To examine the effect of osteopontin inhibition by tranilast on liver fibrosis, four groups of rats were used throughout this study. Group I (Control group): rats received the solvent. Liver fibrosis was induced in Groups II, III, and IV by thioacetamide (TAA; 200mg/kg, ip) twice weekly for 6 weeks. Group II served as (TAA group). Groups III and IV (Treatment groups): rats were given tranilast for 6 weeks after TAA discontinuation. Liver osteopontin (OPN), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), alpha-smooth muscle actin (?-SMA)), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were measured. Additionally, expression of a-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and caspase (Cas)-3 were assigned immunohistochemically. Treatment with tranilast prevented the development of hepatic fibrosis and the activation of stellate cells, and down-regulated the expression of genes for osteopontin and osteopontin-target molecules, including TGF-ß and TNF-a and a-SMA.Tranilast significantly decreased MDA and increased levels of GSH, and SOD. Our findings suggest that targeting osteopontin with tranilast represents a new mode of therapy for liver fibrosis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential antioxidant and Hepatoprotective activities of tranilast against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intra peritoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Tranilast was administered orally at a dose of 150 and 300mg/kg for 6 weeks before induction of liver fibrosis. Results: Injection of TAA induced hepatic fibrosis that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of aminotransferases and total bilirubin with a significant decrease in total protein and albumin in serum. Liver homogenate of TAA rats had the lower content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with increased levels of the hepatic malondialdehyde. Histological data presented marked damage in liver sections of TAA rats. Oral dosing of tranilast for 6 weeks before induction of liver fibrosis reversed these altered parameters near to normal values. These results suggest that tranilast could afford significant protection and antioxidant effect in prevention of liver fibrosis.

The current study aimed to screen the growth and viability of embryo from Day 21 to Day 56 post-breeding in Egyptian buffaloes. Twenty buffaloes were synchronized and examined serially by means of real-time B-mode ultrasound equipped with 12 MHz endorectal transducer. The developing embryonic sac diameter (ESD), crown rump length (CRL), head diameter (HD), trunk diameter (TD), and eye ball diameter (EBD) were measured. The heart rate and cardiac blood flow were sequentially examined to verify the fetal viability using color Doppler mode. Data showed the feasibility of first detection and measurement of ESD, CRL, HD, TD and EBD from Day 24.33 ± 0.67, 27.00 ± 1.73, 34.67 ± 1.76, 34.67 ± 0.88 and 33.67 ± 0.88, respectively. The fetal heart rate was 232.00 ± 12.35 beat/min at the day of first examination (Day 24.50 ± 1.30) after breeding. The cardiac blood flow was examined from Day 27 onwards. A highly significant (P< 0.0001) correlations were recorded between the ESD (r2=0.55), CRL (r2=0.85), HD (r2=0.85), TD (r2=0.93) and EBD (r2=0.85) and fetal age in buffaloes. It could be concluded that the high-frequency ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for the detection of early pregnancy from Day 24-26 post-breeding in Egyptian buffaloes. Verification of fetal heart beating (starting from Day 24-26) and cardiac blood flow (starting from Day 26-27) provide a reliable non-invasive promising technique for the fetal viability evaluation. The high correlation between TD and fetal age signified its clinical value, over other estimated fetometric parameters, in determining gestation period in Egyptian buffaloes during early pregnancy.

Nowadays, there is much concern expressed about stocking density as it is related to the well-being and welfare of broilers, and to define some welfare aspects of broilers in an environmentally uncontrolled conventional house under two different densities, this experiment was conducted using a total number of 120 one day old Cobb broiler chicks that were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates of each in 6 floor pens (1m × 1.6 m). The first group (control) were housed at a density of 1000 cm2/ bird (16 birds/replicate/pen) while the second group (high density HD) were housed at a density of 666.66 cm2/ bird (24 birds/ replicate/pen). Results showed that litter quality was deteriorated (P?0.05) at HD group especially at the 4th, 5th and 6th week of the growing cycle where the all quality parameter together were the worst. Additionally the incidence of the breast irritation and ammonia burns were greater at higher density group, moreover the severity was increased with limiting floor space due to worsening of the litter condition which adversely (P?0.05) affect both leg strength as indicated by latency to lie test (LTL) and feather condition as indicated by plumage cleanliness score.

A total number of 27 vaccine vials including 3 batches of 3 different types of live attenuated poultry viral vaccines (tissue culture Gumboro vaccine, egg adapted colored ILT vaccine and egg adapted non colored ILT vaccine) were experimentally contaminated with 1,5,10 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium reference strain/dose then subjected for sterility testing as referenced in OIE. Further dilution was carried out of vaccines showing negative results. The results of statical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between direct inoculation of the vaccines and their dilutions. It could be concluded that the applied testing method is appropriate for testing sterility of living attenuated poultry viral vaccines but testing of some of such vaccines need further dilutions to obtain accurate results.

Through the present work, anti-FMD IgY immunoglobulins for serotypes O; A, and SAT2 were prepared in chicken egg yolk through immunization of laying hens with locally prepared trivalent FMD vaccine. The antibody titres against three serotypes (O; A, and SAT2) measured by SNT were 2.58; 2.8 and 2.6 respectively and where 2.81; 2.81 and 2.8 respectively when measured by ELISA. Evaluation of Anti-FMD IgY conjugated with Horse radish peroxidase for detection of FMD virus in 100 tongue epithelium; 50 OP fluid samples; 20 nasal swabs from naturally infected cattle, and 100 tissue culture infected fluids revealed sensitivity of 85% indicating the success of preparation of anti-FMD immunoglobulins conjugated with horse radish peroxidase as local product available on request saving cost and time.

This study was established in order to investigate the effect of feeding of germanium biotite (GB) on the immune response of vaccinated calves to FMD trivalent oil vaccine. The study was carried out on two levels: an experimental level followed by field application level. Experimental level applied on 30 calves divided into six groups where group (1) was vaccinated with the trivalent oil FMD vaccine only while groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) were fed two weeks pre vaccination with 1, 2, 3 and 4 gram/100kgm body weight germanium biotite (% B.wt. GB) respectively and group (6) was left as a negative control group. The humoral response of calves were determined by serum neutralization test (SNT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the cellular immune response were detected by lymphocyte blastogenesis assay, phagocytic activity beside estimation the level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-12. The protective antibody titer in the non-fed vaccinated group and the 1% B.wt. GB feed group extend till 32 weeks post vaccination, while in the 2% B.wt. GB feed group it was extended to 34 week post vaccination. The longest immune duration was achieved in the 3 and 4% B.wt. GB feed group as the protective antibodies extended till 36 week post vaccination. The results of cellular immunity showed the peak of lymphocyte blastogenesis and IL-6 appear earlier at 7 day post vaccination in 3% and 4% B.wt. GB feed groups than the other groups, the phagocytic percentage, phagocytic index and IL-12 peak was achieved earlier at 14 days post vaccination in 3% and 4% B.wt. GB feed groups than the other groups. There is no difference between the 3% and 4% B.wt. GB feeding groups. Field application on 50 calves feed on 3% B.wt. GB 2 weeks before vaccination with trivalent FMD oil vaccine confirm the above results. So it could be concluded that ingestion of GB has a potentiate effect on the immune response of cattle to the trivalent oil FMD vaccine providing high protective antibody levels of rapid onset and long duration when administrated 2 week pre-vaccination with a concentration 3% B.wt. GB.

The aim of present study was to investigate the phytochemical screening, acute toxicity and some pharmacological activities of ethanolic extract 70 % and 99.9% of apricot seeds. The phytochemical screening was done for determination of total phenolic compounds by Folin–Ciocalteu method, total flavonoids by aluminum chloride colorimetric method and total carotenoids by colorimetric method. The acute toxicity was done for determination of LD50 in mice by oral administration of upgraded doses of the extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity was done in vivo by formalin-induced paw edema in rats. The analgesic activity was carried out in mice by writhing test and hot plate method. Phytochemical screening revealed that the amount of total phenolic compounds was 179.4 and 191.2 µg gallic acid equivalent / g dry extract and the amount of total flavonoids was 226.18 and 509.34 µg rutin equivalent / g dry extract and the amount of total carotenoids was 0.145 and 0.156 mg/g dry extract for 70 % and 99.9% ethanolic extract, respectively. The acute toxicity revealed that both extracts had no toxic symptoms in rats and no mortalities appear by upgraded doses of 1 g to 10 g / kg b.wt. The 70% and 99.9% ethanolic extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activites in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt. of both extracts. These results suggest that apricot seed extracts contain significant level of safe non-toxic phytochemical substances that have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementing diet with different garlic powder concentrations (300 and 600gm/Ton) on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality (fat %) of Muscovy ducks exposed to different stocking densities; standard stocking density (4 birds/m2) and high stocking density (8 birds/m2). A total number of 180 one -day -old Muscovy ducklings were used in this experiment. Birds were randomly allocated into 18 symmetrical pens classified into 6 treatment groups (3 replicate / treatment). Groups (C, SS+G300, SS+G600) raised on standard stocking density and fed on basal diet supplemented with (0 , 300 and 600 g. garlic powder,/ton feed ) respectively while groups (HS, HS+G300, HS+G600) raised on high stocking density and fed on basal diet supplemented with (0 , 300 and 600 g. garlic powder/ton feed) respectively. The data of growth performance indicated that supplementation of garlic (600 gm / ton) significantly (p > 0.05) improved performance (body weight gain and FCR ) of ducks in standard stocking density (SS+G600) group and high stocking density in (HS+G600) group. Concerning carcass characteristic and meat quality, results indicated that, garlic supplementation reduced fat % in thigh and breast muscles. It can be concluded that, adding garlic powder to duck ration can effectively compensate the negative effects of the high stocking density in Muscovy ducks.

This study was conducted to assess an inactivated vaccine prepared from local field isolates of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) "local variant and virulent isolates" and a classical strain "bursa vacc" to improve the full control over the problem of IBD in Egypt. This experiment applied on 21 day old SPF chicks divided into six groups, the first group was vaccinated with inactivated vaccine containing (local variant isolate, classical bursa vacc strain and virulent isolate), the second group was vaccinated with inactivated vaccine containing (classical bursa vacc strain and local variant isolate), the third group was vaccinated with classical bursa vacc vaccine, and the group 4 vaccinated with local variant isolate vaccine while last two groups were left as a positive and negative control groups. The immune response of chicks was evaluated in vitro by measuring serum neutralization test (SNT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in vivo by challenging birds with 103.5 EID50/ dose of virulent virus of infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV).The highest average antibody level was obtained at the 4th week post vaccination in chicks in group 1 vaccinated with (local variant isolate, classical bursa vacc and local virulent isolate) vaccine, while the chicks in group 3 vaccinated with bursa vacc vaccine showed the lowest antibody level at the same week post vaccination using SNT and ELISA. The challenge of group 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed protection of 97.5%, 90%, 75% and 90% respectively using very virulent IBDV 28 day post vaccination with no clinical signs or lesions on examination. It was concluded that we can use an inactivated vaccine prepared from (classical strain "bursa vacc" and local variant and virulent isolates) of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus as a method for control IBD disease in Egypt.

Edible coats derived from a natural animal source and conveying natural active compounds to meat products may be the golden solution that sums up various preserving benefits. In this study, the main goal was to ascertain whether casein coat and casein coat enhanced with 1000 ppm Sorbic acid and 600 ppm ascorbic acid may be utilized to increase the acceptability of frozen beef kofta. In addition to the control trial, two coats were compared: a plain casein coat and a casein coat enhanced with 1000 ppm Sorbic acid and 600 ppm ascorbic acid. Organoleptic, bacteriological, proximate chemical analysis, pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances ("TBARS"), cooking characteristics, and instrumental colour evaluations were examined for each kofta treatment during three months of storage at -18°C. Results revealed that casein coats were able to boost several sensory attributes of raw and cooked kofta in addition to the overall acceptability of the raw product. Moreover, coats significantly decreased all tested bacterial counts and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values in addition to maintaining compositional parameters from deteriorating during the storage period. As for cooking characteristics, they were all improved by applying casein coats when compared to the control. Casein coated with acid surpassed the plain casein coats in improving all parameters in addition to having the best colour scores for all three months of storage. It has been concluded that casein coats can be utilized to improve the quality of beef kofta without colour or flavour problems.

Egyptian consumers demand and preference for sauces like mayonnaise have increased lately. The processing and packaging techniques of such products may safeguard the consumer from bacterial hazards, although mold and/or mycotoxins are still expected hazards in such products. Therefore, the current investigation is intended to determine the incidence of mold and aflatoxin B1 in commercial mayonnaise sold in Egyptian markets. A total of thirty mayonnaise samples were arbitrarily gathered from Cairo and Giza governorates in order to determine the presence of mold using cultivation techniques and AFB1 using a low-cost high-recovery fluorescence detector (FLD) in combination with an easy-to-use, highly specific and specially developed High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay that adhered to green chemistry principles. About 53.33% of the examined samples were positive for AFB1, while mold couldn’t be detected in any of the examined samples. It was also discovered that 43.33% of AFB1 in total samples was below the maximum permitted threshold. Therefore, more attention is required from the authorities for continuous examination of such products that are present in the market for the incidence of chemical contamination with aflatoxin.

Nowadays, diseases are a major concern in fish production, particularly in gills, which play a crucial role in blood oxygenation, acid-base balance, osmoregulation, and waste elimination. Fungal infections, particularly Branchiomyces, cause respiratory problems in fish. This study aims to determine the causative agent causing high mortality in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in the middle Euphrates in Iraq. One hundred infected fish were sampled for microbial, histological, and molecular examination. Gill tissue was examined as well for histological alterations, and DNA was isolated from Branchiomyces and amplified with universal primers. Microscopically identifying Branchiomyces spp. using lactophenol staining, non-separated hyphae and spores (5–9 m in size) at various stages inside the structures of gill tissue were present. Histopathological examination revealed hyperplasia of epithelial cells and infusion of gill filaments, while primary gill filaments displayed severe hemorrhage and edema. Hyphae of Branchiomyces have been detected between necrotic and edematous myofiber. The ITS PCR products of the fungal isolate were found to be positive at 540 bp molecular weight. Economic losses can occur as a result of fish infections caused by Branchiomyces. Histopathological lesions in gill tissue indicated the presence of Branchiomyces infection, which was confirmed by molecular and microscopical examination.