Removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from water by zeolite-rich composites: The interference of inorganic anions on the ibuprofen and naproxen adsorption.

Composites of two natural zeolites - clinoptilolite and phillipsite, and cationic surfactants (cetylpyridinium chloride and Arquad® 2HT-75) were tested for the removal of two emerging contaminants - ibuprofen and naproxen. For each zeolite-rich rock, two different modifications of the zeolitic surfaces were prepared (monolayer and bilayer surfactant coverage). The influence of the initial drug concentrations and contact time on adsorption of these drugs was followed in buffer solution. The Langmuir model showed the highest adsorption capacity for the composite characterized by a bilayered surfactant at the clinoptilolite surface: 19.7 mg/g and 16.1 mg/g for ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively. Also, to simulate real systems, drug adsorption isotherms were conducted in natural water (Grindstone creek water - Columbia, Missouri, USA) by using the best performing adsorbent; in this case, a slight decrease of drug adsorption was recorded. Kinetic runs were performed in distilled water as well as in the presence of ions such as sulfates and bicarbonates; also, in this case, the interfering agents defined an adsorption decrease for bilayer composites.

Structure-function analysis of Avian ß-defensin-6 and ß-defensin-12: role of charge and disulfide bridges.

BACKGROUND: Avian beta-defensins (AvBD) are small, cationic, antimicrobial peptides. The potential application of AvBDs as alternatives to antibiotics has been the subject of interest. However, the mechanisms of action remain to be fully understood. The present study characterized the structure-function relationship of AvBD-6 and AvBD-12, two peptides with different net positive charges, similar hydrophobicity and distinct tissue expression profiles. RESULTS: AvBD-6 was more potent than AvBD-12 against E. coli, S. Typhimurium, and S. aureus as well as clinical isolates of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae. AvBD-6 was more effective than AvBD-12 in neutralizing LPS and interacting with bacterial genomic DNA. Increasing bacterial concentration from 10(5) CFU/ml to 10(9) CFU/ml abolished AvBDs' antimicrobial activity. Increasing NaCl concentration significantly inhibited AvBDs' antimicrobial activity, but not the LPS-neutralizing function. Both AvBDs were mildly chemotactic for chicken macrophages and strongly chemotactic for CHO-K1 cells expressing chicken chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). AvBD-12 at higher concentrations also induced chemotactic migration of murine immature dendritic cells (DCs). Disruption of disulfide bridges abolished AvBDs' chemotactic activity. Neither AvBDs was toxic to CHO-K1, macrophages, or DCs. CONCLUSIONS: AvBDs are potent antimicrobial peptides under low-salt conditions, effective LPS-neutralizing agents, and broad-spectrum chemoattractant peptides. Their antimicrobial activity is positively correlated with the peptides' net positive charges, inversely correlated with NaCl concentration and bacterial concentration, and minimally dependent on intramolecular disulfide bridges. In contrast, their chemotactic property requires the presence of intramolecular disulfide bridges. Data from the present study provide a theoretical basis for the design of AvBD-based therapeutic and immunomodulatory agents.

Nucleus accumbens neuronal maturation differences in young rats bred for low versus high voluntary running behaviour.

We compared the nucleus accumbens (NAc) transcriptomes of generation 8 (G8), 34-day-old rats selectively bred for low (LVR) versus high voluntary running (HVR) behaviours in rats that never ran (LVR(non-run) and HVR(non-run)), as well as in rats after 6 days of voluntary wheel running (LVR(run) and HVR(run)). In addition, the NAc transcriptome of wild-type Wistar rats was compared. The purpose of this transcriptomics approach was to generate testable hypotheses as to possible NAc features that may be contributing to running motivation differences between lines. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and Gene Ontology analyses suggested that 'cell cycle'-related transcripts and the running-induced plasticity of dopamine-related transcripts were lower in LVR versus HVR rats. From these data, a hypothesis was generated that LVR rats might have less NAc neuron maturation than HVR rats. Follow-up immunohistochemistry in G9-10 LVR(non-run) rats suggested that the LVR line inherently possessed fewer mature medium spiny (Darpp-32-positive) neurons (P < 0.001) and fewer immature (Dcx-positive) neurons (P < 0.001) than their G9-10 HVR counterparts. However, voluntary running wheel access in our G9-10 LVRs uniquely increased their Darpp-32-positive and Dcx-positive neuron densities. In summary, NAc cellularity differences and/or the lack of running-induced plasticity in dopamine signalling-related transcripts may contribute to low voluntary running motivation in LVR rats.

Trans-resveratrol alters mammary promoter hypermethylation in women at increased risk for breast cancer.

Trans-resveratrol, present in high concentration in the skin of red grapes and red wine, has a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in vitro, prevents the formation of mammary tumors, and has been touted as a chemopreventive agent. Based upon in vitro studies demonstrating that trans-resveratrol downregulates the expression of 1) DNA methyltransferases and 2) the cancer promoting prostaglandin (PG)E(2), we determined if trans-resveratrol had a dose-related effect on DNA methylation and prostaglandin expression in humans. Thirty-nine adult women at increased breast cancer risk were randomized in double-blind fashion to placebo, 5 or 50 mg trans-resveratrol twice daily for 12 wk. Methylation assessment of 4 cancer-related genes (p16, RASSF-1α, APC, CCND2) was performed on mammary ductoscopy specimens. The predominant resveratrol species in serum was the glucuronide metabolite. Total trans-resveratrol and glucuronide metabolite serum levels increased after consuming both trans-resveratrol doses (P < .001 for both). RASSF-1α methylation decreased with increasing levels of serum trans-resveratrol (P = .047). The change in RASSF-1α methylation was directly related to the change in PGE(2) (P = .045). This work provides novel insights into the effects of trans-resveratrol on the breast of women at increased breast cancer risk, including a decrease in methylation of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF-1α. Because of the limited sample size, our findings should be validated in a larger study.

Serotonin is necessary for place memory in Drosophila.

Biogenic amines, such as serotonin and dopamine, can be important in reinforcing associative learning. This function is evident as changes in memory performance with manipulation of either of these signals. In the insects, evidence begins to argue for a common role of dopamine in negatively reinforced memory. In contrast, the role of the serotonergic system in reinforcing insect associative learning is either unclear or controversial. We investigated the role of both of these signals in operant place learning in Drosophila. By genetically altering serotonin and dopamine levels, manipulating the neurons that make serotonin and dopamine, and pharmacological treatments we provide clear evidence that serotonin, but not dopamine, is necessary for place memory. Thus, serotonin can be critical for memory formation in an insect, and dopamine is not a universal negatively reinforcing signal.

Soy isoflavones have an antiestrogenic effect and alter mammary promoter hypermethylation in healthy premenopausal women.

We determined if soy isoflavones have dose-related estrogenic and methylation effects. Thirty-four healthy premenopausal women were randomized to 40 mg or 140 mg isoflavones daily through one menstrual cycle. Breast specific and systemic estrogenic effects were assessed measuring the estrogenic marker complement (C)3 and changes in cytology, whereas methylation assessment of 5 cancer related genes (p16, RASSF1A, RARbeta2, ER, and CCND2) was performed on intraductal specimens. Serum genistein significantly increased after consuming both isoflavone doses. Cytology did not significantly change at either isoflavone dose. Serum C3 levels posttreatment were inversely related to change in serum genistein (r =-0.76, P = 0.0045) in women consuming low but not high dose isoflavones. The RAR beta 2 hypermethylation increase posttreatment correlated with the posttreatment genistein level considering the entire group (r = 0.67, P = 0.0017) and those receiving high-dose isoflavones (r = 0.68, P = 0.021). At the low but not the high isoflavone dose, CCND2 hypermethylation increase correlated with posttreatment genistein levels (r = 0.79, P = 0.011). In summary, the inverse correlation between C3 and genistein suggests an antiestrogenic effect. Isoflavones induced dose-specific changes in RARbeta2 and CCND2 gene methylation, which correlated with genistein levels. This work provides novel insights into estrogenic and methylation effects of dietary isoflavones.

Effects of soy isoflavone consumption on bone structure and milk mineral concentration in a rat model of lactation-associated bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Like menopause, during complete lactation, circulating estrogen concentrations are markedly reduced, resulting in amplified bone resorption. AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the effects of soy isoflavones, common dietary components used to mitigate the bone loss of menopause, on the bone loss associated with lactation. METHODS: Lactating rats were randomized to one of four diets supplemented with different levels of soy isoflavones (0, 2, 4, 8 mg aglycone isoflavone/g protein). Milk was collected from all dams between days 12 and 15 of lactation and was analyzed for calcium, phosphorus and genistein concentrations. Serum and bones from half of the animals from each diet group were taken at weaning and from the remaining half at 4 weeks post-weaning. Bones underwent histomorphometric analysis and serum was used for genistein determinations. RESULTS: Serum genistein and milk concentrations reflected dietary isoflavone dose. Isoflavone intake had no effect on any of the bone changes associated with lactation or recovery. Milk calcium and mineral concentrations were unaffected by dietary isoflavones. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of soy isoflavones, in levels that can be readily attained through soy foods, have neither protective effects on bone nor deleterious effects on milk quality or quantity during lactation.

Copper toxicosis with hemolysis and hemoglobinuric nephrosis in three adult Boer goats.

Acute and, particularly, chronic copper exposures, along with defects in hepatic copper metabolism, altered excretion of copper, and/or nutritional imbalances between copper and other trace elements, can lead to hepatic accumulation of copper and primary copper toxicosis. There is interspecies variation in susceptibility to copper toxicosis, with sheep being the species most likely to develop this condition. Adult dairy goats and Boer crosses are generally considered resistant to chronic copper toxicosis, especially the hemolytic stage of this disease. The current report is rather unusual in that it describes instances of naturally occurring copper toxicosis with hemolysis and hemoglobinuric nephrosis in 3 adult Boer goats. In 2 of these goats, a possible source of excessive dietary copper was investigated but not definitively identified. In the third goat, the etiologic factors associated with the copper toxicosis were not determined. It appears that mature Boer goats are susceptible to the hemolytic stage of chronic copper toxicosis, which was not observed in a recent, large-scale copper intoxication involving lactating dairy goats. Copper analyses on both liver and kidney samples were necessary to confirm the diagnosis of copper toxicosis in all 3 goats. All feedstuffs associated with instances of copper toxicosis should be analyzed for iron, molybdenum, sulphur, and zinc as well as copper to determine what nutritional factors are contributing to the pathogenesis of this disease. Consideration also should be given to the ingestion of hepatotoxic plants and other toxic exposures, which could predispose an animal to secondary chronic copper toxicosis.

Co-occurrence of mycotoxins in maize food and maize-based feed from small-scale farms in Brazil: a pilot study.

A limited survey was conducted to assess the co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) B1, B2, G1, and G2; fumonisins (FB) B1 and B2; ochratoxin A (OTA); zearalenone (ZEN); and deoxynivalenol (DON) in maize food (N = 26) and animal feed (N = 45) collected from 21 small-scale farms from the states of São Paulo (SP) and Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. Samples evaluated were maize meal and maize flour for human consumption available in the farm households, and maize-based feed intended for broiler chicks, laying hens, and dairy cows. Analyses of mycotoxins were performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The median levels of mycotoxins found in maize food were 2.5 µg/kg (total AF), 120 µg/kg (total FB), 13 µg/kg (ZEN), and 57 µg/kg (DON). All values were below the Brazilian tolerance limits, except for total FB in one sample of maize flour. In feed samples, median levels of total AF, total FB, ZEN, and DON were 100 µg/kg, 680 µg/kg, 160 µg/kg, and 200 µg/kg, respectively. The co-occurrence of two or more mycotoxins was confirmed in 35% and 51% of maize food and feed, respectively. Results indicate a low human exposure to mycotoxins in the small-scale farms evaluated and a higher exposure of farm animals to mycotoxins in the feed.

Assessment of mycotoxin exposure and risk characterization using occurrence data in foods and urinary biomarkers in Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the exposure of Brazilian residents (N = 86) from rural areas to multiple mycotoxins and characterize the associated risk in two sampling periods (SP) (April-May and December/2016). Mycotoxins in food and urine samples were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Mean probable daily intake (PDI) values based on occurrence data in foods in both SP varied from 0.007 to 0.013, 0.069 to 1.002, 0.119 to 0.321 and 0.013-0.156 µg kg-1 body weight (bw) day-1 for aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs) and zearalenone (ZEN), respectively. Mean PDI values based on urinary biomarkers were 0.001, 84.914, 0.031, 0.377 and 0.002 µg kg-1 bw day-1 for AFB1, DON, ochratoxin A (OTA), FB1 and ZEN, respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) calculated using food data revealed a potential health concern for ZEN in 2nd SP. HQ > 1 based on urinary biomarkers were observed for DON in the two SP. Although OTA was not detected in any food sample, the HQ based on urinary OTA levels was >1 in the 1st SP. Margin of exposure values for AF from food and urine data in the 1st SP were below 10,000, indicating potential health risks.

Correction: Effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 on accumulation and performance in matrinxã fish (Brycon cephalus).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201812.].

Individual and combined effects of ochratoxin A and Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum infection on pathological changes in broiler chickens.

A study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined effects of ochratoxin A (OA) and Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum) on gross and histopathological changes in broiler chickens. One hundred and seventy-six 1-day-old broiler chicks were divided into two groups of 88 chicks each; one group was fed a control mash diet, and the other group was fed a mash diet containing 2 parts/10(6) OA. On day 14, each group was further subdivided into two groups, with one group inoculated with S. Gallinarum intraperitoneally (1.25 x 10(10) colony-forming units/0.5 ml) whereas the other group was not inoculated with S. Gallinarum. Four birds from each group were sacrificed on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post inoculation to record pathological changes in different organs. Gross and microscopic changes in OA-fed birds indicated the kidneys and bursa of Fabricius as the primary organs to be affected by this toxin. Gross and microscopic changes due to S. Gallinarum infection indicated the liver and spleen as the primary organs affected by this infection. The effects of OA on the kidney and bursa of Fabricius were enhanced following S. Gallinarum infection. Degenerative changes and interstitial nephritis in the kidneys, and lymphocyte depletion from bursal follicles were more pronounced and were observed earlier in the combination group. In conclusion, data indicate that birds fed OA and infected with S. Gallinarum will demonstrate increased pathology compared with birds fed OA alone or those infected with S. Gallinarum but not fed OA.

Lack of skeletal effect of soy isoflavones in intact growing, female rats may be explained by constant serum estrogenic activity despite reduced serum estradiol.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Scarce data exist on the effects of soy isoflavones (IF) on bone during peripuberty, a known 'window of opportunity' for bone consolidation. Our aim was to determine the skeletal, reproductive, and serum estradiol (E(2))/estrogenic activity response of consuming naturally-occurring soy protein-associated IF during peripuberty. METHODS: Weanling (approximately 3 weeks old), female rats were placed on one of four nutritionally-complete dietary regimens in which protein (200 g/kg diet) was provided as casein or soy protein isolates containing either 0.11 (Low IF), 2.16 (Med IF), or 3.95 (High IF) mg total aglycone isoflavones/g protein for 8 weeks, during which body weights and estrus cycling were recorded. RESULTS: Bone growth and density were unaffected by soy intake while the reproductive tissues showed a slight response (greater uterine weights of the Med and High IF groups). Despite suppression of E(2) concentrations in the High IF group, total circulating estrogenic activity was unaltered. Moreover, in the High IF group, E(2) was significantly depressed compared with bioassayable estrogenic activity, suggesting negative feedback inhibition of E(2) by the elevated circulating levels of IF. CONCLUSIONS: This suppression in E(2) with maintenance of total serum estrogenicity in the High IF group may explain the lack of effect observed in the skeletal tissues.

Aflatoxin B(1) adsorption by natural and copper modified montmorillonite.

Adsorption of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB1) by natural montmorillonite (MONT) and montmorillonite modified with copper ions (Cu-MONT) was investigated. Both MONTs were characterized using the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis, thermal analysis (DTA/TGA) and scanning electron miscroscopy/electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The results of XRPD and SEM/EDS analyses of Cu-MONT suggested partial ion exchange of native inorganic cations in MONT with copper occurred. Investigation of AFB1 adsorption by MONT and Cu-MONT, at pH 3, 7 or 9, showed that adsorption of this toxin by both MONTs was high (over 93%). Since AFB1 is nonionizable, no differences in AFB1 adsorption by both MONTs, at different pHs, were observed, as expected. Futhermore, it was determined that adsorption of AFB1 by both MONTs followed a non-linear (Langmuir) type of isotherm, at pH 3. The calculated maximum adsorbed amounts of AFB1 by MONT (40.982mg/g) and Cu-MONT (66.225mg/g), derived from Langmuir plots of isotherms, indicate that Cu-MONT was much effective in adsorbing AFB1. Since, the main cation in an exchangeable position in MONT is calcium, and in Cu-MONT both calcium and copper, the fact that ion exchange of inorganic cations in MONT with copper increases adsorption of AFB1 suggests that additional interactions between AFB1 and copper ions in Cu-MONT caused greater adsorption.

High and low nightly running behavior associates with nucleus accumbens N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) NR1 subunit expression and NMDAR functional differences.

The extent to which N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors facilitate the motivation to voluntarily wheel-run in rodents has yet to be determined. In so, we utilized female Wistar rats selectively bred to voluntarily run high (HVR) and low (LVR) nightly distances in order to examine if endogenous differences in nucleus accumbens (NAc) NMDA receptor expression and function underlies the propensity for high or low motivation to voluntarily wheel-run. 12-14 week old HVR and LVR females were used to examine: 1.) NAc mRNA and protein expression of NMDA subunits NR1, NR2A and NR2B; 2.) NMDA current responses in isolated medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and 3.) NMDA-evoked dopamine release in an ex vivo preparation of NAc punches. Expectedly, there was a large divergence in nightly running distance and time between HVR and LVR rats. We saw a significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of NR1 in HVR compared to LVR rats, while seeing no difference in the expression of NR2A or NR2B. There was a greater current response to a 500 ms application of 300 µM of NMDA in medium-spiny neurons isolated from the NAc HVR compared to LVR animals. On average, NMDA-evoked punches (50 µM of NMDA for 10 min) taken from HVR rats retained ∼54% of the dopamine content compared to their bilateral non-evoked sides, while evoked punches from LVR animals showed no statistical decrease in dopamine content compared to their non-evoked sides. Collectively, these data suggest a potential link between NAc NR1 subunit expression as well as NMDA function and the predisposition for nightly voluntary running behavior in rats. In light of the epidemic rise in physical inactivity, these findings have the potential to explain a neuro-molecular mechanism that regulates the motivation to be physically active.

Effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 on accumulation and performance in matrinxã fish (Brycon cephalus).

Aflatoxins (AF) can be cumulative in fish tissues and can influence weight, length, feed intake and survival depending on the species. The aim of this work is to measure performance and aflatoxin levels in tissues of matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) fish chronically exposed to aflatoxin. Aflatoxin was incorporated into fish diets at the following levels: Control Feed + 0 µg AFB1 kg-1; A. Feed + 10 µg AFB1 kg-1; B. Feed + 20 µg AFB1 kg-1; C. Feed + 50 µg AFB1 kg-1. It was used one tank per treatment, each one with 150 juvenile fish, and three replicates within each tank were used for sampling, that was carried out monthly over a period of six months. Aflatoxin was quantified by HPLC in fish liver and muscle after clean up using immunoaffinity columns. Performance was evaluated by using weight, length, consumption and survival rate. Muscle and liver aflatoxin levels were below the limit of detection in all control samples. Aflatoxins B2, G1 and G2 were not detected in any tissues. Traces (values between limits of detection and quantification) of AFB1 were observed in liver tissue in treatment A from day 30 through 90, reaching 0.32 µg AFB1 kg-1 at 150 days of exposure. Treatment B presented traces up to day 60 and had, with a maximum level of 0.39 µg AFB1 kg-1 at 150 days of exposure. Treatment C had aflatoxin residues after day 30, with values ranging from 0.17 to 0.61 µg AFB1 kg-1 during exposure. Muscle samples only had traces of AFB1 in all treatments. Fish was affected by exposure to AFB1 with higher values (P<0.05) for weight and length in treatments A, B and C relative to controls. Therefore, results indicate that matrinxã do not accumulate AFB1 residues in edible tissues, but chronic exposure affects the species.

Adsorption of zearalenone by organomodified natural zeolitic tuff.

Adsorption of zearalenone (ZEN) by natural zeolitic tuff, modified with different numbers of octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium (ODMBA) ions, was investigated. The results of solid-state 1H NMR analysis of the starting material suggested that zeolitic tuff is rich in mineral clinoptilolite, confirming the results of previous thermal stability study. Three organozeolites (OZ-2, OZ-5, and OZ-10) were prepared with ODMBA surface coverages of 20, 50, and 100 mmol/100 g. The mechanism of ZEN sorption by the three organozeolites was investigated through the determination of the adsorption isotherms at pH 3, 7, and 9. Adsorption of ZEN by organozeolites was best represented by a linear type of isotherm at pH 3, while at pH 7 and 9, adsorption of ZEN by organozeolites followed a nonlinear (Langmuir) type of isotherm. The different shape of the ZEN adsorption isotherms for the three organozeolites with different levels of ODMBA at the zeolitic surface at different pH values suggests that the adsorption mechanism may be dependent on the form of ZEN in solution. Since, at pH 3, ZEN exists in solution as the neutral form, the linear isotherms at pH 3 suggested that hydrophobic interactions are probably responsible for adsorption of neutral, hydrophobic ZEN onto the hydrophobic surface of the organozeolites. At pH 7, the phenolate anion is present in water solution, while at pH 9, ZEN is almost entirely in the anionic form. The nonlinear isotherms obtained for ZEN adsorption by the three organozeolites suggest that sorption appears to be the result of the adsorption process as well as partitioning.

Discriminant Analyses of the Polyphenol Content of American Elderberry Juice from Multiple Environments Provide Genotype Fingerprint.

The cultivation of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) continues to increase as the use of this botanical has expanded. Elderberries contain a variety of polyphenols, including anthocyanins, which have purported health benefits. However, information is lacking regarding the impact of environmental, management, and genotypic factors on the quantity and type of polyphenols and anthocyanins produced. Quantification of 16 polyphenols including eight anthocyanins present in juice from three genotypes of American elderberry grown at two Missouri sites from 2013 to 2014 was performed. Large variances in anthocyanin and other polyphenol content were observed between the different harvest seasons, locations, and genotypes. Although specific phytochemical trends due to those factors were not apparent, a discriminant analysis was able to correctly identify 45 of 48 juice samples by genotype, based on their polyphenol profiles. This type of characterization could be beneficial in elderberry authentication studies and to help develop and document high-quality dietary supplement products with specific phytochemical contents.

Changes in renal gene expression associated with induced ochratoxicosis in chickens: activation and deactivation of transcripts after varying durations of exposure.

Exposure to ochratoxin A (OTA) can lead to changes in global gene expression. This study investigated the individual expression of genes turned on and off in renal cells of chicks after different durations of exposure to dietary OTA. One hundred and eighty day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (3 levels of OTA: 0, 1 and 2 mg OTA/kg diet and 3 time periods: 7, 14 and 21 d). Birds were allocated to 36 pens (4 replicate pens of 5 birds each per treatment). For RNA-Sequencing analysis (RNA-Seq), kidney samples were collected weekly from 3 controls and 3 chicks fed 1 mg OTA/kg. Birds fed 2 mg OTA/kg diet were not chosen for analysis because their reduced feed intake could affect gene expression. The libraries were constructed by Illumina's TruSeq RNA protocol. NextGENe software was used for alignment and transcript quantification. Reads per kilobase of target per million tiled reads (RPKM) were used in the Binary test analysis (P < 0.05). The highest RPKM values were used as criterion for the selection of the genes described. A total of 27,638,976 50-bp RNA-Seq reads were produced over the 3 time periods. Transcripts (40,782) were assembled de novo and annotated by homology to either G. gallus or H. sapiens. The genes activated at 7 d were IL9 and TULP1, at 14 d was GHSR and at 21 d were GRK6 and GAPDH. Unlike all other genes, LOC396365 was activated during all time periods. In contrast, the genes deactivated at 7 d were SPAG4 and LOC100857131, at 14 d were LOC771469, NKX2-1, NKX2-8, FOXO1, MyHC and CLDN18 and at 21 d was XPC. The B-G gene was turned off at 7 and 21 d. All of these genes were involved in kidney toxicity. Therefore, the turning on and off responses of these genes may contribute to carcinogenic and tumorigenic effects of OTA in birds.

Adsorption of the mycotoxin zearalenone by clinoptilolite and phillipsite zeolites treated with cetylpyridinium surfactant.

In this study, organozeolites were prepared by treatment of the natural zeolites (clinoptilolite and phillipsite) with cetylpyridinium chloride (CP) equivalent to 50 and 100% of their external cation exchange capacities (ECEC). Organoclinoptilolites (ZCPs) and organophillipsites (PCPs) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, determination of the point of zero charge and zeta potential. Adsorption of zearalenone (ZEN) by ZCPs and PCPs at pH 3 and 7 was investigated. Results showed that adsorption of ZEN increases with increasing amounts of CP at the zeolitic surfaces for both ZCPs and PCPs but the adsorption mechanism was different. Adsorption of ZEN by ZCPs followed a linear type of isotherm at pH 3 and 7 while ZEN adsorption by PCPs showed non linear (Langmuir and Freundlich) type of isotherm at both pH values. Different interactions between the ZEN molecule (or ion) and ZCPs and PCPs occurred: partition (linear isotherms) and adsorption in addition to partition (non linear isotherms), respectively. For the highest level of organic phase at the zeolitic surfaces, the maximum adsorbed amount of ZEN was 5.73mg/g for organoclinoptilolite and 6.86mg/g for organophillipsite at pH 3. Slightly higher adsorption: 6.98mg/g for organoclinoptilolite and 7.54mg/g for organophillipsite was achieved at pH 7. The results confirmed that CP ions at both zeolitic surfaces are responsible for ZEN adsorption and that organophillipsites are as effective in ZEN adsorption as organoclinoptilolites.