Performance evaluation of the commercial aquafeeds available in the market of Pakistan on Channa marulius (Sole)

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

Performance evaluation of the commercial aquafeeds available in the market of Pakistan on Channa marulius (Sole) / Avaliação de desempenho dos alimentos aquáticos comerciais disponíveis no mercado do Paquistão em Channa marulius (Sole)

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

Molecular characterization of phosphate solubilizing fungi Aspergillus niger and its correlation to sustainable agriculture

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the phosphate solubilization potential of agriculturally important fungi, i.e., Aspergillus sp. isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy plants in Abha city, Saudi Arabia.Methodology: Sixteen Aspergillus sp. isolated and tested for phosphate solubilization potential were identified by 5.8S-ITS region sequencing and characterized by 11 ISSR-PCR markers. Finally, the highest phosphate solubilization potential isolates were used in field experiments on cucumber and tomato plants. Results: All Aspergillus niger isolates showed 96–100% similarity to A. niger strains available at GenBank database, Isolate ASAB-5 was most efficient at solubilizing phosphate on Pikovskaya’s medium, with a solubilization index of 2.67, and 235.22 mg l-1 of solubilized phosphate. ISSR-PCR markers revealed is total 142 bands in all isolates, with about 32.3% showing monomorphism and 67.6% polymorphism. Based on genetic similarity and intraspecies variability, the Aspergillus isolates were grouped into two different clusters with about 67.9% genetic similarity. The results of field experiments showed no significant difference between seeds treated with culture filtrate or conidial suspension of ASAB-5; however, both differed remarkably from untreated seeds. Interpretation: The current study confirms the existence of several useful phosphate solubilizing fungi in plants, which may serve as potential biological fertilizers. They are safer than chemical fertilizers and increase the bioavailability of soil phosphates for plants

Impact of health education on lifestyles in central Saudi Arabia

To assess the impact of health education on diet, smoking, and physical activity among patients visiting the primary health care centers [PHCCs] in Al-Qassim province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. We conducted an uncontrolled experimental study from January to October 2009 to evaluate the impact of health education on smoking, diet, and physical activity among attendees of PHCCs in Al-Qassim province, KSA. We trained the PHCC staff in health education skills and introduced health education seminars organized by the medical students. Baseline [n= 1.254] and follow-up [n=l.011] sample surveys were conducted to measure the prevalence of risk factors in target population before and after intervention. We used logistic regression analysis to control for the effects of possible confounding variables. After the intervention, consumption of kabsa, bakery items, and dates decreased, and that of fish and fresh vegetables increased [p<0.001]. Compared to the baseline, male respondents in the follow-up survey were less likely to smoke and more likely to do regular exercise. These improvements persisted after controlling for gender, age, marital status, education, and presence, or family history of hypertension and/or diabetes. We conclude that enhancing the quality and scope of health education to patients visiting the PHCCs would improve the awareness and practice of healthy behaviors

Captopril and / or melatonin attenuates diabetes induced metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in rats

There is a clear link between diabetes, metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. Hyperglycemia leads to hyperlipidemia, renal dysfunction, free radical generation and alteration of endogenous antioxidants. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the possible protective effect of captopril [CAP] and/or melatonin [MLT] against Streptozotocin [STZ]-induced metabolic disorders, renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats. STZ challenge induced diabetic model that was characterized biochemically and histologically. Serum glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, urea, pancreatic tissue contents of glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] as well as pancreatic catalase [CAT] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activities were determined. CAP and/or MLT were given in a dose of [10 mg/ kg/day p.o.] for 10 consecutive days prior to STZ [60 mg/ kg as a single dose] treatment followed by 30 consecutive days in previous dose regimen. Results revealed that STZ induced a marked increase in serum glucose, serum triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC] and LDL-cholesterol as well as serum creatinine and urea. On the contrary HDL-cholesterol was markedly decreased in STZ-treated group. Moreover, STZ induced significant decrease in the pancreatic content of GSH and SOD with concomitant increase in MDA content. Administration of CAP or [CAP plus MLT] prior to STZ treatment revealed a marked decrease in serum glucose, TC, TG and LDL as compared to STZ-treated group. Furthermore, treatment with CAP and MLT decreased the elevated serum levels of creatinine and urea. On opposite direction, CAP, MLT and their combinations were significantly increased pancreatic GSH content and SOD activity while decreases pancreatic MDA content when compared to STZ- alone. The biochemical observations were further confirmed histologically. STZ induced degenerative, necrotic changes in the islets of langerhans of pancreas and leukocytic infiltration. Pancreatic degenerative changes were improved by treatment with CAP and MLT. These results confirm that administration of CAP and/or MLT decrease STZ-induced metabolic disorders probably via regulation of oxidant / anti-oxidant balance and by modulation of hyperlipidemia associated with STZ-induced diabetes in rats. CAP, MLT and their combinations presumably due to their antioxidant, free radicals scavenging activity and hypolipidemic effects is highly protective against the biochemical and histopathological changes associated with STZ-induced diabetes

Cryptosporidium parvum and microsporidial species in obstructive biliary diseases

Biliary and duodenal aspirates were collected from 60 patients to detect Cryptosporidium parvum [C. parvum] and microsporidial species in obstructive biliary diseases. Patients were classified into three groups: Group I, benign obstructive biliary diseases [30 cases]; Group II, malignant obstructive biliary diseases [30 cases] and Group III, ten normal persons served as controls. C. parvum oocysts were detected in higher percentage in malignant obstructive biliary diseases than benign obstructive biliary diseases, but no oocysts were detected in stool samples. Microspora was also detected in higher percentage in group II than group I. Concerning types of obstructive biliary diseases in benign type, C. parvum and microspora were detected with a higher percentage in calcular type than stricture or dyskinesia. In malignant obstructive group, a higher percentage of C. parvum oocysts was detected in carcinoma of biliary tree

New theory and new dilemma polycystic ovarian disease and rheumatoid arthritis evidence of autoimmunity

The incidence of polycystic ovarian disease was studied in rheumatoid arthritis infertile patients, it was 80%. Statistically highly significant antiovarian antibodies were present in PCOS rheumatoid arthritis patients. A new theory was born to explain PCOS in the dilemma of multiple theories which explained this disease using autoimmunity as a feature of polycystic ovarian disease

effect of thiola, piroxicam and diltiazem on the uterine contratility of gamma-irraidated rats

Accidental radfiation exposure raises concern for functional modifications in the uterine physiology. In the current work, total body gamma-irradiation [0.7, 1.4 and 2.1 Gy] of non-pregnant adult female albino rats increased significantly the frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions in-vivo. Administration of Thiola [a sulghydryl containing agent] in doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg, pre-irradiation, or Piroxicam [a potent prostaglandin inhibitor] in a dose of 2 mg/kg, pre- or post-irradiation failed to normalize the changes induced by gamma-irradiation. However, administration of Diltiazem [a Ca+2 channel blocker, 8 mg/kg] pre- or post-irradiation caused significant decrease in the frequency of uterine contractions [21% and 24% respectively] as well as the amplitude of contractions [62% and 39 respectively] in comparison to the uterotonic pattern of gamma-irradiation alone. The results indicate a promising tocolytic activity of Diltiazem against the uterotonic effect of gamma-radiation

Survival rate after acute hemorrhage in rabbits treated by xanthin oxidase inhibitor [allopurinol]

Morbidity and mortality after hypoxia of the vital organs were correlated to the production of oxygen radicle which is mediated by xanthine oxidase activity. In this study, the survival rate after allopurinol have been evaluated. 42 rabbits weighed 900 + 200 g divided into two groups. Group I, included 22 rabbits, were treated with allopurinol 80 mg/ug for seven days before induction of hemorrhage. Group II, as a control group, included 20 rabbits. All rabbits were subjected to 25% arterial blood loss through the central ear for one hour then resusciation was done by the heparinized withdrawn blood through a marginal ear vein. During the experiment, blood pressure and heart rate were monitered through the central ear artery. Also, uric acid, lactic acid, glutathione activity were estimated. Animal survival was followed for 10 days. Postmortem vital organ histochemistry and histopathology examinations were done. In group I, the survival after three days was 10 out of 22, while in group II it was out of 20. It was concluded that allopurinol had increased the survival in allopurinol pretreated rabbits which may indicate the value of allopurinol premedication for patient prepared for elective bloody surgical intervention

Effect of praziquantel on the hosf-tissue contents of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc in S. mansoni infected mice

The effect of praziquantel [500 mg/kg/day for 2 consecutive days] on host-tissue content of calcium; magnesium; copper and zinc was investigated in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Also, the drug effect in normal healthy mice was studied. Praziquantel caused significant increase in Ca content of the liver, kidneys and gastrocnemius muscle of both infected and healthy mice 24 hours after its administration, in comparison with the corresponding non-treated control groups. Also, the drug increased the Ca content of both heart and spleen of the infected animals at the same time period. Seven days latter, there was significant increase in the liver, spleen and muscle Ca of the infected treated mice together with a reduction in kidney Ca content. However, in healthy mice, the drug did not cause any change in tissue Ca content after 7 days of its administration. On the other hand, the drug had no effect on tissue content of Mg; Cu and Zn after 24 hours of treatment of both S. mansoni-infected and normal healthy animals. Also, after 7 days of its administration, it had no effect on the three cations in normal healthy mice. However, in the infected group, there was marked increase in the liver content of Mg, Cu and Zn. Also spleen and muscle Mg were increased. On the contrary, kidney Mg and Zn as well as spleen Cu were decreased. These results might reflect the modulatory action of praziquantel on cell membrane permeability to Ca[++] as well as its high curative activity resulting in relatively rapid resolution of cellular reactions and fibrosis of infected tissues

CA 125 levels in patients with schistosomiasis infertility

Twenty-five women with schistosomiasis infertility and 20 fertile women were included in this study for estimation of CA 125. There was statistically significant increase of CA 125 in Bilharzial infertility group [mean 46.93 U/ml] as compared to the in control group [mean-18.23 U/ml]. Follow-up laparoscopically and serologically revealed increased mean value after 6 months and after one year [52.12 U/ml. and 67.46 U/ml respectively]. This increase run in parallel with graduation of endometriosis from occult to manifest endometriosis, so cases with bilharzial infertility may be a subject of occult endometriosis which can be detected by CA 125

Endometrial pattern in primary infertile pelvic schistosomiasis

43 primary infertile pelvic bilharzial women were subjected to Premenstual endometrial biopsy. Endometrial biopsy was in the form of; Proliferative endometrium in 65.11%, secretory endometrium in 25.58%, cystic glandular hyperplesia in 4.65% and no case of schistosomal endometritis was encountered

Hysterosalpingography pattern in primary infertil pelvic schistosomiasis

43 bilharzial primary infertile patients were subjected to Lipidol hysterosalpingography in order to obtain hysterosalpingographic picture for pelvic bilharziasis. Our hysterosalpinographic pattern was in the form of coiling of the tube, coiling of the tube and collection of the dye around fimbria and dilatation and with little extent persistent tubal shadow. Schistosomaisis does not affect the tubal potency

Urine fluid beta-endorphin in pelvic schistosomiasis infertility

Twenty infertile women with pelvic schistosomiasis and twenty fertile women in the same age group and in the same phase of the menstrual cycle [luteal phase] as a control were enrolled in this work to study the role of uterine fluid beta-endorphin in pelvic schistosomiasis. There was statistically significant difference [P<0.05] in the uterine fluid beta-endorphin between the two groups, but no statisticlally insignificant difference [P>0.05] regarding the serum level. This emphasize the role of local production of beta-endorphin in the uterine fluid and it's role in fertility

Laparoscopic picture of primary infertil pelvic schistosomiasis

43 primary infertile bilharzial patients were subjected to laparascopy, aiming to describe a full laparascopic picture in pelvic schistosomiasis. It was in the form of thickened tube, increased tortuosity, nodules in the peritoneum of douglas and uterovesical pouch, sandy patches in the mesosalpinx, and in Douglas pouch, filmy peritubal ahesions and dense pelvic adhesion, regarding the fimbria in pelvic schistosomiasis it was in the form of fimbrial dilatation, indrawing the fimbria, protrusion of granulation tissue, and multiple small greyish nodules