Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination in staff members of Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to the general population due to their frontline role and direct contact with the infected patients. Accordingly, they were among the first groups to receive vaccination against COVID-19. A higher risk of COVID-19 infection may also exist among hospital staff members other than HCWs. In this study, we assessed the seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination in hospital staff members. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 228 staff members of Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran, who were recruited from 2020 to 2021. Staff members were vaccinated with vector and inactivated vaccines. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG was measured in their blood samples pre- and post-COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: Of the 228 hospital staff members evaluated in this study (mean age: 37.59 ± 8.70 years), 204 (89.5%) were female and 210 (92.1%) were HCWs. Only one staff member was not vaccinated, the rest received one dose (99.6%), and 224 (98.7%) two doses. Vector vaccines were administered to 71.4% of staff members and 72.9% of HCWs. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody was positive in 8.8% of staff members before vaccination, 9.3% after the first dose, and 50% after the second dose. The corresponding percentages were 9.5%, 9.5%, and 48.8% in HCWs. Being a HCW was not associated with the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after the second dose; however, multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the interval between two vaccine doses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.595, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.434; 0.816, P = 0.001) and age (aOR = 1.062, 95% CI 1.021; 1.105, P = 0.003) were associated with seroprevalence. CONCLUSIONS: After receiving a second dose of vector or inactive virus vaccines, our hospital's staff members and HCWs had a seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies of around 50%. Seroprevalence increased with increasing age and shorter intervals between doses.

The concentration of Potentially Toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle of crabs: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and health risk assessment.

The concentration of PTEs in the muscle of crabs, was meta-analyzed using a random-effects model based on countries' subgroups. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks related to the ingestion of PTEs via the consumption of crab fish were estimated. The meta-analysis included one hundred and eight papers with 109 data reports. The rank order of PTEs based on pooled (mean) concentration in the muscle of crabs was Ni (4.490 mg/kg-ww) > Pb (1.891 mg/kg-ww) >As (1.601 mg/kg-ww) > Cd (1.101 mg/kg-ww). The results showed that adults and children consumers in many countries are at risk of non-carcinogenicity due to ingestion of Ni, Pb, As, and Cd and carcinogenicity risk due to As. Therefore, the bioaccumulation of PTEs in the muscle of crabs can be considered a global health risk. Hence, to decrease the health risk of PTEs in the muscle of crabs, continuous monitoring and reducing the emission of PTEs in aquatic environments are recommended.

Relative importance and interactions of parameters of finite-element models of human middle ear.

In the last decades, finite-element models of the middle ear have been widely used to predict the middle-ear vibration outputs. Even with the simplest linear assumption for material properties of the structures in the middle ear, these models need tens of parameters. Due to the complexities of measurements of material properties of these structures, accurate estimations of the values of most of these parameters are not possible. In this study, we benefited from the stochastic finite-element model of the middle ear we had developed in the past, to perform global sensitivity analysis. For this aim, we implemented Sobol' sensitivity analysis which ranks the importance of all uncertain parameters and interactions among them at different frequencies. To decrease the computational costs, we found Sobol' indices from surrogate models that we created using stochastic finite-element results and the polynomial chaos expansion method. Based on the results, the Young's modulus and thickness of the tympanic membrane, Young's modulus and damping of the stapedial annular ligaments, and the Young's modulus of ossicles are among the parameters with the greatest impacts on vibrations of the umbo and stapes footplate. Furthermore, the most significant interactions happen between the Young's modulus and thickness of the tympanic membrane.

CVII: Enhancing Interpretability in Intelligent Sensor Systems via Computer Vision Interpretability Index.

In the realm of intelligent sensor systems, the dependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications has heightened the importance of interpretability. This is particularly critical for opaque models such as Deep Neural Networks (DNN), as understanding their decisions is essential, not only for ethical and regulatory compliance, but also for fostering trust in AI-driven outcomes. This paper introduces the novel concept of a Computer Vision Interpretability Index (CVII). The CVII framework is designed to emulate human cognitive processes, specifically in tasks related to vision. It addresses the intricate challenge of quantifying interpretability, a task that is inherently subjective and varies across domains. The CVII is rigorously evaluated using a range of computer vision models applied to the COCO (Common Objects in Context) dataset, a widely recognized benchmark in the field. The findings established a robust correlation between image interpretability, model selection, and CVII scores. This research makes a substantial contribution to enhancing interpretability for human comprehension, as well as within intelligent sensor applications. By promoting transparency and reliability in AI-driven decision-making, the CVII framework empowers its stakeholders to effectively harness the full potential of AI technologies.

Effects of an Exercise Therapy Targeting Knee Kinetics on Pain, Function, and Gait Kinetics in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

In this study, the effects of an exercise therapy comprising yoga exercises and medial-thrust gait (YogaMT) on lower-extremity kinetics, pain, and function in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis were investigated. Fifty-nine patients were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: (a) the YogaMT group practiced yoga exercises and medial thrust gait, (b) the knee-strengthening group performed quadriceps- and hamstring-strengthening exercises, and (c) the treadmill walking group practiced normal treadmill walking in 12 supervised sessions. The adduction and flexion moments of the hip, knee, and ankle; pain intensity; and 2-min walking test were assessed before and after treatment and at 1-month follow-up. The YogaMT group experienced a significant reduction in knee adduction moment. All groups showed significant improvement in pain and function. The YogaMT may reduce medial knee load in patients with knee osteoarthritis in the short term. A larger clinical trial is required to investigate the long-term outcomes of this intervention.

Fluttering and divergence instability of functionally graded viscoelastic nanotubes conveying fluid based on nonlocal strain gradient theory.

In this paper, a size-dependent viscoelastic pipe model is developed to investigate the size effects on flutter and divergence instability of functionally graded viscoelastic nanotubes conveying fluid. The nonlocal strain gradient theory and the Kelvin-Voigt model are used to consider the significance of nonlocal field, strain gradient field, and viscoelastic damping effects. The dimensionless equation of transverse motion and related classical and non-classical boundary conditions are derived using the variational approach. The partial differential equations are discretized to a system of ordinary differential equations by the use of Galerkin's method. The frequency equation is obtained as a function of dimensionless flow velocity, small-scale parameters, damping coefficient, and power-law parameter. Numerical results are presented to study the dynamical behavior of the system and are compared with experimental and theoretical results reported by other researchers. Coupled and single mode fluttering related to higher vibration modes of fluid-conveying nanotubes supported at both ends are studied for the first time. It is found that coupled mode fluttering can be seen for different vibration modes by increasing the flow velocity in the absence of structural damping. Structural damping changes the dynamical behavior of the system, in which by increasing the flow velocity, single mode fluttering occurs instead of coupled mode fluttering. In addition, the presence of structural damping increases the critical flow velocity and, as a result, increases the stability of the system. The results also show that increasing the nonlocal parameter will have a stiffness-softening effect, while increasing the strain gradient length scale has an opposing effect.

Frequencies of Six (Five Novel) STR Markers Linked to TUSC3 (MRT7) or NSUN2 (MRT5) Genes Used for Homozygosity Mapping of Recessive Intellectual Disability.

BACKGROUND: Non-syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability (NS-ARID) is an extremely heterogeneous genetic disorder. Therefore, to investigate these genes, more research is required. One approach to investigate the NS-ARID loci is homozygosity mapping which requires appropriate STR markers within or flanking the gene/s of interest. In this research, we aimed to find novel STRs for two common NS-ARID genes (TUSC3 and NSUN2) and, in addition, to identify allele frequencies of those STR markers. METHODS: The study group included 119 unrelated healthy individuals. STR markers were investigated using the UCSC genome browser web site and SERV software. Genotyping was determined by multiplex PCR. Data were evaluated using Gene Mapper software. Allele frequencies and observed heterozygosity rates were calculated using PowerStatV12. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and expected heterozygosity were assessed using the DNAView software. RESULTS: In total, 56 alleles were detected. According to our research, D8TUSC3SU8.3 and D5NSUN2SU0.5 were the most informative STR markers in MRT7 and MRT5 loci, respectively and showed a high percentage of heterozygosity in Iranian population. The observed range of allele frequencies was from 3.4% to 32.4% and 0.8% to 18.9% for MRT5 and MRT7 loci, respectively. Further, we have evaluated other statistical surveys of these STR markers and discovered that all of the six listed STRs were informative and five meet the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the tester group. CONCLUSIONS: Finding novel STRs, with high allele heterozygosity, is one of the most significant current finding in the present study for the two common NSARID genes. The recognized heterozygosity of these markers make MRT flanking STR markers very efficient to be used in diagnostic medical genetics labs or homozygosity mapping on NS-ARID.

Different concentrations of cysteamine and ergothioneine improve microscopic and oxidative parameters in ram semen frozen with a soybean lecithin extender.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ergothioneine and cysteamine as antioxidant supplements in a soybean lecithin extender for freezing ram semen. Twenty-four ejaculates were collected from four rams and diluted with extenders (1.5% soybean lecithin, 7% glycerol) containing no supplements (control) and cysteamine or ergothioneine (2, 4, 6 or 8mM). Motility by CASA, viability, plasma membrane functionality (HOS test), total abnormality, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and capacitation status (CTC staining) were assessed after thawing. Using 6mM of either antioxidant improved total motility. Cysteamine at 6mM and ergothioneine at 4 and 6mM improved viability and reduced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde concentration). Both antioxidants improved membrane functionality significantly, except at 8mM. Progressive motility, kinematic parameters, GPx activity, capacitation status and sperm abnormalities were not influenced by the antioxidant supplements. In conclusion, cysteamine at 6mM and ergothioneine at 4 or 6mM seem to improve the post-thawing quality of ram semen cryopreserved in a soybean lecithin extender.

Caloric restriction prevents lead-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rat liver.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of caloric restriction on liver of lead-administered rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: Ad libitum fed group (AL, free access to normal rat chow) and caloric restriction group (CR, fed 65% of AL animals' food intake). After 6 weeks, half of the animals of each group were injected lead acetate and the other half were injected saline. Liver tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiments. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured in the tissue extracts. Histological studies were also performed. Our results showed that lead administrations (not saline injections) reduced liver SOD and GPx and increased MDA and TNF-α in AL animals, but in the CR animals lead injections did not significantly change the measured parameters. The histological studies supported the biochemical findings. We concluded that 65% CR may prevent lead-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rat liver.

Mechanical Effects of Medical Device Attachment to Human Tympanic Membrane.

PURPOSE: Several treatment methods for hearing disorders rely on attaching medical devices to the tympanic membrane. This study aims to systematically analyze the effects of the material and geometrical properties and location of the medical devices attached to the tympanic membrane on middle-ear vibrations. METHODS: A finite-element model of the human middle ear was employed to simulate the effects of attachment of medical devices. Various types of material and geometrical properties, locations, and modeling scenarios were investigated for the medical device. RESULTS: The attachment of the device magnifies the effects of anti-resonances of the middle ear. Additionally, the variations of the material properties of the device significantly alter the middle-ear resonance frequency while changes in the umbo and stapes footplate motions are negligible at frequencies above 5 kHz. Furthermore, modeling the device as a point mass cannot accurately represent the implanted middle-ear behavior. The variations of the diameter and height of the medical device have negligible effects on the middle-ear vibrations at frequencies below 200 Hz but can have considerable impacts at higher frequencies. The effects of changing the device height were negligible at frequencies above 2 kHz. We also discuss the effects of medical device attachment on the vibration patterns of the tympanic membrane as well as the impacts of the variations of the location of the device on the stapes footplate responses. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study aid the development and optimization of new therapeutic devices, attached to the tympanic membrane, to have the least adverse effects on middle-ear vibrations.

Material characterization of human middle ear using machine-learning-based surrogate models.

This study aims to introduce a novel non-invasive method for rapid material characterization of middle-ear structures, taking into consideration the invaluable insights provided by the mechanical properties of ear tissues. Valuable insights into various ear pathologies can be gleaned from the mechanical properties of ear tissues, yet conventional techniques for assessing these properties often entail invasive procedures that preclude their use on living patients. In this study, in the first step, we developed machine-learning models of the middle ear to predict its responses with a significantly lower computational cost in comparison to finite-element models. Leveraging findings from prior research, we focused on the most influential model parameters: the Young's modulus and thickness of the tympanic membrane and the Young's modulus of the stapedial annular ligament. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) method was implemented for creating the machine-learning models. Subsequently, we combined the created machine-learning models with Bayesian optimization (BoTorch) for fast and efficient estimation of the Young's moduli of the tympanic membrane and the stapedial annular ligament. We demonstrate that the resultant surrogate models can fairly represent the vibrational responses of the umbo, stapes footplate, and vibration patterns of the tympanic membrane at most frequencies. Also, our proposed material characterization approach successfully estimated the Young's moduli of the tympanic membrane and stapedial annular ligament (separately and simultaneously) with values of mean absolute percentage error of less than 7%. The remarkable accuracy achieved through the proposed material characterization method underscores its potential for eventual clinical applications of estimating mechanical properties of the middle-ear structures for diagnostic purposes.

Gallic acid supplementation partially ameliorates reproductive aging in rooster breeders by improving semen quality, sperm kinetics, hormones, and antioxidant status.

Aging leads to decreased fertility in roosters, which is likely due to increased oxidative stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant effects of gallic acid (GA) supplementation on sperm quality and fertility of aged roosters. This study evaluated whether GA supplementation can mitigate age-related fertility decline. Roosters were randomly assigned to: control, 100 mg/kg GA, or 200 mg/kg GA. Semen parameters, sperm kinetics, hormone levels, fertility rate, and hatchability were assessed. GA increased semen concentration, membrane integrity and viability while decreasing defects versus control (P < 0.01). Testosterone was higher in GA groups (P<0.01) without affecting gonadotropins. Furthermore, 200 mg/kg GA optimized motility, velocity, linearity, and beat cross frequency versus control and 100 mg/kg GA (P < 0.01). Fertility and hatchability were higher in both GA groups. In conclusion, GA supplementation in aged roosters improves sperm quality, antioxidant status, testosterone, and fertility outcomes, likely by mitigating oxidative stress. The 200 mg/kg dose elicited optimal effects on motion parameters.

Apigenin supplementation substantially improves rooster sperm freezability and post-thaw function.

This pioneering research investigated apigenin potential to augment rooster sperm cryosurvival in an extender model. Apigenin is a natural antioxidant flavonoid showing promise for improved post-thaw sperm function. However, its effects on avian semen cryopreservation remain unexplored. This first study supplemented rooster sperm Lake extender with 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 µmol/L apigenin to determine the optimal concentrations for post-thaw quality. Supplementation with 100 µmol/L apigenin resulted in significant enhancements in total motility (from 41.5% up to 71.5%), progressive motility (18.1% to 29.1%) (p < 0.05), membrane integrity (40% to 68%), mitochondrial function (p < 0.001), viability (37% to 62%) and total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to the control. It also substantially reduced percentages of abnormal morphology, reactive oxygen species and apoptosis (p < 0.001). Although 200 µmol/L apigenin significantly enhanced some attributes, effects were markedly lower than 100 µmol/L. Higher doses did not improve cryoprotective parameters. This indicates 100 µmol/L as the optimal apigenin concentration. This represents the first report of apigenin protecting rooster sperm from cryodamage. The natural antioxidant improved post-thaw sperm quality, likely by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Apigenin shows promise for enhancing rooster sperm cryosurvival.

Genome-wide association study for body weight and feed consumption traits in Japanese quail using Bayesian approaches.

The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on Bayes A and Bayes B statistical methods to identify genomic loci and candidate genes associated with body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail. For this purpose, genomic data obtained from Illumina iSelect 4K quail SNP chip were utilized. After implementing various quality control steps, genotype data from a total of 875 birds for 2,015 SNP markers were used for subsequent analyses. The Bayesian analyses were performed using hibayes package in R (version 4.3.1) and Gibbs sampling algorithm. The results of the analyses showed that Bayes A accounted for 11.43, 11.65, and 11.39% of the phenotypic variance for body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, respectively, while the variance explained by Bayes B was 7.02, 8.61, and 6.48%, respectively. Therefore, in the current study, results obtained from Bayes A were used for further analyses. In order to perform the gene enrichment analysis and to identify the functional pathways and classes of genes that are over-represented in a large set of genes associated with each trait, all markers that accounted for more than 0.1% of the phenotypic variance for each trait were used. The results of this analysis revealed a total of 23, 38, and 14 SNP markers associated with body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail, respectively. The results of the gene enrichment analysis led to the identification of biological pathways (and candidate genes) related to lipid phosphorylation (TTC7A gene) and cell junction (FGFR4 and FLRT2 genes) associated with body weight gain, calcium signaling pathway (ADCY2 and CAMK1D genes) associated with feed intake, and glycerolipid metabolic process (LIPC gene), lipid metabolic process (ADGRF5 and ESR1 genes), and glutathione transferase (GSTK1 gene) associated with feed conversion ratio. Overall, the findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of growth and feed consumption traits in Japanese quail.

Which neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers method is better in theranostic of Alzheimer's disease? An umbrella review.

Biomarkers are measured to evaluate physiological and pathological processes as well as responses to a therapeutic intervention. Biomarkers can be classified as diagnostic, prognostic, predictor, clinical, and therapeutic. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple biomarkers have been reported so far. Nevertheless, finding a specific biomarker in AD remains a major challenge. Three databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were selected with the keywords of Alzheimer's disease, neuroimaging, biomarker, and blood. The results were finalized with 49 potential CSF/blood and 35 neuroimaging biomarkers. To distinguish normal from AD patients, amyloid-beta42 (Aß42), plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NFL) as potential biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as the serum could be detected. Nevertheless, most of the biomarkers fairly change in the CSF during AD, listed as kallikrein 6, virus-like particles (VLP-1), galectin-3 (Gal-3), and synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1). From the neuroimaging aspect, atrophy is an accepted biomarker for the neuropathologic progression of AD. In addition, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), tractography (DTT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can be used to detect AD. Using neuroimaging and CSF/blood biomarkers, in combination with artificial intelligence, it is possible to obtain information on prognosis and follow-up on the different stages of AD. Hence physicians could select the suitable therapy to attenuate disease symptoms and follow up on the efficiency of the prescribed drug.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 Promoter Variants, Their Serum Levels, and Activities with Aortic Valve Calcification (AVC) in a Population from Western Iran.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzyme gene polymorphisms MMP-2-1575G/A and MMP-9-1562C/T promoter polymorphism, their serum levels, and activity are associated with aortic valve calcification (AVC). Materials and Methods: The synergistic link between the risk of AVC and the alleles T and A of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was investigated, respectively. Ninety-two cases with AVC and 92 healthy individuals from the west of Iran were included, and MMP- 2-1575G/A and MMP-9-1562C/T promoter polymorphisms were detected using PCR-RFLP. The serum levels and activity of MMP-2 and -9 were assessed using ELISA and gelatin zymography methods, respectively. In addition, serum biochemical markers, including FBS, urea and creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, calcium, phosphorus, and blood pressure: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Results: Heart valve calcification disease was associated with a comparatively higher frequency of the A allele of the MMP2-1575 variation (p = 0.002). In addition, the frequency of T allele of the MMP9-1562 variant was higher than the control group (p = 0.007). Conclusion: MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels and activities were observed to be considerably higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Patients are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease than the control group due to elevated serum levels and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Surface Topography Steer Soft Tissue Response and Antibacterial Function at the Transmucosal Region of Titanium Implant.

Metallic dental implants have been extensively used in clinical practice due to their superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic outcomes. However, their integration with the surrounding soft tissue at the mucosal region remains challenging and can cause implant failure due to the peri-implant immune microenvironment. The soft tissue integration of dental implants can be ameliorated through different surface modifications. This review discussed and summarized the current knowledge of topography-mediated immune response and topography-mediated antibacterial activity in Ti dental implants which enhance soft tissue integration and their clinical performance. For example, nanopillar-like topographies such as spinules, and spikes showed effective antibacterial activity in human salivary biofilm which was due to the lethal stretching of bacterial membrane between the nanopillars. The key findings of this review were (I) cross-talk between surface nanotopography and soft tissue integration in which the surface nanotopography can guide the perpendicular orientation of collagen fibers into connective tissue which leads to the stability of soft tissue, (II) nanotubular array could shift the macrophage phenotype from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) and manipulate the balance of osteogenesis/osteoclasia, and (III) surface nanotopography can provide specific sites for the loading of antibacterial agents and metallic nanoparticles of clinical interest functionalizing the implant surface. Silver-containing nanotubular topography significantly decreased the formation of fibrous encapsulation in per-implant soft tissue and showed synergistic antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although the Ti implants with surface nanotopography have shown promising in targeting soft tissue healing in vitro and in vivo through their immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties, however, long-term in vivo studies need to be conducted particularly in osteoporotic, and diabetic patients to ensure their desired performance with immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties. The optimization of product development is another challenging issue for its clinical translation, as the dental implant with surface nanotopography must endure implantation and operation inside the dental microenvironment. Finally, the sustainable release of metallic nanoparticles could be challenging to reduce cytotoxicity while augmenting the therapeutic effects.

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.

Voluntary exercise prevents lead-induced elevation of oxidative stress and inflammation markers in male rat blood.

Regular mild exercise enhances antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems of the body. The present study investigates voluntary exercise effects on lead toxicity as a known oxidative stressor. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. Sedentary control: the animals were housed 7 weeks in the regular cages. Exercise group: the animals were housed 7 weeks in the running wheel equipped cages, that is, the animal model of voluntary exercise. During the 7th week, all animals were administered lead acetate. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 6th week and 7th week (before and after lead administrations). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured in the samples. Our results showed that lead administration reduced blood SOD, GPx and CAT and increased TNF-α; in the controls, but in the exercise group, changes were not statistically significant. MDA in both groups increased after lead injections but it was significantly lower in exercise group compared to the sedentary animals. We concluded that voluntary exercise may be considered as a preventive tool against lead-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Direct and maternal (co)variance components, genetic parameters, and annual trends for growth traits of Makooei sheep in Iran.

Genetic parameters and genetic trends for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), and yearling weight (YW) traits were estimated by using records of 5,634 Makooei lambs, descendants of 289 sires and 1,726 dams, born between 1996 and 2009 at the Makooei sheep breeding station, West Azerbaijan, Iran. The (co)variance components were estimated with different animal models using a restricted maximum likelihood procedure and the most appropriate model for each trait was determined by Akaike's Information Criterion. Breeding values of animals were predicted with best linear unbiased prediction methodology under multi-trait animal models and genetic trends were estimated by regression mean breeding values on birth year. The most appropriate model for BW was a model including direct and maternal genetic effects, regardless of their covariance. The model for WW and 6MW included direct additive genetic effects. The model for YW included direct genetic effects only. Direct heritabilities based on the best model were estimated 0.15 ± 0.04, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.04, and 0.22 ± 0.06 for BW, WW, 6MW, and YW, respectively, and maternal heritability obtained 0.08 ± 0.02 for BW. Genetic correlations among the traits were positive and varied from 0.28 for BW-YW to 0.66 for BW-WW and phenotypic correlations were generally lower than the genetic correlations. Genetic trends were 8.1 ± 2, 67.4 ± 5, 38.7 ± 4, and 47.6 ± 6 g per year for BW, WW, 6MW, and YW, respectively.