Novel mutation in the EXT-1 gene in an Iranian family affected with hereditary multiple exostoses

Identification of casual mutations in Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME) is important because of similar conditions in which multiple exostoses occur. Therefore mutation analysis can help to confirm the clinical diagnosis and to improve the management of therapy. HME is an inherited disorder of bone growth. HME can be referred to by various names such as Heredity Multiple Exostoses, Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromata, Multiple Carthaginous Exostoses, etc. People who have HME grow exostoses, or bony bumps, on their bones which can vary in size, location and number depending on the individual. HME is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with an estimated prevalence of 1/50,000 in western countries. At least three loci (EXT1, EXT2 and EXT3) thought to be involved in this skeletal disease. Approximately 90% of affected families possess mutations in the coding regions of EXT1 and EXT2 genes and the majority of these mutations cause loss of function. EXT1 and EXT2 genes encode related members of a putative tumor suppressor family. In this first report from Iran we identified a frame shift mutation (1100-1101 insA) in exon 3 of EXT1 gene in a family being suspicious of HME. This mutation leads to a premature stop codon and previously not described. Additionally, we have found an unreported silent mutation in the exon six of EXT1 gene with uncertain significance.     

Nigella sativa (black cumin seed) as a biological detoxifier in diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a common feed contaminant that adversely affects bird performance and product quality. A total of 600 7‐day‐old quail chicks were randomly allotted to eight experimental groups in a completely randomized design with five replicate pens and 15 quails per pen. Experimental treatments including two levels of AFB₁ (0 and 2.5 mg/kg) and 4 levels of Nigella sativa (NS) (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of diet) were offered from 7 to 35 days of age to quail chicks. Although feeding of AFB₁ impaired gain (G) and feed conversion ratio, dietary NS increased G (p < 0.05). Relative weight of bursa of Fabricius increased with incremental levels of NS (p < 0.05). AFB₁ decreased the size of heart, but incremental levels of NS increased the relative weight of heart (p < 0.05). The liver hypertrophy was observed in birds receiving AFB₁ (p < 0.05). The birds in AFB₁ group had smaller testes than other groups (p < 0.05). Hematocrit value in birds fed AFB₁ was lower than that in other groups (p < 0.05) and incremental levels of NS increased blood hematocrit (p < 0.05). Amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in meat samples of the birds fed AFB₁ was higher than those did not receive toxin but incremental levels of NS decreased the MDA concentration in affected birds (p < 0.05). AFB₁ suppressed the humoral immunity of the birds while NS augmented the antibody titres against sheep red blood cell and Newcastle disease virus antigens (p < 0.05). AFB₁ decreased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and spore‐forming bacteria (SFB) but increased Escherichia coli (E. coli; p < 0.05). However, NS increased LAB and SFB but decreased the E. coli populations (p < 0.05). This study revealed that NS as a biological detoxifier could relatively attenuate the negative effects of AFB₁ in quails.     

Delivery of epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) to hippocamp in Alzheimer's disease rat model

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive neuronal loss in hippocamp. Epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of transplanting EPI-NCSC into AD rat model. Methods: Two weeks after induction of AD by injection of Amyloid-β 1-40 into CA1 area of rat hippocamp, Y-maze and single-trial passive avoidance tests were used to show deficit of learning and memory abilities. EPI-NCSC were obtained from the vibrissa hair follicle of rat, cultured and labeled with bromodeoxyuridine. When Alzheimer was proved by behavioral tests, EPI-NCSC was transplanted into CA3 area of hippocamp in AD rat model. The staining of EPI-NCSC markers (nestin and SOX10) was done in vitro. Double-labeling immunofluorescence was performed to study survival and differentiation of the grafted cells. Results: We showed that transplanted EPI-NCSC survive and produce many neurons and a few glial cells, presenting glial fibrillary acidic protein. Total number of granule cells in hippocamp was estimated to be more in the AD rat model with transplanted cells as compared to AD control group. We observed that rats with hippocampal damage made more errors than control rats on the Y-maze, when reward locations were reversed. Conclusion: Transplanted cells were migrated to all areas of hippocamp and the total number of granule cell in treatment group was equal compared to control group. Transplantation of EPI-NCSC into hippocamp might differentiate into cholinergic neurons and could cure impairment of memory in AD rat model.Key Words: Alzheimer’s disease, Cholinergic neuron, Hair follicle     

Soil‐vegetation relationships of three arid land plant species and their use in rehabilitating degraded sites

It is essential to consider soil characteristics when establishing vegetation in arid lands. In this study, the redundancy analysis (RDA) ordination method was used in this study to evaluate the habitats of Halocnemum strobilaceum, Limonium iranicum and Tamarix passerinoides growing in the Sejzy region, east of Isfahan. The study area was stratified into six ecologic‐floristic complexes. Stratified random sampling was then employed to collect soil and vegetation data from 1‐ha quadrats on nine sites. The soil samples were analysed to determine the characteristics of the soil in which the three species grew and to examine the soil profiles up to a depth of 2 m. Soil analyses revealed that high amounts of gypsum, silt, clay, saline, alkali and sulphate in the soil constituted a favourable habitat for Halocnemum strobilaceum. However, the per cent of silt and sulphate concentration in deep layers were negatively correlated with the growth of this species. Evaluation of the L. iranicum habitat revealed that the amounts of carbonate and CCE in the topsoil were positively correlated with the establishment and growth of the species but salinity and alkalinity were negatively correlated. The primary soil characteristics that positively influenced T. passerinoides included the presence of organic matter and bicarbonate ions in the soil layers and the total Ca and Mg content of the topsoil. However, Na was negatively correlated with Tamarix species. Determination of the soil characteristics that are associated with each of these xerophytic species can be used to determine which species is suitable for rehabilitating degraded sites in the study area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Formation of nitric oxide during tobacco oxidation

The sources of NO during biomass oxidation, and in particular tobacco oxidation, have been disputed. Literature results range from decomposition of nitrate to the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen. To rectify these discrepancies, this study focuses on the sources of nitric oxide (NO) during the oxidation of tobacco samples. When Burley tobacco was heated in a partially oxidized atmosphere, NO was produced at two distinct temperature ranges, namely 275-375 degrees C (the low-temperature range) and 425-525 degrees C (the high-temperature range). The formation of NO at the low-temperature range with Burley tobacco was found to be unaffected by oxygen, while the formation of NO at the high-temperature range required an oxygen atmosphere. With Bright and Oriental tobacco, NO was produced only within the higher-temperature range. To understand the formation processes and the sources of NO formation within these two temperature ranges, several endogenous nitrogenous tobacco compounds were examined. These were mixed with non-nitrogenous biomass model materials, namely cellulose, pectin, xylan, or lignin, which also occur naturally in tobacco, and the mixtures were heated in a flow tube reactor under a partially oxidative atmosphere. A commercial gas analyzer was used to monitor the formation of NO during heating. Nitrate ion was determined to be the source of NO formation in the range of 275-375 degrees C. This ion was decomposed in a carbonaceous surrounding to produce NO. For NO formation at the higher temperature range, amino acids and proteins were shown to be the sources. The interaction between nitrogenous organic compounds (amino acids and proteins) and pectin first produced a nitrogen-containing char at a temperature below 350 degrees C. Oxidation of this char at the higher temperatures produced NO.     

The effect of three tropical medicinal plants and superzist probiotic on growth performance,carcass characteristics,blood constitutes,immune response,and gut microflora of broiler

The pivotal aim of the present context was to determine the effect of probiotic (superzist) and medicinal plants (R. coriaria, H. persicum, and M. piperita) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity response, and microflora counts of broilers over a 42-day feeding period. One hundred and fifty one-day-old chickens were randomly allocated to the following five treatments: (1) Control diets; (2) control diets?+?0.03% w/v superzist; (3) control diets?+?0.5% w/v R. coriaria; (4) control diets?+?0.5% w/v H. persicum; and (5) control diets?+?0.5% w/v M. piperita. No significant differences among treatments on broiler performance during 29th to 35th days of age, whereas a gradual reduction (P?<?0.05) in the feed efficiency and economic index values between 36th to 42nd days of age, across the treatments versus control diet. Supplementations were increased (P?<?0.05), the colon weight, colon length, and right cecum weight versus control. However, the superzist and phytogenic supplementation slightly increased the jejunum length, ileum length, and left cecum length. The supplementation showed reduced heterophils, increased lymphocytes and monocytes percentage, and decreased heterophils/lymphocytes ratio. Additions of superzist and medicinal plants reduced (P?<?0.05) the total counts of E. coli and improved (P?<?0.05) the cecal lactobacilli. In conclusion, under the appropriate conditions of this investigation, the superzist and tested medicinal plants could undoubtedly be ideal alternatives to the use of existing antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry industry.

     

Effects of dietary substitution of zinc‐methionine for inorganic zinc sources on growth performance,tissue zinc accumulation and some blood parameters in broiler chicks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of zinc‐methionine (ZnMet) as a replacement for conventional inorganic zinc sources on performance, tissue zinc accumulation and some plasma indices in broiler chicks. A total of 450‐day‐old Ross male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five pen replicates of nine experimental diets. Dietary treatments consisted of two basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg added Zn as feed‐grade Zn sulphate or Zn oxide in which, Zn was replaced with that supplied from ZnMet complex by 25, 50, 75 or 100%. At 42 days of age, three randomly selected birds from each pen were bled to measure plasma metabolites; then, the chicks were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Results showed that dietary treatments affected (p < 0.05) feed intake during the starter period, and chicks on Zn oxide diets consumed more feed than sulphate counterparts. Furthermore, dietary substitution of inorganic Zn sources by ZnMet caused improvements (p < 0.01) in body weight gain during all experimental periods. Dietary supplementation of ZnMet improved feed conversion efficiency during 1–21 and 1–42, but not in 21–42 days of age. Complete replacement of inorganic Zn by that supplied from ZnMet caused an increase (p < 0.05) in relative liver weight. Similarly, dietary inclusion of ZnMet increased breast meat and carcass yields and reduced abdominal fat percentage (p < 0.05). Incremental levels of ZnMet increased (p < 0.05) zinc concentrations in liver and thymus, and the highest zinc accumulations were seen in 100% ZnMet‐supplemented birds. Interestingly, introduction of ZnMet into the diets partially in place of inorganic sources resulted in decreases (p < 0.01) in plasma uric acid and triglycerides concentrations. The present findings indicated that dietary ZnMet inclusion in replacement of inorganic sources in addition to improving growth performance, reduced plasma uric acid and triglycerides concentrations, consequently decreased abdominal fat pad and increased carcass meat yield.     

Cryptosporidium SPP. In new born lambs in Iran

Summary In a study conducted to investigate the causes of the death of new born lambs due to diarrhoea 237 cases were studied. In 16 of these lambs necropsied at four to 10 days old organisms considered to beCryptosporidia at various stages of its life-cycle were associated with the luminal surface of the epithelium of the intestinal tract. The histopathology and the mechanism of the diarrhoea caused by the parasite and the resulting deaths are discussed.

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Resumen Doscientos treinta y siete casos de diarrea fueron estudiados, para investigar las causas de mortalidad en ovejas recien nacidas. En 16 de los corderos necropsiados, a los 4 y 10 dias de edad, se encontraron organismos consideradosCryptosporidia, en varios estados de desarrollo y associados con la superficie del epitelio intestinal. Se discute la histopatología y el mecanismo de la diarrea causada por el paràsito.

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Résumé 237 cas de mortalité d'agneaux nouveau-nés causés par de la diarrhée ont été étudiés. Chez 16 de ces agneaux autopsiés à l'age de 4 à 10 jours, des germes considérés comme étant desCryptosporidia à différents stades de leur cycle biologique ètaient associés à la surface luminale de l'épithelium de l'intestin. L'histopathologie et le mécanisme de la diarrhée causée par le parasite et les morts consécutives sont discutés.

     

Genetic evaluation of meat quality traits and their correlation with growth and carcase composition in Japanese quail

1. Estimates of heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of performance and meat quality traits were obtained in a population of Japanese quail using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures.

2. The heritability estimates for body weight (BW) traits ranged from 0·15 at hatch to 0·42 at six weeks. For carcase composition traits, heritability estimates ranged from 0·12 for carcase yield to 0·26 for abdominal fat yield and for meat quality traits they ranged from 0·18 for drip loss to 0·54 for yellowness of the meat.

3. Negative genetic correlations were found between BW and carcase traits with ultimate pH and drip loss ranging from ?0·01 (BW at hatch) to ?0·40 (skin yield). Redness and yellowness showed negative genetic correlations with BW and carcase traits, whereas the genetic correlations with lightness were positive (from 0·04 to 0·43).

4. Shear force and cooking loss showed positive genetic correlations with carcase, breast, abdominal and skin yield.

5. In conclusion, meat quality traits have the potential to be improved through genetic selection but selection for higher BW and carcase composition may reduce the meat quality of Japanese quail through reducing redness, ultimate pH and intramuscular fat and increasing lightness, shear force and cooking loss of the meat.     

Dietary grain source and oil supplement: Feeding behavior and lactational performance of Holstein cows

Effects of grain source and dietary oil supplement on dry matter intake (DMI), feeding, chewing behavior, and production performance of lactating dairy cows were evaluated using eight multiparous Holstein cows (77±22.1 days in milk; mean±SD) in a duplicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental diets contained either ground barley or ground corn supplemented with either fish oil or soybean oil at 2% of dietary dry matter (DM). Geometric mean particle size of dietary treatments was 4.1 mm. Dry matter intake tended (P=0.09) to be greater for barley- vs. corn-based diets (23.2 vs. 22.3 kg/d), but was reduced for the fish oil compared to soybean oil supplemented diets (21.1 vs. 24.3 kg/d; P<0.001). This reduction in DMI was attributed to smaller meal size (1.24 vs. 1.55 kg of DM; P=0.004) and slower eating rate (0.082 vs. 0.098 kg of DM/min; P<0.001) for fish oil compared to soybean oil supplemented diets. Main treatment effects interacted (P=0.005) for DMI of particles retained on 19 mm sieve but not for sorting index. Eating rate (0.090 kg of DM/min) was similar between barley- and corn-based diets, however, rumination time was greater for barley- compared to corn-based diets as result of longer rumination bout duration (32.5 vs. 28.5 min/bout; P=0.01). Barley- compared to corn-based diets increased total chewing time by 71 min (709 vs. 638 min) for cows fed fish oil, but not for cows fed soybean oil. Grain source did not affect milk yield or milk composition. Compared to soybean oil, fish oil negatively affected milk yield (40.4 vs. 43.4 kg/d; P=0.01), and thereby, both milk fat (0.91 vs. 1.26 kg/d; P<0.001) and protein (1.23 vs. 1.33 kg/d; P=0.007) production. However, feed efficiency (milk yield/DMI) was greater in fish oil compared to soybean oil supplemented diets (1.94 vs. 1.80; P=0.003). Results indicated that grain source and oil supplement can interact to affect feeding and chewing behavior, but not lactational performance of lactating cows.