Search

To investigate the effect of age in male quail on testicular weight and histology, sexual libido and semen characteristics, a study was performed on 100 quails at 10, 16, 22, 28 and 34 weeks of age. The body and testicular weights were significantly (p <.05) higher at 16 and 22 than at 28 weeks of age. The circumference and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (p <.05) higher at 28 and 34 than at 10 and 16 weeks of age. Histological evaluation of testicular slices revealed advanced and effective seminiferous tubes as early as 10 weeks, while spermatogenic activity peaked at 16 weeks of age. The highest semen volume, sperm motility and sperm concentration were observed at weeks of age and then decreased gradually with age. At the same time, the testosterone level and libido were significantly (p <.05) higher at 22 than at 10 weeks of age. Furthermore, the age was positive (p <.05), correlated to seminiferous tubule circumference and diameter, and negative (p <.05), correlated to sperm concentration. In conclusion, the age of quail markedly affected the testicular histological structure, libido, testosterone level and semen characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of detecting drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific DNA in sputum specimens from 48 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of MTBC DNA in the specimens was validated using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF system and compared with a specific PCR assay targeting the IS6110 and the mtp40 gene sequence fragments. Additionally, the results obtained by multiplex PCR assays to detect the most frequently encountered rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol resistance-conferring mutations were matched with those obtained by GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Of the 48 sputum samples, 25 were positive for MTBC using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test. Nevertheless, the IS6110 and mtp40 single-step PCR revealed the IS6110 in 27 of the 48 sputum samples, while the mtp40 gene fragment was found in only 17 of them. Furthermore, multiplex PCR assays detected drug-resistant conferring mutations in 21 (77.8%) of the 27 samples with confirmed MTBC DNA, 10 of which contained single drug-resistant conferring mutations towards ethambutol and two towards rifampin, and the remaining nine contained double-resistant mutations for ethambutol and rifampin. In contrast, only five sputum specimens (18.5%) contained drug-resistant MTBC isolates, and two contained mono-drug-resistant MTBC species toward ethambutol and rifampin, respectively, and the remaining three were designated as multi-drug resistant toward both drugs using GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Such discrepancies in the results emphasize the need to develop novel molecular tests that associate with phenotypic non-DNA-based assays to improve the detection of drug-resistant isolates in clinical specimens in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (Receptal) injection on reproductive traits of fully mature layers hens (32 weeks) suffered from inactive ovaries. Ninety‐six non‐laying hens (TETRA‐SL brown egg layers), selected from a commercial flock, with similar body weight, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 24). Hens in the 1st group served as a control. Hens of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were individually intramuscularly injected every 4 days with 50, 100 and 150 µl of Receptal solution, respectively, for two times. The results stated that the injection of Receptal induced the non‐laying hens to produce eggs, but control birds did not produce eggs during the experimental period. The distance between pelvic bones and between the pelvic bone and keel bone of hens was significantly improved (p <.001) in groups received different GnRH levels compared with the control group. The best results were observed in the group injected with 100 µl Receptal. Levels of LH, FSH, oestrogen and progesterone hormones were significantly (p <.05) higher in Receptal‐treated groups than in the control group. Hens injected with Receptal had an increase in ovary%, yellow follicles number, oviduct% and oviduct length (p <.001) compared with the control. It was concluded that treating inactive ovaries in non‐laying hens with GnRH injections for two times, 4‐day intervals, is an effective procedure for inducing egg production and useful in cost reduction in layer farms, and the group treated with 100 µl Receptal had the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal swaps were collected from 405 elementary school boys of eight governmental schools located within several districts in Al-Madinah city to be screened for asymptomatic carriage of potential Staphylococcus pathogens. A total of 138 Gram-positive staphylococci isolates (34%) showing blood hemolysis were selected. Based on their morphological, cultural characteristics and Restriction enzyme analysis Isolates were grouped into 12 phenotypic within four distinct clusters. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis of all isolates revealed S. aureus to be the most prevalent (80%), followed by S. epidermidis (9%) and finally S. hominis and S. simulans accounting for 6% and 5% respectively. Staphylococcus isolates were detected with higher frequency in participants of age group 7–9 years, with the lowest numbers of staphylococci (18%) isolated from the schools located in the western area. Multiplex PCR assay revealed that all S. aureus isolates (20%) which were phenotypically recognized as MRSA by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method contained the mecA gene. MecA gene was also detected in three coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial learning and memory skills are imperative for the survival and fitness of subterranean rodents because of the harsh underground niche in which they live that necessitates the avoidance of higher energy expenditures or probable conflicts with conspecifics or predators. Our study aims to assess the spatial learning and working memory performance of a subterranean rodent species, plateau zokors (Eospalax baileyi), compared to that of the surface-dwelling plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) which spend a considerable time of their lives above ground. Animals were tested with a spatial delayed alternation task in a T-maze for six consecutive days. Plateau zokors showed less efficient learning and working memory capacity in the T-maze compared to plateau pikas and laboratory rats, which maintained accurate and consistent increased spatial learning rates and working memory performances. The three species did not show bias towards a certain arm of the maze. Additionally, clear sex-specific differences were observed in the laboratory rats regarding spatial learning and working memory functions, while in pikas and zokors, no sex-specific variations were detected. The latency to accomplish the task was significantly lower in rats than in pikas and zokors, but no sex-specific differences were detected in all the species. The inferior performance of plateau zokors, compared to pikas and rats, in the T-maze might imply that although the functional significance of working memory may overlap in diverse taxonomic groups, the adaptive value thereof may differ considerably across taxa on account of the divergence in environmental stability, domestication, habitat structure, behavioural needs and the available sensory cues between species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine what effects nanoparticles (NPs) like TiO2, ZnO, and Ag may pose on natural attenuation processes of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils. The solid NPs used were identified using x‐ray diffraction technique and their average size was certified as 18.2, 16.9, and 18.3 nm for Ag‐NPs, ZnO‐NPs, and TiO2‐NPs, respectively. NPs in soil microcosms behave differently where it was dissolved as in case of Ag‐NPs, partially dissolved as in ZnO‐NPs or changed into other crystalline phase as in TiO2‐NPs. In this investigation, catabolic gene encoding catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (C23DO) was selected specifically as biomarker for monitoring hydrocarbon biodegradation potential by measuring its transcripts by RT‐qPCR. TiO2‐NPs amended microcosms showed almost no change in C23DO expression profile or bacterial community which were dominated by Bacillus sp., Mycobacterium sp., Microbacterium sp., Clostridium sp., beside uncultured bacteria, including uncultured proteobacteria, Thauera sp. and Clostridia. XRD pattern suggested that TiO2‐NPs in microcosms were changed into other non‐inhibitory crystalline phase, consequently, showing the maximum degradation profile for most low molecular weight oil fractions and partially for the high molecular weight ones. Increasing ZnO‐NPs concentration in microcosms resulted in a reduction in the expression of C23DO with a concomitant slight deteriorative effect on bacterial populations ending up with elimination of Clostridium sp., Thauera sp., and uncultured proteobacteria. The oil‐degradation efficiency was reduced compared to TiO2‐NPs amended microcosms. In microcosms, Ag‐NPs were not detected in the crystalline form but were available in the ionic form that inhibited most bacterial populations and resulted in a limited degradation profile of oil, specifically the low molecular weight fractions. Ag‐NPs amended microcosms showed a significant reduction (80%) in C23DO gene expression and a detrimental effect on bacterial populations including key players like Mycobacterium sp., Microbacterium sp., and Thauera sp. involved in the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight isolates identified as belonging to the genus Bacillus were obtained from Aloqt (a crusty dried product made from goat milk). The cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) from the eight isolates possessed an inhibitory spectrum against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The eight unknown bacterial isolates were identified by PCR amplification of their 16S ribosomal RNA gene and sequencing of the resulting PCR products. All of the isolates were classified as members of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , as their 16S rDNA similarities to the respective species were greater than 99%. The phylogenetic analysis grouped two isolates with strain BCRC 11601 and the remaining six isolates with strains MPA 1034 and BCRC 11601. The inhibitory activity of the CFCS was either highly reduced or fully inactivated when treated by proteolytic enzymes, suggesting the possible involvement of a protein/polypeptide bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) in their antagonism. The optimum growth conditions for maximum inhibitory activity were achieved at an initial pH of 7, incubation temperature of 37 °C, and NaCl concentration of (1%). A considerable decrease and/or complete loss of activity occurred at values above and below the optimum. The maximum inhibitory activity occurred after 24 h of incubation; as the incubation time increased, a decrease in the activity was observed until a complete loss of activity occurred after 72 h of incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very low-density apolipoprotein II (apoVLDL) is one of the constituents of yolk in avian eggs. The expression of the apoVLDL gene is highly specific to the liver in mature female birds during the egg-laying period but is stimulated by exogenous estrogens in immature male birds. In the present study, we compared the effects of two estrogenic compounds, diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol, on the expression of apoVLDL mRNA in the liver of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Three-week-old, immature male quail were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of the estrogenic compounds, and the level of apoVLDL mRNA in the liver was measured by gene-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction. Diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol had a similar effect on the level of mRNA, increasing it in a dose-dependent manner. Next, the levels of apoVLDL mRNA in the liver of male embryos, which were developed in fertile eggs laid by quail injected with the estrogenic compounds during yolk formation, were measured. Maternal exposure to ethinylestradiol caused an increase in the mRNA in embryos, whereas exposure to diethylstilbestrol had no effect. These results point out the importance of the route of administration to the evaluation of the estrogenic effects of endocrine disruptors in oviparous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular matrix surrounding the oocyte before ovulation is called the perivitelline membrane (PL) in avian species. We have previously reported that one of its components, ZPC, is produced in ovarian granulosa cells by the stimulation of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone. Another component, ZP1, is synthesized in the liver and might be transported to the surface of the oocyte of the follicles. These glycoproteins are assembled to form a three-dimensional network of coarse fibers between the granulosa cells and the oocyte. In the present study, we have evaluated the involvement of the interaction of ZPC and ZP1 in the formation of the PL of Japanese quail. By measuring the incorporation of tritium-labeled proteins into the PL, we have found that tritium-labeled ZPC is specifically incorporated into the PL. Whole-mount autoradiographic analysis of the PL has also revealed the incorporation of the secreted ZPC into the isolated PL. To study which component in the PL is responsible for the specific incorporation of ZPC, PL lysates were incubated with the conditioned medium of the granulosa cells and were immunoprecipitated with anti-ZPC antiserum. Western blot analysis of the immunoprecipitated materials indicated that the 175-kDa and 97-kDa ZP1 forms were co-immunoprecipitated with anti-ZPC antiserum. These results demonstrate that ZPC secreted from the granulosa cells specifically binds with ZP1, and that the phenomenon might be involved in insoluble PL fiber formation in quail ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]