The Effects of Nano and Micro Particle Size of Zinc Oxide on Performance, Fertility, Hatchability, and Egg Quality Characteristics in Laying Japanese Quail.

The current trial was conducted by using the 288 Japanese quails to evaluate the effects of a zinc-deficient diet supplemented with nano and micro zinc oxide on performance, fertility, hatchability, and egg quality characteristics. In this experiment, birds were randomly allocated to 9 dietary treatments includes diets supplemented with nano or micro particles of zinc oxide (amount of ZnO supplement for each treatment) to supply 49, 74, 99, and 124 mg zinc per kilogram of diet in a factorial arrangement (2 × 4) and a control non supplemented diet (24 mg/kg) with four replicates of eight birds (six females and two males) in each pen. Birds were fed the experimental diets from 47 to 75 days of age and had free access to water and feed during the experimental period. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of particle size, improved the eggshell thickness (P < 0.01). A significant (P < 0.05) interaction was observed between zinc level and ZnO particle size for Shell breaking strength. Quails fed diets supplement with ZnO showed significantly higher egg weight and eggshell surface (P < 0.05) as compared with birds fed a non-supplemented control diet. Results obtained here showed that supplementation of nano ZnO enhanced fertility considerably. Application of non-linear quadratic models showed that the maximum egg production percentage was achieved when 67 or 72 mg/kg of dietary zinc was supplied from nano and micro ZnO, respectively. This result indicated that nano ZnO could reduce the zinc requirement in laying Japanese quail.

A comparison effects of l-citrulline and l-arginine against cyclosporine-induced blood pressure and biochemical changes in the rats / Comparación de los efectos de L-citrulina y L-arginina frente a la presión arterial inducida por ciclosporina y los cambios bioquímicos en ratas

Objective: The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) is associated with different adverse effects including hypertension and nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of l-arginine & l-citrulline on CsA-induced blood pressure and biochemical changes in the serum of rats. Methods: Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups received daily: (1) 1ml distilled water, (2) 200mg/kg l-citrulline IP, (3) 25mg/kg CsA SC, (4) CsA+l-citrulline with the same dose of the former groups, (5) 200mg/kg l-arginine IP and (6) l-arginie+CsA with the same doses of group 4 for 7 days. Results: The changes in the blood pressure, heart rate, creatinine, BUN, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) of the serum were determined in the treated animals. Significant (p<0.001) increase was shown in the blood pressure and heart rate of CsA treated rats compared to the control group. There were also a significant (p<0.05) increase in the creatinine, BUN and glucose, but a decrease in the CRP value in the CsA-treated group. However, l-citrulline significantly (p<0.001) inhibited the changes in the blood pressure and heart rate in CsA-treated as well as it was able to reduce blood pressure in non-treated group significantly (p<0.01). l-citrulline also inhibited the increased levels of BUN and creatinine induced by CsA, while, l-arginine was able to prevent the increased blood pressure and creatinine occurs after administration of CsA. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the l-citrulline is more efficient than l-arginine against the adverse effects induced by cyclosporine. (AU)

Objetivo: El uso de ciclosporina A (CsA) está asociado a diferentes efectos adversos que incluyen hipertensión y nefrotoxicidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar los efectos inhibitorios de L-arginina y L-citrulina en la presión arterial inducida por CsA, y los cambios bioquímicos a nivel sérico en ratas. Métodos: Se dividieron 36 ratas en 6 grupos, que recibieron diariamente: 1) 1ml de agua destilada, 2) 200mg/kg de L-citrulina IP, 3) 25mg/kg de CsA SC, 4) la misma dosificación que los grupos anteriores de CsA+L-citrulina, 5) 200mg/kg de L-arginina IP y 6) la misma dosificación que el grupo 4 durante 7 días de L-arginina+CsA. Resultados: Se determinaron los cambios de presión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca, creatinina, BUN, glucosa y proteína C reactiva (PCR) a nivel sérico, en los animales tratados. Se observó un incremento significativo (p<0,001) de presión arterial y frecuencia cardiaca en las ratas tratadas con CsA en comparación con el grupo control. También se produjo un incremento significativo (p<0,05) de los niveles de creatinina, BUN y glucosa, y una reducción del valor de PCR en el grupo tratado con CsA. Sin embargo, L-citrulina inhibió significativamente (p<0,001) los cambios de presión arterial y frecuencia cardiaca en las ratas tratadas con CsA, y también pudo reducir la presión arterial de manera considerable en el grupo no tratado (p<0,01). L-citrulina inhibió también los niveles incrementados de BUN y creatinina inducidos por CsA, y L-arginina fue capaz de impedir la incidencia del incremento de presión arterial y creatinina tras la administración de CsA. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos sugieren que L-citrulina es más efectiva que L-arginina frente a los efectos adversos inducidos por ciclosporina. (AU)

A comparison effects of l-citrulline and l-arginine against cyclosporine-induced blood pressure and biochemical changes in the rats.

OBJECTIVE: The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) is associated with different adverse effects including hypertension and nephrotoxicity. The present study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of l-arginine &l-citrulline on CsA-induced blood pressure and biochemical changes in the serum of rats. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups received daily: (1) 1ml distilled water, (2) 200mg/kg l-citrulline IP, (3) 25mg/kg CsA SC, (4) CsA+l-citrulline with the same dose of the former groups, (5) 200mg/kg l-arginine IP and (6) l-arginie+CsA with the same doses of group 4 for 7 days. RESULTS: The changes in the blood pressure, heart rate, creatinine, BUN, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP) of the serum were determined in the treated animals. Significant (p<0.001) increase was shown in the blood pressure and heart rate of CsA treated rats compared to the control group. There were also a significant (p<0.05) increase in the creatinine, BUN and glucose, but a decrease in the CRP value in the CsA-treated group. However, l-citrulline significantly (p<0.001) inhibited the changes in the blood pressure and heart rate in CsA-treated as well as it was able to reduce blood pressure in non-treated group significantly (p<0.01). l-citrulline also inhibited the increased levels of BUN and creatinine induced by CsA, while, l-arginine was able to prevent the increased blood pressure and creatinine occurs after administration of CsA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the l-citrulline is more efficient than l-arginine against the adverse effects induced by cyclosporine.

Effects of Naringenin on Experimentally Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wistar Rats.

Naringenin is one of the most important and abundant known flavonoids found in grapefruit and other citrus fruits. This experimental study aimed to assess the clinical effects and immune responses of naringenin in the animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to various reports on its anti-inflammatory effects and modulation of the immune system. To this end, 40 Wistar rats in the weight range of 160-180g were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10) including healthy, control, naringenin, and methotrexate orally treated groups. To induce RA disease, a compound of 200 µl of Freund's adjuvant and collagen type II was injected subcutaneously into the rear footpads of rats. The severity of RA clinical signs was assessed based on a standard scoring method. The treatment lasted for three weeks (days7-28 after induction). The obtained data pointed out that the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, IL-17, and IFN-γ cytokines significantly increased in the RA rats, while the level of their serum antioxidants significantly reduced, compared to the healthy rats. The inflammation of the paws and the level of CRP decreased similarly in both methotrexate and naringenin-treated groups. In the naringenin-treated group, a further decrease was detected in serum myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and the total antioxidant capacity occurred, as compared to the methotrexate-treated rats. Nonetheless, IL-17 and IFN-γ cytokines levels were further decreased in the methotrexate-treated group. Accordingly, it can be concluded that naringenin can be effectively used for the reduction of inflammatory effects and control of RA disease.

Effects of fermented cottonseed meal on the growth performance, gastrointestinal microflora population and small intestinal morphology in broiler chickens.

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing dietary cottonseed meal (CSM) or fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) for soya bean meal (SBM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, gastrointestinal microbial populations, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. 2. CSM was fermented with Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and A. oryzae for 7 d. A total of 300 one-d-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were used in a 42-d experiment in which the birds were randomly allotted to one of 5 dietary treatments (containing 0%, 10% and 20% CSM or FCSM) in a completely randomised design. Birds were reared on litter floor and had free access to feed and water during the experiment. 3. Results indicated that the fermentation process significantly reduced crude fibre and free gossypol, while it increased crude protein content and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in CSM. 4. The use of FCSM instead of CSM significantly improved growth performance of broilers. The abdominal fat yield in treatments containing FCSM was significantly lower than in the other treatments. The increase in the population of LAB in the crop and decrease in the population of coliforms in the ileum of birds fed on diets containing FCSM were more significant than in other birds. Villi in the duodenum and jejunum of the birds fed on diets containing FCSM were significantly higher than for the other experimental groups. 5. The positive effects of diets containing FCSM on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens showed that this processed source of protein can serve as an appropriate alternative for SBM in diets for broiler chickens.

Improvements in semen quality, sperm fatty acids, and reproductive performance in aged Cobb 500 breeder roosters fed diets containing dried ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale).

Exposure to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid predisposes spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation, resulting in their decreased fertility. Ginger powder (GP), which is high in antioxidative compounds, was fed to aged breeder roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Seventy-five 52-wk-old Cobb 500 breeder roosters randomly received either 0 (GP0), 15 (GP15), or 30 (GP30) g of GP/kg of diet for 14 consecutive wk, during which time their seminal characteristics were evaluated every 2 wk. At the end of the trial, semen samples were tested for determination of sperm fatty acid (FA) concentration and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, sperm penetration was assayed, and using 225 artificially inseminated hens, fertility and hatchability rates were determined. Dietary GP improved sperm forward motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity. These were associated with a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm. The seminal TBA reactive species concentration was lower in birds belonging to the GP30 treatment in comparison with those in the GP15 and GP0 treatments. The feeding of GP resulted in overall decreases and increases in sperm saturated and unsaturated FA, respectively. The n-6:n-3 FA ratio of sperm was decreased in the GP30 group in comparison with controls. The highest levels of sperm C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) FA were recorded in the GP15 and GP30 treatments, respectively. A higher percentage of sperm C22:4(n-6) FA was found in GP-fed roosters. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity was considerably improved by the GP15 and GP30 treatments. Further, a higher number of perivitelline membrane sperm penetration holes was recorded for the GP30 treatment in comparison with the GP15 and GP0 treatments. Interestingly, although hatchability, chick quality, and embryonic mortality were not affected by dietary treatment, fertility rate was improved by the feeding of GP. In conclusion, dietary GP improved most of the seminal characteristics evaluated in aged roosters of this study, suggesting that it has potential for use in attenuating age-related subfertility in senescent male commercial broiler breeders.

Prestorage in ovo injection of biological buffers: an approach to improve hatchability in long-term stored eggs.

A hypothesis was tested that the in ovo injection of biological buffers may reinforce the buffering capacity of albumen, thereby withstanding the increase in albumen pH during storage and improving hatchability and chick quality in long-term stored eggs. Hatching eggs (n = 2,420) were randomly assigned to 11 treatment groups (4 replicates of 55 eggs each) and injected (d 1) with distilled water, 25 or 50 mM HEPES (H25 and H50), Bicine (B25 and B50), Tris (T25 and T50), and Bis-Tris-propane (BTP25 and BTP50) solutions or were not injected (intact: control; or pricked with a needle: N). The eggs were then stored for 14 d during which the egg internal characteristics were evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 13 d of storage (n = 924 in total) and the remaining eggs (n = 1,496) were incubated. A decrease in albumen pH was found for H25, H50, B50, and BTP25 groups from 2 through 5 d postinjection. Eggs receiving H25, H50, and B50 recorded a higher albumen index (at 13 d of storage) and Haugh unit (between 8 and 13 d of storage) compared with the control. Interestingly, the hatchability of fertile eggs was influenced by the treatment effect (P = 0.0001) where the eggs receiving H25 (88.3%), H50 (88.9%), B50 (88.4%), and BTP25 (87.6%) recorded higher values than that of control (82.1%), associated with a decreased early embryonic mortality rate (P < 0.0001). In ovo injection of Tris buffer, however, profoundly decreased the hatchability (47.2 and 29.0% for T25 and T50, respectively) and percentage of first-grade chicks (67.5 and 63.6% for T25 and T50, respectively) compared with the control (90.1%). In conclusion, prestorage in ovo injection of H25, H50, B50, and BTP25 improved hatchability in long-term stored eggs in which a decreased albumen pH during the d 2 through 5 of storage period might be involved.

Oral exposure of broiler breeder hens to extra thyroxine modulates early adaptive immune responses in progeny chicks.

Based on the findings of a recent study suggesting a decreased cold-induced ascites incidence in broiler progeny from hyperthyroid (HYPER) breeder hens, and a controversy on the effects of hyperthyroidism on immunocompetence, the present study was conducted to determine the probable adverse effect of induced maternal hyperthyroidism on immune function in progeny chicks. Breeder hens (n = 88) were randomly allotted to the control or HYPER groups and received common or thyroxine (T4)-added (1 mg/L) water, respectively. The hens were artificially inseminated, and hatching eggs (n = 924) were incubated. Thereafter, the male hatchlings (n = 288) were reared for 42 d, and several cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated at standard or low ambient temperature. Prevaccination antibody titers to Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and infectious bursal disease virus were higher in HYPER chicks during 1 wk of age, although not different in their dams. For primary response to SRBC administered at 7 d of age, HYPER chicks recorded higher total, IgM (d 14), and IgG (d 21) anti-SRBC antibody titers. Higher cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity response in HYPER chicks (d 10) was not observed at 35 d of age. Carbon clearance assay showed no difference, but in vitro lymphoproliferative response to concanavalin A was higher in 19-d-old HYPER chicks, independent of temperature treatment. An increase in lymphocyte percentage coincided with a decreased heterophil percentage and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (d 14) in the HYPER group. The weight of lymphoid organs in progeny was not influenced by the oral exposure of dams to extra T4. Independent of T4 treatment, cold exposure was generally associated with decreased immune functions at early stages. The data suggested that oral exposure of broiler breeder hens to 1 mg/L of T4 not only had no adverse effect on immune function, but also modulated early adaptive immune responses in progeny chicks for which the causal mechanisms remain to be unraveled.

Epigenetic modification: possible approach to reduce Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis susceptibility under stress conditions.

Stressors may influence chicken susceptibility to pathogens such as Salmonella enterica. Feed withdrawal stress can cause changes in normal intestinal epithelial structure and may lead to increased attachment and colonization of Salmonella. This study aimed to investigate modulatory effects of epigenetic modification by feed restriction on S. enterica serovar Enteritidis colonization in broiler chickens subjected to feed withdrawal stress. Chicks were divided into four groups: ad libitum feeding; ad libitum feeding with 24-h feed withdrawal on day 42; 60% feed restriction on days 4, 5, and 6; and 60% feed restriction on days 4, 5, and 6 with 24-h feed withdrawal on day 42. Attachment of S. Enteritidis to ileal tissue was determined using an ex vivo ileal loop assay, and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression was evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. Feed withdrawal stress increased S. Enteritidis attachment to ileal tissue. However, following feed withdrawal the epigenetically modified chickens had significantly lower attachment of S. Enteritidis than their control counterparts. A similar trend with a very positive correlation was observed for Hsp70 expression. It appears that epigenetic modification can enhance resistance to S. Enteritidis colonization later in life in chickens under stress conditions. The underlying mechanism could be associated with the lower Hsp70 expression in the epigenetically modified chickens.

Mycophenolate mofetil dose reduction in renal transplant recipients: a 5-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressant that is widely used in renal transplantation, is associated with several dose-dependent hematologic and gastrointestinal side effects that may require dose reduction or even discontinuation. The aim of this study was to compare renal allograft function and acute rejection episodes among kidney allograft recipients who were on 2 regimens of MMF for at least 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort of 55 kidney allograft recipients was followed for deterioration of allograft function, evidence of acute rejection, and allograft survival. Twenty-two patients (40%) underwent MMF dose reduction to 1.35 to 0.23 g/d due to perceived side effects or economic reasons (group 1). The mean time for this change was 4.2 +/- 2.1 months after kidney transplantation. The remaining patients (group 2, n = 33) were continued on MMF (2 g/d). All patients were followed for at least 5 years after transplantation. Renal function tests (blood urea and serum creatinine) were measured monthly for 2 years and then every 2 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.0 (Student t test). P .05); mean serum creatinine values were 1.32 +/- 0.14 and 1.38 +/- 0.21 mg/dL, respectively (P > .05). There were 2 graft losses and 1 patient loss in group 2. There were also 2 graft losses among group 1 patients. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that MMF dose reduction was not associated with an increased risk of acute renal allograft rejection or impaired allograft function at 5 years.

Bone mineral density in Iranian adolescents and young adults with beta-thalassemia major.

The authors investigated the prevalence of low bone mass in patients from Tehran, Iran, with beta-thalassemia major (n = 203), aged 10-20 years, and the potential risk factors for osteoporosis in this patient population. Prevalence of osteoporosis was 50.7% in lumbar spine, 10.8% in femur, and 7.9% in both regions with no significant difference between the two genders. The following factors were associated with low BMD: height for age and weight for age below 3rd percentile, delayed puberty or hypogonadism, age when Desferal (for iron chelation) was started, duration of Desferal therapy, and serum zinc. Low serum copper and 25(OH)D were not associated with low BMD.

Severity of walnut anthracnose and its relatively resistant in Iran.

Walnut black spot or Anthracnose has been a destructive disease of Juglans in Iran mainly northwest of the country. Current situation of the disease was studied in various regions including Qazvin, Zanjan, Hamedan and East Azarbyjan provinces during 1999 to 2002. Infected samples such as leaves, fruits and foliage were collected and cultured in PDA, CMA and NA media after surface sterilization with sodium hypochlorite. Morphological characteristics and asexual reproduction of isolated pathogen showed that the fungal causal agent was Marssonina jglandis (Lib) Magn. which perfect stage was Gnomonia leptostyla (Fr). The disease was severing under studied areas, especially when it was rainy and humidity. Virulence of the disease caused major defoliation in some walnut trees infected to anthracnose disease. So, investigation showed that the collecting or burning infected leaves and fruits under trees could reduce severity of disease. Study also resulted there was a resistant variety around the Qazvin province traditionally called "Alamoty" which had not any anthracnose infection in natural condition. The result of experimental work with inoculation of different walnut clones by spore suspension (10(5)) in glasshouse has also indicated that this original clone was more resistant than others to anthracnose disease. Alamoty clone had favorite yield production and some trees presented more than 250 years old in Iran.

The study of type 1 allergy prevalence among people of South-East of iran by skin prick test using common allergens.

The prevalence of allergic disorders has increased markedly throughout the world over the past three decades. It seems probable that the increased prevalence is real because longitudinal studies have shown a rapid exponential increase in allergic disorders. In order to determine the prevalence of type 1 allergy in patients with allergic disorders in Sistan-Blouchestan province, in the Southeast of Iran, patients referred to Immunology and Allergy Medical Center of Khatam Hospital during a 7-year period were studied. One thousand two hundred and eighty-six patients (554 males and 732 females), aged 2-79 years, had allergic disorders. The most frequent allergic disease was rhinitis, seen in 959 patients ( 74.57%). Also, 939 patients had a history of sinusitis (73.02%). Among the skin prick test(SPT)-positive patients, a positive prick test reaction to the house dust mites (89.74%), feathers (70.29%), and Aspergillus (65.08%) was most common, followed by Alternaria (57.39%), Cladosporium (47.12%), grasses (43.39%), trees (41.29%), Penicillium (39.19%), fruits (38.41%), and weeds (32.50%). Also, 30.33% of the subjects were sensitized to Hen's egg in the prick test, walnut (29.16%), cow's milk (21.46%), beef meat (19.21%), and hazel-nut (15.32%) accounting for other positive reactions. The prevalence of SPT-positive to common allergens is high among Iranian patients with allergic disorders. So, it should be recognized in the diagnosis of allergic diseases as well as in allergen-reduction programs.