Plasma Total Protein Levels Research Articles

Avaliação da eficácia, inocuidade e depleção residual da flavomicina em novilhos confinados

Abstract Flavomycin is a non-ionophore additive little studied in finishing confined cattle. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flavomycin on productive performance, ingestive behavior, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of steers finished in confinement. 32 whole steers, ½ Angus e ½ Nellore blood, from the same herd, with a mean age of 11 ± 1.5 months and initial body weight of 337 ± 6 kg were evaluated. The experiment was a randomized block design, consisting of two treatments and eight replications, as follows: Diet without flavomycin (control) and Diet with flavomycin (0.5 g FLAVIMPEX®80 animal day-1). There was no difference between treatments, the average dry matter intake of the animals was 10.03 kg day-1, feed efficiency was 0.158 kg, average daily gain was 1.593 kg day-1, apparent diet digestibility was 61.69%. The use of flavomycin was not effective in animal performance, and caused no changes in ingestive behavior and carcass traits of the animals. Total Plasma Protein, Aspartate amino-transferase and creatinine were lower for animals supplemented with flavomycin compared to the control group. In relation to the experimental period, there was a reduction in the levels of Total Plasma Protein, an increase in albumin, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and urea in cattle, but all remained within the reference range for the species.

Using in-ovo injection of olive pulp extract and vitamin C to improve hatchability, post hatch growth performance, carcass traits and some biochemical blood analysis in broiler chickens

A total of 630 fresh hatching eggs containing live embryo at 14 day of incubation were distributed randomly into seven treatment groups (three replicates/treatment, 30eggs/each) and the fertile eggs were injected in the yolk sac as following groups: eggs were un –injected (T1), eggs were injected with hole only as negative control (T2), eggs were injected with distilled water as positive control (T3), eggs were injected with OPE at 500 and 1000ppm/egg, T4 and T5), while eggs were injected with Vit C at 4 and 8mg/egg (T6 and T7) respectively. The newly hatched chicks resulting from previous treatments were raised till 5 weeks old. Results showed that hatchability %, hatched chicks weight significantly improved for OPE (1000ppm/egg, T5) compared with vitamin C groups. However, performance of chicks resulting from injected eggs with (8 mg/egg, Vit C, T7) showed significantly (P≤0.001) increase in body weight (bwt), body weight gain (bwt) and feed intake than control groups. Measurements of carcass traits of OPE (1000ppm/egg) showed significant improvement in dressing weight when compared to those all injected control groups. Birds resulting from injected eggs with vit C treatments having higher plasma total protein and globulin level compared to others in non-injected control group. Additionally, in-ovo OPE (1000ppm/egg) injection resulted in boosted plasma antioxidants enzymes activities and significantly increased plasmaT4 concentrations compared with different control groups. In conclusion, in-ovo injection at day14 of incubation with either of OPE or vitamin C has positive effect on hatchability %, chick performance, dressing weight and anti-oxidative status of hatched chicks. Hence, in-ovo injection with OPE (1000ppm/egg) at14th day of incubation could be recommended for improving chick’s health.

Evaluation of some blood parameters in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with unclear exact etiology. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in C57BL/6 mice is the most common animal model for MS sharing many clinical and pathophysiological features to expand our knowledge on the pathophysiology of the disease and to develop novel treatment strategies. The current study was planned to evaluate the effect of EAE on hematologic and plasma total protein and albumin levels in C57BL/6 mice.
 EAE was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) peptide in the female C57BL/6 mice. The EAE clinically caused paralyzed tail, hind limb paresis, and uncoordinated movement in the mice. The EAE-induced mice hematologically had a mild increase in white blood cell count without altering neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio but no change in vital hematological parameters such as red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin level. Moreover, the EAE produced a rise in the plasma total protein level and an attenuation in plasma albumin level in the mice.
 In conclusion, our findings show that the EAE model in mice might not cause any significant change hematologically, except a slight increase in the white blood cell count, and might produce changes in the plasma protein level. The EAE-induced blood parameter effects, as the findings of the current study, could take consideration in terms of understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and developing a novel therapeutic approach for the disease.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN KONSENTRAT MENGANDUNG ZnSO4 - ZnCu Isoleusinat TERHADAP BIOKIMIA DARAH KAMBING KACANG YANG MENGKONSUMSI SILASE SORGHUM- BUNGA TELANG (Effect of additional concentrate containing znso4 - zncu isoleucinate on boochemical blood of.....

The research was to determine the effect of adding concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO4 and 2% ZnCu Isoleucinate on the blood biochemistry of kacang goat consuming sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (l) Moench) - Bunga telang (Clitoria ternatea) silage rations. Using 12 kacang goats aged 13-14 months, with an average initial body weight of 14.40 Kg, KV: 14.93%. This study was designed using a randomized block design (RAK) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. The four treatments studied were T1: Silage (adlibitum) without concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO4 and 20% ZnCu Isoleucinate; T2: Silage (adlibitum) + 10% concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO4 and 2% ZnCu Isoleucine; T3: Silage (adlibitum) + 20% concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO4 and 2 % ZnCu Isoleucinate; T4: Silage (adlibitum) + 30% concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO4 and 2% ZnCu Isoleucinate. The parameters observed consisted of: hemoglobin levels, erythrocytes, hematocrit, total plasma protein and leukocytes. Data was analysed used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and if it had a significant effect, continued with the BNT test to determine the difference between treatments (SPSS 21). The results of statistical tests showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on erythrocyte levels and hematocrit levels, but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on hemoglobin levels, total plasma protein levels and leukocyte levels. At the level of addition of 10% concentrate is the best for increasing erythrocytes and hematocrit of peanut goat.

Hematological parameters and antibody titers to new castle diseases and avian influenza on extensive and semi-intensive system

The study evaluated the hematological parameters and antibody titers against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Avian Influenza (AI) on native chickens under extensive and semi-intensive rearing in Central Java, Indonesia. The target of the study was native chickens in Banyumas and Kebumen areas. The chickens were reared extensive and semi-intensively. The survey method was carried out by drawing 324 chicken blood samples for hematological tests and measuring antibody titer to ND and AI. The data obtained were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) with the Systat ver.13 program. The results showed that native chicken in extensive and semi-intensive systems had different physiological statuses (P<0.05). The number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, total plasma protein levels, and heterophil-lymphocyte ratios was higher on semi-intensive than extensive system. However, the number of leucocytes was relatively high the same (P>0.05). In extensive system rearing, the number of native chickens with effective antibody titers against ND and AI was higher than the semi-intensive. The study concluded that native chickens reared in semi-intensive systems had a healthier physiological status than chickens in extensive systems. However, the effective antibody titers against ND and AI in the extensive and semi-intensive systems were still very low.

​​Effect of Environmental Heavy Metal Pollution on Metabolic Profile of Buffaloes in Ludhiana

Background: The industrial hub of Punjab, Ludhiana is polluted with heavy metals. The dairy animals experience stress due to pollution of heavy metals as well as the hot summer season. The stressors lead to disturbance in metabolic profile and affect milk production. The present study aimed at evaluation of detrimental effect of environmental heavy metal pollution on the metabolic profile of buffaloes during summer and winter seasons in Ludhiana district of Punjab, India. A total of 100 buffaloes were randomly selected from heavy metal exposed (n=60) and control area (n=40) during summer and winter seasons. Methods: The location of the experimental area surveyed on the basis of levels of heavy metals. The dairy farms are located in and around Ludhiana, Punjab were identified with levels of heavy metal above the permissible limits (FSSAI, 2010) viz. Chromium-0.05 µg /ml; Nickel-0.02 µg /ml; Arsenic-0.05 µg /ml and Lead -0.05µg /ml. The plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic profile. The water levels of heavy metals were below the permissible limits; therefore, it was taken as uncontaminated or control area. Result: Buffaloes of heavy metal exposed areas exhibited significantly (P less than 0.05) higher levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and CK levels as compared to control area. A significant (P less than 0.05) decrease was observed in plasma total protein, albumin, A:G ratio, BUN: creatinine ratio in the buffaloes of exposed area as compared to the control area. However, significantly (P less than 0.05) higher levels of plasma glucose, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and CK levels were observed during summer as compared to winter season in both exposed and control areas. Significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased levels of plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin and BUN: Creatinine ratio were observed in the buffaloes during summer as compared to winter in both exposed and control areas. The Cr, Ni, As and Pb levels showed highly significant (P less than 0.01) positive correlation with plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol, creatinine, ALT, AST, CK and GGT. Highly significant positive relationship (P less than 0.01) was observed among plasma levels of glucose, total cholesterol, creatinine, BUN, ALT, AST, ALP, CK and GGT whereas, plasma BUN had highly significant (P less than 0.01) negative correlation with plasma total protein and A:G ratio considering both the areas together. Plasma levels of total protein showed significant (P less than 0.01) negative correlation with all other metabolic profile constituents of both control and heavy metal exposed areas. Thus it may be concluded that the metabolic disturbance in heavy metal exposed buffaloes may have been mediated by heavy metal pollution.

Voluntary intake, milk and colostrum production and lamb growth when ewes are fed high-NaCl diets during pre- and post-lambing

Nutritional requirements at the end of gestation in ewes carrying multiple fetuses are rarely fully met in pasture production systems. Thus, concentrate feeds entail an alternative for increasing herd productivity. However, daily offer of complementary feed in extensive livestock production systems is not always possible due to climatic or geographic constraints or to labor shortages. One alternative is to offer large amounts of concentrate feed with the addition of NaCl that limits voluntary consumption, eliminating the need for daily supplement delivery. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of high salt levels added to concentrate feed on pre- and post-lambing twin-gestating ewes and their responses on feed intake, colostrum and milk production and composition, plasma biochemical profile variation and lamb growth. Twenty-four adult Corriedale females were housed in individual stalls and divided into four treatments: S13: ad libitum concentrate feed plus 13 % of salt; C13: the same amount of concentrate feed consumed by S13 ewes the day before, but without salt; S17: ad libitum concentrate feed with 17 % of salt, and C17: the same amount of concentrate feed consumed by S17 ewes the day before, but without salt. Fresh water and forage were offered in ad libitum amounts. Treatments were applied in the period of highest ewe nutrient demand, from day 123 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation. The four percentage points in salt content resulted in a decrease of organic matter daily intake of concentrate (23 % of reduction in pre-lambing and 35 % of reduction in post-lambing for S17 relative to S13; P = 0.0134 and P = 0.0164, respectively). Lamb birth weights were similar between S13 and C13 (P = 0.1002) and between S17 and C17 (P = 0.8449) treatments. Colostrum and milk production did not differ between S13 and C13 (P = 0.9776 and P = 0.8928, respectively) or between S17 and C17 groups (P = 0.4943 and P = 0.7705, respectively). Plasma insulin, hematocrit and total protein levels were not influenced by the treatments and these parameters remained within normal physiological limits. Thus, the addition of 13 or 17 % of salt to concentrate feed did not affect the reproductive capacity of ewes or offspring growth, showing that ewes are able to withstand high doses of NaCl and supporting the potential of salt as a limiter of voluntary intake in pre- and post-lambing diets.

An integrated biomarker approach to assess the welfare status of Ompok bimaculatus (Pabda) in biofloc system with altered C/N ratio and subjected to acute ammonia stress

Biofloc aquaculture is emerging fast as a sustainable technology; however, the system faces challenges from ammonia spikes that affect the physiology of the fishes. Besides, the immuno-stimulatory role of the produced floc in encountering the induced stressor is poorly understood. In this context, the study investigates the effect of different carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio on the welfare status of Ompok bimaculatus subjected to acute ammonia stress using an integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach. Four treatments with different C/N ratio of 10, 15, 20 & 25 were designated as C/N10, C/N15, C/N20 and C/N25, alongside a control group with a provision for 80–90% daily water exchange. Twenty-day old O. bimaculatus (average weight = 0.082 ± 0.001 g) larvae were uniformly distributed in each tank (25 l) at a stocking density of 160 nos./tank. At the end of 45-days rearing, fishes were exposed to an acute 96-h ammonia challenge, using a calculated LC50 value of 12.19 mg l−1. Pre- and post-exposure, blood indices like RBC, PVC and Hb were found highest in C/N25, while WBC was highest in C/N20. Plasma total protein, albumin and globulin levels were also elevated in C/N20 group, before and after exposure. Immune scores like lysozyme and respiratory burst activity were found highest in C/N20, whereas the control group showed the lowest activity. Stress biomarkers (glucose and cortisol) showed no significant change (p > 0.05) before exposure, however, levels were elevated in all groups with the highest observed in control and lowest in C/N15 and 20. Before exposure, catalase (CAT) activity was highest in C/N20 in all tissues (liver, gut, muscle); whereas, levels decreased compared to control after exposure. Post exposure, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was highest in C/N20 in all tissues (p < 0.05). Before and after ammonia exposure, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in liver was highest in C/N20, whereas, its activity in gut was highest in C/N15. IBR analysis reveals higher values in liver and gut for biomarkers like MDA and GPx, while, SOD showed a plausible level in muscle tissue. Semi-quantitative histological analysis of the gill tissue showed a distinctive pathological damage in all the groups, post-exposure, with the control receiving highest level of alterations, however, not significant with C/N 15 & 25. Probability of survival among groups was highest in C/N20. Overall results from this study indicates a varied immune-stimulatory effect of C/N manipulation with C/N20 delivering highest protection to O. bimaculatus fry against acute ammonia challenge. Further, the IBR approach delineates the probable use of the tissue-level biomarkers for ascertaining the welfare status of O. bimaculatus in the biofloc system.

Effects of Some Feed Additives on Growth Performance and Physiological Parameters of Oreochromis niloticus

A 100- day study was conducted to evaluate the influence of two natural additives in the tilapia diet on growth, food performance and physiological conditions. Hence, six treated diets (30 % protein, 3000 k cal) were used; the control (0% additives) and diets1, 2 and 3, containing 1%, 2% & 3% dried mulberry leaves (ML), respectively. Whereas, diets 4, 5 and 6 contained 1%, 2% & 3% dried guava leaves (GL). Fish were stocked in ponds with 30 fish/ part (2.5 x 2 x 1.5 meters), and an initial average weight of 24 ± 0.5 g. The best bodyweight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were recorded for the fish fed on diets 4 & 5, which contained 1% & 2% of guava additive. Whereas, fish fed on diet 1 with 1% mulberry leaves (p < 0.05) was rated the next, compared to fish fed on the control diet. The results revealed that the addition of guava leaves powder with levels 1% and 2 %, followed by 1% mulberry improved fish growth performance and feed utilization. In all fish treatments, the carcass composition data detected an increase in protein content accompanied by a decrease in fat percentage. Fish physiological measurements (plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) revealed that supplementing the Nile tilapia diets with the ML and GL showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) if compared with the control. An increase was recorded in the plasma total protein and globulin levels in all treated fish, compared to the control group, and accompanied with optimal liver enzymes activity. Hence, both ML and GL proved their beneficial impact on fish performance and nutrient utilization besides their role in enhancing the immune system of fish through vitamin C content in guava leaves that helps to maintain the health of blood vessels.

Some Factors Affecting Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of flock age, air pressure during incubation period and litter types on blood plasma constituents of broiler chicks. A total number of 600 one day old hatching chicks (ROSS 308) were taken randomly nearly a similar in live body weight were used in this study. Chicks were randomly divided into equal 12 groups in a 2×2×3 factorial arrangement experiment according to flock age (younger breeder flock 33 WKS and older breeder flock 43 WKS), air pressure (normal 100719 and high, 1011000 Pascal) and three litter types (wood shaving, plastic and sand). The results obtained showed that, broiler chicks produced from younger breeder flock recorded significantly (p < 0.001) the higher levels of plasma total protein (TP), albumin (A) and globulin (G). However, broiler chicks produced from older breeder flock found to be significantly decreased levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) creatinine, uric acid and malondialdehyde (MDA).Broiler chicks produced from eggs incubated at high air pressure (HAP) showed significant(p < 0.001) the higher levels of plasma TP, A , G and MDA. While, chicks produced from eggs incubated at low air pressure decreased significantly the levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, AST, ALT, creatinine, uric acid and significantly increased plasma levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Blood plasma constituents significantly varied due to the effect of litter type, it was found that broiler chicks raised on sand litter type showed the higher levels of plasma TP, A and G. While, the lower levels of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, AST, ALT, creatinine, uric acid, MDA and higher levels of HDL and GPX were found in broiler chicks raised on plastic (PL) litter type. According to the interaction between the studied factors, it could be concluded that the interaction between 43 WKS × HAP ×PL seemed to be adequate to achieve the favorable results of blood parameters.

Contribution of Solid Food to Achieve Individual Nutritional Requirement during a Continuous 438 km Mountain Ultramarathon in Female Athlete.

Background: Races and competitions over 100 miles have recently increased. Limited information exists about the effect of multiday continuous endurance exercise on blood glucose control and appropriate intake of food and drink in a female athlete. The present study aimed to examine the variation of blood glucose control and its relationship with nutritional intake and running performance in a professional female athlete during a 155.7 h ultramarathon race with little sleep. Methods: We divided the mountain course of 438 km into 33 segments by timing gates and continuously monitored the participant’s glucose profile throughout the ultramarathon. The running speed in each segment was standardized to the scheduled required time-based on three trial runs. Concurrently, the accompanying runners recorded the participant’s food and drink intake. Nutrient, energy, and water intake were then calculated. Results: Throughout the ultramarathon of 155.7 h, including 16.0 h of rest and sleep, diurnal variation had almost disappeared with the overall increase in blood glucose levels (25–30 mg/dL) compared with that during resting (p < 0.0001). Plasma total protein and triglyceride levels were decreased after the ultramarathon. The intake of protein and fat directly or indirectly contributed to maintaining blood glucose levels and running speed as substrates for gluconeogenesis or as alternative sources of energy when the carbohydrate intake was at a lower recommended limit. The higher amounts of nutrient intakes from solid foods correlated with a higher running pace compared with those from liquids and gels to supply carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Conclusion: Carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake from solid foods contributed to maintaining a fast pace with a steady, mild rise in blood glucose levels compared with liquids and gels when female runner completed a multiday continuous ultramarathon with little sleep.

Dietary supplementation with melatonin: influence on growth performance, oxidative stress status, and amelioration of silver nanoparticles-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Excessive use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to antibacterial properties can raise concerns about their release into environment and potential toxicity in aquatic organisms. Melatonin has several physiological functions especially antioxidant potential against oxidative stress. The current study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of two doses of dietary melatonin on growth performance, plasma biochemistry, and liver enzyme activity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles. We also investigated the potential ameliorative effect of melatonin in AgNPs-induced biochemical alterations in tilapia fish. The results showed that melatonin-supplemented diets had no significant effect on growth performance of fish (P>0.05). The liver GPx activity increased in fish fed melatonin-supplemented diets (P<0.05), but the SOD activity showed no significant difference in comparison with the control (P>0.05). The administration of melatonin-supplemented diets reduced the activity of liver MDA compared to the control (P<0.05). Feeding fish with high melatonin-supplemented diet (200 mg kg-1 of diet) decreased the plasma glucose, total protein, and AST levels (P<0.05). The liver GPx and SOD activities were higher in high melatonin-treated fish exposed to AgNPs than the control group (P<0.05). Dietary melatonin decreased the liver MDA activity in AgNPs-exposed fish. The plasma glucose, AST, and ALT levels in melatonin-treated fish exposed to AgNPs decreased compared to the untreated exposed fish (P<0.05). Melatonin-treated fish exposed to 0.05 and 0.5 mg L-1 of AgNPs had lower plasma LDH level than the control group (P<0.05). The results showed that consumption of melatonin-supplemented diets could modulate some of the biochemical indices of plasma and liver in Nile tilapia. The findings also indicated the ameliorative effect of dietary melatonin on AgNPs-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia.

Tam Kan Akışkanlığı ile Alt Ekstremite Periferik Arter Hastalığı Şiddeti Arasındaki İlişki

Aim: Increased blood viscosity (BV) has good correlaton with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEAD). However, the relationship between BV and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) severity has not been studied adequately so far. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between whole blood viscosity (WBV) and LEAD severity. Methods: The study included 240 consecutive patients with suspected PAD who had lower extremity peripheral angiography between March 2016 and March 2020. A Transatlantic İntersociety Consensus II (TASC II) A-B lesion was defined as simple LEAD, and a TASC II C-D lesion was defined as prevalent and complex LEAD. Symptom severity of all patients were categorized from 0 to 6 according to Rutherford classification. WBV was assessed using a validated calculation formula derived from hematocrit and total plasma protein levels, both at low (LSR) and high (HSR) shear rate. Results: TASC II C-D group presented significantly higher WBV values both at LSR (40.2 ± 9.5 vs. 46.5 ± 13.2; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and HSR (15.9 ± 0.5 vs. 16.5 ± 0,7; p &amp;lt; 0.001). In ROC analysis, a cut-off value of 16.1 WBV at HSR had 73.4% sensitivity and 68.0% specificity for predicting TASC II C-D (AUC: 76.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and a cut-off value of 42.9 WBV at LSR had 73.4% sensitivity and 66.6% specificity for predicting TASC II C-D (AUC: 74.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, both high WBV at LSR (OR: 2.121, 95% CI: 1.079 – 3.164, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and high WBV at HSR (OR: 2.737, 95% CI: 1.671 – 4.483, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were independent predictors for TASC II C-D. There was a significant positive correlation between WBV at LSR and Rutherford symptom category (0-6) (r = 0.412, p &amp;lt;0.001) and WBV at HSR and Rutherford symptom category (0-6) (r = 0.402, p &amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggests that; increased WBV values may be associated with TASC II C-D lesions, which indicated more prevalent and complex LEAD. Also WBV values positively correlated with Rutherford symptom severity.

Effect of anthocyanin extract from Roselle,Hibiscus sabdariffa, calyx on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

In the present study, rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, (14.1 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets supplemented with different levels of Roselle anthocyanin extract (RE) to assess the fish immune, stress and haematological parameters. For this, four levels of RE including 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% were added to the fish diet for eight weeks. Then, growth performance, blood haematological, biochemical, immunological and hepatic expression of cytokine genes were investigated in all treatments. At the end of the experiment, the fish exhibited similar growth rate and survival (final weight: 91.4–96.7 g; feed conversion ratio: 0.75–0.80; specific growth rate: 3.11–3.21% d−1; survival: 100%). The results showed that there were no significant differences in plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase levels among the treatments. Supplementation of the diets with 1% RE significantly increased RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, lysozyme, complement and WBC, compared with the control treatment. 1 and 1.5% RE significantly decreased plasma cortisol levels, compared with the control. All levels of dietary RE significantly up-regulated hepatic tumour necrosis factor-alpha gene expression, compared with the control treatment. 1 and 1.5% RE significantly up-regulated hepatic interleukin-1 beta gene expression, compared with the control treatment. 1.5% RE supplementation significantly down-regulated interleukin-10 gene expression, compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, dietary RE supplementation at 1% is beneficial for rainbow trout, as it mitigates stress and increases immune-related parameters.

THE EFFECT OF TRYPANOSOMOSIS ON PLASMA PROTEIN LEVELS IN INDIGENOUS CATTLE

A field survey involving 180 adult white Fulani cattle was carried out in the Guinea Savannah and Derived Savannah vegetational zones of South Western Nigeria to determine the effect of natural trypanosomal infection on plasma protein levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent examination were used as diagnostic indices. The results showed a prevalence of 36.7% mixed infection in the animals sampled. It was also observed that the albumin level was lowered, globulin level increased and the total protein level was slightly on the increase. Trypanosomal infection in this study therefore affects the concentration of total and differential plasma protein levels in indigenous cattle.

Ovarian Follicular Dynamics, and Hormonal and Biochemical Profile in Post-Pubertal and Postpartum Jaffrabadi Buffaloes

Jaffrabadi buffalo is one of the heaviest buffalo breeds of the world (800 kg) and is known for poor reproductive efficiency. There is a scarcity of normal physiological data regarding reproductive parameters of Jaffrabadi buffalo. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate ovarian follicular dynamics, hormonal and biochemical profiles in 10 post-pubertal heifers (n=5 each of age 42±2 and 48±2 months) and five &gt;90 days postpartum lactating buffaloes. Ultrasound monitoring of ovaries of animals was done at weekly interval and all follicles with diameter less than 4 mm (small follicles), 4-8 mm (medium follicles) and greater than 8 mm (large follicles) as well as CLs identified were recorded. Blood samples were also collected soon after each USG from all animals for assay of hormonal and biochemical profiles. The findings revealed that the average number of small, medium and large follicles, total number of follicles per ovary as well as diameters of largest and subordinate follicles varied greatly among periods between three groups. The size of corpus luteum ranged from 13.7 to 21.2 mm, 13.7 to 23.9 mm and 15.3 to 22.7 mm, respectively, in Group-I, II and III. In the first week of study, significantly higher (p less than 0.05) average numbers of small follicles in Group-I and III, and medium follicles and total numbers of follicles in Group-III were observed as compared to other groups. The diameter of largest follicles and subordinate follicles were non-significantly different among all groups at all periods of the study. Plasma estrogen levels were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in Group-I as compared to Group-III and Group-II on first and second week, however, it increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in Group-II and I on fourth week of study period. Plasma insulin concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in buffaloes (Group-III) than in heifers (Group-I and II) throughout the study period, while plasma total cholesterol and total protein levels were higher in Group-III on 3rd to 5th weeks of study. Further, there were no significant differences in the plasma FSH, LH, progesterone and blood glucose levels in animals of three groups between periods at any of the week. The ultrasonographic and endocrine profile suggested establishment of cyclicity with silent ovulation. However, the behavioural estrus was still not manifested by these post-pubertal heifers and postpartum lactating buffaloes. These results are helpful to diagnose anovulatory conditions and/or true anestrus and initiate estrus synchronization protocols for early conception in Jaffrabadi buffaloes.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and nephroprotective effect of the Raphanus sativus aqueous extract

&lt;p class="Default"&gt;In Morocco, Raphanus sativus is a widespread traditional medicinal plant used to treat various kidney diseases such as nephropathy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="Mabstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of the &lt;em&gt;R. sativus &lt;/em&gt;aqueous extract against the gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="Mabstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: Rats were randomly separated into four groups (n=6; ♂/ ♀=1). The control group was treated only with distilled water (10 mL/kg; &lt;em&gt;p.o&lt;/em&gt;). The gentamicin group was treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg; &lt;em&gt;p.o&lt;/em&gt;) and injected intraperitoneally by the gentamicin (80 mg/kg; &lt;em&gt;i.p&lt;/em&gt;). &lt;em&gt;R. sativus &lt;/em&gt;groups were treated with the aqueous extracts of this plant at a dose of (200 or 400 mg/kg; &lt;em&gt;p.o&lt;/em&gt;) and injected by the gentamicin (80 mg/kg; &lt;em&gt;i.p&lt;/em&gt;). The plasma Creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid, Albumin, Total Protein, Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, and Calcium levels were measured. The urinary creatinine, urinary Calcium, urinary volume, water intake, creatinine clearance, body weight gain, relative right kidney weight, and kidney malondialdehydes were determined.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="Mabstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: This study showed that the daily pretreatment with &lt;em&gt;R. sativus&lt;/em&gt; aqueous extract at two doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o prevented the rats from the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the &lt;em&gt;R. sativus &lt;/em&gt;aqueous extract showed a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids and a significant antioxidant activity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="Mabstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;em&gt;R. sativus &lt;/em&gt;aqueous extract, as a novel natural product, may have preventive properties against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The present study describes new areas of investigation to introduce better therapeutic agents for renal disorders and dysfunction.&lt;/p&gt;

Monitoring Plasma Metabolic Profile, Fertility in Normal and Estrus Synchronized Suckled Kankrej Cows

Background: Postpartum fertility in dairy bovines is one of the important criteria of sustainable dairy industry and economy of farmers. The Kankrej, a dual purpose zebu cattle, is known for its endurance, but is slow breeder with very late maturity, prolonged postpartum anestrous/subestrous and thereby calving interval. These peculiarities necessitate scientists to adopt fixed time AI (FTAI) protocols of estrus synchronization for improving their reproductive efficiency. Hence this study was aimed to assess the fertility and plasma metabolic profile of normal and synchronized anestrous/ subestrous suckled Kankrej cows of an organized farm.Methods: The study involved 36 parturient Kankrej cows of the University Farm that were maintained under identical nutritional and managerial practices. Blood samples were collected in heparinized vacutainers from all the animals on the day of calving and then at 10 days interval till 90 days for plasma metabolic profile. Animals monitored by per rectal palpation 10 days apart around day 70-80 postpartum revealed 30 cows to be anestrous or subestrous, which were randomly allocated to five different estrus synchronization protocols at day 90-92, each with six cows and a group of six cows that exhibited estrus and were bred by day 70-90 served as normal control. The treatment protocols included Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and double PGF2α together with estimation of plasma metabolites on day 0, 7, 9/10 (AI) and then at 10 days interval up to day 40 post-AI. Result: The mean plasma total protein levels varied non-significantly, while total cholesterol and triglycerides varied significantly (p less than 0.01) between intervals until 90 days postpartum in most of the groups with gradual increase in the mean values from the day of calving. The estrus synchronization protocols, however. did not alter the plasma profile of these constituents. The estrus induction response with Ovsynch, CIDR, Ovsynch + CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α treatment was 66.66, 83.33, 50.00, 66.66 and 66.66% and the conception rates at induced estrus 16.66, 33.33, 16.66, 50.00 and 50.00%, respectively. In normal cyclic control group, the conception rate at first cycle was 33.33%. The plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in conceived than non-conceived cows, particularly during early postpartum period and post-AI. It was concluded that CIDR, Cosynch and PGF2α protocols were better for estrus induction and conception rate in anestrous and subestrous suckled Kankrej cows, although they did not influence the plasma metabolic profile.

Effects of modified ultrafiltration on postoperative hepatic and renal function of pediatric patients with congenital cyanotic/non-cyanotic heart defect who underwent open heart surgery: Retrospective study

Aim: Increased total body water and capillary permeabilty in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass can cause organ disfunction. Modified ulltrafiltration is developed for decrease total body water and attenuate organ disfunction. The purpose of this study, is to investigate retrospective effects of modified ultrafiltration on postoperative hepatic and renal functions of pediatric patients with congenital siyanotic/nonsiyanotic heart defect who underwent open heart surgery. Material and methods: In this study, we assessed 93 children who underwent pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from January 2009 to August 2011.Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=62) patiens, to whom modified ultrafiltration was performed, compared with 31control patients (group 2). Patients who had redo cardiac surgery, preoperative organ disfunction, otoimmune disease, genetic disorders, shunt and emergency operations were excluded. Pre and postoperative biochemical parameters, postoperative urine output, chest tube drenaige, diüretic usage, blood and blood product transfusion, dialysis requirement and mortality were compared. Results: Age, weight, body surface area, congenital defect type and number, preoperative and intraoperative blood samples measurement, cross clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time were similar between 2 groups (p&amp;gt;0,05).The difference in percent increase in creatinine leves of 2 group was statistically significant When these changes were re-evaluated according to the body surface area by univariate analysis(p&amp;lt;0,05). Percent increase in total plasma protein level was also statistically significant between the groups (p&amp;lt;0,05) (It was-6,5% in group 1 and -5,5% in group 2). Percent increase in plasma albumin level was -18,2% in group 1, and -13,4% in group 2. When these changes were re-evaluated according to the body surface area by univariate analysis, a significant statistical difference was detected. (p&amp;lt;0,05). While two patients required dialysis in group 1, dialysis was performed in 4 patients in group 2. There was no statistically difference between the groups in terms of dialysis needed(p&amp;lt;0,05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of mortality (p&amp;gt;0,05) Conclusion: Hemodynamic, pulmonary, hematologic and immunologic effects of modified ultrafiltration are well known. Although our study group was not big enough to get a conclusion, we believe that modified ultrafiltration can be an effective method in preservation of renal and hepatic function of the patients who underwent total reconstructive congenital heart surgery.

Nitric Oxide Molecule as A Potential Target of Alternative Strategies for the Diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis in Cows

The mastitis is an important disease affecting daily milk yield and quality in lactating cows, it negatively affects both animal welfare and economic income. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of subclinical mastitis on nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), albumin, total protein, globulin, glucose and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activity (GGT) levels in plasma. The research was carried out in Brown Swiss and Holstein cows. The mammary lobes of the animals were scanned with the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and those with subclinical mastitis were identified. Samples with CMT (-) were classified as healthy (n = 10) and those with CMT (+) were classified as subclinical mastitis group (n = 10). The study presented is a basic feature and results clearly showed that significant amounts of NO was released in plasma during subclinical mastitis. There was no statistically significant difference between cows with or without subclinical mastitis for plasma TAC, TOC, albumin, total protein, globulin, glucose, albumin/globulin levels and GGT activity. Consequently, nitric oxide is an important mediator in subclinical mastitis as a potential target of therapeutic strategies and can be evaluated in alternative diagnosis.