Congenital and gynecological tumors: A review.

Congenital tumors are rare, and malignant congenital tumors are uncommon. Benign tu,mors might be life-threatening, depending on the location and size of the tumor. Different factors affect congenital tumors, such as maternal and placental hormones and environmental factors such as drugs, radiation, and infection. Developing fetal imaging methods and continuous follow-up during pregnancy are important factors in congenital tumor prognosis. Ultrasound is the most common method used for fetal evaluation. The complementary evaluation method is MRI. Both methods are helpful and widely spread for the detection of congenital tumors. These imaging methods help the medical team make a suitable decision about therapy. Some of these tumors regressed spontaneously, and some need surgical treatments. Treatment of tumors has developed rapidly, and recently molecular-targeted drugs have been used.

Cyclosporine-induced kidney damage was halted by sitagliptin and hesperidin via increasing Nrf2 and suppressing TNF-α, NF-κB, and Bax.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is employed for organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders. Nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect that hampers the therapeutic use of CsA. Hesperidin and sitagliptin were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective properties. We aimed to investigate and compare the possible nephroprotective effects of hesperidin and sitagliptin. Male Wistar rats were utilized for induction of CsA nephrotoxicity (20 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally for 7 days). Animals were treated with sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days) or hesperidin (200 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days). Blood urea, serum creatinine, albumin, cystatin-C (CYS-C), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glucose were measured. The renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase, and SOD were estimated. Renal TNF-α protein expression was evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunostaining study of Bax, Nrf-2, and NF-κB were performed. Sitagliptin or hesperidin attenuated CsA-mediated elevations of blood urea, serum creatinine, CYS-C, glucose, renal MDA, and MPO, and preserved the serum albumin, renal catalase, SOD, and GSH. They reduced the expressions of TNF-α, Bax, NF-κB, and pathological kidney damage. Nrf2 expression in the kidney was raised. Hesperidin or sitagliptin could protect the kidney against CsA through the mitigation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Sitagliptin proved to be more beneficial than hesperidin.

A transmission electron microscopy investigation suggests that telocytes, skeletal muscles, myoblasts, and stem cells in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) respond to salinity challenges.

BACKGROUND: Telocytes are modified interstitial cells that communicate with other types of cells, including stem cells. Stemness properties render them more susceptible to environmental conditions. The current morphological investigation examined the reactions of telocytes to salt stress in relation to stem cells and myoblasts. The common carp are subjected to salinity levels of 0.2, 6, and 10 ppt. The gill samples were preserved and prepared for TEM. RESULTS: The present study observed that telocytes undergo morphological change and exhibit enhanced secretory activities in response to changes in salinity. TEM can identify typical telocytes. This research gives evidence for the communication of telocytes with stem cells, myoblasts, and skeletal muscles. Telocytes surround stem cells. Telopodes made planar contact with the cell membrane of the stem cell. Telocytes and their telopodes surrounded the skeletal myoblast. These findings show that telocytes may act as nurse cells for skeletal stem cells and myoblasts, which undergo fibrillogenesis. Not only telocytes undergo morphological alternations, but also skeletal muscles become hypertrophied, which receive telocyte secretory vesicles in intercellular compartments. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the activation of telocytes is what causes stress adaptation. They might act as important players in intercellular communication between cells. It is also possible that reciprocal interaction occurs between telocytes and other cells to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Meckel's Diverticulum in Adult Geese (Alopochen egyptiacus): A Comprehensive Study of Structure Using Histological, Electron Microscopy, and Immunohistochemical Methods.

The intestine plays an important role in mediating between the bird and its nutritional environment. The yolk stalk, also known as Meckel's diverticulum, is a landmark between the jejunum and ileum. This work aimed to investigate the anatomical, histological, and electron microscopical features of cellular components of the Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in adult geese. The intestine was dissected from the bird's body cavity, and Meckel's diverticulum was exposed and prepared for light and electron microscopical examinations. Our results revealed that the MD mucosa is thrown up into villi and crypts, and the mucosal epithelium is a columnar epithelium with goblet cells as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes. Lymphoid follicles and numerous immune cells were demonstrated within the lamina propria. The mucous glands were also observed within the lamina propria and amongst the lymphoid follicles. The lining epithelium of MD appeared with different staining affinities: dark cells (electron-dense) and light cells (electron-lucent) contained few mitochondria and more secretory vesicles, while dark cells contained more mitochondria and fewer secretory vesicles. Immunohistochemical analysis of MD revealed positive immunoreactivity for several markers, such as CD 117, chromogranin, PLCß, cytokeratin, MHC II, and S 100. Taken together, our findings suggest that MD is considered an immune organ in adult geese.

Tongue microarchitecture and functional characterization of the lingual papillae in the desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus).

The present work attempted to provide a comprehensive description of the morphoanatomical, histological, and ultrastructural characteristics of the tongue in the desert hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus), and to correlate lingual modifications to the feeding lifestyle. Five adult male hedgehogs were utilized in our investigation. The macroscopic observations revealed elongated, with a moderately pointed apex, tongue and the tongue dorsum lacks both lingual prominence and median sulcus. The main subdivisions of the tongue are radix linguae (root), corpus linguae (body), and apex linguae (apex). The tongue dorsum carries two types of mechanical (conical and filiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) papillae. The lingual apex is characterized by the existence of a unique encapsulated muscular structure. Additionally, the lingual glands were interposed between the muscular strands and no lingual glands were detected on the lingual apex. The dorsal surface of the lingual apex exhibited the highest level of keratinization as revealed by histochemical staining while the root showed moderate staining. The topography of the tongue was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results are important to provide basic knowledge that can contribute to better understanding of the nourishment, feeding habits and behavior in this species. Furthermore, the addition of the newly investigated species may help us to determine the evolutionary relationships among species.

Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and fish handlers.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a worldwide pathogen that affects both animals and humans with a wide environmental distribution, causing serious health problems in humans. This research has timely addressed the topic of new sources of H. pylori infection, which is currently a global issue, especially in developing countries. For this purpose, 115 Tilapia fish, 50 freshwater samples, and 88 fish-handlers' stool samples were investigated for the presence of H. pylori in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The applied techniques were antigen screening tests, culturing, and molecular methods through ureC gene amplification, and 16 S rRNA characterization. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori was detected in 7.83%, 14%, 4.35%, and 12% of the investigated fish and water samples by culture and PCR methods, respectively. Out of the total studied participants, 40 tested positive for H. pylori when screened by stool antigen test, of which 35 (39.77%), and 31 (35.23%) were confirmed by conventional and molecular techniques, respectively. The Fisher's exact test has shown a statistically significant correlation between H. pylori infection, sex, and age as risk factors, while the association was insignificant concerning the residence. Males contracted the infection at a higher rate than females (48.08% and 16.67%, respectively). Also, H. pylori infection rate was the highest among fish-handlers aged 36-45 years old (46.67%), followed by the 26-35 years old age group (39.53%). With regard to the residence, a higher occurrence rate was recorded in the rural (36.07%) than the urban population (33.33%). Helicobacter pylori isolates harbored the highest antimicrobial resistance against ampicillin (100%), metronidazole (95.24%), while the least antimicrobial resistance was recorded against levofloxacin (21.43%), and clarithromycin (26.20%). The phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of homology between the isolates selected from Tilapia fish, freshwater, and fish-handlers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data emphasized the role that fish and freshwater play in disseminating H. pylori infection as one of the diseases that has a significant public health issue.

Characterization of the Small Intestine in the Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) Using Histological, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Scanning Electron Microscopic Techniques.

The present study was designed to investigate the microscopic features of the small intestine in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). The histochemical profile of the small intestine was investigated using periodic acid Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB, pH 2.5), and aldehyde fuchsin. The expression of SOX9 was also evaluated immunohistochemically, and the detailed morphology of intestinal mucosa was studied by using a scanning electron microscope. The intestinal wall was composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Plica circulares and muscularis mucosa were present only in the duodenum. The jejunal villi were the tallest and the ileal villi were the shortest. From the duodenum to the ileum, the population density of goblet cells decreased significantly. The goblet cells throughout the small intestine reacted positively with PAS and AB. The expression rate of SOX9 was not statistically different between the three parts of the small intestine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, despite the general characteristics of the small intestine in this species of hedgehog, there were some differences when compared with other mammalian and rodent species. These findings provide a baseline for future detailed research on the digestive system of the hedgehog species and other mammalian species.

Morphological changes in intraepithelial and stromal telocytes in Cyprinus carpio in response to salinity stress.

Telocytes establish connections and communicate with various types of cells and structures. Few experimental studies have been performed on telocytes. In this study, we investigated the effect of salinity stress on telocytes in relation to osmoregulatory, immune, and stem cells. After exposing the common carp to 0.2 (control), 6, 10, or 14 ppt salinity, we extracted and fixed gill samples in glutaraldehyde, processed and embedded the samples in resin, and prepared semi-thin and ultrathin sections. Two types of telocytes were identified: intraepithelial and stromal telocytes. Intraepithelial telocytes were found to form part of the cellular lining of the lymphatic space and shed secretory vesicles into this space. Stromal telocytes were observed to shed their secretory vesicles into the secondary circulatory vessels. Both intraepithelial and stromal telocytes were enlarged and exhibited increased secretory activities as salinity increased. They exerted their effects via direct contact and paracrine signaling. The following changes were observed in samples from fish exposed to high salinity levels: chloride cells underwent hypertrophy, and their mitochondria became cigar-shaped; pavement cells were enlarged, and their micro-ridges became thin and elongated; stromal telocytes established contact with stem cells and skeletal myoblasts; skeletal muscle cells underwent hypertrophy; and macrophages and rodlet cells increased in number. In conclusion, our findings indicate that intraepithelial and stromal telocytes respond to salinity stress by activating cellular signaling and that they play major roles in osmoregulation, immunity, and regeneration.

Histo-morphological Characterization of the Tongue and Oropharyngeal Cavity of the Shining Sunbird (Cinnyris habessinicus).

Sunbirds, as specialized nectarivores, have developed multiple lingual and oropharyngeal peculiarities imposed by this dietary specialization that particularly extract floral nectar. We have described the functional morphology of the tongues and palates of the shining sunbird, Cinnyris habessinicus, using gross anatomical, histological, and scanning electron microscopic methods. The tongue was bifurcated with fringed lamella and extended posteriorly, forming a broad trough at the lingual body and terminating in two fleshy, alae linguae. The lingual apex and body are nonpapillate and nonglandular, and its root had a muscular pad followed by a conspicuous laryngeal mound bordered by three prominent rows of conical papillae. The lingual root had clusters of mucoid glands with rich acidic mucins, and the laryngeal region had complex papillary distribution at the back margins. Both the lingual body and root had well-developed skeletal elements, musculature, and connective tissues. Furthermore, the palate was membranous and made up of four main ridges with a central choanal slit guarded by choanal papillae. Overall, the presented results showed structural and anatomical features that are the results of the nectarivory dietary niche.

The Efficiency of Schistosoma mansoni Crude Antigens in Inhibition of Heat Shock Protein, Apoptosis, and Lysosomal Activity: An Immunohistochemical Study.

The adverse impact of schistosomiasis on tissues is considered in generating a schistosomal vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Schistosoma mansoni crude antigens as a therapeutic and prophylactic formulation in the inhibition of heat shock protein, apoptosis, and CD3/CD20 expression in a liver and spleen mouse models using the immunohistochemistry method. A total of 65 mice were divided into five groups: (i) infected untreated group (G1), (ii) therapeutic treated group (G2) with egg soluble egg antigen (SEA), and soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP), (iii) prophylactically treated group (G3) with cercarial antigen preparation (CAP), (iv) combined treated group with three antigens (G4), and (v) control group (G5). The results we obtained showed that CAP, SEA, and SWAP antigens mitigated the deterioration and inflammation induced by infection. Apoptosis and sinusoidal injuries were significantly reduced when treated with CAP antigen before infection. After infection, using SEA and SWAP antigens may help lighten the liver's load. A high degree of activation in T and B cells in the liver and spleen is linked to this. Our findings shed light on the immunological mechanisms that contribute to the recovery from therapy and vaccination against schistosome damage.

Molecular characterization of gliotoxin-producing Aspergillus fumigatus in dairy cattle feed.

Background and Aim: Several strains of Aspergillus fumigatus produce mycotoxins that affect the health and productivity of dairy cattle, and their presence in dairy cattle feed is a serious concern. This study aimed to determine the densities of A. fumigatus and gliotoxin in commercial dairy feed. Materials and Methods: More than 60 dairy feed samples were examined for fungal contamination, specifically for A. fumigatus, using phenotypic approaches and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and ß-tubulin regions. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess gliotoxin production in A. fumigatus. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate the expression of gliZ, which was responsible for gliotoxin production. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect gliotoxin in feed samples. Results: Aspergillus was the most commonly identified genus (68.3%). Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from 18.3% of dairy feed samples. Only four of the 11 A. fumigatus isolates yielded detectable gliotoxins by HPLC. In total, 7/11 (43.7%) feed samples tested had gliotoxin contamination above the threshold known to induce immunosuppressive and apoptotic effects in vitro. The HPLC-based classification of isolates as high, moderate, or non-producers of gliotoxin was confirmed by RT-PCR, and the evaluation of gliZ expression levels corroborated this classification. Conclusion: The identification of A. fumigatus from animal feed greatly depended on ITS and ß-tubulin sequencing. Significant concentrations of gliotoxin were found in dairy cattle feed, and its presence may affect dairy cow productivity and health. Furthermore, workers face contamination risks when handling and storing animal feed.

Heart ventricles of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): new insights from sectional anatomy, 3D computed tomography, and morphometry.

BACKGROUND: Dromedary camel heart morphology is a crucial research topic with clinical applications. The study aims to understand the dromedary camel anatomy, morphology, and architecture of the ventricular mass. RESULTS: Sagittal and transverse gross sections were compared to sagittal, transverse, and 3D render volume reconstruction computed tomography (CT) scans. The subepicardial fat, which covered the heart base, the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius), the left longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis paraconalis), and the right longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis subsinuosus), had a relatively low density with a homogeneous appearance in the 3D render volume CT. The pericardium in the color cardiac window was identified better than the black and white window (ghost). Transverse and sagittal CT scans demonstrated the internal structures of the heart, including the right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare dextrum), right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare sinistrum), and aortic orifice (ostium aortae), chordae tendineae, the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae), and the papillary muscles (musculi papillares). The papillary muscle (musculi papillares) was presented with a more moderate density than the rest of the heart, and the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae) had a lower density. The ventricular wall (margo ventricularis) exhibited different densities: the outer part was hyperdense, while the inner part was hypodense. The thicknesses of the ventricular mural wall and the interventricular septum (septum atrioventriculare) were highest at the midpoint of the ventricular mass, and the lowest value was present toward the apical part. The coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) circumference measured 51.14 ± 0.72 cm, and the fat in the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) (56 ± 6.55 cm2) represented 28.7% of the total cross-sectional area. CONCLUSION: The current study provided more information about ventricular mass measurements by gross and CT analysis on the heart, which provides a valuable guide for future cardiac CT investigations in camels in vivo.

Characterizing Two New Henneguya Species in the Respiratory Organs of African Sharptooth Catfish.

Henneguya species are myxozoans, a suborder of Cnidaria, which can affect the gills and extrarespiratory organs of the African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus. This research describes natural infection-induced histological alterations caused by the Henneguya species present. The Henneguya species were also identified molecularly using DNA sequenced from infected tissue cysts, and phylogenetically analyzed. Clinical investigations revealed cyst-like nodules on the fish gill filaments and extrarespiratory organs. Within a milky fluid inside the cysts were several Henneguya-like spores. Henneguya sp. infested 27.5% of the fish, with the highest prevalence in the gills compared to the extrarespiratory organs. The Henneguya species parasitized the gill and the dendritic tissues, resulting in histopathological characteristics. The plasmodia's developmental stages resulted in destructive damage which manifested as marked necrosis, which was replaced by a focal aggregation of inflammatory cells. Amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA from the fish parasites was followed by sequencing, which confirmed their identities as new species Henneguya qenabranchiae n. sp. and Henneguya qenasuprabranchiae n. sp. with 99.53 and 99.64% identities, respectively, to Henneguya sp. 1 HS-2015. The two C. gariepinus myxozoans shared some characteristics based on morphologic and phylogenetic analysis as previously published, where it was proposed that they were a sister lineage to Henneguya species in Egypt, and it is now proposed that they are new species.

Morphology of migrating telocytes and their potential role in stem cell differentiation during cartilage development in catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Telocytes (TCs) are present in a broad range of species and regulate processes including homeostasis, tissue regeneration and immunosurveillance. This novel study describes the morphological features of migrating TCs and their role during cartilage development within the air-breathing organ in Clarias gariepinus, the African sharptooth catfish. Light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the TCs. TCs had a cell body and telopodes which formed 3D networks in the cartilage canals and extended their telopodes to become the foremost cellular elements penetrating the cartilage matrix. The TCs were also rich in lysosomes that secreted products to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, TCs formed a homocellular synaptic-like structure that had a synaptic cleft, and the presynaptic portion consisted of a slightly expanded terminal of the telopodes which contained intermediate filaments and secretory vesicles. Gap junctions were also identified between TCs, which also connected to mesenchymal stem cells, differentiating chondrogenic cells, macrophages, apoptotic cells, and endothelial cells. In addition to describing the basic morphology of TCs, the current study also investigated migrating TCs. The TC telopodes acquired an irregular contour when migrating rather than exhibiting an extended profile. Migrating TCs additionally had ill-defined cell bodies, condensed chromatin, thickened telopodes, and podoms which were closely attached to the cell body. The TCs also expressed markers for MMP-9, CD117, CD34 and RhoA. In conclusion, TCs may play multiple roles during development and maturation, including promoting angiogenesis, cell migration, and regulating stem cell differentiation. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Clarias gariepinus telocytes form 3D networks, extend their telopodes and contain lysosomes. Telocytes form a homocellular synaptic-like structure including clefts and a slightly expanded terminal of the telopodes which contains intermediate filaments and secretory vesicles. Gap junctions form between telocytes, which also connect to mesenchymal stem cells, differentiating chondrogenic cells, macrophages, apoptotic cells, and endothelial cells. Migrating telocytes were discovered which had ill-defined cell bodies, condensed chromatin, thickened telopodes exhibiting irregular contours, and podoms which were closely attached to the cell body.

Morphological and cytochemical characteristics of Varanus niloticus (Squamata, Varanidae) blood cells.

Varanus niloticus is a lizard residing within the Varanidae family. To date no studies detailing its blood morphology and characteristics have been conducted. This study used histologically stained blood and bone marrow samples to visualize the cells and their characteristics. The erythrocytes were nucleated, these nuclei were located in the middle of the elliptical cells. Hemoglobin filled the erythrocyte cytoplasm. Eosinophils were large cells with lobed nuclei and spherical acidophilic granules. Large granulocytes called heterophils were present and characterized by their fusiform/pleomorphic cytoplasmic granules. Small spherical granulocytes, known as basophils, presented with round, deeply stained metachromatic granules that gave the cytoplasm a dusty or cobblestoned appearance which was able to cover the nucleus, which in turn had an unusual shape. Thrombocytes ranged in shape from ellipsoidal to fusiform. They featured an elliptical, centrally located nucleus and a pale cytoplasm, with small vacuoles, and fine acidophilic granulation. The smallest variety of non-granular leukocytes was the lymphocytes. Their cytoplasm was sparse, finely granular, light blue, had tiny cytoplasmic projections, featuring a high nucleus: cytoplasm ratio. Larger and smaller sized populations of lymphocytes were distinguished, with the larger cells similar in size to azurophils. In general, the pleomorphic monocytes were the biggest mononuclear leucocytes, displaying cytoplasmic projections. Their nuclei were ovoid, kidney- or bean-shaped, with vacuolated and granular cytoplasms. Round cells were common among the monocytic azurophils, and they had a granular cytoplasm, and their nuclei were typically eccentric. The present research identifies the cell types and morphologies within the Varanus niloticus. HIGHLIGHTS: H&E, PAS, toluidine blue, methylene blue, and Safranin O stains provided morphological and morphometric descriptions of Varanus niloticus blood cells from blood smears and bone marrow. The Varanus niloticus had nucleated erythrocytes and white blood cells, mostly granulocytes (heterophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and mononuclear cells (azurophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes). Aquatic vertebrate Varanus niloticus had larger erythrocytes than terrestrial counterparts. Blood cell morphological and cytochemical features were similar to other reptilian species, with some species-specific differences, which likely accommodate differing environmental conditions. These results may help clinical researchers track the pathological conditions and support conservation of these wild animals.

Ossa cordis and os aorta in the one-humped camel: Computed tomography, light microscopy and morphometric analysis.

The present study describes the morphological characteristics of the camel heart Ossa cordis, and os aorta using computed tomography soft tissue window (CT) alongside 3D render volume reconstructions and light microscopy. The current study techniques demonstrated the Ossa cordis and os aorta in the cardiac window with more precision than the black and white (ghost), and angiography images. Transverse and sagittal CT images additionally demonstrated the presence of Ossa cordis and os aorta. This study is the first to record two small Ossa cordis sinistrum and one os aorta in the camel heart, in addition to the more commonly observed singular, large, os cordis dextrum. The os cordis dextrum was always located in the upper part of the interventricular septum, near to its junction with the atrium, forming an elongated rectangular shape when observed transversally. The wider cranial part was composed from bone, whereas the caudal aspect was narrow and contained both bone and cartilage. Light microscopy identified that the os cordis dextrum consisted of trabecular bone, marrow spaces, and hyaline cartilage. Two Ossa cordis sinistrum were detected on the left side of the heart, one in the right fibrous ring and another in the interventricular septum, microscopy showed that both contained only trabecular bone with osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. At the level of ascending aorta, there was also trabecular bone containing osteocytes, an os aorta.

Characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Raw Milk.

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. In this study, 100 raw milk samples were collected from Qena, Egypt, and subjected to conventional and molecular assays to determine the presence of A. baumannii and investigate their antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation. Our findings revealed that, among the 100 samples, Acinetobacter spp. were found in 13 samples based on CHROM agar results. We further characterized them using rpoB and 16S-23SrRNA sequencing and gyrB multiplex PCR analysis and confirmed that 9 out of the 13 Acinetobacter spp. isolates were A. baumannii and 4 were other species. The A. baumannii isolates were resistant to ß-lactam drugs, including cefotaxime (44%), ampicillin-sulbactam and levofloxacin (33.3% for each), imipenem, meropenem and aztreonam (22.2% for each). We observed different antimicrobial resistance patterns, with a multi-antibiotic resistant (MAR) index ranging from 0.2 to 0.3. According to the PCR results, blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 genes were amplified in 100% and 55.5% of the A. baumannii isolates, respectively, while the blaOXA-58 gene was not amplified. Furthermore, the metallo-ß-lactamases (MBL) genes blaIMP and blaNDM were found in 11.1% and 22.2% of isolates, respectively, while blaVIM was not amplified. Additionally, eight A. baumannii isolates (88.8%) produced black-colored colonies on Congo red agar, demonstrating their biofilm production capacity. These results showed that, besides other foodborne pathogens, raw milk should also be examined for A. baumannii, which could be a public health concern.

Sperm tendency to agglutinate in motile bundles in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in chickens.

A unique sperm behavior was observed in Egyptian chickens. Sperm showed a tendency to agglutinate forming motile thread-like bundles. Sperm agglutination behavior, kinematics, and some morphometric measures were studied in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sperm tendency to agglutinate was assessed by examining sperm morphology using scanning electron microscopy, Acridine orange-stained semen smears using fluorescence microscopy, and recording videos of sperm under phase contrast microscope. Sperm velocity and morphometric measures were evaluated using image-J software. To assess sperm competition, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were artificially inseminated by semen pools possessing equal number of Sharaksi and Dandarawi sperm. Artificial insemination was repeated ten times. The eggs obtained were incubated, and the hatchlings were discriminated as descending from Sharkasi or Dandarawi fathers according to their phenotype. To assess the fertility duration, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were inseminated by semen collected from roosters of the same strain. Eggs were collected for a period of 28 days post-insemination and incubated. Sharkasi spermatozoa showed higher tendency to agglutinate forming longer and thicker motile bundles. No significant differences were observed in sperm curvilinear and straight line velocity and in sperm morphometric measures between Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sharkasi roosters fathered 81.6% and 67.7% of the hatchlings produced by Sharkasi and Dandarawi mothers, respectively. The fertility period in Sharkasi and Dandarawi was 22 and 14 days, respectively. We suggest that the differences seen in sperm competitiveness and fertility duration can be attributed to sperm agglutination behavior.

Detection of ß-Lactamase Resistance and Biofilm Genes in Pseudomonas Species Isolated from Chickens.

Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas are pathogens in both humans and animals. The most prevalent nosocomial pathogen is P. aeruginosa, particularly strains with elevated antibiotic resistance. In this study, a total of eighteen previously identified Pseudomonas species strains, were isolated from chicken. These strains were screened for biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. In addition, we evaluated clove oil's effectiveness against Pseudomonas isolates as an antibiofilm agent. The results showed that Pseudomonas species isolates were resistant to most antibiotics tested, particularly those from the ß-lactamase family. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the development of multidrug-resistant isolates and biofilms is too informal. After amplifying the AmpC-plasmid-mediated genes (blaCMY, blaMIR, DHA, and FOX) and biofilm-related genes (psld, rhlA, and pelA) in most of our isolates, PCR confirmed this relationship. Clove oil has a potent antibiofilm effect against Pseudomonas isolates, and may provide a treatment for bacteria that form biofilms and are resistant to antimicrobials.

Anatabine attenuates ovalbumin-induced asthma via oxidative stress and inflammation mitigation and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling upregulation in rats.

AIMS: Asthma affects a large number of people worldwide and is characterized by chronic allergic airway inflammation. Anatabine is a natural alkaloid that is structurally similar to nicotine and found in the Solanaceae family of plants, with anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of anatabine against asthma. MAIN METHODS: Ovalbumin was used to induce asthma in rats. Two asthmatic groups were treated with low and high doses of anatabine. KEY FINDINGS: Asthmatic animals experienced increased total leukocyte count and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), bronchitis, and bronchopneumonia associated with mast cell infiltration. Additionally, inducible nitric oxide synthase immunostaining was observed, with decreased pulmonary antioxidant capacity and enzymes and decreased Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expression while increased NFκB-P65 expression. Interestingly, asthmatic animals treated with anatabine at both doses showed dose-dependently decreased inflammatory cells and cytokine levels within BALF reduced inflammation in the airways through decreased mast cell infiltration within lung tissues and increased antioxidant enzymes and Nrf2 and Ho-1 expression levels. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results highlight the potential beneficial effect of anatabine against asthma through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Therefore, anatabine is a promising candidate for pulmonary asthma treatment.