Effect of spirulina Spirulina platensis as a complementary ingredient to reduce dietary fish meal on the growth performance,whole‐body composition,fatty acid and amino acid profiles,and pigmentation of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius) juveniles

Spirulina has been highlighted as a valuable complementary ingredient in aquafeeds due to its high protein and vitamin content, in addition to other nutritional benefits. To evaluate the effect of dietary spirulina inclusion in fish meal sparing (FMS) on juvenile Caspian brown trout as a slow‐growth fish, a complete randomized experimental design was developed with five treatments: 0% (control), 2% FMS (13.2 g/kg spirulina in diet), 4% FMS (26.4 g/kg spirulina in diet), 6% FMS (39.6 g/kg spirulina in diet) and 8% FMS (52.8 g/kg spirulina in diet). Six hundred juveniles (11.0 ± 1.0 g) were assigned to 15 experimental tanks. Although this fish is sensitive to diet composition, fish fed the 6% FMS and 8% FMS diets had a significantly higher weight gain rate (239.51% and 231.27%) and specific growth rate (1.74% bw per day and 1.71% bw per day) compared with those fed the control diet. Furthermore, 6% FMS and 8% FMS treatments had statistically higher protein efficiency (0.76 and 0.78), lipid efficiency (1.89 and 1.94) and statistically lower feed conversion ratio (2.47 and 2.41) compared with other treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). In terms of whole‐body composition, the higher amount of protein and lower content of lipid were observed in fish fed the 8% FMS diets as compared to control. Although no significant differences in ash and moisture content were observed, the highest protein deposition (157.3 g/kg) and the lowest lipid content (77 g/kg) in whole body were reported in fish fed 8% FMS diet. Based on the fillet fatty acid outcome, fish fed the 8% FMS diet had significantly higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs), C20:3n‐6, C18:3n‐3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and total n‐3 fatty acids as compared to those fed the control diet (p < 0.05). Accordingly, increasing dietary spirulina content significantly enhanced the amount of these fatty acids in fish fillet. As regards of whole‐body amino acid profile, arginine and lysine in fish fed 6% FMS and 8% FMS diets were higher and lower than in those fed the control diet, respectively (p < 0.05). Fillet and skin colour parameters, such as luminosity, redness and yellowness, significantly increased with spirulina supplementation with the 8% FMS treatment displaying higher values than the control. In summary, according to our results, 8% FMS (52.8 g/kg spirulina in diet) treatment improved juvenile Caspian brown trout growth, carcass composition and pigmentation.     

Epidural ketamine in the dromedary camel

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and physiological effects of epidural injection of ketamine in camels.Study designRandomized prospective study.AnimalsTen healthy immature male dromedary camels.MethodsKetamine was administered epidurally at doses of 1 and 2 mg kg^?1 (five animals in each treatment). The drug was injected into the first intercoccygeal epidural space. Anti-nociception, sedation, ataxia, and effect on cardiopulmonary, rectal temperature and some selected haematological parameters were recorded at different intervals before (baseline) and after the drug administration. Data were analyzed by anova or U Mann–Whitney tests, as relevant and significance was taken as p < 0.05.ResultsEpidural ketamine at the 2 mg kg^?1 dose produced complete anti-nociception in the tail, anus and perineum, whilst the 1 mg kg^?1 dose produced complete anti-nociception only in the tail. Epidural ketamine resulted in mild to moderate sedation at the 1 mg kg^?1 dose and deep sedation at the 2 mg kg^?1 dose. Ataxia was observed in all test subjects and was severe, resulting in recumbency, in the 2 mg kg^?1 group. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature did not change significantly after injection of either treatment. Following epidural injection of 2 mg kg^?1 of ketamine, heart rate increased significantly from the pre-injection baseline of 55 ± 2 to 76 ± 4 (mean ± SD) beats minute^?1, but after the lower dose changes were not significant. The only significant changes in measured haematologic parameters were decreases in total erythrocyte count at 45 minutes and total leukocyte count from 45–75 minutes, in the 2 mg kg^?1 group.ConclusionEpidural ketamine injection was associated with caudal anti-nociception, sedation and ataxia in the dromedary camels; the intensity and duration of which was dose dependant.Clinical relevanceNeither of the doses of epidural ketamine injection in our study was applicable for standing surgical procedures in dromedary camels.     

Age-Specific Gastric Cancer Risk Indicated by the Combination of Helicobacter pylori Sero-Status and Serum Pepsinogen Levels

Background:

Serologic screening of gastric cancer (GC) by serum pepsinogens (sPG) levels and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) sero-status, though highly informative, has provided heterogeneous results. Here, we have evaluated the modifying effects of demographic factors on the risk impact of Hp sero-status/sPG levels in gastric cancer, with particular emphasis on age.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1341 individuals (GC = 578, healthy = 763), who were stratified into two age groups: 35-59 years (middle-aged, n = 830) and ≥ 60 years (60 years-plus, n = 511). Demographic factors and serological states (Hp sero-staus and sPG levels) were recorded by subject interview and serum ELISAs, respectively. Covariate-specific odds ratios were calculated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Hp infection was consistently associated with increased sPGI and sPGII levels in the 60 year-plus, but not the middle-aged group. The joint examination of the variable states of the three serum biomarkers (Hp serology, sPGI, and sPGI/II ratio), in the 60 year-plus age group, demonstrated a stepwise escalation of risk from the single (sPGI_low; OR = 2.6), to double (sPGI_low/sPGI/II_low; OR = 3.55, and Hp_positive/sPGI_low; OR = 5.0) and ultimately triple (Hp_positive/PGI_low/PGI/II_low; OR = 10.48) positive states, in reference to the triple negatives. However, this pattern was not exhibited in the middle-aged subjects.

Conclusion:

Age was clearly identified as a modifying factor on the risk projection of the combined states of Hp serology and sPG levels in gastric cancer screening, reflected by the augmented (~10.5 fold) risk of GC in the triple positive (Hp_positive/sPGI_low/sPGI/II_low) 60 year-plus subjects, which was not evident in the middle-aged group. Key Words: Biomarkers, Demography, Age Distribution     

Association of Pap smear abnormalities with autoimmune disorders

Recently, it is hypothesized that there might be an association between immunological disorders and cervical premalignant and malignant abnormalities. Related studies have been generally focused on some particular autoimmune disease, specially the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed at comparing the rate of Pap smear abnormalities in female patients with autoimmune diseases and normal counterparts. In a case-control setting, 118 female patients with various autoimmune diseases (the case group) and 118 healthy female counterparts (the control group) were recruited in Tabriz Imam Reza Teaching Centre in a 24 months period of time. The two groups were matched for demographics and known risk factors of cervical malignancy. Frequencies of abnormal Pap smear testing were compared between the two groups. The autoimmune disorders were SLE (74 patients), rheumatoid arthritis or RA (32 patients), systcmic sclerosis or SS (7 patients) and ankylosing spondylitis or AS (5 patients) in the case group. Frequency of abnormal Pap smear testing was significantly higher in the case group comparing with that in the controls (7.6% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.03). Frequency of abnormal Pap smear testing was higher in the patients with SLE (8.1%) and RA (9.3%) comparing with that in the controls; However, these differences were marginally nonsignificant (p = 0.06 and p = 0.07, respectively). Frequency of cases with abnormal Pap smear testing was not statistically different between the autoimmune disorders (p = 0.99). Based on these findings and in conclusion, there might be an association between the autoimmune disorders and occurrence of premalignant or malignant lesions in cervix. Further studies with larger samples sizes are recommended.     

Effect of Metasystox-R on marine Nitrosomonas sp. as a nitrification inhibitor

Metasystox-R is a systemic soluble liquid insecticide for the control of aphids on brassica vegetable crops, cotton and lupins and it is possible enter to the marine environment and may be have a hazard effects for the marine organisms and nitrification processes. Effect of Metasystox-R on ammonia oxidizing activity by marine Nitrosomonas sp. was investigated by determining nitrification inhibitor assay in the cell suspension. Results showed that 8 microg mL(-1) of Metasystox-R with PI50 = 4.48 significantly inhibited nitrite production by marine Nitrosomonas sp. These results suggested marine Nitrosomonas sp. may be one of the target bacteria which was inhibitor and decreasing nitrification in the marine environment.     

Molecular and morphological characterisation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphelenchoides paraxui</Emphasis> n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus brantii</Emphasis> in western Iran

Aphelenchoides paraxui n. sp. is described and illustrated from bark samples of an oak tree (Quercus brantii L.) in Kermanshah province, western Iran. The new species is characterized by body length of 500–660 μm (females) and 630–665 μm (males), lip region set off from body contour, lateral fields with four lines, and total stylet 8–9 μm long with small basal swellings. The excretory pore is located ca one body diam. Posterior to metacorpus valve. The spicules are relatively large (29–33 μm in dorsal limb) with apex and rostrum rounded and well developed and the end of the dorsal limb clearly curved ventrad like a hook. The female tail is conical, the terminus having a complicated step-like projection, usually with many tiny nodular protuberances. Male tail bearing six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae and a well-developed mucro. The new species belongs to the Group 2 category of Aphelenchoides species sensu Shahina (1996) in which eight known species among Group 2–4 sensu Shahina namely: A. arcticus, A. asteromucronatus, A. blastophthorus, A. lichenicola, A. saprophilus, A. seiachicus, A. silvester and A. xui, are the most closed species. Molecular analyses of the partial small subunit rDNA gene (SSU), D2/D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rDNA gene (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) revealed this as a new species and supported the morphological results.     

A serologic study on Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered sheep and goats in Qazvin Province,Iran

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite among all mammals, in particular small ruminants, worldwide. Traditional husbandry can be a major risk factor for infection of sheep and goats with this parasite.

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the current status of the prevalence for T. gondii in livestock of Qazvin Province.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the sera of 455 sheep and 375 goats were examined to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies by using in-house indirect ELISA.

Results

Overall, 33.62% (153/455) of sheep and 36.41% (130/375) of goats were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies with no statistically significant difference. The prevalence rate of T. gondii among the sheep of Qazvin County was significantly higher than in Abyek and Abhar counties (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats of the study area is high. Therefore, the meat of the animals reared in this area can be a potential source of human infections by this parasite.

     

Effects of different light intensities on growth,survival, reproductive and life span characteristics of Artemia urmiana (Günther 1890)

Effects of light intensities on growth, survival, reproductive and life span traits of Artemia urmiana were investigated under laboratory conditions. Nauplii of A. urmiana were hatched and raised in 100 g L^?1 at four illuminations including 0, 100, 2000 and 5000 lx with 14:10 (light:dark) photoperiod. Mating pairs of mature animals were randomly isolated and reared continuously under similar conditions. The mode and potential of reproduction as well as adult survival shown by each pair were determined throughout their life span. Results showed that percentages of nauplii survival were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different at 5000 and 0 lx (76.50% compared with 26.25%) respectively. Total number of offspring was highly correlated with the light intensities showing increased numbers at higher light intensities compared with darkness or 100 lx. Reproduction mode was relatively affected by various light intensities. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were found both in reproductive period and life span at different illuminations. Maximum and minimum offspring productions per reproductive day were found at 5000 and 100 lx respectively. The relative degree of oviparity increased as the illumination decreased (57.92% compared with 22.65% at 0 and 5000 lx respectively). The optimum light intensities appear to be between 2000 lx and 5000 lx in this study. These findings could probably be useful for mass culture of A. urmiana in indoor or recirculating systems as well as in outdoor systems for intensive cyst and biomass production.     

Assessment of the oil content of the seed produced by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salicornia</Emphasis> L., along with its ability to produce forage in saline soils

Soil salinity presents a serious threat to crop production. The relatively poor tolerance to this stress agent exhibited by conventional crops incentivizes the search for alternative producers of food and forage in salinity-affected environments. Halophytes belonging to the genus Salicornia L. have been suggested as being able to provide both forage and edible seed oil. Here, a set of 14 Salicornia europaea L. accessions was investigated for their ability to produce seed oil and forage in response to a range of salt concentrations (100, 300 and 600 mM NaCl) in the water used for irrigation. Seed of the accessions was collected from diverse sites close to saline rivers and the sea in Iran. Salinity was shown to have a major effect on biomass yield, and on seed oil yield and composition. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the seed oil was remarkably high. Forage yield was highest when irrigated with 300 mM NaCl for most of the accessions, while a level of 600 mM NaCl suited the production of seed oil.     

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of honeybee pollen on growth performance,flesh quality,and immune and stress response response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The effects of dietary hydroalcoholic extract of honeybee pollen (HBPE) on growth performance, flesh quality, immunity and stress response were investigated. Two hundred fifty‐five rainbow trout (11.14 ± 1.06 g) were fed five diets containing increasing levels of HBPE: control, 0.25HBPE (0.25 g HBPE/kg), 0.5HBPE (0.5 g HBPE/kg), 1HBPE (1 g HBPE/kg) and 1.5HBPE (1.5 g HBPE/kg). After 56 days, rainbow trout fed the 0.5HBPE and 1HBPE diets displayed significantly higher weight gain (49.58 and 53.25 g) and protein efficiency (2.88 and 2.83) compared to those fed the control diet (4.89 and 2.05), respectively (p < .05). For flesh quality, higher protein content in the whole body of fish fed the 1HBPE (633.3 g/kg) and 1.5HBPE (640.9 g/kg) diets was observed when compared to other groups (p < .05). There were no significant differences in the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid content. Individuals fed the 1HBPE (234.5 g/kg) and 1.5HBPE (234.7 g/kg) diets exhibited higher levels of n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the muscle than the other groups (p < .05). In terms of the immune system, the serum lysozyme and alternative complement pathway haemolytic activity levels in the 0.5HBPE (47.66 and 148.00 U/ml) and 1HBPE (46.00 and 146.33 U/ml) treatments were higher than the other treatments (p < .05). When Aeromonas hydrophila was exposed to different dosages of HBPE, a higher inhibitory zone resulted from 1,000 and 1,500 mg/ml dosage. The lower levels of plasma cortisol were observed in the 1HBPE and 1.5HBPE groups after the complement stress test. Collectively, the present findings suggest that the 1HBPE diet supported superior growth, flesh quality, immunity and stress response of rainbow trout.