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Malaria-associated pathogenesis such as parasite invasion, egress, host cell remodelling and antigenic variation requires concerted action by many proteins, but the molecular regulation is poorly understood. Here we have characterized an essential Plasmodium-specific Apicomplexan AP2 transcription factor in Plasmodium falciparum (PfAP2-P; pathogenesis) during the blood-stage development with two peaks of expression. An inducible knockout of gene function showed that PfAP2-P is essential for trophozoite development, and critical for var gene regulation, merozoite development and parasite egress. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data collected at timepoints matching the two peaks of pfap2-p expression demonstrate PfAP2-P binding to promoters of genes controlling trophozoite development, host cell remodelling, antigenic variation and pathogenicity. Single-cell RNA sequencing and fluorescence-activated cell sorting revealed de-repression of most var genes in Δpfap2-p parasites. Δpfap2-p parasites also overexpress early gametocyte marker genes, indicating a regulatory role in sexual stage conversion. We conclude that PfAP2-P is an essential upstream transcriptional regulator at two distinct stages of the intra-erythrocytic development cycle.

Background: Malnutrition is a global health issue that affects all age groups and regions. The integration of malnutrition screening into community pharmacy practices help address malnutrition. Community pharmacies, with their accessibility and reach, are well-suited to provide essential malnutrition screening services, contributing to improved public health outcomes. Objective: The research objectives encompass evaluating community pharmacists' knowledge, screening proficiency, range of malnutrition services provided, and competence in identifying patients at risk of malnutrition. Method: The study used a cross-sectional design to gather data from CPs in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using an online, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used, and the data were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: Eighty five percent of the 80 CPs who took the survey and provided responses practiced in urban areas. Approximately 37% and 18% of pharmacists, respectively, had a good and fair understanding of therapeutic nutrition. Additionally, while 33% of pharmacists provided nutritional advice in response to a prescription, 41% of them did so based on specific observations. Patients with severe dehydration (28%), infants and children with growth impairment (25%), and neonates with low birth weight (20%) were identified as high-risk. A little over 30% of survey participants thought patients should have both dietary and medical treatment. Additionally, 34% of pharmacists reported nutritional supplements had a positive impact on public health, while 28% believed they should be sold in pharmacies under pharmacist supervision. Conclusion: Study findings revealed knowledge gaps in addressing malnutrition among CPs. While they play a significant role, improvements are needed in understanding therapeutic nutrition and providing advice. Identifying high-risk patients and recognizing the value of nutritional supplements can enhance public healthcare services and patient well-being.

Research trials were conducted at commercial farms (n=147,500) to explore the performance of artificial insemination technique at various frequencies in meat-type floored and cage-housed breeder flocks during 1st and 2nd egg-laying cycles under the controlled environment where the average house temperature and RH were 25-28oC;75-85% and 21-24oC; 50-65% during summer and winter seasons, respectively. Birds were divided into six groups; the cage-housed flocks were either artificially inseminated on each 5th (n=20,000) or 7th day (n=20,000) whereas the floored flocks were either naturally mated (n=10,000) or inseminated artificially on 7th (n=10,000) or 5th (n=49000) day during 1st and 2nd egg lay (n=38500) cycles. The egg lay and hatch data was recorded for complete flock cycles and analyzed using SPSS software. Artificially inseminated hens produced 16% more (P<0.01) chicks than naturally mated flocks for 25 weeks long post-peak phase (41-65 weeks) during 1st egg lay cycle without any significant decline in egg lay. Floored flocks produced 2% more eggs during pre-peak but 2% fewer eggs during peak and post-peak phases compared to cage-housed hens (P>0.05). The Hatchery percentile was the same before the peak and then improved (P<0.05) by 4 and 10% during and after the peak, respectively. Insemination frequency, cockerels' body weight, and production cycle had no significant effect (P>0.05) on both parameters, however, the effect of cockerels' body weight on hatch was considerable (P<0.09). Artificial insemination exploits the optimal role-play of both the male and female lines to overcome low fertility in commercial poultry and may replace natural mating as per business needs, particularly after the peak egg-laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the potential of a commercial probiotic mixture on performance, gut health and nutrient utilisation of broilers-fed poultry by-product meal (PBM)-based diet. Three-hundred-and-twenty Ross-308-day-old broiler chicks were obtained from a commercial poultry hatchery. The chicks were randomly assigned to four different treatment groups, each consisting of four replicates (n = 10) in a randomised complete design. The positive control group (CON) was fed commercial poultry ration, and the negative control group (N-CON) was fed PBM partially replacing soybean meal at a 65% level. The MSP1 and MSP2 groups contained the same diet as the N-CON group but supplemented with multi-strain probiotics (MSP) at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Overall N-CON group performed poorly, but the addition of probiotics in group MSP1 and MSP2 diets significantly improved performance. Feed efficiency and bird weight gain were improved (p <.05) by multi-strain probiotics supplementation in MSP1 and MSP2 groups compared to N-CON. The highest weight gain was observed in MSP2 and lowest in the N-CON group. Increasing levels of probiotics significantly increased villi length, width and surface area in probiotics-supplemented groups compared to non-supplemented groups. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were improved (p <.05) in probiotics-supplemented groups compared to N-CON. In conclusion, PBM at a 6.5% level was successfully used to replace soybean meal with multi-strain probiotics supplementation without compromising broiler health. HIGHLIGHTS: Multi-strain probiotics supplementation in diets of broilers improves production performance. Increasing levels of multi-strain probiotics supplementation increases villi length, width and surface area in broilers. Multi-strain probiotics supplementation in ration improves nutrient digestibility (dry matter and crude protein) in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Induced pluripotent stem cells have revolutionized biological research. These are adult cells that can be reprogrammed to differentiate into any cell type in the body. Although iPSCs have been widely studied in mammals, recent progress has extended their use to avian species, particularly chickens. Chicken iPSCs provide a unique model for investigating avian development, pathology, and genetics. Through the manipulation of these cells, researchers may get insights into cellular differentiation, disease progression, and possible tissue healing mechanisms. The development of efficient reprogramming methods, both viral and non-viral techniques, has significantly improved the generation of chicken iPSCs. In addition, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, such as key signaling pathways and transcription factors, has driven the science forward. There are many uses of chicken-induced pluripotent stem cells. They may be used in the modeling of human diseases, the formulation of new drugs, and the engineering of genetically modified birds for agricultural purposes. As research proceeds, we are expecting more revolutionary discoveries and new uses of chicken iPSCs. The advent of iPSCs has greatly advanced the fields of degenerative biology, disease capabilities, and regenerative medicine. iPSCs are a new and compelling model system for studying biological processes, as well as evaluating novel therapeutic interventions. The concept of iPSCs was created in 2006 by Takahashi and Yamanaka, reprogramming mouse fibroblasts with the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc OSKM. Similar to ESCs, iPSCs can self-renew and differentiate into all types of cells. This approach has since been applied to the avian species (e.g., chickens), allowing new opportunities for scientific investigation. Thus, the chicken model organism fills the important gap between mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates. The relatively short life cycle of the chicken model organism, alongside well-characterized genetics, makes it a perfect candidate for stem cell studies. With advancements in the technology behind avian iPSCs, it is now possible to generate pluripotent cells with high production rates. This allows new perspectives regarding germline transmission, tissue differentiation, and genetic trait improvement. This review summarizes the major advances made in the generation of chicken iPSCs using novel reprogramming techniques and the identification of species-specific transcription factors important for maintaining pluripotency. The applications of avian iPSCs in genetic engineering studies, disease resistance, and avian conservation are also discussed. This review will also indicate how the use of iPSCs in poultry biotechnology can further improve meat and egg production. Finally, the review discusses current challenges, such as incomplete understanding of the avian reprogramming environment and epigenetic modifications, and suggests future directions for refining the iPSC technology in avian mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore the beneficial aspect of serratiopeptidase (proteolytic enzyme) combined with low profile antibiotic (Neomycin) in chickens against the E. coli infection at the finisher stage. Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial activities and potency of this combination. A total of one hundred and eighty day-old chicks were randomly allotted to 6 groups i.e. G1 (negative control), G2 (positive control), G3 (standard antibiotic neomycin only), SN-1 (Serratiopeptidase @40g/L+Neomycin@10mg/L), SN-2 (Serratiopeptidase @50mg/L+ Neomycin @20mg/L), and SN-3 (Serratiopeptidase @ 60mg/L+ Neomycin @30mg/L). Each group consisted of thirty birds with 5 replicates (6 birds/replicate). On day 21, fresh inocula of E. coli (1x109cfu) were orally administered to all the groups except negative control. The results revealed that birds in SN-3 group showed significantly larger zone of inhibition, increased feed intake, weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio compared to standard and control groups. Moreover, reduced (p<0.05) mortality and morbidity index was found in SN-3 group among all the treated groups. It was concluded, that use of serratiopeptidase combination with neomycin has better impact on broiler chickens to enhance the antimicrobial effect of Neomycin against E. coli infection and to enhance production parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the combined effect of fiber degrading enzymes (ß-Mannanase) and soybean hulls on the production performance, hematological parameters, and economics in the laying hens during the early (29 to 32 weeks) peak production period. Two hundred golden brown (RIR×Fayoumi) layer birds of age 28 weeks were used for the experimental purpose and were distributed in five groups control (CON), and treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4), each had 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The CON group had a corn-soybean basal diet while the T1 group contained 3%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, T2 3%SH+30mg/kg enzyme, T3 9%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, and T4 group 9%SH+30mg/kg enzyme in the feed. Overall feed intake, weight gain, and water intake were calculated (P<0.05) in the T2 diet group. Egg production, FCR, HDEP, and mortality was not effaced (P>0.05) in all weeks. Total revenue was calculated higher in the T2 group while the profit and cost-benefit ratio had a higher (P<0.05) value in the CON and T1 diet groups. The total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were calculated (P<0.05) higher in the CON group while all other hematological and serum biochemistry parameters were not affected and were in the normal range. It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal in the diet of laying hens by 3% SH in combination with enzyme (ß-Mannanase) at the level of 20mg/kg feed has a positive effect on the overall performance of laying hens during the early peak egg production period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine the effect of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract on growth performance, gut morphometry, and economics in broilers. One hundred and twenty days old broiler chicks were used for the experiment and were divided into four groups each with three replicates of ten birds. Group 1 was control with normal water while 1, 1.5, and 2ml/liter of liquorice extract (LE) in drinking water were provided to the remaining three groups. The results showed significantly reduced feed consumption, increased weight gain, and better FCR in 2ml/l of LE group. Similarly, 2ml/l of LE group showed increased (P<0.05) villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height to crypt depth ratio. The digestibility of dry matter, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, ether extract, and calcium was also calculated significantly higher in the 2ml/l of LE group. Total cost in the control group while the gross and net return was recorded significantly higher in the group containing 2ml/l of LE. The dressing percentage had a significantly higher value in 1.5, and 2ml/l of LE groups than in the remaining treatment groups. Mortality was recorded significantly higher in 1 ml/l of LE group as compared to all other groups. It was concluded that liquorice extract at 2ml/l water has a useful effect on growth performance, gut morphology, and economics in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the combined effect of fiber degrading enzymes (β-Mannanase) and soybean hulls (SH) on the egg quality parameters in the laying hens during the early (29 to 32 weeks) peak production period. Two hundred golden brown (RIR × Fayoumi) layer birds, 28 weeks old, were used for the experimental purpose and were assigned into five groups CON, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each group contained 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The CON group had a corn-soybean basal diet while the T1 group had 3%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, T2 3%SH+30mg/kg enzyme, T3 9%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, and T4 group 9%SH+30mg/kg enzyme in the feed. Results indicated overall significantly lower egg shell thickness in the control group while all other overall internal and external egg quality parameters were not affected (P>0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal in the diet of laying hens by 3 and 9%SH in combination with enzyme (β-Mannanase) at the level of 20 and 30mg/kg feed has a positive effect on the egg quality parameters during early peak egg production period in the laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the combined effect of fiber degrading enzymes (β-Mannanase) and soybean hulls on the egg quality parameters in the laying hens during the early (29 to 32 weeks) peak production period. Two hundred golden brown (RIR×Fayoumi) layer birds of age 28 weeks were used for the experimental purpose and were assigned into five groups CON, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each group contained 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The CON group had a corn-soybean basal diet while the T1 group had 3%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, T2 3%SH+30mg/kg enzyme, T3 9%SH+20mg/kg enzyme, and T4 group 9%SH+30mg/kg enzyme in the feed. The result showed significantly higher digestibility of crude protein (CP) in the T1 group and crude fat in the T1 and T2 groups while the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), and ash were not effected (P>0.05). Digesta viscosity and feces consistency were not effaced (P>0.05) but duodenum, jejunum, and ileum villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area were recorded higher (P<0.05) in the T2 diet group. It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal in the diet of laying hens by 3%SH in combination with enzyme (β-Mannanase) at the level of 20 and 30mg/kg feed has a positive effect on the nutrient digestibility, digesta viscosity, feces consistency and intestinal histomorphology during early peak egg production period in the laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel is a known hepatotoxic, haemotoxic, pulmonary toxic, nephrotoxic, reproductive toxic, carcinogenic, phytotoxic and neurotoxic agent. The adverse ecological impacts from unnecessary heavy metals include contamination of water and soil which pose serious threats to human health. This study was conducted to screen plants for the phytoremediation of nickel from sixty-one sites of the Lower Dir. Nickel-metal was analyzed in the soil, roots and shoots of plants. The total concentration of nickel in soil, roots and shoots was found to be in the range of 1.03-18.98, 12.63-540.73 and 12.00-295.86 mg kg–1 dry weight basis (DW) respectively. The highest nickel contents were present in the roots of Xanthium strumarium (540.73) and shoots of Bryophyllum daigremontianum (295.86). None of the plant species were identified as hyper accumulators for nickel but based on BCF, TF and BAC values most of the species showed feasibility for its phytoextraction and phytostabilization. Xanthium strumarium, Filago hurdwarica, Ranunculus arvensis, Medicago lupulina, Cannabis sativa, Geranium rotundifolium and Cerastium glomeratum are suggested for the phytostabilization of nickel whereas Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Rosularia adenotricha, Iris germanica, Asplenium dalhousiae and Isatis tinctoria for the phytoextraction of soil contaminated with nickel.

Simple Summary: This study explored the effects of the different dietary combinations of soyhulls and the β-mannanase enzyme on production performance, economics, egg quality, blood biochemicals, nutrient digestibility, and gut health in laying hens during the late peak production phase. Golden brown hens were fed different diets for four weeks, and the combination of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase showed potential benefits. It improved production performance and increased egg weight, albumen weight, and height while significantly lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels. This combination also improved gut morphology and enhanced nutrient digestibility. Overall, the inclusion of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase in the diet may have positive effects on production performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health and potentially lower serum cholesterol levels in laying hens while maintaining acceptable egg quality. This study investigated the effects of the β-mannanase enzyme and soyhulls on production performance, economics, egg quality, hematology and serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, digesta viscosity, and excreta consistency in laying hens during the late peak production phase (37 to 40 weeks of age). Golden brown hens (RIR × Fayoumi; n = 200) were fed a control diet (no soyhulls or enzymes) and diets containing four combinations, i.e., 3% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D1), 3% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D2), 9% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D3), and 9% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D4), for four weeks in four replicates of 10 birds each. Overall, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and water intake were calculated in the D2 group as compared to the control and remaining combinations of soyhulls and β-mannanase. No mortality was recorded during the entire experiment. Economically, the D1 and D2 groups showed the best results as compared to the D3 and D4 groups. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen weight and height, and the Haugh unit remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Similarly, the D2 group showed significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels and enhanced gut morphology with greater villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area across intestinal segments. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), crude fat, and ash digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) in the D1 and D2 groups compared to the control. Digesta viscosity, excreta consistency, and other egg quality parameters remained unaffected. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of a combination of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase may have potential benefits for laying hens by improving some production performance and egg quality indicators and economics, lowering blood cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels, enhancing nutrient digestibility, and improving gut morphology without affecting egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]