxidative stress on vertebrate model Danio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan 1822).

λ-cyhalothrin, a synthetic type II pyrethroid, has become increasingly popular for control of aphids, butterfly larvae, and beetles, replacing other agricultural chemicals. As a result of which, residues of this synthetic pesticide are being reported across the globe in natural water, which poses a serious threat to aquatic life. Therefore, the present study was designed to understand the toxicity effects of λ-cyhalothrin on behaviour, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in a vertebrate aquatic model, zebrafish (Danio rerio). The fish were exposed to 0.129, 0.194 and 0.388 µg/L corresponding to 5%, 10% and 20% of 96hLC50 (1.94 µg/L) for 28 days. Upon exposure to the highest concentration (0.388 µg/L), the test animal exhibited significant alterations in behavioural patterns like number of entries to the top zone (n), decrease in average speed (m/s) and decrease in time spent in top zone (s). Moreover, the shoaling test demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the relative time spent by the tested fish (%) near the stimulus fish. The change in behavioural alterations might be linked to a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the brain acetylcholine esterase activity. Furthermore, the present study also illustrates oxidative stress exerted by λ-cyhalothrin through an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, which is again clearly depicted by a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase activities. Overall, the present study systematically demonstrates the chronic effects of λ-cyhalothrin on adult fish behaviour and physiology, which will contribute to assessing the risks of λ-cyhalothrin to organismal health.

GREEN MARKETING PRACTICES IN THE CONTEXT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING FIRM

Purpose- Having started of climate change’s impact shaped businesses’ production process directly in 21st century. After consumers’ attitudes and behaviours had affected marketplace, businesses started to show themselves in aspect of corporate social responsibility. Since 1970s, sustainability has been highlighted as a topic reflected to corporate’s politics. Environmental sustainability is a variety of sustainability takes environment on center and keep providing products or services for this perspective. By using of green marketing mix, aim of a lot of brands to get profit take environment on center. From producing of packets to types of electric energy that use in factories, many effects started turning to metaphorses with corporates’ environmental sustainability politics. In context of ethical production and environmental sustainability, while animal testing is being removed vegan product production is tried to develop. Aim of this research is to understand on how environmental sustainability affects firms’/brands’ production process. Methodology- In this research, case study is applied as a types of qualitative research designs. By Turkey’s representative of an eco-friendly cleaning firm that from Denmark, semi-structured in depth interview were conducted. Then, the semi-structure in depth interview transcripted and highlighted to topic which turned into codes. The codes were got together and tied to themes. Findings- In result of the analysis reveals that 4 main themes which are 1) Scandinavian Morality and Ethical Production; 2) Green Sustainability; 3) Vegan Product; 4) Organic Product. To the analysis, Scandinavian morality has a big impact on ethical production. The firm’s practices are related to green sustainability; almost all production processes become “green”. In context of climate change, vegan perspective is rising day by day in the marketplace; producing animal-derived resources evaluate a part of climate change. Organic production is assessing an aspect of ecological life which is related to environmental sustainability. Conclusion- In green marketing perspective, environmental sustainability is one of the most indispensable issue, especially, while climate change gaining visibility. Basic marketing mix turning to “green marketing mix”. When brands and firms go green by politically, their production process goes directly green, as well. Climate change could be assessed like ethical issue in marketplace in context of environmental degradation. In addition, firms and brands caring about vegan and organic products, due to green conditions, are being positioned in environmental sustainability can be evaluated as a method of differentiation.

Acute toxicity testing of a mixture of ethanol extracts of ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and habbatussauda seeds (Nigella sativa L.) on the anatomy of mice

Abstract Immunostimulators are a collection of certain substances that are used to improve the immune system, especially when the body is sick. The use of herbs as immunostimulators is an option because it has been proven to be relatively safer if consumed correctly and appropriately. Four types of plants that are thought to have benefits as immunostimulators and have been used by some Indonesian people for generations are ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and habbatussauda. This study aims to determine the toxicity effects of a mixture of ethanol extracts based on observations of toxic symptoms, anatomical changes in mice (Mus musculus L.) and determine the level of toxicity through calculating the LD50. This research was experimental using 30 male mice divided into 6 treatments and 5 replications. Treatment consisted of control, mixed extracts of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and black seed at doses of 1000 mg/kgBB, 2000 mg/kgBB, 3000 mg/kgBB, 4000 mg/kgBB and 5000 mg/kgBB given orally. The results showed that the ethanol extract of a mixture of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and black seed had no significant effect on the average weight of the lungs, liver, heart and spleen. But it has a significant effect on the average weight of the kidney. The results of this study also showed changes in the mice’s body weight after 14 days of administration of the extract which tended to increase. The results of the research showed that no deaths occurred in the test animals so it was declared with a pseudo LD50 and was included in the practically non-toxic category so that the mixture of ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and black cumin was safe to use.

1H NMR spectroscopic characterisation of HepG2 cells as a model metabolic system for toxicology studies

The immortalised human hepatocellular HepG2 cell line is commonly used for toxicology studies as an alternative to animal testing due to its characteristic liver-distinctive functions. However, little is known about the baseline metabolic changes within these cells upon toxin exposure. We have applied 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to characterise the biochemical composition of HepG2 cells at baseline and post-exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Metabolic profiles of live cells, cell extracts, and their spent media supernatants were obtained using 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (O-PLS-DA) was used to characterise the metabolites that differed between the baseline and H2O2 treated groups. The results showed that H2O2 caused alterations to 10 metabolites, including acetate, glutamate, lipids, phosphocholine, and creatine in the live cells; 25 metabolites, including acetate, alanine, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), aspartate, citrate, creatine, glucose, glutamine, glutathione, and lactate in the cell extracts, and 22 metabolites, including acetate, alanine, formate, glucose, pyruvate, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine in the cell supernatants. At least 10 biochemical pathways associated with these metabolites were disrupted upon toxin exposure, including those involved in energy, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Our findings illustrate the ability of NMR-based metabolic profiling of immortalised human cells to detect metabolic effects on central metabolism due to toxin exposure. The established data sets will enable more subtle biochemical changes in the HepG2 model cell system to be identified in future toxicity testing.

Vaginal irritation testing-prospects of human organotypic vaginal tissue culture models.

Personal lubricants intended for local or systemic delivery via the vaginal route can induce vaginal irritation, damage the vaginal epithelial barrier which can enhance microbial entry, induce inflammation, and alter the microbiome of the vaginal ecosystem. Therefore, manufacturers of personal lubricants and medical devices are required to show biocompatibility and safety assessment data to support regulatory decision-making within a specified context of use. Furthermore, due to ethical concerns and the introduction of the 7th amendment of the European Council Directive which bans animal testing for cosmetic ingredients and products coupled with the Food and Drug Administration modernization Act 2.0 guidelines, there is a wave of drive to develop alternative test methods to predict human responses to chemical or formulation exposure. In this framework, there is a potential to use three-dimensional organotypic human vaginal-ectocervical tissue models as a screening tool to predict the vaginal irritation potential of personal lubricants and medicaments. To be physiologically relevant, the in vitro tissue models need to be reconstructed using primary epithelial cells of the specific organ or tissue and produce organ-like structure and functionality that recapitulate the in vivo-like responses. Through the years, progress has been made and vaginal tissue models are manufactured under controlled conditions with a specified performance criterion, which leads to a high level of reproducibility and reliability. The utility of vaginal tissue models has been accelerated in the last 20years with an expanded portfolio of applications ranging from toxicity, inflammation, infection to drug safety, and efficacy studies. This article provides an overview of the state of the art of diversified applications of reconstructed vaginal tissue models and highlights their utility as a tool to predict vaginal irritation potential of feminine care products.

Development and characterisation of a novel complex triple cell culture model of the human alveolar epithelial barrier

Owing to increased pressure from ethical groups and the public to avoid unnecessary animal testing, the need for new, responsive and biologically relevant in vitro models has surged. Models of the human alveolar epithelium are of particular interest since thorough investigations into air pollution and the effects of inhaled nanoparticles and e-cigarettes are needed. The lung is a crucial organ of interest due to potential exposures to endogenous material during occupational and ambient settings. Here, an in vitro model of the alveolar barrier has been created in preparation for use in the quasi-air liquid interface (qALI) and (aerosol) air–liquid interface (ALI) exposures. The model consists of an alveolar type 1-like cell line (TT1), an alveolar type 2-like cell line (NCI-H441) and a model of (alveolar) macrophages (dTHP-1). The model formulates a complex, multi-cellular system, cultured at the air–liquid interface, that mimics the apical layer of the alveolar epithelial region in the human lung. Characterisation data has shown that both TT1 and NCI-H441 epithelial cells are able to be cultured together in addition to dTHP-1 cells through imaging (morphology), pro-inflammatory response and viability measurements. This dataset also demonstrates evidence of a reasonable barrier created by the cell culture in comparison to negative controls. Furthermore, it shows that while maintaining a low baseline of (pro)-inflammatory mediator expression during normal conditions, the model is highly responsive to inflammatory stimuli. This model is proposed to be suitable for use in toxicology testing of inhaled exogenous agents.

Test Of The Effectiveness Of Oral Administration Of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) In Preventing Dyslipidemia In Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Given A High High-Cholesterol Diet

Hyperlipidemia can result from obesity, which causes excess fat to build in the tissue under the skin and spread to other organs and tissues. Indonesia has an alarming dyslipidemia rate. Diet and exercise are vital. Hypolipidemia is in red dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) The study examined whether oral red dragon fruit extract prevented dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) fed a high-cholesterol diet. This research used 24 mice as test animals. The research procedures included acclimation of the test animals, dragon fruit extract, phytochemical tests, preparation of the test animals, treatment with four groups, dyslipidemia parameter checks, histopathological preparations, and observations. Normal tests for total cholesterol, LDL, LSD, and HDL yielded p-values&gt; 0.05. Homogeneity tests with a 5% significance level yielded p values &lt; 0.05. This study's one-way Anova test yields a significance value of 0.000, or &lt;0.05, whereas the post-hoc LSD test yields &lt;0.05. The best red dragon fruit extract dose for lowering total and LDL cholesterol and raising HDL is 120 mg/mL. The phytochemical experiments on red dragon fruit extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) show promise for improving the lipid profile.

Number of Erythrocytes in Male Mice (Mus musculus) Exposed to Cigarette Smoke After Treatment with Ethanol Extract of Red Pomegranate Peel (Punica ganatu)

Plant extracts have the potential to serve as natural therapeutic agents that can counteract the negative effects of various toxins, including those found in cigarette smoke. One such plant with this potential is the red pomegranate (Punica granatum). This study aims to determine the effect of administering Red Pomegranate (Punica ganatum) peel extract on the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels in white mice exposed to cigarette smoke. This type of research is experimental laboratory post test only group design. Mice were divided into 4 treatment groups, namely: P0, control group, test animals treated with distilled water; treatment groups P1, P2 and P3, which were treated with neem leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 10 each; 20; 40 mg/head/day and mice were exposed to cigarette smoke. The research results showed that the higher the extract given, the higher the HB and erythrocyte levels. From this research it can be concluded that administration of Red Pomegranate rind extract can increase the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels but it is not significant (p&gt;0.05). The contribution of this research provides important data on the interaction between toxins (in this case, cigarette smoke) and protective agents (red pomegranate peel ethanol extract). This information is valuable in the fields of toxicology and pharmacology for understanding cellular protection mechanisms and potential new treatments.

Sitagliptin ameliorates L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis via modulating inflammatory cytokines expression and combating oxidative stress.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition that resolves spontaneously, but occasionally, develops into systemic inflammation, organ failure and mortality. Oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory pathways represent major players in AP pathogenesis. Current management of AP relies on attenuating injuries to the pancreas and putting the inflammatory process under control. In this study, we investigated the role of sitagliptin in modulating L-arginine-induced AP in rats. Swiss rats were subdivided into a healthy control group, AP group (a single dose of L-arginine 250mg/100g, intraperitoneal), and sitagliptin + L-arginine-treated group (10mg sitagliptin/kg body weight/day, orally). Sitagliptin treatment started 1hour after L-arginine injection and continued for 3days. Biochemical and histopathological investigations were performed on serum and tissue samples collected from test animals. L-arginine increased pancreatic meyloperoxidase and serum amylase- and lipase activities and serum levels of TNF-α, LT-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α/β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-15. AP animals showed elevated MDA and NO and decreased GSH and serum calcium levels. Histopathological changes were observed by H&E staining. Sitagliptin treatment significantly ameliorated these biochemical and histological changes diminishing the signs of AP. Sitagliptin treatment was effective in ameliorating L-arginine-induced AP which can be regarded to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.

Predicting Chemical Immunotoxicity through Data-Driven QSAR Modeling of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonism and Related Toxicity Mechanisms.

Computational modeling has emerged as a time-saving and cost-effective alternative to traditional animal testing for assessing chemicals for their potential hazards. However, few computational modeling studies for immunotoxicity were reported, with few models available for predicting toxicants due to the lack of training data and the complex mechanisms of immunotoxicity. In this study, we employed a data-driven quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling workflow to extensively enlarge the limited training data by revealing multiple targets involved in immunotoxicity. To this end, a probe data set of 6,341 chemicals was obtained from a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay testing for the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway, a key event leading to immunotoxicity. Searching this probe data set against PubChem yielded 3,183 assays with testing results for varying proportions of these 6,341 compounds. 100 assays were selected to develop QSAR models based on their correlations to AhR agonism. Twelve individual QSAR models were built for each assay using combinations of four machine-learning algorithms and three molecular fingerprints. 5-fold cross-validation of the resulting models showed good predictivity (average CCR = 0.73). A total of 20 assays were further selected based on QSAR model performance, and their resulting QSAR models showed good predictivity of potential immunotoxicants from external chemicals. This study provides a computational modeling strategy that can utilize large public toxicity data sets for modeling immunotoxicity and other toxicity endpoints, which have limited training data and complicated toxicity mechanisms.

Development of a Zebrafish Embryo-Based Test System for Thyroid Hormone System Disruption: 3Rs in Ecotoxicological Research.

There is increasing concern regarding pollutants disrupting the vertebrate thyroid hormone (TH) system, which is crucial for development. Thus, identification of TH system-disrupting chemicals (THSDCs) is an important requirement in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) testing framework. The current OECD approach uses different model organisms for different endocrine modalities, leading to a high number of animal tests. Alternative models compatible with the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) principle are required. Zebrafish embryos, not protected by current European Union animal welfare legislation, represent a promising model. Studies show that zebrafish swim bladder inflation and eye development are affected by THSDCs, and the respective adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) have been established. The present study compared effects of four THSDCs with distinct molecular modes of action: Propylthiouracil (PTU), potassium perchlorate, iopanoic acid, and the TH triiodothyronine (T3) were tested with a protocol based on the OECD fish embryo toxicity test (FET). Effects were analyzed according to the AOP concept from molecular over morphological to behavioral levels: Analysis of thyroid- and eye-related gene expression revealed significant effects after PTU and T3 exposure. All substances caused changes in thyroid follicle morphology of a transgenic zebrafish line expressing fluorescence in thyrocytes. Impaired eye development and swimming activity were observed in all treatments, supporting the hypothesis that THSDCs cause adverse population-relevant changes. Findings thus confirm that the FET can be amended by TH system-related endpoints into an integrated protocol comprising molecular, morphological, and behavioral endpoints for environmental risk assessment of potential endocrine disruptors, which is compatible with the 3Rs principle. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-18. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Multi-Endpoint Acute Toxicity Assessment of Organic Compounds Using Large-Scale Machine Learning Modeling.

In recent years, alternative animal testing methods such as computational and machine learning approaches have become increasingly crucial for toxicity testing. However, the complexity and scarcity of available biomedical data challenge the development of predictive models. Combining nonlinear machine learning together with multicondition descriptors offers a solution for using data from various assays to create a robust model. This work applies multicondition descriptors (MCDs) to develop a QSTR (Quantitative Structure-Toxicity Relationship) model based on a large toxicity data set comprising more than 80,000 compounds and 59 different end points (122,572 data points). The prediction capabilities of developed single-task multi-end point machine learning models as well as a novel data analysis approach with the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are discussed. The results show that using MCDs significantly improves the model and using them with CNN-1D yields the best result (R2train = 0.93, R2ext = 0.70). Several structural features showed a high level of contribution to the toxicity, including van der Waals surface area (VSA), number of nitrogen-containing fragments (nN+), presence of S-P fragments, ionization potential, and presence of C-N fragments. The developed models can be very useful tools to predict the toxicity of various compounds under different conditions, enabling quick toxicity assessment of new compounds.

Effect Of Anting-Anting Leaf Extract (Acalypha Indica L.) On Lowering Blood Glucose Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Induced By Sukrosa

Anting-anting leaves (Acalypha indica L.) are weeds that have various properties, one of which is as a lowering blood glucose levels. The chemical content contained in the form of flavonoids that function as inhibitors of α-glucosidase, maltase, α-amylase enzymes, tannin substances are also known to function as astrigents that can inhibit glucose intake is not excessive. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an effect of anting-anting leaf extract (Acalypha indica L.) on reducing blood glucose levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by sucrose. This research used 20 rats (Rattus norvegicus) as test animals which were divided into 5 groups. The group consisted of negative control group, positive control and 3 dose groups. The doses used were 500 mg/kgBB, 1000 mg/kgBB and 1200 mg/kgBB. Mice were made hyperglycemia with sucrose induction which was then given anting-anting leaf extract (Acalypha indica L.) according to lower glucose levels in mice. The results obtained were continued with the two-way ANOVA test and obtained significant results indicated by p &lt; 0.05 (0.005) which showed there was a significant effect of anting-anting leaf extract (Acalypha indica L.) on reducing blood glucose levels in sucrose-induced rats (Rattus norvegicus). Significant results were continued with the post hoc test and obtained significant results.

Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Skin.

To address the limitations of animal testing, scientific research is increasingly focused on developing alternative testing methods. These alternative tests utilize cells or tissues derived from animals or humans for in vitro testing, as well as artificial tissues and organoids. In western countries, animal testing for cosmetics has been banned, leading to the adoption of artificial skin for toxicity evaluation, such as skin corrosion and irritation assessments. Standard guidelines for skin organoid technology becomes necessary to ensure consistent data and evaluation in replacing animal testing with in vitro methods. These guidelines encompass aspects such as cell sourcing, culture techniques, quality requirements and assessment, storage and preservation, and organoid-based assays.

A miniaturised semi-dynamic in-vitro model of human digestion

Reliable in-vitro digestion models that are able to successfully replicate the conditions found in the human gastrointestinal tract are key to assess the fate and efficiency of new formulations aimed for oral consumption. However, current in-vitro models either lack the capability to replicate crucial dynamics of digestion or require large volumes of sample/reagents, which can be scarce when working with nanomaterials under development. Here, we propose a miniaturised digestion system, a digestion-chip, based on incubation chambers integrated on a polymethylmethacrylate device. The digestion-chip incorporates key dynamic features of human digestion, such as gradual acidification and gradual addition of enzymes and simulated fluids in the gastric phase, and controlled gastric emptying, while maintaining low complexity and using small volumes of sample and reagents. In addition, the new approach integrates real-time automated closed-loop control of two key parameters, pH and temperature, during the two main phases of digestion (gastric and intestinal) with an accuracy down to ± 0.1 °C and ± 0.2 pH points. The experimental results demonstrate that the digestion-chip successfully replicates the gold standard static digestion INFOGEST protocol and that the semi-dynamic digestion kinetics can be reliably fitted to a first kinetic order model. These devices can be easily adapted to dynamic features in an automated, sensorised, and inexpensive platform and will enable reliable, low-cost and efficient assessment of the bioaccessibility of new and expensive drugs, bioactive ingredients or nanoengineered materials aimed for oral consumption, thereby avoiding unnecessary animal testing.

Different narcotic gases and concentrations for immobilization of ostrich embryos for in-ovo imaging

In-ovo imaging using avian eggs has been described as a potential alternative to animal testing using rodents. However, imaging studies are hampered by embryonal motion producing artifacts. This study aims at systematically comparing isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane in three different concentrations in ostrich embryos. Biomagnetic signals of ostrich embryos were recorded analyzing cardiac action and motion. Ten groups comprising eight ostrich embryos each were investigated: Control, isoflurane (2%, 4%, and 6%), desflurane (6%, 12%, and 18%) and sevoflurane (3%, 5%, and 8%). Each ostrich egg was exposed to the same narcotic gas and concentration on development day (DD) 31 and 34. Narcotic gas exposure was upheld for 90 min and embryos were monitored for additional 75 min. Toxicity was evaluated by verifying embryo viability 24 h after the experiments. Initial heart rate of mean 148 beats/min (DD 31) and 136 beats/min (DD 34) decreased over time by 44–48 beats/minute. No significant differences were observed between groups. All narcotic gases led to distinct movement reduction after mean 8 min. Embryos exposed to desflurane 6% showed residual movements. Isoflurane 6% and sevoflurane 8% produced motion-free time intervals of mean 70 min after discontinuation of narcotic gas exposure. Only one embryo death occurred after narcotic gas exposure with desflurane 6%. This study shows that isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane are suitable for ostrich embryo immobilization, which is a prerequisite for motion-artifact free imaging. Application of isoflurane 6% and sevoflurane 8% is a) safe as no embryonal deaths occurred after exposure and b) effective as immobilization was observed for approx. 70 min after the end of narcotic gas exposure. These results should be interpreted with caution regarding transferability to other avian species as differences in embryo size and incubation duration exist.

Guidelines for Manufacturing and Application of Organoids: Heart.

Cardiac organoids have emerged as invaluable tools for assessing the impact of diverse substances on heart function. This report introduces guidelines for general requirements for manufacturing cardiac organoids and conducting cardiac organoid-based assays, encompassing protocols, analytical methodologies, and ethical considerations. In the quest to employ recently developed three-dimensional cardiac organoid models as substitutes for animal testing, it becomes imperative to establish robust criteria for evaluating organoid quality and conducting toxicity assessments. This guideline addresses this need, catering to regulatory requirements, and describes common standards for organoid quality and toxicity assessment methodologies, commensurate with current technological capabilities. While acknowledging the dynamic nature of technological progress and the potential for future comparative studies, this guideline serves as a foundational framework. It offers a comprehensive approach to standardized cardiac organoid testing, ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, and ethical integrity in investigations of cardiotoxicity, particularly through the utilization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac organoids.

Preparation and performance evaluation of a novel orthodontic adhesive incorporating composite dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate-Polycaprolactone fibers.

This study addressed enamel demineralization, a common complication in fixed orthodontic treatment, by evaluating a novel orthodontic adhesive with DMAHDM-PCL composite fibers. These fibers, produced through electrospinning, were incorporated into orthodontic adhesive to create experimental formulations at different concentrations and a control group. The study assessed antimicrobial properties, biosafety, and mechanical characteristics. New orthodontic adhesive exhibited significant bacteriostatic effects, reducing bacterial biofilm activity and concentrations. Incorporating 1% and 3% DMAHDM-PCL did not affect cytocompatibility. Animal tests confirmed no inflammatory irritation. Shear bond strength and adhesive residual index results indicated that antimicrobial fibers didn't impact bonding ability. In conclusion, orthodontic adhesives with 3% DMAHDM-PCL fibers are potential antimicrobial bonding materials, offering a comprehensive solution to enamel demineralization in orthodontic patients.

Integrative Analysis of Probiotic-Mediated Remodeling in Canine Gut Microbiota and Metabolites Using a Fermenter for an Intestinal Microbiota Model.

In contemporary society, the increasing number of pet-owning households has significantly heightened interest in companion animal health, expanding the probiotics market aimed at enhancing pet well-being. Consequently, research into the gut microbiota of companion animals has gained momentum, however, ethical and societal challenges associated with experiments on intelligent and pain-sensitive animals necessitate alternative research methodologies to reduce reliance on live animal testing. To address this need, the Fermenter for Intestinal Microbiota Model (FIMM) is being investigated as an in vitro tool designed to replicate gastrointestinal conditions of living animals, offering a means to study gut microbiota while minimizing animal experimentation. The FIMM system explored interactions between intestinal microbiota and probiotics within a simulated gut environment. Two strains of commercial probiotic bacteria, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, along with a newly isolated strain from domestic dogs, Lactobacillus acidophilus SLAM AK001, were introduced into the FIMM system with gut microbiota from a beagle model. Findings highlight the system's capacity to mirror and modulate the gut environment, evidenced by an increase in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium and a decrease in the pathogen Clostridium. The study also verified the system's ability to facilitate accurate interactions between probiotics and commensal bacteria, demonstrated by the production of short-chain fatty acids and bacterial metabolites, including amino acids and gamma-aminobutyric acid precursors. Thus, the results advocate for FIMM as an in vitro system that authentically simulates the intestinal environment, presenting a viable alternative for examining gut microbiota and metabolites in companion animals.