Genetic Structure of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Carrier Horses in Morocco Inferred by Microsatellite Data

A total of 17 microsatellite deoxyribonucleic acid loci used routinely for horse parentage control were used to evaluate genetic diversity among normal Arabian horses and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) carrier Arabian horses (ArS) and normal Arab-Barb horses and SCID carrier Arab-Barb horses (ArbeS). On the basis of the genotype of 186 horses, mean allelic diversity was estimated as 6.82, 5.53, and 6.7059 in normal Arabian horses, ArS, and for both groups of Arab-Barb horses, respectively. Five specific alleles were observed in ArS and ArbeS, with one common with ArS at HMS6, whereas five alleles common between ArS and ArbeS had a high frequency. Expected and observed heterozygosity showed great heterogeneity in the population studied and were similar or higher when compared with other studies on Arabian horses. Coefficient of gene differentiation G_st of Nei associated with Nei’s genetic distance and multivariate correspondence analysis indicated a possible differentiation between the studied populations when analyzed separately according to breed. Probability of assignment of a horse to a specific group was assessed using a full and partial Bayesian approach. In all, 80.6% of Arab horses and 78.2% of Arab-Barb horses were assigned properly with a partial Bayesian test, which provided better results than the full one. These findings will be useful for identification of SCID carrier horses by using the microsatellite deoxyribonucleic acid loci used routinely for horse parentage control in our laboratory.     

The detection of the meq gene in chicken infected with Marek's disease virus serotype 1

In the genome of strains of very virulent Marek's disease virus serotype 1(vvMDV1), such as Md5 and RB1B, the meq open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 339-amino-acid bZIP protein, is present, while a slightly longer meq ORF, termed as L-meq, in which a 180-bp sequence is inserted into the meq ORF is found in other strains of MDV1, such as CV1988/R6 and attenuated JM. When chickens were infected with vvMDV1 strains and the meq gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the meq gene was detected throughout the experimental period for 7 weeks post inoculation (pi). However, the L-meq gene was also detected at 3 to 5 weeks and 3 to 4 weeks pi. in Md5-infected and RB1B-infected chickens, respectively. In the case of chickens infected with an attenuated MDV1, the JM strain, the L-meq gene was detected at 2 to 7 weeks pi., and the meq gene was also detected at 2 to 6 weeks pi. Both L-meq and meq genes were detected in chickens infected with an attenuated nononcogenic vaccine strain of MDV1 (CVI988/R6), throughout the experimental period. Though quantitative PCR was not performed, a larger amount of the PCR products corresponding to the L-meq than the meq gene was amplified from chickens infected with JM or CVI988/R6. These results suggest that a dynamic population shift between the MDV subpopulations displaying meq and L-meq genes occurs in chickens during the course of MDV infection. Since the MDV subpopulation that displays the L-meq gene only displays it during the latent phase, the L-meq and its gene product, if any, might contribute to the maintenance of the MDV latency.     

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of fusidic acid on Babesia and Theileria parasites

Fusidic acid known to has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. Fusidic acid blocks translation elongation factor G gene in Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of fusidic acid on the in vitro growth of bovine and equine Babesia parasites were evaluated. The inhibitory effect of fusidic acid on the in vivo growth of Babesia microti was also assessed. The in vitro growth of four Babesia species that were tested was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) by micromolar concentrations of fusidic acid (IC₅₀ values = 144.8, 17.3, 33.3, and 56.25 μM for Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi, respectively). Combinations of fusidic acid with diminazene aceturate synergistically potentiated its inhibitory effects in vitro on B. bovis and B. caballi. In B. microti-infected mice, fusidic acid caused significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the growth of B. microti at the dose of 500 mg/kg BW relative to control group. These results indicate that fusidic acid might be incorporated in treatment of babesiosis.     

Sonographic characteristics of goat testis on water bath based ultrasonography

Assessing the health of the testes in domestic animals is an important aspect of the breeding soundness examination and selection. The aim of the present study was to develop a simple method for scanning and to establish ultrasonographically the gross anatomic structures of the goat testes. Six adult male goats were examined to study the sonographic appearance of normal testes and epididymides using a water bath based ultrasound scanning technique. The ultrasonographic examinations were done using a 5–9 MHz/60 mm (7.5 MHz) linear-array transducer and a B-mode scanner. The ultrasonographic examination was performed in goats after standardizing the procedure on six testes collected from slaughter house. Results showed that in live goats when the probe was placed directly over the scrotum it gave distorted and unclear image. In water bath method the entire scrotum was dipped into a container filled with water and linear probe was used to observe the sonographic features of the testis. Each testis was viewed vertically, resulting in longitudinal image which was frozen, measured and printed through a thermal printer. The results of the ultrasonogram revealed that the testicular parenchyma was homogenous and moderately echogenic throughout. The diameter (mean±se) of the right and left testes was 4.47±0.14 and 4.42±0.07 cm respectively and no significant difference was observed between the testes. The mediastinum testis was a 1.50±0.22 cm wide linear structure of greater echogenicity than the testicular parenchyma when viewed in the transverse plane and nearly circular echogenic “spot” in the midline of the testis when viewed horizontally. The head and tail of the epididymides were easily identified on all the testes, but the epididymal body and ductus deferens were difficult to identify consistently. The tail of the epididymis was easily identified on the distal end of the testis with sonolucent tubules and appeared sonographically as a ‘peaked cap’ upon the testicular parenchyma. The diameter (mean±se) of the tail of right and left epididymis was 2.11±0.18 and 1.92±0.06 cm and no significant difference was observed between epididymides. The vascular pampiniform plexus (1.42±0.18 cm) was easily identified on the proximal end of the testes. The tunics of the testes appeared as a bright echogenic line. Inter-testicular septum appeared between testes as a hyperechoic line. It is concluded that ultrasonography permits a noninvasive evaluation of the internal structure of the scrotum and testes and water bath based sonographic examination may prove to be a valuable simple diagnostic methodology for evaluating physiopathologic conditions of goat testes and can be employed as a routine investigative method during breeding soundness and clinical examination.     

Potentiality of Soil Mulch and Sorghum Extract to Reduce the Biotic Stress of Weeds with Enhancing Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize Crop

Two field trials were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to develop practical and economically efficient weed control programs in corn. The experiment included six treatments (cowpea, rice straw, sorghum extract, hoeing, foramsulfuron herbicide and weedy check). The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with four replicates. Findings showed that reduction in total weed number was evident with application of hoeing, cowpea and rice straw in 2018 and 2019 seasons, in addition to foramsulfuron herbicide and sorghum extract in 2019. Cowpea, hoeing, foramsulfuron herbicide and rice straw recorded higher reduction in dry biomass of grassy weeds in both seasons. Reductions in N, P and K uptake by weeds because of rice straw and cowpea treatments were similar to hoeing treatment in both seasons. The increases in ear grain weight and grain yield ha^?1 due to cowpea and hoeing treatments were similar to rice straw one. In 2019 season, cowpea treatment was the superior practice for improving N, P and K uptake of maize, significantly leveling hoeing for K uptake. The values of gross returns and benefit/cost ratio of cowpea and sorghum extract, respectively, were higher than rice straw application. In conclusion, cowpea as a live mulch achieved acceptable weed control in maize by reducing weeds growth and lowering their ability to deplete the soil nutrients. Also, cowpea treatment improves growth and yield of maize with better utilization of nutrients. Thus, cowpea could be exploited as an eco-friendly method of weed management programs in maize cultivation.

     

Correction to: Impact of leaf infestation by herbivorous insects on the elemental uptake of citrus trees

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - In the original publication, the article title was incorrectly published as ‘Impact of leave infestation by herbivorous insects on the elemental...     

Milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a tool to investigate ovarian cyclicity of water buffaloes in relation to body condition score and milk production

Background

Application of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes is limited to some extent by farmers’ inability to detect oestrus because of its poor expression. The present study aimed at investigating reliability of a milk progesterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the ovarian cyclicity during post partum, oestrus and post-breeding periods in water buffaloes.

Methods

Progesterone concentrations were measured by an ELISA in milk of 23 postpartum buffaloes in relation to oestrus, pregnancy, body condition score (BCS) and milk production. Two milk samples were taken at 10 days intervals, every month starting from day 30 and continued to day 150 post partum. BCS and milk production were recorded during sample collection. Milk samples from bred buffaloes were collected at Day 0 (day of breeding), Days 10–12 and Days 22–24. Defatted milk was preserved at −80°C until analysis. Pregnancy was confirmed by palpation per rectum on Days 70–90.

Results

Seventeen buffaloes had 47 ovulatory cycles, one to four in each, 13 were detected in oestrus once (28 % oestrus detection rate). Progesterone concentration ≥1 ng/ml in one of the two 10-day-interval milk samples reflected ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The intervals between calving to first luteal activity and to first detected oestrus varied from 41 to 123 days (n = 17) and 83 to 135 (n = 13) days, respectively. Eight buffaloes were bred in the course of the study and seven were found pregnant. These buffaloes had a progesterone profile of low (<1 ng/ml), high (≥ 1 ng/ml) and high (≥ 1 ng/ml) on Day 0, Days 10–12 and Days 22–24, respectively. Buffaloes cycling later in the postpartum period had fewer missed oestruses (P < 0.05). Buffaloes with a superior BCS had a shorter calving to oestrus interval and produced more milk (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Milk progesterone ELISA is a reliable tool for monitoring ovarian cyclicity and good BCS may be an indicator of resuming cyclicity in water buffalo.     

Preparation of Polyurethane Silicon Oxide Nanomaterials as a Binder in Leather Finishing

Leather finishing processes using toxic organic solvent based produce volatile organic compounds (VOC), chronic exposure to this chemicals effect on workers' health causing many diseases especially lung cancer. So, polyurethane waterbased was synthesized for application in leather finishing instead of organic solvent based because it’s economic and safety for industry and workers. Preparation of water-based polyurethane (PU) depends on the reaction of polyethylene glycol (PEG, 300) with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and the reaction of IPDI-1,4-butanediol (BDO) together with dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), was synthesized by poly-addition polymerization reaction. PU was then modified with different amounts of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (1-5 % SiO₂), used as a binder in leather finishing. Leather coated was characterized physically, chemically and thermally by FTIR, GPC, DLS, TEM, SEM and TGA. The results revel that, water vapor permeability (WVP) of leather coated with PU modified with SiO₂ showed improvement due to the existence of SiO₂ particles which increases the interspaces of the polyurethane coating. SEM showed that when the amount of SiO₂ nanoparticles increases, there is uniform nanoparticles accumulated can be observed. EDX prove the presence of Si and O₂ elements and the formation of SiO₂ nanoparticles. Mechanical properties discussed that tensile strength; tear strength and elongation at break % increase with increase SiO₂ concentration until 3 % SiO₂ nanoparticles. TGA showed an improvement of thermal stability of coated leather modified with SiO₂. Therefore, this study succeeded in preparation of safe, ecofriendly of water-based polyurethane binders which modified with SiO₂ for using in leather finishing.     

Five New Records of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) From Morocco

A recent catalogue of the rich ant fauna of Morocco included 214 species, with later studies adding an additional 12 species. Following recent fieldwork in the north of Morocco, we report five new records for the country (Plagiolepis pygmaea Latreille, 1798, Ponera testacea Emery, 1895, Strumigenys tenuipilis Emery, 1915, Temnothorax pardoi Tinaut, 1987, and Tetramorium parvioculum Guillem & Bensusan, 2009) and we present new data on the distribution and natural history of six additional species. This work brings the total number of ants known from Morocco to 233, taking into account two species which were omitted in the list of Cagniant.