Mobile phone call reminders to improve oral rehydration salt and zinc adherence for acute diarrhea in children: a single-center, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low-osmolarity oral rehydration salt (ORS) and zinc therapy effectively manage diarrhea in children under five years of age, offering both short- and long-term benefits. Despite this, caregivers' adherence to ORS and zinc is often unsatisfactory due to factors such as forgetfulness, resolution of symptoms, and underestimation of the disease's severity. This study assessed the effect of mobile call reminders on ORS and zinc tablet adherence among children with acute diarrhea in a secondary-level health facility in Kwara State, Nigeria. METHODS: Using an open-label, randomized controlled trial design, this study compared caregiver-child pairs with acute diarrhea aged 6-59 months who received standard instructions (SI) alone (control group) and an intervention group (IG) who received SI plus phone call reminders on days three and seven of zinc sulfate therapy. All participants used a pictorial diary to track loose/watery stools and ORS and zinc tablet treatments for ten days. The primary outcome measures were independent and combined adherence to ORS and zinc therapy. The secondary outcomes were independent and combined adherence scores, defined as the percentage of times the ORS was given post-diarrhea and the percentage of prescribed zinc tablets administered out of ten. RESULTS: A total of 364/400 mother-child pairs completed the study. The percentage of mothers with full adherence in the intervention group was 82.5% for ORS, 72.1% for zinc, and 58.5% for combined use, compared to 78.8%, 60.8%, and 43.6%, respectively, in the control group. The odds of full adherence to ORS and zinc were 1.6 and 1.7 times higher among intervention mothers [ORS: OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 0.939-2.598, P = 0.085; zinc: OR = 1.671, 95% CI = 1.076-2.593, P = 0.022], and 1.8 times higher for combined use according to WHO guidelines [OR = 1.818, 95% CI = 1.200-2.754, P = 0.005]. The mean adherence scores for the intervention group were higher than those for the control group by 4.1% (95% CI = 0.60-7.60) for ORS, 7.3% (95% CI = 3.74-10.86) for zinc, and 5.7% (95% CI = 3.23-8.17) for the combined treatment. CONCLUSION: Phone reminders can effectively improve consistency of home treatment administered by caregivers for children under five years old. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered retrospectively (17/3/2023) with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202301560735856).

Ocoxin Oral Solution Triggers DNA Damage and Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the most fatal of all the reproductive cancers within the female population, mainly due to its late diagnosis that limits surgery and medical treatment. Classically, ovarian cancer therapy has included conventional chemotherapy, and other therapeutic approaches are now being used to treat these patients, but the outcomes of the disease are still poor. Therefore, new strategies are needed to improve life expectancy and life quality of ovarian cancer patients. Considering that, we investigated the effect of the nutritional supplement Ocoxin Oral Solution (OOS) in ovarian cancer models. OOS contains several nutritional supplements, some of them with demonstrated antitumoral action. In vitro studies showed that OOS inhibited the proliferation of several ovarian cancer cell lines, especially of those representative of the endometrioid subtype, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A fast cell death induction after OOS treatment was observed, and when the molecular mechanisms leading to this effect were investigated, an activation of the DNA damage checkpoint was detected, as shown by activation (phosphorylation) of CHK1 and CHK2 kinases that was followed by the phosphorylation of the target protein histone H2AX. When tested in animal models of ovarian cancer, OOS reduced tumor growth without any observed secondary effects. Moreover, such reduction in tumor proliferation was caused by the induction of DNA damage as corroborated by the in vivo phosphorylation of CHK2 and Histone H2AX. Finally, OOS potentiated the action of carboplatin or olaparib, the standard of care treatments used in ovarian clinics, opening the possibility of including OOS in combination with those standard of care agents in patients with ovarian cancer.

Revealing the Effects of Zinc Sulphate Treatment on Melatonin Synthesis and Regulatory Gene Expression in Germinating Hull-Less Barley through Transcriptomic Analysis.

This study investigated the transcriptomic mechanisms underlying melatonin accumulation and the enhancement of salt tolerance in hull-less barley seeds subjected to zinc sulphate stress. Following zinc sulphate treatment, hull-less barley seeds demonstrated increased melatonin accumulation and improved salt tolerance. Through transcriptome analysis, the study compared gene expression alterations in seeds (using the first letter of seed, this group is marked as 'S'), seeds treated with pure water (as the control group, is marked as 'C'), and germinated seeds exposed to varying concentrations of zinc sulphate (0.2 mM and 0.8 mM, the first letter of zinc sulphate, 'Z', is used to mark groups 'Z1' and 'Z2'). The analysis revealed that 8176, 759, and 622 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the three comparison groups S.vs.C, C.vs.Z1, and C.vs.Z2, respectively. Most of the DEGs were closely associated with biological processes, including oxidative-stress response, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and plant hormone signaling. Notably, zinc sulphate stress influenced the expression levels of Tryptophan decarboxylase 1 (TDC1), Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase 1 (ASMT1), and Serotonin N-acetyltransferase 2 (SNAT2), which are key genes involved in melatonin synthesis. Furthermore, the expression changes of genes such as Probable WRKY transcription factor 75 (WRKY75) and Ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF13 (EFR13) exhibited a strong correlation with fluctuations in melatonin content. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying melatonin enrichment in response to zinc sulphate stress.

Enhancing zinc biofortification and mitigating cadmium toxicity in soil-earthworm-spinach systems using different zinc sources.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses significant threats to soil organisms and human health by contaminating the food chain. This study aimed to assess the impact of various concentrations (50, 250, and 500 mg·kg-1) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), bulk ZnO, and ZnSO4 on morphological changes and toxic effects of Cd in the presence of earthworms and spinach. The results showed that Zn application markedly improved spinach growth parameters (such as fresh weight, plant height, root length, and root-specific surface area) and root morphology while significantly reducing Cd concentration and Cd bioconcentration factors (BCF-Cd) in spinach and earthworms, with ZnO NPs exhibiting the most pronounced effects. Earthworm, spinach root, and shoot Cd concentration decreased by 82.3 %, 77.0 %, and 75.6 %, respectively, compared to CK. Sequential-step extraction (BCR) analysis revealed a shift in soil Cd from stable to available forms, consistent with the available Cd (DTPA-Cd) results. All Zn treatments significantly reduced Cd accumulation, alleviated Cd-induced stress, and promoted spinach growth, with ZnO NPs demonstrating the highest Cd reduction and Zn bioaugmentation efficiencies compared to bulk ZnO and ZnSO4 at equivalent concentrations. Therefore, ZnO NPs offer a safer and more effective option for agricultural production and soil heavy metal pollution management than other Zn fertilizers.

Zinc proteinate with moderate chelation strength enhances zinc absorption by upregulating the expression of zinc and amino acid transporters in primary cultured duodenal epithelial cells of broiler embryos.

Recent study showed that zinc (Zn) and amino acid transporters may be involved in enhancing Zn absorption from Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength (Zn-Prot M) in the duodenum of broilers. However, the specific mechanisms by which Zn-Prot M promotes the above Zn absorption are unknown. Therefore, in this study, 3 experiments were conducted to investigate specific and direct effects of Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate (ZnS) on Zn absorption and expression of related transporters in primary duodenal epithelial cells of broiler embryos so as to preliminarily address possible mechanisms. In experiment 1, cells were treated with 100 µmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 min. Experiment 2 consisted of 3 sub-experiments. In experiment 2A, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 100 or 200 µmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 60 min; in experiment 2B, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 200 µmol Zn/L of as the ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min; in experiment 2C, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 400 or 800 µmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min. In experiment 3, cells were treated with a Zn-unsupplemented basal medium (Control) or the basal medium supplemented with 400 µmol Zn/L as ZnS or Zn-Prot M for 120 min. The results of experiment 1 indicated that the minimum incubation time for saturable Zn absorption was determined to be 50.83 min using the best fit line. The results in experiment 2 demonstrated that a Zn concentration of 400 µmol/L and an incubation time of 120 min were suitable to increase the absorption of Zn from Zn-Prot M compared to ZnS. In experiment 3, Zn absorption across cell monolayers was significantly increased by Zn addition (P < 0.05), and was significantly greater with Zn-Prot M than with ZnS (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, Zn addition significantly decreased Zn transporter 10 and peptide-transporter 1 mRNA expression levels and increased y + L-type amino transporter 2 (y + LAT2) protein abundance (P < 0.05). Moreover, protein expression levels of zrt/irt-like protein 3 (ZIP3), zrt-irt-like protein 5 (ZIP5), and y + LAT2 were significantly greater for Zn-Prot M than for ZnS (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that Zn-Prot M promote Zn absorption by increasing ZIP3, ZIP5 and y + LAT2 protein expression levels in primary duodenal epithelial cells.

Our previous studies demonstrated that zinc (Zn) proteinate with moderate chelation strength (Zn-Prot M) exhibited the greatest bioavailability compared to the inorganic Zn sulfate (ZnS) and other organic Zn sources with either weak or strong chelation strength in broilers. Our recent study further showed that Zn and amino acid transporters could be potentially involved in promoting the absorption of Zn as Zn-Prot M in the duodenum of broilers. Nevertheless, further in vitro experiments are required to reveal the specific mechanisms by which Zn-Prot M promotes Zn absorption, where it is necessary first to investigate the specific and direct effect of Zn-Prot M on Zn absorption and the expression of Zn and amino acid transporters compared to that of ZnS. Therefore, we performed an in vitro study and found that Zn-Prot M increased Zn absorption and protein expression levels of the zrt­irt-like protein 3 (ZIP3), zrt­irt-like protein 5 (ZIP5), and y + L-type amino transporter 2 (y + LAT2) compared to ZnS, suggesting that ZIP3, ZIP5, and y + LAT2 might be involved in promoting the absorption of Zn from Zn-Prot M in the primary cultured duodenal epithelial cells of broiler embryos.

Mice learn to identify and discriminate sugar solutions based on odor cues.

This study examined how olfaction impacts ingestive responses of mice to sugar solutions. Experiment 1 asked whether naïve C57BL/6 (B6) mice could identify 1 M glucose, fructose, or sucrose solutions based on odor cues, during a 30-min 2-bottle acceptability test. We tested mice both before and after they were rendered anosmic with ZnSO4 treatment. We used 2 indirect measures of odor-mediated response: number of trials initiated and latency to initiate licking. Before ZnSO4 treatment, the mice learned how to identify 1 M glucose and fructose (but not sucrose) solutions based on odor cues. ZnSO4 treatment eliminated their ability to identify the glucose and fructose solutions. Experiment 2 asked whether 2 d of exposure to a 1 M glucose, fructose, or sucrose solution improved the identification of the same sugar solution. Following exposure, the B6 mice identified all 3 sugar solutions based on odor cues. Experiment 3 asked whether T1R3 knockout mice (i.e. mice lacking the T1R3 subunit of the T1R2 + R3 sweet taste receptor) could learn to discriminate 0.44 M glucose and fructose solutions based on odor cues. All mice were subjected to a 1-h preference test, both before and after exposure to the 0.44 M glucose and fructose solutions. During exposure, the experimental mice received ZnSO4 treatment, whereas the control mice received saline treatment. Before exposure, neither type of mouse preferred the glucose solution. After exposure, the control mice preferred the glucose solution, whereas the experimental mice did not. Our results reveal that mice can learn to use odor cues to identify and discriminate between sugar solutions.

Explorations on the antiviral potential of zinc and magnesium salts against chikungunya virus: implications for therapeutics.

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which causes chikungunya fever, is an arbovirus of public health concern with no approved antiviral therapies. A significant proportion of patients develop chronic arthritis after an infection. Zinc and magnesium salts help the immune system respond effectively against viral infections. This study explored the antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV infection. Methods: The highest non-toxic concentration of the salts (100 µM) was used to assess the prophylactic, virucidal, and therapeutic anti-CHIKV activities. Dose-dependent antiviral effects were investigated to find out the 50% inhibitory concentration of the salts. Entry bypass assay was conducted to find out whether the salts affect virus entry or post entry stages. Virus output in all these experiments was estimated using a focus-forming unit assay, real-time RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assay. Results: Different time- and temperature-dependent assays revealed the therapeutic antiviral activity of zinc and magnesium salts against CHIKV. A minimum exposure of 4 hours and treatment initiation within 1 to 2 hours of infection are required for inhibition of CHIKV. Entry assays revealed that zinc salt affected virus-entry. Entry bypass assays suggested that both salts affected post-entry stages of CHIKV. In infected C57BL6 mice orally fed with zinc and magnesium salts, a reduction in viral RNA copy number was observed. Conclusion: The study results suggest zinc salts exert anti-CHIKV activity at entry and post entry stages of the virus life cycle, while magnesium salt affect CHIKV at post entry stages. Overall, the study highlights the significant antiviral potential of zinc sulphate, zinc acetate, and magnesium sulphate against CHIKV, which can be exploited in designing potential therapeutic strategies for early treatment of chikungunya patients, thereby reducing the virus-associated persistent arthritis.

Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers.

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ±â€…20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.

Steroidal implants are a commonly used growth-enhancing technology that improves the efficiency of beef production. Steroidal implants increase muscle growth via increased net protein synthesis and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Various trace minerals (TM) are important in supporting growth and development. Zinc (Zn) is an essential TM that influences numerous enzymes, transcription factors, and is involved in nearly every signaling pathway in the body. Nutritionists routinely supplement Zn, amongst other TM, at concentrations greater than current recommendations. Previous work shows that increased Zn supplementation improves growth performance in steers given a steroidal implant. The objective of this study was to better understand the effects of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth, carcass characteristics, TM status, blood metabolites, and skeletal muscle mRNA abundance. In this study, there is evidence that steroidal implant administration increases tissue Zn demand as plasma Zn decreases following implant administration when growth rates are greatest. Our results also provide preliminary data outlining the impact of zinc and steroidal implants on mRNA abundance of skeletal muscle gene expression.

Protective effects of polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum against zinc and copper-induced testicular toxicity in male mice.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of copper (CuSO4) and zinc (ZnSO4) overload on male reproductive toxicity and the potential of a polysaccharide extracted from green alga Chaetomorpha linum (PS) in mitigating their toxicities. Adult male mice strain of 25 ± 2 g of weight was subdivided into eight groups. Group 1 served as control; group 2 received PS (200 mg/kg), and groups 3 and 4 received intraperitoneally zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), respectively. Group 5 received both zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w), group 6 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), group 7 received copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg), and group 8 received zinc (60 mg/kg b.w) and copper (33 mg/kg b.w) associated with PS (200 mg/kg). Results suggested that ZnSO4 and CuSO4 significantly decreased the functional sperm parameters. Furthermore, extended exposure to these elements increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) indicating protein oxidative damage. This process also reduces the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which neutralize and catalyze free radicals. Histopathological changes in mice testis were also studied. However, the co-treatments with PS significantly reduced these effects and promoted the reproductive parameters in male mice. In conclusion, PS exhibited protective effects against zinc and copper-induced reproductive toxicity, making it a potential adjuvant treatment for testicular toxicity.

Acceptability of an Orange-Flavoured Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablet in the Management of Acute Diarrhoea in Under-five Children in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five, especially in subSaharan Africa. The WHO recommends using oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc therapy for its management, but the metallic taste of zinc often hinders adherence. METHOD: This prospective open-label intervention study took place at three health facilities in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, involving children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea. Sociodemographic and diarrhoea-related data were obtained. Palatability was assessed using a 5-point hedonic scale, and adherence was determined by the proportion of prescribed zinc sulfate tablets consumed. Caregivers received a 10-day supply of the study drug and ORS sachets for each child, along with participant diaries for tracking drug intake, palatability scores, and adverse events. Follow-up was conducted on Days 3 and 7, and diaries were collected between Days 10 and 14. RESULTS: Out of the 294 participants, most caregivers were mothers (86.0%), had at least a secondary education (88.1%), and were employed (70.7%). The majority of children were male (54.2%), and under 18 months old (52.2%). The average palatability score was 2.65 (±0.78), with no significant differences based on age or gender. Mean adherence was 93.03%, with 89.3% achieving ≥80% adherence, and adherence did not significantly differ by age or gender. The only reported adverse event, vomiting, decreased from 18.8% on Day 1 to 0.5% on Day 10. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the orange-flavored dispersible zinc sulfate tablet is well-accepted by children aged 3 to 59 months with acute diarrhoea in Lagos, Nigeria.

CONTEXTE: La diarrhée aiguë est une cause significative de morbidité et de mortalité chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans, en particulier en Afrique subsaharienne. L'OMS recommande l'utilisation de la solution de réhydratation orale (SRO) et de la thérapie au zinc pour sa prise en charge, mais le goût métallique du zinc entrave souvent l'observance. MÉTHODE: L'étude d'intervention prospective à ciel ouvert a eu lieu dans trois établissements de santé à Lagos, dans le sud-ouest du Nigeria, impliquant des enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë. Des données sociodémographiques et liées à la diarrhée ont été obtenues. La palatabilité a été évaluée à l'aide d'une échelle hédonique à 5 points, et l'observance a été déterminée par la proportion de comprimés de sulfate de zinc prescrits consommés. Les aidants ont reçu une provision de 10 jours du médicament de l'étude et des sachets de SRO pour chaque enfant, ainsi que des journaux de suivi pour noter la prise du médicament, les scores de palatabilité et les événements indésirables. Un suivi a été effectué aux jours 3 et 7, et les journaux ont été collectés entre les jours 10 et 14. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 294 participants, la plupart des aidants étaient des mères (86,0%), avaient au moins une éducation secondaire (88,1%), et étaient employées (70,7%). La majorité des enfants étaient de sexe masculin (54,2%) et avaient moins de 18 mois (52,2%). La note moyenne de palatabilité était de 2,65 (±0,78), sans différences significatives en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. L'observance moyenne était de 93,03%, avec 89,3% atteignant une observance ≥ 80%, et l'observance ne différait pas de manière significative en fonction de l'âge ou du sexe. Le seul événement indésirable signalé, les vomissements, est passé de 18,8% le jour 1 à 0,5% le jour 10. CONCLUSION: L'étude indique que le comprimé de sulfate de zinc dispersible à l'arôme d'orange est bien accepté par les enfants de 3 à 59 mois souffrant de diarrhée aiguë à Lagos, au Nigeria. MOTS-CLÉS: Diarrhée, moins de cinq ans, Enfants, Arôme d'orange, Comprimés de zinc, Palatabilité, Acceptabilité, Échelle hédonique, Lagos, Nigeria.

Effect of various antioxidants on ovarian tissue vitrification success in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Vitrification is a technique of cryopreservation that has been proposed as a promising alternative method for the preservation of oocytes, embryos and gonadal tissue. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of different antioxidants on post-thaw viability, morphology of retrieved oocytes and histology of vitrified ovarian tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different antioxidants [i.e., resveratrol (20 uM), ZnSO4 (500 uM), curcumin (25 uM) and quercetin (1 uM)] were evaluated after their addition to the vitrification and warming media for their effects on the viability and morphology of retrieved oocytes and the histology of vitrified ovarian tissue. RESULTS: The number of oocytes retrieved from ovarian tissue from the above mentioned antioxidants and vitrified control were 34, 41, 26, 31 and 46 respectively. Among these the number of viable oocytes were found to be 24 (70.6%), 30 (73.1 %), 20 (76.9%), 26 (83.9%) and 33 (71.7%) and the number of oocytes found morphologically normal were 24 (70.6%), 26 (63.4%), 18 (69.2%), 21 (67.7%) and 34 (73.9%) for the above mentioned different antioxidants and vitrified control, respectively. Non-significant (P. > 0.05) differences were found between different treatment groups. Histomorphological evaluation of the ovarian cortical tissue showed that the percentage of intact follicles was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fresh control (84.19±3.9) than in other groups. Non-significant differences were found between resveratrol (50.2±5.5), curcumin (48.7±5.7), quercetin (51.6±4.8) and the vitrified control (42.7±6.1) groups; however, the ZnSO4 supplemented group (23.1±8.54) differed significantly (P < 0.05) from other antioxidant groups but was non-significant (P > 0.05) with the vitrified control group (42.7±6.1). CONCLUSION: The addition of antioxidants resveratrol, curcumin and quercetin at these concentrations tended to non-significantly improve the follicular integrity after vitrification. Doi.org/10.54680/fr24410110212.

Activation of stress reactions in the dinophyte microalga Prorocentrum cordatum as a consequence of the toxic effect of ZnO nanoparticles and zinc sulfate.

According to the results of the experimental study, the main regularities of changes in morphological, structural-functional and fluorescent indices of P. cordatum were established when zinc oxide nanoparticles ZnO NPs (0.3-6.4 mg L-1) and Zn in form of salt (0.09-0.4 mg L-1) were added to the medium. The studied pollutants have cytotoxic (growth inhibition, development of oxidative stress, destruction of cytoplasmic organelles, disorganization of mitochondria) and genotoxic (changes in the morphology of nuclei, chromatin condensation) effects on microalgae, affecting almost all aspects of cell functioning. Despite the similar mechanism of action of zinc sulfate and ZnO NPs on P. cordatum cells, the negative effect of ZnO NPs is also due to the inhibition of photosynthetic activity of cells (significant decrease in the maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis and electron transport rate), reduction of chlorophyll concentration from 3.5 to 1.8 pg cell-1, as well as mechanical effect on cells: deformation and damage of cell membranes, aggregation of NPs on the cell surface. Apoptosis-like signs of cell death upon exposure to zinc sulfate and ZnO NPs were identified by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy methods: changes in cell morphology, cytoplasm retraction, development of oxidative stress, deformation of nuclei, and disorganization of mitochondria. It was shown that the first signs of cell apoptosis appear at 0.02 mg L-1 Zn and 0.6 mg L-1 ZnO NPs after 72 h of exposure. At higher concentrations of pollutants, a dose-dependent decrease in algal enzymatic activity (up to 5 times relative to control) and mitochondrial membrane potential (up to 4 times relative to control), and an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (up to 4-5 times relative to control) were observed. The results of the presented study contribute to the disclosure of fundamental mechanisms of toxic effects of pollutants and prediction of ways of phototrophic microorganisms reaction to this impact.

Comparative efficacy of stannous fluoride and zinc sulfate solution to copper sulfate footbath solutions for the treatment and prevention of digital dermatitis in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel footbath solution containing stannous fluoride (SnF2) was superior to 5% copper sulfate solution for the treatment and prevention of digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cattle. Study 1 was conducted over 4 wk in Missouri and involved 34 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with hind feet DD lesions. Cows in group SF walked through a footbath containing a proprietary formulation of SnF2 once weekly, whereas cows in group CS walked through a 5% CuSO4 footbath once daily for 5 d each week. Study 2 was conducted over 8 wk in California and involved 40 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with hind feet DD lesions. Cows in group SF walked through a SnF2 footbath for 3 consecutive days and then once a week for the following 7 wk. Cows in group CS walked through a 5% CuSO4 footbath 3 times each week for 8 wk. Data collection included lesion type, lesion area, locomotion score, and pain score. Digital dermatitis was actively transmitted in study 1, and lesion area and locomotion scores were lower in group SF than group CS. In contrast, DD was not actively transmitted in study 2, and lesion area and locomotion scores were similar in groups SF and CS. Stannous fluoride delayed the development of active DD lesions in study 1 compared with copper sulfate, with a lower relative risk (0.57) of a hind foot developing an active DD lesion over 28 d. However, SnF2 decreased the rate that active DD lesions transitioned to M3, M4, or M0 lesions compared with 5% copper sulfate in both studies, with the relative risk of a hind foot with an active DD lesion transitioning to M3, M4, or M0 in group SF being slightly lower in study 1 (0.83) and study 2 (0.90) than in group CS. Our findings demonstrated that walking cows through a stannous fluoride footbath once per week in a herd undergoing active transmission of infection was more effective in preventing active DD lesions, but less effective in treating active DD lesions, than walking cows through a copper sulfate footbath 4 times per week. The novel SnF2 footbath solution shows promise for controlling DD in dairy herds that want an alternative footbath solution to CuSO4 and are interested in limiting the environmental accumulation of copper.

Variations in grain yield and nutrient status of different maize cultivars by application of zinc sulfate.

Although maize is sensitive to zinc (Zn) deficiencies, the responses of maize cultivars to the foliar application of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) may vary significantly. Here, we quantified the responses of grain yields and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) absorption to ZnSO4 using 22 modern maize cultivars. The results revealed that 40.9% of the cultivars were not affected by foliar ZnSO4, whereas only 45.5% of the cultivars responded positively to ZnSO4, which was evidenced by increased grain numbers and shortened bald tip lengths. The impact of Zn fertilizer might be manifested in the dry biomass, from the 8-leaf stage (BBCH 18). For Zn-deficiency resistant cultivars, the foliar application of ZnSO4 enhanced N accumulation by 44.1%, while it reduced P and K absorption by 13.6% and 23.7%, respectively. For Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars, foliar applied ZnSO4 improved the accumulation of N and K by 27.3% and 25.0%, respectively; however, it lowered their utilization efficiency. Hence, determining the optimized application of Zn fertilizer, while avoiding Zn toxicity, should not be based solely on the level of Zn deficiency in the soil, but also, take into consideration the sensitivity of some cultivars to Zn, Furthermore, the supplementation of Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars with N and K is key to maximizing the benefits of Zn fertilization.

Zinc improves the developmental ability of bovine in vitro fertilization embryos through its antioxidative action.

Zinc, an essential trace mineral, exerts a pivotal influence in various biological processes. Through zinc concentration analysis, we found that the zinc concentration in the bovine embryo in vitro culture (IVC) medium was significantly lower than that in bovine follicular fluid. Therefore, this study explored the impact of zinc sulfate on IVC bovine embryo development and investigated the underlying mechanism. The results revealed a significant decline in zygote cleavage and blastocyst development rates when zinc deficiency was induced using zinc chelator N, N, N', N'-Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) in culture medium during embryo in vitro culture. The influence of zinc-deficiency was time-dependent. Conversely, supplementing 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate to culture medium (CM) increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate significantly. Moreover, this supplementation reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, elevated the glutathione (GSH) levels in blastocysts, upregulated the mRNA expression of antioxidase-related genes, and activated the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways. Furthermore, 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, maintained DNA stability, and enhanced the quality of bovine (in vitro fertilization) IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, the addition of 0.8 µg/mL zinc sulfate to CM could enhance the antioxidant capacity, activates the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways, augment mitochondrial membrane potential, and stabilizes DNA, ultimately improving blastocyst quality and in vitro bovine embryo development.

Zinc shields against copper phytotoxicity in a contaminated soil.

While zinc protects plants from copper in hydroponics, its behavior in soil remains unclear. We investigated the potential of zinc sulfate to protect ryegrass from copper toxicity in contaminated soil. Twelve soil treatments combined varying levels of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Increasing CuO significantly stunted ryegrass, but adding ZnSO4 mitigated the effects at each CuO level. ZnSO4 had no effect in unpolluted conditions. These results, supported by the Terrestrial Biotic Ligand Model, indicate that zinc competes with copper for binding sites, reducing copper uptake by ryegrass and mitigating its toxicity. Application of zinc sulfate to copper-contaminated soils appears promising for ryegrass growth, although field studies are critical to confirm real-world efficacy.

The differential expressions of aquaporins underline the diverse strategies of cucumber and tomato against salinity and zinc stress.

Salinity and excess zinc are two main problems that have limited agriculture in recent years. Aquaporins are crucial in regulating the passage of water and solutes through cells and may be essential for mitigating abiotic stresses. In the present study, the adaptive response to moderate salinity (60 mM NaCl) and excess Zn (1 mM ZnSO4 ) were compared alone and in combination in Cucumis sativus L. and Solanum lycopersicum L. Water relations, gas exchange and the differential expression of all aquaporins were analysed. The results showed that cucumber plants under salinity maintained the internal movement of water through osmotic adjustment and the overexpression of specific PIPs aquaporins, following a "conservation strategy". As tomato has a high tolerance to salinity, the physiological parameters and the expression of most aquaporins remained unchanged. ZnSO4 was shown to be stressful for both plant species. While cucumber upregulated 7 aquaporin isoforms, the expression of aquaporins increased in a generalized manner in tomato. Despite the differences, water relations and transpiration were adjusted in both plants, allowing the RWC in the shoot to be maintained. The aquaporin regulation in cucumber plants facing NaCl+ZnSO4 stress was similar in the two treatments containing NaCl, evidencing the predominance of salt in stress. However, in tomato, the induced expression of specific isoforms to deal with the combined stress differed from independent stresses. The results clarify the key role of aquaporin regulation in facing abiotic stresses and their possible use as markers of tolerance to salinity and heavy metals in plants.

The potential of postharvest zinc treatment for preservation of pomegranate aril quality.

A short shelf life usually limits the distribution and supply of pomegranate arils. Since zinc (Zn) has an indispensable role in the nutrient integrity of our diet and is effective in suppressing pathogens, this study was done as two separate experiments of pre-harvest spraying and postharvest dipping of arils with two zinc supplements, including nano zinc oxide (nZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). The optimized concentration of both sources was used in the experiment. The pre-harvest treatment failed to extend the shelf life of arils, and, ultimately, the arils decayed after 15 days. However, the postharvest zinc treatment significantly (P < 0.01) affected all measured indices. Also, zinc sulfate was more effective than nZnO. Zn uptake was higher in postharvest treatments because exogenous Zn was in direct contact with the aril surface. After dissolving in water, Zn ions in sulfate bind to the membrane of microorganisms and thus delay cell division and microbial growth cycle. The solubility of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water is poor. Using the ZnSO4 treatment (0.8%W/V) effectively maintained the values of titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Also, this treatment significantly controlled weight loss in the arils.

Long-term exposure to lead nitrate and zinc sulfate Nile tilapia impact the Aeromonas hydrophila treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pollution with heavy metals (HMs) is time- and concentration-dependent. Lead and zinc pollute the aquatic environment, causing severe health issues in aquatic animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nile tilapia, the predominant cultured fish in Egypt, were experimentally exposed to 10% of LC50 of lead nitrate (PbNO3) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Samples were collected in three different periods, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, in addition to a trial to treat the experimental fish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, with an antibiotic (florfenicol). RESULTS: Liver enzymes were linearly upsurged in a time-dependent manner in response to HMs exposure. ALT was 92.1 IU/l and AST was 82.53 IU/l after eight weeks. In the eighth week of the HMs exposure, in the hepatic tissue, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and metallothionein (MT) were increased to 117.8 U/mg prot, 72.2 U/mg prot, and 154.5 U/mg prot, respectively. On exposure to HMs, gene expressions of some cytokines were linearly downregulated in a time-dependent manner compared to the control. After four weeks of exposure to the HMs, the oxidative burst activity (OBA) of immune cells was decreased compared to the control 9.33 and 10.3 cells, respectively. Meanwhile, the serum bactericidal activity (SBA) significantly declined to 18.5% compared to the control 32.6% after eight weeks of exposure. Clinical signs of A. hydrophila infection were exaggerated in polluted fish, with a mortality rate (MR) of 100%. The re-isolation rate of A. hydrophila was decreased in fish treated with florfenicol regardless of the pollution impacts after eight weeks of HMs exposure. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the immune suppression and oxidative stress resulting from exposure to HMs are time-dependent. Clinical signs and post-mortem lesions in polluted fish infected with A. hydrophila were prominent. Infected-Nile tilapia had weak responses to florfenicol treatment due to HMs exposure.

The Effect of Different Zinc Sources on Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Morphology, Carcass Characteristics and Performance in Finishing Lambs.

To investigate the effect of different sources of zinc supplements on blood serum parameters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology, 18 male Zandi lambs (with initial body weight of 31 ± 1.2 kg and 120 ± 8 days old) were divided into three groups, six animals each in a completely random design. Experimental treatments include (1) control treatment of basal diet without zinc supplementation, (2) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation from zinc sulfate source, and (3) basal diet with 40 mg/kg of zinc supplementation with origin it was organic (Zn-peptide). All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Mean daily weight gain increased with zinc supplementation (P < 0.05), but feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by zinc supplementation in the diet. Zinc supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of the dry matter (P < 0.05), but the digestibility of dietary fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by zinc supplementation. In this experiment, the addition of organic and inorganic supplements to the diet of fattening lambs had no significant effect on serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and glucose concentrations, and carcass traits. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzyme in the zinc sulfate group was significantly higher than the control and organic zinc groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were lower in zinc fed lambs, compared to control (P ≤ 0.05). The villi width in the duodenum was higher in the zinc supplementation treatments (P < 0.05). Also, in the ileum section, the height of the villi in the treatment of zinc sulfate supplement was higher, compared to the complement and control (P < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of its source, improved growth performance in fattening lambs. However, no effect was observed on feed intake and efficiency, carcass traits, and blood parameters.