Group T1 Research Articles

Curcumin Protective Potential for the Seminiferous Tubules of Mice Treated with Lead Acetate

Curcumin as an antioxidant plays an important role in reducing lead toxicity. This research aimed to demonstrate the potential of curcumin in maintaining epithelial thickness and diameter of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate. Thirty BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) were divided into 5 groups. Group N was the negative control group with no treatment. Group P was the positive control group, which was given 0.075 g/kgBW of lead acetate once in a day for 35 days. The treatment groups, T1, T2 and T3, were treated with curcumin 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW once a day for 3 days; after 3 days, they were treated with curcumin 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW; then, 1 h later, they were treated with lead acetate 0.075 g/kg BW once a day for 35 days. There was a significant difference in epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubule between group P and group T3, and a significant difference in the diameter of seminiferous tubules between group P and groups T2 and T3. Curcumin dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW could significantly maintain the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and curcumin dosage of 400 mg/kgBW could significantly maintain the epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate. HIGHLIGHTS Curcumin as an antioxidant plays an important role in reducing lead toxicity Administration of curcumin could increase the diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules, as well as the testicular weight. It was proven that curcumin reduced apoptosis activity by, among others, chelating with lead and serving as a ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenger Our research found the best dosages of curcumin that could significantly maintain the diameter and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules of mice treated with lead acetate GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The diurnal change of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the effect of this change on thyroid functions in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has a pulsatile and circadian rhythm in healthy individuals. We aimed to evaluate the diurnal changes of free thyroid hormones and serum TSH levels in patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) whose thyroidal functions are at normal ranges. Thirty hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure and without a known thyroidal disease who are over 18 and 35 healthy individuals were included. The serum TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels were examined among the patient and control group which were taken at 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 0:00 a.m. Twenty-two (73.3%) patients were male, and the mean age of the patient group was 64 (sd = 14.45 years). Seventeen (48.6%) of the control group were female, and the mean age was 31.9 (sd = 6.4 years). Serum free T3 levels, measured at three different time points (8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 0:00 a.m.), were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group and serum free T4 levels were measured at three different time points (8:00 am, 4:00 p.m., and 0:00 a.m.) were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. Serum TSH levels were higher in the patient group than in the control group at 08:00, and were lower at 24:00 (p < 0.001). The nocturnal increase of serum TSH level under 0.525 suggested diurnal rhythm disruption with 83% sensitivity and 87% specificity. The nocturnal serum TSH increase is not seen in ESRF patients who did not have a thyroid disease. We think that not observing a nocturnal TSH increase could be an early indication of the sick euthyroid syndrome.

Influences of Aquaponics System on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Parameters, Stress Parameters and Gene Expression of Carassius auratus

Aquaponics is a new type of composite farming system, which combines aquaculture and hydroponics through ecological design to achieve scientific synergism. However, the effects of aquaponics on the welfare status and stress parameters of fish are unclear. In this study, 150 crucian carp with an average initial body weight of 7.06 ± 0.32 g were selected. Nine fish were randomly selected as the control group (NC group and hypoxia group) for stress, antioxidant and gene expression parameters after acclimation and hypoxia stress, respectively. The remaining crucian carps were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 20 crucian carps in each group (T0, T1 and T2, respectively), with three replicates. The fresh weight of the lettuce root in the T2 group had no significant effect (p &gt; 0.05). Compared with the control group (T0 and T1), there were significant differences in the specific growth rate, the weight gain rate, the fresh leaf weight, the chlorophyll content and the water quality parameters in group T2 (p &lt; 0.05). Regarding the biochemical parameters, superoxide dismutase and catalase showed significant differences between the T2 and T1 groups (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, the HSP70 and Prdx3 genes were upregulated in the liver of the T2 group compared to the NC group and the hypoxia group. The research suggests that aquaponics may reduce the hypoxia stress of crucian carp without affecting the growth of crucian carp and lettuce.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, haemato-biochemical parameters and return over feed cost in broiler chickens. A total of 240 unsexed day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with four replicates in each. The control group (T1) was fed with a standard basal diet as per BIS (2007). Groups T2, T3, and T4 were fed the basal diet with 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 % level of PPP, respectively for six weeks. Results revealed that the mean final body weight and body weight gain were significantly higher in T4 as compared to the other dietary treatments. The feed conversion ratio was better in T4 and T3 groups as compared to the T1 and T2 groups. There were no differences in carcass characteristics among the dietary treatments. The serum concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced in T4 and T3 groups as compared to the control. The return over feed cost was higher T3 and T4 groups than the control group. Thus, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of 1% pomegranate peel powder improved growth performance, production efficiency, blood lipid profile and return over feed cost in broiler chickens.

Effect of different vitamin E sources on growth performance, nutrient utilization, anti-oxidant status and carcass characteristics in broiler chicken

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of supplementation with a synthetic (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) or herbal source of vitamin E on performance of broiler chicken during a 35-days feeding trial. Day-old broiler chicks (180) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with three replicates. T1 (control) received a basal diet, Group T2 received a basal diet with synthetic vitamin E @ 100 g/quintal of feed, Group T3 received a basal diet with herbal vitamin E @ 100 g/quintal of feed and Group T4 received a basal diet with synthetic vitamin E @ 50 g/ quintal of feed + herbal vitamin E @ 50 g/quintal of feed. Supplementation of herbal vitamin E enhanced growth performance traits (average weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and economics of broiler production), retention of nutrients (dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract), haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, and TEC) and serum total cholesterol in broiler chicks. Antioxidant status revealed significant increase in GSH but not SOD and CAT. A marked increase in the antibody titer against Newcastle Disease vaccine was recorded in the herbal vitamin E supplemented group. The carcass quality was statistically similar among different dietary treatments, however, lowest abdominal fat and meat cholesterol were recorded in the group supplemented with herbal vitamin E. The study depicts that dietary supplementation of synthetic or herbal vitamin E and their combination @ 100 g/quintal of feed improved the growth performance, antioxidant status and carcass quality of broiler chickens; and that herbal vitamin E was economical and more effective as compared to the synthetic vitamin E in improving the performance of broiler chickens.

Effectiveness of Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract Against Transforming Growth Factor-β Levels in Swiss Mice Inoculated by Plasmodium berghei ANKA

Malaria is one of the health problems for the world's population in tropical and subtropical regions. Malaria infection is caused by the protozoa &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium spp&lt;/em&gt;. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of &lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; Leaf extract against TGF-β&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;levels in Swiss mice inoculated with &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium berghei&lt;/em&gt; ANKA (PbA). This study used true experimental with a post-test design only control group design which used Swiss mice subjects weighing 30-35 grams as much as 24 heads and divided into four groups (K, T1, T2, T3); all groups were inoculated PbA. Group T1 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 0.25 mg/grBB), Group T2 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 0.5 mg/grBB), Group T3 (&lt;em&gt;A. indica&lt;/em&gt; leaf extract therapy at a dose of 1 mg/grBB). Data analysis using the &lt;em&gt;Anova + posthoc test&lt;/em&gt; with a significance value of p &amp;lt; 0.05 and CI of 95%. The results showed differences in TGF-β levels, both in the control and treatment groups after treatment, with a p-value of &amp;lt; 0.05. Greater increases in TGF-β levels occurred in the T3 group (average +38.46 pg/ml) compared to group K (average +14.37 pg/ml), group T1 (average +14.37 pg/ml), and group T2 (average +22.13 pg/ml)

The effects of fermented feedstuff derived from Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, meat quality, gut microbiota, and metabolites of broiler chicken.

This research aimed to assess the impact of fermented Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus by-products (FCSF) on the growth performance, gut digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization efficiency, gut microbiota, and their metabolites in broiler chickens. A total of 1,080 male broiler chickens were allocated into four groups (T1-T4) consisting of 6 replicates per group, each containing 45 chickens. The basal diet was provided to group T1, while groups T2, T3, and T4 were supplemented with 1%, 3%, and 5% FCSF in the basal diet, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The findings revealed that supplementing FCSF improved the FW and ADG of broiler chickens, and led to a reduction in the F/G, ADFI, and mortality rate of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with 3% and 5% FCSF improved the thigh yield, semi-eviscerated carcass yield, slaughter yield, and lipase activity in the duodenum and ileum of birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplementing 3% FCSF enhanced the activity of protease in the duodenum of broilers (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 3% FCSF enhanced the utilization of total phosphorus, dry matter, crude protein, and crude ash in the feed by broilers (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, supplementation of 3% and 5% FCSF reduced the serine content in broiler chicken breast meat (p < 0.05). Supplementing 1% FCSF significantly increased the C14:0, C14:1, and C20:1 content in the breast meat compared to the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The levels of C20:4n6 and C23:0 in the breast meat of birds of FCSF supplemented groups were lower than in T1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the content of ∑ω-3PUFA decreased after supplementing with 3% and 5% FCSF (p < 0.05). 16SrDNA showed that supplementing 3% FCSF reduced the ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices in the cecum of birds (p < 0.05). Supplementing 3% FCSF also decreased the abundance of the phylum Desulfobacterota and improved genera Coprobacter and Prevotella in the cecum of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that supplementing 3% FCSF upregulated 6 metabolites and downregulated 16 metabolites (p < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 3% FCSF downregulated 12 metabolic pathways and upregulated 3 metabolic pathways (p < 0.05). In summary our findings indicate that supplementing FCSF can improve the growth performance of broiler chickens by enhancing intestinal digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, improving gut microbial diversity, and influencing the metabolism of gut microbiota.

Dietary Chlorella vulgaris mitigated the adverse effects of Imidacloprid on the growth performance, antioxidant, and immune responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract The use of pesticides to eliminate pests and weeds has raised concerns about water pollution and adverse effects on aquatic organisms, so many efforts have been made to increase the resistance of fish to these pesticides by using a proper nutrition strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the growth performance, antioxidant, and immune responses of fish exposed to Imidacloprid insecticide (C9H10ClN5O2) by different doses of Chlorella vulgaris dry powder to the diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In this study, 600 common carp with a medium weight (18.10±0.2 g; mean ± SE) were prepared and after adaptation and determination of lethal concentration of Imidacloprid, for 56 days in 6 treatments and each with 3 replications were classified and tested (Control (T1), 5% Chlorella vulgaris dry powder and no pollution (T2), 10% Chlorella vulgaris dry powder and no pollution (T3), No Chlorella vulgaris dry powder and 12.5% LC50 Imidacloprid (T4), 5% Chlorella vulgaris dry powder plus 12.5% LC50 Imidacloprid (T5) and 10% Chlorella vulgaris dry powder plus 12.5% LC50 Imidacloprid (T6)). After 96 hours of exposure to distinct concentrations of the insecticide, the total mortality was measured and the Imidacloprid median lethal concentration (LC50) over 96 hours was calculated (266.2 mg/l) using Probit analysis. According to the result, common carp fed T2 had the highest final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups (P&lt;0.05). Fish in the T2 group had the highest total proteins, albumin and globulin (P&lt;0.05). Fish in the group T4 had the highest cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the blood, while fish fed T2 and T3 had low values (P&lt;0.05). The alternative complement pathway (ACH50) was significantly higher in T2 and T3 than other groups (P&lt;0.05). Blood total immunoglobulin (Ig) and lysozyme activity were high in T2 and T3 groups, and had the lowest values in the T4 group (P&lt;0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) showed the highest activities in T2 (P&lt;0.05). T4 group had the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level, while T2 and T3 groups had the lowest MDA level (P&lt;0.05). The highest amylase, protease and lipase were in the T2 group, while the lowest values were in the T4 group (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, dietary Chlorella vulgaris protects common carp from Imidacloprid insecticide, since it improved growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses of fish.

The effect of Abelmoschus esculentus pods ethanol extract on mice (Mus musculus) preantral follicle, antral follicle, and corpus luteum numbers exposed to carbon black

Introduction: This study aims to determine the preventive effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods ethanol extract on the mice (Mus musculus) preantral follicle, antral follicle, and corpus luteum numbers exposed to carbon black. Material and Methods: This study used 25 mice which were divided into 5 groups. The negative control group (C-) and the positive control group (C+) were given Na-CMC 0.5% solution orally, while the treatments groups T1, T2, and T3 were pretreated with okra pods ethanol extract orally with a dose of 4 mg/20gBW, 8mg/20gBW and 16 mg/20gBW. Later the C+, T1, T2, and T3 were exposed to 1064 mg/m3 carbon black for 6 hours/day for 30 days. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant difference between control group C- (18.20c±2.28; 11.20d±0.83), C+ (8.60a±1.14; 5.00a±1.00), treatment group T1 (12.60b±2.70; 8.00b±1.22), T2 (15.20bc±4.76; 8.80bc±2.04) and T3 (17.80c±2.77; 9.80cd±0.83) (p&lt;0.05) in ovarian preantral and antral follicle numbers, while there was not shown any significant difference between the corpus luteum numbers (p&gt;0.05) in all treatment groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) ethanol extract can maintain the preantral and antral follicle numbers in mice exposed to carbon black.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Broiler Feed Conversion Efficiency and Immune Response against Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters in livestock feeding has encouraged the utilization of phytogenic feed additives. These phytogenics recently attracted much attention and are generally recognized as residue-free ideal feed additives in animal Production. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of the phytogenic herbs on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and immune responses associated with the infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine in broiler chickens. For this study, 360 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six feeding trials, each with three replicates containing 20 chicks. The control group (T1) was only fed a basal diet alone, while the treatment groups were given the basal diet supplemented with 1% of basil (T2), lemongrass (T3), peppermint (T4), rosemary (T5), and thyme (T6) leaves powder, respectively. Body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were recorded. All chicks were vaccinated against IBD on days 7 and 19. A serology test was conducted to check the antibody titer against the IBD vaccine. The findings of this study showed that chickens in group T2 had significantly consumed more feed, followed by T1 and T6. During the overall study period, chickens in group T4 had significantly better feed conversion efficiency, followed by T3 and T6. Chickens in groups T5 and T6 showed a more pronounced antibody titer against the IBD vaccine at days 21 and 42 of the experiment. Therefore, these findings indicated that supplementation of basil leaf powder improved feed intake. Moreover, peppermint and lemongrass leaf powder improved the feed conversion ratio. In addition, supplementation of rosemary and thyme enhances the immune status of broiler chickens and could be considered a natural growth promoter feed additive. Therefore, further studies should be done to discover their beneficial effects to use as alternative feed additives in broiler chickens. Keywords: Body weight, Broiler chicken, Feed conversion, Feed intake, Immune response, Infectious bursa disease

Effects of Graded Doses of Vitamin E on Blood and Serum Biochemistry of Sheep

Vitamin E (Vit. E) is primarily responsible for the increased antioxidant capacity observed in animal studies. The present research aimed to investigate vitamin E’s effect on haematological and serum biochemical parameters in Kail sheep. Eighteen (18) Kail breed ewes older than two years but not yet pregnant were chosen for this experiment. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (Control, T1, and T2). During the entire experiment, the control group had access to pure water. Vitamin E was administered orally to both groups of ewes daily for 30 days, with Group T1 receiving 150 mg/kg body weight and Group T2 receiving 200 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, and 30. The results revealed a significant increase in blood biochemistry parameters such as RBC, HGB, RDW %, WBC, LYM concentration, and LYM (%) in sheep fed Vitamin E. The serum concentration of albumin, globulin, total protein, and AST was significantly increased (P&lt; 0.05). We conclude that the haematological and serum biochemical parameters in Kail sheep were enhanced after an oral dose of vitamin E.

Morphophysiological response of the thyroid gland of female Mus musculus exposed to essential oils (bioactive compounds) extracted from Egletes viscosa and Lippia schauerian

The tick Rhipicephalus linnaei (Audouin, 1826), popularly known as the brown dog tick, is of medical and veterinary importance because it transmits several pathogens that cause diseases which are relevant to public health and, consequently, significant economic losses. Previous studies have shown that acaricides that use synthetic active ingredients leave harmful residues in the environment and cause problems for non-target organisms, which include hosts in general. For these reasons, new strategies and control methods, such as biological approaches, vaccines, and bioactive compounds from plants, have been studied. In the present study, the action of essential oils extracted from Egletes viscosa and Lippia schaueriana, both native to Brazil, were evaluated. Despite having proven effectiveness as acaricides (against this species of ticks), studies on the effects they have on hosts (here simulated by female Mus musculus) had not yet been performed. The unprecedented results found here showed that, in treatment group T1 (female mice exposed to L. schaueriana oil), there were morphological changes in the thyroid that indicated that these glands would also have the functions of synthesis/transformation of the colloid into thyroid hormones physiologically compromised. There were changes in the morphology of follicular cells (from cuboidal to squamous) and cytoplasmic vacuolation. The colloid inside the follicles did not always appear homogeneous, and in many of them, a fine granulation was noticed, suggesting changes in the pre-hormone. In treatment group 2 (females exposed to E. viscosa oil), the follicular cells in the vast majority of follicles also lost their cuboidal shape and became squamous, and their nuclei changed from rounded to flattened and pyknotic. The rounded morphology of the follicles became irregular, causing disorganization of the follicular cells, and the interstitial spaces left between the follicles were filled by connective tissue. Therefore, these results make it clear that the exposure of female mice (simulating tick hosts) to essential oils of E. viscosa and L. schaueriana at a concentration of 50mg/mL caused morphophysiological changes in the thyroid gland of these subjects, which lead to the loss of organ function, and called attention to the importance of the careful use of acaricides even if they are naturally sourced.

Effect of Tulsi powder as influenced by growth performance of broiler chicks

The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Production and management unit, Department of N.R.M Faculty of agriculture MGCGV Chitrakoot - Satna M.P. To complete the research work following steps were followed. Freshly hatched, apparently healthy, day old straight run 225 commercial broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were procured on 18thApril, 2022 from Government Poultry Farm, for the present study. Routine, day old vaccinations for (Fl strain) disease were given to the chicks just after hatching. On 14th day all the chicks were vaccinated against Infectious Bursal Disease also. On 2nd day all the chicks were wing banded, individually weighed and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups excluding one that of control. Each group having 45 broiler chicks, was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks. In the group T0 – (Control) basal diet /standard ration ,T1– Feed 1kg + 0.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T2– Feed 1kg + 1.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T3– Feed 1kg + 2.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T4– Feed 1kg + 3.5g Tulsi leaf powder Based on results it was concluded that Tulsi leaf powder has significant effect on the body weights, feed intake, gain in weight and feed efficiency of broilers. Based on feed efficiency best performance of broilers was observed in supplemented with 1.5 per cent Tulsi leaf powder, followed by 0.5 per cent Tulsi leaf powder, followed by 2.5 Tulsi leaf powder for getting good body weight. All treatments were economically better than control.

Sex Differences and Positive Dose-Response Relationships between Serum Osteocalcin Levels and Low Muscle Strength

Introduction: Impaired handgrip strength is an indication for sarcopenia and frailty screening, and is associated with increased osteoporotic risks and all-cause mortality. Osteocalcin, secreted by osteoblasts, is a versatile factor that participates in bone turnover and muscle adaptation. The role of osteocalcin in muscle strength has mainly been discussed in animal models and requires more human data. The study aimed to investigate the association between the serum osteocalcin level and handgrip strength in middle-aged individuals and older adults with diabetes. Methods: Adult participants (aged 40 and above, N = 237) with diabetes were enrolled in a medical center in northern Taiwan. Subjects were divided into normal, low muscle mass without dynapenia, dynapenia without low muscle mass, and groups of low muscle mass with dynapenia according to their handgrip strength and muscle mass measurements. Physical performance, including handgrip strength, repeated sit-to-stand tests, walking speed, and short physical performance batteries, was documented. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: The median serum osteocalcin level was highest in the dynapenic group without low muscle mass (median [Q1, Q3], 14.1 [11.2, 16.3] ng/mL). Multivariate logistic regression showed that a higher serum osteocalcin level was associated with worse handgrip strength (OR: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.66–9.10) after adjusting for body mass index (adiposity), skeletal muscle mass index (muscle), and medication with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. Further sex stratification revealed a more significant association between serum osteocalcin level and impaired handgrip strength in women but not in men. The female groups showed increases in the risk of impaired handgrip strength: 4.84-fold in the osteocalcin T2 group (11.4 ≤ osteocalcin <15.0 ng/mL) and 4.54-fold in the osteocalcin T3 group (osteocalcin ≥15.0 ng/mL). Moreover, after adjusting for various confounders, 8.41-fold and 8.03-fold increases in the risk of impaired handgrip strength were observed in the osteocalcin T2 group (11.4≤ osteocalcin <15.0 ng/mL) and osteocalcin T3 group (osteocalcin ≥14.5 ng/mL), respectively. Conclusion: Higher serum osteocalcin is associated with increased risks of impaired handgrip strength and impaired physical performance. Dose-dependent associations were found especially in postmenopausal women but not in men.

Dietary Dialium guineense stem-bark supplementation improves growth performance and haemato-biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens

Poultry farmers, particularly in developing countries, are concerned about the rising cost of conventional feed additives such as antibiotics. This has sparked a lot of interest in the search for phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) that can be used as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in chicken diets. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of Dialium guineensestem-bark (DGSB) one of such PFAs, and its effect of its supplementation on the performance of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Fresh D. guineense stem barks were manually harvested, dried on shade and thereafter milled into DGSB powder. The DGSB was chemically analysed and standard broiler chicken diets were supplemented with DGSB at 0 (T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3) and 1.5 (T4) g kg−1 feed. 200 day-old chicks were raised on starter mash from days 1–21 and finisher mash from days 22–47. Results suggested that DGSB is relatively high in fibre, ash and important phytochemicals. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) responded to incremental levels of DGSB linearly. Maximum ADFI was achieved at 1.5 g DGSB/kg feed. Birds in group T2 recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.90, while those in group T4 had the highest FCR of 2.68. Broiler chickens on 0.5 g/kg feed attained higher (P < 0.05) final live weight (FLW) and average daily gain (ADG). Results indicated that dietary DGSB supplementation influenced aspects of the blood traits of Ross 308 broiler chickens. Results also show that DGSB had a quadratic effect on FLW, ADG, aspects of red blood cell indices, platelets, white blood cells, lymphocytes, glucose, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in broiler chickens. In conclusion, DGSB is high in fibre, ash and some beneficial phytochemicals and may be incorporated to broiler chicken nutrition at a supplementation level not beyond 0.5 g/kg feed for best growth performance and blood characteristics.

Influence of Mechanical Cycling on Torque Values of Tapped-In and Screw-In Implant-Supported Crowns.

This study investigated the influence of mechanical cycling on screwed-in and tappedin implants restored with screw-retained metallic crowns. Three implant-abutmentcrown systems were evaluated: T1 (multi abutment) and T2 (standard abutment) received tapped-in abutments and S received a screwed-in abutment. The specimens were subjected to two million cycles of 0-150 N load, at 2 Hz, 30° inclination in a dry medium, and torque evaluation. Survival and removal torque were analyzed using chisquare, ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. Differences between installation and removal torque were determined using a T-test for dependent samples. Analyses were performed in SPSS, considering α = 0.05. All specimens survived mechanical cycling in S, 40% in T1, 80% in T2 (p=0.008). Failures occurred due to loosening of the crown screw. A significant decrease in torque (p=0.000) was found. Group T1 had the lowest removal torque (1.6 ± 0.84 N.Cm²), followed by T2 (3 ± 1.49 N.Cm²) and S (6.3 ± 1.16 N. Cm²), and a statistical difference was found between Groups T1 and S. Both types of implantabutment connections were stable and can be considered for rehabilitative treatment, but failure and removal torque were influenced by the design of prosthetic abutment. Crowns were more susceptible to becoming loose in tapped-in systems.

Profile of maternal serum oxytocin in postpartum and non-pregnant rats

Oxytocin is primarly secreted in the brain as a neuromodulator that affects numerous neurophysiological and behavioral processes. It is also produced in the ovaries and uterus to stimulate delivery and lactation. Oxytocin mRNA is found in the endometrial epithelial cells of non-pregnant women during ovulation and menstruation. Until recently, there have been no data on scientific-level oxytocin in virgin female rats. This study aimed to compare the level of oxytocin in different physical biology between postpartum and non-pregnant experimental animals (virgin or had never given birth). This experimental study was conducted on 19 female white rats (Rattus norvegicus) allocated to two groups: T1 and T2. The ten rats in group T1 (nulliparous virgin) and the nine in group T2 (postpartum) were sacrificed on day two, except for group T1, which were sacrificed following vaginal delivery. Blood was collected intracardiacally, and serum oxytocin levels were evaluated using an ELISA assay. The T-test was used for statistical data analysis. The serum oxytocin level in the T2 group (628.06 ± 168.72 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in the T1 group (366.71 ± 185.03 pg/mL; P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, oxytocin levels were higher in postpartum animals than in virgin animals. Thus, oxytocin plays a greater role in female reproduction than in normal physiological condition.

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBAL DRINK (HD) ON LIVER AND KIDNEY IN WISTAR RATS

Herbal medicine use is on the increase worldwide and many studies have associated their use with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Herbal drink (HD) is a commercial herbal supplement mainly used in Uganda. In this study, we evaluated the phytochemical composition, and acute and sub-chronic toxicological effects of HD on hepatorenal integrity in Wistar rats. Modified Lorke’s method was employed in the acute toxicity study. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, a total of sixteen (N= 16) Wistar rats were randomly allotted to four groups of four rats each (n=4). Normal control group, NC (normal dose equivalent of distilled water), Group T1 (half normal dose of HD), Group T2 (normally recommended dose equivalent of HD),and Group T3 (twice normal recommended dose of HD). All treatments were done by intragastric gavage for a period of twentyeight days. Phytochemical analysis of HD showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and carbohydrates. The animals were able to tolerate a dose of up to 5000 mg/Kg. It was demonstratedthat continuous twenty-eight-day treatment with HD does not significantly (p&gt;0.0 alter kidney and liver function parametersin Wistar rats. This observation concurs with the histopathological findings of the liver and kidney tissues which showed no remarkable histomorphological alterations. Regular intake of HD does not have any significant toxic effects on the liver and kidney in Wistar rats.

Effects of topical doxycycline on serum prooxidant marker levels in periodontal disease: A pilot study

The aim of this study is to determine the changes in the serum levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, as indicators of oxidative stress, in response to periodontal treatment adyuvanted with topical doxycycline. Methods: Thirty four patients with periodontal disease were studied (DOX group n=16; Control group n=18), determining the serum levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in urine at baseline and three months after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Results: We observed a slight trend to decrease in 8-OHdG urine levels after periodontal treatment, being this decrease greater in the DOX group (t1: 9.64 ± 7.18 μg/g; t0: 9.84 ± 3.01 μg/g) than in the control group (t1: 8.79 ± 4.08 μg/g; t0: 8.82 ± 4.01 μg/g). However, these changes were not statistically significant. No changes in serum levels of MDA were observed after periodontal treatment. BOP was positively correlated with 8-OHdG, in the DOX group (r = 0.563, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Periodontitis, as a local inflammatory disease, can cause an increase in oxidative stress, thus opening the way to new therapeutic strategies, while exploring novel strategies for modulating the host response.

A bacteriophage cocktail delivered in feed significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in challenged broiler chickens

ABSTRACT Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. are a leading cause of human gastrointestinal infections and are commonly transmitted via the consumption of contaminated meat. To limit the spread of Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens in the food chain, bacteriophage (phage) therapy could be used during rearing or pre-harvest stages of animal production. This study was conducted to determine if a phage cocktail delivered in feed is capable of reducing Salmonella colonization in experimentally challenged chickens and to determine the optimal phage dose. A total of 672 broilers were divided into six treatment groups T1 (no phage diet and unchallenged); T2 (phage diet 106 PFU/day); T3 (challenged group); T4 (phage diet 105 PFU/day and challenged); T5 (phage diet 106 PFU/day and challenged); and T6 (phage diet 107 PFU/day and challenged). The liquid phage cocktail was added to mash diet with ad libitum access available throughout the study. By day 42 (the concluding day of the study), no Salmonella was detected in faecal samples collected from group T4. Salmonella was isolated from a small number of pens in groups T5 (3/16) and T6 (2/16) at ∼4 × 102 CFU/g. In comparison, Salmonella was isolated from 7/16 pens in T3 at ∼3 × 104 CFU/g. Phage treatment at all three doses had a positive impact on growth performance in challenged birds with increased weight gains in comparison to challenged birds with no phage diet. We showed delivering phages via feed was effective at reducing Salmonella colonization in chickens and our study highlights phages offer a promising tool to target bacterial infections in poultry.