Capability of the Invasive Tree Prosopis glandulosa Torr. to Remediate Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge

Sewage sludge improves agricultural soil and plant growth, but there are hazards associated with its use, including high metal(loid) contents. An experimental study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to examine the effects of sewage sludge on growth of the invasive tree Prosopis glandulosa, as well as to determine its phytoremediation capacity. Plants were established and grown for seven months along a gradient of sewage sludge content. Plant traits, soil properties, and plant and soil concentrations of N, P, K, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, As, and Fe were recorded. The addition of sewage sludge led to a significant decrease in soil pH, and Ni, Co, and As concentrations, as well as an increase in soil organic matter and the concentrations of N, P, Cu, Zn, and Cr. Increasing sewage sludge content in the growth medium raised the total uptake of most metals by P. glandulosa plants due to higher biomass accumulation (taller plants with more leaves) and higher metal concentrations in the plant tissues. P. glandulosa concentrated more Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe in its below-ground biomass (BGB) than in its above-ground biomass (AGB). P. glandulosa concentrated Ni, Co, and As in both BGB and AGB. P. glandulosa has potential as a biotool for the phytoremediation of sewage sludges and sewage-amended soils in arid and semi-arid environments, with a potential accumulation capability for As in plant leaves

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of condensed tannins extracted from the seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) against Haemonchus contortus infection

This study was designed to examine in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of condensed tannins (CT) extracted from seeds of Medicago sativa on Haemonchus contortus in sheep. CT's in vitro anthelmintic effect was assessed at a 300 μg/ml concentration compared with albendazole (reference drug) at 10 μg/ml. The results showed that CT had a nematocidal effect on H. contortus, and the cuticle of the adult worm appeared to be its initial target. For the in vivo experiment, nine 3-month-old helminths-free lambs were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n=3) was challenged only as infected untreated controls; Group 2 (n=3) was treated with condensed tannin, and Group 3 (n=3) was treated with albendazole. Fecal and blood samples were collected every 3 days until the end of the experiment; for fecal egg count (FEC) and anti- H. contortus IgG titers determination, respectively. The lambs treated with the CT in G2 exhibited a pronounced decrease of mean FEC with great FECR% detected from the first-week post-treatment (PT) until the end of the experiment compared with G1 animals. The antibody levels gradually increased in G2 following the 2nd dose of CT treatment compared to other groups. A brilliant consistent relation between the elevation of IgG response and reduction of FEC was observed following the second booster dosing of the CT in G2. In conclusion, the CT evoked strongly in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity against H. contortus and could be used as a natural alternative treatment of high potency against haemonchosis in sheep

Hormonal and inflammatory modulatory effects of hesperidin in hyperthyroidism-modeled rats

The goal of the current study was to investigate the hormonal modulatory efficiency of hesperidin, through its regulatory potential of immunological, inflammatory, and/or antioxidant changes in on hyperthyroidism modeled adult female albino rats. Both normal and hyperthyroidism modeled rats (140-160g) were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals each) as follows: 1) healthy animals were daily ingested with saline for six weeks, and served as control group, 2) healthy animals were intraperitoneally injected with hesperidin (50 mg/kg/day) for a similar period, 3) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals without any treatment acted as positive control, and 4) hyperthyroidism-modeled animals were treated intraperitoneally with hesperidin for a similar period. The findings showed that hesperidin significantly modulated hyperthyroidism deteriorations, this was evidenced by a remarkable decline in serum T4, FT4, T3, FT3, TNF-α, IL1β-, IL4-, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, with a minor increase in TSH and significant raise in CD4+ level. Similarly, valuable improvement was observed in the oxidative status; serum SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH levels were dramatically enhanced, associated with remarkable drop in MDA and NO levels. Also, hesperidin demonstrated nephro-hepatoprotective and anti-atherogenic potential, this was achieved from the notable reduction in ALAT and ASAT activities as well as urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride close to the corresponding values of healthy group. These findings were supported by histological and immunohistochemical ones that showed a notable decrease in the expression of the calcitonin antibody. In conclusion, hesperidin possesses anti-hyperthyroidism, immunoinflammatory regulatory, and antioxidant activities that evidenced from the improvement of physio-architecture of the thyroid gland, reduction of inflammation and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress. This effect might be mechanized through immunological, inflammatory, apoptotic, and/or antioxidant modulatory pathways

Effect of dietary sage (Salvia officinalis L.) on the growth performance, feed efficacy, blood indices, non-specific immunity, and intestinal microbiota of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Adding medicinal herbs to aquafeed is recommended for feasible aquaculture activity. This study tested for 90 days the effect of dietary sage (Salvia officinalis L.) on the growth performance, feed efficacy, blood indices, non-specific immunity, and intestinal microbiota of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax; n = 300 fish). Fish with an initial weight of 12 ± 0.1 g/fish were distributed in five treatments and fed sage at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg. Dietary sage at 2 g/kg diet improved the growth, feed consumption, and growth hormone secretion in European sea bass. The blood parameters in European sea bass fed on experimental diets showed normal levels for healthy fish. Significantly higher lysozyme and phagocytic activities were recorded with sage supplement at the 4 g/kg diet compared to other groups. Regarding overall bacterial count, fish given a sage-free diet (the control) showed more significant microbiota numbers, Vibrio, Escherichia coli, and acid-fermentative bacteria. Remarkably, fish fed on diets fortified with sage displayed lower records of the total bacterial count, Vibrio, and Escherichia coli than the control. Moreover, fish fed a diet enriched with high levels of sage (6 or 8 g/kg) showed increased acid-fermentative bacteria. The regression analysis showed that the optimum quantity of sage at 3.6 – 4.1 g/kg diet is recommended based on the weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), phagocytic activity, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and lysozyme activity. In conclusion, the dietary incorporation of sage (2 – 4 g/ kg diet) enhanced growth, feed efficacy, blood indices, non-specific immune responses, and sustained healthier gut flora in European sea bass

Dietary anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) enhances growth performance and serum immunity of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Medicinal plants are the most utilized and validated feed additives in the aquaculture industry. This study investigated the dietary effects of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Fish were treated with anise at 0, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 g per kg diet for successive 120 days. The results showed a marked enhancement in the growth performance and reduced feed conversion ratio in fish-fed anise compared to the control group (p \u3c 0.05). The carcass composition showed that crude protein was meaningfully (p \u3c 0.05) by 2.5 and 3.5 g anise per kg diet. The viscerosomatic index was significantly (p \u3c 0.05) improved in the case of 3.5 g anise per kg diet. The intestinal antibacterial capacity showed a noticeably reduced count of Vibrio spp. and faecal coliform in the intestines of fish treated with 2.5 and 3.5 g anise per kg diet compared to the control (p \u3c 0.05). Hematocrit and red blood cells (RBCs) showed higher levels in 2.5 and 3.5 g anise per kg diet groups than the control diet without significant differences with the 1.5 g/kg group (p ˃ 0.05). In addition, the hemoglobin and white blood cell (WBCs) levels were significantly higher in anise treated groups than in the control group (p \u3c 0.05). The immune response of European sea bass fed dietary anise showed that fish treated with 1.5 g anise per kg diet had higher lysozyme and phagocytic activities than the other groups (p \u3c 0.05). In conclusion, incorporating anise into the diet of European sea bass is suggested to enhance performances and well-being

The Impact of Dietary Curcumin on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Antibacterial Capacity, and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Gilthead Seabream ()

The need to replace antibiotics in aquafeed is increasing, and alternative safe substances are now encouraged for sustainable aquaculture activity. Curcumin is regarded as a multifunctional feed additive with growth-promoting and immunostimulant potential. Thus, this study evaluated dietary inclusion of curcumin at rates of 0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3% in the diets of Gilthead seabream for 150 days. The results showed an improved final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio in fish treated with curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner. The highest growth performance was observed in fish fed a diet supplemented with 3% curcumin. The results also showed lowered activity of pathogenic bacteria ( spp. and ) in the intestines of Gilthead seabream fed a diet with curcumin inclusion, in a dose-dependent manner. The hematological indices were within the normal range for healthy fish, without meaningful effects except for hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs), which were markedly increased by dietary curcumin. Phagocytic activity was obviously enhanced by dietary curcumin, compared with the control. The biochemical blood metabolites related to liver function (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), renal tissue (urea), and total cholesterol were within the normal values, without significant differences. Overall, the inclusion of curcumin at a rate of 2-3% improved the growth performance and well-being of Gilthead seabream

The Impact of Dietary Curcumin on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Antibacterial Capacity, and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

The need to replace antibiotics in aquafeed is increasing, and alternative safe substances are now encouraged for sustainable aquaculture activity. Curcumin is regarded as a multifunctional feed additive with growth-promoting and immunostimulant potential. Thus, this study evaluated dietary inclusion of curcumin at rates of 0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3% in the diets of Gilthead seabream for 150 days. The results showed an improved final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio in fish treated with curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner. The highest growth performance was observed in fish fed a diet supplemented with 3% curcumin. The results also showed lowered activity of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio spp. and Faecal coliform) in the intestines of Gilthead seabream fed a diet with curcumin inclusion, in a dose-dependent manner. The hematological indices were within the normal range for healthy fish, without meaningful effects except for hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs), which were markedly increased by dietary curcumin. Phagocytic activity was obviously enhanced by dietary curcumin, compared with the control. The biochemical blood metabolites related to liver function (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), renal tissue (urea), and total cholesterol were within the normal values, without significant differences. Overall, the inclusion of curcumin at a rate of 2–3% improved the growth performance and well-being of Gilthead seabream

Assessment of interatrial dyssynchrony by Tissue Doppler Imaging in mitral stenosis: Effect of afterload reduction after balloon mitral valvuloplasty

Background: The predisposition to atrial fibrillation (AF) in mitral stenosis (MS) has been demonstrated with several electrocardiographic (increased P-wave dispersion) and echocardiographic parameters (atrial electromechanical delay). After percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV), the improvement in echocardiographic parameters related to AF risk is unknown. We aimed to assess the interatrial electromechanical coupling by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) echocardiography in MS before and after PBMV. Patients and methods: This study included 45 patients with moderate to severe MS who underwent successful PMBV without complication at our clinic and 20 healthy volunteers as a control group. We compared the two groups in regard to clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features. The patients with MS were also evaluated one week after PMBV. Interatrial electromechanical delay (EMD) was measured by TDI before and after PMBV and we compared the results. Results: The interatrial EMD (56.4 ± 15.8 vs. 34.6 ± 7.2 ms, p < 0.001) was higher in patients with MS as compared to healthy individuals. The maximum P-wave duration (P-max) and P-wave dispersion (PWD) showed significant positive correlation with the interatrial EMD (r = 0.37, p < 0.05 and r = 0.41, p < 0.05 respectively). There was a highly significant decrease in the interatrial EMD (56.4 ± 15.8 vs. 38.3 ± 10.4 ms, p < 0.001) one week after PBMV. Conclusion: The current study showed significant increase in the interatrial EMD in patients with moderate to severe MS. These changes improved significantly after PMBV

Dietary Cinnamon Successfully Enhanced the Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antibacterial Capacity, and Immunity of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Dietary cinnamon has several bioactive compounds with growth-promoting and immunomodulation potential and is suggested for finfish species. This study evaluated the inclusion of cinnamon at 0, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) diets. After 90 days, the highest final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and the lowest feed conversion ratio were seen in fish treated with 10 g/kg (p &lt; 0.05). Further, the measured growth hormone in the blood indicated that fish treated with 10 g/kg had a higher level than fish 0 and 20 g/kg. After the feeding trial, fish treated with cinnamon at varying levels had higher lipid content than fish before the feeding trial (p &lt; 0.05). Lower Vibrio spp. and Faecal Coliform counts were observed in fish treated with cinnamon than fish fed a cinnamon-free diet (p &lt; 0.05). The hematocrit level was markedly (p &lt; 0.05) increased in fish fed cinnamon at 10 g/kg compared to the control without significant differences with fish fed 15 and 20 g/kg. Hemoglobin was significantly increased in fish treated with cinnamon at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg compared to fish fed a cinnamon-free diet (p &lt; 0.05). Red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) were meaningfully (p &lt; 0.05) increased in fish treated with cinnamon compared with the control. Markedly, fish treated with cinnamon had higher serum total lipids than the control with the highest value in fish treated with 15 g/kg (p &lt; 0.05). The lysozyme activity was markedly higher in fish treated with 15 g cinnamon/kg than fish fed 0, 10, and 20 g/kg (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, phagocytic activity was significantly higher in fish treated with cinnamon at 10, and 15 g/kg than fish fed 0 and 20 g/kg (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary cinnamon is suggested at 10–15 g/kg for achieving the high production and wellbeing of European sea bass