Modulatory effects of dietary prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) peel on high salinity tolerance, growth rate, immunity and antioxidant capacity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) peel (PPP) on salinity tolerance, growth, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). PPP was incorporated into four iso-nitrogenous (280 g kg-1 protein) and iso-energetic (18.62 MJ kg-1) diets at 0 (PPP0), 1 (PPP1), 2 (PPP2), and 4 (PPP4) g kg-1. Fish (9.69 ± 0.2 g) (mean ± SD) were fed the diets for 75 days. Following the feeding experiment, fish were exposed to a salinity challenge (25‰) for 24 h. Fish survival was not affected by the dietary PPP inclusion either before or after the salinity challenge. Fish fed the PPP-supplemented diets showed lower aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cortisol, and glucose levels compared to PPP0, with the lowest values being observed in PPP1. Fish fed dietary PPP had higher growth rates and feed utilization than PPP0. Quadratic regression analysis revealed that the best weight gain was obtained at 2.13 g PPP kg-1 diet. The highest activities of protease and lipase enzymes were recorded in PPP1, while the best value of amylase was recorded in PPP2, and all PPP values were higher than PPP0. Similarly, PPP1 showed higher activities of lysozyme, alternative complement, phagocytic cells, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and lower activity of malondialdehyde than in PPP0. Further increases in PPP levels above 2 g kg-1 diet led to significant retardation in the immune and antioxidant parameters. Thus, the inclusion of PPP at about 1 to or 2 g kg-1 diet can improve stress tolerance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity in Nile tilapia.

Metal-amino acid complexes (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe, and Mn) enhance immune response, antioxidant capacity, liver function enzymes, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile Tilapia reared under field conditions.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated the effects of partial or total replacement of dietary inorganic trace materials (ITM) with metal-amino acid complexes (MAACs) on immune response, antioxidant capacity, cytokine genes expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in in-pond hapas (mesh cages) under field conditions. METHODS: All-male Nile Tilapia with an average initial weight of about 90 g fish-1 were stocked into the hapas, in quadruplicates, at a density of 60 fish per hapa (30 fish m-3 ). The fish in each hapa were acclimatized to culture conditions and test diets for 1 week. Water quality parameters, including temperature (°C), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg L-1 ), and total ammonia (mg L-1 ), were monitored regularly. The MAACs were formulated to contain the same mineral concentrations found in the inorganic premix. Metal-amino acid complexes replaced the ITM premix at 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels (Table 1). The diets were fed to caged Nile Tilapia twice a day, for 80 days, at a daily rate of 3% of their body weights. The fish were weighed every 10 days, and the daily rations were readjusted. At harvest, fish in each hapa were collected, counted, and weighed collectively. Five fish from each hapa were rapidly anesthetized, and used for chemical and physiological analyses, including antioxidant and immune response analyses, liver function analysis, and gene expression. RESULT: The activities of lysozyme, respiratory burst (%), alternative complement (ACH50), phagocytic cells, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and liver function enzymes were all improved with increasing supplemental MAACs up to the 50% substitution level. The expression of cytokine genes, including interferon, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, serum alkaline phosphatase, the integrated microbial genomes, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and transforming growth factor genes, was significantly upregulated in fish fed on MAAC-supplemented diets compared with the control group. The 50% MAAC level produced the highest upregulation of these genes, whereas gene expression decreased with increasing dietary MAAC levels to 75% and 100%. The quadratic regression analysis indicated that about 60-65% MAAC is required for maximum promotion of immunological and oxidative stress responses, gene expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia reared in in-pond hapas under field conditions. CONCLUSION: Replacement of the ITM premix with a MAAC premix enhanced the immune and antioxidant responses of Nile Tilapia.

Effects of different levels of dietary lipids on growth performance, liver histology and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of different levels of dietary lipids on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (7.33 ± 0.12 g fish-1). Four isonitrogenous (275 g kg-1 crude protein), isocaloric (18.5 MJ kg-1) diets containing a mixture of fish oil and corn oil (1:1 ratio) at different levels (70, 85, 110 and 130 g kg-1) were prepared and fed to Nile tilapia reared at a fixed water temperature 25 ± 1 °C for two months. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to a cold challenge. The best growth rates and feed utilization were achieved at 70 and 85 g kg-1 dietary lipid, whereas the lowest results were recorded at higher lipid levels (110 and 130 g kg-1). The ability of Nile tilapia to survive the acute cold stress was significantly improved as the lipid level increased from 70 to 110 g kg-1 and decreased with further increase in lipid levels. During the cold stress, saturated fatty acids (SFA) significantly decreased, while unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) tended to increase. Thus, this study demonstrates, to a certain level, that high dietary lipid levels have a positive effect on the cold tolerance of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Acrylamide-induced peripheral neuropathy: manifestations, mechanisms, and potential treatment modalities.

Acrylamide is a chemical monomer; its polymer compounds are used in the manufacture of plastic, papers, adhesive tapes, dyes, and food packaging. Lately, scientists found that cooking (mainly roasting, baking, and frying) yields acrylamide. In addition to fried/baked potatoes, coffee and bakery products still contain substantial amounts of acrylamide. Acrylamide has toxic effects on different body systems include genitourinary, reproductive, nervous system, along with being a carcinogenic substance. The neurotoxicity of acrylamide includes central and peripheral neuropathy. In humans, the clinical manifestations include sensory or motor peripheral neuropathy, drowsiness, or cerebellar ataxia. Likewise, it presents with skeletal muscle weakness, hindlimb dysfunction, ataxia, and weight loss in animals. The suggested mechanisms for acrylamide neurotoxicity include direct inhibition of neurotransmission, cellular changes, inhibition of key cellular enzymes, and bonding of kinesin-based fast axonal transport. Moreover, it is suggested that acrylamide's molecular effect on SNARE core kinetics is carried out through the adduction of NSF and/or SNARE proteins. Lately, scientists showed disruption of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) cell signaling pathways in human differentiating neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, exposed to acrylamide. Different treatment modalities have been revealed to shield against or hasten recovery from acrylamide-induced neuropathy in preclinical studies, including phytochemical, biological, and vitamin-based compounds. Still, additional studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and to identify the best treatment modality.

Growth Promotion and Immune Stimulation in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, Fingerlings Following Dietary Administration of a Novel Marine Probiotic, Psychrobacter maritimus S.

A 50-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a novel marine psychrotrophic bacterium, Psychrobacter maritimus S, on growth performance and immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (10 fish each) were fed for 50 days with three different diets: T0 (without probiotic, negative control), T0.5 (supplemented with 3.3 × 108 CFU g-1P. maritimus S), and T1 (supplemented with 6.6 × 108 CFU g-1P. maritimus S). The test diets were fed to fish at a daily rate of 3% of their live weights, three times per day. On the 50th day, fish were weighed and blood samples were collected to determine the main nonspecific humoral and cellular immune responses and digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, and lipase). Fish performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value) was also calculated. Growth rates and digestive enzyme activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary P. maritimus S up to 0.5%, and leveled off with further increase in bacterial concentrations. Phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, alternative complement hemolysis, and hematological parameters were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing P. maritimus S concentration to 0.5%, followed by a slight decrease (P > 0.05) at 1% level. The expression of interleukin-4 and interleukin-12 genes was significantly upregulated, while heat shock protein gene was downregulated, with dietary supplementation of P. maritimus S up to 0.5% level. These results suggest that 0.5% of dietary Psychrobacter maritimus S supplementation could be considered as a novel probiont for optimum growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Dietary lipid sources affect cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid sources on growth performance, fatty acids composition and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (7.00 ±â€¯0.50 g/fish). The fish were fed four isonitrogenous (28% crude protein), isocaloric (500 kcal/100 g) diets containing four lipid sources; fish oil (FO), corn oil (CO), coconut oil (COCO) or fish oil/ corn oil mixture (1:1 ratio) (oil mix). The diets were offered to the fish at a daily rate of 3% of their body weights (BW), twice a day for two months. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to decreasing water temperature from 25 °C until the appearance of death symptoms. The results revealed that FO-based diets (FO and oil mix) produced the best growth rates and feed efficiency, followed by corn oil diet, while COCO resulted in the lowest performance. Fish fed on CO and oil mix showed higher body unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and lower lethal temperature than those fed on FO- or COCO-based diets. These results indicate that cold shock can modify the lipid metabolism in Nile tilapia by lowering total body saturated fatty acids and raising n-6 and n-3 UFA. This finding suggests that the inclusion of high levels of plant oils in Nile tilapia feeds can enhance their cold tolerance.

Arrêt cardio-respiratoire de l'enfant. Aspects épidémiologiques, thérapeutiques et pronostiques au Sénégal

Introduction : L'Arrêt Cardio-Respiratoire (ACR) est un évènement fréquent dans les services d'urgences et de réanimation pédiatrique. Bien que de nombreuses données soient rapportées dans plusieurs régions du monde, peu sont disponibles en Afrique subsaharienne. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les aspects épidémiologiques, thérapeutiques et le pronostic des enfants victimes d'ACR au CNHEAR.Patients et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective sur 1 an, concernant les enfants âgés de 0 à 15 ans, ayant présenté un ACR et bénéficié de manœuvres de réanimation au CNHEAR. Les données ont été saisies et analysées avec le logiciel Epi info 3.5.4 et SPSS 24.0. Résultats : Cent-soixante-dix-neuf (179) cas d'ACR ont été enregistrés. Les motifs de consultation les plus fréquents étaient la fièvre et la détresse respiratoire (38,5% chacun). Le délai de consultation moyen était de 3,5 jours. Quarante-neuf virgule sept pour cent (49,7%) avaient consulté dans une structure périphérique avant d'atteindre le niveau central et 13,9% étaient transportés par un transport médicalisé. Les principales circonstances ayant conduit à l'ACR étaient la détresse respiratoire (45,2%), la défaillance hémodynamique (48,7%), et les troubles métaboliques (19,6%). Les pathologies sous- jacentes étaient dominées par le sepsis 20,1%. Au plan thérapeutique, 71,5% avaient eu un massage cardiaque externe. Au décours de la réanimation initiale, le retour à une activité cardio-circulatoire spontanée était de 60,9%. L'évolution secondaire était marquée par la récidive de l'ACR chez 71,6% et finalement le décès de 85,3%. Au final, sur les 179 enfants ayant fait un ACR et bénéficié d'une réanimation, 16 (8,9%) ont survécu et ont été suivis en ambulatoire.Conclusion : La survie après ACR pédiatrique au Sénégal est faible. Des efforts importants restent à faire, notamment une amélioration des ressources matérielles ainsi que des compétences et la formation continue des praticiens en vue d'une meilleure prise en charge des enfants gravement malades

Evaluation of marine psychrophile, Psychrobacter namhaensis SO89, as a probiotic in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets.

Marine environment represents a promising source of new, unconventional bioactive compounds with health-promoting abilities, which can be used as food supplements. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of marine Psychrobacter namhaensis SO89 on growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). P. namhaensis were isolated from marine environments and phylogenetically identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences. The bacterial isolate was incorporated in Nile tilapia diets (30% crude protein) at three concentrations (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0%; w/w) (designated as T0, T0.5 and T1, respectively), which were equivalent to 0.0, 2.8 × 107 and 5.6 × 107 CFU g-1 diet, respectively. The diets were fed to Nile tilapia fingerlings (4.58 ± 0.14 g average weight) at a daily rate of 3% of their live body weights (BW), 3 times a day for 50 days. The best growth rates and feed utilization efficiency were obtained at 0.5% P. namhaensis SO89 concentration. Hematocrit (Ht%), hemoglobin (Hb%), erythrocytes (RBC) and total leukocyte (WBCs) values were significantly higher in P. namhaensis SO89- fed groups than in the control group. Similarly, immunoglobulin M (IgM), alternative complement hemolysis (ACH50), phagocytic and lysozyme activities significantly increased following dietary P. namhaensis SO89 supplementation at 0.5% concentration compared to the control group. The expression of IL-4 and IL-12 genes was also significantly up-regulated in P. namhaensis SO89-treated groups up to 0.5% concentration. Increasing bacterial concentration to 1% resulted in a significant decrease in fish performance and immune response. The present results suggest that marine psychrotolerant (Psychrobacter namhaensis) can be considered as a novel feed additive in Nile tilapia feeds.

[Malignant infantile osteopetrosis revealed by choanal atresia: A case report]. / Ostéopétrose maligne infantile révélée par une atrésie des choanes : à propos d'un cas.

Malignant infantile osteopetrosis is a rare genetic disease characterized by increased bone density due to osteoclastic dysfunction. We report on the case of a 3-month-old girl who was referred to our hospital by the ENT department for severe anemia in the context of bilateral choanal atresia. Clinical examination showed failure to thrive, anemia, respiratory distress, bilateral choanal atresia, and chest deformation. The abdomen was soft with large hepatosplenomegaly. We noted a lack of eye tracking, no optical-visual reflexes, and left nerve facial paralysis. The blood count showed normocytic normochromic anemia with severe thrombocytopenia. The infectious work-up and blood smears were negative. The skeleton X-ray showed diffuse bone densification of the skull, long bones, pelvis, vertebrae, and ribs. The facial bone CT confirmed membranous choanal atresia. The molecular biology search for the TCIRG1 gene mutation was not available. The patient had supportive treatment (transfusion, oral steroid, vitamin D, oxygen, nutrition). Bone marrow transplantation was indicated but not available. She died at 6 months in a context of severe anemia and bleeding. Malignant infantile osteopetrosis is rare and symptoms are nonspecific. Diagnosis should be considered in young infants presenting refractory anemia, particularly in the context of choanal atresia. Bone marrow transplantation remains the only curative treatment.

Effects of vitamin E, age and sex on performance of Japanese quail. 1. Haematological indices and liver function.

1. A trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary vitamin E content, age and sex on haematological indices and liver enzymes of Japanese quails. A total of 800 1-d-old quail chicks were assigned at random into 4 equal groups and fed on starter and layer diets containing 0, 1, 5 or 10 times the NRC recommended supplements of vitamin E. No selenium was added to the basal deficient diets; the other diets were supplied with 0.2 mg selenium/kg diet. 2. The investigation covered the age span of 3 to 12 weeks in female and male birds. Blood samples were collected at 3-week intervals and tested for haematological indices (erythrocyte count; leucocyte count; susceptibility of erythrocytes to haemolysis; haemoglobin concentration (Hb); packed cell volume (PCV); and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase, AST, and glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px). 3. The significant differences between the 4 dietary treatments indicated that as the levels of selenium and/or vitamin E increased, the percentage of erythrocytes haemolysed and AST activity decreased, whereas Hb and GSH-Px concentrations increased. 4. Differences between age groups showed that older quails had higher erythrocyte susceptibility to haemolysis, higher AST levels and but lower erythrocyte count and PCV. 5. Females had lower erythrocyte haemolysis and higher Hb concentrations than males. 6. The interaction between dietary groups and age groups revealed that the differences between age groups were reduced as the level of selenium and/or vitamin E increased, leading to similar group means over the age period of study. 7. In conclusion, NRC recommended supplements of vitamin E (12 and 25 mg/kg diet) were not adequate. Doses equal to, at least, 5 times that recommended were advised to improve GSH-Px (index of antioxidant status) and Hb concentrations.

Anaemia among young male workers in Alexandria, Egypt.

In a cross-sectional survey, we investigated exposure to and the presence of factors associated with anaemia, such as socioeconomic conditions, dietary habits, intestinal parasitic infections and lead among 355 young male workers (7-19 years of age) employed in private workshops. Of the total study sample, 44.5% (158 participants) were found to be anaemic. The major risk factors for anaemia were multiple parasitic infection, high intensity of parasitic (Ascaris lumbricoides) infection and drinking tea soon after a meal. A significantly lower prevalence of anaemia was noted after Ramadan; it appeared to be the main factor associated with the presence or absence of anaemia and warrants further attention.

Bone mineral density in prepubertal children with beta-thalassemia: correlation with growth and hormonal data.

Patients with beta-thalassemia major (beta-thalassemia) frequently have bone disorders of multifactorial etiology. We attempted to analyze the relationship between the bone mineral density ([BMD] measured by dual-photon absorptiometry) and auxanologic parameters, degree of siderosis, function of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) axis, calcium-phosphate balance, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and cytokines (interleukin-1beta [IL-1] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) in 30 prepubertal children with beta-thalassemia major and 15 age-matched children with constitutional short stature (CSS), who have normal glucose tolerance and thyroid function. Children with beta-thalassemia had a significantly decreased BMD and mean BMD% for age and sex (0.75+/-0.24 g/cm2 and 71%+/-10%, respectively) versus children with CSS (1.06+/-0.3 g/cm2 and 92%+/-7%, respectively). Thalassemic patients had significantly lower circulating concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP3 (49+/-21 ng/mL and 1.2+/-0.25 mg/L, respectively) compared with control children (153+/-42 ng/mL and 2.1+/-0.37 mg/L, respectively). The GH response to provocation by clonidine and glucagon was defective (peak GH < 7 microg/L) in 12 of the 30 thalassemic children. Serum concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha did not differ among the two study groups. Hypocalcemia was detected in five of the 30 thalassemic patients: hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed in two of the five and rickets in the other three. BMD was highly correlated with the circulating concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP3, as well as with the auxanologic parameters (age, weight, height, height standard deviation score [HSDS], and body mass index [BMI]). It is suggested that increasing the circulating IGF-I concentration through aggressive nutritional therapy and/or GH/IGF-I therapy with supplementation with vitamin D and/or calcium might improve bone growth and mineralization and prevent the development of osteoporosis and consequent fractures in these patients. Such therapy requires blinded controlled trials.

An epidemiological and biochemical study on osteomalacia among pregnant women in Egypt.

230 pregnant women of low socio-economic standard were studied regarding the nutritional status and state of calcium and bone mineralization, social, environmental, dietary and biological factors of the women were also investigated to determine their possible role in such state. Results revealed a low nutritional status associated with biochemical abnormality denoting an impaired calcium state and defective bone mineralization. The low intake of available calcium and lack or inefficient supplements are suggested to be the main factors in causing the low state of calcium.