Protective effects of sodium humate and its zinc and selenium chelate on the oxidative stress, inflammatory, and intestinal barrier damage of Salmonella Typhimurium-challenged broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of dietary administration of sodium humate (HNa) and its zinc and selenium chelate (Zn/Se-HNa) in mitigating Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhi) induced intestinal injury in broiler chickens. Following the gavage of 109 CFU S. Typhi to 240 broilers from 21-d to 23-d aged, various growth performance parameters such as body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed ratio (FCR) were measured before and after infection. Intestinal morphology was assessed to determine the villus height, crypt depth, and chorionic cryptologic ratio. To evaluate intestinal barrier integrity, levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid, tight junction proteins, and the related genes were measured in each group of broilers. An analysis was conducted on inflammatory-related cytokines, oxidase activity, and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) and Nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway-related proteins and mRNA expression. The results revealed a significant decrease in BW, ADG, and FCR in S. typhi-infected broilers. HNa tended to increase FCR (P = 0.056) while the supplementation of Zn/Se-HNa significantly restored BW and ADG (P < 0.05). HNa and Zn/Se-HNa exhibit favorable and comparable effects in enhancing the levels of serum DAO, D-lactate, and mRNA and protein expression of jejunum and ileal tight junction. In comparison to HNa, Zn/Se-HNa demonstrates a greater reduction in S. Typhi shedding in feces, as well as superior efficacy in enhancing the intestinal morphology, increasing serum catalase (CAT) activity, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, Zn/Se-HNa was a more effective treatment than HNa to alleviate adverse impact of S. Typhi infection in broiler chickens.

Ecotoxic effect in Allium cepa due to sphalerite weathering arising in calcareous conditions.

The ecotoxic effect of Zn species arising from the weathering of the marmatite-like sphalerite ((Fe, Zn)S) in Allium cepa systems was herein evaluated in calcareous soils and connected with its sulfide oxidation mechanism to determine the chemical speciation responsible of this outcome. Mineralogical analyses (X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy), chemical study of leachates (total Fe, Zn, Cd, oxidation-reduction potential, pH, sulfates and total alkalinity) and electrochemical assessments (chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were carried out using (Fe, Zn)S samples to elucidate interfacial mechanisms simulating calcareous soil conditions. Results indicate the formation of polysulfides (Sn2-), elemental sulfur (S0), siderite (FeCO3)-like, hematite (Fe2O3)-like with sorbed CO32- species, gunningite (ZnSO4·H2O)-like phase and smithsonite (ZnCO3)-like compounds in altered surface under calcareous conditions. However, the generation of gunningite (ZnSO4·H2O)-like phase was predominant bulk-solution system. Quantification of damage rates ranges from 75 to 90% of bulb cells under non-carbonated conditions after 15-30 days, while 50-75% of damage level is determined under neutral-alkaline carbonated conditions. Damage ratios are 70.08 and 30.26 at the highest level, respectively. These findings revealed lower ecotoxic damage due to ZnCO3-like precipitation, indicating the effect of carbonates on Zn compounds during vegetable up-taking (exposure). Other environmental suggestions of the (Fe, Zn)S weathering and ecotoxic effects under calcareous soil conditions are discussed.

Effects of Supplementing Zinc Magnesium Aspartate on Sleep Quality and Submaximal Weightlifting Performance, following Two Consecutive Nights of Partial Sleep Deprivation.

Purpose: We examined whether supplementation of zinc magnesium aspartate (ZMA), while partially sleep deprived, was beneficial to sleep quality and subsequent morning (07:00 h) submaximal weightlifting. Methods: Using a double-blinded, randomized counterbalanced design, sixteen trained males were recruited and completed six sessions: (i) one repetition max (1 RM) for bench press and back squat; (ii) two familiarisation sessions; (iii) three conditions with 4 h sleep and either: ZMA, placebo (PLA), or NoPill control (NoPill). Submaximal exercise session consisted of three repetitions at 40, 60 and 80% of 1 RM for bench press and back squat. Average power (AP), average velocity (AV), peak velocity (PV), displacement (D) and time-to-peak velocity (tPV) were recorded using MuscleLab linear encoders. Data were analysed using a general linear model with repeated measures and linear correlation. Results: No significant main effect for condition was found for performance values or subjective ratings of fatigue. Main effect for "load" on the bar was found, where AP and tPV values increased with load (p < 0.05). No significant relationship between dose of zinc or magnesium ingested and change in performance for 80% 1 RM power-outputs was found. Conclusion: Supplementation of ZMA for two nights of partial sleep deprivation had no effect on sleep or subsequent morning performance.

Bioaccumulation of CdSe Quantum Dots Show Biochemical and Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium selenium quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with modified surfaces exhibit superior dispersion stability and high fluorescence yield, making them desirable biological probes. The knowledge of cellular and biochemical toxicity has been lacking, and there is little information on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data. The current study was carried out to assess the toxicity of CdSe QDs after intravenous injection in Wistar male rats (230 g). The rats were given a single dose of QDs of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg and were kept for 30 days. Following that, various biochemical assays, hematological parameters, and bioaccumulation studies were carried out. Functional as well as clinically significant changes were observed. There was a significant increase in WBC while the RBC decreased. This suggested that CdSe quantum dots had inflammatory effects on the treated rats. The various biochemical assays clearly showed that high dose induced hepatic injury. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, bioaccumulation studies revealed that the spleen (120 g/g), liver (78 g/g), and lungs (38 g/g) accumulated the most. In treated Wistar rats, the bioretention profile of QDs was in the following order: the spleen, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, brain, and testis. The accumulation of these QDs induced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, resulting in an alteration in antioxidant activity. It is concluded that these QDs caused oxidative stress, which harmed cellular functions and, under certain conditions, caused partial brain, kidney, spleen, and liver dysfunction. This is one of the most comprehensive in vivo studies on the nanotoxicity of CdSe quantum dots.

Ferric Pyrophosphate Forms Soluble Iron Coordination Complexes with Zinc Compounds and Solubilizing Agents in Extruded Rice and Predicts Increased Iron Solubility and Bioavailability in Young Women.

BACKGROUND: Co-extrusion of ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) with solubilizers, citric acid/trisodium citrate (CA/TSC), or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sharply increases iron absorption. Whether this can protect against the inhibition of iron absorption by phytic acid (PA) is unclear. Sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP) may be a new enhancer of iron absorption from FePP. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to 1) investigate the ligand coordination of iron, zinc, and solubilizers in extruded rice and test associations with iron solubility and absorption, 2) assess whether co-extrusion of FePP + CA/TSC rice can protect against inhibition of iron absorption by PA; 3) determine the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and 4) quantify iron absorption from FePP + NaPP rice. METHODS: We produced labeled 57FePP rice cofortified with ZnSO4 and EDTA, CA/TSC or NaPP, and FePP + EDTA rice with ZnO. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to characterize iron-ligand complexes. We measured in vitro iron solubility and fractional iron absorption (FIA) in young women (n = 21, age: 22 ± 2 y, BMI: 21.3 ± 1.5 kg/m2 geometric mean plasma ferritin, 28.5 µg/L) compared with ferrous sulfate (58FeSO4). FIA was compared by linear mixed-effect model analysis. RESULTS: The addition of zinc and solubilizers created new iron coordination complexes of Fe(III) species with a weak ligand field at a high-spin state that correlated with solubility (r2 = 0.50, P = 0.02) and absorption (r2 = 0.72, P = 0.02). Phytic acid reduced FIA from FePP + CA/TSC rice by 50% (P < 0.001), to the same extent as FeSO4. FIA from FePP + EDTA + ZnO and FePP + EDTA + ZnSO4 rice did not significantly differ. Mean FIAs from FePP + EDTA + ZnSO4, FePP + CA/TSC + ZnSO4, and FePP + NaPP + ZnSO4 rice were 9% to 11% and did not significantly differ from each other or from FeSO4. CONCLUSION: Rice extrusion of FePP with solubilizers resulted in bioavailable iron coordination complexes. In the case of FePP + CA/TSC, PA exerted similar inhibition of FIA as with FeSO4. FePP + NaPP could be a further viable solubilizing agent for rice fortification. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03703739.

Effects of dietary zinc chloride hydroxide and zinc methionine on the immune system and blood profile of healthy adult horses and ponies.

The effects of dietary zinc on the immune function of equines have not been evaluated in detail so far. In the present study, eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were fed a diet supplemented with either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine in six feeding periods of four weeks each (according to maintenance zinc requirement, 120 mg zinc/kg dry matter, and 240 mg zinc/kg dry matter, for both dietary zinc supplements, respectively). All animals received the six diets, with increasing amounts of zinc chloride hydroxide in the feeding periods 1-3, and with increasing amounts of zinc methionine in the feeding periods 4-6. At the end of each feeding period, blood samples were collected for a blood profile and the measurement of selected immune variables. Increasing dietary zinc chloride hydroxide doses increased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the erythrocyte lysate, decreased the numbers of total leukocytes and granulocytes in the blood, and also decreased the interleukin-2 concentrations in the plasma of the animals. The dietary supplementation of increasing doses of zinc methionine enhanced the mitogen-stimulated proliferative activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and decreased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the plasma of the animals. The percentage of blood monocytes with oxidative burst after in vitro stimulation with E. coli decreased with increasing dietary zinc concentrations, independently of the zinc compound used. The blood profile demonstrated effects of the zinc supplements on the red blood cells and the bilirubin metabolism of the horses and ponies, which require further investigation. Overall, high doses of dietary zinc modulate the equine immune system, for the most part also depending on the zinc compound used.

Efficacy and Safety of Polaprezinc-Based Therapy versus the Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most prevalent etiology of gastritis worldwide. H. pylori management depends mainly on antibiotics, especially the triple therapy formed of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and proton pump inhibitors. Lately, many antibiotic-resistant strains have emerged, leading to a decrease in the eradication rates of H. pylori. Polaprezinc (PZN), a mucosal protective zinc-L-carnosine complex, may be a non-antibiotic agent to treat H. pylori without the risk of resistance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a PZN-based regimen for the eradication of H. pylori. This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from WOS, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed, and Google Scholar until 25 July 2022. We used the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We registered our protocol in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022349231. We included 3 trials with a total of 396 participants who were randomized to either PZN plus triple therapy (n = 199) or triple therapy alone (control) (n = 197). Pooled OR found a statistical difference favoring the PZN arm in the intention to treat and per protocol H. pylori eradication rates (OR: 2.01 with 95% CI [1.27, 3.21], p = 0.003) and (OR: 2.65 with 95% CI [1.55, 4.54], p = 0.0004), respectively. We found no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the total adverse events (OR: 1.06 with 95% CI [0.55, 2.06], p = 0.85). PZN, when added to the triple therapy, yielded a better effect concerning the eradication rates of H. pylori with no difference in adverse event rates, and thus can be considered a valuable adjuvant for the management of H. pylori. However, the evidence is still scarce, and larger trials are needed to confirm or refute our findings.

Phthalocyanine-Based Nanoassembly with Switchable Fluorescence and Photoactivities for Tumor Imaging and Phototherapy.

Switchable theranostics are of great interest for accurate tumor imaging and targeted therapy. Here, we develop smart engineering to construct nanostructured phthalocyanines self-assembled by amphiphilic zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) and hydrophobic copper phthalocyanines (CuPcs) (ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N, where ZnPc(PEG)5 is monosubstituted ZnPcs with pentaethylene glycol as the substituent). The fluorescence and reactive oxygen species generation of ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N can be triggered depending on the membrane of the tumor cells for the imaging and photoactivities. Concerning the stability in blood circulation, the surface of the nanocomplex is coated with polydopamine, which responds to the tumor acidic microenvironment. ZnPc(PEG)5 and CuPc focus on photodynamic and photothermal properties, respectively, and can be stimulated by a single laser beam, endowing ZnPc(PEG)5:CuPc-N a combined antitumor effect from evaluations both in vitro and in vivo. In our study, the mechanism of switchable theranostics, the strategy of combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy, and the smart nanoengineering technology of phthalocyanines with poor water solubility can be applied to other phthalocyanines or phthalocyanine-like phototherapy agents.

Colorimetric assay based on peroxidase-like activity of dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide-tetramethyl zinc (4-pyridinyl) porphyrin for detection of organophosphorus pesticides.

A simple and sensitive colorimetric assay for detecting organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) was developed based on 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB)-tetramethyl zinc (4-pyridinyl) porphyrin (ZnTPyP). In this system, based on the peroxidase-like activity of DTAB-ZnTPyP, H2O2 decomposes to produce hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize TMB, resulting in blue oxidation products. The OPs (trichlorfon, dichlorvos, and thimet) were first combined with DTAB-ZnTPyP through electrostatic interactions. The OPs caused a decrease in the peroxidase-like activity of DTAB-ZnTPyP due to spatial site blocking. At the same time, π-interactions occurred between them, and these interactions also inhibited the oxidation of TMB (652 nm), thus making the detection of OPs possible. The limits of detection for trichlorfon, dichlorvos, and thimet were 0.25, 1.02, and 0.66 µg/L, respectively, and the corresponding linear ranges were 1-35, 5-45, and 1-40 µg/L, respectively. Moreover, the assay was successfully used to determine OPs in cabbage, apple, soil, and traditional Chinese medicine samples (the recovery ratios were 91.8-109.8%), showing a great promising potential for detecting OPs also in other complex samples.

Protective Effect of Polaprezinc and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Radiation-induced Small Intestinal Damage in Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the effect of polaprezinc (antioxidant) administration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on radiation-induced intestinal injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five C57BL/6J mice underwent total body radiation of 2 Gy. Polaprezinc was given in 12 mice, hyperbaric oxygen in 12 mice, and both in 12 mice. The other 9 mice did not undergo any treatment. Mice were sacrificed 2, 4, and 6 h after radiation, and 9 specimens (3 each from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) were harvested. Apoptotic intestinal crypt cells were histologically evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: Apoptotic cell number per 1,000 crypt cells was 31.0±6.7 at 2 h, 28.4±5.2 at 4 h, and 32.9±5.1 at 6 h in the mice group treated by radiation alone. Both polaprezinc administration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly suppressed apoptosis. Although the effect of polaprezinc administration on suppressing apoptosis became less over time (4.9±5.7 and 19.4±13.2 at 2 and 6 h, respectively), that of hyperbaric oxygen therapy was stable regardless of time (23.6±4.8 and 25.8±4.1 at 2 and 6 h). Administration of both polaprezinc and hyperbaric oxygen showed a significant synergetic or additive effect on suppressing apoptosis at 6 h (11.4±10.5, p<0.0035 vs. polaprezinc, p<0.0001 vs. hyperbaric oxygen). CONCLUSION: Both polaprezinc administration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are effective in relieving radiation-induced small intestinal damage, and a synergistic or additive effect is expected when using both.

Enhanced photodegradation of rifampicin and co-trimoxazole by ZnO/ZnMn2O4/ZnS-PVA and its genotoxicity studies on Allium cepa.

Oxygen vacancies and its associated defect states have a great influence on the electronic and structural aspects of semiconductor photocatalysts, yet there is paucity of investigations about the influence of the defect states on their photocatalytic properties. Herein, this study reports the hierarchical fabrication of oxygen vacancy enriched ZnO/ZnMn2O4/ZnS-PVA nanocomposite (NCs) for the enhanced photodegradation of rifampicin and co-trimoxazole. The formation of lattice expansion induced oxygen vacancies and its associated Urbach tail energy, and n-p-n heterojunction-based S-scheme charge transfer path synergistically contributed to the boosted photocatalytic performance of the as prepared NCs. The photocatalytic performance of the nanomaterial towards rifampicin and co-trimoxazole has been determined to be 80% and 90% under visible light irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, various operating parameters including the concentration of NCs and drug, pH and interference of various ions have been evaluated. The degraded product intermediates have been elucidated by GC-MS analysis. The toxicity of the as-prepared nanomaterials has been evaluated by treating the samples with root tips of Allium cepa, where the NCs was found to be non-toxic. The study provides a new-fangled insight on the preparation and fabrication of non-toxic and defect rich nanomaterials which may help stimulate this area of research.

Zinc carnosine: Frontiers advances of supplement for cancer therapy.

Zinc (Zn) has an existence within large quantities in the human brain, while accumulating within synaptic vesicle. There is growing evidence that Zn metabolic equilibrium breaking participates into different diseases (e.g., vascular dementia, carcinoma, Alzheimer's disease). Carnosine refers to an endogenic dipeptide abundant in skeletal muscle and brains and exerts a variety of positive influences (e.g., carcinoma resistance, crosslinking resistance, metal chelation and oxidation limitation). A complex of Zn and carnosine, called Zinc-L-carnosine (ZnC), has been extensively employed within Zn supplement therapeutic method and the treating approach for ulcers. ZnC has been shown to play a variety of roles in the body, including inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) and free radical levels, inhibiting inflammation, supplementing zinc enzymes and promoting wound healing and mucosal cell repair. The present study conducting a reviewing process for the advances of ZnC in tumor adjuvant therapy.

Drug repositioning of polaprezinc for bone fracture healing.

Fractures and related complications are a common challenge in the field of skeletal tissue engineering. Vitamin D and calcium are the only broadly available medications for fracture healing, while zinc has been recognized as a nutritional supplement for healthy bones. Here, we aimed to use polaprezinc, an anti-ulcer drug and a chelate form of zinc and L-carnosine, as a supplement for fracture healing. Polaprezinc induced upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes and enhanced the osteogenic potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and osteoclast differentiation potential of mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes. In mouse experimental models with bone fractures, oral administration of polaprezinc accelerated fracture healing and maintained a high number of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the fracture areas. Collectively, polaprezinc promotes the fracture healing process efficiently by enhancing the activity of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, we suggest that drug repositioning of polaprezinc would be helpful for patients with fractures.

Dose-Dependent Efficacy of Umbelliferone and Gelatin-Coated ZnO/ZnS Core-Shell Nanoparticles: A Novel Arthritis Agent for Severe Knee Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune disorder that affects 1% of the global population. Zinc (Zn) is crucial for bone homeostasis, when compared with normal human bone, Zn level found to be decreased in RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Notably, Zn-based medicinal products play a prominent role in reducing disease symptoms and acute side effects of patients with bone-related diseases. In this study, we report the clinical efficiency of gelatin- (Gel-) coated ZnO-ZnS core-shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) with umbelliferon (Uf) drug (Uf-Gel-ZnO-ZnS CSNPs) on the normal and CIA-induced Wistar rats. The formed ZnO-ZnS CSNPs are spherical in shape, with an average particle diameter of 150 ± 7 nm. It showed strong cytocompatibility when tested on L929 and foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) cells by MTT assay. While comparing with free Uf, various doses (2.5 and 5 mg) of Uf-Gel-ZnO-ZnS CSNPs showed strong inhibition of CIA by attenuated proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1ß, IL-6, PEG2, and IL-17. The Uf-Gel-ZnO-ZnS CSNPs show more effectiveness in reducing joint swelling and also increase the level of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, CSNPs significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the knee joint. Thus, the current study concludes that Uf-Gel-ZnO-ZnS CSNPs feasibly reduce the incidence of arthritis in a dose-dependent manner by attenuation of inflammation.

Inhibitory effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II inhibitor (KN93) on Cd2+-induced abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability.

Cadmium (Cd) could reduce abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability, however, there are few studies on the detoxification of Cd-reduced cell membrane toxicity. In the present study, we firstly studied the effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II inhibitor (KN93) on cell membrane permeability, respectively; then, we studied the inhibitory effects of ZnCl2, NAC, and KN93 on Cd2+-induced abnormal cell membrane permeability by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) scanning imaging, transverse scanning curve and DPV technology. Our results showed that 10 µmol·L-1 ZnCl2, 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 µmol·L-1 KN93 could significantly improve the activity of MCF-7 cells, while did not destroy the cell morphology and membrane permeability. 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 µmol·L-1 KN93 could significantly inhibit the effects of Cd2+ on the morphology and membrane permeability of MCF-7 cells (p < 0.01). 10 µmol·L-1 ZnCl2 could significantly inhibit the effect of Cd on the membrane permeability of MCF-7 cells, however, it cannot completely eliminate the morphological changes of MCF-7 cells caused by Cd2+. The results of cell activity experiment showed that 10 µmol·L-1 ZnCl2, 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 µmol·L-1 KN93 could inhibit the effect of Cd2+ on the activity of MCF-7 cells. By comparing the inhibitory effects of ZnCl2, NAC and KN93 on Cd2+- induced cytotoxicity, 5 µmol·L-1 KN93 had the robust effect on the maintenance of MCF-7 cell morphology and cell membrane integrity. Our research provided evidence on Zn supplement, NAC as antioxidant drugs, and KN93 as special inhibitor for the detoxification of Cd2+-reduced abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability.

Antifungal activity of Zinc nitrate derived nano Zno fungicide synthesized from Trachyspermum ammi to control fruit rot disease of grapefruit.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a widely grown citrus and its fruit is affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic stress. Keeping in view the hazardous effects of synthetic fungicides, the recent trend is shifting towards safer and eco-friendly control of fruit diseases. The present study was aimed to diagnose the fruit rot disease of grapefruit and its control by using zinc oxide green nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Fruit rot symptoms were observed in various grapefruit growing sites of Pakistan. Diseased samples were collected, and the disease-causing pathogen was isolated. Following Koch's postulates, the isolated pathogen was identified as Rhizoctonia solani. For eco-friendly control of this disease, ZnO NPs were prepared in the seed extract of Trachyspermum ammi and characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of these NPs described the presence of stabilizing and reducing compounds such as phenols, aldehyde and vinyl ether, especially thymol (phenol). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed their crystalline nature and size (48.52 nm). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis elaborated the presence of major elements in the samples, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the morphology of bio fabricated NPs. ZnO NPs exhibited very good anti-fungal activity and the most significant fungal growth inhibition was observed at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of green NPs, in vitro and in vivo. These findings described that the bioactive constituents of T. ammi seed extract can effectively reduce and stabilize ZnO NPs. It is a cost-effective method to successfully control the fruit rot disease of grapefruit.

Dual-mode detection of dopamine based on 0D/2D/2D CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot-black phosphorous nanosheet-TiO2 nanosheet nanocomposites.

In this work, we designed new dual-mode "turn-on" electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors for the detection of dopamine (DA) based on 0D/2D/2D CuInS2/ZnS quantum dot (QD)-black phosphorous nanosheet (BPNS)-TiO2 nanosheet (TiO2NS) nanocomposites. QDs can not only improve the photocurrent of the developed PEC sensors, but also provide the electrochemical signal in the EC detection. BPNSs as p-type semiconductor with high conductive properties work as electron acceptors and are utilized to improve the sensitivity of the DA PEC and EC sensors. Under irradiation of visible light or the applied voltage, DA is both excited and releases electrons, realizing "turn-on" detection. The PEC sensors have a linear range of 0.1-100 µM with a lower detection limit of 0.028 µM. For the EC detection, BPNSs can accelerate electron transfer which attribute to its excellent conductivity. In the range of 1-200 µM, the working curve of DA detection by the EC sensors was established and the detection limit is 0.88 µM. Comparing the two methods, the PEC sensors have a lower detection limit, and the EC sensors have a wider monitoring range. The dual-mode sensors of EC and PEC pave an effective way for the detection in biological and medical fields.

Impact of Dietary Zinc Chloride Hydroxide and Zinc Methionine on the Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Adult Horses and Ponies.

Zinc supplements are often used in equine nutrition to support skin and hoof quality or the immune function. However, no data on the effects of dietary zinc on the intestinal microbiota of horses and ponies are available so far. In the present study, varying dietary zinc concentrations (maintenance (4 mg/kg BW0.75/day), 120 mg/kg dry matter (DM)/day and 240 mg/kg DM/day) were achieved by the supplementation of either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine (six treatment periods of 4 weeks each). Eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were included, and faecal samples were collected at the end of each treatment period to analyse the microbiota (16S rDNA sequencing) and microbial metabolites. With increasing dietary zinc concentrations, the richness of the faecal microbiota decreased, independently of the zinc compound used. In addition, a decrease of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres as well as of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of the animals was observed at high zinc intakes. Effects on the bacterial order, family and genus level were also detected, which were partly more pronounced for zinc chloride hydroxide. It can be concluded that high dietary zinc levels decrease the richness and fermentative activity of the faecal microbiota of horses and ponies. Although all animals were healthy throughout the study, the effects could be critical for gut health, and deserve more research. The detected differences between the zinc compounds used indicate differences in the bioavailability of organic and inorganic zinc sources in equines.

Zinc is an essential element for the maintenance of redox homeostasis and cell cycle in murine auditory hair cells.

A nutrition deficiency is one of the various causes of hearing loss. Zinc is an essential element for cell proliferation, antioxidant reactions, and the maintenance of hearing ability. Our previous studies have reported that the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold is increased in mice fed with zinc-deficient diets. However, the molecular mechanism of zinc involved in auditory system remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the detrimental effects of zinc deficiency on cell cycle progression in murine auditory cells (HEI-OC1). The treatment of HEI-OC1 cells with 0.5 µM TPEN (N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine) for 24 h inhibited cell proliferation, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induction of apoptosis. The cell proliferation block was caused by a G1/S phase arrest. Supplementation of the cell growth medium with 5 µM ZnCl2 after exposure to TPEN attenuated ROS accumulation and the arrest caused by the zinc deficiency. The ABR threshold was elevated in mice fed with a zinc-deficient diet. Additionally, we observed an increased expression of p21 and decreased expression of cyclin E and pRb in the spiral ganglion (SG), the organ of Corti (OC), Limbus (L), and stria vascularis (SV) in the zinc-deficient mouse cochlea. These results indicated that zinc is an essential nutrient for proliferation via the cell cycle and that a dysregulation of the cell cycle may cause hearing loss.

Capability of novel fluorescence DNA-conjugated CdTe/ZnS quantum dots nanoprobe for COVID-19 sensing.

Urgent identification of COVID-19 in infected patients is highly important nowadays. Förster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful and sensitive method for nanosensing applications, and quantum dots are essential materials in FRET-based nanosensors. The QDs are conjugated to DNA or RNA and used in many applications. Therefore, in the present study, novel fluorescence DNA-conjugated CdTe/ZnS quantum dots nanoprobe designed for detection of Covid-19 after extracting their RNA from saliva of hesitant people. For achieving this purpose, the water-soluble CdTe/ZnS QDs-DNA prepared via replacing the thioglycolic acid (TGA) on the surface of QDs with capture DNA (thiolated DNA) throw a ligand-exchange method. Subsequently, by adding the different concentrations of complementary (target DNA) in a mixture of quencher DNA (BHQ2-labeled DNA) and the QDs-DNA conjugates at different conditions, sandwiched hybrids were formed. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity was decreased with increasing the concentration of target DNA (as a positive control). The linear equation and regression (Y = 40.302 X  + 1 and R2 = 0.98) were obtained by using the Stern-Volmer relationship. The Limit of detection (LOD) was determined 0.000823 µM. The achieved results well confirm the outcomes of the RT-PCR method in real samples.