Apple polyphenols and fibers attenuate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Atherosclerosis, which is closely linked to nutritional habits, is a major cause of mortality in Western countries. Most of the previous investigations carried out on health effects of apples have been focused on their capacity to lower lipid concentration as well as on their antioxidant effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antiatherosclerotic effects of apple polyphenols and fibers. A crude apple polyphenol extract and low-viscosity apple fibers isolated from cider apples were administered separately or in association with the diet of apo E-deficient mice. After 4 months of supplementation, lipemia and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured and atheroslerotic lesions assessed by histomorphometry. Total plasmatic cholesterol and triacylgycerol levels were not affected by supplementation, and hepatic cholesterol level was lower in the group supplemented with both fibers and polyphenols. Uric acid concentrations and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in plasma were reduced in all groups supplemented with polyphenols or fibers. The mean lesion area was reduced by 17, 38, and 38%, respectively, for the polyphenol, fiber, and polyphenol + fiber groups. Apple constituents supplied at nutritional doses therefore limit the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of apo E-deficient mice. On the basis of the results, we hypothesize that apple fibers and polyphenols may play a role in preventing atherosclerosis disease by decreasing uric acid plasma level.     

Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in composition and physicochemical features (pH, density, thermostability and acidity) of mare colostrum and milk, and of protein fraction contribution (serum albumin, β-casein, γ-casein, α-lactalbumin, G class immunoglobulins) depending on lactation stage. The research material was colostrum and milk samples from 12 Arabian mares. Colostrum samples were collected within 2 h after parturition and milk samples were collected twice, in the 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation. The level of basic milk components decreased significantly (only lactose content increased) as compared to colostrum. Total bacteria count and somatic cell count decreased significantly with an increase in resistance and urea level. The changes observed were connected to differentiated contribution of particular protein fractions and their relative proportions. Lower levels of γ-casein (P ≤ 0.05), β-casein, serum albumin as well as α-lactalbumin were observed in colostrum as compared to those in milk. Any relationship between lactation stage and β-casein content was observed. Serum albumin and α-lactalbumin content increased in subsequent milkings. The level of G class immunoglobulins decreased significantly and its highest level was noted in colostrum. Any significant differences between the 3rd and 6th lactation weeks were obtained.     

Effect of soil drought on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under compacted soil

In this study, we examined responses of maize hybrids differing in susceptibility to soil compaction and drought in the case of their separate or combined action. We ran field and greenhouse experiments and determined effects on grain yield, biomass, weight of 1000 grains, shoot and roots dry matter (DM), shoot-to-roots ratio, harvest index, plant height, emergence index, leaf area and greening and root number and length. Individual and combined effects of both stresses were observed in the field and greenhouse. Compared with plants growing in loose soil and optimal irrigation (LI), the resistant hybrids in treatments HI, LD and HD showed a smaller reduction in GY, BY, S, R, R_N and R_L than the sensitive. In both groups, stress influence on HA, W-1000, LA and SPAD was smaller and the differences were insignificant. Compared with LI treatment, the roots of LD, HI and HD increased their DM, number and length in the upper level of the soil profile and the number of roots developed at 0–30° and 30–60° in relation to the root main axis. Analysis of those traits in the hybrids resistant and sensitive to both stress factors enabled to explain a defence response. Our study demonstrated that soil compaction and soil drought, which usually occurs simultaneously, caused significant changes in components of plant yield and showed plant plasticity in response to environmental factors under natural conditions.     

Use of Lichen and Moss in Assessment of Forest Contamination with Heavy Metals in Praded and Glacensis Euroregions (Poland and Czech Republic)

The concentrations of selected metals—Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb—were determined in the samples of Hypogymnia physodes lichen and Pleurozium schreberi moss collected in Polish and Czech Euroregions Praded and Glacensis. More specifically, the samples were collected in Bory Stobrawskie, Bory Niemodlińskie, and Kotlina K?odzka (Poland) and in Jeseniki (Czech Republic). The concentration of metals in the samples was measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry (flame AAS technique and electrothermal atomization AAS technique). The results were used to calculate the comparison factor (CF) that quantifies the difference in concentration of a given bioavailable analyte × accumulated in lichens and mosses: CF?=?2 (c _x,lichen ? c _x,moss) (c _x,lichen + c _x,moss)^?1. The values of CF greater than 0.62 indicate the most probable location of heavy metals deposited in the considered area. In this work, the method was used to show a significant contribution of urban emissions to the deposition of heavy metals in the area of Bory Stobrawskie and in the vicinity of K?odzko City.     

Food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated net cages in mesotrophic Lake Maróz (north-eastern Poland)

Feeding and food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated cages were studied. The experiment was carried out in mesotrophic Lake Maróz, in north-eastern Poland, for 6 weeks in two successive years. The initial stocking density was 1,250 larvae (20 DPH) per cage. Food selection according to the zooplankton groups (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) and length classes was expressed by the Strauss linear selectivity index (L). Zooplankton species composition in the lake was similar in the two seasons of the study and organisms shorter than 0.5 mm prevailed in the plankton. The mean number of prey found in burbot alimentary tracts increased from about 40 up to over 200 during the course of the study. A very large inter-individual variation in the amount of food organisms consumed by fish was noted. Analysis of the values of the Strauss food selectivity index shows that at the beginning of the first year of the experiment, burbot larvae preferred copepods, most numerous in the environment at that time; later, fish tended to select cladocerans. In the second year of the study, fish more often ate copepods, irrespective of their quantities in the environment. During the whole study, reared burbot larvae did not eat rotifers, even when they were numerous in cages. Similarly to the rotifers, the smallest planktonic organisms, measuring up to 0.5 mm in length, were typically neglected by fish, while the 0.6–1.0 mm group was most frequently selected. There were also considerable individual differences between particular burbot specimens in their food preferences.     

Evaluation of the ability of colistin,amoxicillin (components of Potencil®), and fluoroquinolones to attenuate bacterial endotoxin‐ and Shiga exotoxin‐mediated cytotoxicity—In vitro studies

Escherichia coli is one of the major pathogens in humans and animals causing localized and systemic infections, which often lead to acute inflammation, watery diarrhea, and hemorrhagic colitis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Shiga exotoxins (Stx) are mostly responsible for such clinical signs. Therefore, highly effective treatment of E. coli infections should include both eradication of bacteria and neutralization of their toxins. Here, for the first time, we compared the in vitro ability of common antibiotics to decrease LPS‐ and Stx‐mediated cytotoxicity: colistin, amoxicillin (used separately or combined), enrofloxacin, and its metabolite ciprofloxacin. Three experimental scenarios were realized as follows: (a) the direct effect of antibiotics on endotoxin, (b) the effect of antibiotic treatment on LPS‐mediated cytotoxicity in an experiment mimicking “natural infection,” (c) the effect of antibiotics to decrease Stx2e‐mediated cytotoxicity. Two cell lines, A549 and Vero cells, were used to perform cytotoxic assays with the methyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) methods, respectively. Colistin and amoxicillin, especially used in combination, were able to attenuate LPS toxic effect, which was reflected by increase in A549 cell viability. In comparison with other antibiotics, the combination of colistin and amoxicillin exhibited the highest boster or additive effect in protecting cells against LPS‐ and Stx2e‐induced toxicity. In summary, in comparison with fluoroquinolones, the combination of colistin and amoxicillin at concentrations similar to those achieved in plasma of treated animals exhibited the highest ability to attenuate LPS‐ and Stx2e‐mediated cytotoxicity.     

Pharmacokinetic profiles of metamizole (dipyrone) active metabolites in goats and its residues in milk

Metamizole (dipyrone, MET) is a nonopioid analgesic drug commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assess two major active metabolites of MET, 4‐methylaminoantipyrin (MAA) and 4‐aminoantipyrin (AA), in goat plasma after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration. In addition, metabolite concentration in milk was monitored after IM injection. Six healthy female goats received MET at a dose of 25 mg/kg by IV and IM routes in a crossover design study. The blood and milk samples were analyzed using HPLC coupled with ultraviolet detector and the plasma vs concentration curves analyzed by a noncompartmental model. In the goat, the MET rapidly converted into MAA and the mean maximum concentration was 183.97 μg/ml (at 0.08 hr) and 51.94 μg/ml (at 0.70 hr) after IV and IM administration, respectively. The area under the curve and mean residual time values were higher in the IM than the IV administered goats. The average concentration of AA was lower than MAA in both groups. Over 1 μg/ml of MAA was found in the milk (at 48 hr) after MET IM administration. In conclusion, IM is considered to be a better administration route in terms of its complete absorption with long persistence in the plasma. However, this therapeutic option should be considered in light of the likelihood of there being milk residue.     

Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after intravenous and oral administration in fasted and fed Labrador Retriever dogs

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used in dogs to manage fever and mild pain. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in both fed and fasted Labrador Retrievers after a single intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg). Six healthy dogs underwent three treatments in a randomized block study (a, n = 2; b, n = 2; c, n = 2). In phase one, group a received acetaminophen intravenously, group b and c orally after being fasted and fed, respectively. In phase two and three, groups were swapped, and the experiment was repeated. At the end of the trial, each dog received the same treatment. Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were detected using a validated HPLC‐UV method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental model. Clearance, volume at steady state and half‐life of acetaminophen in Labrador Retrievers were 0.42 L/kg hr, 0.87 L/kg and 1.35 hr, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between fasted and fed dogs regarding maximum plasma concentration, time at maximum concentration and bioavailability as measured by the AUC. Feeding does not significantly affect the acetaminophen oral pharmacokinetics.     

Mechanisms for Translocation of Heavy Metals from Soil to Epigeal Mosses

The mechanisms for translocation of heavy metals from soil to epigeal mosses were investigated. The first mechanism was demonstrated for ¹³⁷Cs and involved the uplifting of the pollutant-containing dust from the soil, followed by the local secondary deposition on surfaces of epigeal mosses and epiphytic lichens. The second mechanism involved the diffusion of metal cations from the soil through water wetting the moss into the gametophyte. The mechanism was demonstrated by measuring the electric conductance of wetted gametophytes with single ends immersed in solutions of Cu and Na salts. In addition, the concentrations of Cu and Cd were compared in moss samples exposed to the natural soil and to the soil contaminated with the metals. The exposition to the contaminated soil resulted in the statistically significant increase of metal concentrations in the gametophytes.