Serum Concentrations Of Globulin Research Articles

Effect of graded levels of dietary methionine on growth performance, carcass composition and physio-metabolic responses of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt

The current study aimed to optimize dietary methionine level for improving growth performance, carcass composition and physio-metabolic responses of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt. Seven isonitrogenous (∿370 g crude protein/kg), isolipidic (∿80 g lipid/kg) and isocaloric (∿19 MJ gross energy/kg) purified diets were made with graded levels of methionine viz., 4.9 (M4.9), 7.2 (M7.2), 9.9 (M9.9), 12.3 (M12.3), 15.1 (M15.1), 17.4 (M17.4) and 19.8 g/kg (M19.8) with a constant level of cystine (3.2 g/kg). Completely randomized designs were followed to constitute seven distinct experimental groups and each group comprised of three experimental units. Fifteen juveniles (3.16 ± 0.01 g) were randomly stocked in each experimental unit. During the 60-day feeding trial, juveniles were fed with their respective experimental diets thrice daily at an apparent satiation level. The results revealed that growth (weight gain percentage, thermal growth coefficient and specific growth rate) and feed and nutrient utilization (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein retention) were improved significantly with an increment in dietary methionine levels up to 12.3 g/kg, and methionine supplementation beyond that did not give extra benefit in relation to growth performance. Dietary methionine supplementation at various levels had no effect (P > 0.05) on the body indices, survival, carcass moisture and ash content and carcass essential amino acid composition of GIFT juveniles. The carcass protein level increased with an increment in dietary methionine levels up to 12.3 g/kg and then declined with further increment of dietary methionine level. However, carcass lipid content displayed the inverse trend of carcass protein content. GIFT juveniles fed a diet containing 12.3 and 15.1 g methionine/kg displayed elevated activities of liver and muscle aminotransferases activities, while the activity of digestive enzymes was unchanged among dietary groups. An increment of methionine up to 12.3 g/kg of diet resulted in a significant rise in serum protein and globulin concentration. Based on broken-line linear and second-order polynomial regression analysis in relation to weight gain percentage and feed conversion ratio, the optimum methionine requirements for GIFT juveniles reared in inland saline water of 10 ppt ranged from 12.1 to 14.1 g/kg of diet (32.7–38.1 g/kg of dietary protein) with supplementation of cystine at 3.2 g/kg.

Evaluation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C-reactive protein, and haptoglobin as biomarkers in dogs newly diagnosed with histoplasmosis.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D, C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin are useful biomarkers in various infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders in dogs, but their utility in histoplasmosis is unknown. Determine if serum 25(OH)D, CRP, and haptoglobin concentrations are different in dogs with histoplasmosis compared to healthy controls and whether serum globulin, albumin, CRP, or haptoglobin are associated with 25(OH)D concentration. Twenty-two client-owned dogs (histoplasmosis, n=12; controls, n=10). Prospective case-control study. Dogs with histoplasmosis were categorized as pulmonary, disseminated, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using modified high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Serum CRP and haptoglobin were measured with ELISA assays. Dogs with histoplasmosis were grouped as disseminated (n=8) and GI tract (n=4). No dogs had pulmonary tract involvement alone. Dogs with histoplasmosis (median, interquartile range [IQR]; 11.6ng/mL, 16.8) had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than controls (35.7ng/mL, 17.6; P < .001). Serum CRP and haptoglobin concentrations were higher in dogs with histoplasmosis (CRP: median, IQR; 63.5mg/L, 37.1 and haptoglobin: 459.7mg/dL, 419.6) than controls (CRP: 1.9mg/L, 2; P < .001 and haptoglobin: 85.5mg/dL, 106.7; P=.003). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively associated with fold change in serum albumin concentration (ρ=0.77; P < .001), and negatively associated with fold change in serum globulin (ρ=-0.61; P=.003) and CRP concentrations (ρ=-0.56; P=.01). Assay of serum 25(OH)D, CRP, and haptoglobin could have clinical value in dogs with histoplasmosis.

Ameliorative role of dietary acidifier potassium formate on growth metrics, blood chemistry, gut health and well-being indices of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings.

Organic acids and their derivatives have been attributed to growth and well-being improvement in fish when supplemented in their diets. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative role of potassium formate (PF) in rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings. A total of 240 healthy rohu fingerlings (9.0 ± 0.5 g ± SE) were randomly divided into four equal groups in triplicates. Fish were fed with isonitrogenous feeds: PF10 (10 g PF/kg), PF20 (20 g PF/kg) and PF30 (30 g PF/kg). Feed without PF supplementation served as control. The results indicated that the specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in PF10. Total serum globulin content was found significantly (p<0.05) elevated in PF10 after the bacterial challenge. Non-specific lysozyme activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) after the challenge. The digestive protease enzyme activity was significantly (p<0.05) improved in PF10 treatment. Additionally, the digestive morphology of the treated fish was seen to be improved. Greater villus area, increased villus number, reduced lumen space in the hindgut, reduced vacuolation in mucosal folds and proliferation of goblet cells-like changes were observed in the PF-supplemented fish. Significantly (p<0.05), a higher relative percentage of survival (RPS) was observed in PF10 and PF20 treatments. The study revealed that the dietary supplementation of rohu fingerlings with lower levels of potassium formate could enhance the nutritional efficiency and physiological activities of rohu fingerlings. This study serves as a baseline for future research on the application of formic acid derivatives and other acidifiers in carp culture.

Changes in the Metabolic Profile of HIV Infected Subjects on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)

The metabolic profile of HIV/AIDS patient on HAART was investigated in comparison with HIV/AIDS patient who are HAART naive and also with the zero negative controls. Sixty (60) HIV subjects were used for the study and were carefully divided into two groups of thirty (30) each; group one were those on HAART and the other HAART naive while thirty (30) zero negative subjects were used as the control. Patients used for these studies are those who have been on the treatment for at least a year and not more than three years. Metabolic parameters assessed included serum total protein, albumin, globulin, electrolytes, creatinine and lipid profile. Results obtained reveals no significant (P &gt; 0.05) changes in the serum electrolyte and creatinine concentrations in all groups and similar trend was also observed for total protein and albumin levels but a significant (P&lt; 0.05) reduction was observed in the level of serum globulin concentration of patients on HAART (2.86±0.67) compared with the HAART naive (3.41±0.62). More so, there was significant (P&lt;0.05) elevation in the serum total cholesterol concentration for the HAART group (150.9±15.01) compared with HAART naive (114.5±17.04) and similar trend was also observed for LDL-cholesterol which may be a possibly indication of altered lipid metabolism. Thus, patients on HAART should carry out routine biochemical check most especially lipid panel assessment to avoid risk of altered metabolism; lipid dystrophy etc.

Toxicity bioassay and sub-lethal effects of profenofos-based insecticide on behavior, biochemical, hematological, and histopathological responses in Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Profenofos (organophosphate) is among the major toxicant polluting freshwater bodies, exerting a significant effect on fish health. The LC50 value of Profenofos (PRO) was resolved in Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with average body weight (55.82 ± 5.42 g) and determined the 96 h LC50 value as 7.2 µg/L for the assay. Twenty-one-day exposures to 1.8 µg/ L and 3.6 µg/ L doses were conducted to evaluate the sub-lethal effects, and various toxicological endpoints were assessed on the 1st, 7th, 15th and 21st days of exposure. Acute toxic stress was observed with fish displaying behavioral toxicity. The most hematological change was extreme microcytic hypochromic anemia. Leucocyte count increased in experimented fish. Moderate neutrophilia, monocytosis and lymphocytosis were observed. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were significantly diminished. Overall, increments over control were recognized in serum urea, creatinine and acid phosphatase. However, serum glucose, total lipid, cholesterol, serum ALT and AST activity showed a significant decrease in fish exposed to both concentrations of PRO. Serum IgM concentrations insignificantly changed in treated fish except for on the 21st day of exposure to 3.6 µg/ L of PRO, while serum lysozyme significantly decreased. Furthermore, total protein, lipid and glycogen concentrations in muscles and the liver exhibited a decreasing trend at all concentrations. Moreover, histopathological alterations in the liver, kidney, and muscles occurred exclusively after treatment. From the obtained results, it is assumed that profenofos induced general toxic impacts under field conditions and might disturb ecologically relevant processes.

Effects of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed powder addition during early lactation on performance, milk fatty acid profile, and rumen fermentation parameters of Holstein cows

IntroductionAromatic and herbal plants usage as feed additives have become a new tendency in dairy cows’ nutrition to enhance animal performance. This experiment was performed to study the effects of supplementing fennel seed powder (FSP) to diets during early lactation on performance, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and rumen fermentation of Holstein dairy cows.MethodsTwenty-four primiparous Holstein dairy cows (10 ± 3 d in milk, 30 ± 2.1 Kg of milk/d, 610 ± 31 Kg body weight; mean ± SE) were balanced for actual milk yield and calving date (n = 8 per treatment) in a complete randomized design. Animals were allocated randomly to diets containing 0 g/d (0FSP), 25 g/d (25FSP), or 50 g/d (50FSP) FSP, individually top-dressed over the total mixed ration. The experimental period was 45 d consisting of the first 15 d for adaptation and the final 30 d for data collection and sampling.Results and discussionDry matter intake responded quadratically to FSP feeding, and cows fed 25FP treatment had greater DMI than 0FSP treatment. The average ruminal pH value decreased linearly as FSP increased in diets. Ruminal valerate and isovalerate proportion increased linearly as FSP inclusion in diets increased, while acetate proportion decreased and acetate:propionate ratio tended to decrease linearly. Increasing FSP in diets linearly increased serum glucose, globulin, and total protein concentrations. Milk yield increased linearly as FSP inclusion in diets increased, whereas milk composition was unaffected. Increasing FSP in diets linearly increased de novo and mixed FA and decreased preformed FA in milk. Dietary treatments did not affect saturated FA, whereas unsaturated FA, mono and poly unsaturated FA linearly decreased with increasing FSP inclusion in diets. Moreover, the content of C18:0 tended to decrease, and C18:1 cis-9 decreased linearly as FSP inclusion increased. Also, increasing the FSP level in diets decreased linearly non-esterified fatty acids and acetone concentrations in the milk. It could be concluded that FSP addition at 50 g/d could enhance performance of early lactating cows.

Association of globulin concentrations with prognosis in horses with lymphoma.

Lymphoma is the most common hemopoietic neoplasia in horses. Common clinicopathologic abnormalities in equine lymphoma include hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytosis. Hypoglobulinemia has been reported in other species with lymphoma, however it has not been well-described in horses. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of hypoglobulinemia in equine lymphoma, and to identify prognosis and clinicopathological abnormalities associated with serum globulin concentrations. Ninety-six horses with lymphoma were investigated in this retrospective study. Patients were allocated into groups based on serum globulin concentration. Survival analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with globulin concentration and outcome. Nineteen horses were hypoglobulinemic (≤2.1 g/dL), 63/98 were normoglobulinemic (2.2-4.3 g/dL), and 16/98 were hyperglobulinemic (≥4.4 g/dL). Hyperglobulinemia was associated with a higher anion gap (P = 0.0005), lower bicarbonate (P = 0.006), sodium (P = 0.03) and chloride concentrations (P = 0.002), and higher total protein than hypoglobulinemic horses (P < 0.0001). For location, 37% of horses with mucocutaneous lymphoma were hypoglobulinemic, compared to none in the hyperglobulinemic group (P = 0.02). Survival times were significantly different between low, normal and high globulin groups (P = 0.0002, median [range] survival times: 333 [1-3792], 43 [1-4,001] and 4 [1-129] days, respectively). Significant risk factors for shortened time to death were hyperglobulinemia (HR 2.4, P = 0.02), T cell lymphoma (HR 3.5, P < 0.0001), and multicentric (HR 3.1, P = 0.0008) and mediastinal (HR 6.4, P = 0.006) forms of lymphoma. Lack of chemotherapy was associated with shortened survival time (HR 4.5, P < 0.0001). B cell lymphomas (P < 0.0001) and mucocutaneous lymphoma location (P < 0.0001) were associated with longer survival times. Serum globulin concentrations are associated with location of lymphoma, clinicopathologic abnormalities, and survival times in equine lymphoma.

Infectious Complications and Their Relationship with Mortality in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma

INTRODUCTION. Early mortality after diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma (MM) is common and frequently associated with infections. A Danish study reported a mortality of 22% among the first 180 days with infections being responsible for 50.9% of deaths. Treatment for MM has been related with infections in some studies, but this data is not consistent. Infections typically occur during the first months after MM diagnosis and initiation of treatment. In Latin America there is a lack of information about infections in patients diagnosed with MM, with only one study reporting a prevalence of 35.9% within the first 6 months, and most of them, 67.3%, during the first 3 months. To describe infections and to evaluate potential risk factors associated with them could help to improve the care of patients with MM. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort from a tertiary referral center in Mexico City. We included patients diagnosed with MM according to the International Myeloma Working Group criteria, between January 2017 and December 2020. Baseline clinical characteristics, disease parameters and infections at or after the MM diagnosis were collected, as well as the etiologic agents and their outcomes. The primary outcome was to describe the infectious complications of patients with MM in the first 6 months after diagnosis. The secondary outcome was to identify risk factors for early mortality defined as death during the first 6 months after diagnosis. Baseline characteristics and infections were described using mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges. For the secondary outcome, patients were analysed in two groups depending in the presence of infections or not. Comparisons between groups were made by chi square, Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and rank-sum test; multivariate analysis by means of a logistic regression was performed. Two-sided p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. All analysis were performed using STATA version 15.1. RESULTS Eighty-two patients were diagnosed and included in the study in the specific period. Median age was 66.5 and 56% were male. Median follow-up time was 28.6 months; 49/82 (60%) developed > 1 infections, of which 33/49 (67%) were in the first 4 months after MM diagnosis and 16/33 patients (48%) experienced two or more episodes. Distribution of infections was as follows: lower respiratory tract (45%), urinary tract (24%), gastrointestinal tract (9%) and primary bacteriemia (6%). Bacteria were the most common etiologic agents. There were 3 cases of Clostridium difficile infection documented during the second and third episodes of infection. The mortality associated with this infection was very high (66%). High plasma cell infiltration in bone marrow aspirate (p=0.03), increased kappa free light chain concentration (p=0.02), lower hemoglobin concentration (p=0.003), decreased serum albumin (p=0.004) and high serum globulin concentration (p=0.04) were associated with infection. Alkylating agents were the only treatment associated with increased risk of infection (p=0.05). Overall mortality during the first 6 months was 11%. There was a significantly higher cumulative risk (46.4%) of early death in patients who developed infections, compared to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS. Sixty percent newly diagnosed MM developed infections during the first 6 months after diagnosis. The most common affected sites were lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract and primary bacteriemia. Sixty-seven percent of the infectious episodes were developed among the first four months after the diagnosis. The most common etiologic agents were bacteria. There were two episodes of infections caused by candida SPP and three caused by influenza virus. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common bacteria isolated during the second and third episodes, with 3 cases of Clostridium difficile infection. Infections were responsible of 46.4% more early deaths in newly diagnosed MM patients compared to those that did not have infections. High tumor burden characteristics were associated with greater risk of infections. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Cyclophosphamide Induces Hepatorenal Toxicity and Attenuation by 5-fluorouracil in Male Albino Rats

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) induces acute inflammation of the urinary bladder, renal damage, and liver damage, thereby limiting its therapeutic use. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatorenal toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide and amelioration by 5-fluorouracil in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male adult rats were grouped randomly into four groups (n=5 for each group). Group I (control): Rats were injected with saline intraperitoneally and at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg b.w. for 14 days. Group II cyclophosphamide (CPA): Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group III Fluorouracil (5-FU): 5-Fluorouracil at a dose of 10 mg/kg day by day in saline was given through i.p. to rats for 14 days. Group IV (CPA+5-FU): Rats were given CPA followed by 5-FU at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day (day by day) through i.p. to rats for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, rats were anesthetized using light ether. Blood samples were taken and prepared for biochemical measurements. Results: Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentration significantly reduced in animal groups that received cyclophosphamide. 5-FU and CPA combination reduced the changes in total protein, albumin, and globulin compared to CPA treated group. A significant increase in LDH serum concentration was found in CPA, 5-FU, and their combination-treated animals. The mean values of the combination of chemotherapy were above that in CPA followed by 5-FU treatment. Administration of CPA, 5-FU resulted in a significant increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin compared to the control. Co-treatment 5-FU with CPA significantly attenuated the increase in serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin when compared to CPA – treated rats. Compared to controls, urea and creatinine levels were increased in CPA-treated rats, while uric acid was reduced in CPA, 5-FU, and their combination. The changes in urea and creatinine produced by the chemotherapy were restored when rats received CPA in combination with 5-FU. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the treatment of mammals with chemotherapy is associated with the production of free radicals that lead to hazardous alterations in biochemical parameters. However, 5-FU and CPA combination could produce a significant amelioration in most cases for these changes, and it may be considered as a potentially useful candidate in the combination chemotherapy with CPA to combat oxidative stress-mediated non-target organ injury even if it was not complete protection. Future work should consider combined chemotherapy regimens, as two or more mechanisms of action of chemotherapeutic drugs could be more powerful than one mechanism. Toxicological studies must be performed before using drugs as a combination before application. Further research is required on the toxicological impacts of drugs and pollutants mixtures.

Does the Use of Different Types of Probiotics Possess Detoxification Properties Against Aflatoxins Contamination in Rabbit Diets?

The present work was carried out to study the ability of five probiotics on the in vitro degradation of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1). The best results of in vitro were tested on the detoxification of AFB1 in rabbits. A total of 40 growing New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were assigned to five experimental groups. Animals were fed the following diets: basal diet (control), basal diet contaminated with 300ppb AFB1, basal diet contaminated with 300ppb AFB1. + probiotic 3 (0.5g/kg diet), basal diet contaminated with 300ppb AFB1 + ajowan (0.5g/kg diet), and basal diet contaminated with 300ppb AFB1 + probiotic 3 (0.5g/kg diet) + ajowan (0.5g/kg diet). Live body weight significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared to the control rabbits. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the live body weight. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. The addition of probiotics increased (P < 0.05) daily body weight gain in all weeks except the first week. Adding ajowan or ajowan + probiotic led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in live body weight gain and feed intake compared to rabbits fed AFB1 alone. The digestion coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and digestible crude protein (DCP) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE, and total digested nutrients (TDN)%. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. Concentrations of serum total protein, albumin and globulin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared with the control rabbits. In conclusion, the addition of probiotic 3 (AVI-5-BAC) + ajowan could be recommended to eliminate the toxicity of AFB1 and improve growth performance criteria in rabbits.

Analysis of spleen of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Aspergillus nidulans identifies immune-related genes.

Aspergillus nidulans (A. nidulans) is an ascomycetous fungus that can cause disseminated infection in humans or animals. The present study aimed to explore the pathogenesis and host spleen immune response after infection with A. nidulans. Thirty KM mice were divided into control group (C) and treated group (T). Serum was collected for the detection of inflammatory markers. Spleens were collected for histopathological examination, fungal culture and transcriptomic analysis. Compared with the control group, the concentrations of serum total protein (TP), globulin (GLO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly increased (P<0.01), but the concentration of albumin (ALB) and the ratio of albumin/globulin (A/G) were significantly decreased in the treated group (P<0.01). In addition, the splenic red pulp was hyperemic, and the white pulp was infiltrated by inflammatory cells in treated group. The chromatin was aggregated, and the mitochondria were swollen in the spleen lymphocytes of treated group. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that 47.2 million and 44.9 million clean reads were obtained in the control group and treated group, respectively. 946 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, including 372 up-regulated genes and 574 down-regulated genes. GO analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the immune responses, antigen binding, immunoglobulin receptor binding, bacterial defence responses, endopeptidase activity and so on. Moreover, KEGG analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the following pathways: complement and coagulation cascades, retinol metabolism, cytochrome p450, IL-17 signalling pathway and so on. Additionally, 9 DEGs was validated by qRT-PCR approach. In summary, this study revealed the immune response mechanism of spleen in A. nidulan-infected mice. It will benefit for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of A. nidulans.

Effects of Dietary Bopu Powder Supplementation on Serum Antioxidant Capacity, Egg Quality, and Intestinal Microbiota of Laying Hens.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Bopu powder supplementation on the serum antioxidant capacity, serum biochemical indices, egg quality, and intestinal microbiota. Six hundred and forty-eight 33-week-old Lohmann Brown commercial laying hens were randomly allocated into six groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg Bopu powder for 8 weeks, denoted BP0, BP25, BP50, BP100, BP200, and BP400, respectively. The results showed that dietary Bopu powder supplementation reduced serum cholesterol concentrations (linear, p < 0.01) while increasing serum globulin and albumin concentrations (linear, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the BP50 and BP100 groups had greater serum catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.05). The egg Haugh Units were considerably higher in BP25 and BP50 (p < 0.05), and eggshell thickness was higher in BP25, BP200, and BP400 (p < 0.05) when compared to BP0. Dietary treatment with Bopu powder at doses ranging from 25–100 mg/kg improved glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities while decreasing malondialdehyde concentrations in the yolk (p < 0.05). The addition of Bopu powder increased the diversity of microbiota and the relative abundance of Bacteroidota in the gut. For instance, dietary Bopu powder supplementation of 25–50 mg/kg significantly raised the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Bacteroides, and Fusobacterium in the foregut. Supplementing the diet with 50–100 mg/kg of Bopu powder improved the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the hindgut. In conclusion, dietary Bopu powder supplementation enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the foregut of laying hens and improved egg quality and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, in the laying hen diet, the optimal dosage of Bopu powder additive was 25–50 mg/kg.

A Preliminary Study of Modulen IBD Liquid Diet in Hospitalized Dogs with Protein-Losing Enteropathy.

Simple SummaryModulen IBD is an oral liquid food that results in remission rates similar to immunosuppressive drugs in children with inflammatory bowel disease. This diet has not been previously investigated in dogs. We aimed to describe the use of Modulen IBD in hospitalized dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) when combined with whey powder and a multivitamin/mineral blend to ensure this was complete and balanced for dogs. Five dogs hospitalized for PLE that had an esophagostomy feeding tube placed were eligible and prospectively enrolled. All dogs received Modulen IBD without concurrent immunosuppressive drugs and tolerated tube feedings. All dogs had resolution of anorexia, three had stable or improved serum albumin concentrations, four had improved or normalized serum globulin concentrations, and four dogs had improved or normalized serum cholesterol concentrations 2–3 days after initiating the diet. In conclusion, the Modulen IBD liquid diet was well-tolerated in-hospital and resolved anorexia in all dogs and helped to improve selected biochemical parameters in some dogs. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of feeding this diet to dogs with inflammatory PLE. Modulen IBD is an enteral liquid diet that can induce remission rates similar to glucocorticoids in children with inflammatory bowel disease. The Modulen IBD liquid diet has not been previously investigated in dogs. Our study aimed to describe the use of the Modulen IBD liquid diet in hospitalized dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), including its tolerance and effects on appetite and gastrointestinal signs, and laboratory parameters during hospitalization. Of the 14 dogs hospitalized for PLE that had an esophagostomy feeding tube placed at the time of endoscopy, 5 were eligible and prospectively enrolled. The Modulen IBD liquid diet was supplemented with whey powder isolate and a multivitamin/mineral blend to ensure the diet was complete and balanced for canine adult maintenance and had a macronutrient profile desirable for PLE. All five dogs tolerated tube feedings with the Modulen IBD liquid diet, allowing an increase of 75 to 100% of the resting energy requirement (RER) by day 3 to 4. The diet was administered without glucocorticoid in all five dogs. All five of these dogs had a resolution of anorexia allowing the voluntary intake of a commercial hydrolyzed protein diet prior to the use of glucocorticoids. Of these five dogs, three (60%) had stable or improved serum albumin concentrations (median % increase: 10.3, range: 0–31.1), four (80%) had improved or normalized serum globulin concentrations (median % increase: 12.9, range: 5.1–66.2) and four (80%) had improved or normalized serum cholesterol concentrations (median % increase: 31.5, range: 4.8–63) 2–3 days after initiating the diet. However, there were no significant differences in these selected biochemical parameters pre- and post-feeding with the diet (p > 0.080). In conclusion, the Modulen IBD liquid diet, fed via an esophagostomy feeding tube was well-tolerated in-hospital and resolved anorexia in all dogs and helped to improve selected biochemical parameters in some dogs. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of feeding this diet on the rate of serum albumin increase and remission in dogs with inflammatory PLE.

Accuracy of acute-phase proteins in identifying lethargic and anorectic cats with increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity.

The mainstay of laboratory diagnostics of feline pancreatitis (FP) is measuring serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Thus far, several studies have investigated the relationship between acute-phase proteins (APPs) and the presence and severity of FP. Although changes in serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration have been linked with FP, its diagnostic accuracy remains unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of selected APPs in identifying cats with a high risk of FP based on increased fPLI. Serum fPLI was measured in cats (n=52) that were presented to veterinary clinics with signs of lethargy and anorexia. The cats were divided into two groups (fPLI ≤3.5μg/L; n=27 and fPLI >3.5μg/L, n=25), corresponding to low and high risks of FP. Serum albumin, globulin, haptoglobin (Hp), and SAA concentrations, as well as the albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G) and SAA-to-albumin (SAA/A) ratios, were determined and compared between groups. The accuracy of these measurements was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. SAA concentrations and SAA/A ratios were significantly (P=.026 and P=.022) higher in cats with increased fPLI, with the area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 68.1% (CI 95%: 53.4%, 82.9%) and 68.6% (CI 95%: 54.0%, 83.2%), respectively. The logistic regression model combining SAA and A/G had AUROC of 75.2% (CI 95%: 62.0%, 88.4%) for identifying cats with increased fPLI. SAA as a sole analyte or combined with A/G had low to moderate accuracy in identifying anorexic, lethargic cats with increased fPLI. Serum albumin, globulin, and Hp concentrations had no discriminatory potential in these cats.

Raw garlic (Allium sativum) improves nonspecific immune responses and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Garlic contains various nutrients and healthful ingredients. The content of garlic products is closely related to their processing methods, and each compound has specific biological effects. Allicin, a heat labile compound, is considered the most important factor in garlic. Garlic powder is commonly prepared by subjecting raw garlic to thermal processing before being grounded into powder,and it is of interest to compare the biological activity of garlic powder with raw garlic in fish. This study investigated immune effects of raw garlic and garlic powder on groupers (Epinephelus coioides). Although raw garlic and garlic powder did not promote growth performance of groupers, they increased groupers’ survival after fish were challenged with Vibrio alginolyticus, especially for fish receiving 80 g raw garlic/kg diet. The results indicated that phagocytosis, superoxide anion, and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly enhanced in groupers fed with diets containing raw garlic, and to a lesser extent in fish received garlic powder. No significant differences were found between different treatments in terms of serum albumin concentration or albumin/globulin ratio. Serum globulin concentration was temporarily enhanced in the groupers fed with 10 g raw garlic/kg diet or 10 g garlic powder/kg diet. These data suggest that diets with raw garlic and garlic powder could enhance nonspecific immune response of grouper and improve its resistance against V. alginolyticus and that immune effect of raw garlic is superior to that of garlic powder.

Social Stress during the Estrus or Luteal Phase in Sheep

ABSTRACT In mammals, progesterone and estrogens affect the stress response. The study aimed to compare the physiological and behavioral responses to the social isolation of ewes during the estrus or luteal phase. Estrous and diestrous ewes (n = 10 and 8 respectively) were individually isolated in a novel place for 10 min. Ewes’ behavior was recorded during the test. Cortisol, blood proteins and glucose concentrations, and the skin surface temperature were determined before and after the test. Cortisol increased immediately after the test ended (P = 0.02). Serum total protein (P = 0.02), globulin (P < 0.0001), and plasma glucose (P = 0.006) concentrations were greater in estrus than in the luteal phase. The abdominal skin surface temperature was greater during estrus than during the luteal phase (P = 0.02). Ewes in estrus spent more time standing up immobile than ewes in the luteal phase (P = 0.05). In conclusion, the physiological and behavioral responses changed according to the phase of the estrous cycle. These results highlight the need for future studies focusing on how reproductive status influences the stress response to different management practices in sheep.

Addition of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows improves colostrum quality and immune responses of their calves.

This study evaluated of the effects of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows on colostrum quality, as well as on the immune and antioxidant responses of their calves. Sixteen multiparous cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) CONTROL (n = 8) - 4.48% of soybean oil/concentrate; 2) AÇAI (n =8) - 4.48% of açai oil/concentrate. Cows fed with açai oil had greater (P≤0.04) colostrum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) G (1st and 2nd milking), IgG heavy chains, IgA (only at 1st milking), alpha-lactalbumin (1st milking), total protein, and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (only at 1st milking). Cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of globulin (only on the day of calving) and total protein (only on the day of calving) (P = 0.03). Calves born of cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of total protein (only 24 and 48 h after calving) and serum concentration of IgG heavy chain (only 24 h after calving) and globulin (only 24 and 48 h after calving) (P = 0.01). These data suggest that the addition of açai oil in the cow feed during the close-up dry period boosted immunity in their calves by altering the composition of colostrum.

Correlationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Carbon Monoxide Intoxication

There is a data gap in the relationship between chronic carbon monoxide intoxication and diabetes mellitus manifestation. This study aims to investigate if a cause-effect relationship exists using rabbits as a choice animal model. A total of twenty rabbits were used for the study comprising equal age and weight-matched control and experimental groups. The experimental group was further divided into 10th day, 20th day and 30th CO intoxicated sub-groups. Vitreous and serum glucose, proteins, lipids, electrolytes and renal function parameters were measured using WHO-approved methods. One-way ANOVA (Post hoc-LSD) and Pearson correlational analysis were used for the data analysis. The result showed a progressive significant increase (p < 0.05) in concentrations of vitreous glucose, urea and creatinine in the experimental groups, while the concentrations of vitreous total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, globulins, sodium, potassium and pH decreased significantly. In the same vein, the concentrations of serum glucose, triglyceride, and sodium increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas concentrations of serum cholesterol, total proteins, globulins, potassium, and pH activity decreased significantly. Correlational relationships were also observed between glucose and some associated parameters in the vitreous humour and serum. In conclusion, some of the vitreous and serum biochemical parameters altered followed a similar predictive pattern and usual pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we found that chronic CO intoxication could be included amongst the environmental agents known to be a causative agent of diabetes mellitus.

Serum proteins and electrophoretic profile in horses undergoing crotalid venom hyperimmunization.

ABSTRACTIndisputably, the use of antivenoms for the treatment of snakebite envenoming is beneficial for the victims. However, there are few studies addressing the effect of long-term hyperimmunization in inoculated horses. It is known that the injection of snake venoms and adjuvants leads to local and systemic reactions in horses, but little is known about the response of inflammatory proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum proteins and the electrophoretic profile of horses undergoing crotalid venom hyperimmunization. Twenty horses were divided into two groups: an inoculated group, comprising ten horses that were already being used for production of a Crotalus sp. antivenom, and a control group, comprising ten animals that had never been used for hyperimmunization. All animals were clinically healthy and without laboratory abnormalities. Total protein and albumin concentrations were measured in serum. Serum globulins were obtained by calculation. Plasma fibrinogen estimates were determined by the heat precipitation method. Serum proteinograms were obtained using agarose gel electrophoresis. The results revealed a significant increase in the concentrations of total serum proteins, globulins, and β-globulins in the inoculated group, exceeding the reference values. There were slight increases in the α-1- and α-2-globulin subfractions in serum-producing horses, with no statistical significance. We also observed that horses used to produce hyperimmune plasma developed hypoalbuminemia, although the decrease in albumin production was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that the continuous use of horses to produce crotalid antivenom may lead to a chronic inflammatory stimulus, with changes in plasma levels of inflammatory proteins.

The effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or prebiotic mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood metabolites, faecal bacteria, and economics of crossbred calves.

The ban on antibiotics as growth promoters paved the way for probiotics and prebiotics as growth promoters in animal production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or prebiotic Mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, blood biochemical variables, and faecal bacterial count in crossbred calves. Fifteen-day-old crossbred calves (n=24) were divided into four groups, each consisting of six calves, and subjected to different experimental diets. The control group (T0) received a basal diet without any additives. The T1 and T2 groups received the basal diet and the probiotic (L. acidophilus, 2 × 1010 cfu/g) @ 1 g/calf per day and prebiotic (Mannan oligosaccharide) @ 4 g/calf per day, respectively. Calves of the T3 group were offered a basal diet and synbiotic (L. acidophilus, 0.5 g + Mannan oligosaccharide, 2 g/calf per day). The feed additives were mixed in milk. The results of 90 days feeding trial showed that calves of the T3 and T1 groups had higher (P<0.05) body weight (BW) gain and dry matter digestibility than the control. Feeding the probiotic showed a positive effect (P<0.05) on body length at the first, second, and third months, compared to the control. The blood serum total protein and globulin concentrations in the T1 group, on days 30 and 90, and T3 group, on day 90, were higher (P<0.05) than those of the control. All the treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3) showed a reduction (P<0.05) in faecal coliform and E. coli count, compared to the control, on the 15th and 30th days of the study. Additionally, the T2 group showed a significant coliform count reduction on days 45 and 60 of the study. The dietary addition of L. acidophilus, 2 × 1010 cfu/g @ 1 g/calf per day and the combination of L. acidophilus, 0.5 g + Mannan oligosaccharide, 2 g/calf per day improved growth performance, serum biochemical values, and favourable gut microbiota.