An infant developing hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia due to the use of exclusively almond milk.

OBJECTIVES: Plant-based milk alternatives are increasingly utilized in children with cow milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and personal preference. However, notable differences exist in mineral content between cow milk and plant-based alternatives. Almond milk, in particular, varies in mineral and caloric content across different brands. This case report highlights a toddler who developed hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia attributed to almond milk consumption. CASE PRESENTATION: A fourteen-month-old girl with a history of biliary atresia underwent liver transplant at seven months of age. She was exclusively consuming almond milk for two months prior to presentation. She was admitted to the hospital for severe hypercalcemia (14.6 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (1.6 mg/dL). She had elevated random urine calcium to creatinine ratio (2.56 mg/g) and low urine phosphorus to creatinine ratio (<0.44 mg/g) were noted. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was appropriately suppressed (<6 pg/mL), while 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D level was slightly elevated at 88 pg/mL. Initial management included intravenous fluids, followed by a switch to a formula with higher phosphorus and lower calcium concentrations. The patient was discharged after six days with normalized calcium and phosphorus levels, which remained within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Although plant-derived milk serves as a viable alternative to cow milk, careful consideration of mineral content, particularly in infants and toddlers, is imperative. Sole reliance on almond milk for nutritional needs in this population is not recommended. Caregivers should be informed about the potential risks associated with almond milk consumption in infants and toddlers.

Cyclin D2 gene variance and expression level in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin D2 (CCND2) is a crucial player in cell cycle regulation. CCND2 polymorphisms contribute to cancer predisposition. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of CCND2 rs3217927 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and its expression levels with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) susceptibility in Egyptian children and its potential prognostic role. METHODS: The 5' nuclease allelic discrimination assay was used to evaluate the frequency of CCND2 rs3217927 SNP in 80 newly diagnosed children with ALL and 80 age- and sex-matched controls. CCND2 relative expression levels were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The genotype analysis revealed that the GG genotype and G allele were significantly more prevalent among ALL patients than controls (p Ë‚ .001). Regression analysis demonstrated that Egyptian children carrying only one G allele had about 31-fold increased risk to develop ALL compared to A allele carriers. CCND2 was overexpressed in ALL patients compared to controls (p < .001). The CCND2 overexpression was associated with the GG genotype and G allele (p < .001). Furthermore, G allele was an independent negative prognostic marker for central nervous system (CNS) involvement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.676; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-18.6), risk stratification (OR = 38; 95% CI: 7.7-188.2), and chemoresistance (OR = 9.864; 95% CI: 5.6-70.3) in ALL patients. CONCLUSIONS: G allele of CCND2 rs3217927 SNP might be associated with increased risk for ALL in Egyptian children besides being an independent negative prognostic marker for their risk stratification and therapeutic outcome. CCND2 rs3217927 SNP genotyping might be used to demarcate ALL patients with aggressive disease phenotypes who may be candidate for alternative targeted therapeutic strategies.

Experimental investigation on a thermochemical seasonal sorption energy storage battery utilizing MgSO4-H2O.

Thermochemical sorption energy storage (TSES) is the most recent thermal energy storage technology and has been proposed as a promising solution to reduce the mismatch between the energy supply and demand by storing energy for months in form of chemical bonds and restore it in form of synthesis chemical reaction. Compared with sensible/latent thermal energy processes, TSES system has major advantages, including a high energy storage capacity/density and the possibility of long-term energy retention with negligible heat loss. Therefore, a solid-gas thermochemical sorption battery is established and investigated utilizing a composite working pair of MgSO4-H2O based on room temperature expanded graphite (RTEG), treated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8) as a porous additive. The experimental results showed that energy storage density and sorption efficiency increase with the increment of charging temperature or decreasing of discharging temperature at a certain ambient temperature. Under experimental conditions, energy density ranged from 31.7 to 908.8 kJ/kg (corresponding to volume energy density from 11.7 to 335.8 MJ/m3), while sorption energy efficiency ranged from 28.3 to 79.1%. The highest values were obtained when charging, condensation, and discharging temperatures were 95, 20, and 15 °C, respectively. The maximum thermal efficiency was 21.1% at charging/discharging temperature of 95/15 °C with sensible to sorption heat ratio of 3:1.

Childhood Obesity, Diabetes. and Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

This mini-review aims to briefly summarize the pathophysiology of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in children and adolescents. Recent data on efficacy of lifestyle interventions, medications, and metabolic surgery for obesity, T2DM, and CVD risk factors are also reviewed. We conducted a PubMed search of English-language original and review articles relevant to childhood obesity, T2DM, and CVD risk factors, and biomarkers in children with an emphasis on recent publications. Childhood obesity arises from an intricate interaction between genetic, physiologic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity is associated with the development of comorbidities including T2DM and CVD at an early age. A multipronged approach is central to the detection, monitoring, and management of childhood obesity and associated adverse metabolic consequences.

Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes: Overcoming Barriers to Effective Weight Management.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among children and adolescents has remarkably increased in the last two decades, particularly among ethnic minorities. Management of T2DM is challenging in the adolescent population due to a constellation of factors, including biological, socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological barriers. Weight reduction is an essential component in management of T2DM as weight loss is associated with improvement in insulin sensitivity and glycemic status. A family centered and culturally appropriate approach offered by a multidisciplinary team is crucial to address the biological, psychosocial, cultural, and financial barriers to weight management in youth with T2DM. Lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy have shown modest efficacy in achieving weight reduction in adolescents with T2DM. Bariatric surgery is associated with excellent weight reduction and remission of T2DM in youth. Emerging therapies for weight reduction in youth include digital technologies, newer GLP-1 agonists and endoscopic procedures.

Morphomolecular identification and considerations of the infestation site adaptations of Pricea multae (Thoracocotylidae: Priceinae) from Scomberomorus commerson, off Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

Monogeneans Pricea multae naturally infested 42 of the 120 (35%) mackerel fish (Scomberomorus commerson) examined. For the first time, an infestation was discovered off the coast of Jubil in the Arabian Gulf of Saudi Arabia. Based on the structure clarified through light and electron microscopy of mounted specimens and molecular analysis of rDNA and measurements of this monogenean parasite was identified as P. multae. The tegumental surface of the parasite was characterized by tegumental ridges running transversally, generating folds in both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the body at regular intervals. The study clarified the importance and function of the micro-structures, such as tegumental folds, perforations, sensory ganglia present on the parasite's surface, and the larger hamulus supported by a relatively unmodified internal spine. This monogenean parasite has adapted to its host infestation site uniquely.

Chemical evaluation of partially acidulated phosphate rocks and their impact on dry matter yield and phosphorus uptake of maize.

Previous studies investigated the direct application of phosphate rock and its partially acidulated to enhance its solubility compared to soluble fertilizers. However, the interaction between the effect of particles diameter and partial acidulation of phosphate rock on phosphorus (P) availability and its effect on dry matter yield and P uptake is still elusive. This study was conducted to assess the effect of partially acidulated Egyptian phosphate rocks with different particle size diameters on P availability and its effect on dry matter yield and P uptake of maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted on maize plants grown on light clay soil for 42 days. Acidulation was done by mixing phosphate rock with single superphosphate or triple superphosphate at a total rate of 200 mg P kg-1 with five acidulation mix ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100). Different particle size diameters of phosphate rocks (500, 212, 75, and <45 µm included nano-particles ranged from 69.3 to 25.7 nm) were used. We found that dry matter yield and P uptake increased significantly due to the use of partially acidulated phosphate rocks especially when triple superphosphate was used for acidulation and the mixing ratio of 50:50 was the best. We also found that maize yield and P uptake increased significantly with decreasing particle size. It is recommended to use finely grounded partially acidulated phosphate rocks with particles diameter less than 45 µm at acidulation ratio 50% and no need to increase acidulation ratio above that as a slow-release phosphate fertilizer.

Incredible affinity of Kattosh with PPAR-γ receptors attenuates STZ-induced pancreas and kidney lesions evidenced in chemicobiological interactions.

Since ancient times, plants have been used as green bioresources to ensure a healthier life by recovering from different diseases. Kattosh (Lasia spinosa L. Thwaites) is a local plant with various traditional uses, especially for arthritis, constipation and coughs. This research investigated the effect of Kattosh stem extract (LSES) on streptozotocin-induced damage to the pancreas, kidney, and liver using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods. In vitro phytochemical, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of LSES were accomplished by established methods followed by antidiabetic actions in in vivo randomized controlled intervention in STZ-induced animal models for four weeks. In an in silico study, LSES phytocompounds interacted with antidiabetic receptors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR, PDB ID: 3G9E), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, PDB ID: 4CFH) and α-amylase enzyme (PDB ID: 1PPI) to verify the in vivo results. In addition, LSES showed promising in vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, it showed a decrease in weekly blood glucose level, normalized lipid profile, ameliorated liver and cardiac markers, managed serum AST and ALT levels, and increased glucose tolerance ability in the animal model study. Restoration of pancreatic and kidney damage was reflected by improving histopathological images. In ligand-receptor interaction, ethyl α-d-glucopyranoside of Kattosh showed the highest affinity for the α-amylase enzyme, PPAR, and AMPK receptors. Results demonstrate that the affinity of Kattosh phytocompounds potentially attenuates pancreatic and kidney lesions and could be approached as an alternative antidiabetic source with further clarification.

Is hypoalbuminemia a risk factor for high-dose methotrexate toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

BACKGROUND: Repeated high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is a critical component of contemporary childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment regimens. Serum albumin is considered a carrier of methotrexate (MTX) in the blood. Hypoalbuminemia is not a rare finding in children with leukemia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pre-infusion serum albumin and possible HDMTX toxicities. METHODS: Thirty Egyptian children with ALL were consecutively enrolled in the study between May 2018 and July 2020. They were prospectively followed up while receiving HDMTX during the consolidation phase of the TOTAL study XV protocol. HDMTX was administered intravenously as a 24-h infusion every 2 weeks. Doses of 2.5 g/m2 were used for low-risk patients and 5 g/m2 for standard/high-risk patients. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (V.4.03) was used to report the observed toxicities after HDMTX cycles. Plasma MTX levels were estimated at 24 h (MTX24) from the beginning of HDMTX infusion in the first consolidation cycle. Serum albumin level was determined before HDMTX administration, and pre-infusion hypoalbuminemia was defined when serum albumin was <3.5 g/dL. RESULTS: The patients' age ranged from 2.3 to 13.3 years at diagnosis, and most of them had B cell ALL (86.7%). Overall, 120 HDMTX cycles were analyzed, equally distributed between low and standard/high risk. Grade 3-4 anemia, grades 3-4 thrombocytopenia, febrile neutropenia, and oral mucositis were significantly more frequent in HDMTX cycles with pre-infusion hypoalbuminemia than those with normal pre-infusion albumin (p=0.003, p=0.007, p=0.006, and p=0.001, respectively). In addition, pre-infusion hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with additional hospitalization due to HDMTX toxicity (p=0.031). Most HDMTX toxicities were comparable irrespective of the MTX dose. Oral mucositis was more frequently encountered in the 2.5 g/m2 than the 5 g/m2 HDMTX cycles (46.7 vs. 26.7%, p=0.023). A significantly longer hospitalization (due to HDMTX toxicity) was observed in the 5 g/m2 HDMTX cycles (median= 7 days vs. 4 days, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin levels should be checked before starting HDMTX cycles, especially in resource-limited settings where malnutrition is common, and serum MTX monitoring may not be available. Optimizing serum albumin levels before HDMTX may help decrease the possibility of HDMTX toxicities.

Use of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Anticoccidial Agents in Broiler Chickens along with Its Impact on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status and Hematobiochemical Profile.

The impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the pathogenesis of coccidiosis in broiler chickens was tested. A total of 160 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n = 40). Group 1: unchallenged, unmedicated; Group 2: challenged, unmedicated; Group 3: challenged, supplemented with diclazuril (1 ppm); Group 4: challenged, supplemented with ZnO-NPs (20 ppm). Mixed Eimeria species (E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. mivati, and E. tenella) of a commercial coccidial vaccine (FORTEGRA®) were used to perform the coccidial challenge by 15× of its vaccinal dose on the 14th day of age. Diclazuril and ZnO-NPs supplementation in Group 3 and 4, respectively, reduced the mortality rate due to coccidial challenge to 5.8% compared to 11.9% in Group 2. The growth performance was improved by ZnO-NPs in coccidiosis-infected group (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 2 and was comparable to that of Group 3 (p ≥ 0.05). The average oocyst count was lower in Groups 3 and 4 (7.8 × 103 and 14.3 × 103, respectively) than in Group 2 (67 × 103 oocysts). Group 3 had a decreased gross lesion score in duodenum and caecum (p ≤ 0.05) as well as jujenum and ileum (p ≥ 0.05) compared to Group 2; while the average lesion scores of all intestinal parts in Group 4 were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05). However, diclazuril was superior to ZnO-NPs in reducing caecal lesion score (p ≤ 0.05). Plasma carotenoids levels were increased by diclazuril (p ≥ 0.05) and ZnO-NPs (p ≤ 0.05) supplementation compared to Group 2. Oxidative stress appeared on the fourth week post-challenge (pc) in Group 2 (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 1, while the dietary supplementation with either diclazuril or ZnO-NPs numerically decreased Malondialdhyde (p ≥ 0.05) and statistically increased antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05). Both medications significantly improved the PCV%, Hb% and RBCs count on the 6th-day and 4th-week pc (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 2, though this improvement was higher significantly in Group 4 than Group 3 on the 6th day pc (p ≤ 0.05). Neither coccidial challenge nor medications had an impact on the total WBCs count as well as organ index, except Bursa of fabricious index that significantly improved by ZnO-NPs on the 4th-week pc compared to Group 2. Coccidial challenge reduced total protein and globulin levels and increased the serum alanine aminotransferase, serum cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 1, while those of both medicated groups (Group 3 and 4) were comparable to Group 1 (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, ZnO-NPs were found to be as effective as diclazuril against coccidiosis. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend its anticoccidial mechanisms.

Mannan Oligosaccharide Enhanced the Growth Rate, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Carcass Composition, and Blood Chemistry of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada).

Mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) is prebiotic with high functionality in aquaculture. The current study investigated the potential roles of MOS on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, carcass composition, and blood chemistry of Thinlip grey mullet (Liza ramada). Four tested diets with 34.49% crude protein and 6.29% of total lipids were prepared and fortified with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% MOS. Fish of initial weight = 5.14 ± 0.11 g/fish were distributed in 12 hapas (0.5 × 0.5 × 1 m) at 15 fish per hapa (triplicates) and fed the test diets to the satiation level two times a day (08:00 and 15:00) for eight weeks. At the end of the trial, all fish were weighed individually for growth performance calculation. Blood was collected to check blood chemistry traits, and intestines were dissected for digestive enzyme analysis. Fish treated with MOS had marked enhancement in the final body weight, feed conversion ratio, protein gain, and protein retention regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Insignificant influences of MOS were seen on the chemical composition of carcass components (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, and ash) (p > 0.05). Fish treated with MOS at 0.5 and 1% had marked enhancement in the amylase, lipase, and protease activities regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The blood total protein and albumin levels were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood globulin was significantly enhanced in fish fed 1% MOS than fish treated with 0, 0.5, and 2% of MOS (p < 0.05). The blood lysozyme activity was meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 1%, followed by fish treated with 0.5 and 2%, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were markedly improved in fish treated with 1 and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were markedly improved in fish treated with 1, and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Dietary MOS (0.5, 1, and 2%) meaningfully enhanced catalase activity while decreased the malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary MOS is required at 0.5-1% for enhancing the growth rate, feed efficiency, digestive enzyme activity, blood chemistry, and antioxidative capacity of grey mullet.

Natural Compounds from Hatikana Extract Potentiate Antidiabetic Actions as Displayed by In Vivo Assays and Verified by Network Pharmacological Tools.

BACKGROUND: Hatikana is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat inflammation, urolithiasis, goiter, cancer, wounds and sores, gastrointestinal, tumor, tetanus, arthritis, hepatic damage, neurodegeneration, and other ailments. The goal of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic properties of Hatikana extract (HKEx) and to construct the effects of its natural constituents on the genes and biochemical indices that are connected with them. METHODS: HKEx was evaluated using GC-MS and undertaken for a three-week intervention in fructose-fed STZ-induced Wistar albino rats at the doses of HKEx50, HKEx100, and HKEx200 mg/kg bw. Following intervention, blood serum was examined for biochemical markers, and liver tissue was investigated for the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) by RTPCR analysis. Most abundant compounds (oleanolic acid, 7α, 28-olean diol, and stigmasterol) from GC-MS were chosen for the network pharmacological assay to verify function-specific gene-compound interactions using STITCH, STRING, GSEA, and Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba. RESULTS: In vivo results showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine kinase (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increase of liver glycogen, glucose load, and serum insulin. Out of three antioxidative genes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were found to be few fold increased. Oleanolic acid and stigmasterol were noticed to strongly interact with 27 target proteins. Oleanolic acid interacted with the proteins AKR1B10, CASP3, CASP8, CYP1A2, CYP1A2, HMGB1, NAMPT, NFE2L2, NQO1, PPARA, PTGIR, TOP1, TOP2A, UGT2B10, and UGT2B11 and stigmasterol with ABCA1, ABCG5, ABCG8, CTSE, HMGCR, IL10, CXCL8, NR1H2, NR1H3, SLCO1B1, SREBF2, and TNF. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed the involvement of 25 target proteins out of twenty seven. Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba identified TNF, CXCL8, CASP3, PPARA, SREBF2, and IL10 as top hub genes. Pathway analysis identified 31 KEGG metabolic, signaling, and immunogenic pathways associated with diabetes. Notable degree of PPI enrichment showed that SOD1 and CAT are responsible for controlling signaling networks and enriched pathways. CONCLUSION: The findings show that antioxidative genes have regulatory potential, allowing the HKEx to be employed as a possible antidiabetic source pending further validation.

Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid Against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice.

Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound commonly present in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other edible plants, exerts many pharmacological activities. The present project was designed to explore the hepatoprotective effect of ellagic acid against alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) and the correlation among alcohol, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota. Fifty percent (v/v) alcohol (10 mL/kg bw daily) was orally administrated for 4 weeks in mice along with ellagic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg bw). Alcohol administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and serum aspartate aminotransferase, levels of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, free fatty acid, and total cholesterol, and decreased contents of the high-density lipoprotein in model group compared with the control group, which were further improved by ellagic acid (50 or 100 mg/kg bw). Furthermore, daily supplementation of ellagic acid alleviated hepatic antioxidant activities (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione), proinflammatory cytokines levels (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α), genes expressions (Tlr4, Myd88, Cd14, Cox2, Nos2, and Nfκb1), and histopathological features in alcohol-induced liver injured mice. Additionally, results also revealed that ellagic acid supplementation improved alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, ellagic acid mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory response, steatosis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in ALD mice. Our results suggested that ellagic acid could be applied as an ideal dietary therapy against ALD.

Antibacterial and molecular docking studies of newly synthesized nucleosides and Schiff bases derived from sulfadimidines.

A new series of nucleosides, moieties, and Schiff bases were synthesized from sulfadimidine. Infrared (IR), 1HNMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques and elemental analysis were employed to elucidate the synthesized compounds. The prepared analogues were purified by different chromatographic techniques (preparative TLC and column chromatography). Molecular docking studies of synthesized compounds 3a, 4b, 6a, and 6e demonstrated the binding mode involved in the active site of DNA gyrase. Finally, all synthesized compounds were tested against selected bacterial strains. The most effective synthesized compounds against S. aureus were 3a, 4d, 4b, 3b, 3c, 4c, and 6f, which exhibited inhibition zones of inhibition of 24.33 ± 1.528, 24.67 ± 0.577, 23.67 ± 0.577, 22.33 ± 1.528, 18.67 ± 1.528 and 19.33 ± 0.577, respectively. Notably, the smallest zones were observed for 4a, 6d, 6e and 6g (6.33 ± 1.528, 11.33 ± 1.528, 11.67 ± 1.528 and 14.66 ± 1.155, respectively). Finally, 6b and 6c gave negative zone values. K. pneumoniae was treated with the same compounds and the following results were obtained. The most effective compounds were 4d, 4c, 4b and 3c, which showed inhibition zones of 29.67 ± 1.528, 24.67 ± 0.577, 23.67 ± 1.155 and 19.33 ± 1.528, respectively, followed by 4a and 3d (15.33 ± 1.528 for both), while moderate results (13.67 ± 1.155 and 11.33 ± 1.528) were obtained for 6f and 6g, respectively. Finally, 6a, 6b, 6c, 3a, and 3b did not show any inhibition. The most effective compounds observed for the treatment of E. coli were 4d, 4b, 4c, 3d, 6e and 6f (inhibition zones of 26.33 ± 0.577, 21.67 ± 1.528, 21.67 ± 1.528, 19.67 ± 1.528, 17.67 ± 1.155 and 16.67 ± 1.155, respectively). Compounds 3b, 3c, 6a, 6c, and 6g gave moderate results (13.67 ± 1.528, 12.67 ± 1.528, 11.33 ± 0.577, 15.33 ± 1.528 and 12.67 ± 1.528, respectively), while 6b showed no effect. The MIC values against S. aureus ranged from 50 to 3.125 mg, while those against E. coli and K. pneumoniae ranged from 50 to 1562 mg. In vitro, the antibacterial effects were promising. Further research is required to study the in vivo antibacterial effects of these compounds and determine therapeutic doses.

The potency of newly development H5N8 and H9N2 avian influenza vaccines against the isolated strains in laying hens from Egypt during 2019.

Avian influenza (AI) is a respiratory disease complex syndrome recently recorded in vaccinated flocks causing high economic losses. This study aimed to prepare inactivated vaccine from recently isolated field strains [highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) (H5N8) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) (H9N2)] and compare the efficiency of the two experimental avian influenza vaccines and some commercial avian influenza H5 and H9N2 vaccines in laying hens. The obtained results indicated that the identified experimental vaccines (H5N8 and H9N2) were protected the flocks from AI as compared to commercial H5N1, H5N3, and H9N2 vaccines, which showed a protection level of 80, 70, and 90%, respectively, indicating a high efficacy for the developed vaccines. In addition, it significantly improved the virus shedding, especially when used in booster dose. The experimental vaccines were given high antibody titer higher than commercial vaccine which was reached to 9.3 log2, 9.7log2 for experimental H5N8 vaccine which was significantly higher than and groups 3 and 4 especially at 2nd WPV, while at the 3rd WPV, the significant difference was with group 4 only. The HI titer was 9.3 log2 at 2nd WPV for the experimental H9N2 vaccine that was significantly higher than group 9. In conclusion, the booster dose of the experimental vaccines could elicit strong immunity than single-dose and commercial vaccines.

The Anti-Nociceptive Potential of Tulathromycin against Chemically and Thermally Induced Pain in Mice.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic potential of the new triamilide macrolide antibiotic, tulathromycin, at 20 and 40 mg/kg of body weight (BW), subcutaneously against acute pain in mice. Acute pain was induced either chemically (using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced pain tests) or thermally (using hot-plate, and tail-flick tests). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, tulathromycin induced a dose-dependent and significant decrease in the number of writhes compared with the control group. In the late phase of the formalin test, a significant decline in hind paw licking time compared with the control group was observed. In the hot-plate and tail-flick tests, tulathromycin caused a dose-dependent and significant prolongation of latency of nociceptive response to heat stimuli, compared with the control group. These findings may indicate that tulathromycin possesses significant peripheral and central analgesic potentials that may be valuable in symptomatic relief of pain, in addition to its well-established antibacterial effect.

Ameliorative Effect of Neem Leaf and Pomegranate Peel Extracts in Coccidial Infections in New Zealand and V-Line Rabbits: Performance, Intestinal Health, Oocyst Shedding, Carcass Traits, and Effect on Economic Measures.

Healthy, weaned, coccidial-free male rabbits from two breeds (New Zealand white (NZ) and V-line (VL)) were divided into 10 equal groups (5 groups each for NZ and VL) (3 replicates/group, 6 rabbits/replicate, 18 rabbits/group). All rabbits were inoculated with 5 × 104 Eimeria spp. oocysts (E. intestinalis (67%), E. magna (22%), and E. media (11%)) except for the rabbits in the first group (G1), which were inoculated with a sterile solution and served as a negative control. The remaining four groups were treated as follows: G2, no treatment/positive control, G3, treated with neem leaf extract, G4, treated with pomegranate peel extract (PPE), and G5, treated with a combination of neem leaf extract and PPE. For both breeds, our results showed that the use of neem leaf and/or pomegranate peel extract resulted in improved growth performance, with a significant improvement in relative feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the positive control groups, which recorded the worst values, as well as a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in mean oocyst count compared to the positive control groups. We also observed downregulation of mRNA levels of IL-1ßα, IL6, and TNF-α in the herbal treatment groups compared with the mRNA levels of these genes in the positive control groups. Herbal treatment with neem leaf and/or pomegranate peel extracts had positive effects on the NZ and VL rabbits experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria species, as evidenced by their healthy appearance, good appetite, no mortalities, an anticoccidial index > 120, and a significantly higher total return and net profit when compared to the positive control groups of both breeds. In NZ rabbits, the treatment with neem leaf extract alone (G3) or in combination with PPE (G5) recorded the most efficient economic anticoccidial activity.

Impacts of Dietary Supplementations of Orange Peel and Tomato Pomace Extracts as Natural Sources for Ascorbic Acid on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Plasma Biochemicals and Antioxidant Status of Growing Rabbits.

The effect of dietary orange peel (OPE) and tomato pomace extract (TPE) supplementations on growth performance, plasma biochemicals, carcass characteristics and antioxidant status of growing male rabbits were investigated. A total of 96 rabbits (5 weeks old) were distributed into four groups. The first group received untreated pelleted diet (control). The second group was fed a diet containing ascorbic acid (AA; 1.0 g/kg diet), while the third and fourth groups consumed diets supplemented with 200 gm of OPE or (TPE, respectively. Our results indicated that OPE and TPE contained 59, 14.03 mg ascorbic acid/100 g DM, respectively. Growth performance, except feed conversion ratio, and carcass weight were improved by dietary supplementations. Dietary supplementations decreased kidneys, abdominal, back fats and ether extract of meat. Plasma protein and globulin levels were high in rabbits fed AA and TPE-supplemented diets. Low plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were observed in rabbits fed the supplemented diets. Plasma AA was increased in rabbits fed AA and OPE-supplemented diets. Rabbits fed OPE and TPE-supplemented diets had great SOD activity. The best economic efficiency was recorded by rabbits fed the supplemented diets. Dietary supplementations of OPE and TPE could effectively improve growth performance, antioxidative status, modulate AA level in plasma and meat and lower plasma total cholesterol and LDL.

The Influence of Chicken Egg Lysozyme or Zinc-Bacitracin Antibiotic on the Growth Performance, Antibacterial Capacity, Blood Profiles, and Antioxidative Status of Rabbits: A Comparative Study.

Dietary egg lysozyme has beneficial roles in the growth performance and health conditions of animals. The study was performed using 90 multicolored rabbits in three groups (each replicate with thirty rabbits). In the control group, rabbits were fed a diet without zinc bacitracin (ZnB) or egg lysozyme, while the second and third groups were treated with ZnB and lysozyme additive at 100 mg/kg, respectively. After eight weeks, the final weight and body weight gain (BWG) of rabbits fed dietary egg lysozyme and ZnB additives were meaningfully increased (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was markedly decreased by dietary egg lysozyme and ZnB (p < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary egg lysozyme resulted in higher final weight and BWG and lower FCR than rabbits treated with ZnB (p < 0.05). Rabbits treated with egg lysozyme and ZnB additives had markedly lower populations of Clostridium spp. and Escherichia coli (p < 0.05) compared with the control. However, the counts of Lactobacillus and total bacteria were meaningfully increased in the the intestines of rabbits treated with egg lysozyme and ZnB (p < 0.05). The blood total protein and globulin of rabbits fed dietary egg lysozyme and ZnB additives were meaningfully increased (p < 0.05). Blood creatinine was significantly lowered by dietary egg lysozyme compared with the control and ZnB-treated rabbits (p < 0.05). The levels of blood urea, ALT, and AST were markedly lowered (p < 0.05) by dietary egg lysozyme and ZnB. The gene expressions of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the liver of rabbits fed dietary egg lysozyme and ZnB additives were markedly upregulated (p < 0.05) compared with the control. Dietary egg lysozyme resulted in higher expression of SOD1 and GPX genes than rabbits treated with ZnB (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of egg lysozyme could replace the inclusion of ZnB in the diets of rabbits.