Genetic polymorphisms of the Growth Hormone (GH) gene in Damascus and Black Bengal male goats.

Sustainable agriculture approaches necessitate a concerted effort from researchers to establish paths that meet global population needs without compromising environmental resources. Goats are unique among ruminants because of their ability to adapt to some of the harshest environments around the world. Growth Hormone (GH) gene is a major regulator of muscle mass growth.

Full-length genome reveals genetic diversity and extensive recombination patterns of Saudi GI-1 and GI-23 genotypes of infectious bronchitis virus.

Background: Despite numerous genetic studies on Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), many strains from the Middle East remain misclassified or unclassified. Genotype 1 (GI-1) is found globally, while genotype 23 (GI-23) has emerged as the predominant genotype in the Middle East region, evolving continuously through inter- and intra-genotypic recombination. The GI-23 genotype is now enzootic in Europe and Asia.

Neprilysin-Mediated Amyloid Beta Clearance and Its Therapeutic Implications in Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Neprilysin (NEP) is a neutral endopeptidase, important for the degradation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and other neuropeptides, including enkephalins, substance P, and bradykinin, in the brain, that influences various physiological processes such as blood pressure homeostasis, pain perception, and neuroinflammation. NEP breaks down Aβ peptides into smaller fragments, preventing the development of detrimental aggregates such as Aβ plaques. NEP clears Aβ plaques predominantly by enzymatic breakdown in the extracellular space.

Effect of thymidine kinase-deficiency (∆ORF38) on neuropathogenicity of equine herpesvirus-1 in the mouse model and expression of neighboring genes.

Previous studies showed that deletion of the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene in several alphaherpesviruses including EHV-1 reduced their virulence. Previously, we found that deletion of ORF37, which is located head-to-head with TK, decreased EHV-1 virulence in mice but did not affect the expression of TK mRNA. Therefore, deletion of ORF38 might also affect virulence by partially deleting the ORF37 promoter.

FcγRIIa-mediated antibody-dependent uptake of SARS-CoV-2 enhances IL-6 expression of monocytes.

This work aimed to investigate interactions between antibody-opsonized SARS-CoV-2 and monocytes enriched from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to determine whether antibody dependent enhancement might contribute to the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Pre-incubation of SARS-CoV-2 with sera from hospitalized COVID-19 patients led to significantly increased virus uptake and viral replication in monocytes. Remarkably, SARS-CoV-2 pre-incubated with sera from patients with severe COVID-19 but not those with mild disease or post vaccination strongly increased IL-6 secretion by monocytes.

Structure-based drug designing for potential antiviral activity of selected natural product against Monkeypox (Mpox) virus and its host targets.

Unlabelled: (MPV/MPXV/hMPXV) is a zoonotic infection that is a causative agent of monkeypox disease, which is mainly endemic in West and Central Africa regions, but recent trends suggested that the virus is transmitted around 116 countries worldwide and is still spreading in multiple non-endemic countries, causing global outbreaks. The current therapeutic options for Mpox are limited, with the WHO temporarily recommending smallpox drugs. This suggests an urgent need to discover new therapeutics that may target both viral and host markers involved in the virus life cycle.

Extract as a Potential Anticoccidial Agent: Evidence of Its MUC2 Regulatory Impact in Murine Jejunum.

is a parasite that causes coccidiosis in a variety of animals, leading to nutritional imbalances, issues with food digestion and absorption, low weight, and intestinal inflammation of varying degrees in its hosts. Anticoccidial medication resistance has become a significant obstacle to disease control efforts, leading to a renewed focus on discovering novel chemicals for alternative therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of extract (HpE) in treating eimeriosis in mice.

Assessing the effects of fluorine-free and PFAS-containing firefighting foams on development and behavioral responses using a zebrafish-based platform.

Significant progress has been made in developing fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3) as alternatives to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to help eliminate the health and environmental concerns linked to PFAS exposure. However, developing viable F3 options hinges on a thorough assessment of potential risks alongside the technical performance evaluations. This study showcases the capability of a zebrafish-based platform to discern the developmental and behavioral toxicities associated with exposure to one AFFF and two F3 formulations.

Pirfenidone targeted mechanisms for alleviating methotrexate-induced testiculopathy in Wistar rats.

Testicular injury and affected spermatogenesis are major complications of methotrexate (MTX) use. Oxidative stress is one contributing process leading to inflammation and apoptosis induction. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a well-known anti-fibrotic drug prescribed for interstitial lung fibrosis, in addition to anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic capabilities.

Identification of Lower Respiratory Tract Pathogens in Cancer Patients: Insights into Fatal Outcomes.

This study aimed to investigate LRTIs in cancer patients, focusing on pathogen distribution, and outcomes based on tumor types and antimicrobial treatments. The study included 110 cancer patients exhibiting symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), consisting of 67 males and 43 females across a wide age range from under 1 year to over 60 years old. Exclusion of SARS-CoV-2 infection was conducted before admission.

Impact of equine herpesvirus-1 ORF15 (EUL45) on viral replication and neurovirulence.

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory illness, fetal loss, perinatal mortality, and myeloencephalopathy. This study investigated ORF15's impact on virus infectivity and neurovirulence. The Ab4p neurovirulent strain of EHV1 was used as a backbone to create Ab4p attB, Ab4p∆ORF15, and Ab4p∆ORF15R chimeras via BAC DNA transfection into RK-13 cells.

Mechanistic insights and in vivo efficacy of thiosemicarbazones against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant threat in both community and hospital settings due to its infective and pathogenic nature combined with its ability to resist the action of chemotherapeutic agents. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) represents a critical challenge.

Evaluation of different heterologous-homologous vaccine regimens against challenge with GI-23 lineage infectious bronchitis virus.

This study assesses different IBV vaccination regimens in broiler chickens using commercially available live attenuated GI-23 (Egyptian-VAR2) and GI-1 (H120) vaccines. Vaccines were administered at 1, 14 days of age, or both. The ciliostasis test, following wild-type VAR2 challenge at 28 days of age, indicated that classic H120+VAR2 at one day old followed by the VAR2 vaccine at 14 days of age provided the highest level of protection (89.

Clinical Profiles, Laboratory Biomarkers, and Mortality in Cancer Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a substantial health burden worldwide, especially among immunocompromised groups like cancer patients. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to explore lower respiratory tract infections in cancer patients. We followed 107 cases with clinically or radiologically suspected lower respiratory tract infections until discharge or death, comprising 65 males and 42 females across diverse age groups.

A zebrafish-based acoustic motor response (AMR) assay to evaluate chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Behavioral assays using early-developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) offer a valuable supplement to the in vitro battery adopted as new approach methodologies (NAMs) for assessing risk of chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity. However, the behavioral assays primarily adopted rely on visual stimulation to elicit behavioral responses, known as visual motor response (VMR) assays. Ocular deficits resulting from chemical exposures can, therefore, confound the behavioral responses, independent of effects on the nervous system.

Effects of developmental exposure to arsenic species on behavioral stress responses in larval zebrafish and implications for stress-related disorders.

Arsenic (As) is globally detected in drinking water and food products at levels repeatedly surpassing regulatory thresholds. Several neurological and mental health risks linked to arsenic exposure are proposed; however, the nature of these effects and their association with the chemical forms of arsenic are not fully understood. Gaining a clear understanding of the etiologies and characteristics of these effects is crucial, particularly in association with developmental exposures where the nervous system is most vulnerable.

Establishment of a new equine embryo brain primary cell culture with long-term expansion.

Primary cell cultures derived from human embryo lung play a crucial role in virology by aiding virus propagation and vaccine development. These cultures exhibit a notable ability to undergo multiple subcultures, often reaching up to 70 passages. However, finding alternative primary cell cultures with similar longevity and usefulness is challenging.

Interrogating the estrogen-mediated regulation of adrenocortical Klotho expression using ovariectomized albino rat model exposed to repeated restraint stress.

Reproductive aging is associated with altered stress response and many other menopausal symptoms. Little is known about the adrenal expression of the anti-aging protein Klotho or how it is modulated by estrogen in ovariectomized stressed rats. Fifty-six Wistar female rats were assigned into seven equal groups.

Unraveling the immune response of the spleen in sepsis using green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from pomegranate peel extracts.

Sepsis is a serious disease characterized by an inappropriate host response to infection, resulting in widespread inflammation and systemic organ failure. The aim of this research is to investigate the possibility of pomegranate peel-derived silver nanoparticles (PGNP) as a potential alternative therapy for sepsis. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy revealed 10-30 nm spherical nanoparticles.

Effects of developmental exposure to individual and combined PFAS on development and behavioral stress responses in larval zebrafish.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals known for their widespread use and persistence in the environment. Laboratory and epidemiological studies investigating these compounds have signaled their neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting propensities, prompting further research into their effects on behavioral stress responses and their potential role as risk factors for stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. This study elucidates the ramifications of early developmental exposures to individual and combined PFAS on the development and behavioral stress responses of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), an established model in toxicological research.

Correction: Menstrual cycle changes: A cross-sectional study of Saudi females following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

WSV2023 - The second meeting of the world society for virology: One health - One world - One virology.

The Second International Conference of the World Society for Virology (WSV), hosted by Riga Stradiņš University, was held in Riga, Latvia, on June 15-17th, 2023. It prominently highlighted the recent advancements in different disciplines of virology. The conference had fourteen keynote speakers covering diverse topics, including emerging virus pseudotypes, Zika virus vaccine development, herpesvirus capsid mobility, parvovirus invasion strategies, influenza in animals and birds, West Nile virus and Marburg virus ecology, as well as the latest update in animal vaccines.

Navigating Vaccine Uncertainty: Anxiety and Fourth Dose Hesitancy Among Saudi Adults.

Background The continuous evolution of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and early evidence of declining effectiveness of the third dose over time have generated anxiety and hesitancy regarding vaccinations. The current study aimed to assess anxiety levels and the willingness to receive a fourth dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Potential factors leading to this reluctance were also assessed.

Isolation, molecular characterization, and genetic diversity of recently isolated foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype A in Egypt.

Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting all hoof-cloven animals. Serotypes A, O and SAT 2 of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) are circulating in Egypt. The present study aimed to identify and molecularly characterize the FMDV strains circulating in Northern Egypt during an epidemic that struck the nation in 2022.

ACE2/ACE imbalance mediates bisphenol A-induced lung injury in Wistar rats: Results from captopril versus losartan histo-biochemical study.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical compound broadly used in the plastic and epoxy resin industries with a considerable potential for food contamination. Literary reports have suggested that the altered renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a mechanism for lung injury and inflammation caused by variable agents. The current study sought to investigate the contribution of RAS to BPA-induced lung damage.