Ali Akbar Masoudi

The fertility of the fat-tailed sheep is not favorable compared to other breeds in terms of reproductive performance, especially the number of lambs born. As a breeding strategy, FecB gene introgression has been carried out in some tailed breeds. However, the question arises whether increasing the number of lambs born is effective in lamb survival? The present study was conducted to answer this question. In this study, survival data from birth to 90 days of age and from 90 to 180 days of age were analyzed for 7,728 Afshari lambs born from ++, B+, and BB ewes genotypes over 6 consecutive years (2017-2023). Genotype of dam, parity, sex and year had significantly (P0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests showed B+ > ++ > BB for survival during days 0 to 90, and these differences were significantly greater from days 90 to 180 (P=0.03). The cumulative mortality raise to 180 days of age was ranked as BB (10.5%) > ++ (8.2%) > B+ (7.7%). Across genotypes, causes of death were dominated by enterotoxaemia, diarrhea, septicemia, pneumonia and digestive disorders (>70% of deaths), with diarrhea predominant in B+ and BB and enterotoxaemia leading in ++. The effects of parity were significant (P<0.0001), such that lambs born in the first lambing had higher mortality than lambs born in subsequent lambing seasons. Sex effects were significant (P<0.05), with females surviving more than males overall; however, a genotype × sex interaction was observed in BB, such that after 30 days of age, male survival increased compared to female lambs. Within-genotype tests by birth type were not significant at 90 or 180 d, although singles tended to exceed multiples after 60 d. Analysis of variance components showed low heritability for overall mortality (h2 ≈ 0.12 - 0.13), and higher estimates in BB (h2 = 0.25 at 0 to 90 days of age; and h2 = 0.43 at 0 to 180 days of age). The results of the present study showed that lamb survival for B+ genotypes was relatively better than that of ++ and BB genotypes, which is recommended to be given more attention in the strategies of breeding programs for fat-tailed sheep.

Cryopreservation of sperm is critical for livestock genetic improvement, yet its impact on epigenetic stability, especially the methylation of imprinted genes, remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of soy lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) extenders on sperm quality and the DNA methylation of the imprinted genes H19 and MEG3 following the cryopreservation process. We evaluated sperm motility parameters, membrane integrity and morphology using six Holstein‐Friesian bull sperm samples. Total motility (TM) showed significant reductions after cryopreservation, decreasing from 91.6% ± 1.52% in fresh sperm to 79.9% ± 1.52% in the SLE group and 77.3% ± 1.52% in the EYE group post‐thaw ( p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, progressive motility (PM) decreased from 64.4% ± 1.8% in fresh sperm to 44.9% ± 1.8% in the (SLE) group and 39.6% ± 1.8% in the (EYE) group. Freezing and post‐thawing processes resulted in significant reductions ( p ≤ 0.05) in other motility parameters, including linearity (LIN), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP). Following the freezing–thawing process, the SLE group exhibited a smaller reduction in PM and LIN compared to the EYE group. Notably, the SLE extender demonstrated a protective role in membrane integrity compared to the EYE extender ( p ≤ 0.05). However, bisulphite sequencing revealed no significant differences in the methylation levels of H19 and MEG3 genes or in sperm morphology between the two extenders ( p ≥ 0.05). This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate extenders in cryopreservation protocols and their implications for future research on sperm quality and fertility.

The application of sortase-mediated surface display technology on Bacillus subtilis represents a novel approach in protein engineering. We developed and evaluated a recombinant chimeric protein (R-anz) integrating truncated forms of three Clostridium perfringens toxins (CPA, NetB, ZMP) displayed on B. subtilis. Bioinformatics analyses using docking demonstrated that the 3D structure of R-anz chimeric protein has the potential to interact with chicken Toll-like receptor 21 (TLR21). Successful expression of the chimeric antigen was confirmed through SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, revealing a 78 kDa band in lysozyme-treated, xylose-induced samples. Oral immunization of chickens with this live bacterial vaccine significantly elevated IgY antibody levels, as assessed by ELISA. Cytokine profiling demonstrated a robust immune response, with marked upregulation of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-22. Post-challenge with virulent C. perfringens strains, immunized chickens exhibited significantly reduced intestinal lesion scores, indicating partial protection. This study highlights the dual activation of humoral and cellular immune pathways, evidenced by elevated IgY levels and enhanced cytokine responses, particularly IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-22. While the results demonstrate the potential of the R-anz chimeric protein to mitigate necrotic enteritis (NE), further research is essential to refine its efficacy, explore commercial feasibility, and address industry-specific challenges. This work paves the way for advancing NE vaccines using innovative sortase-mediated surface display technology, offering a promising strategy for sustainable poultry health management.

Background: Antibiotic resistance among pathogens common to human beings and animals, which include Brucella melitensis , has end up a significant worldwide health task. Traditional antibiotic treatments for brucellosis, along with lengthy-time period regimens of doxycycline and rifampicin, are going through increasing boundaries because of rising resistance, affected person adherence issues, and considerable side results. Methods: This observe investigates the capacity of targeting the periplasmic D-ribose-binding protein (DBP), a key component of the bacterial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) delivery system, as a unique healing technique. Protein structural modeling was performed to use of superior computational tools together with AlphaFold, Swiss-Model, and Phyre2, followed by validation via Ramachandran plots and energy minimization techniques. Molecular docking analyses recognized D-Talopyranose as a promising ligand with a high binding affinity of -5.8 kcal/mol. Subsequent ADMET profiling found out favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicological results, assisting its potential as a drug candidate. Molecular dynamics simulations similarly evaluated the stability and dynamics of the protein-ligand interplay complex, confirming its suitability for therapeutic programs. Results: Advanced computational tools were used to analyze the protein’s structure, and key modifications that influence its stability and function were identified. AlphaFold was recognized as the most reliable model for predicting the protein’s 3D architecture, with its predictions being validated by metrics such as Ramachandran plots and error assessments. D-Talopyranose, a sugar molecule, was revealed as a top candidate through molecular docking due to its strong binding affinity with DBP. Promising drug-like properties, including balanced solubility, low toxicity risks, and minimal interactions with metabolic enzymes, were highlighted in further analysis, though environmental concerns around biodegradability were noted. The stability of the protein-ligand complex was tracked through simulations, showing consistent structural integrity despite minor flexibility in certain regions. While frequent dosing may be required due to the compound’s rapid clearance from the body, its safety profile and synthetic accessibility are positioned as a viable starting point for drug development. Computational predictions are bridged with practical insights in this work, offering a roadmap for targeted therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections, while the need to balance efficacy with environmental safety in future optimizations is underscored. Our outcomes reveal that targeting DBP could offer a unique mechanism to combat antibiotic-resistant lines of Brucella melitensis by using disrupting essential metabolic pathways. Conclusion: This study affords a promising street for revolutionary brucellosis treatments by way of addressing the challenges posed using antibiotic resistance and paves the manner for experimental validation and optimization of the identified ligands. Such focused strategies may also notably improve ailment control and reduce the worldwide burden of brucellosis, mainly in areas where traditional antibiotics are losing their efficacy.

Relationship between immunity and growth rate in chickens is complex and multifaceted. Chicken's immune system plays a crucial role in its overall health, well‐being and ability to grow and develop properly. On the other hand, indigenous chickens (ICs) are slow growing but considered to have higher immunocompetence compared to fast‐growing commercial broilers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate immune responses to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in slow‐growing chickens, including five different Iranian ecotype ICs and a fast‐growing broiler of Ross 308 (R). A total of 600 chicks, 100 from each sex and strain, were raised under identical environmental and management conditions after hatching eggs from five distinct Iranian ICs from West Azerbaijan (W), Khorasan (K), Fars (F), Isfahan (I), Mazandaran (M) and a commercial Ross 308 were collected. To investigate humoral immune responses, two SRBC injections were administered at ages 53 and 60 days, and at 67 days, the haemagglutination method was used to assess immunoglobulin Y (IgY), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and total immunoglobulin (IgT). Additionally, a commercial kit and microplate reader were used to assess the amounts of total protein and albumin/globulin. Cellular immune responses were evaluated by administering a PHA injection. Mainly SRBC responses and plasma protein levels in ICs were higher than R. The PHA responses of R and W were higher than other ICs (p < 0.05). These significant differences may confirm that the immunocompetence of ICs are higher than that in the commercial lines.

In chickens, economically important traits are commonly controlled by multiple genes and are often correlated. The genetic mechanisms underlying the correlated phenotypes likely involve pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium, which is not handled properly in single‐trait genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). We employed factor analytical models to estimate the value of latent traits to reduce the dimensionality of the adjusted phenotypes. The dataset included phenotypes from 369 F2 chickens, categorised into six observable classes, namely body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), immunity (IMU), blood metabolites (BMB), and carcass (CC) traits. All birds were genotyped using a 60K SNP Beadchip. A Bayesian network (BN) algorithm was used to discern the recursive causal relationships among the inferred latent traits. Multi‐Trait (MT) and Structural Equation Model (SEM) were applied for association analysis. Several candidate genes were detected across six phenotypic classes, namely the IPMK gene for BW and FI, and, the MTERF2 gene for BW and FE. The rs14565514 SNP, close to genes IPMK, UBE2D1, and CISD1, was recognised as a pleiotropic marker by both models. The NRG3 gene, located on chromosome 6, was associated with FI. CRISP2, RHAG, CYP2AC1, and CENPQ genes, located on chromosome 3, were detected for BMB through both MT‐ and SEM‐GWAS. In general, the results indicated that the SEM‐GWAS is superior to MT‐GWAS due to considering the causal relationships among the traits, correcting the effects of the traits on each other, and also leading to the identification of pleiotropic SNP markers.

The human–animal relationship and its benefits have been a popular issue in recent decades. This study focuses on the dog as a paradigmatic example of this complex bond. The relationship between human and dog evolved over thousands of years through the domestication process. During this period, climatic, cultural, geographical and social changes have had a direct impact on this bond. Dogs have a remarkable capacity to play a variety of roles that mirror the evolution of human societies. Subsequently, questions arise regarding the important and symbolic roles that canines played in ancient cultures, religions and mythological traditions. Specifically, how have these roles changed through history? This research aimed to explore the socio‐economic aspects of the human–dog relationship, spanning from ancient civilizations to modern societies. Through a systematic search methodology, this investigation seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of the complex human–dog relationship, including historical backgrounds, socio‐cultural dynamics, economic implications and associated challenges. Additionally, the present study addresses the environmental concerns that emerge alongside rising stray dog populations. This research emphasizes the importance of strategies to balance the benefits of this coexistence that promote human and animal welfare.

Background: Our hypothesis centred on the potential to mitigate ascites outbreaks in birds exposed to cold stress by inhibiting pulmonary artery contraction through dietary intervention. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic medications on growth performance, ascites‐related parameters and the expression of ascites‐related genes in the lung tissue of broiler chickens under low ambient temperature. Methods: We randomly assigned 450 one‐day‐old male Ross 308 chicks to six dietary treatments across five replicate pens, each containing 15 chicks. The treatments included a basal diet (control), and the basal diet was supplemented with hydroalcoholic extracts of sumac (HES, 200 mg/kg), Syrian mesquite (HEM, 200 mg/kg), l ‐arginine (40% above requirement), captopril (15 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg). Results: Diets containing HEM, l ‐arginine and vitamin E resulted in increased average daily gain on days 8–14 and 0–28, whereas HES showed a similar effect only during days 8–14 compared to the control diet ( p  < 0.05). Additionally, feed additives decreased packed cell volume, left and right ventricle volumes and systolic blood pressure ( p < 0.05). Moreover, chickens fed the control and l ‐arginine diets exhibited higher levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA in lung tissue compared to those fed HES, HEM and captopril ( p  < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with HEM and l ‐arginine increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in lung tissue compared to other treatments ( p  < 0.05). Regarding Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn‐SOD) expression, feed additives increased mRNA level in lung tissue, except for captopril ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the plant extracts may reduce the incidence of ascites syndrome not only through their antioxidant properties but also by modulating the expression of ACE, iNOS and Cu/Zn‐SOD genes.