A SNP in the ovine cathepsin K () gene is associated with yearling growth performance in a crossbred sheep population.

Cathepsin K () is a lysosomal protease existent in the skeletal muscles which is involved in biochemical processes related to obesity. Several studies have reported the effects of gene on body weight and fat deposition in human, mice and pigs. However, information about its structure and functions in sheep is very limited.

Comparative Computational Screening of Natural-based Partial Agonists for PPARγ Receptor.

Introduction: The nuclear transcription factor PPARγ, which can modulate cell growth via proliferation and apoptosis-related mechanisms, is a promising target in cancer therapy. This study aims to focus on PPARγ as the target and use virtual screening to find hits.

Methods: A set of 5,677 flavonoid compounds were filtered by subjecting them to descriptor-based drug-likeness and ADMET strategies to discover drug-like compounds.

Diet-derived transmission of MicroRNAs from host plant into honey bee Midgut.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small noncoding RNAs, which targets on thousands of mRNA and thus plays important roles in many biological processes. It has been reported that miRNA has cross-species regulation functions between parasitoid-host, or plant-animal, etc. For example, several plant miRNAs enter into the honey bees and regulate gene expression.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism detecting of some candidate genes related to lipid metabolism in Booroola Merino-Afshari sheep by Bayesian model averaging.

This study was designed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of some candidate genes related to lipid metabolism and their association with carcass fat in male crossbred lambs. Hence, 96 of almost 11-month-old Booroola Merino-Afshari crossbred lambs (first-generation backcross) were used by considering their phenotypic carcass traits. Then, DNA was extracted and DNA targets were amplified using designed specific primers by PCR procedure.

Evaluation of STAT5A Gene Expression in Aflatoxin B1 Treated Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells.

Purpose: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent mycotoxin which has been produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus as secondary metabolites due to their growth on food stuffs and induces hepatocellular carcinoma in many animal species, including humans. In the present study, the effect of AFB1 on STAT5A gene expression was investigated in bovine mammary epithelial cells using real time RT-PCR.

Methods: Bovine mammary epithelial cells were seeded in a 24-well culture plate for three-dimensional (3D) culture in Matrigel matrix.

Effect of Aflatoxin B1 on Growth of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells in 3D and Monolayer Culture System.

Purpose: Many studies have been showed transfer of aflatoxins, toxins produced by Aspergillus flvaus and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi, into milk. These toxins are transferred into the milk through digestive system by eating contaminated food. Due to the toxicity of these materials, it seems that it has side effects on the growth of mammary cells.

Protection of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) against Chlamydophila psittaci challenge by DNA vaccination.

Plasmid DNA (pcDNA1::MOMP A) expressing the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydophila psittaci genotype A strain 89/1051 has been tested for its ability to induce protective immunity against Cp. psittaci challenge in budgerigars. Eight pairs of male and female budgerigars were housed in eight separate bird cages placed in two negative pressure isolators, four cages per group.

Prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci infections in a human population in contact with domestic and companion birds.

Chlamydophila psittaci infections in humans are underestimated. We investigated the occurrence of C. psittaci in a Belgian population of 540 individuals.

Chlamydophila psittaci infections in birds: a review with emphasis on zoonotic consequences.

The first part of the present review gives an overview on the history of infectious agents of the order Chlamydiales and the general infection biology of Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci, the causative agent of psittacosis. In the second part, the classification of C.

Chlamydial infections in duck farms associated with human cases of psittacosis in France.

Five severe cases of psittacosis in individuals associated with duck farms were notified in France between January and March 2006. Diagnostic examination included serology and/or molecular detection by PCR from respiratory samples. As a consequence, we investigated all duck flocks (n=11) that were housed in the three farms where human infections occurred.

Evaluation of the prophylactic use of ovotransferrin against chlamydiosis in SPF turkeys.

Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci infections are highly prevalent in turkeys and the economical and public health importance of these infections has been recognized since 1950. As there are no vaccines, antibiotic treatment (tetracylines, enrofloxacine) is often needed to allow marketing of poultry.

Chlamydophila psittaci transmission from pet birds to humans.

We studied zoonotic transmission of Chlamydophila psittaci in 39 breeding facilities for Psittaciformes (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets, lories) that frequently used antimicrobial drugs. Genotypes A or E/B were detected in 14.9% of humans at these facilities.

Chlamydophila psittaci genotype E/B transmission from African grey parrots to humans.

Thirty-six birds from a parrot relief and breeding centre, as well as the manager, were examined for the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci. In the relief unit, 5 of 20 African grey parrots showed depression, ruffled feathers, loss of weight and mild dyspnoea. The birds received no antibiotic treatment.

Specific-pathogen-free pigs as an animal model for studying Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate pigs as a large-animal model for female genital infection with two Chlamydia trachomatis human serovar E strains. Sixteen-week-old specific-pathogen-free female pigs (gilts) were intravaginally infected with the trachoma type E reference strain Bour or the urogenital serovar E strain 468. Several conclusions can be drawn from our findings on the pathogenicity of a primary C.