Antibiotics Oxytetracycline Research Articles

Uptake of the Plant Agriculture-Used Antibiotics Oxytetracycline and Streptomycin by Cherry Radish─Effect on Plant Microbiome and the Potential Health Risk.

Antibiotics are used to control certain bacterial diseases in plant agriculture. Understanding antibiotic uptake by edible vegetables after application and associated risks on plant microbiome and human health is critical. In this study, oxytetracycline and streptomycin, the two most commonly used antibiotics in plant agriculture, were applied to cherry radish via continuous soil drenching to study their translocations into plant tissues, influence on radish microbiome, and the potential health risk to mice. The results demonstrated that oxytetracycline induced hormesis in radish plants and both antibiotics were translocated into the leaves, fruits, and roots of radishes from the soil, with significantly higher plant uptake of streptomycin than oxytetracycline. Interestingly, the proportion of culturable oxytetracycline or streptomycin-resistant bacteria in the antibiotic-accumulated radish tissues was significantly higher than that in the antibiotic-free radish tissues, although both bacterial and fungal communities in different radish tissues were not affected by the accumulated antibiotics, demonstrating that antibiotic application could enrich antibiotic resistance in the plant microbiome. Feeding mice with antibiotics-accumulated radish tissues did not show significant effects on the weight and blood glucose levels of mice. Overall, this study provides important insights into the risk of using antibiotics in plant agriculture.

Unravelling joint cytotoxicity of ibuprofen and oxytetracycline on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using a programmed cell death-related biomarkers panel

Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are emerging contaminants that pose a growing concern due to their ubiquitous presence and harmful impact on aquatic ecosystems. Among PhACs, the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen (IBU) and the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) are two of the most used compounds whose presence has been reported in different aquatic environments worldwide. However, there is still scarce information about the cellular and molecular alterations provoked by IBU and OTC on aquatic photosynthetic microorganisms as microalgae, even more if we refer to their potential combined toxicity. To test the cyto- and genotoxicity provoked by IBU, OTC and their binary combination on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a flow cytometric panel was performed after 24 h of single and co-exposure to both contaminants. Assayed parameters were cell vitality, metabolic activity, intracellular ROS levels, and other programmed cell death (PCD)-related biomarkers as cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membrane potentials and caspase-like and endonuclease activities. In addition, a nuclear DNA fragmentation analysis by comet assay was carried out.For most of the parameters analysed (vitality, metabolic activity, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membrane potentials, and DNA fragmentation) the most severe damages were observed in the cultures exposed to the binary mixture (IBU+OTC), showing a joint cyto- and genotoxicity effect. Both PhACs and their mixture caused a remarkable decrease in cell proliferation and metabolic activity and markedly increased intracellular ROS levels, parallel to a noticeable depolarization of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membranes. Moreover, a strong increase in both caspase and endonuclease activities as well as a PCD-related loss of nuclear DNA integrity was observed in all treatments. Results analysis showed that the PhACs caused cell death on this non-target organism, involving mitochondrial membrane depolarization, enhanced ROS production and activation of PCD process. Thus, PCD should be an applicable toxicological target for unraveling the harmful effects of co-exposure to PhACs in aquatic organisms as microalgae.

Detection Enhancement of One Multifunctional Cd-Metal-Organic Framework toward Tetracycline Antibiotics by Simply Mixing Eu3+ in Suspension.

It is necessary to find more simple methods to improve the detection selectivity and sensitivity of antibiotics. Herein, we constructed a novel three-dimensional (3D) Cd-MOF LCU-117 assembled from p-terphenyl-4,2″,5″,4'-tetracarboxylic acid, which showed a special 3D helical structure with carboxylic acid ligands and nitrogen-containing ligands crossing each other vertically. Luminescence measurements indicated that LCU-117 has high selectivity and sensitivity toward Eu3+ through the ratiometric effect. Meanwhile, this complex itself could detect antibiotics oxytetracycline (OTC) through the turn-off mechanism. When Eu3+ was added in suspensions of LCU-117 (noted as Eu3+@LCU-117), the detection toward OTC was enhanced significantly and visually. The sensing mechanism was investigated in detail by various measurements and theoretical calculations. LCU-117 has a good effect on the logic gate, potential fingerprint detection, and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). The practical application for monitoring OTC in water samples also provided a satisfactory result.

A Comparison of the Immunometabolic Effect of Antibiotics and Plant Extracts in a Chicken Macrophage-like Cell Line during a Salmonella Enteritidis Challenge

Immunometabolic modulation of macrophages can play an important role in the innate immune response of chickens triggered with a multiplicity of insults. In this study, the immunometabolic role of two antibiotics (oxytetracycline and gentamicin) and four plant extracts (thyme essential oil, grape seed extract, garlic oil, and capsicum oleoresin) were investigated on a chicken macrophage-like cell line (HD11) during a Salmonella Enteritidis infection. To study the effect of these substances, kinome peptide array analysis, Seahorse metabolic assay, and gene expression techniques were employed. Oxytetracycline, to which the bacterial strain was resistant, thyme essential oil, and capsicum oleoresin did not show any noteworthy immunometabolic effect. Garlic oil affected glycolysis, but this change was not detected by the kinome analysis. Gentamicin and grape seed extract showed the best immunometabolic profile among treatments, being able to both help the host with the activation of immune response pathways and with maintaining a less inflammatory status from a metabolic point of view.

Relationship between in feed drugs, antibiotics and organic enrichment in marine sediments at Canadian Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites

The presence of in-feed anti-sea lice drugs and their relationship with organic enrichment is poorly understood in sediment surrounding salmon farms. Using data from an aquaculture monitoring program (2018–2020), we describe this relationship at ten sites in four Canadian provinces. Three anti-sea lice pesticides (lufenuron, teflubenzuron, emamectin benzoate and metabolite desmethyl emamectin benzoate), and one antibiotic (oxytetracycline) were detected. Concentrations were often below limits of quantification. Values are also lower than those reported in other aquaculture salmon-producing countries. Highest concentrations, along with organic enrichment, were observed ~200 m of cages with lower concentrations detected up to 1.5 km away. Most samples had at least two drugs present: 75.2 % (British Columbia), 91.4 % (Newfoundland), and 54.8 % (New Brunswick/Nova Scotia) highlighting the potential for cumulative effects. Emamectin benzoate and oxytetracycline were detected four and three years respectively after last known treatments, demonstrating the need for research on overall persistence of compounds.

A novel portable Raman scattering platform for antibiotic screening in pig urine.

Public health and food safety are gaining attention globally. Consumer health can be protected from chemical residues in meat by early detection or screening for antibiotic residues before selling the meat commercially. However, conventional practices are normally applied after slaughtering, which leads to massive business losses. This study aimed to use portable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) equipped with multivariate curve resolution-alternation least squares (MCR-ALS) to determine the concentrations of enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and neomycin concentrations. This approach can overcome the problems of business loss, costs, and time-consumption, and limit of detection (LOD). Aqueous solutions of three standard antibiotics (enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and neomycin) with different concentrations were prepared, and the LOD for each antibiotic solution was determined using SERS. Extracted pig urine was spiked with enrofloxacin at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 10,000 ppm. These solutions were investigated using SERS and MCR-ALS analysis. Urine samples from pigs at 1 and 7 days after enrofloxacin administration were collected and investigated using SERS and MCR-ALS to differentiate the urinary enrofloxacin concentrations. The LOD of enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and neomycin in aqueous solutions were 0.5, 2.0, and 100 ppm, respectively. Analysis of enrofloxacin spiking in pig urine samples demonstrated the different concentrations of enrofloxacin at 10, 20, 50, 100, and 10,000 ppm. The LOD of spiking enrofloxacin was 10 ppm, which was 10 times lower than the regulated value. This technique was validated for the first time using urine collected on days 1 and 7 after enrofloxacin administration. The results revealed a higher concentration of enrofloxacin on day 7 than on day 1 due to consecutive administrations. The observed concentration of enrofloxacin was closely correlated with its circulation time and metabolism in pigs. A combination of SERS sensing platform and MCR-ALS is a promising technique for on-farming screening. This platform can increase the efficiency of antibiotic detection in pig urine at lower costs and time. Expansion and fine adjustments of the Raman dataset may be required for individual farms to achieve higher sensitivity.

Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of a ZnO/BiVO4 S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Degradation of the Reactive Red 141 Dye and Oxytetracycline Antibiotic.

The preparation of novel sunlight active photocatalysts for complete removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions is a vital research topic in environmental protection. The present work reports the synthesis of a ZnO/BiVO4 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for degradation of the reactive red dye and oxytetracycline antibiotic in wastewater. ZnO and BiVO4 were first fabricated by a hydrothermal technique, and then, the ZnO/BiVO4 heterostructure was synthesized using an ultrasonic route. An increase of the surface area, compared to that of ZnO, was found in ZnO/BiVO4. The enhancement of charge separation efficiency at the interface was obtained so that a remarkable enhancement of the photocatalytic performance was detected in the prepared heterojunction photocatalyst. Complete detoxification of harmful pollutants was achieved by using the economical solar energy. The removal of the pollutants follows the first-order reaction with the highest rate constant of 0.107 min-1. The stability of the prepared photocatalyst was detected after five cycles of use. The ZnO/BiVO4 S-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst still provides high photoactivity even after five times of use. Hydroxyl radicals play an important role in the removal of the pollutant. This work demonstrates a new route to create the step-scheme heterojunction with high photoactivity for complete removal of the toxic dye and antibiotic in the environment.

Visible Light Activated Fe-N-SiO2/TiO2 Photocatalyst: Providing an Opportunity for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic Oxytetracycline in Aqueous Solution

To probe advantages in Fe-N-SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite system, the visible photocatalytic degradation of the nonbiodegradable antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) by unsupported TiO2 and its modified composites by incorporating each of the Fe, N, and SiO2 dopants under a series of conditions were investigated. The structural and optical properties as well as the morphology of the prepared nanocomposites were also characterized applying Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra and field emission scanning electron microscopy/Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM/EDX). In order to develop two models portraying appropriate functional relationships between two main responses (OTC removal efficiency and its specific removal rate (SRR)) and four numerical variables (OTC concentration, catalysis loading, initial pH and reaction time), two separate multivariate analysis pathways under response surface methodology (RSM) were taken. The results obtained all came down to the maximum SRR (220 OTC mg OTC removed/g cat. h) found at the maximum catalyst dosage of 1.5 g/l, and acidic pH of 3 after 0.5 h. Furthermore, the Fe-N-SiO2/TiO2 proved a stable photocatalytic activity during three subsequent reusability experiments, shedding light on its reliable potential for future application.

Titanium-based MAX-phase with sonocatalytic activity for degradation of oxytetracycline antibiotic.

In light of growing environmental concerns over emerging contaminants in aquatic environments, antibiotics in particular, have prompted the development of a new generation of effective sonocatalytic systems. In this study, a new type of nano-laminated material, Ti2SnC MAX phase, is prepared, characterized, and evaluated for the sonocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic. A variety of identification analyses, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, were conducted to determine the physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalyst. By optimizing the operating factors, total degradation of OTC occurs within 120min with 1g L-1 catalyst, 10mg L-1 OTC, at natural pH of 7.1 and 150W ultrasonic power. The scavenger studies conclude that the singlet oxygen and superoxide ions are the most active species during the sonocatalytic reaction. Based on the obtained data and GC-MS analysis, a possible sonocatalytic mechanism for the OTC degradation in the presence of Ti2SnC is proposed. The catalyst reusability within eight consecutive runs reveals the proper stability of Ti2SnC MAX phase. The results indicate the prospect for MAX phase-based materials to be developed as efficient sonocatalysts in the treatment of antibiotics, suggesting a bright future for the field.

Determination of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Klebsiella strains isolated from bovine mastitis cases

Mastitis is diseases of dairy cows with a high economic impact. Bovine mastitis is caused by a wide range of bacterial pathogens. As one of the major environmental pathogens Klebsiella ssp. was investigated in this study by some phenotypic characteristics like antibiotic resistance patterns and biofilm formation properties. A number of 483 cows by dairy farms around the Konya were examined by California Mastitis Test (CMT) producing 36 positive in terms of subclinical mastitis. A further 19 samples from clinical mastitic udders were also collected. Samples were inoculated onto Trypticase Soy Agar medium enriched with sheep blood and incubated aerobicaly for 24-48 hours at 37 °C. By morphological, biochemical and cultural charcateristics 14 isolates out of 37 coliform were identified as Klebsiella ssp. The double disc synergy method and Congo Red Agar test were used to perform antibiotic susceptibility and in vitro slime forming properties, respectively. Resistances to the antibiotics Ampicillin, Carbenicillin, Cephotaxime, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin, Oxytetracycline, Sulphamethoxazole/Trimpethoprim, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate and Imipenem were 78.5%, 78.5%, 35.7%, 42.8%, 100%, 7%, 7%, 50%, 14%, 21% and 7%, respectively. Three of the total isolets produced biofilm only. This appears to the first report on ESBL producing Klebsiella ssp from subclinical cases of bovine mastitis in Konya, Türkiye. Presently, two numbers of antimicrobial combinations to treat bovine cases are recommended by this work. In conclusion, because of costly challange nature of Klebsiella caused bovine mastitis implemantation of an effective mastitis control program should be used in local farms from Konya.

Effect of different levels of oxytetracycline antibiotics on some intestine and immune traits of Chinese ducks

This study was conducted in the field of poultry, Agricultural Research and Experiments Station, College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, from 14/12/2021 to 14/2/2022. A total of Sixty one-day-old Peking ducks were reared, with an average weight of 42 g, to study the effect of adding different levels of oxytetracycline antibiotics at levels: 0, 0.125, 0.250 and T4 0.375% on some intestinal and immune traits of Chinese ducks. The results indicated a significant superiority remove on the relative weight and length of the small intestine with all its parts (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) for Chinese ducks when using the antibiotic oxytetracycline antibiotics, it was described as a growth stimulator compared to the control treatment. The addition of the antibiotic oxytetracycline antibiotics at high levels (0.375 mg/kg feed) led to a significant improvement remove of the immunological characteristics represented by the relative weight of bursa gland compared to the control treatment

Comprehensive evaluation of antibiotic tetracycline and oxytetracycline removal by Fe-metal organic framework/biopolymer-clay hydrogel

Tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are antibiotic compounds increasingly detected in various water sources. In this study, Fe-metal organic framework incorporated biopolymer-clay hydrogels (CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP) were prepared to remove TC and OTC from water. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared hydrogels were thoroughly characterized, and the effect of various operating parameters on the adsorption performance was systematically examined. The CAMIL-MMT hydrogel showed the maximum adsorption capacity for TC and OTC (24.59 and 26.14 mg/g, respectively) compared to the CAMIL-SEP and other forms of biopolymer hydrogel precursors. The effects of the contact time and initial concentration on TC and OTC adsorption by CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP hydrogels were well suited to the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption performance of CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP hydrogels slightly decreased with an increase in solution pH, while it was not much influenced by the co-existing anions. The thermodynamic study indicated that the reactions for the uptake of TC and OTC were spontaneous and highly favorable. Moreover, the as-synthesized CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP hydrogels demonstrated strong potential for reuse in TC and OTC removal with high reusability and strong stability. The photocatalysis study revealed that residual TC and OTC after adsorption could be further degraded by CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP hydrogels under visible light irradiation. From the above-mentioned results, the as-synthesized CAMIL-MMT and CAMIL-SEP hydrogels are promising to be considered alternative materials for the adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of TC and OTC in practical application of water and wastewater treatment.

Treatment of repeat breeding of Iraqi native river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) south of Baghdad using different hormonal treatment – a field study

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormonal treatment ( GnRH and PGF2α) with and without antibiotics in the treatment of repeat breeders (RB) of Iraqi native river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in private dairy farms located in the south of Baghdad for improving the reproductive performance in addition to find the ratio of repeat breeder. The study included (112) Buffalo cows suffering from repeat breeding for more than three unfertile insemination estrus cycles. Buffalo cows were divided into 4 groups according to programs treatment (G1=PGF2α, G2=GnRH , G3= PGF2α+GnRH and G4=PGF2α+Iodine+Oxytetracyclen) respectively.Results of the study revealed that the using of (GnRH and PGF2α) hormones with and without antibiotic (Oxytetracycline+Iodine) are useful in improving the reproductive performance of Buffalo cows. The pregnancy rate after the application of the proposed treatments , measured after (60-65) days by rectal palpation, in the four groups proposed as follows ( 60.0% , 46.6 % , 71.8 % , 75.0 % ) respectively . The pregnancy rates in groups (G3 and G4) were significantly higher than in (G1and G2) groups (P<0.05) and the treatment with (GnRH+PGF2α) hormones or (PGF2α+Iodine+Oxytetracyclen) was more useful in improving the reproductive performance of these animals, the ratio of repeated breeding in Iraqi native river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) was about 44.8% (112 out of 250 animal examined in this study). In conclusion, the application of treatments with (GnRH+PGF2α) or (PGF2α+Iodine+Oxytetracyclen) is useful and highly efficient in improving reproductive performance in buffalo cows suffering from repeat breeding.

Directional charge separation on 2D/2D BiVO4/MXene for the enhanced photoelectrochemical detection of oxytetracycline antibiotic in water

The development of a rapid yet efficient detection method is quite urgently needed to address the growing great human health concerns caused by immoderate emissions of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotics in water. This work reports a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor with 2D/2D BiVO4/Ti3C2 for detecting OTC in water. Through multiple characterizations, the formation of BiVO4/Ti3C2 nanocomposites and their superior photo-electronic activities were confirmed. Under visible light irradiation, when electrons transfer from excited BiVO4 to Ti3C2, small Ti3C2 nanosheets worked as the electron trap sites, resulting in efficiently directional charge separation. The rapid photocurrent responses of BiVO4/Ti3C2 are linearly related to the concentration of OTC in the range of 0.1-200 nM, with the detection limit (LOD) of (S/N = 3) 0.03 nM. In addition, the obtained BiVO4/Ti3C2 sensor possessed good stability, reproducibility and selectivity, providing a great potential in the practical application of OTC detection in water.

Construction of g-C3N4/BiOCl/CdS heterostructure photocatalyst for complete removal of oxytetracycline antibiotic in wastewater

One of the vital topics in photocatalysis research is the development of novel photocatalytic nanomaterials for degradation of toxic pollutants in the natural water under visible light irradiation. Herein we report, for the first time, a facile hydrothermal synthesis of g-C3N4/BiOCl/CdS heterojunction for complete removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic in wastewater. The suppression of electron-hole recombination rate was obtained after creation of the ternary heterostructure. Accordingly, the enhanced photoactivity was found in the prepared heterojunction photocatalyst as expected. Complete removal of OTC was obtained under natural sunlight irradiation. The removal of OTC follows the first-order reaction with the maximum rate constant of 0.023 min−1. The prepared photocatalyst still maintains its structural stability with high photocatalytic performance even after seven times of use. Photogenerated holes are the crucial species involved in the OTC removal while electrons and hydroxyl radicals play a subordinate role. Charge transfer at the interface of the ternary heterojunction is proposed to be the Z-scheme type. The present work shows a promising strategy to create a novel ternary heterojunction with an enhanced photoactivity for complete detoxification of harmful OTC antibiotic in the environment.

Effect of Brachiaria decumbens as a novel supplementation on the production performance of broiler chickens.

The primary goal of this research was to elucidate the novel influence of Brachiaria decumbens supplementation on broiler chicken growth performance, nutritional digestibility, cecal microbiota, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly subjected to six different treatment groups having five replicates per treatment with 10 birds in each replicate. In treatment 1, broiler chickens were fed commercial diets with no added additives; in treatment 2, broiler chickens were offered commercial diets containing 100mg/kg of the antibiotic oxytetracycline. However, in treatments 3, 4, 5, and 6, broiler chickens received similar commercial diets supplemented with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg, and 100mg/kg of B. decumbens ground leaf powder, respectively, without antibiotics. Throughout the 42-day trial, the body weight gain and total feed intake for each replicate were recorded every week to determine the growth performance. Then, on 21th and 42nd day, ten broilers from each treatment (two in each replicate) were randomly selected and slaughtered to assess the digestibility of nutrients, histomorphology of the small intestine, the population of the cecal microbiota, carcass characteristics, as well as quality of both breast and drumstick muscle. There were differences (p < 0.05) in the growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Animals supplemented with 25mg/kg of B. decumbens had higher growth performance and better ileal nutrient digestibility of protein, fiber, and ether extract, as well as higher villi height and carcass percentage with superior meat quality. Besides, the growth of E. faecalis during the starter phase was inhibited. In summary, B. decumbens supplementation at 25mg/kg may be suggested as an optimal dose of as a prophylactic as well as an alternative for antibiotic growth promoter in stimulating the productivity of commercial broilers. This unconventional phytobiotic supplementation could be the key to replacing unnecessary antibiotics used in poultry feed.

Ag-Modified ZnO for Degradation of Oxytetracycline Antibiotic and Reactive Red Azo Dye.

It is known that low electron-hole separation efficiency is the major disadvantage influencing low photoactivity of the UV-active ZnO photocatalyst. To solve this drawback, the excellent fabrication technique has been used to disperse silver metal on ZnO surface. In this study, an addition of silver content up to 15 wt% was carried out. The 5Ag-ZnO sample, comprising 5 wt% of silver metal, displayed a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and a band gap of 3.00 eV, with high sunlight-active photocatalytic performance of 99-100% and low photo-corrosion problem. The complete degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic and reactive red dye 141 (RR141) dye under natural sunlight was achieved. The highest rate constant of 0.061 min-1 was detected. The enhancement of the performance is mainly due to lowering of the electron-hole recombination rate. Dispersion of silver on ZnO causes the generation of the Schottky barrier at the interface between Ag and ZnO, so that improvement of quantum efficiency and enhancement of the resultant photoactivity could be expected. Furthermore, good distribution of metallic silver also causes a red shift in absorption of light toward the visible spectrum. This is strongly attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect, which occurred after successful decoration of the noble metal on ZnO. The photocatalyst, with great structural stability, still maintains high photocatalytic efficiency even after five times of use, implying its excellent cycling ability. The present finding offers a new road to generate a silver decorated ZnO photocatalyst for the complete removal of dye and antibiotics contaminated in the environment.

Blood biochemistry and stress biomarkers of broiler chickens supplemented with different levels of Yucca schidigera saponins reared under tropical conditions

The primary goal of this study was to determine the impacts of supplementing varying amounts of Y. schidigera saponins on the blood biochemistry and stress biomarkers of broiler chickens raised in tropical settings. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to six treatment groups. Treatment 1 broiler chickens were fed commercial diets with no added additives, whereas treatment 2 broiler chickens were offered commercial diets containing 100 mg/kg of the antibiotic oxytetracycline. Treatments 3, 4, 5, and 6 broiler chickens received similar commercial diets supplemented with 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of powdered Y. Shidigera saponins, respectively, without antibiotics. On day 42, six broilers from each treatment were randomly selected, slaughtered, and blood samples were collected for serum lipid profile, liver function,acute phase proteins, hormone, and heat shock protein analyses. There were notable changes (P &lt; 0.05) in the serum lipid profile, acute phase proteins, hormone, and heat shock protein among treatments. Broilers treated with 100 mg/kg of Y.Shidigera saponins in T6 showed the lowest levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations while having the highest high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level without affecting the liver parameters. Moreover, the serum amyloid A, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, corticosterone, and heat shock protein 70 concentrations were also the lowest as compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, supplementing 100 mg/kg of Y. Shidigera saponins in broiler diets could improve lipid profiles and act as an anti-stress for commercial broilers raised in tropical regions.

Photodegradation Behavior of Agricultural Antibiotic Oxytetracycline in Water

Due to their overuse in agriculture, antibiotics are discharged into the aquatic environment, which poses a threat to human health and aquatic organisms. The agricultural antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) persists in aquatic media for a long time due to its resistance to biological degradation. Photolysis is a main pathway for its degradation in the natural environment and wastewater treatment, and thus, the photolysis of OTC should be investigated. In this study, the effects of reaction conditions such as the irradiation conditions, the initial OTC concentration, and the water matrix on OTC photolysis were investigated. The most efficient degradation was observed when UV-C was used as the irradiation source (k = 0.0148 ± 0.0008 min−1), and the removal ratio increased with higher light intensity. A lower initial OTC concentration and higher solution temperature were advantageous for the degradation of OTC. The presence of humic acid or inorganic ions negatively affected the degradation rate of OTC. In addition to the effects of the reaction conditions, the degradation kinetics of OTC in actual agricultural water and the photolysis of various antibiotics such as streptomycin, validamycin A, and oxolinic acid were further studied. This work proved that various factors could decrease the photodegradation of OTC, which raises the potential risks that are associated with the persistent use of antibiotics in the water environment. Therefore, the results of the present study can help to provide an understanding of the effects of various reaction conditions on the degradation of agricultural antibiotics.

Validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of four antibiotics in pig tissues and plasma to assess the risk of transfer of residues to edible matrices after exposure to cross-contaminated feed

Cross-contamination between medicated and non-medicated feed can occur during production, processing, transport or storage of animal feed. This may lead to the presence of low concentrations of antibiotics in supposedly drug-free feed for food production animals, which potentially could also harm consumers due to residues. In addition, consumption of sub-therapeutic concentrations of antibiotics may increase the risk of emergence of resistant bacteria. In this study, LC-MS/MS methods were developed to quantify four antibiotics (sulfadimethoxine, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim and amoxicillin) in several pig matrices, i.e. plasma, muscle, liver, kidneys and faeces. All methods were validated using the accuracy profile, except for amoxicillin in faeces, for which extraction could not be optimised for low concentrations. These methods were then applied as part of an animal study during which several pigs received contaminated feed at a concentration corresponding to 2% of therapeutic dose, in order to evaluate the risk of the presence of residues in animal faeces and tissues. The results showed that sulfadimethoxine is well absorbed and accumulates in the muscle, kidneys and liver, where concentrations were higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) authorised in EU legislation. Conversely, oxytetracycline was mostly found in faeces as its oral absorption is very low. Trimethoprim concentrations were slightly higher than the tolerated MRL in the kidneys, but they were below this level in the other tissues. Finally, amoxicillin concentrations remained below the lower limit of quantification of the methods in all matrices.