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Background: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat due to antibiotic overuse and limited treatment options. Multidrug-resistant bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, increase infection complexity and mortality. This study explores nanocomposite films of ZIF-8 nanoparticles and Doxycycline (Dox) to enhance antibacterial efficacy. In this study, nanocomposite films composed of chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), incorporating zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles and DOX, were developed. These films were characterized by their morphological, mechanical, antibacterial, and drug-release properties. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and checkerboard assay methods to determine MICs and potential synergistic effects. Results: The nanocomposite films demonstrated flexibility, semi-transparency, and a yellowish-brown hue, with films containing ZIF-8 nanoparticles being thicker (79 ± 0.2 μm) than those without (54 ± 0.5 μm). The tensile strength was enhanced with the incorporation of ZIF-8, peaking at 53.12 MPa for the CS-PEG-G-10% DOX-4% ZIF-8 film. XRD analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the ZIF-8 and DOX, with distinct peaks observed for each material. The drug release studies revealed an initial burst followed by sustained release, with higher release rates in acidic environments compared to neutral and alkaline media. The CS-PEG-G-10% DOX-4% ZIF-8 nanocomposite film demonstrated significantly higher antibacterial activity, achieving the lowest MIC values, particularly against S. aureus (22.5 mm inhibition zone) compared to E. coli (14 mm inhibition zone). Additionally, a notable synergistic effect was observed between CS-PEG-G-10% DOX and CS-PEG-G-10% DOX, with FICI values below 0.5. Conclusions: The CS-PEG-G-10% DOX-4% ZIF-8 nanocomposite exhibits enhanced antibacterial efficacy and optimal properties, positioning it as a strong candidate for developing effective treatments against multidrug-resistant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergies impact nearly 30% of the world's population, with fungi being remarkable contributors to allergic sensitivity. Exposure to fungi allergens can trigger allergic reactions and severe asthma has been linked to hypersensitivity to fungi such as Aspergillus and Alternaria spp. Alternaria alternata, a common allergen in respiratory allergic diseases, releases proteases that initiate Th2 responses, causing inflammatory cytokine production. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO) and the potential of Nano-emulsions (NEs) to enhance drug delivery, this study investigates the impact of PSO-loaded NEs on TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in A549 cells sensitized with A. alternata extract (ALT). Methods: A. alternata (ATCC 6663) was cultured and processed to obtain a cytosolic extract, with protein content measured using the Bradford method. Using a Soxhlet apparatus, PSO was extracted from cleaned, dried seeds and analyzed by gas chromatography. Alginate nanospheres containing PSO were prepared through a modified water-in-oil emulsification method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. A549 cells were cultured and treated with various ALT, PSO, and PSO-loaded NEs combinations. Following treatment, RNA was extracted, and real-time RTPCR was conducted to analyze TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression. Results: All treatment groups showed an increase in TLR2 gene expression compared to the control, with the ALT combined with PSO (P+ALT) causing the highest increase at 4.82-fold. Free PSO (P) and free NEs (NP) resulted in 3.92-fold and 2.93-fold increases, respectively, while the ALT and PSOloaded NEs (NP+ALT) led to 2.26-fold and 2.50-fold increases. For TLR4 gene expression, the ALT treatment increased expression by 2.29-fold, but treatments containing PSO (P, P+ALT, NP+ALT) reduced TLR4 expression, with P+ALT and NP+ALT causing 0.45-fold and 0.61-fold decreases. Conclusion: The study confirms that herbal extracts like PSO selectively upregulate TLR2 and downregulate TLR4, suggesting targeted therapeutic potential in inflammation and immune modulation. PSO-loaded NEs demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory effects, supporting their development for treating inflammatory diseases and warranting further research into their molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterotoxemia" or "overeating disease" is considered a common and often fatal disease affecting the economy of small ruminant breeding systems. This study presents findings on the occurrence of a peracute form of enterotoxemia in a herd of Saanen and Alpine, including an examination of the clinical signs, post-mortem findings, and methods for diagnosis. Methods: In a herd of goats a distressing situation occurred where the goats displayed signs (Sudden death and high fever) of peracute enterotoxemia (125 kids). It is noteworthy that these goats had previously been vaccinated against enterotoxemia. The onset of the condition seemed to be linked to three instances of interruption and reconnection of concentrate feed. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, the findings from postmortem examinations and ELISA were utilized. Results: In total, 60 Alpine and 65 Saanen succumbed to this peracute form. These losses occurred over three days but were successfully stopped by re-vaccination after two days. Clinical signs, postmortem observations, bacterial analysis, and ELISA results all provided confirmation of enterotoxemia. Notable findings included high fever (90%), duodenum hyperemia (89%), pulmonary edema (82%), convulsions (43%), and hemorrhage in the pericardium and endocardium (58%). Conclusion: Frequent and consecutive changes in goats' diet or discontinuation of concentrate supply by breeders can disrupt the vaccine-induced immune barrier, increasing the likelihood of enterotoxemia, and leading to casualties and economic losses. Consistent and stable nutrition practices are essential for maintaining vaccination efficacy and preventing enterotoxemia in goats, particularly kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meningoencephalitic listeriosis is a significant disease affecting goats and sheep, with potential implications for public health. This study aimed to investigate and report the occurrence, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, and further understanding of neurolisteriosis in the goat and sheep populations in Tehran, Qazvin, and Kurdistan provinces of Iran. Methods: From 2018 to 2021, a program was implemented to monitor multiple flocks for meningoencephalitic listeriosis. Clinical manifestations of animals that showed suspected neurological signs of listeriosis (19 animals) were recorded, and necropsies were performed. Sampling of the brain tissue of infected animals was done. The specimens underwent a 'cold-enrichment' procedure, and subsequent culture and biochemical tests were conducted to confirm the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Results: According to the clinical and bacteriological findings, 19 animals were diagnosed with neurolisteriosis. The affected animals exhibited various signs of the disease, including head deviation, head tilt, head pressing, mouthfuls, walking in circles, drooping of the ear, and unilateral hypalgesia. L. monocytogenes was isolated from brain samples of 11 animals. Conclusion: The study revealed potential indications of meningoencephalitic listeriosis in certain breeds of goats and sheep. Recognizing these typical signs can contribute to early detection, diagnosis, and proper management of listeriosis cases, improving welfare and health outcomes for affected animals. The results underscore the importance of strengthened disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]