Annona squamosa Fruit Extract Ameliorates Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury by Modulating JAK-1/STAT-3/SOCS-1 Signaling in Male Rats.

Lead (Pb) is a common pollutant that is not biodegradable and gravely endangers the environment and human health. Annona squamosa fruit has a wide range of medicinal uses owing to its phytochemical constituents. This study evaluated the effect of treatment with A. squamosa fruit extract (ASFE) on testicular toxicity induced in male rats by lead acetate. The metal-chelating capacity and phytochemical composition of ASFE were determined. The LD50 of ASFE was evaluated by probit analysis. Molecular docking simulations were performed using Auto Dock Vina. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into the following groups: Gp1, a negative control group; Gp2, given ASFE (350 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.)) (1/10 of LD50); Gp3, given lead acetate (PbAc) solution (100 mg/kg b. wt.); and Gp4, given PbAc as in Gp3 and ASFE as in Gp2. All treatments were given by oro-gastric intubation daily for 30 days. Body weight changes, spermatological parameters, reproductive hormone levels, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated, and molecular and histopathological investigations were performed. The results showed that ASFE had promising metal-chelating activity and phytochemical composition. The LD50 of ASFE was 3500 mg/kg b. wt. The docking analysis showed that quercetin demonstrated a high binding affinity for JAK-1 and STAT-3 proteins, and this could make it a more promising candidate for targeting the JAK-1/STAT-3 pathway than others. The rats given lead acetate had defective testicular tissues, with altered molecular, biochemical, and histological features, as well as impaired spermatological characteristics. Treatment with ASFE led to a significant mitigation of these dysfunctions and modulated the JAK-1/STAT-3/SOCS-1 axis in the rats.

Anatomical Study of the Nerve Supply of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the Distal Hindlimb with a Special Reference to the Cutaneous Innervation.

This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the nerve supply of the hindlimb's distal portion in a dromedary camel's foot. In our study, we used ten adult slaughtered dromedary camels (twenty distal hindlimbs) of different sexes and ages (4-6 years). The hindlimbs were preserved using 10% formalin for about one week. The distal part of the hindlimb of the camels was dissected with extreme precision to show the group of nerves responsible for the nervous supply to the distal part of the hindlimb in dromedary camels. This study shows the numerous branches of the superficial fibular nerve along its extension to the dorsal surface metatarsus and the abaxial aspect of the third digit. The results show that the tibial nerve possesses many branches along its extension to the plantar surface skin of the metatarsus. Additionally, it provides the axial and abaxial plantar surfaces of the fourth digit and the interdigital surfaces as well as its branches to supply the plantar-abaxial and plantar-axial of the third digit. The present study shows the anatomical nerve supply of the hindlimb's distal portion that is essential for anesthesia and surgery in this region.

Morphological study on the skull sutures and their relationships to skull morphology in young camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Objective: The sutures are associated with anatomical and physiological differences in skull camels. There is a deficiency in the information regarding the anatomy of dromedary camels, especially on fibrous joints (sutures) of the camels' skull. Aim: The goal of this work was to give a detailed gross anatomical and radiographic description of the sutures in the camels' skull. This description may be of great importance for veterinarians to differentiate between the suture and the fracture of the head in the radiographic photos. Methods: The current study was conducted on 10 skulls of the young (Howar) dromedary camel at 4-10 months old. The skulls were prepared by using the boiling and maceration techniques. The gross and radiographic photos of the sutures were taken using a digital camera and Siemens mobile full-wave X-ray machine (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany). Results: The skull is made up of nineteen bones -6 single and 13 paired-the majority of which are joined by joints termed as sutures. The sutures of the camel skulls were viewed in dorsal, ventral, lateral-vertical, and inside directions. They were of four types which are the coronal, serrate, plane, and squamosal sutures in different positions of the skull. Conclusion: The current study showed that the fibrous joints of camel skulls (sutures) were similar to those of other domestic animals. This information is critical for supporting veterinarians to differentiate sutures from fractures that may have happened in the skull of the dromedary camel using radiological pictures.

Comparative morphological study of the male and female metacarpal and metatarsal bones of the dromedary camel with special reference to the blood vasculature.

Background: It is vital to understand the gross anatomy and dimensions of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones in camels in order for veterinarians to identify fraud cases between males and females by carefully distinguishing between them. Aim: It is to make comparisons of the morphological characteristics and measurements of the metacarpus and metatarsus bones of male and female camels. Methods: Forty metacarpus and metatarsus of adult camels of both sexes were collected from a typical Burydah slaughterhouse in KSA. The bones were treated according to the established methods of boiling, drying, and bleaching to study morphology. The measurement of the bones in this study has been taken by using digital vernier calipers. Results: The metacarpus and metatarsus consisted of two large and two small bones. The large metacarpal and metatarsal bones consisted of fused III and IV. Except for the distal side in which the two bones diverge more from each other. The metacarpal bone is similar to the metatarsus, except that it is smaller in measurement majority. The small Mc-Mt II and Mc-Mt V were smaller and present on the palmo-lateral or planto-lateral aspect of the large bones, respectively. The length of the metacarpus and metatarsus is almost equal nearly in camels unlike the rest of the animals as well as the metacarpus bone was unlike the metatarsus in form and measurements generally. Conclusion: The large metacarpus and metatarsus bones are distinguished by the fusion of the third and fourth bones along the length of the bone. Except for the distal side in which the two bones diverge more from each other like the rest of the animals. The morphologically characterized majority of the metacarpal bone was similar to the metatarsus, except that it was proximal extremity, cross-section, and measurement.

Mitogenomic Features and Evolution of the Nile River Dominant Tilapiine Species (Perciformes: Cichlidae).

To better understand the diversity and evolution of cichlids, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial genomes of three Nile tilapiine species (Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, and Sarotherodon galilaeus) dominating the Nile River waters. Our results showed that the general mitogenomic features were conserved among the Nile tilapiine species. The genome length ranged from 16,436 to 16,631 bp and a total of 37 genes were identified (two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 control region). The ND6 was the only CDS that presented a negative AT skew and a positive GC skew. The most extended repeat sequences were in the D-loop followed by the pseudogenes (trnSGCU). The ND5 showed relatively high substitution rates whereas ATP8 had the lowest substitution rate. The codon usage bias displayed a greater quantity of NNA and NNC at the third position and anti-bias against NNG. The phylogenetic relationship based on the complete mitogenomes and CDS was able to differentiate the three species as previously reported. This study provides new insight into the evolutionary connections between various subfamilies within cichlids while providing new molecular data that can be applied to discriminate between Nile tilapiine species and their populations.

Dietary Supplementation of Silybum marianum Seeds Improved Growth Performance and Upregulated Associated Gene Expression of Muscovy Ducklings (Cairina moschata).

The effect of feeding on diets supplemented with Silybum marianum L. dry seeds (SMS) on growth performance, mortality percentage, biochemical parameters, the expression profile of related genes, and genotoxic effect in Muscovy ducklings was evaluated during a brooding period of 4 weeks. Two hundred and forty one-day-old Muscovy ducks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (60 ducklings/group), the first group fed on basal diet with no additives (control), and the second (4 g kg-1), third (8 g kg-1), and fourth (12 g kg-1) groups fed the basal diet supplemented with 0, 4, 8, and 12 g kg-1 diet SMS, respectively. A substantial improvement in live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), and growth rate (GR), and a decrease in feed conversion ratios (FCR) and mortality rate were shown in ducks fed a diet supplemented with either 8 g kg-1 or 12 g kg-1 SMS compared to the other groups. Relevant improvements in liver function, oxidative stress markers, purinergic cell energy, and brain appetite were recorded on ducklings fed diets supplemented with SMS. Moreover, diets which included 8 or 12 g kg-1 SMS positively upregulated the expression of growth hormone gene (GH) and antioxidant genes (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT). These results are consistent with the increase in liver activity SOD and CAT enzymes, resulting in less DNA fragmentation. Consequently, all the aforementioned improvements in biochemical parameters and gene expression profiling may explain the superiority of the treated ducklings compared with the control group. Conclusively, the SMS could be used as a natural feed additive to promote health status and improve the growth performance of small grower ducks during the brooding period.

Comparative Anatomy of the Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) in Sheep (Ovis aries) and Dogs (Canis familiaris) with Simple Reference to its Histological Structure and Vasculature Supply

SUMMARY: The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is located in the anteroinferior part of the nose and the accessory olfactory organ in mammals which is responsible of sense of smell. This study aims to compare the macro and microanatomical structure of the VNO between sheep and dogs. In the current study, we used ten adult slaughtered sheep and ten adult synchronized dogs with different sexes ages 1-2 years. The head of both animals were preserved in 10 % formalin for one week. This study shows in both animals, the VNO occupies the same position in the cavity of the vomer bone and the same relationship in the cranial part of the nasal cavity. Furthermore, the VNO is divided into three parts based on shape that are the rostral, central, and caudal part. The results show the VNO in sheep has a (U) shape and is opened dorsolaterally. It has a small and narrow cavity. It is long 6 cm long, and it has different diameters on its course. In comparison, the vomeronasal organ in dogs is very developed and has a (J) shape. It has a large and long cavity and ends at the fourth molar. Its length is about 10 cm, and it has one diameter on its course. The VNO receives the blood supply from the sphenopalatine and caudal palatine arteries. The present study shows main differences between sheep and dogs VNO in which the structure of vomeronasal bone between the sheep and dog is completely different. The finding will illustrate fundamental differences and provide specific structural differences between the two species.

El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) se encuentra en la parte anteroinferior de la nariz y el órgano olfativo accesorio en los mamíferos es responsable del sentido del olfato. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la estructura macro y microanatómica del OVN entre ovejas y perros. En el estudio utilizamos diez ovejas adultas y diez perros adultos de diferentes sexos con edades de 1 a 2 años. Las cabezas de ambos animales se conservaron en formol al 10 % durante una semana. Este estudio mostró que en ambos animales, el OVN ocupa la misma posición en la cavidad del hueso vómer y la misma relación en la parte craneal de la cavidad nasal. Según su forma el OVN se divide en tres partes: rostral, central y caudal. Los resultados mostraron que el OVN en las ovejas tiene forma de (U) y está abierto dorsolateralmente. Presenta una cavidad pequeña y estrecha. Además, tiene una longitud de 6 cm y tiene diferentes diámetros en su recorrido. En comparación, el órgano vomeronasal en los perros está muy desarrollado y tiene forma de (J). Presenta una cavidad grande y larga y termina en el cuarto molar. Su longitud es de unos 10 cm y tiene un diámetro distinto en su recorrido. El OVN recibe el suministro de sangre de las arterias esfenopalatina y palatina caudal. El presente estudio muestra las principales diferencias entre el OVN de ovejas y perros en el que la estructura del hueso vomeronasal entre estos dos animales es completamente diferente. Además, los hallazgos ilustran diferencias fundamentales y determinan diferencias estructurales específicas entre las dos especies.

Chromosomal Localization of Candidate Genes for Fiber Growth and Color in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is an economically important and cultural signature species in Peru. Thus, molecular genomic information about the genes underlying the traits of interest, such as fiber properties and color, is critical for improved breeding and management schemes. Current knowledge about the alpaca genome, particularly the chromosomal location of such genes of interest is limited and lags far behind other livestock species. The main objective of this work was to localize alpaca candidate genes for fiber growth and color using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We report the mapping of candidate genes for fiber growth COL1A1, CTNNB1, DAB2IP, KRT15, KRTAP13-1, and TNFSF12 to chromosomes 16, 17, 4, 16, 1, and 16, respectively. Likewise, we report the mapping of candidate genes for fiber color ALX3, NCOA6, SOX9, ZIC1, and ZIC5 to chromosomes 9, 19, 16, 1, and 14, respectively. In addition, since KRT15 clusters with five other keratin genes (KRT31, KRT13, KRT9, KRT14, and KRT16) in scaffold 450 (Vic.Pac 2.0.2), the entire gene cluster was assigned to chromosome 16. Similarly, mapping NCOA6 to chromosome 19, anchored scaffold 34 with 8 genes, viz., RALY, EIF2S2, XPOTP1, ASIP, AHCY, ITCH, PIGU, and GGT7 to chromosome 19. These results are concordant with known conserved synteny blocks between camelids and humans, cattle and pigs.

Chromosome-Level Alpaca Reference Genome VicPac3.1 Improves Genomic Insight Into the Biology of New World Camelids.

The development of high-quality chromosomally assigned reference genomes constitutes a key feature for understanding genome architecture of a species and is critical for the discovery of the genetic blueprints of traits of biological significance. South American camelids serve people in extreme environments and are important fiber and companion animals worldwide. Despite this, the alpaca reference genome lags far behind those available for other domestic species. Here we produced a chromosome-level improved reference assembly for the alpaca genome using the DNA of the same female Huacaya alpaca as in previous assemblies. We generated 190X Illumina short-read, 8X Pacific Biosciences long-read and 60X Dovetail Chicago® chromatin interaction scaffolding data for the assembly, used testis and skin RNAseq data for annotation, and cytogenetic map data for chromosomal assignments. The new assembly VicPac3.1 contains 90% of the alpaca genome in just 103 scaffolds and 76% of all scaffolds are mapped to the 36 pairs of the alpaca autosomes and the X chromosome. Preliminary annotation of the assembly predicted 22,462 coding genes and 29,337 isoforms. Comparative analysis of selected regions of the alpaca genome, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the region involved in the Minute Chromosome Syndrome (MCS) and candidate genes for high-altitude adaptations, reveal unique features of the alpaca genome. The alpaca reference genome VicPac3.1 presents a significant improvement in completeness, contiguity and accuracy over VicPac2 and is an important tool for the advancement of genomics research in all New World camelids.

Comparative FISH-Mapping of MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 in New and Old World Camelids and Association Analysis With Coat Color Phenotypes in the Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius).

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), the agouti signaling protein (ASIP), and tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP1) are among the major regulators of pigmentation in mammals. Recently, MC1R and ASIP sequence variants were associated with white and black/dark brown coat colors, respectively, in the dromedary. Here we confirmed this association by independent sequencing and mutation discovery of MC1R and ASIP coding regions and by TaqMan genotyping in 188 dromedaries from Saudi Arabia and United States, including 38 black, 53 white, and 97 beige/brown/red animals. We showed that heterozygosity for a missense mutation c.901C > T in MC1R is sufficient for the white coat color suggesting a possible dominant negative effect. Likewise, we confirmed that the majority of black dromedaries were homozygous for a frameshift mutation in ASIP exon 2, except for 4 animals, which were heterozygous. In search for additional mutations underlying the black color, we identified another frameshift mutation in ASIP exon 4 and 6 new variants in MC1R including a significantly associated SNP in 3'UTR. In pursuit of sequence variants that may modify dromedary wild-type color from dark-reddish brown to light beige, we identified 4 SNPs and one insertion in TYRP1 non-coding regions. However, none of these were associated with variations in wild-type colors. Finally, the three genes were cytogenetically mapped in New World (alpaca) and Old World (dromedary and Bactrian camel) camelids. The MC1R was assigned to chr21, ASIP to chr19 and TYRP1 to chr4 in all 3 species confirming extensive conservation of camelid karyotypes. Notably, while the locations of ASIP and TYRP1 were in agreement with human-camelid comparative map, mapping MC1R identified a new evolutionary conserved synteny segment between camelid chromosome 21 and HSA16. The findings contribute to coat color genomics and the development of molecular tests in camelids and toward the chromosome level reference assemblies of camelid genomes.

Construction of two whole genome radiation hybrid panels for dromedary (Camelus dromedarius): 5000RAD and 15000RAD.

The availability of genomic resources including linkage information for camelids has been very limited. Here, we describe the construction of a set of two radiation hybrid (RH) panels (5000RAD and 15000RAD) for the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) as a permanent genetic resource for camel genome researchers worldwide. For the 5000RAD panel, a total of 245 female camel-hamster radiation hybrid clones were collected, of which 186 were screened with 44 custom designed marker loci distributed throughout camel genome. The overall mean retention frequency (RF) of the final set of 93 hybrids was 47.7%. For the 15000RAD panel, 238 male dromedary-hamster radiation hybrid clones were collected, of which 93 were tested using 44 PCR markers. The final set of 90 clones had a mean RF of 39.9%. This 15000RAD panel is an important high-resolution complement to the main 5000RAD panel and an indispensable tool for resolving complex genomic regions. This valuable genetic resource of dromedary RH panels is expected to be instrumental for constructing a high resolution camel genome map. Construction of the set of RH panels is essential step toward chromosome level reference quality genome assembly that is critical for advancing camelid genomics and the development of custom genomic tools.