Assessing the effects of probiotic supplementation, single strain versus mixed strains, on femoral mineral density and osteoblastic gene mRNA expression in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a significant health concern characterized by weak and porous bones, particularly affecting menopausal women aged 50 and above, leading to increased risk of hip fractures and associated morbidity and mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a study to assess the efficacy of single-strain versus mixed-strain probiotic supplementation on bone health using an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model of induced bone loss. The probiotics evaluated were Lactobacillus helveticus (L. helveticus), Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), and a combination of both. Rats were divided into five groups: SHAM (Control negative), OVX (Control positive), OVX +L. helveticus, OVX + B. longum, and OVX + mixed L. helveticus and B. longum. Daily oral administration of probiotics at 10^8-10^9 CFU/mL began two weeks post-surgery and continued for 16 weeks. RESULTS: Both single-strain and mixed-strain probiotic supplementation upregulated expression of osteoblastic genes (BMP- 2, RUNX-2, OSX), increased serum osteocalcin (OC) levels, and improved bone formation parameters. Serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) levels and bone resorption parameters were reduced. However, the single-strain supplementation demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the mixed-strain approach. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with B. longum and L. helveticus significantly reduces bone resorption and improves bone health in OVX rats, with single-strain supplementation showing greater efficacy compared to a mixed-strain combination. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics as a therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis, warranting further investigation in human studies.

Comparing machine learning algorithms to predict COVID­19 mortality using a dataset including chest computed tomography severity score data.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, new and non-invasive digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) had been introduced for mortality prediction of COVID-19 patients. The prognostic performances of the machine learning (ML)-based models for predicting clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients had been mainly evaluated using demographics, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory results. There is a lack of information about the prognostic role of imaging manifestations in combination with demographics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory predictors. The purpose of the present study is to develop an efficient ML prognostic model based on a more comprehensive dataset including chest CT severity score (CT-SS). Fifty-five primary features in six main classes were retrospectively reviewed for 6854 suspected cases. The independence test of Chi-square was used to determine the most important features in the mortality prediction of COVID-19 patients. The most relevant predictors were used to train and test ML algorithms. The predictive models were developed using eight ML algorithms including the J48 decision tree (J48), support vector machine (SVM), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), k-nearest neighbourhood (k-NN), Naïve Bayes (NB), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The performances of the predictive models were evaluated using accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) metrics. After applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 815 positive RT-PCR patients were the final sample size, where 54.85% of the patients were male and the mean age of the study population was 57.22 ± 16.76 years. The RF algorithm with an accuracy of 97.2%, the sensitivity of 100%, a precision of 94.8%, specificity of 94.5%, F1-score of 97.3%, and AUC of 99.9% had the best performance. Other ML algorithms with AUC ranging from 81.2 to 93.9% had also good prediction performances in predicting COVID-19 mortality. Results showed that timely and accurate risk stratification of COVID-19 patients could be performed using ML-based predictive models fed by routine data. The proposed algorithm with the more comprehensive dataset including CT-SS could efficiently predict the mortality of COVID-19 patients. This could lead to promptly targeting high-risk patients on admission, the optimal use of hospital resources, and an increased probability of survival of patients.

Extended Gibbs Free Energy and Laplace Pressure of Ordered Hexagonal Close-Packed Spherical Particles: A Wettability Study.

The wetting property of spherical particles in a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) ordering from extended Gibbs free energy (GFE) and Laplace pressure view points is studied. A formalism is proposed to predict the contact angle (θ) of a droplet on the HCP films and penetration angle (α) of the liquid on the spherical particles. Then, the extended Laplace pressure for the layered HCP ordering is calculated and a correlation between the wetting angle, sign of pressure, and pressure gradient is achieved. Our results show that the sign and the slope of pressure are important criteria for determining the wettability state and it is found that the contact angle is independent of the particle radius, as supported by various experimental reports. The pressure gradient for the HCP films with Young contact angle higher than (lower than) a critical contact angle, 135° (45°), is positive (negative), indicating the superhydrophobicity (superhydrophilicity) state of the surface. To validate the proposed formulation, theoretical calculations are compared with the reported experimental measurements, showing a good agreement.

Amygdalus spinosissima root extract enhanced scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in mice.

The Amygdalus spinosissima (Rosaceae) plant has been used in the Iranian folk medicine as a remedy for the burn wound. Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine the possible medicinal potential of the plant focusing on the root part. The bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the root extract of the Amygdalus spinosissima plant as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Moreover, the effects of root extract on learning and memory in mice were evaluated. The results revealed that the root methanolic extract contained phenolic and flavonoid compounds including apigenin, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, gallic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid. The extract possessed antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities in vitro. These biological activities were attributed to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids. The A. spinosissima root extract improved learning and memory function in scopolamine-induced memory dysfunction in mice as determined using the Morris water maze task. The extract modulated the AChE, BChE, and inflammatory genes and enhanced the expression of the antioxidant enzymes in the brain. Consequently, A. spinosissima root extract could be considered as a promising source of potent bioactive compounds in the retarding the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

The worldwide trend of Campylobacter spp., infection from duck-related isolates and associated phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance, since 1985: identifying opportunities and challenges for prevention and control.

Campylobacter, a leading cause of foodborne diseases, is well recognized worldwide. Poultry and poultry products are considered as major sites for Campylobacter infection in humans. The extensive uses of antibiotics mostly as growth promoters and for therapeutic purposes have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of foodborne pathogens including Campylobacter. A key tenet of this paper is the need for reviewing the previous studies conducted around the globe on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolates in duck to better understand the sources and trends of infection. Based on published data, the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in duck and duck-related samples ranged from 0% to 100% and was largely influenced by the isolation method. Among Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni was the predominant cause of campylobacteriosis, followed by C. coli. Campylobacter spp. from ducks were mostly resistant to fluoroquinolones and tetracycline and a lesser extent to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin. Some studies showed that ducks may pose a risk for acquiring campylobacteriosis because they had genotypes quite similar to human isolates detected previously. A continued monitoring approach is needed, at national and international levels, with enhanced surveillance and reporting of trends, as well as harmonization of surveillance systems toward a one-health approach to monitoring antimicrobial resistance in animal production particularly if increased resistance rates are being demonstrated.

Manipulation of Rice Straw Silage Fermentation with Different Types of Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculant Affects Rumen Microbial Fermentation Characteristics and Methane Production.

Bacterial inoculants are known to improve the quality of silage. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of different types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; L. plantarum, L. salivarius, L. reuteri, L. brevi, and S. bovis) inoculation (106 cfu/ DM) on rice straw silage quality and to determine these effects on ruminal fermentation characteristics, digestibility and microbial populations in an in vitro condition. Inoculated rice straw was ensiled for 15 and 30 days. For the in vitro study, rumen fluid was obtained from three rumen-fistulated bulls fed on mixed forage and concentrate at 60:40 ratio twice daily. Inoculation with LAB improved (p < 0.05) the rice straw silage quality as indicated by higher dry matter and crude protein contents, decreased pH and butyric acid, and increased propionic acid and LAB numbers, especially after 30 days of ensiling. Results from the in vitro study revealed that starting with the addition of LAB to rice straw silage improved in vitro fermentation characteristics such as increased total volatile fatty acids and dry matter digestibility (p < 0.05). LAB treatments also decreased methane production and methane/total gas ratio after 15 and 30 days of ensiling. From the rumen microbial population perspective, cellulolytic, and fungal zoospores were enhanced, while protozoa and methanogens were decreased by the LAB treatments. Based on these results, it could be concluded that inoculating rice straw silage with LAB (especially for L. plantarum and S. bovis) improved silage quality, rumen fermentation parameters and microbial populations in vitro.

Ficus deltoidea promotes bone formation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of bone diseases including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. We have previously demonstrated that Ficus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) is capable of reducing hyperglycaemia. However, whether F. deltoidea could protect against diabetic osteoporosis remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The study examines the effect of F. deltoidea on bone histomorphometric parameters, oxidative stress, and turnover markers in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6 animals per group) received one of the following treatments via gavage for 8 weeks: saline (diabetic control), metformin (1000 mg/kg bwt), and methanol leaves extract of F. deltoidea (1000 mg/kg bwt). A group of healthy rats served as normal control. The femoral bones were excised and scanned ex vivo using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for histomorphometric analysis. The serum levels of insulin, oxidative stress, and bone turnover markers were determined by ELISA assays. RESULTS: Treatment of diabetic rats with F. deltoidea could significantly increase bone mineral density (BMD) (from 526.98 ± 11.87 to 637.74 ± 3.90). Higher levels of insulin (2.41 ± 0.08 vs. 1.58 ± 0.16), osteocalcin (155.66 ± 4.11 vs. 14.35 ± 0.97), and total bone n-3 PUFA (2.34 ± 0.47 vs. 1.44 ± 0.18) in parallel with the presence of chondrocyte hypertrophy were also observed following F. deltoidea treatment compared to diabetic control. CONCLUSIONS: F. deltoidea could prevent diabetic osteoporosis by enhancing osteogenesis and inhibiting bone oxidative stress. These findings support the potential use of F. deltoidea for osteoporosis therapy in diabetes.

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on regulatory appetite and heat stress protein genes in broiler chickens subjected to heat stress.

This study was conducted to explore the effect of the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) supplement on the regulatory appetite and heat stress (HS) genes in broiler chickens raised under high or normal ambient temperatures. In this study, 240 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 48 battery cages. From day 1, these 48 cages were randomly subjected to four different treatment strategies: Control (wherein, their basal diet included 60 mg/kg of ZnO), ZNONPs 40 (wherein basal diet included 40 mg/kg of ZnONPs), ZnONPs 60 (basal diet included 60 mg/kg of ZnONPs), and ZnONPs 100 (basal diet included 100 mg/kg of ZnONPs). Thereafter, from day 22 to 42, the chickens from each dietary treatment group were subjected to different temperature stresses either normal (23 ± 1 °C constant) or HS (34 ± 1 °C for 6 h/d), which divided them into eight different treatment groups. Our findings revealed that dietary ZnONPs altered the gene expression of cholecystokinin (ileum), heat stress proteins (HSP) 70 (jejunum and ileum), and HSP 90 (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). The gene expression of ghrelin was affected by the interaction between the ZnONPs concentration and temperature in the duodenum and stomach. More studies are required to elucidate its complex physiological and biochemical functions of the regulation of gene expression within the intestine in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

The Impact of Spiritual Care Skills on Quality of Life in Spouses of Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: The wives of veterans are under great pressure because of their husbands 'physical and mental problems, and this can affect their mental health and quality of life. It seems that the training of some skills can have a significant impact on improving quality of life and reducing their mental burden. This study was conducted to determine the effect of spiritual care education in quality of life in wives of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that plays a major role in caring for them. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study in which 60 wives of PTSD-affected veterans in Ibn Sina hospital were selected and assigned randomly in two experimental and control groups. Spiritual care education was conducted in five sessions of two hours. Quality of life Questionnaire (SF-36) was used in this study. The questionnaire was implemented on participants of both groups in three stages: before, after and one months after the intervention (follow-up). Data were analysis using SPSS version 19. Results: The results of this study showed that spiritual care education could increase quality of life in the Wives of Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the subjects participating in the post-test had significantly higher quality of life. Conclusion: According to results of this, study that represent effect of spiritual care education on quality of life, so it is recommended spiritual care education can be used to improve the quality of life of people especially the families of veterans.

Enhancement of phenolic and flavonoids compounds, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects in regenerated red cabbage by application of Zeatin.

This study evaluated the roles of zeatin (2 mg/L) on direct organogenesis, phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic activity in regenerated shoots of red cabbage. The results revealed that the extract of explant treated by 2 mg/L zeatin gives the highest content of total phenolics (5.18 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight) and flavonoids (1.52 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight). Moreover, HPLC and GC-MS analyses indicated that various bioactive compounds in red cabbage are significantly enhanced with increasing zeatin concentration. Besides that, antioxidant activity test showed that in vitro shooting culture using 2 mg/L zeatin displayed higher antioxidant activity in all assays (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) compared to control with respective values of 68.12%, 73.28%, and 54.1%, respectively. Finally, the cytotoxic properties illustrated that the extracts of red cabbage explant treated by 2 mg/L zeatin exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect towards cancer cells compared to control.

Nanoliposomes encapsulation of enriched phenolic fraction from pistachio hulls and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic activities.

Aims: Owhadi is a popular commercial pistachio cultivar in Iran which could be an attractive source for natural bioactive compounds with health-promoting activity.Methods: The hulls subjected to fractionation and ethyl acetate fraction was a phenolic-enriched fraction (PEF). The PEF was encapsulated in nanoliposomes (PEF-NLs) as a newly developed delivery system. The phytochemical analysis of PEF-NLs confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds.Results: The PEF-NLs indicated the strong antioxidant activity through up-regulation of the antioxidant-related genes in the murine hepatocyte. The PEF-NLs indicated the notable anti-inflammatory activity by scavenging the nitric oxide (NO) and reducing the NO production in the murine macrophage cells. The PEF-NLs have also exhibited the anti-melanogenic activity through direct tyrosinase enzyme inhibition and by modulating melanin biosynthesis genes in B16F10 melanoma cells.Conclusion: The PEF-NLs possessed the promising potential to be used for controlling skin pigmentation disorders and as a skin-whitening agent in the cosmetic industry.

Correction: Effects of dietary n-6: n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on meat quality, carcass characteristics, tissue fatty acid profiles, and expression of lipogenic genes in growing goats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188369.].

Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Nebulized Morphine with Fentanyl Transdermal Patch and Oral Methadone for Cancer Patients in Terminal Stages; a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent years have witnessed widespread reports on the effectiveness of nebulized morphine for dyspnea, yet there is no evidence for its effectiveness in analgesic therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare effectiveness and side effects of inhalation morphine with oral methadone and transdermal fentanyl in sequential days in end stage cancer patients. METHOD: This double-blind, randomized controlled study conducted between April and September 2017. Ninety eligible cancer patients presenting to Sayed al-Shohada Hospital were selected non-randomly according to inclusion criteria and then divided to 3 groups in random order. Pain severity was scored by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients were followed up for 3 days and then data were analyzed by SPSS. The benchmark of success was set as marking 4 or below on VAS and a reduction ratio of 50 percent. RESULTS: Pain severity was equal for 3 groups before the first administration (p>0.05), but it decreased significantly from 8.45 (range 6-10) at baseline to 2.46 (range 1-4) at the end of the 3rd day in the nebulized group. The decrease ratio was equal to 70.8% after three days (p<0.05). Pain severity reduced from 8.45 (range 7-10) to 1.8 (range 1-3) (p<0.05) in the methadone group, and reduced from 8.5 (range 6-10) to 2.13 (range 1-3) in the fentanyl group. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that nebulized morphine, just like oral methadone and transdermal fentanyl, is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for pain management in patients with cancer.

Sperm parameters quality and reproductive effects of methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on senescent male rats.

The effect of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on the fertility of senescent male rats was assessed in this study. 40 rats received daily distilled water, testosterone, 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract of Alchornea cordifolia. The reproductive organs weight, the gonadotropins, testosterone and cholesterol level, the sperm parameters, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. The weight of testes and prostate (400 mg/kg) significantly increased (p < 0.05) as well as the level of FHS (p < 0.001), LH and testosterone (p < 0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, respectively, while the cholesterol decreased at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01) respectively. The testes and epididymis were full of spermatozoa particularly at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The sperm count and morphology significantly increased at both doses of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) respectively. The sperm motion (PROG, VAP, VSL, VCL) (p < 0.001), (ALH, BCF) (p < 0.05) increased at a dose of 200 mg/kg and decreased at a dose of 400 mg/ kg. The overall results provide the strong evidence of the fertility potential of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves in senescent male rats.

Determination of the Effect of Sexual Assertiveness Training on Sexual Health in Married Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Sexual assertiveness is a person's ability to meet sexual needs. Considering limited sexual information of women and the taboo nature of talking about sexual needs, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the sexual assertiveness training on sexual health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial assignment parallel study with a control group was performed in September and October 2016 on 60 married women referred to Imam Reza Health Center in Mashhad. The sample size was estimated to be 30 subjects per group. Instruments included demographic characteristics, sexual assertiveness, and sexual health questionnaire. The pretest was completed in two groups at the beginning of the study and post-test was done for both groups 1 week after educating the experimental group. Descriptive statistic tests included Chi-square, t-test, and paired t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The two intervention and control groups showed no significant difference in terms of sexual health level before starting the study (t 58 = 0.854, p > 0.05). After the study, based on the independent t-test, the two groups showed significant differences (t 58 = -4.077, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual assertiveness training can improve women's sexual health. Considering the lack of research in this area and due to the effect of mutual understanding of couples on emotional and sexual issues, further research is necessary for this field.

Effects of naturally-produced lovastatin on carcass characteristics, muscle physico-chemical properties and lipid oxidation and cholesterol content in goats.

This study investigated the carcass characteristics, physico-chemical properties, storage stability and cholesterol content of meat from goats fed with different levels of naturally-produced lovastatin used to mitigate enteric methane production. Twenty intact Saanen male goats of 5-6 months old with initial live weight of 25.8 ±â€¯4.0 kg were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments containing 0 (Control), 2 (Low), 4 (Medium) and 6 mg (High) per kg live weight (LW) of naturally-produced lovastatin for 12 consecutive weeks. No differences were found in all the parameters measured except for full LW, hot and cold carcass weight, shear force, color and cholesterol content among the treatment groups. Aging had significant effects on all the parameters measured in this study except a* (redness) of meat. Meat samples in the Medium and High treatments were of higher lightness and yellowness, more tender and lower cholesterol levels. We conclude that, in addition to mitigate enteric methane emissions, dietary supplementation of naturally-produced lovastatin at 4 mg/kg LW could be a feasible feeding strategy to produce tender meat containing lower cholesterol.

Oil supplementation improved growth and diet digestibility in goats and sheep fed fattening diet.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the growth, digestibility and rumen fermentation between goats and sheep fed a fattening diet fortified with linseed oil. METHODS: Twelve 3 to 4 months old male goats and sheep were randomly allocated into two dietary treatment groups in a 2 (species)×2 (oil levels) factorial experiment. The treatments were: i) goats fed basal diet, ii) goats fed oil-supplemented diet, iii) sheep fed basal diet, and iv) sheep fed oil-supplemented diet. Each treatment group consisted of six animals. Animals in the basal diet group were fed with 30% alfalfa hay and 70% concentrates at a rate equivalent to 4% of their body weight. For the oil treatment group, linseed oil was added at 4% level (w:w) to the concentrate portion of the basal diet. Growth performance of the animals was determined fortnightly. Digestibility study was conducted during the final week of the feeding trial before the animals were slaughtered to obtain rumen fluid for rumen fermentation characteristics study. RESULTS: Sheep had higher (p<0.01) average daily weight gain (ADG) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than goats. Oil supplementation did not affect rumen fermentation in both species and improved ADG by about 29% and FCR by about 18% in both goats and sheep. The above enhancement is consistent with the higher dry matter and energy digestibility (p<0.05), as well as organic matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p<0.01) in animals fed oil- supplemented diet. Sheep had higher total volatile fatty acid production and acetic acid proportion compared to goat. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that sheep performed better than goats when fed a fattening diet and oil supplementation at the inclusion rate of 4% provides a viable option to significantly enhance growth performance and FCR in fattening sheep and goats.

Unified Transcriptomic Signature of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Colonization in Roots of Medicago truncatula by Integration of Machine Learning, Promoter Analysis, and Direct Merging Meta-Analysis.

Plant root symbiosis with Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi improves uptake of water and mineral nutrients, improving plant development under stressful conditions. Unraveling the unified transcriptomic signature of a successful colonization provides a better understanding of symbiosis. We developed a framework for finding the transcriptomic signature of Arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization and its regulating transcription factors in roots of Medicago truncatula. Expression profiles of roots in response to AM species were collected from four separate studies and were combined by direct merging meta-analysis. Batch effect, the major concern in expression meta-analysis, was reduced by three normalization steps: Robust Multi-array Average algorithm, Z-standardization, and quartiling normalization. Then, expression profile of 33685 genes in 18 root samples of Medicago as numerical features, as well as study ID and Arbuscular mycorrhiza type as categorical features, were mined by seven models: RELIEF, UNCERTAINTY, GINI INDEX, Chi Squared, RULE, INFO GAIN, and INFO GAIN RATIO. In total, 73 genes selected by machine learning models were up-regulated in response to AM (Z-value difference > 0.5). Feature weighting models also documented that this signature is independent from study (batch) effect. The AM inoculation signature obtained was able to differentiate efficiently between AM inoculated and non-inoculated samples. The AP2 domain class transcription factor, GRAS family transcription factors, and cyclin-dependent kinase were among the highly expressed meta-genes identified in the signature. We found high correspondence between the AM colonization signature obtained in this study and independent RNA-seq experiments on AM colonization, validating the repeatability of the colonization signature. Promoter analysis of upregulated genes in the transcriptomic signature led to the key regulators of AM colonization, including the essential transcription factors for endosymbiosis establishment and development such as NF-YA factors. The approach developed in this study offers three distinct novel features: (I) it improves direct merging meta-analysis by integrating supervised machine learning models and normalization steps to reduce study-specific batch effects; (II) seven attribute weighting models assessed the suitability of each gene for the transcriptomic signature which contributes to robustness of the signature (III) the approach is justifiable, easy to apply, and useful in practice. Our integrative framework of meta-analysis, promoter analysis, and machine learning provides a foundation to reveal the transcriptomic signature and regulatory circuits governing Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and is transferable to the other biological settings.

Effects of dietary n-6: n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on meat quality, carcass characteristics, tissue fatty acid profiles, and expression of lipogenic genes in growing goats.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of altering the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the diet on meat quality, fatty acid composition of muscle, and expression of lipogenic genes in the muscle of Boer goats. A total of twenty-one Boer goats (5 months old; 31.66±1.07 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios of 2.27:1 (LR), 5.01:1 (MR) and 10.38:1 (HR), fed at 3.7% of body weight. After 100 days of feeding, all goats were slaughtered and the longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled for analysis of fatty acids and gene expression. The dietary treatments did not affect (P>0.05) the carcass traits, and meat quality of growing goats. The concentrations of cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, trans vaccenic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios linearly increased (P<0.01) with decreasing dietary n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios, especially for LR in the longissimus dorsi muscle of goats. In contrast, the mRNA expression level of the PPARα and PPARγ was down-regulated and stearoyl-CoA desaturase up-regulated in the longissimus dorsi of growing goats with increasing dietary n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that the optimal n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 2.27:1 exerted beneficial effects on meat fatty acid profiles, leading towards an enrichment in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in goat intramuscular fat.