Effect of Two Natural Carotenoid Sources in Diets for Gilthead Seabream,Sparus aurata,on Growth and Skin Coloration

To improve the unnatural fade-pigmented skin of cultivated gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, (if shown) the present study was initiated. The effects of either red bell-pepper (Capsicum annum) meal or carrot (Daucus carota) meal as a natural dietary carotenoid source, on growth and skin coloration of gilthead seabream growers were investigated. A basal/control diet (D1/CTR) was firstly formulated to contain 48% crude protein and 14% lipids, with no added-carotenoids. With this basal diet, two other test diets were similarly prepared and supplemented each with about 40mg/Kg total carotenoids from either red-pepper meal (D2) or carrot meal (D3). In a feeding trial, fish (mean IW, 94.86±0.3g) were fed one of the three diets (D1, D2, D3), in triplicates for each treatment, for 6 weeks in light-blue background PVC tanks supplied with natural seawater flow. Total carotenoids content of skin was determined spectrophotometerically at initiation and end of the experiment. Neither growth nor feed utilization were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the red pepper-added diet (D2) as compared to CTR diet. However, the carrot fed fish recorded the lowest and significant (P<0.05) weight gain (g/fish) and specific growth rate (SGR, %/d) among dietary treatments. There were no considerable (P>0.05) differences in major nutrients composition between fish fed the experimental diets. Total carotenoids content was significantly (P<0.05) increased, in the skin-opercle area, of fish fed the red pepper diet (D2) as compared to initial fish and to either carrot fed fish or CTR fish. Results have suggested that gilthead seabream can effectively bio-absorb natural carotenoid pigments (mainly capsansin and capsorbin) in red-pepper but not in carrot (mainly β-and α-carotene).     

NADH-dependent cytochrome b5 reductase and NADPH methemoglobin reductase activity in the erythrocytes of Oncorhynchus mykiss

Methemoglobin is oxidized hemoglobin that cannot bind to or dissociate from oxygen. In fish, it is most commonly caused by exposure to excess nitrites and can lead to abnormal swimming, buoyancy, or death. The methemoglobin concentration in mammals is determined by the balance of oxidizing agents versus reducing enzymes in erythrocytes. The objective of our studies was to characterize the enzymes that reduce methemoglobin in fish erythrocytes. Whole blood was collected from healthy rainbow trout. Methemoglobin was induced in vitro by NaNO₂ exposure. Methemoglobin reduction in controls was compared to reduction in samples with added NADH, NADPH, or NADPH and methylene blue. Rainbow trout whole blood was also fractionated into cytosol, microsomal, and mitochondria/plasma membranes/nuclei fractions. The fractions were compared for NADH-dependent cytochrome b5 reductase (CB5R) activity and for nitrite induction of methemoglobin. The CB5R activity in rainbow trout erythrocytes was compared to the CB5R activity in equine, feline, and canine erythrocytes. Rainbow trout erythrocytes had significant NADPH methemoglobin reductase activity in the presence of methylene blue (P < 0.001). The CB5R activity was greatest (P < 0.001) in the plasma membrane/mitochondria/nuclei fraction. The CB5R activity in rainbow trout erythrocytes was not significantly different than canine or equine activity but was significantly lower than feline CB5R activity (P < 0.0001). Methemoglobin in rainbow trout erythrocytes can be reduced by CB5R or NADPH-dependent methemoglobin reductase. Unlike mammalian anuclear erythrocytes, which are dependent on soluble CB5R, the nucleated RBCs of rainbow trout use membrane-bound CB5R to reduce methemoglobin.     

The Effectiveness of Zn Leaching from EAFD Using Caustic Soda

Electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) is a toxic waste which is mainly rich in iron oxide, zinc, and lead. Hydrometallurgical extraction of zinc from Jordanian EAFD in alkaline medium was investigated; NaOH, NaHCO₃, and Na₂CO₃ were used as leaching agents. The pH values for the prepared solutions were 8.3, 8.2, and 12.55 for NaHCO₃, Na₂CO₃, and NaOH, respectively. The effect of NaOH concentration (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 M), contact time (5 min to 3 h), temperature (20, 40, and 60), and solid-to-liquid ratio (SLR; 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg/ml) on the leachability of zinc from EAFD were tested. The initial EAFD and the resulting leach residues were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). EAFD contained 25.9% Zn, 18.0% Fe, and 3.2% Pb. A maximum zinc recovery of 92.9% was achieved using 6 M NaOH at 60 °C with solid loading of 20 g/L and 3 h leaching time. NaHCO₃ and Na₂CO₃ were not efficient leaching agents for Zn extraction since the recoveries were only 2.6 and 4.5%, respectively. Zn and Pb were depleted in the residues with an E-factor of 0.5–0.6 and 0.1–0.25, respectively. Iron was enriched in the residues; the E-factor was around 2. The EAFD contained mainly zincite, franklinite, and magnetite. After 3 h leaching, only traces of zincite exist in the residues, while sylvite and halite were completely dissolved.     

Effects of Silicon Application on Wheat Growth and Some Physiological Characteristics under Different Levels and Sources of Salinity

We investigated the effects of silicon (Si) and the levels and sources of salinity on the growth and some physiological properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Chamran) in a sandy loam soil under greenhouse conditions. Treatments comprised four Si levels (8, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg^?1 soil), four salinity levels (0.46, 4, 8 and 12 dS m^?1) and two salinity sources (sodium chloride (NaCl) and four-salt combination). Salts combination included NaCl, sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) at a molar ratio of 4:2:2:1. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design in a factorial manner, with three replications. Increasing salinity level resulted in a significant decrease in shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content and catalase (CAT) activity, and it caused a marked increase in proline and glycine betaine (GB) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. The stimulating effect on GB accumulation and SOD activity was more intense in NaCl-treated plants. However, the source of salinity had no significant effect on shoot dry weight, chlorophyll and proline concentrations, and CAT activity. Si application enhanced all the above-mentioned parameters, except for proline. The suppressing effect of salinity on shoot dry weight, chlorophyll concentration and CAT activity was alleviated by Si supplementation. The stimulating effects of Si fertilization on shoot dry weight and chlorophyll concentration became more pronounced at higher salinity levels. It could be concluded that a decrease in soil osmotic potential, nutrient imbalance and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in salt-treated plants caused growth suppression, while Si supply decreased the deleterious effects of excess salt on wheat growth. Consequently, it appears that when wheat plants are to be grown in salt-affected soils, it is highly recommended to supply them with adequate available silicon (Si).     

Circadian rhythm of metabolic changes associated with summer heat stress in high-producing dairy cattle

The current study aimed to investigate the circadian rhythm of blood metabolic parameters associated with summer heat stress (HS) in dairy cows. Ten healthy lactating Holstein Friesian cows were followed during HS for three successive days at six different time points. Blood was sampled from each cow starting from 07:00 am; at 4-h intervals. Ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded, and temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated as well. Respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded for each cow at the time of blood sampling. Concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total cholesterol (TC) and urea were measured in each blood sample. The THI values were >68 at all times of the day, and the highest values were recorded at 11:00 am, 03:00 pm and 07:00 pm (80.9, 83.7, and 80.8, respectively). All the cows showed a significantly higher RR and RT coinciding with higher THI values (93 ± 4 and 39.6 ± 0.1; 90.2 ± 3.4, and 40.1 ± 0.1; 87.6 ± 4.1, and 39.8 ± 0.1, respectively, P < 0.05). The concentrations of glucose were the lowest at 11:00 am and 03:00 pm (3.75 ± 0.1 and 3.44 ± 0.1 mmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). Decreased glucose concentrations coincided with increased NEFA concentrations, (0.43 ± 0.01 and 0.56 ± 0.02 mmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05), and were highly negatively correlated (r = −0.50, P < 0.001). The highest urea and TC concentrations were registered at 11:00 am (6.11 ± 0.15 mmol/L and 109.9 ± 2.2 mg/dl, respectively) whereas the lowest urea and TC values were recorded at 03:00 am (4.97 ± 0.18 mmol/L and 99.5 ± 1.7 mg/dl, respectively, P < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that there was a circadian variation in glucose, NEFA, urea, and TC resulting in the most unfavorable metabolic condition during the hottest moment of the day in dairy cattle. Earlier work revealed that HS-metabolic changes are reflected in the follicular fluid. The circadian changes observed in the present study associated with HS may imply that also the microenvironment of the oocyte is affected.     

Experimental study on compressive,flexural and fatigue behavior of warp-knitted spacer fabrics reinforced polyurethane cast elastomer composites

This paper reports an experimental study on compressive, flexural and fatigue behavior of polyurethane cast elastomers (PCE) reinforced with warp-knitted spacer fabrics (WKSF). It aims to investigate new applications for these fabrics as the reinforcements for elastomeric parts such as shoe soles, rubber floor coverings, vibration dampening and shock absorbing pads, etc. A series of polyester WKSF with different thickness, structure of outer layer fabric and spacer yarns density was prepared and converted to PCE reinforced WKSF using the hand molding method. All the samples, including the neat PCE, were subjected to static compression, flat and spherical compression, three-point bending and flexural fatigue tests. The results showed that reinforcing PCE with WKSF, considerably enhances its spherical compressive strength (concentrated loading), flexural strength and fatigue resistance. However, it deteriorates flat compressive strength (distributed loading) and recovery behavior after static compression loading. The effect of fiber weight fraction, thickness, structure of outer layer fabric and spacer yarns density on the mentioned properties of the composites was discussed in the paper.     

Mitigation of salt stress on tomato crop by using foliar spraying or fertigation of various products

Abstract

Among major constraints to crop production, salt stress affects the morphological structure and yield in crop plants. Nano-fertilizers, have made their hierarchy to supplement the traditional fertilizers in mitigating the effect of abiotic stress due to their slow release and efficiency. Three products were tested namely lithovit®-standard(LITHO), monopotassium-phosphate(MKP:0-52-34), and aspirin(ASP) on salt-stressed tomato crop. These products were applied through foliar spraying (foliar) or fertigation (ferti) on tomato plants irrigated with 4 saline solutions (4, 6, 8 and 10dS/m). Control plants were subjected to five salinity levels (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10dS/m) without any treatments. Results showed that increasing in salinity levels adversely affected all parameters in the control plants. The ameliorating effect of MKP-ferti was prominent in plant height, stem diameter, number of fruits, fruit weight and yield/plant at 4 and 6S/m. Whereas, the effect of salinity was mitigated by LITHO-foliar regarding flowers number and total chlorophyll content at all salinity level. Leaf N, P and K contents were accumulated higher when MKP-ferti was used whereas, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ contents were accumulated higher in the plants treated with LITHO-foliar. The cellular leakage of electrolyte was reduced at 4, 6 and 10dS/m with MKP-ferti and at 8dS/m with LITHO-foliar application. Among the two methods of application, foliar spraying of LITHO and ASP, and fertigation of MKP improved plant performance more than their complementary methods of application. The better performance of MKP necessitates the use of phosphorous and potassium-based nano-fertilizers. It can reduce the production cost of vegetables using conventional fertilizers.     

The slide agglutination test for the diagnosis of filariasis in camels

The slide agglutination test was adapted for the diagnosis of filariasis in camels, using an antigen prepared from the microfilariae by a simple lytic technique. The preliminary results were satisfactory as the test detected 86 per cent of the infected animals. Only 6 per cent of the healthy camels with no blood parasites or microfilariae in their blood gave positive results and no positive reactions were obtained from 18 animals suffering from Trypanosoma infection.     

A mixture of pure cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase improves broiler performance

1. The effects of a mixture of pure enzymes (cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase) and a commercial enzyme, Energex, were examined on performance and metabolisabilities in broiler chicks given a maize-soybean meal diet. Composition of the mixed enzyme was similar to Energex except that protease was not present. 2. Chicks were divided into three groups: control, mixed enzyme and Energex with 7 replicates per group. Male broiler chicks were raised at 25 degrees C in wire-floored cages for 12 d from 15 d of age. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. 3. The Energex group gained significantly more weight and the mixed enzyme group tended to gain more than the control. Feed intakes were similar and thus the feed conversion ratio of Energex was significantly improved while it tended to be improved by the mixed enzyme. 4. The mixed enzyme group showed significant improvement in carcase and muscle weight when compared with the control group. The mixed enzyme group also showed significant improvement in organic matter and crude protein metabolisabilities. In the groups given enzyme, abdominal fat weight tended to decrease. 5. It is concluded that a combination of cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase is effective in improving organic matter and crude protein metabolisabilities and carcase yield of broilers on a maize-soybean meal diet.