Plasma activated water effects on behavior, performance, carcass quality, biochemical changes, and histopathological alterations in quail.

BACKGROUND: Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an innovative promising technology which could be applied to improve poultry health. The current study investigated the effects of drinking water supply with PAW on quail behaviour, performance, biochemical parameters, carcass quality, intestinal microbial populations, and internal organs histopathology. A total of 54 twenty-one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly allotted to three treatments provided with PAW at doses 0, 1 ml (PAW-1), and 2 ml (PAW-2) per one litter drinking water. Each treatment contained 6 replicates (3 birds/ cage; one male and two females). RESULTS: The results clarified that there were no significant (P > 0.05) changes in behaviour, and performance. For the biochemical indicators, the PAW-1 group showed significantly higher serum H2O2, total protein and globulin levels compared with the other groups (P = 0.015, < 0.001, and 0.019; respectively). PAW groups had significantly lower serum creatinine and urea levels than the control (P = 0.003). For the carcass quality, the internal organs relative weight between different treatments was not changed. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the meat colour, taste, and overall acceptance scores in PAW groups compared with the control one (P = 0.013, 0.001, and < 0.001; respectively). For the intestinal microbial population, lactobacilli count was significantly higher in PAW-2 compared with the control group (P = 0.014), while there were no changes in the total bacterial count between different treatment groups. Moreover, mild histological changes were recorded in the intestine, liver, and spleen of PAW groups especially PAW-2 compared with the control one. CONCLUSIONS: PAW offered benefits, such as reducing creatine and urea levels, improving meat characteristics, and increasing lactobacilli count, all of which are crucial for sustainable quail farming. Therefore, further research is needed.

Neurobehavioral toxicity of Cold plasma activated water following oral gavage in mice.

Cold plasma-activated water (PAW) is a novel technology that was recently used in biomedical research; Despite its potential, PAW's safety remains inadequately assessed. The study explores the impact of PAW on behavioral responses and brain tissue histopathology in mice. Ten-week-old female albino mice were divided into three groups each containing 10 mice (5 replicates, 2 mice/cage) and received either distilled water (DW), or distilled water exposed to cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for 3 min (PAW-3), or 15 min (PAW-15) by oral gavage in a dose of 200 µL/mice (3 times/week) for four weeks. PAW exhibited altered physicochemical properties compared to DW. Mice exposed to PAW demonstrated reduced burrowing activity, marble burying ability, and novel object recognition compared to controls, indicating potential neurobehavioral alterations. PAW-treated groups displayed notable histological lesions in brain tissues, including nerve cell necrosis, vascular congestion, and Purkinje cell degeneration, confirming neurotoxic effects. Positive reactions for NF-κB and iNOS in brain tissues of PAW-treated mice corroborated the histopathological findings, suggesting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The study highlights the need for further investigation into PAW's safety profile and optimal treatment protocols to mitigate potential neurobehavioral toxicity in biomedical research.

Deleterious effects of polypropylene released from paper cups on blood profile and liver tissue of Clarias gariepinus: bioremediation using Spirulina.

Despite numerous studies on microplastics, the biological impacts of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) and its toxicity on freshwater fish have yet to be fully revealed. The purpose of this research was to look at the potentially harmful effects of PP-MPs in freshwater African catfish Clarias gariepinus and bioremediation using Spirulina. After acclimatization to laboratory conditions, 108 fish (125 ± 3 gm and 27 ± 2 cm) were assigned into triplicate six experimental groups (12 fish/group), a control group, Spirulina group (SP), PP-MP-treated groups (0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs), and PP-MP + Spirulina-treated groups (0.14 mg/l PP-MPs + 200 mg/L SP and 0.28 mg/l PP-MPs +200 mg/L SP) for 15-day exposure and 45-day recovery after that. The hematological parameters exhibiting significance (RBCs, Hct, Hb, and MCV) or non-significance (MCH and MCHC) either decreased with the increase in PP-MP doses from 0.0 in the control to 0.28 mg/L red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets or increased with such an increase in doses (mean corpuscular volume (MCV)). The liver enzyme activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exhibited non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) or significant (p < 0.05) increases in (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) PP-MP-exposed groups, respectively, except ALP. Furthermore, there was a significant (p < 0.05) or non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) increase in 0.14 and 0.28 mg/l PP-MP +200 mg/L-exposure groups, respectively, compared to the control group and the same exposure group without Spirulina. In comparison to the control group, PP-MPs (0.14 and 0.28 mg/L) induced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs. The liver tissue from fish exposed to PP-MPs exhibited varying degrees of pathological changes. These results indicated that these pathological changes increased with PP-MP concentration, suggesting that the effect of PP-MPs was dose-dependent. After 45 days of recovery under normal conditions, it was obvious that there was a significant improvement in the percentage of poikilocytosis and nuclear abnormalities of RBCs, as well as a non-significant improvement in hemato-biochemical parameters and liver tissue.

Reproductive Toxicity and Recovery Associated With 4-Non-ylphenol Exposure in Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias garepinus).

Although, the effects of 4-non-ylphenol (4-NP) on fish's reproductive hormones were assessed in several studies using adult models, however, the effect of this endocrine disruptor on immature fish's reproductive hormones was not addressed commonly. We aimed to study the apoptosis induction, hematotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and the recovery associated with 4-NP exposure in juvenile African catfish [Clarias garepinus) using some hormones [17ß-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)] and gonad histology as biomarkers. The toxic effects of 4-NP have been studied in many animal models, but there is still limited knowledge about the dose-dependent damage caused by 4-NP exposure in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. A healthy juvenile C. gariepinus was categorized into four groups (n = 3/group; three replicates in each group). The first group was the control, and the other three groups were subjected to 4-NP concentrations as 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/L for 15 days; they were left for a recovery period of another 15 days. The reproductive hormones of C. gariepinus exposed to 4-NP for 15 days exhibited significant variations between the treatment groups and the control (P < 0.05), which were evident in E2 and T-values, whereas FSH, LH, total protein, and lipid peroxidation values showed non-significant differences among all groups at P < 0.05. Such a situation referred to the fact that the 15-day recovery period was insufficient to remove the impacts of 4-NP doses in concern. The trend of dose-dependent increase/decrease was recorded for T, E2, FSH, and LH. The histopathological alterations of 4-NP treated in gonad tissues were recorded in juvenile C. gariepinus, reflecting their sensitivity to 4-NP estrogenic-like effects. Overall, our results investigate that recovery has improved the reproductive toxicity caused by 4-NP in juvenile C. garepinus. Significant variations between the treated groups and the control group (P < 0.05) were evident in hematological parameters except for hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The parameters exhibiting significance decreased with such increased doses [red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), and white blood cells (WBCs)]. Similar patterns of significant variations toward the increase or decrease were recorded following the 15-day recovery period. Apoptotic frequency in erythrocytes and brain cells has increased significantly with increased 4-NP exposure, indicating that 4-NP caused cytotoxic effects, such as apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. However, these cellular alterations greatly decreased after the 15-day recovery period.

Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus).

This study described the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with special regard to its efficiency and welfare impacts. The study was conducted on twelve adult male donkeys, allocated randomly into two groups; subcapsular castration (SC) and open castration (OC) groups, whether the donkeys were subjected to surgical castration either by subcapsular or open castration techniques, respectively. Testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before and after castration. Pain-associated behavioral activities were recorded post-castration. The SC was successfully performed in donkeys through a single paramedian scrotal incision. The SC was efficient as OC in reducing testosterone levels. The pain score decreased in the SC compared to the OC over time. The SC was an efficient and reliable technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with minimal postoperative complications and care and good cosmetic, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. It can be an alternative to other castration techniques in equines.

Broiler welfare is preserved by long-term low-dose oral exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles: preliminary study.

The potential public health risk through utilizing of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in food constitutes the major obstacle to the expansion of nanoparticle (NP) in food industry. Liver histology, bone marrow and liver genotoxicity, immunity, and oxidant status were investigated upon long-term ZnO NPs feed supplementation. One hundred and sixty male IR (Indian River) chicks were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments: control, ZnO NPs at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg for 42 days. This study revealed non-significant hepatic histopathological alterations and DNA damage and the treatment had no influence on body and organ weights, liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation (MDA), IgG, IgM, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). This study suggests that low-dose (< 40 mg/kg diet) long-term ZnO NPs supplementation to broiler chicks has no observed potential adverse effects on normal histology of the liver, blood physiology, immune system, and DNA damage of liver and bone marrows, which are critical features for validating ZnO NPs for use in food. Further studies are required to evaluate the probable withdrawal period of ZnO NPs before approval as a dietary supplement in broiler or livestock diets.

Systematic Review Protocol for the Current State of Chemical Exposure in Infants via Breast Milk, Artificial Milk and Dairy Products.

Many studies have shown that human breast milk is contaminated with various chemicals. In the proposed systematic review, the aim is to identify and summarize the available literature regarding chemical exposure via breastfeeding or the feeding of artificial formula. MEDLINE (PubMed) will be the primary source in this literature search. Primary studies that analyzed one or more chemicals of interest in breast milk or artificial milk and that reported information on concentrations will be eligible for this review. Conference abstracts will not be included in the review unless access to the data is easy. First, the titles and abstracts of identified articles will be screened by two or more researchers. Then, a full-text review will be conducted to extract data from the included articles and code them for classification. The results of the search and classification will be summarized narratively and bibliometrically. The aim of the review is to analyze trends in publications according to year and region from the viewpoint of target chemicals, location, range of concentrations, and health outcomes.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles prevent multidrug resistant Staphylococcus-induced footpad dermatitis in broilers.

The current experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) on some behavioural, performance, welfare and histopathological changes in broilers exposed to multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced footpad dermatitis (FPD). Eighty-four male Indian River (IR) broilers were randomly allotted to six different dietary treatments as follows: C-ve, C+ve, 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm ZONPs from 7 to 49d of age. At day 28, broilers (n = 70) were sub-cutaneously injected with 0.5 ml of saline containing 5.3 × 107 CFU/ml of S. aureus (MRSA) in each metatarsal foot pad. Control (non-infected) broilers were given 0.5 ml of saline (n = 14). Results clarified that non-infected birds and ZONPs-fed birds had significantly higher standing and feeding activities and lower resting activities in comparison with the infected group. Also, the S. aureus infected group had significantly lower body weight gain (BWG) and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the non-infected group. In addition, the non-infected birds and ZONPs groups had significantly lower object crossing and tonic immobility times (TI) and gait scores (GS) in comparison with the S. aureus group. Only ZONPs 30, 40 ppm and non-infected groups had a significantly higher latency to lie time (LLT) and lower serum cortisol level in comparison with the S. aureus group. Moreover, there were significant changes in the gross lesion score and histopathological lesions between the different groups. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of ZONPs can reduce S. aureus-induced negative effects of FPD in broilers.

Comparative study of two carnivorous fish (Parupeneus forsskali and Thalassoma klunzingeri) from the Red Sea: Hemato-biochemical parameters and cellular characterization.

Although, the Red sea is highly rich with fish fauna but still the information known is so limited for the researchers especially about the fish physiology baselines. So, in the present study we investigated the heamto-biochemical parameters and cell characterization of two fish having the same feeding habitats. Fish specimens of Red Sea goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali) and Klunzinger's wrasse (Thalassoma klunzingeri) were captured from Hurghada, Egypt. Haematological and biochemical analysis as well as blood cells characterization were performed. The morphological and cytochemical aspects of peripheral blood cells of the two species were studied by light microscopy. Thalassoma klunzingeri showed lower Hct and Hb values and RBCs count. Fusiform to spindle shape thrombocytes were found only in the blood of Parupeneus forsskali while spiked thrombocytes were found only in the blood of Thalassoma klunzingeri. This investigation may be helpful as a tool to monitor the health status of the two species and will be used as biomarkers for clinical pathology.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on broilers' performance and health status.

The current study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs) and oxytetracycline (OTC) supplementation on broilers' behavior, performance, carcass quality, biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbial populations and birds' response to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. A total of 336 seven-day-old IR broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm ZONPs or 50 ppm OTC. Each diet was fed to 7 replicates (8 birds/pen). The results clarified that 10 ppm ZONPs significantly improved the body weight gain and feed conversion in comparison to the control. No changes in behavior were recorded. The 10 ppm and 30 ppm ZONPs and OTC significantly reduced the gizzard weight in comparison to the control. While, 10 ppm ZONPs significantly increased the spleen weight, and all ZONPs doses increased bursa weight in comparison to the control and OTC groups. 20 ppm ZONPs increased the eviscerated yield and edible yield in comparison to the control and OTC groups. 40 ppm ZONPs increased pH, reduced meat color and overall acceptability in comparison to the control. In addition, results revealed that the 20 ppm ZONPs increased Calcium (Ca), High density low cholesterol (HDL-C), reduced urea (UA) and triglyceride (TG). Also, 40 ppm ZONPs and OTC increased creatinine (Cr) and reduced ND-HI titer in comparison to the control. For microbial population, OTC group was significantly lower than ZONPs groups in the total anaerobic, aerobic and lactobacilli count. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of ZONPs can be applied as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions in broilers' diet. However, further investigations are still needed.

Hepatotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles on Clarias gariepinus; Biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical studies.

The current study investigates the hepatotoxic effects of two acute doses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on African catfish (Clarias garepinus) using biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical changes and the determination of silver in liver tissue as biomarkers. AgNPs-induced impacts were recorded in some of these characteristics based on their size (20 and 40 nm) and their concentration (10 and 100 µg/L). Concentrations of liver enzymes (Aspartic aminotransferase; AST, Alanine aminotransferase; ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total lipids (Tl), Glucose (Glu) and Ag-concentration in liver tissue exhibited a significant increase under stress in all exposed groups compared to the control group. The total proteins (Tp), albumin (Al), and globulin (Gl) concentrations exhibited significantly decrease in all treated groups compared to the control group. At tissue and cell levels, histopathological changes were observed. These changes include proliferation of hepatocytes, infiltrations of inflammatory cells, pyknotic nuclei, cytoplasmic vaculation, melanomacrophages aggregation, dilation in the blood vessel, hepatic necrosis, rupture of the wall of the central vein, and apoptotic cells in the liver of AgNPs-exposed fish. As well as the depletion of glycogen content in the liver (feeble magenta coloration) was observed. The size and number of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in liver tissue showed highly significant difference in all exposed groups compared to the control group. Recovery period for 15 days led to improved most alterations in the biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical parameters induced by AgNPs and AgNO3. In conclusion, one can assume liver sensitivity of C. garepinus for AgNPs and the recovery period is a must.

Silver nanoparticle-induced nephrotoxicity in Clarias gariepinus: physio-histological biomarkers.

The present study investigates the nephrotoxic effects of two acute doses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, using biochemical, histochemical, and histopathological changes as biomarkers. AgNP-induced impacts were recorded in some of these characteristics on the bases of their size (20 and 40 nm) and concentration (10 and 100 µg/L) but no significant interaction between size and concentration. AgNO3 had low significant adverse effects on some parameters in comparison with those impacts of AgNPs. The concentrations of creatinine and uric acid exhibited different significant variations under stress in all exposed groups compared with those in the control group. On the tissue and cell levels, histopathological changes were observed. These changes include hypertrophies of glomeruli, proliferation in the haemopoietic tissue, dissociation in renal tubules, shrinkage of glomerulus, hydropic degeneration, dilatation of renal tubules, aggregation of melanomacrophages, rupture of Bowman's capsule, and the glomerular tuft and dilatation of Bowman's space. In more severe cases, the degenerative process leads to tissue necrosis in the kidney of AgNP-exposed fish as well as carbohydrate depletion; a faint coloration was also observed in the brush borders and basement membrane with a large amount of connective tissue fibers around the blood vessels and the renal tubules. Recovery period for 15 days led to improvement of most of the alterations in biochemical, histopathological, and histochemical parameters induced by AgNPs and AgNO3. In conclusion, one can postulate on the sensitivity of the kidney of C. gariepinus to AgNPs and recovery strategy is a must.

Cytotoxic and hemotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles on the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822).

The present study investigates the hemotoxic and cytotoxic impacts of two acute doses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the African catfish, Clarias garepinus in comparison to the impact of AgNO3 and the control fish. AgNPs-induced impacts were recorded on some biological and hematological indices of that species on the bases of their size (20 and 40 nm) and concentration (10 and 100 µg) but no significant interaction. AgNO3 had very low impact on these indices in comparison to AgNPs. Recovery period for 15 days was found to be valid to remove AgNPs and AgNO3 toxicity for most indices. The condition factor exhibited stability under stress whereas the hepatosomatic index was more sensitive to AgNPs. The AgNPs-induced hematological changes recorded were corresponding with different blood cell alterations which increased in frequency from the control and AgNO3 to 40 nm/100 µg; such blood cell alterations disappeared to great extent after recovery period of 15-days in a reverse order.

The microstructure of buccal cavity and alimentary canal of Siganus rivulatus: Scanning electron microscope study.

The microstructure of the oral cavity and alimentary canal of herbivorous fish Siganus rivulatus collected from the Red Sea were investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that S. rivulatus has three types of teeth, tri-cusped, bi-cusped, and papilliform. A taste bud (Type I) was recorded in the oropharyngeal cavity. Characteristic styles of microridges on the cell's surface inside the buccal cavity were recorded. Also, the distribution of the mucous cells in the lining of the mouth cavity, alimentary canal was observed. Mucosal folds along the distinct parts of alimentary canal, showed characteristic pattern which was complex in the intestinal mucosa. The results concluded that there are characteristic microstructures according to feeding habitat compared with other bony fishes.

SDS-PAGE technique as biomarker for fish toxicological studies.

Although many studies on the hematological and biochemical parameters in fishes have been done, still there are some shortage in the estimation and evaluation of the baseline's values of marine and freshwater fishes. Recently, the use of hematology and biochemistry of fishes in toxicology, aquaculture, environmental pollution, feeding, and antioxidants studies has been increased. In this study we introduced the importance of those parameters and their importance as biomarkers in fish toxicology from previous literature and as new findings. Hemato-biochemical parameters were widely used in fish toxicological studies. Many researches have used the protein electrophoresis as a valid tool to determining intra and inter-specific variation among species. Protein profile was extensively used in determining the health of fish, as indicators of anemia or other diseases provide information about the existence of the disease, and in the diagnosis of disease. So, to carry out the aim of this study, we reported one of the more advanced techniques used SDS-PAGE as molecular biomarker for protein profile analysis in fish with shedding the light on the importance of hematological and biochemical parameters in fish toxicological studies.

Immunomodulatory effect of gelatin-coated silver nanoparticles in mice: Ultrastructural evaluation.

Silver nanoparticles (SNP) are used in many pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial products already available in the market. Although they are considered relatively safe, many toxic and pathological alterations in different organs including immune organs were reported after SNP administration. In this study, 10-week-old male mice (n = 20) were divided into two groups. Ten mice received greenly synthesized gelatin-coated silver nanoparticles in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days while the other 10 received 0.5 ml of distilled water daily for 5 days and kept as control. At the sixth day, all mice were sacrificed; blood and tissue samples were collected and prepared for pathological analysis. Liver and kidney lesions were in the form of degenerative and inflammatory changes. Interestingly, the immune organs were drastically affected by SNP treatment. Severe hyperplasia of the Peyer's patches was noticed in the intestines of intoxicated animals both in gross and microscopic examination. Spleen was enlarged and showed large number of megakaryocytes. The particles were encountered in membrane-bound phagosomes inside macrophages in different organs like lungs and spleen. Blood picture complied to morphological findings with an increase in monocytes and eosinophils accompanied by drop in the platelets count in the intoxicated animals.

Surface architecture of the oropharyngeal cavity and the digestive tract of Mulloidichthys flavolineatus from the red sea, Egypt: A scanning electron microscope study.

Surface architecture of the buccal cavity and the surface organization of the luminal mucosa of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestine of the carnivorous fish M. flavolineatus from the Red Sea were studied by using SEM. The results revealed that M. flavolineatus has four kinds of teeth; curved-blunt, wedge-shaped, flattened crowns, molariform and papilliform. Three types of taste buds (type I, II and III) were recorded in the oropharyngeal cavity. It was observed that taste buds and teeth are co-located in the pharyngeal region. Characteristic patterns of microridges of the surface cells in the oral cavity and oesophagus were observed. Mucous cells are distributed in the lining of the mouth cavity, oesophagus, stomach, and intestine. Characteristic patterns of mucosal folds throughout the alimentary canal, concerning oesophagus, stomach, and intestine were revealed. Numerous gastric pits, which represents the emergence of the gastric glands, were recorded in the anterior and middle regions of the stomach. Complex patterns of the folds and mucous cells were recorded in the intestinal mucosa. These results were discussed with other teleost fishes.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with caecal and colonic dilatation.

The present study was conducted to describe the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings of caecal and colonic dilatation in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A total number of forty buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: control group (n = 20) and diseased group (n = 20). Diseased buffalo were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Assiut University-Egypt. Each of the diseased animals was subjected to clinical, rectal, laboratory and ultrasonographic examinations. Clinically, buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed reduced appetite, distended right abdomen, abdominal pain and tensed abdomen. Rectal examination indicated empty rectum with the presence of mucus and dilated loop of caecum and/or colon. Buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed significant (P < 0.05) hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia with significant (P < 0.05) increase in blood serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK). Ultrasonographically, the dilated caecum and proximal loop of colon occupied the last right three intercostal space (ICSs) particularly their ventral part, intertangled with the liver dorsally in these ICSs. Dilated colon did not hinder the visibility of the liver. The dilated caecum/colon also filled the whole right flank region, with hiding of right kidney, loops and peristaltic movement of the small intestines. The closest wall of the dilated caecum and proximal loop of the colon was imaged as thick semi-circular echogenic line. The furthest wall and contents of dilated caecum/colon were not imaged. In conclusion, buffalo with caecal and/or colonic dilatation have non-specific clinical and laboratory findings; however the affected animals show characteristic ultrasonographic findings.

Reproductive biomarkers to identify endocrine disruption in Clarias gariepinus exposed to 4-nonylphenol.

The present study investigated the hormones concentrations and gonads alterations of Clarias gariepinus caused by sublethel concentrations of 4-nonylphenol (0, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.1 mg/l). The changes in the activities of the hormones after exposure to these sublethel doses of 4-nonylpenol referred to endocrine disruption in Clarias gariepinus in association with histopathological changes in reproductive tissues. The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the treated fish in comparison with control. 17-ß-estradiol increased significantly (P<0.05) with 4-nonylphenol concentrations increase. Reduction in the gonadosomatic index was evident with increase of sublethal doses of 4-nonylphenol. The histopathological changes of NP-treated were recorded in gonads of Clarias gariepinus reflecting their sensitivity to NP-estrogenic like effects.

Effects of 4-nonylphenol on blood cells of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822).

In the present work, the destructive effects of the 4-nonylphenol on one of the most economically important Nile fishes, namely African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were studied. Apoptosis, erythrocytes alterations, micronucleus test and blood parameters count were used as biological indicators to detect those effects. After exposure to sublethal concentrations of 4-nonylphenol (0, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.1mg/l), apoptotic red blood cells with many malformations and micronucleated erythrocytes were recorded. Decrease in the blood parameters such as red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), package cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes and increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), neutrophils, eosinophils indicated the negative effects of 4-nonylphenol. It was concluded that, the 4-nonylphenol caused genotoxicity in erythrocytes with many malformations in shape and number indicated with other blood parameters.