Impact of maternal desvenlafaxine exposure on brain development in pregnant albino rats and their fetuses.

Depression during pregnancy adversely affects fetal development. Desvenlafaxine drug is used for the treatment of gestational depression. In light of the well-established role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in regulating neurogenesis and neural survival, the role of S100b in nerve cell energetic metabolism, differentiation of neurons and glial cells, an aberrant increase in NGF, BDNF and S100b expression in the fetal brain may contribute to desvenlafaxine cognitive disorders by altering brain development. This study is trying to determine the effect of desvenlafaxine on brain development. Thirty timed pregnant rats (from the 5th to the 20th day) were divided into three groups: control, low dose (5.14 mg/kg/day) and high dose (10.28 mg/kg/day) of desvenlafaxine where all animals received the corresponding doses by gavage. Maternal and fetal brain samples were fixed for histological, immunohistochemical (IHC) study of NGF and evaluated for BDNF and S100b genes expression. Desvenlafaxine induced some of the histopathological alterations in maternal and fetal rat brains. Moreover, IHC analysis of maternal and fetal rat brains showed that groups treated with desvenlafaxine demonstrated a significant increase of NGF protein immunoreactivity compared with that in the controls. Gene expression results revealed upregulation of messenger RNA BDNF and S100B expression. According to developmental changes in the brain, desvenlafaxine affects neonatal growth during pregnancy, which may lead to delay of brain development. So, it is essential to survey the roles of antidepressant drugs on neonatal development during pregnancy.

Yeast as growth promoter in two breeds of growing rabbits with special reference to its economic implications.

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters, histological changes in intestinal wall and economic indices in two breeds of weanling rabbits (V-Line and Rex). One-hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits were allotted randomly into four groups in factorial arrangement. The results could be summarized as follows: dietary supplementation of SC significantly accelerated body weight gain (BWG), reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased profit. The highest BWG and the lowest FCR were noticed in each breed when interacted with SC. There were non-significant differences in carcass traits due to the studied factors, except in loin and dressing percentages. The highest percentages of loin and dressing were obtained from V-line when fed diet supplemented with SC. The treated rabbits with yeast were characterized by an increase in Brunner`s gland and villi. Dietary Supplementation of SC decreased blood total glycerides and cholesterol and increased blood total protein, albumin and A/G ratio. The treated group showed higher profitability than the control. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of SC provided beneficial effects in growth performance and profitability of rabbits. Finally, dietary supplementation of SC is highly recommended in growing rabbits.

Efficacy of Different Drenching Regimens of Gluconeogenic Precursors during Transition Period on Body Condition Score, Production, Reproductive Performance, Subclinical Ketosis and Economics of Dairy Cows.

A total of 108 Holstein cows were used to evaluate the effect of drenching propylene glycol (PG) either individually or in combination with glycerol (G) on body condition score (BCS), production, reproductive performance, protection against subclinical ketosis and economic benefit of dairy cows during the transition period. The six groups (n = 18/group) were; Control group, cows received no treatment; PG300, cows were drenched 300 mL PG for 7 days pre-expected day of calving and 21 days post-calving; PG400, cows were drenched 400 mL PG for 7 days pre-and 7 days post-calving; PG500, cows were drenched 500 mL PG for 10 days pre-and 10 days post-calving; GPG150, cows were drenched a mixture of 150 mL G and 150 mL PG for 21 days pre-and 21 days post-calving; GPG250, cows were drenched a mixture of 250 mL G and 250 mL PG for 21 days pre-and 21 days post-calving. BCS at 30 days in milk (DIM) was significantly higher in all treated groups in comparison to the control one and the best values were observed in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups. Lactation length (LL) was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups than control group. There was a significant increment in 305 milk yield (p < 0.001) and average daily milk yield (p < 0.001) in GPG250 and PG500 groups than other groups except for PG300 with the lowest values for control and PG400. Cows in all treatment groups were observed in heat and conceived earlier as well as had shorter open days and calving interval durations (p < 0.001) and low number of services per conception (p = 0.004) compared to control group with better results for PG500 and GPG250 groups. BHB level and percentage of cows suffered from subclinical ketosis at 7 DIM was significantly lower in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups than control group. Cows in treatment groups had a significantly higher glucose level (p = 0.006) compared to control group. Regarding to economics, the control group showed the highest feed costs, insemination costs and total costs per animal. Additionally, control and PG400 groups had the highest cost per kilogram of milk from total and feed costs compared to other cows. PG300, PG500 and GPG250 groups recorded a greater net return and income over feed cost (IOFC). In conclusion, the continuous drenching of propylene glycol either individually or in combination with glycerol regimens for long duration (PG300, PG500, GPG150, GPG250) during the transition period of dairy cows may reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis and consequently improve milk production, reproduction and economics compared to drenching for short duration (PG400).

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Novel Findings and Future Directions for Food and Drug Discovery.

Phoenix dactylifera is a useful traditional medicinal plant, mainly the fruit is used, which is the edible part of the plant (Ajwa date). It is now considered to be a valuable source of natural medicinal products against various diseases. Phytochemical investigations have shown that the fruit contains anthocyanins, phenolics, sterols, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and proteins. P. dactylifera is considered as a complete diet because it also contains different fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, and steroidal substances. This review highlights the phytochemical composition, nutritional significance, and potential health benefits of P. dactylifera and discusses its potential as a functional food for disease prevention, management, and treatment.

Prevalence of foot disorders in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) as useful indicators of fitness to natural environment.

Foot health represents an issue in wild avifauna breeding practices. In particular, prevalence of digital ulceration (DU) and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) are valid indicators of welfare in wildlife conservation centres and may be interpreted as to fitness for bird's reintroduction into the wild. This study meant to test the effects of raising practices on foot pad health in captive Sardinian partridges (Alectoris barbara barbara Bonnaterre, 1790) reared for biodiversity conservation, to assess welfare and fitness to reintroduction into nature. A total of 22 couples were allotted into two experimental groups. In one group, 10 couples were housed in 10 cages for breeding partridges, consisting of two animals each, with metal wire flooring system, above trays where droppings were collected. The remaining 12 couples were housed in six aviaries, consisting of four animals each, on natural (earth and stones) ground. In both groups, partridges were fed identical diets. No significant differences of food pad scoring were found between birds housed in cages (2.3 ± 0.4) and those reared in aviaries on natural ground (2.5 ± 0.6). Moreover, scores of male foot pads for both groups (2.4 ± 0.6) had no significant differences in comparison with female foot pads, independently on housing (2.5 ± 0.4). Body mass (BM) was higher (+4.36%) than average BM reported for wild Sardinian partridges. Digital ulceration was found in the 20% of females, exclusively from the cage group. Body mass of females in cages with metal wire flooring appeared to be significantly (p < .001) and negatively correlated (r = -.528) with DU prevalence. These results suggest that housing conditions impacts differently on behaviour of females and males in one same couple, and this relates to foot health, in particular as to DU prevalence.

Influence of different protein sources in the broiler diet on the presence of Campylobacter spp. in excreta and caecal content.

The aim of the present study was to examine possible effects of a different protein supply on the presence of Campylobacter in excreta and caecal content of broiler chickens. Therefore, 220 one-day-old chickens were fed five different diets in the experimental period (day 8 onwards). In the control group (CON; n = 3 boxes), a soya bean-based industrially produced complete diet containing 5-10% whole wheat and coccidiostats was fed, whereas in the remaining groups, four own-made complete diets with four protein sources and combinations (4 × 2 boxes; soya bean meal-based diet = SBM; rapeseed meal-containing diet = RSM; haemoglobin meal-containing diet = HGP; algae-containing diet = ALG) were offered. During the 6-week trial period, data concerning performance parameters, excreta and litter characteristics and microbiological analysis of excreta and caecal content at dissection were collected. The qualitative bacteriological investigation was based on the EN ISO 10272-1:2006, taken from the official collection of analysis methods in accordance with § 64 LFBG. For quantitative bacteriological tests, a 10-fold dilution series was made followed by culture-based quantification methods on approved selective media in duplicate. Comparing the results of the final dissection (day 44/45), nearly all samples of animals receiving the own-made complete diet were Campylobacter positive in the caecal content, whereas only seven of fifteen samples were positive in the CON group. With regard to the CFU in the caecal content, the counts of Campylobacter were significantly lower for animals fed the commercial diet (2.47 ± 3.06 vs. 7.36 ± 0.66 log10  CFU/g). When only the positive animals were evaluated, significant differences were also found between the CON group and the total of the other groups (5.30 ± 2.08 vs. 7.54 ± 1.70 log10  CFU/g). Although significant differences were seen in the results, no final recommendation can be given how to create a diet to reduce an infection with Campylobacter.

Elevated serum adiponectin is related to elevated serum ferritin and interleukin-6 in ß-thalassaemia major children.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that iron affects lipid metabolism and adipocyte biology. Given the effects of iron on adiponectin, the role of iron in lipid oxidation, and the potential additive effects of oxidative stress from excess iron and lipid metabolism. We aimed to investigate serum adiponectin in relation to clinical and laboratory parameters including the inflammation markers [C-reacitve protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] in ß-thalassaemia major children. METHODS: We investigated 58 ß-thalassaemia major children under scheduled blood transfusion and 30 controls. Routine clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations including serum ferritin as well as CRP measured by immunoturbidimetry, IL-6 and serum adiponectin measured by ELISA are performed. RESULTS: CRP, IL-6 and serum adiponectin levels were higher in patients than controls (p<0.001, p=0.04 and p<0.001, respectively). Patients received desferoxamine showed significantly lower levels of adiponectin than those did not receive it (mean±SD=4.50±3.37 vs. 9.96±9.68, p=0.006). Serum adiponectin was significantly negatively correlated with hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (r=-0.36, p=0.005). It was significantly positively correlated with platelets count, serum ferritin, CRP and IL-6 (r=0.27, r=0.26, r=0.30, r=0.35, respectively and p=0.04, p=0.04, p=0.01, p=0.008, respectively). Serum ferritin and IL-6 were the significant predictors of serum adiponectin level (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin was increased in ß-thalassaemia major as were pro-inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6). Its level is directly associated with ferritin and IL-6 levels.

High dietary levels of biotin and zinc to improve health of foot pads in broilers exposed experimentally to litter with critical moisture content.

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread problem in poultry production and constitutes a welfare issue. The objective of this study was to test potentially prophylactic effects of higher biotin and Zn levels in the diet of broilers exposed to critical litter moisture content (35% water) on the development of FPD. Two trials were performed in each 4 groups of 1-wk-old male broilers (Ross 708) during 33 d. The pens of all groups (25 birds in each) were littered with wood shavings of critical moisture content. Two groups were fed high levels of Zn as zinc-oxide (150 mg/kg of diet), with normal levels of biotin (300 µg/kg of diet) or high biotin (2,000 µg/kg of diet). The other 2 groups were fed Zn as zinc-methionine (150 mg/kg of diet), with normal levels of biotin (300 µg/kg of diet) or high biotin (2,000 µg/kg of diet). External assessment of foot pads and measurements the moisture contents of excreta and litter were performed weekly. The signs of foot pad lesions were recorded on a 7-point scale (0 = normal skin; 7 = more than half of the foot pad is necrotic). High biotin supplementation resulted in a reduction of 30 and 18% of cases of foot pad lesions in trials 1 and 2, respectively. The combination of Zn-methionine and high biotin supplementation led to a decreased severity of FPD in a range of about 50 and 30% in trials 1 and 2, respectively. In broilers fed the diet containing zinc-oxide and normal biotin levels about 28 and 24% of the birds had the scores of 6 and 7 (= high foot pad alterations), whereas in birds fed Zn-methionine and high biotin no high alterations (score = 7) in the foot pad (0%) occurred in either trial. The presented results suggest that it is advisable to combine the maximum levels of Zn (especially of Zn-methionine) and high levels of biotin when clinically relevant alterations in the foot pad occur.

Outcome of an artificial coccidial infection in poults under the influence of floor heating.

Coccidiosis is one of the most prevalent diseases in poultry. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of floor heating when poults were artificially infected with Eimeria regarding the outcome of the infection and secondary effects on litter quality and health of the foot pad. Two trials were performed. In each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old turkeys were reared for a 4-wk period. All birds were fed ad libitum identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were housed on dry wood shavings, with and without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings (35% moisture, achieved by adding water as required), with and without floor heating. Two birds only (primary seeder birds; the other 18 birds were nominated as secondary infected birds) in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected orally with Eimeria adenoeides (~50,000 oocysts/bird). The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined repeatedly. On d 42, each bird not only was scored macroscopically for coccidial lesions in the cecum but also oocyst counts were determined in the cecal contents. Finally, the foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and on d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. Although the counts of oocysts in seeder birds were almost identical (d 6 postinoculation), oocyst counts in excreta of secondary birds were markedly reduced in both trials when the poults were not exposed to wet litter. Moreover, in both trials using floor heating with exposure to wet litter resulted in a higher oocyst count in the excreta of secondary infected birds (3.72/3.92 in trials 1 and 2) on d 24 postinoculation compared with the other groups. Using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased foot pad dermatitis scores compared with groups housed without floor heating. In conclusion, the differences in oocyst counts indicate that the process of sporulation is affected by both the moisture and the temperature of the litter.

Effects of high electrolyte contents in the diet and using floor heating on development and severity of foot pad dermatitis in young turkeys.

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is a very common disease affecting poultry and is mostly caused by bad litter condition. This study aimed to test the effects of poultry diets with normal levels of electrolytes compared with a surplus level of electrolytes with and without using floor heating. Eighty two-week-old ♀ turkey poults were reared over 3 weeks on wood shavings, divided randomly into four groups. Two groups were fed normal levels of electrolytes (1.60 g Na; 7.80 g K/kg diet), and the other two groups were fed surplus levels of electrolytes (3.10; 15.3 g/kg diet). In each dietary treatment, half of the birds were exposed to floor heating. Half of the birds in each group were exposed for 4 h/day to wet litter (35% water) in adjacent separate boxes. External assessment of foot pads was performed weekly. High dietary electrolytes increased the severity of FPD significantly (3.65 ± 1.03). Floor heating is likely to be highly effective in significantly reducing the severity of FPD (2.36 ± 0.588). Despite forced water intake, the litter became drier when floor heating was in use. Combining low Na and K levels with a floor heating system reduced the scores of FPD by approximately 60%, compared with high electrolyte levels without floor heating. Therefore, both dietary electrolyte levels and floor heating markedly affected FPD via litter moisture.

Foot-pad dermatitis and experimentally induced coccidiosis in young turkeys fed a diet without anticoccidia.

Foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) is a widespread challenge to turkey production. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating and exposure to litter with critical moisture content (35%) under experimental infection with Eimeria. adenoeides on the severity of FPD in turkeys. Two trials were done; in each trial, 4 groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys were reared over 4 wk. At the start of the experiment (d 14), each bird had normal foot pads. All birds were fed ad libitum on identical pelleted diets without any anticoccidial additive. The first 2 groups were kept on dry wood shavings with or without floor heating; the other 2 groups were housed on wet wood shavings of 35% moisture with or without floor heating. Two birds in each of the 4 groups were experimentally infected with E. adenoeides via crop intubation (~50,000 oocysts/bird). Foot pads were assessed weekly for external scoring and at d 42 of life for histopathological scoring. The number of oocysts eliminated via excreta was determined. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in significantly decreased FPD scores (2.06 ± 0.735; 1.47 ± 0.734, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with groups housed without floor heating (3.88 ± 0.812; 2.73 ± 1.25, trials 1 and 2, respectively). Birds continuously exposed to wet litter (35% moisture) showed significantly increased FPD scores (3.41 ± 1.23; 2.69 ± 1.34, trials 1 and 2, respectively) compared with the group not exposed to wet litter (2.53 ± 1.00; 1.53 ± 0.683, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The coccidial infection in both trials resulted in markedly lowered DM contents of excreta (14.8 and 15.1%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and litter (58.0 and 57.6%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) in the groups exposed to wet litter without using floor heating. In both trials, using floor heating resulted in the highest mean DM content of litter (85.1 and 85.0%, trials 1 and 2, respectively) and the highest BW (2,693 and 2,559 g, trials 1 and 2, respectively). The results suggest that induced diarrhea caused by coccidial infection led to poor litter quality, and hence, increased the severity of FPD, which can be overcome by using floor heating.

Effects of floor heating and litter quality on the development and severity of foot pad dermatitis in young turkeys.

Actions concerning animal health in turkey production are coming more and more to the fore. Litter quality has a great impact on the bird's health and welfare. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of using floor heating, different litter materials, and exposure to litter with a "critical moisture content" of 35% for 16 or 24 hr/day on the severity of foot pad dermatitis (FPD), a widespread disease in fattening turkeys. Four groups of 2-wk-old female turkeys, with 20 birds in each, were reared during 3 wk. All turkeys were fed a commercial pellet diet ad libitum. The first two groups were kept on wood shavings (35% moisture) without and with floor heating. The other two groups were housed on lignocellulose (Soft Cell) of 35% moisture without and with floor heating. In each group, half of the birds were housed for 8 hr/day in adjacent separate boxes where the litter was kept clean and dry throughout the experimental period. Foot pads were assessed weekly for external and at day 35 for histopathologic scoring (scores: 0 = healthy; 7 = ulcer). At day 14 each bird had normal and healthy foot pads. The results indicate that using floor heating resulted in significantly lower FPD scores (0.8 +/- 0.2) compared to groups without floor heating (2.0 +/- 0.8). Using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in significantly lower histopathologic FPD scores (1.4 +/- 0.7) compared with wood shavings (1.7 +/- 0.8). In all birds housed on dry litter for 8 hr/day, significantly lower FPD scores were found compared to birds housed on wet litter for 24 hr. In conclusion, using floor heating, even with wet litter (35% moisture), independent of the litter type, resulted in reduced severity of FPD compared to those birds housed in pens without using floor heating. Additionally, using lignocellulose as a litter material resulted in lower FPD compared with wood shavings. Keeping litter dry and "warm" could be achieved by using floor heating, which is considered a practical step to enhance animal health and welfare.

Subchronic toxicity of cannabis leaves on male albino rats.

Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug in the world. In Egypt, the Anti Narcotic General Administration showed that the narcotics problem costs the Egyptian economy approximately 800 million dollars annually. LD(50), lethal dose that kills 50% of the treated animals, of the bango was determined and then selected groups of rats were given tenth of LD(50) for 90 days. The histopathological effects were determined. All the studied organs were affected markedly in the form of shrunken cells in brain. The liver cells were affected in the form of rarefaction of the cytoplasm, kidneys were with severe congestion. The testicles were with disruption of the spermatogenic cells from the membrane.

Occurrence of pesticides in fish tissues, water and soil sediment from Manzala Lake and River Nile.

Pesticides constitute the major source of potential environmental hazard to man and animal as they are present and concentrated in the food chain. This study was conducted on 136 samples of water, sediment and fish for detection and determination of pesticide residues in this ecosystem. Highly significant differences were found in levels of Indian, heptachlor, endrin, dieldrin, P,P'-DDE and propoxur in River Nile water when compared with that of Manzala Lake. Levels of Indian, endrin, malathion and diazinon were significantly higher in soil sediment of Manzala Lake, while the levels of heptachlor, aldrine, P,P'-DDE, DDT, parathion, propoxur and zectran were significantly higher in soil sediment of River Nile. Boury fish of Manzala Lake contained higher levels of heptachlor, aldrin, P,P'-DDE and malathion, while boury fish of River Nile contained a higher level of zectran only. This survey, thus indicated that Manzala Lake and even the River Nile which was used as control are heavily contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons (Indian, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, P,P'-DDE and DDT), organic phosphorus compounds (malathion, dimethoat, diazinon and parathion) and carbamate pesticides (propoxur and zectran).