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The overconsumption of added sugars makes people vulnerable to a myriad of diseases. Several biochemical and developmental assays were performed in the current study to assess the effect of fructose on Drosophila melanogaster and to find substitutes for fructose by comparing it to well-known sweeteners. Drosophila was exposed separately to the same ratio of sugar 9.21% (w/v) of several types of sweeteners (sucrose, fructose, glucose syrup, high-fructose corn syrup and stevia). Results revealed that fructose might induce recombination, whereas stevia lacks genotoxic potential. No developmental delay, growth defects, or neurotoxic effects were recorded for any of the sweeteners. We also observed no striking differences in reactive oxygen species levels. Thus, stevia seems to be an alternative sweetener to fructose that can be consumed to reduce fructose-induced anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin sensitisation is a critical adverse effect assessed to ensure the safety of compounds and materials exposed to the skin. Alongside the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs), defined approaches (DAs) have been established to promote skin sensitisation potency assessment by adopting and integrating standardised in vitro, in chemico, and in silico methods with specified data analysis procedures to achieve reliable and reproducible predictions. The incorporation of additional NAMs could help increase accessibility and flexibility. Using superior algorithms may help improve the accuracy of hazard and potency assessment and build confidence in the results. Here, we introduce two new DA models, with the aim to build DAs on freely available software and the newly developed kDPRA for covalent binding of a chemical to skin peptides and proteins. The new DA models are built on an existing Bayesian network (BN) modelling approach and expand on it. The new DA models include kDPRA data as one of the in vitro parameters and utilise in silico inputs from open-source QSAR models. Both approaches perform at least on par with the existing BN DA and show 63% and 68% accuracy when predicting four LLNA potency classes, respectively. We demonstrate the value of the Bayesian network's confidence indications for predictions, as they provide a measure for differentiating between highly accurate and reliable predictions (accuracies up to 87%) in contrast to low-reliability predictions associated with inaccurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phytoestrogens are xenoestrogens found in plants with a myriad of health benefits. However, various studies reported the genotoxic effects of these substances. Thus, we reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies published in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to evaluate the genotoxic and the genoprotective potential of phytoestrogens. Only studies written in English and intended to study commercially available phytoestrogens were included. The screening was performed manually. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of action of phytoestrogens was described. Around half of those studies (43%) reported genoprotective results. However, several studies revealed positive results for genotoxicity with specific model organisms and with dose/concentration dependence. The assessment of the selected articles showed substantial differences in the used concentrations and a biphasic response was recorded in some phytoestrogens. As far as we know, this is the first study to assess the genotoxic and genoprotective effects of phytoestrogens systematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials are engineered products that are widely used in many areas of medicine fields such as orthopaedic applications, facial and maxillofacial surgery, artificial heart parts, metal parts, and implantable devices. These materials are widely used in medicine because they are biocompatible with the organism, non-allergic, and are resistant to physical and chemical factors. Hydroxyapatites are bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics that are compatible with tissues. Nano-sized hydroxyapatite has been produced to increase their bioactivity. Although there are advantages to the use of nanoparticles in medicine and therapy, the potential toxicity of these compounds on the ecosystem and human health are of concern. One of the key issues to be investigated is whether the different forms of the same nanoparticle will cause differences in genotoxicity. Herein, the potential genotoxic effects of rod and round forms of nano-sized hydroxyapatites (nHAs) were evaluated using the Allium cepa Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE) method. Results had shown that the round form of nHA in the A. cepa meristem root tip cells caused statistically significant genotoxicity at 25 µg/mL concentration in terms of tail intensity and tail moment. This study indicated small-sized-nanohydroxyapatite-induced genotoxicity and cell death in A. cepa. This study has shown that the physical properties of nanoparticles affect potential toxicity mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, and the distribution of the most common clinical conditions of young dogs encountered at the National School of Veterinary Medicine clinic, Tunisia, from September 2012 to July 2013, based on sex, age, breeds, and season variation., Materials and Methods: A total of 515 cases were examined, and 11 clinical conditions were recorded. Clinical examination was performed. X-ray examination and necropsy were carried out only when needed., Results: Of the 515, 298 cases (57.86%) were male, while 217 (42.14%) were female. The breed-wise difference in the occurrence of various health problems was statistically significant. Nevertheless, no significant association was found between the occurrence of a disease and age. The commonly found clinical conditions were traumatic injuries (22.72%), ectoparasitic infections (20.58%), and gastroenteritis (13.40%). The occurrence of diseases was the highest (60.19%) in the wet season (September-February) followed by 39.81% in the dry season (March-July)., Conclusion: The current study presents the first recorded data about the major clinical conditions of young dogs in Tunisia. These findings can be used to develop more effective disease management and control strategies.