The concentration of cadmium (Cd) in environment was found to exceed the allowed levels in zones with intensive industry, posing a significant well-being risk. Toxicity of Cd is mainly related to generation of oxidative insult. Red beetroot and quercetin (Qu) have been known for their strong antioxidant activity. Purpose of this study was to determine whether the beneficial effects of Qu and red beetroot extract (RBRE) might be used to mitigate Cd-induced hemogram disruption in adult male rats. Fifty mature male rats were evenly distributed into five groups (Control, CdCl2, CdCl2 + Qu, CdCl2 + small dose of RBRE and CdCl2 + large dose of RBRE groups). All animals were given their treatments for 2 months by gavage. Blood was collected and analyzed. Experimental data indicated that exposure to CdCl2 led to a mild decrease in the ultimate body mass compared to control animals. Moreover, it substantially lowered (p<0.01) both the hemoglobin percentage and its concentration, while causing a non-significant decline in red blood cell counts and average hematocrit values compared to controls. CdCl2 exposure also produced a non-significant decrease in platelet count, plateletcrit, and mean platelet volume, coupled with a notable decrease in platelet distribution width (p<0.05). Notably, treatment with RBRE at both tested doses, along with Qu, effectively countered all these negative impacts, achieving the most favorable outcomes with the higher RBRE dose. Overall, RBRE, especially the large dose, emerges as a potential therapeutic option for enhancing blood profiles in Cd-exposed animals.
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive foodborne bacterium that poses a major risk to public health, because of its persistence in processing environments and its tolerance to common sanitation measures. Dairy products, especially unpasteurized milk, soft cheese, and ice cream are recognized as key sources of listeriosis infection. This study investigated the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in dairy products obtained from retail markets in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt, and evaluated the efficiency of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for precise bacterial identification. A total of 75 samples comprising raw milk (n=25), Kareish cheese (n=25), and soft ice cream (n=25) were analyzed using conventional cultural methods followed by MALDI-TOF MS confirmation. Four presumptive Listeria isolates were recovered on selective Oxford agar. However, MALDI-TOF MS analysis confirmed only three isolates (75%) as L. monocytogenes, while one isolate (25%) was identified as Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus, demonstrating a false-positive result of cultural methods. The overall prevalence of confirmed L. monocytogenes was 4.0% (3/75), with product-specific rates of 4.0% in raw milk, 8.0% in Kareish cheese, and 0.0% in ice cream. These outcomes emphasize the improved reliability of MALDI-TOF MS compared with conventional biochemical identification and its potential for fast, cost-efficient, and accurate confirmation at the species level. The results support integrating MALDI-TOF MS into national food safety monitoring programs to enhance the detection and control of listeriosis in Egypt.
This study examined how two commonly used pre-milking teat antiseptics—iodophor (0.5%) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs, 400 ppm)—influence the microbial quality of raw cow milk during summer and winter. A total of 150 milk samples were collected from 15 healthy dairy Holstein cows on a farm in Beni-Suef City, Egypt. Each cow contributed 10 samples over five consecutive weeks per season, resulting in 75 samples per season. The cows were assigned to three equal groups: control (washed with water), iodophor-treated, and QAC-treated. Both antiseptics significantly reduced microbial contamination (P < 0.05), but iodophor generally provided greater reductions. Iodophor lowered total bacterial count (TBC) by 62.1% in summer and 65.5% in winter, compared with 21.7% and 43.7% reductions achieved by QACs. For total coliforms, iodophor achieved substantial reductions of 87.8% and 96.3% in summer and winter, respectively, while QACs reduced them by 59.4% and 97.3%. Regarding \textit{Staphylococcus aureus}, iodophor performed better in summer (46.8% vs. 37.9%), whereas QACs were markedly more effective in winter (97.4% vs. 19%). Enterococci were also notably reduced by both antiseptics, with iodophor showing higher reductions in summer (96.2% vs. 92.3%) and moderate reductions in winter (62.7% vs. 58.5%). Thus, both antiseptics were effective, with seasonal variations influencing their relative efficacy. Regularly using iodophor and QACs before milking improved udder cleanliness, reduced bacterial contamination, and improved the microbial quality of raw milk. These results highlight the significance of effective teat disinfection before milking as a practical approach to enhance milk safety, udder health, and public health protection.
This study aimed to explore the effects of oral swallowing of Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and L-Arginine (LA) on fertility outcomes in male rabbits. Two stages were applied to conduct the study. Stage I: Thirty-two mature bucks (average 6-8 months of age and weighing 3180±11.20g) were used in an experiment for 7 weeks, followed by 8 weeks for semen collection and analysis. Males were subdivided into four equal groups (n=8/G). Group G1, serving as the control (C), was given distilled water; Group G2 (EL) was provided with 200 mg EL/kg BW every other day, Group G3 (LA) was given 250 mg LA/kg BW, and Group G4 (ELA) was given a combination of the two additives. Stage II: Thirty-two mature nulliparous does (aged 6 months and weighing 3050±20.7g) were randomly allotted to be inseminated with the male’s semen (30-40×106 motile sperm) of each treatment (n=8/G). Also, blood was collected at the conclusion of the treatment, and plasma was harvested for analysis. Treatments improved libido, ejaculate volume, progressive motility, sperm concentration, and livability compared with the control. Also, treatments reduced (P<0.05) cholesterol, LDL, TG, and MDA; however, elevated HDL and TAC. Additionally, treatments increased testosterone, LH, and FSH, but decreased E2 in males. Fecundity, fertility, Litter size, and newborn viability were higher in treated than in control does. In conclusion, supplementing rabbit bucks with a mixture of Eurycoma longifolia and L-arginine improved the health status, semen quality of rabbit bucks and resulted in a higher crop of live kids.
The Chinese variant infectious bursal disease virus (nvIBDV, genotype A2dB1), associated with bursal atrophy and lymphocyte depletion, has rapidly emerged in Egypt since 2023, posing a major threat to the poultry industry. Current commercial vaccines, live, vector, and immune complex types, offer incomplete protection against this strain. This study assessed various IBDV vaccination programs by tracking bird performance, bursa-to-body weight ratios, bursal lesion scores, and PCR-based virus detection at different time points. An experimental challenge was also performed at 14 days of age using a local nvIBDV isolate, administering ~10³.⁵ EID₅₀ orally per bird. Two HVT-IBD vector vaccines (A and B) were tested in combination with different live vaccine schedules: Lukert-2 alone on day-1, Lukert-2 on day-1 plus Lukert P on day-11, and vector vaccines at hatch with a Lukert P booster on day-11. The birds were moved to a controlled environment post-vaccination with appropriate controls. The results showed that combining vector vaccines with live boosters improved protection, although not completely preventing infection, as confirmed by PCR and histopathology. The performance metrics remained acceptable. Birds administered vector vaccines with a Lukert P booster on day-11 had higher bursa/body weight ratios and milder microscopic lesions. Notably, after the nvIBDV experimental infection on day-14, the group receiving vector A with a Lukert P booster showed better bursal lesion scores than the group receiving vectored vaccine B. These findings underscore the need to optimize vaccination strategies using HVT-IBD vector vaccines and live boosters to improve protection and maintain bursal health in broilers
Cadmium (Cd) is regarded as one of the most prevalent heavy metals, causing harm to the environment. Oxidative stress was the main outcome of Cd exposure. Quercetin (Qu) is a naturally occurring antioxidant present in a wide variety of foods (broccoli and onions) and is known for its distinct antioxidant properties. The goal of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Quercetin (Qu) and its capacity to safeguard testes from oxidative stress caused by cadmium (Cd). For that reason, twenty-seven adult male rats were divided into three groups of nine rats each at random. Group 1 (Control), animals received distilled water as a vehicle. In group 2 (Cadmium chloride “CdCl2” group), animals received 5 mg CdCl2/ kg BW, while in group 3 (CdCl2+Qu), animals received 5 mg CdCl2/ kg BW plus 10 mg Qu /kg BW. All rats received their corresponding treatments by oral gavage daily for 2 months. Results illustrated that rats exposed to CdCl2 showed insignificant reduction in body weight and elevation of gonadosomatic index (GSI) compared to other groups (P>0.05). Concomitantly, CdCl2 administration led to a substantial decrease in testicular reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and a marked increase in MDA (P<0.05). However, Qu supplementation dramatically decreased testicular oxidative stress by increasing testicular GSH levels and notably lowering MDA (P<0.05). Histopathological picture of testicular tissue confirmed the beneficial effects of Qu supplementation on testicular activity. Consequently, Qu may be considered an excel lent preventative measure to protect rats’ testicles from oxidative insults caused by cadmium chloride
Monitoring environmental pollutants, pesticides, and pathogens is essential for safeguarding human health, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem stability. Various approaches from physical sensors to bioindicators have been employed for environmental surveillance. Honeybees, as globally managed pollinators, serve as an effective continuous biomonitoring species. Foraging bees encounter contaminants, transporting them back to their hives for analysis. While individual bees are sensitive to environmental stressors such as pesticides and temperature extremes, the colony exhibits remarkable resilience, accumulating contaminants or adapting without collapse. This enables long-term tracking of pollutants across geographic regions and the study of ecotoxicological trends over time. The well-established role played by honeybees and hive products (pollen, honey, and wax) as sensitive bioindicators for environmental contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and airborne pollutants, is highlighted in this review. To improve its dependability for worldwide environmental assessments, more research and standardized procedures are required
Egyptian poultry farms are often impacted by many avian diseases, resulting in significant annual losses due to single or combined infections. This study sought to implement a more integrated approach for diagnosing etiological agents linked to hemorrhagic syndrome in broiler chickens, utilizing a newly developed set of primers to detect and identify four prevalent avian haemosporidians. These methodologies serve as a framework for the routine identification and monitoring of field avian pathogens, marking the initial effort for early prevention and control. Real-time PCR, blood smear, hematological analysis, and histopathological examination were employed for the detection and identification of several etiological agents. Our qPCR results identified co-infections in affected flocks including Newcastle disease virus genotype II (NDV-GVII) and Leucocytozoon species (L. sabrazesi and L. caulleryi), alongside other viruses such as avian influenza virus (AIV) (H9), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV), and blood protozoa (Haemoproteus spp., Plasmodium spp.), occurring as triple infections or more in Sharqia Province. This study presents the first documentation of L. sabaresizi in broiler chicken populations in Egypt. Two species of Leucocytozoon (L.sabrazesi and L. caulleryi), and Plasmodium gallinaceum were identified based on the morphological characteristics of gametocytes in blood smears. A notable reduction in hematological markers. The total leucocytic count (TLC) was markedly reduced in all flocks, particularly in co-infected CIAV flocks (1 and 3), compared to flock no. 2. Histopathological analysis revealed prominent megaloschizonts, indicative of Leucocytozoon, accompanied by significant pathology changes resulting from mixed infections. Finally, Egyptian poultry flocks are often impacted by mixed pathogens. So, the simultaneous detection and differential diagnosis of these co-infections offers a crucial reference for poultry producers to implement prompt and effective disease management measures.
This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different ethanolic extract concentrations made from Artemisia herba-alba’s aerial parts on adult Rhipicephalus annulatus in vitro and in vivo compared to Phoxim 50% (positive control). The in vitro effectiveness was tested using the adult immersion test (AIT) and Oviposition inhibition (IO), along with the determination of LC50 and LC95 values of Artemisia. Three concentrations of Artemisia extract (5%, 10%, and 20%), Phoxim 50% (PC), and a negative group, In AIT, mortality rates at 5% and 10% showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) from the control group (PC); however, 20% yielded results similar to the positive control. Adjusted mortality was 23.5%, 44.2%, 76.8%, and 100%; oviposition dropped markedly by 7.23%, 18.10%, 47.00%, and 100% at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 50%, respectively. The LC50 and LC95 values were computed as 12.5% and 26%, respectively. In the vivo test, mean tick load reduction reached 24.4%, 37.8%, 48.6%, and 97.9% (21 days) for the respective concentrations of A. herba-alba and Phoxim 50%. Tick malformations after treatment with 20% Artemisia and 50% Phoxim, in contrast to the untreated control (water), were identified by scanning electron microscope. These results show that A. herba-alba has acaricidal capability and could be a useful treatment for Rhipicephalus annulatus. Abnormalities were noted under SEM in adult ticks, including deformities in mouthparts, fissures in the genital and anal apertures, swelling of body surfaces and sensilla bases, and cracking of the cuticle at 20% Artemisia concentration and Phoxim 50%, while the control group displayed no such changes.
The present study aimed to give a series on the postnatal development of the foliate gustatory lingual papillae in rabbits using scanning electron microscopy, histological, and histochemical techniques. A total of 30 New Zealand rabbits (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 5 months postnatal) were used as material. Several staining methods were applied including Hematoxylin and Eosin (H\&E) for general features of the papillae; Masson's trichrome and Weigert's elastic stain for demonstration of the fibrous core of the papillae as well as Periodic Acid Schiff technique (PAS) and Alcian blue for demonstration of developing Von Ebner's gland as methods for investigations. The papillary epithelium increased in stratification and keratinization from birth to the fifth month of age. The gustatory furrow increased in depth and width by desquamation of the lining epithelium and connected with excretory ducts of the lingual glands at the first month of age. Developing Ebner’s glands appeared with a positive reaction of Periodic Acid Schiff and Alcian blue stains. Taste buds appeared on the first day, increased in number and size, and became mature at the first month of age. The structural adaptation and maturity of foliate papillae owing to the transformation of food ingestion from suckling to dry matter feeding.
A comprehensive overview of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) focusing on its pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and preclinical research models, particularly the bleomycin (BLM) model. IPF is a progressive, degenerative lung disease of unknown origin, primarily affecting older individuals, and characterized by irreversible lung fibrosis. The article discusses the critical role of inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and growth factors such as TGF-β1, PDGF, and TNF-α in IPF development. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, IPF remains incurable, with lung transplantation being the only definitive solution for select patients. Furthermore, the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model is highlighted for its relevance in preclinical research, providing insights into the disease’s molecular mechanisms. The article also examines the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and adverse effects of bleomycin, a chemotherapeutic agent used in the BLM model. Lastly, the potential of pyrimido-diazepine derivatives, particularly diazepino[4,3-c]quinoline- 6,8,10-trione, is explored for their therapeutic potential in managing IPF. Overall, this article emphasizes the importance of continued research to discover novel treatments with fewer side effects for IPF patients and the utility of animal models in understanding disease progression and testing new therapies.
