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Aims: Rabies virus (RV) is endemic in some Arabian countries. However, it is difficult to control RV without understanding the epidemiological evolution of endemic RV isolates. The current study aimed to characterize RV from domestic and wild animal clinical cases in Oman. Methods and Results: Twelve brain samples from domestic (Five camels, three goats and one cattle) and wild animals (Two foxes and one honey badger) were investigated from different locations in Oman between 2017 and 2020. All samples were confirmed by RV nucleoprotein (N) gene‐specific primers. Seven out of the 12 amplified samples were successfully sequenced and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. The detected RVs shared an in‐between 96.8%–98.7% and 96.9%–99% nucleotide and amino acid identities, respectively. However, the wild animal RVs shared only 92.6%–93.9% and 95.9% nucleotide and amino acid identities with the domestic animal RVs, respectively. Negri bodies were detected histologically in six brain samples from camels (n = 3), goats (n = 1) and foxes (n = 2). The RVs from domestic animals shared 97%–98.7% and 98%–100% nucleotide and amino acid identities with the previously published fox RVs from Oman and Gulf countries. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all RV sequences belong to a distinct clade confined to the previously reported clade V within the Middle Eastern Cluster. Conclusions: As indicated by the analysis of RVs from different locations between 2017 and 2020, a genetic variant isolated to the Gulf region may exist within the Middle East clade. Moreover, it appears that new RV lineages are emerging rapidly within this region. Therefore, a comprehensive genomic and phylogenetic analysis of the circulating RV is important for the development of future prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present trial was to examine the efficacy of feeding tilapia fry fish on Artemia franciscana diets supplemented with various oil emulsion resources in terms of performance, behavior indices, survival rate, blood biochemical parameters, and immunological response. Four hundred Nile tilapia fry (weighing 0.15±0.05 g and measuring 2.17±0.08 cm) were randomly allocated into four equal groups (each with five repetitions) and acclimatized for fifteen days. The first group served as the control and received unenriched Artemia franciscana (G0), while the remaining three groups were fed Artemia franciscana diets enriched with different oil resources (0.5 mL oil per liter for 6 hours): soybean oil (G1), sesame oil (G2), and rice bran oil (G3). Behavioral observations were recorded during the 45-day experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fingerlings were analyzed. Furthermore, the growth performance, survival, and immune response of the fingerlings were evaluated. The results indicated noticeable improvements in behavioral measurements (feeding, foraging and schooling), performance (final length, final weight, net weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate), survival, and immune response among fry fish supplemented with enriched Artemia, particularly those enriched with soybean oil. Additionally, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fish fry were significantly enhanced when oil emulsions are applied, with soybean oil demonstrating the most prominent improvements. Whereas, supplementing fry fish Artemia diets with oil resulted in lower liver enzyme activity and higher protein component levels in plasma in comparison to the control group. In brief, feeding Nile tilapia fry fish Artemia diets enriched with a soybean oil emulsion (0.5 mL/L) is recommended for promoting high performance, immunological activity, and survival throughout the early stage till fingerlings phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeriosis is an infectious and fatal disease of domestic mammals and humans caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). This study discusses the prevalence, pathology, microbiology, and molecular characterization of reported encephalitic listeriosis cases in caprine and ovine species in the north of Oman between 2017 and 2019. Thirty suspected small ruminants (goats=20 and sheep=10) were reported from eight outbreaks in northern Oman during the 3 years. The overall morbidity, mortality, and case fatality in goats were 5.8, 5.5 and 95%, respectively, while in sheep, were 8.4, 4.2 and 50%, respectively. Animals under 12 months of age had a case fatality rate of 100% compared to 50% in animals older than one year. The clinical signs in all reported cases were fever, anorexia, deviated neck, and circling. Necropsied animals showed no significant gross lesions. Microscopically, microabscesses, hemorrhages, and perivascular cuffs were observed in the hindbrain along with positive immunostaining of intracellular L. monocytogens antigens in the mononuclear and polymorph nuclear cells. Two L. monocytogenes isolates (A4 and E7) from two goats had multiple antimicrobialresistant indices scores of 0.5 and 0.3 respectively which is above the Krumperman permissible threshold (>0.2), indicating a high-risk source of contamination by the resistant antibiotics in the study area. Encephalitic listeriosis was further confirmed through the 16sRNA molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the two listeria isolates. Here we report two multidrug-resistant L. monocytogens isolates from goats in Oman, which pose a serious public health threat to both humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of L-carnitine (LC) against possible deleterious effects of cefquinome sulfate (CS) on antioxidant capacity, fertility parameters and histopathological findings of reproductive organs in male rats. Therefore, seventy two mature male rats were equally divided into four equal groups as following: The control group of rats was administered two s.c. doses of physiological saline (vehicle of other drugs) (2ml/kg b.wt. once daily for 5 successive days and 2ml/kg b.wt. once daily for 8 successive weeks), the second group was s.c. administered LC (200 mg/kg b.wt. once daily for 8 successive weeks), the third group was s.c. administered CS (50 mg/kg b.wt. once daily for 5 successive days) and the fourth group was s.c. administered CS concomitantly with LC by the same doses. The obtained results showed that administration of CS induced a significant (P≤ 0.05) increase in serum level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sperm abnormalities with significant (P≤ 0.05) decrease in serum level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sperm motility and total sperm count. Moreover, CS induced histopathological changes in tissues of testes and epididymis. Conversely, administration of LC concomitantly with CS ameliorates all the previous antioxidant, fertility and histopathological alterations induced by CS. It could be concluded that CS induced some undesired effects on antioxidant activity, fertility parameters and histopathological findings which could be ameliorated by LC in male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the ameliorative effect of both of Dandelion and Ginkgo-biloba extract on liver toxicities induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in male albino rats. Sixty male albino rats were divided into six groups (10 rats each).Group 1 (Negative control): received 1 ml of saline orally and 1ml of saline intra-peritoneal (I/P),Group 2: received TAA for induction of hepatic injury, Group 3:received TAA+ ginkgo biloba extract (50 mg/ b.wt.),Group 4: received TAA+ ginkgo biloba extract (100 mg/ kg b.wt.), Group 5: received TAA + dandelion extract (250 mg/ kg b.wt), Group 6: received TAA+ dandelion extract (500 mg/ kg b.wt.).TAA was administrated I/P at dose level of 250mg/kg b.wt; while, extracts were administrated orally. All treatments were administrated 3 times/week for 4 weeks. The obtained results revealed that intoxication with TAA showed a significant elevation in serum liver enzymes activity, total bilirubinplus significant decrease in serum levels of total proteins and albumin, significant increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time, intoxication with TAA exhibited severe oxidative stress represented by a significant increase in hepatic level of malondialdehyde (MDA)as well as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH). The treatment with ginkgo-biloba and dandelionat different dosesattenuated TAA-induced, serum biochemical alterations and oxidative stress in liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to see if Ginseng® can reduce the hepatorenal damage caused by malathion. Four groups of forty male Wistar albino rats were alienated. Group 1 was a control group that got orally supplied corn oil (vehicle). Group 2 was intoxicated by malathion dissolved in corn oil orally at 135 mg/kg/day. Group 3 orally received both malathion + Panax Ginseng® (300 mg/kg/day). Group 4 was orally given Panax Ginseng® at a 300 mg/kg/day dose. Treatments were administered daily and continued for up to 30 consecutive days. Malathion's toxic effect on both hepatic and renal tissues was revealed by a considerable loss in body weight and biochemically by a marked increase in liver enzymes, LDH, ACP, cholesterol, and functional renal markers with a marked decrease in serum TP, albumin, and TG levels with decreased AchE and Paraoxonase activity. Additionally, malondialdehydes, nitric oxide (nitrite), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, and TNFα with a significant drop in the antioxidant activities were reported in the malathion group. Malathion upregulated the inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes, while Nrf2, Bcl2, and HO-1 were downregulated. Ginseng® and malathion co-treatment reduced malathion's harmful effects by restoring metabolic indicators, enhancing antioxidant pursuit, lowering the inflammatory reaction, and alleviating pathological alterations. So, Ginseng® may have protective effects against hepatic and renal malathion-induced toxicity on biochemical, antioxidant, molecular, and cell levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was instigated by investigating the ameliorative potential of Ornipural® solution against the hepato-renal toxicity of malathion. A total number of 35 male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into five groups. Group 1 served as control and received normal saline intraperitoneally. Group 2, the sham group, were administered only corn oil (vehicle of malathion) orally. Group 3 was orally intoxicated by malathion in corn oil at a dose of 135 mg/kg BW via intra-gastric gavage. Group 4 received malathion orally concomitantly with Ornipural® intraperitoneally. Group 5 was given Ornipural® solution in saline via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of (1 mL/kg BW). Animals received the treatment regime for 30 days. Histopathological examination revealed the harmful effect of malathion on hepatic and renal tissue. The results showed that malathion induced a significant decrease in body weight and marked elevation in the activity of liver enzymes, LDH, and ACP. In contrast, the activity of AchE and Paraoxonase was markedly decreased. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the serum content of bilirubin, cholesterol, and kidney injury markers. A significant elevation in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (nitrite), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine was observed, along with a substantial reduction in antioxidant activity. Furthermore, malathion increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the upregulation of IL-1B, BAX, and IFN-β genes, and the downregulation of Nrf2, Bcl2, and HO-1 genes. Concurrent administration of Ornipural® with malathion attenuated the detrimental impact of malathion through ameliorating metabolic biomarkers, restoring antioxidant activity, reducing the inflammatory response, and improving pathologic microscopic alterations. It could be concluded that Ornipural® solution demonstrates hepatorenal defensive impacts against malathion toxicity at biochemical, antioxidants, molecular, and cellular levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fipronil (FPN) is a broad-spectrum insecticide extensively applied in veterinary and agricultural applications. FPN repressed the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of cells, resulted in oxidative damage. Both nigella sativa oil (NSO) and resveratrol (RSV) had antioxidant activities. The present study aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of NSO and RSV against FPN induced toxicosis in male albino rats. Rats were divided into six groups. The first group was administered FPN (10 mg/kg); the second received FPN (10 mg/kg) and NSO (1ml/kg); the third group received FPN (10mg/kg) and RSV (20mg/kg); fourth and fifth were treated with NSO (1ml/kg) and RSV (20mg/kg), respectively. The sixth group was the control. The results showed that FPN significantly up regulates the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase urea and creatinine. FPN-intoxicated rats revealed a significant increase in the level of MDA and significant decrease in GSH level in liver and brain tissues. While kidney tissue revealed significant reduction in renal GSH concentration and non-significant increase in renal MDA level. Furthermore, FPN showed histological changes in liver, kidney, brain and heart tissues. In contrast, administration of NSO and RSV ameliorated the FPN-induced oxidative injury and histopathological alterations possibly due to their antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most reported cases for doxycycline toxicity were the accidental oral poisoning in calves but no any report in doxycycline-induced toxicity in poultry. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the adverse effects of doxycycline on behavioral patterns and histopathology of Japanese Quail. Eighty mature female quail were allocated to four groups. Behavioral observation was carried out. Also, productive traits including, daily feed and water intake, egg production and weight gain were estimated. Then, tonic immobility test and tissue collection for histopathological studies were determined. The results revealed increased feeding and drinking behaviors in overdosed groups with lower weight gain and higher degree of fearfulness in the tenfold group. However, standing behavior decreased, while movement activities followed a pattern of increment in a dose dependent system. Wing and leg stretch decreased in the tenfold group than others. Histopathological studies showed hyalinized degeneration and necrotic changes in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Furthermore, hepatic lipidosis and congested brain blood vessel with widely distended Virchow Robin space by edema with mild lesions in kidney. It was concluded that doxycycline overdose affects the performance and health of Japanese Quail so it is recommended not to use in excess in poultry farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of aluminum chloride hexahydrate on the heart, liver and kidneys of rabbits. Twenty-four apparently healthy male and female rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups. The two control groups male (n= 6) and female (n= 6) received subcutaneous injections of physiological saline. The other two Al-treated groups of male (n= 6) and female (n= 6) were given 2.5mg/kg B.W. S/C five times per week for 3 months. At the 6th weeks and the 12th weeks, three rabbits from each group were necropsied and tissues specimens from heart, liver and kidneys were collected and processed for the following histopathologic examination. The heart of both sexes of intoxicated rabbits showed congestion of blood vessels, interfibrillar edema, hemorrhage as well as Zenker's degeneration and necrosis of myocardium. The Liver showed periportal edema, mild fibroplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells, adenomatous and papillary hyperplasia of bile ductules. The encountered lesions of the kidneys were in the form of vacuolations and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium, with intratubular necrotic cellular debris and hyaline casts. An additional lesion of severe interstitial nephritis was also seen in some areas. It was concluded that the adverse toxic effects of aluminum chloride were time-dependent manner on heart, kidneys and liver of of both sexes of rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of Cypermethrin (CYP) intoxication on the liver, kidney, brain and heart and the probable alleviating capability of vitamin E and Selenium combination (VE/Se) against such effects. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (6 rats each), CYP-treated rats received CYP (4.67 mg/kg bwt equals 1/10 LD50) orally once daily, CYP +VE/Se-treated rats were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 ml/kg bwt Viteselen®15 twice weekly with concurrent daily administration of CYP once daily, VE/Se-treated rats and control group. After 60 days treatment all rats were euthanized. CYP induced significant increase in serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and malondialdhyde (MDA) levels and a significant reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) level. Also, CYP revealed marked degenerative and necrotic alterations in liver, kidneys, brain and heart. Conversely, treatment with VE/Se combination improved CYP-induced oxidative damage and the histopathological alterations of these organs. Results indicated that CYP exerts significant harmful effects. And the concurrent administration of VE/Se partly reduced these detrimental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the beneficial effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on different biomedical applications, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ones, it might have cytotoxic and genotoxic impacts on the male reproductive system. Objective: The current study compares the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their bulk form, at different doses, on male rats' reproductive performance, testicular antioxidants, gene expression, and histopathology. Materials and Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly allocated equally in five groups. The control one was injected with Tween 80 (10%). The zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) groups received ZnONPs < 50 nm, specifically, 5 mg/kg (ZnONP-1) and 10 mg/kg (ZnONP-2). The bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) groups were administered 5 mg/kg (BZnO-1) and 10 mg/kg (BZnO-2), correspondingly. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with the respected materials, twice/week for eight consecutive weeks. Finally, the male rats' sexual behavior and their pup's performance were determined in a monogamous mating system. Rats were then anesthetized and sacrificed for semen characteristics evaluation and tissue collection for antioxidant and hormones analysis, gene expression, and histopathological examination. Results: It was shown that ZnONP-1 improved sexual behavior, semen characteristics, and pup's performance compared to its bulk form. Similarly, the testicular antioxidants activity, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with a decrease in the malonaldehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels. It also improves the reproductive hormone levels and mRNA expression of different steroidogenesis-associated genes and anti-apoptotic genes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles, administered at 5 mg/kg, had the most beneficial effect on male reproductive performance, while 10 mg/kg could have a detrimental effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]