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The aims of this study were to establish a cut-off point by evaluating the usability of the hemato-biochemical indices to determine the severity of inflammation caused by pyometra, and to determine the practical usage of the indices as a diagnostic biomarker in cases of pyometra. Animals that were admitted to Ankara University Veterinary Faculty Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic were included in the present study. Dogs suffering from pyometra were allocated to two groups according to their SIRS status (SIRS, n = 12; Non-SIRS (NSIRS, n = 16)). Healthy dogs presented for routine ovariohysterectomy were used as the control (n = 13). Blood samples were collected into two tubes containing EDTA for hematological analysis and without anticoagulant for biochemical tests before the beginning of treatment. Hemato-biochemical indices, which are Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Neutrophil Percentage-Albumin Ratio (NPAR), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index, were calculated. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SPSS. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to determine the dog level threshold for evaluating the SIRS status and used to determine a predicted threshold with hemato-biochemical indices for differentiation between dogs with pyometra (regardless of SIRS status) and the control. Pairwise comparisons were carried out of the area under the curve (AUC) for thresholds of SII, NLR, PLR, MLR, NPAR. White blood cells, lymphocytes, monocyte, neutrophil, ALP, NLR, MLR, and NPAR levels were greater in dogs that suffer from SIRS (P < 0.05). Red blood cells and hematocrit levels were significantly higher in the control group (P < 0.05). Albumin levels were higher in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, NLR, MLR and NPAR levels were found to be significantly higher in the SIRS group (P < 0.05). Besides, NLR and MLR were the best predictors for diagnosis of the SIRS with the AUC values of 0.936, and 0.966 respectively. Furthermore, NLR, MLR and SII could be a useful diagnostic tool for pyometra with the AUC values of 0.955, 0.931, 0.716. The blood indices could be used as fast, easily accessible, and inexpensive markers for the evaluation of the SIRS status in dogs with pyometra together with diagnosis. • Hematobiochemical indices are easily accessible, simple, and low-cost biomarkers. • √ NLR, MLR, and SII can be used as effectively for the diagnosis of pyometra in dogs. • √ NLR and MLR are the best predictors for the diagnosis of the SIRS in dogs that suffer from pyometra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflammatory factors of complete blood count (CBC) are associated with a decrease in the in vitro embryo production (IVP) outcome in women. The relation between the blood indices and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in bovines remains to be elucidated. Using ovum pick-up (OPU), oocytes were retrieved from heifers (n = 60) and inseminated separately with sperm. The blastocyst formation was recorded on day 7 after insemination for each animal and the blood indices were evaluated at the time of OPU. Then, heifers were classified on the basis of (1) blastocyst formation, cleaved vs. failed, or (2) inflammation, low-grade inflammation (lymphocyte counts > 5.6 × 109/L) vs. no inflammation (lymphocyte counts < 5.6 × 109/L). Oocytes derived from heifers with higher lymphocytes, red blood cells (RBC), platelets, hematocrit, red cell distribution width (RDW-SD) and plateletcrit values and lower monocytes, eosinophils, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) successfully developed to the blastocyst stage. Heifers with low-grade inflammation numerically had a higher percentage of blastocyst formation than normal heifers. The principle component analysis (PCA) showed that blastocyst formation had the strongest positive association with RDW-cv and RDW-SD, while having a strong negative association with mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin, MCHC and MCH. The PCA determined that the number of grade A COCs and the percentage of COCs reached the cleavage stage had a negative association with white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, basophils and monocytes, and a positive correlation with platelet to lymphocyte ratio, platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit. Network mapping detected close similarities between BFR and RDW-SD, MPV, and lymphocytes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) identified that, eosinophils (AUC 0.80), RDW-SD (AUC 0.76), monocytes (AUC 0.76) and lymphocytes (AUC 0.76) had a good predictive ability to detect heifers with high OPU-IVP outcome (≥60%). In conclusion, these findings suggest that CBC indices at the time of OPU were associated with the IVF outcome and may be incorporated into protocols for the identification of heifers with high potential for blastocyst formation. • Eosinophils and RDW-SD had a good predictive ability to predict high IVF outcomes. • Blood indices are associated with in vitro embryo production. • Blood indices may be integrated into the OPU-IVP protocols. • A multi-level approach provides a simple insight into the prediction of IVF outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of star anise extract (SAE) (prepared using ethanol as the solvent) on growth, proximate composition, hepatic-antioxidant enzyme status, blood-serum indices, and survival against crowding stress in Catla calta. Healthy fingerlings (N = 900) with an average initial weight of 14.16 ± 0.11 g were acclimatized under laboratory conditions and then placed in 5 hapas (60 fish in each) in triplicate. SAE was supplemented in basal feed at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg and fed to the experimental groups up to satiation twice daily for 90 days. After completion of the feeding trial, 40 fish from each treatment were subjected to crowding stress (60 kg/m3) in triplicate. In the feeding trial, orthogonal polynomial contrast analysis revealed significant enhancement in final weight, weight gain and specific growth in linear and quadratic trends with weight gain percentage, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency in a quadratic trend observed in response to SAE supplementation. The optimum supplementation level of SAE based on weight gain % was estimated to be 0.93 g/kg using broken line regression analysis (R2 = 0.97) for C. catla. No significant differences in survival rate or proximate composition were observed during the feeding trial. Dietary supplementation with SAE improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in linear and quadratic trends. The activities of hepatic enzymes, such as alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase, were also enhanced linearly and quadratically in response to SAE supplementation. Furthermore, hematological indices (red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were also significantly improved with SAE supplementation. The serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations increased linearly and quadratically. Furthermore, stress markers (glucose, cortisol) and triglycerides were significantly reduced linearly and quadratically in response to SAE supplementation. Lysozyme activities also increased linearly and quadratically, indicating a better immune response. After 7 days of crowding stress, the lowest cumulative mortality was observed for the fish fed a diet supplemented with 1.0 g/kg SAE. In conclusion, dietary SAE supplementation significantly improved growth, hepatic-antioxidant enzyme status, blood-serum indices and survival against crowding stress in C. calta. • Star anise extract (SAE) improved growth and feed utilization in Catla catla. • Dietary SAE enhanced the antioxidant status and reduced the stress in C. catla. • Dietary SAE improved the hematology and serum biochemical parameters in C. catla. • Dietary SAE significantly reduced the cumulative mortality under crowding stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cape gooseberry ( Physalis peruviana ) fruit is highly nutritious with high content of health-promoting compounds including minerals, phenolic compounds, as well as vitamins A and C. Physalis peruviana fruits were used as mutagenic, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, and antileucemis agents. Objective The objective of the present work was to study the role of cape gooseberry juice (CG) as a natural modulator agent for adverse aspects associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) . Results The results recorded that HCC rats had a significant disturbance in blood indices. An elevation in serum level of the inflammatory (TNF-ά, CRP, and Argenase), hepatic apoptotic markers (P53, Bax, and Caspase 3) and a reduction of Blc2% were recorded in HCC rats. The results exhibited the significant disturbance and arrest in hepatic cell cycle (% of M1: SubG1 phase, M2: G0/1 phase of diploid cycle, M3: S phase, and M4: G2/M phase) as well as liver cell viability status in HCC rats. Numerous histopathological alterations were detected in hepatic tissues of HCC rats such as inflammation, damage of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein with degenerated endothelial cells and congested blood sinusoids in addition to collagen fibers in hepatocytes and central vein indicating hepatic fibrosis. The tested parameters were little improved upon treatment of HCC rats with Adriamycin (ADR, Doxorubicin is a generic name of a drug ) . HCC rats received CG showed an improvement in all tested parameters. The effects of CG were through down regulation of p53 expression and up-regulation of Bcl2 domain protected hepatic structure from extensive damage. Conclusion CG plus ADR exhibited an enhanced antitumor impact in HCC and this combination might have an important value in the treatment of HCC. CG was more effective than ADR, and it has a remarkable role in the management of hepatic disorders besides its success as a chemo-sensitizer for ADR treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the progression of aquaculture industry, there has been a spurt in dietary supplementation with economically viable medicinal herbs having enough immunostimulatory potential. This also aids in avoidance of environmentally undesirable therapeutics that are almost inevitable to safeguard fish against an array of diseases in aquaculture practices. The study aims to determine the optimal dose of herbs that can stimulate substantial immune response in fish for reclamation of aquaculture. Immunostimulatory potential of the two medicinal herbs- Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), individually, and in combination, with a basal diet was screened up to 60 days in Channa punctatus. 300 laboratory acclimatized healthy fish (14 ± 1 g; 11 ± 1 cm) were divided into ten groups- C, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3, AS1, AS2, and AS3, based on the composition of dietary supplementation, in triplicates, with 10 specimens per group. The hematological index, total protein and lysozyme enzyme activity were performed after 30 and 60 days, while qRT-PCR analysis of lysozyme expression was done after 60 days of the feeding trial. The significant (P < 0.05) increments in hematological indices- (TEC, TLC, DLC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH and MCHC), total protein content and serum lysozyme activity, after 30 and 60 days; whereas upregulation of lysozyme transcript levels, both in liver and muscle tissues after 60 days of the feeding trial were recorded in groups- AS1, AS2, and AS3. The maximal increment in lysozyme expression was recorded in AS3, both in liver and muscle tissues, with 3.75 ± 0.13 and 3.21 ± 0.18-folds, respectively. However, increments were non-significant (P > 0.05) for MCV in AS2 and AS3 after 30 days; and for MCHC in AS1 for both the durations; whereas in AS2 and AS3, after 60 days of the feeding trial. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) among lysozyme expression, MCH, lymphocytes, neutrophils, total protein content, and serum lysozyme activity in AS3, after 60 days, conclusively, evinces that a 3% dietary supplementation with both A. racemosus and W. somnifera enhances immunity and health profile of the fish, C. punctatus. The study, thus finds ample scope in augmentation of aquaculture production and also paves the way for more researches for biological screenings of potential immunostimulatory medicinal herbs that can be appropriately incorporated in the fish diet. [Display omitted] • Combined dietary supplementation with W. somnifera and A. racemosus significantly (P < 0.05) improved major hematological indices in fish. • 3% mixed diet of W. somnifera and A. racemosus elevate total protein content and lysozyme enzyme activity in fish. • Upregulation of lysozyme , an immune related gene, is likely to ensure fish health, after aforesaid dietary supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette butts (CBs) are one of the most common, long-lasting, and toxic forms of marine and coastal area debris. Although the significance of CBs and the toxic contents of this waste items are well recognized, but there is still a lack of information about the effects of this waste on the aquatic organisms. Therefore in this study, the in-vivo toxic effects of various CBs leachates (smoked cigarette butts with tobacco [SCBs], smoked CBs without tobacco [SFs], and unsmoked filters [USFs]) on cellular and chemical hematologic markers in fish (Periophthalmus waltoni) were evaluated. In three acute, sub-acute, and sub-chronic exposure measurements, P. waltoni exposed to different CBs leachates showed a significant increase in white blood cells, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, as well as a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) levels. The mean ± SD values of Hb in P. waltoni species exposed to different CBs leachates (control, SCBs, SFs and USFs) in acute (1 day) phase were 7.15 ± 0.34, 6.02 ± 0.29, 6.25 ± 0.25 and 6.89 ± 0.1 g/dl respectively. These values in subacute (28 days) phase were 6.70 ± 0.15, 5.19 ± 0.24, 5.67 ± 0.30 and 6.10 ± 0.24 g/dl and in sub chronic exposure (42 days) phase were 7.20 ± 0.40, 5.16 ± 0.30, 5.88 ± 0.34 and 6.60 ± 0.33 g/dl respectively. Our results showed that CBs leachates act as a stressor, leading to changes in some hematologic markers in P. waltoni species. Because of the continued deposition of CBs waste into global aquatic environments, policies to mitigate this waste in coastal areas are needed to prevent potentially negative effects on fish and other aquatic organisms. [Display omitted] • All types of cigarette butts leachates have adverse effects on blood markers. • The smoked filters with tobacco leachates were more toxic than other leachates. • Significant decrease observed in hemoglobin levels at different exposure levels. • Significant increase observed in white blood counts at different exposure levels. • Significant increase observed in blood enzymes at different exposure levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To test the correlation of the serum erythropoietin levels, serum transferrrin receptor levels and serum ferritin levels along with other hematological parameters in normal pregnant and anemic pregnant patients.Study Design: In a prospective study, 120 pregnant women were recruited between 18 and 36 weeks of gestation; 53 normal pregnant patients, 67 anemic pregnant patients, in which, 17 had mild, 30 had moderate anemia, 20 had severe anemia. A blood sample was taken. The various hematological parameters, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, percentage saturation of iron, serum erythropoietin (SEPO) levels, serum transferrin receptors (STfRS) were performed. For statistics, Student's 't' test, Pearson's Chi test, Mann Whitney test and Bartlett test were used as per data.Results and Conclusion: MCV was significantly reduced in anemic pregnancies as compared to non-anemic pregnancies (80.2±9.6 vs 94.12±9.8fl, p=0.001), MCHC was also reduced in them (30.2±3.38% vs 34.2±2.33%, p=0.176), TIBC was significantly increased in anemic pregnancies (343.31±28.54% vs 322.88±23.84%, p=0.001), serum ferritin was significantly reduced (24.9±10.48μg/L vs 31.03±9.98μg/L, p=0.001), percentage saturation of iron was also reduced (53.85±13.21% vs 62.04±15.79%, p=0.0024), serum erythropoietin levels were significantly higher in anemic women (26.24±26.61mU/ml vs 18.12±19.08mU/ml, p=0.064). The levels were significantly higher in severe anemia (46.5±46.8mU/ml than in moderate anemia 27.4±28.1mU/ml and mild anemia 22.8±22.8mU/ml. Serum transferrin receptors were significantly higher in anemic pregnancies than in non-anemic pregnancies (1.40±0.0802μg/ml vs 1.08±0.641μg/ml, p=0.019) with rise being higher in severe anemia (2.28±0.986μg/ml) than in moderate (1.4±0.816μg/ml) and mild anemia (1.16±0.702μg/ml).Conclusion: Various hematological parameters especially sTfR, serum erythropoietin, serum ferritin and sTfR/log ferritin levels correlate with the severity of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to assess how Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) affected Japanese quail's growth, carcass features, blood parameters, digestibility coefficients, and microbiological aspects. A total of two hundred twenty-five 7-days-old Japanese quails were allotted into 5 experimental groups. Birds were divided as follows: group 1) received only the base diet (control), while groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received the basal feed supplied with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mL POE/kg diet, respectively. The findings cleared those quails' fed diets supplemented with POE had significantly (P > 0.01) higher body weight (BW) and body weight growth (BWG) than the control group. The treatment with POE significantly affected digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase) and digestion coefficients for ether extract (EE). The treated groups had decreased serum urea and malonaldehyde (MDA) and increased Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) concentrations than the control. All bacterial counts in dietary cecal samples declined with increasing POE levels. In conclusion, POE supplementation improved quails' performance and nutrient digestibility. Moreover, POE did not harm birds' liver and kidney functions. In addition, this extract promoted the immunity and antioxidant status and minimized the harmful microbial load in quails' intestines, the total bacterial count was decreased by 90% in diet samples supplemented with purslane addition level (4 mL/g), while decreased by 74% in cecal samples supplemented with purslane addition level (4 mL/g) and Salmonella don't appear in all addition levels. However, lactic acid bacteria increased by 70%, indicating beneficial of POE in reducing the pathogenic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding silage made from different plant species to lambs. The experimental materials comprised 24 Kamieniec rams weaned at 70 days of age, allocated into one of three groups, and offered ad libitum three types of silage: red clover silage (RC), alfalfa silage (ALF), grass silage (GR). All lambs also received 0.5 kg ground barley per animal per day and 12.5 g mineral–vitamin premix per animal per day. The animals were kept in individual pens throughout a 60-day experimental period. The growth rate and selected blood biochemical indices of lambs were determined. On day 60, the greatest (34.7 kg) and the least (31.8 kg) body weights of lambs were from groups ALF and GR, respectively ( P ≤ 0.01). The difference between groups RC and GR was also significant. The nutritional regime had no effect on blood parameters, whereas lambs fed legume silages were characterized by increased blood glucose levels, decreased total blood protein levels ( P ≤ 0.05) and greater urea concentrations ( P ≤ 0.01), compared with lambs receiving grass silage. Lambs offered legume silages showed better growth performance, in comparison with those offered grass silage, which resulted from greater intake and supply of metabolizable energy and protein from alfalfa silage, and more effective utilization of nutrients contained in red clover silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, the toxic effects of verapamil (VRP) were studied on juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, by chronic semi-static bioassay. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of VRP (0.5, 27 and 270μg/L) for 0, 21 and 42d. Multiple biomarkers were measured, including morphological indices, hematological parameters and antioxidant responses of different tissues (brain, gill, liver, muscle and intestine). Based on the results, there was no significant change in all parameters measured in fish exposed to VRP at environmental related concentration, but VRP-induced stress in fish exposed to higher concentrations reflected the significant changes of physiological and biochemical responses. Through principal component analysis and integrated biomarker response assessment, effects induced by VRP-stress in each test group were distinguished. Additionally, all parameters measured in this study displayed various dependent patterns to VRP concentrations and exposure time using two-way ANOVA statistic analysis. In short, the multiple responses in fish indicated that VRP induced physiological stress and could be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring residual VRP in aquatic environment; but molecular and genetic mechanisms of these physiological responses in fish are not clear and need to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently, residual pharmaceuticals are generally recognized as relevant sources of aquatic environmental pollutants. However, the toxicological effects of these contaminants have not been adequately researched. In this study, the chronic toxic effect of carbamazepine (CBZ), an anticonvulsant drug commonly present in surface and ground water, on hepatic antioxidant status and hematological parameters of rainbow trout were investigated. Fish were exposed at sublethal concentrations of CBZ (1.0μg/l, 0.2mg/l and 2.0mg/l) for 7, 21 and 42 days. Compared to the control group, fish exposed at higher concentration (0.2mg/l or 2.0mg/l) of CBZ showed significantly higher levels of hemoglobin, ammonia and glucose, and significantly higher plasma enzymes activities. During the exposure duration, erythrocyte count, hematocrit, mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, mean erythrocyte volume, mean color concentration and total protein content in all groups were not significantly different. At the highest test concentration (2.0mg/l) of CBZ, oxidative stress was apparent as reflected by the significant higher lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels in liver after 42 days exposure, associated with an inability to induce antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. After 42 days exposure, reduced glutathione level was significantly decreased in the fish exposed at 0.2mg/l CBZ, compared with the control. In short, CBZ-induced physiological and biochemical responses in fish were reflected in the oxidant stress indices and hematological parameters. These results suggest that hepatic antioxidant responses and hematological parameter could be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring residual pharmaceuticals present in aquatic environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ammonia and nitrite are two of the most toxic substances for ecosystems and aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to investigate the single and combined effects of ammonia and nitrite on hematological parameters, antioxidant defenses, acetylcholinesterase, and acid phosphatase activities in common carp. First, LC 50 –96 h of ammonia and nitrite in common carp were determined. Second, fish were exposed to four experimental groups contained control, 30% LC 50 –96 h ammonia, 30% LC 50 –96 h nitrite, and 30% LC 50 –96 h ammonia+30% LC 50 –96 h nitrite for 96 h. WBCs were significantly elevated in fish exposed to 30% LC50–96 h ammonia and nitrite in all treated groups compared to the control group. RBCs and hemoglobin amount in all exposed groups were significantly decreased compared to the control after 96 h of exposer. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in the hematocrit level in ammonia and ammonia+nitrite groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, exposure to 30% LC50–96 h ammonia and nitrite resulted in a significant alteration in blood indices (MCV, MCH, and MCHC) after 96 h. The serum CAT activity was significantly higher in the exposed groups than the control group after 96 h. The serum MDA activity was considerably higher in fish exposed to nitrite compared to the control group. Levels of serum total antioxidant were strongly lower in all exposed groups after 96 h. Moreover, the serum AChE activity reduced considerably in all groups compared with the control group. Serum ACP levels were significantly elevated in all exposed groups compared to the control group. Overall, our findings suggest that the single and combined presence of nitrite and ammonia in water can cause adverse effects in some blood indices, serum AChE, ACP activities, and antioxidant defenses in common carp. • Ammonia and nitrite had clear toxic effects on antioxidant defenses of C. carpio. • Ammonia and nitrite reduced the serum AChE activity of C. carpio. • Ammonia and nitrite elevated the serum ACP activity of C. carpio. • Ammonia and nitrite can cause adverse effects in some blood indices in C. carpio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mercury (Hg) exposure at 0.3 mg/L induces macrocytic normochromic anemia in tilapia. • Hg exposure led to immune-toxicity and histopathological changes in Nile tilapia. • Hg residues were highly detected in liver followed by gills and muscle. • Nannochloropsis oculata supplementation alleviated overall adverse Hg effects on tilapia. Using microalgae to alleviate the adverse effects of aquaculture pollutants, including metals, has recently gained much attention. In this context, bioaccumulation, hematological indices, oxidative and antioxidant responses, and histopathological alterations were investigated in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with either a control diet or diets containing Nannochloropsis oculata (N. oculata) after exposure to mercuric chloride in order to evaluate the role of this microalgae in protecting against mercury-induced toxicity. Fish exposed to HgCl 2 at a dose of ¼ LC 50 (0.3 mg/L) (Hg group) for 7-21 days exhibited a significant increase in total mercury concentration with a bioaccumulation pattern of liver>gills>muscle, and a significant decrease in all blood indices except mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), monocyte counts, and neutrophil counts. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the Hg group at all time points relative to the control. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly increased at days 14 and 21, while catalase (CAT) and GPx activities increased and decreased, respectively, at day 7 compared to the control. Additionally, lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly decreased in the Hg-exposed group. Severe histopathological alterations were evident in the liver, kidneys, and gills. However, supplementation with N. oculata at a low (5%, 50 g/kg feed) or high (10%, 100 g/kg feed) dose stabilized all parameters and reduced the severity of the histopathological alterations with the high N. oculata diet showing more prominent effects. These results suggest that feeding N. oculata protects Nile tilapia against mercuric chloride-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of Se-chitosan as organic Se, Na selenite, vitamin E, and their various combinations on broiler chickens were evaluated • Selenium-chitosan as a novel Se source was a simple and cost-effective approach in improving the meat quality. • Dietary inclusion of 0.3 mg Se/kg improved the meat quality and blood indices of broiler chickens. • The inclusion of 0.3 mg Se/kg with 80 IU vitamin E/kg improved meat quality and blood indices compared to the use of Se alone. The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Se-chitosan as organic Se, Na selenite, vitamin E, and their various combinations on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood indices of broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-d-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the Se source (inorganic and organic), Se inclusion (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg), and vitamin E (0 and 80 IU/kg) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 5 pens per treatment and 12 broiler chickens per pen. Broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg had a greater body weight gain and a lower feed conversion ratio at 11 to 24 d (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was lower in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 0.30 mg Se/kg at 21 d (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Se-chitosan or 0.30 mg Se/kg had lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, drip loss, and cooking loss and greater water holding capacity (WHC) values in muscles (P < 0.05). The yellowness of the broiler chicken muscle fed diets supplemented by Se-chitosan was greater (P < 0.05). In addition, an interaction between Se inclusion rate and vitamin E was observed for WHC in breast and thigh meat, so that broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg plus vitamin E had a greater WHC compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). The broiler chickens fed diets supplemented by 0.30 mg Se/kg had greater total protein and albumin concentrations and lower concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity was lower for broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with vitamin E (P < 0.05). In addition, broiler chickens fed 0.30 mg Se/kg plus vitamin E had the greater total protein concentrations compared to other treatments, while greater concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were observed in broiler chickens fed 0.15 mg Se/kg without vitamin E (P < 0.05). Dietary supplements did not affect concentrations of thyroid hormones. It could be concluded that Se-chitosan as a novel Se source is a simple and cost-effective approach to improve meat quality and the dietary inclusion of 0.30 mg Se/kg improved meat quality and blood indices of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater contaminated with arsenic (As) is the biggest threat to public health in Bangladesh. The children of As-exposure parents are also exposing to As through drinking water. The effects of As on the children's health of As-exposure parents are poorly understood. An animal study was taken to evaluate the effects of As on behavioral and biochemical changes in F 1 mice. Swiss albino mice were separated into three groups: a) control, b) As-treated F 0 and c) As-treated F 1. Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests were used for evaluating anxiety, spatial memory and learning, respectively. We found that the effect of As on anxiety like behavior, spatial memory and learning impairment in As-treated F 1 mice was significantly higher than that of As-treated F 0 mice and control group. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of As on biochemical parameters by measuring ALT, AST, ALP, BChE, SOD activities and the level of creatinine in As-induced mice, where we found that all of the blood parameters were significantly changed in F 1 generation. A significant portion of As accumulated in the brain, liver and kidney of F 1 mice than F 0 mice. Histological analysis revealed a significant change in tissue damage related to hepatic and renal dysfunctions that might be associated with As-induced biochemical alterations. In conclusion, arsenic plays an important role for the development of As-associated neurological disorders, hepatic toxicities, and renal dysfunctions in both F 0 and F 1 generations. Notably F 1 mice were much more vulnerable to As-exposure than F 0 mice. • Arsenic induces neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in both F 0 and F 1 mice. • Effects of arsenic are more pronounced in arsenic-exposed F 1 mice than F 0. • Accumulation of arsenic is higher in the liver, brain, and kidney of F 1 mice. • Arsenic markedly increases arsenic-associated tissue damages in the liver and kidney of F 1 mice. • Arsenic-exposed offspring mice are more vulnerable to arsenic exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]