Effects of different levels of Daphnia and Artemia extracts on food acceptability and growth factor rates of beluga (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758)

In a 30 day feeding trial, Daphnia and Artemia extracts were added to diets of juvenile Beluga (Huso huso) at different levels to evaluate its effects on growth and survival rate of the fish. The trial was carried out in aquaculture research center of the Gorgan University, during which three different dietary levels of extracts (1:25, 1: 50 and 1:100) were used in 250 liter PVC tanks filled with about 125 liters of water. A total of 20 juvenile Beluga with an average weight of 5 plus or minus 0.2g each was stocked in tanks and were fed 4 meals a day. Growth and survival factors were analyzed at the end of the trial period. The results showed that the addition of extracts in diets led to improvement of body weight increase, weight increase percentage, specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth rate (DGR), daily growth index (DGI), condition factor (CF), price index (PI) and decrease of food conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. The best improvement of growth index was achieved at the dietary level 1:50 Artemia extracts. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in survival among treatments

Negative performance of root extract of Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. on the burn wound healing in an animal model

Background: Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. belongs to the Boraginaceae family which locally known as" Hava Chobeh", and it is considered as one of the most important Mountainous medicinal plants in North of Iran, Its red roots have been used by the rural healers as either singular or combination with other plants as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to treat the burns and wound healing. Methods and Findings: In this study, the acetonic extract of plant root was used for the evaluation of its healing efficiency on burn wound model in rat. Burn induced in Wistar rats, and subsequently they were divided into five groups were treated as follow: Group-I ointment containing of extract 2%, Group-II, traditional ointment containing of goat lipid and root extract, Groups-III ointment alone, Group-IV (positive control) the standard drug (silver sulphadiazine) and Group-V (negative control) untreated rats. The assessment the burn area healing was carried out within 14 days. Our results showed that the treated group in I and II, the intensity of wound increased up to the day 8, even the wound diameter much more expanded than negative control group (group V). The best result was demonstrated by Silver sulphadiazine treated group (group IV). Conclusion: This study shows that Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. root did not have any effect on healing of burn wounds in an animal model. Further studies are requiring for assessment of this plant in combination with other plants on burn wound healing. © Under License of Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

Population dynamics of the Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in coastal waters of Oman Sea

Length composition data of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus commerson (Lacepede 1800), landed between April 2002 to March 2004, were monthly used to estimate the growth, mortality and exploitation parameters of the stock. Maximum fork length and weight were 170 cm and 38 kg, respectively. Nonlinear least square fitting provided a complete set of von Bertalanffy growth estimates: L¥=178 cm (FL); K=0.28 and to= -0.36 years. The estimated value of total mortality based on length converted catch curve using these growth parameters is Z=0.95 year-I. Natural mortality based on growth parameters and mean environmental temperature (T=26.5°C) is M=0.36 year-1. Furthermore, the annual instantaneous fishing mortality rate of 0.59 year-1 was by far in excess of the precautionary target (Fopt=0.18 year-1) and limit (Flimit=0.24 year-1) biological reference points, indicating that the resource is heavily over-exploited and the management of this species should be implanted rapidly if they are to remain sustainable

A novel and cost-effective double-capsule nanocomposite coating based on carbon hollow spheres with self-healing performance for corrosion protection

The ability of a cost-effective self-healing nanocomposite system to restore its protection functionality in case of a coating defect is of pivotal importance to ensure durable performance under demanding corrosive conditions. In this research, a self-healing epoxy coating was fabricated by incorporation of carbon hollow spheres (CHSs) doped separately with epoxy and polyamine as film forming agents. Graphene-based CHSs were synthesized via silica templating method in presence of sucrose as a carbon precursor. After encapsulation of epoxy and polyamine agents in CHSs denoted as Ep-DCSs and Am-DCSs, respectively, 10 wt. % and 5 wt. % of Ep-DCSs and Am-DCSs were introduced in an epoxy matrix. The final nanocomposite coating was applied on the surface of mild steel substrates. A blank epoxy coating was also used as a control sample. The synthesized CHSs were characterized before and after the silica core removal using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CHSs loaded with the film forming agents were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the protective and self-healing properties of the coatings were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) and salt spray testing. The obtained results showed that the fabricated nanocomposite epoxy coating can heal appropriately the scratches applied on the surface of the coating barricading the accessibility of corrosive species to the metal substrate (Figure 1). Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa damascena on hippocampal long-term potentiation in rats fed high-fat diet

High-fat diets (HFDs) and obesity can cause serious health problems, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments. Consumption of HFD is associated with reduction in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Rosa damascena (R. damascena) is traditionally used as a dietary supplement for many disorders. This study was carried out to determine the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R. damascena on in vivo hippocampal synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation, LTP) in the perforant pathway (PP)�dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in rats fed with an HFD. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, R. damascena extract (1 g/kg bw daily for 30 days), HFD (for 90 days) and HFD + extract. The population spike (PS) amplitude and slope of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSP) were measured in DG area in response to stimulation applied to the PP. Serum oxidative stress biomarkers total thiol group (TTG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The results showed the HFD impaired LTP induction in the PP-DG synapses. This conclusion is supported by decreased EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP. R. damascena supplementation in HFD animals enhanced EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP in the granular cell of DG. Consumption of HFD decreased TTG and SOD. R. damascena extract consumption in the HFD animals enhanced TTG and SOD. These data indicate that R. damascena dietary supplementation can ameliorate HFD-induced alteration of synaptic plasticity, probably through its significant antioxidant effects and activate signalling pathways, which are critical in controlling synaptic plasticity. © 2021, The Author(s)

Comparison of growth, morphometric and meristic parameters of hybrids produced by crossing between Beluga (Huso huso) and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

Reciprocal crosses betvveen Beluga and Persian Sturgeon in four treatments and three replications were conducted and reproduction metrics including number of eggs per gram, percentage of fertilization, and survival rate were assessed. Also, we measured 32 morphomeiric and meristic attributes of brood stocks, hybrids and controls. To compare the growth rate of hybrids and controls, fingerlings were grown for 18 months in 2000 liter fiberglass tanks and fed by pellets. During rearing period, 17 samples were taken in 15-30 days interval and total weight and length of the specimens were measured. Average weight and length, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Duncan test and Heterosis were calculated. We found a significant difference (130.001) between controls and treatments in terms of fertilization rate (in stage 4 and 35), number and mortality rate of larvae during active feeding and final stages. Hybrid and control fingerlings showed different growth performances. After an 18 months rearing period, the highest growth was found in Beluga (975±10 grams), with hybrid of female of Beluga and male Persian sturgeon coming next (840±143 grams), hybrid of male Beluga with female Persian sturgeon being the third (681.152$1 grams). The slowest growth rate was seen in control Persian sturgeon with an average growth of 535.15±131 grams. Daily growth rate of hybrids produced from crossing of female Beluga with male Persian sturgeon was higher than control Beluga during second and third rearing period each taking six months. We observed significant differences (p<0.05) in 31 morphometric and meristic parameters from a total of 32 attributes. The percentage of heterosis was variable, being -73.76 in early growth period and 0.79 at the final rearing stage with an average heterosis of -32.69. The hybrid produced from female Beluga and male Persian Sturgeon showed a very good o growth performance. However, with the inadequacy of female Beluga in the Caspian Sea and the priority of restocking Beluga, it is suggested that the hybrid production be conducted using male • Beluga and female Persian Sturgeon

The survey on imported F1 generation carp species in order to enhance genetic diversity of Chinese basic domesticated carp population in Iran

This project has done with the collaboration of Bnyad mostazafan (Ran agriculture and livestock Co.) with goal of increasing efficiency of warm water fishes (Chinese Carps) production. The fish were purchased from China (B. G.) in two parts in Jun 2014. The fish then transferred and quarantined to the ponds in Aghili’s farm In Azadshar using container trucks. The biological parameters of fish such as growth rate were measured during the experiment. The growth rate were obtained 9, 16, 16 and 14% for common carp, big head, silver carp and grass carp, respectively. The result shows that production of experimental ponds (ponds 2 and 4) were obtained 3473 kg/ha while the control ponds produced 2700kg/ha 1n 1393. In general the production were increased 31% when comparing with average of local production and raised 26% when comparing with average production of the entire country in 1393. In this study showed that by importing the F1 generation of Chinese carp, it can expected that production will be increased to 1.5 times of current carrying capacity as long as using aeration system and appropriate management

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND: Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. METHODS: The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk–outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01–4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0–116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3–48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1–45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60–3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8–54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36–1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5–41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6–28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8–25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9–42·8] and 33·3% [25·8–42·0]). INTERPRETATION: The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden

A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease

Background & aims An estimated 38% of adults worldwide have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). From individual impacts to widespread public health and economic consequences, the implications of this disease are profound. This study aimed to develop an aligned, prioritised fatty liver disease research agenda for the global health community. Methods Nine co-chairs drafted initial research priorities, subsequently reviewed by 40 core authors and debated during a three-day in-person meeting. Following a Delphi methodology, over two rounds, a large panel (R1 n = 344, R2 n = 288) reviewed the priorities, via Qualtrics XM, indicating agreement using a four-point Likert-scale and providing written feedback. The core group revised the draft priorities between rounds. In R2, panellists also ranked the priorities within six domains: epidemiology, models of care, treatment and care, education and awareness, patient and community perspectives, and leadership and public health policy. Results The consensus-built fatty liver disease research agenda encompasses 28 priorities. The mean percentage of ‘agree’ responses increased from 78.3 in R1 to 81.1 in R2. Five priorities received unanimous combined agreement (‘agree’ + ‘somewhat agree’); the remaining 23 priorities had >90% combined agreement. While all but one of the priorities exhibited at least a super-majority of agreement (>66.7% ‘agree’), 13 priorities had 90% combined agreement. Conclusions Adopting this multidisciplinary consensus-built research priorities agenda can deliver a step-change in addressing fatty liver disease, mitigating against its individual and societal harms and proactively altering its natural history through prevention, identification, treatment, and care. This agenda should catalyse the global health community’s efforts to advance and accelerate responses to this widespread and fast-growing public health threat. Impact and implications An estimated 38% of adults and 13% of children and adolescents worldwide have fatty liver disease, making it the most prevalent liver disease in history. Despite substantial scientific progress in the past three decades, the burden continues to grow, with an urgent need to advance understanding of how to prevent, manage, and treat the disease. Through a global consensus process, a multidisciplinary group agreed on 28 research priorities covering a broad range of themes, from disease burden, treatment, and health system responses to awareness and policy. The findings have relevance for clinical and non-clinical researchers as well as funders working on fatty liver disease and non-communicable diseases more broadly, setting out a prioritised, ranked research agenda for turning the tide on this fast-growing public health threat