Mammary fat globules as a source of mRNA to model alterations in the expression of some milk component genes during lactation in bovines.

BACKGROUND: The milk's nutritional value is determined by its constituents, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The mammary gland's ability to produce milk is controlled by a complex network of genes. Thereby, the fat, protein, and lactose synthesis must be boost in milk to increase milk production efficiency. This can be accomplished by fusing genetic advancements with proper management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), kappa casein CSN3, and Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) genes expression levels and such milk components as fat, protein, and lactose in different dairy breeds during different stages of lactation. METHODS: To achieve such a purpose, 94 milk samples were collected (72 samples from 36 multiparous black-white and red-white Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 22 milk samples from 11 Egyptian buffaloes) during the early and peak lactation stages. The milk samples were utilized for milk analysis and genes expressions analyses using non- invasive approach in obtaining milk fat globules (MFGs) as a source of Ribonucleic acid (RNA). RESULTS: LPL and CSN3 genes expressions levels were found to be significantly higher in Egyptian buffalo than Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows as well as fat and protein percentages. On the other hand, GLUT1 gene expression level was shown to be significantly higher during peak lactation than early lactation. Moreover, lactose % showed a significant difference in peak lactation phase compared to early lactation phase. Also, fat and protein percentages were significantly higher in early lactation period than peak lactation period but lactose% showed the opposite pattern of Egyptian buffalo. CONCLUSION: Total RNA can be successfully obtained from MFGs. The results suggest that these genes play a role in glucose absorption and lactose synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Also, these results provide light on the differential expression of these genes among distinct Holstein-Friesian cow breeds and Egyptian buffalo subspecies throughout various lactation phases.

Eichhornia crassipes from wastes to valuable products in water purification and influence on growth and impregnability in overwhelmed broiler chickens.

Background: The implementation of green technologies is continually gaining attention worldwide and was considered for removing water pollutants and treating municipal water before its disposal. Aim: Evaluation of the laboratory antimicrobial actions and chelating activities, and the field influence of Eichhornia crassipes on performance, biochemical and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broiler chickens. Methods: We assessed the laboratory antimicrobial actions of E. crassipes 1% suspension against bacterial (Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium) and fungal (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) microorganisms using a 96-well minimal inhibitory concentration, and the chelating activities of E. crassipes against calcium sulfate and copper sulfate. Also, we designed randomly four equal groups out of 200 1-day-old Ross® 308 chicks on a deep litter system. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were supplied daily with E. crassipes suspension of 1% from the third day until the end of the experiment, while the fourth group (G4) received non-treated tap water. Broilers of G1-3 were challenged with calcium sulfate (75 mg.l-1), copper sulfate (200 mg.l-1), and S. Typhimurium (1.5 × 106 CFU.ml-1) polluted water respectively on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th days of age. We collected 1,914 samples by the end of the study, these samples included 90 E. crassipes pollutants and 480 E. crassipes microbial mixes, 192 sera, 192 intestinal swabs, and 960 tissues. Results: Eichhornia crassipes treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in water quality assessments and a highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in dissolved oxygen levels compared to tap water. Eichhornia crassipes 1% achieved a 100% adsorption capability for calcium and copper sulfate after 1-hour and 100% bactericidal (E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium) and fungicidal (A. niger and C. albicans) actions after 1, 2, 2, and 2-hours, respectively. Broilers treated with 1% E. crassipes revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in performance indices, carcasses characteristics, biochemical and immunological parameters, and highly significant (p < 0.01) decreases of cortisol hormone and bacteriological parameters in all treated broiler groups compared to the control. Conclusion: Eichhornia crassipes 1% reveals a significant improvement in drinking water quality, as well as produces high adsorptive and antimicrobial actions. Eichhornia crassipes 1% improved performance traits, carcass quality, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broilers.

Skin colonization of Staphylococcus aureus harboring superantigen toxin genes and its correlation with serum IL-22 level in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic debilitating skin disease with an estimated prevalence reaching 2% of the worldwide population. Psoriatic disease is driven by the interactions among innate and adaptive immune systems with structural components of the skin. Interleukin (IL)-22 mediates keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia, and changes in the structure of skin flora can play a role in the secretion of IL-22. The aim of this study was to correlate serum levels of IL-22 and Staphylococcus aureus toxins with disease activity in plaque psoriasis. The study group included 50 patients with mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. The control group comprised 20 sex- and age-matched apparently healthy volunteers. IL-22 concentration was assessed in sera of patients and the control group by using the ELISA technique. The serum levels of IL-22 in patients were higher than in the control group, but the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.413). Serum IL-22 levels were positively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of psoriasis patients (P=0.0003). The IL-22 serum levels in patients colonized with toxigenic strains of S. aureus were significantly higher than in patients colonized with non-toxigenic strains (P= 0.028). In conclusion, IL-22 plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and its secretion can be triggered by the toxins produced by S. aureus colonizing the skin of patients.

Nile tilapia bones as eco-friendly alternative in water treatment and enhancing performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background: Water pollution has become a major threat to the environment and the living so an eco-friendly bio-filter was chosen for its merits over conventional techniques. Aim: Investigating the purifying activities of the Tilapia bone powder against inorganics, heavy metals, and microbial water pollutants and its impacts on performance, biochemical and antioxidant levels, cortisol and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in challenged broiler chickens. Methods: The in-vitro activity of Tilapia bone powder was evaluated against magnesium chloride and lead nitrate using tube minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), as well as against Escherichia coli O1527:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans using a 96-micro-well MIC. A total of 250 1-day-old Hubbard chicks were divided into five groups on a deep litter system. Chicks were supplemented daily with Tilapia bone powder (1 g/l) for 4-6 hours from the 3rd day. Challenges were served on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days for four broiler groups using magnesium chloride (100 mg/l), lead nitrate (350 mg/l), E. coli (2.4 × 1012 CFU/ml), S. Typhimurium (1.8 × 108 CFU/ml), respectively, and the 5th group was assigned as a control. A total of 2,250 samples (90 Tilapia-pollutants mixes, 480 Tilapia-microbial mixes, 240 sera, 240 intestinal swabs, and 1,200 tissue samples) were collected. Results: Tilapia bone powder 1% reveals a 100% reduction in the lead after 1 hour, total and calcium hardness after 0.5 hours, as well as 100% killing efficacy against E. coli O1527:H7, S. Typhimurium, M. gallisepticum, A. niger, T. mentagrophytes, and C. albicans after 0.5, 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1 hour, respectively. Tilapia bone powder 1% treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in dissolved oxygen and declines in physicochemical and microbial parameters compared with tap water. Challenged treated broilers revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in weight gains, performance index, body weights, carcasses, and organs weights, immunoglobulin concentrations, and antioxidant levels, as well as highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in feed conversions, feed and water intakes, biochemical profile, cortisol hormone, and intestinal microbiota. Conclusion: Tilapia bone powder provided significant in-vitro adsorptive and antimicrobial actions, as well as supported the broiler chickens to mitigate the polluted water stress accompanied by enhanced performance, carcass quality, immunity, and intestinal microbiota.

The efficiency of natural-ecofriendly clay filters on water purification for improving performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background: Innovative water treatments and purification processes have become a point of interest to provide solutions and meet the basic water requirements and demands. Clay plays a key role in environmental protection from pollutants through ion exchange and/or adsorption. Aim: The study evaluated the adsorption and antimicrobial efficiency of clay in purifying polluted water, as well as the influence of clay-purified water on performance, immunity, and microbial counts. Methods: The experimented 280 one-day-old Hubbard broilers were divided into seven groups on a deep litter system. Polluted water (lead nitrate; 500 mg/l, calcium sulfate; 80 mg/l, yeast extract 5%; 5 mg/l, diazinon; 2.5 ml/l, Salmonella Typhimurium; 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml, and Eimeria tenella; 1 × 105 OPG/ml) was filtered using plastic basins of 1 m3 supplied with 60 cm layer of clay. Broiler groups (G1 to G6) were supplied with clay-filtered and G7 with control tape water. A total of 2,182 samples, including 54 water samples, 266 sera, 266 duodenal swabs, 266 breast muscles, 266 fecal samples, and 1,064 organs including liver, spleen, heart, and bursa of Fabricius were collected. Results: Weight gains, performance indices, water intakes, water/feed intake ratios, live body weights, carcasses weights, edible and immune organs' weights, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Meanwhile, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, cortisol hormone, total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts, total Salmonella counts, and E. tenella counts revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) declines in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Conclusion: Clay filters provided high filtration, adsorption, and antimicrobial efficiency against polluted water, enhanced water quality, and improved performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Synoptic Overview of Exotic Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia (Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoid Clade, Fabaceae) in Egypt.

For the first time, an updated checklist of Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia species in Egypt is provided, focusing on the exotic species. Taking into consideration the retypification of genus Acacia ratified at the Melbourne International Botanical Congress (IBC, 2011), a process of reclassification has taken place worldwide in recent years. The review of Acacia and its segregates in Egypt became necessary in light of the available information cited in classical works during the last century. In Egypt, various taxa formerly placed in Acacia s.l., have been transferred to Acacia s.s., Acaciella, Senegalia, Parasenegalia and Vachellia. The present study is a contribution towards clarifying the nomenclatural status of all recorded species of Acacia and its segregate genera. This study recorded 144 taxa (125 species and 19 infraspecific taxa). Only 14 taxa (four species and 10 infraspecific taxa) are indigenous to Egypt (included now under Senegalia and Vachellia). The other 130 taxa had been introduced to Egypt during the last century. Out of the 130 taxa, 79 taxa have been recorded in literature. The focus of this study is the remaining 51 exotic taxa that have been traced as living species in Egyptian gardens or as herbarium specimens in Egyptian herbaria. The studied exotic taxa are accommodated under Acacia s.s. (24 taxa), Senegalia (14 taxa) and Vachellia (13 taxa). Identification keys for the studied genera, generic groups and species have been provided using different taxonomic criteria. For each taxon, the validated name with the first citation followed by relevant Egyptian citations, typification, synonyms, distinctive features, origin, ecology (when available), utilisation and selected specimens are provided. The study revealed the presence of 22 newly recorded taxa in Egypt. Additionally, a list of excluded, unvalidated and unresolved names is given.

Moderations in performance, immunity, tissue architecture, and vaccine viability induced by water magnetization in broiler farms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Water magnetization contributes to increased molecular ionization and fluidity, which improves biological activities. This study tests the influence of magnetic water on the viability of the Newcastle vaccine and the survival of Escherichia coli and SalmonellaTyphimurium, as well as the influence of magnetic water in face of water impurities' challenges on performance, immunity, and tissue architecture in broiler chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro 96-micro-well plate minimal inhibitory concentration was utilized to test the influence of water, saline, and magnetic water on Newcastle vaccine viability and E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium survival. The 245 experimental 1-day-old female Ross® 308 broilers used in this study were divided into seven groups of 35 birds each. Broilers were provided with magnetic drinking water (13,200 gausses) for 6 h daily from the 5th day and were challenged on days 14, 21, 28, and 35 using sodium chloride (700 mg/L), calcium sulfate (80 mg/L), lead acetate (500 mg/L), yeast extract 5% (5 mg/L), diazinon (2.5 mL/L), and E. coli O157:H7 (1.6 × 109 CFU/mL). A total of 2040 samples (96 diluent-Newcastle virus vaccine mixes, 96 microbial-magnetic water mixes, 231 sera, 231 intestinal swabs, and 1386 organ samples) were collected. RESULTS: An in vitro trial revealed highly significant (p<0.01) declines of 94.13%, 84.53%, and 10.31% in the Newcastle vaccine titer in water, saline, and magnetic water, respectively, and 54.91% and 39.89% in E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium survival, respectively, after 4 h. In all challenged groups, broilers exhibited highly significant (p<0.01) increases in performance, carcass/organs weight, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and Lactobacillus counts; significant improvement in tissue architecture and biochemical parameters; and highly significant (p<0.01) reductions in cortisol, superoxide dismutase, and total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts. CONCLUSION: Magnetic water could maintain vaccine viability and vaccination efficiency, reduce microbial survival, and minimize the negative influence of all induced challenges.

Impact of lighting color and duration on productive performance and Newcastle disease vaccination efficiency in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Manipulating lighting colors and regimens is considered an effective mean for improving broiler productivity. The influence of red, blue, and white light-emitting diode (LED) was investigated using three different regimens of lighting and darkness; continuous 23 h light (L):1 h dark (D), continuous 18 h L:6 h D, and intermittent 16 h L:8 h D hours on the performance, carcass weight (CW), feed and water intake (WI), serum glucose (GLUCO), triglycerides (TG), and cholesterol (TC), intestinal bacterial load, growth and metabolic hormones, and efficiency of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 252 1-day-old Ross broilers on deep litter were divided into nine groups. The 1st, 4th, and 7th groups were exposed to continuous 23L:1D, the 2nd, 5th, and 8th groups were exposed to continuous 18L:6D, and the 3rd, 6th, and 9th groups were exposed to intermittent 16L:8D (4L:2D, 4 times) lighting regimen using red, blue, and white LED lights, respectively. A total of 1350 samples (225 sera, 225 swabs, and 900 organ samples) were collected. RESULTS: Blue LED group revealed a highly significant increase (p<0.01) in live body weight, body weight gain, performance index, CW, spleen, heart, and liver weights, and anti-ND antibody titer, as well as a highly significant decline (p<0.01) of feed intake, WI, GLUCO, TG, TC, growth hormone, insulin, tri-iodothyronine (T3), tetra-iodothyronine (T4), total bacterial count (TBC), and total Enterobacteriaceae count compared to red and white LED lights in all tested lighting regimens. Continuous 23L:1D and 18L:6D regimens were significantly (p<0.01) superior to intermittent 16L:8D in their influence on the performance, CW, biochemistry, hormonal profile, and bacterial load. CONCLUSION: The blue LED light associated with continuous 18L:6D or 23L:1D h regimen is highly recommended in broiler houses for their enhancing the productive performance, growth, and immunity.

Does light intensity affect the behavior, welfare, performance, meat quality, amino acid profile, and egg quality of Japanese quails?

The current study aimed to explore the impact of different light intensities on behavior, welfare, performance, meat quality, amino acid content, and egg quality of Japanese quails. A total of 600 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks were used (300/batch). Chicks were homogeneously classified into 3 groups (each of 100); low (10 lux), moderate (50 lux). and high light intensity (250 lux) groups. There was a significant effect (P < 0.05) of light intensity in most of the Japanese quails' behaviors. Quails reared on low light intensity showed the lowest behavior of feeding, drinking, flying, and feather picking, while the highest behaviors were preening, dust bathing, leg and wing stretching, and body shaking when compared with the other groups. Moreover, they had the better welfare (lowest H/L ratio and corticosterone levels). Quails of low light intensity groups possessed the heaviest body weight (145.17 g, P = 0.000) with the lowest daily feed intake (14.17 g) but with the best feed conversion ratio (3.39%, P = 0.000). Moreover, they had the heaviest slaughter (132.47 g, P = 0.000) and carcass weight (109.29 g, P = 0.000) and carcass yield (75.37%, P = 0.000) when compared with the others groups. Muscles of quails (both of pectoral and thigh) kept under low light intensity revealed the highest percentage of lightness, yellowness, and water-holding capacity with the lowest percentage of cooking loss, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and some amino acids. They also had the heaviest egg weight (11.24 g, P = 0.000) with the best external and internal egg-quality grades (P < 0.05). Consequently, low light intensity is suggested for improving quail's welfare, performance, and reproduction, while the high light intensity had a detrimental effect on both welfare and performance.

Influence of microclimatic ammonia levels on productive performance of different broilers' breeds estimated with univariate and multivariate approaches.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Birds litter contains unutilized nitrogen in the form of uric acid that is converted into ammonia; a fact that does not only affect poultry performance but also has a negative effect on people's health around the farm and contributes in the environmental degradation. The influence of microclimatic ammonia emissions on Ross and Hubbard broilers reared in different housing systems at two consecutive seasons (fall and winter) was evaluated using a discriminant function analysis to differentiate between Ross and Hubbard breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 400 air samples were collected and analyzed for ammonia levels during the experimental period. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: Ammonia levels were significantly higher (p< 0.01) in the Ross compared to the Hubbard breed farm, although no significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the two farms in body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and performance index (PI) of broilers. Body weight; weight gain and PI had increased values (p< 0.01) during fall compared to winter irrespective of broiler breed. Ammonia emissions were positively (although weekly) correlated with the ambient relative humidity (r=0.383; p< 0.01), but not with the ambient temperature (r=-0.045; p>0.05). Test of significance of discriminant function analysis did not show a classification based on the studied traits suggesting that they cannot been used as predictor variables. The percentage of correct classification was 52% and it was improved after deletion of highly correlated traits to 57%. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that broiler's growth was negatively affected by increased microclimatic ammonia concentrations and recommended the analysis of broilers' growth performance parameters data using multivariate discriminant function analysis.

Multiple familial trichoepithelioma with malignant transformation.

Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign tumor of follicular origin that presents as small, skin-colored papules predominantly on the face. When more than one family member is affected, the disease is known as multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT). It is a rare autosomal dominant (AD) skin disease. Malignant transformation is very rare. We present a case of MFT in a female patient and her father with malignant transformation to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the father. We summarized the main histological differential parameters between TE and BCC and applied immunophenotyping for both by administration of Bcl2, CD34, CD10 and androgen receptor (AR) antibodies.