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Bioactive nanocomposites were constructed, containing chitosan (Cht), extracted from shrimps’ wastes, and transformed into nanoparticles (NPs) using ionic-gelation. Selenium NPs (Se-NPs) were phytosynthesized using cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark extract (CIE), characterized and evaluated with Cht-NPs as antimicrobial composites against bacterial food-borne pathogens “Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes” and as potential edible coating (EC) basements. The CIE-phytosynthesized Se-NPs had well-distributed and spherical shapes with 23.2 nm mean diameter. The CIE, CIE/Se-NPs, and innovative CIE/Se/Cht-NP composites exhibited distinguished antibacterial actions toward the entire screened pathogens; CIE/Se/Cht-NP composite was significantly the most potent. The formulated ECs from CIE/Se/Cht-NP nanocomposites had matching antibacterial manner, which was strengthened with CIE/Se-NP percentage increments. Scanning micrographs indicated the attachment of CIE/Se-NPs to bacterial cells to cause their complete lysis and death after 10 h of exposure. CIE/Se/Cht-NP composites are proposed as effectual control agents toward food-borne pathogens using efficient biological carriers and eco-friendly phytosynthesis protocol.

Fenugreek seed (FS) contains abundant functional biomolecules that activate the antioxidative and immunity system of aquatic animals. In this study, the methanolic extract of FS was included in Nile tilapia diets at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2% levels and fed to fish for 90 days. Nile tilapia (10.57 ± 0.14 g) were randomly divided into five triplicate groups to check the growth performance, haematobiochemical profile, immunity, antioxidative response, and tolerance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The results revealed that the methanolic extract of FS significantly improved the growth performance while reducing the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Methanolic extract of FS also modulated the haematobiochemical profile. Markedly, the lysozyme and phagocytic activities were activated by the dietary methanolic extract of FS. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was improved, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was decreased by the dietary methanolic extract of FS. The SOD was markedly increased in the fish-fed dietary methanolic extract of FS at 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2%, while the MDA decreased in the fish fed 0.15 and 0.2%. The transcription of IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β genes showed upregulated expression by ethanolic extract of FS. Accordingly, Nile tilapia showed high resistance against the A. hydrophila infection. The regression analysis revealed that the inclusion of 0.09% is recommended to improve the specific growth rate and FCR. In conclusion, the study revealed that an ethanolic extract of FS is recommended to enhance the growth performance, immunity, antioxidative response, and tolerance to A. hydrophila in Nile tilapia.

Shrimps are highly valuable and perishable foodstuff that could be rapidly spoiled. Chitosan (Cht) was extracted and transformed into nanoparticles (NPs) via ionic gelation and fortified with cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) buds extract (CLE) for usage as antimicrobial composites against food-borne bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus) and as edible coating (EC) for shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) biopreservation throughout refrigerated storage. The synthesized CLE/Cht-NPs were electrostatically cross-linked and appeared with spherical shapes and homogenized distribution, with 159.4 nm mean size diameter and positive charge of 17.4 mV. The entire agents (Cht-NPs, CLE, and CLE/Cht-NPs) exhibited remarkable antibacterial activities toward all food-borne pathogens; CLE/Cht-NPs were significantly the most forceful. The scanning micrographs of treated S. typhimurium with CLE/Cht-NPs displayed NPs ability to attach and destroy bacterial cells. The ECs-treated shrimps exhibited sharp decrease in microbial groups load (aerobic microorganisms, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C) for 10 days. Additionally, the sensorial attributes (appearance, odor, color, and texture) of EC-treated samples preserved their elevated qualities for storage duration. The most effective EC blend contained 1.5% from Cht/NPs and 1.0% from CLE. The CLE/Cht-NPs could be impressively recommended as effectual natural composites for shrimps’ biopreservation during cold storage.

A total of 250 whiteleg shrimp juveniles, Litopenaeus vannamei, clinically infected with black gill melanization were subjected to mycological examination to isolate the main causative agents. The results showed the dominance of Fusarium solani at a 66% incidence rate compared to 34% of F. oxysporum in the examined shrimp. The in vitro antifungal activity of Origanum vulgare and orange peel essential oils (EOs) against F. solani was determined in comparison with Biotronic® Top3 (commercial antimicrobial). In addition, four groups in triplicates of L. vannamei (20.01 ± 3.02 g) were used to investigate the in vivo immunostimulant, antioxidant, gill histopathological changes, and antifungal effects of dietary O. vulgare and orange peel EOs for 28 day against the F. solani infection. The first group was a negative control that fed a basal diet, and the second group was a positive control that fed a basal diet and was artificially infected with 0.1 mL of 5.0 × 106 conidia/mL of F. solani. The third and fourth groups were fed diets supplemented with O. vulgare and orange peel EOs (1 mL/kg diet), respectively, and infected with F. solani (0.1 mL of 5.0 × 106 conidia/mL). The in vitro antifungal activity revealed a very strong inhibition effect of O. vulgare and orange peel EOs on F. solani (˃50%) compared to 31–50% inhibition induced by Biotronic® Top3. In addition, the in vivo feeding experiment showed that the positive control had lower cellular (hemocyte count, phagocytosis activity, and index) and humoral)phenoloxidase and lysozyme activities) immune responses than other treatments. Also, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in F. solani-infected shrimp. The histopathological investigation of infected shrimp showed dense aggregation of black melanin pigment in gill filaments and variable lesions of necrosis, edema, and congestion. Dietary both EOs significantly alleviated the immune suppression and histopathological effects of F. solani, especially O. vulgare EOs. The mortality rate was decreased to 16.66 and 30.00% with O. vulgare and orange peel EOs, respectively, compared to 70% in the positive control. In conclusion, O. vulgare and orange peel EOs can be used as antifungal and immunostimulant supplementation in L. vannamei diets against F. solani infection.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were the targets of numerous biological syntheses to attain their precious values in various biomedical fields. The phycosynthesis of ZnONPs were innovatively investigated using cell-free extract of the macroalgae, Ulva fasciata Delile. The phycosynthesized U. fasciata-zinc oxide nanoparticles (UFD-ZnONPs) had 77.81 nm mean size, with flower and sphere shapes and positive zeta potential. The UFD-ZnONPs infra-red analysis indicated their basic components’ cross-linkage. The antibacterial potentialities of UFD-ZnONPs were confirmed, qualitatively and quantitatively, against foodborne microorganisms (Escherichia coli plus Staphylococcus aureus); the bactericidal action was higher for UFD-ZnONPs than the annealed phycosynthesized ZnONPs. The scanning micrographs of S. aureus and E. coli cells treated with UFD-ZnONPs indicated the severe action of nanoparticles to destroy bacterial cells in time-dependent manners. Peeled shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) were biopreservated through refrigerated storage (4 °C) with UFD-ZnONPs based solution for six days. The microbial examination of UFD-ZnONPs -treated shrimps displayed decrease in microbial loads throughout the storage days. Moreover, the UFD-ZnONPs-treated shrimps showed acceptable sensorial attributes (appearance, odor, color and texture) compared to untreated shrimps. UFD-ZnONPs nanocomposite concentration of 3% and 5% could be remarkably suggested as efficient procedure for shrimps’ biopreservation during refrigerated storage regarding sensorial quality and microbial profile of product.

The biopreservation, flavoring, and coloration of foodstuffs, e.g., seafoods, with natural plant derivatives are major demands for consumers and overseers. Different colored plant parts, i.e., Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces, Curcuma longa rhizomes, and Rhus coriaria fruits, were extracted and evaluated as biopreservatives, antimicrobial and colorant agents for fish surimi from Oreochromis niloticus. All colorant plant extracts (CPEs) exhibited strong antibacterial activities against screened pathogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. H. sabdariffa extract (HCE) was the most effectual antimicrobial CPEs. S. aureus was the most sensitive strain to CPEs, whereas S. typhimurium and P. aeruginosa were the most resistant strains. The exterior coloration of tilapia surimi with CPEs resulted in great bacterial count reduction in colored products; stored CPEs-colored surimi had enhanced sensorial attributes. HCE-exposed S. aureus indicated bacterial cell lyses in time-dependent manner. CPEs application as colorants and antibacterial and quality enhancing agents is recommended for seafoods’ biopreservation.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not supplementing a diet with ethanolic roselle calyces extract (ER) had any effect on the rate of growth, intestinal morphometry, total carotene in skin and muscle, blood profile, immunity status, and the expression response of red tilapia. The ER was added to four experimental diets at 0% (0 g kg−1), 0.5% (5 g kg−1), 1% (10 g kg−1), and 2% (20 g kg−1), which were designated as ER0 (control group), ER0.5, ER1, and ER2, respectively. The results show that ER1 induced higher weights (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and weight gain rate) and all ER groups had considerably (p < 0.05) decreased feed conversion rates (FCR) compared with the control diet. Histomorphometric examination of the intestinal villi absorptive capacity showed fish given ER, specifically ER1, had increased villus length, width, and goblet cells (p < 0.05). The best hematological and biochemical parameters (the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, lysozyme activity, and WBCs count) were observed for 5 g kg−1 ER. In addition, diets supplemented with different levels of ER stimulated phagocytic activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, the highest total carotene content in skin and muscle was observed in ER0.5. The 0.5, 1, and 2% roselle extract diets induced upregulation of IGF-1, GHr, SOD, TNF-α, and LPL, whereas MSTN, HSP 70, and FAS were downregulated. In conclusion, dietary ER supplementations are advantageous for red tilapia because they improve immunological and growth-related parameters.

This study was aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of selenium (Se-NP) and zinc oxide (ZnO-NP) nanoparticles on growth performance, hemato-biochemical profile, immune and oxidative stress responses, and intestinal morphometry of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Monosex Nile tilapia (12.50 ± 1.03 g, N= 180) were randomly allocated into 4 groups in triplicates. Fish were fed diet supplemented with 0 Se-NP and Zn-NP (control group, CG), while fish in the other experimental groups were fed diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg diet Se-NP (Se-NP group), 10 mg/kg diet ZnO-NP (Zn-NP group), and a mixture of 1 and 10 mg/kg diet Se-NP and Zn-NP, respectively (Se/Zn-NP group) for 60 days. Fish fed diet containing Se-NP, Zn-NP, and Se/Zn-NP showed higher final body weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and lower feed conversion ratio with respect to CG (P<0.05) with the highest being in fish fed with Se/Zn-NP. Fish fed with Se/Zn-NP showed higher hemoglobin, red blood cells, and globulin (P<0.05). The highest phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin M was recorded in fish that received Se/Zn-NP followed by Se-NP, Zn-NP, and the lowest in CG (P<0.05). Fish that received diet supplemented with Se-NP, Zn-NP, and Se/Zn-NP significantly (P<0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and catalase while reduced malonaldehyde activity compared to CG. Intestinal morphometry revealed significantly (P<0.05) increased villi length and goblet cells number in fish fed with Se-NP and/or Zn-NP. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Nile tilapia with Se-NP and Zn-NP induces synergistic effects that improve growth performance, blood health, and intestinal histomorphology.

A total of 22 patients with cleft palate aged 8 to 12 years were selected and categorized into two groups: the first group was treated with alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) using an expander with differential opening (EDO) and facemask, while the second group was treated using slow maxillary expansion (SME) using an EDO. Finally, the pharyngeal airway volume in the two groups was compared using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans were performed before expansion and six months following the expansion. Alveolar crest level, maxillary breadth, nasal cavity width, arch width, inclination of the molar teeth, buccal and palatal alveolar bone thickness, and maxillary alveolar width were all assessed. Paired t-tests (p=0.05) were applied to compare interphase data. The two groups showed a non-significant difference in terms of nasopharyngeal volume (cm ), oropharyngeal volume (cm ), and overall pre- and post-treatment results (p>0.005). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the Alt-RAMEC group revealed a significantly higher cleft volume (cm ) (p=0.001). Results of comparison of pre- and post-treatment periods in the SME group revealed a substantial rise in cleft volume (cm ) (p=0.003). Results from a comparison of the cleft volume (cm ) between the two study groups pre- and post-intervention revealed a non-significant difference (p=0.200 and 0.054, respectively).

Abstract Zinc is an essential element for metabolism of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nanomaterials have important benefits in aquaculture. The present study evaluated the effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Ulva fasciata extract as an anti-fungal agent against Candida albicans (C. albicans) in vitro and in vivo in O. niloticus. A total of 252 apparent healthy O. niloticus (20 ± 0.457 g/fish) were randomly allocated into six groups: The 1st group fed on basal diet contaminated with C. albicans 15 × l06 CFU/g diet, the 2nd group fed basal diet only, the 3rd and 5th groups fed the basal diet supplemented with 40 or 60 mg/kg ZnO-NPs, respectively, and the 4th and 6th groups fed the basal diet contaminated with C. albicans 15 × l06 CFU/g and concomitantly supplemented with 40 or 60 mg/kg ZnO-NPs, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The phyco-synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized by XRD, UV-V, FTIR, TEM, and zeta potential. The anti-fungal activities of ZnO-NPs and the morphological changes to C. albicans cell due to ZnO-NPs were detected. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with the green-synthesized ZnO-NPs significantly improved the growth performance, survival, serum lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, respiratory burst activity, expression of immune-related genes (IL-1β, TGF, TNF-α), digestive enzyme activity, and histopathological finding in C. albicans-infected group, with a relative superiority to 40 mg/kg feed ZnO-NPs. It could be concluded that supplementing diets with 40 mg/kg of phyco-synthesized ZnO-NPs could be considered a better choice for controlling candidiasis in Nile tilapia.