The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation on egg quality and liver histopathology of layer quails under cadmium challenge.

The demand for quail eggs has been increased over the last decade due to its beneficial nutritional quality characteristics; however, different nutritional and environmental stressors adversely impact the quality of the produced eggs. This study was conducted to investigate whether dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) could mitigate the negative impact of cadmium (Cd) administration on egg quality and liver histopathology. A total of 162 six-week-old laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were randomly allotted into three experimental groups. Treatments were as follows: (1) negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; (2) positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and Cd administration; and (3) CdQ10: feeding basal diet supplemented with CoQ10 (900 mg/kg diet) and Cd administration. Cadmium (10 mg/kg BW) was subcutaneously administrated at 10 and 11 weeks of age (woa). Feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production, egg mass, mortality rate, Cd residue in egg, liver histopathology, and some internal and external egg quality indices were evaluated. Administration of Cd increased FCR in the PC group, but supplementation of CoQ10 partially ameliorated the impact of Cd on FCR (p < 0.05). Cadmium administration decreased both egg production and egg mass; however, CoQ10 supplementation partially mitigated these adverse effects of Cd injection in the CdQ10 compared to the PC group (p < 0.05). Cadmium decreased eggshell thickness and Haugh unit in PC quail compared to both NC and CdQ10 quail (p < 0.05). Moreover, egg yolk colour intensity was enhanced by CoQ10, where a* and b* indices were higher in CdQ10 compared to PC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the current results demonstrate the beneficial effects of dietary CoQ10 supplementation on liver histopathology and some egg quality indices of Cd-challenged quail.

The association between micronutrients and the SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in convalescent patients.

BACKGROUND: Various micronutrients play key roles in the immune responses to viral infection, antibody synthesis, and susceptibility to infection. This study aimed to investigate the role of micronutrients on the immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: To evaluate humoral immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG, as well as the concentrations of different micronutrients, were determined in 36 convalescent COVID-19 patients 60 days after infection. Furthermore, the correlation between biochemical and hematological parameters, clinical features, and the changes in adiposity with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was evaluated. RESULTS: Serum IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 38.8% and 83.3% of recovered patients after 60 days of COVID-19 infection, respectively. The values of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG were negatively correlated with the number of the platelet. Moreover, the values of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM were positively correlated with LDH and the vitamin B12 concentration. Furthermore, a gender-specific association of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM with vitamins D as well as with B9 and zinc was observed. A significant negative correlation was observed between the values of IgG with vitamin D in male participants and a positive correlation was detected between IgG values and B9 in female participants. Moreover, IgM levels with serum zinc values in females were negatively correlated. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests the potential role of micronutrients in gender-specific humoral immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are required with a greater sample of subjects to substantiate the validity and robustness of our findings.

Effects of zinc dosage and particle size on gut morphology, tight junctions and TNF-α expression in broiler breeder hens.

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of different amounts and particle size of zinc oxide (ZnO) on villus height (VH), villus width (VW), crypt depth (CD) and VH to CD ratio (VH: CD), and expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (OC) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in broiler breeders. A total of 350 (Ross 308) broiler breeder hens of 54 weeks randomly assigned to seven treatments, included control basal diet (C) without added Zn, C+ 100, and 130 mg Zn per kg of diet from Large (L) (100-1000 nm) and Small (S) (<100 nm) particle size ZnO (LZnO100 and 130; SZnO100 and 130), C and SZnO100 challenged with lipopolysaccharide (C+LPS and SZnO100+LPS). Each diet was fed to five replicates consisting of ten birds each. The middle part of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was used for morphological assessments. To assess the gene expression of ZO-1, OC and TNF-α in the jejunum samples were excised. Results showed that the supplementing 130 ppm SZnO increased VH:CD in the duodenum (p < 0.05). VW in the duodenum and all the evaluated morphometric indices in jejunum and ileum were not affected by the dietary treatment (p > 0.05). ZO-1 mRNA abundance in C+LPS group compared to SZnO100+LPS group was significantly decreased and increased by LPS and SZnO100 respectively. The SZnO-100 increased OC gene expression in compare to C+LPS group. The expression of TNF-α in C+LPS treatment was higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The lowest and the highest litter moisture and foot-pad dermatitis (FPD) were observed in LZnO-130 and C treatments respectively (p < 0.05). Improving the physical properties of ZnO affect on VH:CD. Broiler breeder diet with ZnO enhance ZO-1, OC and mitigate TNF-α gene expression in jejunum maintenance of gut health in broiler breeders.

Putrescine-functionalized carbon quantum dot (put-CQD) nanoparticles effectively prime grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. 'Sultana') against salt stress.

BACKGROUND: Salinity is an important global problem with destructive impacts on plants leading to different biochemical and metabolic changes in plants through induced oxidative stress that disturbs metabolism, growth, performance and productivity of plants. Given that putrescine (Put) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), individually, have promising effects in different plant processes, the idea of their combination in a nano-structure "Put-CQD" lead to its synthesis to evaluate the potential exertion of synergistic effects. The current study aimed to investigate the application of newly-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of CQDs and Put in grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. 'Sultana') under salinity stress conditions. For this purpose, Put, CQDs and Put-CQD NPs at 5 and 10 mg L- 1 concentrations were applied as chemical priming agents in 'Sultana' grapevine 48 h prior salinity stress imposition (0 and 100 mM NaCl). RESULTS: Salinity significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and membrane stability index. In addition, salinity enhanced MDA, H2O2, proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Results revealed that Put-CQD NPs, particularly at 10 mg L- 1 concentration, alleviated the destructive impacts of salinity stress by improving leaf fresh and dry weights, K+ content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD parameters, proline content, total phenolics and antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, APX, GP and SOD), while decreasing Na+ content, EL, MDA and H2O2 levels. CONCLUSION: To conclude, Put-CQD NPs represent an innovative priming treatment that could be effectively applied on grapevine to improve plant performance under salinity stress conditions.

Effect of Diode Low-level Laser Irradiation Time on Socket Healing.

AIM: The purpose of this research was to survey the effect of low-level laser irradiation time on socket healing in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized nonblinded animal study was done on 24 male rats that were divided into four groups. First maxillary molars of rats were extracted through general anesthesia, and laser was used in all four groups: first group with zero radiation time, second group with 3 minutes, third group with 5 minutes, and fourth group with 10 minutes of radiation by the diode laser (power: 100 mW, wavelength: 980 nm). Half of the rats (three rats) were sacrificed on the 3rd day and another half of rats were sacrificed on the 7th day. Then, the presence of angiogenesis, bone trabeculae, fibroblasts, neutrophil cells, macrophage cells, and lymphocyte cells was assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 21) using parametric tests. RESULTS: Among 24 rats, on the 3rd day, the percentage of macrophage and bone trabecula increased significantly in the 5 minute group (p = 0.041 and p < 0.01, respectively). Other changes in days 3 and 7 were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-level laser radiation can accelerate the process of tooth socket healing, which was particularly noticeable in the 5 minute radiation over 3 days. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using a low-level laser can be helpful in accelerating the healing of the tooth socket and reduce the complications after tooth extraction.

Expression of genes related to liver fatty acid metabolism in fat-tailed and thin-tailed lambs during negative and positive energy balances.

Fat-tailed sheep breeds can tolerate periods of negative energy balance without suffering from elevated concentration of plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). This ability was attributed to unique metabolism of fat-tailed adipose depot, whereas role of liver as an influential organ in fatty acid metabolism was not evaluated yet. Hence, current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of negative and positive energy balances on liver expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism in fat-tailed and thin-tailed lambs. Lambs experienced negative (21 days) and positive (21 days) energy balances and were slaughtered at the beginning and end of negative energy balance and at the end of positive energy balance. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-Q-PCR) was conducted to evaluate changes in gene expression. Expression of diglyceride acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) was not affected by genotype, energy balance and their interaction. Expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) was significantly higher in liver of fat-tailed comparing to thin-tailed lambs regardless of energy balance (p < 0.02). Catalase mRNA abundance was increased in response to negative energy balance (p < 0.02), and severity of this enhancement was higher in fat-tailed lambs (p < 0.06). Expression of CPT1 was positively correlated with expression of HMGCS2 in both fat-tailed (p < 0.05) and thin-tailed lambs (p < 0.002); however, the correlation was weaker in fat-tailed lambs (0.72 vs. 0.57, respectively, for thin-tailed and fat-tailed lambs). There was a positive correlation between DGAT1 and APOB genes expression in fat-tailed lambs (0.94; p < 0.001), whereas this correlation was not observed in thin-tailed lambs. Results demonstrate that liver of fat-tailed lambs has higher capacity for metabolism of mobilized NEFA exposed to liver during negative energy balance.

A genome-wide scan for signatures of selection in Azeri and Khuzestani buffalo breeds.

BACKGROUND: Identification of genomic regions that have been targets of selection may shed light on the genetic history of livestock populations and help to identify variation controlling commercially important phenotypes. The Azeri and Kuzestani buffalos are the most common indigenous Iranian breeds which have been subjected to divergent selection and are well adapted to completely different regions. Examining the genetic structure of these populations may identify genomic regions associated with adaptation to the different environments and production goals. RESULTS: A set of 385 water buffalo samples from Azeri (N = 262) and Khuzestani (N = 123) breeds were genotyped using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90 K Array. The unbiased fixation index method (FST) was used to detect signatures of selection. In total, 13 regions with outlier FST values (0.1%) were identified. Annotation of these regions using the UMD3.1 Bos taurus Genome Assembly was performed to find putative candidate genes and QTLs within the selected regions. Putative candidate genes identified include FBXO9, NDFIP1, ACTR3, ARHGAP26, SERPINF2, BOLA-DRB3, BOLA-DQB, CLN8, and MYOM2. CONCLUSIONS: Candidate genes identified in regions potentially under selection were associated with physiological pathways including milk production, cytoskeleton organization, growth, metabolic function, apoptosis and domestication-related changes include immune and nervous system development. The QTL identified are involved in economically important traits in buffalo related to milk composition, udder structure, somatic cell count, meat quality, and carcass and body weight.

D-Aspartate amends reproductive performance of aged roosters by changing gene expression and testicular histology.

Male broiler breeders (n=32) of 55 weeks of age were administered four different doses of capsulated d-aspartate (DA; 0, 100, 200 or 300mgkg-1day-1, p.o. (DA0, DA100, DA200 and DA300 respectively)) for 12 successive weeks to assess reproductive performance, blood testosterone, testicular histology and transcript levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), androgen receptor (AR), LH receptor (LHR), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3BHSD), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 1 (GRIN1) and glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B). Blood samples and ejaculates were collected, and bodyweight was recorded weekly for 10 weeks. AI was performed weekly for the last 2 weeks to determine the number of sperm penetration holes in the perivitelline layer, fertility and hatchability. Testes histology and transcript levels were evaluated in the 12th week. Bodyweight, numbers of Leydig cells and blood vessels, testis index and levels of sperm abnormalities were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatment. However, sperm total and forward motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality of sperm, ejaculate volume, testosterone concentration and fertility were higher (P<0.05) in both the DA200 and DA300 groups compared with the other groups. In the DA100 and DA200 groups, sperm concentration, number of spermatogonia, thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of tubules were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other DA-treated groups. The number of penetration holes, hatchability and malondialdehyde concentration were higher in the DA200, all DA-treated and DA300 groups respectively compared with the control and other treatment groups. Except for P450scc, AR, LHR and PCNA transcript levels in the DA300 groups, the relative expression of the genes evaluated improved significantly in the other DA-treated groups. Based on these experimental findings, it is concluded that DA improves reproductive performance of aged roosters.

miRNA-mRNA network involved in folliculogenesis interactome: systems biology approach.

At later phases of folliculogenesis, the mammalian ovarian follicle contains layers of granulosa cells surrounding an antral cavity. To better understand the molecular basis of follicular growth and granulosa cell maturation, we study transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells from small (<5 mm) and large (>10 mm) bovine follicles using simultaneous method of Affymetrix microarrays (24,128 probe sets) and RNA-Seq data sets. This study proposes a computational method to discover the functional miRNA-mRNA regulatory modules, that is, groups of miRNAs and their target mRNAs that are believed to take part cooperatively in post-transcriptional gene regulation under specific conditions. The reconstructed network was named Integrated miRNA-mRNA Bipartite Network. 277 genes and 6 key modules were disclosed through clustering for mRNA master list. The 66 genes are among the genes that belong to at least two modules. All these genes, being involved in at least one of the phenomena, namely cell survival, proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis, have an overexpression pattern (P < 0.01). For miRNA master list, a total of 172 sequences were differentially expressed (P < 0.01) between dominant (large) and each of subordinate (small) follicles. Within the follicle, these miRNAs were predominantly expressed in mural granulosa cells. Finally, predicted and validated targets of these miRNAs enriched in dominant (large) follicles were identified, which are mapped to signaling pathways involved in follicular cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK. The identification of miRNAs and their target mRNAs and the construction of their regulatory networks may give new insights into biological procedures.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphism in the ovine DGAT1 gene and carcass traits in two Iranian sheep breeds.

The aim of the study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 16-17 exon of DGAT1 gene in Lori-Bakhtiari sheep (LB) and Zel sheep (Z) breeds and provide a foundation for studying the relationship of DGAT1 gene with some carcass traits and the genetic relationship between LB sheep and Z sheep breeds. A total of 309 sheep were slaughtered and the carcass weight, backfat thickness, fat-tail weight, fat-tail percentage, dressing percentage, and dressing percentage adjusted to fat-tail weight were measured. Single nucleotide polymorphism was detected by comparing sequences of PCR products, and the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was adopted for genotyping. The results of PCR-RFLP analysis showed that the SNP had three genotypes of TT (272 and 37 bp), TC (309, 272, and 37 bp), and CC (309 bp), in which TT was the predominant genotype and allele T was predominant allele in LB and Z sheep breeds. At the DGAT1 locus, CC sheep showed the significantly greater fat-tail weight (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness (P < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrate novel associations in which the C allele had a positive effect on fat-tail weight and backfat thickness in fat-tailed sheep.

The effect of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 on reproductive variables of cadmium-challenged male Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica).

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, efforts to produce more efficient poultry products have increased due to its high demand. Meanwhile, some stressors have a negative impact on poultry efficiency and reproduction. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a high potential for inducing reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), with antioxidant properties, exerts a free radical-neutralizing effect on biological systems under stressful conditions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary CoQ10 supplementation on reproductive variables of Cd-challenged male quails. METHODS: Two hundred and sixteen 42-day-old Japanese quails with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3 were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 72) and fed by experimental diets from 9 to 13 weeks of age (woa). Treatments included a negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and Cd administration (1 mg per 100 g body weight at 10 and 11 woa); and CdQ10: dietary supplementation of CoQ10 (900 mg per kg diet) and Cd administration. At 10 and 13 woa, liver and testis, cloacal gland index, sera concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), testicular histology, mRNA abundance of Hsp70 and fatty acid profile of testis, as well as hatchability and fertility, were measured. RESULTS: Liver and testis weights, cloacal gland index, serum concentration of testosterone, ALT, MDA, TAC, mRNA abundance of HSP70, hatchability, and fertility were not affected by the treatments. However, Cd administration decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and seminiferous epithelium thickness (SET) in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in testis tissue was increased, and the proportion of PUFA and n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratio was decreased in the PC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). In addition, CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated the effect of Cd on decreasing SFA and increasing n-3 to n-6 PUFA ratio proportions. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Cd exerts several adverse effects on reproductive-associated variables; some, but not all, of them are mitigated by CoQ10 supplementation.

An analysis of the relationship between dietary pattern changes and temporomandibular joint inflammation in diabetic rats.

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the most commonly used joint in the human body. Recent studies have shown pathologic relationships between inflammation, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Chewing disorder is a significant sign of dysfunction in the masticatory system. This study investigated dietary pattern changes in response to TMJ inflammation in diabetic rats. Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 30 male rats. The rats were fed concentrated 20-mg dietary tablets. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce TMJ inflammation and streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=10), including group I (CFA+STZ), group II (healthy rats+CFA), and group III (healthy rats, no injection). Parameters such as overall food intake, food intake duration, food intake frequency, and the interval between meals were recorded in a checklist and analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P<0.05). Results: The results showed no significant difference between groups in overall food intake and food intake frequency on days 0 and 1, but this difference was significant from day 2 to day 7. Regarding the time and end of food intake, there was a significant difference between the three groups from day 1 to day 7, but this difference was not significant on day zero. Conclusion: Dietary pattern changes were similar in the diabetic TMJ inflammation and TMJ inflammation groups. These changes can be used as a behavioral marker for TMJ inflammation in rats.

Integrated Comparative Transcriptome and circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA Regulatory Network Analyses Identify Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Intramuscular Fat Content in Beef Cattle.

Intramuscular fat content (IMF), one of the most important carcass traits in beef cattle, is controlled by complex regulatory factors. At present, molecular mechanisms involved in regulating IMF and fat metabolism in beef cattle are not well understood. Our objective was to integrate comparative transcriptomic and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analyses to identify candidate messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and regulatory RNAs involved in molecular regulation of longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) tissue for IMF and fat metabolism of 5 beef cattle breeds (Angus, Chinese Simmental, Luxi, Nanyang, and Shandong Black). In total, 34 circRNAs, 57 lncRNAs, 15 miRNAs, and 374 mRNAs were identified by integrating gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Furthermore, 7 key subnets with 16 circRNAs, 43 lncRNAs, 7 miRNAs, and 237 mRNAs were detected through clustering analyses, whereas GO enrichment analysis of identified RNAs revealed 48, 13, and 28 significantly enriched GO terms related to IMF in biological process, molecular function, and cellular component categories, respectively. The main metabolic-signaling pathways associated with IMF and fat metabolism that were enriched included metabolic, calcium, cGMP-PKG, thyroid hormone, and oxytocin signaling pathways. Moreover, MCU, CYB5R1, and BAG3 genes were common among the 10 comparative groups defined as important candidate marker genes for fat metabolism in beef cattle. Contributions of transcriptome profiles from various beef breeds and a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network underlying phenotypic differences in IMF provided novel insights into molecular mechanisms associated with meat quality.

Genomic characterization and phylogenetic evolution of the canine parvoviruses in Iranian dogs, a nationwide study: CPV evolutionary analysis in Iran.

Canine Parvo Virus 2 (CPV-2) culminated in lots of fatalities in domestic dogs since its emergence in 1978. Mainly, it is responsible for severe hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. CPV-2 has three main variants known as 2a, 2b, and 2c. Due to the necessity of monitoring the evolutionary parameters of the virus, and also the lack of comprehensive study of CPV2 in Iran, this study is done for the first time in this country not only to characterize Iranian CPV genomes but also to study the evolutionary parameters and phylodynamics of CPV. The phylogenetic trees were constructed using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. By the use of the Bayesian Monte Carlo Markov Chain (BMCMC) method, evolutionary analysis and phylodynamics of the virus were investigated. Phylogenetic results showed that all Iranian isolates were classified in the CPV-2a variant. The central part of Iran was suggested to be the origin of the virus, especially the Alborz province. Before its prevalence throughout the country, the virus circulated in the central part, in Thran, Karaj, and Qom. Mutational analysis showed a positive selection pressure of CPV-2a. Investigating the evolutionary parameters of the virus proposed 1970 to be the date of birth of the virus, with a 95% credible interval between 1953 and 1987. The effective number of infections increased dramatically from 2012 to 2015, then faced a slightly decreasing trend from 2015 to 2019. A considerable up warding pattern was witnessed from the middle of 2019, which can be taken as a concern about the risk of vaccination failure.

Construction of a circRNA- lincRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network identifies genes and pathways linked to goat fertility.

Background: There is growing interest in the genetic improvement of fertility traits in female goats. With high-throughput genotyping, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool for measuring gene expression profiles. The primary objective was to investigate comparative transcriptome profiling of granulosa cells (GCs) of high- and low-fertility goats, using scRNA-seq. Methods: Thirty samples from Ji'ning Gray goats (n = 15 for high fertility and n = 15 for low fertility) were retrieved from publicly available scRNA-seq data. Functional enrichment analysis and a literature mining approach were applied to explore modules and hub genes related to fertility. Then, interactions between types of RNAs identified were predicted, and the ceRNA regulatory network was constructed by integrating these interactions with other gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Results and discussion: Comparative transcriptomics-related analyses identified 150 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-fertility groups, based on the fold change (≥5 and ≤-5) and false discovery rate (FDR <0.05). Among these genes, 80 were upregulated and 70 were downregulated. In addition, 81 mRNAs, 58 circRNAs, 8 lincRNAs, 19 lncRNAs, and 55 miRNAs were identified by literature mining. Furthermore, we identified 18 hub genes (SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, TIMP1, ERBB2, BMP15, TGFB1, MAPK3, CTNNB1, BMPR2, AMHR2, TGFBR2, BMP4, ESR1, BMPR1B, AR, and TGFB2) involved in goat fertility. Identified biological networks and modules were mainly associated with ovary signature pathways. In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis identified regulating pluripotency of stem cells, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, parathyroid and growth hormone synthesis, cortisol synthesis and secretion, and signaling pathways for prolactin, TGF-beta, Hippo, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and FoxO. Functional annotation of identified DEGs implicated important biological pathways. These findings provided insights into the genetic basis of fertility in female goats and are an impetus to elucidate molecular ceRNA regulatory networks and functions of DEGs underlying ovarian follicular development.

Exacerbated immune response of the brain to peripheral immune challenge in post-septic mice.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence indicates that sepsis can induce long-lasting brain dysfunction. Recently, it has been proposed that the brain may become more sensitive to systemic inflammation if microglial cells are already primed. Microglial priming has been demonstrated in aging, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence suggesting that systemic inflammation may also prime microglia. This study aimed to investigate the brain's response to a second immune challenge in sepsis survivors and the possible role of microglial priming. METHODS: Adult BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for sepsis induction. One month later, mice received a second immune challenge (LPS, 0.33 mg/kg). A cohort of mice was sacrificed 2 h post-LPS injection to measure inflammatory mediators mRNA expression. The second cohort of mice was tested on a battery of behavioral tests and then sacrificed, and brain tissues were removed for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Results showed that in septic mice, secondary LPS challenge induced heightened neuroinflammation compared to the control mice, as evident by a significant increase of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and iNOS mRNA expression. In the immunochallenged septic mice, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 expression was also significantly increased compared to the control mice. Sepsis induction significantly disrupted the recognition ability in the novel object recognition, but the second immune challenge had no significant effect. However, immunochallenged septic mice exhibited more anxiety-like behavior in the marble burying task and intensive depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Additionally, the second immune challenge reduced arginase-1 levels in septic but not control mice. On the other hand, CIITA levels were increased more significantly in the LPS injected control mice compared to septic mice. Neither sepsis nor the second immune challenge significantly affected inhibitory avoidance behavior and Aß1-42 levels in brain tissue. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggests that low-grade immune challenge can induce exacerbated behavioral change and exaggerated inflammatory response in the brain of post-septic mice.

Comparative Evaluation of a Commercial Herbal Extract and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Three Periodontal Facultative Anaerobes: An In Vitro Study.

Background: The application of herbal and/or chemical antimicrobial mouthwashes in addition to the mechanical methods of bacteria removal helps reduce the periopathogens and thus increase the periodontal tissues' health. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Thymex (TMX) syrup on three periodontal facultative anaerobes in vitro and compare it with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. Methods: In this in vitro experiment, the disc diffusion method was used to measure the inhibitory halo diameter (IhD) of Enterobacter cloacae, Actinomyces viscosus, and Eikenella corrodens. The paper discs containing TMX and CHX were placed on Mueller-Hinton agar media and cultured with the mentioned bacteria. Moreover, a blank disc containing distilled water was used as a control. From each of the three bacterial species, five samples were taken, and after 18 hours of storage in the incubator, the IhDs were measured in millimeters. A one-way ANOVA test and an independent sample t-test were used to compare the mean differences of IhDs between groups. The significance level was considered to be 0.05. Results: The IhDs ranged between 6.2-8.8 mm and 12.3-34 mm for TMX and CHX, respectively. CHX showed a more inhibitory effect on all three species of bacteria compared to TMX mouthwash (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the inhibitory effect of TMX on bacterial growth, CHX showed significantly more antibacterial activity than TMX against three studied bacterial species.

Detection of canine circovirus in dogs infected with canine parvovirus.

Since the first detection of canine circovirus (CanineCV), several reports have been published over the last decade about the worldwide distribution of this emerging virus of dogs. In order to investigate the prevalence and genomic features of CanineCV in Iranian dogs, a total of 203 dog faecal samples was collected between February and November 2018 from five different geographical regions and screened by real-time PCR (qPCR). Thirteen dogs (6.4%) tested positive for CanineCV DNA, all being detected in co-infections with the highly virulent canine parvovirus (CPV). Three partial replicase nucleotide sequences of the detected CanineCV strains were obtained and compared with the reference sequences deposited in the GenBank database. The Iranian CanineCV sequences had a nucleotide identity of 96.4-98.2% each to other and of 88.3-98.2% with other sequences available on the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Iranian sequences are more closely related to Turkish strains than to strains reported from other countries. The present study provides new insights into the CanineCV molecular epidemiology and its possible role as a co-infectious pathogen.

Molecular Characterization of a New Nosema bombycis Strain Detected in Iranian Silkworm Farms.

PURPOSE: Pebrine as the most dangerous disease of silkworm mostly caused by Nosema species has caused huge economic losses. There is no information on the species and the genomic sequences of the pebrine-causing microsporidia in Iran. METHODS: In the present research, we tried to determine the sequences of two regions of rDNA using molecular methods. First, infected larvae and mother moths were collected from several farms in the north of Iran for identification and molecular characterization of microsporidian isolates. After extracting the spores and genomic DNA from the collected samples, two fragments of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and small subunit (SSU) rDNA were amplified and sequenced, and registered in NCBI database and then, the phylogenetic tree was drawn. RESULTS: Results showed the obtained sequences (ITS rDNA: Accession No. MZ322002 and SSU rDNA: Accession No. MZ314703) represent a new strain of Nosema bombycis, which differs from the sequences deposited in the NCBI. CONCLUSION: The new N. bombycis strain identified in our study will help in control and management of the pebrine disease by specific detection of the infectious agent.

Do malocclusions affect the oral health-related quality of life?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between untreated malocclusions and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in male adolescents of Mashad (Iran) high schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional descriptive study, 120 male students were randomly selected among Mashad (Iran) high schools. These students filled out an oral health-related quality of life questionnaire (the modified version of CPQ), and then they were clinically examined to determine their malocclusions according to the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON), and finally the relationship between these two variables was assessed with the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between ICON scores and the quality of life levels (P < 0.01). The assessment of four sections of the questionnaire showed that among these four sections (oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being, social well-being), only oral symptoms were significantly correlated with the ICON score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malocclusion plays an important role in the oral health-related quality of life. However, the relationship between emotional well-being, social well-being and malocclusions was not as strong as in previous studies.