Organic Samples Research Articles

Ivermectin toxicokinetics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following P-glycoprotein inhibition.

Changes to ivermectin (IVM [22,23-dihydro avermectin B1a + 22,23-dihydro avermectin B1b]) toxicokinetics (TK) with and without P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition by cyclosporin A (CsA) were examined in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout were injected with 175μg/kg 3H-IVM (8.6μCi/mg IVM) with or without co-administration of 480μg/kg CsA into the caudal vasculature. Fish were sacrificed at various time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 24, 48, 96, and 168h) for organ and tissue sampling (blood, liver, kidney, gill, intestines, brain [5 regions], eye, gonad, and fat) which were analyzed for IVM-derived radioactivity. The IVM concentration decreased over time in blood, liver, kidney, and gill, while concentrations in other tissues remained constant. The highest maximum IVM concentration (Cmax) was found in kidney, followed by liver; the lowest Cmax was found in eye, followed by brain and adipose tissue. The highest % of the administered dose was found in the blood 15min post-IVM administration, followed by the intestine at 60min post-IVM administration. P-gp inhibition by CsA did not significantly affect calculated TK parameters (AUC [7.33 ± 0.73 - 11.5 ± 2.5mg•h/kg], mean residence time [84.7 ± 21 - 125 ± 55h], T1/2 [58.7 ± 15 - 86.8 ± 38h], clearance rate [0.0152 ± 0.0033 - 0.0239 ± 0.0024 L/kg•h], or volume of distribution [1.91 ± 0.47 - 2.02 ± 0.33 L/kg]), but resulted in small but significant changes in the % administered dose found in blood and medulla. These results suggest that P-gp plays a limited role in overall IVM TK, and that its role in xenobiotic protection may be much less robust in fish than it is in mammals.

Do microplastics accumulate in penguin internal organs? Evidence from Svenner island, Antarctica

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) in natural environments presents a formidable global environmental threat MPs can be found from the Arctic to Antarctica, including glaciers. Despite their widespread distribution, studies on MP accumulation in apex predators inhabiting Polar Regions remain limited. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination, for the first time, of MP bioaccumulation in various organs and tissue of Adélie penguins. This investigation comprehends the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), scat, internal organ (lung, trachea, spleen, and liver) and tissue (muscle) samples collected from Svenner Island, Antarctica during the 39th Indian expedition to Antarctica in 2019–2020. Our analyses revealed the presence of 34 MPs across the GIT, scat, lung, and trachea samples, with no MPs detected in muscle, spleen, or liver tissues. Blue-colored microfibers (>50 %) and MPs smaller than 1 mm (38 %) in size were prominently observed. Polymer characterization utilizing μ-FTIR spectroscopy identified low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (~63 %) as the predominant polymer type. The accumulation of MP fibers in the gastrointestinal tract and scat of Adélie penguins may originate from marine ambient media and prey organisms. Furthermore, the presence of LDPE fibers in the trachea and lungs likely occurred through inhalation and subsequent deposition of MPs originating from both local and long-range airborne sources. The identification of fibers ranging between 20 and 100 μm within the trachea suggests a plausible chance of cellular deposition of MPs. Overall our findings provide valuable insights into the organ-specific accumulation of MPs in apex predators. Adélie penguins emerge as promising environmental bio-monitoring species, offering insights into the potential trophic transfer of MPs within frigid environments.

A novel high-sensitivity sensor with asymmetric elliptical shaped exposed core and gold coating for sucrose and chemical concentration detection

The article introducing an innovative exposed core SPR biosensor employing an asymmetrical elliptic air hole PCF known for remarkable sensitivity. Gold-plated fiber sensor detects changes in refractive index. This sensor effectively covers a RI scale of 1.28 to 1.42 for analytes, showcasing its versatility in simultaneous detection. Taking into account the RI change at the outer surface, attractive sensing implementations such as optimal wavelength sensitivity of 97,000 nm/RIU and optimal amplitude sensitivity of 529.20 RIU−1 are attained. Furthermore, with a resolution of 9.09 × 10−6 RIU, a figure in merit of 170 RIU−1, an FWHM of 570 nm, and a detection accuracy of 0.0166 nm−1, the suggested sensor is impressive. This suggested sensor finds application in monitoring sucrose solutions across a spectrum ranging from 0% to 45% chemical concentration over time. It has an ideal amplitude sensitivity of 530.95 RIU−1 and an ideal wavelength sensitivity of 10,000 nm/RIU for sucrose solutions at the 40% concentration level. Furthermore, the sensor shows an ideal wavelength sensitivity of 35,000 nm/RIU and an ideal amplitude sensitivity of 793.80 RIU−1 for the detection of 2-propanol. Nevertheless, beyond sucrose noticing auspicious sensing qualities by the suggested sensor its feasibility for impact fully identifying a range of biochemical and organic samples. As a result, the proposed sensor holds promise as an exemplary choice the realms in biomedical sensing, the detection of lower RI analyses as well as chemical analysis. Streamlining practical application, the sensor's structure incorporates eight elliptical air holes, uncomplicated readily manufactural with existing technologies.

Rheological properties of porcine organs: measurements and fractional viscoelastic model.

The rheological properties of porcine heart, kidney, liver and brain were measured using dynamic oscillatory shear tests over a range of frequencies and shear strains. Frequency sweep tests were performed from 0.1Hz to a maximum of 9.5Hz at a shear strain of 0.1%, and strain sweep tests were carried out from 0.01% to 10% at 1Hz. The effect of pre-compression of samples up to 10% axial strain was considered. The experimental measurements were fit to a Semi-Fractional Kelvin Voight (S-FKV) model. The model was then used to predict the stress relaxation in response to a step strain of 0.1%. The prediction was compared to experimental relaxation data for the porcine organ samples, and the results agreed to within 30%. In conclusion, this study measured the rheological properties of porcine organs and used a fractional viscoelastic model to describe the response in frequency and time domain.

Development of Immunoassay for Detection of Engineered Endolysin LysAm24-SMAP

In recent years modified bacteriophage lysins have widely been investigated for the purposes of development of antibacterial therapy. Thus, effective and precise methods for the quantitative analysis of these enzymes are in high demand. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method has been developed for the detection of recombinant modified endolysin LysAm24-SMAP in biological samples. The optimal parameters for protein detection were determined, in particular, the influence of salt and the composition of the buffer system for preparation of the samples was studied. The applicability of the immunodetection system of the genetically engineered endolysin LysAm24-SMAP in various biological samples with enzyme concentrations from 0.4 ng/mL was demonstrated. In addition, the influence of matrix effects in samples of animal organs and tissue homogenates and producer strain lysates and their individual components during the analysis was assessed and it was shown that 0.65 M NaCl addition in the ELISA buffer is crucial for achieving correct results and reduces nonspecific interactions in the case of LysAm24-SMAP. The effectiveness of the developed system in the immunochemical control of the bacteriolytic enzyme was confirmed.

Peritoneal Infusion of Oxygen Microbubbles Alters the Metabolomic Profile of the Lung and Spleen in Acute Hypoxic Exposure.

Administration of oxygen microbubbles (OMBs) has been shown to increase oxygen and decrease carbon dioxide in systemic circulation, as well as reduce lung inflammation and promote survival in preclinical models of hypoxia caused by lung injury. However, their impact on microenvironmental oxygenation remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal administration of OMBs in anesthetized rats exposed to hypoxic ventilation (FiO2 = 0.14). Blood oxygenation and hemodynamics were evaluated over a 2 h time frame, and then organ and tissue samples were collected for hypoxic and metabolic analyses. Data showed that OMBs improved blood SaO2 (~14%) and alleviated tissue hypoxia within the microenvironment of the kidney and intestine at 2 h of hypoxia. Metabolomic analysis revealed OMBs induced metabolic differences in the cecum, liver, kidney, heart, red blood cells and plasma. Within the spleen and lung, principal component analysis showed a metabolic phenotype more comparable to the normoxic group than the hypoxic group. In the spleen, this shift was characterized by reduced levels of fatty acids and 2-hydroxygluterate, alongside increased expression of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and hypoxanthine. Interestingly, there was also a shuttle effect within the metabolism of the spleen from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways. In the lung, metabolomic analysis revealed upregulation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis, indicating a potential indirect mechanism through which OMB administration may improve lung surfactant secretion and prevent alveolar collapse. In addition, cell-protective purine salvage was increased within the lung. In summary, oxygenation with intraperitoneal OMBs improves systemic blood and local tissue oxygenation, thereby shifting metabolomic profiles of the lung and spleen toward a healthier normoxic state.

Study on the impact of adopting organic practices on the absorption and extractability of Cu and Zn in commercial coffee samples

Although coffee is not a primary source of minerals in the diet, due to its frequent consumption, it can be considered an important source of some micronutrients, highlighting those with antioxidant properties such as Cu and Zn. The availability of nutrients in foods consumed through infusion is related to solubility, which is influenced by the metabolization of these elements by the plant. Several factors can impact this metabolism, including cultivation. This study investigated the influence of cultivation on the absorption and extractability of Cu and Zn in conventional and organic commercial coffee. It was observed that cultivation influences the absorption of the minerals studied in opposite ways: while organic samples have higher levels of Zn, conventional samples have higher levels of Cu. Cultivation does not influence the extractability of Zn in coffee infusions, therefore indicating little influence on the metabolization of this element. Copper metabolism, on the other hand, is influenced by cultivation, with Cu exhibiting greater affinity and lower extractability in organic coffee samples compared to conventional ones.

Clinical and Histopathological Evolution of Acute Intraperitoneal Infection by Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes Ib and III in Nile Tilapia

Streptococcus agalactiae is a highly invasive bacterium that causes significant economic losses in tilapia aquaculture around the world. Furthermore, it is a pathogen for mammals, including humans, emphasizing its importance in One Health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the evolution of clinical and histopathological lesions caused by acute infection with two serotypes of S. agalactiae. For this, two strains isolated from natural outbreaks in Brazilian aquaculture farms (S13, serotype Ib; S73, serotype III) were used to challenge juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intraperitoneally. Target organ samples were collected ten times, between 1 and 96 h post-infection, for microbiological and histopathological analyses. Anorexia was the first clinical sign and the first death occurred at 24 and 30 h in the fish infected with strains S13 and S73, respectively. Serotype Ib initially caused more pronounced lesions in the nervous system; however, serotype III lesions progressed more aggressively, reaching the same severity as those of serotype Ib. This trend was repeated in the mortality curve after 32 h. These results elucidated the important stages in the pathogenesis of S. agalactiae serotypes Ib and III in tilapia and suggest “tips and tricks” to improve the positive culture rate in the clinical diagnosis of infections in some tissues.

Chemical Fractionation of Manganese in Commercial Coffee Samples from Conventional and Organic Cultivation Systems

Coffee, a source of useful nutrients, is predominantly consumed as an infusion. Because of this, the availability of these nutrients is influenced by their solubility, which could be affected by cultivation methods. This study investigates the impact of Brazilian-regulated organic cultivation practices on manganese. It evaluates total concentration, fractionation, and infusion extractability using semi-selective extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for analysis. The average total manganese concentrations were 45.5 ± 11.2 mg kg−1 in conventional coffee and 64.7 ± 9.2 mg kg−1 in organic coffee. The higher manganese levels in organic coffee may be attributed to soil conditions that are beneficial to organic farming. Principal component analysis revealed distinct differences in manganese fractionation, underscoring the impact of cultivation methods on manganese metabolism and storage. Despite these disparities, the manganese levels in coffee infusions and the fraction available for absorption exhibited no significant variation between conventional and organic cultivation group samples.

First detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in invasive wild pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) from the North Atlantic Ocean.

Pacific pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) were deliberately introduced to rivers surrounding the White Sea and has spread to Norway and several other countries surrounding the North Atlantic Ocean. In August 2021, a female pink salmon displaying pale gills and abnormal behaviour was captured in River Lakselva in Northern Norway and later submitted to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) for post-mortem examination. Histological examination of organ samples revealed structures indicative of systemic ichthyophoniasis, caused by Ichthyophonus sp. The parasites appeared to be especially abundant in the heart and skeletal musculature, and local tissue responses were assessed to be absent or very mild. Sequences of the ribosomal 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) genes confirmed the diagnosis and identified the pathogen as Ichthyophonus sp. The CO1 sequence further established that the isolate from pink salmon was most similar to sequences of Ichthyophonus sp. from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of the US and from Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, from Iceland. We here report the first detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in pink salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Oxidative processes in the immunocompetent organs of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta (Salmonidae) during the marine period

The influence of various factors on the fish body is reflected in changes in metabolic processes, including an imbalance of redox processes. The study of the level of oxidative processes and antioxidant protection in the tissues of aquatic organisms is often used in ecological and ecologicaltoxicological studies to assess the environmental conditions. Obtaining such data when conducting comprehensive ichthyological studies makes it possible to assess the features of adaptation to various habitat conditions, as well as the health status of fish. Mature pink salmon Onchorhynchus gorbuscha and chum salmon O. keta were caught in the summer of 2018 in the open waters of the northwestern Pacific Ocean (east of the Kuril Ridge) using a mid-water trawl during a trawl survey. Immediately after catching, liver, kidney and spleen samples were taken from the fish. Test tubes with organ tissue samples were frozen at –20 °С. Homogenates were prepared from thawed organ samples under laboratory conditions. The level of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant activity was evaluated. As a result, intertissue and interspecific similarities and differences in the studied parameters of pink salmon and chum salmon during the marine period of life were established. The detected differences in indicators are presumably related to the structural and functional organization of the tissues and organs studied, as well as species characteristics. The results can be used to monitor population health and compare with closely related species.

Residues of veterinary antibiotics in solid natural and organic fertilizers-method development and sample analysis.

Livestock excrement is used around the world as natural fertilizers or, after processing, as organic fertilizers for crops and grasslands. But due to the presence of veterinary antibiotics in them, they may pose a threat not only to the natural environment, mainly to soil microorganisms, but also to human and animal health. This article describes a method for detecting 21 antibacterial substances in solid natural and organic fertilizers. Antibiotics from fertilizers were extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and McIlvain-Na2EDTA buffer, twice. The extracts were purified by solid phase extraction technique on Strata-X cartridges and analyzed with the use UHPLC-MS/MS technique. The method was validated in accordance with EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2021/808; the obtained recovery ranged from 93.6 to 116.6% (depending on the analytes), and the linearity ranged from 50 to 1000µg/kg. The developed method was used to analyze 73 samples of solid natural and organic fertilizers. Our research has shown that over 38% of natural fertilizers were contaminated with antibiotics, mainly doxycycline in concentrations reaching several dozen milligrams per kilogram of fertilizers. In the case of processed organic fertilizers, the presence of antibiotics was found in over 37% of the analyzed samples. The research results showed that the developed and validated analytical method may be useful for assessing the presence and content of antibacterial substances in solid natural and organic fertilizers.

Molecular Characterization Reveals Biodiversity and Biopotential of Rhizobacterial Isolates of Bacillus Spp

Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined the antagonistic potential of spore forming-Bacilli isolated from organic farm soil samples of Allahabad, India. Eighty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated and characterized based on their morphological, plant growth promoting traits and molecular characteristics. The diversity analysis used 16S-rDNA, BOX-element, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus. Two strains, PR30 and PR32, later identified as Bacillus sp., exhibited potent in vitro antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanaceorum. These isolates produced copious amounts of multiple PGP traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (40.0 and 54.5 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (4.4 and 5.3), ammonia, siderophore (3 and 4 cm), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (8.1and 9.2 μM/mg//h) and hydrogen cyanide. These isolates were subjected to the antibiotic sensitivity test. The two potent isolates based on the higher antagonistic and the best plant growth-promoting ability were selected for plant growth-promoting response studies in tomatoe, broccoli, and chickpea. In the pot study, Bacillus subtilis (PR30 and PR31) showed significant improvement in seed germination (27–34%), root length (20–50%), shoot length (20–40%), vigor index (50–75%), carotenoid content (0.543–1.733), and lycopene content (2.333–2.646 mg/100 g) in tomato, broccoli, and chickpea. The present study demonstrated the production of multiple plant growth-promoting traits by the isolates and their potential as effective bioinoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of phytopathogens.

Occurrence and Co-exposure of aflatoxins and fumonisins in conventional and organic corn

The search for a more nutritious and beneficial diet has led to an increase in the consumption of organic foods, which are labeled as healthier. However, there is the possibly greater susceptibility to contamination by mycotoxigenic mold whereas agricultural defensives are prohibited. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mycobiota to determine the occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisins by ultra-performance liquid chromatography of corn in its conventional and organic derivatives. 200 samples were collected, 140 conventional and 60 organics. The most frequent genera were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp, and fungal growth in the organic sampling was more prevalent (70%). In conventional samples, AFB1 were detected at levels of up to 32.4 μg/kg. In the organics, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, FB1 were detected at maximum levels of 118.1, 52.2, 25.7, 28.8, and 3,462.5 μg/kg; however, there were higher frequencies of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and FB1 and co-exposure among mycotoxins in organic sampling that demonstrated significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among samples. These indicate a potential risk to the public health, especially for consumers of corn and organic by-products; therefore, there is a demonstrable need to prevention and monitoring, in addition to these data contributing to the traceability of contamination and co-occurrence of mycotoxins.

&lt;i&gt;In vivo&lt;/i&gt; evaluation of tropism and biodistribution of synthetic and natural adeno-associated viral vectors by next-generation sequencing

INTRODUCTION. The creation of synthetic adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors during gene therapy development is a labour-intensive and expensive process. The optimal solution to minimise the time and costs associated with gene therapy development lies in the improvement of methods aimed at assessing AAV vector biodistribution and transduction efficiency in vivo.AIM. This study aimed to develop a new bioinformatics-based assessment method for synthetic AAV vector libraries to analyse AAV vector biodistribution and transduction efficiency in vivo.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The production of synthetic AAV vectors involved assigning AAV serotype-specific barcodes (12-nucleotide tags flanked at the 5' end with a sequence encoding the green fluorescent reporter protein). Plasmids carrying unique barcodes were propagated in competent Escherichia coli XL10-Gold cells and used to create two AAV libraries: L1 with a viral genome count of 1010 and L2 with a viral genome count of 1011. AAV production involved HEK293T cell transfection. L1 and L2 library vectors were administered to C57Bl/6N mice by intravenous injection. DNA and RNA were isolated from transduced organs for analysis by next-generation sequencing. The obtained data on DNA and RNA barcode quantities in different murine organs were analysed to assess the biodistribution and transduction efficiency of synthetic AAVs. Barcodes were identified by aligning them to the expected sequences and counted. The resulting values were normalised to the quantity of barcodes in the original library.RESULTS. Seven viral constructs based on different AAV serotypes were created as part of two AAV libraries. Six of the AAV serotypes were synthetic (sAAV1, sAAV2, sAAV3, sAAV4, sAAV5, and sAAV6). Sequencing of murine organ samples revealed significant quantities of DNA barcodes from both AAV libraries in all organs except the brain. For the L1 library, RNA barcodes were detected at a sufficient level in 4 organs, including the skeletal muscles, the heart, the liver, and the adrenal glands. For the L2 library, in addition to the listed organs, sufficient RNA-barcode levels were observed in the gonads and the kidneys. According to transduction efficiency analysis based on RNA barcode levels adjusted for DNA barcodes, sAAV5 was considered the most promising variant for gene therapy of liver-related diseases, whereas sAAV2 and sAAV6 were recognised as holding the most promise for adrenal diseases.CONCLUSIONS. The developed bioinformatics-based assessment method for synthetic AAV vector libraries can analyse AAV vector biodistribution and transduction efficiency in the body. The presented approach has the potential for selecting optimal AAV vectors for specific organs and tissues in further gene therapy development.

Microplastic identification in marine environments: A low-cost and effective approach based on transmitted light measurements

Microplastics have become a significant concern for the well-being of marine ecosystems. Small fragments of plastic debris are released into the environment from both the direct disposal of plastic products and the deterioration of larger items. Ingestion of microplastics by marine life can result in detrimental effects, including physical harm and the accumulation of toxic chemicals in their tissues. The aim of this research is to design a compact and cost-effective measurement system for effectively detecting and quantifying microplastics in marine environments. The proposed system uses a 2.4-inch liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel and a digital USB microscope, both of which are connected to a single-board computer, with a dedicated python-based graphical user interface (GUI). Specifically, the light transmitted through plastic and organic samples was measured in order to identify and classify them. Various types of materials, such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and organic algae samples, were tested and the metrological performance of the system has been estimated. The transmittance of the samples analyzed was primarily influenced by their opacity and thickness. In general, thicker materials exhibited significantly lower transmittance values. This trend was particularly evident in organic components and opaque plastic samples, where transmittance was significantly low. In addition, the experimental results suggest that the colour of the material also affects transmittance, although as a secondary factor. The employed technique could be used to identify and distinguish samples based on material properties, thereby allowing the proposed system to be a valuable tool for further research on microplastics in marine environments.

Investigation of the presence of Brucella spp. in amphibians collected from some regions in Türkiye

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes economic losses in many countries worldwide, especially in livestock. With the development of molecular techniques, the diversity of Brucella species has been increasing in recent years. Recently, atypical Brucella spp. have been isolated mainly from cold-blooded animals. Firstly, the African bullfrog and then B. inopinata and B. microti-like strains have been identified in various frog species worldwide. This study aimed to determine the presence of Brucella in amphibian frogs for the first time in Türkiye by bacteriological and molecular methods. Internal organ samples (spleen, liver, lung, kidney, etc.) of 150 frogs from different regions of Türkiye (Edirne/Ipsala (53 pieces), Adıyaman/Kâhta (97 pieces)) were used for the isolation of Brucella spp. Simultaneously, DNA extraction was performed using a commercial isolation kit from tissue homogenates and samples cultured in media and left to incubation. As a result of Brucella genus-specific PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Multiplex PCR (Bruce-Ladder) methods performed with these extracts, no positivity was detected in the frog samples taken from Edirne province, while in 4 of the frog samples taken from Adıyaman province, bands of approximately 250, 600, 700, 1000, 1500 and 3000 bp were observed in Multiplex PCR. Sphingomonas paucimobilis (S. paucimobilis) was identified by analysing the culture obtained from these samples with VITEK®2:Healtcare. As a result, the presence of Brucella spp. could not be detected both bacteriologically and molecularly in the study samples. However, observing similar multiple bands in multiplex PCR suggested that this bacterium and Brucella species are phylogenetically close. At the same time, it was determined that this opportunistic pathogen isolated from various human infections can colonise amphibians. Since S. paucimobilis, which is found together with Brucella species under the class Alphaproteobacteria, causes opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised humans, it was concluded that this bacterium may pose a risk for those working in farms where frogs are raised for human consumption, and it is thought that it may be essential to take the necessary preventive measures.

Tracing sources of dissolved organic matter along the terrestrial-aquatic continuum in the Ore Mountains, Germany

There is growing concern about the rising levels of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters across the Northern hemisphere. However, only limited research has been conducted to unveil its precise origin. Compositional changes along terrestrial-aquatic pathways can help determine the terrestrial sources of DOM in streams. Stream water, soil water and soil horizons were sampled at four sites representing typical settings within a forested catchment in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge, Germany) from winter 2020 to spring 2022. The samples were analyzed using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The resulting data were successfully subjected to semi-automatic processing of the molecular composition of DOM, reaching a percentage of identified peaks up to 98 %. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analyses were carried out to identify distinct differences between DOM from the potential sources and in the streams. According to the PCA, organic soil horizons, soil water, and stream water samples could be clearly distinguished. Cluster analysis revealed that soil water DOM at all depths of Peats and deeper horizons of the Peaty Gleysols contributed the most to DOM in the stream section dominated by organic soils. In areas dominated by mineral soils, stream DOM resembled the DOM from the deeper mineral horizons of Cambisols and Podzols. Overall, our results suggested that most of the DOM exported from the catchment was derived from deeper mineral soil horizons, with little contribution of DOM derived from organic soils. Therefore, DOM fingerprint analysis of in-situ soil water proved to be a promising approach for tracing back the main sources of stream water DOM.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: Seroprevalence and georeferencing in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has long been considered an endemic disease in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, while the southern region remains non-endemic. However, in recent years, several cases of CVL have been reported in southern states. The objective of this work was to determine the seroprevalence of CVL in dogs in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, through immunochromatographic tests (DPP®) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and its correlation with environmental characteristics through georeferencing. Blood samples from dogs (n = 1227) were collected in six mesoregions of the state and evaluated by the rapid test (DPP®). Positive samples were sent to Lacen (Central Public Health Laboratory) in Santa Catarina to be tested using ELISA. Information obtained from the epidemiological questionnaire was subjected to statistical analysis (Chi-square and Student's t-test; P < 0.05) to verify the correlation between serology and the analyzed variables. The locations (GPS) of the samples were used for georeferencing and creating heatmaps (Kernel Method). Four animals that died from CVL were necropsied and organ samples were collected for molecular analysis (PCR), immunohistochemistry, and histopathology (HE). Of the 1227 dogs analyzed, 22 (1.8%) were reactive in the DPP® and of these, 7 (0.6%) were also positive in the ELISA. A correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between positive serology and region, environment, access to the street, and clinical signs. The positive cases were concentrated in the eastern region of the state, in low-altitude areas with average rainfall and higher average temperatures, and in more populated areas close to forest fragments. PCR, HE, and immunohistochemistry, along with serology, have proven to be efficient for characterizing positive cases.

Green tea supplementation prevented oxidative stress, fibrosis, and myocardial damage in isoproterenol-induced Swiss albino mice

IntroductionOne of the main causes of death and morbidity in people with cardiovascular disorders is myocardial infarction. This study investigated the impact of green tea (GT) leaf powder on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in Swiss albino mice. Methods and materials4 to 5 weeks male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups with 6 mice in every group: Control, ISO, Control + GT and ISO+ GT leaves powder. All of the mice were sacrificed at the end of the investigation. Heart organ and blood plasma samples were taken, and they were tested for oxidative stress indicators and several biochemical parameters. To investigate the formation of mononuclear cells and fibrosis in the heart histopathological staining of tissue sections was also carried out. ResultsIn this experiment, supplementation with green tea leaf powder in ISO-administered mice prevented the increased activity of the AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes. Additionally, three more tests were performed such as CK-MB, Creatinine, and Uric acid whose levels were increased by isoproterenol, and treatment of green tea reduced these elevated levels. Due to the supplementation of green tea leaf powder, ISO-administered mice had lower levels of lipid peroxidation product, nitric oxide, advanced protein oxidation product, and myeloperoxidase. Mice exposed to ISO had considerably higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower levels of cellular antioxidants including catalase activity, SOD activity, and reduced glutathione concentration. Additionally, the heart of ISO-induced mice revealed substantial fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, green tea leaf powder supplementation prevented inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in ISO-administered mice. ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings imply that supplementing with green tea leaf powder might lower the risk of myocardial infarction in mice given ISO, potentially by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.