Analyzing the impact of pesticides on the indus river: contamination levels in water, sediment, fish, and associated human health risks.

Pesticides are frequently used to protect crop yields and manage malaria vectors; however, their inadvertent transport into aquatic habitats poses a significant concern. Various anthropogenic activities influence the Indus River in Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the presence of eight pesticide residues at three different sites (Kalabagh, Kundian, and Chashma) in water, sediment, and the fish species (Labeo rohita) during both dry and wet seasons to measure the intensity of this pressure. Pesticide analysis was carried out using gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. The results revealed the highest concentrations of pesticides during both dry and wet seasons at all sites, measuring 0.83 and 0.62 µg/l (water), 12.37 and 9.20 µg/g/dw (sediment), and 14.27 and 11.29 µg/g/ww (L. rohita), respectively. Overall, pesticide concentrations were higher in the dry season than in the wet season across all study sites. Based on detection frequency and concentration in both seasons at all sites, dominant pesticides included cypermethrin and carbofuran (in water), as well as endosulfan and cypermethrin (in sediment and fish tissue). Levels of endosulfan and cypermethrin exceeded standard limits. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) indicated no correlation among pesticides in fish tissue, sediment, and water. However, pesticides exhibited different behavior in different seasons. Furthermore, endosulfan and triazophos impose great human health risk, as indicated by the THQ value (> 1). The overall HI value was greater for site 1 in the dry season (8.378). The study concluded that the presence of agricultural pesticides in the Indus River poses a risk to aquatic life and has the potential to disrupt the entire food chain. This highlights the importance of sustainable practices for the study area and Pakistan overall agricultural and environmental sustainability. It is further recommended to strengthen regulations for reduced pesticide use and promote eco-friendly pest management.

Metal Content, Fatty Acid and Vitamins in Commercially Available Canned Fish on the Bulgarian Market: Benefit-Risk Ratio Intake.

Today, the distribution and consumption of canned products have become widespread due to the convenience of using processed fish products. This study aims to evaluate elements of toxicological concern and essential elements (Cd, Al, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn), the fatty acid composition, and the fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant pigment contents of various canned fish products purchased on the Bulgarian market. The estimated weekly intake and human health benefit-risk ratio based on metal elements and n-3 LC-PUFA contents in canned fish products were assessed. The contents of the analyzed elements in the canned samples were found to be below the limits set by various health organizations. Al was detected in only one sample. The profile of fatty acids showed that the canned fish had high PUFA/SFA ratios, EPA + DHA contents and low SFA, AI and TI values. The analyzed canned fish contained significant contents of fat-soluble vitamins. The Atlantic bonito in a jar sample was characterized by a high percentage of vitamin A (26.7% RDI) and vitamin D3 (142% RDI) per 100 g portion. The calculated EWI value shows that the consumption of canned fish products did not present any risk. The benefit-risk ratio indicates that the canned fish species are safe for human consumption, except for one sample regarding Cr.

Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus from Faro Lake (Messina), Italy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in the haemolymph and corpus of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus from Lake Faro. The lake is particularly prone to the accumulation of substances that are potentially toxic to aquatic organisms, due to the input of pollutants from urban and agricultural sources and the low rate of water exchange. The combination of saltwater from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Strait of Messina and freshwater from hilly aquifers has created brackish conditions in the lake, resulting in an area of high commercial shellfish productivity. As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined using a single quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer; Hg was determined using a direct mercury analyser (DMA-80). Physicochemical parameters of the water from Lake Faro were also performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 9.0 (GraphPad Software, Inc., Boston, MA, USA) and Shapiro-Wilk normality was applied. Concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb below the permitted MRLs in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Tapes decussatus used as ''biological indicators'' show that Lake Faro is not at risk of contamination by these pollutants and, moreover, is free of health problems for the consumer based on regulatory limits.

Automated Hematological Approach and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): An Innovative and Experimental Model for Aquaculture.

This study aimed to assess the usefulness of two innovative automated methods (automated blood count counters and flow cytometry) for hematological investigation in Tilapia to make a contribution to the clinical diagnostics of this farmed species. Moreover, serum total proteins and their electrophoretic fractions (prealbumin, albumin, α-, ß-, and γ-fraction), as health condition indicators, were assessed. The analysis of serum total proteins and electrophoretic fraction showed a normal and typical electrophoretic pattern of healthy fish (serum total proteins, 3.70 ± 0.62 g/dL; prealbumin, 0.44 ± 0.20 g/dL; albumin, 1.17 ± 0.66 g/dL; α-fraction, 1.49 ± 0.64 g/dL; ß-fraction, 0.32 ± 0.16 g/dL; and γ-fraction, 0.29 ± 0.13 g/dL). The relationships between the values of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and thrombocytes (TCs) obtained with the two automated methods were determined using Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed a significant positive correlation between automatic blood cell counting and flow cytometry analysis for RBCs (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) and WBCs (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001), whereas no correlation was found for TCs (r = -0.11, p = 0.66). The preliminary results gathered in this study seem to highlight the usefulness of the new analytical techniques herein investigated in tilapia, suggesting their application in the hematological investigation of farmed fish species and their usefulness for monitoring the health and well-being of fish reared in aquaculture.

Changes in kynurenine metabolites in the gray and white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals affected by schizophrenia.

Alterations in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of all metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., tryptophan (TRY), kynurenic acid (KYNA), L-kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranylic acid (ANA), 3-hydroxyanthranylic acid (3-HANA), xanthurenic acid (XA) and quinolinic acid (QUINA), in postmortem samples of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, Brodmann area 46, 9) of individuals affected by schizophrenia and non-schizophrenic controls. The analysis was carried out in the gray and white matter. Levels of KYN, 3-HK, ANA, and 3-HANA were significantly increased in both the gray and white matter of the DLPFC of individuals affected by schizophrenia, whereas levels of TRY, KYNA, and QUINA were increased exclusively in the white matter and remained unchanged in the gray matter. These increases in kynurenine metabolites did not correlate with age, sex, duration of the disease, and duration and type of antipsychotic medication. These findings suggest that the two major branches of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., the transamination of KYN into KYNA, and hydroxylation of KYN into 3-HK are activated in the white matter of individuals affected by schizophrenia, perhaps as a result of neuroinflammation, and support the evidence that abnormalities of the white matter are consistenly associated with schizophrenia.

Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. METHODS: Hoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Horses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.

Assessment and Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Water, Fish (wild and Farmed) and Associated Human Health Risk.

Worldwide, anthropogenic activities are causing the natural environment and aquaculture systems to become heavily contaminated with heavy metals, which can lead to consumer's health problems. In the current study, wild and farmed fish (n = 30) and water samples (n = 6) have been collected from the Chashma barrage and fish farm to assess the heavy metals concentration, i.e., Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cr, in the water and some important organs (gills, liver, muscle, brain and bones) of wild and farmed fish (Labeo rohita) using Graphite furnace Atomic absorption spectrometry. Bioaccumulation factor and human health risk assessment were calculated to measure the health status of both fish and humans. Results show that in wild and farm fish's gills, muscles and bones, the trend of the heavy metals was Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Cr. On the other hand, the brain and liver show Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Cr trend. Comparatively, the heavy metals concentration was mostly higher (P < 0.05) in wild fish. Further; in both fish habitats (water) the heavy metals (Cd and Pb) concentration was higher than the WHO standard level, while in the body, Cd was higher (P < 0.05) in all studied organs except the muscle, Cr was only lower (P > 0.05) in muscle and brain. Pb was higher (P < 0.05) in all studied organs of both fish. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals was mostly higher (P < 0.05) in wild fish than in farmed. EDI and THQ were higher in wild fish, but the HI value was lower than 1 for both fish. Moreover, the PCA analysis suggests a positive correlation between heavy metals concentration in fish organs and the water of both fish (wild and farmed). Results indicated that farmed fish showed less potential risk to humans than wild fish.

Effects of Bacterioruberin-Rich Haloarchaeal Carotenoid Extract on the Thermal and Oxidative Stabilities of Fish Oil.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extract (HAE) derived from the halophilic archaea Halorubrum ezzemoulense DSM 19316 in protecting crude fish oil against thermal oxidation. The research used fish oil derived from anchovies, which had a peroxide value (PV) of 6.44 ± 0.81 meq O2 kg-1. To assess the impact of HAE on the thermal stability and post-oxidation characteristics of fish oil, several concentrations of HAE were added to the fish oil samples: 0 ppm (no additive) (HAE0), 50 ppm (HAE50), 100 ppm (HAE100), 500 ppm (HAE500), and 1000 ppm (HAE1000). Furthermore, a control group was established with the addition of 100 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT100) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HAE with a synthetic antioxidant that is commercially available. Prior to the fast oxidation experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on samples from all experimental groups. At the conclusion of the examination, it was seen that the HAE500 and HAE1000 groups exhibited a delay in the degradation temperature. The experimental groups underwent oxidation at a temperature of 55.0 ± 0.5 °C for a duration of 96 h. The measurement of PV was conducted every 24 h during this time. PV in all experimental groups exhibited a time-dependent rise (p < 0.05). However, the HAE500 group had the lowest PV measurement at the conclusion of the 96 h period (p < 0.05). Significant disparities were detected in the fatty acid compositions of the experimental groups at the completion of the oxidation experiment. The HAE500 group exhibited the highest levels of EPA, DHA, and ΣPUFA at the end of oxidation, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Through the examination of volatile component analysis, specifically an oxidation marker, it was shown that the HAE500 group exhibited the lowest level of volatile components (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was concluded that the addition of HAE to fish oil provided superior protection compared to BHT at an equivalent rate. Moreover, the group that used 500 ppm HAE demonstrated the highest level of performance in the investigation.

Effect of a Co-Feed Liquid Whey-Integrated Diet on Crossbred Pigs' Fecal Microbiota.

This study assessed the potential effect of a co-feed liquid whey-integrated diet on the fecal microbiota of 14 crossbred pigs. The experimental design was as follows: seven pigs were in the control group, fed with a control feed, and seven were in the experimental group, fed with the same control feed supplemented daily with liquid whey. The collection of fecal samples was conducted on each animal before the dietary treatment (T0) and one (T1), and two (T2) months after the beginning of the co-feed integration. In addition, blood samples were collected from each pig at the same time points in order to evaluate the physiological parameters. Taxonomic analysis showed a bacterial community dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, and Proteobacteria phyla that populated the crossbred pig feces. The diversity metrics suggested that the co-feed supplementation affected some alpha diversity indexes of the fecal microbiota. In addition, the differential abundance analysis at the genus level revealed significant differences for various genera, suggesting that the liquid whey supplementation potentially influenced a part of the bacterial community over time. Spearman's correlations revealed that the differential abundant genera identified are positively or negatively correlated with the physiological parameters.

Circadian Variation of Peripheral Blood Cells in Horses Maintained in Different Environmental and Management Conditions.

The aim of our study was to analyze circadian rhythm of the hematological profile of horses housed in a loose box and paddock during the different seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Blood samples were performed every 4 h for 48 consecutive hours. Red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets (PLTs), and leukocyte subpopulations (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes) were analyzed, and, at the same time, environmental conditions were recorded. A statistically significant effect of housing conditions (p < 0.0001) was observed on all hematological values except for WBC during winter and for neutrophils (p < 0.0001) during spring and autumn. A statistically significant effect of season (p < 0.0001) was found for RBC, HCT, and PLT and for all leukocyte cells (p < 0.0001) except for basophils. The single Cosinor method revealed a daily rhythm of hematological parameters during spring in both groups, and a daily rhythm for lymphocytes and neutrophils was observed during spring and summer in horses kept in a loose box and during winter in horses housed in a paddock. Our results revealed that the response of the immune system is regulated by circadian physiology. Knowledge of the periodic temporal structure of mammals should be considered when evaluating animals' adaptation to temporizations imposed by the environment.

Investigation of the incidence of heavy metals contamination in commonly used fertilizers applied to vegetables, fish ponds, and human health risk assessments.

Overuse of fertilizers on agricultural lands and fish ponds may result in serious pollution problems, such as heavy metals that can enter the food chain and pose serious health problems. Due to this, the present study investigates the incidence of heavy metals in commonly used fertilizers and its association with heavy metals in vegetables, soil, fish species, and pond water. Samples were collected from different sites (fields and ponds) in district Kohat, where the application of fertilizers was common and control groups (no fertilizers used). Heavy metal analysis was carried out through a spectrophotometer. Results showed higher Cd and Cr concentrations in triple superphosphate (TSP), Cu and Pb in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), while lower concentrations were found in gypsum. In vegetables (onion, tomato, brinjal, and potato) and associated soil, most of the heavy metals concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fertilizer-applied sites than in the control. Also, the Cd concentration in potatoes and Pb level in all vegetables obtained from sites were greater than the WHO/FAO standard limit. In the case of fish species (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio) muscles and their habitat (water), all the understudy heavy metals were notably higher (P < 0.05) in fertilizer-applied sites (ponds) than the control group. Collectively, in all vegetables and muscles of fish species, the bioaccumulation factor was higher in sites compared to the control. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values were also higher in fertilizer-applied sites (fields and ponds) than control. The health index (HI) value was > 1 in vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato) and fish muscles collected from different sites compared to the control. Thus, there is the possibility of severe health risks. The use of fertilizers must be carefully monitored in order to ensure that humans and animals are safe from exposure to heavy metals.

Comparison of the Faecal Microbiota Composition Following a Dairy By-Product Supplemented Diet in Nero Siciliano and Large White × Landrace Pig Breeds.

The current study compared the faecal microbiota composition of two pig breeds (autochthonous vs. commercial) to understand what happens after the integration of liquid whey in the diet and what the role of the host genetic is. The trial was conducted for 60 days, and the faecal microbiota composition was investigated at three time points, T0, T1 (after 30 days) and T2 (after 60 days) in 30 female pigs (20 commercial crossbred and 10 Nero Siciliano pigs). The animals were divided into four groups (two control and two treatment groups). Generally, in both breeds, Firmicutes (51%) and Bacteroidota (36%) were the most abundant phylum whereas Prevotella, Treponema and Lactobacillus were the most abundant genera. The two breeds have a different reaction to a liquid whey diet. In fact, as shown by PERMANOVA analysis, the liquid whey significantly (p < 0.001) affects the microbiota composition of crossbreeds while not having an effect on the microbiota of the Nero Siciliano. Despite this, in both breeds Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus have been positively influenced by liquid whey and they promote intestinal health, improve immunity, increase performance, and feed efficiency. In conclusion, the integration of liquid whey had a different effect on the Nero Siciliano and crossbred pig breeds, emphasizing the importance of the host genetic profile in determining the faecal bacterial composition.

Determination of Fatty Acid Profile in Processed Fish and Shellfish Foods.

Seafood products are a crucial dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are essential for human health. However, the presence of these n-3 PUFA may be subject to changes related to different processing methods. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition, focusing on n-3 PUFA, in different processed fish and shellfish products of both EU and non-EU origin. The products were purchased from supermarkets and ethnic food shops in Messina (Italy). Gas chromatography with a flame-ionization detector (GC-FID) was used for analysis. Based on the fatty acid profile, the atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI), and flesh lipid quality index (FLQ) were determined: 0.13-1.04 (AI), 0.19-0.89 (TI), and 0.41-29.90 (FLQ). The percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids fell within the following ranges: 13.55-50.48%, 18.91-65.58%, and 13.84-52.73%, respectively. Considering that all samples showed low AI and TI indices and that all processed fish products proved to be a good source of beneficial PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), their consumption is recommended for humans.

Cardiac Biomarker Responses to Acute Exercise in Show Jumping Horses.

Cardiac biomarkers are useful to identify cardiac muscle variations in human and equine medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a bout of show jumping training on serum activity of cardiac and muscular biomarkers in healthy athletic horses to include cardiac troponin (cTnI), myoglobin (MB), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Serum samples were collected from seven Italian Saddle horses (three geldings and four mares; 10 ± 3 years; mean body weight 480 ±70 kg), regularly trained for show jumping at rest, immediately after exercise (show jumping simulate trial) and during the recovery period (30 and 60 min after exercise). ANOVA was applied to all parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient t (r) evaluated. Immediately after exercise there was an increase in cTnI (P < .01), MB (P < .01), and CPK (P < .005); a positive correlation between cTnI and AST and between AST and LDH; and a negative correlation between cTnI and ALT and between ALT and CPK. Thirty minutes after exercise, there was a positive correlation between AST and ALT and between AST and LDH, while 60 mintues after exercise, there was a positive correlation between MB and LDH and a negative correlation between AST and CPK. The results obtained demonstrate the cardiac and muscular response to short-term intense exercise show jumping exercise.

Inflammatory-like status and acute stress response in horses after road transport.

This study aimed to evaluate the change of white blood cell count, serum concentration of cortisol, C-reactive protein, albumin and globulin fractions in horse after road transport, and to assess the linkage among hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and inflammatory reaction. From 10 horses blood samples were collected at rest, before road transport (218 km) (BT); after unloaded (AT), 30 and 60 min after unloaded (AT30 and AT60) in order to assess white blood cell count (WBC), serum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, α1-, α-2, ß1-, ß2- and γ-globulins. WBC, cortisol, CRP, α1-, α-2 and ß2-globulins values increased after road transport than rest condition (p < 0.001). Albumin and A/G ratio showed lower values after road transport than rest (p < 0.001). Pearson's test showed a negative correlation between cortisol and the values of WBC, CRP, α1-, α2-, ß1-, ß2- globulins, and a positive correlation between WBC and serum concentration of CRP, α1- and α2-, ß1-, ß2-globulins at AT and AT30. The results showed that road transport evokes an inflammatory like-status in horses. Moreover, the activation of HPA and the onset of acute phase reaction in response to road transport seem to be interconnected with effects on horse's immune status.

Investigation of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Flowers' Antioxidant Properties and Antibacterial Activities against Different Staphylococcus Species Associated with Bovine Mastitis.

Mastitis is one of the most considerable and costly diseases for dairy herds, and Staphylococcus spp. is known to be the main causative agent. Although antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of mastitis, this can cause both antibiotic residues in milk and the risk of antibiotic resistance occurrence in bacteria. Thus, in recent years, researchers have focused on alternative treatments for this disease and plants extracts are investigated for this purpose. Pomegranate is widely used as a dye, ornament, and medicinal plants in the industry, and the species has a particularly high economic value in Turkey. This study aims to investigate in vitro the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the pomegranate flower's extracts against different Staphylococcus species associated with bovine mastitis. To this aim, pomegranate flowers were collected from different regions in Turkey and extracts were prepared with three different solvents (methanol, ethanol, and water). The retention factor values of the ethanol extract were determined by thin-layer chromatography. The antibacterial activity tests were carried out via the disk diffusion method. In addition, the extracts were tested against the stable DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free radicals for antioxidant activity. Four retention factors (0.79, 0.67, 0.58, and 0.33 points) were found for the ethanol extract. The methanol extract showed the highest inhibition zones against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus-37 (CNS-37) and S. aureus-18. The lowest MIC was 6500 µg/mL. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in methanol extracts. As a result, the extracts of pomegranate flowers showed a high antioxidant and antibacterial potential against the examined mastitis pathogens.

LC-MS/MS based characterisation and differential expression of proteins in Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax labiatus using LFQ technique.

Molecular characterization of fish muscle proteins are nowadays considered as a key component to understand the role of specific proteins involved in various physiological and metabolic processes including their up and down regulation in the organisms. Coldwater fish specimens including snow trouts hold different types of proteins which help them to survive in highly diversified temperatures fluctuating from 0 to 20 °C. So, in current study, the liquid chromatography mass spectrometry using label free quantification technique has been used to investigate the muscle proteome profile of Schizothorax labiatus. For proteomic study, two weight groups of S. labiatus were taken from river Sindh. The proteomic analysis of group 1 revealed that a total of 235 proteins in male and 238 in female fish were recorded. However, when male and female S. labiatus were compared with each other on the basis of spectral count and abundance of peptides by ProteinLynx Global Server software, a total of 14 down-regulated and 22 up-regulated proteins were noted in this group. The highly down-regulated ones included homeodomain protein HoxA2b, retinol-binding protein 4, MHC class II beta chain and proopiomelanocortin while as the highly expressed up-regulated proteins comprised of gonadotropin I beta subunit, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, manganese superoxide dismutase, recombinase-activating protein 2, glycosyltransferase, chymotrypsin and cytochrome b. On the other hand, the proteomic characterisation of group 2 of S. labiatus revealed that a total of 227 proteins in male and 194 in female fish were recorded. When male and female S. labiatus were compared with each other by label free quantification, a total of 20 down-regulated and 18 up-regulated proteins were recorded. The down-regulated protein expression of group 2 comprised hepatic lipase, allograft inflammatory factor-1, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 and myostatin 1 while the highly expressed up-regulated proteins included glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta variant 2, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta variant 5, cholecystokinin, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta variant 3 and cytochrome b. Significant (P < 0.05) difference in the expression of down-regulated and up-regulated proteins was also noted between the two sexes of S. labiatus in each group. According to MS analysis, the proteins primarily concerned with the growth, skeletal muscle development and metabolism were down-regulated in river Sindh, which indicates that growth of fish during the season of collection i.e., winter was slow owing to less food availability, gonad development and low metabolic activity. While, the proteins related to immune response of fish were also noted to be down-regulated thereby signifying that the ecosystem has less pollution loads, microbial, pathogenic and anthropogenic activities. It was also found that the proteins involved in glycogen metabolism, reproductive and metabolic processes, particularly lipid metabolism were up-regulated in S. labiatus. The significant expression of these proteins may be connected to pre-spawning, gonad development and use of stored food as source of energy. The information generated in this study can be applied to future research aimed at enhancing food traceability, food safety, risk management and authenticity analysis.

Seasonal Variations in the Trace Elements and Mineral Profiles of the Bivalve Species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus, and Human Health Risk Assessment.

This study aimed to provide data on selected toxic (Cd, Pb and Ni), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and microelement (Na, K, Ca and Mg) concentrations in edible tissues of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) and the wedge clam (Donax trunculus). Samples were collected from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) four times over, a period of one year (2022). In comparison with the maximum permissible levels set by the EU and USFDA, all elemental concentration found in the bivalve species were lower than the prescribed limits. An estimation of the dietary metal intake through calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual element or combined ones. The target risk value for toxic inorganic Pb and Cr was below 10-6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these bivalve species is completely safe for human health.

Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis: a 52-week real-life study in an Italian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Secukinumab has shown high efficacy in randomized controlled trials in both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here, we investigated its real-life effectiveness and tolerability in a cohort of AS and PsA patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of outpatients with AS or PsA treated with secukinumab between December 2017 and December 2019. ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP scores were used to measure axial and peripheral disease activity in AS and PsA, respectively. Data were collected at baseline and after 8, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-five adult patients with active disease (29 with AS and 56 with PsA; 23 males and 62 females) were treated. Overall, mean disease duration was 6.7 years and biologic-naïve patients were 85%. Significant reductions in ASDAS-CRP and DAS28-CRP were observed at all time-points. Body weight (in AS) and disease activity status at baseline (particularly in PsA) significantly affected disease activity changes. ASDAS-defined inactive disease and DAS28-defined remission were achieved in comparable proportions between AS and PsA patients, at both 24 weeks (45% and 46%) and 52 weeks (65.5% and 68%, respectively); male sex was found an independent predictor of positive response (OR 5.16, P = 0.027). After 52 weeks, achievement of at least low disease activity and drug retention were observed in 75% of patients. Secukinumab was well-tolerated and only mild injection-site reactions were recorded in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: In a real-world setting, secukinumab confirmed great effectiveness and safety in both AS and PsA patients. The influence of gender on treatment response deserves further attention.