Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in healthy and Pasteurella multocida‐infected rabbits

The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome were studied in healthy and Pasteurella multocida‐infected rabbits after a single intramuscular (IM) injection at 2 mg/kg of its sulfate salt. Twelve female New Zealand white rabbits (2.0–2.5 kg) were used; six of them served as controls, and the other six had been infected with P. multocida; the experiments were conducted 1–2 days after nasal inoculation of P. multocida when rabbits showed the signs of respiratory infection. Plasma concentrations of cefquinome were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The values of elimination half‐life, area under the curve, area under the first moment curve, and mean residence time were significantly lower in infected rabbits (0.48 hr, 4.54 hr*μg/ml, 3.63 hr* hr*μg/ml and 0.8 hr, respectively) than healthy rabbits (0.72 hr, 9.11 hr*μg/ml, 9.85 hr* hr*μg/ml and 1.1 hr, respectively), whereas total body clearance was significantly higher in infected than healthy rabbits. Therefore, P. multocida infection caused significant changes in some of the pharmacokinetic parameters of cefquinome in rabbits. These pharmacokinetic changes may affect dose regimen when used in P. multocida‐infected rabbits.     

Marine-Derived Chitosan Nanoparticles Improved the Intestinal Histo-Morphometrical Features in Association with the Health and Immune Response of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada)

Marine-derived substances are known for their beneficial influences on aquatic animals’ performances and are recommended to improve intestinal health, immunity, and anti-oxidative status. The present study investigates the role of chitosan nanoparticles on the intestinal histo-morphometrical features in association with the health and immune response of Grey Mullet (Liza ramada). Chitosan nanoparticles are included in the diets at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg and introduced to fish in a successive feeding trial for eight weeks. The final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) parameters are significantly increased while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreases by chitosan nanoparticles compared to the control (p < 0.05). The morphometric analysis of the intestines reveals a significant improvement in villus height, villus width, and the number of goblet cells in chitosan-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between the thickness of the enterocyte brush border and the chitosan dose, referring to an increasing absorptive activity. Histologically, the intestinal wall of Grey Mullet consists of four layers; mucosa, sub-mucosa, tunica muscularis (muscular layers), and serosa. The histological examination of the L. ramada intestine shows a normal histo-morphology. The epithelial layer of intestinal mucosa is thrown into elongated finger-like projections, the intestinal villi. The values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells (RBCs), total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin are significantly increased in fish fed 1, and 2 g/kg of chitosan nanoparticles compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest levels of TP and albumin are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg diet (p < 0.05). The lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are significantly enhanced by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, whereas the phagocytic activity is improved in fish fed 1 and 2 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity and phagocytic index are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg. SOD is significantly activated by feeding chitosan nanoparticles at 1 g/kg. Simultaneously, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities also are enhanced by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, compared to fish fed 0 and 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). The highest GPx and CAT activities are observed in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). Conversely, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are decreased by feeding chitosan at 1 and 2 g/kg, with the lowest being in fish fed 1 g/kg (p < 0.05). To summarize, the results elucidate that L. ramada fed dietary chitosan nanoparticles have a marked growth rate, immune response, and anti-oxidative response. These improvements are attributed to the potential role of chitosan nanoparticles in enhancing intestinal histo-morphometry and intestinal health. These results soundly support the possibility of using chitosan nanoparticles at 1–2 g/kg as a feasible functional supplement for aquatic animals.     

Effect of essential oils of some medicinal plants on phytonematodes

The essential oils of four medicinal plants belonging to Lamiaceae were explored for phytonematode control. The four oils inhibited (P<0.05) nematode motility butMentba spicata was generally more effective in reducing the numbers of active nematodes followed byThymus vulgaris, Majorana bortensis andMentba longifolia. The main corresponding compound of each oil, determined by GLC analysis, was carvone (58.14%), P-cymene (40.5%), terpinen-4-ol (41.6%) and carvone (70.36%). Soil stages of the reniform nematode were more affected by the oil than those of the ring and lance nematodes. When transferred to water, the total nematodes that regained their activeness ranged from 12% forT. vulgaris to 60% forM. longifolia. The four 0.1 oil solutions inhibited more than to about 3.5% at the control. The content of oxygenated compounds in these oils ranged from 45.79% to 96.5% and may be partially responsible for the nematicidal effects.     

Adaption of a formula for simulating bedload transport in the Nile River,Egypt

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Bedload transport discharge is important in river engineering and morphodynamics. The Meyer-Peter and Müller (MPM) equation for determining bedload transport...     

Preparation of Polyurethane Silicon Oxide Nanomaterials as a Binder in Leather Finishing

Leather finishing processes using toxic organic solvent based produce volatile organic compounds (VOC), chronic exposure to this chemicals effect on workers' health causing many diseases especially lung cancer. So, polyurethane waterbased was synthesized for application in leather finishing instead of organic solvent based because it’s economic and safety for industry and workers. Preparation of water-based polyurethane (PU) depends on the reaction of polyethylene glycol (PEG, 300) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and the reaction of IPDI-1,4-butanediol (BDO) together with dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), was synthesized by poly-addition polymerization reaction. PU was then modified with different amounts of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (1-5 % SiO₂), used as a binder in leather finishing. Leather coated was characterized physically, chemically and thermally by FTIR, GPC, DLS, TEM, SEM and TGA. The results revel that, water vapor permeability (WVP) of leather coated with PU modified with SiO₂ showed improvement due to the existence of SiO₂ particles which increases the interspaces of the polyurethane coating. SEM showed that when the amount of SiO₂ nanoparticles increases, there is uniform nanoparticles accumulated can be observed. EDX prove the presence of Si and O₂ elements and the formation of SiO₂ nanoparticles. Mechanical properties discussed that tensile strength; tear strength and elongation at break % increase with increase SiO₂ concentration until 3 % SiO₂ nanoparticles. TGA showed an improvement of thermal stability of coated leather modified with SiO₂. Therefore, this study succeeded in preparation of safe, ecofriendly of water-based polyurethane binders which modified with SiO₂ for using in leather finishing.     

Zoonotic origin and transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the UAE

Since the emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) in 2012, there have been a number of clusters of human‐to‐human transmission. These cases of human‐to‐human transmission involve close contact and have occurred primarily in healthcare settings, and they are suspected to result from repeated zoonotic introductions. In this study, we sequenced whole MERS‐CoV genomes directly from respiratory samples collected from 23 confirmed MERS cases in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These samples included cases from three nosocomial and three household clusters. The sequences were analysed for changes and relatedness with regard to the collected epidemiological data and other available MERS‐CoV genomic data. Sequence analysis supports the epidemiological data within the clusters, and further, suggests that these clusters emerged independently. To understand how and when these clusters emerged, respiratory samples were taken from dromedary camels, a known host of MERS‐CoV, in the same geographic regions as the human clusters. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus genomes from six virus‐positive animals were sequenced, and these genomes were nearly identical to those found in human patients from corresponding regions. These data demonstrate a genetic link for each of these clusters to a camel and support the hypothesis that human MERS‐CoV diversity results from multiple zoonotic introductions.     

Seed priming in nanoparticles of water treatment residual can increase the germination and growth of cucumber seedling under salinity stress

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of the nanoparticles of water treatment residuals (nWTRs) and salt stress on germination and growth parameters of cucumber seedling. The interaction between three nWTRs treatments (0, 500, and 1000 mgL^?1) nWTRs and five saline solution (fresh water: sea water) treatments had 0.70, 2, 3, 6, and 11?dSm^?1 were studied. The results revealed that increasing salinity levels significantly reduced the percentage of germination (GP) for the primed seeds treated in fresh water and nWTRs. The GP reduction was higher in seeds primed in fresh water compared to which primed in nWTRs. Salt stress negatively affected radicle length of cucumber seedling for both priming treatments. However, this impact was more pronounced for the primed seeds treated in fresh water than which treated in nWTRs at high salinity stress. Priming in nWTRs significantly decreased the root radius of cucumber seedlings, and the1000 mgL^?1 priming treatment obtained a lowest value of radicle radius. Increasing salt concentration in culture medium reduced total biomass of cucumber seedling, however for the primed seeds treated in nWTRs, the total biomass was increased in comparison with which treated in fresh water. Salt tolerance and vigor indices were significantly (p?<?0.01) affected by salinity levels, nWTRs treatments and their interaction. It can be concluded that nWTRs are ameliorating materials for plant growth under salt stress conditions.     

Hormonal and metabolic profiles related to placental retention with emphasis on oxidative stress and serotonin receptors in pluriparous buffaloes

This study was designed to investigate the hormonal and metabolic factors associated with placental retention in buffaloes with respect to the roles of oxidative stress biomarkers and serotonin receptors. Blood samples were collected at weeks 3, 2 and 1 pre-partum and at calving from 37 buffaloes; thirty normally dropped their placentae (Non-RFM group) and 7 dropped their placentae after 12 hr post-calving (RFM group). Serum progesterone (P₄), oestradiol, cortisol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), antioxidant/oxidant biomarkers and mineral concentrations were assessed. Histopathology and histochemistry were implemented to detect collagen in foetal placental tissues. Immunohistochemistry for serotonin receptors in placental tissues was performed. Significant elevations in P₄, cortisol, NEFA, BHBA and oxidative biomarkers concentrations were observed in the RFM group. However, oestradiol, antioxidants and mineral concentrations were significantly lower in RFM buffaloes than Non-RFM group. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes and necrosis in retained placental tissue compared with that in normal placental tissues. Serotonin receptors were significantly expressed with collagen condensation in retained placental tissues. Furthermore, inferior reproductive performance was pronounced in the retained group. In conclusion, retained foetal membranes in buffaloes were associated with hormonal imbalance, metabolic perturbation, oxidative stress, serotonin receptor upregulation and markedly reduced fertility indices.     

Influence of preceding crop and tillage system on forage yield and quality of selected summer grass and legume forage crops under arid conditions

Among the crop production factors, preceding crop and tillage management affect the sustainable use of soil resources and ultimately crop growth and productivity. This study aimed at investigating the impact of preceding winter crops (grass or legume) and different tillage systems on forage yield, quality and nutritive values of three summer grass (Sudan grass, pearl millet and teosinte) and two legume forage crops (cowpea and guar) under arid conditions. The results exhibited that growing forage crops after legumes (as berseem clover) produced the highest fresh and dry forage yields and quality attributes compared with grasses (as wheat) with the exception of crude fiber content, which was decreased. Moreover, tillage practices showed positive impact on forage yields and quality attributes. The maximum forage yields and quality parameters were recorded under conventional tillage (CT) practice compared with reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT) systems. Among the evaluated crops, the highest yields of fresh forage, dry forage, crude fiber, crude protein and total digestible nutrient were exhibited by grass forage crops (Sudan grass, pearl millet and teosinte), whereas the highest crude protein content and the digestible energy values were produced by legume forage crops (cowpea and guar). The maximum fresh forage, dry forage, crude fiber, crude protein, total digestible nutrient and digestible crude protein yields were produced by pearl millet followed by Sudan grass under CT and RT after berseem clover. The highest net return was recorded by sowing pearl millet after berseem clover and applying CT followed by RT practices, which could be recommended for the commercial production. Moreover, it could be assumed that the combination of growing grass forage crops after legume crops under CT or RT systems could enhance forage crop yield and quality with an improvement in soil properties for sustainable agriculture with low cost and the highest net income.