Influence of selenium on innate immune response in kids

The effect is described of selenium supplemented in an inorganic and organic form on the innate immune response of goats. Though the phagocytic activity (as a marker of the immune function) was found to be lower in organic-Se-treated group than in control (54.5 ± 4.32 vs. 60.2 ± 9.15 %), it did not generally exhibit any significant differences; similarly, no differences were found in the phagocytic index. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) (estimated as peak CL, integral CL and a peak time after addition of calcium ionophore A23187, opsonised zymosan (OZP) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate as effectors. A significant ROS increase reflected in integral CL and a peak time was found in the inorganic-Se-treated group when OZP was used as activator; other parameters did not exhibit significant changes. The supplementation of Se in inorganic form can thus be seen to influence positively the innate immune system of kids.     

Influence of vitamin E and selenium on immune response mechanisms.

Vitamin E and selenium have both been shown to have immunostimulatory effects in a variety of species when administered in quantities in excess of established deitary requirements. Responses to each nutrient appeared to be independent of the nutrition of the other. Deficiencies of vitamin E and selenium conversely caused suppression of the immune response system, particularly, cell mediated mechanisms. Suppression was shown to be associated with serum factors coating lymphocytes from dogs deficient in vitamin E and selenium. Oral supplementation with vitamin E transformed or removed the suppressive factors, dietary selenium had no effect. In vitro peripheral lymphocyte blast transformation tests corroborated observations of in vivo studies. Reducing agents and synthetic anti-oxidants eliminated suppressive effects in vitro. Suppression was most marked in dogs fed diets highest in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, providing conditions most conductive to lipid peroxidation in vivo. The essential fatty acids linoleic and arachidonic have been shown to similarly influence immunoregulatory mechanisms in vivo. The effect may be a direct one since plasma membrane fluidity of lymphoid cells increases the probability of modification of cell--antigen interactions by PUFA. However, their effect may also be an indirect one. PUFA are known precursor substances of E anf F type prostaglandins which have been shown to affect immediate and delayed hypersensitivity by stimulating synthesis of cyclic AMP. More definitive studies are needed to resolve this question.     

Impact of mycogenic zinc nanoparticles on performance,behavior, immune response,and microbial load in Oreochromis niloticus

This work aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of biological zinc nanoparticles (BIO-ZnONPs) against pathogenic fish bacteria and assess the effect of BIO-ZnONPs on the performance, behavior, and immune response in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as compared to chemical zinc nanoparticles (CH- ZnONPs). Aspergillus niger TS16 fabricated the BIO-ZnONPs were spherical shape with the average size of 45 nm and net charge of ?27.23 mV. Generally, the results indicate that BIO-ZnONPs were more effective than CH- ZnONPs in enhancing the performance properties of Nile tilapia. Five experimental groups of Nile tilapia (initial body weight of 20.2 g) were treated with two concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg L^?1 from biological and chemical ZnONPs, while the fifth group was served as a control. After ten weeks of treated water with ZnONPs, the performance, feed efficiency parameters, feeding, and swimming behaviors significantly improved in BIO-ZnONPs treated groups (P < 0.05). The liver function, LYZ activity, and NBT values were significantly enhanced in the 0.5 mg L^?1 BIO-ZnONPS group compared to CH- ZnONPs group and control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the lowest cortisol and the highest testosterone and growth hormone levels were recorded in 1 mg L^?1 BIO-ZnONPs group. Regarding the antibacterial effects, BIO-ZnONPs displayed the lower total bacterial loads in water and fish tissues (intestine, gills, skin, and muscle) and the maximum antibacterial properties against pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila). Our study exemplifies novel findings of BIO-ZnONPs in the promotion of fish health and production and its antibacterial properties in Nile tilapia.     

Influence of spray-dried rumen fluid supplementation on performance,blood metabolites and cytokines in suckling Holstein calves

Rumen fluid from slaughtered animals is one of the wastes of slaughterhouses released to the environment that, due to its high nitrogen and phosphorus contents, can lead to soil and groundwater pollution. Meanwhile, it contains ruminal microbes and some bioactive compounds such as enzymes, minerals, vitamins and organic acids. This study was designed to examine the potential of rumen fluid as a feed additive. Therefore, the effects of spray-dried rumen fluid (SDR) with 1% maltodextrin on the performance, blood metabolites and some cytokines of sucking dairy calves during the pre-weaning phase were investigated. Forty male Holstein calves, with a mean weight of 39.4 ± 3.7 kg and 7 ± 1 days old, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 calves per group) in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were: control diet with no additive (CON); control diet with 0.5 g/day of SDR (SDR0.5); control diet with 1 g/day of SDR (SDR1); and control diet with 1.5 g/day of SDR (SDR1.5). Daily feed intake and average daily gain of calves were not affected by feeding SDR as a feed additive. Cholesterol concentration was significantly affected by the 20th and 40th days of the experiment and decreased linearly by increasing SDR feeding level. Levels of liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, in the blood decreased by feeding SDR at day 40 of the experiment. Serum concentration of interleukin-6 at day 20 was not affected by dried rumen fluid feeding, whereas at day 40, a significant effect was observed among experimental treatments. The lowest value was recorded for SDR1.5 v. control calves. At day 20, the serum concentration of interferon-γ was influenced by supplementing SDR, and the highest value was recorded for SDR1.5 calves. The inclusion of SDR with 1% maltodextrin in suckling dairy calves had beneficial effects on the stimulation of calves’ immune system.     

Idiopathic scoliosis and concentrations of zinc,copper, and selenium in blood plasma

The concentration of zinc, copper, selenium, albumin, and ceruloplasmin in blood plasma and the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes were determined in a set of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (n=51). A significant decrease of selenium concentration (0.50±0.16 μmol/L) was found when compared with a control group (0.69±0.07 μmol/L) (p<0.01). The same levels of significance were found out for selenium levels corrected for albumin content. In a group of patients with a curvature over 45° indicated for a surgical correction, the average plasma concentrations of selenium were significantly lower (p<0.05) in comparison with a group of patients with a curvature below 45° treated conservatively. The GSH-Px activity in erythrocytes was the same in both sets. In comparison with the controls, no significant differences were revealed in all of the other parameters. The detection of the decreased blood plasma concentration of selenium has suggested possible disturbance of well-proportioned distribution and of general optimal availability of selenium in the organism of patients with idiopathic scoliosis with likely effects on the process of synthesis and maturation of collagen affecting the axial skeleton stability.     

Effect of different levels of selenium supplementation on growth rate, nutrient utilization, blood metabolic profile, and immune response in lambs

Eighteen male lambs (8-9 months of age, 25.00 +/- 0.90 kg body weight) were divided into three groups of six animals in each and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrate mixture (30% maize grain, 27% soybean meal, 40% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture, and 1% common salt) and wheat straw in 65:35 ratio and supplemented with selenium (Se) as sodium selenite at 0 (T1, control), 0.15 (T2), and 0.30 ppm (T3) levels. Experimental feeding was done for a period of 90 days including a 6-day metabolism trial. To assess the growth performance, lambs were weighed every 15 days throughout the experimental period. All the lambs were intramuscularly inoculated with a single dose (2 ml) of haemorrhagic septicaemia oil adjuvant vaccine on 0 day to evaluate the humoral immune response. Blood samples were collected on 0 day and thereafter at 30 days interval. Results revealed that supplementation of Se both at 0.15 and 0.30 ppm levels had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose; balances of calcium and phosphorus; and level and intake of digestible CP and total digestible nutrients. Se supplementation also had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the levels of serum total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, tri-iodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), and T(4)/T(3) ratio; and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme activity in the lambs. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the plasma Se levels, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity, and humoral immune response in both the Se-supplemented groups. Feed (TMR) required per kilogram gain was less by 11.1% and 16.5% in groups T2 and T3, respectively, as compared to control (T1) group. Average daily gain was highest (108.5 g) in group T3, followed by group T2 (98.2 g), and lowest (89.06 g) in the control group (T1). These results indicated that supplementation of 0.15 and 0.3 ppm Se in the diet (having 0.19 ppm Se) of lambs significantly improves their immune response and antioxidant status.     

Concentrations of cadmium,lead, selenium,and zinc in human blood and seminal plasma

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc in blood and seminal plasma were determined in 76 Singapore males. Except for zinc, the concentrations were generally higher in blood than in seminal plasma (cadmium, 1.31 μg/L vs 0.61 μg/L; lead, 82.6 μg/L vs 12.4 μg/L, and selenium, 163.6 μg/L vs 71.5 μg/L). The mean concentration of zinc in seminal plasma was more than 30 times higher than in blood (202 mg/L vs 6.2 mg/L). Significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for the two essential trace elements: selenium (r=0.45,p<0.001) and zinc (r=0.25,p<0.05). However, no relationships were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for two toxic metals (cadmium and lead). Significant inverse correlations were observed between Cd and Zn (r=−0.40,p<0.01), and Pb and Se (r=−0.32,p<0.05) in blood, whereas significant positive correlations were noted between Cd and Se (r=0.45,p<0.01), Cd and Zn (r=0.35,p<0.05), and Se and Zn (r=0.57,p<0.001) in seminal plasma. The physiological significance of these relationships are also discussed in this paper.     

Probiotics and herbal mixtures enhance the growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis

The present study was reported the effect of probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet on growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis on weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 50 μl of PBS (phosphate buffer saline) containing S. parauberis (2.1 × 10? CFU ml?1). The initial weight did not significantly increased in supplementation diet group from 1 to 4 weeks, whereas it was significantly increased from weeks 6 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) activities significantly increased from weeks 4 to 12 in infected fish fed with supplementation diet compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. However, the total protein (TP) and glucose (GLU) levels were significantly increased in infected fish fed with supplementation diet after 6 weeks. The phagocytic, respiratory burst, complement, and lysozyme activities significantly enhanced in infected fish fed with supplementation diet from weeks 4 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. These results suggested that different probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet enhanced the growth, blood biochemical constituents, and nonspecific immunity in olive flounder against S. parauberis.     

Influence of a high-temperature programme on serum,urinary and sweat levels of selenium and zinc

IntroductionThe effect of hyperthermia on the antioxidant system in the human organism is well known.AimThe objective of this study was to observe the effects of heat on the concentration of Se and Zn, elements related to antioxidant systems.MethodsTwenty-nine subjects voluntarily participated in this study. They were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). All of them underwent two incremental tests until exhaustion in normothermia (22 °C, 20–40%RH) and hyperthermia (42 °C, 20–40%RH). EG experienced nine sessions of repeated heat exposure at high temperatures (100 °C, 20%RH) for three weeks (HEHT). After the intervention, the initial measurements were repeated. Urine and blood samples were collected before and after each test. Additionally, sweat samples were collected after tests in hyperthermia.ResultsThere were no significant changes in serum. An increase in the elimination of Zn and Se in EG was observed in urine after HEHT (p < .05). The elimination of Zn by sweating decreased after HEHT in EG (p < .05).ConclusionsExposure to heat at high temperatures increases the urinary excretion of Se and Zn.     

Effect of dietary selenium on the response of stressed and unstressed chickens toEscherichia coli challenge and antigen

Selenium was added to the feed of White Leghorn type chickens 1 day prior to challenge with eitherEscherichia coli or sheep erythrocyte antigen. the incidence of death or lesions was reduced from 86% to 21% at the optimal dose of selenium (0.4 mg/kg resulting in feed concentration of 0.45 mg/kg). After the chickens were stressed by chilling, selenium was ineffective againstE. coli. Dietary additions of selenium between 0.1 and 0.8 mg/kg resulted in an antibody titer increase from 2.2 to 3.9 to the log₂ against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Followng chilling, antibody titer response was reduced from 4.9 to 2.4 to the log₂. This titer reduction could be prevented with dietary additions of selenium between 0.1 and 1.2 mg/kg. The effects of a nitrofuran and selenium were additive againstE. coli challenge infection.     

Urinary selenium excretion in selenite-loaded sheep and subsequent Se dynamics in blood constituents

Renal selenium excretion in sheep was measured during intravenous infusion of sodium selenite, and the post-infusion dynamics of Se levels in whole blood, plasma and red blood cells (RBC) were investigated for the next 5 days. The plasma Se level increased almost twenty fold with the infusion of Na2SeO3 (from 0.39 +/- 0.02 to 7.83 +/- 0.33 micromol x L(-1), P < 0.001) compared with the baseline value. The selenium concentration in urine (0.07 +/- 0.02 vs. 18.53 +/- 2.56 micromol x L(-1), P < 0.001), the amount of Se excreted (0.14 +/- 0.07 vs. 21.40 +/- 2.31 nmol x min(-1), P < 0.001) and the renal clearance of Se (0.1 9 +/- 0.03 vs. 3.01 +/- 0.34 mL x min(-1), P < 0.001) were found to be highly significantly elevated during selenite loading. The clearance measurements showed no changes in the urinary flow rate or in the glomerular filtration rate. During and at the end of infusion the highest Se level was attained in plasma, followed by whole blood and RBC. The plasma Se level fell rapidly within 10 min after the end of infusion, but the concentration of Se in RBC was stable up to the fourth hour, when it started to decrease too. On day 5 the Se concentrations in plasma, RBC and whole blood were found to be only slightly but still significantly higher than before the selenite infusion. The large disproportion between the infusion rate of Se (8.76 microg x min(-1)) and its renal excretion rate (1.69 microg x min(-1)) found in clearance measurements suggests low glomerular filtration of infused selenium, which might primarily be caused by the binding of selenite metabolites to blood constituents. The presented results confirm the low bioavailability to ruminants of Se from sodium selenite.     

Copper,zinc, and selenium in whole blood and thyroid tissue of people with various thyroid diseases

We investigated the possible differences among the concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium, and their mutual relations in the whole blood and thyroid tissue of patients with various thyroid disorders. Trace elements were determined by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence. The mean levels of these metals in blood as well as the mean Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the patients with thyroid cancer were significantly higher that in other patients and the control groups. However, the mean Zn and Se concentrations in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly lower than in the thyroid tissue of other patients. In addition, the mean Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly higher than in the patients with other thyroid diseases. We confirm that the highest levels of copper and zinc as well as the Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the whole blood of the patients with thyroid cancer may suggest the progression of the proliferation process in the thyroid gland. We suggest that the low concentrations of zinc and selenium in the thyroid tissue confirm their participation in the carcinogenic process.     

Effect of zinc supplementation from different sources on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolic profile, and immune response of male guinea pigs

Forty weaned male guinea pigs of 208.20±6.62 g mean body weight were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in a randomized block design. All of the guinea pigs were fed a basal diet [25% ground maize hay, 30% ground maize grain, 22% ground chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), 9.5% deoiled rice bran, 6% soybean meal, 6% fish meal, 1.45% mineral supplement (without Zn) and 0.05% ascorbic acid] and available green fodder. Group I served as the control (no Zn supplementation), whereas 20 ppm Zn was added in the diet in groups II, III, and IV either as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), zinc amino acid complex (ZAAC), and ZnSO₄ ⁺ ZAAC in equal parts, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for 70 d, including a 3-d digestibility trial. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture from four animals in each group at d 0 and subsequently at the end of experimental feeding. After 40 d of experimental feeding, four animals from each group were injected with 0.4 mL of Brucella abortus cotton strain-19 vaccine to assess the humoral immune response of the animals. After 10 wk of study, four animals from each group were sacrificed to study the concentration of Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn in the liver, pancreas and spleen. Results revealed no significant difference in the feed intake, body weight gain, and digestibility of the nutrients, except for crude protein (CP) digestibility, which was significantly (p<0.05) lower in group IV. Although concentrations of serum glucose, Ca, and P and the albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio were similar in the different groups, the total protein, albumin, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups on d 70. The serum Zn levels at the end of experimental feeding were significantly higher in groups II and III, whereas serum Mn levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups III and IV. The organ weights (as percentage of body weights) did not show any differences among the treatment groups. Although the Mn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the pancreas, the Cu concentration was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the spleen in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. The humoral immune response (antibody titer values) on d 14 of vaccination was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. It was concluded that the 20-ppm level of Zn in the diet might be adequate for growth and nutrient utilization in guinea pigs, but supplementation of 20-ppm zinc significantly improved the immune response and impact was more prominent with the ZAAC (organic source) compared to ZnSO₄ (inorganic source).     

Distribution of iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium in macrofungi

Samples of wild growing ectomycorrhizal and terrestrial saprobic macrofungi (mushrooms) were collected from unpolluted areas and analyzed for their iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium content. Trace elements were determined using long-term instrumental neutron activation analysis. In total, 217 samples, including 87 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi and 43 species of terrestrial saprobes, were examined. Distribution of trace element contents in ectomycorrhizal and saprobic macrofungi was investigated; results are thoroughly compared with previously published data. Doubtful literature data and ability of macrofungi to accumulate/concentrate investigated elements are discussed. Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca was found to concentrate Fe and Russula atropurpurea was confirmed as an effective Zn-accumulating species. Distribution of Se in ectomycorrhizal species was obviously different from that in saprobic species; selenium contents were higher in saprobic species (mostly above 2 ppm).     

Effects of zinc, copper, and selenium on placental cadmium transport

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of zinc, copper, and selenium on placental cadmium transport. From November 2002 through January 2003, a total of 47 healthy pregnant women from Da-Ye City, Hubei Province in Central China participated in the study. Their age, parity, gestational age, pregnancy history, and lifestyle data were obtained by questionnaire interview. The placental, whole-blood, and cord blood levels of cadmium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), whole-blood zinc was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS), whole-blood copper by ICP-MS, and selenium was by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry (AFS). The cord blood cadmium concentration (0.020-1.48 microg/L) was significantly lower than in maternal blood (0.80-25.20 microg/L, p<0.01). The placental cadmium concentration was from 0.082 to 3.97 microg/g dry weight. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that lower levels of maternal blood copper were significantly associated with higher cadmium concentrations in cord blood. Placental cadmium in women with lower levels of maternal blood zinc was significantly higher than in those with normal zinc levels. The placental cadmium level in women with lower whole-blood selenium was significantly lower than in subjects with normal selenium levels. It was concluded that the essential elements copper, selenium, and zinc might significantly affect placental cadmium transport.     

Prediction of circulatory equilibrium in response to changes in stressed blood volume

Accurate prediction of cardiac output (CO), left atrial pressure (PLA), and right atrial pressure (PRA) is a prerequisite for management of patients with compromised hemodynamics. In our previous study (Uemura et al. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 286: H2376-H2385, 2004), we demonstrated a circulatory equilibrium framework, which permits the prediction of CO, PLA, and PRA once the venous return surface and integrated CO curve are known. Inasmuch as we also showed that the surface can be estimated from single-point CO, PLA, and PRA measurements, we hypothesized that a similar single-point estimation of the CO curve would enable us to predict hemodynamics. In seven dogs, we measured the PLA-CO and PRA-CO relations and derived a standardized CO curve using the logarithmic function CO = SL[ln(PLA - 2.03) + 0.80] for the left heart and CO = SR[ln(PRA - 2.13) + 1.90] for the right heart, where SL and SR represent the preload sensitivity of CO, i.e., pumping ability, of the left and right heart, respectively. To estimate the integrated CO curve in each animal, we calculated SL and SR from single-point CO, PLA, and PRA measurements. Estimated and measured CO agreed reasonably well. In another eight dogs, we altered stressed blood volume (-8 to +8 ml/kg of reference volume) under normal and heart failure conditions and predicted the hemodynamics by intersecting the surface and the CO curve thus estimated. We could predict CO [y = 0.93x + 6.5, r2 = 0.96, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 7.5 ml.min(-1).kg(-1)], PLA (y = 0.90x + 0.5, r2= 0.93, SEE = 1.4 mmHg), and PRA (y = 0.87x + 0.4, r2= 0.91, SEE = 0.4 mmHg) reasonably well. In conclusion, single-point estimation of the integrated CO curve enables accurate prediction of hemodynamics in response to extensive changes in stressed blood volume.     

Influence of weaning regimen on intake,growth characteristics and plasma blood metabolites in male buffalo calves

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth performance, feed intake, feed efficiency (FE) and blood metabolites in Nili-Ravi male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Twenty-four male buffalo calves were assigned to one of the three treatment groups: continuous milk feeding (CMF), limited milk feeding (LMF) and early weaning (EW), and weaned off milk at 12, 10 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. For the first 3 days after birth, calves in all three treatments were fed colostrum, and were then moved to individual milk feeding at 10% of BW for the next 6 weeks. Thereafter, the provision of milk to the CMF group was gradually tapered to zero through week 12, using week 6 intakes as a base. The LMF calves were fed milk at 7.5%, 5.0%, 3.5%, and 1.5% of BW during weeks 7 to 10, respectively. Lastly, calves in the EW group were fed milk at 5.0% and 2.5% of BW at weeks 7 and 8, respectively. Calf starter (CS) feed was also provided ad libitum from weeks 2 to 12 and individual intakes were recorded on a daily basis. Blood samples were taken from weeks 6 to 12, on a weekly basis; whereas, the BW, heart girth, withers height and hip width were measured at the start of experiment and later on a weekly basis. Weight gain, average daily gain, and body measurements were the same across all three groups. Milk intake was lower (P < 0.05), whereas CS intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the other treatment groups. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW and LMF calves compared with the CMF calves. The FE was greater (P < 0.05) in the CMF calves compared with the LMF and EW treatment groups. Blood glucose concentration was similar among the treatments; however, blood urea nitrogen was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF and LMF groups. Plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF calves. In light of these results, it is evident that buffalo calves can be successfully weaned as early as 8 weeks of age without negatively affecting their growth performance.     

Arsenic,selenium, and zinc in patients with blackfoot disease

Blackfoot disease is a peripheral vascular disease resulting in gangrene of the lower extremities. Extensive epidemiological study implicates that high arsenic content in artesian well water is the responsible causal factor of the disease. In the present study the concentrations of arsenic, selenium, and zinc in the body fluids and hair of patients with Blackfoot disease, in comparison to age- and sex-matched normal controls, are investigated. Two analytical techniques that include atomic absorption spectrometry and neutron activation analysis were used for the analysis of urine, serum, hair, and whole blood. The analytical results indicate that hair arsenic of the patients is significantly higher than that of the controls, but still below the critical value of 1 μg/g. In addition, the patients showed significantly lower concentrations of Se and Zn in the urine and blood than the normal controls. The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of the disease is discussed.