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All drug discovery methods, right from 'trial-and-error' approach to modern rational synthesis of drugs, make use of animals to check for efficacy and toxicity of compounds. This results in millions of animals being sacrificed every year. Following a global debate on "cruelty of animals", various acts were made and enforced in order to protect animal rights. As a work, around to these animal protection acts, drug discovery scientists started finding alternative approaches to animal studies for research. This review attempts to compile some of the more important non-animal models which are being used for testing safety and efficacy of drugs in preclinical stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, is reported to have adverse sublethal effects on non-target beneficial organisms. Halosulfuron-methyl (HM), one of the most widely used herbicides in agriculture, has high ecotoxicity to aquatic plants and animals. In this study, a GC–MS-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate the toxicity of acetamiprid and HM. The Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS) software program and the retention index method were used to identify 51 metabolites in zebra fish ( Brachydanio rerio ). Changes in metabolites showed that acetamiprid and HM disturbed amino acid (e.g., leucine, valine, serine, glycine, proline, and alanine) metabolism, the TCA cycle (malic acid and fumaric acid), and the balance of neurotransmitters (glutamic acid, taurine, and glycine). The change in metabolites in the liver, head, and blood indicated that metabolites in the liver were more sensitive than those in the head and blood. Overall, on the basis of the change in metabolites, we identified a potential risk to zebra fish exposed to sublethal doses of acetamiprid and/or HM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocardiogram (ECG) of zebra fish ( Danio rerio ) expresses cardiac features that are similar to humans. Here we use sharp microelectrode measurements to obtain ECG characteristics in adult zebra fish and analyze the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) on the heart. We observe the overall changes of ECG parameters in different treatments (0.1 TU, 0.5 TU and 1.0 TU CdCl 2 ), including P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, T wave, PR interval (atrial contraction), QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), ST segment, and QT interval (ventricular repolarization). The trends of the ECG parameters showed some responses to the concentration and exposure time of CdCl 2 , but it was difficult to obtain more information about the useful indicators in water quality assessment depending on tendency analysis alone. A self-organizing map (SOM) showed that P values, R values, and T values were similar; R wave and T wave amplitude were similar; and most important, QRS value was similar to the CdCl 2 stress according to the classified data patterns including CdCl 2 stress ( E ) and ECG components based on the Ward linkage. It suggested that the duration of QRS complex was related to environmental stress E directly. The specification and evaluation of ECG parameters in Cd 2+ pollution suggested that there is a markedly significant correlation between QRS complex and CdCl 2 stress with the highest r (0.729) and the smallest p (0.002) among all ECG characteristics. In this case, it is concluded that QRS complex can be used as an indicator in the CdCl 2 stress assessment due to the lowest AIC data abased on the linear regression model between the CdCl 2 stress and ECG parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its derivatives, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromo-amphetamine hydrobromide (DOB) and para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), are recreational drugs whose pharmacological effects have recently been attributed to serotonin 5HT2A/C receptors. However, there is growing evidence that the oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin system can modulate some the effects of MDMA. In this study, MDMA (2.5-10 mg/kg), DOB (0.5 mg/kg), or PMA (0.005, 0.1, or 0.25 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly to adult zebra fish, alone or in combination with the V1a vasopressin antagonist, SR49059 (0.01-1 ng/kg), before carrying out conditioned place preference (CPP), social preference, novel tank diving, and light-dark tests in order to evaluate subsequent rewarding, social, and emotional-like behavior. The combination of SR49059 and each drug progressively blocked: (1) rewarding behavior as measured by CPP in terms of time spent in drug-paired compartment; (2) prosocial effects measured on the basis of the time spent in the proximity of a nacre fish picture; and (3) anxiolytic effects in terms of the time spent in the upper half of the novel tank and in the white compartment of the tank used for the light-dark test. Antagonism was obtained at SR49059 doses which, when given alone, did not change motor function. In comparison with a control group, receiving vehicle alone, there was a three to five times increase in the brain release of isotocin (the analog of OT in fish) after treatment with the most active doses of MDMA (10 mg/kg), DOB (0.5 mg/kg), and PMA (0.1 mg/kg) as evaluated by means of bioanalytical reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Taken together, these findings show that the OT/vasopressin system is involved in the rewarding, prosocial, and anxiolytic effects of MDMA, DOB, and PMA in zebra fish and underline the association between this system and the behavioral alterations associated with disorders related to substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A/A/O) process is the commonly used biological wastewater treatment process, especially for the coking wastewater. However, limit is known about its ability in bio-toxicity removal from wastewater. In this study, we evaluated the performance of A/A/O process in bio-toxicity removal from the coking wastewater, using two test species (i.e. crustacean ( Daphnia magna ) and zebra fish ( Danio rerio )) in respect of acute toxicity, oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Our results showed that the acute toxicity of raw influent was reduced gradually along with A/A/O process and the effluent presented no acute toxicity to Daphnia magna ( D. magna ) and zebra fish. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in D. magna and zebra fish was promoted by the effluent from each tank of A/A/O process, showing that coking wastewater induced oxidative damage. Herein, the oxidative damage to D. magna was mitigated in the oxic tank, while the toxicity to zebra fish was reduced in the anoxic tank. The comet assays showed that genotoxicity to zebra fish was removed stepwise by A/A/O process, although the final effluent still presented genotoxicity to zebra fish. Our results indicated that the A/A/O process was efficient in acute toxicity removal, but not so effective in the removal of other toxicity (e.g. oxidative damage and genotoxicity). Considering the potential risks of wastewater discharge, further advanced toxicity mitigation technology should be applied in the conventional biological treatment process, and the toxicity index should be introduced in the regulation system of wastewater discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian ovarian G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) is activated by some metals in addition to extracellular protons and coupling to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. In the present study, we examined whether zebrafish OGR1, zebrafish GPR4, and human GPR4 (zOGR1, zGPR4, and hGPR4, respectively) could sense the metals and activate the intracellular signaling pathways. On one hand, we found that only manganese and cobalt of the tested metals stimulated SRE-promoter activities in zOGR1-overexpressed HEK293T cells. On the other hand, none of the metals tested stimulated the promoter activities in zGPR4- and hGPR4-overexpressed cells. The OGR1 mutant (H4F), which is lost to activation by extracellular protons, did not stimulate metal-induced SRE-promoter activities. These results suggest that zOGR1, but not GPR4, is also a metal-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor in addition to a proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor, although not all metals that activate hOGR1 activated zOGR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In nature, organisms are commonly coinfected by two or more parasite strains, which has been shown to influence disease virulence. Yet, the effects of coinfections of environmental opportunistic pathogens on disease outcome are still poorly known, although as host-generalists they are highly likely to participate in coinfections. We asked whether coinfection with conspecific opportunistic strains leads to changes in virulence, and if these changes are associated with bacterial growth or interference competition. We infected zebra fish (Danio rerio) with three geographically and/or temporally distant environmental opportunist Flavobacterium columnare strains in single and in coinfection. Growth of the strains was studied in single and in co-cultures in liquid medium, and interference competition (growth-inhibiting ability) on agar. Results: The individual strains differed in their virulence, growth and ability for interference competition. Number of coinfecting strains significantly influenced the virulence of infection, with three-strain coinfection differing from the two-strain and single infections. Differences in virulence seemed to associate with the identity of the coinfecting bacterial strains, and their pairwise interactions. This indicates that benefits of competitive ability (production of growth-inhibiting compounds) for virulence are highest when multiple strains co-occur, whereas the high virulence in coinfection may be independent from in vitro bacterial growth. Conclusions: Intraspecific competition can lead to plastic increase in virulence, likely caused by faster utilization of host resources stimulated by the competitive interactions between the strains. However, disease outcome depends both on the characteristics of individual strains and their interactions. Our results highlight the importance of strain interactions in disease dynamics in environments where various pathogen genotypes co-occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-photon fluorescent probes have emerged as promising molecular tools for imaging subcellular organelles. Here, the facile synthesis of three novel nitro molecules ( Z1-Z3 ) with lager two-photon absorption cross-section and three novel amino molecules ( L1-L3 ) based on mitochondrial probes with two-photon absorption are presented. Their photophysical properties have been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The study of nonlinear optical property revealed that Z1-Z3 possess more excellent two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-section values than L1-L3 and the 2PA cross-section values were enhanced with increasing electron-donating strength of the end group when fixed the opposite group (nitro or amino). Furthermore, in consideration of the water solubility and fluorescent intensity, L1-L3 possessing high specificity for mitochondrial localization were applied to biology, which is advantageous in comparison with commercially available mitochondrial trackers. Due to their low cytotoxicity, these small molecules L1-L3 offer a promising platform to directly monitor mitochondria in living cells and zebra fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Environmental Protection Act (EPA) came into force in 1986 after Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It stipulates that no person or industry or processor shall discharge or emit environmental pollutants in excess of prescribed standards. Dihydroxyl ammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate, abbreviated as TKX-50, was synthesized in this laboratory. During synthesis of TKX-50 a large volume of effluent was generated, which was acidic and hazardous in nature and therefore can damage the environment if discharged without proper treatment. Literature survey reveals that TKX-50 effluent analysis and its treatment have not been reported so far. In order to meet EPA norms and protect the environment TKX effluent samples of different steps of synthesis were collected and analyzed for environmental parameters such as pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS) and bioassay test (toxicity to zebra fish survival) followed by the treatment of composite effluent. This paper presents analysis results of TKX-50 effluent samples before and after treatment. The results of finally treated TKX-50 effluent indicate that the same can be safely discharged on land for irrigation without adverse effect on environment. This study may be suitable for environmentalists and community of high energy materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid translation from bench to bedside that has been seen in the application of regenerative medicine to cardiology has led to exciting new advances in our understanding of some of the fundamental mechanisms related to human biology. The first generation of cells used in phase I–II trials (mainly bone marrow mononuclear cells) are now entering phase III clinical trials with the goal of producing a cell based therapeutics that can change the outcome of cardiac disease. First generation cell therapy appears to have addressed safety concerns as well as showing ‘activity’ in numerous published meta-analyses. With the knowledge gained to date, the field is moving towards the next generation of cells—the ‘engineered’ cell—that has been developed to display a phenotype that will further enhance the myocardial repair/salvage process. This almanac review covers the latest basic research that may soon have application to humans as well as the results of the latest clinical trials.

In sexually reproducing organisms, primordial germ cells (PGCs) give rise to the cells of the germ line, the gametes. In many animals, PGCs are set apart from somatic cells early during embryogenesis. This study explores the origin of primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the zebra fish and examines their morphology during early development (1st day-15th day). PGCs were selectively stained by the alkaline phosphatase histochemical reaction and viewed by light and electron microscopy from the time they are first detectable in the yolk sac endoderm. PGCs occurred in the subendodermal space on the syncytial periblast; differing from the surrounding endodermal cells. Later the PGCs moved to between the blastoderm and yolk sac and transferred to the dorsal mesentery where they formed gonadal anlage with mesoderm cells. PGCs were easily distinguished from somatic cells by their morphology and low electron density of their nuclei. Under light microscopy, PCGs were rounded with a distinct cytoplasmic membrane.

Rising challenges in the present drug discovery model are prompting Prompt a renewed interest in natural products as a source of novel, bioactive small molecules. With the current validation of zebra fish as a biomedical appropriate model for functional genomics and in vivo drug discovery, the zebra fish bioassay-guided identification of natural products may be an attractive tactic to generate new lead compounds in a number of indication regions. Here, we review recent natural product research using zebra fish and evaluate the potential of this vertebrate model as a discovery platform for the systematic identification of bioactive natural products.

Several epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of large quantities of vegetables especially cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli and Brussels sprouts) can protect against chronic diseases. Sulforaphane, an isothiocynate found in cruciferous vegetables has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in several experimental paradigms. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of sulforaphane on cognitive impairment in zebra fish model using a novel method of fear conditioning. Initially, the normal behaviour of zebra fishes was studied in light-dark tank for 10 min daily for 10 days. Fishes were then divided into seven groups of twelve in each. Group I served as normal, group II served as fear conditioned control, group III and group IV were sulforaphane (25 µM/L) and piracetam (200 mg/L) treated respectively. Group V served as scopolamine (400 µM/L) induced memory impairment fishes. Group VI and VII were sulforaphane (25 µM/L) and piracetam (200 mg/L) treated scopolamine induced memory impairment groups respectively. In normal behavioural analysis, fishes preferred to stay in dark compartment. The average number of entries into the dark and time spent in dark were significantly more. Fishes in group II to VII were individually subjected to fear conditioning passive avoidance task and evaluated for learned task memory. It was observed that the average number of entries into dark and time spent in dark were significantly decreased. After exposure to respective treatment fishes in group III to VII were subjected to cognitive evaluation. There was no significant difference in cognition of group III and IV fishes exposed to sulforaphane and piracetam alone respectively. Fishes exposed to scopolamine showed a significant cognitive impairment. Sulforaphane exposure prior to scopolamine significantly retained the memory of learned task. These findings suggest that sulforaphane might be a promising therapeutic agent for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increasing resistance in bacteria towards antibiotics has made it imperative to research on their revitalization to combat infectious diseases. This study dealt with synthesis of a nano-form of the antibiotic tetracycline, its characterization and potency of killing different multi-drug resistant diarrhea-causing bacteria. Methods Nano-formulation was done by loading tetracycline within biocompatible calcium phosphate nanoparticle. The synthesized tetracycline-loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticle (Tet-CPNP) was characterized by the techniques like TEM, DLS, EDS, FTIR, spectrofluorimetry and dialysis. Bactericidal activity of nano-particulate tetracycline was investigated by agar plating, spectrophotometry, phase contrast-fluorescence-atomic force microscopy and flow cytometry techniques. Results The Tet-CPNPs were 8 ± 5 nm in size and nearly spherical in shape, efficiency of tetracycline loading in CPNP was about 20% and the release of antibiotic from Tet-CPNPs was sustainable during 7 days. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tet-CPNP on multiple antibiotic (including tetracycline) resistant bacteria like Escherichia coli , Salmonella kentuckey and Shigella flexneri was in the range of 20–40 μg/ml, whereas MIC of free tetracycline was in the range of 150–180 μg/ml. NP-mediated cell filamentation and cell membrane disintegration caused cell killing. Moreover, death of Shigella -infected Zebra fish larvae was stalled by Tet-CPNP treatment. CPNP itself had no toxic effect on bacteria as well as on Zebra fish. Conclusion Our nano-formulation of tetracycline might reclaim a nearly obsolete antibiotic to further potential function. General significance Such a study on revival of an old, cheap, broad-spectrum antibiotic to further action is highly beneficial to developing countries with limited health care budgets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Southern Agriculture is the property of Journal of Southern Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The usefulness of Docetaxel (DT) as an anti-cancer agent is limited to parenteral route owing to its very poor oral bioavailability. Thus, to improve its oral efficacy, DT was loaded in novel cationic lipid nanocapsules (DT CLNC). The DT CLNC possessed size of 130–150 nm, zeta potential of +72mV, adequate DT loading and over 95% encapsulation efficiency. TEM revealed capsular structure of DT CLNC. Lipolysis study indicated improved solubilization of DT by nanocapsules in comparison to DT solution. DT CLNC exhibited significantly higher release of DT in comparison to DT solution duringin vitropermeation studies employing non-reverted rat-intestinal sac. Superior uptake of DT in zebra fishes exposed to DT CLNC resulted in greater apoptosis-based cell death as compared to those exposed to DT solution. This correlated well with the significantly superior (p < 0.05) anti-angiogenic activity of DT CLNC system over DT solution, in zebra fish model. DT CLNC also inhibited tumor growth in melanoma cell line induced tumors in C57BL/6 mice significantly, as compared to DT solution (p < 0.05). The DT CLNC system demonstrated adequate stability, with tremendous potential to improve oral efficacy of DT and can serve as an alternative to existing DT formulations available commercially for parenteral use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the displacement method, herein we reported a water soluble copper complex [Cu(MaT-cyclen) 2 ] as a fluorescent probe for the detection of H 2 S. For this, 1-((1-((10-methylanthracen-9-yl)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (MaT-cyclen) was synthesized first. To improve its solubility in aqueous media, sodium acetate group was introduced into 8-hydroxy-2-quinoline successfully. MaT-cyclen was chelated with Cu(II) to form [Cu(MaT-cyclen) 2 ] complex, which displayed high sensitivity and selectivity for H 2 S over the other possible competitive substances on the basis of forming CuS. Meanwhile, [Cu(MaT-cyclen) 2 ] displayed rapid response (<1 min), well reversibility, lowest detection limit (205 nM), and high sensitivity for recognizing H 2 S in aqueous solution. Furthermore, its potential utility for biological applications was confirmed by fluorescence imaging of H 2 S in live cells as well as in zebra fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over the potential health effects of mixtures of low concentration heavy metals on living organisms keep growing by the day. However, the toxicity of low concentration metal mixtures on the immune system of fish species has rarely been investigated. In this study, the zebrafish model was employed to investigate the effect on innate immune and antioxidant-related gene expressions, on exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of individual and mixtures of Pb (0.01 mg/L), Hg (0.001 mg/L), As (0.01 mg/L) and Cd (0.005 mg/L). Messenger-RNA (mRNA) levels of IL1β, TNF-α, IFNγ, Mx, Lyz, C3B and CXCL-Clc which are closely associated with the innate immune system were affected after exposing zebrafish embryos to metals for 120 h post fertilization (hpf). Individual and mixtures of metals exhibited different potentials to modulate innate-immune gene transcription. IL1β genes were significantly up regulated on exposure to Pb + As (2.01-fold) and inhibited on exposure to Pb + Hg + Cd (0.13-fold). TNF-α was significantly inhibited on exposure to As (0.40-fold) and Pb + As (0.32-fold) compared to control. Metal mixtures generally up regulated IFNγ compared to individual metals. Additionally, antioxidant genes were affected, as CAT and GPx gene expressions generally increased, whiles Mn-SOD and Zn/Cu-SOD reduced. Multivariate analysis showed that exposure to individual metals greatly influenced modulation of innate immune genes; whiles metal mixtures influenced antioxidant gene expressions. This suggests that beside oxidative stress, there may be other pathways influencing gene expressions of innate immune and antioxidant-related genes. Low concentration heavy metals also affect expression of development-related ( wnt8a and vegf) genes. Altogether, the results of this study clearly demonstrate that low concentration individual and mixtures of metals in aquatic systems will greatly influence the immune system. It is indicative that mechanisms associated with toxicity of metal mixtures is complex, however, further studies to elucidate them are ongoing in our research laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental epigenetics is a rapidly growing field which studies the effects of environmental factors such as nutrition, stress, and exposure to compounds on epigenetic gene regulation. Recent studies have shown that exposure to toxicants in vertebrates is associated with changes in DNA methylation, a major epigenetic mechanism affecting gene transcription. Zebra fish, a well-known model in toxicology and developmental biology, are emerging as a model species in environmental epigenetics despite their evolutionary distance to rodents and humans. In this review, recent insights in DNA methylation during zebra fish development are discussed and compared to mammalian models in order to evaluate zebra fish as a model to study the role of DNA methylation in environmental toxicology. Differences exist in DNA methylation reprogramming during early development, whereas in later developmental stages, tissue distribution of both 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine seems more conserved between species, as well as basic DNA (de)methylation mechanisms. All DNA methyl transferases identified so far in mammals are present in zebra fish, as well as a number of major demethylation pathways. However, zebra fish appear to lack some methylation pathways present in mammals, such as parental imprinting. Several studies report effects on DNA methylation in zebra fish following exposure to environmental contaminants, such as arsenic, benzo[ a]pyrene, and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate. Though more research is needed to examine heritable effects of contaminant exposure on DNA methylation, recent data suggests the usefulness of the zebra fish as a model in environmental epigenetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of aqueous extract of Gyrocarpus asiaticus (100mg/ml) on paracetamol (20mM) induced hepatotoxicity in zebra fish. Result of this study showed that, Gyrocarpus asiaticus treated group has got marked reduction in oxidative status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaffold proteins coordinate multiple signalling pathways by integrating various proteins but the role of these proteins in neuronal pathways remains to be elucidated. The present study focused to evaluate the expression of the scaffold protein CULLIN2 in neuronal cells. The neuronal precursor cell line N2A was differentiated to neurons in-vitro with retinoic acid and biochemical assays were used to understand the gene expression profiling of CULLIN2. Moreover, neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 was used to inhibit the activity of CULLIN2 and the downstream substrates were validated. Finally, the role of CULLIN2 in nerve regeneration was evaluated in an in vivo zebrafish model. Experimental data showed that the neuronal cells N2A have lower expression of CULLIN2 compared to skin cell lines (HaCaT and A431) and inactivation with the neddylation inhibitor resulted in cell death. Furthermore differentiating the neural precursor cell line into neurons with retinoic acid enhanced the expression of CULLIN2. Examining downstream signalling molecules with the neddylation inhibitor illuminates that MLN4924 treatment influences the cytokine signalling cascade (JAK-STAT) in neuronal cells. Moreover, for the first time, we show that the ubiquitin ligase protein CULLIN2 is perturbed in neural regeneration. Expression profile of CULLIN2 was significantly decreased in response to a nerve injury in Zebra fish and as the nerve regenerates there is corresponding reduction in the mRNA levels. During differentiation CULLIN2 is upregulated whereas during regeneration there is significant downregulation. Thus, our findings reveal a crucial role of the scaffold protein CULLIN2 in nerve differentiation and regeneration which can be vital for the treatment of nerve injury. • Scaffold protein CULLIN2 is upregulated in neurons differentiated with Retinoic acid. • Inhibiting the activity of CULLIN2 through neddylation inhibition resulted in cell death at higher concentration. • MLN4924 treatment revealed that the non-canonical substrate JAK2 is accumulated when CULLIN2 activity is inhibited. • CULLIN2 is downregulated during nerve injury in an in-vivo model. • CULLIN2 acts a feedback protein modulating the turnover of JAK/STAT thereby playing a role in neural regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) and their natural/synthetic composites are encouraging tools for humanity. There is a need to address critical challenges and potential risk possibilities in GO-based architectures, which have a wide range of uses. In this study, ecotoxicological levels as well as GO-based nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, interaction mechanism and toxicity detection levels for potential biomedical applications were determined on zebrafish (Danio rerio). The effects of GO-ED-BA NP (graphene oxide-boramidic acid nano particles) which was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and BET on survival rate, morphological abnormalities (yolk sac edema, lordosis/kyphosis, pericardial edema, and tail malformation), hatching rate as well as neuronal degeneration /necrosis, 8 OHdG and TNF-α expression were observed in D. rerio embryos and larvae. In the obtained findings, it was determined that the toxicity profile of GO-ED-BA NP appeared similar, in high-dose application with single GO use, causing a cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory response and triggering oxidative stress. However, increased malformation rates and mortality at the highest concentration were due to nanoparticle sizes and GO. The presence of boramidic acid unit on graphene nanostructure changed the GO's toxicity profile and positively directed the proinflammatory and oxidative stress response. Synthesizing of graphene oxide-boramidic acid and its toxicity panels compared to graphene oxide are reported for the first time in this study. [Display omitted] • GO exerted higher oxidative and genotoxic stress on cells than GO-ED-BA. • GO-induced stress increases TNF-α levels. • GO-ED-BA changed the GO's toxicity profile and positively directed the proinflammatory and oxidative stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) is usually fabricated by physical and chemical methods which, consequently, may have adverse effects for human and environment. Therefore, novel environmentally friendly synthesis methods for are essential and preferred. The purpose of this study was to synthesize TiO 2 NPs using Echinophora cinerea extract and evaluate its toxicity on zebra fish. In the work, extraction phase was performed using a water as solvent. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DLS analyzes were performed to determine the characteristics of synthesized TiO 2 NPs. The effect of different parameters such as pH, extract concentration, TiO 2 concentration, and temperature were investigated on TiO 2 NP and optimized. Then, the acute toxicity of synthesized TiO 2 NPs at different concentrations was investigated for 96 h on zebra fish. The bioassay data was analyzed via probit regression technique. Based on the obtained results, the optimal conditions for the synthesized TiO 2 NPs were 9, 20 g/L, 0.4 g/L, and 25 °C for pH, extract concentration, TiO 2 concentration and temperature, respectively. Both FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the stability and structure of the synthesized NPs. According to SEM and DLS analysis, the synthesized NPs were spherical in shape and about 244.7 nm in diameter. Based on bioassay, LC 50 for green synthesized TiO 2 NPs with Echinophora cinerea extract at 48 h was 300 mg/L, which revealed a less hazardous material. • Green synthesis of TiO2 NPs has become very popular due to their adaptability to the environment. • TiO 2 NPs has less toxic than chemically synthesized TiO 2 NPs. • The reaction temperature affects the size of the synthesized NPs and reduces its size. • Synthesized TiO 2 NPs at high concentrations had relatively high toxicity to zebra fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical pollutants, a vital type of emerging contaminants, have attracted researchers to study their removal from water. In this research, Corn starch nanoparticles (CSNP) have been synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The synthesized CSNP was used for the biosorption of two pharmaceutical drugs, ibuprofen (IBU) and sulfamethoxazole (SUL). The influence of various experimental conditions was optimized through batch study with the removal efficiency of 86.33 % (IBU) and 85.80 % (SUL) at pH 2 and 3, initial concentration of 10 mg/L, 0.01 g of CSNP dosage. The biosorption of IBU follows Temkin, and SUL follows Langmuir isotherm models. The toxicological assessment was performed using the seeds of Vigna mungo (VM) and Vigna radiata (VR) and zebrafish to evaluate the toxic effects of pollutants on these organisms. The LC 50 of IBU and SUL on zebrafish before the biosorption process was 209.50 mg/L and 338.84 mg/L. After biosorption, the LC 50 values increase to 1435.82 mg/L for IBU and 1317.04 mg/L for SUL. Thus, CSNP is an efficient biosorbent for removing the pharmaceutical pollutants to protect ecological systems. [Display omitted] • Effective biosorptive removal of Ibuprofen and Sulfamethoxazole using corn starch nanoparticles was reported. • Characterization of corn starch nanoparticles by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. • Maximum biosorption capacity for Ibuprofen and Sulfamethoxazole was found to be 65.359 and 96.153 mg/g. • Toxicological assessment viz. Seed and Fish toxicity of Ibuprofen and Sulfamethoxazole were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study monitored the toxicity of environmentally relevant concentration of pesticides and metals in zebra fish Danio rerio. Zebra fish were exposed to environmentally relevant concentration of pesticides and metals for a period of 14 days. The individual and the combined toxicity of pesticides and metals were evaluated. The pesticides and metals treated groups showed histopathological alterations in the muscle, liver and gill tissues. Significant alterations were seen in liver and gill compared to muscle tissue. Among groups, the changes in group III (pesticides treated) were severe followed by group II (metals treated) and then the group IV (metals and pesticides treated, combined toxicity). Splitting of muscle fibers was observed in muscle tissue of fish treated with pesticides (group III). In the liver tissues severe damages such as dilation and congestion of blood sinusoids (group IV), cytoplasmic vaculoation in both group II & III was observed. Pronounced hyperplasia and necrosis in gill of fish treated with pesticides (group III). In conclusion the evidence of pathological alterations in gills and livers of zebra fish Danio rerio appeared to be a useful bio-marker to assess the impact of combined toxicity of pesticides and metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thioesterase superfamily member 2 (THEM2) is an essential protein for mammalian cell proliferation. It belongs to the hotdog-fold thioesterase superfamily and catalyzes hydrolysis of thioester bonds of acyl-CoA in vitro , while its in vivo function remains unrevealed. In this study, Zebra fish was selected as a model organism to facilitate the investigations on THEM2. First, we solved the crystal structure of recombinant fTHEM2 at the resolution of 1.80 Å, which displayed a similar scaffolding as hTHEM2. Second, functional studies demonstrated that fTHEM2 is capable of hydrolyzing palmitoyl-CoA in vitro . In addition, injection of morpholino against fTHEM2 at one-cell stage resulted in distorted early embryo development, including delayed cell division, retarded development and increased death rate. The above findings validated our hypothesis that fTHEM2 could serve as an ideal surrogate for studying the physiological functions of THEM2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Peroxiredoxins (Prx) belong to peroxidase type enzyme group which reduce redox active cysteine residues. The aim of this study was to determine the allele frequencies of Prx 6 gene rs41055489 polymorphism in zebrafish and in which extent may improve protective measures against oxidative stress indicators. Methods: The Prx6 gene rs41055489 genotypes were determined with qPCR method in zebrafish exposed to different doses of heavy metals. Additionally, the glutathion (GSH), malondialdehide (MDA) and catalase (CAT) levels were measured. Results: The Prx6 gene rs41055489 genotype frequencies were determined respectively as 97.7% for homozygous wild type (A/A), 2.3% for heterozygous (A/C) in group. The polymorphic genotype (C/C) was not detected in our study group. Conclusion: Prx6 rs41055489 heterozygous gene polymorphism have been observed to inhibit defence mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) is a kind of widely used anionic surfactant and its discharge may pose potential risk to the receiving aquatic ecosystem. The aim of our study is to investigate the toxic effect of SDBS on fish swimming behavior quantitatively, followed by examination whether there are significant differences of swimming behavior among applied fish species (i.e. zebra fish ( Danio rerio ), Japanese medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) and red carp ( Cyprinus carpio )). The swimming speed and vertical position were analyzed after the fish exposed to SDBS aiming to reflect the toxicity of SDBS on fish. Our results showed that the swimming behavior of three fishes was significantly affected by SDBS, although there were slight differences of swimming pattern changes among three fish species when they exposed to the same concentration of SDBS. It could be seen that red carp, one of the native fish species in China, can be used as a model fish to reflect the water quality changes as well as zebra fish and Japanese medaka which are commonly used as model fishes. Our study also illustrated that the swimming behavior monitoring may have a good application prospect in pre-warning of water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptability of probiotic bacteria is an important trait for the survival and colonization in water or fish intestine and the performance of their biocontrol function. Bacillus is a widely used genus of probiotic bacteria in aquaculture. However, its survival dynamics and effect on water or fish intestine is still unclear. In this study, we assessed the survival dynamics of exogenous Bacillus subtilis Bst51 and its effect on the microbial community structure in water and fish intestine by using green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling and bacteriological methods. Results showed that GFP labeling was an efficient method for detection of the survival of B. subtilis in the water column and fish intestine. Our results showed that when administered only once, the concentration of Bst51 in water declined to one-tenth of the original concentration and reached a stable state after 24 h. This confirmed that Bst51 strain was able to survive and colonize in aquaculture water with concentrations higher than 103 CFU (Colony Forming Units)/mL. The concentration of Bst51 cells in zebra fish intestine decreased slightly and remained constant at around 5×106 CFU/g after only one treatment. The results confirmed that if Bst51 cells have a concentration of over 109 CFU/mL they can survive and colonize in zebra fish intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has emerged as the most important biosynthetic gasotransmitters along with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). In this study, we report the design and the synthesis of a new epoxide fluorescent probe 7-glycidyloxy-9-(2-glycidyloxycarbonylphenyl)-2-xanthone (FEPO) for use in in vivo visualization of hydrogen sulfide. The probe employs a fluorescein as a fluorophore, and is equipped with an operating epoxide unit. FEPO functions via epoxide ring opening upon nucleophilic attack of H 2 S. This ring opening strategy may open a new avenue for the development of various H 2 S fluorescent sensors. FEPO showed high selectivity and high sensitivity for H 2 S. FEPO's cytotoxicity was tested using MTT (2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Furthermore, the use of confocal imaging of H 2 S and in vivo imaging in live zebra fish demonstrated FEPO's potential biological applications. We anticipate that, owing to their ideal properties, probes of this type will find great uses in exploring the role of H 2 S in biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to prepare nontoxic, biomimetic TiO 2 /chondroitin-4-sulfate nanocomposites with osteointegration ability for biomedical applications. Nanocomposites with higher surface area were subjected to bioactivity study and obtained bone-like layer with stoichiometric Ca/P ratio of 1.64 and 1.66. The susceptibility of nanocomposites against Staphylococcus aureus (∼16 mm) and Escherichia coli (∼12 mm) is favorable in preventing the risk of bone diseases and postoperative infections. Adequate swelling and degradations properties were favorably achieved to reduce the risk of nanoparticle accumulation in cell organelles. Moreover, the toxicity in AGS cell line and biocompatibility in osteoblast-like MG-63 cell line showed no significant mitochondrial damage. In addition, the in vitro expression of osteoblast inducing genes (OCN, OPN, ALP and COL 1) and their up-regulation, and 20% of increased hatching rate in preliminary in vivo (zebrafish) analysis were favorable for the nanocomposite at the ratio of 2:0.50 than pure TiO 2 . Hence, it can be concluded that among the prepared nanocomposites TCs.5 is a promising biomimetic biomaterial that can be used for advanced orthopedic research and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of cypermethrin at 0.02 μg L-1 concentration in relation to salinity (0 and 14 ppt) and temperature (16±1 and 25 ± 1°C) was studied on the liver tissue of zebra fish (Aphanius sophiae) exposed to cypermethrin for 14 days under laboratory condition. The liver tissue changed significantly with changes in salinity and temperature. The major changes were overlapped hepatocytes, nucleous irregularity, cloudy swelling, atrophy, fat degeneration, pyknosis, focal necrosis, karyolysis, accumulation of kupffer cell, necrosis and bile stagnation. The results showed that sensitivity to cypermethrin increased with decrease in salinity and increase in temperature.This fish is, therefore, not a suitable indicator for cypermethrin assessment in aquatic ecosystems, and if considered as an indicator, the temperature and salinity should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]