Circumferential Esophageal Reconstruction Using a Tissue-engineered Decellularized Tunica Vaginalis Graft in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgeons have faced esophageal reconstruction challenges for decades owing to a variety of congenital and acquired conditions. This work aimed to introduce a reproducible and efficient approach for creating tissue-engineered esophageal tissue using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured in preconditioned mediums seeded on a sheep decellularized tunica vaginalis (DTV) scaffold for partial reconstruction of a rabbit's esophagus. METHODS: DTV was performed using SDS and Triton X-100 solutions. The decellularized grafts were employed alone (DTV group) or after recellularization with BMSCs cultured for 10 days in preconditioned mediums (RTV group) for reconstructing a 3 cm segmental defect in the cervical esophagus of rabbits (n = 20) after the decellularization process was confirmed. Rabbits were observed for one month, after which they were euthanized, and the reconstructed esophagi were harvested for histological analysis. RESULTS: Six rabbits in the DTV group and eight rabbits in the RTV group survived until the end of the one-month study period. Despite histological examination demonstrating that both grafts completely repaired the esophageal defect, the RTV graft demonstrated a histological structure similar to that of the normal esophagus. The reconstructed esophagi in the RTV group revealed the arrangement of the different layers of the esophageal wall with the formation of newly formed blood vessels and Schwann-like cells. CONCLUSION: DTV xenograft is a novel scaffold that promotes cell adhesion and differentiation and might be effectively utilized for regenerating esophageal tissue, paving the way for future clinical trials in pediatric patients.

A novel isatin Schiff based cerium complex: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and molecular docking studies.

In this work, a novel isatin-Schiff base L2 had been synthesized through a simple reaction between isatin and 2-amino-5-methylthio-1,3,4-thiadiazole. The produced Schiff base L2 was then subjected to a hydrothermal reaction with cerium chloride to produce the cerium (III)-Schiff base complex C2. Several spectroscopic methods, including mass spectra, FT-IR, elemental analysis, UV-vis, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, Thermogravimetric Analysis, HR-TEM, and FE-SEM/EDX, were used to completely characterize the produced L2 and C2. A computer simulation was performed using the MOE software program to find out the probable biological resistance of studied compounds against the proteins in some types of bacteria or fungi. To investigate the interaction between the ligand and its complex, we conducted molecular docking simulations using the molecular operating environment (MOE). The docking simulation findings revealed that the complex displayed greater efficacy and demonstrated a stronger affinity for Avr2 effector protein from the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum (code 5OD4) than the original ligand. The antibacterial activity of the ligand and its Ce3+ complex were applied in vitro tests against different microorganism. The study showed that the complex was found to be more effective than the ligand.

Tibial Nerve Repair in a Dog Model: Effect of Local and Systemic Administration of Erythropoietin.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of erythropoietin (EPO) as a novel treatment for peripheral nerve injury after surgical repair of an induced tibial nerve injury in dogs. METHODS: Mongrel dogs (n = 27) were randomly divided into three equal groups. A complete tibial nerve injury was induced and repaired directly by stay sutures and the local application of 1 mL fibrin glue (control group). In the "systemic" group, 20,000 IU of EPO were given subcutaneously immediately after surgery and on the first and second days after surgery. In the "local" group, EPO was mixed with fibrin glue at 1,000 IU/mL. Lameness score, compound muscle action potential of the tibial nerve, and serum biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed to evaluate the treated dogs over the study period (12 weeks). RESULTS: EPO significantly improved the lameness score and compound muscle action potential in both the systemic and local groups. After 12 weeks, systemic and local groups showed earlier improvement in lameness, reaching scores of -1 and 0, respectively, in comparison with the control group, which did not reach a score of -1. The histological study revealed a normal architecture of the nerve bundles within connective tissue. The axons were aligned in a regular pattern, whereas the control group had disrupted and degenerated nerve axons with large gaps in between. CONCLUSIONS: EPO has an accelerating healing effect after tibial nerve surgical repair. Local EPO mimics systemic EPO treatment without systemic adverse effects. These findings indicated that EPO has a potential role in tibial nerve recovery and nerve regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of the present experimental study supported the beneficial effects of systemic and local EPO when combined with peripheral nerve surgical repair, potentially improving functional outcomes and enhancing faster recovery.

Assessment of bone morphogenetic protein-7 loaded chitosan/ß-Glycerophosphate hydrogel on periodontium tissues regeneration of class III furcation defects.

Background: Periodontitis is a long-term, multifactorial inflammatory condition that is triggered by bacterial germs and interacts with the host's immune system. The unique attachment of fibrous tissue between the cementum and bone presents a challenge for periodontal regeneration. Aim: To achieve the lowest optimum dose of BMP-7 that helps in periodontal regeneration, involving newly formed cementum, PDL and bone. Materials and methods: Five healthy mongrel dogs were used for the study. A critical class III furcation defect was created using rotating burs. The bone defects (ten defects for each group) were allocated to one of the subsequent groups: (Group 1) control with the surgical defect only. (Group 2) Surgical defect implanted with hydrogel only (CS/ß-GP). (Group 3) Surgical defect implanted with CS/BMP-7 (50 ng/ml). (Group 4) Surgical defect implanted with CS/BMP-7 (100 ng/ml). Results: Histomorphometric and H&E analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in bone, PDL, and cementum regeneration defects filled with CS/BMP-7 (100 ng/ml) compared with other groups. Conclusion: The standard effective dose for BMP-7 use in periodontal regeneration is 100 ng/ml.

Flax fiber based semicarbazide biosorbent for removal of Cr(VI) and Alizarin Red S dye from wastewater.

In the present study, flax fiber based semicarbazide biosorbent was prepared in two successive steps. In the first step, flax fibers were oxidized using potassium periodate (KIO4) to yield diadehyde cellulose (DAC). Dialdehyde cellulose was, then, refluxed with semicarbazide.HCl to produce the semicarbazide functionalized dialdehyde cellulose (DAC@SC). The prepared DAC@SC biosorbent was characterized using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) and N2 adsorption isotherm, point of zero charge (pHPZC), elemental analysis (C:H:N), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The DAC@SC biosorbent was applied for the removal of the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions and the alizarin red S (ARS) anionic dye (individually and in mixture). Experimental variables such as temperature, pH, and concentrations were optimized in detail. The monolayer adsorption capacities from the Langmuir isotherm model were 97.4 mg/g and 18.84 for Cr(VI) and ARS, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of DAC@SC indicated that the adsorption process fit PSO kinetic model. The obtained negative values of ΔG and ΔH indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) and ARS onto DAC@SC is a spontaneous and exothermic process. The DAC@SC biocomposite was successfully applied for the removal of Cr(VI) and ARS from synthetic effluents and real wastewater samples with a recovery (R, %) more than 90%. The prepared DAC@SC was regenerated using 0.1 M K2CO3 eluent. The plausible adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) and ARS onto the surface of DAC@SC biocomposite was elucidated.

Reconstruction of a partial esophageal defect using tunica vaginalis and buccal mucosa autograft: an experimental study in mongrel dogs.

In veterinary clinics, esophageal reconstruction is essential in many clinical situations. In this study, two autografts, the tunica vaginalis (TV) and the buccal mucosa (BM), were proposed to reconstruct a semi-circumferential cervical esophageal defect in dogs. This study aimed to verify whether these two grafts could successfully patch esophageal defects. Twelve male mongrel dogs were divided into two groups. Following cervical esophagoplasty, the defective area was patched with either a TV or a BM graft. Comprehensive clinical, serum biochemical, and histological analyses were performed to evaluate the two grafts. Throughout the study (120 days), the dogs survived the procedure well with minor complications. The lumen of the patched areas was covered with mucosa, with slight scar retraction. Compared with that of the natural esophagus, the average relative luminal diameter was not significantly decreased. Importantly, the measured cortisol and inflammatory marker levels returned to the preoperative levels after 14 days. Although histological examination revealed that both grafts repaired the esophageal defect with complete re-epithelialization, the BM graft showed a histological structure similar to that of the natural esophagus. Both grafts effectively repaired the esophageal defect with minor complications; therefore, both are recommended as promising low-cost clinical alternatives for cervical esophagoplasty in dogs.

Modulatory effect of dietary probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on growth, immuno-biochemical alterations, DNA damage, and pathological changes in E. coli-infected broiler chicks.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the principal causes of heavy economic losses to the poultry industry. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms, particularly the potential role of immunoglobulin A and the DNA damage, involving the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics and prebiotics in avian colibacillosis. The current study investigated the potential effects of probiotic and prebiotic dietary supplementation on E. coli-infected broiler chicks. A total of 120 1-day-old unsexed Hubbard chicks were divided into six groups: Group 1 was considered as a negative control; Group 2 was supplemented with 1 g/kg feed of Lactobacillus plantarum; Group 3 was supplemented with amylase enzyme; Group 4 served as a positive control infected orally by E. coli O78; Group 5 was supplemented with L. plantarum from 1-day-old chicken and then infected orally with E. coli O78; and Group 6 was supplemented with amylase enzyme from 1-day old chicken and then infected orally with E. coli O78. For all examined groups, the experimental period lasted for 42 days. The E. coli-infected group revealed a decrease in body performance parameters with a significant increase in the liver enzymes and renal function tests. The same group recorded a significant decrease in serum total proteins, albumins, and globulins, and the alteration of immunological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, and comet assay revealed highly damaged DNA in the liver and the intestine. By histopathological examination, a series of histopathological changes in the liver, the kidney, and the intestine were observed. The infected chick pretreated with probiotics or prebiotics demonstrated an improvement in body performance parameters besides a significant decrease in the hepatic enzymes and renal function tests. We noticed that, in treated groups, there was a significant increase in serum total proteins in the serum albumin and globulin levels, immunological parameters, and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, DNA damage and histopathological changes within hepatic, renal, and intestinal tissues were markedly diminished in the treated groups compared with the infected group. We concluded that the adverse effects of E. coli could be modulated through the chemopreventive administration of probiotics and prebiotics.

Selective Calpain Inhibition Improves Functional and Histopathological Outcomes in a Canine Spinal Cord Injury Model.

Calpain activation has been implicated in various pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Thus, calpain inhibition could effectively prevent spinal cord injury (SCI) associated with neurodegeneration. In the current study, a dog SCI model was used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a selective calpain inhibitor (PD150606) in combination with methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) as an anti-inflammatory drug. SCI was experimentally induced in sixteen mongrel dogs through an epidural balloon compression technique. The dogs were allocated randomly into four groups: control, MPSS, PD150606, and MPSS+PD150606. Clinical evaluation, serum biochemical, somatosensory evoked potentials, histopathological, and immunoblotting analyses were performed to assess treated dogs during the study. The current findings revealed that the combined administration of MPSS+PD150606 demonstrated considerably lower neuronal loss and microglial cell infiltration than the other groups, with a significant improvement in the locomotor score. The increased levels of inflammatory markers (GFAP and CD11) and calcium-binding proteins (Iba1 and S100) were significantly reduced in the combination group and to a lesser extent in MPSS or PD150606 treatment alone. Interestingly, the combined treatment effectively inhibited the calpain-induced cleavage of p35, limited cdk5 activation, and inhibited tau phosphorylation. These results suggest that early MPSS+PD150606 therapy after acute SCI may prevent subsequent neurodegeneration via calpain inhibition.

Rapid adsorption of acid dyes using Cu(II) thiourea modified cellulose complex.

In the present work, the acid dyes namely, eriochrome cyanine R (ECR) and 2-(4-Sulfo phenyl azo)-1,8 dihydroxy-3,6 naphthalene disulfonic acid, trisodium salt (SPADNS) were effectively adsorbed by Cu(II)-thiourea modified cotton fibers (Cu(II)/Tu-MC) complex. FTIR, SEM, XPS analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and potentiometric titration were utilized for characterization. The impact of the fundamental adsorption parameters was systematically investigated. The results reveal that the adsorption of ECR and SPADNS acid dyes occurs via a metal-coordination mechanism. Furthermore, the adsorption process follows the 2nd order kinetic model and Langmuir model adsorption isotherm. The Cu(II)/Tu-MC shows high adsorption capacities of 0.27 and 0.22 mmol/g for ECR and SPADNS, respectively. These findings indicate that the cationization of cellulose fibers with metal ions is a promising and efficient strategy toward enhancing the adsorption of acid dyes.

Augmentation cystoplasty in dogs: A comparative study of different tunica vaginalis grafts.

In veterinary practice, numerous urological disorders that cause bladder dysfunction necessitate augmentation cystoplasty (AC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dog tunica vaginalis allograft (DTVA), sheep tunica vaginalis xenograft (STVX) and sheep tunica vaginalis decellularized extracellular matrix (STVDEM) as graft materials for urinary bladder (UB) reconstruction following a 45±5% cystectomy model in dogs. In this study, 18 adult apparently healthy mongrel dogs of both sexes were divided into three groups (6 dogs each): the DTVA group, the STVX group, and the STVDEM group. The evaluation of the AC in different groups was carried out using clinical, hematological, serum biochemical, urine, ultrasonographic, retrograde positive cystogram, and histopathological analysis all over the study period of 12 weeks. The dogs in all groups survived the procedures, except three dogs died from both STVX and DTVA groups. The mean bladder capacity indicated that the DTVA and STVX groups had regained 82.22% and 68.62%, respectively, of their preoperative baseline capacity. Interestingly, the STVDEM group's bladder capacity increased to 113.70%. Although histological analysis revealed that the three grafts successfully rebuilt the bladder wall, the STVDEM demonstrated well-organized and well-differentiated epithelial and muscular tissues that resembled, but were not identical to, native UB tissues. As a result, STVDEM is proposed as an ideal and potential acellular graft for UB reconstruction in dogs, whereas DTVA and STVX could be employed in emergencies requiring UB reconstruction.

Hepatoprotective effect of Spirulina platensis against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in male rats.

OBJECTIVES: Spirulina platensis (SP) is an edible Cyanobacterium with ethnomedicinal significance. This study aims at evaluating the beneficial effect of SP against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in male rats. METHODS: Rats received intraperitoneal injections of CCl4 (2 ml/kg body weight [b.w.] per every other day) for 40 days, alone or in combination with oral treatments of SP (400 mg/kg b.w. per day). KEY FINDINGS: SP attenuated haematological disturbances, serum liver markers, hepatic necrosis and inflammation, and dyslipidemia in CCl4-intoxicated rats. SP also reduced CCl4-induced oxidative stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and glutathione content, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation products and nitric oxide levels in the rat liver. Further investigations revealed that SP counteracted CCl4-induced increased hepatic levels of Ki-67 (a parameter of cell proliferation), interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 messenger RNA expression. Noticeably, the supplementation of SP restored the decrease of proapoptotic p53 protein levels in the liver of rats treated with CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: SP prevented liver damage in CCl4-treated rats via augmentation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines/mediators and antiproliferative effects.

Mitigating the Growth, Biochemical Changes, Genotoxic and Pathological Effects of Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens by Supplementing Vitamins C and E.

This experiment was carried out to explore the efficiency of an individual or combined doses of vitamin C (Vit. C) and vitamin E (Vit. E) in alleviating biochemical, genotoxicity, and pathological changes in the liver induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old broiler chicks were haphazardly allotted into five groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate). The birds were fed five experimental diets; (1) basal diet with no additives (CON), (2) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet (CuSO4), (3) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet, (4) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet +250 mg Vit. E /kg diet, (5) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet + 250 mg Vit. E /kg diet for six weeks. The results displayed that CuSO4-intoxicated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bodyweight, weight gain, and feed intake with increased feed conversion ratio from the 2nd week till the 6th week compared with the CON. However, these changes were minimized by single or combined supplementation of vitamin C and E. The FCR was insignificantly different in birds-fed diets complemented with vitamin C and E singly or in combination from the 3rd week of age compared to the CON. Serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in CuSO4-intoxicated birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, they showed a drop in serum total protein (TP), albumin, globulins, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, histopathological and DNA changes were perceived in the liver of CuSO4-intoxicated birds. Co-supplementation of Vit. C and Vit. E single-handedly or combined with CuSO4-intoxicated chickens enhanced the performance traits and abovementioned changes, especially with those given combinations of vitamins. From the extant inquiry, it could be established that supplementation of vitamin C and E was beneficial for mitigating the harmful effects of CuSO4 toxicity on growth performance and liver histoarchitecture in broiler chickens.

Alleviating Effects of Vitamins C and E Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Hematobiochemical, and Histopathological Alterations Caused by Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens.

The current investigation evaluated the alleviating effects of vitamin C and vitamin E on oxidative stress, hematobiochemical, and histopathological changes in the kidney induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five experimental groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate): 1st group-basal diet with no additives (control group), 2nd group-basal diet complemented with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet), 3rd group-basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet), 4th group-basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet), and 5th group-basal diet with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg diet) + vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet) + vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet) for a 42 day feeding period. The results showed a significant reduction in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and hematocrit values as well as total leukocyte counts (WBCs), lymphocyte, heterophil, and monocyte counts in the CuSO4-intoxicated birds (2.42 × 106/µL, 9.54 g/dL, 26.02%, 15.80 × 103/µL, 7.86 × 103/µL, 5.26 × 103/µL, and 1.18 × 103/µL, respectively, at the 6th week) compared to (2.79 × 106/µL, 10.98 g/dL, 28.46%, 21.07 × 103/µL, 10.84 × 103/µL, 7.12 × 103/µL, and 1.60 × 103/µL, respectively) in the control group. Moreover, CuSO4-intoxicated birds showed hypoglycemia with a rise in serum uric acid and creatinine levels (122.68, 5.18, and 0.78 mg/dL at the 6th week) compared to (159.46, 4.41, and 0.61 mg/dL) in the control group. The CuSO4 toxicity in birds induced oxidative stress, indicated by a high serum malondialdehyde level (MDA) and diminished activity of the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) (2.01 nmol/mL, 37.66 U/mL, and 2.91 U/mL, respectively, at the 6th week) compared to (1.34 nmol/mL, 57.00 U/mL, 4.99 U/mL, respectively) in the control group. High doses of Cu exposure caused severe microscopic alterations in kidney architecture. The addition of vitamins C and E, singularly or in combination, displayed a beneficial effect in alleviating these harmful effects of Cu toxicity. These findings showed the possible mitigating impacts of dietary antioxidants on the hematobiochemical alterations, oxidative stress, and kidney damage induced by CuSO4 toxicity.

A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Psyllium Husk Ethanolic Extract on Hyperlipidemia, Hyperglycemia, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Triton X-100 Injection in Rats.

The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of psyllium husk ethanolic extract (PHEE) on Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic rats by studying the changes in hepatic and pancreatic function and histopathology. Forty male albino rats (bodyweight 175-188 g) were grouped randomly into four sets with ten rats. The experimental groups included: (1) control group (CON); (2) Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic group-rats were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of Triton X-100 (100 mg/kg body weight) on the 21st day of Trial onset; (3) PHEE group-PHEE was orally administered (100 mg/kg body weight dissolved in 1 mL of distilled water) by gastric tube from the first day of the experiment until the fortieth day, once daily, (PHEE); (4) PHEE +Triton group, which received PHEE orally with the induction of hyperlipidemia. Treating hyperlipidemic rats with PHEE showed a decrease in the total serum lipids, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), atherogenic index (AI), and malondialdehyde (MDA) with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. PHEE administration alleviated the negative impact of Triton on the serum levels of glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA IR index), leptin hormone, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and proteinogram. The Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats showed extensive histopathological changes in the liver and pancreas, which were alleviated with PHEE administration. It could be concluded that PHEE has potent effects against hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress due to its biologically active constituents detected by GC-MS analysis. This study's findings may help develop a novel trial against the effects of hyperlipidemia in the future.

Synthesis and application of hydrazono-imidazoline modified cellulose for selective separation of precious metals from geological samples.

A new hydrazono-imidazoline modified cellulose (HIMC) was synthesized for selective recovery of Pt(IV), Pd(II) and Au(III) from geological samples. Cellulose was oxidized by periodate and was further functionalized with hydrazono-imidazoline moieties to afford N-donor chelating fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption, elemental analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for characterization. Introducing the hydrazono-imidazoline groups at the surface of cellulose fibers did not alert their ordered structure and crystallinity, as indicated by XRD and SEM results. Factors affecting the adsorption were systematically investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the HIMC sorbent exhibited high adsorption capacities of 105, 88 and 75 mg g-1 for Pt(IV), Pd(II) and Au(III), respectively. Besides, the metal ion adsorption process fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. These results highlight the applicability of this carbohydrate-based sorbent for the selective recovery of precious metals from various matrices.

Impact of dietary supplementation with Echinacea purpurea on growth performance, immunological, biochemical, and pathological findings in broiler chickens infected by pathogenic E. coli.

This study is aimed to appraise the impact of dietary supplementation with Echinacea purpurea (EP) in broiler chickens infected by pathogenic E. coli. Eighty-one-day-old chicks of both sexes, commercial Hubbard chicks, were divided into 4 groups. The first was kept as normal control, the second was supplemented by EP (5 mg/kg feed) from the first day to the end, where the third was infected orally by 1 ml E. coli O78 at 107 CFU intra-crop at 7 days old, while the last group was supplemented by EP and infected by the E. coli O78 as previously described . E. coli-infected chicks disclosed severe symptoms with mortality 30%. Where, the infected and EP supplemented group showed less clinical symptoms and 15% mortality. EP-supplemented groups showed a significant improvement in their body weight in comparing with infected group. E. coli-infected chickens revealed a significant drop in lymphocytes' number with a significant elevation in monocyte and heterophils with non-significant changes in total leucocyte count when matched with gp. (1), while the fourth group revealed non-significant changes in total leucocyte with a significant drop in heterophils and monocyte and a significant elevation in the lymphocytes matching with the 3rd group. Serum biochemical markers of liver, kidneys, and immunological parameters showed sever adverse alterations associated with E. coli infection. Dietary supplementations with Echinacea purpurea improve the final body weight and immune response of non-infected chicks and have a respectable effect for facing E. coli infection. EP improves hematological and serum biochemical adverse effects occured by E. coli infection. Histopathology of liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen confirms these alterations.

Assessment of protective potential of Nigella sativa oil against carbendazim- and/or mancozeb-induced hematotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity.

Nigella sativa oil (NSO) possesses antioxidant activity. However, its protective role against the hazards of fungicides has been poorly studied. Therefore, the present work aimed at determining the ameliorative potential of NSO against hepatotoxicity induced by carbendazim (CBZ) and/or mancozeb (MNZ) in female rats. In the present study, about 120 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight equal groups. One group of animals was kept as a negative control (Gp. 1); groups 2, 3 and 4 orally received CBZ (200 mg/kg body wt) and/or MNZ (300 mg/kg body wt) daily for 2 weeks (positive groups). In order to assess the hepatoprotective potential of NSO, in comparison with NSO-treated rats (Gp. 5), groups 6, 7 and 8 were CBZ- and/or MNZ-exposed groups pre-treated orally with NSO (2 ml/kg body wt) daily for 2 weeks (prophylactic groups). All groups were kept further for 15 days without medications to observe the withdrawal effect. At the end of exposure and withdrawal periods, the body weight of all experimental rats was recorded and blood samples were collected for hematological, clinico-biochemical, and micronucleus assays. The animals were then sacrificed, and the liver and bone marrow were harvested for oxidative stress bioassay, chromosomal aberrations, DNA fragmentation, and histopathological examinations. The results suggested that pre-treatment with NSO remarkably diminished CBZ- and MNZ-induced macrocytic hypochromic anemia, leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, and neutropenia. Besides, it also minimized the elevated liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, micronucleus incidence, DNA damage, and chromosomal aberration frequency. Conversely, NSO significantly stimulated the CBZ- and/or MNZ-induced antioxidant system suppression. The NSO also normalized the hepatic structural architecture. As far as withdrawal effect is concerned, there was almost disappearance of the bad effects of these fungicides and the values were close to the normal range especially with the use of NSO. Ultimately, the results revealed that N. sativa oil is an effective hepatoprotective agent due to its genoprotective and free radical scavenging activities.

Comparative biochemical studies on steroidogenic compounds in chickens.

Comparative studies of the effects of Nordette and Lutofolone on 15 days old chicken were carried out to determine their effects on growth performance, biochemical parameters and an analysis of hormonal residues in the liver and muscle. Sixty chickens were equally divided into three groups. Group 1 was served as a control. Groups 2 and 3 were treated daily with Nordette (1 mg/kg B.W.) mixed in the ration and Lutofolone (0.5 mg/kg B.W.) orally via a bent stainless steel feeding tube, respectively, for 30 days (from the 15th till the 45th day old). Then these treated groups were left for another 15 days without any treatment. Blood samples were collected at 45 and 60 days old and used for biochemical studies, while liver and muscles were excised from each chicken and used to prepare tissue homogenate for estimation of hormonal residues (estrogen and progesterone). Both drugs caused a gain in body weight. They also increased several serum variables, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, creatine kinase (CK), creatinine and uric acid, and reduced total proteins, albumin and globulin levels at 30 days post-administration. Moreover, this study exhibited a significant increase in the levels of estrogen residues in the liver and muscle. Estrogen level was much higher in the liver than muscles. However, some of these findings were insignificant changed at 15 days post-stopping of the hormones. Data on the biochemical parameters and residue levels obtained from these results clearly indicate that anabolic agents may entail a special risk to the chickens and probably to the consumer.

Haemato-biochemical and pathological studies on aflatoxicosis and treatment of broiler chicks in Egypt.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of protexin (probiotic), inulin (prebiotic) and both (synbiotics), when included in a diet containing aflatoxins and fed to growing broiler chicks (from 1 to 21 days old). The criteria of the evaluation included body weight gain, haematological profile and biochemistry, in addition to associated lesions in chicks. A total of 160 Hubbard male day-old broiler chicks were separated into eight groups that all received different diets (additional aflatoxins, protexin, inulin and symbiotic). The birds were weighed and sacrificed at the age of 21 days. Compared to the controls, aflatoxins alone significantly (p<0.05) decreased body weight gain in one group. No difference in body weight gain was found in three groups, indicating apparent protection against the deleterious effects caused by aflatoxins. The weight gain of chicks fed on the diet containing synbiotics alone or synbiotics and aflatoxins was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that of chicks on a diet containing the other treatments. The birds the second group showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in the haematological parameters in comparison with the controls. The biochemical analysis showed a considerable (p<0.05) increase in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid and creatinine levels, with a reduction in the serum total proteins, albumin and globulins. The addition of protexin, inulin, or both, diminished the adverse effects of aflatoxins. Finally, it was concluded that the protexin, inulin and synergism of both are effective in the amelioration of the toxic effects of aflatoxins that may be present in poultry rations at levels up to 4 mg/kg diet. Synbiotics (protexin and inulin) are more effective than the protexin and the inulin alone which are variable in the alleviation of toxic effects caused by aflatoxins.

Effect of oestrogenic compounds on performance and biochemical parameters of chickens in Egypt.

Comparative studies of the effects of Nordette and LutoFolone on 15-day-old chickens were performed to determine their effects on growth performance, biochemical parameters and on hormonal residues in the liver and muscle. Sixty chickens were equally divided into three groups, with 20 chickens per group. Group 1 served as the control group. Groups 2 and 3 were treated daily with Nordette (1 mg/kg body weight) mixed in the ration and LutoFolone (0.5 mg/kg body weight) administered orally through a bent stainless steel feeding tube, respectively, for 30 days (from the 15th to the 45th day of age). The treated groups were left for a further period of 15 days without treatment. Blood samples were collected at 45 and 60 days of age and used for biochemical studies, while liver and muscles were excised from each chicken and used to prepare tissue homogenates for an estimation of hormonal residues (oestrogen and progesterone). Both drugs caused a gain in body weight. They also significantly increased (p<0.01) several serum variables, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (410% and 300%), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (277.69% and 261.90%), cholesterol (16.91% and 17.19%), creatine kinase (CK) (72.47% and 27.46%), creatinine (62.22% and 42.22%) and uric acid (85.43% and 70.86%), and reduced total proteins (54.38% and 51.28%), albumin (60.38% and 52.08%) and globulin levels (50.22% and 49.36%) for Groups 2 and 3 respectively at 30 days post administration, in comparison with the control birds. Moreover, this study exhibited a significant increase in the levels of oestrogen residues in the liver (26.17% and 70.99%) and muscle (17.50% and 43.41%) for Groups 2 and 3, respectively. This indicated that the oestrogen level was much higher in the liver than in muscle in comparison to that of the controls. However, some of these findings showed insignificant changes 15 days after ceasing the administration of hormones. Data on the biochemical parameters and residue levels obtained from these results clearly indicate that anabolic agents in chickens may carry a specific risk to public health.