This study aimed to detect Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus, and Brucella species in the abomasal contents of aborted ruminant fetuses from the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye using PCR between 2020 and 2023. The abomasal contents of a total of 97 aborted fetuses from cattle, sheep, and goats with a history of abortion, collected between the years 2020 and 2023, were tested in this study. As a result of PCR analysis of 97 abomasal contents, four (4.10%; 95.00% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 - 10.82) of them were C. abortus, including three sheep and one goat. Two (2.10%; 95.00% CI: 0.36 - 7.96) of them were C. burnetii, including one sheep and one cow. A total of 60 (61.90%; 95.00% CI: 51.40 - 71.37) samples from 47 cattle, nine sheep, and four goats were determined by Brucella genus-specific PCR. Following multiplex PCR analysis of the positive Brucella spp. samples, 39 (65.00%; 95.00% CI: 51.52 - 76.55) samples were identified as B. abortus, including two sheep, one goat, and 36 cattle. Additionally, 19 (31.70%; 95.00% CI: 20.60 - 45.09) isolates were identified as Brucella melitensis, including five sheep, two goats, and 12 cattle. In two sheep samples, both B. melitensis and C. abortus were identified from the same animals. In conclusion, Brucella spp. were the predominant abortion-causing pathogens, with C. abortus also contributing significantly. Effective control strategies under the One Health approach are essential to prevent the uncontrolled spread and inter-species transmission of these zoonotic agents in the region and country.
Obese and overeating children are at risk of obesity and its complications in adulthood. Research on childhood obesity encounters numerous challenges in mammals. Broiler chicks are a suitable animal model for studying childhood obesity. Genetically, broiler chicks exhibit high growth rates. They are hyperphagic, hyperglycemic, and capable of accumulating abdominal fat, and their diet can be managed from birth. Soybean oil, which is rich in omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid and low in omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 : n-3 ratio = 7.50), is widely utilized in human nutrition. However, conflicting findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of this oil in humans and rodents. Effects of a soybean oil-enriched diet (4.00% total fat as a control vs. 11.00% total fat as a treatment) on metabolic disorders in broiler chicks were evaluated from hatching to 36 days of age. Results showed no changes in food intake, body weight, appetite-regulating neuro-peptide mRNA levels, blood triglycerides, or hematological parameters. In contrast, the relative abdominal fat, blood cholesterol, aortic wall thickness, intima layer, and area of fat cells increased significantly in treatment group compared to control group. Signs of liver fat infiltration (steatosis) and changes in the aortic intima layer, including increased distance between elastin fibers, were observed. In conclusion, in middle-term-fed broiler chicks, a model for childhood obesity using soybean oil high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to early atherosclerosis, fatty liver, adipose dysfunction, and hypercholesterolemia, without impacting body weight or food intake.
Numerous studies have explored the molecular epidemiology of H9N2 viruses in Iran; however, continuous monitoring remains vital for timely interventions to mitigate potential damage. This study examined the molecular characteristics and evolutionary features of Iranian H9N2 viruses by sequencing the complete genomes of two viruses, Marand and Baneh, isolated in 1998 and 2022, respectively, alongside other Iranian strains from GenBank. All Iranian viruses were identified as low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses, as evidenced by the presence of the di-basic motif K/RSSR cleavage site. Notably, all Iranian viruses isolated from 2009 onward had an L at position 216 in the hemagglutinin receptor binding site, whereas earlier viruses exhibited a Q/L at the same position, an essential mutation that enhances replication in mammalian cells. The molecular evolutionary rates for the Iranian hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were estimated at 4.50 × 10-3 and 3.60 × 10-3 substitutions per site per year, respectively. Error-prone replication of H9N2 viruses has resulted in the continuous evolution of Iranian strains over two decades, characterized by three phases of population growth. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HA and NA genes of H9N2 viruses from domestic chickens belonged to the G1 sublineage. Additionally, the internal genes of some viruses displayed evidence of reassortment with other subtypes, indicating potential gene exchange with other viruses. These findings underscored the importance of ongoing surveillance of H9N2 viruses in both domestic and wild bird populations, given the human-like receptor-binding preference and the possibility of genetic reassortment with various viral subtypes.
Dicrocoeliasis is a globally significant condition impacting both economic and public health. The lack of effective vaccines and emergence of drug-resistant flukes have prompted research into alternative treatments. Metallic nanoparticles have recently been studied for their potential as anthelmintic agents. This research examined the in vitro anthelmintic activity of copper oxide (CuO-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Using adult motility inhibition tests and oxidative stress biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase , glutathione S-transferase , superoxide dismutase , and malondialdehyde , this study evaluated the effects of CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs. Flukes were treated with various concentrations of nanoparticles (1.00, 4.00, 8.00, 12.00, and 16.00 ppm) for 24 hr. The CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs demonstrated concentration- and time-dependent anthelmintic activity. Higher concentrations (12.00 and 16.00 ppm of CuO-NPs, and 16.00 ppm of ZnO-NPs) significantly inhibited worm motility compared to the controls. The nanoparticles induced oxidative stress in the flukes, with decreased superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and increased malondialdehyde levels. Based on these findings, CuO-NPs and ZnO-NPs exhibit potential as therapeutic agents for controlling and treating D. dendriticum. However, further studies are necessary to assess their safety and efficacy in vivo for managing parasitic infections.
The effects of substituting whole egg yolk (WEY) in a tris-citrate-based extender with two derived fractions, including a buffer-soluble fraction (BSF) and an ammonium sulfate insoluble yolk fraction, on the freezability of bull sperm were investigated. The BSF and ammonium sulfate insoluble yolk fraction levels of egg yolk in the respective diluents were consistent with their extracted values from an equivalent volume (20.00%) of egg yolk in the control diluent. The extenders were then enriched with 0.00, 5.00, and 10.00% (v/v) of pasteurized skim milk. Semen samples were collected weekly over five consecutive weeks from six adult bulls, and the standard ejaculates were pooled. The pooled semen was subsequently divided into seven experimental extenders and frozen in 0.50 mL French straws. Various sperm quality parameters, including kinematics, acrosome integrity, capacitation, and DNA fragmentation, were evaluated post-thawing. Results indicated that sperm kinematics and the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm in experimental extenders were not significantly different from those in the control group. The milk-free ammonium sulfate insoluble yolk fraction extender exhibited higher percentages of capacitated sperms, but lower percentages of spermatozoa with intact DNA compared to the WEY extender sperm. The addition of 10.00% milk into the BSF diluent resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of sperm with intact DNA and a notable decrease in the percentage of sperm with partially fragmented DNA compared to the control. In conclusion, a BSF extender enriched with 10.00% cow's skimmed milk is recommended as a substitute for WEY in the cryopreservation of bull semen.
Effective reproductive management in cattle, such as cows and buffaloes, requires early and accurate pregnancy detection. Early identification of pregnancy enables farmers to promptly identify non-pregnant animals for treatment and/or rebreeding, thereby reducing the calving interval. This study aimed to standardize the expression of the CCL8 and CXCL10 genes as markers for early pregnancy detection in Murrah buffaloes. Blood samples were collected on the 16th day post-artificial insemination for gene expression analysis and on days zero, seven, 14, and 21 post-artificial insemination for progesterone concentration measurement. Buffaloes were categorized as pregnant (n = 6) or non-pregnant (n = 6) based on the resumption of estrus. Gene expression levels in peripheral blood leukocytes were analyzed using Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) with SYBR green dye. Amplicons of CCL8, CXCL10, and GAPDH genes were measured 108, 117, and 158 bp, respectively. Results showed that CCL8 mRNA expression in pregnant buffaloes was 5.13 and 12.21 times higher compared to non-pregnant buffaloes, while CXCL10 mRNA expression was 4.19 and 22.17 times higher. These findings indicated significantly elevated CCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood leukocytes of pregnant buffaloes on the 16th day. Progesterone levels in the pregnant group were increased significantly from day zero to day 21, while no significant differences were observed between groups on days zero, seven and 14. Pregnancy was further confirmed via per-rectal examination on the 45th day post-artificial insemination Therefore, CCL8 and CXCL10 gene expression profiling on the 16th day could serve as reliable early pregnancy markers in Murrah buffaloes.
Thymoquinone (TQ), the bioactive compound found in black seed, possesses beneficial properties. In the present study, the effects of oral administration of TQ were investigated on acute corneal and orofacial pains in rats. To clarify the central mechanism of action, muscarinic cholinergic, cannabinergic 1 (CB1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists were delivered into the 4th ventricle of the brain after oral administration of TQ. Acute corneal and orofacial pains were induced by dropping of hypertonic saline (50.00 µL; 5.00 M) on the corneal surface and subcutaneous injection of capsaicin (1.50 µg; 20.00 µL) in the vibrissal pad, respectively. The eye wiping number and face rubbing duration were recorded as corneal and orofacial pains behavioral responses, respectively. Locomotor activity was measured using an open-field test. The TQ (5.00 mg kg-1) had no effects, while it reduced pain responses at 10.00, 20.00, and 40.00 mg kg-1. Intracerebro-ventricular injections of naloxone (an antagonist of opioid receptors), (N-(Piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (an antagonist of CB1 receptors), atropine (an antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors), and ondansetron (an antagonist of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors) at a similar dose of 10.00 µg kg-1 inhibited corneal and orofacial pains suppression caused by 40.00 mg kg-1 TQ. The tested drugs did not affect locomotor activity. It is concluded that TQ caused analgesia in the acute corneal and orofacial pains. Central opioid, cholinergic muscarinic, CB1, and 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors might be involved in the anti-nociceptive effects of TQ.
This study aimed to explore whether melatonin protects TM3 Leydig cells from cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia through the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Cells were divided into four groups: a control group without treatment (Group 1), a melatonin group (10.00 ng mL-1; Group 2), a group treated with CoCl2 (100 µM) to induce hypoxia (Group 3), and a melatonin + CoCl2 group (Group 4). After 96 hr of incubation, cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and transforming growth factor beta 1, activin receptor-like kinase-5, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 gene and protein expressions were measured through RT‑PCR and western blotting. The CoCl2 and melatonin + CoCl2 groups exhibited significantly diminished cell viability compared to the control. However, melatonin treatment enhanced survival in the CoCl2-exposed cells. Notably, transforming growth factor beta 1 expression was elevated in all groups. Activin receptor-like kinase-5 (gene and protein expression increased in CoCl2-treated groups but was lower in the melatonin + CoCl2 group. Melatonin treatment reduced bone morphogenetic protein 4 expression compared to the control, while CoCl2 groups showed increased bone morphogenetic protein 4 levels. These findings suggest melatonin's potential as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress and hypoxia in TM3 cells through its antioxidant properties.
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant known to cause severe damage to the male reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of bee bread (BB), a natural product with anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, against Cd-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. A total number of 32 rats were divided into four groups, including control, BB (0.50 g kg-1), Cd (5.00 mg kg-1), and Cd + BB (5.00 mg kg-1 and 0.50 g kg-1, respectively) groups. Administrations via oral gavage were performed for 4 weeks. Semen analysis revealed significant reductions in sperm motility and density along with increases in abnormal and dead sperm ratios in the Cd and Cd + BB groups compared to controls. Histopathological examination showed severe degeneration and desquamation of germ cells, tubular atrophy, and a decrease in spermatozoa in the Cd-treated groups. Polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated up-regulation of apoptotic markers (caspase-3, -8, and -9) and oxidative stress enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the Cd group, signifying disrupted testicular function. The BB administration partially mitigated Cd-induced damage as evidenced by less severe histopathological changes and moderated gene expression alterations. However, the protective effects of BB were not sufficient to completely counteract the toxic impact of Cd. The present study concluded that while BB had potential in reducing Cd-induced testicular toxicity, its protective efficacy was limited, warranting further research to explore its therapeutic potential in combination with other protective agents.
Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor in Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to bacterial persistence, antimicrobial resistance, and chronic infections. This study aimed to investigate the presence of biofilm-associated genes (fib, fnbA, fnbB, clfA, and clfB) in S. aureus isolates from dogs in Ilam, Iran. From December 2022 to September 2023, 250 swab samples were collected from nasal, oral, and rectal sites of dogs, yielding 81 S. aureus isolates confirmed by PCR amplification of the nuc gene. The prevalence of biofilm-associated genes varied, with clfA, clfB, and fnbA detected in 98.80% of isolates, fib in 63.00%, and fnbB in 16.00%. Notably, fnbA, clfA, and clfB were present in all rectal isolates, while fnbB was absent in this group. The findings highlighted the widespread presence of biofilm-related genes in S. aureus from dogs, suggesting their potential role in colonization and zoonotic transmission. The high prevalence of adhesion-associated genes underscored the need for monitoring biofilm-forming S. aureus in companion animals to mitigate antimicrobial resistance and public health risks.
Crocetin (CRT) is one of the active chemical compounds of saffron and has many biological effects such as antioxidant property. The present study investigated the effects of CRT on crushed sciatic nerve function. Vitamin (Vit) C was used as an antioxidant drug. Thirty rats were divided into six groups including intact, sham, crush, CRT 7.50, CRT 30.00 and Vit C 100. Nine other rats with no surgery were scheduled in three groups to receive 7.50 and 30.00 mg kg-1 CRT and 100 mg kg-1 Vit C. In anesthetized rats, right sciatic nerve was crushed using a small hemostatic forceps. Sciatic functional index values on days five, 10, 15 and 20 after crush were accelerated, the severities of sciatic nerve degeneration and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy were ameliorated, and the increased malondialdehyde level and the decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the serum were restored by 20 consecutive days of oral administration of 30.00 mg kg-1 CRT and 100 mg kg-1 Vit C. No significant differences were observed between 30.00 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 Vit C. The groups that did not have surgery but received CRT (7.50 and 30.00 mg kg-1) and Vit C (100 mg kg-1) showed no behavioral, histopathological and biochemical alterations when compared to intact group. It was concluded that CRT and Vit C produced similar improving effects on crushed-injured sciatic nerve function. Inhibition of oxidative stress, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant activity might be involved in improving effects of CRT and Vit C.
Generalized subcutaneous emphysema (GSE) is an uncommon clinical presentation in equids, typically associated with penetrating trauma and rarely compromising systemic health. This case report documents a 4-year-old working mule presenting with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema secondary to an axillary penetrating wound in the right forelimb. Clinical examination revealed pronounced crepitus without concurrent ataxia, dyspnea, dehydration, or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Diagnostic investigations, including ultrasonography, radiography, complete blood count, paracentesis, and bacterial culture, yielded unremarkable hematological findings and no microbial growth. The wound was managed via local debridement, with adjunct systemic therapy, including penicillin G and flunixin meglumine. Complete resolution occurred within five days under stall rest. This case underscores that generalized subcutaneous emphysema in mules may represent a benign, self-limiting condition when infectious etiologies are excluded. Conservative management, including compulsory rest and anti-inflammatory therapy, can facilitate spontaneous resolution while mitigating risks of pneumothorax or gas gangrene. The rarity of non-infectious generalized subcutaneous emphysema in equids warrants further etiopathological investigation to establish species-specific prognostic criteria.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease and a potential contributor to Crohn's disease, presents a significant challenge due to its resistance to conventional antibiotics. This necessitates the development of innovative strategies for prevention and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-bacterial activity of pathogen-specific antibodies derived from chicken egg yolks (immunoglobulin Y [IgY]) and the postbiotics from lactic acid bacteria against MAP. Immunoglobulin Y antibodies were produced by immunizing hens with formalin-killed MAP strain antigens. The IgY was extracted and purified, and the anti-MAP titers were quantified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration of different concentrations of specific anti-MAP IgY and the mixture of postbiotics (from four different probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Pediococcus acidilactici) individually and in combination against MAP was determined at various time intervals. Anti-MAP IgY titers in egg yolks increased within 2 weeks of immunization, reaching peak levels at 6 weeks. Growth inhibition assays revealed that postbiotics concentration as low as 6.25 mg mL-1 effectively inhibited MAP growth. Anti-MAP IgY demonstrated anti-bacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50.00 mg mL-1, while the combined IgY-posbiotics treatment achieved MAP growth inhibition at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.125 mg mL-1. The findings of the study suggest that combination therapy with specific IgY and postbiotics may be a promising preventive strategy for controlling MAP infections. Further in vivo studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of this approach for broader use in veterinary and human medicine.
Selenium (Se) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique properties such as high absorption ability, low toxicity and minimal environmental persistence. These properties, combined with demonstrated anti-parasitic effects against certain parasites, suggest their potential as candidate for house fly control. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Se and AuNPs in controlling house flies. We investigated the insecticidal effect of Se and AuNPson Musca domestica using a dipping method. Several concentrations (20.00, 60.00, 100, 400, and 1,000 ppm) were prepared using deionized water. Fifteen larvae per concentration were tested, with each test repeated three times. The larvae were dipped in the NP solutions for 30, 60 and 90 sec in 10.00 mL of the tested concentrations. Distilled water was used for the control group. Larval mortality was recorded 24 hr post-treatment. No mortality was observed in house fly larvae 24 hr after exposure to different concentrations of Se and AuNPs, regardless of the incubation time. Thus, Se and AuNPs showed no insecticidal effect on house fly larvae. In conclusion, Se and AuNPs cannot be used to control house flies. Due to the issues associated with chemical control, it is crucial to search for alternative pesticides.
The present study evaluated the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular damage in rats, focusing on oxidative stress and autophagy. Methotrexate, a folic acid analogue used in cancer and autoimmune treatments, impairs spermatogenesis via oxidative stress and apoptosis. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: Control (normal saline, 35 days), MTX (0.30 mg kg-1, gavage, three times per week, 35 days), MTX + RJ (0.30 mg kg-1 MTX + 0.10 mg kg-1 RJ, gavage, three times per week, 35 days), and RJ (0.10 mg kg-1, gavage, three times per week, 35 days). After 35 days, rats were euthanized and testicular tissue was analyzed via histopathology, immunohistochemistry for LC3-I/II expression in germ cells and qRT-PCR for mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes (Beclin-1, Atg7, LC3-I). Histopathological findings revealed that MTX caused severe interstitial edema, coagulative necrosis and disrupted spermatogenesis with reduced seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelial thickness, tubular differentiation index (TDI) and spermiogenesis index. Co-administration of RJ significantly improved seminiferous tubule morphology, diameter, epithelial thickness, TDI and spermiogenesis index. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in LC3-I/II+ germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids) in the MTX group which was markedly reduced in the MTX + RJ group. Similarly, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated elevated mRNA levels of Beclin-1, Atg7, and LC3-I in the MTX group which were significantly reduced in the MTX + RJ group. These findings suggested that RJ mitigated MTX-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and autophagy, thereby, preserving spermatogenesis and testicular integrity.
Bovine viral diarrhea virus is a pestivirus of the Flaviviridae family including two biotypes, cytopathic (CP) and non-CP (NCP). This study aimed to evaluate DNA damage and apoptosis in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells following infection with both biotypes. The MDBK monolayers were inoculated with a final dose of virus (1.00 × 10³ Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50% mL-1) and incubated for 24 hr. DNA strand integrity was assessed using alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis, and DNA damage was quantified through tail moment and olive tail moment indices (n = 3). Apoptosis was evaluated using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide flow cytometry to determine early and late apoptotic cell populations. Both biotypes significantly increased DNA fragmentation compared to the control group. The tail moment values were 15.89 ± 2.13 (control), 57.63 ± 16.20 (NCP), and 68.15 ± 9.93 (CP); while, olive tail moment values were 8.71 ± 1.01 (control), 29.35 ± 9.18 (NCP), and 35.14 ± 6.90 (CP). Apoptosis analysis showed a higher percentage of apoptotic cells in infected groups, with CP biotype of bovine viral diarrhea virus inducing the greatest early and late apoptotic responses, being consistent with its CP nature. Overall, both biotypes caused notable genomic injury and apoptosis in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, with CP producing the highest level of damage, confirming single-cell gel electrophoresis combined with apoptosis assays as sensitive tools for detecting virus-mediated genomic instability and supporting their potential application in breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to infectious diseases.
Streptococcus agalactiae is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen accountable for disease outbreaks in tilapia, resulting in substantial economic losses in aquaculture. In this study, a 10-round whole-cell Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment procedure was conducted to isolate and characterize single-stranded DNA aptamers with specific binding affinity to S. agalactiae. The enriched single-stranded DNA libraries were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing, yielding a total of 180,987 reads, of which 126,933 included unique aptamer sequences. The most frequent sequences were selected for further analysis. Among them, SA1 had the highest frequency, with 231 reads, whereas SA2 showed a lower number of 16 reads. These findings underscored the validity of combining whole-cell Systemic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment, high-throughput sequencing and aptamer-structure analysis to explore the interaction between aptamers and bacterial cell surfaces. The selected aptamers not only showed promise for the detection of S. agalactiae but also served as molecular probes for identifying surface-exposed proteins, studying host-pathogen interactions and guiding targeted drug delivery in aquaculture-related applications.
Physalopteridae nematodes pose a threat to a broad spectrum of animals including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The current study was the first molecular and phylogenetic characterization of Physaloptera clausa parasitizing long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) in Iran. A male road-killed H. auritus was collected from Shahriar City, Tehran province in May 2022 and it was subjected to necropsy. After isolating parasites, they underwent morphological analysis using a light microscope and an identification key. For molecular analysis, the genomic DNA was isolated using the FavorPrepTM Tissue Genomic DNA Extraction Mini Kit. The PCR products were sequenced, the sequence data were analyzed and multiple alignments were conducted using the Clustal Omega. For phylogenetic analysis, these nucleotide sequences were aligned in MEGA 11 based on the lowest bayesian information criterion score. A cluster of parasites was found on the mucosa of the hedgehog stomach. All the nematodes were identified as P. clausa. The sequence obtained in this study has been submitted to GenBank® with the accession number OR088573. The phylogeny analysis revealed that the genus Physaloptera formed a major clade where P. clausa was clustered with various Physaloptera species, closely related to Turgida, Physalopteroides and Skrjabinoptera genera. Our study specified the necessity for additional taxonomic and phylogenetic research on Physaloptera species and related genera to fully understand the evolutionary dynamics and ecological significance of these parasites.
Bone tissue engineering offers a potential alternative to conventional grafting by combining biocompatible scaffolds with biological stimulants. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester with good mechanical strength and biocompatibility. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a calcium phosphate mineral that is a major component of bone and has excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. This research investigated the histopathological effects of PCL-HA nanocomposite scaffolds along with their combination with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), on the regeneration of bone in rabbit calvarial bone defects. Four circular full-thickness bone defects of 5.00 mm in diameter were created on the calvarial bone of 15 male New Zealand white rabbits. Three defects were filled with PRF, PCL-HA, and PCL-HA/PRF, and one defect was served as a control with no filler. Histopathological evaluations were conducted at 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks post-implantation. Data were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Significant differences were observed between the treatment and control groups regarding bone regeneration throughout all 12th weeks studied. In the 4th weeks, no significant differences in bone regeneration were noted among the treatment groups. In the 8th weeks, most new bone formation was observed in the PCL-HA/PRF group. Both the PCL-HA and PCL-HA/PRF groups significantly improved bone regeneration compared to the control and PRF groups, with the PCL-HA/PRF group demonstrating the greatest bone formation, and vascularization and the lowest inflammation by the 12th week. Thus, PCL-HA/PRF could be considered as a suitable alternative to bone grafts and could be increasingly utilized in orthopedic surgery and bone tissue engineering.
To mitigate metabolic disorders and skeletal abnormalities associated with rapid growth in broilers, and to reduce reliance on antibiotics, strategies involving feed restriction and non-antibiotic dietary additives are increasingly explored. This study investigated the effects of various feeding methods and additives on weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology and ileal digestibility in broiler chickens. The research involved 480 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens. A 2 × 5 factorial experiment, arranged in a completely randomized design, incorporating two feeding methods (without and white quantitative restriction) and four types of additives including thyme essential oil (300 g per ton), oregano essential oil (300 g per ton), equal weight ratio of thyme and oregano essential oil (300 g per ton) and probiotic (250 g per ton) along with control diets (without additives). Dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil significantly increased weight gain compared to the other additive groups. While the feeding method, additives and their interactions significantly influenced feed intake in chickens and the feed conversion ratio was primarily affected by the type of additive. Supplementation with any of the tested additives led to reduced total feed intake and improved final feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Histological analysis revealed that chickens receiving oregano exhibited the highest villus height to crypt depth ratio. In conclusion, this research suggested that quantitative feed restriction, particularly when combined with specific dietary additives such as oregano essential oil could significantly improve broiler growth performance, feed efficiency and intestinal morphology, offering potential alternatives to conventional practices.
