Influence of probiotic supplementation on blood parameters and growth performance in broiler chickens

Effects of commercial probiotic (Bactocell®) on growth performance and blood parameters were evaluated. A total of 800 one day-old Ross broiler chicks were raised over 42 days. Chicks were wing-banded, weighed individually and randomly allocated into four equally major groups each having two replicates. Chicks of group 1 (control group) were fed the starter and finisher diets that did not supplemented with probiotic. The chicks of groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control starter and finisher diets supplemented with 1.6 g, 1 g and 0.8 g of probiotic per kg feed, respectively. Weekly body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion were measured. Blood parameters at 1, 4 and 6 weeks of age including packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), total protein, albumin, total lipid and cholesterol were determined. All birds were kept under similar environmental, managerial and hygienic conditions. The results of the current study revealed that there was no significant change for Hb and PCV concentrations among different groups at all studied times. Also, total protein, lipids and albumin concentrations were not affected by probiotic supplementation. Chicken fed a diet containing various levels of probiotic showed a significant decrease (p ⩽ 0.05) in cholesterol concentration compared to control group. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased the body weight and daily weight gain of broiler chicks at late ages (3-6 weeks). Also, the birds fed on probiotic levels 1 and 0.8 g/kg diet exhibited higher body weight among chicken groups at 6 weeks of age. Improved feed conversion was noticed in birds fed a diet supplemented with probiotic. There was no significant difference in mortality rate among groups. We concluded that use of selected commercial probiotic resulted in improved performance parameters and reduced serum cholesterol in broiler chickens. Moreover, supplementation of the probiotic to broilers in the levels of 1 and 0.8 g/kg diet was found to be better than control and 1.6 g/kg level indicating that increasing dietary probiotic level does not has the best performance.

Evaluation and improvement of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) for COVID-19: a multi-hospital study

BACKGROUND

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) is currently recommended in the UK for the risk stratification of COVID-19 patients, but little is known about its ability to detect severe cases. We aimed to evaluate NEWS2 for the prediction of severe COVID-19 outcome and identify and validate a set of blood and physiological parameters routinely collected at hospital admission to improve upon the use of NEWS2 alone for medium-term risk stratification.

METHODS

Training cohorts comprised 1276 patients admitted to King's College Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust with COVID-19 disease from 1 March to 30 April 2020. External validation cohorts included 6237 patients from five UK NHS Trusts (Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, University Hospitals Southampton, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, University College London Hospitals, University Hospitals Birmingham), one hospital in Norway (Oslo University Hospital), and two hospitals in Wuhan, China (Wuhan Sixth Hospital and Taikang Tongji Hospital). The outcome was severe COVID-19 disease (transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) or death) at 14 days after hospital admission. Age, physiological measures, blood biomarkers, sex, ethnicity, and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases) measured at hospital admission were considered in the models.

RESULTS

A baseline model of 'NEWS2 + age' had poor-to-moderate discrimination for severe COVID-19 infection at 14 days (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in training cohort = 0.700, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.680, 0.722; Brier score = 0.192, 95% CI 0.186, 0.197). A supplemented model adding eight routinely collected blood and physiological parameters (supplemental oxygen flow rate, urea, age, oxygen saturation, C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) improved discrimination (AUC = 0.735; 95% CI 0.715, 0.757), and these improvements were replicated across seven UK and non-UK sites. However, there was evidence of miscalibration with the model tending to underestimate risks in most sites.

CONCLUSIONS

NEWS2 score had poor-to-moderate discrimination for medium-term COVID-19 outcome which raises questions about its use as a screening tool at hospital admission. Risk stratification was improved by including readily available blood and physiological parameters measured at hospital admission, but there was evidence of miscalibration in external sites. This highlights the need for a better understanding of the use of early warning scores for COVID.

Acute hypoxic stress: Effect on blood parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and expression of HIF-1alpha and GLUT-1 genes in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Dissolved oxygen (DO) plays a crucial role in survival, growth, and normal physiological functions of aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in hypoxic stress and adaptation have not been fully elucidated in Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). To reveal the effect of acute hypoxia on Largemouth bass, we simulated acute hypoxia (DO: 1.2 ± 0.2 mg/L) in the laboratory and analyzed physiological parameters (RBCs, Hb, SOD, CAT, NA⁺/K⁺-ATPase, GPx, and MDA) and gene expression (HIF-1alpha and GLUT-1) in Largemouth bass exposed to various durations of acute hypoxia (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h). Our results indicated that acute hypoxic exposure significantly increased RBCs but decreased Hb. In addition, antioxidant enzyme activity was enhanced significantly in the liver and muscles at the initial stage of acute hypoxic exposure, but decreased significantly in gills during the entire process of hypoxic exposure. Furthermore, the expression levels of HIF-1alpha and GLUT-1 mRNA were significantly up-regulated in Largemouth bass under acute hypoxic exposure. In conclusion, our study provides a valuable basis for further elucidation of hypoxic adaptation and facilitates husbandry for an economically valuable species.

Haematological and biochemical parameters and tissue accumulations of cadmium in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to various concentrations of cadmium chloride

Oreochromis niloticus, weighing 36.45 ± 1.12 g were exposed to 10%, 20% and 30% of the LC₅₀ of CdCl₂ which represents treatments (T1)1.68, (T2)3.36 and (T3)5.03 mg/l, respectively, for a period of 10, 20 and 30 days. It was found that, compared to a control group reading of 0.19 ± 0.03 μg/g dry weight, accumulation of Cd in the gills was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in samples ranging between 7.64 ± 0.86 and 61.73 ± 0.82 μg/g dry weight from T1 at 10 days to T3 at 30 days. The accumulation of Cd in the liver, meanwhile, was also observed to significantly increase (p < 0.05) with increasing time and concentrations with results ranging between 3.21 ± 0.12 and 181.61 ± 1.32 compared to the control group results of 0.29 ± 0.04 μg/g dry weight. Although muscles exhibited lower levels of accumulation than the gills and liver they still showed the same pattern of increase compared to the control group, with a significant difference ranging between 0.32 ± 0.02 and 2.16 ± 0.08 compared to the control group results of 0.03 ± 0.001 μg/g dry weight. Also, haematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) were reduced in fish exposed to Cd at all periods, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Plasma glucose concentration showed a significant increase. Total protein levels of fish showed a significant reduction (p > 0.05) for all exposed treatments. Also, the total lipid level increased significantly as fish were exposed to increasing cadmium concentrations, compared to control fish. Finally, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST IU/l) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT IU/l) showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) with increasing time and concentrations.

Long-term effects of early antibiotic intervention on blood parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbial fermentation profile in pigs with different dietary protein levels

Backgroud

This study aimed to determine the effects of early antibiotic intervention (EAI) on subsequent blood parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and fecal fermentation profile in pigs with different dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Eighteen litters of piglets (total 212) were randomly allocated to 2 groups and were fed a creep feed diet with or without in-feed antibiotics (olaquindox, oxytetracycline calcium and kitasamycin) from postnatal d 7 to d 42. On d 42, the piglets within the control or antibiotic group were mixed, respectively, and then further randomly assigned to a normal- (20%, 18%, and 14% CP from d 42 to d 77, d 77 to d 120, and d 120 to d 185, respectively) or a low-CP diet (16%, 14%, and 10% CP from d 42 to d 77, d 77 to d 120, and d 120 to d 185, respectively), generating 4 groups. On d 77 (short-term) and d 185 (long-term), serum and fecal samples were obtained for blood parameters, microbial composition and microbial metabolism analysis.

Results

EAI increased (P < 0.05) albumin and glucose concentrations in low-CP diet on d 77, and increased (P < 0.05) urea concentration in normal-CP diet. On d 185, EAI increased (P < 0.05) globulin concentration in normal-CP diets, but decreased glucose concentration. For nutrient digestibility, EAI increased (P < 0.05) digestibility of CP on d 77. For fecal microbiota, the EAI as well as low-CP diet decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli count on d 77. For fecal metabolites, on d 77, EAI decreased (P < 0.05) total amines concentration but increased skatole concentration in low-CP diet. On d 185, the EAI increased (P < 0.05) putrescine and total amines concentrations in low-CP diets but reduced (P < 0.05) in the normal-CP diets. The low-CP diet decreased the concentrations of these compounds.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results indicate that EAI has short-term effects on the blood parameters and fecal microbial fermentation profile. The effects of EAI varied between CP levels, which was characterized by the significant alteration of glucose and putrescine concentration.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-017-0192-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of dietary onion (Allium cepa) powder on growth, innate immune response and hemato-biochemical parameters of beluga (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1754) juvenile

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of dietary onion powder on growth, innate immune response and hemato-biochemical parameters of beluga juvenile (Huso huso). Basal diets containing onion powder 0 (control), 0.5 and 1% of feed were fed to beluga juvenile. At the end of the experiment, the highest weight gain (WG%) and specific growth rate (SGR) was observed in group fed with 1% onion (P < 0.05). There were no significant difference (P > 0.05) about feed conversion ratio (FCR) in treatment groups that fed diets containing various levels of onion powder. After 8 weeks, serum lysozyme activity, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), respiratory burst activity and serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) showed a significant increase in treatment group with 1% onion powder compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The group fed 1% onion showed a significantly increases in the number of erythrocytes (RBC), leucocyte (WBC), haematocrit (Hct) levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Haemoglobin, monocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil had no significant change (P > 0.05) in treatment groups and control. The analysis of AST and LDH levels showed a significant decrease in 1% onion compared to the control and 0.5% onion diet (P < 0.05), while ALT and ALP levels were not influenced (P > 0.05). The blood glucose, total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin and globulin levels were lower in treated groups compared with the control (P < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrated that dietary onion powder could be an improvement in growth, hematological parameters and immune function of beluga juvenile.

Tail docking and the rearing of heavy pigs: the role played by gender and the presence of straw in the control of tail biting. Blood parameters, behaviour and skin lesions

This study evaluated whether the specific heavy pig rearing context allowed the fattening of undocked pigs without an outbreak of tail biting. At the same time, gender and straw availability (small amounts) were considered to understand their possible interactions with tail presence in the display of tail biting. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted to test the effects of these factors on blood parameters, behaviour and tail/ear lesions. Few interactions among factors were detected. Undocked pigs showed lower cortisol (P<0.02), lying behaviour (P<0.001), and higher risk of tail/ear biting (weeks 3 and 9), but lower risk of tail lesions (week 14). Straw increased the motivation for exploring (P<0.001), reduced serum haptoglobin (P<0.001) and the risk for tail biting (weeks 3, 9, 18) and ear biting (weeks 3, 9). Results highlight the importance of straw as an environmental enrichment and seem to indicate that fattening undocked heavy pigs is possible.

Effect of dietary chitosan on growth performance, hematological parameters, intestinal histology and stress resistance of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum Kamenskii, 1901) fingerlings

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan on growth performance, hematological parameters, intestinal histology, stress resistance and body composition in the Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamenskii, 1901) fingerlings. Fish (1.7 ± 0.15 g) were fed diets containing chitosan at different levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g kg(-1) diet) for a period of 60 days. Results showed that the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased in fish fed diet containing 1 g kg(-1) of chitosan compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between treatments in terms of specific growth rate and condition factor (P > 0.05). Leukocyte increased in fish fed diet containing 2 g kg(-1) of chitosan compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils did not significantly change among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Also, the chitosan supplementation did not affect the whole-fish body composition (P > 0.05). Light microscopy demonstrated that the intestinal villus length increased in fish fed diet containing 1 g kg(-1) of chitosan compared to control group (P < 0.05). While 11 and 13 ‰ salinity and 30 °C thermal stress had no effect, 1 g kg(-1) of chitosan (P < 0.05) showed highest survival rate (70 %) in 34 °C thermal stress. The results showed that chitosan in the diet of the Caspian kutum fingerlings could improve feed conversion ratio, the nonspecific defense mechanisms and resistance to some of the environmental stresses.

Acute effects of chromium on hemato-biochemical parameters and morphology of erythrocytes in striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Chromium is considered the most detrimental pollutant to the aquatic organisms. The present experiment was conducted to determine the acute toxicity of chromium in view of its effects on hemato-biochemical parameters and the structure of erythrocytes in striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Fish were exposed to seven different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg/L) of chromium, each with three replications for 96 h. After 96 h of exposure, the survived fish were sacrificed to measure hemato-biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, Hb; red blood cell, RBC; white blood cell, WBC; packed cell volume, PCV; mean corpuscular volume, MCV; the mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH and blood glucose). In addition, erythrocytic cellular abnormalities (ECA) and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) of peripheral erythrocytes were assayed. No mortality was observed up to 10 mg/L, but 90% and 100% mortality was observed at 50 mg/L and 60 mg/L, respectively after a 96 h exposure period. The 96 h LC50 value through probit analysis was 32.47 mg/L. Hb (%), RBC (×106/mm3) and PCV (%) significantly decreased at 20, 30 and 40 mg/L of chromium, whereas WBC (×103/mm3), MCV (μm3) and MCH (pg) showed the opposite scenario. Blood glucose (mg/dL) levels significantly increased at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L of chromium compared to 0 mg/L. Frequencies of ECA and ENA significantly increased with increasing chromium concentrations. This study indicates that chromium is highly toxic to striped catfish.

Relationship between arsenic accumulation in tissues and hematological parameters in mullet caught in Faro Lake: a preliminary study

The authors investigated the arsenic (As) accumulation in different tissues (muscle, gill, liver, stomach, and intestine) and the possible correlation between tissue concentration and hematological parameters in mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Faro Lake (Messina, Sicily, Italy). On all fish, hematological analyses of blood samples, measurement of biometric indices, and the removal of the muscles, gills, liver, stomach, and intestine for the determination of arsenic concentration were performed. A hemogram was performed to find effects of arsenic concentration in tissues on hematological variables. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences of arsenic concentration in different tissues, with higher values in the gill. The correlation between hematological parameters and tissue arsenic concentration showed a statistical significance for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) with the liver As concentration. Biometric indices (weight, length, and fork length) showed a significant correlation with As concentration of the muscle and liver also. Our results indicate the role of some hematological parameters as biomarkers useful to monitoring anthropogenic load of arsenic in water and sediment, because variations of these parameters represent one of the effects that arsenic exposure can have on fish.

Two Blood Monocytic Biomarkers (CCL15 and p21) Combined with the Mini-Mental State Examination Discriminate Alzheimer's Disease Patients from Healthy Subjects

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In AD, monocytes migrate across the blood-brain barrier and differentiate into microglia, are linked to inflammatory responses and display age-dependent decreases in telomere lengths.

Methods

Six monocyte-specific chemokines and the (telomere-associated) tumor suppressor proteins p53 and p21 were determined by multiplex immunoassay in plasma and monocyte extracts of patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment, and levels were compared between patients and controls (without cognitive impairment).

Results

CCL15 (macrophage inflammatory protein-1δ), CXCL9 (monokine-induced by interferon-γ) and p21 levels were decreased in monocytes of AD patients compared with controls.

Conclusion

The combination of monocytic CCL15 and p21 together with the Mini-Mental State Examination enables to differentiate AD patients from controls with high specificity and sensitivity.

Effects of Nano-selenium Poisoning on Immune Function in the Wumeng Semi-fine Wool Sheep

The Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep is vital to the production system in Southwest China. To study the effects of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) poisoning in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep, poisoning model was established. A total of 20 animals with an average initial body weight (BW) of 35.57 ± 3.31 kg were used in this study. After 1-week-long acclimatization period, all animals were randomly divided into two groups: (1) control, with no any treatment; (2) Nano-Se group, orally administered 5 mg Nano-Se (BW/kg/day). There were 10 replications/group and one sheep/replication. The experiment lasted for 30 days. Compared with the control, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume in Nano-Se group markedly decreased (P < 0.01), and the activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, cereal third transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase in Nano-Se group significantly increased (P < 0.01). T₃ and FT₃ in serum in Nano-Se group were greatly lower than those in the control (P < 0.01). Contents of T₄, FT₄, and TSH in serum in Nano-Se group were extremely higher than those in the control (P < 0.01). Levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Nano-Se group were much lower than those of the control (P < 0.01), but levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were greatly higher than those in the control (P < 0.01). Compared with the control, serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxide, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase from Nano-Se group extremely decreased (P < 0.01), and content of serum malondialdehyde in Nano-Se group markedly increased (P < 0.01). The current results indicated that the blood parameters in the Wumeng semi-fine wool sheep were affected by Nano-Se poisoning, and the immune function and antioxidant capacity were greatly reduced too.

Hemotrophic mycoplasma in Simmental cattle in Bavaria: prevalence, blood parameters, and transplacental transmission of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and Mycoplasma wenyonii

Background

The significance of hemotrophic mycoplasma in cattle remains unclear. Especially in Europe, their epidemiological parameters as well as pathophysiological influence on cows are lacking. The objectives of this study were: (1) to describe the prevalence of ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ (‘C. M. haemobos’) and Mycoplasma wenyonii (M. wenyonii) in Bavaria, Germany; (2) to evaluate their association with several blood parameters; (3) to explore the potential of vertical transmission in Simmental cattle; and (4) to evaluate the accuracy of acridine-orange-stained blood smears compared to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results to detect hemotrophic mycoplasma. A total of 410 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-blood samples from cows from 41 herds were evaluated by hematology, acridine-orange-stained blood smears, and real-time PCR. Additionally, blood samples were taken from dry cows of six dairy farms with positive test results for hemotrophic mycoplasma to investigate vertical transmission of infection.

Results

The period prevalence of both species was 60.24% (247/410), C. M. haemobos 56.59% (232/410), M. wenyonii 8.54% (35/410) and for coinfection 4.88% (20/410). Of the relevant blood parameters, only mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and white blood cell count (WBC) showed differences between the groups of infected and non-infected individuals. There were lower values of MCV (P < 0.01) and MCH (P < 0.01) and higher values of WBC (P < 0.05) in ‘C. M. haemobos’-infected cows. In contrast, co-infected individuals had only higher WBC (P < 0.05). In M. wenyonii-positive blood samples, MCH was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Vertical transmission of ‘C. M. haemobos’ was confirmed in two calves. The acridine-orange-method had a low sensitivity (37.39%), specificity (65.97%), positive predictive value (63.70%) and negative predictive value (39.75%) compared to PCR.

Conclusions

‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ was more prevalent than M. wenyonii in Bavarian Simmental cattle, but infection had little impact on evaluated blood parameters. Vertical transmission of the infection was rare. Real-time PCR is the preferred diagnostic method compared to the acridine-orange-method.

A Review on the Role of Chromium Supplementation in Ruminant Nutrition-Effects on Productive Performance, Blood Metabolites, Antioxidant Status, and Immunocompetence

With the increase in the global herd, the use of metabolic modifiers has become an important area for many researchers looking for a supraphysiological diet to improve production parameters. For improving the performance of high yielding cows, the optimal balance of all nutrients including microminerals is important. Chromium (Cr) is one of the important micronutrients which plays an important role in metabolism of ruminants. Experimental studies have found that Cr could change performance, immune responses, glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and antioxidant status in dairy cows. In some studies, Cr supplementation improved dry matter intake, milk production, and milk composition of dairy cows in the early, mid, or late stage of lactation. Also, in some studies, performance of growing animal, immune response, and some blood parameters responded positively to Cr supplementation. In conclusion, the effects of Cr supplementation on performance of ruminants are inconsistent; however, its long-term effects on health, productivity, immune system, and antioxidant activity of ruminants still need to be investigated.

The effect of dietary cricket meal (Gryllus bimaculatus) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, and haematological response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, biomarkers of oxidative stress, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as the haematological response of African catfish after being fed with fish feed containing different levels of cricket meal. The juvenile fish were assigned to three different treatments with isonitrogenous (35 %) and isoenergetic (19 kJ g(-1)) diets containing 100 % cricket meal (100 % CM), 75 % cricket meal (75 % CM), and 100 % fishmeal (100 % FM) as control groups for 7 weeks. The results indicated that a diet containing 100 % CM and 75 % CM improved growth performance in terms of body weight gain and specific growth rate, when compared to 100 % FM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not differ significantly between all diets, but reduced FCR and increased PER were observed with a higher inclusion of cricket meal. A haematological examination of fish demonstrated no significant difference of red blood cells in all diets and white blood cells showed a significantly higher value in fishmeal-fed fish. On the other hand, haemoglobin and haematocrit significantly increased with increasing amounts of cricket meal in the diet. Antioxidant activity of CAT was higher in the 100 % CM group compared to fish fed other diets, whereas GST and SOD showed increasing trends with a higher incorporation of cricket, although insignificant differences were observed between all diets. These results suggest that cricket meal could be an alternative to fishmeal as a protein source in the African catfish diet.

Effects of thyroid dysfunction on hematological parameters: Case controlled study

Introduction

The thyroid gland has a very important role in hematopoiesis, blood disorders are frequently seen in patients with thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones have direct effect on blood parameters by stimulating erythrocytes precursors and indirectly by enhancing erythropoietin production.

Patients and methods

This is a case-control study which included 300 subjects who were grouped to 3 equal groups as a control, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism groups. Patients with inherited or acquired red cell abnormalities, those receiving treatment for thyroid disorder or anemia, patient with chronic diseases, aged <12 years, pregnant ladies and patients unwilling to participate in the study were excluded.

Results

The mean age of patients is 40.72 years, and females constituted 60.7% of cases. The analyses showed a significant difference the RBC, HB, MCV, MCHC, RDW, and WBC (P values 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, 0.012.0.002, and 0.027) respectively, while platelets showed no significant correlation (P value 0.08). The univariate analyses showed that RBC, the HB, and the WBC were the most severely affected parameters (Sig. 0.000, 0.000, and 0.005) respectively.

Conclusion

The study concluded that females are more affected by thyroid disorders than males and the peak age is at the forties, thyroid dysfunction affect all blood parameters except platelets.The follow up of patients with thyroid disorders should include the complete blood count and patients diagnosed with anemia should be evaluated for thyroid disorders before iron therapy. Cases of anemia that resist treatment should be investigated for the possibility of thyroid dysfunction.

•

The thyroid gland has a very important role in hematopoiesis.

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Females are more affected by thyroid disorders than males.

•

Thyroid hormones directly stimulate erythrocytes precursors and indirectly by enhancing erythropoietin production.

A multi-strain probiotic administered via drinking water enhances feed conversion efficiency and meat quality traits in indigenous chickens

Whereas the use of probiotics is commonplace in commercial production of improved chicken strains, little is known about the impact of these live microbial feed additives in indigenous chickens in South Africa. This study investigated the effect of a multi-strain probiotic (containing Bacillus safensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium and Cupriavidus metallidurans, total bacteria number was 1.4 × 10⁸ cfu/mL), administered via drinking water, on growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality characteristics of Potchefstroom koekoek cockerels for a period of 12 weeks. A total of 140 five-week-old cockerels were randomly allocated to 4 experimental diets formulated to have similar energy and protein levels as follows: 1) negative control diet (CON; commercial chicken grower diet without both antibiotics and probiotics), 2) positive control diet (ANTIB; commercial chicken grower diet with antibiotics [0.05% Coxistac and 0.04% olaquindox] but no probiotics), 3) negative control diet plus 2.5 mL of probiotics per litre of water (PROB25) and 4) negative control with 5.0 mL of probiotics per litre of water (PROB50). There was a significant (P < 0.05) week and diet interaction effect on average weekly feed conversion efficiency. At 9 weeks of age, cockerels in PROB50 group had higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion efficiency than those in CON and ANTIB groups. However, 14-week-old cockerels in PROB50 group had lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion efficiency than those in ANTIB group. Treatments had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on overall feed intake, overall weight gain and haemato–biochemical parameters of cockerels. Gizzard and spleen weights were similar (P > 0.05) in PROB50, CON and PROB25 groups. Cockerels in PROB50 group had shorter (P < 0.05) small intestine than those in CON and PROB25 groups. Cockerels in PROB50 group had larger (P < 0.05) breast weight than those in PROB25 group. Cockerels in ANTIB and PROB50 groups had greater (P < 0.05) wing and thigh weights than those in CON and PROB25 groups. Shank weight was similar (P > 0.05) in PROB50, CON and ANTIB groups. Meat pH measured after 24 h of slaughter was the highest (P < 0.05) in CON and ANTIB groups followed by PROBO25 and PROB50 groups. Cockerels in CON group had lower (P < 0.05) cooking losses than those in ANTIB, PROB25 and PROB50 groups. It was concluded that probiotics can be used in place of prophylactic antibiotics in Potchefstroom koekoek cockerels.

Effects of Nano-Zinc on Immune Function in Qianbei-Pockmarked Goats

Qianbei-pockmarked goats are vital to the production system of western China. This study aimed to determine the influence of nano-zinc on immune function in zinc-deprived goats. We analyzed the mineral concentrations in soil, forage, and animal tissue. Blood parameters and immune indexes were also determined. Results showed that the zinc concentrations in soil and forage from affected area were significantly lower than those in control area (P < 0.01). Zinc contents in tissues (blood and hair) from affected Qianbei-pockmarked goats were also significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Levels of hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume from affected animals were markedly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). Levels of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxide, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in serum in affected animals were significantly lower, and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, malondialdehyde in serum were significantly higher than those in healthy goats (P < 0.01). The contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G, interleukin-2, interleukin 6, and interleukin-1β from affected animals were significantly lower than those in healthy animals (P < 0.01). The affected Qianbei-pockmarked goats were treated orally with nano-zinc, the concentration of zinc in blood significantly increased, and serum immune indexes greatly returned to that within the healthy range. It was concluded that nano-zinc could not only markedly increase the zinc content in blood of zinc-deprived goats but also much improve the immune function.

Physiological responses of wild zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to heatwaves

Desert birds inhabit hot, dry environments that are becoming hotter and drier as a consequence of climate change. Extreme weather such as heatwaves can cause mass-mortality events that may significantly impact populations and species. There are currently insufficient data concerning physiological plasticity to inform models of species' response to extreme events and develop mitigation strategies. Consequently, we examine here the physiological plasticity of a small desert bird in response to hot (mean maximum ambient temperature=42.7°C) and cooler (mean maximum ambient temperature=31.4°C) periods during a single Austral summer. We measured body mass, metabolic rate, evaporative water loss and body temperature, along with blood parameters (corticosterone, glucose and uric acid) of wild zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to assess their physiological state and determine the mechanisms by which they respond to heatwaves. Hot days were not significant stressors; they did not result in modification of baseline blood parameters or an inability to maintain body mass, provided drinking water was available. During heatwaves, finches shifted their thermoneutral zone to higher temperatures. They reduced metabolic heat production, evaporative water loss and wet thermal conductance, and increased hyperthermia, especially when exposed to high ambient temperature. A consideration of the significant physiological plasticity that we have demonstrated to achieve more favourable heat and water balance is essential for effectively modelling and planning for the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

An Investigation of Protective Effects of Litium Borate on Blood and Histopathological Parameters in Acute Cadmium-Induced Rats

This study was carried out to determine the protective effects of lithium borate (LTB) on blood parameters and histopathological findings in experimentally induced acute cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were used, weighing 200-220 g, and they were randomly divided into four groups, including one control and the following three experimental groups: a Cd group (0.025 mmol/kg), a LTB group (15 mg/kg/day orally for 5 days), and a LTB + Cd group (15 mg/kg/day orally for 5 days and Cd 0.025 mmol/kg by intraperitoneal injection on the fifth day). All the rats in the study were anesthetized with ketamine at the end of the sixth day, blood was taken from their hearts, and then the rats were decapitated. The values in the control and LTB group were usually close to each other. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil %, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased in the Cd and LTB + Cd groups while lymphocyte and monocyte levels decreased in a statistically significant manner, in comparison to the other groups. It was determined that the levels of red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Htc), and hemoglobin (Hb) did not change in the groups. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the Cd and LTB + Cd groups significantly increased, in comparison to the other groups, while the glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) levels decreased. According to histopathological findings in the control and LTB groups, the liver and kidney tissues were found to have normal histological structures. In the Cd group, severe necrotic hemorrhagic hepatitis, mild steatosis, and mononuclear cell infiltration were detected in the liver. In the LTB + Cd group, degeneration and mild mononuclear cell infiltration were found in the liver. Regarding the kidney tissue in the Cd group, severe intertubular hyperemia in both kidney cortex and medulla, as well as degeneration and necrosis in the tubulus epithelium, was observed. In the LTB + Cd group, mild interstitial hyperemia and mononuclear cell infiltration was detected. Resultantly, it can be said that LTB at this dose has non-toxic effects and some beneficial effects for liver and kidney damage caused by acute Cd toxicity.

In vitro and in vivo action of Piptadenia viridiflora (Kunth) Benth against Haemonchus contortus in sheep

Anthelminthic resistant populations of Haemonchus contortus are a major problem in sheep rearing, but plant extracts may offer viable alternative treatments. In our preliminary studies, Piptadenia viridiflora was frequently selected by sheep grazing in the Cerrado. The present research evaluated its in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity. The HPLC chromatograms of P. viridiflora aqueous extract (AE) and ethanolic extract (EE) showed the presence of flavonoids. The total condensed tannin (proanthocyanidin) was 0.2 and 1.01% in AE and EE, respectively. In an egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test, the LC90 of AE was 2.4mg/mL, and, of EE, was 2.1mg/mL. After tannin extraction, higher EHI and lower LC90 were observed. In a larval development inhibition test, the LC90 of AE was 13.66mg/g of fecal culture. The highest dose of AE administered to mice (203.0mg/kg bw) was well tolerated, suggesting low toxicity. In vivo, AE was orally administered to lambs at 283mg/kg bw, and, at weeks one, two, and three post-treatment, the mean fecal egg count (FEC) was significantly lower than in untreated lambs (P<0.05). Blood parameters were normal and similar in untreated and treated sheep. For all lamb groups, the mean total serum protein was significantly higher at week two post-treatment than at other evaluated periods (P<0.05). Piptadenia viridiflora extracts had low condensed tannin content and exhibited high anthelminthic efficacy in vitro and significantly reduced FEC. Tannins were not shown to be the principal components affecting EHI, hence it is necessary to isolate and characterize the principal active P. viridiflora compounds, and to assess their possible synergism.

Toxic effects of waterborne ammonia exposure on hematological parameters, oxidative stress and stress indicators of juvenile hybrid grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀

Juvenile hybrid grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ (mean weight: 26.5 ± 2.8 g, mean length: 11.8 ± 1.3 cm) were exposed to different, sub-lethal levels of waterborne ammonia (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg NH₄⁺/L) for 2 weeks. We assessed the hematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and stress responses of juvenile hybrid grouper after 1 week and after 2 weeks. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, were significantly decreased by ammonia exposure. Plasma components such as the magnesium and total protein contents, and the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase activities were significantly altered by ammonia exposure; however, no changes in the magnesium levels were detected. Antioxidant responses, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities, were also significantly affected by ammonia exposure. Stress indicator levels, i.e., plasma cholesterol and heat shock protein 70 levels, were significantly increased by ammonia exposure. The results of this study indicated that ammonia exposure has toxic effects on juvenile hybrid grouper and affects their hematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and stress responses.

Influence of Blood Count, Cardiovascular Risks, Inherited Thrombophilia, and JAK2 V617F Burden Allele on Type of Thrombosis in Patients With Philadelphia Chromosome Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

INTRODUCTION

Thrombosis is the most common complication in Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-) myeloproliferative neoplasms patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a cohort of 258 Ph- myeloproliferative neoplasm patients, the difference between patients with and without thrombosis was analyzed according to genetic thrombophilia factors, JAK2 V617F status and burden allele, blood count, cardiovascular risk factors and age. Patients were also divided in polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) subgroups as well as by the type of thrombosis.

RESULTS

Analysis of cardiovascular risk factors regarding arterial thrombosis showed that PV patients with thrombosis had higher incidence of diabetes (P = .030), ET patients more often had hypertension (P = .003) and hyperlipidemia (P = .005), while PMF patients had hyperlipidemia (P = .046) and at least one cardiovascular risk factor (P = .044). Moreover, leukocytes > 18 × 10⁹/L and V617F burden allele > 25.7% were statistically significantly different in PV patients (P = .019 and borderline significant at P = .055, respectively), while in ET patients leukocytes > 9.2 × 10⁹/L (P < .001) and age at diagnosis of > 55 years were statistically significantly different (P = .002). PMF patients with V617F burden allele ≤ 34.8% were more prone to thrombosis (P = .032). When comparing patients with and without venous thrombosis, cutoff value of V617F burden allele > 90.4% was significant for PV patients with thrombosis (P = .036), as was > 56.7% for PMF patients with thrombosis (P = .046). Platelets ≤ 536 × 10⁹/L and age at diagnosis > 54 years showed statistically significant difference for ET patients with thrombosis (P = .015 and P = .041, respectively).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our results, a new scoring system for thrombosis risk in PV could be made, while PMF prognostic model may be expanded for better recognition of potential thrombotic risk factors.

Canine stage 1 periodontal disease: a latent pathology

To evaluate the potential health issues associated with periodontal disease (PD) in dogs, 1004 teeth from 25 dogs were examined. The dogs were randomly selected, aged 2-14 years, and had at least 95% of their teeth at the first PD stage. Significant positive correlations between plaque grade (PG) and gum inflammation, gingival regression, periodontal pocket, age and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were identified. In contrast, PG was negatively correlated to total platelet count. Altogether, these findings suggest that prevention and therapy at the first PD stages can have an important impact on the general health condition of dogs.

Physiological, biochemical and histometric responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) by dietary organic chromium (chromium picolinate) supplementation

Chromium has been recognized as a new and important micro-nutrient, essential for both human and animal nutrition. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness and/or the use of safety level of dietary chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic), and its effects on the physiological responses, the histometric characteristics, and the chemical analysis of dorsal muscles of mono-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 420 fingerlings (28.00 ± 0.96 g) were randomly distributed into 21 fiberglass tanks representing seven treatments at a rate of 20 fish m⁻³. The control fish group (T₁) was fed a Cr-Pic free basal diet. Other fish groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 (T₂), 400 (T₃), 600 (T₄), 800 (T₅), 1000 (T₆) and 1200 μg Cr-Pic kg⁻¹ diet (T₇). Diets were offered to fish at a feeding rate of 3% of life body weight for 12 weeks. Results revealed that blood hematological parameters (hemoglobin, red blood cells, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, blood platelets, and white blood cells lymphocytes); serum biochemical measurements (total testosterone, high density lipoprotein, total protein, albumin, and globulin); and the dry matter and crude protein of the fish dorsal muscles all have significantly increased (P ⩽ 0.05) in the T₃ treatment compared with the other treatments. Meanwhile, no significant differences were found among all treatments with regard to the histometric characteristics. It can be concluded that Cr-Pic at 400 μg kg⁻¹ diet (T₃) seems to be the most appropriate level for O. niloticus fingerlings.