Antagonistic activity and protective effect of a Bacillus subtilis isolate against fish pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida

Fisheries Science - Bacillus subtilis ZFB19 isolated from the intestine of healthy grass carp exhibited considerable antagonistic activity against Edwardsiella piscicida which was resistant to...     

东海区资源保护型人工鱼礁生态效果评价体系的初步研究

科学评价鱼礁生态效果对后续鱼礁建设具有重要现实意义。从鱼礁生态效果产生原理出发,以鱼礁的自然特征、流场效应、水质与底质、饵料生物、鱼类与大型无脊椎动物5方面作为评价准则,建立了2个评价层次共29个评价指标的指标体系。在查阅文献和分析调查资料基础上,确定了定量评价指标的模糊隶属函数和定性指标的评判依据以作为评价指标的评价标准。运用三标度层次分析法确定了评价指标的权重。对2个代表性资源保护型鱼礁的生态效果进行了评价。评价结果与实际调查情况基本吻合。评价方法可以作为有关鱼礁生态效果评价的依据。     

草鱼出血病基因疫苗的免疫效果

为探讨含有草鱼呼肠孤病毒外衣壳蛋白VP6基因的重组基因疫苗对草鱼出血病的免疫效果,将重组基因疫苗分别配制为10、30和60μg三个梯度,同时设30μg pFastBacTMDual空载体组,均以等体积的氢氧化铝佐剂为免疫增强剂,对草鱼进行注射,以未经处理的草鱼作为对照组。定期采血测定抗体效价,最后对各组草鱼进行攻毒试验并计算死亡率和免疫保护力。结果显示：注射疫苗的三组草鱼均产生抗体,10μg组效价为1：6～1：11;30μg组为1：9-1：13;60μg组为1：11-1：17,且各组效价均在第28天测定最高,免疫保护率依次为100％、100％和95％,而空载体组和对照组为70％和0％。研究表明,疫苗能够诱导草鱼产生免疫反应,为草鱼出血病核酸疫苗的生产应用和产业化提供了重要的理论依据。     

The pathogenesis of epiphysiolysis in swine

In the offspring of a sow suffering from epiphyseolysis a unilateral and bilateral epiphyseolysis occurred associated with high energy food and also partly due to low mineral food in 4 out of 7 piglets. A further animal showed apophyseolysis. Compared to the normal piglets there was no difference observed concerning the parameter of the bone metabolism (Ca, P, alk. phosphatase) and the size of angles between shaft and neck of the femur. Serial X-ray examinations revealed osteolytic changes in the cortex of the femur neck, starting before epiphyseolysis was evident and which could be proved to be in the macerated bones of the affected piglets. The etiology of these pre-epiphyseolytic changes as a segue of vascularisation disorders in the bone and its significance for the pathogenesis of epiphyseolysis are discussed.     

浅谈附红细胞体病的研究概况

附红细胞体病是由附红细胞体感染机体引起的一种人畜共患的传染病。而附红细胞体则是寄生于红细胞表面、血浆、及骨髓中的一类微生物。近年来随着我国养猪业的蓬勃发展,该病的流行已有越来越烈之势,并逐渐成为危害养猪业的传染病之一。本文就猪附红细胞体的病原特点、流行病学、发病机理、临床症状、病理变化、诊断及防治对策作一综述。     

Vaccine-induced protective immunity against Aeromonas salmonicida tested in experimental carp erythrodermatitis

Abstract The development and applicability of a dose-controlled experimental infection with atypical Aeromonas salmonicida in carp is described. The proliferation and clinical manifestations of experimentally induced carp erythrodermatitis mimicked a natural infection. An in-vivo assay was used to evaluate the lethal properties of cell-free culture supernatants and a simple serum-free growth medium was devised for maintaining the virulence of the challenge strain. Depending on the inoculation dose, a sublethal (chronic) to a lethal (acute) infection could be induced, and a dose-response relation was observed between A. salmonicida inoculum size and carp mortality. The dose-controlled experimental infection was used as a challenge test for laboratory evaluation of the efficacy of potential vaccine candidates. The vaccine candidates tested, a cell envelope preparation, purified lipopolysaccharide and purified A-layer (ACE) protein showed no protection or only a feeble one at the best, while formalinized whole cells showed a consistent but only moderate protection. In contrast, when concentrated, detoxified culture supernatant was used, the carp were protected against a subsequent lethal challenge. These observations indicate that immunity against A. salmonicida extracellular products is of prime importance.     

The protective role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) against chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress in Oreochromis niloticus

Ability of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to attenuate oxidative damage was evaluated in liver and brain tissues of Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) experimentally exposed to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (CPF). O. niloticus was exposed to sublethal concentrations of CPF at 12?μg/L (CPF1) and 24?μg/L (CPF2) for 96?h. The fish of vitamin C (Vit C) and CPF2?+?Vit C groups were fed with Vit C supplemented diet (200?mg Vit C/100?g feed). A significant increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) level (P?相似文献   

海芦笋黄酮的抗氧化作用及对CCl4致小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

为深入探究海芦笋黄酮的活性作用,研究海芦笋黄酮在体外的抗氧化作用及其对CCl_4导致的小鼠急性肝损伤的预防保护作用。通过分析海芦笋黄酮对4种自由基(DPPH自由基、ABTS自由基、羟基自由基及超氧阴离子自由基)的清除能力反映海芦笋黄酮的体外抗氧化能力。将海芦笋黄酮分为低、中、高3个剂量[75、150、300 mg/(kg·d)]对小鼠连续灌胃8 d,通过腹腔注射CCl_4建立小鼠急性肝损伤模型,测定海芦笋黄酮对血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的活性以及肝脏组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)水平的影响,观察肝脏病理变化。结果显示,在体外抗氧化实验中,海芦笋黄酮对4种自由基都有良好的清除效果。在CCl_4急性肝损伤模型中,与模型组对比,各剂量海芦笋黄酮均能使血清中ALT、AST、ALP酶活性、肝脏MDA含量显著降低;使肝脏SOD活性、GSH含量显著增加。海芦笋黄酮中、高剂量组与模型组相比,肝脏CAT活性显著升高。肝脏切片结果显示各剂量组肝组织损伤情况有不同程度改善。海芦笋黄酮对由CCl_4引起的小鼠急性肝损伤具有一定程度的预防保护作用,其急性肝损伤保护机制可能与黄酮对脂质过氧化程度的削弱、机体抗氧化能力的提高有关。     

The solution of claw problems in swine breeding

In a breeding unit the influence of weekly hoof care on the rate of hoof lesions was examined during a period of 3 years. The 60 pigs were divided into four groups: Group 1, 13 pigs: A washing down of the hooves with lukewarm water. Group 2, 15 pigs: Lukewarm 1% formaldehyde foot bath once a week. Group 3, 13 pigs: A washing down of the hooves with lukewarm water and, 30 minutes later, application of hoof fat (5-8 minutes work during the feeding). Group 4, 14 pigs: Control group without treatment. The incidence of hoof cracks and sole erosions was significantly less in group 3 compared to the other groups. There was a negative correlation between the elasticity of the hoof and hoof cracks as well as between the softness of the sole and sole erosions. Thus moistening of the claw with subsequent application of hoof fat seems to be an effective prevention of factorial claw lesions.     

EGCG: Potential application as a protective agent against grass carp reovirus in aquaculture

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is the primary cause of grass carp haemorrhagic disease. The major catechin in green tea, (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), has been found to have anti‐GCRV activity in the C. idellus kidney cell line (CIK). The aim of this study was to test the potential application of EGCG as an anti‐GCRV agent in aquaculture. Here, we demonstrate that various concentrations (99%, 50% and 35%) of EGCG could inhibit GCRV infectivity. EGCG (50%) + GCRV treatment significantly reduced the number of dead fish at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4 ‐and 5‐day post‐challenge compared with the negative control (GCRV challenge without EGCG treatment). The safety of EGCG compound products on cell survival was studied using four fish cell lines; we did not detect a significant change in cell viability within 24 hours of EGCG incubation. We also evaluated toxicity and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and lysozyme (LZM) in the grass carp, and the results showed that even a high dose of EGCG did not induce toxicity. Following EGCG compound injection, the concentration of MDA decreased and the concentration of GSH and LZM increased compared with the control groups. We also detected EGCG concentration in grass carp plasma and kidney using HPLC with electrochemical detection after intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 150 mg/kg. The concentration of EGCG in the plasma and kidney reached the highest levels (20 μg/ml and 1.5 μg/ml) about 12 hr after injection and then decreased. Overall, EGCG is a safe, effective product that could inhibit GCRV infection and improve immunoactivity in aquaculture.     

The occurrence of different forms of ovarian cysts in swine with special reference to their effect on the estrus cycle]

Ovaries of 100 sows with ovarian cysts were collected at the slaughterhouse after normal slaughter. The ovarian function was assessed macroscopically and representative sections of 55 ovaries were examined histologically. The cysts were grouped into the following categories: follicle theca cysts, follicle lutein cysts, lutein cysts, blood cysts and mixed forms with concurrent incidence of the above cyst forms. Only follicle theca cysts, follicle lutein cysts, lutein cysts or blood cysts were found in 24%, 7%, 32% and 10% of animals, respectively. In 27% of animals the above mentioned forms of cysts occurred concurrently. A large number of cysts per animal was found for follicle theca cysts (9.0 cysts per animal) and mixed forms (11.0 cysts per animal). Follicle lutein cysts, lutein cysts and blood cysts were developed in smaller numbers (3.1, 3.9 and 4.8 cysts per animal, respectively). Anestrus occurred only for follicle theca cysts, if their number exceeded 7 cysts per animal (13 per cent of the examined animals). Blood cysts occurred only during the metoestrus and follicle lutein and lutein cysts only during the corpus luteum phase. It is assumed that the cysts regress after the 13th day of the cycle, if normal corpora lutea are present at the same time. Only follicle theca cysts occurring in large numbers persist and block subsequent cyclic activity. There seems to be a particular predisposition for the development of cysts when the ovarian cycle is re-initiated after anestrus.     

The present epidemiological status of African swine fever

At present, African swine fever (ASF) persists as an enzootic infection both on the African continent and in Europe (Portugal, Spain, and Sardinia). The recent outbreaks of ASF in Belgium and in the Netherlands have again demonstrated the threat of this disease to the swine population in Germany. The main reasons for this threat are the great tenacity of this virus and its stability in meat and meat products together with an immense tourism into these enzootic areas. Epizootiological peculiarities, such as virus replication in ticks and inapparent infections in wild boars are the reason why eradication of the disease has failed so far, especially when pigs are allowed to roam the countryside.     

In vivo protective effect of dietary curcumin in fish Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

The present study describes, for the first time, the protective effect of natural curcumin in vivo in a lower vertebrate, a teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch). Two doses of curcumin 0.5 and 1% were supplemented in the 40% protein feed and fed to fish for the periods, 2 and 8 weeks. The antioxidant status, protein content, and the tissue structure in experimental fish were examined after the short-term and long-term feeding. In all the curcumin fed groups, the lipid peroxidation product, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content either decreased or unaffected. The glutathione content increased while the antioxidant enzyme activity pattern varied with time and dose. The histological analysis also confirmed the safety of curcumin retaining the normal arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatopancreas, macrophage–melanocyte centers in Anabas. The improved antioxidant status and protein content suggest a favorable effect for curcumin in cultured fish.     

Vitamin A affects haematology,growth and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,L.), but has no protective effect against bacterial challenge or cold‐induced stress

Vitamin A (vitA) is an essential nutrient that acts as an endocrine regulator of several metabolic pathways, modulating normal growth and health status of animals. Although the importance of vitA for normal haematology and immune response is well documented for higher vertebrates, there is limited information on the physiological effects of vitA on fish. Therefore, we designed a 130‐day feeding trial to evaluate the effect of vitA supplementation on growth, haematology, immune function and resistance to experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila and cold‐induced stress. A group of 320 Nile tilapia fingerlings 7.49 ± 0.19 g weight (mean ± SD) were randomly stocked into 40 250 L‐aquaria and fed practical diets containing graded levels of vitA (0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.24, 0.48, 0.96, 1.92, 3.84 mg retinol (ROH) kg^?1 diet. Growth, haematology, plasma protein profile and immune response were significantly affected by vitA supplementation; however, no clear protective effect of vitA supplementation on disease and cold stress resistance were observed in this study. Clinical signs of vitA deficiency were: resting and abnormal swimming behaviour, exophthalmia, haemorrhages at the base of fins and on skin, serous fluids in abdominal cavity, neutropenia, reduction in red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin evolving to high mortality rates in a short period of time. A dietary level of vitA around 1.2 mg ROH kg^?1 may be required to prevent gross deficiency signs and promote proper growth and health status of Nile tilapia. VitA does not seem to have a pronounced effect on leucocyte differentiation, but clearly plays an important role on maintaining normal erythropoiesis.     

Enhancement of protective immunity in blue gourami,Trichogaster trichopterus (Pallas), against Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrioanguillarum by A. hydrophila major adhesin

Blue gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus (Pallas), were intraperitoneally immunized with major adhesin, a 43 kDa OMP protein isolated from fish Aeromonas hydrophila, in the presence of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Three weeks later, a booster injection of adhesin without FCA was administered. Control group fish were similarly treated with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and FCA. Results showed that anti‐adhesin serum obtained from fish after booster immunization exhibited very strong ability in agglutinating bacterial cells. Although this antiserum had no bactericidal effect, it could significantly inhibit serologically different strains of A. hydrophila from invading EPC (Epithelioma papillosum of carp) cells in vitro. In addition, the proliferative response of head kidney leucocytes of these immune fish was significantly increased as compared to that of the control. The results also showed that the major adhesin could provide significant protective immunity to fish against the challenge by homologous and heterologous strains of A. hydrophila and one virulent strain of Vibrio anguillarum.     

The efficacy of three mycotoxin adsorbents to alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in Oreochromis niloticus

Aflatoxicosis, toxicity of aflatoxin, is of great concern in aquaculture. This study was conducted to assess the efficacies of three adsorbents, a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCAS), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.C.) and an esterified glucomannan (EGM), against feed contaminated with contained 200 μg/kg (ppb) aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). A total of 240 Nile tilapia fingerlings, Oreochromis niloticus (15 ± 2 g), were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (30 fish per group) with three replicates. Group T₁ represented the negative control fed on a basal diet, and T₂ was the positive control group fed on a basal diet supplemented with 200 ppb AFB₁. Groups T₃, T₄ and T₅ were fed the AFB₁-contaminated diet (200 ppb) supplemented with 0.5 % HSCAS, 0.25 % S.C or 0.25 % EGM, respectively. Groups T₆, T₇ and T₈ were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 % HSCAS, 0.25 % S.C or 0.25 % EGM, respectively. The reduction in AFB₁-bioavailability was judged by toxin residues in fish musculature throughout the study beginning at the second week of exposure. AFB₁ reduced the survivability, total weight gain, average daily gain and specific growth rate, evident as early as the second week of exposure. The total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content and total leukocyte count were significantly decreased after AFB₁ exposure for 6, 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. Prolonged administration of AFB₁ led to significant increases in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and creatinine activity, and produced significant decreases in plasma proteins, including serum globulin. The specific immune response was assessed by an agglutinating antibody titer after immunization of the fish with an Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine. The antibody titer and relative level of protection of fish challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila were reduced throughout the period of examination in AFB₁-exposed fish. Supplementation with HSCAS, S.C. or EGM significantly improved growth performance, blood parameters and immune status; in addition, these groups showed decreased AFB₁ residues in fish musculature when compared with AFB₁-treated fish. HSCAS effectively reduced AFB₁ toxicity, whereas S.C. and EGM were less efficacious.     

Characterization of bacteriophage HN48 and its protective effects in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus against Streptococcus agalactiae infections

Streptococcus agalactiae is a causative agent responsible for massive mortalities of tilapia that has led to catastrophic losses to tilapia culture globally. Bacteriophages represent a new class of antimicrobials against bacteria. In this study, we characterized the bacteriophage HN48, which formed small and round‐transparent plaques on a double‐layer plate. With a hexagonal head and a long tail, this phage may belong to the Caudovirales according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. HN48 was found to have a relatively wide and highly specific host range, to be sensitive to high temperature (60–80°C) and low pH (3–5), and to be relatively stable at alkaline pH (8–10). Intraperitoneal injection with HN48 had no adverse effects on tilapia and effectively inactivated the bacteria in the kidney. Fish that received phage therapy had 60% ± 3.3% survival rates and a delayed mean death time of about 3 days when compared to the control group. To the best of knowledge, this is the first study of tilapia streptococcal phage. Overall, the results indicated that phage HN48 could prevent tilapia from experimental S. agalactiae infection, suggesting it has the potential to control this disease.     

The effect of different zootechnical practice methods on the duration of labor in swine with reference to the body condition of the sow]

In a single large pig production unit of 6000 breeding sows, seven groups of 100 sows each were formed at random on the 110th day of pregnancy. Each group was evaluated and divided according to body condition in three subgroups. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 received a single 3 mg intramuscular dose of alfaprostol on the 113th day of pregnancy; Group 2 received a single 3 mg intramuscular dose of alfaprostol on the 113th day of pregnancy, followed 24 hours later by a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU oxytocin; Group 3 received a single intramuscular dose of 10 IU of oxytocin after the birth of the first piglet; Group 4 received a single 100 mg intramuscular dose of prednisolone on 113th day of pregnancy; Group 5 received a single 0.2 mg intramuscular dose of carbamylcholine on the 113th day of pregnancy; Group 6 received feed containing 12% fiber, at 3 kg per sow per day from the 110th day of pregnancy; Group 7 received a 3 ml dose of physiologic NaCl solution i.m. on the 114th day of pregnancy. The parameter "duration of parturition" was evaluated. Groups 4 (prednisolone), 5 (carbamylcholine) and 6 (fiber) showed a shorter duration of parturition when compared to groups 1, 2, 3 and 7. The subgroups 5 in each group showed a longer parturition time, when compared to subgroups 3 and 4.