Total Plasma Protein Research Articles

Promotion of Pregnant Merino Ewes' Welfare with the Introduction of a Drought- and High-Temperature-Resistant Cereal into Their Diet: Analysis of Tritordeum Meadow.

Tritordeum is a new cereal resistant to drought and high temperatures, and it is a very healthy crop. The aim of this study was to compare two different diets (tritordeum meadow vs. oat meadow) for grazing pregnant ewes to determine if there was any effect on the objective physiological indicators of animal welfare. A total of 150 pregnant Merino ewes (3-5 years) were randomly divided into two groups (n = 75 each) to be fed with two different meadows, being evaluated during the spring season. Red blood cells count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, neutrophiles/lymphocytes ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, cortisol, total plasma proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin/globulins ratio, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase, IgA, and IgG were determined. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the welfare of pregnant ewes fed with tritordeum meadow was better than that of pregnant ewes fed with oat meadow. Tritordeum meadow had a positive influence on the physiological parameters of animal welfare studied in pregnant Merino ewes. Therefore, tritordeum meadow can be considered a functional feed, as it has a beneficial effect on health beyond its basic nutritional value. Farmers are recommended to feed a cereal such as tritordeum grassland to their sheep, as it not only ensures that the animals benefit from all the nutrients, but also prevents diseases and improves their quality of life. In addition, the cereal's resistance to fungal diseases makes it suitable for use in sustainable production systems with a reduced environmental footprint.

Weighted single-step genome-wide association study and functional enrichment analyses for gastrointestinal nematode resistance traits in Santa Ines sheep

This study aimed to identify genomic regions, pathways, and putative candidate genes associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep. The phenotypic information comprised 5529 records from 1703 naturally infected animals. After genomic data quality control, 37,511 SNPs from 589 animals were available. The weighted single-step approach for genome-wide association study was performed to estimate the SNP effects and variances accounted by 10–SNP sliding windows. Confirming the polygenic nature of the studied traits, 20, 22, 21, and 19 genomic windows that explained more than 0.5% of the additive genetic variance were identified for fecal egg counts (FEC), Famacha© (FAM), packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein (TPP), respectively. A total of 81, 122, 106, and 101 protein-coding genes were found in windows associated with FEC, FAM, PCV, and TPP, respectively. Several protein‐coding genes related to the immune system and inflammatory response functions were identified within those genomic regions, such as ADCY9, ADRB2, BRAF, CADM1, CCL20, CD70, CREBBP, FNBP1, HTR4, IL16, IL22, IL26, MAPK8, NDFIP1, NLRC3, PAK5, PLCB1, PLCB4, ROCK1, TEK, TNFRSF12A, and VAV1. Functional enrichment analysis by DAVID tool also revealed many significant (P < 0.05) pathways and Gene Ontology terms that could be related to resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep, such as chemokine signaling pathway (oas04062), cAMP signaling pathway (oas04024), cGMP-PKG signaling pathway (Oas04022), platelet activation (Oas04611), Rap1 signaling pathway (oas04015), and oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen (GO:0016705). These results contribute to improving the knowledge of the genetic architecture of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode in Santa Ines sheep.

Baseline and recurrent exposure to the standard dose of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) induces oxidative stress and liver damage in mice (BALB/c)

BackgroundIn malaria-endemic countries, repeated intake of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is rampant and driven by drug resistance, improper usage, and easy accessibility. Stress effects and potential liver toxicity due to the frequent therapeutic use of ACTs have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the effects of repeated treatment with standard doses of the commonly used ACTs artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) and artesunate-amodiaquine (A/A) on oxidative stress and liver function markers in male mice (BALB/c).MethodsForty Five mice were divided into three groups: control, A/L, and A/A. The drugs were administered three days in a row per week, and the regimen was repeated every two weeks for a total of six cycles. The levels of oxidative stress and liver function markers were measured in both plasma and liver tissue after initial (baseline) and repeated exposures for the second, third, and sixth cycles.ResultsExposure to A/L or A/A caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after the first and repeated exposure periods. However, Hepatic MDA levels increased significantly (p < 0.01) only after the sixth exposure to A/A. Following either single or repeated exposure to A/L or A/A, plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, plasma aspartate and alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bilirubin levels increased, whereas total plasma protein levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Varying degrees of hepatocyte degeneration and blood vessel congestion were observed in liver tissues after a single or repeated treatment period.ConclusionIrrespective of single or repeated exposure to therapeutic doses of A/L or A/A, plasma oxidative stress and liver damage were observed. However, long-term repeated A/A exposure can led to hepatic stress. Compensatory processes involving GPx and CAT activities may help reduce the observed stress.

Dietary citric acid improves phosphorus and calcium availability and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Citric acid is an organic acid, which has been used as a feed additive because it has a reasonable cost, pleasant taste, and fast assimilation, showing positive effects on the growth and health of some livestock and aquatic species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increased levels of citric acid (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg) in an isonitrogenous (280.00 g/kg of digestible protein) and isoenergetic diet (12.98 MJ/kg of digestible energy) on growth performance, body composition, apparent digestibility of nutrients and minerals, hematology, pH in stomach and intestine, and intestinal histomorphometry of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (n = 200, initial average weight of 14.59 ± 0.81 g) were randomly distributed in 25 experimental tanks (five replicates per treatment) and fed experimental diets over a 40-day period. Increasing levels of citric acid supplementation resulted in a decrease in the pH of the experimental diets (P = 0.021). However, no significant differences in pH levels were observed in the stomach and intestine among the treatments (P > 0.05). Citric acid supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the growth performance variables, body composition, or the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy, ether extract, and ash of the diets. Fish fed diets with 10 and 30 g/kg citric acid exhibited higher values for total leukocytes (P = 0.043) and total plasma protein (P = 0.019) compared to the control group. Diets supplemented with 20 g/kg citric acid showed a higher ADC value for phosphorus (P = 0.027) and calcium (P = 0.032) compared to the control. Additionally, fish fed with diets containing 20 g/kg citric acid demonstrated higher values for villus height (P = 0.002) and width (P = 0.048), crypt depth (P = 0.035), and villus: crypt ratio (P = 0.014) compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 20 g/kg citric acid improved the availability of phosphorus and calcium and positively influenced the intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia juveniles.

Effect of acetic acid addition to rice straw pre-treated with urea on performance of dairy ewes.

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of acetic acid addition to rice straws that had been already treated with urea on chemical composition, digestibility, nutritive value, and productive performance of ewes. Thirty ewes with an initial body weight of 44 ± 0.41 kg were chosen 7 days after parturition and divided into 3 groups (10 of each) for 3 months. Each group was assigned randomly to receive one of the three experimental rations composed of concentrate feed mixture and untreated rice straw as a control group (G1), urea-treated rice straw (G2), and urea-acetic acid-treated rice straw (G3). Digestibility coefficients and nutritive value were determined using fifteen mature rams andblood samples were obtained at the end of the collecting period. Findings indicated that the crude protein of rice straw was increased, and crude fiber content was decreased by either urea or urea-acetic acid rations(i.e., G2 and G3). Digestibility of most nutrients was increased (P < 0.05) for animals fed either G2 or G3 rations. There were no significant differences in nutritive value astotal digestible nutrients (TDN) among tested groups; however, digestible crude protein(DCP) increased (P < 0.05) for G2 and G3 rations. Plasma total protein, AST, creatinine, and urea were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding on G2 or G3 ration; however, plasma ALT was not affected. The average daily intake ofdry matter (DM), TDN, and DCP was higher for G2 and G3 rations. Actual milk yield, fat-corrected milk(FCM), percentages of fat, and total solids and constituents yield were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding on treated rice straw rations (i.e.,G2 and G3); however, the percentages of protein, lactose, solids not fat, and ash were not affected. In the 1st month after parturition, the changes in ewes body weight were less (P < 0.05) when they fed on G2 and G3 rations than the control one(G1)). Dams' production and offspring performance were improved (P < 0.05) by feeding on G2 and G3 rations. Feed conversion as kg DMI/kg FCM, kg TDN/kg FCM, and economic efficiency was improved for G2 and G3. Inconcluded, adding acetic acid to urea-treated rice straw may improve the performance of ewes fed on it and increase their milk production and profitability. The same trend was observed with (G2) which received urea-treated rice straw ration.

Variations of blood viscosity in acute typhoid fever: A cross-sectional study.

Typhoid fever (TF) is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella Typhi (Salmonella Enterica) transmitted through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected individuals. In various infectious diseases, blood viscosity (BV) is affected by changes in hemoglobin concentrations and acute phase reactants. Inflammatory responses can lead to elevated plasma protein levels and further affect BV. This study aimed to investigate BV changes in patients with acute TF. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 55 patients with acute TF compared to 38 healthy controls. BV and inflammatory parameters were measured in both groups. TF patients showed reduced blood cells compared to healthy controls (p=0.001). Additionally, plasma total protein (TP) levels significantly increased to 10.79±1.05 g/L in TF patients compared to 7.035±1.44 g/L in healthy controls (p=0.03). Hematocrit (HCT) levels were 11.67±2.89% in TF patients and 12.84±2.02% in healthy controls (p=0.07), suggesting a trend towards increased BV in TF patients. Elevated BV is involved in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory and infectious diseases. The increased BV in TF patients may raise the risk of complications. Therefore, monitoring BV might be a crucial tool in TF patients, mainly in the high-risk group, for early detection of cardiovascular complications.

Comparing Hematological and Biochemical Profiles of Pregnant and Non-pregnant Barb Mares Raised in Tiaret, Algeria

Background: The pure-bred Barb horse is a beloved breed from the Great Maghreb. Despite the breed’s prominence in Algeria, no gestational hematological or biochemical research has been done on this breed. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant Barb mares in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Methods: From 12 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant mares, 102 venous blood samples were taken, and their glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Cho), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), urea (Urea), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fer), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were assessed as biochemical variables. Also, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cells, and platelets were all measured as hematological variables. Results: The levels of ALP, ALT, GGT, and P decreased significantly throughout gestation, while Ca, TG, Fe, and Glu levels increased. AST concentrations decreased in the second and third trimesters, whereas Cho levels increased in the first and second trimesters. Urea levels increased significantly in the third trimester, and FRAP showed significant differences at different stages of pregnancy. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly lower in the first and second trimesters, and hemoglobin values were significantly lower in the second trimester. The mean value of white blood cell count was slightly higher in late pregnancy, while platelet values significantly increased throughout all trimesters. Conclusion: The study provides valuable information on the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters during pregnancy in Barb mares. These findings can be used as a reference for future studies on the reproductive physiology of this breed.

Clinical Impact of Targeted Nursing Combined with Nutritional Intervention on Nutritional Status, Complications and Rehabilitation of Pyemia Patients Treated with Blood Purification

This research aimed to clarify the importance of targeted nursing combined with nutritional intervention in pyemia patients treated with blood purification. According to nursing methods, patients were divided into a control group (CG, n = 50) and an experimental group (EG, n = 50). All patients underwent continuous blood purification therapy and were observed for 14 days. The CG received conventional nursing measures, while the EG received targeted nursing combined with nutritional interventions. After the intervention, serum calcium and phosphorus levels were lower (P &lt; 0.05), and the levels of serum albumin, prealbumin, total plasma protein, transferrin, and fibronectin were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the EG compared to the CG. The incidence of complications, including hypotension, malnutrition, and chest distress, was lower in the EG than in the CG (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, bodily pain, physical functioning, social functioning, and mental health scores were higher in the EG than in the CG (P &lt; 0.05). In summary, applying targeted nursing combined with nutritional intervention can effectively improve the nutritional status of pyemia patients treated with blood purification, reduce the incidence of complications, and elevate their quality of life.

Which clinical factors and biochemical parameters are associated with late-life major depression?

Introduction Late-life major depression (MD) is a frequent and high-cost psychiatric disorder. Our purpose was to detect clinical and biological factors possibly associated with this condition to better prevent and treat it. Methods We recruited 343 patients, consecutively admitted for a Major Depressive Episode to the inpatient clinic of Policlinico of Milan and ASST Monza, Italy. A large set of clinical and biochemical variables was collected from clinical charts. Univariate analyses were performed both dividing the sample into two groups (age < or ≥65) and considering age as a continuous quantitative variable. Regression analyses were then performed considering as independent variables only those statistically significant at univariate analyses. Results Patients aged ≥ 65 resulted in having longer duration of illness, shorter duration of last antidepressant therapy, higher number of antidepressants assumed in the past, higher frequency of treatment-resistant depression, higher frequency of overweight/obesity and diabetes. As for biochemical parameters, patients ≥ 65 showed lower total plasmatic proteins and albumin, higher uric acid and creatinine. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest less effectiveness of antidepressants, more susceptibility to metabolic disorders and poor nutritional status in patients with late-life depression; such aspects may consequently be taken into consideration for a proper therapeutic approach. KEY POINTS Depression in late life seems to be associated with poorer response to antidepressants; Clinicians should prefer compounds with minimal pharmacokinetic interactions and less risk of side effects including metabolic ones; The poor nutritional status and the higher risk of metabolic disorders in older patients points out the importance of proper diet and healthy lifestyle in this group of subjects; Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this research.

Overall evaluation of the replacement of fermented soybean to fish meal in juvenile white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei diet: growth, health status, and hepatopancreas histomorphology

This study was conducted to determine the effect of replacing fishmeal (FM) with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) for 12 weeks on the growth performance, feed utilization, immunological parameters, antioxidant enzyme assays and lipid peroxidation, digestive enzymes, and histopathological analysis of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). By substituting 0.0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% FSBM for fishmeal (w/w), four isonitrogenous diets were generated. A total of 300 juvenile L. vannamei (1.59 ± 0.01 g) were randomly allocated to the experimental fiber tanks at a rate of fifteen shrimp per tank, with three replicates for each treatment. Growth performance and feed utilization decline considerably (P < 0.05) with increasing amounts of FM replacement with FSBM in diets. In comparison to the juveniles fed the other experimental diets, the diet containing a moderate level of FM replacement (20% FSBM) considerably enhanced growth performance and feed consumption during the feeding trial. The 20% FSBM-fed group had the highest protein content. In contrast, raising FSBM levels significantly increased lipid content (P < 0.05) compared to the control. However, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) across FSBM treatments. Hemolymph plasma total protein (TP) concentration and lysozyme activity were substantially greater (P < 0.05) in 20% FSBM compared to 40% FSBM (P < 0.05). In addition, 20% FSBM exhibits a substantial (P < 0.05) increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT SOD, GPX, and GR). In contrast, the control and 30% FSBM groups had considerably more lipid peroxidation markers (MDA) than the 20% and 40% FSBM groups. Hepatopancreas amylase activity was considerably elevated (P < 0.05) in the control group and with 40% FSBM. In addition, hepatopancreas and intestinal protease and lipase activity increased significantly by 20% FSBM. Considerably, more B cells were present in the 40% FSBM diet than in the control diet; however, they were significantly less prevalent in the 20% and 30% FSBM diets (P < 0.05).

Promotion of growth and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia juveniles supplemented with Citrus limon extract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Citrus limon (L.) extract (CLE) on the growth, hematological, and biochemical parameters of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus L.). The chemical composition of CLE was detected using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Three hundred and sixty fish (12.80 ± 0.13 g) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with six treatments and four replicates (15 fish per tank). Six diets with different levels of CLE in the diet – 0.0 (control), 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 g kg−1 – were evaluated for 60 days, followed by 8 days of Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The bacterial inoculum was diluted in sterile saline at 1 × 107 colony-forming units mL−1. The major constituents of CLE were phenolic compounds (mainly flavonoids) and polysaccharides. Quadratic regression showed that fish supplemented with 1.6 g CLE kg diet−1 improved final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and perivisceral fat index. Before bacterial infection, fish supplemented with 1.6 g CLE kg diet−1 showed a higher hepatosomatic index and erythrocytes (according to linear regression) and higher plasma total protein and hemoglobin (according to quadratic regression). After bacterial infection, quadratic regression showed that 0.8–3.2 g CLE kg diet−1 reduced the plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels and mortality of juveniles. In conclusion, adding 1.6 g CLE kg diet−1 is recommended to improve Nile tilapia juveniles' growth performance, health, and survival after A. hydrophila infection.

Efficacy of concentrates containing tropical weed Chromolaena odorata, methionine hydroxy analog and palm oils in fattening male Bali cattle: A physiological study

Chromolaena odorata is a potential feed source but is low in methionine, which might affect the rumen function. Therefore providing efficient nutrient/s might improve rumen function. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of a concentrate containing Chromolaena odorata meal, hydroxy methionine analog (HMA), and palm oil on blood metabolites of fattened cattle. Sixteen Bali cattle (Bos sondaicus) with an average body weight of 130.5kg ± 32.5 were allotted into four dietary treatments (and four replicates) using a Completely Randomized Block Design with 4 cattle in each Group. The treatments were concentrates with no addition of palm oil and/or HMA as the control diet (Group I) , added with 3 g HMA (CMA) (Group II), added with 0.5% palm oil (Group III) and (CPO) added with a combination of 3 g HMA and 0.5% palm oil (CMO) Group IV). The concentrate was offered to the animals at a rate of 2% liveweight, whilst rice straws were provided ad libitum as the source of fiber. The concentrate contained 18% crude protein and 12 MJ ME/kg DM to target a live weight gain of at least 0.6 kg/day. Blood metabolites measured were total cholesterol levels, plasma glucose, plasma proteins, and plasma urea. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance with the significance level set at an alpha value of ≤ 0.05. The results showed that providing concentrate-containing. C. odorata with or without HMA and/or palm oil (Group IV) only significantly affected blood plasma proteins, whereas other blood metabolites were unaffected. It might be concluded that there is no benefit of adding palm oil or methionine analog to chromolaena-based concentrate for fattened cattle since it will not affect the concentration of blood metabolites.

Effects of Anticoccidial Vaccination and Taraxacum officinale Extract on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Intestinal Morphology of Eimeria-Challenged Chickens.

A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design to examine the effects of anticoccidial vaccination (ACV; lack or 1× dose recommended by the manufacturer) and dietary supplementation with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract (DE; with or without) on growth performance, immunity, biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. At 20 days of age, all birds were challenged with a 25× dose of ACV, including Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mitis, and E. tenella. No interaction between ACV and DE was observed in terms of growth performance. Vaccinated birds showed increased feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 11-20 day period. Meanwhile, DE supplementation led to decreased FI and body weight gain (BWG) during the 1-10 day period. ACV effectively induced immunity against Eimeria, as evidenced by reduced oocyst shedding and less intestinal lesions, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6, and improved BWG during both the post infection (PI) period (21-35 days) and the entire growth period. DE supplementation lowered FCR and increased BWG during the 35-42 day period, increased the concentration of butyric acid in the cecal digesta, and lowered oocyst shedding PI. In vaccinated birds, DE elevated levels of plasma total protein and immunoglobulin M, and influenced tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3, indicating a more robust epithelial barrier. DE also lowered alanine aminotransferase activity in unvaccinated birds. Both ACV and DE independently improved intestinal morphology in the jejunum, decreasing crypt depth and increasing the villus height-to-crypt ratio. These findings suggest that both ACV and DE could be effective strategies for managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation to improve voluntary intake, availability of nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) on voluntary feed intake, availability of different nutrients and growth performance in weaned crossbred calves. Fifteen weaned healthy female Jersey crossbred calves (weight 79.73±3.46 kg; age 234.5±11.33 days) were divided equally into three groups viz., Control (T0), Treatment-1 (T1) and Treatment-2 (T2). Growth trial was conducted on these calves for 90 days. Animals in each treatment group were fed ad lib. total mixed ration (TMR) (CP 12%, TDN 65%) individually for 90 days. Calves under control (T0) group were fed ad lib. TMR (without EFE). Calves under T1 and T2 were fed ad lib. TMR supplemented with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg DM of TMR and with EFE cellulase and xylanase @ 12000 and 24000 IU/kg DM of TMR, respectively. Significantly greater DMI per unit body weight (kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was recorded in enzyme supplemented groups compared to control group; however, difference between T1 and T2 was non-significant. Addition of EFE in the TMR diet of calves increased TDN and DCP intake (g/kg W0.75) in T1 and T2 than T0 . Supplementation of EFE also enhanced TDN (%), DCP (%), DNDF (%), DE (Mcal/kg of feed) and ME (Mcal/kg of feed) value of the diets under T1 and T2 than T0. Average daily weight gain (g/d/calf) was estimated greater in T1 and T2 than T0. The feed conversion efficiency was similar among three treatments. Whereas, plasma total protein and albumin concentration increased significantly due to supplementation of EFE in the diet of calves. Therefore, it may be concluded that supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase @ 8000 and 16000 IU/kg TMR DM) may boost growth potential of finisher Jersey crossbred calves with enhanced intake of nutrients.

Physiological stress responses of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax related to changing operations of floating net cages in intensive farming conditions at the Moroccan M'diq bay.

The present study purposed to quantify and compare in-situ the primary and secondary physiological stress responses, related to the operation of floating net-cages changing, in both sub-adults (523 days post hatching) and adults (916 dph) European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, under intensive farming conditions in the Moroccan M'diq Bay. Levels of cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, total protein and lactate, as well as the percentage of hematocrit were measured before and after stress. The results showed significantly elevated levels of cortisol and blood glucose in both age groups, while total cholesterol and protein levels were unaffected. In fact, blood lactate was significantly reduced in sub-adults, while in adults this parameter was not affected by the operation. However, the hematocrit percentages measured after the operation were significantly higher than those found before the operation in both groups of fish, which is linked to the increased rate of oxygen renewal by the new net cages and the lower water temperature inside the cages. With regard to the age-specific response during this essential operation - before and after the operation - plasma cortisol, blood glucose and lactate concentrations, as well as plasma total protein levels, were significantly higher in sub-adults than in adults. It is concluded that aquaculture practices such as changing the aquaculture net-cage could have repercussions in terms of the classic physiological responses to stress in D. labrax. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Mollification of Lead Induced Liver Injury by Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) Extract

Objective: Lead is a highly toxic, non-biodegradable heavy metal usually found in the environment largely as a pollutant of water, soil or air. Chronic lead exposure has adverse effects on human health. Lycopersicon esculentum has many phytochemicals that may ameliorate organ injury due to lead toxicity in humans. This study answered the question “Is aqueous extract of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) beneficent to lead toxicity induced liver injury?”&#x0D; Methodology: The study had five groups with fifteen animals each. The control was group CN. The lead toxicity group (PbT) had 30 mg/kg/day of lead acetate crystals, the concomitant extract group (CE) had concurrent administration of lead acetate and aqueous extract of L. esculentum (at 400 mg/kg). The post lead toxicity low dose extract. (PLE) had sequential administration of lead acetate and aq. extract L. esculentum (at 400 mg/kg). The post lead toxicity high dose extract. (PHE) had sequential administration of lead acetate and aq. extract L. esculentum (at 800 mg/kg). Both the lead acetate and extract were administered orally for twenty one days. At specific periods, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and organs harvested for histopathological evaluation.&#x0D; Result: The total plasma protein levels of the extract groups (CE, PLE and PHE) were significantly higher than that of the PbT group. The PbT group had markedly elevated plasma liver enzymes. Oxidative stress was only evident in the PbT group but not in the extract groups as suggested by the significantly depressed anti-oxidant activities and elevated lipid peroxidation. A cystic lesion was observed in one of the liver specimens from the PbT group. Histopathological findings included fatty infiltration of the liver in the PbT group and presence of multinucleated hepatocytes in the extract groups. The latter feature suggested the ability of aqueous extract of L. esculentum to ameliorate the lead (Pb) toxicity induced liver damage.&#x0D; Conclusion: Concurrent and post-exposure administration of aqueous extract of tomato fruit (L. esculentum) mollified the liver injury caused by lead toxicity.

Effects of rumen-protected biotin on the growth performance, nitrogen utilization and blood parameters of yearling Liaoning cashmere doelings.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected biotin (RPB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and plasma biochemical parameters of Liaoning cashmere goats during the cashmere fiber growing period. Sixteen 6-month-old Liaoning cashmere twin-doelings (24.8 ± 1.20 kg) were allocated to 2 diet groups that were individually ad libitum fed 30% concentrate and 70% forage diet (DM) by a paired experimental design. Goats of the control group were fed the basal diet, while goats belonging to the RPB group were fed the basal diet with 10 mg RPB/d per animal. The duration of the experiment was 16 weeks with two 8-week periods. Digestibility was determined at weeks 7 and 15, and other measures were taken every four weeks. Compared with the control group, the average daily gain of the RPB group increased by 10.94% (p < 0.05), and the intake of NDF was increased (p = 0.045). There were some increasing tendencies for the intake of DM, ADF and ether extract (p = 0.070, 0.088 and 0.070, respectively). The intake and digestibility of N tended to increase (p = 0.062 and 0.093, respectively), while the N fecal excretion percentage of N intake was decreased (p = 0.093) in the RPB compared with the control group. N retention tended to increase (p = 0.084) with the addition of adding RPB to the diet. Plasma total protein was increased (p = 0.037), whereas the urea-N concentration was decreased (p = 0.049) in the RPB diet group compared with the control diet group. The levels of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (p < 0.001) and methylmalonyl-CoA (p = 0.013) were increased in the RPB group. Supplementation of rumen-protected biotin in the diet of cashmere goats can enhance the utilization of N and improve daily weight gain during cashmere fiber growing period.

Solid-State Fermentation as Green Technology to Improve the Use of Plant Feedstuffs as Ingredients in Diets for European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles.

This study aimed to evaluate the utilization by juvenile European sea bass of a SSFed PF mixture with Aspergillus niger CECT 2088. A 22-day digestibility and a 50-day growth trial were performed testing four diets, including 20 or 40% of an unfermented or SSFed PF mixture (rapeseed, soybean, rice bran, and sunflower seed meals, 25% each). SSF of the PF added cellulase and β-glucosidase activity to the diets. Mycotoxin contamination was not detected in any of the experimental diets except for residual levels of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (100 and 600 times lower than that established by the European Commission Recommendation-2006/576/EC). In diets including 20% PF, SSF did not affect growth but increased apparent digestibility coefficients of protein and energy, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio. On the contrary, in diets including 40% PF, SSF decreased growth performance, feed intake, feed and protein efficiency, and diet digestibility. SSF decreased the intestinal amylase activity in the 40% SSFed diet, while total alkaline proteases decreased in the 20% and 40% SSFed diets. Hepatic amino acid catabolic enzyme activity was not modulated by SSF, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were similar among dietary treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of moderate levels of the SSFed PF, up to 20%, improves the overall feed utilization efficiency without negatively impacting European sea bass growth performance. The replacement of PF with the SSFed PF mixture may contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture production.

Different serum sodium assay, different model for end stage liver disease - sodium scores in patients awaiting liver transplant: A cross-sectional study.

Sodium can be measured with direct or indirect methods; abnormal plasma total protein concentration can impact on sodium measured by indirect ion-selective electrodes (ISE). Serum sodium is an important item to determine the Model for End Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) score, commonly used for liver graft allocation. Patients with cirrhosis usually have hypoproteinemia. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the results of two different serum sodium ISE: indirect and direct. This was a retrospective study; we included 166 patients that underwent liver transplant assessment, and that had paired (i.e. same date and time) direct and indirect sodium determinations. We calculated the MELD-Na scores with both sodium determinations, and we compared them. There was a significant difference between MELD-Na scores; the mean difference was 0.4±1.3. If MELD-Na score had been determined by the sodium measured by the direct ISE, 69 patients (42%) would have stayed in the same place on the waiting list, 67 patients (40%) would have moved up, and 30 patients (18%) would have moved down. There was a statistically significant difference between the MELD-Na scores calculated based on the two different sodium concentrations, which would theoretically result in changes in the order of the waiting list. This finding should prompt studies to assess if MELD-Na calculated based on direct methods has a better performance to predict clinically relevant outcomes.

Effects of monolaurin on intestinal barrier, blood biochemical profile, immunity and antioxidant function in porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus-infected piglets.

The effects of monolaurin (ML) on the health of piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) have not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate its role in blood biochemical profile, intestinal barrier function, antioxidant function and the expression of antiviral genes in piglets infected with PEDV. Thirty-two piglets were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ML group, PEDV group and ML + PEDV group. Piglets were orally administrated with ML at a dose of 100 mg/kg·BW for 7 d before PEDV infection. Results showed that PEDV infection significantly decreased D-xylose content and increased intestinal fatty acid-binding protein content, indicating that PEDV infection destroyed intestinal barrier and absorption function. While it could be repaired by ML administration. Moreover, ML administration significantly decreased plasma blood urea nitrogen and total protein content upon PEDV infection. These results suggested ML may increase protein utilisation efficiency. ML administration significantly decreased the number of large unstained cells and Hb and increased the number of leucocytes and eosinophils in the blood of PEDV-infected piglets, indicating ML could improve the immune defense function of the body. In the presence of PEDV infection, ML administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in blood and colon, respectively, indicating ML could improve antioxidant capacity. Besides, ML administration reversed the expression of ISG15, IFIT3 and IL-29 throughout the small intestine and Mx1 in jejunum and ileum, indicating the body was in recovery from PEDV infection. This study suggests that ML could be used as a kind of feed additive to promote swine health upon PEDV infection.