Effectiveness and safety of a cream product containing zinc oxide for alleviating mosquito bite symptoms.

BACKGROUND: People frequently experience discomfort with immediate wheal, delayed papules, and pruritus from mosquito bites. A topical cream product containing zinc oxide is commercially available for the management of insect bites, but there has been no published evidence for its effectiveness and safety. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this product in symptoms caused by mosquito bites. METHODS: An open-label, controlled study was performed on 41 healthy participants. All subjects received Aedes aegypti mosquito bites on the forearm. Then test product was randomly applied to the bitten areas of the left or right arm. The other arm was left untreated (control). The onset of pruritus relief was noted. The severity of pruritus was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), ranging from 0 mm (no pruritus) to 100 mm (severe pruritus), and a 4-point pruritus score (0 = none; 1 = mild, not affecting normal activities; 2 = moderate, affecting normal activities to some extent; 3 = severe, significantly affecting activities) at four time points: 15 minutes after the mosquito bite (baseline), as well as 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours after initiating treatment. The size of the bite reaction lesion was also measured at all time points. Any local cutaneous adverse reactions observed during the study were documented. RESULTS: The onset of pruritus relief in the treated group (25 ± 21.7 minutes) was significantly faster compared to the untreated group (118.7 ± 304.8 minutes). The reduction in VAS score at 1 hour was significantly greater in the product group (30.5 ± 16.22) compared to the control group (14.9 ± 9.9). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the reduction of pruritus score at 1 hour, with the product group (1.1 ± 0.5) showing a higher reduction compared to the control group (0.3 ± 0.4). However, there was no significant difference in the reduction of bite lesion size between the two groups. Throughout the study, no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings indicate that the product effectively reduces pruritus caused by mosquito bites but does not have a significant impact on the size of the bite lesions. The product was found to be safe and may be an option for managing mosquito bites pruritus.

Anticancer properties of novel zinc oxide quantum dot nanoparticles against breast cancer stem-like cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an essential role in cancer development, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to treatment. In this article, the effects of three synthesized ZnO nanofluids on proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness markers of breast cancer stem-like cells are reported. The antiproliferative and apoptotic properties of ZnO nanoparticles were evaluated on breast cancer stem-like cell-enriched mammospheres by MTS assay and flowcytometry, respectively. The expression of stemness markers, including WNT1, NOTCH1, ß-catenin, CXCR4, SOX2, and ALDH3A1 was assessed by real-time PCR. Western blotting was used to analyze the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Markers of stemness were significantly decreased by ZnO nanofluids, especially sample (c) with code ZnO-148 with a different order of addition of polyethylene glycol solution at the end of formulation, which considerably decreased all the markers compared to the controls. All the studied ZnO nanofluids considerably reduced viability and induced apoptosis of spheroidal and parental cells, with ZnO-148 presenting the most effective activity. Using CD95L as a death ligand and ZB4 as an extrinsic apoptotic pathway blocker, it was revealed that none of the nanoparticles induced apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway. Results also showed a marked inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway by ZnO nanoparticles; confirmed by downregulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL expression. The present data demonstrated that ZnO nanofluids could combat breast CSCs via decreasing stemness markers, stimulating apoptosis, and suppressing JAK/STAT activity.

ZnO, TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles impact against some species of pathogenic bacteria and yeast.

The economic approaches for manufacturing the nanoparticles with physical and chemical effects and limited resistance to antibiotics have been progressed recently due to the rise of microbial resistance to antibiotics. This research aimed to study the antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles Ag, ZnO, and Tio2 nanoparticles against Salmonella typhimurium and Brucella abortus and Candida albicans. Two isolates of Salmonella and two isolates of Brucella abortus were isolated from food spastically meat and blood specimens, respectively. Candida albicans were isolated from the patient's mouth with oral candidiasis (oral thrush) and confirmed diagnosis by API 20C test. The antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella typhimurium and B. abortus isolates were performed against nine different antibiotics. Silver nanoparticles consisting of AgNPs size (90) nm, ZnO NPs size (20, 50) nm as well as TiO2 NPs size (10, 50) nm, were used. UV-Visible spectrophotometer was used to characterize silver nanoparticles. The highest resistance of Candida albicans was seen for fluconazole, Clotrimazole and Itraconazole. The results of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles against Salmonella typhimurium showed the average MIC of Tio2-10nm and Tio2-50nm were 5000 and 2500 µg\ml for S1 and S2 isolates, respectively. The isolated Brucella abortus (B1 and B2) showed sensitivity to NPs with different MIC. The average MIC for Ag-90nm was 5000 and 2500 µg/ml for B1 and B2 isolates, respectively. The findings suggest NP solution has fungicidal and bactericidal impacts on the tested microorganisms so they can be suitable for multiple applications of the biomedical field such as developing new antimicrobial agents.

Intestinal microbiota modulation and improved growth in pigs with post-weaning antibiotic and ZnO supplementation but only subtle microbiota effects with Bacillus altitudinis.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary Bacillus altitudinis spore supplementation during day (D)0-28 post-weaning (PW) and/or D29-56 PW compared with antibiotic and zinc oxide (AB + ZnO) supplementation on pig growth and gut microbiota. Eighty piglets were selected at weaning and randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: (1) negative control (Con/Con); (2) probiotic spores from D29-56 PW (Con/Pro); (3) probiotic spores from D0-28 PW (Pro/Con); (4) probiotic spores from D0-56 PW (Pro/Pro) and (5) AB + ZnO from D0-28 PW. Overall, compared with the AB + ZnO group, the Pro/Con group had lower body weight, average daily gain and feed intake and the Pro/Pro group tended to have lower daily gain and feed intake. However, none of these parameters differed between any of the probiotic-treated groups and the Con/Con group. Overall, AB + ZnO-supplemented pigs had higher Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae and lower Lactobacillaceae and Spirochaetaceae abundance compared to the Con/Con group, which may help to explain improvements in growth between D15-28 PW. The butyrate-producing genera Agathobacter, Faecalibacterium and Roseburia were more abundant in the Pro/Con group compared with the Con/Con group on D35 PW. Thus, whilst supplementation with B. altitudinis did not enhance pig growth performance, it did have a subtle, albeit potentially beneficial, impact on the intestinal microbiota.

Adverse Reactions to Sunscreens.

Adverse reactions to sunscreens are uncommon in relation to their widespread use [Loden et al. Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(2):255-62; Jansen et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(6):867 e861-814; quiz 881-862] and can be related to both active and inactive ingredients in sunscreen products [DiNardo et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(1):15-19; Barrientos et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81(2):151-52]. Pathogenetically, the main cutaneous adverse reaction patterns to sunscreens can be divided into allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, phototoxic and photoallergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and, in solitary cases, anaphylactic reactions [Lautenschlager et al. Lancet. 2007;370(9586):528-37]. A summary is provided in Table 1. Nearly all adverse effects due to active sunscreen ingredients reported to date are related to the organic UV filters, which are sometimes also referred to as "chemical UV filters." This imbalance is attributable to the lipophilic character and small molecular size of the organic UV filters that allow skin penetration, which is the basic requirement to initiate the sensitization [Stiefel et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(1):2-30]. In contrast, cutaneous adverse reactions to inorganic UV filters, initially termed "physical UV filters" owing to their firstly known "physical" mechanism of action through reflection and scattering [Stiefel et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(1):2-30], are only reported by case reports. Neither zinc oxide nor titanium dioxide possesses relevant skin-irritating properties or sensitization potential [Lau-tenschlager et al. Lancet. 2007;370(9586):528-37]. Adverse reactions to UV filters currently approved in the European Union as listed in the Annex VI (updated November 7, 2019) are summarized in Table 2.

Amelioration of autoimmunity and inflammation by zinc oxide nanoparticles in experimental rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the synovial joints and approximately affects 0.5 - 1% of the total population imposing a socioeconomic burden. The current study aimed at investigating the novel possible beneficial effects of using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on such devastating disease. The complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model was used to mimic RA in rats where ZnO NPs were given orally (2 mg/kg/day) daily for 14 days; and diclofenac Na, the standard drug, was given intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg/day) the day after CFA, daily for 14 days. Our results displayed that ZnO NPs attenuated adjuvant-induced increased production of inflammatory mediators interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and total leukocyte count. Besides, they ameliorated autoimmunity through suppression of anti-citrullinated protein auto antibodies (anti-CCP) levels in rats. In conclusion our results highlight the benefits which could be obtained of nanoparticles either alone or in combination with the known anti-arthritic and/or anti-inflammatory agents, giving rise to new protocols to maximize the control of RA.

Zinc oxide nanofluids: The influence of modality combinations on prostate cancer DU145 cells.

AIM: The combination of phototherapy and chemotherapy (chemophototherapy), presents a promising multimodal method for comprehensive cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of low doses of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofluids and ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation on the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of doxorubicin (DOX) on human prostate cancer DU145 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by the solvothermal method and 10% bovine serum albumin was used as the dispersant. The cytotoxic effect of DOX alone and in combination with different concentrations of ZnO nanofluids (0.95-15.6 µg/ml) in the presence and absence of UVA irradiation on DU145 cells was evaluated by -(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. DOX residue inside and outside of DU145 cells was explored by fluorescence microscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The role of ZnO nanofluids and UVA irradiation in DOX-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were evaluated by DAPI staining, comet assay, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results revealed that low dose of ZnO nanofluids (0.95 µg/ml) accompanied with irradiation enhanced the cytotoxicity and intracellular delivery of DOX in DU145 cells. The percentage of chromatin fragmentation/condensation and DNA tail of DU145 cells treated simultaneously with DOX and ZnO nanofluids was increased after UVA irradiation, whereas no significant changes in cell cycle progression were observed. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ZnO nanofluids in the presence of UVA irradiation could increase DOX efficiency in DU145 cells, suggesting such modality combinations as a promising approach in cancer treatment.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles improve testicular steroidogenesis machinery dysfunction in benzo[α]pyrene-challenged rats.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrate potential positive effects on reproduction. However, their protective role against the reproductive toxicity pollutants has not yet been adequately studied at the molecular level. This study was designed to assess this objective using Benzo[α]pyrene B[a]P as reproductive toxic agent . Forty-eight mature male rats were randomly distributed into six groups: Group1 (negative control); Groups 2 and 3 (positive control I and II, wherein the animals were treated with 10 and 30 mg ZnO NPs/kg BW, respectively); Group 4 (B[a]P group; treated with 150 mg B[a]P/kg BW); and Groups 5 and 6 (subjected to B[a]P treatment co-administered with different concentrations of ZnO NPs). We investigated oxidative stress biomarkers; cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) gene expression; testosterone levels; and histopathology of the liver, kidney, and testicles. The B[a]P-treated group showed significant deterioration in all reproductive parameters and displayed induced oxidative stress. ZnO NPs remarkably reduced oxidative stress, effectively upregulated the mRNA levels of CY11A1, StAR, and 3ß-HSD, and improved the histological pictures in the examined organs. At their investigated doses and given their NPs properties, ZnO NPs demonstrated a marked ameliorative effect against the reproductive toxic effects of B[a]P. Further studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the molecular mechanisms of ZnO NPs.

Studies on novel chitosan/alginate and chitosan/bentonite flexible films incorporated with ZnO nano particles for accelerating dermal burn healing: In vivo and in vitro evaluation.

This research work was performed to prepare chitosan-alginate-gelatin and chitosan-bentonite-gelatin films in different mass ratios incorporated with nano particles of Zinc Oxide, which were achieved through the method of green synthesis from Nettle leaf extract. The films were prepared and characterized based on their physicochemical properties, such as water absorption and porosity and surface morphology. Bentonite containing films illustrate more flexibility than alginate ones while the chitosan/bentonite composite films have a maximum water absorption capacity of about 170%. The antibacterial activity of the films was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and it presents good inhibitory activities against the tested bacteria as compared to the control sample. Furthermore, vivo animal tests were performed to confirm the applicability of the prepared films as a healing material for burned skin. Skin appendages, such as hair follicles and sebaceous gland in the dermis, were detected in normal structures by applying both of the composites to damaged skin. In the control sample (gauze), no re-epithelialized area was observed, except in close proximity of the wound border. The results show that due to its full coverage of the wounds with new epithelium and hair follicles, bentonite-containing composites are more preferred.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviates the adverse effects of cadmium stress on Oryza sativa via modulation of the photosynthesis and antioxidant defense system.

Cadmium (Cd) is a trace element causing severe toxicity symptoms in plants, besides posing hazardous fitness issue due to its buildup in the human body through food chain. Nanoparticles (NPs) are recently employed as a novel strategy to directly ameliorate the Cd stress and acted as nano-fertilizers. The intend of the current study was to explore the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs; 50 mg/L) on plant growth, photosynthetic activity, elemental status and antioxidant activity in Oryza sativa (rice) under Cd (0.8 mM) stress. To this end, the rice plants are treated by Cd stress at 15 days after sowing (DAS), and the treatment was given directly into the soil. Supply of ZnO-NPs as foliar spray was given for five consecutive days from 30 to 35 DAS, and sampling was done at 45 DAS. However, rice plants supplemented with ZnO-NPs under the Cd toxicity revealed significantly increased shoot length (SL; 34.0%), root fresh weight (RFW; 30.0%), shoot dry weight (SDW; 23.07%), and root dry weight (RDW; 12.24%). Moreover, the ZnO-NPs supplement has also positive effects on photosynthesis related parameters, SPAD value (40%), chloroplast structure, and qualitatively high fluorescence observed by confocal microscopy even under Cd stress. ZnO-NPs also substantially prevented the increases of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) triggered by Cd. Physiological and biochemical analysis showed that ZnO-NPs increased enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; 59%), catalase (CAT; 52%), and proline (17%) that metabolize reactive oxygen species (ROS); these increases coincided with the changes observed in the H2O2 and MDA accumulation after ZnO-NPs application. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs application to foliage has great efficiency to improve biomass, photosynthesis, protein, antioxidant enzymes activity, mineral nutrient contents and reducing Cd levels in rice. This can be attributed mainly from reduced oxidative damage resulted due to the ZnO-NPs application.

Ameliorating the Adverse Effects of Tomato mosaic tobamovirus Infecting Tomato Plants in Egypt by Boosting Immunity in Tomato Plants Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is one of the economically damageable Tobamovirus infecting the tomato in Egypt that has caused significant losses. It is therefore of great interest to trigger systemic resistance to ToMV. In this endeavor, we aimed to explore the capacity of ZnO-NPs (zinc oxide nanoparticles) to trigger tomato plant resistance against ToMV. Effects of ZnO-NPs on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth indices and antioxidant defense system activity under ToMV stress were investigated. Noticeably that treatment with ZnO-NPs showed remarkably increased growth indices, photosynthetic attributes, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants compared to the challenge control. Interestingly, oxidative damage caused by ToMV was reduced by reducing malondialdehyde, H2O2, and O2 levels. Overall, ZnO-NPs offer a safe and economic antiviral agent against ToMV.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Aspergillus terreus induces oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis through modulating apoptotic proteins in human cervical cancer HeLa cells.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to analyze the cytotoxicity of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in human cervical epithelial cancer HeLa. METHODS: The ZnO NPs was synthesized from the culture filtrated of Aspergillus terreus, and examined by UV-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The cytotoxicity of synthesized ZnO NPs was analyzed by the MTT assay, and the expression of apoptotic proteins was examined by Western blot analyses. KEY FINDINGS: The ZnO NPs exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells and induced the apoptosis as evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diminished mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was noticed in ZnO NPs treated HeLa cells. Western blot analyses explored that the Bcl-2 expression was significantly downregulated, whereas, the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and Cytochrome-c were significantly upregulated in ZnO NPs treated cells. CONCLUSION: Consequently, the mycosynthesized ZnO NPs induces apoptosis in HeLa cells by persuading oxidative damage and modulating the apoptotic proteins. Therefore, A. terreus synthesized ZnO NPs could be used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer treatment.

Particle Size and Biological Fate of ZnO Do Not Cause Acute Toxicity, but Affect Toxicokinetics and Gene Expression Profiles in the Rat Livers after Oral Administration.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) particles have been used as dietary supplements because zinc is an essential trace element for humans. Along with the rapid development of nanotechnology, the use of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is increasing in the food industry, but their oral toxicity potential still remains to be answered. In this study, the effects of particle size and biological fate of ZnO on acute toxicity, toxicokinetics, and gene expression profiles in the livers were investigated after oral administration of ZnO NPs (N-ZnO), bulk-sized ZnO (B-ZnO) or Zn ions in rats. The plasma concentration-time profiles after a single-dose oral administration of ZnOs differed depending on particle/ionic forms and particle size, showing high absorption of Zn ions, followed by N-ZnO and B-ZnO, although in vivo solubility did not differ from particle size. No significant acute toxicity was found after oral administration of ZnOs for 14 days in rats. However, transcriptomic responses in the livers were differently affected, showing that metabolic process and metal biding were up-regulated by Zn ions and N-ZnO, respectively, which were not pronounced in the liver treated with B-ZnO. These findings will be useful to predict the potential oral toxicity of ZnO NPs and further mechanistic and long-term exposure studies are required to assume their safety.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Fortification for Rice Grain Yield and Nutrients Uptake Enhancement.

Applications of metal oxide nanoparticles in the agriculture sector are being extensively included as the materials are considered superior. In the present work, zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs), with a developing fertilizer, is applied in the fortification of rice grain yield and nutrient uptake enhancement. To evaluate the role of ZnO NP, two field experiments were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. ZnO NPs were small, nearly spherical, and their sizes equal to 31.4 nm, as proved via the dynamic light scattering technique. ZnO NPs were applied as a fertilizer in different concentrations, varying between 20 and 60 mg/L as a foliar spray. The mixture of ZnSO4 and ZnO NP40 ameliorated yield component and nutrients (N, K, and Zn) uptake was enhanced compared to traditional ZnSO4 treatment. Nevertheless, the uptake of the phosphorous element (P) was adversely affected by the treatment of ZnO NPs. Thus, treatment via utilizing ZnO NPs as a foliar with a very small amount (40 ppm) with of basal ZnSO4 led to a good improvement in agronomic and physiological features; eventually, higher yield and nutrient-enriched rice grain were obtained.

Effects of different concentrations of coated nano zinc oxide material on fecal bacterial composition and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: Coated nano zinc oxide (Cnz) is a new feed or food additive, which is a potential replacement for a pharmacological dose level of ZnO. This study evaluated the positive effects of different concentrations of Cnz on the intestinal bacterial core, enterobacterial composition and mucosal barrier function in a pig model. RESULTS: Microbiota sequencing results showed that Cnz could significantly alter the intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism. Besides increasing the richness indices (ACE and Chao1), 10% Cnz could protect the intestinal mucosal barrier through increasing the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the small intestine, increase the abundance of Lachnospiraceae UCG-004 and decrease the abundance of Ruminococcus flavefaciens compared to high ZnO diet and 5% Cnz material. CONCLUSIONS: Cnz material at 10% supplementation is more effective than a level of 5% Cnz in increasing intestinal barrier through affecting gut microbiota. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Health effects after inhalation of micro- and nano-sized zinc oxide particles in human volunteers.

Inhalation of ZnO particles can cause inflammation of the airways and metal fume fever. It is unclear if different sizes of the particles alter these effects. However, various studies report higher biological activity of other nano-sized particles compared to microparticles. No effects at all were observed after inhalation of micro- and nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) particle concentrations of 0.5 mg/m3. Studies with different particle sizes of ZnO at higher exposures are not available. Accordingly, we hypothesized that inhalation of nano-sized ZnO particles induces stronger health effects than the inhalation of the same airborne mass concentration of micro-sized ZnO particles. 16 healthy volunteers (eight men, eight women) were exposed to filtered air and ZnO particles (2.0 mg/m3) for 2 h (one session with nano- and one with micro-sized ZnO) including 1 h of cycling at moderate workload. Effect parameters were symptoms, body temperature, inflammatory markers in blood and in induced sputum. Induced sputum was obtained at baseline examination, 22 h after exposure and at the end of the final test. The effects were assessed before, immediately after, about 22 h after, as well as two and three days after each exposure. Neutrophils, monocytes and acute-phase proteins in blood increased 22 h after micro- and nano-sized ZnO exposure. Effects were generally stronger with micro-sized ZnO particles. Parameters in induced sputum showed partial increases on the next day, but the effect strengths were not clearly attributable to particle sizes. The hypothesis that nano-sized ZnO particles induce stronger health effects than micro-sized ZnO particles was not supported by our data. The stronger systemic inflammatory responses after inhalation of micro-sized ZnO particles can be explained by the higher deposition efficiency of micro-sized ZnO particles in the respiratory tract and a substance-specific mode of action, most likely caused by the formation of zinc ions.

Enhancing malaria control using Lagenaria siceraria and its mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles against the vector Anopheles stephensi and its parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

In many developing countries, there are certain health problems faced by the public, one among them is Malaria. This tropical disease is mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is categorized as a disaster to public health, which increases both mortality and morbidity. Numerous drugs are in practice to control this disease and their vectors. Eco-friendly control tools are required to battle against vector of this significant disease. Nanotechnology plays a major role in fighting against malaria. The present paper synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using zinc nitrate via simple green routes with the help of aqueous peel extract of Lagenaria siceraria (L. siceraria). The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by various biophysical methods. Moreover, the extract of L. siceraria and their mediated ZnO NPs was experimented against III instar larvae of An. stephensi. The impact of the treatment based on ZnO NPs concerning histology and morphology of mosquito larval was further observed. In the normal laboratory environment, the efficiency of predation of Poeciliareticulata (P. reticulata) against An. Stephensi larvae was found to be 44%, whereas in aqueous L. siceraria extract and its mediated ZnO NPs contaminated environment, P. reticulate showed predation efficiency of about 45.8% and 61.13% against An. Stephensi larva. L. siceraria synthesized ZnO NPs were examined against the Plasmodium falciparum CQ-sensitive strains. The L. siceraria extract and its mediated ZnO NPs showed the cytotoxic effects against HeLa cell lines with an IC50 value of 62.5 µg/mL. This study concludes that L. siceraria peel extract and L. siceraria synthesized ZnO NPs represent a valuable green option to fight against malarial vectors and parasites.

Stimbiotic supplementation improved performance and reduced inflammatory response via stimulating fiber fermenting microbiome in weaner pigs housed in a poor sanitary environment and fed an antibiotic-free low zinc oxide diet.

This study investigated whether the inclusion of a stimbiotic (STB) can improve performance, influence intestinal microbiota and fermentation activity, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in piglets fed a low zinc oxide diet without antimicrobial growth promotors compared to fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) when housed either in good sanitary (GS) or poor sanitary (PS) environments. One hundred forty-four male pigs (28-day-old) were sorted by initial body weight (BW) and allocated to one of six experimental treatments: 1) GS environment without any additive (GS-CTR); 2) GS environment with 0.01% stimbiotic (GS-STB); 3) PS environment (without cleaning and disinfection of a previously populated room) without any additive (PS-CTR); 4) PS environment with 0.01% STB (PS-STB); 5) PS environment with 0.1% MOS (PS-MOS); and 6) PS environment with 0.2% FOS (PS-FOS). Each treatment had six replicates, with four animals each. Three feeding phases, based on corn, wheat, and soybean meal were available ad libitum for the 42-days of the study. Housing piglets under PS conditions negatively influenced performance, increased plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), affected the fecal microbial populations and increased concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) compared to GS. Stimbiotic improved 42-d-BW under PS conditions (P < 0.05) whereas MOS or FOS had no effect. On d35, plasma TNF-α was reduced with STB in PS (P < 0.05). The ratio between VFA:BCFA increased (P < 0.05) with STB, MOS or FOS in PS, and under GS condition, STB also increased the ratio. Stimbiotic increased the proportion of Clostridiales Family XIII Incertae Sedis and Clostridiaceae, while MOS and FOS increased Selenomonadaceae, Catabacteriaceae and Fibrobacteraceae. These results indicate that STB shifted the intestinal microbiome to favor fiber fermentation which likely contributed to reduced inflammatory response and improved performance, particularly in piglets reared in PS conditions.

ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles alter the ability of Bacillus subtilis to fight against a stress.

Due to the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, the use of nanomaterials increases over time in industrial and medical processes. We herein report the negative impact of nanoparticles, using solid growth conditions mimicking a biofilm, on the ability of Bacillus subtilis to fight against a stress. Bacteria have been exposed to sublethal doses of nanoparticles corresponding to conditions that bacteria may meet in their natural biotopes, the upper layer of soil or the gut microbiome. The analysis of the proteomic data obtained by shotgun mass spectrometry have shown that several metabolic pathways are affected in response to nanoparticles, n-ZnO or n-TiO2, or zinc salt: the methyglyoxal and thiol metabolisms, the oxidative stress and the stringent responses. Nanoparticles being embedded in the agar medium, these impacts are the consequence of a physiological adaptation rather than a physical cell injury. Overall, these results show that nanoparticles, by altering bacterial physiology and especially the ability to resist to a stress, may have profound influences on a "good bacteria", Bacillus subtilis, in its natural biotope and moreover, on the global equilibrium of this biotope.